Eastern Shore Parents June 2012 by KeepSharing

When your life’s on the line,

choose the area’s only Accredited Chest Pain Center. The moment you feel chest pain, get to South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. We are the area’s first and only hospital to be accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, the national Chest Pain Center accreditation agency. That’s important, because accredited centers have demonstrated expertise in the assessment, timely diagnosis and treatment of cardiac emergencies.* Through collaboration with the local EMS, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department and cardiac care teams treat heart attacks faster than any other hospital in the area. In fact, our times beat the national average throughout 2009.** And we’re proud to say that 98% of patients would recommend our emergency care.*** In an emergency, call 911 and know where to go. Choose the area’s leader in fast, nationally accredited heart care. Choose South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. Take our online heart risk assessment to learn your risk of heart attack and how you can reduce it. Visit SouthBaldwinRMC.com/heart.

*According to the Society of Chest Pain Centers, www.scpcp.org. **Comparative data reported on Hospital Compare by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for heart attacks requiring angioplasty. ***According to patients’ responses in an independent survey by HealthStream, December 2009.

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Contents June 2012 Volume 5 Number 1

Features 42 Potty Training at Night

Understand the reasonable expectations for your children and also how to promote dry nights for them as soon as possible.

48 Hot Summer Fun Gets Cool

If you don’t have the luxury of a swimming pool, don’t miss these great ideas for water activities you can use right in your own backyard with your kids and their friends.

52 Double the Birthday Fun

Pairing parties with siblings and friends is a growing trend. Learn how to pull it off on your child’s next birthday and discover some great dual party themes.

Columns

54 2012 Birthday Party Planner

Find everything you need to plan your child’s next birthday party in our extensive local guide!

2 From One Parent to Another Lynn Knighton

5 Living With Children John Rosemond

On The Cover

16 Kids Health

Departments

44 Get This!

6 Bits and Pieces

46 Dave Says

18 School Bits

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

Paige Gardner Smith

Dave Ramsey

82 Family Calendar

50 The FlyLady Marla Cilley

74 A Page in a Book Paige Gardner Smith

88 Movie Reviews Parent Previews

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Percy Jane Hardman (3), daughter of Fred and Kacie Hardman, and sister to brother George (2) of Fairhope. Grandparents: Al and Connie Hardman of Fairhope, Larry and Becke Dreher of Mobile. Percy Jane loves Cinderella, dancing, telling stories, and digging in the dirt! (Lilly Pulitzer dress available at Tiny Town)

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

EasternShoreParents

The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com

Associate Editor Kelly Watson kelly@easternshoreparents.com

Research Editor Karen Jones

Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall

ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099

Contributing Writers Pam Melyan-Bratton Marla Cilley Malia Jacobson Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D. Paige Gardner Smith

Cover Photography Janel Gay www.janelgayphotography.com

President

Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2012 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

From One Parent to Another... On the last day of school my youngest, Katie, ran in the door, threw her backpack down, started dancing and said, “Wooo Hooo! It’s Party Time!!!” And I could not agree more! Not only is school out, but it is also Eastern Shore Parents’ 4th birthday! It is hard to believe it has been 4 years and I still feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with all of you. I truly cherish the relationships I have built with my community, advertisers, schools, local businesses and readers. I cannot imagine working anywhere else! I also cannot imagine a better way to celebrate our birthday than to have a “Birthday Party” issue, as we do each June! In this month’s issue you will find an extensive party planning directory along with some great articles and tips for planning parties. One of my favorites is “Double Up On Birthday Fun: Pair Parties for More Thrills and Less Work,” by Malia Jacobson. Before we moved here and Mary-Bradley was much younger, she and her best friend had birthdays only two weeks apart. Her mother and I were very close also so each year we would have a joint birthday party. The girls loved it! The four of us would sit down and plan out what kind of party they wanted and we had the best time together. I have great memories of those parties. It was not only less stressful and less expensive, it was a lot more fun working together. Speaking of fun, we also have a great article on potty training! Well okay, having been through it three times, I will admit potty training is anything but fun. However, for those of you who are dealing with it now, there is victory on the other side and it is clean and wonderful. In fact, some of my funniest memories are from potty training. The best piece of advice I can give anyone is to be patient. I remember telling one of my girls to try very hard not to wet on her bed. One night I walked in the room and she was squatting down, going to the bathroom in her new shoes! Yes, that’s right, I said shoes. Obviously shocked, I asked, “What are you doing?” “Tee teeing in my shoes.” “WHY?” I asked. Her reply was fantastic: “I didn’t want to wet the bed.” Life with children really is funny. Something else that is a lot of fun is cooling off during these hot summer days. Our neighbor recently taught my girls a really fun water game called “Drizzle, Drizzle, Drop”. It is a lot like Duck Duck Goose but the person who is “it” walks around the circle with a cup (my girls use a bucket) and drizzle water on each person’s head until they pick the “goose” and they dump the full cup of water on top of their head, then chase that person around the circle. If you are looking for more fun water games check out “Hot Summer Days Get Cool,” by Pam Melyan-Bratton. She has some really unique ideas! Looking for even more FREE fun? Don’t miss the wonderful library activities and Vacation Bible School directory, plus register at www.kidsskatefree.com for free skate passes and check out The Rave for free movie days. You’ll find many, many more activities listed in the Family Calendar. I also want to wish all the dads a very Happy Father’s Day and thank the dads for all your support. Some people think it is just moms who read the magazine, but I talk to several dads and granddads who read the magazine every month! And I can’t close without thanking my sweet husband Brad for all of his love and support, and for being a great father to three girls who adore him. Happy Father’s Day!

Lynn

Lynn Knighton, Publisher 2

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Ask your doctor about screening options for colorectal cancer, including the new take-home test called FIT or iFOBT. If you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened more frequently.

A L A B A M A Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

For more information, talk to your doctor or visit . /FITWAY Advertising: 251-929-2099 4

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Living With Children

By John Rosemond

Help Child See Relationship Between Freedom & Responsible Behavior Q:

My 12-year-old daughter thinks she’s old enough to set her own bedtime. We told her that we want her in bed, lights out, by 9:30 on weeknights and 10 on non-school nights. This really isn’t working, however, as she continues to try to stay up later. In one of your books, you describe a system for letting teenagers earn their curfew. Can we use a similar system for bedtime?

A: Curfew and bedtime are horses of two

different colors. The former involves safety, peer group, maturity, and responsibility issues that are not involved, or as involved, as regards bedtime. For that reason, I would not advise using an approach similar to the curfew system that I describe in my book Teen-Proofing. I generally recommend that parents set no specific bedtime for a child 12 years of age or older; rather, they simply insist that after a certain time—say, 9 p.m.—the child is on non-punitive restriction to her room. Assuming that she does not make it difficult for other family members to get a decent night’s sleep, the youngster can stay up as late as she wants. However, if getting up in the morning and getting ready for school, church, or whatever become problematic, then the parents go back to enforcing a specific, and relatively early, bedtime. In that unfortunate event, they also remove distracting electronic devices—cell phones, computers, and the like—from the child’s room so that she can fall asleep more easily and get the sleep she obviously needs. If that step needs to be taken, then the child’s room is cleansed and the “old” bedtime is enforced for at least a month, but no more than two months. Then parents replace the distractions and let the child determine her own bedtime again. My experience is that the “punishment” doesn’t have to be used more than twice before the problem is solved. This approach helps the pre-teen or young teen see the life-long relationship Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

between freedom (what this age child wants most) and responsible behavior (what parents want most from this age child). To maintain or gain more freedom, the child begins to act more responsibly. Win-win!

Q: Our 4-year-old daughter goes to the bathroom frequently during the day. Sometimes, she will go into the bathroom, pee, come out, and go back in again within minutes. Her need—if that’s the right word—increases when we put her in her room for time-out, during nap time in the afternoon, and after we put her to bed at night. Her pediatrician has ruled out a urinary tract problem. How do you recommend handling this?

A: I’m glad you told me her physician has

ruled out a urinary tract problem because I wouldn’t have given you advice otherwise. This isn’t the first time parents have described this problem with a girl this age. Odd, for sure, but nearly all young children do odd things of one sort or another, and one or two odd things does not make an odd child. The somewhat selective nature of the problem tells me this is a tad manipulative. Tell your daughter that if she has to go to the bathroom more than once during her nap time, that you have to move her bedtime back one hour that evening (notice the margin of error). Otherwise, I recommend that you completely—and I mean COMPLETELY— ignore her need to be in frequent contact with white porcelain during normal waking hours. With dispassionate enforcement on your part, the naptime urges should disappear within a couple of weeks. When you think that part of the problem has been solved, use a similar approach concerning her bedtime urges. Tell her that if she goes to the bathroom more than once after being put to bed, you will move her bedtime back an hour the next night. If my experience serves me well, that approach—ignoring and a mild consequence—should clear up her urinary tract hyperactivity in short order.

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

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

bits & pieces Jazz Brunch Benefits Adoption Rocks Organization

Supporters of Adoption Rocks attended the recent Hoot For Adoption Jazz Brunch at The Hungry Owl in Mobile. Owner, Tony Nicholas, treated guests to specialty items like Eggs Pontchartrain, Grits-N-Grillades and Shrimp-N-Grits while they listened to the Baker Jazz Combo under Logan Pouncey perform. Proceeds benefited the nonprofit, Adoption Rocks, with their efforts to promote adoption awareness in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Adoption Rocks was formed five years ago in Mobile to combat the alarming statistic that 50% of babies being born are being born to single mothers. Adoption Rocks’ focus is educating the public about adoption and promoting it as an option to women facing an unplanned pregnancy. For more information, visit www.adoptionrocks.net.

Center Stage in Spanish Fort!

Center Stage Show Choir made their Spanish Fort debut at the 4th Annual Delta Woods and Waters Expo. The crowd loved the familiar tunes as the show choir entertained with Journey classics and country favorites. The expo was a great family event to “discover the delta” and Center Stage was grateful for the opportunity to be involved. Center Stage performs next on June 2nd at Southern Edge Dance Center’s 2012 Recital Illumination at the Saenger Theatre, and June 8th at Faulkner Community College’s high school diploma ceremony. Interested in performing with us? Visit www. CenterStagePerformance.com for audition information and performance opportunities. Center Stage has performance groups for ALL ages!

‘Pray Gulf Coast’ Unites Community in Prayer

Local churches, ministries and individuals united to pray daily for Mobile and Baldwin counties through Pray Gulf Coast, a 50-day prayer initiative launched by the University of Mobile Center for Leadership. The initiative, which lasted from Easter to Pentecost, called for residents of the areas to unite in daily prayer for specific needs in the community. The Center for Leadership distributed daily prayer guides via email and a Facebook page. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Bald Eagle Bash Restaurants Announced

Plans are underway for the Third Annual Bald Eagle Bash, to be held at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Saturday, June 2. The fundraiser for the Weeks Bay Foundation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the waterfront Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center at the Fish River Bridge on U.S. Highway 98 in Fairhope. The Bash will feature an assortment of dishes prepared by top-notch local restaurants with shrimp provided by Eat Alabama Wild Seafood, as well as a variety of drinks and refreshments. The Locust Fork Band will be back by popular demand.The funds raised at this year’s party will benefit the missions of the Weeks Bay Foundation and Weeks Bay Reserve. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate and can be purchased online at www.BaldEagleBash.com and at BBVA Compass locations in Baldwin or Mobile counties, the Foundation office, and the Reserve. For more information go to www.BaldEagleBash.com or contact the Foundation office at (251)990-5004.

Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market Held Every Thursday Evening

Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market is back again this year. The market will be held every Thursday evening from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. behind the Fairhope Public Library through July 12. The market will provide a wide variety of local produce, fruits, local honey, fresh cut flowers, plants, baked goods and more! There will be live entertainment at the market provided by local artist Daniel Dennis. The Fairhope Public Library will be providing story times and activities each week at 4:30 p.m. for children. For additional information visit http:// fairhopelibrary.org/kids.htm. For additional information about the market call 929-1466. 6

Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Campaign by First National Bank of Baldwin County to Aid The Haven

First National Bank of Baldwin County will be holding a “Your Community is Our Community” campaign during June to help The Haven. All First National Bank locations (Foley, Daphne, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach) will be accepting monetary donations for The Haven throughout June. Each branch has a goal of $200, and throughout the month, there will be bake sales, and a pulled pork sandwich sale at some of the locations to further generate funds. Each donor can complete a “Paw Print” card that the First National staff will then display at their branch office. The staff at First National is also suggesting that donors who have pets can bring in a photo of their pet to be attached to their “Paw Print” card. As a further incentive, First National is providing a free checking account to any donor qualified by the bank. First National Bank employees, pictured, from left, Luke Roberson, Paul Davis, Connie Wilson, Sheila Burkhardt, Kate MacPherson, Haven Board Member Randy Kelly, Marcia Stabler, Mike Norden and Cullen Davidson.

Thomas Hospital Foundation Stache Bash Nets $19,000

The Future Founders of the Thomas Hospital Foundation hosted the Stache Bash at the American Legion on May 5. Marshall Shoemaker, M.D, won the award for raising the most money in votes for best moustache. Robbie Rux, M.D., received second runner up and third runner up was awarded to Haymes Snedeker. A huge crowd enjoyed the sounds of Larry from X Ray. Funds raised will be used to purchase sleep sacks and equipment for the Thomas Hospital Birth Center.

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Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

bits & pieces Children’s Chorus Presents Music Musical

Jubilee Children’s Chorus recently presented the musical “Destination: America!” A mix of music genres from Motown to country, from 50’s jive to Broadway, “Destination: America” celebrates the importance of music styles across the miles and ages. JCC provides children in kindergarten thru 6th grade with a fun and educational experience in singing and performance. For more information on how to get your child involved, contact Jessica Weber, director of Jubilee Children’s Chorus at jess. web@sbcglobal.net. JCC members are: (top row, left to right) Molly Turner, Joe Lammon, Ryan Young, Grayson Harris, Elizabeth Hardy, Machaela Russell, (front row, left to right) Erin Pempel, Maya Felicelli, Melissa Mercer, Victoria Hardy, Carlie Funchess, Lauren Godwin and Mollie Ollinger.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Set for Father’s Day Weekend

The 8th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival welcomes 50+ hot air balloonists on Father’s Day Weekend, June 15-17 at the Foley Sportspark, 18507 Highway 98 West in Foley. Saturday and Sunday morning balloon flights begin at 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday night flights are from 7 - 9 p.m. The balloons are not visible during day due to wind, but there are many other activities available. Live musical performances on Friday and Saturday night. The free children’s village offers hours of fun for any age from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday. Kick off and Glow event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 at Tanger Outlets in Foley, featuring a balloon glow, children’s entertainment and opportunities to win prizes from Tanger Outlets. The free BRATS shuttle bus will makes pickups at Foley Elementary School, Foley’s downtown Heritage Park, and the Tanger Outlet Center. 251.943.3291, www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Nall Foundation to Host Fundraising Pet Adoption and Photo Session

The Nall Foundation in Fairhope is hosting a pet adoption, art exhibit and professional “Animals in Art” photo event. On Friday, June 1st, Nall Foundation will host a pet adoption featuring rescues from The Stray Love Foundation and an “Animals in Art” exhibit focusing on many of Nall’s animal related pieces. Beverages and light hors d’oeuvres will be served at the foundation that evening at 414 Equality Avenue, Fairhope, from 5 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, June 9th, an award winning photographer will be set up and taking professional photos from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. of pets and their “people” at The Nall Foundation in Fairhope. The donation is $150 per sitting. Each sitting will receive two 8 x 10 prints. To reserve your sitting time email info@straylovefoundation.com or call 251.540.2236, or just show up and enjoy the “Animals in Art” exhibit while you wait. Refreshments will be served. Funds raised will go toward the purchase of a cargo van for transporting animals and adoption supplies for the Stray Love Foundation. The Stray Love Foundation assists stray animals and pets whose owners have passed away and have nowhere else to go. For more information, visit www.straylovefoundation.com. Prices start at

Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department Explorers Win Awards in State Explorer Competition

Fairhope’s Volunteer Fire Department Explorers recently competed in the 9th Annual Trussville Fire Department Explorer Competition in Trussville, and won three awards. They received 1st place in Hazmat Recognition (the scene was set up as a hazmat spill and explorers had to identify the substance and explain the safety and confinement situations for that particular substance), 2nd place for Room Search (locating and safety removing a victim from a burning building) and 2nd place in the Bunker Gear Relay (a race to see who can suit up completely and correctly run an obstacle course). The Explorer group is made up of young men and women, 14-18 years old. They are trained in fire safety and prevention, CPR, some medical training, as well as other fire department related training. For information on the Explorers Program call (251)545-5946. Pictured, Bottom Row (left to right): David Thomas, Adam Hall, Caden Bozeman, Chase Clanton; Top Row (left to right): Austin West, Jesse Bond, Caleb Antinarella, Dalton Combs, Zack Walley, Alison Augustine, Jessie Eddy, Kevin Walley, Adam Cluster, and John Reinmiller.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

bits & pieces

Waterville USA to Host Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer

Waterville USA is open for the summer! Guests can enjoy the waterslides, the “Flowrider”, the “Wave Pool, the “Lazy River”, and “Shrimp Boat Village”, along with a variety of other Amusement park attractions including the roller coaster, go-carts, mini golf, and much more. As an added bonus, a few surprises are also in store for the park’s younger fans. “So many people are anticipating the opening this year. The beaches are absolutely beautiful and the water is crystal clear. Our park offers so many options for any budget and any age, and we are easily accessible. Once again, we are offering the season pass option for those that like to come down often. We have so much to present our visitors, with an impressive array of activities for those families looking for an easy affordable day trip”, said Park President John Tuberville. This summer is especially exciting as Waterville invites area kids to come meet Dora, star of Nickelodeon’s popular animated series Dora the Explorer, on June 3rd at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores. Also slated will be the appearance of another Nickelodeon favorite, SpongeBob, star of SpongeBob Square Pants, set to appear June 10th. Both costumed characters will be roaming about Waterville USA in twenty-minute intervals from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. “Waterville is a family water adventure and so much more”, says park president John Tuberville. “Regardless of your age, there is something in our park that you will enjoy. And the added benefit is that there is no better place to be in the summer than Gulf Shores!” Whether you are looking for a fast action thrill ride, or just want to relax next to the “Wave Pool”, there is truly something for everyone at Waterville USA. And with “Dora the Explorer“ at Waterville USA on June 3rd and “SpongeBob Square Pants” on site June 10th, it will be a day of summer fun you will not want to miss. Various group packages are also available. Contact Waterville USA, Highway 59, Gulf Shores, for pricing and availability at 251-948-2465.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Theatre, Engineering, Music, and More Highlight FEEF’s Summer Enrichment Academy

The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) will once again offer a variety of camps and classes through its Summer Enrichment Academy 2012. From a theatrical production with the Mobile Opera to using technology and geography to unveil the earth’s mysteries, the Summer Enrichment Academy has classes for a variety of ages and interests. “We are very excited about the range of classes this summer,” Cori Yonge, executive director of FEEF said. “Many of the camps are first-time camps, and are true enrichment opportunities that are not available otherwise. Many, also, are extensions of programs offered during school as a result of FEEF grants. We are thrilled with the creativity shown by the Summer Enrichment faculty, and can’t wait to have the students experience these great camps.” Camps run in June and July. For registration information call FEEF at 990-3333 or download a registration form at feefonline. org. The schedule is as follows: Act! Sing! and Everything In Between! For rising 4th – 8th graders Leader: Stacey Driskell (Mobile Opera) June 18 - 22; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (+ one night performance) Fairhope High School Arts Wing Cost: $150 What do you call a theatrical production that has young actors, singers, instrumentalists, costumes, props, stage settings, movement, dance and fun? You call it Opera Camp! For one week in June you can be a part of a world premiere fable written by Scott Wright with The Mobile Opera. Participants will create the sets, design costumes, practice stagecraft, develop singing skills and, best of all, have loads and loads of fun.

RReeccllaaiim Ouuttddoooorr LLiivviinngg ffrroom O FFRREEEE O UIITTO QU OSSQ MO m yyoouurr yyaarrdd aanndd eennjjooyy M m TTHHEE M MOOSSQQUUIITTOO AAUUTTHHOORRIITTYY!! No more bug repellent on the kids…no more citronella torches or candles… just mosquito free outdoor living.    

We start with a chemical-free treatment of the mosquito habitat around your home Then, we apply a light mist of a very mild insecticide, formulated to repel mosquitoes for the next three weeks. Our barrier spray formula is so specialized that beneficial insects such as honey bees, ladybugs, and butterflies will return and be totally unaffected. The formula we apply in your yard is a milder concentration of the active ingredient used in Lice shampoo prescribed by doctors and in flea and tick shampoos most often recommended by veterinarians for use on pets.

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Something “Strange” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum

Something strange is taking shape at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center this summer. Investigate the world of materials science in the Exploreum’s new special exhibition, Strange Matter. Opening on May 26, 2012 and running through September 3, 2012, Strange Matter lets visitors catch a glimpse of where the future of materials research might take us. Strange Matter’s hands-on technologies and interactive experiences reveal the intriguing and remarkable properties and applications of modern materials that appear in such high-tech fields as cardiac surgery and the space program, as well as items used in everyday life. Housed in the Exploreum’s new 6,400 square foot special exhibition gallery, Strange Matter takes visitors of all ages on a journey through the bizarre world of modern materials to discover the surprising science behind everyday stuff. From golf clubs and cell phone antennae to the space program and supercomputers, the advances of materials scientists find their way into our lives. A dozen different experience pods transform visitors into science detectives and allow them to test and learn about innovative new materials and technologies. Smash the Glass lets visitors crank up a bowling ball and let it fly to discover if heat-tempered glass has the strength to withstand the shock or if the pane of glass will shatter. ZOOM! shows visitors how scientists “feel” atoms on a nanoscale using Atomic Force Microscopes. Visitors can explore the many features of Foam, from a giant and dramatic column of foam that grows towards the ceiling, to a sample of Aerogel, the lightest material ever made! Materials Evolution answers the questions, “Could a strand of silk actually stop a 747 flight?” “What do modern firefighters and medieval knight have in common?” Visitors can trace the fascinating and often unexpected development of materials throughout history – from The Iceman (3300 B.C.E.) to the present world of the Material Girl, while discovering which materials have played a key role in human civilization. Other exhibit experiences include Amorphous Metals, Structures and Defects, Memory Metals, Sand to Supercomputers, and Touch Tables. Strange Matter birthday parties will be available May 26th – September 3rd with a special theme and handson activity that the birthday child can take home! Parents who are interested in booking these parties for their children should call 251.208.6818 or email rlebouef@ exploreum.com as soon as possible as they will book quickly!

Space 301 June 5 – July 23 Ages 4 – 18

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Explore the world of contemporary art in the CLA’s creative Summer Art Camps.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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3rd Annual 2011 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camps

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 3rd Annual 2011 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camps. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Youth Camp is a program established to promote positive interaction between the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and children between the ages of 8 and 13. The purpose of the program is to build life skills, instill confidence and develop self esteem. The curriculum includes a wide range of activities that will incorporate team work, physical fitness and general Sheriff’s Office information. This program is a cooperative effort by several public safety and public service agencies throughout Baldwin County, which provide knowledge in a safe and fun environment. Activities include drug awareness with K-9 demonstrations, crime scene investigations, boater’s safety with simulators, fire safety, physical health information, bowling, obstacle courses, guest speakers, a family fun day, and many other activities. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Shining Star Camps will be held at: Baldwin County High School, Bay Minette, Alabama: Wednesday, June 13th through Saturday June 16th, 2012 Central Baldwin Middle School, Robertsdale, Alabama: Wednesday, June 27th through Saturday June 30th, 2012 Fairhope Intermediate School, Fairhope, Alabama: Wednesday, August 1st through Saturday August 4th, 2012 The Camp staff is made up of volunteers of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office as well as other participating agencies. The camp fee is $30.00 and includes camp shirts and activities. For further information please contact Mrs. Linda Anderson at (251) 972-6890.

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bits & pieces Baypointe Dance Academy Wins Top Awards During Competition Season!

The Competition Company this past season won many top awards Including: Seniors: 7Nation Army and Note to God: Winning Platinums, Top 1st Place and Overall High Scoring Best Performance. Juniors: My Boyfriend’s Back: Winning Platinums, Special Judges Awards and Overall Best Performance Rankings. Petite: Somewhere Over The Rainbow: 1st Place Awards and Overall Performance Awards and Itsy Bitsy Spider 1st Place Awards and Special Judges Awards. The Junior and Senior Company were also chosen to attend Kids Artistic: New York Convention In New York City this Summer. Pictured Left to Right, Back Row: Sara Beth Boggs, Zoey Gibson, Olivia Buchanan, Bayleigh Blackard, Brooke Justesen, Brittany Baker, Abigail Oswald, Alexis Wetzel, Kayla Dyess and Caitlyn Roberts. Middle: Megan Schaffer, Peyton Mann, Madison Blake, Autumn Ford, Logan Mavar, Catelyn Alexander, Rebecca Klimjack, Heather Mann, and Emma Grace Vannoy. Front: Landry Mavar, Hali Everette, Ally Mavar, Cheney Pratt, Anna Claire Kinsey, Sophie Jernigan, Olivia Davis, Kearston Costello, and Maren Cunningham.

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Recognizing Common Snakes and Treating Bites

While my family and I were camping last month at the Gulf State Park, my oldest son, Adler, was on a hike with his buddies near the camp site and was crossing a log over a small creek. He, of course, fell in and lost his shoes to the suction effect of the mud in the bottom of the creek. After climbing out, he wasn’t worried about the mud on his legs or the mud on his clothes, but was upset about losing his shoes. As a daddy, my job was to climb in the stagnant, wonderfully fragrant creek to dig out his shoes. The whole time I was reaching my hand in the water and moving sticks, debris and other unknown objects, I kept thinking back to my medical training in Birmingham and wondering how quick I could get to the ER if I got a snake bite. Luckily, snake bites are not very common; however, they potentially are a medical emergency. Today, I will address the common snakes in Alabama, how to tell if they are poisonous or not, and what to do (and what not to do) if you or your child gets bit! First, let’s discuss the snakes we have here in the southern half of the state. In terms of the ones you need to really know, the poisonous ones are coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and of course the various species of

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

rattlesnakes. So, how do you know what the snake is, and if you were bitten, should you freak out? First, the coral snake. It is black with red and yellow stripes and has the most toxic venom in North America. Luckily, they are fairly rare and non-aggressive. But, there is a non-venomous snake with a similar color pattern. Just remember “Red on yellow will kill a fellow, but red on black won’t hurt Jack.” However, I would just stay away. Next, we group the cottonmouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes together because of their characteristic triangular or arrow shaped head, the cat-like pupil or eye slit, and a small opening between the eyes and nostrils called the pit. Now, if you are close enough to see these findings, you might as well be headed to the hospital. But, what happens if you get bit and don’t see the culprit? Look at the bite itself. A poisonous bite typically has two single fang marks, while a nonpoisonous bite has a semi-circle pattern that looks like a large smile. So, you were bitten. What next? As opposed to old Western movies and “what you heard from that dude,” it is not recommended to cut the bite and suck out the poison or take off your belt and apply a tourniquet around the limb. These things don’t remove or delay spread of

poison. They only do one thing, and that is waste time while you should have been getting to the ER. So, stay calm, take a picture or remember what the snake looks like and go! There, the ER can give supportive care, fluids, medication and anti-venom if need be to help treat symptoms like low blood pressure and shock. Did you know that most snake bites in kids occur when they try to handle a snake or pick one up that they think is dead! So, lesson one, don’t touch a snake. Lesson two, remember what poisonous snakes look like. Step three, stay calm and get to the nearest ER of you are bitten. Be sure to check resources at aap. org and jama.org; and in case you were wondering, I found both shoes! 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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Fairhope High School Honor Society Officers

Fairhope High School National Honor Society Officers for the School year 2012-2013 are pictured: L to R: Anna Wright, historian; Finn McCants, treasurer; Beecher Faust, vice- president; Rushing Watson, President; Sean Boyer, secretary; Rachel Breslin, historian.

CKCS Second Grader Creates Recycled Art

Christ the King Catholic school second graders, from left, front row, Trey Faherty and Gann Nobles and back row, Angelena Peturis, Olivia Mayr, Robert Montgomery and Kaitlin Mixon show off some of the artwork the class created from recycled materials. Mrs. Morgan's class has been learning about natural resources in science. The students collected recycled materials and designed group projects to be made of everything they collected. There was a spaceship, a pirate ship, a giraffe and even a grand hotel.

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"Under the Sea" Prom a BIG Splash for Special Needs Participants

On May 10, Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore was proud to sponsor the first ever Prom for the participants of the Exceptional Foundation of Baldwin County. The Exceptional Foundation is a nonprofit group that provides social and recreational activities for people who are mentally and physically challenged. Formal wear was donated by Yvonne's Boutique in Fairhope and a photo booth with costumes was provided by Keith Glines Photography in Fairhope. A wonderful time was had by the members of JAES, the parents of the Exceptional Foundation participants, and - most importantly - the participants themselves. Many stories of gratitude and excitement have made their way back to the members of JAES and they are looking forward to hosting this event again next year. The Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore, Alabama is a non-profit women's service organization. We are committed to providing for the emotional well-being and bettering the lives of children, youth and families of Baldwin County, Alabama.

FMS Students Hone Their Math Skills

Students in Michele Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-algebra classes at Fairhope Middle School recently participated in the 2nd annual Math Mania Scavenger Hunt in downtown Fairhope. The participants spent the day solving real world math problems. Divided into teams, the 1st place winners were Prestine Snider, Thea Maddison, and Elizabeth Robitaille; 2nd place winners were Logan Laird, BJ Griffin, Patrick Thomas, Brandon Legrone, Madison Friduss, and Abbey Volk; and 3rd place winners were Cindy Martinez, Autumn Peyton, John Aceves, and Palmer Jordan. Pictured, with Pet Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store personnel, and counting back change is Savannah Sheil. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Daphne East Students Research Acorns and Oak Trees

Students in Terrie Weinacker’s first grade class at Daphne East Elementary recently discussed the life cycle of an oak tree. In reading, students read the story, Dot and Jabber and the Great Acorn Mystery. In the story the characters try to determine how an oak tree grew so far away from other oak trees. Students conducted their own research to discover that acorns are seeds for oak trees. They also learned that animals, like squirrels, will carry an acorn far from the oak tree and bury it. Pictured, students show some of the tools they used in their research. L to R: Taylor Goodrich, Kenley Grace Evans, Alex Bryan, and Baylor Beard.

Fairhope Intermediate School Visitors Discuss Importance of Sidewalk Accessibility

Recently, Fairhope Intermediate fourth grade students learned the importance of making streets and sidewalks accessible to all during a presentation given by Charlene Lee of Smart Coast and Mr. Chris Riley. Mr. Riley was injured while on a skiing trip in Aspen, Colorado, which caused him to lose the use of his legs. He demonstrated how he maneuvers from his specially equipped truck to his wheel chair and how his service dog, Tanya assists him - pulling him up steeper grades, fetching items from under tables and being a good friend. Mrs. Lee and Mr. Riley discussed with the students the importance of our streets and sidewalks being accessible to all individuals whatever their physical ability. They also encouraged being active and walking/cycling to school. Pictured are: Mr. Chris Riley, Tanya, (Service Dog) Charlene Lee and students from Ms.Foster’s, Mrs. Gilheart’s and Ms. Jackson’s classes.

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Fairhope Elementary Receives $11,000 Donation

Spanish Fort Elementary 4th Grader Honored at State PTA Convention Luncheon

The Fairhope PTC (Parent/Teacher Corp.) presented Fairhope Elementary School with a check for $11,000 to be used for playground improvements. Pictured are: Terry Beasley (FES principal), Beth Puckett, Ann Agerton, Beth Anne McCormick (PTC President) and Dawn Ford.

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Justin LaJesse, a 4th grader at Spanish Fort Elementary School, recently won two State medals for the National PTA Reflections Contest. This is a PTA sponsored contest held every year at participating schools to encourage participation in the Arts. At the local school level, Justin won 1st place in Musical Composition, 1st place in Dance Choreography, 1st place in Film Production, 3rd place in Literature, and 3rd place in Photography. He was then notified that his entries in Film Production and Dance Choreography placed second place in the state of Alabama. Justin was recently invited to attend a special luncheon during the Alabama PTA Convention where he was awarded these medals for his winning entries.

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Daphne Middle School Students Wear Quirky Ties for Children’s Fund

Recently, Daphne Middle School held an out-of-uniform day and quirky tie contest to benefit the Jody Davis Children’s Fund. Jody Davis was a much loved teacher and coach that wore unusual ties and taught in the Daphne Schools for over 30 years. He established this fund in December of 2002 before he lost his battle with cancer. In his own words, Coach Davis established this fund to, “To provide for any special need a child at Daphne Middle School may have.” The students, teachers, and parents donated almost $800 for this great cause. If you would like to donate to the Jody Davis Children’s fund, please call 626-2845. The winners of the Jody Davis quirky tie contest are pictured from left to right: Hampton Addiss, Brittany Taylor, Victoria Blanshan, Allen Yazdi, and Brad Summer.

Police Horses Visit Rockwell Students

Recently, students from Rockwell Elementary received a visit from the Mobile Police Department's Mounted Unit. The officers discussed horse related information and answered many horse questions. The highlight of the visit was petting the two grown horses as well as two miniature ponies. The students were amazed that police officers had such an awesome job that allowed them to help the community and ride horses at the same time. The visit coincided with Rockwell's school-wide Disciplined Based Arts Unit entitled, "The Wild, Wild, West."

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Daphne Elementary Principal’s Pick for April

Pictured below are the students at Daphne Elementary chosen for April's Principal's Pick. Principal's pick is a special recognition of students chosen by his or her teacher who have displayed exemplary character traits. The character traits are set forth by the Baldwin County School System's Character Education Program, "Show Me Character". The names of the students who displayed exceptional character during the month of April are as follows: Allie Minchew, Jayden Morris, Kenzie Bookout, Keshun Gulley, Mary Helen Weatherby, Emma Morvant, Evelyn Morrison, Tyler Harvey Chloe Smith, Rodrigo Radu, Joseph Alves, Elizabeth Stewart, Genelle Jackson, Analeese Moore, Maggie McVay, Payton Vipperman, Abby Parnell, Brianna Portman, Maeva Tiller, Lilly Johnson, Daniel Bowyer, Mya Long, Abbi Saucier, Vanessa Smith, Leah Johnson, Jamaya Howard, Scout Kelly, Pierce Carter, Bailey Bond, Gabriel Hunter, Levi Willett, Kyla Snowden, Autumn Porter , Charlie Jaquess, Madison Dubose, Miles Gibson, Ximena Olmos-Ceas, Jake Culbertson, Stephen Donald, Emily Walstad Casey Thompson, Alina Tofiqul, Ella Kate Hewes, Charly Wilson, Ava Barnes, Serenity Caldwell, James Quinnelly, Kaiyah Reed, Paige Vipperman, Owen Strength, Alyese Henry, Cole Eckert, Aaralyn Smith-Vick, Juliet Hanner, Lila Hearn, Maddie Merkle, Brynn Morris and William Powell.

CCCS 6th Grader Wins First Place in Technology Fair in Montgomery

Abby Allen, a 6th grader at Corpus Christi Catholic School, won first place at the state level in the Alabama Council for Technology in Education (ACTE) Tech Fair which was held on May 5 in Montgomery at the AUM campus. Abby’s multimedia project was titled “An Adaptation of Morning in the Garden.”

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Bayside Academy Wins State Chess Championship

For the fourth time in 10 years, the Bayside Academy Chess Team won the High School State Championship, held in Bessemer on April 27. Members of the championship team are seniors Scott Dahlke, Blake Nelson and Peyton Winstead, junior Wesley Dean, and 7th grader Steve Chen. In winning the title, the Admirals beat back strong competition from the Alabama School of Math and Science and Indian Springs. “What makes this championship so difficult is that it’s a 6A State Championship. There are no class divisions in chess,” said Coach Eric Nager, who started Bayside’s chess program in 2000. “We regularly play and beat teams from schools of a much larger size that Bayside, as a 3A school, doesn’t compete with or can’t beat in any other type of competition. I'm very happy for our seniors. It had been a few years since we won this, and the team put in the hard work to earn it.” The Admirals narrowly missed making it a double team championship, as the junior high team took 2nd place in their division. Members of this team are freshman Marissa Cazalas, 7th grader Harrison Costantini, 8th grader Philip Dobbins, and 6th grader Andrew Smith. Bayside also entered an elementary school team in the competition that consisted of 4th graders Joshua Foster and Ernest Ladd, 2nd grader Angus Ladd, and 1st grader Wilson Engeriser. On April 28 the individual championships were held and Steve Chen won the 6th-7th grade section and Harrison Costantini placed third. “Steve is the first outright individual State Champion in Bayside history,” Nager said. “It’s possible he will represent the state of Alabama in a national K-8 tournament of champions this summer.” Sally Kalaris is the team’s Faculty Sponsor and runs the after school program for those wanting to learn how to play chess. Nager is the author of “Checklist for Checkmate: 15 Keys to Building a Successful Team” that chronicles the Bayside chess team’s rise from scratch to National Champions in a five-year span. Pictured (l-r): The Bayside Academy High School State Chess Champion Team: Scott Dahlke, Steve Chen, Peyton Winstead, Coach Eric Nager, Blake Nelson, Wesley Dean and Faculty Sponsor Sally Kalaris.

CKCS Third Graders Hold “Baby Shower” to Benefit To Be

Christ the King Catholic School third graders from left, Katie Berry, Kyler Alexander and Savannah Baas, write good wishes on a baby blanket during the class "baby shower" held to collect items for To Be in Fairhope, the student outreach project for April. During the shower, Mrs. Glaser's class tried baby food, played games and brought baby items to be donated.

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Baldwin County Driving Challenge Winners Announced

Gulf Shores High School hosted the inaugural Baldwin County Driving Challenge on April 18th at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. This event was sponsored by State Farm agent, Frances Holk-Jones, and consisted of drivers’ education students representing Baldwin County High School, Daphne High School, Foley High School, Gulf Shores High School, Robertsdale High School, and Spanish Fort High School. The students competed on a closed-track obstacle course with scoring based on abidance to traffic laws, vehicle control, and adherence to driver safety. Judging the event were Pete Smith with the Mobile County School System, Rhonda Stringham with the Baldwin County Board of Education, Gavin Kostelecky with the Gulf Shores Police Department, David McLain with the Orange Beach Police Department, and Vincent Miller with Spanish Fort Police Department. Marcus Early, Driving Challenge coordinator and Gulf Shores High School Drivers Education teacher, stated “The purpose of this program was to promote safe driving skills in a fun, safe environment. We are so thankful to the Orange Beach Recreation Department and Frances Holk-Jones State Farm for their assistance in making this event a reality. Safety on the roads is everyone’s responsibility. This was one way to help build the foundation for Baldwin County students to have years of safe driving.” The first, second, and third place winners in the girl category included Beth Joyner with Spanish Fort High School, Caraline Kaechele with Foley High School, and Kelsey Alexander with Gulf Shores High School, respectively. The top three winners in the boy category were Wynn Chambliss from Gulf Shores High School in first place, John Wesley Williamson from Spanish Fort High School in second place, and Shawn Sanks from Foley High School in third. Organizers of the Baldwin County Driving Challenge hope to make this an annual event. Event sponsor and local State Farm agent, Frances Holk-Jones, stated “Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death amongst teenagers. State Farm is committed to ending these tragedies. The Baldwin County Driving Challenge was a perfect venue to do just that.”

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Daphne Middle School Student's Artwork Featured on Cover of Yellow Pages Directory

Madison Kimbro, an 8th grade student at Daphne Middle School, used acrylics to bring contrast between a pelican and his Mobile Bay sanctuary. Her artwork, along with the art work of two other local students, will be featured on the covers of the 2012 Baldwin County Real Yellow Pages directory. “We are proud to feature the artwork of these fine young artists on the covers of our new Baldwin County YP Real Yellow Pages,” said Genie McClain, AT&T Advertising Solutions area marketing manager. On hand for the unveiling of the oversized cover are: pictured from left to right are Madison Kimbro and Sherry Bittinger, DMS art teacher.

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Fairhope Middle School TSA Students Attend Competition

Fairhope Middle School TSA students participated in the State Level Technology and Engineering competition held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The following members of the FMS Technology Student Association, under the sponsorship of Mr. Leroy Hughes, placed in the top ten state-wide: Alex Holobaugh, 3rd place in Career Preparation; Anthony Brooks, 8th place in Digital Photography; Thomas Rhea, 7th place in Dragster Design; and Lindsey Garner, 4th place in Prepared Speech and 7th place in Dragster Design. Pictured, from left to right, are FMS TSA members: back row, Ben Davis, Thomas Rhea, Alex Holobaugh, and Andon Kingry; front row, Lindsay Garner, Anthony Roberts, Jack Pizzotti, and Zachary Pace.

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Daphne East held its 2nd annual Fun Run with 822 runners! Coaches Carol Valdes and Amanda Jones promote fitness and fun by encouraging everyone to participate. Congratulations to the 3 runners that crossed the finish line first for their respective grade level. They are pictured left to right. Bottom row: Donovan Wilson, Stephon Blackshear, Maddox Eady, Amari Yelding, Martha Hurt, and Ethan Perrigin. Middle Row: Ethan Rowe, Carson Rowe, Paul DFaffin, Griffin Metzger, Michael Corleone, Mandaline Thomas, and Bailey Mott. Back Row: Carol Valdes, Connor Willams, Dawon Holloway, Kendrick Buskey, Trey Sheils, Colby McAllister, Sam Bowman, Hudson Arnold, Hunter Flynn and Amanda Jones.

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Visitor Speaks About Bullying at Fairhope Intermediate and Middle Schools

The Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore recently hosted a very special guest speaker at Fairhope Intermediate and Fairhope Middle Schools. KARMA, Kids Against Ridicule Meanness and Aggression, is a program that educates kids about bullying, reasons not to bully and why you should stand up for people that are bullied. Jessica Brookshire even shared a personal story about being bullied. The kids at both schools really seemed to enjoy her. She is also scheduled to speak at several other Baldwin schools by the end of May. Pictured are Mrs. Carol Broughton (Fairhope Intermediate School Principal) and Jessica Brookshire from KARMA (Kids Against Ridicule Meanness and Aggression).

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6th Grader’s Artwork Selected for Yearbook Title Page at W.J. Carroll Congratulations to W. J. Carroll Intermediate School sixth grader Delanie Quinnelly. Her artwork was chosen for the school’s 2012 yearbook title page. Students were challenged to create a piece of work that incorporates technology along with the spirit of the school. Paige Jackson, on left, is first runner up and holds her artwork and the yearbook. Delanie, on right, shows her art as seen in the yearbook.

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Retiring Daphne Elementary Principal Receives Original Painting

Congratulations to Jan Palmer, Daphne Elementary School Principal, upon her retirement. The faculty, staff, and PTA of Daphne Elementary School presented her with an original painting commemorating her fifteen years as their principal. Shown with Ms. Palmer (left) is the artist, Leslie Spradlin.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

W.J. Carroll Students Take Trip to Atlanta

Pediatric Dentist Donates $5000 to Fairhope Elementary

Dr. Wells Hammock of Bay Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry recently donated $5,000 to the Fairhope Elementary School. “Dr. Wells” and his wife, Elizabeth (who is a board member and treasurer of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation), have supported the Fairhope public schools since moving to Fairhope nearly seven years ago. This donation is an extension of their ongoing commitment. The donation is timely given the constant barrage of negative news regarding the funding of public education. “My wife and I believe in the importance of a strong public school system and the positive impact that it has on our community. We will continue to support Mr. Beasley and the FES teachers and students in any way we can,” commented Dr. Hammock. Pictured (from left to right), FES Principal, Mr. Terry Beasley, receives check from “Dr. Wells” Hammock.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Project Jubilee students from W. J. Carroll Intermediate School recently returned from a three day field trip to Atlanta. They visited the studios of CNN, toured the Georgia Aquarium and participated in a behind-the-scenes tour, toured the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and visited the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Pausing for a moment before going into the IMAX film at Fernbank are, in no particular order, Kara Agee, Carianne Brown, Anna Claire Nolfe, Lily Mozer, Abby Parker, Julia Bryant, Paige Jackson, Alyssa Ducote, Lauren Meyer and Jordan Carraway.

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Fairhope Intermediate Receives Grant for School Improvement Projects

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $2,327 Toolbox for Education grant to Fairhope Intermediate for raised bed gardens. Fairhope Intermediate is one of more than 585 schools or parent organizations to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States during the 2010-2011 school year. “Growing Veggies in the Pirate Patch” is a community endeavor to cultivate math, science and environmental concepts in the minds of fourth – sixth graders through gardening. The construction of 27 raised beds will allow students, with the assistance of parents and teachers, to plan, plant and maintain a classroom garden. Students will apply the math, science and technology skills they are expected to learn in an engaging and authentic way, as well as being a positive force on the natural environment of the school and community. Pictured displaying the award banner are: Braxton Jordan, Jacob Donoian and Mrs. Linda Smith, Pirate Patch lead teacher and grant coordinator.

W.J. Carroll Students of the Month

W. J. Carroll Intermediate School recently recognized their Students of the Month for April. These students continue to exhibit excellent character which helps to make each day of the school environment a positive experience. Pictured in no particular order are Samantha Burns, Ansley Salmon, Cahryn Holland, Kendarius McCovery, Lily Sherrod, Gavin Morvant, Rose Hunter, Ben Parker, Meadow Stowell, Isabel Deane, Carieann Wolfe, Jhan Serrano, Taylor Cooper, Hunter Session, Cameron Vergos, Brooklyn Byron, Liberty Lejeune, Destinee Edwards, Cameron Holley, Jacob Breakfield, Reagan Garlock, Jillian Oates, Wes Riley and Layla Havener.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Resource Bags Given to Cancer Patients in Baldwin County

The American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Council of Baldwin County has partnered with local businesses and public school students to provide resource bags to newly diagnosed cancer patients in Baldwin County. The bags include informative literature on the various American Cancer Society resources available to cancer patients, as well as pillows that can be utilized during chemotherapy treatments. The pillows are being made by local Family & Consumer Science students from Foley High School, Spanish Fort High School, Baldwin County Middle School, Gulf Shores Middle School, Bay Minette Middle School, Summerdale School, and Baldwin County High School. The school initiative is being coordinated by Mimi Goecke, Family & Consumer Science teacher at Foley High School. Other participating teachers include Martha Smith, Dianne Bernasconi, Dawn Hopper, Michele Carpenter, Becky Clark, Martha Rogers, and Karen Sims from the various participating schools. Sew Sweet, a monogramming, screen-printing, and alterations business located in Gulf Shores, donated pillow materials for the resource bag project. These bags are being distributed to cancer centers throughout Baldwin County. For more information regarding the Cancer Resource Bag Project including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities please email nursecall1@hotmail. com or call 251.583.6352. Pictured left to right â&#x20AC;&#x201C; front row: Morgan Cooke (Summerdale School), Sierra Chambers (Foley High School), and Marissa Burts (Summerdale School) / back row: Lindsay Schumacher (American Cancer Society Leadership Council), Mimi Goecke (Foley High School Family & Consumer Science teacher), Lisa Trimble (American Cancer Society Leadership Council), Shelby Morgan (Foley High School), Frankie Stockwell (Foley High School), Lindsey Frost (Sew Sweet), Jeanie Mann (American Cancer Society), Martha Smith (Foley High School Family & Consumer Science teacher), and Yvonne Shults (Sew Sweet owner).

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Art Camp for ages 4 & up. "Bring-your-own-lunch" Supervision provided for $10 a week, Noon to 1 PM. Visit www.bragart.org for details.

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Fairhope Middle School Field Day Fun

Fairhope Middle School held their annual Field Day at Founders Park. During the event, homerooms were pitted against one another in various relays, games, and athletic contests. Pictured are members of Mrs. Monica Yang’s 8th grade homeroom class: John Aceves, Allison Bishop, Emily Brewer, McClean Gonzalez, Carly Greisinger, Jordan Hall, Abby Hamilton, Laramie Knipp-Greenwood, Macian McFarlane, Jared Messinger, Daniel Miller, Dalton Morgan, Hannah Racine, Caitlyn Staab, Logan Stark, Taylor Tanner, Blaine Tharpe, Logan Thomas, Parker Vincent, and Weslyn Walters. Not pictured: Oliver Andrade, Lyons Bousson, Kennedy Craig, Yi Ran Cui, Braxton Dorsey, Cullen Holobaugh, Bailey Jones, and Patrick Thomas.

Fairhope Intermediate School Green Club Promotes Recycling in Classes

Fairhope Intermediate School students are helping the environment by recycling in their classrooms. In addition, several 4th and 5th grade students at Fairhope Intermediate have joined the school’s newly-formed Green Club, an organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship. This group is currently responsible for taking classroom recycling bins to outside containers, which are picked up weekly by the City of Fairhope. In addition to taking out recycling, Green Club members look forward to exploring other ways to help ‘green’ their school and their local community. Green Club Members: Front Row, L to R: Ashlee Stubbs, Ava Brewer, Kaitlynn Long, Ellie Brown, Alexander Cobb, Cici Crim. Back Row, L to R: FIS Principal Carol Broughton, Green Club Coordinator Alison Pritchard, Mary Peyton Banks, Tucker Weinberg, Breanna Benefield, Katie Hoag, Ashanti Betts-Cook, Peyton Bishop, Francis Constant, Caitlin Crim, Green Club Coordinator, Linda Patrick.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Fairhope High School Honors Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Accomplishments at IB Banquet

Fairhope High School held its annual IB senior banquet at the Grand Hotel Marriott. Parents of IB seniors are invited, seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accomplishments and college plans are shared, and the Spirit of IB Awards are presented. Spirit of IB Awards are chosen by the faculty for outstanding achievement in all categories of the IB curriculum. The award winners for the IB Class of 2012 are from left, front row: Ashley Kinsey, EE; Virginia Walcott, English and Art; Emily Johnson, Spanish; Nicole Santini, TOK; Lina Tran, Biology and Overall IB Performance; and Katy Irvin, CAS. Back row: MP Hayes, Chemistry; Jacob Switzer, Math Studies; Peyton Scott-Piesco, Math SL; Matisse Van Rossum, Music; William Nicolson, History; Tanner Shaw, Math Studies; and Thomas Shane, Film. IB Teacher of the Year is selected by the senior IB students. This year they selected Mrs. Kelly Williams, not pictured.

CKCS Sixth Graders Get Visit from WWII Veteran

Christ the King Catholic School sixth grader James Quint, stands next to his grandfather, World War II Marine veteran, James Quint, and his sixth grade classmates. Mr. Quint came to talk to the class about his experiences during the war. Mr. Quint related his story of the Battle of Iwo Jima where he fought and after thirty six days, was able to watch as the American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. The sixth grade is studying U.S. history this year in social studies.

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Sea Cadets Receive Promotions

On April 4, 2012, Nathan Bradford Goss and David Matthew Lowder (pictured L to R) both received promotions. Upon successful completion of the Airman course and his graduation from Basic Airman Training in Lakeland, FL, 16 year old Nathan Goss, son of Jerry and April Goss, was promoted to the rank of E-3 Airman. While at Basic Airman Training, AN Goss received Honor Cadet for his exceptional service therefore receiving an hour of flight time. Nathan is a member of the D. R. Dunlap Division, Naval Sea Cadet Corps for youth ages 14 - high school graduation. Eleven year old, David M. Lowder, son of David and Cynthia Lowder, is a member of the Naval League Cadet Corps for youth ages 10-13. David was promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class of the League Cadet Corps. He joined the unit in April, 2010, and over the last two years has successfully completed the League Cadet Orientation, Advanced Orientation, and all necessary coursework for advancement. Both of these outstanding young men have earned numerous ribbons and awards for their exceptional achievements. They are now looking forward to future promotions and training opportunities awarded through the program. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. To learn more about the Sea or League Cadet program, visit www.drdunlap.org or the national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

FMS Students Visit with Author and Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice

Fairhope Middle School was honored with a recent visit from Carol Nunnelley, one of the authors of the Alabama Roots Biography Series, and Janie Shores, former Alabama Supreme Court Justice. Ms. Nunnelley has written a biography on the life of Shores, the first woman to hold a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court. Students learned firsthand the interview techniques Nunnelley used in gathering information from Justice Shores. Justice Shores also shared with the students the obstacles she overcame in becoming a lawyer and her subsequent election to the Alabama Supreme Court. Pictured, in no particular order, are Justice Shores and 8th grade FMS students: Michael Arnold, Preston Bishop, Fox Brunson, Madison Greene, Reese Joiner, Katie Pierce, Chase Powell, Matthew Sherrin, Donovan Simon, and Cole Solomon.

Fairhope Intermediate Students Learn How to Protect Environment Fairhope Intermediate fourth graders listened attentively to Angela Underwood from Weeks Bay Estuarine Reserve as she presented information on the environment and how to protect it. Mrs. Underwood discussed ground water pollution, controlled burns and ways we can all preserve the estuary. Pictured are: Mae McDuff, Anna Lisa Wiggins, Talasia Campbell, Bryson Martin, Angela Underwood, Jacob Donoian, Cole Simmons, Sam Ellis and Jonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Grayson Kerr.

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Fairhope H.S. Class Takes Photography Field Trip

Fairhope High School Multimedia students taught by Sharon Jones recently had the opportunity to participate in a digital photography field trip at Bay Front Park and Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oak in Daphne and Fairhope History Museum. Five local photographers (Amy Anderson, Irwin Funes, Ashley Rowe, Rob Renner, and Stephen Savage) spent the morning with Fairhope High School Multimedia students explaining how to get the best shots with digital cameras. Pictured, Front row (L-R): Rubi Mendoza, Eli Cadwell, Nathanael Jahnke, Sarah Lewis, Kennedy Carnley, Ryane Webb, Heather Tabor, Michele Fasanello, ShawnaRaye Robinson, Amy Anderson (photographer), Julia Jordan. Second row (L-R): Ashley Rowe (photographer), Graham Skinner, Alan Burns, Kevin Pollard, Catherine Knight, Brittany Wilson, Caroline Miller, Emily Logan, Ashlee Langham, Stephen Savage (photographer). Back row (L-R): Sharon Jones (teacher), Brooks Lasseter, Falon Bemis, Tori Langley, Cathy Bellue, Korey Brown, Lauren Paul, Matt Miller, Kristen Howard, Desmond Samuels, Morgan Moffett, Sam Flowers, Sam Milter, Rob Renner (photographer). Top: Irwin Funes (photographer).

CKCS Students Kick Off Field Day with Run

Christ the King Catholic School students begin the one mile run through downtown Daphne to kick off Little Field Day activities on Friday, April 27. Special t-shirts were designed for the run and proceeds from the sale of the shirts went to support the seminarians of the Mobile Archdiocese.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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W.J. Carroll Intermediate School Students Rewarded for Reading

‘Books for Bases’ was the Reading Renaissance theme this past semester at W. J. Carroll Intermediate School. Students work all year to earn points for the books they read. Based on their correct answers and final comprehension score, students begin collecting points almost from the first day of school. At this semester’s reading celebration, students attended an awards ceremony honoring classes with highest comprehension, fewest at risk, and the most points accumulated. Classes were also eligible for the first base award recognizing those who earned all the way from 10 points with a BayBears game ticket to 75 points where students earned the ticket, participated in a pre-game parade, and earned a hot dog and drink. BayBear, who attended the ceremony, poses with the top three point earners for the year. From left are Carianne Brown who earned 416 points, Lily Mozer who earned 445 points, and Brendan Kennedy who earned 812 points.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Daphne East 5th grade Students Publish Poems Madison Watson (left) and Anna Glass (right) entered poems in the Young Writers of America contest and were selected to be published in the annual student anthology, "Award -Winning Young Writers of America- 2011."

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Baldwin County Youth Orchestra Finishes Season in Style

The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra held its final concert of the season on May 11th at the First Baptist Church in Fairhope. The group’s beginning strings and beginning band started off the show with a great performance, showing off what they have learned this past year as students with no prior experience with band or string instruments. The organization’s newest group: The Baldwin Winds Ensemble, hit the stage next under the baton of Marcus Alford. The group of mostly intermediate school students with some middle and high students kept the audience’s attention with songs such as Invader, The Tempest and Appalachian Suite. Finally the Premier Group: The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Linda Abercrombie and Leroy Hughes performed their best ever performance with songs from Angry Birds, Halo Suite as well as Phantom of the Opera and many other great pieces to show off their talent. The orchestra also welcomed the support some of their Adult Strings Orchestra musicians as they performed with the students in this concert. The directors of the orchestra would also like to let the community know they are currently accepting auditions in any of their six ensembles: The Beginning Strings, Beginning Band, Intermediate Strings, Wind Ensemble, Youth Orchestra and Adult Strings Ensemble. They will also be hosting a summer music camp for beginners to advanced string and band students. You may email Mr. Hughes at Baldwincountyyouthorchestra@gmail.com for more information.

Rockwell Twins Dress Double for Cowboy Day

We are having “Double” the fun learning all about “The Wild, Wild, West”, during Rockwell’s DBAE unit. These first grade twins are excited about “Cowboy Day!” Kneeling are Julia and Maren Fagan; Standing (from left to right) are Jack and Sanders Barnes and Joshua and Ethan Scott.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Fire Emergency Educator Talks to W.J. Carroll Students

Mr. Kent Landsberg, the Life and Fire safety educator for the Mobile Fire rescue Department, was one of many professionals who were at W. J. Carroll Intermediate School for Career Day. Mr. Landsberg teaches citizens about what they need to do when they encounter a fire emergency at home through the use of puppets, DVDs, and even a live bird named Precious to make the presentations interesting. From left, Gage Coons, Cameron Connell, Tyler Smith, Christopher Small, and in the back, T. J. Skeen from Mrs. Debbie Greerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth grade class listen to Mr. Landsberg.

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FMS Welcomes Visitors for Guided Tour of Campus

Mrs. Angie Hall, principal of Fairhope Middle School, welcomed visitors to FMS during the Baldwin County school systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s See for Yourself Day. Parents and members of the community were encouraged to visit the school and participate in a guided tour of the campus. Pictured with Mrs. Hall are Kim Noblitt and her daughter, Anna Claire Noblitt.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Fairhope Intermediate School Students In Touch with Wildlife

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY WITH US!

Recently, fourth graders at Fairhope Intermediate School had the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our local wildlife – a King snake, an alligator and a raccoon. Mr. JJ McCool with Wildlife Solutions shared his knowledge of each species and wowed the students with his snake handling. In addition to the live specimens, Mr. McCool brought the skin of a bobcat, a wild hog skull and a deer skull with antlers. The teachers and students wish to thank JJ and daughter Camille, a 4th grader at the school, for bringing the wildlife to Fairhope Intermediate School. Pictured is Mr. McCool with King Snake.

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W.J. Carroll Students Use Mac Technology Daily

W. J. Carroll Intermediate School fourth grade students in Mrs. Kathleen Carraway’s class have enjoyed working with the school’s new iPad station that currently holds 17 iPads. Along with the classroom Macbooks, each student is easily connected to the Internet for daily technology integration. Clockwise, from top, Gavin Morvant, Jon Davis, and Regan Johnson work on an Alabama History webquest. Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

CKCS Art Class Gets Visit from Local Artist

Christ the King Catholic School kindergarten student, Paige Evans, poses with local Fairhope artist Ricky Trione and his wife, Bonnie, during a recent visit to the school. During kindergarten, first and second grade art classes, Mr. Trione related his experiences of painting as a blind person. He demonstrated his craft for the students and afterwards they created their own painting of a dolphin.

Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@ easternshoreparents.com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE!

W.J. Carroll Olympic Field Day Theme a Success

Field Day was an enormous success at W. J. Carroll Intermediate School. With the theme of Olympics, each class chose a country to represent for opening ceremonies which took place the day before and then again during the actual field day events. Fourth graders from Mrs. Linda Kay Loperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room were captured in the foot races. From left are Rose Hunter, McKenzie Hunn, and Chloe Theriot. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Potty Training After Dark

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The Road to Dry Nights by Malia Jacobson

When my first daughter showed signs of potty readiness at age two, I was more than ready to help her ditch the diapers. Before long, she was proudly sporting Elmo underwear and staying dry all day long. I was ecstatic. As a potty-training novice, I was certain that it would be a matter of weeks before she was dry at night, too. Of course, reality wasn’t nearly as neat and tidy. Although daytime training was quick and easy, nighttime dryness proved elusive. Months passed, and she pottied like a pro during the day but clung fiercely to diapers at night. After two long years (and many unsuccessful attempts) she finally started waking up dry, and we packed away the diapers for good. In retrospect, it was no big deal: it’s highly common for a four-year-old to wear a diaper to bed. Eventually, most kids achieve nighttime dryness without intervention. But I could have avoided some anxiety if I’d known all of that going in. Our situation was far from unusual; experts say that many parents need to adjust their expectations about nighttime dryness. According to Tai Lockspeiser, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Colorado, nighttime bladder control is a maturational process that can lag behind daytime bladder control by months or years. Twenty percent of kids still have nighttime accidents at five years of age, and doctors don’t define bedwetting until children are six years old. So it’s completely normal, even expected, for kids to take their time with nighttime potty training. But the delay leaves many parents like me stuck in a waiting game, wondering when daytime potty learning will carry over into nighttime dryness. While parents can’t speed up the developmental process, they can help encourage dry nights with these simple steps.

dryness is to practice good daytime habits, notes Steve Hodges, M.D., a pediatric urologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Children should use the toilet as soon as they feel the urge— holding can strain the bladder and worsen nighttime wetting, he says. And using the toilet before bedtime is a must.

Encourage Digestive Health

“Constipation is probably the most underappreciated cause of bedwetting,” says Hodges. “It plays a role in thirty percent of the cases I see.” A full bowel puts pressure on the bladder, making nighttime accidents more likely.

Cut Caffeine

Age Matters

Start with realistic expectations. While 88 percent of kids develop nighttime bladder control by age six, the timeline varies widely. Boys typically train more slowly than girls, says Lockspeiser. Kids who are exceptionally deep sleepers and those with developmental delays may have more difficulty with wetting as well, she says.

Potty Practice

The best way to encourage nighttime 42

Limit fluids two hours before bedtime, particularly caffeine-containing beverages. “Caffeine is a diuretic, so it promotes urination. Drinking it before bedtime will make it harder for kids to stay dry at night,” says Lockspeiser.

Ensure Nighttime Toilet Access

Ensure that kids have access to the toilet at night. Nightlights in hallways and bathrooms can help kids find their way easily. If the trek to the toilet is too far or involves stairs that tots can’t navigate on Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Start with realistic expectations. While 88 percent of kids develop nighttime bladder control by age six, the timeline varies widely. their own, parents can place one of the small portable toilets commonly used for potty-training in their room at night.

Skills versus Pills

Doctors may recommend treatment options for persistent wetting that doesn’t resolve by age six. Bedwetting alarms, called enuresis alarms, help children learn to stay dry by waking them at the first sign of wetness. Medicines like desmopressin can help prevent accidents by slowing nighttime urine production. While pharmaceutical treatment can be useful for special situations—sleepovers or vacations, for example—it doesn’t help to correct a bedwetting habit, says Robert W. Collins, Ph.D., a psychologist who specializes in childhood toileting problem. He prefers alarms over pills: “Medications don’t enhance learning to give kids the skills to stay dry.”

Health Matters

See a doctor if a child who has been potty-trained and dry at night for months begins wetting at night. A urinary tract infection is a common culprit for sudden wetting. “We also consider stressors or social challenges, like a move, a new school, or divorce,” says Lockspeiser.

Staying Clean: Encopresis

What about kids who soil at night? Encopresis is the term for soiling in inappropriate places after age four. While nighttime soiling in preschoolers and school-age children is much rarer than bedwetting, it’s also more emotionally distressing for the family and socially isolating for the child, says Collins. His website, www.soilingsolutions.com, is a resource for parents dealing with encopresis.

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Healthy Habits

First, take a look at their daytime bowel habits. “Chances are, a child who is soiling at night is holding during the day,” says Collins. Dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and changes to the child’s daily routine can help encourage regular elimination during the day. If improved daytime habits don’t resolve the problem, families can progress to more advanced encopresis treatment, which may include supplements, suppositories, and behavioral therapy to treat severe constipation and holding habits. The good news: these treatments have a 43

high success rate and kids benefit from increased confidence and self-esteem as the condition improves. Parents’ attitudes are highly important as kids develop nighttime control. “Treat it as a problem-solving exercise—a family science experiment,” says Collins. Above all, make sure that children know that nighttime wetting or soiling is not their fault. Maintain a relaxed, supportive attitude, and you’ll pave the way for a future filled with clean nights and happily dry mornings. ESP Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer and mom who writes frequently about kids sleep and health issues.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Babes at the Beach

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Whether you are heading to the lake’s shore, the ocean’s edge or a pretend beach in the middle of the bedroom, getting the best gear for this year’s beach excursion (real or imagined) is top of the list! From the sensible needs of sun-protection and safety gear to the must-have playthings that kids can take to the coast (or the toys that take kids to the shores of imagination), the start of summer is all about sun, surf and seashore fun – and getting whirled away to a world away by the ocean!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket

Green Toys Sand Set (Green Toys)

The most basic necessity for beach play is clearly a good bucket and tools for shaping, shifting and schlepping sand around! Kids know that sand isn’t doing any good where it lies. It must be scooped and carried, smoothed when it’s rough, piled up (or dug into) when it’s flat, but most definitely it must be rearranged. Skip the flimsy imitations and try Green Toys simple bucket and tool set (including shovel, rake and mold). Sturdily designed and crafted from phthalate/ BPA-free materials recycled from curbside milk containers, this sand set is the top choice for long-lasting beach play and good green fun!

(Stearns)

For young pre-swimmers, bulky, chafing flotation devices can be a real let-down in the water. The Puddle Jumper Life Jacket features stabilizing arm pieces connecting to a chest piece for more free motion in the water, allowing children to move with more swim-like motions as a step toward learning. More comfortable than the traditional ‘neck-wrapper’ life jacket, the Puddle Jumper is also covered with a soft, slicker fabric for less chafing. Colorful designs round out the appeal to kids who can now enjoy more flexible freedom with their flotation devices in the water!

Pin Y Pon Beach Campervan

Lil’ Nursery Tent (Pacific Play)

Sunscreen at the shore is a must, especially for the littlest ones with tender skin. But added protection from direct sun and wind is best for infants visiting the beach. The Lil Nursery Tent is a light-weight, easily assembled environment for babes at the beach that features UV treated fabric for shade and sidemesh panels that can be directed to maximize or minimize air flow through the tent. A roll-down mesh door with Velcro closure keeps toys and tots inside for sleep and quiet play. Portable with its own carry bag and easily cleaned with a damp cloth, the Lil Nursery Tent offers the extra protection from sun and wind that babies need at the beach.

(Pinypon)

You don’t have to go all the way to the seashore to have fun at the pretendplay beach! Pinypon’s Beach Campervan comes complete with everything a wee doll needs to land on the sand in style! Featuring a Pinypon doll (which changes expressions with a twist of the head), her interchangeable hair and clothes can also swap with other Pinypon dolls. The camper van is full of surprises, too, including a roof that changes into a boat with slide, a little swimming pool, camping table, surfboards and lots of accessories that make Pinypon the customizable hit toy among young girls. Everything packs up neat and handy in the campervan afterwards until the sea calls ‘Back to the beach!’

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

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Dave Says...

by Dave Ramsey

Don’t Stay Down After Layoff Q.

I just lost my job due to companywide layoffs. I have an emergency fund, but I’m losing my health insurance. Our state has a program that covers children’s healthcare in these kinds of situations. Would it be okay to accept this for my kids until I find another job and things get better?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with accepting help when you’re down or struggling. On the other hand, to define yourself as being down or struggling is a really bad thing. By this, I mean you should never just sit there, consider yourself helpless, and expect someone else to take care of you. Remember this: everyone falls down. Loser’s stay down, but successful people get back up! If I woke up one morning and realized I had no insurance or couldn’t feed

my family because I’d lost my job, I’d be out looking for work all day long, every single day. If that didn’t work, I’d pack everyone up and go find another place to work and live. At the very least I’d map out a plan to work and make money somewhere else during the week, then come home weekends. You sound like a good dad, and I love the fact that you’re thinking about your kids. Do what’s necessary to take care of them right now, even if it means getting help from the state. Make sure you’re out there busting it, and trying to make something happen in the job market, too. You shouldn’t still be living this way six months from now!

Q. I have a problem with impulse spending. I switched to a debit card so that the money comes straight out of my

checking account, but I still buy things I know I shouldn’t. Should I stop using the card?

First, let me say that debit cards are great. You can’t spend money you don’t have with them like you can with a credit card, but you’ve still got to budget carefully and give a name to every single penny of your income. Otherwise, you can still overspend. When I made the decision to get intentional with my money, I just used cash. It’s hard to spend it when you don’t have any on you. It’s a tough thing, I know, but you have to make a conscious decision to start living differently. You have to get mad at the things that steal your money a dollar or two at a time, and you have to put your foot down. Enough is enough! Try looking at your life as a whole, not a moment at time. All the moments you’re living right now will have either a positive or negative effect on your future. I decided I wanted the greater, long-term good, so I gave up on the short-term stuff. No discipline is pleasant when you’re doing it, but as the Bible says, it yields a harvest of righteousness. Trust me, the greater good is worth the sacrifice. But until you make that decision for yourself, you won’t do it.

Dave is the author of The New York Times bestselling book Financial Peace. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated The Dave Ramsey Show. You can hear Dave online at www.daveramsey. com. Send your questions to askdave@ daveramsey.com. He resides with his wife Sharon and their three children, Denise, Rachel, and Daniel, in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Hot Summer Days

Get Cool...With Water Fun! by Pam Melyan-Bratton

You don’t need to have a swimming pool in your backyard to have some cool summer fun. When days get hot, all you need is some creativity and the willingness to get wet. Family members of all ages can enjoy the hazy – and not so lazy - days of summer while getting active and staying cool. Set up the following games in different areas of your yard and rotate through them for an afternoon of fun, or just pick a few to enjoy in the sunshine.

Sprinkler Sprints

Think back to when you were a kid. A sprinkler on the lawn provided hours of entertainment. Hook up the sprinkler to your hose and race through the man-made sun showers. Divide your group into teams for some competition: Time that sprinkler just right to see who can make it through without getting wet. The team that loses has to stand under the sprinkler until they are soaked!

Bring Back the Balloons

Another oldie but goody for water fun is water balloons! Before you start, fill up as many water balloons as possible and keep them in a cooler or large container so your supply is ready to go. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Balloon Battle

Set up barriers and blockades in the backyard like patio chairs, side tables – anything to hide behind. On “Go!” everyone runs around, throws water balloons, and hides behind the blockades to keep from getting wet.

Water Balloon Toss

A water balloon toss is also fun, especially with younger children. Partner up and stand a few feet away from your partner facing each other. Toss the water balloon. If the balloon doesn’t break, walk a little farther apart. Keep going until one set of partners remains with their water balloon unbroken.

Over Under

Line up your entire group standing one behind the other with their legs shoulder width apart. Use a really full balloon for this game so that it is fragile and just ready to burst. Give the first person in the line the balloon. The first person bends down and reaches through her legs to give the balloon to the person behind her. The 2nd person reaches for the balloon then hands it to the 3rd person over her head. The balloon goes “over under” all the way down the line until it bursts. Here’s the catch: You will want to 48

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be the person who gets wet by the bursted balloon. Why? Because you will get to hose down everyone else at the end of the game!

Limbo Star

Use the hose to spray a direct line of water to use as your “limbo stick.” One person holds the hose and the others line up to go under the spray of water. Let the water spray start high and then bring it down lower as everyone gets a turn. How low can you go and how wet can you get?

Target Practice

Use the side of your house for target practice with water shooters. Create targets with different colored painter’s tape and assign points to the various targets. Divide the players into teams and keep track of the points. Play up to a certain amount of points. At the end, the losing team has to line up while the winning team takes aim and soaks the losing team.

Fill ‘Er Up!

For this game all you need are some supersized sponges, a few buckets and, of course, water. Divide your group into teams. Each team gets one sponge and two buckets. Place a full bucket of water at the front of the team’s line, and an empty bucket of water Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Buckets O’Fun

teams. Someone on each team should keep score because the winning team will have This is another game that requires Looking for some other wet the opportunity to dump the buckets over the two or three buckets per team, and a ways to stay cool this summer? few small foam, cloth-covered squishy losing teams’ heads at the end of the game! • Break out the buckets, suds and sponges After everyone has laughed and played, balls that can get soaked with water. relax in the sunshine and take a break in a and have a family car wash. Get everyone Divide your group into teams. Each kiddie pool or team lines to work while having fun and getting wet! two. Plastic • Use buckets of water and paintbrushes to up facing Summer Tunes Top Off the Fun or inflatable their buckets. “paint the driveway.” Add a Summer Tunes Soundtrack and make it pools can be The two or • Have a Toy Wash! This one is great for purchased for a party! Invite some friends over to enjoy the three buckets the little ones. Gather small plastic toys should games and heat the party up with these songs: $10 or less at and fill a large plastic container with wamany stores. be placed • Hot, Hot, Hot – Buster Poindexter Little ones ter. Keep the kids cool while getting wet several feet • Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves can conin front of and getting a little housework done, too! • Surfin’ Safarai – The Beach Boys tinue to romp each team • On those days when it is just too hot to • Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince around and member, be outside, bring the pool party inside. • Summer Nights – Olivia Newton-John & John splash, and depending Fill up the bathtub, play some summer bigger kids on the ages Travolta tunes, lay down some beach towels in the and adults and abili• Wipeout – The Surfaris bathroom and let the kids splash in the tub ties of the can lounge in • California Girls – The Beach Boys them. Throw in their bathing suits. teams. The • Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams some beach bucket that towels down is closest to across the yard. Each person will dip their on the grass the team will score the team fewer points sponge into the bucket of water to soak the and enjoy some summer snacks like waterthan the bucket that is farthest away from sponge. They will then run to their team’s melon and ice pops. Serve up some lemonthe team. Assign points to the buckets – the empty bucket, squeeze all the water into that ade and give a toast to summer! ESP bucket that is closest is one point, the next bucket, and run back to the next player on farthest bucket is five points, etc. Players their team to start again. The first team to fill Pam Melyan-Bratton is a freelance writer, mom and take turns throwing their water-soaked foam their empty bucket wins! teacher. balls into the buckets to gain points for their

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Beloved Queen or Despised Dictator? by The FlyLady, Marla Cilley

Which are you? Beloved Queen or Despised DICTATOR! The tone of your voice says it all! Why do we torture our family with hurtful words? I can tell you why. You are so stressed out and feeling like a martyr. This has got to stop! I can help you get rid of the stress, but it is up to you to curb those angry words. Once you change your martyred outlook to one of blessing your family and giving teaching moments, you will see a change in them. It is by your example that your family will begin to help and support your efforts to secure a peaceful home. What does your wicked tongue do to your children, your husband and you? 1. It doesn’t tell them you love them. 2. It makes them feel less than, it hurts their self-worth. 3. They feel that they have no say in things.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

4. It makes your husband feel that he is married to his mother! I don’t even want to go there. 5. They feel like servants instead of family members. 6. Harsh words are worse than a whipping. 7. Your family cuts themselves out of the conversational loop because they fear retribution. 8. Home life is based on the fear of not making mother mad. 9. Family members go hide from you. 10. They become afraid to tell you when something happens. After those words have come from your lips, just how do you feel then...laden with guilt or do you not even realize you are barking nasty remarks their way? Have you become oblivious to the torture you have inflicted upon your loved ones? There is absolutely no excuse for this. I don’t want to hear that this is the only way you can get your family to do anything. This is the lie that you tell yourself to not feel guilty.

Your tongue can criticize or it can encourage. The choice is all yours. If you have not changed your attitude, then how can you expect to see a change in them? It has to come from the heart. If not they will see right through you. They may not even believe it at first, because you will not be sounding like the mother they have been used to all their lives. The children may think the aliens have taken their real mother away. Prove to them and their father that you have changed. Sprinkle your words of love, encouragement and teaching all over your home. Apologize for your tongue. Don’t play the martyr game anymore. I want you to FLY without the guilt of harsh words holding you down.

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, check out her website at www.FlyLady.net or her book, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

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Double Up on Birthday Fun

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Pair Parties for More Thrills and Less Work by Malia Jacobson

For a double-scoop of fun at your child’s next birthday, why not host a dual party? Combined parties for siblings, cousins, or friends with close birthdays are a growing trend, says Marnie Ann Pacino, author and illustrator of Cool Party, Mom! The Other Three Words Every Mother Loves to Hear. With kids’ parties becoming bigger, grander affairs, double parties let moms share the workload and the expense of birthday festivities. Birthday parties are a much bigger deal than they used to be, says Pacino. “Between decorations, invites, favors, acEastern Shore Parents I June 2012

tivities, and food, it can be exhausting and expensive. Who wouldn’t love some help running errands, cleaning up and footing the bill?” And double parties don’t just benefit parents. For kids, a combined party often means a bigger party with more guests. “A potato sack race with 20 kids is bound to produce more giggles than the same race with ten kids!” notes Pacino. Shared parties are also convenient for invitees’ parents. Kathleen Yarbro combined birthday parties for Lilly, 3, and Chloe, 1, into one celebration because the girls’ birthdays are 10 days apart—one 52

party was less hassle for everyone involved. “Most of the families we’d invite were the same for both girls,” she says. “It made more sense to invite them all at once, instead of asking them to come over two weekends in a row.” Think a double-decker party might work for your family? Here’s how to host a sweet soiree that your child (or children) will cherish for years.

Get Input

The first step to a successful double party: Ask the kids involved if it’s what they want (if kids are too young to ask, it’s Advertising: 251-929-2099

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probably a safe bet that they don’t mind sharing the spotlight). Parents shouldn’t assume that all kids necessarily want a combined party. And some children with very different temperaments—one who’s high strung, and another who’s more retiring, for example—may not make compatible party-mates. If the guests of honor are on board, give both kids equal say in planning decisions.

Theme Scheme

If the birthday kids can’t agree on a theme, don’t choose—let each child pick a theme, and use both. When Christy Ramersrus hosted a double party for her two children, Joslyn, 7, chose a pony theme, while Carson, 4, picked Thomas The Tank Engine. Instead of deciding between the two themes, the family had separate decorations and a cake for each child in different rooms of the house. The theme combination was eclectic, Ramersrus admits, but the arrangement kept her kids happy and their guests entertained.

Gift Guidelines

Buying double the birthday gifts can cause sticker shock for some guests. To

ensure that people aren’t disinclined from attending because of the burden of purchasing two gifts, consider specifying simple gifts, or setting a no-gift policy. Book exchanges, where each guest brings a book to exchange in lieu of a gift, are a popular way to skirt the gift issue.

Solo Spotlight

Even at a combined party, kids should still feel special at their birthday shindig. Two birthday cakes are a must, as well as taking turns being first during games and activities. At the Yarbro party, each girl got their own rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song and sat in a seat of honor to open gifts. Double parties can be a blast, but they’re not for everyone, Pacino notes. Sibling rivalry can be intense during certain times in a child’s development—do parents want to put up with more sibling bickering during what’s supposed to be a fun event? Solo birthday parties also give kids in large families a rare chance to be the center of attention. But for many kids, double parties mean double the fun. So set a budget, set

Double the fun with these joint party themes:

Thing 1 and Thing 2 Dora and Diego Noah’s Ark Princess and Knight Cowboy and Cowgirl Peter Pan and Tinkerbell Max and Ruby Humpty Dumpty and Little Miss Muffet Spiderman and Batman Sugar and Spice Source: Marnie Ann Pacino, author and illustrator of Cool Party, Mom! The Other Three Words Every Mother Loves to Hear.

realistic expectations, get both birthday kids involved in planning, and get ready for a double-dose of frosting-fueled birthday memories. ESP Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer and mom of two.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Birthday Party Planner Cakes

JAM Cakery

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

Local Resources to Meet All Your Needs

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251-621-7977, 30500 Hwy 181, Suite 810, Spanish Ft, www. greatamericancookies.com We do all kinds of cookie cakes for all occasions. We bake fresh every day. Say it with a cookie cake!

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Marble Slab Creamery

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Great American Cookie Company

625-2022, Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort www.marbleslab.com Marble Slab Creamery can help turn ay event into a special occasion. Whether you want a Sundae Bar, Portable Slab* or an ice cream cake to match your theme, you can count on us to dish out the freshest, best tasting ice cream anywhere. The Portable Slab is where we bring The Slab to you. It is like having a Marble Slab Creamery store brought to you complete with mixins, waffle cones and more!

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Twist

626-3664, Eastern Shore Centre across from Pottery Barn. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and any other special occasion - or stop by and choose from any of our daily flavors for an 54

amazing treat! Twist Cupcakes is committed to providing fresh, made-from-scratch cupcakes and frostings each day. We use high-quality ingredients like Valrhona Cocoa, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, and Callebaut Chocolate. Our Cake Bites

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are made using those delicious cupcakes and frostings and then dipped in beautiful chocolates and decorated. Each day we have a selection of about 17 flavors of ready-to-purchase cupcakes and 5 flavors of cake bites. We have almost 70 flavors in total! We also accept custom orders for birthdays, baby and bridal showers, weddings, and any other special occasion. We also have cupcakes stands available for rental. Come by and see us!

Andreeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine, Cheese & Things

251-928-8863, 403 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, www.andreesonline.com. Birthday and special event cakes of all sizes and a wide variety of cake flavors, fillings and icings.

Couture Cakes

626-9895, 1905 Main Street, Daphne Couture Cakes can custom design the perfect cake for all occasions and themes. Visit us on Facebook to see pictures of just a few of our wonderful creations.

Edible Arrangements

621-9413, www.ediblearrangements.com. Looking for something different? Edible Arrangements offers delicious fresh fruit arrangements, baskets, bouquets and other delightful tasty gifts. Visit our website to see the wonderful childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection, Kids at Heart complete with Disney, Sesame Street, Hello Kitty and Disney Princess arrangements.

Heavenly Creations

928-1444, 410 Fairhope Avenue, www. fairhopebakery.com Let us design the perfect cake for your special occasion. Birthday cakes, Wedding Cakes, Shower Cakes and more all custom decorated to fit your theme. We also have a full bakery of treats, petit feurs, brownies, cookies, bar cookies and cupcakes.

Little Cake Shop

251-621-9097, 10198 US Hwy 31, Spanish Fort. No matter what the occasion Little Cake Shop can create the perfect cake for you.

Something Sweet

621-2253 - 1712 Main Street, Daphne, Something Sweet offers over 22 different kinds of cupcakes along with a large variety of other treats such as popcorn creations, bar cookies and cakes.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Invitations/Décor/ Paper Goods Stampin’ Up

454-9545, www.jackiebarfield.stampinup.net Have you always wanted to create your own one-of-a kind, hand-made invitations, announcements or thank-you notes? Call Jackie with Stampin’ Up to help you with all of your special occasions. Also ask about our private parties and private group classes!

Miller’s Grand Events

625-4910, 25341 State Highway 181, Daphne, www.millersgrandevents.com Whether you’re planning a catered affair or corporate event, a wedding reception, fund raiser or a graduation party, you’ve come to the right place. With our expanding inventory of rental products, expert event coordinators and seasonal retail party supplies, we can offer you a total event package from one convenient source.

Polka Dot Princess, The

www.thepolkadotprincess.com. The Polka Dot Princess has over 2,000

different invitations that you can choose from.  Most of our invitations are $1 or less, and we print all invitations at no extra charge.Our website features custom designed invitations for all occasions.

Stationery Studio

990-9940, 412 Fairhope Avenue downtown; www.fairhopefinepaper.com. We have a huge selection of imprintable invitations for every occasion, every event. Whether it’s a family gathering for that special 1st Birthday, a Sweet Sixteen soiree, or a blow-out event for the 40th, we have several themes from silly to sophisticated and formal to festive! We are a Crane & Co. fine cotton paper dealer and carry several national lines of stationery for writing your birthday gift thank yous! Come shop with us at our store in downtown Fairhope or visit our website www. fairhopefinepaper.com and click on the links that take you to our online shopping.

Entertainment Famous Friends

www.famousfriendz.biz or email jennifer@famousfriendz.biz.

Looking for a Famous Friend to help bring your child’s party to life? We have lots of Famous Friendz to choose from that can come and visit your party or special event to really make it extra special!! We have several different party packages to choose from.

DK the Clown

554-2874 or 621-8017 Let DK the Clown entertain at your next event - DK is a Graduate of the Circus Clown School, is a member of the World Clown Association and is Licensed and Insured. Balloon Artist, Face Painting and Entertainment. Great for Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Reunions, Church Events.

Tanglewood Theatrical Service

We offer face painting for parties of all sizes. Balloon arches, custom murals and backdrops, custom artwork and calligraphy, certificates, invitations, table decorations, specialty props and custom made costumes. We also specialize in entertainment ranging from dance to theatricals. We have over 20 years combined experience in theater, so we know that atmo-

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sphere is everything.Call Shari Prestwood 251-510-0654 or e-mail circleofoakes@ yahoo.com for an appointment.

Rentals

Drop Zone Inflatables

604-9132, www.dropzoneinflatables.com. Drop Zone Inflatables will make your party the best one ever! Brand new, clean equipment, Fully Insured, offering bounce houses, water slides and more!

Eastern Shore Inflatables

509-2625, www.esjump.com. We bring inflatable fun to you! We carry Water Slides, Dry Slides and Combination Bounce Houses with Free Delivery and Setup. Cleanest Inflatables in Baldwin County.

Gulf Coast Party Rentals and Supplies

625-4567; www.jumps-a-lot.com. We have the largest selection on the Gulf Coast with over 25 different waterslides. Lowest price guaranteed! Weekend inflatable rentals starting at only $110! In addition to inflatables, we also carry tents, concessions, chairs, rock walls and more! Concession Equipment (with supplies) is only $35 with inflatable rental.

Humpty Jumpty Rentals, LLC

251-990-5274, 15166 River Rd, Fairhope

Miller’s Grand Events

25341 State Highway 181, Daphne, 6254910,www.millersgrandevents.com. Whether you’re planning a catered affair or corporate event, a wedding reception, fund raiser or a graduation party, you’ve come to the right place. With our expanding inventory of rental products, expert event coordinators and seasonal retail party supplies, we can offer you a total event package from one convenient source.

Pinatas, Etc.

251-752-0773, 804 Hwy 59 S. Robertsdale

Toro Jump- Gulf Coast Party Rentals 251-621-7115, 9945 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, www.torojump.com. We supply party inflatables of all sizes, tents, balloons, water slides, jumpers, tables, chairs, and games. Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Places to Party Alligator Alley

946-2483, 19950 County Road 71, Summerdale. www.gatoralleyfarm.com With over 20 acres of natural cypress swamp land, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. At Alligator Alley, we currently have over 150 alligators from the hatchlings in our gift shop to the big alligators in our swamp land. Enjoy a nature walk to our various exhibits as you journey towards the big swamp, and the ultimate king of Alligator Alley, Captain Crunch! This world record gator is over 13’ long, weighs over 800 pounds, and has the world’s strongest bite ever recorded from an Alligator. You’ll also observe other wild life such as: Ospreys, Owls, Turtles, Bull Frogs, and various field animals. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species. various field animals. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species.

Back Country Trail

981-1180, Orange Beach www.backcountrytrail.com. Pioneer your next birthday party, family reunion or field trip at Back Country Trail. Enjoy the beautiful nature with an Eco Tour Cart & Ride 11 Miles of Winding Trails. Enjoy Biking, Hiking& The Butterfly Garden & Picnic at The Pavilion. Don’t forget to visit the Campground Store! Memberships available.

Bay City Gymnastics

621-2112, 7980 American Way, Daphne, www.bcgagymnastics.com Looking for a fun place for your child to have his/her birthday party? Interested in Jumpin’ and Jiving or Rock N’ Rolling? Let us help you make your child’s birthday a day to remember. We offer an 1.5 hour birthday party package. 1 hour in our state of the art facility and 30 minutes in our party room. You won’t have to worry about the heat of the Summer in our fully air conditioned facility, or your child’s party being rained out. We provide the activities and you provide the cake and ice cream. You will be assigned two party hostesses. They will help your child and his/her friends run through obstacle courses, play games, relay races, jumping on Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

our 40 foot long Tumble Track Trampoline or even come and climb on our cargo net or zing down our zip line! Our weekends fill up fast, so call today to schedule your child’s party! (251) 621-2112.

Baypointe Dance Academy

621-3980, 25476 Friendship Rd, Daphne Come dance the day away with Bay Pointe Dance Academy. We have dance parties for all ages and dance styles from classical ballet to hip hop.

Center for the Living Arts

208-5671, 301 Conti Street, Mobile www.space301.com Call about art parties, camps and beautiful spaces available for parties, receptions and banquets.

Charming Teacup

990-3377,17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear, www.charmingteacup.com Tea parties for Little Ladies ages 6-12! Victorian birthday tea party includes: Victorian hostess, invitations, costume for each child, (including gorgeous gown, fancy hat, fan, bag and jewelry!), dainty tea sandwiches, scones, Devonshire cream, fruit and petit fors served in our tea parlor, games, skits and songs. Party package for 8; the birthday girl and 7 friends are $199. Need to invite more friends? We can accommodate. Our tea parlor seats up to 12 guests; please call for additional pricing and details. Call for reservations.

Chill

626-6686, Jubilee Shopping Center (next to 5 Guys and Hobby Lobby) www.chillyogurt.com; Party at Chill Yogurt Café! Enjoy make your own frozen yogurt with tons of great toppings. Make it your way! Call today to reserve a party! We have many flavors of cakes, yogurt cakes and can even make custom cakes!

Cold Snap

626-7600, 2004 Hwy 98, Unit B, Daphne. 990-6199, 84 Plantation Pointe, Fairhope, www.coldsnapfrozenyogurt.com. Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt offers 16+ flavors and 60+ toppings at  our fun filled self-serve stores. Swirl your favorite yogurt flavor or  flavor combination, top at our custom topping station, weigh it and pay.  Come in and create your favorite Cold Snap Creation! Parties available – call today!

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Eastern Shore Baseball Academy 401-5675, 8871 Rand Avenue, Daphne

Exploreum

251-208-6879, 65 Government St, Mobile www.exploreum.com. At the Gulf Coast Exploreum, we’ve got children’s birthday parties down to a science. When you book your child’s party with us, you relax while we do all the work. We provide your invitations, party favors, a uniquelythemed cake and a fun experiment to entertain your child and his or her guests. We’ll even handle cleaning up! Plan your party around one of our special packages below and then let us do the rest! For all the guests in attendance, they can purchase their gift for the birthday child ahead of time, and our Exploration Station Gift Shop will have it wrapped and ready to go (call the Gift Shop at 251.208.6876 for more information). FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, Strange Matter birthday parties will be available May26th - Sept. 3rd! Explore the bizarre world of everyday things! Your guests will make their own lava lamp as they learn all about the strange science behind the fun! Select from one of our themes below. Each of the

parties below comes with themed decorations, a themed cake, and party favors for the children to take home. Under the Sea Recommended Ages: 2-6 years old; Rumble in the Jungle Recommended Ages: 2-6 years old; Mad Scientist Recommended Ages: 6-12 years old; Out of this World Recommended Ages: 6-12 years old; All-Star Sports Recommended Ages: 6-12 years old. Each Birthday Party includes the following: Free exhibit admission for up to 30 people – children and adults (ANY additional guests are $8.00 per person) • One hour in a designated exhibit hall prior to party (Enjoy all Exploreum afterwards)• One hour in the birthday party room (located in the upstairs classroom)• Birthday party coordinator during party room time • Science experiment • Gift for the birthday child • Tablecloths, plates, napkins and forks• Decorations and party favors • Capri Sun • Birthday Cake

Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm. (services are performed by Genesis students)

Genesis College Spa Parties

Hot Wheels Skate Center

445-8900, 7241 Dolphin St Daphne. I f you are looking to have a Spa Party, Genesis Career College is the place for you! Up-dos, manicures, pedicures, Create the party package you want! Hours are

Gulf Coast Dance Alliance

621-9755, 9945 hwy 31, Suite E, Spanish Fort, www.gcdadance.com Whether your birthday child likes ballet, jazz, hip hop or acro/gym, we have a party for you! Call for more information about our party packages.

High Cotton Bath Company

970-2284. Located in the Tanger Outlet Center,. www.highcottonbathcompany. com. High Cotton Bath Company hosts parties for ages 5- 105! The parties include a mini spa treatment, games and custom blending products. Guests are able to pick and mix their fragrance and color for their products. Call today to book your party and ask about our Bath Sundaes!

251-626-5120, 624 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne, www.hotwheelsdaphne. com. Great Party packages that include three hours of skating (including skate rental), soft drinks, pizza, place settings and invitations. Depending on the size of

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your party pick from these packages: Star Package offers the mentioned features for 10 skaters for only $99! Package VIP Package includes the mentioned features for 10 skaters plus a PRIVATE party room and a pair of speed skates for the birthday child . All for only $179! NEW! GLOW Party! - is the premium package that not only offers the features mentioned for 10 skaters with a Private Party Room and 10 GLOW place settings, neon glow sticks, glow bracelet, neon glow necklace, and flashing glow cups Parties are available Saturdays & Sundays 2-5pm. We also offer special VIP Parties for tweens on Saturday Nights 7pm – 10pm.

Jubilee Gymnastics

621-5797, 26090 Equity Dr., Daphne Children flip head over heels for parties at Jubilee Gymnastics! Call today about our tumbling and cheer parties. You provide the cake, we will provide smiles!

Little Gym, The

928-3387, 101 Fly Creek Ave, Ste 328, Fairhope (Publix Shopping Center), www. tlgeasternshoreal.com There’s no better place to celebrate a birthday than at The Little Gym. That’s because it’s incredibly fun for kids and incredibly easy for you. Kids tell us their birthday party at The Little Gym is the most awesome party they’ve ever had! Parents love it, too, because we take care of everything. Our parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1, 3, and 5pm. The first 60 minutes is spent in our gym engaged in age-appropriate instructor-led games, activities, supervised free play, and the use of our famous air-trak! The final 30 minutes of celebration is spent in our specially decorated party room enjoying cake, drinks and presents. We provide the invitations (you give us the list--we do the rest), qualified instructors to lead the fun, all the set-up, instruction, and clean-up, a The Little Gym t-shirt for the birthday child, drinks for the children, drinks for adults, all paper products, balloons for decorations, gift registry. Bring the cake, the kids, and the camera and come join in the fun! Voted by Parents Magazine as the Nations #1 Party Spot.

Marble Slab Creamery

621-8226, Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort, www.marbleslab.com. Marble Slab Creamery can help turn any Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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event into a special occasion. Whether you want a Sundae Bar, Portable Slab* or an ice cream cake to match your theme, you can count on us to dish out the freshest, best tasting ice cream anywhere. The Portable Slab is where we bring The Slab to you. It is like having a Marble Slab Creamery store brought to you complete with mixins, waffle cones and more!

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

251-928-4161, 9 North Church Street, Ste. A, Fairhope, www.paintnparrot.com. A pottery painting and fused playground. Our studio has everything you need to create a hand-painted piece of pottery for any occasion....even design tools to help you along.Great for birthday parties, scout groups, office parties, bridal showers and summer outings 2 pottery packages to choose from $14/child (for young artists under age 7) or $16/child (older children 7 and up). We also offer a Fused Glass party where children either make a bracelet ($20/child) or Fused glass nightlight or Suncatcher for ($18) or a TyeDye Party for $18/child. 1½-hour studio time, pottery and materials. Now also offering FUSED GLASS projects.

Original Oyster House

Paint Slingers

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626-2188, 3733 Battleship Pkwy (on the causeway), www.originaloysterhouse.com 948-2445, 701 Hwy 59, Gulf Shores .The Original Oyster House has many years experience in serving the needs of large groups that wish to have fun in our fantastic facilities. And, we offer the best service you can find! Also available for rent, Delta Room for parties up to 40. For parties up to 100 we offer family style or seafood buffet group menus. For parties under 40 you may choose from any of our menus. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Paint’n Parrot

251-259-1653, (Eastern Shore Plaza across from Party City) www.paintslingers.net; We’ll design a painting that follows your child’s interest or help you decide from one of our choices. We decorate and provide all art supplies! Prices include all art supplies, a birthday banner and an extra craft. Under 20 children- $23 per child; 20 children$20 per child Come party in our studio or, we can bring the painting party to your location! Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Point Clear Tennis/Swim

928-7715 or 990-4467, 17107 Tennis Club Drive, Fairhope. Your guest will love swimming and relaxing in the pool at Point Clear Tennis and Swim Club. Parties can be up to 4hours long and can include up to 50 guest. Members up to 10 guests/ childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party (12 and under)- $50. Members up to 20 guests/childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party (12 and under)- $75. Members up to 50 guests, Adults- $150. Non-members add $25 to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parties, add $50 for adult parties. Also ask about our special summer membership rates!

Southern Edge Dance Center

610-8902, 251 South Greeno Road, Fairhope, www.southernedgedance.com Dance the Day Away with a Southern Edge Dance Party. Choose from our more popular themes such as Pop Singer, for the Super Star in you, Hip Hop Dance when you just â&#x20AC;&#x153;gotta grooveâ&#x20AC;? or a Classic Fairytale Ballet, perfect for all little princesses, or let us customize a party to fit your wishes.

Susanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy of Dance

626-3835, 108 5th Street, Daphne, www.susansacademyofdance.com Does your child love to dance? Would she love to celebrate her big day by learning the latest dance moves? Then call us and let us plan a great dance party for you.

Wales West Light Railway

988-8509, 13670 Smiley St., Silverhill, www.waleswest.com We can design a party to fit your needs. Wales West has a large room with kitchen and deck overlooking lake; Party Barn; Real English Steam Train; Indoor Heated Pool; Playground; Lake with Waterfall; Fishing and Pedal Boats; Catering; petting zoo and fireworks show available.

Waterville, USA Water Park

251-948-2106, Highway 59 South, Gulf Shores, www.watervilleusa.com Waterville USA is a beautiful, fun and safe setting for your group outing. Our park offers something for everyone from the smallest tyke to adults -- fun for people of all ages! Waterpark Season (water and amusement parks open) . This season runs during the summer (last part of May, June, July, August) when both the Waterpark and Amusement Park are open. AmuseVisit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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ment Park Season (waterpark closed). This season operates in the spring and late summer/fall when the Waterpark is closed. Our park is closed from October until March to take care of long term maintenance and new additions. House of Bounce however is available for parties all year long!

Wed With Style, LLC

751-1000, Wed-with-style.com Tea parties, kids theme birthday parties. All the parent needs to do is send invites & bring a cake. Victoria Stankoski, Event Planner

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

251-968-5731, 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

Analece Design/Bayside Beads

251-929-3620, 395-A Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, www.analecedesign.com. Beading Parties for 20 or more (minimum age 8 years old). Call us to book a birthday party today!

Arena-The Next Level Laser Tag/ Bazookaball 224-5297 (LAZR), 4720 Main Street, Suite 201, Orange Beach

www.arenaorangebeach.com Great entertainment for all ages, and perfect for birthday parties, civic outings, and family vacations. We offer Laser Tag and Bazookaball for all ages..

mum is met! 25ppl including the Basic party package = $150. Please remember, if you wish to have birthday cake, cupcakes, or food - these items must come through the BayBears.

Art Party by Shannon Noble

Brantley Farms Petting Zoo

990-3591. Children create wonderful works of art in a creative environment. Art projects to compliment almost any theme!

Bay Bears Birthday Parties

479-2327 , 755 Bolling Bros. Blvd., Mobile, mobilebaybears.com. We are excited to host your child’s birthday at Hank Aaron Stadium with the Mobile BayBears! Our goal is to make a day at the ballpark easy for mom and/or dad and a blast for the kids! Top days for birthday parties: Fridays - Friday Night Fireworks (post game); Saturdays - Kids Eat Free w/ purchased ticket - free hotdog & Pepsi (12 years old & younger); Sundays - Play Catch on the Field (pre-game). Kids run the bases (post game). All parties must purchase the $75 “Basic Party Package” as a starter kit. Only $75 deposit to book your party! Most birthday parties take advantage of our 25 person minimum group rate ticket. Only $5 a ticket for every person added if the 25 person mini-

626-5416, 26214 Pollard Road, Daphne. Birthday parties are filled with farm fun. Tour the barn and meet the donkeys. Birthday child gets to sit on miniature donkey for a picture then everyone jumps in the trampoline of hay.Attendees also hold the baby chick, chicken and bunnies. Petting the llama is always fun along with feeding a baby bottle to the baby calf.After that it is off to feed the goats and sheep.No party would be complete without the pony ride and then the grand finale hayride to see all the really big animals.All this for only $165, and you can even add a train ride for $50 extra.Call to make your reservations today.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

621-3215, Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort. Website: www.buildabear.com. You set the price, we’ll do the rest! Bears start at $10. For more details on our parties, visit us online.

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Chick-fil-a (2 locations)

1682 US Highway 98, Daphne, 621-3215 Eastern Shore Shopping Centre, Spanish Fort 621-3020, www.chickfila.com. Come party with the Cow! Beat the heat with a Chick-Fil-A birthday party! Indoor playground.

Creative Outlet Dance Center

251-928 9511, 66 ½ South Section St., Fairhope. www.creativeoutletdance.com. Ballerina , Princess, Pop Star, Circus, Hello Kitty , Superhero and Pirate themed parties. We provide the facility, entertainment (ballet and dance activities and games) and dress-up clothes for 15 guests. Moms bring in food and favors. 1 ½-hour party $95.

Eastern Shore Art Center

928-2228, 401 Oak Street, Fairhope, www.easternshoreartcenter.com. Let one of our children’s art instructors plan an “art party” for your child’s special day.Clay and painting classes available.

Eastern Shore Gymnastics Academy 447-0505, 8566 Athlete Drive, Daphne, www.easternshoregymnastics.com. Private Parties include one hour of structured gymnastics & 30 minutes in the party room for cake & gift opening. We also supply Paper Products, Table Cloth, Plates, Cups, Napkins & Forks, Party Favors for all participants and Clean Up. You supply the cake, ice cream & drinks. June Special!

Eastern Shore Lanes

943-4575, 10460 Eastern Shore Blvd, Spanish Ft (behind Eastern Shore Centre) Come visit our new facility complete with restaurant, arcade and tons of family fun! Call for our great birthday party packages.

Eastern Shore Centre Fountain

625-0060, Management Office. 30500 State Highway 181, Suite 451, Spanish Fort, www.easternshorecentre.com. Looking for a special way to celebrate your child’s birthday? Why not have an Eastern Shore Centre Fountain Fun Party? You’ll see smiles, giggles, laughter and fun being shared by the children as they frolic and play in the dancing water of the fountain. For just $40, we provide a reserved covered area, tables and chairs for 90 minutes. We also do all the clean-up after the party, so you can spend your time enjoying your child’s celebration. Eastern Shore Centre tenants also offer many choices for cakes, ice cream, nachos, pizza, hot dogs & more. Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Eastern Shore Dance Academy

626-2300, 9063 Merritt Lane, Daphne, www. easternshoredanceacademy.com. Whether you are as Pretty as a Princess, looking for some funky Hip Hop or into All that Jazz, we have a party for you! We offer birthday parties for all ages. Our 2 hour parties include dance instruction, a performance for the parents and loads of fun. Bring your own cake, drinks and snacks. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll supply the fun.

Fairhope City Pool

990-0175, 803 North Greeno Road, Fairhope, www.cofairhope.com Located at the Fairhope REcreation Center the Fairhope City Pool is a great place to have your swimming party. Private Parties from 6pm - 8pm, cost is $150.Non-private party rates also available, call for info.

Five Rivers Delta Safaris

259-8531, Five Rivers on the Causeway, www.5RDS.com. We host adventure themed birthday parties for children of all ages. Up to 20 children can play a variety of age-specific, educational focused fun games while enjoying the outdoors. Examples of the themes you can choose from are Safari Theme and Pirate Theme. $95 for 1-12 Children. $135 for 1320 Children. Additional $6 per child due on day of party. Prices include standard birthday cake. Additional items can be added as well,

such as boat rides, food and beverages, party favors, even large inflatable jumping castles, etc. Please contact us for pricing on these items.

Green Acres School of Dance

947-5404, 18451 Ohio St # A, Robertsdale Come dance or tumble the day away with a Green Acres Birthday Party.

Heavenly Creations

928-1444, 410 Fairhope Avenue, www.fairhopebakery.com. Call about our Cake Decorating Parties! Kids (and adults) love to learn the tips from the pros on how to create that perfect cake!

Gulf Bowl

251-943-4575, 2881 South Juniper Street, (behind Tanger Outlet) Foley. Come visit our new facility complete with restaurant, arcade and tons of family fun! Call for our great birthday party packages.

Kangarooz

251-219-4290, 31000 Bass Pro Drive (Next to Bass Pro Shop), www.mykangarooz.com. At Kangarooz Family Fun Center we strive to offer the best in family entertainment, Our company goal is to provide a safe, clean place for your family to play with excellent guest service. Parties are $220 for 10 children, $280

for 15 children, $320 for 20 children, $360 for 25 children, $13,50 for each additional child. Each party includes fresh baked pizzas, Blue Bell ice cream cups, drinks, Invitations. Themed party room for 2 hours, Games, Balloons and paper products, a visit from the Kangarooz mascot, a gift for the birthday child. All you have to do is bring the cake.

Oak Hollow Farm

928-4840, 14210 Greeno Road, Fairhope, www.oakhollowfarm.net For your next party, check out all the fun and relaxing things you can do at Oak Hollow Farm. With over 300 acres of land, you can choose as few or as many activities as you like: Horseback Riding, Giant Slide, Playground, Hay Rides, Space Walks, Fishing, Farm Animals and more! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about our over 6,000 sq ft rustic barn. It is a great place to have refreshments, line-dance or even karaoke!

Paint Party Studios

343-2423, 6729-D Spanish Fort Blvd, www. paintpartystudios.com. Paint Party Studios offers wonderful art parties or children ages 4 and up with different packages sure to fit your needs. Package A is $200 for up to 15 children, 90 min. $10 each additional child. Package B is $300 for up to 15 children, 2 hours, $10 each additional

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Paint’n Pals

654-2313, 28600 US Hwy 98 (Next to Bangkok Tai), www.paintandpals.com. Paint parties are fun for birthdays, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, holiday parties, baby showers and other special occasions. Paint parties are not just for adults! Schedule a paint party for your child’s birthday or graduation at either our Mobile studio or Daphne location. To find out more about having a paint party for your child, visit our website.

Rawhide Boarding Stables

251-928-7897, Highway 3, Fairhope. We can bring our horses and/or ponies to your birthday party or special event, or we also do birthday parties at our stables, with a Cowboy or Cowgirl theme.

Spanish Fort Kids Park

626-4884, This castle-like park, located just behind City Hall in Spanish Fort, was built by volunteers for the enjoyment of the community. The pavilion can be reserved for special occasions, such as birthday parties and reunions. Please contact City Hall for more information.

Swatters Sports Complex

968-4864, 21431 Co. Rd. 12 S., Foley 2 or 3 hr. parties available. No limit on guests Package includes use of our 10,000 sq ft field, the “party” room and 20 rounds of batting. A party may play a variety of games such as kickball, soccer, flag football, whiffle ball. We supply the equipment for the games. Parties may bring in food and drinks as well as any decorations or party supplies. Parent involvement is encouraged. Swatters is an all indoor sports facility offering party packages as well as a fitness center with no contract required, private and group baseball and softball lessons, speed and agility classes, summer sports specific clinics, top of the line sporting goods store, adult indoor pick up soccer and of course our 7 baseball and softball batting cages.

The Sign Lady

370-5558, thesignlady3@yahoo.com Children create adorable, one-of-a-kind seasonal signs. You choose the theme, we provide the project. Visit us on Facebook for more information.

Track, The

968-8111, 3200 Gulf Shore Pkwy, Gulf Shores, www.gulfshorestrack.com. ESP Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

2012 Vacation Bible Schools

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Eastern Shore Baptist

6847 Park Drive, Daphne (251) 626-5550, www.myesbc.net/vbs June 4-8, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Theme: “Amazing Wonders: Encounters with God’s Awesomeness” Open to kids entering K – 5th grade.

Eastern Shore Presbyterian

23050 Highway 98, Fairhope (251) 928-0977, www.easternshorepca.org Kick Off & Registration: Sunday, June 10th@ 5:30pm Monday-Friday, June 11-15, 9a.m.–12p.m. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Closing: Friday at 11:00am Ages 4 (preschool) - 6th grade (completed) Theme: “Olympian: Training Kids for Life and Godliness” Contact: Anna Davey, Director of Children’s Ministry adavey@ easternshorepca.org, 928-0977, ext. 1226

Fairhope UMC

155 S. Section St., Fairhope (251) 928-1148, www.fairhopeumc.org Sunday, June 3th - Thursday, June 7th Theme: “Sky – Everything is 68

Possible with God” Register online now through May 20th Ages Kindergarten - 6th grade

First Baptist Church

300 S. Section St., Fairhope (251) 928-8685, fbcfairhope.org June 18th - June 22th, 9 a.m. -12:45 p.m. Theme: “Amazing Wonders Aviation” Kids will travel the world over and see the seven wonders of the world. Open to children in K – 6th grade LIMITED space is available. Registration is online – visit the website Advertising: 251-929-2099

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for link to registration site. Email: dlund@fbcfairhope.org

Jubilee Baptist Church

9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne (251) 621-7095, www.jubileebaptist.com Theme: “Amazing Wonders Aviation” Kids will travel the world over and see the seven wonders of the world. July 9-13, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. VBS Dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. with camp activities following from 5:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Visit the website for registration.

Providence United Methodist Church

32200 Jimmy Faulkner Drive, Spanish Fort, (251) 626-2510 www.providencemethodist.org June 10 – 14; 5:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Theme: “Sky – Everything is Possible with God” Register on the website or call the church.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

28788 N. Main St., Daphne (251) 626-2421, www.diocgc.org/ st-pauls-daphne-alabama June 11 – 14, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. “Join us in the Rainforest for Incom”PARABLE fun!” Twos and under will be offered a program in our nursery area and ages 3 and up will enjoy a rainforest journey throughout our entire campus. Please join us for crafts, games, snacks, bible, and tons of fun! Contact: Tina Erickson

Barnwell Baptist Church

7780 US Highway 98, Fairhope/Point Clear, (251) 928-8286 www.barnwellbaptist.org Mon, July 16 – Fri, July 20

Celebration Church

8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope (251) 928-0343 www.fairhopechurch.com Mon, July 30 – Wed, Aug 1, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Celebrate Kids at Celebration Church will be telling the story of Jonah in a way never seen before. Bring your bathing suit for water slides and an appetite for adventure as we join Lexi & Link on their journey to the Forbidden City. For more info call or email austin@fairhopechurch.com. Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Daphne United Methodist Church 2401 Main St., Daphne 626-2287, www.dumc.org Theme: “Mission Space!” June 11th - 15th, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Open to rising Kindergarteners through fifth grade.

Christ the King Church

1505 Main Street, Daphne (251) 621-1640, www.ctk-daphne.org July 16-20 VBS: 4 years – 4th Grade VBS Ultimate: 5th & 6th Grade, Youth Volunteers: 7th Grade and up Contact: Alyssa Morisani (251) 709-7944

Christ Presbyterian Church

8450 Whispering Pines Rd., Daphne (251) 621-9444, www.cpcdaphne.com Check the website for dates and times or email christchurchdaphne@gmail.com.

Faith Family Fellowship

7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort (251) 626-1379 www.faithfamilyonline.org June 10-14, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  Theme: “Incrediworld Amazement Park” Ages 4K – entering 6th grade  Visit the website to pre-register.

First Baptist Church of Loxley

1050 N Alabama St., Loxley (251) 964-5700 www.fbcloxley.com June 10-15, 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Theme: “Amazing Wonders: Aviation” Ages: 3 years old thru 6th grade Call of visit website to register.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

8271 Whispering Pines Rd., Daphne (251) 621-2968 www.holytrinitydaphne.org  Theme: “Mission Space” July 11 - 13th; 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Open to rising Kindergarteners through fifth grade. Registration going on now through July 1st. Come by the church to fill out a form on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m. or call Heather Ludwig at (251) 978-5684.

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Redeemer Lutheran Church

200 South Section St, Fairhope (251) 928-8397, www.redeemerfairope.org June 4-8, 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Ride, Float or Tote...

We’ve got the loan for you!

Theme: “Amazing Desert Journey” Children make friends explore Bible stories, sing songs, do crafts, play games and eat snacks. Open to ages 2-12 More info: email redeemerfairhope@ bellsouth.net

St. James Episcopal

860 N. Section Street, Fairhope 251-928-2912, www.stjamesfairhope.org June 25-28 Visit the website for more information.

St. Lawrence Catholic Church

370 South Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-5931 www.stlawrencechurchfairhope.com June 11-15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Theme: “Follow Me to Galilee” Open to children entering K-6th grade. Spaces are limited! Call Chandra Ford at 990-8462 or email ccd@stlawrencefairhope.com for more info.

800.423.7026 now on Member FDIC

Spanish Fort United Methodist

6530 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort (251) 626-1334, www.spanishfortumc.org  June 25-29 Theme: “Sky – Everything is Possible with God”   Ages 4 (by Sept) thru completed 5th grade.  Register by June 24, 2012

Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church

6620 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort  (251) 626-1242 www.spanishfortpresbyterian.com June 6-10, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity”  Children entering K-5th Grade

Trinity Presbyterian Church

545 S. Mobile St, Fairhope (251) 928-2524, www.tpcfairhope.org July 9-13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ages K4 years – Rising 5th Grade

Advertising: 251-929-2099

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Visiting Camp Whatcha-Needa-Read One of the most memorable childhood rites of passage is the experience of ‘going to camp’. The excitement of trying new things like archery, paddle-boating, rope-climbing, trail-craft… and s’mores heighten the anticipation for the camp experience. For many kids it will be their first time away from home and family, so fears of the unfamiliar can also rise up as the departure date approaches. Perfect for tucking in the sleeping bag before heading out for the big adventure, the following titles explore the dynamics of summer camp in charming ways that both prepare first-time and entertain veteran young campers!

Camp K-9

by Mary Ann Rodman, Illustrated Nancy Hayashi (Peachtree) Part of the camp experience is learning to navigate new social dynamics. The mix of children at camp is typically different from the known quantity of classmates and neighbors. Rivalries can sprout alongside new friendships blooming at camp. When Roxie heads off to Camp K-9 (with her security blanket hidden in her pup pouch) she and her fellow campers quickly discover that Lacy is the most difficult camp-mate to deal with. She’s rude, pushy and close to ruining the week for everyone. But when Roxie discovers a secret that Lacy is trying to hide – the chance to turn an enemy into a friend emerges. Camp K-9 is a sweet preparation for young campers about the challenges of making new friends and the rewards that follow when you reach out to someone struggling to make friends.

Tacky Goes to Camp

by Helen Lester, Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Summer camp in the Antarctic is still a chilly affair at best, but an intrepid group of young perfectly packed penguins are ready to enjoy everything camp has to offer. And then, there’s Tacky. Definitely marching to the beat of a different drummer, Tacky takes everything from arts & crafts to canoeing to a new level of messy chaos with his boisterous, eccentric individuality. Unlike his orderly, organized penguin counterparts, it seems that Tacky doesn’t contribute much to the camp team efforts until an unexpected campfire tale comes to life and only Tacky’s talent for trouble may save the expedition!

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

by Marla Frazee (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) In this Caldecott Honors award-winning title from Marla Frazee, ‘A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever’ shares the story of two boys spending a week away from home with grandparents at the shore, while they attend camp during the days. The literal story of their daily adventures (day-camping and grandparent pampering) is balanced by the ‘real’ story told in the illustrations and captions. Delightful with its celebration of the simplest pleasures of spending a week with a friend, of being wonderfully spoiled by grandparents, and of getting away from home for a while, this book is a sure hit for kids heading to camp or simply spending a week away from home for summer adventure! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Public Library Activities Daphne Public Library

Fairhope Public Library

2607 US Hwy 98 251-621-2818

501 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-7483

Hours Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday 1 - 6 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday Closed

Hours Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday Closed

Storytimes, Activities, & Crafts

Weekly Activities

Lapsit (ages 2 and under), Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers (ages 3-5), Wednesdays 2 p.m. School Age Story Time (ages 5-8), Thursdays 10:30 a.m. After School Kids Story Time Thursdays 3:45 p.m.

Lapsit Storytime (ages 2 & under with caregiver present) Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.; Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5 with caregiver present) Mondays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.; Spanish Story Time with Carolina Neves Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.; Elementary Art (Kindergarten-3rd grade) Thursdays, 4 p.m.; Tween Tuesdays (Ages 9-12) Tuesdays, 4 p.m.; Teen Night (13 & Up) Mondays, 4:30 p.m.

Feed an alligator! Call for details.

See over 200 alligators up close! Nature walk on elevated boardwalk.

Daphne Teens

Teen Advisory Board Meetings - 2nd Tues. of each month, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Get up close and personal with our alligators! “Mighty Max” “Prince Eric” “Crunch” “B.A.” and

“R.J.”

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View feeding times. Field Trips/Birthday Parties available. Fun for the entire family!

Safe for kids!

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Have the best Birthday Party ever here at Alligator Alley!

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Library Orange Beach Public Library

26267 Canal Road 251-980-2360 Hours Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9-6 Wednesday, Thursday 9-8 Saturday 9-3 Sunday Closed

Storytimes and Activities

• Preschool Storytime, every Tuesday, 10 a.m. • Books are Great (children of all ages), Tuesdays 3 p.m. • Pokemon Club (children of all ages), Saturdays 10 a.m. • iPad Basics Course, May 17 and May 31, at 3:00 p.m. Attendees must bring their own iPad. To register please visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org and click on Events or call 251-981-2923.

Foley Public Library 319 East Laurel Avenue 251-943-7665

Storytimes

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. (Wednesdays are repeat programs) Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Homeschooling Comes of Age by Malia Jacobson

Once thought of as an educational offramp for a select few, homeschooling is now a viable option for families that might not have considered it a decade ago. The population of homeschooled students grew by about 7 percent from 2007 to spring 2010. According to Brian D. Ray, Ph.D., founder and president of Salem, Ore.–based National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), there are now 2.04 million homeschooled students in the U.S.—an increase of 140 percent since the turn of the last century. Thanks to lowered social stigma around homeschooling, it’s no longer something that’s left wing or right wing, reserved for the ultraconservative or new agers, says Ray. “It’s clearly a viable option for mainstream America.” According to the NCES, parents’ top reasons for choosing homeschooling have remained consistent: the desire to provide moral education, concerns about the school environment and dissatisfaction with the academic instruction at local schools. The overarching theme, says Ray, is that most parents who choose to homeschool believe they can provide a better education at home, and they embrace their right to do so. That aspect of homeschooling hasn’t changed. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Technology fuels a surge of interest in homeschool

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So then, what has changed about homeschooling in the past decade? What is prompting families to jump onboard? According to Ray, it’s a combination of technology-aided learning and a corresponding surge in educational options for homeschoolers, from free, government-run online schools and online tutoring to turnkey DVD curricula. 78

These new educational offerings do more than crowd display booths at homeschooling conferences. They remove a major access barrier to homeschooling—the need to have a parent at home full time. By reducing the intimidation factor, the isolation and even the parental workload once associated with homeschooling, online schools and complete-schoolin-a-box curricula make it possible for Advertising: 251-929-2099

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working parents, single parents and other nontraditional homeschoolers to successfully educate their kids at home. Parents can choose from a growing menu of options to completely customize their child’s education, and that’s extremely appealing, says Ray. “With the variety of support systems, curricular materials and online support services that are available, there is absolutely no lack of anything that a homeschooling family could want,” he says. Mike Beery, who homeschools his children Grace,11, and Gavin, 8, finds balance with a DVD homeschooling curriculum that provides video instruction and lesson plans for each child. It’s rigorous and fairly structured, and because the lesson plans come already tailored to each child’s grade level, Beery doesn’t need to spend hours each night preparing the next day’s schoolwork—something he doesn’t have the time for, since he often works at night. Prepping for each day takes about five minutes, he says. “My wife and I provide support and help when the kids need it. She helps with math; I’m the history person. But they’re old enough to work pretty

independently now.” Most days, the kids spend their mornings on lessons; Beery oversees their work and stays in touch with clients. Afternoons are spent at swim lessons, sports classes and other activities. Technology-supported home learning also addresses the unique challenges faced by single and divorced parents. For childbirth educator Kelli Barr-Lyles of Spanaway, Wash., a divorced parent, a free online school, The Columbia Virtual Academy, is a way for her to meet her ex-husband halfway. Her two sons, Jonathan, 13, and Christopher, 9, check in regularly with a learning adviser and fill out monthly accountability worksheets. The system builds learning outcomes into her style of “unschooling” while providing enough structure to keep her former husband, who favors more traditional education, happy. “It drives me crazy, but it holds me accountable,” she says. Technology facilitates learning in a way that homeschooling’s early pioneers couldn’t have dreamed of, says BarrLyles. Christopher is studying computer

Technology also increases the feeling of being connected and creates a sense of community, says Barr-Lyles. Finding support is important, especially as kids get older and the playdates and parent-child gym classes that once provided regular interaction with other homeschoolers taper off. Luckily, the nearest homeschool group is usually just a few clicks away on the web. “There’s plenty of support out there,” she says. She belongs to “at least a dozen” homeschooling support groups through Yahoo and Meetup.com. (Find local homeschool support groups in the listing immediately following this article.) Debra Green of Aurora, Colo., didn’t have the benefit of online support when she homeschooled her first two

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animation, something she doubts he would be able to pursue at a traditional middle school. Whether this is a real interest or a passing phase, she’s more than happy to help him follow his current passion. “The best thing about homeschool is the level of customization it offers. I can follow their interests.”

251.445.8900

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

7241 Dolphin Street

DAPHNE

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

each other and help each other.” Community programs, often facilitated and managed online, allow homeschooling families to circumvent one of the primary challenges associated with homeschooling: socialization. The perception that homeschooled children aren’t well socialized just isn’t true, says Beery. Through community homeschooling programs, such as swim lessons and regular playdates, his kids interact with kids of all ages, and adults, too. “That’s important. I think my kids probably get more and better socialization than they would in public school.”

By reducing the intimidation factor, the isolation and even the parental workload once associated with homeschooling, online schools and completeschool-in-a-box curricula make it possible for working parents, single parents and other nontraditional homeschoolers to successfully educate their kids at home. children, now 26 and 23. Now that she’s homeschooling her younger children, Lilly, 6, and Nathanial, 5, she draws on experience and resources from around the world through Heart of Wisdom, a worldwide Christian homeschooling group that communicates primarily through email and message boards. She organizes a local chapter, Home of Wisdom, in her hometown. Virtual support groups create camaraderie and a larger pool of resources and knowledge, she says. “We can cry to

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Tech troubles

But there can be downsides to the explosion of technology-aided homeschooling, says Ray. Often, too many choices mean that homeschooling can be overwhelming to newcomers. “When your child attends public school, the curriculum is figured out for you,” says Ray. But homeschoolers are faced

with the significant challenge of sifting through dozens of curricular offerings and countless websites and message boards to find out which approach is best for their unique child. It’s information overload, plain and simple. Starting homeschool was extremely overwhelming at first, says Barr-Lyles. “You feel like the world is on your shoulders. I know my kids better than anyone else, so I had to figure out, how are we going to do this? But you have to weed out the ‘stuff’ out there that doesn’t apply to you and your kids, and it’s hard.” Even with the world of technologyaided learning at their fingertips, modern homeschoolers shouldn’t discount the importance of face-to-face support. Local support groups, with their meetings, group activities and field trips, are always going to serve an important role, Ray notes. “People still want — and need — high-touch interactions,” he says. “I think that piece is never going to go away.” ESP Freelance writer Malia Jacobson was homeschooled in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Her homeschool memories involve trekking to far-flung bookstores every fall to pick out textbooks and workbooks.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Family Calendar Ongoing

American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit www. asama.org. Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251-344-0536 ext. 104. Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope. The Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale. Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www. easternshoreartcenter.com. The Exploreum Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; Youth (13 - 18) & Senior Citizens (60+)/ $12.50; Children/ $12. Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.exploreum.com or call 251-208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile. Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474. Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson. Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www. mariettajohnson.org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

June2012

more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www. weeksbay.org.

Classes/Meetings

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Monday of each month. The meeting is held at Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave, in Daphne from 6-7:30 p.m. Parent, Youth/Teen group and childcare is available. Topic discussions by adoption professionals and ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information call 251-460-2727 or 1-800489-1886 or www.childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counseling services to adoptive families. Breastfeeding Class Held Monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at Thomas Hospital’s Wellness Center in Fairhope. 6 – 8 p.m. No pre-registration required. Free. Cancer Support Group-Family Connected by Ribbons Support group for cancer survivors, friends and family. Open to any types of cancer. Every first Thursday of every month from 6 - 8 p.m. Morphy Conference Room (Old ER entrance) at Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Preregistration not required. Call 209-1229 for more information. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email Kristin at fairhopemops@yahoo.com for more info. High Hopes and CAAR (Center for Autism and Asperger Resources) Support group for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other development delays in the High Hopes Classroom at St. Benedict School. St. Benedict is located at 12786 South Illinois Street, Elberta. Meetings are held every other Monday at 6 p.m. lead by Rachael Mueller, M. Ed, BCBA, High Hopes Director. Children are welcome. For more information visit www.highhopes4pdd.org. Infant CPR and Safety Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required.  To register call 279-1373.  Saturdays, 4-6 p.m. June 6; Aug. 4; Oct. 6; Dec. 1. Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7 – 7:30 p.m., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 mile east of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www.FitzpenPlace. com. www.Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251-621-6665 or 251-377-4069. Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope)   Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 2-July 30; Aug. 13-Sept.10; Sept. 24-Oct.22;  Nov. 5-Dec. 3; Dec. 10-Jan.14. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 9; Aug. 4; Oct. 6; Dec. 1. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.  Aug. 14-Sept. 4; Sept. 18-Oct. 9;Oct. 16-Nov. 6; Nov. 20-Dec. 11. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. June 14-July 12; July 19-Aug. 16; Aug. 30-Sept. 27; Oct. 11-Nov. 8; Nov.11- Dec. 27. Preregistration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit

www.thomashospital.com for upcoming classes and registration. Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or more information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251- 928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@ bellsouth.net. Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No Pre-registration required. Pre-admission Sessions Held on the first and third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required. . June 4; June 18; July 2; July16; Aug. 6; Aug. 20; No Session Sept. 3; Sept. 17; Oct. 1; Oct. 15;  Nov. 5; Nov. 19; Dec. 3; Dec. 17  PUMC Caregiver Support Group A new support group for caregivers of aging parents and others is discussing “boundaries” at monthly meetings open to the community. The public is invited to be a part of this support group, which meets monthly at Providence UMC, located between Spanish Fort High School and Middle School at 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Dr. For more information about the new support group, call the church office at (251) 626-2510 or email pumc.office@bellsouth. net. For more information about Providence UMC, call the church office or visit the website at www. providencemethodist.org. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148. Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance Studio, located behind Pizza Hut across from Thomas Hospital. 251 South Greeno, Fairhope. $5 per class (fee may be higher with special guest instructors). For more information Contact Ben Samel at 605-2657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol.com.

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Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-4771104 for more information. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for more information. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month

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from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Diabetes Support Group Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center. Call 279-1700 for more information. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Meetings are held every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251965-6264 for more information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 455-9919 for more information. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 626-6337 for more information.

Friday, June 1

Chicago Street Farmers Market Music and a Movie in Heritage Park Come out to Heritage Park in Foley from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. every Friday through June 29 for the Chicago Street Farmers Market. Local farmers will be selling fresh produce, plants, honey, eggs, baked goods, and more. Live entertainment will begin at 6 p.m., and at dusk a feature movie presentation will be played on the giant inflatable movie screen! Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets (or purchase concessions sold on site) and come out to Heritage Park for an

evening under the stars! (251) 943-1300 / www. cityoffoley.org. First Friday Artwalk Downtown Fairhope, 6 – 8 p.m., First Friday of every month. Exhibit openings with guest artists, refreshments and live entertainment at a variety of venues; map of participating venues, including specialty shops and restaurants, available at the Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St., Fairhope.  Free. (251) 928-2228/ www.esartcenter. com. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, JL Bedsole IMAX Theater (65 Government St.). Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Viewers, for the first time in film history, are taken straight into the heart of an actual tornado. Now Through Sun, Sept. 9. Tues. – Sun; closed most Mondays. See website for showtimes. Adults/ $8; youth & senior citizens/ $6.75; children/ $6.   For more information. (877) 625-FUN www.exploreum.com. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Something strange is taking shape at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center this summer! Strange Matter lets visitors catch a glimpse of where the future of materials research might take us. Strange Matter’s hands-on technologies and interactive experiences reveal the intriguing and remarkable properties and applications of modern materials that appear in such high-tech fields as cardiac surgery

and the space program, as well as items used in everyday life. Now through Sept. 3. For ticket information and hours, visit www.exploreum.com or call 251.208.6880.

Saturday, June 2

Fairhope’s Bald Eagle Bash Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center. Enjoy a Taste of Weeks Bay featuring Alabama Wild Shrimp prepared by top local restaurants, with live entertainment provided by Locust Fork Band. Benefits The Weeks Bay Foundation and Estuarine Research Reserve. Admission charged. For details, call (251) 990-5004 or visit www.BaldEagleBash. com. LuLu’s Fresh Art Market Every Saturday through Labor Day, visit LuLu’s for an afternoon of celebrating sand, sun, and Arts and Crafts from local and surrounding area artists! A portion of the proceeds of every sale go to Baldwin County Public Schools fine arts departments through LuLu’s LOVE FUND, 200 East 25th Ave, Gulf Shores 251.967.LULU (5858); www.lulubuffett. com. Storytime at Page & Pallete A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole, by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano. 2 p.m. An interactive presentation about the author’s latest book. What is a black hole? Where do they come from? How were they discovered? Can we visit one? The author takes readers on a ride through the galaxies (ours, and others), answering these questions and many more about the phenomenon known as a black hole.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Family Calendar Children and adults alike will learn a ton of spacey facts in this far-out book that’s sure to excite even the youngest of astrophiles. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Sunday, June 3

Jubilee Kids Triathlon by Page and Pallet 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., this SWIM, BIKE, RACE event is for children age 7-15. All proceeds will help fund the Good Life Fitness Trail by the pier. Register at www.thegoodlifefound.org or visit www. pageandpalette.com. (251) 928-5295. Dora the Explorer visits Waterville USA! 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Come see Dora at Waterville USA! Have your picture made with Dora then enjoy the waterpark and amusement park for a day of fun in the sun! Amusement Park is Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Water Park is Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores. (251) 948-2106; www. watervilleusa.com.

Tuesday, June 5

IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Wednesday, June 6

Summer Garden Walk With Barbara Smith Bellingrath’s Display Manager, Barbara Smith will lead a tour throughout the Gardens and answer your questions about her selection of plants for the floral borders and containers. 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Reservations Requested. Gardens Admission ($12.00 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations. Summer Reading Kick-Off! Wednesday Entertainment, 2 - 3 p.m. Join us for our Summer Reading Kick-Off with comedian Charlie ‘The Noise Guy’ Williams. Contact information 251.929.1465. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Thursday, June 7

Art in the Park: Aquatic Life Theme: “Aquatic Life” with crafts, face painting, train rides, DAR, inflatables, games, clowns, Gyrospace and more. Sponsored by Daphne Recreation. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free. W.O. Lott Park in Daphne, on Main St. (251) 621-3703. www. daphneal.com/recreation. Two for Tea at the Fairhope Museum of History Brought to you by the Friends of the Museum on Thursdays at 2 p.m., $2 donation requested. This week: Jewell Moody is a rocket scientist that worked with Von Braun. He will talk about his work with NASA’s space program. For More Information Call 251-929-1471.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

June2012

Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market Held every Thursday evening from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. behind the Fairhope Public Library through July 12. The market will provide a wide variety of local produce, fruits, local honey, fresh cut flowers, plants, baked goods and more! There will be live entertainment at the market provided by local artist Daniel Dennis. The Fairhope Public Library will be providing story times and activities each week at 4:30 p.m. for children. For additional information visit http://fairhopelibrary.org/kids.htm. For additional information about the market call 929-1466. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Friday, June 8

Chicago Street Farmers Market Music and a Movie in Heritage Park See June 1 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Saturday, June 9

LuLu’s Fresh Art Market See June 2 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Sunday, June 10

Sponge Bob Square Pants at Waterville USA 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Have your picture made with Sponge Bob and then enjoy the waterpark and amusement park for a day of fun in the sun! Amusement Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Water Park Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 906 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores. (251) 948-2106; www.watervilleusa.com. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Monday, June 11

Movie Monday: The Adventures of Tin Tin Fairhope Public Library, 2 p.m. 501 Fairhope Ave; Fairhope. 251- 928.7483, www.fairhopelibrary.org.

Learn about the beautiful antique cast iron ornaments throughout the Gardens with Bellingrath’s Curator, Tom McGehee. 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Reservations Requested. Gardens Admission ($12.00 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations. Wet & Wild Summer Fun in the Park W.O. Lott, Main St., Daphne, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (251) 621-3703. Free. Wednesday Entertainment at Fairhope Library Join us for Mark Seymour’s Be-At Your Best drum and music extravaganza! 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Contact information 251.929.1465. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Thursday, June 14

Two for Tea at the Fairhope Museum of History Thursdays at 2 p.m. $2 donation requested. This week: “Causeway Day” - join us on this day to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the opening of the causeway. Brought to you by the Friends of the Museum. For More Information Call 929-1471. Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market See June 7 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

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Saturday, June 16

Wednesday, June 13

Sunday, June 17

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Located at the Foley Soccer Complex, approximately 50 balloonists from across the country participate in this event. There will be food and arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, a children’s village and more. Balloons will fly (weather permitting) early in the morning and at dusk. For more information call (251) 943-3291 or visit www. gulfcoastballoonfestival.com. Chicago Street Farmers Market Music and a Movie in Heritage Park See June 1 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

From the Furnace to the Gardens: A Look at Antique Cast Iron in Bellingrath Gardens

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Friday, June 15

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival See June 15 for details. LuLu’s Fresh Art Market See June 2 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Tuesday, June 12

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival See June 15 for details.

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Monday, June 18

Movie Monday: Alice in Wonderland Fairhope Public Library, 2 p.m. Contact information 251.929.1465.

Tuesday, June 19

IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Wednesday, June 20

Kids’ Gulf Discovery Day & Kids’ Kruise Learn about the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico and Fowl River from area experts. Lot of activities and displays for kids. Two Kids’ Kruises with Casi Callaway and Dauphin Island Sea Lab staff. 11:00 cruise and a lunch cruise a noon. 10:00 - 1:00. Reservations Required for Lunch Kruise. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations. Wet & Wild Summer Fun in the Park W.O. Lott, Main St., Daphne, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (251) 621-3703. Free. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Thursday, June 21

Two for Tea at the Fairhope Museum of History Thursdays at 2 p.m, $2 donation requested, This week: Jonathan Smith is the Director of Planning and Zoning. He will talk about the “Complete Streets and the New Street Striping.”Brought to you by the Friends of the Museum. For More Information Call 251-929-1471. Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market See June 7 for details. Storytime: Summer Beach Stories Join us for Summer Beach Stories as Miss Connie and Miss Stephanie lead vacation activities at Page and Palette! 4 p.m. Page and Pallet, 32 S Section St., Fairhope. 251.928.5295; www.pageandpalette.com. 11th Eastern Shore Chamber Golf Tournament 11 a.m. Golf Tournament to help raise money for the Youth Leadership Program. Lunch and Dinner Served, awards, door prizes. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Friday, June 22

Chicago Street Farmers Market Music and a Movie in Heritage Park See June 1 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum

Science Center See June 1 for details.

Saturday, June 23

LuLu’s Fresh Art Market See June 2 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Sunday, June 24

IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Monday, June 25

Movie Monday: Monsters, Inc. Fairhope Public Library, 2 p.m. 501 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope. 251- 928.7483, www.fairhopelibrary.org.

Tuesday, June 26

IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Family Calendar Wednesday, June 27

Hibiscus with Dr. Bill Barrick Dr. Barrick has declared this the year of the Hibiscus at Bellingrath Gardens. Learn more about these beautiful plants and how we have used them in the Gardens. We will be selling Hibiscus plants in the Gift Shop, too! 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Reservations Requested. Plant Sale in Gift Shop. Gardens Admission ($12.00 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations. Wet & Wild Summer Fun in the Park W.O. Lott, Main St., Daphne. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (251) 621-3703. Free. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Thursday, June 28

Two for Tea at the Fairhope Museum of History Thursdays at 2 p.m, $2 donation requested. This week: Terry Cline will talk about his book The Return of Edgar Cayce. Brought to you by the Friends of the Museum. For More Information Call 929-1471. Fairhope’s Summer Outdoor Market See June 7 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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Science Center See June 1 for details.

Friday, June 29

Saturday, June 30

LuLu’s Fresh Art Market See June 2 for details. IMAX Film: Tornado Alley See June 1 for details. “Strange Matter” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center See June 1 for details.

Looking Ahead...

4th of July Events: • Fairhope Fireworks Display on the Pier 7:30 Baldwin Pops Concert on the Bluff; 9 p.m. fireworks. (251) 990-0218. Free. • Daphne Jubilee Independence Day Celebration Trione Sports Complex, Free. (251) 621-3703. • Gulf Shores - Main Beach, 101 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores

Visible from any Gulf Shores area beach. Rain date July 5th. Free. July 11. Herbs 101 With Annette Daugherty from The Gulf Coast Herb Society. If you want to learn more about growing, preserving and cooking with herbs … this is the program for you. 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Reservations Requested. Bellingrath Gardens Admission ($12.00 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations. July 18. Growing Citrus on the Gulf Coast John Olive from the Auburn University Ornamental Horticulture Research Center will help us learn more about growing citrus and how to protect our citrus from pests and disease. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Reservations Requested. Bellingrath Gardens Admission ($12.00 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations.

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

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

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Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

Men in Black III

Snow White and the Huntsman

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: D+ Sexual Content: BLanguage: C Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Men in Black III PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content. There’s a softer side to Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), the surly, alienzapping Men in Black secret operative, but you have to go 40 years into the past to get a glimpse of it. Still it is an unexpected surprise for Agent J (Will Smith) who time travels back to the 1960s to intercede on his partner’s and the world’s behalf. It all begins when the intergalactic criminal, Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clemnt), escapes from a supposedly impregnable prison located on the moon. Bent on avenging the crusty agent who incarcerated him, Boris accesses a device developed to let him time jump. His plan is to bump off the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) and change the course of history. While Agent K is Boris’ intended target, the gruesome looking extraterrestrial isn’t opposed to mowing down anyone who gets in his path, impaling them in the head with dart-like weapons and hanging his victims on the wall. He is also responsible when a squadron of prison guards, along with the female accomplice (Nicole Scherzinger) that helped Boris escape his shackles, are sucked into space. Other violence features an alien that is beaten about the head with a frying pan and a host of creatures blasted to bits with the secret agency’s specialized guns. While these fantastical portrayals make up most of this movie’s content, profanities and racial slurs are also found in the script. Yet in comparison to the first two films in this franchise (Men in Black and Men in Black 2) this third outing offers a stronger storyline with more comic relief provided by the goofy visionary Griffin (Michael Stuhlbarg) and artist Andy Warhol (Bill Hader). Fed up with his partner’s perpetually prickly persona, Agent J finally recognizes the depth of their alliance, albeit an uncommunicative one, when he is given the opportunity to preserve K’s life. Only then does he discover the events and choices that have forged the character of his wizened and tightlipped co-worker. Although this alien adventure is still more suitable for older teens and adults, the back-story that unfolds gives audiences a whole new appreciation for the relationship these Men in Black share.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: D+ Sexual Content: B Language: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated Snow White and the Huntsman PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action and brief sensuality. Evil has never been better clothed than in the sumptuous robes worn by Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) in Snow White and the Huntsman. After duping the grieving widower King Magnus (Noah Huntley) into marrying her, she stabs him in the heart on the night of their nuptials and crowns herself ruler. Then she opens the castle’s gate to let in her equally demonic brother (Sam Spruell) and his army. Obsessed with her looks, Ravenna frequently asks her magical mirror to confirm her status as the fairest in the land. She bathes in milk and then lets her starving subjects drink it. And when a whisper of a wrinkle appears on her brow, she restores her ageless beauty by literally sucking the youth and vitality out of the most attractive women in the kingdom. But when the King’s imprisoned daughter Snow White (Kristen Stewart) comes of age, the mirror declares her to be more beautiful than any other. Sending for the young royal, Ravenna intends to devour her loveliness as well. Luckily, Snow White escapes from her cell and rushes into the Dark Forest. Outraged, the Queen coerces a drunken, insolent Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) into following the princess and retrieving her from the magical woods. However, when he stumbles upon the feisty escapee, he has a change of heart… thus setting up a love triangle when Snow White’s childhood friend (the Prince played by Sam Claflin) reappears. More reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers’ tale than Disney’s 1937 animation, this dark script teems with gruesome depictions and grisly deaths. Even the dwarfs are a more uncouth bunch. (Despite that, they provide the only comic relief in this otherwise gloomy narrative.) One of many retellings of this ancient story, Snow White and the Huntsman includes the elements of this classic text. But for families with younger viewers, this is a more violent and bloody adaptation then the sanitized fairytales we are familiar with today.

What Parents need to know about Snow White...

Violence: Scores of characters are killed in battles involving swords, axes, fiery missiles and knives. Others receive bloody wounds. A man is stabbed in the chest and some blood is seen. A child sees her dead father with the knife in his chest. A woman tears a bird’s heart out with her fingers and then eats it. A man is raked along the face with a large nail. A woman repeatedly hits her brother. A woman attempts to dress a man’s bloody chest injury. A huge monster chases characters. Women scar their faces and the faces of their daughters to protect them from the Queen. A character is impaled on a tree. A man takes an arrow for another character. His death scene is shown and the body is later burned. A woman’s face blisters in a fire. Sexual Content: Sensual depictions include a naked woman entering and exiting a bath (no specific nudity is seen). Her bare back is seen again later. Women wear low cut or off the shoulder clothing that often accentuate their bosoms. Brief kissing and hugging is shown. Brief sexual innuendo is included. A brother kisses his sister on the neck and lays his head against hers. Language: Contains infrequent profanities and some bathroom humor.

What Parents need to know about Men in Black III...

Violence: Numerous characters are impaled in the head and body with dart-like weapons; some blood is shown. The bodies of dead guards cover the floor of a prison. Gruesome and grotesque characters are blasted to bits. Men and aliens are slapped, hit and punched in the face. One alien is repeatedly hit in the head with a frying pan. A man jumps from a tall building. A suicide attempt is shown. A man is shot in the chest and another loses his hand in a shoot out. Sexual Content: A man sticks his unusually long tongue into a woman’s mouth. Brief sexual innuendo is included. Females model clothing that barely covers their bodies. A woman wears a provocative, leather dress. Language: The script contains profanities, scatological slang, derogatory racial statements, terms of Deity and a crude term for male anatomy. Alcohol / Drug Use: Liquor is depicted at parties and in a home setting. A man makes a comment about getting high. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2012

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T O N S I D RE . R O L O C YO U R PUT YOUR SUNSCREEN ON!

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One person dies of melanoma ever y hour. One blistering sunburn in childhood can double your chances of developing melanoma.

Use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and apply 20-30 minutes before going outdoors. Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition alabamacancercontrol.org facebook.com/ ALCompCancerCoalition