Give our kids every chance to get better.
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When my kids fall down or get tummy aches, I give them the best mommy medicine I have: hugs, kisses and lots and lots of colorful bandages. And when injury or illness threatens kids’ lives, I’m so grateful for children’s hospitals—with care designed for kids. But as great as children’s hospitals are, they need our help to ensure EVERY kid has the chance to get better. Please join me in supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®.
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May2017
Volume 9 Number 12
Columns
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6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton
8 Living With Children
The TemperamentSavvy Parent Helping introverted or highly sensitive kids thrive.
Knowing Your Child’s Learning Style What is your child’s learning style and why is it important?
58 72 76 74
John Rosemond
16 Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
44 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
46 Dave Says Dave Ramsey
52 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
Homeschool Guide
Our listing shares local and national resources for your homeschooling journey.
11 Secrets to Happy Moms
Practices to help you stay positive and feel good.
70 Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
91 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Kyra (4) and Krista (9), daughters of Donald and Khalilah Burton of Daphne. Krista enjoys reading, writing short stories, crafting, and gymnastics. She has a big heart and loves raising money for non-profits. Kyra loves dolls, ballet and tap dancing. She is excited about starting kindergarten in the fall. The family worships together at Restoration Fellowship Ministries in Daphne. Special thanks to Hazel’s Market in Daphne for the beautiful cover setting.
Departments 10
Bits and Pieces 18
School Bits 80
Family Calendar 92
Movie Reviews
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Publisher’sNote May is here and that means we are rounding the corner towards summer break! I have to say I feel sorry for the teachers and administrators who are probably also suffering from spring fever, but still have to maintain focus and decorum in a class full of kiddos who are ready for summer. Wrapping up the school year means doing a little planning for the upcoming year. Many students and parents are discussing electives, whether or not to choose advanced classes, and for the older kids, plans after graduation. With all of these decisions in mind a parent can’t help but reflect on this past school year. We think about our kids’ learning styles and interests, and how to provide the best educational experience based on those characteristics. Karen Johnson has provided some helpful insights in this month’s article, Your Child’s Learning Style and Why It is Important. Figuring out if your child is a tactile learner, a social learner, or maybe one of the other seven styles can help you make educational decisions going forward. Also included are some examples to help you decide what style your child may lean towards most. Making decisions about education and career paths not only depends on learning styles, but personality traits should also be considered. Christina Katz explains in her article, The Temperament-savvy Parent: Helping Introverted & Highly Sensitive Kids Thrive, that there is no one personality trait better than another and there are several activities to help your child thrive. Learning more about your child’s personality can not only help you guide your child toward enrichment programs that may be a good fit, but can also help you better understand your child. From nurturing your child to navigating education decisions, I think we can all agree that parenting can be tough. Rewarding, but tough. Add in carpool, dinner, laundry and the endless list of other responsibilities parents face each day, and it can be downright exhausting! It is important that we take time to rejuvenate and focus on ourselves every now and then. Don’t let the mom/dad guilt kick in either. Taking time for yourself will refresh you and make you a better parent, along with letting the children see you as a person, not just Mom or Dad. Read 11 Secrets of Happy Moms where Christa Melnyk Hines focuses on just that. She gives moms (and dads) suggestions of ways they can de-stress from parenting exhaustion. Each month we provide our readers with helpful resource guides and in this month’s issue you will find two. On page 58, our Homeschool Resource Directory is for families who are considering homeschooling as an option. If you are still planning out your summer and looking for some fun activities for your children, then you will want to turn to page 72 for our list of Vacation Bible Schools. Looking for activities for the whole family? Check out the Family Calendar on page 80. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the class of 2017! I know all us parents are over the moon proud of you all. If you know me, then this is meant for you because the ones I know are insightful, kind, smart, talented and strong. It is a pleasure to know you. If you are our future, then we are in good hands. Congratulations and God bless each and every one of you on your next adventure. Be safe (and remember to call your parents). To all the moms, Happy Mother’s Day! Being a mom is not always easy and it is not always fun, but it is worth it. As I heard someone so colorfully describe, being a mom is like riding a roller coaster. The important thing is to hang on and enjoy the ride. Wishing everyone a joy-filled May!
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.
lynn@easternshoreparents.com
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Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Karen Johnson Christina Katz Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith
Cover Photography Stephanie Hanway www.StephanieHanwayPhotography.com
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President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Traci Calvert Danielle Nicholas ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Ad Design Tim Welch
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 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
Lynn Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Is “1950s Parenting” Really Best? Q: You seem to blame all of America’s parenting woes on mental health professionals and imply that if parents still raised kids as did people in the 1950s and before, they wouldn’t be having the problems they’re having today. But times have changed, John. Is it realistic to think that children can still be raised like their grandparents were raised? A: Times have always changed. Since America’s colonial beginnings in the 17th Century, every generation has put their own stamp on culture. Demographics, technology, politics, economics…you name it, it has changed, and constantly so. But through it all, the fundamental understandings that informed child-rearing remained unchanged, the simple reason being that children, unlike the “times,” do not change from one generation to another. That’s why my parents approached the responsibility of raising children pretty much the same way as had their parents, who had raised their kids the way they themselves had been raised, and so on. In the 1960s, mental health professionals claimed that traditional child rearing was psychologically harmful. They proposed a radically new approach based on equally radical understandings and principles. Psychologists like best-selling author Thomas Gordon (“Par-
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
ent Effectiveness Training”) proposed that families should be child-centered, children’s emotions contained deep meaning, and the parent-child relationship was a relationship between equals; ergo, children should be given equal sway when it came to making family decisions. The results of this paradigm shift have been disastrous. Child mental health has plummeted. The raising of children, once regarded as a straightforward process guided by common sense and traditional principles, has become the single most stressful thing a woman will attempt in her entire life. And yes, I blame the mental health professional community – my colleagues – for this debacle because they were its architects. Ironically, they have also profited greatly from it. If one shrinks from the political incorrectness of “blame,” then insert “hold responsible.” To raise children the way children were raised before the psychological parenting revolution of the late 1960s means to adhere to a short list of fundamental principles of fact: 1. The family operates best when parents, not children, are the center of attention; when parents run the show. 2. For the most part (95 percent, by my estimate), a child’s feelings mean nothing except that his feelings, like his behavior, are in need of outside discipline.
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3. Obedience to parental authority improves the mental and emotional health of children. That is confirmed by both research and common sense. 4. Proper child-rearing is not all about the child in question; rather, it is an act of love for one’s neighbors, broadly defined. 5. The ultimate purpose of raising a child is not to produce a high achiever; rather, it is to produce a person of character, a good citizen. Grades are less important than manners. Those principles are based on the unassailable understanding that children do not know what they need; they only know what they want. The adults in their lives are responsible for giving them everything they need and very little of what they want, thus properly preparing them for adulthood. Those understandings are timeless; they did not expire upon non-renewal by my generation. There are better and worse ways of expressing them, but they are as valid today as they were sixty-plus years ago. Per the title of my latest book, it turns out that Grandma was right after all. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.
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5th Annual Crawfish Bash
Taste of the Towns
The annual Taste of the Towns event is scheduled for Thursday evening, May 11 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center located on the east end of the Causeway. Over 20 restaurants will be participating with taste venues galore, live music and both silent and live auction items. Over the years this event has generated revenue to help fund numerous worthy causes for children, such as Reading is Fundamental, Ruff Wilson Youth Center, Eliminate, Care House, Prodisee Pantry, Camp ASCCA, Graduating Senior Scholarships, etc. Tickets are $30 in advance or can be purchased for $35 the day of the event at the door. Tickets available online, www.daphnespanishfortkiwanis.org at the following locations: BBVA Compass Bank in Fairhope, Riviera Utilities in Daphne, Lad Drago’s State Farm Insurance office in Spanish Fort. Please feel free to contact Richard Geiger, President of Kiwanis Club of Daphne Spanish Fort (251-716-3835) or Gray Englebert, Director of the Taste of the Towns (334-430-2345) for tickets or additional information.
Make plans to join the North Baldwin Chamber on Friday, June 2 for their 5th Annual Crawfish Bash to kick off summer. Complete with Crawfish, Corn and Potatoes and games for all ages, we hear this year there will even be an outdoor laser tag arena! Live music, Local Brew, Corn Hole and a Car Show. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce or online. Visit www.NorthBaldwinChamber.com/Calendar for more details and links to purchase your ticket.
2017 Miss Heritage Pageant
Orange Beach Wine Festival
The Orange Beach Wine Festival, Waves of Wine is one of the most cherished tickets on the island. This year's event will take place Saturday, May 13 from 12 noon – 4 p.m. at Caribe Resort located at 28101 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach. The festival will feature over 120 wines, live musical acts, hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, boat tours of the bay, custom wine glasses and bag, and even craft beer, all for only $59 if you preorder online and $69 if you purchase at the gate, but tickets at the gate go fast so we encourage you to order tickets early. Each year we choose select brands from across the country to excite the various palates of guests. You will be able to roam through the large tents and meet the representatives of each wine, sample their products, and ask anything you wish about the product and its' bottle price. For more information visit www.wavesofwine.com or call 251-980-9039.
The 2017 Miss Heritage Pageant will be held Friday May 5, at the newly re-named Dougalsville School of Arts and Recreation center located at 1000 Shedrick Hardy Pkwy in Bay Minette. The program will began at 7 p.m. and the doors will open at 6. Contestants from the ages of 3-13 will compete in one of three age divisions for the titles of Petite Miss, Little Miss, and Miss Heritage. This year's theme of "Shine Your Light" will highlight the unique personalities of the individual contestant while they compete in a fitness routine, a casual wear round, and an evening wear round. The vision of the Miss Heritage pageant is to positively impact young ladies by promoting confidence, self-esteem, and diversity; and encourage them to embrace their individual cultural and ethnic background. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door. For update information and announcements like our page on Facebook @ MsHeritagePageant.
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
Come out to Halliday Park in Bay Minette on May 6 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a fun-filled day of face painting, bounce houses, and baseball. At the event you will find a variety of home-made baked goods and other treats, as well as a silent auction, with items up for grab like autographed sports memorabilia, gift certificates to local restaurants, boutiques, and salons, health and skin care products, and many more. We will also be raffling a 65 quart Yeti cooler, in the limited edition Seafoam Green color, as well as a three night stay at Seascape Resort and Condominium in Destin. Raffle tickets are available for $2 each or 6 for $10. Lifesouth will also be on hand, conducting a blood drive. Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale and Silent Auction raises money for pediatric cancer research. For more information, to volunteer, donate baked goods, or silent auction items, contact Leslie McCraney at (251) 222-2626. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
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Get Ready for a Fun Girls Night Out
Fairhope’s Girls Night Out is back, set for Thursday evening, May 11, and it promises to be even more fun than the previous events, said Alex Robinson, director of the Downtown Merchants’ Association. “All for a $20 registration fee, you’ll receive a fun T-shirt and shopping tote ‘swag bag,’ food vouchers, and an exclusive Girls Night Out coupon booklet with special deals available that night and throughout the weekend, May 11-12. The night includes great specials and fun activities at participating shops, such as trunk shows, giveaways, and refreshments. “This year’s event is the same weekend of Mother’s Day so we think it’s a great way to give mom or grandma a special treat,” Robinson said. “We saw many people out shopping and having fun with two or three generations of family last year. The Girls Night Out package is a fun way to spend time with your girlfriends, of course but it’s also a great night out with the special women in your family.” Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at M&F Casuals, The Cat’s Meow, Nix Center, or online at http://www.fairhopemerchants.com/fourth-annual-fairhope-girls-night-out/. Participants can also register the day of the event, starting at 4 p.m. at the Fairhope Welcome Center at 20 North Section Street. For more information, call 251-929-1466.
Children’s Cup Regatta Adds Kayak Races and Cruisers Crawl to Schedule of Events
The eighth annual Children’s Cup Regatta sets sail on May 13, to benefit patients from the Alabama Gulf Coast treated at Children’s of Alabama. Come enjoy a day of sailboat racing at the Fairhope Yacht Club, located at 101 Volanta Ave. New to this year’s events are the kayak races and Cruisers Crawl. Registration is $25 per boat. The Cruisers Crawl is for boats who don’t want to sail, but want to be on the water and includes a professional photo of your boat in action, dinner, mudslides and a goodie bag – registration starts at 4 p.m. and is $50 per boat. The kids activity area opens at 4 p.m. and features a waterslide, arts and crafts, games, and a chance to paint with Fairhope artist Ricky Trione. Throughout the afternoon, guests can bid on silent auction items and enjoy barbecue plates, a cash bar, and live music from Doc Rogers and the Rock Dodgers. The awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m. The youth portion of the Children’s Cup Regatta is known as “Katie’s Cup Youth Regatta” in honor of Katie Hamlin of Fairhope. As a 16-year-old Bayside Academy honor student and soccer player, Katie was diagnosed with a possible staph infection in May 2009. After falling sick a few weeks later, she was induced into a coma and put on a ventilator. She was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome and transferred to Children’s of Alabama. After seven months of treatment, Katie was able to return home and is now a walking, talking miracle. For more information or to register online, visit http://give.childrensal.org/regatta2017.
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Polo for Paws to Benefit The Haven
Point Clear Polo presents Polo for Paws, a charity polo match benefiting The Haven on Sunday, May 21. Bring your kids, friends and dog(s) for an afternoon of family fun watching polo and a special half time dog costume parade! You can enter your dog in the half time dog costume parade for a chance at the grand prize of a custom dog house by RH Radcliff Homes. Second and 3rd prizes will also be awarded. The Haven will also have on-sight pet adoption for the day. The event will be held at Sonny Hill Farms Polo Field in Point Clear. Gates open at 11:00, polo starts at 1:00. General Admission tickets are $20 per vehicle and can be purchased at gate the day of event. Tent (size maximum 10 x 10), table, chairs, picnic items are allowed. No grills or umbrellas, please. VIP tailgate spots for front row are $200. Tailgate spot includes 20x20 reserved space, 4 general admission tickets and parking for one vehicle at space . All other guests must park in general admission parking. Space is limited. For further information, to sponsor the event or to purchase your VIP tailgate spot please contact Elizabeth Radcliff at poloforpaws@gmail.com. ** ALL DOGS MUST REMAIN ON LEASH **
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Alabama Coastal Foundation to Host Coastal Seafood Craze
The Alabama Coastal Foundation is excited to host the sixth annual Coastal Seafood Craze on June 8! The Craze will partner with the Mobile Bay Bears at the Hank Aaron Stadium Event Center. The Coastal Seafood Craze invites local restaurants to feature dishes made with locally caught seafood. Also, this year we are excited to recycle the oyster shells as part of our AL Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Gulf Coast seafood is an important part of our local culture, and we need to do everything we can to support and celebrate it. We hope that you can come enjoy the best of what our local waters have to offer while enjoying a great American pastime! Mark you calendar and plan to join us! Visit our event page on Facebook with updates on participating restaurants and a link to purchase tickets. A $25 ticket includes delicious seafood, a beverage, and admission to the Bay Bears game! For more information visit our Facebooks event page - Coastal Seafood Craze.
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Win Dinner for 2 and Your Biggest Digital Billboard Selfie
To celebrate National Crab Day, the Original Oyster House is giving away dinner for two ($50 value) and a spot on its 14’ x 48’ digital billboard for the best not2crabby selfie. A not2crabby hat was specially designed as a prop for the promotion. For selfie enthusiasts, here’s an opportunity to see yourself in lights on highway 59 in Foley, Ala. To enter, participants must visit either Original Oyster House location and ask for a not2crabby hat. The participant must take a selfie wearing the official hat inside the restaurant and post the selfie on Facebook.com/OriginalOysterHouse with the hashtag #not2crabby. Winners will be selected by the Original Oyster House restaurants. Facebook likes of the selfie post and/or creativity of the selfie can improve a participant’s chances of winning. Participants can campaign for likes, by tagging after posting to the Original Oyster House Facebook page and sharing the post on their own Facebook pages. Mother/daughter selfies; Father/son selfies; sibling selfies; BFF selfies, funny face selfies, couple selfies, etc. are greatly welcome. Qualifying entries must be posted to the Original Oyster House Facebook page by June 30, 2017. Participants must be 18 years old or older to enter. Winners will be notified via Facebook Messenger and will have 24 hours to alert Original Oyster House, via Facebook Messenger, if they do not wish their photograph to be used on the digital billboard.
Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway Welcomes PEANUTS™ The Party Express Event!
Rail Events Inc. and the Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway are proud to announce PEANUTS™ The Party Express will arrive in Alabama beginning on May 13! Trains depart the Wales West depot for an adventure to visit your favorite PEANUTS™ characters during three weekends on May 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28. After riding a real steam train to the event park, passengers will be greeted by Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy upon arrival at the Flashbeagle Dance Party. Activities include a fun and interactive dance party led by a professional DJ spinning kid-friendly tracks, dance lessons with Snoopy, photo opportunities with the characters, food and beverage, and mini-train rides. Children and adults are encouraged to wear their favorite dance party attire! Trains depart daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tickets are $21 plus tax for children and adults. Kids 2 and under get in FREE. Advance reservations are recommended. For more information and reservations, please call 888-569-5337 or visit www.waleswest.com.
VBS
July 17-21, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Open to children who have completed K3 through 4th grade. Register online at www.faithfamilyonline.com 7100 Spanish Fort Bld., Spanish Fort 36527
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Mobile Baykeeper Partners With Volunteers to Host the Publix Jubilee Kids Triathlon
Mobile Baykeeper, an environmental nonprofit advocacy organization, is partnering with a group of volunteers to host the Publix Jubilee Kids Triathlon on Sunday, June 4 at the Fairhope Municipal Pier at 7:30 a.m. Presented by Altaworx and Eastern Shore Cycles, the race is open to children ages 7-15 as of December 31, 2017. This year marks the first time that Mobile Baykeeper, who also hosts the Publix Grandman Triathlon the day before the kids race on June 3 at the Fairhope Pier, will be helping put on the event. For the past seven years, a core group of dedicated volunteers have helped make this event such a huge success. Casi (kc) Callaway, race director and executive director of Mobile Baykeeper, thinks combining the two races under the same umbrella will be a great selling point for families looking to spend a weekend together in Fairhope. “Fairhope is the perfect race destination for the whole family,” said Callaway. “We really want to encourage parents to race in the Grandman on Saturday and then cheer on their children at the kid’s race on Sunday. These events are an important way to get people of all ages outside and expose them to the beautiful natural resources we have in Coastal Alabama.” For the kid’s race, participants will compete in two different waves according to their respective age. Wave One, the Long Course Super Sprint, is open for children ages 11-15 and consists of a 200-yard swim, 3-mile bike, and 1.75 mile run. Racers in this wave will compete in two different categories: 1) Mullets (Ages 13-15) and 2) Flounders (Ages 11-12). Wave Two, the Short Course, is open for children ages 7-10 and consists of a 75-yard swim, 1-mile bike, and 0.75 mile run. Racers in this wave will also compete in two different categories: 1) Crabs (Ages 9-10) and 2) Shrimp (Ages 7-8). Registration is $47.50 from May 1 – May 14 and will then increase to $50 after this time. To register, visit http://www.active.com/fairhope-al/triathlon/ races/jubilee-kids-triathlon-2017. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, please visit mobilebaykeeper.org/ jubilee-kids-triathlon or contact grandman@mobilebaykeeper.org. Proceeds from the race benefit three local non-profit organizations: Mobile Baykeeper, myTeam Triumph: Southern Alabama, and Delta Bike Project. For more information about the Publix Grandman Triathlon on June 3, please visit www.thegrandman.com or contact grandman@mobilebaykeeper.org.
What's 13ft. long and 800lbs.? Come meet Captain Crunch!
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Fallen Heroes Golf Classic Raises $40,000 For Local Charities
The Fallen Heroes 7TH Annual Golf Classic benefiting Under His Wings and the Equine
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Therapy Group was held on March 16th, at the TimberCreek Golf Course in Spanish Fort. The tournament registered 240 players and over 100 spectators. With more than 30 sponsors participating, the fundraiser resulted in $40,000 in net proceeds to go towards the building of a new home for Under His Wings and program development at the Equine Therapy Group. The familyfriendly day featured a BBQ cookout, prizes as well as live music throughout the day. Nathan Cox, CEO of Bellator Real Estate & Development and former Marine officer, began the Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament in 2007 when he began raising money for the Fallen Heroes Memorial at Battleship Memorial Park. When the project was completed in September 2015, he decided to redirect the efforts towards Under His Wings with the addition this year of another beneficiary, the Equine Therapy Group. Under His Wings helps girls in crisis have a place of refuge, and the Equine Therapy Group provides rehabilitation services for those suffering from PTSD, depression and an array of other conditions. Under His Wings was founded in 2008 by Fairhope OB/GYN, Dr. Lorena Hunt. She became aware of the lack of options for families struggling with girls in crisis. Hunt found too many gaps between the wellintentioned net of school counseling, church support groups, mental health agencies and court programs, and started the organization. Under His Wings opened its doors in 2013 as a place for girls to find refuge, renewal and a restored relationship with God. Learn more at underhiswingsbaldwin.org. The Equine Therapy Group is owned and operated in Baldwin County by Jason and Kari Whatley. They use relationships and interactions with horses to help their clients overcome a variety of situations including behavioral problems, grief, PTSD, anxiety and more. Kari Whatley, LPC says the system works because clients receive immediate and honest feedback from the horse, empowering them to learn new behaviors and accomplish their goals both in and outside the arena. For information, visit equinetherapygroup.com. 15
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
The Car Seat Rules Are Changing As many of you have seen over the past few years, there have been some new infant and booster car seat recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These recommendations are based on studies indicating increased safety for toddlers and older kids while in the seats. Today, we are going to clear all that up and review some basics rules about infant, toddler and child car seats. First, never place a car seat in the front seat, especially if there are front air bags. If the air bag deploys, it will do so right at your child’s head and could have bad results. It is recommended that all infants and children ride in a back seat. If an older child must ride in the front, move the seat as far back as possible from the dash for safety. When installing your car seat, be sure to follow the instructions. Not all car seats fit in every car! Be sure to use all available attachment devices, including seat belts, lower anchors, and tethers (the strap in your car that can attach to the head of the car seat and is critical for safety during a crash). If possible, try to avoid using a used car seat. Sometimes, if a seat has been recalled or has been in a crash and cracked, then it might not work properly for
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
your child in the event of a crash. Also, be sure to avoid car seats that are missing parts or don’t have the owner’s manual. For an infant, based on the new guidelines, it is recommended that they are in a rear-facing car seat until they are two years of age and/ or they outgrow their current seat for height and weight restrictions. This is different from the current Alabama state law stating that toddlers may turn around after one year of age and twenty pounds. It’s important to know that this is not an absolute deadline, but is to be used as a guide to help decide when it’s safe to turn them around. There are two main types of car seats for infants. First are the smaller infant-only seats that can be removed from a base and placed in a stroller. Second are the convertible car seats that can be adjusted in shoulder belt placement and angle for an older toddler. For both, it is important to not only have the seat installed properly, but to have the straps fit properly in the shoulder and around the trunk. A lot of car seats also have an angle indicator to show the proper placement of the seat for good head control.
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For toddlers who meet the above criteria, it is OK to face forward and stay in either a converted infant seat or a forward-facing child safety seat. It is important to read the manufactures handbook for recommendations on the age and weight restrictions for the seat. Once a child reaches school age, they can sit in a booster seat. But, here they have changed the recommendations as well. They suggest that kids stay in booster seats until they are 4’9” tall and between eight and twelve years old. Finally all children up to 13 years old should ride in the backseat if possible. Again, these are intended to be guidelines, not absolutes. Now there are a few big toddlers out there that can move to a booster. Basically if your child exceeds the height and weight limits for your forwardfacing seat and/or your child’s shoulders are above the highest harness slots, then they can move up. For kids in booster seats, be sure to use a lap and shoulder seat belt that fits across the lap and chest. A list of certified technicians and car seat instillation stations can be found at www.nhtsa. gov or www.seatcheck.org. Be a good role model and buckle up! 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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Autauga County Schools
A Different Kind of Able at Bay Minette Intermediate School
Bay Minette Intermediate School students who participated in this year’s Special Olympics got a school-wide send-off of well wishes for their special day. This year’s theme was, “A Different Kind of Able” and everyone wore a t-shirt with the phrase on the back. The class’s teacher Ashely Janes Stewart and her staff work hard with their students to help them discover their strengths and abilities. Pictured, l-r: The Cub House students prepare to leave for the Special Olympic competitions. Front: Pharrell McGlarin, Cory Weaver, Paiton Cale, Jake Early, and Joshua Bowen. Back: Ashely Stewart, Charlotte Powell, Abby Hamilton, Julie McKiven, Catherine Hendrickson, Angela White, and Albert Bishop.
Robertsdale ES Class Wears Shirts in Honor of Classmate’s Sibling
Students in Sarah McKeough's kindergarten class are wearing shirts in honor of a classmate's younger brother who was recently diagnosed with retinoblastoma.
Pi Day at Fairhope Elementary
Mr. McDuff’s class celebrated Pi Day by discovering the relationship between a circle’s circumference to its diameter. One string was used to measure the traffic circle’s circumference. The other was used to measure its diameter. Within the main hallway of the school, foot-long tiles were used to measure the length of each respective string. The traffic circle’s circumference was 182 feet long. Its diameter was 58 feet long. Using calculators, students confirmed that a circle’s circumference is 3.14 times longer than its diameter.
Spanish Fort HS Band Students Participate in All State Band
On April 8th seven Spanish Fort High School Band students participated in the Alabama All State Band in Montgomery. We are so proud of these students for placing among the best high school musicians in the state: Erica Lovato, John Paul Williams, May Kathryn Allman, Natalie Tidd, Julia Nelson, Cole Allen, and Teagan Pierce.
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
Fairhope Middle School Scholars Bowl Team Wins County Championship
Fairhope Middle School congratulates their 2016-2017 Scholars Bowl Team for winning the County Championship! The team, under the direction of Mrs. Kim Cooper and Mrs. Karen Bartl, competed against teams throughout the area to capture the title. Pictured, from left to right, are members of the team: Luke Neslen, Zack Cooper, Emma Erdoes, Jack Marlow, Mark Sayler, and Adler Rux.
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Baldwin County HS Lady Tigers Finish 2nd in Tournament
The Baldwin County High School Lady Tigers for finished in 2nd place at the Saraland Tournament. During the tournament the Lady Tigers defeated Mary G. Montgomery 5-4, Theodore 9-0, Theodore 9-1, Mary G. Montgomery 7-4 before falling to Fairhope in the championship game. Stats for the tourney included: Chloe Buck- 8 for 11, 5 RBIs, 5 stolen bases; Kahalley Brooks- 7 for 13, 7 RBIs, 6 runs scored; Kahalley Brooks, 3-0, 11 hits allowed, 5 K, 2 BB, 7 earned runs allowed; Alexis Cook- 8 for 13, 6 RBIs, 4 runs scored. Coach Anthony Cox: "The girls played well. We got great pitching from Kahalley Brooks and Morgan Davison. Chloe Buck, Kahalley Brooks, and Alexis Cook had a great overall tournament."
2017 Women in STEM
The 2017 Women in STEM Teen Conference held at the Alabama School of Math and Science was a huge success. ASMS hosted more than 200 girls from all over the state. Students participated in a variety of hands-on STEM activities including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Robotics, and much more. Prominent female professionals from around the region were featured in a Career Expo. More than 60 ASMS student volunteers served as leaders and ambassadors for the event. Sponsors included - University of South Alabama College of Engineering, Airbus, Neptune Technology, Alabama Power, ExxonMobil, University of Montevallo, and Kathryn Mozer, who works for NOAA and is the daughter of Martha Mozer. The Career Expo was a huge success thanks to all the organizations represented at the event - 5 Rivers Delta, Airbus, Alabama Power, Austal, Baheth Research and Development Laboratories, ExxonMobil, Mohawk Industries, Moffatt & Nichol, Neptune Technology Group, Praxair LTOP Program, University of Montevallo, VBA Design, USA College of Engineering, USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, USA School of Computing, USA Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, USA Department of Chemistry, USA Department of Physics, USA Meteorology, USA Geology/Earth Science, USA Archeology Museum, and USA College of Education/Science Education, and University of West Alabama Quantitative Finance/Actuarial Science.
Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
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Autauga County Schools Local Students Greatest Contributors for Homeless Outreach Ministries
Hundreds of people – primarily students and teachers - in Baldwin and Mobile Counties recently donated gently used shoes to Baldwin Bone & Joint’s 14th Annual Many More Miles Campaign, resulting in 1,910 pairs of shoes finding new life. Baldwin Bone & Joint, P.C., the Port City Pacers, McCoy Outdoor Co., Dr. Glenn Glass, and the University of South Alabama Student Recreation Center partnered to collect shoes for the homeless outreach programs of Wings of Life and Discovery Ministries. The campaign, now in its 14th year, got off to a running start in January and concluded at the Azalea Trail Run held on March 25th. Students in Mobile and Baldwin Counties were also given the opportunity to collect shoes and earn money for their schools’ PE programs. Students and teachers collectively provided 72% of total shoes collected! Dixon Elementary won first place, collecting 743 pairs of shoes and received a $300 cash prize. Fairhope Intermediate took second place ($200), and Spanish Fort Elementary received third prize ($100). Dr. John Todd and Seneca Walden, C.R.N.P., proudly display the mountain of shoes collected during the 2017 Many More Miles Campaign. The 1,910 pairs of shoes were donated to the outreach programs of Wings of Life and Discovery Ministries.
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GSMS Student Wins MVP at Scholars' Bowl Championship
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Congratulations to Fisher Bryant of Gulf Shores Middle School for being named MVP at the county Scholars’ Bowl Tournament on March 21st! PA Daffodil Ad.qxp_Layout 1 2/14/17 3:40 PM Page 1
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Clays for A’s Raises More Than $11,000 for Education
On Friday, April 7th one Leadership Baldwin County (LBC) Project Group took a unique approach to their focus on education funding. The project group comprised of current members of the 2017 Leadership Baldwin County Class wanted to make an impact in each of the seven Baldwin County Feeder Patterns by raising funds for each of the seven local education enrichment foundations that serve each feeder pattern. They took to the Clays in North Baldwin County and raised over $11,000 to distribute equally among the seven education foundations in the county. The day began with lunch cooked and served by LBC Class members, followed by detailed instruction before taking to the course. Individual winners were Top Male— Kyle Parker with 86 Clays, Top Female—Cindy Long with 31 Clays and Lowest shooter—Marlo Webb with 11 Clays. South Shore Insurance Team #2 took First Place with 289 Clays and Hargrove Engineers came in 2nd with 285 Clays. The inaugural Clays for A’s event was hosted by LBC 2017 Class members Angela Barnes, Jo Phillips, Brad Nicks, Brandy Robertson, JJ Hall, Luke Roberson, Matt Jackson, Megan Smith, Taylor Norton, Valerie Robinson and Van Baggett. The event was Title Sponsored by South Shore Insurance, Platinum Sponsored by First Community Bank and the City of Bay Minette, Gold Sponsors included The Wharf, BBVA Compass and The Perry Foundation, course station and beverage sponsors included Riviera Utilities, Baldwin County Sewer Service, Daphne Utilities, Baldwin EMC, the YP’s of the North Baldwin Chamber, Thames Batre Insurance, Baldwin Feed and Seed, Whitehaven Insurance Services, Kiwanis of Gulf Shores, Grant Wealth Management and Gran, Sanders and Taylor, PC.
Author Visits Silverhill Elementary
Silverhill Elementary School 2nd grade classes recently had a visit from children’s book author, Phil Owen. Mr. Owen read his book, “Cousins and the Buried Treasure”, and treated the students to a signed copy of his book. Everyone enjoyed the pirate theme! Ms. Labak’s class is pictured making their scariest pirate faces!
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Autauga County Schools
St. Michael Catholic HS Band Receives Superior Ratings at State Assessment
The St. Michael CHS band recently performed for their first time in the Alabama Band Masters Association State Music Performance Assessment. They received unanimous Superior ratings on stage and sight reading. Our choir performed in the AVA State Choral Performance Assessment, receiving a “superior� rating as well.
Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
Daphne East Elementary Crown of Character Recipients
Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore recently named the 3rd quarter Crown of Character recipients at Daphne East Elementary. Bottom left: Emma Gruel, Ruthie Mackin, Laura Callister, Phoebe Cisneros, Holly Mosher, Logan Bass. Top left: Stephen Mathews, Gunter Cole, Ian Burleson, Shayne Bodalia, Noah Clark, Julian Thomas.
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Christ the King 6th Graders Visit Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Christ the King Catholic School sixth grade students in Mrs. Williams's Earth Science class visited the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium recently. Students learned about Oceanography from the Sea Lab instructors, combed the beach looking for specimens, and learned about the effect of weather on our coastline. Students were also led through the natural habitat of the island to experience wildlife such as birds and turtles, and learned about the freshwater source of the island. Students also viewed a special piece of artwork in the Estuarium...a mosaic Mrs. Williams created when she was a graduate student in Biology.
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Alabama Army National Guard Visits Fairhope HS in Helicopter
Fairhope High School recruits for the Alabama Army National Guard flew into campus on a helicopter to the cheers of the student body. The National Guard also had several military vehicles on display and multiple soldiers available to talk with students about the benefits of service.
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Autauga CountyCertificate Schools of Congratulations from Bayside Academy Chess Team Receives Daphne City Council and Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood
Bayside Academy’s chess team received a certificate of congratulations from the Daphne City Council and Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood during the Council’s meeting on April 17. Bayside’s varsity chess team won the Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship on March 12 at Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama. The team shares the championship title with Indian Springs. This is the varsity team’s third state championship in the past four years and its fourth in the past six years. Unlike Bayside athletic competitions, this is a 7A state championship (there are no class divisions in chess). Members of the championship team were as follows: Steve Chen (captain, 12th grade), Trent Kannegieter (12th grade), Ford Taylor (11th grade) and Parker Watts (11th grade). In the individual event on March 11, Steve Chen ended in a three-way tie to represent Alabama in the Denker Tournament of High School Champions this summer. A tiebreaking event will determine who advances. Bayside also fielded a middle school and an elementary school team at the Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship. While those teams did not place, every player scored for Bayside. Middle school team members were as follows: Patrick Daves (7th grade), Ann Marie Fedro (8th grade), and brothers David Klimjack (7th grade) and Michael Klimjack (5th grade). Elementary team members were as follows: Finlay Lavelle (4th grade), siblings Boyce Magli (3rd grade) and Genevieve Magli (5th grade), and Forrest Smith (3rd grade). Pictured, Bayside Academy chess team members joined Coach Eric Nager as he displayed the certificate of congratulations from Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood and the Daphne City Council. L to R: Councilwoman Tommie Conaway, Councilman Doug Goodlin, 3rdgrader Boyce Magli, Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood, Councilman Pat Rudicell, 5th grader Genevieve Magli, Councilman Joel Coleman, 4thgrader Finlay Lavelle, 8th grader Ann Marie Fedro, Councilman Ron Scott, 11th grader Parker Watts, 12th grader Trent Kannegieter, 11thgrader Ford Taylor, Coach Eric Nager, Councilman Robin LeJeune and Councilman Joe Davis. Not pictured: 12th grader and team captain Steve Chen, 7th grader Patrick Daves, 7th grader David Klimjack and his brother 5th grader Michael Klimjack, and 3rd grader Forrest Smith.
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Bayshore Christian School Celebrates Roman Feast Day
Gulf Shores HS Student Wins Cash Prize in Art Contest
COME GROW WITH US
The 3rd graders at Bayshore Christian School recently celebrated Roman Feast Day as a culmination of their study on the ancient Roman culture. Each student dressed up as the Roman citizens would have in their ancient culture, and they played games, made crafts, and ate food that would have been popular during that time. Each student memorized a poem related to their Roman studies and recited it in front of their classmates, families, and friends, and as a group they recited Philippians 2 and several other long poems. They each spent time being Roman servants, washing their classmates’ hands and serving them food. It was a great experience for the students to see what it was like to live during the ancient Roman times.
Brietyn Rogers, a sophomore at Gulf Shores High, placed 3rd in the Elberta section and 1st in the Bay Minette section of local VFW Patriot Art contest, which is open to ALL Baldwin County high school students. She won a total of $375 and her piece will be sent to the state level competition.
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Planting seeds of faith through the discovery of God's creation in science, art, music, and much more!
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BCS cultivates wisdom and virtue by nourishing the child’s soul on truth, goodness, and beauty!
Half-day option and after-school enrichment classes are available. Call our ofÞce or stop by our campus for a tour.
BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
(251)929-0011 | www.BayshoreChristian.org
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Christian Education
Classical Education
Planting seeds of faith through the discovery of God's creation in science, art, music, and much more!
BCS cultivates wisdom and virtue by nourishing the child’s soul on truth, goodness, and beauty!
Half-day option and after-school enrichment classes are available. Call our ofÞce or stop by our campus for a tour.
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Autauga County Schools Spanish Fort HS Senior Signs Letter of
Robertsdale Elementary Archers Compete at State Competition
The Robertsdale Elementary archery team competed at the state competition in Montgomery on Friday, April 7. They won the regional tournament held earlier in March!
Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
Intent to Play Lacrosse
Daimon Olsen is signing his National Letter of Intent for lacrosse. He will attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville where he intends to major in computer science and play lacrosse as a Charger. After playing lacrosse for 7 years, Daimon has risen to the elite level as a midfielder. It has taken a great amount of hard work, travel, and dedication for him to be recognized in lacrosse from this local area. He has played from Lafayette, Louisiana to Leesburg, Virginia to Palm Coast, Florida and many places in between. Lacrosse is a small but rapidly growing sport in the area and he is the first in the area to achieve the honor to play at the college level! Congratulations to Daimon for working very hard and reaching his goal of playing lacrosse at the next level. We wish him much success in his pursuits and believe he will have great success.
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Gulf Shores HS Student Wins DYW Prize for Violin Performance
Lauren Bradford, a junior at Gulf Shores High, won the Junior Division of the Distinguished Young Women's Gulf Coast Talent Showcase. She competed against 21 other high school students and performed “Orange Blossom Special� via the violin for the talent portion of the competition; and was awarded $200.
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Fairhope Elementary Students Use Padlet to Share Learning
Students in Mrs. Sawyer's class are using Padlet to collaborate, share and demonstrate skills and information they are learning in class. This week they are demonstrating their ability to use adjectives that compare in their writing. They are helping each other work through the available options of sharing and posting on the Padlet "board". Student responses are live and appear on the smart board as they type their entries allowing us to discuss the information as they enter their information. Other Padlets they have recently completed include fractions, facts about the sun and the moon and adjectives using colors and shapes in their writing. 27
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Autauga County Schools
GSMS 8th Grader holds GSHS Pole Vault Record
Alyssa Streeter - 8th grader at Gulf Shores Middle School is the new High School record holder at Gulf Shores High School for the Pole Vault event! At the GSHS 2017 St. Patrick's Day Track Invitational Alyssa pole vaulted a total of 8 feet 6 inches to clear the bar and beat the old GSHS record of 6 ft., also previously held by Alyssa. In Pole Vault, clearing the bar at 8'6" qualifies an athlete to move on to compete in STATE! It is early in the season, Alyssa will keep moving forward and getting better. If she continues progressing she will be the very first Gulf Shores Middle Schooler to compete in Pole Vaulting for GSHS at state! We want to congratulate Alyssa already on a job well done and want to wish her the best of luck in the meets to come! What an accomplishment for such a young athlete!
Miss Pirate Princess Crowned
Fairhope Middle School crowned its 2017 Miss Pirate Princess at the 9th annual pageant. The pageant, under the direction of Mrs. Kelly Lanicek, serves as a fundraising event for the school. The twenty-nine contestants participated in a panel interview and an evening gown competition, where they were judged on poise and appearance. Galey McKelvain, a 7th grader at FMS, was crowned the 2017 Miss Pirate Princess. The Miss Pirate Princess serves as an ambassador for Fairhope Middle School, as well as a role model for her peers. In addition, the following contestants received awards: Ellie Rockwell, 8th grade princess; Kennedy Adams, 7th grade princess; Mary Ann Miller, Miss Congeniality; Mattie Pharr, Most Poised, Braedon Gulledge, Best Interview; and Tia Wasp, Most Photogenic. Pictured is Galey McKelvain, Miss Pirate Princess.
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St. Michael Catholic HS Holds Gala Fundraiser
St. Michael Catholic HS held our first Gala fundraiser, “Cardinals in the Courtyard,” during which students Caroline Zitnik (artist) and Graham Canton (student body President) presented Archbishop Thomas Rodi (middle left) and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Gwen Byrd (far left), with a drawing of the school, matted with all of the students signatures. Principal Faustin Weber (middle right) helped with the presentation.
Bayshore Christian School Art Class Places 3rd in Local Competition
Congratulations to Bayshore Christian School’s Advanced Art Class for placing 3rd in Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival's School Art Competition! This is the first year that BCS has participated in this competition which is judged by artists who exhibited their work at the festival’s Chamber Show. Many of the local middle schools and high schools submitted a piece for the competition. The theme for this year’s competition was “What’s Old is New Again”. These students spent many hours creating this beautiful piece depicting the Fairhope Pier and many local favorites. It will be hanging in Andree’s for the remainder of the year so make sure you stop by to see it in person!
Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
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Autauga County Schools
Spanish Fort HS PE Classes Learn How to Fish!
Silverhill Elementary Leaders of the Month
Doug Darr and Dave Armstrong with Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries were our presenters and taught fishing class to Spanish Fort HS PE students. Students learned the safety of fishing, the various fish to catch in different regions, how to tie a basic fishing knot, and what bait to use. Coach Turner and Coach Kercher’s classes (close to 200 students) enjoyed the experience of fishing- a lifetime sport.
Silverhill Elementary School’s Leaders of the Month are being recognized for Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw. Pictured in no particular order are: Sawyer Cordova, Bella Ferguson, Anna Claire Ford, Gavin Mofield, Rachael Holley, Korra Owens, Emma Wilson, Emery Farlow, Ava Lee, Noah Pepper, Jaydin Copeland, Jeffrey Moorer, Ashtyn Archer, Jalen Waters, Carter Vadenais, Jocelyn Fabian, Cody Ferguson, Brooklyn Kyzar, Tyler Penabad, Parker Shreves, Scarlett Sturdivant, and Jonas McMahon.
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Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
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BCHS Students Attend Alabama Student Council Association's Annual Conference, Chosen as President School
Student leaders from Baldwin County High School recently traveled to the Alabama Student Council Association's annual conference in Tuscaloosa. The school was selected as the President School and will plan next year’s annual conference. The students representing BCHS included representatives from the Student Council and National Honor Society. Representing BCHS included Wil Dobbins, Leann Phillips, Micah Murphy, Swayze Phalen, Callie Roley, Bethany Hadley, Emily Stewart, Hannah Wright, Blayne Shackelford, Will Brooks, Mose Franklin, Sawyer McCullough, DJ Lamkin, Tylor Davis, Matthew Covington and Student Council sponsor William Jones. BCHS serves on the ASCA State Board and was instrumental in helping to plan the conference. BCHS also designed the conference T-shirt with the theme of "Unleash Your Super-Leader". The school will remain on the board for the coming year and has been asked to once again host the Southern Regional Advisor's Workshop. This will mark the third consecutive year that BCHS has served as host of the workshop. More than 500 student leaders from all over the state were in attendance at the conference and were able to hear from several speakers. Students were also able to participate in some fun activities including a dance, breakout sessions, tours of the campus and attended the Alabama-LSU softball game. BCHS alum Kyle Phillips, a graduate student at Alabama, served as the tour guide for his alma mater. While at BCHS he served on the Student Council.
Christ the King Students Attend Chrism Mass
Christ the King Catholic School eighth grade students had the privilege of attending the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on April 11. During this Mass, the Holy Oils for the year are blessed by the Archbishop, and priests from the archdiocese are present to renew their commitment to priestly service.
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Bear Den CafĂŠ at Robertsdale ES
Students in Sarah Bodle's second grade class enjoyed eating lunch in the "Bear Den Cafe." Each Friday, classes who have had good behavior in the cafeteria are selected to eat in the cafe!
Autauga County Schools Outstanding Students Recognized at Fairhope Middle School
Fairhope Middle School would like to congratulate its Students of the Month for February and March 2017. These students were selected by the faculty and staff for their exceptional citizenship and leadership qualities.
Top photo, 7th grade (from left to right): Olivia Pierce, Edward Witherington, Paulette Millette, Devin Leonard. Bottom photo, 8th grade (from left to right): Selena Martin, Harrison Beall, Madelyn DrainDorsey, Lane Cole, Chason Letcher (not pictured: Molly Walding).
Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
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SFHS Hosts SU2C
Autauga County Schools
Musicale at Westminster Village
The Spanish Fort HS baseball and softball teams hosted “Stand Up 2 Cancer” games raising about $3000. Shepard Hall, a 6 year old cancer survivor threw out the first pitch.
Music students of Baldwin County Music Teachers Association members Vincentine Williams, Lindsey Hughes, and Eric Marrero performed for the residents of Westminster Village this spring. The concert featured piano performances, along with guitar, banjo, and tuba. Pictured, from left, Back Row: Ethel Kostmayer, Anna Dorris, Evan Ren. Middle Row: Katie Smith, Kayleigh Thomas, Anne Elise Sherrod. Front Row: Savanna Kidd and Caleb Harbison. Not pictured: Abrielle Le, Jennifer Tan, Nick Tan, Gabe Wokasien, Elizabeth Chen and Albert Le.
Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
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New Sea Cadet Chief Pinned
Dunlap Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps proudly celebrates the pinning of their newest chief, Samantha Graham, as she
received her well-deserved anchors. Chief’s anchors mark a symbol of expertise, trust, partnership, and above all...leadership. The pinning ceremony was held at the USCG Aviation Training Center in Mobile. Chief Graham was pinned by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jarman. Chief Tony Chandler, U.S. Navy Retired, placed her combination cover on her head. Side boys for her pinning consisted of Coast Guard Chief’s from Sector Mobile. Some of Chief Graham’s accomplishments that helped earn her pins include but are not limited to: much course work equivalent to what the Navy completes, test, Recruit Training, Petty Officer Leadership Training, and staffing cadet trainings. Bravo Zulu CPO Graham! In other news, the Sea Cadets had their annual inspection and received great scores and remarks. The officers are very proud of the cadets and their hard work. The Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages ten to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge on our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap Division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. The cadets are under no
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251.928.9292 Five Convenient Locations | Fairhope: 7489 Parker Road | Fairhope South: 19059 S. Greeno Road Spanish Fort: 9816 Millwood Circle | Bay Minette: 1901 Hand Ave. | Foley: 815 North Alston St.
obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist they are usually eligible to enlist at a higher paygrade. The program does offer ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www. seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at angela.graham@hotmail. com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision. 37
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Autauga County Schools
Congratulations to Baldwin County Public Schools 2017 Teachers of the Year!
Superintendent Eddie Tyler and Board of Education President Shannon Cauley announced the Baldwin County Public Schools Teachers of the Year at a special banquet sponsored by the Baldwin County Education Coalition at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear. The Elementary Teacher of the Year is Beverly Floyd – who is a sixth grade teacher. Sixth grade, an elementary grade in Baldwin County, is taught in Spanish Fort at Spanish Fort Middle School. Mrs. Floyd has been teaching for 20 years. She is in her tenth year teaching at Spanish Fort Middle School and she taught 10 years before that at Spanish Fort Elementary. She began her career at a small private school in Mobile. Mrs. Floyd earned her certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in 2006 and renewed her certification in 2016. She completed her Instructional Leadership Certificate from the University of West Alabama in 2015. She says she would one day like to be in a leadership role. Mrs. Floyd says she decided she wanted to be a teacher after one of her high school teachers took a special interest in her education and future, as a new and struggling student at her school. She says it was at that point that she realized she wanted to be "that teacher" for other students, ones who need just the right push at the right time. The Secondary Teacher of the Year is Nikki Minoso – who is a teacher at Daphne High School. Mrs. Minoso teaches Advanced Placement Language, Composition and Literature. Mrs. Minoso has been teaching in Baldwin County and at Daphne High School since 2014. Prior to that she taught in Vestavia Hills, Hoover, South Carolina and Florida. A strong advocate of collaborative learning, she provides students with experiences that develop honor, character, critical thinking, social skills, trust and self-discipline. In addition to teaching, she serves on the Daphne High School Veteran’s Day Assembly Committee, sponsors the yearbook and prom and leads the Daphne High Teacher Cooperative and the National Board Candidate Cooperative. “We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Floyd and Mrs. Minoso on their honor as the 2017 Baldwin County Public Schools Teacher of the Year,” said Eddie Tyler, Superintendent. “We are also proud of each of our schools’ teacher of the year, as selected by their peers. Our teachers work hard every single day to make a difference in the lives of children. We couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments,” Superintendent Tyler said.
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Bayshore Christian School Competes in BEST Competition, Wins 3rd Place Overall
Bayshore Christian School’s Robotics Team recently competed in the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Spring Competition at the University of South Alabama. The competition consisted of 3 categories: a presentation based on the TV show Shark Tank, an engineering notebook, and a robot performance on the "game field". BCS placed 1st in their presentation based on Shark Tank, and with all points tallied from each category, they received 3rd place overall. There were 15 teams in the competition. Way to go, Bayshore Robotics Team!
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Local Dance Company Performs at Walt Disney World
Eastern Shore Dance Academy Company dancers were excited to travel to Disney World in Orlando, to participate in the Disney Performing Arts Dance workshops. While in Disney the dancers were able to perform for a large crowd on the Disney Performing Arts stage in Disney Springs. The dancers had a magical time and look forward to their next invitation to Disney.
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Girl Scout Advocacy Day Honored by Alabama Legislators
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Legislators and other state elected officials gathered at the Alabama State House with more than 100 Girl Scouts, volunteers, and staff from throughout southern Alabama to celebrate Girl Scout Advocacy Day. Girl Scouts Abigale Boehm and Abbie Bishop from Baldwin County led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Emily Munro from Elmore County led the prayer. A Coffee and Cookies Reception followed. “Girl Scout Advocacy Day is our chance to share updates on the Girl Scout Programs we’ve implemented all year, and share our vision for the years to come, Karlyn Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA), said. “Also, it is inspiring watching our young future leaders interact with our state elected officials.” In an effort to build tomorrow’s leaders, GSSA prioritized the following public policy issues and initiatives: • Encourage Healthy Living Opportunities for Girls: o Promoting safe and healthy living opportunities for girls by increasing access to outdoor activities o Prevent bullying/ relational aggression and build healthy relationships • Promote Economic Opportunities for Girls: o Increase girls’ involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) o Strengthen girl’s financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills • Foster Global Citizenship and a Global Voice for Girls • Support a Thriving Nonprofit Community. Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer spoke to the Girl Scouts on the importance of numbers and gaining leadership skills, and encouraged the girls to aim for the highest honor in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. “Hearing Mr. Boozer talk about his achievement really inspires me to start working on earning the Gold Award,” Abbie Bishop, a 6th grader at Fairhope Intermediate, said. "He showed me just how much the leadership and life skills he gained through the Boy Scouts helped him throughout his life, and how the Girl Scouts can do the same for all of us." From left to right: Emily Munro (Elmore County), Abigale Boehm (Baldwin County), and Abby Bishop (Baldwin County). Photo by the Alabama State House. www.easternshoreparents.com
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Fairhope Elementary Principal Named State National Distinguished Principal
Fairhope Elementary Principal Julie Pierce has been recognized as Alabama’s National Distinguished Principal. She was surprised with the honor at an assembly at the school. The National Distinguished Principals (NDP) program was established in 1984 to recognize elementary and middle level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staff in their learning communities. The program was based on the fundamental that children’s attitudes towards learning and their perceptions of themselves as lifelong learners are established in the beginning school years. The National Distinguished Principals Program stresses that the scope and quality of children’s educational experiences are determined primarily by the school principal, who establishes, through the important work of teachers and the support of caring parents, the character of a particular school’s program. Prior to being appointed to be the principal at Fairhope Elementary, Mrs. Pierce was principal at Gulf Shores Elementary and has been with Baldwin County Public Schools since 2001 in various school administrative roles, beginning as a 5th grade teacher.
Festival of Flower Art Winners
Each year area Catholic school students are invited to participate in the Providence Hospital Festival of Flowers Catholic Schools Art Competition. This year, eight Christ the King Catholic School students received awards and were recognized at our school Mass on April 12. Congratulations to, from left, front row, Lily Kerbl, Ally Barranco, Maddie Key, and Grace Houston. Back row, Noah Calvery, Bartee Baumhauer, and Katie Hedge. Not pictured: Mollie Helton.
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Autauga County Schools
Bayside Academy Juniors Selected to Participate in Alabama Governor’s School
Four Bayside Academy juniors have been selected to participate in Alabama Governor’s School: Paige Hammele, Blakely Jones, Emily McCrory and Mary Fran West. The Alabama Governor’s School is a highly selective, 13-day residential program housed in Samford University. The program provides academic, creative and leadership experiences for a limited number of rising high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies. Students must show high intellectual and creative potential. The program enables the best students from around the state to participate in challenging seminars and teambuilding activities. Left to right, pictured here are three of the four: Paige Hammele, Blakely Jones and Emily McCrory. Not pictured is Mary Fran West.
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
Bayside Academy Senior Ariel Dulaney Signs Letter of Intent to Play Volleyball for UMass Lowell
Bayside Academy senior and student athlete Ariel Dulaney has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for UMass Lowell. Ariel has been instrumental in helping Bayside’s Lady Admirals secure the past six of the team’s 15 consecutive state volleyball championships. She has executed an impressive 1500-plus kills in her Bayside volleyball career, which puts her in the top 10 of Bayside alumnae in the kills category. She was named Tournament MVP at the 2016 Alabama High School Athletic Association state tournament. She also is a 2016 National Wendy’s High School Heisman School Winner. In 2014 and 2015, she was named an All-State team member, and in 2014 she was named Coastal Alabama Volleyball Player of the Year. “Ariel has always been the one to make the big plays when we need them most,” said Bayside Volleyball Coach Ann Schilling. “I am sad for us, but I am excited for Ariel.” UMass Lowell is a national research university located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Pictured: Bayside Academy student athlete and senior Ariel Dulaney (second from left) celebrated her UMass Lowell signing with her parents, Ritchie and Calvin Dulaney Sr., and her twin brother, Bayside senior Calvin Dulaney II.
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
Modesty in a Seductive Teen Culture I live with 35 high school girls who fully understand the need for modesty, but are challenged to “fit in” to a culture that doesn’t exactly affirm the values they know to be true. I, as all our staff at Heartlight, face this issue on a daily basis. Remember the crazy fads in the late 60s and 70s? The tie-dyed shirts, the beads, headbands, and the peace symbols? When I was in high school my dad hated my bushy sideburns and long hair, my purple bell-bottoms and boots that came up over my knees. It was a fad to look like the rock idols of the day and that look was in. My appearance made no sense to my parents, but it made a lot of sense to me at the time. I bet there are things your parents didn’t like about the way you dressed as a teenager. Chances are, you don’t still dress that way, and when you look at those old pictures you may giggle, as I do, about how foolish you looked back then. Today, I mostly hear from concerned parents of teenage girls who want to dress too seductively. They wonder how to deal with the issue of seduction when it has become so pervasive in our culture. Teens today live in a world of sexual innuendo, where outward packaging and presentation is all important. The definition of modesty has changed for them, not so much because of the lack of values taught by parents, but because of the overwhelming exposure given to seductive lifestyles. For the most part, dressing seductively is just a fad, and all fads pass soon enough. If your teen wants to be in on the fad of the moment, it doesn’t mean much of anything about her character, other than that she is playing out a role on the stage Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
of adolescence. Generally speaking, she hasn’t gone off the deep end just because she wants to wear current fashions. This fad can be a challenge for parents to manage, since the Internet, coupled with magazines, television, music videos and movies, have all inundated our kids with seductive images and inappropriate suggestions. Highly sexualized lifestyles are touted as normal, so girls face extreme social pressure to look and act seductively as well. Girls from good Christian homes often tell me they are torn between doing what is acceptable by their peer group to “fit in,” and doing what is taught them by their families and church. More times than not, the social pressures for the teen to look and act like their peers will win out when they are in school or out with their friends. But they will soon realize that the end result of their seductive presentation — when guys do pay attention — is not always what they expected, or what they really wanted in the first place. My advice for parents is to not flip out when your daughter is just trying to fit in. Using harsh words that defame her character such as, “you look like a …” will only push her deeper into the negative behavior. Rather, calmly and regularly address the more important issue of modesty. Focusing on modesty, versus putting down the current fashion as our own parents did with us, will eliminate the perceived generation gap. And that way, when the next fad comes 44
along she’ll understand her boundaries within that fad as well.
KEY POINT: Make sure she understands that modesty is an important part of your family’s values and that’s not an area you’ll allow to be compromised, no matter what the current culture or fad says. Is maintaining modesty going to be easy? No. But by being diligent and also showing that you understand her need to fit in with the culture she lives in, you’ll be able to maintain a good relationship with your little princess as you navigate and struggle through these tough waters. In the long run, a strong and open relationship with your child, coupled with uncompromising values of modesty, will best insure that she maintains appropriate dress, even when you aren’t looking. “…have(ing) righteous principles in the first place…they will not fail to perform virtuous actions.” – Martin Luther Dressing seductively is a fad today for teenage girls… you think? Like any other fad, it will pass soon enough. Parenting teenage girls to be modest in their appearance in the midst of this fad is a tough place to be, and every concerned parent I know hopes it will pass a little quicker. But then again, who knows what the next fad will bring?
Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
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Teens and Checkbooks Q: My daughter is 15, and she’s had jobs around the house and been on commission and the envelope system for years. She’s very good about saving and not spending on silly things. We recently opened a checking account for her, and I was wondering what bills you think we should assign for her to pay on her own? A: This sounds a lot like what we did with our kids. She’s obviously bright and motivated, so the first thing you do is explain to her the seriousness and responsibility associated with a checking account. The next step is for her to
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
balance the checkbook with you looking over her shoulder. Do this with her for several months, while you keep one eye on the account, too. After that, I want her to do it alone and show you her work. Her balance should match yours and the one at the bank. As soon as she demonstrates competency, and you feel comfortable that she can handle things, I want you to start putting her clothing budget in the account. You know, the weirdest thing happened with our girls at this stage. They suddenly started shopping at less expensive stores. It’s amazing when they see that the dollars associated with these purchases can run out. My bet is you’ll see some changes in her value choices. Just take it step-by-step, a little at a time. The more they exhibit competence, wisdom, and confidence, the more you can release them.
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Why the Smallest Debt First? Q: I’m new to you and your plan. Why do you want people to pay off the debt with the smallest balance first, instead of the one with the highest interest rate?
A: Simply put, because personal finance
isn’t all about math. Personal finance is only about 20 percent math. The other 80 percent is behavior. We list debts in the debt snowball in order of the smallest to the largest balance, putting as much as possible toward the smallest while paying the minimum payments on the others. The reason, as I mentioned earlier, is behavior modification. It helps you see yourself making a dent in your debts. It’s easier to change bad habits when you see quick results from your efforts to eliminate negative behaviors. Paying off the smallest debts first, instead of the debts with the highest interest rates, will give you quick wins that will help keep you motivated. It provides proof that you can succeed and become debt-free!
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These days my teenage daughter cheerfully refers to herself as an ambivert, meaning a person who possesses both introvert and extrovert qualities. But this was not always the case. When she was an infant and a toddler, my daughter was highly sensitive and shied away from strangers, did not embrace new situations, and had trouble making transitions. She showed all of the signs of not only being introverted, but also of being a highly sensitive person. She was picky about what she ate, showed an automatic resistance to new foods, and only adapted to anything new, whether food, people or situations, at her own pace. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
Do you know where you and your children fall on the introvertextrovert spectrum? Keep in mind that while temperament is typically consistent for a lifetime, it is not a life sentence. Parents can and do make a difference in helping introverted and sensitive children acclimate themselves to the ways of the world. Don’t avoid learning about temperament because you fear what you will discover about your child. No one tendency is better than any other, even if it is more common. Knowledge is always power, especially when it comes to our family dynamics and our children’s development.
Temperament Definitions Let’s take a look at some commonly accepted definitions of important words when it comes to identifying temperaments of you and your children. The estimated percentage ranges come from recent expert opinions. Extrovert: An extrovert is typically considered an outgoing, gregarious person. Extroversion means the act of directing one’s attention outward or to things outside the self. Extroverts typically prefer the external environment over exploring their own thoughts and feelings. 48
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Estimated percent of population: 50-74% Introvert: Historically considered a shy person, but this is not always true. An introvert prefers his own thoughts and feelings over attention to the external environment. Preferring his own company or favoring the company of one or a few people rather than exposure to many or a crowd of people. Estimated percent of population: 33-50%
Some parents unwittingly pressure children to be more social than they wish to be out of a fear of children being left out or falling behind socially. An extrovert parent may not fully understand the temperament of an introvert child and may pressure a child to change behavior without considering the child’s point of view.
Ambivert: A person possessing the qualities of both an extrovert and an introvert. Estimated percent of population: 38-66%
behavior without considering the child’s point of view. Naturally, overly fearful concern can be detrimental to a child’s development. The first thing parents need to do when it comes to identifying their own and their children’s temperaments is relax. Temperament is not something that typically changes throughout a person’s life, so it is important to detach from judging your own temperament as well as the temperament of your spouse and children. Temperament is about how each person feels naturally, not merely about how they behave. Practice accepting each person for who they feel they are. Try to better understand the point of view of each family member by listening to what they want you to understand without trying to change anyone. More than any other desire, people usually wish to seen, understood and accepted for who they truly are.
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP): According to Susan Cain, author of the book Quiet, The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking, an HSP processes information about the emotional and physical environment deeply. Tends towards philosophical and spiritual thinking rather than materialistic and hedonistic thinking. Observes carefully before taking risks. Describes self as creative or intuitive. Loves music, nature, art, and physical beauty and is highly empathic. Estimated percent of population: 15-20%
An Extroverted World According to introversion expert Susan Cain, we live in an extroverted world, where these qualities tend to be embraced and praised more than introvert qualities. Since introversion is not typically celebrated in children, you can imagine that a child who is introverted and highly sensitive might have an even more difficult time fitting in and finding a comfortable tribe. Some parents unwittingly pressure children to be more social than they wish to be out of a fear of children being left out or falling behind socially. An extrovert parent may not fully understand the temperament of an introvert child and may pressure a child to change
Helping Children Thrive As They Grow Let’s talk about ways parents can help an introverted child and highly sensitive child cope with living in an extroverted world as they grow up. Here are some tips for helping any child adapt to an extroverted world as he or she grows: Babies need what they need. No mother is going to be praised for having a fussy, sensi-
tive baby. But your baby is who she is and the first thing you can do to better bond with your baby is identify and accept what temperament baby you have. So if you have a fussy, sensitive baby, try to give her what she needs without expecting her to be a babbling, jovial baby. Pay close attention to your baby’s signals and learn how to respond by trusting your own instincts and applying reasonable trial and error. And don’t be surprised when your baby becomes more bouncy and bubbly once you start paying closer attention to what she needs rather than paying so much attention to what others project. Toddlers are born to stretch and explore. Your introverted and highly sensitive toddler may not be as adventurous as others, but don’t let this disappoint you. Be loving and encouraging and celebrate even the smallest of milestones with glee. Sensitives often reserve their hesitation for the company of strangers and may act like any other toddler while surrounded by loved ones. However, be careful not to confuse unmet milestones with introversion or sensitivity. If you have a milestone concern, be sure to discuss it with your physician. Pre-schoolers participate in structured activities. If getting your introverted and sensitive child through the door of the school is a challenge in and of itself, try scaffolding the transition. In her podcast for parents and educators, Cain suggests taking baby steps. First walk your child all the way into the classroom.
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The next day, stop at the door. The next day, stop down the hall a bit. You get the picture. If this strategy isn’t working, enlist the help of a welcoming, familiar presence to ease the way. I know my daughter always managed transitions best with a quick forecast of what was about to happen, rather than just trying to wing it. Elementary-schoolers are finding friends and co-creating together. Recess might be torture for your little introvert or HSP, unless he can connect with some children in his class who share his temperament. Consult with the teacher or playground monitor to enlist assistance and brainstorm ideas. Many children at this age play group imagination games during recess rather than sports and other more physical games. Some kids may switch back and forth between groups depending on how they feel. Encourage your child to find the friends who are doing activities he enjoys most each day. Middle-schoolers are becoming aware of who they are in the social hierarchy. Bully-proofing your introverted and highly sensitive child is important, so don’t hesitate to discuss and even role-play how to handle socially aggressive situations. Bullying happens, and though it’s unclear whether introverts and highly sensitive children are bullied more, they certainly may take negative treatment more to heart. Above all, encourage your child to progress socially at her own pace, regardless of how other children are behaving. High-schoolers need to use their aptitudes and skills. By the time your introvert or HSP gets to high school, she will definitely want to find her tribes. Luckily many introverted options are usually available at the high-school level. Consider activities like fine arts, creative writing, martial arts, and robotics. Some introverts may even enjoy choir, band, and theater. As for sports, your sensitive child may prefer sports with less physical contact like swimming, softball, baseball, track, tennis or dance. Don’t be concerned if your child does not immediately find peer groups in high school. A little bit of shuffling of friend and activity choices is common when kids are learning to be more clear about what they like and want. College-aged kids are practicing becoming adults. Your college-aged sensitive needs balance. He may embrace the usual college social situations like class rites of passage, fraternity rush, and themed dances, but find he needs more down time between social events than his peers. Try to choose a college that honors the needs of more introverted students. Your student would likely prefer one roommate to three, a large library with designated quiet rooms and lots of nooks and crannies for hiding away, and scholarly programs that honor the way he learns best. So when it comes to selecting a suitable school, don’t settle for anything less than what your student craves. ESP Christina Katz is an introvert who was often confused as an extrovert when she was growing because of her strong verbal skills. She hopes to help parents understand that not all introverts are shy, and not all extroverts are highly verbal, but all people crave acceptance and appreciation just the way they are.
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Thinking About Video Game Violence Once school is out, many kids turn to video games to fill their extra free time. Unfortunately, deciding which games are unacceptable has the potential to create family conflict not only between parents and kids, but also between spouses. One Harris poll found that mothers were much more likely than fathers to make rules about video games, perhaps because they were less likely to be gamers themselves. Many gamers believe that violent video games can be a healthy outlet for aggressive feelings. They point out that during the twenty years when video games have been popular, the rate of violent crime has actually decreased. Although it’s true that most gamers do not become criminals, it is also true that these decades have seen a rise in other types of aggression including bullying. Dr. Craig Anderson, Director of the Center for the Study of Violence, in Ames, Iowa, believes the link between video games and aggression is indisputable. After analyzing 130 research studies, he found conclusive evidence that exposure to video game violence increases both aggressive thinking and behavior and reduces empathy and kindness. “All games teach something,” Anderson observes, “and that ‘something’ depends upon what they require the player to practice.” At the same time, violence turns out to be surprisingly hard to define. Is it harmful to have an avatar that slays dragons with a sword? Is it damaging to pretend to be a football player who flattens another player? What’s the effect of taking the point of view of a soldier shooting enemy combatants? Obviously, the rules that make sense for video game violence change as children mature. For kids under 12 who are still developEastern Shore Parents I May 2017
ing a sense of right and wrong, it makes sense to exercise tight control. Seek out games that have educational value and, whenever possible, pro-social values. The non-violent games section of CommonSenseMedia.org is a good place to start. Around middle school, many children, especially boys, will lobby hard to play games that are popular with their friends. Although it’s tempting to ban certain games, that approach doesn’t necessarily give your son the tools he’ll need to evaluate games he encounters at the homes of friends or, eventually, in a college dorm room. Instead, talk to your child about what he or she hopes to get from the game he wants to play. A sense of comraderie with friends? The thrill of doing something forbidden? The challenge of conquering difficult obstacles? Have your child make a case for why the game is a good way to spend free time. Then express your own concerns, being as specific as possible about why a particular game worries you. Does the game endorse gang culture or criminal behavior? Promote use of drugs and alcohol? Include language that is coarse or obscene? Encourage disrespect toward women or minorities? Include violence that is unnecessarily brutal or gratuitous? Talking through these issues won’t be easy and, in the end, you are likely to decide that certain games have no place in your home. Still, research suggests that the conversations are worthwhile because they help young people think critically about the content of video games and that, in turn, makes them less susceptible to their influences. Here are other things parents can do at every age. 52
Play games together when you can. If you aren’t a natural gamer, let your child walk you through the game. Pay attention to things that are constructive—cooperation among players to get to a goal, strategic thinking, coordination. Notice the effect that the game has on your child. Does he or she become animated, aggressive, confident, withdrawn? Use ESRB ratings. They aren’t perfect, but they will protect kids from some of the most violent games. (For an explanation of the ratings, visit www.ESRB.com) Supplement the ratings by talking to other parents and reading reviews from organizations that respect the values you are trying to instill in your children. Doubting a certain game? Rent before you buy. Teach healthy conflict resolution. From a young age, help your child express feelings and develop empathy for the feelings of others. Actively encourage your kids to resolve disagreements through creative compromise. Teach them how to release anger and frustration without violence. If your child is having trouble resolving conflicts peaceably in real life, restrict access to video games. Enforce time limits. Research suggests that the aggressive spill-over from video games is less serious when kids have the self-discipline to step away from the game. Help your child develop that kind of self-control by establishing time limits for video games. If necessary, enforce the rules with parental controls. Finally, it’s important to remember that the powerful teaching capabilities of video games can be enlisted to promote cooperation and goodwill instead of aggression and mayhem. At Screenagers, they’ve compiled a list of ten games that provide a great gaming experience without a lot of gore (http://tinyurl.com/ h2m7oal). If parents can encourage video game companies to develop more games like that, everyone in the family will be happy! Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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Does your daughter tend to memorize information after simply reading it? Does your son enjoy building detailed lego kits? These behaviors are often indicators of learning preferences. It is important to identify a child’s learning style in order to ensure the best chance for academic success. The seven main learning styles are as follows: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, logical, social, and solitary. Visual and auditory learners have an advantage, as traditional classroom instruction is catered more towards them. Visual learners do well by reading, viewing lists, charts, images, reading their teachers’ facial expressions, diagrams, etc. Auditory learners benefit form verbal instruction, talking through problems, and using rhythm and music as memory aids.
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The last two categories of learning preferences are
Tactile and kinesthetic learners may have had a
social and solitary. Social students thrive by working in groups, while those who prefer solitary learning may not. These students will do better with self-paced learning and individualized study plans. It is important to find a niche of interest for a solitary learner and base lessons around that. For example, if you have a child obsessed with airplanes you can use this to teach about gravity, weather, physics, and movement. Fortunately for students who prefer to learn independently, there is a new community of online learning where these solitary learners can feel comfortable and succeed. So now that you know the basic learning styles, chances are you see your child in one or more category. A good age to begin identifying your child’s learning style is around 6-7, as by this point, his/her preferences are likely established. Once you and your child’s teacher know your child’s learning preference(s), it is recommended that he/she be taught using a variety of methods, and not just appeal to the identified style. While it is important to teach the most difficult lessons using that preference, it is also necessary to reinforce lessons using multiple other styles. To truly ensure the best chance of success, teachers need to provide learning tools to enhance and improve abilities in areas where students are weaker. An auditory learner should be taught using a kinesthetic lesson plan, but the teacher should aid that student in working through a lesson such as this, as it is not conducive to his natural abilities.
more difficult time in classrooms years ago, but teachers today are fortunately much more willing to allow children to move about the room to engage in the lesson. Kinesthetic learners need to move their bodies as they learn, and tactile learners like to use their hands to comprehend the material. Both of these preferences are conducive to building 2D or 3D models with clay, play dough, or building materials such as legos. Kinesthetic learners might like to learn about the human body, for example, by jumping, running, stretching, and discussing which parts of the body are allowing them to do such things. Both tactile and kinesthetic learners might enjoy doing their writing assignments on large marker boards or butcher paper, so they are not confined to a desk and can immerse themselves more into the project. Also, a kinesthetic learner is more likely to memorize facts while playing catch, jumping rope, or clapping. Children in both of these categories would learn better though a hands-on science experiment rather than simply reading about a concept via text. Another type of learning preference is logical. The logical learner enjoys mathematics, proving equations, and using reasoning and systems. This student will do well to write out lists of goals or steps to figure something out. He is likely to use the scientific method approach solve a problem, and he may become frustrated if he doesn’t know why something is the way it is. Quite often, logical learners excel with technology, providing them an advantage in more modern classrooms.
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A. social, visual learner B. tactile, kinesthetic learner C. auditory, solitary learner D. logical, social learner
Quiz: What type of learner is your child?
4. Which of the following is a helpful lesson for a teaching math to a kinesthetic learner?
1. Your child was assigned a report on a wild animal. She asked to visit the zoo to see and touch stingrays in their natural habitat. Your child is most likely:
A. having him measure how far he kicked the soccer ball to determine the length of the field B. having him draw a soccer field and describe its measurements C. Watching the teacher draw the measurements on the white board D. Working in groups to draw a soccer field to scale on paper
A. a tactile learner B. a social learner C. a kinesthetic learner D. an auditory learner 2. Your daughter was told to create a project showing the water cycle. Which of the following would indicate that she is a logical learner?
5. Your child can be identified as a visual, social learner. She was assigned a group project on The Civil War. What might be a good role for her within the group?
A. She immediately jumped on the computer to research water cycles after school. B. She created a step-by-step detailed diagram of the water cycle, complete with a color-coded key. C. She created a rain measurement tool and is leaving cups of water around the house to observe water evaporate. D. All of the above.
A. creating a 3-D battle field B. re-enacting a battle scene for the class C. writing out a detailed synopsis of why the war occurred D. researching little-know facts about the Civil War and reporting her findings back to the group ESP Karen Johnson is a former English teacher turned writer and a mom of 3. She writes at The 21st Century SAHM—a cathartic mix of sarcasm, angry Mama Bear rants, and heartfelt confessions. You can follow Karen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as The 21st Century SAHM.
3. Your son’s foreign language teacher tells you that he most enjoys listening to translation activities via headphones and computer during class. Your son would be best described as a:
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Baldwin County Cover Schools Alabama Homeschool Academy
2898 Florida Road Pell City, AL 35125 There is a one time $75 per student application fee. Tuition is $300 per year per family. HSLDA membership is $100 per year per family. Curriculum, field trips & co-op classes are offered on a per student basis for an additional fee. Call Mrs. Sonya at the office to set up an appointment. (205) 525-5437 www.alabamahomeschoolacademy.com/ Contact.html
Alabama Cover Schools Broadchurch Academy
120 Handley Road Gardendale, AL 35071 BroadChurch Academy is a non-denominational church school providing off-site, non-public instruction opportunities for grades K-12 to Alabama families pursuant to Code of Alabama 16-28-1. BroadChurch Academy is a hands-off cover school. We believe that the parent is best suited to determine the path and means of their child’s education and strives to provide the simplest and most cost effective way possible to aid you in beginning or continuing your educational journey. We do not require a Statement of Faith; membership in a homeschool legal defense organization (though recommended); meetings, grade submission or curriculum approval. (205) 687-8474 broadchurchacademy@yahoo.com www.broadchurchacademy.org
Calvary School
Madison, AL 35758 Calvary School Provides: Legal Cover, records, High School Diploma, transcripts, monthly newsletter which includes: monthly field trip, activities, other information about activities open to the public, news about the School and Homeschooling. There will be a fee for graduation ceremony and diploma. Parents can buy and sell school curriculum books, tapes, learning software, games and etc in the newsletter.
(256) 682-4442 calvaryschool_carla.floyd@yahoo.com www.calvary-school.org
Dayspring Academy
246 Tucker Lane Maplesville, AL 36750 DaySpring Academy/High School is a church school in Alabama offering a family-based educational program for grades K-12. (Alabama Code Section 16-28-1). The law is clear on what is required by parents and church schools so please read over this information. We believe in the right of parents to make all the educational choices for their children. We support and encourage parents to actively take responsibility for the education of their children in whatever manner they believe is best for their child. For specific information and questions email us today! (334) 518-9181 dayspringacademy@yandex.com www.dsacademy.org
Everest Academy
1035 Jenkins Road, Hayden, AL 35079 Everest Academy is a ministry of Everest Family Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
Church. Our purpose is to assist parents in providing their child/children with the freedom, resources, and support to home educate in a safe and loving environment. Everest Academy believes that parents have the best interests of their children at heart. We wish to support you in your efforts to lead and guide your children in the direction and at the pace that you feel is best suited to the needs of your family. Everest Academy offers support along with quality resources to aid your family in your homeschooling efforts. Please visit our website and check the FAQ section. If you still have questions please email us. Our office is open by appointment only and closed on Fridays.
Bridge Christian Academy
19 North Church Street Fairhope, AL 36532 BCA is a legal home school covering in Alabama for parents who desire to provide academic excellence with a Biblical worldview. We are a statewide cover and have an office in Fairhope, Alabama. Founded in 2006 by Pastor Todd & DuAnne Seeley, BCA has been a leader in church schools for over 10 years. We are a ministry of Eastern Shore Community Church. Our purpose is to offer support, encouragement and accountability for homeschool families. Orientation Meeting is scheduled the 1st Thursday after Labor Day at 6:30pm. Please call, email or visit our website for enrollment information.
(205) 433-9828 everestacademy1@gmail.com www. alabamahomeschooling.com
(251) 979-6227 AlabamaBCA@gmail.com www.BridgeChristianAcademy.com
LifeGate Academy
Central Christian School
Madison, AL 35758 LifeGate Academy is focused on providing a highquality environment. We are a church school operating under the laws of the state of Alabama and as such, limit in the school exclusively to residents of the state of Alabama. Our tuition is affordable and we offer activities to support homeschooling families in their educational journey. We offer support opportunities, monthly social activities and field trips throughout the school year. Visit our website for more information. (257) 679-5969 office@lifegateacademy.com www.lifegateacademy.com
Outlook Academy
Millbrook, AL 36054 Outlook Academy is an Alabama church school as defined in Alabama legal code 16-28-1. By enrolling your child/children, homeschooling parents comply with the compulsory school attendance law for children ages 6 to 17. Outlook Academy accepts members statewide. Please check the Frequently Asked Questions on our website before contacting administrators. This will help limit interruptions to their homeschooling schedule. Thank you for your understanding! (334) 290-0919 or (334) 625-8328 info@outlookacademy.com www.outlookacademy.org
The Way Home Christian School
Eva, AL 35621 We are a home education program designed for parents seeking security and simplicity in home school administrative support. To enroll, call or email our office or an Area Coordinator for assistance. (256) 796-8533 wayhomeschool@gmail.com www.wayhome.biz
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17395 Alabama 104, Robertsdale, AL 36567 Central Christian School is a non-denominational Christian school that offers a superior educational opportunity for qualifying students from preschool through 12th grade. It is the mission of Central Christian School to work closely together with the home and church in providing a Christ-centered spiritual, academic and physical foundation in a nurturing environment to produce citizens who will be a transforming influence in their world. Our academic program, while placing emphasis on the basics, includes classes in the arts, foreign language, computer, and physical education. We also offer a full athletic program for middle school through high school students. We encourage you to visit Central Christian School. To schedule a visit, please contact Renee Crotts, Director of Admissions, at (251) 947-4724. Please include your name, grade for which you are inquiring, and a contact phone number at which you may be reached. (251) 947-5043 or (251) 947-4724 info@ccsaints.com or central@gulftel.com www.ccssaints.com
First Assembly of God Christian School
22811 Holland Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567 FACS is a church school program that operates as a ministry of First Assembly of God Church in Robertsdale. The Church School began operation in August 1998. Families must apply for admittance to this church school. An Application and Handbook are available on our website as well as an FAQ. You may email us to request an application packet. Basic requirements are: Attend 1 required meeting (August), and Pay tuition of $245.00 per family per year and submit grades and attendance quarterly. (251) 946-2250 or (251) 947-5890 facschurchschool@yahoo.com www.firstassemblyrobertsdale.org or https://www.homeschool-life.com/732/index_public
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SACS - South Alabama Christian School
18250 Pennsylvania Ave, Robertsdale, AL 36567 South Alabama Christian was established as a ministry of the Robertsdale Church of Christ in an effort to aid members of the congregation and like-minded Christian families an alternative to public, private, or parochial school in the form of individual instruction of children by their parents in traditional courses of academic study, basic living skills, spiritual growth and citizenship. Our goal is to equip and encourage our families to achieve academic excellence for their children by providing a means of education in the safe and loving atmosphere of their own homes. Application for enrollment in South Alabama Christian is open to all home schooling families that are committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Please contact Michelle Hinton at balcodst@gulftel.com for more information. (251) 947-5119 or (251) 947-5119 www.churchofchristatrobertsdale.com
Books and Literature • 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy
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• Echo in Celebration: A Call to Home-Centered Education by Leigh A. Bortins
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• For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macalay
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• Repairing the Ruins by Douglas Wilson • Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcey • Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann
• The Big Books of Home Learning by Mary Pride • The Core – The Conversation – The Question (3 books) by Leigh A. Bortins • The Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman & Campbell • The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith • The Practical Homeschooling Magazine by Mary Pride • The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias • The Well Trained Mind - A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise • Understanding Mathematics by Keith Kressin
Curriculum Options A Beka Curriculum
A Beka Curriculum has a Christian and traditional approach to education. They offer several options for teaching. The DVD option is a fully accredited college preparatory program with A Beka Academy. The second option is the Traditional Parent-Directed option with A Beka Academy. The third option is textbooks and materials for homeschooling that you pick and choose from. A Beka offers home school material displays several times a year in surrounding areas. (877) 223-5226 www.abeka.com/homeschool/
All in One Homeschool (AKA Easy Peasy) We enable families to homeschool who thought they couldn’t because of a lack of finances, a lack of time, or a lack of know-how. Others join EP just because it’s easy and fun and because of the quality of education. We seek to provide the resources
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to enable your family to be who you were meant to be. Visit us on Facebook. www.allinonehomeschool.com
Alpha Omega Publications
Alpha Omega Publications has the right Christian homeschool curriculum for you and your family. As a leading Christian homeschooling curriculum publisher, AOP’s award-winning educational products have enabled thousands of families to discover the amazing benefits of a Christian homeschool education. Take a closer look and see what makes homeschooling so special! www.aop.com
Apologia Educational Ministries
The mission of Apologia Educational Ministries is to publish curriculum and resources and provide services that help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith. Along with our award-winning creation-based science courses, Apologia Educational Ministries offers biblical worldview and apologetic titles, online classes, inspirational books, homeschooling tools (such as planners), the Real Refreshment Retreats for homeschooling moms, and mission opportunities. www.apologia.com
Bob Jones Curriculum BJU
BJU Press exists to encourage Christian character in students and promote academic excellence through the provision of K–12 educational materials and support services. Additionally, it produces quality music, youth fiction, adult non-fiction, and DVDs to edify believers. BJU offers quality textbooks, homeschool consultants, student focused distance learning classes, and a wide range of other products and services to meet your educational needs. (800) 845-5731 bjupinfo@bjupress.com www.bjupresshomeschool.com
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
Calvert Education School
Calvert Education’s comprehensive homeschool curriculum uses a blend of traditional textbooks and online learning. For over a century, Calvert has believed that every child deserves a quality education regardless of geography or situation. Whether you are new to homeschooling, or a seasoned homeschool veteran, Calvert Education can work with you to tailor a program to fit your child’s needs. Calvert School provides you with all of the textbooks, tools and support you need. Calvert is a classical Christian Private School. The teachers provide the lesson plans and offer support with placement testing. Education counselors are available, as well as advisory teaching services. (888) 487-4652 www.calvertschool.org/home-school/
Crossing Over to Homeschooling
At Crossing Over to Homeschooling, it’s our goal to help you find all the resources you need to enjoy this wonderful, scary, exciting, nerve-wracking, funfilled journey we call homeschooling! info@crosssingovertohomeschooling.com www.crossingovertohomeschooling.com
Heart of Dakota
Heart of Dakota publishes a Christ-centered homeschool curriculum that is easy to use, flexible, and educational. It can also be used with multiple ages at the same time. Our desire is to help homeschool teachers and parents have a successful experience from the very beginning, while keeping God’s Word at the heart of their children’s academic training. For information visit our website, call or email us. (605) 428-4068 carmikeaustin@msn.com www.heartofdakota.com
HomeLife Academy
Jackson, 38308 TN HomeLife Academy is a non-traditional K-12 private school and ministry serving thousands of homeschool families for nearly 15 years. Colleges and
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universities all over the nation, from the University of Central Florida to Ivy League colleges to the Air Force Academy, have accepted our homeschool diplomas. (888) 560-0774 www.homelifeacademy.com
Keystone National High School
Flexible learning starts at Keystone. We are an online Accredited High School and Middle School to earn your diploma online. The Keystone School offers flexible education programs that help each student achieve their unique dreams and goals. Whether your student wants to study full-time or just needs individual classes, we offer more than 170 courses from credit recovery to world languages and AP. Students can also enroll at any time which truly meets our purpose to be the leader in flexible education. (800) 255-4937 www.keystonehighschool.com
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. We’ve also partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content. www.khanacademy.org
KONOS
KONOS is distinct from other curricula. We use the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as our curriculum. KONOS is one home-school student talking to another home-school student and sharing a curriculum designed by two homeschooling moms for their own children. We have 24 years of homeschooling experience. KONOS is passionate about passing on a vision to build families that honor God, strengthening the family unit and
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achieving excellence in education. For more information and questions email us. info@konos.com www.konos.com
Math-U-See
Math-U-See is designed to teach students specific skills that build as the student progresses. This systematic and cumulative approach uses a definite, logical sequence of concept instruction. The Math-U-See system is structured with step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, practicing, and mastering concepts. Each lesson teaches using multi-sensory tools such as videos and other resources, designed to appeal to any type of learner. With these resources, we are able to adapt to a variety of homeschool styles. (888) 854-6284 www.mathusee.com
My Father’s World
My Father’s World believes in helping parents raise generations who see the world through God’s eyes and live according to that knowledge. We utilize hands on, unit studies with daily lesson plans that are easy to teach. My Father’s World enables families and multi-age groups to learn together. Many of our programs may be taught to a range of ages simultaneously. We combine the best of Charlotte Mason’s ideas and classical education with a Biblical worldview, an international focus, and our own observations of how children learn. (573) 202-2000 info@mfwbooks.com www.mfwbooks.com
Oak Meadow
Oak Meadow offers many different options to meet individual family needs for education. We offer a complete curriculum for at home use or you can enroll online to receive academic credit. Oak Meadow will give students the freedom to learn with flexibility and recognition of learning styles. (802) 251-7250 info@oakmeadow.com www.oakmeadow.com
Rod & Staff Curricula
We offer affordable Bible-based curriculum and character-building storybooks, helping build a solid Christian education for schools and homeschools. These quality textbooks take a traditional approach to schooling. Rod and Staff offer Bible based textbooks that are designed to make the child God conscious. Milestone books offers Rod & Staff curriculum materials. Visit our website and search Rod & Staff for information, resources and a list of products. (800) 761-0234 www.milestonebooks.com
Saxon Curriculum
Saxon teaches the foundational skills of math and reading. We offer Saxon curriculum series of textbooks and materials (800) 247-4784 www.christianbook.com
Sonlight Curriculum
Sonlight uses a classical Christian approach to education. It is literature rich and focuses on teaching children to seek God’s kingdom and to create a learner’s heart. Sonlight encourages curricula with enthusiasm and excitement for learning. Please visit our website for more information, request a free catalog or take part in the forums. (800) 903-1675 www.sonlight.com
Tapestry of Grace
www.tapestryofgrace.com
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Timberdoodle, a family-owned company, has been finding crazy-smart supplies for homeschooling since 1985. Our goal is to offer unique and innovative homeschooling items that are fun for kids and parents. Our special emphasis is engineering, hands-on and thinking-skills products that kids love. We offer Curriculum Kits containing our company’s favorite picks for each grade level. One of our passions helping families cherry-pick what works best for their children. That is why we are eager and available to help you, free of charge, to custom-fit your curriculum to be perfect for your family. (800) 478-0672 customerservice@timberdoodle.com www.timberdoodle.com
Veritas Press
At Veritas Press we specialize in providing educational materials for a classical Christian education. We offer scripted lesson plans with a complete curriculum package or choose online classes with expert teachers available. Veritas Press also offers “In a week” courses. Visit our website to view our many teaching resources, lesson plans, featured products, eBooks and self-paced courses. (800) 922-5082 info@veritaspress.com www.veritaspress.com
WinterPromise
Tapestry of Grace’s products focus primarily on teaching tools for the subject of History. Tapestry of Grace uses a Classical approach to education through a plan of study that helps parents provide Christian, education using a guided unit study approach. Students will cycle through world history allowing all ages to study the same slice of history each week. Each student will progress at their own learning level. This curriculum does not include a phonics program, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign language. (800) 705-7487
Timberdoodle Company
WinterPromise strives to provide activities that are exciting for kids and realistic for parents! If you want a “wake up and go” curriculum that will build your own unique family culture, Winter Promise is certainly for you. Our package choices include Language Arts, Science, Note booking and Math. Whether you choose to visit animal habitats around the world, journey through the American story, dig into ancient history or voyage with sailors on tempestuous seas, WinterPromise has something that will allow your family learning experience to succeed. (802) 372-9200 or (231) 303-1028 winterpromise@gmail.com www.winterpromise.com
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Educational Apps/Links • Brain Pop/ Brain Pop Jr. • Chalkdust.com • DIY.org • Happy Math • PBS Kids • Physics Monster • Presidents • Rocket Math • Smithsonian • Stack the Countries
Navigators Homeschool Co-Op Baldwin County
Navigators Homeschool Cooperative is a Christ centered co-op who exist to disciple our children, encourage moms, and serve our community. support@thenavigators.info www.facebook.com/ NavigatorsHomeschoolCooperative/
SAH - University of Mobile Homeschool Alliance Group
The University now offers a homeschool co-op for homeschool high school students, ages 13 and up, along with many homeschool workshops for all ages. Contact Erin Wainwright at the above email for more information! Join our Facebook page for information on group events. etw501@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/SouthAlabama-Homeschoolers-402045049860845/
• Stack the States
Getting Started & Facebook Groups & Pages State Laws Erin’s Gulf Coast Adventures
This is an exciting new service available for area homeschoolers! Guaranteed monthly field trips with corresponding educational material, as well as reminders, a community activity calendar and a memory book! Email Erin or send us a message on Facebook for more information. etw501@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/erinsgulfcoastadventures/
MACH Robotics
Mobile, Al Mobile Area Coalition of Homeschoolers. 6th-12th grades. Contact Kendra Lane kylekendralane@aol. com for more information. kylekendralane@aol.com
CHEF – Christian Home Education Fellowship of Alabama
CHEF of Alabama exists to promote and encourage Christian home education for the glory of God. Whether you are considering homeschooling, just beginning your homeschooling journey, or are a veteran homeschooling parent, our goal is to encourage, inspire, and equip you. For more information email president@chefofalabama.org. (334) 288-7229 president@chefofalabama.org www.homeschool-life.com/al/chefofalabama
Homeschool Central
Homeschool Central is a resourceful website for new and veteran homeschoolers. It includes state laws, curriculums, un-schooling, support groups,
blogs, How-To sections, support groups and so much more. information@homeschoolcentral.com www.homeschoolcentral.com
Homeschool.com
For over 14 years Homeschool.com has helped homeschooling families get the information they need about the different curricula, products and services offered to the homeschooling community. We strive to provide you with information about everything from products and services to the inspiring stories of homeschoolers around the world. Homeschool.com contains great information on different approaches to homeschooling, such as: classical, unschooling, Charlotte Mason, school in a box and much more. www.homeschool.com
HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)
Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend the constitutional right of parents and to protect family freedoms. HSLDA gives families the freedom to homeschool without having to face legal threats alone. (540) 338-5600 www.hslda.org
Leaping from the Box
Leaping from the Box contains resources & articles to assist Homeschoolers and Home Educators. Move beyond the “cookie-cutter” box mentality in your homeschooling journey. We have materials for Independent Learners including tips for using textbooks, community resources & online information. Leaping from the Box answers common questions about homeschooling in Alabama. We also have support groups, cover schools and more available. Admin@LeapingFromTheBox.com www.leapingfromthebox.com
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High School Helps & Transcripts Testing/Record Keeping Covenant College
14049 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 Covenant College is a Christian liberal arts college that exists to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. At Covenant, we seek to inspire and equip our students to be faithful stewards of their God-given abilities - all of our programs are designed with this in mind. (706) 820-1560 info@covenant.edu www.covenant.edu
HomeschoolCounselor.com
For web-based service offering supplemental essential tools for dads, moms and each homeschool student ages 13-20. Work on reading comprehension, time testing, deadlines, time management, and note taking. www.homeschoolcounselor.com
The Potter School (TPS)
Offering any course you need online through Belhaven University. Also check the website for information on Accredited vs. non-accredited. www.pottersschool.org
ACT Testing
Faith Academy is a popular homeschool testing location. University of Mobile offers an “in house” ACT on very short notice. Visit www.homeschooltestingservices.com for hosted testing sites near you. info@HomeschoolTestingServices.com www.act.org
Homeschool Communities & Co-Ops Baldwin Christian Home Educators’ Association (BCHE)
Fairhope, 36532 BCHEA is an avenue for homeschooling families to connect, share information, promote homeschooling events and encourage one another. Bonnie Brackin~ President, Calista Patterson~ Vice president, Peaches Fink~ Student Body Coordinator, Valerie Rodriguez~Secretary, Karen Ritterbusch~ Treasurer, Natalie Conrad~Events Coordinator Register at www.bchea.org. Email questions bchea2009@gmail.com. bchea2009@gmail.com or bonnie.brackin@gmail.com www.bchea.org
Classical Conversations
Baldwin County Classical Conversations is a national classical and Christian homeschooling program seeking to empower parents. Classical Conversations meets once a week, providing weekly accountability, encouragement, and structure that supplements and supports what is being taught at home. On a weekly basis, we offer Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge programs in local communities. Find out how Classical Conversations can help you redeem your own education so that you can do the hard, but rewarding work of teaching your own children. Several local communities available: Robertsdale Tuesday Campus: Grace Fellowship Baptist Church: Jennifer Ferguson- Foundations/Essentials Director islandjen@mac.com; Robertsdale Friday Campus: Grace Fellowship Baptist Church: Megan Wilson- Foundations/Essentials Director meganhwilson@gmail.com, Denise Wilson- Challenge A dzw599@gmail.com, Serah Carrier- Challenge B snscarrier@gmail.com, Scott Holmes- Challenge I challengebsouthbaldwin@gmail.com; Fairhope East: 3 Circle Church: Amanda Jackson- Foun-
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North Baldwin Christian Academy
2706 Scarlet Drive, Bay Minette, 36507 We are a church school covering and a Christian homeschool support group. We schedule regular field trips and social time for our members. North Baldwin Christian is an active NETWORK SUPPORT GROUP in our community encouraging Families to be comfortable with their choice and religious right to home educate their children. (251) 937-1199 heheadquarters@yahoo.com https://www.homeschool-life.com/449/
Misc. Classes, Clubs & Civic Opportunities
(251) 223-3420 spitre@classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversations.com
Lake Forest Home School Club (LFHSC)
We offer educational and fun opportunities for our children to enrich their homeschool experience. We coordinate field trips, P.E. & sports, enrichment classes, 4H, drama, service opportunities, beach and park days. We provide support meetings for our new homeschooling moms to help them through the rough spots as they begin this exciting and rewarding journey. The_LFHSC@yahoo.com www.homeschool-life.com/al/lakeforesthsc
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dations/Essentials Director avjackosn@live. com; Fairhope West Monday Campus: Trinity Presbyterian Church: Amy Cross- Foundations/ Essentials Director fairhopewestcc@yahoo.com, Meghan Wilson- Challenge A meg1245@yahoo. com, Arcelia Miller- Challenge B Director arcelia. classicalconversations@gmail.com, Beverly Krueger- Challenge II Director bevkrueger96@ gmail.com; Foley: Foley Baptist Church: Ashley Garcia- Foundations/Essentials Director foleyclassicalconversations@gmail.com.
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1070 Schillinger Road North, Mobile, 36608 A community-based club accepting ages 5-18. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 3:305:30 usually at the Jon Archer Agricultural Center. Activities include Science based activities, community service, campouts, rocket activities, hikes and competitive events. angelahunt233@comcast.net
Baldwin County Community Alliance
372 South Greeno Road, Fairhope, 36532 We offer a 30 second commercial contest each year for middle and high school students as well as other educational activities for your student. For more information emaill mckenley@altapointe.org or smarkris@altapointe.org. Visit us on Facebook at BCCA. The Baldwin County Community Alliance
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(BCCA) is a group of agencies that meet monthly to discuss underage drinking and prescription drug use, misuse, and abuse by Baldwin County youth. The BCCA hosts contests that focus on access and availability of alcohol and prescriptions drugs and are open to all Middle and High school students. The BCCA also hosts the Baldwin Star Search event each year. Meetings are open to community members and community youth.
(251) 517-1275 lmckenley@altapointe.org or smarkris@altapointe.org. www.proudtobefreebaldwin.org
Baldwin County Youth Orchestra
6847 Park Drive, Daphne, 36526 We offer something for everyone! We have strings groups for age groups from 6 to 99. Also offering summer camps, music lessons and performances to homeschool students during the day. Please call or email us for more information about getting your homeschool student involved in music fun! (251) 979-6834 bcyorchestra@gmail.com www.bcyorchestra.com
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7980 American Way, Daphne, 36526 Bay City Gymnastics offers classes during the day for homeschool families. Please call for details.
Boy Scouts
2587 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36606 The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations (251) 476-4600 www.bsamac.org
Broussard’s Academy of Music
1541 East I-65 Service Rd (Ste A2), Mobile, 36606 Music classes for homeschool students offered during the day. Please call for specific lessons and details. (251) 344-8856 or (800) 962-4845 www.broussardspianos.com
Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
2495 Michigan Avenue, Mobile, 36615 Meetings are held at the Brookley Aerospace Complex Mobile Downtown Airport at the Signature FBO. Charter Number SER AL005. (540) 907-8055 Gfwright47@gmail.com www.facebook.com/MobileCAP
Distinguished Young Women
Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future. (251) 438-3621 valerie@distinguishedyw.org www.distinguishedyw.org
Dogwood Trail Maids
617 North Mobile Street, Fairhope, 36532 The Dogwood Trail program has been a tradition on the Eastern Shore for 55 years. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Optimist Club, the program prides itself on its mission to further the progress of local young women by offering opportunities to learn leadership, public speaking and life skills that will equip them to achieve their personal and professional goals. Each court member receives a $1,000 scholarship, and, during their reign, The Dogwood Trail Court makes approximately 90 appearances as Goodwill Ambassadors for our community. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DogwoodTrail-Court-320517203334/?ref=page_internal. (251) 990-8899 thedogwoodtrail@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Dogwood-Trail-Court320517203334/?ref=page_internal.
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Eastern Shore Aquatics
10580 County Road 64, Daphne, 36526 Homeschool swim program available! Twice weekly, 1pm - 2pm, $45/month, Three or more time per week is $60/month. Programs run Monday – Friday from September – May. The facility has two swimming pools as well as drylands equipment for homeschool fitness programs. Please contact Coach Rich at (251) 300-0820 or richsuhs@aol.com. (251) 300-0820 richsuhs@aol.com www.swimforswat.com
Fairhope Music
247 Greeno Road, Fairhope, 36532 Music lessons for all ages and abilities. Classes available during the day for homeschool students. (251) 455-4101
Fairhope Youth Orchestra
247 Greeno Road, Fairhope, 36532 Fairhope Youth Orchestra offers Beginner, Junior, Intermediate and Advanced lessons and chamber ensemble programs. Ask us about our Homeschool Ensemble opportunities. Director/Instructor: Kim Shannon, Graduate of the University of AL Music Dept. (251) 463-6009 fairhopechamberstrings@gmail.com
Full Scale School Of Music
63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, 36606 We are excited to offer two music classes for homeschool students this year! You can register for these classes in person or under the “payments” tab on our website. Scroll down to see ages, descriptions, cost, and schedule. (251) 454-6591 fullscaleschool@Gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com/homeschool-program/
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama 3483 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36606 Al
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place! (251) 344-3330 communications@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org
Gulf Coast Exploreum
65 Government Street, Mobile, 36604 The Gulf Coast Exploreum has exciting homeschool classes available for families looking to supplement their science curriculum. Explore physics, biology, engineering and more! Our classes are tailored for a variety of ages and provide educational programming, hands-on experiments, and time to socialize with other young scientists. Best of all, there are no explosions in your home! Join us for hands-on, age-appropriate science lessons to foster curiosity and discovery in support of what your kids are learning at home. (251) 208-6818 www.exploreum.com
Heritage Girls
www.americanheritagegirls.org
IMPACT Youth Theater
We are a Christian based youth drama club in Baldwin County comprised primarily of homeschooled students 3-18 years old. Patti Woods – Director. (251) 599-0716 impactyouththeater@gmail.com
JMG Feeding the Gulf Coast www.feedingthegulfcoast.org
Junior Civitan
Junior Civitan is an organization of youth service clubs dedicated to making the world a better place. sites.google.com/site/cottagehilljuniorcivitan/home
Marjorie Searcy Vocal Coach
Fairhope, 36532 Offering lessons to homeschool students during the
day. Visit our website for more information. (251) 509-2150 info@marjoriesearcy.com www.marjoriesearcy.com
Mobile Bay Area Homeschool National Honor Society Mobile
(251) 661-4034 lambdazeta.webs.com
NASP – National Archery in the Schools Program - Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
64 North Union Street Montgomery, 36130 Al The National Archery in the Schools Program is open to students in 4th - 12th grades and enrolled in public, private and homeschool programs in Alabama. Please visit our website for more information at http://www.outdooralabama.com/archeryschools-program. The goal of this program is to provide students with the ingredients to become involved in a life skill that has no barriers. Please contact Coordinator for Alabama, marisa.futral@ dcnr.alabama.gov or Regional Hunter Education Coordinator, Daniel.Musselwhite@dcnr.alabama. gov for specific questions. (334) 242-3620 or (334) 242-3868 www.outdooralabama.com/archery-schools-program
P’zazz Art Studio
456 North Section Street, Fairhope, 36532 Classes for homeschool students offered during the day. Class days and times vary. Please call or email pzazzfairhope@gmail.com for details. Visit us on Facebook! (251) 802-1009 pzazzfairhope@gmail.com www.pzazzart.com
Teen Pact
State Coordinator: Deborah Monplaisir; Teen Pact was founded with a mission to train youth to understand the political process, value their liberty,
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and defend the Christian Faith. The 4 day event is for ages 13-18 in Montgomery during the legislative session. Also available 1 day class for ages 8-12. Follow TeenPact on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected with the latest updates. (334) 538-1806 alabama@teenpact.com www.teenpact.com
Trail Life
Trail Life USA is a Christian Outdoor Adventure, Character, and Leadership Program for boys and young men. K-12. (321) 247-7761 Contact@TrailLifeUSA.com www.traillifeusa.com
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
8501 Tanner Williams Road Mobile, 36608 Dunlap Division located at US Coast Guard Aviation Training Center. Dunlap Division located at US Coast Guard Aviation Training Center. The US Naval Sea Cadet Corps is comprised of two programs. The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is the junior program for young people ages 10 through 13. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is the senior program for young people ages 13 through 17. www.seacadets.org
Testing www.hslda.org/highschool/testing.asp www.homeschoolreporting.com www.fivejs.com/homeschool-gradebook-free-download www.homeschoolskedtrack.com
Professionally formatted student records, report cards, GPA calculations, transcripts, and immunization records. Additionally, student resume builder summarizes extracurricular activities, awards/ achievements, competitions, community/missions service, work experience & conduct reports. www.academicrecords.net
Upcoming Events CHEF of Alabama Homeschool Convention & Curriculum Fair (Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church)
5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, 35242 Al Friday June 30 8am – 6pm and Saturday, July 1 8am-4pm. Join families from all over Alabama for the 29th annual Alabama Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair. Heidi St. John, The Busy Mom and Todd Wilson, The Familyman, will be speakers. Featured will be an entrepreneurial boot camp led by Rhea Perry and an NCFCA communications program. Workshop topics will include Getting Started, Homeschooling through High School, and Teaching Special Needs Students. National and local curricula providers will be on site. For full convention information and online registration visit our website. If you have any questions please contact Convention Coordinator Mark Holden at markholden56@gmail.com. (205) 699-0712 markholden56@gmail.com www.chefofalabama.org
FAIRHOPE, AL 3-Day Practicum (Trinity Presbyterian Church)
545 South Mobile Street, Fairhope, 36532 Monday, July 24, 2017 9:00 a.m. - Wednesday, July 26, 2017 4:00 p.m. Registration closes July 10, 2017. This summer, Practicum 2017 will help us identify opportunities for using logic in our everyday lives, and help us map out the baby steps we can take with our students to lead them toward the practice of clear thinking.
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Student Camps and volunteer opportunities are also available. Contact Sarah Pitre for more information. (251) 223-3420 spitre@classicalconversations.com www.classicalconversations.com
Harvest, AL 3-Day Practicum at Capshaw Baptist Church
14944 Dupree Worthey Road, Harvest, 35749 Monday, June 5, 2017 9:00 a.m. - Wednesday, June 7, 2017 4:00 p.m. Registration Closes May 29, 2017. Join us this summer as we “reason together”-learning the principles of clear thinking and how rightly relating our thoughts and ideas can bring glory to God, peace to our homes, grace to our conversations, and wisdom to our thoughts. Call or email Kristyn Turney for more information. (256) 527-7061 PCNorthAlabama@gmail.com
Additional Resources A to Z Home’s Cool
A to Z Home’s Cool community website will help you home educate your kids from preschool, kindergarten, up to and through high school with free online education, lesson ideas, educational websites, helpful articles, top programs, books, materials, curriculum... and best of all... Homeschool Friends! www.homeschooling.gomilpitas.com
Beautiful Feet History and Science Curriculum
This site offers classic and historic works that nurture a love for reading. (805) 542-9847 or (800) 889-1978 letters@bfboks.com www.bfbooks.com
Bellerophon Books
Bellerophon Books publishes very inexpensive books of Ancient History, American History, Arche-
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
ology, Native American Art and History, Natural History, Music History, English Literature, and much more! Our books are entertaining, beautiful; exceedingly edificatory, and they sell like crazy! (800) 253-9943 sales@bellerophonbooks.com www.bellerophonbooks.com
Cathy Duffy Reviews
Cathy Duffy Reviews provides information on several different curriculum options. This site also contains articles and reviews of other books Cathy believes are important for those interested in homeschooling, education, and related political and spiritual topics. www.cathyduffyreviews.com
Chem4kids
We have information on matter, atoms, elements, the periodic table, reactions and biochemistry. If you’re still not sure what to click, visit our site map that lists all of the topics on the site. If you surf and get lost in all of the fantastic information, use the search function on the side of the pages. www.chem4kids.com
Children’s Books (Home-School Discount Products) We strive to give you the best products at the best prices. All of our employees are either homeschool parents or homeschool graduates. We have all used a variety of different curricula. Our website contains a wide assortment of curricula and books. (864) 968-0391 childrensbooks@earthlink.net www.homeschooldiscountproducts.com
Christian Liberty Press
You will find that our programs, materials, and services will effectively aid you in the education of your students. We look forward to helping you provide students with a Christ-centered curriculum.
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Christian Liberty Press contains a large assortment for the Christ centered biblical approach. (800) 348–0899 or (847) 385-2029 custserv@christianliberty.com www.shopchristianliberty.com
Circe Institute
The CiRCE Institute is a leading provider of inspiration, information, and insight to classical educators throughout the U.S. and Canada via an annual conference, an online classical academy, in-house teacher training, Lost Tools of Writing™ Workshops and materials, consulting on board development, school leadership, and school start-up, as well as a content-laden website and blog. The CiRCE Institute is called to promote, model, and support classical education in the school, within itself, and in the home. Our clients consider the CiRCE Institute the cutting-edge organization in the Christian classical renewal because of our unique ability to identify the ancient principles of learning, to communicate them enthusiastically, and to apply them vigorously in today’s educational settings. The CiRCE Institute is committed to the Christianity expressed in the historical creeds of the church, especially the Nicene Creed. CS Lewis’s phrase “Mere Christian” describes our aspiration. www.circeinstitute.org
Distance Learning Integrators
Distance Learning Integrators will help enrich your home-school curriculum with a variety of Electronic field trips. Also visit www.jannalaughon. com/eFieldTrips.html for a list of specific efieldtrip websites. info@efieldtrips.org www.efieldtrips.org
Greenleaf Press
We strive to be the best resources for teaching history and literature chronologically. www.greenleafpress.com
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Hands of a Child
We provide quality lapbooking materials for all educators, homeschooling families and classroom teachers looking for an easier way to put laughter and learning together in the hands of their children and students.
press themselves. Learning to write well will serve children not only during their school years, but also into college and throughout their adult lives. The process of learning to write well also teaches students how to think clearly and communicate effectively in every area of life.
(866) 426-3701 www.handsofachild.com
(800) 856-5815 info@IEW.com www.iew.com
Hearthsong
IXL
At Hearthsong we are dedicated to helping parents follow their instincts and provide children with ageappropriate, wholesome, quality playthings. What better way to help your children learn than having tons of fun through play! (800) 533-4397 www.hearthsong.com
Home Science Tools
Committed to making science both fun and accessible for families and classrooms. We carry affordable Science tools and kits for hands on experimentation. (800) 860-6272 www.homesciencetools.com
Homeschool Super Center
We are in the business of helping parents find the best homeschool curriculum for each student. We also carry resources that will help get you started with homeschooling as well as guides to the best, homeschool friendly curriculum for your student. (888) 689-4626
www.homeschoolsupercenter.com
Institute for Excellence in Writing
In order to succeed in every area of life, children must hone the skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively. Whether your students are eager learners or reluctant writers, IEW’s approach will give the tools you need to confidently teach your students to write well, think clearly, and ex-
IXL provides comprehensive, standards-aligned math and language arts practice for grades K–12. We strive to make learning as effective as it can be and solve real-world challenges faced by students and teachers around the planet. IXL provides skills drills for items that are required on the Alabama State Benchmark. (855) 255-8800 www.ixl.com
subject areas, for grades PK-12 and beyond!
(888) 841-3456 www.rainbowresource.com/index.php
Real Science 4 Kids
Real Science-4-Kids introduces kids to the core disciplines of science. Students learn chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and astronomy. We offer a Science Curriculum from Preschool to High school. (505) 266-2761 www.gravitaspublications.com
ROCK Solid
Rock Solid offers popular homeschool products like Bob Jones, Alpha Omega, Apologia, Horizons, Switched On School House and Explode the Code. (800) 705-3452 www.rocksolidinc.com
Learning Things - The Education Store
We carry products for Science, Math, History, Economics, Art, Bible Studies, career skills, English, computer skills, Geography and the list goes on and on! Our site contains product reviews, products by age and grade level. Visit our site, request a catalogue, read our informative articles and blogs and find the perfect fit to teach and learn effectively.
Store for Knowledge
Store for Knowledge offers thousands of products ranging from every educational subject. We carry a large variety of kits, models and toys. For customer service and other help email Help@ StoreforKnowledge.com.
(678) 679-1127 www.learningthings.com
(800) 392-8739 Help@StoreforKnowledge.com www.storeforknowledge.com
Mindware
Yesterday’s Classics
The nation’s best resource for educational toys for kids and learning toys for kids that engages and entertains. Whatever learning toys you select, we guarantee that your children will learn—and have fun—while they play! (800) 999-0398
www.mindware.com
Rainbow Resource Center
It is our mission to provide the best educational products to homeschoolers, parents, and educators at the lowest prices we can offer. We currently carry over 40,000 quality educational products in all
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Yesterday’s Classics offers a collection of books from a wide variety of subjects and categories, with special emphasis on history, literature, and natural history. (919) 357-8824 lisa@mainlesson.com www.yesterdaysclassics.com
Zoom Kitchen Chemistry
Explore the virtual kitchen and perform online experiments. Solve puzzles and get a reward! Choose from animated games and activities. www.pbskids.org/zoom/games/kitchenchemistry/ ESP
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Playing with Food
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Playing with food is part of every child’s early years as they learn to feed themselves. And as their food interests expand beyond the high chair and into the larger kitchen, kids often develop specific curiosity about the objects and items that contribute to their menu. They begin to look at ‘grown-up’ food, kitchen set-ups and cooking tools with a new, and hungry, eye. While they’re not ready to don the official chef’s hat yet, encouraging their interest with safe and engaging toys and resources is ideal for cultivating their nutritional education and expanding tastes. The following items are recommended for kids who still want to play with their food.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Morphy Richards Kitchen Set
Cutting Food Play Set (Melissa & Doug)
Putting a knife in the hands of a toddler is encouraged with Melissa & Doug’s Cutting Food Play Set. Complete with sectioned wooden fruit, vegetables and bread loaf, kids use this set’s sturdy, blunt-edged wooden knife to cut the food into its parts. The “crunch’ of the cut comes from the strong Velcro attachments between the food sections. The actual weight and feel of the wooden food mimics real produce much more closely than plastic counterparts. As children separate and reassemble the food, they are also benefiting from an early exposure to fractions. Crafted with non-toxic materials, the occasional nibbling and gnawing is not a worry. Giving young chefs their first opportunity to carve out their place in the kitchen, the Cutting Food Play Set offers a surprisingly real food prep experience for kids.
(Casdon Little)
While the coffee maker and toaster are often off-limits for little ones, the Morphy Richards Kitchen Set presents a safe and entertaining option for the younger cook. The coffee kettle is refillable with water (or other beverage) and features a level gauge indicator for added realism. The ‘toast’ pops up from the toaster with an energetic spring to launch every morning meal. Featuring colorful cutlery, dishes and pretend food, breakfast or brunch is easily laid out by the youngest kitchen helper. Perfect for pretend play this miniature collection is sized for little hands, but easily serves alongside adult crockery for a family-sized breakfast spread.
Honeysuckle Treat Street Food Truck
Sew Mini Treats (Klutz)
Making your own food takes on a whole new meaning with Sew Mini Treats, an adorable craft kit from Klutz. Following super-easy instructions in the 48-page guide, young seamsters are equipped with everything they need to assemble plush food with fun faces. With patterns, felt, filling, floss, and delightful design elements for cheeks and eyes all included, kids can turn out up to 18 different food-themed plushies in a short amount of time. Getting the hang of following patterns and simple stitching is also ideal for turning hand work into real confidence-building opportunities. Perfect for party-activities, decorating, gift-giving, or just carrying around as an “I made this!” badge, Sew Mini Treats are a delicious dip into food-themed crafting.
(Woodzeez)
With the booming interest is food truck cuisine nationwide, it’s the perfect time for little foodies to explore the business with their own pintsized version of the same. The Honeysuckle Treat Street Food Truck is a highly detailed toy replica of a restaurant on wheels. With a grill, cupboards, and an oven (with a working door) there’s plenty of food activity on the menu. The trapdoor for extra storage adds to the space economy that echoes real food trucks. There are eighty-nine pieces, so while kids are guaranteed to stay busy this set is best for kids who are past the mouthing age. Woodzeez brand figures are sold separately, but this food truck can easily host a variety of similarly sized characters. Battery-free and ready to feed friends, the Honeysuckle Treat Street Food Truck will get your child’s restaurant business rolling.
Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
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Olive Oils | Balsamic Vinegars | Unique GiĹŒs
A unique social & sensory shopping experience!
314-B De La Mare Avenue | Fairhope, AL 36532 | p: 251.929.0711 | f: 251.929.0710 info@happyolive4.com | www.happyolive4.com | The Happy Olive 25741 Perdido Beach Blv’d., Suite I | Orange Beach, AL 36561 | p: 251.981.1557
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Jubilee Shores United Methodist Church
17261 State Highway 181, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: May 29-June 2 Times: 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. “Egypt” Spend a while on the Nile through Joseph’s Journey! VBS is open to K - 5th grade. Please call the church office for questions. Registration is available online at our website. (251) 928-9133 www.jubileeshores.net
Christ Presbyterian Church
8450 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne, 36526 Dates: June 4-June 8 Times: 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Light supper served at 5:30 p.m. and VBS from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Open to ages K-5th grade. For information contact the church or visit our website. (251) 621-9444 christchurchdaphne@gmail.com www.cpcdaphne.com
Rosinton United Methodist Church
26011 Baldwin Beach Express, Robertsdale, 36567 Dates: June 4-June 7 “Mega Sports Camp” We will offer a fun week of exciting sports! Please contact the church office for registration information. (251) 964-5988 rosintonumc@gmail.com
Fairhope UMC
ad on page 89
155 South Section Street, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 8:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m. “Maker Fun Factory” Created by God, Built for a Purpose; Open to rising Kindergarten - 6th grade. 6th graders will go off-site to do mission work. 4 years and younger require an onsite parent or guardian volunteer. Online registration opens May 7th, 2017. For more information contact Michelle Graham. (251) 928-1148 michelle.graham@fairhopeumc.org www.fairhopeumc.org
First Baptist Fairhope
ad on page 61 300 South Section Street, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: June 5-June 8 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m. “GALACTIC STARVEYORS! Discovering the God of the Universe” Get ready to explore our universe like never before! Kick off night will be Sunday, June 4th from 5pm – 7pm. VBS will continue on Monday June 5th – Wednesday June 8th. RegistraEastern Shore Parents I May 2017
tion is available online. Please call the church office for more information. (251) 928-8685 dlund@fbcfairhope.org www.fbcfairhope.org
Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church ad on page 11
6620 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, 36527 Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. “Cave Quest” Following Jesus the Light of the World. Open to ages K-5th Grade (completed). Online registration is available. For more information contact the church office. (251) 626-1242 lwoodson8@yahoo.com or office@spanishfortpc.com www.spanishfortpresbyterian.com
Eastern Shore Baptist Church
6847 Park Drive Daphne, 36526 Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. “GALACTIC STARVEYORS! Discovering the God of the Universe” Get ready to explore our universe like never before! Join us as we fix our telescopes on the marvels in the sky to discover the wonderful Creator who made them! Your kids will discover the wonder among all wonders—that the God who created the universe and everything in it—has made a way for us all to have a personal relationship with Him! Registration is available at www.myesbc.net for kids entering K5 - 6th grades. For more information contact Josh Sellers at josh@myesbc.net. (251) 626-5550 josh@myesbc.net www.myesbc.net
Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church
23050 U.S. Highway 98, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: June 5-June 8 Times: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. “Operation Arctic: Exploring the Coolest Book on the Planet”. Join us for our kickoff Sunday June 4 at 4:30pm. VBS is open to children PreK - 6th Grade. (251) 210-1226 www.easternshorepca.org
First Baptist Church, Robertsdale
18200 Highway 104, Robertsdale, 36567 Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. “CAMP 318” Camp 318 is a week long day camp for students who have completed K- 5th grades. During Camp students will learn how to TALK to God, LISTEN to God, and SHARE God with others. Registration will be May 8 - May 19, 2017. All students must preregister online at our website above. The $20.00 fee includes all supplies and t-shirt. Space is limited. For more information visit our website or call the church office. (251) 947-4362 cindy@firstrobertsdale.com www.firstrobertsdale.com
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Loxley First Baptist Church ad on page 22
1050 North Alabama Street Loxley, 36551 Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 6:00 p.m.8:30 p.m. “Maker Fun Factory” Created by God Built for a purpose. For more information or questions, please call the church office. Ages 4-12 (Must be 4 by June 20th) Pre-registration is strongly encouraged online by visiting www.groupvbspro.com/cc/fbcloxley. (251) 964-5261 info@fbcloxley.com www.fbcloxley.com
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
902 Daphne Avenue, Daphne, 36526 Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 5:30 p.m. “The Faith Run - Hebrews 12:1” Macedonia VBS begins at 5:30 p.m. each evening for ages 5 years and up. There will be lessons, arts and crafts and a meal served at 5:30. The Directors are Sister Cynthia Montgomery, Sister Mildred Rudolph, and Sister Candra Taylor. To register, please call the church office. (251) 626-9393 www.macedoniabaptistchurch-daphne.com
Orange Beach United Methodist Church 28751 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 Dates: June 12 -June 16 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. “Maker Fun Factory – Created by God, Built for a Purpose” Open to ages 3 years (potty trained) rising 5th grade. Online registration is available at www.orangebeachumc.org. For more information contact Paul Hopper at PHopper@OrangeBeachUMC.org or call the church office. (251) 981-6751 oboffice@orangebeachumc.org www.orangebeachumc.org
Spanish Fort United Methodist Church
Highway 31 at Hwy 225, Spanish Fort, 36527 Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 8:45 a.m.-12:15 PM “Maker Fun Factory” Come join us to learn about how we are all created by God and built for a purpose! Go to www.spanishfortumc.org for registration. Please call the church office for questions. (251) 626-1334 ministries@spanishfortumc.org www.spanishfortumc.org
St. Lawrence Catholic Parish
370 South Section Street, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. “Follow Me To Galilee” Open to ages entering K 6th grade. Online registration is available at www. stlawrencevbs.com. Registration deadline is May 12. $40 per child. Please call (251) 928-5931 ext. 132 for more information. (251) 928-5931 family@stlawrencefairhope.com www.stlawrencefairhope.com
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3Circle Church ad on page 47
10274 Highway 104, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: See Below “Camp 3Circle” Open to ages 4 years - 4th grade. 4 and 5 year olds will meet from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. K - 4th grade will meet from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Online registration begins May 1st. For more information contact the church office. (251) 990-3112 info@3circlechurch.com www.3circlechurch.com
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Ascension Lutheran Church
8888 County Road 64, Daphne, 36526 Dates: June 19 Times: 9:00 a.m. “Mighty Fortress” In Jesus, the Victory is Won! Welcome to Mighty Fortress, where kids learn that God is their refuge and strength. Friends may fail them. They may not ace their test or make the team, but God promises to be their rock and their salvation—their fortress and sure defense. So raise your banner! In Jesus, the victory is won! (251) 626-7500 office@OurDaphneChurch.org www.ourdaphnechurch.org
Family Ministries Center
9955 County Road 34, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
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“Galactic Starveyors: Discovering the God of the Universe” As kids focus their telescopes on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator, they will discover the wonder among all wonders - that the God who created everything, wants a personal relationship with them! (Colossians 1:15-16). Come reach for the stars with us! Open to ages K3 – 6th grade. Registration is available in the church office between the hours of 9am – 4pm or on our website. Saturday will be a family fun day from 11am – 1pm. (251) 928-4780 tiffanyerowan@gmail.com www.familyministriescenter.net
First Baptist Church of Foley
221 North Alston Street, Foley, 36535 Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Open to ages 3 years - 6th grade. For questions contact the church office. Check our website for VBS Theme coming soon! (251) 943-8352 office@fbcfoley.com www.fbcfoley.com
Jubilee Baptist Church
9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne, 36526 Dates: July 10-July 14 Times: 5:15 p.m.-8:00 p.m. “Galactic Starveyors” Open to ages 3 years 6th grade (completed). VBS Dinner served at 5:15 p.m. VBS following from 6 - 8 p.m. Online registration is available at www.jubileebaptist. com. For more information, contact the church office. (251) 621-7095 john@jubileebaptist.com www.jubileebaptist.com
Trinity Presbyterian Church 545 South Mobile Street, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: July 10-July 14 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. “Rome: Paul and the Underground Church” Open to ages K4 – Rising 5th grade. For more information, contact Carrys at the church. (251) 928-2524 or (251) 621-0775 tpccarrys@gmail.com www.tpcfairhope.org
Faith Family Fellowship
First UMC Bay Minette
120 West 2nd Street, Bay Minette, 36507 Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. “Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built for a Purpose” The best week of the summer! New Friends, Amazing Experiments, Creative Games, Lip-Smacking Snacks, Surprising Adventures and Incredible Music. Register or sign up to volunteer at www.vbspro.events/p/fumcbm. Preregistration Deadline is June 2, 2017. For questions contact Manci Bryars, VBS Coordinator, at cmancibryars@ aol.com or call the church office. Open to children ages 4 – 12 years. Doors open at 8:00 am. Visit us on Facebook! (251) 937-8303 cmancibryars@aol.com www.fumcbayminette.org
ad on page 13
7100 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, 36527 Dates: July 17-July 21 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. “Maker Fun Factory” Open to children who have completed K3 through 5th grade. Registration is online at www.faithfamilyonline.com (251) 626-1379 info@faithfamilyonline.com www.faithfamilyonline.com
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“Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God” Open to ages 4 years (by Sept 1st) - 6th grade. Registration is available online and at the church office. Family Picnic Friday will be July 21th at 6:00 p.m. (251) 968-2411 lee@gulfshoresumc.org www.gulfshoresumc.org
First Presbyterian Church Gulf Shores
309 East 21st Avenue, Gulf Shores, 36542 Dates: July 24-July 28 Times: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. “Maker Fun Factory” VBS will surely spark creativity within your children as they become hands-on inventors who discover they’re lovingly created by God and built for a purpose! Registration is available online or by calling the church office. Open to those entering grades K through 4. (251) 968-7720 gsfpcusa@gulftel.com www.gulfshoresfirstpresbyterian.org
Barnwell Baptist Church
7780 US Highway 98, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: July 17-July 21 Times: 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. “Maker Fun Factory - Created by God, Built for a Purpose” Open to ages K - 5th grade. For registration and information, contact Robyn at the number or email listed above. A commencement service and refreshments will be Friday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. (251) 928-8286 rcohronpmc@aol.com www.barnwellbaptist.org
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
Celebration Church
8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope, 36532 Dates: July 17-July 19 (251) 928-0343 John@fairhopechurch.com www.fairhopechurch.com
Gulf Shores United Methodist Church
1900 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 36542 Dates: July 17-July 20 Times: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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Grace Fellowship, PCA
1740 South Juniper Street Foley, 36535 Dates: July 24-July 28 Times: 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. “Son West Round-Up” Open to ages 4 years – 5th grade. Dinner will be provided. Please call the church office or email Sarah.thornbury@gmail.com for more information. (251) 968-5302 gfpca.gulfcoast@gmail.com or Sarah.thornbury@gmail.com www.gracefellowship-pca.com ESP
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“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own
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actions.” - Dalai Lama We know that happiness is an emotion that can come and go. But how do we recapture that bubbly feeling amid the challenges and stresses of parenthood? Here are a few tips from moms for staying positive and feeling good. Lean on community. Several moms polled for this article agreed that moms’ night outs with their friends help them feel more optimistic. And science proves it. Studies find that time spent bonding with friends boosts a woman’s level of oxytocin, a natural hormone that reduces stress. Check out mothers’ groups in your area if you are struggling to build a support network.
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Commit to healthy living. Women who make time to care for their bodies, enjoy a stronger self-image and feel more self-confident and energetic. Exercise, try to get adequate sleep, schedule regular massages and make healthy food choices to feel your best. “I know that when I am reasonably well-rested and happy, I am absolutely more patient, energetic and empathetic to everyone in my household,” says Erica Wilson, a mom of one.
Take time for personal pursuits. Whether you like surfing Pinterest, training for a 5K or simply taking a warm bubble bath, moments stolen throughout the week contribute to our overall sense of well-being. “I try to take at least a few minutes a day outside. I close me eyes, take deep breaths, and listen to the sounds,” says Melanie Werner, a mom of one.
Nourish yourself. During the rush of the week, most of us throw meals together just to get our hungry crew fed. If you enjoy cooking, find a day when you can slow down and relish the preparation. The process of chopping and measuring ingredients is meditative and soothing. Create a feast to delight all of the senses by serving your meal on a table laid out with your favorite dishes and cheerful flowers.
HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.
C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
Laugh. Family life can be funny. Kids say hilarious things. Pay attention and write those gems down. Next time you need a lift, read them. Need more ideas? Look at funny family videos or photos, hang out with lighthearted friends, watch a silly movie or read a humorous book. Follow a spiritual practice. Studies find that people who lean on an inner belief system are happier. You can feel a connection to God through helping others, nature, yoga, music, art, personal meditation or journaling. Michelle Hovick, a mom of one, says the “Elevation” church app is one of her favorite spiritual gateways to a mood shift.
MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Chess.indd 1
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Practice gratitude. In a gratitude study at Eastern Washington University, researchers found a positive correlation between gratitude and happiness. “We have found that grateful individuals tend 77
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to be happy individuals and that grateful thinking improves mood,” the researchers report. Try writing down three things you are thankful for each day--small moments count too.
Get a groove on. Whether she participates in a Jazzercise class or switches on upbeat dance tunes in her kitchen, Jessie Mallicoat, a mom of three, says, “If I’m in a bad mood, I put on some ‘dancy’ music and it usually helps.” In fact, studies find that dancing boosts the body’s feel-good endorphins. Dancing has even been found to reverse depression and increase self-confidence. Set boundaries. Moms who are happier make conscious decisions on a daily basis about who and what is allowed into their lives. Switching to this way of thinking is empowering. You don’t have to be harsh or hurtful to accomplish this goal. Politely decline invitations that don’t fit with your priorities and limit interactions with negative individuals. Access good childcare. Seek reliable childcare in order to feel secure pursuing personal interests, maintaining routine health check-ups and for date nights with your partner. A positive marriage contributes to the overall emotional health and happiness of your family. Having trouble finding a sitter? Check out SitterCity.com, Care.com and ask other parents for references.
Avoid comparison. Parenting philosophies that work well in one family, may not work well in another. Thanks to the influx of information at our fingertips, parents have no shortage of advice. Decide which strategies make sense for your family. And beware of spending too much time on social media if you’re starting to feel like you don’t measure up. “Being happy with yourself and how you parent is key to accepting other moms and how they parent, which creates a more supportive parenting community all around,” says Mandy Yokim, mom of two. ESP
Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. She finds happiness in historical romance novels, sunny days and chocolate chip cookies. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.
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FamilyCalendar Tuesday May 2
5 Rivers StoryTime 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is about a buzzy little pet fly. Fairhope Museum of History “Tea for Two” 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Speaker Donna Esslinger is a rare book collector and professional book appraiser who assessed the Marie Howland collection we have in our archives. She is inviting us to bring an old book and she will appraise it for free. www.cofairhope.com
Wednesday May 3
All Hazards Community Preparedness Expo 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Foley Civic Center, 407 East Laurel Avenue, Foley Check out resources available in cased of hurricane, flood, fire or wind events. The expo is an opportunity for all residents, and especially newcomers to the area, to gather information helpful in preparing or recovering from hazardous events. 251-970-2418
Butterflies Observe and Explore Day – Children’s Nature Workshop 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley May 3rd Observe & Explore theme at Graham Creek Preserve is “Butterflies”. Story time features”Waiting on Wings” . . . craft projects include creating Butterfly sticks and stained glass butterflies. Activities begin by 10:30 am, FREE for children and families. Designed for children ages 4 – 8. 251-923-4267 grahamcreekpreserve.org/events
Thursday May 4
Fairhope Outdoor Farmer’s Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street, The City of Fairhope will host a Outdoor Farmer’s Market from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings starting May 4 and ending November 2, 2017. The market will be set up behind the Fairhope Public Library in the new parking lot in downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have children activities at 4 p.m. 251-929-1466 www.cofairhope.com Haley Dermatology - Free Skin Cancer Screening 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Haley Dermatology, 202 Rock Creek Parkway, Fairhope Free Skin Cancer Screening. 251-928-3844
Cocktails for Critters ( $50 in advance, $55 at the door)
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Bluegill Restaurant, 3775 Battleship Parkway. Spanish Fort Cocktails with Critters, the 12th annual fundraiser for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation, will be Thursday, May 4, from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm at Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. This will be an exciting evening overlooking Mobile Bay. For those seeking more thrills, there will be a fantastic silent auction. The Bluegill Restaurant is pulling out all the stops and will be serving fabulous and tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine and beer. 251-625-1998 sealabfoundation.org
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Brown Bag Concert Series 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM, May Day Park, Brown Bag Concert Series in May Day Park. 251-621-3703 discoverdaphne.org
Friday May 5
Daphne Farmers Market 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2305 US-98, Daphne Local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish. www.facebook.com/daphnefarmersmarket Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Foley Sports Complex, 998 West Section Street, Foley The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets, welcomes hot air balloonists from across the country. Enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies of South Baldwin County on Friday and Saturday morning. Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Grab a cone of homemade ice cream or delicious BBQ plate as you shop through an eclectic array of local crafters, artisans, and retailers. 251-943-3291 www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com Alabama 200 Launch 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, Join us Friday, May 5 from 6:00pm-10:00pm at Mardi Gras Park and Cooper Riverside Park. We will celebrate in Mobile, the state’s oldest city, and launch Alabama’s 3-year bicentennial commemoration! Enjoy music, food, and free admission to many of the city’s historic sites, and close the evening with fireworks on the riverfront in the City Born to Celebrate. www.alabama200.org First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Center Stage Performance presents “The Jungle Book Kids” 6:30 PM Fairhope United Methodist Church Life Center, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope Center Stage Performance is thrilled to announce its public performance of THE JUNGLE BOOK Kids. www.centerstageperformance.com 2017 Miss Heritage Pageant ($7) 7:00 PM Dougalsville School of Arts and Recreation Center, 1000 Shedrick Hardy Parkway, Bay Minette Contestants from the ages of 3-13 will compete in one of three age divisions for the titles of Petite Miss, Little Miss, and Miss Heritage. This year’s theme of “Shine Your Light” will highlight the unique personalities of the individual contestant while they compete in a fitness routine, a casual wear round, and an evening wear round. The vision of the Miss Heritage pageant is to positively impact young ladies by promoting confidence, self-esteem, and diversity; and encourage them to embrace their individual cultural and ethnic background. Black Jacket Symphony 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums
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in a live performance setting. Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked– the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. www.blackjacketsymphony.com Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org
Saturday May 6
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2nd Annual Color Dash 5k run/walk 7:00 AM Foley Sports Complex, 998 West Section Street, Foley Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2nd Annual Color Dash 5k run/walk will be held May 6. www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com 5K Rescue Run and Wiggle Waggle Run / Walk 8:00 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore Race to benefit Animal Rescue Foundation. www.eventbrite.com Lions Club Tunnel Vision 5K 8:00 AM Downtown Mobile (By Mobile Public Library), Proceeds from the Tunnel Vision 5K will benefit the sight programs of the Lions Club of Mobile. tunnelvisionrun.org Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Bake Sale and Baseball Classic 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Halliday Park, 506 Clark Avenue, Bay Minette Join us for cookies for kids’ cancer and baseball classic which will include homemade baked goods, face painting, silent auction, bounce house and raffle. All proceeds will go to childhood cancer research. cookiesforkidscancer.org Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Foley Sports Complex, 998 West Section Street, Foley The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets, welcomes hot air balloonists from across the country. Enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies of South Baldwin County on Friday and Saturday morning. Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Grab a cone of homemade ice cream or delicious BBQ plate as you shop through an eclectic array of local crafters, artisans, and retailers. 251-943-3291 www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com March for Babies 9:00 AM Geri Moulton Children’s Park at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, 1700 Center Street, Mobile The March of Dimes signature fundraiser, March for Babies, is an event that brings walkers, volunteers and sponsors together to celebrate their community. Coworkers, families, friends and celebrities participate to fight premature birth and give more babies a healthy start. Each year, about 20,000 companies and 3 million people take part in nearly 500 communities across the U.S. This year at March for Babies, we will hope, remember and celebrate the one in nine babies born too soon in Alabama. marchforbabies.org/event/southal
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FamilyCalendar Women’s Business Alliance Southern Derby Soiree ($35 in advance and $45 at the door.) 4:30 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street, Mobile Join the WBA for a fun filled day full of Multiple Raffles, Derby Hat Contest, Live Music, Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Yard Games, Cash Bar, And More! This is a fundraiser for the WBA and both its Centers and will take place during the Kentucky Derby! www.facebook.com/WBAofAL Center Stage Performance presents “The Jungle Book Kids” 6:30 PM Fairhope United Methodist Church Life Center, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope Center Stage Performance is thrilled to announce its public performance of THE JUNGLE BOOK Kids. www.centerstageperformance.com Baldwin County Youth Orchestra
Spring Concert 7:00 PM Gulf Shores Cultural Arts Center, 19470 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra, Baldwin County’s first and only full symphony orchestra, will present their 8th annual Spring Concert on May 6th. The concert will include a variety of ballet and dance pieces and will feature dancers from the Eastern Shore Dance Academy. Admission is free and a pre-show fundraiser dinner will take place at the venue at 5:00pm. Tickets for the dinner and more information on our program and camp is available online at bcyorchestra.com. www.bcyorchestra.com
Black Violin 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Black Violin is the blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music. Live, they are accompanied by their incredible band, featuring ace turntable whiz DJ SPS and a drummer. www.mobilesaenger.com C Spire Concert Series presents Sturgill Simpson 7:30 PM The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach800-745-3000 alwharf.com/amphitheater.php Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org Tour De Bay Dauphin Street at Warren Street, Downtown Mobile, On May 6 and 7, it will be Pedals to the Metal in downtown Mobile. tourdebaymobile.com
Sunday May 7
Mobile Streets Alive 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Cathedral Square, The Delta Bike Project, Downtown Mobile Alliance and One Mobile are teaming up to bring you an afternoon of free family fun. Join us on May 7 in Cathedral Square from 2:00pm-6:00pm. Now in its third year, Mobile Streets Alive is Alabama’s first Open Streets project. Our 2017 edition will include the youth bike races, adult mini-bike races, slowest bike race, makers’ fair,
climbing wall, live music and other popular features from past events, plus some fun new additions. www.mobilestreetsalive.org Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 2:30 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org Local Goodness ($150) 4:00 PM USA Health Strada Patient Care Center, 1601 Center Street, Mobile USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host the fourth annual Local Goodness, a unique farm-to-table experience, on Sunday, May 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the new USA Health Strada Patient Care Center. At this casual seated dinner and silent auction, guests will dine on local meats, seafood and produce as they enjoy live entertainment. 251-415-1636
Tour De Bay Dauphin Street at Warren Street, Downtown Mobile, On May 6 and 7, it will be Pedals to the Metal in downtown Mobile. tourdebaymobile.com
Monday May 8
Lighthouse’s Annual Sunset Supper ($50 in advance and $55 at the door.)
6:00 PM Fairhope Yacht Club, 101 Volanta Avenue, Fairhope The Lighthouse’s Annual Sunset Supper is a memorable event filled with good music, food, drink, silent auction, raffle, and a draw down. Come out to show your community support and have a great time! 251-947-3414
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FamilyCalendar Tuesday May 9
Fairhope Museum of History “Tea for Two” 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Speaker: Eastern Shore Ukulele Club. The Club members will come play a selection of their favorite tunes. It is happy, good-feeling music! Their leader, Carl Court, will tell us a bit about Ukulele music and how popular it is in our area. www.cofairhope.com
Thursday May 11
Fashion with a Passion 10:30 AM Fairhope Yacht Club, 101 Volanta Avenue, Fairhope See the latest fashions and help make wishes come true by supporting Fashion with a Passion and Make-A-Wish Alabama. Highlights will include: Brunch & Bubbly, Live Auction, Wish Kid Appearances, Health & Beauty Expo, Purse Sweepstakes, Unique Door Prizes, & a fashion show presented by Mobile and Baldwin Counties’ trendiest boutiques. The Health and Beauty Expo will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the program and brunch will begin at noon. alabama.wish.org Fairhope Outdoor Farmer’s Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street, The City of Fairhope will host a Outdoor Farmer’s Market from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings starting May 4 and ending November 2, 2017. The market will be set up behind the Fairhope Public Library in the new parking lot in downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have children activities at 4 p.m. 251-929-1466 www.cofairhope.com
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4th Annual Fairhope Girls Night Out ($20) 4:00 PM 20 North Section Street, Fairhope All for a $20 registration fee, you’ll receive a fun T-shirt and shopping tote ‘swag bag,’ food voucher, and an exclusive Girls Night Out coupon booklet with special deals available that night and throughout the weekend, May 11-12. The night includes great specials and fun activities at participating shops, such as trunk shows, giveaways, and refreshments. The Little Mermaid: ESRT’s 4th Annual Theatre on the Bluff 7:30 PM Henry George Park, Fairhope, For the 4th Annual Theatre on the Bluff, ESRT will bring the full Broadway version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. www.eventbrite.com/e/the-little-mermaid-esrts-4thannual-theatre-on-the-bluff-tickets-321622 Brown Bag Concert Series 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM, May Day Park, Brown Bag Concert Series in May Day Park. 251-621-3703 discoverdaphne.org
Friday May 12
National Public Gardens Day ($13 for adults and
$7.50 for ages 5-12. There is no charge for Bellingrath members or for children ages 4 and younger)
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10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore This is a day to recognize the importance of public gardens in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness. At Bellingrath, we’ll offer a special behind-the-scenes tour of our Production Greenhouses, conducted by our Horticulture Management Team. Find out how we grow the signature displays that provide beauty to more than 110,000 visitors each year. The one-hour tour will start at 10:30 a.m. Registration is requested. 251-973-2217 bellingrath.org Daphne Farmers Market 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2305 US-98, Daphne Local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish. www.facebook.com/daphnefarmersmarket
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13th Annual Fairhope Rotary Steak Cook-off 7:00 PM Downtown Fairhope, All inclusive, all-youcan-eat, rib eye steak, baked potato, tossed salad, wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as live entertainment included with admission price of $50/ea. ($60/ ea day of event). fairhopesteak.org The Little Mermaid: ESRT’s 4th Annual Theatre on the Bluff 7:30 PM Henry George Park, Fairhope, For the 4th Annual Theatre on the Bluff, ESRT will bring the full Broadway version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. www.eventbrite.com/e/the-little-mermaid-esrts-4thannual-theatre-on-the-bluff-tickets-321622
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FamilyCalendar Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org
Saturday May 13
Run Ride Scout 5K, Duathlon and 1 mile Fun Run 7:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Join us during and after the race events for scout activities in the field at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. All scouts in uniform can board the Battleship for FREE and receive discounted rate for family members. www.bsamac.org/RunRideScout 8th Annual Good Life Ride 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Baldwin County, The purpose of the Good Life Ride is to encourage people to pause from their busy lives so they can enjoy Alabama’s scenic coastal environment on a weekend that celebrates family. Choose one of four routes to ride, and then enjoy a post-ride party at Tacky Jack’s in Gulf Shores! Proceeds go toward local bicycle safety education. www.goodliferide.org Art in the Park 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, John B Foley Park, Al Hwy 59 & US Hwy 98, Foley Join us at Art in the Park, a com-
petitive juried fine arts show for artists across the southeast. This event is held each spring on the lawn of the John B. Foley Park in downtown Foley and has grown to attract thousands of attendees. Over 100 artists showcase their talents while providing unique, hand crafted cultural experiences and shopping opportunities .
251-943-4381
South Alabama Gulf Coast Muscle Walk 9:00 AM Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile Join us on May 13, 2017 at 9:00 am, for our annual Gulf Coast Muscle Walk. This event will be carnival style with Sponsor Booths, food, fun and activities. We would love to see you there! musclewalkmda.org/southalabamagulfcoast The Big Walk 9:00 AM Bluegill, 3775 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort Sign up today to help raise funds that will go towards creating and supporting 600 matches in 2017 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama. It’s simple--join as an individual or a team. www.bbbssa.org/TheBigWalk2017 Modern Ensemble Music Spring Recital (Free) 10:00 AM Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne Modern Ensemble Music is pleased to host another spring recital to give our students the opportunity to showcase their talents and progress! www.dumc.org Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Pictures at an Exhibition” 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street What better way to end the Ultimate Season than
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with two legendary works: Dvorak’s epic Cello Concerto and Mussorgsky’s famous Pictures at an Exhibition. There’s no better way to kick off summer and for us to close our season. 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org The Little Mermaid: ESRT’s 4th Annual Theatre on the Bluff 7:30 PM Henry George Park, Fairhope, For the 4th Annual Theatre on the Bluff, ESRT will bring the full Broadway version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. www.eventbrite.com/e/the-little-mermaid-esrts-4thannual-theatre-on-the-bluff-tickets-321622 Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org May Market Day at Seasons Consignment Seasons Consignment, 26992 State Highway 181, Daphne Join us on the 2nd Saturdays of March, April, May, September, October, November, and December for our outdoor market featuring local artists, craftsmen and other vendors. Family fun and good food with kids crafts and activities. 251-459-0700 www.seasonsconsignment.com/
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FamilyCalendar Sunday May 14
Art in the Park 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, John B Foley Park, Al Hwy 59 & US Hwy 98, Foley Join us at Art in the Park, a competitive juried fine arts show for artists across the southeast. This event is held each spring on the lawn of the John B. Foley Park in downtown Foley and has grown to attract thousands of attendees. Over 100 artists showcase their talents while providing unique, hand crafted cultural experiences and shopping opportunities . 251-943-4381
Mother’s Day Garden Concert 1:00 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore The Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and Bellingrath Gardens and Home will present their Annual Mother’s Day Garden Concert on Sunday, May 14, at 1:00 PM. Enjoy music set amidst the splendor of the Gardens. Please note that this is a daytime event. Limited seating will be provided, but visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or a blanket. We ask guests to bring their own picnic lunch. Beverages and snacks will be available to purchase. 251-973-2217 bellingrath.org Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Pictures at an Exhibition” 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street What better way to end the Ultimate Season than with two legendary works: Dvorak’s epic Cello
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Concerto and Mussorgsky’s famous Pictures at an Exhibition. There’s no better way to kick off summer and for us to close our season. 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 2:30 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org
Tuesday May 16
Fairhope Museum of History “Tea for Two” 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Speaker Lt. Stephanie Hollinghead. Our Museum has had several Fairhope officers come tell us their stories at our Tuesday teas. In continuing our enthusiastic support of our police officers, we are presenting Lt. Hollinghead, who will share her Fairhope story with us. www.cofairhope.com
Wednesday May 17
City of Daphne Public Works Day & Equipment Show 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Lott Park, 2039 Main Street, Daphne This event is not just for kids - it’s fun for adults too! Enjoy a hands-on experience of various types of equipment & vehicles, such as transportation, construction, mowing, safety & many others. Children will have the opportunity to explore these vehicles, blow the horns & discover how these complex machines operate & provide valuable services to our community. 251-621-3182
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Spanish Fort High School - One Act Fest ($5) 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, Spanish Fort High School, 1 Plaza De Toros Drive, Spanish Fort The students run the show by writing, acting, and directing everything!
Thursday May 18
Spanish Fort High School - One Act Fest ($5) 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, Spanish Fort High School, 1 Plaza De Toros Drive, Spanish Fort The students run the show by writing, acting, and directing everything! Fairhope Outdoor Farmer’s Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street, The City of Fairhope will host a Outdoor Farmer’s Market from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings starting May 4 and ending November 2, 2017. The market will be set up behind the Fairhope Public Library in the new parking lot in downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have children activities at 4 p.m. 251-929-1466 www.cofairhope.com Brown Bag Concert Series 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM, May Day Park, Brown Bag Concert Series in May Day Park. 251-621-3703 discoverdaphne.org
Friday May 19
Daphne Farmers Market 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2305 US-98, Daphne Local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish. www.facebook.com/daphnefarmersmarket
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FamilyCalendar Music and a Movie “Finding Dory” 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Heritage Park Gazebo, 101 East Violet Avenue, Foley Music and a Movie in Heritage Park. Start the evening with music by Shelby Brown. Make sure you bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a picnic snack! 251-943-1200
Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org
Saturday May 20
Fallen Heroes 5K 7:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Enjoy the day at USS Alabama Battleship Park. Join us in honoring our military service members; Those Who Serve, Those Who Have Served and Those Who Have Fallen In Service. Activities provided for the children and service organizations for our military. Day will conclude with a Gold Star Memorial Service honoring Alabama www.eventbrite.com Dumas Wesley Plane Pull 9:00 AM Mobile Aeroplex , 1891 9th Street, Mobile Can you handle the ultimate man versus plane challenge? This extreme and unique event, pits teams against an Airbus aircraft weighing more than 130,000 lbs. Teams compete to pull the plane 12 feet in the fastest amount of time. Family friendly activities include entertainment, food trucks, a Kid’s Zone and awards ceremony. www.dumaswesley.org
Keep Daphne Beautiful Day 9:00 AM Daphne City Hall, 1708 Main Street, Daphne Free & convenient help for the residents of the City of Daphne to spruce up your life & Keep Daphne Beautiful! Bring your Document Shredding, Expired Drugs, Tires, Electronics Recycling, Used Books, Thrift Store Donations, Vehicle Fluids, Car Batteries, Household Hazardous Waste, and more to one convenient location, Daphne City Hall. Thunder on the Bay 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island This event highlights Fort Gaines integral part in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Come and experience a living history event for the whole family. townofdauphinisland.org 4th Annual Sunset Cruise Car Show 10:00 AM Green Park, Green Park, Dauphin Island The 4th Annual Sunset Cruise Car Show will take place on May 20 at Green Park. 251-861-5525 Ext 222 townofdauphinisland.org May Flowers Observe & Explore Day – Children’s Nature Workshop 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley May 20th Observe & Explore theme is “May Flowers”. FREE nature workshop for children, featuring recreation activities, story time and craft projects like planting and creating painted flower pots. 251-923-4267 grahamcreekpreserve.org/events/
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Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org Mrs. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore Born on May 20, 1878, Bessie Morse Bellingrath left an enduring legacy of beauty in the Gardens and Home she created. Guests are invited to join Museum Director Tom McGehee as he conducts a tour of the Bellingrath Museum Home, with an emphasis on Bessie Bellingrath’s favorite collectibles. 251-973-2217 bellingrath.org
Sunday May 21
Thunder on the Bay 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island This event highlights Fort Gaines integral part in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Come and experience a living history event for the whole family. townofdauphinisland.org Polo for Paws 1:00 PM 13250 County Rd 48, Silverhill Point Clear Polo presents Polo for Paws, a charity polo match benefiting The Haven. Family fun, bring your kids, friends and dog(s)! You can enter your dog in our our half time dog costume parade for a chance at the grand prize of a custom dog house by RH Radcliff Homes. Second and 3rd prizes will also be awarded. Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” 2:30 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope
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FamilyCalendar Theatre 98 presents “On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning” May May 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. 251-928-4366 www.theatre98.org Daphne’s Sunday Sunset Concert Series 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Bayfront Park, 6200 Bayfront Park Drive, Daphne Daphne’s Sunday Sunset Concert Series - The Legendary E.B. Coleman Orchestra www.radioavalon.com
Tuesday May 23
Fairhope Museum of History “Tea for Two” 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Speaker Gary Wolfe: Gary came to Fairhope in the 1960s to manage the Bayview Funeral Home. Over the years he has acquired most of the funeral homes in our area and now he and his wife Judy are backbone members of our Fairhope community. Come hear his interesting story! www.cofairhope.com
Thursday May 25
Civil War Battles of Blakeley and Spanish Fort “Surf and Turf Tour” ($40 adults/$20 children 6-12) 9:00 AM Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Highway 225, Spanish Fort Join us for special historic tours by land and sea as we discover the major battlefields of Alabama’s largest Civil War campaign— the 1865 Campaign for Mobile. Participants will enjoy two guided excursions, each approximately an hour and a half in length. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com Fairhope Outdoor Farmer’s Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street, The City of Fairhope will host a Outdoor Farmer’s Market from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings starting May 4 and ending November 2, 2017. The market will be set up behind the Fairhope Public Library in the new parking lot in downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have children activities at 4 p.m. 251-929-1466 www.cofairhope.com S’mores on the Shore (Free)
5:30 PM Gulf Shores Public Beach, S’mores on the Shore will feature music from a live DJ, campfires and all of the makings for s’mores. Families are encouraged to bring their blankets, chairs, friends and family to join the fun and relax on the beautiful, white sand of the Gulf Shores Public Beach. www.gulfshoresal.gov Brown Bag Concert Series 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM, May Day Park, Brown Bag Concert Series in May Day Park. 251-621-3703 discoverdaphne.org
Friday May 26
Daphne Farmers Market 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2305 US-98, Daphne Local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish. www.facebook.com/daphnefarmersmarket 100 Days of Summer Kickoff - Ball Drip 5:00 PM The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach Nothing tops a summer spent down south,
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especially on the Gulf Coast! It’s time to celebrate 100 days of music, lights and entertainment at The Wharf. This year we are raising the bar by releasing 5,000 beach balls, doubling last year’s number. Nashville-based Country star Blaire Hanks will be performing center stage at Marlin Circle around 5:30 pm, setting the ideal mood for an evening of limitless fun. This family-friendly event will offer loads of activities for the kiddos as well as adults, including face painting, a bouncy house, surf simulator, trampoline jumpee, giant rock wall, a fire hula hoop act, camel rides and much more! alwharf.com
“Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Lisa Mills Entrance fee $5.00 per individual. As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray townofdauphinisland.org
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Memorial Day Fireworks - Dauphin Island 8:45 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Join us for Memorial Day Fireworks. townofdauphinisland.org
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Music and a Movie “La La Land” 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Heritage Park Gazebo, 101 East Violet Avenue, Foley Music and a Movie in Heritage Park.Start the evening off with a Foley K-9 Team demonstration and music by The Baldwin Pops! Make sure you bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a picnic snack!
$7, $10)
251-943-1200
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bud spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Dolphin Tale. townofdauphinisland.org
Saturday May 27
Memorial Day Tribute 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Morgan, 110 Alabama Hwy 180, Gulf Shores Uniformed interpreters will bring the fort to life through demonstration of period drills on the fort’s parade ground as well as artillery demonstration at the water battery. Special talks given by the site historians will provide insight into the events that transpired as well as introduce topics little written about in books. Explore the military history of Mobile Point from the War of 1812, Civil War, WWI, and WWII. www.fort-morgan.org Alabama in Concert 8:00 PM The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach Alabama is coming to The Wharf Amphitheater on May 27th with special guest The Charlie Daniels Band as part of the 2017 CSpire Concert Series! 800-745-3000 alwharf.com/amphitheater.php
Sunday May 28
Music and Mudbugs - The Wharf 5:00 PM The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach Crawfish and country music? Memorial Sunday at The Wharf Amphitheater has never sounded (or tasted) more Southern! Toss on some shades along with those dancing shoes, grab your friends and family and head over to feast like a true native of the South! - See more at: http:// www.alwharf.com/calendar/2017/05/7403168D9A ~Music+%26+Mudbugs+featuring+Drake+White. htm#sthash.NBWYt2gm.dpuf alwharf.com/amphitheater.php Dauphin Island Sunset Concert ($5) 6:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island present
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Monday May 29
Baldwin Pops Sunset Concert (Free) 6:30 PM Henry George Park, 1 North Beach Road, Fairhope Baldwin Pops Sunset Concert at Henry George Park. baldwinpopsband.com
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Wednesday May 31
Kids Night (Admission is FREE; Activity Prices Vary $5, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Palm Plaza at The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach Every child deserves an evening centered around nothing but pure FUN! After all, it’s summertime, so what’s more perfect than a safe environment for the little ones to let out all that built-up energy! As part of our 100 Days of Summer celebration, each Wednesday night will be catered to the kids. There will be no shortage of entertainment during these activity-packed events. Face painting, prizes, games, music, a hula hoop performer, bouncy house and water slide will line Palm Plaza for all the occasions! alwharf.com
Thursday June 1
Art in the Park (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Lott Park, 2039 Main Street, Daphne Join us for one of the City of Daphne’s summertime favorites, Art in the Park. Thursday, June 1, 2017 and Thursday, June 8, 2017, both days 10 am 1 pm at Lott Park. Crafts, Inflatables & FREE Concessions (Hot Dogs, Lemonade, Popcorn & Sno-Cones)! www.daphneal.com Fairhope Outdoor Farmer’s Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street, The City of Fairhope will host a Outdoor Farmer’s Market from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings starting May 4 and ending November 2, 2017. The market will be set up behind the Fairhope Public Library in the new parking lot in downtown Fairhope on Bancroft Street. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have children activities at 4 p.m. 251-929-1466 www.cofairhope.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bud spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Free Willy. townofdauphinisland.org Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series (Free)
8:00 PM Fairhopers Community Park, 105 S
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FamilyCalendar Church Street, Fairhope Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series. Brown Bag Concert Series 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM, May Day Park, Brown Bag Concert Series in May Day Park. 251-621-3703 discoverdaphne.org
Friday June 2
Daphne Farmers Market 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2305 US-98, Daphne Local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish. www.facebook.com/daphnefarmersmarket 5th Annual Crawfish Bash 5:00 PM Blackburn Park, Corner of South Hoyle Avenue and First Street, Bay Minette 5th Annual Crawfish Bash - Food, Music and Fun! First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Music and a Movie “Moana” 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Heritage Park Gazebo, 101 East Violet Avenue, Foley Music and a Movie in Heritage Park.Enjoy music by the Groovinators before the
movie. . Make sure you bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a picnic snack!
251-943-1200
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bud spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Ice Age. townofdauphinisland.org Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Saturday June 3
Paddle Skedaddle 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort Spend the morning on the water racing (or moseying) a 1.5 mile course with your family or as an individual! There will be awards, lots of fair games & concessions on the grounds! While contestants are on the water, there are lots of fun activities for adults and children. There will be food and fair games galore.
After the race, there will be awards given in a number of categories including, “parent/child teams”, “most creatively dressed team”, “loudest cheering section”, the coveted “Pews & Canoes Award” for the church with the most supporters there, etc.
251-625-0814
Brantley Gilbert in Concert 8:00 PM The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach800-745-3000 alwharf.com/amphitheater.php Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Sunday June 4
Explore Mobile 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, Enjoy music, food, activities, as well free admission to the city’s tourist attractions. 251-301-0273
Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938.
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FamilyCalendar The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Tuesday June 6
Tuesday Evening Civil War Tours 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Fort Morgan, 110 Alabama Hwy 180, Gulf Shores Watch Fort Morgan’s Civil War history come to life every summer during the evening tours. Historical interpreters, portraying members of the garrison, tell about the lives of the soldiers during the fort’s most turbulent years. Demonstrations of Civil War small arms drill will occur throughout the evening as well as the firing of one of the fort’s artillery pieces at the conclusion of the tour. www.fort-morgan.org Jimmy Buffett Concert 8:00 PM The Amphitheater at The Wharf, 23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach800-745-3000 alwharf.com/amphitheater.php Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Wednesday June 7
Kids Night (Admission is FREE; Activity Prices Vary $5,
$7, $10)
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Palm Plaza at The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach Every child deserves an evening centered around nothing but pure FUN! After all, it’s summertime, so what’s more perfect than a safe environment for the little ones to let out all that built-up energy! As part of our 100 Days of Summer celebration, each Wednesday night will be catered to the kids. There will be no shortage of entertainment during these activity-packed events. Face painting, prizes, games, music, a hula hoop performer, bouncy house and water slide will line Palm Plaza for all the occasions! alwharf.com Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Thursday June 8
Art in the Park (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Lott Park, 2039 Main Street, Daphne Join us for one of the City of Daphne’s summertime favorites, Art in the Park. Thursday, June 1, 2017 and Thursday, June 8, 2017, both days 10 am - 1 pm at Lott Park. Crafts, Inflatables & FREE Concessions (Hot Dogs, Lemonade, Popcorn & Sno-Cones)! www.daphneal.com
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Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bud spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: The Secret Life of Pets townofdauphinisland.org Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Friday June 9
Daphne Farmers Market 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2305 US-98, Daphne Local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish. www.facebook.com/daphnefarmersmarket Music and a Movie “Sing” 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Heritage Park Gazebo, 101 East Violet Avenue, Foley Music and a Movie in Heritage Park.Enjoy music by Christina Christian before the movie. Make sure you bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a picnic snack! 251-943-1200
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bud spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Home townofdauphinisland.org Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.org
Saturday June 10
Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament 6:00 AM The Wharf Marina, 4851 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach The 2017 Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Fishing will begin at daybreak, weigh station opens at 10am and closes at 5pm, followed immediately by the award ceremony. There will be lots of awesome prizes for our bracket winners,
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as well as some great raffle prize opportunities for guests! www.kysertournament.com Fuse Project’s Fourth Annual Dragon Boat Festival 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Over 1500 paddlers and 10,000 spectators will witness Fuse Project’s Fourth Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Teams of 20 paddlers, one drummer, and an experienced steerer will rock the water in a 46-foot authentic Hong Kong style Dragon Boat at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Paddlers fundraise for Fuse Project: Investing in the world’s most valuable resource: our children. www.ussalabama.com Summertide Theatre presents: Smoke on the Mountain 8:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday from June 2 - June 30. summertide.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 1-800-4891886 or www.childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counseling services to adoptive families. Celebration MOPS Fairhope Celebration MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope. Childcare is provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $30 per semester. Call the church office for info at 251-928-0343 or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ celebrationmopsfairhopeal. Daily Living Skills Group for parents with Children on the Spectrum Held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:307:00 p.m. at The Family Center, 27365 Pollard Road, Daphne. Focus is on daily living needs of families and their children, such as: Safety issues; How to have a family dinner out; Ways to assist with transition; How to talk with people who stare; Your questions, comments and suggestions. Limited childcare slots are available. For more information, please contact Judy Bradshaw: (251) 990-7781. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday (during the school year) at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@ yahoo.com for how to register. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved
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FamilyCalendar Parenting Class Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Chill Skills” - Anger Management by appointment. $25 giftcard upon completion. Call 251-626-1610 schedule, The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Nurturing Parenting, everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Thursdays, 9:3011:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne. MOPS on the Eastern Shore MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” but don’t let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you. 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. 1st Thursday of the Month (September through May). Dinner & Child Care are provided. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly. com/ Facebook.com/MopsOnTheEasternShore. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged. Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148. Single Mom Ministry Sponsored by Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church, this prayer and support group for single moms is designed to provide a safe and prayerful environment where group members are able to express themselves among others who will listen, care, and lift each other up. Each participant will receive one bag of nonperishable food items each week. Child care will be provided. Light snacks and soft drinks will be served. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 6-7 PM at Fairhope Avenue Baptist Family Life Center, 8717 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-0890.
SOS (Survivors of Suicide) This group is for adults who has ever lost a loved one to suicide. If it has been 5 days or 50 years since the loss, this group is here for you. SOS meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of EVERY month from 6:30 to approximately 8:00 p.m. at the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S. Section Street, Fairhope. The support group is facilitated by a professional and co-facilitated by two survivors. There are no dues. For information, please email jlbarber5@bellsouth. net or call 251-455-6453. 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 information, Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol.com.
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises.
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FamilyCalendar Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises. Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session. • Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For info contact 949-3781. Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m. Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373. Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m.
Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope) Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for 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 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required. Sibling Class Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope). Preregistration required. Call 279-1373. 10-11 a.m. Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-477-1104. 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 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord 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.
Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com! We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
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A Page in a Book
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Books to Celebrate the One-of-a-Kind Kid As parents we celebrate the things that make our child distinctive. His eccentric passion for polka dot clothing, her encyclopedic knowledge of bats, their precocious habit of singing (loudly) in public, the fact that they speak two languages – these characteristics can make our child a delightful stand-out against a standard backdrop. While these aspects of our child endear them to us, this same distinctiveness can sometimes set them apart from their environment. The following titles celebrate the ways that positive interaction helps ‘outside of the norm’ join its special perspective to the larger social whole.
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My Cousin Momo
by Zacariah Ohora (Penguin / Dial Books for Young Readers) When gray squirrel siblings look forward to hosting cousin Momo for a visit, they are filled with anticipation. As a flying squirrel, Momo’s special ability promises to be the highlight of their first meeting with their cousin. But their fabled cousin doesn’t perform as expected. Momo doesn’t hide-and-seek very well, he plays acorn-pong all wrong and he won’t show off his advertised specialty of flight. The brother and sister’s obvious disappointment leads cousin Momo to contemplate leaving, but a last-minute appreciation of his special talents may just help their new friendship take flight. Ohora’s bright illustration gives all the right nods to this evolution of appreciation for uncommon style.
The Girl Who Heard Colors
by Marie Harris, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Penguin / Nancy Paulsen Books) Little Gillian experiences the world much like her counterparts, except when it comes to sounds. Gifted with synesthesia, Gillian perceives sound as color. Her bike’s bell rings silver, the rain whispers in light purple and her teacher’s voice is green as a frog. But when a lunch box falls to the floor and Gillian exclaims “Yellow!”, her distinctive ability is revealed to classmates who laugh (in inky black) at what they don’t understand. It’s the visit of a musician to the classroom who recognizes her special perception and helps Gil and her classmates cultivate a new appreciation for differences that make their world a brighter and more colorful place.
The Seeds of Friendship
by Michael Foreman (Candlewick Press) Relocated from the tropics to a cold and gray city, Adam misses all the things that were unique to his old home. As he tentatively ventures into snow for the first time, curious kids soon begin to help him craft a snow white menagerie of creatures from his homeland. Still lamenting the dreary landscape, Adam’s first day of school reveals a small garden, a bright spot of color. When the teacher begins to send seeds from the garden home with him, Adam and his mother begin sinking new roots into the city. With a green thumb and memories of home, Adam is joined by his friends as they begin transforming their gray surroundings into a colorful bridge between friends, neighbors and two different worlds. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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Smurfs: The Lost Village
The Fate of the Furious
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Smurfs: The Lost Village PG for some mild action and rude humor. While previous cinematic adventures (The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2) have mixed the drawn characters with live action humans, this episode is back to a fully animated effort. In this production, the creators have acknowledged some of the problematic issues of an all-male society, minus one outlier. Smurfette (voice by Demi Lovato) is the only female in the sequestering, and she (gasp) is not a real Smurf. For those who haven’t studied the complete Smurf canon, the evil wizard Gargamel (voice of Rainn Wilson) created Smurfette in an attempt to lure the other Smurfs and harvest their magical powers. However, Papa Smurf (voice of Mandy Patinkin), the patriarchal leader of the community, used his spellcasting abilities to change her into the lovely Smurfette she is today. This backstory is important because Smurfette is the spotlight character in this movie. She’s sad because all the other Smurfs have easily identifiable traits, which are reinforced by their adjective naming convention. Jokey Smurf (voice of Gabriel Iglesias) plays jokes, Nosey Smurf (voice of Kelly Asbury) spies on people, and Baker Smurf (voice of Gordon Ramsay) has nice buns. But who is Smurfette? Even Brainy Smurf’s (voice of Danny Pudi) amazing new machine can’t identify her true passions. Desperate to try new ideas and activities to discover who she really is, Smurfette ends up near the far edge of woods and meets something she never thought existed: Another female Smurf. Convinced there must be another village of Smurfs, she returns to solicit help from her friends Brainy, Clumsy (voice of Jack McBrayer), and Hefty Smurf (voice of Joe Manganiello). Knowing the highly protective Papa Smurf wouldn’t approve of Smurfette leaving the community, they secretly embark on their excursion. Of course, the nasty Gargamel is quick to interrupt their progress. Other adversaries present plenty of conflict as well, which may prove frightening for young viewers. Smurfette’s meeting with her evil creator results in a morbid outcome that seemed a little shocking -- even to this adult. The foray into the hidden forest also reveals plants that gobble Smurfs and other life forms, a dangerous river journey and a monster that needs to be tamed. And a moment of awkward sexual innuendo occurs between Papa Smurf and Smurfwillow (voice of Julia Roberts). Families should be prepared to discuss the themes and role models presented by these blue imps. Portrayals of slapstick mayhem and practical jokes (usually initiated by Jokey Smurf) may need some adult direction to determine appropriate expressions of humor. Nosey Smurf, a frequent unwanted eavesdropper, will provide opportunities to discuss gossiping and keeping confidences. At the end of the day Smurfs: The Lost Village will likely be reasonably satisfying entertainment -- especially if it comes with some Parent-Smurf guidance.
MPAA Rating:PG-13 Overall: C Violence: D+ Sexual Content: BProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Fate of the Furious PG-13 for prolonged sequences of violence and destruction, suggestive content, and language. The street racers return for their eighth turn at the wheel in The Fate of the Furious, a title that evokes a sense of mystery. Well, let me assure you the biggest mystery continues to be how the laws of physics are put on hold so Dominic (Vin Diesel) and his merry men and women can pull off the four-wheel tricks this franchise is known for. In fact, the opening minutes prove to be the most invigorating and comical of the entire movie. The first act is shot in Cuba (one of the very first American movies to do so since the political thawing). Dom is on his honeymoon with Letty (Michelle Rodriquez) and can’t resist racing a local down the cobbled streets of Havana. He pushes the old beater he’s driving so hard that the engine catches on fire. No problem. A quick one-eighty and he takes the finish line -- in reverse. The gimmick gets the laughs it deserves, and demonstrates the style of humor that will help you endure the well-over-two-hours of reckless heroics to follow. The story shifts into drive when Dom meets a mysterious woman in Havana (Charlize Theron) who shows him a photo on her phone. We don’t get to see the image, but suddenly our main man turns into Zombie Dom. Shortly thereafter, a pair of government agents (Kurt Russell, Scott Eastwood) send Dom and his team to Germany to intercept an EMP (electromagnetic pulse bomb). Once they have acquired the device, Dom turns rogue and takes the precious cargo with him. Of course he’s working for Cipher, the femme fatale he met earlier. But the big question is why? Amongst the countless careening cars crashing through hordes of scurrying pedestrians and racking up massive property damage points, there is also plenty of time for gunplay and hand-to-hand confrontations. The good news? The “babe quotient” has been dialed down, except for the opening Cuban race sequence where countless women bare their assets for the cause of street racing. After a brief scene of Dom and Letty in bed, the action plot takes over. As so many movies do, this franchise continues to depend upon many people with shady pasts to save the world. It also preaches “family” but, like a mafia clan, all that love and harmony leaves a trail of violence and destruction in its path. By the time we make it to the checkered flag of this far too long adventure, we begin to think the world might be a safer place if Dominic would only commit to his desire to settle down for a nice long marriage.
What Parents need to know about...
Violence: Illegal car racing, dangerous driving, and impossible stunts are frequently depicted and glamorized. These result in spectacular crashes, carrolls, head-on collisions and property damage. Also included are depictions of cars driving through crowds of pedestrians (no people appear to be hit in these scenes), the hacking of autonomous–driving software in vehicles that are then used to create havoc on the streets. Characters frequently engage in hand-tohand combat and weapons use: characters are beaten, shot and killed with accompanying sound effects (little blood is shown). A character is shot on screen and another, who is bound, is shot off screen. Sexual Content: Numerous woman in scanty attire attend a car race. A couple kiss passionately and are later shown in bed together. Characters discuss an unplanned pregnancy. Some sexual references and innuendo are heard. Profanity: Asexual expletive in used within a non-sexual context. The script includes frequent scatological slang, mild and moderate cursing, and terms of deity. Vulgar expressions, crude slang and slurs are also heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink at a social gathering.
What Parents need to know about...
Violence: Characters are in frequent peril. An evil Gargamel, captures Smurfs and threatens them. This same wizard character often chases and attempts to abduct Smurfs. In one scene, the Smurfs rescue Gargamel from drowning only to have the revived wizard immediately attempt to drown them. Fantastic flowers and plants appear to eat and punch characters. A character kicks another in the crotch. A monster appears in a “made you jump” moment. Sexual Content: A moment of innuendo occurs between male and female. Profanity: None noted. Drugs/Alcohol Use: Magic potions are used. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2017
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