Eastern Shore Parents May 2015 by KeepSharing

2015 Crawfish

For A Cause Southwest Mobile Mobile Northwest North Mobile County

Donan, Hilltop Cleaners and Restoration, and Servpro of SW Mobile invite you to join us for a night of food, entertainment, and family fun in honor of a great cause.

All proceeds benefit USA Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center

Thursday, May 21 5 - 8 p.m. Moeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ 701 Springhill Avenue

$20 per person â&#x20AC;˘ Cash Bar available To purchase tickets or for more information, contact: Sherri Marlin - Servpro of SW Mobile - 251.343.0534 Milena Torres - Donan - 205.527.7079

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Limit Distractions. Wear your seat belt. Every Trip. Every Time.

Stage One: Learner's Permit

• Must have 30 hours supervised practice driving

Stage Two: Restricted License

• No more than one non-family passenger • No use of any handheld electronic devices while driving • Cannot operate vehicle between the hours of Midnight (12:00am) and 6:00am (with exceptions)

Stage Three: Unrestricted License • Minimum age 17 and must have held restricted license for at least 6 months

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Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

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May2015 46

Volume 7 Number 12

Columns

6 Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Lynn Knighton

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Homeschooling

Pick Your Battles

Learn what behaviors are ageappropriate and when they should taper off for your child.

Find out the benefits as well as the challenges involved with educating your child at home.

18 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

44 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

50 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

52 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Homeschool Guide

Our listing shares local and national resources for your homeschooling journey.

58 Centsibly Southern Chic

Single Parent or Superhero?

Laura Handey

Encouraging single parents to ask for the help they need.

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments

On The Cover Gabrielle (Gabi) Bradley, 18, daughter of Rob and Patti Bradley, owners of TimberCreek Golf Club, in Daphne. Gabi is a 4-year member of both the varsity swim & dive team, the varsity golf team and the All-County and All-Region golf teams for the past two years. Gabi has been represented by Barefoot Models & Talent for the past three years and works as a print and runway model. She also enjoys volunteering her time as a member of the Red Shoe Krewe for the Ronald McDonald House of Mobile as well as teaching lessons to junior golfers and young swimmers. Gabi was named a National AP Scholar for 2014 and is excited to begin college in the fall. She has been accepted to Auburn University and will be majoring in Pre-Med/Biomedical Engineering. 5

72 A Page in a Book

Bits and Pieces 20

School Bits 78

Family Calendar 92

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote Time flies when you are having fun! That statement is so true! It is hard to believe that Eastern Shore Parents is now celebrating its 7th birthday! Working on the magazine is such a pleasure every month. We have an amazing group of advertisers and co-workers who make each day fun and exciting. I love my job, and I am incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our readers and advertisers. We could not do this without you! As much fun as we have, we also work very hard to make sure we are providing our readers with the news, information and entertainment you are looking for, and also providing our advertisers with an effective means of reaching area families. Whether it is a smile brought on from a school news pic, excitement over activities in the calendar, or helpful information from our writers, we hope everyone enjoys each issue and finds it helpful. I love the new column we’ve added to the magazine, Growing Up Online. Each month Carolyn Jabs will give us information we need to raise our kids in the digital age. Goodness knows we can all use help in that area! Help is not something any of us asks for easily, yet we all need it from time to time. Just recently Brad was out of town and, of course, it was during my deadline time. I could not help but think, “Wow! How in the world do my single parent friends do this all the time?!” I honestly think they have superpowers or something. To think of everything they accomplish is amazing. I can’t imagine the stress of having to do it all: work, homework, housework, carpool, meal prep, grocery shopping, afterschool activities and much more. Not only is it physically demanding, but mentally exhausting! Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD has written an article titled, Single Parent or Superhero? How to Ask for the Help You Need. This is a great read for everyone! As I mentioned, time really does fly. It’s hard to believe it is already May and the school year is almost over. We have had a wonderful year filled with amazing teachers, new friends, and exciting enrichment activities. It is such a blessing to me knowing that when I drop my girls off each morning they are with teachers and administrators who really do care about them. Our girls have thrived in their school environments and I am truly thankful. I was talking about school with a group of friends recently, some whose children are in public school, some in private, and some who homeschool. One of my friends, who has always homeschooled, announced she was enrolling her children in school next year. While she and her children are a little anxious about the new environment, they are all very excited. Another friend is pulling from traditional school to homeschool. She, too, is excited but a little overwhelmed with all the curriculum and information she is working through. She knows from her friends that homeschooling takes a lot of dedication, preparation and work. If you are considering homeschooling, read The Benefits and Challenges of Homeschooling, by Jacqueline Bodnar. Also make sure you check out our Homeschool Resource Guide where you will find support groups, co-ops, curriculum options and more. As much fun as we have had during the school year, we are all ready for a break! My girls enjoyed going through the summer camp listing the last two months picking out activities for the summer. One of their favorite summer activities though is Vacation Bible School. They look forward to it every year. Now that Mary-Bradley is too old to be a camper, she is a volunteer and loves it! If your children have never attended VBS, I encourage you to find one that fits your family. Don’t worry if you are not a member of that church; they love to have new friends join in on the fun. Do try to register early though because many have limited space. To help you find a VBS right for your kids, we have included our 2015 VBS Listing on page 54 . Thank you all again for your continued support of Eastern Shore Parents. Like I said, we could not do this without each of you!

Lynn

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Jacqueline Bodnar Sandra Gordon Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Janel Gay www.janelgayphotography.com President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Tracie Calvert 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 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Bedtime Fears

Common for Preschoolers Q: About six months ago, our four-year old daughter began complaining of being afraid to be alone at bedtime. Upon questioning, she told us she was afraid of monsters in her closet and under her bed. We were unable to convince her otherwise. In fact, the more we talked to her, the more her fears grew to the point where she was becoming nearly hysterical at bedtime. As a result, I began staying with her until she fell asleep. The problem is that she wants to talk and doesn’t end up falling asleep until ten or eleven o’clock. I should mention that she gives us no other problems and is a happy little girl at preschool. Does this indicate some deepseated insecurity or is she, as a therapist friend of mine suggested, just being manipulative? In any case, your advice would be appreciated. A:

I have no way of knowing your daughter’s emotional status, but a “deep-seated insecurity” is unlikely given that she functions well except at bedtime. I doubt she’s being manipulative either. Children this age really don’t possess the level of cunning and

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

social intelligence necessary to purposefully manipulate people. It may seem at times as if they are, but appearance—in this case, your daughter appears to have “manipulated” you into staying with her at bedtime— and actuality are two different things. The sudden advent of random fears—especially various bedtime fears—is fairly common to children this age. Most of the kids in question are otherwise well-adjusted, as seems the case with your daughter. Paradoxically, and as you’ve already discovered, the more parents try to talk a child out of being afraid of something unreal like monsters in the closet, the worse the fear becomes. In a preschooler, the power of the irrational in combination with the power of imagination is stronger than the power of reason. My first recommendation, therefore, is that you abandon all such efforts. The quality of your explanations doesn’t matter; your best words aren’t going to work. My second recommendation is that you continue to remain with your daughter until she falls asleep, but that you impose a pen-

alty on her for the pleasure of your company. Tell her you’ve learned that children who are afraid at bedtime need more sleep, meaning they need much earlier bedtimes. So if she wants you to stay with her at bedtime, she must go to bed right after supper the following night. On that following night, if she again wants you to stay with her, do so, but remind her that her bedtime the next night will have to be right after supper because she obviously still needs more sleep. And so on. In other words, she continues to enjoy your presence at bedtime, but has to pay a price for it. My experience predicts that if you are able to pull this off without any show of frustration, it will take two to four weeks for your daughter to begin telling you NOT to stay with her at bedtime. Yes, you will be inconvenienced during that time, but much less inconvenienced than you might be otherwise. More than a few parents have told me horror stories of these bedtime fears not only lasting several years but also breeding other fears and anxieties along the way. The approach I just described has prevented many a molehill from becoming a mountain. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Music and Movie in Heritage Park

Cocktails with Critters

Bring your family out on May 22nd for live entertainment with Foley Elementary School’s show choir, FAME, and entertainment provided by the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The fun begins at 6 p.m. “Big Hero 6″ movie begins at dusk on a 40-foot inflatable screen. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and get comfortable for an afternoon and evening of fun and free entertainment in Heritage Park. Concessions will be available for purchase on-site. Heritage Park is located near the intersection of Ala. 59 and U.S. 98.

Cocktails with Critters, the major fundraiser for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation, will be Thursday, May 1, from 6:00 p.m. til 9:00 p.m. at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. This will be an exciting evening overlooking Mobile Bay. Entertainment will be provided by the lively inspired sounds of Delta Reign. The Bluegill Restaurant is pulling out all the stops and will be serving fabulous and tasty hors d’oeuvres along with wine and beer. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets: $50 in advance by check or $51 with credit card or paypal. $55 at the door. To Buy Tickets: Individual tickets are available from the Foundation office, by calling 251-6056624 or online (sealabfoundation.org).

First Baptist Church of Fairhope hosts P.E.P Talk - the Illusion of Parenting

Hey Parents! You got it all together? Have you mastered the art of parenting? Or have your kids figured out all of the tricks? Is parenting just an illusion? If you are a parent then you need encouragement like never before! Friday, May 8 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. will be the Student Ministry's second of many P.E.P. talks that you don't want to miss. Come experience Christian illusionist Jim Munroe as he entertains and encourages you on your path to parenting. It's also a chance to blow your diet on some pretty awesome desserts! Kevin Nelson will host a "kids’ night out" for the Children's Ministry (see website for details) and Stephen Howard will host a Movie Night for Students 6th - 12th in the youth room as well, so your kiddos are covered! Free babysitting, free dessert, free advice, free entertainment, free air....So if you are a parent, grandparent or just interested in what kids are battling these days then this event is for you! Tickets are FREE and available in the church office or you may reserve your place online at FBCfairhope.org.

Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis

Join us May 16 at USA Track. Registration is at 9:00 and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Great Strides provides a great opportunity for people within the community to get involved in a great cause. Participants can form walk teams at their workplace, through their clubs and organizations, or with friends and family. Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraising event. Walk day is a fun, family-oriented event with a healthy 5k walk, children's activities, food, and festivities that participants look forward to year after year. Please visit fightcf. cff.org for more information.

Coastal Seafood Craze!

On Friday, June 5, the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) will hold the fourth annual Coastal Seafood Craze! This event will take place as part of with the Mobile Bay Bears at the Hank Aaron Stadium in their Event Center (755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile). Come enjoy seafood and other ACF supporters anytime between 5:00 p.m. until 7:05 p.m. when the first pitch is thrown! Tickets—which include food, a beverage and admission to the game—are $25 or patrons can pay $40 which would include an individual membership to the Alabama Coastal Foundation. People can pay for tickets or memberships through the by going to www. joinacf.org and clicking on the "Donate" bar on the top right. All proceeds will benefit ACF’s education and habitat restoration programs. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

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Adoption Rocks is Changing Lives of Parents and Children

There is an epidemic which is affecting the nation and our local community. Almost 50% of babies born, are being born to single women, many of whom cannot adequately provide for the child. To the rescue, comes Adoption Rocks, a nonprofit organization in Mobile, Alabama, dedicated to promoting adoption as a responsible option. When women facing a crisis pregnancy come into our office, call our answering service or visit our website, they receive information on community resources and adoption professionals who can help. This frequently includes assisting homeless birthmothers with locating housing, helping indigent birthmothers apply for Medicaid and meeting other needs they frequently have due to the complex nature of their situations. We follow them through their entire pregnancy and ensure they are assisted. When a couple facing infertility comes into our office, we provide them with community resources and adoption professionals. Frequently, couples want to adopt children but find the process overwhelming and expensive, so we help them through the daunting process. Many children who are born to parents, who cannot provide for their needs, are more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, twice as likely to be treated for emotional problems, less likely to graduate high school, more likely to experience poverty as an adult, and twice as likely to have a child without being married. Adoption Rocks is truly changing the lives of birthmothers, adoptive parents and babies. For more information call (251) 639-4148 or (877) 639-4148.

Free Carotid Screening

May 27th and 29th, Cardiovascular Associates in association with the National Stroke Association will be offering a Free Carotid Screening Program. The Carotid Screening exam is the best method for early detection, and prevention of carotid artery disease and stroke. A healthcare professional can detect carotid artery disease using painless, noninvasive, diagnostic such as ultrasound imaging technology. It is estimated that approximately 750,000 strokes will occur this year; however two-thirds of those strokes can be prevented. Stroke is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;brain attackâ&#x20AC;?, cutting off the vital blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do- from speaking, to walking, and breathing. One of the leading causes of a stroke is blockage or gradual build â&#x20AC;&#x201C;up of plaque and fatty deposits in the carotid artery, which is the main artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain. This is also referred to as carotid artery disease. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the number one cause of adult disability. The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented. Risk factors for stroke are: Family history of Stroke; Smokers or those with a history of smoking; People who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes; People with history of heart disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease. Call today to schedule your appointment for your free screening. Appointments are from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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2nd Annual Walk/Run for Alabama’s Fallen Heroes

Join us on Saturday, May 16 for the 2nd Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk along the Causeway between Mobile and Spanish Fort. Race starts and finishes at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. This race benefits Blue Star Salute Foundation, and each runner/walker will have the name of one of Alabama's Fallen Heroes on their race bib. Afterwards enjoy a day full of entertainment, fun and food at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park for Alabama's 11th Annual Blue Star Salute. You can visit the pictorial wall - Alabama's Faces of the Price of Freedom. The day concludes with a Gold Star Memorial Ceremony where we honor Alabama's Fallen Heroes. Online registration at bluestarsalutefallenheroes5k2015.eventbrite.com.

Center Stage Presents “Shrek The Musical, Jr.” and “Sleeping Beauty Kids”

Center Stage Performance is excited to announce our must-see Spring shows for 2015. The curtains will rise at the Fairhope Civic Center on May 15th for the Eastern Shore premier performance of “Shrek The Musical, Jr.” Our amazingly talented cast of local 4th-9th graders will bring to life a certain green ogre and his fairytale friends in what promises to be a romping, stomping, good time! Performances are scheduled for May 15th at 6:30 p.m. and May 16th at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Center Stage’s K4-3rd grade theatre group will transport you to a world of fairies and magic, way back once upon a time, with Aurora, Maleficent and other charmed characters from the Disney classic, “Sleeping Beauty Kids”. Come and let them enchant you with the timeless theme that “love conquers all” at the FUMC Life Center in Fairhope on May 22nd and 23rd at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for “Shrek The Musical, Jr”. and “Sleeping Beauty, Kids” can be purchased at www. CenterStagePerformance.com.

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2nd Annual Gulf State Park Beach Luau

It's that time again! Back by popular demand is the 2nd Annual Gulf State Park Beach Luau! Put on your grass skirts and join us at Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion for an authentic Beach Luau on Saturday, May 23. Enjoy performances by the Aloha Islanders, including live hula and fire knife dancers from Hawaiian Entertainment. During the show you will enjoy our traditional Luau buffet that is sure to take your dining experience to the tastes of The Islands! Two ticket options are available: (1) VIP includes early admission for a meet and greet with the performers at 5:00 p.m., VIP seating, unlimited access to the Island inspired buffet, open bar, and a fresh Hawaiian lei direct from Hawaii! (2) Performance Seating includes 1 food ticket to the Island inspired buffet, 2 drink tickets (good for 1 alcoholic beverage or 2 non-alcoholic drinks), a souvenir lei, and 6:00 p.m. admission. To purchase tickets visit gulf-state-park.ticketleap.com/gulfstateparkbeachluau. Children are also invited to join in on the fun. We will have a kids' table set up with a couple activities just for kids. Children old enough to walk will be required to have a ticket. For more information follow us on facebook Gulf State Park Beach Luau.

The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra Presents “Music from the Movies”

The concert will feature music clips from movies old and new such as, “Star Wars”, “Avengers”, “Field of Dreams”, “Titanic”, “Lone Ranger”, “Avatar” and much more. As always the concert is free! The concert will take place on May 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Eastern Shore Baptist Church, 6847 Park Dr., Daphne. For more information go to www.bcyorchestra. com or find us on Facebook.

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Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series

The City of Fairhope debuts a new “Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series,” guaranteed to light up your summer nights with three free family movies at Fairhopers Community Park on the first Thursday in June, July, and August. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic (no alcohol or glass containers) and relax with the whole family. The movies will begin 15 minutes after sunset or approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4: “Finding Nemo”; Thursday, July 2: “The Lego Movie”; Thursday, August 6: “A Bug’s Life”. “The merchants will have popcorn and refreshments available and will be giving away glow-in-the-dark items,” said Fairhope Special Events Coordinator Paige Turberville.. “All you need to do is grab a lawn chair, pack a picnic basket, and sit back and enjoy the show.” The movies will be shown at Fairhopers Community Park on Church Street in downtown Fairhope and are sponsored by the City of Fairhope Public Utilities and the Fairhope Downtown Business Association. For more information on the Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series, call 251-929-1466.

Wales West Great Train Robbery

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Eastern Shore Adult & Family Medicine Andrew Dukes, M.D. Dr. Dukes is board certified with 20 years of experience in family medicine.

• Well baby care (2 weeks and up) • Pediatrics • Adolescent check-ups • Positive youth development • Immunizations • Sports physicals

Accepting new patients.

251-929-3424

More, devoted to your care.

Andrew Dukes, M.D. • John McDuff, M.D. 300 South Greeno Rd., Suite B, Fairhope, AL 36532

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All aboard The 2015 Great Train Robbery at Wales West Light Railway! From May 2nd through May 24th, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a steam train ride to the Beaver Gulch Barn, where the famous Sheriff, Jail, Saloon, and Bank are located. Be on guard for the Beaver Gulch Gang, notorious for robbing the Wales West payroll train. Help the Wales West Sheriff identify and jail the Train Robbers. Passengers enjoy free refreshments, sheriff’s hat and badge, and miniature train ride. Cafe, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Outlaw Blaster available for slight fee. Admission is $15 per person plus tax; 2 and under are FREE. Wales West is located at 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill, on Co. Rd. 9 east of Fairhope. Call 1-888-569-5337 or visit www. waleswest.com for information and special offers.

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2015 Taste of the Towns

The 2015 Taste of the Towns sponsored by the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club and Safe Harbor Financial Services is set for Thursday, May 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is the eighth annual event to be held at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Guests will be greeted by the Dogwood Trail Maids and enjoy "specialty food tastes" prepared by twenty-seven restaurateurs while listening to music by Grand Band Entertainment. Complimentary beverages will be available along with an array of Silent Auction items to be perused and purchased. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. Proceeds from ticket sales and the Silent Auction help support Key Clubs at Daphne High School, Spanish Fort High School and Bayside Academy, one AKTION Club at the Exceptional Foundation, two local educational foundations, the Ruff Wilson Youth Center, the Jubilee Head Start School, Prodisee Pantry and other community organizations and youth services. Tickets are $30 per adult in advance and $35 at the door and may be purchased from a Kiwanis member or by calling 621-2996. For more information about Kiwanis or the event go to www. daphnespanishfortkiwanis.org. Participating restaurants include: Baumhower's, Boudreaux's Cajun Grill, Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, Captain's Table, Catering To You, Cheryl's Cafe & Market, Chick-fil-A at Daphne, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, El Mexicano, Fastime, Hooters, Islamorada Fish Company, Jesse's Fine Dining, LA BBQ, LA SUBS, My Neighbor's Place, O'Charley's, Olive Garden, Original Oyster House, Panini Pete's, Papa's Place, Starbucks Coffee Company, Sugar Kettle Cafe, The Little Cake Shop, Trattoria Pizza & Italian, Westminster Village, Zaxby's.

Autism: Unlocking the Mystery Conference

Special Education Consultants & Conference Organizers (SECCO) in collaboration with the Autism Society of Alabama and Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast bring you Mobile's 1st: Autism Unlocking the Mystery Conference. This event takes place on Friday, May 8 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 2448 Gordon Smith Drive. There will be six keynote sessions. The event is open to parents, educators, students and anyone else with a desire to learn more about autism and its comorbid components. The speakers are: Dr.Bama Hager, Anna McConnell, Dr. Caroline Gomez, Scott Parks with Project Outreach Gulf Coast and Shooting 2 Change, Dr. Ashley Perry, Dr. HanesSwingle, Corporal Kent Smith with the Alabama Department of Public Safety and Project Lifesaver. Topics being discussed include but are not limited to: Methods in the Classroom; Strategies for speech therapists; Transition; Adult Services; Evaluation/Eligibility. A variety of exhibitors will be organized in designated areas for attendees to explore throughout the day. Lunch will be provided with registration fee. Event Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/mobiles1st-autism-unlocking-the-mystery-conference-tickets-15784242093. For additional conference details or information, please contact Angel Loewen at angel@autism-alabama.org or by phone at 251-259-5553.

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Calling All Volunteers! It’s Rodeo Time!

The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation is seeking volunteers for our 18TH Annual Professional Rodeo, which will be held at the Foley Horse Arena August 6, 7 and 8. From parking, kids’ area, concession stand and event sponsorships - come learn about the many volunteer opportunities for the 2015 Rodeo! The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides training, funding, and support for its community program - the Peer Helper Program. The Peer Helper Program empowers students to serve as tutors, mentors, mediators and friends to their fellow students, supporting them through struggles including preventing bullying, avoiding dropout, leaving destructive relationships, helping new students adjust and much more. Questions? Visit jennifermoorefoundation.com or call 251.971.3633.

Central Gulf Coast Harp Ensemble Concert

On Sunday, May 3, at 4:00 p.m. the Eastern Shore has an opportunity to view and hear heavenly strings - about 200 of them in total - in concert at St. Lawrence Catholic Church Family Life Center. The Central Gulf Coast Harp Ensemble will gather for their spring performance. Harps of all sizes and shapes have been rehearsing selections from early Renaissance Court Dances to standard harp literature to modern show tunes. Solos, small ensembles and the entire ensemble will perform for a free-will offering at St. Lawrence Family Life Center at 370 South Section Street in Fairhope, AL. Harpists from Pensacola, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Mobile and Gulf Coast locations will join forces to share their music with you. All are invited to attend. There may be an opportunity for the audience to pluck a string or two after the concert. For further information, contact Jeanne O’Connell at 928-2055.

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5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to Benefit WinShape Camp for Communities

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015; Time: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Join the fun on May 2, 2015 for the 2nd Annual Chick-fil-A 5K and 1 mile fun run to benefit WinShape Camp for Communities, a summer camp located in Daphne. Last year, 240 children attended WinShape Camp, many through scholarships provided from the 2014 race. Through this year’s race, Chick-fil-A Daphne seeks to raise funds to provide scholarships for an even greater number of campers. The 5K will begin at 8:00 a.m. in front of Daphne City Hall on Main Street. The 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the same location. To register to run or volunteer, visit www.cfaraceseries.com/races/146. For sponsorship opportunities, email anne_mceniry@ bellsouth.net.

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Jubilee Kids Triathlon

Eastern Shore Triathlon Club will hold its sixth annual Jubilee Kids Triathlon on Sunday, May 31st. at 7:30 a.m. at the beautiful Fairhope Municipal Pier in Fairhope. This is a SWIM, BIKE, RUN race for kids ages 7-15 (age is determined by child's age on December 31 of 2015). The event will have 4 age group categories: Wave One: Long Course Super Sprint (150 yard swim, 3 mile bike, 1 mile run). Ages 13-15: “Mullets”. Ages 11-12: “Flounders”. Wave Two: Short Course Kids (75 yard swim, 1 mile bike, .5 mile run). Ages 9-10: “Crabs”. Ages 7-8: “Shrimps”. The swim will begin at 7:30 a.m. Packet Pickup: Thursday (5/28) and Friday (5/29) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Running Wild store (214 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope), Saturday (5/30) at a table/tent at the Grandman Triathlon from ~9 a.m. to Noon, Sunday race day from 6 a.m. to ~6:45 a.m. We will have volunteers available to help set up bikes and the transition area beginning at 6:15 a.m. The older 11-15 year old kids start at 7:30 a.m. The younger 7-10 year old kids race starts around 8 a.m. (after the older kids race finishes). To register for the event visit www.imathlete.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?fEID=22905. For more information call Rickie Richey, 251-517-4200 or email info@estriathlon.com.

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Cinco de Mayo Special $2 Coronas & Margaritas Two Blackened Shrimp Tacos with one side for $6

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Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Sun Screen and Bug Spray Summer is almost here! It’s time for swimming, boating, fishing, and playing outside! When I think back to my childhood growing up in Mobile, I often think about those long summer days, playing without a care in the world and wonder if I ever thought to put on sunscreen or bug spray. I’m pretty sure I didn’t. But times have changed, and we have to protect our children better. It’s estimated that before the age of 18, we have almost 80% of our lifetime sun exposure. And this exposure puts us at a significantly increased risk of not only sunburn, but skin cancer as well. Let’s talk about some ways to protect your child. For infants less than six months, always dress them in lightweight long pants and shirts with a brimmed hat, even if the sun exposure is thought to be short. I can think of plenty of times when my family’s short trips to town end up as half day marathons and long times out in the sun. It’s OK to use sunscreen on infants on exposed areas as long as you avoid the palms of the hands (ingestion risk) and use at least an SPF of 30 or greater.

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

The times when you are most likely to feel the sun’s damaging effects are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and that is of course the time when my kids play outside. So avoid that time when you can, but if they go out, apply at least SPF 30 waterproof sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or hard play. Hats and sunglasses are a good idea as well and keep those kids hydrated! Remember, our children learn and mimic what we as parents do, so put on sunscreen yourself and be a good role model. Finally, remember that a higher SPF doesn’t always mean better protection! All sunscreen needs to be applied frequently to actually work! Another question I frequently get from parents is about bugs and bug spray. The biggest concern today, in addition to bites and itching, is the transmission of disease. While rare, these illnesses can affect people of all ages, especially children. One of the best ways to prevent bug exposure is to limit their growth, so check your property for any standing water and dump it out. And try to avoid exposure in the evenings when the bugs come out.

When it comes to bug sprays, I get a lot of questions about DEET vs. natural products for protection. While low amounts of DEET are safe for your infant and child, some people prefer to use other products. Remember, just because a product is “natural” doesn’t mean it can’t be toxic, especially if ingested. When compared head to head, most of the natural products were inferior to those containing DEET, especially in length of effectiveness. So whatever product you choose to use, follow the directions and use only what you need. For the most part, the higher the DEET concentration, the longer it lasts. For example, a concentration of 4-5% will last around 90 minutes. Most of the natural products last only 10-20 minutes, so reapply as needed and avoid exposure if possible. Also, don’t use combo bug repellent and sunscreen products because the bug repellent tends to lower the SPF. So enjoy the weather, but enjoy it safely. Please refer to cdc.gov and aap.org for further resources and talk to your child’s doctor if you have questions. 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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Musicians Perform for Fairhope Elementary Students

Autauga County GulfSchools Shores Students Organize Fun Run Fundraiser

After learning about childhood cancer and participating in a fundraiser at Gulf Shores Elementary School, Mrs. Gentry's third graders Catie Sanders, Haley Miles, Mary Elizabeth Alford & Raeleigh Boesel felt like they needed to do more. They decided to hold their own fundraiser for the Jensen's Heart of Gold Foundation by organizing a fun run. The Cool Kids Running for Cancer Fun Run was held at Meyer Park on March 21st. The fun run raised approximately $2700!

Fairhope Elementary students were totally engaged as they listened to guest artists: Joe Lewis, Lynn Mackie and Nahshon Taqi. This team of truly talented musicians led interactive discussions with the students and then performed several pieces of their music individually and as a group. Pictured from left to right: Terry BeasleyFairhope Elementary Principal, Nahshon Taqi – Violinist, Lynn Mackie – Opera Singer/Teacher, Joe Lewis – Saxophone/Jazz Artist, and Ann WhatleyFairhope Elementary Choir Director.

Fairhope Middle School Scholars Bowl Team Wins County Championship

Orange Beach Students Plant Herbs

These third graders have been researching seven different edible herbs. They have been discovering how to plant and grow them as well as foods that contain these herbs. In a few weeks, students will harvest their specific herb and incorporate it into a simple recipe. Ms. Rhodes’ class at OBES pictured after planting their class herb garden. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

The Fairhope Middle School Scholars Bowl Team competed in the Baldwin County Middle School tournament held at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. Under the sponsorship of Mrs. Kim Earley, FMS gifted and talented teacher, the team won the competition and was crowned County Champions. Hudson Defee, FMS team member, was named MVP for the tournament. Pictured, in no particular order, are members of the team: Isabelle Rodriguez, Molly McClure, Warren Wegener, Houston Norris, Jake Newsome, Laighton Mitchell, Hudson Defee, Evan Stephens, Houston Prewett, Hamp Oldshue, Henry Otts, Walt Swan, and Edward Puckett.

Elberta Students Attend Medieval Event

Elberta Middle School 8th grade students had a great time at the Medieval event held in Summerdale. Our students did a great job and even participated in some of the events.

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Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore - Crown of Character

The JAES would like to recognize these students from the 5th Grade classes at Daphne East Elementary and Fairhope Intermediate School who have shown one or more of the qualities found in the 5 points of the Junior Auxiliary Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service. These 5th Graders have been awarded the Crown of Character award for the Third Quarter. Congratulations! 3rd Quarter Crown of Character recipients from Daphne East Elementary (left), bottom row left to right: Ashley Rodgers, Will Calkins, Brelyn Walters, Prue Davis, Ethan Ngo. Top Row left to right: Titus Lippincott, Ryan VanDyke, Hayes Jackson, Shelby Jones, Lilly Miller. 3rd Quarter Crown of Character Recipients from Fairhope Intermediate School (right), (Front) bottom row left to right: Brady Robinson, Ella Prewett, Tony Palumbo, Jacob Markris, Eli Webb, Sydney Cabaniss, James Brown, Donovan Joiner, Adam Knebl. (Back) Top row Left to right: Laney Parks, Jonah Nelson, Nicole Busby, Anna Grace Johnson, India Joiner, Diego Guzman-Cruz, Aubree Flanagan, Isabell Havard, Rosemary Ortega-Romero.

St. Dominic Catholic School Holds St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Dominic Catholic School students love a parade, especially our Early Learning Center students. On St. Patrick’s Day students participated in a parade, complete with floats and throws. They paraded around campus as faculty, staff and students cheered. Here Lillian Burnett and Sophia Burnett wait for the parade to begin.

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Autauga Drinking County Schools ABC Board Brings Anti-underage Program to Bayside Academy

Just before the start of Spring Break, students at Bayside Academy heard a special message from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and American Character Builders: Don’t let alcohol ruin your good time. The ABC Board, in partnership with MADD and ALCAP, presented its “Under Age, Under Arrest” program on underage and binge drinking to 7th12th grade students at Bayside on Tuesday, March 24. “Under Age, Under Arrest” is a statewide educational and public awareness initiative launched by ABC Board Administrator H. Mac Gipson in 2013 to discourage underage and binge drinking. The program highlights the dangers and the legal and social costs of these forms of irresponsible drinking. Taking part in the program were ABC Board officials and speakers representing MADD, ALCAP, and law enforcement. Nationwide, about 5,000 people under the age of 21 die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries. In 2008, more than 190,000 people under the age of 21 went to an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries. State Troopers report that 62 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured from 2010 to 2012 in car crashes in Alabama caused by underage drinkers. Studies show that young people who begin drinking in their teen years are four times more likely to become problem drinkers or alcohol dependent. It is against the law for people under the age of 21 to consume or possess alcoholic beverages. It is also illegal for adults to provide alcohol to those under the legal drinking age. Penalties include fines, possible jail time and, for minors, the loss of their driver licenses. The ABC Board is working with law enforcement and organizations such as MADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and ALCAP’s American Character Builders to help schools and colleges get the message to students and parents about the dangers of and penalties for underage drinking. For more information about “Under Age, Under Arrest,” go online to www.underage-underarrest.com.

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SUMMER ART CAMP DATE: July 6th - August 7th 5 x 1 week session COST: $50/week for 1st enrollment $45/week for each addition enrollment (or each child) TIME: 10am - 12pm , 1pm - 3pm REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 30TH Each class will be taught by an artist/teacher. FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT THE DAPHNE ART CENTER

251.621.0659 1704 6th Street Daphne, AL 36526 (behind City Hall)

daphne.art.center251@gmail.com facebook.com/daphneartcenter

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Huntington Learning Center Teacher of the Month

Huntington Learning Center is pleased to announce that Mrs. Crys Hatcher has been selected as the Fairhope Middle Teacher of the Month for January and February, 2015. Mrs. Hatcher, an 8th grade Language Arts teacher, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of South Alabama. Originally from Mississippi, Hatcher has been teaching at Fairhope Middle School since 2002. Mrs. Hatcher encourages her students to strive for excellence, maintain a positive attitude, and believe in themselves. She and her husband, Greg, have four children and they enjoy spending time with family. She was chosen by the faculty for her dedication to her students’ success and her caring attitude.

SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN. 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

South Baldwin Christian Holds Living Stations of the Cross

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

The student body at South Baldwin Christian School participated in a Living Stations of the Cross on Thursday, April 2nd. Eighth graders were the characters from the Passion Play. Pictured from left to right: Hunter Taylor (Roman Guard) Joshua Lynch (Jesus) and Ryan Hubbart (Roman Soldier). MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Prank.indd 1

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Autauga County SchoolsAcademy Students Win Bayside Awards in Art Contest

Several students from Bayside Academy recently participated in the Alabama State Council on the Arts’ Visual Arts Achievement Program, District 1 Exhibition at the Mobile Arts Council. The exhibit was open to entries from 6th-12th graders, and more than 100 students from 15 area schools participated. Only 17 pieces are selected to go to the state competition in Montgomery, and Bayside students created three of the selected pieces. Tenth grader Meagan Daves was awarded first place for her ceramic sculpture, “Nativity”, in the 3D/Craft category. Sixth grader Charles Carey won first place for his drawing, “Puff”. Sixth grader Lilly Duffy received a Merit Award for her work, “Mother”. We are so proud of these outstanding artists! Pictured left to right: Hunter Lyons, Hallie Corte, Emily Buhl, Gabriel Stewart, Meagan Daves (in rear with Mrs. Phyllis Horne), Catherine Hawkins, Charles Carey, and Lilly Duffy.

Impromptu Lesson at Bay Minette IS

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Bay Minette Intermediate sixth graders in Merlyn Kittrell’s class enjoyed an impromptu study of a flying insect on a recent spring day. They used a petri dish, the class microscopes, and the projector to study the anatomy of an unwelcome flying guest. Tyler Siggers and Curtis Pritchett use a microscope and project the image of a bee onto the screen for the class.

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Bayshore Students Tour Wastewater Treatment Facility

Bayshore Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7th grade students from Dr. Pursley's Life Science class toured the Daphne Utilities wastewater treatment facility where they learned more about managing wastes responsibly and being good stewards of the environment. Pictured from left to right (first row) Dr. Holly Pursley, Elsa Engeriser, Ella Pursley, Martha Hollowell, (second row) Tillery French, Emma Finnamore, Cameron Sex-ton, Wesley Cochran (third row) Mary Patrick Ponder, Nina Messinger, Zachary Stewart (fourth row) Will Edmiston, Alex Cook (fifth row) Max Jones, Sam Malone, Austin Gray (sixth row) Braden Downing, Caleb Rowe (seventh row) and Nathan Williams. Also pictured are Mr. Van Baggett and his team at Daphne Utilities.

McGill-Toolen Talent Show Winners

Hosted by the Junior class of McGillToolen Catholic, the Who Wants to be McGillianaire talent show was a huge success. With 10 exceptional performances peppered with skits poking good fun at some of our faculty, the Class of 2016 put on a show to remember. Seniors Karen Wentworth (vocals) and Samuel Walker (guitar and vocals) took first place with their "mashup" of popular songs. Junior Dara St. Pierre (vocals) and Senior Adam Agagan (guitar) placed second with their performance of "Thinking Out Loud" and Fred Loeffler took third with his guitar solo of "Miser lou".

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Autauga County Schools Fairhope Middle School Club

Collects Filled Plastic Eggs for Ronald McDonald House

The Builders’ Club at Fairhope Middle School sponsored a schoolwide collection of filled plastic eggs. FMS students donated over 4,000 plastic eggs to be given to the Mobile area Ronald McDonald house for their annual Easter egg hunt. The Builder’s Club, under the sponsorship of Jennifer Hanson and Ashley Lathan, is a Kiwanis International Middle School program. Pictured is Mrs. Janice Kinard’s 7th grade homeroom that collected over 1,500 filled eggs and won the competition.

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McGill-Toolen Pole Vaulter 2nd in National Rankings

McGill-Toolen Catholic Senior Pole Vaulter, Sean Collins made a huge jump in the rankings after clearing 17-2.25 on a 3rd attempt at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Track & Field Classic in New Orleans. Despite a crosswind that plagued the competition from the beginning, the McGill senior cleared the bar and won the event that moved him from 6th to 2nd in national rankings. Sean will be competing for the University of South Alabama next year. The boys and girls teams had an impressive 3rd place finish at the meet.

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Fairhope Elementary Class Visits the Bay

Mrs. Lindsay Burress’ kindergarten class from Fairhope Elementary School visited The Pelican’s Nest and Mobile Bay in March. They learned about the animals that can be found in the bay. Some students' dads cast nets in the bay where they caught minnows, shrimp, and a large crab! The kindergartners took their findings back to the Pelican’s Nest and became scientists with their magnifying glasses. Celie Spauling, Luci Fulcer, Josie Kemper, Emmy Kuhn, and Kathryn Chawkin pick out the minnows from the cast net.

Spanish Fort HS Student Wins County Chocolate Cookoff

Hunter Aull, a student at Spanish Fort High School, won first place at the Baldwin County Chocolate Cookoff with his chocolate creation, "A Lotta Chocolatta Cups." Congratulations Hunter! Pictured: Hunter Aull and Mrs. Joni Ojard.

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Autauga CountyFairhope Schools High School Law Class Holds Mock Wedding

Ms. Kristie Davis' law class finished a unit on marriage. The students studied the different marriage laws and how they vary from state to state, the rights of a married person, prenuptial agreements, alimony, common-law marriages, proxy marriages and much more. To conclude the lesson, the students participated in a mock wedding on March 27. Students played the parts of bride, groom, maid of honor, best man, father of the bride, etc. The mock wedding was made extra special with bridal gowns that were donated by Fairhope Goodwill and men's formalwear donated by Jim Owens Photography. Wedding party – from left – Ele Lusk- flower girl, bridesmaids –Ambria Martin, Sidney Williams, Cindy Martinez, Bride-Olivia Lyons, Jacob Yoakum, Hayden Hatfield, Christian Joyce, Caleb Helms, ring bearer- Trent Merrell.

Orange Beach ES Kids Rewarded for Meeting Learning Goals

Cayden Hannah, a first grade student in Mrs. Wallace's class at Orange Beach Elementary School, enjoyed a visit to Mrs. Noonan's prize box as he met his learning goal recently! His prize was a mustache which he proudly modeled for his classmates! Students at OBES enjoy celebrating as they meet their learning goals and work on their leadership skills through the "Leader In Me” habits which are coming to OBES.

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Bayside Academy’s First Grade Shakespeare Play

March 13 marked the date of one of Bayside Academy’s most beloved traditions – the annual Shakespeare play performed by the first graders. “The Life and Times of William Shakespeare” was written by Fairhope actor Graham Timms with scenes from “Julius Caesar”,” Hamlet”, and “Romeo and Juliet” added by Bayside teachers. This was the 17th year for the Shakespeare play. The first grade teachers (Tootsie Bryant, Linda Lott, and Helen Heebie) direct the play, and the students’ grandparents make the costumes. Music teacher Beth Horn is a big part of the production as well; the students sing Cole Porter music.

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Elberta Student Wins Optimist Club Essay Contest

Noah Spencer, from Elberta Middle School, was named the 1st place winner of the Optimist Club annual essay contest. He won a medal, plaque, and a $100 check. Congratulations, Noah!

Daphne East Creativity

Because of the terrible weather, our field day was postponed so Mrs. Jennifer Alberstadt (Kindergarten) took time to let her students use their creativity with a little painting.

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Autauga County Schools

Fairhope Elementary Class Visits Mobile Airport

Miss Katie Norris’ first grade class from Fairhope Elementary took a trip to the Mobile Regional Airport in February. They saw Miss Norris’ brother's (LT T.P. Norris) F/A-18 Superhornet. He is stationed in Lemoore, California and flew almost 2,000 miles to bring the class’ studies to life! They also enjoyed a tour of the airport and the airport

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fire station. Pictured here with the first graders are Assistant Principal Wanda Logan, LT. T.P.Norris, and Miss Norris.

Special Visitors Read to Orange Beach Elementary Kindergartners

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In March, Mrs. Lynn’s Kindergarten class at Orange Beach Elementary celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday by having special readers come and read Dr. Seuss books to them! Here they enjoyed having their Principal Mr. Moss read the book “Fox in Socks.”

presents our 4th Annual Recital

“ D ance Thr ough Tim e ” and our Ballet Production of

“ Cinder ella ” Sunday • May 10, 2015 • 4:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theater

For Ticket Info: 251-621-9755

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

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Smart Choices: One Wrong Decision Can Be Fatal A Community-Wide Event

Bayside Academy and the United Way of Baldwin County, in partnership with the DEA, the Baldwin County Public Schools, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, are pleased to announce a community-wide event entitled, “Smart Choices: One Wrong Decision Can Be Fatal.” The free event will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 in the Pilot Center on the Bayside campus. Jason Capstraw, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration in Mobile, will speak with parents and students about the importance of making good decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol. He will address topics such as the dangers of newly-emerging controlled substances and the greatest drug threat in Alabama. Mr. Capstraw is passionate about empowering young people and provides a frank and eye-opening presentation complete with graphic images showing the photographic consequences of bad decisions. Should the information be too unsettling, participants are free to excuse themselves. Please join us for this important presentation to our community. For additional information, please contact the United Way of Baldwin County at (251) 943-2110. Please send your School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

Bayshore Students Visit Patient Simulation Lab

Bayshore Christian School’s 10th/11th grade students from Dr. Pursley's Human Anatomy and Physiology class recently toured the University of South Alabama's Patient Simulation Lab. Alison B. Rudd, EdD, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor of Adult Health Nursing, guided the students through the lab, where they learned of state of the art educational techniques to train future healthcare providers. Pictured from left to right (first row) Priscilla Brock, Alison Rudd, Molly Downing, Maddie Walsh, (second row) Charlie Brock, Evie Hayes, Sara Bradley Sheckells, Morgan Barnes, Colbert (third row) Jacob Collins, Beth Ann Gifford, Sara Breslin, Bryant Brock (fourth row) Kevin Kearney, Ian Doremus, Kris Aubrey (fifth row) Chris Bishop, and Jack Stevens.

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Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Chess Team Wins State Championship

For the second straight year and three of the last four, Bayside Academy is king of Alabama scholastic chess. There are no class divisions by school size in chess, so this victory represents a first in the history of Bayside Academy: a 7A State Championship. Competing against much larger schools, Bayside ran the gauntlet against a who's who of previous state champions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John Carroll and Indian Springs of the Birmingham area and UMS-Wright and the Alabama School of Math & Science (ASMS) in Mobile. The event was held March 15 on the campus of ASMS. Bayside scored an impressive 3.5 out of 4 points against those opponents to win outright first place by a full point. This, combined with a 6-0-1 record from the championship regular season, gives the Admirals a 9-0-2 record for the year and a 22-match unbeaten streak going back to 2013. The State Championship is the sixth overall for Bayside Chess, and the trophy marks another milestone in program history: it is the chess team's 100th trophy (over half of which are first place trophies) in 15 years of play. Varsity team members are sophomores Steve Chen and Trent Kannegieter and freshmen Ford Taylor and Thomas Denton. This year's State Championship was actually a double championship. For the first time, the Alabama Chess Federation sanctioned a Junior Varsity section at the State Tournament, and Bayside came away with that title as well over UMS-Wright. JV team members are juniors Philip Dobbins, Ian Austill, Richard O'Neill, and Will Smith. Pictured left to right: Trent Kannegieter, Steve Chen, Thomas Denton, Ford Taylor, and Coach Eric Nager.

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Gulf Shores Elementary Jumps Rope for Heart

Gulf Shores Elementary School students jumped rope to raise money for The American Heart Association. The students received donations from friends and family that go straight to the AHA. Pictured l to r: Bria Delong, PE teacher Shelia Hawkins and Tucker King showing their ducks they received for donating to the American Red Cross.

Fairhope Middle School Holds Miss Pirate Princess Pageant

Fairhope Middle School held their annual Miss Pirate Princess pageant. The pageant, under the direction of FMS 8th grade teacher Kelly Lanicek, is a fundraising event for the school. The thirty-four contestants participated in a panel interview and an evening gown competition, where they were judged on poise and appearance. Entertainment was provided by MaryBradley Knighton, an 8th grade FMS student. The following finalists were crowned: Mary Kathleen Hughes, Miss Pirate Princess; Alyssa Frank, 8th grade Princess; Abby McDade, 7th grade Princess; Zoe Harris, Most Poised; Lily Kate Gwin, Most Photogenic; Erin Moseley, Best Interview; and Rileigh Glass, Miss Congeniality. Pictured is Mary Kathleen Hughes. (Photo courtesy of Ember Langley Photography.) 33

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Autauga County Schools

ACE Hardward Donates Supplies for Newton Elementary Marble Run

The J. Larry Newton PTO and ACE Hardware in Fairhope recently teamed up to build a Marble Run in the Newton Elementary Science Lab. Marble Runs are a great learning tool for the budding engineer or scientist while improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It allows students to develop problem solving skills as they connect the pieces, lining them up correctly, ensuring that the maze works while the marbles run to the bottom. This tool also allows children to explore three dimensional design and spatial awareness while increasing their understanding of physics and gravity. All of this in a simple and fun activity for all ages at Newton Elementary. Newton Elementary is thankful for the generous donation of supplies by ACE Hardware of Fairhope. Please send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

Gulf Shores Students Visit Exploreum

L to r: Julia Bratton and Aliviah Word from Ms. Allison Davis' 5th grade class at Gulf Shores Elementary School played the roles of paleontologists and uncovered dinosaur eggs buried in the sand at the Gulf Coast Exploreum recently.

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Our specialized women’s surgery helped Michelle get cooking again. Michelle’s menstrual symptoms were so severe, she says she was “a shut-in at least seven days every month.” That made life difficult for this busy mom of three who operates her own catering business. “Thank goodness for the robotic-assisted hysterectomy at South Baldwin,” said Michelle. “The incisions were tiny and healed fast. I was able to cater an event after just two weeks. Having this procedure is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I would tell any woman with symptoms like I had to find out about the surgery. It changes your life.” To learn more about Women’s Surgical Services at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, visit SouthBaldwinRMC.com/surgicalservices. WOMEN’S SURGICAL SERVICES AT

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35 the risks and benefits of eachwww.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine Patient results may vary. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.

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27th Annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament Raises $55K for Fairhope Schools

A little drizzle didn’t stop golfers from participating in the sold-out, 27th Annual Mayor’s Tournament benefiting Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation. The March 26 event, held at Quail Creek Golf Course with Title Sponsor Terry Thompson Chevrolet, raised more than $55,000 for public education in Fairhope. FEEF will use the proceeds to fund hands on science labs, music, art, and theatre programs for Fairhope students. The City of Fairhope team of Mayor Tim Kant, Haymes Snedeker, John Wright, and Mike Ford won the first place low gross category. The Myrick Agency team of Martin Myrick, Evan Myrick, Ryan Olmsted, and Mark Acker took first place low net. See a list of all winners (linked to web page updated with winners). FEEF is grateful for all the sponsors supporting public education in Fairhope. TITLE SPONSOR: Terry Thompson Chevrolet. GOLD SPONSORS: City of Fairhope, Heritage Compounding Pharmacy, SouthernLINC Wireless A Southern Company, Walmart. SILVER SPONSORS: Baldwin EMC, BBVA Compass, Brown Financial Advisory, Councilman Jack Burrell, Citizens’ Bank, Coca Cola, Dade Paper, Daphne Pediatric Dentistry/Dr. Todd Chambliss, Diagnostic & Medical Clinic/Dr. Martin Lester, Dr. Chris Gamard, Dr. Jacob Webster, Fairhope Brewing Company, Dee and Tim Fuhrman, Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa, Dr. Rod Grissett, Oral and Facial Surgery, Hampton Inn Fairhope, Hutchinson Moore & Rauch LLC, McCarron Insurance Group, The Myrick Agency, PNC Bank, Red or White Wine, South Alabama Orthodontics/ Dr. Shane Langley, Dr. Rick O’Neil, Southern Light, Tameron Honda Eastern Shore, Wintzell’s Oyster House. BRONZE SPONSORS: Alabama Beach Vacation Rentals, Ashurst & Niemeyer, Dr. and Mrs. Ross Bishop, Burris Farm Market, EastPointe Hospital, Family Practice Associates, Gulf Coast Office Products, Dr. Lanier Hagood/Gastroenterologists PC, iBeriaBank, Magnolia Pharmacy/ Team Broadhead, Postnet of Fairhope, Regions Bank, Riviera Utilities, Scott & Scott Law Firm, Shannon and Carlton Spinks, Ray Zakutney – Harbor Furniture. Special Thanks: The Wash House Restaurant, Gary Finch Outdoors, Rick Phyfer State Farm, Bud Busch Distributing, John Estes Photography, Chick-fil-A.

Extracurricular activities such as Tumblebus and Whiz Kids, available.

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Autauga County Schools

McT Hi-Q Champs!

McGill-Toolen Catholic High School won the 2015 Alabama Hi-Q championship Tuesday with a win over Davidson and Baker High Schools. The final score was McGill-Toolen 39, Baker 31 and Davidson 28. Members of the state champion team include: Matthew Davis, Nick West, Nathaniel Hawthorn, Erin Blake, Austin Taylor, Hunter Palmer and Christopher McDonald.

Bayshore Christian School Students Visit WKRG News

Bayshore Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd grade took a field trip to WKRG News 5. Students were given a tour of the facility and were able to watch the noon news broadcast with Devin Walsh and John Nodar. Pictured from left to right Bennett Brown, Peyton Loftis, Sam Edmiston, Anna Merritt McQuillen, Megan Adcock, Ethan Fisk. John Nodar, Jordan Kent, Leah Werneth, Caroline Robinson, Devin Walsh, Jake Graves, Broxton Cook, Robert Baker, Lillie Lassiter, Katelyn Moore, Max Miller, and Collin Hester.

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Elberta Student Takes 2nd in State Beef Cookoff Contest

8th grade student Sarah Trattles won 2nd place in the state Cattlemen's Beef CookOff Contest in Montgomery. She received a trophy, a certificate, and a $125 prize. EMS is proud of Sarah's accomplishment and for representing us so well at the state level. Congratulations, Sarah!

Fairhope Middle School Hosts County Chocolate Cookoff

Fairhope Middle School recently hosted the Baldwin County Chocolate Cookoff. Twelve contestants from throughout the Baldwin County District schools participated in the judged event. The delicious, winning entry was Chocolate Brownie Pudding submitted by 8th grade FMS student, Camille Baker. Chef Jewel, with The Frenchmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner of Fairhope, helped make the event a success by judging and providing handmade chocolates for prizes. The cook-off was under the direction of Mrs. Cyndie Wilkins, FMS Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. During the judging, Mrs. Wilkins gave a presentation about her experiences at the FDA Food Safety and Nutrition workshop in Washington, D.C. this past summer. Pictured, from left to right, are: Chef Jewel, Camille Baker, and Cyndie Wilkins.

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County Schools Guest Speaks toAutauga Spanish Forth HS Students About Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Hana Blalack, a student from Spanish Fort High School and member of the Peer Helpers group, organized a guest speaker from "The Shoulder" during Toro Time on April 1. Kristy Wells, Director of Community Development, spoke to juniors and seniors about drug and alcohol abuse. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and the Peer Helper's group has several activities planned to help students make good decisions regarding drug and alcohol use. Photo includes Kristy Wells, Director of Community Development from The Shoulder and Hana Blalack.

Silverhill Students of the Month

Silverhill Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s April students of the month are being recognized for showing respect for our environment. Pictured are; Odin Forland, Ansley Moore, Colton Giles, Luther Ross, Braeden Andrus, Caden Vice, Briana Presley, Brandon Lopez, Daylynne Johnson, Noah Geri, Matthew Sanders, Olivia McNeil, McKenzie Ard, Seth Gormandy, Memphis Burroughs, Alma Ambrocio, Camden Pearce, Alondra Rangel Fabian, Kailey Mooney, Brittani Valencia and Demontay Lett. Not pictured, Isabel McAuley.

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Orange Beach Elementary School Terrific Kids for April

Grades Kindergarten through Third: Front Row (L to R): Ruby Kottsick, Makenzie Minor, Harrison Robinson, Kimberlynn Kaiser, Caleb Keel, Cheyenne Dahl. Back Row (L to R): Ryan Moss, Principal, Tyla Rapp, Mylez Nacianceno, Perry Watson, Gunnar McNeely, James Carl, Nelson Moseley, Emily Imperato, Jason Jackson, Kiwanis Representative. Grades Fourth Through Sixth: Front Row (L to R): Houston Bryant, Emily Hinson, Cooper Carpenter, Scotland Posey. Back Row (L to R): Ryan Moss, Principal, Olivia Hamilton, Bella Turner, J Boller, Judah Gilliland, Jason Jackson, Kiwanis Representative. Not Pictured: Gabby Lisboa.

Elberta Soccer Teams Win County Championship

This season in soccer Elberta Middle School won the County Championship! All-tournament team selections were Megan Wilcox, Olivia Lipscomb and Carly Davis. The Boys team won with placekicks in overtime. All-tournament team members were Tanner Kinard, Eric Perry and Andrew Moorer. Way to go!

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Autauga Schools Miss County Spanish Fort High School Pageant

The annual Miss Spanish Fort High School Pageant was held at the L.D. Owens Performing Arts Center located on the campus of Faulkner State College in Bay Minette in March. Each class winner was chosen based on her poise and appearance, her public speaking skills, her academic achievements, and her interview skills. The winners of the 2015 Miss Spanish Fort Pageant are Miss Isabelle Powell-Freshman Beauty; Miss Amelia Bjuro-Sophomore Beauty; Miss Jordan Reikhoff-Junior Beauty; Miss Erica Cockrell-Miss Spanish Fort High School 2015. Miss Savannah Middleton was chosen as Miss Congeniality, and Nathan McDonald was selected to be Mr. Spanish Fort High School. Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

Bay Minette Students Create Working Robots

Bay Minette Intermediate School students in Mark Davis’ Project Jubilee class are studying basic robotics. Students made simple robots using common materials and then tested them. Pictured, Emma Stuart and Anna Grace McKinnis used a plastic cup, markers, tape, and a battery to make a “scribble-bot” that really works.

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Everything Parents Want to Know About Sexting (But Are Afraid to Ask)

When you were in school, kids passed flirtatious or even racy notes to people they liked. Sometimes those notes got dropped on the floor or confiscated by the teacher and, before long, everyone was gossiping between classes about what was supposed to be a private message. Now add a cellphone with a camera and Internet access to that scenario. Suddenly, the scene is set for sexting which is the newly minted word for sending or posting nude or semi-nude photos, videos and messages. While parents have been preoccupied with predators who might seduce their children online, a surprising number of teens have been volunteering to send sexual pictures of themselves to their friends. A fact sheet prepared by the Cyberbullying Research Center reports that 15% of all boys and 10% of all girls have received such photos. About 8% of all kids admitted sending sexually suggestive messages though the number is likely to be higher. Sending sexy pictures doesn’t necessarily mean teens are having more sex. Statistics indicate that more than half of all teens delay their first sexual encounter until after high school, a significant increase from ten years ago. Of the teens who send provocative pictures, most share them with a boyfriend or a girlfriend on the often mistaken assumption that they will stay private. Some think of nude pictures as a special present; others send them as joke. Only a small minority say they have sent risqué photos to someone they didn’t know in real life. Despite their claim that these photos and messages are simply for “fun”, three quarters of the teens who participated in a Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy think sending provocative content “can have serious negative consequences.” Half agree that it’s common for such material to be seen by people other than the intended recipient; a third of the boys and a quarter of the girls have looked at photos that weren’t intended to be shared. Often such pictures make the rounds after a break-up when one half of a young couple wants to embarrass the other. Are these pictures homemade pornography? Or are they simply the inevitable result of high tech meeting adolescent curiosity about sex? Is distributing the pictures criminal behavior, bullying with a sexual dimension or teen foolishness? Experts—and for that matter parents—answer those questions in different ways. No matter how you feel about this new development in adolescent courtship, there are some things you should discuss with your teen. Legal Matters. Sending naked pictures of a minor— that’s anyone under 18 in most states—fits the legal description of distributing child pornography. That’s true whether the person sending the pictures is the classic dirty old man or a classmate playing a prank or someone who’s been dumped and wants revenge. Penalties vary, but a child who posts or forwards such pictures to friends risks being charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony. In the worst case scenario, a teen could be added to a state list of Registered Sex Offenders which could have lifelong consequences. Self Image. Today’s adolescents have grown up in a culture permeated with sexual images. As they start to have their own sexual feelings, it’s not surprising that they will feel confused about how to present themselves. Talk to your teen about the difference between being attractive and being provocative. One is perfectly acceptable in public; the other should be reserved for private. Then remind your child that digital photos are never private once they have been forwarded or posted. 44

Friendly Photos. Plenty of cell phones don’t take photos. Giving one of these to your teen will at least keep him or her from being the source of impulsive pictures. If your teen already has a photo phone or, for that matter, a digital camera, talk about using it responsibly. Professional photographers get signed releases before they publish another person’s photo. Friends don’t need to go legal but they should use the same mental test. Would my friend give permission to have this photo distributed? Point out that friends don’t send compromising pictures of friends. If the other person isn’t your friend, why do you have his or her picture? Why does he or she have yours? Nothing Disappears. Some kids think it’s safe to send racy photos through a service like Snapchat where everything is supposed to disappear after a few seconds. Of course, if another friend with a cell phone happens to snap a photo of the screen in those few seconds, all bets are off. Harassment Hints. Many young women and some young men wind up sending naked pictures because they are pressured by a partner. Remind both boys and girls that someone who actually cares about them won’t push them into doing things that are uncomfortable. Introduce your child to Thatsnotcool.com, a public service website that helps kids handle all kinds of online harassment including “pic pressure.” The site includes stories from young people who have made mistakes as well as edgy “calling cards” that teens can send to peers who don’t have a grip on digital boundaries. Every generation discovers sex. What parents should do is encourage kids to slow down and think about their choices. Like so many other adolescent behaviors, sending a naked picture or video is something that is likely to be done in haste and repented at leisure. By talking frankly about why it’s a bad idea, parents are more likely to protect kids from the consequences of letting hormones override common sense. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2014, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Biting

It’s one thing if your toddler has a kicking, screaming tantrum in the supermarket, which is actually on target developmentally, as embarrassing as it can be for you. But what if she’s still at it when she’s 3, 4 or even 5? As kids get older, we expect more from them, and rightly so. But it can be tough to know what’s OK because it’s “just a stage” and what’s no longer age-appropriate.

Babies: It’s very common for teething infants to nip. In fact, they’re prone to bite everything, which can provide information about the world like, “If I bite Mommy, she screams.” Still, start training your older baby now not to bite you or anyone else. If she chomps down when you’re breastfeeding, remove her from your breast or and say firmly: “No biting,” and turn away from her. Withdrawing your attention (and your boob) plus the tone of your voice sends the clear message that biting isn’t OK. Toddlers: Even if you taught your baby not to bite, she still might do it now. “Toddlers sometimes bite to communicate their frustration,” says Peter L. Stavinoha, Ph.D., director of neuropsychology at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. That’s because they don’t have the complex language skills yet to ask for what they want, such as the Legos a friend is playing with. If your toddler bites, state firmly: “No biting. Biting hurts,” then take the toy away or whatever he snatched. “Comfort the bitten child and say things you want your child to hear, such as: ‘You don’t like being bitten because biting hurts and we don’t bite our friends,’” says Guddemi. Toddlers are too young to understand the pain somebody else feels, but focusing on the bitten child and your tone of voice will help them learn that biting doesn’t work.

That’s because kids don’t necessarily develop on a strict timetable. “Age gives you a general idea of when you can expect normal developmental milestones like being able to use your words instead of having a tantrum. But the timing can also depend on your child’s temperament, how much practice she’s had with the skill you’d like her to have and how you handle daily opportunities to develop it,” says Marcy Guddemi, Ph.D., executive director of the Gesell Institute of Human Development. The good news is that with a little insight and encouragement, you can help your child move to the next level. Use our guide to decipher when certain “bad” behavior is on track, when to expect your child to age out of it and what you can do to speed the process along when she’s ready. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

Preschoolers: By now, biting shouldn’t be an issue because preschoolers can ask for what they want. But they still might bite on impulse as a fast way to get something, like a turn on the swing. If you’ve got a biter, remind her before play dates and preschool that even if she gets mad, biting isn’t allowed. Keep your radar on when she’s around others so you can jump in before a situation escalates. When things go well, be 46

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your child’s cheerleader: “That’s great that you didn’t bite. I’m so proud of you. Keep up the good work.” If your child bites anyway, remind her to use her words instead of biting and give her a time-out (for double her age in minutes) and comfort the bitten child. Or leave the playground or the play date. It’s embarrassing when your child bites. But not freaking out, stating the rules and delivering a consequence can help put a stop to it.

Toddlers are too egocentric to understand Whining Toddlers: Toddlers whine the give-and-take sharing involves. You because they want attenand they’ve learned can encourage your child to “take turns,” tion that using an annoying will get it. Don’t give but don’t expect him to willingly give his voice in. Show her the difference toys to his siblings or other kids on play between a whine and a normal tone. The next time dates. In his mind sharing means, “I had a she whines, say, “I don’t listen to that voice. Please toy and it’s gone forever.” ask me nicely.”

Tantrums in public

Toddlers: Meltdowns are inevitable for kids ages 1 to 2 because they can’t yet say, for example, “I’m frustrated because you won’t buy me fruit roll-ups,” so they make their point by throwing a fit. However, they’re not too young to learn that tantrums won’t get them what they want. Don’t reinforce them by giving in to your child’s demands just so he’ll stop. Instead, stand firm: “No, we’re not getting that today,” and turn away, start humming to yourself or read the fine print on the cereal box at the supermarket, whatever you can to send the message that you’re not going to engage. “If your child doesn’t get your attention, his tantrum will stop, but you have to have more endurance then he does,” says Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. If your child doesn’t get over it, leave the store or wherever you are and remind him: “Tell Mommy what you want. Don’t kick and scream.” He may not be able to do that yet, but he’ll get the concept. Preschoolers: While your child is developmentally capable of telling you how he’s feeling, he may still pitch a fit, especially if you’ve given into them before. To work tantrums out of your child’s repertoire, be clear about your

expectations before going out. “We’re going to buy eggs and milk today, not cookies.” In the store, recognize it when he’s behaving well: “I love the way you’re helping me put things in the cart. You’re doing such a great job.” Then reward it: “Since you were such a good helper in the store, we’re going to play Candy Land when we get home.” If a meltdown breaks out anyway, help your child learn to say how he’s feeling by labeling the emotion, such as: “I can see that you’re frustrated because you want a cookie, but it’s not on our list today.” School-age kids: Tantrums are rare by now, so if your child has one, he may be having a tough time expressing complex feelings like jealousy or feeling left out. “You should also ask yourself whether you’ve babied this child more than the others or been inconsistent with your expectations,” says Dr. SpinksFranklin. If you’re still baffled about why a tantrum broke out, ask your child to explain it after things calm down. If he doesn’t know, dig deeper. It could be a sign that he needs more hugs or one-on-one time with you, for example. “All behavior is communication and the older kids get, the more complex the meaning of a tantrum can be,” Dr. SpinksFranklin says.

Preschoolers: If your preschooler whines to get what she wants, you’ve probably been caving a little too often. To reverse course, tell her you won’t listen to her unless she uses a big-girl voice. “The more kids whine, the less you should engage with them,” say David J. Schonfeld, M.D., chief of pediatrics at Drexel University College of Medicine. If the whining continues, make eye contact and warn her that you’ll need to leave the store (or wherever you are) if she keeps it up, then leave if you have to. Or, if what your child is asking for is OK—say, you’re in the supermarket and he’s whining for ice cream, you might say: “Can you say, ‘Can I please pick out some ice cream?’” If she delivers, let her pick out the ice cream. School-age kids: Not to point fingers, but if your school-age child is a whiner, you’re to blame. It’s time to be brutal: When the whining begins, flat out ignore it. Refuse to listen. Walk away. When she starts to talk in a normal tone of voice, show her the attention she’s after with enthusiasm.

Not sharing

Toddlers: Little kids are too egocentric to understand the give-and-take sharing involves.

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You can encourage your child to “take turns,” but don’t expect him to willingly give his toys to his siblings or other kids on play dates. In his mind sharing means, “I had a toy and it’s gone forever.” At playdates, opt for activities that are easy to do together—dancing, coloring, building with blocks—to short-circuit any tussling. Preschoolers: Preschoolers are less selfcentered than they were a year or two ago, but they’re still impulsive, and from age 3 to 5, they still tend to be possessive with their favorite toys. You can help your child practice by showing him how to take turns with toys (even using a kitchen timer to emphasize that concept). That said, it’s fine to put away certain special things before friends come over. To encourage empathy, point out how nice it makes others—and even himself—feel when he does share. School-age kids: By kindergarten, kids can share well. If your child isn’t there yet, help him practice by inviting friends over who have mastered the art of sharing so he can learn from them. Continue to talk about why sharing is a good and kind thing to do. Still, don’t expect your child to have to share special toys, such as the Nintendo DS he just got for his birthday, even with siblings. It’s fine if some toys are private property.

Squirming

Toddlers: Unless something engages your child’s interest, expect him to be fidgety. Antsiness comes with the developmental territory. Try to work around it. For example, go to a kid-friendly restaurant early when it’s less busy (11:30 AM for lunch and 5 PM for dinner), and take along toys and crayons to keep your child engaged.

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Preschoolers: When kids reach 3 to 4, they should be able to sit contentedly for chunks of time, although how long depends on your child’s temperament. If you have a highenergy kid, that might be just 15 minutes. It’s still too soon to expect him to endure grown-up events, however, like lengthy religious services or three-course restaurant dinners. When attendance is mandatory, be sure to have a stash of fun stuff to keep him busy.

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School-age kids: By now, children should be able to sit still for longer stretches at home and at school without needing constant attention. If your child can’t, consider that your cue to help him practice at home with activities such as crafts and games. If you’re concerned about your child’s restlessness, talk to your pediatrician. ESP Sandra Gordon is an award-winning writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues.

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Animal Toys on the Go

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Most children are crazy about animals from the outset – and the toys that celebrate the wild kingdom. When you add a interactive elements to animal toys, kids go wild. Sounds and movement that mimic their living counterparts take an ordinary animal figure and turn it into an engaging plaything that adds new life to the toy box. The following items are recommended for the sights, sounds and interaction that they add to the animal kingdom of toys!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Pom Pom: My Baby Panda

Zoomer Interactive Puppy (Zoomer)

(FurReal Friends/Hasbro)

Couple the lifelike silhouette and mannerisms of an actual dog with cutting edge technology and the result is the cool interactive pet, Zoomer! Mimicking the actions of his real-life counterparts, Zoomer can sit, follow, and wag his tail as he responds to instruction in English, French and Spanish. He’s also ready to be taught tricks and with time will be rolling over, laying down, chasing his tail and more. Battery-operated Zoomer does need to be charged regularly, so parents should be prepared to help younger dog trainers with charging connections as needed. Just like with a real puppy, communicating with Zoomer is also a learning curve. Kids will need some patience as they discover the speech patterns and tricks that work best for commands, but in no time at all, Zoomer can be following directions and delighting the entire family with his canine appeal.

Lolly Musical Giraffe

Friendly Frankie: Little Live Pets Bird Cage

One of the gentlest large mammals in the animal kingdom gets the interactive treatment with the Pom Pom Panda from FurReal. Complete with her own bottle and rattle, Pom Pom Panda walks when you shake her rattle or pet her back. Nursing her with the bottle activates cooing and feeding sounds as well as gentle kicking action. The engagement opportunities continue as Pom Pom responds to speech with her own baby panda language. She is also adjustable into a variety of poses which change the effects of her movements in delightful ways. Kids will enjoy caregiver pretend play in a whole new way with this wildly adorable interactive animal baby.

(GUND)

Very young children may be startled by sudden or abrupt movements from an interactive toy, but Lolly Giraffe features just the right speed and volume to delight the littlest animal lover. As a nursery toy, Lolly is crafted with a soft body with coloration that mimics a real giraffe. When you wind her key, she quietly plays “Hush Little Baby” as her neck slowly sways side-to-side. Echoing the graceful neck movement of a real giraffe, this gently active toy is ideally engaging for young tots – offering just the right amount of soft sound and slow movement that small children will welcome and love.

(Little Live Pets)

For the fans of feathered friends, Friendly Frankie is a ready-made bird buddy as he interacts with kids from both inside and outside of his colorful home. When Frankie is happy he sings his own special song. Kids can also press a button on his chest to record their own voice which the bird buddy will play back on demand. When he’s happy at home in his cage he may chirp, tweet or swing on his bar. Frankie is also a portable pal, with feet that can gently grip little fingers like a real bird as he travels with your child to greet friends and family. The Little Live Pets Bird Cage door is open and ready to welcome a new friend!

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

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Q. What’s your opinion on rewarding kids with money for getting good grades in school? A. Honestly, I don’t have

a strong opinion about it one way or the other. We didn’t pay our kids for good grades, but I can’t really think of a strong argument not to pay them for success in school. You could say you shouldn’t pay them because it’s something they’re expected to do anyway, and that’s somewhat valid. But you could also make the same point where chores around the house are concerned. We paid our kids to do some chores, but really the point is not about the economic value. It’s the fact that you want your kids to associate work with money. I still meet people my age and older who haven’t made that connection. Work creates money, and that’s an important thing to teach your kids. Once they’ve created some money by

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

working, then you want to use those moments to teach them to save, spend and give wisely. You can do this around the subject of grades if you want. There’s probably a valid case to be made that getting an “A” takes a lot more work than getting a “C.” You’re certainly not obligated to pay them for work or grades, but if you don’t do some of this – and teach them the proper ways to handle the money they earn — you’ll miss out on a lot a fantastic teachable moments.

Q. We have two girls in competitive gymnastics, and it’s costing $12,000 to $15,000 a year at a professional gym to do all this. My wife and I both work, and we make about $115,000 a year, but virtually all of her income goes toward paying the gymnastics bill. We’re also trying to get out of debt and get better control of our money at the same time. Should we focus more on our finances right now?

A. If I were in your shoes, I’d be asking my-

self why the kids are in gymnastics. Unless you guys are trying to send them to the Olympics — and they’re actually good enough to reach that level — teaching them things like discipline and to master their bodies through physical training can be done at a local amateur level. And at a much lower cost. My son played ice hockey in local leagues for years when he was growing up. We did it as a family thing, and he had lots of fun and we all made great new friends. He even played some in high school, too, but he wasn’t NHL material. It didn’t change his life that he didn’t play on a traveling team or with pro trainers, so we had to ask ourselves, “What will it matter when he’s 30 years old?” You make good money, so that’s not really the big issue. If you guys made $50,000 or less, I’d be yelling at you. But with your income, the gymnastics thing probably isn’t going to slow you down too much when it comes to getting your financial house in order. In other words, it’s a parental thing. Ask yourself why you’re investing so heavily in this, and what the goal is when they’re adults. I think that will help you make the smart decision.

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Listed in date order for easy summer planning. If your church is hosting a VBS that is not listed here, please email the information to lynn@easternshoreparents.com. Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church May 26th - 29th, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 6620 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort  (251) 626-1242; Email: lwoodson8@yahoo.com www.spanishfortpresbyterian.com “EVEREST” Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” Open to ages K-5th Grade (completed). Online registration is available. For more information contact the church office.

Eastern Shore Presbyterian

June 1 – 4, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 23050 Highway 98, Fairhope  (251) 928-0977 (Ext. 1226 www.easternshorepca.org Email: adavey@easternshorepca.org Registration and Kick Off May 31 at 5:30 p.m. “Camp Kilimanjaro: An Epic Expedition Through Proverbs” Open to Ages Pre K - 6th grade. For more information call or email Anna Davey. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church June 1 - 4, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  28788 North Main Street, Daphne  (251) 626-2421; www.stpaulseasternshore.com   E-mail: stpauls@stpaulseasternshore.com “Camp Discovery” Open to ages 3 years and up. For more information and registration contact the church office or Elizabeth Faust at (251) 626-2421.

Eastern Shore Baptist

June 1 - 5, 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 6847 Park Drive, Daphne  (251) 626-5550; www.myesbc.net Email: Josh Sellers josh@myesbc.net “Camp Kilimanjaro: An Epic Expedition Through Proverbs” Welcome to Camp Kilimanjaro, where you’ll have an epic expedition through the book of Proverbs! Every day, our kids are faced with choices—will they choose wisely or foolishly? As they safari up Mount Kilimanjaro, your trekkers learn that true wisdom comes only from the one true all-wise God, who wants us to be wise! And He’s filled the book of Proverbs with wise sayings for us! As they study Proverbs, your hikers will learn to have ears that hear and do the Word of God, hearts that trust in the Lord, tongues that are tame, hands that get to work and feet that walk with the wise! Registration is available online through our website. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

Fairhope UMC

June 1 – 5, 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 155 South Section Street, Fairhope  (251) 928-1148; www.fairhopeumc.org Email: Michelle Graham michelle.graham@ fairhopeumc.org   “EVEREST” – Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power Open to rising Kindergarten - 6th grade; 6th graders will go on off-site field trips. 4 years and younger require an on-site parent volunteer. Online registration opens April 19 at www. fairhopeumc.org. Registration will close on May 17 or when all spots fill (whichever comes first). For more information contact Michelle Graham at (251) 928-1148.

Email: dlund@fbcfairhope.org “Journey off the Map” Open to children who have completed Kindergarten – 5th grade. Registration is available on our website. Contact the church for questions. St. Lawrence Catholic Parish June 8 - 12, 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 370 South Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-5931; www.stlawrencefairhope.com Email: ccd@stlawrencefairhope.com “Egyptian Expedition” Open to ages entering K - 6th grade. Online registration is available at www.stlawrencevbs. com. Registration deadline is May 8. Fees are $35 per child. For information, call (251) 9285931 ext. 132.

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3Circle Church

First Baptist Church of Orange Beach June 1 - 5, 9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. 4773 Bay Circle, Orange Beach  (251) 981-4288 www.firstbaptistorangebeach.com Email: fbcorangebeach@gmail.com    “Camp O.B. Outfitters: Equipping Kids for Life” Open to ages 4 years – 5th grade. Registration is available at our website or the church office. Lagoon Baptist Church June 1 - 5, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 17867 State Hwy 180 West, Gulf Shores  (251) 968-7057; www.lagoonbc.com Email: lagoonbc@gulftel.com “Gotta Move!” Open to ages PreK - 6th grade. For information contact the church office. Find us on Facebook! Christ Presbyterian Church June 8 – 12, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 8450 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne  (251) 621-9444; www.cpcdaphne.com Email: christchurchdaphne@gmail.com   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 office.

First Baptist Fairhope

June 8 - 12, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 300 South Section Street, Fairhope  (251) 928-8685; www.fbcfairhope.org   54

June 15 - 19, (times listed by age below) 10274 Highway 104, Fairhope  (251) 990-3112; www.3circlechurch.com Email: info@3circlechurch.com “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. Kindergarten – 4th grade will meet from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Online registration begins May 17th. For more information contact the church office. First Baptist Church of Foley June 15 - 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 221 North Alston Street, Foley  (251) 943-8352; www.fbcfoley.com   Email: mtyer@fbcfoley.com “Group’s Everest: Conquering challenges with God’s Mighty Power” Open to ages 3 years - 6th grade. Online registration is available at www.fbcfoley.com. For information contact the church office.

First Baptist of Loxley

June 15 - 19, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 1050 North Alabama Street, Loxley  (251) 964-5261; www.fbcloxley.com Email:  christophermark@capasse.net   “Camp Kilimanjaro” FBC of Loxley will have an epic adventure through the book of Proverbs with Camp Kilimanjaro! Along the way, we will learn about the animals and habitats of Mount Kilimanjaro as well as Biblical truths for making wise decisions. Kick-off night will be Sunday, June 14, 5 p.m. with VBS starting June 15 for ages 4 years old through completed 6th grade. We will serve supper at 5:30 with activities starting at 6 pm. To register, go to answersvbs.com/vbs/fbcloxley. Spanish Fort United Methodist Church June 15 - 19, 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. www.easternshoreparents.com

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Hwy 31 at Hwy 225, Spanish Fort (251) 626-1334; www.spanishfortumc.org   Email: ministries@spanishfortumc.org “Everest – Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” Open to ages 4 (by Sept) 5th grade. Online registration available at church website. Please call or email the Church for more information. Family Ministries Center June 16 – 20, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 9955 County Road 34, Fairhope (251) 928-4780; www. familyministriescenter.net Email: pastorwmr@yahoo.com “Journey Off The Map” Come join us at VBS Tuesday through Saturday. Open to ages K3 – 6th grade. Registration is available in the church office. Saturday will be

a family Fun day with Water Slides and LOTS of food from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Providence United Methodist Church June 21 – 25, 5:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Drive, Spanish Fort (251) 626-2510; www.providencemethodist.org Email: pumc.office@bellsouth.net “G-force: God’s Love in Action” At G-Force VBS, kids explore how to put their faith into action! Movement, transportation, and God’s people on the move are just some of the fun of G-Force. Come and eat, play, learn, and laugh with us at PUMC! Open to ages 4yrs - 5th grade. Online registration is available at www.providencemethodist.org.

Orange Beach United Methodist Church June 22 - 25, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach  (251) 981-6751; www.orangebeachumc.org    Email: oboffice@orangebeachumc.org “Everest – Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” Open to ages 3 years (potty trained) - rising 5th grade. Online registration is available at www. orangebeachumc.org. For more information contact Maria Hawkins at mhyoung2@gmail.com or (251) 223-2454. St. James Episcopal June 22 - 25, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 860 North Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-2912; www.stjamesfairhope.org Email: mfancher1@bellsouth.net Open to ages 5 years - 4th grade. Contact the church office for information and registration. Grace Fellowship, PCA June 22 - 26, 2015 (Times TBA) 1740 South Juniper Street, Foley

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(251) 968-5302; www.gracefellowship-pca.com Email: gfpca@gulftel.com   “Son Treasure Island” Open to ages 4 years - 6th grade. For more information please contact the church office.

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 17th at 6:00 p.m.

Christ the King Church July 13 - 17, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 1505 Main Street, Daphne  (251) 626-2343; www.ctk-daphne.org   Email: ctk@zebra.net “The Vatican Express” Open to ages 4 years – 6th Grade. The 5th and 6th grade will participate in Ultimate VBS (Extra events and field trips). Teen and Adult Volunteers of all ages are welcome! Registration Deadline: May 29, 2015. For information and registration contact the church or VBS Director Alyssa Morisani at sma11103@yahoo.com.

July 13 - 17, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne  (251) 621-7095; www.jubileebaptist.com   Email: john@jubileebaptist.com “Journey Off The Map” Open to ages 3 years - 6th grade (completed). VBS Dinner served at 5:00 p.m. VBS following from 6 - 8 p.m. Online registration at www.jubileebaptist.com. For information, contact the church office.

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church July 13 - 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  1900 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 968-2411; www.gulfshoresumc.org Email: lee@gulfshoresumc.org “G-Force: God’s Love in Action”

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

Jubilee Baptist Church

Trinity Presbyterian Church July 13 - 17, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  545 South Mobile Street, Fairhope  (251) 928-2524; www.tpcfairhope.org Email: tpconbay@gmail.com “G-Force: God’s Love in Action” Open to ages K4 – Rising 5th grade. Online registration will be available starting June 1st. For more information contact Jamie Jones at (251) 621-0775.

Ascension Lutheran Church

July 20 - 24, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  8888 County Road 64, Daphne  (251) 626-7500; www.ourdaphnechurch.org Email: office@OurDaphneChurch.org “Camp Discovery” Jesus at work Through Us! Open to ages K-6th grade. Online registration available on church website. For more information contact the church office. Barnwell Baptist Church July 27 – 31, 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. A commencement service and refreshments will be Friday July 31 at 5:30 p.m. 7780 US Highway 98, Fairhope (251) 928-8286; www.barnwellbaptist.org Email: Robyn@BarnwellBaptist.org “Everest” – Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” Open to ages K - 5th grade. For registration and information, contact Robyn at the number or email listed above. **Note** Eastern Shore Parents makes every attempt to list the correct information regarding dates, times, etc.. However, some events may change after the deadline for publication. Please check to be sure the event you choose is still correct before attending.

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Dressing in Comfort and Style for Your Favorite Theme Park Vacation Yes, the title is long, but it’s something all of us ladies wonder...can we actually have style and comfort when it comes to family vacation? Well, I recently experienced this with my family. I will say I packed way too much! So while I break down the 411 on your comfiest and fashion forward theme park style I’m also going to show you how to keep your packing to a minimum.

can pair with your shorts or workout attire.

4- Understand you will be walking... A LOT! Alright ladies, I want to stress this to you...you will walk/run a lot, which is

2- Workout clothes

In case it’s a little cooler in the mornings you might want to pack some light scarves with a fun print, jackets, sweaters, cardigans and workout jackets. If you are traveling in the summer, of course you need to keep your style a little cooler. Flip flops are not easy to walk around in all day long, so find a stylish summer walking shoe that you Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

6- Take a backpack. This is great to pack refreshments like water and a few snacks to save you money and time standing in lines, but it also allows you to pack extra layers that you need to add on or take off throughout the day.

I always pack one or two “going out” outfits, but honesty we never go out on these trips. We are all so exhausted from the day that we just want to go to bed. So pack according to the season as stated above. See if your accommodations have a washer and dryer and take your own detergent. If no washer is available just wash your items in the hotel sink if needed! Pack light, with layers. If you feel the need to take a nice outfit, take one pair of pants or a skirt and change out your blouse or jewelry. Just keep it simple.

This is first and foremost. Don’t think comfort can’t be stylish.

3- Light layers

If it’s from a ride or just sweat, just plan on getting wet. This is why wearing the most comfortable and fast drying articles of clothing is extremely important. Take a poncho or light rain jacket that you can pack away in your backpack for all those wet rides.

7- Packing lesson learned; I packed way too much!

1- Comfort

My choice for comfort was wearing my favorite workout pant. I paired them with my everyday wear like a t-shirt, sweater, scarf or light cardigan. They were also sweat and water resistant.

5- You will get wet.

why it’s very important to find a comfortable and stylish shoe that will go with the majority of clothes you packed. Don’t think you can wear your favorite heels and survive. You wouldn’t believe how many women I saw wearing heels. They looked really cute, but I’m quite sure their feet felt terrible by the end of the day. Running around with kids and standing in line for 45 minutes to an hour in heels is asking for trouble when it comes to enjoying your theme park adventures. 58

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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When the 2015-2016 school year gets underway many parents will begin homeschooling. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in 2012 roughly three percent of students in the United States were homeschooled, or around two million. With the numbers increasing each year it’s clear that homeschooling is here to stay. Choosing that route comes with some benefits and challenges you should be aware of before deciding if homeschooling is right for you.

The Benefits “One of the biggest benefits for us, is that since my husband is in the military, I don’t have to worry about my boys missing something major in their education, especially with their math and reading skills,” explains Katie Beauchamp, who has been homeschooling for 10 years. “Homeschooling also keeps the family as a priority in my children’s lives, including when family from out of town visits. We’re able to take off and spend time with them.” Although reasons for homeschooling vary, the NCES reports that the most common reasons are that parents are not satisfied with the school curriculum and they have concerns about the school environment. Many parents don’t approve of certain subject matter being taught, while others feel the school is not safe or that their child won’t learn the moral principles they desire. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

Other reasons for homeschooling include not wanting a child to be labeled as learning disabled or as having attention deficit disorder (ADD). Some families feel they can help a challenged student more at home. Another major benefit that many homeschooling families cite is the fact that their child gets more of an opportunity to explore and go in-depth with subjects that interest them. Schools are known for keeping people on pace and all learning the same thing at the same time, while a homeschooled child may take an interest in astrology, for example, and get to really explore that subject more. Students taught at home often get to learn at a comfortable pace, get more hands-on learning experiences, and have the opportunity to take more field trips to museums and other educational places. Homeschooled students also get more one on one time with the teacher, because it is usually just them, their parent and possibly some siblings, rather than a classroom with 20-30 students who are learning the subject matter.

The Challenges Jill Jones is homeschooling her 10th grade daughter this year for the first time. Her daughter, who has Asperger Syndrome, has been in mainstream schools her whole life and even though her mother says she is a bright student, her grades did not reflect this because she has a difficult time taking standardized tests. Jones has discovered that there are challenges that come with homeschooling. “The disadvantage, and something that homeschoolers won’t often tell you, is how frustrating it can be to spend your day doing a lot of work with nothing to show for it. Of course, if you start homeschooling at the beginning of their school career, this is probably not www.easternshoreparents.com

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as apparent,” says Jones. “Of course, I had several distractions, including a 2 ½ year old who demanded a lot of attention.” Another challenge for many parents is that they worry a great deal about having their child’s education in their hands. Yet the research shows that there may not be reason for so much worry. A report in The School Psychology Review explained that the “data has consistently shown that homeschooled children typically score higher than the national average on achievement tests.” That can also be seen when comparing ACT Assessment tests, a widely accepted college entrance exam. ACT, Inc. reports that homeschooled students score higher on their test scores than do public school students. Additionally, another report in 2010 in the Journal of College Admissions, also had a higher overall grade point average. Perhaps the biggest challenge homeschoolers face are stereotypes. One of the biggest being that many people believe a homeschooled child doesn’t get properly socialized. However, the research doesn’t support that myth. The School Psychology Review reported: “Students from homeschools and traditional schools have been found to attend extra-familial social activities with the same frequency, belong to the same number of organizations (e.g., scouting and church youth groups), and socialize equally as often with relatives and friends.” Most homeschoolers belong to support groups where they often engage in outside classes, play sports and take field trips.

Bottom Line If you’re thinking about homeschooling, make sure you research first so you know what it takes. Get involved in support groups so you get off to a good start and make the most of local resources. Just like sending your child to school, homeschooling does come with its own set of benefits and challenges. The more you know ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to meet them head-on. ESP

Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer living near Daytona Beach, Fla. with her husband and two children.

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Getting Started & State Laws Homeschool.com www.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, un-schooling, Charlotte Mason, school in a box and much more. HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) (540) 338-5600; www.hslda.org Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend the constitutional right of parents and to protect family freedoms. HLDSA gives families the freedom to homeschool without having to face legal threats alone. Homeschool Central www.homeschoolcentral.com Homeschool Central is a resourceful website for new and veteran homeschoolers. It includes state laws, curriculums, un-schooling, support groups, blogs, How-To sections and much more. Leaping from the Box www.leapingfromthebox.com 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 home schooling in Alabama. We also have support groups, cover schools and more available. For more information email Admin@LeapingFromTheBox.com. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

Homeschool Coverings Bridge Christian Academy

Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church 12233 County Road 49 South, Magnolia Springs (251) 965-7171; www.BridgeChristianAcademy.com Bridge Christian Academy is a legal homeschool covering for Christian parents who desire to homeschool their children for the purpose of providing academic excellence with a Biblical worldview. Our purpose is to offer support, encouragement and accountability for homeschool families in South Alabama. Come visit the used bookstore at our community thrift store on Tuesday & Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information contact Pastor Todd & DuAnne Seeley at duanne@bridgechristianacademy.com or visit the Bridge Christian Academy website. Academy for Excellence www.academyforexcellence.webs.com For more information email Kristi Stapler at AFEKristi@gmail.com. Alabama Hope Academy (251) 418-4125; www.iamhomeschooling.com We are one of the oldest cover schools in the state of Alabama. We are very thankful that we have made it all these years and hope for many more. We are located in North East Alabama and we cover the entire state of Alabama. So if you wish to homeschool and live in Alabama we welcome you to join us! Our site is mobile ready for your convenience. We are on FB, Pinterest, Twitter and have a newsletter. You may contact us by email, phone and if a member by text. We want to keep you updated on new state laws and bills, curriculum, resources, HS freebies, events and more. For more information email Deb Eberhart at deb@ahakids.org. Calvary School (256) 682-4442; www.calvary-school.org Enrolling with Calvary School and turning in grades and attendance meets all of the requirements by the State of Alabama to homeschool your children. For more information email Carla Floyd at carlafloyd@calvary-school.org. 62

Capstone Christian School 2200 Cody Road South, Mobile (251) 649-4436 or (251) 786-2210 www.capstonechristianschool.org Capstone Christian School contains valuable information including support groups, resources, free study resources, new homeschooler advice and other organizations for further help. On our website you will also find listings of state homeschool web sites on our State Homeschool Support Information page. For questions contact Darice LeCroy capstonechristianschool@yahoo.com.

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Central Christian School 17395 Alabama 104, Robertsdale (251) 947-5043; www.ccssaints.com Robertsdale’s Central Christian School (CCS) is a private school serving approximately 306 students in grades PK-12. It is coed and Christian affiliated. CCS, working closely together with the home and church, provides a Christ-centered spiritual, academic and physical foundation in a nurturing environment to produce citizens who will be a transforming influence in their world.

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy (CHCA) CHCA Early Education – 8th grade Campus 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile (251) 660-2427; www.chcacademy.com CHCA 9th – 12th grade Campus 7355 Creekwood Drive, Mobile (251) 634-2513; www.chcacademy.com Cottage Hill was founded for the purpose of developing young people who desire to receive an excellent education in harmony with their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Since 1961, it has been a joy and privilege to provide a quality academic education within a loving, caring Christian environment. Cottage Hill Christian School 7355 Creekwood Drive, Mobile 251-634-2513 www.praisechristianschool.com Our students have access to many opportunities to enhance their home education (core subjects, drama, music and more) with Cottage Hill Christian Academy, the campus school. We also offer co-op classes strictly for homeschool students. For more information please contact Bonita Harris at (251) 599-2849 (cell) or (251) 634-2513 (office) or harrisb@chbss.org. Dayspring Academy (256) 353-2592; www.dsacademy.org New Enrollments contact: Delaina (334) 518-9181; dsaassistant@aol.com Re-Enrollments contact: Jazmin (334) 6350661; dayspringacademyassistant@gmail.com DaySpring Academy/High School is a church school in Alabama offering a family-based educational program for grades K-12. 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. First Assembly of God Christian School 22811 Holland Street, Robertsdale (251) 947-5890; www.firstassemblyrobertsdale.org www.easternshoreparents.com

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For more Information contact lifeministry@mediacombb.net or Conna McHenry, (251) 946-2250. Heritage Christian School 5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile (251) 751-2811; www.eheritagechristian.net Teresa Jones at hcsfbtc@gmail.com Heritage Presbyterian Church 5757 Deerwood Dr. South,  Mobile (251) 344-8463; www.heritageopc.com Contact Jack Bentley at JRBENTLEY@aol.com. LifeGate Academy (256) 679-5969; www.lifegateacademy.com Contact Michele Penton at office@lifegateacademy.com. Moffett Road Christian School 6159 Moffett Road, Mobile (251) 391-4663; www.mobilemrcs.org For enrollment with Moffett Road Christian School, you pay a one-time (as long as you maintain enrollment with us) registration fee of $50 per family. Tuition is $175 for the first student and $10 for each additional student per year. We require membership in the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) at our group rate of $100 per year. New families may enroll throughout the year with administrator approval. Visit our website. More information coming soon! For questions call or email Retta Franklin at administrator@mobilemrcs.org. Northside Bible Academy  2700 North University Boulevard, Mobile (251) 895-3148; www.northsidebibleacademy.com For more information call or email admin@ northsidebibleacademy.com  Our Lady of Guadalupe School  (251) 219-4360; Mobile For more information contact Connie & Pat Arensberg at chirhoeuro@aol.com or Holly at hollynehls@yahoo.com. Precept Christian School 245 Tennant Drive, Atmore (251) 368-1275; www.preceptchristianschool.com Anthony & Debbie Swartzendruber - swartzen@ frontiernet.net. South Alabama Christian School 18250 Pennsylvania Avenue, Robertsdale (251) 947-5119; www.churchofchristatrobertsdale.com or www.southalabamachristian.com. Email Michelle Hinton at balcodst@gulftel.com. The Way Home Christian School (256) 796-8533; www.wayhome.biz Stuart J. Whitney is our Superintendent. Email: wayhomeschool@gmail.com Also look at the following website for more information on Alabama church school coverings www.leapingfromthebox.com/hs/alhschurchcover.html. West Mobile Christian School 7501 Airport Boulevard,  Mobile   (251) 639-9952 63

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North Baldwin Christian Academy www.homeschool-life.com/al/northbaldwinchristianacademy/ North Baldwin Christian Church heheadquarters@yahoo.com 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. IMPACT Youth Theater Patti Woods – Director (251) 599-0716; impactyouththeater@gmail.com We are a Christian based youth drama club in Baldwin County comprised primarily of homeschooled students 3-18 years old. www.westmobilechristianschool.com For more information contact Elaine Starkey, laney963@bellsouth.net

Support Groups Baldwin Christian Home Educators’ Association www.homeschool-life.com/al/bchea Michell Hinton, President Bonnie Brackin, Treasurer Courtney Williams, Secretary Baldwin Christian Home Educators’ Association is a volunteer support group comprised of over 200 homeschooling families living in and around Baldwin County. We offer field trips, service projects and a way for homeschooling families to connect. For more information visit our website or email bchea2009@gmail.com. BEACH Homeschool Group www.homeschool-life.com/al/beach Perdido/Pensacola Co-op Jennifer Vorm jenvorm@gmail.com

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

As a true Body Encouraging All Christian Homeschoolers, we are a networking, resourcesharing, loving support group located on the Gulf Coast in lower Baldwin County, Alabama. Through all volunteer support, we create educational and fun opportunities for our children to enrich their homeschool experience. We offer field trips, our own 4-H club, physical education, enrichment classes, some academic classes, social gatherings (including a high school formal event) and parent support. Lake Forest Home School Club (LFHSC) www.homeschool-life.com/al/lakeforesthsc Email: The_LFHSC@yahoo.com 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.

Co-ops Classical Conversations www.classicalconversations.com Classical Conversations believes that every child is uniquely and wonderfully made and their education should be uniquely and wonderfully made, too. We believe that parents can create a unique and wonderful education for their child because they know and love the child better than anyone. Classical Conversations exists to assist parents in educating their children. We believe there are three keys to a great education: the classical model of learning, taught within the framework of a Christ-centered worldview, in a supportive community. Homeschooling is a journey. We’re with you every step of the way from little scribblers to the middle school years all the way through to graduation. We would love to have you join us as we cultivate a love of learning among students and parents. For more information please contact: Melanie Joy Carver; Support Manager Greater South Baldwin County; (251) 504-0814;

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mcarver@classicalconversations.com Debbie Hanes; Area Manager Central and Southern AL; (251) 752-1077; dhanes@classicalconversations.com. Conference Events for Classical Christian Homeschooling: Visit www.parentpracticum.com and click on the Events Calendar and select 3-Day Practicums to find events near you. June 1-3, 2015 Luke 4:18 Fellowship 2664 Sollie Rd., Mobile, AL 36695 emclain@classicalconversations.com July 13-15, 2015 Foley First Baptist Church 221 N Alston St., Foley, AL 36536 mcarver@classicalconversations.com Navigators Crystal Dorsey, New Family Coordinator (251) 895-3982; www.homeschool-life.com/al/ thenavigators Navigators Homeschool Cooperative is a Christ centered co-op who exist to disciple our children, encourage moms, and serve in our community. We desire to encourage homeschooling moms by connecting moms with like-minded sojourners as they “navigate” their ways through this educational and discipleship journey. For additional information email c.dorsey@hotmail. com. South Alabama Classical Christian Academy (SACCA) www.churchofchristatrobertsdale.com/sacs.html SACCA is a Christian educational organization designed to provide support and enrichment for home educating families. We offer a church school and a co-op for homeschooling families. The church school was established in an effort to aid Christian families as an alternative to public, private, or parochial school. SACCA provides a form of individual instruction by parents in

traditional courses of academic study, basic living skills, spiritual growth, and citizenship. The co-op was formed to assist families with quality academic courses to enhance the student’s educational experience.

Curriculum A Beka Curriculum www.abeka.com/homeschool/ A Beka Curriculum has a Christian and traditional approach to education. They offer three 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 / materials for home schooling that you pick and choose from. A Beka offers home school material displays several times a year in surrounding areas. Alpha Omega Publications (800) 682-7391; www.aop.com Alpha Omega offers a wide variety of Christian curricula for varying learning styles. With printbased, computer-based, and online formats, our Bible-based curriculum includes Monarch, Ignitia, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. We also offer an accredited online education through Alpha Omega Academy. Apologia Educational Ministries (888) 524-4724; www.apologia.com 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. All of our products and services have been created to help homeschooling families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith.

Bob Jones Curriculum BJU (800) 845-5731; www.bjupresshomeschool.com 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. Calvert Education School (888) 487-4652 or (410) 785-3400; www.calvertschool.org/home-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. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool We exist to help families homeschool. 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 they’re confident of the quality of education. EP seeks to free families from the burden of pursuing the “perfect” and encourages them to let it be “enough.” Each family and each child is different and we seek to provide the resources to enable your family to be who you were meant to be. This site holds preschool (getting ready 1), kindergarten (getting ready 2), and first

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Keystone National High School (800) 255-4937; www.keystonehighschool.com Email: info@keystoneschoolonline.com 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.

through eighth. (We have a separate high school site.) Grade levels include all of the English, math, computer and logic. The other subjects are combined into “program years” so that all of your children can study the same topic at the same time. Year 1’s theme is ancient history and biology. Year 2 has early American history and zoology for the theme. Year 3 is earth science and geography and cultures as the theme. Year 4’s theme is modern history, physics and chemistry. And yes, it’s all free. You’ll need paper, pencil, etc. and some minor supplies if you choose to do the experiments and art projects, but all of the reading materials, etc. are all free and online.

Heart of Dakota (605) 428-4068; www.heartofdakota.com 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 more information visit our website, call or email carmikeaustin@msn.com.

KONOS (972) 924-2712; www.konos.com KONOS is distinct from other curricula. We use the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as our curriculum. KONOS is one homeschool 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 achieving excellence in education. For more information and questions email info@konos.com. My Father’s World (573) 202-2000; www.mfwbooks.com My Father’s World believes in helping parents raise generations who see the world through God’s eyes and live according to that knowl-

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edge. 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. For more information email info@mfwbooks.com. Oak Meadow (802) 251-7250; www.oakmeadow.com 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. For more information email info@ oakmeadow.com. Rod & Staff Curricula (800) 761-0234; www.milestonebooks.com Email: office@milestonbooks.com 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.

Saxon Curriculum (800) 788-1221; www.christianbook.com Email: customer.service@christianbook.com Saxon teaches the foundational skills of math and reading. Christaianbook.com offers the Saxon curriculum series of textbooks and materials. Sonlight Curriculum (800) 903-1675; www.sonlight.com Email: main@sonlight.com 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.

Timberdoodle Company (800) 478-0672 or (360) 426-0672; www.timberdoodle.com 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. For more information and questions email customerservice@timberdoodle.com.

Tapestry of Grace (800) 705-7487; www.tapestryofgrace.com 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 curricula does not does not include a phonics program, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign language. Tapestry of Grace’s products focus primarily on teaching tools for the subject of History.

Veritas Press (800) 922-5082 or (717) 519-1974; www.veritaspress.com 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. At Veritas Press we put customers first. For more information and questions email info@veritaspress.com.

Kangarooz Family Fun Centers www.mykangarooz.com

We are a 23,000 sf indoor playground with multiple jumpers, video games, cafe, stage, make believe styles, and 5 party rooms.

We have Great Birthday Parties Our parties start at $165. There is a $100 nonrefundable deposit at booking. Included: A party host to ensure that everyone has a great time. Party invitations for all the children in the party. Gift for the birthday child. One themed private party room for 2 hours. Ice cream cups for each child. Kangarooz mascot visit. Party accessories (plates, utensils). HD TV in each party room. Games at the stage where your guests can win prizes such as face paints and snow cones

Kangarooz - Spanish Fort

Spanish Fort Town Center 31000 Bass Pro Dr. (Next to Bass Pro Shop) Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Phone: (251) 219-4290 67

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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. While we stretch beyond homeschooling, our primary goal always remains the same. We strive to help families successfully educate their own children. You can use our contact form on our website or email: sales[@symbol]grovepublishing.com.

WinterPromise (802) 372-9200; www.winterpromise.com WinterPromise celebrates the strengths of family by building unity, togetherness and memories. Our captivating programs will excite your family’s curiosity and our interactive learning opportunities will involve every type of learner. We pull together a variety of resources that allow you to tailor the program to meet the needs of your family’s individual learning styles. 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 themed 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. For general questions and information, email winterpromise@gmail.com. You can also contact our Community Coordinator at michaelforwinterpromise@gmail.com. Cathy Duffy Reviews (714) 849-9455; www.cathyduffyreviews.com

IXL (855) 255-8800; www.ixl.com IXL provides comprehensive, standards-aligned math and language arts practice for grades K–12. We are committed to make learning as effective as it can be and solve the 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. Visit our website and choose the state of Alabama for the most accurate planning for our area. For more information email info@ ixl.com.

Resources A to Z Home’s Cool www.a2zhomeschooling.com 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,

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books, materials, curriculum... and best of all... Homeschool Friends! For more information please visit our website and click on the about and contact sections. Bellerophon Books (800) 253-9943; www.bellerophonbooks.com Bellerophon Books publishes very inexpensive books of Ancient History, American History, Archeology, 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! We have been in business since 1969, and thousands of children around the world have grown up with Bellerophon Books. For more information email sales@bellerophonbooks.com. CHEF – Christian Home Education Fellowship of Alabama (334) 288-7229; www.chefofalabama.org 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 sharon@chefofalabama. org or president@chefofalabama.org. Institute for Excellence in Writing (800) 856-5815; www.iew.com 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 award-winning approach will give you the tools you need to confidently teach your students to write well, think clearly, and express themselves eloquently and persuasively. Learning to write well will serve children not only during their school years, but also into college and throughout their adult lives. Writing skills are profoundly important in the workplace, and the process of learning to write well also teaches students how to think clearly and communicate effectively in every area of life. Circe Institute www.circeinstitute.org 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 cuttingedge 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.

Beautiful Feet Books | History and Literature Curriculum (800) 889-1978; www.bfbooks.com At Beautiful Feet Books you will find award-winning K-12 history and literature curriculum. We are dedicated to providing curriculum with the best literature available, study guides to make each program easy to use, and the guarantee that your history studies will come alive. For 30 years we have helped thousands of students discover the delight found in learning history through literature. Using a Charlotte Mason approach, students cover Ancient, Medieval, Early American, and Modern history, as well as many other subjects, through great literature. For more information visit our website, www.bfbooks.com, or for a personalized recommendation call us M-F 9-4 PST, or email us at letters@ bfbooks.com. Chem4kids www.chem4kids.com 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. Chem4kids contains so many wonderful chemistry website for kids. Children’s Books (Home-School Discount Products) (864) 968-0391; www.homeschooldiscount products.com 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. For questions email childrensbooks@ earthlink.net. Christian Liberty Press (800) 348–0899; www.shopchristianliberty.com 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. Christian Liberty Press contains a large assortment for the Christ centered biblical approach. For more information email custserv@homeschools.org or custserv@christianliberty.com. Distance Learning Integrators www.efieldtrips.org 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. For questions email info@ efieldtrips.org. Greenleaf Press (615) 449-1617; www.greenleafpress.com Greenleaf Press is a small family-owned publisher and supplier of quality books for children. Rob & Cyndy founded Greenleaf in 1989 out of their experiences looking for good material for their own children’s study of history. Since then, we have created twelve annual printed 69

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Homeschool Super Center (888) 689-4626; www.homeschoolsupercenter.com We are in the business of helping parents find the best home school curriculum for each student. We offer many options and our friendly staff is eager to help you decide which home school curriculums are best suited for your 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. Homeschool Super Center has secular and religious material to choose from.

catalogs. We continue to strive to be the best resources for teaching history and literature chronologically. Hands of a Child (866) 426-3701; www.handsofachild.com We provide quality lap booking 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. Our aim is to help children of all ages and skill levels, ranging from Preschool to High School, with the use of just one type of product. For questions and

help ordering your lap book kits email sales@ handsofachild.com. Hearthsong (800) 533-4397; www.hearthsong.com At Hearthsong we are dedicated to helping parents follow their instincts and provide children with age-appropriate, wholesome, quality playthings. We continue to provide quality items chosen for durability, usefulness, and to deliver them efficiently and reliably. Some of our many products include unique toys, games, puzzles, dolls, arts and crafts. What better way to help your children learn than having tons of fun through play!

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Home Science Tools (800) 860-6272; www.hometrainingtools.com Frank and Debbie Schaner started the company in 1994. They realized how difficult it was to find the right supplies for doing science at home with their four children. Since then, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been committed to making science both fun and accessible for families and classrooms. We carry affordable Science tools and kits for hands on experimentation. Khan Academy www.khanacademy.org Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. 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. Our math missions

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guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. We’ve also partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content. Learning Things - The Education Store (800) 401-9931; www.learningthings.com 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. We have also put together articles summarizing the homeschooling laws in every state. We are constantly updating and adding more information. Mindware (800) 999-0398; www.mindware.com 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! Rainbow Resource Center (888) 841-3456; www.rainbowresource.com/ index.php 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 subject areas, for grades PK-12 and beyond! For questions email info@rainbowresource.com. Real Science 4 Kids (505) 266-2761; www.gravitaspublications.com 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. For general sales questions and product information email office@gravitaspublications.com. ROCK Solid (800) 705-3452; www.rocksolidinc.com Rock Solid offers popular homeschool products like Bob Jones, Alpha Omega, Apologia, Horizons, Switched On School House and Explode the Code. Our family owned business and homeschool experienced staff means you can trust our selection on many other products at discounted prices. For more information about our products please email sales@rocksolidinc.com. Store for Knowledge (800) 392-8739; www.storeforknowledge.com Store for Knowledge offers thousands of products ranging from every educational subject. We strive to provide quality products that entertain and educate at the same time. We carry a large variety of kits, models and toys. For customer service email Help@StoreforKnowledge.com.

Teaching Textbooks www.teachingtextbooks.com Online resource for Math, Algebra, Geometry and Pre-Calculus. Yesterday’s Classics (919) 357-8824; www.yesterdaysclassics.com 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. We offer many popular classic stories to choose from. For more information and help with ordering email Lisa@MainLesson.com. Zoom Kitchen Chemistry www.pbskids.org/zoom/games/kitchenchemistry/ Explore the virtual kitchen and perform online experiments. Solve puzzles and get a reward! Choose from animated games and activities.

Also, check with your local library for resources.

Books and Literature Echo in Celebration: A Call to HomeCentered Education by Leigh A. Bortins The Core by Leigh A. Bortins The Question by Leigh A. Bortins The Conversation by Leigh A. Bortins (coming Summer 2015) The Well Trained Mind - A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise Contains lots of resources. 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith Making the Decision and Getting Started. The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias Discover and teach to your child’s strengths. For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macalay The Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman & Campbell The Practical Home Schooling Magazine by Mary Pride The Big Books of Home Learning by Mary Pride

If you provide any services or resources to homeschooling families and you were not listed in this issue, please contact us at lynn@easternshoreparents.com. We want to make sure you are included! ESP 71

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A Page in a Book The Night Sky Unfolds in Books While evening cloaks the details of the world from sight, the glowing objects in the night sky offer perpetual wonders for human eyes – young and old. It’s a moving moment when our children spy the moon for the first time, small hands pointing toward something constant yet so very distant. As their awareness of the night sky grows, they begin to discern stars and the patterns they form as our small blue dot tumbles through the cosmos. Following in the footsteps of astronomers from ancient times to the present, a child’s fascination with celestial bodies can introduce them to universal knowledge and undiscovered marvels. The following titles celebrate the night sky and will have young readers looking up from the pages to find their own stories written in the stars.

Moonday

by Adam Rex (Hyperion / Disney) Gazing out of the car’s back windows on a night ride home is familiar territory for young passengers. But when one young girl spies the moon keeping pace during the drive home, her sleepy musings of a bright orb that follows her home become all too real. She awakens to find the moon looming large in her backyard, and her town is caught in a day without morning. No one in her community is fully awake, tides laps into the neighborhood, and only another night journey with her family can put the moon back where it belongs. Rex’s artistic gift with illumination comes to the fore against the dark of this extended night. Combined with his eclectic style of storytelling, “Moonday” is a sumptuous feast for both the eye and the mind. A brilliant inspiration for young stargazers, this title is likely to launch endless lunar journeys in the imagination of every young night rider.

Henry’s Stars

by David Elliot (Philomel / Penguin) Ancient astronomers looked toward the night skies’ discerning patterns among the stars and they named these constellations after animals and heroes familiar to them (which, of course, varied from culture to culture). With a nod to the history of heavenly perceptions, this title opens with a stargazing pig named Henry who begins to connect the evening stars and discovers “The Great Pig in the Sky”. With enthusiasm, he runs to his neighbors on the farm to share his revelation. But as he encourages them to look skyward, each animal sees something different. From “The Great Sheep” to “The Starry Cow” each barnyard friend sees the constellation through their own frame of reference and names it thus. As Henry leaves the animals arguing about the stars they see, his joy over his discovery is dimmed. But when he’s alone again and looks up – his own eyes confirm what he knew all along. Ideal for kids who want to make their own connections with the night sky, “Henry’s Stars” will encourage them to make their own celestial discoveries!

Hello, Moon!

by Francesca Simon and Ben Cort (Scholastic) While the moon in the sky is a common sight that is shared by everyone in the world, it is not uncommon to sky watchers to feel a singular connection with it – as one person looking up at one moon. For one lonely little boy, seeing the moon through his bedroom window ignites a host of questions about what the moon sees and does. He wonders if the moon likes animals (the boy does). He asks if the moon can see the sea – and under it. The boys wants to know if the moon has friends among the constellations. While the moon smiles gently down, no answers are forthcoming. And that’s okay. Simply being a constant and familiar presence in the boy’s life, the moon provides the quiet comfort for the boy to ask the questions that spark his own imagination as he drifts off to sleep. “Hello, Moon!” is an ideal bedtime read for a full moon night! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Single parents have imboosts your sense of portant (and seemingly endpersonal balance and less) responsibilities. Unless well-being. You’ll have 1. For bright ideas to improve your relationship with you have super powers, the more energy and a your kids and take better care of yourself, read Jennifer stress of doing it all yourself more positive outlook can be overwhelming. But Wolf’s Single Parents Blog at singleparents.about.com. with a team of trusted asking for assistance isn’t helpers around you. 2. For wise tips and practical tools to help you achieve easy. Parents who co-parenting synergy, download “Co-Parenting After “It can be an act of treseek help can model Divorce” from the University of New Hampshire’s Coopmendous courage, humility, reciprocity, humbleness, erative Extension program at www.extension.unh.edu/ or coordination to seek out and gratitude, says Harhelp,” says family counselor resources (click Families and Parenting). rington. Kids also gain Suzanne Harrington, MA. exposure to other role 3. For kid-friendly advice on living with a single parent, Single parents want to feel models. “It benefits childirect kids to www.kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/home_ competent and in-control dren so much to have family/single-parents.html and have a heart-to-heart and asking for help can other adults interacting about feelings and concerns. make us feel weak or inadwith them,” says parent equate. coach and psychoEven if you would like to therapist Tammy Gold, dispute may prevent you from seeking an have help, you may feel you LCSW, author of Secrets ex-spouse’s assistance. have few resources. “Today’s families are of the Nanny Whisperer. This is especially quite isolated from extended family and true when a single mom gets help from Listen Up, Stressed-Out community,” Harrington says. People we her father, Gold says, because the child is might ask for help are not always accessiSuperheroes nurtured by both female and male family ble. Grandparents may be far away, busy Asking for help is smart, even when members. with their own lives or unwilling to take on you feel you can manage alone. Studies The helping community you create for childcare responsibilities. Feelings of misshow social support reduces the negative your kids will likely inspire them to pitch in, trust or concerns that help-seeking might health effects of stress, including coronary too. Even young children want to feel like be used against you in an angry custody disease and immune suppression, and important members of the household, says

Super Single-Parent Resources

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Donna Genett, PhD, author of If You Want It Done Right You Don’t Have to Do It Yourself. Pitching in builds kids’ competence and provides a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Discovering the Joys of Teamwork Slow down, superhero. Follow these steps to reach out and reconnect with sources of support. Identify Needs. Start out by figuring out what concrete help would be most beneficial, Harrington advises. Perhaps you need childcare so you can work, attend school, get counseling, or just relax. A home-cooked meal once a week might lift your burden and brighten your spirits. The more specific your needs, the easier it will be to get help. Brainstorm Buddies. Develop a list of resources, including family and friends, and church and community services. Don’t be afraid to put formal sources of support, such as counseling groups, on your list. Individual or group therapy can help you heal after divorce and learn to thrive as a single parent.

Talk Teamwork. If you’re on good terms with your ex, have a conversation about your parenting roles. Take a problem-solving approach. Say, “The kids need more help with science homework than I can give them,” rather than criticizing “You never help the kids with homework.” Play to Others’ Strengths. Consider who is best at what and take preferences into account. If the kids’ grandparents get frazzled by babysitting, they might prefer to host a family dinner once a week to stay involved and give you a break. That’s okay. You want this to be a win-win situation. Help Kids Help You. Determine what kinds of contributions are age-appropriate for each child. Your six-year-old may be too young to vacuum, but she can set the table or sort the recycling. Older kids can take turns folding laundry or helping put away groceries. Be sure to praise kids for work well-done. Be Clear. When you seek help, explain exactly what you want. Misunderstandings happen when we assume others know our expectations. If you want

the bathroom squeaky-clean, explain what clean means: towels hung up neatly, bath toys picked up, toilet and tub scrubbed, floor mopped. Set helpers up for success. Praise Progress. You may not get the results you want right away, but be generous with your appreciation. Recognize others’ efforts, instead of focusing on their shortcomings. When you’re sure they know how much you value their help, explain how they could improve. Then say thanks (again). You really can’t thank them enough. The pressure to be a single-parentsuperhero can be strong, and you may avoid asking for help because you fear you can’t reciprocate. “People don’t help because they expect your assistance in return,” says Gold. They help because they love you and care about your family. Remind yourself that everyone benefits from meaningful social connections and take pride in the helpful community you’re creating for yourself and your kids. ESP Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom who has learned firsthand the benefits of seeking help when times are tough. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

extraordinary Children, exCeptional Care. Are meal times difficult or does your child have difficulty interacting with others? The therapy services staff at Infirmary Health can help you and your child build a foundation for more enjoyable mealtimes and better interactions. If you have a child with autism or other special needs, the staff provides many services including a feeding program, sensory room, iPad learning and assistance with social and motor skills. Experience the difference therapy makes. For more information, call 251-279-1640. Thanks to the Thomas Hospital Foundation and Polo at the Point for making the sensory room, feeding program and Therasuit possible.

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American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit www.asama. org. Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251-344-0536 ext. 104. Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope, the Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale. Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www.eseartcenter.com. The Exploreum The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.exploreum.com or call

May 2015

251-208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile. Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474. Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson. Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www. mariettajohnson.org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www. weeksbay.org.

Classes/Meetings

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Monday of each month. The meeting is held at Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave, in Daphne from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Parent, Youth/Teen group and childcare is available. Topic discussions by adoption professionals and ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information call 251-460-2727 or 1-800-489-1886 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 5:30-7:00 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.

Michael clark, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Annual exams • Prenatal care, including high-risk pregnancies • Gynecologic cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment • Diagnosis and treatment of abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain • In-office ultrasounds (4D available) • Family planning services

2002 Medical Center Drive Bay Minette, AL 36507

251-937-5377

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Daphne Neurological Disease Support Group (Includes Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy). Meets second Monday of each month at Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne, in the Community Life Center-Gathering Room. 11:00 a.m. until noon. Noon light lunch for $3 from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Speaker or joint group session. Contact person: Alice Hallford 251-626-8228. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for more info. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved 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, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, near the YMCA. “M oms O ffering M oms S upport” (MOMS Club) is a group intended for stay at home moms to provide encouragement for each other while providing fun activities for their children. This club

May 2015

is open to anyone on the Eastern Shore area of Baldwin County, Alabama. We hold a meeting at the beginning of each month with a speaker or topic relevant to moms while childcare is provided. Each month there are social activates organized for the children such as play dates, field trips and seasonal parties. MOMS Club is also dedicated to giving back to the community through supporting various charities. MOMS Club is a great way to connect with other moms, form friendship and enjoy activities with your little ones. For more information please visit our website at www.momsclubofdaphne.com or email us at momsclubofdaphne@yahoo.com. 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 . Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7 – 7:30 p.m., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 mile east of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www. FitzpenPlace.com. www.Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251-621-6665 or 251-3774069. PUMC Caregiver Support Group A new support group for caregivers of aging parents

and others is discussing “boundaries” at monthly meetings open to the community. The public is invited to be a part of this support group, which meets monthly at Providence UMC, located between Spanish Fort High School and Middle School at 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Dr. For more information about the new support group, call the church office at (251) 626-2510 or email pumc.office@bellsouth. net. For more information about Providence UMC, call the church office or visit the website at www.providencemethodist.org. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged. 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 non-perishable 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. 251-9280890. 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

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Family Calendar instructors). For more information Contact Ben Samel at 605-2657 or 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. Cost: $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. 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. Located just off of the main lobby. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of

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pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. We look forward to sharing this special time with you! Method of payment accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, AmEx, Debit Card. 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 additional information please 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, 6:308:30 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).   Pre-registration required.  To register 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 800477-1104 for more information. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for more information. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group-Family Connected by Ribbons Support group for cancer survivors, friends and family. Open to any types of cancer. Every first Thursday of every month from 6 - 8 p.m. Morphy Conference Room (Old ER entrance) at Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Preregistration not required. Call 209-1229 for more information. 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. Diabetes Support Group Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas

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Family Calendar Hospital Diabetes Center. Call 279-1700 for more information. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Meetings are held every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251- 965-6264 for more information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 455-9919 for more information. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 626-6337 for more information.

Friday, May 1

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 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. Get up close and personal as the hot air balloons and their pilots light up the evening skies at the nightly balloon glows, held Friday and Saturday night. Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Spread out your blanket, grab an ice cold drink and enjoy a variety of live music daily. Be sure to catch one of the many shows by the Disc Connected K-9 World Famous Frisbee Dog Show. Toss after toss you will be amazed as man’s best friend defies gravity catching their prized flying saucers. Grab a cone of homemade ice

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cream or delicious BBQ plate as you shop through an eclectic array of local crafters, artisans, and retailers. Location: Foley Sports Complex, 18507 US Highway 98 West, Foley. Friday 2 - 10 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Please visit www. southbaldwinchamber.com for more information. Relay For Life of Eastern Shore The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Location: Daphne High School at 6 p.m. Please visit relay.acsevents.org for more information. Fairhope First Friday Art Walk First Friday Art Walk is a community art and entertainment event that takes place the first Friday of each month in downtown Fairhope and begins at the Eastern Shore Art Center. The event is free and open to anyone. Between twenty and thirty venues are open between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the Art Walk. Art Walk venues have openings, talks, music, and other special activities, some venues have wine and appetizers. South Baldwin Community Theater presents “The Ransom of Red Chief” Join us for “The Ransom of the Red Chief” at South Baldwin Community Theatre (2022 W 2nd St, Gulf Shores). Show dates: April 24 & 25, May 1 & 2 at 7:30 p.m. April 26 & May 3 (Sunday) at 2:00 p.m. Two extra shows added on April 30 at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for students. Please visit www.sbct.biz for more information. 92 ZEW Brown Bag Lunch Join us for 92 ZEW Brown Bag Lunch with Live

Music at 11:30 a.m. This music series is in its 5th year at the Windmill Market and it is always a crowd favorite. Grab lunch at one of our three restaurants, get a seat on the outdoor patio, and start your weekend off right. Eastern Shore Reparatory Theatre presents “The Music Man” Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) will present “The Music Man” for the second annual Theatre on the Bluff production at Henry George Park in Fairhope April 30- May 2, at 7:30 p.m. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and gates to the bluff will open at 6:30 each evening. Patrons should bring their own blanket or lawn chair, and picnics are encouraged. Concessions will also be available for sale. Tickets are on sale now at www.easternshorerep.com and can also be purchased at the gate the night of the show. First Friday Family Night – Bay Minette First Friday Family Night takes place in Downtown Bay Minette in Blackburn Park (1st and Hoyle) from 5 - 9:30 p.m. Foods Trucks and Kids Activities.

Saturday, May 2

Battle of the Bay Canoe and Kayak Race Battle of the Bay is the fourth annual Canoe and Kayak Race benefiting the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program. It is a canoe; kayak and SUP paddle in beautiful Mobile Bay along with a shrimp and grits brunch at the BLUEGILL, live music, great prizes, kid’s activities and more. See www.facebook. com/BattleoftheBayCanoeandKayak for more details as they come available. Relay for Life of South Baldwin The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the

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Family Calendar world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Today, with the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 400 lives a day. And we won’t stop until we finish the fight against cancer! Please join us! Location: Heritage Park, 125 E Laurel Avenue Foley. Please visit main.acsevents.org for more information. Tunnel Vision 5K Proceeds from the Tunnel Vision 5K will benefit the sight programs of the Lions Club of Mobile. Please visit www.lionsclubofmobile.org to learn about our programs. Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m. in downtown Mobile. (starts at intersection of Washington & Government Sts. near Mobile Public Library). Please visit tunnelvisionrun.org for more information. 66th Annual Blessing of the Fleet The annual blessing of the fleet is Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at St. Margaret Catholic Church (13790 South Wintzell Avenue, Bayou La Batre) from 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on both days. This event will include great food, music, blessing of the fleet, children’s activities, arts and crafts, boat tours, boat parade, a 4 mile and 1 mile race and much more. Admission is Free. Please visit www.fleetblessing.org for a schedule of events. Captain Hook Classic Inshore Fishing Tournament The annual Captain Hook classic Inshore Fishing Tournament at the Gulf Shores Marina will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Alabama Chapter. Please visit www.captainhookinvitational.com for more information.

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

May 2015

Peddle to the Treasure for a Cure Bicycle Scavenger Hunt 9 a.m. - 12 noon. The ride begins @ Orange Beach City Hall 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. (Hwy. 161). 8 - 9 a.m. - Check-In/ Late Registration. 9 a.m - Ride Begins. 12 noon Hamburger/Hot Dog Lunch & Awards! Monies raised benefit American Cancer Society. Individuals & teams will be given a list of sites/things along the trail to be photographed or collected. Points will be assigned for each photo/item. For full details contact - Team Captain - Jeanne Fitzgibbons 251-981-1524 - Cell 251-747-1344 jfitz@cityoforangebeach.com. Wiggle Waggle Dog Day at Bellingrath Calling all runners and dog walkers alike! Join us for the Wiggle Waggle Dog Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home benefitting the Animal Rescue Foundation. The day will start with the Wiggle Waggle 5K run (for humans only) at 8:00 a.m. The Wiggle Waggle Walk (with your pup friends) is approximately a ¾ mile walk and will begin at 9:00 a.m., and then pups and their people are welcomed into Bellingrath Gardens for a special Wiggle Waggle Dog Day at Bellingrath Gardens! Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival See May 1 for more information. South Baldwin Community Theater presents “The Ransom of Red Chief” See May 1 for more information. Eastern Shore Reparatory Theatre presents “The Music Man” See May 1 for more information.

Sunday, May 3

MerFaire presented by Poetic Presence Join us for an immersive celebration of the written

word. MerFaire combines the beauty of the Eastern Shore with artistic expressions of local & regional poets, authors, and artists amid the backdrop of the rich folklore that surrounds the sea. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Baldwin County, Fairhope. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2-2:30pm, Free. Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Life Stories” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie ventures into the wild to explore the fascinating habits that enable different animal species to survive and thrive. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. South Baldwin Community Theater presents “The Ransom of Red Chief” See May 1 for more information. 66th Annual Blessing of the Fleet See May 2 for more information.

Tuesday, May 5

5 Rivers StoryTime: “But I Am An Alligator” by Lauren Child; 10am-11am 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

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Family Calendar story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is a Charlie and Lola story. Lola has a favorite alligator costume that she wants to wear absolutely everywhere. Charlie tells her she can’t wear it ALL the time, but Lola argues that she can. Who will win this battle? 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. • 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club • 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Sierra Club

Thursday, May 7

Free Skin Cancer Screening – Haley Dermatology May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Haley offers a FREE Skin Cancer Screening each May open to the public. This year it will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. at Haley Dermatology - 202 Rock Creek Pkwy, Fairhope. For more information, call (251) 928-3844. No appointments - first come first serve basis. Taste of Towns – 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center Join us for this benefit for the Daphne/Spanish Fort Kiwanis at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Please call (251) 621-2996 or visit daphnespanishfortkiwanis.org for more information. Cocktail with the Critters Cocktails with The Critters, the major fundraiser for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation, will be from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. This will be an exciting evening overlooking Mobile Bay. Entertainment will be

May 2015

provided by the lively inspired sounds of Eric Erdman. 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 hors d’oeuvres along with tasty wine and beer. A cash bar will also be available. For more information, please visit sealabfoundation.org/cocktails_with_the_critters. Theatre 98 presents “This Day and Age” Theatre 98 presents “This Day and Age” on May 7-10, 13-17. Performances are 8 p.m. on weeknights and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays at 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope. This sophisticated comedy of modern manners deals with the “empty nesters” greatest nightmare: the chickens coming home to roost. Please visit www.theatre98.org for more information. Shen Yun Performing Arts Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired. A Shen Yun performance features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops – together creating one spectacular performance. Performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center. Please visit www.mobilecivicctr.com for more information. 2nd Annual Fairhope Girl’s Night Out The Downtown Fairhope Business Association will present the 2nd Annual Fairhope Girl’s Night Out. Ladies on both sides of the Bay are invited to join DFBA for an evening of shopping, dining, and strolling through the streets of downtown. Please visit www.

cofairhope.com for more information. Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert MSYO Concert at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim Street) on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesymphony.org for more information.

Friday, May 8

Annual Fairhope Rotary Steak Cook-Off All inclusive, all-you-can-eat, rib eye steak, baked potato, tossed salad, wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as live entertainment by the Tip Tops on Bancroft Street in Downtown Fairhope. Tickets $50 per person in advance and $60 at the gate. Best of all, it all goes to charity! And the party just begins with the food: you enjoy great music, dancing in the streets, and more fun than is legal north of the Mason-Dixon line! Please visit www.fairhopesteak.org for more information. 92 ZEW Brown Bag Lunch See May 1 for more information. Theatre 98 presents “This Day and Age” See May 7 for more information.

Saturday, May 9

Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Russian Romance Stunning pianist Olga Kern returns to Mobile for the virtuosic and ravishing Third Piano Concerto by Rachmanioff. Glinka’s energetic Russlan and Ludmila and Prokofiev’s First Symphony are also featured. There is no better finale than one with Olga Kern, Maestro Scott Speck and the wonderful musicians of your Mobile Symphony Orchestra! 8 p.m. and May 10 at 2:30 p.m. For information call 251-432-2010 or visit www.mobilesymphony.org

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Family Calendar Art in the Park – 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. Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please visit www.foleyartcenter.com for more information. 6th Annual Good Life Ride The Alabama Coastal Foundation presents the 6th Annual Good Life Ride. There are four routes to choose from, the longest being 64 miles. The registration fee is $35 in advance. Visit inATHLETE.com to find out more. Call (251) 990-6002 if you have any questions. 5 Rivers Class “Wilderness Survival” 9:30am-Noon, Free, all ages. Join 5 Rivers Educator Tim Cooper to learn about and practice key skills to survive in the wilderness. Whether you are camping, hiking, or riding through the woods, the best time to learn what to do in an emergency situation is before it happens, and to practice and be prepared with the proper knowledge and equipment to make your trip safe and enjoyable. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com. Essences Mother’s Day Gospel Concert Concert begins at 5:00 p.m. at Daphne Civic Center (2603 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne). $25 for general admission; $45 for VIP tickets. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. Orange Beach Wine Festival The Orange Beach Wine Fest is one of the most cherished tickets on the island. Over 120 wines, three live music acts, food from distinguished local restaurants, boat tours of the bay, custom wine glass, custom wine bag, and even craft beer for the un-winies all for only $35 if you buy before the event. $45 to purchase at the gate. The event takes place at Caribe Resort. Please visit www. wavesofwine.com for more information. Theatre 98 presents “This Day and Age” See May 7 for more information.

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

May 2015

Sunday, May 10

Mother’s Day Evening Concert – Bellingrath Gardens Bellingrath Gardens and Home will welcome the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and their conductor, Rob Seebacher, for the Annual Mother’s Day Concert at 5:30 p.m. on Live Oak Plaza. Guests are invited to enjoy the Gardens and Home throughout the afternoon and then gather at 5:30 p.m. for the late afternoon concert. You may reserve a table for 4 or for 6 to enjoy your supper and the music. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase on Live Oak Plaza; guests may also bring a picnic supper. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Mother’s Day, admission will be reduced to $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12. There is no charge for children ages 4 or younger. For more information, or to make a table reservation, call Bellingrath Gardens and Home at 251-973-2217, ext. 110. Location: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “How the States Got Their Shapes” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie is a clever documentary that blends history, politics and geography to show how America’s states got their current borders. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Monday, May 11

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra presents Music from the Movies Baldwin County Youth Orchestra presents Music from the Movies. Performing Beginner & Advanced String Ensembles, Baldwin Winds Ensemble. Featuring Baldwin Adult Strings Orchestra and Baldwin County Youth Orchestra. Location: Eastern Shore Baptist Church, 6847 Park Drive, Daphne at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12

REEF Lionfish Collecting and Handling Workshop 6:30-8:30pm. Reef Environmental Education Foundation is holding a workshop at 5 Rivers Blakeley Hall on lionfish collecting and handling. The workshop will cover the history of the invasion, lionfish biology,

ecological impacts, venomology, how to avoid getting stung, first aid for stings, and recommended techniques for collection, handling and filleting. This workshop is made possible through funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Please note: minors attending should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register at http://www.reef.org/lionfish/ workshops/Mobile. Questions? Call REEF at (305)8520030 or email elizabeth@reef.org. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. • 6pm-7pm; Alabama Hiking Trail Society • 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Audubon Society

Thursday, May 14

Fairhope Farmer’s Market Join us behind Fairhope Library on Bancroft St. for fresh vegetables, cut flowers and more. 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays from May 14-July 9.

Friday, May 15

3rd Friday Art Walk – Foley Come join us downtown for a wine tasting and art walk to visit the many shops and boutiques Foley has to offer from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Please visit visitfoley.com for more information. “Shrek, Jr.” Center Stage Performance Theatre 4-12 grade department presents “Shrek, Jr.”. Performances are Friday and Saturday at Fairhope United Methodist Life Center (155 South Section Street, Fairhope). Please visit www.centerstageperformance.com for more information.

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Saturday, May 16

2nd Annual Memorial 5K Run/ Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk for Alabama’s Fallen Heroes Out and back certified 5K (AL08020JD) course along the Causeway between Mobile and Spanish Fort. One

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mile run/walk is out of and back in to the Park. Races start and finishes at Battleship Park. 5K race will start at 7:30 a.m. 1 Mile fun run will start at 7:35 a.m. Benefits Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc. (www.bluestarsalute.org) Each runner will run with the name of one of Alabama’s Fallen Heroes on their Race Bib and afterwards during activities, they can visit the wall of Alabama’s Faces of the Price of Freedom to see the faces of their fallen service member. Please visit Eventbrite.com for more information. Agricultural Heritage Day Step back in time and celebrate Foley’s agricultural heritage at Agricultural Heritage Day. As a part of Foley’s Centennial celebration, this one-day event will feature numerous pieces of antique farming and forestry equipment including a horse-drawn potato digger, an antique potato grader and a horse and buggy. The event will also feature farming and cooking demonstrations. The Antique Tractor Club will also be a part of this event. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Park (125 E Laurel Avenue Foley) Please call (251) 943-5559 for more information. Azalea City Smooth Jazz Heritage Festival First Annual Smooth Jazz Heritage Festival featuring Eric Essix, Kim Scott flutist, David Jones and Band, Leflore High School Jazz Band and Dunbar Middle School Jazz Band. Historic Fort Conde, 1:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Contact: Cecil Turk Jr - 251-648-6171 or president@azaleacitysmoothjazz.com. City Rhythm Big Band Join us at 7:00 p.m. and the Loxley Civic Center (4198 Municipal Park Dr, Loxley) for City Rhythm. Music of the Big Band Era for dancing and listening. $5.00. “Shrek, Jr.” See May 15 for more information.

Sunday, May 17

5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet: 2-2:30pm, Free. Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the MobileTensaw Delta and beyond. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Nature: My Bionic Pet” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie is an intriguing look at scientists using prosthetics and other innovations to treat a range of injured animals to give them a new lease on life. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com. Sunset Concert at Bayfront Park The City of Daphne and Catt’s Sunday Jazz Brunch invites everyone to experience a sunset view from Bayfront Park with a soundtrack of big band music. The Sunday Sunset Concerts are a series of three big band performances, timed to conclude as the sun dips below the horizon. Free to the public, the concerts take place on the lawn at Bay Front Park. Mobile Big Band at 6:00 p.m. More information by contacting: Catt Sirten 251-583-1963 or email Catt@RadioAvalon.com.

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Family Calendar Tuesday, May 19

5 Rivers StoryTime: “Hi! Fly Guy” by Tedd Arnold 10am-11am; 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. In this week’s story, boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship. Er, and so begins a very funny friendship. Using hyperbole, puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, bestselling author/ illustrator Tedd Arnold creates an easy reader that is full of fun. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Wednesday, May 20

Mrs. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration Born on May 20, 1878, Bessie Morse Bellingrath left an unparalleled mark on the Gardens and Home of Bellingrath. Every year, guests are invited to plan a special visit to the Gardens to celebrate Mrs. Bellingrath’s birthday. After touring the Bellingrath Home and learning of how Mrs. Bellingrath amassed the decorative arts collection that bears her name, guests may visit the Bellingrath Gift Shop which will feature a special “Buy Like Miss Bessie” sale! Please visit bellingrath.org for more information.

Thursday, May 21 Fairhope Famers Market See May 14 for more information

Friday, May 22

“Sleeping Beauty, Kids” Center Stage Performance Theatre K4 through 3rd

May 2015

grade age division will perform “Sleeping Beauty, Kids” on May 22-23. A complete production with staging, lights, a professional set and costuming will be performed at The Life Center at 155 S. Section St. in Fairhope. Please visit www.centerstageperformance.com. Heritage Park Marketplace – Foley Arts and crafts, plants, vegetables, baked goods and much more from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m! Heritage Park is located at the intersection of Ala. 59 and U.S. 98 in Foley. Music and Movie in Heritage Park - Foley Live entertainment with Foley Elementary School’s show choir, FAME, and entertainment provided by the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo begins at 6 p.m. “Big Hero 6″ movie begins at dusk on a 40-foot inflatable screen. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and get comfortable for an afternoon and evening of fun and free entertainment in Heritage Park. Concessions will be available for purchase on-site. Heritage Park is located near the intersection of Ala. 59 and U.S. 98. 4:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 23

Fort Morgan’s Memorial Day Tribute Historical interpreters, dressed in period uniforms of the United States Army from different eras of the fort’s occupation, will conduct special guided tours of the fortification throughout the day. Also, artillery, small arms, and other demonstrations will show the complexities that have faced the military garrisons at Fort Morgan from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fort Morgan, 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores. Admission $7 Adult, $5 Senior (65-older), $4 Child (6-12). Please visit www.fort-morgan.org for more information. 2nd Annual Gulf State Park Beach Luau Put on your grass skirts and join us at Gulf State Park

Beach Pavilion for an authentic Beach Luau. The 2015 Beach Luau will include live hula and fire performances, fresh Hawaiian leis, an island inspired buffet, kids activities, and more… all on the beautiful sandy beach of Gulf Shores! This year we are doubling our capacity and are working to enhance the island experience even more. 6 - 10 p.m. Please call (251) 948-7275 for more information or visit gulf-state-park.ticketleap.com/ gulfstateparkbeachluau for tickets. The Thunder on the Bay: 151st of the Battle of Mobile Bay The Thunder on the Bay is scheduled for May 23 – 24, 2015 at Historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. The Battle on Saturday is at 2:00 p.m. and on Sunday it will be at 1:00 p.m. The event “Thunder on The Bay” highlights Fort Gaines’ integral role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Come and experience a living history day for the whole family. Federal and Confederate soldiers exchange artillery fire and infantry sharpshooting during the commemoration of the 151st Commemoration of the Battle of Mobile Bay. Come and surround yourself with history as we depict the attack by the Union Navy upon the fort as they attempt to steam past the fort and into the bay. Be witnesses to the opening of the siege guns upon the fort. Union artillery and infantry will seal the fate of the Confederate garrison by occupying the siege lines as they commence the bombardment of Fort Gaines.

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$8 adult $4 children. Please visit dauphinisland.org for more information. “Sleeping Beauty, Kids” See May 22 for more information.

Sunday, May 24

Baldwin Pops Concert Come out to Henry George Park in Fairhope to hear the Baldwin Pops at 6:30 p.m. Please call (251) 232-1072 for more information. The Thunder on the Bay: 151st of the Battle of Mobile Bay See May 23 for more information. 5 Rivers KID’S DAY Sunday Matinee “The Croods” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie is for the kids, but adults will love it too! When an earthquake obliterates their cave, a prehistoric family is forced to journey through unfamiliar terrain in search of a new home. But things go from bad to worse for dad (Grug) when his daughter meets a clever cave boy. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Monday, May 25

Memorial Day: 5 Rivers Presents: “Alabama Turtles” 2-3pm, all ages, free. Turtles are the charismatic faces of the reptilian world, and people of all ages seem to love watching and learning about them. Alabama is a hot-spot for turtles, and we have over 30 different species in our state. Join 5 Rivers Educator Shonda Borden to learn about how these shelled creatures are perfectly adapted for a not-so-slow paced life. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Thursday, May 28

Art in the Park at W.O. Lott Park Come to Lott Park in Daphne from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for petting zoo, animals & sea life, games, inflatables and more. Fairhope Famers Market See May 14 for more information.

Saturday, May 30

Grandma Triathlon The event begins with a 1/3 mile swim straight out into picturesque Mobile Bay and back beside the Fairhope Municipal Pier. After the swim comes an 18 mile bike ride through the charming city of Fairhope. The ride begins with one steep hill and five miles of rolling countryside. The race to the finish line begins with a 3.1 mile run through the streets of Fairhope and along the Bay. We look forward to seeing you bright and early at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Please visit www. thegrandman.com for more information. Growing Up Wild, Grades 1-2, “The Wonderful World of Bugs” We are surrounded by them. They fly, crawl, hop, wriggle, jump, and dive. They buzz, click, whistle, and sing too! They are considered pests, food, annoying, beautiful, and necessary. Come jump into the wonderful world of bugs with 5 Rivers Educators, and learn why bugs are so important. Free, but registration is required. To register, email Shonda at Shonda.Borden@DCNR.Alabama. gov or call 251-625-0814. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com.

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Family Calendar Sunday, May 31

Jubilee Kids Triathlon Eastern Shore Triathlon Club will hold its sixth annual Jubilee Kids Triathlon at 7:30 am at the beautiful Fairhope Municipal Pier in Fairhope. Funds from this event will be used to support local charities and promote the sport of triathlon in Baldwin County. This is a SWIM, BIKE; RUN race for kids ages 7-15. Please visit www.imathlete.com for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Secret Life of Predators” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie reveals the hidden, unknown world of predators living in the oceans, forests, open spaces, and on the edge. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com.

Monday, June 1

Master Gardeners Annual Farm to Table Mobile County Master Gardeners present their 4th Annual Farm to Table Tasting Event. Local chefs, local produce. Non-refundable advance reservations required by May 22. Sent check for $65 to MCMG, 6910 Providence Estate Court, Mobile, AL 36695. Location: Five Rivers Delta. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. For more information, please contact: Mary Ann Days - 251-574-8445 or masdays@comcast.net Daphne Summer Reading Kickoff Daphne Summer Reading Kickoff will take place at the Daphne Civic Center starting at 10:00 a.m. Please visit www.daphneciviccenter.org for more information.

May 2015

Tuesday, June 2

Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan Vignettes of Fort Morgan’s Civil War history are brought to life every summer during this hour long tour. Historical interpreters portraying the lives of members of the garrison tell of the events transpiring in the final months of Confederate occupation of the fort. Visitors will hear the growing concern as the Federal Navy strengthens its fleet in the Gulf of Mexico as it prepares to attack Mobile Bay in August, as well as the events surrounding the destruction of the blockade runner Ivanhoe. Every tour concludes with the firing of one of the fort’s artillery pieces with time for visitors to explore the fort in the twilight hours. 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Fort Morgan, 110 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores. Please visit www.fortmorgan.org for more information. 5 Rivers StoryTime: “Bugs Galore” by Peter Stein 10am-11am. 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. In this week’s story we have bugs. Bugs, bugs, BUGS galore creep, slither, stink, and squirm; scurry, fly — ewww, a worm! Dig in as a flurry of bugs of every shape, size, and color crawl across the page in a veritable infestation of whimsy and humor. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. Dave Matthews Concert C Spire Concert Series

presents: Dave Matthews Band at The Wharf (23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach). Please call 800745-3000 for more information.

Tuesday, June 2

5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. • 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club • 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Sierra Club

Wednesday, June 3

Summertide Theatre presents: Ring of Fire The University of Alabama’s professional summer theatre, SummerTide, will bring the man in black “down, down, down” to Gulf Shores during its 12th season. The cast of SummerTide will present “Ring of Fire”, a musical revue by Richard Maltby Jr., and Bill Meade. Inspired by the life and lyrics of Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire” brings universal stories of love, home and family to the stage. The revue features over two dozen songs by Cash including, “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and of course the title song, “Ring of Fire.” June 3-July 3 TuesdaySunday at 8:00 p.m. at George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores,. Please visit www. summertide.org for more information. Summertime Wonderful Wednesdays – Bellingrath Gardens Who knew Wednesday could be so wonderful? Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Topics include summer gardening, horticultural production techniques and the collections in the Bellingrath Museum Home. Dates: Wednesdays from

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Thursday, June 4

Glow in the Park Movies – Fairhope Join us in Fairhope Community Park, Church Street, Fairhope on the first Thursdays in June, July & August for movies in the park. Movies: June 4 “Finding Nemo”, July 2 “The Lego Movie”, August 6 “A Bug’s Life”. 7:30(ish). Please call (251) 929-1466 for more information. Fairhope Famers Market See May 14 for more information Art in the Park at W.O. Lott Park See May 28 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “Ring of Fire” See June 3 for more information.

Friday, June 5

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk First Friday Art Walk is a community art and entertainment event that takes place the first Friday of each month in downtown Fairhope and begins at the Eastern Shore Art Center. The event is free and open to anyone. Between twenty and thirty venues are open between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the Art Walk. Art Walk venues have openings, talks, music, and other special activities, some venues have wine and appetizers. First Friday Family Night – Bay Minette First Friday Family Night takes place in Downtown Bay Minette in Blackburn Park (1st and Hoyle) from 5 - 9:30 p.m. Foods Trucks and Kids Activities. 2015 Coastal Seafood Craze On Friday, June 5, the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) will hold the fourth annual Coastal Seafood

May 2015

Craze! This event will take place at the Hank Aaron Stadium in their Event Center (755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile). Come enjoy seafood and other ACF supporters anytime between 5 p.m. until 7:05 p.m. when the first pitch is thrown! The Coastal Seafood Craze invites local restaurants to feature dishes made with locally caught seafood. Gulf Coast seafood is an important part of our local culture, and we need to do everything we can to support and celebrate it. Tickets—which include food, a beverage and admission to the game—are $25 or patrons can pay $40 which would include an individual membership to the Alabama Coastal Foundation. People can pay for tickets or memberships through the by clicking here. All proceeds will benefit ACF’s education and habitat restoration programs. Please visit www.joinacf.org for more information. Heritage Park Marketplace – Foley See May 22 for more information. Music and Movie in Heritage Park - Foley See May 22 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “Ring of Fire” See June 3 for more information.

Saturday, June 6

Summertide Theatre presents: “Ring of Fire” See June 3 for more information. Dragonboat Festival, 9am-4pm Mobile’s own local Fuse Project is hosting their second annual Dragonboat Festival! These Hong Kong style

dragon boats are 46-feet long, with 10 seats and 20 people plus a drummer. The competitions will last throughout the day and are fun to see for the whole family. All funds raised go to benefit local youth. For more information, see http://fuseproject.org/dragon-boatfestival/.

Sunday, June 7

Summertide Theatre presents: “Ring of Fire” See June 3 for more information.

Tuesday, June 9

Tuesday Evening Civil War Twilight Tours at Fort Morgan See June 2 for more information. Summertide Theatre presents: “Ring of Fire” See June 3 for more information. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com by the 15th of each month!

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How to Help Kids Prepare for College Life Many of this year’s high school graduates will be leaving home for a college campus in the fall. Few moments in life involve such significant change as the moment when a young man or woman first arrives on a college campus. First-year college students often don’t know what to expect once they arrive on campus, but there are steps parents can take to help their kids prepare for college life.

effectively, including using breaks between classes to review notes from a recent lecture or upcoming class, they’re likely to get the most out of themselves academically and find they have more time to pursue extracurricular activities as well.

* Teach kids how to schedule their time. One of the things many college kids find once they arrive on campus is that their life is suddenly much less structured and their amount of downtime has increased considerably. Unlike high school, which keeps many kids in class or involved in extracurricular activities from the early morning through the late afternoon, college affords students much more free time, which is theirs to use as they see fit. Some kids dive right into on-campus activities, while others struggle to use their free time to their advantage. Parents can teach time management skills such as how to establish a schedule so all of that free time does not go to waste. This schedule can be adjusted on a weekly basis depending on coursework or extracurricular activities. Once kids learn to manage their time

* Discuss finances and establish a financial arrangement. Many college freshmen struggle to manage their money. Some might never have had a job during high school while others who did work only did so to earn spending money. But many college students need more than spending money once they reach campus. Rising tuition costs have made it difficult, if not impossible, for parents to bankroll their kids’ everyday expenses. As a result, many college students find themselves forced to manage their own money for the first time in their lives. Parents can teach simple financial lessons, such as the benefits of buying groceries as opposed to dining out or ordering in each night. Parents who can afford to provide financial support for their children enrolled in

Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

college should reach a financial agreement with their children before they are off to college. Make sure kids know your financial support does not mean they have unlimited access to your funds, and make it known that such support will not continue if kids aren’t performing well in the classroom. * Encourage kids to contact any roommates before the school year begins. Part of the trepidation many kids have when leaving for college concerns how they may or may not develop a relationship with their new roommate. Many schools assign roommates months in advance of the school year, giving kids ample time to make contact and make arrangements about whom is going to bring certain items. Parents should encourage such contact so kids can get a feel of who they will be living with and lay the groundwork for a friendship before they even step foot on campus. The feeling of knowing someone on campus can greatly reduce the anxiety many kids feel when they arrive at school for their freshmen orientation.

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Paul Blart Mall Cop 2

The Age of Adaline

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: A Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 PG. I knew the moment I left the screening of this film that my review would be an outlier within the realm of sophisticated critical assessment. Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 epitomizes what virtually every critic loves to hate. The writing isn’t sharp, most of the performances range from mediocre to uninspiring, and the plot is contrived with a conclusion that offers no surprise. Fifteen minutes in, I was ready to hop on board the hate-train, until I realized that my theater was full of young people laughing, while I was smugly enduring. And that’s when my change of perspective occurred. This film comes from Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, a pop culture factory that cranks out title after title that I have not cared to see. What’s unusual about the pair of Paul Blart films, compared to their edgier Happy Madison cousins, is the PG rating. Most Sandler epics push the PG-13 envelope to the limit. This movie, with no sexual content or profanity, doesn’t even stretch the PG category -- also amazing considering Sandler’s best comic buddy Kevin James is the star. The story is built to work fast and simple. Blart (James) has been working in a New Jersey mall since his heroic feat on a busy Black Friday six years earlier. But life hasn’t been so kind to the rotund protector of commerce since then. The single dad found a new bride, only to have her leave days after the marriage. Recommitting himself to his job and teen daughter Maya (Raini Rodriguez) his mundane life is finally interrupted by a new hope when he’s invited to a security guards’ convention in Las Vegas. And rumor has it that he will be the hero of the show and will be asked to deliver the keynote speech. With Maya in tow, he arrives at the Wynn and is met by Lane, an eager young attendant (David Henrie) who immediately hits it off with Maya. That sets a side plot in motion where we learn this father feels a need to offer security to everyone, including his over-parented daughter. Soon we are also introduced to the “bad guy.” Vincent (Neal McDonough) lost a bundle at the resort’s casino during his last stay, and now he’s back with the hopes of taking some priceless art with him. Yup, we have all the ingredients for a father to demonstrate his bumbling abilities and head to a heroic conclusion. The script also offers positive body image messages. Even though Maya is a bigger girl, no particular mention is made of this during her encounters with Lane and his friends. Maya also proves she’s able to problem solve and her desire to become independent doesn’t diminish her appreciation for her dad. Even if this second Blart isn’t worthy of cinematic acclaim, it still holds a place in the pecking order of the suburban multiplex.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: C+ Language: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Age of Adaline PG-13 for a suggestive comment. In our world we fight for longevity. We prioritize the ability to live a long time and dedicate much of our scientific knowledge toward life extension. But if we were given the opportunity to live forever, would we embrace it? And how would you feel if you were the only individual with such a gift? Born in the early 20th Century, Adaline (Blake Lively) lead a reasonably normal existence until a car accident (shown with some detail) at the age of 29 left her near death. Lying in a pool of water, her hypothermic body is suddenly resuscitated by a bolt of lightening. What she doesn’t understand about her miraculous recovery is the freak incident has altered her physically, leaving her unable to age any further. Decades pass, and in the present day our heroine is well over 100, but doesn’t look a day over 29. She has accepted a life of solitude, especially after she is forced to run from curious FBI agents in the 1950s. Now she follows a strict regiment of acquiring counterfeit identification every ten years and relocating to a new city. The only person on Earth who knows her secret is her aging daughter Flemming (Ellen Burstyn), whom Adaline yearns to stay close to and care for. However, the best plans are often shattered by love – and Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) is the man who walks into Adaline’s immortal life and causes her to reconsider how she will spend her eternity. Obviously, to enjoy this film, you must first accept the nonsense science used to explain the phenomenon. Once you’re past that gate, there are many enlightening moments within this simple, yet unique, concept. We can’t help but feel empathy for Adaline while she endures the passing of years, as well as her friends and family. Yet we also recognize the amazing opportunity this young woman has had to absorb information and experience history. Fans of the romance genre are the most likely to find this movie worth the price of admission. Fortunately, there are few content concerns for parents to consider. These include some brief scenes that imply unmarried couples have engaged in sexual relations (kissing is shown, as well as the characters waking up in bed together). And the aforementioned accident, along with the depiction of another crash (both shown from an in-car perspective) may be frightening for children. Beautifully filmed and highly engaging, The Age of Adaline quietly offers a lesson on our often insatiable desire to hold on to mortality for as long as possible. It’s a warm story that left me reconsidering the blessings of aging while living in a society where eternal youth is continually worshipped.

What Parents need to know about Paul Blart Mall Cop 2...

What Parents need to know about The Age of Adeline...

Violence: Confrontations involve the use of typical guns, and one character is injured with gunfire. Other non-lethal weapons include multiple uses of a Taser, a beanbag gun and a device that throws marbles on a floor. Some hand-tohand confrontations are also depicted with characters fighting and hitting each other with various objects. A man punches an elderly woman after mistakenly thinking she is an assailant. A woman enters a street and is suddenly hit by a fast-moving vehicle -- the brief moment of impact is blurred. A character, stunt riding a Segway, is hit by a car driving at low speed and is mildly injured. Sexual Content: An adult man and woman discuss attraction for each other. Language: No profanities noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: A secondary character is seen drinking in a bar, and later passes out on a sofa. Other social drinking is depicted. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2015

Violence: Two car accidents are depicted with some blood and detail shown. A character drives recklessly and appears to be breaking the speed limit. Sexual Content: An unmarried man and woman are seen briefly embracing and kissing, then the scene fades to black and they are seen in bed together the next morning with bare shoulders. An unmarried woman is seen in underwear and crawls into bed with an unmarried man. A moment of verbal sexual innuendo is heard. Language: A mild profanity is heard along with a single term of deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: Alcohol use is shown in a social setting. An emotionally shaken character takes a drink. Brief smoking by a secondary character is depicted within a period context. 92

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