LIGHTS of LOVE 4:30pm
2017
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017 USA CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL 1700 CENTER STREET
Tree Lighting Ceremony *Rain date is Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2017
TREE LIGHTING | LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES | HOLIDAY TREATS | SANTA RONALD MCDONALD
To Honor Veterans & Active Military we are honored to serve a free meal this Veteran’s Day, Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 11 am - close in recognition of your service. Military ID or military
uniform is required to be applicable for the free lunch. *Sorry no to go orders, dine-in military customers only. Alcohol and tip not included.
All Veterans & Active Military FREE Lunch or Dinner*!
Show Your Military ID or Wear Your Uniform
Original Oyster House Boardwalk, Gulf Shores 701 HWY 59 251-948-2445
Mobile Causeway 3733 Battleship Pkwy Spanish Fort, AL 251-621-2188
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South Baldwin Medical Group at McKenzie Street in Foley specializes in compassionate medical care for children of all ages. Pediatrician Amanda Calhoun, M.D., and Internist/Pediatrician Regina Felkner, D.O.,
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focus on your child’s overall health, providing routine checkups, immunizations, allergy care, and diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses.
WE’RE WITH YOU
EVERY INCH OF THE WAY.
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Amanda Calhoun, M.D. Pediatrics
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Regina Felkner, D.O. Internal Medicine Pediatrics
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Ask about same-day appointments. Call
251-241-0260 or visit
SBRMCdoctors.com.
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 1711 N. McKenzie Street, Suite 102, Foley (Located one block north of South Baldwin Regional Medical Center on Hwy. 59)
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November2017
Volume 10 Number 6
54 Columns
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6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton
8 Living With Children John Rosemond
Creating Thankful Kids Ideas for encouraging children to be grateful all year long.
Thanksgiving Games
Holiday-themed games to keep the family interacting all day.
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16 Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
42 Dave Says Dave Ramsey
44 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
50 Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
Holiday Happenings
Parades, lights, musicals and more...to brighten your season.
All Ears?
Discover 9 fun games to tune up your child’s listening skills.
52 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
68 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Kaitlin (16) and Maddux (9) are daughter and son of Brad and Michelle Murrill. Proud grandparents are Jim and Cindy Swofford and Karen Hammonds. Kaitlin is a cheerleading captain at Bayshore and also plays on the varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball team. She enjoys reading and volunteering. She also coaches gymnastics at Flip City. Maddux is a yellow belt at Yamane MMA, and he enjoys playing baseball, basketball, and piano.
Departments 10
Bits and Pieces 18
School Bits 72
Family Calendar 84
Movie Reviews
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Publisher’sNote I was around 6 years old the first time I remember my mom asking us to help get some things ready to take to a needy family for the holidays. After doing some shopping, the day finally came and she packed us in the station wagon with a turkey, some additional groceries and other items. I had no idea where she was taking us, but I was very excited to help out. I had never met a needy family, so I thought. After a very short drive we pulled up to a house where we were greeted in the front yard by one of my classmates. As always, she was full of smiles and happy for the visit. I don’t remember much of the exterior of the house because it was what I saw inside that forever changed me. As they showed us to the kitchen to put down the bags I walked past the bedroom that had not much more than a mattress on the floor with a few blankets. While our moms put groceries away, the children were excited to introduce us to their dog who was skin and bones, but just like the children, happy to be in a house that seemed to be filled with love. People always talk about how great if feels to help others but I am here to tell you, that day, I left with a pit in my stomach. How did we have so much and they had so little? That day “needy family” became a very real thing to me. They were not some kids in a far off country. They were our neighbors, our classmates and our friends. While it is a tough memory, it is one I will forever cherish. I am eternally grateful to my mom for the experience. It is a day I hope I never forget. That memory has served as a reminder that there are people in need all around us each and every day. I encourage everyone this holiday season to find an organization that speaks to you and reach out to find what you can do to make a difference in someone else’s life. Many of our local churches and other organizations like Prodisee Pantry, Turkey Take Out, Ransom Ministries, and Waterfront Rescue have opportunities to help, just to name a few. The experience also taught me to be grateful for the life I was given. If you are looking for more ways to encourage an attitude of gratitude in your family, make sure you read Sarah Lyon’s article, How to Create Thankful Kids This Thanksgiving, on page 46. One thing I am super grateful for is the time I get to spend with my brothers and their families at Thanksgiving. Last year we tried something new. Instead of spending days cooking the traditional Thanksgiving meal we decided to simplify things. We gathered together for BBQ! It was easy, stress-free and cleanup was a breeze! Instead of spending the afternoon washing dishes we were able to use that time just hanging out together and playing games. We all agreed it was a great Thanksgiving celebration that we are planning to continue again this year. I am excited to share some of the games found in Pam Molnar’s article, Seven Family Games for all the Turkeys at Your Thanksgiving, at our gathering this year. If you are looking for some festive events to participate in this holiday season, make sure you check out the Holiday Happenings on page 56. In this guide you will find tree lightings, Santa sightings and so much more! And don’t forget to flip over to the Family Calendar on page 72 for even more activities this month! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family and friends!
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 Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Sarah Lyons Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith
Cover Photography Stephanie Hanway www.StephanieHanwayPhotography.com
President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Danielle Nicholas ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Accounts Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
Lynn
lynn@easternshoreparents.com
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Video Game Addiction Worsening Responding to my recent columns on video games and smart phones, a reader asks what the problem is, thus proving that these devices can and do cause serious harm to one’s cognitive hardware. He, the father of two boys and a gamer himself, in effect claims that parents are imagining things and researchers are not finding what they are finding. He proposes that video games and smart phones do not make people play them or stare at them obsessively; rather, that some parents are simply not providing proper supervision. That’s true, as far as it goes. He then offers that nothing is bad in moderation, which is one of the stupidest adages ever conceived. The list of things that are bad/evil in moderation include pornography, heroin, cocaine, arsenic, assault, murder, rape, armed robbery, lying, cheating, child abuse, and cruelty to animals. Need I go on? Furthermore, if an addiction is defined as a self-destructive obsession over which an individual seems to lack control, then video games and smart phones do indeed “make” some people play them and stare at them as if their very lives depended upon it. Furthermore,
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
the force of that effect appears to be inversely proportional to the age of the individual in question. As such, what a 40-year-old may be able to do—that is, fit playing video games into an otherwise responsible and richly varied life—a 13-year-old boy may not be able to do. One of my grandsons is a case in point. After I expressed concern to his parents that his obsession with playing video games bordered on unhealthy, they took his game controller away. A year later, at age 14, he told me that he realized in retrospect that he had indeed been addicted. If his parents had not stepped in, he said, his adolescence would have been a disaster. I’ve lost count of the number of parents who have asked me what to do about unemployed 20-something male children who live at home, sequestered in the slums that are their rooms, playing online video games day and night. Most of said adult children do not engage in meaningful conversations with their parents, participate in family meals, or even leave the house unless there is no option but to do so. A few years ago, a convention center manager told me that many of the young males who
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participated in a gaming convention at his facility wore adult diapers so they would not have to get up from their consoles to use the bathroom. To get them to eat and drink, he had to threaten to unplug them. The mother of a 25-year-old man-child who fits the above description recently asked if there are “resources for parents” who are dealing with adult video game addicts. I have figured out that in this context the word “resources” is a euphemism for “stuff we can read or meetings we can attend to convince ourselves that we’re doing something when we have no real intention of doing anything but complaining endlessly to anyone who will listen.” When I suggest the “resource” of involuntary emancipation, these parents come up with one excuse after another, demonstrating that where there is an addict, there is often an enabler or enablers. Would that these parents had employed the very resourceful word “no” when these males first asked for a video game console. What America is discovering, and most painfully so, is that a lost adolescence often precedes a lost life. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
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Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony Set for Nov. 28
USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital invites the community to celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season on Tuesday, Nov. 28 during a special tree-lighting ceremony and holiday festival at the campus on Center Street in Midtown Mobile. This event is free and open to the public. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. local children’s choirs and other live acts will perform, Santa and Ronald McDonald will be on hand for photos and everyone can enjoy crafts and sweet treats such as cocoa, coffee and cookies. At dusk, a 50 foot tall tree will sparkle with more than 350,000 lights. A snow village will be on display inside the hospital's main lobby complete with a train that chugs through the winter wonderland. Parking will be available at USA’s new Strada Patient Care Center and Mitchell Cancer Institute.
Christ the King Youth Chili Cookoff
Christ the King Life Teen will hold its 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off Saturday, November 11. The CTK Life Teen Chili Cook Off is a family event filled with good food, music, inflatables and fun. Pre-sale tickets will cost $10 and tickets will be sold at the event for $15. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from a teen in the program, on Eventbrite. com or by calling 251-626-3992. In addition to the Cook Off, there will also be a Cornhole tournament with an entry fee of $25 per team of 2. For additional information, visit www.ctkdaphneyouth.org.This delicious event will take place from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the Christ the King Athletic Complex located at 1506 Main Street, Daphne.
Christmas Children’s Nutcracker Tea
Please join us December 2, for a funfilled afternoon of tea, delicious treats, and a delightful appearance by Mobile Ballet's Nutcracker Dancers. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for tea and treats, then at 4:00 p.m. the story of the Nutcracker will be read and the characters will appear. Bring your camera! Great photo opps are available with the characters in the majestic setting of the BraggMitchell Mansion at Christmas, which will be adorned in traditional holiday splendor, complete with a 12-foot Christmas tree. Tickets will be available mid-November through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) or you may call the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion at 251-471-6364. Seating is limited. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be obtained prior to the event.
20th Anniversary Bay Bash
Mobile Baykeeper is celebrating its 20th Anniversary Bay Bash, themed “Light Up The Bay”, on Friday, December 8 at GulfQuest Maritime Museum at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a silent auction on the beautiful riverfront of downtown Mobile. Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance, will be the featured guest speaker of the evening. This event will highlight Mobile Baykeeper’s 20 years of protecting the Mobile Bay Watershed and our coastal communities. Tickets are $75/person and $125/couple. To purchase tickets and learn more information, visit mobilebaykeeper.org/bay-bash or call 251-433-4229.
Boots & BBQ Barn Bash
The fourth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, November 9 from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music from local favorite cover band, The Bearded Spoon, and barbecue at Moe’s Barbeque located at 701 Springhill Avenue. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and enjoy s’mores, hayrides, and bonfires. Moe’s Original Bar B Que will provide their award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. Tickets are $40 and proceeds will provide funding for pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Melissa Manion to hold clinics in Mobile to treat the many children along the Gulf Coast suffering from autoimmune disorders such as pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. For more information, please visit www.give.childrensal.org/barnbash. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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Eighth Annual Turkey Take Out Seeking Donations and Volunteers to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving
Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre Presents “Peter Pan, Jr.”
Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) will present “Peter Pan, Jr.,” featuring over 70 students from Baldwin and Mobile counties. Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. Shows are November 3-5, at the Fairhope Civic Center. Shows begin at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 3 and 4, and a Sunday matinee will be offered at 2:00 p.m. on November 5. Tickets are on sale now at www.easternshorerep.org or can be purchased at the door on the day of the show if seats are still available. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and are non-refundable. For more information, visit www.easternshorerep.org.
Turkey Take Out is a partnership of community churches, organizations, and Foley Elementary School, established to provide families, many of whom are the families of students at Foley Elementary School and the Foley feeder schools such as Magnolia Springs, Swift, Summerdale, and Elberta, with a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day as well as nonperishable food items to fill the pantries of those in need. Turkey Take Out is calling on everyone to collect non-perishable food items and deliver to the following locations: Foley Elementary School, Foley City Hall/Civic Center, Christian Life Church Foley, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Foley. Churches or other organizations can also collect the food items to be delivered to Foley Elementary School by Friday, November 17. Turkey Take Out is in need of donations to buy the food for the Thanksgiving meal. A donation of $40 will feed a family of four. Donations can be made directly to Foley Elementary School or to any of the organizations listed above. Also, volunteers are still needed for the preparation of food, organization of non-perishable foods, packaging and delivery. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can go to the Turkey Take Out website at www.turkeytakeout.com.
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IMPACT Youth Theater to Present “Jack Frost”
IMPACT Youth Theater, a local performance group comprised primarily of homeschooled children in Baldwin County ages 3-18, announces their fall performance, “Jack Frost”. The performance will be held at the Daphne Civic Center, December 5, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and donations are welcomed. Concessions and a silent auction will also be available. For more info email impacttheaterreservations@gmail.com.
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Mobile Baykeeper Partners with WildNative Delta Safaris to Host Poker Paddle on the Delta
Mobile Baykeeper is partnering with WildNative Delta Safaris to host a “Poker Paddle on the Delta” on Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bartram Landing at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. The event is a waterbased scavenger hunt where participants will follow maps to designated points and collect as many cards in the sealed envelopes as they can before the buzzer sounds. The best poker hands win trophies and there is no advantage in finishing first. Registration is $35/boat and includes a souvenir T-shirt and entry to raffle prizes. Participants can bring their own boat or rent a canoe or kayak. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. To register, visit wildnativetours.com/specialevents.
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Upcoming Center Stage Performances to Include Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” and “Seussical Jr.”
Disney's “The Lion King Jr”. has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, the 60 member cast comprised of Baldwin County students in grades 4-12 has the opportunity to produce this one-of-a-kind musical for local audiences to enjoy. Show times are Friday, November 17 @ 6:30 p.m., Saturday, November 18 @ 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 19 @ 2:00 p.m. Center Stage Performance Grounded Troupe (K4-6th graders) will present “Seussical Jr.” at the Loxley Civic Center on November 9 & 10. Show times for Seussical, Jr. are Thursday, Nov. 9 & Friday, Nov. 10 @ 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.eventbrite.com, www.centerstageperformance. com or can be purchased at the door on the day of the show if seats are still available. General admission tickets are on sale for $10 for adults and $5 for students. Reserved seating tickets are limited, so purchase them soon before they are sold out. For more information, visit www.centerstageperformance.com.
Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee
The Junior League of Mobile (JLM) opens the doors to its annual holiday market, Christmas Jubilee, in downtown Mobile at Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on Wednesday, November 8. The 33rd annual event is jam packed with special events and shopping hours through Saturday, November 11. Christmas Jubilee is more than a holiday shopping market with over 100 merchants; it is also a great experience for families and friends to celebrate the holidays. This year we are excited to have author and football legend, Sherman Williams join our Preview Gala, entrepreneur Sister Schubert will speak at a luncheon on Thursday and local chef Lucy Buffett will sign her newest book on Friday night at Girl’s Night Out. Once again, we will host Santa’s Workshop on Saturday morning, where kids can make reindeer food, decorate holiday cookies, hear holiday stories and take their picture with Santa himself. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Discounts available for children, seniors, students, veterans and groups. Market hours are Thursday, November 9 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, November 10 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 11 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.JLMChristmasJubilee.org.
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5th Annual Stockton Sawmill Days
Join us Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. as we celebrate Stockton’s history and heritage as home to the first sawmill in the State of Alabama. Step back in time to the days when logging was done with draft animals. Witness log-rolling, pole climbing, cross-cut sawing, boom walking and other feats performed by professional lumberjacks. Stroll through living history demonstrations; Visit over 70 exhibits; Enjoy watching and tasting foods cooked in cast iron pots over open fires; Ride the river with Delta Safari and children can help churn butter, shell corn, and hunt for treasure in sawdust pile. Set up your lawn chair and tap your foot to the music performed throughout the day by Delta Reign, and other musical artists. Fresh fried catfish, cheese grits, turnip greens, corn bread, BBQ, roasted corn-on-the-cob, cracklings, funnel cakes, and buttermilk pie. Live Oak Landing St. Hwy. 225, Stockton, AL (approx. ¼ mile north of I-65). Admission: $15; Children under 12 Free. Visit our web site: www.stocktonsawmilldays.org for updated information.
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Original Oyster House to Offer Free Lunch to Veterans and Active Duty Military
The Original Oyster House restaurants will serve a free lunch or dinner to veterans and active military on Veteran’s Day, November 11, from 11 a.m. to close at the Gulf Shores and Mobile Causeway locations. Please show your military ID or wear your uniform so we can salute you in person and thank you for your sacrifice. “We want to thank all military personnel who served our country and who sacrifice so much in protecting our freedom. One way we can honor them is by providing a Gulf Coast seafood meal on Veteran’s Day. We also pay tribute to our service men and women with Military Mondays, providing military a 10% discount every Monday,” stated co-founder David Dekle. The Original Oyster House (OOH) has two locations, Mobile: 3733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway and Gulf Shores: 701 Hwy 59 on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk. or more information about the Original Oyster House, visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/veterans or call 251-928-2620.
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Bellingrath Gardens and Home Magic Christmas in Lights
It’s one of the nation’s best holiday light shows, and it’s right here in south Alabama! Bellingrath Gardens and Home presents the 22nd season of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2017. The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Opening Night is Friday, Nov. 24. The show will continue nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. Families enjoy strolling the grounds together, taking holiday photos, drinking cocoa on Live Oak Plaza and visiting Santa Claus in the Magnolia Café. Magic Christmas in Lights also includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home, which will be open for tours and decorated in full holiday finery. Military Mondays are back! For details about Magic Christmas in Lights, or to order tickets, visit our website, www.bellingrath.org. Online ticket sales begin on Nov. 1.
Children's Dance Theater of Fairhope presents “The Lorax & Friends”
Children's Dance Theater of Fairhope proudly announces our 2017 production, “The Lorax & Friends” coming Friday, November 17, at the Fairhope Civic Center. Our entertaining and imaginative dance interpretations of your favorite tales have all the classic elements, presented in new ways, sure to delight at any age. Showtime is 7 p.m. Ticket prices for public performances are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Tickets are available at the Creative Outlet Dance Center, or at the door on the day of the show. 15
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
Old Wives’ Tales Anyone who has ever had a baby knows that other people LOVE to give you their opinion on how to raise YOUR child. It can come from anyone—family members, friends, co-workers, and oftentimes, strangers in the store. Of course, if you get ten different opinions, what do you get? Ten different answers! At the end of the day, no one has bad intentions for raising your child, but indirectly, they can lead to confusion, stress, and sometimes can actually cause harm! The statement “we did it when you were little and you are fine” doesn’t cut it. Just because you specifically turned out OK doesn’t mean it was right. Today let’s review some common wives’ tales and how to really address those issues with your child. The most common confusion is with fever. Fever phobia is perpetuated by old wives’ tales stating that fever will cause brain damage and serious injury to your child. Of course this is false. Fever is our body’s way of letting us know there is an infection and it actually helps fight off that infection. A true fever is anything equal or greater than 100.4 F. Anything less is NOT fever. There is no such thing as a low grade fever! You either have a temperature of 100.4 F or greater, or not! You cannot tell a child’s temperature by touching their forehead. In addition, never “add a degree” to a temperature if it’s taken
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
under the arm. This myth has been spread by daycares and some healthcare workers and makes no sense! Take the temp and see what you have. Finally, never alternate fever-reducing medications to lower the child’s temperature. This can be extremely dangerous. Pick one and use it appropriately. In the end, it does not matter what the actual temperature value is! You either have a fever, or you don’t! What is most important is what other symptoms are going on with the fever. OK, fever is now clear. So what else is out there? I get asked all the time about frequency of bathing a newborn. For the most part, they only have to be bathed every few days. However, if it’s part of a working nighttime routine, then go for it! No right or wrong here—whatever you want to do! Another is bouncing or standing a baby on their legs that will lead to “bow-leggedness!” This is false, so bounce away! And what about picking up your baby every time they cry? “You will spoil them!” Again, this is false. Babies less than four months of age have limited self-soothing techniques, so, pick them up! It’s OK! Finally, if your child will have more than five minutes of direct sun exposure, then put sunscreen on them. It’s better to have a rash from sunscreen than to have a sunburned baby.
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Last, but not least, is feeding. First of all, we never recommend water for any babies less than six months of age. It can really mess up the electrolytes in an infant’s blood stream and can lead to seizures. Next, if your baby is on formula, it is NOT OK to start trying all the different types because your child was crying, or gassy, or spitting up. Most of these issues can be resolved with other methods. But each time you change a formula, it can take a week to get used to it! So each frequent change will never work. Some babies need different formula types, but these changes should be made with consulting your doctor. Finally, giving rice cereal will not help a baby sleep through the night and when you give it, never put rice cereal in a bottle. So what do you do when someone give you advice? Smile, be polite and say thank you, and then call your doctor. Most times, it’s a simple yes or no and that can make all the difference! Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.
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Autauga County Schools
Wax Museum at BMES
Gulf Shores Middle School Wins Volleyball County Championship
The Gulf Shores Middle School 8th grade girls’ volleyball team earned first place in the County Championship on Thursday, October 12! They had an undefeated season and played strong in the final game against Spanish Fort. Congratulations to these Lady Dolphins and Coach Victoria Roberson.
Sixth grade students in Stacey Sheils’ class at Bay Minette Elementary School hosted a “wax museum” recently. The students have been learning about biographies and as a culminating activity the students chose famous people to read about and report on. They presented the information to other classes and everyone learned a lot in a very fun way. Pictured, Tyris Reed was a realistic Ben Franklin!
Rockwell Exceeds Goal in Boosterthon Fun Run!
Fairhope Middle School Red Ribbon Committee
The faculty and staff at Fairhope Middle School recently selected 8th grade student, Ella Prewett, as the school’s Red Ribbon leader for the 2017-18 anti-drug campaign. Ella and the other committee members were responsible for the school-wide activities during the week of October 23 through October 27. Pictured are Ella and the committee members: Jackson McKenzie, Logan Lanicek, Laney Parks, and Davis Amare.
Recently, Rockwell held its annual fall fundraiser by hosting a Boosterthon Fun Run! The teachers and students had fun focusing on fitness, leadership and character through the Boosterthon Castle Quest theme. Over 85% of the students participated by getting pledges and over 98% of the pledges have been fulfilled. The students exceeded the school’s goal. Way to go Rockwell Students!
Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore Awards the Crown of Character at Fairhope Intermediate School
In 2012, the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore implemented a new project, Crown of Character, to recognize fifth grade students with good character. Pictured are fifth grade students at FIS who received the award for the first quarter. Fifth grade students are chosen by faculty to receive the Crown of Character Award. These students exemplify one or all of the five points represented in the Junior Auxiliary crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership, and Service. Students are pictured with JAES members Courtney Osborne, Holly Reineck, Lauri Koheler, and Mindy Smith. Also pictured is motivational speaker, Billy Brown. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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Congressman Bradley Byrne Visits Newton
In honor of Constitution Week, student leaders at Newton School enjoyed an informative presentation by Congressman Bradley Byrne. J. Larry Newton’s sixth graders, Peer Helpers, Guys with Ties, Leading Ladies, and GEP students were asked to consider: what makes a good leader? Congressman Byrne shared three important traits that any leader should develop: great listening, a strong team, and a passion for what you do. The audience had some wonderful questions for the representative including, “Who is your favorite president?” and “What is your favorite amendment to the Constitution? Newton students are having a great time preparing themselves for a lifetime of leadership!
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Bayshore Christian School’s Fall Festival
Bayshore Christian School’s annual fall festival, known as BCS EagleFest, will be held Saturday, November 4, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the BCS Soccer Field. There will be games, prizes, food, and more. Please mark your calendars for this fun day of family fellowship! The whole community is invited! If you are interested in helping, being a sponsor, or have any other questions, please email eaglefestbcs@gmail.com.
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Foley Elementary Cultivates Leader Mentality
Students and staff at Foley Elementary School are putting their Leader in Me qualities into practice. Foley Elementary is proud to be recognized as a "The Leader in Me" school. This program teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
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Autauga County Schools
Fairhope High School Homecoming Court
Fairhope High School announces the 2017-2018 Homecoming Court. The court from left to right: Mary Ann Miller, Elizabeth Coleman, Sofia Gambino, Mia McConnell, Paige Mackey, Faith McKenzie, Caroline Davis, Ashlan Evans, CeCe DeCorte, Sadie Wright, Mary Carlyn Fidler, Molly Meilunas, and Molly Walding.
In Mrs. Tammy Shirley’s first grade class at Gulf Shores Elementary School, the students recently read a story about pigs. Afterward, they researched and learned about pigs, wrote their opinion about pigs, and made their own pig. They loved it! Pictured left to right: Jacob Aurioles, Isabela Cardwell, William Childress, and Teague Bryant.
Gulf Shores Elementary’s SGA
Gulf Shores Elementary School is proud to present our new 2017-2018 SGA Officers! From left to right: Lauren Calvert– President, Raeleigh Boesel–VicePresident, Madison Marshall–Secretary, Henley Hollis–Treasurer.
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
Gulf Shores Elementary’s First Grade Pigs
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Makerspaces at Daphne East Library
Mrs. Lauderdale, Daphne East Elementary library media specialist, has started introducing Makerspaces to her 1st, 2nd, and 6th grade classes recently. Makerspace activities include Legos and Coding. The students really enjoyed it and look forward to more Makerspace activities in the library this year. Pictured are students from Janet Baxter’s 1st grade class (bottom photo) and 6th grade students from Tanya Seibert’s 6th grade class (top photo).
Bay Minette Middle School Students Attend World of Opportunity
s Eighth graders at Bay Minette Middle School recently took part in the World of Opportunity Career Expo in Mobile. Sponsored by the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council, the Expo offered more than 9,000 area eighth graders the chance for a hands-on, interactive career exploration experience led by business professionals from eleven key South Alabama industries. This year's Career Expo showcased 11 different industries, called “Worlds," including: Aerospace and Aviation; Computer & Information Technology; Construction; Energy; Engineering and Design; Healthcare; Hospitality & Tourism; Manufacturing; Shipbuilding & Repair, Public Service, and Safety.
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Autauga County Schools WOW Winners from Pine Grove
Orange Beach Elementary Students Learn About Respect and Kindness
At Pine Grove Elementary, we chose our WOW winners as part of a weekly incentive program. Students exhibiting the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, as part of The Leader in Me, were given golden “WOW” tickets throughout the day by faculty and staff for exceptional behavior and acts of kindness. Pictured, Aziah Reynolds; Kyree Thompson; Kennedi Hurst; Isabella Gonzalez; Kirstyn Jackson; Korea Reynolds; Ava Clem; Braylin Hunter; Keegan Edington; Katelyn Palmer.
OBES School Counselor Mrs. Minto shares a book with Ms. Brunick's first grade class at Orange Beach Elementary School. Students learned about personal space, being respectful of others, and showing kindness toward others.
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Cookie Dough Fundraiser at Robertsdale Elementary
The cookie dough fundraiser at Robertsdale Elementary is in full swing! Students who sell 18 items or more will get to ride in this beautiful hummer and get a pizza party. These second graders are getting a close-up view of one of the hummers and making plans to be on board for the celebration!
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Bayside Academy Students Donate More Than $2730 to Red Cross Hurricane-Relief Efforts
Bayside Academy Intermediate and Upper School students presented a check in the amount of $2731.03 to a local Red Cross representative in support of hurricane-relief efforts. The check was presented during an Upper School assembly. In addition, Intermediate School students raised more than $925 in spare change that was donated directly to Red Cross via a Coinstar machine. “I am so proud of these students for living our school’s core values and showing such compassion to others who live on the Gulf Coast,” said Head of School Michael Papa. Bayside’s core values include community, leadership, responsibility, respect, integrity and excellence. Michael Brown, Executive Director of the South Alabama chapter of the American Red Cross, expressed gratitude to students during the assembly. “Tens of thousands of people appreciate your help,” he said, adding that many Florida evacuees sought shelter in Baldwin County during and after Hurricane Irma.
King Day for a
NOV 28 • 6:30PM Saenger Theatre
ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Mobile, AL — VIP TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! — danieltigerlive.com Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood © 2017 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved. The PBS KIDS logo is a registered trademark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used with permission.
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Autauga County Schools
Baldwin County High School FBLA Students Win Big at Competition
Future Business Leaders of America members from Baldwin County High School took part in a county-wide competition at Coastal Alabama Community College. BCHS students competed in five categories and placed in all five including three first place awards. What a great accomplishment! Representing BCHS included: Daniel Simpson, Kolby Wrightson, Dylan Milstid, James Dixon, Cross McReynolds, Wil Dobbins, Keri Cooper, Jacob Myers and Hailey Morrow. First place awards included: team of Dylan Milstid and James Dixon, Website Design; Wil Dobbins, Impromptu Speech; and Hailey Morrow, Public Speaking. Second place awards included: Daniel Simpson, Public Speaking; team of Kolby Wrightson and Jacob Myers, Public Service Announcement. FBLA President Cross McReynolds won third place in Job Interview. BCHS sponsors for the Future Business Leaders of America includes Jolie Jones, Cherrie Wiggins and Jason Selph. Jolie Jones said the students represented their school very well. "It is not a surprise to us that they did well as we teach them each day and are continually impressed with their intelligence and creativity," she said.
Cross County at St. Michael Catholic HS
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Sophomore Daniel Matthews and Freshmen Dominic Murphy and Edward Cowles are off to a great start representing St. Michael Catholic High School in their inaugural season. Go Cardinals!
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LIFETIME To learn more about pre-k–12 education at Bayshore call 251-929-0011 or visit BayshoreChristian.org. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
Christian, Classical, Life-Preparatory
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September Leader of the Month at Elsanor School
Congratulations to the following Elsanor School students for being selected as Leader of the Month for September: Christopher Mennicucci, Mariah Orosco, Logan Gregson, Matthew LaFrenier, Cameron Cain, Amari Fooladi, Michael Tierce, Abigail McDonald, Braydon Guess, Cheyenne Jones, Hayden Hernandez, Jesse Dozier, Roger Lagos, Baine Brill, Shammah Green, Lorelei Brown, Lori Riggan, and Elaina Anderson.
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Spanish Fort HS Dual Enrollment Classes Earning College Credit
Mrs. McBee’s dual enrollment English classes will finish English 101 in December and begin English 102 in January. By the time they graduate, these students will have had the opportunity to earn 4 college English credits!
370 South Section Street
Fairhope Middle School Students Adopt Houston Classroom
Mrs. M.K. Bishop’s 8th grade social studies class at Fairhope Middle School adopted an 8th grade classroom impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The class at Marshall Middle School in Houston serves a disadvantaged community and its teacher, Mrs. Jones, usually helps provide her students with school supplies. The FMS students have pitched in to aid students in her classroom by donating needed items. Pictured are members of M.K. Bishop’s class. 25
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Fairhope Elementary Kicks off Monthly Bike to School Days
Newton Art Teacher Creates Wings
More than 50 Fairhope Elementary students, plus many parents and siblings, biked to school on October 6. The event is the first of monthly Bike to School Days taking place on first Fridays through May. Families are encouraged to bike with their children to school to emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, fostering bicycle safety, reducing traffic congestion and creating respect for the environment. Educational flyers that promote safety and provide tips for both bicyclists and drivers were sent home with every student before the event. Families that live farther from school are encouraged to park nearby and then bike. At every Bike to School event, participating students receive a colorful spoke bead to put on their bikes. For more information and safety tips, visit Facebook.com/BikeToSchoolFairhope. Pictured here - Percy Jane Hardman and George Hardman.
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Newton art teacher, Davina Gwin, provided an uplifting experience for students and their families during this year’s open house event! During the previous year, students helped Mrs. Gwin create an elaborate and beautiful pair of wings. The completed interactive mural encourages students to answer the questions, “What lifts you?” and “What can you do to lift others?” The stunning artwork is based on a mural by artist Kelsey Montague that Ms. Gwin visited in Nashville. The Newton School family knows that Ms. Gwin lifts them!
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Spanish Fort HS Librarian Receives LAMP Award
SFHS Media Specialist, Melissa Murphy, is awarded the Herman Moore LAMP Award for exceptional service to Alabama Libraries by Alabama Library Expo.
Elsanor School’s Red Ribbon Representative
Congratulations to Kaylee Jones for being selected as the Red Ribbon Representative for Elsanor School. Kaylee is a 6th grade student in Mrs. Amanda Miller’s class.
Gulf Shores Art Contest Winner
Congratulations to Gulf Shores Elementary School fourth grader Davis Stephenson for winning the Second Annual College Counts Smart Art Contest for this entire area. This contest is to engage fourth grade students in thinking about what they want to do when they grow up and how a college education can help them achieve it. It is sponsored by the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office. Pictured (l to r) are 4th grade teacher Kelly Green, Davis Stephenson, Principal Amy Hiller and Counselor Lyle Cooper.
* Now Accepting Rising 9 th - 12 th Graders for the 2018-2019 Year *
Tours available daily! FOR MORE INFORMATION, call 251-459-0210 Jenny Kopf | jkopf@stmichaelchs.org Trin Ollinger | tollinger@stmichaelchs.org
PRIORITY ADMISSIONS
PLACEMENT TEST* DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
4
OR
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9:00-10:30 AM (in the cafeteria) at St. Michael Catholic High School. RSVP to mmurphy@stmichaelchs.org or call 251-459-0210
Choose One! * Not sure yet? No problem! We recommend you go through the application process to register for the placement test - you can make a final decision in January. Apply online at www.stmichaelchs.org.
APPLY ONLINE: STMICHAELCHS.ORG 27
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Autauga County Schools
See You at the Pole at Bay Minette Elementary
Students across the globe have gathered at their school flag poles for over 25 years to pray for their schools, communities, nations, and the world. Approximately 175 students and staff of Bay Minette Elementary students in the upper grades met at their flag pole and were led in prayer by Alex Craft from Bay Minette First Baptist Church. The 2017 theme is “Fix Our Eyes� and it encourages students to lay aside all distractions and devote time and attention to prayer.
Lunch of Leaders at Gulf Shores Middle School
SGA students and sponsor Ms. Weaver hosted its first Lunch of Leaders! Students were nominated by a teacher for being an outstanding student and were treated to a special lunch. We will be hosting Lunch of Leaders once a month and each month a different set of leaders will be invited! #gsmsmomentum #baldwinproud
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St. Michael Catholic HS Club Collects Supplies for Hurricane Victims Members of the Service Club at St. Michael Catholic High School collected supplies for victims of Hurricane Harvey and sent them to the families of Cristo Rey Catholic School in Houston.
Congratulations to the GSMS Sweet Potato Cook-Off Winners! Pictured L-R, the first place winner was Taylor Bailey with her Sweet Potato Cupcake, the second place winner was Dylan Powell with his Sweet Potato Pound Cake, and the third place winner was Shyla Jennings with her Supreme Sweet Potato Muffins.
Robertsdale Elementary Picture Day
It's picture day at Robertsdale Elementary! These second graders in Mrs. Randall's second grade class had fun being out of uniform for fall pictures!
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Gulf Shores Middle School Sweet Potato Cook-Off Winners
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Autauga County Schools
Little Miss HoneyBee 2017
23 contestants from all over Baldwin County participated in the Little Miss HoneyBee Pageant. This year’s Little Miss Honey Bee is Addison Elizabeth Kucera, daughter of Micheal and Ashley Kucera of Silverhill. Winners of Queens Court are Addison Lyles, Railey Black, Emme Kate Lynn, Caroline Taylor, Addison Elizabeth Kucera (Little Miss HoneyBee), Portia Hollis, Emma Kate Pavlista. The proceeds from this year’s Pageant benefit the Food for Backpacks program. Thank you to our board and RHS JV cheer for helping put on this event. Thank you to sponsors: Racine's Feed, Hub City Florist, Savoon Mamas Soaps, Bridget Hoffman door hangers, Alabama Plastic Surgery, Stephane & Darlene of Lula Roe, Robertsdale Elementary for use of facility, and Central Baldwin Education Foundation for approving and adding the pageant to be affiliated with the HoneyBee festival held in October at HoneyBee park. Every year the Robertsdale feeder pattern schools benefit from the festival. Central Baldwin Education Foundation makes this possible!
Bay Minette Middle School Cub Club Creates Fall Art
Bay Minette Middle School students in the Cub Club took part in a special painting activity with students in Lisa Arnold’s class. The students worked together to create beautiful fall art decorations!
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Bayshore Christian School’s Fall Tour Day
Bayshore Christian School will be hosting their Fall Tour Day on November 14 at 8:30 a.m. BCS is a classical Christian school for grades K4-12. They offer middle school, JV, and Varsity athletics along with a host of extracurricular activities such as piano lessons, a chess team, and a Lego club. If you are interested in learning more about Bayshore and the classical Christian education they offer, please make plans to attend. You will have the chance to tour the campus, meet current BCS students, and discover what makes a BCS education stand out. Questions may be directed to the school office at 251-929-0011, or check out their website at www.bayshorechristian.org for information.
Bayside’s Grandparents Day Draws Enthusiastic Crowd
More than 500 grandparents attended Bayside Academy’s 2017 Grandparents Day hosted recently by students in grades PK–6. The day started with grandparents convening in The Pilot Center, where they enjoyed student performances of various songs and a video recapping the past year’s campus activities. Presiding as masters of ceremony were Class of 2018 legacies Mary Frances West and Will Wright. In his welcome remarks, Head of School Michael Papa said, “We commit ourselves to igniting your grandchildren’s innate curiosities, inspiring and supporting their interests and passions, and building their confidence as well as their habits of mind.” After the presentation, students escorted grandparents to their classrooms to meet teachers and show them projects and artwork. The event culminated with noon dismissal for grades PK–6 so that students could take their grandparents to lunch.
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Autauga County Schools
Orange Beach Elementary’s October Kiwanis Terrific Kid
Pictured left, PreK – 2nd Grades: Front Row (left to right): Sloane Stephens, Kate Hampton, Bruno Motta, Aenea Ganey, Samuel Fowler. Back Row (left to right): Mr. Moss (Principal), Ivy Anderson, Jake Watts, William Woerner, Mae Margaret Reed, Owen Cotter, Jason Jackson (Kiwanis Representative). Pictured right, 3rd – 6th Grades: Front Row (left to right): Mary Elliott Griffin, Reece Wilmott, Eli Haber, Marina Hammett, Kakki Law. Back Row (left to right): Mr. Moss (Principal), Haylee Pressly, Murphy Rose Cunningham, Eli Lynn, Zane Cahoon, Amelia Kozyuk, Libby Tierce, Jason Jackson (Kiwanis Representative), Matthew Pressly (not pictured).
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Baldwin County HS JROTC Flying Tigers Take to the Sky
The Baldwin County High School Air Force JROTC Flying Team enjoyed a field trip to the Bay Minette Municipal Airport. The students were afforded the opportunity to experience flying in a civil aircraft. They were also treated to a tour of the facility to learn more about the operation.
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St. Michael Catholic HS Homecoming Queen 2017-18
Junior Ryan Russo was crowned as the 2017 Homecoming Queen at St. Michael Catholic School's Homecoming football game on September 29.
Senior Convocation for Bayside Academy’s Class of 2018
Valerie Schwartz, Head of Admissions, North Carolina State’s Institute for Advanced Analytics, served as keynote speaker at Bayside Academy’s Class of 2018 Senior Convocation on September 27. Bayside seniors, their parents and students in grades 9–12 attended this ceremony, which honors seniors and calls them to be leaders. The ceremony took place in The Pilot Center Theatre on the school’s campus. Head of School Michael Papa addressed the seniors, saying, “Today is an important day for you, but it is also an important day for our school. Because today we pass the torch of leadership to you. … Carry it proudly and lead us well.” In her remarks, Ms. Schwartz advised Bayside’s seniors to be themselves, embrace uncertainty, push themselves outside their comfort zones, take responsibility for their decisions and not compare themselves to others. Most of all, Ms. Schwartz encouraged Bayside’s Class of 2018 to have fun and enjoy the journey. Pictured, Valerie Schwartz keynote speaker is pictured with Director of College Counseling Mary Ann Willis (right) and College Counselor Ellen Blackwell (left).
Infant - 6 years old
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Experience the Weinacker’s Difference.
Eastern Shore Location
28765 N. Main Street • Daphne, AL
WeinackersMontessori.com
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Autauga County Schools
Bay Minette Elementary Observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Bay Minette Elementary School helped close out Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by allowing students to wear gold in honor of the observance. The Lemons into Lemonade Childhood Cancer Stand was also set up on campus for students to visit. Proceeds from this benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and its effort to raise money and awareness of childhood cancer causes, primarily for research into new treatments and cures. The volunteers received extra help from members of the Kappa League. Bay Minette Elementary School has three students – Starla Chapman, Xavier Lee and Emery Guy – who are cancer survivors. Starla was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Xavier was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, Stage 4, and Emery was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphona, Stage 3. All three are now in remission and thriving at BMES.
Spanish Fort HS FCCLA Holds Bake Sale to Benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims
FCCLA has a huge bake sale as a fundraiser for “Toros for Texas” support from Hurricane Harvey.
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YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND. SO ARE WE. Come take a closer look Please Join Us FUtUre admirals oPen HoUse For Grades PK-12 tUesday, november 14 • 9 a.m. tUesday, FebrUary 6 • 9 a.m. For details, please visit www.baysideacademy.org or call 251.338.6446.
35 Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to students in grades PK-12. www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
New PE Coach for Orange Beach Elementary
Charles Scofield, the new PE Coach at Orange Beach Elementary School, and Gary Hollis are keeping the competition stiff for the 6th graders this year. Pictured, the students are anxiously waiting for Coach Scofield to mark the new standings for the flag football teams. Coach Scofield is from Greenville, Alabama, and a recent graduate in Physical and Health Education. He says he is enjoying his new home in “Paradise”. “I am enjoying teaching and sometimes participating in sports with the students. I feel very fortunate to be in such a great school system surrounded by such a supportive staff and community. I am very happy to be a part of the Marlin family!”
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Robertsdale Elementary Second Graders Have Butterflies
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Robertsdale Elementary students in Mrs. Randall's second grade class enjoyed learning the life cycle of a butterfly as they were able to experience it for themselves in their butterfly garden!
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Builders Club Collects for Hurricane Relief
Members of the Fairhope Middle School Builders Club collected $3,000 in donations for hurricane relief. The donations were a combination of proceeds from an out of uniform day, an anonymous gift, and a substantial contribution from Kiwanis Club of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore. The donations were presented by the Builders Club to the South Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross for their relief efforts. Pictured left, members of Builders Club accept $1,000 donation from representatives of the Kiwanis Club of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore. Pictured right, Mr. Mike Brown, Executive Director of the South Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross, with members of the FMS Builders Club (Johanna Mondragon, Josie Howell, Sarah Lu Priester, and Georgia Williams) and representatives from the Kiwanis Club of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore (Mark Kellerman and Alan Barnes).
See You at the Pole
Students around the country joined in prayer at their school’s flag pole on September 27, and Bayshore Christian School was no different. Students, families, and friends of BCS met at 7 a.m. to participate in a time of worship and prayer for our country and their school. It was a blessing to see students join together in the name of their faith.
Get up close with the most curious little monkey, Curious George, and follow his lead, engaging in math, science and engineering activities modeled after his own adventures.
Including meet and greet with Curious George, birthday party packages, special events, storytimes, and more! Curious George television series merchandise © Universal Studios. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H. A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All rights reserved.
located at 65 government st. • Mobile, AL 36602 • 251-208-6893 • www.exploreum.com The Gulf Coast Exploreum is grateful to its presenting sponsors Mobile County, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, Austal, Delaney Foundation, Dee and Jim Gambill, Moses Foundation, Mobile Area Water and Sewer, WKRG, and Thompson Engineering, who partnered with us to bring this exhibit to Mobile.
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Autauga County Schools
Sea Cadets Drill with Cadets from Mississippi
Cadets from Gulf Port, MS joined Dunlap Division for September drill. Both Units had the privilege to observe a Chief pinning ceremony with the US Navy. Four new Chiefs from the USS Manchester received their Anchors. After the ceremony the cadets toured the USS Alabama, the USS Drum, and the grounds at Battleship Parkway. They participated in a scavenger hunt aboard the USS Alabama, finding facts like how much ice cream the crew needed and what famous baseball player was once part of the crew. The cadets had the opportunity to experience “life� on a battleship, eating in the galley and sleeping overnight in the bunks. Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages ten to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge on our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Center in Mobile, the cadets are under no obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist the are usually eligible to enlist at a higher pay grade. The program does offer ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www.seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at Dunlap.seacadets@gmail.com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision.
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Gulf Shores Swim Team Having a Great Season
The Gulf Shores Swim Team finished in 2nd place at the recent Pensacola Harvest Classic Swim Meet held at the David L. Bodenhamer Center in Gulf Shores. The Dolphins took 27 swimmers to the 7 team meet. Southern Water Aquatics and TNT were the first and third place teams respectively. The meet was held September 16 and 17. Pensacola Navy Youth was the host team for this annual fall event. Three team records were broken during the meet. Jack Biggs, age 8, set new marks in the 50 yard Backstroke and the 100 yard Freestyle for his age group. Serah Smith, age 8, broke a record in the 50 yard Breaststroke that had been on the record board for 9 years. Five Gulf Shores swimmers won high point recognition in their age groups. Serah Smith and Jack Biggs were the High Point winners in the 8 and Under age groups. Kimberly Lee won the Girls open division. Murray Reed, age 9, and Macy Manni, age 13, were High Point runner ups in their age groups. Some of the highlights for the Gulf Shores Dolphins include the following. The team won 25 of the 118 events for individuals. The team also captured 3 of the 10 relay races during the weekend. Head Coach Brook Hopkins made special mention of the performances of Liam Bickham and Thomas Schultz. Both young men competed in the 11-12 year old age group. Coach Hopkins said, “Thomas and Liam are relatively new to the sport, but they are exceeding my performance expectations at meets and in the daily practices. I love their ‘can do’ attitudes.” The fall schedule for the Gulf Shores Dolphins Swim Team includes the War Eagle Invitational on October 13 and the Gravy Bowl Invitational on November 17. December will find the Dolphins at home in the Holiday Invitational hosted by PNY. For further information about the Gulf Shores Swim Team, contact the Aquatics Director for the City of Gulf Shores, Brook Hopkins, at 251-968-1427. The Swim Team practices at the Bodenhamer Center in Gulf Shores 5 days per week. Pictured, Liam Bickham (left),12, of Gulf Shores; and Thomas Shultz (right),12, of Foley.
Celebrate A Sweet Season
LARGEST GULF COAST HOLIDAY MARKET 100+ Merchants
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NOVEMBER 9–11, 2017 MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER GENERAL ADMISSION: $10 IN ADVANCE • $12 AT DOOR BUY TICKETS AT 39
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Autauga County Schools
Successful Homecoming Week at Bayshore Christian Bayshore Christian School recently wrapped up a fun week of Homecoming activities. For spirit week, students dressed up in their best 80s attire, Disney costume, green apparel, and sports uniform. Each day a different student received the Best Dressed Award. To prepare for Friday’s athletic events, students participated in a pep rally and spirit walk. The BCS Volleyball team beat Aletheia Christian School to capture a Homecoming win. The next night, 7th-12th graders danced the night away at the Homecoming Dance. It was a great week of Eagle spirit at Bayshore’s campus!
Bayside Academy Debuts Admiral TV
The first broadcast of Admiral TV aired September 26 at Bayside Academy’s Upper School SGA assembly. The segment was reported, edited, shot and produced by students in Bayside’s new video production class. The class is taught by Douglas Robertson, Bill Rowan and Catt Sirten. Bayside journalism students anchored the broadcast. The five-minute spot included segments on new campus recycling procedures, the Academic Coaching Center for Excellence (ACCE) and inductees into Bayside’s 2017 Hall of Fame. The segment closed with a rundown of weekly announcements. Anchors in the segment were Bayside journalism students: junior Taylor Hartley and sophomore Geneva Martin. Ultimately Bayside’s video production class will integrate photojournalism, print journalism, television, web/livestream/video and social media platforms. Students will be expected to create content for each outlet: print, web and video/television. The program offers students hands-on experience providing them with a competitive advantage when they look for a job after college. Weekly Admiral TV broadcasts and other programming will be posted on the Bayside Academy Livestream channel throughout the school year. Pictured, L to R: Freshman Alexander Hunter films junior Taylor Hartley and sophomore Geneva Martin for Admiral TV as part of Bayside’s new video production class.
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He’s becoming a man Q. My son is about to go off to college, and I’m concerned about how he’ll handle his money when he gets there. We’ve taught all our children how to use your envelope system, and to save and give, but I’d like some advice on how he can safeguard his finances a little better. A. If you haven’t already covered it, he needs to learn to utilize a debit card and reconcile a checking account. Set the account up in your name and his, so you can follow what’s going on in the account. If there’s an issue, this gives you easy access so that a minor incident doesn’t become a huge problem. Right now, the best way for him to learn is to make educated, informed decisions
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
on his own and to stand on his own two feet. You’re there for guidance at this point — not control. I’d let him use a debit card, cash, and have a few simple envelopes for expenses. Also, he needs to report back to you monthly what’s going on with the budget. What I’m talking about here isn’t control; it’s a simple, regular review and coaching session on finances. This is an exciting time in your lives. You’ve laid a foundation, and it’s time for this little one to spread his wings a bit. Together, you can make sure he’s learning and living the way a young man should!
Where do I put the money? Q. I have a savings account for my twoyear old that has $5,000 in it, and about half of that is in gold. I’m going to save
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for his college separately, and give this to him to help start his life after school. Is there a better place to put this other than a traditional savings account? A. First of all, you should not invest in gold. Gold is a very volatile, very dangerous investment. I don’t have a dime invested in gold, and I would strongly suggest that you not invest in it, either. If you take a look at the life-long track record on gold it will scare you to death. For the time being, you can leave it all in a traditional savings account. But if he’s not going to use it for many, many years you could move it into a conservative mutual fund. In fact, you started when he was at such young age, a nice, conservative mutual fund might be a really good idea. When he gets a little older, he can start adding to it himself from the money he makes from odd jobs and chores and such. After 15 years or so, thanks to your foresight and his contributions, he’ll probably wind up with a pretty nice chunk of cash.
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Tech Gifts -- For People Who Truly Need Them These days gift-giving holidays are all about gadgets—cellphones, educational toys and smart devices for the home. Families lucky enough to take technology for granted have a big advantage. Not only do they have the fun of giving the latest techno-gizmos, they are also more comfortable figuring out how things work, navigating virtual spaces and doing the inevitable problem-solving. Since technology plays such a big part in education as well as adulthood, it would be great if everyone had easy, early access. Instead, we face what’s often been called a digital divide. Families that don’t have ready access to technology often fall behind, creating a bigger gap between haves and have nots. During the holidays, when people who have more look for opportunities to share with people who have less, it’s worth thinking beyond warm mittens and turkey dinners. Consider participating in one of these efforts to make the digital divide less of a chasm.
1. Donate money. The simplest way to get technology into the hands of kids who wouldn’t otherwise have it is to donate to wellrun organizations. • One Laptop Per Child has an ambitious goal—get a rugged, connected low-cost computer into the hands of every child in the world. The laptops weigh less than a lunchbox and come equipped with simple software that allows children to read, write, record, measure and make music. With partners around the world and in low-income regions of the US, they have already distributed over 2.5 million computers. (one.laptop.org) • The Rural Technology Fund was founded by a tech executive who had limited access to computers when he was growing up in rural Kentucky. His organization helps out-of-the-way schools get equipment and books that will ignite a “spark” for studying electronics, programming Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
or engineering. The organization also gives scholarships to students from rural communities who hope to pursue careers in technology. (ruraltechfund.org)
2. Adopt a classroom. Public schools
are another way to give kids access to technology. Teachers usually know what would make a difference in their classrooms, and playing Santa can be very rewarding. • Your local school district. Find out if teachers at your child’s school have technology on their wishlists. Or make a gift to your local school foundation. If your district is affluent, consider reaching out to a school in a community that has more challenges. • Donors Choose is one of several websites that give teachers a chance to explain how they would use specific pieces of equipment. The site makes it possible to search by location or curriculum. In many cases, a relatively modest donation will put current technology in the hands of teachers eager to use it with their students. (donorschoose.org)
3. Donate Equipment. If family members get tech gifts during the holidays, you may have used equipment to donate. Or share the joy by giving another child a game your child loves. • The Non-Profit Locator helps donors identify local organizations that might need equipment they aren’t using anymore. Enter a zip code to get a list of local agencies and detailed information about the kinds of equipment they could use. (www.donatetechnology.com) • Child’s Play gets video games to children’s hospitals and shelters for kids who have experienced domestic violence. A map on their website shows the organizations in their network. Each group has an Amazon wishlist 44
which usually features popular video games and systems. The website also includes a helpful guide to “therapeutic games” that help children cope with pain, boredom and anxiety. (childsplaycharity.org)
4. Volunteer. The holidays are also an excellent time to make resolutions about doing good in the new year. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a geek, there are ways to help children learn about technology. • Code.org hopes to make computer science a standard part of the curriculum just like biology or chemistry. The group provides lesson plans for grades K-12 and organizes an annual Hour of Code campaign which has reached 10% of all students in the world. They actively recruit volunteers to help with the Hour of Code and equip them with a helpful toolkit. (code.org/ volunteer/guide.) • Community Corp identifies volunteer opportunities for people who have more technical expertise. Their search engine allows you to find virtual or in-person projects in a variety of areas (communitycorps.org)
5. Set up passive donations. Perhaps the easiest way to support these (and other) charities is registering with a site that makes a microdonation every time you do something simple like searching or shopping online. • Goodsearch is an ordinary search engine powered by Yahoo that makes a tiny donation to a chosen charity each time you search. For families that do a lot of research, the numbers add up. Their sister site, GoodShop, makes it easy to donate a fraction of every of every online purchase to good causes. • Giving Assistant is a coupon marketplace that offers discounts from big retailers like Best Buy, Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond. A percentage of what you save goes to the charity you designate. Whatever you decide to do, involve your kids as much as possible. Encouraging them to imagine life without their beloved devices may very well be the gateway to a lifelong habit of empathy and generosity. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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As Thanksgiving approaches it is nice to reflect on and appreciate our blessings. In our family, each member writes down something they are thankful for on Thanksgiving Day and we read them aloud at
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Thanksgiving dinner. This is a fun exercise that teaches our children to show gratitude for things otherwise taken for granted. We enjoy that daily pause to remember what we are grateful for; but, what about every other day of the year? How do we teach our kids to be grateful all year long? Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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Model gratefulness The easiest and most effective way to start teaching your children gratitude is to model it yourself. Let your children hear you talk about the things you are thankful for. “I am so grateful for this beautiful day today so that we can go to the park,” or “I am so thankful for a great job to pay for our home and our food.” You can also do as we have on Thanksgiving Day and go around the table at dinner and name something you are thankful for any night of the year. When kids acknowledge the blessings they have in their lives, they will begin to take note and appreciate them.
Serve as a family Families who do service projects together tend to be families who appreciate what they have more. When children see that some are less fortunate, they will develop a desire to help others and make a difference. Not only do they become more aware of others and the blessings in their own lives, but they are more likely to give of their time and treasures for a lifetime.
Teach them to say thank you From a young age, teach children to say thank you. Encourage kids to say thank you for any acts of service or gifts. Even toddlers can be taught to sign “Thank you”. Writing thank you notes is a great way to provide kids the opportunity to thank someone for the gifts they receive and the time it took to purchase them. Encourage a “It’s the thought that counts” policy and explain that it isn’t the actual gift itself but the thought behind the purchase that we are grateful for.
Take care of property Teach kids the value of their property by showing them the importance of caring for their belongings. Clothes cost money so they should not be on the floor in piles. Toys cost money so if one is broken due to misuse, do not rush to replace it. 47
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Say no
Visit the Nation’s Largest Outdoor
Cascading Chrysanthemum Display November 4 – 22, 2017*
*Exact bloom times may vary depending on weather conditions. For peak bloom times, visit Mum Watch at bellingrath.org in early November.
Hundreds of colorful, four-foot long cascades of chrysanthemums are displayed on bridges and balconies, in baskets and containers through the Gardens.
It isn’t healthy to say yes to every request your child has. An answer of “no” or “not right now” teaches children both the value of delayed gratification and encourages gratefulness for occasional treats. If a child is allowed to purchase a toy every time he visits the store, this will become expected. If the toy is purchased as a special reward or with their own money, the child will appreciate it much more.
Teach them the cost of things 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, Alabama 36582 251.973.2217 • 800.247.8420 • bellingrath.org
Parents know everything costs money and it adds up fast. Allow your child to come along to the grocery store and have them help you find the best deal on food they would like to purchase, or allow them to bring their own allowance and purchase something they would like. Point out how much it costs when you go out to eat as a family or make a large purchase of groceries or other items the family needs. Take care to avoid blaming or anger when discussing the cost of items and use the opportunity to teach. When children understand the true cost of items, they are more likely to appreciate the purchase in the first place.
Give them chores When children have chores and responsibilities to their family, they begin to understand how much work goes into cleaning, yard work, or other household tasks. Some families may choose to give an allowance for tasks completed which can help kids learn to budget and understand the value of hard work, and in turn, develop gratitude for the work that others do. The main thing to remember as you encourage gratefulness in children is to model the behavior. Thank them for their hard work, acknowledge and thank others for their acts of service, help kids understand the value of items, and give them responsibilities that teach them hard work. We don’t have to eat turkey every day to be thankful for the blessings that surround us all year. ESP Sarah Lyons is a wife and stay at home mom of six children, including two year old triplets. She writes from her home in Kansas City.
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Getting the Ball Rolling
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
The familiar sphere is a perfect shape constantly reflected in nature. Our hands are naturally designed for grasping round objects and kids instinctively make the best use of this partnership. Depending on their material and design, balls can bounce, loft, and roll with a versatility that makes them the centerpiece of most major sports. With multiple opportunities throughout their lives to handle a ball, the field is wide open for ways children can engage with this marvelous shape. The following items celebrate the round wonder in ways that help little ones get the ball rolling.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball
Playhut Game Center
Round, plush and reactive, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball offers a range of function and activities that keep little ones rolling forward developmentally. With audio prompts to guide the way, the ball encourages babies to crawl, roll and follow as they nudge the ball along. In addition to teaching numbers and colors, this toy also introduces beginning sportsmanship with the concept of taking turns. Easy to grasp (with mutable sound function), this ball is also washable once the electronics are removed. Introducing the basics of ball momentum, the Laugh & Learn Singing Soccer Ball is the ultimate engagement for toddlers ready to have a ball.
Sized for the kindergarten and pre-school set, this game center features a variety of play options including basketball hoops and skee-ball. But the real beauty of this item’s design is the clever ball return which keeps the game rolling without the distraction of tracking down errant balls. Playhut’s patented twist-and-fold technology ensures easy pop-up assembly and portability, making it ideal for parties, playdates and other group gatherings as kids take turns playing through the versatile challenges on offer. Part exercise, part arcade and all active play, the Playhut Game Center rounds up the top score for entertaining ball games.
Kidoozie Six Pin Bowling Set
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer
With its simple goals and guidelines bowling seems ready-made for little ones who like to roll balls. But slippery lanes and heavy balls can preclude the youngest children from trying out this sport. Enter the Kidoozie Bowling Set with its six brightly colored pins and foam ball, all cleverly portable in a clear plasic carry-all that mimics the shape of a real bowling bag. Crafted with soft foam that’s weighted on the bottom, soft strikes are in the cards as caregivers are spared the crash and bang associated with standard bowling. Perfect for cultivating hand-eye coordination and gross motor development, this bowling set serves as an entertaining solo play outlet and a fun game for groups of children. Get ready for solid strikes when this engaging game gets on a roll!
Before they age up into team soccer play, the Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer set is an excellent primer for kids who want to work on their aim unobstructed. Ideal for building strength, developing large muscle coordination, and teaching basic aim this goal-oriented set offers constant reward. Lightweight, portable and adjustable for height, this goal is a quick set up for kids ready to start kicking the ball around. The inflatable ball comes with a pump so not a minute of soccer training will be lost. For the youngest kickers, the Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer is the first choice to help them reach their World Cup goal, every time.
(Playhut)
(Fisher-Price)
(Kidoozie)
(Little Tikes)
Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
10 Steps Towards Maturing Teen Boys Fifteen is the age when a boy moves into manhood while still holding on to the boyish ways of childhood. It is a time when parents need to be extra vigilant to help him make it through the transition smoothly, and therefore not get stuck at this stage for several years. Age 15 is when the your son’s thoughts and his expectations crash like ocean waves amidst a sea of change. It’s the end of one tide and the beginning of another. At the very least, it’s an awkward season. Increased hormones, growth spurts, voice changes, muscles, and moving from concrete to abstract thinking all tend to make a young man feel a jumble of both invincibility and vulnerability. And as a first step toward making up his own mind about life, everything you’ve taught him will be questioned. This is a “convenient” time for a mom and dad to detach and drift alongside their teen as he is busier with extra-curricular activities at school and spends more time away from home. But this is no time for parents to back off. It is a critical and pivotal point of time where a parent can steer a son away from childish thinking and move him toward more mature thinking. Your son needs to learn from you how to be respectful during a conflict, to be honest in the face of confusion, and to remain obedient in times of disagreement. It’s a time for some serious character-building. Sailing these waters can be a tough time for parents… but more than ever it is the right time to be available and to be firm. So how do you go about making a smooth transition? First, determine the “state of your child.” If things are already getting strained in your relationship, move toward them out of compassion, not frustration. Approach the harshest situations with humility, but carry a big stick. I don’t mean a big stick in relation to punishment, but I’m referring to your Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
authority as a parent to set the agenda and to say “No” when you need to. Parents today strive to be a friend of their children more than a parent. But as most soon find out at about age 15 when conflict erupts, they’ll wish that they had more of a “parent role” than a “friend role.” I’m here to tell you from years of experience that it is never too late to jump into the parental role, and trust me; there will never be a better time for boys than at age 15. If you’re seeing behavioral problems, it is important for your son to know that you will stop at nothing to change the inappropriate direction he is headed. If you don’t know what to do, find help from others who have been there. Or, contact our on-call coaches for more help. Just call our Family Crisis Helpline at 866-700-3264 or visit www.heartlightministries. org/crisiscoaching for more information about that service. A parent will do well to start with the following list to-do’s beginning on your son’s 15th birthday: 1. Ask your son to begin making more of his own decisions. “Where should we go to eat tonight? What would be good for us to do on our vacation? What movie should we get this Friday? What charities do you think would be good to support?” 2. Ask for his input or point of view. How would you respond in this situation? How would you discipline differently? What you do think about what’s happening at school? 3. Give him an opportunity to respond correctly. He may not respond to your giving him more responsibility appropriately at first. So give him another opportunity to get it right. Display empathy rather than judgment. The way you go about it is sometimes more important than the message itself. Remember, a gentle answer turns away wrath. How you respond to him will determine how he will respond to you. 4. Set clear boundaries. In times of trouble, don’t move away from your child, 52
move toward him. Immaturity demands that you place boundaries around his inappropriate behavior. You may be thinking, “Well, you don’t know my kid and how he mistreats me.” I admit, I don’t. However, I do know that if you do nothing to rein in the bad behavior you see in your 15-year-old son, it’s only going to get worse, not better. 5. Help your son learn how to say “No” by honoring it when he says “No.” This is another boundary issue. Honoring his boundaries will help him learn to honor others’ boundaries. 6. Admit when you are wrong. Admitting when you are wrong will help your son understand that everyone makes mistakes, and models how to behave when mistakes happen. 7. Shift control before you think he is ready for it. Yes, he will blow it, but he will also learn some valuable lessons from doing so, but only when you… (see number 8). 8. Force him to take responsibility for his decisions. Don’t say, “I told you so,” or, “I should have made that decision instead.” Allow him to figure out what he should have done instead, and force him to own up to the consequences of his choices. 9. Encourage him in his good decisions. Point your comments toward his successes, not his failures. 10. When your son responds with maturity and responsibility, then move him up to the next level. Expand the limit and expectations and expect him to meet new requirements. For instance: “Honey, I think it’s great that you have a job now. If you are willing to save your money, I will match it and help you buy your first car.” I encourage you to take advantage of this time to help your son make a strong transition to the smoother waters of responsible adulthood. Thankfully, he won’t be 15 forever.
( Dr. H
Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
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BAPW-MobileB
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Springhill Medical Center welcomes Dr. Amy McCoy, Dr. Helen Rogers and Dr. Max Rogers to campus.
Bay Area Physicians for Women is now the largest OB/GYN practice on the Gulf Coast offering more than 230 years combined experience for all of a woman’s healthcare needs.
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(Pictured from left to right, front row) Dr. Katelyn Braswell Parnell, Dr. Erin S. Saucier, Dr. Amy McCoy, Dr. Brooke Lenz, Dr. Helen Rogers, (back row) Dr. John Val-Gallas, Dr. Max Rogers, Dr. J. Quint Jardine, Dr. William Urquhart, Dr. Danilo Herrera
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Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather – up until dinner is over, that is. When their bellies are full, the men retire to watch football, the kids scatter to empty rooms and the women are often left with kitchen duty. Avoid the after dinner segregation and keep them together with these Thanksgiving games and activities. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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Leaf Blower: Split the group into two teams. Each team needs to blow a leaf from Point A to Point B using a straw in a relay race style. The next player will blow it back from Point B to Point A until everyone has had a turn. First team to finish wins.
I Was So Hungry:
This memory game is a fun way to get the party laughing. The players sit at the table or in a circle. The first player starts, “I was so hungry that I ate a juicy drumstick for Thanksgiving.” The next person adds something like, “I was so hungry that I ate a juicy drumstick and a mound of mash potatoes for Thanksgiving.” Keep repeating and adding until the whole party is stuffed.
Stuffed Turkey: Wrap a piece of candy in brown box tape. Continue to wrap the tape in a ball, adding additional pieces of candy as you go. The size of the ball will depend on how many players and how much candy you have.
(This is a great way to use up the rest of your Halloween candy.) To play, place the ball in the center of the table. Using a pair of dice, each player takes a turn rolling for doubles. If you get doubles, you can start unwrapping the ball to get candy for as long as it takes the next player to get doubles. The ball is then passed to that player and so on until the ball is completely unwrapped.
construction paper or foam sheets. Don’t forget your camera!
Pass the Cranberries: Using a turkey baster, pick up a cranberry and bring it to a bowl on the other side of the room. The first team to pass all their cranberries from one bowl to the other is the winner.
Fill Your Plate: This is a two part Toss & Tell: All players sit in a circle. game. Use free printables of ThanksgivStart by tossing a small turkey stuffed animal or small football to a player and ask a question like, “Who do you think will make it to the Super Bowl this year?” or “What is your favorite memory from elementary school?” This multigenerational game will be a hit!
Dress the Turkey:
Select a volunteer from the family to be the turkey. Using brown crepe paper streamers, wrap up the turkey until he is covered. Decorate the turkey with a yellow beak, feet and colorful feathers made from
ing meal items – drumstick, cranberries, potatoes, stuffing, corn and pie. Have the kids color and cut out their dinner items. When everything is colored, pass out a paper plate to each player. The game is a spin off of the Cootie game, but instead of building a bug, we are filling our plate. Assign each meal item with a number and each time a player rolls the die, he gets to put that item on his plate. Whoever fills their plate first is the winner. ESP Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving at her house without games! Follow her on Etsy at Pam’s Party Printables for more party and game ideas.
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Seward Farms Corn Maze and Fall Fun ad on page 61
September 30, 2017 - November 4, 2017 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452 Come to the border of Mississippi and Alabama and find tons of family fun, fresh air, fantastic food, and an evening by a crackling fire! We have a corn maze, pig races, hayrides and cow train, giant jumping pillow, tube slide, corn cannon, and Farm animals and goat walk and more. Choose single activities to enjoy or purchase the All Day Pass for a full day of fun! Our Wagon Wheel Cafe offers delicious food, drinks and snacks. Birthday Huts and Party Pavilions available by reservation for special events. NOTE: Cash Only, No Credit Cards, No Personal Checks. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com
Please mark your calendars for this fun day of family fellowship! The whole community is invited! (251) 929-0011 eaglefestbcs@gmail.com www.bayshorechristian.org
(251) 471-3348 www.juniorleaguemobile.org
5 Rivers StoryTime “Run, Turkey, Run!” November 7 @ 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts.This week’s story is about a turkey trying to find a good place to hide from the farmer. From 10am - 11am. Uh-oh! Here comes the farmer! (251) 625-0814 www.alabama5rivers.com
Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee ad on page 39
Greater Gulf State Fair
October 27 - November 5, 2017 @ The Grounds 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: MondayThursday from 400pm-10:00 pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. (251) 344-4573 info@mobilefair.com www.thegroundsmobile.com
9th Annual Harvest - A Festival of Gifts
November 4, 2017 @ Gulf Shores UMC, South Campus 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Join us on the south Campus (Winn Dixie Parking Lot) for the 9th Annual Harvest - A Festival of Gifts! This year’s proceeds will benefit GSUMC Mother’s Day Out and Preschool but also Hurricane Relief Efforts. Our Festival is from 9am – 3pm. (251) 968-2411 or (251) 213-8451 gsumcyouth@gmail.com www.gulfshoresumc.org
Bayshore Christian Eagle Fest
November 4, 2017 @ BCS Soccer Field 23050 US Highway 98 Fairhope, AL 36532 Bayshore Christian School’s annual fall festival, known as BCS EagleFest, will be held on Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm on the BCS Soccer Field. There will be games, prizes, food, and more. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
Christmas Jubilee Elves. Your child will make crafts, take pictures with Santa and enjoy story time! Buy your tickets early. This event sells out fast! Event Time: 9:00am-12:00pm.
Holiday Sessions benefitting the Forgotten Initiative
November 11, 2017 Turquoise Footprint Photography is hosting Limited Edition Holiday sessions with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Forgotten Initiative of Mobile and Baldwin County. Sessions are 15 minutes and each session is $65. Guests will receive a complimentary metal photo ornament with the image of their choice. Online booking is available. turquoisefootprintphoto@gmail.com www.turquoisefootprint.com
November 9 - 11, 2017 @ Mobile Convention Center 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Kick off your holiday shopping and get in the spirit at Junior League of Mobile’s annual Christmas Jubilee. The holiday market features more than 100 merchants and three days of shopping! Thursday from 11am - 8pm; Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm. Ticket Prices are $10 in advance/$12 at door; $8 College Students, Senior Citizens and Military; $5 Children (ages 6-12); 5 years and under are free.
Holiday Crafting for Teens!
Trim-A-Tree Christmas Event
ad on page 14
(251) 471-3348 publicrelations@juniorleaguemobile.org www.juniorleaguemobile.org
November 10 - December 21, 2017 @ Tanger Outlet Suite 446 (next to Yankee Candle) 2601 South McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 Monday - Saturday 10am -7pm, and Sundays 11am - 6pm. Local Artists and craftsmen offer unique one-of-a-kind ornaments, decorations, pottery, jewelry, and fine artwork to be sold on consignment. Sponsored by the Foley Art Center. (251) 943-4381 foleytrimatree@gmail.com www.foleyartcenter.com
November 14, 2017 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Teens ( 6th -12th grade) are invited to drop by the library from 3:45pm - 4:45pm and create a holiday craft to share with friends or family. All supplies will be furnished. (251) 621-2818 lyoungblood@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
Fairhope’s Annual Lighting of the Trees November 16, 2017 @ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 The City of Fairhope will kick off the holiday season with their annual Fairhope Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:30pm-7pm. Local entertainment will be provided and Mrs. Claus will be passing out candy canes. Join us as we turn on over 1 million lights in downtown Fairhope. For more information contact the City of Fairhope. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com
Junior League of Mobile Santa’s Workshop
Photos with Santa at the Wharf
November 11, 2017 @ Mobile Convention Center 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Are you ready for some Christmas fun? Come spend your morning crafting with Santa and our
November 17 - December 24, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ho Ho Holiday photo time in Santa’s Village at The Wharf. Sit with jolly Claus and capture the moment
ad on page 39
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forever! Fridays: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Saturdays: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm.Week of Christmas (Dec. 18-23) 10:00am7:00pm and December 24 from 12:00pm2:00pm. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
The Wharf Ice Rink ad on page 51
November 17 – January 14, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Let us bring winter to you! Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin, or fall into the season. Regular time: 4-10 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday); Thanksgiving Break: Nov 17 – 26, 10am – 10pm; Christmas Break: Dec 16 – 31, 2017 from 10am – 10pm. For birthday party information contact (251) 224-1000 or jadej@alwharf.com. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Mobile Renaissance Faire and PirateFest ad on page 12
November 18 - 19, 2017 @ Medieval Village 30510 Osprey Lane Robertsdale, AL 36567 The Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire celebrates the history and heritage of Medieval Europe, as well as the 16th-century Gulf Coast, with performances from fully costumed jousting knights, falconers, pirates, and royalty. Guests step back in time to enjoy the Medieval Village’s arts and crafts from local craftsfolk and curious costumed performers. Ticket information available on our website. (850)429-8462 or (850)572-1407 sadie50us@yahoo.com www.gcrf.us/
Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides
St. Paul’s will have smoked pork lunches for sale on Saturday.
ad on page 51
November 18-19, 26, December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Are you “saddled up” for the holidays yet? If not, then mosey on over to The Wharf and spend an evening under the moon in an enchanted horsedrawn carriage. Rides are from 6pm - 10pm on dates listed. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
St. Paul’s Episcopal Annual Holiday Thrift Shoppe
November 18-20, 2017 28788 North Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Kick off your Christmas season with the Thrift Shop’s 14th annual Holiday Shoppe! On Friday, November 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, we will be offering a very exciting preview “Gala” evening to begin our annual shopping event. The Gala will take place in the Life Center at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne. Advance tickets are $25.00 each and went on sale Saturday, October 1st at St. Paul’s Thrift Shop, and beginning Sunday, October 2nd, tickets will be on sale between church services at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Tickets will be available at the Thrift Shop until sold out. Gala ticket price includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, two beverages, and the opportunity to shop first! There are a limited number of tickets available! In addition to the Gala on Friday, there will also be two more days of shopping in the Life Center: Saturday, Nov.19th from 9am - 3pm & Sunday Nov. 20th from 9am – 2pm. General Admission is Free Saturday & Sunday. Fabulous food and baked goods will be offered for sale throughout the event. The Men of
(251) 626-6102 jtshoultz@gmail.com or saintpaulsthrift@gmail.com www.stpaulseasternshore.com
Fairhope’s Annual Movie in the Streets ad on page 14
November 18, 2017 @ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 The holiday movie will begin at 6:30 p.m. Those who plan to attend can bring lawn chairs and blankets from home. Children are invited to wear their holiday pajamas. This is a a family friendly event, no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Refreshments will be available and admission is free. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com
Family Farm Day and Christmas Market
November 18, 2017 @ Humming Star Alpaca Farm 19700 Blueberry Lane Silverhill, AL 36576 Come join us for Family Farm Day from 10am 4pm and meet our friendly Alpaca family! Learn all about our gentle animals and how they live on the farm. Watch demonstrations of how the soft fleece goes from the alpaca to finished products through spinning, weaving, crocheting, and needle felting. Local artists will sell unique items in our Christmas Gift Market such as yarn, clothing items, teddy bears, handmade soaps, pickles, jellies, honey and other food items. Chef Will Hughes will have lunch prepared and children can enjoy hands on fiber art activities and caricature drawings while you shop. Visit our page on Facebook for sneak peak previews of this event. Admission is $5 per vehicle. (251) 214-8224 hsalpaca@centurylink.net www.hummingstaralpacas.com
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Genesis Church Holiday Market
November 18, 2017 3100 South McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 Genesis Church and the Baldwin County Boss Babes will together present a Holiday Market from 10am - 4pm with over 50 vendors offering handmade crafts, retail items, gifts and much more! Come shop with us for all of your gift giving needs. Proceeds benefit Little Beginnings Playground. Admission is Free. (251) 986-5843 baldwincountybossbabes@gmail.com www.genesischurchcma.org
Redeemer Lutheran Christmas Bazaar
November 18 200 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar from 8am - 12pm in the Parish Hall. Delicious baked goods, canned goods, and goodies for the Holidays. Come and decorate your very own Gingerbread House! Proceeds benefit the ongoing Mission projects of Redeemer’s LWML. Contact Kim Clay at (251) 895-0064 for questions. (251) 928-8397
www.redeemerfairhope.org
Summerdale Library Christmas Concert
November 18 @ Baldwin EMC Building 19600 State Highway 59 Summerdale, AL 36580 Enjoy the classic holiday sounds from featured musicians Victor Andzulis, Hanan Tarabay Reddy, Sewell Griffith and Cory McKern. Special guest performance by Olive Vocal Ensemble. Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7 pm. Proceeds support the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library in Summerdale. Tickets available online at www.eventbrite. com, at the Summerdale Public Library, Summerdale Town Hall and United Bank in Summerdale. (251) 989-2011 director@summerdalelibrary.com www.summerdalelibrary.com
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
Fairhope’s Christmas Open House ad on page 14
November 19, 2017 @ Downtown Fairhope Downtown Fairhope will celebrate Christmas Open House from 1pm - 5pm. Live entertainment, hot chocolate and shopping opportunities for every member of the family make this annual event special every year. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com
Fantasy Island Toys Open House ad on page 12
November 19 335 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 Come visit us at Fantasy Island Toys from 1pm - 5pm for our 49th Annual Christmas Open House! Receive 10% off your entire purchase during these hours and meet our guests The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who! (251) 928-1720 www.fantasyislandtoys.com
Holiday Open House at the Wharf ad on page 51
November 19 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Enjoy the small town holiday shopping experiences at The Wharf. Shop local! Enjoy kids activities, discounts, and more from 12pm - 6pm. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
St. Francis at the Point Church Annual Fall Festival
November 19 17280 Scenic Highway 98 Point Clear, AL 36564 St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church will hold
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their Annual Fall Festival from 8am - 3pm. There will be a delightful array of crafts, local art work, and professionally designed Christmas wreaths, tabletop trees and centerpieces. The ladies of the Women’s Guild have been working on canning preserves, jams, pickles, fruits, butters, etc.. Holiday baked goods such as pies, breads and fudge will also be in abundance to purchase for your Thanksgiving feast. The silent auction will have an array of gift items as well as gift certificates to local businesses. Regular and new vendors will have handmade items, jewelry, paintings, art work and other merchandise. A ‘wine-pull’ is also planned. The men of the church will cook for a sidewalk cafe offering sausage, hamburger and hot dog plates. Proceeds will go to St. Francis community support, international Christian groups and emergency disaster funds. Come out and share the day with us! (251) 928-9110 or (251) 233-0001 stfrancisatthepoint@gmail.com www.stfrancisatthepoint.org
5 Rivers Story Time “Turkey Trouble”
November 21 @ 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is close to Thanksgiving – and what is a turkey to do?! From 10am - 11am. (251) 625-0814 www.alabama5rivers.com
City of Foley Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
November 22 @ Heritage Park 125 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 The deadline for submission is November 22nd. Trees should be set up for display in Heritage Park between Mon. Nov. 27 and end of the day Wed.,
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Nov. 29, 2017. Judging will take place on Thursday, November 30th. The trees may be undecorated beginning Tuesday, December 26, but no later than Tuesday, January 2, 2018. The applicant or a designee is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the tree while on display. Please return completed application form to Linda Hula. It is available on our website. (251) 943-1300 lhula@cityoffoley.org https:// dspu7mbc6ymp3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/ Tree-Decorating-Contest-wcriteria-2017.pdf
47th Annual Poarch Creek Indians Thanksgiving Powwow
November 23-24, 2017 @ Poarch Creek Indian Grounds 6477 Jack Springs Road Atmore, AL 36502 Celebrate a cultural tradition during Thanksgiving this year, with the Poarch Creek Indian Thanksgiving Pow Wow. Each Year, tribal members gather on this original Creek tribal land for the annual Poarch Creek Indian Thanksgiving Pow Wow. You and your family are invited to join the festivities and enjoy a brilliant display of authentic Native American dress and exhibition dancing by Tribes from throughout the country. (251) 368-9136 www.pci-nsn.gov/westminster/index.html
Fish River Christmas Tree Farm ad on page 49
November 24 - December 23, 2017 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Rd E Summerdale, AL 36580 There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40-acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery. Take a free ride on The Tannebaum Express “tree train” for a fun filled farm tour (weekends only). View our manger scene with live animals! Camel Rides, Pony Rides and Christmas Bounce House. Santa will arrive for visits on the first three weekends beginning on Friday November 24th to November 26th, December 2nd - 3rd, and December 9th-10th. Take a tour of the farm and view the wide selection of trees including our choose and cut trees, our special container-grown Living Christmas Trees that can be decorated then planted after the holidays. We have fabulous shipped in firs, flocked and snow-tipped trees. Also available are fresh wreaths, centerpieces, and
garlands. For more details and directions please visit our website. (251) 988-8114 www.fishrivertrees.com
Christmas Magic in Lights ad on page 48
November 24 - December 31, 2017 @ Bellingrath Gardens 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 It’s one of the nation’s best holiday light shows, and it’s right here in south Alabama! Bellingrath Gardens and Home presents the 22nd season of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2017. The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. From 5pm - 9pm families enjoy strolling the grounds together, taking holiday photos, drinking cocoa on Live Oak Plaza and visiting Santa Claus in the Magnolia Café. Magic Christmas in Lights also includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home, which will be open for tours and decorated in full holiday finery. The Gift Shop will be fully stocked for the season! Tickets may be purchased online. (251) 459-8864 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org
Wales West Arctic Express ad on page 22
November 24 – December 24 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 All aboard the Arctic Express at Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway. Great holiday fun for the whole family! Ride an authentic Steam Train through a wonderland of lights, snow, and decorations to the North Pole. Children visit with Santa in the Winter-wonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Our staff can take your family photo with Santa. Free Refreshments, Mini-Train Ride, Hayride, Playground, and Bounce House. In addition, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Snowball Cannon are available for a slight fee. Try our Cafe’s new menu options, and visit our Gift Shop full of train items and Christmas gifts! Weekend Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm - 9pm; Beginning December 11th we will open Nightly from 4pm - 9pm. Admission is $15/person, plus tax. Ages 2 and under are free. Group rates, field trips, and parties can be booked in advance. Tickets
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are available on our website. Register online for seasonal coupons! (888) 569-5337 enquiries@waleswest.com www.waleswest.com
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wharf ad on page 51
November 28 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Wharf! Help us usher in the holiday season at 5:30pm with bulbs, garland and glee. The annual tree lighting hosted by the City of Orange Beach is the perfect ceremony to inspire the Yuletide spirit. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Lights of Love 2017 ad on Inside Front Cover
November 28 @ USA Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1700 Center Street Mobile, AL 36604 Three organizations dedicated to the care of children and families are celebrating the excitement and wonder of this holiday season! Everyone is invited to the 7th annual “Lights of Love” tree lighting at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital beginning at 4:30pm, Tuesday, November 28th. Co-sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, the Lights of Love tree lighting is directly in front of the hospital will also feature visits from Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald, as well as performances from local school and community choirs. Enjoy cookies, caroling and spread some old-fashioned cheer. (251) 415-1000 bpurvis@health.southalabama.edu www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh
Baldwin County Youth Orchestra – Waltzing Through Christmas
November 28 @ Eastern Shore Baptist Church 6847 Park Drive Daphne, AL 36526 Dr. Robert Holm and the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra will present in concert, The Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor. Dr. Holm will perform on Steinway Piano provided by the Steinway Gallery in Spanish Fort. The Concert is free and will begin at 7pm. (251) 979-6834 bcyorchestra@gmail.com www.bcyorchestra.com
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SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular at the Wharf ad on page 51
November 28 - December 31, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 The light show runs every night at 6 pm and 7 pm. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
22nd Annual Christmas by the Bay-Baldwin Humane Society (BARC)
November 30 @ The Venue 105 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 6pm -9pm. Featuring live music from the dance band, Sicily Trio, food and drinks by Tamara’s, and the ever popular Rescues on the Runway! This year the Rescues will perform The Night Before Christmas. AL.com’s J.D. Crowe joins us as our Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are $50 and available online and at BARC’s office. (251) 928-4585 ExDir@baldwinhumane.org www.Christmasbythebay.bpt.me
Daphne’s Tree Lighting & Open House
November 30, 2017 @ Daphne City Hall Daphne, AL 36526 Join the City of Daphne at 6pm for the annual Tree Lighting & Open House at Daphne City Hall. Train rides, carolers, music, food, hot chocolate and more! (251) 621-9000 http://daphneal.com
North Baldwin Infirmary Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30 @ North Baldwin Infirmary 1815 Hand Avenue Bay Minette, AL 36507 Festivities are from 5pm – 7pm and include fun activities for children, Christmas carols sung by local choirs and a visit with Santa. The evening of fun and holiday cheer will culminate with the lighting of the tree and door prizes. (251) 937-9099 Marisa.Williams@InfirmaryHealth.org
Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade ad on page 14
December 1, 2017 Fairhope, AL 36532 The Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade begins
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
at 7pm at the intersection of Morphy Avenue and Section Street, and continues down Section and Oak Street. The excitement will build as more than 50 parade units dazzle the crowd in anticipation of Santa Claus’ arrival into Fairhope! WABF will be broadcasting the parade live. Come join us for plenty of lights, beautiful floats, and Santa Claus! (251) 929 -1466 www.cofairhope.com
“A Christmas Story”
December 1, 2, 3*, 8, 9, 10* @ South Baldwin Community Theater 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 December 1, 2, 8 & 9 @ 7:30 pm; December 3 & 10 (Sunday) @ 2:00 pm. Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. (251) 968-6721 info@sbct.biz www.sbct.biz
Children’s Gift Make & Take
December 1, 8, 2017 @ Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Children are invited to join the Daphne Public Library on December 1 and 8, 2017 from 1:30pm - 5:00pm in the Community Room for a “Make and Take” Christmas gift session. This come and go craft session is an annual event you won’t want to miss! Gift bags will also be available so your little one will have a special surprise ready to place under the Christmas tree! (251) 621-2818 rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts
Baldwin Pops Band Concert “Movies and Miracles for Christmas”
Friday, December 1, 2017 @ Daphne Civic Center 2603 U.S. Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Under the direction of Dr. Jason Rinehart, the Baldwin Pops Band will present Christmas concerts at Daphne Civic Center at 7pm. Music selections include First Noel, Overture to Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas on Broadway, A Home Alone Christmas, White Christmas, and others. This concert is free. Santa is scheduled to drop in for a short visit with the children during the concert! Follow “Baldwin Pops Band” on Facebook or visit our website. (251) 987-5757 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpopsband.com
City of Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade
December 1 @ Public Beach to Clubhouse Drive Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Gulf Shores will kick off holiday festivities with the Lighted Christmas Parade. The parade will begin at 6:30pm and will feature festive lighted floats as well as appearances from holiday characters and marching bands. Large crowds of spectators looking to bask in the holiday spirit are anticipated along Highway 59 as parade entries make their way from the Gulf Place Public Beach to Sims Park. The magical atmosphere from the parade will roll continuously into the night as a celebration in Sims Park will kick off immediately following the parade. Families can enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday treats, crafts and a snowball drop. It will be a man-made blizzard as 4,000 ping pong balls will be dropped from above. Winning snowballs will have a number that correlates with a prize supplied by our generous sponsors. (251) 968-1171 events@gulfshoresal.gov www.gulfshoresal.gov/888/Lighted-Christmas-ParadeBeach-Celebrati
December 3, 5, 2017 @ First Baptist Fairhope and Spanish Fort Methodist Concert dates are Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 2pm (First Baptist Church, Fairhope) and Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 7:30pm (Spanish Fort United Methodist, Spanish Fort). Tickets are $15 and sold at the door.
Foley’s Christmas in the Park
escs.executivedirector@gmail.com www.escs.org
(251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com/
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December 1 @ Heritage Park 125 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Come out to Heritage Park from 6pm - 8pm to sing carols, sip cocoa, light the Christmas tree and enjoy the beautiful Christmas displays. Don’t forget to visit with Santa. Free Family Event!
www.easternshoreparents.com
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For more inFo, pricing and directions:
www.sewardfarms.com
sat 10am-9pm 228-641-3936
arrive at 2 pm to enjoy all the christmas fun on the farm. spend the next 5 hours, till 7 pm, enjoying our live nativity scene, visit our country cabin for santa pictures, buy some homemade cowboy chili or sweet desserts at wagon wheel cafÊ with hot cider and hot chocolate! sing your favorite christmas song with our entertainers, hayrides, Funny Farm golf, Jumping pillow, yee haw slide, cow trains, pony rides, stay warm by the camp fires and much more‌ perfect for families, churches and youth groups. 61
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Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert”
December 1 @ Foley Civic Center 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season. $5.00 suggested donation. Time: 7:00pm.
Spanish Fort Spirit of Christmas Parade December 2 @ Eastern Shore Centre 30500 State Highway 181 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Spanish Fort’s Annual “Spirit of Christmas” Parade will roll through the Eastern Shore Centre at 9am. If you are interested in participating, a Parade Application may be downloaded from the City’s website.
(251) 943-1545 www.mobilesymphony.org
(251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com
Breakfast at the Manger
St. Lawrence Christmas Bazaar
December 2, 2017 @ Fairhope UMC 155 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Pancake breakfast from 8:30am - 10:30am. Santa will be taking pictures with children and reading the story of the night Jesus was born! There will be family activity stations in the gym, tickets are $5 and every child will be given a gift.
December 2 - 3, 2017 370 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Come for food, fun, a 150 item silent auction featuring 5 tickets to Universal Theme Park, over 100 gift baskets for sale, and 40 vendors including unique art and antiques. Kids can shop in Santa’s Workshop and take pictures with Santa or enjoy the bouncy castle! Our popular Gumbo and gourmet soups are back this year, come early before they sell out. Home canned goods, baked goods, and homemade casseroles to go! We have plenty of food and treats…can’t you just smell the candied nuts? Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 3:00pm.
ad on page 59
(251) 928-1148 www.fairhopeumc.org
Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade
December 2 @ Downtown Foley Foley, AL 36535 The annual Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade begins at 10am and winds its way through downtown Foley with festive floats, treats and throws, and of course, Santa waves a Merry Christmas to all. www.foleykiwanisclub.com
Foley’s Annual “Let It Snow!”
December 2 @ Heritage Park 101 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Bring your mittens to Heritage Park from 11am 3pm. (following the Christmas Parade). Come out to hear live musical performances, listen to Mrs. Claus tell stories, make arts and crafts in the Children’s Art Village, and of course play in the SNOW! (251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com/
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
ad on page 25
(251) 928-5931 events@stlawrencefairhope.com www.stlawrencechristmasbazaar.com
City of Fairhope Santa Saturdays ad on page 14
December 2, 9, 2017 @ Fairhope Museum of History Fairhope, AL 36532 Santa will be visiting Fairhope on December 2nd and 9th for “Fairhope’s Santa Saturdays”. Santa will be in front of the Fairhope Museum of History from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. for children to visit. Parents may bring their cameras to take pictures. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com
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Childrens Christmas Concert
December 3 @ Gulf Shores Methodist Church 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59) Children’s Christmas Music and fun at 11am. come Celebrate and sing along! (251) 968-2411 info@gulfshoresumc.org www.gulfshoresumc.org
City of Spanish Fort Tree Lighting
December 3, 2017 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 The annual tree lighting will be from 6pm - 8pm. (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com/
Baldwin Pops Band Concert “Movies and Miracles for Christmas”
December 4, 2017 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley , AL 36535 Under the direction of Dr. Jason Rinehart, the Baldwin Pops Band will present Christmas concerts at the Foley Civic Center at 7pm. Music selections include First Noel, Overture to Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas on Broadway, A Home Alone Christmas, White Christmas, and others. This concert is free. Santa is scheduled to drop in for a short visit with the children during the concert.Follow “BaldwinPopsBand” on Facebook or visit our website. (251) 987-5757 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpopsband.com
USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital Holiday Tree Trail
December 4, 2017-January 5, 2018 @ Geri Moulton Children’s Park 1700 Center Street Mobile, AL 36604 Tree sponsorships are now available for the inaugural USA Children’s & Women’s Holiday Tree Trail! The Trail is a display of holiday trees in Geri
www.easternshoreparents.com
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Moulton Children’s Park from early December through the New Year. It is a free event for the community to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The trees will light up on Monday, Dec. 4, at dusk, and the tree display will be open nightly from dusk until midnight. For more information, please visit www. usahealthsystem.com/holiday-tree-trail. (251) 415-1000 bpurvis@health.southalabama.edu www.usahealthsystem.com/holiday-tree-trail
Children’s Ornament Make & Take
December 5 @ Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Make the Christmas tree at home a little brighter! The Daphne Public Library invites children to make an ornament at their annual “Ornament Make-n-Take” from 1:30pm - 5pm. This session will be held in the (251) 621-2818 rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
Teen Holiday Make & Take
December 5, 2017 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Teens ( 6th -12th grade) are invited to drop by the library from 3:45pm - 4:45pm and create a holiday craft to share with friends or family. All supplies will be furnished. (251) 621-2818 lyoungblood@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
Live Nativity Hayride
December 6, 2017 @ Christ UMC 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 In celebration of the Christmas season, travel in a hayride with us through the story of Jesus’ birth in a Live Nativity. This will be a unique way to experience the Christmas story for everyone of all ages! The Live Nativity will be located in the Christ UMC wooded area near the Patch. We will serve hot cocoa to
keep you warm. The hayride is open 5pm - 7pm. (251) 342-0462 www.christumcmobile.com
Playhouse in the Park presents “A Christmas Carol”
December 6, 2017 @ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 The beloved Dickens’ Christmas story will come to life on the Saenger Theatre stage in downtown Mobile on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 pm. Start your holidays with this delightful production, sure to entertain with all the familiar characters – Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Marley, and of course, Tiny Tim. Don’t miss this special event!
(251) 602-0630 playhouseintheparkmobileal@gmail.com playhouseinthepark.org
Baldwin Pops Band Concert “Movies and Miracles for Christmas”
December 7, 2017 1930 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Under the direction of Dr. Jason Rinehart, the Baldwin Pops Band will present Christmas concerts at 7pm. Music selections include First Noel, Overture to Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas on Broadway, A Home Alone Christmas, and many others. Tickets are required for this concert due to space limitations. Purchase tickets at Gulf Shores City Store, 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway, in person (limit of 2 tickets per person). Santa may pop in as well! Follow “Baldwin Pops Band” on Facebook or visit our website. (251) 987-5757 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpopsband.com
Children’s Christmas Movie Night
(251) 621-2818 rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
City of Daphne Christmas Parade
December 8, 2017 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Join us for the Daphne Christmas Parade along Main Street in Olde Towne! The Parade will begin at 6:30pm and follow the Main Street Route. Applications are available at the Daphne Recreation Center. (251) 621-3703 www.daphneal.com
Bay Shore Ballet Academy “The Nutcracker”
December 8 - 10, 2017 @ Fairhope Civic Center 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Please join us for Bayshore Ballets production of the Nutcracker! Now in it’s 20th local prodiction, this holiday tradition will delight people of all ages. We apprectiate your support of the Arts. Tickets are available on eventbrite beginning November 15th. Dates & Times: December 8th at 9:15am and 11:30am, December 9th, at 2pm and 7:30pm, December 10th, at 3:00pm. (251) 990-9744 trinollinger@gmail.com www.bayshoreballet.com
35th Annual Christmas Fest in Bay Minette
December 7 @ Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Want to get the whole family in the holiday spirit?
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Join the Daphne Public Library at 4pm in the Community Room to watch Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009) with the kids! You and your kids will enjoy the laid back atmosphere, a fun movie, and tasty popcorn all for FREE!
December 8 - 9, 2017 @ Blackburn Park in Old Town Bay Minette 301 McMeans Avenue Bay Minette, AL 36507 The 35th Annual Christmas Fest is a longstanding
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tradition complete with Fun for the whole family! On Friday from 10am - 8pm enjoy activities such as the Annual tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, the famous ping pong prize drop and entertainment from the Modern El Dorados. Saturday from 8am - 4pm, the fun continues with entertainment from local musicians and performing groups. The Annual Christmas Parade also rolls through downtown Bay Minette at 1:30pm. (251) 937-5665 Kristina@northbaldwinchamber.com www.northbaldwinchamber.com/35th-Annual -Christmas-Festival
Boat Parade Activities at The Wharf ad on page 51
December 9 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Want a front row seat for all the illuminated action? The Wharf is the place to be! Watch from 5:30pm 8:30pm as boats, large and small, glide through the Intracoastal Waterway in all their festive glory. Head down early to avoid traffic and grab a bite to eat or catch up on some holiday shopping. There will be plenty of fun activities for the kiddos as well. Make it a family affair and join us! (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Christmas on the Farm ad on page 61
December 9, 2017 @ Seward Farms 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452 Experience the most wonderful time of the year with Seward Farms at Christmas on the Farm! Activities include live Nativity Scene, Santa pictures, buy homemade Cowboy Chili at Wagon Wheel Café, hot cider and hot chocolate! Sing your favorite Christmas songs, Hayrides, Funny Farm Golf,
Jumping Pillow, Yee Haw Slide, Cow Trains, Pony Rides, stay warm by the campfires and much more. Christmas on the Farm is from 2pm - 7pm. Advance tickets are $10 or $12 at the door. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com
32nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade
December 9 @ LuLu’s - Cobalt Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Don’t miss this Coastal Christmas tradition! The 32nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade will begin at dusk (around 5pm). Parade route starts at LuLu’s and ends at Cobalt. Great viewing sites all along the Intracoastal Canal. (251) 968-7200 Suzetta @mygulfcoastchamber.com www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com
Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at Fort Gaines
December 9 @ Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 The 34th Annual Christmas through the Ages at Fort Gaines Historic Site at Dauphin Island will showcase the holiday through the eyes of soldiers and their families during the 1700s and 1800s. Visiting children will make Christmas ornaments from seashells and other non-traditional items. Time: 9:00am-5:00pm. (251) 861-6992 fortgaines@outlook.com www.dauphinisland.org
Bay Minette Christmas Parade
December 9, 2017 @ Downtown Bay Minette Bay Minette, AL 36507 A part of the 35th Annual Christmas Fest, the annual parade is always the star of the show!! With over 50 entries each year, this tradition is fun for the whole family! For parade route and entry informa-
tion please visit our website. Parade begins at 1:30pm.
(251) 937-5665 Kristina@northbaldwinchamber.com www.northbaldwinchamber.com/35th-AnnualChristmas-Festival
Billy Claus visits Lulu’s!
December 9 @ LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Enjoy a full day of arts & crafts, live music and get your picture taken with Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s. Make sure to leave Billy your Christmas list so that he can personally deliver it to his brother (you may have heard of him) Santa Claus. What a better way to kick off the holiday season than a day here with all of your friends and family at LuLu’s. (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com
Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” ad on page 3
December 9-10, 2017 @ Mobile Civic Center 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile Ballet will take you on a magical journey of brilliant dancing, sumptuous sets, and gorgeous costumes. This is a favorite for all ages. Saturday, December 9th at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, December 10th at 2:30pm. (251) 342-2241 www.mobileballet.org
Mobile Symphony presents “Mobile’s Magical Christmas”
December 9 - 10, 2017 @ Saenger Theatre 6 Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Be prepared for THE holiday experience of the season. We will be presenting not only the full force of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra but we will also be joined by Mobile’s Singing Children and
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soloist Diane Penning performing all your holiday favorites, popular movie music and lush Christmas arrangements originally created by legendary pops conductor Carmen Dragon for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In addition, the entire Saenger Theatre will be decked out like you’ve never seen it before. From the moment you step into the theater, you will be fully immersed into the holiday spirit! (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org
The Mobile Pops Christmas Concert
December 11, 2017 @ Davidson High School 3900 Pleasant Valley Road Mobile, AL 36609 Join us at 7:00pm at Davidson High School for our annual Christmas Concert. All concerts are FREE and open to the public. (251) 679-6036 themobilepops@gmail.com www.themobilepops.com
Eastern Shore Choral Society Messiah Sing-Along
December 12, 2017 @ Trinity Presbyterian Church 545 South Mobile Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Concert begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and sold at the door. For information email or visit our website. escs.executivedirector@gmail.com www.escs.org
Children’s Santa Stories
December 14 @ Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Guess who is coming to town? Santa, that’s who! Santa and his helpers will be at the Daphne Public Library on December 14th for two sessions at 4pm and 5pm. During each session Santa will share his favorite stories with all his Eastern Shore friends, along with free hot cocoa and cookies! Free photos with Santa will also be offered on a first-come, firstserved basis at both sessions. (251) 621-2818 rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
Nix Center Annual Holiday Concert
December 14 @ James P. Nix Center 1 Bayou Drive Fairhope, AL 36532 Jammin’ Folks will provide holiday music from 2pm - 4pm for all ages to enjoy! Refreshment will be served following the concert. (251) 928-2835 www.cofairhope.com
Teen Holiday Service Hours Opportunity
December 14, 2017 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Teens will have the opportunity to gain service hours by volunteering to help with our Santa’s Stories event from 4pm - 6pm. Teens are asked to serve refreshments. Elf costumes are available to those who would enjoy dressing up as Santa’s helpers. (251) 621-2818 lyoungblood@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
City of Spanish Fort Christmas Readings December 15 @ 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL 36527 The City of Spanish Fort hosts its ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Book Reading at 7pm. Children are encouraged to wear their warmest pajamas and to bring along their favorite blanket to sit on. The evening begins with the joyous singing of Christmas carols around the fireplace in the Longleaf Room of Delta Hall. Guest readers read aloud from several Christmas holiday books. The final story, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, is read by a very special guest reader from the North Pole! The atmosphere is magical for all little ones (and grownups) in attendance. Following our story time, cookies and warm cocoa are served to all. Please call to confirm date and times. (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com/
Daphne’s Snow & Movie Night in the Park 12/15/2017 @ W. O. Lott Park Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Join us as snow begins falling at 4pm at Daphne’s Snow & Movie Night in the Park! Photos with Santa Claus from 5pm - 7pm, and classic Christmas movies at 6pm with popcorn, and much more! (251) 621-9000 www.daphneal.com
How to Make a Gingerbread House
December 16 @ Grand Hotel Marriott Resort 1 Grand Boulevard Point Clear, AL 36564 Join us from 10am - 11:30am. Learn step by step how to build and decorate your own gingerbread house! Cost is $35 for each gingerbread house. Class size is limited and reservations are required. Call today to book your spot! (251) 928-9201
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Winter Wonderland
December 16, 2017 @ Cathedral Square and Bienville Square Mobile, AL 36602 Come play in artificial snow, take your picture with Santa Claus and shop for last minute Christmas gifts at the Christmas market in Cathedral Square. Mirrored after the Christmas market in Hamburg, Germany, the market will feature presents, locally grown produce and baked goods. Ride the Polar Express to Bienville Square for kids’ activities, music and more. (251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org
Season of Joy: A Celtic Christmas Celebration
December 16 - 17, 2017 @ First Baptist Fairhope 300 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 The Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, Fairhope will present “Season of Joy: A Celtic
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Christmas Celebration” Saturday and Sunday at 7:00pm each night. A full orchestra, Irish fiddle, harp, penny whistle, bagpipes, ensembles, soloists and a children’s choir will accompany the 70+ voice choir in presenting beautiful Celtic Christmas music. This event is free and open to all. (251) 928-8685 jbaldwin@fbcfairhope.org http://fbcfairhope.org
Teen Art Workshop
December 19, 2017 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Teens in grades 6th – 12th grade are invited to attend from 1:30pm - 2:30pm. All art supplies will be furnished. This event is free. (251) 621-2818 lyoungblood@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org
Children’s Christmas Celebration Service December 24 @ Gulf Shores Methodist Church 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 GSUMC worship arts ministries presents 2 Christmas celebrations on Dec. 11th. The first is a children’s worship service at 11:00 am in the main sanctuary featuring the GSUMC Children’s Choirs. The second is a Christmas choral music celebration featuring the GSUMC chancel choir, instrumentalists and soloists, and special guest, Dr. Michael Brown on the trumpet. (251) 968-2411 info@gulfshoresumc.org www.gulfshoresumc.org
Reel in the New Year at The Wharf ad on page 51
December 31, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 2018, you’re on the hook and we’re bringin’ ya in. Reel in this upcoming year with us at The Wharf for our annual New Year’s Eve Street Party. Let’s bid adieu to 2017 in the grandest of style. Live bands, family-friendly AND adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with our marlin drop and fireworks. Resolutions are for the start of the month. Give yourself one last excuse to let loose! Time: 5:00pm-12:00am. Admission is FREE; Various kids activities range $5-$10. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Fairhope’s New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
December 31, 2017 Fairhope, AL 36532 Bring your family and ring in the New Year in downtown Fairhope with fireworks dancing in the streets, a DJ and a ball drop at midnight! Festivities last from 8:30pm - 12:30am. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com
MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration
December 31 Downtown Mobile Mobile, AL 36602 With over 60,000 people in attendance last year, this year’s New Year’s event will usher in the new year and Mardi Gras season in grand style. Come and get a close-up look at the Moonpie as it drops in downtown Mobile. There will be live entertainment and a countdown to 2018 like no other. (251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!
December 31 @ Lulu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at LuLu’s starts at 10am! Noon Year’s is a FREE family event for all ages to enjoy. We will have kid friendly “fireworks,” a massive beach ball drop when the clock strikes NOON, and more! See you there! (251) 967-LULU (5858) www.LuluBuffett.com ESP Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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ALABAMA’S HIGH SCHOOL
Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting
Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply
ASMS Day. Prospective families get a chance to
I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?”
our campus Saturday, Nov.12 or Dec. 3 for
see student-run classroom demonstrations and
learn about a school that could change your life
forever. Register for ASMS Day at www.asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential
high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors
seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted!
online at www.asms.net. Many people ask, “Do Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for
academic success. In 2017, the 82 ASMS grads
earned $13 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.5.
Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.
Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net 67 www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine
A Page in a Book Chasing Down the Best Books As children migrate from creeping to crawling, from toddling to walking, we eagerly anticipate our babies progression through locomotion. We hover nearby offering encouragement, ready to catch them when they fall. But the game changes when they begin to run. Caregivers get our exercise as we weave and lurch through shrubbery, crowds, minefields of toys and more to keep up with the newly agile child who has become fleet of foot. Fueled by adrenaline, the new-found excitement of speed is a siren’s call to little ones who are testing their speed limit. The following recommended reading is guaranteed to catch the attention of the kid on the move!
Catch That Cookie!
by Hallie Durand, Illustrated by David Small (Penguin Books for Young Readers) After a week of reading about runaway gingerbread men in class, Marshall was still not buying it. Taking a stand against the notion that a cookie can run, he pronounces his disbelief to the teacher and students alike. With a knowing smile, Marshall’s teacher lets him take the lead as the class bakes their own gingerbread men cookies. Through the slow-as-molasses dough prep to the long wait by the cooking oven, Marshall remains convinced that there is nothing fast about these cookies. But when an empty oven and a series of tantalizing notes sends the class in hot pursuit of missing cookies, young Marshall may have to revise his opinion of runaway gingerbread men. Delicious reading for cookie lovers, this imaginative title is worth chasing down.
Shh! We Have a Plan
by Chris Haughton (Candlewick Press) Dressed for stealth as they walk through the woods, a foursome of friends spy a colorful bird in the branches. Rather than chasing it forth, three of the group craft a plan of pursuit that may net their prize. Shushing the smallest fourth member of the team who randomly chirps “Hello, Birdie”, the group exhausts various strategies as they creep and climb after their target. After repeat attempts, the team is no closer to their target. But when the littlest one produces crumbs, the elusive bird is drawn in, along with dozens of his feathered friends. As hunters become the hunted, the pursuers may need to find another plan, or easier prey in this digitally-rendered winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Book award.
Naked!
by Micheal Ian Black, Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Simon & Schuster) Fresh from the bath, unencumbered by clothes and free from inhibition, one child’s bedtime prep becomes a race around the house as he eludes his parents by bare inches. Running around at top speed, the child streaks from room to room decrying the need for shirts, pants, shoes and capes. Wait, capes? Capes are cool and back on the menu. As his fire burns lower and he begins to feel the chill, his mom is slowly able to coax him into pajamas (with cape) and nudge him toward his bed. Illustrated with the best of strategic perspective, posing and product placement, Naked is brilliant bedtime reading for every child who has attempted a clean getaway.
Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!
“Happy to be part of this survey.”
“Thank you for checking on us!”
Actual comments from survey responses.
Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, or email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us. 69 Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine
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Ever notice how kids tune us out just when we need them to listen the most? While listening is critical in communication, the skill is one of the most difficult to master and the least taught. From toddlerhood to teen, make learning to listen fun by playing games that will help your kids tune in.
language by changing the lyrics or adding new original verses.” Try it with songs like The Itsy Bitsy Spider, If All the Raindrops (or Snowflakes), Wheels on the Bus and Ten Little Ducks.
20 Questions. You can purchase this game or make up your own version by putting slips of paper in a jar that feature categories like animals, famous people or objects. One player pulls a slip of paper and the other players have to guess what is on it by asking questions to gather clues. The person who deducts the answer in 20 questions or less by carefully listening to clues gets to go next.
Sing together.
Toddlers and preschoolers love to sing and imitate movements that go along with songs. “Any opportunity for songs and finger-plays promotes working on listening skills,” says Debra Burnett, Ph.D., assistant professor and speech-language pathologist in the College of Human Ecology at Kansas State University. “After they know the song, play with
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
Shoutout. Read books with repetitive phrases
like Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No
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Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst; Brown Bear, Brown Bear: What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle; and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson. Whenever your toddler or preschooler hears the key word or phrase, she can shout it out. “Reading together is critical. Starting early by looking at books and labeling pictures, then reading simple, repetitive stories will allow the child to learn and predict,” Burnett says. “Books are a great tool for sharing language.”
Who am I? Gather your preschooler’s stuffed animals and have her turn her back. This game will probably get both of you giggling! Pretending to be one of her stuffies, use a silly voice and describe your characteristics. Can she figure out which one of her favorite loveys you are describing? Picture it. Give your child a blank piece of paper and a pencil. Using step-by-step instructions, tell him what to draw. How accurate was he? Then let him challenge you.
Heads Up! Fun for anyone to play and much like the retro game “Password,” Heads Up! is an inexpensive app inspired by the game Ellen DeGeneres plays with guests on her talk show. Players must guess the word on their head by listening to the clues the other players give before the time runs out. The game features 18 different categories for players to choose from. Conversation starter games. Try out the
Ungame, which is a non-competitive game that features an entertaining way for older kids to practice conversation and listening skills. This game is available on Amazon and comes in pocket or board formats with various themed editions, including all ages, kids, teens and families. Chat packs and TableTopics are other convenient options.
Get “om” the mat. With playful names like gorilla, cat, happy baby and airplane, many of yoga’s poses appeal to kids’ imaginations. Practicing yoga enhances concentration, focus and listening because you must listen to instructions while moving your body. For ideas, check out The Kids’ Yoga Deck: 50 Poses and Games by Annie Buckley; download kid-focused yoga videos on YouTube; or visit Yogakids. com for a free pose of the week. Revisit the classics. Games like Simon Says,
Red Light-Green Light and Bingo is His Name-O (an electronic board game available on Amazon) remain favorites among kids and can be played almost anywhere. Outside of games, set aside time everyday without the distractions of electronics to chat with your children. As Burnett says, “There is no substitute for personal interaction with young children.” For more tips on listening, check out How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. ESP
Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two boys who are selective listeners. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
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FamilyCalendar
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Wednesday November 1
First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m.
Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com
Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre presents “Peter Pan, Jr.” ($15 for adults and $10 for students) 7:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, 36532 Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) will present Peter Pan, JR. at the Fairhope Civic Center November 3-5, 2017. Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale and featuring the iconic songs, “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land,” Peter Pan, JR. features over 70 students from Baldwin and Mobile counties and is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. www.easternshorerep.org
John Rosemond - Parenting the Strong Willed Child 6:30 PM St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, 36608 John Rosemond speaks on Parenting the Strong Willed Child.
Thursday November 2
Weeks Bay Plantation Concert Series ($30) 7:00 PM Weeks Bay Plantation, 12562 Mary Ann Beech Road Fairhope, 36532 Weeks Bay Plantation is excited to announce its first ever fall concert series, The Blueberry Sessions. Teaming up with Hix Snedeker Companies and Skate Mountain Records, Weeks Bay Plantation will host the intimate three-part concert series featuring live musical performances from world-class Southern singers and songwriters set in the idyllic surroundings of the organic Fairhope farm. Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer in concert. www.weeksbayplantation.com Mobile Ballet presents Blaine Hoven Full Circle 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Mobile Ballet opens its 2017-18 performing season with a special one-night only production featuring Blaine Hoven, American Ballet Theatre soloist and Mobile Ballet alumni, returning to his home town stage! This special program will feature beautiful excerpts of classical ballet favorites as well as stunning new works, performed by Blaine Hoven, additional guest artists from American Ballet Theatre and the Mobile Ballet Company. mobileballet.org Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 Details November 1.
Friday November 3
Night Glow Golf Tournament 4:00 PM GlenLakes Golf Club, 9530 Clubhouse Drive Foley, 36535 Love to golf, and want to support education? We’ve got a great event for you. The Annual Night Glow Golf Tourney to support the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. 251-943-3291
Pecan Festival 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. 251-401-5555 www.alabamapecanfestival.com
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
2017 Hangout Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend The Hangout, 101 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores, 36542 Spend a decadent day at the beach as you taste oysters from dozens of chefs and restaurants, sip on a variety of craft beers, and enjoy a great lineup of music. Sharpen your culinary skills with fun & informative cooking demos from award winning chefs and wash it down with a Bloody Mary or a glass of Champagne. Kids 12 and under get in for free. www.hangoutcookoff.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 Details November 1.
Saturday November 4
Senior Bowl Charity Run 8:00 AM Downtown Mobile, 151 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36602 The 30th annual Senior Bowl Charity Run is Saturday, November 4, 2017. This Run is a certified 5K and 10K Run and includes a one-mile Fun Run. Runners and their families will enjoy free food, drink and activities. www.seniorbowl.com Tunnel to Tower 5K Run/Walk 8:30 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! t2tmobile.eventbrite.com Fairhope Veteran’s Day Parade 10:00 AM Fairhope Civic Center, Fairhope, 36532 The City of Fairhope will honor its military veterans with a Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 4, 2017. The parade will start at 10 a.m. and will begin and end at the Fairhope Civic Center. Participants include local veterans organizations, military vehicles, local boy and Girl Scout troops, the Fairhope High School Band, the Daphne High School ROTC, the 1165th MP Company, the British Car Club and many other local groups. Leading the parade will be Fairhope’s 2017 Veteran of the Year. 251-929-1466
Pecan Festival 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. 251-401-5555 www.alabamapecanfestival.com
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Peli-Con 2017 presented by Coastal Alabama Community College ($10) 10:00 AM Coastal Alabama Community College, 450 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Coastal Alabama Community College will host the 2nd Annual PeliCON Comic and Cosplay Convention on the Fairhope Campus of Coastal Alabama. Peli-CON is a comic convention and will include a Cosplay Contest, a Magic: The Gathering Tournament, Anime films, concert and workshops. Our Animation & Visual Effects Program created the event to raise money for scholarships for prospective students. The proceeds from the event will directly benefit students coming into the Animation & Visual Effects Program, which is based on the Fairhope Campus of Coastal Alabama Community College. Live bands, video game tournaments, workshops, games & more! www.peli-con.com Poker Paddle in the Delta ($35 per boat) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 We’re excited to partner with WildNative Delta Safaris to host a fun, family-friendly outing on the Delta this fall. The poker paddle is a water-based scavenger hunt where participants will follow maps to designated points and collect as many cards in sealed envelopes as they can before the buzzer sounds. A portion of proceeds benefit our efforts for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. 251-359-8531 wildnativetours.com/specialevents Wet-A-Vet Dunkathon 10:00 AM Moe’s Original BBQ, 6423 Bayfront Park Drive Daphne, 36526 Bryan and Ross, founders of the South Alabama Mortgage Joint Task Force are gonna get wet in order to help veterans. We are going to be at Moes BBQ in Daphne from 10 to 2 to raise money for the Equine Therapy Group in Stapleton. This program provides equine therapy to vets who have a variety of issues. 251-625-7427
Thrive Yoga & Massage’s Mindful Market 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 21180 State Highway 181 Fairhope, 36532 The Mindful Market is an outdoor bazaar of local artists and vendors offering conscious living products and art. This is a family friendly gathering and market. Come and explore! Purchase great food, products, and free live music. (251) 929-4020 www.thrivefairhope.com/workshops/mindful-market/ Beer, Dogs & Veterans Charity Fundraiser 4:00 PM Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 Nichols Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Come out to Fairhope Brewing Company for the Beer, Dogs & Veterans Charity Fundraiser. This is the 3rd year for Dogs on Deployment to be supported by Fairhope Brewing Company in this awesome event! fairhopebrewing.com Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre presents “Peter Pan, Jr.” ($15 for adults and $10 for students)
7:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, 36532 Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) will present Peter Pan, JR. at the Fairhope Civic Center November 3-5, 2017. Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale and featuring the iconic songs, “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land,” Peter Pan, JR. features over 70 students from
www.easternshoreparents.com
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FamilyCalendar Baldwin and Mobile counties and is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. www.easternshorerep.org 2017 Hangout Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend The Hangout, 101 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores, 36542 Spend a decadent day at the beach as you taste oysters from dozens of chefs and restaurants, sip on a variety of craft beers, and enjoy a great lineup of music. Sharpen your culinary skills with fun & informative cooking demos from award winning chefs and wash it down with a Bloody Mary or a glass of Champagne. Kids 12 and under get in for free. www.hangoutcookoff.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 Details November 1.
Sunday November 5
Pecan Festival 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel
show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. 251-401-5555 www.alabamapecanfestival.com Thrive Yoga & Massage’s Mindful Market 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 21180 State Highway 181 Fairhope, 36532 The Mindful Market is an outdoor bazaar of local artists and vendors offering conscious living products and art. This is a family friendly gathering and market. Come and explore! Purchase great food, products, and free live music. (251) 929-4020 www.thrivefairhope.com/workshops/mindful-market/ 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 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. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre presents “Peter Pan, Jr.” ($15 for adults and $10 for students) 2:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, 36532 Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) will present Peter Pan, JR. at the Fairhope Civic Center November 3-5, 2017. Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale and featuring the iconic songs, “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land,” Peter Pan, JR. features over 70 students from Baldwin and Mobile counties and is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. www.easternshorerep.org
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first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama
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pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB
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to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually
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Children’s South
205.638.4800 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care
www.ChildrensAL.org
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Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games,
third largest pediatric hospital in the United States
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Glow for a Cure 3:00 PM Daphne City Hall, 1705 Main Street Daphne, 36526 Each year we work hard throughout the Eastern Shore to raise funds to find a Cure for cancer. This year (Sunday, November 5th) we invite the community to come out Festivities include: music, games, children’s activities, food, survivor/caregiver reception and much more! A special luminary ceremony will be held at sunset. We look forward to seeing you there! relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/ RFLCY17MS?fr_id=81816&pg=entry
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John Rosemond Parenting with Love and Leadership 2:00 PM St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, 36608 Children depend on parents for the two L-words of Love and Leadership. In today’s parenting culture, Love is often weakened by well-intentioned enabling, and Leadership is weakened by the equally well-intentioned attempt to be “popular” with one’s children. In this entertaining and thought-provoking talk, John tells parents how to deliver these two essential parenting ingredients in ways that strengthen children emotionally and help them grow into responsible, compassionate citizens.
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FamilyCalendar entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: MondayThursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com
Tuesday November 7
5 Rivers StoryTime: “Run, Turkey, Run!” by Diane Mayr 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is about a turkey trying to find a good place to hide from the farmer. Uh-oh! Here comes the farmer! 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center
Wednesday November 8
U.S. Flag Folding Narration and Folding Ceremony 4:30 PM Daphne Public Library, 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, 36526 The Daphne High School ROTC will perform the folding segment of the ceremony. Members of Girl/Boy Scout troops are invited to participate and will be recognized at the ceremony. All ages are invited to attend. The ceremony will be held in the library rotunda. The recitations accompanying each fold pay tribute to the service of our veterans and the values they hold dear. (251) 621-2818 www.daphnelibrary.org Ray LaMontagne: Just Passing Through 7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Ray LaMontagne is bringing the “Just Passing Through” Acoustic Tour to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on November 8th! www.mobilesaenger.com Celebrate Life with Author James Farmer ($50) Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, One Grand Boulevard Point Clear, 36564 The Thomas Hospital Foundation welcomes southern-born and bred James Farmer to the Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear on Nov. 8. Farmer is editor-at-large for Southern Living as well as a professional gardener, floral and interior designer, cook, author and lifestyle expert. Bring a friend and enjoy lunch as Farmer entertains the crowd with his gift of storytelling and a demonstration highlighting design expertise. Proceeds benefit Thomas Hospital’s cancer program. www.infirmaryhealth.org/hospitals/thomas-hospital/ foundation
Thursday November 9
Daphne’s Annual Veterans Day Program 9:30 AM Daphne High School Gym, 9300 Champions Way Daphne, 36526 Please Join the City of Daphne & Daphne High School for Daphne’s Annual Veterans Day Program. 251-621-9000
Ladies Night Out 5:00 PM John F Rhodes Civic Center, 301 D’Olive Street Bay Minette, 36507 Ladies Night Out is a fun social outing with the opportunity to shop dozens of local vendors at one location. The event will include a fashion show, raffle, and several fun activities. For this event we are partnering with the Heritage Junior Women’s Club to support its service project: Emily’s Closet, a free prom boutique for high school students. Admission fees paid will go to support this outstanding community service project which has helped hundreds of girls in our area attend their high school prom. We are also partnering with local
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
girls’ sports teams and organizations to help fund additional programming for young ladies in our community. World Food Championship (Free) 6:00 PM The Wharf, 4830 Main Street Orange Beach, 36561 World Food Championships. Visit out website for event details. worldfoodchampionships.com Boots and BBQ
($40)
6:30 PM Moe’s Barbeque, 701 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36602 The fourth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, November 9 to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music and barbecue at Moe’s Barbeque located at 701 Springhill Avenue. Festivities will start at 6:30 p.m., with live music from local favorite cover band, The Bearded Spoon. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and enjoy s’mores, hayrides, and bonfires. Moe’s Original Bar B Que will provide their award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. Proceeds from the Boots & BBQ Barn Bash will provide funding for pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Melissa Manion to hold clinic in Mobile to treat the many children along the Gulf Coast suffering from autoimmune disorders such as pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. 251-610-4969 give.childrensal.org/barnbash 5th Annual Fairhope Film Festival Various Locations, Fairhope The Fairhope Film Festival is a film lover’s film festival held each year on the second weekend in November, offering participants the opportunity to see world-class award winning films in a unique, picturesque location over a fourday period. The focus is on national and international film festival competition finalists of the past year: the “best of the best” in cinema arts. 251-990-7957 www.fairhopefilmfestival.org Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Various locations from Bon Secour, AL to Pensacola, FL, In its’ 33rd year, the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is the oldest of its’ kind in the country. November 9th thru 19th will see over two hundred Grammy award winning and up and coming songwriters performing on the AL/FL Gulf Coast in over two dozen venues from Bon Secour, AL to Pensacola, FL. This is an opportunity to hear the stories behind the hits of today and the soon to be hits performed by the writers. 850-492-7664 fbisf.com
Friday November 10
World Food Games (Free) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 4830 Main Street Orange Beach, 36561 If you are looking for a fun, FREE family event, make sure you check out our World Food Games! Yes, it’s actually a series of games where we will be exploiting the eating etiquette: because you CAN play with your food! Some of the highlights include Speed Cup Stacking, Team Egg Tossing, The Watermelon Slingshot, Orange Relay Races, a Corn Shucking Contest, and much more! Bring the entire family because The World Food Games has something for everyone of all ages! Veterans Day Celebration and Parade of Flags 3:00 PM Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 The event features
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the Parade of Flags by the 4th grade students from Mobile and Baldwin county elementary schools. 2016 Veterans Day Essay Contest winners will read their winning essays. Keynote speaker is America’s Distinguished Young Woman. Bay Shore Charities, Inc. Neon Night Golf 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Rock Creek Golf Club, 140 Clubhouse Drive Fairhope, 36532 A family oriented event for the entire family. Par 3 night golf tournament with food, DJ, and kids events. FIRST OF ITS KIND!! Celebrating families and supporting 4 youth organizations. www.rockcreekgolf.com Live at Five (Free) 5:00 PM Halstead Amphitheater, 450 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, 36532 A new concert series in Fairhope. Bring refreshments and a blanket. Mobile Pops Band Veterans Day Celebration
(Free)
7:00 PM Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Mobile Pops Veterans Day Concert at 7:00pm. 5th Annual Fairhope Film Festival Various Locations, Fairhope The Fairhope Film Festival is a film lover’s film festival held each year on the second weekend in November, offering participants the opportunity to see world-class award winning films in a unique, picturesque location over a four-day period. The focus is on national and international film festival competition finalists of the past year: the “best of the best” in cinema arts. 251-990-7957 www.fairhopefilmfestival.org
Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Various locations from Bon Secour, AL to Pensacola, FL, In its’ 33rd year, the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is the oldest of its’ kind in the country. November 9th thru 19th will see over two hundred Grammy award winning and up and coming songwriters performing on the AL/FL Gulf Coast in over two dozen venues from Bon Secour, AL to Pensacola, FL. This is an opportunity to hear the stories behind the hits of today and the soon to be hits performed by the writers. 850-492-7664 fbisf.com
Saturday November 11
Rotary Youth Club Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser 8:00 AM Rotary Youth Club, 19128 Young Street Fairhope, 36532 The Fairhope, Point Clear and Sunset Rotary Clubs will host a pancake breakfast November 11th at the club with plates just $10/each. All the fixin’s - hotcakes, breakfast meats, coffee, juices and hot donuts. Benefiting the RYC programs for the children of our community. Join us! Veterans Day Breakfast & Parade 8:00 AM John F. Rhodes Civic Center, 301 D’Olive Street Bay Minette, 36507 The Annual Veterans Day Breakfast for servicemen and women of the North Baldwin area are welcome to attend at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center on Saturday, November 11th. The program will include a guest speaker and prayer. Following the breakfast at approximately 10:15, residents are welcome to come and participate in the annual parade around the city square. Following the parade, the program will include another speaker and song. 251-937-5665
www.easternshoreparents.com
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Fairhope (251) 928-9619 • Gulf Shores (251) 943-0803 West Mobile (251) 631-3680
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FamilyCalendar Fit for Duty 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 8:15 AM Daphne Middle School, 1 Jody Davis Circle Daphne, 36526 Scott Ward Memorial - Fit for Duty 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run will be held November 11. www.eventbrite.com/e/scott-ward-memorial-fit-forduty-5k-runwalk-tickets-38299697426 St. Francis Episcopal Fall Bazaar 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, St. Francis Episcopal Church, Key Street Dauphin Island, 36528 Join us for fall fun. Visitors can stock their pantry or freezer with gumbo, casseroles, baked goods. The Ladies of St. Francis (Key Street, Dauphin Island) will be selling handmade crosses, angels and other Christmas ornaments made with oyster shells. 251-861-2300
Stockton Sawmill Days ($15; Children 12 and under Free)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Live Oak Landing, 8700 Live Oak Road Stockton, 36507 Celebrate Stockton’s history and heritage as home to the first sawmill in the State of Alabama. Step back in time to the big woods and learn how logging was done with draft animals. Listen to great music, meet folk artists and folk life demonstrators, and see professional lumberjacks perform, take a boat ride on the river, and enjoy food cooked over open fires. Sawmill Days is a fun and educational experience for all ages. www.stocktonsawmilldays.org World Food Games (Free)
worldfoodchampionships.com
11:00 AM The Wharf, 4830 Main Street Orange Beach, 36561 World Food Championships. Visit out website for event details.
Christ the King Life Teen 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Christ the King Athletic Complex , 1506 Main Street Daphne, 36526 The CTK Life Teen Chili Cook Off is a family event filled with good food, music, inflatables and fun. All proceeds from the event will benefit Christ the King Catholic Church Youth Ministry. Pre-sale tickets will cost $10 and tickets will be sold at the event for $15. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from a teen in the program, on Eventbrite.com or by calling 251-626-3992. In addition to the Cook Off, there will also be a Cornhole tournament with an entry fee of $25 per team of 2. 251-626-3992 www.ctkdaphneyouth.org Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Various locations from Bon Secour, AL to Pensacola, FL, In its’ 33rd year, the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is the oldest of its’ kind in the country. November 9th thru 19th will see over two hundred Grammy award winning and up and coming songwriters performing on the AL/FL Gulf Coast in over two dozen venues from Bon Secour, AL to Pensacola, FL. This is an opportunity to hear the stories behind the hits of today and the soon to be hits performed by the writers. 850-492-7664 fbisf.com
We’ll learn from each other, hear from experts, and work on projects together.
251-621-3545
Sunday November 12
Battleship 12K - 2017 8:00 AM Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Join us for a patriotic run for those that serve. www.battleship12k.com Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11. Mini Maker Faire 2017 Barnes and Noble, 30500 State Hwy 181 Suite 414 Spanish Fort, 36527 Once again, we’ve partnered with Maker Media, creators of Make: Magazine and Maker Faire to host our own all-ages celebration of the maker movement, Mini Maker Faire, at select Barnes & Noble stores on November 11 and 12! We’ll learn from each other, hear from experts, and work on projects together. 251-621-3545
World Food Games (Free) The Wharf, 4830 Main Street Orange Beach, 36561 World Food Championships. Visit out website for event details. worldfoodchampionships.com
Monday November 13
Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11.
Tuesday November 14
Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11.
Wednesday November 15 Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11.
Thursday November 16
Olde Towne Daphne’s Third Thursday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Olde Town Daphne, Daphne Olde Towne Daphne’s Third Thursday open house is from 5-7 p.m. Olde Towne shops will stay open late and offer refreshments for patrons as they shop. Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11. 850-492-7664 fbisf.com
Friday November 17
Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11.
Saturday November 18 Creek Crawl 2017
Mini Maker Faire 2017 Barnes and Noble, 30500 State Hwy 181 Suite 414 Spanish Fort, 36527 Once again, we’ve partnered with Maker Media, creators of Make: Magazine and Maker Faire to host our own all-ages celebration of the maker movement, Mini Maker Faire, at select Barnes & Noble stores on November 11 and 12!
8:00 AM Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23030 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, 36535 4 mile run. Gun start 8:00 a.m. Heats every 10 minutes. Food, drinks and music for racer. grahamcreekpreserve.org/events/
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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Fall Festival at St. Francis at the Point 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 17280 Scenic Highway 98 Fairhope, 36532 Holiday Sale! Bakery Items - Christmas Items - Homemade Jams, Jellies, Salsas - Rummage Wine Pull Crafts Lunch Silent Auction 251-928-1255 stfrancisatthepoint.org November Family Fun Day (FREE) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, USA Archaeology Museum, 6052 USA Drive South Mobile, 36688 Kids and their families can drop in and learn about archaeology by exploring our mystery artifact boxes and making cordage! Our museum galleries will be open for selfguided tours, and this would be a great opportunity to check out our new temporary exhibit “History Matters,” a collection of historical photographs highlighting the contributions of key individuals and stops associated with the African American Heritage Trail of Mobile. Admission is free! (251) 460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum/index.html Kari Jobe: The Garden Tour 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Join Kari Jobe with special guest - her husband Cody Carnes for The Garden Tour, coming to Mobile Civic Center Theater. www.mobilecivicctr.com Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11.
Sunday November 19
5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 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. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Details November 11.
Friday November 24
Live at Five (Free) 5:00 PM Halstead Amphitheater, 450 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, 36532 A new concert series in Fairhope. Bring refreshments and a blanket.
Saturday November 25
Kaiser Half Marathon, 5K and Fun Run Shed your turkey with us at the beach on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Bring the whole family to enjoy the weekend on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. From a 1 mile fun run to a 5k run to a halfmarathon run- There is a distance for everyone. Enjoy running on the peaceful, scenic paved trails through Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, then join us for the post-race party at the Orange Beach Sportsplex with great food and drink, Gulf Coast style! www.team-magic.com/events/100
Tuesday November 28
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood 6:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back with an all-NEW show for 2017-2018! The hugely popular Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE!, based on the #1 PBS KIDS TV series, has delighted live audiences on stages across the country. www.mobilesaenger.com
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Thursday November 30
Marc Broussard at The Steeple 8:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Marc Broussard at The Steeple. www.thesteeplemobile.com The Avett Brothers 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Avett Brothers in concert at the Saenger Theatre. www.mobilesaenger.com
Friday December 1
First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Taste of the Island ($60) 6:30 PM Orange Beach Event Center, 4671 Wharf Parkway West Orange Beach, 36561 This year our culinary extravaganza will host over 30 restaurants from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surrounding areas. The Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf will be the location for this all-inclusive holiday gala, which will consist of food sampling, cocktails, musical entertainment and a silent auction. This spectacular event will benefit Toys for Tots. Please bring an unwrapped toy for local children in need. www.mirams.info Baldwin Pops Concert 7:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98 Daphne, 36526 Baldwin Pops concert at the Daphne Civic Center. www.daphneciviccenter.org Michael Carbonaro Live! 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Ever wondered what it feels like to be on the other side of Michael Carbonaro as he works his magic to make people believe the unbelievable? This is your chance to find out! From his hit television series “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, magician Michael Carbonaro brings his signature blend of bizarre antics, audience interaction, hilarious video clips, and mind-blowing magic, live on stage! www.mobilesaenger.com South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 7:30 PM 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. www.sbct.biz
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Classes start at $89/mo. DAPHNE 621-9933
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“Pay As You Go”- No Contracts
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Family Discount
SEMMES 786-5425
www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine
FamilyCalendar Saturday December 2
Smithsonian Water/Ways Exhibit Grand Opening Public Party (Free) 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 We are very excited to be chosen among five other venues in the state by the Alabama Humanities Foundation to host the traveling Smithsonian Exhibit, Water/Ways. Join 5 Rivers Educators and Staff to celebrate and be one of the firsts to see the exhibit. Free, family friendly. www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-events South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 7:30 PM 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. www.sbct.biz
Sunday December 3
South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 2:00 PM 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. www.sbct.biz
Thursday December 7
10th Anniversary Event “The Chocolate Affair”
($25)
6:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98 Daphne, 36526 Join us for a wonderful evening celebration and fundraiser to benefit Family Promise of Baldwin County! Together, for the past TEN years we have helped homeless families with children here in Baldwin County. Appetizers, desserts galore, heavy hor d’oeuvres, fun, fellowship, music, silent auction, and live auction. www.familypromisebc.org Weeks Bay Plantation Concert Series ($20) 7:00 PM Weeks Bay Plantation, 12562 Mary Ann Beech Road Fairhope, 36532 Weeks Bay Plantation is excited to announce its first ever fall concert series, The Blueberry Sessions. Teaming up with Hix Snedeker Companies and Skate Mountain Records, Weeks Bay Plantation will host the intimate three-part concert series featuring live musical performances from world-class Southern singers and songwriters set in the idyllic surroundings of the organic Fairhope farm. Griffin House in concert. www.weeksbayplantation.com
Friday December 8
Bay Bash 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Gulf Quest, 155 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Join Mobile Baykeeper for this annual celebration of Mobile Bay as they celebrate 20 years
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
of protecting the Mobile Bay Watershed and our coastal communities. Enjoy dinner, drinks, dancing, and a special guest speaker on the beautiful riverfront of downtown Mobile. Visit mobilebaykeeper.org/bay-bash or contact Justine Herlihy at jherlihy@mobilebaykeeper.org for more information. mobilebaykeeper.org/bay-bash South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 7:30 PM 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. www.sbct.biz
Saturday December 9
South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 7:30 PM 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. www.sbct.biz
Highway 104, Fairhope. 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 counsuling services to adoptive families. Celebration MOPS Fairhope (Meets During School Year Only) 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 information, please contact Judy Bradshaw: (251) 990-7781.
Sunday December 10
South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” 2:00 PM 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, 36542 Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralph Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. www.sbct.biz
Classes/Meetings Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Thursday of each month. The meeting is held at 3 Circle Church, 10274
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Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) (Meets During School Year Only) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday (during the school year) at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for how to register. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved 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.,
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FamilyCalendar S. Section Street, Fairhope. The support group is facilitated by a professional and co-facilitated by two survivors. For information, please email jlbarber5@ bellsouth.net or call 251-455-6453.
12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne. 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. SOS (Survivors of Suicide) This group is for adults who has ever lost a loved one to suicide. SOS meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of EVERY month from 6:30 to approximately 8:00 p.m. at the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises.
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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. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For info contact 949-3781.
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Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m. Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373. Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m. Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope) Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for upcoming classes and registration. Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251- 928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@ bellsouth.net. Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No Pre-registration required. Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required. Sibling Class Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope). Preregistration required. Call 279-1373. 10-11 a.m. Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-477-1104. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 626-6337 for more information.
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! Eastern Shore Parents I November 2017
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My Little Pony
Same Kind of Different as Me
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated My Little Pony: The Movie PG for mild action. Our hero is Princess Twilight Sparkle. Tasked with planning the kingdom’s all important Festival of Friendship, she is understandably stressed out. In this land of energetic ponies, there’s apparently nothing to pass the time besides impromptu musical numbers and snacking on a wide selection of baked goods. No wonder her peers are brimming with excitement; it’s about time someone broke up the monotony. With her reputation riding on this, Twilight comes close to panic over the event. Fortunately, her loyal friends have her back. But as preparations for the big day continue, the happy herd is delivered a rude awakening. An airship descends out of nowhere and an army is deposited in their peaceful city. From thence, the tireless team embark on a quest to find help in throwing off their oppressors. While the team may be tireless, the audience isn’t. As our protagonists journey across deserts, oceans and mountains, acquiring new friends through the charm of lengthy song and dance numbers, the tedium is only punctuated by the occasional pun. More concerning for families are the frightening bad guys and their minions who lock helpless citizens in cages and force them to pull heavy loads like... well, ponies. All the while, the main characters face perils of their own. This will only be troubling to the very youngest of viewers. For all its faults, the movie is full to bursting with moments of trust and friendship. Not half bad messages for kids to hear.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Same Kind of Different as Me PG-13 for thematic elements including some violence and language. Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) has a large home, a successful business as an art dealer, a beautiful family... and a mistress. He stands to lose everything when he confesses his affair to his wife Debbie (Renée Zellweger), but she surprises him. After sleeping on the problem, Debbie has a peculiar dream involving a poor wise man. When she awakens, she offers Ron his freedom or a chance to try to find what they once had. Ron chooses to stay with his wife, who then leads him on a curious journey to rekindle their love. It starts with Debbie inviting a reluctant Ron to join her as a volunteer in the soup kitchen. At first the wealthy man is more concerned about parking his Mercedes in the seedy neighborhood than he is about helping the hungry homeless. And his fears are only heightened when a vagrant wielding a baseball bat enters the building yelling death threats and smashing windows. After the situation cools, Debbie surprises him again. She tells her shaken husband that the stranger (Djimon Hounsou) is the man from her dream – and she wants Ron to go and make friends with him. The unusual request marks the beginning of an even more unusual relationship. Although sentimental at times, this faith-based film shows how small acts of kindness can add up to large life changes. And it demonstrates how a sharing of perspectives can improve the way each of us see the world.
Only the Brave
Geostorm
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: BProfanity: D Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Only the Brave PG-13 for thematic content, some sexual references, language and drug. During June of 2013 a lightning strike started a wildfire. With winds whipping the flames toward the community of Yarnell, Arizona, various fire crews were called upon to bring it under control and to protect civilians. One of these was the Granite Mountain Hotshots. This elite group of firefighters held the unique certification of hotshots, meaning these men and women are trained to meet demanding physical standards and to undertake complex fire mitigation methods. Even though they worked within the fire department of the City of Prescott, Arizona, they are considered an “interagency” resource, and could be called to serve anywhere in the US. Only The Brave takes a great deal of time introducing many of the twenty members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots on a personal basis. Being a memorial film (yes, this is a true story with a very tragic ending), this approach is not only appropriate but also provides an effective dramatic backdrop. An exceptional film that uses its long running time effectively, Only the Brave also unleashes a torrent of profanities in what seems to be an attempt to convince us the men we see on the screen are the real deal. Although it would be unrealistic to believe their language wouldn’t include a variety of four-letter words, the generous peppering of profanity and sexual remarks may cause parents to rethink this title for family viewing -- and that’s unfortunate.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Geostorm PG13 for destruction, action and violence. In the year 2019, Earth’s increasingly extreme weather conditions reach such a severe state that the leaders of the world are forced to come together to find a solution. Using the best scientific minds available, a large network of satellites is created to control the environment. The miraculous machine is a collaboration of 17 countries and managed from the International Space Station. But the US leads the effort and an American named Jake Lawson (Gerard Butler) heads up the team of experts. Instead of willingly transferring The Dutchman over to a multi-national council, it appears the US Senate wants to stay in charge of the device. Fast forward two years and 49 weeks. With 21 days left before the US hands over their administration of The Dutchman, a malfunction occurs. Worried about passing on damaged goods, the US President (Andy Garcia) gives the problem to the Secretary of State (Ed Harris), who enlists Max, who in turn recruits Jake to give the complex system a check-up and cure whatever is ailing it. Yet once onboard the Space Station he stumbles into something more suspicious than a mechanical failure. Meanwhile Max untangles some Washington red tape that appears to be covering up a sinister plot. And at the same time, various freak weather incidents are killing unsuspecting civilians. Parents should be aware that this may be too much for young children. All in all, Geostorm offers everything a disaster film is supposed to.
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When I grow up I want to be...
an Olympian a professional athlete a dance instructor I WON’T LET HPV STOP ME! The HPV Vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine. Boys, girls, and young adults should receive the vaccine to defend against several different strains of cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the vaccine begin at 11 to 12 years of age.
Don’t let HPV keep you from reaching your goals.
For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo