Eastern Shore Parents November 2018 by KeepSharing

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New pediatric specialists for Gulf Coast families

When your child is sick, you need personalized, compassionate care — care that starts with a team of doctors who listen to children and understand them like you do. That’s why the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, a part of Ascension®, is now affiliated with the Southeast’s largest academic health center, University of Florida Health.

James Burns, MD

Matthew Furst, MD

Theresa Roca, MD

Matthew Steiner, MD

Bevin Weeks, MD

James Coticchia, MD

Martina Drawdy, MD

Berrin Ergun-Longmire, MD

Adolescent Medicine University of Florida

Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida

Together, Sacred Heart and UF have hired 25 pediatric specialists who live and work full-time on the Gulf Coast, caring for the region’s smallest patients and their parents. Find a physician, and see our patients’ stories: studerfamilychildrenshospital.com /sacredheartchildrenshospital

Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida

Pediatric ENT University of Florida

Pediatric Endocrinology University of Florida

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850-462-9496 Robert Dillard, MD

Pediatric Gastroenterology University of Florida

PEDIATRIC SPECIALTIES

Jeffrey Schwartz, MD Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

University of Florida

Erlyn Smith, MD

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology University of Florida

Amanda Strobel, MD

Edward Kohaut, MD

Alan Sacks, MD

Brent Thompson, PA

Pediatric Gastroenterology University of Florida

Pediatric Gastroenterology Sacred Heart Medical Group

Debra Cohen, MD

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology University of Florida

Pediatric Nephrology University of Florida

Ali Kurady, MD

Pediatric Nephrology University of Florida

Matthew Pearson, MD

University of Florida

Pediatric Neurosurgery Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Orthopedics Sacred Heart Medical Group

Tracy Roberts, MD

Dana Wert, ARNP

Gulnur Com, MD

Jonathan Papic, MD

Bryan Weidner, MD

Mark Wehry, MD

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Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Pediatric Orthopedics University of Florida

Pediatric Orthopedics Sacred Heart Medical Group

C. Gerry Henderson, MD Pediatric Urology University of Florida

Pediatric Pulmonology University of Florida

Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Surgery Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group

Robert Huang, MD

Pediatric Surgery Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group

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November2018 42

Volume 11 Number 6

Columns

6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW

Raising Communicators 3 Good Things Teaching your kids to communicate well in the digital age.

16 Kids Health Watch

How to start a family gratitude practice.

sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

38 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between

Common Sense Media

40 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

44 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Holiday Happenings Parades, lights, musicals and much more...to brighten your season.

Salute a Veteran

11 easy ways your family can show appreciation to military men and women this month.

60 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

64 Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover William Isaac Payne was born on September 30, 2018 to Dr. Isaac & Mrs. Christa Payne. Grandparents are Carl & Rosemary Dixon. The Payne’s are so thankful God blessed them with a healthy baby boy. They are looking forward to spending the holidays together and making new memories as a family of three.

Departments 10

Bits and Pieces 18

School Bits 66

Family Calendar 76

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source I mentioned back in July how my mom started a tradition of lining her street with American flags during patriotic holidays. Well, apparently others enjoyed the display too because her local news station came out and did an interview with her! She did such a great job. In her interview she was asked what motivated her to start this project. She responded that she was grateful to be an American and wanted to celebrate the nation and honor those who serve our country. This is her way of saying thank you to the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country. What a beautiful gesture it is too. As we approach Veteran’s Day, we thought it would be nice to include some ideas on how you can thank our military families. Christa Melnyk Hines has outlined several easy, yet special ways you can honor veterans in 11 Way Families Can Salute a Veteran, on page 62. Not only do we have Veteran’s Day on the horizon, but also one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. Like most families, we have that sweet moment before we eat when everyone goes around the table saying what they are thankful for. Now that several of the kids are older they all have the same answer. They typically reply “my family” then they begin around the table as if they are looking for confirmation that their answer was correct. I miss the days when they would give totally random answers like “play-doh” or “dirt”, but I get it. They are being put on the spot. Whether it is speaking in front of family at Thanksgiving or giving a speech in class, practicing good communication skills, especially in this tech driven world, remains an important life skill. With all of the ways to communicate digitally, what are some ways we can help our kids open up verbally and express their thoughts and feelings? Turn to page 42 where you will find 10 Tips to Raise a Skilled Communicator in the Digital Age. Discover ways we, as parents, can help tune in on communication. To help us prepare a little more for this year’s thankfulness roundtable, I think it would be a good exercise for us to ask the kids to contemplate ahead of time things they are truly grateful for. It might even be a fun game to have each person write down things they are thankful for and then have everyone guess to whom that answer belongs. You will find some other fun ideas Sara Barry’s article, Three Good Things: How to Start a Family Gratitude Practice, on page 46. No matter what time of year it is, I feel it is good for everyone to practice gratitude exercises because sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of every day life, we may forget to stop and recognize how truly lucky we really are. How often when we are rushing to the grocery store do we stop and think how blessed we are to have the means to buy food for our families? Or when we are in a hurry and have to stop and get gas, do we ever think about how lucky we are to have a car to put gas in? Or when we kiss our kids goodnight and tuck them in their beds, do we take a moment to be grateful the bed is in a home and not in a hospital? It is easy to rush through life and forget to take those moments to just be still and reflect. Reaching out to those in need is also important in recognizing our blessings. Donate to a food drive, visit an elderly neighbor who may feel a little lonely, serve meals at the Ronald McDonald House, or just send a hand-written note of encouragement to someone who needs it. I am sure whatever you do to reach out will be very much appreciated. Count your blessings. Be a blessing!

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Sara Barry Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines 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 ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Accounts Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com

Lynn

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Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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

Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 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.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW

A Different Approach to Lying Few behaviors want to make a parent’s head explode more than lying. The very concept of a child standing before you faced with your inquisition, while they simultaneously and unapologetically lie without ceasing, is an affront to our common sense of social decency. So, what do you do? You’ve tried it all. You have threatened, yelled, cajoled, you’ve taken away the PlayStation for the 14th time this month, their iPhone now permanently resides in your pocket, yet still...they lie. Well, let me first assure you that if you have a child with a proclivity towards lying they are not necessarily destined for an orange jumpsuit. Lying is commonly a simple survival tactic that our kids will utilize in an effort to avoid a negative engagement. Their experiences have taught them – when you mess something up, avoid taking responsibility at all costs, because if you do, something will happen to you. It is no wonder they often will instinctively and reflexively lie in an attempt at self-preservation. Due to the immaturity level of our kids they don’t necessarily have that capacity to pause, really think through the situation and be vulnerable enough to admit truth. So, understanding that, let me give you a couple of tips: First, stop asking questions. If you have a child with a proclivity towards lying,

stop phrasing things in the form of a question. For example, if your child has just poured themselves a cup of milk and you notice there is now spilled milk all over the counter, instead of saying something to effect of, “Why did you make such a mess?” or “Why didn’t you clean up that milk after you were done?” which inevitably will provoke a denial from your child; instead try phrasing things in the form of a statement like, “Hey, sweet girl, I need you to grab that rag for me really quick and clean up that milk, thanks for your help!” When your child then comes back at you with, “But it wasn’t my mess!” or “It wasn’t me!” you can respond with an assurance that you are not looking to blame, you are simply looking to address the issue at hand. “No worries, it doesn’t matter who it was, I just appreciate your help,” and move on with your day. Second, since we understand that lying can oftentimes be reflexive - meaning your child hasn’t really processed the entirety of the conversation or the question you are asking – you can give them an option for an “out”. “Dude, I’m not sure that’s what really happened. Can you try that again for me?” or “Let’s come back around to this later; I would love to know what really happened.” Effectively, when you give them an option for a do-over it prompts them to come out of that survival portion of their brain

and re-engage with their frontal cortex, which will allow them to respond much more appropriately to your question. Overall, understand that lying is a common childhood behavior that in no way will define the complete trajectory of a child’s life. Breathe, and remind yourself that your child is in a learning process called childhood. As we love, teach, train, disciple, serve and care for them in every little day to day engagement, we are effectively coloring who they grow up to be...so keep your eye on the long game. You got this! Do you have a behavior or parenting question? Shoot me an email at sonia.kidstolove@yahoo.com. I will answer your question in an upcoming issue of Montgomery Parents! *Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child.

Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent. She spends her free time cooking, drinking coffee, cleaning, cooking, sweeping infield baseball dirt off of the kitchen floor, cooking, and cleaning up after the cooking in an effort to keep all those boys full while avoiding the appearance that she lives in a fraternity house.

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Center Stage Presents “The Sound Of Music”

One of the world’s most beloved tales is coming to the Eastern Shore! Center Stage Performance’s Elevation Troupe will bring this adaptation of the original stage musical to Daphne Civic Center on November 16, 17 & 18. This feel good love story of family and one’s love for their country will tug at your heart strings and give you lots of laughs, too. General Admission tickets are $10 for adults and only $5 for students ages 4-18. Children 3 and under. are free Reserved seating priced at $25, $20 & $15, To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com. Call 251-928-1707.

Bayside Academy's Theater Department Proudly Presents “Beauty and the Beast”

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Bayside Academy's Theater Department Presents Beauty and the Beast. Performances will be held in the Pilot Center Theatre on Bayside's campus. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, Thursday, November 8, and Saturday November 10 and 2 p.m. on Sunday November 11. This production is directed by Tim Kirby, with choreography by Zoe Lombard-Todd and musical direction by Beth Horn. Shows are open to the public and tickets may be purchased at www.baysideacademy.org/performing-arts.

The Chocolate Affair

Family Promise of Baldwin County announces the 11th annual Holiday Gala "The Chocolate Affair". This exciting event hosts an evening of fellowship and fun wrapped in the magic of the Christmas Spirit and features live and silent auctions, area restaurants serving heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts galore! Live music will be provided by Roman Street. This will be a great opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas items and bid on fun getaway packages. "A Chocolate Affair" will be held on Thursday, December 6 from 6 – 9 PM at the Daphne Civic Center. Tickets are available now for $30 per person by visiting our website, www.familypromisebc.org, by calling the office at 251-947-5641. Sponsor Opportunities also available. Proceeds from the event benefit Family Promise of Baldwin County, a community response to the issue of homelessness in Baldwin County, specifically homeless families with children.

Original Oyster House to Offer Free Lunch to Veterans/Active Military

36th Annual Christmas Fest The 36th Annual Christmas Fest is a time-honored holiday event that takes place Friday, December 7 from 10 AM – 8 PM & Saturday, December 8 from 8 AM – 4 PM in downtown Bay Minette at Blackburn Park. On Friday, beginning at 6:00 PM the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting and Ping Pong Ball Drop takes place and Saturday there is our parade, local stage entertainment and plenty of vendors for both days. We are proud to announce that Friday evening's entertainment is a screen showing of "A Christmas Story"!

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

The Original Oyster House restaurants will serve a free lunch or dinner to veterans and active military on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11, from 11 AM 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. For more information visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/veterans or call 251-928-2620. 10

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Impact Youth Theater Hosts Gingerbread Decorating Contest and Fall Performance

IMPACT Youth Theater, a local performance group comprised primarily of homeschooled children in Baldwin County ages 3-18, announces their fall performance, "A Confectionary Christmas". The performance will be held at the Daphne Civic Center, December 4, 2018 at 10 AM and 6:30 PM. Admission is free and donations are welcomed. Concessions and a silent auction will also be available. For more info email impacttheaterreservations@

gmail.com. We will also be hosting a community gingerbread decorating contest. $5 per entry and there will be two categories: 12 and under, and 13 and older. Entries should be brought to the Daphne Civic Center on Monday, December 3rd between the hours of 12:00-5:00. Prize money will be determined by the number of entrants. For more information or questions about the gingerbread contest, please email impactyouththeater@gmail.com.

Ninth Annual Turkey Take-Out Seeks Donations

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Foley Elementary School, along with area churches and organizations, is stepping up to help those in need in the Foley area. The Ninth Annual Turkey Take-Out is gearing up to feed an estimated 1200 people again this year, many of whom are the families of students at Foley Elementary School and the Foley feeder schools such as Magnolia Springs and Swift School, as well as Summerdale, Gulf Shores, and the Rosinton areas. Turkey Take-Out is a partnership of community churches, organizations, and Foley Elementary School that began after local pastoral leaders and active community citizens learned of the severe need of many of the school’s students. Turkey Take-Out was established to provide families with a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day as well as non-perishable 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, Anchor Point Church, 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 16, 2018. Monetary donations are needed to buy the food for the Thanksgiving meals. A donation of $40 will feed a family of four and can be made directly to Anchor Point Church. 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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Mystical Order of Mirams Taste of the Islands

The Mystical Order of Mirams is proud to announce the 12th Annual “Taste of the Islands" to be held on Friday, November 30. 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. Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters from Pensacola will be playing all night to rock your party experience. The band will keep you dancing throughout the night and will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit. This spectacular event will benefit Toys for Tots. Please bring an unwrapped toy for local children in need. Tickets to this All-Inclusive Holiday Gala are $60 per person. Tickets may be purchased from any Miram. To purchase tickets or a table online, visit www.mirams.info and fill out the contact info. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30. Dress is Island Elegant. Start the season off right in your holiday attire!

ESRT Presents “A Christmas Carol”

Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) announces “A Christmas Carol”, The Musical to be performed on December 1 at The Steeple on St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street in Downtown Mobile. “A Christmas Carol” is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens' most well-known story about Ebenezer Scrooge, a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!" Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him. Showtimes are December 1 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are available online at www.easternshorerep.org.

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Mobile Ballet Takes Stage for 2018-2019 Season

Mobile Ballet celebrates its 31st year with a season of freshly choreographed masterpieces under the direction of new Artistic Director Katia Garza. Ovation: Concert of Legends celebrates many of the world’s musical legends with a one-night-only performance November 8 at the Civic Center Theater. Honoring greats such as George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and more – Ovation, featuring over 30 dancers, promises a mix of kinetic energy, exhilarating music and a dynamic fresh production unique to the Mobile stage. December brings the lavish holiday tradition of The Nutcracker. For the first time, performers will also include dancers from the entire community – with open auditions for traditional favorites including angels, fairies and more. This Mobile favorite includes two Saturday performances December 15th at 2:30 and 7:30 PM and a Sunday matinee December 16th. Spring brings Mobile Ballet’s final performance March 23rd – 24th: The Little Mermaid. Mobile Ballet is excited to share this spellbinding new production journeying from the human realm to a mystical underwater world – sure to entrance all ages. Ovation - A Concert of Legends: November 8 - 7:30 PM / One Night Only! The Nutcracker: December 15 – 2:30 and 7:30 PM and December 16 at 2:30 PM. “The Little Mermaid” - March 23 - 7:30 PM and March 24 – 2:30 PM. All performances: Mobile Civic Center Theater/ Admission $20-$60. For tickets and additional information contact: (251) 342-2241 or www.mobileballet.org

Center Stage Presents “Junie B. Jones” The Musical, Jr.

Laugh yourself silly! Center Stage Performance is excited to bring Barbara Park’s popular best-selling book series “Junie B. Jones” live on stage at the Daphne Civic Center for two nights only on Thursday, November 29 & Friday, November 30 at 6:30 PM each night. Our Grounded Troupe brings to life a delightful adaptation created specifically for Broadway Junior performers. This 60-minute production is witty, charming, and full of fun, upbeat songs that will have you tapping your toes and clapping your hands to the beat. The show addresses issues such as making new friends, finding her role, taking risks, and learning that you should never take for granted “just how special you are.” General Admission tickets are $10 for adults and only $5 for students ages 4-18. There is no cost for children 3 and under. Reserved seating fills up quickly and are priced at & 25, $20 & $15, To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com. 251-928-1707.

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Baldwin County Heritage Families

The Baldwin County Commission through its Department of Archives and History announces a ceremony to recognize the early settlers of Baldwin County, Alabama. Citizens who are descendants of ancestors who lived in Baldwin County before 1920 are eligible to be designated as a Baldwin County Heritage Family member. Applicants must complete an application on the Archives and History page on the Baldwin County Commission website at www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/ archives-history. The initial recognition program will be a part of the Opening Reception of “Making Alabama: A Traveling Exhibit” on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit will be at the Baldwin County Coliseum for three weeks, from December 3 until December 21. A descendant qualifies for inclusion on the listing if they can show that they have an ancestor who lived in Baldwin County before 1920. Applicants will sign the application stating where the records can be found if necessary. Heritage Family Members who apply before November 26, 2018, will be notified by mail and invited to the Recognition Ceremony at the Opening Reception for “Making Alabama: A Traveling Exhibit” at the Baldwin County Coliseum, on Thursday evening, December 6. Heritage Family recognition is officially endorsed as an AL200 project. Alabama is celebrating 200 years as a state for three years: 2017, 2018 and 2019. This year is designated as the year to “Celebrate Our People.” For information, contact the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History at (251) 580-2572.

26th Annual Foley Oyster 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run

Saturday, November 10, at 11:00 AM. Orange Blossom Square, West Orange Avenue Foley, AL, 36535 The 26th annual Foley Oyster 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run takes place near Orange Blossom Square in downtown Foley. It is a great fun-filled family event. This race event includes a post-race celebration that includes raw oysters and beer along with other food. Race category winners will also receive a trophy. www.foleyrotary.org/?page_id=492

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Dog Bites and More Hey guys! We have talked about protecting your kids and yourselves from many of the dangers around us every day, i.e. the sun, the water, bugs, fireworks, and lawnmowers, just to name a few. Today we are going to discuss pet safety, and more importantly dog bites. Dog bites and dog attacks can occur from the most mildmannered, small dog to a large, stray dog. Let’s discuss some numbers and then delve into some ways to keep you safe and treat dog bites. An estimated 4.6 million dog bites will occur this year with 800,000 requiring medical attention. Somewhere between 10 and 20 people are killed by dog bites each year with the majority being children. And, an estimated 700 million dollars in liability claims were paid on dog-related injuries in 2017! So, what can you do? When purchasing a dog or adopting one, be sure to carefully select your dog based on demeanor and suitability for your family. As a puppy is growing up, be sure to carefully expose them to social situations and do it in a non-threatening way. Teaching dogs to be aggressive only leads to harm for the pet and their owners. Keep your dog healthy and be on alert for any signs of illness as this can lead to an increased risk of bites or attacks.

The number of bites in children and infants is much higher than in adults, so never, never leave any dog alone with a child. The other important way to help reduce dog bites is to teach your child some basic behavior and safety rules. First, teach your child respect for animals and to not taunt any animal or throw things at them. Also, teach your children to avoid dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. It’s also a good idea for your child to always ask an owner if they can pet a strange dog and to offer a hand to sniff prior to petting. When petting a dog, be sure to avoid the face and tail. Dogs are very playful, so oftentimes, if a child is running near or past a dog, the pet thinks it is playtime and will chase the child. Sometimes playful situations can lead to more aggressive behavior. If a child feels threatened, have them avoid eye contact and slowly back away from the dog until out of harm’s way, but don‘t run away. If a dog does attack, teach the child to ball up and protect their face with their arms and hands. So, what happens if you or your child is bitten, or your dog bites another person? Immediately restrain the dog and remove from the situation. Wash all bites with soap and water and seek medical help immediately. All animal bites have an

increased risk of infection, especially bites that occur on hands and fingers. These areas are prone to infection from even the smallest puncture wounds and can lead to serious consequences. After the bite is addressed, and your dog is the biter, then talk to your veterinarian about the current rabies immunization status for your pet. If it was another dog, then talk to the owner about the current vaccine status or if unable to locate an owner, then collect all descriptive information about the animal and notify local authorities so that it can be located. Finally, talk to your medical provider ASAP about rabies prophylaxis if the rabies status is unknown. Dogs and other pets are wonderful for families and children but, like all things in life, can be dangerous if caution is not taken. Please look for more resources at aap.org and talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian regarding these topics. 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

Day of eMints at Fairhope Intermediate School

Students at Fairhope Intermediate School participated in the Day of eMints. Students in Mrs. Dube’s classes used fraction task cards to gallery walk as a review in math. Students in Dr. Lee’s classes used a digital “break in” to deepen their understanding of immigration. Mrs. Dube is a certified eMints educator and Dr. Lees is completing her final year of the program.

Immigration Studies at SFMS

Sixth-grade students at Spanish Fort Middle School have been learning about immigration. During history class, students participated in a simulation of Ellis Island to gain a better understanding of what immigrants went through when they came to the United States. Students were assigned roles to play and had to visit 7 different stations. Pictured left to right: Aubree Palmer, Ellie Vega, Shannon Cauley, Kelli Fresolone.

GSMS Students’ Artwork Selected for County Fair

Congratulations to the 22 Gulf Shores Middle School Art students that were selected to be in the Baldwin County Fair. Students: Anna Kathryn Bradford, Callie Krstich, Calista Sweet, Emily Hinson, Maci Mathews, Julia Fisher, Nevaeh Williams, Lily Deep, Sami Ward, Jesse Roberts, Ava Coburn, Mac Scarbrough, Amara Morales, Ella Owen, Kaitlyn Poole, Siddah Weihing, Tran Huynh, Morgan McCartney, Shyla Jennings, 2nd place Addie Hickman, 2nd place Erynn Vanderbloeman, and 3rd place Christina Peterson.

BMES Goes GOLD for Childhood Cancer Awareness

BMES honored their Childhood Cancer survivor students in September by wearing GOLD every Friday. All students were given a "Cup of Love" ice cream for any donation that they brought in. All proceeds went to our local Carlin’s Courage Foundation that raises money for Childhood Cancer Research.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

BCHS Holds Lemonade Stand/Bake Sale to Benefit Family

On Sept. 28, Baldwin County High School students reached across county lines to help a Mobile family who suffered a terrible tragedy. National Honor Society members and cheer squads conducted a lemonade stand and bake sale. Proceeds are being donated to the family who suffered a tragic fire ay which claimed the lives of three people, including two students at Blount High School. BCHS and Blount recently met on the football field for a homecoming match-up. We want to thank all those who contributed goods for the event and especially to those members and faculty sponsors for taking on this project. 18

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Daphne East Teacher Wins Online Giveaway

Mrs. Phuong Doffee, 2nd grade teacher at Daphne East Elementary, was the winner of a massive giveaway from The Factory Gulf Shores (Factory Academy)! The giveaway was for the teacher with the most nominations on Facebook! The giveaway included: The Factory Gulf Shores--$300 worth of school supplies; White Shores Realty--2 Night Stay at Turquoise Place; Massage Envy Gulf Shores--1 Hour Facial & 1 Hour Massage; Sand Dollar Lifestyles Foley--$25 Gift Card; Krispy Kreme Foley--2 One-Dozen Boxes of Glazed Doughnuts; Wolf Bay Restaurant--$15 Gift Certificate; Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill of Gulf Shores--$25 Gift Card & Legacy Hat + Shirt; Da' Car Wash--4 Car Washes, 2 Interior Detail Services; Cookie Dough Bliss Foley--$25 Gift Card; Chick-fil-A Foley--5 Chick-fil-A Sandwiches & 5 Eight-Count Nuggets; Starbucks--Tumbler & Coffee. Congratulations Mrs. Doffee! Pictured is Mrs. Doffee with a representative from The Factory.

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

DMS Student Wins Sweet Potato Cook-off at Fair

First Field Trip of School Year for Baldwin County Virtual School!

Baldwin County Virtual School had their first field trip of the year with the BCVS 8th graders. They attended the Worlds of Opportunity 2018 Career Expo. Students were able to explore different local career opportunities in Mobile and Baldwin County.

Congratulations to Daphne Middle School 8th grader Anaya Janelle Cobbs, winner of TWO awards at the Baldwin County Fair Sweet Potato Cook-off. For her Sweet Potato Pie, Anaya won prizes for both First Place and Most Nutritious Recipe.

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Autauga County Schools

Door DĂŠcor Winners at SFHS

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Peer Helpers at Spanish Fort High School held dress-up days and a door dĂŠcor contest for Red Ribbon week to promote awareness about the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol. The door winners were: 1st place Mrs. Phillips, 2nd place Mrs. Hemming, 3rd place Ms. Hamil, pictured with peer helper judges.

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Spanish Forth HS Homecoming Court 2018

Homecoming week at Spanish Fort High School ended with a tea for the Homecoming court. Students voted Cassidy Schneider and Jackson Chambers as the 2018 Queen and King. Senior Maids: Rachel Potter, Bella Scott, Sally Caroline Davis, Cassidy Schneider, Natalie Burnside, Lora Ashley Morris. Senior Dukes: Jackson Breal, Jackson Chambers, Matt Quinn, Joe Quinn, Dee Shaw, and Powell Larson. Junior Maids: Caroline Berry, Lauren McKay, Alexa Espinoza-Yanez, and Chelsea Sears. Sophomore Maids: Jasmine Allen, Lauryn Johnson, Kenzie Sherrell, Taylor Restivo. Freshman Maids: Aidalynn Allen, Taylei Huffman, Ashleigh Mayeux, and Hannah Weishaar.

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Local Piano Students Participate in Ensemble Extravaganza Recitals

Visit the nation’s largest outdoor chrysanthemum display.

Over 40 Baldwin County piano students representing the teaching studios of Amy Morgan, Lindsey Hughes, Tammy Dennis and Vincentine Williams participated in the 12th annual Ensemble Extravaganza sponsored by the Mobile Music Teachers Association. The event was held on September 29 and consisted of three separate recitals in which almost 100 students performed duets, trios and two piano selections for family and friends. Pictured, from left to right, are Kendall Maull, Sam Hayes, Elizabeth Chen, Ethel Kostmayer, Lydia Van Cleave and Abigail Doremus.

55th Annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums November 3 – 21

FMS Teacher of the Year

The faculty of Fairhope Middle School has selected Mr. Mykel Williams to be the Teacher of the Year 2018/2019. This year is his sixth year in education, and his fourth-year teaching/ coaching at FMS. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, and his master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Phoenix. He is certified in Math 6-8 and Math 6-12 Business Ed. He is also AMSTI trained and a Google certified instructor. Mr. Williams believes that teaching isn't just a career but a calling! "A calling to lead, inspire, and guide the youth of today for the journey of tomorrow". In addition to teaching 7th grade math, Mr. Williams is the Coach for 7th grade boys’ basketball, and sponsor of First Priority. He enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his church family! In his "free time," he enjoys ministering, traveling, and Alabama Football! Congratulations Mr. Williams! Pictured left to right is Mrs. Tonya Harrelson, 7th grade Assistant Principal, Mr. Mykel Williams, FMS Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Angie Hall, Principal.

Open Daily 8 AM - 5 PM (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days)

Theodore, AL 800.247.8420 / 251.973.2217 bellingrath.org

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Autauga County Schools

Perdido Wins 1A County Championship

It was a sweet 3Peat for the Lady Raiders who are now the Baldwin County 1A Champs in volleyball! The Perdido Lady Raiders defeated Summerdale and Elberta in back-to-back matches to claim the championship for the third year in a row. Annalee Barnett and Savannah Catrett were named All-Tournament and Aspen Gerald received the Tournament MVP Award. The Lady Raiders suffered its only loss this season to Elberta and then ended up facing them in the championship match. "When we lost to them in the season, we made some adjustments for the championship game and the girls showed out," said Coach Lori Bonds! Congratulations Lady Raiders! The Lady Raiders had three team members recognized for their play. Aspen Gerald, center, was named Tournament MVP and Savannah Catrett, left, and Annalee Barnett were named All-Tournament.

Welcome to Silverhill!

Silverhill Elementary Peer Helpers along with the Student Lighthouse team welcomed our new students and parents to the Silverhill family.

Newton Color Words

Lillian Farber, a Kindergartner at J Larry Newton School is so excited show us she can read her color words!

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Daphne HS Key Club Participates in Coastal Cleanup

The 31st Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup took place September 15th. Members from the Daphne High School Key Club went to May Day Park from 7:30 AM to noon to help out the community by cleaning up the coast. It is an enriching experience to help the neighborhood and belong to a club that cares about providing a service for the benefit of all. Key Club members picked up everything from old water bottles to pieces of wood, covering the whole area with full bags. At the end of the event, they were given t-shirts to commemorate this year’s Coastal Cleanup event. This event is held once a year where volunteers of different areas of Alabama meet to help the environment. The Alabama Coastal Cleanup is coordinated through the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources State Lands Division, Coastal Section, and the Alabama People Against A Littered State (PALS). “We’ll have 60 Key Club members, probably 20 plus Girl’s Service Club members that participated [in the event] and a couple of miles of the coast was cleaned up today,” Mrs. Dabney, Key Club Sponsor said.

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

BCHS Band at A-Town Band Competition

The Baldwin County High School Tiger Band had a superior performance at the A-Town Band Competition in Opp, receiving all superior ratings, Best in Class Drum Major, Best in Class Danceline, and finished in fourth place overall out of 21 bands! In addition to winning Best in Class, the Tigerettes were the Overall Highest Scoring Danceline in the entire competition. This marks the third year in a row for the Tigerettes to earn this honor. The Tiger Guard was just one point away from winning the Best in Class title!

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Reading Fun at Central Christian

Central Christian 2nd Graders are busy using their new whisper phones. This is a simple device that helps our developing readers. The kids are having a ball with them. It’s super cool too!

Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Honor Council Announced

Congratulations to the 2018–2019 members of Bayside Academy’s Honor Council! 15 students comprise the Honor Council which tries alleged Honor Code violation cases. These students were chosen by their peers after being nominated by the faculty. (The freshman position is an exception as freshmen do not vote. This position is given to the freshman student with the most faculty nominations.) The criteria for nomination are a strong sense of personal integrity, an ability and a willingness to speak up in a group, and an ability to maintain complete confidentiality. The following students have been chosen: 12th grade: Sam Britain, Jimbo Cassity*, Mac Douglas, Mary Helene Hall, Peterson Jones*, Rebecca Klimjack, Madelyn Mixon*, and Jessie Peterson*. 11th grade: Sergi Cebrian-Claramunt, Elsa Engeriser*, Ben Lane*, and Kaleigh Phillips. 10th grade: David Head* and Isabella McCormick. 9th grade: Ella Broadhead*. *indicates new member Pictured L to R: Front Row: Sergi Cebrian-Claramunt, Elsa Engeriser, Madelyn Mixon, Jessie Peterson. Middle Row: Isabella McCormick, Sam Britain, Rebecca Klimjack, Ella Broadhead. Back Row: Ben Lane, Mac Douglas, Jimbo Cassity. Not Pictured: Mary Helene Hall, Peterson Jones, Kaleigh Phillips, and David Head.

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OBES Kiwanis Terrific Kid - October

PreK – 2nd: Front Row (left to right): Mako Savage, Rhett Hodges, Makynlee Allen, Averi Adams, Kyleigh Hurst; Back Row (left to right): Mr. Moss (Principal), Logan Jackson, Teddy Charrier, Hutch Semikclose, Jason Jackson (Kiwanis Representative); 3rd – 6th: Front Row (left to right): Kayleigh Jones, Ella Price, Rayley West, Ella Underwood, Piper Rust; Back Row (left to right): Mr. Moss (Principal), Bryce Doyle, Connor Anderson, Kyndell Lymon, Lilly Fagan, Ellie McAleer, Conner Craig, Lilly Kate Logan, Jason Jackson (Kiwanis Representative).

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Christ the King Noun Town

Mrs. Ruffin's second grade class at Christ the King Catholic School created a "Noun Town" to learn about common and proper nouns.

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Autauga County Schools

OBES Kiwanis Terrific Kid September PreK – 2nd:

Front Row (left to right): Hadley Adams, Camille Wilson, Grace Grissom, Grayce Hoven, Carter Mills. Back Row (left to right): Mr. Moss (Principal), Katelyn Clark, Lily Galletta, Allie Roach, Lydia Haber, Jason Jackson (Kiwanis Representative). 3rd – 6th: Front Row (left to right); Molly Harvey, Khloe Kelley, Alexa Havrilla, Alex Davis, Macy Nolan, B Southern; Back Row (left to right); Mr. Moss (Principal), Caden McGatha, Eli Haber, Price Stephens, Dallion Blake, Gunnar Gaskin, Luiz Duarte, Jason Jackson (Kiwanis Representative).

Daphne MS Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to the Daphne Middle School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Laurie Smith. Mrs. Smith teaches math at the middle school and is adored by her students, fellow teachers, and administrators. She always goes the extra mile, and she more than deserving of this recognition.

Learning Fun at Newton

Learning is nothing but fun in Mrs. Norton’s kindergarten class! Naomi Barlow is all smiles about coming to J. Larry Newton School each day!

Training up the next generation of Christian leaders

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Christian, Classical, Life Preparatory BayshoreChristian.org | 251.929.0011 Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

DR. PAMELA MCKEE, HEAD OF SCHOOL

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Foley Elementary Newspaper Surgery

Students from Mrs. Rockstall's class at Foley Elementary work on their reading skills by performing "Newspaper Surgery." We hope the papers had a speedy recovery.

Fun at Gulf Shores Elementary

Who says school canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fun? These 5th grade girls at Gulf Shores Elementary School are ready for great days ahead! Pictured l to r: Bella Traudt, Emmie Johnson, Candice Knight, Maddie Beshears.

Shrimp Festival

It was a beautiful day at the annual Shrimp Festival. Foley teachers and staff had a special visitor at their booth while they worked hard raising money to support PTO and our school.

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Autauga County Schools

SFHS Volleyball Team Wins Boaz Harvest Fest Tournament Congratulations to the SFHS Varsity Volleyball Team for winning the Boaz Harvest Fest Tournament. The Toros went 6-0 in the tournament and are now 34-4 overall!

Bayside Academy Student Magazine Wins Scholastic Press Award

Bayside Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student magazine, BAToday, once again has won a first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association (Fall 2018). Additionally, first place awards were presented to Mary Helene Hall (12th grade) and Carolyn Young (Class of 2018) for "Best Cover" and Ben Lane (11th grade) for "Best Investigative Reporting." Pictured L to R: Front row: Ben Lane, Mary Helene Hall, Taylor Hartley. Back row: Avery Vosen, Mallory Downey, Maggie Davis, Jenny Florey, Mae Taul, Geneva Martin, Anne Sterling Beall, Leah Jha, Isabella McCormick, Jessie Peterson, Ann-Margaret Boothe, Camille Buckner. Not pictured: Sophie Akyuz.

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

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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Mummified Chickens at DMS

Mrs. Antinarella’s eighthgrade gifted social studies class at Daphne Middle School is currently learning about ancient civilizations. While on the topic of Ancient Egypt, they will mummify chickens just like pharaohs. The students will start the process by cleaning the chicken, then filling it with salt and baking soda. They will empty the chicken and repeat the process three times a week. This will go on for six weeks as they continue to study the ancient world. At this point, they will wrap the chicken in linen and bury it on the school property. Towards the end of the year, the chicken will be dug up and the students will study their results. Blair Chronister and Payton Vipperman prepare to mummify the chicken.

Mrs. May's first grade class at Christ the King Catholic School conducted a science investigation by exploring the effect of friction on heat. Students rubbed together two pieces of plastic, then two pieces of sandpaper, and finally rubbed their hands together to determine what causes the most heat...(the sandpaper)!

BMES See You at the Pole

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Students, faculty, and staff at Bay Minette Elementary School met early at the school flagpole to pray for their school, community, country, and world as part of the annual “See You at the Pole” prayer event. See You at the Pole began in 1990 and continues each year with three million students in 20 countries taking part.

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Autauga County Schools

BMES Students Love Big

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When the kids in Mrs. Kimberly Beaver's class at Bay Minette Elementary School learned about the devastation of Hurricane Florence, they quickly jumped into action. They wrote speeches and made posters to inform the other students at BMES about the tragedy. As they visited classes, they explained how families lost their homes, belongings and children were unable to go to school. They asked for donations to help the victims in Mrs. Beaver's home town and county, Laurinburg in Scotland County, NC. The class collected hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, combs, diapers, mouthwash, etc. With the help of the students at BMES and First Presbyterian Church, in two weeks, Mrs. Beaver's students collected more than 70 toothbrushes, over 60 tubes of toothpaste, 50 washclothes, over 50 bars of soap, along with shampoo, lotions, nail clippers, diapers, combs, bandaids, hand sanitizer and many other items. They also collected a little over $100 and many handmade cards to send to the families in Scotland County, NC. These students showed what generous hearts and a little hard work can

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Daphne Elementary 4-Square

Third grade boys at Daphne Elementary School enjoy a good old-fashioned game of 4 Square during their physical education class.

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BCHS Homecoming Parade

Baldwin County High School enjoyed numerous activities as part of its homecoming week, including the parade through the streets of downtown Bay Minette. This year’s galaxy theme brought out some out of this world floats, with the seniors winning first place with its “Seniors are EXTRAterrestrial” creation. Following the parade, the school held its annual community bonfire pep rally on the school grounds.

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Celebrating eMints Teachers at Gulf Shores Elementary

We're celebrating our eMints teachers at Gulf Shores Elementary School! eMints is an educational program designed to train educators of children in the United States. Teachers receive professional development after school, twice a month for two years to become certified in the eMints program. The eMints philosophy is built on High Quality Lessons, Community within the classroom, Real-World Learning and Technology Enhanced Lessons. Pictured (l to r) are five of our seven eMints teachers at GSES, Shelly Ford, Lenore Kirby, Staci Robinson, Vicki Miller and Beth Pearse. Not pictured are Suzanne Brokenshaw and Tish Martinie-Gunter.

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Autauga County Schools National Fire Prevention Week at Christ the King

As part of National Fire Prevention Week, the Daphne Fire Department, including one of our CTKCS alum, Firefighter Saraceno, visited our PreK3-2nd grade students. These firemen spoke to our students about fire safety and showed the equipment and how it is used in an emergency.

GSES Leader in Me Honoring Greatness

Gulf Shores Elementary School is a Leader in Me school, striving to live out Stephen Covey’s definition of leadership with our students, faculty and staff, “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” Pictured l to r: Second graders Nicole Leon, Manuela Martins, Maddie Andrews, Briley Montz, Thomas Norton, Luke Stephenson and Nicholas Chiseev are celebrating the greatness in us all!

OBES Red Ribbon Leader

Congratulations Charlotte Griffin for being named the Orange Beach Elementary School Red Ribbon Leader for the 2018–2019 school year! This is an annual event to recognize an outstanding student from each school in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Charlotte attended the Superintendent’s Red Ribbon Leadership Award Ceremony on September 24 at the Daphne Civic Center, where she was recognized along with all of the other winners in Mobile and Baldwin County. This ceremony served as the kick-off for our red ribbon activities the last full week of October, October 22-26. Congratulations to Charlotte!

A C L E A R PAT H f o r P OT E N T I A L Education is not confined to the classroom. Combined with hands-on opportunities, it can reveal a hidden talent. For more than 125 years, UMS-Wright has provided students with the resources to develop their interests and confidently perform at every stage in life.

CLASS OF 2025 Representing the Middle School Tech Crew

UMS-Wright.org | 251.479.6551

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Fairhope Middle School Outstanding Students of the Month

The Counseling and Guidance Department at Fairhope Middle School sponsors a Students of the Month recognition program. Students are nominated and voted on by faculty and staff based on the following criteria: Improvement in grades or good grades; Good attendance or improvement in attendance; Character through compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, optimism, and loyalty; Appropriate behavior and self-control; Positive attitude toward others and learning; Good citizenship or improvement in citizenship; Leadership and integrity; Demonstrates responsibility; Respectful to Teachers and peers. Outstanding students are recognized with a certificate during each lunch wave with parents invited to attend. Fairhope Middle School Outstanding 8th Grade Students of the Month for August and September are: August – 8th Grade: Claire Wiggins and Copeland Bowan. September – 8th Grade: Kaitlyn Whitehead, Brynna Alexander and Ellis Ikerman. August – 7th Grade: Lily Gattozzi and Dixon Davis. September – 7th Grade: Murphy Creel, Abigail Nolte, Miles Stoufflet and Zeb Gafford.

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Bayside Holds Book and Art Supplies Drive for Ronald McDonald House

Bayside Academy Lower School students, in conjunction with 7th and 8th grade civic engagement students, held a Book and Art Supplies Drive for the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile. The Ronald McDonald House provides a supportive home environment for families with seriously ill and injured children being treated at area hospitals and can accommodate up to 38 families a night. Bayside students collected 1,385 books and art supplies to donate to the Ronald McDonald House to provide entertainment for the healthy siblings staying at the home.

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Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Partners with Harvard University for the Making Caring Common Project

Bayside Academy is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common Project, which promotes empathy in high school classrooms. According to Harvard, “Making Caring Common (MCC), a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, helps educators, parents, and communities raise children who are caring, responsible to their communities, and committed to justice.” As part of the Empathy in Schools Initiative of MCC, Bayside faculty and students will complete surveys from MCC, who will utilize this survey data to develop empathy strategies specifically tailored to Bayside for use during the next school year. These surveys will focus on empathetic attitudes, classroom climate, and general school relationships. For more information, please visit https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu. Pictured: Bayside Academy Peer Helpers are students who are trained to recognize when their peers may have a problem, listen to fellow students confidentially, and assist them with emotional, societal, or academic struggles. Pictured L to R: Mac Douglas, Georgia Brown, Caroline Weller, Mac Gaillard, Audrey Hudson, Peterson Jones, Jessie Peterson, Geneva Martin, Laurel Cunningham, and Killian Kahalley.

SHFS Top Scan-Tron Testers

Top 9th and 10th grade scan-tron testers (L-R): Ella Caldwell, Christopher Carter, Hannah Richardson, Katherine Clemmons, Carolina Triboni, Siyona Mistry, Richard Fang (perfect score-Math), and Denver Persinger.

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. . . Helper 303 Dryer Ave. | Daphne, Ala. 36526 | 251.338.6300 | www.baysideacademy.org

Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to qualified students in grades PKâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;12. 35 www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

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Visit ASMS.NET to Apply Now Alabama 9th & 10th Graders are Eligible to Apply

Alabama’s Public High School Educating Alabama’s Future Leaders since 1989

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Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting our campus Saturday, Nov.10 or Dec. 1 for ASMS Day. Prospective families get a chance to 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! Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply online at www.asms.net. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2018, 80 ASMS grads earned $10 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.8. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

Register for the ASMS Day at www.asms.net. 36 • MOBILE, ALABAMA 36604 • 251.441.2100 www.easternshoreparents.com EasternALShore I November 2018 ABAMParents A S C H OOL OF M AT H A N D S C I E N C E • 1255 DAUP H IN ST REET • WWW. A S MS . N E T

Pig Studies at Gulf Shores ES

Christ the King 2nd Annual Homecoming!

Christ the King Catholic Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Annual Homecoming Pep Rally was held at the Athletic Complex on Friday, October 12. Athletes, cheerleaders, students, faculty and families and a great time...Go Saints!

In Mrs. Tammy Shirleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Grade Class at Gulf Shores Elementary School the students have been researching and learning about pigs. They used a graphic organizer to research facts on PebbleGo on their Chromebooks. They also wrote their own narrative story about their very own pig and made their own precious pig--what fun! Pictured: left to right: Hau Muang, Cashlin Rigsby, Timothy Merrell, and Emery Nau.

Homework Boxes at Bay Minette Elementary School

The homework box has been activated for students in Shana Harville's class at Bay Minette Elementary. The concept is simple: students bring in a shoebox and the teacher fills it with notebook paper, sharpened pencils, erasers and decodeable text on their level and replenishes the supplies as needed. The students then have to be proactive and take responsibility for their homework each night using the materials. Mrs. Harville encourages the students to store the boxes in a safe place and to put "first things first" and do homework before playing. "It takes away some excuses and takes away the pressure on the parent to get it done," Mrs. Harville explains. "They keep up with how many nights a week they do homework without being prompted by adults. Simple, I know, but they love it. Some of my second graders are still using theirs."

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What Teens Really Think About Their Social Media Lives

Managing devices is hit or miss. Many turn off, silence, or put away their phones at key times such as when going to sleep, having meals with people, visiting family, or doing homework. But many others do not: A significant number of teens say they “hardly ever” or “never” silence or put away their devices. • What you can do. If your teen is the kind who can manage their own use, keep encouraging them. If not, set specific screen rules for around the house. Establish screen-free times (such as during homework) and areas (such as the bedroom). Have devicefree-dinner nights -- and make sure to follow the rules yourself.

What teenagers look like they’re doing and what they’re actually doing can be two totally different things -- especially when it comes to social media. A bored-looking ninth-grader could be majorly bonding with her new BFF on Snapchat. A 10th-grade gamer may complain loudly when you cut off his internet, but be secretly relieved. An awkward eighth-grader may be YouTube’s hottest star. To find out what’s really going on in teens’ social media lives, we polled more than 1,100 13- to 17-year-olds. The new study updates our 2012 study on teens and social media with surprising new findings that address many of parents’ most pressing concerns about issues such as cyberbullying, depression, and even the popularity of Facebook (spoiler alert: It’s not). Why now? Today, 89 percent of teens have their own smartphones (compared with 41 percent in 2012). They grew up right alongside Instagram and Snapchat. They do research papers on Google Classroom, find emotional support on teen forums, share poetry on Tumblr, and are more likely to text “I love you” before they’d ever say it to your face. But concerns over the negative consequences of social media have grown in tandem with its popularity among teens. Grim reports on teen suicide, addiction, cyberbullying, and eroding social skills have caused many people, from parents to teachers to the tech industry itself, to look at social media as a potential contributor -- if not the cause -- of these issues. This survey clarifies some of those concerns and draws attention to the reasons some kids are deeply affected by -- and connected to -- their digital worlds. Here are some of the key findings from the report, what they mean for you and your teen, and what you can do.

Snapchat and Instagram are where it’s at. In 2012 Facebook utterly dominated social networking use among teens. Today, only 15 percent say it’s their main site. • What you can do. Familiarize yourself with your teen’s favorite social media by reading reviews or downloading it yourself and playing around with it. Friend your teen and make time for regular check-ins when you can ask what’s new on Snapchat and Insta and share your feeds with them. Less talking, more texting. In 2012, about half of all teens still said their favorite way to communicate with friends was in person; today less than a third say so. But more than half of all teens say that social media takes them away from personal relationships and distracts them from paying attention to the people they’re with. • What you can do. This is where your guidance and rolemodeling of healthy online habits is really important. Put down your own phone (better yet, set it to Do Not Disturb) when you’re with your kids. Encourage them to be more self-aware about their device use, especially when they come away from interactions feeling like they were distracted. And if you think they need a break, prompt them to go phone-free for a while. Exposure to hate speech in on the rise, while cyberbullying is less common. Only 13 percent of teens report ever being cyberbullied. But nearly two-thirds say they often or sometimes come across racist, sexist, homophobic, or religious-based hate content in social media. • What you can do. Talk to your kid about being a force for good on the internet. Explain that it reflects poorly on them if they like, share, or otherwise support messages of hate -- even as a joke. If your kid knows the person spewing hate speech, then encourage them to block, report, or simply unfriend that person. Practice how to disagree with people respectfully and constructively. Encourage them to stand up for people who’ve been denigrated -- without getting into an ugly flame war.

They can’t stop. They won’t stop. Seventy percent of teens use social media more than once a day (compared to 34 percent in 2012). Interestingly, most teens think technology companies manipulate users to spend more time on their devices. Many of them also think that social media distracts them and and their friends. • What you can do. They know it’s getting in the way of important things, but they have a hard time regulating their own use. So, help them! Encourage them to be mindful of how they feel before, during, and after a social media session. If a certain friend or topic bugs them or brings them down, they can block that person or mute the thread. Challenge them to do a task with focused concentration and without getting distracted for longer and longer periods. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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Planning and Success Q. I’m stuck in a dead-end job, and I only have a high school diploma. I’ve never minded long hours and hard work, but I’ve begun to realize I need to have a better career, so I can spend more time with my kids. I feel like I’m missing out on their lives, because I work 65 to 70 hours every week. Any advice? A. Asking questions and exploring your

options like this is a much smarter move than simply walking away from an unsatisfying job situation — especially when you have a family to think about. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself in terms of education or your career. But before you do any of that, you’ve got to have a definite direction in mind. You need an in-depth, detailed game plan for the next three or four years that’s designed to put you where you want to be. It may involve going back to

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

school for some classes, additional training in your field, or even getting a full-blown degree. If you identify your long-term goals in detail, it will lead you to some of the shortterm goals that will help you arrive at your final destination. Have you tried talking to your boss about your goals and your situation? See if you can have a sincere conversation with him or her, and discuss your feelings about your career and what’s going on with your family, too. Your company may be very receptive to the idea of increasing your value in the workplace. A good leader will also understand the importance of family. Also, there’s a great book by Dan Miller that addresses this topic. It’s called 48 Days to the Work You Love. In this book, he lays out the steps to discovering what you really love to do and how to get there.

Forgive the debt? Q. Recently, I loaned some money to a good friend. He’s going to help me with a big

home project over the next few weekends, so do you think I should pay him for the work or forgive the debt instead?

A. First, I don’t recommend loaning money to friends or family. Once in a while, things may work out and everyone ends up happy. But in most cases, it changes the dynamic of the relationship. The big question is whether you’ve already agreed to pay him for the work. Another consideration is how he views the situation. He may be looking at this as just helping a buddy, and he still owes the money. Ask him what his expectations are before you guys start the job. Just talk to him, and figure out what seems fair to you both. If you’ve already agreed on a certain amount, and the value of the work is close to what you loaned him, you might discuss the idea of paying back the debt that way. But in the future, if someone close to you really needs financial help — and you’re not enabling bad behavior in the process — just make the money a gift.

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technology to communicate can impair a child’s ability to read nonverbal cues. “We have to make a conscious effort to insist on face to face socializing because it would be so easy for kids to rely more and more on screen interactions,” says Dr. Michael Osit, a child psychologist and author of Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in the Age of Instant Everything. “As long as parents and educators continue to involve kids in face to face social groups, classroom interactions and family interactions, we can preserve their ability to function in social real time.”

In a world ever distracted by dinging devices, children who develop a wellrounded set of communication skills will stand out in the digital-focused crowd. “We have so many different ways to communicate that kids are going to need to be well-versed in as many as possible to be successful,” says Sarah L. Cook, co-author of The Parents’ Guide to Raising CEO Kids. Thanks to social media, today’s kids have the ability to access an extensive social network. But, missing from those online interactions are the subtle nonverbal cues that enrich our face to face interactions, like tone, voice inflection and facial expressions which can change the entire meaning of a statement. Some experts warn that too much reliance on Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

Talk to your kids. From the time your child can talk, ask open-ended questions and listen to their answers. “What was the best part of your day? Why?” Share your thoughts, too. Not only will this practice help their speech and listening abilities, they will learn the back and forth nuances of conversation. 42

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Model appropriate social interaction. Children learn how to interact with friends, family, store employees and strangers by following your lead. “Be careful about subtle messages such as how (you) incorporate texting, emailing and social networking in interpersonal relationships,” Osit advises. For example, put your phone aside when your child is talking to you and when interacting with a cashier or restaurant server. Make eye contact and show courtesy toward the other person to help your child learn that the person standing in front of them is the greater priority at the moment.

Pass the mic. Family meetings and meals are great ways to touch base with your busy family. Cook suggests putting each member of the family in charge of a different part of the meeting. For example, one child could begin the meeting by reciting an inspiring poem or scripture while another wraps the meeting with a joke, prayer or song. Use teachable moments. Discuss social interactions that you and your kids see on TV programs, online or in real life. For example, “When you are walking in the mall and you observe kids interacting inappropriately or disrespectfully to an adult,

point it out. Ask your child what he thinks about that behavior and help him evaluate it as appropriate or inappropriate,” Osit says.

allowance or gift money, have him conduct the transaction with the cashier. Be there to support him, but allow him to take the lead.

Listen. Encourage your kids to share their feelings about peers (including those they aren’t friends with), and adults, like teachers and coaches. “Parents can shape and enhance their child’s social skills on an on-going basis,” Osit says.

Use video technology. If you travel, call home using Skype or FaceTime, or use the apps to connect with relatives. Your kids will grow more comfortable talking on a camera. You can also use birthdays, the first day of school, the holidays or just random moments to interview your kids on your video camera.

Pick up the phone. Kids can learn to order a pizza or call the dentist to schedule an appointment for themselves. “I’ve encouraged my kids that if they want to have a playdate, they can call their friend’s parent, and I’ll be there to jump on the phone to back them up,” Cook says. “When they take on more roles that parents typically handle, that allows them to feel confident talking to adults, which is often scary for kids.”

Place an order. Before the server approaches at a restaurant, help your child narrow down what to order off of the menu. Even preschoolers can politely request a glass of milk or water.

Make a purchase at the store. Next time your child wants to spend some of his

Seek interactive activities. Scouting, theater and 4-H give children many opportunities to develop presentation and leadership skills. Also, encourage your child to participate in class plays, musicals and show and tell. Like anything, the more we practice our communication skills, the better they become and the less anxious we are about managing different situations. Empower your child with the skills to communicate in a variety of situations, and watch them rise to opportunities that come their way with poise and confidence. ESP Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

What Makes You Want to Yell? When I get frustrated, or feel that someone didn’t do something the way I’d hoped, I sometimes yell. But over the years, I’ve learned that yelling about things is a pretty ineffective way to get what I want done. And yelling at your teen is probably the least effective bring about change I their life too. It’s sort of like trying to train a horse by screaming at him. Imagine standing at the edge of the fence and hollering out directions while expecting the horse to understand, and move one way or the other in response. Or yelling at him more when he doesn’t get it, and getting louder when the horse fails to respond, and you feel unheard. The trouble is, horses aren’t led by yelling at them. Horses respond by being led. They need someone to attach a lead-rope to their halter, and apply some pressure in order to train them in exactly what you want them to do. Without a lead – a horse will never do what you want him to do. And without leadership, your teen will never be trained, or respond the way you want him to. My point is, yelling at your teen doesn’t help him understand what you want him to do. But leadership does. The dynamic I often see with troubled families is a gross imbalance in family leadership. One parent may go overboard and over-respond, while the other lands too softly, and under-responds, and may even avoid the conflict altogether. The net Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

response to ineffective and imbalanced family leadership is often seen in ongoing fits of anger, and screaming that includes everyone in the family. One recent example of a gross imbalance in family leadership is that of a dad whose wife constantly over-reacted to their son’s verbal disrespect. Instead of dealing with his son’s disrespect by setting boundaries and applying strong consequences, he would simply tell his wife to stop being so sensitive. After a while, she couldn’t tolerate even the slightest bit of sarcasm or verbal energy coming from their son, and the encounters between the two of them got so heated that the dad finally decided to move out. He rented an apartment down the road from their house and lived with his verbally abusive and out of control teen – just so he could stay married to his wife. She was beyond her ability to control her reactions, and he was beyond his ability to step-up and put limits on his son’s behavior while in the home. Hers was an over-reaction, his was an under-reaction, and neither response helped their son with his own behavior. Single moms face huge concerns with family leadership, and operate at an even deeper level of need than most – because one of the two parents required for a balanced family leadership is gone or missing in action. By the time a boy is 12 or 13, he can often out-yell, out-swing, and out-weigh a mom. One single mom dealt with the lack of ability to effectively lead her physically aggressive son by locking herself into her bedroom with her 44

dinner every night, ignoring things as her son kicked the door in, broke windows, smashed furniture, and made a mess of their life. If your home lacks leadership, rest assured that the way to assert more control is not through screaming, and not through ignoring. Instead of lashing out or laying low– lead. Lead with strength. Set strong boundaries, apply strong but appropriate consequences. Balance your strength with love and wisdom and good listening. And if you need to, get some help. Every time your child understands that a parent is over the edge (usually recognized through ongoing screaming or yelling) he knows you cannot be trusted to lead him well. Every time rage becomes the way to control your child, it sets off a hopeless cycle of despair in your child’s heart. Every time your child uses his rage to control things in the home, he is trying to ask you for help to lead him out of a troubling dilemma. Yelling is a sign that on some level – you are just as out of control as he is – and unable to lead either one of you out of the mess you are in. Family leadership is a tricky balance of strength and softness. When the leadership scales get tipped too far toward strength, the result is over-control. When the leadership scales get tipped to far toward softness, the result is avoidance and under-control. And both imbalanced approaches usually result in a whole lot of yelling, and offer no help for your troubled teen.

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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“Who has three good things?” One of the kids jumps in. “Me! We got to go to the gym during indoor recess. Mom came into my class. Ice cream for dessert!” We ask this question almost every night at dinner. We could also phrase the question, “What are you grateful for?” Studies show that a gratitude practice can be life changing. Gratitude can lower blood pressure and anxiety, reduce aches and pains, and improve sleep. Feel like your kids get sick all the time? Gratitude has been shown to boost the immune system. People who practice gratitude tend to be more optimistic and experience more joy. And if you wish your kids would cooperate more, try a gratitude practice. People who are tuned in to gratitude tend to be more helpful and generous.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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Focusing on gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring sadness, anger, grief, or struggles. Kids need to know that it’s OK to express negative feelings and challenges too. But learning to feel grateful even when things aren’t going well is powerful. As Brené Brown says, “It’s not joy the makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” To take into account this fuller range of experiences, some families use the rosethorn-bud practice. In this case, you share a positive, a challenge or disappointment, and a hope for the next day. The point is to acknowledge that we all have hard moments and good ones. If you don’t already have a family gratitude practice, it’s easy to start. Ours began simply as a way to head off a pattern of complaints and grumbles (from kids and grown ups alike). Now it’s part of our routine.

Start Your Own Gratitude Practice

To start your own family gratitude practice, simply ask everyone to say three good things from their day (or a rose, thorn, and bud). Take turns sharing and listening to each other. The good things can be anything—a favorite food for dinner or knowing there’s going to be dessert, a fun activity at school, seeing a friend, getting a compliment, finding something you lost, a relative coming home from the hospital... Everyone should participate. Some days will be harder than others. If you need to, help each other think through the day. Were you really excited on the way to school? Did somebody do something nice

for you? Was it your day for art? How did soccer go? Some nights, the kids ask if they can say their three good things or argue over who gets to go first. Other nights, there is a long silence in response to the question. Even on nights when our kids are slow to share three good things, part way through somebody else’s turn, we’ll hear, “Oh, I have another one.” As you get used to sharing gratitude, you find more of it.

Here are 5 other ways to practice gratitude with your family. 1) Speak Your Gratitude. If sitting down together for dinner is a challenge, look for other points in the day to speak your gratitude. Try making gratitude part of your bedtime routine. Or make it a habit to say three good things in the car on the way home at the end of the day. Take the lead to get the habit started, but once you’ve done it for a while, you may find your kids asking if they can say their three good things without prompting.

2) Keep a Family Gratitude Journal. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? What if you kept one as a family? Create a ritual around writing in the gratitude journal. Have kids write something when they first get home from school, or ask a child to jot down family ideas while you cook dinner. The key is to make it a regular habit. Daily is ideal, but if you can’t do that, create a pattern that does work. For example, start each

family meeting with a gratitude list or do a gratitude check in every Sunday night.

3) Make a Gratitude Jar. Some families write down what they are grateful for on small slips of paper and tuck them into a jar. At the end of the year, they pull them out and read through them. It’s a reminder of the many good things that happen throughout the year, the many moments when they felt thankful. Plus you get to feel good when the thing happens, when you write it down, and again when you read through them. 4) Create a Gratitude Wall. Do you have a chalkboard wall or a white board in your house? Use it to write something you are grateful for every day. Encourage all your family members to do the same. Help younger children write or let them draw a picture. Take a moment to look at the board to remind yourself of your own gratitude or that of others.

5) Text Your Thanks. You can even text three good things or quick moments of gratitude throughout the day with older kids. This shouldn’t replace face-to-face communication, but texting is a great tool to share positive thoughts on hectic days or when communicating is hard. Developing a gratitude practice helps build resiliency and joy, which is great for our kids and for us. And in the moment, it just feels good to find something positive when you are having a grumpy, grumbly day. ESP Sara Barry is a writer from Massachusetts. She sporadically keeps a gratitude journal and regularly shares three good things with her kids.

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Magnolia Corn Maze ad on page 43

Now - November 3, 2018 15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Come get lost in our 2 Eight Acre Corn Mazes. Magnolia Corn Maze offers Fun for the whole Family! Come enjoy our Hayride, Cow Train, Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Pig Races, Corn Cannons, Jump Pad, Paintball Shooting Gallery, Campfires, and much, much more! We also have Bazooka Ball and Our All New Mag’s B Line. Magnolia Corn Maze is a great place to host your Next Party or Group Outing! Saturdays 11am - 9pm and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com

Christmas Night of Lights ad on page 57

November 9, 2018 - January 1, 2019 @ Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 Come enjoy one of the most amazing drive-thru Christmas light shows you will ever experience. Over 1 million LED lights, driven by over 10,000 computer channels, synchronized to both traditional and new rocking Christmas music playing through your car radio. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show as you begin a new Christmas tradition. Time: 5:30pm 10:00pm. Cost: $6.00 per person, children 3 and under are free. www.christmasnightsoflights.com

City of Fairhope Lighting of the Trees ad on page 7

November 15, 2018 @ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 The City of Fairhope will kick off the holiday season with their annual Fairhope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities begin at 5:30pm and the lights come on at 6pm sharp! Entertainment includes the Fairhope High School band, the Fairhope Middle School band, and the Eastern Shore Choral Society. Mrs. Claus will be passing out candy canes and letting children write a wish list to Santa for her to take back to the North Pole. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” ad on page 23

December 15-16, 2018 @ 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. Performances Times are Saturday, December 15th at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, December 16th at 2:30pm.

The Wharf. Sit with jolly Claus and capture the moment forever! He has checked his list, twice actually, so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy picture. Fridays: 3pm - 7pm, Saturdays: 10am - 7pm and Sunday: 12pm - 6pm. *During Christmas Tree Lighting event (November 27th) from 5:30pm 9:30pm. *The week before Christmas (December 17th – 22nd), from 10am-7pm Monday - Saturday; *Christmas Eve (December 24th), from 10am-2pm. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

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Junior League of Mobile Christmas Jubilee ad on page 31

November 15 - November 17, 2018 @ 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 Gulf Coast’s greatest holiday market features more than 100 merchants from around the country under one roof for three exciting days of shopping. Christmas Jubilee will kick off the holiday shopping season with a broad selection of gifts for all ages, interests and budgets. There are also numerous special events sponsored by the Junior League including a Peek and Purchase on Wednesday, November 14, VIP Shopping on Thursday, November 15, Girls’ Night Out on Friday, November 16 and Santa’s Breakfast on Saturday, November 17. Regular shopping hours are Thursday, November 11 – 11:00am-8:00pm, Friday, November 16 - 9:00am-9:00pm and Saturday, November 17 - 9:00am -5:00pm. General Admission Tickets valid for one day are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $8 for Student, Senior Citizen and Military and $5 for Children (ages 6-12) 5 and under are Free. Please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org for more information. (251) 471-3348 www.juniorleaguemobile.org

Photos with Santa at The Wharf ad on page 17

November 16 - December 24, 2018 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ho Ho Holiday photo time in Santa’s Village at

Ice Skating Rink ad on page 17

November 16, 2018 - January 13, 2019 @ 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 Hours: 4pm - 10pm on Monday-Friday and 10am 10pm on Saturday & Sunday. Thanksgiving Hours: (November 16 - 25) from 10am - 10pm. Christmas Hours: (December 19 - 31) 10am - 10pm. For birthday party information call or email jadej@ alwharf.com. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Movie in the Street: On Fairhope Avenue ad on page 7

November 17, 2018 @ Section St & Fairhope Ave Fairhope, AL 36532 All Aboard!! The popular holiday movie Polar Express will begin at 6:30pm at Movie in the Streets in Downtown Fairhope. Bring chairs and blankets from home. Children are invited to wear their holiday pajamas! (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com

Santa’s Breakfast ad on page 31

November 17, 2018 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Bring your children to have breakfast with Santa himself and make some fun crafts! We will have two seatings on Saturday, one at 9:00am and one at 11:00am. (251) 471-3348 www.juniorleaguemobile.org

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Fairhope Christmas Open House ad on page 7

November 18, 2018 @ 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.

and Bounce House. In addition, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Snowball Cannon are available for a slight fee. Try the Cafe’s new menu options and shop the Gift Shop full of train items ideal for Christmas gifts. Open WEEKENDS: Friday Sunday, 4:00pm-9:00pm. Open nightly beginning December 12th from 4:00pm - 9:00pm. Admission is $15/person, plus tax. Ages 2 and under are free. Group rates, field trips, and parties can be booked in advance.

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Fantasy Island Toys Open House

Christmas Magic in Lights

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November 18, 2018 335 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 Come visit us at Fantasy Island Toys from 1pm - 5pm for our 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

Wales West Arctic Express ad on page 11

November 23 – December 24, 2018 @ Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway 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, Hay Ride, Playground,

ad on page 21

November 23 - December 31, 2018 @ Bellingrath Gardens 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582 It’s one of the nation’s best holiday light shows! Designed and made right here at Bellingrath Gardens. Stroll through a dazzling nighttime display with more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Walking tour hours are 5pm 9pm nightly. (251) 973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra – “The Joy of Christmas” ad on page 27

November 29, 2018 @ Fairhope Civic Center 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Join us for a evening of fun and festive Holiday Music, complete with the man in red paying a visit. Concert is free and begins at 7:00pm. (251) 279-0848 bcyorchestra@gmail.com www.bcyorchestra.com

Breakfast at the Manger ad on page 40

December 1, 2018 @ Fairhope UMC 155 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Join us for a pancake breakfast from 8:30am 10:30am for Breakfast at the Manger. 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. (251) 928-1148 www.fairhopeumc.org

City of Fairhope Santa Saturdays

Christmas Tree Lighting ad on page 17

November 27, 2018 @ 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.

ad on page 7

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(251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com

December 1 and 8, 2018 @ Downtown Fairhope 24 Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Santa will be visiting Fairhope on December the 1st and 8th for Fairhope’s Santa Saturdays in front of the Fairhope Museum of History from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Parents may bring their cameras to take pictures.

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St. Lawrence Christmas Bazaar ad on page 52

December 1-2, 2018 370 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Join us for our silent auction with over 200 items, over 40 vender booths, bake sale, various gift baskets and a Christmas Cafe. Unique art and antiques for purchase. Kids can shop in Santa’s Workshop, take pictures with Santa and enjoy the bouncy castle! We’ll have Gumbo and gourmet soups, home canned goods, baked goods, and homemade casseroles to go. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 3:00pm. (251) 928-5931 bazaar@stlawrencefairhope.com www.stlawrencechristmasbazaar.com

Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade ad on page 7

December 7, 2018 @ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade begins at 7:00pm at the intersection of Morphy and Section Street and continues down Section to Oak Street. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com

36th Annual Christmas Fest in Bay Minette ad on page 23

December 7-8, 2018 @ Blackburn Park Bay Minette, AL 36507 A longstanding tradition complete with Fun for the whole family! On Friday from 10am - 8pm and Saturday from 8am - 4pm. Christmas Tree Lighting, Entertainment, Arts & Crafts, Good Food, and the Saturday afternoon Christmas Parade! Join the

event on facebook for the most up to date information.

(251) 937-5665 (Ext. 3) www.northbaldwinchamber. com/36th-Annual-Christmas-Festival

Billy Claus visits Lulu’s! ad on Inside Front Cover

December 8, 2018 @ LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s will arrive in style, read a Christmas story, and listen to your wish list to pass on to Santa! Enjoy arts & crafts, live music and get your picture taken with Billy Claus and more fun from 1pm - 4pm.

whole family! For parade route and entry information please visit our website. Parade begins at 1:30pm.

(251) 937-5665 (Ext 3) Kristina@northbaldwinchamber.com www.northbaldwinchamber.com/36th-AnnualChristmas-Festival

Jingle Jubilee Kids Craft Day ad on page 17

December 8, 2018 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Activities will take place from 12pm - 4pm at The Port in various shops. Enjoy the Kids Art Contest, Arts & Crafts stations, Tenant crafts, and more.

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

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

Boat Parade Activities

Happy Howlidays Kid & Pet Parade

ad on page 17

December 8, 2018 @ 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 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! Parade time TBD, The Wharf shops are open until 9:00pm. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Christmas Fest Parade ad on page 23

December 8, 2018 @ Downtown Bay Minette Bay Minette, AL 36507 A part of the 36th 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

ad on page 17

December 9, 2018 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Bring your kids and pets dressed in a Christmas theme at 2:00pm for a fun parade down Main Street. After the parade we will have a Magic Poodle Show on the Palm Plaza. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Fairhope’s New Year’s Eve Family Celebration ad on page 7

December 31, 2018 @ Downtown Fairhope 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

WELCOME

Dr. Brittne� Bicksler

SPECIALIZING IN FAMILY PRACTICE AND OBSTETRICS

Brittney Bicksler, D.O., has joined Dr. Nicole Arthur at North Baldwin Family Medicine. Dr. Bicksler is a graduate of Virginia Tech and received her medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. She completed her residency training in family practice at McLeod Regional Medical Center in South Carolina and her fellowship training in obstetrics at Spartanburg Medical Center in South Carolina. + Board certified in family medicine + Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians + Certified provider in Advanced Life Support Obstetrics

Now accepting new patients.

251-937-5377 | 2002 Medical Center Drive | Bay Minette, AL 36507

infirmaryhealth.org

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Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!

Horse and Carriage Rides

December 31, 2018 @ Lulu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at LuLu’s starts at 10:00AM! Noon Year’s is a FREE family event for all ages to enjoy. We will have kid friendly activities, a massive beach ball drop when the clock strikes NOON! See you there!

TBD @ 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 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Dates will be announced soon.

ad on Inside Front Cover

Greater Gulf State Fair

ad on page 17

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

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

Reelin’ In the New Year NYE Street Party

Seward Farms Corn Maze and Fall Fun

ad on page 17

December 31, 2018 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 2019, 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 2018 in the grandest of style. Live bands, family-friendly and adultcentered 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. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular ad on page 17

All year @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 The light show runs every night at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

Now - November 3, 2018 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. 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. Field of Fright and Haunted Hayride begins at dusk 3 weekends in October. Open Saturdays 10am-9pm. Closed Fridays & Sundays. Field trips only Monday - Thursday. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com

Fairhope Outdoor Farmers Market

(251) 344-4573 info@mobilefair.com www.thegroundsmobile.com

Alabama Pecan Festival

November 2-4, 2018 @ Tillman’s Corner Community Center 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL 36619 Family Fun! Food! Live Music! Free Admission For ALL! Featuring Alabama Pecan Pies, Full Size Midway Antique Car & Tractor Show, Azalea City Quilters Guild & 150+ Vendors! For vendor information, contact Billy Bolton. Open Friday at 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am. (251) 401-5555 alabamapecanfestival@gmail.com www.alabamapecanfestival.com

Daphne Elementary School Fall Festival

November 1, 8, 2018 Bancroft Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Open on Thursdays only from 3pm - 6pm. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have activities for children at 4 p.m. (251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com

November 1-4, 2018 @ The Grounds 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL 36608 The Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: MondayTuesday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Wednesday October 31 from 4:00pm-12:00am, Thursday 4:00pm10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday October 28 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 4, from 12:00pm-9:00pm.

November 2, 2018 2307 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 One of the best family fun events of the fall! Games, prizes, food, music, vendors, and a silent auction. For questions and ticket prices, follow Daphne Elementary PTO on Facebook or email us! Festival hours are from 5:30pm 8:30pm. (251) 367-7166 daphneelementarypto@gmail.com www.facebook.com/DaphneElementaryPTO

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10th Annual Harvest - A Festival of Gifts

is allowed. Only a limited quantity of lanterns has been approved to be released. Purchase your lantern now! No guarantee extra will be available to purchase on event night. Prizes will be given for the “best looking” and “best tasting” desserts. Come join the fellowship with your community from 5pm - 7pm.

(251) 968-4328 or (251) 213-8451 theharvestfestival@yahoo.com www.gulfshoresumc.org/mother’s-day-out/fundraisers

(251) 990-3550 www.Eventbrite.com

2018 Holiday Market

November 3, 2018 @ Mother-Daughter Market 21840 Sedlack Road Silverhill, AL 36576 Christmas and Thanksgiving will be the highlight of the November sale, along with gifts, furniture, home decor, and much more! Get an early start on your shopping list. Event hours are from 9am - 3pm. Folow us on Facebook at Mother-Daughter Market.

November 3, 2018 @ Gulf Shores UMC, South Campus 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Come shop the Harvest! From 9am - 3pm. This year’s proceeds will benefit GSUMC Mother’s Day Out and Preschool.

November 3, 2018 @ Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairgrounds Road Robertsdale, AL 36567 Celebrate the holiday season with Baldwin County Boss Babes at the 2018 Holiday Market! With 100+ vendors and hourly giveaways, we have something for everyone! Browse through our vendor booths which include boutique clothing, jewelry, wreaths, handmade gifts, holiday items, baked goods and more! A canned food item or $1 donation is requested for entry. Your donations benefit Project Care in Robertsdale. Market is from 10am - 4pm. (251) 986-5843 baldwincountybossbabes@gmail.com www.baldwincountybossbabes.com

Indian Festival of Lights

November 3, 2018 @ Fairhope Pier South Park 1 N Beach Road Fairhope, AL 36532 Children of the World will provide family friendly games, activities, entertainment, drinks, dessert party, and Bollywood Dancing! Families may begin releasing their lanterns at 6:30pm. Festival admission is free to attend. activities, entertainment, and drinks for the dessert party. Attendees are asked to bring chairs or blankets and a dessert to share. Lanterns released at the end of the festival must be purchased from Children of the World website. The cost is $5.00 each. ONLY 1 Lantern per family

Mother-Daughter Market Out In The Country Christmas Sale

(251) 979-1874 www.facebook.com/MotherDaughterMarketAntiques

Fall into Family Fun Bingo Night

November 8, 2018 @ Fairhope Intermediate School 2 North Bishop Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Fall into Family Fun? at Bingo Night! Eat dinner, play Bingo and win prizes from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. All proceeds raised will go back into the classrooms and directly benefit students at Fairhope Intermediate School. (251) 928-7841 sllittle@bcbe.org www.fairhopeintermediate.com

Merry Little Market

November 8-9, 2018 @ Little Point Clear 18263 Scenic Highway 98 Fairhope, AL 36532 Join us for a Holiday Gift & Trunk Show on Thursday from 10:00am - 5:30pm and Friday from 10:00am 2:00pm. Bring your friends and your Christmas lists and kick off the Holiday Season with us!

Trim-A-Tree Christmas Event

November 9 - December 23, 2018 @ Tanger Outlet (Suite 182) 2601 South McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 Local Artists and craftsmen offer unique one-of-akind ornaments, decorations, pottery, jewelry, and fine artwork to be sold on consignment. Sponsored by the Foley Art Center. Monday - Saturday 10am -7pm, Sundays 11am - 6pm. Like Foley Art Center on Facebook.

(251) 943-4381 foleytrimatree@gmail.com www.foleyartcenter.com

The Giving Market

November 10, 2018 @ Bethel Baptist Church 22250 Us Highway 90 Robertsdale, AL 36567 The Giving Market is an event where small, local businesses come together to give back to the community. From 10am -2pm the Market will have food, coffee and local venders as well as a Food and Blood Drive for local children in Baldwin County. The food collected will be donated to local schools in Baldwin County that offer the backpack food program. (251) 947-5145 www.facebook.com/thegivingmarketal

Seasons Consignment Market Day

November 10, and December 8, 2018 26992 Highway 181 Daphne, AL 36526 A family fun event featuring a kids craft area, arts, crafts, food and other merchandise from local businesses from 10am - 4pm. The upcoming Market day on December 8th will have a “Santa’s Workshop” area and a visit from Santa! There will be a photo area set up where parents can take their own pictures of their kids. (251) 459-0700 info@seasonsconsignment.com www.facebook.com/SeasonsConsignment

Bring a Lesson Alive at the

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Booking Fall/Spring Discovery HalL Programs Field Trips Now! 251-861-2141 Ask about our Teacher Workshops

disl.org/dhp

101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, Alabama

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

www.easternshoreparents.com

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Annual Holiday Thrift Shoppe

November 16-18, 2018 28788 North Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Kick off your Christmas season at the 16th annual Holiday Shoppe! Friday, November 16th from 6pm - 8pm, we will be offering a 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. Saturday shopping is from 9am - 3pm & Sunday 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 St. Paul’s will have smoked pork lunches for sale on Saturday. (251) 626-6102 saintpaulsthrift@gmail.com www.stpaulseasternshore.com

Family Farm Day 2018

November 17, 2018 @ Humming Star Alpaca Farm 19700 Blueberry Lane Silverhill, AL 36576 A day to meet and learn about the alpacas, see demonstrations of spinning-weaving and other fiber arts. Shop our farm store and shop with our local artists/craftsman. Eat a scrumptious lunch provided by Chef Will Hughes. Farm Day is from 10am - 4pm. (251) 214-8224 hsalpaca@centurylink.net www.hummingstaralpacas.com

Holiday Sessions benefitting the Forgotten Initiative

November 17, 2018 @ The Pillars of Mobile 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL 36604 Limited Edition Holiday photo sessions with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Forgotten Initiative of Mobile and Baldwin County. Sessions cost

$150 for a 20 minute session and include a 8x10 print. Booking is required and available online. (251) 458-1603 info@turquoisefootprint.com www.turquoisefootprint.com

St. Francis Annual Fall Festival

November 17, 2018 @ St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church 17280 Scenic Highway 98 Point Clear, AL 36564 The Fall Festival will be open from 8am - 3pm. The Women’s Guild will have canned preserves, jams, pickles, fruits, and butters. Holiday baked goods such as pies, breads and fudge will also be available for purchase for your Thanksgiving feast. The silent auction will have gift items, gift certificates to local businesses and more. Vendors will have handmade items, jewelry, paintings, art work, professionally designed Christmas wreaths, tabletop trees and centerpieces. The men of the church will cook for a sidewalk cafe offering sausage, hamburger and hot dog plates. Proceeds go to St. Francis community support, international Christian groups and emergency disaster funds. (251) 233-0001 or (251) 928-9110 stfrancisatthepoint@gmail.com www.stfrancisatthepoint.org

Summerdale Library Christmas Concert November 17, 2018 @ Baldwin EMC Building 19600 State Highway 59 Summerdale, AL 36580 Live musical performances by Victor & Megan Andzulis, Corey & Chandra McKern and Sewell & Ella Griffith. All proceeds benefit the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library. Doors open at 6:30pm with Showtime at 7:00pm. Tickets available at www. eventbrite.com, at the Summerdale Public Library, Summerdale Town Hall and United Bank in Summerdale. (251) 989-2011 www.summerdalelibrary.com

5 Rivers Story Time “Run, Turkey, Run!”

November 20, 2018 @ 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. This week’s story is about a crafty turkey. 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. From 10am - 11am. Free, no registration necessary. (251) 625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

48th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pow Wow

November 22-23, 2018 @ 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. Admission: $5 for 11 & up, free for 10 & under. Gates open at 10:00am each day. (251) 368-9136 www.pci-nsn.gov/westminster/index.html

Holiday Activities at the Farm

Weekends Only November 23 - December 23, 2018 @ Fish River Christmas Tree Farm 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East Summerdale, AL 36580 Bring the family, choose a Christmas Tree and enjoy our fun Holiday activities (Fridays - Sundays Only) from 8am - 5pm. Take a free ride on The Tannebaum Express Tree Train for a farm tour,

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view our manger scene with live animals, Camel & Pony Rides ($5 per ride) and a Christmas Bounce House ($2 per child). Santa will also visit the Farm November 23-25, December 1-2 and December 8-9 only. (251) 988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com

Fish River Christmas Tree Farm

November 23 - December 23, 2018 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East Summerdale, AL 36580 There’s something special about a family trip to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. Stroll through our 40-acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery and view the wide selection of trees. We offer choose & cut trees, fresh cut fir and spruce trees, as well as displays of flocked trees (for pre-order) and container-grown, Living Trees to replant after the holidays. Stay on the farm in one of our 5-star rated cabins. See activity dates in this directory for Santa visits, live manger scene, camel rides, train and more! Our nursery is now open year round and the tree farm is open daily from 8am - 5pm. (251) 988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 29, 2018 @ The Venue 105 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 The 23rd Annual Christmas By the Bay event will be held from 6pm-9pm. The night will include music, food by Tamara’s Downtown, our much anticipated silent auction as well as our never before seen all doggie production of The Muttcracker! Tickets are $55 and available online and at BARC’s office. (251) 928-4585 ExDir@baldwinhumane.org www.baldwinhumane.org/christmas-by-the-bay

Daphne’s Tree Lighting & Open House

November 29, 2018 @ Daphne City Hall oin the City of Daphne at 5:30pm for the annual Tree Lighting & Open House. Train rides, carolers, music, food, hot chocolate and more! (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com

Make-n-Takes

November 30, 2018 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Bring your child to the community room to make an ornament with us from 1:30pm - 4:45pm. (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

November 24, 2018 @ OWA 100 North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Special guests, performances and more Christmas information coming soon! Downtown OWA is free and open to the public 7 days a week. Tree lighting set for 7pm. *Times subject to change so please check our Facebook page often for updates.* (251) 923-3443 www.visitowa.com

23rd Annual Christmas by the BayBaldwin Humane Society (BARC)

Ornament Make-n-Take

November 30, 2018 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Make your Christmas tree a little brighter when you bring your kids to make an ornament from 1:30pm - 4:45pm in the community room. This craft event is open to kids of all ages! Please contact Rhonda Moss for more information. (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

YMCA Elf Ride

November 30, 2018 @ Daphne City Hall 1705 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Dress up in your best elf costume, decorate your bike and have fun with the Bounds Family YMCA at Centennial Park. Proceeds will benefit the Bounds Family YMCA, a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and bike decoration. Participants must provide their own bikes. Riders and Walkers are welcome. Registration available online under the events tab or day of ride. Event begins at 4:00pm. (251) 626-0888 www.ysal.org

Elberta Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

December 1, 2018 1305 Main Street Elberta, AL 36530 The Christmas parade begins at 5:30pm. Then enjoy the Tree Lighting, Santa, Cookies, Cocoa, Coffee and Movies in the Park! Contact Vicky Norris, Alma Deoge or the Town Hall to participate or donate to the event! (251) 232-5393 townofelberta@gulftel.com www.townofelberta.com

Gingerbread Jam Gingerbread Building Contest

December 1, 2018 @ Orange Beach Comm Center 27235 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 A gingerbread building competition to raise money for the City of Orange Beach’s Expect Expect Excellence Culinary Arts Program. Building begins at 9am and opens to the public from 10am - 2pm for viewing. Admission is Free. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. The Family category is $10 and will be judged at 12pm. The Business category is $25 and will be judged

Brayden (BB) Butler is right. His healthcare team is among the best in the nation! While practicing a motocross jump, BB fell and suffered a brain bleed. It would take half a year and surgeons, physicians, nurses and therapists to help him recover. Fortunately, for BB and thousands of other children, Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the top hospitals for children by U.S. News & World Report. DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

205.638.9100 CHILDREN’S SOUTH OUTPATIENT CENTER Outpatient surgery, Pediatric Imaging, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243

205.638.4800

www.ChildrensAL.org

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

www.easternshoreparents.com

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at 1pm. Up to 10 coworkers build and decorate a gingerbread village. Online promotions include: logo on website and social media, social media tags and mentions, inclusion in press releases and media content leading up to, during and after the event. Trophies will be awarded in each category for highest scores and the People’s Choice. (251) 981-7836 or (251) 981-6028 jessicareneejones223@gmail.com

Honey Bee Festival & Run - Central Baldwin Educational Foundation

December 1, 2018 @ Honeybee Park Robertsdale, AL 36567 Join us for the 2018 Honeybee Festival and Run! This year’s event is from 8am - 3pm and will include a 5K and Fun Run, food vendors, shopping vendors, cornhole tournament, entertainment and more! This event is hosted by the Central Baldwin Education Foundation - a 501(c) (3) organization working to enhance, enrich, and support the education of public school students in the Central Baldwin area by providing support to supplement educational programs and activities. Online Race Registration is available on our website. cbef08@gmail.com www.cbef.org

Robertsdale Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Park

December 1, 2018 @ Honeybee Park Robertsdale, AL 36567 Parade will start at 6:30pm and runs from Fairground Road to Honeybee Park. Christmas in the Park is sponsored by the Robertsdale Rotary Club. Family Fun and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus begins at 7pm - 9pm. (251) 947-2626 www.centralbaldwin.com

Spanish Fort Spirit of Christmas Parade December 1, 2018 @ Eastern Shore Centre 30500 State Highway 181 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 The Parade begins at 9am. If you are interested in participating, a Parade Application may be downloaded from the City’s website. (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com

City of Spanish Fort Tree Lighting

December 2, 2018 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Please join us at 6:00pm at the Spanish Fort Community Center dock for The City of Spanish Fort’s Christmas Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Caroling for everyone to sing along! (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com

December 4, 2018 @ Cultural Center Auditorium 19470 Oak Road West Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The City of Gulf Shores will host the Baldwin Pops for a traditional Christmas Concert at 7:00pm. The Baldwin Pops consists of volunteer musicians whose mission is to share music in a concert band format free of charge to the citizens of Baldwin County. Patrons are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate to the US Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. This is a free event and will not require a ticket. Seats are first come, first served. (251) 232-1013 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.gulfshoresal.gov/1019/Baldwin-Pops-Christmas-Concert

Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert

Holiday Sip N Shop

December 2, 2018 @ 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 12:00pm - 6:00pm. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

North Baldwin Infirmary Christmas Tree Lighting

December 3, 2018 @ North Baldwin Infirmary 1815 Hand Avenue Bay Minette, AL 36507 Join our friends at North Baldwin Infirmary for an evening of fun for the whole family: Visit Santa from 5:00pm-6:30pm, Make reindeer food, Visit special booths, Refreshments (while supplies last), Food truck and Sing along with Christmas choirs. The evening culminates with the Lighting of the Tree ceremony at 6:45pm. (251) 937-9099 Marisa.Williams@InfirmaryHealth.org

Baldwin Pops Christmas Concert

December 4, 2018 @ Gulf Shores Cultural Center 19470 Oak Road West Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Under the direction of Dr. Jason Rinehart. Concerts will be collection sites for Toys for Tots, the US Marine Reserve program to bring new, unwrapped toys to be distributed in our area to underprivileged children. 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) 232-1013 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpops.com

Lights of Love

December 4, 2018 @ 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! Co-sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Join us for the Tree Light-

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ing directly in front of the hospital at 4:30pm. This event 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 Holiday cheer!

Christmas season by traveling through the story of Jesus’s birth. This will be a unique experience for every one of all ages! This is free and all are invited!

(251) 415-1000 www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh

Playhouse in the Park presents “Babes in Toyland”

Teen Holiday Make & Take

December 4, 2018 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Teens in grades 6th -12th are invited to drop by the library from 3:45pm - 4:45pm and create soaps in Holiday molds to share with friends or family. This event is Free. All supplies will be furnished. Please call or email to sign up. (251) 621-2503 lyoungblood@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

USA Children’s & Women’s Holiday Tree Trail

December 4, 2018 - January 4, 2018 @ Geri Moulton Children’s Park 1700 Center Street Mobile, AL 36604 The Holiday Tree Trail is a free display of holiday trees for the community to enjoy in Geri Moulton Children’s Park from early December through the New Year. The trees will first light up at our Lights of Love ceremony on December 4th, and will be open nightly from dusk until midnight. For more information on how to sponsor a tree, please visit the website listed. (251) 415-1000 cwhdevelop@southalabama.edu www.usahealthsystem.com/holiday-tree-trail

Live Nativity at Christ United

December 5, 2018 @ Christ UMC 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Join us in the Christ Center as we celebrate the

(251) 342-0462 www.christunited.com

December 5, 2018 @ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Playhouse in the Park will present the Victor Herbert classic musical, “Babes in Toyland” on Wednesday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. The single public performance, which brings favorite storybook characters to life, will play at the Saenger Theatre. (251) 602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org

City of Foley Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

December 6, 2018 @ Heritage Park 125 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Trees can start being set up in on Monday, December 3rd. Judging will take place on December 6th and the trees will be on display until after Christmas. (251) 943-1300

lhula@cityoffoley.org

Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts

December 6, 2018 @ Spanish Fort UMC 6690 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Concert begins at 7:30pm. Enjoy music of Handel, Mendelssohn, Rutter and includes an audience sing along! Soloists: Kathryn Hedlund, Monika Cosson, and Andre Chiang. Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. Students are admitted Free. (251) 802-4757 www.ESCS.org

Santa Paws Movie

December 6, 2018 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Bring the whole family to watch Disney’s The Search for Santa Paws! The movie will begin at 4pm in the Community Room. Wear your PJs and enjoy some snacks too! (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

Bedtime Stories with Santa

December 7, 2018 @ Bay Minette Library 205 West 2nd Street Bay Minette, AL 36507 The Bay Minette Public Library will hold its annual “Bedtime Stories with Santa” at 6:30pm. The event will feature Christmas-themed stories and a visit with Santa Claus! There is no charge to attend. (251) 580-1648 www.facebook.com/Bay-MinettePublic-Library-65278263205/

City of Daphne Christmas Parade

December 7, 2018 @ W. O. Lott Park Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Join us at 6:30pm for the Daphne Christmas Parade along Main Street in Olde Towne. Applications are available at the Daphne Recreation Center. (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com

City of Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade

December 7, 2018 @ Gulf Place Public Beach to Sims Park Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The Parade will roll at 6:30pm and feature festive lighted floats, holiday characters and marching bands. Gather along Highway 59 as the parade makes its way from Gulf Shores Public Beach to the Sims Park. Continue the holiday fun immediate-

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ly following the parade at Sims Park. Families can enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday treats, crafts and a 4th Annual snowball drop! It will be a man-made blizzard as 4,000 ping pong balls will be dropped from above by Santa. Winning snowball will have a number that correlates with a prize supplied by our generous sponsors.

(251) 968-1171 hdean@gulfshoresal.gov www.gulfshoresal.gov/888/Lighted-Christmas-ParadeBeach-Celebrati

Foley’s Christmas in the Park

December 7, 2018 @ 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! (251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com

Gift Make-n-Take

December 7, 2018 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Parents need presents too! Let your child come make a special gift just for you in our community room. Make-n-Take is a come & go event for kids of all ages from 1:30pm - 4:45pm. (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert”

December 7, 2018 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season. Time: 7:00pm. (251) 943-1545 www.mobilesymphony.org

Christmas Fest Parade

December 7 - 8 @ Blackburn Park Downtown Bay Minette Bay Minette, AL 36509 The 36th Annual Christmas Fest is a time-honored holiday event that takes place Friday, December 7th - 10am - 8pm & Saturday, December 8th - 8am - 4pm in downtown Bay Minette at Blackburn Park. On Friday, beginning at 6:00 pm the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting and Ping Pong Ball Drop takes place and Saturday there is our parade,

local stage entertainment and plenty of vendors for both days. We are proud to announce that Friday evening’s entertainment is a screen showing of “A Christmas Story”!

(251) 937-5665 (Ext 3) Kristina@northbaldwinchamber.com www.northbaldwinchamber.com/36th-AnnualChristmas-Festival

be ready to help with your holiday shopping needs. We will also have food trucks, kids activities and a special kids only market. A fun event for the whole family from 9am - 3pm. We will also be collecting non-perishable items for the USO NW Florida food pantry who offer support once a month to military families in need. (850) 492-2135 busybeesmarketfl@gmail.com

Bay Shore Ballet Academy “The Nutcracker”

December 7, 8, 9, 2018 @ Fairhope Civic Center 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Please join us for Bayshore Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker! This holiday classic will delight people of all ages! Dates & Times: December 7th (Abbreviated school show) at 9:00am to 11:15am. December 8th at 2:00pm & 7:00pm and December 9th at 3:00pm. Tickets are available through our website beginning November 15th. (251) 990-9744 trinollinger@gmail.com www.bayshoreballet.com

33rd Annual Nautical Night of Nights Boat Parade

December 8, 2018 @ LuLu’s to Flora Bama Don’t miss this Coastal Christmas tradition! The Boat Parade will begin at Lulu’s at dusk and end at the Flora-Bama. Enjoy great viewing sites all along the intracoastal waterway and at The Wharf. (251) 968-5349 suzetta@mygulfcoastchamber.com www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com

Annual Christmas through the Ages

Merry Market 2018

December 7-8, 2018 @ Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf 25753 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Join us for two days of shopping fun! Over 70 vendors with unique gifts, home baked goods, spices, dipping sauces, toys, apparel, jewelry, and arts & crafts. Admission is free and open to the public. Vender applications available online. (251) 968-7215 www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com

December 8, 2018 @ Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Experience a Christmas of “Days Gone By!” This is a living history day for the whole family. See soldiers from the 1700s through the 1900s and their families as they celebrate a non-commercial Christmas. Children will have the chance to make a seashells ornament and other decorations. Admission: Adults (age 13+) $8.00, Children (age 5 to 12) $4.00. Time: 9:00am-5:00pm. (251) 861-6992 fortgaines@outlook.com www.dauphinisland.org

South Baldwin Community Theater “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

December 7-9, 14-16, 2018 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The classic animated television special A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas on December 7, 8, 14 & 15 @ 7:30 pm and December 9 & 16 (Sunday) @ 2:30 pm.

Daphne Christmas Extravaganza

December 8, 2018 @ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL 26526 Get all of your Christmas Gift needs offering you everything from Jewelry to gifts, accessories, fashion and so much more. Unique gift items including those pieces for the “person who has everything”. Event is from 10am - 2pm.

(251) 968-6721 info@sbct.biz www.sbct.biz

studioglitzevents@gmail.com

2nd Annual Busy Bees Market

Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade

December 8, 2018 @ Perdido Bay UMC 13660 Innerarity Point Pensacola, FL 32507 Over 30 local artisans, boutiques and crafters will

December 8, 2018 @ Downtown Foley Foley, AL 36535 The annual Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Pa-

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rade 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. Applications to have a float are available online.

The Music Ministry of First Baptist Church - “At Last, Noel”

Foley’s Annual “Let It Snow!”

(251) 928-8685 jbaldwin@fbcfairhope.org www.fbcfairhope.org

(251) 943-1032 jjackson@cityoffoley.org www.foleykiwanisclub.com

December 8, 2018 @ Heritage Park 101 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Bring your mittens to Heritage Park from 11am - 3pm (directly following the Christmas Parade). Musical performances, listen to Mrs. Claus tell stories, arts and crafts in the Children’s Art Village, and of course play in the SNOW! Concessions are sold on site. (251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com

Holiday Half Marathon & 8K Run

December 8, 2018 @ Mullet Point Park 13203 County Road 1 Fairhope, AL 36532 The Holiday Half Marathon & 8K Run will start at 8:30am at Mullet Point Park. The race benefits USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Pediatrics Department. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new toy in its original wrapping to the race. Toys are needed to distract the children while they are in the hospital. (251) 473-7223 www.pcpacers.org

Holiday Market & Christmas Kids Day

December 8, 2018 Cathedral and Bienville Square Mobile, AL 36602 Join us for arts and crafts, fun activities, music,. pictures, dance performances and much more! (251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org

December 8-9, 2018 @ First Baptist Fairhope 300 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 The Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, Fairhope will present “At Last, Noel” Saturday and Sunday at 7:00pm each night. This event is free and open to all.

Coastal Ballet Academy Presents “The Nutcracker”

December 9, 2018 @ Erie H. Meyer Civic Center 1930 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Under the direction of Madame Rio Cordy Barlow the Ballet Academy will bring this classic holiday classic to life. Program begins at 2:00pm. Space is limited. Tickets for the show are $15 and are available online and at the City Store box office. The box office is located at 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway and office hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5:30pm. and Saturday, 10am - 3pm. (251) 968-1171 hdean@gulfshoresal.gov www.gulfshoresal.gov/1018/The-Nutcracker

Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts

December 9, 2018 @ Fairhope First Baptist Church 300 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Concert begins at 2:00pm. Enjoy music of Handel, Mendelssohn, Rutter and includes an audience sing along! Soloists: Kathryn Hedlund, Monika Cosson, and Andre Chiang. Tickets are $15 and available online or at the door. Students are admitted Free. (251) 802-4757 www.ESCS.org

Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert

December 10, 2018 @ Foley Civic Center 407 E Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Under the direction of Dr. Jason Rinehart. Concerts begin at 7:00pm and will be collection sites for Toys for Tots, the US Marine Reserve program. Please bring new, unwrapped toys to be distributed in our area to underprivileged children. 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) 232-1013 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpops.com

Santa Stories

December 13, 2018 @ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Santa will share his favorite stories with all his Eastern Shore friends and have cookies and cocoa! Join us in the community room for 2 sessions at 4:00pm and again at 5:00pm. Don’t forget your cameras! (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) rmoss@daphneal.com www.daphnelibrary.org

The Mobile Pops Christmas Concert

December 13, 2018 @ 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 www.themobilepops.com

Daphne’s Snow & Movie Night in the Park

December 14, 2018 @ W. O. Lott Park Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Join us as snow begins falling at 4pm in the

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Park! Visits and photos with Santa Claus from 5pm - 7pm. Classic Christmas movies at 6pm with popcorn, and other activities. (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com

ACE Performing Arts - ELF the Musical, Jr

December 14-16, 2018 @ Loxley Civic Center 4198 Municipal Park Drive Loxley, AL 36551 The ACE Performing Arts Center presents “Elf: The Musical” Friday performances at 7:00pm. Saturday at 2:30pm & 7:00pm and Sunday performance at 2:30pm. Call or visit our website for Ticket information. Follow us on Facebook. (251) 266-9753 www.theaceperformingartscenter. com/elf%3A-the-musical

Breakfast with Santa

December 15, 2018 @ Erie Meyer Civic Center 1930 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Children will have one last minute chance to visit with Santa beginning at 8:00am! Families can dive into a wholesome breakfast complete with sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes before having pictures taken with Santa. Admission for Breakfast with Santa is $5.00 per person. Children 3 and under are free. (251) 968-1171 hdean@gulfshoresal.gov www.gulfshoresal.gov/889/Breakfast-with-Santa

The Mobile Pops Christmas Concert

December 15, 2018 @ Murphy High School 100 South Carlen Mobile, AL 36606 Enjoy a variety of holiday music performed by the Mobile Pops Band. 7:00pm -9:00pm at Murphy High School Auditorium. (251) 679-6036 www.themobilepops.com

Mobile Symphony presents “Tis the Season”

December 15-16, 2018 @ Saenger Theatre 6 Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Our annual Christmas concert is a Mobile tradition, and we’ve packed this year’s program with the best of traditional holiday music set in a magical winter wonderland. December 15th at 7:30pm and December 16th at 2:30pm. (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org

NAS Theater Company Presents “Elf the Musical, Jr.”

December 20-23, 2018 @ Black Box Theatre Fairhope High School 1 Pirate Drive Fairhope, Al 36532 Based on the holiday film, this hilarious fish-outof-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Tickets will be available for purchase on our website and Facebook page. Visit us often online for updates as well as information on our classes, productions, lessons, workshops and more. Performance times & ticket price TBA. (251) 219-0837 nastheatre@gmail.com www.nastheatre.com

MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31, 2018 Downtown Mobile Mobile, AL 36602 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 2019 like no other. (251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org ESP

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A Page in a Book The Magnificent Power of Kindness Because they are small and young, our children move in a world that necessarily observes their vulnerability. Looking for opportunities to highlight their strengths is an important part of building kids’ self-confidence. One of their most powerful abilities is the practice of kindness. A child’s world is especially rich with pure moments that inspire them to express generosity, to demonstrate empathy, and to perform simple good deeds. Even though kids are served up shorter menus, smaller seating, and limited access to most avenues that adults navigate daily, their ability to affect great change is still firmly within their grasp. The following titles illustrate an antidote to feeling small and helpless, and celebrate the enormous power of kindness.

The Breaking News

by Sarah Lynne Reul (Roaring Brook Press / MacKids) When sad news arrives in their community, a young sister and brother have a front row seat to the emotional changes in their parents, teachers and their likewise bewildered classmates. While they may be too young to understand the news, the anxiety and sadness they see in those around them is real. The children’s first big efforts to cheer up their parents miss the mark. But when they discover smaller, subtler ways to express good feelings, the siblings experience their power to inspire recovery. Told from a child’s perspective, The Breaking News is a powerful exploration of those moments when tragic news touches a household, a community, or the world. With real examples rising from these pages, young readers will find the small ways they are empowered to support and heal those around them through their small acts of kindness.

Great Big Things

by Kate Hoefler, Illustrated by Noah Klocek (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Clutching a crumb to its chest, a small field mouse sets out on a mission into the wider world. While the destination is unclear to the reader, the path is uncompromising and long. Moving through settings that alternate between lush wilderness and desolate landscapes, the mouse is undaunted, committed to the journey’s end. Set against Klocek’s majestic renderings of towering mountains, bottomless seas, and vast purpling skies, the scope of a tiny creature’s mission to gift another is amplified to mythic proportions. Likewise amplified are many kindnesses received in our lives. While the effort may seem small to the giver, a kind gift’s effect on the receiver can be a great big thing.

Be Kind

by Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Jen Hill (Roaring Brook Press / Macmillan) When a child witnesses a classmate spill purple paint on her clothes, they fight the instinct to laugh when they see her embarrassment. This moment of empathy spurs the child’s personal exploration of how they can help. Will an overture of sympathy be welcome? Or, will it amplify an event the child wants to forget? Should they spill paint on themselves in an act of solidarity? The desire to be kind is present, but the expression of it can sometimes be complex. Be Kind is especially remarkable for its gentle suggestions of specific opportunities for kids to make a positive difference in their world, every day. Small vignettes wordlessly illustrate moments that kindness can change and small actions that can produce big effects. This title moves beyond the standard encouragement toward kindness, and inspires a sincere and heightened awareness for diverse moments that can be beautifully served with thoughtful actions. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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During this month of Thanksgiving, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget our military service members. Many organizations and veterans groups offer ways to help support and show gratitude to members of the armed forces. Help a veteran, a deployed service member and military families know that you appreciate their sacrifices. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how:

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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1) Help an expectant military mom. Nothing relieves a soldier’s worries than knowing his family is supported back home. Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade (formerly Operation Top Knot), an organization started by college student Audri Cid in 2003, is a nationwide network of individuals who sew, knit and create gift baskets to support new and expectant mothers whose husbands are deployed. To donate baby blankets, diapers, bottles, clothing and other items, visit https://soldiersangels.org/BabyBrigade-Team.html.

2) Write a letter. Remind veterans and their families that you’re thinking about them and appreciate their commitment to our nation. Write a letter to a deployed soldier, a wounded warrior or a veteran who has served in past wars through OperationGratitude.com or a military family through Operation Appreciation sponsored by Blue Star Families, www.bluestarfam.org.

3) Support their furry friends. Raise money to go toward fostering pets of active duty service members, wounded warriors and homeless veterans. Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet is a non-profit organization that finds qualified foster families to care for pets while soldiers are deployed or when military families transfer overseas. The foster families also care for pets whose warriors have died.

spinal cord injury. Participate in one of the organization’s sporting events or fundraisers, make a monetary donation or collect and donate bags of clothing, shoes, belts, hats, books, CDs and small household goods. For more information, visit www.pva.org.

5) Assist disabled and wounded veterans. Volunteer at your local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or help disabled veterans whether running errands, doing yard work or assisting them with transportation. Contact www.dav.org for more information. Also, check out the Wounded Warrior Project for other ways to help injured service members.

6) Help them call home. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) supports and assists military veterans and their families through a variety of programs, including Operation Uplink. The program enables service members and hospitalized veterans to make free calls back home to loved ones for three days each month. Go to www.VFW.com to find out how you can make a donation.

7) Aid service dogs. PatriotPaws trains dogs to serve disabled veterans. You can volunteer to help the organization by bathing and walking dogs, running errands or fundraising. Visit www.patriotpaws.org. 8) Clip coupons. Don’t toss your

4) Contribute to Paralyzed Veterans of America. This organization supports veterans who suffer from a

expired coupons! Military families stationed overseas can use coupons for up to six months past the expiration dates. Visit www.

coupsfortroops.com for drop-off sites or to find out where to mail your coupons.

9) Donate DVDs. DVDS4Vets is a nonprofit organization started by Dr. Richard Landis, an orthopedic surgeon who helped build clinics in Afghanistan, and James F. Nicholson, who served as an Air Force pilot in Korea between 1950 and 1953. Landis and Nicholson saw a need to provide basic entertainment for veterans who returned home with traumatic brain injuries and other serious wounds and were undergoing longterm rehabilitation. To donate used or new DVDs to veterans, visit www.dvds4vets.org. 10) Send a care package. Soldiers who are serving far from home look forward to receiving mail. Visit Anysoldier.com to learn how to send a letter and what is appropriate for care packages. If you’d like to help support a veteran who does not have family to assist in the transition to home and civilian life, check out the Adopt a Veteran program through SoldiersAngels.org. Those who volunteer to be an Adopting Angel make a 12-month commitment to send a letter each week and a small gift once a month, tailored to the individual veteran’s specific needs.

11) Say thank you. If you see a soldier in uniform or a veteran, a simple “Thank you for your service” is a considerate way to express your gratitude. For more ways to thank a vet, visit www.kidsthankavet.com. ESP Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, daughter of retired USAF SMSgt. Walter Melnyk, is thankful for all of our veterans and their families for their sacrifices and service.

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Tracking Top Train Toys

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Ranking high among toys that inspire obsessive interest among children, trains are one of the most accessible fascinations for kids everywhere. Beyond encountering trains on daily commutes, there are a host of rail systems and railroadinspired toys that are ideal for supporting young interest in trains. With its variety of configurations, train set play can also foster spatial reasoning, understanding of systems and pattern recognition among young enthusiasts. Echoing the whistle and chimes, the rumble and clack of their real-life counterparts, children can bring the mechanical marvels of locomotive transport to life through pretend-play with trains.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Melissa & Doug Figure Eight Train Set

Thomas & Percy’s Trackmaster Railway Race Set

Durable, easily manipulated wooden train tracks and cars are ideal for starting a young railroad fan down the right track. The Figure Eight Train Set offers a continuous circuit to build with twenty interlocking track pieces. Crafted from lightweight solid wood with easily connected puzzle piece ends, small hands will have no trouble assembling the eight, or a track shape of their choice. The set also comes with a wooden engine and coal car that attach with magnets for minimal frustration. Working well with similar wooden train systems, the Melissa & Doug Figure Eight Train Set is just the beginning of an expanding enterprise for railroad engineers.

Ready for racing, two of Sodor’s most beloved trains pair up for a friendly competition that takes exciting twists and turns along the way. Motorized Thomas and Percy are primed at the starting line and when the braking track is released, these two racing engines surge forward in their steampowered contest. Parting ways at a breakaway bridge, each engine navigates a separate path as they course toward victory. Famous for their expressive faces, these racing models of Thomas and Percy are customized with especially determined features as they vie for the checkered flag finish. Fisher Price’s Trackmaster toys also offer connectible expansion packs for young Thomas tycoons who want to grow their track footprint in Sodor.

Little Tikes Tumble Train

V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Alphabet Train

Adding unpredictability to the journey, Little Tikes Tumble Train turns a ride on the rails into a twisting and turning tossup. With adult help recommended, the lightweight tracks connect into a colorful infinity bend. Once the three-dimensional track is assembled, the battery powered train engine is ready to move the tracks themselves as it navigates the twists and turns. The weight of the engine grounds each section of the track it travels, causing the track assembly itself to lift and tumble as it accommodates the train’s movement. Ideally enjoyed in a flat open space of floor, it’s both fun to follow or the perfect foil for a game of dodge. The train can also run off-rail as a separate play vehicle. For those who love surprising twists and tumbles in an otherwise predictable playspace, Little Tikes Tumble Train turns the railroad map on its ear!

Before they’re ready to assemble their own tracks, little railroad fans can get acquainted with trains through a host of activities offered by V-Tech’s Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train. With the overall profile of a locomotive and car, this train is packed with interactive learning opportunities and physical encouragement. Featuring components to manipulate alphabet blocks that feed into a responsive slots, kids get entertaining feedback through songs, sounds and phrases. For toddlers making their move from floor to feet, the train itself is designed to support riding as well as pull-up guidance. Once they’re walking, tots can load up the caboose and use it as a pull-along. Supporting positive engagement and development on every front, this train helps kids take their first step onboard.

(Fisher Price)

(Melissa & Doug)

(V-Tech)

(Little Tikes)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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FamilyCalendar Thursday November 1

Brown Bag by the Bay 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Mayday Park, Daphne, AL, 36526 Catt’s Brown Bag by the Bay is back at Daphne’s May Day Park. Friends of the Foley Library Bookstore Sale 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Foley Public Library, 319 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL, 36535 Half price on ALL BOOKSTORE ITEMS! Add to your personal library or give the gift of reading to family and friends. 251-943-7665 www.foleylibrary.org/FOFLBkStorePhotos.html Fairhope Outdoor Fall Farmers Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Behind the Fairhope Library, Fairhope, AL, 36532 The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. The Fairhope Public Library will have children activities at 4 p.m. 251-929-1466 Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 We will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Tuesday from 4:00pm10:00pm, Wednesday October 31 from 4:00pm12:00am, Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday October 28 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 4, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Friday November 2

Tarawa and Makin Island Living History Days 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Morgan, 110 Alabama Highway 180 Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Fort Morgan will be hosting a living history event to include WWII weapons demonstrations and living history programs. www.fort-morgan.org/calendar-events/ Oyster Cook Off and Craft Beer Weekend 11:00 AM The Hangout, 101 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Oyster Cook Off & Craft Beer at The Hangout in Gulf Shores. The Southeast’s hottest chefs will compete in three categories for the best oyster, and you will have the chance to taste them all. 251-948-3030 www.eventbrite.com Live at Five: Stand Back – A Tribute to The Allman Brothers Band 5:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College – Fairhope Campus, Fairhope, AL Live at Five: Stand Back – A Tribute to The Allman Brothers Band. www.coastalalabama.edu Daphne Elementary School’s Annual Fall Festival (Adults and children ages 3 and under get in

free; advanced tickets are $12 or $15 at the gate the day of the event)

5:30 PM Daphne Elementary School, 2307 Main Street Daphne, AL, 36526 Inflatables, games, prizes, face painting, vendor booths, hair painting, music, food, “selfie spots,” candy, and access to our massive Silent Auction are all included with your ticket purchase.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

Alabama Pecan Festival 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 This familyoriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car and tractor show, Azalea City Quilters Guild and more. There is something for everyone. www.alabamapecanfestival.com Bay Bash 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Gulfquest, 155 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The event features delicious Gulf seafood from local chefs, caterers, and restaurants, signature cocktails, live music, and a silent auction all along the Mobile River. www.gulfquest.org First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36532 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. ESRT presents “Mary Poppins Jr.” 7:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 ESRT presents “Mary Poppins, Jr.” November 2-4. www.eventbrite.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 We will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Tuesday from 4:00pm10:00pm, Wednesday October 31 from 4:00pm12:00am, Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday October 28 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 4, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Saturday November 3

Baldwin Heart Walk 8:00 AM OWA, 1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL, 36535 The 2018 Baldwin Heart Walk will honor survivors of cardiovascular disease and stroke in our community. Enjoy FREE activities like a Kids Zone, CPR demo, and healthy snacks. 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk movement, so there’s no better time to get involved. www2.heart.org Toys For Tots Motorcycle Ride 8:00 AM USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Toys For Tots will kick-off their holiday campaign at Battleship Memorial Park with the popular Motorcycle Ride. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive. 10th Annual Harvest - A Festival of Gifts 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Gulf Shores UMC, South Campus, 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Come shop the Harvest! From 9am - 3pm. This year’s proceeds will benefit GSUMC Mother’s Day Out and Preschool. www.gulfshoresumc.org/mother’s-day-out/fundraisers

DIPG Warrior Walk 10:00 AM USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us on November 3 in Mobile, AL to Wage War on DIPG with the DIPG Warrior Walk. A family friendly walk to honor our DIPG Warriors and fund vital research to help find a cure! www.csnevents.org/mobilewarrior Tarawa and Makin Island Living History Days 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Morgan, 110 Alabama Highway 180 Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Fort Morgan will be hosting a living history event to include WWII weapons demonstrations and living history programs. www.fort-morgan.org/calendar-events/ Oyster Cook Off and Craft Beer Weekend 11:00 AM The Hangout, 101 East Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Oyster Cook Off & Craft Beer at The Hangout in Gulf Shores. The Southeast’s hottest chefs will compete in three categories for the best oyster, and you will have the chance to taste them all. 251-948-3030 www.eventbrite.com Character visit with Nutbrown Hare 12:00 PM Barnes and Noble, 30500 AL-181 #414 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The Nutbrown Hare from the classic “Guess How Much I Love You” will be here for a special storytime and photo opportunity! www.stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2186 Cooking Demo with “Soulful Chef” 1:00 PM 30500 AL-181 #414 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 We are thrilled that cookbook author and chef Dreux Antoine will be here to sign copies of his book “The Soulful Chef” as well as demonstrate some of his recipes from his book. www.stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2186 An Evening with Beegie Adair 4:00 PM Steinway & Sons, 11247 US-31 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 An intimate evening of music and conversation with one of our most beloved pianists. Joining Ms. Adair will be her longtime bassist, friend & trio-mate, Roger Spencer. 615-414-4591 www.eventbrite.com Alabama Pecan Festival 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car and tractor show, Azalea City Quilters Guild and more. There is something for everyone. www.alabamapecanfestival.com Indian Festival of Lights

5:00 PM Fairhope Municipal Pier, 1 North Beach Road Fairhope, AL, 36532 Join Children of the World for this highly anticipated community event! The festival and “community dessert party” start at 5:00pm in the park area south of Fairhope Pier and culminate with the releasing of lanterns over Mobile Bay. (more info below on lanterns) Family friendly games, activities, and Bollywood Dancing will continue until 6:30pm at which time families may begin releasing their lanterns. The festival is free to attend! Children of the World will provide activities, entertainment, and drinks for the dessert party. Attendees are asked to bring any seating they wish to use (chairs or blankets) and a dessert to share.

www.easternshoreparents.com

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FamilyCalendar ESRT presents “Mary Poppins Jr.” 7:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 ESRT presents “Mary Poppins, Jr.” November 2-4. www.eventbrite.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 We will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Tuesday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Wednesday October 31 from 4:00pm-12:00am, Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday October 28 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 4, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com Senior Bowl Charity Run Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Charity race and afterwards a family festival. Bienville Square will be the center of a Family Fun Festival featuring the Wells Fargo stagecoach, a petting zoo, inflatable interactives, face painters, clowns and plenty of free food and drinks for all runners and their families to enjoy. www.seniorbowl.com/community-charity-run.php

Sunday November 4

Weddings to Brag About Bridal & Special Event Show 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Azalea Manor, 751 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36602 One of the south’s longest running bridal and special event shows is getting ready for another great year! Join us November 4, 2018 from Noon-4PM at Mobile’s beautiful Azalea

Manor! One lucky couple will win a FREE wedding, reception, and honeymoon! www.weddingstobragabout.com 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet

(Free)

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 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/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center ESRT presents “Mary Poppins Jr.” 2:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 ESRT presents “Mary Poppins, Jr.” November 2-4. www.eventbrite.com Fall Festival 4:00 PM Spanish Fort Church of Christ, 8100 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Chili Cookoff, Pie contest, Games, and Hayrides! Fun for all ages!!

Vince Gill 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 One of the most popular and most recorded singers of the past quarter-century, superstar Vince Gill has become the measure of

excellence in country music. His vocal performances are spellbinding, his songwriting emotionally powerful and his guitar-playing world-class. Gill, along with his top-notch band, will perform at the Mobile Saenger Theatre on Sunday, November 4 www.mobilesaenger.com Alabama Pecan Festival 11:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car and tractor show, Azalea City Quilters Guild and more. There is something for everyone. www.alabamapecanfestival.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 We will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Tuesday from 4:00pm10:00pm, Wednesday October 31 from 4:00pm12:00am, Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday October 28 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 4, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Monday November 5

Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society ($7

for members and $10 for non-members)

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Dr. Lee and Dr. Wilson specialize in pediatric and adult Ear, Nose & Throat care. From a sore throat, or runny nose to allergies and allergy testing, Drs. Lee and Wilson treat everyday ENT illnesses to complex surgeries. Schedule your appointment today. MOBILE • DAPHNE

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FamilyCalendar Swing (West Coast and East Coast), Rumba, Waltz, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Bolero, American Tango, etc. Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society offers an enjoyable evening of dance, live music, fun, friendship, A partner is not required to participate in the dancing experience. Find us on Facebook. 251-377-4069 Loomis Bros. Circus: 2018 Tour Baldwin County Fairgrounds, 19477 Fairground Road Robertsdale, AL, 36567 For over 20 years Loomis Bros. Circus has been presenting worldclass entertainment to audiences throughout the country. In 2018, we invite you to see that Circus Is Alive! as you witness a cast of the world’s best performers, exciting new acts, majestic animals and a LIVE circus band! Time: 4:30pm, 7:30pm. www.loomiscircus.com/buy-tickets

Tuesday November 6

5 Rivers StoryTime “The Sleepy Owl” (Free) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. This week’s story is about a sleepy owl. 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. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Ugandan Kids Choir 11:00 AM Fairhope Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 The children in the Ugandan Kids Choir bring a message of hope—sharing the power of God’s love through traditional music and dance. As they tour the US, they delight audiences with their high-energy performances and infectious joy. www.childcareworldwide.org/ugandan-kids-choir Loomis Bros. Circus: 2018 Tour Baldwin County Fairgrounds, 19477 Fairground Road Robertsdale, AL, 36567 For over 20 years Loomis Bros. Circus has been presenting world-class entertainment to audiences throughout the country. In 2018, we invite you to see that Circus Is Alive! as you witness a cast of the world’s best performers, exciting new acts, majestic animals and a LIVE circus band! Time: 4:30pm, 7:30pm. www.loomiscircus.com/buy-tickets

Wednesday November 7

World Food Championships ($10 at the gate for a

day pass (children 12 years and under get in Free))

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

ing in the family focused, foodie-driven World Food Games. 931-261-8446 www.worldfoodchampionships.com

ment is thrilled to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. November 7-11. www.baysideacademy.org

Fall Series Farmers Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 26992 Highway 181 Daphne, AL, 36526 Weekly Farmer’s Market. Locally grown produce, baked goods, and all natural beauty products. www.facebook.com/SeasonsConsignment

Mobile Ballet presents “Ovation” 7:30:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36601 Honoring musical legends such as George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and more – Mobile Ballet launches its new season in a mix of kinetic energy, exhilarating music and a dynamic fresh production unique to the Mobile stage. More than 30 dancers will join internationally renowned Ballet Master Israel Rodriguez, Eduardo Pi Iglesias and Mobile Ballet Guest Artists. Artistic Director Katia Garza brings fresh choreography to timeless music sure to offer a travel in time… and emotions. 251-342-2241 www.mobileballet.org

Bayside Academy presents “Beauty and the Beast” 7:00 PM Bayside Academy, 303 Dryer Avenue Daphne , AL, 36526 The Bayside Theatre Department is thrilled to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. November 7-11. Special dinner event on the Bluff on Wednesday, Nov 7 beginning at 5:30. Will Hughes food truck serving a perfect Beauty and the Beast menu. Bring your blanket and enjoy an evening picnic. www.baysideacademy.org

Thursday November 8

World Food Championships ($10 at the gate for a day pass (children 12 years and under get in Free))

6th Annual Fairhope Film Festival Various Locations, Fairhope, AL, 36532 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. Notable foreign and feature films, documentaries and shorts—many that never made it to the big box theaters or were only there briefly–will be selected for appreciative audiences. Although the festival will pull out all the stops, Southern-style, to host opening and closing events and parties, the emphasis will be on the art of filmmaking and the experience of seeing exceptional films. Directors, actors and screenwriters will participate in the screenings both in person and via live electronic transmission. 251-990-7957 www.fairhopefilmfestival.org Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival’s 34th Annual Gathering Various Locations, Frank Brown International Festival presents the 34th annual gathering slated for November 8 - November 18, 2018. Intimate in-the-round acoustic concerts held at choice coastal venues will feature the world’s best songwriters sharing songs and the stories behind them. The gathering benefits key organizations such as the Larry Butler Foundation for Music at the University of West Florida, our Youth Showcase, and an in schools outreach program for over a dozen Baldwin and Escambia County Schools. 251-978-6213 www.fbisf.com

Friday November 9

Daphne Veterans Day Program - 100 Years of Remembrance 9:30 AM Daphne High School Gymnasium, 9300 Champions Way Daphne, AL, 36526 City of Daphne and Daphne High School. Special guest speakers and entertainment will help us mark the 100th year of the ending of WWI. 251-620-1000 World Food Championships ($10 at the gate for a day pass (children 12 years and under get in Free))

www.easternshoreparents.com

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FamilyCalendar chefs and home cooks battle it out for Food Fame & Fortune, you can join in on the action by attending one of the spirited cocktail gatherings or competing in the family focused, foodie-driven World Food Games. 931-261-8446 www.worldfoodchampionships.com Allergies in Food Service Industry (Free) 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, The Palms, 4830 Main Street Orange Beach, AL, 36561 The Allergy & Asthma Network and World Food Championships have teamed up to take a closer look at the highly talked about topic of Allergies in Food Service Industry. Come hear our panel of experts: Ruchi Gupta, MD Michael Pistiner, and MD Celebrity Chef Elizabeth Falkner discuss some of the major factors to consider when dealing with food allergies. www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/wfc/ Bayside Academy presents “Beauty and the Beast” 7:00 PM Bayside Academy, 303 Dryer Avenue Daphne , AL, 36526 The Bayside Theatre Department is thrilled to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. November 7-11. www.baysideacademy.org 6th Annual Fairhope Film Festival Various Locations, Fairhope, AL, 36532 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. Notable foreign and feature films, documentaries and shorts—many that never made it to the big box theaters or were only there briefly–will be selected for appreciative audiences. Although the festival will pull out all the stops, Southern-style, to host opening and closing events and parties, the emphasis will be on the art of filmmaking and the experience of seeing exceptional films. 251-990-7957 www.fairhopefilmfestival.org Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival’s 34th Annual Gathering Various Locations, Frank Brown International Festival presents the 34th annual gathering slated for November 8 - November 18, 2018. Intimate in-the-round acoustic concerts held at choice coastal venues will feature the world’s best songwriters sharing songs and the stories behind them. The gathering benefits key organizations such as the Larry Butler Foundation for Music at the University of West Florida, our Youth Showcase, and an in schools outreach program for over a dozen Baldwin and Escambia County Schools. 251-978-6213 www.fbisf.com

Saturday November 10

Marsh Madness 6:00 AM BlueGill Restaurant on the Causeway, 3775 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 SFEEF presents the 4th Annual Marsh Madness Fall Fishing Tournament at Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. www.sfeef.com

Fit for Duty 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 8:00 AM Daphne Middle School, 1 Jody Davis Circle Daphne, AL, 36526 Race to benefit The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program and the Shining Star Camp. www.eventbrite.com Mobile Bay C&C 2nd Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive 8:00 AM Bass Pro Shop, 20000 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Please join us for our toys for tots toy drive. All new, unwrapped toys and books will be accepted. St Francis Episcopal Church Fall Bazaar 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 401 Key Street Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 You’ll definitely want to be there for the fun, food, fellowship and finds! As usual, the entire porch area will be filled with a large variety of items for sale and a Silent Auction will offer dozens of unique gift ideas for that special someone. A delicious array of foods will also be available including baked goods, casseroles, gumbo, homemade pickles (yum, yum!), soups and (of course) Wimberley Hory’s Famous Chicken Salad! 251-861-2300 5 Rivers on the Road—Meaher State Park (Free) 9:30 AM Meaher State Park, 5200 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join our staff at Meaher State Park, located on the causeway for an up close encounter and information concerning our native

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FamilyCalendar reptiles at 9:30am. After, explore the beautiful Meaher State Park! 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Brunch Fest (Advance General Admission tickets are $15 and include entrance to event and samplings from local restaurants. Advance VIP are $50 and include VIP area with private bar and restrooms, special VIP caterer, and swanky seating area. VIP is limited to first 100. Day of event prices goes up to $25 general admission and $65 VIP)

10:00 AM Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for a day of great brunch foods, live jazz music, Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas! The event will be held in beautiful Downtown Mobile at Bienville Square. This fundraiser will benefit Lifelines Counseling Services and its many programs. Local restaurants will be cooking some delicious brunch food items for you to taste. www.eventbrite.com Elberta Veterans Day Parade (Free) 10:00 AM Downtown Elberta, 1305 Main Street Elberta, AL, 36530 Come out and honor those who’ve served! Elberta Parade will begin at 10:00am. Please contact Vicky Norris if you are interested in participating or donating to this event. (251) 986-5995 www.townofelberta.com Fairhope Veteran’s Day Parade 10:00 AM Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36532 The City of Fairhope will honor its military veterans with a Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 10, 2018. 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. Seasons Consignment Market Day 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 26992 Highway 181 Daphne, AL, 36526 This event features arts, crafts, food trucks and other merchandise from local businesses. www.facebook.com/SeasonsConsignment World Food Championships ($10 at the gate for a

day pass (children 12 years and under get in Free))

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

Storytime and Author Signing 2:00 PM Barnes and Noble, 30500 AL-181 #414 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Please join us for a special storytime and meet and greet with the author, Lashandra Hall! Ms. Hall will be here with her children’s books “Dancing In My Shoes” and “The Adventures of Dr. Brain and Mr. Strong.” www.stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2186 4th Annual Gears and Beers 5:30 PM The Fort of Colonial Mobile, 150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Gears and Beers is a fundraiser that benefits the Delta Bike Project in Mobile, Alabama. We host a 8.1-mile Beignet Buster, a 30-mile Swamp Romp, a 63-mile Mystic Metric, and the Bayou 100 Century. The Bayou 100 is part of the Alabama Backroads Century Series. www.racesonline.com/events/gearsandbeers Bayside Academy presents “Beauty and the Beast” 7:00 PM Bayside Academy, 303 Dryer Avenue Daphne , AL, 36526 The Bayside Theatre Department is thrilled to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. November 7-11. www.baysideacademy.org 6th Annual Fairhope Film Festival Various Locations, Fairhope, AL, 36532 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. Notable foreign and feature films, documentaries and shorts—many that never made it to the big box theaters or were only there briefly–will be selected for appreciative audiences. Although the festival will pull out all the stops, Southern-style, to host opening and closing events and parties, the emphasis will be on the art of filmmaking and the experience of seeing exceptional films. Directors, actors and screenwriters will participate in the screenings both in person and via live electronic transmission. 251-990-7957 www.fairhopefilmfestival.org Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival’s 34th Annual Gathering Various Locations, Frank Brown International Festival presents the 34th annual gathering slated for November 8 - November 18, 2018. Intimate in-the-round acoustic concerts held at choice coastal venues will feature the world’s best songwriters sharing songs and the stories behind them. The gathering benefits key organizations such as the Larry Butler Foundation for Music at the University of West Florida, our Youth Showcase, and an in schools outreach program for over a dozen Baldwin and Escambia County Schools. 251-978-6213 www.fbisf.com

Sunday November 11

Battleship 12K 8:00 AM Spanish Fort Town Center, 26000 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 A patriotic run to honor those who serve. www.battleship12k.com

World Food Championships ($10 at the gate for a day pass (children 12 years and under get in Free))

10:00 AM The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Join the World Food Championships for the biggest event in the industry as they surround the MAIN EVENT at The Wharf with countless fun foodie activities! While more than 1500 chefs and home cooks battle it out for Food Fame & Fortune, you can join in on the action by attending one of the spirited cocktail gatherings or competing in the family focused, foodie-driven World Food Games. 931-261-8446 www.worldfoodchampionships.com Veterans Day commemoration and Armistice Centennial (Free) 10:30 AM USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Battleship Memorial Park will take part in a nation-wide Veterans Day commemoration and Armistice Centennial as we remember WWI, the War to End All Wars. Join us on the Fantail of the USS ALABAMA as we pay tribute to those who fought in WWI. At 11:00 a.m. we will ring the ship’s bells as part of the Bells of Peace. DIVA Veterans Day Ceremony 11:00 AM Water Tower, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 DIVA Veterans Day Ceremony. Join members of the DI Veterans Association on Sunday, November 11 at 11:00am at Water Tower Plaza for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. www.townofdauphinisland.org Bayside Academy presents “Beauty and the Beast” 2:00 PM Bayside Academy, 303 Dryer Avenue Daphne , AL, 36526 The Bayside Theatre Department is thrilled to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. November 7-11. www.baysideacademy.org The Band Of Heathens at The Steeple 7:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Band Of Heathens at The Steeple. 251-415-4641 www.thesteeplemobile.com 6th Annual Fairhope Film Festival Various Locations, Fairhope, AL, 36532 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. Notable foreign and feature films, documentaries and shorts—many that never made it to the big box theaters or were only there briefly–will be selected for appreciative audiences. Although the festival will pull out all the stops, Southern-style, to host opening and closing events and parties, the emphasis will be on the art of filmmaking and the experience of seeing exceptional films. Directors, actors and screenwriters will participate in the screenings both in person and via live electronic transmission. 251-990-7957 www.fairhopefilmfestival.org Sunday Matinee: The Life of BirdsMastery of Flight (Free) 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 For all their grace and agility, birds face serious challenges in getting in to the air, staying there, and landing safely. Among their many adaptations is the single weight-saving feature that only birds possess-feather 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

www.easternshoreparents.com

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Lecture About WWI and Fort Morgan’s Military Role 2:00 PM Fort Morgan, 110 Hwy 180 Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 A lecture given by Dylan Tucker in the fort focusing on Fort Morgan’s involvement in WWI, specifically training of the Coast Artillery, Trench Mortar Battalion, Gas Corps and field artillery. A photo gallery will also be displayed. 251-540-5257 www.fort-morgan.org

Thursday November 15

Los Lonely Boys w/ The Red Clay Strays 6:30 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Los Lonely Boys w/ The Red Clay Strays. 251-415-4641 www.thesteeplemobile.com

Friday November 16

Center State Performance presents “The Sound of Music” 6:30 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne , AL, 36526 Center State Performance presents “The Sound of Music”. www.center-stageperformance-ticketinfo.eventbrite.com

Veteran’s Day Celebration and Parade of Flags

(Free)

3:00 PM USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Battleship Memorial Park and the 4th graders from Mobile and Baldwin county celebrate Veterans Day and our veterans. Enjoy patriotic music, guest speaker Distinguished Young Woman of America 2018, and more. Veterans Day Essay Winners will present their winning essays. 4th Grade parade of flags Mobile Pop’s Concert (Free) 7:00 PM USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Pops Concert.

Wednesday November 14

Movie on the Promenade (Free with registration) 7:30:00 PM Gulfquest Maritime, 155 Douth Water Street Mobile, AL Grab a blanket or chair and join GulfQuest for a movie outside* on the Riverfront Promenade. We’ll be showing The Goonies. Coming hungry after work? Our in house restaurant, The Galley, will be offering a pizza slice and a drink for just $5. A variety of other light concessions will also be sold. *RAIN PLAN* Due to limited space, should there be inclement weather, the first 110 people who reserve a free ticket will be invited to enjoy the movie inside in our Riverside Room. Free tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite. (251) 436-8901 www.gulfquest.org

Saturday November 17

Creek Crawl 2018 8:00 AM Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 The 4 mile course traverses the habitats of Graham Creek Nature Preserve, with challenges including mud runs and mud crawls, climbing obstacles and cross country trails. www.grahamcreekpreserve.org St. Francis’ Fall Festival 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, St. Francis at the Point, 17280 Scenic Highway 98 Point Clear, AL, 36532 Gifts, Crafts, Bake Sale, Rummage, Silent Auction, Lunch 251-928-1255 2nd Annual BB Gun Turkey Shoot and Family Fun Day 9:00 AM 1507 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 The 2nd Annual BB Gun Turkey Shoot and Family Fun Day will take place at 516 1507 Bienville Boulevard next to Waves. The fundraiser will benefit Dauphin Island Elementary School students’ field trip to the State Capitol. Family Farm Day 2018 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Humming Star Alpacas, 19700 Blueberry Lane Silverhill, AL, 36576 A day to meet and learn about the alpacas, see demonstrations of spinning-weaving and other fiber arts. Shop our farm store and shop with our local artists/craftsman. Eat a scrumptious lunch provided by Chef Will Hughes. Time: 10:00am-4:00pm. www.hummingstaralpacas.com Mobile Renaissance and Pirate Festival 10:00 AM 30569 Eagle Lane Robertsdale, AL, 36567 Celebrating the history and heritage of Medieval

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FamilyCalendar Europe as well as the 16th-century Gulf Coast.The Mobile Renaissance Fair is celebrated as a fun and learning experience of the middle ages. It is a time when young and old dress up as renaissance characters (not required) and head out for a an exciting weekend full of history, music, food, arts, crafts, and games. www.gcrf.us Open Sketch at 5 Rivers (Free) 1:00 PM 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Bring your drawing materials, sign in at the front desk, and explore the beautiful facility and landscape! We will post photos everyone’s sketches on the Mobile Urban Sketchers page concluding the event. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Lucy Gafford at lgafford@mobilearts.org by November 3rd. Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven and Blue Jeans 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven and Blue Jeans. www.mobilesaenger.com Center State Performance presents “The Sound of Music” Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne , AL, 36526 Center State Performance presents “The Sound of Music”. Two performances today: 2:00pm and 6:30pm. www.center-stage-performance-ticket-info.eventbrite.com WWII Living History Day Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd Mobile, AL, 36528 Come and experience a day in the life of a WWII soldier. The soldiers will be doing drills throughout the day; there will be authentic camping and blacksmithing in the original blacksmith shop. www.dauphinisland.org/event/wwii-living-historyevent-2

Sunday November 18

Mobile Renaissance and Pirate Festival 10:00 AM 30569 Eagle Lane Robertsdale, AL, 36567 Celebrating the history and heritage of Medieval Europe as well as the 16th-century Gulf Coast.The Mobile Renaissance Fair is celebrated as a fun and learning experience of the middle ages. It is a time when young and old dress up as renaissance characters (not required) and head out for a an exciting weekend full of history, music, food, arts, crafts, and games. www.gcrf.us 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet (Free)

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 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/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven and Blue Jeans 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Symphony Orchestra Pres-

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

ents Beethoven and Blue Jeans. www.mobilesaenger.com Center State Performance presents “The Sound of Music” 6:30 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne , AL, 36526 Center State Performance presents “The Sound of Music”. Two performances today: 2:00pm and 6:30pm. www.center-stage-performance-ticket-info.eventbrite.com

Sunday Matinee: “Bee Movie” (Free) 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 An ambitious young worker bee Barry B. Benson soars out into the world with the high-flying pollen jocks in search of nectar and adventure. When he breaks one of the cardinal rules of beedom and speaks to humans, Barry sets of an un-bee-lievable chain of events that proves even a little bee can make a big difference! 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Monday November 19

Tuesday November 27

Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society ($7

for members and $10 for non-members)

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Hot Wheels Skating Rink, 616 Whispering Pines Road Daphne, AL, 36526 Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society is open to the public for dancing every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Live music is featured for dancing Cha Cha Cha, Swing (West Coast and East Coast), Rumba, Waltz, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Bolero, American Tango, etc. Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society offers an enjoyable evening of dance, live music, fun, friendship, A partner is not required to participate in the dancing experience. Find us on Facebook. 251-377-4069

Tuesday November 20

Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers concert. www.mobilesaenger.com

Wednesday November 21

Saturday November 24

11th Annual Kaiser Realty, Inc. Coastal Half Marathon, 5k and One Mile Run 8:00 AM Orange Beach Sportsplex, 4385 William Silvers Parkway Orange Beach, AL, 36561 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 one mile fun run to a 5k run to a half-marathon, 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! 615-460-9927

Sunday November 25

Bread and Puppet Theater 6:00 PM Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Sunday night at Alabama Contemporary Art Center, join us for a raucous and colorful, funny and poignant show featuring paper maché puppets driven by a hot brass band. www.mobilemuseumofart.wufoo.com/forms/breadand-puppet-theater

The 2018 BIG Event 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, The Battle House Hotel, 26 North Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama’s 2018 BIG Event will feature John O’Leary on Tuesday, November 27th at The Battle House Hotel. It’s guaranteed to be one of the most inspiring nights in BIG Event history. You’ll be set on fire with passion, purpose and unrelenting joy. 251-344-0536

Wednesday November 28

Thursday November 29

Center State Performance presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” 6:30 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne , AL, 36526 Center State Performance presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.”. www.center-stageperformance-ticket-info. eventbrite.com Ghost Concert 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Ghost, a Grammy Award-winning heavy metal/rock band from Sweden formed in 2008, will perform at the Saenger. www.mobilesaenger.com

Friday November 30

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Taste of the Islands ($60 per adult) 6:00 PM Orange Beach Event Center, 4671 Wharf Parkway West Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Join The Mystical Order of Mirams for the best holiday event on The Island! Enjoy delicious cuisine from over 30 local restaurants, an open bar, and live entertainment! You don’t want to miss this party! Great for company holiday parties. Benefits Toys for Tots. Please bring an unwrapped toy. www.mirams.info Center State Performance presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.” 6:30 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne , AL, 36526 Center State Performance presents “Junie B. Jones, Jr.”. www.center-stage-performance-ticket-info.eventbrite.com

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Saturday December 1

Honeybee Festival & 5k 8:00 AM Honeybee Park, 22780 AL-59 Robertsdale, AL, 36567 We will have our annual Honeybee 5k Race and Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday, December

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FamilyCalendar 1st. Race will begin at 8 a.m. and festivities will continue throughout the day. Come out and join us for a family, fun-filled day. There will be plenty of arts & crafts, games and food. We look forward to seeing you there! 251-947-2626 www.cbef.org Author signing with Karyn Tunks 2:00 PM 30500 AL-181 #414 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 We are thrilled to host a signing for local children’s book author Karyn Tunks. Karyn’s newest book “Mardi Gras In Alabama” features lively illustrations of Mobile and Baldwin County as our hero, Folly, attempts to visit all of the Mardi Gras Festivities! Children and adults will love this beautiful book of our local traditions. www.stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2186 Black Violin 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Revolutionary Music Group Black Violin to Bring Signature Sound to Mobile Saenger. www.mobilesaenger.com

Sunday December 2

5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet

(Free)

Monday December 3

Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society ($7

for members and $10 for non-members)

Tuesday December 4

give the gift of reading to family and friends. 251-943-7665 www.foleylibrary.org/FOFLBkStorePhotos.html Daphne Public Library Movie Night (Free ) 4:00 PM Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Daphne Public Library Movie Night. www.daphnelibrary.org 11th Holiday Gala “The Chocolate Affair” 6:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Benefit for Family Promise of Baldwin County featuring Appetizers, Auctions, Live Music by Roman Street, Desserts and Drinks! www.familypromisebc.org Kansas Concert 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kansas concert. www.mobilesaenger.com

Friday December 7

The Black Jacket Symphony 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Black Jacket Symphony will perform the late Tom Petty’s iconic record “Damn The Torpedoes” in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for the album, with no sonic detail being overlooked--the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. www.mobilesaenger.com

Classes/ Meetings Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 2nd Thursday of each month. The meeting is held at 3 Circle Church, 10274 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 251-4602727 or 1-800-489-1886 or www. childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counsuling services to adoptive families.

World Famous Harlem Globetrotters 7:00 PM University of South Alabama Mitchell Center , 5950 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL, 36608 On the heels of taking their unparalleled entertainment to capacity crowds overseas, the Harlem Globetrotters will return to North America with their one-of-a-kind show at the Mitchell Center. www.ticketing.axs.com

Bridge Support Group A place where parents with similar experiences come together to share stories, advice and love. These families have had babies who: were stillborn, born with a lethal anomaly (such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, skeletal dysplasia, anencephaly) or had a baby that only lived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our families are from all over the Gulf Coast and all have beautiful stories to tell. Meets 1st Tuesday of every month, 5:30pmuntil. Dinner is served. 1st floor conference room of Strada Center, 1601 Center Street, Mobile. Contact: Rene Sprague RN, MSN rgilstrapsprague@health. southalabama.edu, 251-610-5264. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Thursday December 6

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

Friends of the Foley Library Bookstore Sale 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Foley Public Library, 319 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL, 36535 Half price on ALL BOOKSTORE ITEMS! Add to your personal library or

provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $30 per semester. Call for info at 251-928-0343 or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/celebrationmopsfairhopeal. Family Center’s Positive Parenting Classes are held on Tuesday mornings 9:30-11:30 am and Responsible Parenting with focus on fathers, co-parenting and economic stability/child support are Wednesday mornings 9 am-11 am and Monday evenings 6 pm8pm. Call 251-947-4700 to register for either class. at The Family Center is located at 22671 Hwy. 59 South, Robertsdale. 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.,

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 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. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative

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SupportGroups classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of

complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises. Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session. • Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For info contact 949-3781. Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m. Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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- 9289396. 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 Preregistration required. Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. 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.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com! We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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First Man

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The story starts with a family. Sarah and Sonny Quinn (Madison Iseman and Jeremy Ray Taylor) live with their mom, Kathy (Wendi McLendon-Covey), in a sleepy town in New York. Sonny and his best friend Sam (Caleel Harris) run a junk business and they are hired to clean out a dilapidated house with the promise they can keep whatever they find as payment. The boys discover a secret room with a chest and a locked book inside. After they open it a strange ventriloquist dummy, Slappy, appears. Then the fun really begins. Slappy does his best to befriend the boys and Sarah, helping them as much as he can with his magical powers. But he soon becomes controlling, demanding, and even violent in his efforts to become part of the Quinn family. The kids try to get rid of Slappy, but this only makes him angrier and determined to seek revenge against them. To this end Slappy combines his powers with the local Tesla plant to make all of Halloween come to life - the decorations, the costumes, even the candy. Some of it’s adorable, and some of it’s a little spooky as we see pumpkins, gnomes, scarecrows, a headless horseman, and gummy bears as living creatures. I do mean that it’s spooky for children - I was fine. In what becomes a relatively predictable climax and denouement we see the Quinn siblings and Sam fight off and defeat the Halloween monsters and save each other and their town. This is a nice introduction into the horror genre for kids. There were spooky, suspenseful moments, and lots of creepy editing and music, but nothing that older children couldn’t handle. But for younger or sensitive children (which mine are both) I’d probably save this one for a few years.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: A Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: B In 1962, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) reads an unusual job posting: NASA, the United States’ fledgling space program, is looking for astronauts. With their counterparts in the Soviet Union making enormous progress, it’s time for the USA to get serious if they intend to beat the Russians to the ultimate goal-- landing a man on the moon. For Neil, the opportunity comes at the perfect time. Shattered after losing a two-year-old daughter to cancer, this quiet and intensely private man is struggling to maintain emotional calm in front of his concerned wife Janet (Claire Foy) and their remaining children. A change of scenery and the challenge of a new workplace offers tempting relief, and Neil accepts an offered position. Already emotionally distant, Neil’s reluctance to share his experiences with Janet pushes their marriage to its limits. Things reach a breaking point when Neil is selected to lead a team of astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission-- if he succeeds, he’ll accomplish one of the most extraordinary feats in human history. If he fails, there’s no possibility of rescue. We may know how this story’s going to end, but what we seldom think about in a society saturated with touch screens and pocket-sized computers, is how it must have felt to not know. The film portrays this uncertainty with sincerity and emotion-- we see the terrible price exacted on the astronauts and their families as they risk everything. Some of these moments are disturbing; all are powerful, and they offer a fitting tribute to those whose lives were forever changed (or lost) in the name of scientific progress. Although we’ll never know exactly what Neil thought and felt at the moment he made history, First Man offers tender and thought-provoking access to his experience.

Little Women

Venom MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: B Profanity: DAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ “The world has enough heroes.” The official tagline for Venom should tell you most of what you need to know about the latest, highly mediocre offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Really leaning into the white male anti-hero, and even taking it to new heights, the film follows Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) on an incredible journey from a career in journalism to unemployment and then back to journalism – but this time he’s host to an alien parasite. The parasite, which is known as a symbiote (I would call it a monster), gives him superpowers but is threatening to eat him about half the time. As incredible as all that sounds, it’s minor compared to the journey that the monster, named Venom, goes on. That one goes something like this: “I’ve come to destroy Earth. No, wait - I think I’ll save it and betray my species instead.” Venom feels like it is consciously trying to move the superhero genre beyond Marvel’s usual clean do-goodery. Pushing the PG-13 rating as far as it can go, the movie has over two dozen instances of profanity, including scatological curses, names of deity, and one sexual expletive. Violence is probably an even bigger concern for parents: it is difficult to overstate the disturbing and gruesome nature of the many violent scenes. Probably not appropriate for younger teens, mid to older teens might enjoy this scarier, edgier, anti-hero. I would be hard pressed to find some real uplifting moments in the film. It does explore what is ethical in the pursuit of truth or science, especially when that imperils others. The highlight of the film is Tom Hardy’s performance.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: ASexual Content: AProfanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: B A tale as old as time, or as old as 1868, this remake of a movie that was a remake of an old book strives to bring the March sisters and their charming story to life in the modern era. An era, we expect, that should dramatically change the plot of the original (cell phones, teenage partying, and antibiotics for example). But despite this, the film remains relatively faithful to the original plot. We follow the March sisters, Jo (Sarah Davenport), Beth (Allie Jennings), Meg (Melanie Stone), and Amy (Elsie Jones/Taylor Murphy) throughout their adolescence and adulthood, often jumping between past and present. An updated plot has Beth plagued by lymphoma as opposed to scarlet fever, and Jo shaves her hair as a sign of solidarity as opposed to selling it as she does in the original. A Little Women for the modern age. The main goal of the film is to see each of the sisters reach their “castle” - a reference to literal castles their mother, Marmee (Lea Thompson), made for them as children that articulated their perfect futures. We watch the sisters struggle to reach their own goals, and endeavour to understand and support each other attaining their own castles. Along the way they encounter social pressures, love lost, love found, disappointment and even death. This version does not do justice either to the original book or the 1994 film adaptation. However, the cast do their best to take these well known and loved characters and bring them to life with as much authenticity as the script allows. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2018

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8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LEAD-SAFE CERTIFIED

RENOVATION CONTRACTOR:

TO HELP

PREVENT:

1. Learning disabilities 2. Behavior issues 3. Diminished motor skills 4. Lower intelligence

Using a lead-safe certified renovation contractor is the law. Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk. Make sure you renovate right with a contractor that is Lead-Safe Certified.

5. Hearing loss 6. Brain damage 7. Memory loss 8. Headaches

For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/lead or call 1-800-819-7544