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Volume 15 Number 6
Columns 6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton
Speak Their Language
Determine your child’s love language and find tips for how to use it.
Holiday Shopping Tips Ideas for making the most of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond!
8 Meeting Kids Where They Are Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
14 Kids Health Watch
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Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
44 Dinner’s Ready Gabriele Jones
68 Tweens, Teens and Screens
Holiday Happenings
Our listing has details to crank up the holiday fun this month.
Teach Kids Gratitude
Kristi Bush, LSW
10 science-backed benefits and fun ideas on how to get started.
Departments On The Cover Samuel (13) and Huff (17), sons of Stephanie and Jeremy Friedman. Samuel’s interests include basketball, football, fishing, golf, water sports, snow skiing, and being outdoors with friends and family. Huff is a member of the Fairhope High Swim Team, he plays snare in the band and is a lifeguard at the city pool. He loves to hang out with friends, camp, hike, snow ski, mountain bike, and go backpacking. Huff plans to attend Mississippi State in the fall. The boys have an older brother, Baxter (18), who attends Mississippi College where he is on the cross country and track team.
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16 Teacher of the Month 18 School Bits 53 Book Reviews 64 Family Calendar
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Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
Ask any young child what they want to be when they grow up, and there is no telling what fun and exciting future they have envisioned for themselves. They could say a lion tamer, movie star, or even President! For 2nd grade me, it was Miss America. I eventually realized that while being Miss America would be amazing, it was not really a career. Plus, I was probably better suited for something else, like architecture... or so I thought. Fast forward many years and a few different careers, and here I sit, happy as a lark, publishing a magazine. Never in my wildest dreams as a young adult did I imagine this would be the perfect career for me. It took a lot of twists and turns to get to this point, but I have learned that sometimes what may seem like a roadblock may be a detour to getting you on your destined path. The older I get, that concept is much easier to grasp. That’s why we say hindsight is 20/20. Unfortunately, as we hit those roadblocks, it may feel like a dead end. In those times, some well-intentioned friend will inevitably tell you how it could be worse or to “count your blessings.” Although you may be inclined to roll your eyes, counting your blessings may be just what you need. It sounds cliché, but when we take a moment to look around and try to focus on the positive, no matter how hard it is to find or how insignificant it may seem, it can be a beneficial step in changing our entire perspective. Not only should we, as adults, focus on the blessings that surround us, but we should encourage this habit in our children too. A positive outlook and a thankful attitude have tremendous benefits beyond what you may think. To find out more, read Sandi Schwartz’s feature 10 Science-Backed Benefits of Practicing Gratitude with Kids. Having an article focused on gratitude is perfect for this Thanksgiving season. Many families have a tradition of sharing what they are thankful for during the holiday meal. Moms and dads will usually say something about health and family, and kids will typically mention family or friends or a pet... you know, the “standard” stuff. But, I wonder, what if we made a rule that you had to say the first thing that came to your mind at that very moment? Unrehearsed? No forethought. Kids may say, “I’m thankful for that chocolate pie over there,” while dads might say, “I’m thankful I can watch the game later.” Moms may say, “I’m thankful I get to go Black Friday shopping with my sisters tomorrow.” Does that seem accurate for your household? While we can’t help with the chocolate pie or football game, we can help with some guidance on the holiday shopping deals. Just flip over to this month’s feature, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Beyond – Hacks to Cash in on Super Holiday Savings, where Kimberly Blaker shares money-saving tips to help you start your holiday shopping. Most of us are thankful each year for the fantastic holiday events happening in our area! Take a look at the Holiday Happenings Guide in this issue to find so many super activities local families can enjoy this season. You will find tree lightings, Santa sightings, and much more! And don’t forget to check out the Family Calendar for even more local events. As we roll into the Thanksgiving season, I want to say how truly grateful I am for all of you from the very bottom of my heart. I am a lucky girl to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people, collaborate with wonderful advertisers, and connect with fantastic readers. Thank you all for your support each and every month. Blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving season!
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers
Kimberly Blaker Kristi Bush, LSW Gabriele Jones Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Jill Morgenstern Dave Ramsey Robert L. Rux, M.D. Sandi Schwartz
Cover Photography Jenn Glies Photography www.jenngliesphotography.com
President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Ad Design Tim Welch Web Content Manager Scott Davis
Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com
Lynn
lynn@easternshoreparents.com
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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.
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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 2022 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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*Christmas Club Savings Accounts have a maximum balance of $10,000. Withdrawal fee of $10 applies if withdrawals are made outside of the standard distribution date. There is no limit to withdrawals. An early closure fee of $10 will be applied if you close the account before the distribution date. If the club account is completed within the specified time, interest earned will be paid at the interest rate in effect when the account was opened. Interest rates are subject to change daily. The interest rate is determined by the daily computation method set by United Bank. Interest rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) may change without notice. Distribution date will occur on the nearest business day following November 1. This date may vary.
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avoid, join him in the effort until he feels competent. This bypasses any possible conflict, encourages growth, and strengthens attachment. If your child is older, and begins complaining, always ask her to clarify what she needs. Does she want you to get involved, offer advice, or just listen? Most of the time, older children simply want you to listen. Being silent and sitting with your children when they are in hard places teaches them to pause before reacting. It allows them to rant, hear how silly their thoughts and emotions can be, and it is often all they need to calm down and make a wise choice.
by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
When Efforts to Help Your Child May Actually Hurt Has your child ever approached you for comfort, but your efforts to calm escalated the distress? When this occurs, you are probably displaying a near enemy of what you actually want to portray. Near enemies look like the emotion we are attempting to foster but make the situation worse instead. The near enemy of kindness is conditional love. An example of this would be when your child tries to tell you a story about his day, and you interrupt it to correct his behavior. The opportunity to connect becomes hijacked by his fear of disapproval or punishment. You are responsible for correcting your child’s behavior, but you do not need to do it in the middle of his story. Let’s look at three parenting goals and the near enemies that impede them.
Showing Compassion
The near enemy of compassion is pity. Pity says, “I am so sorry that happened to you.” Compassion says, “I am right here with
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
you, let’s figure out a solution together.” Your children are brokenhearted and upset about things you know are ridiculous, but your pity is patronizing. Take the time to be compassionate. Put yourself in your child’s shoes and remember what it was like when your friend was rude to you or when the teacher ignored you. Your child believes her world is falling apart. A great way to show compassion is by sharing a story of a difficult time in your childhood or reminding her of how she overcame a prior negative experience. Compassion always says, “Me too.”
Increasing Teachability
The near enemy of teachability is a person who already knows everything and has to prove it to everyone. Model to your children that you are growing and learning every day. Share your mistakes and how you rectified them as often as you can. If appropriate, ask your children how they would solve your problem. Whatever you do, make your home a place where mistakes and imperfections are embraced as learning experiences instead of failures. Remember this, write it on a sticky note, and read it daily. Character is caught not taught, so when you model compassion, connection, and teachability, your children will learn how to show this to others inside and outside the home.
Making Connections
The near enemy of connection is control. There are so many times in parenting when you have to be in control; please do so when necessary. However, there are a lot of times when your desire to “fix” the situation prevents you from connecting with your child. If your child is younger than 9, and you ask him to do something that you know he will attempt to
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Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.
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Publix Battleship 12K
Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza
The Publix Battleship 12K is a patriotic run to honor those who have served. This Veterans Day tradition starts on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and finishes at the USS Alabama. The 7th Annual running will be November 13, 2022. The event has partnerships with many veteran-focused non-profits and charities who provide valuable services to the men and women who have bravely served our country. Please visit www.battleship12k.com to register.
Dress up and join the party with “Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza” coming to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on November 27th. The all-new show features the first appearance of characters from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” in addition to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Alice from Disney Junior’s newest hit series “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” live on stage. The immersive, interactive concert experience includes singing, dancing, acrobatics and 3D special effects. Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/disneyjrmobile. Purchase in person at the Saenger Theatre Box Office (6 South Joachim Street) or the Mobile Civic Center Box Office (401 Civic Center Drive). For information regarding accessible seating, call 251-208-7381.
Iron Bowl Legends Benefit Gala
The Palmer Williams Group is hosting its Sixth Annual Iron Bowl Legends Benefit Gala with Special Guest Speaker Joey Jones, on November 21st, 2022, at the Battle House Hotel. The purpose of this event is to raise funds to support our efforts in offering free youth entrepreneurship programs within the Mobile and Baldwin County Public School system. Palmer Williams Group (PWG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by David Palmer and Sherman Williams, former University of Alabama and NFL football players. The organization was created to provide youth development programs to assist and guide disadvantaged youth to overcome interpersonal obstacles, embrace family values, education and avoid life’s pitfalls. The Gala begins at 6:00 p.m. Please visit https://bit.ly/3Blych7 for tickets.
40th Annual Christmas Festival
Join the North Baldwin Chamber to celebrate 40 years of fun ‘round the Courthouse Square for the 40th Annual Christmas Festival in Bay Minette, AL! Enjoy a two day festival on December 2-3, 2022, full of Vendors, Entertainment, Food, Kids Activities, a 5K & Fun Run, the Annual Twilight Christmas Parade, Ping Pong Prize Drop, and so much more! For more information, please visit northbaldiwnchamber.com, find the event on Facebook and/or email marlee@northbaldwinchamber.com! Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
Blue’s Clues & You! Live on Stage
Blue’s Clues & You! Live on Stage is an epic new adventure coming to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on November 30. Tickets can be purchased online at https:// bit.ly/bluesclues22. Purchase in person at the Saenger Theatre Box Office or the Mobile Civic Center Box Office. For information regarding accessible seating tickets, call 251-208-7381. The historic Saenger Theatre building is not elevator equipped. The Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage Photo Experience is a post-show exclusive, unique opportunity for fans to get a special photo with Josh, Blue, and friends. Guests will have an opportunity to visit with Josh and Blue on a one-of-a-kind set piece, converse with their favorite character, and pose for a special photo! *For the safety of all guests and performers, no touching or hugging will be permitted.* Admission to the performance is not included in the Photo Experience ticket. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian. Each Child, Parent or Guardian must have a show ticket as well as a Photo Experience ticket to attend.
Children’s Author Event with Sherri Duskey Rinker
The construction crew is back and ready to help out on the farm! The beloved author of the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site books, Sherri Duskey Rinker, will be at Page & Palette on Wednesday, November 16th at 1PM to sign and discuss FARMING STRONG, ALL YEAR LONG. With playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to another exciting tale of teamwork, Rinker’s latest is sure to delight little construction fans everywhere! 10
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Rapahope’s Turkey Trot for Hope
Run the Turkey Trot for Hope certified 5k or 1 mile Gobble Wobble with us on Thanksgiving Day in Mobile, Alabama! Your registration supports Rapahope, a non-profit organization that offers free year-round programming, for families battling childhood cancer. Our goal is to help children with cancer have life-changing camp experiences filled with as many amazing moments as possible. Our programs are possible through the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, and fundraisers like the Turkey Trot for Hope. Please visit https://www.rapahope.org/ for more information.
15th Annual Chocolate Affair
Family Promise of Baldwin County is hosting the 15th Annual Chocolate Affair Thursday, December 8, 2022. This year’s event will be held at the Daphne Civic Center with the evening beginning at 6pm. This year’s musical guest is Charles “Bo” Grant, formerly with the Platters! If you’ve ever attended this signature event, you know that it is not only an array of desserts, but much, much more... Area restaurants offer a taste of their chef’s specialty choice, featuring at least 10 restaurants. Wine, beer and signature cocktails will be available. The silent auction is available online and the night of the event! Register prior to the event and view auction items! Tickets are $50/each. For tickets, auction, and volunteer opportunities and sponsor opportunities visit https:// qtego.net/qlink/familypromisebc or call 251-947-5641.
Children’s of Alabama Boots & BBQ Barn Bash
Children’s of Alabama’s ninth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music and dinner provided by Moe’s Original BBQ located at 701 Springhill Avenue. Proceeds from the Boots & BBQ Barn Bash will provide funding for pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Melissa Mannion to hold clinic in Mobile to treat the many children along the Gulf Coast suffering from autoimmune disorders such as pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. For sponsorship information, please contact Kerrie Benson, the Gulf Coast coordinator for Children’s of Alabama, at Kerrie.Benson@ childrensal.org or 251-610-4969. Admission is $40 per person and includes a bbq dinner and two drinks. To register online, visit give.childrensal.org/barnbash. Further updates can also be found on the event’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BootsBBQBarnBash?fref=ts.
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59 Years of Cascading Chrysanthemums
Bellingrath Gardens and Home is home of the United States’ largest outdoor cascading chrysanthemum display. This year marks 59 years of the beautiful display that is near and dear to the heart of Bellingrath. The annual display takes place throughout the month of November and it is a breathtaking sight you will not want to miss. According to various members of the horticulture staff, this year’s crop of mums is one of the most beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home has ever had. This longtime tradition dates back to the early 1960s when Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania shipped Bellingrath their first cuttings of the beautiful cascading flower. It took years of experimentation and skill to construct the level of mum crops Bellingrath has today. The display is all throughout the Gardens and on the Home and is sure to leave you with a pleasant memory of nature. Join us this November for our annual display. Precise bloom times will be available on our website. As we approach 60 years of cascading chrysanthemums, we would love for the community to come out and enjoy the beauty of the mums all over the property.
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Baldwin County Homebuilders Parade of Homes
Join us for the 33rd annual Parade of Homes coordinated by the Baldwin County Home Builders Association. The 2022 BCHBA Parade of Homes is for everyone looking for inspiration on the latest building trends. This event has a long-standing tradition of displaying a variety of homes and introducing exciting new trends. This year’s parade will be held SaturdaySunday, November 5-6, 2022 and November 12-13, 2022 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. The Parade homes are free tour and The Showcase Home can be viewed for a $5.00 donation to Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center. For detailed information on the homes, participating builders, sponsors, the showcase home, and a parade map visit bchba.com/parade-of-homes.
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Help Turkey Take-Out Feed the Community
Local churches, organizations, and schools are stepping up to help those in need in the Lower Alabama area again this year. The Thirteenth Annual Turkey Take-Out is gearing up to feed an estimated 1,500 people, many of whom are the families of local schools in Foley, Gulf Shores, and surrounding areas. Turkey Take-Out is a community partnership of community churches and organizations with area schools that began after local pastoral leaders and active community citizens learned of the severe need of many of the school’s students. “With over seventy percent of the school’s population at poverty level or below and over 100 students labeled as ‘homeless’, we couldn’t look the other way and do nothing to help,” said Ginny Barnas, owner of Island Air, Inc. and one of the organizers of Turkey Take-Out. Turkey Take-Out was established to provide families with a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day as well as non-perishable food items to fill their pantries as well. Last year’s Turkey Take-Out fed over 220 families and, in addition, collected non-perish- able food to deliver to these families as well. The Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dressing, green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, pie was packaged and delivered with the help of more than 250 volunteers over two days. The Hangout, The City of Foley, Fortis College, Anchor Point Church, Genesis Church, Oyster Bay Baptist Church, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, Family Tree Chiropractic, OWA, Amelia’s Deli, Sea Paws, South Baldwin Christian Academy, and area schools are just a few of the area organizations and businesses that provided much- needed donations of turkeys, canned foods, and monetary donations. Many generous donors pro- vided the financial ability to purchase all of the food that was delivered. “The response by the pastors, business leaders, and community to help the children of our school was overwhelming. I was so humbled by the willingness of so many people to provide this service to our children and meet the needs of our students and their families. The response is proof that people really do care, are willing to help their neighbor, and that there is hope for those who are needy” said Dr. William Lawrence, former principal of Foley Elementary School. Turkey Take-Out is calling on everyone to collect non-perishable food items and deliver them to the following locations: Anchor Point Church or Genesis Church. Churches or other organizations can also collect the food items to be delivered to Anchor Point Church or Genesis Church by Friday, November 18, 2022. Turkey Take-Out is in need of donations to buy the food for the Thanksgiving meals. A donation of $40 will feed a family of four. Donations can be made directly to Anchor Point Church. Also, volunteers are still needed for the gathering of food, organization of non-perish- able foods, packaging, and delivery. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can go to the Turkey Take-Out website at www.turkeytakeout.com. Check us out on Facebook too!
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
Not All That Wheezes Is Asthma Hey guys! Today we are going to talk about wheezing. First off, not all wheezing is asthma! Your child can wheeze for many different reasons, and figuring out the cause can help develop the best treatment plan. Today, we will review the anatomy of your child’s body, discuss the most common (and a few uncommon) reasons for wheezing, and then discuss how to fix it! Let’s talk anatomy first. Think of your respiratory tract like an upside-down tree, with the trunk being the trachea, the large branches being the bronchi, the smaller branches and twigs being the bronchioles, and the leaves being the alveoli or air sacks. Air enters the system, goes down the pipes, and oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported across the alveoli to the right places. So here’s the trick, any of these areas can cause wheezing in an infant or child. Let’s talk about the common causes. First, asthma. Asthma, or reactive airway disease, is caused by two main issues, twitchy airways and inflamed airways. Twitchy airways are when the branches or bronchi constrict in response to a trigger like smoke, paint fumes, harsh chemicals, and/or infection. The inflamed airways can occur from the same triggers but are just swelling of the walls of the bronchi. These two combined essen-
tially make it harder to breathe air out of the lungs, and the narrower tubes cause the air to move through faster; therefore, you have a whistling noise (aka wheezing). The treatment of asthma involves using a bronchodilator like albuterol to control the twitchy airways and anti-inflammatory medicines like steroids to control the swelling. Bronchiolitis is a similar illness but occurs in smaller branches or bronchioles. The leading causes of bronchiolitis are viral illnesses, with the most common being RSV. The treatment of bronchiolitis is different for every child, but some respond to albuterol and anti-inflammatory medicines, just like asthma. Also, bronchiolitis tends to occur in children less than twelve months, while asthma usually occurs after twelve months. Croup is another cause of wheezing with a distinctive “seal bark” cough and sometimes loud breathing noises on inspiration called stridor. My oldest child has had croup too many times to count, so I’ve seen this one firsthand. Croup is caused by a virus that hangs out near the vocal cords and causes swelling and inflammation in the trunk or trachea. The treatment involves steroids for inflammation and sometimes special breathing treatments if the child has stridor. Some other causes of wheezing can be due to an anatomical obstruction like a foreign
body or an abnormal growth in the trunk or trachea. These causes of wheezing are not fixed with albuterol or anti-inflammatory medicines and need to be evaluated by a specialist. In the end, wheezing can have many causes, but there are a few things to always look for. First is the child’s color! Blue is bad. Pink is good! Next, count how fast the child is breathing. Get a stopwatch and count how many breaths they take in a minute. Anything above 40 might be abnormal. Then, look at the child’s chest. Are they sucking in breaths by using their neck muscles, or does it seem that their ribs are going in? This would be abnormal. Finally, note the child’s overall activity level. Can they play and talk comfortably, or are they lying on the couch and speaking in short single-word sentences? All the facts combine to assess how severe the wheezing is and how to best treat it! Call your doctor immediately if you are worried and especially if you see any of the above signs or symptoms of respiratory distress. Good Luck!
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).
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November is a month-long celebration throughout OWA! Stop by Downtown OWA for a Brandon Styles Variety and Magic Show (see dates/showtimes online), Clash eSports’ All You Can Play Mondays or the Tropic Takeover Super Smash Bros Tournament, Nov. 12-13. The Holidays take center stage Nov. 19 with our majestic Tree Lighting in Downtown OWA. Catch incredible deals on Black Friday, Nov. 25! Plan your celebration at VisitOWA.com!
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THRILL, THEN CHILL.
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Crystal Rizzuto Spanish Fort Elementary School
Sponsored by:
“I feel so honored,” said Crystal Rizzuto, of being nominated as the Eastern Shore Parents Teacher of the Month. “To know that I made a difference in a child’s life and that a parent realized and appreciates that is priceless.” Crystal is a kindergarten teacher at Spanish Fort Elementary. In first grade, she decided she wanted to be a teacher after she was positively impacted by some fantastic elementary school teachers of her own. She decided to earn her BA at the University of Maryland and then her Master’s in Education at Teacher College of San Joaquin in California. She has been teaching elementary school for 16 years and has more than ten years dedicated to teaching kindergarten. “I try to make learning as fun as possible. I believe that kids should learn to love school in kindergarten,” Crystal shared. “It is the first year of their formal educational life, and they have many more years to go. Getting them engaged and excited about learning is what kindergarten should be all about.” Crystal describes her way of teaching as fun and keeps her students engaged with a lot of movement! You can find her in her classroom singing, chanting, dancing, and crafting.
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
“Since their attention spans are so short, we move around a lot,” said Crystal. “I try to balance out pencil and paper work with movementdriven work. Breaking up their time in one place or doing one thing helps keep them engaged longer.” “I love seeing their faces light up when they are learning,” Crystal explained. “Seeing the connections they make in their learning is so rewarding. I also love when a kid begins to read. It is a lifetime tool, so it is exciting to see it in the beginning stages.” After 16 years of teaching, Crystal was happy to share some advice with teachers just starting their careers, “You must love the child, connect with the child and make the child feel safe. Only after that can learning really take place.” School isn’t just about academics Crystal shared. Her students have taught her that they are family and that love and joy are essential in the classroom. Her hope is that her students take away a love for learning, and understand it isn’t how fast you can learn something, but how well. Crystal Rizzuto and her husband Stephen live on the Eastern Shore and have five children. When Crystal isn’t spending time with family or teaching, she is acting as a real estate agent for EXIT Realty Landmark in Foley, AL.
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B Autauga County Schools
Christ the King Teachers Head to Atlanta
These CTKCS teachers traveled to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta for a day of professional development. Teachers explored new techniques for student engagement, promoting academic excellence, building meaningful relationships with families and students, and how important multisensory learning is key in a classroom. These teachers are busy infusing their classrooms with the knowledge they gained from the experience!
Bayshore Christian School Volleyball Champs
Congratulations to our BCS volleyball team for winning the Class 2A, Area 1 Championship in October! We are so proud of our Lady Eagles!
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Financial Advisor 9805 Millwood Circle, Suite A Spanish Fort, AL 36527 251-621-0781
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Bayside Academy Students Named Runners of the Week Bayside Academy has had four students named 1A–5A Runners of the Week by the Mobile Optimist Club in the last month. Senior Ty Postle and sophomore Annie Midyett were honored on September 22, sophomore Catherine Doyle was honored on September 29, and senior John Thomas Neill was honored on October 6. Annie posted a seasonal best time of 19:45 at the Southern Showcase, finishing sixth in the Blue division. She helped lead Bayside’s young women to a third-place finish overall out of 51 scoring teams. At Southern Showcase, Ty also ran a seasonal best time of 16:30, just one second off of his personal best. He finished ninth overall in the Blue division, where Bayside’s young men finished 14th overall out of 57 scoring teams. Catherine had a breakout performance at the Daphne Invite, winning a cross country race for the first time since her 8th grade year. Her 5K time of 19:03 is the second fastest in school history and ranks her 19th in the state of Alabama regardless of classification. JT finished as Bayside’s top runner at the Jesse Owens Classic with a time of 16:50, tying him for fifth overall in school history or a 5K time. He is Bayside’s third young man to post a sub-17:00 5K time this season.
DHS Student Visits Daphne Middle for Kindness Day
Emma Perkins a Daphne High School Trojans ninth grader and the originator of the “Kindness Club” at Daphne Middle stopped by the school today for DMS’s Terrific Thursday/Kindness Day.Tiffany Holt the DMS homeroom sponsor invited Emma over to talk to her 20 Kindness Club students. The students created an “I Am Amazing” banner for the classroom, where all the club members write three things about themselves that make them awesome and enjoyed doughnuts. The banner will hang for the remainder of the year.
Call us today to schedule your appointment!
Mobile and Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com
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Autauga County Schools
Christ the King Student of the Month Recipients
Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus Student of the Month winners at Christ the King Catholic School! These students exceed expectations and are inspirational to other students. They display character through compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, optimism, and responsibility. Both students represent Christ the King Catholic School in an exemplary manner and we could not be more proud of them! The awards were presented by Brother Knight Joseph Buschell along with Principal Jackie Garlock. Fantastic job Saints!
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Bayshore Christian School Receives Special Donation
BCS would like to thank Mrs. Lisa Bishop from WoodmenLife for donating a beautiful new flag pole & American flag! And thank you to our BCS students that helped put it in.
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Gulf Shores Middle School Art Winners
Congratulations to the GSMS art students that placed in the 2022 Baldwin County Fair Art contest! Phoenix Wallace- 1st place; Copeland Bender- 1st place; Faith Mitchum- 1st place; Victor MuCarbel- 1st place; Monserrat Gomez- 1st place; Ambria Hagen- 2nd place; Mylie Lima- 2nd place; Red Diamante- 3rd place; Liliana Grandy- 3rd place; Kinsley Kelley- 3rd place; Jayden Dennis- 3rd place; Fiona Douglas- 3rd place; Cali Nelson- 3rd place; *not pictured: Copeland Bender
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Congratulations to the Daphne High School Band Congratulations to the Daphne High School Band on an outstanding performance at the 38th Heart of Dixie Band Competition in Prattville. The band earned all superior ratings in every caption and also claimed Best In Class Drum Major, Colorguard and Band. In addition to these awards the drum majors scored the highest score of the day and 2nd in overall band. Congratulations and Go Trojans!
JOIN US FOR A
COMMUN I T Y C A R O L S I NG ON THE BLUFF
HOSTED BY: EASTERN SHORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DE C E M B E R 1 0 T H 4 P . M . DECEMB E R 1 7 T H 4 P . M . ( R A I N D A T E ) 21
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Autauga County Schools
Bay Minette Middle Breast Cancer Awareness Month “In this family, NO ONE fights alone!” Bay Minette Middle School faculty and staff proudly wear pink to support breast cancer awareness month.
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Foley Elementary Hispanic Heritage Program
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Foley Elementary 6th Graders proudly hosted our first Hispanic Heritage program.Special thanks to the dance group for showcasing traditional dance and dress! Dancers are from Foley Middle, Foley High, St. Patrick’s and St. Michael’s Catholic Schools, along with our very own Foley Elementary 4th grader!
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Magnolia School Apple Week
These sweet faces had a busy week at Magnolia School! Ms. Martin’s kindergarteners ended our Apple unit with an apple tasting, apple investigation, and making apple pie in a cup.
Hole in One for Robertsdale High Golfer
Glen Lakes Junior golfer and Robertsdale High School Bear Nation student, Lucas Chalk does it again!! Lucas aced the #4 hole with a 7-Iron from 174 yards. This was the 2nd Hole in One this year for Lucas! Lucas is a product of the GlenLakes Jr. Golf Program and is the #1 player on the Robertsdale HS golf team.
Special Visitor at Fairhope West
Second Grade at Fairhope West Elementary had a special visit from author, Shelia BoothAlberstadt. She is the author of the Maggie McNair Series. She read aloud “Maggie McNair Has Sugar Bugs in There”. She shared with the students how she got her research for the book from our local dentist, Dr. Trey Fellers and local orthodontist, Dr. Glass. Dr. Glenn Glass is also a character in the book. The children were so EXCITED! 23
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Autauga County Schools Bayside Academy Compete at Model UN
CTKCS Science Club Explores
The Christ the King Catholic Science Club met for an adventure to May Day park to do some sampling. A few seniors from St. Michael Catholic High School helped the middle school students to throw a cast net and pull a seine net through the water. They also used instrumentation to check salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and things like wind speed, humidity, and temperature. They were even able to collect some organisms for their classroom Bay Tank. Such a successful trip for these students!
On Saturday, October 8, the St. Michael High School Model United Nations team hosted its 4th Annual Spring Cardinal Model UN Conference with each of the committees covering a different aspect of the Russia-Ukraine war. This year, the conference had 128 students participating from throughout the state. Impressively, in the past two years, Bayside Academy delegates have won four awards at the Spring Cardinal Model UN Conferences. A special congratulations goes out to senior Kai McCullins; sophomores Elin Backman, Courtney Baker, Adriane Clemens, Sophia Haines, Caroline Marron, and Virginia McCrory; freshmen Brody Gwaltney and Evan Stafford; and 8th graders Nate Bullock and Sebastian Winstead. All of our delegates represented Bayside well. Kai McCullins was recognized during the closing ceremony and received Honorable Mention awards for Best Delegate! Pictured: Bayside Academy’s Model UN group. Front row: Mr. Glen Farquhar, Caroline Marron, Sophia Haines, Courtney Baker, Adriane Clemens, Virginia McCrory, Mrs. Liz Mulligan. Back row: Elin Backman, Sebastian Winstead, Nate Bullock, Kai McCullins.
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Homecoming at Robertsdale High School Congratulations to the 2022 Homecoming King and Queen, Jonah Leisenring and Emily Tucker!
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Foley Elementary Division is Delicious
4th grade students in Mrs. Dees’ class at Foley Elementary School started their study of division by diving into an Oreo cookie word problem. Students worked together to solve the problem and celebrated their success by eating cookies.
Spanish Fort Prodisee Pantry Student Council
Three Spanish Fort High School students, Maddi Heath, Price Beall, and Danielle Woods, have been selected to serve on the Prodisee Pantry Student Council! They will represent our school by being liaisons between the organization and our schools to serve our community!
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Autauga County Schools
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Rockwell Elementary Booster Fun Run
Daphne High Volleyball Champions
Daphne High School Volleyball won the title Baldwin County Tournament Champions! DHS Varsity girls swept claim the title! Congrats to our JV as well for finishing in the semis.
Thank you to the Rockwell Elementary Booster staff, our Volunteers, Teachers, Administration and Office for making the Fun Run such a great day. We were happy for the ability for our parents to come watch today. It was a last minute decision, and the first time we have been able to have parents back to our fun run! Coach Holston kept his running Booster Fun Run streak going and ran with every group! Those that collected $175 in donations participated in the Fun Run Party too! Thank you to everyone!
Spanish Fort Middle Victories at Cross Country County Meet
Spanish Fort Middle Toro Boys won overall cross-country (1st place) and Girls placed 2nd. Congrats Toros! Thank you Coach Griffin Gersonde & Coach Kim Barnes.
Fairhope High 2022-2023 Homecoming Court
Fairhope High School is excited to announce this year’s Homecoming Court! Sydney Cantley-Senior, Mary Claire D’AquillaSenior, Renie Kennedy-Senior, Enley McCollum-Senior, Piper Reed-Senior and Homecoming Queen, Madison Frasier-Senior. Back row - Lulu Cowden-Junior, Stella Sheldon-Junior, Laurel Gilbert-Sophomore, Autumn Ash- Freshman, Zaylee BradleyFreshman, Reese Adams-Sophomore, Murphy Creel- Junior, Anna Bowler Conyers-Junior. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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St. Michael Perform in NYC with Eastern Shore Repertory Theater
Congratulations to the following St. Michael Students: Jack Glisson, Fisher Key, Abby Krehling, Charlotte Guilian, Brayden Mahatakar, and Sheppard Stimpson! (pictured below from left to right) These St. Michael students performed “Newsies Jr.” at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park in NYC this past week! They are part of Eastern Shore Repertory Theater’s elite travel team and will also perform this show at the Fairhope Civic Center and at the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta.
North Baldwin Center for Technology Workplace Shadowing
Thank you Dr. Amy McCoy and Dr. Brooke Lenz at Coastal OB/GYN for allowing NBCT Health Science students to visit and observe at your facility. Creating tomorrow’s workforce today!
Foley Middle Sweet Potato Cook Off Winner
Foley Middle School FCCLA sponsored our annual Sweet Potato Cook Off on Thursday. Our judges had a difficult decision to make -all the dishes were delicious but many bites and calories later, Alexis Ables took home the honors.
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S Autauga County Schools Baldwin County High Named Miss AWAG 2022
Mya Riley was named Miss AWAG 2022 at the 26th annual event held Sept. 24 at Coastal Alabama Community College. The “Shining Stars” pageant is sponsored by the Area Women Action Group. Mya is a senior at Baldwin County High School where she serves as senior class secretary and a member of the Beta Chi Sigma. Rounding out the top five included Haley Fancher, Daphne High, first runner-up; TreKerria Smith, BCHS, second runner-up; Jaelyn Gray, BCHS, third runner-up; and Trinity Walton, Daphne High, fourth runner-up. Participants competed in several categories both on and off the stage including physical fitness, casual wear, talent and performing arts, and evening wear. Preliminary awards were presented to: Most Spirit, TreKerria Smith; Eagle Award, Mya Riley; Shining Star, Trinity Walton; Horizon Award, Jayla Poque; Scholastic Achievement, Jaelyn Gray; Tickets & Presence, Trinity Walton; Ads & Publishing, TreKerria Smith and Jamiria Ikner, Shredick Hardy Memorial, TreKerria Smith; Beatrice Lyons Memorial, Jamiria Ikner; Mary H. Cox Memorial, Jaelyn Gray; Heritage Women’s Club, Haley Fancher; Sabra Simmons Honorary Founder’s Scholarship, TreKerria Smith; Coastal Alabama Community College, Jaelyn Gray. AWAG Member Phyllis French was presented the “Extra Mile Award”.
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Spanish Fort High School Students “One Word” Projects
At Spanish Fort High Ms. Carder’s AP Lit class constructed “one word mini-posters” in which they chose the most important single word from assigned chapters in “Lord of the Flies.” They provided a visual representation of the word they chose and explained why they chose it (its importance in the chapter and the novel as a whole).
Fairhope High School Art Club Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
FHS Art Club members and Mrs. McClay painted Fairhope’s post office windows with motivational images and words in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. We would like to thank everyone who stopped by and for their kind words. We would like to give a special thank you to Dave Glenn for stopping by and donating to the Art Club.
Florence B Mathis Studies Bats
Students in Mrs. L’s class at Florence B Mathis Elementary School has been learning all about bats!
Science at Delta Elementary At Delta Elementary, Ms. Smith is introducing 4th grade to microscopes! Science is really cool!
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Silverhill Elementary Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Students in Mrs. Farias’ ELL classes at Silverhill Elementary School celebrated Hispanic Heritage by making mosaics, weaving, and a huge research project! For the project, 4th-6th graders researched countries where Spanish was one of their languages. Students were randomly put into groups, and countries were randomly selected. They were provided a guideline that included finding out the selected country’s flag and its meaning, a specific type of food (and what it was), interesting facts, the most recent census country’s population, and a famous person. Students shared their findings (and pictures) on our Google Classroom and kept track of their projects by using a checklist. We created an “interview” with the country’s famous person and students took turns interviewing and being interviewed in English and/or Spanish. The interview was recorded using vocaroo. The link generated was used to create a QR code - which was attached to the students’ Tri-folds for parents to listen to during our Open House. Projects were on display at our library. Thank you teachers for letting me pull students at random times! Thank you Rachel Vaughn for your patience, as we were a bit loud at times! Students could not be more proud!
Two very excited Stonebride Elementary students had the fantastic opportunity to be the Coaches for a Day! Looks like they had a lot of fun too!
Daphne High School FX Attendance Challenge Congratulations to Mrs. Nagy’s homeroom students at Daphne High Schoo for winning the FX Attendance Challenge. They received a donut breakfast this morning for winning.
Senior
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Collegiate Studies Guys Bible Study Leader
AP/Honors Student Art Club Chamber Singers/Piano Girls Bible Study Spanish Club
Football Player Health & Wellness Club President
Student Ambassador Varsity Tennis Team
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Stonebridge Elementary Coaches for a Day
House Sacristan Varsity Baseball Varsity Football 2-Time Captain House of Quinlan
House of O’Sullivan
NATALIE NELSON
JOSH MURPHY
Find out how you can be “BOTH/AND” not “EITHER/OR”
Prospective PARENT PREVIEW FOR ALL RISING 9TH - 11TH PARENTS & STUDENTS Event held (in the gym) at St. Michael Catholic High School NOVEMBER
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Wednesday, November 2, 6:30 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION: 251-459-0210 Jenny Kopf, jenny.kopf@stmichaelchs.org Trin Ollinger, trin.ollinger@stmichaelchs.org
FAIRHOPE, AL
PRIORITY ADMISSIONS PLACEMENT TEST* (RSVP Required) DECEMBER
JANUARY
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7
OR
Choose One!
Saturday, 9:00-12:00 pm (in the cafeteria)
*APPLY FIRST ONLINE: stmichaelchs.org/apply-here THEN REGISTER for the placement test at: stmichaelchs.org/placement
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Autauga County Schools
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Central Baldwin Middle Wins Sweet Potato Cook-off
St. Michael’s Sailing Team Wins First Place
St. Michael’s sailing team competed in the Monk Smith Regatta in Bay St. Louis Mississippi. This was a SEISA Qualifier for the Great Oaks championship for our area. With 8 races and 7 first place finishes, Saint Michael won first place overall! Congratulations to Nate Hartwell and Fisher Key for such a great day on the water!
Bay Minette Middle Wins Best of Show Congratulations Peyton! This Bay Minette Middle School student won Best of Show for the Shrimp Festival with her amazing whale drawing in charcoal. Send School News to: lynn@ easternshoreparents.com!
Congratulations to CBMS student Brenna Stevens for winning 1st place at this year’s county Sweet Potato Cook-off, sponsored by the Baldwin County Farmer’s Federation and held Wednesday, September 21, at the Baldwin County Cattle and Fair in Robertsdale. Brenna’s sweet potato soup was beautifully displayed and tasted delicious! The Sweet Potato Grower’s supplied delicious sweet potatoes to the middle and high school Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) programs that elected to participate. A school-wide competition was held, and the first place winners competed at the county level.
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Flashlight Reading at Daphne East
Daphne East Elementary’s Mrs. DeFelippo rewarded her hard-working class with Flashlight Reading.
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Rockwell Elementary Partners with Mobile Symphony
Did you know… funds raised by Rockwell PTA allow Rockwell Elementary to partner with Mobile Symphony? The students love this program and Mr. Harper!
Mitosis and Stop Motion at Spanish Fort Middle
Students in Mrs. Wilson’s 7th grade life science classes at Spanish Fort Middle School are learning about mitosis. They demonstrated their understanding of cellular division by modeling it using stop motion.
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Autauga County Schools Belforest Elementary’s Future Teacher Leader Club
Belforest Elementary’s 2nd grade Future Teacher Leader Club members helped kindergarten students get ready for the upcoming e-Learning Day. Way to go!
Teambuilding at Stonebridge Elementary
Spanish Fort Elementary Art
Teachers and staff at Stonebridge Elementary participated in a team building activity to complete a photo scavenger hunt. What a fun way to work together!
Look at these amazing pumpkins Spanish Fort Elementary School 3rd graders worked on in art with Ms. Earls. These are terrific!
Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
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Daphne Middle School Cross Country Finishes Strong
DMS Cross Country boys and girls both finished 4th place
Fairhope Middle Teacher Awarded FEEF Grant The FEEF (Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation) Prize Patrol visited Ms. Brittany Babineaux at Fairhope Middle School. Ms. Babineaux is a World History and World History Gifted teacher. She wrote a STEAM grant for using Sphero Bolts in her history classes. The Bolts will be used for mapping, which will reinforce 7th Grade Skills. 8th Grade Skills will include movement of prehistoric groups, making comparisons between the movement of groups, like the expansion of the Roman Empire, trace the Silk Road in China and the slave trade.
in the county championship meet at Graham Creek. Wilson Few finished 2nd overall for the 3A boys. Malachi Norman finished 3rd overall for the 3A boys. Alyssa Bahr finished 11th overall for the 3A girls. Go Trojans!
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Autauga County Schools
Bayshore Christian Gathers for “See You at the Pole”
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BCS students gathered in prayer on the international event See You At The Pole in September. Students lead the school in song, then prayed over their beloved school, teachers, parents, ESPC community, city, state, and country! We praise God for the opportunity to worship Him!
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Bay Minette Elementary Flag Football Super Bowl Bay Minette Elementary School coaches have been working with students on the fundamentals of flag football. To close out the this nine-weeks of school, the P.E. classes held the first round of play-offs.
Field Classes available for all grades. 102 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528
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Tigerette & Tiger Guard Experience at Baldwin County
Some up and coming Tiger performers got the opportunity to practice and perform with the Tigerettes & Tiger Guard. The lucky young ladies who received this honor got to practice with the team during the week and perform with the team at the game Friday night, both on the field and in the stands wearing their very own commemorative uniforms. This opportunity is awarded through the Tigerette & Tiger Guard Experience Package which is auctioned off at the annual Day of Dance & Spin Session and through donations to the Infirmary Foundation Gala, BMMS Roar for More, and BCHS Drawdown. This year’s Tigerette Experience winners were Anna Beth Aaron, Whitley Rolin, Chrislyn Geck, Harper Stewart, and Emma Bailey. The Tiger Guard Experience winners were Bayley Stewart, Lauren Walker, and Aziza Williams. The Tigerettes & Tiger Guard enjoy offering this experience each year, as several of our current team members were honored to get this experience when they were younger and it ignited the passion that brought them to now be part of our team! They know what something like this means and the difference it can make in a young girl’s life.
Congratulations to Spanish Fort Middle Dr. Stacey Frye
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We are so proud of Dr. Stacey Frye! She recently defended her dissertation and earned her PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi.
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Autauga County Schools Baldwin County Gifted Teachers Attend the Alabama Association for Gifted Children
Gifted teachers from Baldwin County Public Schools attended the Alabama Association for Gifted Children conference, October 12-14 in Birmingham. The Teachers learned new techniques and skills to bring back to their classrooms. (First photo) Team gifted from Baldwin County Public Schools. (Second photo) Representing Baldwin County Public Schools were: Kathy Nichol, Supervisor of Gifted Education, Kim Nolfe Gifted Specialist Daphne East Elementary School , and Mrs. Tina Dillen, Gifted Specialist Stonebridge Elementary. Also pictured is Representative Matt Simpson, Alabama House District 96.
Spanish Fort Middle Explores Energy Tim Daniels’ 8th Grade Science at Spanish Fort Middle School had fun exploring kinetic & potential energy through roller coasters!
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Stonebridge Elementary Learn About Electrical Circuits
Daphne Elementary School PE Fun
Second and Third Graders had a blast playing “Target Ball” during Coach Jimbo’s PE class.
Students in Mrs. Hurst’s Science class at Stonebridge Elementary School were excited to “teach” Officer Biggs about electric circuits.
Art at Robertsdale Elementary School
Mrs. Kirk’s 5th grade class at Robertsdale Elementary School finished their chalk pastel jellyfish in the art studio. What beautiful artwork!
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W. J. Carroll Intermediate School Chess Wins
A big congratulations to the W. J. Carroll Intermediate School students who participated in the Mobile Baldwin Chess League’s first match Thursday. Out of the 18 games they played, they finished with 12 wins. Great job!
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Spanish Fort Work with Ozobots
Spanish Fort Elementary students in Mrs. Knapp’s STEAM classes are creating and coding the best racetracks using Ozobots. Thank you SFEEF Spanish Fort Education Enrichment Foundation for funding grants that support our school!
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Daphne August & September Leaders of the Month
Daphne Elementary August & September Leaders of the Month got to enjoy some extra free & play time in the Auditorium. This was part of their reward for being selected Leader of the month for their class.
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Autauga County Schools
St. Michael Senior vs. Junior Powder Puff Game
On September 30th, St. Michael held our powder puff football game (juniors vs. seniors - senior girls won) as part of our Homecoming Week festivities. It was a really fun day to be a Cardinal!
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St. James Students Visit Fairhope Library
St. JamesEpiscopal School1st, 2nd and 3rd graders love their regular visits tothe Fairhope Public Library!
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Central Baldwin Red Ribbon Representative
Congratulations to Central Baldwin Middle School’s Red Ribbon Representative, Addison Kucera. She represented CBMS last night at the Annual Superintendents Red Ribbon Event. This years National Red Ribbon Week theme is: Celebrate Life, Live Drug Free and will be October 24-28. Be on the lookout for our Red Ribbon Week Dress Up Days!
Adulting Day at Fairhope High School
Fairhope High School hosted their first senior “Adulting Day”. Seniors signed up for various “Adulting” sessions to attend throughout the morning. The sessions included: 1. Purchasing your first homeAnne Dorman with Mobile Bay Realty #DormanGroup 2. How to parallel parkFHS Coach Pam Brewer 3. Self Defense- Breanna Clemmons with A More Empowered You in Fairhope 4. Looking sharp-How to tie a tieFHS Coach Obie Watkins 5. Sewing Basics- FHS FACS teacher Elizabeth Orfanello 6. Interviewing BasicsCoastal Community College Career Coach-Ms. Daisy Grant 7. Basic Automobile Maintenance (changing a tire, checking oil and air pressure, and using jumper cables) BCBE county maintenance personnel -John Kleinschmidt, Brittany Anderson, Tim McMillan, and Kevin White 8. Proper Traffic Stop Procedures & Q/AFHPD Officer David Miller and Officer Ron Wells 9. How to set a table and proper table etiquette-Kathy Sternenberg with National League of Junior Cotillions 10. Basic 1st Aid, CPR & Heimlich FHS Nurses C. Rencher and T. Hicks 11. Fishing 101 -FHS Coach Scott Berry 12. Basics of knot tyingFHS Coach Cody Coleman
13. Establishing and Maintaining Good CreditMrs. Kathy Puchner with United Bank FHS would like to thank everyone that participated in this event and made this possible for our seniors. 39
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Autauga County Schools Florence B Mathis Student-led Conferences Thank you parents for attending Florence B Mathis Elementary School’s first annual studentled conferences tonight! The students did a great job presenting all the things they’ve been learning.
It Is Looking Like Fall at Bay Minette
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Mrs. Amy Brooks’s class at Bay Minette Elementary School took part in a grand adventure. Students traveled around campus and collected leaves. When they returned to the classroom they created a fall tree to display in the classroom.
Fairhope West Elementary “Operates”
3rd graders at Fairhope West Elementary enjoyed operating on sentences. Learning can be lots of fun!
Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
W. J. Carroll Intermediate and Daphne Elementary Main Street Festival
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W.J. Carroll Intermediate School and Daphne Elementary School families enjoyed some fun fall activities at this year’s Main Street Festival. What a great time together!
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Electrical and Instrumentation at The Academy at Fairhope Airport
Students at The Academy at Fairhope Airport are learning how to connect the proper wiring to a multi-transformer and then recording the multi-meter readings. These students are dual enrolled through Coastal Alabama Community College and are from local high schools. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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Bayside First Grader Advances to NATIONAL Art Competition
After winning first place in the K–1st grade division of the Baldwin County Soil and Water Conservation District Poster Contest, Bayside thenkindergartener Haya Idriss went on to win first place in both the area competition (encompassing 10 other districts in southwest Alabama) and the state competition. Now in first grade, Haya is moving on to the national competition! The theme was “Healthy Soil, Healthy Life.”
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The Gayle C. Wilson Service to Education Award
Bayside Academy Director of College Counseling Emerita Mary Ann Willis was awarded the Gayle C. Wilson Service to Education Award by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). According to NACAC, “The Gayle C. Wilson Service to Education Award was named for a fine and outstanding leader who devoted their life to counseling and assisting students in attaining their educational goals. The Wilson Award is presented to NACAC members who, over a period of years, have performed outstanding service to [their] profession.” Mrs. Willis spent nearly five decades in education, including 25 years at Bayside Academy. She has served on numerous college and education advisory boards, has published articles on admissions-related topics, presented at national conferences, and serves on the advisory board of College Bound News.
MAGIC CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS NOVEMBER 25, 2022 - JANUARY 4, 2023 CLOSED DECEMBER 25, 2022 & JANUARY 1, 2023
bellingrath.org | (251) 973-2217
J. Larry Newton Practice Math Skills in a Fun Lesson
It was a fun day in Mrs. Smith’s 2nd grade class at J. Larry Newton. First they completed addition and subtraction riddles to escape the Haunted House Escape Room. They had to practice teamwork, problem solving and math skills to get their keys. Every team escaped! They ended their day with Ozobots in STEAM.
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Autauga County Schools
Spanish Fort High Research Philosophers
Belforest Elementary Study Math Facts in a Unique Way
Students in Ms. Smith’s world history classes at Spanish Fort High School participated in an Enlightenment salon-style discussion on different quotes from philosophers before they researched and connected their ideas to modern life!
Math fact fluency building pairs perfectly with a competitive game of Capture the Flag. Students are using technology tools to have fun with learning.
Baldwin County Virtual Explores Aviation
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Middle school students at Baldwin County Virtual Elementary/Middle School had a blast participating in hands-on aviation and sublimation activities during their trip to Flight Works Alabama!
Ellis Island Experience at Fairhope East Today sixth grade discovered just how challenging the journey of a 19th century immigrant could be! Thank you to everyone who helps made this awesome simulation possible.
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Learning is Fun at Florence B Mathis
Who knew learning could be so fun?! At Florence B Mathis Elementary School Mrs. Pritchett and Mr. Dearborn’s class are enjoying center time to learn while they play.
WKRG Films St. Michael’s Band
On October 5th, WKRG came out to St. Michael to film our band as “Band of the Week!” The band performed well, and showed off our Cardinal spirit! Thanks to these students, band director Mrs. Gonzalez (and student director Max Kleban) and Coach Gellington for leading these groups so well! Stay tuned to WKRG on Thursday, November 3 at 6:30pm for it to air. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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Cookie Cartography at Fairhope East
Fourth graders at Fairhope East created maps of Alabama’s regions using cookies and frosting! That’s what we call creative cookie cartography!
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Silverhill Elementary Red Ribbon Representative Congratulations to Silverhill Elementary’s Red Ribbon Representative, Mary Carmen Freeman. We are so proud of you!
Delicious Landforms at J. Larry Newton Students at J. Larry Newton School learned that creating models of landforms can be fun and yummy!
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Lenise Ligon is a local Gulf Coast icon. She anchors Fox 10 News four times a day, hosts an award-winning podcast called ‘Living it Up with Lenise’, leads yoga classes at the Eastern Shore Art Center, and is heavily involved as an ambassador within the community. You might not know that outside of her accolades, Lenise is married to her college sweetheart Dylan, and together, they have two children, Sidney (16) and Phoenix (10). The family makes the most of every moment together, all while shuffling busy schedules and commitments. It was once said by master chef Louis P. De Gouy that soup is the song of the hearth and home. This month’s recipe is a chowder that Lenise enjoys making for her family and serving with toasted focaccia bread. “Chances are I came across the recipe many years ago when I transitioned to a more plant-based lifestyle,” said Lenise. “It was likely a family recipe I converted, omitting meat or meat products. I often do that with my favorite dishes, including lasagna, Sloppy Joe’s and desserts.” With Lenise anchoring the news in the evenings, everyone eating together around the kitchen table isn’t always possible. However, their healthy lifestyle and dietary preferences cause them to eat at home more often than not. “Because of my schedule, the weekends are when we’re able to sit down together as a family and enjoy one of my home-cooked meals,” she said. “During the week, of course, I prepare dinner for my Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
family before heading into work, and my husband reheats it… except Friday, my husband’s turn to make dinner.” When Lenise isn’t working, she loves spending time with her family outdoors. You can catch her practicing acrobatic flips with her son and cheering her daughter at one of her many sporting events. The family also loves to be together at the beach. When asked what she loves to do most, Lenise says, “I am a bit of a thrill seeker. I love a good adventure. I’ve been bungee jumping in Mexico, cliff jumping in Greece, coasteering along the welch coast, kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland, had the honor of flying with the Blue Angels at supersonic flight, and went whitewater rafting in class four waves.” When asked, Lenise said she couldn’t live without her phone and journal, and given all her adventures, we can see why these are necessary for documenting everything!
Simple Corn and Red Skin Potato Chowder Ingredients:
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 large onion chopped • 2 cloves garlic minced 44
• 4 small red potatoes quartered {peeling optional} • sea salt and ground black pepper • 3 ears of corn sliced off • 3 stalks celery chopped • 2 cups low sodium veggie broth • 2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk • 2 stalks green onion for garnish • 1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions: In a large sauce pan heat
olive oil and add onion, garlic and sauté. Add potato, celery, and season with salt and pepper. Then, cover to steam for four minutes. Next, add in the corn and stir. Add broth and almond milk, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 5-10 minutes. Add nutritional yeast. Garnish with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve with toasted focaccia bread. Note: I blend half of the soup to have a more creamy texture. Transfer half the soup to a blender and blend until creamy—then transfer the blended soup back to your sauce pan and mix in with the original soup. Let it thicken. The longer it simmers the more flavorful it will be.
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
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Growing up feeling loved helps children overcome many obstacles. It contributes to a feeling of well-being that will help them excel in school, friendships, and all other areas of their lives. It even helps when it comes to being disciplined. “Often, parents assume that their kids just ‘know’ they love them, or that saying ‘I love you’ will be enough,” said Gary Chapman and Ross Campell in their book The 5 Love Languages of Children. But to feel truly loved, children need the adults in their lives to put those feelings into action. By learning to speak a child’s love languages, a parent can ensure the child feels loved. Many parents are familiar with the love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. Like adults, children each have a primary love language that they respond to best, but speaking all five love languages is even more beneficial since children will react to the other love languages as well as their primary one. In addition, children’s love languages may change over time as they mature. Chapman and Campbell recommend treating all five love languages equally if your child is younger than five years old. An older child’s love language can be discovered in several ways. One way is by paying careful attention to how they express their love and affection to you and others. For example, is your child always drawing pictures for you? Maybe his love language is receiving gifts. A particularly snuggly child’s primary love language may be physical touch, while a child who is generous with compliments may have words of affirmation as their primary love language. Another good way to learn more about your child’s love language is to listen to what your child requests and what they complain about. Do they often ask your opinion on how they are doing in their work or play? They might be showing a preference for words of affirmation. Likewise, complaints about you being too busy can be considered a request for quality time. Be careful to look for patterns and to remember that a preference for quality time at age five may have changed by the time your child is ten or fifteen. One last way to search for your child’s love language is to give them choices. Dr. Suzanne Barchers, Education Advisor at Lingokids, says, “If your child is old enough, it’s fine to say, ‘I noticed you weren’t interested in that gift I brought you. If you had a choice, what would it be? Going to dinner together, just you and me? Going with me to work and helping me out for a few hours?’ Probe until you get some clues.”
Quality Time
Quality time is vital to all children, particularly if this is your child’s primary love language. If you already have activities you know you and your children enjoy, try to examine how often you’re doing them and see if you can increase the time spent together. Of course, it doesn’t have to be an activity you both enjoy. Your child will sense if you’re doing an activity solely for their pleasure and might even appreciate it more. Even activities such as cleaning and chores can have the desired effect of making a family feel closer. Quality time should be as free from distractions as possible, so although you typically want to take pictures of special events, try to spend as little time with your phone as possible. 47
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Physical Touch
205- 638-PIRC
(7472)
Helping navigate the mental health system for teens and children.
Words of Affirmation
Services are FREE and confidential. Services provided by phone are not medical advice and should not be considered as such. Services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health professionals who recommend the most appropriate mental health resources. PIRC is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.
The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, United Way of Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.
PIRC-0003_PIRC_Ad_Montgomery-Parent-4.9x7.25.indd 1
If your child’s love language is physical touch, you are in luck! It can be the easiest love language to use because of the endless opportunities to give a hug or cozy up and get snuggly. Helping your child feel loved can be as easy as choosing a spot next to your child on the couch for movie night. Or maybe you give extra hugs when leaving for school in the morning. In addition, physical activities such as wrestling together or a tickle fight can help your child feel loved. However, if you are not physically affectionate by nature, you may want to consciously set an achievable goal to do something simple daily, like stroke your child’s hair or even give a high five.
10/11/22 3:37 PM
For a child whose love language is words of affirmation, prioritize encouraging words, words of affection, and specific praise. For example, say, “I love you” often. Showcasing their artwork can send an affirmative message to a creative child. Try sending an older child an encouraging text message.
Acts of Service
This love language can be a delicate balance. Of course, we want our children to mature and become more independent as they grow. But children can feel particularly loved when their parents perform acts of service, doing things for their children that they may or may not be able to do independently. An act of service might be carrying your child to bed even though you’re sure they’re only pretending to be asleep, making a special surprise meal for your child, or doing their chores for them when you know they’ve had a hard day.
Receiving Gifts
Receiving gifts can be one of the more complicated love languages. Children will sense if a parent is trying to bribe them with a gift or if a parent is just buying gifts to make up for the fact that they don’t have time to spend with the child. Dr. Barchers says, “Gifts don’t have to be big and extravagant. They should, however, be thoughtful. Finding that perfect color of a barrette or a memorable trinket can be just right.” Don’t make the gift contingent on specific behavior, and ensure that the gifts reflect your child’s interests. To find out more about the love languages of children, read “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. ESP
Jill Morgenstern writes for many regional parenting magazines and her writing has also been featured on web pages such as the TODAY Show Parenting Team. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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Whether you’re a Black Friday enthusiast or hater, there are ample ways to cash in on super holiday savings throughout the season. So follow these tips for deep discounts on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond.
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Subscribe to store email lists. Decide on which stores you want to shop at least a couple of weeks in advance. Then visit each store’s website, and subscribe to their email list. Early signup will ensure you receive all promotional emails for the season’s big Black Friday and Cyber Monday events as well as ongoing savings right on through Christmas Eve.
Buy discounted gift cards. Visit Raise.com, and order discounted gift cards for the stores you know you’ll purchase from. You can use these cards to buy sale and special-buy items for added savings. The caveat, make sure the gift cards are for stores you’ll definitely shop at, so you don’t blow your savings. Discounted gift cards also make great gifts.
Begin collecting Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that show up in your newspaper, mailbox, and email. Also, visit your favorite stores online a few days in advance to see what kind of deals they’ll offer. Print any coupons you find. Then store them together in a safe place.
Organize for the big day. Once you’ve collected all the deals, sort through, and match them up to your holiday shopping list. Compare deals, and determine when the sales or doorbusters begin and if there’ll be limited quantities. Then strategize. If you can’t stand in line for hours for a limited quantity doorbuster, skip it, and focus on other deals that are easier to fetch. Prepare a ‘second-best’ list. You can’t be everywhere at once, and you’re sure to miss a deal or two. So prepare for that
possibility and know where to go and what to look for as an alternative.
Watch for early bird freebies. Many stores offer free gifts to the first 25 or 100 people in their store. It’s true, there are some pretty nice prizes to be had. But many will require you to arrive well before the crack of dawn and spend hours waiting in line. Before you succumb to these lures, consider whether it’s worth the risk of losing out on savings elsewhere.
Black Friday isn’t always the best day for hot bargains. So do your research. Stores tout their Black Friday deals to get consumers into a buying frenzy early in the season. Some even offer their super deals on Thanksgiving evening and start to reduce prices on Wednesday. Keep in mind, all those Black Friday deals can also often be found online on Cyber Monday. In fact, many hot deals, and some better deals stretch well into December.
Shop late in the day. If you’re like many, you wouldn’t even consider shopping on Black Friday simply because of the chaos. But on Black Friday, the vast majority of shoppers start at the crack of dawn or earlier. By 5 p.m., early birds are exhausted, and malls and stores are dead quiet. So Black Friday evening is a great time to get in some peaceful, early shopping with plenty of great deals still going on.
Shop online. This is another option if you don’t want to participate in the madhouse. Many stores offer the same deals online as they do in their stores. In fact, many online stores don’t even have storefronts. Keep in mind, supplies are often limited, even
online. So by the time you reach checkout, an item in your basket might be sold out. If you’re shopping for multiple items from a store, do multiple checkouts, so the items in your basket don’t disappear while you shop.
MORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS Arrange your finances in advance. If you intend to pay by credit card, plan well in advance, so the credit is available to you. Use your credit cards that offer cash back or reward points to increase your savings. If paying with a debit card, check your balance before you head out to avoid an unwelcome surprise. Also, avoid carrying cash in chaotic crowds because of the increased risk of pickpockets and purse-snatchers.
Leave the kids at home. The chaos
of the holiday shopping season, especially Black Friday, poses risks to children. Although the chance is slim, there’s the potential risk of trampling by crazed crowds on Black Friday. Your child could also get lost among the mob. Besides, shopping for long hours is stressful and exhausting for kids. Not to mention, it’ll increase your own stress level and deplete your energy.
Avoid carts. On Black Friday, carry shopping bags or totes instead unless you plan to buy heavy items. Carts will slow you down through crowds that are unwilling to budge for you.
Hold off on toy purchases. Black Friday doesn’t offer the best deals on toys. The first week of December usually provides much more significant savings on these items.
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Use social media for extra savings. Many retailers offer exclusive coupons and discounts to people who ‘like’ them on Facebook or other social media. Check the social media accounts of the stores you plan to shop at.
Check on return policies. Most major retailers have liberal return policies. But not all. So do your homework before you make purchases. Also, ask for gift receipts to make exchanges and returns easy for your gift recipients.
Avoid impulse buying. Many shop-
pers’ savings go right down the drain because they grab unnecessary ‘great buys’ at the spur of the moment. So prepare yourself mentally for the temptation before you head out.
Get extra savings with instant store credit. Most stores offer 10 to
25% savings by opening a store credit card at checkout. If you pay your charges off immediately and don’t use it for unnecessary purchases, it’s well worth the savings. Otherwise, the long-term cost of interest will exceed the savings you gained.
Make sure a sale is really a sale. Some stores mark up merchandise before they reduce it to make it look like a great bargain. Furniture stores, in particular, are known for this tactic. But many other stores do it as well on select merchandise. So do your homework.
Forego extended warranties. With a few exceptions, extended warranties are a waste of money. Most electronics already come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. Defects usually show up within the scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. Accidental damage that might be covered under a store’s extended warranty tends to occur rarely. Cell phones or small personal electronics people carry with them that are likely to get dropped, lost, or run through the washing machine are the exception. ESP Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-ofprint, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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Month of November
Holidays at OWA ad on page 15
@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 November is a month-long celebration throughout OWA! Stop by Downtown OWA for some holiday shopping and family entertainment with Brandon Styles Variety and Magic Show, Clash eSports All You Can Play Mondays, or the Tropic Takeover Super Smash Bros Tournament Nov 12-13. Not to mention incredible deals on Black Friday, Nov 25. (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com
November 1 - January 14
SUBZERO: Discovering Life Among the Ice ad on page 25
@ Gulf Coast Exploreum 65 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 Visitors will engage in an interactive journey from the Arctic to Antarctica as they discover the worlds of the coldest places on Earth. Slip and Slide Sock Skating Rink. Guests will be able to skip the skates and enjoy a wintertime tradition not often experienced in the South, wearing only socks. (251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com/exhibits/special/
Saturdays November 12 to December 24, 2022 The Wharf North Pole Express
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 This winter, The Wharf Express is on a holiday mission! Put on your PJs and ride The Wharf North Pole Express each Saturday until Christmas, where every child will receive a candy cane, a coloring book and a golden ticker sticker. Open Saturdays (10am–10pm). Times subject to change (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com
November 5 Daphne Christmas Extravaganza Gift Show
Eventbrite. 10am - 3pm. Tickets-www.eventbrite. com/e/272327558057. (251) 421-2259 Find this event on Facebook!
Robertsdale Honey Bee Festival Central Baldwin Educational Foundation @ Honeybee Park 22780 AL-59 Robertsdale, AL 36567 The Festival begins with a 5k/fun run followed by live entertainment, vendors, food, kids area and more. 8am-4pm (251) 747-0937 www.cbef.org
The Mistletoe Market
8901 Longue Vue Blvd Daphne, AL 36526 Join us from 10:00 - 5:00 for The Mistletoe Market! We will have some AMAZING, local vendors set up; along with an appearance from Santa Clause from 2:30 - 4:30
Winter Festival
@ Foley Horse Arena 113 E Rosetta Ave Foley, AL 36535 Winter Market, Food Trucks, and Car Show. Kids Zone is an area you want to be sure to bring the little ones to! Games, bubbles, crafts, and more! Come out to shop for gifts for everyone on the list. 9am-5pm.
November 11-December 23 Trim-A-Tree Christmas Event
@ Tanger Outlet (Suite 230) 2601 South McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 Local artists decor, pottery, jewelry, and more. Sponsored by the Foley Art Center. Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm. (251) 943-4381 www.foleyartcenter.com/time-a-tree/
November 11-January 16 Ice Skating Rink
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin or fall into the season on real ice. Open Monday–Friday (410pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am – 10pm). (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com
Weekends and select event dates November 11-December 24 Photos with Santa at the Wharf
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf! Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to the Jolly Claus or write one in his village. Open Fridays (3-6 pm), Saturdays (10am–6pm) and Sunday (noon–6pm). Times subject to change. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com
November 11
Hitting the Funny Bone ad on page 9
@ STEM for Kids 5906 Sweetwater Circle Fairhope, AL 36532 Participants will explore the skeletal system of the human body. While learning about bone function, joints, fractures, participants will design their own cast and lower leg weight bearing prosthetic utilizing the Engineering Design Process. 9am - 4pm. Grades K-6th. $50. Extended day option available. (251) 210-8781 https://stemforkids.net/register/Territory/ShowPrograms?Tid=51&f=0&Sid=0
Fall Affair in the Square
@ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL 26526 Unique gift items including jewelry, gifts, accessories, fashion and more. Tickets available at
15965 Silverhill Ave Silverhill, AL 36576 Join us for a community event with live music and food trucks. This is a family friendly event! 7pm
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(251) 945-5198 www.facebook.com/SilverhillAlabama
November 12 Baldwin County Boss Babes Holiday Market
@ Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairground Road Robertsdale, AL Clothing, jewelry, wreaths, handmade gifts, baked goods and more! Door prizes every hour! $2 donation for entry to benefit the Dash Foundation of Baldwin County. 10am - 4pm. www.facebook.com/baldwincountybossbabes/
Chocolate & Cheese Festival
@ Heritage Park 200 N McKenzie St Foley, AL 36535 Vendors featuring chocolate & cheese, Live Music, High quality arts & crafts, Huge Kids zone & more. 10am-7pm www.gulfshores.com/events-calendar/culinary/ chocolate-cheese-festival/
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Living History Day at Colonial Fort Conde @ Colonial Fort Condé 150 S Royal St Mobile, AL 36602 10:00am-3:00pm. FREE admission - Experience the 18th century at Colonial Fort Condé as history is brought to life through the demonstration of everyday activities of Mobile’s past. In addition to stations teaching about daily life, there will also be musket and sword fighting demonstrations every hour as well as our local chapter of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers. (251) 208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com
November 17 City of Fairhope Lighting of the Trees
@ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope’s annual Lighting of the Trees Celebration on November 18th! Festivities begin at 5:30 pm and lights come on at 6 pm sharp! (251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov
November 21 - 23
begin in Downtown OWA at 5pm. (251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com
Holiday Build to Market
Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market Harvest Festival
20733 Miflin Road Foley, AL Little Miss Harvest Queen contest. Children’s activities. Farm goods, Seafood, baked goods, concessions and arts and crafts. 9:00am - 2:00pm. www.coastalalabamamarket.com/home
Fairhope’s Movie in the Street
@ Section Street and Fairhope Avenue 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.fairhopeal.gov
November 17 Music on Main
(251) 368-3305 www.atmorechamber.com
November 17-19 Expect Excellence Music Department presents “Visions of Christmas”
@ Orange Beach Performing Arts Center 23908 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Visions of Christmas will be a high energy community-led Christmas production. You will have the opportunity to see everything from comedy, to rock, to classical and so much more. Nov. 17-18 7pm, Nov. 19 2pm. Free-reservations are required. www.orangebeachal.gov/events/performing-arts
Holidays at OWA ad on page 15
@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Kick off the holiday season at OWA’s magestic Tree Lighting in Downtown OWA. Activities will
November 24 Turkey Trot for Hope 5K & Gobble Wobble Fun Run
Fish River Christmas Tree Farm - Holiday Activities ad on page 1
@ Fish River Christmas Tree Farm 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Rd E Summerdale, AL 36580 Stroll the 40 acre Christmas Tree Farm picking the perfect tree. Choose & cut, fir, flocked and container trees to replant after the holidays. Additional activities on select dates include Santa visits, live manger scene, train and more! While the farm is open daily from 8am-5pm (except Thanksgiving), the special dates for Santa visits and tree train farm tours will be Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4, and Dec. 10-11 from 10am - 4pm. (251) 988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com
November 20, 2022 Fairhope Christmas Open House
November 19
@ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 Downtown Fairhope will celebrate Christmas Open House from 1pm - 5pm. Live entertainment, hot chocolate and shopping local! (251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov
@ STEM for Kids 5906 Sweetwater Circle Fairhope, AL 36532 It is never too early to educate young children in the process of designing, launching and running a new business. In this special series of programs, our goal is to inspire the next generation of STEMpreneurs! The total package includes: STEM + Innovation + Entrepreneurship In Build to Market Challenges, participants will work like innovators in designing a product to solve an engineering or entertainment problem, build its prototype and then, like an entrepreneur, they will explore ways to market their product. Full-Day Camp 9:00am 4:00pm, Half-Day Camp from 9:00am - 1:00pm. Grades K - 8th. Visit website for pricing and registration. (251) 210-8781 https://stemforkids.net/register
November 19 - December 23
@ Downtown Atmore 137 North Main Street Atmore, AL 36502 Local artists will be playing Holiday music as businesses kick off their holiday sales. 5:30pm-7:00pm.
ad on page 9
@ USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park 2703 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL 36602 Rapahope would like to invite you to join us in the area’s largest Thanksgiving Day tradition–Turkey Trot for Hope. The 5K and fun run ‘Gobble Wobble’ have become a festive way to start the holiday season. www.rapahope.org/fundraising/turkeytrot-7z6r8
November 25 - December 24 Wales West Arctic Express
@ Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 Authentic steam train ride to the North Pole, through decorations, lights, and snow! Santa visit, Toy, Free Refreshments, Minitrain rides, Hayless Hayride, Potato Cannon, Cafe, Gift Shop. Reservations online. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 4pm-9pm, Nightly starting Dec. 14. Tickets can be purchased online. (888) 569-5337; (251) 232-2322 enquiries@ waleswest.com www.waleswest.com
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Ready to start loving your smile? Call us today for your free consultation! Mention this ad and we’ll match your down payment up
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November 25 - January 4
Magic Christmas in Lights ad on page 41
@ Bellingrath Gardens and Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL 36582 Join us for the 27th season. You will stroll through a dazzling light display throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias. (251) 973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org
November 26, December 3, 10, 17, Breakfast with Santa
@ The Grand Hotel One Grand Boulevard Point Clear, AL 36564 Santa is coming to the Grand Hotel! Watch your children’s eyes light up with the magic of the season. Limited Seating Available. This holiday event sells out each year, so secure your tickets now! (251) 928-9201
November 28-December 22 (M-F ONLY) and December 26-28 Bicentennial Park Drive Thru Christmas Lights Show 2022
@ Bicentennial Park 51233 State Highway 225 Stockton, AL 36579 5:00pm-9:00pm each night, Fee: $10 per vehicle www.cityofbayminette.org
November 29 2nd Annual Olde Towne Holiday Jubilee @ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Make plans to take part in the 2nd Annual Olde Towne Holiday Jubilee, a benefit for Daphne Elementary School and W.J. Carroll Intermediate School. 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM (251) 970-4433
The City of Orange Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Help us usher in the holiday season at 5:30 pm with bulbs, garland and glee. Enjoy special festive musical performances, an appearance from Santa, cups of toasty hot chocolate, a holiday SPECTRA Laser Light Experience show and more. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
December 1 Christmas in Downtown Atmore
December 2 Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade
@ 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.fairhopeal.gov
Foley’s Christmas in the Park
@ Heritage Park 101 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Come out to hear Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree, and visit with Santa. Free cocoa. 6:00pm - 8:00pm. (251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com
Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert”
@ Foley Civic Center 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season. 7:00pm (251) 943-1545 www.mobilesymphony.org
Ornament Take and Make Drive Thru
@ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Come create a special ornament for your holiday décor here at the Daphne Public Library! (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508)
www.daphnelibrary.org
Silverhill Christmas Parade
Silverhill, AL 36576 Join us for the annual Christmas parade at 6:30pm. We will have Food trucks, pictures with Santa and a special guest after the parade (251) 945-5198 www.facebook.com/SilverhillAlabama
Sims Park Christmas Celebration
@ Johnnie Sims Park 348 W 19th Ave. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Enjoy a night with family, friends and fellow residents celebrating the holiday season at Johnnie Sims Park! Families can enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday treats, crafts, and the 6th Annual Snowball Drop. 6pm-8pm www.gulfshoresal.gov/1624/Christmas-Events
The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert
@ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Join us for our holiday celebration at the Daphne Civic Center!! 7:00pm. ALL concerts are Toys for Tots collection sites and all will have a special visitor from the North Pole to have your photo taken with, for a $5 donation to the band.
@ Heritage Park Main Street & Craig Street Atmore, AL 36502 Take a stroll down Main Street and do some Christmas Shopping at local businesses. Be sure to walk down to First National Bank & Trust, visit with Santa and have your pictures taken. Also, there you will be able to see the beautiful tree lightening. 4:30pm-7:30pm.
(251) 278-8530 baldwinpops@gmail.com www.baldwinpops.com
(251) 368-3305
www.mobilesaenger.com
www.atmorechamber.com
Daphne’s Tree Lighting
@ Daphne City Hall 1705 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Join us for Daphne’s Annual Tree Lighting with special musical guests Roman Street. Activities start at 5:30 PM and program starts at 6 PM. Train rides, caroling, children’s activities and more! (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
The Prophecy Show
@ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 The Prophecy Show performs all your favorite music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more!
December 2-3
40th Annual Christmas Fest in Bay Minette ad on page 30
@ Courthouse Square Bay Minette, AL 36507 Join the North Baldwin Chamber to celebrate 40 years of fun ‘round the Courthouse Square for the
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40th Annual Christmas Festival in Bay Minette, AL! Enjoy a two day festival on December 2-3, 2022, full of Vendors, Entertainment, Food, Kids Activities, a 5K & Fun Run, the Annual Twilight Christmas Parade, Ping Pong Prize Drop, and so much more! For more information, please visit the website or find the event on Facebook! (251) 937-5665 (Ext. 2) marlee@northbaldwinchamber.com www.northbaldwinchamber.com
December 2-4 and 9-11 South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol”
@ South Baldwin Community Theatre 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 A delightfully refreshing version of Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas tale told from a new perspective — a young boy’s grandfather. Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10 - 7:30pm, Dec. 4, 11-2:30pm www.sbct.biz
December 3 Breakfast at the Manger
@ Fairhope United Methodist Church 155 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Pancake breakfast, inflatables, pictures with Santa, activities and more. Hear Santa read the story of Jesus’ birth. 8:30am - 10:30am. (251) 928-1148 www.fairhopeumc.org
City of Daphne Christmas Parade
Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Parade begins at 11:00am from the Daphne Civic Center complex, through Olde Towne Daphne, and back again. Join us for this holiday favorite! (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com
Dauphin Island Christmas Parade
Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Dauphin Island Christmas Parade at 11:00am. www.dauphinislandchamberofcommerce.com
Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade
@ Downtown Foley Foley, AL 36535 Parade begins at 10:00am and winds through downtown Foley. Festive floats, treats and throws, and of course, Santa waves a Merry Christmas to all. Float applications available online. (251) 943-1032 www.foleykiwanisclub.com
Foley’s Annual “Let It Snow!”
@ Heritage Park 101 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Join us in Heritage Park beginning at 11:00am directly following the Christmas Parade. There will be snow flurries, kids activities, live entertainment, a Christmas marketplace and Santa will be joining us as well. 11am-3pm. (251) 943-1300 www.visitfoley.com
Gingerbread Jam-Gingerbread Building Contest
4671 Wharf Pkwy West Orange Beach, AL 36561 A gingerbread house building competition for families & businesses. Please provide your own supplies. Proceeds support Culinary Camp scholarships. Building begins at 9am-open to public 11-2: free entry. Free Cookies and hot chocolate. (251) 284-0558
www.orangebeachal.gov/events
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Holiday Open House
@ Gulf Coast Arts Alliance 225 E. 24th Ave. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Join us for all things Christmas at the GCAA Gal-
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Robertsdale Christmas Parade
@ Honeybee Park Robertsdale, AL 36567 Robertsdale Christmas parade at 6:30 PM. After the parade, Santa will be available for pictures at Honeybee Park. Bring your camera to snap a photo of your child(ren) with Santa. (251) 947-2626 www.centralbaldwin.com
December 3-4
St. Lawrence Christmas Bazaar ad on page 38
@ St. Lawrence Church 370 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Silent auction with virtual bidding option, vendor booths, bake sale, handcrafted gift baskets, and Christmas Cafe. Unique art and antiques for purchase. Live Bluegrass Christmas music Saturday and pictures with Santa! We’ll have Gumbo, candied nuts and apples, baked goods, and homemade casseroles to go. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 3:00pm. (251) 928-5931 bazaar@stlawrencefairhope.com www.stlawrencechristmasbazaar.com
December 3, 9, 10, 16, 18 Graham Creek Christmas Trail
@ Graham Creek Nature Preserve Interpretive Center 23030 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL 36535 Come walk through Christmas lights on our Memorial Boardwalk while enjoying the cool, crisp
air with the whole family. Our boardwalk is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Tickets are available at the gate for $5 each. Children 5 & under are free. 6:00pm-9:00pm.
showcasing more than 40 local vendors! Come and enjoy a FREE family fun day full of local shopping and food trucks at the beautiful Historic Malbis Nursery. 11:00am-5:00pm
(251) 923-4267 www.grahamcreekpreserve.org
www.facebook.com/malbismarket
December 3 & 10 City of Fairhope Santa Saturdays
Mobile’s Singing Children Annual Christmas Concert - Ceremony of Carols
@ Downtown Fairhope 24 Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Santa will be visiting Fairhope in front of the Fairhope Museum of History from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Parents may bring their cameras to take pictures.
@ Cathedral of Immaculate Conception 2 South Claiborne Street Mobile, AL 36602 3:00pm. Free Admission with Suggested donation at the door $10. www.mobilesingingchildren.org
(251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov
December 4 City of Spanish Fort Christmas Tree Lighting & Movie Night
@ Spanish Fort Community Center 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Light refreshments will be served, and live music will lead the community in Christmas carols as the City tree is brought to life with Christmas lights. Afterward, families are invited to watch a short family holiday film. 5:00pm (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com
@ Learning Campus at Gulf State Park 20249 State Hwy. 135 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Whoville comes to life featuring holiday crafts, Whoville activities, refreshments, and of course get your photo with Santa Grinch. 5:30pm-7:30pm. (251) 923-3101 www.gulfshores.com/
December 5 Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts
@ Spanish Fort United Methodist Church 6690 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Enjoy holiday music. Concert begins at 7:00pm.
Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts
(251) 802-4757 www.ESCS.org
@ Fairhope First Baptist Church 300 South Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Enjoy holiday music. Concert begins at 3:00pm. (251) 802-4757 www.ESCS.org
Malbis Christmas Market
Very Merry Coastal Grinchmas
10145 US-90 Daphne, AL 36526 Malbis Market is a collection of local vendors. Our Christmas event is coming up soon. We will be
The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert
@ Foley Civic Center 407 E Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 7:00pm. ALL concerts are Toys for Tots collection sites and all will have a special visitor from the North Pole to have your photo taken with, for a $5 donation to the band. (251) 278-8530 www.baldwinpops.com
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December 6 Impact Theatre presents Tiramisu with a Touch of Christmas
@ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US-98 Daphne, AL 36526 1:00 p.m.(By reservation -Email reservations to impacttheaterreservations@gmail.com) and the 6:30pm is Open Seating. Concessions available for the evening performance. School/group showing in the morning and reservations are requested for the 10:00 a.m. show. impacttheaterreservations@gmail.com
The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert
@ Gulf Shores Cultural Event Center 19470 Oak Road West Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Join us for our holiday celebration at the Gulf Shores Cultural Center!! 7:00pm. ALL concerts are Toys for Tots collection sites and all will have a special visitor from the North Pole to have your photo taken with, for a $5 donation to the band. (251) 278-8530
www.baldwinpops.com
December 9 Baldwin County Youth Orchestra’s Christmas Concert
@ Daphne Civic Center 2603 US-98 Daphne, AL 36526 Christmas Around the World Concert, No Admission charge but a toy for Toys for Tots is appreciated. Silent Auction Available during Concert. (251) 279-0848
www.bcyorchestra.com
Daphne’s Snow & Movie Night in the Park
@ Daphne City Hall 1705 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Come join us for snow and movie night in Downtown Daphne! Snow begins falling at 4:00pm, visit with Santa from 5:00pm-7pm; three Christmas Classic movies from 6:00pm-8:00pm. (251) 620-1000 www.daphneal.com
Gift Take-n-Make:
@ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Parents need Christmas presents too! Bring your child to the community room to make you a special gift this year! 1:30pm-4:30pm. (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508)
www.daphnelibrary.org
Loxley Christmas Parade
Loxley, AL 36551 Parade starts at 6:30pm at the Loxley Church of God. The parade will travel down Highway 59 and end at Municipal Park. Join us after the parade for our first Christmas in the Park! (251) 964-5162 www.townofloxley.org
December 9-10 Christmas at Bicentennial Park Festival
@ Bicentennial Park 51233 State Highway 225 Stockton, AL 36579 5:00pm-9:00pm each night, Free Admission (Generous donations accepted), Parking at Live Oak Landing, 8700 Live Oak Landing Road www.cityofbayminette.org
December 10
Community Carol Sing
the bluff in Fairhope Alabama at 4:00pm. (Rain date is December 17)
www.gulfshoresal.gov/1624/Christmas-Events
Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade @ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores , AL 36542 We like to celebrate the Holidays Gulf Coast style with brightly decorated boats to light the night! The boats will leave LuLu’s Gulf Shores at dusk and head to the Wharf. (251) 968-6902 www.mygulfcoastchamber.com
Santa Stories
@ Daphne Public Library 2607 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 Join us in the Library Community Room as Santa shares his favorite stories with his Eastern Shore friends! There will be cookies and warm cocoa. Don’t forget your cameras! Two sessions -4pm or 5pm (251) 620-2500 (Ext. 2508) www.daphnelibrary.org
Santa Drop
@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Kick-off the Christmas season watching Santa skydive onto the beach and enjoy activities for kids in the Flora-Bama tent. 11am - 2pm. (850) 492-0611 www.florabama.com/events.html
Spanish Ft Spirit of Christmas Parade @ Eastern Shore Centre 30500 State Hwy 181 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 To spread Christmas Spirit to the residents of Spanish Fort and surrounding communities, the City of Spanish Fort hosts its annual Spirit of Christmas Parade. 6:00pm (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com
Twilight Christmas Parade
@ Downtown Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade beginning at 5pm. This will go from City Hall down Main Street and turn on Lindberg Avenue and end at the High School. (251) 368-3305
www.atmorechamber.com
December 10-11
Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” ad on page 32
Twas the Night Before Christmas Book Reading
@ Spanish Fort Community Center 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Twas the Night Before Christmas book readingchildren are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite blanket. The evening begins with singing of Christmas carols, guest readers read aloud several holiday books, and the final story, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”, is read by a guest reader from the North Pole! 6:00pm (251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com
December 16 A Roman Street -Marlow Boys Christmas @ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 A Roman Street -Marlow Boys Christmas-come hear Christmas Classics done in a new and exciting way on Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm. www.asmglobalmobile.com
Mobile’s Singing Children Point Clear Concert Series at St. Francis at the Point Church
17280 Scenic Highway 98 Point Clear, AL 36564 Point Clear Concert Series at St. Francis at the Point Church at 7:30pm. Free Admission
@ Mobile Civic Center Theatre 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602 Outstanding guest artists share the stage with Mobile Ballet Company and students in this cherished Mobile holiday tradition, performing to the timeless score by Tchaikovsky with exciting choreography by Artistic Director Katia Garza. Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in their adventures with the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this magical story that will delight audiences of all ages. December 10, 2:30pm, 7:30pm December 11, 2:30pm
(251) 928-1255 www.stfrancisatthepoint.org
(251) 342-2241 www.mobileballet.org
(251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com
Holly Days on Main Festival
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Guests can enjoy arts and crafts vendors, special performances, a lighted boat parade and more. 9am-5pm. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com
Mobile Symphony presents “A Cinematic Christmas”
@ Saenger Theatre 6 Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Dec 10-7:30pm, Dec 11-2:30pm (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org
December 15 Movies at Meyer Park - Christmas Edition
@ On the Bluff in Fairhope Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church invites the community to join in a Community Carol Sing on
@ Meyer Park 400 E 22nd Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 We will be showing a Christmas movie during the month of December. We encourage locals and visitors to bring a blanket, lawn chair, friends, and
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ad on page 21
family, and join us for a free Christmas movie under the stars! 6pm
December 17
Christmas at the Exploreum ad on page 25
@ Exploreum 65 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 Have a holly jolly holiday at the Exploreum’s annual Christmas event! Experience some winter-time fun at this family-friendly event! 10:00am-2:00pm.
A Very Electric Christmas
@ Mobile Civic Center Theatre 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602 Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettia’s, light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. (251) 208-7906 www.asmglobalmobile.com
Breakfast with Santa
@ Erie Meyer Civic Center 1930 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Breakfast with Santa at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. Beginning at 8am. (251) 968-1171
www.gulfshoresal.gov
Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas
@ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 The 13th Annual A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas featuring Taylor Hicks. (251) 208-5600 www.asmglobalmobile.com
www.easternshoreparents.com
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Make it to the Line Run or Walk
@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Let’s all “Make it to the Line” just in time for Christmas! Run, jog, walk to the line at our 4-Mile Run/ Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run. Race will benefit the Secret Santa program, helping local families in need.
computer/laptop with Windows 10, iPad, or Chromebook. We will provide accounts for class. Please click this link to download the app and follow instructions: www.education.minecraft.net/get-started/download/. Monday through Friday, 9am - 4pm for full day ($200) or 9am - 1pm for half day ($150). Single day and extended day options available.
(850) 492-0611 www.florabama.com/events.html
(251) 210-8781 https://stemforkids.net/register
Pirates of Fish River Christmas Boat Parade
December 26 - 30
@ Fish River Fairhope, AL 36532 Lighted Christmas Boat Parade hosted by The Pirates of Fish River! Starts at 98 Bridge in Weeks Bay; We will turn around north of 32 bridge. Find us on Facebook for update on time.
December 18 Frog Pond Christmas Party
@ Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm Silverhill, AL 36576 Frog Pond Christmas Party-Grayson Capps, Ross Newell, Cary Hudson, Corky Hughes, Katrina Miller. Opening with – THE KRICKETS. 2pm www.thefrogpondatbluemoonfarm.com
Winter Wonderland Minecraft ad on page 9
@ STEM for Kids 5906 Sweetwater Circle Fairhope, AL 36532 Have fun with Minecraft by picking 1 day or all 5 days for our STEM Winter Camp! Become a toy store owner in Winter Wonderland, our Minecraft city, create toys with a budget, and hire helpers to get the toys out for the holidays! Design and build the city of Winter Wonderland. Requirements: You must have a
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Featuring tons of family friendly activities plus an early daytime countdown to the new year. Event time is 10 am – 2 pm. Confetti drop at noon! (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com
MoonPie Over Mobile -New Year’s Eve Celebration
Motion Commotion 2 ad on page 9
@ STEM for Kids 5906 Sweetwater Circle Fairhope, AL 36532 In this Mechanical Engineering adventure, participants step into the world of transportation and amusement park! Caution: rides design in progress using friction, spinning and magnets. Children get hands-on, experience 4C skills of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity with engineering design challenges. Activities include: Stop-It-Droid TM, Zipline Engineering, Design Roller Coaster Ride, Design Maglev Train, and more. Monday through Friday, 9am - 4pm for full day ($200) or 9am - 1pm for half day ($150). Single day and extended day options available. (251) 210-8781 https://stemforkids.net/register
December 19 - 23
Kids Confetti Drop
December 31 Fairhope’s New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
Downtown Mobile Mobile, AL 36602 Ring in 2023 at the hottest New Year’s Eve Celebration in the South, MoonPie Over Mobile! Rock out of 2022 in downtown Mobile with the MoonPie Drop at midnight and jam to the sounds of Third Eye Blind and an epic fireworks/laser light show! All the fun starts at 8 p.m. as Downtown Mobile
(251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org
Reelin’ In the New Year NYE Street Party
@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Live bands, family friendly and adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with our marlin drop and fireworks. Resolutions are for the start of the month. Give yourself one last excuse to let loose! Admission is free. 5pm-Midnight. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com
@ Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL 36532 Bring your family and ring in the New Year in downtown Fairhope with face painting, fireworks, dancing in the streets, DJ and ball drop at midnight! 8:30pm - 12:30am. (251) 929-1466 www.fairhopeal.gov
January 1 Polar Bear Dip
@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Wear a crazy costume, bring the whole family and take a New Year plunge into the Gulf of Mexico! Event is from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. (850) 492-0611 www.florabama.com/events.html ESP
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Baldwin County Home Builders Association
Gold Sponsors
Presents the 33rd Annual
PARADE OF HOMES
Silver Sponsor
November 5-6 and 12-13 All Homes Open 10 AM to 5 PM THIS YEAR’S SHOWCASE HOME
Showcase Sponsors
is built by Pickering Building and Renovations, LLC at 300 Powderhorn Ridge Rd. in the North Hills at Fairhope subdivision in Fairhope. This home can be viewed for a $5.00 donation to Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center.
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Only recently have scientists begun to study the benefits of gratitude. Vitamin G, as some like to call it, plays a critical role in health and happiness. Focusing on the positive boosts body, mind, and spirit. It gives us energy, inspires us, and transforms us. In a nutshell, it provides life with meaning by thinking of life as a gift.
Don’t you want to give this gift to your children? Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
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How To Teach Children Gratitude
Top 10 Benefits of Gratitude
In her book 10 Mindful Minutes, Goldie Hawn explains that being thankful is not a natural instinct; children need to be taught how to do it. She asks parents to be a good example to their children by thanking them often. It is important to explain to our children why they are being praised. Another important tip is to be careful not to judge how our children express gratitude. Young children under age seven may not fully grasp the concept. It is not what they are thankful for, but that they are learning how to express gratitude that matters. If they want to be thankful for a toy, that is okay. Keeping a gratitude journal is the backbone of gratitude scientific research. Anytime you read about gratitude, you will be asked to write down five points you are thankful for that day or week on an ongoing basis. Over time, you will begin to experience the benefits of gratitude such as stress reduction and optimism. Some people don’t care for the traditional journal approach; they may find it repetitive and boring. Fortunately, there are many ways to express gratitude as a family, such as starting a nightly gratitude prayer ritual. Each family needs to discover what is most effective for them. Plus, you don’t want it to become an annoying chore–it is supposed to make you happier after all!
Dr. Robert Emmons is the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude. He conducted studies involving gratitude journals and found that when people regularly engage in gratitude, they experience measurable psychological, physical, and interpersonal benefits:
• Feel better about their lives overall • Experience higher levels of positive emotions like optimism, enthusiasm, love, and happiness • Are kinder and more generous to others • Have fewer physical problems including pain • Exercise more regularly and eat healthier • Sleep better • Visit the doctor more regularly for checkups • Feel less stressed • Able to cope with stress more effectively and recover more quickly from stressful situations • Live longer–on average, being thankful adds 7 years to our lives!
How It Works
Why does saying thank you have so many benefits for us? When we count our blessings, we interrupt the cycle of negative and fearful thoughts, which allows the stress system in our bodies to recover. Research shows that when we are thankful, we love our lives and want to make sure we stick around long enough to enjoy them. Also, when we receive praise from others, our brain releases the chemical dopamine, which encourages us to do more to receive such praise. This makes us want to thank others and make them feel good as well.
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Here are some ideas for fun, creative gratitude journals using a variety of media. As technology changes and our children learn more about what they can do with computers, iPads, and iPhones, we should show them how to use these tools for something positive–for making them feel better.
watching it over and over. Maybe have them pretend to be reporters and their gratitude is the news of the day. Or they can act out scenes from the wonderful moments they had.
Drawings: For children who are more visual and artistic,
ask them to draw or paint what they are thankful for at the time. You can then put the artwork together in a book organized by month or year. Create your own handmade journal or take pictures and use an online slideshow to present the images.
5 Ways to Keep Gratitude Journals with Your Kids Blog:
Try setting up a family gratitude journal blog (password protected, of course). You can even involve grandparents and cousins, no matter how far away they live. You could introduce this idea at the Thanksgiving table and challenge everyone to submit a post each week throughout the year.
Collage: Looking for pictures in magazines or online to build
a gratitude collage is a fun family project. And no artistic talent required! All that cutting is also a great way for your child to build fine motor skills.
Audio Recording:
Enjoy saying thank you with your children in these innovative ways. You can mix and match these media as well, such as posting videos on your gratitude blog. ESP
hildren love to hear their own voices. You can have them record their journal on a phone or iPad. Once you have the recordings, you can get really creative by posting them online for others to listen to or you can even put it to music and create a song or rap using highlights of what they said.
Sandi Schwartz is an author, journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project, her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. Learn more at www.ecohappinessproject.com.
Videos:
Children also love watching videos of themselves. They will have a blast talking about what they are thankful for and
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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases
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Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
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Railway Children
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Overall A
Violence B
Sex A
Profanity A-
Alcohol/Drugs B
Theaters
Rating PG
Overall B+
Violence B
Sex A
Profanity B+
Alcohol/Drugs A
As German bombs fall on British cities, children are evacuated to the countryside for safety. Lily, Pattie and Ted find themselves in Yorkshire, befriended by Bobbie, the son of their host family. As Bobbie shares his favorite hideouts, the kids stumble across an American deserter and get sucked into the quagmire of American racial conflict. This period film is a generationals sequel to a classic British children’s novel but it is very much a film about American issues. It’s more than a bit preachy and the kids indulge in risky behavior, but the movie’s heart is in the right place. Photo ©
ur
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Rating PG
The Primm family have just moved into a New York City brownstone and are astonished to discover a singing crocodile living in the attic. Young Josh befriends the musical reptile and soon they all band together to stop a crotchety neighbor from having Lyle sent to a zoo. This film is a win for families, featuring appealing characters, memorable original songs, and exciting adventures. There’s too much peril for preschoolers, but older kids will enjoy this fun, light, heartwarming film – and even parents will have more fun than they expect. Photo ©Columbia Pictures
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Theaters
Blue Fox Entertainment
Rosaline
Hulu
Rating PG-13
Overall B
Violence B+
Sex B+
Profanity C
Alcohol/Drugs C
Rosaline is horrified to discover that her boyfriend – the guy who has given her jewelry and written poetry for her – has fallen in love with her younger cousin. Refusing to give up without a fight, Rosaline turns her sharp mind to the goal of breaking up Romeo and Juliet. More than a little bit goofy, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy is a laugh-out-loud comedy that refuses to take itself seriously – and that’s why it works. This fast-paced farce could change teens’ minds about the merits of reading classic literature. Photo ©Hulu
Catherine, Called Birdy
Amazon
Rating PG-13
Overall B-
Violence B-
Sex B-
Profanity C
Alcohol/Drugs C
Desperate to keep his manor afloat, spendthrift Lord Rollo decides that his best option is to marry off his 14 year old daughter for gold. But Catherine a.k.a. Birdy has other ideas and is stubborn and devious enough to thwart her father. Based on an award-winning novel, this film veers between ahistoric comedy and strong messages about female autonomy and the evils of child marriage. The film is often funny, despite the anachronisms, but it also lacks subtlety. Photo ©Amazon Studios
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
Netflix
Rating PG-13
Overall B-
Violence C
Sex A
Profanity C-
Alcohol/Drugs B-
Paid to read to Mr. Harrigan, Craig soon warms to the enigmatic elderly man. He even persuades the technophobic senior to start using a cell phone. Upon Mr. Harrigan’s unsurprising death, Craig tucks the phone into the casket – only to start receiving texts from it. This adaptation of a Stephen King story is a great choice for teens who want a good scare but don’t want lots of gore or sexual material. It’s eerie and creepy but eschews violence in favor of steadily mounting tension. Photo ©Netflix
Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 63
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FamilyCalendar Tuesday November 1
Anime Club 5:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Anime Club for Ages 12-18 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
F
tertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! www.greatergulfstatefair.com
Saturday November 5
Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! www.greatergulfstatefair.com
Wednesday November 2
Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! www.greatergulfstatefair.com
Thursday November 3022
Women’s Health Center Banquet 5:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Highway 98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Women’s Health Center Banquet www.baldwincountywomenshealthcenter.com/events Fairhope Teen Art Guild 6:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Fairhope Teen Art Guild-Ages 12-18 at 6pm in the MakerSpace 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! www.greatergulfstatefair.com Preschool Storytime, Songwriters, Jo Billups and Karin Harvill Gulf Shores Public Library, 221 W 19th Ave Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Join us in welcoming Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Songwriters’, Jo Billups and Karin Harvill as our special guests. Sing along and listen to their book, “The ABC’s of Ecology”. Jo and Karin are the author and illustrator of 6 children’s’ books.
Friday November 4
Leanne Morgan 7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Grab tickets to see comedian Leanne Morgan LIVE at the Mobile Saenger Theatre on Friday, November 4th! www.asmglobalmobile.com Alabama Pecan Festival
Tillman’s Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 This familyoriented festival features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car show, and more. Free Admission. alabamapecanfestival.com
ESRT presents Newsies, Jr. Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 ESRT presents Newsies, Jr. 251-301-2371 www.easternshorerep.org Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and en-
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
Baldwin County Homebuilders Parade of Homes 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, For parade locations and Home information, visit the website. www.bchba.com/2022paradeofhomes City of Fairhope Veterans Day Parade 10:00 AM Fairhope Civic Center, Fairhope, AL, 36532 The parade provides the public with the opportunity to salute and honor our local veteran community. Leading the parade will be Fairhope’s 2022 Veteran of the Year. Daphne Christmas Extravaganza Gift Show ($5 entry with kids 12 and under free )
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Daphne Civic Center , 2603 US98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Get all of your Christmas Gift needs offering you everything from Jewelry to gifts, accessories, fashion and so much more. Seward Farms Corn Maze and Fall Fun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Seward Farms, 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS, 39452 You’ll find tons of family fun, fresh air, twisting corn maze, fantastic food, and an evening by a crackling fire! We have a challenging corn maze, pig races, hayrides, funny farm golf, cow train, giant jumping pillow, corn cannon, farm animals, field of fright ,pony rides and more. Hours: Open: Saturdays: 10am-6pm, Field Trips by reservations Monday-Thursday www.sewardfarms.com Live at Five Fall 5:00 PM Halstead Amphitheater , 450 Fairhope Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532 Longtime legends of the Gulf Coast music scene Honey Island Swamp Band take the Live at Five stage. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/live-at-five-fairhopefall-2022-797699 Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman’s Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 This family-oriented festival features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car show, and more. Free Admission. www.alabamapecanfestival.com Annual Magnolia Run 14770 Oak St Magnolia Springs, AL, 36555 It’s time to lace up those running shoes and enjoy some of Baldwin County’s most majestic scenery during the Annual Magnolia Run presented by Baldwin County Sewer Services and hosted by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. bit.ly/magnoliarun ESRT presents Newsies, Jr. Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 ESRT presents Newsies, Jr. 251-301-2371 www.easternshorerep.org Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! www.greatergulfstatefair.com
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Sunday November 6
Baldwin County Homebuilders Parade of Homes 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, For parade locations and Showcase Home information, visit the website. www.bchba.com/2022paradeofhomes 24th Annual Pig Roast 3:00 PM Baldwin County Boys Ranch, 21870 County Road 32 Summerdale, AL, 36580 Make plans to attend, all proceeds benefit Baldwin County Boys Ranch. 251-989-6392 http://www.boysandgirlsranches.org/ Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman’s Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 This familyoriented festival features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car show, and more. Free Admission. www.alabamapecanfestival.com ESRT presents Newsies, Jr. Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section St Fairhope, AL, 36532 251-301-2371 www.easternshorerep.org Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL, 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! www.greatergulfstatefair.com
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Wednesday November 9
Open Auditions: The Rock Slinger & His Greatest Hit Fairhope United Methodist Church, Children grades K-6th grades are invited to an open auditions at Fairhope United Methodist Church for The Rock Slinger & His Greatest Hit, a children’s musical by Allen Pote. For details, please contact Tom Hood. (Performance date is April 23rd) tom.hood@fairhopeumc.org www.fairhopeumc.org
Thursday November 10
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22nd Annual Sunset Supper: A Night of Gratitude 6:00 PM Weeks Bay Reserve Resource Center, Fairhope, AL, 36532 Come and join us for a memorable evening on the Bay. Help us to raise funds to support daily operations at The Lighthouse https://thelighthouseabeacon.org/
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Movies at Meyer Park 6:00 PM Meyer Park, 400 E 22nd Ave Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Locals and visitors are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and join us at Meyer Park for a free movie under the stars! Movies will begin at 6 p.m. each night. November 10: Dog https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1421/Movies-at-Meyer-Park
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FamilyCalendar support youth of trauma. There will be music, dinner and silent auction. Under His Wings is a residential home for girls of trauma providing counseling education and life skills essential to wholeness. www.underhiswingsbaldwin.org Kevin Hart 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, Mobile, AL, 36602 Live Nation Presents Kevin Hart The Reality Check Tour https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/ Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” 8724 Rand Ave. Daphne, AL, 36526 Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” www.bayareaperformingarts.com Fairhope Film Festival Various locations, Fairhope Film Festival’s tenth year features world-class, award-winning films. (251) 990-7957 https://fairhopefilmfestival.org/
Friday November 11
Science Lab Fridays: Ocean Animal Biology 9:30 AM Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 102 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Sea Lab Science Fridays: Ocean Animal Biology Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” 8724 Rand Ave. Daphne, AL, 36526 Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” www.bayareaperformingarts.com Fairhope Film Festival
Various locations, Fairhope Film Festival’s tenth year features world-class, award-winning films.
(251) 990-7957 https://fairhopefilmfestival.org/ Silverhill - Fall Affair in the Square Town Square, Silverhill, AL, 36576 Fall Affair in the Square brings music, food trucks and family-friendly entertainment to Silverhill Town Hall. Concert begins at 7:30pm. www.facebook.com/SilverhillAlabama
Saturday November 12
Baldwin County Homebuilders Parade of Homes 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, For parade locations and Showcase Home information, visit the website. www.bchba.com/2022paradeofhomes Chocolate & Cheese Festival 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Heritage Park, 200 N McKenzie St Foley, AL, 36535 Vendors featuring chocolate & cheese, Live Music, High quality arts & crafts, Huge Kids zone & more. 10am-7pm. $5.00 Admittance/12 and under Free beachlifeevents.com/chocolate_cheese_festival.php Music at the Fort 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, The Fort Park at Spanish Fort Center, 29001 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Family friendly show with acoustic music by Jessie Ritter. https://www.facebook.com/fortpark Saturdays at the Coop 7:00 PM Cooper Riverside Park, 101 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for a night of free familyfriendly fun! Performance by Hollywood Vagabonds. https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/
Aaron Lewis - The Frayed At Both Ends Tour 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Get ticket to see Staind frontman Aaron Lewis at the Mobile Saenger Theatre on Saturday, November 12th! www.asmglobalmobile.com Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” 8724 Rand Ave. Daphne, AL, 36526 Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” www.bayareaperformingarts.com Cars & Coffee At The Fort The Fort Park at Spanish Fort Center, 29001 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Enjoy exotic cars and fast times! Anyone can participate! Enjoy coffee and breakfast from Beakers Coffee and Arepa Latin Bar, and then hand around for lunch provided by our other vendors! https://www.facebook.com/fortpark Fairhope Film Festival Various locations, Fairhope Film Festival’s tenth year features world-class, award-winning films. (251) 990-7957 https://fairhopefilmfestival.org/ Foley Rotary Club Oyster Run Orange Blossom Square, Foley, AL, 36535 Foley Rotary Club is proud to present the 29th Annual Oyster Run held Saturday, November 12th at Orange Blossom Square. Proceeds from this race will go to the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, the Jennifer ClaireMoore Foundation, Ecumenical Ministries and other local charities. https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Foley/FoleyRotaryOyster5KRunWalk
Sunday November 13
Baldwin County Homebuilders Parade of Homes 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, For parade locations and Showcase Home information, visit the website. www.bchba.com/2022paradeofhomes Battleship 12K USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 The Publix Battleship 12K is a patriotic run to honor those who have served. This Veterans Day tradition starts on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and finishes at the USS Alabama. www.battleship12k.com Fairhope Film Festival Various locations, Fairhope Film Festival’s tenth year features world-class, award-winning films. (251) 990-7957 https://fairhopefilmfestival.org/ Open Auditions: The Rock Slinger & His Greatest Hit Fairhope United Methodist Church, Children grades K-6th grades are invited to an open auditions at Fairhope United Methodist Church for The Rock Slinger & His Greatest Hit, a children’s musical by Allen Pote. For details, please contact Tom Hood. (Performance date is April 23rd) tom.hood@fairhopeumc.org www.fairhopeumc.org
Tuesday November 15
Baldwin County Career and Job Fair 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Daphne Civic Center, Daphne, AL, 36526
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America Recycles Day 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, City Recycling Building, 451 Pecan Drive Fairhope, AL, 36532 Crews will be at the City Recycling Building to answer your questions about recycling: what can be recycled and what can’t; where the various items go and what happens to them; and how you can recycle more of what might now be going into your trash. The city will also accept all old electronics that day and will have a commercial shredder for free use.
Thursday November 17
Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” 8724 Rand Ave. Daphne, AL, 36526 Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” www.bayareaperformingarts.com
Friday November 18
Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” 8724 Rand Ave. Daphne, AL, 36526 Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” www.bayareaperformingarts.com
Saturday November 19
Beethoven & Blue Jeans - Sky 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Our annual casual concert features Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, and Tessa Lark plays a bluegrassinspired violin concerto written for her by Michael Torke. Works by Aaron Copland complete the American theme. www.mobilesymphony.org
Creek Crawl 7:30 AM Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 Crawl, Climb and Run through 400 acres of trails on this 4 mile Obstacle Race! Don’t be afraid of getting a little muddy! The race will be a challenge with 20 obstacles and be limited to ages 10 and up. All proceeds benefit the educational programs at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. www.grahamcreekpreserve.org Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market Harvest Festival 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 20733 Miflin Road Foley, AL, 36535 Open year round. Saturdays: 9:00am-2:00pm; Local fruits, vegetables, seafood, and non-certifiable agricultural products. The Harvest pageant is from 10am-12pm. Market opens 9-2pm. www.coastalalabamamarket.com 38th Annual Mobile International Festival 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 The festival provides the ambiance of world travel, and it gives the opportunity to meet people from over 70 countries, a change to speak different languages, sample some delicious food, learn geography, history and more. www.mobileinternationalfestival.org Jubilee Renaissance Faire 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Medieval Village, 30569 Osprey Lane Robertsdale, AL, 36567 Enjoy Medieval Games of Skill, such as Archery or Axe throwing. War Horse rides, a Falconry demonstration and other live animal exhibitions. The main event will be a real full contact Jousting Tournament. 10am-5pm. www.jubileerenaissancefaire.com
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FamilyCalendar Frozen Fairhope Dreams 11:00 AM Fairhope Civic Center, Fairhope, AL, 36532 Children’s Dance Theater Company dancers and all of our studio dancers will take to the stage to share the joy of dance! 11am - 7pm www.facebook.com/creativeoutletdance Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” 8724 Rand Ave. Daphne, AL, 36526 Bay Area Performing Arts presents “Rock of Ages” www.bayareaperformingarts.com
Sunday November 20
Jubilee Renaissance Faire 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Medieval Village, 30569 Osprey Lane Robertsdale, AL, 36567 Enjoy Medieval Games of Skill, such as Archery or Axe throwing. War Horse rides, a Falconry demonstration and other live animal exhibitions. The main event will be a real full contact Jousting Tournament. 10am-5pm. www.jubileerenaissancefaire.com Beethoven & Blue Jeans - Sky 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Our annual casual concert features Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, and Tessa Lark plays a bluegrass-inspired violin concerto written for her by Michael Torke. Works by Aaron Copland complete the American theme. www.mobilesymphony.org
Saturday November 26
Iron Bowl Block Party 1:00 PM Downtown Mobile, 500 Dauphin St Mobile, AL, 36602 Let’s Pre-Game at this Family-Friendly Party with the band FALSE IDENTITY before watching your favorite team on a Jumbo HD LED Screen! Enjoy a live DJ playing during TV time outs! Opportunity to win prizes for best-dressed most spirited fans! Check out local restaurants and bars! 1 pm www.MobileParksAndRec.org
Sunday November 27
Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza! 4:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza! Mickey, Minnie, and their pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party but mysterious green rain, wind, and smoke keep interrupting the fun. Can Spidey and his Amazing Friends help save the Costume Palooza? www.asmglobalmobile.com
Wednesday November 30
Teen IRL 4:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Teen IRL for Ages 12-18 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage 6:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Blue’s Clues & You! Live on Stage is an epic new theatrical adventure coming soon to Mobile! www.asmglobalmobile.com
Thursday December 1
Bay Bash at Battleship Park 6:00 PM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Baykeeper is hosting its Bay
Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
Bash fundraiser on December 1 at Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion in Battleship Park. The year-end annual event is a celebration of the beauty, health, and heritage of Mobile Bay and our coastal communities. https://www.mobilebaykeeper.org/ Fairhope Teen Art Guild 6:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Fairhope Teen Art Guild-Ages 1218 at 6pm in the MakerSpace 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Friday December 2
Sea Lab Science Friday: STEM: The Ocean Version 9:30 AM Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 102 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Sea Lab Science Friday: STEM: The Ocean Version https://bit.ly/SeaLabScienceFridays
Black Violin 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr, Mobile, AL, 36602 Black Violin is an American hip hop duo from Fort Lauderdale, Florida comprising two classically trained string instrumentalists, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, who go by the stage names Kev Marcus and Wil B. Kev Marcus plays the violin, and Wil B. plays the viola. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/
Saturday December 3
The Fab Four 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Emmy Award-Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/
Sunday December 4
Outdoor Movie Night 6:00 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Outdoor movies on the back patio are here! A fun family night for all ages. www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org Nate Bargatze: The Raincheck Tour 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Nate Bargatze: The Raincheck Tour https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/
Tuesday December 6
Anime Club 5:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Anime Club for Ages 12-18 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Friday December 9
Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion ($12 per person) 9:45 AM Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 102 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL, 36528
Saturday December 10
Cast Iron Cookoff: A Surf ‘n Turf Battle at the Fort 11:00 AM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 The Bama-Q Cast iron Skillet Challenge will feature 30 top cook teams creating their best “surf & turf” dish as well as sampling tasty seafood bites in a Peoples Choice contest.
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Thursday December 15
Movies at Meyer Park 6:00 PM Meyer Park, 400 E 22nd Ave Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Locals and visitors are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and join us at Meyer Park for a free movie under the stars! Movies will begin at 6 p.m. each night. December 15: Elf https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1421/Movies-at-MeyerPark
Friday December 16
Who’s Bad - Michael Jackson Experience 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr, Mobile, AL, 36602 https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/
Saturday December 17
Utopicon ‘22 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Sci Fi and Fantasy Fandom Convention – all ages! Giddens Auditorium and Upstairs 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Thursday December 22
Teen IRL 6:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Teen IRL for Ages 12-18 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Monday
Free Build STEM Play (Free) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 2 to 10 years old. Come put your creative imagination to the test! We will put out all of our legos, soft blocks, lincoln logs, picnic pieces, buckets of dinosaurs, and more. Join us in the Activity Room for Free Build every Monday and Friday from 9am - Noon. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ Lego Build 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Free build -Activity Room, Ages 2-10yrs. 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org MakerSpace Mondays at Fairhope Library 6:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 9+. Join us every Monday in the MakerSpace for fun, hands-on crafts and activities. We will have a different craft, experiment, or group activity every week! All materials are provided for free. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Tuesday
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Movers & Shakers Toddler Storytime (Free) 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 18 months to 2 years old. Join us for a special storytime just for toddlers every Tuesday at 10am in the Activity Room for silly books, silly songs, and fun crafts. This summer we will focus on ocean themed stories and crafts - perfect for our little explorers! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
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Story time - Lap Babies (Free) 10:30 AM Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Lap babies at 10:30 am (infant to 23 months) Songs, stories, puppets and more! 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
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Big Kid Storytime (Free) 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 3 to 7 years old. Join our super fun storytime every Tuesday at 11am, where we read new books, sing new songs, do creative crafts, and make new friends. This summer we will focus on ocean themed stories and crafts! 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ Family Game Night 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Little Explorers Sensory Play. Registration required. 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Every Tuesday in November
Teen Writers NaNoWriMo Group (Free) 6:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Teen Writers NaNoWriMo Group 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Second Tuesday thru December 13
Little Explorers Sensory Play 10:30 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Little Explorers Sensory Play. Registration required. 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Every Wednesday
Centennial Park Story Time (Free) 10:30 AM Centennial Park , 1706 Main St Daphne, AL, 36526 Centennial Park Story Time 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library Storytime - Page & Palette 10:30 AM Page & Palette, 32 S Section St Fairhope, AL, 36532 Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM for storytime! Each week, Miss Paula share a silly story the whole family will enjoy. 251-928-5295 www.pageandpalette.com Storytime Wednesday - Spanish Fort Library 10:30 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Join the Spanish Fort Public Library for stories, songs, and group time each Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Best for ages 5 and under. 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org Virtual Preschool Story Time (Free) 2:00 PM Virtual, Daphne, AL, 36526 Virtual Preschool story time at 2:00 pm (24 months to 4 years) on Daphne Library Children’s Department Facebook page. 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library Bookworm Bandits Book Club (Free) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 8-12. Need some fun books to read this summer? Ms. Casey has you covered! Join her every Wednesday in Study Room #2 to discuss what you’re reading and chat about the monthly book club picks. Books are provided for free. Questions? 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Thursday
Babies and Books Storytime (Free) 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages Newborn to 18 months. Join us for our special storytime just for babies and caregivers every Thursday at 10am for nursery rhymes, silly songs, tummy time, and sensory play. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ Pre-K Story Time (Free) 10:30 AM Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Pre-K story time at 10:30 am (24 months to 4 years) stories and craft. 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Storytime Thursday - Spanish Fort Public Library 10:30 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Join the Spanish Fort Public Library for stories, songs, and group time each Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Best for ages 5 and under. 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org Homeschool Hour 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 8-14. Join us every Thursday at 11am for Homeschool Hour! We will explore a new topic every week, followed by a hands-on craft or STEAM based activity. The idea is to explore fun topics in a laid-back, relaxed setting - the perfect place to make new friends! Need more info? Email youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/ Thursday Night Tween/Teen Tabletop Gaming 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36537 Tween/ Teen Tabletop Gaming Night 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Every Thursday thru November 10
Fairhope Outdoor Fall Farmers Market 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Behind Fairhope Library, Fairhope, AL, 36532251-929-1465 Farmer’s Market Storytime 4:00 PM Behind Fairhope Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 2 years and up. Join us behind Fairhope Library during Farmer’s Market for a very special outdoor storytime and craft session. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Friday
Free Build - STEM Play (Free) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 2 to 10 years old. Come put your creative imagination to the test! We will put out all of our legos, soft blocks, lincoln logs, picnic pieces, buckets of dinosaurs, and more. Join us in the Activity Room for Free Build every Monday and Friday from 9am - Noon. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every first and third Sunday
Animal Ambassadors 2:00 PM Five Rivers Delta Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 2 PM as we present one or more of our live educational animals. Free, family friendly, no registration required. www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center
Second and Fourth Sundays
Mobile Bay Maker’s Market 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Along Mobile Bay at The Pier, Fairhope, AL, 36532 Taking place every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, the Mobile Bay Maker’s Market features over 35 local artisans, farmers, and makers along the gulf coast. The event takes place just south of the Fairhope Municipal Pier. Food trucks are also on site.
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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How the Social Media
“Popularity Contest” Affects Our Kids I don’t know about you, but middle school was hard. I’m talking “you couldn’t pay me enough money to do it again” hard. These are the years when young people start to really find their group. They begin to discover where they fit in if you will. And in my day (old person story here), when we weren’t walking uphill in the snow both ways to school, we were navigating some of the same issues kids do today. But on a much smaller scale. And, of course, who was “popular,” or if you were a part of the “popular group,” was something of discussion and worry. For the most part, a lot of that popularity came from the shoes and clothes you wore, if you had the latest hairstyle, where you lived, and if you got to shave your legs before anyone else. But it was the 80s for me, so things were much different than they are now. What has remained the same is the desire to be a part of the group. To be noticed. To feel like you fit in. And while we did not have social media to reach for when we wanted to feel included, today’s generation has access to a platform that provides a gross sense of inclusion. But it comes with a price. To feel included or Eastern Shore Parents I November 2022
important in the social media space, it feels like you have to provide new content constantly. New pictures. New videos. And it must be better than your last video and better than everyone else’s videos. Insert an algorithm that changes daily, and if you have a child with self-worth attached to views and followers, it is a recipe for disaster. I want to take this one step further and recognize that our youth are not the only ones falling victim to this. Adults are too. If you are an influencer or run your business marketing through social media, especially Instagram or Tik Tok, you face the same issues. The algorithm changes daily. It decides who will see your content and how much they will see, which translates to views and followers. You can work incredibly hard on content only to have the algorithm decide who gets to view it, which leads to feelings of inadequacy and wondering, “what did I do wrong?” It is a vicious cycle. Why is this important to note? Because if social media is affecting how we feel as adults, think about how it affects our children. If adults with mature coping skills struggle in this space, it is no wonder our children struggle. It is why they do what they do every day. It is why they post 68
“bigger” videos and do inherently ill-advised things. Without a catalyst of wanting social media popularity, they probably would not even DO these things. So what do we do as parents to help our children or provide support for ourselves if we struggle in this space? First, we must do the work around understanding that our self-worth is NOT attached to views, follows, or likes. Understand that social media is driven by an algorithm fed and controlled by money-hungry social media giants. How your video or reel performs has absolutely NOTHING to do with who you or your child are as people. It has nothing to do with self-worth. If we can help our children understand how algorithms work, it may help them grasp the concept of a “digital” response versus how it feels to have a response from a real friend. Next, work on other factors to encourage positive confidence growth from sources that are not digital. Please help your child focus on authentic, close, meaningful relationships. Let them know that these are most important... and that these relationships will never be driven by some random number online.
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.
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