Eastern Shore Parents November 2013 by KeepSharing

Jenny has always dreamed of becoming a rock star...

Today she is one. The physicians at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital diagnosed Jenny with a brain tumor at age 14. After an incredible fight for her life, Jenny is tumor free and rock’n it at age 17. From diagnosis and treatment to recovery, let USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital care for your family.

251.415.1000

CWH 008 Parents Magazines.indd 1

Find out more at usahealthsystem.com/usacwh

9/12/13 1:17 PM

November2013

Volume 6 Number 6

62 Columns

Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

Living With Children John Rosemond

Bullying: Is Your Child a Victim?

A Peaceful Stepfamily Holiday

Learn how to help your child if he has become a target.

Proactive steps to ease the difficulties of blended family holidays.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Holiday Happenings Holiday fun abounds on the Eastern Shore! Our extensive guide tells you where to go.

Volunteering With Your Family

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Overcome obstacles to begin “giving back” with your kids.

On The Cover

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

Nathan Cook is a 7th grade student at Bayshore Christian School in Fairhope. He is the son of Daphne and Jeff Cook and big brother to Alex (11) and Broxton (7). Nathan loves sports, and especially enjoys playing football, basketball and baseball.

School Bits 78

Family Calendar 84

Movie Reviews 1

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Publisher’sNote My heart broke as I watched the news reporting a story of a 12-year-old girl, a girl my daughter’s age, who took her own life because of the relentless taunting from her peers. All I could think was ‘what in the world could this young child have done to cause this torture?’ Then my mind was bombarded with all kinds of questions. Did her mother have any idea what she was going through? Did the other parents have any idea what their children were doing? Surely the other children in school saw this going on. Were they too afraid to say anything? Would I know if my child was being harassed at school? Would my children know how to react if they knew of something like this going on? It was the perfect time to read this month’s article by Jan Pierce, Bullying: Is Your Child a Victim? I could not wait for my girls to get home so we could have another discussion on the topic of how to treat others and what to do if you see people being mistreated. This was also a good opportunity for me to reiterate our family’s social media policy with our girls, which for now is...no social media. Simple, right? My personal feeling is that social media should also have age requirements. We limit when people can drink, vote and marry, all because they are not mature enough at younger ages to handle the emotional issues and responsibilities that come with those privileges. When an adult posts on social media and receives several positive comments, it makes them feel good. When someone disagrees with the post, they are instantly in a public argument pulling people in from all sides. This may be fine for an adult, however, when you involve children and teens whose emotions and logic are not fully developed, you have a disaster in the making. Social media has turned bullying up to a whole new level. This is why it is incredibly important we not only monitor our children’s emotions (and devices… and accounts), but make sure we are giving them life tools. That they know how to treat people; that they realize there will always be people who aren’t like them, but to treat everyone with kindness, respect and compassion. The best way for anyone to learn compassion and respect for others is to help those in need. November is National Volunteer Month and a great time to volunteer as a family. Volunteering with your kids can be more difficult because you have to coordinate various schedules, passions, etc. However, it is worth every bit of time and effort it takes. Cindy Hudson has some helpful tips in her article, Overcome These Obstacles and

The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Gayla Grace Laura Handey Cindy Hudson Linda Pierce Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Erin Creel www.erincreelphotography.com President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com

Volunteer With Your Family.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this is the perfect time to help others and to reflect on all the blessings we have. However, for some families, Thanksgiving is the beginning of family feuds in trying to decide how the holidays will be celebrated. This can be especially difficult with blended families and stepfamilies. Five Tips for a Peaceful Stepfamily Holiday, by Gayla Grace, has some important points to keep in mind as you start planning your gatherings. While you are making plans, make sure you check out the Holiday Happenings Guide on page 68. This directory has a ton of fun activities to kick off the holiday season and is separate from the calendar of events, so make sure you check them both out. Also, don’t miss the Holiday Gift Guide, where you will find local gift ideas to help with your holiday shopping. Thank you for picking up your copy of Eastern Shore Parents magazine. We are truly thankful for all of our advertisers, for they are the ones who make it possible for us to provide the magazine free. We are also grateful for all the support we receive from our readers, community leaders, schools, and businesses that allow us to distribute copies. To all of you, thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lynn

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Tracie Calvert ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2013 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.

www.easternshoreparents.com

ource

on rse, nity. nity ss.

y by , r

in d. ne are view t of

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Give Appropriate Consequences to Improve Child’s Motivation Q:

Our 9-year-old son Bobby is very intelligent and capable of doing good work in school when he wants to, but he is generally just downright lazy. As a result, he makes mediocre grades and we have to monitor his homework to make sure he does it. Even then, 30 minutes of homework takes him a couple of hours, during which time he finds every possible way of dawdling. Believe it or not, despite his lazy ways, Bobby’s in the gifted program. He’s about to enter fourth grade and we’d like to nip his lack of motivation in the bud, if possible. By the way, a psychologist who tested him last year said Bobby’s only problem is laziness. What can we or his teacher do to get him to step up to his school responsibilities?

A: First, the fact that the school has identified your son as “gifted and talented” may be part of the problem. My finding is that a good number of children who’ve been so identified seem to feel that their mere participation in G&T programs entitles them to good grades no matter how much effort they put into their schoolwork. So they do just enough to get

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

by and no more. The further problem is that schools will not, generally speaking, lower the boom on these kids. Teachers continue giving them decent report card grades even though they don’t complete assignments or turn in work, do poorly on tests, and so on. And once a child’s been promoted to G&T status, demotion is virtually out of the question. These kids are smart all right. They’re smart enough to figure out that the only consequence of their lack of effort is that adults get upset. As things stand, your son has no reason to change his ways. The emotional burden of the problem is being borne by you. In effect, this is your problem, not his. For him to solve the problem—and he is the only person who can solve it—it has to belong to him. It has to upset him, not you. You, therefore, need to take the monkey off your back and put it on his. If the monkey causes him enough discomfort and distress, he will figure out a way to tame the monkey. On day one, send him to school with a folder full of daily report cards—half-sheets of paper on which you’ve printed “Bobby turned in all of his homework today, finished all of his classwork on time, and all of his work was B or better.” Underneath this goal statement are

printed Yes and No and the teacher’s name beside a place for her teacher’s signature. At the end of every school day, Bobby takes the DRC to his teacher, upon which she circles either Yes or No (Make sure you emphasize to her that it’s all or nothing) and signs her name. Bobby brings the card home. On a daily basis, at-home privileges—television, video game, outside play, having friends over, and regular bedtime) require a Yes. If he loses privileges more than once through the week, they are lost on the weekend as well. That means that on any given day, Bobby will be working for both a short-term and relatively long-term goal. Obviously, you should arrange all of this with his teacher in advance. This is an example of what I call the Agony Principle: Adults should not agonize over anything a child does or fails to do if the child is perfectly capable of agonizing over it himself. In other words, the person who experiences the emotional consequences of a problem will be motivated to solve the problem. If my experience in such matters holds true, Bobby will tame his monkey in a few weeks. At that point, however, for the improvement to “stick,” you and the teacher must continue to enforce the new system for at least three more months. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

www.easternshoreparents.com

e At he

he e

will

d ce.

e t erib-

r or

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

bits & pieces

St fe a tr

Bay Shore Ballet Academy Presents “The Nutcracker”

Dancers of the Bay Shore Ballet Theater, along with students of the Academy will be featured in the much anticipated holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” at the Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section Street, Fairhope. A special, full-length preview performance will be Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 PM with general admission ticket prices at $5. Performances on Saturday, December 14th at 7:30 PM and Sunday, December 15th at 3:00 PM, tickets will be priced at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under. Tickets for performances can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com , or in advance at The Coffee Loft, 503 N. Section St. in Fairhope, Page and Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, at the door prior to performances, or by calling the Bay Shore Ballet at 251-9909744. For reserved seating, calling Trin Ollinger at (251) 583-3875. Teachers interested in bringing school classes to a special condensed version of the ballet on Friday, December 13th, or to have a dancer visit their class, should contact Vicki O’Neill at vkoneill1@aol.com.

“Alice in Wonderland” Comes to Fairhope

Children's Dance Theatre of Fairhope will present “Alice In Wonderland” at the Fairhope Civic Center at 4:30 PM on Sunday, November 17th, and to area school children on November 18th and 19th, at 9:30 AM and again at 12:30 PM. This dance interpretation of Lewis Carroll's classic story will delight children of all ages in a one hour magical performance. Last performed in 2007, “Alice in Wonderland” has been reworked with new scenery, the magic of aerial silks and fabulous new Hip Hop choreography. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $4 for students and are available on November 1st at the Creative Outlet Dance Center, or at the door on the day of the show. Photo by Brock Larsen.

Free Navigating Dyslexia Workshop

Mayor Sam Jones signed the Dyslexia Proclamation for Dyslexia Awareness Month. This proclaims Dyslexia to be a Specific Learning Disability that affects 10-20 percent of the population. The proclamation calls for increased awareness so that all individuals living with Dyslexia in Alabama are identified and provided appropriate services so that they might lead maximally productive lives. Sylvia Muller, M.Ed., Education Consultant and mother of a child with dyslexia, will present a FREE introductory session for parents and caregivers dealing with dyslexia. Helping Your Child Sail the Seas: Guide your child to achieve success in life will be held Tuesday, November 19th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Read-Write Learning Center, 5472 Old Shell Road, Mobile. To register visit dyslexiaspecialists.net or call 251-287-1822.

Couch to 5K Training for Women

Ladies, have you ever wanted to run a 5k? Never run before or trying to get back into shape? Now is your chance to train in a non-intimidating friendly atmosphere of just ladies! The Sole2Soul Sisters will begin a new Couch to 5k program on Sunday, December 8th. Groups will start at 4:00 PM at the Daphne High School Track and at the Spanish Fort High School Track. All you have to do is show up and be ready to walk/run. No running experience needed at all and this training is absolutely free. Contact sole2soulsisters@yahoo.com for more information or visit www.sole2soulsisters.com.

March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Campaign

Participation is easy. Appoint a Blue Jeans for Babies coordinator in your office. They will invite all of your employees to purchase a T-shirt or a Beanie Baby. Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts are available in the colors of your favorite college team or the March of Dimes colors. Then wear your shirt for Prematurity Awareness Day on Friday, November 15th with your favorite pair of jeans! Proceeds from shirt sales allow the March of Dimes to fund life-saving research and programs that help all moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies. T-shirts start at $15, Beanie Babies $10. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorship is another great way to market your company on March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts and printed materials. For more information, contact Riley McDuff at the March of Dimes Chapter Office at (251) 345-6480 or by email at emcduff@marchofdimes.com. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

b f

T e M

Ch fo

th 2 Mo Ru b

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to Host Festival of Nativities

, be nd 0a ct

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Daphne, will host its fifth annual Festival of Nativities to usher in the Christmas season. This special exhibit feature over 400 nativity handcrafted masterpieces designed and constructed with mediums such as clay, glass, hay, paper, porcelain, and wood, as well as other, more exotic materials, like abalone shells, alabaster, balsa wood, and bamboo, representing religions and traditions from countries all over the world. The exhibit will be held in the church’s Life Center, located at 28788 North Main Street in Daphne. This special Christmas season tradition will open to the community daily as follows: Friday, December 13 (10 AM – 4 PM); Saturday, December 14 (10 AM – 4 PM); Sunday, December 15 (10 AM – 4 PM). No admission will be charged and refreshments will be available. The exhibit is especially child-friendly, with a crèche play area, puzzles, books and crafts offered – all especially designed for students aged four years and up. For more information or to schedule group/school tours, call the church office at 251.626.2421, email debbiequinn@bellsouth.net, or visit www.stpaulseasternshore.com.

Turkey Trot for Hope…Not your Typical Thanksgiving Day Tradition

The Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble is more than a race, it’s an experience. Join us on November 28th for what is quickly becoming a Mobile tradition. It’s an opportunity to give thanks by giving back to a great cause, Camp Rap-A-Hope. Children facing cancer are able to experience a week of "just being a kid" for FREE. In addition, children and their families are able to participate in a variety of activities throughout the year that include deep sea fishing, fall family fun days and sporting events. Camp is only possible through the generosity of sponsors, the dedication of volunteers and through fundraisers like the Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble. The 2013 Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble will be held in Downtown Mobile at Spanish Plaza. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and Gobble Wobble Fun Run at 9 a.m. Participants can pre-register for the 2013 Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble online at www.turkeytrotforhope.com, by mail to Camp Rap-A-Hope (entries must be postmarked by November 21st, or in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-n-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope (until noon on November 26th) and online through eventbrite (until noon November 26th). For more information visit www.turkeytrotforhope.com.

y ma

ers 30

of ch

at is nce m.

r h

ny or

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

bits & pieces Cocktails for the Coast and Fresh Oysters!

The 2013 Cocktails for the Coast event will take place on Thursday, November 14, celebrating 20 years of environmental stewardship and education. We are pleased to have Chief of Staff David Perry as the keynote speaker. He is involved with Governor Bentley's office on the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, the council created to distribute RESTORE Act funds as they become available to the State of Alabama. Also that night, as part of our menu, we are glad to present you with fresh oysters shucked from the Mobile Oyster Company! The 2013 Cocktails for the Coast event will be at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. We ask that you contribute $50 for your attendance. All proceeds from this event benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation's habitat restoration and environmental education programs. You may reserve your attendance by visiting our website, www.joinacf.org.

Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market Now Open for Fall Season

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market offers locally-grown products, in-season vegetables such as sweet corn, eggplants, greens, turnips, kale, satsumas, pears, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, peanuts and more. Fresh meats, organic beef, pork, specialty sausages, seafood including shrimp crabmeat and oysters are of excellent quality. Baked goods, flowers and local honey are available as well. The first season will run until Thanksgiving. The large, comfortable, covered facility is open year-round rain or shine. Open Tuesdays & Fridays 2-6 PM; and Saturdays 8 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 PM. For more information or to become a local vendor, visit www.coastalalabamamarket.com, call 251-597-5557 or emailmktmgrfoley@gmail.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

av 6 Sp Si a Gir b sto r

www.easternshoreparents.com

29th Annual Award-Winning Christmas Jubilee

Junior League of Mobile’s 29th annual Christmas Jubilee Holiday Market will run from Nov. 14-16, at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, featuring more than 100 merchants from around the country. Advance tickets are available for $8 online at www.juniorleaguemobile.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10, children 6-12 are $3, 5 and under are free. Senior, College Student, and Military tickets are discounted to $6 with ID. Special events include: • Preview Gala & Silent Auction, featuring celebrated Chef Georgia Roussos, desserts by Simply Sweets and live music by Perfect Image, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7 – 10 p.m. • VIP Shopping is a strollerand crowd-free shopping event with breakfast and morning cocktails, Thursday, Nov. 14 8:30 -10:30 a.m. • Girls’ Night Out private shopping event with a fashion show, great food from a variety of local restaurants, open bar and more on Friday, Nov. 15, 6 – 8 p.m. • Santa Breakfast & Lunch offers Chick-fil-A, cookie decorating, story-telling and Santa! Saturday, Nov. 16 three seatings - 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. • Hall of Wreaths Auction runs throughout the event. • Author’s Corner offers local and regional authors signing books throughout the market. • Special entertainment from local choirs and dance studios will be on stage throughout market. Thursday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information please call 251.471.3348 or visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

DECEMBER EVENTS Breakfast with Santa Cow* December 7, 9am or 10am Join us for breakfast, pictures, and crafts with Santa Cow and Elf Cow. Please make your reservations on our website www.chick-fil-a.com/daphne for a 9:00am or 10:00am seating.

T u E S d Ay

ve . al

S AT u r d Ay

The University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital nearly doubled its size as it dedicated a new, 195,000-square-foot expansion in September. The public was invited to attend the event, which featured a children’s choir of patients and former patients and testimonials from those who have been helped by the hospital. Tours of the hospital were available after the event. The $72.6 million expansion, funded by the USA Health System and the USA Foundation and private gifts, features more space for the hospital’s neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, additional operating rooms, and larger patient rooms to better accommodate visitors and families. Vital support services such as an enlarged cafeteria and kitchen, and professional teaching and community education space are also included in the five-level expansion. Two “family rooms” have been created by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile Inc. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital also hosted a Community Open House on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 – 5 p.m. sponsored by Hancock Bank. That public event included tours, refreshments, face-painting, music, and arts and crafts.

M o N .- S AT.

USA Children's & Women's Hospital Dedicates New Expansion

* SPECIAL

EVENT

Come ride the Arctic Express* December 10, 6-8pm Make your reservations on our website www.chick-fil-a.com/daphne for your golden ticket to board the Arctic Express! Join us for a showing of the movie “The Polar Express” beginning at 6:00pm.

Christmas Music* 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 Celebrate the Season through music! Check the calendar on our website www. chick-fil-a.com/daphne for the schedule of live Christmas music. Local artists will be performing each evening in December. Chick-fil-A daphne (251) 621-3215 • 1682 Us Highway 98 www.chick-fil-a.com/daphne © 2013 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A Stylized® and Chick-fil-A Kids & Design® are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

bits & pieces Oyster Cook-off Brings Together Celebrity Chefs

The 6th Annual Oyster Cook-Off will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 at The Hangout, located at 101 E. Beach Blvd. in Gulf Shores. Entry is free, and tasting tickets will be sold for $2 each or $30 for a book of 20 tickets. The official start time will be 11 a.m. In addition to oyster tastings, patrons can enjoy live music by Mulligan Brothers, Kristy Lee and Banditos on the WKRG stage, cooking demos on Dean McCraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Audi stage, the Absolut Bloody Mary Buffett with Zing Zang, football viewing lounges and oyster shucking contests. Kick off Oyster Cook-Off weekend with a pre-party at the Hangout Friday, Nov. 8 with The Mulligan Brothers from 7:30-9 p.m. and Banditos from 9:30-11 p.m.

Baldwin County Music Teachers' Association Students of the Month

The following students of BCMTA teachers are named Students of the Month for September 2013. Students are recognized for demonstrating strong and consistent weekly progress, well-prepared lessons, displaying a good attitude during lessons and a willingness to share their time and talents with family, friends, and in community service. First Grade: Rusty Cowles, Christ the King Catholic; Sophia Robichaux, Christ the King Catholic; and Mary Grace Sebastian, Spanish Fort Elementary. Second Grade: Starla Ou, Bayside Academy. Third Grade: Elizabeth Chen, Bayside Academy; Audrey Coker, homeschooled; Marguerite Cowles, Christ the King Catholic; Katie Hagood, Fairhope Elementary; Jodi Johnson, Central Christian, Robertsdale; Albert Le, Rockwell; Blake Smith, Spanish Fort Elementary; Lydia Van Cleave, homeschooled; Emmalyn Vander Wal, Fairhope Elementary; and Parker Vittitow, Fairhope Elementary. Fourth Grade: Grady Taylor, Spanish Fort Elementary. Fifth Grade: CJ Bockhold, Rockwell; Edward Cowles, Christ the King Catholic; Cheyenne Fulford, Summerdale; Hannah Lee, Rockwell; Olivia Lee, Rockwell; and Jack Mitchell, St. Paul's Episcopal, Mobile. Sixth Grade: Gillian Benson, Spanish Fort Middle; Abrielle Le, Spanish Fort Middle; Yuki Ou, Bayside Academy; and Nathan Vincent, homeschooled. Seventh Grade: None Listed. Eighth Grade: Elizabeth Sebastian, Spanish Fort Middle; Hayley Shaul, Daphne Middle; and Zachary Vincent, homeschooled. Ninth Grade: Steve Chen, Bayside Academy; Ben Cockrell, homeschooled; Levi Everson, Spanish Fort High; Devin Van Cleave, homeschooled; and John Paul Williams, Spanish Fort High. Tenth Grade: Merritt Cayson, Spanish Fort High. Twelfth Grade: Sarah Hale, Fairhope High; and Collin Rishell, Spanish Fort High.

Have your Birthday Party with me at Alligator Alley!

Feed an alligator! Call for details.

See over 300 alligators up close! Nature walk on elevated boardwalk. View alligator feedings. Field Trips/Birthday Parties available. Fun for the entire family!

www.gatoralleyfarm.com 19950 Hwy 71 â&#x20AC;˘ Summerdale, AL Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

1-866-99-GATOR 10

Safe for kids! OPEN 6 Days A Week 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. www.easternshoreparents.com

T c In fo M

Ch g h "T a

d h ty

, n, r

d e

The Baldwin County Youth Orchestra Announces Christmas Concert Schedule

On December 3rd, at 10 AM and 7 PM, the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra will ring in the holiday season at the Daphne Civic Center as IMPACT Children’s Theatre Group presents the original holiday musical “Tiramisu, with a Touch of Christmas”. The play, complete with holiday music, demonstrates the true meaning of Christmas in a story based in a 50’s era diner on Christmas Eve. The orchestra’s annual Christmas Concert will be held on December 9th and will include the organization’s beginning strings and band classes, adult strings, youth strings, wind ensemble and their premier advanced youth orchestra. The Youth Orchestra currently includes string and band students from 8 different Baldwin County Schools as well as some private and homeschool students. Both concerts are free to the public, however donations will be welcome as well as new toys for the Toys for Tots program. More information is available at the organizations website, bcyorchestra.com or by email, bcyorchestra@gmail.com.

Junior Auxiliary Makes a Difference in Lives of Local Children

The Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore is a non-profit Christian organization that has been created to help children through programs in our community. Some of our programs include: working with Exceptional Foundation, "Crown of Character," "You..for Real," and Thomas Hospital. In 2012-2013, Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore helped plan a Halloween Party and Mardi Gras for the Exceptional Foundation. Due to the success of this new project, JAES proudly received the Martha Wise award at the National Junior Auxiliary Convention. The JAES Provisional Class of 2012 also implemented a new Character Recognition program called "Crown of Character." Character Awards were given to Fifth Grade students who displayed the characteristics of the JA Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership, and Service. "You..for Real" was an educational day for 6th grade girls planned to promote health, wellness, fitness, self esteem and internet safety. Junior Auxiliary has also been involved with the Children's wing at Thomas Hospital for several years, creating the "Tack Room" as well as a Child Life cart for pediatric patients. Fund raising efforts for JAES include a Fern Sale in the spring and Mr. Jubilee, a "womanless beauty" pageant. Our motto, "Care today... Character tomorrow" states our emphasis on enhancing the lives of children. We are always looking for new members who have a serving heart. If you are interested in being a part of our organization, please call or contact us (251) 210-8849 or jaesforkids@gmail.com.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

bits & pieces Bay Minette Issues Proclamation for “International Alpha Delta Kappa Month”

The City of Bay Minette recognized the outstanding work of female educators by observing October as “International Alpha Delta Kappa Month”. The City Council presented the proclamation to members of the Gamma Gamma Chapter which represents the north Baldwin area. The local chapter formed 14 years ago and sponsors several community service projects including work with CARE House and the North Baldwin Infirmary Maternity Ward. The group also sponsors the “Taste of ADK” fundraiser and uses the proceeds to provide scholarships to graduates of Baldwin County High School who are pursuing a degree in teaching. To date, the Gamma Gamma chapter has awarded 30 scholarships to BCHS students. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. Its purpose is to give recognition to outstanding women educators; to build a fraternal fellowship among women in the field of education which will add to their effectiveness in the promotion of excellence in education; to promote high standards of education and thereby strengthen the status and advancement of the education profession; to promote educational and charitable projects and activities, to sponsor scholarships, to further and maintain worthy standards in the field of education and to cooperate with worthy community programs relating to education and charities; and to contribute to world understanding, goodwill, and peace through an international fellowship of women educators united in the ideals of education. Pictured, Mayor Robert A. “Bob” Wills presented the proclamation to Gamma Gamma Chapter members, from left, Mary Blackmon, Tiz Day, Mary Grabill, Alana Urban, PulmAssoc PurpFlwr ad 9/5/13 10:36 PageBecky 1 Myra AM Schram, Clemmons and Charlene Steedley.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

n L th

he f lo

O b tic

a on he d th . es

o to e, p e al d ll, ” n,

Turkey Take Out to Feed Local Families Thanksgiving Meal

The Fourth Annual Turkey Take Out is gearing up to feed an estimated 1000 people this year, many of whom are the families of students at Foley Elementary School and the Foley feeder schools such as Magnolia Springs, Swift, Summerdale and Elberta. Turkey Take Out is a community partnership of community churches and organizations with Foley Elementary School that began after local pastoral leaders and active community citizens learned of the severe need of many of the school’s students. “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 the pantries of those in need. Turkey Take Out is calling on everyone to collect non-perishable food items and deliver to the following locations: Foley Elementary School (before Friday, Nov. 22), Christian Life Church Foley, Liberty Church Foley, St. Paul’s Episcopal Foley and Columbia Southern University. Turkey Take Out is in need of donations to buy the food for the Thanksgiving meal. $30 feeds a family of four. Donations can be made directly to Foley Elementary School or to any of the churches listed above. Also, volunteers are still needed for the preparation of food, organization of non-perishable foods, packaging and delivery. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can go to the Turkey Take Out website at www.turkeytakeout.com. For more info contact Dr. William Lawrence, Foley Elementary School.

Taste of the Islands Coming in December

The Mystical Order of Mirams are proud to announce the 6th Annual “Taste of the Islands" to be held on Friday, December 6, 2013. This year our culinary extravaganza will host over 35 restaurants from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surrounding areas. The Wharf Conference Center will be the location for this holiday gala, which will consist of food sampling, all-inclusive cocktails and musical entertainment by Modern Eldorados. Our charities of choice are Toys for Tots and Orange Beach Fire and Rescue Ladies Auxiliary. Please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit local children in need. Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase tickets or a table online, please visit www.mirams.info. Tickets can also be purchased at Wildflowers Boutique & Life’s A Canvas-Orange Beach and Too Hot Mamas- Gulf Shores. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Debunking Old Wives’ Tales Anyone who has ever had a baby knows that other people LOVE to give you their opinion on how to raise YOUR child. It can come from anyone—family members, friends, co-workers, and oftentimes, strangers in the store. Of course, if you get ten different opinions, what do you get? Ten different answers! At the end of the day, no one has bad intentions for raising your child, but indirectly, they can lead to confusion, stress, and sometimes can actually cause harm! The statement “we did it when you were little and you are fine” doesn’t cut it. Just because you specifically turned out okay doesn’t mean it was right. Today let’s review some common wives’ tales and how to really address those issues with your child. The most common confusion is with fever. Fever phobia is perpetuated by old wives’ tales stating that fever will cause brain damage and serious injury to your child. Of course this is false. Fever is our body’s way of letting us know there is an infection and it actually helps fight off that infection. A true fever is anything equal or greater than 100.4 F. Anything less is NOT fever. There is no such thing as a low-grade fever! You either have a temperature of 100.4 F or greater, or not! You cannot tell a child’s temperature by touching their forehead. In addition, never “add a degree” to a temperature if it’s taken

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

under the arm. This myth has been spread by daycares and some healthcare workers and makes no sense! Take the temp and see what you have. Finally, never alternate fever-reducing medications to lower the child’s temperature. This can be extremely dangerous. Pick one and use it appropriately. In the end, it does not matter what the actual temperature value is! You either have a fever, or you don’t! What is most important is what other symptoms are going on with the fever. Okay, fever is now clear. So what else is out there? I get asked all the time about frequency of bathing a newborn. For the most part, they only have to be bathed every few days. However, if it’s part of a working nighttime routine, then go for it! No right or wrong here—whatever you want to do! Another is bouncing or standing a baby on their legs that will lead to “bow-leggedness!” This is false, so bounce away! And what about picking up your baby every time they cry? “You will spoil them!” Again, this is false. Babies less than four months of age have limited self-soothing techniques. So, pick them up! It’s OK! Finally, if your child will have more than five minutes of direct sun exposure, then put sunscreen on them. It’s better to have a rash from sunscreen than to have a sunburned baby.

Last, but not least is feeding. First of all, we never recommend water for any babies less than six months of age. It can really mess up the electrolytes in an infant’s blood stream and can lead to seizures. Next, if your baby is on formula, it is NOT OK to start trying all the different types because your child was crying, or gassy, or spitting up. Most of these issues can be resolved with other methods. But each time you change a formula, it can take a week to get used to it! So each frequent change will never work. Some babies need different formula types, but these changes should be made with consulting your doctor. Finally, giving rice cereal will not help a baby sleep through the night and when you give it, never put rice cereal in a bottle. So what do you do when someone give you advice? Smile, be polite and say thank you, and then call your doctor. Most times, it’s a simple yes or no and that can make all the difference! Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.

www.easternshoreparents.com

ess m is he g, s

r. y it,

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e

at he

Real Train Ride to the North Pole!

Meet SANTA and get a FREE

UAL ANN h t 9

! board ll A

Wooden Train or Train Whistle!

NOV. 29th thru DEC. 24th, Fridays 4 till 9PM Saturdays & Sundays 3 till 9PM

BEGINNING DEC. 16th (thru Dec. 24th) OPEN DAILY 4 till 9PM

$12 PER PERSON (plus tax)

13 months & under FREE

FREE!!

Inflatable Bouncer North Pole Santa Visit & Toy (with paid admission) Crafts Refreshments: Hot Cocoa, Cookie & Candy Cane!

Also... (slight fee)

Miniature Train Ride Authentic Steam Train Ride

Petting Zoo, Snowball Cannon, Pony Rides, Cafe & Gift Shop!

1,000,000 + lights!

WALES WEST LIGHT RAILWAY 13670 Smiley St.

County Road 9 near Silverhill (outside of Fairhope)

888-569-5337

1.2 miles south of Co. Rd. 48, or 2.5 miles north of Co. Rd. 32

WalesWest.com

It is the policy of Wales West LLC not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids, or against any individual because of his or her relationship with a person with a disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids. Wales West LLC will not exclude any individual with a disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids, from the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, facilities or accommodations. The Wales West ADA Compliance Official Mr. Ken Zadnichek, Jr. may be reached at (888) 569-5337 or email him at compliance@waleswest.com 15

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools Recycling at Daphne Elementary Rockwell 5th Grader Selected School for Red Ribbon Leadership Lizzie Stewart and Emily Award Ammons lend a hand in

Congratulations to Alex Hodges, a fifth grader at Rockwell Elementary. He was selected by Mr. Owen to represent Rockwell for the 2013 Red Ribbon Leadership Award, which was held October 9th at the Mobile Convention Center. Alex was selected because he exemplifies the six pillars of Character promoted by the national Character Counts initiative and the Drug Education Council. Pictured are Mr. Owen, Alex, and his mom, Angela Hodges.

recycling at DES. Recycling demonstrates responsibility while taking care of our environment. These two peer leaders display many strong character traits on a daily basis at Daphne Elementary School. Good job girls!

S at

Re a m bra c

s c C st ho ha

Band Jamboree Showcases Baldwin County Talent

Hundreds of musicians, dancers and flag corps members converged on Robertsdale High School for the annual Band Jamboree on October 1. Sponsored by Baldwin County Public Schools, the jamboree was held at the RHS football stadium. The marching bands from all seven public high schools participated and the evening was capped off by an exhibition performance by the University of South Alabama Jaguars.

Silverhill Elementary October Students of the Month

t m

Silverhill Elementary School students are being honored for showing responsibility! Pictured are Sam Wilder, Jackson Burroughs, Tyler Casaday, Cadence Peturis, Perrie Johnson, Brandon Lopez, Tristan Allen, Alyssa Moorer, Maggie McNeil, Bella Romine, Nate Lochrico, Marley Charles, Cassandra Burns, Hannah Harrison, Reagan Ladd, Julianna Sells, Michaela Sharp, Hannah Geri, Dylan Burns, Reagan Byrd and Isaac Godfrey. Not pictured, Wesley Quick.

FMS Yearbook Staff

The Fairhope Middle School yearbook staff has begun work on their publication for the 2013-2014 school year. Under the direction of Jennifer Salley, yearbook sponsor, the students are busy capturing the spirit of the school through photographs. Pictured, in no particular order, are members of the staff: Sloan Bryant, Caroline Davis, Payton Fulkerson, Emaline KayerSolomon, Amelia McConnell, Calla McKenzie, Jonah Medeiros, Saige Peacock, Jessa Rohm, Julie Sterndorf, Worth Willis, Sadie Wright, and Savannah Yokel. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

w r: w

x r y.

t 3 p d ile x he rs d er re

5th Grade Students on the Ball at Robertsdale Elementary

Students in Sandy Lowery’s fifth grade class at Robertsdale Elementary have replaced their traditional desk chairs with exercise balls. Research has shown that the ability to move around more while sitting makes students more attentive. Being in motion allows their brains to be engaged. That's where ball chairs come in. In response to the ball's instability and in order to remain balanced while sitting on one, the body instinctively - and continually - engages core muscle groups. Constant movement is required in order to stay seated on the ball. And that movement, however slight, helps students focus. Pictured hard at work in Mrs. Lowery’s class are Ron Hall, Carly Zoll, and Emory Page.

n r-

THEIR BEST?

GET YOUR VITAMINS FROM THE BEST! mediStat Pharmacy—your everyday health and

wellness resource —provides nutritional and mineral base supplements, vitamins, body care, sports nutrition and much more. Not sure where to start? Take advantage of our private consulting and educational programs. Visit us today and learn about our custom made for you approach to your nutritional wellness.

Like us on Facebook! Or visit us on the web at mediStat.com

WANT TO HELP YOUR FAMILY LOOK AND FEEL

Childhood Cancer Awareness Week at Gulf Shores Elementary

Gulf Shores Elementary School is helping to bring awareness to childhood cancer. In memory of Jensen Byrd, a former student and the sister to current student Jayden, the school held an awareness week that included a poster contest, bracelet sales and collecting change for the Jensen Byrd Heart of Gold fund. For more information, please visit www.jensensheartofgold.com. Pictured l to r: Melissa Byrd, Jensen and Jayden’s mom, with Downing Sweat presenting his poster to Mrs. Byrd.

110 E. Azalea Ave • Foley, AL 36535 (855) 737.2550 2550

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Six

Autauga CountyMiddle Schools School Brings Home Gulf Shores 28 Art Ribbons

Gulf Shores Middle School is proud to announce that 28 GSMS students brought back ribbons from the 2013 Baldwin County Fair Art Contests. Congratulations to these young and talented artists! Ms.Scofield, the art teacher, is extremely honored to work with such dedicated students. Congratulations to: First place: Luke Ball, Joshua Cooper and Levi Martin; Second place: Linley King, Cheyenne Sparks, Kattie Martinez, Drake Warren, Elvia Quintero-Pena, and Galdino Vidales; Third place: Trevan Fitts; and Honorable Mention: Luna Ledlow, Brittney McKenzie, Sophie Rodriguez, Gabrielle Reavis, Savana Maxted, Maddie Scarbrough, Ivy Smith, Emme Hurst, Mackenzie Rowland, Sarah Baker, Sam McIntosh, Taryn Goodwin, Adam Callaghan, Morgan Lollar, Lilliana Betz, James David Adams, Chandler Wells and Francis Clark.

ab o r ty

fo a ci T

M a t

Fairhope Elementary Students Walk to School

Students from Fairhope Elementary are not only getting fit by walking to school, but they are also showing their "Patriotism " by carrying their flags! Each morning our excited little walkers meet and begin their .8 mile walk to school! We love our little Neighborhood Walking School Bus!

T b pr t th

On t R

Fo dis & Ho

H Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

s. y s;

Mayor Kant Visits Fairhope Intermediate to Discuss Severe Weather Preparedness

Sixth grade students from Fairhope Intermediate School interviewed Mayor Kant on Wednesday, October 16, about Fairhope's preparation for a severe storm as a part of their challenge-based learning project. The project required all sixth grade students to research different types of severe weather. Then they surveyed Fairhope citizens in order to find out what they do to prepare for a storm. Next, students conducted interviews with a person of authority in Fairhope to find out what the citizens of Fairhope should do if a severe storm strikes. These students pictured were chosen to interview our mayor. Front row, left to right: Travis Stallworth, Nolan Myers, Mayor Kant, Elise Bowab, Gracie Grimes; Back row, left to right: Jon-Grayson Kerr, Bailey Brewer, Madeline Myrick, Quron Hill, Mica Plamer, Kendall Street, Tyler Peacock, Davis Brasfield, Brackin Bankston, Mary Elizabeth Chambliss, and Sarah Denham, 6th grade social studies and science teacher. Students will analyze the data from their surveys and interviews to answer the essential question: What can the citizens of Fairhope do to improve their preparation for a major storm? Finally, the students will create a website to display their findings. Fairhope Intermediate School is going digital!

Bay Minette Students Help Clean Alabama’s Coast

Bay Minette Middle School students received a hands-on environmental lesson while taking part in the 26th annual Alabama Coastal Clean-up. More than 5,000 people took part in the effort at area waterways. BMMS science teachers Karin Ralston and Jennifer Jones and 21 students helped clean up debris at Steadman’s Landing, about a mile north of the Fairhope Pier. Ralston said the clean-up effort was an eye-opener for the students on the dangers of littering. “We picked up electrical wire, aluminum beverage cans, styrofoam cups, and all sorts of random plastic and glass pieces. I hope the students we take get a better understanding of where the trash we discard ends up and how it pollutes our environment,” Ralston said. “If we don't do something now, they will have a much bigger problem on their hands in a few years.” Along with debris, Ralston said they also found a fair amount of dead fish and wildlife. “The fish and stingrays we found were all dead washed up on shore. We threw the dead animals back into the water to decompose and return the nutrients back to the earth.” Jones said it’s important to expose students to this annual activity to help raise awareness of the serious issue. “If we take them to clean up debris and trash along the beaches it will hopefully make them think twice about throwing trash on the ground or out a car window. We hope this will also help them become environmental stewards and share the message with their family and friends,” Jones said.

Gulf Shores High School Rallies Community Support

Car crashes are the number one killer of teens, according to the Center for Disease Control, and their first year on the road as a new driver is the most dangerous. To combat this trend, State Farm has launched a “Celebrate My Drive” initiative to be held during National Teen Driver Safety Week October 18 th – 26 th in order to promote safe driving behaviors. State Farm will be awarding $3.25 million in grants to 100 participating high schools and a chance to win a concert by Kelly Clarkson through an online campaign. Ultimately, the schools with the most online safe driving commitments at CelebrateMyDrive.com will win. On a local level, Gulf Shores High School has rallied area businesses and city officials to help promote this event within the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach communities. Representatives from Gulf Shores High School, Frances Holk-Jones/State Farm, the City of Orange Beach, the City of Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Baldwin Education Foundation, the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (CVB), J Devine, and local Parent Teacher Student Organizations recently met to discuss the Celebrate My Drive contest and to devise a strategic plan. Marcus Early, Gulf Shores High School Driver Education Instructor & Celebrate My Drive Coordinator, stated, “Our school is in desperate need of new driving simulators for our driver education students. However, they will cost close to $75,000. If Gulf Shores High School can win the first place prize of $100,000 in this campaign, it would completely pay for the simulators, plus leave extra funds to be used throughout the school.” For more information on Celebrate My Drive, visit CelebrateMyDrive.com. For more information on the local initiative at Gulf Shores High School, contact Marcus Early at Mearly@bcbe.org. The Gulf Shores High School National Teen Driver Safety Week activities are sponsored by Frances Holk-Jones State Farm, Little Bitty’s Towing, J Devine, Design.Print.Promote., and Sunny 105.7. 19

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Spanish Fort/Daphne High School Choir to Perform at Disney Candlelight Christmas

The Spanish Fort/Daphne High School Advanced Choir – El Coro will perform with other choirs from around the United States at the 2013 Disney Candlelight Christmas Processional. El Coro auditioned for the honor and was chosen from a large field of competitors. They will represent Baldwin County and their schools in December at this prestigious event.

Author Watt Key Visits Spanish Fort High School Class

Dr. Amanda Keesee's 4th block class hosted author, Watt Key, in the Spanish Fort High School Library on Wednesday, October 4. After completing a book study of “Dirt Road Home”, the students were thrilled to invite the author to come talk with the class. Watt Key talked with the students and answered questions they had from the readings. He also shared the writing process and autographed books at the end of the session. It was a great time well spent with an author! Watt Key also wrote the popular, “Alabama Moon”. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Amanda Keesee, Torrance Taylor, Britton Powell, Christian Schnoes, Author Watt Key, Hunter Baker, Aaron Hughes, Hayden Vinson, and Library Media Specialist, Melissa Murphy.

M re a

E by C t

S to du T T

t e su H

fac c

s t

gr 19 at th Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

We still have plenty of Bouncing Sliding Flipping Jumping

FUN!

l d al. ge nd

Do you miss Summer? NO PROBLEM!

Clark-Shaw Robotics Team Named Best Rookie Team at Competition

Have the best birthday party EVER! Parties are better at the

House of2500Bounce! square foot

Clark-Shaw Magnet School participated in the BEST Robotics competition at the Mitchell Center on October 5. They proudly received the J.L. Bedsole BEST Rookie Team award for earning the highest overall score of all the rookie teams participating. You can learn more about the team at www. Eagle-Tech.weebly.com, a website designed by one of our team members, Aidan Brooks. Congratulations to the Eagle-Tech team and their sponsors Mrs. Nicole MacDougall and Mrs. Ashley Daigle!

air-conditioned indoor playground!

Obstacle Course Giant Drop Slide Inflatables Plenty of Seating

Fairhope High School Senior Creates Commercial for Football Game Senior, Mary Grace Bedwell was selected to create a commercial that will air on UTV 44 during the Fairhope v. Daphne football game. The commercial’s theme is “Our Town, Our Team”. Bedwell filmed scenes that display the excitement that surrounds Fairhope High School such as students, faculty and parents cheering during a pep rally; the football team stampeding onto the field before a game; the graduating class of 1958; current students showing their support at a football game, etc. Bedwell organized all these images in an interesting sliding frame presentation.

Perfect for parties and special events!

Call today to reserve your party in the new headquarters for kids on the Gulf Coast!

906 Gulf Shores Pkwy • Gulf Shores, AL • 251.948.2106 (Hwy 59 S.)

watervilleusa.com We will teach your child to be stronger, “bully-proof”, more confident, & better prepared ED T I UNATES to face the challenges of life! T

D TAEKWON

Master Kim

E FRE l i Tr a s s a l C

Classes start at $89/mo. DAPHNE 621-9933

“Pay As You Go”- No Contracts

BAY MINETTE 232-7598

Family Discount

SEMMES 786-5425

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Spanish Fort Middle School Cross-Country Teams Place First

The Spanish Fort Middle School crosscountry team took first place in both the girls and boys divisions at the county championships at J. Larry Newton on October 15. Carissa Jones finished first overall in the county with a time of 15:12. Joining the All-County team were Caroline Vegas (3rd place) , Olivia Smith (5) , Julia Johnson (9) Anderson Copeland (10) and Savannah Morgan (21). The top finishers for the boys were Judson Taylor (4th place), Bretton De Jong (5), Conner Moore (6), Shawn Clower (8), and Gavin Clausman (13). The boys, pictured: Jackson Chamberlain, Jackson Clark, Gavin Clausman, Sean Clower, Conner Crum, Nate Davis, Bretton De Jong, Mark Garofano, Jacob Green, Bradley Inlaw, Conner Moore, Hunter Swindle, Judson Taylor, Hunter Williams. The girls are Anderson Copeland, Grace Hollingsworth, Julia Johnson, Carissa Jones, Olivia Martindale, Savannah Morgan, Lily Morris, Olivia Quimby, Olivia Smith, Tatum Smith and Caroline Vegas.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

t 2. ne ia

or er n

, er

a y h,

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County SchoolsBayside Academy’s

Senior Convocation

Bayside Academy held its Senior Convocation on September 24 in the Pilot Center Theatre. Bayside seniors and their parents attended this traditional formal assembly publicly recognizing the seniors. According to Head of School Peter B. Huestis, “Convocation is a wonderful tradition at Bayside Academy, and it was a privilege for me to be involved this year. At Convocation, we take time to home our senior class, encourage them to be leaders, and share a small gift of appreciation with each student. We were pleased to have Ms . Mildred Johnson, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, speak to our community as part of the celebration.”

bu in

Silverhill Elementary School/ Red Ribbon Leadership Award

The Drug Education Council’s Red Ribbon Leadership award is given to one student from each public, private and parochial school in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Blakeley Laird has been chosen to represent Silverhill Elementary school because of her commitment to service and a drugfree lifestyle. She will help lead the substance abuse prevention effort throughout the school year. Congratulations Blakeley!

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

of ed

Foley HS Students Visit Medistat for Lesson on Entrepreneurship

On October 1, students from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) at Foley High School left the classroom and headed out to mediStat Specialized Pharmacy Services in Foley to learn what it takes to successfully launch and run a business. Pharmacist Liz Staton, RPh and mediStatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Marketing Rachel Kaiser led the students on a behind-the-scenes tour of the compounding pharmacyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facility and operations, and owners Mark Acker and Tim Fickling engaged in the students in an enlightening discussion about how the company began and steps taken to achieve their current success. For close to a decade, mediStat has provided compounding pharmacy services to thousands of patients and physicians. In 2012, mediStat opened the state-of-theart pharmaceutical compounding facility, retail pharmacy and corporate office in Foley. MediStat currently offers more than 2,000 compounded medications to customers throughout the Southeast. YEA! is a groundbreaking program, developed at the University of Rochester in New York, that teaches students from all walks of life how to become successful business owners. In addition to lessons inside the classroom, YEA! introduces students to all types of areas of business through field trips and guest lectures, and by introducing them to business mentors. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy at Foley High School is a program of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. A member of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, mediStat is among many local businesses providing corporate support for the program. To volunteer as a business mentor or for more information, contact Mary Riker at 251-943-5520. Pictured, mediStat pharmacist Liz Staton, RPh leads FHS Young Entrepreneurs Academy students on tour of Foley facility.

Dyslexia Awareness in Fairhope

Mayor Tim Kant signed the Dyslexia Proclamation for Dyslexia Awareness Month. This proclaims Dyslexia to be a Specific Learning Disability that affects 10-20 percent of the population. The proclamation calls for increased awareness so that all individuals living with Dyslexia in Alabama are identified and provided appropriate services so that they might lead maximally-productive lives. Pictured here is Nola Cannon accepting the proclamation for the City of Fairhope.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County SchoolsStudent Government

Representatives at St. Benedict Catholic School

Ma to old w

Recently, the student government for Saint Benedict Catholic School were elected. Shown (from left to right) are Caroline Nickelson, Fourth Grade Representative, Megan Williams, Fifth Grade Representative, Eli Bryant, Treasurer, Michael Bingert, Sixth Grade Representative, Josie Madison, Vice President, Jada Laws, Seventh Grade Representative, and Elise Taylor, President. Congratulations!

FMS Announces Red Ribbon Committee

t e wit $ D wa b

The faculty at Fairhope Middle School recently selected 8th grade student, Wilson Bullington, as the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Ribbon leader for the 2013-2014 anti-drug campaign. Wilson and the other committee members were responsible for a school or community service project and Red Ribbon activities during the week of October 21st -25th. These students were chosen based on their outstanding leadership skills and exemplary behavior. Pictured, from left to right, Savannah Ryan, Cairo Plauche, Mackenzie Early, Bullington, Anna Claire Noblitt, Camille McGriff, and Forrest Caudill.

D a an

All he s

â&#x20AC;&#x153;W p A

pa o C s aw

kid sa th ch h c go D Ca mo w

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

a or,

11-Year Old Makes Jewelry to Benefit Family of Cancer Victim

Malorie Parker just wanted to do something to help the family of Carlin Davis, a 12-year old Bay Minette girl who had been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in August 2012. So in July, the 11year old began to make clay jewelry using the “Carlin’s Courage” design of an angel with wings. Malorie created earrings, necklaces, bracelets and key chains and sold each item for $7. Word spread about the young jewelry maker’s project and she eventually sold more than 65 pieces. Along with donations from individuals, Malorie raised $1,160 which she recently presented to the Davis family. William Davis said the family was very touched by the gesture, particularly because of Malorie’s age. “When it comes from a child, to me, it is from the heart,” Davis said. “Malorie knows so much already about life, which is a blessing. Her parents and grandparents should feel very proud. And I am proud for them all,” he said. Malorie is the daughter of Will Parker and Allison Harter of Bay Minette. Patsy Robinson, her “Gran Gran”, said Malorie wanted to help so the family wouldn’t have to worry about money. “We are so proud of her thinking about other people and wanting to help,” Robinson said. After battling the disease for a year, Carlin Davis died Sept. 17 in the arms of her parents William and Alice Davis. The month of September was observed as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and William Davis said that there is definitely a need for more awareness and funding for research. “I have been all over the world, and it is a shame that our country as a whole does less for kids than anyplace I have ever visited,” Davis said. “Some might not agree with this, look at the statistics of what money goes to treating childhood cancers. Until we change that, we have a sad future. It is overlooked, and my child was cancer-free 1.5 years ago. Now I go to the cemetery daily to talk to her.” The Davis family is now working to organize the Carlin’s Courage Foundation, which will raise money for research and to help other children with DIPG. The Foundation already has one young supporter: Malorie will be making additional jewelry pieces to benefit the Foundation, her family said. 27

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Christ the King Catholic School Forms Girls’ Charity Club

The CKCS fifth grade girls met in September and decided to form a club, The Catholic Girls Charity Club. The purpose of their club is to raise funds and do charity work for various worthy local causes. The first cause they decided to do a benefit for was Carlin’s Courage Foundation. Carlin Davis, a fifth grader at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Robertsdale,

HEY TERMITES

BEES & ANTS THERE’S ONLY

ONE QUEEN IN THIS HOUSE

Mention this ad for 10% OFF new pest control service. *Expires 12/31/2013

BugMaster.com

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

•

251.626.6667

lost her battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Giloma on Sept. 17, 2013. (This was a little more than a year after the 12-yearold sixth grader was diagnosed with the disease.) The girls wanted to honor her memory and raise money for her foundation. They hosted a bake sale at the Daphne Antique Gallery on Friday, October 11, 2013, and raised $330.00 which they plan on presenting to Carlin’s family. Pictured l to r are: Margaux Duchesne, Savannah Baas, Rebekah Schott, Marissa Marino, RyleighTerrell, Sophia LaPalme, and Ava Renshaw.

Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@ easternshoreparents.com. It’s FREE! www.easternshoreparents.com

nd l

at le,

he er y

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

1 w

Autauga County Schools

Small Things Make a Big Difference at Daphne Elementary School

Ahnnida Tungol, third grade student in Mr. Jim Ayres’ room at Daphne Elementary School, displayed great support for the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile by bringing in a large donation of tab tops. Collecting tab tops is a great way to teach students about philanthropy and the importance of recycling, while raising funds to help children and their families at the same time. Students at Daphne Elementary School are encouraged to collect tab tops year-round for a no-cost way to help the Ronald McDonald House. These donations will help provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

Central Christian School Honors Grandparents

Central Christian School celebrated National Grandparent's Day on September 6. The elementary school hosted this event. Grandparents were invited to a special chapel service with guest speaker Pastor Mark Parson. Each elementary class performed during this event. Following refreshments, the grandparents and guests were invited to the classrooms for a visit. This was a special day for the children and grandparents alike!

www.easternshoreparents.com

b ha an Fe

Pic

Day t.

Perdido School “PJammin” for a Cause

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Perdido Elementary/Middle School took the opportunity to honor the brave 13,500 children who are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year. The school sponsored a “PJammin’ for a Cause” Day, raising $1,000 that will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for American children under 15 and its effects have been felt hard by the Perdido school and community. Teacher Amy Hill is a cancer survivor and two students have also battled the disease. Children with cancer can spend weeks to months at a time in the hospital, enduring treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and more. While in the hospital, and much of the time they are home, they are in their pajamas. Thus, the idea of “PJammin for a Cause” was born. Teacher Amy Hill, a cancer survivor, was inspired to help spread awareness by Alice Davis, the mother of Bay Minette’s Carlin Davis who battled cancer for 13 months. Students at Perdido School donated $2 to wear their pajamas, or dress out of uniform. All of the proceeds went to St. Jude’s to further cancer research. Perdido students -- fifth grader, Collin Davis, and second grader, A J Smith -- both have battled childhood cancer. Collin was first diagnosed at 17 months of age with Langerhoan’s Cell Histiocytosis. He has gone through 17 months of chemotherapy with radiation, and at 6 and a half he had a brain tumor removed. Collin continues to go to St. Jude every six months for scans and other check-ups, and is doing well. When AJ was just 4 years old his pediatrician said he was very anemic and put him on iron pills. On December 9, 2009, AJ was sent by ambulance to USA Children’s and Women’s hospital with blood counts near zero. Within three days AJ received a total of 16 pints of blood, and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He has undergone over three years of chemotherapy treatment, several hospital stays, blood transfusions, and side effects. A year into treatment, his father also passed away. In January 2013, A J’s blood counts dropped and he had to have more transfusions. Fortunately, the BMA results were negative and he was still in remission. AJ is now 8 years old in the 2nd grade and able to do things he couldn't do before like go into a grocery store without a mask to protect him from germs. His last hospital chemo was in February and his last home chemo was March 5, 2013, one day before his 8th birthday. He had his port removed June 3, 2013. A J will have to see an oncologist until he is 18. Pictured are fifth and sixth graders: Jordan Blackmon, Ashlynn Wasdin, Hannah White, Lauren McCullough, Nathan Basco, Hannah Booker, Madison Hadley, Ethan Houdek, Mary Dean, John Jenks, Coalten Glass, Akendon Packer, Makinzie Amos, Lane Baggett, Kolby Milligan, Dustin Snow, Emily Williams, Nathan Gilliam, Collin Davis, Tamron Gray, Anyiah Cruse, Cruz Davis, Lindsey Stewart, Cheyenne Jones, Alexa Lusk.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

AutaugaBayshore County Schools Christian School Students Take Vow of Silence

Students in Mrs. McEwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth grade at Bayshore Christian School in Fairhope class took a vow of silence to fully experience the day in a life of a nun or monk. From raking up pine straw to shining door knobs, the children silently worked to clean up the school grounds. Pictured from left to right are Ellie Flowers, Charlie Finnamore, and Emma Long.

gr are c

t w

St. Patrick Catholic School Architects

At St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale the eighth grade students share their World History projects. Focusing on Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China, students learned about the creativity and technique of the architecture, then constructed a model and typed a report on a design of their choice. Pictured are (L to R) Zachary Koons, Hannah Wright, Anna Webb, and Fletcher Helms.

A p w

gr cu

sw C

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

a n e

Silverhill Students Study Worms

Students in Mrs. Jo Hellmichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second grade class at Silverhill Elementary School are fascinated by their study of worms and compost models. Students are learning how worms enhance compost and soil development. They will be observing their compost models over the next few weeks and recording the changes that are observed.

Gulf Shores Middle School Sweet Potato Cookoff

Earlier this month, GSMS students competed in a school-wide sweet potato cookoff. Students created a variety of dishes using sweet potatoes including pies, cupcakes, casseroles, pudding, roles, and fluff. First place was won by Amber Stroup (7th grade) with her sweet potato casserole bake. Second place was won by Irene Chong (8th grade) and her sweet potato pie. Kendall Morgan (8th grade) took third place with sweet potato cupcakes. This past week, Amber Stroup went on to compete in a county-wide sweet potato cookoff at the 2013 Baldwin County Fair. She won honorable mention with her sweet potato casserole bake.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

McGill-Toolenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homecoming Court

Congratulations to the members of the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School 2013 Homecoming Court. Standing L to R: Freshmen Kendall Brown and Sara Daoust; Juniors Emily Dye, Taylor Mahoney and Victoria Gross; Sophomores Emma Thomasson and Anna Schock. Seated Left to Right Seniors Leslie De Voe, Taylor Breech, Emmy Mathias and Peyton Thomasson.

Fairhope Intermediate School Holds Native American Day

Mrs. Leah Conaway-Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth grade class at Fairhope Intermediate School enjoyed The First Annual Native American Day! Parents facilitated the activities as the students walked around to the other fourth grade classes. The students enjoyed petroglyphs, storytelling, designing and creating teepees, enjoying Native American foods, etc. A special thank you to all of the parents who helped make this day extra special for all. Pictured are: Griffin Farrow, Kennedy Adams, Mrs. Carol Broughton, FIS principal, Adler Rux and Drew Winegarden.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

Spanish Fort Middle School Volleyball Undefeated in Tournament

The Spanish Fort Middle School Volleyball Team went 22-2 in the regular season and undefeated in the recent county tournament. The Lady Toros defeated Bay Minette, Central Baldwin, and Gulf Shores to advance to the championship game where they defeated Foley 17-25 and 21-25. It was their sixth consecutive year to make it to the finals, and their fourth time during that time frame to take home the top prize. Sabian Sasser, Savannah Shabel, and Keila Adams were named to the All-County team; while Keila was named the tournament MVP. The winning team includes, top row, from left: Sabian Sasser, Claire Uhle, Kayleigh Koch, Reilly Vought, Morgan Murray, Lauren Harris, Carissa Jones, Baylee Carlisle, Abigail Davis, Emme Fisher, and Coach Leigh Jones; Front row: Lora Ashley Morris, Keila Adams, Taylor Fontenelle, Kelliann Donovan, and Savannah Shabel.

n r on

Baldwin County Education Summit to be Held November 15

The Baldwin County Education Coalition will host the 2013 Baldwin County Education Summit on Friday, November 15, at Daphne High’s Trojan Hall (9078 Champions’ Way) from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Parents, community leaders and all interested citizens are invited to hear the latest education news and to re-visit Baldwin County’s shared vision for school reform. Established in 2011, the Baldwin County Education Coalition – a partnership of all seven local education foundations and the five Baldwin chambers of commerce – is working to engage community stakeholders in public education and to advocate with one voice for the success of every child in Baldwin County. Registration is $10 per person and online sign-up is requested at betterbaldwin.com. For more information, call 251.989.2262 or email the Coalition at info@betterbaldwin.com. Come hear the latest on these important developments: State of the State: RAISING THE BAR FOR ALABAMA’S STUDENTS, Dr. Tommy Bice, Alabama State Superintendent of Education; State of the System: TURNING THE PAGE IN BALDWIN COUNTY, Dr. Allen Lee, Superintendent, Baldwin County Public Schools; The Realm of the Possible: A DIGITAL RENAISSANCE SHOWCASE, Featuring student presenters from selected Baldwin elementary, middle and high schools; Becoming a Believer: 21st CENTURY CLASSROOMS AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION, Luncheon keynote address by Leon Pridgen, parent and business partner Mooresville Graded School District, Mooresville, NC; Partners in Education: BUILDING PUBLIC OWNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Panel presentation by School/Community Partners from Dothan City and Mobile County public schools.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Fairhope HS September Students of the Month

Congratulations to Fairhope High School’s September Students of the Month. Pictured, top: Seniors- Stephanie Irvin, Todd Bosarge; Bottom left to right: FreshmenLydia Norman & Antonio Gibbs; Sophomores- Susan Roh & Connor Raley, Juniors-Tara Hicks & Drew Fuqua.

Daphne Elementary School Peer Leaders

Emma Cate Graf, Emily Ammons, Matthew Foster, Andrew Geiger and Thomas Walding, DES Peer Leaders, are working hard helping others at DES. This group of Peer Leaders met with Kim Nolfe, Coordinator of the Peer Leader program, and made school -wide service plans for first quarter. Each Peer Leader will work with another student or staff member to make DES a safe and happy place. This valuable student team training and events are funded via an annual grant from the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation. We are very proud of our 2013-14 Peer Leaders!

Summerdale Teachers Win $50 Gift Cards from Walmart Teacher Rewards Program

Tracy Dickerson, on behalf of Walmart Foley, recently presented 20 teachers from Summerdale School with $50 reward cards to purchase classroom supplies to help start the school year off right as part of the company's Teacher Rewards program. Summerdale School was chosen after a needs assessment was undertaken by the Community Involvement Panel for the Foley store. At a faculty meeting, teachers were treated to a cake and Walmart goodie bags while winners were chosen in a random drawing by Principal Mark Pumphrey. Through Walmart’s Teacher Rewards program, more than 4,600 U.S. Walmart stores, Distribution Centers and Sam’s Club locations are eligible to select one local kindergarten through eighth grade public school and provide $50 reward cards to 20 teachers. Winning teachers can use the funds to purchase essential items for their classrooms such as paper, folders, binders, clipboards, pens, pencils, crayons and markers. Local stores begin selecting schools to participate in late August. “For over 50 years Sam Walton told us to give back to the community and the best way we can do that is through education. The Teacher Rewards program is one way we can inject money and support to our schools,” Dickinson said. He knows all too well the needs of schools because not only is he a Walmart manager and a father of four children, he serves on the Baldwin County Education Coalition Executive Board. Dickinson plays an active role as Secretary/Treasurer in one of the at-large community member positions. His corporate knowledge and willingness to serve typify the spirit of a new BCEC initiative of developing a county-wide Partners-in-Education program. The program will provide a framework for realizing the potential of existing schoolcommunity relationships and for developing new and much-needed working alliances with business and industry, local government and the civic and faith-based community. As a board member, Dickinson well represents Walmart and the Coalition’s dedication to education through both his work and volunteer efforts. The Baldwin County Education Coalition is an independent, non-profit, nonpartisan organization of public school advocates. The Coalition board members work together for systemic improvements and through seven local education foundations that serve communities across Baldwin’s 1600+ square miles. For more information, visit http://www.BetterBaldwin.com/

Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com. It’s FREE! Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

sk tra to to

T C C th a If

e n

. y

g s,

e ng

nd on

NBCT Students Attend Leadership Conference

North Baldwin Center for Technology students attended the Joint Leadership Development Conference: Off Balance in Birmingham. This event includes more than 5,000 students and teachers representing all Career Tech student organizations and nearly 500 administrators, counselors, economic and workforce developers, staff, and distinguished guests. Those attending from North Baldwin Center for Technology include Kainnan Pinterelli, Vincent Lambeth, Jarrad Long, DiAngela Pope, Mable Adams and Construction Science instructor Scott Larson. “This conference has been designed to allow students an opportunity to experience a variety of events that entertain, educate and help prepare students for the future,” said Dr. Thomas Bice, State Superintendent of Education. “The career students choose will play a large part in determining the strength of Alabama’s economy and our standing as a leader in workforce development.” Pictured, attending from North Baldwin Center for Technology included, from left, Kainnan Pinterelli, Vincent Lambeth, Jarrad Long, DiAngela Pope, Mable Adams and Construction Science instructor Scott Larson.

BCHS Students Headed to NYC for Macy's Parade

Six girls from Baldwin County High School have been selected to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. They include, from left, Scottlin Williams, Tucker Clay, Brooke Emmons, Lindsey Holly, Kate Harrison and Morgan Covington. Lindsey will be parading with the Spirit of America troupe and the others will be part of the Macy's Great American Marching Band. To receive an invitation for the MGAMB, students had to submit audition tapes and applications. This is the third consecutive year that BCHS students have been selected to participate in the parade. The parade will be nationally broadcast on all major networks.

Sea Cadets Participate in Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony

Dunlap Division cadets participated in a Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Pinning Ceremony held aboard the USS Alabama on September 14, 2013. The cadets’ Color Guard Paraded the Colors as others stood in ranks alongside the crew members of the LCS4 USS Coronado to honor the new CPO Stacy Ann Thomas. This was not the Sea Cadets’ first experience with the crew and they hope to continue this relationship into the future. The USS Coronado was built locally at Austal, giving the cadets their first opportunity to serve in January, 2012, as the USS Coronado was Christened at the Mobile Convention Center. In other news, on Saturday, September 21, leaders, cadets and family members of the Dunlap Division’s U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps participated in the 26th Annual Alabama Coastal Clean-up. This is one of the largest annual volunteer events held in the state of Alabama. The Dunlap Division had the honor to rally together with the Cottage Hill Junior Civitan to gather debris at Chickasabouge Park in Eight Mile. The weather did not look promising but the cadets did not let a little rain stop their efforts in helping their community by removing as much debris as possible. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know is interested in the Sea or League Cadet program and how they may join or by volunteering as an adult leader, visit our Division website www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison. 37

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County SchoolsBayside Academy’s

College Admissions Forum

Bayside Academy’s first ever “Navigating College Admissions” forum attracted more than 175 members from the greater communities of Baldwin County and Mobile on September 24. According to Head of School Peter B. Huestis, “At Bayside Academy, we feel it is important to provide a great deal of support to families and students engaged in the quest for a good college fit. The event provided insight into the evolving complexities of the college selection process, and we already have plans to expand the program next year." This year’s program provided information to parents and students on issues related to the Application Process, Beginning the Selection Process, Public v. Private institutions, NCAA Recruiting, Paying for College, Standardized Testing and the Transition to College. Session facilitators brought their expertise from institutions such as Bayside Academy, The University of Alabama, Spring Hill College, University of South Alabama and Virginia Tech.

Gulf Shores Elementary 2nd Grade Pattern Blocks

After completing her assignment with pattern blocks in Investigations Math, Gulf Shores Elementary School second grader Liz Vermillion got super creative with her pattern.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

C a ex fu ch

www.easternshoreparents.com

m f f t d he dy

Bay Minette Middle School Students Attend Leadership Conference in Birmingham

Bay Minette Middle School students attended the Joint Leadership Development Conference: Off Balance in Birmingham. This event includes more than 5,000 students and teachers representing all Career Tech student organizations and nearly 500 administrators, counselors, economic and workforce developers, staff, and distinguished guests. Participants included, in no particular order, seventh graders: Josh Burton, Mary Rodgers, Destiny Crosby, Tre Carlisle, Kierra Caldwell, Isabella Eleogo, Zach Francis, Hailey Marrow, Brady Phillips, Chandler Ganey, Andrew Selph; and eighth graders Chris Casler, Joel Kobitz, Emilee Smith, Destiny Miskel, Matthew Covington, McKenzie Moody, Nicole House, Logan Clark, Demi Davis, Tiffany Johnson, Austin Steward, Dani Thomaston, Courtney Stewart, Cameron Ludin, Marcus Powe. Advisors are Melissa Stanford and Bill Allen. “This conference has been designed to allow students an opportunity to experience a variety of events that entertain, educate and help prepare students for the future,” said Dr. Thomas Bice, State Superintendent of Education. “The career students choose will play a large part in determining the strength of Alabama’s economy and our standing as a leader in workforce development.”

Fairhope Elementary Students Counting with Bears

Mrs. Angel Rhodes’ Fairhope Elementary students are having so much fun making a one-to-one correspondence chart in math using counting bears! Students are from left to right: Cicely Schmidt, Kayden Salomone, and Hayden Jordan.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools Students Of the Month Rockwell's

Congratulations to the Students of the Month for September at Rockwell Elementary! In third grade: Emma Parker, Mat Biggs, Brendan Provencher, and Jaleah Raymond. In fourth grade: Joey Williams, Johnny Morris, Gracie Olsen, and Kearis Cook. In fifth grade: Emma Pager, Jacob McGowan, Lauren Hare, and Luke Miller.

Sh Ca P

Bayside Academy’s 33rd Annual Grandparents’ Day

Bayside Academy welcomed more than 500 grandparents to campus for its 33rd annual Grandparents’ Day. Students in grades Pre-K through sixth grades led their grandparents on a tour of their classrooms, introduced them to their teachers and friends, and showed off the projects that they had been working on. The day began with a continental breakfast and grandparents were welcomed to campus by Head of School Peter B. Huestis. During the event, the Thomas F. Johnson Family Library hosted its annual book fair, "Dr. Seuss," attracting crowds of grandparent visitors. Pictured are Freshman Lauren Chastang and 4th grader Caroline Chastang with grandparents Mary and James Chastang, Alan and Pam Hall.

F p

pr f T an

Pic

a Ba in

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

ell

ms,

St. Benedict Catholic School Receives Donation

On behalf of Knights of Columbus Council # 10903 (Our Lady of the Gulf in Gulf Shores), Ed Lemm presented St. Benedict Catholic School with a donation of $2500. Pictured are principal Jaivi Howell and Ed Lemm.

Sweet Potato Cook-Off at Fairhope Middle School

Fairhope Middle School students recently participated in the annual Sweet Potato Cook-Off contest by preparing and presenting their favorite sweet potato dish for judging by the FMS faculty and staff. The contest was sponsored by the Family and Consumer Science department under the leadership of Mrs. Cyndie Wilkins. Pictured, from left to right, are the contest winners: 8th grade student, Virginia Witherington, 2nd place; 8th grade student, Camille Baker, 1st place; and 7th grade student, Mary Peyton Banks, 3rd place. Camille placed second in the county wide cook-off at the Baldwin County Fair in Robertsdale.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Central Christian School Raises Money for Orphanage

Elementary students at Central Christian School raised $2475 for an orphanage in Haiti during Fit for the Lord including a walk-athon on Sept. 26 and bike-a-thon on Sept. 27. 1 Cor 10:31 "so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Spanish Fort High School Punks Out the Pirates

Teachers at Spanish Fort High School showed their school spirit, along with the students as they dressed in "80's attire" for Punk Out the Pirates Day! Teachers and students cheered at the pep rally as we prepared to play the Fairhope Pirates. Featured from left to right are JV Cheerleading Coach, Kathy Quinn; FACS teacher, Dianne Bernasconi; Library Media Specialist, Melissa Murphy; Varsity Cheerleading Coach, Angela Mason; and Spanish teacher Kim Smith. Our teachers are just as enthusiastic as the students are during football season! GO TOROS!

Bay Minette Art Students Win Big at County Fair

Art students from Bay Minette won big at the 63rd annual Baldwin County Fair held at the Fairgrounds in Robertsdale. Bay Minette Middle School art teacher entered 25 individual pieces by students which all placed with awards. Submissions included BMMS students and the National Art Honor Society, which includes members from BMMS and Baldwin County High School. BCHS student Breanna Earls won Best of Show and also earned first and third place awards. Lori Norwood, BCHS, also won a first place ribbon. Sarah Bender of BMMS was another big winner, earning two first place awards. Other first place winners from BMMS included Caroline Pimperl and Katie Thompson. JaeLynne Radvansky and Josie Robbins won second place awards and Gabi Mann and Aaron Byrd picked up third place prizes. Earning Honorable Mention included: Eli Pardi, Chloe Buck, India Mix, Jamocha Adams, Dixie Waters, Stephany Wilson, Nathan Vanderwerker, Justin Jeffers, Chris Stewart, Jarvius Cox, Antino Orozco and Brenton Godwin. Pictured, Sarah Bender, a student at Bay Minette Middle School, earned two first place ribbons at the 63rd annual Baldwin County Fair.

Peer Helpers at Saint Benedict Catholic School

Peer Helpers at SBCS is a program provided through a grant from the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation that assists children and adolescents in feeling capable, understood, and responsible. Peer helping teaches young people decision-making skills to help combat negative peer pressure; and provides children and adolescents with communication skills to understand others and be understood. In addition peer helping enables youth to learn action skills to prevent substance abuse, enhance self-esteem, reduce loneliness, promote health, and support academic and personal achievement. The following students were chosen for their positive leadership skills. Pictured (front row left to right) Isabel Aker, Reilly Mapp, Cameron Blanchard. (Back row left to right) Elizabeth Buchanan, Erin Corcoran, Bonnie Johnson, Elliott Johnson, and Cameron Murphy. Photo by Janice Walley. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

or o ory

h m

S, er

ual

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

H to S Ni W

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

BCHS Students Attend Leadership Conference

Baldwin County High School students attended the Joint Leadership Development Conference: Off Balance in Birmingham, Alabama. This event includes more than 5,000 students and teachers representing all Career Tech student organizations and nearly 500 administrators, counselors, economic and workforce developers, staff, and distinguished guests. BCHS participants included, from left, Advisor Sheila Seale, Miranda Moody, Leanne Phillips, Allison Jones, Madeline Seale, Ashley Anderson, Mariah Moody, Jonathon Davis, Hunter Heathcock, and Advisor Bill Allen. “This conference has been designed to allow students an opportunity to experience a variety of events that entertain, educate and help prepare students for the future. The career students choose will play a large part in determining the strength of Alabama’s economy and our standing as a leader in workforce development.” (Dr. Thomas Bice, State Superintendent of Education)

Bayshore Christian School Students Act Out “The Hobbit”

Mrs. French’s sixth grade class at Bayshore Christian School in Fairhope dressed up as their favorite characters from “The Hobbit”. Assigned to groups, the students wrote their own skits to act out scenes from the book. Pictured left to right (back row) Sam Malone, Kirk Kirkland, Braden Downing, Alex Cook, Nina Messinger, Mary Patrick Ponder, Ella Pursley, Nathan Williams, John Carter Scott, Mrs. Amy French, (front row) Emma Finnamore, Camryn Sexton, Tillery French, Will Edmiston and Wes Cochran.

Shane Langley, DMD, MS | Mike McDuffie, DMD | Rick O’Neil, DMD, MS www.southalabamaorthodontics.com

We are a Christ-centered, patient-focused, orthodontic practice. We are committed to providing the highest quality patient care in a manner that glorifies God and in an atmosphere that is upbeat, unpredictable and, shall we say, unique. We hope that you will consider us for your orthodontic needs.

SAO 001 Parents 1-2page Hor.indd 1

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine 10/28/13 9:19 AM

Autauga County Schools

McGill-Toolen Catholic Students Attend Journalism Workshop

Students on the literary magazine, yearbook and school newspaper attend the Fall Regional Workshops hosted by the Alabama Scholastic Press Association at South Alabama. Look for these impressive student produced publications this year.

Rockwell's Students Of the Week

Congratulations to the Students of the Week for August and September at Rockwell Elementary! In Kindergarten: Darby Smith, Ava Parker, Alexius Dailey, Brayden Provencher, Jadelyn Reimensynder, Allie Greer, and Aaron Gowitzka. In First Grade: Felix McDuffy, Heinz Williams, Reid Larson, Callie Saxon, Hailee Stone, Cora Beth Dollarhide, and Joseph Baggett. In Second grade: Skylar Montgomery, Mary Madison Lyles, Ava Gault, Lauren Doty, Emma Ioannidis-Ntimo, Kendall Stein, and Parker Davis.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Fairhope Students JAM for Fitness Fairhope Elementary and Fairhope High football players and cheerleaders had so much fun participating in the "JAMmin across the Globe Initiative" Thursday morning September 26th. JAM World Record is a fun campaign to rally everyone to pause and take just a minute for a fast fitness break. The fitness routine includes 5 very simple exercises that children and staff can do while either standing at their desk or sitting in a chair. The campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of making activity a daily habit!

Honeybee Pageant Winners at Robertsdale Elementary

Robertsdale Elementary School is pleased to announce the winners of the first-ever Honeybee Pageant. Pictured left to right are Most Photogenic Belle Stracener, 3rd runner-up Emma Ellison, 1st runner-up Emma Kate Langham, Miss HoneyBee Autumn Robinson, 2nd runner-up Lena Spears, 4th runner-up Melissa Mercer, and Miss Congeniality Celeste Perkins. Photo credit: Central Baldwin Studios.

Ri h

S li Re o

Library Dog Promotes Reading at Robertsdale Elementary

Nayla the library dog recently visited second grade students at Robertsdale Elementary School as part of her mission to promote reading. Nayla is a therapy dog, and she and her handler Cynthia Knoll also visit area nursing homes. The two are pictured discussing the value of reading with students in Sara McKeoughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classroom.

b D du

Ta I f he

Congratulations to Spanish Fort High School seniors, Kristen Smith and Eric Peterson, for being chosen as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program! These students took the PSAT and made some of the top scores in Alabama! From here they will send in an application to try to qualify as a finalist. A combination of their application and their high school transcript will determine if they will become a finalist. Eight thousand of the 16,000 semi-finalists will become finalists. This is quite an honor and we are very proud of our TORO seniors who worked extremely hard to achieve this success! Well done seniors!

*S fac ST do G a

Gulf Shores Elementary Bus Friends

Gulf Shores Elementary School friends Chloe Caldwell, Jaida Randall, and Ana Lopez get ready to board their bus to go home. 48

a G

* lif

Spanish Fort HS Seniors Named Semi-Finalists in Scholarship Program

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

im i

Fairhope High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Ribbon Leader Plans Week of Activities Congratulations to senior student Amy Keyser on being selected as Fairhope

h. se

ff .

e a ng

High School's Red Ribbon Student Leader. Keyser lead all Fairhope High School Red Ribbon Week activities and fundraisers. Amy has selected two organizations to support through her fundraisers this week, Camp Smile and Stella's Voice. The following is a list of activities Keyser arranged to promote Red Ribbon Week and to support her chosen organizations. *Red Ribbon Week School Kickoff Balloon Release: Fairhope school administration, students, and city leaders meet in front of FHS to release red balloons to signify the kickoff of Red Ribbon Week Activities. *FHS Peer Helpers went to the middle school to talk to 8th grade classes about making healthy life decisions. *Have Good Role Models: students dress like their favorite FHS teachers to show thanks for being a positive influence. *Don't Drown in Drugs & Alcohol: A dunk booth was set up during lunch waves for students to pay $1 to try to dunk their chosen FHS principal. *TO promote the Red Ribbon Week healthy lifestyle, Keyser had several local restaurants donate their signature healthy dishes for the FHS cafeteria staff to conduct a Best Tasting Healthy Restaurant Dish competition. It's a show of thanks to our cafeteria staff for working hard to provide FHS with tasty healthy meals AND a way to promote healthy eating habits in the Fairhope community! *STOP Drugs & Human Traffick-ing: Students/ faculty wear red shirts to show support for the STOP! *King of the class or hallway sweeper, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to dance with the grim reaper: The Grim Reaper will visit FHS all day and make a special appearance during the football pep rally to demonstrate the DARK, negative impacts/effects of drugs and alcohol. Pictured is Police Chief Petties, student leader Amy Keyser, and Mayor Kant. 49

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools McT Catholic Sweeps Scholars Bowl Tournament: 14 & 10

Congratulations to McGill-Toolenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Varsity Scholars Bowl Team members Emily Mitchell, Margie Powers, Erin Hannahan and Connor Kusch for a huge win today against St. Lukes, B.C. Rain, Murphy and Blount. We scored 1085 points to a combine total of 340 for the other 4 schools!.

Our JV Scholar's Bowl Team won their match as well. Team members Spencer Johnson, Nick West, Nathaniel Roberstson, Hunter Palmer and Matthew Davis scored 775 points to the combined score of 155 points for the competing teams from St. Lukes, B.C. Rain, Murphy and Blount.

Blessing of the Pets at SPCS

At St. Patrick School in Robertsdale, the Blessing of the Pets ceremony was celebrated; the feast day for St. Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of animals, is October 4th. Fr. William James blessed the pets of the students and friends who gathered on campus for the event. (Photo by Lori Pressley)

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

m an s, a

to n,

d; r. s

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Our daughter is 11 years old, and we save $50 a month for her. Right now, we’ve accumulated $4,200 for college, a car or just savings in general. Should we be investing this money, instead of putting it in savings?

A. If I’m in your shoes, I’d choose college as the focal point over the other things you’ve mentioned. My advice would be to move that money into a 529 Plan with mutual funds inside. That way, it will grow tax-free from this point forward. Then, if you continue to set $50 a month aside for her for seven more years—and the stock market averages 11 to 12 percent—you’d have about $16,000 sitting there when she turned 18. That wouldn’t fully pay for college, but it’d be a great start. Plus, she can apply for scholarships and grants and work and save to help make it happen. As far as a car is concerned, I’d set up a separate savings account and agree to match whatever she saves. That way, if she can put aside $3,000 to $4,000, with the match she’ll have a pretty nice car. But in my mind, college is the most important thing here. If you guys can afford these contributions, and she wants to go to college and will hold up her end of the deal, you can work

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

together as a family and make the idea of a college education a reality!

Q. How long should it take someone to fully fund their emergency fund?

Q. Should families who are struggling to pay off debt still give their kids commissions for doing chores?

A. On average, building an emergency fund takes six months to a year. It takes about 18 to 24 months for most people to pay off all of their debt, except for the house. That’s if they’re gazelle intense, and have no life other than getting control of their finances. Baby Step 1 is saving $1,000, and not paying extra on your debts until you have that money in the bank. Once you’ve got a $1,000 starter emergency fund, then your list all of your debts except the house from smallest to largest and attack them with a vengeance. All you do is work and pay off debt until you clean up the mess. Once that’s done, you move on to the next Baby Step, which is adding to your emergency fund until you have three to six months of expenses set aside. Most people can accomplish that in six months to a year. There are always various factors involved because everyone’s situation is different. But in most cases, if you approach my plan with the kind of intensity I talk about, you can become debt-free except for your house and have a fullyloaded emergency fund is place in just two or three years!

A. Yes, but it doesn’t have to be a lot of money. Kids seldom get paid an amount that is equal to what the chore is worth. To be perfectly honest, the chores most kids do—especially the little ones—aren’t worth that much. I wouldn’t pay a kid five dollars a day, or even per week, to feed the dog. I mean, it takes less than 30 seconds to scoop the food into the bowl! When it comes to paying kids commissions for chores, the biggest thing we’re trying to do is find teachable moments. We want the kids to learn that money is tied to work. Then, when they have some money, we want to teach them about the three uses for money—spending, saving and giving. Teaching them wise ways to do those three things while you’re teaching them to work is the key. And you can do that for a small amount of money.

www.easternshoreparents.com

lly

nd 8

her

OPEN: Nov. 29 - Dec. 23 • HOURS: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily • www.ﬁshrivertrees.com

There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas Tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40 acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery.

ot e a r m a ff

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Time to Build the Robots!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the automatons of previous centuries to robot beings that permeate our pop culture (Wall-e, Transformers, C3PO), humans have always been fascinated by the mystery and marvels of mechanical beings that mimic living creatures. And as real, life-like robotic creations continue to evolve by leaps and bounds, our kids will live in a world where robots will be part of their everyday lives. With this field of engineering growing, encouraging children’s interest in robots and robotic science through play is recommended. Cultivating an early understanding of robots and their mechanics can give your child the inventive edge in a brave new robotic world!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Robot Invasion

Gyrobot: Gyroscopic Robot Kit

(Bloco Toys)

Breaking the stiff mold for traditional robot assembly, the Robot Invasion Set from Bloco is a uniquely child-friendly collection of robot components that are super-easy for little hands to assemble. The high-density foam pieces and plastic connectors are bendable in ways that allow for stacking, rotating and flexible construction of robot projects. Additionally, the parts are slightly stretchy (fostering more challenging connections) and washable! The set include plans for 6 robots (5 can be constructed from the materials all at one time), but the easy assembly and colorful pieces will quickly inspire independent design and construction of a new and original robotic army of creations to invade and conquer your household!

(Thames and Kosmos)

With this ideal introduction to gyroscopes (used in everything from smartphones and tablets to video game controllers and space telescopes), kids can harness the power of this amazing device to build seven different motorized robots, each with unique characteristics and function! The process of assembling each robot gives budding robotic engineers handson experience and valuable scientific knowledge about how gyroscopes play an indispensable role in our modern lives. From building a gravity-defying personal vehicle to a tightrope-walker, this kit will amaze and educate kids and adults as they use the power of the gyroscope to mobilize their robotic creations!

Makedo Find & Build a Robot

Build Your Own Robo-Pup

(Makedo)

(Discovery Kids)

Makedo is an uber-cool building option that combines a builder’s imagination and resourcefulness with the kit’s connectivity supply. Using the broad range of connectors and decorative elements in the Makedo Find & Build a Robot kit, the builder is challenged to craft his robot from found items and stuff lying around the house! The ultimate fun recycling project, kids can transform boxes, broken toys, packaging, plastic bottles and more… into robot wonders using the Makedo safe-saw, lock-hinges, pins, clips and robotthemed stickers. This inexpensive, yet amazing, kit facilitates the Dr. Frankenbot in every kid as they combine their re-purposing ingenuity with Makedo resources to build a robot!

For the kid who’s on the front end of an interest in robots and robotics, the Discovery Kids Build Your Own Robo-Pup is ideal bridging technology for the beginning builder. With a slick exterior design and a minimum of pieces and parts, the bulk of the pup is already built. When the eight main components of the robot pup are assembled (with some adult supervision), it can walk, bark, as well as move its head, ears and tail. Activated by touch and sound, the Robo-Pup is a cute and compelling introduction to the possibilities of simple robotics offering the broad strokes of the science without the detail challenges of some similar robotics kits.

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

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

d to s

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

da an lo an wi er bo in

de or na to ha as for pro is So ba or bu â&#x20AC;&#x153;m

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

Most of us recall our school Why? Profile of a Bully days with a mixture of nostalgia and hazy memories. It was a long time ago. We knew bullies and probably had some run-ins with them over the years. In every era there are those children, both boys and girls, who engage in bullying behaviors.

What is Bullying?

What exactly is bullying? The current definition of bullying is “the use of force or coercion to abuse, intimidate or dominate others.” It may be habitual behavior to instill fear and may present as verbal harassment and threats, or physical assaults. Bullying can come in many forms: teasing, name calling, stealing property, and forcing unwanted acts. It is designed to instill fear and anxiety. Some bullies try to justify their behavior based on the sex, race, class, abilities or appearance of their victims. When bullying is done by groups it is known as “mobbing.”

It’s hard to understand why children want to hurt others for no apparent reason. Most experts agree that bullies are children who want and need attention. They want to raise their own status by feeling powerful. They often are abused or neglected children who haven’t learned to care about others’ feelings. They are predatory by nature and select as victims those they perceive as weaker than themselves. They lack a set of values to guide their choices and rarely accept responsibility for their behaviors. Their behavior can be compulsive and repeated over time. Bullies usually have low self-esteem, insecurities and fear exposure of their weaknesses. They are driven by bitterness, hatred, anger and prejudice which they vent on their victims.

Warning Signs

If you suspect that your child is being bullied on the way to school, in school or at other times, here are behaviors to look for: • School avoidance behaviors such as morning stomach aches, headaches, asking to stay home

• Trouble sleeping • Loss of appetite • Anxiety in normal life situations • Unexplained fears • Changes in grades In today’s technological world there are ample opportunities for bullies to act out in the relative anonymity of their computers and phones. They can threaten, expose and tease all the while hiding their identity.

What Can You Do?

Parents are often astounded at the intensity of bullying behavior their children tolerate every day. Once a bullying situation is exposed, the offender often changes tactics. He or she stops bullying that particular person for fear of retribution, embarrassment or consequences. But without help, the offender will most likely bully again. Parents walk a fine line when helping their children to deal with bullying behaviors. If they step in and solve the problem for their child, the child remains vulnerable. If they refrain from acting, they risk their child’s harm, both emotional and physical.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

There are common sense ways to combat bullying: Proactive Teaching: Many schools have anti-bullying campaigns in place. Most often classroom teachers or school counselors teach the lessons. But change in behavior takes time. Most bullies need one on one help to change and meanwhile the victims must find ways to stay safe. Parents can do some proactive teaching as well. Talk to your children about staying safe and standing up to bullies. Help them build strategies to stand up for themselves while never resorting to fights which could get them into trouble. Avoidance Techniques: One logical way to stop bullying is to stay away from the bully. If at all possible, change the route taken to school or walk a different hallway to get to the next class. Bullies tend to take advantage of an opportunity. If the opportunity is taken away they have no victim. Standing Firm: Children need to be proud of themselves and learn to be brave in the face of trouble. For those children who seem frail or unsure, it’s a good idea to enroll them in classes or join sports programs--get involved in activities that build confidence.

They need to practice Children at risk to become bullies have saying a firm some or all of these characteristics: “No” to those who bully them and to be will• They have been shamed, belittled or ignored at home. ing to ask for • They have been disciplined violently. help or report problems to • They feel unsafe at home. authorities. Ig• They seek attention for a feeling of powerlessness. noring threats • They have few friends. is sometimes • They lack the support of adults in their lives. helpful, but having a • They have parents with mental health issues. buddy and • There is little communication in their home. being a buddy is probably an even better tion, strategies and role-playing activities strategy. The absolute worst choice when to give your child the confidence and being bullied is to tolerate it and stay strength to stand up to bullying behaviors. quiet. Teach your child to speakup when Go to the site and type “bullying” in the bullied. search box. ESP Why not take the opportunity to talk about bullying with your children? What www.keepkidshealthy.com should they do if they witness bullying www.thebullyproject.com behavior? And, let’s be honest here, have www.stopbullying.org they ever taken part in bullying another www.pbskids.org/parents person or witnessed bullying without in(look for Arthur episodes dealing with bullying) tervening? Let them know you are always available to talk about uncomfortable Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. situations in their lives. And check out She lives in Vancouver, Washington where she volunteers in the websites below to find more informaan after-school program for at risk children.

Types of Evaluations Offered: Learning Problems Anxiety Disorders Mood Disorders ADHD Dr. Murphree is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with children and adolescents.

Abuse/Trauma Depressive Disorders Behavioral Disorders Autistic Spectrum Disorders Intellectual Functioning

East Bay Psychiatry and Associates (251) 928-4750 eastbaypsych@att.net Accepting Aetna, All Kids, American Behavioral, Blue Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Cigna, Compsych, Magellan, Medicaid, Medicare, MHCA, State EIB, United Behavioral Health, Value Options

chrismurphree.org Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

r. s in

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Don’t Stress About Your Holiday Style When it comes to shopping for holiday fashion, we all know the stresses it can cause. And, if you are like us, the holiday season started in October...and it’s crazy busy! I try not to sweat the small stuff, especially when it comes to my style. We always have parties or holiday functions to attend, but money and time play a huge role in making those ultimate fashion decisions. I’m going to give you some tips on how to look stylish without breaking the bank for your holiday activities.

1) Incorporate spring and summer items. Yes, simple items you wore this spring and summer, like t-shirts and blouses, are great to incorporate in a fun holiday style. For example, depending on your event, add a skirt, accessories, tights, boots or a fun heel (printed or a seasonal color). You can also bring in added style with jewelry. I like layering my jewelry by mixing metals and adding some sparkle to that simple style. You can have fun with jeans as well, but be sure to keep your denEastern Shore Parents I November 2013

im a darker shade as you enter the night. Add a heel, blazer and a classic or printed light jacket and you have a versatile day to evening outfit.

2) Shop for bargains. Shop for bargains. See what you have in your wardrobe that you can piece with a favorite skirt, pair of pants or dress you find in the stores. You can find these wardrobe pieces from any of your local consignment stores. Be sure to check out Repeat After Me, Hertha’s, Luv Me 2 Times and Yvonne’s. Also visit T.J.Maxx and Ross. Yes, you have to dig, but the great thing about these stores is they can be your one stop shop! You might be able to load up on Christmas gifts for others while you are there, too.

3) Little black dress, pants or skirt. Yes, I love that little black dress. It’s classic and can be very versatile. I do believe you need a different black dress for the summer and the fall. The material makes a big difference as far as seasonal style goes. How can you make your dress, pants or skirt versatile, you ask? Accessorize and add a print or color, whether it’s in your shoe, boot, belt, light jacket, blazer, or a structured cardigan. Depending on the style of your dress, pants or skirt you can always play with layers. Make sure your layers are not too bulky and overwhelming. With a little variety added, this little black dress or skirt can actually take you to more than one Christmas or holiday function. 60

4) Accessorize...this is my easiest and most affordable tip. You can find fun and colorful accessories at your favorite stores. It’s so easy to change an outfit with different pieces of jewelry. Local boutiques and consignment stores all have good prices on costume jewelry. At Blue Girl Beading, you can even customize your look.

5) Add flare with a print, fun color or both. Shoes, belt, scarf, clutch or purse, you name it, prints and seasonal colors will never go out of style.

6) Take a day or two to run around in your workout clothes. I know it sounds silly coming from this Southern fashionista, but I really think if we can run around with our comfortable gear on we are less likely to stress out and we tend to get things done in a more timely manner. It’s nice to get that shopping done in comfort. However, if you are trying on clothes, wear the right undergarments and make sure you throw on a little make up.

7) Don’t stress about the holidays! Most of all remember what the season is all about and enjoy time with your family and friends. This is my most important holiday tip!

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant and fashion blogger. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

www.easternshoreparents.com

al ve

ill

ds a,

all d y

y ail

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

qu Oc My fad ho fam pre ac

ah co tim ign thr of

sea co go ste tur fam for en cre sur

me exp co ac ou my be rie

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

The holidays descended upon us

quickly after my husband and I married midOctober and began our new life together. My expectations of a joyous holiday season faded as the reality of combining two households with different traditions and outside family members settled on us. I wasn’t prepared for the chaos and heartache that accompanied our first Christmas together. Blending four young children, managing a harried schedule with two ex-spouses, and competing with the “other households” for time together and adequate gift exchange ignited a simmering blaze that burned throughout the season, leaving behind a trail of hurt feelings and unmet expectations. I learned some valuable lessons that season on negotiating with others and compromising on details that don’t have to go my way. I also resolved to take proactive steps in the future to help relieve some of the turmoil and division that occurred among family members. Here are a few suggestions for more peaceful stepfamily holidays that will enable your family to enjoy one another and create lasting memories instead of simply surviving another holiday season.

Set aside unrealistic expectations. Accept that there will be unhappy moments during the holiday period. Children experience fluctuating emotions as they cope with the loss of their nuclear family and accept their new stepfamily. They may act out or withdraw during periods of grief. When my stepchildren lost their mother, holidays became especially difficult for them. Memories of past holidays sometimes prevent them

from enjoying our family celebrations today. However, a difficult day or period of unhappiness doesn’t have to ruin the entire holiday season.

Be proactive. Start planning your schedule early. Have a family meeting and talk about the logistics of the season - when to decorate, what to eat for holiday meals, how to do gift exchange (draw names, include grandparents, etc.) and what special programs need to be put on the calendar. Ask each family member to take part in the planning and decision-making. Begin negotiating the visitation schedule early to allow time for discussion among parties.

Be flexible and agreeable with other family members, when possible. Be willing to make sacrifices to fit everyone’s schedule. Offer alternatives when negotiating schedules and recognize that Thanksgiving and Christmas can be celebrated on a day other than the official holiday and still be a special day. We have altered our Christmas gift exchange many years to allow everyone to be together. Try to be fair to all parties involved and commit to do your part toward peaceful interaction with your ex-spouse. Separate old marital issues from parenting issues and examine your heart for resentment or bitterness that might be preventing you from friendly communication.

Consider your children’s needs. Children don’t choose to join a step-

family and they don’t deserve to be pulled between family members. Allow them the freedom to love their other parent and go to the other home without a guilt trip. Help your children buy gifts for other family members. And don’t set a lot of rules about where gifts are kept or played with. If your child receives a gift he’s asked for all year and leaves for Dad’s house that afternoon, it’s likely he’ll want to take it with him.

Start new traditions and continue to celebrate old ones that fit. Traditions offer a sense of belonging to family members and cement relationships as they’re carried out together. Talk to your children about what traditions are important to them and brainstorm ideas of new traditions to start together. Soon after we married, we started a tradition of reading the Christmas story to our children on Christmas Eve to remind them of the reason we celebrate Christmas. Our family also takes time to attend special church services and enjoy a light show together. We also like to decorate the house and bake special goodies for those we love. Traditions are a great way for stepfamilies to create bonds with one another that are strengthened every year as you come together for an established purpose. With the right attitude and proactive steps, holidays can be enjoyable and memorable as a stepfamily. There may be bumps along the way, but don’t give up on a joyous holiday season. ESP Gayla Grace is a freelance writer, and a wife and mom to five children in her blended family. She works hard to create a peaceful stepfamily holiday season.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Ju &

2013 Eastern Shore

Holiday Happenings Orange Beach Elementary PTO Fall Festival

Friday, November 1, 5pm - 8pm The Wharf, Orange Beach Food, beverages and cotton candy will be served. Activities include carnival games, DJ, karaoke & line dancing, face painting, Wii gaming station, as well as a silent auction fundraiser. Admission: Free for Adults ~ $12 for Children (includes access to all games, pizza or hot dog, chips & drink) $5 meal tickets also available for those not participating in the festival activities.

The Harvest – A Festival of Gifts

Saturday, November 2nd, 9am - 3pm Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway (251) 968-4328; www.gulfshoresumc.org Featuring original gifts from local artists and crafters, a decadent sweet shop, and fabulous silent auction!! Our desire is that The Harvest will bring people together to celebrate their God-given talents and abilities by displaying and offering their unique, original, and creative works for sale to our community.

Orange Beach United Methodist Church Arts and Crafts Sale

Saturday, November 2nd, 8am - 2pm 28751 Canal Rd, Orange Beach (251) 981-6751; www.orangebeachumc.org We will have an assortment of rummage sale items, furniture, jewelry, scarves & caps, clothing, baked goods, holiday wreaths and much more!

Trim-A-Tree Christmas Event

November 8th -December 24th, Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

116 W Laurel Ave (Hwy98), Foley Art Center (251) 943-4381; www.foleyartcenter.com More than 250 fine artists and craftsmen from throughout the southeast have created quality, unique one-of-a-kind ornaments, decorations, florals, pottery, jewelry, and fine artwork to be sold on consignment. This event is Free and open to the public.

Robertsdale’s Annual Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 9th, 8am – 2pm 17933 State Highway 104, Robertsdale (251) 947-8973; sarahduncan@robertsdale.org The City of Robertsdale Senior Center will hold its Annual Christmas Bazaar at the PZK Hall.

Santa Visits Silverhill Market Holiday Open House

Saturday, November 9th 16320 Highway 104, Silverhill (251) 945-6500 Brings friends and family to visit Santa at Silverhill Market. Enjoy refreshments and holiday cheer while browsing all the the unique gifts and decorations. Call for Santa times.

Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee

Wednesday, November 13th - Saturday, November 16th 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds) (251) 471-3348; www.juniorleaguemobile.org Check off your holiday shopping list at the 29th Annual Christmas Jubilee! This event features merchants from around the country; Christmas Jubilee will kick off the holiday shopping season 68

with a broad selection of gifts for all ages, interests and budgets. There are also numerous special events sponsored by the Junior League including a Preview Party Gala, VIP Shopping, Girls’ Night Out and Santa Breakfast & Lunch, please visit the website for more information. Regular shopping hours are Thursday, November 14 – 10:30am-8:00pm, Friday, November 15 - 9:00am-9:00pm. Saturday, November 14 - 9:30am-6:00pm. General Admission Tickets valid for one day are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org for more information.

Alternative Gift Fair

Friday, November 15th, 4pm – 7pm Saturday, November 16th, 9am – 2pm Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church, 6620 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, (251) 626-1242; www.spanishfortpresbyterianchurch.com 100% of the money spent for merchandise will be going to mission organizations here in Alabama and around the world. This is not a church fundraiser. This is a gift fair where all products are either Fair Trade produced or all the proceeds for the products will go to help people here in Alabama and around the world. Do you really know where the gifts you buy come from and where the money you pay goes? At the Spanish Fort Alternative Gift Fair you will know that the Christmas cards come from the Presbyterian Home for Children and all the money goes right back to them. When you write your check for the Tom Jones Pottery, you will make it out directly to Ecumenical Ministries to help those in need in Baldwin County. The fair will have items such as baskets, jewelry, scarves, gourmet coffees, chocolates, wind chimes, decorations and so much more. This event is free and open to the public. www.easternshoreparents.com

Sat 103 Sta (25 Enj spe ing Ch che tick sea ww

Sa Ea

Sat 305 (25 No Frid urd Frid –8 ber 23r 24t Frid 4:3 2:3 San

Fa Tr

Th Do

us e

Junior League Santa Breakfast & Lunch Saturday, November 16th 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds) (251) 471-3348; www.juniorleaguemobile.org Enjoy Breakfast or Lunch with Santa and your special little ones! There will be cookie decorating, story-time telling and food provided by Chick-fil-A and of course Santa will be there checking his list. Everyone attending needs a ticket. Times: 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm seating’s. For ticket information, please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

Santa Arrives at the Eastern Shore Centre

The City of Fairhope will kick off the holiday season with their annual Fairhope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities begin at 5:30 and the lights come on at 6 p.m. sharp. Local school bands will provide entertainment.

Ice Rink at the Wharf

Opening Friday, November 22nd Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm* (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Ready to get out on the ice and show off your skills? The Wharf will be hosting a real Winter Wonderland Ice Rink open to the public during the holiday months. Skate rentals and refreshments will be offered. Please call to confirm weekday hours. They were not set at the time of this printing.

Saturday, November 16th – December 24th 30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0060; www.facebook.com.SantaESC No need for a pass or reservation. Hours are Fridays, (excluding Dec 13) 10am – 8pm; Saturdays, 10am – 8pm and Sundays 12pm – 6pm. Friday, December 6th is Pet Night from 5pm – 8pm. Additional dates are Thursday, December 19th from 1pm – 6pm; Monday, December 23rd from 12pm 0 8pm and Tuesday, December 24th from 10am – 2pm. Santa takes breaks Friday and Saturday from 1pm – 1:45pm; and 4:30pm – 5:15pm. Breaks on Sunday are from 2:30pm – 3:15pm. For more information email SantaESC@gmail.com.

City of Daphne Open House and Tree Lighting

Fairhope’s Lighting of the Trees Celebration

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (cartoon) and “Polar Express”

Thursday, November 21st, 5:30 Downtown Fairhope

November 22nd, 5:30 – 7:30pm City Hall, Daphne; (251) 621-3703 Everyone is invited to kick off the holiday season with music, activities, crafts for kids and much more!

Fairhope’s Holiday Stroll

Friday, November 22nd, 6pm – 8pm ArtWalk with holiday flair. Stroll downtown for food and drink and a chance to fulfill your holiday wish list!

4th Annual Movie in the Street Saturday, November 23rd, 6:30pm Downtown Fairhope; (251) 929-1466 To kick-off the holiday season, the Downtown

Fairhope Business Association will be hosting “Movie on Main Street” featuring the popular holiday movie “POLAR EXPRESS”. Those who plan to attend can bring lawn chairs and blankets from home. Children are invited to wear their holiday pajamas. “Movie on Main Street” is a family friendly event, no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Refreshments will be available and admission is FREE.

Christmas Open House in Fairhope

Sunday, November 24th, 1pm – 5pm Christmas Open House - Restaurants and stores open on Sundays to welcome shoppers with specials deals offered.

Wales West Arctic Express

Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com Enjoy over one million lights, ride the Dame Ann steam train to visit Santa at the North Pole, take pictures, enjoy refreshments, and a mini train ride. The totally decorated train travels through a wonderful of 3D lighted displays and passes one Christmas display after the other on its way to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. Open: Nov 29th through Dec16th- Fridays, 4pm to 9pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 3pm to 9pm. Open daily December 16th through December 24th from 4pm to 9pm. Christmas at Wales West Light Railway is a special family time. The entire railway and surrounding park grounds are totally decorated with more than 1,000,000 lights, figures, blow-ups and miles of ribbon and

e g

es?

e ite

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

garlands. The decorated steam powered Dame Ann leaves the main station for a mile-long trip through a wonderland of lights to the North Pole.. Once at the North Pole the children will be able to visit with Santa at the North Pole in the winter wonderland barn with staff assisting in taking family pictures. Each child receives a wooden locomotive or train whistle to decorate.. Upon returning to the main station everyone is treated to hot cocoa, cookies, and candy cane in the hospitality tent., followed by a 1/2 mile ride on the mini train. Admission is $12/person + tax. Children ages 13 months and under are free. Also available for a small additional fee is a petting zoo, pony ride, snowball cannon, and sleigh ride. All aboard!

through Sunday, 4pm – 8pm. Saturday hours are 12pm – 8pm.

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Holiday Tea at Charming Teacup

A Christmas Carol-The Musical at the Saenger Theatre

Fish River Trees

Tuesday December 3rd, 6pm 4985 Wharf Pkwy, Orange Beach (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Join The Wharf for the “Lighting of The Island” when The Wharf’s magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree comes to life.

Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 23 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Rd. East, Summerdale, off CR9; www.fishrivertrees.com There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40-acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery. Or take a free ride on The Tannebaum Express, our “tree train” for a fun filled farm tour (weekends only). View our manger scene with live animals and visit with Santa on the weekends from 10am – 4pm including the Friday after Thanksgiving. Santa will arrive Friday, November 23rd and throughout the sales season. Take a tour of the farm and view the wide selection of trees including our choose and cut trees, our special container-grown Living Christmas Trees that can be decorated then planted after the holidays, our fabulous shipped in Fraser Fir and Black Hill Spruce Trees, and our fresh wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands.

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Friday, November 29th – Tuesday, December 31st (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s Day) 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org Take a special trip to the North Pole at this year’s Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home; located just 20 miles southwest of Mobile, AL. Guests may visit the Gardens during the day from 8:00am–5:00pm. From 5:00pm–9:00pm, guests who stroll through the Gardens will see over 3 million sparkling lights in over 1,000 displays throughout the 65-acre estate. Enjoy live holiday music, see the Bellingrath Museum Home decorated in its holiday finery, and savor a bite at the Magnolia Café, serving lunch and dinner. Holiday decorations, ornaments and gifts are available at The Bellingrath Gift Shop. Discounted tickets for Magic Christmas in Lights and for the Bellingrath Museum Home are available on-line at www.bellingrath.org. Pre-purchased tickets must be purchased at least one day before your visit. Group rates are available. Additionally, consider the Party Tent at Magic Christmas in Lights for your holiday or corporate gathering. For more information, please visit www.bellingrath.org or the Magic Christmas in Lights Facebook page.

Santa Photos at The Wharf

Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 22 (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Santa’s will be available at The Wharf Thursday Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

Saturday, November 30th 17111 Scenic Hwy 98, Point Clear, (Next door to the Punta Clara Candy Kitchen) 251-300-0231; www.charmingteacup.com Enjoy a festive Holiday Tea at Charming Teacup! Fancy tea hats, scrumptious food, and wonderful pots of gourmet tea will make this an unforgettable teatime! Get your tickets today! Seating is limited. Price is $28 per person.

Annual Lighting of The Island

“Tiramisu, with a Touch of Christmas”

Tuesday, December 3rd, 10am and 7pm Daphne Civic Center, 2603 Highway 98, Daphne www.bcyorchestra.com; bcyorchestra@gmail.com Baldwin County Youth Orchestra will ring in the holiday season at the Daphne Civic Center as IMPACT Children’s Theatre Group presents the original holiday musical entitled “Tiramisu, with a Touch of Christmas”. The play, written by Patti Woods, demonstrates the true meaning of Christmas in a story based in a 50’s era diner on Christmas Eve. The play is complete with carol singing, dance tunes, and holiday music to make this production entertaining, educational and memorable. This event is free to the public, however donations will be welcome as well as new toys for the Toys for Tots program. Sponsorships and silent auction items are also welcome.

Tree Decorating Contest in Foley

Wednesday, December 4th (set up day) New for 2013! The first eight participants to submit an application will be supplied a tree to decorate. Criteria for Tree Decorating Contest:• Height of the trees should be between 6’and 8’.• All trees must be in containers (so they can be replanted – no artificial trees, no cut trees) and must be securely tied down.• All trees must have a sign stating the “theme” and identifying the business and/or organization.• All decorations must be securely attached to tree limbs so they will not blow off in the wind or rain.• A small hole may be dug to help secure the tree. Set up Information: The tree should be set up for display at Heritage Park by Wednesday, Dec. 4th. Judging will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5th. The trees may be removed beginning Thursday, Dec. 26 but no later than Thursday, January2, 2013. The applicant or a designee must be responsible for maintenance and any upkeep of the tree while on display. Linda Hula (251) 943-1300. You may find an entry form online by searching Foley tree decorating contest 2013.

Baldwin Pops Christmas Concert

Tuesday, December 4th, 7pm – 9pm Foley Civic Center, 407 East Laurel Ave., Foley (251) 232-1013; www.bandwinpopsband.com 70

Thursday, December 5 – Friday, December 6 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org The Playhouse in the Park presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Saenger Theatre with original music and lyrics. A cast of 100 local youth will fill the stage with music, dancing, and a myriad of colorful characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future; and the fun-loving Fezziwigs. There is one public show December 6 at 7:30pm at the Saenger Theater in Downtown Mobile. Public show tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, students and senior citizens. Please call (251) 602-0630 for public show reservations. School Shows for grades 1 - 12 are December 5 & 6. There are two shows each day at 9:00am and 11:15am. Tickets for students are $8 and teachers are admitted free. Please call (251) 422-0079 for school show reservations. Please visit www.playhouseinthepark.org for more information.

Classic Christmas Concert

Thursday, December 5th, 7pm Summerdale Municipal Complex, 502 West Lee Avenue, Summerdale Enjoy the classic holiday sounds from featured musicians Victor Andzulis and Megan Andzulis.

Tidings of Great Joy! Presented by Eastern Shore Choral Society

Thursday, December 5th, 7:30pm Sunday, December 8th, 3pm Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope www.easternshorecoralesociety.org This year’s program will include the beautiful Christmas Music of John Rutter such as What Sweeter Music, Angels Carol, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with the audience), Candlelight Carol, Silent Night, Star Carol, Joy to the World (with the audience). Tickets may be purchased from any ESCS member, at the Fairhope UMC office at the door on the concert door or on-line.

Christmas Parade in Downtown Fairhope

Friday, December 6th The Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade begins at 7:00 pm at the intersection of Morphy and Section Street, and continues down Section to Oak Street. The excitement will build as the beautifully lit floats dazzle the crowd in anticipation of Santa Claus’ arrival to Fairhope for the holiday season.

Christmas in the Park

Friday, December 6th, 6pm Heritage Park, 125 East Laurel Ave., Foley (251) 943-1300 Come out to Heritage Park to sing carols, sip cocoa, light the Christmas Tree and visit with Santa. Each year two lucky children are selected to help the Mayor light the Christmas tree. www.easternshoreparents.com

Mo Ho

Frid Fol Mo cia but eas and ww cal

Gu Be

Frid Gu Gu Th fes as the fam the me Fre Sho

Nu Ch

De De Sou 2nd Nu ser “TV ven the of It f Da Ou and sho you upr Bal ma wa bri spe ing und or

Frid 7th Sun ww Th $15 fro Ce are 915

Ta by

Frid ww Th 35

il-

5 m

d .

pa-

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert

Friday, December 6th, 7:30pm Foley Civic Center, 407 East Laurel Ave., Foley Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra has musicians from not only Baldwin and Mobile Counties but also youth from other areas of the Southeast. A $5 donation is welcomed, encouraged and appreciated. For more information visit www.MobileSymphony.org/youth-orchestra/ or call 251-432-2010.

Gulf Shores Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration

Friday, December 6th, 6:30pm Gulf Shores Public Beach, 1905 West 1st Street, Gulf Shores; (251) 968-1172 The 4th Annual Christmas Parade will feature festive floats from around the region followed by a stunning lighting ceremony and celebration at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Bring the whole family to the picnic area at Gulf Place to have their picture taken with Santa & enjoy refreshments, crafts, a live nativity, and entertainment. Free Admission. Reserve your spot in the Gulf Shores Christmas Parade by visiting our website.

Nuncrackers – The Nunsense Christmas Musical

December 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th, 7:30pm December 8th and 15th, 2pm South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Nuncrackers is the fourth show in Dan Goggin’s series of NUNSENSE musicals and this is the first “TV Special” taped by the sisters in their convent basemen studio for cable access. It stars the nuns you love plus Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen’s most talented students. It features all new songs including: Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain’t Comin’ To Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us, and It’s Better To Give Than To Receive. This show is filled with “Nunsense” humor, some of your favorite carols a “Secret Santa,” and an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. Nuncrackers will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It’s the perfect way to insure your holiday season is merry and bright. Directed by: Jan Hinnen. Presented by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Licensing. Tickets are $18, Students $15 and children under 2 are admitted free. To purchase tickets or for more information visit, www.sbct.biz.

KNOW S C

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF

USPECTED

ONCUSSION

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

Should be urgently assessed medically

Should not be left alone

Should not drive a motor vehicle

Coastal Chorale Christmas Show

Friday, December 6th – Saturday, December 7th, 7:30pm Sunday, December 8th, 3:00pm www.coastalchorale.com The Coastal Chorale Christmas Show tickets are $15 and can be purchased on their website, from any Coastal Chorale member, at local Centennial Banks or at the door. Performances are at Foley United Methodist Church, located at 915 North Pine Street, Foley.

Taste of the Islands Gala Presented by The Mystical Order of Mirams

Friday, December 6th, 6pm www.mirams.info This year’s culinary extravaganza will host over 35 restaurants from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

and surrounding areas. Modern Eldorados will provide musical entertainment. Please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit local children in need. Taste of the Islands is the perfect venue to host your holiday party! Let us do the work, as you take all the credit. Tickets to this All-Inclusive Holiday Gala are $50 per person. Tickets are available through our website or may be purchased at Wildflowers Boutique & Life’s A Canvas-Orange Beach and Too Hot Mamas- Gulf Shores.

St. Lawrence Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, December 7th, 9am – 3pm 370 S. Section St., Fairhope Variety of Unique Vendor Booths, Arts - Crafts - Antiques – Food - Pictures with Santa ... and much more! Over the past few years the Christmas Bazaar has grown into a wonderful experience for the whole family. We started with just a small idea to make a little money to send our youth group to Washington and the event has grown into an event that the people of St. Lawrence and Fairhope look forward to every year. Free Admission. Like us on Facebook.

Breakfast with Santa Cow

Saturday, December 7th, 9am or 10am Chick-fil-A, Daphne location (251) 621-3215; www.chick-fil-a.com/daphne Join us for breakfast, pictures, and crafts with Santa Cow and Elf Cow. Please make your reservation on our website for a 9am or 10am seating.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

Breakfast with Santa’s Elf at Paint n’ Parrot

Saturday, December 7th 9 North Church Street, Fairhope (251-928-4161; www.paintnparrot.com Come to Paint’n Parrot to visit with Santa’s Elf, enjoy some treats and create a cookie plate to leave out on Christmas Eve! Reservations required. Call to reserve your space.

Make Your Own Grinch: Grinchmas Workshop

Saturday, December 7th, 9:30am – 11:30am Eastern Shore Art Center Come join the fun as we explore the story of how the Grinch Stole Christmas and make our own Grinch’s! Each child will learn how to paint the Grinch and leave with a completed art project. Of course, cookies and hot cocoa will be included! Ages 6-10, $25, $20 family members and above.

Christmas Parade in Spanish Fort

Saturday, December 7, 9am Eastern Shore Center; (251) 626-4884 reception@cityofspanishfort.com A time-honored tradition in Spanish Fort. Now accepting applications through Monday December 2nd.

Foley Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7th, 10am – 11am Downtown Foley; (251) 943-5001 The annual Christmas Parade winds its way through downtown Foley with festive floats,

treats and throws, and of course, Santa waves a Merry Christmas to all.

Let It Snow!

Saturday, December 7th, 11am - 3pm Heritage Park, 125 East Laurel Avenue, Foley (251) 943-1300 Directly following Foley’s Christmas Parade, come to the park for live entertainment, inflatable obstacle courses, storytelling with Mrs. Claus, a children’s art village and SNOW!!! Concessions sold on site… don’t forget your mittens!

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Saturday, December 7th, 8am – 11am Magnolia Springs Community Hall, Corner of Highway 49 and Oak Street The Magnolia Springs Community Association will hold its 6th annual “Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus” from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The cost is $5.00 plus a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. The admission includes a pancake breakfast and a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Santa Saturdays in Fairhope

Saturday, December 7th and 14th Fairhope Welcome Center, Fairhope (251) 929-1466, www.cofairhope.com Come visit with Santa and get your picture made (bring your own camera). 10 am – Noon, This is a free event.

City of Daphne Christmas Celebration and Parade Saturday, December 7th, 9am, parade at 11am

www.easternshoreparents.com

Cit Joi act Par

Sat (25 Do Par par 603

Mo Ch

Sat 2S the ww Co Ca tion 7:0

Sat Ma enu (25 Mr ma sha giv hol dau you lim fro 965

onns!

City Hall, Daphne; (251) 621-3703 Join us before the parade at 9am for kids’ activities, hot dogs, music and lots of family fun. Parade begins at 11am.

Christmas Boat Parade on the River

Saturday, December 7th, Dusk (251) 443-6300; www.grandmarinermarina.com Dog River’s annual Christmas on the River Boat Parade. This is Mobile’s oldest and largest boat parade. Sponsored by Grand Mariner Marina, 6036 Rockpoint Road, Mobile.

Mobile’s Singing Children 37th Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, December 7th 2 South Claiborne Street, Mobile (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) www.mobilesingingchildren.org Come join us on Saturday, December 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for the 37th Annual Christmas Concert from 7:00pm-8:30pm.

Christmas Card Workshop

Saturday, December 7th, 12:30pm Magnolia Springs Library, 12440 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 600, Magnolia Springs (251) 965-2305; magnoliaspringslibrary@gmail.com Mrs. Melanie O’Donnell will teach us how to make professional looking Christmas cards. She shared this talent for Halloween and Thanksgiving and plans to continue prior to future holidays. This time she is inviting mothers and daughters, as well as any other interested young people ages eight and up. Due to our limited space, the library needs confirmation from attendees at least two days prior by calling 965-2305.

“Messiah” with Pensacola Symphony in Gulf Shores

Sunday, December 8th, 2:30pm – 3:30pm Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Sanctuary (251) 968-2411; choralesocietyofpensacola.com Tickets are required and may be purchased in the church office.

Children’s Christmas Musical at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church

Sunday, December 8th, 11am service Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Sanctuary (251) 968-2411, www.gulfshoresumc.org Tickets required. Please call the church office for ticket information.

Baldwin Pops Christmas Concert

Monday, December 9th, 7pm – 9pm Daphne Civic Center (251) 232-1013; www.bandwinpopsband.com Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert

Monday, December 9th, 7pm Daphne Civic Center, 2603 Highway 98, Daphne www.bcyorchestra.com; bcyorchestra@gmail.com The orchestra’s annual Christmas Concert will include the organizations beginning strings and band classes, adult strings, youth strings, wind ensemble and their premier advanced youth orchestra. The Youth Orchestra currently includes string and band students from 8 different Baldwin County Schools as well as some private and homeschool students. This event is free to the public, however donations will be welcome as well as new toys for the Toys for Tots program. Sponsorships and silent auction items are also welcome.

Ride the Arctic Express at Chick-fil-A Daphne

Tuesday, December 10th, 6pm – 8pm Chick-fil-A, Daphne location (251) 621-3215; www.chick-fil-a.com/daphne Make your reservations on our website for your golden ticket to board the Artic Express! Join us for a showing of the movie, “The Polar Express” beginning at 6pm.

“Grinch” Photos at the Clock

Tuesday, December 10th, 4pm – 5:30pm Fairhope Clock, Corner of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street Christmas the Grinch will never again knock. He invites you to take photos with him at the clock! For more information call (251) 929-1466.

Nix Center Annual Holiday Concert

Thursday, December 12th, 2pm James P. Nix Center, 1 Bayou Dr., Fairhope; (251) 928-2835 Jammin’ Folks will provide holiday music. Refreshment will be served following concert.

Around the World Christmas Exhibit

Friday – Sunday, December 13th – 15th, 10am – 4pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Life Center 28788 North Main Street, Daphne (251) 626-2421; www.stpaulseasternshore.com; debbiequinn@bellsouth.net St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne will again host fifth annual Festival of Nativities to usher in the Christmas season. This special exhibit has featured over 400 nativity displays in a variety of mediums, representing religions and traditions

and Give Thanks!

Come see us on Black Friday for the BEST deals of the year!

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

from countries all over the world. No admission will be charged and refreshments will be available. The exhibit is especially child-friendly, with a crèche play area, puzzles, books and crafts offered – all especially designed for students aged four years and up. For more information or to schedule group/school tours, call the church office or contact Debbie Quinn.

Christmas Fest in Bay Minette

Friday and Saturday, December 13th and 14th Blackburn Park in Old Town Bay Minette (251) 937-5665; www.northbaldwinchamber. com; assist@northbaldwinchamber.com Residents throughout Baldwin County will be able to shop for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones and friends. However, if shopping is not what you are in the mood for, don’t worry; you can still have fun taking in the variety of all-day music and entertainment. This year’s event promises to be a memorable one.

Merry Market Gifts and Crafts Expo

Friday, December 13th, 2pm – 7pm Saturday, December 14th, 9am – 6pm (251) 968-7200, Vicki Stillings Orange Beach Events Center, 4671 Wharf Parkway Drive, Orange Beach The 2nd Annual Merry Market at the Wharf is two days of fine arts, arts and crafts and unique gifts. Admission is free and open to the public. Make sure you check out the Santa’s Workshop for children on Saturday the 14th. A great activity for the kids while you shop!

Santa’s Workshop for Children

Saturday December 14th, 10am - 4pm At Merry Market, Orange Beach Events Center, The Wharf Children ages 5 - 12 will make an ornament to take home, decorate cookies for snack and write letters to Santa while parents shop at Merry Market. Tickets are $6 if purchased by December 6th. $10 after December 6th. Contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber for tickets or more information, (251) 968-6091.

Bay Shore Ballet Academy “The Nutcracker”

Saturday, December 14th, 2pm and 7:30pm Sunday, December 15th, 3pm Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section St., Fairhope Dancers of the Bay Shore Ballet Theater, along with students of the Academy will be featured in the much anticipated holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”. A special, full-length preview performance will be Saturday, December 14h at 2:00 P.M. with general admission ticket prices at $5.00. Performances on Saturday, December 14th at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday, December 15th at 3:00 P.M., tickets will be priced at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under. Janet Carole, former principal ballerina with leading U.S. and Canadian ballet companies will direct the whimsical classic, which will delight audiences of all ages. Glorianne Morrow will be the Principal Dancer, in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Professional stage production will be by Scenic Design. Tickets for performances can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com , or

in advance at The Coffee Loft, 503 N. Section St. in Fairhope, Page and Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, at the door prior to performances, or by calling the Bay Shore Ballet at 251-990-9744. For reserved seating, calling Trin Ollinger at (251) 583-3875. Teachers interested in bringing school classes to a special condensed version of the ballet on Friday, December 13th, or to have a dancer visit their class, should contact Vicki O’neill at vkoneill1@aol.com.

Billy Claus visits Lulu’s!

Saturday, December 14th, 2 pm 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores. (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com Billy Claus Oh Billy Claus how we love you... Poor Billy is allergic to snow so what better place for him to come and celebrate the holidays but LuLu’s. Come enjoy as this delightful children’s book, written by none other than the talented Lucy Buffett, comes to life. Enjoy a full day of arts & crafts, live music and get your picture taken with Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s. Make sure to leave Billy your Christmas list so that he can personally deliver it to his brother (you may have heard of him) Santa Claus. What a better way to kick off the holiday season than a day here with all of your friends and family at LuLu’s.

Mobile Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 14-Sunday, December 15 Mobile Civic Center Theatre (251) 342-2241; www.mobileballet.org Mobile Ballet will take you on a magical journey

0000067769-01

New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 5 hr drive.

AND

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

C RAFTS • C HORUS

first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

AND

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

of geo Sat 2:3

Ch Gr

Sat Eas 251 Ch for cus af me

Ho Mo

Sat 6J (25 We and am ac Off and orc On 8:0 is 2 org

27 Bo

Sat Th

in ed sed h, n-

e ull ic-

hat an at

of brilliant dancing, sumptuous sets, and gorgeous costumes. This is a favorite for all ages. Saturday at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm.

starts at LuLu’s Homeport Marina at 5:30pm and ends at approximately around 8:30pm at Zeke’s Landing Marina. For more information or to enter your boat email lauren@alagulfcoastchamber.com.

Christmas Ornament Express: Grinchmas Workshop

American Girls’ Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 14th, 9:30am – 11:30am Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St. Fairhope 251-928-2228; www.esartcenter.com Children will love creating holiday ornaments for their holiday trees! With stories, snacks and customized keepsake ornaments, it is sure to be a fun-filled morning! Ages 6-10, $25. $20 family members and above.

Holiday Harmonies – Mobile Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, December 14th, 12:30pm Magnolia Springs Public Library, 12440 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 600, Magnolia Springs (251) 965-2305; magnoliaspringslibrary@gmail.com “American Girls’ Christmas Celebration” by Mrs. Lolly Turner is a follow up to her successful summer programs where she explored the history of the time depicted to include artifacts and crafts. Due to our limited space, the library needs confirmation from attendees at least two days prior. Please reserve your space by calling or emailing the library.

Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15 6 Joachim Street, Mobile (Saenger Theatre) (251) 432-2010; www.mobilesymphony.org We’re changing things up this holiday season and giving our traditional Holiday Pops concert a more modern, upbeat touch. Pentatonix, a capella artists and winners of NBC’s “SingOff,” will amaze you with their vocal talents and beautiful harmonies as they make their orchestral debut with the Mobile Symphony. On December 14, the performance will start at 8:00pm and on December 15; the starting time is 2:30pm. Please visit www.mobilesymphony. org for more information.

Cookie Decorating Class

27th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

December 31, 10am (LuLu’s closes at 5 pm) LuLu’s - 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at

Saturday, December 14th The parade on the Intercoastal Waterway Canal

Saturday, November 16th, 3pm – 6pm Faulkner State University, Gulf Shores Campus (251) 990-0445; www.faulknerstate.edu/programs/cpd Learn to make and decorate a variety of cookies in this hands-on class. The class will learn about different styles of cookies and methods of decoration then move to the kitchen to bake up several batches to decorate, share and enjoy. This is a hands-on class. Instructor: Shannon Munday: $30 per person.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!

LuLu’s! Think your year couldn’t possibly get any better, just wait and see what LuLu’s has in store to help you end the year with a bang. LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve party is pure excitement around every corner. From delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, live music, zoo animals, face painting, wow I could just go on and on, but wait there is one thing I forgot to mention... To count it down to noon we celebrate with kid friendly fireworks and a huge beach ball drop. Just take a look at the pictures from last year and plan your vacation to make sure you don’t miss this incredible event. See you there!

Fairhope’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Tuesday, December 31 Downtown Fairhope, 8:30pm - Midnight (251) 929-1466; www.cofairhope.com Dancing in the streets. Band begins playing at 8:30 pm at corner of Fairhope Ave. and Section St. Other entertainment includes a DJ, Fireworks at midnight, free party favors and a ball drop at midnight.

Moon Pie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration

Tuesday, December 31 (251) 208-1550; www.ncsmobile.org Moon Pie over Mobile is back. With over 60,000 people in attendance last year, this year’s New Year’s event will usher in the New Year in grand style. Come and get a larger glimpse at the moon pie as it rises over the city in downtown mobile. There will be live entertainment, activities for the kids at the local museums and a countdown to 2014 like no other. ESP

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

•

AND

C RAFTS • C HORUS

AND

D RAMA

•

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

“W ev ch yo

niz tio to be tha up yo bu vo fam tow toy yo sp an

Do you ever think of volunteering with your kids as a little like eating broccoli? It’s something you know you should do, but you can’t get excited about it?

“T th on

Sure, you’ve heard about the benefits: volunteering can teach your children how to be compassionate for others and caring of the world around them. While helping out they can learn new skills, gain self-confidence and learn about people with different backgrounds and beliefs.

de pro do we we

Yet when you think about signing up, all you may be able to focus on are the obstacles. Fortunately, overcoming those barriers is a lot easier than learning to love broccoli. Here are several common objections to volunteering along with ways to rise above them.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

egory, think about what your family members like to do. For instance, if you all like being outdoors, you can It’s true that many orgawork at a comnizations have age restrictions about who is allowed http://www.handsonnetwork.org munity garden for a local food bank to volunteer. But you may http://thevolunteerfamily.org be able to work on a project http://www.volunteermatch.org to benefit human welfare. You can that doesn’t involve showing http://liveunited.org/volunteer help clean up up onsite. For instance, if http://idealist.org litter from local your kids really love animals beaches or riverbut they are too young to banks to help the volunteer at a shelter, your environment. Or you may want to participate family may be able to organize a blanket or in a backyard bird count or help restore a towel drive, collect dog food, or make cat toys. The bonus is that when you deliver wild habitat to contribute to animal welfare. your goods, you’ll probably be able to spend a little quality time playing with the “I can’t even get my kids to help animals you’re helping.

“We’ll volunteer eventually, but my children are too young now.”

Check these online sites for more ideas on how your whole family can get involved in helping out:

“There are so many good causes, there’s no way we can decide on one to get our help.” Think about your interests to help you decide where to give your time. Many nonprofit service organizations can be broken down into three broad categories: human welfare, environmental welfare or animal welfare. Once you define your broad cat-

out around the house, there’s no way I can get them to volunteer to work somewhere else.”

The key is to make volunteering more like fun than work, which it can be. And you need to get buy-in from everyone involved. If you present a volunteer opportunity to your kids as something they will do whether they “like it or not,” you’ll almost certainly get resistance. But if you ask their opinions and give them a voice in choosing a cause to

work for or a project to help out on, you may be surprised at the enthusiasm they show.

“My kids already spend time on service projects through their Scout troops, there’s no need to spend more time volunteering.”

It’s true that service organizations of many types help kids learn the pleasures of giving their time. But there’s also an advantage to be gained from working together as a family. You get to see your kids succeed at tasks they may not normally do, and you may also find out about issues that are important to them. And it’s not bad that your children get to watch you commit your time and energy to something you believe is important. Another bonus: the possibility of meeting other families who believe in the same causes you do. Once you break the volunteer barrier, don’t be surprised if you find yourself adding a regular project to your family’s calendar. There’s something about helping an organization or contributing to an issue you care about that’s good for you. Just like broccoli, only better. ESP Cindy Hudson has volunteered as part of Girl Scout troops, school groups, mother-daughter book clubs, and with her family and friends. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two daughters. Visit her online at www.MotherDaughterBookClub.com.

Join the St. Jude Give thankS. Walk.™

Walk. To help me live.

FoRm YouR team

FundRaise

Walk

Eastern Shore Centre Spanish Fort, AL Registration: 7:00 a.m. Walk Start: 8:00 a.m.

Thanks and Giving

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Family Calendar Ongoing

American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit www.asama.org. Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251-344-0536 ext. 104. Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope. The Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale. Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www.easternshoreartcenter.com. The Exploreum The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.exploreum.com or call 251-208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile. Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474. Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson. Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www.mariettajohnson.org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www.weeksbay.org.

Classes/Meetings

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

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

November2013

Celebration MOPS Fairhope Celebration MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope. Childcare is provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $5/meeting. Check us out on Facebook at Celebration MOPS Fairhope or contact coordinator Lauren Beck at celebrationmopsfairhope@gmail.com. Daphne Neurological Disease Support Group (Includes Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy). Meets second Monday of each month at Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne, in the Community Life Center-Gathering Room. 11:00 a.m. until noon. Noon light lunch for $3 from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Speaker or joint group session. Contact person: Alice Hallford - 251-626-8228. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for more info. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Chill Skills Anger Management by appointment. $25 giftcard upon completion. Call 251-626-1610 schedule, The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Nurturing Parenting, everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, near the YMCA. “ M oms O ffering M oms S upport” (MOMS Club) is a group intended for stay at home moms to provide encouragement for each other while providing fun activities for their children. This club is open to anyone on the Eastern Shore area of Baldwin County, Alabama. We hold a meeting at the beginning of each month with a speaker or topic relevant to moms while childcare is provided. Each month there are social activates organized for the children such as play dates, field trips and seasonal parties. MOMS Club is also dedicated to giving back to the community through supporting various charities. MOMS Club is a great way to connect with other moms, form friendship and enjoy activities with your little ones. For more information please visit our website at www.momsclubofdaphne. com or email us at momsclubofdaphne@yahoo.com. MOPS on the Eastern Shore MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” - but don’t let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you. 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. 1st Thursday of the Month (September through May). Dinner & Child Care are provided. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly.com/ Facebook.com/MopsOnTheEasternShore . Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7 – 7:30 p.m., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 mile east of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www.FitzpenPlace.com. www. Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251621-6665 or 251-377-4069. PUMC Caregiver Support Group A new support group for caregivers of aging parents and others is discussing “boundaries” at monthly meetings open to the community. The public is invited to be a part of this support group, which meets monthly at Providence UMC, located between Spanish Fort High School and Middle School at 32200 Jimmy Faulkner Dr. For more information about the new

support group, call the church office at (251) 6262510 or email pumc.office@bellsouth.net. For more information about Providence UMC, call the church office or visit the website at www.providencemethodist.org. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged. Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148. Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance Studio, located behind Pizza Hut across from Thomas Hospital. 251 South Greeno, Fairhope. $5 per class (fee may be higher with special guest instructors). For more information Contact Ben Samel at 605-2657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol.com. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. Cost: $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises. Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session. • Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. Located just off of the main lobby. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. We look forward to sharing this special time with you! Method of payment accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, AmEx, Debit Card. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For additional information please contact 949-3781. Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m.  Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required.  To register call 279-1373.  Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m.

www.easternshoreparents.com

Mo Thr wh par for Tho Tho Tho Tho Pre ww Na Mo For 251 Ne Hel p.m Pre Pre 6p Pre Sib Tho Pre 10

Tho gro Ala Me at T for Ala Me in t roo Alz Me eve Me info ALS Me mo Cal Bo Me mo Hea Roa Can Sup Ope of e Roo Pre info Can Me from mo Dia Me mo Dia Na Sup Me p.m 626 Par Me from 251 Tra Me from 626

& st 48.

al.

f .

of nt,

ss. u

r or his sa,

Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope)   Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.  Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for classes and registration. Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251-928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@bellsouth.net. Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No Pre-registration required. Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required.   Sibling Class   Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope).   Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373.   10 - 11 a.m.   Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-477-1104 for more information. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for info. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group-Family Connected by Ribbons Support group for cancer survivors, friends and family. Open to any types of cancer. Every first Thursday of every month from 6 - 8 p.m. Morphy Conference Room (Old ER entrance) at Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Preregistration not required. Call 209-1229 for more information. Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Diabetes Support Group Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center. Call 279-1700 for more information. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Meetings are held every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251- 9656264 for more information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 455-9919 for more information. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251626-6337 for more information.

KYM THURMAN

WATCH

WORKING MOMS

TUESDAYS ON LOCAL 15

TODAY

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Family Calendar Monday, November 4

Page and Palette Book Signing with Peter Lerangis Percy Jackson meets Indiana Jones in the NY Times best-selling epic adventure “Seven Wonders: Lost in Babylon”! This second book in a seven-book series, chronicles the adventures of Jack McKinley and his race to find the Loculi that have been hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Join us after school as we host author Peter Larangis! 4 p.m. Page and Palette, 32 S. Section St. Fairhope. (251) 928-5295. www.pageandpalette.com.

Tuesday, November 5

Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market Offering locally-grown products, in-season vegetables such as sweet corn, eggplants, greens, turnips, kale, satsumas, pears, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, peanuts and more. Fresh meats, organic beef, pork, specialty sausages, seafood including shrimp crabmeat and oysters are of excellent quality. Baked goods, flowers and local honey are available as well. The first season will run until Thanksgiving. The large, comfortable, covered facility is open year-round rain or shine. Open Tuesdays & Fridays 2-6 PM; and Saturdays 8 AM – 2 PM. For more information or to become a local vendor, visit www.coatalalabamamarket.com, call 251-597-5557 or emailmktmgrfoley@gmail.com.. 5 Rivers StoryTime: “In My Backyard” by Margriet Ruurs Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by from 10am-11am for a free reading of this naturebased story. Arts and crafts follow the reading. For more information please visit our Facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers StoryTime: “Hello Harvest Moon” by Ralph Fletcher Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by from 10am-11am for a free reading of this naturebased story. Arts and crafts follow the reading. For more information please visit our Facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Thursday, November 7

Fairhope Film Festival The Festival features 40 films, “the best of the best,” from national and international film festivals, including notable foreign and feature films, documentaries and shorts. The four venues in Fairhope are the St. James Theater on the USA Baldwin Campus at 111 St. James Avenue, the Giddens Conference Center in the Fairhope Public Library, Centennial Hall on the Faulkner State campus, and The Venue at 105 S. Section Street. The schedule and tickets are available now at the Festival’s website, www.fairhopefilmfestival.org. Buy A Bike for Children Fundraiser Fishers Restaurant, 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach. Buy-A-Bike for Children fundraiser is hosted by three local businesses, Wildflower Boutique, Fishers Restaurant and Barefoot Beach Events. Join us for a fun-filled locals night that will double as a fundraiser to buy children’s bikes that will be distributed at Christmas through The Christian Service Center. Tickets to the November 7 event at Fishers Restaurant at Orange Beach Marina are $25 each and include Fishers’ spectacular appetizers served downstairs and the band Together Tomorrow with a fashion show by Wildflowers Boutique upstairs. Attire is bike fashion. For event ticket information call 251-981-9453 Bay Bash Fundraiser Join us from 6 to 8 PM for Bay Bash 2013. This annual event showcases the bounty of the Bay through the culinary expertise of our local restaurants, great music,

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

November2013

adult beverages and the beautiful setting of the Mobile Tensaw Delta. The theme this year is “Don’t Trash our Bay!” — A celebration of our community’s hard work to stop the tide of trash flowing from our rivers, creeks and streams into Mobile Bay. This event benefits Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts to promote Clean Water, Clean Air and Healthy Communities throughout the Mobile Bay Watershed, Alabama’s waterways and coastal communities. Come enjoy great food, delicious drink and a beautiful view as we celebrate this milestone on the path to a better, cleaner Mobile Bay. Bay Bash admission is $50 per person, or $35 per Mobile Baykeeper member. To purchase tickets, or to become a member of Mobile Baykeeper to take advantage of the discounted ticket price, call the Baykeeper office at 251-433-4229. Fairhope’s Fall Farmers Market Bancroft Street, behind the Library, 3-6 PM. The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh Baldwin County produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, baked goods and more. There is also live entertainment and pet adoptions by the Haven. For more information call 251-929-1466.

Friday, November 8

Free Training for Adoptive Parents Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) is hosting a FREE training for foster parents/adoptive parents, and professionals who work with children, at Mobile County Department of Human Resources from 8 AM - 4:30 PM. CEUs will be provided for social workers and counselors. For more information or to register, please call 251-460-2727 or email lgurley@ childrensaid.org. Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

Saturday, November 9

Sixth Annual Oyster Cook-off The Hangout, 101 E. Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, 11 AM. Held annually on the white sands of the Alabama coastline in the heart of the Gulf Coast, this year’s Oyster Cook-off will bring together celebrity chefs from across the U.S. as well as a long list of well-known Gulf coast restaurateurs. The event is presented by Alabama Gulf Seafood and hosted by The Hangout. In addition to competing for a chance to win combined total prizes of $10,000, chefs will make their original oyster recipes available to food fanatics and oyster connoisseurs who attend the cook-off. Entry is free, and tasting tickets will be sold for $2 each or $30 for a book of 20 tickets. In addition to oyster tastings, patrons can enjoy live music, cooking demos, football viewing lounges and oyster shucking contests. 2013 Alabama Soccer Festival Orange Beach Sportsplex, Gulf Oak Ridge Trail, Orange Beach. The Alabama Soccer Festival will once again combine exciting soccer matches, skills challenges, and workshops with SEC Championship Soccer into an unforgettable soccer experience for athletes of all skill ranges. Being able to partner with the 2013 SEC Women’s Soccer Championship in Orange Beach will give the kids and fans a unique opportunity to witness 1st class SEC Soccer. For more information visit www.alabamasoccerfestival.com. Veteran’s Day Parade Downtown Fairhope, 10 AM. The 21st Foley Rotary Oyster Run 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:00 AM, followed by a 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:00 AM. Begins and ends at Orange Blossom Square in Foley. Register at www.foleyrotary. org or www.active.com. Race day registration is from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Food, fun and party immediately

following the races. For more information email oysterrun@foleyrotary.org or call 251-943-4948. Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 8 AM – 2 PM; See November 5th for more information. Gulf Shore Art Market Visitors browse the original works of local and area artists while enjoying the restful beauty of the park’s green grass and stately oaks. Picnic tables also sprinkle the area giving visitors a chance to sit and enjoy the day. The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is partnering with the City of Gulf Shores to bring this event to area residents and visitors. The Gulf Shores Art Market will be held from 10am -5pm at Meyer Park, 400 E. 22nd St. in Gulf Shores.

ben res ma join

Sunday, November 10

Veterans Day Program- WWI-WWII Baldwin County Memories Baldwin County Heritage Museum, 25521 Highway 98, Elberta, 2 – 4 PM. Stamp Out Muscular Dystrophy 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run National Association of Letter Carriers will host a 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run. Participants can register online at active.com or in person at McCoy Outdoor and Runn-Tri in Mobile, and Running Wild in Fairhope. Location: Langan Park Zeigler Blvd Mobile. Start time 8 AM. Sunday, November 10th 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee - “The Blue Planet - Coasts” Every Sunday, you can step inside our Tensaw Theater and catch a free film that is sure to please the whole family! For your convenience, each selection repeats throughout the day.For more information please visit our Facebook page or at www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Monday, November 11 Veterans Day Parade Max Griffin Park, Foley; 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM. All Veteran organizations and other local organizations are invited to participate in the parade. For more information contact Kent Dixon, 251-979-3345.

Tuesday, November 12 Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

Thursday, November 14

Cocktails for the Coast – for the Alabama Coastal Foundation The 2013 Cocktails for the Coast event will be celebrating 20 years of environmental stewardship and education. This year, we are excited to announce that we will be presenting Dr. Edward Osborne Wilson with the Lifetime of Conservation Achievement Award. This recognizes the great strides that Dr. E.O. Wilson has accomplished in exploring our natural world and the work he has done to reconnect each of us to the beauty and wonder of our natural environment. We are pleased to have Chief of Staff David Perry as the keynote speaker. He is involved with Governor Bentley’s office on the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, the council created to distribute RESTORE Act funds as they become available to the State of Alabama. Also that night, we are glad to present you with fresh oysters shucked from the Mobile Oyster Company! They are going to harvest the oysters that morning and have them fresh shucked on site at the event for your enjoyment! This is just a part of our menu, but we are proud to showcase their oysters in the first full harvest year for the company. Thank you to Mobile Oyster Company for donating the oysters! The 2013 Cocktails for the Coast event will be at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort) from 6 to 8 PM. We ask that you contribute $50 for your attendance. All proceeds from this event

www.easternshoreparents.com

Gra will 11 fam fait insp bes onAs Con an to t opt For pag Coa 2– Ma Par coo em Blu colo Dim $10 Day of j of D tha hea ava you Bab Sou Con Cou the or b

Ala Pow The 9:3 Ma ben eve Ma you ple slat wat sto ww clas Pag Mis 2:0 wit are glo

et on.

kle

he nts

Gulf

ne non:

tal

ce n d.

ey’s

and ur re est

ils

ish 0

benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation’s habitat restoration and environmental education programs. You may reserve your attendance by visiting online at www. joinacf.org.

Friday, November 15

Bay of the Holy Spirit Jubilee Featuring stars from the popular A&E reality show series, “Duck Dynasty”. Si, Phil, Kay and Korie Robertson have been confirmed to headline the event as the Grand Finale of their national book tour. The event will be held at Oak Hollow Farm. Doors will open at 11 a.m. for a fun-filled day of activities for the entire family with the feature event beginning at 5 p.m. his faith-based, family event will feature live music and inspirational speakers, including “New York Times” best-selling author Andy Andrews, who will host an on-stage interview and discussion with the Robertsons. As a special bonus, best-selling author and speaker Jill Conner Browne, “The Sweet Potato Queen,” will share an empowering message over lunch at 12 PM. Tickets to the luncheon are $15 and may be purchased as an optional add-on item for “Bay Jubilee” ticket holders. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www. pageandpalette.com or call 251-928-5295. Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information. March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Campaign Participation is easy. Appoint a Blue Jeans for Babies coordinator in your office. They will invite all of your employees to purchase a T-shirt or a Beanie Baby. Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts are available in the colors of your favorite college team or the March of Dimes colors. (T-shirts start at $15, Beanie Babies $10). Then wear your shirt for Prematurity Awareness Day on Friday, November 15th with your favorite pair of jeans! Proceeds from shirt sales allow the March of Dimes to fund life-saving research and programs that help all moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorship is another great way to market your company on March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts and printed materials. The t-shirts for Southwest Alabama will be worn in Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington Counties. For more information, contact Riley McDuff at the March of Dimes Chapter Office at (251) 345-6480 or by email at emcduff@marchofdimes.com.

Saturday, November 16

Alabama’s Strongest Man and TOADS Push-Pull Powerlifting Challenge The Hangout, 101 E. Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, 9:30 AM. This is the 1st Annual Alabama’s Strongest Man and TOADS Push-Pull Powerlifting Challenge to benefit Make-A-Wish Alabama. Free admission for everyone and all ages are welcome. Donations for Make-A-Wish Alabama are greatly appreciated. If you or your business are interested in a sponsorship please contact Chris Slater 517-812-4143 or email slaterpowerfitness@gmail.com. Come on down and watch everyone lift steel logs, cars, carry kegs and lift stones. Anyone interested in competing please check www.spf-training.com for event info. Multiple weight classes and skill levels available. Page & Palette’s “4th Annual Afternoon Tea with Miss Connie and Miss Stephanie” 2:00 PM. Join us for our 4th Annual Afternoon Tea with Miss Connie and Miss Stephanie! Girls ages 5-10 are invited to attend. Dress up, wear your hat and gloves, and enjoy a spot of tea! As space for the

Two Great Locations:

Original Oyster House Boardwalk

701 Hwy 59 • Gulf Shores

251.948.2445

3733 Battleship Parkway

Mobile Causeway

251.626.2188

www.OriginalOysterHouse.com Call our Causeway location to reserve our private room for your special party!

annual Afternoon Tea is limited, you must stop by the bookstore (or get in touch with us via email or phone) to register your child. There is no cost for registration. The event is free. Located at 32 S Section St., Fairhope. Contact (251) 928-5295 or visit www.pageandpalette. com. Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

Sunday, November 17

Alice in Wonderland 4:30pm, Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope. This production is an entertaining dance interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story about the girl who fell down a rabbit hole, her adventures with the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, and the Mad Hatter. The disappearing Cheshire Cat along with a host of other fanciful characters will delight children of all ages in a one-hour magical performance. Last performed in 2007, Alice in Wonderland has been re-

worked with new scenery, the magic of aerial silks and fabulous new Hip Hop choreography. Children’s Dance Theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is now in its 32nd year of bringing quality dance theatre productions to the Eastern Shore. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $4 for students and are available on November 1st at the Creative Outlet Dance Center, or at the door on the day of the show. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee - “Nature Siberian Tiger Quest” Every Sunday, you can step inside our Tensaw Theater and catch a free film that is sure to please the whole family! For your convenience, each selection repeats throughout the day.For more information please visit our Facebook page or online at www. Alabama5Rivers.com.

Tuesday, November 19 Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Daphne Elementary Auditorium 2307 Main Street in Daphne Check out our

Holiday Happenings Guide for many more seasonal events!

December 6 & 7 6:30pm

Tickets $7.00 Available at A Fairhope Antiquery starting Dec 2 100 N. Section Street in Fairhope

Theater and catch a free film that is sure to please the whole family! For your convenience, each selection repeats throughout the day.For more information please visit our Facebook page or at www. Alabama5Rivers.com.

Tuesday, November 26 Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

Thursday, November 28 Turkey Take-Out December 13 & 14 • 6:30pm 1pm matinee on Saturday

Center Stage & Take 2 Show Choir Winter Tour: • Hearts for Haiti • Fairhope Veterans Day Breakfast • Fairhope Christmas Parade • Spanish Fort Christmas Parade • Bayshore Ballet's The Nutcracker • Bellaire Mall • Creative Outlet Dance Center's Alice in Wonderland Visit our website to view our weekly music and theatre classes. www.CenterStagePerformance.com Executive Director, Jessica Weber 251-279-0338 Save the Date! Open Auditions Jan 6 & 7 at 4pm • Aladdin Jr & 101 Dalmatians Kids 155 S. Section St. in Fairhope

Thursday, November 21 5th Annual Celebrate Hope The 5th Annual Celebrate Hope will be held on the grounds of the Mitchell Cancer Institute. The event will consist of food and wine pairings and live entertainment. Please visit www.celebratehope13zvents.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Friday, November 22 Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

Saturday, November 23 Alabama Pre/Post Adoption ConnectionsAdoptive Family Celebration Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) is hosting an Adoptive Family Celebration at our office on Downtowner Blvd from 10 AM - 1 PM. We will provide

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

food and activities for adoptive families in our area. For more information or to register, please call 251-4602727 or email lgurley@childrensaid.org. St. Jude “Give Thanks” Walk Join St. Jude supporters in the Spanish Fort community and in 90 cities nationwide to participate in the “St. Jude Give thanks. Walk.” to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Registration for this family-friendly event is free and all participants are encouraged to raise money to help save kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Check-In & Registration begins at 7 AM and the Walk starts at 8 AM at the Fountain. For more information, call (251) 706-2808 or (251) 377-2057. Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market 2 – 6 PM; See November 5th for more information.

Sunday, November 24

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee - “My Life as a Turkey” Every Sunday, you can step inside our Tensaw

Foley Elementary School. Turkey Take-Out is a community effort, partnering with Foley Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in the Foley community who may need a little extra help this year as well as to those who are not able to leave their own homes to enjoy a meal. For more information on how you can donate or serve email turkeytakeout@gmail.com or visit us at www.facebook. com/turkeytakeout.

Friday, December 6 Cinderella Kids

Also December 7, 6:30pm both nights Daphne Elementary Auditorium, 2307 Main Street, Daphne. Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters and denied a chance to go to the royal ball. With a little help from her mice friends, and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s dreams come true. She goes to the ball, meets the Prince, and falls in love! Tickets are $7 and available at A Fairhope Antiquery located at 100 N. Section Street, Fairhope, starting December 2nd.

me ful au jou an an rem

Friday, December 13

Honk! Jr. December 13th and 14th, 6:30pm and a 1:30 matinee on Saturday, December 14th. Daphne Elementary Auditorium, 2307 Main Street, Daphne HONK! JR. is the story of Ugly, an awkward duck whose gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey, he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving, HONK! JR. will treat you to equal amounts of laughter and tears.Tickets are $7 and available at A Fairhope Antiquery located at 100 N. Section Street, Fairhope, starting December 2nd.

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. www.easternshoreparents.com

Find

ok.

ella ed

l. m he 7 N.

e di-

his s e ut

iln

A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith

Finding Beauty in the Night Most children struggle at some point with fear or discomfort in the dark. It’s entirely natural to feel some anxiety when one of our primary senses, which serves us so well in the light, is dimmed by the dark. And when a child’s imagination begins to fill in the dark blanks, sometimes the results can be scary. But, like the dreams that take flight when our eyes close tight, the night has its own lovely secrets to share with the child who is ready to explore them. The following books shine a light on the wonders of the night and celebrate the beautiful things that can happen when the sun goes down for the evening.

Please Bring Balloons

by Lindsay Ward (Penguin / Dial) When young Emma visits her favorite carousel, she spies a note tucked under the saddle of the great white polar bear. It simply asks her to bring a balloon. So, she does. On her next visit she finds a note that simply says, “Please bring more.” And, bring them, she does! As darkness falls, Emma comes with many, many balloons to tie to the carousel bear’s saddle. And gently, the balloons lift the Bear – and Emma – into the night sky. Their airborne adventure takes them up into the darkness, where they revel against starry skies, among gentle snows and upon quiet icebergs. When morning comes, Emma isn’t sure the adventure was real, but a clue on the carousel just may indicate that dreams could come true. Celebrating the wonders of a winter night with colorful intensity, “Please Bring Balloons” is a beautiful bedtime read to put sleepy minds on a dreamy path to the magical possibilities of the night.

Steam Train, Dream Train

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle) When the night reaches full dark, a powerful train steams into Night Falls station where a menagerie of animals will load it with prize cargo. A polar bear and penguin load the freezer car full of ice cream. Turtles creep aboard as they move their (fast asleep) fast cars onto the train’s auto rack. The train’s cars are all taking on special cargo as the animal crew preps for the evening journey. Lushly illustrated, the moonlit clouds mimic the clouds of steam billowing from the train, and the train’s headlight flashes like the northern star in the night. For every child who loves trains and for every reader who’s ever heard a train’s whistle in the dark, this title is a rich, rhythmic reminder that wonderful things are still happening in the world long after the sun has set.

The Insomniacs

by Karina Wolf, Illustrated by The Brothers Hilts (Penguin / G. P Putnam’s Sons) When Mrs. Insomniac takes a new job that relocates the whole family half-way around the world and across twelve time zones, they all quickly discover that their nights and days are all mixed up. Mother, Father and little Mika can’t fall asleep at night. And their days are miserable as work and school suffer when everyone is too tired to be their best. When all insomnia remedies fail, the family strikes off into the night to seek advice from anyone they find. What they discover is a whole world of life that thrives in the dark! Nocturnal creatures - from angel sharks to aardvarks, from bats to bandicoots – reveal that some types are best suited to the night-life. The newly nocturnal family takes up work and hobbies that are best pursued in the dark (Mika even takes night classes) as they find a way to take back the night and make use of the mysterious and marvelous dark!

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Free Birds

Ender’s Game

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Free Birds PG for some action/peril and rude humor. If the movie Free Birds is part of your Thanksgiving Day plans, you might want to watch it after you eat dinner. Otherwise you could find yourself ordering fast food instead of enjoying the traditional holiday meal. Why? Because Free Birds is all about rewriting history in favor of political correctness when it comes to dining options. There are a lot of turkeys in this movie, however the script may be the biggest one. Reggie (voice by Owen Wilson) has been warning his fellow gobblers that they are only being fattened up for someone’s dinner table. But the feather-headed fowl won’t listen. Just as Reggie reissues the alarm, he gets plucked from the flock by the daughter of the US President (voice by Kaitlyn Maher). Luckily, instead of getting stuffed, he is chosen for the traditional pardoning of the turkey ceremony and suddenly finds himself living the life of luxury at the taxpayers’ expense. Yet his endless evenings of cable TV and truckloads of pizza come to an abrupt halt when he is kidnapped and hauled off to a secret military installation that houses a time machine. His captor, a brawny, action-oriented turkey named Jake (voice by Woody Harrelson), wants Reggie to go back in time with him to the first Thanksgiving and get turkeys off the menu. Messing with the institution of Thanksgiving dinner is a risky move. And there seems to be plenty of other agenda items written into this script too. Everything from animal rights, negative military stereotypes, female empowerment and a spoof on the latest dance competition movies make it into this film. The story also hints at a presidential mistress, environmental issues of “overgrazing” and some sexual attraction between two muscular male birds. That’s a lot to cover in an animation supposedly aimed at children. Most kids will likely be drawn to the film’s silly gags, so parents should be aware that the cartoon includes gun use, dynamite and an intentionally set fire meant to drive a some turkeys from the safety of their home. Characters also experience frequent peril and several die off screen. Historical figures also get the rough treatment. Myles Standish (voice by Colm Meany) is portrayed as a savage killing machine and Governor Bradford (voice by Dan Fogler) is shown as a corpulent, selfish leader. And the human Native Americans who inhabited the land get only seconds of screen time. In the end, Free Birds becomes a flighty tale that seemingly has little to do with dressing or cranberries. Giving a voice to these bird-brained creatures makes for an interesting take on Thanksgiving. And time definitely isn’t the only thing that gets warped in this holiday-inspired story.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: A Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Ender’s Game PG-13 for some violence, sci-fi action and thematic material. Based on a popular book authored by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game feels like a combination of The Hunger Games (where adults use children to play out their war games) and the classic novel Lord of the Flies (a story that leaves youths to work out their own society and pecking order). But Card’s plot is jettisoned into space. As is often the case in sci-fi tales, a futuristic Earth has been attacked by aliens. Fortunately mankind was able to ward off the invaders, but not without huge costs and the growing concern they will return. Preparing for the next confrontation military leaders are looking for innovative combat ideas to fight the ant-like enemy’s swarming techniques. They believe their only chance of acquiring such prowess will be to tap the talent of the very youngest members of society. Embracing the philosophy that playing video games improves strategic abilities, adults equip every adolescent child with a tablet device where they engage in war games in a virtual world. One of the most promising players is a smaller boy named Ender (Asa Batterfield). His exceptional abilities catch the attention of both a classmate named Stilson (Caleb J. Thaggard) and a high-ranking military official, Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford). For the competitive Stilson, losing to Ender’s creative strategies during their battles is more than the bully is willing to endure. But when he attacks Ender after the game, the diminutive boy uses similar cunning to get the much larger Stilson on the floor. Then he continues to kick and beat him, even though Stilson is already defeated. It is this latter action that scores big points with the Colonel. Ender is disturbingly determined not only to subdue his enemy but also to try and eliminate him. (Unlike Graff, some viewers may feel Ender’s zealous rage over his adversary extends too far.) As a result of the altercation Ender is chosen to join an elite group of youth in space who are preparing for the next extraterrestrial strike. These warriors-in-training repeatedly practice using simulated conflicts. Quickly moving up the command ranks, Ender maintains a firm hand while surprisingly, given his past conduct, managing to show compassion for those he works with. Ender’s Game offers messages about teamwork, as well as developing and recognizing the talents of individuals. These themes combined with compelling visuals, an engaging story and strong performances make the movie a rare find that may be suitable for tweens and teens. Still, parents will want to be ready to discuss appropriate ways of dealing with bullying and the realities of war. There is also the possibility a few young recruits might think they have found the perfect justification for spending hours playing video games.

What Parents need to know about Ender’s Game...

Violence: Young characters often engage in verbal conflicts, some of which escalate to fights. The protagonist is the target of bullying by classmates and an older brother. A bully, along with other cohorts, provokes another boy and challenges him to a fight; the boy accepts and, after hitting the bully with an object and knocking him to the floor, continues to kick and hit him. Later an adult mentor rewards him for this behavior. A male sibling pushes his smaller brother on to a bed and begins to strangle him with his hands, but eventually lets go. After a verbal altercation two boys begin fighting in a shower room; one boy hits his head on the floor causing severe trauma; we later see him receiving medical help. Children are often placed in harms way and are subjected to verbal military discipline in a society where adults are relying on children to fight battles against an alien enemy. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: A crude male anatomical term is heard.

What Parents need to know about Free Birds...

Violence: A turkey screams when he sees a cooked bird being carved for dinner. A character is tossed into a burlap bag and kidnapped. Characters are slapped, punched and threatened. Soldiers fire on characters with flamethrowers. A pack of ferocious dogs, along with men with guns and dynamite, chase a group of turkeys. Characters blow up building using gunpowder. A character dies in a fire. Characters experience frequent peril. Sexual Content: The script includes numerous buttock jokes and some sexual innuendo. Two male characters share a moment of supposed sexual attraction. A girl hints a relationship between her father and a female employee. A couple kisses off screen. Language: The script contains some name-calling and threats. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2013

www.easternshoreparents.com

United We

CAN! Help make our annual food drive a success! Non-perishable food donations will be accepted from November 4th - November 20th at all United Bank Branch locations. All donations will be distributed to area food pantries in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

800.423.7026 www.unitedbank.com Member FDIC