Tropic Falls is the tropical getaway with something for everybody! One ticket includes 23 theme park rides, the region’s biggest indoor water park and the all-new Big Water Bay wave pool complete with Coastal Curl surf simulator! Now you can enjoy it all and save more with the Family 4 Pack! Save $49.96 on four general admission tickets for a limited time—get all the details at VisitOWA.com!
THRILL, THEN CHILL.
MOBILE BALLET EASTERN SHORE is thrilled to announce we are moving to a new and more convenient space designed to elevate your dance experience to extraordinary heights. Our new location provides ample opportunities for dancers of all ages and skill levels to connect, grow, and thrive in an inspiring and inclusive environment.
We haven’t just changed the experience of having a baby; we’ve transformed it, starting with a host of birthing options from the region’s only academic health system. From a traditional birthing experience, to a Gentle C-Section, to the region’s most advanced neonatal intensive care unit and maternal-fetal specialists, the experience you want is here.
Just as I predicted last month, our summer has started off with lots of “fun” household projects. Instead of running through the sprinklers as we did when we were kids, our water play has consisted of finding and digging up a buried sprinkler system to replace the heads and me learning how to use a pressure washer. Who knew how fun and gratifying those chores could be?! Playing in the sand was more like Brad teaching the girls and I how to spread and finish a concrete slab. And no, that was not fun. But we did cook out later that night Brad taught me how to grill on a charcoal grill for the first time, so that made up for it. One of the items on the summer “to-dos” that I am really dreading is cleaning out and organizing the attic. Just like he has his garage full of his “toys”, I have my attic full of mine, including Christmas decorations, keepsake boxes, and what could be considered an large amount of party decor. I just know he is going to fuss about my stash. I can’t help it though. I love a celebration and decorate for every birthday, whether we are having a party at the house or not. My mom did that for us and I am passing down the tradition.
My love of birthday celebrations gets me extra excited when we start putting together the July Birthday Party issue! This is where my inner party animal really gets to come out. Every year we find new and fun party resources to share with you. You can find all the resources we have put together in our Birthday Party Resource Guide. Need a place to have a party? You will find several options in the guide. Need entertainment, décor, cakes, or rentals? No problem! You will find all of that in the guide too. Whether your child dreams of being a pampered princess or riding the waves at a waterpark, you will find several ideas here.
We have also included some helpful feature articles on party planning in this month’s issue. Cheryl Maguire helps us plan fantastic, yet frugal, parties in her article, Secrets to Throwing an Epic Birthday Party on a Dime. As Lisa Nord Seplack shows us in Teach the Gift of Giving by Hosting a Charitable Birthday Party, the celebration does not have to include presents. She gives us several examples of charitable party ideas where the honoree is still celebrated with a fun party but the host and guests also give back to a charity of the host’s choice. You’ll even find ideas to incorporate the chosen charity into the party’s theme!
July is not only our annual “Birthday Party” issue but, as everyone knows, it is also our country’s birthday! Make sure you check out the Family Calendar to find area fireworks displays and other events to celebrate the 4th. Please keep all the men, women and families of our military, both past and present, in your thoughts as you celebrate. And to all those who serve or have served, we thank you for the sacrifice given by you and your family.
Enjoy your July, try not to work too hard on your “to-do” lists, and make sure to make some wonderful summer memories with your family and friends. May God Bless the USA!
lynn@easternshoreparents.com
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com
Research Editor Lucy Green
Contributing Writers
Kristi Bush, LSW Gabriele Jones
Cheryl Maguire
Dave Ramsey Kailyn Reinhart
Robert L. Rux, M.D. Lisa Nord Seplak Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC
Cover Photography Jenn Glies Photography www.jenngliesphotography.com
President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com
Advertising Opportunities
Lynn Knighton ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099
Ad Design
Tim Welch
Web Content Manager
Scott Davis
Simply telling your child what you want them to do and walking away is not an effective teaching strategy. You can’t “talk” your child into learning a new skill. The most effective teaching strategy is to do it with them and then have them practice. Research has repeatedly proven that the only way we all learn is through practice, practice, practice.
Prompting is the most important tool in teaching your child a new skill. Prompting is the action of persuading, encouraging, or reminding. There are four main types of prompting: verbal, gestural, visual, and hand over hand.
1. Verbal prompting is standing beside your child while they are doing the task and telling them what to do next.
2. Gestural prompting is when you point or act out the behavior to help your child know what to do next.
3. Visual prompting includes pictures, visual schedules, written lists, etc. An example of this is putting a list of the process of getting ready on their bathroom mirror.
4. Hand-over-hand prompting is when you take your child’s hands in yours and do what you want to see. For example, if you are asking your child which car is blue, you would touch the car with his hand while saying, “This car is blue.” This approach is invaluable because it negates any language barriers, provides an opportunity for the child to get the right answer and earn praise, and it encourages the child to comply.
Shaping is the next tool. Shaping is simply reinforcing small accomplishments towards the skill you are trying to teach. For example, let’s say your goal is that your child sits at the dinner table
until the end of the meal. Shaping starts exactly where the child is. If your child walks around eating and has never been forced to sit at the dinner table, start there. Shape the behavior by putting them in the chair for 10 seconds, praise them for sitting, and then let them return to walking around. After a short time, do this again. If 10 seconds occurred without any extreme frustration, you can move up to 15 seconds and then 20 seconds. The next day, you increase the time and continue shaping until your child can sit through the meal. We always begin shaping from where the child will be successful, so if 10 seconds is too long, start at 5 seconds. If that is too long, start with sitting in the chair. No matter how your child behaves, praise them for trying, even if they are angry. If you praise what you want to see, your child will do it again willingly.
I can’t talk about prompting or shaping without conveying the importance of precursor skills. Precursor skills must be mastered before you can move to something more complex. For example, if your child can’t write her name, make sure she has the precursor skills of holding a pencil, writing on paper, writing letters, and attending long enough to write her entire name. We strongly encourage parents to think through the precursor skills a child needs before working towards a goal. Oth erwise, you are setting your child up for failure and frustration.
Practice makes progress, but effective practice must include starting where they are, prompting when necessary, and shaping complex skills.
Alabama is once again offering a Back to School Sales Tax Holiday for school items* including clothes, school supplies, books, and more. The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, and will end at midnight Sunday, July 13, 2023, *For a list of qualified items, limits and additional details visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website – www.revenue.alabama.gov and search Sales Tax Holidays.
The Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival provides the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas with a vibrant mix of jazz music and education. This year the Festival will include the Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp, an evening of poetry, 25 Years of Jazz Gala, and at the heart of it all, incredible main stage jazz concerts. Join us July 27-30, 2023 for our festival. Please visit https://gcehjazzfest.wordpress.com/ for our full schedule of events and for tickets.
Feeding the Gulf Coast is partnering with local community organizations to offer free meals to children, 18 and younger, through the Summer Meals Program. The program is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is designed to fill the nutritional gap when children are out of school during summer months and do not have access to free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches at school. This program has a significant impact on children and families across the central Gulf Coast.
“As summer comes, many children who rely on school meals face the painful reality of hunger instead of the carefree days of summer they should be able to enjoy,” said Michael Ledger, President and CEO at Feeding the Gulf Coast. “We are partnering with nearly 150 sites this summer across our service area to provide 9,500 meals on a daily basis.”
To find child meals sites near you throughout the summer, call our office at (888) 704-FOOD or visit our website at feedingthegulfcoast.org/find-help.
The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is designed to bring families together and encourage sportsmanship. The tournament takes place on Saturday, July 15, 2023. RMYAT is for children 15 years and younger and it typically attracts more than 1,500 young anglers. The one-day event features 30 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in all categories. One Master Angler is awarded. All participants receive a certificate, hot dog, ice cream courtesy of Blue Bell Creameries, and a drink provided by Coca-Cola. All proceeds benefit the Mobile Jaycees Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour. Please visit https://adsfr.com/rmyat/ for more information.
High Hopes 4 Autism is excited to announce the 17th Annual Illuminating Autism FUNraiser at Pirates Cove. This FUNraiser is a two-day event, held July 22 & 23 that will feature a JEEP draw down, silent auction, art market and local live entertainment. ALL proceeds from the FUNraiser go to a local Autism program. To purchase Jeep Drawdown Tickets or for more information visit http:// highhopes4autism.org/funraiser.
Distinguished Young Women of Baldwin County invites 3rd-6th grade girls to participate in this year’s “Be Your Best Self” Boot Camp and 7th-8th grade girls to participate in this year’s “Boot Camp Elite.” This year both camps will meet August 12, 2023 at Coastal Alabama Community College from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Both camps will also participate in a segment of the 2024 program on August 26, 2023. This year’s camps also include 2 tickets to this year’s program, group photos, refreshments, a boot camp t-shirt and more. Registration is $30 which goes to the scholarship fund. For more information, contact Katy Sipper at katy.sipper@gmail.com (251-421-1320).
The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its primary fundraising event, the Annual Professional Rodeo, taking place from August 3rd to 5th. Proceeds from this event will aid the nonprofit organization in its continued efforts to provide programs, services, and resources within Baldwin County communities and schools, fostering the social and emotional well-being of the area’s youth.
For its commemorative year, this award-winning Professional Cowboy Association event will be relocated to the Robertsdale Arena to accommodate the anticipated larger crowds and provide attendees with a memorable rodeo experience. It will feature eight nightly events, including Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Break Away Roping, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and Bull Riding.
The inaugural night of the rodeo, taking place on Thursday, will feature a “Hometown Heroes” tribute to honor military and emergency services personnel. Entry will be complimentary for these individuals upon presentation of a valid ID.
The gates are set to open nightly at 5:30 p.m. with the main rodeo action commencing at 8 p.m. There will be pre-rodeo festivities for children including face painting, play tattoos, an inflatable bounce house, an inflatable obstacle course, and fun games from 6 until 8 p.m. Visit www.jennifermoorefoundation.com or call 251.971.3633.
GulfQuest has announced it will join museums across the country in the Blue Star Museums initiative, which offers free admission to currently-serving United States military personnel and their families.
The 2023 summer program will end on Labor Day, September
4. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the
Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. You can find a complete list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
This free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military. That includes those serving with the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps. Active service members can also bring up to five family members.
To obtain free admission to a participating Blue Star Museum, qualified members must show an appropriate military identification card. You can learn more about the accepted forms of military ID at: www.arts.gov/initiatives/ blue-star-museums/frequently-asked-questions.
On Friday, July 14, the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation (SBCF) will host its Casino Night Fundraiser at the new Legacy Oaks Event Venue in Elberta, Alabama, for some Las Vegas style fun! The Casino Night Fundraiser will feature 8 to 10 casino-like table games where guests play for fun! Each ticket includes entry and the opportunity to play at each of the casino tables with a predetermined amount of *playing chips. Any guest with a remaining balance of chips at the end of the evening will be entered into a raffle for prizes! All gaming tables and equipment are provided by Bama Casino Company. *No prize money will be given in exchange for playing chips. Our Casino Night Fundraiser is a BYOB event. We provide the games you provide the drinks! When you get hungry, SugarLove Food Truck will be on-site for food purchases. If you feel like dancing, we’ve got DJ Entertainment provided by Feel the Beat Entertainment. And to add to the fun, get photos with your friends in the digital photo booth by Cool Shots Photo Booth.
Tickets are presale only and can be purchased online at the SBCF website (via eventbrite): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/634064523057
Sponsorship Opportunities – The SBCF committee is seeking partnerships with local businesses and organizations to help make the event both successful and fun for our community. Sponsorships for the upcoming event are available, and donations for raffle prizes and auction items are being accepted. It’s a great opportunity to get business exposure. If you would like to purchase a sponsorship or donate a raffle/auction item, please reach out to Rachel Spear via email: rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com.
Proceeds benefit the programs and teacher/student grants provided by the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. SBCF was formed in 2003 by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce to enhance the lives of students in our community as a non-profit, independent charitable foundation. The SBCF serves thirteen local schools in the south Baldwin County area.
Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation’s, The Pavilion at The Nest, is now open! The Pavilion at The Nest was the brainchild of dedicated FEEF Board Members over a span of 26 years and was made possible with generous donations from Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, the City of Fairhope, and countless local businesses and individuals. The central focus of The Pavilion at The Nest is to expand STEAM learning opportunities to all K-12 students and the community. While at The Pavilion, visitors will enjoy a Butterfly Garden, Frog and Toad Habitat, Log Decomposition Station, Pollinator Garden, Sensory Garden, Songbird Sanctuary and Weather Station. Each element encompasses hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a green space that preserves our natural habitat in Fairhope. The Pavilion at The Nest is also available to the community for private event use. All guests hosted at The Pavilion at the Nest will be provided with educational resources to enhance their environmental awareness.
FEEF hopes to share the beauty of this historical location with the community while simultaneously raising integral funds for our children’s STEAM education. Whether your event calls for a prime downtown location, covered seating for up to 200 people, or an expansive lawn, The Pavilion at The Nest is the ideal choice. For more information visit www.thepavilionatthenest.org , call 251-990-3333, or email events@ thepavilionatthenest.org
The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Ian Port as the winner of the 2023 Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by All In Credit Union.
Ian is a soon to be third grader who participated in Lemonade Day this past April.
Ian was presented with a plaque and a hoverboard as his prize! Participants were asked to fill out a simple profit and loss report after they completed Lemonade Day this past April. The student with the biggest profit from the day won. Ian’s Lemonade Day stand also won Best Overall Marketing. His stand name was The Main Squeeze located in Downtown Fairhope near the Welcome Center. Ian profited over $200 from his Lemonade Day stand, which was set up from 10 AM until 2 PM. On behalf of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and All In Credit Union, we want to congratulate Ian Port on his success.
Lemonade Day teaches 1st - 6th Graders how to start, own, and operate their very own business, a lemonade stand! Kids learn about creating their own success when they learn to set a goal, plan, work the plan, and achieve their dreams. Lemonade stands are set up throughout Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope. This event is held annually by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Happy Summer, Y’all! I’m writing a bittersweet article this month because we are coming to grips with my kids growing up and heading off to college soon! (insert crying emoji here) They will grow up despite our best efforts to keep them young, so there are things we need to do to help them get ready!
Most colleges and military commitments require not only a physical, but some require blood work and a tuberculosis test, and almost all require either a booster or new immunizations. Unfortunately, there are still outbreaks of preventable illnesses like mumps or measles and new ones (i.e., 2020). The colleges will send out what they need, but since the immunizations are pretty much the same across the board, let’s talk about those.
First, be sure that all routine childhood immunizations are up to date. These include the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella), Hepatitis A and B,
Haemophilus, and Polio. Some of these require boosters at certain ages, so check with your physician.
Next, let’s think about vaccines for older kids. First, there are several vaccines for bacterial meningitis. These are often required and necessary because of how dangerous they can be. There are cases every year of college-age kids who have died from this disease. Consider an annual flu shot and a Pneumococcal shot for those with underlying health conditions. The Covid vaccine is also available for older teenagers, and I highly recommend it. Consider the HPV series, which is critical for both males and females to stop the spread of the virus that can cause cervical and other cancers. It’s an amazing medical breakthrough. Some parents are scared as it is considered a sexually transmitted disease. If you think this won’t apply to your child, then you need to think back to your late teens and twenties and reconsider!
Another consideration is the transfer of healthcare. Kids with chronic illnesses and/or on regular medications should figure out a plan for their care at the new destination. Often student health can manage most conditions, but sometimes a specialist is needed. Talk with student health first for advice.
Finally, think about things you still do for your child and start letting them manage instead. Washing clothes and selfhygiene are great first starts. Let your child navigate the immunization and paperwork process and call the college themselves to help manage their care. This small step can empower kids to take control of their healthcare, which will have carryover into all aspects in the next chapter of their young lives.
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Helping four and five year olds disconnect from the high tech society we live in is the mission of July’s Teacher of the Month, Meg Murphy. Meg is a kindergarten teacher at Nature Connect, a Montrose based preschool, kindergarten and home schooling program committed to reconnecting children with the natural world.
“I love teaching and finding a place where I can do it outdoors, in nature, has been a blessing,” shared Meg. “We use a nature-based curriculum to meet state standards for kindergarten and do it while spending our days outside.”
The Nature Connect program allows students to learn basic kindergarten skills like reading and writing while also incorporating plant and animal studies, story telling, nature skills and more.
“We incorporate our natural environment into our lessons, which really keeps the students motivated and engaged. It’s much more fun using sticks to practice counting, or rolling a log down a hill to learn about gravity,” said Meg. “The students are able to spend time exploring and playing, which not only develops their minds academically, but socially and emotionally.”
Meg has a Bachelor in Business Administration from the College of Charleston and a
Master’s in Elementary Education from the Uni versity of Phoenix. She has been teaching for 13 years, first in Arizona, then relocating to Alabama about two years ago. After obtaining her teach ing certificate, she secured the position at Nature Connect. Now that she is teaching in an outdoor school, she plans to further her education in this area.
“At our school, everything we do is out doors, in the wooded area around our campus. This includes time playing in the creek, building forts, foraging, learning about insects, plants and so much more. There is a barn with books and Montessori-inspired activities and a screened-in porch where we do some of our work. However, unless there is lightning, we are outside, rain or shine,” Meg shared. “Knowing that my students are growing, academically, socially and emotion ally is what keeps me motivated to teach. I feel a sense of pride and excitement when I witness these kids doing things they couldn’t before.”
Meg and her husband Mike recently landed here on the East ern Shore for a change of pace and to be closer to family. They have three kids: Addison (11), Colin (10), and James (4), and a puppy named Rebel. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies and going to the beach.
Congratulations to the Gulf Shores Middle School students that were chosen to be published in the Fall/Spring National Celebrating Art Contest. This is a huge honor as only the best artwork is chosen for publication out of thousands of entries. Mahileit Derstine received a High Merit award for the competition. The High Merit Award is given to exceptional pieces that are of the top 20% submitted.
Pictured:
7th grade: Davis Sinclair, Grace Hartzler
8th grade: Mahileit Derstine, Kori Hager, Jayden Dennis, Tereza Mojs, Arabella Gilbert, Haven Spruiell, Dasha West,
Fourth grade students at Perdido School have learned how to garden this school year as part of their studies. Led by science teacher Jackie Presley, the students planted and tended to the vegetable garden during class time. The students planted strawberries, okra, tomatoes, squash, green peppers and cucumbers. After several weeks of maintaining their garden, the students were able to collect the fruits of their labor. “My fourth grade science classes rotate maintaining the garden daily. They’ve also learned about plants and soil,” Presley said. “They absolutely love it and they’ve done well.” The teacher said the garden has been very successful and she hopes to add to it in the future.
Celebrating Academic Excellence: The University of Alabama Early College Director’s List recognizes achievement in college level work. Emily Warner (Junior) has distinguished herself as a twotime returner to the Director’s List.
This year’s Ida White Award winner is Sherlin Saldana Rodriguiz. This award is given to an 8th grade student who was a part of the ESL program at some point in their school career. It is given in honor of Ida White who served the Foley community as a liaison to the ESL families in the area. This award recognizes a student who is a leader in the school. Thank you to Brenda Garcia Monroy, 2022 Ida White recipient, for
Daphne Middle Science teachers were recently recognized with a Leadership Award for their use of Gizmo virtual labs to enhance instruction. DMS had the highest Gizmo virtual labs usage in Baldwin County.
Mrs. Hamby’s first graders of Silverhill Elementary wrote, illustrated, and published their own class book titled “Star of the Day”. They presented one to the librarian, Mrs. Bowman, to
One of the most fun events of the year at J. Larry Newton is the Student vs. Teachers Basketball Game! This year the teachers won by 12 points.
FEES third grader Paxton Rodgers has been hard at work collecting aluminum can tabs for the Ronald McDonald house. She and Mrs. Lucas would like to send special thanks to Fairhope VFW
To celebrate the end of school and the start of summer, CubScout Pack 177 of Spanish Fort spent the night on the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship. Newly Webelo Scouts Finn Hoffman (left), Ashton Edwards (middle), and Kilean Collette (right) are pictured exploring the ship.
Excellent guest speakers taught everyone
The Bay Minette Fire Department recently shared important fire safety and prevention tips with some local youth. Fire Department personnel visited the summer camp program offered through Bay Minette Elementary School. In addition to learning about fire safety and prevention, the campers were also able to see the fire truck up close and learn more about how the equipment functions.
Congratulations to Daphne High Trojan Olivia concert at Thompson
J. Larry Newton celebrated Coach Pharez during their end of the year celebration. She has been in education for over 30 years and has touched many, many lives. “We hate to see her, and her costumes, go. She will truly be missed. Thank you for your service!”
BCS Grammar School Field Day was the perfect way to end the school year! Wishing everyone a safe & blessed summer break!
The Daphne Middle School family celebrated the retirement of Mrs. Debbie Miles. “To say she will be missed is an incredible understatement! Her leadership and friendship cannot be matched. We won’t be the same without you, but we are better for having had the opportunity to work along side you!”
Congratulations to Fairhope High School’s own Ryley Harrison for being chosen as Alabama’s Miss Softball of 2023.
Bayside Academy senior Maggie Britt one of two recipients of the 2023 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships from the Original Oyster House. As a recipient of the award, Maggie earned a $1,000 scholarship from the Original Oyster House.
The 18th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship competition was open to high school seniors in Baldwin County with a 2.5 minimum GPA who have participated in a recent school or community art event. The students had to submit artwork that reflects the Original Oyster House brand in some way and could be displayed at the restaurant. Maggie is the fifth-generation female in her family to live on the shores of Mobile Bay, and her painting is evocative of time spent with her grandmother on the shore of the bay gathering shells and other bay objects to create crafts. Her artwork is a colorful mixed media work that has layers of paint and various papers, some gold, and a think top coat of resin.
Congratulations to our newly elected National Elementary Honor Society officers! From left to right: Elaine Quinn, Louis Underwood, Savanna Gearhart, Connor Rodden, and Anna Elliott Dorman. They will be serving in their new roles next school year as sixth graders.
The annual Rockwell Elementary Talent Show was held in May for students. There was something for everyone: comedians, musicians, dancers, singers, gymnasts, cheerleaders, and more. Over 20 performers entertained and delighted the cheering students. These superstartalented students will certainly go far!
Congratulations to Daphne High School Trojans Anthony Dato, Abby Carlson, Shayne Bodalia, Abby Jordan and Maddox Marino for making AllCounty Tennis!
Pine Grove Elementary has three new eMINTS graduates on its staff. Teachers
Kayla Waite White, Sondra Dunn and Sarah Doerr have completed certification through the program. Each year, Baldwin County teachers are selected through an application process to join a two-year professional development designed to inspire educators to use research-based instructional
Congratulations to Rashaud Robertson from Foley Middle School who has been selected as the May 2023 Baldwin EMC Shining Star. Rashaud was nominated by his teacher Marilyn Ward who said he truly brings light to those around him and embodies character traits that make him a role model.
In
Childrens AL •org
Boys & Girls
Grades: K-12th
Registration for Spring Season in November
For more information: www.lallax.com
Bayside Academy’s commencement ceremony was held 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, on the beautiful Bayside Bluff. Sixty-four students graduated as the Class of 2023.
Congratulations to the Spanish Fort High School Varsity and JV Cheerleading teams at UCA camp at LSU. JV and Varsity received Blue Superior ribbons for both sideline/cheer and camp routines. JV received the Gold Superior ribbon for the sideline/cheer. During final evaluations both JV and Varsity received 1st Place trophies for the Camp Routine. Both teams also received the Superior trophy for overall superior performances during camp. 11 girls made All-American, 5 athletes were selected for the leadership “pin it forward” awards, and the teams received the spirit banana twice.
Kaydence Comalander was selected as the Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet of the Year for the State of Alabama. Cadet Comalander is completing her junior year at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette where she serves as the AFJROTC Corps Commander and leads the Color Guard at the highest profile events. She also recently earned the Daedalian’s Award for her Outstanding Citizenship and Excellence in Academics.
Bayshore Upper School Awards Day was a time of celebration and fellowship! One of the best aspects of Awards Day is the support given to all the students by their classmates.
Bay Minette Middle School Cheer recently took part in the UCA Cheer Camp, held at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. The squad won third place in sideline cheer, received two blue ribbons for cheer and dance evaluations, and won three sprits sticks. Squad members include Layla Allen, Adia Bufford, Chrislyn Geck, Ansley Guy, Levynne Harville, Cadence Long, Kaylin Lundy, Annabelle Maske, Blaklee Pearson, Brooke Powell, Kiley Sellers, Austyn Smith, Jill Smith, Morgan Till, Kenzlie Williams and Laiken Wilson-Withrow. Four members were also received All-American honors: Jill Smith, Blaklee Pearson, Levynn Harville, and Adia Bufford. “They really did a good job and worked hard this week,” said Coach Catherine Ann Brooks.
“We are super proud of our BMMS cheerleaders.”
Mrs. Salter and Mrs. Doss of Stonebridge Elementary School were selected to attend the Empower Energy Education Workshop sponsored PowerSouth and Baldwin EMC in partnership with The NEED Project in Destin, along with several other teachers from Alabama and Florida.
Teachers at Daphne East Elementary School were “Squeezing the Day!” with only 2 days left in the school year. Thank you admin for providing teachers with refreshing lemonade!
Renaissance School’s Mrs. V had the opportunity to attend Wild Heart Teacher Retreat at the John Wesley Ranch in Colorado Springs. The focus was on student health and wellbeing. She also got the opportunity to hike, explore caves, paint, and learn about Colorado history. It was a great week!
BCBE celebrates Foley High School’s Emily Wolfe as the 7A State Shot Put Champion. Emily also placed 2nd in the state in discus and 5th in javelin.
Bayside Academy’s Key Club packed and donated Bags of Hope to the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Each of the 50 bags included a toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and tissues. Additional donations of each item were sent as well to be disbursed as needed. This was part of a grant the service club members wrote and received from the Kiwanis Club.
Pictured: Bayside Academy Key Club members Nathan Sadlock, Mary Helen Callaway, Head of School Scott Phillipps, Maysie Douglas, Susan Pittman, Reid Nagle, John Normann, Bowdoin Hammock, and Noah Breeland.
Congratulation to BCS freshman, Michael Heaton, for winning the 1A-2 State Championship in golf! Go Bayshore!
Summer
GSMS introduced the Dolphin Talk program during the 2022-2023 school year to enhance students’ learning experiences, foster effective communication, and establish strong connections. Dolphin Talks Days consisted of interactive sessions aimed at teaching students new skills or delving into their interests, passions, and potential careers. Each Dolphin Talk involved collaboration with community partners, outreach initiatives, or hands-on experiences to enrich the learning process.
Students were empowered to select their Dolphin Talk topics based on their personal interests and passions. The program culminated in collaborative projects, showcasing the students’ knowledge and skills. The diverse range of topics covered included the Amazon RainForest, Bible Basics, Career Exploration, Chinese Jump Rope, Creative Writing Cafe, Disc Golf, Discover Mexico and Its Culture, Dolphin Encouragers, Fin Friends, First Aid and Safety, Gulf Coast Ecotourism and Sustainability, Life Skills, Naturalist, Photography, Poetry Portfolio, Sports, Teaching, and Ultimate Frisbee.
During the highly anticipated Dolphin Talk session, which marked the culmination of the year, students were treated to a showcase of exceptional culminating project presentations. This event not only celebrated their hard work and achievements but also provided a platform for students to engage with their peers’ projects and participate in the selection of winners across various categories. The winners were:New Skill/Interest: Photography with Mr. Reetz, Community Partnership: Bible Basics with Mrs. Butler, Culminating Project: Mexico & Its Culture, Presentation Skills: Naturalist, Best Overall: Fin Friends.
Congratulations also to the following members of the Robertsdale High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team for their selection to the All-County Soccer Team: Madison Strauss (Senior)
Renaissance School’s Mr. Hovey and Mrs. Clemmons attended Alabama History Professional Development. They had the privilege of learning from the direct descendants of the Clotilda.
Emily Smith (Junior) and Maggie McNeil. Congratulations to Juniors Emily Smith and Maggie McNeil for earning Honorable Mention All State Honors.
Emily Evans represented Foley High School in the State Swim Meet at Troy University for Special Olympics. She received medals from placing in the
The Spanish Fort Middle School cheerleaders did such an amazing job this week at UCA Camp at Auburn University. The girls placed 3rd in the camp routine. Five 8th graders were selected as All American, and they came home with all blue ribbons!
Christ the King Catholic School has so many wonderful traditions on campus throughout the year. This tradition was bittersweet as we prepared to say goodbye to our graduating 8th grade students. Pictures of their journey here at CTKCS decorated the tables and baby pictures of the students hung on the walls. It is a walk down memory lane for the students and teachers. Many 8th grade parents volunteered to make this breakfast such a success! We know our 8th grade students will shine in high school!
Baldwin County High School’s Trevor Murphy was named the Midtown Optimist Club’s “2023 Player of the Year”. Murphy ended the season with a .451 batting average, which included 46 hits, 14 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs with accounted for 34 RBIs and 26 runs.
On defense, he was a key pitcher and third baseman. On the mound he had six wins and 40 strike-outs. Trevor has signed a scholarship to play baseball at Bishop State Community College. Trevor was also recently named the Baldwin County Player of the Year. BCHS Coach Trenton Higginbothem praised the student-athlete for his work ethic, on and off the field.
“Trevor put together one of the more impressive seasons that I have ever witnessed,” he said. “He is the definition of hard work paying off. It didn’t matter before or after games and practices he consistently lived in the cages! He has left BCHS a better place! Thank you for everything you did for our program.”
(His stats shared by Midtown Optimist Club)
3B/RHP BATTING
.451..Batting Average
...46..Hits
...14..Doubles
.....2..Triples
.....7..Home Runs
...34..RBIs
...26..Runs
...15..Walks
...14..Hit-by-Pitch
.....1..Stolen Base
.....5 K’s in 133 PA PITCHING .....6...Wins
.....3...Losses
.....1...Save
.3.16..ERA
....40..Strikeouts
.....6...Complete Games
A sweet ending to a new
A couple of Florence B Mathis teachers attended their students’ dance recital! Great job to all dancers!
what their hard work and dedication to their schooling will accomplish! We know the graduating seniors will go on to do wonderful things in the world and we are so proud of them! Once a CTKCS Saint, always a CTKCS Saint!
Congratulations to the following Fairhope High Boys Soccer Team members for receiving All-County team status for the 2023 year: Whieldon Smith, Jack Burns, Camden Carner, Jake Garner, Carter Willis, Max Reger.
Mrs. Morgan’s 2nd Grade Class at Belforest Elementary had the pleasure of getting a visit from former Daphne Mayor, Harry Brown. One of our own, Braxton, has always said he aspires to one day become the Mayor of Daphne. You have our vote, Braxton!
Christ the King Catholic School hosted their annual talent show in May to showcase their students! From piano playing, singing, playing guitar, dunking basketballs, to dancing, the students did a fabulous job showcasing their talents! It was so wonderful seeing students build their self confidence with performing, however, it was equally enjoyable watching the audience cheer their fellow peers on in a positive way! We are proud of all our students!
Class Awards and Most Growth on Star tests for Mrs. Hannah’s class at Daphne East Elementary School
A summer of fun (and learning) was underway at Pine Grove Elementary School in Bay Minette. The school hosted a summer learning camp in June where students enjoyed art projects, learning stations and fun games and adventures. Send
Through a gracious donation by the Alabama Home Builders Association Foundation, the North Baldwin Tech building construction students were able to build a brand new chicken coop for Foley Elementary. It will serve Ms. Stradley’s 6th grade science program for years to come!
Ellie Richerson represented Spanish Fort High School at the HOBY Youth Leadership Conference. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership is an organization dedicated “to inspiring and developing our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation.”
Bayshore Upper School Field Day was a fun filled day! Students enjoyed water sports, obstacle course, and a Senior vs. Faculty basketball game!
Birthdays are celebrated by everyone, everywhere once a year. Katie Denton and her husband Matt intentionally designed a special way for their girls - Piper (5) and Penelope (3) - to celebrate each year.
“A tradition we started when Piper turned one was the birthday morning cupcake. Each of our girls has her own special garland that we hang, a group of party animals that parade onto the scene and a cupcake pedestal that displays a cupcake with a candle on the morning of their actual birthdays,” shared Katie. “A very funny fact is that both of our girls RAGED when they turned two. Piper kicked her cupcake to the ground and cried. Penelope held her cupcake, dumped it upside down and fled the scene very angrily. I’m happy to report that all other birthday cupcakes have been well received.”
The Denton Family recently relocated back to the area after a few years spent in Santa Clarita, CA. Their love for this area is what brought them back to Fairhope.
Katie recently accepted a teaching position locally where she will be coupling her Bachelor’s degree in English and Education with her passion for performing arts. Her husband Matt is a campus pastor at City Hope Church in Foley.
The family loves to play games together, have spontaneous family dance parties, splash in the water and they enjoy taking after dinner walks. They also are working towards a personal garden but that hasn’t quite taken root yet.
“I am sharing a Taco Bake. This is my spin on a recipe that my high school best friend’s mom, who is still like another mom to me, always made. She continues to make it whenever our family goes over to eat,” Katie shared. “It’s not necessarily a birthday-specific meal but it’s a delicious one that works
for any occasion or run-of-the mill evening.”
Katie’s Taco Bake
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs ground beef (or any ground meat)
• 2 envelopes taco seasoning mix (I use Matteo’s Southeast Ranch Taco Seasoning)
• 1 8 oz package fiesta blend shredded cheese (or any shredded cheese you prefer or have on hand)
• 2 boxes of corn muffin mix (probably needs milk and eggs)
• 1 can (11 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can seasoned black beans, drained
• 9”x13” baking dish (or whatever you have!)
The following ingredients are optional but totally make the meat/cornbread mixture sing:
• 2 T. butter or 2 T. cooking oil of your choice
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 1 jalepeño, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup mini bell peppers, diced
• 2 tsp Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote seasoning
The following are optional for toppings, but 10/10 recommend:
• 1-2 avocados, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 can sliced black olives
• Sour cream
• 1 lemon + 1 lime to zest in the sour cream
• Cilantro
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (or whatever your cornbread mix tells you to do)
2. In a large skillet, heat butter/oil and sauté onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and a tsp or two of the diced jalapeño.
3. Once the onions are soft, add beef and brown. Drain and return to the pan.
4. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to the package directions.
5. While the meat is simmering, mix the cornbread in a mixing bowl. Add and mix in 1/2 cup of cheese. *If you have the Trader Joe’s Elote seasoning, add it to the cornbread mixture and stir until incorporated.
6. Mix 1 cup of cheese into the beef mixture and stir until melted.
7. Spoon ground beef into baking dish.
8. Evenly layer black beans and corn over the meat.
9. Top with the cornbread mixture, spreading evenly to the edges of the pan. 10. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure the cornbread is all the way baked by sticking a toothpick into the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
11. Cut into squares and garnish with desired toppings!
(This recipe is easily cut in half with 1 lb of meat and 1 pack of cornbread.)
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 17 years. Together they have three incredible children – two boys, ages 16 and nine, and a sweet girl who will be two in August. Gabriele is a full-time Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Gulf Shores.
In grade school my son loved celebrating his summer birthday with a big party that included family, friends and everyone in his class. But after the last slice of cake was eaten and all the guests had gone home there was still one activity left, opening the pile of gifts. It became overwhelming and reached the point where his birthday seemed bigger than Christmas. It was time for a lesson in giving.
If your child is overloaded with gifts on his or her birthday, or if you feel it is time to teach the gift of giving, consider hosting a charitable birthday party this year. Your child will still enjoy celebrating his or her big day with friends and family. But instead of bringing a gift, ask your guests to bring a donation to a charity of your child’s choice. So your child won’t completely miss out on the new bike they’d been hoping for, limit gift giving to just family members. Or one big present from mom and dad.
For your sporty child: Consider an activity like swimming, soccer, indoor ice skating, miniature golf, bowling, a bounce house at home or an indoor inflatables destination. Ask your guests to bring new or used shoes and clothing for Soles4Souls (soles4souls.org). This organization distributes donations to the needy in the United States and countries in Central and South America and Africa. Or find a local charity that accepts used
For the animal lover: Contact your local humane society to find out if they host kid’s birthday parties. If not, throw the party at home and have the kids make toys, blankets or anything else your humane society suggests for their homeless pets. Or take a trip to the zoo. Ask your guests to donate to the World Wildlife fund (worldwildlife.org) and they can adopt an animal they’d like to help. Adoptable animals include elephants, penguins, tigers and panda bears. Or, if you’re brave enough, throw a party with the local lizard guy at your house. Encourage guests to make donations to Heifer International (heifer.org) and let kids pick from a gift of goats, a present of pigs or any of the other animals Heifer International will provide to needy families in third world countries. The National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) also maintains an adopt an animal program. With a donation you can adopt a gray wolf, harp seal or great horned owl to name a few.
For your little chef: These days cooking is all the rage and it isn’t just for adults anymore. Try hosting a cooking party for your little food lover. Check to see if there is a local venue like a specialty grocery store or cooking school that hosts parties for kids. Or a business that will come to your home and conduct a class. Or even a mobile culinary school. If not, use your own kitchen and host a pizza making party. Provide chef hats and individual pizza crusts for each child and a variety of toppings and let them make their own pie. Or
Host a Happy Doll party: For a child who loves dolls, Happydoll.org provides dolls and all the materials needed so your guests can decorate a doll for a needy child. Each guest gets a cloth doll and non-toxic pens to design their own unique doll. Each doll has a specific tracking code so you can track where each decorated doll has traveled. Dolls are shipped to needy children throughout the U.S., and throughout the world including Haiti, India and China.
For the generous child: If your child just wants a simple but fun birthday party without a specific theme, host a cake and ice cream, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, musical chairs, and piñata kind of party that you may have enjoyed as a child. Consider donating to the children’s ward of a local hospital or to Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities. Or collect books and school supplies to donate to a church or other organization that helps local kids in need.
And if you want to send a little something home with your generous guests, say goodbye to the junk of the goody bag and try one of these simple ideas instead: make a craft like a friendship bracelet or a rubber band bracelet, ice cream cone gift certificate, local kid’s restaurant small gift certificate, sidewalk chalk, small book, homemade snacks like granola, trail mix or muffins (be sure to check for allergies.) ESP
Q I’m hearing more and more about “dedollarization” and how several countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade. Will this affect the strength of the dollar, and should I be concerned about how I’m saving and investing because of this?
A. First and foremost, I care enough about you to say you may be spending way too much time on the internet, buddy. You’re drifting into the realm of conspiracy theories here, so let’s slow down and take a look at some facts.
China, Brazil and Russia are the three main players in all this. They already don’t use the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade—all three have their own currency, and there’s a conversion rate between all those currencies and the
U.S. dollar. Those three countries, along with some of the oil-producing countries from the Middle East they’re trying to get on board with the idea, are talking about developing one currency they all use. In international trade, that currency would be converted back and forth to dollars— much like what Europe did with the euro. Which, by the way, really hasn’t worked out so well. Are those countries going to be able to devalue the dollar by doing that?
No. Why? Because while those countries take up a lot of land mass, they don’t take up a lot of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the world. The United States still represents the vast majority of the world’s GDP. Sure, China’s big in that regard. But
Russia doesn’t bring much to the table, and Brazil is barely scraping by in a failed economy. Plus, they’re tiny as far as economics are concerned. I mean, Texas probably has a larger GDP than Brazil.
In other words, they just don’t have the muscle to take down the dollar mathematically speaking. Now, if they do manage to put this idea together, it still won’t end in “de-dollarization.”
The dollar will not be done away with. Even if they create their own currency, they’re still going to have to trade with the 800-pound gorilla, which is America. And they’re going to have to trade with us in dollars.
Am I worried about this? Not one bit. And you shouldn’t be either.
Providence United Methodist Church
32200 Jimmy Faulkner Drive
Spanish Fort, 36527
Dates: July 9-13, 2023
Times: 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Kindergarten -Completed 5th grade
Theme: Stellar VBS Register at providencemethodist.org. (251) 626-2510
www.providencemethodist.org
St. Andrews by the Sea
17263 Fort Morgan Road Gulf Shores, 36542
Dates: July 10-13, 2023 Times: 9:00am12:00pm Ages: 4 years - 5th grade (251) 968-3900 sarastap82@yahoo.com
www.standrewbythesea.org
Barnwell Baptist Church
7780 US Highway 98 Fairhope, 36532
Dates: July 10-14, 2023 Times: 8:30am11:30am Ages: 4 years - 10 years
Theme: Stellar VBS (251) 928-8286 barnwellbaptist@gmail.com
www.barnwellbaptist.org
St. Paul’s Lutheran (Foley)
400 N Alston Street Foley, 36535
Dates: July 10-14, 2023
Times: Monday-Thursday: 9 am-noon, Friday, 9 am - 12:30
Ages: Entering kindergarten - 6th grade
Theme: God’s Animal Kingdom (251) 943-6931 stpauls.lcms.foley@gmail.com www.stpaulslcms.com
3Circle Church
Robertsdale Campus Robertsdale, 36567
Dates: July 17-21 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 4 years - 4th grade Theme: Lift Off: A Journey Into the Greatness of God (251) 990-3112
www.3CircleChurch.com/camp
City Hope Church
29964 Saint Basil St Daphne, 36526
Dates: July 17–20, 2023
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm
Ages: 3 years - rising 3rd Grade
Theme: City Hope Church’s Camp Jr
Just like older kids get to experience Camp,
our younger kiddos are going to get to be a part of Camp Jr this summer too! This is a day camp for preschool and early elementary aged kids, and it’s happening at our Mobile and Foley locations too! Just click the link above to sign up. The cost is just $25 for the whole week, and registrations is open now through July 9.
(251) 626-0123 www.cityhope.cc/camp
City Hope Church
21270 Miflin Road Foley, 36535
Dates: July 17–20, 2023
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm
Ages: 3 years - rising 3rd Grade
Theme: City Hope Church’s Camp Jr
Just like older kids get to experience Camp, our younger kiddos are going to get to be a part of Camp Jr this summer too! This is a day camp for preschool and early elementary aged kids, and it’s happening at our Mobile and Foley locations too! Just click the link above to sign up. The cost is just $25 for the whole week, and registrations is open now through July 9.
(251) 626-0123 www.cityhope.cc/camp
Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church
6620 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Dates: July 24-July 27, 2023
Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Theme: The Armor of God
Ages: Rising Kindergarten through 5th grade
Be a Keeper of the Kingdome at VBS 2023. Please call or email to register. Enrollment is limited, so please join early.
(251) 626-1242 churchoffice@SpanishFortPC.com www.spanishfortpresbyterian.com
Celebration Church
8180 Dyer Road Fairhope, 36532
Dates: July 31-August 2, 2023
Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Kindergarten- 6th grade
Theme: Wild Life
Wild Life is 3-day adventure where kids discover how special they are to God and how wild it is that they can share their story, use their gifts, and how to spend time with God. *
(251) 928-0343 megan@fairhopechurch.com
www.fairhopechurch.com
When I received the invite to my nephew’s, pirate party I was worried. The event was being held during the winter time at his house so all the five-year-old kids would be cooped up. How would over twenty kids be entertained in a small area indoors? Would I hear so many chaotic screams of “Arrr’s” and “Ahoy’s” that I would want to walk the plank?
My fears subsided when I beheld the enormous cardboard-created pirate ship in their living room. If the boat hadn’t been so crowded with kids, then I would have jumped inside of it myself. When I noticed organized activity stations set up throughout the house, I knew all the kids would have a blast. The party was a huge success that my kids still talk about four years later.
The pirate party isn’t the only impressive at-home one my sister and brotherin-law, Tara and Mike, have hosted. They had other events for my nephew and two nieces. The themes of their parties include knights and princesses, western cowboys and cowgirls, fairies and gnomes, Star Wars, and pirates. For all their parties they created a life-size cardboard centerpiece such as a castle or western town for the kids to play in and games centered around the theme along with a favor to take home. Homemade treats and a cake are abundant at every gathering.
So, what is the secret to throwing an epic birthday party on a dime?
The Stull Family is already planning the next unicorn theme party for June. They get ideas from Pinterest and other craft-
ing websites. Sometimes they brainstorm ideas on their own. This planning helps them to have enough time to create all the activities and cardboard centerpiece.
Potential Savings: $25-$50. Advanced planning allows them to buy sale items and use coupons.
Almost everything at parties are homemade from the cardboard centerpieces to the games, food and favors. This significantly cuts down the cost of the parties which were all under $200.
Potential Savings: $50-$75 by not buying a store-bought cake, games or favors.
Tara and Mike Stull work together creating the life-size centerpiece, games, favors and homemade baking. They also include their kids in the process of coming up with ideas and creating the items. By working together, they don’t become too overwhelmed with the planning and creating that is involved. It also makes the process more fun for the entire family.
Potential Savings: $25-$50 by working together, the less they need to purchase store bought items.
At the parties, they offer simple games that everyone loves, and they incorporate the theme into the game. Instead of a typical water gun fight, they created a water gun shooting range in the western theme party. Or instead of pin the tail on the donkey it was pin the lightsaber on Yoda for the Star Wars theme party. Some other games they played are a pirate scavenger hunt for gold coins, relay cowboy horse races and beware of the shark cardboard toss bean bag game.
Potential Savings: $100-$200 by not hosting the party at an outside venue such as a play gym, bowling alley or laser tag place.
Tara and Mike asked local appliance stores for free cardboard boxes to create the
centerpiece, games, and favors. They also got deeply discounted “mistake paint” for a quarter of the price (around $9 instead of $40) that people returned because they didn’t like the color from Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Potential Savings: $25-$50 by not purchasing cardboard boxes, games and favors also savings from purchasing mistake paint which can be used for crafts, games or painting the cardboard centerpieces.
They purchase some of the items at Michael’s and other craft stores using coupons. They also use coupons at the grocery store to buy the food for the party. Coupons can be found at the store’s website or app or by signing up for the store’s emails. Also coupons can be found at online coupon website like Coupons.com.
Potential Savings: $50-$100 by using coupons and purchasing sale items.
After the last party, they sold some games they made for $30. They plan to do this for future parties.
Potential Savings: $50-$100 depending on the items created and sold. You could also sell your household items prior to the event to help fund it.
These parties are a lot of work, but the whole family loves creating a memorable event. I know that we are anxiously awaiting the next unicorn party. Who knows maybe we will even spy a real one?
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05
At Glass Orthodontics, you’re more than just another faceyou’re a unique person and our team values that. With one dedicated doctor and a hands-on team, everyone will know your name! Consultations are always complimentary and we offer flexible appointments and interest free payment plans. With four locations to serve you, there is always something to
Crumbl Cookies
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1802 US-98 Suite D, Daphne
Crumbl has the best cookies in the world! Our unique flavors rotate each week and catering flavors available! Great for all of your special events! Order for delivery, curbside pick-up, catering & nationwide shipping.
(251) 210-7737 www.crumblcookies. com/aldaphne
Brodie’s Cream & Bean
15950 Hwy 104, Silverhill
Serving local Old Dutch Ice Cream, coffee, gifts and other treats. Celebrate your birthday & help fund missions with Maji Hope! (251) 490-0331 www.facebook.com/ BrodiesCreamAndBean
Coastal Cakes & Confections
3800 Gulf Shores Parkway (Suite 236), Gulf Shores
Family owned and operated bakery offering custom cakes, bulk candy and custom cookies. Visit us on Facebook or stop by for all of your cake and pastry needs!
(251) 948-0987 www.facebook.com/CoastalCakes-and-Confections-171451493579191
Dippin’ Dots - The Wharf
4700 Main Street (Unit K-5) , Orange Beach Young or old, a party isn’t complete without ice cream! Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, celebrate your next birthday with us!
(251) 224-3687 www.dippindots.com
Fairhope Chocolate
403 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope
Cakes, pastries, breads, pralines, caramels and gifts. Gluten free, sugar free and vegan items also available. Call for details.
(251) 928-7750 www.facebook.com/fairhopechocolate
Frios Gourmet Pops
42 1/2 S. Section Street, Unit 4 , Fairhope Frios Pops make for the most fun addition to an event that anyone could offer. Frios can cater or deliver.
(251) 517-7402 www.friospops.com
Great American Cookie Company at Eastern Shore Centre
30500 State Highway 181 (Ste 812), Spanish Fort We offer the finest fresh-baked products for every celebration. We offer online ordering also available!
(251) 621-7977 www.greatamericancookies.com
High Cotton Bath Company - The Wharf
4830 Main Street (Unit G-110), Orange Beach Mix and match over 250 essential and fragrance oils to create your own individualized scent. Then, our staff can customize from over 50 bath, body
and beauty products to your scent. Host is welcomed to bring in food/beverage and decorate. (251) 923-2474 www.highcottonbath.com/parties
Hope’s Cheesecake
210 East 20th Avenue, Gulf Shores Specialty Gourmet Cheesecakes, cookies & pastries of all kinds and flavors. We are dedicated to making & delivering the best!
(251) 968-5858 www.hopescheesecake.com
Kilwins - The Wharf
4751 Main Street, Unit F113, Orange Beach
Come celebrate, vacation, and share the experience of life, family, and gifting. We carry Mackinac Island fudge, super-premium ice cream, and the best confections you’ll ever taste!
(251) 981-3120 orangebeach@kilwins.com www.kilwins.com
Little Yard Party
Eastern Shore, We celebrate life’s big moments with custom sign rentals for anything you want to celebrate!
(251) 751-8585 www.facebook.com/LittleYardParty1/
Marble Slab Creamery
30500 Highway 181 (Eastern Shore Centre), Spanish Fort Marble Slab Creamery offers truly unique gourmet ice cream cakes that give a chef-driven flair to any occasion.
(251) 621-7900 www.marbleslab.com
Miller’s Grand Events
25341 State Highway 181, Daphne Party Equipment Rental Service.
(251) 625-4910 www.millersgrandevents.com
Party City
10200 Eastern Shore Boulevard, Spanish Fort Paper goods, balloons, favors, invitations, piñatas, music, catering supplies and much more. Party City is the #1 source for all your party supplies with the biggest selection and the best prices.
(251) 304-8175 www.PartyCity.com
Pop and Pour Party Co.
1809 Main St., Daphne
Elevated Paper Party supplies to make gathering with friends effortless. Balloon bar and event space.
(251) 408-9329 www.popandpourpartyco.com/
Something Sweet Bake Shop
1712 Main Street, Daphne
Custom cookies, cakes and cupcakes.
(251) 622-5354 www.facebook.com/somethingsweetbakeshopdaphne
Sugar House Custom Cakes
6B Bancroft Street, Fairhope
A bakery in Fairhope, Alabama that specializes in unique custom cakes, gorgeous wedding cakes, and fun sweet treats.
(251) 232-6553 sugarhousefairhope@yahoo. com www.sugarhousefairhope.com
The BeeHive Bakery Loxley
We are a home-based bakery Alabama Cottage Law Certified. All orders are pick up. Decorated cookes, cakes, cookie cakes, cupcakes, donut cakes and more!
(832) 334-1779 www.thebeehivebakery.com
Warehouse Bakery
759 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope
Please call today for bakery items and birthday orders.
(251) 928-7223 www.warehousebakeryand donuts.com
Yabba’s Wacky Snack Shack
100 West Laurel Avenue, Foley
Yabba’s is a unique candy store experience that is fun for the whole family. Two choices of party packages - ice cream party or ice cream and candy party. All packages include room for 1.5 hours, 3 pitchers of drinks, paper products and set up and clean up.
(251) 943-1977 yabbaswackysnackshack.com/
Yabba’s Wacky Snack Shack
301 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores Yabba’s is a unique candy store experience that is fun for the whole family. Two choices of party packages - ice cream party or ice cream and candy party. All packages include room for 1.5 hours, 3 pitchers of drinks, paper products and set up and clean up.
(251) 948-3146 yabbaswackysnackshack.com/
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Let us pamper your little ones with a mani and pedi. We even offer mini facials, light make-up applications, and tutorials.
(646) 283-8322 https://fairhope-fairies-travelingnail-spa.business.site/
ALSleepyTeepee
Eastern Shore
Choose from over 20 themes that best suit your child’s age and personality. Leave the guesswork to us, we setup, takedown and do the laundry!
(251) 776-4673 www.alsleepyteepee.com
Animal Tales, LLC
Pensacola and surrounding areas, Make your next event one to remember by inviting live educational animal ambassadors. We aim to educate, entertain, and inspire!
(570) 428-4259 www.AnimalEdZoocation.com
Dr. Gee’s Magic and Balloons
Amazing Magic shows with Dog puppet, incredible Balloon art including princesses and superheroes! Available for Parties, Promotions and Events.
(251) 662-7415 www.facebook.com/DrGeesMagicandBalloons/
Entertainment Management Services
506 Lakeshore Drive, Daphne
Magic, balloon twisting, face painting, inflatables, rock walls, train, any character, (Princess, mermaid, other), carnival games, cotton candy/ popcorn/snow cones, DJ/Karaoke, & decorating for children/teen parties.
(251) 626-1274 www.entertainmentstars.com
Fair-POP-pers
Eastern Shore
We create one of a kind balloon bouquets, arrangements and balloon garlands for events, birthday and celebrations!
(251) 776-4673 www.fairpoppers.com
Milk + Honey Party Co
Milk + Honey transforms ordinary slumber parties for girls and boys into extraordinary events they
will cherish forever. Offering fully decorated teepees for sleepover parties on Alabama’s eastern shore.
(251) 949-2842 www.milkandhoneypartyco.com
Once Upon a Time Parties
Coastal areas of Alabama, Florida & Mississippi
Book a fairy-tale character to attend Birthday parties, charity events and more. Gulf Coast areas of Southern Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
www.onceuponatimepartiesal.com
Weavo the Clown
Balloon artist and clown for special events.
(251) 463-4939 weavo55@yahoo.com
Kona Ice
Have Kona Ice Truck come to your next Birthday Party. We call it the Kona Entertainment Vehicle, because well...that’s what it is - a party on wheels!
(251) 583-0889 www.kona-ice.com
Make Believe Parties
Mobile
Your requested character will arrive at your party location 30 minutes after your party begins. Some activities may include: songs, story time, royal portraits and general birthday fun!
(251) 508-3145 www.makebelievepartiesmobileal.weebly.com
Reno’s Reptiles
Pensacola
Reptile shows for birthday parties, scouts, picnics, church groups, charity events, daycares, and even for some local schools. Choose from a variety of reptiles for your event.
(850) 393-3004 www.renosreptiles.com
Brad Puckett Photography Photo
Booth Rental
Photo booth rental - $599: 3 hour rental, automated booth, touchscreen interface, free props, custom designed template, full time attendant. Visit website for details and add-ons. (251) 802-9990 www.bradpuckettphotography. com/photo-booth-rental-prices
Drop Zone Inflatables
Visit our website for rental options.
(251) 604-9132 www.dropzoneinflatables.com
Eastern Shore Inflatables
Daphne
We offer a diverse inventory of entertainment from inflatable water & dry slides, bounce houses, mechanical rides, rock climbing walls, bungee trampolines, concessions and offer free delivery and setup. Like us on Facebook!
(251) 509-2625 www.esjump.com
Macy Made - Event Planning
Macy Made - Event Planning specializes in custom balloon garlands, custom invitations + stationary, and complete event decor! Please check out our page for more info and to check out our work!
(251) 689-8557 macymadeeventplanning.com
Outdoor Fun Inflatables
Elberta
Baldwin County, Surrounding Areas and parts of Pensacola! Obstacle courses, dry slides, water slides, tent, tables, & more.
(251) 923-7719 www.outdoorfuninflatables.com
Soiree Signatures Invitation Studio & Calligraphy
8 1/2 South Bancroft Street, Fairhope
Using your invitation as the stylistic starting point, we completely brand your event with your unique look. Custom napkins, cups and more, we create it to give you and your guests the ultimate experience.
(251) 209-3265 hello@soireesignatures.com www.soireesignatures.com
Southern Kids Play Co.
We bring the PARTY to YOU! We provide SAFE, FUN & UNIQUE play spaces for children ages 0-5. Our soft play set ups are suitable for indoor & outdoor spaces. Perfect for birthdays, play dates and more!
www.southernkidsplayco.com
Spacewalk
We offer bounce houses, wet and dry slides, obstacle courses, combos, concessions, and more.
(251) 245-8430 spacewalkbal@herecomesfun. com www.herecomesfun.com/branches/ Alabama/baldwin-county
Tap and Pour
Daphne
We offer a wide range of rental items including high-quality white bounce houses, a fun cotton candy cart, retro coolers, Ferla Trike, a Snow Cone Cart, Candy Bar, Fringe Walls, and much more.
(251) 509-2988 www.thetapandpour.com
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3801 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach Bike or Hike to your next family picnic or birthday party! Enjoy bouldering, the butterfly garden and scenic trails through Gulf State Park. Visit the Campground Store to purchase trail gear and snacks. (251) 981-1063 www.backcountrytrail.com
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101-G North OWA Boulevard , Foley
Offering Virtual Reality, PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch gaming plus a private game room for groups! Play your favorite games and the newest games, on the market’s fastest equipment. (251) 257-1400 info@ClashOWA.com https://clashesportsowa.com/
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The Fort Park - 29001 Bass Pro Dr,, Spanish Fort
We are excited to offer stress free birthday parties with slip and slides , face painting , favorite movie playing , birthday shirt, water guns, kiddie pools, many more options! Food and ice cream also provided. Call today to book your party! Also follow us on Facebook - Double D’s Burger (make sure you include the ‘s) for scavenger hunts, rock painting , Bingo, and many more to come. FAMILY Movie Night is every Friday this summer.
(251) 930-9482 Doubledsburger2023@gmail.com
Eastern Shore Dance Academy
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9063 Merritt Lane, Daphne
Get ready to groove and celebrate! Join us for a 2-hour party extravaganza suitable for all ages. Experience an hour-long dance class, followed by a parent performance. Get creative with a fun craft activity. It’s only $10.00 per child with a minimum of 10 children. We provide the table, craft supplies, and kitchen access. Just bring your own decorations and food. Reserve your spot now and let the celebration begin! Schedule an event at WWW.ESDA.US/BIRTHDAYS.
(251) 626-2300 easternshoredance@gmail.com www.esda.us
Original Oyster House
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3733 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort
The Original Oyster House provides a FREE small cake for birthday celebrations. You may also bring
in your own cake. Be sure to check out our private rooms for special occasions.
(251) 626-2188 www.originaloysterhouse.com
OWA Theater
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205 N OWA Blvd, Foley
One Venue. Countless entertainment options. Or, rent the entire venue for your own event! This 430+ seat theater is perfect for any occasion.
(251) 369-6100 Theater@VisitOWA.com
STEM for Kids
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5906 Sweetwater Circle, Fairhope, AL 36532
Have a STEMtastic experience! Parties should be fun and exciting, without the STRESS! So let us provide the fun and excitement and eliminate the stress! We take care of the planning, setup, and clean-up. Then, you show up with your party guests!
(251) 210-8781 www.SFKMoBay.com
Tropic Falls OWA
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1501 South OWA Boulevard, Foley
Tropic Falls at OWA includes a ride-focused theme park, all-new indoor water park with a convertible roof, and outdoor wave pool and surf simulator—all just minutes from Alabama beaches on the Foley Beach Express. See the OWA website for seasonal hours, special offers and events!
(251) 923-2111 www.VisitOWA.com
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2073 Battleship Parkway, Mobile
Now hear this! What better way to celebrate your child’s birthday than with a party aboard a real battleship? Book your birthday party aboard the USS ALABAMA in the officer’s dinning hall. Admirals Package: $250. Includes two hour rental, admission for 20 children and their parents, and free parking. Call 251-287-3636.
(251) 433-2703 gharris@ussalabama.com www.ussalabama.com
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Highway 59 South, Gulf Shores
Waterville USA is the perfect place to celebrate your special day! We offer several party packages to make it a celebration to remember. For more information or to make your birthday party reservations, please call (251) 948-7026.
(251) 948-2106 www.watervilleusa.com
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach
3 great party options, visit our website to see our great party packages.
(251) 974-1500 www.adventure-island.com
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores
If you’re looking for a uniquely charming place to
celebrate a special occasion or to simply gather together a group of friends, family or employees to have a good time, look no further. Call or email today to make a reservation 251-256-7008 or events@algulfcoastzoo.org
(251) 256-7008 www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com
Alligator Alley
19950 Highway 71, Summerdale
Give your child a birthday party they’ll never forget! After your adventure along the boardwalk, have your two hour party in the air conditioned sunroom, where everyone can hold a baby alligator.
(251) 946-2483 www.gatoralleyfarm.com
AMC Theatres
23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Call for special party pricing. We also have a dedi cated party room to hold your special events at the AMC Classic Wharf 15!
(251) 981-4444 www.amctheatres.com/movietheatres/pensacola-mobile/amc-classic-wharf-15
Arena-The Next Level at The Wharf
23101 Canal Road, Suite M-201, Orange Beach
Visit us for great entertainment for all ages! Per fect for birthday parties, civic outings and family vacations. We offer laser tag, arcade games and bazooka ball for all ages.
(251) 224-5297 www.arenaorangebeach.com
Breakout Orange Beach
4776 Main Street (Space L-208), Orange Beach
Work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and find hidden items in order to escape in under an hour! Each game is a real-life escape room adventure for small groups of friends, family, or coworkers.
(251) 929-8330 www.breakoutgames.com/ orange-beach
Build-A-Bear Workshop at the Wharf
4751 Main Street, F122, Orange Beach
Build-A-Bear Workshop makes your party special! Each guest makes & takes home a furry friend to love! Build your Party online!
(251) 224-1686 www.buildabear.com
City of Daphne Parks
The City of Daphne has many beautiful athletic parks (which includes our popular birthday location, the Jubilee Splash Pad) and passive parks, playgrounds (such as our newly renovated Centennial Park), and bay access areas (such as May Day Park) to offer our residents & visitors. The city does not rent park facilities. Holding a birthday party or private event at one of Daphne’s parks, including gazebos and picnic areas, is available on a first come, first served basis. Each park is open to the public, therefore cannot be reserved exclusively. www.daphneal.com/
Coastal Arts Center
26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach
The Clay Studio is occasionally available to rent for birthday parties and special occasions for $95 per hour. If you wish to paint pottery, a per item/ per-person fee is also applied.
(251) 981-2787 www.CoastalArtsCenter.com
Coastal Church Splash Pad
11101 County Road 64, Daphne
Playground, basketball courts, walking trail, large open porch and splash pad. Open to the public, Monday through Friday 10am - 3pm.
(251) 621-9555 www.coastalchurch.tv/cafe
Coastal Makers
20764 Barbara Lane, Robertsdale
Making art and making memories is what we do best! So let us help you plan the perfect party. Art knows no age, all ages welcome! We also have a location in Mobile.
(251) 455-2909 www.coastalmakers.com
Cobb Theater Pinnacle 14
3780 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
Plan your next birthday with us! We provide entertainment, drinks, food and fun. We will even clean up! For more information visit our website. Call for availability and pricing.
(251) 923-0100 www.cmxcinemas.com
Cool Shots Selfie Museum
4700B Main St N-207 , Orange Beach
The Cool Shots Selfie Museum is a great place to host your birthday party. No matter the age, its a blast at Cool Shots!
(251) 978-6940 www.myselfiemuseum.com
Copper Kettle Tea Bar
106 North Chicago Street, Foley
Kids parties, themed parties include teddy bear tea, tea with the Queen, Fairy tea, Pirate and Princess teas.
(251) 609-2832 thecopperkettleteabar.online
Dolphin Cruises - Cold Mil Fleet
5749 Bay La
Launch Avenue, Orange Beach
Please call for event information. (251) 943-3510 dolphincruises.com
Dolphins Down Under (Caribe Marina)
28101 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach Glass
Bottom Boat Tours, Dolphin Cruises & Snorkeling in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL.
(251) 968-4386 www.dolphins downunder.net
Eastern Shore Art Center
401 Oak Street, Fairhope
Please email for event information.
(251) 928-2228 https://esartcenter.org/
Eastern Shore Lanes
10460 Eastern Shore Boulevard, Spanish Fort
We have the best parties in town! Bowling, Arcade, Laser Tag, Ropes Course, Rock Climbing, Private Rooms and Food!
(251) 625-3400 www.eslanes.com
Exploreum Science Center
65 Government Street, Mobile
At the Exploreum Science Center, we’ve got children’s birthday parties down to a science. We provide unique birthday party experiences in one of the coolest venues in town. We have multiple packages to make your birthday party experience easy and as fun as possible. We even handle the clean up!
(251) 208-6880 www.exploreum.com
Fairhope Recreation Center
803 North Greeno Road, Fairhope
Call for party options and reservations. (251) 928-7270 www.cofairhope.com
Fairhoper’s Community Park
105 South Church Street, Fairhope
With access to both the playground equipment and splash pad, the park is a popular choice for children’s birthday parties. The two pavilions are available on a first come first serve basis and cannot be reserved ahead of time.
(251) 929-1479 www.fairhopeal.gov
Fairways Indoor Golf Club
25000 Bass Pro Drive (Suite 104) , Spanish Fort Great for corporate events, private events, birthday parties and fundraisers. Please call for additional information and pricing.
(251) 621-5277 www.fairwaysindoorgolfclub.com
Fat Daddy’s Arcade
24565 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach Birthday parties and groups have a BLAST at Fat Daddy’s Arcade! Tables and chairs are not available, so please be sure to celebrate cake and presents before arriving!
(251) 980-1050 www.fatdaddysarcade.com
Ferris Wheel and The Wharf Express
23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
The Wharf is home to one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the Southeast standing over 112 feet tall. Please call for party and group rates. Picnic tables and umbrellas are available for parties.
(251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Flight Works Alabama
2000 Aerospace Drive, Mobile Flight Works Alabama offers birthday parties. If your child (adults too) has an interest in aviation, it’s a great place to book! We can accommodate parties of up to 30.
(251) 512-2320 www.flightworksalabama.com
Gulf Shores Parks and Facilities
310 West 19th Avenue, Gulf Shores
The City of Gulf Shores offers a number of parks and facilities that may be reserved and/or rented.
(251) 968-1173 www.gulfshoresal.gov/1628/ Reserve-Parks-and-Facilities
Hammer & Stain Eastern Shore
25325 Highway 98, Suite G, Daphne
Your child will be thrilled to celebrate at Hammer & Stain with one of our DIY workshops and you will love that the mess is all on us! Fun unique and stylish projects will make for an unforgettable event for both boys or girls to share with their friends!
(251) 929-4640 www.hammerandstaineasternshore.com
Hot Wheels Skate Center
616 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne
Hot Wheels provides excellent budget friendly, party packages that include skating, drinks, invitations, paper goods and a FREE 30 day returning skate pass for the birthday child. It’s simple, all you have to bring the kids and the cake! Visit our website to view party package options, pricing and online reservations.
(251) 626-5120 www.hotwheelsdaphne.com
Humdingers Virtual Reality Lounge
30500 State Highway 181 (Ste 120), Spanish Fort Virtual Reality gaming, escape rooms, field trips and more for birthdays, corporate events, youth groups, friends and family. Party packages listed online, call to book.
(251) 303-2557 www.humdingerslife.com
Jumpin’ Jellybeans The Boutique Play Space
30500 State Hwy 181, (Suite 424), Spanish Fort An indoor play space for kids ages 0-10 years. We
provide a safe, fun, and relaxing environment for kids and adults.
(251) 626-0007 jumpinjellybeansspanishfort.com
Kraze Frozen Treats
6860 US highway 90, Daphne
Have a birthday coming up? What better way to celebrate than at Kraze Frozen Treats, where it’s always fun and always delicious! We can accommodate party reservations, and even have the Kraze Bear make an appearance.
(251) 626-6686 www.krazefrozentreats.com
Lulu’s
200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores
Bring your friends and come celebrate with the arcade, ropes course, and other family fun while enjoying great food and music!
(251) 967-5858 www.LuluBuffett.com
Magnolia Dance Company
1615 South McKenzie Street, Foley
Magnolia Dance Company is the perfect place for your favorite dancer to celebrate their birthday. We provide energetic dancing and games followed by food, cake and time for presents.
(251) 622-6616 magnoliadancecompany.com
Oak Hollow Farm
14210 Greeno Road, Fairhope
Great party venue. Call and reserve your event! (251) 928-4840 www.oakhollowfarm.net
Outer Limits VR
23101 Canal Road, Suite N-101, Orange Beach
Call for birthday, private parties or event pricing. (251) 240-0647 www.vrfunplays.com
Paint Party Studios
107B W Orange Ave, Foley
We put the Art in kids birthday parties with glow paint parties, jewelry making parties and more! (251) 343-2423 www.paintpartystudios.com
Pirate Ship Cruises and Alabama Cruises
4575 South Wilson Boulevard, Orange Beach
Pirate ship cruises, fishing charters, dolphin cruises, parasailing, jet ski, sea-doo rentals, dinner cruises and more. Book your birthday party today! (251) 981-4127 www.hudsonmarina.net
Rogue All Star Cheerleading & Tumbling
25400 Friendship Road (Unit B), Daphne
Let us help you make this special day the best ever. We offer numerous packages that are sure to meet your needs. All packages include private use of the gym and party room.
(251) 517-0285 www.rogueallstars.com
Rotolo’s
100 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope
Play in the arcade and enjoy a delicious dinner! (251) 990-4005 facebook.com/Rotolos.Fairhope/
Seward Farms
10836 Tanner Williams Road , Lucedale
Celebrate birthdays with a fun-filled day on the farm! We offer several birthday party packages to choose from with optional add-on activities. (228) 641-3933 www.sewardfarms.com
Spanish Fort Kids Park
30701 Ember Lane, Spanish Fort
The playground includes separate sections for children 5 and under, as well as a section sure to engage the older explorers. The Park also features covered pavilions which may be reserved for private parties. To reserve a pavilion, call City Hall at 251-626-4884 or visit the receptionist’s desk during normal business hours.
(251) 626-4884 www.cityofspanishfort.com/ kidspark
Spanish Fort Premiere 14 Eastern Shore Cinema
30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort
Fill out the online form to reserve your party today!
(251) 626-1011 www.pccmovies.com
Susan’s Academy of Dance
7966 American Way, Daphne
We offer parties with the latest dance moves, princess dance parties, Rock Star and Hip Hop dance. Let us plan a dance party for you!
(251) 626-3835 susansacademyofdance.com
The Axe Orange Beach
4830 Wharf Parkway Suite G201, Orange Beach
Axe throwing is a perfect option for birthday parties (any ages 10 and up!)
(251) 202-3099 www.civilaxethrowing.com/ orange-beach
The Factory of Gulf Shores
18948 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores
Birthday parties, team parties, private events and fundraisers available. Jump time, hostess, invitations and paper products included in party package options.
(251) 202-0900 www.thefactorygulfshores.com
The Gulf Bowl
2881 South Juniper Street, Foley
We provide a fun place for your family and friends to celebrate life with multiple attractions and a private room.
(251) 943-4575 www.gulfbowl.com
The Pavillion at The Nest
108 S. Summit Street, Fairhope
FEEF hopes to share the beauty of this historical location with the community while simultaneously raising integral funds for our children’s STEAM education. Whether your event calls for a prime downtown location, covered seating for up to 200 people, or an expansive lawn, The Pavilion at The Nest is the ideal choice.
(251 )990-3333 www.thepavilionatthenest.org
The Wharf Marina
4851 Wharf Parkway (Suite D118), Orange Beach
The Wharf Marina offers a variety of excursions fit for all ages! Celebrate your next birthday with us on the water. Call today for information on the different excursion options and pricing.
(251) 224-1900
Tucker’s Tang Soo Do
21862 Highway 59, Robertsdale
Have a birthday party filled with Fun activities, organized by our qualified staff. There’s no party like a karate party!
(251) 948-5425 www.alabamamartialarts academy.com
Urban Air Adventure Park
3100 Bass Pro Drive , Spanish Fort
A full-service family adventure park with awesome attractions for all ages. Book your birthday party online today! We do All the work so all you have to
Wales West
13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill
Celebrate any size party at Wales West! You can include authentic Train ride, mini train, lake with waterslide and large shady deck, indoor Heated Pool, or Community party room.
(251) 232-2322 www.waleswest.com
We Rock the Spectrum Daphne Kid’s Gym
1802 A US Highway 98, Daphne
Rockin’ Ideas for Kids Birthday Parties. ALL kids have a place to play, create, and use their imagination. Our expert staff will guide you through your party planning experience with every detail.
(251) 355-6178 www.werockthespectrum daphne.com
Narrated Boat Tours. Please call for party options and booking.
(251) 272-4088 www.wildnativetours.com
Wooden It Be Fun
314 Greeno Rd South (Suite C), Fairhope
Have fun with friends, or book a private painting party. Follow us on Facebook!
(251) 422-8052 www.facebook.com/woodenitbefunfairhope
You, Me and the Boys Farmstead
13055 County Road 54, Daphne
You, Me and the Boys offers birthday parties, visit us online to see all the options.
(251) 581-1896 youmeandtheboys.com ESP
Find
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Book Scavenger follows the adventures of 12-year old Emily and her new friend James as they race to follow clues and find out what happened to their favorite writer, Garrison Griswold, and the epic game he was posed to launch before his disappearance. Racing against time, Emily and James rush from clue to clue to figure out the secret at the heart of Griswold’s game. An engaging series that will keep readers on their toes!
Mysteries Of Trash & Treasure: The Secret Letters by Margaret Peterson Haddix
In this page-turning middle grade series by beloved author Margaret Peterson Haddix, Colin and Nevaeh, whose parents own rival junk-removal businesses, uncover mysteries hidden in attics and basements and discover how trash can become treasure! Colin and Nevaeh find vintage letters that lead to interlocking mysteries from the 1970s and '80s, and they learn about "women's lib," the ERA, and other social issues. Perfect for fans of mysteries AND history!
Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Body Under The Piano by Marthe Jocelyn
A charming middle-grade mystery series starring young detective Aggie Morton and her friend Hector, inspired by the imagined life of Agatha Christie! Aggie hasn't got much to do since the death of her beloved father, until she crosses paths with 12-year Hector Perot and discovers a dead body in the Mermaid Dance Room! As the list of suspects grows and the murder threatens to tear the town apart, Aggie and Belgian will need to use their wits to solve the case!
Framed ! by James Ponti
So you’re halfway through your homework and the Director of the FBI keeps texting you for help...What do you do? Save your grade? Or save the country? If you are Florian Bates, you find a way to do both! This beloved series from City Spies author James Ponti has it all--mystery, intrigue, action, adventure and incredible bonds of friendship.
One of the best things I started doing as a mom was unconsciously implementing rhythms into my day.
They’re things that trigger other things or things triggered by other things.
These do not have to be complicated!
Rhythms are habits meant to create fluidity.2,000 sq. ft. Space with Private Bathrooms
Rhythms are some of the most-autopilot-type things we, as moms, do throughout our day. They are likely ones you’re already doing and just haven’t specifically named. These can be applied to cleaning, getting out of the house, naptime, quiet time. Any time!
For example, I have rhythms that are literally visual signals for my kids, my family, or myself. At breakfast when we wake up, I open the shades and the back door to let the light in. At naptime midday, I turn off the big overhead lights. At bedtime, my nightstand lamp goes on. These help my brain (and my kids!) to visualize and understand our day is starting, or “Hey, it’s rest time, let’s be calm.” Or, “okay time to wind down for the night.”
These things can happen; and likely do — naturally. But you can also slowly set them in place to serve you and your daily flow of living. Whether you are a stay-at-home, work-at-home, or workout-of-the-home mom or dad, you are busy and you need these!
While the ones I use might look different than the ones you do, here are just some that have been particularly helpful to me in this season of young kids.
In the morning while I let the dog out, I click on the coffee maker to brew. My daughter starts her morning preschool work at the dining room table, which I have set out the night before, and I put my toddler in his chair for breakfast. While they are sitting and contained, I put away the dishes set out to dry the night before and empty the dishwasher.
To help me with my rhythm I look for triggers to go to that next step. Dog outside = press the coffee maker, kids contained
= put away dishes without my one-year-old opening all the cabinets or grabbing at the glass plates.
These are the crucial first moments of our day, and while things don’t always run smoothly and perfectly, I can depend on them to get me started. Simplicity wins. And it also helps us function. So do rhythms that involve coffee because... priorities, right!?
Every nap time, I put my youngest down and immediately throw in a load of laundry, make a cup of coffee, then sit at my computer to work. When my son wakes up from his afternoon nap, I grab pajamas for both kids to wear to bed while I am already upstairs and then set them in the bathroom on the counter. You may think getting pajamas to wear five hours later sounds insane, but hear me out.
It seems almost silly or trivial, but when they’re in the bath downstairs at 6:30 p.m. and their pajamas are upstairs in their dressers, no one’s leaving kids unattended to grab them. Signals and rhythms, once again, saving the evening chaos from more chaos!
I also do a speedy ten-minute pickup of the main areas during nap time to “reset” the day. This is quite literally a visual signal for reset, much like opening the blinds at the start of the day.
My major nap time triggers are: come down the stairs and pass the laundry room = start the washer, turn his sound machine off = grab pajamas.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Every night I load the dishwasher after dinner. I also preset the coffee maker to run smoothly in the morning. Big lights in the main areas go off, lamps go on. Dishes get washed and set out on the mat to dry to be put away in the morning. When I shower at night, I set out my pajamas and also set out my clothes for the next day on my dresser.
My triggers here are: turning on the shower = get PJs as well as clothes for the next day, kids ready for bed = big lights off, coffee maker prepped, load dishwasher.
For cleaning-specific rhythms, I do at least one load of laundry a day. I change the sheets generally on Sundays, but definitely on the weekend. I don’t have a specific schedule I follow for cleaning, but try to weave in these signals throughout my days and week.
I have tried a schedule like “Monday – vacuum, Tuesday –wash all the laundry, Wednesday – deep clean the kitchen” and it doesn’t work for our changing life and daily routine. If this works for you, great!
Smaller and more subtle triggers feel less overwhelming to me. The biggest difference I’ve found in leaning into rhythms and triggers is that they are habit-forming guides and they just tend to stick longer. I’ve found that strict and detailed daily cleaning schedules feel almost defeating to me because our days look different from week to week. If I don’t follow the “Monday Schedule” exactly, I feel too defeated to attempt Tuesdays, and then I’m thrown off for the whole week. A lot of the time, in changing seasons, rigid schedules don’t last.
If I know I’m going to bed every night or that I pick up the kitchen after the kids are asleep, I can instill things into our routine based on those things. Not just because it happens to be Thursday night.
These routines and habits serve me and my household. They may not look like yours and that’s okay (you may enjoy creating systems instead!). Take some time after reading this to think about your day and what you already do. Maybe write down some rhythms you notice you do already. Or take note for a whole day and jot down some of the things you need to get done.
Can you give your kids or yourself a way to remember how to do them, a way to connect them to something else? Identify the signals that trigger them and evaluate how you can do them more efficiently or even at all. See the routines serving you in your house already, what needs to be altered, and what can be tossed aside in the season of life you are in. These habits and rhythms are not to make you and your household run like robots! They are simply tools, which later turn into unconscious habits.
When we spend so much time at home, it is important to create a sense of fluidity and flow within our days. Habits triggered by signals or other routines are the easiest ways I’ve found to adopt this mentality. Your house will be running smoothly in no time! Well...as smooth as it can with kids running around, let’s be real.
Kailyn is a wife and mama to two wild, blond babes, currently living where the military sends them. With an Early Childhood Education and Psychology degree, she is a Kindergarten teacher-turned-mama turned-freelance writer.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales is struggling to adjust to life as Spider-Man – and then Gwen reappears and takes him into the multiverse where they meet a team of SpiderPeople who protect every universe. As Miles learns more about the multiverse, he starts to question what it means to be a hero. The original Spider-Verse film was a groundbreaking work of animation, and this movie is even better. The animation is dazzling and the plot, although darker than the first film, remains satisfying. Spidey fans of all ages will find lots to enjoy here
Transformers:
The Maximals (giant transforming metal creatures) are on a mission to prevent Unicron (a planet-consuming entity) from finding a transwarp key. This device allows the user to transport instantaneously across the galaxy and it has been hidden on Earth. There’s little doubt how this story will play out or how it will end. Fans will appreciate the detailed action sequences and parents can be assured that the violence remains within PG-13 limits. By no definition does this qualify as great cinema, but it ’s one of the better films in the franchise. Photo ©Paramount Pictures
The
Young mermaid Ariel is fascinated by the human world and handsome Prince Eric, who she saved from drowning. When Ursula the Sea Witch gives her a chance to live on land, Ariel takes it – but she doesn’t fully realize the price she’ll have to pay. Halle Bailey gives a star turn as Ariel and the movie provides Eric with a deeper backstory, but the film sti ll feels soulless. This isn’t a vibrant, magical tale: it feels like a bland, bloated cash grab on the part of Disney That won’t stop kids from enjoying it but it may frustrate parents. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
A slow loris (a small mammal related to monkeys) named Zhi is thrilled when his car-racing idol, Archi Vainglorious, comes to his hometown and is then outraged to learn that Vainglorious wants to buy and bulldoze Zhi’s grand ma’s home. The two make a deal: if Zhi wins the Silk Road Rally, Grannie’s home is his. Packed with crazy driving and stuffed full of positive messages, this is an innocuous cartoon that will be enjoyed by kids and, mi raculously, not loathed by parents Photo ©Viva Kids
Psychiatrist Will Harper has a new patient with a story about the deaths of his three kids, caused by a monstrous creature preying on children in the dark. When the patient dies, Will’s daughters start seeing something in the night Based on a Stephen King story, this is a creepy tale with good acting, solid dialogue, and a monster that relies more on imagination than gory effects . Parents should be aware of a scene of teen marijuana use but the movie is otherwise suitable for adolescents. Photo ©20th Century Studios
Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com
Thursday July 6
Summer Reading 2023 Anime Club
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527
Summer Reading 2023 Anime Club: Mochi Tasting. Registration required.
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Friday July 7
Chi-Town Transit Authority – A Tribute to Chicago
8:00 PM OWA Theatre, Foley, AL, 36535 Chi-Town Transit Authority – A Tribute to Chicago https://visitowa.com/chi-town/
Saturday July 8
Chi-Town Transit Authority – A Tribute to Chicago
8:00 PM OWA Theatre, Foley, AL, 36535 Chi-Town Transit Authority – A Tribute to Chicago https://visitowa.com/chi-town/
Monday July 10
Summer Reading Finale
Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 All summer reading logs will be entered to win prizes. Barnes and Noble gift cards and more will be raffled off.
251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Tuesday July 11
Spanish Fort Library - Summer Reading Event
10:30 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Montgomery zoo2go and facepainting
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Summer Fun Events - Trivia Night
7:00 PM Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Ave Daphne, AL, 36526 Summertime is here and we are kicking things off in a big way! Friends of Bay Area Performing Arts is proud to host several SUMMER FUN events to help support the arts here on the Eastern Shore! Trivia Night every other Tuesday. https://form.jotform.com/231313342692147
Wednesday July 12
Wonderful Wednesdays (Free for members; $15.00 for non-members; $9.00 for kids 5-12; free for kids under 5. )
10:30 AM - 11:30 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us in June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays, a fun, informative series on gardening, history and more. July 12-Introduction to Alabama Native Plants
251-459-8986 bellingrath.org
Spanish Fort Library - Summer Reading Event
1:00 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Alan Seallsweather program at 1 p.m. for all ages and families 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Thursday July 13
Mid-Day Delta Cruise
11:00 AM Bartram Landing at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This two-hour excursion showcases the incredible beauty and natural diversity of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Every one of these outings
takes a slightly different course and features unique opportunities to view the abundance of the delta wildlife, such as eagles, ospreys and, of course, alligators. www.blakeleypark.com
S.T.E.A.M. Thursdays
4:00 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Minecraft Felt Bookmarks. Registration is required and will be available 7-10 days before the date of event. www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Burgers and Bingo
6:00 PM Courthouse Square, Bay Minette, AL, 36507 Join us for burgers and bingo. https://northbaldwinchamber.com/
Casino Night Fundraiser
6:00 PM Legacy Oaks Event Venue, 27300 Schoen Rd Elberta, AL, 36530 Casino Night is a fundraiser that benefits the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, directly impacting our local schools & communities! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/casino-night-fundraiser-2023-tickets-634064523057
Summer Concert
6:00 PM 15965 Silverhill Ave Silverhill, AL, 36576 Join us for the Summer concert featuring the Justin Howard Band. We will have food trucks on site.
Face Value — A Tribute to Phil Collins
7:00 PM OWA Theatre, Foley, AL, 36535 Get ready to relive the timeless hits of Phil Collins as OWA Theater presents Face Value – A Tribute to Phil Collins, featuring the talented tribute artist Joey Simonton. https://visitowa.com/face-value/
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
7:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532 https://www.theatre98.org/
Sunset Cruise from Five Rivers Delta Resource Center
30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This special one-hour sunset cruise is offered in conjunction with Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. www.blakeleypark.com
Auburn University Raptor Center Programs
10:30 AM Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The park welcomes the Auburn University Raptor Center for two special educational programs showcasing its resident raptor ambassadors. These include owls, falcons, hawks, kites, vultures and eagles. Join us for an unparalleled opportunity to learn about these amazing animals and the important role they play in our natural environment.
251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com
DIY Music Makers
11:00 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Come create your own musical instrument with Dr. Rachael! We will clap and sing together, and have a jam session with our instruments. Ages 5-12.
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Delta Discovery Tour from Five Rivers
Delta Resource Center
1:00 PM 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 These 90-minute excursions into the
wild and scenic Mobile-Tensaw Delta--known as the “American Amazon,”--introduce visitors and residents alike to a truly astounding natural habitat. Cruises depart from the Bartram Landing at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. www.blakeleypark.com
Face Value — A Tribute to Phil Collins
7:00 PM OWA Theatre, Foley, AL, 36535 Get ready to relive the timeless hits of Phil Collins as OWA Theater presents Face Value – A Tribute to Phil Collins, featuring the talented tribute artist Joey Simonton. https://visitowa.com/face-value/
Parker McCollum
7:30 PM The Wharf Amphitheater, 23101 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Parker McCollum with special guests Morgan Wade and Dalton Dover are coming to The Wharf Amphitheater on July 15
https://alwharf.com/
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
7:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532
https://www.theatre98.org/
Dauphin Street Vault
Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 For eleven years, athletes of all ages and skill levels, including Olympians and professionals, have competed in this annual invitational. The DSV continues to raise the bar for the sport of pole vaulting. It’s an opportunity for athletes to compete in a fun environment while giving spectators a close-up view. https://www.dauphinstreetvault.org/
Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament
Dauphin Island, AL The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is designed to bring families together and encourage sportsmanship. The tournament takes place on the Saturday before the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. RMYAT is for children 15 years and younger. https://adsfr.com/rmyat/
Secret Delta Tour
30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527
This tour explores some of the forgotten southern reaches of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta that lie hidden just minutes from Mobile and the communities of Eastern Shore. www.blakeleypark.com
Sunday July 16
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
2:30 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532
https://www.theatre98.org/
Monday July 17
Family Movie Monday (Free)
2:00 PM Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for family movie Monday. 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Tuesday July 18
Spanish Fort Library - Summer Reading Event
10:30 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Poodle show and facepainting.
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Wednesday July 19
Ladies Leadership Luncheon
11:00 AM John F. Rhodes Civic Center, 301 D’Olive St Bay Minette, AL, 36507 Ladies Leadership Luncheon w/ Special Guest: Brenda Gantt 251-937-5665 https://northbaldwinchamber.com/
Wonderful Wednesdays-Paint Party at Bellingrath ($35 per person. Reservations required. Fee is due at time of reservation.)
6:00 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL, 36582 Paint your favorite Bellingrath Garden scenes and flowers with artists Renee Wallace and Janie Brown. 251-459-8986 bellingrath.org
Thursday July 20
Summer Reading 2023 Anime Club
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Summer Reading 2023 Anime Club: Glass painting. Registration required. 251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Flavors of the South Food & Wine Tasting
Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Rd Robertsdale, AL, 36567 Flavors of the South Food & Wine Tasting centralbaldwin.com
Friday July 21
Ultimate Garth
7:00 PM OWA Theatre, Foley, AL, 36535 Experience the ultimate tribute to country music legend Garth Brooks with Ultimate Garth — featuring Shawn Gerhard. https://visitowa.com/ultimate-garth/
Sam Hunt in Concert
7:30 PM The Wharf Amphitheater, 23101 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Sam Hunt with special guests Brett Young and Lily Rose is coming to The Wharf Amphitheater on Friday, July 21 as part of the 2023 Concert Series https://alwharf.com/
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
7:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532 https://www.theatre98.org/
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Dauphin Island, The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23. The Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the largest fishing tournament in the world. adsfr.com
Saturday July 22
Caribbean Day
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown OWA, Foley, AL, 36535 Caribbean Day at OWA is a vibrant and exciting event that celebrates the rich culture and flavors of the Caribbean. Taking place in Downtown, the event offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for attendees of all ages.
https://visitowa.com/
Eagle Sunrise at Daphne Civic Center
5:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 U.S. 98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Eagles & Creedence Clearwater Revival
Tribute Performed by Eagles Sunrise and Clearwater Rising https://beachlifeevents.com/
Summer Fun Events - Parent Talent Show
7:00 PM Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Ave Daphne, AL, 36526 Summertime is here and we are kicking things off in a big way! Friends of Bay Area Performing Arts is proud to host several SUMMER FUN events to help support the arts here on the Eastern Shore! Parent Talent Show.
https://form.jotform.com/231313342692147
Ultimate Garth
7:00 PM OWA Theatre, Foley, AL, 36535 Experience the ultimate tribute to country music legend Garth Brooks with Ultimate Garth — featuring Shawn Gerhard.
https://visitowa.com/ultimate-garth/
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
7:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532 https://www.theatre98.org/
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23. The Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the largest fishing tournament in the world. adsfr.com
Annual Autism Fundraiser
Pirate’s Cove, 6664 Co Rd 95 Elberta, AL, 36530 HH4A is a notfor-profit organization and relies on its annual fundraiser, “Illuminating Autism FUNraiser,” at Pirate’s Cove in Josephine, Alabama. The weekend-long fundraiser features a JEEP draw down, silent auction and local live entertainment. ALL proceeds from the FUNraiser go to a local Autism program. highhopes4autism@gmail.com highhopes4autism.org
Sunday July 23
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
2:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532” https://www.theatre98.org/
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23. The Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the largest fishing tournament in the world. adsfr.com
Annual Autism Fundraiser
Pirate’s Cove, 6664 Co Rd 95 Elberta, AL, 36530 HH4A is a not-for-profit organization and relies on its annual fundraiser, “Illuminating Autism FUNraiser,” at Pirate’s Cove in Josephine, Alabama. The weekend-long fundraiser features a JEEP draw down, silent auction and local live entertainment. ALL proceeds from the FUNraiser go to a local Autism program. highhopes4autism.org
Monday July 24
Family Movie Monday (Free)
2:00 PM Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for family movie Monday. 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Tuesday July 25
Summer Fun Events - Trivia Night
7:00 PM Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Ave
Daphne, AL, 36526 Summertime is here and we are kicking things off in a big way! Friends of Bay Area Performing Arts is proud to host several SUMMER FUN events to help support the arts here on the Eastern Shore! Trivia Night every other Tuesday.
https://form.jotform.com/231313342692147
Wednesday July 26
Dave Matthews Band
6:00 PM The Wharf Amphitheater, 23101 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL, 36561 The Dave Matthews Band is coming to The Wharf Amphitheater on July 26 as part of the 2023 C Spire Concert Series. https://alwharf.com/
Wonderful Wednesdays (Free for members; $15.00 for non-members; $9.00 for kids 5-12; free for kids under 5. )
7:30 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us in June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays, a fun, informative series on gardening, history and more. July 26-Viewing the Summer Sky 251-459-8986 bellingrath.org
Thursday July 27
S.T.E.A.M. Thursdays
4:00 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Design Your Own: Keychains, Stickers, Buttons. Registration is required and will be available 7-10 days before the date of event.
www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
The City of Orange Beach Expect Excellence Music Department presents “Dream On: A Tribute to Classic Rock” (General admission tickets are $15)
7:00 PM Orange Beach Performing Arts Center, 23908 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL, 36561 “Dream On” is a classic rock tribute show dedicated to some of the greatest music of all time. From Elton John to Def Leppard, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come and rock out to this City of Orange Beach original production! Showtimes will be 7 p.m. on July 27-28 and at 2 p.m. on July 29.
www.orangebeachal.gov/423/Performing-Arts-Center
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
7:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave
Fairhope, AL, 36532
https://www.theatre98.org/
Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival
-An Evening of Poetry ($10)
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 An evening of poetry.
https://gcehjazzfest.wordpress.com/
Friday July 28
Downtown OWA’s Art Walk
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown OWA, Foley, AL, 36535 Join us for Artwalk which will have local handcrafted goods, art pieces and music. https://visitowa.com/art-walk/
25 Years of Jazz Gala
7:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 25 Years of Jazz Gala-presentation of the Hosea London Jazz Music Education
Award. Enjoy the Marchus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp Orchestra and local musicians. https://gcehjazzfest.wordpress.com/
Blink 180 True — A Tribute to Blink 182
7:00 PM Downtown OWA, Foley, AL, 36535 Prepare to be transported back to the electrifying era of pop punk as Blink 180 True takes the stage at the renowned OWA Theater on July 28 and 29 at 7pm. https://visitowa.com/art-walk/
The City of Orange Beach Expect Excellence
Music Department presents “Dream On: A Tribute to Classic Rock” (General admission tickets are $15)
7:00 PM Details under July 27 listing. www.orangebeachal.gov/423/Performing-Arts-Center
Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
7:30 PM Theatre 98 , 350 Morphy Ave Fairhope, AL, 36532 Theatre 98 presents “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” https://www.theatre98.org/
Saturday July 29
The City of Orange Beach Expect Excellence Music Department presents “Dream On: A Tribute to Classic Rock” (General admission tickets are $15)
2:00 PM Details under July 27 listing. www.orangebeachal.gov/423/Performing-Arts-Center
Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival
5:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr Mobile, AL, 36602 gcehjazzfest.wordpress.com/
Taste of Eastern Shore
6:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 U.S. 98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Food tasting event featuring restaurants and chefs from the Eastern Shore of the Gulf Coast. Live band The Velcro Pygmies will perform 7-9 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-the-easternshore-tickets-598077815847
Movie on The Bluff
Dusk Henry George Park, Fairhope, AL, 36532 Join us for our 3rd Annual Movie on The Bluff Summer Series! Catch a free movie after you enjoy the sunset on Mobile Bay. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Donations not required but appreciated. Any amounts received will go to benefit Fairhope Schools.
Sunday July 30
Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival
5:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr Mobile, AL, 36602 Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival - concert https://gcehjazzfest.wordpress.com/
Full Moon Paddle
6:00 PM Wind & Water Learning Center, 26233
Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL, 36561 The full Moon Paddle series are monthly fundraisers during the summer season. The cost is $35, with all funds going to the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center. The events include catered hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by a local musician, and a guided paddle on Wolf Bay to watch the sunset and moon rise. https://www.orangebeachal.gov/388/ActivitiesEvents
Monday July 31
Family Movie Monday (Free)
2:00 PM Daphne Public Library, 2607 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for family movie Monday. 251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Tuesday August 1
Summer Fun Events - Trivia Night
7:00 PM Bay Area Performing Arts, 8724 Rand Ave Daphne, AL, 36526 Summertime is here and we are kicking things off in a big way! Friends of Bay Area Performing Arts is proud to host several SUMMER FUN events to help support the arts here on the Eastern Shore! Trivia Night every other Tuesday. https://form.jotform.com/231313342692147
Thursday August 3
Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation -
Annual Rodeo (Adults: $18, Children (ages 3-12): $10, Free Admission for ages 2 & under)
6:00 PM Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Ave Foley, AL Our Rodeo features 8 nightly events including Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Break Away Roping, Barrel Racing, Team Roping and Bull Riding. The Rodeo kicks off each night at 8:00pm with children’s activities beginning nightly at 6:00pm. https://jennifermoorefoundation.com/
Friday August 4
Young Artist Series Presents Robin Hood
7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street Gulf Shores, AL, 36542 Young Artist Series Presents Robin Hood https://www.sbct.biz/
Saturday August 5
Daphne Baptist Church’s Back-to-School Pancake Breakfast and Supply Give Away
8:00 AM Daphne Baptist Church, Daphne, AL, 36526 This is a Back-to-School Pancake Breakfast for our community’s children. This will be a pancake breakfast (with the fixings), sausage, juice, water and coffee will be provided (for parents). We will be giving away school supplies. We will have a free drawing for fantastic gifts, money, and gift cards donated by local businesses and outside activities
Jennifer Claire Moore FoundationAnnual Rodeo (Adults: $18, Children (ages 3-12): $10, Free Admission for ages 2 & under) 6:00 PM Details on August 3. https://jennifermoorefoundation.com/
Every Monday
Free Build - STEM Play (Free)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 2 to 10 years old. Come put your creative imagination to the test! We will put out all of our legos, soft blocks, lincoln logs, picnic pieces, buckets of dinosaurs, and more. Join us in the Activity Room for Free Build every Monday and Friday from 9am - Noon. 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Movie Mondays
2:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Movie Mondays, 2pm in Giddens Auditorium, Ages 2-12 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Lego Free Build - Spanish Fort Public Library
3:30 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Every Monday
3:30 - 5 pm, patrons are invited to the Spanish Fort Public Library to exercise their creativity and practice
their engineering skills by constructing their very own LEGO® creation.
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
MakerSpace Mondays at Fairhope Library
6:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 9+. Join us every Monday in the MakerSpace for fun, hands-on crafts and activities. We will have a different craft, experiment, or group activity every week! All materials are provided for free.
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Monday May 29-
Sparks After Dark
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 The weekly fireworks show will flash to life again this summer! Come early and enjoy entertainment from magicians, stilt walkers and jugglers, then stick around to dance to the rhythm of the beat with DJ Matt.
251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Every Tuesday
Bay Minette Public Library Story Time
10:00 AM Bay Minette Public Library, 205 W 2nd St Bay Minette, AL, 36507 Story-time runs year-round at 10 a.m. Tuesdays in the Children’s Room at the Bay Minette Public Library. These stories are geared toward younger children but all are welcome.
https://cityofbayminetteal.gov/departments/library
Movers & Shakers Toddler Storytime (Free)
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 18 months to 2 years old. Join us for a special storytime just for toddlers every Tuesday at 10am in the Activity Room for silly books, silly songs, and fun crafts. This summer we will focus on ocean themed stories and craftsperfect for our little explorers!
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Toddler Storytime
10:00 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Toddler Storytime-Ages 18m-2yrs
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Big Kid Storytime (Free)
11:30 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 3 to 7 years old. Join our super fun storytime every Tuesday at 11am, where we read new books, sing new songs, do creative crafts, and make new friends. This summer we will focus on ocean themed stories and crafts!
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Tuesdays from June 6-July 18
Bay Minette Public Library Summer Reading Program
1:00 PM John F. Rhodes Civic Center, 301 D’Olive St Bay Minette, AL, 36507 Summer Reading Program is back, every Tuesday from June 6-July 18 at 1:00pm at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center. Program schedule: June 6: Tom Foolery–Juggling and Unicycles, June 13: I Believe in Magic–Illusions and Fun, June 20: Animal Tales–Live Animals, June 27: Freedom Ranch–Free Flying Birds, July 11: Cowboy Bruce Brannen–A Favorite Returns and July 18: Michelle’s Magic Poodles–Real Dogs
251-580-1648 https://cityofbayminetteal.gov/departments/library
Every Tuesday in July
Hands-On Habitat (Fee varies by project )
11:00 AM Tacky Jacks Orange Beach, 27206 Safe Harbor Dr. Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Art al Fresco. Create new works of art & crafts with the best local and regional artists. Fee varies by project. Online reservation required.
https://tacky-jacks.myshopify.com/collections/tackyjacks-summer-of-fun-orange-beach?page=1
Summer Reading 15 years & Older Activities
1:00 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Teens Doing things
5:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Different activities for teens. July
11: Bath Bombs & Sugar Scrubs, July 18: Team Trivia, July 25: End of Summer Party
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Tuesdays May 30 - August 1
Wild Wild Wharf
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 DJ Matt will be turning up the tunes as you dance the two-step. Enjoy a mechanical bull, bounce house, pony rides, a water slide, face painting + so much more.
251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Every Wednesday
Centennial Park Story Time (Free)
10:30 AM Centennial Park, 1706 Main Street Daphne, AL, 36526 Centennial Park Story Time
251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Storytime - Page & Palette
10:30 AM Page & Palette, 32 S Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 Please join us on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM for storytime! Each week, Miss Paula share a silly story the whole family will enjoy.
www.pageandpalette.com
Wednesday in June and July
Big Event Wednesdays
2:00 PM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Big Event Wednesdays-2pm in Giddens Auditorium 251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Every Wednesday in July
Hands-On Habitat (Free)
11:00 AM Tacky Jacks Orange Beach, 27206 Safe Harbor Dr. Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Hands-On Habitat. Free, fun and educational hands-on nature series, kids & adults alike can learn about our ecosystem and interact with the animals that live here with us. Online RSVP Required https://tacky-jacks.myshopify.com/collections/tackyjacks-summer-of-fun-orange-beach?page=1
Wednesdays thru August 2
Pepsi Treasure Hunt for Hunger benefitting Secret Meals for Hungry Children
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Pepsi Treasure Hunt for Hunger benefitting Secret Meals for Hungry Children. Treasure Hunt + DJ Matt: 6-9 pm, Pirate-themed characters: 6:30-8:30 pm, Bubble Truck: 6:30-8:30
pm | Glow Bubbles: 8 pm, SPECTRA Laser Light
Experience: 8:30, 9 + 9:30 pm
251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Observe and Explore (Free)
10:00 AM Graham Creek Natural Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 The program will begin at 10:00 am with a story that fits the theme. This will be followed by a short lesson with an activity or science experiment. The program will end with a themed craft. Lessons and activities are based on elementary level concepts and skills related to nature.
251-923-4267 http://grahamcreekpreserve.org
Babies and Books Storytime (Free)
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages Newborn to 18 months. Join us for our special storytime just for babies and caregivers every Thursday at 10am for nursery rhymes, silly songs, tummy time, and sensory play.
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Storytime Thursday - Spanish Fort Public Library
10:00 AM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join the Spanish Fort Public Library for stories, songs, and group time each Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Best for ages 5 and under.
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Homeschool Hour
11:30 AM Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 8-14. Join us every Thursday at 11am for Homeschool Hour! We will explore a new topic every week, followed by a hands-on craft or STEAM based activity. The idea is to explore fun topics in a laid-back, relaxed setting - the perfect place to make new friends! Need more info? Email youthservices@fairhopelibrary.org
251-929-1465
Family Game Night - Spanish Fort Public Library
4:30 PM Spanish Fort Public Library, 7361 Spanish Fort Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Bring the family or bring your friends (or bring both!) to SFPL on Tuesday evenings! Pull up a chair and enjoy playing one of the many board and card games we have available for use.
251-410-READ www.spanishfortpubliclibrary.org
Thursdays June 1 - August 3
Slice of Summer
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Surprise themes every week. Kids’ Activities + DJ Matt: 6-9 pm, SPECTRA Laser Light Experience: 8:30, 9 + 9:30 pm 251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com
Thursdays in June and July
Summer Reading Program-Events
10:00 AM Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Avenue Foley, AL, 36535 Summer Reading Program Special Events on Thursdays. www.foleylibrary.org
Every Thursday in July
Summer Reading Events
2:00 PM Orange Beach Recreation Center, 4849 Wilson Blvd Orange Beach, AL, 36561 https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachPublicLibrary
Every Friday
Free Build - STEM Play (Free)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Ages 2 to 10 years old. Come put your creative imagination to the test! We will put out all of our legos, soft blocks, lincoln logs, picnic pieces, buckets of dinosaurs, and more. Join us in the Activity Room for Free Build every Monday and Friday from 9am - Noon.
251-929-1465 www.fairhopelibrary.org/
Free Build
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Daphne Public Library, 2607 US98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Join us for free build.
251-620-2500 www.daphneal.com/178/Library
Every first Friday
Graham Creek Natural Preserve Guided Tours (Free)
9:00 AM Graham Creek Natural Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 Call to reserve a golf cart tour of the reserve. Limit: 8
251-923-4267 http://grahamcreekpreserve.org
Every third Saturday
Observe and Explore (Free)
10:00 AM Graham Creek Natural Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 The program will begin at 10:00 am with a story that fits the theme. This will be followed by a short lesson with an activity or science experiment. The program will end with a themed craft. Lessons and activities are based on elementary level concepts and skills related to nature.
251-923-4267 http://grahamcreekpreserve.org
Graham Creek Natural Preserve Trail Trot (Free) Graham Creek Natural Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 Call to reserve a hike of the preserve.
251-923-4267 http://grahamcreekpreserve.org
Animal Ambassadors
2:00 PM Five Rivers Delta Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 2 PM as we present one or more of our live educational animals. Free, family friendly, no registration required. www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center
Every second and fourth Sunday
Mobile Bay Maker’s Market
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Along Mobile Bay at The Pier, Fairhope, AL, 36532 Taking place every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, the Mobile Bay Maker’s Market features over 35 local artisans, farmers, and makers along the gulf coast. The event takes place just south of the Fairhope Municipal Pier. Food trucks are also on site.
Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
Kids these days! I bet you have heard your grandparents or parents say this, or maybe you have even said it. If you are north of 30, you probably have. It seems every generation thinks the younger generation is just “too much” or “not enough” according to the older generation’s standards. Too much music and TV and not enough outside time was the complaint my grandparents leveled at my generation.
Today’s parents and grandparents probably believe “too much device time and not enough outside time.” This brings me to a thread of consistency over generations; we must get our kids outside. Why is this important?
According to Google: “If you spend time outdoors in green spaces, your cortisol levels decrease. When your cortisol levels decrease, your stress and anxiety decline, and you gain better control of your emotions, including fear and anger. Without stress, your body functions as it should.” But beyond this, why is it essential for our kids to be outdoors?
Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time exploring nature had improved learning outcomes. Kids were more positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they
had less anger and aggression. When we get outside, we simply breathe better. Our bodies settle. Fight or flight mode decreases. All of these positive outcomes are the opposite of what happens when we stay inside and on devices. Also, spoiler alert, if you sit outside but stay on your phone, you negate the benefits of being outside. The whole point is to engage with nature.
What is really interesting is that our bodies instinctively tell us that we feel better when we are away from our devices. Previous generations not only know this, but they also honor what their bodies need. Today’s generation has gotten good at not listening to their bodies cues.
The noise from devices and social media is much stronger than our bodies’ subtle nudge until it is too late. What do I mean by too late? I mean after we begin showing signs of anxiety, depression, frustration, and loneliness. But we can combat this by listening to the generations before us.
What feels “old hat’ to our grandparents will feel “new” to our kids today. Going outside for a walk, digging in the dirt to plant a garden, fishing, swimming in a stream, sitting out for a cold drink with friends…these things feel “new” to our kids. They may not be used to these activities
and do not know how good they make them feel until they actually do them. It is becoming more and more apparent that we must teach new generations these “old hat” tricks.
Kids born this year will never know a world without AI. Their lives will be inundated with technology. And I, for one, do not believe that our children will have evolved so much in the next 15-20 years that they will struggle less than today’s youth with the constant technology. I believe the opposite is accurate, and they will struggle even more.
Evolution is slow for a reason. Change needs to be slow. We can help our children and grandchildren by teaching them to listen to those subtle cues. Listen to their bodies. Take them outside. Teach them to get their hands dirty, go for walks, and drink lemonade on the front porch.
In an overcomplicated world, this seems so simple. But it is not only incredibly effective at combating the psychosocial and emotional issues our kids face today due to devices; it prepares them for years to come. It is our way “out” of the constant stress of the online world. It is the answer that we consistently look for. It is free. It is simple.
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.
