Preparing Your “Baby” for College

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.

Sponsored by:

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

Meg Murphy

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.

Autauga County Schools

Gulf Shores Middle Students to be Published in National Celebrating Art Contest

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,

Perdido School Gardens

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.

Baldwin County Virtual Celebrates Academic Excellence

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.

Foley Middle School Award

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 Recognized with a Leadership Award

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.

Silverhill Elementary Publishes Its Own Book

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

J. Larry Newton Student vs. Teachers Basketball Game

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.

Fairhope East Collects Aluminum Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

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

CubScout Spend the Night on the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship

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.

Nature Connect Outdoor School had International Week

Excellent guest speakers taught everyone

Class of

Bay Minette Elementary Summer Campers Learn Fire Safety

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.

Daphne High Musician Wins Scholarship

Congratulations to Daphne High Trojan Olivia concert at Thompson

J. Larry Newton Teacher Retires After Over 30 Years

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!”

Autauga County Schools Bayshore Christian Grammar Field Day

BCS Grammar School Field Day was the perfect way to end the school year! Wishing everyone a safe & blessed summer break!

Daphne Middle Teacher Retires

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!”

Fairhope High Alabama’s Miss Softball

Congratulations to Fairhope High School’s own Ryley Harrison for being chosen as Alabama’s Miss Softball of 2023.

Bayside Academy Senior Receives Spirit Award Scholarship

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.

Autauga County Schools

Fairhope West Honor Society Officers

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.

Rockwell Elementary Talent Show

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!

Daphne High School Tennis Players Make All-County

Congratulations to Daphne High School Trojans Anthony Dato, Abby Carlson, Shayne Bodalia, Abby Jordan and Maddox Marino for making AllCounty Tennis!

Pine Grove Elementary is Proud of its Three New eMINTS Graduates

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

Foley Middle Student is EMC Shining Star

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

Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Graduates 64 Students

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.

Cheerleading Teams at UCA

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.

Baldwin County Names Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet of the Year

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

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 Attends Cheer Camp

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.”

Autauga County Schools

Stonebridge Teachers Attend Empower Energy

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.

Daphne East Elementary Teachers Lemonade Day

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 Teacher Attends Wild Heart Teacher Retreat

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!

Foley High State Champion

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 Key Club Donates Bags of Hope to Waterfront Rescue Mission

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.

Bayshore Christian Golfer Wins 1A-2 State Championship

Congratulation to BCS freshman, Michael Heaton, for winning the 1A-2 State Championship in golf! Go Bayshore!

Robertsdale Elementary

Summer Camp Fun

Summer

Autauga County Schools

Gulf Shores Middle Dolphin Talk

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)

Robertsdale High Girls Varsity Soccer AllState and All-County

Renaissance Teachers Attend Alabama History Professional Development

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.

Foley High School Student Wins Medals at Special Olympics

Emily Evans represented Foley High School in the State Swim Meet at Troy University for Special Olympics. She received medals from placing in the

Autauga County Schools

Spanish Fort Middle Cheerleaders at UCA Camp

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!

CTCKS 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast

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 Named Midtown Optimist Club’s “2023 Player of the Year”

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

Autauga County Schools

Christ The King Catholic First Ever Saints Send Off

A sweet ending to a new

Florence B Mathis Teachers Support Their Students

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!

Fairhope High Boys Soccer ALL County

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.

Belforest Elementary Hosts Special Guest

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 Has Talent

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!

Autauga County Schools

Pine Grove Elementary School Summer Camp

Special Awards at Daphne East

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

North Baldwin Tech Build Chicken Coup for Foley Elementary

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!

Spanish Fort High Represented at HOBY Youth Leadership Conference

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 Christian Upper School Field Day

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.

Here are some ideas to get the party started

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

Is the Threat of De-Dollarization Real?

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?

Planning In Advance

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.

Homemade

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.

Team Work

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.

Old School Games With A Theme

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.

Finding Free or Discounted Items

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.

Using Coupons and Purchasing Sale Items

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.

Selling on Craigslist or Marketplace

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.

Who’s Ready to Party?

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