Greater Pensacola Parents December 2016 by KeepSharing

THE POWER

TO STOP

FLU BEGINS WITH

YOU Don’t Get It  GET the flu shot.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot, especially adults 65 and older, children 5 and younger, pregnant mothers, and people with certain medical conditions.

 WASH your hands.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Don’t Spread It  COVER your cough.

Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

 STAY home.

Keep sick children at home. Teach them to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread easily this way.

Find More Information at EscambiaHealth.com

December2016

Volume 1 Number 9

Columns

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Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Growing Up Online

Tips to help parents protect the new cell phone users in their home this holiday season.

Get Excited About Giving

Find creative ideas for â&#x20AC;&#x153;themedâ&#x20AC;? holiday gift exchanges.

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Family Time Mandy B. Fernandez

Holiday Happenings

From parades to tree lightings to musicals and more, these events make your season bright!

Raising Boys

Teach them to be good brothers by inspiring healthy competition, empathy, and cooperation.

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments On The Cover Peyton Dominguez (11) is in 5th grade at Cordova Park and daughter of Shawn and Tara Dominguez. She has two older siblings, Tanner (19) a Sophomore at UCF and Evan (16) a Junior at West Florida High School. Peyton is a talented dancer who performs on a local dance team. She loves swimming, jumping on the trampoline and DANCING!!!

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 40

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews

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MomOfTheMonth

Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Tis the season to be jolly…with a side of stress and a dash of gift giving anxiety! As quickly as the school year begins and we settle into our new routines, we round the corner and are promptly served the holiday season. While most of us love the holidays and the joy they bring, we also know they carry a heavy dose of responsibility that can result in a pressure cooker of stress. The pressure to decorate and find the perfect gifts can be overwhelming. As a mom of three, a Realtor and coordinator of two Junior Team Tennis Leagues, there never seems to be enough hours in a day. However, I do still love holiday decorating. From October to January, I like a continuous stream of decorations inside and out of our home. My husband and our children, Tanner, Evan and Peyton all “think” they enjoy decorating too, but when the bins come down from the attic, and make it to their respective locations, there’s only one man left standing…and SHE’S ME. In addition to decorating, shopping for that perfect gift can also be stressful. The article Get Excited about Giving with a Themed Holiday offers smart solutions. Themed gifts/holidays are perfect for frazzled or last minute shoppers, like myself, to find focus and channel fleeting ideas. This fresh, new perspective on gift giving is a concept I could make a new tradition. Speaking of traditions and fresh… I’d like to share a few of our holiday traditions. My personal favorite is the decorating our two holiday trees, one fresh cut and one artificial. The artificial tree is the color coordinated, fancy tree that sparkles from the front window of our home and satisfies my chic holiday decorating desire. The fragrant fresh cut tree is nostalgic and brilliantly lights the corner of our family room - the room with the fireplace and comfy sofa where we lounge together as a family. This tree is trimmed with pre-school, homemade ornaments and ornaments that Santa leaves in stockings each year. Santa’s ornaments always represent a sport played, new hobby or a discovered passion. Even at 19 and 16 years old, Tanner and Evan enjoy reminiscing and hanging the ornaments that bring them a memory of childhood, a city, school or time that might otherwise be forgotten. To me, the fresh cut tree is representative of our family with its authentic resilience and beautiful imperfections. Our authentic resilience can be attributed to being a military family. My husband is a Commander in the Navy and has served his country for the last 26 years (currently Executive Officer at Naval Air Station Pensacola). A military family translates to frequent relocations, several cross country moves, surviving numerous deployments, and leaving family and friends to start over and create new lives. Reunions become coveted and a desire to cling to the familiar is fueled. Holidays provide the reunions and allow us to honor the familiar – like traditions. Our military life requires strength and dedication. It has taught us to embrace existing traditions and given us wings to generate new ones – some we cherish and some we wish we could reconsider (i.e. Elf on the Shelf)! Cali, Peyton’s Elf, flew into our lives a few years ago while we were spending Christmas with family in Tahoe. Her visits and nightly shenanigans are fun and have enhanced the holiday spirit for Peyton - but her return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve is anxiously awaited by sleep deprived parents with too many December projects. Other fond family traditions include watching the 25 days of Christmas by the fireplace and taking advantage of local holiday events. I encourage families to be diligent in creating happy, impactful memories together. For ideas, check out the Holiday Happenings Guide. Incorporating local flare and history into your holiday can and will create memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Happy Holidays!

Tara Dominguez Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Tara Dominguez Mandy B. Fernandez Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Sara Marchessault Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Danielle Becker www.daniellebeckerphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Jason Watson ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Ad Design Tim Welch Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222. Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Advice on Being a Step-Parent Q:

The woman I’ve been dating—a single mom with two young boys—and I have decided to get married. My only reservation, and I’ve told her this, concerns the stepfather thing. I’m not clear and really neither is she on the proper role and responsibilities of stepfathers, especially in the area of discipline. She reads your column religiously and told me to ask you for advice. It would be most appreciated.

A: I happen to have extensive experience in this area, given that I grew up with a stepfather in what is today known as a step-family. Before my mother remarried when I was almost seven, she gave me some invaluable information and very good advice. The invaluable information consisted of telling me that when I was in my stepfather’s home, he was “the father.” Her very good advice was that I was to respect and obey him as well as I respected and obeyed her, which was a high standard. My mother’s little talk let me know that her primary allegiance was no longer to me; it was to her new partner, as it should have been.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

The reason that the risk of divorce is higher in a second marriage where one or both parties is bringing children in tow is because my mother’s attitude is no longer the norm. In fact, even such highly respected people as Dr. Phil advise that in step-families, a parent should only discipline his or her biological children. Mincing no words (my habit), that is extremely bad advice. It sets up a situation where parenting conflicts are nearly inevitable. The problem actually begins before the second marriage. Following divorce, a single mom tends to center her life around her kids. (I realize, by the way, that there are many variations on custody and visitation, so I have decided to keep things simple and talk in terms of the most common—the mother has primary custody.) Her eventual second husband, no fool, sees what is happening and realizes he must successfully “court” both her and her kids. He tries his best to be a fun guy. In the process of all this, and on both sides of this coin, very dysfunctional precedents are being set. After the marriage, the precedents in question lead to a set of predictable difficul-

ties: the children complain to their mother when stepdad tries to discipline; mom reinforces their resentment by adopting a territorial, protective attitude toward them; and the stepfather begins to feel that he is a “secondclass citizen” in his own home. I am firm in my conviction that from the get-go, the step-parent, whether male or female, must have complete disciplinary discretion where step-children are concerned. In other words, there is no special set of rules or restrictions that apply uniquely to step-parents. When the parties involved believe that “step” is the operative word, as opposed to “parent” or “family,” that’s when the problems begin. As someone else has put it, “When you think of yourself as a step, it becomes inevitable that you will be stepped on.” By the way, most mental health professionals claim that kids resent it when they are disciplined by step-parents. My retort is, “So what?” Kids usually resent being disciplined, period, no matter who the discipliner is. Besides, kids do not know what they need; they only know what they want, and they usually want what is not in their best interests. Which is why they need parents for at least 18 years. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Pensacola Pelican Drop

Ring in the new year in Downtown Pensacola December 31 with The Pensacola Pelican Drop, a free event unique to the Gulf Coast. Festivities kick off at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continue until 12:30 a.m. Throughout the evening, the giant Pelican (14 feet tall, with a 20-foot wingspan) is perched above the celebration on a 100-foot platform at the intersection of Garden and Palafox Streets. Although Garden and Palafox Street will be closed to traffic, area restaurants will be open and additional vendors will be providing refreshments. Live performances on two outdoor stages provide ongoing entertainment throughout the evening. The popular kids’ area will be expanded this year and will feature the special kids’ countdown at 8 p.m. with confetti, the “bubble stomp” and a mini fireworks show. At the stroke of midnight, the whole city celebrates as the Pelican descends amidst fireworks and more confetti. The event is expected to be a huge hit with more than 50,000 revelers in attendance.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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World War II Remembrance

December 7 * 10 a.m. The National Naval Aviation Museum will honor the World War II generation on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Wednesday, December 7, in the Blue Angels Atrium. The guest speaker for the event will be Captain Sterling Gilliam, USN (Ret), museum director. Enjoy patriotic music and popular songs from the WWII era performed by the Northwest Florida State College Jazz Ensemble in Niceville and the Tate High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. All WWII veterans and their families are invited to attend and be recognized for their service. Admission to the museum and the World War II Remembrance is FREE and open to the public. For more info, visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/.

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Christmas on the Coast 2016

December 9-11 @ Saenger Theatre Pensacola Children’s Chorus will transform sunny weather into a winter wonderland. You’ll experience all the sights and sounds of the season that will have you humming through the New Year! Performances are at 7:30 p.m. December 9 and 10; 2:30 p.m. December 11. For details, visit pensacolachildrenschorus.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

Christmas Fun on the Water

On December 3 at 6:30 p.m., the Lighted Boat Parade kicks off at Little Sabine Bay. View from Quietwater Beach area at 7 p.m. Look for Santa on the lead boat! The parade ends at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk with a fireworks display following Soundside around 8 p.m. Call (850) 932-1500 for more info. Before the parade, a kids’ pre-show party will be held at Shaggy’s from 4-6 p.m. On December 4 at 2 p.m., watch Santa oversee whimsical floats at the Surfing Santa Parade as they wind their way down Via de Luna Drive sharing holiday joy with all who care to catch the spirit. .

STEM Saturday: Squadron Teamwork

Saturday, December 17 * 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. National Flight Academy. K-6th grade students will participate in many teamwork STEM activities that stimulate trust in others to create a stronger squadron. Learning to play a part and trust your teammates like a real aviator squadron is a life skill that can be transferred to practically any situation. Additionally, these students will fly the T-45 Goshawk in NFA’s simulators. Registration closes December 9 and is $30 with lunch provided. Space is limited for each session, so visit www.nationalflightacademy.com or call (850) 458-7836.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker

December 16-17 @ 7 p.m. and December 18 @ 1:30 p.m. Experience the magic of this beloved holiday classic at Saenger Theatre featuring the tale of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Ticket prices begin at $25. For more info, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

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Downtown Pensacola Winterfest

Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Beginning November 25, visitors to downtown Pensacola will experience music, shopping, food, art and nightlife under a canopy of four hundred thousand white lights illuminating historic buildings, parks, shops, galleries and outdoor spaces. Navigate the eclectic district that’s anchored by Palafox Street—named one of America’s “Ten Great Streets”—on foot or by Segway, horse and carriage, pedicab or a free downtown trolley. Immediately following the Winterfest Elf Parade on Black Friday Nov. 25, a holiday lighting ceremony will launch the inaugural First City Lights Festival, a diverse, season-long lineup of downtown holiday events as traditional as The Nutcracker. Wandering along Palafox throughout the holidays, downtown visitors may chance upon live street performances, Christmas caroling in the streets, Santa posing for photos and Winterfest Trolley Tours. Winterfest’s wide range of family activities and entertainment will continue through Dec. 24. The festival, now in its 12th year, takes visitors on a two-mile trolley tour through downtown’s lighted streets, stopping at various points along the way for live street performances featuring carolers, meticulously detailed sets and a full cast of Christmas characters. Free activities are available at “Santa Plaza” where children are invited to write letters to Santa (with some help from Santa’s elves) that they can then present to Santa himself while sitting with him in his sleigh. (Photographers are on hand for photos with Santa and family photos with the Winterfest Christmas tree for a reasonable charge.) “Reindeer Plaza” is full of FREE holiday fun, with guests dancing and playing with Santa’s reindeer and Miss Winterfest! The life-sized gingerbread house offers cookies and hot chocolate. During the Winterfest Performance Trolley Tours (December 2, 3, 9 and 16-18 from 5-9 p.m.), singing conductors welcome guests aboard vintage trolleys for a journey full of Christmas magic. More than 17 stops feature favorite holiday characters, including the Peanuts gang, Elvis, the Grinch, Scrooge, the Island of Misfit Toys, a Living Nativity, and many more. Actors and singers board the trolleys and interact with guests at multiple stops. The elaborate outdoor sets and action at each stop are viewed through the trolley’s large windows. Boarding point is located at the Old Courthouse building, 223 Palafox Pl. Admission begins at $22 for adults; $15 for children. Santa’s Holiday Express Tour takes place each night December 19- 24 from 5-8 p.m. Take a trip with Santa through highlights of our holiday season with songs, lights and more! This 25-minute tour is especially great for young children and out of town guests. Tickets are $15 for adults; $7 for children. Visit pensacolawinterfest.org or call (850) 583-1365 for more information and to purchase your tickets!

December 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. December 4 at 2:30 p.m. At the Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline Street in Milton. Written by Barbara Robinson; directed by Patty Barry and Sylvia Love. Doors open at 6 p.m. on weeknights and 1 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets, visit panhandlecommunitytheatre.com or call (850) 221-7599. Adults $15; children $10.

2016 Christmas on the Coast Ornament

Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast announces its annual collection of 2016 Christmas on the Coast ornaments. The 18th annual Christmas on the Coast ornament for the city of Pensacola is The Barkley House, a historic treasure to Pensacola. Located at 410 S. Florida Blanca Street, it is one of the oldest masonry houses in Florida and the last remaining early 19-century example of a “High House” in Pensacola. Revenue generated from the sale of Christmas on the Coast ornaments allows Goodwill Easter Seals to provide services in our community that encourage, educate and employ individuals with disabilities and others in need, helping to build stronger families and communities. Programs include early care and education for children of all abilities, family support and respite, adult education and GED services, job search assistance for individuals with disabilities and free income tax preparation services for low-income households. To order your ornament, visit www.gesgc. org or call (251) 471-1581.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Beach

Two free firework displays along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk! At 8 p.m. a dazzling light display, provided by the beach chamber, will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For those who want to ring in the new year at midnight, Casino Beach Bar & Grille is hosting a New Year’s Eve Black & White Party beginning at 9 p.m. with door prizes, drink specials, and prizes for best dressed. The party culminates with a midnight fireworks show on the beach over the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. For more info, call (850) 932-1500. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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2016 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade

December 10 * 5:15 p.m. Downtown Pensacola beginning with Spring & Garden Streets. Don’t miss this event that draws more than 50,000 people each year, including nearly 90 entries and eight bands from Escambia County, New Orleans and Mississippi. The parade also features the nationally renowned Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region. Visit www.coxpensacolachristmasparade. org/ or call (850) 434-1234.

New Year’s Polar Power!

Head to Pensacola Beach on New Year’s Day at 2 p.m. and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume - flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 per person. Cub Club participants – those in fifth grade or younger – can register for $5. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge T-shirt. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. Ring in the New Year by taking a “Polar Bear Dip” into the Gulf of Mexico at FloraBama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, at high noon. Dippers and other participants dress up or just show up for this special day. The Flora-Bama provides the traditional feast with black-eyed peas, cornbread, ham and more for those who take the plunge. Call (850) 492-6838 for more info.

PTSDA Karate Students Compete in Baton Rouge

PTSDA Karate students recently travelled to Baton Rouge, La., and competed in the Battle in the Bayou martial arts tournament. Many of the students had never competed at a martial arts tournament and were able to bring home gold, silver and bronze medals. The participants competed in forms, sparring and breaking. Front row from left are Alex Mayo, Nick Fowler, Keagan Hopkins, Bryson Harden-Cooke, James Hudson, Trey Richardson and Jude Barger; back row, Adele Gibson, Richard Gibson, Master Instructor Chris Dufour, Terri Dufour and Victoria Wright.

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Autauga County Schools

Cordova Park’s First Schoolwide STEAM Project in Action

United Way Day of Caring Activities and Projects

On October 14, special projects for the United Way Day of Caring were conducted at Bailey Middle School, Bellview Elementary, Blue Angels Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, C.A. Weis Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Ensley Elementary, Escambia Westgate, Ferry Pass Middle, Global Learning Academy, Hellen Caro Elementary, Holm Elementary, J.H. Workman Middle, Jim Allen Elementary, Lincoln Park Primary, Navy Point Elementary, O.J. Semmes Elementary, Oakcrest Elementary, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, Warrington Elementary, Warrington Middle, Booker T. Washington High, West Pensacola Elementary and Woodham Middle.

At Cordova Park Elementary School, every student in every grade is getting to learn about science concepts while creating art. “We will create pendulums using bamboo tripods and containers made from recycled plastic drink bottles with adjustable caps from glue bottles, to allow the students to see physics in action, rather than just hear about it,” explained Cordova Park’s art teacher, Karleen Roll. She recruited some assistants, including her parents, to help keep this fun project contained to planned workspaces – both inside and out. Her father is a retired science teacher, so teaming up was a natural fit. “You take a bottle half-full of paint hanging from a string or a cable and open it up so the paint will come out a little bit to make a stream as it moves around. As the container changes position it makes a line and makes all kinds of interesting patterns,” said Coach Bill Hemming. “We have three outside that are ten feet tall and five smaller ones inside and it’s working. It’s working well.” Cordova Park’s STEAM projects are aimed at having the whole school working on the same project, so it can be built upon and referenced by teachers in every subject area. Cordova Park special area teachers (art, music and PE) have all been working on physics and are focused on forces. So across the parking lot from the taller pendulums, other students attending their physical education classes will also learn about force as they use blender bikes to make smoothies. And then on music days, students will learn more about pendulums. “Vocabulary can be introduced in language arts and concepts can be explained in science, but getting to actually work on one of these pendulum paintings helps make abstract concepts real. Even the youngest kids can explain what they have learned and why their paintings look the way they do,” Roll added. Future STEAM projects will be planned again in the spring semester that will also involve all special area classes.

St. John Catholic School Honors Veterans

2016 School Choice Expo Held at Washington High

At the 2016 School Choice Expo recently, high school academies were showcased in the Booker T. Washington High School gym while middle school academies were in the cafeteria. The atrium had stations to get information from district staff and business partners. In the middle of it all, The Cat Shack was operating at a steady purr. There are 17 middle school academies and 48 offered in Escambia County high schools! Currently, more than half of our middle and high school students choose to enroll in one of them! Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

St. John Catholic School originated on the property of NAS Pensacola 142 years ago to serve the families of the crews constructing naval ships. The school has been a “home away from home” to military families stationed in Pensacola since that time. The longstanding relationship between St. John and the military community continued November 10, 2016, in a ceremony to mark Veterans’ Day. The students began the day by visiting Naval Hospital Pensacola and the Veterans’ Clinic to deliver cards and snacks to the active duty and veterans in appreciation for their service. That afternoon, an assembly was held in the school auditorium to further honor the soldiers and sailors of our community. Monsignor James Flaherty, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, offered a prayer for armed forces and the nation. Guest military speakers and the children of active duty military members spoke of their experiences and devotion to the service of our country. A choir of St. John students closed the ceremony by leading the audience in patriotic songs to honor the patriotism and sacrifice of our military and veterans and the freedom of our nation. 10

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Escambia County Public Schools Foundation Awards Grants For Excellence

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Grant checks totaling $90,498.83 were presented to 20 Escambia County public schools at the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation’s Grants for Excellence reception October 27 at the Pensacola Yacht Club. “The purpose of the Foundation’s Grants for Excellence Program is to promote collaboration across grade levels between teachers, principals and the schools’ leadership teams,” said Denise Rosenbloum, chair of the Grants for Excellence Committee. “These innovative classroom grants are unique projects designed by teachers to make a meaningful impact in the areas of STEM and Literacy.” The 20 grants range from $2,375 to $5,000 each and will impact 10,344 students and 490 teachers at the following schools: A.K. Suter Elementary, Ensley Elementary, Escambia High, Ferry Pass Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle, Hellen Caro Elementary, Holm Elementary, Jim C. Bailey Middle, Longleaf Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, N.B. Cook Elementary, Northview High, Oakcrest Elementary, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary, Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, Sherwood Elementary, Tate High, Washington High Marine Science Academy, West Florida High and Workman Middle. The Foundation’s Grants for Excellence program encourages classroom projects that actively engage students in exciting hands-on learning experiences. The Foundation secures dollar-for-dollar matching funds for the Grants for Excellence program from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations through the Florida Legislature’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grants Program. Escambia County Public Schools Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) direct support organization of the Escambia County School District celebrating 30 years of investing in our children’s future through scholarships, classroom Grants for Excellence and recognition of outstanding Escambia County teachers and student achievement. Since 1986, the Foundation has successfully raised more than $9.5 million dollars to enrich education. Questions about the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation should be directed to Lawrence K. Van Hoose, executive director, Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, at (850) 430-7457 or lvanhoose@escambia.k12.fl.us.

Marcus Pointe Has Tasty Science Lesson

While studying the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, Jenny Thomas’s thirdgraders at Marcus Pointe Christian School decided to put the ultimate experimentation of the states of matter to the test to make ice cream. The liquids were combined and put inside the smaller coffee can. Then, the smaller can was put into the larger can with ice and rock salts in the space around it. After 10 minutes of kicking it around, the students were able to see the liquid forming into a solid. After another 10 minutes, the liquids had turned into the consistency of a Wendy’s milkshake. The students absolutely loved eating their very own class-made ice cream.

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Autauga County Schools

Creative Learning Academy Wins Volleyball Championship

The girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; volleyball team from Creative Learning Academy recently won the Catholic Youth Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball tournament. This is the second year in a row that CLA has won the coveted award. Coach Art Merlan has coached the winning team both years. Merlan stresses teamwork, perseverance, and good sportsmanship with his team.

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MSP Students Garden & Learn About Worms

The Montessori School of Pensacola implements gardening into curriculum for all ages of students. Children as young as 18 months old water and care for their outdoor gardens. One especially fun part of their lesson is about the importance of worms in a garden. Students love the chance to be outside and see how things grow. They often get to cook the vegetables they harvest. Parent volunteers are integral in helping maintain the gardening programs at all MSP campuses.

East Hill Student Receives National Merit Commendation

Last fall, East Hill Christian School student Will Philips joined the 1.6 million juniors who took the PSAT, and he was one of the 50,000 students who scored in the top 5% of all high school seniors. Philips was recently recognized in front of his peers in chapel for the distinct honor of National Merit Commended Scholar. He is an active member of the cross country, soccer and tennis teams, is an active member of Student Government Association, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Philips is a student leader who is bold with humility in his walk for Christ (II Timothy 2:15). Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Gulf Breeze Middle Participates in Red Ribbon Week

Eighth-grade students at Gulf Breeze Middle joined in the fight against drugs by wearing red during Red Ribbon Week. GBMS Symphonic Band also helped raise awareness in the fight against drugs by playing music and performing skits for Gulf Breeze Elementary School students. Red Ribbon Week is an annual national event for raising awareness and mobilizing our local community in the fight against drugs.

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Little Flower Catholic Holds Fall Festival

On October 29, Little Flower Catholic School held its annual fall festival. Families came to enjoy a day full of games, food and fun. Each class hosted a game while vendors came with a variety of goods to share. Special thanks to the volunteers who helped make this day a success and school administrators and teachers for their support.

County Schools Hold Various Dads’ Day Events

Are local dads going back to school? You bet! Whether it was “Take Your Dad to School Day” or “Lunch with Dads” or “Donuts with Dads,” dads have been visiting schools all over the county. An Oakcrest Elementary School family is shown at a recent event.

4901 West Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, FL 32506 Phone: (850) 458-7735

charter school for ESE pre-K child care center speech, occupational & pediatric therapies low student-teacher ratio

Global Learning Academy Treats Teacher

Global Learning Academy surprised its Teacher of the Year recently. Congratulations to Mrs. Tribbey, who was treated with a Hollywood red carpet surprise and a popcorn party!

5308 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 Phone: (850) 626-3091

CapstoneLearning.org

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Montessori School Holds Fall Festival

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The Montessori School of Pensacola hosted its annual Fall Festival October 22. This day of fun included horse rides, games, food and more. The MSP Middle School ran a smoothie sale to raise funds for a class trip to Sea Camp in the Florida Keys. Students learned about running a business, accounting, advertising and managing.

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George Stone Culinary Students Prepare Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Luncheon

The Culinary Arts students prepared a fantastic luncheon to celebrate Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day at the George Stone Technical Center. The menu included spiral cut ham (that was torched to crystalize the brown sugar glaze), turkey breasts rubbed with spices and then baked, rolls, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread dressing, cranberries, green beans and cake! After many hours of chopping, seasoning, mixing, baking and cooking... the students opened their doors to all of the veterans attending George Stone or on staff for a wonderful luncheon.

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Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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East Hill Christian Students Get Historical

This year’s National History Day theme was “Taking a Stand in History.” East Hill Christian School’s middle and high school students presented outstanding History Fair projects that displayed their hard work and enthusiasm for their chosen topic. Historical Website and Performance categories were added to the Exhibit category this year. The following winners will represent EHCS at the Escambia County District History Fair the week of January 30, 2017. Junior Individual Exhibit winners: First Place: Liam Bryan (6); Second Place: Alex Justice (6); Third Place: Jacob Pearce (8); and Fourth Place: Abby Seelmann (6). Junior Group Exhibit: First Place: Kaden Millsap-Whitehead & Alex Summersell (6); Second Place: Gracie Hamilton & Christopher Hatsfelt (7); Third Place: JT Grizzard & Luke Seelmann (8); and Fourth Place: Isaiah & Malachi Waters (8). Junior Individual Website: First Place: Mitchell Keyes (8) Junior Individual Performance: First Place: Caitlyn Hindsman (6) Junior Group Performance: First Place: Jeremy Herren, Memphis Jocson and Dawson Thompson (8); Second Place: Shelby Abbott, Langley Knighten and Sarah Kuhnell (8). Senior Individual Exhibit: First Place: Will Philips (12); Second Place: Joey Avant (10); Third Place: Luke Cocoris (10); and Fourth Place: Brandon DeVries (11). Senior Group Exhibit: First Place: Bryce Cox & Myles Herren (11); Second Place: Lexi Grizzard & Claire Miller (11); Third Place: Savannah Hatsfelt & Katlyn Graves (10); and Fourth Place: Lauren Bondurant & Anna Thomas (9). Senior Individual Website: First Place: Kyle Harter (11); Second Place: Nathan Granger (11); and Third Place: Wesley Hatsfelt (12). Senior Group Website: First Place: Andrew (12) & Blake Coleman (11) Senior Group Performance: First Place: Greg Girouard, Clay Knighten and Max Wenzel (11)

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Woodham Middle School’s Robotic Club Prepares to Compete

The focus in this year’s BEST robotics competition is robots in agriculture. For this competition, contestants have to research the role robots play in farming and then design, build and program a robot to pick corn (paint rollers), tomatoes (Wiffle balls) and lettuce (puffy scrubbers). Once all of that is finished, there will be seeds to plant and pigs to corral‑‑all in three minutes! Each activity is worth points. If you pick one each of the corn, tomatoes and lettuce there are bonus points, but strategizing is critical. PLUS, contestants have to create a business, prepare an engineering notebook and research paper, a presentation, a video, costumes and a small building, in addition to their robot! The competetion is held for middle schools as well as high schools.

Escambia County Holds Successful ECET2 Event The ECET2 Committee treated Escambia County teachers to a beautifully decorated environment at Spencer Bibbs Elementary School, amazing conference food, “party gifts” and a T-shirt designed by a Washington High student. Photos were taken by Pine Forest High students and the Color Guard was comprised of JROTC students. Teachers dined and met their tablemates for the day with beautiful live music being performed by high school orchestra students from Tate. Also, a wonderful variety of breakout sessions was offered, as well as a chance to participate in BreakOut EDU and a wrap-up visit from Mr. Thomas, who shared Vision 2020. Perhaps most importantly, teachers had the opportunity to exchange ideas and swap contact information with those who teach in different schools.

Please email news to schoolnews@greater pensacolaparents.com!

Little Flower Celebrates Hispanic Heritage In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mrs. Serrano shared her Spanish culture with Little Flower Catholic School students. She and her husband prepared authentic Spanish cuisine for lunch. The children all enjoyed this special treat. Diversity makes the school a great place for its students. 15

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Autauga County Schools

Marcus Pointe Collects for Socktober Fest

Marcus Pointe Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second-grade students were able to drop off plenty of socks and cards to support Socktober Fest, which helps the homeless in our community. Mrs. Peek and Mrs. Marvin remind their students that a hero is an ordinary person who does extraordinary things and most of all, has compassion for others around them. Something as small as a new pair of socks can change someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whole world.

Students Visit Great Gulf Coast Art Festival

Each year students and teachers from ESE classes in multiple counties travel downtown to the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival to participate in creating art, to hear live music, to have fun festival foods, to have their faces painted, and even to tuck a feather in their cap (or headband)! Annie McKinnon Carter from Blue Angels Elementary School is shown with one of her students.

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Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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CLA Sixth-Graders Attend Camp Beckwith On November 3 and 4, the sixth-grade class from Creative Learning Academy in Pensacola attended the annual two-night team building program at Camp Beckwith in Foley, Ala. Students were under the leadership of Melissa Hessler, physical education teacher at CLA. During the event, students had the opportunity to participate in the high and low ropes course and various team building events. There was even time for some kayaking, fishing and a bonfire. This camp visit is part of the overall program at CLA which includes Operation Respect, collaboration skills, character building, and creative problem solving.

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The “Voting Precinct” At East Hill Christian

Students at East Hill Christian School enjoyed “checking in” at the school’s mock voting precinct to cast their vote for president, write in a fun thing that they would do if they were president, and also cast a vote for presidents from the past. The upper level students also could vote on the role of government, and they were able to prioritize the function of the federal government. The EHCS ParentTeacher Fellowship organized the event and served as poll workers to hand out ballots and “I Voted” stickers. Students young and old performed their civic duties in an honorable way.

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Autauga County Schools

Navy Federal Credit Union Donation Supports Escambia County’s Grants for Excellence Program

GBMS Welcomes New Students

Gulf Breeze Middle School welcomed 110 new students at the annual New Student Welcome Social. Many students moved to the area from other parts of Florida, and quite a few moved from places much farther away, including Washington state and even Cuba. The new Dolphins hailed from seven different countries and 22 states.

A.K. Suter Makes Interactive Pumpkin Project

Navy Federal Credit Union presented the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation (ECPSF) with a check for $25,000 recently, in support of the group’s Grants for Excellence Program. The Foundation will use matching funds from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations through the Florida Legislature’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grants Program to double the impact of the gift to $50,000. “Navy Federal is proud to support the great work being done in local classrooms,” said Janice Kilgore, vice president for Navy Federal’s Pensacola operations. Kilgore presented the Foundation with the check during its monthly meeting. “When Navy Federal decided to build here in Escambia County, we never could have known just how often they would find ways to support our public schools. From making financial donations to the Foundation, like this one, to allowing so many of your employees to volunteer in our schools, NFCU has become a valued neighbor,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said. “And, as NFCU continues to grow, we look forward to this partnership continuing to grow as well.” The “Grants for Excellence” initiative is a program which allows teachers to apply for grants up to $5,000 to support Literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in their classroom. The contribution from Navy Federal and other community members will allow the Foundation to provide more than $90,000 in grants to local teachers in the 2016-17 school year. “Our Foundation has been blessed with such strong financial support from across this community,” said Thomas Greek, chair of the Foundation’s board of directors. “Through this grant program, teachers will have more access to the tools they need to provide innovative, hands-on learning experiences to our children.”

Fall is in the air! Kids at A.K. Suter Elementary have been reading books and then decorating pumpkins for a book report. Everyone in the whole school got to vote with tickets on the “People’s Choice Award” for the best pumpkin. Additional tickets were sold as a fundraiser.

Beulah Middle School Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony RIF Visits Montclair

Reading IS FUNdamental at Montclair Elementary, especially when you get to keep the book! Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

In late October, representatives from the Escambia County School District and School Board met with representatives from Morette Construction and Dag Architects, the Beulah Elementary School PTA and local officials to turn over some dirt and ceremonially break the ground on the site of the new Beulah Middle School. 18

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St. John Catholic School Pre-K Bear Hunt

The three-year-old students of Sarah Week’s pre-K3 class at St. John Catholic School recently followed tracks and searched for clues to find a “bear” on the school campus. With cardboard binoculars made in class, the students were able to follow paw prints and gummy bear trails to locate the missing teddy bear. The campus and Pensacola are safe, once again, from roaming bears looking for a place to play and go to school!

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East Hill Christian Reaches Out to Alaska East Hill Christian School’s Student Council has put together Operation Alaska, a ministry project to benefit twelve middle school students in the small village of Nightmute, Alaska. A former EHCS English teacher is currently teaching these students in Nightmute, and has shared the real need for these families. EHCS is excited to show the love of Christ to these students through this project. Student Council sponsor Tonya Smith uses these missions opportunities to teach student leadership principles and characteristics as modeled by Christ. We are thankful for the many ways God has blessed our own lives. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” -James 1:17

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Little Flower Has Toothbrush Fun in VPK

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Little Flower Catholic School VPK students colored toothbrushes and practiced “brushing” their own teeth with a fun painting activity. Teachers reinforced the importance of keeping healthy teeth and sent each student home with a tooth brushing chart for them to keep track of their brushes. Thanks to Dr. Laura McAuley’s Pediatric Dentist Office for sharing two hygienists with us to teach pre-K the importance of brushing, flossing and making healthy eating choices.

Grants for Excellence Makes Check Presentations

The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation’s Grants for Excellence were presented to teachers from 20 ECSD schools. Congratulations to those who created the grant submissions and especially to all of their students who will benefit from these 20 wonderful ideas! Pictured is Star Wars: The STEAM Awakens from Ferry Pass Middle School.

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MSP Animal Dress-up Day Collects Donations for Humane Society

The Montessori School of Pensacola is celebrating its 40th anniversary this school year. In honor of this, the school has planned “Fun Days” linked to charitable giving. On the first “Fun Day,” students dressed as their favorite animals and brought in donations for Pensacola Humane Society. PHS Director of Development Jeff Keener thanked the school for the donations and “the difference it makes to their organization.”

Children are SACRED Northwest Florida’s Only Children’s Hospital

From the Pediatric ER to the area’s only pediatric surgeons, Sacred Heart stands ready to care for every child who comes through our doors. Being the region’s leading children’s healthcare provider is more than our job. It is a mission. Because children are sacred. Visit www.sacred-heart.org/childrenshospital to: • Find a doctor • Sign up for autism-education classes • Hold your place in line at the Pediatric Emergency Room • Make a donation to the New Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart

Washington High Early Childhood Academy Presents to the Board

The Early Childhood Education Academy from Booker T. Washington High School presented to the School Board at Escambia County School District’s J E Hall Center recently. Students talked about the academy, the students’ experiences, the certifications they can earn and what they can do with their futures. Some students see a future in teaching, in childcare or even owning their own businesses.

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Autauga County Schools

Pensacola Junior Academy Shows Appreciation to Firefighters

Pensacola Junior Academy School made thank-you cards along with some gourmet apples for the local fire station to thank the firemen for all that they do for the community. The school also donated apples to the Favor House and The Ronald McDonald House.

Dollar General Approves Grant for Ferry Pass Elementary School Ferry Pass Elementary School’s students and staff wish to thank Dollar General’s Literacy Foundation for the $3,000 grant. The grant will be used to purchase non-fiction books for the school library. “The kids love them! Thank you, Dollar General!” said Valerie Kaye, FPE’s librarian/ media/innovation specialist.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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Workman Middle IB Celebrates Hispanic Heritage at Festival

J. H. Workman Middle School held a Hispanic Heritage Festival recently. There were flags, music, dancing, art.... a very colorful and educational night!

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Longleaf Elementary Holds Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Recognition

Veterans were honored at Longleaf Elementary School on November 7.

Please email news and photos to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month!

Global Learning Academy Releases Butterflies

At left, Global Learning Academy conducted a successful butterfly project recently, which resulted in a Monarch air show!

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A Page in a Book Imaginary Reading Reading is at its best when it sparks the imagination. Kids open books with similarly open minds that are primed to discover inspiration. Their minds are ready to craft worlds of their own making, to create landscapes populated with impossible beings and unlikely events. The smallest element found between the pages of a good book can serve as a springboard for daydreams, magical musings, and original thinking that’s the sole creation of a child’s mind. When words and images from a picture book spark a journey of the mind, the highway to imagination is wide open!

The Wonder

by Faye Hanson (Templar / Candlewick) As a young boy makes his way toward school, he’s repeatedly scolded by others for having his head in the clouds. Moving through a sepia-toned landscape, he tries to focus but flashes of impossible shapes and brilliant color intrude at the corners. Once he’s at school, the boy’s distracted musings brighten up what he’s learning, even while earning him some reproach from teachers. But upon arrival in art class, the boy is offered a blank piece of paper and finally encouraged to ‘use his imagination’. With his mind unfettered, his full technicolor interpretation of his day pours forth with wild abandon. Magnificent, richly detailed illustrations throughout ‘The Wonder’ celebrate the power of imagination to amplify reality with magical results.

Tell Me What to Dream About

by Giselle Potter (Schwartz & Wade) When a little girl has trouble falling asleep she turns to her big sister asking for things to dream about, something to think of while she drifts off. The older sister offers up imaginative cues, crafting settings and characters that should captivate her younger sibling. But the suggestion of tiny animals dancing on waffles is unappetizing to the younger sister. The idea of riding through the sky on cotton candy creatures is also not comforting (heights are scary). But once two minds work together to imagine a dreamscape that works for both, slumber comes easy to sleepy siblings.

The Nowhere Box

by Sam Zuppardi (Candlewick Press) With noisy little brothers following George everywhere, he simply has nowhere to go. If only he can figure out how to get there – to nowhere. But a newly vacated cardboard box gives George the inspiration to craft his own means of escape. With a handful of craft supplies and a head full of imagination, George builds a Nowhere Box that transforms into a rocket ship, a pirate vessel, a castle and more. Fueled by his mind’s musings the box transports him on spectacular journeys and gives him the perfect escape from pesky kid brothers. But his pretend landscapes are missing enemy pirates, dragons and the opposing foils that add drama to any imaginary adventure. Luckily, George has two little guys in mind who just may be the perfect opposition everywhere in Nowhere. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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Training Wheels for New Cellphone Users If your child is one of the lucky kids getting a new cellphone during the holidays, now is the time to think about the rules that should go along with it. Kids need to understand from the get go that having a phone is a privilege and, like all privileges, comes with responsibilities. Being clear about expectations is step one, but many children also benefit from a little extra structure. Fortunately, parents have access to a wide range of technical tools that will help children remember and respect their rules. The checklist that follows provides an overview of protections that are available for cellphones. It’s unlikely that most parents will want or need all of these tools. The features that make sense for your family depend partly on your parenting style and partly on your child’s temperament. In addition to age and maturity, you’ll want to think about the following questions: Is your child able to keep track of belongings? Does he or she generally follow household rules? How easily is your child distracted? How susceptible is she to pressure from peers or strangers? Most important, how will this tool help you reach your ultimate goal--having a child who makes good, independent decisions about how and when to use a cellphone. Once you’ve decided which protections you want, find out whether they are available from your phone carrier. All major companies offer some of these services free and others for a monthly fee. To figure out what’s available on your plan, search for parental controls on their website. Better yet, visit one of their outlets and have someone describe and demonstrate the relevant features so you’ll actually be able to use them.

Curb Phone Calls. For very young children, it’s often a good idea to establish an approved list of phone numbers so your child can make and receive calls only from those people. For older kids, you may still want software that shows traffic on the phone. Remember that specific numbers can always be blocked if your child is being harassed or unduly influenced by peers or strangers.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Control texts. Depending on your family’s plan and your child’s self control, you may want controls that limit the number of texts your child can send and/or receive. Some controls also allow parents to monitor texts for content that seems risky. Monitor web sites. A smart phone allows a child unrestricted access to the Internet, so you may want filters that block access to pornography, gambling, hate speech and other content. Supervise social media. A cellphone makes it all too easy to share impulsive messages, photos and videos. Parents can arrange to be notified whenever a child posts or is tagged on social media. Or you can set up controls that alert you only if your child uses unacceptable language, is involved in bullying or exchanges inappropriate photos. Manage time. If the phone seems to be taking over a child’s life, most carriers offer a timer that will allow you to establish intervals when the phone simply doesn’t work because your child should be sleeping or paying attention in class. Track location. If your child struggles to keep track of personal items, you may

want an app that will locate the phone if its lost. Some parents also use GPS to confirm that kids are where they are supposed to be—home after school, on the soccer field, at a sleepover. Limit downloads. Kids with smartphones will want to explore the wonderful world of apps. Some apps simply aren’t suitable for children. Some cost money that will show up on your phone bill. Some introduce malware onto the phone. If you have any doubts about your child’s judgment, look for software that will alert you when your child tries to download a ringtone, game or social media app. Disable while driving. If your child is old enough to drive, consider using a feature that disables the phone whenever it’s moving at the speed of a car. Most families find they can protect their children adequately with services provided by cellphone companies, supplemented perhaps by free apps like MamaBear. If you decide to invest in more comprehensive software, detailed reviews of ten options are available at cell-phone-parental-controlsoftware-review.toptenreviews.com. Some of these programs brag about how they can be used in “stealth” mode so kids will never even know their parents are watching them. In many ways, that kind of spyware subverts the goals of good parenting. If you do find something worrisome, you won’t be able to discuss it without admitting that you’ve had your child’s phone under surveillance. Better to talk openly about what cellphone safeguards you plan to use and why you think they are important. Being upfront about your concerns actually makes it more likely that your kids will become so savvy, skilled and responsible that they won’t need training wheels anymore. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Q. My husband owns a small landscaping and masonry company. His profits over the last couple of years have been about $80,000 annually. We were wondering if we should be setting aside some retained earnings.

A. Yes, all businesses should have retained earnings. In the personal finance world, we would call that an emergency fund. It can be difficult in the business world sometimes though. You’re talking about running a business, making a profit, feeding your family, and saving money in the business. This isn’t an easy process no matter how long you’ve been in business. One way to solve the problem, though, is to take a percentage of your profits at the end of the month and set it aside for retained earnings first. Do this before you take any profits home or distribute them under a profit sharing plan. It doesn’t have to be a big percentage, but you should be setting money aside every month for the company.

The beauty of doing this is you’ll have money sitting there to replace equipment and other expenditures down the road. Just remember that it’s all taxable. Whether you’re in an LLC, Sub S Corp or sole proprietorship, any money you make as profit — whether you take it home or not — is taxable. So your retained earnings may be saved, but they will be reduced by the taxes on it each year. Anything you do in business requires money, and to avoid going into debt you’re going to need retained earnings.

Q. I’m about to turn in my two-week notice after 17 years with my company. It’s a small business, and everyone is like family, but the last raise I received was 50 cents and that was 10 years ago. I’ve always worked hard and done my job well, but I need to move on to a better-paying position I’ve found. Do you have any advice on how to handle this situation?

A. Leaving people you care about is always hard. It sounds like they could have treated you better in terms of financial compensation, but things might have been just too tight. Regardless, this is a situation where you have to put yourself and your family first. First, accentuate the positive. Let them know that your time there has been like working with family and you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. If they ask you why you’re leaving, be honest but kind. Let them know that your income wasn’t changing for the better, and you have to take another position with better pay. Let them know, too, that you fully intend to honor your two-week notice unless they would rather you didn’t. It does no good to throw stones over your shoulder as you leave. That kind of thing says more about you than it does about them. So just show a lot of gratitude and kindness. It’s going to be a tough situation emotionally for all concerned, so do your best to make it professional, honest and friendly.

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One fun way to do this is to choose a theme for holiday gift exchanges. A themed gift exchange can encourage creativity, challenge you to think outside of the box, and result in thoughtful and meaningful gifts. To get started, you’ll want to enlist the interest of the people with whom you exchange gifts. When you talk to your family and friends to suggest themed gifts they may get more excited about the idea if you have a few examples to share. Here are some to get you started.

Consumable goods.

The idea with this theme is to purchase gifts that will be consumed, or used up. This can include everyday products that might be hard for someone to buy (think recent college grad) to more high-end items that we do not necessarily buy for ourselves, but that are appreciated gifts. Almost anything you buy as a consumable good can be put in a basket, coordinating container, or a gift bag. Put a bow or a ribbon on it and you’ve got a thoughtful gift that the receiver will love. * Shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products from the salon, or specialty products for his or her hair type. Curly shampoo for curly hair, etc. * Ingredients to make a specific meal – don’t forget to include the recipe. * Art supplies for a crafter, painter, writer, sculptor, etc. What do they use that you could purchase for them? A ream of paper for a writer can be a highly thoughtful, useful, and inexpensive gift. * Monthly membership to wine, fruit, chocolate, etc. This can be a one-time gift or a membership to a monthly club that sends out an item a month for a defined period of time. All of these items also make a great one-time gift, too. * Body products. Nail polish supplies. Face wash, moisturizers, and body balms. There is so much out there that leaves us feeling pampered that we don’t necessarily purchase for ourselves, but that make great gifts.

The gift giving part of the holiday season sometimes gets a bad “wrap.” We are inundated with reminders of what is most important at this time of year: time with the people we love, warm embraces, carols, sharing meals together, and just slowing down to be with one another in a way that we often are not throughout the year. Despite all of these messages, we still spend more money in December than almost any other time of year. The stores are stocked to the brim with gift ideas ranging from random mugs to specialty socks to coffee and beer sample kits. The same old gifts year after year can get kind of boring. If holiday shopping is more of a bore than a pleasure, than its time to perk up the experience and get excited about gift giving again. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Experiences. The gift of an experience is one that can be

treasured for years to come. When you give someone the gift of an experience, you are giving him or her permission to take time away from a daily routine and do something fun, and you have made

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it easier by doing some of the planning in advance. Tickets or brochures can be printed, put in a box, and wrapped with a bow. It might be the lightest box and the smallest package, but that usually means good things. * Tickets to visit a museum or historical site. This could be in the recipient’s hometown or a city close by, or somewhere you know they are planning to visit in the near future. * For a family, tickets to a water park or other amusement park. A quick Internet search will let you know if the recipient’s hometown has an indoor water park for places that have a long, cold winter. * Reservations and a gift card to a fancy or special restaurant. * A weekend away at a beautiful place or a spot that has meaningful memories. Valentine’s Day is not that long after the holiday season, making it a perfect time to plan a romantic getaway for a special couple on your list.

Homemade gifts. Thanks to the wonder of the web we can find instructions to make everything from homemade soap to homemade computers. This may be one of the most thoughtful ways to give gifts. This can also be one of the most overwhelming ways to give gifts! It’s not always easy to come up with an idea for something you

can make, especially if you do not consider yourself to be a crafty person. However, if you engage in a homemade gift exchange you will be able to find ideas for homemade gifts regardless of your current skill level. * A photo album, scrapbook, or digital photo book. This is a great way to both preserve memories and to let someone special know you love them. Whether you put together a scrapbook of photos from your sister’s baby shower or document your vacation to Disney World for your kids, this homemade gift will be one that is treasured for years to come. * Homemade goodies. Pasta and sauce can be homemade and packaged to give. Bread makes a wonderful gift. Jams and jellies. The dry ingredients for cookies, brownies, or even soup in a mason jar. The sky is the limit with this homemade gift idea. * A painting, quilt, sculpture, or other piece of original art. If you’re an artist, put your skills to use and make gifts for the people you love. * A piece of furniture for the home or office. One year a parent made me a sandwich board for my classroom with dry erase boards on each side, wheels on the bottom, and a basket in the middle to hold markers and supplies. It was completely homemade, useful, and thoughtful.

Donations. Similar to an experience,

when you decide to make a donation on someone’s behalf, you still have the option to gift-wrap a certificate or documentation of the contribution and leave it under the tree as a gift to open. Donations can be given to charities, favorite parks, research causes, churches, community organizations, etc.

Product specific. This could be fun if you have a group of people you exchange gifts with that has a shared interest. If everyone loves Tupperware, why not make it a Tupperware holiday? If all the members of your family have a big trip planned this year, everyone gets to give and receive travel themed gifts. Once you choose a theme for your holiday gift giving the fun begins! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare your themed gifts, especially if you are making something from scratch. Above all, have fun with this! GPP Sara Marchessault is a writer and coach. Her work helps clients to more fully experience joy in their daily life. Sara has maintained a personal journaling practice for 25 years and is currently working on her first book on the topic of journal writing. These days her journals are getting lots of stories about playing with her kids and the awesome ups and downs of being a mom.

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Photos with Santa at The Warf

A Lionel Christmas

November 8 - December 23

November 25, 26 Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach

Come visit with Santa and get a keepsake photo. Various price packages available. Located in front parking lot in Santa’s Village. Fridays 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am to 7:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm to 6:00 pm

311 E. Government Street, Downtown Pensacola

Enjoy four different scale model railroads, a children’s riding train, christmas decorations and lights. Free parking and admission.

Downtown Pensacola’s original Turkey Trot is a 5k that starts and finishes at Seville Square on Thanksgiving Day.

850-623-3645 www.wfrm.org

251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com

Elf Parade

Santa’s Wonderland Free Santa Photo

November 25

20000 Bass Pro Drive, Spanish Fort November 12 - December 24

Free santa photo, children’s activities, craft and more. Times and activities change by date, visit our website for details. 251-607-5900 www.basspro.com

Ice Skating Rink

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach November 18 - January 14

Come to The Wharf and skate through a winter wonderland this holiday season. Contact us for a prices and skating schedule. 251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com

Gulf Breeze Optimist Club Christmas Tree Sale Gulf Breeze

November 20 - December 15

Hours of Operation: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm, Monday - Friday: 3:30pm - 7:00pm * Open the Friday after Thanksgiving 10:00am - 7:00pm Find us on Facebook

Christmas Tree Farm- Whispering Pines Tree Farm 1603 Penton Road, Milton

November 24 - December 18

Virginia Pine, Florida Pine, Cedar, and Leyland Cypress Christmas trees. Great family activities such as hay rides, photo props, Santa visits, movies nights, light displays and more! Open 10am - 5pm November 24 - December 18 with full service. After December 18 it is self service. 850-304-1559 www.floridachristmastree.com/

Country Pines Tree Farm 5001 Still Road, Century

November 24 - December 24

Tree varieties include Virginia Pines, Leylend Cypress and Carolina Sapphires. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm November 24 - December 24. 850-327-4600

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Pensacola Turkey Trot

5003 Henry St., Milton

November 25

850-261-6171 www.pensacolaturkeytrot.com

13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill

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ad on page 20

The Elf Parade is a grand kickoff to the 2016 holiday season in downtown Pensacola! The four-block route takes about 20 minutes, and includes a Christmas song battle, tumbling snowflakes, and plenty of cheer. The fun begins November 25 2016 at 4:30pm. Lineup and contest judging at 3:30 behind the T. T. Wentworth Museum. 5pm Lights and Snow * 6pm Tours and Games.

November 25 – December 24

Fish River Christmas Tree Farm

13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East, Summerdale November 25 - December 23

Fish River Trees is a choose & cut Christmas Tree Farm. In addition to the trees they grow, they offer fresh-cut Fraser Fir and Black Hill Spruce Christmas Trees. They also specialize in producing containergrown Living Christmas Trees that can be decorated, then planted. Customers enjoy Santa, new Manger Scene with live animals, a free tour aboard their tree train, and a great atmosphere to enjoy a wonderful family Christmas tradition. Free visits with Santa on November 25, 26, 27, December 10 and 11. Camel and pony rides are available for a small fee. Hours are 8am - 5pm.

All aboard the Arctic Express at Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway. Great holiday fun for the whole family! Ride an authentic Steam Train through a wonderland of lights, snow, and decorations to the North Pole. Children visit with Santa in the Winterwonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Our staff can take your family photo with Santa. Free Refreshments, Mini-Train Ride, Hayride, Playground, and Bounce House. In addition, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Snowball Cannon are available for a slight fee. Try our Cafe’s new menu options, and a Gift Shop full of train items ideal for Christmas presents! Open Nov. 25 through December 24. Hours: WEEKENDS: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 4 to 9 PM; Beginning Dec. 12, open NIGHTLY, 4 to 9 PM. Admission is $15/person, plus tax. 2 and under are free. Group rates, field trips, and parties can be booked in advance. Located on Co. Rd. 9 between Fairhope and Silverhill. For information call 888-569-5337 or go to www.waleswest.com. Experience the wonder! Register on website for coupons early in the season. 888-569-5337

251-988-8144 www.fishrivertrees.com/

Winterfest - Performance Tour

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

November 25 & 26 and December 2,3,9,16,17 & 18

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore November 25 - December 31

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating the 21st edition of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2016! The holiday tradition lets guests stroll through a dazzling display, which features more than 1,000 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias. The holiday event includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Home Sundays through Thursdays. Magic Christmas in Lights is open daily from 5:00pm – 9:00pm with tours of the Bellingrath Home every hour and half hour until 8:30pm. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Wales West Arctic Express

226 East Intendencia Street, Pensacola

850-583-1365 www.elfparade.com

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226 East Intendencia Street, Pensacola

Light up the night is winterfest premier tour, it features 16 performances along a 60 minute trolley trip through Downtown Pensacola. Singing guides accompany you into a world of wonder with scenes from your favorite holiday memories. Along the way, Elvis, The Polar Express, and even the Grinch will get on board to share the spirit of Christmas. In 2016 we’re adding new characters and set pieces to our kickoff Christmas Carol performance and adding elements to the Grinch and Polar Express. For more information visit: www. pensacolawinterfest.org for ticket information. 850-583-1365 www.pensacolaeinterfest.org

Winterfest - Elf Parade Pensacola

November 25

The Elf Parade is a grand kickoff to the 2016 holiday season in downtown Pensacola. The parade takes the

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merry crew of kids, parents, toys, and characters from the T.T. Wentworth Museum to Plaza Wonderland at Palafox and Government streets. The four-block route takes about 20 minutes and includes a Christmas song battle, tumbling snowflake and plenty of cheer. 850-583-1365

www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Winterfest- Ugly Sweater Contest Pensacola

November 25

Don’t let that ugly Christmas sweater miss out on the recognition it deserves! Wear it to the Ugly Sweater contest, part of Winterfest’s first day of the holiday season, the non-commercial, fun side of “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving. Wear your best ugly sweater to the contest, which will be held in the Tarragon Street parking lot behind the T.T. Wentworth Museum. 850-583-1365

www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Winterfest - Reindeer Games Pensacola

November 25 & 26 and December 2,3,9,16,17 & 18

When the trolleys arrive from the Performance Tour, the fun in Plaza Wonderland begins! See a show on our brand new stage, then follow the dancing reindeer to visit Santa Claus and play reindeer games! Turn into a snowman with our amazing snow machine and throw snowballs at the Grinch! Freeze dance with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen, and enjoy a cup of gourmet cocoa, scrumptious snack, or visit our hot dog stand. www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Winterfest - Visit Santa Pensacola

November 25 & 26 December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 16 - 23

Santa Claus takes time off from his busy holiday schedule every year to stop in at Winterfest and greet the girls and boys of Pensacola. Our expert photographer elves love to take souvenir photos of kids of all ages with Santa Claus. The elves especially love making the pictures into cards for the holidays. Your photos with Santa are available as high-quality dye-sublimation prints or as or fullresolution originals delivered on a reusable USB drive. Bring your own USB drive for a $2 discount! Opening Night November 25 & November 26 December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 16—23. 850-583-1365

www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Zoo Lights 2016 ad on Back Cover

Gulf Breeze

November 25, 26, 27, December 2, 3, 4, 9-24 & 26, 27

Enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Breeze Zoo at night as you admire thousands of sparkling holiday lights! Ice sculpting, Santa nights and other special events vary throughout the month. www.gbzoo.com

auctions and more! Proceeds support programs at The Arc Gateway, a Pensacola area non-profit who provides services and support to more than 800 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.?Sponsorships available. 850-434-2638 www.arc-gateway.org

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 6866 Caroline Street, Milton December 1 - 4

The Giant Screen Theater Moder Holiday Classic ad on page 36

1750 Radford Boulevard, Naval Air Station

November 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present the modern holiday classic at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday beginning Saturday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 18 with an additional showing on Friday, Dec. 23. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the magical journey to the North Pole to find the true spirit of Christmas. Once onboard, all children who wear their pajamas to the movie will receive a free cup of hot chocolate from the refreshment counter. Ticket prices are $6. Tickets available for purchase in person at the museum. Visit NavalAviationMuseum.org/PolarExpress for more details. 850-453-NAVY www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Polar Express Pajama Party

1750 Radford Blvd. Suite C , Pensacola

Novenber 26 to December 18 and December 23

Enjoy a 3:00pm showing of the new christmas classic The Polar express on the giant screen. Tickets are avaliable in person at the museum ticket counter for $6 per person. 850-452-3604 www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Gulf Breeze Holiday Market 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze November 29, December 6

Come celebrate all things Christmas and find one of a kind gifts at our Holiday theme Market. www.marketinthebreeze.com

Wreaths of Joy Gala

600 South Palafox Street, Pensacola December 1

Presented by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Dept. this event begins 5:30pm. Every year businesses, organizations and individuals gather at this highly regarded affair to enjoy a three-course dinner, entertainment,

Panhandle Community Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a Christmas play that will put the Spirit of the Season in your heart, a song on your lips, a smile on your face and the encouragement that peace on earth is still possible. Bring your family and invite your neighbors(even the grouchy one) for an evening of entertainment, refreshments and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus. Ticket prices for adults are $15 and children, $10. Showtimes for December 1, 2, and 3 are 7:30pm (doors open at 6pm). The December 4 performance is a matinee that begins at 2:30pm (doors open at 1pm). 850-221-7599 www.panhandlecommunitytheatre.com

An Evening in Bethlehem

2026 Pauline Street, Cantonment December 2, 3

Make coming to An Evening in Bethlehem at Gonzalez United Methodist Church a Christmas tradition for your family! Walk through the town of Bethlehem and get a glimpse of what life was like at the time of the birth of Christ. This is a great way to start the Christmas season-all ages are welcome. 850-968-6006

Merry Musik Meet-Up in the Park Milton

December 2

Kindermusik by the Bay presents “Merry Musik MeetUps”. This Kindermusik demo class begins at 10:30 and is free. 850-292-0519

Christmas Caravan

3200 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola December 2

Get in the Christmas spirit while raising funds for local charties. Caravan events include: a tour of 3 decorated homes on Bayou Texar for $12.00; a christmas luncheon for $12.00, a Bazaar with lots of unique gifts; a bakes sale with lots of home made goodies; and a silent auction. 850-433-0074 www.scpen.org

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The Polar Express Pajama Storytime

A Christmas Carol

Breakfast with Santa

December 2

December 3

1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola

All aboard! Come in your PJs and join us at 7pm for a magical evening as we host our annual Polar Express Storytime. Coloring and activities to follow, including writing a Dear Santa letter! 850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

Big Screen on the Blackwater Milton

December 2, 9, 16

Free movies start at 6:00pm. Santa will arrive at 5:00pm for the kids. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the holiday movies with your family. (850) 983- 5466

Holiday Faire

5203 Elmira Street, Milton December 2, 3

First Presbyterian Church of Milton is pleased to be hosting our 4th Annual Holiday Faire! This event will be held on December 2, 12 noon - 8pm and December 3, 9am - 3pm, and will feature handcrafted items, direct sales vendors, food, drinks, and door prizes! There will be something for everyone! So treat yourself to a little fun while getting that holiday shopping done! 850-623-2510 www.fpcmilton.org

Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display 7650 Sowell Road, Milton December 2 - 27

Make the trip to Milton to see the Sowell family turn on their Christmas lights with an expanded light display for 2016. This year it is twice as big! Price to drive through is $10. Train rides available on the weekends for $2. Closer tho Christmas train rides will be available during the week also. Check us out on Facebook for updates! 850-626-2746

South Baldwin Community Theater “Elf” 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores December 2, 3, 4*, 9, 10, 11*

*December 2, 3, 9, and 10 dates are at 7:30pm. *December 4th & 11th are Sunday Matinées at 2pm. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. For additional audition information call or visit our website. 251-968-6721 www.sbct.biz

Third Annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt 130 E. Government Street, Pensacola December 2 - 3

Third Annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt! “Rockabilly ‘Round the Christmas Tree” with a Rockabilly, 1950’s pin up theme held in a two day event. The cost is $25.00 per person with a goal donation of $1,000 to the Gulf Coast Kid’s House. This event is only for ladies 21 years old and older.

Winter Art & Craft Fair 6849 Oak Street, Milton December 2, 3

Join St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Winter Arts and Crafts Fair to celebrate the season and do some holiday shopping. Multiple vendors from woodcraft, candle makers, bake goods, and more. December 2 noon to 7pm & December 3 from 9am to 2:30pm. 850-623-2905

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

100 College Blvd East, Niceville Enjoy an evening of carols hosted by The Northwest Florida State College Madrigal Singers. The concert begins at 5pm and ends at 9:30pm.

The Nutcracker Pensacola Youth Ballet

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Join us from 9am – 11am for fun and fellowship. We will eat breakfast together, make crafts, and meet Santa. All ages are welcome. Admission is $2 per person or $10 per family. Proceeds will go to our children’s ministry outreach program.

9594 Navarre Parkway, Navarre

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Come find those special and unique Christmas gifts. Craft Fair December 3, 2016 from 9am - 1pm.

850-432-7777 www.saintmarkumcpensacola.org

ad on page 21

Craft Fair- Navarre First Assembly of God

December 3

6000 College Parkway, Pensacola Pensacola Youth Ballet, a youth-focused training and performance ballet company under the direction of Michael Wardlaw, is proud to present the annual holiday tradition of, “The Nutcracker”! This beautifully choreographed and set spectacular will be held Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7pm in the Booker T. Washington Theatre, 6000 College Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32504. When you support Pensacola Youth Ballet’s performance, your dollars support multiple scholarships used to take our students across the nation for elite and professional ballet training with top choreographers and companies, such as Austin Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet. Your patronage also supports other non-profit organizations, PYB partners with, who support and facilitate services for children in the Pensacola area. PYB has helped donate over $26,000 to these organizations in the last 4 years alone!! Support your community. Support the Arts. Support the children in your area by kicking off your holiday season with this delightful production of the holiday classic, ‘The Nutcracker”. Adult tickets are $30, Children 17 and under $20. Purchase your tickets by contacting LaBelle Performing Arts. 850-944-5650

38th Special Forces Jingle Bell Jog 5K/10K 300 Mary Esther Boulevard , Mary Esther December 3

Invite your friends to be part of one of the areas largest running events! 5K and 10K for the Special Forces Association Chapter 7. Start and finish will be at the Santa Rosa Mall in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. See www.sfa7jog. com for full details! Race starts at 9:00am. www.sfa7jog.com

Find us on Facebook

Handel’s Messiah

118 Palafox Place, Pensacola December 3

The Pensacola Choral Society continues the annual traditon and presentation of Handel’s Messiah. All seats must be reserved. Student Discounts are available at the Box Office Only. Show time is from 7:30pm - 10:30pm. 850-432-0800 www.pensacolasaenger.com

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Storytime 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola December 3

“Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes!” and celebrate all things Grinch with a reading of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! We will begin at 11am and will have good deed badges and tracking booklets for kids to log all the good things they do this holiday season. Activities to follow. 850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

Gulf Breeze Holiday Parade Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze December 3

The Gulf Breeze Holiday Parade theme is “Merry Masquerade” join us on Sat. December 3rd at 10am. the parade route will proceed down Shoreline Drive and end at First Baptist Church on McLane Street. Entry forms available at Gulf Breeze City Hall or the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce. 850-932-7888 www.cityofgulfbreeze.com

Lighted Boat Parade

A Downtown Holiday 2016 Fort Walton December 3

The City of Fort Walton Beach and Downtown Fort Walton Beach Organization present A Downtown Holiday! It’s your one-stop holiday shop and Tree Lighting event, complete with vendors for shopping, food, and Christmas treats, as well as live entertainment, children’s activities, and more! It’s all at the waterfront Fort Walton Beach Landing Park in Downtown FWB. Invite your friends the fun starts at 11:00am on December 3rd. www.downtownfwb.com

7 Casino Beach Boulevard, Pensacola Beach December 3

Don’t miss this year’s Lighted Boat Parade. Vessels decked out in holiday lights and decorations will wade through the dark December sky and create a pleasant scene to embrace the Christmas season. Starting at Little Sabine Bay to Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, 6:30 p.m. Fireworks display following parade. Contact (850) 932-1500 for information. 850-932-1500

Magi

800 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola December 3

Autism Pensacola: Holiday Party and Visit with Santa 3141 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze December 3

For families of all ages. Visit our website to sign up to see Santa. 10am - 1pm. www.autismpensacola.org

Join us to look inside Word of Life’s spectacular Christmas production – Magi, presenting the true meaning of Christmas through creative use of music, drama and multimedia. Through the partnership of Hillcrest Baptist Church and Word of Life, the event will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church. This event begins at 7pm. You may call the church for more information. 904-779-9033 www.hillcrestjax.com

Breakfast with Santa

6006 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze December 3

Join Santa and his elves for a fun-filled family event including a pancake breakfast, elves, hot cocoa and the best part, pictures with Santa. Oh and did we mention it’s all Free! We’d love for your family to join us. 8:00am - 11:00am Find us on Facebook

2203 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola

Milton Christmas Parade ‘A Farmer’s Christmas’ Byrom Street, Milton December 3

Rolls out of the Guy Thompson Community Center at 6pm. 850-623-2339

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Navarre Christmas in the Park Navarre

December 3

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual “Christmas in the Park”, will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 10 am – 5:30 pm in Navarre Park at the foot of the Navarre Bridge. Marketplace opens at 10 am. Parade begins at 2 pm. Tree Lighting at 5:30. Navarre Community Christmas Parade ? Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit & Photo ? Family Photos ? Mrs. Claus’ Bakery ? Hot Cocoa & Cider ? Santa’s Workshop ? Live Entertainment ? Market Place 850-939-3267 Find us on Facebook

Navarre Jingle Bell Run

8618 Esplanade Street, Navarre December 3

Family Event for all Ages. Non-competition. Race Start: Navarre Main Fire Station (behind McDonald’s), 8:00 am start, one hour course limit. Course: Run/ Walk through the residential streets of the Town Center for a 5k (3.1 miles) or several shorter distances. Long sleeve t-shirts for the first 200 registrants. Participants are encouraged to dress up for the season. www.navarrechamberfoundation.org/jingle-bell.html

8th Annual Epic Ride & Run Pate Road, Pensacola December 4

4, 2016 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Bring the kids to decorate cookies and enjoy holiday crafts before touring Magic Christmas in Lights! A reception with Christmas goodies and hot chocolate is part of the fun.

(251) 973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Sunday Nights with Santa: Gulf Breeze Zoo ad on Back Cover

Gulf Breeze

Santa is coming to the Zoo for 3 nights and you don’t want to miss it! Enjoy taking pictures with Santa and some very special animal friends. Santa will also be accepting those last minute Christmas letters and special requests from your little ones. www.gbzoo.com

Surfing Santa Parade Pensacola Beach December 4

Watch Santa oversee delightfully decorated whimsical floats as they wind their way down the islands main street sharing holiday joy with all who care to catch the spirit. Via de Luna Drive, starts at 2pm www.visitpensacolabeach.com

FWB Christmas Parade

Gingerbread Jamboree at Bellingrath

Seasonal Storytime

December 4

December 7

Create a new tradition for your family this Christmas at our first-ever Gingerbread Jamboree on Sunday, Dec.

850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

Wacky Women Ugly Sweater Contest & Presentation of Funds 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Orange Beach December 7

Please join us for a fun Ugly Sweater/Costume contest and presentation of Funds 850-492-0611

December 4,11,18

Join the 8th Annual Toys 4 Tots toy drive & ride/run at the UWF Mountain Bike Trails. Come donate at minimum of two toys (1-boy & 1-girl toy) and then ride &/or run as far as 62 mile MTB & 26 mile marathon and stick around for the swag raffle at the end of the day. 7am - 5pm. 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore

ment. This is a free event with crafts and songs, no RSVP required.

Fort Walton

A Dickens Christmas: A Ghostly Story 560 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach

December 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24

The holiday season’s most haunting story as told by Dickens himself through the voices of four storytellers. Scrooge will be chilled by those infamous apparitions as audiences are warmed by the classic tale. Run time is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission. Family friendly ( no lap children please). Purchase tickets online. (850) 684-0323 www.emeraldcoasttheater.org

Merry Musik Meet-Up in the Park 5417 W Spencer Field Road, Pace December 9

Kindermusik by the Bay presents “Merry Musik MeetUps”. This Kindermusik demo class begins at 10:30 and is free. 850-292-0519

December 5

Join the City of Fort Walton Beach for the 2016 “Parade of Lights”! December 5th at 6:30pm 850-833-9576 www.fwb.org

1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola Join us at 11am for Storytime in the Children’s Depart-

Christmas on the Coast 118 Palafox Place, Pensacola December 9 - 11

Presented by The Pensacola Children’s Chorus, celebrate the best time of the year. We will transform the sunny weather into a winter wonderland while experiencing all the sights and sounds of the season. 850-595-3880 www.pensacolachildrenschorus.com

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A Charlie Brown Christmas 400 S Jefferson Street, Pensacola December 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18

Come join us as Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang take the stage to discover the meaning of Christmas while searching for the right Chrismas Tree. 850-432-2042 www.pensacolalittletheater.com

Yule Ball Masquerade at Hogwarts 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola December 9

Are you ready for more Harry Potter? Join us as we celebrate our first Yule Ball - Harry Potter Masquerade style! Prepare for magical activities, enchanting events, and even more Harry Potter themed fun for all ages! Our Yule Ball is sure to be the most magical event of the holiday season! You won’t want to miss this! This event will be held at all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide! This event is will begin at 7pm. 850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

Come join the fun beginning at 5:15pm on Saturday December 10th with nearly 90 entries, eight bands from Escambia County, Mississippi and New Orleans plus the nationally renowned Blue Angels and much more. www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org

Hall of Celebrities - The Grinch with Santa and Frosty the Snowman 115 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola December 10

The Grinch and his friend Frosty the Snowman are stopping in the Pensacola Children’s Museum’s Party Central on Saturday, December 10 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Hall of Celebrities is a free program sponsored by the UWF Historic Trust. For more information, contact educator Jim McMillen at 850-595-5985 x112 or email jmcmillen@uwf.edu. 850-595-5985 x112

Our Christmas Gift to Pensacola 245 Brent Lane, Pensacola December 10

Billy Claus Visits Lulu’s! ad on page 5

200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores December 10

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

2nd Annual Winter Gala

2001 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola December 10

Celebrate the holidays, make the season brighter for local disadvantaged children and isolated seniors, and support PensacolaPRIDE during this not to be missed event featuring a Gourmet Buffet, Live Entertainment, Décor & Gift Auction, Door Prizes, and Keepsake Photos. Tickets $25.00 850-685-2881

AJs BraveHearts Spirit of Giving & Toys for Tots Christmas Concert 2 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola December 10

This event is to help our community at a special time of the year. The event admission is: one brand new toy for a boy or a girl (unwrapped). Contact us at www. ajsbravehearts.com for more way to donate and help in the community. This event is from 7pm - 1am. www.ajsbravehearts.com

Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade December 10

The Annual Lighted Boat Parade will take place Saturday, December 10th starting at 5:30pm from LuLu’s in Gulf Shores and finishing at Cobalt in Orange Beach. To enter your boat in the parade or for more information contact the Chamber at 251-968-7200.

Come celebrate the Christmas Season with The Pensacola Bay Harmonizers, Pensacola Sound Chorus, and Handbell Virtuoso Danny Lyons. Admission: non perishable food item for Manna Food Bank and/or cash donation to ARC Gateway. Show starts at 7:00pm 850-476-4466

December 10

Kick-off the Christmas season with the annual Santa Drop. See Santa skydive onto the beach followed by photo opportunities. Other activities for all ages plus Santa’s helpers singing Christmas carols. Santa drop begins at 12 noon. 850-492-0611

Woodland Wonderland

Pensacola

December 10

Join us for an afternoon filled with music, holiday crafts and ornament making, gift wrapping and a visit from Santa. Free event from 2:00pm to 5:00pm

First Baptist Church Christmas Concert 3600 Creighton, Pensacola December 11

Free Christmas Concert to being at 6pm. Concert includes the choir, children’s choir, ensembles, instrumentals and drama. 850-476-8496 www.fbcpensacola.org

Spirit of Christmas with Joe Castillo 6205 North W Street, Pensacola December 11

Spirit of Christmas featurine Joe Castillo of America’s Got Talent! This is a free event for everyone, free roast beef meal, kids prizes and kids zone. This year’s Spirit of Christmas is a unique, inspirational, and creative presentation of the Christmas story. This year we welcome back Joe Castillo, finalist of NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent. Service is Sunday, December 11th at 10:00 am 850-479-8337

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade Pensacola

December 10

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

850-932-5400 www.cfarestaurant.com/gulfbreeze

Merry Musik Meet-Up in the Park 3221 Langley Avenue, Pensacola December 16

Kindermusik by the Bay presents “Merry Musik MeetUps”. This Kindermusik demo class begins at 10:30 and is free. 850-292-0519

Christmas Celebration at Fricker Resource Center ad on Inside Back Cover

Pensacola

Enjoy free food and games and visit with Santa! 10am to 2pm.

Mom and Me- Felt Christmas Wreath In this class Mom’s and kids will be creating a felt Christmas wreath with your handprints. Only $10.00 (plus tax) per pair includes all the supplies needed. 6:00pm - 7:30pm Limited to 8 pairs! You can come in and register, call the store or register online. (850) 995-9114 http://www.shopalyssas.com/store

310 Gulf Breeze, Gulf Breeze December 17

Join Santa Cow and Elf Cow from 8am - 10am for breakfast, crafts and have your picture taken with Santa Cow and Elf Cow. 850-932-5400

Holidays on 12th

www.cfarestaurant.com/gulfbreeze

Pancakes and Photos with Santa 5887 US-90 , Milton December 17

Come have breakfast and get your picture taken with Santa Claus at Grover T’s December 17th from 8am to 10am. Pancake, sausage, grits, coffee and juice. Adult plate: $5/ Child plate: $3/ Picture with Santa: $5 each! Hosted by the Santa Rosa County Fair Association Find us on Facebook

Santa’s Sleigh Is on Its Way Storytime 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola December 17

Join us at 11am for a magical Christmas Eve, where all of the children in your town are sleeping. Well, all of the children but you! How could you possibly fall asleep when you know Santa and his sleigh are on their way? Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Santa’s Sleigh Is on Its Way! www.barnesandnoble.com

Make it to the Line 4-Mile Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run

12th Avenue , Pensacola December 12

www,12thon12th.com

Seasonal Storytime

December 14

Join us at 11am for Storytime in the Children’s Department. This is a free event with crafts and songs, no RSVP required. 850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

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850-969-9554

1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola

Come to The Wharf for kids best viewing spot of the Lighted Boat Parade. Come early for kids activities and shopping specials from 4pm – 8pm.

Tis the season for giving. This month, Chick-fil-A Gulf Breeze Kids Club is celebrating Generosity. Join us for a night of crafting handmade presents for the people we love. Kids Club hours are 5pm - 7pm.

Breakfast with Santa Cow

(251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

Orange Beach

December 15

December 16

17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola

December 10

Boat Parade Activities at The Wharf

310 Gulf Breeze, Gulf Breeze

4586 Chumuckla Highway, Pace

Santa Drop

The gifting season is here, and what better than an evening with the family shopping for hand made items from unique shops and local vendors. Come out and enjoy Christmas time in East Hill starting at 12th & Cervantes and stretching to 12th & Fairfield.

(251) 968-7200 www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com

Kids Club - Present Crafting

17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola December 17

Run, jog, walk or crawl to the line at our 4-mile run/ walk and 1-mile fun run. Individuals and families up to three members can compete. Participants will receive run packets that include t-shirts and other goodies. Trophies will be awarded three deep for all age groups in both the run and the walk. Special awards will be also given. A portion of the proceeds from this race will benefit the Secret Santa program. It helps local families in need with gifts at Christmas, clothing, food, etc. 850-492-0611

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Ballet Pensacola Presents: The Nutcracker 118 Palafox Place, Pensacola

Gull Point Resource Center 494-7360 Vickrey Resource Center 912-4056 Woodland Heights Resource Center 435-1750

Experience the magic of the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical

December 16 - 19

850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

All About That Baby Musical 6205 North W Street, Pensacola December 18

Marcus Pointe Baptist Church and Kidz Praize presents the 2016 Christmas Musical All About That Baby! Sunday December 18th at 6 PM. New from Christy and Daniel Semsen and WordKidz, All About That Baby is a delightfully fresh presentation of the blessed story of Jesus’ birth. Join us for this fun night as we celebrate Christmas with the kids of Marcus Pointe. 850-479-8337 Find us on Facebook

Holiday Ice Skating

201 E. Gregory Street, Pensacola December 18

Come out and bring your friends and family to enjoy ice skating while you are entertained by holiday music. Great experience for everyone! Each session is 1 hour; 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm and 6:30pm Tickets required: $ 12.00 Adult/Child (includes skate rental) $ 9.00 Adult/Child (must provide own skates).Contact Pensacola Bay Center for information. 850-432-0800 www.pensaolabaycenter.com

Play Pensacola Winter Break Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

Pensacola

December 19-23, 27-30

Ages 5 - 12 from 7:00am to 6:00pm Locations: E.S. Cobb Resource Center 436-5192 Fricker Resource Center 436-5195

December 21

850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

December 19

The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters as they come to life. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Show starts at 7:30pm. 850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

Winterfest - Santa’s Holiday Express Tour 226 East Intendencia Street , Pensacola

Seasonal Storytime

1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola December 28

Join us at 11am for Storytime in the Children’s Department. This is a free event with crafts and songs, no RSVP required. 850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

Gatsby Girks 3rd Annual Speakeasy Ball & Charity Event 201 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola December 31

December 19 to 23

Take a trip with Santa through highlights of our holiday season. This 25-minute tour is especially great for young children and out of town guests. Santa rides every night December 19th – 23rd. 850-583-1365 www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Holiday Camp at Pensacola Mess Hall 116 North Tarragona Street, Pensacola

Looking for something fun for the kids in grades 1-6 while you take care of other things over the break? Our holiday camps are the answer. Choose from a 3 hour morning camp or add extended time for the afternoon as well. Each half day of camp is $25. Preregistration required. Each day is a different theme: Dec 19 Space Explorers, Dec 20: Unplugged Games; Dec 21: Robot, Set, Code; Dec 22: Light It Up; Dec 23: Land of Misfit Toys; Dec 27 Space Explorers’ Dec 28: Unplugged Games; Dec 29: Robot, Set, Code; Dec 30: Light It Up. 877-937-6377 www.pensacolamesshall.org

1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola Join us at 11am for Storytime in the Children’s Department. This is a free event with crafts and songs, no RSVP required.

118 Palafox Place, Pensacola

December 19. 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30

Seasonal Storytime

The Krewe of the Gatsby Girls will be hosting their 3rd Annual Speakeasy Ball and Charity Event benefitting the PACE Center for Girls. The PACE Center provides girls & young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling and advocacy. Make sure you get your tickets to Pensacola’s biggest NYE party -- There’s no party like a Gatsby party! www.kreweofgatsbygirls.com

Hap-Pea All Year Storytime 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola December 31

Just in time for New Year’s, the peas from the bestselling LMNO Peas are back for more fun --- this time exploring the months of the year! Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Hap-Pea All Year. Storytime begins at 11am. 850-969-9554 www.barnesandnoble.com

PRESCHOOL AR T AND STOR YTIME Held on the 1st Friday of every month 10-11 a.m. Introduce the littlest ones to the world of art through storybooks and fun art projects. Each month highlights a different book about an artist or art movement and is followed by a creative and exciting project in our classroom.

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NEXT GENER ATION HOMESCHOOL Held every other Tuesday 1-3 p.m. Drawing inspiration from our galleries, students will create their own masterpieces in a wide array of media with special consideration to the National Visual Arts Standards.

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AFTERSCHOOL AR T CLUB Grades K-1 Every Tues. 3:30-5 p.m. Grades 2-5 Every Wed. 3:30-5 p.m. This class takes students through an entire creative process from planning to creation. Throughout the students artistic journey they will become more knowledgeable on composition, form, and art fundamentals.

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SATURDAY STUDIO Every other Saturday Ages 5-9 11:30-1:30 p.m. | Ages 10-13 2-4 p.m. Color, Value, Space, Line, and Form: The Five Fundamental Elements of Art. Join us for one or all classes as we explore each element through discussion, practice, and fun art projects.

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New Year’s Eve Bash

POWER

December 31

Children

–Making A Difference– November 10 - January 7

The Power of Children: Making A Difference shares the remarkable stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White, and how they used the power of words, action, and voice to make a positive difference in our world.

Historic Pensacola

T.T. WENTWORTH, JR. MUSEUM

3 3 O S. J E F F E R S O N S T R E E T historicpensacola.org 850-595-5990

Anne Frank, May 1942 (AFF/AFS); Ruby Bridges, 1960 (Donated by Corbis); Ryan White, c. 1987 (© Kim Komenich)

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1504 West Intendencia Street, Pensacola Join us for a New Year’s Bash. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Regulat and VIP tables are avaible for groups of 8 for more information contact organizers Monique at 850-332-4433 and Brittany at 850-462-3001. Tickets also available at Levels Boutiq. 850-456-0737

New Year’s Eve Firework Display Pensacola

December 31

Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for not just one, but two, free firework displays along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. At 8 p.m. a dazzling light display, provided by the beach chamber, will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For those who want to ring in the new year at midnight, Casino Beach Bar & Grille is hosting a New Year’s Eve Black & White Party beginning at 9 p.m. with door prizes, drink specials, and prizes for best dressed.The party culminates with a midnight fireworks show on the beach over the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. 850-438-4015

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! ad on page 5

200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores December 31

The Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at LuLu’s starts at 10am!Think your year couldn’t possibly get any better, just wait and see what LuLu’s has in store to help you end the year with a bang. LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve party is pure excitement around every corner. From delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, live music, zoo animals, face painting, wow I could just go on and on, but wait there is one thing I forgot to mention... To count it down to noon we celebrate with kid friendly fireworks and a huge beach ball drop. Just take a look at the pictures from last year and plan your vacation to make sure you don’t miss this incredible event. See you there! 251-967-LULU (5858)

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach December 31

Fireworks and Marlin Drop at midnight! Kids activities begin at 5:00 pm will include bouncy house, rock climbing wall, face painting, machanical bull and more. Live music starts at 7:00 pm. 251-224-1000

www.alwharf.com

Polar Bear Plunge Pensacola Beach January 1

Tickets available for purchase in person at the museum. Visit NavalAviationMuseum.org/PolarExpress for more details. 850- 453-NAVY • 800-327-5002 • NavalAviationMuseum.org • 1750 Radford Blvd. • Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508 Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Need an exhilarating rush to help kick off your new year? Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume - flock to the beach to participate in this longestablished tradition. Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 per person. Cub Club participants – those in fifthgrade or younger – can register for $5. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. 850-438-4015

OPEN 9–5 DAILY ON NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA • FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Decide What Matters Most During Holidays Holiday season is here. For us busy parents, this is the time of year when we feel the most stressed. We also eat more desserts, which is “stressed” spelled backwards and understandably so. How can we keep our sanity and truly enjoy the “most wonderful time of the year” with our families? My advice is to choose less in order to enjoy more. Decide what will matter most for your loved ones and compliment your values. Here’s what I mean.

Choose less

Enjoy more

By thinking and choosing less during a crammed holiday season, I guarantee you will enjoy family time more. If you are stressing over making four dozen homemade cookies for a dessert exchange, then don’t do it. Instead visit a local bakery and give the shop owner the extra business. Let your children pick out the sweet treats to bring to an event. If you are pressed for time or just don’t want to make the mess, skip it. Instead snuggle on the sofa with your family and take pleasure in a favorite holiday film while you eat those cookies you didn’t have to make. This goes for any holiday happening you are involved in. Don’t compare yourself or compete with other families. Just do what feels right to you.

Here are my family’s top 3 easy, at-home holiday fun ideas: 1. Create your own holiday express pajama party. If you are a fan of Polar Express but don’t want to be in a crowded event for this popular pajama party, why not create your own at-home fun? I ask my kids to make a list of their favorite holiday films and we make it a point to have our own gatherings with picnic style treats and s’mores on the floor. We invite friends over too. No waiting in lines. No crowds. We snuggle and giggle in our own comforts.

Were you invited to three holiday parties within one weekend? Which one do you really want to attend? Can you skip one or two of them? Select the one that Purchase the perfect stocking-stuffer for your will be the most fun family this year! Local writer Mandy Fernandez or help your career, and illustrator Andy Marlette present this story, if it is work-related. “Kazoo Makes the Team” about The Blue Wahoos mascot. The book will be available Is your child asking soon at local Pensacola retailers. For more for six gifts this information, visit www.writtenbymandy.com. year? Tell him or her to choose two favorites instead. We 2. Make an indoor winter wonderland. often have a tendency to go overboard or Instead of paying fees to see Christmas move into hyper drive during the holiday lights or stand around for a parade, spend season. Moms and dads may feel they need to say yes to every invitation, activity a few hours making your own indoor winter festival. Recruit your kids in designing or wish list item a family member wants. snowflakes. Pinterest has many do it yourBut you don’t! Choose less so that you self ideas and paper snowflake patterns. can benefit from the simplicity. 37

Have a snow ball fight with cotton balls in your family room. Build a snowman with household objects. Challenge your kids to come up with their own creative ways to build a holiday fiesta right in your home. 3. Eat, drink and be merry. Rather than spend hours baking cookies for others in a traditional cookie exchange, ask each family member to suggest an item to make. This could be a cookie recipe or pancakes or a favorite family dish. Gather around and let everyone bring their ideas forward. Then select a date and particular meal to incorporate the suggestions. Every person in your family can help in the planning, baking and serving of the special meal. If there are any leftovers, freeze them for later or for Santa to enjoy.

Select what really matters during the holidays

I often see people in a state of frenzy from December through the New Year. Parents look drained and cannot even enjoy the moments with their kids. Don’t let that be you. Choose a few things that will bring your family closer together and say no to the rest. Ask your family to make a list of what they’d like to do during the holiday season and try to do those things over other requests that come up. Select what matters most and just be together as a family to celebrate the year’s end and many blessings.

Mandy B. Fernandez is a writer living in Pensacola, Florida with her husband and two children. She has a B.A. in English with a minor in Technical Writing. She writes creatively and professionally on topics such as business, education, creative arts, health, family life, parenting and natural foods. In addition she loves sharing humorous stories, poetry and essays about womanhood and motherhood. Her first children’s book will be released in fall 2016. You can learn more about her at www.writtenbymandy.com.

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Do your boys prefer to duke it out rather than talk it out? Raising brothers to work out conflict respectfully despite wildly different personalities or fierce competitive streaks can prove challenging. But set a positive example, and you’ll find that nur-

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turing brotherly love isn’t impossible!

The good news is sibling rivalry is normal. To keep competition good natured, avoid labeling and comparing one child to the other. Encourage your sons to compete against themselves instead of each other. “Teach them that it’s not about whether you are better than anyone else. It’s whether you are doing better than you were at the beginning of the year or at the beginning of the season,” says child psychologist Dr. Jane Sosland, University of Kansas Medical Center, and mom to three children, twin sons, ages 18, and a daughter, age 15. If your son expresses sadness or frustration over a loss, acknowledge the disappointment. “We all feel disappointment. Validate how he feels without trying to convince him that the way he feels is wrong,” Sosland says.

Inspire cooperation. “Parenting boys is a lot of fun,” says Jenny Brandt, early education childhood professional and a mom of two boys, ages 3 1/2 and 2. “Whether they are wrestling in the living room or helping me cook dinner, they bring a different perspective to my life which I greatly appreciate.” 38

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Encourage healthy competition.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

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Brandt says she and her husband started early teaching their sons to cooperate by defining how to play nicely. “We encourage them to use their words, offer another toy to use, and take turns,” she says.

Build empathy. Brandt fosters empathy between her boys by teaching them to acknowledge each other’s feelings. She might say to her older son, Rhett, that Hank looks sad and involve him in finding ways to make his brother feel better. “Rhett, now on his own, notices that Hank is sad and he’ll say: ‘Hank do you want me to sing your favorite song?’” she says.

Reinforce the positive.

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Describe what respectful behavior looks like. For example, if one child answers a question from his brother with a grunt, explain that to show respect he must answer the question. “You can say: ‘I don’t want to talk about it right now.’ Just as long as the

response is something civil,” Sosland says. Identify times when your children are most likely to squabble, such as when they are tired and hungry. When the car ride home from school became a sibling battleground, Sosland started a program where her kids earned a poker chip for mutual respect and cooperation. In order to attain the reward of a special outing, her kids had to work as a team to compile an equal number of chips.

Stop bullying behavior. While it is important to give your children space to solve conflicts, intervene if one child is hurting the other, physically or emotionally. Separate your kids and tell the offender that he can rejoin the family when he agrees to treat his brother kindly.

Role model. Many of us share the funny or frustrating things our kids do with friends and

extended family members. But Brandt says this behavior may inadvertently teach our kids that it’s acceptable to portray family members in a negative light in front of others. Make a family rule that you won’t embarrass or say negative things about each other in front of people outside of the family. Instead make it a habit to point out the positive things each person does. You and your partner can also model a respectful relationship to your children through your treatment of each other. Celebrate each other’s wins and empathize with each other’s frustrations and losses. Over time, your sons will learn that their brotherhood is unlike any other bond. By honoring and respecting each other’s differences, their friendship will last a lifetime. GPP Freelance writer, Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two close-knit brothers, 8 and 10 who are keen on aggravating each other (and their parents). Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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FamilyCalendar This Month Thursday, December 1

The Arc Gateway Foundation’s Wreaths of Joy Gala 5:30 p.m. Presented by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Dept. at Skopelos at New World, 600 South Palafox Street. Every year businesses, organizations and individuals gather at this highly regarded affair to enjoy a three-course dinner, entertainment, auctions and more! Proceeds support programs at The Arc Gateway, a Pensacola area non-profit who provides services and support to more than 800 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sponsorships available. For more info, call (850) 434-2638 or visit www.arc-gateway.org. 49th Annual Snowball Derby Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola. Five Flags Speedway has evolved into the largest short track stock car race in the USA, drawing drivers in 7 classes of competition on a banked half mile paved oval. Camping at nearby fairgrounds with free daily shuttles. Several hotels nearby. Last year’s winner was NASCAR Sprint Cup star Chase Elliott. Call (850) 944-8400 or visit http://5flagsspeedway. com/. Old Spanish Trail 100 Reenactment Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola. Join us in the reenactment of Pensacola’s 1916 meeting of OST, the first transcontinental highway connecting Texas and California, and recognize the historic landmarks along the route. The OST was first conceived in 1915 as a way to connect St. Augustine and New Orleans. The first planning meeting for this exciting feat was held in 1915 in Mobile, and the second meeting was held in Pensacola in 1916. Call (850) 595-5985 or visit www.oldspanishtrailcentennial.com/. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever At the Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline Street in Milton. Written by Barbara Robinson; directed by Patty Barry and Sylvia Love. Doors open at 6 p.m. on weeknights with showtime at 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday with showtime at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, visit panhandlecommunitytheatre.com or call (850) 221-7599. Adults $15; children $10.

Friday, December 2

The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting Meets the 1st Friday of every month at the Gulf Coast Kid’s House from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided. Visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever At the Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline Street in Milton. For details, see December 1 listing. Story Tyme with Grandma Jenkins: The Three Bears 11 a.m. Pensacola Children’s Museum, 115 East Zaragoza Street. Story Tyme is a free program

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

sponsored by the UWF Historic Trust. For more info, call (850) 595-5985 ext. 112 or e-mail jmcmillen@ uwf.edu. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Mississippi RiverKings. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit https:// pensacolaiceflyers.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. 49th Annual Snowball Derby Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola. For more info, see December 1 listing. Old Spanish Trail 100 Reenactment Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 1 listing. Paula Poundstone Live at Saenger Theatre 8 p.m. Paula is recognized as one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand-ups of all time, was the first woman to perform stand-up at the prestigious White House Correspondents’ Dinner and has been voted into the Comedy Hall of Fame. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola Museum of Art Preschool Art & Storytime 10-11 a.m. first Fridays monthly. Introduce the littlest artists (3-5 years old) to the world of art through storybooks and fun art projects. Each month highlights a different book about an artist or art movement and is followed by a creative and exciting project in our classroom. $5/members and $8/nonmembers per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org.

Love’s Story: A Live Nativity 6-8 p.m. Pensacola Church of the Nazarene, 3479 Pine Forest Rd., Cantonment. Free admission. Enjoy an evening touring scenes from the life of Christ as actors and animals share the true story of Christmas. Free cider, hot chocolate and cookies. Our talented photography team will take your group photos and post them on our Facebook site for you to download free and use as you desire. For more info, call (850) 479-1020. Kids’ Night Out at Sky Zone 5-10 p.m. Gulf Point Resource Center will take your children out to Sky Zone for a night of bouncing fun! Cost: $25 per child, limited to the first 25 children for ages 6+. Winterfest: Performance Trolley Tours 5-9 p.m. Old Courthouse building, downtown Pensacola. 223 Palafox Pl. Winterfest’s premier tour features a 60-minute trolley trip through Downtown Pensacola. Singing guides accompany you with scenes from your favorite holiday memories. Along the way, Elvis, The Polar Express, and even the Grinch will get on board to share the spirit of Christmas. For more info, call (850) 583-1365 or visit https://pensacolawinterfest.org/performance_tour.

Saturday, December 3

Gulf Coast Remote Area Medical Free Clinic Milton High School, 5445 Stewart St., Milton. This is a FREE clinic open to anyone who needs medical care! *If you would like to register as a VOLUNTEER, please visit www.ramusa.org and select our clinic. **If you are attending as a PATIENT, please note that the tickets are first come, first serve starting Saturday morning at 3 a.m. Tickets will also be passed out at 3 a.m. Sunday morning and the clinic doors will open at 6. There is no need to preregister or sign up beforehand. For more info, call (850) 983-5600.

Love’s Story: A Live Nativity 6-8 p.m. Pensacola Church of the Nazarene, 3479

Pine Forest Rd., Cantonment. For more info, see December 2 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever At the Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline Street in Milton. For details, see December 1 listing. Winterfest: Performance Trolley Tours 5-9 p.m. Old Courthouse building, downtown Pensacola. 223 Palafox Pl. For details, see December 2 listing. Christmas in the Park & Navarre Community Christmas Parade 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Navarre Park at the foot of the Navarre Bridge. The Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade, sponsored by ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, will start at 2 p.m. at the Navarre Library and will roll south along Presidio, making a left at Esplanade Street and ending in the back parking lot of Centennial Bank. New this year is Reindeer Games sponsored by Century 21 Island View Realty, LLC, which will begin at 11 a.m. “Christmas Around the World Costume Contest” for children 12 years and younger registration will be noon-3 p.m. The contest will begin at 3:30 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment, featuring local schools and choirs from the Navarre area, will start at 3 p.m. and conclude with the lighting of the Christmas Tree. For more info, visit www.navarrechamber.com or call (850) 939-3267. Navarre Jingle Bell Run-5K-Walk Navarre Main Fire Station (behind McDonald’s). Registration begins at 7 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m. Dress up for the season; a special prize will be awarded for the most festive participant. Visit www.navarrechamberfoundation.org/jingle-bell.html to download and print an application. Saturday Night Science at the Pensacola MESS Hall 6-8 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street in downtown Pensacola. At Glow Night, part of our Saturday Night Science series, families will explore many properties of light, make light paintings, and learn about how nature makes things that glow. $6/members; $8/ nonmembers per person, including adults. Space is limited; preregistration is required. For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org or call 1-877-YES-MESS.

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 18 with an additional showing on Friday, Dec. 23. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas so they can receive a free cup of hot chocolate and cookie from the refreshment counter. Tickets prices are $6 per person. Visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ for details. Saturday Studio Club at Pensacola Museum of Art 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Color, Value, Texture, Space, Shape, Line, and Form: The Seven Fundamental Elements of Art. Join us for one or all classes as we explore each element through discussion, practice, and fun art projects. This class is a great way for young artists to be introduced to the elements of art or to brush up on their skills. Ages 6-9: 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.; ages 10-13: 2-4 p.m. Cost: $10/members and $15/non-members per class. Register at www. pensacolamuseum.org.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. Children 4 and under must have adult supervision. Parents can drop older children off for only $20 per child for supervised play. Admission covers pizza and drinks also. Parents are welcome to stay and play for free if they choose. Open to the public; no membership required. Call (850) 733-3547 or visit www.mojogymnastics. com. Old Spanish Trail 100 Reenactment Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 1 listing.

purchased at historicpensacola.org or (850)595-5985 ext. 111. Jackson’s Presents Deck the Halls: A Holiday Lunch Event 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola. Jackson’s has once again teamed up with the Pensacola Opera to present a lunch filled with holiday cheer featuring costumed carolers strolling from table to table singing traditional carols such as “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” to name a few. This is a limited-seating event, so to reserve your table, call (850) 469-9898.

For many more events, please check out our Holiday Happenings Guide on page 30! 49th Annual Snowball Derby Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola. For more info, see December 1 listing. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. For more info, visit www.palafoxmarket.com. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). Providing local goods, including produce, baked breads, canned preserves, cooked meats and even wood-fired pizza. Gulf Breeze Holiday Parade 10 a.m. at Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze. The parade theme is “Merry Masquerade.” Entry forms are available at Gulf Breeze City Hall or the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce.  For more info, call (850) 934-5153 or (850) 932-7888 or visit www. cityofgulfbreeze.com. Lighted Boat Parade 6:30 p.m. Starts at Little Sabine Bay and ends at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. View from Quietwater Beach area at 7 p.m. Look for Santa on the lead boat! Kids’ pre-show party located at Shaggys from 4-6 p.m. Fireworks with Santa- Soundside at 8 p.m. Call (850) 932-1500 for more info.

Handel’s Messiah Presented by Choral Society of Pensacola 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 595-3880. Historic Holiday Gala 5-9 p.m. Historic Pensacola, 201 E Zaragoza St., Pensacola. Tickets are $100 per person and may be

USO Runway Run 5K 10 a.m.-noon. Pensacola International Airport, 2430 Airport Blvd., Pensacola. Join us for a new look at the airport and to run down the runway. All registered participants receive an event T-shirt and bib with timing. Proceeds benefit the USO. Visit http://us.uso. org/NorthwestFlorida/Events.

Emerald Coast Bead Society Hosting Annual Holiday Show 9 a.m.-5p.m. The Wright Place, 80 East Wright Street, Pensacola. The show features a selection of artisan jewelry, embellished work, gemstones, one-of-a-kind items, beads, findings and more for purchase. Free admission.  For more info, call (850) 982-7633 or visit emeraldcoastbeadsociety.com.

Sunday, December 4

Surfing Santa Beach Parade Via de Luna Drive, starts at 2 p.m. Watch Santa oversee delightfully decorated whimsical floats as they wind their way down the island’s main street. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever At the Imogene Theatre, 6866 Caroline Street in Milton. For details, see December 1 listing.

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. For details, see December 3 listing. The Christmas Holidays with Al Martin and Friends 5-9 p.m. DeVilliers Square, 321 N DeVilliers Street, Pensacola. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Attire is cocktail dress. Tickets are $15. For more info, call (850) 525-9620.

Love’s Story: A Live Nativity 6-8 p.m. Pensacola Church of the Nazarene, 3479 Pine Forest Rd., Cantonment. For more info, see December 2 listing. 49th Annual Snowball Derby Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola. For more info, see December 1 listing. Gulf Coast Remote Area Medical Free Clinic Milton High School, 5445 Stewart St., Milton. See December 3 listing for more information.

Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. Bring your family, bring your pets! 1.5 mile walk with 12 trivia questions will be posted. Ballots are $2 each and all proceeds are donated to the Community Center After School Program and local animal shelters. For more info, call Cissi at (850) 393-4605. Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. The service always draws a large and friendly crowd. Visit www.visitperdido.com/ events/worship-on-the-water.

Monday, December 5

Yoga at the Pensacola Museum of Art 5:30-6:30 p.m. Art and yoga have complimentary and intrinsically valuable benefits and the gallery provides the perfect space to awaken your imagination. Join us for a 60-minute session led by instructor Nancy LaNasa. All levels welcome. What to Bring: towel, mat, water bottle. Free for PMA members; non-Members are free with cost of general admission. Visit www.pensacolamuseum.org/ for more info. Cat’s Seed to Table Cooking 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Join our gardener Cat for a cooking class featuring fresh harvest from our community garden. Cost: complimentary (you will just eat a sample, not a full meal). Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Tuesday, December 6

Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are creative and have an organic, environmental and local twist. Price: Complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Funky Flow is a creative hour with fun postures and music, combining yin and yang postures. Please wear comfortable clothing. All you need is yourself, a mat if you have one and an open mind. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Market in the Breeze 4 p.m.-dark every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. Come shop the huge selection of more than 50 area vendors, at fair market prices. Grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks or other hot food vendors. Find local produce, milk, eggs, meat or baked goods. Shop local artists and crafters for the perfect gift. For more info, visit www.marketinthebreeze.com. Computer Science Week at Pensacola MESS Hall Through December 10, celebrate Computer Science Week during regular hours. We will feature a variety of activities that underlie computer science. We will also have Dash robots available for visitors to program. Included with admission. For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org.

Wednesday, December 7

World War II Remembrance 10 a.m. The National Naval Aviation Museum in the Blue Angels Atrium. Guest speaker for the event will be CAPT Sterling Gilliam, USN (Ret), Museum Director. Enjoy patriotic music and popular songs from the World War II era performed by the Northwest Florida

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FamilyCalendar State College Jazz Ensemble in Niceville and the Tate High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. All World War II veterans and their families are invited to attend and be recognized for their service. Admission to the Museum and the World War II Remembrance is FREE and open to the public. Visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/. Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. This class will focus on relaxation and restoration of the body through the use of yoga props and supportive postures. This class is ideal for all levels of yoga. Please bring a mat. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Thursday, December 8

The Fixx Performs Live at Vinyl Music Hall 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets or more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com. Merry Marketplace 1-7 p.m. Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 East Gregory St., Pensacola. Shop local this holiday season! Shop for unique and personalized gifts, take selfies with Santa, bid on silent auction wreaths, and more! For more info, contact Caitlin Okrzesik at (850) 4384081 or cokrzesik@pensacolachamber.com. Raw Holiday Treats 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Join Certified Raw Foods Chef/Education Betsy LeGallais and learn how to make raw foods holiday treats. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call (850) 4335353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Beach Breeze Relay for Life Event Night 5-8 p.m. at Shane’s Rib Shack in Gulf Breeze. A portion of your purchase goes to the American Cancer Society.  For more info, call (850) 343-1161 or visit www.cancer.org. Handling Stress: A Key to a Happy Holiday 11:30 a.m. lunch; noon-1 p.m. seminar. David A. Josephs, Psy.D., Lakeview Center. Baptist Medical Park Nine Mile, 9400 University Parkway, Azalea Room. For more info or to make a reservation, call (850) 469-7897.

Friday, December 9

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 7:30 p.m. Show is directed by Brandi Hicks Lane, with music direction by Tina Buran. There will be ten performances December 9-18. Visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for info. The Gem Event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1901 North Palafox Street (corner of Palafox and Lakeview), Pensacola. The GEM is a donation-based, volunteer-driven fundraiser that boasts something for every shopper, from vintage treasures to upscale fashion finds! The GEM is providing our community with an outlet to donate and show support for Covenant Care, as well as opportunities to save while shopping. For more info, call (850) 208-7138. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Christmas on the Coast 2016 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Experience all the

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

sights and sounds of the season that will have you humming through the New Year! For tickets, visit pensacolachildrenschorus.com or call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Winterfest: Performance Trolley Tours 5-9 p.m. Old Courthouse building, downtown Pensacola. 223 Palafox Pl. For details, see December 2 listing.

Saturday, December 10

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. performances. For more info, see December 9 listing. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime featuring If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. Coloring and activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 for more info. Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. For more info, see December 3 listing. Debby’s Kitchen 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. This is a cooking class for the novice cook at any age! This class will be educational, fun and offer some basic knife and sauce skills to appeal to anyone. Today’s class Debby will be making appetizers. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman. org/.

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. For details, see December 3 listing. Jackson’s Steakhouse Presents Deck the Halls: A Holiday Lunch Event 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola. For details, see December 3 listing. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Christmas on the Coast 2016 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For more details, see December 9 listing. Santa Drop at Flora-Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola. See Santa skydive onto our white sandy beaches! Seriously, Santa Claus parachutes down to the Flora-Bama. Activities, free sweets, hot chocolate and juice will be available for the kids! This special day is fun for everyone, especially Santa’s helpers who sing Christmas carols with the children. For more info, call (850) 492-0611. Hall of Celebrities: The Grinch with Santa and Frosty the Snowman 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pensacola Children’s Museum, 115 East Zaragoza Street. The Hall of Celebrities is a free program sponsored by the UWF Historic Trust. For more info, call (850) 595-5985 x112 or e-mail jmcmillen@uwf.edu.

Larry Caton Memorial Tennis Tournament Roger Scott Tennis Center, 2130 Summit Blvd Bldg 3, Pensacola. Proceeds benefit TENNIS-4-EVERYONE, a non-profit organization that conducts tennis training and academic tutoring programs for less fortunate kids in and around Pensacola. Call (850) 912-4103 for more info. Sign up at www.rogerscotttennis.com or at the desk. Monthly Bay Bluffs Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Bay Bluffs Preserve. Come join the Scenic Highway Foundation, Ocean Hour FL, Earth Ethics, and the City of Pensacola on second Saturdays for the Monthly Clean Up of Bay Bluffs Park, 3400 Scenic Hwy, at the corner of Summit Blvd. Second location is 2 miles north at Chimney Park at Scenic Highway and Langley Ave. Signin is at 8:45. Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen! Contact oceanhourfl@gmail.com, BayBluffsCleanUp@gmail.com, or (850) 207-9326 (leave a message). Tinker Tots at Pensacola MESS Hall 9-9:45 a.m. Young learners and their caregivers will work together to program each other in this computer science lesson for children ages 3-kindergarten. $5 for members/$7 for nonmembers. Preregistration recommended. To register for this or other programs, visit www. pensacolamesshall.org. Films on the Field 7:30 p.m., Shoreline Park North. Featuring the movie Home Alone. This is a free event. 2016 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade 5:15 p.m. Downtown Pensacola beginning with Spring & Garden Streets. You will not want to miss this event that draws more than 50,000 people each year, including nearly 90 entries, and eight bands from Escambia County, New Orleans and Mississippi. The parade also features the nationally renowned Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region. Call (850) 434-1234 or visit www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org/. The Gem Event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1901 North Palafox Street (corner of Palafox and Lakeview), Pensacola. For details, see December 9 listing.

Sunday, December 11

Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see December 4 listing. Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. For more info, see December 4 listing.

Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see December 3 listing.

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. For details, see December 3 listing.

Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). For more info, see December 3 listing.

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 3 p.m. performance. For more info, see December 9 listing.

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The Gem Event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1901 North Palafox Street (corner of Palafox and Lakeview), Pensacola. For details, see December 9 listing.

Tuesday, December 13

Weight-Loss Surgery Support Group 5:30-6:30 p.m. Baptist Towers, Medical Meeting Rooms. 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance For more information, call (850) 437-8746.

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Prevention and Treatment of Arthritis 11:30 a.m. lunch; noon-1 p.m. seminar. Neilia-Kay McGill, M.D., Rheumatology, Baptist Medical Group - Rheumatology. Baptist Towers Medical Meeting Rooms, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info or to make a reservation, call (850) 469-7897. Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 7 listing.

Wreaths Across America at Barrancas National Cemetery Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola. To learn more and to sponsor wreaths, visit www.barrancaswreaths.com, e-mail barrancaswreaths@gmail.com or call (850) 207-1217.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Huntsville. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see December 2 listing.

Saturday Studio Club at Pensacola Museum of Art 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Color, Value, Texture, Space, Shape, Line, and Form: The Seven Fundamental Elements of Art. For details, see December 3 listing.

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 7:30 p.m. performance. For more info, see December 9 listing. Winterfest: Performance Trolley Tours 5-9 p.m. Old Courthouse building, downtown Pensacola. 223 Palafox Pl. For details, see December 2 listing. Gallery Night 5-9 p.m. Stroll through the charming brick walkways of downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of local music, art and cuisine. Gallery Night is a free event and many businesses provide light refreshments. Visit downtownpensacola.com/ or call (850) 434-5371. Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola. Experience the magic of this beloved holiday classic featuring the tale of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www. pensacolasaenger.com or call (850) 595-3880.

Saturday, December 17

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola. For details, see December 16 listing.

Thursday, December 15

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 7:30 p.m. performance. For more info, see December 9 listing.

Friday, December 16

Mom & Me Class - Felt Christmas Wreath 6-7:30 p.m. Alyssa’s Antique Depot, 4586 Chumuckla Hwy, Pace. Only $10 (plus tax) per pair includes ALL the supplies needed! This is limited to 8 pairs. Come in and register at the front counter or call the store at (850) 994-9114. Or register at www.shopalyssas. com/Store. Story Tyme with Grandma Jenkins: Max and the Disappearing Bag 11 a.m. Pensacola Children’s Museum, 115 East Zaragoza Street. Story Tyme is a free program sponsored by the UWF Historic Trust. For more info, call (850) 595-5985 ext. 112 or e-mail jmcmillen@ uwf.edu.

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Gray, D.O., Andrews Institute Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Andrews Institute Athletic Performance & Research Pavilion, 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Conference Room B. For more info or to make a reservation, call (850) 469-7897.

The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at the Hampton Inn & Suites from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please join us for this time of non-traditional networking and education. The program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided. Visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com. Common Types of Back Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment 11:30 a.m. lunch; noon-1 p.m. seminar. William

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. For details, see December 3 listing. Winterfest: Performance Trolley Tours 5-9 p.m. Old Courthouse building, downtown Pensacola. 223 Palafox Pl. For details, see December 2 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Huntsville. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see December 2 listing.

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 10:30 a.m. & 3 p.m. performance. For more info, see December 9 listing. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see December 3 listing. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace. For more info, see December 3 listing. Jackson’s Presents Deck the Halls: A Holiday Lunch Event 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola. For details, see December 3 listing.

Winter Wonder Ride Noon-4 p.m. Seville Square, 301 South Alcaniz St. Come on out to our inaugural slow ride through the city! Join the team and pedal through Pensacola as we celebrate and raise money for kids to experience the joy a bike can provide. Tickets can be bought at www.onbikespensacola.org. Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. For more info, see December 3 listing. Make it to the Line 4-Mile Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola. Individuals and families up to three members can compete. Trophies will be awarded three deep for all age groups in both the run and the walk. A portion of the proceeds from this race will benefit the Secret Santa program that helps local families in need with gifts at Christmas, clothing, food, etc. Start time 10 a.m. Entry Fee: Individuals $25 December 1-18; $30 December 19. 9 years & under free. E-mail angela@florabama.com. STEM Saturday: Squadron Teamwork 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. National Flight Academy. K-6th grade students will participate in many teamwork STEM activities that stimulate trust in others to create a stronger squadron. Learning to play a part and trust your teammates like a real aviator squadron is a life skill that can be transferred to practically any situation. Additionally, these students will fly the T-45 Goshawk in NFA’s simulators. Registration closes December 9 and is $30 with lunch provided. Space limited for each session. Call (850) 458-7836 or visit www.nationalflightacademy.com. Project Greenshores 9- 10 a.m. Wayside Park East. Come join Ocean Hour for clean up the third Saturday of every month. Project Greenshores is at the Three Mile Bridge and Bayfront Parkway. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags will be supplied. Dress for the weather and bring water and sunscreen as needed. Contact oceanhourfl@gmail.com, or call (850) 450-1112 and leave a message.

Sunday, December 18

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker 1:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola. For details, see December 16 listing. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see December 4 listing. Winterfest: Performance Trolley Tours 5-9 p.m. Old Courthouse building, downtown Pensacola. 223 Palafox Pl. For details, see December 2 listing.

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. For details, see December 3 listing.

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Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. For more info, see December 4 listing.

Winterfest: Santa’s Holiday Express Tour Downtown Pensacola. 5-8 p.m. For details, see December 19 listing.

Charlie Brown Christmas at Pensacola Little Theatre 3 p.m. performance. For more info, see December 9 listing.

Winterfest: Santa’s Holiday Express Tour Downtown Pensacola. 5-8 p.m. For details, see December 19 listing.

Winter Solstice Peace Within Healing Celebration 6:30-8 p.m. Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and relax your mind and spirit with Dr. De Maria’s Peace Within techniques from his awardwinning book.

Monday, December 19

Auditions for My Fair Lady at Pensacola Little Theatre 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals begin January 3, 2017; details TBA. This show will be directed by Carla Rhodes and Julie Jarvis Smith, with music direction by Ginger Caro. 10 performances will run Mar 3-19, 2017.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Broadway Musical 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place, Pensacola. For tickets or more info, call (850) 5953880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Pilates at the Pensacola Museum of Art 5:30-6:30 p.m. Participants will gain body awareness while strengthening the core and improving flexibility. All levels are welcome to attend. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes suitable for exercise. Instructor will be Francesca Mallow. What to Bring: mat, water bottle. Free for PMA members; non-Members are free with cost of general admission. Visit www.pensacolamuseum. org/ for more info. Winterfest: Santa’s Holiday Express Tour Downtown Pensacola. 5-8 p.m. Take a trip with Santa through highlights of our holiday season with songs, lights and more! This 25-minute tour is especially great for young children and out of town guests. Visit pensacolawinterfest.org for more info and tickets! Tickets are $15 for adults; $7 for children.

Tuesday, December 20

Auditions for My Fair Lady at Pensacola Little Theatre 6:30 p.m. For more details, see December 19 listing. Winterfest: Santa’s Holiday Express Tour Downtown Pensacola. 5-8 p.m. For details, see December 19 listing. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 6 listing. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 6 listing. Market in the Breeze 4 p.m.-dark, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see December 6 listing.

Wednesday, December 21

Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 7 listing.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Thursday, December 22

p.m. with door prizes, drink specials, and prizes for best dressed. The party culminates with a midnight fireworks show on the beach over the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. For more info, call (850) 932-1500.

Friday, December 23

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Celebrate the New Year! 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre with Peter Rubardt, conductor. Join Wycliffe Gordon and Friends for a spectacular evening of New Orleans Jazz. Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and has extensive performance experience with many of the most renowned jazz performers of the past and present. Tickets start at $22. For more info, visit www.pensacolasaenger. com/ or call (850) 595-3882.

Winterfest: Santa’s Holiday Express Tour Downtown Pensacola. 5-8 p.m. For details, see December 19 listing.

Sunday, January 1

Polar Express Pajama Party The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. For details, see December 3 listing.

Saturday, December 24

Winterfest: Santa’s Holiday Express Tour Downtown Pensacola. 5-8 p.m. For details, see December 19 listing.

Tuesday, December 27

Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 6 listing. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see December 6 listing. Free Tuesday at the Pensacola Museum of Art 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy free admission to the Pensacola Museum of Art the last Tuesday of each month. For more info, visit www.pensacolamuseum.org/. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 6:35 start time versus Macon. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see December 2 listing.

Friday, December 30

Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Columbus. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see December 2 listing.

Saturday, December 31

Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see December 3 listing. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). For more info, see December 3 listing. Annual Pelican Drop Government and Palafox in downtown Pensacola. Families can enjoy a street-party atmosphere in downtown Pensacola with live music and fireworks, along with a 10-foot, half-ton illuminated pelican that is dropped 100 feet at midnight. Festivities kick off at 3 p.m. and continue until 12:30 a.m. For more info, visit pensacolapelicandrop.com or call (850) 435-1603. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Two free firework displays along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. At 8 p.m. a dazzling light display, provided by the beach chamber, will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For those who want to ring in the new year at midnight, Casino Beach Bar & Grille is hosting a New Year’s Eve Black & White Party beginning at 9

Polar Bear Plunge 2 p.m. Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume - flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 per person. Cub Club participants – those in fifth grade or younger – can register for $5. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. Polar Bear Dip Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola. Ring in the New Year by taking a dip into the Gulf of Mexico at high noon. Dippers and other participants dress up or just show up for this special day. The FloraBama provides the traditional feast with black-eyed peas, cornbread, ham and more for those who take the plunge. Call (850) 492-6838 for more info.

Friday, January 6

Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Macon. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see December 2 listing. Pensacola Museum of Art Preschool Art & Storytime 10-11 a.m. first Fridays monthly. For details, see December 2 listing. Pensacola’s 12th Night - Mardi Gras Kick Off 5 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. FREE to everyone! Come join us and celebrate the 2017 Mardi Gras season along with the Krewes, their King and Queens for the upcoming season, King Cake, and the town crier. Call (850) 436-7638 for more info.

Classes

Community Education

Babysitter Class This class is open to youth from ages 11-15 for $30 (lunch is not provided). All participants receive an American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR Card, plus a Sacred Heart Hospital Babysitting Certificate. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greenhut Auditorium at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 4167262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education.

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FamilyCalendar Mojo Elite Gymnastics Parent/Toddler Classes 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. we have a parent/toddler class for only $5. The first visit is free. Children walking to age 3 are welcome. This is a great way for toddlers to explore in a safe environment and meet new friends! Call (850) 733-3547 or e-mail info@mojogymnastics.com.

Diabetes

Sacred Heart’s Diabetes Education Program offers individual and group instruction to help patients gain knowledge to control their disease, avoid complications and teach or enhance skills for a healthier life. Our Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) include registered nurses and registered dietitians. For more information or to register for a class, please call (850) 416-7261. Classes include: •Continuous Glucose Monitor Application and Training Professional and personal •Diabetes and Pregnancy offered weekly for women with Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Individual counseling is also offered for pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes. Please complete our Patient Questionnaire form and bring it with you to your appointment or e-mail to Diabetes-scheduling@ shhpens.org. •Insulin Pump Training Comprehensive training and Carbohydrate counting •Insulin Training Skills training on equipment use, an understanding of insulins and Hypoglycemia •Living Well with Diabetes course for adults with diabetes and their family members. •Pre-Pump Training Discussion of benefits of pump and insulin pump limitations.

Prenatal & Childbirth

Baptist Women’s Center offers you choices

to tailor your experience from early pregnancy to months following your baby’s birth. Our experienced team of nurses and educators are specially trained to make your birthing experience one of a kind. To register or for more info about our classes, call (850) 434-4567 or visit www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/ContentDocuments/MotherBaby/Baptist_Babies_Classes_ Registration_2016.pdf. Baby Care Basics – Two-class series walks you through what to expect in the hospital and at home. A key milestones guide will be given to monitor baby’s growth and needs and how to meet them. Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Usually held first Saturdays of most months, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beginning Breastfeeding – This class teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. Prepared Childbirth – This class prepares you and your partner for the labor and delivery journey by understanding the process and offering coping skills. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4567 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Mondays and Fridays, 5:30 p.m. Monthly Series Package – $125 per couple and includes Prepared Childbirth, a four-class series or one all-day class, one Breastfeeding class and one Baby Care Basics class.

Sacred Heart Hospital offers a variety of prena-

tal education classes designed to help parents-to-be prepare for their special day and for the days that follow back home with the new baby. Registration

is required for all classes and is offered online. For any questions, please call (850) 416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacred-heart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/ Guidance/?ID=986. Breastfeeding This two-hour class, taught by one of Sacred Heart Hospital’s lactation consultants, teaches techniques for breastfeeding success and addresses common concerns to make your experience as smooth as possible. Cost is $20 per couple. Offered monthly on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacred-heart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/ Main/Guidance/?ID=986. Infant/Child CPR Course Class is open to new parents, family members and friends who will be caring for a baby or young child. Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fee is $22 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, please call the Sacred Heart Education Department at (850) 416-7264. This class is an orientation to CPR and is not a certifying or credentialing course. “My Family’s Growing” Sibling Class Class prepares soon-to-be siblings (ages 3 through 10) for the arrival of a new baby in their family. Our sibling class includes a complete tour of the Maternity & Women’s Center of Sacred Heart Hospital. Cost is $10 per child. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacred-heart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/ Main/Guidance/?ID=986. Newborn Parenting This class strives to prepare parents in caring for their new bundle of joy, from birth through the first few weeks at home. Newborn Parenting is taught by experienced nurses from Sacred Heart Hospital’s mother-baby unit, and a local pediatrician will be available to answer questions during a portion of the class. Cost is $20 per couple. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacred-heart.org/SHHP/ Childbirth/Main/Guidance/?ID=986. Prepared Childbirth Classes Designed to help prepare you and your partner for the birthing process – including tips to make you more comfortable during labor – Prepared Childbirth Classes are taught by experienced obstetrics nurses and include a tour of the Maternity and Women’s Center. Cost is $50 per couple. This course is offered in two different formats to meet your scheduling and educational needs: •As a four-week series, especially designed for firsttime moms. •As a one-day class, ideal for moms who have had children before and are looking for a refresher course in the delivery experience. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/?ID=986. Tours Tours of Sacred Heart Hospital’s Maternity & Women’s Center will give soon-to-be moms an idea of what to expect during your stay at the hospital, including where to go, where to park and what to

bring when you arrive for the delivery of your baby. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacred-heart. org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/?ID=986.

West Florida Hospital understands that giving

birth is a family affair, and we encourage the involvement of family and friends in the birth process. For more information about The Family Birthplace or childbirth classes at West Florida Hospital, call (850) 494-4368. Breastfeeding Classes Participants learn the anatomy of the breast, valuable benefits of breastfeeding, diet for the pregnant and postpartum mother, common concerns and breastfeeding techniques, pumping/storage of breast milk, bonding and skin-to-skin. For more information, call Jeannie Connolly, CNM, Director of Perinatal Services, at (850) 494-4364 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/service/childbirthpreparation. Childbirth Preparation - 4 Week Series Class provides essential research based information to help new parents be better prepared for their own birth experience. Parents will learn about the stages of labor through innovative 3D animation, how the birth process unfolds using real birth stories, helpful partner support tips, what to expect from common medical procedures, and much more. Content includes: pregnancy, labor, birth stories, comfort techniques, medical procedures, cesarean birth, newborns, and postpartum. For more info, call Jeannie Connolly, CNM, Director of Perinatal Services, at (850) 494-4364 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/service/ childbirth-preparation. Understanding Birth Express Class Condensed version of our 4 week Childbirth preparation class into one day, has many great topics, features and video clips including: understanding pregnancy, labor, medical procedures and cesarean birth. Very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368.

Support Groups Cancer

Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. Support Group Supporting families of children with blood disorders and cancer. Anyone with a friend or family member who has been stricken with a form of childhood cancer or blood disorder is welcome. All meetings

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FamilyCalendar FamilyCalendar will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Conference Room A of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. More details can be found at www.wingsofhopeinc.org. Patient and Family Cancer Support Group Pensacola Meets Tuesdays, December 12, from 4-5:30 p.m. and Dec. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more information, call (850) 469-2224. Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets Thursday, December 8, from 5-6:30 p.m. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more information, call 850.469-2224. Prostate Cancer Self Help Group This group sponsored by the American Cancer Society is designed to educate and support men facing prostate cancer. Meets the first Saturday of the month at Sacred Heart Hospital, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call (850) 438-4491. Sacred Heart Cancer Center Sacred Heart provides emotional support and education for cancer patients and their families through a variety of support groups. For more info, visit the Cancer Center Support Groups website or call (850) 416-2679.

Grief Support

GriefShare The Sacred Heart Palliative Care department provides a free, 13-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care department, located in Suite 201 of the Bayou Tower on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s Bayou Tower entrance, which faces Bayou Blvd. For class dates and times and for registration information, call Kerri Riggs, LCSW, at (850) 416-7705. Grief Support Group for Adults Sacred Heart Hospital and Covenant Hospice partner to provide a free, six-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care Department, located in Suite 201 of the Heart & Vascular Institute on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s main entrance, which faces Ninth Avenue. A representative will meet participants in the hospital lobby and direct them to the meeting room. For class dates and times and for registration information, call Paula Butler at (850) 202-0345.

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. For meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Support Group Next meeting is December 19 @ 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Ever’man’s in the community education room. Complimentary. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America offers a local support group where patients, family members, and caregivers can connect to others living with these digestive diseases in order to discuss the latest in research, offer educational resources, seek emotional support, exchange disease management tips, and enjoy a sense of solidarity with people in the community who also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. For more info, visit http://everman.org/event/ crohns-and-colitis-foundation-of-america-ccfa-6/. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Communi-

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

ty Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. Usually held second Fridays, 1-2 p.m. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital. secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot.

Parent Support

Baptist Mommy & Me Play Group Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Free support group for moms with babies up to six months old. Next meetings are Thursday, December 8 and 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. For more info, call (850) 434-4567. La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Our mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Free. Next meeting will be held December 1 from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/event/la-leche-league-9/. LEAPS New Mom Support Group Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. LEAPS (Love, Encouragement, and Postpartum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Pre-crawling babies welcome. Free. Next meetings will be held December 7 & 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/event/ leaps-new-mom-support-group-3/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon in Classroom C/D of Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 5151 N. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola. This free support group provides mothers with an opportunity to share experiences, gain support and develop friendships. A lactation consultant from the Sacred Heart Maternity & Women’s Center will be present to answer questions and offer advice. Baby weight checks are offered at each meeting. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required for each class session. For more info about this class or your parenting experience, please call The Nesting Place Women’s Boutique at 850-416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacredheart.org/childbirth. Pensacola Parents of Multiples Meets the second Thursday of each month at Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. in Conference Rooms C & D, which are located in a hallway between The Children’s Hospital and the Cafeteria. Parking is available in the 9th Avenue Parking garage and in the lot in front of The Children’s Hospital. If you are expecting or already blessed with multiples, you are encouraged to get free, helpful information. We offer a support network, social activities for children and parents, library, and more. For more info, e-mail PensacolaParentsofMultiples@hotmail.com

Special Needs

Children With Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) Support Group For families of children with attention deficit disorders. To find a local group, please visit www.chadd.org/.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

With the landscape of opportunity growing in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), an early introduction to these disciplines is guaranteed to prepare youth for success. Exploration through play is the easiest and most accessible way for kids to really get a first-hand feel for these fields of study. Playing with basic chemistry, physics and science gives children a real understanding of principles that shape the world around them. The following recommendations help small hands open doors to big learning.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Solar Balloon

Meteor Rocket Science

(Tedco)

Energy from our sun reveals itself in spectacular fashion with the Solar Balloon. Measuring over fifty feet in length with a diameter exceeding two feet, simply running with this balloon open can fill it with air needed to inflate it. Once sealed, the black, ultra-light material slowly absorbs the sunlight which heats the air inside the balloon. As warm air is less dense than cool air, the behemoth balloon will slowly begin to levitate after a couple of hours in the sun. The included guide offers additional in-depth understanding of the science in play, including convection, thermodynamics, the Bernoulli Principle and more. Get the biggest effect from the smallest effort with this massive demonstration of the sun’s power!

(Scientific Explorer)

Stellar fun is driven by solid science when the Meteor Rocket takes flight. Using the simple chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar, this kit provides the components to craft a rocket and the guidance to control its launch. Young chemists can repeat their launch experiments multiple times as they tweak their mixture, adjusting the carbon dioxide gas propellant’s power. Adult supervision is suggested and a good supply of baking soda and vinegar recommended as young flight engineers explore the fundamentals of aerodynamics, chemistry, and other aspects of scientific fun.

Zometool Crazy Bubbles

Glowing Chemistry

Bubbling over with scientific principles to demonstrate, art and geometry collide in this captivating set from Zometool. Using some of the 52 struts and nodes, kids can assemble an amazing variety of threedimensional constructs. When the construct is dipped in bubble solution, what emerges is a demonstration of surprising new geometry formed by bubbles. Cubes, sheets, and spiral bubble forms are just a few of the translucent structures revealed in each new framework. Additionally, these bubble forms can be tweaked and experimented with using breath and wet fingers. Moving far beyond the typical spherical bubble, this kit reveals whole new dimensions of bubble building.

Young minds are most ready to absorb knowledge that they can observe directly. Some of the coolest chemical reactions in science occur right before their eyes with the Glowing Chemistry kit. With over 22 experiments to try, kids quickly become the masters of creating chemical luminescence, making things that glow. From test tube reactions that generate eerie blue light to making vegetables glow-in-the-dark, the results light up chemical reactions. Including all the chemical ingredients, safety goggles, pipettes, and dishes, the full-color Glowing Chemistry Guide gives simple direction on the illuminating science of chemiluminescence.

(Thames & Kosmos)

(Zometool)

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

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Almost Christmas

Fantastic Beasts

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: C Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Almost Christmas PG-13 for suggestive material, drug content and language. Almost Christmas opens with a montage portraying the forty-five-year marriage of Grace (A. Sabrena Farmer) and Walter (Danny Glover). Starting as newlyweds, it moves through time showing the births of their four children, the couple buying their first house, and them welcoming in-laws and grandchildren. All along the way there are family occasions, great food and homemade sweet potato pie. The sequence ends with Walter alone, holding the program from Grace’s funeral. From that heartwarming beginning we arrive at today – ten months after Grace’s passing and five days before Christmas. Sensitive to this great loss, the whole clan is gathering to celebrate the first holiday season without their wife/ mother/grandmother/sister. And that is the moment the rose colored glasses come off as well. It quickly becomes apparent that Grace’s love was the clothesline that strung the family together. In her absence the reunion disintegrates into just an opportunity to air their dirty laundry. Oldest daughter Cheryl (Kimberly Elise) is a successful dentist, and even though her husband Lonnie (J.B. Smoove) is embarrassingly stuck in his former glory days as a basketball star, she still taunts her financial and marital status over her sister Rachel. Divorced and a single mom, Rachel (Gabrielle Union) is trying to scrape enough funds together to finish law school. She compensates for her precarious state by being overly independent. That means she also pushes away every offer of assistance, including those proffered by her old flame Malachi (Omar Epps), literally the boy next door. Meanwhile Christian (Romany Malco), the eldest boy, is pursuing a political career. He is too busy with his candidacy to care much about the swirl of rivalry surrounding his siblings. He is so preoccupied that he’s even having trouble staying connected to his wife Sonya (Nicole Ari Parker), his children and the principles that inspired him to run for office in the first place. The caboose of the family is Evan (Jessie T. Usher). A football hopeful, he’s trying to hide the fact that he’s picked up an addiction to prescription drugs. The script is dotted with foul language, frequent innuendo, and the depiction of an angry shot being fired at an unfaithful spouse. While it is all played for humor, this may or may not be the sort of “ho ho ho” you want to share with your older children.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: B Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them PG-13 for some fantasy action violence. Seventy years before Harry Potter attended Hogwarts School and read the textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the manual’s author Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) was busy collecting data and specimens from around the globe. One of his stops was New York City. And that is where this spin-off tale from JK Rowling’s universe of wizards and witches begins. It turns out that the new world has different laws about the use of magic than Brittan does. Here the Magical Congress of the United States of America is disappointed by the UK’s Ministry of Magic and their failure to capture a dark wizard named Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). Such sloppy security threatens to reveal the existence of wizards and witches to the No-mags (the American name for Muggles). The governing body is also experiencing problems on their home turf where a dark and uncontrollable force is wreaking havoc on the city and innocent bystanders. In an effort to contain the damage, they have cracked down on their members. One of the new rules prohibits the ownership of fantastic beasts because, if one escaped, their secret society could be exposed. Either ignoring or ignorant of the ban, Newt Scamander arrives in the Big Apple with a suitcase full of these creatures. A cross between Doctor Dolittle and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon, the quirky and not very careful animal lover soon loses a kleptomaniac platypus in the banking district. In a vain effort to retrieve the critter he accidentally switches brown cases with a No-mag named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and gets spotted by Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) an agent of the Magical Congress. What ensues is the American Wizard and Witches worst nightmare. Kowalski accidentally lets other magical creatures out of the bag. Scamander causes more problems than he solves while trying to round them up. Tina’s attempt to inform Madame President (Carmen Ejogo) of the crisis is thwarted. A radical religious order lead by Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton) begins calling for a witch hunt. And the whole affair is further complicated by Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), a powerful wizard who is involved in a mysterious, private investigation. Fans of the Harry Potter franchise are sure to be enchanted by this opportunity to re-enter his magical world. However, the ever-present depictions of detailed danger, deaths and destruction will likely be too much for younger viewers.

What Parents need to know about Fantastic Beasts...

What Parents need to know about Almost Christmas...

Violence: Frequent depictions of non-graphic violence include explosions, extensive property damage, destructive magical forces, dangerous beasts with fantastic powers, as well as duels with magical wands and spells. Deaths of innocent bystanders are implied and shown. Characters are sentenced to death, injured and killed. Some disfigured corpses are seen. Frightening creatures and strange transformations are portrayed. Characters (animal and human) are implicated in robberies. A mother uses a belt to strap her son: lash marks on his hands are seen. Sexual Content: A woman is seen in her underwear before she seductively puts on a dress. Other women’s underwear is seen hanging to dry. Female characters wear scanty dresses at a nightclub. A pamphlet displays a drawing of some naked women. Same-gender attraction is subtly implied. Some mild sexual innuendo is heard. A couple kisses. Profanity: Mild profanity is infrequently used, along with cruel name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: Drinks are served at a night club. Some characters’ behavior is effected by the alcohol. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2016

Violence: A woman pulls a gun on her cheating husband and fires a near miss shot. Family members engage in petty arguments and verbal abuse that occasionally break into physical fights. A man receives several electrical shocks and falls from a roof. Reckless driving leads to a car accident and injury to the driver. Sexual Content: A couple embrace and kiss in bed. Other embracing and kissing is shown. A woman seductively pulls up the strap of her thong underwear and invites a man into a private place. An unplanned pregnancy is mentioned and joked about. An offer to help a woman who got stuck trying to crawl through a window looks like a sexual encounter. Profanity: A litany of mild and moderate profanities, scatological slang and terms of deity are used. Crude sexual slang and anatomical terms are heard. Name-calling and slurs are exchanged. The bloopers shown during the credits feature even more profane language and sexual banter. Alcohol / Drug Use: A character abuses prescription medication. Drugs are bought illegally. A woman drinks alcohol frequently. 48