Greater Pensacola Parents February 2017 by KeepSharing

THE POWER

#FluFreeFlorida

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

February2017

Volume 1 Number 11

Columns

24 27

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Banish Winter Blues 15 ideas to help you through what many experience as the hardest season of the year.

Family Time

How to show affection to your family through love and nurturing.

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Family Time Mandy B. Fernandez

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Choosing a Daycare

Learn 10 important questions to ask before selecting where your child will spend his days.

Child Care Guide

Our 2017 listing of Pensacola daycares and preschools will get you started in your search.

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments On The Cover Davis Peden (age 1) is the son of Josh and Jeannie Peden. He loves playing outside, bath time, music, dancing

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 41

and books. Grandparents are

Family Calendar

Scott and ReneĂŠ Peden; Don

and Jill Long; and Bill and

Movie Reviews

Delia Goree.

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MomOfTheMonth

Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Our journey into parenthood has been an exciting series of life-changing events. Ten years ago, I met my husband while both of us were attending Auburn University. We were both very focused on our studies and our careers during that time. Marriage, much less parenthood, was the furthest thing from our minds. Fast forward five years and we were three months from our wedding date and getting ready for our move to Pensacola, FL. After getting married, my husband and I were very undecided when it came to the idea of having kids, despite the constant family “encouragement”. Our indecision eventually dwindled as we decided to let faith guide our hand. It turned out to be the best “decision” of our lives, as our son Davis was born 13 months ago. Watching our son grow and develop over the past year has been a truly remarkable experience. That’s not to say we didn’t experience those first-time parents’ fears and blunders. “Is my child eating well?” “Why won’t he sleep?” “I can’t believe you forgot the diapers.” Gone are the days of random romantic dates and impromptu travel plans. Those have been replaced with stepping on random toys in the dark of night, overstuffed diaper bags, and unlocking the mystery behind children’s clothing sizes. Still, I would not change a thing. Every day our son finds a new way to make us love him that much more. Beginning when I got pregnant, we decided that I should be a “stay-at-home” mom, at least for the foreseeable future. I wanted to see my child grow and develop first hand and not miss any of the “firsts”. Now that he is over a year old, I have been searching for activities, in which my son could have interactions with other children his age. We began looking through the various local child care providers and became quickly overwhelmed. Luckily for us, this month’s issue of Greater Pensacola Parents provides us with an extremely helpful Child Care Directory. The listing provided us fast, convenient access to the contact information for the area’s child care facilities. With the directory in hand, my husband and I called around a few places and quickly realized we needed to organize our thoughts and establish what our primary criteria would be for choosing a facility. Off the top of our heads we thought about safety, security, and flexibility, but could not come up with any more questions due to our limited experience with child care. This month’s article, 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Daycare, has been a lifesaver. In addition to the items we previously thought about, the article enlightened us to several other items we should consider before we choose. As parents, it is important for us to create opportunities for our children to grow and develop in as many ways as possible. While I’m still a “stay-at-home” mom, I want my son to learn and play with other children and experience those social interactions. We now have the necessary resources to fully research our local child care providers and identify the one that meets our needs, as well as our son’s needs. If you are searching for a child care provider, use this month’s issue as a resource to find that perfect place for your little one’s care. We hope you have a great 2017 and best of luck!

Jeannie Peden Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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 Research Editor Jeannie Peden Contributing Writers Mandy B. Fernandez Sandra Gordon Carolyn Jabs Sarah Lyons Jeannie Peden Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Danielle Becker www.daniellebeckerphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton 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 2017 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

Child’s Fear of Doctor and Dentist

a Q:

Over the past year or so, our 5-yearold has developed an extreme fear of going to the doctor or dentist. This came on suddenly, without a precipitating incident. The crying begins when we arrive at the appointment. When the doctor or nurse tries to examine him, he goes bonkers—screaming, hitting, kicking. He has to be held down for something as simple as looking in his ears. Otherwise, he’s a normal little boy—occasionally disobedient, but nothing at all serious. This last time I decided to punish him by not giving him what I’d promised if he was good and sending him to his room when we got back home. Is this something I should treat as any other behavior problem? I’m really confused.

A: Whether the behavior in question reflects a true fear or not is open to question. With children (and even adults at times), one cannot accurately judge the book of behavior by the cover. Sometimes, what looks like a fear can be a form of

rebellion. One thing is certain: Your son is trying to exercise control over healthcare appointments. Given that (a) there was no obvious precipitating incident, (b) he is not generally fearful or disobedient, and (c) his “fearful” behavior is not part of a larger pattern, I’d approach this as a behavior problem. Before describing a tactic that has proven to be successful in other situations of this sort, involving children around your son’s age, two things: First, offering a bribe for good behavior isn’t going to work (as you’ve already discovered) and is likely, in the long run, to be counterproductive. You don’t want your son to begin demanding “goodies” in return for obedience. Demands of that sort escalate over time. What begins as “I want ice cream” is likely to turn into “I want a trip to Disney World” in short order. Second, your confusion is preventing you from acting authoritatively. You’re trying to persuade and nudge him into being a good patient. Getting over this hump is going to require force. I’m not referring to anything physical, mind you. Rather, I’m

talking about using a form of what I call the Godfather Principle: making your son an offer he can’t refuse. (For the benefit of some younger readers, I’m referring to a famous line from the film The Godfather.) The Godfather offer in question: Tell your son that until he fully cooperates with a doctor or dentist appointment, he will enjoy absolutely no privilege, be confined to his room after supper, and go to bed one hour early. Privilege includes any and all after-school activities, birthday parties, sleep-overs, play dates, toys, television, and any purchases above what is absolutely necessary. To restore his privileges, he must tell you he is ready to be a cooperative patient. At that point, you make an appointment with the doctor. If he displays any form of resistance on the way to or at the appointment, take him home immediately, reinstate his Spartan standard of living and just wait. This may take a week or it may take a month, so be prepared to hang in there with an attitude of nonchalance. Make this your son’s problem and he will solve it.

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Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents One World, Many Voices

Saturday Night Science at Pensacola MESS Hall

February 25 * 6-8 p.m. Tired of the same old thing on Saturday night? The whole family will enjoy our programs with a variety of fun and educational hands-on stations. Tonight’s program is “Building with Biology.” $6.40/$8 member/ nonmember per person, including adults. Space is limited; preregistration is required. For more info, visit www. pensacolamesshall.org.

February 26 * 2:30 p.m. * Saenger Theatre One World, Many Voices will feature multicultural music aimed to bring us together as a choir, a community, a nation and a world. The voices of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus will unite under the batons of Artistic Director Alex Gartner and guest conductor Janet Galván, the founder of the Ithaca Children’s Choir. Call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

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Pensacola Little Theatre Holds Charlotte’s Web Auditions

Harlem Globetrotters Come to Pensacola Bay Center

March 6 & 7 at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Jay Bixler and Maggie Crain, there will be eight performances April 28-May 7 (including a morning show for schools). Auditions will consist of a cold read and theatre games; the script is available for perusal at the PLT Main Office. Roles available for 25 to 35 actors. Chorus members may sub as other supporting characters (such as the judges, reporter, announcer, etc). Call Kathy Holsworth, artistic director, at (850) 432-2042 ext. 102 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ auditions for more info.

March 2 * 7 p.m. A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-ofa-kind family entertainment. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line, located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five session for fans (subject to availability). For tickets or more info, visit Pensacolabaycenter.com or call (800) 745-3000. Kids 2 and older need a ticket. Military discount available at Box Office.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts

Saturday & Sunday, March 11 & 12 Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gulf Breeze High School parking lot on Highway 98 across from the football stadium, 675 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze. Gulf Breeze Arts, Inc. and the City of Gulf Breeze are proud to announce their 23rd annual two-day Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts event. Artists from across the country will display and sell their artwork and compete for cash prizes. In addition, members of the organization and local artists will have their own indoor “Local Art Show” with friendly competition and recognition. Also indoors is the “Student Art Show” comprised of artwork from students around the area. Artists may apply online at www.zapplication.org. For additional info (food vendor application and sponsorship information), please contact Amanda, festival director, at (850) 529-2051, by e-mailing director@gulfbreezearts. com and/or by visiting www. gulfbreezearts.com.

March 16 * 1814 Creighton Road, 5100 North 9th Ave., Pensacola. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Camp Fire’s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day will honor our nation’s youth by asking adults to write simple letters of encouragement and inspiration to the incredible kids in their lives and community. It is a simple, meaningful way to let youth know how much they are appreciated. Simply write an encouraging letter to a kid–one you know or even to one you don’t. We will have an AIKD letter writing event at Cordova Mall on Saturday, February 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, post encouragement to young people on March 16 with #AIKD on your favorite social network! Nationally, the goal of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is for every child to receive a letter. It can be left on a pillow, mailed, stuck in a lunch box, e-mailed, read over the phone or read in person. Camp Fire wants parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, neighbors, educators, mentors and all adults to participate.Visit www.campfirekidsfl.com/absolutely_incredible_kid_day or call (850) 476-1760 for more info. 5

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Toby Mac Performs at Pensacola Bay Center

Tuesday, February 14, at 6:30 p.m. On K-LOVE/AIR1 TobyMac shared the diverse line-up for his 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x153;HITS DEEP Tourâ&#x20AC;? including Matt Maher, Mandisa, Mac Powell from Third Day, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn, who will join him on a trek of more than 30 arenas across the U.S. This tour is presented by K-LOVE/AIR1, Food for the Hungry and Awakening Events. Group tickets available for groups of 12 or more. For more info, contact Chris Wegmann at (850) 432-0800 x231 or cwegmann@smgpcola.com.

Double Bridge Run

February 4 * Pensacola Sports, 101 W Main Street. The Pensacola Double Bridge Run presented by Publix is one of the premier 15K races in the country. It carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. The 5K invites both runners and walkers to travel from Gulf Breeze to beautiful Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands Seashore. For more info or to register, call (850) 434-2800 or visit http:// pensacolasports.org/doublebridgerun/.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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Ballet Pensacola’s Romeo and Juliet

Kazoo Makes the Team Book Helps Local Readers Embrace Literacy

February 3-5; 10-11* 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre Against the backdrop of fair Verona, where we lay our scene, Richard Steinert’s dramatic choreography will tell the tale of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. Sergei Prokofiev’s instantly recognizable score underlies the beauty and passion of these two star-crossed lovers. For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Kazoo Makes the Team, a new book about how the beloved Kazoo became the Blue Wahoos mascot, written by Mandy Fernandez and illustrated by Andy Marlette, is now available at local Pensacola retailers. “Readers will feel all the joys and sadness that Kazoo endures in this tale,” says Fernandez. “Parents and educators can incorporate lessons from the book using its discussion questions and early learning activities at the close. We can all learn from Kazoo’s journey of handling a difficult situation from the story. He found his own unique approach to make the team.” The story aligns with the educational initiative detailed as part of local businessman Quint Studer’s plan to distinguish Pensacola as America’s first early learning city. The team involved in the making of this book created it to encourage kids to read and share a love for literacy. Kazoo Makes the Team is available at Wahoo’s Bait and Tackle Shop in store and online, Bubba’s Sweet Spot and The Bodacious Shops in Pensacola.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Movie Music of John Williams

Saturday, February 11 7:30 p.m. * Saenger Theatre Your favorite movie music of the legendary John Williams will be performed live in concert, including songs from Star Wars, Harry Potter and more! For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/.

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PENSACON (Pensacola Comic Con)

Join us February 17-19 at Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola. Celebrities, gaming, panels, cosplay contest and much more! Hours are Friday 1-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacon.com.

Donate Your Mardi Gras Beads To The Arc Gateway

Mardi Gras is just around the corner. After the parades are over, take your leftover beads to one of several Arc Gateway bead collection sites throughout the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze areas. By collecting and selling bundles of beads, The Arc Gateway is supporting the community’s effort to recycle and reuse materials instead of generating waste. They are also generating revenues that help to sustain their many programs that provide vocational training and job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more than 50 years, The Arc Gateway has been proud to provide life-enhancing programs that help persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities realize their dreams. With the help of members, supporters and volunteers, The Arc Gateway is able to sustain their existing services and develop innovative new ways to help children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their full potential. For more info, call (850) 434-2638 or visit www.arc-gateway.org. Donation Boxes are located at: The Arc Gateway Administration Office – 3932 N. 10th Ave., Pensacola Pollak Industries – 2313 Truman Ave., Pensacola Evermans Foods – 315 West Garden Street, Pensacola Head Hunter Hair Styling – 205 S. Baylen St., Pensacola St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church – 3200 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola Beach Community Bank - 60 Northcliffe Dr., Gulf Breeze Pen Air Federal Credit Union – 3591 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze.

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Mardi Gras Events

Escambia Westgate Parade February 17 * 9:30-10 a.m. Westgate School, 10050 Ashton Brosnahan Road, Pensacola. This parade is held for children with special needs. Navarre Krewe of Jesters Parade February 18 * 1 p.m. Family-friendly. Hosted by the Krewe of Jesters in Navarre. For more info, visit www.nkoj.org. This event is free to attend! It’s a giant party, so feel free to wear a costume. Kids & Kritters Parade February 18 * Casino Beach Parking lot across from Sidelines. Registration is at 1 p.m. and the parade begins at 2. The theme is Ruff, White & Blue... An All American Mardi Gras. Dogs $5, kids free. The Krewe of Kids is comprised of elementary school children. There will be a float contest and costume contest. For more info and/or registration, visit pensacolabeachmardigras.com.

Girl Scouts’ Trail Run for the Cookies

Feb. 16 * 7:30 a.m.-noon. University of West Florida’s Multi Purpose Field, 11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola. Join the Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle for the 2017 Girl Scout Trail Run presented by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The 5K and one-mile run/walk provide something for all ages and fitness levels along the beautiful trails at the University of West Florida. Families, individuals, troops and groups are invited to participate. Awards are provided in several age categories for each run. Special awards are provided to groups such as troops with the most entrants and the school with the most finishers. Call (850) 434-1333.

Annual Krewe of Lafitte Parade February 24 * 7 p.m. Begins at Spring & Garden Streets in downtown Pensacola. This is the only illuminated nighttime parade in Pensacola featuring marching bands, lighted floats and great throws. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit www.pensacolamardigras.com. Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade February 25 * 2 p.m. Begins at Spring & Garden Streets, Pensacola. Crowds catch beads, doubloons and moonpies galore as they are thrown from floats in this family-oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area. Call (850) 436-7638.

Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire

Krewe of Wrecks Parade February 26 * 2 p.m., rain or shine, located at Via de Luna & Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion. There will be approximately 50 units. Parking is very limited. For more info, visit www.pensacolabeachmardigras.com.

March 4-5 * Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Thousands gather to witness the spectacle of armored combat, the thunderous clash of jousters, the swirl of a dancer’s costume and to sample the wares of merchants who have traveled from afar. The Faire goes on, rain or shine. Call (850) 434-1234 or visit www.gcrf.us/. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration February 28 * 5 p.m. Palafox and Government Streets. This free celebration marks the end of the Mardi Gras season. A new King and Queen Priscus will be revealed to lead us for the following Mardi Gras Season. For more info, visit http://pensacolamardigras.com or call (850) 436-7638. 8

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Pensacola Little Theatre Presents My Fair Lady

March 3-5, 9-12 and 17-19 This blockbuster musical has all the singing and dancing and wonderful storytelling that theatre fans love. Based on the book Pygmalion, this is the tale of Eliza Doolittle learning to be a dignified lady through her speech and her actions. Scooped off the street by the irascible Prof. Higgins, Eliza learns to stand on her own. For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Fork Cupid... the Anti-Valentine Show

February 10-12 at 8 p.m. * February 14 at 7 and 9 p.m. Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Hate Valentine’s Day? Don’t sit at home and hate it alone. Come and hate it with us. While everybody else celebrates love, we’re taking a humorous look at failed relationships, murderous relationships, stalking and loneliness. Join us for a good time poking fun at so-called-perfect relationships, poking fingers at lovers in love, and poking holes in Cupid’s work. Fork Cupid is a fundraiser presented by First City Shakespeare to benefit the teen production of Much Ado About Nothing coming in April! Seating is limited, so buy your tickets early. Tickets are $20 apiece; $25 with champagne. Couples surcharge $10. E-mail info@ setsco.org, call Michelle Hancock at (662) 278-8383 or visit http:// setsco.org/first-city-shakespeare.html.

I Pink I Can Run

February 18 * 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola. 4th annual run/ walk for breast cancer. 4 mile out/back along the Florida/ Alabama coast. All proceeds from this event benefit the Keeping Abreast Foundation! For tickets, visit www.active.com/perdido-key-fl/running/distance-runningraces/i-pink-i-can-run-2017?int=.

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Autauga County Schools

Achieve Escambia Launches Kindergarten Readiness Collective Action Network

Achieve Escambia wants to make sure that every child achieves school readiness within Escambia County. To work toward this goal, the partnership has created a “Collective Action Network,” or “CAN,” consisting of community advocates who are focused on raising the percentage of children that are kindergarten-ready. The team will look at data through a structured, evidence-based, long-term approach. As a result of community input, Achieve Escambia will then move into action, develop initiatives, and decide as a team where resources need to be aligned. “I’ve been impressed by the collective support and strong commitment Achieve Escambia has received from the Pensacola community,” said Director Greg Voss. “We chose to focus on the 0-5 space initially for our “cradle to career” efforts in order to help build a strong foundation for our education and career readiness efforts in the future.” From early learning experts and educators to parents, school district employees to the healthcare sector, law enforcement to nutrition specialists–there are a wide variety of team members involved with Achieve Escambia’s CAN offering their insight and hoping to help get every child ready for kindergarten by age 5. Achieve Escambia was founded in 2016 when members of the Pensacola business community identified a need to better support and supplement the career readiness efforts taking place across Pensacola. Our mission is to improve education and workforce outcomes for our community; every child, every step of the way, cradle to career. The Kindergarten Readiness CAN was launched in November and meets monthly. For more information, e-mail communications@achieveescambia.com and like us on Facebook.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

East Hill Christian Student Leadership Conference

East Hill Christian School sent several students to Student Leadership University (SLU) 101 in Orlando January 13-16. SLU 101 is the nation’s premiere student leadership experience with a distinctive Christian worldview. The aim of the program is to equip, motivate, enable and empower students for present and future leadership in their schools, churches, teams, families and workplaces. Students are exposed to comprehensive programs focusing on leadership skills. With this training, students are given a 15 to 20-year quantum leap in their ability to think, dream and lead through the lens that leadership begins at the feet of Jesus. Student Leadership Sponsor Tonya Smith is planning the SLU 102 trip to Washington, D.C. for the summer of 2017.

Ensley Elementary Presents Donation to Humane Society

Students and teachers at Ensley Elementary School recently presented a check for $2,010.50 to the Pensacola Humane Society. The money was raised throughout the month of October during the school’s 9th Annual Pennies for Pets Donation Drive. Ensley Elementary second-grade teacher Regina Smolensky, who has also been a loyal volunteer at the Pensacola Humane Society for many years, organized the project. “The money raised this year will go to help build a much-needed outdoor covered patio for the dogs that are housed in the big dog room,” explained Smolensky. “This will enable them to go outside when there is bad weather.” This year’s Pennies for Pets fundraising efforts brought the overall total for Ensley Elementary School’s donation to the Pensacola Humane Society to more than $16,600. “Everyone here at Ensley Elementary School would like to thank everyone in our school family, as well as the community, for their generous donations this year and every year,” said Smolensky. “We are especially appreciative of the local media coverage. We lost count of how many people said they read about our project in the ‘Causes column’ in the Pensacola News Journal and then made a point to come by the school to make a donation.” From left are Sarah Humlie, executive director, Pensacola Humane Society; Anne Getty, second-grade teacher; Regina Smolensky, second-grade teacher and Pennies for Pets project coordinator; and Jeff Keener, development director, Pensacola Humane Society. 10

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Little Flower Catholic Pre-K Uses Technology

At Little Flower Catholic School, we incorporate technology in every classroom. We have Smart Boards and Promethean Boards in every classroom! Pre-k students enjoy using the Smart Board to practice writing their numbers.

St. Paul NJHS Members Contribute to Christmas Ministry

National Junior Honor Society members from St. Paul Catholic School prepared 45 Christmas packages for the Waterfront Rescue Mission’s “Shoebox Project” for homeless women and children. Boxes contained items such as socks, hats, gloves, snacks, small toys and toiletries that were purchased with funds raised by members selling coupon books.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALK-IN CLINIC

Can’t get in to see your doctor? WE TAKE WALK-INS!

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Autauga County Schools

St. John 4H Club Visits Haven of Our Lady of Peace

The student 4H members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic School visited the Haven of Our Lady of Peace nursing home to spread some Christmas cheer. The students sang with the residents and staff and a ukelele and guitar ensemble played many popular carols to celebrate the season. The St. John 4H Club is dedicated to serving others and is led by Kate Durden and Caroline Bush. The musical ensemble elective class is taught by Sr. Nancy Walsh.

N.B. Cook Holds Steinway Benefit Performance

N.B. Cook Elementary School recently held a benefit performance featuring Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva on a Steinway piano.With her help, the school raised just over $1,000 to help pay to bring a Kennedy Center artistteacher to Escambia County later this year to provide training for teachers on how to incorporate the arts into their students’ learning.

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Creative Learning Academy Names New Head of School

In December, the Board of Trustees of Creative Learning Academy named Kim Stafford as the new Head of School. For almost 20 years, she has been in the business of educating children. With experience as a classroom teacher, admissions director, operations director, lower school head and associate head of school, she is uniquely positioned to guide the continued success of CLA’s academic program. Creative Learning Academy has contributed to the growth and success of the Pensacola community for over 40 years by offering high academic standards, a safe learning environment and a culture that values each child as an individual. Mrs. Stafford said, “I look forward to building upon CLA’s well-deserved reputation for excellence in preparing students for high school and college. By exploring new and innovative educational opportunities, we will continue to enhance the high standards associated with that success.” CLA is home to almost 200 students from ages three years old through eighth grade. With small class sizes, experienced faculty and a campus in a park-like setting, CLA offers academic excellence in a culturally enriched environment. Applications for the 2017-18 school year are now being accepted with new student enrollment beginning February 1st. Call 850-432-1768 or email admissions@ creativelearningacademy.org to schedule your visit.

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Brentwood Magnet Performs Christmas Program

A Bugz Christmas was performed at Brentwood Elementary. Photos by Savanna Calhoun. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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GBMS Band Student, Director Recognized

Gulf Breeze Middle School eighth-grader Peyton Redmyer made first chair oboe at Florida Bandmasters Association’s All-State Band performance. Band Director Susan Smithey also received special recognition for 25 years of straight Superior ratings at the District Band Festival. The GBMS Symphonic Band has maintained its ratings through dedication, devotion and fine directorship under Smithey. GBMS had 25 students participate in the free All-County Band concert January 20 at Milton High School.

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Redeemer Lutheran Packs Christmas Shoeboxes

With tradition, Redeemer Lutheran School held its Operation Christmas Child box packing party in November. Students were encouraged to bring in toys and supplies for children around the world. Through the Christian outreach organization Samaritan’s Purse, these boxes provide Christmas gifts to needy children around the globe. These boxes also allow the presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to areas of our world that may not typically allow it. Redeemer Lutheran has participated in this outreach project for close to a decade now. The school surpassed its goal and delivered more than 175 boxes. Many boxes were labeled and sent with a special note. Redeemer students also participate in a two-week curriculum which outlines their gifts’ impact.

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Five Star Schools Announced

Episcopal Students Visit Site of Future Skate Park Episcopal Day School’s fifth-grade Agents of Peace visited the site of Upward Intuition’s Blake Doyle Community Park with the park’s creator, local skater and real estate developer Jon Shell. The proposed park will feature top-notch public facilities including a skate park. With an organizational mission of “inspiring and empowering the next generations for a greater community through projects designed to meet the needs of those we serve,” what better young model for these young people, than Shell, as Upward Intuition’s founder and director? Inspired by the “Blue Zones” movement of Northern Europe, Shell is working to develop a recreational public skatepark connected to the “From the Ground Up” Garden located just blocks away from the school. Shell visited the school recently to discuss with students his process for dreaming big and presenting his ideas to our local government for funding and approval. Having just wrapped up our study of Northern Europe and its lifestyles (the origin of “Blue Zone” thinking) and tying in nicely to teaching students about design thinking and deep empathy projects, as well as introducing students to simple physics concepts relevant to STEaM standards such as motion and trajectory, our connection with Shell has been really exciting and the timing serendipitous. His passion for our community, for making the world a better place and starting at home in Pensacola, is contagious.

The Florida Department of Education announced the names of schools in Florida’s Panhandle that have earned the Five Star School Award for the 2015-16 school year. The award is bestowed upon schools that are committed to incorporating family and community members into the school environment to enhance student learning. Statewide, nearly 700 schools earned the recognition. “Family and community involvement is essential to student success, and I am grateful for the parents, caregivers and community members who invest their time in our state’s schools,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “When school leaders and educators engage the community, the result is higher academic achievement and more students prepared for future success.” To earn Five Star School recognition, a school must show that it has achieved all of the benchmarks and criteria in five categories: Community/Business Partnerships, Family Involvement, Volunteerism, Student Community Service and School Advisory Council. Schools must also earn a grade of “C” or above or a school improvement rating of “Maintaining” or “Improving” for the year being recognized. This year’s Five Star Schools are: A.K. Suter Elementary, Beulah Elementary, Blue Angels Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Ferry Pass Elementary, Hellen Caro Elementary, Jim Allen Elementary, McArthur Elementary, Molino Park Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, N.B. Cook Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary and Scenic Heights Elementary.

Marcus Pointe Classes Visit Grandview

Mrs. Wilson’s fourth-grade class and Mrs. Harrison’s fifth-grade class at Marcus Pointe Christian School teamed up for a community service project during the month of December. But, the work started back in November. Students worked for three weeks making blankets to give to the residents at Grandview Retirement Home and practiced Christmas carols to sing for them. The day before Christmas break, the students loaded up on a bus and visited the residents. They delivered the blankets and sang Christmas carols, brightening the spirits of the residents. After the students sang, they passed out candy canes and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Please email news and photos to schoolnews@ greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month! Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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Creative Learning Academy Open Shadow Day

Creative Learning Academy welcomes students grades 1-7 to come be a Dragon for a Day. Register today for a CLA open shadow day on either Tuesday, February 21st and Friday, April 14th 8:30 - 2:30 p.m. To reserve your spot at an admissions event or schedule a private tour, please contact us at 850.432.1768 or admissions@creativelearningacadmy.org.

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East Hill’s ‘Buoyant Boat’ Winners

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Fifth-graders at East Hill Christian recently enjoyed learning how to measure the mass of an object using a balance scale. They also learned to measure the volume of a regular solid by measuring the length, width and height of various empty boxes. They then practiced finding the volume of irregular solids, such as marbles or rocks, using a method called water displacement. The students enjoyed sipping a solution of hot chocolate as we discussed dilution and concentration. The fifth-graders wrapped up the study of matter by constructing boats from aluminum foil and testing their buoyancy. The students then had a contest to see whose boat could hold the most pennies before sinking. Jonathan Carnes and Anise Hogue tied for first place at 162, and Matthew Miley came in second with 106 pennies.

St. John Tries Hand at Engineering

St. John Catholic School’s elementary gifted class of third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students have been working on STEM-based building projects. The students are collaborating to form building and development plans, adjustments and projections to meet the objective goal. The model shown is a student-created design to implement engineering concepts applied to a basic structure built by Nicole King, Sydney Scapin and Emily Francis.

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Marcus Pointe Class Uses Senses to Solve Mystery Mrs. Peek’s mad scientist second-graders at Marcus Pointe Christian School have been using all of their senses in class. The children were able to use their senses of touch and smell to make an observation and come up with a logical conclusion of what the contents of their mystery bags were. Excitement filled the room when the contents were revealed and students learned how reliable their senses can be.

Global Learning Academy’s Bike Day 2016

Thank you to Pensacola Suburban West Rotary Club members, who provided these bikes for Global Learning Academy’s Bike Day 2016!

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Montessori School Has Holiday Parade Fun

Montessori School of Pensacola participated in the downtown Pensacola holiday parade for the third year. The students placed in the top three in the school division for their float design. This year their theme was “Winter in the Woods,” so the children dressed as a variety of woodland creatures and the MSP Boy Scouts marched with the float. Parent volunteers and staff work hard each year on creating a float and representing peace on Earth with the message portrayed by their design.

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Global Learning Academy Takes Musical Trip Global Learning Academy kids took guests on a musical trip around the world recently! The goal was to thank the school’s business partners, volunteers and mentors with traditional holiday music from each grade level’s continent.

Please email news and photos to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!

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Autauga County Schools

George Stone Students Help Others One Backpack Snack at a Time

Students enrolled in the Law Enforcement Academy at George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center spend 33 weeks learning everything they need to become qualified to take the State Officer Certification Exam that, when completed and passed, will allow the student to become a certified law enforcement officer with municipal and county agencies throughout Florida. Every law enforcement class in the GSTC’s criminal justice training program is encouraged to take on a special cause for its class service project as a way to give back to the community. L.E. Class #45 chose the Escambia County School District’s Maintenance Department’s program, Backpack Project USA, for its class project and, after contacting the Maintenance Department to get a wish list of items needed, the students then purchased, as well as asked for donations of, these items toward the project. “After Mr. Lyster (law enforcement coordinator) suggested the Backpack Project, we realized there was a way we could help a student who may not get enough to eat over the weekend by simply donating some of the items on the wish list,” said Class #45’s assistant commander, Kevin Hill. “This allowed us to help make a big difference in the lives of children in need and in turn begin to give to the community as we would do as those sworn to serve and protect.” The items were delivered to the Maintenance Department for distribution in January. Class #45 has also received an invitation to attend the annual 2017 Family Fishing Rodeo and Fish Fry scheduled for next Labor Day so everyone involved with Backpack Project USA can say, “Thanks!” To learn more about the Law Enforcement Academy at George Stone Technical Center, visit http://gstc-ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/criminaljustice or call (850) 941-6200. To learn more about the Escambia County Backpack Project, visit backpackprojectusa.com or call the ECSD Maintenance Department at (850) 469-5467.

EHCS Competition Cheer Team Travels to Orlando

The East Hill Christian Competition Cheer Team travelled to Orlando at the beginning of January to compete in the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders National Competition and placed third in the Varsity Division. The team includes Sarah Dominey (12), Claire Miller (11), Savannah Hatsfelt (10), Jaddis McCaddon (09), Lauren Bondurant (09) and Kendall Gorelikow (06). The girls are coached by EHCS alumni Melissa “Miley” Voelkel, and were also honored with a plaque titled the “Loyalty Award,” which celebrates 23 consecutive years of competition with the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC). Bondurant, immediate right, took first place in the 9-10th Individual Non-Tumbling Routine. She is an honor student at East Hill and a vital part of Student Government.

Gulf Breeze Key Club Distributes Dictionaries

Each year, Gulf Breeze High School Key Club holds fundraisers, collects donations and applies for grants for one of the school’s biggest service projects of the year, called The Dictionary Project. This project benefits the third-grade children in the Pensacola area. Gulf Breeze Key Club goes to 10 elementary schools and personally delivers each third-grader his very own dictionary. When delivering the dictionaries, Key Club members go into the classroom, introduce themselves and why they have come to give out dictionaries. After the introduction, there is a drum roll and Dictionary Woman/Man enters the room and asks the kids trivia questions. Students are also asked to try and pronounce the longest word, read the definition of it, and asked what are some reasons why you would need to use a dictionary.

Please email news and photos to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents. com by the 12th of each month! Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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St. John Coach Named Coach of the Week

Cat Country (WYCT 98.7 fm) Radio recently surprised Kate Durden of St. John the Evangelist Catholic School with the presentation of the “Cat Pack Coach of the Week” award. Durden teaches middle school language arts and is the gifted program coordinator at St. John. She enjoys coaching volleyball in the Catholic Youth Sports League and spending time with her students outside the classroom. She is known as a coach that puts her heart into the game and fun into the team.

Montessori School Hosts Free Lunch & Learn Event

On Wednesday, February 1, from noon-1 p.m., Montessori School of Pensacola will host a free “Lunch and Learn” at its 4100 Montessori Drive campus. This special lunchtime talk will be about the history of Montessori education and what makes it unique. The talk will also cover the history of MSP and information about the school. Light lunch will be served and it is free and open to the public. For more info, visit www.montessoripensacola.com/. To register, visit the Facebook event page: Lunch and Learn, Montessori Event.

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

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Autauga County Schools

Montessori Middle School Writes, Acts and Directs

Each winter, Montessori School of Pensacola’s middle school students have four days to put on a play! The students pick a story, develop a script, make their own costumes and props, learn their lines, and present all in less than a week’s time. This year, the 7th- and 8th-grade class performed its version of Disney’s Toy Story. This is part of what is called “Immersion Week,” where students work very independently on a large project, such as a theatrical production.

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Students from the Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts (SoLA) have formed a robotics team. Team Steel Tempest Robotics spent the fall fundraising successfully, and on January 7 attended the First Robotics Kickoff in Shalimar. The team picked up its robot kit and then began the hard work of building the robot with innovative modifications to compete in a series of competitions with other national and international teams. Several SoLA students competed last year and look forward to working with a larger team, utilizing their focus to keep learning more about robotics.

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East Hill Students Honored With Trip to Valley Forge

Gulf Breeze Enjoys HandsOn Science Experiment

Myles Herren and Bryce Cox have excelled for multiple years in the District History Fair, advancing in 2016 to Washington, D.C. It was an honor for these students to have their exhibit on display at the Smithsonian Institute. Currently juniors at East Hill Christian School, both Herren and Cox have been honored as recipients of the Freedoms Foundation Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program in Valley Forge, Pa. They will travel in March to the 75-acre campus in historic Valley Forge to learn about America and our democratic system of government. Through experiential learning and critical thinking exercises, Freedoms Foundation inspires the next generation to take up the responsibilities present in our democratic republic: respect, accountability, self-sufficiency, defense of liberty, charity and participation.

Gulf Breeze Middle School student Luke Pound and his classmates successfully used a piece of string and a sprinkle of salt to pick up an ice cube. When they added salt to the ice cube, the salt lowered the melting point of the ice. The thin layer of salt melted a thin layer on top of the ice cube. The water cooled down further and re-froze around the string. The students learned that this is why salt is spread on frozen roads in wintry weather.

Montessori Students Study Ansel Adams Art

Montessori School of Pensacola elementary students studied the artwork of famous American artist Ansel Adams recently. Adams was well known as a photographer of natural landscapes and also for his environmentalism. Students created their own mountainscapes with charcoal.

Student Soil Research Project Takes Flight to California

Little Flower Catholic School

Ms. Misty’s pre-K class at Little Flower Catholic School cut snowflakes out of coffee filters and painted them with water colors. The students also attached the poem they learned: “This is my snowflake, I made it myself.  If it were real, it would quickly melt.  It wouldn’t be around forever and ever.  But there is one thing that won’t leave us, no, never.  It is God’s Love for each of us all.  He will never leave us, He’s there when we call.  So if I feel sad or just need a friend,  I can always turn to God, on Him I can depend!”

Two young scientists from Dixon School of the Arts traveled to San Francisco, California to present their research to scientists from across the globe! In June 2016, Dixon School of the Arts’ Sole’ Farmer (Grade 8) and Karriema Jones (Grade 7) began a research project at their school with ‘From the Ground Up’ lead gardener, Elizabeth Eubanks that culminated into a meaningful project worthy of presentation in the Youth Poster Session at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting. Elizabeth is the lead resident gardener at Innisfree Hotels’ The Hive, a community garden in Pensacola, Florida. “The girls are super smart, and I love listening to their thought process and ideas, ”Eubanks says. “They started with many ideas relating to plants and finally came up with a general question.” When growing plants in mushroom compost vs. ECUA biosolids, which will the plants grow best in, and which one is healthiest for consumers? To develop the project, the two scholars grew okra in the community garden, and radishes and Malibar spinach in a plot at their school. The pair came to school twice a week throughout the summer in order to complete their projects in time for the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting which was hosted in California this year. By using a Munsell scale color chart to identify soil and plant color, the scholars also collected dubious notes and an enormous amount of data to indicate plant health. In order to complete their project, they toured the local university and consulted with a coastal science advocate, to make sure they were reading the charts correctly. Additionally, the scholars visited the ECUA biosolids plant to get an overview of procedures. Things are truly taking off at Dixon School of the Arts, where opportunities like these are made possible every day by an amazing staff and community supporters. 21

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A Page in a Book Books That Are Worth the Wait One of the hardest things for children to learn isn’t words, numbers or colors. Most parents will agree that learning patience is one of the most challenging things for a kid to master. Whether it’s watching the clock for a play date, counting the days until vacation, or waiting anxiously for cookies to cool – kids know what patience is. They just tend to have it in short supply. The following titles explore the practice of patience (from both sides of the virtue), giving young readers a humorous perspective of the rewards of waiting.

Treat

by Mary Sullivan (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Awakened by the scent of something to eat, a pup springs up from slumber and into action with just one thing on his mind...a treat. Following his nose, he find his family toddler snacking on cereal. Maybe the cereal is his treat? He waits, but is disappointed to see the cereal eaten by the little girl (and and her toy shark.) Trembling with anticipation, the pup continues his search through every room of the house, with every family member in search of a treat. But it eludes him at every turn. Just when he’s about to lose his mind waiting for a treat, he hears the word he’s been waiting so long to hear. Capturing the nervous tension that comes with waiting for something special to happen, Sullivan’s less-than-patient pup promises to be a favorite picture book pal.

by Steve Antony (Scholastic) Armed with apron, bowl and spoon, Mr. Panda is clearly getting ready to cook something special. His curious friends are quick to inquire about what Mr. Panda is making. As he tells each friend that it’s a surprise and they must wait and see, every friend declares they will not wait and they leave. But as each impatient friend walks away, a small penguin constantly chimes in with “I’ll wait, Mr Panda.” The reader and the dedicated penguin are in for a big surprise indeed, when Mr. Panda’s effort produces an enormous reward for someone with enough patience.

Ready Rabbit Gets Ready

by Brenna Maloney (Viking / Penguin) When Momma’s voice calls through the bedroom door that it’s time to get ready, Ready Rabbit is off to a slow start. First, there are dreams that need dreaming. And there are toys that need to be played with. Momma’s voice keeps calling for him to get ready, as he moves toward getting dressed. But even the task of choosing the right clothes (capes, sidekick masks, or underwear?) can slow the whole thing down. With every possible distraction and delay in the way, will Ready Rabbit ever be ready? An ideal illustration of patience from the other side, readers get a front row seat to the trials of parents who wait (and wait) for their kids to get ready to go. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Q. My dad has been really bad with money his entire life. Anytime he would get into trouble, my grandparents would always bail him out. This time he came to my wife and I, asking for $350 to get out of overdraft at the bank. We’re trying to live on a budget and get control of our finances, and $350 would make things kind of tight at the moment. What do you think we should do?

A. I understand feeling an obligation to help

your dad. But there’s a lesson here that dad needs to learn, and it’s something that goes much deeper than the money or helping out a family member. You have to do the right thing, no matter how dad reacts to this. Right now, the right thing is taking care of your family and not putting them in jeopardy. So my answer to dad would be no. Another thing that needs to happen is for the definition of “help” to change. When you say he’s been irresponsi-

ble with money his whole life, giving him $350 won’t help — and it will make you an enabler. Just handing him $350 will actually hurt him, and it will give him the idea he can continue being dumb with money and hit you up for cash anytime. Like I said, I understand the pull of helping out a parent. So if you feel this is something you absolutely must do, I would advise making the $350 contingent on the fact that he begin and complete a financial counseling course. Be gentle when you talk to him, and let him know it hurts to see him struggling. But let him know, too, it’s his responsibility to work through his debts and take care of his own finances!

Q. My wife and I owe $90,000 on our

mortgage, and we have no other debt. We are able to save about $20,000 a year, so we could have the house paid off in just over four years. She likes the idea of having lots of money saved up, but I would love to be completely debt-free. Should we pay off the house or hang on to the savings?

A. Let’s pretend your house is already

paid for in full. Would you borrow on your home so that you had enough cash that your wife liked it? You say you wouldn’t, so what’s the difference? If you had a paid-for house and you wouldn’t borrow on it to have cash laying around to feel better, why wouldn’t you use the cash laying around to pay off the house? It’s the same thing. The first thing you want to consider is having an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. You also need to make sure you’re putting aside 15 percent of your income for retirement. Other than that, if you have enough cash laying around to pay off your home and you don’t, it’s the same thing as having borrowed on your home in order to have cash laying around. If I’m in your shoes, as soon as the emergency fund is in place — six months of expenses since your wife likes the security factor — and 15 percent is being put away for retirement, I’d take the other money and throw it at the house. Get that thing paid off as fast as you can!

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Even if the weather outside is not frightful, the blues can take a parent down any time during the darker months of winter. If you are subject to the holiday blahs, a post-holiday crash, or gloomy moods all winter long, this list of bluesbusters can come to your emotional rescue. There are lots of things you can try to lift winter doldrums, so never accept feeling down as a foregone conclusion. Improving your mood is possible and you and your family deserve to thrive no matter what the season of the year. Of course, you cannot control how you feel, but you can control what you do about how you feel. So get ready to experiment until you find some strategies that work for you.

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1. Be honest with yourself. If you are feeling down, it’s okay. You’ll bounce back from the blues sooner if you can admit, at least to yourself, that something or some things are bothering you. You don’t have to do anything yet, simply try to identify any sources of disappointment or discouragement. 2. Tell someone you can trust. Never keep the blues to yourself no matter what the severity. Usually the sooner you share your feelings with someone you trust, the sooner you experience relief. If no one is available right this minute, write imaginary letters to someone safe in the interim. 3. Practice acceptance. There is no point getting angry at yourself. This will only make you feel worse. Instead, admit your powerlessness over whatever feelings are coming up. Everyone has feelings and accepting them no matter what is part of being human. 4. Get plenty of rest. When you feel down, getting enough sleep is crucial although getting too much sleep can work against improving your mood. Determine what amount of sleep helps you feel energized and set the alarm for this amount each night. 25

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5. Let the sky hold itself up for a while. Sometimes blues are brought on by stress. The first thing a parent can do to create some relief is let go of every responsibility that is not yours. Make a to-do list and then cross off everything you don’t have to do right now. Narrowing your responsibilities to just the must-dos can create some immediate relief. 6. Ask for help. Don’t be a martyr. People who feel comfortable asking for and receiving help are usually not sufferers. If you can’t speak up, it’s time to shake off any victim tendencies you may have and start standing up for yourself.

What About the Can’t-GetOut-Of-Bed Blues? If you are feeling so low that you consistently don’t want to get out of bed, it’s time to talk to a doctor and a therapist. A doctor can help you recover your chemical health and a therapist can help recover your emotional health. Schedule regular appointments with both types of professionals until you regain a consistent stable mood. Don’t settle for anything less than feeling good. If you do not feel good, it’s time to get help. Shame keeps people from seeking help for mood disorders. But when you have a family and they depend on you, you don’t have the luxury of not taking quality care of yourself. If you can’t do it for yourself, get help initially for your loved ones. With the right support, and an ongoing program of new habits, you’ll soon be taking better care of yourself. Because you deserve it. We all do.

7. Move some energy. Energy needs to move. If you are feeling down and not exercising, then this is an easy fix. Don’t think about it too much, just move. You can think later, when you are assessing how much better you feel. 8. Avoid alcohol and other depressants. Depressants are only going to make you feel worse. This may be hard to recognize if you are in the habit of self-medicating. You may think your “medicine” makes you feel better, not worse. But if you felt better, you would not need to self-medicate in the first place. 9. Eat smaller, healthier meals. If feeling down affects your appetite in either direction, see if you can reset your metabolism and blood sugar by having smaller, healthier meals throughout the day rather than just a few large meals. 10. Create a prayer practice. Try getting down on your knees and simply asking for whatever is troubling you to be removed. Turn over everything stressing you and ask for help to make room for good to flow in. 11. Build inspiration into your daily life. You can overwrite negative voices with positive messages. Opportunities for daily inspiration abound in the Internet age. Set up daily uplifting messages to your inbox, listen to radio shows or stream videos that make you feel good. 12. Focus on appreciation. No matter how badly you feel, surely there is something that makes you feel good. There is nothing wrong with feeling grateful for a cup of coffee, as long as you really mean it. Notice your appreciation, feel it, share it, write

it down. Do whatever you can to make feelings of gratitude bigger and longer lasting. 13. Make a list of the happiest moments from your life. Own what made each moment powerful to you. Forget what others felt about those moments. Let the rest of the past go. No need to hang onto any unhappy memories.

Joyful Practices For Every Day Journaling Exercising Painting Sculpting Collaging Knitting Reading Decorating Walking Coloring Meditating Gardening Photography Scrapbooking Puzzle-solving

14. Switch to glass half full. When you notice yourself focusing on or expressing the negative, pause. It’s just a habit and habits can be changed. Find something-anything-positive to focus on in the moment. If nothing strikes you, engage in one of your new constructive habits, which will create a positive shift you can then appreciate. 15. Do something joyous every day. Everyone has activities they do that cause them to forget time and get into a flow state. What are yours? Try to work in at least a half hour a day of flow time, no matter what else is going on. GPP Author, journalist, and writing coach, Christina Katz has known many who have suffered from the winter blues. She hopes this article will encourage them to reach out for help sooner rather than later, so they can experience relief and rediscover the joys of winter.

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Show Love to Your Family Thru Affection & Nurturing “Guess what girls?” I ask. “What?” They shouted back? “Chicken butt,” I say to them and cause them to laugh. They look at me like I’m crazy. So I repeat. “Guess what?” I ask them. “What?” They respond louder and more annoyed. “I love you,” I say and smile at them. “I love you too,” they reply simultaneously and smile back at me. This is a conversation I replicate with my children almost daily. Though it’s silly, it has become my way of taking in the moment and letting them know that I love them. Since just saying “I love you” may be cumbersome or lose its merit after awhile, I do two things to add more depth to that threeword phrase. I display impromptu affection and provide opportunities to nurture within my family.

Display Impromptu Affection

Hug and kiss your family members whenever the moment feels right. Do this as often as you (and they) can stand. You can even show affection in more creative ways. My nine year old asks me for “backwards hugs.” This is when she puts her arms behind her and hugs my waist. I cannot see her face but I can kiss the top of her head. It’s just a variation from

the traditional bear hug. Now that she’s maturing, I take any and all handouts she gives me. Sometimes I just run up and tickle my daughters, out of the blue and for no reason, other than to surprise them. On occasion I catch my girls playing happily and cordially so I will walk up to them and whisper a compliment into each of their ears. We still hold hands in parking lots and inside crowded stores. This is not only a safety precaution but also a chance for me to feel close to them. I squeeze their hands. We point out things we see around us. I skip with them or pull them around in a wacky manner too. Sitting on the sofa, I may play with my girls’ hair or invite them to snuggle close while we watch a movie. I don’t ever want them to forget that I love them. I want them to know and feel my fondness for them. I hope they always remember what compassion is like and how it can carry them through their lives.

Provide Opportunities for Nurturing

In order to show real love to children, we need to provide opportunities for our kids to nurture and care for another thing or being. I didn’t realize the significance of this until recently when we welcomed a puppy into our family. Our previous dog died three years ago and it took us that long until we felt ready for another pet. Finally two days after Thanksgiving, we went looking for a dog. As a family, we spent a whole day visiting several places and looking at options until we picked out the right one for us. Since then, both our girls have had the chance to feed, bathe, and care for this animal. We have also cleaned up his mess, scolded him for chewing and been knocked over and scratched 27

numerous times. Yet here’s the incredible thing - it has bonded us all. I’ve seen my kids laugh more, play outdoors more and open up in refreshing ways that I hadn’t seen earlier. My husband and I even joke and look more lovingly at each other and the dog too. Now does that mean I think every family needs a pet or a dog in order to do this? No, certainly not. But the act of looking after another thing can teach families a lot about love. If a pet isn’t right for you, then it could be a plant. Perhaps there is a mentoring opportunity that could build a loving relationship. Our area has so many great volunteer opportunities with people in need, such as Reading Pals or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. If you ask around to schools, churches, hospitals and charities, you’ll always find an individual or group in need of a little tender loving care (TLC). Finding a person, place or thing that your family can give TLC to will strengthen the capabilities of love within your hearts.

Live and Think With Heart All Year Long

February is known as “heart month” for many good reasons. As parents, we should lead with love all year long, not only during Valentine’s Day. To help your family grow and connect more, display random acts of affection with your children. Then foster nurturing relationships through a method or means that is right for you. Open your arms, mind and heart with purpose. 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 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, Kazoo Makes The Team, was just released. Visit her at www. writtenbymandy.com.

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New Guidelines for Tots and Tech For many years, the American Academy of Pediatrics had strict rules about screentime—no exposure for kids under 2 and no more than two hours a day for preschoolers. Last December, the Academy abandoned those guidelines, acknowledging what parents already knew: Screens are everywhere. One recent study, published in the Academy’s journal Pediatrics found “nearly universal exposure” for children under two. Even under age one, half of all babies interacted with a mobile device every single day, playing simple games, watching videos and fooling with apps. Academy policy makers concluded, “In a world in which ‘screen time’ is becoming simply ‘time’ our policies must evolve or become obsolete.” The revised guidelines from the Academy don’t offer specific rules, perhaps because there isn’t clearcut research showing that certain uses of mobile devices help or harm very young children. Instead, they provide general advice, intended to guide parents as they make decisions about when to hand over a tablet or a cellphone to a baby or a toddler. Here are their guidelines: Media is just another environment. Child development hasn’t changed. The Academy points out that kids do what they have always done but now they do much of it virtually. The most rapid period of brain development takes place before age three so infants and toddlers need a wide range of experiences, with and without technology, under the supervision of loving adults. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

Parenting has not changed. Parents still have to make decisions about what’s good for a particular child in a particular situation. The video that makes one child giggle may be overstimulating to another child or the same child at a different time of day. Good parents respond flexibly to new situations and, most importantly, to each child. Role-modeling is critical. Little kids imitate adults. Parents who want kids to have healthy relationship with screens will have to model self-control by setting limits for themselves. We learn from each other. Young children learn most easily when they are interacting with people. Language, in particular, develops most readily during natural back-and-forth exchanges between babies and adults. According to some studies, lengthy passive exposure to media such as videos may actually inhibit language acquisition. On the other hand, technology that promotes interaction—video chatting with a family member, for example—may stimulate language and other kinds of learning. Content matters. Rather than setting arbitrary limits on time spent with screens, the Academy recommends that parents think about everything a child does during the day. Is there plenty of time for being outdoors, moving around, reading books, singing songs, snuggling, being silly? Time with technology becomes a problem when it edges out other activities. Curation helps. Any app can claim that it’s educational. Very few have research to back up that claim. Little children, in particular, deserve the highest quality products parents can find. Before 28

downloading an app or firing up a video, check reviews from organizations like Parents’ Choice (parents-choice.org), Children’s Technology Review (childrenstech. com/) or Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org/). Playtime is important. Unstructured playtime stimulates creativity and independence. Unplugged play is especially important for very young children because they learn from touching and manipulating objects in the three dimensional world. Set limits. As many adults know, technology can have a mesmerizing effect. Games, in particular, are often designed to encourage mindless swiping, and little kids—like everyone else-may find it difficult to disengage. Setting limits requires the same gentle but firm techniques parents use in other settings. When children want cookies for lunch—or unlimited time on the I-pad—it’s up to parents to steer them in a different direction. Create tech-free zones. In particular, the Academy recommends that parents teach kids to power down during meals and at bedtime. Little children are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if meals are a happy, social time with lots of playful interaction. At bedtime, research shows that light from screens can interfere with sleep cycles, so the Academy recommends devices be kept out of bedrooms. Kids will be kids. Very little children are likely to be hard on devices because they don’t know any better. They may put them in their mouths, bang with them or toss them in the toilet. The Academy points out that “these can be teachable moments if handled with empathy.” The world may be filled with screens, but this advice from AAP rings true: “Keep face-to-face up front and don’t let it get lost behind a stream of media and tech.” 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, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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If you’ll be returning to work after your baby is born, you probably know that open daycare spots can go faster than ice cream melts on a hot day. Still, for your child’s wellbeing and your own peace of mind, it pays to get picky.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

Starting about a few months before you’re ready, “visit three to five daycare programs,” says Kris Murray, author of The Ultimate Childcare Marketing Guide and a consultant to the childcare industry. To narrow your selection, here are the top questions Murray suggests asking daycare providers that can help you know if you’ve found the right place--or if you need to keep looking. 30

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1 What activities will my

child do? The code word to listen for

is “curriculum.” With emerging research about early brain development, top childcare programs aren’t glorified babysitters. They’re full-featured learning environments, even at the infant level because learning starts from birth. “There are all sorts of age-appropriate curriculums available now, from baby sign language in an infant room to early reading, nature, science, art, technology and drama programs for toddlers,” Murray says. Each program is typically organized into themes. If the theme is insects, for example, your toddler might be asked to dress up as his favorite bug for the drama unit, paint a bug for the art unit and learn about insects in the computer lab for the technology unit. To you though, it may all just look like fun and games. But that’s the idea. “Children learn best through play,” Murray says.

2 What’s the teacher to

child ratio? It’s important for your

child to get plenty of attention, especially the younger she is. Babies and toddlers

12 months old and younger need an adult to child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult per four infants). For toddlers 12 to 28 months old, the ratio should be 1:3, one instructor per three children. Small class sizes of 10 to 12 children or less is preferred too. Even if there are plenty of adults to children, a larger group of toddlers can feel chaotic.

It’s a big plus. Imagine sitting in a meeting and getting a text from your child’s daycare or preschool with a video or photo of a picture he just painted. “Real time streaming helps you stay connected to your child’s day,” Murray says. When you pick your child up, you can say “Look at the cute pictures I got from you today” and talk about them together.

The best answer is, “No problem. We have an open door policy.” Impromptu parent visits should always be welcome, Murray says. After signing your child up, you should be able to drop by anytime.

“Ask for a list of the teachers, which includes the number of years of experience they’ve had in the field, their degree (in early childhood education for the lead teacher) or the training they’ve had,” Murray says. Lead teachers should also have five to seven years of experience. With practice comes the competence to handle challenging issues, such as fighting and other behavioral problems or potty training in a toddler program.

What’s your policy What are the qualificaabout unannounced visits? tions of your caregivers?

4 How will I know what

my child did all day? Some

daycare centers will distribute a daily activity sheet detailing what each child experienced that day, such as what she had for snack and how often her diaper was changed. Even better is paperless communication. Many daycare centers offer e-mail or texting messages two to four times daily.

6 Are drop-off and pick-

up hours flexible? If you work

from home sometimes or need a half-day

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help here and there, look for a daycare option works with your nontraditional schedule. Daycare that’s less than fulltime is a growing trend. “For a monthly membership fee, many daycare centers will allow you to drop off your child whenever you want,” Murray says.

because you can see what’s going on, it allows you to engage in your child’s day (“I saw you help Sam pick up his crayons. That was so nice of you.”) “You get to spy with a positive purpose,” Murray says.

How often do the kids get to go outside?

What’s the security situation like? Most childcare

programs are safer than they were five years ago. Some now, for example, have biometrics at the entrance. Instead of punching in a code at the door, you’re be required to place your finger on a pad to enter the building. “Stricter regulations on safety and background checks are now required in many states,” Murray says. When touring a daycare center, ask whether the children are monitored by a secure webcam. Is the feed distributed to the director’s office so there’s oversight of what’s happening in the classroom? (Good.) Can you have access to the feed as well? (Double good.) Not only does camera surveillance provide peace of mind

Beyond extremely hot or cold weather, “there’s no excuse for children not to get outside every day,” Murray says. Your childcare center should support the full health of the child, which includes spending time in nature and being active.

What’s your disaster recovery and emergency policy? If there’s a fire or disaster at the school, you want to know that teachers have been properly trained to respond quickly and effectively to get every child out. Every teacher should be trained in CPR too.

10 Ask yourself: Am I

comfortable with the environment? After you’ve nar-

rowed it down to your top picks, spend an hour or two hour observing a classroom when the kids are awake (not at nap time). What’s the vibe? The daycare center should feel open and warm-hearted. Teachers should look like they’re happy to be there and engaged with the children. If you get a good feeling about the place, chances are your child will like it too because he’ll pick up on your satisfaction. Finally, confirm your selection by finding out what everyone else has to say. Review testimonials from other parents on the daycare center’s Facebook page and review sites such as Yelp. “Sometimes there are disgruntled employees or an occasional unhappy parent,” Murray says. If you see 10 great reviews and one negative one, you’re probably fine. “Look for a preponderance of positive.” GPP

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32501 East Hill Christian ad on page 20

1301 East Gonzalez Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday, Ages: K4(VPK), K5 - 12th VPK offered. The mission of East Hill Christian School is to educate students morally, intellectually, and physically, based on the Word of God, in a loving, Christian environment. Contact: Headmaster Glenn A. Dickson, 850-438-7746 www.ehcs.org

Montessori School of Pensacola ad on page 15

1010 North 12th Avenue, Suite 138, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. Half day option available. Ages: 18 months - 8th grade MSP is committed to providing a Montessori education that inspires academic excellence and fosters respect, integrity, independence, and critical thinking in a caring community. Contact: Kathy Turtle, 850-469-8138 www.montessoripensacola.com

Beulah’s Pre-K and Learning Center

1505 West Avery Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:45 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 2:00 pm, Ages: 6 months - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Beulah Black, 850-435-6943

CAP Head Start

Several Location Options. Please visit our website or call. Pensacola Monday - Friday. Hours vary by location. Ages: Ages vary by location. Please call Contact: Deborah Nagle, 850-607-6599 www.capc-pensacola.org/programs/head-start

Christ Church Mother’s Day Out

18 West Wright Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years Contact: Carol Bridges, 850-436-4631 www.christ-church.net

First Baptist Church Christian Preschool 500 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Monday - Thursday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm., Ages: 5 months - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Lauren Sansing, 850-433-0063 www.fbcp.org/ministries/preschool

Greater Little Rock Preschool

901 North A Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm, Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Deidre Patton, 850-433-9476 www.glrockbc.org/_rock_cdc

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

904 East Jackson Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. VPK Monday - Thursday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Ages: VPK - 12th grade, VPK offered. Contact: 850-542-7914 www.lighthousepca.com

Methodist Children’s Academy

6 East Wright Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:50 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Ages: infant - 5th grade, VPK offered. Contact: 850-438-6761 www.fumcpensacola.com/

32502 Episcopal Day School, Hilton-Green Campus ad on page 37

223 North Palafox Street 601 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, Ages: PreK2 - Kindergarten The EDS Hilton-Green Campus is a distinctive student-centered school for early childhood education in downtown Pensacola, Florida. The school includes 9 classrooms accommodating two year olds through first grade students. Located on the edge of the North Hill residential area, the school has a neighborhood feel in a safe and secure urban setting. Our spacious large playground, fruit and vegetable gardens, butterfly gardens, outdoor demonstration area, lush courtyard, and playgrounds, offer teachers and students alike the opportunity to bring the classroom “out of doors.” The large classrooms are an inviting setting for a curriculum focused on reading readiness, art, science, social

studies, math and manipulatives. Our Integrated Arts program also provides Spanish instruction through music, drama, art, and active movement. Students are also enriched in the areas of Christian education, technology, library, and Wee Worship. We are driven by our desire to educate the whole child through student-centered work, teaching 21st Century skills, modeling good stewardship, and supporting children in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond. Contact: 850-466-2060 www.edscc.org

Child Discovery Center of First Presbyterian Church

33 East Gregory Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30am - 6:00 pm, Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Anna Willhite, 850-433-2463 www.fpcpensacola.com/cdc/

Seville Bayside Montessori School

400 South Alcaniz Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years, VPK offered. Contact: Margaret Rohrer, 850-433-5000 www.sevillebaysidemontessori.com

32503 Creative Learning Academy ad on page 16

3151 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. Extended day offered until 6:00 pm., Half day option available for 3 year olds. Ages: 3 years - 8th grade CLA’s Preschool is the gateway to your child’s remarkable educational experience. A unique blend

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Ages: 8 weeks - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Anna Kay Shirah, 850-435-7829 www.trinitypcola.org/tlc

32504 Camp Fire ad on page 31

of Montessori-based concepts and enrichments which include Spanish, Technology, Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education prepares students for success in elementary school and beyond. Our preschool is for three through five year old students and merges Montessori methods with developmentally appropriate instructional practices. The low student-to-teacher ratio allows for individualized attention in critical areas such as language and math. As children leave our preschool, they are equipped with the tools to be successful in kindergarten. Students are reading or “reading ready” and eager for the next challenge. Children are exposed to the base ten mathematical concepts and are ready for basic math skills. Their knowledge of scientific and geographical concepts has been solidly established, and they are ready to enter the next phase of their education excited for opportunities ahead. With the infusion of quality enrichments to the curriculum, CLA preschool ranks as the highest quality preschool in Pensacola. Creative Learning Academy is Now Accepting Applications for the 2017-2018 School Year. To schedule your private tour contact us at 850.432.1768. Contact: 850-432-1768 www.creativelearningacademy.org

learning community that inspires lifelong growth of mind, body, and spirit. Our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 programs are designed around the ability of the child to discover the world around them through play and guided instruction. Our center-based approach allows the child to imitate life through play in the kitchen, grocery, dress up, building, reading, writing, art, puzzles, transportation, and play-doh centers. In addition to their classroom curriculum, our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4/VPK classes participate in other special learning activities such as Music Class, Spanish Class, PE Class, Library, and Technology Class. Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 enjoys freetime play on the playground and in the classroom throughout the day. Please call or visit our website for more information. Contact: 850-436-6435 www.stpaulcatholic.net

Angels at Peace Learning Center

1507 East Moreno Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. Half day option available., VPK offered. Contact: Juanita Lindsey, 850-433-7995

Children’s Learning Center

Gateway Christian Preschool ad on page 13

245 Brent Lane, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. Ages: 1 year - 4 years, VPK offered. The mission of the Gateway Christian Preschool, is to make a positive difference in the lives of young children so they will excel and be successful in life. In a loving and moral environment children are assisted in developing age-appropriate skills through play based learning. Children will learn to model important concepts such as taking care of property, showing respect for others, and learn limits of behavior through encouragement and natural consequences. We strive to provide an environment for all children to be free to express themselves and develop an awareness of their own learning style, and to support that development of personal growth and self confidence. Contact: Barbara Deem, 850-476-4466 www.gatewaycoc.org/outreach/gateway-christianpreschool/

Sacred Heart Cathedral School ad on page 23

1603 North Twelfth Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday, Ages: VPK - 8th, VPK offered. Our mission at Sacred Heart Cathedral School is to educate hearts and minds for God. As missionaries of the Church, we let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus is the reason for our school. Living as Disciples of Christ, we strive for academic excellence and service to all. Contact Mrs. Elizabeth Snow, Principal at esnow@shcs.ptdiocese.org to schedule a tour today! Contact: 850-436-6440 www.shcs.ptdiocese.org

St. Paul Catholic School ad on page 19

2203 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Wrap around care offered. Ages: Infant - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Maxine Lawson, 850-476-0630 Find us on Facebook at Children’s Learning Center of NWFL

Destiny’s Child Learning Academy

2525 North Tarragona Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Destiny Garrett, 850-791-6552

Jacqueline Harris Early Learning Program

1408 East Blount Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm., Ages: 3 years - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Wanda Simmons, 850-439-1114

Scenic Preschool Daycare and Learning Center, Inc.

945 Scenic Highway, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:30 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Jackie Cotton, 850-438-2692

St. Christopher’s Children’s Center

3200 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 1 year - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Allison Sanchez, 850-434-0986 www.scpen.org

St. Paul Lutheran Preschool

4600 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 1:55 pm, Half day option available. Ages: 1 year - 5years, VPK offered. Contact: Monica Moore, 850-438-3805 www.stpaulpensacola.org

3121 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 2:45 pm. VPK 7:30 am - 11:30 am, Ages: K3 - 8th, VPK offered. St. Paul Catholic School is a Christ-centered

Trinity Learning Center

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

3400 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm., Half day option available.

1000 College Boulevard, Building 24, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 5:30 pm. Ages: 1 year and up, VPK offered. With our research-proven curriculum, you can feel confident that your little one will thrive at Camp Fire. In Camp Fire child care and VPK, our well-trained staff use our Thrive{ology} framework to create a nurturing learning environment while offering a variety of experiences such as outdoor activities, games, music, crafts and more. If you’re considering a daycare or VPK, let Camp Fire be your first choice. We have served many families across the Milton, Pensacola & Century, FL communities. Let Camp Fire help your child light the fire within! Tour our facility, or call today to learn more! Contact: Tina Isaacson, 850-484-1524 www.campfirekidsfl.com

Cokesbury Methodist Children’s Center ad on page 39

5725 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:45 am - 11:45 am., Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years. Afterschool program for K - 5th, VPK offered. Our goal is to enhance good character and personal qualities within each child while maintaining the highest possible educational techniques and procedures in a nurturing, Christian atmosphere. Activities include: Math, Science, Literacy, Art and Music along with weekly Chapel and Exercise programs. Meals and snacks provided. Contact: Elizabeth Ramirez, 850-476-5847 www.cokesburychurch.com/childrens-center

Aletheia Christian Academy

1700 Woodchuck Avenue, Pensacola Monday-Friday; 8:00 am - 2:30 pm. VPK Monday Thursday; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Ages: 4 years - 11 years, VPK offered. Contact: Traci Weidlich, 850-969-0088 www.acalions.org

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2201 Langley Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 5:30 pm., Half day option available. Ages: infant - 12 years Contact: Juantesha Easley, 850-476-8930

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Brighter Beginning Children’s Center

Amazing Grace Christian Preschool

6601 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. VPK Monday - Thursday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Ages: 2 years - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Amy Onkka, 850-505-7735 www.amazinggrace.gracepensacola.org

Bells and Bubbles Child Development Center

1204 Creighton Road, Pensacola Monday - Sunday; 5:30am - 10:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years Contact: Erica Judge, 850-484-5439

Childcare Network - Creighton

4079 Creighton Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am 12:30 pm., Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Christine Goodin, 850-479-1242 www.childcarenetwork.com

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Hillcrest Baptist Church Spanish Trail Daycare

3960 Spanish Trail, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm. Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Phyllis Hinnant, 850-434-6612 www.hillcrestchurch.com

Kinder World

2000 Toni Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 5:45 pm. VPK Monday - Thursday; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 11 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-477-7080 www.mykinderworld.com

Little Explorers Learning Academy

2406 Langley Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm; VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Sharufa Little, 850-432-4100

Northeast YMCA After School Care

3215 Langley Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. Ages: 5 years -12 years Contact: Angela Stephens, 850-478-1222 www.ymcanwfl.org

32505 Kidz Academy North Campus ad on page 7

6025 Enterprise Drive, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 7:00 pm, Half day option available. Ages: infant - 12 years Kidz Academy is excited to announce the opening of our new campus! Call today to schedule a tour! Contact: Larry Kenny 850-435-4472

Marcus Pointe Christian Preschool ad on page 35

Chattanooga, Tennessee

6205 North “W” Street, Pensacola Monday – Friday. Hours 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Ages: Infant - 3 years Marcus Pointe Christian Preschool offers your child a safe, exciting and loving environment. In our care, infants experience normal stimulation such as tummy time, time in jumpers and swings, and fun walks in strollers each day. In the one- and twoyear-old rooms, children learn baby sign language, art, and music, and begin learning potty training, sharing, and playground play through our “Wee Learn” curriculum. Our three-year-old students are well prepared to enter K4 through our “Sing-SpellRead and Write” curriculum. It covers all the basics: numbers, shapes, colors, alphabet, and much more! We invite you to call or visit our website at www.marcuspointechristian.org Contact: 850-479-1605 www.marcuspointechristian.org

Escambia Christian School

3311 West Moreno Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 2:30 pm with Before Care and After Care available, 6:30 am - 6:00 pm., Ages: 3 years - 14 years Contact: Stephanie Davis-Keeton, 850-433-8476 www.escambiachristian.org

Ivy League Early Learning Center

3407 North “L” Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 7:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: Infant - 12 years Contact: Terrance Savage, 850-262-8190

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Loving Hearts Child Care Center

227 North Old Corry Field Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm, Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks -12years Contact: 850-453-2342

Myrtle Grove Baptist Church Preschool

Jubilee Christian Academy

5910 North W Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday, VPK 8:00 am - 11:15 am. Half day option available. Ages: 2nd - 8th grade VPK offered. Contact: Mychie Layne, 850-494-2477 www.jcakids.org

Legendary Christian Preschool

3564 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Eboni Singer, 850-607-8372

Loving Hearts Child Care Center

31 Mason Lane, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Holly Moultrie, 850-434-3937

Mary’s Little Lambs Early Learning Child Development Center, LLC

2601 West Strong Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks -12years, VPK offered. Contact: Carolyn White, 850-439-1080 Find us on Facebook

Sand Castle Academy

4000 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am, Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Zulina Nobles, 850-435-8888 www.sandcastleacademy.net

32506 Capstone Academy Pensacola Campus ad on page 19

4901 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Ages: Birth - 5 years. Charter School: 3 - 5 years; VPK: 4 year old, VPK offered. Capstone Academy is an inclusive educational learning opportunity for all children, ages birth to five years, focusing on early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or who are at risk of delay. As part of our early intervention program, children attending Capstone Academy benefit from music, art, story time, computer, dramatic play, gross motor skills (outdoor play), fine motor skills (manipulative), and free exploration. Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies are offered at Capstone. Therapies are provided during each child’s scheduled classroom hours. Families are always welcomed and encouraged to come and take part in their child’s therapy session. Also offered are Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten for 4 year olds; After School Care for school aged children; and Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapies for infants and children. Contact: Principal Aileen Ilano, 850-458-7735 www.capstoneacademy.org Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

Little Flower Catholic School

5920 Lillian Highway, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm., Half day option available for ages 2 and up Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Mary Ann Winstead, 850-455-3352 www.myrtlegrovebaptist.org

ad on page 3

6495 Lillian Highway, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:40 am - 2:40 pm. Ages: K4 - 8th, VPK offered. Little Flower Catholic School is proud of the high level of thinking we present while providing a plethora of learning opportunities for students Pre-K through 8thGrade. Little Flower Catholic School is proud of the high level of thinking we present while providing a plethora of learning opportunities for students Pre-K through 8th Grade. It is the mission of Little Flower Catholic School to form young people who live their lives, as Jesus did, rooted in prayer, and who strive for a sense of self-worth, academic excellence, and the Catholic values of mercy and compassion. Contact: Principal: Tina D’Aversa, 850-455-4851 www.pensacolalfs.org

32507

Brite Start Learning & Child Care Center

Jamison Street Preschool

Carden Christian Academy

S.L. Jones Christian Academy

5000 Mobile Highway, Suite 9, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Victoria Jordan, 850-457-0096 www.britestartkids.org 3290 Bauer Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm. Half day option available. Ages: K2 (potty trained) - 8th, VPK offered. Contact: Angela Nicholas, 850-492-4873 www.tdcacademy.com

Childcare Network - Fairfield (#113)

7525 Fairfield Drive, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:00 am 12:00 pm, Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Tisha Patterson, 850-455-4864 www.childcarenetwork.com

Christian Institute of Arts and Sciences 2007 North 61st Avenue, Pensacola Ages: K4 - 12th Contact: 850-457-4058 www.christianinstitute.com

KidSmart Learning Center, LLC

313 North New Warrington Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years Contact: Cynthia Fray, 850-455-5580

Kidz Academy

1000 N New Warrington Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 7:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: infant - 12 years Contact: Larry Kenny, 850-453-5911 Find us on Facebook

Knowledge and Fun Learning Center, LLC

Academics Blue Angel Early Learning Center 10271 Sorrento Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6 pm. VPK 8:00 am 11:30 am, 8:30 am -12:00 pm and 9:30 am -12:30 p.m., Ages: 2 years to 5th grade, VPK offered. Contact: Stephanie Lynch, 850-456-9501 www.academicsprek.com

Big Lagoon Learning Center

5655 Bauer Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. Ages: 1 year - 11 years Contact: 850-696-2352 www.biglagoonlearningcenter.com

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20 Jamison Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm. VPK Monday - Thursday; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. , Half day option available. Ages: 1 year - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Peggy Steward, 850-453-5575 www.jamisonstreetpreschool.com 100 Boeing Street, Pensacola Ages: K3 - 12th Contact: 850-456-2249 www.sljcainc.com

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School 325 South Navy Boulevard, Pensacola Monday - Friday; VPK 7:45 am - 11:00 am, Ages: K3 - 8th VPK offered. Contact: 850-456-5218 www.stjohnpensacola.com

Treehouse Learning Center

3912 Barrancas Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Ages: 1 year - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Rosie Sukal, 850-453-4598

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Blessed Star Montessori Christian School

9151 North Davis Highway, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 12:30 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 2 months - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Olivia Chen, 850-476-9208 www.blessedstar.com

Hillcrest Church Mom’s Day Out

800 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm., Ages: 1 year - 4 years Contact: Leigh Fleming, 850-476-2233 www.hillcrestchurch.com/ministry/preschool/

Little Learners Discovery Center

Kids Klub Learning Center

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596 North Fairfield Drive, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 9:00 am - 12:00 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks -12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Hitomi Wright, 850-456-4133 204 North New Warrington Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 8:30 pm; Saturday 6:00 am - 6:30 pm., Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Shelia Mcmillion, 850-637-1628

8350 North Davis Highway, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:15 am - 11:15 am., Ages: 6 weeks -11 years, VPK offered. Contact: Brittany Curtis, 850-478-7090 www.kidsklubpensacolafl.com

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La Petite Academy, Inc.

9601 Pickwood Drive, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:30 pm. VPK 9:00 am 12:00 pm., Half day option available for ages 2 and up Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Michele Thomas, 850-478-6772 www.lapetite.com

Growing

223 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 850.434.6474 www.edscc.org

Little Red School House

3785 East Olive Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 5:30 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Half day option available. Ages: 2 years - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Shaunna Bailey, 850-477-2773 Find us on Facebook

Miss Kathy’s Early Learning Center

8721 Chemstrand Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:00 am - 11:15 am., Ages: 6 weeks - 5th grade, VPK offered. Contact: 850-476-8320 www.misskathys.com

Miss Kathy’s Pre K and Discovery Center

2275 East Johnson Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:00 am 11:15am., Ages: 2 years - 5th grade, VPK offered. Contact: 850-479-6031 www.misskathys.com

Olive Baptist

1836 East Olive Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Ages: 1 year - 4 years Our Kid’s Day Out is a Bible-based early childhood education program. It is our desire to partner with families to build a strong academic and spiritual foundation for every child. In addition to classroom activities, children will participate weekly in chapel, music, Spanish, gym, art, and technology classes. We strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children learn about God’s love. We accomplish this mission through creative age-appropriate Biblebased academic teaching. Our desire is to help children reach their greatest potential spiritually, mentally, physically and socially by providing a safe environment while they engage in early-learning experiences. Contact: Nancy Savage, 850-475-1124 www.olivebaptist.org

Now accepting Now acceptingapplications applications for the the2017-2018 2017-2018school school year! year! PreK2 – 8th Grade

Pensacola Junior Academy

6+ Live Animals / 45+ min Show Starting at $200 / We Come To You!

8751 University Parkway, Pensacola Ages: K4 - 8th Contact: 850-478-8838 www.pjacademy.org

St. James Early Learning Center

219 East Johnson Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am, Part time option. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Vernaden Gordan, 850-549-4771

St. Luke UMC Preschool

School Assembly & After School Program

1394 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. Ages: 1 year - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Jeannette Lascell, 850-477-9299 www.stluke-umc.org/page/st-luke-preschool

UWF Educational Research Center for Child Development

11000 University Parkway, Building 99, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. VPK 8:30 am -

www.animaledzoocation.com

1-800-589-5408 ext. 2 info@animaledzoocation.com 37

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Knowledge Kollege II

5 Hoffman Drive, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 5:30 pm, Half day option available. Ages: 18 months - 1st Contact: Kathleen Mann, 850-934-9665 Find us on Facebook

Paradise Child Development Center

12:00 pm., Ages: 6 months - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Cyndy Watson, 850-474-2195 www.uwf.edu/offices/educational-research-centerfor-child-development/

Victorious Early Learning Center

9111 Sturdevant Street, Suite B, Pensacola Monday - Sunday; 24 hours a day. VPK Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Mon-fri, Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Linda Richardson, 850-475-5805

32526 Childcare Network - West Michigan

2623 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am 12:00 pm, Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-944-3098 www.childcarenetwork.com

Malena’s Mini School II

7181 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am 12:30 pm., Ages: 6 weeks - 12years, VPK offered. Contact: Pamela Barksdale, 850-944-5140 www.malenasminischool.com

Scholar’s Academy, Inc.

2610 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:00 am -12:00 pm, Per day drop off offered. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Deborah Jackson, 850-944-5580

32533 Gonzalez UMC Child Enrichment Center

2026 Pauline Street, Cantonment Monday - Friday; 6:30 am -6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am 11:30 am, Ages: 1 year - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Tammy Hicks, 850-968-6245 www.gonzalezmethodist.org/child-enrichmentcenter/

32534 Childcare Network - Palafox

9608 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:15 am 11:45 am., Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-634-3253 www.childcarenetwork.com

Deliverance Tabernacle Child Development Center

1780 West Detroit Boulevard, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:30 am - 6:00 pm., Part time option Ages: infant - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Latavia Blount, 850-969-1903 www.deliverancetab.org/#!dt-child-development/ cbmt

In His Arms Christian Academy

8497 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 5:00 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday, Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

5:00 am - 8:00 pm, Half day option available. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Cornel Mcgee, 850-453-1199

113 Joachim Drive, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm Per day drop off offered. Ages: 6 weeks 12years Contact: Robin Delillo, 850-932-0722

SRCS - Gulf Breeze Community Preschool

9490 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK 8:30 am - 11:30 am., Ages: infant - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-473-8912

100 Andrew Jackson Trail, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm VPK offered. Contact: Kellie Roane, 850-375-2173 www.santarosa.k12.fl.us/communityschool/gbprek. html

King’s Way Learning Academy

St. Ann Discovery School

Kid’s Place Learning Center

7895 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK Monday - Thursday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Ages: 6 weeks - 11 years, VPK offered. Contact: Sandra Bloodworth, 850473-8255

100 Daniel Street, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 6:30am - 6:00 pm, Half day option available. Ages: 8 weeks - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Angela Fifield, 850-932-9330 www.stanngulfbreeze.org

Malena’s Mini School

32563

9318 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. VPK Tuesday Friday; 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: Rose Doceans, 850-4785733 www.malenasminischool.com

Childcare Network - Oriole Beach

1269 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-9377109 www.childcarenetwork.com

Community Life Preschool

32535 Camp Fire ad on page 31

6031 Industrial Boulevard, Century Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. Ages: 1 year - 12 years, VPK offered. With our research-proven curriculum, you can feel confident that your little one will thrive at Camp Fire. In Camp Fire child care and VPK, our well-trained staff use our Thrive{ology} framework to create a nurturing learning environment while offering a variety of experiences such as outdoor activities, games, music, crafts and more. If you’re considering a daycare or VPK, let Camp Fire be your first choice. We have served many families across the Milton, Pensacola & Century, FL communities. Let Camp Fire help your child light the fire within! Tour our facility, or call today to learn more! Contact: Pam Townson, 850-256-0953 www.campfirekidsfl.com

32561 Children’s Place Preschool at Gulf Breeze UMC

75 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze Ages: 1 year - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Renee Cobb, 850-932-1647 www.gbumc.org/childrens-place

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4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Early Care, 7:30 am - 9:00 am. Stay and Play, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm., Ages: 2 years - 4 years, VPK offered. Contact: Michelle Mock, 850-916-7496 www.clc.life

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

4257 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Monday - Thursday; 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Ages: K3 - 2nd, VPK offered. Contact: Director: Sue Mathews; Principal: Bonnie Karmie, 850-932-9127 www.goodshepherdgulfbreeze.org

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2800 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 6:00 am - 6:30 pm. Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-932-4409 www.kidsdiscovery.net/categories/gulf-breeze,florida

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Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

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5613 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. VPK Monday - Thrusday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Ages: VPK - 12th grade, VPK offered. Contact: (850) 934-0180 www.lighthousepca.com

St. Paul Methodist Church Preschool 4901 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 1:30 pm. Ages: 2 years - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Libbra Barker, 850-932-0692 www.stpaulmethodist.org

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The Gingerbread House Child Care Center 1542 Central Parkway, Gulf Breeze Monday - Friday; 6:45 am - 6:15 pm Ages: 1 year - 12 years, VPK offered. Contact: 850-934-4711

32566 Curious Apples Early Learning Center 2716 Highway 87 South, Navarre Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Ages: 2 years - 5 years, VPK offered. Contact: Sandra Pate, 850-936-4663 www.curiousapples.com

32570 Capstone Academy Milton Campus ad on page 19

5308 Stewart Street, Milton Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. Ages: Birth - 5 years. Charter School: 3 - 5 years; VPK: 4 year old, VPK offered. Capstone Academy is an inclusive educational learning opportunity for all children, ages birth to five years, focusing on early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or who are at risk of delay. As part of our early intervention program, children attending Capstone Academy benefit from music, art, story time, computer, dramatic play, gross motor skills (outdoor play), fine motor skills (manipulative), and free exploration. Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies are offered at Capstone. Therapies are provided during each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scheduled classroom hours. Families are always welcomed and encouraged to come and take part in their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s therapy session. Also offered are Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten for 4 year olds; After School Care for school aged children; and Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapies for infants and children. Contact: Principal Claire Errington, 850-626-3091 www.capstoneacademy.org

Santa Rosa Christian School

6331 Chestnut Street, Milton Ages: K2 - 12th Contact: 850-623-4671 www.santarosachristianschool.com

32571 First Steps Preschool

4187 Highway 90, Pace Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years Contact: Stefanie Morton, 850-994-6092 Find us on Facebook

Lead Academy Classical School 4106 Berryhill Road, Pace Ages: PreK - 9th Contact: 850-995-1900 www.leadacademylions.com

New Beginnings Preschool

4587 Woodbine Road, Pace Monday - Friday; 9:00 am -1:00 pm Ages: 2 years - 5 years Contact: Debbie Quinn, 850-995-4936 Find us on Facebook

32583 West Florida Baptist Academy 5621 US-90, Milton Ages: K3 - 12th Contact: 850-623-8984 www.wfbacademy.org GPP

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When the Music Begins

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Our children are usually introduced to music early in their lives. The first soothing notes of a lullaby create calm and familiarity for our littlest ones. Feeling the rhythmic beats of a song in the car inspires instant energy, nudging toddlers in car seats to kick their feet in time. Music is a versatile companion that meets our children early, and accompanies them as they grow and mature. The following toys expand on kids’ relationship to music and support their interest as they make melodies of their own.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Sing-Along Music Player

Babies have a much broader ear for music than most musical toys give them credit for. Eschewing simplistic jingles, the Mozart Magic Cube shares eight musical masterpieces from Mozart. The cube allows small children to manipulate the layers of sound within the classical compositions. With simple touches, kids can add or subtract instruments from the selections. The sounds they tailor can range from a solo instrumental performance to a full orchestra. Featuring familiar Mozart tunes along with some deeper cuts, this captivating cube will keep little ears tuned in for longer listening and a richer musical exploration.

Empowering a child’s own voice, the karaoke-style of accompaniment opens all new avenues for kids to make their own unique music as they sing-along with their favorite tunes. Using wireless Bluetooth, USB, radio or aux connections, this player lets kids explore adding their own voice to endless selections in your music library. Battery power in addition to plug in allows extra portability. With two microphones, solo singers can also invite friends for duets, doubling the song power of the Kidzlane Sing-along Music Player. Kid-sized karaoke has never been easier to enjoy!

Kidibeatz Drum Set

Teaching Keys Keyboard

There’s nothing quite like the tactile experience of playing percussion to really punctuate the real feel of music. This small drum kit with three heads offers four different kinds of exploration: free play, follow-along, letters and numbers. With programmed melodies in a variety of styles, little hands can tap and pound along with electronic tunes, or use free-play to craft their own rhythms and beats. Making the move from spoons on trays, pots and pans, the Kidibeatz Drums Set is the ideal child-sized kit to bring the boom to the room.

Getting started with a broad variety of demo tunes, this keyboard quickly inspires musical exploration and learning. Players can select rhythms (samba, blues, waltz, etc.) as well as changing the keys’ instrumental sound among harp, trumpet, violin and more. Light-up keys introduce the method behind the music. Stop, play, and record options assist budding keyboardists as they craft their own sound. Adjustable tempo and volume controls lets kids manage the pace of their musical exploration. Whether actively pursuing keyboard skills, or simply playing around, the Teaching Keys Keyboard opens the door to new music skills.

(Kidzlane)

(Fisher-Price)

(VTech)

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

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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FamilyCalendar This Month

Wednesday, February 1

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) 4335353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Friday, February 3

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 7:30 p.m. in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. After 14 years, we have some fondly remembered favorites! Join us for a night of six one acts about love, romance, relationships. A great Valentine’s date night! For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com. 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. 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/non-members per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org. Saenger Theatre Presents Chicago: The Broadway Musical 8 p.m. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Ballet Pensacola’s Romeo and Juliet 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. Against the backdrop of fair Verona, where we lay our scene, Richard Steinert’s dramatic choreography will tell the tale of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. Sergei Prokofiev’s instantly recognizable score underlies the beauty and passion of these two star-crossed lovers. For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Roanoke. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit https://pensacolaiceflyers. com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Saturday, February 4

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 7:30 p.m. in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 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. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. 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. 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. Ballet Pensacola’s Romeo and Juliet 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing.

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FamilyCalendar 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.

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.

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.

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.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Roanoke. For more info, see Febraury 3 listing.

Monday, February 6

Double Bridge Run 7 a.m. Pensacola Sports, 101 W Main Street. The Pensacola Double Bridge Run presented by Publix is one of the premier 15K races in the country. It carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. The 5K invites both runners and walkers to travel from Gulf Breeze to beautiful Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands Seashore. For more info or to register, call (850) 434-2800 or visit http:// pensacolasports.org/doublebridgerun/. Saenger Theatre Presents Chicago: The Broadway Musical 8 p.m. For more info, see February 3 listing. Flora-Bama’s “Super” Chili Bowl Cook-off Noon. Teams of 3 register at Flora-Bama beforehand and will even dress up to show team spirit. They work their chili wizardry to win with their version of the best chili ever and will receive an award at the end of the day.  If you do not want to cook, come by and sample the wide variety of dishes. Cooking begins at 10 a.m. and tickets start being sold and tasting begins at noon. Tickets: $20 per person (includes 1 free beer and unlimited chili). This event benefits the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. For more info and/or to register your team, visit www.florabama.com. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Mozart Madness 7:30 p.m. First Methodist Church. Peter Rubardt, Conductor; Hedi Salanki, Piano. For tickets or more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www.pensacolasymphony.com. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime featuring popular Disney stories. Coloring and activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 for more info.

Sunday, February 5

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 3 p.m. matinee in in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Ballet Pensacola’s Romeo and Juliet 2:30 p.m. matinee. Pensacola Little Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Super Bowl Party 5 - 9 p.m. Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive, Pensacola. Watch the big game with friends in a theater-like atmosphere. Call 435-1750. Free.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

Cat’s Seed to Table Cooking 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 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, February 7

Breakfast and a Movie Series at the National Naval Aviation Museum Enjoy Chick-fil-A breakfast and choice of beverage followed by a presentation and movie in the recently renovated, Giant Screen Digital Theater. Museum historian will present stories of naval aviation history as the curator and archivist share pieces of history from the museum’s extensive historical collection. Doors open at 9 a.m. Presentation begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by movie at 10 a.m. Breakfast & a Movie is $10 per person and tickets are available for purchase at the Giant Screen Theater ticket counter. February 7 movie is Heroes on Deck. For more info, call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.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. 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) 4335353 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/.

Wednesday, February 8

Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 1 listing. Story Seedlings 2:45-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Story Seedlings builds on the foundations begun in Sprouts with emphasis on chapter books. Lessons are geared for 4- to 7-year-olds, but siblings under 10 are welcome to join and participate as they like! Cost: complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Homeschool Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 10 a.m.-noon. Join us all spring for special themed programs just for homeschool families! You will have the opportunity to visit the MESS Hall with your family and other homeschoolers and explore activities centered on specific themes. Activities will be suitable for a range of ages, so bring the whole family. Today’s theme is biology. Learn about different topics in nature and ecology with hands-on activities. $8/$10 member/nonmember per student; chaperones are free. Preregistration required; space limited. For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org. Montessori School of Pensacola Hosts Free Lunch and Learn Event Noon-1 p.m. at the 4100 Montessori Drive campus. This special lunchtime talk will be about the history of Montessori education and what makes it unique. The talk will also cover the history of MSP and information about the school. Light lunch will be served and it is free and open to the public. For more info, visit www.montessoripensacola.com/. To register, visit the Facebook event page: Lunch and Learn, Montessori Event.

Thursday, February 9

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 7:30 p.m. in in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Saenger Theatre Presents Darren Knight… Southern Momma Comedy Tour 7 p.m. Comedian Darren Knight aka “Southern Momma” is a social media celebrity. The Munford, Ala., native has been compared to Jeff Foxworthy as the next star of redneck comedy. For tickets or more info, call (850) 5953880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Cancer Study Group: How DNA is Key to Understanding Cancer 6-8:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. A group that studies about the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http:// everman.org/. Pensacola Opera Pop-up These short performances take place just before the start of Beach Bum Trolley’s Historic Pensacola Tours. Stop by for the Opera and jump on a trolley tour afterwards! Pop-up Opera performances are free events. Trolley tour tickets are available for purchase at the Visitors Information Center, 1401 East Gregory St. Call (850) 433-6737.

Friday, February 10

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 7:30 p.m. in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Ballet Pensacola’s Romeo and Juliet 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Peoria. For more info, see February 3 listing. Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida Mardi Gras Bowl (Also, February 11) Held in partnership with Cordova Lanes. The event consists of five total bowling sessions held at Cordova Lanes. Shifts are as follows: Friday, February 10 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 11 at

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Fork Cupid… the Anti-Valentine Show at Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company 8 p.m. While everybody else celebrates love, we’re taking a humorous look at failed relationships, murderous relationships, stalking and loneliness. Join us for a good time poking fun at so-called-perfect relationships, poking fingers at lovers in love, and poking holes in Cupid’s work. This is a fundraiser to benefit the teen production of Much Ado About Nothing coming in April! Seating is limited, so buy your tickets early. $20 apiece; $25 with champagne. Couples surcharge $10. E-mail info@setsco.org, call Michelle Hancock at (662) 278-8383 or visit http://setsco.org/first-city-shakespeare.html. Episcopal Day School’s Lunch and Learn 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDS Hilton-Green Campus, 601 North Palafox Street. Join us to learn more about preschool and kindergarten opportunities at Episcopal Day School for children ages 2-6. Hear from teachers and meet directors. This event is open to the public. Please RSVP to Lisee Sherrill at lsherrill@edscc.org.

Saturday, February 11

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Movie Music of John Williams 7:30 p.m. Peter Rubardt, conductor. Your favorite movie music of the legendary John Williams performed live in concert, including Star Wars, Harry Potter and more!

Fork Cupid… the Anti-Valentine Show at Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company 8 p.m. For details, see February 10 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Peoria. For more info, see February 3 listing. Ballet Pensacola’s Romeo and Juliet 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 7:30 p.m. in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing. Bay Bluffs & Chimney Park Cleanups 9 -10 a.m. Come join the Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation, Earth Ethics and Ocean Hour for a twolocation clean-up on Scenic Highway the second Saturday of every month. Location one is Bay Bluffs Park on Scenic Highway at Summit Blvd. Second location is two miles north at Chimney Park on Scenic Highway at Langley Ave. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. E-mail oceanhourfl@gmail.com or BayBluffsCleanUp@ gmail.com; visit www.facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 207-9326 and leave a message. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see February 4 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 February 4 listing.

Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. For more info, see February 4 listing. Krewe of Blues Mardi Gras Madness 6 p.m. Enjoy an evening with Krewe of Blues, and listen to the great sounds of The Glenn Parker Band with a special guest appearance by Tomato! Advance Tickets $40.00 through Event Brite or contact any KOB member. Tickets will be $50.00 at the Door. Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres and Cash Bar. Laissez les bons temps rouler! For more information find us on facebook, www. facebook.com/events/677944199053137/. The ball will be held at Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Featured titles are The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story and Valentine’s Day Is Cool. Coloring and activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 for more info. Murder at the Juice Joint 6-9 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S Jefferson St, Pensacola. With the passing of prohibition and organized crime on the rise, The Juice Joint, a swanky speakeasy run by Rosie Marie, has been nothing but jumping. To celebrate its success, Rosie is planning a party to remember at the exclusive nightspot… and you are invited! Hors d’ oeuvres and soft drinks will be provided, and drink tickets will be available for purchase. For more info, visit www.pensacolamuseum.org/murder-mysteryregistration.html.

Sunday, February 12

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents 2017 Short Attention Span Theatre 3 p.m. matinee in in M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. For tickets or more info, see February 3 listing.

Fork Cupid… the Anti-Valentine Show at Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company 8 p.m. For details, see February 10 listing. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see February 5 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 February 5 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 4:05 start time versus Peoria. For more info, see February 3 listing.

Tuesday, February 14

Market in the Breeze 4 p.m.-dark, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see February 7 listing. 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. TobyMac Concert at Pensacola Bay Center 6:30 p.m. Includes Matt Maher, Mandisa, Mac Powell from Third Day, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn, who will join TobyMac on a trek of more than 30 arenas across the U.S. For tickets or more info, visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

Fork Cupid… the Anti-Valentine Show at Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company 7 and 9 p.m. showings. For details, see February 10 listing. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 7 listing. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 7 listing.

Wednesday, February 15

Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 1 listing.

Friday, February 17

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. Guess Who Black History Event Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive Come support our After School Program youth in their presentation for Black History Month. Free admission. Hosted by Play Pensacola Parks and Recreation. 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. PENSACON (Pensacola Comic Con) Join us February 17-19 at Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola. Celebrities, gaming, panels, cosplay contest and much more! Hours are Friday 1-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacon.com. Parisian Masquerade Ball 6 p.m. Wear your most amazing evening gowns, suits, tuxes and masquerade masks and be prepared for a night on the water at the Pensacola Yacht Club. A threecourse dinner will be served, and a ballroom of lights and decor will be sure to set your Mardi Gras mood. After dinner, stick around for one of Pensacola’s finest DJs, who will be sure to keep our celebration going on the dance floor. The evening will feature a few door prize drawings. A cash bar will be open throughout the evening. Tea, water and coffee are included in your ticket price. Tickets will be sold until Feb. 12, with no sales at the door. For more information vist our event on Facebook- www.facebook.com/events/1908918349329410 Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St. Escambia Westgate Mardi Gras Parade 9:30-10 a.m. Westgate School, 10050 Ashton Brosnahan Road, Pensacola. This parade is held for children with special needs.

Saturday, February 18

Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s

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FamilyCalendar

FamilyCalendar clean up at Project Greenshores, also know as Wayside Park West, the third Saturday of every month. Project Greenshores is at the Three Mile Bridge on Bayfront Parkway, 745 Bayfront Parkway. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags will be supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. The second location is Bartram Park located at 211 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola (Behind the Fish House). E-mail: oceanhourfl@gmail. com; visit www.facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www. oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 450-1112 and leave a message. Krewe of Wrecks Grand Costume Ball 8 p.m. Open to the public. Some guests will dress formal while others will wear a costume. The ball will be held at Castaway’s Pensacola Beach. Tickets are $35 per person. Available at Krewe of Wrecks meetings and at the Door. This year’s theme is “Dancing through the Ages”. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see February 4 listing. Girl Scouts’ Trail Run for the Cookies 7:30 a.m.-noon. University of West Florida’s Multi Purpose Field, 11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola. Join the Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle for the 2017 Girl Scout Trail Run presented by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The 5K and one-mile run/walk provide something for all ages and fitness levels along the beautiful trails at the University of West Florida. Families, individuals, troops, and groups are invited to participate. Awards are provided in several age categories for each run. Special awards are provided to groups such as Troops with the most entrants and the school with the most finishers. Call (850) 434-1333. 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 February 4 listing. PENSACON (Pensacola Comic Con) For more info, see February 17 listing. Navarre Krewe of Jesters Parade 1 p.m. Family-friendly. Hosted by the Krewe of Jesters in Navarre. For more info, visit www.nkoj.org. This event is free to attend! It’s a giant party, feel free to wear a costume if you would like. Kids & Kritters Parade Casino Beach Parking lot across from Sidelines. Registration is at 1 p.m. and the parade begins at 2. The theme is Ruff, White & Blue... An All American Mardi Gras. Dogs $5, kids free. The Krewe of Kids is comprised of elementary school children. There will be a float contest and costume contest. For more info and/or registration, visit pensacolabeachmardigras.com.

big job done? Come and find out with Mighty, Mighty Construction Site. 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 February 4 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 February 4 listing.

Sunday, February 19

PENSACON (Pensacola Comic Con) For more info, see February 17 listing. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see February 5 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 February 5 listing. All Krewe Food Drive Challenge 1-5 p.m. Donate on behalf of your favorite Krewe and help them win the Humanitarian Award Trophy this year! Watch the action as Krewes battle it out for most pounds of food raised. Winning Krewe will be announced at the Priscus Celebration on Fat Tuesday where they will receive the Humanitarian Award Trophy! Pensacola Parade People Store will host the weigh-in event. Call (850) 696-7566 or visit www.paradepeople. com/.

Monday, February 20

One Pot Wonders 6-8 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. French cooking made easy with “One Pot” cooking techniques. Price: $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. For more info, call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http://everman.org/event/.

Tuesday, February 21

Market in the Breeze 4 p.m.-dark, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see February 7 listing. Heart for Art Luncheon The Pensacola Museum of Art Guild will hold its 23rd annual Have a Heart for Art Luncheon at the Pensacola Country Club, 1500 Bayshore Drive. The event begins at 10:00 A.M. and includes bridge and other card and domino games, a luncheon, door prizes, a fashion show, silent auction and Pot of Gold. Proceeds raised from this event will benefit the Pensacola Museum of Art for education programming and to support the enhancement of the permanent collection. This signature event sells out each year. Tickets are $50. Sponsorships are available. For tickets, please contact Elyse Bernstein (850) 9124644 or Suzanne Pfeffle (850) 607-6628.

I Pink I Can Run 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola. 4th annual run/walk for breast cancer. 4 mile out/back along the Florida/Alabama coast. All proceeds from this event benefit the Keeping Abreast Foundation! For tickets, visit www.active.com/perdidokey-fl/running/distance-running-races/i-pink-i-can-run2017?int=.

Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 7 listing.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime with all of our favorite trucks back on the construction site - this time with a focus on team-building, friendship and working together! Will they get the

Wednesday, February 22

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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

Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 1 listing.

Cancer Study Group: How Cancer Cells Function vs. Normal Cells 6-8:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. A group that studies about the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http:// everman.org/.

Thursday, February 23

Dinner and an Aria Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola. Pensacola Opera’s Artists in Residence program continues to provide training and performance experience for young opera professionals in partnership with Jackson’s. There will be two seatings for this event: 5 and 7:30 p.m. This is a limited-seating event; for reservations, call (850) 469-9898.

Friday, February 24

The Heights Movie Night 6-8 p.m. Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive, Pensacola. Free family movie night in the gym. Held the last Friday of each month. Children must be with an adult. The Heights Movie Night Woodland Heights Resource Center, 111 Berkley Drive Free family movie night in the gym. Held the last Friday of each month. Children must be with an adult. Hosted by Play Pensacola Parks and Recreation. Girl’s Night Lock In Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail Bring your PJ’s, sleeping bags, and pillow because Gull Point is hosting a Girls Only Lock-In! Pizza, movies, popcorn, makeovers, candy and games. Register in person or by phone by February 20th, $25 per child, ages 6+. Call 494-7360 for details. Hosted by Play Pensacola Parks and Recreation. Annual Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade 7 p.m. Begins at Spring & Garden Streets in downtown Pensacola. This is the only illuminated nighttime parade in Pensacola featuring marching bands, lighted floats and great throws. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit www.pensacolamardigras.com.

Saturday, February 25

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade 2 p.m. Begins at Spring & Garden Streets, Pensacola. Crowds catch beads, doubloons and moonpies galore as they are thrown from floats in this family-oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area. Call (850) 436-7638. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see February 4 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 February 4 listing. Tamale Making Event 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. We’ll be doing a hands-on class allowing everyone (who wants to) to personally make a “Tamal” (one) or Tamales (plural). We’ll steam/cook them and eat them during the class as well. While generally folks think of Mexican HOT Tamales, we’ll be making some sweet tamales and maybe even Caribbean tamales too. We’ll use traditional corn husks to wrap them but also some banana leaf and

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FamilyCalendar parchment-wrapped ones will be demonstrated. Come learn how to assemble and cook these tasty treats. Call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http://everman.org/. Saturday Night Science at Pensacola MESS Hall 6-8 p.m. Building with Biology. Tired of the same old thing on Saturday night? Why not try some science? The whole family will enjoy our programs with a variety of hands-on stations that are fun and educational. $6.40/$8 member/nonmember per person, including adults. Space is limited; preregistration is required. For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2. Coloring and activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 for more info.

Sunday, February 26

Krewe of Wrecks Parade 2 p.m., rain or shine, located at Via de Luna & Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion. There will be approximately 50 units. Parking is very limited. For more info, visit www.pensacolabeachmardigras.com. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents One World, Many Voices 2:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place, Pensacola. Multicultural music aimed to bring us together as a choir, a community, a nation, and a world. Call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see February 5 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 February 5 listing.

Monday, February 27

Red Beans & Rice Luncheon 11 a.m. Sandshaker on Pensacola Beach, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Open to the public at no charge.  The Bean Team at the Elk’s Lodge spends days planning and preparing the traditional New Orleans style Monday fare. The spicy red beans and rice are ladled into bowls by the volunteers from the Pensacola Beach Woman’s Club. Dining tables are lined up in the parking lot at the Sandshaker. Thousands come for the free meal. Tip jars collect cash to donate to local charities.  For more info, e-mail melanie7896@gmail.com.

Tuesday, February 28

Market in the Breeze 4 p.m.-dark, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see February 7 listing. Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration 5 p.m. Palafox and Government Streets. This free celebration marks the end of the Mardi Gras season. A new King and Queen Priscus will be revealed to lead us for the following Mardi Gras Season. For more info, visit http://pensacolamardigras.com or call (850) 436-7638. Shoe Box Float Competition (Pensacola Beach) 8 p.m. The competition starts days in advance as artists and wanna be float builders begin carefully crafting mini floats out of empty shoe boxes. There is no entry fee. Open to all ages. Simply find a shoebox with a lid, decide on a theme, gather your materials and let your imagination go wild! The shoebox is the body of the float, the lid can be attached or snugged up to the end of the box like a back splash. Wheels optional. Floats may be delivered to the Paradise Inn lobby. At Paradise Bar and Grill, 21 Via de Luna. There is no cost to attend this event!

Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 7 listing. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, see February 7 listing.

Thursday, March 1

Saenger Theatre Presents Once, the Broadway Musical 7:30 p.m. The touching, lyrical musical tells the story of two down-on-their-luck musicians, an angst-ridden Dublin street singer/songwriter who works as a vacuum repairman, and a Czech immigrant who sells flowers in order to support herself and her family. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Thursday, March 2

Harlem Globetrotters at the Pensacola Bay Center 7 p.m. A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line. The 4-point line will be located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five session for fans (subject to availability). For tickets or more info, visit Pensacolabaycenter.com or call (800) 745-3000. Kids 2 and older need a ticket. Military discount available at Box Office.

Friday, March 3

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents My Fair Lady 7:30 p.m. This blockbuster musical has all the singing and dancing and wonderful storytelling that theatre fans love. Based on the book Pygmalion, this is the tale of Eliza Doolittle learning to be a dignified lady through her speech and her actions. Scooped off the street by the irascible Prof. Higgins, Eliza learns to stand on her own. For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Evansville. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see February 3 listing.

Saturday, March 4

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents My Fair Lady 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more info, see March 3 listing. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Mahler Symphony No. 3 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Peter Rubardt, Conductor. Guests include Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano, UWF Women’s Chorus, and the Pensacola Children’s Chorus. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Bayou Hills Run 10K-5K-Kids Run 7:30- 9:45 a.m. Bayview Park, 2001 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola. The Bayou Hills Run, presented by Creative Learning Academy, is a family-friendly 10K-5K and Kids 1 Mile Run. It is one of the area’s only 10K and is a wonderful challenge through the hills of East Hill in Pensacola. Call (850) 432-1768. Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Thousands gather to witness the spectacle of armored combat, the thunderous clash of jousters, the swirl of a dancer’s costume and to sample the wares of merchants who have traveled from afar. The Faire goes on, rain or shine, the first weekend of March. Call (850) 434-1234. Episcopal Day School’s Hilton-Green Play Date 10-11 a.m. EDS Hilton-Green Campus, 601 North Palafox

Street. Come meet our teachers, visit with old friends, and make new friends, all while enjoying our gardens and playgrounds. Current parents and curious parents are welcome! Coffee and refreshments will be provided. For info, contact Lisee Sherrill at lsherrill@edscc.org. Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey Game 7:05 start time versus Evansville. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see February 3 listing.

Sunday, March 5

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents My Fair Lady 3 p.m. For tickets or more info, see March 3 listing. Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. For details, see March 4 listing.

Monday, March 6

Norah Jones in Concert 8 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Jones has sold more than 45 million albums worldwide and become a nine-time Grammy-winner. She blends different styles of American music, including country, folk, rock, soul and jazz. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola Little Theatre Auditions for Charlotte’s Web 6:30 p.m. Directed by Jay Bixler and Maggie Crain. Eight performances will run April 28-May 7 (including a morning show for schools). Auditions will consist of a cold read and theatre games; script is available for perusal at the PLT Main Office. There will be roles for 25 to 35 actors. Chorus members may sub as other supporting characters (such as the judges, reporter, announcer, etc). Call Kathy Holsworth, artistic director, at (850) 432-2042 ext. 102 or visit www. pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions for more info.

Tuesday, March 7

Amos Lee in Concert 8 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Lee’s newest offering, SPIRIT, has drawn critical acclaim from various tastemakers. Billboard wrote, “Amos Lee is ready to take his fans on a journey down to Memphis for a little bit of old school soul.” For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola Little Theatre Auditions for Charlotte’s Web 6:30 p.m. Directed by Jay Bixler and Maggie Crain. For details, see March 6 listing.

Thursday, March 9

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents My Fair Lady 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more info, see March 3 listing.

Friday, March 10

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents My Fair Lady 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more info, see March 3 listing. Pensacola Sports Junior College Tennis Event Junior College Teams from around the South will be competing through March 17. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Roger Scott Tennis Center, 2130 Summit Blvd., Pensacola. Call (850) 434-2800 or visit http://pensacolasports. org/.

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FamilyCalendar 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) 416-7262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education. 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. $20 per couple. 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. $20 per couple. Prepared Childbirth – This class prepares you and your partner for the labor and delivery journey by understanding the process and offering coping skills. $90 per couple. 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.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

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 prenatal 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.sacredheart.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 preregistration 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.sacredheart.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 first-time 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.sacred-heart. 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/ childbirth-preparation. 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 for any additional questions.

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 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. www.wingsofhopeinc.org. Patient and Family Cancer Support Pensacola Meets Tuesdays, February 14 and 28, from 4-5:30 p.m. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-2224. Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets Thursday, February 9, from 5-6:30 p.m. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, 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

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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. Grief Support at Baptist Health Care For more info, call (850) 469-7197.

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, February 2 and 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. For 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 meetings will be held February 2 and March 2 from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/event/laleche-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 February 1 & 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/event/leaps-new-momsupport-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.sacred-heart.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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Monster Trucks

Hidden Figures

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Monster Trucks PG for action, peril, brief scary images, and some rude humor. The idea of literally portraying a monster truck is brought to life through smooth CGI animation and some childlike creativity in this aptly titled movie. When Mr. Tenneson (Rob Lowe), a greedy oil tycoon (the only flavor found in movies), insists on drilling into a high-pressure water vein that is suspected of harboring ancient life, a rather surprisingly large specimen shoots out of the pipe. Destroying the rig, it manages to get away -- but not before Tenneson and his geologist-partner, Jim Dowd (Thomas Lennon), get a glimpse of it. Worried their well will be shut down if it’s in danger of destroying a newfound creature’s habitat, the oil executives order their strongmen, headed up by Burke (Holt McCallany), to begin the chase with the goal of destroying the evidence. Not likely to last long on the lamb, the creature from the deep lagoon makes its way to a junkyard where it meets Tripp (Lucas Till). It’s late at night and the young man is busy working on his dream of fixing up an old truck and turning it into a classic monster. However, his efforts are interrupted when the “thing” slinks into the shop and is soon followed by the men pursuing it. A classic example of the boy-and-his-dog formula, it’s not long before Tripp is bonding with the blob, which he eventually names Creech. It turns out his new pet thrives on any petroleum product he can get his tentacles on. And when Creech slithers into the chassis of the grease monkey’s old truck, the teen is delighted to discover that his glow-in-the-dark appendages can make the wheels turn at highway speeds. Seriously, it may sound crazy, but the eight-year-olds in the audience will likely get more than revved up watching this motorized adventure. And to ensure the girls are engaged in the story too, the screenwriters toss in a mildly romantic distraction in the form of a brainy biologist named Meredith. Yes, these characters have brains and make a refreshing combo in a kids’ movie that demonstrates how both genders can contribute to saving the day without having to demean each other. Sadly, that’s not the case for the image of Big Oil. As usual, the oil developers are the real slimy monsters in this story -- a rather odd irony considering the purpose of this film is to get youngsters excited about trucks that drink gasoline like James Bond chugs martinis. Thankfully content is mainly limited to the peril involved in keeping Creech out of Tenneson’s reach. Little ones may be concerned for the creature’s fate but there is little doubt he will make his way to a happy ending. Perhaps a little more problematic for some audience members will be the discovery that Tripp’s estranged father (Rob Lowe) is dealing with an obvious alcohol problem.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: ASexual Content: A Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Hidden Figures PG for thematic elements and some language. In the early days of NASA, getting a man into space required something that wasn’t yet invented: A computer. The Americans could have waited for them for a couple more years, but with the Russians already ahead in the race with Sputnik and other experimental flights, the pressure was too intense. In order to perform the necessary advanced calculations, the government agency hired human computers -- specifically humans highly gifted in solving complex mathematical problems. But there simply weren’t enough skilled people in the populace, or at least the white populace, to fill the requirements. So, during a time when black integration was a very contested topic, and with their research lab located in Langley, Virginia (a hotbed of racial prejudice), NASA was forced to recruit people of color to fill the positions. Even more notable, many of these arithmetic whizzes were not only black, they were women. Hidden Figures shines the spotlight on three of these amazing individuals: Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson) started high school at age 10 and had degrees in Mathematics and French by 18 years of age. Dorothy Vaughn (played by Octavia Spencer) graduated from college at 19, joined Langley in 1943, and went on to head the West Computing Group -- the segregated black, female number-crunchers. Mary Jackson (played by Janelle Monáe) was a Virginia local with degrees in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, specializing in wind tunnel experiments and aircraft data. Yet for all their credentials, these women labored through countless calculations in an isolated basement office in a remote area of the campus. Notwithstanding, their efforts were instrumental in getting Alan Shepard into space and heralding the United States’ first successful human launch. But Shepard’s 15-minute sub-orbital flight had been proceeded less than a month earlier by a more impressive 108-minute orbital voyage by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. To prove their ability to do likewise, the American’s focused on John Glenn’s mission for a multi-orbit flight that would last several hours. Stressed to find more resources, NASA supervisor Vivian Michael (played by Kirsten Dunst) calls upon Vaughn to suggest candidates from the West Computing Group to fill vacant roles within white-only areas. Johnson is the first to be invited to join the Space Task Group, the domain of the top aeronautic engineers led by a demanding boss, Al Harrison (Kevin Costner). This story is artfully blended with irony that helps audiences understand the challenges of the times. Gratefully, there are few reasons to not share this engaging underdog story with older children and teens. Set at the crossroads of black integration, Soviet vs US aggression and the early days of women in the workplace, Hidden Figures is a time capsule of personal fears, biases and hopes that just happen to collide within the NASA environment. For space nerds like myself, that just adds to the interest of this tale! This one small step for three black women is one large step for anyone who has faced discrimination.

What Parents need to know about Monster Trucks... Violence: Frequent car/truck chases are depicted and result in crashes, rollovers, plunging down cliffs, crushing things and extensive property damage. Explosions are portrayed. Creatures are treated cruelly, shot with tranquilizer darts and threatened with poison and death. A mysterious monster makes scary noises and consumes petroleum products. Characters are frequently in peril and occasionally physically threated. Reckless driving and stunts are depicted. Sexual Content: A teen couple holds hands and camps out together over night – no sexual relations are implied. A woman kisses her boyfriend and it is assumed they live together. A character vomits. A boy’s low-riding pants reveal his butt crack. Profanity: Terms of deity are used as expletives. Alcohol / Drug Use: A man drinks at home after work, and it is implied that he is an alcoholic. An animal consumes a substance that makes him behave as though he is intoxicated. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2017

What Parents need to know about Hidden Figures... Violence: News footage of violence during the civil rights movement is shown. A character steals a book from the library. The potential dangers of space travel are discussed. Characters feel bullied, demeaned and discriminated against. Characters are treated unfairly and misjudged by authority figures and society. Sexual Content: Characters embrace and kiss. Some flirtatious banter occurs. Bathrooms segregation and use are discussed. Profanity: Profanities, slurs and terms of deity are infrequently used. Alcohol / Drug Use: Women share some homemade alcohol and one gets a little tipsy. Drinking also occurs in social settings. Smoking is seen. 48