Greater Pensacola Parents February 2020 by KeepSharing

HEALTHY

HEARTS start with

HEALTHY

HABITS

<< Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day << Be active for 1 hour or more each day << DO NOT use tobacco

Find more information at www.EscambiaHealth.com or follow us on @HealthyEscambia

February2020 464

Volume 4 Number 12

22 Columns

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

20 Parenting, Media &

Therapeutic Parenting

In a society of constant influencers, find out why you are still your teen’s biggest one!

Support Your Child’s Health 7 ways to help your child journey towards good health.

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Choosing a Daycare

Begin early and do your research to find the perfect child care fit for your family.

2020 Child Care Guide Our comprehensive listing of daycares, preschools, and MMO programs.

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 5

On The Cover Ayden Royster (4), son of Antonio & Justina Royster and little brother to Zi’Kerriah, Za’Niya and Amar’e Royster. Grandparents are Syneathia Bell and Novella Edwards and Great Grandmother, Barbara Boyd. Ayden loves to play basketball and soccer with his big brother Amar’e and he loves to turn cartwheels no matter where he is. He also loves to play learning games on his iPad. His clothing is custom made by Unfiltered Clothing Co., owned by his father Antonio Royster along with Roderick Edwards.

Bits and Pieces 8

School Bits 36

Family Calendar 44

Movie Reviews

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FromThePublisher

Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

The new year is in full swing and we are already rolling into month two of 2020. So, how is your New Year’s Resolution going? Are you more organized? Are you sticking with you new exercise routine? If you are holding strong to your resolution... Congratulations! You are in the estimated 20% of persons who are sticking to their commitment. Yep, that’s right. I saw a report that 80% of people drop their resolutions by February. Why do you think that is? From my personal experience of starting (then dropping) a commitment to fitness many times, but sticking to it last year, it was about finding the right motivation. Connecting the dots of my emotions and stress level with how much I exercised or how much sugar I consumed really made a difference for me. The choice of eggs or a bagel became do I want energy all day or am I okay with a mid-day slump? I am trying to verbalize my decisions with my kids when the opportunity comes up so hopefully they will start to make those connections also. I regret that I did not start my fitness journey earlier in life and that my kids were not exposed to me exercising on a regular basis when they were small. Fortunately it is not too late. They are now able to witness what a difference those changes can make in a person’s life. My hope is to be a much better role model going forward. To continue on that same thought, I enjoyed Cheryl Maguire’s feature 7 Ways to Promote Your Child’s Healthy Lifestyle that you can find on page 22. She reminds us that a healthy lifestyle is not only about exercise and healthy food choices, but also about making good choices for our mental and emotional health. Speaking of stress and emotions, the February issue is our annual Child Care Issue. I say that because choosing a daycare program for my children was full of both. In this issue you will find resources like Judy Miller’s feature, Choosing a Daycare That Works for You and Your Child, which can be found on page 26. We have also compiled a directory of area daycares, preschools, and mom’s day out programs in our annual Child Care Directory on page 28. Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different and make sure you do your homework, make visits, and ask questions to find a good fit for you and your child. Thankfully, spring is getting close, but if you can’t wait until March for some fun activities, make sure you check out the Family Calendar on page 36. You will find some super, family friendly activities and, of course, Mardi Gras parades! Wishing you a fabulous (and fit) February!

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Judy Miller Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

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Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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.

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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 2020 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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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

You Are Their Biggest Influencer I am part of that in-between generation that was the last to grow up without cell phones or internet, yet young and hip enough to still intelligently navigate such devices (or at least that’s what we tell ourselves). Which brings me to this: Instagram. Or, as the cool kids call it – The IG. I have only recently started navigating “the gram,” and though I would like to tell you with great certainty that I am not at all easily influenced by marketing or media, it turns out that I am ever so slowly being influenced by the influencers. I won’t tell you how many new lip glosses I have purchased recently (3), how many Sherpa pull-overs I now own that I didn’t know I needed (2), nor will I tell you that I bought a steam mop that promises to cover up the mounds of infield dirt that end up in my kitchen – all because I was influenced. I would say the same can be said for our kids. Yes, they have mountains of social media they comb through to find

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

the latest styles and trends, yes they have television and 782 channels of content that tells them what to do, how to act, and where to go. But I think it is so important to never forget that you, as the parent, have the greatest platform to be the greatest influencer in their developing little lives. They may not look to you for fashion, they may not look to you for makeup tips, but they are certainly looking to you (whether you know it or not) for things like character, morality, goodness, and how to be a decent human. We influence them every day with how we act, how we engage (or don’t engage) with them, and we set a standard for what we hold dear. This also happens more subtly with things like our body language and tone, rate, rhythm and volume of speech. How many times have we found ourselves yelling at our kids to, “Just calm down!!” as we ourselves are far from calm. We have to understand the power that we hold and begin to realize – especially in those inevitable difficult moments – that how we react

and respond is going to greatly influence how they react and respond. So set yourself right first, adjust your angle, change up the lighting that you want to bring into the situation and model a different, more suitable, response for your child. And remember, though you may not have 428,000 followers, never forget you have one – or two – or six little followers underfoot who are watching your every story and notating every direct message you communicate to them. So give yourself a little blue checkmark because you are the real deal. I hope you find that to be a good reminder. I would say more but I have to go order some skincare that promises to make me look 86 years younger. (The 24-year-old influencer who swears by it looks incredibly young and youthful, so I am positive it will have the exact same effect on my middle age wrinkles.) Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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Pensacola MESS Hall Presents Third Annual Gulf Coast Science Festival

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Sea Turtle Presentation

Monday, February 17 * 1:30-2:30 p.m. Visit Pensacola, 1401 E Gregory Street (off 17th Avenue). Cathy Holmes from Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center will have an informative presentation about the sea turtles in the Pensacola area. There will be a display board, sea turtle shells, skulls, handouts and wrist bands. Visitor center located in Wayside Park on east side of Hwy. 98 at mouth of Pensacola Bay Bridge. For more info, call (850) 434-1234.

The Pensacola MESS Hall is partnering with local organizations to celebrate science in our community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in scientific discovery at a Field Trip Day, Expo Day, and the gala MESS Hall Goes Gourmet. Families will fill Seville Square on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy a day of free science-powered fun provided by dozens of Pensacola area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. The event will bring hands-on learning, interactive activities and experiments to inspire learners of all ages in all things STEM. The event is free and open to the public. In addition to the Expo Day, exhibitors will share their enthusiasm for science with 500 students during the free Field Trip Day on March 27. This program gives middle school students an opportunity to learn about possible careers in science and discover the joys of scientific discovery. This year’s event will close with MESS Hall Goes Gourmet, a celebration of the science of food. The event raises funds to increase STEM education in our community throughout the year. For more info, visit gulfcoastsciencefestival.org.

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Dinosaur World Live

Pensacola Mardi Gras Season

Emerald Coast Krewe of Airship Pirates Milton Mardi Gras Parade will be held Saturday, February 8 from 5-7 p.m. Starts at the corner of James and Stewart Street in downtown Milton. This steampunk Mardi Gras celebration kicked off for the first time last year, and it is back and better than ever! For more info, visit www.kreweofairshippirates.com/or call (850) 748-9696. Also on Feb. 8, Milton Mardi Gras Parade will start its pre-party and lineup at 1 p.m. Raised on the Radio Band will be onstage from 2-4 p.m. and the parade rolls from 5-7 p.m. This year’s route will follow last year’s route, with the addition of floats heading east on Berryhill, south on Willing St, crossing over Hwy 90 and ending with an after-party at Jernigan’s Landing! For more info, visit https://pensacolamardigras. com/. The University of West Florida Mardi Gras Parade will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. The event is open to the public. All floats will enter the line up in the parking lot near UWF’s baseball fields. For more info, visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/. Kids and Kritters Parade happens on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 2-3 p.m. starting in the Casino Beach parking lot in Gulf Breeze. This is a walking procession for children and pets. Pre-show begins at 1:40 p.m. and parade rolls at 2. Free parking and family-friendly. $5 fee per pet. Free for spectators and for children to participate in parade. For more info, call (850) 748-6878 or visit http://pensacolabeachmardigras.com/. Also on Feb. 15, the 34th Annual Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade starts at 1 p.m. at Indiana and Gulf Blvd, and proceeds east, ending at the Navarre Beach Causeway. Come for family-friendly fun, floats, and beads! The theme this year is Beach Life. For more info, visit http://nkoj.org/. Mardi Gras Dance Party starts at 7 p.m. at Hadji Shrine Temple, 400 W. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. Hosted by the “Super Novas” with the Southern Breeze Band. $10 per person. To pre-purchase tickets, contact Shawn at (850) 516-1085 or e-mail spiderdiesel@yahoo.com. The Annual Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade will be Friday, Feb. 21, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. beginning at Spring & Garden Streets. The crowd will be entertained with marching bands, lighted floats and great throws. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit www. kreweoflafitte.com/. The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade is Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 2 p.m. beginning at Palafox & Garden Streets. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts this familyoriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/. The Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade will be Sunday, Feb. 23, starting at 2 p.m. Route begins at Avendida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west and disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach parking lot. For more info, call (850) 932-1500 or visit http://pensacolabeachmardigras. com/. The Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration February 24-25 marks the end of the Mardi Gras season. A new King and Queen will be revealed to lead us for the following Mardi Gras season. Free. For more info, visit pensacolamardigras.com. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

Thursday, Feb. 20 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, Dinosaur World Live presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures including Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Triceratops. The show introduces Miranda, daughter of palaeontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a faraway island off the coast of South America. She has brought her pre-historic pals to your local theatre and would love you to meet them. Each performance is followed by a post-show meet and greet where audience members have the opportunity to meet some of the dinosaurs in person. Recommended for children 3 and up. Tickets start at $25. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents One World, Many Voices

Sunday, February 23 * 2 p.m. Saenger Theatre. This choral concert features music of renowned composers from around the world, serving as the formal celebration of the 30th anniversary of Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Tickets begin at $15. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/.

Riverwalk Arts Festival

March 7 * 6815 Caroline St., Downtown Milton This wildly popular event is in its 32nd year, drawing people from throughout the Southern region. The festival features juried fine art, heritage folk art, heritage folk art, cultural performances, continuous music, food, the All County Youth Art Exhibit and a cool Kids Fun Zone! For more info, visit www.getrelaxing.com or call (850) 981-8900.

March 7 * 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. Live entertainment, food trucks, bounce house and vendors. Portion of proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Project. For more info, visit orangebeachbreeze.com. 6

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Family Theatre

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! through February 9. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. Tom is a nervous school teacher about to start his first day of teaching. He tries to relax with a little TV when various characters representing facets of his personality materialize from the television set. Reviving the catchy, playful Saturday morning hits of the 1970s, Schoolhouse Rock Live! is both educational and enjoyable. PLT holds auditions for Winnie-thePooh February 3 and 4 at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. Join Christopher Robin and his best friend Winniethe-Pooh as they help the gang when â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the fiercer animalsâ&#x20AC;? comes to the Hundred Acre Woods. Pooh Bear has to decide between rescuing his best friend Piglet and having a smackeral of honey. (Not an easy choice.) Show dates: March 20-29 (including one daytime school performance). Looking for 12 children between the ages of 10 and 15 who enjoy working with others. Almost all roles could be male or female and any ethnicity. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for more info.

February 28-March 1 Pensacon 2020 is an allinclusive event that encompasses many genres of the fan community. The main venues are the Pensacola Bay Center and Pensacola Grand Hotel, with some events taking place at the Saenger Theatre, Rex Theatre and Pensacola Little Theatre. Each venue will have different hours based on events taking place there. Expect sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comics, anime, gaming and much more! Visit www.pensacon.com for more info.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents From Hollywood: John Williams and More

February 8 * 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre From Star Wars and Star Trek to Jurassic Park and Lincoln, this concert highlights beloved movie music from Alan Silvestri, Michael Giacchino, the legendary John Williams and more! Tickets start at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

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Autauga County Schools East Hill Christian Named National Cheer Champs

Despite having several injuries and having to re-choreograph their routine, the East Hill Christian School Competition Cheer Squad brought home the first-place trophy in their division at the FCC National Cheer Competition in Orlando. The EHCS Cheer Program was also recognized for attending the FCC Competition for 26 years, and received the Legacy Award.

Montessori School Enjoys Christmas Parade

Montessori School of Pensacola students shared their holiday spirit in the downtown Pensacola holiday parade. Parent volunteers worked on refurbishing a pontoon boat for the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s float and decorated it as Dr. Seussâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whoville. Throughout the year, the school collects throws in preparation for the parade night. Children and adults of all ages love taking part, either walking or riding the school float.

SHCS Students Serve the Parish Homebound

Sacred Heart Cathedral School students collected items and assembled gift baskets and prayer letters for the homebound parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish. The parishioners absolutely loved receiving such thoughtful and generous gifts from the school students during the holiday season.

Creative Learning Academy Competes in Geography Bee

Creative Learning Academy students from grades five through eight competed in The National Geographic GeoBee. Students answered a variety of questions covering geography, civilizations, cultures, physical features and more. Fifth-grader Jonah Steiner was named the winner for the second year in a row. He hopes to compete at the regional level next. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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Redeemer Students Build Gingerbread Houses

Redeemer Lutheranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergarten students decorated gingerbread houses for Christmas and fought the temptation to eat the dĂŠcor. A number of gingerbread families were able to spend the holidays in their snazzy new houses.

St. Paul Fifth-Graders Perform Explorers Play

The fifth-grade students at St. Paul Catholic School sang their way through history in a wonderful in-class musical, European Explorers in the New World. The musical was complete with homemade curtains, costumes and set pieces. The fifth-grade classroom was transformed into an auditorium, with students putting on a historically based show about European explorers several times a day for fellow students and parents.

Please email news and photos to editor@ greaterpensacolaparents.com each month!

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St. Paul Performs Colors of Christmas

St. Paul Catholic School’s pre-K3, pre-K4 and kindergarten classes put on a wonderful Christmas play, The Colors of Christmas, for their families.

Redeemer Lutheran Shouts Praises for Christmas

Redeemer Lutheran celebrated Christ’s birth with a Christmas program entitled, “Shout Praises for Christmas!” All grades participated and made it a night to remember.

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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALK-IN CLINIC

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

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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Little Flower Catholic First Grade Travels Around the World

Last semester, Little Flower Catholic Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-graders traveled the world and learned about different countries and their traditions. They are seen here with their airplane, found right in their classroom!

East Hill Christian School Girls Basketball

The Lady Eagles of East Hill Christian School brought home the first place trophy at the Torch Classic Invitational basketball tournament in Birmingham, Ala. Senior Brenda McKinney received The Most Valuable Player for the tournament and sophomore Lindsay Thomas was named to the All-Tournament Team. Great job Lady Eagles!

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Autauga County Schools

Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Visit To C.A. Weis Elementary

Santa teams up each year with hundreds of staff members at Baptist Hospital to make the day before Christmas break extra special for the students at C.A. Weis Elementary Community School. Santa caught a ride with Life Flight and then he visited classrooms where elves from Baptist Hospital and their clinics were already busy helping with class parties and delivering gifts. They work with teachers to identify something the kids want and something they need!

Blessed Star Student Practices Music Lessons

At Blessed Star Montessori School, we find it imperative to provide a well-rounded education. Some of our students, such as Noah shown above, take advantage of working with our talented headmistress on skills such as piano.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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Historical Typing Lessons @ Montessori School

Students at Montessori School of Pensacola begin typing lessons in Lower Elementary. Weekly, they practice their typing skills, learning to place their hands on the home row. Over the years, they progress through the computer keyboard keys and functions. Students in 3rd grade brought in a typewriter to show their peers another device that used to be used for typing. The students loved seeing it and trying it, as well as seeing that their QWERTY keyboard lessons applied to it .

Little Flower Third Grade Enjoys Weekly Sign Language Class

Barbara Brady, a retired school sign language interpreter, volunteers to teach third-graders sign language once a week. The third-graders at Little Flower love when Mrs. Brady visits, and they spend time throughout the week practicing their spelling and vocabulary in sign language.

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ECSD Student Musicians Performed at All State

Escambia County School District is proud to share the news that 11 student musicians from ECSD middle and high school music programs successfully auditioned for a position in the 2019-2020 All State bands and choirs. These students traveled to Tampa on January 8-11, 2020 where they rehearsed for many hours over several days to prepare for their performances. This year’s middle school participants were: Lily Bullard, Jim Bailey Middle; Kailee Norris, Brown Barge Middle; William Walley, Ferry Pass Middle; Thomas Glasser, Ransom Middle; Andrew Walker, Ransom Middle. This year’s high school participants were: Brandon Mitra, Escambia High; Alyssa Pascoe, Pensacola High; Sarah Bryan, Tate High; Jeremiah D. Fortune, Booker T. Washington High; Nathaniel Holzknecht, Booker T. Washington High; Jack Lloyd, Booker T. Washington High. The Florida’s All State Orchestra also had students from ECSD: Brentley Garrett and Ana Sanchez-Morales, Tate High. To learn more go to the page for the Florida Bandmasters Association, All State Information page at: https:// fba.flmusiced.org/all-state/all-stateinformation/; the Florida Vocal Association’s page,at: fva.net, or the Florida Music Educators Association’s page at: fmea.org.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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East Hill Christian Holds Christmas Programs

This year, East Hill Christian’s elementary department held two Christmas programs. Students in grades 3-5 presented 3 Wise Men and a Baby. The fun cast of characters presented the story of Jesus’ birth with humor and joy. The kings followed a star to find their true King, and gave Him not only their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, but also their hearts. The play starred the 3rd-5th grade choir and the 5th-grade acting company. The second Christmas program, Around the World It’s Christmas, featured the K42nd grade students. This program consisted of Christmas carols from around the world and right here at home. The children sang carols from Poland, Spain, England and other countries while sharing some of the traditions from these countries that revolve around the one thing they all truly have in common—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world!

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Blessed Star Students Learn Fire Safety Tips

Four Blessed Star Montessori students especially enjoyed our Fire Safety lesson. They learned all about the best way to evacuate a fire, including knowing what direction heat goes, the best place to be during a fire, and the importance of knowing their home address, parents’ phone numbers, etc.

Please email news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!

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Autauga County Schools

Sacred Heart Currently Under Construction

Sacred Heart Cathedral School is in the midst of a 6,000 squarefoot expansion and renovation to expand its art, music and religion programs, and improve the Morning Star facilities. There will also be a new main entrance and office for the school by the end of this school year!

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Blessed Star Students Enjoy the Great Weather

Everyone needs a break from the books sometimes, and here at Blessed Star Montessori School, we take our outside time very seriously! The students are able to get their energy out, get some well-needed vitamin D, and make new friends.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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St. Paul Presents Lessons & Carols

On the last day of school before Christmas break, students, faculty and staff of St. Paul Catholic School presented family and friends with Lessons & Carols. The performance reflected on eight Bible readings with music, songs and prayer. We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

MSP ‘Adopts’ Area Foster Children By Providing Christmas Gifts

Nearly 600 children in Northwest Florida are in foster care. Each year during the holidays, Montessori School of Pensacola offers families and staff the chance to “adopt’ foster children by purchasing gifts for them. A huge part of Montessori education is helping children see that they are part of a larger community and that not everyone is like them and/or has what they have. Therefore, community service projects are commonly integrated into the school lives of MSP students. Eric Martin with West Florida Foster Care shared this photo he took with MSP office staff members on the day of the present pick-up at the MSP Montessori Drive campus. For more info about West Florida Foster Care, visit https://wffcs.org/. 17

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Autauga County Schools

Sacred Heart Receives Generous Grant

The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies of Grace (St. Joseph Chapter 52) awarded a Partners in Education Grant to Sacred Heart Cathedral School. The Knights of Peter Claver is the largest historically African-American Catholic lay organization in the U.S. and the St. Joseph Chapter of the Ladies of Grace 4th Degree is committed to supporting Catholic education in the diocese of PensacolaTallahassee.

St. Paul Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Gym

St. Paul Catholic School recently broke ground on the site of its new gym. Once completed, the newly constructed gym will provide even more opportunities for our students to continue to develop their God-given talents. Spartan families are so excited to see this construction begin and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see it completed.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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Be a Role Model:

2) Start good habits early. The secret to healthy media use is to establish time limits and stick to them. Start when your kids are young by setting screen limits that work for your family’s needs and schedule. And don’t just talk the talk -- walk the walk!

Find a Healthy Balance with Media & Technology

3) Use media together.

We’ve all seen that dad yakking away on his cell phone at the playground while his 3-year-old resorts to increasingly desperate measures to get his attention. We’ve also been that parent. We answer emails, update Facebook, take a conference call, and try to get in that one last text. The thing is, kids notice -- and they’re not happy about it. Lots of studies address the impact of screen time on kids, and guidelines show how much is appropriate at what age. But researchers are just beginning to look into the effect that parents’ screen use has on kids. A Boston Medical Center study of how families at a restaurant interacted with each other when they used cell phones demonstrated that caregivers who were “highly absorbed” in their devices responded harshly to their kids’ bids for attention. And in her book The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, Catherine Steiner-Adair found that kids often feel they have to compete with devices for their parents’ attention. Most importantly, kids learn their screen habits from us. It might be easier if someone just gave parents a recommended daily time limit so we’d know when to stop. In the meantime, we’ll need to find balance. But there’s a huge motivator to change our behavior: The little girl on the play structure, the boy learning to skateboard, the twins playing dress-up. They’re watching us, watching our phones.

Whenever you can, watch, play, and listen with your kids. Ask them what they think of the content. Share your values, and help kids relate what they learn in the media to events and other activities in which they’re involved. With

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older kids, you can draw them out by sharing stuff from your Facebook and Instagram accounts.

4) Keep distractions to a minimum.

5 Ways to Find a Healthy Balance of Media and Technology

You probably tell your kids to turn their phones off during homework time. Get rid of the stuff that distracts you, too. Hide your apps so they don’t display, set your phone to “do not disturb,” or shut down your devices during important family time.

1) Be a role model. When kids are around, set an example by using media the way you want them to use it. Keep mobile devices away from the dinner table (learn about our Device-Free Dinner initiative), turn the TV off when it’s not being watched, and use a DVR to record shows to watch later. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

5) Turn off work. Many parents feel they need to be constantly accessible to their jobs. But that’s stressful, frustrating, and not realistic. Set boundaries for work time and family time. 20

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Keep Your Dignity, Not the Cars

Q. My wife and I will both turn 30 next month. We have two young children, and we make a little over $85,000 combined. The problem is we have about $70,000 in debt. Some of it is credit card debt, but nearly $50,000 is in two car loans. Her mom and dad have offered to let us move in with them, so we can save up money and start getting a better handle on our finances, but we’re not sure how we feel about this. What’s your advice? A. You’ve got a ridiculous amount of money wrapped up in those cars. I’d sell the stupid things, get into a couple of little beaters, and start living on a budget and paying down debt. In your situation, the only scenario where I’d even consider taking the in-laws

up on their offer is one where the stay is for a very short, agreed-upon period of time. They’d have to be absolutely wonderful people, too, and everyone involved would need to know their boundaries. But you guys can get out of debt pretty fast if you’ll just lose the cars. You could even save a little money on the side while you were paying down debt, and buy a better car as soon as the debt was gone. You might love your cars so much that you’re unwilling to make the sacrifice. Not me. I’d rather keep my dignity intact, and work my way out of the mess I created!

Who Will Be Liable for My Parents’ Debt?

Q. My parents are getting up there in years, and they aren’t really prepared for

when they pass away. They can’t afford life insurance at this point, and they also have a lot of debt. When they die, who will be liable for their debt?

A. Any outstanding debt your parents have upon passing will likely go against their estate. If they have a positive net worth—meaning they owned more than they owed—there will be money left over after the debts are paid, and this could go toward an inheritance. If they have a negative net worth, which means they owed more than they owned, everything could be sold off to cover as much of the debt as possible. Regardless, you would only be held liable for any of their debt if you were a co-signer on the loans. I’d also suggest getting their permission to buy burial policies on them. If they won’t agree to this, you might have to save up money for their final expenses yourself. In most areas, $10,000 to $15,000 is enough to cover basic burial costs for two people.

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are some ways to promote healthy habits within your child: Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Create a Bedtime Routine and Regular Bedtime:

Sleep helps your brain function properly which improves learning. Studies show sleep deficiency increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Receiving the proper amount of sleep promotes appropriate growth and development, improves social interactions and increases immunity against diseases. NIH recommends school-age children and teens should sleep for 9-10 hours per night. Bad sleep habits will affect both your physical and emotional health. One way to ensure your child is receiving enough sleep is to create a scheduled bedtime based on when they need to wake up in the morning. If you maintain the same bedtime every night it will be easier to fall asleep and create a healthy habit. Another way to help your child receive the proper amount of sleep is to have a bedtime routine a half-hour before the expected sleep time. This routine will help your child relax which would then lead to falling asleep easier. Some suggested bedtime routines are reading, a warm bath, drawing, listening to soothing music or other calming activities.

Read Food Labels:

According to the CDC childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1970. Childhood obesity has both short and long term effects on a child’s physical, social and emotional health. For this reason, it is important for a child to maintain a healthy weight. Reading and understanding food labels is a way for a child to figure out if a food is healthy to eat. The food label will demonstrate the number of calories, sugar, fat

content and also break down the percent of the recommended daily intake to help create a balanced diet. It also helps to become more aware of what you are eating since you might think a food is healthy only to learn it isn’t after reading the food label. You can find free printable worksheets to help your child understand a balanced diet at www. nourishinteractive.com.

Exercise with Your Kids:

The CDC recommends children and teens should be physically active for 60 minutes per day. The physical activity should include aerobic, strengthening and bone strengthening activities. If you exercise with your child and select something you both view as fun, you will be more likely to do it. Some suggested family activities are walking, running, hiking, dancing, biking, and a workout class or video. Create a weekly scheduled routine to incorporate it into your life which would create a healthy habit.

Limit Screen Time:

Screen time consists of watching television, playing video games or using electronic devices. When a child is in front of a screen they are typically sedentary and not interacting with others. A research study at UCLA found when kids have too much screen time they have difficulty understanding other people’s emotions. Dr. Leonard Epstein studied the effects of limiting screen time in obese children. The findings demonstrate when screen time is limited the children consumed 300-1500 fewer calories. Both of these research studies demonstrate the importance of limiting screen time to help your child socially interact with others, eat fewer calories and be more physically active.

Pensacola Parents 012220.pdf 1 1/22/2020 2:30:58 PM

Encourage Social Interactions:

It is important to encourage your child to develop healthy relationships with peers and adults. Problem-solving, managing friendships, and understanding emotions are necessary for a child’s positive mental health. These skills will also enable a child to learn more effectively in the classroom.

Discuss Physical and Emotional Safety:

According to the CDC one of the leading causes of death in children is car accidents. One study found over 600,000 children did not use the proper car seat or seat belt which could prevent death during a car accident. Other accidental deaths include drowning, fire/burns, guns, poisoning, and suffocation. To prevent injuries and death it is important to discuss safety issues regarding all of these potentially dangerous situations. Children and teenager may be in situations when they are offered drugs or subjected to physical or sexual abuse. It is important to discuss with your child healthy and appropriate relationships.

Be a Healthy Role Model:

Children and teens model their parent’s positive and negative behaviors. Research conducted at Duke University found kids were more likely to eat well and exercise if their parent modeled those behaviors. If you model a healthy lifestyle, your child will most likely lead one as well. GPP Cheryl Maguire holds Master of Counseling Psychology degree. Her writing has been published in Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

Coming March 19!

Youth Festival Join with Camp Fire Gulf Wind and councils across the country as we let our youth know how much they are appreciated. Contact us for more info.

Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. campﬁrekidsﬂ.org info@cfgulfwind.org

CMY

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Parents on a Different Page, Same Chapter Raising teens is hard enough when parents agree on how a child should be parented. But confusion flourishes and relationships flounder when moms and dads can’t seem to get on the same parenting page. During adolescence, kids need a cohesive and focused team approach from Mom and Dad, whether the entire family is living in the same house or not. This doesn’t mean you have to change your parenting personality. I parent different than my wife. My wife’s personality is different than mine. And it works! The two styles combined provide a varied approach to our kids, who have their own personalities. There are times in our kids’ lives that my type of parenting works best, and there are times when hers does. But make no mistake—above and beyond our parenting styles, my wife and I work together for the same purpose, and that’s to raise healthy and mature kids. So how do you ensure you and your spouse are working as a team?

Watch The Criticism

Since none of us are perfect, there will always be something your spouse did, or didn’t do, that could be cause for complaints. But before you criticize your mate, ask yourself if it will help or hurt your partnership. Too often, moms and dads start seeing each other as adversaries instead of teammates. If your spouse has dropped the ball or fumbled a pass while raising your teen, you don’t have to point it out or assign blame. I can guarantee that you’ll drop the ball a few times as well! Instead, learn how to honestly express the strains and struggles you are feeling towards your spouse without pointing the finger. And if your spouse slips up and directs some blame your way, don’t counterattack. We all get carried away with our words sometimes. Instead, tackle your marital struggles and disagreements Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

with a bedrock commitment to respect and unity. You will not only improve your relationship with your spouse, you will also give your teen a powerful example to follow. My friend DeeDee Mayer says that one of the great benefits of marriage is: “To know and be known as a human being and be loved anyway.”

Agree Even If You Don’t

Moms and dads will never see eyeto-eye on every parenting issue. But you can agree to work together and speak with one voice and one message to your teens. Agree to talk through disagreements over what is important for your child. When you differ on what the parenting focus should be in your home, some sacrifice from both parents may be necessary in order to reach an agreement. But having a unified front can bring about some big results in your teens. So agree to be united in your parenting. Agree about which “hills to die on”, what’s major, what’s minor, what’s important, what’s not. And if you can’t come to an agreement, then seek counsel from someone you both look up to, and continue to respect each other, especially in front of your kids.

Focus On Your Marriage

My wife and I have been weathertested when it comes to raising teenagers. But even now, with adult kids, we still tussle over the advice we give to our kids and we still struggle to give each other the grace to make mistakes sometimes. When my twenty-five year old announced his divorce, for instance, Jan and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on what to do, or how to talk with our son. We were confused and hurting, and it took its toll on our marriage. We started drifting apart, setting up emotional foxholes and hunkering down alone. It took the grace of God to snap us out of the funk and get us back together and fo24

cused. We realized we needed each other to survive, and working through the pain by ourselves was not an option. I know this may surprise you, but your relationship with your spouse is more important than your relationship with your child. So this next piece of advice is mandatory: take time every day to give attention to your spouse. Take a break from the rest of your family to go on a date. Write him a love note. Surprise her with flowers. Go away for the weekend. Cultivate a healthy marriage. Nurture each other for a little while and you will soon see how refreshed and re-energized you feel. You’ll work better as a team, and your kids will see a powerful model of a husband and wife who are devoted to each other and are on the same page.

Be Patient

If you’ve been married for a while, you’ve likely realized by now that you can’t change your spouse. The only person you can change is you. Raising teens as a united team takes time. It’s a daily process. We need to display patience and grace with each other in order to make it work. That may require us to give up some of our opinions for the sake of unity. But let me tell you—it’s so worth it! Parents, if you are approaching the teen years with your kids, start preparing ahead of time. Begin having those conversations to ensure that you are on the same page, and that the foundations of your marriage are strong. The steps you take today will guard your marriage from the problems that can come during adolescence. And if you have teens in your home now, perhaps the best thing you can do for your teen right now is to turn your attention toward your marriage, and strengthen the parenting team. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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One of the toughest first decisions I had to make as a new parent-to-be was finding exceptional daycare for my newborn. I had to go back to work six weeks after giving birth so I began my daycare search long before my son was born. I

by Judy Miller

was thankful I did. Many daycares were full and had waiting lists. A number were simply not in our budget. Others did not take such a young infant.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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Begin Early Begin your quest for a daycare as soon as you realize that you will need it. Many daycares require a deposit to hold a place for your child. If your child has special needs that will need to be addressed, inquire if the daycare can support you in this and whether you will be comfortable. You may want to explore hiring a nanny or an inhome provider.

Ask Those Who Know I asked daycare-seasoned parents about the daycares they used before I began exploring daycare options. Their input helped me to decide the environment I wanted my child to be in. Determine what your parameters are: location, cost, hours and days needed, and in-home versus a churchbased or commercial daycare center. Schedule a tour of any daycare that has made it on to your final list of options. Be sure to bring your list of questions with you.

Look for a Nurturing Environment Children require nurturing to grow healthy minds and bodies. Observe the environment as you tour the facility. What is the daily schedule? How are children treated? What is the caregiver to child ratio? How does the daycare “feel”? How do the daycare employees transition children into new rooms?

Be Comfortable with the Method of Discipline Ask how the daycare disciplines a child. If you are not comfortable with their methods, walk. I did not think about asking about discipline until my son, and only child at that time, was kicked out of daycare at the ripe age of twelve months for biting. I found another daycare for him and tearfully told the caregiver the truth. She gave me a big hug and said, “Well, that’s normal!”

Pay Attention to Safety and Cleanliness What are the security procedures? Does the daycare follow them? Check out the bathrooms. Ask to see the kitchen. Check if the caregivers and other staff members wear gloves when cleaning up bodily fluids. How are the rooms cleaned that your child will be in? Are cots disinfected? Is bedding washed or sent home with you on a consistent basis? Are the tables and other furniture appropriately child-sized? Are the toilets and sinks? What is the outdoor play area like?

Assess the Communication Style How proactive is the daycare with communication? Will you get a summary of your child’s day, down to the number of dirty diapers and time and length of her nap? Will you be called immediately if there is a concern? Is the

caregiver approachable for questions and discussion?

Understand Expectations the Daycare Has of You and Visa-Versa Are you expected to pay for a full-time week over a certain number of days? How do vacations and holidays work? What hours is the daycare open? Will the daycare be able to take your child early or keep her late if necessary? If so, what is the charge of doing so?

Understand the Sick Policy Most daycares are specific about what constitutes a sick child or an infection that will not be allowed to be in daycare. A child in my son’s daycare came down with the highly contagious conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye). I was relieved the affected child was sent home immediately and could not return to daycare until a doctor said he was no longer contagious. As a parent you hope the daycare will follow the policies they have in place. Understand that adhering to the policy is important not only for your child, but others as well. GPP

Judy M. Miller is a freelance writer living in the Midwest and a mom to four children, all of whom have spent time in daycare when young. She is the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF PENSACOLA CREATING LIFELONG LEARNERS SINCE 1977 MSP Entry Level & Preschool Programs Offer:

• Daily Playime • Montessori certified teachers that are caring and experienced • Age appropriate and stimulating environment • Low student-teacher ratios • Spanish, Sign Language, Art, Music & More! 850.469.8138 • www.montessoripensacola.com Accredited by AMS, AdvancED, & NCPSA 27

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East Hill Christian School

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years 850-436-4631 www.christ-church.net

St. Paul Catholic School ad on page 14

500 North Palafox Street, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 5 months - 4 years 850-433-0063 www.fbcp.org/preschool

3121 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola St. Paul Catholic School is a Christ-centered learning community, nourished by the Eucharist and inspired by the Trinity, that promotes lifelong growth of mind, body and spirit. VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:45am - 3:00pm, VPK 7:45am - 3:00pm Ages: PreK3 - 8th grade 850-436-6435 school@stpaulcatholic.net www.stpaulcatholicschool.net

Greater Little Rock Preschool

Destiny’s Child Learning Academy

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

2525 North Tarragona Street, Pensacola VPK offered from 9:30am - 1:00pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-791-6552 funandlearningchildcare@yahoo.com

601 North Palafox Street, Pensacola A neighborhood feel in a safe and secure setting. The playgrounds, garden space, and courtyards offer the opportunity to bring classrooms outdoors. The curriculum is focused on reading, science, social studies, and math. Spanish instruction, music, drama, art, and active movement. We provide Christian education, P.E., technology, and enrichment programs. We are currently accepting applications - come take a tour today! Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm Ages: Pre K2 - 1st grade 850-434-6474 info@edscc.org www.edscc.org

Methodist Children’s Academy

Northeast YMCA at the Vickrey Center

Montessori School of Pensacola

33 East Gregory Street, Pensacola 32502 VPK offered. Extended care available. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-433-2463 www.fpcpensacola.com/cdc

ad on page 13

1301 East Gonzalez Street, Pensacola 32501 The Mission of EHCS is to educate students morally, intellectually, and physically, based on the WORD of GOD, in a loving, Christian environment. VPK Offered. Hours: mdo@christ-church.net Ages: K4 - 12th grade 850-438-7746 d_ray@ehcseagles.com www.ehcs.org

Episcopal Day School, Hilton-Green Campus ad on page 29

ad on page 27

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

Beulah’s Pre-K and Learning Center

1505 West Avery Street, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:45am - 5:30pm, VPK 8:30am - 2:00pm Ages: 1 year- 12 years 850-435-6943

Christ Church Mother’s Day Out

18 West Wright Street, Pensacola A variety of flexible scheduling options for parttime care. Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

First Baptist Church Christian Preschool

6 East Wright Street, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:50pm, VPK 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5th grade 850-438-6761 www.methodistchildrensacademy.com

32502

2130 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola Childcare and after school care. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 5 years -12 years 850-478-1222 www.ymcanwfl.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral School

Child Discovery Center of First Presbyterian Church

32503

Creative Learning Academy ad on page 11

3151 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola 32503 Preparing students to learn, lead, and become the creative problem solvers of the future. Creative Learning Academy is a culturally-enriched learning community that inspires creativity, independence, and integrity. Through innovative student experiences and an academically challenging curriculum, CLA creates lifelong learners who share a vision of excellence and engage as active, compassionate citizens. After-School care available until 6:00pm for an additional fee. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm Ages: 3 years - 8th grade 850-432-1768 www.creativelearningacademy.org

1603 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm Ages: PreK - 8th 850-436-6440 www.shcs.ptdiocese.org

Scenic Preschool Daycare and Learning Center, Inc.

945 Scenic Highway, Pensacola Half day options for 2 years and up. VPK is Monday - Thursday. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:45pm, VPK 8:00am - 12:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-438-2692 scenicpreschool@bellsouth.net

St. Christopher’s Children’s Center 3200 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola Half day options available. VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-434-0986 www.scpen.org

St. Paul Lutheran Preschool

4600 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola Half day option available. VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-438-3805 www.stpaulpensacola.org

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Trinity Learning Center

3400 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola VPK offered. Full and part time childcare. Infants are full time only. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm, VPK 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 8 weeks - 4 years 850-435-7829 www.trinitypcola.org/tlc

32504

Aletheia Christian Academy ad on page 14

1700 Woodchuck Avenue, Pensacola 32504 VPK offered. Hours: Kindergarten: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:30pm, VPK: Monday - Thursday 8:00am 11:30am Ages: K4 - 12th grade 850-969-0088 secretary@acalions.org www.acalions.org

Camp Fire - Pensacola State College Child Dev. Center ad on page 23

1000 College Boulevard (Building 24), Pensacola A nurturing learning environment offering a variety of experiences such as outdoor activities, games, music, crafts and more. Serving many families across Escambia & Santa Rosa Counties. Let Camp Fire help your child light the fire within! Come tour our facility or call today to learn more! Free VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 1 year - 12 years 850-484-1524 campfireusapjc@yahoo.com www.campfirekidsfl.com

Potential Preschool Academy ad on page 10

3351 Creighton Rd, Pensacola, FL 32504 Hours: Monday - Friday, Full-time and Part-time Ages: 2 to 5 Developing your child’s potential! Open enrollment for full-time and part-time students is available now! Call today for a personal tour. School Readiness vouchers accepted. 850-530-0814 tangee.coleman@potentialchurch.com

Amazing Grace Christian Preschool 6601 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola VPK and extended care. Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years 850-505-7735 www.gracepensacola.org

Bells and Bubbles Child Development Center

2201 Langley Avenue, Pensacola Extended care available. Hours: Monday - Thursday 6:30am - 5:30pm, Friday 6:30am - 5:00pm Ages: 1 year - 12 years 850-476-8930 bells_bubbles@yahoo.com

Childcare Network Creighton (#112)

4079 Creighton Road, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:30am - 12:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-477-1451 or 850-479-1242 wwww.childcarenetwork.com

5725 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola VPK offered. Ask about extended care options. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm, VPK 8:45am - 12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years. After School for K - 5th grade. 850-476-5847 www.cokesburychurch.com

Hillcrest Baptist Spanish Trail Daycare 3960 Spanish Trail, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years 850-434-6612 www.hillcrestchurch.com

Hillcrest Church Daycare - Spanish Trail Campus

3960 Spanish Trail Road, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: M-F 6:30am - 6pm Ages: 6 wks - 5 years 850-434-6612 www.hillcrestchurch.com

Kinder World

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

MY Little Explorers Learning Academy 2406 Langley Avenue, Pensacola Half day option available. VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm, VPK 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-432-4100

PreK2 – 8th Grade www.edscc.org

EDS is

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Cokesbury Methodist Children’s Center

and

GROWING

take take aa tour tour

become become aa part part of of the the #EDSfamilytree #EDSfamilytree

now accepting applications 29

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students. We are committed to making Catholic education affordable, schedule a tour with us today! Extended Care available. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:40am - 2:55pm, VPK 7:40am - 10:45am Ages: K4 - 8th grade 850-455-4851 info@ptlittleflower.org www.ptlittleflower.org

Brite Start Learning & Child Care Center, LLC 5000 Mobile Highway (Suite 9), Pensacola Half day option available. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-457-0096 britestartkids@gmail.com

Capstone Academy - Pensacola Campus

32505

Marcus Pointe Christian Preschool ad on page 25

6205 North “W” Street , Pensacola 32505 Marcus Pointe Christian School exists to assist parents in the education of their children by equipping students with an academically excellent foundation and a biblical worldview. Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 6:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5th grade 850-479-1605 www.marcuspointechristian.org

Escambia Christian School

3311 West Moreno Street, Pensacola Extended care 6:30am - 6:00pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:30pm Ages: 3 years - 14 years 850-433-8476 www.escambiachristian.org

Holly’s Adventurers Learning Center

31 Mason Lane, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 9:00am - 12:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-434-3937 Hollysadventurers@gmail.com

Jubilee Christian Academy

5910 North “W” Street, Pensacola Extended care available. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:30pm, VPK 8:00am - 11:15am Ages: K2- 8th grade 850-494-2477 www.jcakids.org

Mary’s Little Lambs Early Learning Child Development Center, Inc.

2601 West Strong Street, Pensacola Infant nursery, after school care and VPK. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:00am - 11:30am Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-439-1080 maryslittlelambselc@yahoo.com

32506

Little Flower Catholic School ad on page 19

6495 Lillian Highway, Pensacola 32506 Little Flower Catholic School is a vibrant, multicultural school forming young people to live like Jesus did. As a leading Catholic School, Little Flower prides itself in innovative and highly qualified teachers, a family oriented environment, diverse community, and holistic formation of our Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

4901 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola Charter School for ages 3 - 5 years. VPK: 4 years old, Aftercare offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 3 years - school age 850-458-7735 www.capstoneacademy.org

Carden Christian Academy

3290 Bauer Road, Pensacola Hours: Monday - Thursday 6:30am - 6:00pm, Friday: 6:30am - 5:30pm Ages: K3(potty trained) - 10th grade. (Beginning Fall 2020 through 12th grade) 850-492-4873 www.cardenchristianacademy.com

Childcare Network - Fairfield (#113)

7525 Fairfield Drive, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-455-3096 wwww.childcarenetwork.com

Kidz Academy

1000 N New Warrington Road, Pensacola Day Care, Preschool, After School and Special Needs Care. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:30pm Ages: Infant - 10 years 850-453-5911 www.thekidzacademy.com

Knowledge & Fun Learning Center, LLC 596 North Fairfield Drive, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: M-F 6am - 6pm Ages: 6 wks - 12 years 850-456-4133

Loving Hearts Child Care Center

227 North Old Corry Field Road, Pensacola Full and part time care available. Hours: M-F 6am - 6pm Ages: 6 weeks -12 years 850-453-2342

Myrtle Grove Baptist Preschool

5920 Lillian Highway, Pensacola Summer care for 6 weeks - 12 years. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years 850-455-3352 www.facebook.com/myrtlegrovebaptistplc

32507

Redeemer Lutheran ad on page 21

333 Commerce Street, Pensacola, FL 32507 VPK, Elementary & Middle School. Let your child grow with us! Redeemer Lutheran is a full ac-

credited Christian school that nurtures academic excellence and spiritual growth. Ages: Monday - Friday (850) 455-0330 redeemerschoolpensacola.org

Academics Blue Angel Early Learning Center

10271 Sorrento Road, Pensacola 32507 3 VPK programs offered. 8:00am - 11:30am, 8:30am -12:00pm and 9:00am -12:30pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 2 years - 11 years 850-456-9501 www.academicsprek.com

Big Lagoon Learning Center

5655 Bauer Road, Pensacola VPK and aftercare available. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 1 year - 11 years 850-696-2352 www.biglagoonlearningcenter.com

Jamison Street Preschool

20 Jamison Street, Pensacola VPK offered Monday - Thursday 8am - 12pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-453-5575 www.jamisonstreetpreschool.com

S.L. Jones Christian Academy

100 Boeing Street, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:00pm Ages: K4 - 12th grade 850-456-2249 www.sljcainc.com

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School 325 South Navy Boulevard, Pensacola A safe, caring, Christ-centered environment. Extended care available. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:45am - 3:00pm Ages: PreK3 - 8th grade 850-456-5218 www.stjohnpensacola.com

Treehouse Learning Center

3912 Barrancas Avenue, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: 1 year - 12 years 850-453-4598 Facebook at TreehouseLearningCtr

32514 Blessed Star Montessori Christian

9151 North Davis Highway, Pensacola 32514 Half day option available. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 3 years - 13 years 850-476-9208 www.blessedstar.com

Hillcrest Church Mother’s Day Out Nine Mile Campus 800 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola Children must be one by September 1st of the school year. Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-476-2233 www.hillcrestchurch.com

La Petite Academy, Inc.

9601 Pickwood Drive, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:30pm, VPK 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-478-6772 www.lapetite.com

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Little Red School House

3785 East Olive Road, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 5:30am 6:00pm, VPK 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: 2 years - 12 years 850-477-2773 www.facebook.com/ lrshpensacola

Ministry Village Early Learning Center 1724 East Olive Road, Pensacola Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am 6:00pm Ages: 3 months - 5 years 850-378-8044 www.MinistryVillageELC.org

Miss Kathy’s Early Learning Center

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

Miss Kathy’s Pre K and Discovery Ctr

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

Olive Baptist

1836 East Olive Road, Pensacola Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am 1:30pm Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-476-1932 www.olivebaptist.org

Pensacola Junior Academy

8751 University Parkway, Pensacola Regular Pre-k program. After School care. Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:45am - 3:00pm, Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm Ages: PreK4 - 8th grade 850-478-8838 www.pjacademy.org

St. James Early Learning Center 219 East Johnson Avenue, Pensacola VPK offered and part time options. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-549-4771 www.stjamespcola.org/early_ learning_center

St. Luke UMC Preschool 1394 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola Extended care available from 8am - 9am and 1pm - 2pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-477-9299 www.stluke-umc.org/preschool

UWF Educational Research Center for Child Development

11000 University Pkwy (Building 99), Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm, VPK 8:30am - 12:00pm Ages: 6 months - 5 years 850-474-2195 www.uwf.edu/childdev

32526

Marcus Pointe Christian Preschool at Beulah ad on page 25

8300 Beulah Road, Pensacola 32526 Marcus Pointe Christian School exists to assist

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Ages: 8 weeks - 12 years 850-944-5140 www.gracechilddevelopmentcenter.net

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-969-1903 www.deliverancetab.org

Scholars Academy, Inc.

Jacqueline Harris Early Learning

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2610 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola Per day drop off. VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:00am -12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-944-5580 scholarsacademy@bellsouth.net

32533 Gonzalez UMC Child Enrichment Center parents in the education of their children by equipping students with an academically excellent foundation and a biblical worldview. Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 6:00pm Ages: 1 year - 3 years 850-607-9170 www.marcuspointechristian.org

Childcare Network - West Michigan 2623 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-944-5491 wwww.childcarenetwork.com

Grace Child Development Center

7181 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

2026 Pauline Street, Cantonment 32533 VPK offered as well as After School Care and Summer Camps. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am -6:00pm, VPK 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-968-6245 www.gonzalezmethodist.org/child-enrichment-center

32534 Childcare Network - Bowman (#141) 9441 Bowman Avenue, Pensacola 32534 VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-477-9508 www.childcarenetwork.com

Deliverance Tabernacle Child Development Center

1780 West Detroit Boulevard, Pensacola VPK offered.

8190 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola VPK offered from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Aftercare available. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years 850-432-2273 www.jhpacademy.org/prekvpk

Kid’s Place Learning Center 9490 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: Infant - 12 years 850-473-8912 www.facebook.com/kidsplacelearningcenter

Malena’s Mini School 9318 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola VPK Tuesday - Friday. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-478-5733 www.malenasminischool.com

CAP Head Start Several Locations, Pensacola Please call to set up an appointment. Hours: Vary by location Ages: Vary by location (6 weeks - 5 years) 844-356-8137 www.capc-pensacola.org/head-start

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32561 Children’s Place Preschool at Gulf Breeze UMC

75 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze 32561 VPK offered. Early Play 7:30am - 9:00am; Stay & Play 1:00pm - 4:30pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-932-1647 www.gbumc.org/childrens-place

Gulf Breeze Community Preschool

100 Andrew Jackson Trail, Gulf Breeze VPK offered. Early and Extended care available Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 3 years - 4 years 850-375-2173 glessk@santarosa.k12.fl.us

Knowledge Kollege II

5 Hoffman Drive, Gulf Breeze VPK, full and part time childcare available. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 18 months - 1st grade 850-934-9665 www.facebook.com/KnowledgeKollege11

Paradise Child Development Center 113 Joachim Drive, Gulf Breeze Per day drop off offered. (No VPK) Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-932-0722 paradisecdc@gmail.com

St. Ann Discovery School

100 Daniel Street, Gulf Breeze Half day option available. VPK offered.

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 8 weeks - 4 years 850-932-9330 www.stanngulfbreeze.org

32563 Childcare Network - Oriole Beach (#150) 1269 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze 32563 VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-932-1669 wwww.childcarenetwork.com

Community Life Preschool

4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze VPK, Early care and stay and play offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 2:00pm Ages: 2 years - 5 years 850-916-7496 www.clc.life

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

4257 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Two, three and five day Pre-K programs. (3 year olds must be potty trained). Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm, VPK Monday - Thursday 8am - 12pm Ages: PreK3 - 1st grade 850-932-9127 GoodShepherdLutheranSchoolGB on Facebook

Kids Discovery 5

2800 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-932-4409 www.kidsdiscovery.com

St. Paul Methodist Church Preschool

4901 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze VPK offered. Extended care option until 1:30pm. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years 850-932-0692 (Ext 113) www.stpaulmethodist.org

32566 Curious Apples Early Learning Center 2716 Highway 87 South, Navarre 32566 VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:45am - 6:00pm Ages: 2 years - school age 850-936-4663 www.curiousapples.com

32570 Berryhill Child Care

5762 Berryhill Road, Milton 32570 VPK and extended care options available. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:15am - 6:00pm Ages: 1 year - 13 years 850-623-4509 www.berryhillchildcare.com

Capstone Academy - Milton Campus 5308 Stewart Street, Milton ESE Pre-K for ages 3 - 5 years. VPK: 4 years old, Aftercare offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 3 years - 5 years 850-626-3091 www.capstoneacademy.org

Santa Rosa Christian Learning Center 6331 Chestnut Street, Milton 2 year old daycare - 4 year old kindergarten.

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Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:30pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years 850-623-4607 www.santarosachristianschool.com/

32583 Kids Discovery 6

5753 Highway 90, Milton 32583 VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-623-4800 www.kidsdiscovery.com

West Florida Baptist Academy

5621 Highway 90, Milton Academic excellence in a Christian environment. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm, Wednesdays 8:00am - 2:00pm Ages: PreK3 - 12th grade 850-623-9306 www.wfbacademy.org

32571 A Touch of Love Children’s Center, Inc. 3762 Gardenview Street, Pace 32571 PreK offered as well as after care. Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 2 years - 12 years 850-994-5111 www.facebook.com/ATOLCC

Children’s Learning Center

4540 Chumuckla Highway, Pace VPK and extended care available. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm, VPK 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years 850-476-0630 clcstaff@yahoo.com

First Steps Christian Preschool

4187 Highway 90, Pace Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-994-6092 www.ibcpace.com

L.E.A.D. Academy Classical School 4106 Berryhill Road, Pace Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 2:30pm Ages: PreK - 12th grade 850-995-1900 www.leadacademylions.com

New Beginnings Preschool Center 4645 School Road, Pace Early drop off available. Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years 850-995-4936 Find us on Facebook!

32535

Camp Fire - Century Youth Learning Center ad on page 23

6031 Industrial Boulevard, Century 32535 A nurturing learning environment offering a variety of experiences such as outdoor activities, games, music, crafts and more. Serving many families across Escambia & Santa Rosa Counties. Let Camp Fire help your child light the fire within! Come tour our facility, or call today to learn more! Free VPK offered. Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm Ages: 1 year - 12 years 850-256-0953 info@cfgulfwind.org www.campfirekidsfl.com Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

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Games on the Go

In a kid’s world increasingly dominated by electronic screens, it’s helpful to have portable play options to hand when there’s time to occupy. Games help children think strategically, solve problems creatively and develop social skills, such as following rules, playing with others and taking turns. Before they default to the lure of console or phone gaming, be prepared to point kid’s attention toward more active endeavors that can engage them in seconds. Access to active play resources can be the

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

following items offer games and activities that are easy to set up and ready to go in seconds.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Table Tennis to Go

Pop-Up Soccer Goals

Love table tennis but hate the hassle of installing the table, unwinding nets and trying to find the paddles and balls? Now, you can play pingpong anytime, anywhere with just an unoccupied table! The versatile Table Tennis To Go set from Franklin Sports makes it easy to turn any table into a ping pong venue. With a sturdy retractable and expandable net that clamps securely to table edges, the scene is easily set for play. The set includes two balls and two paddles, so you only need players to swing into instant table tennis mode! The drawstring mesh bag keeps the components together, portable, and ready to bring ping-pong play to table surfaces anywhere!

For parents of budding soccer allstars, getting to the field for on-demand play can be a challenge. GoSports Pop-Up Soccer Goals offer an easy, portable solution for soccer practice anywhere. The goals don’t require assembly, but rather ‘pop’ open for immediate use, close with a twist and fold for compact flat storage. Crafted with nylon fabric and netting that can withstand even the strongest shots, the goals can be staked into grass (stakes included) or taped/ weighted for play on a hard surface. This set includes 2 foldable 4’ goals, plus 6 orange cones for agility training or marking boundaries. Ready for goal practice, goalie-less games, skills training, backyard setups and more, just bring your own ball and soccer play is ready when you are.

(Franklin Sports)

(GoSports)

HX40 Air Hockey Table

Premium Wooden Ring Toss

The most popular tabletop sport in the arcade now comes in a portable version that puts competitive air hockey right at your fingertips. Powered by an AC-12V motor, electric fans provide powerful, quiet and uniform airflow for a smooth and frictionless playing surface. Rubber pads on the table feet protect tabletops and wood floors from scratches allowing for vigorous gameplay. The goal boxes easily return the puck and have manual scorers above to keep track of who is winning the game. Measuring 40”L x 20”W x 5”H, the table weighs just 14 pounds and comes with an AC adapter, two fastaction round pucks, and two plastic strikers. Perfect for home, office, rec room, or gaming spaces.

A fast path to unplugged game play includes the GoSports Premium Wooden Ring Toss set, an update to the traditional lawn game that brings family and friends together (indoors or outdoors) for an engaging play that requires no batteries! The game is sturdily crafted using solid pine wood for the colorfully marked targets and robust rope for the four toss rings. The compact canvas carrying case ensures easy storage and portability. Featuring five scoring towers with varying point scores, game play also introduces basic math skills while fostering hand-eye coordination in younger players. A centuries-old game for solo or group play, the GoSports Premium Wooden Ring Toss (with a lifetime warranty) reboots a beloved all-ages game that’s here to stay.

(Sports Squad)

(GoSports)

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

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FamilyCalendar Friday, January 24

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. Tom is a nervous school teacher about to start his first day of teaching. He tries to relax with a little TV when various characters representing facets of his personality materialize from the television set. Reviving the catchy, playful Saturday morning hits of the 1970s, Schoolhouse Rock Live! is both educational and enjoyable. For more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit http://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Pensacola Opera Presents: Don Giovanni 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Mozart’s operatic masterpiece returns to the Saenger stage in a stunning new production created by Papermoon Opera Productions and stage director Fenlon Lamb. Don Giovanni is an arrogant, charismatic aristocrat who will stop at nothing to challenge unrequited lust – even if it means violence. His reign of terror ends in a brilliant finale as the fires of the underworld welcome opera’s lecherous libertine. Tickets start at $25. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Saturday, January 25

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. FREE. A group that studies the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Open Studio: Lavender Warmers 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Participants are invited to drop in anytime between 11:30 and 3:30 to explore and experiment with a variety of media and art forms. Admission: $6 per participant, free for PMA members. All supplies provided; all ages welcome! Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Arcadia Kids’ Crafts 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arcadia Mill, 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton. Free kids’ craft featuring a Chinese New Year’s drum. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill or call (850) 626-3084. 25th Annual Cordova Mall Ball 8 p.m. Cordova Mall, 9th Avenue, Pensacola. Tickets for the Cordova Mall Ball presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships are now available for purchase. Festivities include three live bands, a jazz band, great food sam-

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

pling and lots of Mardi Gras-style fun. Funds raised will support young cancer patients through the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope, which is based at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. Visit www.cordovamallball.com to purchase tickets or call Jennifer at (850) 416-4661. Curiosity Days at Pensacola MESS Hall 1-4 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. Each month, we present focused hands-on activities related to a special theme. These activities are curated for learners ages 6+ and are included with admission. Admission is $10 for ages 3+, and free for annual MESS Hall members. Today’s topic is Nano. Imagine, discover and explore a world that’s too small to see! For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/ or call (877) 937-6377.

Sunday, January 26

Tuesday, January 28

Breakfast and a Movie at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 9-11 a.m. Enjoy Chick-fil-A breakfast and choice of beverage followed by a presentation and movie in the Giant Screen Digital Theater. Museum Historian will present stories of naval aviation history as the Museum Curator and Museum Archivist share pieces of history from the museum’s extensive historical collection. Breakfast & a Movie is $10 per person and tickets are available for purchase to the first 325 people at the Giant Screen Theater ticket counter. For more info, visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ or call (850) 452-2894.

Thursday, January 30

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. Travis Tritt 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Enjoy a special evening with CMA and Grammy award-winning country artist Travis Tritt, featuring an intimate soloacoustic setting where his powerful voice and guitar are the subject of the spotlight. Performing some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” and “Best of Intentions.” Ticket prices start at $42. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Friday, January 31

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. tobyMac Live! 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. 2020 tobyMac Hits Deep Tour featuring: tobyMac, Tauren Wells, Jordan Feliz We Are Messengers, Ryan Stevenson, Aaron

Cole, and Cochren & Co. Tickets begin at $26. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter. com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@pcolabaycenter.com.

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Saturday, February 1

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Mozart Madness 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. This hour-long, intimate concert is a wonderful experience if you have never attended a Symphony concert or if you have been going for years. All tickets are $10 general admission. For tickets or more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www.pensacolasymphony.com/. Preschool Art Time: Thumbprint Animals 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. Cost: $6/members and $8/non-members, per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Ever’man Cooks Debby’s Kitchen 10-11:30 a.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. This class is for the novice cook at any age . It will be educational, fun & offer basic knife & sauce skills to appeal to anyone. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. 2020 Double Bridge Run Presented by Publix 7:30 a.m. Wahoos Stadium, 351 W Cedar St., Pensacola. This 15K 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, visit https://pensacolasports. org/doublebridgerun/ or call (850) 434-2800. White Tie Rock Ensemble

8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Come experience an evening of rock and roll as the White Tie Rock Ensemble presents a tribute to Journey, STYX, Boston, Aerosmith, Foreigner and Kansas! Tickets start at $28. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Sunday, February 2

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 3 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. Free Yoga Class - Breathe Yoga and Wellness 10 - 11 a.m. Community Maritime Park. Classes are held the first Sunday of each month and are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use. Water will be provided, but you

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FamilyCalendar need to bring your own bottle or container. For more info, visit www.cityofpensacola.com/.

Monday, February 3

Pensacola Little Theatre Holds Auditions for Winnie-the-Pooh 6:30 p.m. Directed by Stephen C. Lott. Join Christopher Robin and his best friend Winniethe-Pooh as they help the gang when “one of the fiercer animals” comes to the Hundred Acre Woods. Pooh Bear has to decide between rescuing his best friend Piglet and having a smackeral of honey. (Not an easy choice.) Show Dates: March 20-29 (includes one daytime school performance). Looking for 12 children between the ages of 10 and 15 who enjoy working with others. Almost all roles could be male or female and any ethnicity. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre. com/auditions for more info.

Tuesday, February 4

Breakfast and a Movie at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 9-11 a.m. For more info, see January 28 listing. Glenn Miller Orchestra at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 7-9 p.m. The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, a fully self-contained 19 member group, is the most popular and sought-after big band in the world today. Come hear one of the greatest bands of all time as they bring unique jazz and big band sounds to the National Naval Aviation Museum. A light supper will be available at the Cubi Bar Cafe from 5:15 until 6:45 p.m. For more info, visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ or call (850) 452-2894.

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Chamber Music Recital Noon. Old Christ Church, 405 S Adams St., Pensacola. The Department of Music and UWF Chamber Music Class present “Love is in the air” – an early Valentine’s Day celebration. Members of the class will sing love songs and duets. Instrumentalists will perform romantic compositions of Schumann, Schubert, Mozart, Eccles, Gluck and more. Admission is free and tickets are not required. For more info, call (850) 474-2147 or visit http://uwf.edu/cfpa/.

Thursday, February 6

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 6 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are Dana & Susan Robinson, Jamie Anderson, Joe Crookston, and Dennis Warner. Tickets are $10 and available in advance at radiolive.org or at the door on the day of the show. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more info, visit wuwf.org/ radiolive or call (850) 473-7433.

Friday, February 7

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direc-

tion by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Quad City Storm 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Meets the 1st Friday of every month. 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 https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/ or call (850) 529-0908.

Saturday, February 8

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 7:30 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 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. Questioning Corner at Pensacola MESS Hall 10 a.m.-noon. 116 N. Tarragona St. Questioning Corner engages young learners in age-appropriate exploration related to special themes. Activities are geared for learners ages 3-8 and are included with admission. Admission is $10 for everyone 3+ and free for MESS Hall members. Today’s topic is Energy. Investigate different forms of energy from your muscles to sound. For more info, visit www. pensacolamesshall.org/ or call (877) 937-6377. Emerald Coast Krewe of Airship Pirates Milton Mardi Gras Parade 5-7 p.m. Starts at the corner of James and Stewart Street in downtown Milton. This steampunk Mardi Gras celebration kicked off its first last year, and it is back and better than ever! For more info, visit www. kreweofairshippirates.com/or call (850) 748-9696. Milton Mardi Gras Parade Pre-Party/Lineup: 1 p.m. Raised on the Radio Band will be onstage from 2-4 p.m. Parade rolls: 5-7 p.m. This year’s route will follow last year’s route, with the addition of floats heading east on Berryhill, south on Willing St, crossing over Hwy 90 and ending with the Inaugural After Party at Jernigan’s Landing! For more info, visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/. Open Studio: Valentine Cards 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see January 25 listing.

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Quad City Storm 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: From Hollywood: John Williams and More 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. From Star Wars and Star Trek to Jurassic Park and Lincoln, this concert highlights beloved movie music from Alan Silvestri, Michael Giacchino, the legendary John Williams and more! Tickets start at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see January 25 listing.

Sunday, February 9

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! 3 p.m. Directed by Mario Cieri with musical direction by Kathy Johansen and choreography by Michael Dennis. For details, see January 24 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Quad City Storm 4:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Pensacola Record Fair Noon-4 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. The Pensacola Record Fair is a vinyl record show brought to you by DJ Dad, featuring a vast number of tables topped with bins and bins of records to dig through on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Free and open to the public; family friendly; food trucks posted outside the hall; live music. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com.

Tuesday, February 11

Black Violin: Impossible Tour 2020 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. An American hip hop duo from Florida is comprised of two classically trained string instrumentalists, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, who go by the names Kev Marcus and Wil B. Kev Marcus plays the violin and Wil B. plays the viola. Mingling hip hop and classical sensibilities is what gives them their distinctive style. Tickets start at $25. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Breakfast and a Movie at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 9-11 a.m. For more info, see January 28 listing.

Thursday, February 13

University of West Florida Mardi Gras Parade 5 p.m. The event is open to the public. All floats will enter the line up in the Parking Lot SP2 near UWF’s baseball fields. Walkers and small motorized vehicles will enter the line up in Parking Lot B. For more info, visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/.

Friday, February 14

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 7:30 p.m. A Studio 400 Production. An evening of one-act plays directed by Chris Holloway, Brandon Mayo and Gavin Parmley. For more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit http://www.pensacolalittletheatre. com/.

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FamilyCalendar Escambia Westgate Parade 9:30 a.m. The Escambia Westgate Mardi Gras Parade is for our special needs students who are not able to attend the parades downtown due to the noise, crowds and any disabilities they may have. Contact Sbrown10@escambia.k12.fl.us for more info. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Macon Mayhem 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Tesla 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. TESLA has endured many of the same taste-changing challenges that affected many in the post-grunge world, but through it all, their blue-collar work ethic and dedication to the faithful fan base has helped them not just survive, but thrive. Tickets start at $45. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. The University of W Florida Department of Theatre Presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson 7:30 p.m. Studio Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on the Pensacola campus. Silent Sky tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University as a human computer, one of Dr. Edward Pickering’s “harem,” mapping the stars but receiving no scientific credit. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes in Cepheid stars—a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy. For more info or to reserve tickets, call (850) 857-6285.

Saturday, February 15

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 7:30 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing. The University of W Florida Department of Theatre Presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson 7:30 p.m. Studio Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on the Pensacola campus. For more info, see February 14 listing. Theatrical Stage Play Have Mercy Boulevard! 2:30 and 7 p.m. Pensacola High School Auditorium, 500 West Maxwell Street. Have Mercy Boulevard! is electrifying, shocking, realistic and downright hilarious. You will be laughing, crying, and scratching your head all at the same time. Have Mercy Boulevard! is enjoyable for the whole family. Admission: $20 buy one ticket and get one ticket half off. For more info, call (850) 293-5345 or visit pcaraonline.com. Kids and Kritters Parade 2-3 p.m. Casino Beach parking lot, Gulf Breeze. A Mardi Gras walking procession for children and pets. Pre-parade show begins at 1:40 p.m. with Dancingly Yours. Parade rolls at 2 p.m. Free parking and familyfriendly. $5 fee per pet. Free for spectators and for children to participate in parade. For more info, call (850) 748-6878 or visit http://pensacolabeachmardigras.com/. Vocal Music Academy Workshops for Ages 14 & Up 46 E. Chase St., Pensacola. Pensacola Children’s Chorus welcomes anyone who wishes to improve their vocal technique to attend our Vocal Academy Workshops held on various Saturdays throughout the year. Led by Hanan Tarabay, participants explore different aspects of vocal technique (e.g., breath-

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

ing, tonal placement) in a masterclass type setting. These workshops are open to the public. $20/ session. For more info, call (850) 434-7760 or visit www.pensacolasings.org/.

Cats 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. The record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger. com/. Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s clean up at Project Greenshores, also known 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. 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. Preschool Art Time: Valentine Dough 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see February 1 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Macon Mayhem 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Parents’ Night Out: Art Class for Kids 5:30-8 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For ages 5-12. Cost $20 per student. Students will experiment with various media to create 3D and 2D works to take home. Light snacks are provided but you may pack a dinner if desired. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. 34th Annual Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade 1 p.m. Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach. Parade starts at Indiana and Gulf Blvd, and proceeds east, ending at the Navarre Beach Causeway. Come for familyfriendly fun, floats, and beads! The theme this year is Beach Life. For more info, visit http://nkoj.org/. Mardi Gras Dance Party 7 p.m. Hadji Shrine Temple, 400 W. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. Hosted by the “Super Novas” (Girls Youth Group Advisors) with the Southern Breeze Band. Food available for purchase: hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, etc. $10 per person. To pre-purchase tickets, contact Shawn at (850) 516-1085 or e-mail spiderdiesel@yahoo.com.

Sunday, February 16

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 3 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing.

Sunday afternoon full of family-friendly activities. Afterwards enjoy a self-guided tour of the exhibitions. Cost: $6/participant over the age of 3; includes day admission into the PMA. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

Cats 1 & 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. For details, see February 15 listing.

Monday, February 17 Sea Turtle Presentation

1:30-2:30 p.m. Visit Pensacola, 1401 E Gregory Street (off 17th Avenue). Cathy Holmes, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, will have an informative presentation about the sea turtles in the Pensacola area. There will be a display board, sea turtle shells, skulls, handouts and wrist bands. Visitor center located in Wayside Park on east side of Hwy. 98 at mouth of Pensacola Bay Bridge. For more info, call (850) 434-1234. 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-yearolds, 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/.

Tuesday, February 18

Nearly Nicks 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie are reincarnated with this larger than life tribute to their best work. Uncanny visuals and a live band perform hits such as “Edge of Seventeen,” “Rhiannon,” “Gold Dust Woman” and “The Chain,” including Stevie’s collaborations such as “Stop Draggin’” with Tom Petty and “Leather ’n Lace” with Don Henley. Tickets start at $38. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Breakfast and a Movie at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 9-11 a.m. For more info, see January 28 listing.

Wednesday, February 19

Gordon Lightfoot 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Esteemed singersongwriter and musician Gordon Lightfoot’s song catalog is incredibly vast and includes such immortals as “Early Morning Rain,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Carefree Highway,” “Sundown,”“(That’s What You Get) For Lovin Me,” “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald,” and “Rainy Day People” to name a few. Tickets start at $44. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

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Thursday, February 20

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 7:30 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing.

The University of W Florida Department of Theatre Presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson 2:30 p.m. Studio Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on the Pensacola campus. For more info, see February 14 listing.

Veterans’ Meeting 4-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. These free monthly meetings focus on veteran services in our community. Call Evelyn Coleman at (850) 543-2258 or visit http:// everman.org/.

Family Sunday at Pensacola Museum of Art: Marble Paper Hearts 1-4 p.m. Bring your family to the museum for a

Lauren Daigle 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. An all-new stage production, design and set list will be highlighted

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by Daigle’s raw vocal power and stage presence. She’ll feature some of her hits, including her latest single “Rescue” and the double-Platinum selling #1 single “You Say,” as well as tracks from her previous platinum-selling album, How Can It Be. Folk/soul duo JOHNNYSWIM will join Daigle on select US dates. Tickets begin at $33. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 7453000. Group discount available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Anthony at (850) 432-0800 ext 231 or amendoza@pcolabaycenter.com.

Dinosaur World Live 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, Dinosaur World Live presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures including Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Triceratops. The show introduces Miranda, daughter of palaeontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a faraway island off the coast of South America. She has brought her pre-historic pals to your local theatre and would love you to meet them. Each performance is followed by a post-show meet and greet where audience members have the opportunity to meet some of the dinosaurs in person. Recommended for children 3 and up. Tickets start at $25. For tickets or more info, call (850) 5953880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Science Hour 6-7 p.m. Downtown Pensacola Library. UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension hosts this educational series meeting most months. Tonight’s topic is “Vibrio,” presented by Dr. Lisa Waidner, assistant professor, Center for Environmental Diagnostics & Bioremediation, UWF. Each session is free to the public. For more info, contact Carrie at ctsteven@ufl.edu or call (850) 475-5230.

Friday, February 21

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 7:30 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing.

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The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at Beef O’Brady’s, 344 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze. 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 is not provided. Call (850) 529-0908 or powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/.

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. The University of W Florida Department of Theatre Presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson 7:30 p.m. Studio Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on the Pensacola campus. For more info, see February 14 listing.

Dennis DeYoung: The Grand Illusion 40th Anniversary Album Tour 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Dennis DeYoung is a founding member of STYX and the lead singer and songwriter on seven of the bands eight Top Ten hits. DENNIS is a legendary singer, songwriter, keyboardist, composer and record producer with a career spanning over 40 years. Tickets start at $48. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Ballet Pensacola’s Paquita and Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. It’s a classical vs. contemporary throwdown, opening with the classical work, Paquita, danced to the familiar music of Ludwig Minkus. The second half of the evening moves to the eye-opening edgy and contemporary new ballet, Rocket Man. Chroeographer Christine Duhon follows up last year’s blockbuster, We Will Rock You, with her interpretation of the life and times of Sir Elton John. For more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit http://www. pensacolalittletheatre.com/. Annual Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade 6:30-:307 p.m. Downtown Pensacola, beginning at Spring & Garden Streets. The only illuminated nighttime parade in Pensacola! The crowd will be entertained with marching bands, lighted floats and great throws from the Krewe of Lafitte. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit www.kreweoflafitte.com/.

Saturday, February 22

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 7:30 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing. Curiosity Days at Pensacola MESS Hall 1-4 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. Today’s theme is contraptions. Make your own chain of events in a Rube Goldberg style using simple machines. For details, see January 25 listing. Pet Partners: Read With Me 10 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. School-aged children (ages 5-12) are invited to register for a 15-minute session to pick a book and read to one of the therapy dogs. Dogs and handlers are coordinated through Pet Partners and Cherry Point Dog Training, Inc. Preregistration is requested. For more info, visit https:// business.visitperdido.com/ or call (850) 453-7780. Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade 2 p.m. Begins at Palafox & Garden Streets, Pensacola. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts this family-oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area. Crowds catch beads, doubloons and moonpies galore as they are thrown from floats! For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/. The University of W Florida Department of Theatre Presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson 7:30 p.m. Studio Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on the Pensacola campus. For more info, see February 14 listing. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see January 25 listing. Ballet Pensacola’s Paquita and Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John 7:30 p.m. For details, see February 21 listing. Open Studio: Do it Yourself Coasters 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see January 25 listing.

Sunday, February 23

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Short Attention Span Theatre 2020 2:30 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing. Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade 2 p.m. Avendida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west and disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach parking lot. Mardi Gras parade with an island atmosphere! After parade, parties are everywhere and the biggest is on the boardwalk, at the Shell, where the revelers wait for the results of the judges and trophies to be awarded. Of course, the music is playing, and partiers are dancing rain or shine! Call (850) 932-1500 or visit http://pensacolabeachmardigras.com/. The University of West Florida Department of Theatre Presents Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson 2:30 p.m. Studio Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 on the Pensacola campus. For more info, see February 14 listing. Ballet Pensacola’s Paquita and Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John 2:30 p.m. For details, see February 14 listing. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents One World, Many Voices 2 p.m. Saenger Theatre. This choral concert features music of renowned composers from around the world, serving as the formal celebration of the 30th anniversary of Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Tickets begin at $15. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Monday, February 24

Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration The Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration marks the end of the Mardi Gras season. A new King and Queen Priscus will be reveled to lead us for the following Mardi Gras Season. Free. For more info, visit pensacolamardigras.com.

Tuesday, February 25

Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration For more info, see February 24 listing. Breakfast and a Movie at Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum 9-11 a.m. For more info, see January 28 listing.

Wednesday, February 26

Joe Bonamassa 8 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Bonamassa is one of today’s top live performers and his enthusiastic live shows are one of the biggest parts of his career. Tickets begin at $73. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Friday, February 28

Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con

1 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Pensacon 2020 is an all-inclusive event that encompasses many genres of the fan community. The main venues are the Pensacola Bay Center and Pensacola Grand Hotel, with some events taking place at the Saenger Theatre, Rex Theatre and Pensacola Little Theatre. Each venue will have different hours based on events taking place there. Expect sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comics, anime, gaming and much more! Visit www. pensacon.com for more info.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, February 29

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Russian Spectacular 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Sweeping Romantic melodies meet exotic themes in this annual Pensacola Symphony Orchestra celebration of music by Russian composers. Cellist Bion Tsang performs Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. The evening will close with Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling Scheherazade, the colorful suite inspired by The Arabian Nights, featuring Leonid Yanovskiy in one of the most recognizable concertmaster solos in literature. Tickets begin at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Departure - The Journey Tribute Band w/ Coastal Fire Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. General admission. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed, adult guardian. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com. Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con 10 a.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see February 28 listing.

Sunday, March 1

Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con 10 a.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see February 28 listing.

Wednesday, March 4

Chamber Music Recital Noon. Old Christ Church, 405 S Adams St., Pensacola. The Department of Music and UWF Chamber Music Class presents “Baroque and Beyond.” For more info, see February 5 listing.

Thursday, March 5

Jersey Boys 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys contains smoke, gunshots, strobe lights, drug references, sexual situations and authentic “Profane Jersey language,” and is recommended for ages 12+. Tickets begin at $58. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Friday, March 6

Josh Turner 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner is one of country music’s most recognizable hit-makers. As one of the youngest members inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, Turner has populated radio with such memorable hits as “Hometown Girl,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Your Man,” “Time Is Love,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Long Black Train.” Tickets begin at $42. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Saturday, March 7

Preschool Art Time: Beaded Shamrocks 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see February 1 listing. Ever’man Cooks Debby’s Kitchen 10-11:30 a.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see February 1 listing.

You must be able to run or walk 3.1 miles in under one hour. The course will open to traffic at 10 a.m. Stragglers will be picked up by McGuire’s bus. For more info, call (850) 433-6789 or visit https://www. mcguiresirishpub.com/. 2020 Spring Market at Seville Square 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. Live entertainment, food trucks, bounce house and vendors. Portion of proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Project. For more info, visit orangebeachbreeze.com Riverwalk Arts Festival 6815 Caroline St., Downtown Milton. This wildly popular event is in its 32nd year, drawing people from throughout the Southern region. The festival features juried fine art, heritage folk art, heritage folk art, cultural performances, continuous music, food, the All County Youth Art Exhibit and a cool Kids Fun Zone! For more info, visit www.getrelaxing.com or call (850) 981-8900.

Monday, March 9

An American in Paris 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. In post war Paris, romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns. Gershwin’s soaring melodies are matched by gravity-defying dance as the world rediscovers the power of love in this breathtaking production. Hoping to start a new life, World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan chooses newlyliberated Paris as the place to make a name for himself as a painter. But Jerry’s life becomes complicated when he meets Lise, a young Parisian shop girl with her own secret - and realizes he is not her only suitor. Winner of four Tony Awards and inspired by the Academy Award-winning film, this exquisite production features your favorite Gershwin songs including “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “‘S Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” and “Stairway to Paradise.”Tickets begin at $58. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Every Sunday This Month

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 http://www.centralonline.tv/flora-bama/. Family-Friendly Improv at Pensacola Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. 239 N. Spring St. Come learn basic improv techniques and games like those in the comedy show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Improv is storytelling without a script. All ages welcome, but parents must accompany younger children. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.

Every Monday This Month

Pickleball at PAC! 6-9 p.m. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Looking to try something fun and competitive? Join us for a pick-up game of Pickleball. Spare paddles are limited, so please BYOP. Members play free and guests play for only $3. For more info, call Max at (850) 453-1534 or visit www.pacactive.com.

Every Tuesday This Month

43rd Annual McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K McGuire’s Irish Pub, 600 E Gregory Street, Pensacola.

Preschool Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Join us for stories, songs and movement designed to build future readers! We have fun with many books from our collection. For more info, call (850) 453-7780.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are creative and have an organic, environmental and local twist. Price: Complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Funky Flow is a creative hour with fun postures and music, combining yin and yang postures. Please wear comfortable clothing. All you need is yourself, a mat if you have one and an open mind. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Tuesday Jazz Jam 6:30 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government Street. Featuring various jazz vocalists and musicians weekly. The jazz concert will start in the Lili Marlene room. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.sevillequarter.com/.

Every Thursday This Month

Every Saturday This Month

Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. For more info, visit www.palafoxmarket.com. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church parking lot across the street from their sanctuary. Providing local goods, including seasonal produce, eggs, chicken, jams, jellies, home-baked treats, fresh breads, honey, pickles and local arts and craft items. For more info, call (850) 736-3040 or find us on Facebook. Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. Our free beginner ukulele classes are designed to get you familiarized with the ukulele, including parts of the ukulele, how to hold it, how to tune it, basic chord shapes, basic strumming patterns and chord changes for your first song! The intermediate class focuses on learning songs and playing while singing along. For more info, call (850) 457-7557.

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 2 p.m. at 5051

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FamilyCalendar Carpenter’s Creek Drive in Pensacola at our Population Health Building. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-7262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education. SNAP, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and “keep problems small.” SNAP services are completely free to youth and their families! SNAP Boys and SNAP Girls program is designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into contact with authority figures at school or in the community. The parent group meets at the same time as the SNAP Boys/SNAP Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges. For more info or to participate in a program, call (850) 453-2772.

Parenting

CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. offers a variety of parenting programs specific to the age of the children (from infants to teens) and needs of the parents. They are offered free to the community and meet in different locations in Pensacola. Please contact Medena Williams at mwilliams@cdac.info or (850) 449-4315 or (850) 439-5626 for more info.

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/birth. Baby Care Basics – Select Saturday classes (9 a.m.-13:30 p.m.) walk 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 series. Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour of labor & delivery unit, and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Held third Fridays odd months, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Breastfeeding – Two-class series (select Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.) teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. $20 per series. 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 series. Classes are offered each month as a five-class series from 6-8:30 p.m. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! Select Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4874 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Mondays and Fridays, 5:30 p.m. Monthly Series Package – $125 per couple and includes Prepared Childbirth (a four-class series or one all-day class), two Breastfeeding classes and two Baby Care Basics classes. Ascension 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.sacredheartbaby.com. 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. Infant/Child CPR Course Class is open to new parents, family members and friends who will be caring for a baby or young child. Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fee is $22 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, please call (850) 416-7264. “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. 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. Prepared Childbirth Classes Designed to help prepare you and your partner for the birthing process – including tips to make you more comfortable during labor – Prepared Childbirth Classes are taught by experienced obstetrics nurses and include a tour of the Maternity and Women’s Center. Cost is $50 per couple. This course is offered in two different formats to meet your scheduling and educational needs: •As a four-week series, especially designed for firsttime moms. •As a one-day class, ideal for moms who have had children before and are looking for a refresher course in the delivery experience. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/. 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.

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 or visit https://westfloridahospital.com/ service/family-birthplace. Breastfeeding Preparation Class Classroom 5 & 6 on the 7th Floor of the Ancillary Building at West Florida Hospital located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Free for pre-delivery parents. Topics include: How breastfeeding works (How the Breast Makes Milk), Latch & Positioning, When to Feed Your Baby, How to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk, Breast Care, Pumping, Storing and Bottle-Feeding with Breastmilk. This is a Power Point, Videos, and Question/Answer Class. Mom, Dad, and caregivers are welcome. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/ service/childbirth-preparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - 4-Week Series Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Join us for a PowerPoint presentation that will discuss: what to expect in labor, vaginal delivery, c/s delivery, pain control options, post partum care, newborn care, and we will tour the labor unit/suite. This 4-week course goes into a little more detail than the intensive 4-hr

course. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/service/childbirthpreparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - Express Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. 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. Free, very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368 for any additional questions.

Support Groups Cancer

Cancer Support Group 2-3 p.m. second Tuesdays. Sacred Heart Hospital Oncology Unit Library, 2nd floor. Cancer patients, cancer survivors, their families & friends are invited to join. Enjoy some “Tea for the Soul” & light refreshments. The group is designed to offer support through education, spirituality and humor as well as the comfort of fellowship with other cancer patients. For more info, call Rene Moses, 416-7703 or Jo Jensen, 416-7593. CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) Tuesday nights for six consecutive weeks at the Sacred Heart Cancer Center. A unique, free program created to provide emotional support for children who have a parent with cancer. During the group meetings, conversation and art are used to help children identify and appropriately express complex feelings related to having a parent with cancer. Preregistration is required by calling (850) 416-2679. Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. Support Group 6:30-8 p.m. 3rd Tuesdays in Conference Room A of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. 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. More details can be found at www.wingsofhopeinc.org. Look Good...Feel Better Sacred Heart Cancer Center 3rd Floor Conference Room on Airport Blvd. Free program that teaches people in active cancer treatment ways to deal with the appearance-related side effects of treatment. It will be offered jointly by the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Pre-registration is required by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-888-604-5888 or visit www.cancer.org/cps3florida. Man2Man Prostate Cancer Self Help Group 9:30 a.m. first Saturdays. Sacred Heart Cancer Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room on Airport Blvd. Facilitated by Ed Rigby, American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer education and support program. For more info, call (850) 438-7627 or 438-4491. No registration required.

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SupportGroups Managing Life with Cancer: A Mini Series Four-week program at Sacred Heart Cancer Center designed to help patients and families learn how to emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially cope with cancer. Patients will be able to connect with other cancer patients while learning common emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis, healthy coping skills, safe exercises, sources of personal hope, and available financial resources. Lunch is provided so pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-2679. Patient and Family Cancer Support Group Pensacola 4-5:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Prostate Cancer Support Group 5-6:30 p.m. 2nd Thursdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. 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 provides this free group for adults who have lost a loved one. For future classes and registration info, please call (850) 416-7705. Grief Support at Baptist Health Care Meetings last for six consecutive weeks. For current dates and more info, call (850) 469-7197.

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. For meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure. ehc.com/calendar/index.dot. Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group 6:30-7:30 p.m. Next meeting is February 17. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 1-2 p.m., usually second Fridays. West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot.

Stroke Support Group 12:30-1:30 p.m., second Wednesdays. October through December meetings are at Sacred Heart Women’s & Children’s Classroom C/D (regular meeting location). See Information Desk staff if you need assistance. Please let us know in advance if you need a wheelchair. All stroke survivors and their family members invited to join us each month, free of charge. Discussions are led by the Neurology Social Worker. Topics change each month, and meetings occasionally will include a guest speaker. For more info, call (850) 416-7621 or e-mail: eopena@ascension.org.

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. Call for next meeting dates. For more info, call (850) 434-4567. La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Our mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Free. Next meetings will be held February 6 and March 5, from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman. org/event/la-leche-league-9/. LEAPS New Mom Support Group Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. LEAPS (Love, Encouragement, and Postpartum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Precrawling babies welcome. Free. Next meeting will be held February 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of most months 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.

Pediatric Stroke Warriors of Pensacola For meeting dates and more information, please find us on Facebook or contact Rebecca Scherer at (352) 572-9018.

MOMS Club of Pensacola-Northeast Non-profit organization whose mission is to support stay-at-home mothers and their children. We offer age-specific playgroups, member-only activities and participate in philanthropic efforts within our community. We strive to provide a supportive, caring atmosphere during every stage of motherhood. Member

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

meetings are held near the end of each month. Visit us at www.momsclubpensacolane.weebly.com or find us on Facebook. MOMS Club of Pensacola-Southwest We are “MOMS Offering Moms Support.” Our non-profit organization aims to meet the needs of West Pensacola and Perdido Key mothers who have chosen to stay at home with their children. Public member meetings are held on 4th Wednesdays. We also meet throughout the month in smaller, agespecific and activity-specific playgroups for various club activities. For more info, visit https://momsclubpensacolasw.weebly.com/ or find us on Facebook. Pensacola Parents of Multiples 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, visit pensacolamultiples.com or call (850) 449-4208. Also e-mail PensacolaParentsofMultiples@ hotmail.com. Salvation Army Community Center Afterschool Care 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday for ages 5-17; 18 if still in high school. Through this program, we offer homework help, a basketball gym, playground, ping pong table, pool tables, and an indoor swimming pool. We teach the kids in our afterschool care the basics of swimming; we swim Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more info, call (850) 432-1501 ext 3 or 4.

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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/.

Weight Loss

Weight-Loss Support Group Meets second Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Baptist Tower 3, Ground Floor, Baptist Weight-Loss Center, 1717 North E St. For more info, call (850) 437-8746.

Please send your calendar events to editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com. 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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A Page in a Book The Cat’s Out of the (Book) Bag One of the most popular domesticated animals in the world, cats are often the first pet to capture a child’s imagination and love. Simultaneously affectionate and mysterious, cats deliver benefits to kids that help them grow in unexpected ways. Sharing your home with a cat can reduce the likelihood of a child developing allergies and asthma. Cats are also ideal teachers of socialization, showing children how to ‘read’ physical cues that indicate a welcome interaction or signal a need for space. Soothing or playful, loving or aloof, cats have a vibrant footprint in our shared environment. For the cat-curious, the following titles feature felines, front and center, with their own stories to tell.

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Vincent Comes Home

by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley (Roaring Brook / Macmillan) As a cargo ship crisscrosses the ocean, visiting exotic ports of call, Vincent the cat moves with ease among the sailors, an unofficial member of the crew. His days filled with fresh fish, seagull chases, and the camaraderie of ship’s complement, Vincent enjoys the life of a sea-borne vagabond. But as he hears the crew talking with anticipation about returning home, Vincent begins to wonder what ‘home’ is. When the ship docks in its home port, Vincent disembarks for the first time, looking for home. Wandering through an unfamiliar world, a chance meeting suggests that Vincent has had a home all along. With crisp illustrations that celebrate the adventure of travel paired with the comfort of family, Vincent Comes Home earns its residence on every child’s bookshelf.

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Max Attacks

by Kathi Appelt, Illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster) A bowl of goldfish tantalizes Max, who has a plan to attack the tempting target. With laser-like focus, he makes his stealthy approach. But, wait! The flick of a lizard’s tail on the window screen pulls Max off task as he claws his way toward a new goal. Before he can return to the fish mission, Max must navigate a houseful of swishy, flickering, dangling distractions. A catnip mouse, an errant shoestring, a basket of socks, all send Max into attack mode while the fishbowl falls down his list of priorities. Or does it? Young cat fans will share the anticipation of the bundled crouch that signals feline jump prep and delight in keeping score with Max as he chalks up his hunting ‘wins’ in a household filled with moving goals.

I Hate My Cats (A Love Story)

by Davide Cali and Anna Pirolli (Chronicle Kids) Purring at artichokes, speaking to pigeons, sticking her whole head into shoes, Ginger is the weird cat. The other feline in the house, Fred, enjoys a lazier life. He naps in every corner, his waking hours punctuated by the power of invisibility when playful (or when a vacuum is near). Together, their signature moves and moods can add up to a real challenge for the human in the house. Capturing the charisma that is unique to cats, Pirolli’s illustrations perfectly render the entertaining emotional exchange our cats share with us and style they stamp into our households. An ideal gift for cat fans of every age, I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) is an absolutely charming homage to the peculiar behaviors and eccentricities that endear our feline friends to us, even at their most maddening.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Just Mercy

Dolittle

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: A Violence: C+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B “You don’t know what you into down here in Alabama. When you’re guilty from the moment you born.” So says death row inmate Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx) to earnest young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B Jordan). An idealistic graduate of Harvard Law School, Stevenson has moved to Alabama and open the Equal Justice Initiative, a small office dedicated to helping the most vulnerable victims of the justice system. As he digs into McMillan’s case, Stevenson uncovers a web of perjury, witness intimidation, and undisclosed evidence, eventually realizing that his client is on death row for a murder he did not commit. Director Destin Daniel Cretton deserves credit for not sensationalizing this case but for providing a measured, dignified retelling of the tragic story. And Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of McMillan steals the show. Just Mercy can be a hard film to watch, with scenes that alternately filled me with hopelessness, frustration, and anger. Fortunately, the film isn’t 136 minutes of unrelieved darkness. There is hope in the scenes of community and loving support extended to those who suffer. There is hope in the determination of Stevenson and his growing staff to free the innocent and to end capital punishment. And there is hope that their efforts at legal reform will be successful. Parents considering family viewing can be assured that the PG-13 rating is appropriate. There is some swearing in the film and many viewers will be deeply disturbed by a few scenes. But the scariest moment in the movie comes at the very beginning and it’s a simple phrase on a dark screen: “Based on a true story”.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: BSexual Content: B Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C The story opens with Dr. Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), nursing his grief after the death of his beloved wife and living as a recluse on his estate. But then Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) falls ill and sends a tween-aged friend to extend an invitation the physician can’t refuse. Dolittle’s medical skill and his dog’s refined sense of smell lead to a diagnosis, but, alas, the only possible cure is the fruit of the Eden Tree, a semi-mythical plant which has never been proven to exist. The doctor, apprentice Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett), and most of the talking menagerie head off on their ocean voyage, unaware that there are members of the court who don’t want the queen to recover and will stop at nothing to ensure Dolittle’s failure. Sadly, Dolittle also has some unexpected content problems. Parents will be pleased that there are no swear words, sexual activity, or alcohol consumption. But they won’t be happy to see Dolittle sedated against his will so his animals can “groom” him. Forced use of a drug is a big red flag in any movie, but particularly one for kids. But the most grotesque moment in the film is when the doctor has a most unusual patient – a very cranky dragon (Frances de la Tour). With his usual acumen, Dolittle diagnoses her with an “obstruction” in her nether regions. The movie is also chock-full of moderately violent action scenes, but everything else fades into insignificance after seeing the doctor up to his elbow inside a dragon’s backside. If you’re looking for a fun family movie night, Dolittle is unlikely to fit the bill, unless your kids really love talking animals, fart jokes, and dragon posteriors, and don’t care if the plot hangs together.

Underwater

Weathering with You

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: B Profanity: D Alcohol / Drug Use: A In the depths of Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench, Tian Industries has built a massive mining complex to extract resources from the earth. Unfortunately for the crew, things have started to go wrong, beginning with a massive earthquake that destroys nearly 70% of the station. Worse yet, the damage threatens to send the nuclear reactor which powers the facility into a meltdown. A mechanical engineer, Norah Price (Kristen Stewart), must team up with the other survivors, including Captain Lucien (Vincent Cassel) and Emily Haversham (Jessica Henwick), a biologist, in order to escape the crippled complex. But out in the deep dark water, something is moving. Underwater is astoundingly unoriginal, but oddly watchable nonetheless. As far as parental concerns go, Underwater is a pretty standard PG-13 action/horror. It stands out for a lack of awkward sexual innuendo or dialogue but overcompensates in the language and violence categories. With three extreme profanities and around 18 scatological curses, the movie is getting away with a lot at the PG-13 level. The violence is more of what you’d expect, but it still isn’t wholesome family fun to watch a man’s pressure suit break and see what happens when the human body is suddenly exposed to 8 tons of pressure per square inch. I guess you could frame it as a science lesson? Maybe not. Underwater is so stereotypical it almost feels like it belongs in another movie. Movies like this set your brain firmly in the off position, rendering any complex thinking impossible for the following half hour at minimum. As such, it’s a perfect choice for teenagers looking for a quick scare.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: BProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C When 16 year old runaway Hodaka arrives in Tokyo, the city is soaking after months of uninterrupted rainfall. The desperate young man eventually gets hired as a gofer and live-in intern by tabloid owner Keisuke Suga. As Hodaka tramps around Tokyo in search of a good story, he stumbles across Hina, a “Sunshine Girl” whose prayers can temporarily push back the rain and let the sun shine through. But her powers come at a high price... and Hodaka will do anything to prevent her from paying it. Weathering with You is a difficult film to describe. It has beautiful, sometimes incandescent backdrops, with stunning vistas and intricate weather scenes. The raindrops alone are a triumph of animation skill. Sadly, the movie isn’t as good as it looks. The story often feels disconnected, there are some notable plot holes, and a number of things are left hanging or poorly explained. Also disappointing are the content issues in this production. Parents usually assume that animated films are clean, although it’s worth noting that the anime genre runs the gamut from family friendly through to extreme porn. Unfortunately, Weathering with You has a disappointing number of problematic issues, including over a dozen swear words, scenes of alcohol use and some non-explicit sexual content. Anyone considering this movie should also note that it is in Japanese with English subtitles. Weathering with You may have moments of peril and a downbeat storyline, but it at least provides moments of hope. Love conquers all, or at least some, and that’s the beam of sunlight shining through the clouds.

Greater Pensacola Parents I February 2020

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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