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May2019 28
Volume 4 Number 2
Columns
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Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW
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Mama Moments
Common Sense Media How colleges use your child’s social media feed.
Betsy Eggart
Got a Graduate?
Find eight great gift ideas your high school graduate is sure to love.
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Everything in Between Common Sense Media
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
VBS Listing
Vacation Bible Schools througout our area kick off in June. Register your child today!
Time Out for Mom!
10 little luxuries to give yourself so you feel celebrated on Mother’s Day...and every day.
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Get This! Gerry Paige Smith
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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
On The Cover Rory Carmody (17) is a senior at West Florida High School. His parents are Kim and Dan Carmody, and he is big brother to Cody (13). He carries a 4.38 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He enjoys running, basketball, soccer, and going to the beach. He will be attending Florida Atlantic University in the fall, majoring in Computer Engineering. He is currently the Varsity Track Captain and has been the Varsity Cross Country Captain for the last three years. Lastly, he received the All American Cross Country designation as part of the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Gulf Coast Cross Country club team that placed 2nd at the National AAU Cross Country Championships.
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Departments 6
Bits and Pieces 10
School Bits 42
Family Calendar 48
Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents
FromThePublisher
Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source
On any given morning you can see men and women out for their daily run. They look so peaceful, as if they don’t have a care in the world. I want to be one of those people. When I see a sticker on a car commemorating the driver’s accomplishment of a half-marathon or even a marathon I can’t help but think, “How in the world did they do that?!” I have dreams of one day being able to put one of those stickers on my car, but for now, it is fun run city for this chic. In my daydreams I imagine I would start out strong with “Eye of the Tiger” playing through my head, running focused and determined past the spectators. Along the home stretch my family would be on the sidelines cheering me on, and eventually I would cross the finish line to the “Chariots of Fire” theme song. Yes, that is the dream. The reality I am afraid may look quite different. Sure, I may start out with the “Eye of the Tiger”, but the ending would be more like me gasping and crawling over the finish line to “Jesus Take the Wheel”. As we enter May, I think we all feel the struggle of getting to the finish line of another school year. We started strong, but the days, weeks and months of packing lunches, homework and the overall school routine has worn us all down. Whether you are a teacher, student or parent, I think we are all ready for summer break. Sure, we still have work and activities to schedule, but I do hope you will take some time for yourself this summer to rejuvenate. Taking time for yourself will refresh you and make you a better parent, along with letting the children see you as a person... not just Mom or Dad. Time Out For Mom, by Christina Katz, focuses on just that. She gives moms (and dads) suggestions of things they can do to feel special and pampered. Speaking of celebrations, I would like to take a moment to congratulate the class of 2019! These students have worked very hard to get to this point and I know all the parents, grandparents and teachers are very proud of them. If you are looking for the perfect gift to commemorate this occasion, then check out 8 Great Gift Ideas for your High School Graduate, by Pam Molnar. This month you will also find our annual Vacation Bible School Guide detailing local VBS opportunities for summer! Can’t wait for summer and looking for some family friendly activities to participate in this month? Make sure you check out the Family Calendar! Congratulations Class of 2019! And to all the moms, Happy Mother’s Day!
Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Betsy Eggart Mark Gregston Christina Katz Sonia Martin, LMSW Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography
Annabelle Rose Photography annabellerosephoto@gmail.com
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
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Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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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 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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RECHARGE YOUR BEACH TRIP Summer is about to kick off at OWA! It all starts with Memorial Day fireworks on May 25th—and continues all summer long with great events including GLOWA, a dance party in the streets of Downtown OWA that happens every summer night except Mondays! Enjoy The Park at OWA with exciting openings to be announced soon, plus our new, FREE Non-Rider Pass! See website for details.
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Present this ad at The Park at OWA’s admissions window for $5 OFF general admission (limit four guests per offer, in-person only, promo code: 40520191, Expires 5/31/2019)
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for park use only
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW
Explosive and Highly Frustrated Kids Few things are as confounding in the parenting sphere as having an explosive child. It’s that gut wrenching (and absolutely infuriating) feeling of watching your precious little one – in the blink of an eye – transform into an angry, unreachable, hurting little human. It’s bewildering to parents everywhere how a simple request of, “Please go bring down your dirty laundry” or “Pass the potatoes” at the dinner table can so quickly and violently morph into a scene from Rocky. Anger, aggression, violence or explosive tendencies can be one of the toughest roads to navigate. So, what do you do? Well, a few thoughts. One, in the hard moments be aware of your own self. In our own humanity, it is incredibly easy to rise up and meet their frustration. You are gonna yell at me? Oh, let’s go. It’s on now. If I may point out, little good can come from two angry people. You simply cannot jump on the angry roller coaster with your child. Someone has to stay behind with two feet on the ground, and operate the controls, less complete chaos ensue. If your goal is to diffuse a situation, it simply has to start with the parent. Your child, in that moment of rage, has lost all capacity to self-regulate. You have to be the one remaining calm. It’s a bit like the instructions
Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
from every flight attendant – first affix your own life vest or oxygen mask before helping your child. Oddly enough, the same concept applies here. So how do you do that? Well, sometimes it is best to just walk away. Counter-intuitive I know, but hear me on this. In those moments where your child has completely flipped their lid, they simply cannot hear you. They cannot process, or learn, or respond appropriately, much less demonstrate any insight into their behavior. Your presence and words telling them to “calm down” or “knock it off” can often act as gasoline on the fire. So take your gas can, and if your child is safe, walk away. Once your child has calmed down, offer a snack and peaceably sit down together and discuss the issue in a spirit of partnering with your child – all the while modeling regulation and self-control. Secondarily, I would encourage parents to keep their eye focused on the issue at hand. What was the catalyst for the meltdown? What is the child really mad about? Remember that kids don’t have words, they have behaviors, so understanding the root cause of the behavior is going to automatically work toward getting that train back on track. Too often we can get trapped in this cycle of punishment for the fit, rather than
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finding out the reason for the fit. Your punishment may indeed be effective in the short term, but if your goal is to eventually see an end to the poor behavior, then understanding your child’s stressor and working with them on that is certain to bring about true, authentic, sustainable change. This goes together with my next suggestion. Third, look for patterns. Are you experiencing the same meltdown at the same time of day? Are you watching their volcano erupt over the same issue time and time again? If so, take a minute and partner with your child to problem solve together. If there is any parenting strategy that works well for any age, it is making your child feel heard, giving them voice. Now I am the first one to admit all of that sounds easy enough, but is much harder to do. True. I admit it. But it’s like that old saying – “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re gonna keep getting what you’re getting”. Let’s do something different. 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 help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent.
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407 S JEFFERSON ST. PENSACOLA, FL 32502 850.432.6247 pensacolamuseum.org
Summer Art Camps
AGES 5-9 and 10-14 9:00am - 3:00pm $165 for members $195 for non-members
WEEK 1: PRINTMAKING (JUNE 10—14)
WEEK 2: DRAWING (JUNE 17—21)
Artists from each age group will experiment with printing techniques including relief, silkscreen, intaglio and letterpress, gradually increasing their understanding and skill level throughout the week.
Use core drawing and painting techniques to build upon creative expression and unique applications in this week long intensive camp. Artists will learn the building blocks of successful sketches and paintings.
WEEK 3: PHOTOGRAPHY (JULY 8—12)
WEEK 4: SCULPTURE (JULY 15—19)
Experiment with ways to use light / composition and learn the history of photographic technology. Build your understanding from basic Polaroid shots up to constructing and using your own pinhole camera.
Artists will learn the basics of developing a 3-dimensional art piece and use essential techniques to push beyond traditional methods building up to to a full interactive installation piece
Call 850-473-7468 or register online at uwf.edu/explorecamps. 5
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3rd Annual Burger Battle by the Bay
May 4 * 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. The only burger grilling contest of its kind in Pensacola! Hosted by the Suburban West Rotary Club and benefiting Take Stock in Children, teams compete in professional and backyard categories as well as for the coveted People’s Choice Award. $10 in advance; $15 at the gate. All ages! For more info, visit www.burgerbattlebythebay.com/.
Bands on the Beach Returns
7-9 p.m. Tuesdays April-October * Gulfside Pavilion Casino Beach Bring your lawn chair and join us for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/. May 7: True Blue Band; May 14: Deception; May 21: Jessie Ritter; May 28: Bay Bridge Band and June 4: I’magene.
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Fairways to Freedom Golf Tournament
May 10 * 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tiger Point Golf Club, 1255 Country Club Rd., Gulf Breeze. Honorary teams representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard compete against each other. Tournament is open to the public and welcomes all teams. For more info, visit www.gulfbreezechamber.com/pages/ fairways-to-freedom.
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Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Showtime: Best of Stage and Screen
May 3-5 * Saenger Theatre. A jam-packed concert filled with music from every genre, from classical to country and patriotic to musical theatre. This variety show showcases the individual and corporate talents of PCC’s outstanding singers. For tickets or more info, visit pensacolachildrenschorus.com or call (850) 434-7760.
May 18 * 3-5 p.m. Community Maritime Park Taste an assortment of ice cream flavors, top with the best fixins’ and try out other sweet snacks. There will be fun, games and activities for everyone in the family. This is a pet-friendly event! Tickets are $10 each, and children under three get in free. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Buy tickets on the Facebook page or at the event! For more info, call (850) 433-5437.
Graffiti Bridge 5K
May 25 * 8 a.m. 317 N 17th Avenue, Pensacola Have you ever painted the world-famous Graffiti Bridge? We will close down the street two hours prior to race start for you to have access to the Bridge. Unless a train comes you’ll have uninterrupted access to “tag” the bridge. Bring your own paint. For more info, call (850) 4359222 or find Graffiti Bridge Run on Facebook. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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May 18 * 4:30-8:30 p.m. Bayou Grande Marina, NAS Pensacola Free and open to active duty and retired military, DOD and their family members, saluting those who served time in the military for the betterment of our lives all across the country. The festival will host a day of games and activities, food and entertainment for both kids and adults. For more info, call (850) 492-4660 or visit https:// business.perdidochamber.com/events/. 6
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PJ Masks Live: Save The Day!
May 16 * 6 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre An all-new super-heroic, live musical show, featuring the heroic trio from The PJ Masks! Watch Catboy, Owlette and Gekko along with their new friend PJ Robot, as they try to save the day from the sneaky villains - Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl! Leaping, flipping and climbing live on stage! Complete with your favorite music and brand new songs you’ve never heard before! For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/.
Fiesta Children’s Treasure Hunt
May 11 * 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bayview Park, 2001 E Lloyd St. FREE registration and lunch are from noon to 2 p.m. During that time, there will be various field day games for children and families, in addition to music and face painting. The 2019 Fiesta Children’s Court will make a special appearance, along with some of our favorite local friends, including Lil Zak of Zaxby’s! All families in attendance will receive FREE lunch of Zaxby’s chicken or hot dogs, chips, Pepsi products and water. The Treasure Hunt begins at 2 p.m. for children ages three to ten years old. During the Hunt, children will go to various checkpoints in order to complete their map. Once completed, EVERY Hunt participant will go home with their own treasure. All registered children will be entered into grand prize drawings, based upon age: 0-2 years old, 3-4 years old, 5-7 years old, and 8-10 years old, with multiple prizes per group. Prizes include: bicycles, tricycles, summer camp sessions, water activities, Blue Wahoos tickets, Sky Zone tickets, and so much more! For more info about the Children’s Treasure Hunt, call (850) 433-6512 or visit www.FiestaPensacola.org.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Music for Families
Saturday, May 18 @ 9:30 a.m.* Pensacola Saenger Theatre Join us for a special performance with the symphony at 11 a.m. Instrument petting zoo, arts and crafts, science and other pre-concert hands-on activities start at 9:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www. pensacolasymphony.com/.
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Pensacola Memorial Day Concert
May 27 * 5-6:30 p.m. Community Maritime Park This concert features the Pensacola Civic Band and honors our fallen heroes who gave their lives for freedom. Includes uplifting musical performances, guest appearances and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For more info, visit http://pensacolacivicband.org/.
Shakespeare Meets Social Media
May 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. * May 26 at 2:30 p.m. Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona Street William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar contains a vicious murder and two suicides. This May, the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company presents a version of those events set in a private prep school in the spring of 2019. The struggle for power, circle of conspiracy, and back-stabbing betrayal of friendship all employ the use of social media, messaging and texts. The issues of student drinking and drugging, cyber bullying, date rape, and sex figure heavily in the plot. “Teens commit suicide for many different reasons,” said Director Michelle Hancock. “All of the problems present in our production are faced by some portion of our nation’s teen citizens every day.” Because of the subject matter and situations, the play is not recommended for children, and parents of middle school students are strongly cautioned. Seating is general admission. All tickets are $15 and are available at www.setsco.org or by calling or calling (662) 278-8383.
Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
Annual Pensacola Sports Racquet Round-Up
Series of free tennis clinics open to children of all skill levels between the ages of 5-12 around the Pensacola area throughout June. Children are taught by local tennis professionals through a series of creative games, drills and casual game play. Free racquets will be available for children who do not have one to use during the clinic. For more info, visit https://pensacolasports.org/ or call (850) 434-2800.
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Autauga County Schools
Results from the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida 2019
Blessed Star Celebrates Pi Day
Blessed Star Montessori students celebrated Pi Day by completing a variety of Pi-themed activities. Some of the younger students made the Pi symbol out of Playdoh and then used Unifix Cubes to represent the numbers in Pi up to about the 12th place value (3.14159265358). The older students hunted for Pi-related words in a word search, graphed Pi, worked on some Pi word problems which involved pie, and measured the circumference of some actual pies. After lunch the students ate some of the yummy pies that they brought in to share with one another.
Several Escambia County schools brought home awards from the recent State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida. Junior Category winners include: 2nd Place Microbiology, Lana Carter, Brown Barge Middle School; 3rd Place Intelligent Machines, Robotics, & Systems Software, Alexis Matzer, Ferry Pass Middle; 4th Place Animal Sciences team of Marina Deubler & Mariah Golson, Brown Barge; and Recognition Biomedical & Health Sciences, Diego Brown, Brown Barge. Special Awards in the Junior Category went to Lana Carter, Brown Barge, Broadcom Masters Nomination. Senior Category winners include: 3rd Place Environmental Engineering, Claire Han, Pensacola High School; 4th Place Intelligent Machines, Robotics, & Systems Software, team of Richie Dong & Amy Zhang, Pensacola High; and Honorable Mention Microbiology, Ella Griffith from PHS. Special Awards in the Senior Category went to Ella Griffith, Pensacola High School, Florida Atlantic University Wilkes Honors College Science Merit Scholarship $3500 per year; and Deanna Harwell, Pensacola High, Cash Award from Osceola Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Shown below are the West Panhandle State Finalists at the 2019 State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida 2019.
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Local Author Visits St. Paul Catholic
Local author Lane McDanal stopped by to read his book, Shelly the Sea Turtle, to several classes at St. Paul Catholic School. His book for young children emphasizes the importance of taking care of our oceans and the creatures that live in it.
PHS IB Program Names National Merit Finalists
Four Pensacola High School IB seniors were named National Merit Finalists: Allee McDonald, Lillian Wiggins, Ami Patel and Reid Harwell. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that high school students can enter by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. From a pool of more than 1 million students, only 15,000 high school students nationwide are named National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Our finalists will continue to compete for National Merit, corporate, and college-sponsored scholarships. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Pine Forest Track Teams Take First Place at Steve Garst Invitational
Rain didn’t get in their way! Pine Forest High School boys’ and girls’ track teams were victorious at the Steve Garst Track and Field Invitational at Washington High School. Both teams took first place out of 17 schools. The girls’ team is shown below.
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Trinitas First-Graders Plant Veggies For Peter Rabbit Feast
The Trinitas Christian School first-grade class enjoyed a “Peter Rabbit Tea” in true Beatrix Potter style. To celebrate their completion of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the students enjoyed a lovely tea party reminding them of different foods Peter and his friends enjoyed in the stories. Items such as blackberries, radishes, parsley, currant buns, lettuce, brown bread, and chamomile tea helped bring the adventures to life. The children enjoyed the food while their teacher, Mrs. Wark, read to them. To prepare for the event, a dedicated room mom helped the students plant seeds to grow carrots, radishes and arugula. In three short weeks, these pots full of veggies served as centerpieces for the annual tea party.
Please email news and photos to editor@ greaterpensacolaparents.com each month!
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Autauga County Schools
Creative Learning Academy Welcomes International Students
Creative Learning Academy Dragons enjoyed a wonderful day of cultural exchange and performances with students from Pensacola’s Sister City, Gero (Gero-shi) Japan.
Blessed Star Plants Spring Garden
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Blessed Star Montessori students prepped the garden beds for the spring garden by adding more organic soil and pulling weeds in the garden beds. This year the students planted white eggplants, crookneck heirloom squash, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, yellow peppers and heirloom tomatoes. The students cannot wait for the vegetables to grow so that they can harvest and taste some of the yummy veggies!
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Jim Allen Elementary Performs Play
Kindergartners at Jim Allen Elementary performed a play that made Pete the Cat even cuter!
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Montessori Classrooms Create Artwork Together
In preparation for the annual Gala fundraiser at Montessori School of Pensacola, each classroom makes collaborative pieces of art to be a part of auctions at the event. Taking place at the Pensacola Yacht Club, it is the Parent Teacher Organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. The school and volunteers are grateful to the community sponsors and donors. This year’s classroom artwork included this version of the famous Pensacola Graffiti Bridge created by a classroom of 3- to 6-year-olds. All classes make something, including the 18-month-olds (this year they hand-dyed pieces of sand dollars to create a sand dollar shape on canvas). Creations by the other classes included a copper tree sculpture with ceramic leaves, a giant Jenga game decorated by students, and a map of the U.S. in which each student painted and cut out a state. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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St. John Holds Fun Jelly Bean Experiments
St. John School’s 4th-graders learned about chemistry and chemical reactions using jelly beans.
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Gulf Breeze Optimist Club Brings Choices to GBMS
By Gracie Davis, Dolphin Echo Staff Writer On March 14 and 15, Gulf Breeze Middle School 8th-graders attended the Choices program in the school library. Locally, the Gulf Breeze Optimist Club brings Choices to area middle schools each year. It is a program that strives to prevent high school dropouts. Every school day 7,000 teens become dropouts, according to Choices education group. Choices is a workshop that helps students make life decisions. Students are taken through decision making, self-discipline, time management and goal setting. Choices keeps kids in school and helps them work toward their future goals. “Our goal is to ensure students understand that finishing high school and continuing on to a vocational program or college opens up more opportunities for them,” said Wei Ueberschaer, Santa Rosa County School Board member and volunteer Choices instructor. “We use the analogy of a cell phone to illustrate our point. People would rather have a smartphone with many more features and capabilities than a flip phone that is limited.” At the Choices workshop, students practice time and money management. They also do things like a mock job interview. Nationally, students give Choices an “approval” rating of 88% and teachers give it a rate of 97%. Teens who have been to Choices have increased their engagement by 47%. It’s important that people learn about dropping out very early on so that they can set goals. “The Optimist Club does a great job of giving the students life lessons and career choices,” said GBMS Principal Michael Brandon. “Overall, this program is great for making students aware about their future.” Shown, GBMS student Valeria Hanson tries on full firefighter’s gear while touring the Gulf Breeze Fire Department with the National Junior High School Leadership Team. 13
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Autauga County Schools
Ensley Elementary Fun with Nutrition
Pensacola IB Senior’s Artwork Chosen By Superintendent
Student artists from every school in Escambia County were invited to bring their families to the J.E. Hall Center for the 2019 middle and high school Bright Images Art Competition. In addition, Superintendent Malcolm Thomas selects one piece of artwork each year that he purchases and has framed for display on the fourth floor of the McDaniel Building (school district headquarters). This year he selected an example of digital art created by IB senior Hunter Feazel from Pensacola High School. The following Pensacola students also received recognition: Gigi Miron, Painting Second Place; Savannah Braswell, Photography First Place; Ashley Burroughs, Photography Second Place; Oliver Biggs, Ceramics Honorable Mention; and Cole Wyatt, Digital Third Place.
Hidden treasures abound at the UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Office! One of those is the EFNEP program (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program), which teaches all about healthy eating. In schools with 51% or more students receiving free or reduced lunch, ENFEP provides six-week courses, taught in one-hour sessions once a week for six weeks. Classes focus on the five food groups to help youth eat healthy and make good choices. The classes include a short lesson on the food group of the day, fun activities, and a snack or tasting that reflects the food group the children just learned about. Recently at Ensley Elementary School, Jamie Spiker, the elementary school EFNEP educator, discussed the grain group. The youth talked about whole grains and why those are healthy choices, learned what foods were in that group, and even learned a little bit about food safety. They did a hands-on activity preparing the snack containing whole grains. A couple of children took turns using a plastic knife to cut bananas into segments while a few others spread peanut butter on whole wheat tortillas. The bananas were placed on the tortillas, then they were rolled up and cut into smaller pieces so everyone could try it. Not only did most of the children like the snack, they also talked about what else they could put in the tortilla, such as strawberries.
St. John’s 4H Club Visits Tallahassee
St. John School’s 4H Club took a field trip to Tallahassee. With club moderators Kate Durden and Caroline Bush, fifth- through eighth-grade students explored the city, visiting the Capitol building and Department of Agriculture. They also watched a film about the journey to space at the Challenger Learning Center.
Veterans Memorial Park Essay Contest
L.E.A.D. Student Receives Art Honors
Harper Lay, a third-grader at L.E.A.D. Academy, was awarded the “Why I Love Northwest Florida” title for her art piece. In addition to this honor, she received a trip to meet with State Representative Jayer Williamson at the Capitol. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola announces an essay contest for 3rd- to 12th-grade students in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Students in public, private, or home school settings are eligible to participate. Essay flyers and entry forms are available at www.veteransmemorialparkpensacola.com. Essays are due by May 15 and winners in each grade will be awarded a $50 gift card. They will be recognized at the May 26 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola. “During Memorial Day ceremonies, we often hear speeches about those who have ‘made the ultimate sacrifice’ but often we don’t really think about what that means,” said retired Navy Captain Lee Hansen, the Foundation’s 2019 Essay Contest Coordinator. “This year, we’re asking local students to write about what that phrase means – and why we should honor those who have made that sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy.” To find out how you can help support the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation – or how you can participate in the Memorial Day Essay Contest, visit https://veteransmemorialparkpensacola.com or call (850) 434-6119. 14
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East Hill Middle School and High School Retreats
Every year, the middle school at East Hill Christian School enjoys a retreat to Camp Victory. Each day, the students shared game time, team building exercises, many outdoor adventures and devotions brought by local youth pastors, parents and teachers. While the middle schoolers were away, the high school took the opportunity to participate in its own Spiritual Life Retreat. This year, the students enjoyed archery games, a Wipeout inflatable, burgers on the grill and sessions on spiritual warfare. This was a great time of learning and bonding for East Hill Students.
Animal Tales Allows MSP Students to See Exciting Creatures
Montessori School of Pensacola has a relationship with the local hands-on animal education program, “Animal Tales.” The director of the southeast region, John Ham, works with MSP and its students by presenting to classrooms, leading an afterschool program, and making appearances at special events, such as the annual book fair. At the spring book fair held at the MSP main campus, Ham brought a kookaburra bird, a monitor lizard, and a giant toad. These animals were chosen based on their connections to dinosaurs, which was the theme of the book fair.
Please email news and photos to editor@ greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month!
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Little Flower Students Have Tasty Lesson
Mrs. Stevens’s kindergarten class at Little Flower Catholic School has been practicing the letter M. Students made healthy Munchie Mouse snacks to review and reinforce their learning.
Trinitas Classes Visit PCC Planetarium
According to God’s perfect order, the stars hang in the sky to form constellations like the Big Dipper, Orion, Taurus and Gemini. These groups of stars aid in navigation and they also help astronomers describe the location of the planets in the solar system. Trinitas Christian School’s 6th- and 8th-grade science students traveled to the Pensacola Christian College planetarium recently to explore these amazing creations in the sky. The images portrayed on the dome-shaped inner surface of the building gave students a new appreciation for God’s matchless design and overwhelming majesty.
Please email schoolnews@ greaterpensacola parents.com by the 10th of each month!
St. Paul Hatches Chicks
The first-grade class at St. Paul Catholic School has been busy incubating chicken eggs and studying life cycles in science. Students handled the eggs daily to monitor their progress. The 21-day incubation period certainly taught them patience! The class was excited to hear the chick cheeping inside the egg the day before he hatched, and so they named him “Cheep Cheep.”
L.E.A.D. Academy Participates in Math Olympics
L.E.A.D. Academy had numerous students, from 3rd through 8th grades, participate in the ACSI Math Olympics April 8. Third-grader Leah Mayes placed third in Reasoning; fourth-grader Emery Burke placed fifth in Reasoning; fifth-grader Braden Runge placed fourth in Reasoning; sixth-grader Alan McAlarney placed second in Reasoning; seventh-grader Kacey Metty placed fifth in Computation; seventh-grader Brody Goodwin, second in Reasoning and eigth-grader Christoper Peterson, fourth in Reasoning. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Huge Success for EDS at 9th Annual Grill on the Hill
Parents, staff members and friends of Episcopal Day School had a groovy time at the 9th Annual Grill on the Hill April 6. From priceless auction items to delicious homemade barbecue dishes, this year’s event was better than ever. Grill on the Hill would not be possible without its generous and loyal sponsors, especially top donors like Clark Partington Law Firm, Coastal Vascular and Interventional Center, and Innovative MRI. All proceeds from this annual fundraiser led by the Parent Service Organization benefit the EDS Annual Fund, which works to provide resources that enrich classrooms, advance technology, and improve facilities without affecting annual tuition.
N.B. Cook Students Watch Music Showcase
N. B. Cook Elementary’s fifth-graders were treated to an Escambia County School District Middle School Music Showcase recently. They enjoyed amazing performances from the Bailey Middle School Jazz Band, Brown Barge Middle School Band, Ferry Pass Middle School Chorus, and Ransom Middle School Chorus. They learned about opportunities to continue their performing arts interest in middle school, and learned a little bit about how middle school isn’t so scary after all! Thank you to the music educators who make these programs possible.
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St. John Creates Butterfly Garden
St. John School’s 2nd- and 4th-grade students worked together to cultivate a garden and study the life cycle of butterflies. They watched them grow from caterpillars to chrysalis, until they emerged as beautiful butterflies!
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Escambia County Students Experience Life ‘At Sea’
Workman Conducts Student-Led Conferences
Student-led conferences are a chance for students to reflect on their accomplishments, challenges, current status and goals in all subject areas and prepare a presentation to share with a family member, or a volunteer champion. These kids are amazingly self-aware! They know what they are good at and what they still need to work on and they have goals. If your student goes anywhere besides Workman Middle School, ask them to reflect on these same aspects of their education and present what they discover about themselves to you! It will open up dialogue about goals, interests, strengths, and their needs. Will they need college or maybe George Stone to learn what they will need for true desired adult work—life? Will they need to work harder to get the grades to get the scholarship they will need to avoid student debt? Will they need a tutor? And then, discuss how you can help them fill those needs!
On March 14, twenty-four students from middle schools across Escambia County flew into action at the National Flight Academy. These brave students accepted the challenge of a three-day cruise on the USS Ambition. During the cruise, students learned introductory coding, air traffic control, and piloted flying missions as they ate, slept and lived the simulated life of a pilot on an aircraft carrier. The students selected were seventh-grade boys and girls from Beulah, Warrington and Workman Middle Schools. During their stay at the National Flight Academy, cruise students were placed in squadrons and earned call signs like: Solo, Noodles, Ranch, Sneeze and Groot. Thanks to the generosity of FloridaWest (who paid for the students’ meals), Escambia County School District Workforce Education (who paid to transport the students), and the National Flight Academy (who wrote the grant to cover all other costs), the cruise went off without a hitch and was free to the 24 students. Parents, teachers and administrators gathered on Saturday morning to watch their students receive their wings. This program was created to introduce students to careers in aviation and fan the flames of interest in the STEM fields.
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Pleasant Grove Students Run School Restaurant
Mrs. Restifo’s classroom at Pleasant Grove Elementary School was transformed into Beach Side Breakfast Restaurant recently. Students took turns role playing as cooks, servers and patrons. This realworld experience provided opportunities for budgeting, calculating, counting money, making change, serving others and practicing restaurant manners! Thank you, boys and girls, for the delicious food, excellent service and for the chance to brush up on our math skills too.
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East Hill Competition Helps Charity
East Hill Christian School’s kindergarten and elementary classes held a penny war this past month. The K2 and 3-5 competed in bringing in pennies to go toward sending deaf students to Deaf Teen Quest camp this summer. We are so proud of our students and their compassionate hearts for others.
May 28–August 9 • M–F • 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Fun & educational classes for kids ages 6 –12!
Little Flower Helps Gulf Coast Kids House
Middle school students from Little Flower Catholic School made bows in support of Gulf Coast Kids House “From Blue to Better” campaign. The blue bows were placed around Pensacola in support of child abuse awareness month!
PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE
PensacolaState.edu/ce
Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Executive Director of Institutional Diversity and Student Conduct at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.
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St. John School Rice Bowl Store
St. John School’s third grade hosted its annual CRS Rice Bowl Store recently. Led by teacher Erin Kimbell, the 3rd-grade students sold handmade products to K3-2nd graders, teachers and parents. All of the proceeds will go toward the CRS Rice Bowl Project to help people in countries all over the world.
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EDS 8th Grade Travels to Literary Capital of Alabama
Per eighth-grade language arts tradition, the Episcopal Day School Class of 2019 traveled to see the Mockingbird Players’ production of the classic American novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, in the city that helped bring the story to life on film in 1962, Monroeville, Alabama.
Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.
Creative Learning Students Excel in Local Math Competition
Creative Learning Academy won second place overall in the 2019 Pensacola Invitational (PI) Competition held at Pensacola High School. Math teams from participating schools were categorized by the math level they competed in, and top contenders of each category were awarded for their performance in both individual testing and team round. CLA students placed individually in both Math I and II along with placing 1st and 2nd in the Teams category.
Congrats to SPCS 8th-Grade Class of 2019
The teachers, faculty and staff at St. Paul Catholic School wish our graduating class the best of luck in high school and beyond. Go Spartans! Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Trinitas Studies Founders of Our Nation
The founders of our beloved country all had different backgrounds and various life stories. Each had a profound impact that has affected much of what we experience in our lives even today in the United States. Trinitas Christian School fifth-graders researched and learned about the founder they were assigned, and then presented the information in a four- to five-minute speech before their peers and esteemed guests. They enjoyed a formal tea following the presentations, including tarts, scones, quiches and lessons on proper manners from Mr. McGee. The final portion of this memorable day was learning the minuet with a dance instructor. Founding Fathers Day at Trinitas is a student favorite not soon forgotten by them or their families.
Montessori School Holds Annual Book Fair
The spring book fair was held in March at the Montessori Drive campus in Montessori School of Pensacola’s Media Center. On the first day of the fair, students love to come in to “preview” the fair and see what they might like to purchase. The following two days are for shopping. Thanks to parent volunteers and the library coordinator, the fair was a bustling marketplace. “Reading is dino-mite” was the theme of the fair, so dinosaur books and facts were front and center. More than $1,000 in books were purchased for the school library from profits of the fair. Classroom teachers also were able to purchase exciting new titles for their classes.
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East Hill Christian School First-Grade Outreach
East Hill Christian School’s first-graders went on their annual service project trip to the Ronald McDonald House. They took a tour of the facility and helped with cleaning projects. The students also made cards for the guests to make them feel welcomed. They have been learning about serving others in Bible, and were able to put into practice what they are learning. They had a great time and were an encouragement!
L.E.A.D. Opens New Upper School Campus
Mr. Lay is shown with upper school students on their first day at L.E.A.D. Academy’s new school campus! Students were excited to enter their brand new building at 7121 Chumuckla Highway in Pace. God has truly blessed L.E.A.D. Academy with this new campus and these wonderful students.
Please email school photos and news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!
Grandparents Day at SPCS
Students at St. Paul Catholic School enjoyed spending the morning with their grandparents at school! The students and their grandparents enjoyed Mass together before chowing down on donuts, popcorn and playing Bingo. A photo booth was set up to help document the day. Everyone enjoyed drawing pictures of themselves with their loved ones, browsing the Scholastic Book Fair, participating in science experiments and playing trivia during the Old Hollywood-themed event.
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Little Flower Holds Principal for the Day & PJ Fun Day
Students of Little Flower Catholic School entered their petal points into a drawing to win Principal for the Day. A fourthgrader’s name was drawn and she enjoyed her day as principal. Students were also given a PJ Day, along with various other fun activities that took place throughout the day. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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N.B. Cook’s Chess Team Finishes Year with Tournament
N.B. Cook Elementary School’s Chess Team closed out the year with its Spring Tournament. Huge thanks to Mark Eligio and Mr. Blackwelder for giving our students this opportunity.
Gulf Breeze Middle School’s NJHS Storms City Hall
By Valeria Hanson, Dolphin Echo Reporter and NJHS Leadership Team Member In early March, Gulf Breeze Middle School National Junior Honor Society officers Holland Davidson, Elyse Fulford, Gabe Lazano, Stella Shallard, Ava Patroni, Isa Patroni, Hollyn Will, Zella Tavai, Nate Weber, Isabelle Gatmaitan, Keilani Flores, Sofia Mayor, Rubi Reagan and Valeria Hanson, all 8th-graders, spent two days in face-to-face meetings with city officials. This event was generously supported by the Gulf Breeze Optimist Club. Friday began with a hearty breakfast at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, then to City Hall, the Fire and Police departments, and last of all the Recreational Center. At City Hall, students sat around the room based on the positions of the people they were shadowing. Davidson was shadowing Mayor Fitch, Fulford was shadowing Mayor Pro Tem Tom Naile, Shallard got the Director of Finance Jeanne Griffin, Ava Patroni shadowed City Attorney Mary Jane Bass, Isa Patroni shadowed Councilman Torgersen, Will was shadowing City Manager Samantha Abell, Flores got to shadow the Parks and Recreation Director Ron Pulley, Tavai got Assistant City Manager Vernon Prather, Weber shadowed the Director of Public Services Jason Randell, Gatmaitan shadowed Director of Community Services Shane Carmichael, Mayor got to shadow Councilman Schluter, Lazano got Councilman Hebert, Reagan shadowed Chief of Police Richard Hawthorne, and Hanson got to shadow Fire Chief Shane Carmichael. Next, students headed to the Fire and Police Departments. At the Police Department, they saw where criminals are held while filling out their papers and waiting to go to a more serious jail cell. They also saw where 911 calls are received and responded to. At the Fire Department, Fire Chief Carmichael talked about how being a firefighter works and how some firefighters are volunteers. The final stop before heading back to school was the Recreational Center, where the students met a nice police dog named Loki who only understands German. While they were eating, Parks and Recreation Director Ron Pulley explained how important making time to play is. So, when the students finished eating, they had time to play volleyball and basketball. The following Monday, March 4, students met at City Hall to run a real meeting, based on what they learned during the dry run-through the Friday before. “This taught me that we as students can impact the city,” said Sophia Mayor.
NINE MILE SPANISH TRAIL JUNE 17–21 JUNE 24–26 8:30A-12:00P 6:00P–8:00P 800 E NINE MILE ROAD
3960 SPANISH TRAIL
850.476.2233 | HILLCRESTCHURCH.COM
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C.A. Weis Celebrates The Season
Pleasant Grove Teacher Encourages Student Writing
C.A. Weis Elementary held a mini Mardi Gras parade to celebrate great behavior and to kick off spring break.
After these young authors at Pleasant Grove Elementary School published their mystery books, Mrs. Barton hosted a “Meet the Author� session where they shared their books with visitors from other classes.
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Lipscomb Elementary Holds Mad Scientist Day
What do you get if you give a school full of teachers some supplies like balloons, water bottles, food coloring, yeast, peroxide, baking soda, and vinegar and then add in lab coats and goggles and some crazy hair? You get.... Mad Scientist Day Lipscomb Style!
Trinitas Raises Funds for Down Syndrome Awareness
Trinitas Christian School supported World Down Syndrome Day March 21 by raising money and bringing awareness to support efforts. Juniors and seniors even spread the word about Genes of Joy in New York City. Students on campus, as well as in the Big Apple, wore wristbands in support of our friends with Down Syndrome. The McDonald family at Trinitas founded Genes of Joy to educate and support families blessed with a Down syndrome child. Funds generated will provide literature and supplies to new parents as they begin their journey. More than $700 has been raised/donated at Trinitas as of this writing. We thank you for your generosity!
EHS Culinary Academy Presented to Escambia County School Board
Students in the Culinary Academy at Escambia High School and their instructor presented to the Escambia County School Board, Superintendent Malcolm Thomas and district leaders during the March Special Board Workshop on March 14. And... they brought cookies!
Pensacola Symphonic Band Earns Superior Ratings
The Pensacola High School Symphonic Band earned overall superior ratings at District Concert MPA (Music Performance Assessment). This is the first time the Pensacola High Symphonic Band has earned superior ratings at district festival since 2001! It is also the first time the PHS Symphonic Band has qualified for State Level MPA since 2001. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Episcopal Day School Wins Soccer Championship
The Episcopal Day School soccer team had a very exciting inaugural season! Both kindergarten-2nd grade teams made it to the championship to play each other for the trophy with Team White winning the Tournament Championship. The 3rd and 4th grade team was also named the Catholic Youth Sports League Champs for their age group.
Blessed Star Students Have Fun With Spanish
During this Spanish lesson, the Blessed Star Montessori students learned stop and go in Spanish. They really enjoy lessons that incorporate movement, so they had fun practicing stop (alto) and go (siga) during their lesson. Go was their favorite part! They had a blast hopping, jumping, running in place and dancing.
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The Summer Packet Exactly one year ago, I wrote this little piece and it was shared nearly 200,000 times and read by millions around the globe. I never dreamed these words would resonate with so many and I’m excited to share again with you here. A parent asked me the other day, “Are you sending home a packet of work for the summer?” I paused and felt halfguilty as I replied, “No.” You see, there are these packets you can create to send home so that parents can work with their child reviewing skills learned and preparing for what is up ahead. This is so great, in theory. And maybe one day I’ll put one together. Although, the more I thought, the more I decided that this summer packet should be less addition practice and sight words and more...LIFE. So take it or leave it...here’s my “Summer Packet.” • Teach your child to tie their shoes. Find a fun trick! Watch a video! Give an incentive! Be persistent! Just make sure your child isn’t the one dragging their laces through the bathroom and cafeteria then asking the teacher to tie it. • Keep bedtime in the routine. It may be a little later and there will be nights that bedtime doesn’t apply. But overall, if we keep our bodies in a routine with sleep, August won’t hit quite so hard. • Choose a few family members and friends to write a letter to this summer. Ask your child to write in full sentences, ask questions and give details. Writing with a purpose makes it relevant and real for your child. Maybe someone will Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
write them back! Include an envelope with return address and stamp to encourage that! • Sit at the table and eat together. Really watch your child. Is he sitting on his knees, mouth wide open, food everywhere? This is how he looks in the cafeteria. Work on that. • Encourage kindness. Find someone or several others that your child can do something for simply to bring a smile. Deliver cookies, make a card, flowers, chores, a song...something simply for a smile. • Don’t rush to the rescue. Hear me out. Our children need us. But they need us to let them learn to problem solve. If your child is in a situation that is frustrating, but not harmful (example: can’t put together a new toy, can’t open a lunchable, can’t decide which color shirt to wear) let them work it out! It saves time and our nerves to just do it! But in the long run, it’s crippling our children of the basic and necessary skill to problem solve and think through an issue...for themselves. Hang back just a bit. They’ll be okay! • Read TO your child. I can’t encourage reading enough! Please visit the library and make books a part of your summer days. Most importantly, let your child see 26
you read--to yourself and to them. Let them hear your silly voices. Let them tell you the best parts and predict how it will end. We tell them all the time they must read, but are we showing them WE read? • Put down your phone. On Mother’s Day, I create a booklet with my students. They answer questions all about their moms, write sentences and draw pictures. One page is “Mom’s Favorite Things.” Can I tell you the top item colored first on most booklets?...iPhone We must look up from our screens and look at our children. They are growing so incredibly fast. We could spend this summer scrolling through strangers’ vacation pictures wishing we had their reality or we could be chasing our reality through the sprinkler in our own backyard. • Rest. Be okay with not constantly going somewhere. Society, media, and Facebook all have us believing we must seize the day and do it all. Our children have worked hard and they need to rest. If we keep them in perpetual motion through the summer, it will feel like a continuation of the chaos with less homework. Squeeze in the fun, but allow the time to rest. Boredom gives way to creativity. Rest renews our bodies and our minds for all the next school year has in store.
– Mrs. Eggart
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Overnight Camp for Boys & Girls June 16–21 • June 23–28 • June 30–July 5 July 7–12 • July 14–19 2019
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Register Online CampOPines.com/Parents
For information (850) 479-6555
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How Colleges Use Kids’ Social Media Feeds
use on your other public social media, there’s a record of your rants and hostile posts, and it could come up when the school Googles you. You can’t go back in time and revise what you wrote. So make sure that the primary account you want the college to see is clean. And if you feel like sounding off in a public forum, make your posts constructive and cordial.
Hey, parents of college-bound kids: Share this with your son or daughter as soon as possible.
Will the weird stuff I like on other people’s social media reflect negatively on me? Probably not -- unless it’s illegal, extremely antisocial, or disturbing and it makes up the bulk of your feed.
What’s the easiest thing you can do to impress prospective schools? It’s not your GPA. It’s not the debate team. It’s your Instagram – and your Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and any other social media feeds that colleges can see. And yes, they’re looking. Get answers to the most important questions about what colleges want to see.
Could the school look poorly on me if I follow provocative figures on social media? It’s unlikely that they would use this against you unless the majority of people you follow are very extreme and highly controversial. That could show that you’re not open to different points of view, which could be problematic in college. If you’re interested in a topic, seek out a range of opinions. Also, follow people who are influential in the area you’re interested in -- including the colleges you’re applying to. It will help you learn about the field -- and hey, if the school notices, it shows you’re serious.
Should I delete my social media or make it all private? Making it private is a good idea anyway. On most social media, a private account means your name won’t come up in search results, and it limits your digital footprint (how much stuff about you is available on the web). You don’t have to delete your accounts, though. Colleges expect prospective students to have social media. But if you’re applying to schools, it won’t hurt to groom your privacy settings on all your social media to make sure you’re not overexposing yourself. Some social media allows other people to tag you even if you’re not friends (such as through the facial recognition feature on Facebook). You wouldn’t want someone else’s post to negatively impact a college’s perception of you.
What should I do if I think a school unfairly disqualified me because of my social media? Because colleges receive so many qualified applications, they’re typically looking at social media to see if it tips the scales in anyone’s favor -- not to dig up dirt. Maybe another applicants’ social media just made that person seem like a better match for the school. But if you think a skeleton in your Facebook closet came back to haunt you, you can contact admissions and find out.
Do I have to delete every single party pic of me and my friends? No. Actually, colleges like to see that you’re a well-rounded person with a healthy social life. The main thing that could hurt you is posts that reflect poor judgment. When Harvard College got wind of offensive material being posted to a group chat by incoming freshmen, it rescinded acceptance letters to 10 students. That’s one reason not to post that kind of stuff. Get rid of any photos and videos that contain inappropriate behavior such as drinking, sexy stuff, and lots of swearing -- and no hostile speech, rudeness, or negative tweets about a school that you’re applying to.
Do my likes, followers, and other indicators of social media popularity help me or hurt me in the college admissions process? If you’ve actively pursued a specific passion -- say, music, photography, or even the evolution of the shoe from ancient times to present -- and you’ve cultivated an active, engaged audience on social media, that’s a plus. College admissions will see that you have drive and initiative. On the other hand, having a big audience for more typical random teen interests, such as internet memes and cat videos, may not even register (and won’t be held against you).
I once got in a public war of words with someone not on my social media but on another online forum. Will that hurt me? It might. If you posted under the same username that you Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Be Intentional with Your Time Q. As a business owner, how do you find a life balance between work and home? I have my own small business, and sometimes I feel like I’m putting in too much time at the shop and not spending enough time with my husband and kids. A. The idea of everything being in balance, on an everyday basis, is a myth. It’s simply not possible to perfectly juggle every aspect of our lives every single day. The key, I think, is to strive for an overall balance over time. You know first-hand the long hours and how work can interfere with other things if you’re not careful. The
answer lies in really being into whatever you’re doing. When you’re not at your shop or taking care of work-related matters, actively participate in conversations with your spouse and kids—and listen. Spend time with them! Turn off your cell phone when you go on dates with your husband and when you take your kids on outings. When you’re with your family you should really be with them. Then, when you have to work, chances are they won’t be so upset, and you’ll feel better about things, too!
Don’t Go Too Far Q. Our son is 17, and he is in school. He has a good part-time job, and my wife and I started teaching him basic money management at a young age. He understands
the importance of saving, giving, and spending, plus he is setting aside money for technical school after he graduates from high school. Do you think it would be an appropriate real-world exercise if we started charging him a very small amount in rent each month to prepare him for life when he leaves home?
A. I appreciate the fact that you’re looking for teachable moments, but I really think charging a teenager rent while he’s living at home is going too far. Now, if he was 28 or 29, that’d be a different story. But as parents, it’s still your responsibility to provide a home for your 17-year-old child. It sounds like you’ve done a fantastic job already of helping your son grow into a responsible young man. He knows how to work, and he has grasped the basic concepts of managing money. With this kind of start, I’ve got a feeling your kid will be fine. I also think he has a great chance of becoming wealthy some day!
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The sounds of Pomp & Circumstance fill the air as we approach graduation season. When your graduate closes the door to childhood, you want to give him a gift that reflects that milestone. Stuck for ideas? No matter what your budget, you are sure to find a great gift for your graduate here:
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Spirit wear
Help your recent grad blend in at their new school by getting them some college spirit wear. Contact the school directly or go online to PrepSportsWear.com. They have an amazing database of colleges in the U.S and Canada.
Luggage
Maybe your grad is taking a year off and plans to travel. Whether they are traveling first class or backpacking across the country, they need something to hold their things. For daily use, consider purchasing a book bag for walking around campus or a duffle bag for the gym.
Toolkit
If your grad is planning to move out of Mom and Dad’s house, they won’t have access to Dad’s toolbox. A basic toolkit from your local hardware store includes screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, measuring tape and other handy tools.
Gift cards
Gift cards are a one-size-fits-all type of gift. New college students might appreciate a gas card or a gift card to Walmart, where they can pick up food, toiletries or household items. IKEA sells inexpensive furniture for small spaces.
A Basket of Goodies
Whether your grad is starting out in his first apartment or headed to the dorm, he will appreciate a basket full of essentials. Fill a laundry basket with snack foods, toiletries, a sewing kit, and a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.
Books
@Minds On Music
A classic graduation book is Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” which is an inspirational graduation sendoff for all ages. For practical college advice, try “The Secrets of College Success” by Lynn F. Jacobs. To record their college experiences, consider buying a 5-year journal.
Session 1: June 17-21 Session 2: July 8-12 Monday-Friday, 9-11am $149 | ages 5-9
Money
Let's explore music and instruments from around the world, all week long!
The most popular gift for grads is cash. The question is always, “How much should I spend?” Check out Simchabucks.com for a cash gift calculator. Fill in your relationship to grad, state the event takes place, who the gift is from and your household income to receive a dollar amount suggestion.
Session 1: June 17-21 Session 2: July 8-12 Monday-Friday, 9a-12p $199 | ages 9 & up Wanna play the Uke? Join us to learn how in just a week!
Homemade gift
If you have the time to make it, a homemade gift is a heartfelt one. Make a pillow or quilt out of high school and sports t-shirts. Put together a scrap book of high school memories and include theatre programs, sports medals and football programs. Create a photo montage of pictures from Kindergarten to graduation and present it at her party. GPP
Session 1: June 24-28 Session 2: July 15-19 Monday-Friday, 9a-12p $249 | ages 10-17 Learn what style of singing best suits your voice & record a video demo!
Visit www.mindsonmusic.net/camps or Pam Molnar is the mother of a high graduate this year. With a summer filled with parties to celebrate the Class of 2018, she will have the perfect gift for all the graduates in her life.
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A Page in a Book Time for Everything One of the hardest things to explain to children is the intangible movement of time. For a toddler asking when they can have a snack, our response of ‘in a few minutes’ means very little to them. You can show them a timepiece or a calendar, but a child’s true understanding of time evolves mostly through their experience. Following routines that are dictated by the time (bed, bath, school) helps them cultivate an understanding of minutes and hours. Life events like vacations, birthdays, and holidays inform their knowledge of days, months and years. The following titles also highlight the passage of time in ways that nurture young readers’ understanding of the variety of ways we measure our moments.
Forever or a Day
by Sarah Jacoby (Chronicle Books) Traveling from the city to visit family in the countryside, the journey of a boy and his parents is the perfect vehicle to mark the personal nature of the passage of time. Poetic language calls out the fickleness of time as it both creeps and flies, alternately observed or invisible. Jacoby’s watercolor, pastel and mixed media illustrations perfectly capture the varied sensibility of time through the experience of family and background characters, each group with their own perception of its pace. All along this family’s picture book journey, Forever or a Day beautifully highlights the tangible rewards that punctuate our individual navigations of time.
The Very Impatient Caterpillar
by Ross Burach (Scholastic) When a caterpillar notices his peers scrambling up a tree, he peppers them with questions, ‘Where are you going?’ ‘What are you doing?’ The caterpillar doesn’t understand their explanation of metamorphosis (or the patience it demands), but he does know he wants to be a butterfly, too! Approaching this change with a limited understanding of the process, the caterpillar gets his butterfly journey underway. But the waiting is a challenge as his perception of time is very different from reality. He had no idea that two weeks could move so slow. What follows inside the chrysalis is impatient caterpillar comedy gold as he tries to find innovative ways to pass the time. With dialogue definitely dominated by the wildly uninformed caterpillar, read-aloud partners will enjoy laugh-out-loud moments time and again throughout this celebration of patience.
Ecclesiastes: To Everything There is a Season
by Cynthia Rylant (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster) Inspired by the well-known verses from Ecclesiastes, Cynthia Rylant selects couplets that are best understood by picture book readers and pairs them with her signature gentle illustration. Building on the call and response rhythm of the original verses, each two page spread is devoted to a time. The painting of a child’s first seed garden accompanies the phrase ‘ a time to plant’ while the following page shows the harvested bloom coupled with ‘a time to pluck up that which has been planted’. And so it goes, each turn of the page showcasing the balance of time through a peaceful ebb and flow of events that mark its passage. Quietly informing a child’s experience of time, Ecclesiastes is a lovely celebration of the seasonal nature of our moments.
Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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Potential Church Kids Camp (VBS) ad on page 39
3351 Creighton Road, 32504 Theme: Ninja Warrior Dates: June 18th - 21st, 2019 Times: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Ages: Pre K - 5th Registration begins May 13 and is available online. (850) 549-3880 pkids.pensacola@potentialchurch.com www.potentialchurch.com/kidscamp
Campus Church
2019
115 Saint John Street, 32503 Theme: Giddyup Junction Dates: July 7 - July 11, 2019 Times: 6:15pm - 8:30pm Ages: K4 - 6th grade Saddle up and gallop to new frontiers! VBS will be held in the St. John Building. Register at CampusChurch.com/vbs. (850) 378-3404 info@campuschurch.com www.campuschurch.com
Vacation
Bible Schools
Charity Chapel
Pensacola Hillcrest Baptist Nine Mile Campus ad on page 23
800 East Nine Mile Road, 32514 Theme: In the Wild Amazing Encounters with Jesus Dates: June 17 - 21 Times: 8:30am - 12:00pm Ages: Completed K - 5th grade Registration is available on our website. Please call the church office if you have questions. (850) 476-2233 aford@hillcrestchurch.com www.hillcrestchurch.com
Hillcrest Baptist Spanish Trail Campus ad on page 23
3960 Spanish Trail, 32504 Theme: In the Wild Amazing Encounters with Jesus
Dates: June 24 - 26 Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Ages: Completed K - 5th grade Registration is available on our website. Please call the church office if you have questions. (850) 476-2233 hwilson@hillcrestchurch.com www.hillcrestchurch.com Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
Marcus Pointe Baptist Church
ad on page 33
6205 North W Street, 32505
Theme: The Incredible Race Dates: June 10 - 14, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K4 - 5th grade Get ready for a race filled with fun clues, challenges, and a global scavenger hunt! Learn about another race that started in the Garden of Eden. We’ll make pit stops around the world showing kids how events from the Bible matter today. For more information, contact Pastor Roger Stuart. (850) 479-8337 www.pensacolachurch.org
McIlwain Presbyterian Church ad on page 45
1220 East Blount Street, 32503 Theme: Summer SeaQuest: Come Aboard w/ Jonah!
Dates: June 17 – 21, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:30pm Ages: Completed K4 - 5th grade A High Seas VBS Adventure! Backpack, Lookbook, Bible, T-shirt and Snacks are included. Registration will begin at 8:30am Monday morning. VBS is Free. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/McIlwainPresbyterianChurch. (850) 438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org
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5820 Montgomery Avenue Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: June 17 - 21, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:15pm Ages: 4 years - teens Lots of awesome music, crafty crafts, fun snacks and amazing lessons on how Jesus rescues. Online Registration begins April 10, 2019. Visit our website and register under VBS. (850) 944-5520 mary@charitychapel.org www.charitychapel.org
Christ Church
18 West Wright Street Theme: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Dates: June 17 - 20, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K - 5th grade Registration is available online or printed forms are available in the church lobby. Please mail in printed forms. (850) 432-5115 jen@christ-church.net www.christ-church.net
Cokesbury United Methodist Church
5725 North 9th Avenue Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: June 10 - 14, 2019 Times: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Ages: 3 years - 5th grade (2019 school year) Registration opens May 12, 2019. Children must be 3 years old by June 1, 2019 and potty trained. Please call for more information. (850) 476-5818 Dawn@cokesburyUMC.org www.cokesburychurch.com
East Brent Baptist Church
4801 North Davis Highway Theme: The Incredible Race: One Family One Race, One Savior Dates: July 8 - 12, 2019 Times: 8:30am - 12:00pm Ages: 5 years (by September 1st) - 5th grade At the Incredible Race kids will race from continent to continent to discover God’s plan to rescue the entire human race through Jesus with songs, crafts, games, snacks, and God’s Word! (850) 477-5812 info@eastbrent.com www.eastbrent.com/vacation-bible-school.html
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Faith Baptist Church
3600 Creighton Road Theme: The Amazing Race Dates: July 22 - 26 Times: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Ages: 4 years - 6th grade Games, snacks, crafts, music, teaching and more, your child is sure to have a memorable week with us! Transportation is available. (850) 476-8496 info@fbcpensacola.org www.fbcpensacola.org
First Baptist Church of Pensacola
500 North Palafox Street Theme: In the Wild - Amazing Encounters with Jesus Dates: June 24 - 28, 2019 Times: 8:30am - 11:30am Ages: Completed Pre-K - 5th grade This summer children will gas up the all-terrain vehicle and head out on a wilderness adventure! Get up close and personal with elephants, polar bears and penguins, and focus on some real-life encounters with Jesus. (850) 433-5631 www.fbcp.org
First Pentecostal Church
6500 North W Street Theme: Geology Expedition! Dates: July 16 - 19, 2019 Times: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Ages: 5 years - 11 years This exciting VBS will include experimenting with geodes, panning for gems and many other exciting activities that your children will never forget. (850) 477-1100 ehedges@firstpent.org www.firstpent.org
Gateway Church of Christ 245 East Brent Lane Theme: To Mars and Beyond!
Dates: June 27 - 29, 2019 Times: 6:00pm - 8:30pm Ages: 4 years - 5th grade Call the church office or check our website for more information. Registration opens June 1, 2019. (850) 476-4466 receptionist@gatewaycoc.org www.gatewaycoc.org
Greater Little Rock Baptist Church
901 North A Street Theme: In the Wild - Amazing Encounters with Jesus Dates: June 24 - 28, 2019 Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Ages: 2 years - Adult Registration is available online. (850) 433-4787 secretary@glrockbc.org www.glrockbc.org
Heights Baptist Church
600 Pickens Avenue Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: July 8 - 12, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 5 years - 12 years Pre-Registration begins May 1, 2019. (850) 438-8963 heightsbaptist@cox.net www.Heightsbaptistchurch.us
Klondike Church of Pensacola
7201 Klondike Road Theme: God Loves the Nations Dates: July 8 - 12, 2019 Times: 5:45pm - 8:00pm Ages: K4 - 6th grade Join us on a trip each night around the world as we see God’s love for different people. (850) 944-6776 jmwallnofer@gmail.com www.lovepensacola.org/vbs
Little Flower Catholic Church
6495 Lillian Highway Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: June 24 - 28, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:30pm Ages: 4 years - rising 6th grade Little Flower Catholic Church VBS Fee $25 1 child $45 2 or more children. (850) 455-5641 perrined@ptlittleflower.org www.ptlittleflower.org/
Olive Baptist Church - Main Campus
1836 East Olive Road Theme: In the Wild - Amazing Encounters with Jesus Dates: June 17 - 21 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K5 - 5th grade (850) 476-1932 info@olivebaptist.org www.olivebaptist.org/kids
Olive Baptist - Warrington Campus
103 W Winthrop Avenue Theme: In the Wild - Amazing Encounters with Jesus Dates: June 3 - 7, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K5 - 5th grade (850) 476-1932 info@olivebaptist.org www.olivebaptist.org/kids
Pine Summit Baptist Church
2920 Bellview Avenue Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: June 24 - 28 Times: 8:45am - 12:00pm Ages: Rising 1st - 6th grade Registration will be available online or at the door. (850) 944-2888 office@pinesummitbaptist.org www.pinesummitbaptist.org
St. Luke United Methodist Church
1394 East 9 Mile Road Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: July 8 - 12, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 4 years (by September 1st) - rising 6th grade
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Registration is available online. (850) 477-3145 esther@stluke-umc.org www.stluke-umc.org
Trinity Presbyterian
3400 Bayou Boulevard Theme: Water All Around the World Dates: June 24 - 28 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K - 5th grade VBS registration will be available in the church office and on our website. (850) 432-3505 www.trinitypcola.org
Upper Room Church and Pensacola Beach Community Church
655 Pensacola Beach Boulevard Theme: SonSurf Beach Bash VBS Dates: July 29th-August 2nd Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: Preschool - 3rd grade Online Registration open in the first week of June. (850) 384-0766 leah@upperroompensacola.com www.upperroompensacola.com
Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze UMC ad on page 7
75 Fairpoint Drive Theme: ROAR - Life is Wild, God is Good! Dates: June 10 - 15, 2019 Times: 9am - 12pm
Ages: 4 years (by Sept 1st) - Completed 5th grade At Roar, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life. A fee of $10.00 for each child is required to reserve their spot. Registration available online. (850) 932-3594 info@gbumc.org www.gbumc.org
Coastline Calvary Chapel
1122 Oriole Beach Road Theme: TBA Dates: July 8 - 12, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 3 years - Completed Kindergarten VBS registration is available online! There is a $20 fee for each participant. (850) 932-8197 Rebecca@coastlinelife.com www.coastlinelife.com
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
4257 Gulf Breeze Parkway Theme: Farm Fresh Faith Dates: June 10 - 14, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 3 years - 6th grade Please check our website or Facebook page for registration instructions to be announced. (850) 932-3263 goodsheperdgb@outlook.com www.goodshepherdgulfbreeze.org
Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church 100 Andrew Jackson Trail Theme: To Mars and Beyond! Dates: July 22 - July 25, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K - 5th grade Registration is available online. (850) 932-3625 gbpcoffice@gmail.com www.gbpresbyterian.org
WinShape Camps Gulf Breeze
1122 Oriole Beach Road Theme: TBA Dates: July 29 - August 2, 2019 Times: Mon - Thurs 8am - 5pm, Fri 8am - 12pm Ages: K - 8th Grade Come be a part of this incredible adventure where we combine sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one incredible week! (850) 932-8197 Rebecca@coastlinelife.com www.winshapecamps.org
Milton St. Rose of Lima
6451 Park Avenue Theme: Rolling River Rampage! Dates: June 24 - 28, 2019 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K - 5th grade Please check our website for the link to registration. (850) 623-3600 dre@srl.ptdiocese.org www.srolparish.org
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Please contact us at ads@greaterpensacola parents.com to advertise your VBS in June’s issue!
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Invitation to Dance
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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Whether it’s a social experience, a creative performance or an individual expression of joy, dance offers healthy benefits for people of every age. While they are young and uninhibited, children are especially open to the physical self-expression of dance. Encouraging dance and interactive movement in children offers developmental benefits that go beyond physical coordination and health. Combining movement with the sensory inputs of sound and light can also teach children rhythm, counting, and listening skills. The following resources feature prompts that invite dance with playtime, adding movement and music into the mix.
by Gerry Paige Smith
BeatBo Learning Lights Dance Mat
Dance and Groove Rockit
Rewarding kids with danceable beats and light-up activities, the BeatBo Learning Lights Dance Mat is easily activated with just a bump or press from little hands and feet. The BeatBo figure gets the action started, directing little ones to try out specialized sections of the mat. Divided by color, each section features learning prompts for the alphabet, numbers, shapes and dance moves. Gross motor skills get a healthy workout as children crawl, walk and dance on the mat. Fostering thinking and problemsolving skills, music, lights, and phrases also help stimulate important the senses. Colorful and charismatic, BeatBo combines physical development with learning fun through this responsive play space.
Interactive and intuitive, Dance & Groove Rockit features a host of engaging activities that keep growing kids engaged and learning through play. Boasting a light-up face and motorized ears, Rockit has a belly-full of hands-on play with a numbers roller, ABC toggle switch, and a sliding door that teaches different shapes in English and Spanish. And the Glow ball offers its own features when activated, singing songs about colors, friendship, and best of all - movement! Rockit’s ability to repeat what kids say in three super silly voices adds a hilarious personal touch to the interactive play experience. Touching, listening, learning and movement all come together for developmental benefit when kids make friends with the Dance and Groove Rockit.
(Fisher Price)
(Fisher Price)
Learn and Groove Musical Mat
Let’s Dance Elmo (Sesame Street)
Getting kids to move is a snap when Sesame Street’s Elmo is calling the dance. Mimicking his signature moves, Let’s Dance Elmo swings his arms, tilts his head, and shakes his hips while prompting kids to join in. With three buttons on Elmo’s headphones, kids can activate different musical modes featuring colors, animals, and songs. Encouraging children to follow his lead, Elmo’s heart lights up to match the color songs and to keep the beat as he moves. Elmo’s headphones also act as a handle so kids can take the Sesame Street dance party wherever they want to go. Faithful to his cheery persona, Let’s Dance Elmo’s familiar voice is ideal for encouraging all the right moves!
(LeapFrog)
With four feet of surface to explore, the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Mat is the perfect jumping off point for physical learning play. Kids can discover the sounds of different musical instruments, create their own music, or explore beats and tempo with over 50 songs and phrases. Animal friends join the journey as children learn numbers or interactive clapping. There are also audio instructions that guide players through movements and sequences that build their coordination and thinking. Part dance, part discovery and all kinds of awesome, this super-size play mat is a giant leap forward for the littlest learners.
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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One of the pitfalls of having holidays that focus on giving gifts to others is that we become a society of scorecard keepers. How did I do? Did I get more gifts than last year? Were the gifts given with genuine sincerity or did I sense feelings of obligation? Do I measure how others treat me as proof of how worthy I am? Here’s a little secret about gift giving and receiving on any occasion, moms. It’s not a competition. You are not the best mom ever if you get the most presents. You are the best mom ever if you let yourself feel good about the job you are doing every day, even on the most challenging days. And if you want a gift, whether you feel you deserve something special or simply because you think you should always feel treasured, go ahead and give yourself one. Be generous with yourself every time of year and others will follow suit during special times. Being a great mom means putting your needs first, instead of delegating that job to others and feeling resentful if they let you down. Here’s a little secret: other people can’t let you down if you don’t let yourself down. So pick yourself up during the mom-gifting time of year with a little reward for yourself. You always deserve something special just for being you.
Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Foofy drinks. For her birthday lunch my daughter wanted
Self-care. A quick nap. A long bath with bath salts and
Exposure to nature. The civilized world gallops at a break-
Fresh flowers. Flowers are love. Love grows in the yard and I’m always expanding that repertoire of choices. Others come from small bouquets at the market I can mix and match. If you are feeling cynical about the gift of flowers, try a more playful approach.
Your favorite books and magazines. Few things make me cheerier than a glossy new seasonal magazine. Books inspire movies in our minds. Even the Internet with all of its diverse content cannot replace my insatiable thirst for hunkering down, one spread at a time, and escaping into artfully photographed and delightfully designed magazine pages. Don’t ever deprive yourself of your daily allotment of mental escape.
Scents you love. Jasmine. Lemon. Rose. Cinnamon. Juniper. Cookies fresh from the oven! You control your environment, so make it smell wonderful to you.
a tropical drink with a tiny umbella in it. And you deserve a tiny umbrella too, mom. Or maybe a dollop of whipped dream with a chocolate swirl or a little heart design atop your coffee foam.
bubbles. Saying no to everything that does not feel like a yes. Asking for hugs. I’d be willing to bet that moms who practice self-care live longer. For sure, they live happier.
neck pace. But nature helps us slow down to the incremental speed of life. The seeds we plant don’t sprout overnight. And we can regain our patience and our pacing by frequent exposure to the earth, air, sun, and stars.
Self-expression. Be your insouciant self today and every
day. What does this mean to you? If you are holding your breath, biting your tongue, biding your time, or practicing any other delay tactics that prevent you from living your life with the volume cranked up, seek assistance. Get around folks who lure you out of your shell and validate all the gifts you have to offer the world.
Belly laughs. I was on the phone with an old friend the other
day and the laughs just came cascading out. Nothing like chuckling over old antics or sharing a giggle with someone who has known you forever. Get your kicks in whatever way works for you and the cascading endorphins are an extra, feel-good bonus. Streaming sitcoms or reading comics also works well in a pinch.
Surprises. Don’t wait for others to catch you off guard.
Delight yourself with little impulsive decisions that make you happy now. A surprise isn’t just a big, painstakingly planned party. It’s at least 20 opportunities a day to be sweeter to yourself. Go ahead, choose differently. GPP
Delicious food. Keep at-home copies of your favorite take-
out menus. Sometimes mom needs someone else to do the meal prep, cooking, and serving. Besides, sitting down to be waited on every once in a while is a great way to power up your inner chef. Bon appétit!
Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz definitely deserves more treats in her life. Luckily she never feels deprived because she gives herself enough to keep herself feeling fortunate.
This year we will have camp for age 6-11 and teen workshops age 12-17!
Pottery, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Glass Blowing, 3-D Design, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking, Stained Glass, Drawing, Textiles, Yoga and more!
Dates: Week Long Sessions May 28th -August 9th For Complete Details visit our website and look under education‐
Firstcityart.org
Select weeks FCAC will partner with the Mess Hall!
(850) 429-1222
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
Marriage Turmoil Affects Your Teen Marriage is sometimes hard. Anyone who says differently either hasn’t been married, or is selling you something. What I want to remind parents of today is that marriage turmoil doesn’t stay contained between mom and dad. Each member of a family is connected to every other member. That means your conflict with your spouse almost always spills over into the relationship with your teen. Now, I don’t say this to lay a guilt trip on parents who are struggling in their marriage. Nor is this article designed to settle spousal disagreements. But some of the problems your teen is facing now could be the byproduct of the tension, anxiety and worry he feels as mom and dad work on their own relationship. I’d like to show you how to handle marriage conflict well, so that in turn, your teen will learn how to handle turmoil in a healthy way.
Emotional Isolation
When mom and dad start to drift apart, the family as a whole starts to fragment. As relationships in the house continue to shift and separate, pretty soon everyone becomes their own private island. It’s like having disconnected strangers living under one roof. No one is working as a team. No one is manning the walls and looking out for the family, and so feelings, events, and important moments begin to slip through the cracks. I asked one young girl in our counseling program how she was doing. It was a simple question and I expected a simple “doing okay” answer. Instead, the young lady proceeded to tell me everything about herself; everything she ever did, everything she ever accomplished, everywhere she had ever traveled and every talent she had. She told me all her hopes and dreams, and all her disappointments and failures in one breathless dissertation. She wanted me to know she is worth something and she pled her case based on her accomplishments. When she took a breath, I finally got a chance to wedge in a better question that might open a real dialogue. Her demeanor completely changed when I asked, “What’s the most difficult thing that has happened in your life?” Her chattering stopped, her eyes welled up with tears, and she replied, “When my dad left, I felt all alone.” Suddenly, there was silence. I stood looking at her for a few seconds and instead of trying to come up with the right words to say, I just gave her a hug. Finally, a real connection was made. Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
Don’t allow emotional isolation to leave your teen feeling all alone.
Physical Isolation
Divorce or separation can definitely lead teens to feel physically isolated. But this can happen when parents are together, as well. Sometimes it takes the form of dad spending nights and weekends at the office, and away from the family. Or maybe it looks like mom devoting her free moments to various boards, committees and volunteer work, and never being home. We know the devastation divorce can bring on kids. But being married and always apart can do similar damage. Just like kids who feel emotionally isolated, kids who feel physically isolated from mom and dad will look elsewhere to fill the void in their lives. They may choose to spend little or no time at home. They’ll be prone to seek a sense of “family” elsewhere, usually with a peer group where it is easy to find acceptance and form attachments. Or your teen may try to imitate mom and dad by throwing themselves into school, sports, video games, friends, or social media in order to experience the feelings only quality time with parents can offer.
Putting It In Perspective
Now let’s look at some positive ways we can help and protect our teens even if our marriage is stormy. First, understand that your child is affected by your relationship with your spouse. Even
fights behind closed doors aren’t hidden from kids. They can feel the tension and sense the conflict. If you and your spouse aren’t working together and your marriage isn’t strong, your teen will know it—and may try to use it against you. I’ve had parents say to me, “We just can’t see eye to eye.” My reply is, “Then get counseling and fix it.” Don’t let pride keep you from doing what your kid—and your marriage—needs. You can’t get your marriage, or your family, where you want it to go without guidance and direction from others, and if you don’t stop and ask for help, chances are you’ll end up somewhere you never wanted to be. No one sets out to create a broken family, but without getting counsel and advice from others, you’re likely to create one anyways. 40
If your teen sees his parents working through their problems with a counselor, it will give him hope that his situation can be resolved as well. Don’t be afraid to share some of those struggles with him in the context of working toward a solution. Saying “We’re going to remain strong even when don’t agree” gives the child license to feel loved and accepted even in the midst of family conflict. Second, you’re not in the seventh-grade anymore, so don’t blame your spouse in front of the kids. Your teen doesn’t need to hear why his
mom can be hard to live with, or why her dad is inconsiderate. If you need someone to talk to about the problems in your marriage, find a pastor, counselor or friend. Do not air your dirty laundry in front of your child. Remember, spending time with your teen confers on them a sense of value that no one else can give. Even in the midst of working on your marriage, make sure to spend regular time with your teen. If you have the freedom to do it, take them to lunch, grab a snack after school, attend all games or school events, and communicate online. Send regular text messages to say “Hi,” or, “I love you.” Make sure your teen knows your desire to be involved in his or her life, or they’ll seek validation from someone else, and that can lead to bigger problems than you ever want to have with your teen. Lastly, Mom and Dad need to protect their marriage above all else. In fact, it is more
important than just about anything parents can do to help their kids. Parents who have kids approaching the teen years would be wise to prepare ahead of time by ensuring that they are on the same page, and that the foundations of their marriage are strong. Start taking steps today to guard your marriage from the problems that can arise during the teen years. And for parents who are experiencing difficulties with a teen right now, turn your attention toward your marriage first, to begin the healing process. No marriage is perfect. But the struggles between a husband and wife don’t have to spill over into the lives our teens. Once we realize how interconnected our family relationships are, we can take steps to assure our teens that they are loved, accepted, and valued. 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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FamilyCalendar Friday, April 26
35th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival Noon-11 p.m. Community Maritime Park. This year’s festival features 15,000 pounds of crawfish, provided by Cordova Crawfish Company of Pensacola. Cajun dishes such as red beans and rice, boudin balls, seafood gumbo, étouffée, jambalaya, Cajun pasta and more will be available, including traditional festival fare. For more info, visit www.fiestapensacola.org/ or call (850) 433-6512. Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party 10 a.m. Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola. Those who participate in the Mullet Toss will throw a dead mullet over the Florida/Alabama state line to see who gets the farthest. People travel from across the globe to see what all the fuss is about here at the Flora-Bama; the memories are priceless. For more info, call (850) 492-6838.
Saturday, April 27
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Concerto for Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. The 93rd season comes to close with a program inspired by folk music from around the world. Grieg’s Piano Concerto will be played by the talented Alessio Bax. Guest composer Gabriela Lena Frank joins us to share her own work, Apu: Tone Poem for Orchestra, inspired by Peruvian folk music. Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra is a powerhouse piece with origins in traditional Hungarian folk music. For tickets or more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www.pensacolasymphony.com/. Be My Neighbor Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. A free family event spotlighting the neighborly values of Mister Rogers and featuring PBS KIDS stars: Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat and Mr. Steve! Community organizations will be on hand indoors and outside with children’s activity booths and useful info for parents. Call (850) 484-1200 or visit wsre.org/events/be-myneighbor-day/. Delunas Beach Games 6 a.m.-5 p.m. 41 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola. Event on Pensacola Beach which features an open water swim, beach volleyball tournament, sunrise run, beach chamber challenge scavenger hunt, putt-putt golf tournament, go cart racing, and corn hole tournament. For more info, e-mail jlibbert@pensacolasports.org or visit https://pensacolasports.org/ delunasbeachgames/. 35th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Community Maritime Park. For details, see April 26 listing. Gulf Coast March for Babies 8 a.m.-noon. Gulf Breeze Community Center. Help March of Dimes reach its goal of $145,000. March to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more info, call (850) 462-7756 or visit https:// www.marchforbabies.org/. 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/.
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Open Studio: Paper Flower Wreaths 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.
Sunday, April 28
35th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Community Maritime Park. For details, see April 26 listing. Pensacola Triathlon 6:15-11:45 a.m. Race Headquarters is held at Maritime Park. Start with a swim in the refreshing Pensacola Bay, bike along the scenic out-and-back course, and run through Historic Pensacola neighborhoods and past cheering spectators.The event concludes with a festive waterfront awards party featuring music, great food and cold beverages. For more info, visit www.tripensacola. com/. 2019 St. Joseph Blues & Bar-B-Que 11 a.m.-7 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St., Pensacola. Musical line-up includes: Biscuit Miller, Dedra Ruff And The All Pros Band, Cat Daddy, Back Street Blues Band, Belmont Youth Band, Spearman Brewers, and Max McCain Band. We also conduct a raffle. Food line-up both days: Dwarf Chicken, Grover T’s BBQ, Rocky D’s BBQ and St. Joseph men’s BBQ. For more info, call (850) 932-8584.
Tuesday, April 30
Dave Matthews Band at the Pensacola Bay Center 8 p.m. With the release of 2018’s Come Tomorrow, Dave Matthews Band became the first group in history to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. For more info, call (800) 745-3000 or visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. Call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum. org/ for more info.
Wednesday, May 1
Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. Today is also an autograph day at the National Naval Aviation Museum following the practice. For other details, see April 30 listing.
Thursday, May 2
WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 6 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are Kevin Danzig, Callaghan, The Tall Pines, and Betsy Phillips. 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, May 3
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 7:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a
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juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre. com/. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Showtime: The Best of Stage and Screen 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. A jam-packed concert filled with music from every genre, from classical to country and patriotic to musical theatre. This variety show showcases the individual and corporate talents of PCC’s outstanding singers. For tickets or more info, visit pensacolachildrenschorus.com or call (850) 434-7760. Preschool Art Time: The Evolving Canvas 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. 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/event/ pensacola-pwgc-meeting/ or call (850) 529-0908. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adult 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. Our program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.
Saturday, May 4
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 7:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. For details, see May 3 listing. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Showtime: The Best of Stage and Screen 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see May 3 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Fireworks Saturday/Star Wars Night 6:05 p.m. vs. Biloxi. For more info, call (850) 9348444 or visit https://www.milb.com/pensacola. Walk the Talk for Epilepsy 9 a.m.-noon. Seville Square. This Walk is to raise awareness for those who are affected by the challenges associated with having seizures. For more info, visit https://www.epilepsyfl.com/. The Hoecake Throwdown 2-6 p.m. De Luna Winery, 116 E. Gonzales Street, Pensacola. Celebrate the history, mythos and meaning of that most-quintessential of Southern foods — cornbread — and its liquid cousin: bourbon.
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FamilyCalendar Programming will include a celebrity chef cook-off, whisky tastings, live music and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit Chain Reaction — a Pensacolabased nonprofit that empowers children through character education & service-based learning. Call (850) 776-0436. 3rd Annual Burger Battle by the Bay
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. The only burger grilling contest of its kind in Pensacola! Hosted by the Suburban West Rotary Club and benefiting Take Stock in Children, teams compete in professional and backyard categories as well as for the coveted People’s Choice Award. $10 in advance; $15 at the gate. All ages! For more info, visit www. burgerbattlebythebay.com/.
activities. Program is great for ages 7 and up and is included with admission. Today’s topic is “May the Fourth.” For more info, call (877) 937-6377 or visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/.
months after. FREE to watch; teams from all over the world; featuring a racing division and freestyle division (tricks, flips, jumps). For more info, visit http:// www.prowatercross.com/.
Bloom Pensacola: An Event for New and Expecting Mothers 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Come mingle with other moms, speak to our experts, and learn how to make your mom life easier with the products and services offered by our amazing sponsors. Enter to win giveaways at the event and everyone walks away with a swag bag valued at over $60! We look forward to seeing you soon and encourage you to check our the Facebook Event Page for additional fun updates! Who | Moms or moms-to-be Where | Sacred Heart Hospital, 5151 N 9thAvenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504, Greenhut Auditorium Tickets | $15
University of West Florida Commencement Ceremonies Pensacola Bay Center. 10 a.m. College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities - (CASSH); College of Education and Professional Studies - (CEPS); and College of Business - (COB); 1 p.m. Usha Kundu, MD College of Health - (UKCOH) and Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering - (HMCSE); and 5 p.m. Graduate School. For more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter. com/.
Annual Rosamond Johnson Commemoration 10 a.m. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Johnson Beach Road, Perdido Key. The event is open to the public. Keynote speaker will be Dan Brown, Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent. He will be joined by Pam Johnson Gleen, Private Rosamond Johnson’s niece. The NATTC Color Guard and Vocalist group will perform. The ceremony will feature music as well as artwork from the Global Learning Academy of Pensacola. Call (850) 934-2600 for more info.
Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-14. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Our program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.
Curiosity Days at Pensacola MESS Hall 1-4 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St., Pensacola. Explore more deeply with multiple facilitated hands-on
Pro Watercross Jet Ski Racing This NASCAR on water is exciting racing that will have you standing, cheering, and talking about it for
Sunday, May 5
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 3 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. For details, see May 3 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Family Sunday 1:05 p.m. vs. Biloxi. Kids run the bases and families have the chance to play catch on the field following each Sunday home game. For more info, call (850) 934-8444 or visit https://www.milb. com/pensacola. Pensacola State College Commencement 3 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For more info, visit www. pensacolastate.edu/current-students/graduation/.
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FamilyCalendar Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Showtime: The Best of Stage and Screen 2:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see May 3 listing. Pro Watercross Jet Ski Racing For details, see May 4 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 need to bring your own bottle or container. For more info, visit www.cityofpensacola.com/. Family Sunday: Natural Dyeing Methods 1-4 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Bring your family to the museum for a Sunday afternoon full of familyfriendly 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.
Monday, May 6
Yoga & Art at Pensacola Museum of Art with Nancy LaNasa 5:30 p.m. Enhance your creative focus and flow. All levels welcome. Bring towel, yoga mat, water bottle. PMA members are free; non-members free with admission to museum. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.
Tuesday, May 7
Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see April 30 listing.
Wednesday, May 8
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/.
Thursday, May 9
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 7:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. For details, see May 3 listing.
Friday, May 10
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 7:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. For details, see May 3 listing. Relay for Life Pensacola 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. May 11 @ Community Maritime Park. The community comes together to remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancers, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society make a global impact on cancer. Register at relay.acsevents. org/ and search for Pensacola. Fairways to Freedom Golf Tournament 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tiger Point Golf Club, 1255 Country Club Rd., Gulf Breeze. Honorary teams representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard compete against each other. Tournament is open to the public and welcomes all teams. For more info, visit www.gulfbreezechamber.com/pages/fairways-tofreedom.
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Saturday, May 11
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 7:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. For details, see May 3 listing. Open Studio: Painted Rock Photo Holders 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see April 27 listing. White Tie Rock Ensemble: The Legacy of British Rock 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. This rock theater concert experience will feature music from The Beatles early works, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Led Zeppelin with a special salute to Cream, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Queen with David Bowie, and The Police. Tickets begin at $28. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Ft. Pickens) 7:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Ft. Pickens Battery Worth parking lot. Volunteers will set up nearly 20 telescopes ranging in strength and size from duplicates of Galileo’s original telescope to today’s incredible large-scope devices for the public to take a peek at wonders such as Jupiter, the Milky Way and other galaxies. For more info, call Dewey Barker at (850) 450-7767 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-star-gazing/. Fiesta Children’s Treasure Hunt 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bayview Park, 2001 E Lloyd St., Pensacola. FREE registration and FREE lunch, plus various field day games for children and families, in addition to music and face painting. The 2019 Fiesta Children’s Court will make a special appearance. All families in attendance will receive FREE lunch of Zaxby’s chicken or hot dogs, chips, Pepsi products and water. Treasure Hunt begins at 2 p.m. for children ages three to ten years old. For more info, call (850) 433-6512 or visit www.FiestaPensacola.org. Bay Bluffs & Chimney Park Cleanups 9 -10 a.m. Come join the Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation, Earth Ethics and Ocean Hour for a two-location clean-up on Scenic Highway the second Saturday of every month. 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. Pensacola MESS Hall Questioning Corner 10 a.m.-noon. 116 N. Tarragona St., Pensacola. Young learners engage in age-appropriate exploration related to special themes. Activities are geared for learners ages 3-7 and are included in admission. Today’s topic is matter and materials. For more info, call (877) 9376377 or visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see April 27 listing.
Sunday, May 12
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents The 39 Steps 3 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Billy Buff and Barbara Jacobs. For details, see May 3 listing.
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Mother’s Day at Gulf Breeze Zoo 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring your mom to meet our animal moms. All moms receive a FREE train ride. From the train you will get a 15-minute guided tour and a close-up view of gorillas, rhinos, huge Nile hippos and Sumatran orangutans! For more info, call (850) 932-2229 or visit www.gbzoo.com/events/.
Tuesday, May 14
Cruel Intentions: The Musical 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Based on a French novel and a classic cult film starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillipe and Sarah Michelle Geller, Cruel Intentions pulls you into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. As the two set out to destroy an innocent girl—and anyone who gets in their way—they find themselves in a web of secrets, temptation and the cruelest game of all: love. Featuring throwback hits by artists like Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, REM, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears. Tickets begin at $58. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see April 30 listing.
Wednesday, May 15
Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see April 30 listing.
Thursday, May 16
PJ Masks Live: Save The Day! 6 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. An all-new super-heroic, live musical show, featuring the heroic trio from The PJ Masks! Watch Catboy, Owlette and Gekko along with their new friend PJ Robot, as they try to save the day from the sneaky villains - Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl! Leaping, flipping and climbing live on stage! Complete with your favorite music and brand new songs you’ve never heard before! For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. 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/. Science Hour 6-7 p.m. Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola. UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension hosts this educational series meeting most months. Tonight’s topic is “Florida Aquatic Preserves Program,” presented by Beth Fugate or Zach Schang, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Northwest District. Each session is free to the public. For more info, contact Carrie at ctsteven@ufl.edu or call (850) 475-5230. Movie Under The Stars: Bee Movie 7:15 p.m. From The Ground Up Community Garden, 501 North Hayne Street, Pensacola. The movie is free, but popcorn, goodies, and drinks will be sold before and during the event. Please bring either a seat or
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FamilyCalendar Endangered Species Day at Gulf Breeze Zoo 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about the 16 species of endangered, and critically endangered, animals here at the Zoo, and what you can do to help. Visit conservation biofact stations for a hands-on learning experience and at 2 p.m., meet a species that has come back from the brink of extinction, the American alligator. At 3 p.m. join a team of zookeepers for a python interaction and a message on invasive species. For more info, call (850) 932-2229 or visit www.gbzoo.com/events/. 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 Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 7:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. Volunteers will set up nearly 20 telescopes ranging in strength and size from duplicates of Galileo’s original telescope to today’s incredible large-scope devices for the public to take a peek at wonders such as Jupiter, the Milky Way and other galaxies. For more info, call Dewey Barker at (850) 450-7767 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-star-gazing/.
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. Preschool Art Time: Color Collage 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see May 3 listing.
Saturday, May 18
NAMI Mental Health Awareness Walk 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park. The mission of NAMI Pensacola is to provide support to the loved ones of the chronically mentally ill and to promote education about mental illnesses, both to our members and to the community as a whole. For more info, find NAMI Pensacola on Facebook. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 7:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. For details, see May 17 listing. Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox St. Additional $5 cash surcharge at the door for under 21. Attendees under 16 must be accompa-
nied by a ticketed, adult guardian. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com. Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s clean up at Project Greenshores, also know as Wayside Park West, the third Saturday of every month. Project Greenshores is at the Three Mile Bridge on Bayfront Parkway, 745 Bayfront Parkway. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags will be supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. 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. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Fireworks Saturday 6:05 p.m. vs. Mobile. For more info, see May 4 listing. The Big Scoop 3-5 p.m. Community Maritime Park. Taste an assortment of ice cream flavors, top with the best fixins’ and try out other sweet snacks. There will be fun, games and activities for everyone in the family. This is a pet-friendly event! Tickets are $10 each, and children under three get in free. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Buy tickets on the Facebook page or at the event! For more info, call (850) 433-5437. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Music for Families 9:30 a.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Join us for a special performance with the symphony at 11 a.m.
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FamilyCalendar Instrument petting zoo, arts and crafts, science and other pre-concert hands-on activities start at 9:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www. pensacolasymphony.com/. Star, Spangled Salute: Military Appreciation Festival 4:30-8:30 p.m. Bayou Grande Marina, NAS Pensacola. Free and open to active duty and retired military, DOD and their family members, saluting those who served time in the military for the betterment of our lives all across the country. The festival will host a day of games and activities, food and entertainment for both kids and adults. For more info, call (850) 492-4660 or visit https://business.perdidochamber. com/events/.
Sunday, May 19
Family Sunday: DIY Kites 1-4 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see May 5 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Family Sunday 1:05 p.m. vs. Mobile. For details, see May 5 listing.
Monday, May 20
Pensacola Bay Concert Band Performs At the Movies Concert 7:30-9:30 p.m. University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Featuring movie music from The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, The Sound of Music, Star Trek … plus much more! Admission: non-perishable food item (to be donated to Manna Food Pantry). For more info, visit https:// pbcband.org/. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Military Monday 6:35 p.m. vs. Mobile. Join the Wahoos in honoring local military heroes each Monday of the 2019 season. For more info, call (850) 934-8444 or visit https://www.milb.com/pensacola.
Wednesday, May 22
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Improvable Cause Happy Hour 7 p.m. Pensacola’s only professional improv comedy troupe! IC’s shows are completely unscripted and totally hilarious. Everything is created in the moment with audience suggestions, so each show is different! For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/.
Thursday, May 23
Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Presents Julius Caesar 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona Street. William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar contains a vicious murder and two suicides. This version is set in a private prep school and will employ the use of social media, messaging and texts. Because of the subject matter and situations, the play is not recommended for children, and parents of middle schoolers are strongly cautioned. All tickets are $15 and are available at www.setsco. org. For more info, visit www.setsco.org or call (662) 278-8383. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. Written by
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Neil Simon and directed by Jamie Jones, Jerry Valanzano and Gail Ready. Hilarity abounds in this portrait of three couples successively occupying a suite at the Plaza. For more info, call (850) 221-7599 or visit http://panhandlecommunitytheatre.com/.
Open Studio: Pennant Banners 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see April 27 listing.
YAS = Young Adult Social 5:30-7 p.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Young adults are invited to hang out in our new youth-oriented section for snacks and games. Includes wii sports games and other activities. Last Thursday of every month. For more info, call (850) 453-7781.
Santa Rosa County High School Graduation Pensacola Bay Center. 11 a.m. Navarre High School; 2:30 p.m. Gulf Breeze High School; and 6 p.m. Pace High School. Graduating seniors should arrive NO LATER THAN 45 minutes before ceremony. Proper attire for students is required: gentlemen must wear dress slacks, dress shirt and tie; ladies must wear a dress or skirt and blouse. For more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/.
Friday, May 24
Sunday, May 26
Hill-Kelly Movies in the Park Series - Field of Dreams 7:50-11 p.m. Community Maritime Park. Bring your blankets and chairs to watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Movies begin at sunset and free event parking begins at 6 p.m. We are partnering with the Blue Wahoos and will have Kazoo, the inflatable Kazoo bounce house and the military mascots! For more info, find “Play Pensacola Parks & Recreation” on Facebook and click on events. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see May 23 listing. On The Border -The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox St. Additional $5 cash surcharge at the door for under 21. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed, adult guardian. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com. Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Presents Julius Caesar 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona Street. For details, see May 23 listing.
Saturday, May 25
Graffiti Bridge 5K 8 a.m. 317 N 17th Avenue, Pensacola. Have you ever painted the world-famous Graffiti Bridge? We will be closing down the street two hours prior to race start for you to have access to the Bridge. Unless a train comes you’ll have uninterrupted access to “tag” the bridge. Bring your own paint. For more info, call (850) 435-9222. Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Presents Julius Caesar 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona Street. For details, see May 23 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see May 23 listing. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see April 27 listing. Pet Partners: Read With Me 10:15 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. 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. Preregistration requested. For more info, call (850) 453-7781.
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Blues Angel Music’s Blues on the Bay Not Quite Fab 6-8 p.m. Community Maritime Park. Pack your coolers and bring your lawn chairs and join us at the Hunter Amphitheater for the Blues Angel Music Blues on the Bay Concert Series. Pensacola Bay District/Gulf Coast Boy Scout Council Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony 8:30 a.m. The Veterans Memorial Park located on Bayfront Parkway on the corner of 10th Ave and Romana St. The Veterans Group will hold a memorial program for America’s fallen heroes starting at 1 p.m. All Scouts and the public are invited to stay for the 35-minute patriotic program. For more info, contact Marion at (850) 206-9690 or e-mail valleyfamily77@gmail.com. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 2:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see May 23 listing. Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Presents Julius Caesar 2:30 p.m. Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona Street. For details, see May 23 listing.
Monday, May 27
Pensacola Memorial Day Concert 5-6:30 p.m. Community Maritime Park. This concert features the Pensacola Civic Band and honors our fallen heroes who gave their lives for freedom. Includes uplifting musical performances, guest appearances, and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For more info, visit http://pensacolacivicband.org/.
Tuesday, May 28
Beginning Fish Camp Through May 31 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday with Family Fish Fry at noon. Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, Pensacola. Your child will learn to fish, species identification, ethical angling, and enjoy the outdoors. Each child will receive a tackle box and fishing pole at the end of camp. For ages 7-14. Costs $130 for city residents/$140 non-residents. Registration only available at https:// webtrac.cityofpensacola.com/. Auditions for Mamma Mia! at the Pensacola Little Theatre 6:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Carla Rhodes, with music directed by Tina Buran. Mamma Mia! is a story about a young, soon-to-be bride named Sophie who invites three men to the island where she lives to find out which one is her father. Her mother Donna is unaware they are attending until they arrive. This is a story told with your favorite ABBA songs including “Mamma Mia!” “Dancing Queen” and many more! Performance dates are August 2-18. Call Kathy Holsworth, artistic director, at (850) 432-2042 ext. 102 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions for more info.
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FamilyCalendar Escambia County High School Graduation Pensacola Bay Center. 11 a.m. Washington High School; 2:30 p.m. Pensacola High School; and 6 p.m. Escambia High School. For more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Military Night/Summer Kickoff 6:35 p.m. vs. Mississippi. Celebrate the end of the school year with a ballpark bash and fireworks! Join Navy Mutual in honoring local military heroes. For more info, call (850) 934-8444 or visit https://www. milb.com/pensacola. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see April 30 listing.
Wednesday, May 29
Auditions for Mamma Mia! at the Pensacola Little Theatre 6:30 p.m. Mainstage play directed by Carla Rhodes, with music directed by Tina Buran. For details, see May 28 listing. Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see April 30 listing. Stryper Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox St. Additional $5 cash surcharge at the door for under 21. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a ticketed, adult guardian. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit vinylmusichall.com.
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Fiesta Days Celebration 7-10 p.m. Historic Seville Quarter comes alive with entertainment, decorations and delicious food in five rooms, each saluting our history under the flags of the five governments that have flown over our city. Be sure to join the Surrender of the City in Phineas Phoggs at 7:15 p.m. as local dignitaries surrender the City of Pensacola and its citizens to DeLuna and his Queen for the Fiesta Season. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.fiestapensacola.org/. Escambia County High School Graduation Pensacola Bay Center. 11 a.m. Pine Forest High School; 2:30 p.m. West Florida High School; and 6 p.m. Tate High School. For more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/.
Friday, May 31
Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see May 23 listing. Grand Fiesta Parade 7-10 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. Come catch some beads, hear the sounds of local high school marching bands, and enjoy watching beautiful floats parade through downtown. Free admission. For more info, call (850) 433-6512 or visit www.fiestapensacola. org/.
Saturday, June 1
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Fireworks Saturday/ Fiesta Pensacola 6:05 p.m. vs. Mobile. Celebrate the history of
America’s oldest city during Fiesta Pensacola and see the Wahoos take the field for one night in First City uniforms featuring Tristan de Luna! For more info, see May 4 listing. Annual Pensacola Sports Racquet Round-Up Series of free tennis clinics offered around the Pensacola area throughout the month of June. Clinics are open to children of all skill levels between the ages of 5-12. The children are taught by local tennis professionals through a series of creative games, drills and casual game play. Bring your own racquets and appropriate close-toed shoes, water bottle, towel, change of clothes. For children who do not have a racquet, free racquets will be available to use during the clinic. For more info, visit https://pensacolasports.org/ or call (850) 434-2800. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see May 23 listing. DeLuna Landing Ceremony 3 p.m. Quietwater Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach. Under orders from King Phillip II of Spain more than 450 years ago, Conquistador Don Tristan de Luna sailed into what is now Pensacola. He claimed the land he found in the name of Spain, and Pensacola became the first European settlement in the U.S. The DeLuna Landing Ceremony is
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FamilyCalendar a light-hearted parody of what might have happened when Don Tristan de Luna landed on Pensacola Beach. Free & open to the public. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.fiestapensacola.org/. Fiesta Boat Parade 1 p.m. Pensacola Bay. Decorate your boat and come be a part of one of the largest boat parades on Pensacola Bay. Boats depart from mouth of Bayou Chico. Admission is free & open to the public. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.fiestapensacola.org/. Fiesta Prayer Service 10 a.m. First United Methodist Church, 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola. Begin the Fiesta celebration with the traditional ecumenical service. The public is invited to attend. Free & open to the public. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.fiestapensacola.org/.
Sunday, June 2
Free Yoga Class - Breathe Yoga and Wellness 10 - 11 a.m. Community Maritime Park. For details, see May 5 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Family Sunday 1:05 p.m. vs. Jacksonville. For details, see May 5 listing. Family Sunday: Duct Tape Creations 1-4 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see May 5 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents Plaza Suite 2:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see May 23 listing.
Monday, June 3
Chip Boes Championship Basketball Camp 9 a.m.-noon. Malcolm Yonge Gym, 925 East Jackson Street, Pensacola. Group and individual instruction for boys and girls ages 7-13, league and tournament play with age-appropriate goals and balls. Each camper receives a basketball, camp shirt, and ice cream party. Three exciting sessions with four-time Panhandle Conference Coach of the Year Chip Boes! $85 per camper/ sibling discounts available. For more info, call (850) 968-9229 or visit http://chipboes.blogspot.com/. Roger Scott Tennis Summer Camp 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Roger Scott Tennis Center, 2130 Summit Blvd., Pensacola. A fun tennis-based day camp for ages 5-13 with arts and crafts, outdoor games, tennis instruction, fun tennis games, and swimming at Roger Scott Pool. Lunch is included. $150 per camper per week (sibling discounts available). For more info, visit www.rogerscotttennis.com/summercamp-info.html. Yoga & Art at Pensacola Museum of Art with Nancy LaNasa 5:30 p.m. For details, see May 6 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Military Monday 6:35 p.m. vs. Jacksonville. For more info, see May 20 listing.
Wednesday, June 5
Movie Under The Stars: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 7:15 p.m. From The Ground Up Community Garden, 501 North Hayne Street, Pensacola. For details, see May 16 listing. Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - view-
Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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ing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see April 30 listing.
Monday, June 10
Challenger Sports Soccer Camps Through June 14 Roger Scott Athletic Complex, 2130 Summit Blvd., Pensacola. Programs available for ages 3-14. For more info, call (850) 912-4056 or visit https://challenger.configio.com/. Princess Day Camp Through June 14 9 a.m.-noon. Gull Point Resource Center, 7000 Spanish Trail, Pensacola. Ages 3-8. Includes learning several dancers, making princess party crafts and costumes, and concludes with a mini recital. Please bring a snack each day. For more info, call (850) 494-7360. SUP/ Kayak Camp Through June 14 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Fri. with Family Fish Fry at noon. Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, Pensacola. Learn the fundamentals of stand-up paddle board (SUP) and kayaking, first in a pool then out on the open water. River trip on Thursday. Ages 9-15. Register at https:// webtrac.cityofpensacola.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 Tuesday This Month
Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Bring your lawn chair and join us every Tuesday night for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times. Artists include: John Hart Project April 30; True Blue Band May 7; Deception May 14; Jessie Ritter May 21; Bay Bridge Band May 28; and I’magene June 4. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-bands-on-beach/. Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. Fresh produce to local Lonestar Kitchen to jewelry and soaps. Come support local artists. For more info, visit www. facebook.com/pg/gbfarmersmarket/ or call (850) 867-7263. 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/.
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Every Thursday This Month
Pickleball at PAC! 6-8 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 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.
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Orange Blossom Special 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children’s Museum, 115 Zaragoza Street, Pensacola. Come on downtown for storytime Saturdays! Climb aboard and take a journey with storyteller Paul Morrell on the Orange Blossom Special train ride. Learn Florida train history inside the museum and then take a ride on the train. Tickets are only $5 each (includes 1 free adult).
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 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 provides three evidencebased parenting curricula to parents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. For information on class dates and location, contact Medena Williams at (850) 4494315 or mwilliams@cdac.info. Incredible Years Parent and Baby Program For parents with infants 0-12 months. Meets on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. for 8 weeks. Parents and
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Incredible Years Parent Program For parents with children 2-8 years. Meets on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for 10 weeks. Parents learn what works best with their child. Topics include child-led play, praise, setting limits with appropriate rules and commands, and discipline strategies that work. Childcare is available as needed. (Children do not attend the class with their parent.) Active Parenting of Teens Program For parents with children 9-15 years. Meets on Tuesdays from 4–5:30 p.m. for 7 weeks. Parents learn techniques that will equip them to be the parent their teen needs. Topics include communication, responsibility, dealing with misbehavior, discipline strategies and talking with teens about sex, violence, alcohol and substance use.
All children entering K4–6th grade are invited to saddle up for GiddyUp Junction—a western-themed experience at Campus Church’s Vacation Bible School. Come each evening to discover the good news of God’s love and its saving power. Visit CampusChurch.com/vbs to register today!
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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.
July 7–11 • Sunday–Thursday 6:15–8:30 p.m. (850) 479-6575 CampusChurch.com/vbs
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Sacred Heart Hospital offers a variety of prenatal education classes designed to help parents-tobe prepare for their special day and for the days that follow back home with the new baby. Registration is required for all classes and is offered online. For any questions, please call (850) 416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacred-heart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/ Guidance/. 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.
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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
Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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. 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
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Str 12: thro Wo ing ass aw ily m cha Wo eop 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) 4167705. 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 May 20. 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
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SupportGroups (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. For more info, call (850) 416-7621 or e-mail: eopena@ascension.org.
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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 May 2 and June 6, 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 Post-
partum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Pre-crawling babies welcome. Free. Next meeting will be held May 18, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.
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.
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.sacredheart.org/childbirth.
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.
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 meetings are held near the end of each month. Visit us at www.momsclubpensacolane.weebly.com or find us on Facebook.
Weight Loss
MOMS Club of Pensacola-Southwest We are “MOMS Offering Moms Support.” Our
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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 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.
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www.sealabestuarium.com
102 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528
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Mia and The White Lion
Missing Link MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: BSir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) is desperate to prove the existence of all manner of fantastic beasts, from mermaids to unicorns, and even the Loch Ness Monster! Frost hopes to use this evidence to earn him entrance to an exclusive club for famous adventurers, “The Optimates Club”. Unfortunately for Frost, his membership is heavily opposed by its leader, Lord Piggot-Dunceb (Stephen Fry), who makes a wager with Frost, guaranteeing admission to the club if he can prove the existence of Bigfoot. As Frost leaves, Lord PiggotDunceb immediately sets out to sabotage him, hiring diminutive hitman Willard Stenk (Timothy Olyphant) to track him down. When Frost finds the Bigfoot, who assumes the name of Susan Link (Zach Galifianakis), Frost makes another deal: he will help Susan find a new home, and in return, Susan will give him some samples to take back to the Optimate Club to prove his existence. I’ll start with my gripes, since they’re pretty minor. First, the plot is basically just a reworking of Jules Verne’s classic novel, Around the World in 80 Days, but with a lonely Sasquatch replacing Passepartout. Second, the film builds a lot of jokes around Susan’s tendency to take everything literally, which for me, stopped being funny back when Star Trek was doing that with Data. Otherwise, Missing Link is a fun and surprisingly charming kids’ movie. The voice cast is superb, and Hugh Jackman is clearly having a blast. While some of the jokes fell a little flat, by being too complex for younger viewers and too dumb for parents, others got laughs from the whole theatre.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ Eleven-year-old Mia (Daniah DeVilliers) is unhappy. Having grown up in London, she has been homesick since her South African father, John (Langley Kirkwood), moved the whole family back home to run the lion farm he inherited. Then a miracle occurs and a million-to-one white lion cub is born on their farm. Everyone is excited – except for Mia. But the Charlie the lion cub has a charming little furry face and they form a powerful bond. As Charlie grows, Mia refuses to acknowledge that he is a wild animal and defies her father’s warnings about the dangers. When John discovers the extent of his daughter’s disobedience and the peril to which she has exposed herself, he decrees the immediate sale of the now grown white lion. Learning about Charlie’s likely fate, fourteen-yearold Mia decides that her only hope is to take Charlie to a nature reserve where he will be free to live in the wild – no matter what it takes. This film may sound like a heartwarming boy and his dog, girl-and-her-lion story, but there are some very troubling aspects to this production which should give parents pause. Most obvious is Mia’s cavalier attitude towards safety around her adored lion and her constant disobedience and disregard for her own safety. Whether parents want to take their kids to Mia and the White Lion will likely depend on their sympathy with the film’s message. The writers are deeply concerned about the danger lions face from hunters. Unfortunately, the film tries a bit too hard and instead of sharing its message it bludgeons the audience with it. In communications terms, this is overkill.
Penguins
Breakthrough
MPAA Rating: G Overall: A Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Penguins have long been a surefire winner at the box office. Films about these flightless seabirds range from the documentary March of the Penguins to the animated musical comedies like Happy Feet. Disneynature’s Penguins has found the sweet spot between the two. In this kid-friendly and parent-pleasing release, the directors have married documentary-style footage with a comical script to make an educational film that will have audiences laughing out loud. The story focuses on Steve, a hapless but never hopeless Adélie penguin. Steve is running behind on the annual spring trek from Antarctica’s ice shelf to the rock-strewn mountains where his species mate and raise their chicks. Competition is fierce for the best nesting sites, although what makes any one site more desirable than another is far from obvious to a mere human viewer. Steve struggles to build a nest, getting struck by one penguin and having his carefully gathered rocks stolen by another. But eventually, his nest is complete and he manages to woo and win Adeline, who subsequently lays two eggs. The two penguins then face the arduous task of raising babies in the harshest environment on earth – and that’s just the summer. Obviously, this film has very little for parents to worry about. There are some scenes of peril where South Polar Skua birds hunt baby penguins and where killer whales prowl the channels of open water seeking prey. And there is a terrifying moment where a leopard seal hunts Steve’s chicks. But the G rating for this movie is well deserved and only the most sensitive of children will find anything upsetting here.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A “You have a purpose. You are loved.” So Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) repeatedly tells her moody 14-year-old son, John (Marcel Ruiz). Joyce is concerned about her increasingly uncommunicative teen and then the unthinkable happens – he falls through the lake ice and drowns. John is declared dead, Joyce prays, and John’s pulse miraculously returns. But he is hanging to life by a thread which may snap at any minute. Can John’s family, church, and wider community exercise their faith and call down a miracle from heaven? Breakthrough has an earnest, multiracial cast, who, despite the fact that they sometimes seem to be reciting lines rather than living them, do so with real sincerity. The movie also takes on the joys and trials of being part of a church congregation and portrays the petty conflicts that can arise when wellmeaning people irritate each other as well as the wonderful acts of kindness and support that a faith community can provide. And the film is almost entirely free of objectionable content. Unfortunately, Breakthrough also has some significant near misses. Watching Joyce, viewers may be driven to wonder where the line is between steadfast faith and delusional determination. Is Joyce faith-filled or irrational? Is her faith based in God’s will or her preferred outcome? And it’s a real disappointment that the script doesn’t go deeper here. Criticisms aside, Christians (or non-believers) who are grappling with feelings of divine abandonment, loss or doubt may feel that the movie isn’t able to break through their pain to provide the inspiration and comfort they seek.
Greater Pensacola Parents I May 2019
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Summer Camps May 28-Aug 9, 2019 Mon-Fri • 7 AM - 6 PM Ages 5-12 (K-5th)
Field Trips Swimming Games & More! Registration is available online and at these locations: E.S. Cobb Resource Center Fricker Resource Center Gull Point Resource Center Vickrey Resource Center Woodland Heights Resource Center
Don't Miss Our Summer Specialty Camps We offer a variety of specialty camps to enhance your child's skills and provide them with a fun and enriching summer camp experience.
Performing Arts Camps Princess Dance Camp Circus Dance Camp Beach Party Dance Camp Musical Theater Camp
Sports Camps
British Soccer Camp Chip Boes Basketball Camp Volleyball Camp North Pensacola Optimist Soccer Camp Roger Scott Tennis Camp
Details at PlayPensacola.com
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