flu Don’t Get It GET the flu shot.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot. Influenza can be a serious illness for pregnant women. The flu shot is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Your flu shot protects you and your baby.
WASH your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Don’t Spread It COVER your cough.
Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
STAY home when sick.
Keep sick children at home. Teach them to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread easily this way.
Find More Information at EscambiaHealth.com or @HealthyEscambia
October2018
Volume 3 Number 7
30 Columns
28
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Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW
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Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
Common Sense Media Discover several popular apps that are stirring up trouble in schools.
Halloween for Tweens and Teens Find teen approved games for hosting a fabulous party!
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Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Pediatric Associates, P.A.
26
Mama Moments
34
Betsy Eggart
40
28 Parenting, Media &
Everything in Between Common Sense Media
29
Dave Says Dave Ramsey
Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun
Our guide to all things “fall” in and around the community.
10 Skills to Know By Age 10
Important tasks to teach as they move towards independence.
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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
51
A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Jeremiah Updike, (13 months), son of Viktoria and Ryan Updike. Jeremiah has a great big smile
Departments 6
Bits and Pieces 12
especially when he is outdoors.
School Bits
His favorite things to do are eat,
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play peekaboo, and snuggle
Family Calendar
with his mom and dad.
52
1
Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents
FromThePublisher
Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source
The October issue is always exciting because it is the month when we get to officially transition in to the fall season. There is so much I love about this season, like the milder weather (be patient, surely it is coming soon!), putting on my favorite pair of worn out boots, buying pumpkins in all different shapes, colors and sizes, and my daughter’s Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Maple Frosting! Oh, how yummy these treats are! Every time she makes a batch it has our whole house smelling like fall. She gets frustrated at me because I can’t even wait for her to ice them. I usually go sneak one while it is still warm only to have her exclaim, “Did someone eat a cupcake already?” with an accusatory tone targeted at her sisters. I just sit there with a mouthful of pure deliciousness and a guilty look on my face. Not only do we get pumpkin spice everything this season (even Cheerios!), but October also brings with it a variety of fairs, festivals, pumpkin patches and other events for families to enjoy together. So much so that we have dedicated an entire section of the magazine to these types of events. The Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide on page 34 is a great place to start planning your fall outings, and possibly even start some new traditions. Don’t stop there though. Make sure you also flip over to the Family Calendar for even more local events. One of our fall family traditions is to all gather at my in-laws house for dinner and trick-or-treating on October 31. Anytime we all get together it is a lot of fun, but now that some of the kids in the group are getting too old for trick or treating, it may be time to introduce some new activities to the evening. If you are in the same position, you will definitely want to check out Pam Molnar’s article, Ten Halloween Party Games for Teens and Tweens. She has some really interesting ideas to kick off your party planning. Fair warning though, some are a bit gross, which means the kids probably will love it! Having children that are getting older means we can also get their help planning some of the activities. As I mentioned, my oldest has already started getting involved in the holiday baking and my others love planning activities. Getting them involved not only helps me out, but also teaches them some great life skills. As parents we may often feel it is easier to do it ourselves. However, if we aren’t careful, we will not only work ourselves into a frenzy, but deprive our children of these skills and the pride that comes with that little bit of independence. This month we have included an article by Sara Lyons, 10 Skills to Learn Before 10. In her article, Sara provides us with activities we can do with our younger children to help build important life skills. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. We always love finding fun activities and resources to share with area families (and ourselves too!). Now go pull your boots out of the closet, heat up a pumpkin spice latte, grab your calendars, and have a happy fall, y’all!
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 Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LMSW Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey Tavi Slevinski, RN, MSN,CPNP Gerry Paige Smith
Cover Photography Danielle Becker www.daniellebeckerphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch
Lynn
Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com
Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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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.
www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
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New pediatric specialists for Gulf Coast families
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When your child is sick, you need personalized, compassionate care — care that starts with a team of doctors who listen to children and understand them like you do. That’s why the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, a part of Ascension®, is now affiliated with the Southeast’s largest academic health center, University of Florida Health.
James Burns, MD
Matthew Furst, MD
Theresa Roca, MD
Matthew Steiner, MD
Bevin Weeks, MD
James Coticchia, MD
Martina Drawdy, MD
Berrin Ergun-Longmire, MD
Adolescent Medicine University of Florida
Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida
Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida
Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida
Together, Sacred Heart and UF have hired 25 pediatric specialists, who live and work full time on the Gulf Coast, caring for the region’s smallest patients and their parents. Find a physician, and see our patients’ stories: studerfamilychildrenshospital.com
Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida
/sacredheartchildrenshospital
Pediatric ENT University of Florida
Pediatric Endocrinology University of Florida
Pediatric Endocrinology University of Florida
/studerchildrens
Robert Dillard, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology University of Florida
PEDIATRIC SPECIALTIES
m
Jeffrey Schwartz, MD Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
University of Florida
Erlyn Smith, MD
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology University of Florida
Amanda Strobel, MD Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
University of Florida
David Shapiro, DO
Edward Kohaut, MD
Pediatric Infectious Diseases University of Florida
Tracy Roberts, MD Pediatric Orthopedics University of Florida
Alan Sacks, MD
Brent Thompson, PA
Pediatric Gastroenterology University of Florida
Pediatric Gastroenterology Sacred Heart Medical Group
Debra Cohen, MD
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology University of Florida
Pediatric Nephrology University of Florida
Pediatric Nephrology University of Florida
Ali Kurady, MD
Matthew Pearson, MD Pediatric Neurosurgery Sacred Heart Medical Group
Pediatric Orthopedics Sacred Heart Medical Group
Dana Wert, ARNP
Gulnur Com, MD
Jonathan Papic, MD
Bryan Weidner, MD
Mark Wehry, MD
Jamie Thorn, ARNP
Donna Williams, ARNP
Pediatric Orthopedics Sacred Heart Medical Group
Pediatric Pulmonology University of Florida
Pediatric Surgery Sacred Heart Medical Group
Robert Huang, MD
Pediatric Surgery Sacred Heart Medical Group
.com
ed : mber
Keephole nions are the rse-
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850-462-9496
C. Gerry Henderson, MD Pediatric Urology University of Florida
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Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group
Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group
Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW
It’s All About Relationship! The internet is full. Do you ever think that? There just simply cannot be one more get your baby to sleep through the night strategy or one more way to cook kale. Do you ever scroll past article after article and get lost in people telling you what easy 3-step dessert will compliment that chicken dinner, what new style of pant will make your legs look ten feet tall, and certainly how best to parent (and how you are currently doing it all wrong)? I do. We can so easily get lost in the idea that if we can just find that one strategy, that one solution, that one approach, we can affect change in every area of our child’s current level of functioning. Though I can’t help you find those pants that will change your life, I can definitively say this when it comes to parenting your kids: It is ALL about relationship. Here’s the thing, if you ask 100 people about the best strategy to deal with whatever behavior you are currently facing with your child, you are going to get about five different answers explained in 100 different ways. Spank your child. Don’t spank your child. Put your child in time-out. Put your child in time-in. Take away privileges. Enforce greater consequences. Leave them at the table until they clear their plate. Never get into a battle over food, they will eat when hungry. And on and on and on.
Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
So, allow me to simplify for you... relationship. Focus on the relationship, because relationship compels obedience. In fact, this concept bleeds over into other areas of our life. Allow me to illustrate. If you make a massive mistake at work one day and your boss calls you into his office and begins to yell, demean, threaten and tell you how incompetent you are, do you at all feel as though you are in relationship with your boss? No. Do you at all feel driven to please him? No. Do you at all feel connected to and respectful of your boss? Definitely no. You stand there until he is done, give a cursory apology and then walk out of the office grumbling under your breath straight to your co-workers, so that you can all discuss the frustration and irritation of working for such an incompetent leader…because somehow your mistake is definitely his fault. Now keep that example in mind. You have made a massive mistake at work and your boss in this scenario calls you into his office and says, “Hey. I heard what happened. It’s going to be okay. How can I help you in this? How can we partner together to make this right?” Now what does that do to your relationship? It breeds a spirit of connection. Do you walk out of that office feeling empowered to correct your mistake? Yes. Do you feel respect for and reverence toward your boss? Yes. In this scenario your boss is addressing the mistake, partnering with you to make it right, and is mindful to not dis-
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suade his or her relationship with you, because that relationship – when preserved - is going to compel that obedience within you. Here’s the thing. Your kids are going to screw it up. They are going to fail and falter and not get it right. This is the process of childhood. They are learning and, through that process, we are going to get such a better response if we can fiercely and unapologetically defend and protect our relationship with our child. The entirety of this concept is called Therapeutic Parenting and it is something I want to begin to introduce over the coming months. So join me as we dig deep and begin to understand how incredibly important our foundational relationship with our kids is, and how we can nurture that all important connection.
*Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child.
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 which were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent. She spends her free time cooking, drinking coffee, cleaning, cooking, sweeping infield baseball dirt off of the kitchen floor, cooking, and cleaning up after the cooking in an effort to keep all those boys full while avoiding the appearance that she lives in a fraternity house.
www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
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Trick—or treat?
The Gulf Coast’s #1 haunted destination has two kinds of family fun. For older kids and adults, Downtown OWA is home to Town of Terror: Circus Asylum. Treat younger kids to The Park After Dark—it’s The Park at OWA, filled with an evening of seasonal family fun! F OL E Y , AL | 7 MI LES FR OM T H E B E A C H
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5210 Northwest FL Day of Play
Pensacola Seafood Festival
Friday, September 28-Sunday, September 30 11 a.m.- 11 p.m./10 a.m.-11 p.m./11 a.m-5 p.m. The annual Pensacola Seafood Festival takes over Seville Square, Fountain Park and waterfront Bartram Park in historic downtown Pensacola each fall, attracting more than 100,000 attendees during the three-day event. At the festival, you’ll find local seafood favorites prepared in a variety of ways by top restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, traditional festival fare from the nation’s top vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and live music. Activities for kids will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and include: SeaMobile Touch Pools Hermit Crab Races Obstacle Course Arts & Crafts Games Entertainment Stage Make sure to look for these festival vendors selling fun kids’ items: Martins Wooden Craft – wooden toys, folk toys, action toys, boomerangs, cars and trucks Bobbie’s Shop – little girl dresses Di’s Custom Tied Bows – fairy bows and headbands Sew N Sew Sisters – T-shirt quilts, totes and teddy bears For more info, visit www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/.
Saturday, September 29 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola The 5210 Day of Play is a day to get up, get out and get active! Families will shut off their computers, tablets and TVs, and head outdoors for some fun! Come check out the many activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the entire family. For more info, visit www.playpensacola.com.
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Sea NO Limits for Special Needs
Sea NO Limits is a free event offered to children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities requiring supervised care. The fishing clinic will be held Saturday, October 6, from 8 a.m.-noon at Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park. This event is limited to the first 250 applicants (plus up to two additional family members/guardians/caregivers). Pre-registration required. The event includes rod and reel to keep, grilled lunch w/ beverages, T-shirt, optional child ID program, fish identification booklets, fishing instruction and Escambia Search & Rescue Demonstration. Sea NO Limits is hosted by Gulf Breeze Masonic Lodge No. 347. For more info, visit www.seanolimits.com or call (850) 341-5036.
4th Annual Bridge to Bridge 5K
October 13 * 7:30 a.m. Wayside Park, 1401 E Gregory Street, Pensacola. Starts at the base of the 3-mile Bay Bridge on the Pensacola side and runs over the Bay Bridge into Gulf Breeze, finishing at The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge. The post-race party & awards will take place immediately following the race. There will be music and refreshments, plus a beautiful view! Buses will transport runners post-race from Gulf Breeze back to Pensacola. *Note: The LAST bus will leave Gulf Breeze at 10 a.m. For more info, call (850) 435-9222 or visit http:// werunwild.com/events/event/ bridge-bridge-5k/.
Santa Rosa Island Authority’s Bands on the Beach Continues
Pensacola Beach’s popular FREE outdoor summer concert series features performers for every musical taste and is held each Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m., through October 30. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Pets and glass are prohibited. Upcoming performers include on Sept. 25: Touch of Gray; Oct. 2: Bring on the Benjamins; Oct. 9: RAIN DATE if needed; Oct. 16: Holly Shelton; Oct. 23: Southern Breeze; and Oct. 30: Emerald Coast Blues Brothers. For more info, call (850) 932-2257, visit www.visitpensacolabeach.com or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.
Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas
October 19-21 & October 26-28 7:30 p.m. performances except 2:30 p.m. matinees Oct. 21 & 28 Pensacola Cultural Center Will Christmas be the same with a pumpkin king in charge? A Nightmare Before Christmas continues Ballet Pensacola’s tradition of creating captivating and unconventional ballets. For tickets or more info, call (850) 4329546 or visit www.balletpensacola.com/.
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Star Wars Reads @ Pensacola Library
First City Shakespeare Presents Von Trapped in the Hospital
October 6 * 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. All ages can get their photo taken with the Storm Troopers, go on a rock hunt throughout the library to find Star Warsthemed painted rocks, enter raffle drawings and play a virtual reality game. Kids can also make Jaba slime, decorate their own droid, and make a lightsaber to take home. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.
October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 and 31 Tours on the hour beginning at 7 p.m. Historic Sacred Heart Hospital in the heart of East Hill, 1010 N. 12th Avenue. The halls are alive... with the souls of spirits. First City Shakespeare, with assistance from the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company, presents a Halloween cabaret performance tour of the historic Sacred Heart hospital in the heart of East Hill. Guests will be taken on guided walks through this landmark. Along with learning some of its history, they’ll be entertained by singing nuns, a possessed child, and other unusual and peculiar persons. Actors perform parodies of tunes from The Sound of Music twisted by the likes of Baby Jane Hudson, Josef Mengele, and Chucky. One number features the Lonely Hearts Killers, Martha Beck (originally from Milton) and Raymond Fernandez, who met in Pensacola but who (thankfully) went north for their murder spree. Tours last approximately fifty minutes and begin on the hour starting at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. (In past years, people who waited to buy tickets at the door were disappointed). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more info, visit http://setsco.org/ or call (662) 278-8383.
2018 Boo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo
October 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 * 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids ages 12 and under are encouraged to wear (non-scary) costumes and adults ages 18 and older may not wear masks that cover the face. Boo at the Zoo admission includes the Trick-orTreat Trail for kids ages 12 and younger, bounce houses, creepy crawly critter touch station, animal encounters, and face painting and balloon creations. Train ride tickets can be purchased in advance with event tickets or are available for $4 each the day of the event. We recommend that you pre-purchase event tickets at www.gulfbreezezoo.org/ or call (850) 932-2229.
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CORDOVA MALL PRESENTS
SANTA’S ARRIVAL
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Friday, November 9, 2018 6pm – 8pm Front of Cordova Mall
Face Painting, Entertainment, and More!
Sponsored by:
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59th Pensacola Greek Festival
Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Journey Escape
October 12-13 @ 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; October 14 @ noon-5 p.m. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1720 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Admission is always FREE. A wonderful opportunity for the Greek community to share their culture, traditions, heritage, faith, food, dance and the fun-loving spirit of Greece right here in our hometown. Live Greek music and traditional folk dancing will be among the entertainment highlights of the weekend. Youth dancers dressed in traditional costumes, representing various regions of Greece, will perform dances throughout the weekend, and the dance floor is open to everybody between youth sets. The popular Kostas Kastanis band will be back again to play traditional and modern Greek music throughout the weekend. For more info, visit www.pensacolagreekfestival.com!
Saenger Theatre October 19 * 8 p.m. The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating clas-sic albums in a live performance setting. The performance is separated into two sets. The first set features the album being recreated as a true symphonic piece. The second set, which features a selection of the al-bum artist’s “greatest hits,” opens in full contrast to the first set with an incredible light display and the sym-phony being much more laid back. For more info or tickets, visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.
E Pensacola Children’s Chorus Announces Second Annual
Spooktacular: A Low-Sensory Halloween Party!
October 27 * 4-7 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S Jefferson St. Individuals on the autism apectrum are invited to participate in our third annual low-sensory Halloween party. This year we will feature interactive carnival-themed games including a potionmaking booth, Pass the Pumpkin, paint tattoos, Frankenstein’s nose surprise and more! Come dressed in costume and bring a bag. Enjoy games, art and light refreshments. Each station will have prizes and candy. All ages welcome! $5 for children over 3, free for accompanying adults. Purchase tickets at pensacolamuseum. org or call (850) 432-6247 for more info.
Join us at the Pensacola Yacht Club Thursday, October 25, for PCC’s dueling piano fundraiser! Guests will enjoy an evening of musical stylings from PCC’s very own Alex Gartner, artistic director, and Martin Tate, principal accompanist. This year’s event will feature a silent auction, wine pull, live auction and a new spotlight solo where guests can purchase tickets and vote for a special solo between featured performers! Hosted by emcee Howard Reddy with special appearance from Hanan Tarabay. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with the program at 7. Tickets are $85; tables of 8 are $750 and are available for purchase at www.pensacolachildrenschorus.com. All funds raised directly benefit PCC’s financial aid program. Sponsorships are available by contacting Mallory Wilson, director of development and community engagement, at Mallory@pensacolachildrenschorus.com.
The Wright Brothers: Those Daring Young Men & Their Flying Machine!
November 9 @ 6:30 p.m.; November 10 @ 1 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre Presented by the Foo Foo Festival and the Pensacola Opera, this musical biography geared toward young audiences follows the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright – America’s pioneers of aviation. With courage, ingenuity and determination, they make their dream of flying come true! Recommended for 2nd grade and up as well as family audiences of all ages. For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/.
November 2-4 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Seville Square Park, 311 E Government St., Pensacola. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The event features live musicians in Fountain Park with sounds ranging from Zydeco, bluegrass, jazz and blues to classical. Local dance schools and groups perform daily. Free and open to the public; pets are not permitted. For more info, call (850) 434-1234 or visit http://www.ggaf.org/. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Cubed Luminous
November 8-11 * Church Street, between Jefferson and Tarragona in Museum Plaza, downtown Pensacola Public art takes on a new level of inspiration and interaction! Cubed Luminous is a 4-day and night outdoor live digital art festival featuring a towering 18 ft. LED cube and 16 laser projectors illuminating the original murals of 16 artists—in real time, as they are being painted onto each side of four 8 x 8 ft cubes. From daylight into dark, watch the artists at work, enjoy live music and DJ sets, have lunch or dinner at the food trucks and stroll through the Makers City Marketplace. It’s all happening as part of the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival. Find out more at www.cubedgulfcoast.com.
Pensacola Interstate Fair
October 18-28 * Hours vary daily. Fairgrounds are located at 6655 Mobile Highway. Entertainment lineup includes Sugar Ray, Craig Campbell, High Valley, Moccasin Creek, Led Zeppelin and Elvis tributes, and Dusty Sanderson. For info, call (850) 944-4500 or visit www.pensacolafair.com.
Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
November 1 * 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center When magician extraordinaire Justin visits Sesame Street to put on a magic show for the whole neighborhood, Elmo wants to be a part of the big event. But there’s one problem— Elmo can’t do magic! That’s when Elmo teams up with Abby and Justin, embarking on an amazing journey where Elmo will discover the “power of yet”—the lesson that with perseverance and practice, nothing can stand between you and your dream. Along the way, Elmo and Abby, joined by their friends Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Rosita and Count von Count, discover the many magical moments in everyday life. In the end, Elmo learns that you can do anything you set your mind to if you just keep trying! Join your favorite Sesame Street friends on this magical adventure when Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic comes to your neighborhood. For tickets or more info, call (800) 7453000 or visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/.
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The Best Things Under the Sun
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Every child on earth lives under the same sun. It illuminates their days, and even the moon reflects the sun’s glow at night. But beyond the light we see and the warmth we feel from the sun, the light from Earth’s star also provides boundless energy. Our kids are the generation that will see the broadest expansion of solar energy utilized in their living landscape. Introducing sunlight’s power and potential to kids offers an early understanding of their energy future. From solar panels to solar printing, the following items foster a brilliant exploration of the sun at its best.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Solar Power
SunPrint Kit
Harnessing a clean and abundant source of power, solar panels are a key component for using the sun’s energy. The Solar Power kit from Thames & Kosmos offers materials to assemble six solar models including a locomotive, single prop plane, bulldozer, helicopter, backhoe, and twin rotor helicopter. Each vehicle is powered by a solar panel with three solar cells that generate 1.5 volts of electricity in bright sunlight, like a AA battery. The panel is adjustable so it can be positioned to collect maximum light for maximum movement. Beyond the included models, the panel can also be used to power unique creations and even charge AA batteries. Combining solar science with innovative modeling, this kit shines a light on the sun’s energy and how it can run the world.
Every image, every photograph we see results from the composition and capture of light. The earliest photography essentially recorded an image on light sensitive paper. SunPrint revisits this process in its most basic form. Using the kit’s light sensitive paper, creative minds (young and old) can experiment with directing sunlight to expose a brilliant variety of images. From fern fronds and favorite toys to scissored shapes and stencils, objects laid on the photosensitive paper and exposed to sunlight for a few minutes leave their shape imprinted on the paper. Whisked into a saltwater bath to ‘fix’ the solar-generated image, the result is part art, part science and all kinds of amazing. Teaching the first fundamentals of photography, creating unique art and sparking scientific inquiry, The SunPrint Kit offers a captivating exploration of light and shadow.
(Thames & Kosmos)
(SunPrint)
T4 Transforming Solar Robot
Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker
Animated by solar power, the T4 Transforming Solar Robot is next level modelling for mechanically-minded youth. With just a few tools and a bit of patience, older kids can craft a variety of mobile robots that are powered by sunlight. Featuring cool components that can add moving jaws, walking legs, and rolling wheels to the robot, builders can choose operational modes for their model that include T-rex, insect, robot and driller. Assembling different forms requires a steady hand, so this kit is best appreciated by kid ten and up. Transforming young engineers’ understanding of solar power, the T4 Robot combines fun and sun in this learning adventure.
Bringing the science of sunlight right into the room, the Kikkerland Rainbow Maker uses swarovski crystals to translate natural light into the varied palette of colors that compose it. Attached to a sunny window the Rainbow Maker uses solar energy to propel gears that move the prism in the sunlight. The shape of a prism effectively bends sunlight and splits it into its component colors as light passes through it. In full sun, the twisting prism projects a colorful rainbow of light into the room. Much like the sunlight filtered through the clear remnants of rain to naturally create the massive rainbows in the sky, the Kikkerland Rainbow Maker simply draws down the process to a smaller scale, illuminating the room through solar science.
(Kikkerland
(OWI)
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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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Pediatric Associates, P.A.
To Sleep Perchance to Dream As long ago as Olde England and Shakespeare a good night’s slumber has been recognized as an important goal. Children of all ages benefit from a good nights rest. As a rule, children 3-5 years of age need 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. This includes naptime. Older children benefit from 9 to 12 hours a day. Teenagers require 8 to 10 hours of sleep each day. Sleep provides the body the opportunity to use energy to grow and develop. Unfortunately, the process can be interrupted by night terrors or nightmares, and for some, children sleepwalking. Night terrors can create behavior that resembles sleepwalking. When this happens children will wake up during the night screaming and may jump out of bed and act upset. Your child’s heart may beat very fast, she may even be breathing hard and seem very agitated. This can last 15 – 20 minutes. When this happens you may not be able to calm your child. The sleepwalking child, on the other hand, may appear to be awake, walking or even crawling while actually being asleep. They often have their eyes open, but do not respond if you talk to them. This can last seconds to as long as 15 minutes and the child will then fall asleep. Some children will walk around the house
and may even go outside while in that state. Typically, they do not remember the event. Keeping your child safe during this event is the goal. Do not try to awaken your child. Rather, gently guide her to bed. Nightmares interrupt a night’s rest in the form of scary dreams. For some children the dreams can make them sad and cry. Most children who have nightmares have a hard time getting back to sleep. Comfort your child by letting her know she was having a dream. Sometimes talking about the dream can make it less scary. It may be helpful to parents to realize these sleep disturbances are usually outgrown. However, if these events happen more often than a couple times a month consult your nurse practitioner or doctor. Possible treatments may include medicine or creating a routine of briefly waking your child at a specific time during the night. Things that can be done to help prevent these events include: • Have a set bedtime and bedtime routine. • An hour before bedtime start quite time – no TV, video or computer games • Try to keep bedtime and wake time the same year round. • Have a nightlight in your child’s room.
For the child who is sleepwalking check that all exiting doors are locked. Using safety gates at stairs and doors of the child’s room can prevent serious injury. Have your child put toys away before bedtime to prevent tripping and falling on them during the night. If these behaviors happen with frequency - many times a month, discuss this with your nurse practitioner or doctor. Sometimes tests for other medical problems may be necessary. Parenting a child is not an easy job! Keeping up with current information is a challenge for us all. Love your children; they are yours for such a short amount of time.
Tavi Slevinski, Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, has lived in Pensacola, Florida for over 35 years. She has been an advanced nurse practitioner with Pediatric Associates for over 23 years. Her undergraduate studies in nursing were completed at the University of Florida. She obtained her advanced nursing practice degree initially as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Alabama. Miss Tavi, as her patients have come to know her, realized she enjoyed the entire pediatric age spectrum and obtained her Post Masters degree in general pediatrics from the University of South Alabama. Although she cherishes her title as Miss Tavi, her favorite role and title is that of “Gigi” to her grandchildren.
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Creative Learning Welcomes Former Student Back as Teacher
Mrs. Ferguson, the new 3rd-grade teacher at Creative Learning Academy, is a Pensacola native who is returning home after living in Gainesville for almost two decades. She has 16 years’ experience in the classroom, is certified in elementary education, and holds a Gifted endorsement. Her experience includes teaching in grades 1-6. Most recently she has served as the 1st-4th grade gifted math and science teacher at Wiles Elementary and then the 6th-grade world cultures teacher at Fort Clarke Middle. Ferguson began her career as a student in the CLA preschool when it was known as the “Montessori Learning Center” on Garden Street. She then returned to begin her career at CLA as a student teacher in the kindergarten class. Following her student teaching, she moved all over the country with her husband, who was then serving in the U.S. Navy. During that year as a student teacher, Ferguson once again fell in love with CLA and had always dreamed of returning. Please join us in welcoming her home!
Autauga County Schools
Trinitas Holds 2018 Convocation
With a powerful charge from Mr. Hughes and a scripture reading from Mr. Gilley, the students at Trinitas Christian School began the new school year pledging to follow and hold one another accountable to the Trinitas Honor Code at a Convocation Ceremony. The 2019 senior class also received their class rings with joyful smiles on their faces. Mr. Cowart elaborated on the new and exciting changes for the house system and new students were welcomed into House George and House Polycarp. The students are looking forward to growing together as individual houses and dining in their “chambers” each Wednesday where they will discuss plans for volunteering and other house activities.
Please email news and photos to editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month!
Ready, Set, Grow!
St. Paul Catholic School students harvested the last of the macaroni peppers in late summer. Last spring’s gardening elective grew snap peas, green onions, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, and broccoli. Extra produce was given to Feed My Sheep, a ministry that provides hot meals for the homeless. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
Escambia County Holds Family Fishing Rodeo
If takes a fleet of people to run a Family Fishing Rodeo so that the Escambia County School District Maintenance Dept. can help more kids each year who need a few snacks for the weekends. Thank you to all who entered and all who sponsored the Rodeo! 14
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Blessed Star Returns to Dauphin Island
Blessed Star Montessori School returned to Dauphin Island, Ala., to teach the students a hands-on lesson about landforms. Shown here, the students and their families are in the salt marsh working together to see what they could catch in their net. The students used the large net and some smaller nets to see what types of animals were living in the salt marsh. The students were thrilled to catch a blue crab, numerous fiddler crabs, hermit crabs and periwinkle snails. They also caught a few grass shrimp and a mullet fish. Everything was placed in buckets as it was caught and then examined at the end of the visit to the marsh. Our tour guide took time to talk about all the various animals and we said goodbye to our little friends as we released all the animals back into the water. After a quick shower and some lunch, the students were recharged and ready to visit the Sea Lab. The students had a great time viewing the various marine life on display in the tanks. The students were thrilled to have an opportunity to touch stingrays in the outdoor tank.
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Little Flower Catholic Builds Bridges
Eighth-grade students at Little Flower Catholic School built bridges in science lab with Mrs. Rueth. Students had to use minimal materials, paper and tape, to build a bridge. They used various rocks to see the amounts of weight each bridge could hold.
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Autauga County Schools
Sacred Heart Helping at Manna Food Bank
Sacred Heart Cathedral School 8th-graders participate in several service projects throughout the school year. Recently students volunteered at Manna Food Bank where they learned about food preparation and hunger relief.
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‘O’ is for ‘Observation’
O.J. Semmes Elementary students were working on their observation skills!
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Montessori School Offers Education Overviews
Montessori School of Pensacola is offering free, public overview events to give attendees a look into Montessori education. Montessori education offers a unique educational experience designed to help a child maximize his/her potential in an environment designed to meet his/her unique developmental needs. Attendees will see the special Montessori hands-on materials and meet Montessori-trained teachers, while they visit different classrooms at MSP. One overview will cover math and the next will cover language. The math overview will take place October 20 from 9 a.m.-noon at the 4100 Montessori Drive Campus and the language overview will take place November 10 from 9 a.m.-noon.
“ANIMALES PROTECTORES DEL CHAMÁN,” ROLDÁN PINEDO, 37 X 34 IN., ACRYLIC ON CLOTH, 2009
EVERYTHING THAT SOUNDS IN THE FOREST: CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
AUG 17 – OCT 21 407 S. JEFFERSON ST. PENSACOLA, FL 32502 850.432.6247 pensacolamuseum.org
ON VIEW IN THE LEWIS BEAR FAMILY GALLERY AND THE GREENHUT CONSTRUCTION CO. GALLERY MUSEUM HOURS: TUES – THURS 10AM to 5PM FRI – SAT 10AM to 7PM / SUN 12PM to 4PM
St. Paul Offers Spanish Classes for Elementary
Spanish is fun at St. Paul Catholic School! Elementary students are working on developing their listening, speaking and reading skills every day in classes that are 100 percent in Spanish. Soon they will learn about Mexico, Peru and Nicaragua. 17
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Redeemer Lutheran Holds Patriot Day Service
St. John Adds Buddy Bench
Students at St. John the Evangelist now have a special bench at the school to help all students feel included. “Dericka’s Buddy Bench” was added to the playground this August, after being built by volunteers, including the grandfather of St. John students. This bench is a place for lonely students to have a seat, which signals to others that the child is looking for friendship and to be included in activities with other students.
On September 11, Redeemer Lutheran School held its annual Patriot Day Service. We took this opportunity to thank our military and first responders who so bravely serve. Our service opened with the Presentation of the Colors by AMS 1 from NAS Pensacola. Students heard an inspiring Patriot Day message from Masterchief Jodi Gibson. Redeemer’s elementary grades performed Grand Old Flag and the Armed Forces Medley. Students were encouraged to invite their friends and family who are patriots to attend the service that was attended by more than 250 guests and honored 60 first responders and military. Guests of honor were treated to a reception.
Please email news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!
Bellview Holds Annual Open House
East Hill Christian School Playground Upgrade
Bellview Elementary recently held its annual Open House. This year, school administrators took a different approach and taught parents about school improvement goals and how they could help work on foundational skills at home to help meet those goals, but more importantly to create readers in their children! Our teachers rocked it and families left equipped and empowered to contribute to our flexible and caring learning environment with their child’s current performance and a reading game in hand.
In the fall of 2017, East Hill Christian decided to raise funds to upgrade the elementary playground of nine years. The school was blessed to work with a local Christian businessman to draw up plans for the new playground and provide help in this endeavor. All year long students and parents worked toward this goal. At the annual spring “Spaghetti Dinner Auction,” the students sang a song about the new playground to inspire those in attendance to help with this goal. PTF did a wonderful job in planning and running many fundraisers and in May of this year, the funds were available to purchase new equipment! After a few delays this summer on manufacturing and shipping, the new playground arrived and was completed by August 30. A dedicatory prayer and ceremonial ribbon cutting took place the morning of August 31 just before the rains came all day. Finally, there was sun the following week and students were able to enjoy the fun and blessing of our new playground. Many thanks to PTF, the Board of EHCS, Mr. Josh Sheffield, Duce Landscaping, Ryan Corson and Gulf Coast Recreation, and all parents and grandparents who contributed to this cause last school year! Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Friendship 101: Four Ways to Make Friends By Nicholas Collins, Gulf Breeze Middle School Dolphin Echo Staff Writer Middle school is an awkward trilogy of years. Personalities are changing, bodies are changing, and everyone’s finding their place. However, there is one thing about middle school that can be challenging for many, and that is making new friends. So, here’s a list of ways to make new friends.
interests you and start conversing with people who have similar interests.
3.“Table hop” at lunch. If the table where you sit doesn’t have anyone that you want to befriend, try out a new table each day until you find one that is right for you. Then get in touch with those people outside of lunch to foster your friendship.
1. Take advantage of switching classes.
4. Just chat.
One of the new things about middle school is switching classes. While some kids think of it as a curse, it truly is a blessing. This is because you can meet different people in each period, opening many opportunities to make new friends.
If there’s some down time in the classroom, just talk to people. However, don’t be disruptive. Be positive and happy when talking to them. If you do this, you will be having a conversation in no time! In conclusion, middle school is full of change, so your friend group is likely to change too. Don’t be intimidated; just go out there, be you, and start making friends! Trust yourself, your real best friends will appreciate you for who you truly are.
2. Join clubs that interest you. One of the benefits of middle school is clubs. Clubs are a great way to make friends. Look for a club that
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St. Paul Sports Teams Kick Off New Season
St. Paul Catholic School’s volleyball, football, flag football and cheerleading teams kicked off the year with a spirited pep rally recently.
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Blessed Star Learns About Modular Robotics
Blessed Star Montessori students had a STEAM lesson that introduced them to Cubelets robot blocks. Cubelets can be arranged in numerous ways to create a special robot. The student shown above made hers into a tower, while other students formed train-like structures. The Cubelets also have different action blocks that make them perform various actions. This student used several rotating blocks and was overjoyed when she turned her robot on and it actually began to spin around. It did not take long for the students to understand how to work with the Cubelets and to begin building a variety of robots that moved in various ways and lit up. They are looking forward to working with the Cubelets again and learning how to do more with the robot blocks.
The 5th/6th grade volleyball team started strong with a hard-fought win over Episcopal Day School.
The football team breaks through the SPCS banner to cheers from students.
Little Flower Reading Buddies
There is no better way to spend a rainy day indoor recess than partnering and reading together. Miss Stotz’s 3rd-grade class at Little Flower Catholic School joined in with Miss Grantham’s kindergarten class and spent some time reading. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Local Author Visits Sacred Heart
Local author Angel Stull-James read her new book Tuesday Bluesday to Sacred Heart Cathedral School’s kindergarten-2nd grade students. Tuesday Bluesday portrays the Blue Angels in a positive light and depicts the excitement of our community to have the Blue Angels in our lives.
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Trinitas Volleyball Wins Tournament
West Florida Baptist recently hosted the first pre-season volleyball tournament. Eight teams from Florida, Alabama and Mississippi competed for two days in hard-fought games. Trinitas Christian School’s Lady Knights were victorious in round one against Escambia Academy, but lost against Victory Christian on Friday, placing them in the losers’ bracket. The loss did not stop Trinitas, but spurred the team on to work harder playing nine sets in four additional games Saturday, three consecutive. The girls battled much of the day, consistently dominating their respective opponents. After hours of play time, they rebounded and ultimately won the tournament against a rematch with Victory Christian which they won in two sets. Jillian Todd and Alex Johnson were named All Tournament Players and the varsity team was awarded the first-place trophy.
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East Hill Christian Holds Senior Retreat
The 2019 senior class of East Hill Christian School enjoyed a two-day retreat. The students enjoyed a time of spiritual reflection and the opportunity to grow closer as a class. Some highlights of the retreat were laser tag, water sports, community outreach and a big dinner at Lambert’s.
Book Fair Success at Montessori School
Montessori School of Pensacola hosted a book fair for the early childhood-aged students at the 12th Avenue campus in conjunction with Back to School night. It was a successful event for parents to have access to books, as well as for the classrooms to earn free books. The school also hosts a main book fair at the Montessori Drive campus in the spring.
Trinitas Orientation Kicks Off 20th Year
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Trinitas Christian School held its 20th annual orientation this year. At Parent Orientation, Trinitas faculty and parents joined together to reinforce and discuss the goals of a Classical Christian education. There was a wealth of information for new and old parents who were able to visit classrooms, ask questions and experience what an average day will be like for their children. Students arrived for their own orientation full of smiles, with supplies in hand and parents in tow. This year marks the return of the early kindergarten program at Trinitas. Aptly named the junior kindergarten class, twelve students began their first year here learning Psalm 1. It’s sure to be a great year!
Please email news and photos to schoolnews@greaterpensacola parents.com by the 10th of each month!
East Hill Christian Participates in College Fair
Blessed Star Visits PMA
Blessed Star Montessori Christian School students recently began a unit on artist Andy Warhol. The unit included learning details from his biography, viewing his work, and trying out his style of art. They completed their unit of study by visiting Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) to view some of Warhol’s work. Students also had a chance to learn about screen printing and give it a try. They really enjoyed viewing his work and doing screen prints, which they were able to bring back to school and display. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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East Hill Christian School held its second annual College Fair recently. Representatives from numerous regional colleges met in the school gymnasium to promote their schools. EHCS sophomores, juniors and seniors, along with their parents, were able to spend some time asking college admissions counselors about financial aid, college majors and campus life.
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St. John Grows Sweet Potatoes
St. John the Evangelist second-grade class is studying cycles of growth. Teacher Dana Donahoo has been teaching students about the process of growth and the elements needed to grow a healthy plant. Students have been focusing their attention on growing sweet potato plants.
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Creative Learning Students Introduced to Underwater Archaeology
Creative Learning Academy students welcomed an exciting guest speaker from the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN)—Mike Thomin, museum manager and eesearch associate. CLA Dragons in 3rd through 8th grades really enjoyed his interactive presentation as he shared his expertise about underwater archaeology and shipwrecks. Just for fun, one CLA student was invited to suit up in diving gear. This was a wonderful way to kick off our Build-A-Boat Challenge in the “Launch Pad,” an interactive lab for design thinking and project-based learning.
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Kingsfield Elementary Holds Opening Ceremony
Kingsfield Elementary School is officially open! The kids did a fantastic job with the national anthem and Kingsfield’s new spirit song. Speeches were made and the official ribbon was cut! For some extra fun, the Media Academy at Tate High School sent a team to record the day. They will put their product together and send it over to the school—and they plan to save it so when these Kingsfield Cubs fleet up to become Tate Aggies in a few years, they will have this video to show them!
Students Dress as Food at MSP
Montessori School of Pensacola had its first annual early dismissal “Fun Day” on September 7. Students and staff were invited to take part in the fun by dressing as food. There were numerous creative costumes, including yummy treats like cupcakes, ice cream and doughnuts. These “Fun Days” have become a tradition on the weeks of early dismissal days.
Please email news and photos to schoolnews@greaterpensacola parents.com by the 10th of each month!
St. John Ice Cream Social
St. John the Evangelist kicked off the school year with an ice cream social at the opening PTO meeting of the year. Parents, teachers and students were able to come together and socialize over delicious ice cream, while hearing more about everything in store for St. John School this year.
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Redeemer Buddies
Redeemer Lutheran School has a buddy program that pairs VPK, K5 and 1stgrade students with middle school students. Buddies sit together in the weekly chapel service as well as spend time reading, working on art projects and playing together every Friday morning. From the youngest to the oldest, they love building lasting friendships. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
Local Author Visits St. Paul Classes
St. Paul Catholic School had a very special visitor in September. Pensacola’s own author, Angel Stull-James, read her book Tuesday Bluesday to students. Everyone enjoyed listening to her read her fun, colorful book about the Blue Angels! 24
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Escambia County Holds Open Houses
Open House is a chance for kids to show their parents around their schools and meet their teachers. All of the Escambia County School District’s elementary schools held Open Houses recently. This family was shown at R.C. Lipscomb Elementary School, home of the Lions!
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N.B. Cook Hosts Coffee with the Principal
N.B. Cook Elementary’s first Coffee with the Principal this year is off to a good start! We are sharing some of our goals for the year, including: increased student engagement and proficiency; campus improvements; increased arts and academics integration; implementation of iReady; increased data study; and increased focus on students with academic, emotional or other needs.
Little Flower Catholic Begins Robotics
Seventh-graders are hard at work in Mr. Hartwell’s robotics class at Little Flower Catholic School. The class is in the process of building and programming the base for their robot.
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www.capstoneacademy.org
Free ESE, VPK, Pre-Kindergarten Speech and pediatric therapies Non-profit public Charter Schools Low Student- Teacher ratio Child care vouchers accepted
4901 West Fairfield Drive Pensacola, FL 32506 Phone: (850) 458-7735
5308 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 Phone: (850) 626-3091
ENROLL TODAY! 25
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Don’t Be Scared to Say “I’m Sorry” The first month of the school year is exhausting for every teacher and for every Mama-Teacher...it’s grueling. I do organize all I can and try to keep the most important items on my to-do list as the main goal. I do try to let the little things go...even though dirty dishes in the sink at night make my eye twitch. However, despite all the best planning, conscious efforts to focus on what’s most important and grace for my shortcomings, there are days I just lose it. It was the beginning of September and I was running on fumes. I came home on a Friday dreaming of a long night on the couch watching movies and eating popcorn. Then I remembered, I have a toddler that will not sit through one episode of Sesame Street and we were all going to the beach the next day. Our family had planned a reunion at a beach house and I had nothing prepared. I began the cycle of laundry as I rounded up bathing suits, towels, snacks and sunscreen. I put together a grocery order to pick up first thing in the morning. I flopped on the couch, looked at all the bags lined up by the door and listened to the dryer hum. About this time, my son waltzed through the room with a cup of applesauce in his hand and asked, “What are you doing?” As the words left his mouth, the applesauce left his hands and I stared at the sticky pool beginning to form on my living room floor. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
I. lost. it. “Why are you eating in the living room?! Don’t you see all that I’m doing so that WE can go to the beach?! Now I have a sticky floor on top of everything else!!” My son stared at me. His eyes filled with tears. He threw his applesauce cup away and he went to his room and he cried. I cleaned the mess and sat on that floor and sobbed. I had hit the day...the day the duties and demands hit a limit and a cup of applesauce made me hit the roof. It is a rule in my home that my children do not eat in the living room. It is an expectation that we are careful with our food and when we make a mess, we clean it up. None of that happened that day. Did it warrant yelling and a level ten meltdown? No. My son is not perfect and I am not perfect. However, I am learning in just eight very short years of being a parent that it can be the most imperfect of moments that teach our children a very perfect love. When I calmed down, I wiped my face and headed to my son’s room. He was curled up under his covers still taking those jagged breaths after a hard cry. I touched his back and he turned to look 26
at me. With tears in my own eyes, I said, “Buddy, I’m sorry. This has been a long week and tonight has been hard work for Mom. I’m tired and we all probably need a day at the beach. You know you shouldn’t eat food in the living room, but Mom didn’t need to yell at you either. I love you.” He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me so tight. He said, “It’s okay, Mom. I love you, too.” I think we must share a common desire to raise children to be adults who are humble, show empathy and live with compassion. The greatest way to teach them is to live it ourselves through the way we love them and let them love us. From the time our children are able to utter a few words, we are encouraging them to say, “I’m sorry.” We ask them to verbalize an apology to help them to understand the importance of acknowledging a fault and mending a relationship. What better way to teach them the impact of those two words, than to offer those two words to them when warranted? Not every moment of parenting should be followed with an apology. Most times, a firm word and a consequence is deserved. However, we are Moms and we are human; which means we all mess up. Our children love us fiercely and forgive quickly. They will learn to right wrongs and mend hearts when we do the same for them. You are not showing a weakness or letting them win if you choose to sit down with them and say, “I’m sorry.” Above all, say those two little words to yourself, and forgive yourself. We all have, “the day we lose it.” www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
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Apps Stirring Up Trouble in Schools
snaps within a 24-hour period. The longest streaks number in the thousands of days -- and some kids maintain streaks with multiple people. Tik Tok - including musical.ly. What started as a lip-synching app is now a hugely popular, full-fledged videosharing service. The ability to “go live” at any time -- meaning to stream yourself live (yes, on the internet) -- has added a whole ‘nother level to the time tweens and teens can spend dancing, singing, pranking, and performing skits to music or other recorded sounds. While much of the content is fine, a lot of it is extremely iffy for kids, and when you watch it, you can see plenty recorded during the school day. Games such as Fortnite and HQ Live Trivia Game Show (HQ for short). Fortnite has all the hallmarks of being a teacher’s worst nightmare: It’s easy to play, highly social, and super compelling. The hugely popular survival game is played in short bursts (until you die -- which is often), so it’s tailor-made for students trying to get a bit of fun in between lunch and algebra class. Some schools are banning the game, leading to knockoff versions that get around the school network’s blacklist. HQ is the smash-hit trivia game that’s played for real prize money. Each 12-minute game is hosted live as hundreds of thousands of players log in to answer 12 multiple-choice questions on a wide variety of trivia topics. Games usually take place twice on weekdays and once on weekends (the company experiments with different airtimes to keep players on their toes). Sponsors including Nike and Warner Bros., and big jackpots timed with massive events such as the NBA finals, show that HQ is actively cultivating a young audience. Homework helpers such as Photomath, Slader, and, of course, Google. What do you do if you’ve been goofing off all day, or just feverishly multitasking, and can’t finish your geometry problems? Look ‘em up. Apps that supply all the answers are only a few taps away. And don’t even get us started on home assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Home, all of which can be programmed to provide tutor-like assistance. People finders such as Find My Friends and Mappen. Kids love being in touch with their friends 24/7/365, and location apps make it easy to arrange get-togethers and make plans with your posse. But these apps have a dark side, too. Kids feel pressured to be “on” all the time, partly because of friends’ expectations that one should always be available. Stalking -either of your kid or by your kid -- can be a major issue. And, riskiest of all, some location-aware apps encourage face-to-face meet-ups with strangers.
Ask any middle or high school teacher about their classroom frustrations, and you’ll probably hear “cellphones.” Makes sense. Today, 95 percent of teens have access to a cellphone, and nearly half say they’re on them “constantly.” Putting aside for a moment the need to find solutions to this problem, inquiring minds want to know: What the heck is on kids’ phones that they can’t go an entire class without them? Two words: killer apps. Specifically, the ones that play into the tween and teen brain’s need for stimulation and peer approval and its weakness for thinking through consequences. To stay a few steps ahead, teachers are doubling down on their efforts to keep kids focused, starting with strategies for managing device distraction and teaching kids selfcontrol and media balance. But you can help your student by discussing this issue at home. In fact, by simply being aware of some of the key apps that tend to stir up trouble in schools, whether due to social drama, distraction, or something worse -- like cheating -- you can start a conversation with your kid that could save them and the teacher a lot of headaches. And while you don’t have to know every single detail of all the popular apps, it helps to have an awareness of when, why, and how they’re being used and to help your kid manage their own use and that of their friends. Most teachers would probably agree that the internet has been a mostly positive aspect of the middle and high school years. But students, with the support of parents, need to use it responsibly. Check out some of the apps that can potentially stir up drama in schools this year:
Snapchat. The original disappearing-message app has metamorphosed into a megaportal for chatting, finding your friends on a map, sharing images, reading the news, watching videos, and much, much more. As one of the most important apps for teens, it takes up a significant portion of their day. One of those time-consuming activities that occupy students during the school day is Snapstreaks, which require users to trade Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Are We Spoiling Our Teens? Q. My wife and I are not on the same page when it comes to money and our two teenage daughters. I think they should be learning the value of work and money, but she doesn’t want them to work. She regularly hands them spending money and buys them expensive gifts. I want our girls to have some nice things, but this is starting to cause problems in our relationship. Do you have any advice? A. Kids should learn to work and make
money at an early age. We’ve given nice gifts to our kids, but the difference is they also worked and made money for themselves. The gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Showering our kids with money and expensive toys all the time was not our way of life. In this situation, your wife is allowing them to be nothing but consumers. I know she loves them, but they’re not learning how to work, and they’re not learning how to save or give. This is setting them up for a lifetime of unrealistic expectations. If something doesn’t happen to change things, you’re going to end
up with two spoiled little girls, who think they should be given everything their entire lives. Still, I think the biggest problem is you and your wife are experiencing a communication and marital breakdown. If the kids weren’t in the picture, I’ve got a feeling the same problems would exist. The difference is they would manifest themselves in other ways. Obviously, your wife needs to stop being so impulsive where the kids are concerned. Try sitting down with her, and gently explaining your feelings. Let your wife know you love her and how generous she is, but you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children. Maybe you could try to establish some guidelines as to when really nice gifts are appropriate, too. There’s a middle ground you can reach, but it’s going to take some time and effort. Most of all, it means the two of you are going to have to communicate and work together for the good of your kids.
ID Theft Protection Q. Where in the Baby Steps does identity theft protection fall? Should we cover the kids, too, or only the adults in our household? A. Everyone needs identity theft protection.
Unless you’re one of these folks who have gone completely off the grid, someone out there probably has a few of your numbers. Between sloppiness on the part of consumers, and the massive data breaches that have occurred in the last few years, almost everyone has experienced, or will experience, some sort of identity theft. Unfortunately, this is today’s world. I don’t really consider identity theft protection part of the Baby Steps. It’s like life insurance or car insurance, in that it’s something almost everyone needs. Things like that should just be part of your budget every month.
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Halloween has always been an exciting holiday for kids. They get dressed up, hang out with friends and know that a simple “Trick or Treat� means free candy. As our kids hit middle school, their days of trick or treating reluctantly come to an end. In an effort to keep the holiday fun for teens, why not throw a party?
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I know what you thinking – “How am I going to come up with entertainment that is not lame and that will keep everyone amused?” Simple! Check out these ten teen approved party games that will challenge, gross out and deliver hours of good times and laughter. But beware, if the kids have too much fun at your party, they will want you to host again next year!
Go Fishing
Fill a small swimming pool with water and live goldfish. On the bottom of the pool, place several marbles. Set as many chairs around the pool as will fit. Ask your guests to sit in the chairs and remove their shoes and socks. That’s right, they are going fishing for marbles with their feet. Add a little fear and anticipation by blindfolding the participants or turning off the lights.
Pumpkin Face
Have the kids put a layer of Vaseline on their faces. Pour several cheeseballs on a long table. On go, each person has to cover their face with cheese balls without using their hands. Set the timer for
one minute and the person with the most cheeseballs wins. This is a great photo opportunity!
Plastic Wrap Mummy Race
Break the group into teams. Choose one person from each team to wrap in plastic wrap (from the neck down). As soon as the mummy is wrapped, the team has to gently lower him to the ground and roll him down the race course. When he gets to the finish line, you need to stand him back up and completely unwrap him. For a longer race, rewrap the next person and race back down to the other end.
Coins and Crickets
Fill a large jar (like a sun tea jar) with 20 crickets from the pet store. Place several coins on the bottom of the jar and have each player try to pick up 5 coins. Make it more challenging by having the kids pick up only dimes or choose the winner based on the least amount of money (not coins) collected.
Create a Crime Scene
Create a bag of things found at a mock
crime scene but don’t include obvious murder weapons like knives or rope. Instead, find silly things like an apple, wooden spoon, stuffed animal, a children’s book and a magnet. Break everyone up into groups of 4 or 5. Each group has to create a crime scene based on the items in the bag and present it to the group. This is a great activity to do while you are serving dinner.
Halloween Egg Hunt
Fill plastic eggs or plastic pumpkins with candy and hide around the room or outdoors. Take advantage of the early setting sun and search for the eggs with flashlights. Try adding a few tricks instead of treats and fill some of the eggs with worms, crickets or cow eyes from the local butcher shop. (Be sure to open the eggs outside!)
Bubble Gum Pie
Fill a pie plate with whipped cream and bury a couple pieces of bubble inside. Using only their face, the first kid to find
KID-FRIENDLY TRAIN BY DAY. HAUNTED THRILL RIDE BY NIGHT. Hay Rides • Spooky Maze • Pumpkin Decorating Purchase tickets online at waleswest.com.
Use promo code “PARENT” for discount on tickets!
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the bubble gum, chew it and blow a bubble, wins.
LCR
Guess the Candy Bar
Melt 5 different candy bars in the microwave. Be sure to crush up any large pieces. Place the melted mess inside a clean disposable diaper and place on the table. Have the kids smell or taste what’s in the diaper to determine what candy bar it is.
Fear Factor - Egg Roulette
Hard boil 12 eggs and let cool in refrigerator. Place eggs on a table in front of your
guests. Tell the kids that there is one raw egg among the hardboiled eggs. Challenge them to find it by choosing an egg and smashing it on their forehead. Get your cameras ready. Their expressions will be priceless!
This is a great way to end the night. LCR is a popular dice game that can be played with any size group. You can either purchase the LCR dice or use regular dice and determine which number is L, C and R. Normally you would play with chips or coins, but since it is Halloween, let’s use candy. Every player starts with three candies. As you roll, the candy goes to the left, right or into a bowl in the center. The winner is the person holding the last piece of candy! GPP Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mom of two teens and a tween. All of their parties include good food, lots of laughter and of course, games!
Bring a Lesson Alive at the
Dauphin Island Sea Lab Booking Fall/Spring Discovery HalL Programs Field Trips Now! 251-861-2141 Ask about our Teacher Workshops
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Bring the family and enjoy a day of Halloween fun at the National Naval Aviation Museum in the Blue Angels Atrium. Featuring “spooktacular” specials, hands-on activity stations and even a Mascot Meet-and-Greet. Event is free and open to the public. VENDORS INCLUDE:
NEW NAVAL AIR STATION ENTRANCE: West Gate located off Blue Angel Parkway. OPEN 9-5 DAILY ON NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA • FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION
850-453-2389 • 800-327-5002 • NavalAviationMuseum.org 1750 Radford Blvd. • Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508
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& Halloween Fun September 28 - October 31, 2018
Pumpkin Patch Express ad on page 31
Wales West RV Park & Railway 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 Come ride an authentic steam train to our Haunted Barn and enjoy the maze and kid-friendly pumpkin patch. Decorate your pumpkin to take home, and enjoy the mini-train ride, hay ride, refreshments and bounce house. Don’t miss the exciting pumpkin cannon, petting zoo and pony rides, cafe and gift shop. Hours September 28 - October 23 are Friday 5pm - 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 9pm. Beginning October 24th hours are Monday - Friday 5pm - 9pm. Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 9pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the railroad. $15 per person. 2 years & under are free. Day trains are kid-friendly. Scary Night Trains begin at 7:00 pm. (888) 569-5337 or (251) 232-2322 enquiries@waleswest.com www.waleswest.com
September 29 - November 3, 2018
Magnolia Corn Maze ad on page 35
15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Come get lost in our 2 Eight Acre Corn Mazes. Magnolia Corn Maze offers Fun for the whole Family! Come enjoy our Hayride, Cow Train, Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Pig Races, Corn Cannons, Jump Pad, Paintball Shooting Gallery, Campfires, and much, much more! We also have Bazooka Ball and Our All New Mag’s B Line. Magnolia Corn Maze is a great place to host your Next Party or Group Outing! Saturdays 11am - 9pm and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com
Opening October 5, 2018
Creeptown USA ad on page 23
7789 Parker Road Milton, FL 32583 We will be open every Friday and Saturday night in October, and All Hallows Eve, from 6:30pm 10pm. Loads of new attractions for the low ticket price of $10 each. Children 5 and under are free! Great family fun with plenty of new scares and chills for adults. The in house artist has created aliens, werewolves, vampires, witches, An asylum, clowns, ghosts, zombies, giant spiders, mummies, pirates, dinosaurs, dragons, and much more! Our new train Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
RIDE through the dark forest will thrill the entire family and this year the foggy maze will be filled with more creepy characters. After you escape the town and the maze you will make your way through the woods on location of the currently under construction set of Sleepy Hallow (Due to be completed by Oct 2019). You will then arrive at the Creeptown train station for a haunting ride through the dark forest. Come out and help support our Military veterans. Active duty military family discounts with ID. (850) 418-0507 roxieplatt@hotmail.com www.creeptownusa.com/events
October 2 - 31, 2018
Death and Mourning in the Victorian Era ad on page 23
Dorr House in Historic Pensacola Village 311 South Adams Street Pensacola, FL 32502 A 30 minute Living History tour illuminating the traditions and superstitions surrounding death and mourning in the Victorian Period. Open to all ages beginning at 3:00pm. Admission to Historic Pensacola is required. (850) 595-5985 ext. 108 pmayhair1@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org
October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 31
OWA’s Town of Terror: Circus Asylum ad on page 5
1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 This year’s Town of Terror theme is none other than the Circus Asylum. The Ringmaster is ready to welcome you to his Circus Asylum and claim you as his own! Enter this ticketed haunted attraction Oct. 5-28 in Downtown OWA on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-11pm, Sundays 6-9pm, and Oct. 31 from 6-10pm. Times subject to change. The haunted attraction also offers a non-scary ticketed option called the “No Boo Tour.” From 5-6pm each weekend in October, guests can take a behind-thescenes tour of Town of Terror and learn the story of the Circus Asylum. Included with each purchase is a guided tour inside Town of Terror, exclusive access to the haunted attraction from 5-6pm, photo opportunities with the actors afterward, and a complimentary “No Boo” necklace. “No Boo” necklaces let our scare actors know to turn on the charm for photo ops and friendly waves as you pass through the streets of Downtown OWA. “No Boo” neck-
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laces will be available for purchase throughout the property, as well. (251) 923-2111
www.VisitOWA.com/Events
October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
OWA’s Town of Terror ad on page 5
100 North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Brave the streets of admission-free Downtown OWA and weave your way through the Town of Terror acts who didn’t make the cut into the circus! This round of frights is located outside the ticketed haunted house. Will you survive this “fear fair” in Downtown OWA or will you become part of the circus forever?! (251) 923-2111
www.VisitOWA.com/Events
October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
The Park After Dark ad on page 5
1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Join us Saturdays and Sundays in October inside The Park at OWA for a variety of kid-friendly events and activities. Grab the kiddos and spend a Halloween-themed day in The Park as they trick-ortreat, create fun arts and crafts, and make lasting memories! Specific times and activity details for The Park After Dark will be posted soon! *Dates, Park and event hours subject to change.* (251) 923-2111
www.VisitOWA.com/Events
October 6, 2018
Sci-Fi Saturday: Invasion of the Body Snatchers ad on page 17
Pensacola Museum of Art 407 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Free film screening of Invasion of the Body Snatchers at 7:00 pm. Bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you watch this classic film. Open to all ages. (850) 432-6247 ccooney@uwf.edu www.pensacolamuseum.org
October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 2018
Boo at the Zoo ad on Back Cover
Gulf Breeze Zoo 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Designed for ages 12 years and under, Boo at the Zoo offers scare-free fun! Join our safe zoo
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neighborhood of Halloween entertainment, with kid-friendly fun around every corner. Trick-or-Treat Trail includes candy stations, face painting, bounce house, animal encounters and more! Hours are 10am-5pm, with admission ending at 4pm. (850) 932-2229
www.GBZoo.com
October 20, 26, 27, 2018
October 27, 2018
ad on page 23
ad on page 23
Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours
Arcadia After Dark: Boardwalk Lantern Tour
117 East Government Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Take a tour and hear haunting stories at some of Pensacola’s famous homes while helping to raise funds for the Pensacola Historical Society. Walking Tours at 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm and 8:30pm. $15/adult, $8/ child 12 and under. Trolley Tours at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm. $20/adult, $10/ child 12 and under. Tickets available for purchase online.
120 Church Street Pensacola, Fl 32502 Tours are at 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm and 8:00pm. $8 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets are available online or at the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site.
(850) 595-5985 wdavis4@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org
October 20, 2018
The Big Draw
October 19, 2018
Woodland Haunted Hallway ad on page 33
Woodland Heights Resource Center 111 Berkley Drive Pensacola, FL 32503 Are you brave enough to enter the Haunted Hallway? All children must be accompanied by an adult. 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Admission is free. (850) 435-1751
www.playpensacola.com
(Museums of the UWF Historic Trust and Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site)
ad on page 23
Historic Pensacola Museum Complex 115 East Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 The world’s biggest celebration of drawing! Historic Pensacola will host drawing activities at each of our locations. Open to all ages. Free event from 10am - 4pm. (850) 595-5985 ext. 105 www.historicpensacola.org
smarcey1@uwf.edu
(850) 595-5985 asams@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill
October 27, 2018
Halloween at the Museum ad on page 32
Naval Aviation Museum 1750 Radford Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32508 Bring the family from 10am - 12pm and enjoy a day of Halloween fun at the National Naval Aviation Museum in the Blue Angels Atrium. Event is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy spooktacular specials on museum attractions, hands-on activity stations and a mascot meet-and-greet with the Blue Wahoos Kazoo, Chick-fil-A Cow and Smokey Bear. (850) 453-2389
www.navalaviationmuseum.org
October 27, 2018
Halloween Egg Haunt ad on page 33
Roger Scott Athletic Complex 2130 Summit Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32503 Join us from 5:30pm - 8:00pm for a spooky night of FREE treats and fun! There will be five Egg Haunts for children stroller age - 13 years, fun games, costume contest, a selfie booth, Haunted Hayride and bounce houses. (850) 912-4056
www.playpensacola.com
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October 27, 2018
Spooktacular: A Low Sensory Halloween Party ad on page 17
Pensacola Museum of Art 407 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, Fl 32502 The Pensacola Museum of Art welcomes individuals on the Autism Spectrum to participate in our third annual low sensory Halloween Party. This year we will feature interactive Carnival themed games including a Potion making booth, Pass the Pumpkin, Paint Tattoos, Frankenstein’s nose surprise and more! Come dressed in costume and bring a bag. Enjoy games, art, and light refreshments. Each station will have prizes and candy. $5 children over 3. Tickets available online. Event is from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. (850) 432-6247 ccooney@uwf.edu www.pensacolamuseum.org
October 31, 2018
Fricker’s Halloween Trunk or Treat
Fricker Resource Center 900 North F Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Join our FREE Halloween extravaganza filled with candy, games and FUN for ages 3-12! Costumes are encouraged but NOT required. Candy and prizes available while they last. (850) 436-5195
www.playpensacola.com
November 2, 2018
Little Flower Fall Carnival
Little Flower Catholic School 6495 Lillian Highway Pensacola, FL 32506 Bring your family and friends to the Carnival! Activities and games are sponsored by each grade level along with goodies, a silent auction, haunted house and more. Admission is $3 per person to participate in the activities. The Haunted House and Dinner Plates are available for additional costs. Carnival hours are from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. (850) 455-4851 ptlittleflower.org
info@ptlittleflower.org www.
Every Saturday all year Palafox Market
North Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and antiques are just a few of the items offered. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. The market is open every Saturday from 9am - 2pm rain or shine. (850) 434-5371 info@palafoxmarket.com www. palafoxmarket.com
Open now - November 4, 2018 Sonshine Family Farm
6270 Oglesby Road Milton, FL 32570 Open Saturdays from 9am - 9pm and Sundays 9am - 6pm. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay ride, playground area, equipment exhibit, games and concession stand. Bring your pole, and go fishing too! Admission is $8.50 for ages 3 and up. Children under 2 are Free. Military and Group discounts are available. Visit our website for specific activity information and events. (850) 418-5897 gogators0109@yahoo.com www.sonshinefamilyfarms.com
Now - November 4, 2018 Sweet Season Farms
Sweet Seasons Farms 2260 Horn Road Milton, FL 32570 Join us for exciting activities like our hay barn, hayrides, corn popper jumping pillow, corn cannons, barnyard ball, pumpkin bowling, Sunflower Speedway, the cow train, our amazing corn maze, barnyard animals and much more! Hours are Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
Friday nights 6:00pm - 10:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm. Field trips during the week by reservation only. Closed to the public on weekdays. Birthday packages and group rates available.
(850) 675-3573 info@sweetseasonfarms.com www.sweetseasonfarms.com
September 22 - November 3, 2018
Holland Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Holland Farm 2055 Homer Holland Road Milton, FL 32570 Open Monday-Saturday from 8am - 6pm and Sundays from 10am - 6pm. Cost - $12 wristband per person for pumpkin patch (includes 1 pumpkin), hayride, and all other activities. Spider web, sandbox, swings, horse tire swings, pedal tractor cart racing, train ride, slides, petting zoo, corn box, zip lines and corn maze. If you choose not to do the $12 wristband General admission is $8.00 per person and includes playground, hayride, and maze. $6 to purchase a single pumpkin. Kids 2 and under are free. Season passes are $30 per person for unlimited visits and includes one pumpkin at time of purchase. (850) 675-6876 hollandfarms@gmail.com www.hollandfarmsonline.com
Saturdays & Sundays September 28 - November 3, 2018 Hallows Hill Corn Maze
5899 Buck Ward Road Baker, FL 32531 Open Saturday’s from 9am-6pm, Sunday’s 11am - 6pm. Admission is $10/person and includes corn maze, corn cannon (2 shots), hay ride, kiddie train & petting zoo. $1.00 discount to Military and Senior Citizens. Bring a flashlight and try to solve the maze in the dark! Hallows Hill Haunted Hayrides are $10.00. Parental discretion for haunted hayride and trail open until 11pm. (850) 803-2367 hallowshill@gmail.com www.gumcreekentertainment.com
October 2018
Hillcrest Farm Corn Maze
30497 Hixson Road Elberta, AL 36530 The Corn Maze will be open every day except Tuesdays & Wednesdays in October. Hours are 8am - 6pm and the cost is $5 per person. Children 3 years and under are free. (251) 962-2500 hillcrestfarmupick@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/hillcrestfarmalabama
October 5, 2018
First City Art’s Pumpkin Patch Preview Party First City Art Center 1060 North Guillemard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Join us Friday night to be the first to pick the patch! This fundraiser supports FCAC, a nonprofit center for the arts, offering affordable education and outreach programs. Purchases also support over 50 local artists! First City Art Center members enter one hour early at 5:00pm for the Preview Party with a $20 ticket purchase. Non-Member Price is $25 and begins at 6:00pm. Pumpkins are purchased separately. Children 12 and under get in free. (850) 429-1222 info@firstcityart.org www.firstcityart.org
October 5 - 31, 2018 Pumpkin Patch
Christ United Methodist Church 5983 Dogwood Drive Milton, FL 32570 Our Pumpkin Patch will be open everyday from 11:00am – 7:00pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, we will have hayrides! We also have a Decorated Haystack for pictures if you want to bring the entire family. (850) 623-8820 christunitedm247@bellsouth.net www.christumcmilton.com
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October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 31, 2018
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2251 Wade Road Jay, FL 32565 Offering Normal haunts and Insanity haunts from dark until midnight. We offer a safe a safe word during the haunts if the experience becomes too scary or extreme. Actors are trained to listen for the safe word. Normal Experience: $15 per person Bring newly packaged toy for toys for tots and receive a $5 discount (normal experience only). Insanity Experience (18+ ID Required): $20 per person. Flashlight nights dark until 10pm: every Thursday night in October. $15 per person.
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(402) 350-9166
moto.chw123@gmail.com
October 6, 2018
29th Annual Jay Peanut Festival October
Gabbert Farm 3604 Pine Level Church Road Jay, FL 32565 Live entertainment, food & craft vendors, antiques, inflatables, pony rides, and Peanut Venders. 9am - 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Visit us on Facebook for festival updates. (850) 675-6823
October 6, 2018
3rd Annual DaneToberfest (Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue)
Seville Square 311 East Government Street Pensacola, FL 32502 It’s Raining Danes! Join us from 10am - 4pm and meet the many incredible Danes currently available for adoption. Learn the importance of spaying and neutering pets and benefits of adopting and fostering. NWFLGDR is a non profit rescue organization that relies entirely on donations. Our goal is to raise $8,000 for veterinary expenses, medical supplies, food and general care expenses at the rescue. Purchase handmade crafts, pet products and more along with food from vendors. (850) 438-4015 www.nwflgdr.com
NWFLGDR@gmail.com
October 6, 2018
First City Art’s Pumpkin Patch Party
First City Art Center, 1060 North Guillemard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Over 4500 hand blown glass and ceramic pumpkins to choose from! This fundraiser supports FCAC, a nonprofit center for the arts, offering affordable education and outreach programs. Glass pumpkins, acorns, gourds, & more will be available for purchase starting at $20 and up. Admission is free on Saturday from 10am - 2pm. (850) 429-1222 info@firstcityart.org www.firstcityart.org
October 6, 2018
Sonshine Pumpkin Patch
Sonshine Family Farm 6270 Oglesby Road Milton, FL 32570 Pumpkin patch opening day from 9am - 3pm. Pumpkins (10-15lbs) $9.00 each and Small Pumpkins $4.00 each. Enjoy tons of other activities on the farm too! Admission to the Farm and other activities is $8.50. (850) 418-5897 gogators0109@yahoo.com www.sonshinefamilyfarms.com
October 6 - 31, 2018
St. Luke UMC Pumpkin Patch
St. Luke United Methodist Church 1394 East Nine Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514 Monday through Saturday 10am - 7pm and Sundays 12pm - 7pm. Prices are based on the size of the pumpkin. Follow us on Facebook at St. Luke United Methodist Church for event updates. (850) 477-3145
www.stluke-umc.org
www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
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October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 2018
Orange Blossom Special Train Rides
Pensacola Childrens Museum 115 East Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Come on Downtown for Story time Saturdays from 10am - 2pm. 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 in downtown Pensacola. The perfect way to enjoy your Saturday is at the Children’s Museum aboard the Orange Blossom Special Train! Tickets are $5 each (includes 1 free adult). *Orange Blossom Special Train rides does not operate during poor weather conditions. (850) 583-1365 info@pensacolawinterfest.org www.pensacolawinterfest.org
October 12, 13, 14, 2018 Pensacola Greek Festival
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 1720 West Garden Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Mixing southern hospitality with Hellenic culture and cuisine. Greek culture, traditions, heritage, faith, food, music and the spirit of Greece right here in our hometown. Festival hours are Friday & Saturday 11:00am - 9:30pm and Sunday 12pm - 5pm. 850-433-2662 gogreek@pensacolagreekfestival.com www.pensacolagreekfestival.com
entertained by singing nuns, a possessed child, and other unusual and peculiar persons. Actors perform parodies and twisted tunes from The Sound of Music. Tours last fifty minutes and begin on the hour starting at 7:00pm. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as performances sell out. Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult. (662) 278-8383
www.setsco.org
October 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 2018
Whispering Pines Fall and Halloween Activities Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm 1603 Penton Road Milton, FL 32570 Get ready to get your spook on! Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7pm - 10:30pm. Ages 4 years and up. Parental discretion. Have some spooky fun with our following Halloween activities: Haunted Hayride, Zombie Bus Paintball Shoot, Bonfire, Live Music and Concessions. (850) 304-1559 info@floridachristmastree.com www.floridachristmastree.com
October 13, 2018
Cantonment Arts & Crafts Festival
Pine Forest Assembly of God 3125 Pine Forest Road Cantonment, FL 32533 Join us for our 5th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival from 9am -3pm. Entry is free. (850) 476-1378
www.pineforestassembly.com/craftshow
October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 31,
October 13, 2018
1010 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Performance tours at the historic Sacred Heart hospital. Tickets go on sale October 1st! GET. VON. TRAPPED! Guests will be taken on guided walks along with learning some of its history. They’ll be
Pensacola Library 239 North Spring Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Haunt our halls from 1:00pm - 3:30pm and join us for face painting and fake wounds, a costume competition and festive spookiness galore. Some people are just dying to come!
Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company -- Von Trapped in the Hospital
Teen Halloween Costume Party
(850) 436-5060
www.mywfpl.com
October 18 - 28, 2018 Pensacola Interstate Fair
6655 West Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL 32526 Amazing food, thrilling rides and great musical entertainment. Come see us at The Fair! Entertainment schedules are listed on our website. (850) 944-4500 info@pensacolafair.com www.pensacolafair.com
October 18 - 31, 2018 Cokesbury Pumpkin Patch
Cokesbury United Methodist Church 5725 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 This is a huge fundraiser to fund our Youth Programs. Hours: Monday - Friday 10am – 8pm, Saturdays 8am - 8pm, Sundays 10am - 8pm. Come see us at the Patch! (850) 476-5818 mina@cokesburyumc.org www.cokesburychurch.com/events/pumpkin-patch
October 19, 2018
Gallery Night Pensacola - Spooktacular Spook Event
South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Our Spooktacular Halloween Event will be from 5:00pm- 10:00pm offering an earlier opportunity for families, children and arts enthusiasts. Gallery Night is held in Downtown Pensacola on the 3rd Friday of every month. Find us on Facebook
October 19, 2018
Pensacola Beach Elementary School Fall Festival
Pensacola Beach Elementary School 900 Via De Luna Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Join us for a night of family fun complete with a
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costume contest for the kids, games, haunted house, inflatable slide & obstacle course, bounce house, and special appearances by Dancingly Yours School of Dance. There will be a silent auction complete with great prizes & several awesome raffle prizes. Festival hours are 5:30pm - 8:30pm.
October 27, 2018
October 27, 2018
Shoreline Park & Recreation Center 800 Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 This community event will give the families of Gulf Breeze a free family-focused day in the park, while sharing the love of Jesus Christ through big toys & games, skateboarding, basketball, food, and fellowship. Time: 11am - 4pm.
October 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2018
(850) 932-8197 info@coastlinelife.com www.coastlinelife.com
7552 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 All ages of special needs children, adults and their families are invited to a non-scary, allergy-sensitive, handicapped accessible event. Enjoy Trick-orTreating from 4pm - 6pm. Admission is free with one non-perishable food item to be donated to Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County. Costumes are optional but encouraged! Sponsored by Spectrum House and Across the Board Therapy House.
(850) 934-4020
www.pbes.org
8th Annual Pumpkin & Music Festival
Arnett’s Gulfside Farm & Stables 613 South County Highway 393 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 The festival is from 11am - 4pm. Live music, hayrides, pumpkin patch, hand-led horse rides, face painting, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, photo booth, cotton candy, local jewelry for sale and more! Tickets will be available online and during the event. 30A Smokehouse will offer an incredible smokehouse menu! (850) 208-3114 support@eventliveus.com www.eventliveus.com/purchase/event/875772
October 21, 2018 Trunk or Treat
Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church 100 Andrew Jackson Trail Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Come Trunk or Treat on our church campus from 3pm - 5pm. Visit our Facebook page for more details coming soon! (850) 932-3625
www.gbpresbyterian.org
October 25, 2018 Haunting Halloween
Century Branch Library 7991 North Century Boulevard Century, FL 32535 Goblins and ghouls all around- a place to hide can’t be found. Wear your costume and haunt the library for lots of frightening fun and goodies. Beginning at 5:30pm. (850) 256-6217
www.mywfpl.com
October 26, 2018
Beulah Elementary Fall Festival
Beulah Elementary School 6201 Helms Road Pensacola, FL 32526 Come out and join us for Fall Fun from 4:30pm 8pm. Each class will set up a booth with games and activities. Door prizes will be drawn at 7:30pm. Visit us on Facebook for updates at Beulah PTA. (850) 941-6180
beulahelementarypta@gmail.com
October 26, 2018 Wahooloween
Blue Wahoos Stadium 351 West Cedar Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Wahooloween at Blue Wahoos Stadium Community-sponsored trick or treating on the concourses. This is a Free, family fun event from 5pm - 7pm. Proceeds go to charity. We hope you’ll wear your best costumes, come get some candy, and make this event a success for the entire community! (850) 934-8444 info@bluewahoos.com Find us on Facebook
October 27, 2018 Barktoberfest
Community Maritime Park 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Humane Society presents this pet friendly festival and fundraiser from 10am - 4pm. Games, Demonstrations, Costume Contests, Fun, dachshund races, Adoptions, and Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! (850) 466-3945 darra@pensacolahumane.org www.pensacolahumane.org/barktoberfest
Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
Coastline Calvary Chapel - Fall Fest
Special Needs Trunk or Treat
October 27, 2018
(850) 396-1008 ECExceptionalFamilies@gmail.com www.emeraldcoastexceptionalfamilies.org
Gulf Breeze Community Center 800 Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Join us at the Farmers Market from 4pm - 8pm. Beginning at 5pm, there will be games, prizes, bounce house and more. Bring blankets, Lawn chairs & a Picnic for the Movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, starting at 7pm. Concessions will also be available for purchase. Contact us to find out how to showcase your business as a Sponsor for this event! Future dates for Films on the Field are November 17 and December 15, 2018.
October 27, 2018
Films on the Field
(850) 934-5140 sellis@gulfbreezefl.gov www.gulfbreezerecreationcenter.com/upcoming-events
October 27, 2018
Healthy Halloween Party
Sacred Heart Hospital Auditorium 5151 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 Bring your ghouls and goblins to the Greenhut Auditorium for some fun, spooky games, face painting, crafts, and healthy trick-or-treating! Presented by the Junior League of Pensacola to promote children’s health and wellness. This event is Free from 10am - 12pm. (850) 433-4421 info@juniorleagueofpensacola.org www.facebook.com/events/701725633519840
October 27, 2018
It Happened One Night at the Molino Library Molino Branch Library 6450-A Highway 95A Molino, FL 32577 Join us at 6:00pm for a spooktacular good time! Come dressed in your favorite costume. Trickor-Treat through the library and tour the Spooky Museum. (850) 435-1760
www.mywfpl.com
Trick or Treat Halloween Event
Miles Antique Mall 5109 Bayou Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32503 Join us in costume from 1pm - 5pm for a family fun candy hunt around Florida’s largest antique & gift mall. We will have cauldrons of candy located all around our 65,000 square foot showroom! (850) 607-6560 milesgalleries1@gmail.com www.milesantiquemall.com
October 28, 2018
29th Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Shoreline Park 800 Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Join us for a spooky good time and support this worthwhile cause with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. All carving will be done underwater in 1 hour or less. Registration begins at Noon and carving begins at 1pm. $30 per team (Teams are 2 dive buddies and a pumpkin.). Entry includes 20 raffle tickets and gift bag for each participant. Pre-Register at DIVE PROS (7203 Highway 98 West). Awards, Prizes, Costume Party, Food & Beverages. (850) 456-8845 kevin@florida-divepros.com www.florida-divepros.com
October 28, 2018
St. Ann’s Trunk or Treat
St. Ann’s Catholic Parish 100 Daniel Street Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Come out and join us from 4:30pm - 6pm for an evening of fun! (850) 932-2859
October 27, 2018
Monster Maze and Hayride
Sonshine Family Farm 6270 Oglesby Road Milton, FL 32570 Activities from 8pm - Midnight. Live band,costume contest, candy and bonfire (weather permitting). Admission for ages 3 and up $8.50.
(850) 418-5897 gogators0109@yahoo.com www. sonshinefamilyfarms.com
October 27, 2018
NBMSS Science Spooktacular
Navarre Beach Marine Science Station 8638 Blue Heron Court Navarre Beach, FL 32566 Our Science Spooktacular will be boo-koos of fun! From creeps of the deep and the endangered species cemetery to science that glows in the dark, amazing sea creatures await you! Explore seathemed stations for tricky-treats and experience science by some of your favorite teachers. Puppet shows, dissections by Dr. Spookfish, and a haunted beach walk all are included in this kid-friendly, oneof-a-kind event. Come dressed to impress as your favorite animal from the sea. $5 per person. Pay at the event. Children two and under are free. Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm. (850) 261-2141 navarresciencestation@gmail.com www.navarresciencestation.org
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www.stanngulfbreeze.org
October 28, 2018
St. Luke Trunk or Treat
St. Luke United Methodist Church 1394 East Nine Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514 Trunk or Treat will be held on the West side of the church from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Then, join us at 5:30pm in the Connect Center for Free hot dogs and a Family Night of Praise and music. A casual event for the whole family! (850) 477-3145 esther@stluke-umc.org Find us on Facebook-
October 30, 2018
Halloween Night Guessing Game
Tryon Branch Library 1200 Langley Ave Pensacola, FL 32504 Drop by the library anytime between 4-6pm. to try guessing what is in the box. Every guesser wins a treat. Costumes are a treat for us, so feel free to show up in your get-up! (850) 471-6980
www.mywfpl.com
October 31, 2018
Bellview UMC Trunk or Treat
Bellview United Methodist 4945 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32526 Join us from 6pm - 7:30pm with trunks full of good-
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October 31, 2018
Cokesbury Trunk or Treat
Cokesbury United Methodist Church 5725 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 This is a safe, fun, free family event. We will have refreshments, inflatables, fun activities and Trunk or Treat from 5:00pm - 7:30pm. Please no scary costumes or anyone ages 6th grade through adults wearing full face masks or any costume that conceals your identity. (850) 476-5818 mina@cokesburyumc.org www.cokesburychurch.com/events/trunk-or-treat-2018
October 31, 2018 Sam’s Spooky City
Sam’s Fun City 6709 Pensacola Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32505 Put on your costume & come Trick or Treating from 5pm - 9pm in a safe environment, and enjoy the entire park, including The Emerald Coaster and all of our Special Attractions. The cost is $14.99 per person (24 months and under are FREE). Our ride attendants will also be giving out candy. You can purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/SamsSpookyCity. (850) 505-0800 information@samsfuncity.com www.samsfuncity.com
October 31, 2018
Woodbine UMC Fall Festival
5200 Woodbine Rd Pace, FL 32571 This is a Free family event open to the public from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Trunk or Treating, kids games, face painting, hayrides, candy corn bowling, hot dogs and family fun. (850) 995-0007 info@woodbinechurch.org www.woodbinechurch.org
November 1 - 12, 2018
and non-school teams are welcome. Race time is 8:00am.
Foo Foo Fest
30 E Intendencia Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Foo Foo Fest is a 12-day celebration of culturally creative happenings, events and moments under one banner, attracting visitors to beautiful Pensacola. Foo Foo Fest is big fun, with events of high artistic and cultural caliber, delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication.
(850) 436-6440 pumpkinrun@shcs.ptdiocese.org www.shcs.ptdiocese.org/pumpkinrun.html
November 2 - 4, 2018
beulahmom3@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
(404) 218-6578
www.foofoofest.com
Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival
Seville Square 311 East Government Street Pensacola, FL 32502 This family-friendly art show draws more than 200 of the nation’s best artists. Gobs of great art projects for kids to get their hands on are provided free of charge. Friday and Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 9am - 4pm. Children’s Festival Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4pm with numerous hands-on art activities. All children’s art activities are free and geared toward children toddler age and older. Admission is Free. www.ggaf.org
Beulah Craft and Sausage Festival
First Baptist Church of Beulah 5805 Beulah Church Road Pensacola, FL 32526 Families are invited to come out for crafts, great sausages, live music and even more family fun!
November 3, 2018 Bounce-O-Rama
Dixon Primary School 4560 Pace Patriot Boulevard Pace, FL 32571 Enjoy a day of family fun from 10am - 4pm as the PE fields will be covered with bounce houses! Try to Win one (or more) of the amazing raffle baskets filled with items donated by local and national companies. Concessions will be provided by Kona Ice, StreetTreats and Wrighteous Eats. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, have a picnic lunch, relax and watch your kiddos play! Follow our event on Facebook for more updates. (850) 995-3660
November 3, 2018
34th Great Pumpkin 5K Race
November 3, 2018
Sacred Heart Cathedral School 1603 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Save the first Saturday of November and come run with us! Get a bite of Pumpkin Bread and hang around for door prizes. Register online at www.runsignup.com or pick-up registration forms at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Participants can register in run, run/walk, wheelchair or walk only divisions. Age group and overall awards are given in each division. School teams
November 3, 2018
Redeemer Lutheran School- Fall Festival
333 Commerce Street Pensacola, FL 32507 Carnival games, candy, inflatables, demonstrations, cake walks, Food and more! Stay tuned to our event page for updates and exciting news. Invite your friends, bring the kids and come enjoy the Fall Festival from 11am - 3pm. To volunteer or sponsor, email Pam Tiieman. (850) 455-0330 islandgirlink2@gmail.com www.redeemerschoolpensacola.org GPP
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALK-IN CLINIC
Can’t get in to see your doctor? WE TAKE WALK-INS!
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By the time your child turns ten, you may have started teaching them responsibilities, assigned weekly chores, and started discussing whether they are old enough to stay home alone for a few minutes at a time. In the middle of their tween years, ten year olds are ready to begin taking on more responsibilities. Krystal Laws, Olathe mother of seven, says, “Parents can think about where they would like their kids to be at age 18 then go back every few years making goals to work up to independence as an adult. Having a vision for where you’re headed really helps in knowing what to work on at various ages.�
What are some basic skills kids can learn before ten? Here are some ideas: Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Basic household tasks
Teach your child some basic household tasks. If you are busy, out of the house, or under the weather your child should be able to make himself a sandwich, pack a sack lunch for school, and be able prepare a small meal in the microwave. It is also good to teach your kids how to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and how to clean up a spill.
Safety
Keeping our kids safe is a huge priority for parents. At a young age, we begin to teach them how to safely cross the street, bike and road safety, and to be aware of strangers. By ten, parents should take it one step further by teaching kids about internet safety and what to do in case of an emergency. “I want them to be safe mentally and physically.” says Lisa Parrish, mother of three. “They should know how to use the phone, procedures for being home alone or in emergencies, safe touch, and that no means no.” Kids approaching ten should also know basic first aid and when to call 911.
Budgeting and saving
Ten years old is a great time to intro-
duce basic budgeting skills. Kids can learn to pick something out that they would like to purchase, research the cost, and begin saving for it. This helps teach them delayed gratification, the value of the dollar, the reward for hard work, and also how to budget and save for things that they want. This skill will be necessary as they plan for larger purchases in adulthood.
Problem solving skills
When presented with a problem, children often look to the adults in their lives to solve the problem. Rather than giving your child the answer to the problem, why not let them try to work it out themselves? The problem solving skills learned early will benefit them as they grow older. You can also present your child with different scenarios and ask them what they would do. Ask your child - If you get lost, what should you do? What if you forget your lunch at home? What if you see another child getting teased? If there is a fire in the house, what should you do? Working through different scenarios and practicing problem solving skills will help your child build confidence for when they are faced with a problem.
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Value of hard work
Kids need to know the value of hard work, especially as they head off to college or into the workplace. Even middle and high school require a higher level of study habits. Developing good study habits also helps kids learn that their dedication pays off when they receive good grades because of it. To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy, or saving up allowance to work towards something they would like to purchase will show them the long-term payoff of hard work.
Proper etiquette and speaking skills
Ten year olds should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone etiquette, know how to shake hands, and express gratitude when someone gives them a gift or does something for them. With so much electronic communication, we must teach our children that when having face to face conversations, it is polite to use proper language rather than text speak. “Kids this age should know the
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Golden Rule and treat others the way they’d like to be treated,” says Laura Fenner, Olathe mother of four. Ten year olds can build confidence in this area by practicing public speaking and participating in sports or recitals.
Healthy habits
Proper hygiene and self grooming
Ten year olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair. Frequent showers, proper face and hand washing, and wearing deodorant are good habits to get into as the changing hormones of the teen years approach.
Caring for others
Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children. This helps teach them responsibility and selflessness.
Outdoor skills
Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety. Fire safety, how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy. Again, as we face competition with the screen, teaching kids how to be safe when pursuing outdoor activities may open a love of the outdoors they have not yet experienced.
The importance of a healthy diet and routine exercise is never too early to learn. While they may not be preparing entire meals at age ten, they do need to know that potato chips are not a well balanced lunch. Kids should also be able to listen to their bodies so they can tell you if they are unwell and what is wrong. Healthy sleep habits and a good diet can help them perform better in school and improve their moods. Kids should also be able to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed. These skills are a guideline as every child and every family is unique. You may find that in your family you value certain skills over others or that some of these were learned some time ago. “Be flexible with your plan to teach life skills,” says Laws, “Everyone learns at a different pace.” GPP Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six kids, including three-year-old triplets.
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
Communicating with Teens Every parent of a teenager wants to build a strong line of communication with their teen. But sadly, the opposite is most often true. I’d like to share with you some simple tips to improve your communications with your teen. You may wonder what the best timing is for building good lines of communication with your teen or pre-teen. That’s simple. Do it NOW, before problems, struggles and difficulties begin. And never stop working at it, even when there is conflict. As your children move from the elementary years into early adolescence, it’s essential that you adapt your style of communication to the changes taking place with your child. What was non-hormonal, now becomes laced with hormones. Total dependence moves closer to independence, and that affects how your teen interacts with you. Unless you change with them, there will be conflict and broken communications. The hope is that we, as parents, become that place of rest for our kids, a place where they might be restored. Too many times parents become a place of added burden or hardship, or an extra “measure” of correction, when correcting, and a life of training, has already been done. Moms have the tendency to do the “Energizer bunny” communication that just keeps on going. And dads have that tendency to tune out when communication is most needed. Moms, your over-correcting does not provide the rest your child needs. And dad, your refusal to speak up does not restore. What is crucial for your child is the
balance of the mom and dad mix, which will result in that place of rest. But to achieve this balance, it is important for us as parents to transition with our children, to change our style of communication. If we can successfully make this transition, then the day when our children begin to struggle or have difficulties, and desperately need someone to talk to, we are the ones they will turn to. Now, let me give you some advice on how to build that bridge– how to make that transition… Start by laying down some new rules, not ones that dictate, but those that invite. In fact, these are rules for yourself, not as much for your child, including making it a priority to have one-on-one time with your child. For example, you might state that a new rule for your house is to go on a motherdaughter, or father-son special vacation each year. Another might be a Joke Night that gets everyone laughing, just laughing, no spiritual lesson attached, just pure fun time together. Ask thoughtful questions… create a sense of wonder. Instead of always telling your child the answers, offer them thoughtful questions. And remember, not every question has to be answered immediately, or at all. They will learn to think on their own, and begin to ask you questions as you model one who asks questions. The questions themselves can lead to the right answers, without preaching. …and wait to be invited. Hold off on the tendency to always drive the conver43
sation and share your own opinions Don’t break genuine interest, but poignant moments of silence (especially when they are not accustomed to silence from you) will move a child to ask, “What do you think?” Try not to force your opinion unless it is invited. “I Was Wrong” diffuses difficult discussions. If you handled a situation poorly, admit where you were wrong. You will take the fuse out of the firecracker when you do that. Once you admit you blew it, the issue can no longer be held against you. Anger puts up barriers and must always be diffused before communications will open up. Give them respect… consider others to be more important. Easy to say, and sometimes tough to do. It’s basically putting your child first and showing them respect, even as you demand that of them. This should affect the way you speak to them (you wouldn’t yell at, belittle, or talk down to someone you respect), the way you discipline, the way you show grace and the way you respond when you are disappointed and upset. I want to challenge you today to commit to building a relationship with your child, and that starts with good communications. Make time to communicate and really get to know your teen. And no matter how strained or difficult your relationship might be, there is always HOPE. It may take time and persistence, but keep at it in a loving and natural way and they will eventually open up.
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 Thursday, September 27
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. A musical directed by Carla Rhodes with music direction by Tina Buran. The Sondheim favorite about what happens AFTER “happily ever after,” including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the beans, Prince Charming, and a wicked and beautiful witch. “Careful the things you say, children will listen...” For tickets, call (850) 432-2042 or visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Friday, September 28
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adults 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 semester long program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum. org or call (850) 432-6247. Pensacola Seafood Festival 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Downtown Pensacola in Historic Seville Square, as well as adjacent Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. The annual Pensacola Seafood Festival attracts more than 100,000 attendees during the three-day event. You’ll find local seafood favorites prepared in a variety of ways by our top restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, traditional festival fare from the nation’s top vendors, arts and crafts vendors and live music. For more info, visit www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/. Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival Three-day festival Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun. 12-5 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton. International food - Polish, Filipino, Italian, plus American, Cajun, BBQ and more! 5K run/walk, live entertainment all weekend featuring Chloe Channell! Also raffle, games, vendors, car & Indian motorcycle exhibit, arts & crafts! Fun for the whole family! Free admission. For more info, call (850) 602-7495 or find us on Facebook.
Saturday, September 29
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. 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 10-13. 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
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Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247. Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival Three-day festival Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun. 12-5 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton. For details, see September 28 listing. Pensacola Seafood Festival 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Downtown Pensacola in Historic Seville Square, as well as adjacent Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. For details, see September 28 listing. 5210 Northwest Florida Day of Play 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Come check out the many ways families get moving! Join us for a free day of exciting activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the whole family. For more info, visit www.playpensacola.com. White Tie Rock Ensemble Presents Americana at Saenger Theatre 8 p.m. The White Tie Rock Ensemble presents a tribute to The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty and The Eagles. Featuring the unparalleled White Tie Sound, this full rock band, along with the Tied Up String Quartet, will recreate favorites from this classic era of rock and roll. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.
Sunday, September 30
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 3 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival Three-day festival Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun. 12-5 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton. For details, see September 28 listing. Pensacola Seafood Festival
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Pensacola in Historic Seville Square, as well as adjacent Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. For details, see September 28 listing.
Wednesday, October 3
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 7. More than 100 songwriters perform on 15 stages across Pensacola Beach. Most events are free and open to the public. Some special events require tickets. For ticket info, visit www. pensacolabeachsongfest.com.
Thursday, October 4
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 7. For details, see October 3 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.
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WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 5 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are Chris Alvarado, Hiroya Tsukamoto and Peter Karp. 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.; show starts promptly at 6 p.m. For more info, visit wuwf. org/radiolive or call (850) 473-7433.
Friday, October 5
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 7. For details, see October 3 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. Big Lagoon Fall Concert Series 6 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. International acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Hiroya Tsukamoto takes us on a journey filled with earthy, organic soundscapes that impart a mood of peace and tranquility. Wine and beer will be for sale during the event with snacks offered. Very limited seating to this event. For more info, call (850) 867-5873 or visit www.biglagoonstatepark.com/. Preschool Art Time: Woodworking 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. What can you build with wood pieces? Young builders are encouraged in open-ended building using wood, glue, and paint to finish off their structures. Cost: $6/members and $8/non-members, per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. 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. For details, see September 29 listing. 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. Taste of Gulf Breeze 5-9 p.m. Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze. Event for ages 21 and up. This premier culinary event draws 800+ people and features area businesses and more than 30 food & beverage vendors. Admission fee $10 - $50. For more info, call (850) 932-7888, visit www.gulfbreezechamber.com or e-mail reception@gulfbreezechamber.com.
Saturday, October 6
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 7. For details, see October 3 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. Star Wars Reads at Pensacola Library 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. All ages can get their photo taken with the Storm Troopers, go on a rock hunt throughout the library to find Star Wars-themed painted rocks, enter raffle drawings and play a virtual reality game. Kids can also make Jaba slime, decorate their own droid, and
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FamilyCalendar make a lightsaber to take home. For more info, call (850) 436-5060. Paws in the Park at Big Lagoon State Park 8-11 a.m. 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Guided tours and walks with your dog. All dogs must be leashed (6’) and under their owner’s control at all times. There will be presenters on dog care, nutrition and exercise. Talk to a trainer. Also local animal shelter presentations. Free event with park admission ($6 per carload). For more info, call (850) 602-9279. Zarzaur Law Santa Rosa Island Triathlon 2018 Gulfside Pavilion, 20 Casino Beach Blvd, Pensacola Beach. A great sports competition for the regional triathlon community and a significant event for Pensacola Beach. The destination weekend also features the Pensacola Beach Songwriters’ Festival and the Sea Turtle Kids’ Triathlon. Enter soon and take advantage of the low, early registration fee. For more info, call (850) 434-2800 or visit www.santarosaislandtriathlon.com/. Soul Bowl & Public Safety Day 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street. Pensacola’s annual youth football showdown in the stadium featuring the SYSA Tigers and other teams by invitation. Plus visit with area police, fre and first responder personnel for a free familyfriendly day in the park! 29th Annual Peanut Festival 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Gabbert Farm, 3604 Pine Level Church Road, Jay, Fla. Peanuts; live entertainment, arts, crafts, antiques, pony rides, games, wagon rides; train rides; bungee jump; rock climbing; and much more. Large display of antique tractors & farm-related equipment will be on display. Free admission and parking. For more info, call (850) 675-6823. Sea NO Limits Fishing Clinic 8 a.m.-noon at Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park. Free event offered to children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities requiring supervised care. This event is limited to the first 250 applicants (plus up to two additional family members/guardians/caretakers). Pre-registration required. Event includes rod and reel to keep, grilled lunch w/beverages, T-shirt, optional child ID program, fish identification booklets, fishing instruction and Escambia Search & Rescue Demonstration. Hosted by Gulf Breeze Masonic Lodge No. 347. For more info, visit www.seanolimits.com or call (850) 341-5036. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. For details, see September 29 listing. Music Under the Stars with Xaris 7 p.m. 501 N. Hayne St., Pensacola. From the Ground Up Community Garden is welcoming Xaris, an 18-year-old artist and songwriter from the Florida Panhandle. Her music style is somewhere in between folk and Americana. You may even recognize Xaris from the Gulf Breeze community or Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice. Bring your favorite drink, something to sit on and enjoy an evening under the stars. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the garden. For more info, call (850) 934-3609 or visit www. fromthegroundupgardenpensacola.com/.
Graduates of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunite at Sacred Heart Greenhut Auditorium at Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 5151 N. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola. The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart invites former patients and families of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to the annual NICU reunion. This annual event is an opportunity for families to reconnect with the nurses, doctors and team members who cared for them throughout their journey, as well as the other families with whom they may have grown close. NICU reunion guests are invited to dress up in fairytale-themed costumes and enjoy games, story time, crafts and snacks, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas. The NICU reunion is free to attend, but families are invited to bring a blanket or book to donate to babies currently in our NICU. For more info, call (850) 416-1600.
presentation, FWC and Florida Sea Grant will provide information on how to correctly identify selected species and how to properly report encounters. Each session is free to the public. For more info, contact Carrie at ctsteven@ufl.edu or call (850) 475-5230.
Sunday, October 7
Fairy Gardens – Family STEAM Night 6 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Release your inner “fairy” and come create a garden for your little “friends” to occupy. All materials provided. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 3 p.m. For details, see September 27 listing. Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 7. For details, see October 3 listing.
Pensacola Bay Center Presents Kevin Hart 7 p.m. In 2017, comedian Hart voiced a title character in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. To close 2017, he appeared in the Sony reboot of the classic film Jumanji alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black. For tickets or more info, call (800) 7453000 or visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/. Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.
Friday, October 12
Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.
First City Shakespeare Presents Von Trapped in the Hospital Tours on the hour beginning at 7 p.m. Historic Sacred Heart Hospital, 1010 N. 12th Avenue. Assisted by the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company, First City Shakespeare presents a Halloween cabaret performance tour of the historic Sacred Heart hospital in the heart of East Hill. Guests will be taken on guided walks while being entertained by singing nuns, a possessed child, and other unusual and peculiar persons. Actors perform parodies of tunes from The Sound of Music twisted by the likes of Baby Jane Hudson, Josef Mengele, and Chucky. Tours last approximately fifty minutes. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more info, visit http://setsco.org/ or call (662) 278-8383.
Boys/Girls Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For boys and girls ages 11 through 14. Girls’ group will begin at 6 p.m. and the boys’ group will start at 7 p.m. There is a one-time $10 fee for residents and a one-time $20 fee for non-residents. For more info, call (850) 436-5195 or visit www. cityofpensacola.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/FrickerResource-Center-94.
Bud Light Charity Challenge Tennis Tournament Roger Scott Tennis Center. Pensacola Sports partners with The Lewis Bear Company to benefit Arc Gateway, an organization that provides the best possible life experiences for more than 800 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more info, visit http://pensacolasports. org/budlighttennis/.
Wednesday, October 10
Walking Cemetery Tour 4:30-5:30 p.m. St. John’s Historic Cemetery, 301 N. ‘G’ Street, Pensacola. Go Retro has teamed with Friends of St. John’s Cemetery Foundation to offer this fascinating walking tour of Pensacola’s largest historic cemetery. With graves dated back to the early 19th century, there are several stories to share. Some are chilling. Some will cause you to contemplate your own death. This tour is very entertaining and is the perfect way to experience the cemetery prior to dusk. For more info, call (850) 4665220 or visit http://goretro.us/Tour/Walking_Cemetery_Tour_.
Family Sunday: Pumpkin Painting 1-4 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. This Sunday, it’s pumpkin season! Bring a pumpkin or use one of the provided tiny pumpkins to paint and embellish for fall, while supplies last. $6 per participant over the age of 3, includes admission into the Museum. Register online at pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.
Monday, October 8
Co-ed Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. Children ages 4 to 7 begin camp at 6 p.m. Children ages 8 to 10 begin camp at 7 p.m. The fee for residents of Pensacola is $10 and for nonresidents it is $20. For more info, call (850) 436-5195 or visit www.cityofpensacola.com/Facilities/Facility/ Details/Fricker-Resource-Center-94.
Tuesday, October 9
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, October 11
Science Hour 6-7:30 p.m. Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola. UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension hosts this educational series the 2nd Thursday of every month. Tonight’s topic is “Reporting Invasive and Endangered Species,” presented by Rick O’Connor & Don Buchanan (FWC). In this
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59th Pensacola Greek Festival 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1720 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Admission is always FREE. A wonderful opportunity for the Greek community to share their culture, traditions,
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FamilyCalendar heritage, faith, food, dance and the fun-loving spirit of Greece right here in our hometown. Live Greek music and traditional folk dancing will be among the entertainment highlights of the weekend. Youth dancers dressed in traditional costumes, representing various regions of Greece, will perform dance throughout the weekend, and the dance floor is open to everybody between youth sets. The popular Kostas Kastanis band will be back again to play traditional and modern Greek music throughout the weekend. For more info, visit www.pensacolagreekfestival.com!
Saturday, October 13
Bud Light Charity Challenge Tennis Tournament Roger Scott Tennis Center. For details, see October 12 listing. 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 3-8 and are included in admission. Oct 13: Forces and Motion. For more info, call (877) 937-6377 or visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Saturday Night Science at Pensacola MESS Hall 6-8 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St., Pensacola. Join us to investigate chemistry. Activities suitable for ages 3+. $8/person ages 3+. Program is free for members! Register online. For more info, call (877) 937-6377 or visit www.pensacolamesshall.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. Location one is Bay Bluffs Park on Scenic Highway at Summit Blvd. Second location is two miles north at Chimney Park on Scenic Highway at Langley Ave. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. E-mail oceanhourfl@gmail. com or BayBluffsCleanUp@gmail.com; visit www. facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 207-9326 and leave a message. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Opening Night 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place. From Gershwin’s high-energy Cuban Overture to the iconic music of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Opening Night will be an evening of celebration and dramatic artistry! World-renowned violinist Jennifer Koh returns for her third visit with the PSO to perform Barber’s Violin Concerto. For tickets or more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www.pensacolasymphony.com/. 59th Pensacola Greek Festival 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1720 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 12 listing. Open Studio: Do-it-Yourself Comic Art 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Explore the art of comics, from superheroes, antiheroes, the mundane, and everything in between. Participants decide on their own comic layout, paper, and characters to develop into a unique book of comic art. Free for PMA members and $6 for nonmembers. Drop in anytime from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All ages welcome! Register online at www. pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. 4th Annual Bridge to Bridge 5K 7:30 a.m. Wayside Park, 1401 E Gregory Street, Pensacola. Starts at the base of the 3-mile Bay Bridge on the Pensacola side and runs over the Bay Bridge into
Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Gulf Breeze, finishing at The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge. The post-race party & awards will take place immediately following the race. There will be music and refreshments, plus a beautiful view! Buses will transport runners post-race from Gulf Breeze back to Pensacola. *Note: The LAST bus will leave Gulf Breeze at 10 a.m. For more info, call (850) 435-9222 or visit http://werunwild.com/events/event/bridgebridge-5k/. 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/.
Sunday, October 14
2018 Boo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, see October 13 listing. 59th Pensacola Greek Festival Noon-5 p.m. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1720 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 12 listing.
Monday, October 15
Co-ed Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 8 listing.
Tuesday, October 16
Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing. Boys/Girls Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 9 listing.
Wednesday, October 17
Blue Angels Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. Members of the Blue Angels will sign autographs and answer questions. Call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ for more info.
Thursday, October 18
Hooked on Books – Parent/Child Book Group 4 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Want to connect with your child? Read together! This is an introductory session of “Hooked on Books” book group for children in grades 3-5 and their parent(s). You will get a chapter book to read together, play games, have a snack and get to know other members. For more info, call (850) 436-5060. 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/. Pensacola Beach Chamber Beach Ball Breakfast 7:30-9 a.m. Our Lady of the Assumption Church. $5 for breakfast.
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Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.
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Pensacola Interstate Fair Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Through October 28. Hours of operation vary from day to day. Please check the daily schedule to see opening and closing times for each day. For more info, call (850) 944-4500.
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Zombie Dolls – Family STEAM Night 6 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Join us to create your own zombie doll. We will be using paints, markers, scissors and other craft supplies. Examples and all materials provided. For more info, see October 11 listing.
Friday, October 19
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The Purple Madness: A Tribute To Prince 6 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. All ages. 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 https://downtownpensacola.com/businesses/vinyl-music-hall.
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WSRE’s 30th Annual Wine & Food Classic 6-9 p.m. walkabout tasting. 12 Via de Luna Drive, Hilton Pensacola Beach.This annual fundraising weekend is a longtime favorite of local foodies and supports the mission of WSRE to positively impact communities through education, entertainment and engagement. For more info, visit www.wsre.org/ events/wine-food-classic-2017/ or e-mail sdpayne@ wsre.org.
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 LaBrisa in Gulf Breeze. Please join us for this time of non-traditional networking and education. The program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided. Visit https:// powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/event/gulf-breezepwgc-meeting/. 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. For details, see September 29 listing. Black Jacket Symphony Presents: Journey’s Escape at Saenger Theatre 8 p.m. The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. The performance is separated into two sets. The first set features the album being recreated as a true symphonic piece. The second set, which features a selection of the album artist’s “greatest hits,” opens in full contrast to the first set with an incredible light display and the symphony being much more laid back. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880. Music Under the Stars with Roman Street 7 p.m. From the Ground Up Community Garden, 501 N. Hayne St., Pensacola. Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form the melodic, chord-strumming duo Roman Street. Named for an old roman street in the Alps, the brothers specialize in an improvisational fusion of classical, gypsy and contemporary jazz, latin, and nuevo flamenco. Bring your favorite drink, something to sit on and enjoy an evening under the stars. Tickets are $15
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FamilyCalendar in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the garden. For more info, call (850) 934-3609 or visit www.fromthegroundupgardenpensacola.com/.
Festa Italiana 11 a.m.-6 p.m. St. Joseph’s Church, 140 W Government Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 19 listing.
Festa Italiana 11 a.m.-6 p.m. St. Joseph’s Church, 140 W Government Street, Pensacola. Festa Italiana is a celebration of all things Italian, including food for purchase like shrimp scampi, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, sausage, and pepper sandwiches and tiramisu. Italian dancers and music, prize drawings and a silent auction are all part of the event. Visitors are able to find out about their Italian heritage and purchase Italian souvenirs. Fun for the entire family. Public welcome; free parking and admission. For more info, call (850) 324-2811 or visit https://soibuonafortuna. org/home/festa-italiana/.
Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. For details, see September 29 listing.
Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 6 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free stargazing 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-happeningstar-gazing/.
Sasquatch Trail Run 8 a.m.-noon. Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center, Milton. For more info, visit www.adventuresunlimited.com./
Gallery Night
5-9 p.m. Stroll through the charming brick walkways of downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of local music, art and cuisine. Gallery Night is a free event and many businesses provide light refreshments. Visit downtownpensacola.com/ or call (850) 434-5371. Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas 7:30 p.m. performance. Pensacola Little Theatre. Will Christmas be the same with a pumpkin king in charge? A Nightmare Before Christmas continues Ballet Pensacola’s tradition of creating captivating and unconventional ballets. For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/.
Saturday, October 20
WSRE’s 30th Annual Wine & Food Classic 5:15-9 p.m. 12 Via de Luna Drive, Hilton Pensacola Beach. For details, see October 19 listing. Jacksonian Guard Colors Ceremony Noon-12:30 p.m.The Jacksonian Guard is a Pensacola re-enactment group of Jacksonian era and Spanish soldiers, fifers, and drummers who perform a Colors Ceremony every third Saturday, in Plaza Ferdinand, on Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. The ceremony commemorates Pensacola’s 195th Birthday & Florida as a U.S. Territory. For more info, call (850) 466-5220. Stargazing on ensacola Beach (Gulfside) 6 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free stargazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. For details, see October 19 listing.
2018 Boo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, see October 13 listing. Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas 7:30 p.m. performance. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see October 19 listing.
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. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. The second location is Bartram Park located at 211 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola (Behind the Fish House). E-mail: oceanhourfl@gmail.com; visit www. facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 450-1112 and leave a message. Pet Partners: Read With Me 10 a.m.-noon. Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola. School-aged children are invited to register for a 15-minute session to pick a book and read to one of the therapy dogs. Dogs and handlers are coordinated through Pet Partners and Cherry Point Dog Training, Inc. Preregistration is requested. For more info, call (850) 471-6980.
Sing! The National City Tour at Saenger Theatre 7 p.m. Keith & Kristyn Getty, and their band of amazing musicians, lead an evening of modern hymns and traditional Bluegrass and Irish music. It will feature many well-known hymns and music from their recent sold-out conference held in Nashville. The concert will include a 150-voice choir from area churches. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger. com/ or call (850) 595-3880. Pensacola MESS Hall Curiosity Days 1-4 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St., Pensacola. Each month, we present focused activities related to a special theme. Activities are geared for learners ages 7+ and are included in admission. Oct 20: Frankenstein. For more info, call (877) 937-6377 or visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Newborn Class Hosted by Pensacola Pediatrics. Class will be held at the Cordova office - 4951 Grande Drive. Dr. Jodi Picasso will lead the class and share her professional insights. Registration required by October 18. To register or for more info, e-mail pensacolapediatrics@gmail.com. Pensacola Ice Flyers Ice Hockey 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Opening night vs. Birmingham Bulls. For tickets or more info, call (800) 745-3000 or visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/. Fenner Ride 2018 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Guy Thompson Community Center,
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5629 Byrom Street, Milton. $45 until 10/18, $55 thereafter. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, along with the West Florida Wheelmen Bicycle Club, present the annual Fenner Ride, which takes cyclists from the historic city of Milton, all the way to the woodlands of the Blackwater Forest, and back again. A ride for all cycling levels, you choose 18, 42, 62, or 100 miles. All routes are the same peaceful nature experience and is part of the Beaches to Woodlands Tour that occurs in Santa Rosa County, Florida each year. For more info, call (850) 433-5437.
Sunday, October 21
WSRE’s 30th Annual Wine & Food Classic 1-3 p.m. book signing with Chef Sara Moulton at So Gourmet in downtown Pensacola. For details, see October 19 listing. Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Sample wines and peruse the works of some of the Gulf Coast’s most talented artists. The festival brings together about 20 local artists and more than 30 wine selections, all in one place. Wine tastings will begin at noon and last until 3 p.m. The festival is free to the public; however, to participate in the wine tastings festival goers must purchase a ticket and receive a wristband. For more info, visit http://pensacolabeachchamber.com/event/art-wine-festival/. Blues Angel Music’s Blues on the Bay 6-8 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Pack your coolers and bring your lawn chairs and join us at the Hunter Amphitheater for the concert series presented by Audi Pensacola. Concerts are free and open to the public. Today’s performer is Love Gun. For more info, visit https:// www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/Blues-Angel-MusicBlues-on-the-Bay or call (850) 457-7557. 2018 Boo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, see October 13 listing. Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas 2:30 p.m. performance. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see October 19 listing.
Monday, October 22
Co-ed Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 8 listing.
Tuesday, October 23
Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing. 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. Boys/Girls Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 9 listing.
Wednesday, October 24
The Simon and Garfunkel Story at Saenger Theatre 7:30 p.m. The immersive concert-style theater show
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FamilyCalendar chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folkrock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the show also features a full live band performing all of their hits, including Mrs. Robinson (featured in the 1967 film The Graduate), Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see October 23 listing.
Thursday, October 25
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Ital-iano 6:30 p.m. Pensacola Yacht Club. Family-style Italian cuisine and cash bar; live music provided by PCC’s own Alex Gartner and Martin Tate including dueling pianos, solos, and duets; special musical performance by local musical celebrity Hanan Tarabay and other musical surprises; and silent and live auctions. For more info, visit www.pensacolachildrenschorus. com/ or call (850) 434-7760. Stepping Out in Style Fashion Show 5:30-8:30 p.m. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. Reserve your seat along the runway for a night of fun, fashion and philanthropy presented by the Women’s Board of Baptist Health Care Foundation and Gulf Coast Health Care. Partnering with locally owned boutiques and generous sponsors, the fashion show features professional and local models that will showcase the latest trends. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit The Meridian at Lakeview Center, which provides mental health treatment and substance abuse services for children between the ages of 7 and 17. Cocktails, silent auction and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30; program and live auction at 6:30 p.m.; and fashion show at 7 p.m. For more info or to register, visit BaptistHealthCareFoundation.org. Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing. Haunting Halloween at Century Branch Library 4:30 p.m. 7991 N. Century Blvd. Wear your costume and haunt the library for lots of frightening fun and goodies. For more info, call (850) 256-6217. Let’s Make Art – Family STEAM Night 6 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Let’s put the A in STEAM and make some art! Come try your hand at acrylic paint-pouring techniques. For more info, see October 11 listing.
Friday, October 26
Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas 7:30 p.m. performance. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see October 19 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers Ice Hockey 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Hero and princess night vs. Huntsville Havoc. For details, see October 20 listing.
Saturday, October 27
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Pensacola Bay Center Presents The Newsboys 6 p.m. For groups of 10 or more, please contact Anthony Mendoza at (850) 432-0800 ext. 231 or send an e-mail to amendoza@smgpcola.com. Get one free ticket with every 10 tickets you purchase for your group. For all other tickets or more info, call (800) 745-3000 or visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/. Pet Partners: Read With Me 10 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. For details, see October 20 listing. For more info, call (850) 453-7780. Spooktacular: A Low Sensory Halloween Party! 4-7 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S Jefferson St. Individuals on the autism apectrum are invited to participate in our third annual low sensory Halloween Party. This year we will feature interactive carnival-themed games including a potion-making booth, Pass the Pumpkin, paint tattoos, Frankenstein’s nose surprise and more! Come dressed in costume and bring a bag. Enjoy games, art and light refreshments. Each station will have prizes and candy. All ages welcome! $5 for children over 3, free for accompanying adults. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247. It Happened One Night at the Molino Library 6 p.m. 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino. Come dressed in your favorite costume. Trick-or-treat through the library and tour the Spooky Museum, if you dare! For more info, call (850) 435-1760. Barktoberfest 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street. 10,000+ area animal lovers will converge on Community Maritime Park for one of Pensacola’s most beloved events.
2018 Boo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, see October 13 listing.
Sunday, October 28
Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas 2:30 p.m. performance. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see October 19 listing. 2018 Boo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, see October 13 listing.
Monday, October 29
Co-ed Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 8 listing.
Tuesday, October 30
Halloween Night Guessing Game 4-6 p.m. Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Drop by the library anytime between 4 and 6 to guess what is in the box. Every guesser wins a treat. Costumes are a treat for us, so feel free to show up in your get-up! For more info, call (850) 471-6980.
Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas 7:30 p.m. performance. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see October 19 listing.
Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.
Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 13 listing.
Boys/Girls Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 9 listing.
Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see October 23 listing.
Wednesday, October 31
Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see October 23 listing.
Every Sunday This Month
Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. The service always draws a large and friendly crowd. Visit http://www.centralonline.tv/flora-bama/. Family-Friendly Improv at Pensacola Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. 239 N. Spring St. Come learn basic improv techniques and games like those in the comedy show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Improv is storytelling without a script. All ages welcome, but parents must accompany younger children. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.
Every Monday This Month
Junior Tennis Clinic 4-5 p.m. up to age 8; 5-6 p.m. for ages 9-14. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Cost is $10. E-mail our Junior Tennis Director at Brandon@PacActive.com to receive a FREE tennis level evaluation for proper placement. Call (850) 453-1534 for more information.
Every Tuesday This Month
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. 2018 Bands on the Beach Pensacola Beach’s popular outdoor summer concert series returns! The free concert series features performers for every musical taste and is held each Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m., running through October 30. Organized by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach, spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Pets and glass are prohibited. Sept. 25: Touch of Gray; Oct. 2: Bring on the Benjamins; Oct. 9: RAIN DATE if needed; Oct. 16: Holly Shelton; Oct. 23: Southern Breeze; and Oct. 30: Emerald Coast Blues Brothers. For more info, call (850) 932-2257, visit www. visitpensacolabeach.com or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.
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Virtual Reality, Xbox One X, Board Games and More for Teens. 4-5:30 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Join us in the STEAM Lab for access to video games, board games, card games and more tech. Bring your friends or come prepared to make new ones. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.
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LEGO Night at Pensacola Library 6 p.m. 239 N. Spring St. Visit the craft room to create with LEGO. There will be building challenges and open play. Best enjoyed by ages 2 and up; parent or caregiver must be present. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.
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Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Children ages 3-5 are
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Support Groups & Classes invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are creative and have an organic, environmental and local twist. Price: Complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Funky Flow is a creative hour with fun postures and music, combining yin and yang postures. Please wear comfortable clothing. All you need is yourself, a mat if you have one and an open mind. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Tuesday Jazz Jam 6:30 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government Street, Pensacola. Featuring various jazz vocalists and musicians weekly. For more info, call (850) 4346211 or visit http://www.sevillequarter.com/.
Every Wednesday This Month
Junior Tennis Clinic 4-5 p.m. up to age 8; 5-6 p.m. for ages 9-14. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Cost is $10. E-mail our Junior Tennis Director at Brandon@PacActive.com to receive a FREE tennis level evaluation for proper placement. Call (850) 453-1534 for more information.
Every Thursday This Month
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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.
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Witch of East Hill (Spooky children’s tour) 4-5 p.m. Go Retro’s depot, 610 N Spring St., Pensacola. Designed for children 5-12 years of age, this age-appropriate journey explores an old Pensacola legend. Entertaining, suspenseful, and humorous, it fosters excellent, practical discussion points afterwards. Price is $5/person.
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. 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).
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Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). Providing local goods, including produce, baked breads, canned preserves, cooked meats and even wood-fired pizza.
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Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. Our free beginner ukulele classes are designed to get you familiarized with the ukulele,
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including parts of the ukulele, how to hold it, how to tune it, basic chord shapes, basic strumming patterns and chord changes for your first song! The intermediate class focuses on learning songs and playing while singing along. For more info, call (850) 457-7557.
Classes
Community Education
Babysitter Class This class is open to youth from ages 11-15 for $30 (lunch is not provided). All participants receive an American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR Card, plus a Sacred Heart Hospital Babysitting Certificate. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5051 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.
p.m. Fee is $22 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, please call the Sacred Heart Education Department at (850) 416-7264. This class is an orientation to CPR and is not a certifying or credentialing course. “My Family’s Growing” Sibling Class Class prepares soon-to-be siblings (ages 3 through 10) for the arrival of a new baby in their family. Our sibling class includes a complete tour of the Maternity & Women’s Center of Sacred Heart Hospital. Cost is $10 per child. Newborn Parenting
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 – Two-class series walks you through what to expect in the hospital and at home. A key milestones guide will be given to monitor baby’s growth and needs and how to meet them. $20 per 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 first Fridays of most months, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Breastfeeding – Two-class series 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. All-day or four-class series available. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4874 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Saturdays, 10 a.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. 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 49
This class strives to prepare parents in caring for their new bundle of joy, from birth through the first few weeks at home. Newborn Parenting is taught by experienced nurses from Sacred Heart Hospital’s mother-baby unit, and a local pediatrician will be available to answer questions during a portion of the class. Cost is $20 per couple. Prepared Childbirth Classes Designed to help prepare you and your partner for the birthing process – including tips to make you more comfortable during labor – Prepared Childbirth Classes are taught by experienced obstetrics nurses and include a tour of the Maternity and Women’s Center. Cost is $50 per couple. This course is offered in two different formats to meet your scheduling and educational needs: •As a four-week series, especially designed for firsttime moms. •As a one-day class, ideal for moms who have had children before and are looking for a refresher course in the delivery experience. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/. Tours Tours of Sacred Heart Hospital’s Maternity & Women’s Center will give soon-to-be moms an idea of what to expect during your stay at the hospital, including where to go, where to park and what to bring when you arrive for the delivery of your baby. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
West Florida Hospital understands that giving
birth is a family affair, and we encourage the involvement of family and friends in the birth process. For more information about The Family Birthplace or childbirth classes at West Florida Hospital, call (850) 494-4368 or visit https://westfloridahospital.com/ service/family-birthplace. Breastfeeding Preparation Class Classroom 5 & 6 on the 7th Floor of the Ancillary Building at West Florida Hospital located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Free for pre-delivery parents. Topics include: How breastfeeding works (How the Breast Makes Milk), Latch & Positioning, When to Feed Your Baby, How to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk, Breast Care, Pumping, Storing and Bottle-Feeding with Breastmilk. This is a Power Point, Videos, and Question/Answer Class. Mom, Dad, and caregivers are welcome. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/ service/childbirth-preparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - 4-Week Series Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Join us
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Support Groups & Classes 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.
free, 13-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care department, located in Suite 201 of the Bayou Tower on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s Bayou Tower entrance, which faces Bayou Blvd. For class dates and times and for registration information, call Kerri Riggs, LCSW, at (850) 416-7705.
Support Groups
Illness Support
and develop friendships. A lactation consultant from the Sacred Heart Maternity & Women’s Center will be present to answer questions and offer advice. Baby weight checks are offered at each meeting. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required for each class session. For more info about this class or your parenting experience, please call The Nesting Place Women’s Boutique at 850-416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacred-heart.org/ childbirth.
Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group 6:30-7:30 p.m. Next meetings are October 1 and November 5. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.
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.
Cancer
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. Pre-registration 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. Managing Life with Cancer: A Mini Series Four-week program at Sacred Heart Cancer Center designed to help patients and families learn how to emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially cope with cancer. Patients will be able to connect with other cancer patients while learning common emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis, healthy coping skills, safe exercises, sources of personal hope, and available financial resources. Lunch is provided so pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-2679. Patient and Family Cancer Support Group Pensacola 4-5:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Prostate Cancer Support Group 5-6:30 p.m. 2nd Thursdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Prostate Cancer Self Help Group 9:30-11:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at Sacred Heart Hospital. This group sponsored by the American Cancer Society is designed to educate and support men facing prostate cancer. Call (850) 438-4491. Sacred Heart Cancer Center Sacred Heart provides emotional support and education for cancer patients and their families through a variety of support groups. For more info, visit the Cancer Center Support Groups website or call (850) 416-2679.
Grief Support
GriefShare The Sacred Heart Palliative Care department provides a
Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
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 information please call (850) 416-7705. Grief Support at Baptist Health Care Meetings last for six consecutive weeks. Next session is September 26 through October 31 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more info, call (850) 469-7197.
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.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 1-2 p.m., usually second Fridays. West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc. com/calendar/index.dot. Stroke Support Group 12:30-1:30 p.m., second Wednesdays. October through December meetings are at Sacred Heart Women’s & Children’s Classroom C/D (regular meeting location). For more info, call (850) 416-7621 or e-mail: eopena@ ascension.org.
Parent Support
Baptist Mommy & Me Play Group Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Free support group for moms with babies up to six months old. Call for next meeting dates. For more info, call (850) 434-4567. La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Next meetings will be held October 4 and November 1, from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman. org/event/la-leche-league-9/. LEAPS New Mom Support Group Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. LEAPS (Love, Encouragement, and Postpartum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Pre-crawling babies welcome. Free. Next meeting will be held October 20, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon in Classroom C/D of Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 5151 N. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola. This free support group provides mothers with an opportunity to share experiences, gain support
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MOMS Club of Pensacola-Southwest We are “MOMS Offering Moms Support.” Our non-profit organization aims to meet the needs of West Pensacola and Perdido Key mothers who have chosen to stay at home with their children. Public member meetings are held on 4th Wednesdays. We also meet throughout the month in smaller, age-specific and activity-specific playgroups for various club activities. For more info, visit https://momsclubpensacolasw.weebly.com/ or find us on Facebook. Pensacola Parents of Multiples If you are expecting or already blessed with multiples, you are encouraged to get free, helpful information. We offer a support network, social activities for children and parents, library and more. For more info, visit pensacolamultiples.com or call (850) 449-4208. Also e-mail PensacolaParentsofMultiples@hotmail.com.
Special Needs
Children With Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) Support Group For families of children with attention deficit disorders. To find a local group, please visit www. chadd.org/.
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Weight Loss
Weight-Loss Support Group Meets second Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Baptist Tower 3, Ground Floor, Baptist Weight-Loss Center, 1717 North E St. For more info, call (850) 437-8746.
Please send your calendar events to editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
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Fin
A Page in a Book It’s Just Your Imagination The marvel of the human mind is its ability to fill in blank or boring spaces with imagination. Seeing a parade of animals in the shifting of clouds overhead, making up a backstory for the stranger sitting on the park bench, or crafting alternate exploits that take beloved toys on all new adventures, these are some of the ways our mind moves beyond what is and into the realm of what could be. Imagination is the foundation of invention and creativity, as
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well as a healthy retreat from the everyday. The following titles celebrate the limitless vistas the mind can explore and the little things that can launch that journey!
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Idea Jar
by Adam Lehrhaupt, Illustrated by Deb Pilutti (Simon & Schuster) The jar on the teacher’s desk is filled with ideas that are perfect for sparking young imaginations. Colorful characters and bold adjectives are written on scraps of paper just waiting to inspire an all new story. Armed with just a couple of words, students begin to craft the adventures of a space-faring Viking, a horseless cowgirl and more. The kids imagine new stories in written form, spoken word and art. But when the jar tips over, its ideas spilling out, the imagination overflow threatens to overwhelm the class. Advocating the value of imaginative focus, the Idea Jar offers ideal guidance for jump-starting imaginative journeys.
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Use Your Imagination
by Nicola O’Byrne (Nosy Crow / Candlewick) Lamenting his boredom, a young rabbit is approached by a wolf with a solution. Claiming to be a librarian, Wolf suggests they write a story together. Observing what big ears Wolf has (better for listening to stories) and what big eyes he has (better for reading stories), Rabbit is reminded of another well-known tale. So as Wolf guides Rabbit through his imaginings, the evolving story’s setting (a forest), costuming (a red cape) and a villain (a wolf) all begin to point to a bad ending. With his own sly vision, Rabbit harnesses his powers of imagination and engages them to craft a new tale that flips the script on an old story that’s not boring at all.
Red Again
by Barbara Lehman (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Biking beside a wintery canal, a young boy discovers a red book on the ground. Scooping it up, he retreats to his ocean view reading spot to explore the found book. His first page view reveals a child in a boat...with a red book floating in the water nearby. Retrieving it from the water, the second child opens the book revealing a window back into the first boy’s canal side world. As the children marvel at their magical connection, the book watches their worlds draw closer. Author of the wordless Caldecott Honor title, The Red Book, Lehman returns with a brilliant follow-up that captures the power of imagination, as a simple action leads characters (and readers) on wonderful journeys that transcend reality.
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Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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God Bless the Broken Road
Searching MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: B+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: D This film, which is about a missing teenage girl, introduces us to her high school slogan: “Home of the Catfish”. For those of us who are not up to date on current word usage, a “catfish” is someone who creates a fake online persona. The plot focuses on the Kim family in San Jose, CA: David (John Cho), mourning his wife, Pamela (Sarah Sohn), who died of cancer, and their daughter, Margot (Michelle La). David misses a call from his daughter one night, and over the course of the next day frantically and unsuccessfully tries to reach her. He files a missing persons report with the local police. The case is picked up by Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing), who enlists David’s help in sorting through his daughter’s friends and schoolmates. In doing so, David learns he has been unaware of significant aspects of Margot’s life. This film breaks new ground in moviemaking as the entire story is literally told on screens: laptops, TV’s, cell phones, and security cameras. It’s a startlingly realistic portrayal of modern computer use (despite the fact that David seems to keep his webcam window open on his computer far more than most people would), and it manages to add a lot of detail to his character. Searching is a powerful film that almost brought me – usually impervious to drama-induced emotion – to tears. It is not suitable for children or most teens and is a very difficult story for parents (especially anxious ones). Parents or teens who watch this well written and thought-provoking movie will find much to discuss. This movie also lends itself to a conversation that is even more important than “teach your daughter to be careful”: the discussion around “teach your son not to be a predator”.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Amber Hill (Lindsay Pulsipher) is barely treading water. The death of her husband (Darren Hill) in Afghanistan has left her with a daughter, Bree (Makenzie Moss), a house she can no longer afford, mother-in-law problems, crushing grief, and shattered faith in God. Cody Jackson (Andrew W. Walker) is a slow learner. The stock car driver keeps on crashing cars. Cody is so obsessed with speed that he refuses to listen to cooler heads telling him to decelerate in the turns so he can accelerate in the straightway. His exasperated manager sends him to Amber’s small Kentucky town to train with local garage owner and racing expert, Joe Carter (Gary Grubbs). Will Amber heal from her husband’s death? Will she recover her faith in a loving God? Will Cody finally listen to good advice and stop wrecking cars? And will Amber and Cody be able to help each other? God Bless the Broken Road would be a better movie if the answer to any of these questions were in doubt. The movie’s biggest weakness is its predictability: there is very little uncertainty about how the story is going to turn out. That being said, viewers looking for a family-friendly movie that extols the virtues of Christianity and American patriotism will find little to complain about here. Positive messages about community, compassion and forgiveness are the highlights of this picture. The only potential content issues center around the ambush in which Darren Hill is killed. The violence is highly sanitized, though, and no blood or graphic injuries are visible.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls
Kin MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: D Violence: D Sexual Content: C Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C It can be inexpressibly painful to watch the innocent suffer for someone else’s bad choices. The innocent characters in Kin are Eli Solinski (Myles Truitt), a 14-year-old African-American and his adoptive white father, Hal (Dennis Quaid). The pair live in an unnamed Rust Belt city where Hal works in construction and tries to instill his personal ethic of hard work and honesty in his son. Meanwhile, Eli searches dilapidated buildings looking for copper wire to strip and sell. To increase the trouble quotient, Eli’s older brother, Jimmy (Jack Reynor), returns home after six years in prison. Jimmy has some significant baggage: in return for protection in prison, he accrued a $60,000 debt. And the criminals who provided the protection now want payment in full or they will kill both Hal and Eli. With his back against the wall, Jimmy agrees to help Taylor (James Franco) and his thugs rob the safe in Hal’s office. Tragically, Hal walks in at the wrong moment. In the shootout, Hal winds up dead, Taylor’s brother is dead, and Jimmy is on the run. Not surprisingly, Jimmy is a terrible substitute parent. One of the most upsetting parts of this film is when Eli grabs his weapon and kills men who are trying to shoot his brother. Any movie that turns a 14-year-old into a killer, for any reason, raises red flags for parents. Sexual issues are also problematic. Don’t let Kin rob you of 102 minutes of your life. Greater Pensacola Parents I October 2018
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A Based on the 1973 novel of the same name by John Bellairs, The House with a Clock in Its Walls introduces audiences to a spooky home full of magic, secrets, and more chocolate chip cookies than you might expect. Following the death of his parents, 10-year-old protagonist Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro) moves in with his eccentric uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) in his mysterious mansion. Next-door neighbor Florence Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett) is a frequent visitor to the home and has a relationship with Jonathan that is marked by insulting repartee and friendship in equal measure. This film provides a lot of scary fun, but it is definitely too frightening for young or sensitive children. The movie does an excellent job of capturing that Addams Family meets Disney’s Haunted Mansion vibe and providing a pseudo-Gothic horror aesthetic geared towards children. Even better than the eerie atmosphere is the writing. Character dialogue is brisk and snappy. Other positive aspects of this picture are its messages around accepting who you are, developing new skills, following the rules, and embracing family relationships. However, you’re still going to have to sit through a good deal of potty humor. But if you can make it through that, then maybe the good-hearted fun of the movie will haunt you all the way home. 52
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