Greater Pensacola Parents by KeepSharing

SAVE THE DATE! September 14, 2019 10 AM - 2 PM Community Maritime Park

The 5-2-1-0 Day of Play is a day to get up, get out and get active! On September 14th, families will shut off their computers, tablets, and TVs and head outdoors for some fun! Come check out the many ways families get moving! Join us for a day of exciting activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the entire family. Find more information on Facebook @5210nwfl

HealthyEscambia

September2019 22

Volume 4 Number 7

Columns 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Mama Moments

Common Sense Media Discover 12 of the best kidfriendly podcasts available.

Success Strategies for Struggling Students 5 expert tips from educators.

Betsy Eggart

26 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Play Dates with Special Needs Kids

Special Needs Guide

Advice for a smooth, fun day!

Local and national resources assist in caring for your child.

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

On The Cover Alyssa (8), daughter of Chris and Melissa Bourne and big sister to Joshua (4). Proud grandparents are Pat Speas and Mike and Debbie Bourne. Alyssa enjoys reading, swimming, dancing and riding horses.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 40

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews 1

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

FromThePublisher

Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Do you remember the Army commercial that said, “We do more before 9am than most people do all day”? That is exactly what I feel about some of the amazing families I have met with special needs children. We all know the stresses and challenges of everyday parenting, but imagine adding in extra doctor’s appointments, special dietary restrictions, therapies, possible physical challenges and more. I truly don’t know how they do it. They deserve recognition and support. This is why every year we dedicate the month of September to these outstanding families in our annual Special Needs Issue. We started this in an effort to recognize these exceptional families, collaborate and share resources, and to educate others on what children with special needs and their families want you to know. I have learned so much from putting together the September issues and cannot express what a pleasure and inspiration meeting the various families has been for me. So, to all of these families, thank you for enriching my life! One thing I have heard multiple times from parents with different needs is that it is very difficult to find helpful resources. They don’t have time to sit and Google resources, and some are difficult to find even by doing an internet search. This is why each September we include a Special Needs Resource Guide to help families find activities, therapies, support groups and other services. The guide is a collaboration of information from various families who tell us about resources, along with research done by our team. If you know of a resource that is not included in our guide, please let us know. We could not put this together without the community’s help. DeAnne always does a nice job finding articles that fit our theme and will appeal to our readers, and this month is no exception. For starters, Success Strategies for Struggling Students, by Sandra Gordon, not only targets readers whose children may be having a difficult time in school, but provides strategies that can be used by any student to increase their chances of academic success. We’ve also included Tips for Playdates with Special Needs Kids, by Sarah Lyons. I personally found this article to have some insightful information on what both the host and the guest of a play date can do to help it run smoothly and be enjoyable for everyone. We had a swim party one year and invited a sweet young lady who had some physical challenges. I wanted to make sure she was comfortable and had a nice time, so I decided to just ask her mom what I could do to make the party enjoyable for her daughter. I admit I was a little nervous, but the mom was actually very happy I asked and we all had a wonderful time! Wishing everyone a joy-filled and special September!

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Betsy Eggart Sandra Gordon Mark Gregston Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

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

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

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.

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

ource

d on rse, nity. munity ss.

.com

ed : mber

Keephole nions are the rse-

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Driving on the Parenting Freeway I spend an inordinate amount of time driving up and down freeways eating a ridiculous amount of Chick Fil A waffle fries. And it is in those long stretches of twisting roads and big city interchanges that it has occurred to me that the very act of driving is so incredibly reminiscent of parenting. Despite how prepared we think we are: Seatbelt - check, Oil change - check, GPS set to destination - check, we still tend to approach driving with the mindset that there could be some interruptions to our proposed journey and we easily account for that. We build some time into our driving schedule to refuel, we budget time for construction or closed roads, and we innately do that because we fully realize that despite our level of preparedness, driving, like parenting, requires an immense amount of flexibility. We may have our preferred course set before us, but the road is fraught with unknowns. We very well may have to recalculate and take a side road that we hadn’t

intended, or we may have to pull over for the night and reset because we are just too exhausted to continue on. This process is never more evident than when you are driving in the right lane and a car comes off the ramp and needs to merge. We all automatically make adjustments for that change in traffic flow. You may speed up, slow down, or you may move over to allow them space to settle in and adjust. When a change comes, when a hard day happens, it is just necessary to sometimes move over and give your kid some space. Or, depending on the circumstance, it may be time to speed up and lean in to connecting with your child, or maybe you need to just slow down and breathe. But so often what we tend to do is just keep barreling down the freeway at 80mph because – hello – THIS IS MY LANE and everybody else just needs to work around us. Fair enough, and sometimes we need our children to just follow our lead and be in alignment with what we require from them, but I think there are certainly more times than not when we can do that

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

in a spirit of collaboration with our children. Our children are so often only able to move at their own speed or only able to make so many adjustments in one day before they are empty and need to refuel. Just as we are aware of our car’s level of functioning, we need to be equally mindful about evaluating where our kids are emotionally, physically, psychologically and socially. Do they need to take a rest for the night before we tackle that big issue? Do we need to step aside and let that teenager have a bit of space to process some of those feelings? Do we need to schedule a special ice cream date because our child’s love tank is running low? Overall, just being mindful of the fluid nature of relationships and navigating them with a sense of connection and love will almost certainly help you arrive at your destination effectively… and happily full of waffle fries. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

n. ve o

y are nd e

Before all the baby talk, let’s talk babies Ascension Sacred Heart care teams start by listening so we can understand what’s important to you. Then, together we create a care plan that’s right for you, your baby, and your family. Visit sacredheartbaby.com

ger

a d’s ng

p …

r’s n he

tor

and

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Outdoor Movies

Sea NO Limits for Special Needs

Hill-Kelly Movies in the Park Series: A Dog’s Way Home September 20 * 7:30 p.m. Community Maritime Park. Bring your blankets and chairs to watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Movies begin at sunset and free event parking begins at 6 p.m. Tonight we will partner with the Pensacola Humane Society for a pet adoption event! Come early before the movie starts! For more info, find “Play Pensacola Parks & Recreation” on Facebook and click on events.

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 12, 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.

Flicks on the Field: The Lego Movie September 20 * 7 p.m. Pensacola Greyhound Track, 951 Dog Track Road, Pensacola. The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce presents a FREE family fun movie night! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars. Concessions will be available. For more info, call (850) 492-4660 or visit https://business. visitperdido.com/.

40th Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival

Sept. 27-29 Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Seville Square Park, Pensacola. Sample a variety of seafood dishes and enjoy continuous entertainment in Fountain Park. Arts and crafts vendors will display their unique wares, many items reflective of our area’s unique Gulf Coast lifestyle. A children’s area is filled with activities for all ages. The Fiesta Seafood Grille offers cooking demonstrations where you can watch area chefs prepare regional delicacies. For more info, visit www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/ or call (850) 433-6512.

Great Strides 3K

Sept. 21 * 8-11 a.m. Seville Square, 301 South Alcaniz St., Pensacola Great Strides – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event – supports the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness for this rare, genetic, lifeshortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds. Your support will help accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy. For more info, visit http://fightcf.cff.org/ or call (800) 344-4823.

Take a Kid Fishing Navarre

Carnival for a Cure

October 5 * 8 a.m. This free kids’ fishing pole giveaway and clinic is staged at Navarre Beach Pier, 8579 Gulf Blvd., Navarre. First 300 children under 12 receive a free fishing pole and T-shirt. Participants are encouraged to pre-register at takeakidfishingnavarre.com or if available, day of event. Event includes free bait and fishing instruction. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

Sept. 29 * 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main St., Pensacola Fishbein Orthodontic is teaming up with Rally Pensacola to put on an exciting event to raise awareness and proceeds toward the fight against childhood cancer. Carnival for a Cure will exhibit fun vendors, interactive games and attractions, entertainment, food trucks and more! For more info, visit https://rallyfoundation. org/rally-pensacola/ or call (404) 847-1270. 6

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

5210 Day of Play

Opera After Dark

The 5210 Day of Play is a day to get up, get out and get active! On September 14, families will shut off their computers, tablets, and TVs and head outdoors for some fun! Join us at Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St. in Pensacola, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a FREE day of exciting activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the entire family. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for exhibitors and sponsors now! Hop on over to www.cityofpensacola.com/2519/5210-Dayof-Play for details. You may also call (850) 436-5670 for more info.

Sept. 20 * 8-10 p.m. * UWF Historic Trust Museum Plaza, 300 S Tarragona St., Pensacola. Music, food trucks, local vendors and glow sticks. A night to remember. Opera After Dark is an exciting, FREE Gallery Night event. This unique outdoor concert features professional singers and local favorites. For more info, call (850) 433-6737 or visit https://pensacolaopera.com/events/.

Baby Shark Live!

October 8 * 6 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre Take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark as he joins up with his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance through some of your favorite new and classic songs! In this one-of-a-kind concert experience, young fans will be dancing in the aisles as Baby Shark and friends go on fun adventures to learn and meet new friends! Tickets begin at $30. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Bands on the Beach Update

7-9 p.m. Tuesdays April-October * Gulfside Pavilion Casino Beach Bring your lawn chair and join us for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/. August 27: Class X; September 3: She And The Its; Sept. 10: Chloe Channell; Sept. 17: Twang Gang; Sept. 24: Mass Kunfuzion; October 1: Knee Deep Band; and Oct. 8: Southern Breeze.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism

Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum. 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. This is a free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola, BUT registration is required. Programs are offered for adults (ages 15 and up) September 6 & 20 from 4-5:30 p.m., and first and third Fridays monthly after that. Programs for youth are available September 7 & 21, and first and third Saturdays monthly after that. For ages 5-9, the time is 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; for ages 1014, the time is 1:30-3 p.m. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

Ping Pong on Palafox Tournament

Held at the intersection of Palafox and Romana streets in downtown Pensacola on September 14, this event benefits Gulf Coast Kid’s House and is hosted by Zarzaur Law. It includes a table tennis “ping pong” tournament for all ages and levels, games, refreshments for players, and more! The round robin tournament will kick off at 10 a.m. with kids’ age groups and adult divisions with cash** prizes for winners. The first 50 players to sign up for the tournament will also receive a swag bag. For more info, visit http://zarzaurlaw.com/ping-pong-onpalafox/ or call (850) 444-9299.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

A A

I e i A b

407 S JEFFERSON ST. PENSACOLA, FL 32502 850.432.6247 pensacolamuseum.org

Afterschool Art Club

Grades K-2 and 3-5 3:30pm - 5:00pm $205 for members $225 for non-members

In our semester long studio workshop, students develop their artistic skills by engaging in the creative process from planning to creation. Afterschool Art Club introduces emerging artists to a variety of media and encourages self expression. Artists meet weekly in the classrooms at the Pensacola Museum of Art to create both individual and collaborative artworks.

Visit pensacolamuseum.org for information on other art classes we oďŹ&#x20AC;er: Art Academy for Autism, Open Studio, Family Sundays, Next Generation Homeschool, and more! 9

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Autauga County Schools

Studer Foundation Provides 21st Century Learning Experience to Pensacola Area Students

Montessori Teachers Attend Training

Montessori School of Pensacola was not only thrilled to host on-site Montessori teacher certification courses over the summer, but staff members also attended training at the Maitland Montessori training center in Maitland, Fla. Montessori teacher certification requires intensive coursework, as well as classroom internships and observations. Since MSP is the only accredited Montessori program in northwest Florida, the school upholds the guidelines required by the American Montessori Society regarding trained teachers on staff. Dr. Maria Montessori created the educational methodology in 1907 and today Montessori schools are found across the globe.

Fifty middle school students in Escambia County got the experience of a lifetime this summer at the National Flight Academy — an aviation-based educational program designed to be fully and intensively immersive. Local entrepreneurs Quint and Rishy Studer donated the scholarships to students from Ransom, Warrington and Workman middle schools, amounting to $50K. The Studer Foundation has been a sponsor of the National Flight Academy since 2016. Their contributions have amounted to more than $275K. The National Flight Academy’s adventure begins on a landlocked, virtual aircraft carrier, AMBITION (CVT-11). Students live aboard for six days in a high-tech virtual world surrounded with realistic sights, sounds and smells of an aircraft carrier. Students learn skills that are important in today’s world, including critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and effective communication. “We are so grateful to have the educational resource of the National Flight Academy in Escambia County,” said Rishy Studer. “We are pleased we can offer this great educational experience to deserving local students. To combine a great resource with motivated youth is a win-win partnership.” This summer the National Flight Academy rolled out a new Virtual Reality Module with a focus on Technical and Flight Operations. Through virtual reality headsets and paddles, students were able to teleport through a virtual hangar, evaluate aircraft and prepare aircraft for the flight deck. “National Flight Academy relies on the generosity of partners like the Studer Foundation,” said Gen. Duane Thiessen. “Partnerships like this allow the NFA to continue to expose youth to these mechanical and engineer-oriented career paths available in the aerospace industry.”

Please email news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!

Pensacola IB Grads Achieve Highest Diploma Pass Rate in History

The Pensacola High School International Baccalaureate Class of 2019 has broken the record and achieved the highest IB diploma pass rate in the history of the program! This graduated class will soon be going off to University. The sky is the limit on what this talented group can achieve. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

S b a t o S T f C U s C

Summer at St. John Reading and Math Camp

In July St. John School held a Reading and Math Summer Camp for students entering 1st-8th grades. Summer at St. John School was organized and run by St. John teachers volunteering their time. Students played fun games to keep their math skills fresh and get a head start on learning this year’s math! Students also focused on improving their reading skills through engaging activities. At the end of the two-week camp, students and teachers took a field trip to the West Florida Regional Library to have even more fun while learning!

United Way Sponsors Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus 2019 will help so many teachers help students by providing supplies—notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons and scissors, etc. Thank you for donating, sponsoring, volunteering your time, collecting at your business, stopping by one of the Wal-mart collections, promoting and sharing the news! Special thanks go to the team at United Way of West Florida. Thank you to more than 30 volunteers—made up of groups from Central Credit Union of Florida, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pen Air Federal Credit Union, and individuals—helping us sort, count and repack supplies for the schools. Shoutout to the ECSD Warehouse Crew for all of their hard work!

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

EHS Latin Teacher Receives Award

Escambia High School Latin Club sponsor Amy Hornick recently received an award at North Dakota State University.

Montessori Holds Summer Camp Gala

Montessori School of Pensacolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer camp ended with a fabulous Gala event modeled after the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fundraiser. Campers invited families and friends to their event. They were able to decorate the room, put pieces of art on display, and prepare fancy finger foods for their guests. Campers enjoyed showing off their work and discussing their summer. Families enjoyed socializing and wrapping up the end of the summer camp experience. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Day One Report from Brentwood Elementary School

Day #1..check! Brentwood had a wonderful first day.. such a great team to problem-solve with. Love our Cubs!

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Autauga County Schools

Wahoos Recognize Escambia County Physical Education Teachers

A HUGE thank you to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos for recognizing the Escambia Couty physical education teachers before a game for what they do day in and day out to teach kids how to be healthy and physically literate.....AND for inviting our SHAPE Florida award recipients to throw out the first pitch. Pensacola teachers rock!

First Day at St. John Catholic School

B F s L s p w

St. John Catholic School’s 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start. The teachers and faculty welcomed students from pre-K3 all the way to 8th grade into classrooms that were ready to foster learning and community. Students and teachers wasted no time in getting to know each other and beginning to cultivate a love of learning and educational skills.

Certificates of Excellence Given for Outstanding Achievement in Annual Fire Life Safety Inspections

Expansion at East Hill

The 2019-2020 school year brings much exciting change for East Hill Christian School as we have expanded to another campus. We are blessed to partner with families as we educate students morally, intellectually and physically based on God’s Word. The growth has allowed us to focus our efforts on further strengthening the curriculum, while maintaining our mission to teach a Biblical worldview. We are so grateful and humbled at how God has worked in our school and through our teachers. Our school verse is from Isaiah 40 and it challenges us to wait on the Lord, because He is the One who will renew our strength. Educating this next generation of boys and girls is not for the faint of heart, but rather for those who see the potential in our youth, and know the One who is continuing the work in their lives. From our 4-year-olds (VPK) to our Class of 2020 seniors, we are eager to partner with the home in training up leaders that will impact this world. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

The Department of Protection Services has worked very closely with school administrators to improve safety in the learning environment and make continuous improvements in fire life safety. All administrators and their staffs have dedicated valuable time and effort to reduce the risk of potential injuries and property damage at our schools. Due to a vast decrease in districtwide deficiencies, the schools that have the lowest number of deficiencies and the schools that have shown the greatest improvement were recognized during the July Regular School Board meeting. The schools were congratulated by Superintendent Malcolm Thomas; the school board members; Kyle Kinser, ECSD’s coordinator of protection services; Charles Miller, Escambia County fire inspector; and Annie Bloxson, City of Pensacola’s fire marshal. Congratulations go to:Brentwood Elementary (Jennifer Sewell, principal), Brown Barge Middle (Lauri Jackson, assistant principal, and Joe Snyder, principal), Northview High (Mike Sherrill, principal), Lipscomb Elementary (Sarah Hijuelos, teacher and Kristina Golloher, teacher), Ransom Middle (Regina Lipnick, principal) and Washington High (Sherita Williams, principal).

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

e o c v p a u n a a e a t i a m

a w s w C A S t o A t S h h E a i r a f e F U

t -

e e

PHS IB Grad Chosen for University Honor

Pensacola High School International Baccalaureate Program graduate Jacob Ferris was one of eight Florida high school seniors selected as a University of Florida Lombardi Scholar for the Class of 2023! He spent his summer in Calakmul, a wildlife preserve in the Mexican state of Campeche with the other UF Lombardi Scholars! The John V. Lombardi Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor Dr. Lombardi, one of the University of Florida’s most charismatic and popular presidents whose visionary leadership and indomitable spirit played a significant role in the University’s ascension to the top tier of public research universities. The University of Florida partners with the Stamps Scholars Program to award multi-year scholarships to help driven and talented student leaders achieve their educational and personal goals. Lombardi and Stamps Scholars come together often throughout the academic year at formal and informal Scholar events, including welcome and graduation receptions as well as summer enrichment programs. Ferris is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Commended Scholar, who was varsity captain of both the swim and soccer teams. His achievements in soccer were recognized through MVP and Players’ Choice awards and selection to the regional All-Star team, where he was honored as a Scholar Athlete. He was treasurer for the National Honor Society and an active member in other honor societies and clubs at his school. After many years as a Boy Scout, he earned the highest level possible, becoming an Eagle Scout. His active outdoor lifestyle has made him environmentally conscious; he started his own non-profit organization, Gulf Coast Environmental Coalition, to encourage young adults in his community to become more involved in the environment. The coalition has removed more than 1,900 pounds of trash and 1.5 miles of monofilament fishing line from the environment, and regularly conduct educational talks to local student groups. Ferris will study environmental science at the University of Florida.

WHERE LITTLE HEARTS LEARN THE LOVE OF MUSIC!

AGES BIRTH TO 5 CLASSES IN PACE ANDPENSACOLA 850-292-0519 • kmbythebay@gmail.com www.bythebay.kindermusik.com

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Autauga County Schools

Weis Holds Back to School Bash

C.A. Weis—a community school—invited its community to come back to school a little early for a Back to School Bash! Free school physicals,teeth cleaning, immunizations, haircuts, lunch and school supplies were available to students and their families. Lots of games were offered for the kids, including face painting... not to mention a great DJ!

and line

pla hel

Co ope clo a “r EC

Creative Learning Introduces New Middle School Initiative

This year Creative Learning Academy introduced an exciting new opportunity specifically designed to benefit students in grades 5-8. In a format that resembles professional conference meets summer camp, students began the new year by attending “Boot Camp.” This week-long program was designed to set the tone for the upcoming year by carefully and intentionally introducing students to expectations and plans for behavior, organization, and basic skills. The week included team building, creating a social contract, and “basic training” in paper, space and time organization. Each day began with a CLA style “TED Talk” intended to use the power of storytelling to discuss personal lessons of empathy, the effect stress has on the brain and learning, habits and organization, setting priorities, how to be a self-advocate in a respectful and productive way, and the importance of being impeccable with their word. Our entire middle school faculty, enrichment teachers, and administration were involved in the creation and execution of this innovative and important experience. Additionally, guest speakers from our local community including Michelle Henghold, Gretchen Rich, R.N., and Pashia Groom, Ph.D., graciously volunteered their time to enhance our students’ experience. The week concluded with a middle school lock-in where students stayed overnight and participated in team building experiences and a service project to make sleeping mats for the homeless. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

add fair

sho pria sch Ac

and hot lon

win sch lau

cla com diti Ro cal Th wil coo the pa da we pia

are no Fo ww sac

ECSD Clothes Closet Available At Jacqueline Harris Academy

The Escambia County School District Clothes Closet is open and available to help families in need. It is housed at the Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy at 8190 Pensacola Blvd. “It is here to serve the children of Escambia County,” explained Principal Celestine Lewis. “We are thrilled to be able to help families in this way.” After receiving a “referral” from social agencies or an Escambia County School, families will be able to “shop” from the closet. It will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to clothe students. Clothing items are available to families at no cost, but a “referral” is required before shopping. Social agencies, outside the ECSD, should contact Jacqueline Harris to request the referral form. “Community support will be needed to keep the shelves stocked,” added Lewis. “Right now, with school just starting, the Clothes Closet is fairly full, but it will need local support to keep the shelves stocked.” Donations of new clothing items, such as school uniforms, shoes, socks, underwear, belts, jackets, or other clothing appropriate for school, are appreciated and can be dropped off during school hours, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy’s front office. “Every item donated means a student will be warm, comfortable and able to focus on learning,” Lewis said. “Also, we know it has been hot lately; however, in no time at all students will need jackets and long pants to wear in order to stay warm at the bus stops.” The closet can also accept gently used items, such as last winter’s warm items that your student has outgrown. However, the school doesn’t have laundry facilities, so they ask that items be laundered before they are donated. For more info, call (850) 432-2273.

Afterschool Classes Start Back at MSP

Montessori School of Pensacola’s robust offering of afterschool classes are back in session. The school continues partnerships with community businesses, Ballet Pensacola and Breathe Yoga Studio. Additionally, tennis instruction is given at the Montessori Drive campus by Roese and Goncalves Tennis Center. The Hummus Lady will also teach a cooking course and there is a special paper-making art day workshop, as well as Spanish and piano. These classes are even open to non-MSP students. For more info, visit www.montessoripensacola.com/learning-at-msp/after-school-programs/. 17

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Autauga County Schools

Escambia One of Five Counties Chosen for University of Florida School Initiative

Escambia County science teachers will now have the chance to bring scientists into their classrooms as part of a new initiative led by the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute called the “Scientist in Every Florida School” program. In its first three years, the program aims to connect scientists with every K-12 public school in five target counties: Escambia, Alachua, Seminole, Lee and Palm Beach. “I am very excited about the opportunity to be one of the first counties in Florida to be selected as a pilot county for the Scientist in Every Florida School program,” said Carol Myers, Escambia County’s K-12 science subject area specialist. “This initiative is addressing a huge need for students in a classroom to explore science through the lens of a scientist where they will be able to examine the questions the scientist is investigating and create their own ideas for solving problems.” The Scientist in Every Florida School program was one of eight projects selected for UF’s “moonshot” initiative, a $17-million effort to solve some of society’s most urgent problems. Participating scientists must have a research focus related to Earth systems—air, water, land and life — which is in line with TESI’s mission to advance public understanding of environmental issues. Because Escambia is a coastal county, the program can be a great way to bring issues like sea level change, salt water intrusion, red tide and algae blooms into lesson plans. The idea is simple, says TESI K-12 education and outreach coordinator, Brian Abramowitz. “Through scientist classroom visits, field trips and hands-on teacher professional development, we hope to better connect teachers to the latest science, improve student achievement and encourage students to explore STEM careers,” Abramowitz said. “We also hope to bridge the gap between the great research coming out of UF and K-12 classrooms.” During the summer, Myers and four Escambia County teachers attended the first Scientist in Every Florida School professional development program at UF. During the workshop, teachers spent four days in a scientist’s lab where they assisted with ongoing research projects and developed lesson plans related to that research to take back to their classrooms this fall. The participating scientists each agreed to at least one classroom visit next semester. “By collaborating with scientists, our students will be able to see the connections of science in their daily lives. It will spark new passion for science in our teachers who will be the bridge to real world science,” Myers said. On August 6, Abramowitz and other members of the TESI team presented to 160 Escambia County middle and high school teachers during the district’s in-service training. “We are excited to get more Escambia County teachers on board so that they can help us guide the success of this program and be a model for other counties in the future,” Abramowitz said. The Scientist in Every Florida School program is the vision of TESI director Bruce MacFadden, who believes that hope for Florida’s environment lies in the next generation of scientists and decision makers. “About 2.6 million Florida schoolchildren could benefit from the world-class science and research at UF,” MacFadden said. “This pilot program is a great step toward achieving this goal.” Interested teachers can find out more by contacting Brian Abramowitz at babramowitz@floridamuseum.ufl.edu. For more info about the “Scientist in Every Florida School Project,” visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/scientist-in-everyflorida-school/. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

YOU

Find out more about us at www.ptlittleflower.org 19

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Not a Piece of Cake Can we talk just a minute about the holy nightmare that is having to wait at the pediatrician’s office? I know we sit and we wait because there are little ones with fevers, mamas with worries and doctors with patience. But still, we wait. I made arrangements to leave work early, remembered a book for Jackson, grabbed small toys for Emma and filled a ziplock with goldfish. I pulled in the slam full parking lot and thought, “How important is an ear re-check?” Jackson brought me back to reality... “Mom! Emma took her shoes off again! Are we going in yet?!” So into the doctor’s office we went and everyone had shoes on, for that moment. My immediate thought upon entering the building was- GERMS! Do Not Touch Anything As my children proceed to touch EVERYTHING, I make it to the check in desk balancing a toddler on my hip, diaper bag, wallet and an overly curious 8 year old. I look to my right to see the “sick” waiting area that is packed. I begin to search for the nearest hand sanitizer dispenser as the lady at the desk asks me to update my insurance information. “Are you sure? I haven’t changed anything.” “Yes ma’am. But we’ve changed our system.” She handed me a clipboard with several forms to fill out. I shuffled to the well waiting which, honestly, did not look so well. I proceeded to fill out paperwork as my kids proceeded to play a game called, “How many seconds until Mom can’t be nice in front of these people anymore?”

We waited and we waited. Just as I unloaded all I was holding before my arms went numb, they called us back. Why does the nurse stare at you gathering your various items that have reproduced in the last 28 minutes of waiting? Help me or give me the room number! Now it’s time for 20 questions that make me question the last 8 years of my parenting! We were there for a re-check after a terrible ear infection. Literally THE REASON for this visit. First question. “And why are we here today?” ‘Uhhhhhhhh...’ After she wrapped up the question session, she closed the door and the walls began to close in. I was in a glorified closet covered in countless germs with both of my children. Side note- Why do they not provide crayons for that giant roll of white paper?? If we’re going to be in here for half an hour let’s take some time for creativity, because heaven knows the moment I cave and turn on Elmo on YouTube...here comes the doctor glancing at the screen time poster! We waited and we waited. I had a fun power struggle with Jackson about reading his book to log minutes for homework. While he begrudgingly read aloud, I tried to keep Emma from licking the cabinet handles. Every single time feet stopped at our door, I prayed it was the doctor. Twenty agonizing pages of Captain Awesome, 43 goldfish and 57 gray hairs later...Praise Jesus, here he is!

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

We start with small talk and as soon as he reaches for the “whatever-you-callit-to-check-ears AKA tool of terror” Emma lost her mind. So now I’m in this awkward position of holding her while she screams as the doctor leans in to see her ear. Jackson just kept reading and saying, “She always does this.” Thanks, Son. We’re all done, “Hallelujah let’s head to the check out desk!” I gather all items...again, both children and then balance it all at the desk. Sure, I’d love to stand here and schedule a well check appointment. I’ve waited so late to schedule this, my choices are the day after Thanksgiving or 8 a.m. on a Monday. My kids were so ready to go at this point, I don’t honestly remember what I agreed to. Thank goodness they call to remind moms like me! Hats off to those of you who put it in your google calendar right there at the desk “You go, girl!” We get to the car and we drive to Publix to buy allergy medicine suggested for my Emma. I was starving. I had an uncrustable for lunch. I bought a few things I didn’t need. But one item - one was a definite must. I went through the bakery and I grabbed a piece of cake. One slice. For me. Because I made it through the misery that is the pediatrician’s office, and the least I could do was congratulate myself with some cheap buttercream frosting! Here’s to all of you who have survived the same and lived to tell the tale! Make sure to get your cake next time! www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

a d s k-

en , nd

ed , y

at dd

t it r -

y n’t

Virtus Health ABA Services. Discover the Difference! Now open and serving the greater Pensacola-area, Virtus Health offers center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for those with behavioral challenges and skill deficits. With a focus on premium-quality, evidence-based treatment, Virtus offers personalized, exclusive one-on-one services that produce meaningful and measurable outcomes. Our team of caring BCBA’s and RBT’s ensure professionalism within an atmosphere of value, confidence, and respect. We accept insurance, private pay, Medicaid, Gardiner and other scholarships. Contact us today to learn more about Virtus Health ABA services and discover the difference Virtus can make for you!

Virtus Health - Pensacola 1100 Airport Boulevard Pensacola, Florida 32504

Call us at 800.210.0814 Ext 737 or visit us at www.Virtus.health

VIRTUS

“Making a difference every day” www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

sc uc tip

stu ma an ne

of of rea su

the fun E. ne lec Re Ins

an for lig isn ap ab to ing he

School is your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, but like most jobs, there are good days and bad, great bosses (teachers) and not so great ones, and classes that are easier than others. For some of even the brightest kids, however, like my youngest daughter, every test can seem difficult, every teacher hard, and every assignment a major hurdle. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

How can you help your aspiring scholar reach her potential? We asked educators and learning experts for their top tips. Here are five of their best answers.

1) Seek out testing early. If your student gets extra help at school but isn’t making progress academically, seek out an evaluation at school and/or at a private neuropsychology assessment center. Studies suggest that 15 to 20 percent of the population has a learning disorder of some type, such as dyslexia, a specific reading or language comprehension issue, or a math disorder. “Learning disorders occur throughout the range of intelligence. Even very highly functioning students can have them,” says E. Mark Mahone PhD, ABPP, a pediatric neuropsychologist director of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University. A learning disorder is when a child or anyone who has had adequate opportunity for instruction and has the adequate intelligence to be able to learn specific skills, isn’t learning those skills in a way that’s appropriate for his or her age. Learning disabilities are biological conditions that lead to a set of behaviors that can be challenging. They tend to run in families. “Kids can’t help it,” Dr. Mahone says.

If your child has a learning disorder, it’s important to diagnose it early, if possible, to prevent harmful repercussions. Continually tanking on tests and quizzes or not understanding the material can affect your child’s self-esteem and brain development. “The average child with a reading disability doesn’t get identified until the second or third grade. By then, that child has two, three or four years of failure before getting the appropriate intervention,” Dr. Mahone says. Intervention, which may include medication and behavioral treatment, can help the brain reorganize more efficiently so that academic skills build naturally over time, making school easier and less stressful. It’s important to note that learning disabilities don’t typically occur in isolation. For example, 35 to 40 percent of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also have dyslexia and vice versa. Learning disabilities should be treated concurrently. “Whenever you find one learning disability, you should look for others,” Dr. Mahone says. “For the best outcome, everything should be treated concurrently.”

2) Teach kids to make oatmeal.

“Learning is like driving a car. You have to keep filling the gas tank,” says Sharon

Rose Sugar, an academic interventionist and author of Smart Grades: Every Day an Easy A. “It takes tremendous energy to learn, but many kids are running on empty.” Cold cereal for breakfast doesn’t cut it. “What can make a big difference in the morning is just a bowl of oatmeal,” Sugar says, topped with nutritious addons like walnuts, blueberries, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup. Kids should fuel homework sessions with wholesome study snacks too, such as an apple or rice cake with peanut butter or carrots and hummus and water. The brain is a power tool. To boost performance, “after every homework assignment, kids should eat something healthy,” Sugar says.

3. Preview homework, then take a brain break. If your child is

typically anxious about homework, teach her to go over her homework assignments when she gets home from school, including the questions she needs to answer, then to take a break before diving in. “Kids aren’t under any pressure to answer those questions right away. But their brain starts working. When they come back to their homework, it’s a lot easier for them to start their work because they’ve previewed it,” says Katherine Firestone, founder of the

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Fireborn Institute and “The Happy Student” podcast.

4. Turn reading into a workout. Kids have so many facts coming at them in every class and homework assignment. To help them retain key ideas they’ll later need for the test, they need to be active readers. Before reading a chapter in their textbook, students should read the chapter title, all of the headings and subheadings and the questions at the end. “Reviewing chapters first helps kids understand the key ideas,” says Firestone. Then, while they’re reading, they should underline the main idea and jot down notes to review for the test. These techniques can make all the difference, as Firestone knows firsthand. (She was diagnosed with ADHD in high school.) Active reading takes more time and effort, but it helps the facts sink in. “It resulted in a huge transformation for me,” Firestone says.

5. Talk yourself into better grades. “When you get As or Bs, school is more enjoyable, but some kids, especially those with learning disorders, have emotional roadblocks to getting good grades,” says Paul J. Hughes, a college professor and author of Change Your Grades. Change Your Life. Early on, kids can form negative self-perceptions, such as “I’m bad at taking tests,” which gets hardwired into their subconscious, programming them for failure. “Our thoughts affect outcomes,” Hughes says. To help his struggling students talk themselves into doing well on tests, Hughes teaches them to write and recite “afformations,” which are questions that address their specific academic concern, but stated as a positive, such as: “Why am I so comfortable and confident taking an exam?” and “Why do I always perform up to my expectations on an exam?” “The why at the beginning is what the brain picks up and runs with, reprogramming the subconscious to believe what you’re telling it,” Hughes says. He advises his students to read their afformations every day. “I say to my students, ‘I know afformations are weird but they can change everything.’ The more you read them to yourself, the sooner they kick in.” GPP Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

s ne.

ool

s h

n, am

he -

es ve

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

The 12 Best Podcasts for Kids

Book Club for Kids: This excellent biweekly podcast features middle schoolers talking about a popular middle-grade or YA book as well as sharing their favorite book recommendations. Public radio figure Kitty Felde runs the discussion, and each episode includes a passage of that week’s book read by a celebrity guest. Best for: Tweens and teens

As screen time concerns are on the rise, many parents are turning to podcasts as a fun (and often educational) way to engage kids -- without the screen. But as children’s audio content has flooded the airwaves, it can be a challenge to find the good stuff that’s also appropriate. Luckily we’ve discovered some excellent kid-friendly podcasts that you and your family will love listening to.

Bedtime Podcasts

Be Calm on Ahway Island: Thanks to the hosts’ soothing voices and a pre-story meditation, your kid might fall asleep to this podcast before the story even gets underway. But if not, the gentle adventures on Ahway Island will also sweep them off to dreamland. This podcast teaches kidfriendly mindfulness practices like “deep dragon breaths” that can be carried into waking life as well. Best for: All ages

For the Whole Family

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids: Kids are always asking seemingly simple questions that have surprisingly complex answers, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “Who invented words?” This cute biweekly radio show/podcast takes on answering them. Each episode features several kid-submitted questions, usually on a single theme, and with the help of experts, it gives clear, interesting answers. Best for: All ages

What If World: With wacky episode titles such as “What if Legos were alive?” and “What if sharks had legs?,” this series takes ridiculous “what if” questions submitted by young listeners and turns them into a new story every two weeks. Host Eric O’Keefe uses silly voices and crazy characters to capture the imaginations of young listeners with a Mad Libs-like randomness. Best for: Kids

Smash, Boom, Best: This fun and fast-moving spin-off of the popular Brains On! podcast is a familyfriendly debate podcast. A kid judge listens to and scores the rousing, factbased arguments of two contestants. With episodes like “Dragons versus Unicorns” and “Pizza versus Tacos,” kids will be hooked, and they won’t even notice that they’re learning how to defend their ideas along the way. Best for: Big kids

Stories Podcast: One of the first kids’ podcasts to grasp podcasts’ storytelling capabilities, this podcast is still going strong with kid-friendly renditions of classic stories, fairy tales, and original works. These longer stories with a vivid vocabulary are great for bigger kids past the age for picture books but who still love a good bedtime story. Best for: Big kids

Best Podcasts for Music Fans

Noodle Loaf: A delightful offering from a music education specialist and his co-host daughter will get kids of all ages singing, rhyming, moving, and engaging in all kinds of musical games. The segments, games, and songs are so silly and upbeat that the whole family will enjoy participating. Little listeners can even add their voice to the theme song in the podcast’s electronically compiled kid’s choir! Best for: All ages

The Two Princes: This charming fantasy adventure will have listeners of all ages glued to the speakers until the very end. Two young princes seek to save their kingdoms and in the process face villany, dragons, romance, and a magical forest full of danger. Though kissing happens, it is treated with sweetness and humor. A fairy tale for our times, this audio drama is a great introduction to the world of fiction podcasts. Best for: Tweens

Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl: Kids’ music can be … well, annoying. But “kindie rock” (aka, indie rock for kids) is here to help. This two-hour podcast styled like a DJ radio show features new and old songs that kids will love, many by parents’ favorite musicians. Selections are generally high-energy rock, folk, or even punk-inspired songs, but listeners will also hear mellower tunes. Best for: All ages

Great for Learning

Ear Snacks: The catchy soundtrack is the star in this delightful podcast from children’s music duo Andrew & Polly. But this funny program also covers a range of topics by talking to actual kids as well as experts, providing thoughtful fun for young ones and their grown-ups. Best for: Preschoolers and little kids

Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child Families can enjoy rock and roll without the downsides with this fun radio show/podcast. Each week there’s a new playlist combining kids’ music from artists such as They Might Be Giants, with kid-appropriate songs from artists that grown-ups will recognize, such as Elvis Costello, The Ramones, and John Legend. It’s a perfect compromise for parents tired of cheesy kids’ music. Best for: Kids

KiDNuZ: Kids like to be informed and engaged, but talking to kids about the news can be a challenge. This podcast, created by moms who are broadcast journalists, offers young listeners five minutes of kid-friendly news (followed by a quick quiz) each day, five days a week. Perfectly timed for waking up, KiDNuz lets you start the day off on a worldy note. Best for: All ages Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

ou low He be na ha for is o mo tim

sol wa him ing of pa are find

sav a li

dle as tty

ry nd

asp go-

h ge ry.

Kids & Money Q. We’ve followed your advice and put our kids on commissions instead of allowances. The problem is our 8-year-old. He never buys anything, and he seems to be very frugal by nature. Do you have any advice for teaching him it is okay to spend money sometimes? A. You’re ab-

solutely right for wanting to teach him wise spending habits. Each of us has the personality of being either a saver or a spender. As parents, we should help our kids grow in areas where they have weaknesses, and find ways to enhance their strengths. Give him praise for being such a good saver, but gently encourage him to spend a little, too. Spending is one of the rewards

of work and disciplined saving. You might urge him to pick out something he really wants, and help him make a plan to save enough money to buy that item. Once he has enough money for the purchase, turn it into a celebration of reaching that goal. There are three things you can do with money—spend it, save it, and give it to others. Focusing too much, or too little, on any of these is not financially or spiritually healthy.

Getting Motivated Q. My wife is so charged up after reading your books, and now she is determined to get us out of debt. I know this is good idea, but I just don’t have the passion for it she does. There are also some things I really don’t want to give up. Do you have some suggestions for getting motivated?

A. Goals and dreams always have a better chance of coming true if you have a written game plan. Sit down with your wife at the beginning of each month, and help her do a written budget. Give every dollar a name on paper before you spend anything. Contrary to popular belief, doing a budget is not torture. It’s also not just a math exercise. It’s an opportunity for you both to have input on what you want to accomplish in life and how to make it happen. After two people are married they become “as one.” And that’s how decisions should be made in a marriage—facing all the problems, dreams, and fears together. Once you sit down and do a budget, I think you’ll see where you can cut back and make things happen that you thought were impossible before. You may have to give up a few things for a little while, but when you see how quickly you can get ahead by making your money behave, I’ve got a feeling you’ll get excited about the possibilities!

will

We help young people gain the critical life skills they need to thrive in a diverse and changing world. At Camp Fire, well-trained adults champion youth's full potential in a safe, inclusive space. Youth can grow, contribute, and succeed now, positively impacting our schools, communities, homes, and workplaces.

Pensacola State College Child Development Center 1000 College Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32504 850-484-1524 FL LIc. #C01ES0034

Camp Fire Century Youth Development Center 6031 Industrial Boulevard Century, FL 32535 850-256-0953 FL Lic. #C01ES0226 27

Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc Headquarters 1814 Creighton Rd. Pensacola, FL 32504 Phone: 850-476-1760 info@cfgulfwind.org www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

av ac ad for ab up be pla mo oth is wh wit an tal wit dif do the pa tio

Kids with special needs are no exception and benefit from playdates as much as their peers. While they may take a little more planning and patience, it is well worth the efforts for everyone involved. Here are some tips for hosting a playdate with kids with disabilities.

Playdates are an important part of childhood. They offer time for kids to interact socially without the structure of school or extracurricular activities. They also help kids learn to share, socialize, and play freely while still having support from their parents as needed.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

best location to have the playdate. For some, Our natural reaction may be to their own home is more avoid talking about any disabilities comfortable and sucChoosing activities that encourage common a child may have, but it is better to interests will help foster friendships. cessful. For others, address any questions or concerns beHere are some ideas: staying at home may forehand so everyone is more comfortencourage the special able and knows what to expect. “I am * Build something - Legos, blocks, wooden train sets needs child to say hello * Do arts and crafts upfront and honest about my daughter then retreat to their room * Quiet stations for the quieter group before we go to anyone’s house for a while company visits. set up puzzles, coloring sheets, books, blocks playdate,” says Barb Walker-Shapiro, * Go outside and play In this case, it may be mom of six. “Her brain doesn’t work like * Set up a sensory bin better to go to a public other kids. She may have a seizure and * Pick a neutral location - museum, park, or zoo place everyone can is prone to major meltdowns. I find that enjoy, such as a park, when other parents know what’s ‘wrong’ museum, or zoo. On the with my daughter, they are more tolerant other hand, parents who have a child that is prone to runand compassionate towards her.” It is also a good idea to ning away or hiding may find a public place overwhelming. talk to your children openly about differences they may have Discuss your plans with all the parents involved and come up with their friends. Explain that just because others may seem with the best solution for everyone. different or express their joy differently, it doesn’t mean they Another great strategy is to plan activities that unite the don’t enjoy playdates or making new friends as well. Prior to kids. Kids who struggle with talking to peers or sharing toys the playdate, it is also a good idea to check in with the other may find that a common interest helps them feel more at parents about whether there are any food allergies or restricease. Find out the interests of the kids you are hosting and tions and anything important you should know. offer an activity around one that excites all of those invited. Ideas could include a craft, game, or visiting somewhere that fosters that interest. For example, if they are interested in naPrior to the playdate, discuss with the other parents the ture, visit the Overland Park Arboretum or go on a backyard

Be open

Playdate Activities That Unite

Be strategic

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

to speak to the child with special needs, not about them. If the child with special needs does something your child isn’t happy with or that isn’t appropriate, allow them to use words to tell them. Sometimes that is more powerful than the adults intervening.”

scavenger hunt. If they are interested in tractors and farm animals, visit a farm.

Be patient Whenever kids are involved, patience is important. Try to understand that kids may have different reactions to situations, things may not go exactly as expected, and that it may take some time for kids with special needs to warm up to the situation. Some children with special needs may prefer to participate in parallel play. Parallel play is when kids play beside each other, but do not interact with one another. Children who play alone during parallel play still enjoy the time together and are usually interested in what the other children are doing. If things do not go as planned, it is okay to cut the playdate short and try again in the future.

Be understanding Parenting is not easy and we all struggle with different challenges when it comes to our children. Ask the parent if they need help with anything prior to the playdate. “I almost always have a few extra things to carry, so please don’t be shy about asking if I need help,” says Taylor. “I also need a lot of grace.” Try to be patient and understanding. The other parent may be overwhelmed or tired. It may have been challenging to get there. All parents have great days where everything goes as planned and tough days where it seems nothing does. Listen and offer a hand when needed, and they will most likely offer the same in return. The most important tip for having a playdate with a special needs child is just to have them. It may take a little more planning and patience than the average playdate, but it is so worth it to both the parents and kids involved. Playdates offer a great chance for kids to interact with peers and make friends in a non stressful way, and they are a great time for parents to connect and build each other up as well. GPP

Be inclusive It is most important to note that kids with disabilities or special needs are just like anyone else; they want to interact with friends and be loved and appreciated. When hosting a play date with kids with disabilities it’s important to greet them and interact with them as you would anyone else you meet. “Please say hi to my son. Smile at him, even if he doesn’t smile back,” says Marie Taylor, mother of two. Even if the child is nonverbal or doesn’t seem to hear you, it is important to speak to them. Angela Leever, special education teacher and mother of three says, “Encourage the parents and children

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and contributor to numerous parenting magazines.

R by

K B

de rem pla de It f sa pu co Sa ma twi tac the

T C

co Tan co ity exp or ca fin Cra qu sp to str

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Get a Grip! Toys for Building Hand Dexterity

s s

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

In an increasingly digital landscape of play, some children may be losing some development of their actual digits. Touchscreens don’t offer the same kind of strength and dexterity building for little hands that tactile toys provide. To better prepare kids for regular manual tasks, it’s smart to include toys and games that encourage them to use their hands in challenging and creative ways. Along with cultivating fine motor skills, tactile toys can also improve grip strength and hand-eye coordination. The following items jump start improved finger dexterity and build confidence as kids prepare to take everyday tools in hand.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Kinetic Sand Box

Basic Skills Board

For every parent who’s dealt with the impossible-toremove remains of sandbox play, Kinetic Sand is a wonderful mess-free alternative. It feels a bit like wet beach sand, but this unconventional blend of sand and polymers creates a putty-like sand with increased versatility and reduced residue. Selfcontained in a case that opens up into a play surface, the Kinetic Sand Box includes forms and tools that invite kids to dig in. Intensely malleable, small fingers will find it hard to resist squeezing, poking and twisting through a cool version of wet sand. No matter what shape this tactile medium takes, there’s always a big workout for little hands as they explore every creative potential within the Kinetic Sand Box.

Before they take on the task of dressing themselves, kids can master manual connection tasks with the friendly bear on Melissa & Doug’s Basic Skills Board. Each of the six puzzle pieces features a different hands-on skill -- a snap, a button, a zipper, a belt buckle, a plastic press-and-release buckle, and a lace (a broader variety of connections than similar toys). Getting the puzzle parts in place is just the prelude to fastening each piece’s connection on the way to a well-dressed bear. Every activity on the board helps kids develop manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Getting ready to get dressed is a snap, zip and a click with the Basic Skills Board.

(Melissa & Doug)

(Kinetic Sand)

TANGLE Jr. Classics

Toddler Bee Hive

Composed of a series of connected ninety degree curves, Tangle joins the potential for continuous motion with an infinity of outcomes. Whether kids are exploring freeform possibilities or focused on creating a specifically shaped outcome, hands and fingers are building fine motor control and strength along the way. Crafted from colorful plastic, this set of three Tangles is lightweight, quiet and easily stored in a pocket or backpack for solo or group spontaneous play. Ideal for kids (and adults) who have fidget energy to work out, the endless twists and turns of the Tangle Jr. combine stress relief with building manipulative skills and hand coordination.

The Toddler Bee Hive cultivates counting, color learning and hand coordination, all in one delightfully decorated wooden frame. Six colorful bees have a specific matching home in the hive, but they need some help to get where they belong. Tasked with plucking up each bee and returning it to its place in the hive, kids combine concentration with digital control to master the hive. Perfect for shaping proper grip, the tweezers are the real MVP as they cultivate hand strength and fine-tune finger coordination. When the time comes to master pens, paintbrushes and other tools, these little beekeepers will be ready with the hand dexterity they need to excel.

(Tangle)

(XREXS)

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

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

240 Pe Ou tive wri den

850

iBu

by providing an inclusive summer camp experience where there is no limit to the adventure.

(251) 479-4900 campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

Dentists Laura McAuley, DDS ad on page 4

Camps Camp Fire ad on page 27

1814 Creighton Road, Pensacola, FL 32504 A unique experience for children in the Pensacola, Milton & Century, Florida areas. VPK programs, summer camps, child care and afterschool care for children. Visit us on Facebook Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. 850-476-1760 info@gulfwind.org www.CampFireKids.com

Camp ASCCA

5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 Camp ASCCA is Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities. 256-825-9226 or (800) THE-CAMP info@campascca.org www.campascca.org

Camp Mash

P.O. Box 850548, Mobile, AL 36685 Camp M.A.S.H. is a weeklong recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease. (251) 599-5688 campmashmobile@gmail.com www.campmash.org

Camp S.K.A.M.P. (Special Kids and Meaningful People)

P.O. Box 216, Baker, FL 32531 Open to children with cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SB), and other disorders. Campers’ expenses are paid by Sponsors and a dedicated staff who pay to attend! 850-826-1770 Camp.SKAMP.inc@gmail.com www.campskamp.org

Camp Smile

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 Our mission is to empower children and adults with disabilities to live their lives without limits Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

4500 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 Dr. McAuley received additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs. At the pediatric dental office of Dr. Laura McAuley, our top priority is helping your child achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile in a loving, nurturing environment. 850-505-9778 (Ext 3)

www.readysetsmile.net

Charles Stavely, DMD

1560 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 Caring for patients for over 20 years. Our team is dedicated to treating each individual with dignity and respect. Helping those with special needs have healthy, pain free teeth and gums. 850-479-1677

www.pensacolageneraldentist.com

Pensacola Kids Dentistry

4541 North Davis Highway (Suite 6B), Pensacola, FL 32503 Dr. Simmons and Dr. Allison “Allie” Simmons both have specialty training in providing unique care to patients with special needs. 850-549-3656

www.pensacolakidsdentistry.com

Stu Bonnin, DMD

3201 East Olive Road, Pensacola, FL 32514 Preventative dental care and specific treatment options. Dr. Stu Bonnin completed his doctorate in 2001 from the University of Florida and is also on staff at Sacred Heart Hospital. 850-477-1722

www.stubonnin.com

Education Resources Morning Star - Sacred Heart Cathedral School ad on page 3

1603 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 Students, 2nd - 8th grade, develop self-worth, respect, academics, social skills and recreation in a Godly environment. Reading, spelling, language arts, math, science, social studies and life skills instruction. Morning Star High School (pending approval); Grades 9-12+; Modified diploma-track curriculum in faith-based setting. Contact Dave Kimbell at 850-438-3131 ext. 116 for info. 850-436-6440 esnow@shcs.ptdiocese.org www.shcs.ptdiocese.org/morningstar.html

Paradise Learning Unlimited Services (PLUS) ad on page 23

2417 Ashwood Way, Navarre, FL 32566 For fifteen years, Paradise Learning has been providing Davis Dyslexia Correction® Programs for: reading, math, handwriting, composition, and ADD/ADHD programs that are drug-free! We are proud to have worked with many smart but struggling students, both children and adults. The Davis® Programs produce positive outcomes for a successful life. 850-218-5956 or 850-218-5956 tina@paradise learning.us www.paradiselearning.us

Capstone Academy Milton Campus

5308 Stewart Street, Milton, FL 32570 Early intervention, for ages 2 ½ - 5 years, with developmental disabilities/delays. Includes music/art, stories, technology, gross/fine motor skills, and more. Speech, occupational, and physical therapies provided during classroom hours. 850-626-3091

www.capstoneacademy.org

Capstone Academy Pensacola Campus

4901 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506 Early intervention for newborn - 5 years with developmental disabilities. Pre-K includes music, art, story time, computer, more. Speech, Occupational, Physical therapies provided during children’s classroom hours based on individual needs. 850-458-7735

www.capstoneacademy.org

East Hill Academy

635 West Garden Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 4401 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, FL 32583 Our mission is to provide students with learning disabilities individualized education programs to improve skills and abilities, to successfully reenter mainstream education. 850-437-5560 learn@easthillacademy.com www.easthillacademy.org

Florida Diagnostic Learning & Resources System

30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 Training and support for parents and educators in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. Services are data-driven and focused on improving student achievement. 850-469-5423 lharris@escambia.k12.fl.us www.fdlrsemeraldcoast.org

Learning Rx Pensacola

5910 Tippen Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 Brain training strengthens auditory processing, memory, logic and focuses on cognitive skills for thinking, reading, remembering, and paying attention. Open to all ages. 850-999-5925 pensacola.fl@learningrx.net www.learningrx.com/pensacola

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

403 He for Flo ibil Me

850 ww

280 The ac ser and in t

(86 me

292 FL Fun dis

s nd

he or

Sylvan Learning Center

2401 Executive Plaza (Building 8), Pensacola, FL 32504 Our tutors use a personal approach and interactive technology to help kids learn math, reading, writing and more. We turn frustration into confidence! 850-474-9022

www.sylvanlearning.com

Financial iBudget Florida

4030 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Help in managing the Medicaid waiver system for those with developmental disabilities. iBudget Florida offers customers more control and flexibility in choosing services while staying within the Medicaid waiver appropriation. 850-595-8351 apd.ibudget.contacts@apdcares.org www.apd.myflorida.com/ibudget

Medicaid Waiver Program

2800 Dauphin St (Suite 105), Mobile, AL 36606 The Alabama Medicaid Agency administers a comprehensive program of long term care services that offers eligible patients care choices and opportunities to receive services at home or in the community.

(866) 371-4078 or (251) 472-4365 rhonda.peters@ medicaid.alabama.gov www.medicaid.alabama.gov

Rehab Foundation of NW Florida

2929 Langley Avenue (Suite 202), Pensacola, FL 32504 Funding for rehabilitation of those physically disabled, but who do not have, or are not eligible

for financial resources or support from other agencies.

850-478-0297 rehabilitationfo@bellsouth.net https://escambia.communityos.org/zf/profile/service/ id/174789

The Gardiner Scholarship

P.O. Box 54429, Jacksonville, FL 32245 Helps parents individualize educational plans for their children with certain special needs, including schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology, college savings account. For Florida students 3 years old through 12th grade. 877-735-7837 gardiner@StepUpForStudents.org www.StepUpForStudents.org

abilities and their families. Assistance in finding support and services for specific needs. 850-595-8351 or 866-273-2273 cares.org www.apdcares.org

APD.info@apd-

Autism Pensacola - Project Lifesaver

A Safety program which is available to individuals with a developmental disability who are at risk of wandering. 850-434-7171 info@autismpensacola.org www.autismpensacola.org/our-programs/projectlifesaver

Canine Companions for Independence

General Resources

8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 32818 A non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Amy Scott Lorton - My IEP Advocate

Center for Parent Info and Resources

ad on Back Cover

Providing effective advocacy services including: IEP Review and Analysis, Consultations, IEP meeting attendance and participation, Trainings and Workshops. Helping families navigate the special education process in the Escambia, Santa Rosa, Mobile and Baldwin County school districts for over 17 years.

850-684-IDEA (4332) myiepadvocate@gmail.com www.myIEPadvocate.com

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) 160 W Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502 Partnering with local communities and private providers to assist those with developmental dis-

(407) 522-3300 or (800) 572-2275 info@cci.org www.cci.org

35 Halsey Street (4th Floor), Newark, NJ 7102 Your central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities. 973-642-8100 malizo@spanadvocacy.org www.parentcenterhub.org

Children’s Medical Services

5192 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 Family-centered programs designed to help children with a variety of special needs and disorders. Eligible to children with medicaid and chronic illnesses. 850-245-4200 or 850-595-5801 www.floridahealth.gov/AlternateSites/CMS-Kids

lls,

art, nal,

g o

in s. v-

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Disability Resource Center (CIL)

3600 North Pace Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505 Our mission is to assist individuals with disabilities achieve their goals of independence. 850-595-5566 or 877-245-2457

www.cil-drc.org

Disability Rights Florida

2473 Care Drive, Ste 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308 A statewide, non-profit, protection and advocacy system for Florida residents with disabilities. Services are free and confidential. 800-342-0823

www.disabilityrightsflorida.org

Early Steps at Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart

2441 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 The Early Steps program provides early intervention services for children from birth - 3 years who may have developmental delays. Serving families in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. 850-416-7656 icofield@ascension.org www.earlystepsatsacredheart.org

Emerald Coast Exceptional Families

PO Box 5188, Navarre, FL 32566 Our mission is to connect and support special needs families and enhance their lives through events and education.

850-396-1008 admin@emeraldcoastexceptionalfamilies.org www.emeraldcoastexceptionalfamilies.org

Emerald Coast Pediatric Sleep Consultants

400 Gulf Breeze Parkway (#204), Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Providing comprehensive sleep diagnostic and treatment services to children from birth to age 21 years. A philosophy of health and wellness is the foundation for treatment. 850-932-3830

www.emeraldcoastsleep.com

Emergency Preparedness ESC Special Needs Shelters

6575 North W Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 A shelter providing more supervision than general population shelters due to special medical needs. Pre-registration required through the Public Safety Department. Registration available online or can be mailed to you. 850-471-6400

www.bereadyescambia.com

Empowerment Parent Resource Center

6205 North “W” Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 Providing connections to community resources and training in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties for parents, caregivers and those with disabilities from newborn - 26. Links to resources and agencies locally, statewide and nationally. The EPRC is a program of Project Empower of NW Florida and funded by the Federal Department of Education. Facebook: @eprcnwf 850-444-8554 eprc.nwfl@gmail.com www.projectempowernwfl.org

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT)

1515 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32501 Safe, convenient, and affordable transportation. Service through fixed-route bus, seasonal Pensacola Beach trolley, UWF on-campus trolley, and ADA paratransit transportation. Fixed route system operates six days a week. 850-595-3228 ECAT@myescambia.com www.goecat.com/ada-services

Family Care Council Area 1

P. O. Box 17391, Pensacola, FL 32522 Family Care Council Area 1 includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa & Walton counties. Educating our local community, promoting community involvement & serving as a resource for those with disabilities. 800-470-8101 familycarecouncilarea1@gmail.com www.area1fcc.org

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

FDLRS/Child Find

30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 Developmental, speech, language, hearing, and vision screenings provided to ages 3-21, NOT currently enrolled in public school. Diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services for Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. 850-469-5423

www.fdlrsemeraldcoast.org

Florida Alliance of Assistive Services and Technology

820 East Park Avenue (Suite F100), Tallahassee, FL 32301 A resource to provide Floridians free access to information, referral services, educational programs, publications in accessible format on topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology. 888-309-2233 or 850-224-4670 NorthwestFLRDC@Faastinc.org www.faast.org

Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Tallahassee, FL 32302 An association for members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel, and students. 844-427-8461

www.flasha.org

Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast

2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617 Education & Employment for disabilities or low income. Parenting classes, support groups, child development, early intervention, preschool readiness and teen activities. Education (GED), Job training, employment and medical assistance. (251) 471-1581

www.gesgc.org

Guide Dog Foundation

To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs. 800-548-4337 or 631-930-9000 www.guidedog.org

info@guidedog.org

March of Dimes

2910 Kerry Forest Parkway (Suite D4-318), Tallahassee, FL 32309 Fighting for the health of moms and babies. Empowering families with knowledge and tools for healthier pregnancies by uniting communities and building a brighter future for us all. 850-462-7756 dbyrd@marchofdimes.org www.marchofdimes.org

My Pink Lawyer

111 South DeVilliers Street, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32502 We help parents make planning decisions to care and provide for their special needs loved ones and other family members. We also offer many free planning guides and books, on our website. 850-439-1191 info@mypinklawyer.com www.mypinklawyer.com

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

8331 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32514 One of the nation’s largest integrated pediatric health systems aimed at improving the lives of children and their families. 850-494-3212

www.nemours.org

Our trained staff has over 22 years of experience! 850-378-8914

www.phaseiiivans.com

Santa America

Volunteer Santas visiting children and families in crisis can be in home, hospital, or hospice. Santa visits for free 12 months a year. Serving Coastal Alabama, the Mississippi coast and the Western Florida Panhandle. www.santa-america.org

Phase III Mobility

130 Industrial Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505 Offering New and Pre-Owned wheelchair accessible vehicles as well as mobility products and adaptive equipment. Lowered floor Ramp vans available in Chrysler, Honda, Dodge and Toyota.

850 ww

Da St ad

Service Dog University

P. O. Box 37157, Pensacola, FL 32526 Our purpose is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing service dogs to help improve their independence, dignity and quality of life. 850-723-6365 servicedoguniversity@gmail.com www.servicedoguniversity.net/contact

Sight Savers America

337 Business Circle, Pelham, AL 35124 We assist children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics at no cost to the family. (877) 942-2627 info@sightsaversamerica.org www.sightsaversamerica.org

Southeast ADA Center (Americans with Disability Act)

Education, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability access tailored to the needs of business, government, and individuals. Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and more. (800) 949-4232 or (404) 541-9001 www.adasoutheast.org

The Arc Gateway-Escambia

3932 North 10th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 Early intervention, speech, physical and occupational therapy, vision rehabilitation, vocational training, recreation, employment, transportation, education, and residential support. Life-enhancing opportunities for independence and community inclusion. 850-434-2638 info@arc-gateway.org www.arc-gateway.org

The Arc of the Emerald Coast Santa Rosa

6225 Dixie Road, Milton, Fl 32570 Provides services and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties in Northwest Florida. 850-623-9320 info@horizonsfwb.com www.arcemeraldcoast.org

The Listening Program

Music listening therapy that trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism, Spectrum Disorders, ADD, dyslexia and more. 801-622-5676 info@advancedbrain.com advancedbrain.com

www.

Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Clothing

Tommy Hilfiger proudly partnered with Runway of Dreams™ to create a very special collection addressing the challenges the differently-abled community faces each day when getting dressed. info@runwayofdreams.com

fee

www.tommy.com

Tubes to Tables

1290 E Nine Mile Rd, Ste B, Pensacola, FL 32514 Using evidence-based techniques, positive approaches, and 20 years of experience, we will help you and your child learn vital skills for safe

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

101 Thi stu to e ma by ma

(25 disl

Se ad

301 AF inte eve from Co req Se

850

Ad cha rep ries pow

800 ww

Cre wit peo for ces

800 ww

43 of f to s of t Em

850 ww

400 Da em and cha

850 ww

Bre

505 Co dev Su loc

850 ww

ce!

feeding and swallowing.

in nta al n

Recreation & Social

als lp y

rna,

al n, c-

850-857-9343 admin@tubes2tables.com www.tubes2tables.com

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Sea Stars Camp ad on page 23

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 This three-day buddy camp is designed for students with special needs and their guardians to explore the Gulf of Mexico. Come discover the marine habitats on and around Dauphin Island by boat and bus, including Mobile Bay, the salt marsh, and the beach. (251) 861-2141 ext. 7515 seastars@disl.org disl.org/dhp/sea-stars-camp

Recreation/Therapy Sea No Limits Fishing Clinic ad on page 16

301 West Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 A Free fishing event for all ages with physical or intellectual disabilities. Our next Sea No Limits event will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 8:00am - 12:00pm at Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park. Pre-Registration is required and limited to the first 250 applicants. See our ad in this issue for more information. 850-341-5036

www.SeaNoLimits.com

AccessTR.com

Adaptive recreation equipment for the physically challenged. Wheelchair accessories, daily living, replacement parts, bath and shower accessories, Lifts, safety equipment, ramps, manual and power chairs, etc. 800-634-4351 CustomerService@AccessTR.com www.AccessTR.com

AMBUCS

Creating mobility and independence for those with disabilities. Amtryke therapeutic tricycles to people with disabilities, educational scholarships for therapists, building home access ramps, accessible playgrounds and more.

uies s in

Autism Surfs

ed.

800-838-1845 ambucs@ambucs.org www.ambucs.org

43 Stowe Road, Mary Esther, FL A community of friends and family teaching children with ASD to surf. Explore the sights, sounds, and texture of the beach! Programs/activities at surrounding Emerald Coast of Florida areas. 850-428-1471 autism.surfs@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/AutismSurfs

Ballet Pensacola

400 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Dance instruction for students at Capstone Academy. Helping children make strides in mobility and confidence. The program is provided at no charge to Capstone or participating families. 850-432-9546 noelmachado@balletpensacola.com www.balletpensacola.com

Breathe Pensacola - Yoga

505 South Adams Street , Pensacola , FL 32502 Combining regular PT, OT and yoga to enhance development. Christa Sonnier, certified in Sonia Sumar Method of Yoga for the Special Child. 2 locations. Private and group sessions available. 850-470-4444 info@breathepcola.com www.breathepcola.com

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Captains for Kids Special Needs Day of Fun

Fishing, sailing, dolphin cruises and more for kids with special needs and illnesses in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, Ft. Walton Beach and Panama City Beach. Registration required. Next event is September 7, 2019.

SEASTARS Aquatics

1805 Creighton Rd (Ste 5), Pensacola , FL 32504 A year round swim team for children with special needs or income limitations. A fun but structured competitive swim program. The program meets at the Salvation Army Community Center Aquatics center.

850-438-5555 spotate@aol.com www.captainsforkids.com

850-418-0644 robin@seastarsaquatics.org www.seastarsaquatics.org

Chuck E Cheese

SkyZone Sensory Sundays

7350 Plantation, Pensacola, FL 32504 Sensory Sensitive Sundays! Opening 2 hours early for children with autism & special needs. Dimmed lighting, quiet music, appearances by Chuck E., food and games. The first Sunday of every month. 850-476-7724 www.facebook.com/ChuckE CheesesPensacola

Dive Pros Pensacola- Adaptive SCUBA

7203 West Highway 98, Pensacola, FL 32506 Participants are certified under Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) Physical Performance Standards. Dive Pros to train people with paraplegia, quadriplegia, the blind and those with high functioning brain injuries. 850-456-8845

www.florida-divepros.com

Grace Rides

2061 Corbin Gainy Road, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435 Equine-assisted therapy to individuals with special needs. Join our Facebook group! 850-259-9195 or 202-555-1212 www.gracerides.com

Gulf Coast Elite Cheer

4607 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola , FL 32526 Offerring Twisters, a special needs all-star cheerleading program. Please call or come by to sign up for fall classes.

5007 North Davis Highway (Unit 8A), Pensacola, FL 32503 Enjoy the freedom of jumping during sensory hours the 1st & 3rd Sunday each month. Quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. $10 per jumper; 9:30am 11:00am.

850-500-9663 www.skyzone.com/pensacola/programs/sensory-hours

Special Olympics Florida - Escambia County

2000 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola, FL 32503 Providing year-round sports training, competitions, leadership training and health programs for intellectual and developmental disabilities. Find us on Facebook at Special Olympics Florida Escambia County. 850-291-6234 michaelstone@sofl.org www.specialolympicsflorida.org/escambia

Water Planet Dolphin Therapy

203 Greenwood Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Dolphin encounters, expressive art, massage and music provide experiences for children with physical disabilities, spectrum disorders, depression, ADHD, head and spinal cord injuries and developmental delays. 850-230-6030 info@waterplanetusa.com www.waterplanetusa.com

- ADD/ADHD

850-898-3366 info@gulfcoastelitecheer.com www.gulfcoastelitecheer.com

Specific Resources

Leaning Post Ranch

Adult, Children and Family Counseling

4150 Cedar Springs Road, Molino, FL 32577 Equine assisted activities and therapy for mental, cognitive, and physical challenges, at-risk youth, veterans & wounded warriors. Health, hope and healing through horses. 850-587-5940

www.theleaningpostranch.org

Miracle League of Pensacola

Providing a baseball league and facilities for those with mental and/or physical challenges. Everyone plays, hits, gets on base, scores, and wins! Join the fun making life-long memories and friends. 850-232-3845 or 850-393-5043 tgodwin@cox.net www.miracleleaguepensacola.org

Pensacola Museum of Art

407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Art education for children & adults on the autism spectrum. Developing self expression in a small group environment. Registration is required and available online. 850-432-6247 ccooney@uwf.edu www.pensacolamuseum.org/learn.html

Pyramid Pensacola

7309 West Highway 98, Pensacola, FL 32506 Visual & performing arts, computer & literacy training, skill-development, and physical-nutritional & behavior assistance for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities, 18 years and up. Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm. Tours available. 850-453-3341 lhoffman@pyramidinc.org www.pyramidinc.org

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

1318 Dunmire Street (Suite 3), Pensacola, FL, 32504 We take a personalized approach to ADD and ADHD therapy, using every tools to help patients better manage symptoms and enjoy an enhanced life. 850-417-8991 or 850-477-2799 acfc4222@gmail.com www.pensacolatherapytreatment.com

Attention Deficit Disorder Assoc. (ADDA)

Information, resources and network opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives. Find us on Facebook! 800-939-1019

info@add.org

www.add.org

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) CHADD Provides support and education for individuals with AD/HD.

(301) 306-7070 or (800) 233-4050 customer_service@chadd.org www.chadd.org

Feingold Association of the United States

Foods & synthetic additives can cause behavior, learning and health problems. We Help families introduce low-additive diets and techniques for better behavior, learning and public awareness. 631-369-9340 help@feingold.org www.feingold.org

The Wolff Center for Child & Adolescent Health

1530 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola , FL 32504 Providing healthcare needs from newborn -

young adulthood. Medical and behavioral care along with educational and family support. A complete resource center for ADHD/ADD children, adolescents and families. 850-474-4777

www.wolffcenter.com

Specific Resources -

Autism Spectrum

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center ad on page 25

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 Serving patients & families of all ages affected by Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc. Speech, occupational and physical therapy, ABA therapy, psychological/diagnostic services and individualized treatment plans. (251) 210-1632 info@americanautismcenter.com www.Americanautismcenter.com

Virtus Health (ABA / Behavioral Health Services) ad on page 21

1100 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 Virtus Health offers exclusive one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for those with behavioral challenges and skill deficits. Focused on premium care and evidenced-based treatment, our Pensacola Center offers services for children within a flexible schedule. We accept insurance, private pay, Medicaid, Gardiner, and other scholarship. Contact us today and discover the difference Virtus can make for your family! 800-217-9289 (Ext. 737) or 800-210-0814 (Ext 737) Pensacola@Virtus.health www.Virtus.Health

Autism Pensacola

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to educate and connect individuals and families. Our information and resources help make more informed decisions, build and strengthen relationships, and more importantly, thrive. 850-434-7171 info@autismpensacola.org www.autismpensacola.org

Autism Society of America

150 Ind Be pra cer ate

850 ww

FS Dis

Pe FS acr tion kno com

850 ww

543 Lea An

850 ww

515 Af dre An beh for

850 ww

377 An and Fol res

850

An cat fam up effe

The Autism Society is a national non-profit organization delivering information, advocacy and support to the autism community. Open Monday Friday, 9:00am - 9:00pm.

949

800-328-8476 info@autism-society.org www.autism-society.org

Autism Speaks

Promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for people with autism and their families. The Autism Response Team provides connections to information, tools and resources.

888-AUTISM2 familyservices@autismspeaks.org www.autismspeaks.org

Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast

Niceville, FL 32578 The voice of our local autism community, providing charitable & educational resources. Family support, education, advocacy and public awareness. Join our Facebook group! 850-496-3062

Off nec offe

800 ww

305 The pro citi oth

(25 ww

www.asecfl.com

B.I.G. Autism Foundation

3332 Indian Hills Drive, Pace, FL 32571 A non-profit organization bringing awareness and education to families in Pensacola, and surrounding areas, treatment options for children with autism. Find us on Facebook for updates and programs. 850-516-3885 www.facebook.com/BIGAutismFoundation

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Cy Co

510 Tam Lea

ied h ed

d ver

e on-

and y-

BTEC Behavioral Therapy, Inc.

1508 West Garden Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Individualized behavioral therapy using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodologies. Our practitioners hold a Master’s degree, are board certified behavior analysts and have post-graduate training in ABA. 850-483-1508 lauriturner@btectherapy.com www.btectherapy.com

FSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (FSU CARD)

Pensacola, FL 32503 FSU CARD serves individuals with autism across the lifespan by providing free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, sustainability, and capacity within the community. 850-324-6245 christine.ogilvie@med.fsu.edu www.fsucard.com

Pace Gracie Jiu Jitsu

5430 Highway 90, Milton, FL 32571 Learn Self Defense, Situational Awareness, and Anti Bullying techniques. 850-816-0065 pacegjj@gmail.com www.pacegjj.com

Sacred Heart Autism Center

5154 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 A family-centered approach to learning for children on the autism spectrum. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy improves social skills and behavior. Parent instruction and hands-on training for families and professionals. 850-416-4681 soman@ascension.org www.facebook.com/SacredHeartAutismCenter

Spectrum House - Autism Center

3771 Stefani Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 An organization that provides therapy for children and young adults with developmental disabilities. Follow us on Facebook for updates, events and resources. 850-607-6910

www.spectrumhouse.org

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

A national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting families affected by autism. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. 949-640-4401 or 855-726-7810

Specific Resources

Cerebral Palsy

www.tacanow.org

MyChild at CerebralPalsy.org

ing and research. We link the CF community with local activities to support the mission. Find us on Facebook for event updates! 813-374-9041 rreid@cff.org www.cff.org/SouthwestFL

Down Syndrome

Specific Resources

Down Syndrome Association of the Emerald Coast

To provide support, resources and advocacy for those with Down Syndrome. We aim to increase awareness and acceptance within Bay County and surrounding communities. 850-249-9988 dsaec321@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/DSAEC

Genes of Joy

2920 Bellview Avenue (Suite 321P), Pensacola, FL 32526 Connecting and partnering with families touched by Down syndrome to support and build lasting relationships. 850-380-3341 genesofjoy@gmail.com www.genesofjoy.org

The Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee (DSAT)

2910 Kerry Forest Parkway (D4-212), Tallahassee, FL 32309 Education, support, and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, families and professionals. We build public awareness and acceptance of the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. 850-541-3981 or 850-276-9859 amber.davis@ dsatallahasee.com www.dsatallahassee.com

Dianne Craft “Right Brain” Learning System

Resources for struggling learners- Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Auditory Processing, Focus/Attention Issues, Sensory Processing, Autism, Dyspraxia. Purchase Dianne’s Brain Integration Therapy Program, Right Brain Teaching and Nutritional Intervention resources online. 303-694-0532 Child.DiagnosticsCS@gmail.com www.diannecraft.org

Epilepsy Florida

United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile

850-433-1395

3058 Dauphin Sq Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 The primary mission of UCP of Mobile is to promote the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. (251) 479-4900 lluckie@ucpmobile.org www.ucpmobile.org

Specific Resources

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

5100 West Kennedy Boulevard (Suite 195), Tampa, FL 33609 Leading the search for cystic fibrosis cures, fund-

- Epilepsy

Specific Resources

Offering information about cerebral palsy, connect individuals with helpful resources, as well as offer unlimited support. Come join us, today! 800-692-4432 ContactUs@MyChildwithCP.com www.cerebralpalsy.org

- Dyslexia

Specific Resources

2401 Executive Plaza , Pensacola, FL 32504 Supporting and advocating for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizures from local to national levels. Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. www.epilepsyfl.com

407-248-9210 contact@sbacentralflorida.org www.sbacentralflorida.org

Vision Impaired

Specific Resources

American Sign Language University

A resource site for students and teachers. Selfstudy materials, lessons, and information, as well as fee-based instructor-guided courses. Join our Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/ Lifeprint.ASLU. www.lifeprint.com

Bureau of Braille and Talking Books Library

239 North Spring Street, Pensacola, AL 32504 The Library provides information and materials in Braille and audio format for residents unable to use standard print. Serving Escambia County. Hours are 10am - 3pm Tuesday - Friday. 850-471-6000 or 850-494-7373 http://dbs.myflorida.com/library/

Florida Division of Blind Services (Pensacola District)

600 University Office Boulevard (Building 4), Pensacola , FL 32504 Helping blind and visually impaired individuals, from babies to senior citizens, achieve goals and live productive and independent lives. Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 850-484-5122

http://dbs.myflorida.com

Independence for the Blind of NW Florida

3107 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola , FL 32503 Offering a wide range of education and training. Our mission is to empower people who are Blind or Visually Impaired in Northwest Florida to achieve maximum independence. 850-477-2663

tim@ibwest.org

www.ibwest.org

Support Groups Facing Forward

Pensacola, FL Support group for Parents of children with facial abnormalities. Please call for more information. 850-476-2701

Pensacola Exceptional Parents Connection (PEPC) 1000 East Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 A parent-led group for friends and families of children with Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Spina Bifida, and other disabilities. Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month. 850-384-7330 or 850-393-8808 abeddy01@gmail.com

Siblingsupport.org

Epilepsy Foundation

8301 Professional Place West (Suite 230), Landover, MD 20785 A non profit program with nearly 50 local organizations nationwide. We work to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through community, education and research for new treatments and therapies. 800-332-1000 ContactUs@efa.org www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Specific Resources

enhance the lives of all affected.

- Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida 100 West Lucerne Circle, Suite 100-G, Orlando, FL 32801 Promoting the prevention of Spina Bifida and to

A national program dedicated to the life-long concerns of millions of siblings with family members having special needs, developmental, and mental health concerns. Find a program near you! 850-469-5423 or 425-362-6421 info@siblingsupport.org www.siblingsupport.org

The Starfish Project NWFL

1762 Sea Lark Lane, Navarre, FL 32566 Offering parent education, support, opportunities for families to connect during seasonal events. Resources are available to children and families with a wide variety of exceptional needs. 850-204-8030 thestarfishprojectinc@gmail.com www.thestarfishprojectnwfl.org

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Therapy American Autism & Rehabilitation Center ad on page 25

American Hyperbaric Center ad on page 25

8871 Rand Avenue (Suite B), Daphne, AL 36526 A premier Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatment facility. HBOT reduces inflammation, promotes healing, repairs cells and heals wounds as well as treating symptoms of Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme, TBI/PTS, Stroke, RSD/CRPS, Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Foot Wounds, Radiation Injury, Failed Grafts/Flaps, Concussions and other Sports Injuries, Migraine Headaches, Cancer, Crohn’s/Colitis, Cerebral Palsy, Neuropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue and much more. (251) 210-1496 info@americanhbot.com www.AmericanHBOT.com

Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart Pediatric Rehabilitation Center ad on page 5

15 Daniel Street, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-416-2121

3754 U.S. Hwy 90 W (Ste 100), Pace, FL 32571 850-416-5290

5151 N 9th Ave (Ste 1405), Pensacola, FL 32504 850-416-7340

Pediatric rehabilitation is designed to maximize the abilities of children when development is interrupted by an injury or a disability. Please call our office for an appointment. www.ascension.org

Virtus Health (ABA / Behavioral Health Services) ad on page 21

Baptist Health Care Speech Center

1717 North E St (Ste 236), Pensacola, FL 32501 Caring for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders for ages newborn - adult. Staff members hold a SLHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and are state licensed in Florida. 850-434-4957 or 850-208-6120 www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/Speech

Beyond Expectations

FL ABA analysis and therapy in Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Crestview, Destin, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola areas. Karen Reid, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 850-362-6824 bebilling@yahoo.com www.beyondexpectationsaba.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers

2912 North E Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 Providing educational and therapeutic programs from infants to adults with a spectrum of abilities and disabilities including pediatric therapies, specialized child care, youth transition, charter schools for (3 to 5 year olds) Pre-K and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). 850-432-1596 info@capstonelearning.org www.capstonelearning.org

Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation

1108-A Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 Pediatric rehabilitation center. Speech, OT and PT for developmental, neurological and organic disorders. Our team provides current family friendly treatment approaches to help children reach their highest potential.

850-484-9292 info@centerforpediatricrehabilitation.com www.centerforpediatricrehabilitation.com

Greater Pensacola Behavior Services

4014 Highway 90, Pace, FL Children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) should have dedicated and quality care. We provide services with a certified Analyst and follow strict Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) guidelines. 850-723-6570 GreaterPensacolaABA@gmail.com www.greaterpensacolaaba.com

Pediatric Therapy Center of NWFL

4624 Summerdale Drive, Pace, FL 32571 The PTC team includes occupational, physical, and speech therapists working together to create individualized treatment plans in clinics, daycares, homes, and schools. Santa Rosa, Escambia and Okaloosa counties. 850-994-3456 meme@ptcnwfl.com www.pediatrictherapycenterflorida.com

The Arc Gateway/Pearl Nelson Child Development Center

916 East Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 To provide the best possible life experiences for those with or at risk of intellectual or developmental delays or disabilities. 850-434-7755 info@arc-gateway.org www.arc-gateway.org

Kids Health from Nemours

One of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, teens and educators. www.kidshealth.org

Learning Ally

Helping students with disabilities, including blindness, visual impairment and dyslexia. Learning Ally improves the way students learn at home and in the classroom. 800-221-4792

www.learningally.org

Love That Max

Love That Max is a blog for parents of kids with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome & other special needs.

www.lovethatmax.com/2015/04/free-things-for-kidswith-special-needs.html

Operation Autism for Military Families

Operation Autism is sponsored and maintained by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). See more information in this directory under Organization for Autism Research (OAR). 866-366-9710

www.operationautism.org

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

2000 North St (Suite 300), Arlington, VA 22201 Supporting U.S. military families touched by autism spectrum disorders. Offering an introduction to autism, guide for the life journey and references for resources, services, and support. 703-243-9762

www.researchautism.org

Our-Kids

The Our-Kids list has over 700 people representing children of varying diagnosis. Developmental delays and sensory problems, cerebral palsy and rare genetic disorders. www.our-kids.org

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Our online magazine provides practical tips, shares life’s lessons, tackles the challenges and celebrates the joys of everyday life. www.parentingspecialneeds.org

Pathways.org

Providing Free tools to maximize all children’s motor, sensory, and communication development. 800-955-2445

www.pathways.org

Websites & Publications

Playing with Words 365

4 Paws for Ability

www.playingwithwords365.com

Training quality, task-trained service dogs for those with disabilities. We also work with veterans who’ve lost the use of limbs or hearing while in active combat. 937-374-0385 Info@4PawsForAbility.org www.4pawsforability.org

Bright Expectations

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Offerring support and resources for individuals, parents and families with disabilities.

850-245-4465 www.floridahealth.gov/programs-andservices/people-with-disabilities/bright-expectations

Help for parents and professionals to connect with children & build speech and language skills in every day life experiences.

Sesame Street Autism: Resources for Parents

Helping kids grow smarter using our Muppets to meet development needs and critical early education, social impact programs, and a large dose of fun!

1850 Borman Court, St. Louis, MO 63146 Adaptive & rehab equipment and therapy solutions for all ages with special needs. 877-664-4565 sales@especialneeds.com www.especialneeds.com

Financial Aid for College Students With Disabilities

This guide focuses on options, and helps students with disavilities find the resources needed to pay for and succeed in college.

www.learnhowtobecome.org/college/financial-aid-forstudents-with-disabilities

by Fly pla to clo for ing titl co

www.autism.sesamestreet.org

South Florida Parent Center

Providing parents of children with disabilities with information, training, assistance, and support. 239-417-3636

Especial Needs

www.sfptic.org

The Picky Table - Podcast

Occupational therapist, Amber Miller-Walker interviews parents and professionals regarding therapy techniques, diagnoses, and community resources for people with disabilities through a podcasts. Available on ITunes, Stitcher and Libsyn! (251) 802-8033 www.thepickytable.com

Very Special Camps

Camps that serve individuals with one or more of a wide range of special needs. www.veryspecialcamps.com GPP

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

A Page in a Book

Finding Their Own Fashion: Kids and Clothes

Before they develop their own style, most parents enjoy a grace period when we can dress our children up in a range of fashion that usually expresses our own idea of what suits our child. But the day always comes when kids take their clothing choices into their own hands and emerge from their room in a unique ensemble featuring color combinations that blind the senses, or is upside down, or is inside out, or includes a cape. And that’s cool. The power of expression kids may ascribe to their clothing choices supports their individual evolution and allows them to celebrate their individual style. The following titles explore how kids clothing helps them be comfortable with who they are in what they wear.

h r

cer-

ntal nd

Green Pants

by Kenneth Kraegel (Candlewick Press) Jameson can do anything when he’s wearing green pants. His basketball dunk is the highest, his dive is the deepest, and his dance moves are unmatched when his pants are green. Jameson has green pants that make the best of every occasion. But when he’s given the honor of being in his cousin’s wedding, the required tuxedo comes with a problem - black pants. Can Jameson do his best at the wedding if he gives up his green pants for the ceremony? For every child who has that favorite piece of clothing that defines their daily wear (and every parent who has to keep it in priority rotation for laundry), Green Pants is both a fashion love story and reassuring guide for options when signature garb has to take seat, just for a little while.

ent.

ith

erapy es

Willbee the Bumblebee

by Craig Smith & Maureen Thomson, Illustrated by Katz Cowley (Scholastic) Flying among the flowers in the garden, Willbee has an important job moving pollen from plant to plant. Even though his days start early and end late, he’s got his fuzzy striped jersey to keep him warm while he works. But when a thorn snags a thread on his jersey, his work clothes unwind, exposing his bare bee bum and leaving Willbee out in the cold. Unable to fly for help, other garden helpers step in with their own unique skills to get Willbee back into flying fashion. With rhyming couplets that follow a bee’s trajectory through the garden, this sweet title knits together a journey from unraveling confidence to a community effort that restores comfort (and style) to one of its hardest workers.

Ogilvy

by Deborah Underwood, Illustrations by T.L. McBeth (Henry Holt and Company) It’s Ogilvy’s first day in a new town and he’s ready to join activities and make new friends. Donning his signature sweater he visits the park where all the bunnies are playing games. When he starts to join in, Ogilvy discovers that his sweater style dictates the games that he’s allowed (or not allowed) to participate in. By simply changing what he calls his sweater, Ogilvy finds the avenue that allows him to do all the things he loves. But when the bunnies start to chafe against his revolving description of ‘sweater’, it’s up to Ogilvy to ultimately define fashion and fun. Empowering young readers to own their individual sense of style and take a sartorial stand among the masses, this title celebrates the Ogilvy in all of us.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

FamilyCalendar Sunday, August 25

Pensacola Saenger Theatre Presents Dial M for Murder 2 p.m. Classic film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and featuring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Family Sunday 5:05 p.m. vs. Jackson. Kids run the bases and families have the chance to play catch on the field following each Sunday home game. For more info, call (850) 934-8444 or visit https://www.milb.com/pensacola.

Monday, August 26

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball Military Monday 6:35 p.m. vs. Jackson. Join the Wahoos in honoring local military heroes each Monday of the 2019 season. For more info, call (850) 934-8444 or visit https:// www.milb.com/pensacola.

Friday, August 30

Gulf Coast Summer Fest Jazz Edition Kick-Off Party Doors open at 7 p.m. Army National Guard, 8790 Grow Drive, Pensacola. Bring your own food and drinks. $25 admission in advance; $35 at the door. For tickets or more info, visit www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition. com/ or call (850) 393-3028. JUCO Soccer Invitational thu September 2 Ashton Brosnaham Park, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive, Pensacola. For more info, visit https://pensacolasports.org/jucosoccer/. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Ft. Pickens) 7 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Ft. Pickens Battery Worth parking lot. Volunteers will set up nearly 20 telescopes ranging in strength and size from duplicates of Galileo’s original telescope to today’s incredible largescope devices for the public to take a peek at wonders such as Jupiter, the Milky Way and other galaxies. For more info, call Dewey Barker at (850) 450-7767 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-stargazing/.

Saturday, August 31

Gulf Coast Summer Fest Jazz Edition 2:30 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola. Bring coolers and lawn chairs. Vendors available on site. For tickets or more info, visit www. gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com/ or call (850) 393-3028. Arcadia Kids’ Crafts 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free kids’ crafts featuring scaly snakes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill or contact Arcadia Staff at arcadiamill@uwf.edu. Pensacola Saenger Theatre Presents Creature from the Black Lagoon 7 p.m. Classic film featuring Richard Carlson and Julie Adams. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Widespread Panic Live in Concert Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; concert at 8 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Parking $10 cash only; concert tickets begin at $60. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

7th Annual Backpack Project USA Family Fishing Rodeo Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, 30 East Texar, Pensacola. You and your children can compete in numerous fresh and saltwater fishing categories to win prizes. The Open Division offers 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place monetary prizes while the Junior Division offers trophies and a kayak for the grand prize winner! Also enter raffles and bid on silent auction items. A fried fish dinner will be offered at the end of the day on Sunday. For more info, visit www. backpackprojectusa.com/ or call (850) 595-0135. Trash Bash with the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center 8-10 a.m. Meet up to clean up! Volunteers will meet in the main Navarre Beach parking lot near the Sand Crab Pavilion. A limited supply of gloves, buckets and pickers are provided, or participants can bring supplies. For more info, call (850) 684-3347 or visit www.navarrebeachseaturtles.org.

Sunday, September 1

Gulf Coast Summer Fest Jazz Edition 2:30 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola. For details, see August 31 listing. Soul Beach Sunday Mini Festival 2-9:30 p.m. Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Real Women Radio and Levar Entertainment present this free family fun event featuring some of the best talent on the Gulf Coast For more info, call (850) 792-6707 or visit www.realwomenradio.com/. Widespread Panic Live in Concert Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; concert at 8 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For details, see August 31 listing. Free Yoga Class - Breathe Yoga and Wellness 10 - 11 a.m. Community Maritime Park. Classes are held the first Sunday of each month and are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use. Water will be provided, but you need to bring your own bottle or container. For more info, visit www.cityofpensacola.com/.

Monday, September 2

Yoga & Art at Pensacola Museum of Art with Nancy LaNasa 5:30 p.m. Enhance your creative focus and flow. All levels welcome. Bring towel, yoga mat, water bottle. PMA members are free; non-members free with admission to museum. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

Wednesday, September 4

Light the Fire Again Conference Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. Today is also an autograph day at the National Naval Aviation Museum following the practice. Call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ for more info.

Thursday, September 5

Light the Fire Again Conference Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 6 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are The Krickets, Ben de la Cour, and Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield. Tickets are $10 and available in advance at radiolive.org or at the door on the day of the show. Doors open at 5 p.m.

For more info, visit wuwf.org/radiolive or call (850) 473-7433.

Country Music Free Film Screening 7-9 p.m. WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, 1000 College Blvd. Join WSRE for a free advance screening of Ken Burns’ new documentary, Country Music. Immediately following the film and led by “Grand Ole Opry” comedian J. Terryl “T. Bubba” Bechtol, there will be a panel discussion and audience Q&A with Nashville songwriter and record producer Rusty Budde, Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Director Reneda Cross, Ricky Lee Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters, and award-winning songwriter Mark Sherrill. Register at wsre.org/CountryMusic or call (850) 484-1200.

Pen Aut 11: 10initi spe dev env pre incr wid in p cola

Friday, September 6

Light the Fire Again Conference Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adult 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. Registration required. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 7 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. Volunteers will set up nearly 20 telescopes ranging in strength and size from duplicates of Galileo’s original telescope to today’s incredible large-scope devices for the public to take a peek at wonders such as Jupiter, the Milky Way and other galaxies. For more info, call Dewey Barker at (850) 450-7767 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-star-gazing/. The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Meets the 1st Friday of every month. Program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided. Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/ or call (850) 529-0908.

Saturday, September 7

Light the Fire Again Conference Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 7 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. For details, see September 6 listing. Pensacola Saenger Theatre Presents Arsenic and Old Lace 7 p.m. Classic film directed by Frank Capra and featuring Cary Grant. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 7 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. For details, see September 6 listing.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

illne sion boa som are or v

Sem 8a Sta

io,

Mud re

de, da s, r at

00.

s, m,

. n

FamilyCalendar Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-14. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Our program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247. Captains for Kids Locations at Florabama Marina, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key; and Pensacola Beach Marina, 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Gulf Breeze. We provide a FREE fun day on the water for kids with special needs and illnesses by providing: fishing charters, sailing excursions, parasailing rides, dolphin cruises and water airboat rides. Most events have space for the parents and sometimes a sibling or two to tag along. All activities are free of charge. For more info, call (850) 438-5555 or visit https://spotate.wixsite.com/captains-for-kids. Semper Fi 5K Charity Run 8 a.m.-noon. Seville Quarter, Downtown Pensacola. Started in 1983, the original charity race was organized

with the goal of helping families of the 241 American service members killed in the bombing attack on the Marine barracks in Beirut. Today, the purpose of the race is to give back to the Pensacola community and local outreach programs. For more info, visit www.marinecorpsleaguepensacola.org/ or call (850) 712-0210. Preschool Art Time: Sponge Paint Solar System 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. Cost: $6/ members and $8/non-members, per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

Wednesday, September 11

Story Seedlings 2:45-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Story Seedlings builds on the foundations begun in Sprouts with emphasis on chapter books. Lessons are geared for 4- to 7-year-olds, but siblings under 10 are welcome to join and participate as they like! Cost: complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Blue Angels Practice & Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see September 4 listing.

Thursday, September 12

Science Hour 6-7 p.m. Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola. UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension hosts this educational series meeting most months. Tonight’s topic is “Genetically Modified Organisms: What are GMO’s, really?” presented by Libbie Johnson, agriculture agent, UF IFAS Extension, Escambia County. Each session is free to the public. For

more info, contact Carrie at ctsteven@ufl.edu or call (850) 475-5230. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see September 4 listing.

Friday, September 13

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see September 4 listing.

Saturday, September 14

Bay Bluffs & Chimney Park Cleanups 9 -10 a.m. Come join the Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation, Earth Ethics and Ocean Hour for a two-location clean-up on Scenic Highway the second Saturday of every month. Sign-in at 8:45. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. E-mail oceanhourfl@gmail.com or BayBluffsCleanUp@gmail.com; visit www.facebook. com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 207-9326 and leave a message. 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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALK-IN CLINIC

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

on nd d

er-

00.

ur-

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

FamilyCalendar experiences. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/. Open Studio: Geometric Collage 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Participants are invited to drop in anytime between 11:30 and 3:30 to explore and experiment with a variety of media and art forms. Admission: $6 per participant, free for PMA members. All supplies provided; all ages welcome! Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Pensacola Saenger Theatre Presents Citizen Kane 7 p.m. Classic film directed by and starring Orson Welles. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. Day of Play 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St., Pensacola. FREE family fun! 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. Join us for a day of exciting activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the entire family. For more info, call (850) 436-5670. Ping Pong on Palafox Tournament 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Palafox & Romana Street intersection in Downtown Pensacola. Event benefits Gulf Coast Kid’s House and is hosted by Zarzaur Law. It includes a table tennis “ping pong” tournament for all ages and levels, games, refreshments for players, and more! The round robin tournament will kick off at 10 a.m. with kids’ age groups and adult divisions with cash prizes for winners. The first 50 players to sign up for the tournament will also receive a swag bag. For more info, find us on Eventbrite.

David Feherty Off Tour! Live on Stage 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. The New York Times calls him “a cross between Oprah Winfrey and Johnny Carson.” With a sharp wit and irreverent style, the professional golfer turned golf analyst, talk show host and sports broadcaster has made a name for himself as one of the most hilarious and irrepressible personalities in golf. Tickets begin at $49. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Tuesday, September 17

BoDeans Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit www.vinylmusichall.com/. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For other details, see September 4 listing.

Thursday, September 19

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/.

Friday, September 20

The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at Beef O’Brady’s, 344 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze. The program includes education segments,

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch is not provided. Call (850) 529-0908 or Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/. Ula - A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band Doors open at 6 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. A FREE Gallery Night concert. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit www.vinylmusichall.com/. Hill-Kelly Movies in the Park Series - A Dog’s Way Home 7:30 p.m. Community Maritime Park. Bring your blankets and chairs to watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Movies begin at sunset and free event parking begins at 6 p.m. Tonight we will partner with the Pensacola Humane Society for a pet adoption event! Come early to enjoy the adoption event before the movie starts! For more info, find “Play Pensacola Parks & Recreation” on Facebook and click on events. Homeschool Day at the Gulf Breeze Zoo 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet up with other homeschool groups in the area for a day of learning, fun and fellowship. Parents and homeschooled students are a special rate of only $10 each, including train ride. Join us for special educational programming including Meet-A-Zookeeper talks! For more info, visit www.gbzoo.com/ or call (850) 932-2229. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adult 4-5:30 p.m. For details, see September 6 listing. Flicks on the Field: The Lego Movie 7 p.m. Pensacola Greyhound Track, 951 Dog Track Road, Pensacola. The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce presents a FREE family fun movie night! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars! Concessions will be available. For more info, call (850) 492-4660 or visit https://business. visitperdido.com/. Opera After Dark 8-10 p.m. UWF Historic Trust Museum Plaza, 300 S Tarragona St., Pensacola. Music, food trucks, local vendors and glow sticks. Opera After Dark is an exciting, FREE Gallery Night event. This unique outdoor concert features professional singers and local favorites. For more info, call (850) 433-6737 or visit https://pensacolaopera.com/events/.

Jon Foreman 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. In 1996, Foreman began his music career heading an unassuming San Diego-based band, now known all over the world as the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning alt-rock group Switchfoot. Foreman began releasing solo EPs in 2007. Tickets begin at $17. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.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. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 7:30 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. Weddings have a way of bringing out the best

and worst in their guests. On the surface, these five bridesmaids have nothing in common. But they band together to survive a wedding party full of landmines like ex-boyfriends, overbearing mothers, and having a bit too much to drink. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for more info.

Saturday, September 21

Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s clean up at Project Greenshores, also know as Wayside Park West, the third Saturday of every month. Project Greenshores is at the Three Mile Bridge on Bayfront Parkway, 745 Bayfront Parkway. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags will be supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. The second location is Bartram Park located at 211 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola (Behind the Fish House). E-mail: oceanhourfl@gmail.com; visit www.facebook. com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 450-1112 and leave a message. Parents’ Night Out: An Art Class for Kids 5:30-8 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For ages 5-12. Cost $20 per student. Students will experiment with various media to create 3D and 2D works to take home. Light snacks are provided but you may pack a dinner if desired. Register at www.pensacolamuseum. org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Pensacola Saenger Theatre Presents Star Wars 7 p.m. Classic film directed by George Lucas and starring Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-14. For details, see September 7 lsiting. Sonshine Family Farms Corn Maze and Mini Golf Saturdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. 6270 Oglesby Road, Milton, Fla. Two mazes in one with games to play inside the mazes. Playground area with swings, slides, kiddie train ride, zipline, horse and pony rides, tether ball courts, 9-hole mini golf course, corn toss boards, picnic tables under shade trees and a concession stand. Hayrides take you for a ride around the farm and the pond. The fish pond will be open for fishing. Call (850) 418-5897 or visit SonshineFamilyFarms.com. Great Strides 3K 8-11 a.m. Seville Square, 301 South Alcaniz St., Pensacola. Great Strides – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event – supports the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness for this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds. Your support will help accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy. For more info, visit http://fightcf.cff.org/ or call (800) 344-4823. Preschool Art Time: Mosaic Acorns 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see September 7 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 7:30 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. For details, see September 20 listing.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Fam 1-4 afte enj par into or c

Bro 12St. us e per and and or v

Pen We 7:3 McN

Pan The 7:3 for Shir my of “ in H as a call tyth

Sta 7p tion Wo

Pen We 7:3 McN

Pan Ha 7:3 Sep

Ann Fes 4-9 Fes Caj live ven http

201 8a 300 site Reg We Sho

d s

ur’s ide ct

45.

). k.

a m.

s rr w.

olf

ea nd e, da d or

K See,

n re,

Sunday, September 22

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 3 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. For details, see September 20 listing. Family Sunday at Pensacola Museum of Art 1-4 p.m. Bring your family to the museum for a Sunday afternoon full of family-friendly activities. Afterwards enjoy a self-guided tour of the exhibitions. Cost: $6/ participant over the age of 3, includes day admission into the PMA. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

Tuesday, September 24

Brown Bag Opera 12-12:45 p.m. Pensacola Opera, 75 South Tarragona St. You bring the lunch. We bring the opera. Join us each month during our season for a lunch break performance by our Artists in Residence. Bring a lunch and enjoy it while you listen to favorite arias, duets, and popular songs. For more info, call (850) 433-6737 or visit https://pensacolaopera.com/events/.

Thursday, September 26

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 7:30 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. For details, see September 20 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Haunting of Hill House 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. Adapted for the stage by F. Andrew Leslie from the novel by Shirley Jackson; directed by Bob Monson. A chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror when a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together in Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known as a place of evil and “contained ill will.” For more info, call (850) 221-7599 or visit http://panhandlecommunitytheatre.com/.

Friday, September 27

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Ft. Pickens) 7 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Ft. Pickens Battery Worth parking lot. For details, see August 30 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 7:30 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. For details, see September 20 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Haunting of Hill House 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see September 26 listing.

. )

Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival 4-9 p.m. 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Fla. International & Festival Food including Filipino, Polish and Italian, BBQ, Cajun, funnel cakes and much more! Many new rides, live music, indoor bingo, crafts, farmer’s market, 40+ vendors, raffle and more! Call (850) 623-3600 or visit https://srolparish.org/fall-festival-1.

2019 Vettes At The Beach Car Show 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola. 300 Corvettes from all over the country, vendors on site, great music, and Deep South Focus Photography. Registration after August 10 is $50 (Includes Friday Welcome Dinner for 2, Dash Placque and Corvette Car Show). Visitors are welcome to walk around and look

een

FamilyCalendar

at the Corvettes, talk and share stories, no charge for visitors. For more info, call (850) 375-6993. 40th Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Seville Square Park, Pensacola. Sample a variety of seafood dishes and enjoy continuous entertainment in Fountain Park. Arts and crafts vendors will display their unique wares, many items reflective of our area’s unique Gulf Coast lifestyle. A children’s area is filled with activities for all ages. The Fiesta Seafood Grille offers cooking demonstrations where you can watch area chefs prepare regional delicacies. For more info, call (850) 433-6512 or visit www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/.

Saturday, September 28

2019 Vettes at the Beach Car Show 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola. For details, see September 27 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Haunting of Hill House 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see September 26 listing. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see September 14 listing. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 7:30 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. For details, see September 20 listing. Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Fla. For details, see September 27 listing. Saturday morning includes 5K run/walk. Open Studio: Found Poetry 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For details, see September 14 listing. Pensacola Rip the Runway 5 p.m. Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I Street, Pensacola. It’s a night of epic fashion and star-studded runways. This event is put on by fashion mogul, online boutique owner and plus-size model, Alexus Rackley. The stage is shared with many designers and fashion stylists as they display their fiery, fierce styles and designs, along with models walking the catwalk dressed in the clothes created by designers from all over. Admission: $25. For more info, call (850) 346-1803 or visit www.pensacolaripsrunway.com/. Arcadia Kids’ Crafts 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arcadia Mill, 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton. Free kids’ crafts featuring spray bottle nature art. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill or contact Arcadia Staff at arcadiamill@uwf.edu. Pet Partners: Read With Me 10:15 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. School-aged children (ages 5-12) are invited to register for a 15-minute session to pick a book and read to one of the therapy dogs. Dogs and handlers are coordinated through Pet Partners and Cherry Point Dog Training, Inc. Preregistration requested. For more info, call (850) 453-7780. Sweet Season Farms Corn Maze and Fall Fun Festival Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.;

Friday nights 6-10 p.m. 2260 Horn Rd., Milton. Enjoy a day on a working Santa Rosa County farm. Visitors can spend time navigating through an eight-acre corn maze, playing on more than 20 types of fun farmthemed activities, including a cow train, beeline zipline, corn popper jumping pillow, hayrides, barnyard ball, playground and more! For more info, call (850) 6753573 or visit www.sweetseasonfarms.com.

Dane Cook - Tell It Like It Is 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Dane Cook is known as one of the most prolific stand-up comedians and a versatile actor, recognized in significant film and TV projects. He has been featured in numerous Comedy Central and HBO specials. Tickets begin at $40. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola Seafood Don McCloskey 5K 7:30- 11 a.m. Seville Quarter, Downtown Pensacola. Hosted by the Pensacola Runners Association, this is a flat, fast certified 5K course through downtown Pensacola and eat some of the best seafood around at the Pensacola Seafood Festival after the race! For more info, visit https://pensacolarunners.com/ or e-mail PensacolaRunnersAssociation@gmail.com.

Sunday, September 29

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress 3 p.m. Written by Alan Ball and directed by Maureen McNeill. For details, see September 20 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Haunting of Hill House 2:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see September 26 listing. Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Fla. For details, see September 27 listing. Carnival for a Cure

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Fishbein Orthodontic is teaming up with Rally Pensacola to put on an exciting event to raise awareness and proceeds towards the fight against childhood cancer. Carnival for a Cure will exhibit fun vendors, interactive games and attractions, entertainment, food trucks and more! For more info, visit https://rallyfoundation.org/ rally-pensacola/ or call (404) 847-1270.

Thursday, October 3

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 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.

Friday, October 4

Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Haunting of Hill House 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see September 26 listing. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adult 4-5:30 p.m. For details, see September 6 listing. Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival For details, see October 3 listing.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

FamilyCalendar

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Dracula: A Real Pain in the Neck 7:30 p.m. Directed by Brandi Lane and written by Stephen Lott. We all know the story of Dracula and the legends of the great vampires, but what if that is just what they wanted us to think? This original comedy thriller goes to the heart of the matter. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ for tickets.

of awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer. In addition, we will have an after-party celebration at The Grand Marlin that will include live music, activities, drink specials and a silent auction. Funds raised will benefit the Baptist Health Care Foundation’s Mammogram Fund. The bras will be donated to local organizations that help women and girls in need. For more info, call (850) 469-7906 or visit https://baptisthealthcarefoundation.org/.

Godsmack & Halestorm Live in Concert Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Parking $10 cash only; concert tickets begin at $52. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Opening Night 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. From the first notes of Dvorak’s spirited “Carnival Overture” to the last notes of Debussy’s powerful “La Mer,” the energy and exhilaration of Opening Night are incomparable. For more info, call (850) 435-2533 or visit www.pensacolasymphony. com/.

Saturday, October 5

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 7 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. For details, see September 6 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Haunting of Hill House 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see September 26 listing. Tom Petty Tribute - The Wildflowers Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit www.vinylmusichall.com/. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-14. For details, see September 7 lsiting. St. Francis Day Family Celebration & Bazaar 10 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 1 St. Francis Drive, Gulf Breeze. Free Blessing of the Animals, Bake Sale & Arts ‘N Crafts Bazaar. Inside and outside exhibits. Fish fry with grits & fixings ($8 per adult & FREE for kids under 10). Hot dogs & hamburgers too! Police dog demos, dog adoptions and $10 rabies shots. Face painting, balloon animals and more for the kids. For more info, visit www.stfrancisgulfbreeze.org. Take a Kid Fishing Navarre 8 a.m. This free kids’ fishing pole giveaway and clinic is staged at Navarre Beach Pier, 8579 Gulf Blvd., Navarre. First 300 children under 12 receive a free fishing pole and T-shirt. Participants are encouraged to pre-register at takeakidfishingnavarre.com or if available, day of event. Event includes free bait and fishing instruction. Navarre Beach Fishing Rodeo Tournament competition opens 12:01 a.m. Saturday until 4 p.m. Sunday. Fish from the shore, a boat or kayak, or from the pier! Prizes will be awarded in all divisions. Weigh-in is at Juana’s on Navarre Beach Causeway and scales close promptly at 4 p.m. on both days. Junior anglers 12 and under can compete in the Junior Division for free. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Navarre Beach Marine Park. Captain’s bags will have goodies. Call Sandi Kemp at (850) 939-1900 or visit www.navarrefishingrodeo.com. Bras Across the Bridge 8 a.m.-noon. The Grand Marlin Pensacola Beach, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Breast cancer survivors, their loved ones and the community are invited to join together to increase breast cancer awareness. The crowd will make its way across the bridge as a show

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Dracula: A Real Pain in the Neck 7:30 p.m. Directed by Brandi Lane and written by Stephen Lott. For details, see October 4 listing. Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival For details, see October 3 listing. Santa Rosa Island Triathlon Gulfside Pavilion, 20 Casino Beach Blvd. A great sports competition for the regional triathlon community and a significant event for Pensacola Beach. An awesome Finisher’s medal will be awarded to all who complete this legendary race. The destination weekend also features the Pensacola Beach Songwriters’ Festival and the Sea Turtle Kids’ Triathlon. For more info, call (850) 434-2800 or visit www.santarosaislandtriathlon.com/. Preschool Art Time: Witch and Warlock Hats 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see September 7 listing.

Sunday, October 6

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Dracula: A Real Pain in the Neck 3 p.m. Directed by Brandi Lane and written by Stephen Lott. For details, see October 4 listing. Fallapalooza 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Airport/ Medical Center, 1144 Airport Boulevard. A day of shopping, fun and food! Come out and support local vendors and small business owners. This is a great opportunity for some early holiday shopping! Manna Food Pantry Donation List will be provided. For more info, call (850) 291-4496.

Monday, October 7

Yoga & Art at Pensacola Museum of Art with Nancy LaNasa 5:30 p.m. For details, see September 2 listing.

Tuesday, October 8

Baby Shark Live! 6 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark as he joins up with his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance through some of your favorite new and classic songs! In this one of a kind concert experience, young fans will be dancing in the aisles as Baby Shark and friends go on fun adventures to learn and meet new friends! Tickets begin at $30. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/.

Every Sunday This Month

Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. The service always draws a large and friendly crowd. Visit http://www.centralonline.tv/ flora-bama/. Family-Friendly Improv at Pensacola Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. 239 N. Spring St. Come learn basic improv techniques and games like those in the comedy show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Improv is storytelling without a script. All ages welcome, but parents must accompany younger children. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.

Every Tuesday This Month

Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Bring your lawn chair and join us every Tuesday night for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times. Artists include: Class X

August 27; She And The Its September 3; Chloe Channell September 10; Twang Gang September 17; Mass Kunfuzion September 24; Knee Deep Band October 1; and Southern Breeze October 8. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happeningbands-on-beach/. Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. Fresh produce to local Lonestar Kitchen to jewelry and soaps. Come support local artists. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/pg/ gbfarmersmarket/ or call (850) 867-7263. Preschool Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Join us for stories, songs and movement designed to build future readers! We have fun with many books from our collection. For more info, call (850) 453-7780. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are creative and have an organic, environmental and local twist. Price: Complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Funky Flow is a creative hour with fun postures and music, combining yin and yang postures. Please wear comfortable clothing. All you need is yourself, a mat if you have one and an open mind. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Tuesday Jazz Jam 6:30 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government Street. Featuring various jazz vocalists and musicians weekly. The jazz concert will start in the Lili Marlene room. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.sevillequarter.com/.

Every Thursday This Month

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

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

and (85

of t Dow ons veg ww

Ora 10 Stre Sat telle ride the (inc

Sup 6-1 sac net cos incl and 4a gua chil gym

San 9a The incl coo

Fre 9:3 Pen sign ing bas cho clas ing

Bab Thi (lun Am plus Cla ter’ Bui 726

SN is a pow (CD lear “ke free Girl are or h

dy ing

e o r oin y sic,

of ts

ang

eze sit

ucal t pg/

Gulf

ed e. n50)

n r g

r ar-

mare ree

FamilyCalendar and guests play for only $3. For more info, call Max at (850) 453-1534 or visit www.pacactive.com.

Every Saturday This Month

Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. For more info, visit www.palafoxmarket.com. 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). Super Saturday/Parents’ Night Out 6-10 p.m. Mojo Gymnastics, 1901 N T Street, Pensacola. Bars and ropes to swing on, a zip line, cargo net, trampoline and bouncer. Weekly themes, such as costume parties, glow parties, etc. Pizza and drinks included in the $20 admission. Parents welcome to stay and play for FREE! Open to all ages; however, children 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult. To guarantee space, please e-mail or call to reserve your child’s space! Call (850) 733-3547 or visit www.mojogymnastics.com/super-saturday.html 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. Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. Our free beginner ukulele classes are designed to get you familiarized with the ukulele, including parts of the ukulele, how to hold it, how to tune it, basic chord shapes, basic strumming patterns and chord changes for your first song! The intermediate class focuses on learning songs and playing while singing along. For more info, call (850) 457-7557.

Classes

Community Education

Babysitter Class This class is open to youth from ages 11-15 for $30 (lunch is not provided). All participants receive an American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR Card, plus a Sacred Heart Hospital Babysitting Certificate. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5051 Carpenter’s Creek Drive in Pensacola at our Population Health Building. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 4167262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education. SNAP, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and “keep problems small.” SNAP services are completely free to youth and their families! SNAP Boys and SNAP Girls program is designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/ or have come into contact with authority figures at

school or in the community. The parent group meets at the same time as the SNAP Boys/SNAP Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges. For more info or to participate in a program, call (850) 453-2772.

Parenting

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

“My Family’s Growing” Sibling Class Class prepares soon-to-be siblings (ages 3 through 10) for the arrival of a new baby in their family. Our sibling class includes a complete tour of the Maternity & Women’s Center of Sacred Heart Hospital. Cost is $10 per child. Newborn Parenting This class strives to prepare parents in caring for their new bundle of joy, from birth through the first few weeks at home. Newborn Parenting is taught by experienced nurses from Sacred Heart Hospital’s motherbaby 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

Prenatal & Childbirth

Baptist Women’s Center offers you choices to tailor your experience from early pregnancy to months following your baby’s birth. Our experienced team of nurses and educators are specially trained to make your birthing experience one of a kind. To register or for more info about our classes, call (850) 434-4567 or visit www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/birth. Baby Care Basics – Select Saturday classes (9 a.m.13:30 p.m.) walk you through what to expect in the hospital and at home. A key milestones guide will be given to monitor baby’s growth and needs and how to meet them. $20 per series. Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour of labor & delivery unit, and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Held third Fridays odd months, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Breastfeeding – Two-class series (select Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.) teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. $20 per series. Prepared Childbirth – This class prepares you and your partner for the labor and delivery journey by understanding the process and offering coping skills. $90 per series. Classes are offered each month as a five-class series from 6-8:30 p.m. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! Select Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4874 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Mondays and Fridays, 5:30 p.m. Monthly Series Package – $125 per couple and includes Prepared Childbirth (a four-class series or one all-day class), two Breastfeeding classes and two Baby Care Basics classes. Sacred Heart Hospital offers a variety of prenatal

education classes designed to help parents-to-be prepare for their special day and for the days that follow back home with the new baby. Registration is required for all classes and is offered online. For any questions, please call (850) 416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/. Breastfeeding This two-hour class, taught by one of Sacred Heart Hospital’s lactation consultants, teaches techniques for breastfeeding success and addresses common concerns to make your experience as smooth as possible. Cost is $20 per couple. Offered monthly on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. Infant/Child CPR Course Class is open to new parents, family members and friends who will be caring for a baby or young child. Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fee is $22 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, please call (850) 416-7264.

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

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

SupportGroups Childbirth Preparedness Class - Express Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Condensed version of our 4-week Childbirth Preparation class into one day, has many great topics, features and video clips including: understanding pregnancy, labor, medical procedures and cesarean birth. Free, very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368 for any additional questions.

Support Groups Cancer

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

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

Sacred Heart Cancer Center Sacred Heart provides emotional support and education for cancer patients and their families through a variety of support groups. For more info, visit the Cancer Center Support Groups website or call (850) 416-2679.

Grief Support

GriefShare The Sacred Heart Palliative Care department provides a free, 13-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care department, located in Suite 201 of the Bayou Tower on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s Bayou Tower entrance, which faces Bayou Blvd. For class dates and times and for registration information, call Kerri Riggs, LCSW, at (850) 416-7705. Grief Support Group for Adults Sacred Heart Hospital provides this free group for adults who have lost a loved one. For future classes and registration info, please call (850) 416-7705. Grief Support at Baptist Health Care Meetings last for six consecutive weeks. For current dates and more info, call (850) 469-7197.

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. For meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot. Pediatric Stroke Warriors of Pensacola For meeting dates and more information, please find us on Facebook or contact Rebecca Scherer at (352) 572-9018.

Parent Support

Baptist Mommy & Me Play Group Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Free support group for moms with babies up to six months old. Call for next meeting dates. For more info, call (850) 434-4567. La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Our mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Free. Next meetings will be held September 5 and October 3, 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 September 21, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of most months from 10 a.m. to noon in Classroom C/D of Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 5151 N. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola. This free support group provides mothers with an opportunity to share experiences, gain support and develop friendships. A lactation consultant from the Sacred Heart Maternity & Women’s Center will

be present to answer questions and offer advice. Baby weight checks are offered at each meeting. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required for each class session. For more info about this class or your parenting experience, please call The Nesting Place Women’s Boutique at 850-416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacredheart.org/childbirth. MOMS Club of Pensacola-Northeast Non-profit organization whose mission is to support stay-at-home mothers and their children. We offer agespecific 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. 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/.

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.

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.

Please send your calendar events to editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

to tee tio res wo ca da ha de the ve as tug ten to yo yo an

Th ab Th Wh fee like in wa wo by Wh yo int sig

X-r Mo giv do jud as yo su ho all it’s ou ha qu co tio

s tn’s ed-

ge-

. e s w.

ofit ola t re

ren enmail

aper,

n. ,

o m.

ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

The Power of a Good Question Most parents can agree that talking to a teenager sometimes feels like pulling teeth. You try to engage in conversation with your teen, and all you receive in response are grunts, eye-rolls, or oneword answers. You try everything you can to drag information out of your son or daughter, but the harder you pull, the deeper they dig in their heels. The conversation becomes a stressful game of tug-of-war, and after ten minutes of trying to pull words out of your child’s mouth, you’re exhausted and ready to quit. Can I suggest a different strategy? The power of a good question is remarkably effective in the hands of a parent. Think about it from your own point-of-view. When someone asks for your opinion, you feel valued. You feel appreciated. You feel like you’ll be listened too. When asked in a non-condemning and non-prying way, a good question conveys a sense of worth and relationship that is unparalleled by any other action a parent can make. When you ask your teen what they think, you’re letting them know you have an interest in them and that their opinion has significance to you. A good question can also act like an X-ray into the heart and mind of your teen. Most kids in high school will not voluntary give insights into what they’re thinking or doing, especially if they feel like they’ll be judged or criticized by mom or dad. But ask a question aimed at understanding your teen’s thoughts and feelings about a subject, and you’ll naturally draw out an honest report on where they are spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. As parents, it’s easy to observe what’s happening to our kids on the outside, but to see what’s happening on the inside, we need a good question. If we don’t ask questions, we could be missing serious, hidden situations in the life of their teen. Let me offer a few tips for asking good questions:

Avoid simple “yes” or “no” questions.

If your teen could answer with “yep”, try to find a way to phrase the question that makes a complete sentence necessary. Try to ask “who, what, when, where, or how” questions that inspire further thought. Find out what your son thinks about an issue, how your daughter would do something differently than you, where he would go, and why she thinks a certain way. Talk about controversial subjects as you would a friend or co-worker for whom you have respect. I can almost guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what comes out of your child’s mouth.

Ask questions, but don’t give answers until you’re asked yourself. Stop lectur-

ing and start listening. A Sunday school teacher once asked the ten-year-old in her class, “What’s wrong with grown-ups?” A boy responded, “Grown-ups never really listen because they already know what they’re going to answer.” Your teens won’t be ready to listen until they become the initiator of a discussion, so just hush and get out of the way and let them take the lead. As moms and dads, we want our teens to carefully think about their decisions before they act. You can help them along by stimulating their developing minds and hearts. Ask good questions that stoke a teen’s thought process. For example, take the recent trend of young female musicians pushing the envelope. Ask your teen daughter about her thoughts on the issue. Are these young artists simply being creative? What message are they projecting? Do their actions help or hurt them? You’re preparing them to approach situations and ideas with a wise heart and mind.

Watch your body language. Whether

your question succeeds or not depends not only on what you say, but how you say it! What is your face, your hands, your entire demeanor telling your teen? Are you 47

inviting your child to open up, or is your body language shouting, “keep quiet”? A good way to prevent hostile body language is to avoid asking questions when you’re overly angry, disappointed, or upset. When you’re in a bad mood, what comes out are phrases like, “Do you know how stupid that was? What were you thinking? Or “How could you?” Instead, take time to cool down and find a nice, quiet place to engage your teen in conversation. Stay relaxed and aware of the messages you are sending through your tone, posture, and volume of your voice.

Ask questions that develop your kid’s opinions, and not your own. Our job

as parents is not to recreate our minds and beliefs in our children’s lives. While this might be appropriate when they are young, as teenagers we need to train them to start thinking critically, to apply what they have been taught to the situations and circumstances in their own lives. They need to develop their own thoughts and feelings and learn to process them. Sometimes you empower teens to apply the values you taught them just by asking questions. Your questions might also encourage your teens to ask questions of you. And if they do start asking questions, they might be inviting you to a dark and shameful corner of their world. Don’t be afraid to go there! If a teen shares what is on her heart, but you’re more concerned with fixing her problems or telling her how to act than with listening, that teen will eventually quit sharing. Find opportunities to let your teen talk, even if they seem a bit forced at first. Eventually, with diligence on your part, your teen will again learn to trust their dreams, thoughts and questions with you.

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.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ Enzo, perfectly voiced with Kevin Costner’s warm, gravelly tones, is a dog who wants to be human. He believes that, if he learns everything he needs to in his life, he can be reincarnated as a man. Luckily for him, he’s adopted by Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), a racecar driver who names him after Enzo Ferrari, founder of the famous Ferrari company. The two bond immediately, with a shared love for watching races on TV. In fact, Enzo watches lots of television and credits it for teaching him about people. His love of racing and study of humans leads Enzo to use racing metaphors to explain his life and that of the people around him. The bond between Enzo and Denny is briefly tested when Denny marries Eve (played with big-eyed, waif-like fragility by Amanda Seyfried). But soon Enzo connects with Eve and eventually baby Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong). And then the road of life takes a sharp curve and Enzo throws himself into helping Denny steer the course. As Enzo tells the audience, “A true champion can accomplish things a normal person would consider impossible.” Parents looking for clean family entertainment can comfortably take older kids or grandma to see this film without worrying about uncomfortable moments. Small children, however, will likely find a few parts of the film disturbing. This is a film that unabashedly celebrates marriage, parenting, and families. If you love the dog movie genre, you’ll love The Art of Racing in the Rain.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: BIn this live-action adaptation, the perky preschooler of television fame only graces the screen for a few minutes as we’re filled in on Dora’s adventurous upbringing in the Peruvian jungle. But soon, we’re introduced to teenage Dora, (Isabela Moner) whose idyllic lifestyle amongst the flora and fauna is brought to an abrupt halt when her parents announce that they’re off to investigate Inca ruins in the wilds and she’s not invited. Instead, she’s being shipped off to the big city to live with her cousin Diego, (Jeff Wahlberg.) Any homeschooled kid from a different culture would have a rough go in a crowded high school, but Dora’s even more a fish out of water. Unfortunately, a class field trip ends in Dora, Diego and two other kids being drugged, kidnapped, and dumped in remotest Peru. With the help of a klutzy professor, (Eugenio Derbez) they escape their captors and venture into the jungle in search of Dora’s missing parents. What follows should be a fun adventure story, or, at the very least, a heartwarming lesson in friendship and teamwork. Instead, it’s a hodgepodge of childish jokes, slapstick antics, and legitimately perilous situations that left me wondering what age group the filmmakers had in mind when they put the thing together. When things finally concluded in a celebratory musical number, I felt like singing along with the words, “Lo hicimos! We did it!” Just reaching the end of this movie felt like an accomplishment.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Angry Birds 2 MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The birds of Bird Island and the pigs of Piggy Island are sworn enemies who spend their days playing pranks on each other. But their cartoon antics come to a halt when the pigs discover a third island, which is being overtaken by ice. Led by Zeta, the eagles who inhabit the frozen rock are yearning for warmer climes. Instead of planning winter cruises to the tropics, Zeta sets in motion her plans to conquer Bird and Piggy Islands by lobbing frozen ice balls at them. Nothing unites enemies like a common peril, so the pigs call a truce with the birds and they band together to defeat the eagles. The plot sounds way more serious than the film – which is saying a lot. The Angry Birds 2 is full of silly birds acting like eight year old boys – including potty jokes and goofy pranks. But this approach certainly seems to pay off in terms of audience satisfaction. Parents will note that this film manages to include some positive messages amid the animated high jinks. Fortunately, these messages are delivered without too much negative content. There are some “butt” jokes and there’s minor slapstick cartoon violence. The explosions and moments of peril may scare young children, but this movie is safe for most older elementary school kids. The Angry Birds 2 isn’t a film that adults will seek out for their own amusement. But it does have some compensations. There are jokes kids won’t get and the bouncy, nostalgic soundtrack is aimed straight at the adults in the audience. The Angry Birds 2 may not be Oscar bait, but it’s a harmless, fluffy piece of kids’ cinema. It might not soar, but at least it doesn’t crash.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: CSexual Content: B+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C Halloween comes to Mill Valley, Pennsylvania, and Auggie Hildebrandt (Gabriel Rush) and Chuck Steinberg (Austin Zajur) are trying to convince their friend Stella (Zoe Colletti) to join them in a nefarious prank against the high school bullies. Unfortunately, the thugs react poorly to being the targets of the prank, and proceed to chase them around with a baseball bat. The terrorized youth find shelter with Ramon (Michael Garza) in the local haunted house formerly the mansion owned by the Bellows family, who ran the paper mill in town. Locked in by the bullies, the three friends find an ancient book, written by the Bellows’ mysterious (and allegedly murderous) shut-in daughter Sarah. The only problem? The book seems to be writing grisly deaths for everyone who came into the house. Somewhere around the third grade, everyone I knew in elementary school found one of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books in the school library. Doing the logical thing, they read it, frightened themselves half to death, and then passed it around to share the scare with as many other kids as possible. PG-13 is just about the perfect rating for this movie. It could have done with less profanity but the violence is mostly vague enough to be absolutely terrifying without trying to just gross you out. Obviously, this film is wildly unsuitable for kids because it is white knuckle terrifying. Don’t bring easily frightened or nightmare prone movie viewers into this one. Brave teens and young adults looking for a good scare can find one here. Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2019

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Supercharge

your student’s path to success. Amy has over 17 years of experience advocating for the educational needs of disabled and gifted students...

get informed, get organized, get empowered!

Amy Scott Lorton Certified Special Education Consultant & Advocate

Schedule a consultation at myiepadvocate.com

•

850-684-IDEA (4332)

•

myiepadvocate@gmail.com