Wiregrass Parents November 2019 by KeepSharing

I wish I could see the board instead of trying to read through your vape cloud. - Sarah, 8th Grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com

November2019

Volume 2 Number 3

22 Columns

From the Publisher Ashton Wright

Raising Communicators

Teaching your kids to communicate well in the digital age.

Common Sense Media

What parents need to know about social media and anxiety.

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Kids Health Watch by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

22 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

3 Good Things

How to start a family gratitude practice.

Holiday Happenings Wiregrass holiday parades, lights, musicals and more!

Departments 5

Teacher of the Month

On The Cover Asher (18) and Landon (16) are the sons of Jake and Tabitha White. Asher, a senior, is the quarterback of the varsity football team at Early County High School, and Landon is the quarterback of the junior varsity team. The brothers also play baseball. Asher hopes to attend Troy University after graduation to pursue athletic training.

School Bits 19

Movie Reviews 32

Family Calendar 36

Mom to Mom

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FromThePublisher The Area’s Go-To Resource for Families

I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always wanted to see my name in print. Not because I’d won an award or been recognized for some achievement, although those things have happened, but as the author. I had some success before I graduated high school or college. Pieces of poetry or short stories I’d penned were included in various printed collections, my byline regularly appeared in my high school newspaper and even my hometown paper a few times, and I contributed to several college publications. When I graduated in 2009, my storytelling took a decade-long detour into unexpected territory: television news. Honestly, I thought my days of sharing stories in print had passed me by, until a growing frustration over finding local resources for moms sparked an idea. I started researching and reached out to a publisher in Mobile. One thing led to another, and before I’d even truly wrapped my head around it, Wiregrass Parents was born, and I found myself back on the path I’d chosen for myself way back when. This magazine tops my list of things I’ve been most thankful for over the last year. When my birthday rolls around at the end of this month, I will physically write it down along with 32 other things that enhanced my life over the past 12 months. I wrote my first thankfulness list a few years ago when I decided I needed to start focusing more on the good things in my life, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite birthday traditions. Many of my favorite memories revolve around this time of year. Playing in freshlypicked cotton on my grandparents’ farm. Cardboard box sledding down the hill at Uncle Shorty’s house. Waking up before daylight to go Black Friday shopping with my mama and granny. Ice skating and Olive Garden with my best friends in Montgomery. The Wiregrass has plenty of family fun to offer this time of year. You’ll find everything from arts and crafts to dance and theater performances, fundraisers and other ways to give back, and holiday shopping events in our Holiday Happenings Guide. Also in this issue, 3 Good Things: How to Start a Family Gratitude Practice and Raising a Skilled Communicator in the Digital Age. I’ve always loved celebrating my birthday and Thanksgiving at the same time, surrounded by family (and yummy food!). Last Thanksgiving was thrown off track by Hurricane Michael. The storm destroyed my grandparents’ house, but thankfully we’ll be traveling over the river and through the woods once again to resume the longeststanding family tradition of my life. Whether your traditions revolve around Thanksgiving dinner, the rush of finding a good deal on Black Friday, or something in between, I wish you and your family all the happiness this season brings me.

Wiregrass Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Wiregrass Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Ashton Wright ashton@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Editor DeAnne Watson editor@wiregrassparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Sara Barry Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Jennifer Stinson, MD Cover Photography Jessica Sanford www.jsanfordart.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Ashton Wright ads@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.wiregrassparents.com

Ashton

ashton@wiregrassparents.com

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Wiregrass Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 1882, Dothan AL 36302. The phone number for voice is (334) 714-7831. Wiregrass Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Wiregrass Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The Power of Yes At a checkup, your doctor will inevitably get out that magical little hammer with the rubber tip and knock it around a few times on your knee to check your reflexes. Hard as you may try – the power of the hammer is not to be messed with. It will win. Try as you might to keep your knee from moving – you will fail and your innate reflexes will be victorious every.single.time. As parents, we have similar reflexes. We can catch a toddler about to fall off of a chair, we can leap into the road and grab a hand faster than any avenger when our little one is in danger, we have supersonic hearing to assess the slightest cough or wheeze in the middle of the night when baby is sick. And these are all great; they help us keep our tiny little humans alive. But I would argue that there are some reflexes that are a bit more unhealthy – namely this: No. Mom can I….No! Dad can I just see…No! Can I…NO! Ahhh the power of no. We can shut down any request, quash any argument, and make our day a whole lot easier just by reflexively and continuously saying no.

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Much like you don’t have to tell your knee to kick the doctor, you don’t have to tell your brain to say no. It is a reflex. What? You want to get out the Halloween costumes and play dress up in April? No. You want to get out the cookie mix and bake at 8am on Saturday? No. You want to make a giant fort with all the blankets in the house after I just made all the beds? No. I am the first to raise my hand and say,” Yep, I was a “No-er”. With seven small boys in the house, I think no just seemed safer to me. And I’m not even sure it was a conscious choice. Over time it just became a habit, a reflex. And then there was that one pivotal day when one of them asked for something and I said no. Though I can’t even remember now what his request was, I can still remember the look on his little face. And that day changed everything. I began to intentionally assess my no, and I started practicing the art of listening and giving myself a few lengthy seconds before I respond. Interestingly, what I quickly found out was that so many of my no’s could easily

be yes’s and a yes is a powerful thing in relationship. So although your no may make that moment in your day easier because you just don’t have to deal with the request, trust me on this – that little 6-year-old is very quickly going to be a 16-year-old. And when we lay a foundation of no, no, no – you are losing much needed currency for later on. Now that all seven boys are well into the teen and early adulthood years, my no is powerful. They all fully understand that when we sit down to discuss something and my answer is no – it is because there is some well thought out reasoning behind that. And that means something to them. Although we can’t (and shouldn’t) always say yes to our children, my encouragement to you is to practice the art of the pause. Think. Consider and then respond. Don’t let that little no reflex hammer get the better of you. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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Angie Morgan Windham Elementary School, Daleville

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“I always say this is the best job in the world, and it is.”

“Ms. Morgan makes herself available at the drop of a dime,” Smith says. “You never feel left in the dark about the progress of your child’s education.” Morgan says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing just how far her students have come at the end of the year. “Some of our students have never held a pencil before they come to me and they are reading by the time they leave. It is an amazing change, and I am never anything but amazed at their progress and growth!” Morgan says she’s learned a lot from her students over the years, but the most valuable life lesson is simple: find the joy in everything. “One of my favorite teaching moments came when I had a child with cerebral palsy in my class. I had the honor of teaching her and watching her graduate kindergarten. When she walked across the stage (she was in a wheelchair) my heart burst with pride. Her progress and success was also mine, and I could not have been more proud of her!”

Angie Morgan always wanted to be a teacher. As a child, she would pretend her dolls were her students. Now, after more than two decades in a classroom, Morgan says she’s motivated by a real love for her students. “I do not have any [children] of my own, so my students are like my babies,” Morgan says. “I try to treat each student like I would treat my own child. They keep me motivated to be my best every day, and I hope I do the same for them!” According to Katie Smith, Morgan goes above and beyond in the classroom. That’s why she nominated the Windham Elementary School teacher for the Wiregrass Parents’ Teacher of the Month for November. “She always goes above and beyond, spending hours and hours of her own time and money, making shirts for fun class projects/educational field trips or keepsakes for parents to remember these tender years, allowing us to feel part of their day,” Smith says. Smith’s youngest son is in Morgan’s class this year. She taught Smith’s oldest son last year.

Angie Morgan is a kindergarten teacher at Windham Elementary School in Daleville. She got her bachelor’s degree in Early education from Troy University and has been teaching for 22 years. She’s married to Joe Morgan. They have two dogs and eight cats.

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National Peanut Festival

Visiting Artist Workshop with Jessica Smith

Gates to the 76th National Peanut Festival open at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan November 1 at 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “Roadside Attraction.” Popular daytime events like Kindergarten Day, Special Citizens’ Day, and Senior Citizens’ Day return. The Calf Scramble and Greased Pig competitions will be Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m., and the Demolition Derby will be Nov. 9 at 2 & 7 p.m. The Dream Big Food Drive benefiting the Wiregrass Area Food Bank is Wednesday, Nov. 6. The Peanut Parade will be Saturday, Nov. 9, at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Dothan. This year’s musical entertainment includes Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen, and The Manhattans. Midway entertainment includes Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, the High Roller Ed Henry, and Eudora Farm’s Petting Zoo. General gate admission is $7. Visit www.nationalpeanutfestival.com for daily admission and ride armband specials.

Saturday, November 16 *10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wiregrass Museum of Art, Dothan Indulge your inner artist at this one-day ceramic workshop suitable for teenagers and adults! Each participant will be guided along as we take a lump of clay and turn it into a functional ceramic plate. Basic forming techniques will be introduced, specifically a technique called “sprigging,” which is a molding process used in the sculptural pieces that Smith has on display at WMA in her exhibition, In Flux. All tools and materials provided. Finished pieces will be created in the workshop and will be available to be picked up two weeks after the camp is completed. Ages 16+. Cost: $45 members, $55 non-members. For more info, visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org or call (334) 794-3871.

Decorating Workshop

Sunday, December 1 * 1-4 p.m. Landmark Park, Dothan Spread some holiday cheer at Landmark Park at the Holiday Decorating Workshop. Create wreaths, garlands and swags out of natural materials and decorate Landmark Park for Victorian Christmas or make some decorations to take home! Refreshments provided. This event is supported by the Wiregrass Master Gardeners. Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring gloves and wire pliers. Registration required at www.landmarkparkdothan.com.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk

Sunday, November 17 *1-4 p.m. Dothan High School, 3209 Reeves St. Join the effort to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Online registration closes at noon the Friday before the walk. But you can also register in person at the walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Registration is free and open to the public. Walk donations are accepted until December 31. For more info, call (334) 547-5120, e-mail rfuentes1414@ gmail.com or visit afsp.org/dothan.

Victorian Christmas

Sunday, December 8 * 1-4 p.m. Landmark Park, Dothan Sip hot apple cider or hot chocolate while listening to Christmas carols and visiting with Santa. Enjoy old fashioned desserts, arts and crafts, music, wagon rides and handmade decorations. A circuit riding preacher will deliver a holiday message. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to the Food Bank. We would love to share your holiday desserts with our visitors! Call (334) 794-3452 to sign up to bring a dessert. Or, e-mail laurav@landmarkparkdothan.com.

Restoration BBQ, Bid & Buy

Thursday, December 5 * 6-8 p.m. Celebration at Jones Crossing 5918 Fortner St., Dothan Hosted by Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity. Items taken from the Habitat ReStore that have been refinished, painted, and refurbished will be auctioned off, as well as a silent auction for non-furniture items. Tickets for individuals can be purchased through Eventbrite. Individual tickets are $25 and will include BBQ catered by Smoky Joe’s BBQ. For more info, visit www.wiregrasshabitat.org or call (334) 792-8453. Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

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Festival of Trees

Thursday, November 14 * 6-10 p.m. Dothan Civic Center, 126 N. Saint Andrews St. Wiregrass Children’s Home is celebrating its 20th year of Festival of Trees AND the home’s 30th anniversary! This is a gala auction event featuring professionally decorated Christmas trees, centerpieces, wreaths, gift items, furniture, trips, and so much more! Dinner will be served as well as a cash bar. Tickets are $65 per person or you may purchase a table of eight seats for only $500. For more info, call (334) 726-4511or visit www. WiregrassChildrensHome.org.

Come Home, It’s Suppertime

November 7-9 & 14-16 @ 6:30 p.m. We Piddle Around Theater, Brundidge Perhaps you’ve heard your grandma tell stories about sittin’ up with the dead, about beatin’ the blackberry bushes to run off snakes or meetin’ the rollin’ store. Maybe you’ve heard your grandpa talk about hog killin’ time or fightin’ the demons of the cotton field, plowin’ behind a stubborn ol’ mule or makin’ moonshine whiskey. Well, when you “Come Home” to supper at the We Piddle Around Theater, you can pull up a chair, grab a chicken leg and a baked sweet tater and listen to a bushel of stories and tap your toes to the music ’til they’re just about too tired to walk you on home. The stories told in Come Home, It’s Suppertime are 100 percent true and performed as told by real-life characters who milled around our hometown during the days of the Great Depression and strowed around stories that have endured with time. The characters are composite – a little of one and a bit of another so they mix and blend to tell the story of the rural South during “Hard Times.” These are their stories, shared so they might be carried in your minds and hearts, as in ours. Tickets are $25. For info, piddle.org or call (334) 344-9427.

Fruitcakes

Directed by Michael Clardy and Mike Doherty December 9-14 Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St., Dothan Meet Jamie, a kid who has run away from home and gone as far as his money will take him. At first he thinks the people are nuttier than fruitcakes, but soon he comes to admire and adore this crazy little town. Fruitcakes will offer dinner seating and additional house seating for those attending the show only. Appropriate for general audiences, but no babes in arms. Tickets: $40 dinner & show, $20 show only. For more info, visit www.seact.com or call (334) 794-0400.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

Restless Leg Syndrome Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is estimated to affect 10% of the population and occurs in all ages. RLS is a condition causing the perception of crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, aching, itching or electric stabs, often in the legs, but occurring anywhere in the body. The uncomfortable sensations occur more frequently when the body is still, which can make sleep or remaining still in class difficult. Moving generally makes the sensation better. Restless Leg Syndrome is often overlooked in children due to them not knowing any different or not being able to express their trouble. The condition can be confused with ADHD or growing pains. Symptoms can be barely bothersome or incapacitating. I find that it frequently interferes with falling or staying asleep, leading to sleep deficiency/inefficiency. Younger children often toss, turn and kick in bed fighting the sensations. Older children may only know

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

that they woke frequently during the night or that they are still tired in the morning despite adequate sleep duration. The older children and teenagers will commonly stay in bed 10 or more hours due to still being tired in morning (young children often wake at the crack of dawn, with sleep or not). The resulting inadequate sleep often leads to irritability, poorer school performance, memory difficulties and headaches. Daytime fatigue interestingly does not show in children younger than 10. A sizable subset of patients with this condition will respond to increasing iron in the diet (such as using a vitamin, with added iron, or a multivitamin, once a day). Often people reference having their Complete Blood Count (CBC), which is not a reliable test to measure a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iron. Iron can be checked with an iron profile blood test, which includes Ferritin and TIBC. Ferritin of below 50 (normal range 25-400), should be considered low, if

with related symptoms. It can take several months before iron levels reach normal with doses such as with a multivitamin, so symptoms can be slow to improve. It is safest to slowly correct, so attempt being patient. The reward can be tremendous. Ask your doctor if you have questions or need guidance with medical diagnoses of symptoms or treatment. Dr. Deron V. Sharpe earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia School of Medicine and completed a Pediatric Residency program at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Afterward, he completed a three-year Child Neurology Residency program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, followed by a Neuromuscular Neurology Fellowship also at Vanderbilt. Dr. Sharpe is certified in child neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He joined Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network in January, 2015. Dr. Sharpe resides in Dothan with his wife and three children. He enjoys fitness, softball, home improvement, and gardening.

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Highlands Elementary Good Citizens

Front row from left are: Layla Freeman, Elijah Rich, Bradley Graham, Caleb Smith, Addie-Reece Harden, Austin Watkins, Hadley Fretts, Annistyn Reeves and Lucy Wilkins; second row: Hudson Griggs, Egan Sullivan, Ania Thomas, Malani Shepherd, Allie Cox, Angelina Li, Layla Pfister and Jonah Carter; and back row: Ella Lunsford, Abby Blevins, Anna Lee Steltenpohl, Addison Evenhuis, Rachel Kirkland, James Dix and Taylor Buckholz. Not pictured: Trevor Bolling and Anna Claire Wright.

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Beverlye Intermediate Uses Art to Encourage Engagement

Students at Beverlye Intermediate School for the Arts are simply ARTrageous! Creativity in teaching has produced higher engagement in learning. We are excited about growing lifelong learners through implementation of the arts.

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

Carver Students Become ALEKS Course Masters

These Carver students are now ALEKS Course Masters. They have completed all the objectives in at least one grade level ALEKS course! The Carver School uses the ALEKS learning system to continually challenge students to achieve new math skills on their learning path. By using this math program, students can refresh their knowledge of skills from previous grades, practice grade level skills, and even work ahead on advanced skills. Keep learning, Lions!

Providence Christian Houses Give Back

Providence Christian School has eight Houses, and the purpose of the Houses is to encourage leadership, mentorship, and service both within our school and in the community. On October 4, the PCS Houses had the blessing of serving in our community. The House of King Alfred served at Rose Hill Senior Center, Saint Augustine served at the Rescue Mission, and St. George served at Somerset Assisted Living. 9

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Carver 3rd-Graders Perform Temp Test

Autauga County Schools

Third-grade students at Carver Magnet used Vernier probeware to capture temperature data during three scientific tests. After performing the three experiments, students analyzed the data to determine the difference between the Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales. Students learned that numeric data can be represented differently depending on the measurement scale.

Providence Christian Show Choir Earns Top Marks

Providence Christian School’s Impact Show Choir earned recognition as one of the top three choirs at the Alabama National Choral Competition.

Students Lead Parent Conferences at Slingluff

In October, students at Morris Slingluff Elementary led their own conferences with their parents. These student-led conferences allowed students to present their academic data to their parents and gave parents a chance to ask their child about their academic progress in the classroom all while being facilitated by the teacher. This allows students to be the leaders of their own learning!

Houston Academy Earns Cross Country Medals at Jesse Owens Classic

Houston Academy’s cross country team competed in the Jesse Owens Classic, the largest cross country meet in the Southeast, with more than 5,000 runners! Holley Hart medaled 8th place as a HA XC girls’ record-breaker with 21:07 in the Varsity Girls’ 5K. Gunnar Smith earned 12th place with 17:40 in the Varsity Boys’ 5K. HA’s Varsity Boys’ team earned 7th place, while Hart and Smith both earned Top 30.

Please email news and photos to: schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com! Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

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Highlands Embraces Pinwheels for Peace

Pinwheels for Peace is a project at Highlands Elementary that helps celebrate and promote the International Day of Peace (sometimes called World Peace Day) created and recognized by the United Nations. Pinwheels for Peace started as an art installation project created by two art teachers—Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan at Monarch High School in Florida, in 2005. Their vision was to help students to use Peace Day (September 21) to express their feelings about what was going on in the world. In 2012, the number of participants had grown to 4,000,000 pinwheels (info from website, Peaceoneday.org). Highlands discussed the concept of peace and the world around us. We talked about what we as individuals can do to help promote peace in our world, state, city and our homes. Then, we wrote some of our thoughts onto the backs of our pinwheels—with the idea that our thoughts and feelings would “whirl” out into the world and help inspire others. We “planted” more than 500 pinwheels around our flagpole to celebrate International Peace Day. Art teacher Mrs. Kravulski is shown.

Dothan Math Students Create Roller Coasters

Math is all around us... even on a roller coaster! Students in Mrs. Haslip’s classes at Dothan High were tasked with creating a roller coaster of their own design that demonstrates their understanding of piecewise functions. Each coaster had to incorporate linear, quadratic, absolute value, and step functions all working together to create an awesome ride!

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Houston Academy Student Crowned Dale County Distinguished Young Woman

Mary Catherine Dulaney from Houston Academy has been named Distinguished Young Woman of Dale County. She won the interview, fitness, talent and self expression categories and won the “Be Your Best Self” essay competition.

Please email news and ohotos to: schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com!

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Highland Elementary Students Meet the Bookmobile

The third grade at Highlands Elementary ended a recent teaching unit with a culminating project. After talking about how people in remote areas gained access to books (camel, donkey and elephant libraries, boats or bike carts), the Bookmobile came as a surprise to share how the Wiregrass gets books to rural communities. Mrs. Adkinson’s class is shown.

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Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

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Highlands LinC Places in Scarecrow Contest

SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.

The LinC students and parents from Highlands Elementary participated in the Open Category for the Botanical Gardens’ Scarecrows in the Garden competition. The theme was classic movies and TV, so they chose to create the Quidditch scene from Harry Potter. They were one of the school winners.

CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

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Faine Kindergartners Become Apple Experts

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KinderCrew at Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School had a great week. The students highlighted Johnny Appleseed by tasting a variety of apples, comparing and contrasting their seeds and plotting an apple life cycle. Engineering basics were introduced as we constructed our very own Johnny Appleseed apple pot hats.

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ECMS ‘Rocks the School’

Mrs. Edison’s 7th-grade ELA classes at Early County Middle showed they have the “write” stuff for “Rock Your School” Day. Sometimes we don’t like the way a story ends, so our students had a chance to write the mic drop ending they wanted. The problem? Just like our main character who had handicaps forced on him, students were given glasses that interfered with their sight as a “handicap” while writing.

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Hats Off to Early County Elementary Pre-K

For “Pre-K Week” at Early County Elementary School, students were asked to wear a hat to give a “Hats Off to Pre-K.”

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Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

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Dauphin Jr. High 8th Grade Learns Enterprise City History

Eighth-grade history students from Dauphin Junior High joined Enterprise High School American studies students at the Enterprise City Cemetery to learn some amazing history about our wonderful city and some of its important members through the years.

Grandparents Visit Zion Chapel School

Students at Zion Chapel School enjoyed visits from their grandparents for GRITS Day (Grandparents Reading in the Schools), as they read to them, played games, and even rotated in centers to realize what their day is like. Great things happen every day in Coffee County Schools!

Language Assessments

Learning Center (Dothan and Daleville) and In Home Therapy

Speech Therapy

Most Health Insurance Accepted

Autism Therapy ABA Therapy DreamPad

2543 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 5 Dothan, Alabama www.progresscenter.us Progress Therapy Center

(334) 699-4007 Serving the Wiregrass since 2005

Join us for LANDMARK PARK’S

Free admission! Visitors are invited to bring nonperishable food items for the Wiregrass United Way Food Bank. Official event! Benefiting:

December 8, 2019 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Hwy. 431 N. Dothan, Alabama

• A Dessert Sampler • Wagon Rides • A Christmas Service • Hot Chocolate and Cider

LANDMARK PARK

334-794-3452 • www.landmarkparkdothan.com

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F la t r t in

Enterprise Pre-K Students Learn About School Bus Safety

Enterprise Transportation and Mr. Joel Snell do a school bus safety training with the pre-K students and parents each school year. PreK1 teachers are Beverly Williams and Chassity Mills (shown at left) and Pre-K2 teachers are Juanita Greathouse and Gwendolyn Clay (shown at right).

Please email news and photos to schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com by the 10th of each month for FREE publication!

Bulldog Buddy Community Service Field Trip

today for Kinston High School at Elba Nursing Home. We donated a box full of cozy socks, colored leaves with residents to make fall wreaths and hang at the facility, made friendship bracelets for our new friends, and enjoyed a picnic lunch at the park!

Lisenby Elementary Names School Leaders

NBES Uses Technology for Math Learning

New Brockton Elementary School secondgrade teacher Ashley Rountree and her students use technology to demonstrate place value with Class Seesaw in a blended learning and student-centered environment. Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Lisenby Leaders are students who are nominated by their teacher to serve in a leadership role at our school. Upon being nominated, students are interviewed and asked questions about our school. To be selected as a Lisenby Leader is an honor bestowed on the students that demonstrate strong leadership qualities, good behavior, and great character. These students are the face of our school! First-grade Leaders are: Emma Maness, Andrew Bull and Lauren Hurt. Second-grade Leaders are: Wyatt Traylor and Natalie Knighton.

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Geneva County Student Advisors

The first meeting of the 2019-2020 Geneva County Superintendent’s Advisory Council was held Sept. 25. The students shared a little about themselves and then had an open discussion with Mrs. Birdsong about issues in their schools. Today was a great kickoff to their year on the SAC!

Robots Take Over HMS Science Club

Farley Nuclear Plant awarded the Headland Middle School Science Club a grant to purchase materials to build and code robots. The Science Club used the money to buy 15 vex robots, which can be used in future competitions.

Slocomb Elem. Makes the Grade

Slocomb Elementary won the “A+ Making the Grade” school competition by collecting $1,155 for DHR (foster kids and elderly) in Geneva County. This project will help Geneva County families!

GCHS Student Named Player of the Week

Dothan Tuesday Rotary Club announced Emmanuel Henderson from Geneva County High School as one of its weekly Dothan Area High School Football Players of the Week. In Geneva’s 34-14 victory over Cottonwood October 11, Henderson put up an incredible 223 yards rushing on just 15 carries for two rushing touchdowns, caught a 38-yard pass for a touchdown, had an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown, accounting for five total touchdowns in the game!

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Zion Chapel Artists Place in Pike County Fair

These Zion Chapel students were among many who submitted artwork for judging at the Pike County Fair. They were able to bring home several winning ribbons. Back row from left are Ian Herbert, 1st place oil pastel and Ian Jones, 1st in chalk; and front row from left: Zane Cotton,1st place photography livestock; Carlee McCallister, 3rd place oil pastel; Emily Rhodes, 2nd place photography; Emily and Emma, 2nd place photography livestock; Emma Adkison, 1st place photography; and Elizabeth McLendon, 2nd place oil pastel.

Carroll Baseball Christmas Camp

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Carroll High School will offer a baseball camp for ages 6-12 December 27 and 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at Eagle Stadium in Ozark. $60 fee includes camp T-shirt. To register, e-mail Coach Birdsong at bbirdsong@ozarkcityschools.net with your camperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age, shirt size, and full name. Camp money can be mailed to Carroll High School, brought in person, or brought to the first day of camp. All checks should be made to CHS Baseball.

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Christian Davis and Colette Blalock have been named Mr. and Miss Abbeville Christian Academy for the Class of 2020.

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Carroll High Art Teacher Contributes to State Map

PTO Gifts Headland Middle Water Fountain

Last year, Carroll High art teacher Kami Bolton was asked by an Alabama Art Education Association member to paint a piece of the map for Alabama. Bolton worked with Payden Souza to create Dale County. It was recently hung in the Capitol Building in Montgomery. Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Headland Middle School sixth-graders had a wonderful surprise thanks to the amazing PTO. A brand-new, COLD water bottle refilling fountain brought lots of smiles! Khyri Simpson and Kiley Jenkins took time between classes to refill their bottle and cup. Thanks again, PTO! 18

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The Addams Family

Gemini Man

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: CSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Everyone’s favorite creepy clan is back, this time in an animated feature film, made more horrifying by its 3D option. Fans of macabre mayhem will be pleased to know that the Addams family are still their strange, scary selves: Morticia (voiced by Charlize Theron) uses her late parents’ ashes as cosmetics, Wednesday (voiced deadpan by Chloe Grace Moretz) guillotines her dolls, Pugsley (voiced by Finn Wolfhard) sets off explosives instead of training in swordsmanship. The plot of this film turns on two points: Pugsley’s fast approaching coming-of-age ceremony - the Addams mazurka - and the desire of Margaux (voiced by Allison Janney) a property developer/reality TV host to sell the homes she has designed and built in the neighboring community. But the Addams’ gloomy mansion stands in her way. Although there are a few laughs and some action sequences, much of the movie crawls like a cortege on its way to the cemetery. If you’re looking for a movie to make you laugh, don’t expect side-splitting comedy. Although The Addams Family has frightening moments aplenty, none of them are gory. There are crossbows, guillotines, an electric chair, and explosives but no one is harmed by them. There are also lots of ominous moments involving eerie settings, ghostly sounds, and menacing music. Sensitive children and preschoolers will be upset by the frightening scenes, but most kids will shrug off the scares and laugh.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: CSexual Content: AProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C Henry Brogan (Will Smith) has been an assassin for an American intelligence agency for most of his adult life. The effects on him are adding up – insomnia, nightmares, and guilt – so he decides it’s time to retire. Unfortunately, it’s much harder to get away from his past than it was to get into it. Things only get more complicated when he realizes the shooter the agency has sent after him is...himself. With the help of Danny, who is the agent responsible for tailing him and is played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and his old friend Baron (Benedict Wong), Henry has to confront himself and the system that made him. The movie was shot at 120 frames per second (industry standard is 24), and then modified for 3D. Sometimes this works fantastically well. But when the camera starts moving quickly, suddenly you’re strapped into your seat for Ultra-3D Vomit Vision. This isn’t a movie for the dizzy or easily nauseated. The fight choreography is well done, for the most part. Sequences are memorable, easy enough to track, and have interesting adaptations to the settings and situations. The story is admittedly inferior. It’s very predictable, and not much happens that you wouldn’t have called twenty minutes in advance. That said, I don’t think Gemini Man was going out of its way to blow you away with slick dialogue and clever plotting. The story is an excuse for Will Smith to beat himself up on two different continents, and it delivers. Gemini Man is well rated at PG-13. The violence is what you’d expect and there are about a dozen moderate profanities and one sexual expletive.

High Strung Free Dance

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: B+ Sexual Content: B Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AWhen you’re driven to perform, chances are you’re aiming for the bright lights of Broadway. High Strung Free Dance tells the story of three artists chasing fame on the Great White Way. Choreographer Zander (Thomas Doherty) has smoldering good looks, an upper-class British accent, a firm belief in his own genius, and an apparently brilliant dance show he’s bringing to Broadway. And to make the show a smash hit, he needs to get the casting exactly right. Charlie (Harry Jarvis) is a brilliant young pianist desperately looking for work as a musician. Then one night, after getting hit by a car, he sees a lovely young woman, and his luck turns. Barlow (Juliet Doherty) is a beautiful, doe-eyed young dancer who’s making ends meet as a telemarketer while she gets cut from one audition after another. When her roommate disappears, having absconded with three months’ worth of rent, Barlow gets an eviction notice. Desperation makes her bold, and when she’s cut from Zander’s audition, she makes a gutsy attempt to get hired on the show. Parents considering High Strung Free Dance for their dance-mad tweens and teens can be reassured by the very mild content issues. The biggest issue in this movie is the Barlow-Zander plotline. When Zander offers his employee a ride, when he gives her the lead role and then kisses her, when he has a sexually charged dance with her, he is crossing some critically important lines in a post-#MeToo world. Parents are likely to be disturbed by Zander’s selfish treatment of a vulnerable young woman in his employ.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A In Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Angelina Jolie reprises the role she created in 2014’s Maleficent. But this sequel is a significant departure from the first film. Maleficent was a surprisingly dark film for a Disney production. The sequel has a more intricate plot but it’s set in a simpler emotional context, which makes it feel more like what you’d expect in a family film. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens happily. Aurora (Elle Fanning) is blithely ruling the Moors and has accepted Prince Philip of Ulstead’s (Harris Dickinson) request for her hand. Telling the parents doesn’t go as well as the proposal – Maleficent is incensed and Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) reluctantly agrees to welcome the foster-daughter of a non-human into her life. When the two families meet for dinner, tempers flare, King John (Robert Lindsay) collapses (apparently cursed), and Aurora must choose between her godmother and mother-in-law-to-be. Although Aurora and Philip’s engagement sets the narrative in motion, they are almost peripheral figures in this movie, which boils down to the conflict between Maleficent and Queen Ingrith. There’s only one truly evil character, and (hint) it isn’t Maleficent. If you enjoy movies with deliciously wicked villains, you’re going to have a blast with this one. There are many moments of darkness and peril which render this production unsuitable for preschoolers and young children. Older kids will likely enjoy this film with its fast-moving action and you might even get teens to watch it. 19

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Pi technology to communicate can impair a child’s ability to read nonverbal cues. “We have to make a conscious effort to insist on face to face socializing because it would be so easy for kids to rely more and more on screen interactions,” says Dr. Michael Osit, a child psychologist and author of Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in the Age of Instant Everything. “As long as parents and educators continue to involve kids in face to face social groups, classroom interactions and family interactions, we can preserve their ability to function in social real time.”

In a world ever distracted by dinging devices, children who develop a wellrounded set of communication skills will stand out in the digital-focused crowd. “We have so many different ways to communicate that kids are going to need to be well-versed in as many as possible to be successful,” says Sarah L. Cook, co-author of The Parents’ Guide to Raising CEO Kids. Thanks to social media, today’s kids have the ability to access an extensive social network. But, missing from those online interactions are the subtle nonverbal cues that enrich our face to face interactions, like tone, voice inflection and facial expressions which can change the entire meaning of a statement. Some experts warn that too much reliance on Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Talk to your kids. From the time your child can talk, ask open-ended questions and listen to their answers. “What was the best part of your day? Why?” Share your thoughts, too. Not only will this practice help their speech and listening abilities, they will learn the back and forth nuances of conversation. 20

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Model appropriate social interaction. Children learn how to interact with friends, family, store employees and strangers by following your lead. “Be careful about subtle messages such as how (you) incorporate texting, emailing and social networking in interpersonal relationships,” Osit advises. For example, put your phone aside when your child is talking to you and when interacting with a cashier or restaurant server. Make eye contact and show courtesy toward the other person to help your child learn that the person standing in front of them is the greater priority at the moment.

Pass the mic. Family meetings and meals are great ways to touch base with your busy family. Cook suggests putting each member of the family in charge of a different part of the meeting. For example, one child could begin the meeting by reciting an inspiring poem or scripture while another wraps the meeting with a joke, prayer or song. Use teachable moments. Discuss social interactions that you and your kids see on TV programs, online or in real life. For example, “When you are walking in the mall and you observe kids interacting inappropriately or disrespectfully to an adult, point it out. Ask your child what he thinks about that behavior and help him evaluate it as appropriate or inappropriate,” Osit says.

Listen. Encourage your kids to share their feelings about peers (including those they aren’t friends with), and adults, like teachers and coaches. “Parents can shape and enhance their child’s social skills on an on-going basis,” Osit says. Pick up the phone. Kids can learn to order a pizza or call the dentist to schedule an appointment for themselves. “I’ve encouraged my kids that if they want to have a playdate, they can call their friend’s parent, and I’ll be there to jump on the phone to back them up,” Cook says. “When they take on more roles that parents typically handle, that allows them to feel confident talking to adults, which is often scary for kids.”

Place an order. Before the server approaches at a restaurant, help your child narrow down what to order off of the menu. Even preschoolers can politely request a glass of milk or water.

Make a purchase at the store. Next time your child wants to spend some of his allowance or gift money, have him conduct

the transaction with the cashier. Be there to support him, but allow him to take the lead.

Use video technology. If you travel, call home using Skype or FaceTime, or use the apps to connect with relatives. Your kids will grow more comfortable talking on a camera. You can also use birthdays, the first day of school, the holidays or just random moments to interview your kids on your video camera. Seek interactive activities. Scouting,

to participate in class plays, musicals and show and tell. Like anything, the more we practice our communication skills, the better they become and the less anxious we are about managing different situations. Empower your child with the skills to communicate in a variety of situations, and watch them rise to opportunities that come their way with poise and confidence. WP

theater and 4-H give children many opportunities to develop presentation and leadership skills. Also, encourage your child

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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What Parents Need to Know About Social Media and Anxiety

it adds an extra layer to your parenting duties, it’s a good idea to get a good sense of your kid’s online life. Ask kids to give you a tour of their social media world. As they’re showing you around, you might hear some of the positive stuff you weren’t expecting, as well as some of the problem areas your kid could use help with. Also, add social media to the “wellness checks” that you already do. For example, when you ask how they slept and what they ate, ask how they’re feeling about social media. Is it mostly positive, helpful, and supportive, or do they want to step back but aren’t sure how? Here are some more tips for keeping social media a positive for kids:

From cyberbullying to FOMO to cruel comments, social media can be a land mine for kids. Issues we parents never had to worry about, such as an intimate photo texted to the entire school or Instagram videos of a birthday party we weren’t invited to, are now a risk for many tweens and teens. With kids’ digital well-being a concern, researchers are exploring potential links between social media and the rise in teen suicide rates, tech addiction, and loss of real-life social skills. And many parents are wondering: Is social media causing my kid to have anxiety? It’s an important question -- and one that makes for compelling headlines for worried parents. While it’s too early to say with certainty (this is, after all, the first generation of “digital natives”), the reality is somewhat nuanced. Some research has observed a relationship between social media use and anxiety in kids, but it’s difficult to know if and when social media is causing anxiety or whether kids who are anxious are turning to social media as a way to soothe themselves or seek support. How kids use social media matters, too: Social comparison and feedback-seeking behaviors have been associated with depressive symptoms, which often co-occur with anxiety. Of course, it’s common for kids to feel anxious sometimes. But there’s a big difference between occasional anxiety and an anxiety disorder that requires professional care. If your kid is overly self-conscious, has uncontrollable and unrealistic anxiety, is unable to make it go away, and avoids things, you may want to seek help. For these kids, social media may act as a trigger for -- though not the root cause of -- their anxious feelings. There are also kids, who, for a variety of reasons, may be more sensitive to the anxiety-producing effects of social media. For example, kids with social anxiety disorder may prefer online interactions over face-to-face interactions. Bottom line: You may not know the impact of social media on your kid until issues surface. Unfortunately, simply cutting off social media isn’t necessarily the answer. It’s such a huge part of many kids’ lives that not having access to social media could take a toll. In fact, being connected to friends through social media may counterbalance some of its negative effects. Without conclusive research to back up claims that social media causes anxiety -- and some evidence to show it’s beneficial -- it’s up to you to keep tabs on how your kid’s doing. Though Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Encourage self-care. Seeing photos of a trip to the beach your friends didn’t invite you to can really sting. If your kid is super bummed or tired of digital drama, suggest they take a break from social media for a while. In fact, if they post a status update that they’re taking a break, their friends might be very accepting because they’ve had similar feelings. Help kids put social media in perspective. People post stuff that makes their lives look perfect -- not the homework struggles, or the fight they had with their dad, or the hours it took to look as good as possible for the camera. Remind kids that social media leaves the messy stuff out -- and that everyone has ups and downs. Encourage offline activities. In a world where kids could spend their days lying around looking at Instagram, it’s doubly important for them to feel as though they’re cultivating their inner lives. Prompt them to balance social media with soul-nourishing activities such as hobbies, exercise, reading, and helping others. Otherwise, what are they going to brag about on social media? Talk about their feelings. Ask them what it feels like to look at other kids’ feeds. Is there a tipping point from when they feel OK to when they start to feel bad about their own lives? Encourage them to stop before that feeling sets in and do something good for themselves instead. Let them know you’re there for them. You may not understand everything about your kid’s online social life. But recognizing it’s important to them makes your kid feel valued -- and more likely to come to you when they encounter problems. Get help. If you see any cause for concern, including mood swings that seem to result from social media, not taking pleasure in activities he or she used to enjoy, and having accompanying symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches, visit your kid’s pediatrician for a professional opinion. The Child Mind Institute contributed to this article. Learn more at childmind.org.

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Strategy for Paying Off Debt Q. I’ve heard lots of different theories and

recommendations when it comes to paying off debt. Why do you advise paying off debts from smallest to largest?

A. A lot of people wonder the same thing when I bring up the debt snowball. Some think paying off the debt with highest interest rate first is the best approach. This may seem to make sense mathematically, but I realized a long time ago debt is not a mathematics problem—it’s a behavior problem. Personal finance is 80 percent behavior, and only 20 percent head knowledge. Besides, if all those people were so great at math, they wouldn’t be up to their eyeballs in debt in the first place! The reason the debt snowball pays off debt from smallest to largest is that modify-

ing your behavior and providing inspiration to get out of debt is more important than the math. Your probability of becoming wealthy is more closely connected to your behavior than your financial “sophistication” or academic pedigree. When you pay off a small debt you experience success, and that gives you hope. Then, you move on the next debt. When you pay that one off, and you’ve wiped out two debts, it really energizes you. At that point you start to get excited, and you begin to believe in yourself and in the fact you’re actually on the road to becoming debt-free!

would work for me. I want to take $20,000 out of my thrift savings account to use as a down payment on the property. I could rent the place for $1,400 a month, and my loan payment would be $1,100 a month. What do you think about this idea?

rental property. I think I’ve found a deal that

A. I love real estate, so I understand the allure. But what you’re telling me is you want to cash out part of your retirement, get hit with a penalty and take on debt, to buy an investment property. I wouldn’t do it. I’ve got a feeling you’ve never been a landlord before. Bringing in $1,400 and paying out $1,100 may seem like a good place to be, but you haven’t figured all the risk into your equation. Rental properties just sit there empty sometimes. Other times you have renters who don’t pay, repairs, and people who just tear up things. In other words, you won’t be able to count on an easy $300 in your pocket every month. Like I said, I totally get your fascination with real estate. But my advice is to save up, and pay cash for one decent rental property to see if this game is really for you.

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It’s Not Easy Money Q. I’m 35, and I’ve always wanted to own

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sa wh lon “Who has three good things?” One of the kids jumps in. “Me! We got to go to the gym during indoor recess. Mom came into my class. Ice cream for dessert!” We ask this question almost every night at dinner. We could also phrase the question, “What are you grateful for?” Studies show that a gratitude practice can be life changing. Gratitude can lower blood pressure and anxiety, reduce aches and pains, and improve sleep. Feel like your kids get

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sick all the time? Gratitude has been shown to boost the immune system. People who practice gratitude tend to be more optimistic and experience more joy. And if you wish your kids would cooperate more, try a gratitude practice. People who are tuned in to gratitude tend to be more helpful and generous.

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

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Focusing on gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring sadness, anger, grief, or struggles. Kids need to know that it’s OK to express negative feelings and challenges too. But learning to feel grateful even when things aren’t going well is powerful. As Brené Brown says, “It’s not joy the makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” To take into account this fuller range of experiences, some families use the rosethorn-bud practice. In this case, you share a positive, a challenge or disappointment, and a hope for the next day. The point is to acknowledge that we all have hard moments and good ones. If you don’t already have a family gratitude practice, it’s easy to start. Ours began simply as a way to head off a pattern of complaints and grumbles (from kids and grown ups alike). Now it’s part of our routine.

Start Your Own Gratitude Practice To start your own family gratitude practice, simply ask everyone to say three good things from their day (or a rose, thorn, and bud). Take turns sharing and listening to each other. The good things can be anything—a favorite food for dinner or knowing there’s going to be dessert, a fun activity at school, seeing a friend, getting a compliment, finding something you lost, a relative coming home from the hospital... Everyone should participate. Some days will be harder than others. If you need to, help each other think through the day. Were you really excited on the way to school? Did somebody do something nice for you? Was it your day for art? How did soccer go? Some nights, the kids ask if they can say their three good things or argue over who gets to go first. Other nights, there is a long silence in response to the question. Even on nights when our kids are slow to share three good things, part way through somebody else’s turn, we’ll hear, “Oh, I have another one.” As you get used to sharing gratitude, you find more of it.

Here are 5 other ways to practice gratitude with your family. 1) Speak Your Gratitude. If sitting down together for dinner is a challenge, look for other points in the day to speak your 25

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gratitude. Try making gratitude part of your bedtime routine. Or make it a habit to say three good things in the car on the way home at the end of the day. Take the lead to get the habit started, but once you’ve done it for a while, you may find your kids asking if they can say their three good things without prompting.

2) Keep a Family Gratitude Journal. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? What if you kept one as a family? Create a ritual around writing in the gratitude journal. Have kids write something when they first get home from school, or ask a child to jot down family ideas while you cook dinner. The key is to make it a regular habit. Daily is ideal, but if you can’t do that, create a pattern that does work. For example, start each family meeting with a gratitude list or do a gratitude check in every Sunday night.

3) Make a Gratitude Jar. Some families write down what they are grateful for on small slips of paper and tuck them into a jar. At the end of the year, they pull them out and read through them. It’s a reminder of the many good things that happen throughout the year, the many moments when they felt thankful. Plus you get to feel good when the thing happens, when you write it down, and again when you read through them. 4) Create a Gratitude Wall. Do you have a chalkboard wall or a white board in your house? Use it to write something you are grateful for every day. Encourage all your family members to do the same. Help younger children write or let them draw a picture. Take a moment to look at the board to remind yourself of your own gratitude or that of others.

5) Text Your Thanks. You can even text three good things or quick moments of gratitude throughout the day with older kids. This shouldn’t replace face-to-face communication, but texting is a great tool to share positive thoughts on hectic days or when communicating is hard. Developing a gratitude practice helps build resiliency and joy, which is great for our kids and for us. And in the moment, it just feels good to find something positive when you are having a grumpy, grumbly day. WP Sara Barry is a writer from Massachusetts. She sporadically keeps a gratitude journal and regularly shares three good things with her kids.

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

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Arts & Crafts

Decorating Workshop ad on page 15

December 1 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Spread some holiday cheer at Landmark Park at the Holiday Decorating Workshop. Create wreaths, garlands and swags out of natural materials and decorate Landmark Park for Victorian Christmas and make some decorations to take home! Refreshments will be provided. Registration required. This event is supported by the Wiregrass Master Gardeners. Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring gloves and wire pliers. Register online. Time 1:00-4:00 p.m. (334) 794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Make Break

@ Michael’s November 2, 9, 16, December 7, 14 4601 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303 1:00-3:00 p.m. Buy the base. Supplies to decorate provided. (334) 671-8401

Kids Club

November 2, 9, 16, December 7, 14 @ Michael’s 4601 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Cost: $3 per project. Ages 3 and up. Supplies included. (334) 671-8401

Toddler Tales

November 2 - Turkey Trouble, December 7 - Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Designed to be a family experience, with story time and a related art project for toddlers and their care givers. Light toddler friendly refreshments will be provided. $20/child. Time 10:0011:00 a.m. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com

Craft Workshop: Ornament Christmas Tree Porch Sitter

November 7 @ YellowHammer Market 124 W. Court Square Ozark, AL 36360 Ever wonder what you could do with those left over Christmas bulbs? Let’s get together to make this Christmas tree porch sitter. Cost: $15 (334) 701-2477

First Saturday Family Day: Winter Landscape

December 6 @ Wiregrass Museum of Art 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Join us in the studio and create your own unique winter landscape. Explore art and nature through pastels and watercolors. Design your winter wonderland then add some animal friends playing in the snow! (334) 794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Thanksgiving Wood Class

November 9 @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Choose Your Door Hanger. $35 for the Welcome Sunflower or $40 Thankful Plaque or the Blessed Plaque. Includes step by step instruction, all materials, and bow. Register online or by phone. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com

Ugly Sweater Party

December 12 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Westgate Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 Kids and Teens (ages 7-18) can design and decorate the ugliest sweatshirt imaginable. Sweatshirts and supplies provided. Registration is REQUIRED for this event. www.dhcls.org

Cookies and Canvas

November 9 - Holiday Llama, December 14 - Santa’s Little Helper @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Designed to be a family experience, however, kids 10 and up can be signed up independently. Refreshments served. Sign up in store, online, or by phone. Cost: $20 Per 11x14 Canvas $30 Per 16x20 Canvas. Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com

DIY Snow Globes

December 2 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Main 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36303 Stop by and make your very own snow globe. All supplies will be provided. Ages 5-12. Time 4:00-4:30 p.m. www.dhcls.org

Ugly Sweater Party

December 4 @ Ashford Library 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL 36312 Kids and Teens (ages 7-18) can design and decorate the ugliest sweatshirt imaginable. Sweatshirts and supplies provided. Registration is REQUIRED for this event. (334) 899-3121 www.dhcls.org

Winter Day Camps

December 30-31, January 2-3 @ Wiregrass Museum of Art 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Art Around the World - December 30 - Learn about numerous cultures from around the world and create your own masterpieces. Discovering Art - December 31 - Learn about numerous artworks on display in the museum, then create a unique work of your own. Clay Explorations - January 2 & 3 - Create multiple works while using different techniques such as scoring and slipping, surface decoration, and glazing. Cost: $65 Members, $75 Non-members / Ages 6+ (334) 794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Benefits & Fundraisers

The Red Nose Run ad on Back Cover

December 14 @ Flowers Hospital 4370 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36305 The race raises funds for grants distributed by SACF to local nonprofits in the Wiregrass region of Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Houston and Henry counties. Grants are awarded in several areas of need including education, social services, health,

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youth development, the arts and community development. Last year, more than $30,000 was raised for local nonprofits. (334) 264-6223 Chad.DuBois@cacfinfo.org rednoserun.itsyourrace.com

Santa for Seniors

November 8 – December 13 @ SARCOA 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd. Dothan, AL 36305 Help bring Christmas joy to Wiregrass seniors. Common requests include groceries, household repairs, and basic necessities. Gifts are collected at the old National Guard Armory in Dothan. SARCOA case managers and volunteers deliver them to the seniors before Christmas. Wish lists released November 8 at sarcoa.org. Gift drop off December 5-7, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (334) 793-6843 www.sarcoa.org

Wiregrass Children’s Home Festival of Trees

November 14 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 This is a Gala Auction Event featuring professionally-decorated Christmas trees, centerpieces, wreaths, gift items, furniture, trips, and so much more! Dinner will be served as well as a cash bar. Tickets: $65 per person, $500 Table for 8 (334) 726-4511 rosie@wiregrasschildrenshome.org www.wiregrasschildrenshome.org

Operation Christmas Child

National Collection Week: November 18-25 @ Heritage Baptist Church (Central Drop Off) 1951 Westgate Pkwy Dothan, AL 36303 Donate shoeboxes filled with Gifts for children in need. Shoeboxes may be dropped off at the Central Drop off Location or one of 12 others in the Wiregrass Area. This year’s goal is 29.500 boxes. Visit the website for information on what to pack in a box.

Jerusalem Project

@ Fostering Hope 1004 Montezuma Avenue, Suite 1 Dothan, AL 36303 Sponsor foster children in Houston and Henry counties for their Christmas gifts. Businesses, individuals, church groups, etc are encouraged to help sponsor children and buy Christmas gifts for them this year. Also collecting Christmas cards for foster families. (334) 589-0805 anna@fosteringhopewiregrass.com www.fosteringhopewiregrass.com

Salvation Army Angel Tree

@ Wiregrass Commons Mall 900 Commons Drive Ste 604 Dothan, AL 36303 Help provide Christmas for low-income children. Typical needs and wants range from clothes to a bicycle. Angels are available for adoption at Wiregrass Commons Mall. The tree is near the food court. (334) 792-1911

Collecting new, unwrapped toys. Visit website for drop-off locations. (334) 316-6839 wiregrasstoysfortots@gmail.com thewiregrass.toysfortots.org

Turkey Thanksgiving Meal Drive

@ Fostering Hope 1004 Montezuma Ave, Ste 1 Dothan, AL 36303 Provide a Thanksgiving meal to a foster family in Houston, Henry, or Dale County or the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home for only $40. Each meal includes a turkey, two sides, rolls, and a pie. Donations can be made via PayPal or mail, or dropped off during office hours.

(334) 589-0805 melinda@fosteringhopewiregrass.com www.fosteringhopewiregrass.com

Church Events

Alabama Kidney Foundation Wiregrass Kidney Claus

Christmas Choir

(334) 547-8467 lisab@alkidney.org alkidney.org

Girls Inc. Mother Daughter Tea

December 8 @ Windmill Station 1369 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 This event is designed to honor and enhance the positive relationships between girls and the women in their lives. Guests will enjoy a tea-style lunch, visiting with Mrs. Claus and Santa, craft activity, cookie decorating with elves, enjoying the candy buffet table, taking pictures in the photo booth to remember the day, and other fun activities. (334) 793-2321 girlsincdothan.org

Alveta Houston Hawk Wine & Food Festival

December 14 @ Windmill Station 1369 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Entertainment by 360 Productions & DJ Nigel Aman; auctioneer is Dr. Walter Sims. Tickets $50 per person. Tables of 8 - $500. Time 6:00-10:00 p.m. (334) 792-4618 hawkhoustonyec@gmail.com www.hawkhoustonyec.org

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

November 7-9, 14-16 @ We Piddle Around Theater N. Main St. Brundidge, AL 36010 6:30 pm. The stories told in “Come Home, It’s Suppertime” are 100 percent true and performed as told by real-life characters who milled around our hometown during the days of the Great Depression. (334) 685-5524 piddle.org

Chestnut Grove

December 3-7, 10-14, 17-21 @ Southern Broadway Dinner Theater 104 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Come celebrate Christmas in the quaint community of Chestnut Grove. Revel in the stories of days gone by, feel the warmth of the holidays, and have your spirits lifted as you are brought back to time when the world was not as hectic and life was filled with simple pleasures. Showtimes: 6:30 p.m. nightly (334) 470-6568 www.southernbroadway.com

Toys for Tots

wiregrassteam@gmail.com www.samaritanspurse.org

November 19 @ Flowers Hospital (Doctor’s Building, Classroom 1) 4370 W. Main St. Dothan, AL 36305 Join us and VOLUNTEER to sort over 1,000 holiday gifts for local kidney patients. Refreshments! Santa Selfie Station! Vendors at the Santa Shop with great gifts for early Christmas shopping! Time 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Come Home, It’s Suppertime

ad on page 11

December 15 @ First United Methodist Church 217 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Performances at 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. (334) 347-3467

Walk Thru Bethlehem

December 10-15 @ Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 2864 S. Brannon Stand Rd. Dothan, AL 36305 Come and take a walk through Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth. Led by a tour guide, you will interact with the people of Bethlehem on the eve of Jesus’ birth. Through their stories and lives you will learn about the one true God, and His Son who walked this earth 2,000 years ago, and lives victorious over sin forever.

Dance/Music/Theater

SEADAC’s The Nutcracker ad on page 25

December 5-8 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Experience some of the most glorious dancing on earth in our annual production of this timeless holiday classic. seadac@graceba.net www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org

A Very May-Haw Christmas

December 5-8 @ Cotton Hall Theater 158 E. Main St. Colquitt, GA 39837 Bring the whole family to experience this festive Christmas treat, chock full of your favorite Christmas tunes and light-hearted, family friendly comedy which is sure to put you in the perfect mood for the season. Showtimes: Thursday & Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 & 6:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (229) 758-5450 www.swampgravy.com

Chili Country Christmas with The Dill Pickers

December 6 @ We Piddle Around Theater N. Main St. Brundidge, AL 36010 The Dill Pickers are a vocal string band based in Birmingham, AL. They will flat out entertain you and you’ll leave with a smile on your face. Tickets: $25 (334) 685-5524 piddle.org

A Classic Chipley Christmas

December 7 @ Spanish Trail Playhouse 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL 32428 A Classic Chipley Christmas, featuring regional performers, takes the audience on a nostalgic return to the holiday season through many of their favorite songs and carols performed in an elegant, holiday setting. Tickets $15

(850) 638-9113 spanishtrailplayhouse@gmail.com www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com

Fruitcakes

December 9-14 @ Cultural Arts Center 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 SEACT is baking a batch of holiday fruitcakes! Ingredients include three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, a cat named Tutti Frutti, and a Christmas hog named Buster. (334) 794-0400 www.seact.com

Santa’s Workshop

December 12-14 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Packed with high-energy dance numbers, fantastic music, and hilarious characters, Santa’s Workshop is back and better than ever and this year there is a new elf in town with new ideas to impress the big man in charge at the North Pole! (877) 775-5678 www.pattirutlandjazz.com

www.wiregrassparents.com

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Andalusia Ballet’s The Nutcracker

December 13-15 @ LBWCC Dixon Center for the Performing Arts 1000 Danelly Blvd. Andalusia, AL 36420 Capture the spirit of the holidays! The Nutcracker is a treasure chest of dance, music, and theatrics! Make this classic a part of your family’s holiday tradition. (334) 222-6620 info@andalusiaballet.com andalusiaballet.com

Christmas Songs & Stories with John Berry

December 18 @ Dothan Opera House His annual Christmas tours brighten the holidays for thousands as does his electrifying rendition of “O’ Holy Night.” This show has become a holiday tradition and we hope you will join us again this year.

Masterworks Choir

@ Hoobler Music Studio 201 W. College St. Enterprise, AL 36330 We will be singing traditional Baroque & Renaissance style Christmas music. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. (334) 390-1009 eprisemusic@gmail.com

Festivals

Downtown Christmas ad on page 7

December 7 @ Downtown Dothan, AL 36301 Santa Claus is coming to town and he is bringing with him a pile of SNOW! Join us at our Dothan Downtown Christmas Festival for a day of family fun including sledding, s’mores, caroling, arts &

crafts and much, much more! Time 10:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. www.dothandowntown.org

Whoville Holiday Celebration ad on page 26

December 7 @ Downtown Enterprise Holiday Fun for the Entire Family in beautiful Downtown Enterprise! SAVE THE DATE and Join the fun in Downtown Enterprise as we transform into “Whoville for the Holidays” at our “Whoville Holiday Celebration”! Time 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (334) 348-2738 www.enterprisedowntown.org

Santa on the Square ad on page 4

December 7, 14, 21 @ Court Square Andalusia, AL 36420 Join Santa in the big Candyland Sleigh for beautiful take-your-own photo opportunities. Free admission. Enjoy a snow show and check out the Candyland Cottages, imaginative play houses built just for kids. Be sure to check out Springdale on Ice for ice skating, snow tubing, an arctic maze and more Candyland Cottages. 2:00-4:00 p.m. www.christmasincandyland.com

Victorian Christmas ad on page 15

December 8 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Sip hot apple cider or hot chocolate while listen-

ing to Christmas carols and visiting with Santa. Enjoy old fashioned desserts, arts and crafts, music, wagon rides and handmade decorations. A circuit riding preacher will deliver a holiday message. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to the Food Bank. (334) 794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Hot Cocoa and Characters ad on page 4

December 14 505 E Three Notch St Andalusia, AL 36420 Meet and Greet with Mickey, Minnie, Santa, Princesses, Superheroes, and other favorites at the Hot Cocoa and Characters event at Christmas in Candyland. Free Admission. 4:00-6:00 p.m. www.christmasincandyland.com

Christmas in Candyland ad on page 4

Weekends in December @ Downtown Andalusia 505 E Three Notch St Andalusia, AL 36420 Your winter wonderland adventure is closer than you think! Make lasting holiday memories and watch children’s imaginations grow. Enjoy kid-sized cottages, snow flurries, ice-skating, snow-tubing, train rides, a Holiday Circus and more! (334) 222-2030 chamber@andalusiachamber.com www.christmasincandyland.com

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Christmas at the Farmers Market

December 7 @ Enterprise Farmers Market 521 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 A fun day for all ages. Produce and arts and crafts vendors. Kids can visit with Santa Claus and make an ornament for the tree. (334) 348-2668 www.enterpriseal.gov

Light Displays Gardens Aglow

November 29, December 6, 13, 20 @ Dothan Area Botanical Gardens 5130 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Stroll through the Gardens between 5:00-8:00 p.m. and enjoy the many festive lights and displays. Have a cookie and hot chocolate. Visit with Santa Claus. Enjoy seasonal music and entertainment. Pets on a leash are welcome. Cost is $5 per person over 5 years of age. Flashlights are recommended especially for children who will want to find all of the hidden objects. (334) 793-3224 www.dabg.com

Holiday Spectacular Park

December 1-31 1768 Hubbard Rd Newton, AL 36352 Enjoy a spectacular light display and take in a host of other activities. This is a family-friendly park you will enjoy bringing your children to during their Christmas vacation from school, because it is free from profanity, drugs and alcohol. Times: 5:30-9:30 p.m. (334) 790-5112 info@holidayspectacularpark.com www.holidayspectacularpark.com

Christmas on Oakwood

Nightly in December @ Westbrook Subdivision Oakwood Drive Dothan, AL 36303 Tune your radio to 98.1fm to listen to the lights and dance to music. Please be mindful of neighbors and others enjoying the lights. Please do not liter or block driveways, and please remain in your vehicles.

Country Christmas Village of Lights

Nightly in December Highway 52 Webb, AL Hand and chain-carved scenes, with thousands of beautiful Christmas lights. You can enjoy all the beauty from the comfort of your car, as you drive through. Come out and experience a wonderful family Christmas event. Times: 5:00-9:30 p.m. Cost: $3

Trawick’s Christmas in the Woodlands

Nightly in December Corner of Highway 84 & Boll Weevil Circle Enterprise, AL 36330 Drive-through Christmas light display. Train rides available some dates in December. Times: 5:009:00 Sunday-Thursday and 5:00-10:00 Friday and Saturday. Admission is free.

Christmas Tour of Homes

December 7 Eufaula, AL 36027 An enchanting tour of the South’s finest homes draped in holiday cheer! 1:00-6:00 p.m. (334) 687-3793

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Miscellaneous

28th Annual Christmas Light Festival at the Montgomery Zoo ad on page 14

December 5-8, 12-25 The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, Al 36110 See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of lights and festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll, a brisk train ride or see the lights from atop the Zoofari Skylift Ride. Visit Santa, enjoy the live nightly entertainment and no winter’s night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies. 334-625-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Mom’s Night Out: Holiday Baking Exchange

November 14 @ Fostering Hope 1004 Montezuma Ave, Suite 1 Dothan, AL 36301 Let’s prepare for the upcoming Christmas season by preparing our favorite baked goods & bringing them to share with everyone! Foster moms Joy Cowart & Kathy Loftin will be teaching us how to make some of their favorites! Bring a copy of your recipe to share as well! (334) 699-1563 www.fosteringhopewiregrass.com

Pumpkin Pie Story Time

November 14 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Westgate Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 Learn all about pumpkins and make your very own pumpkin pie! Registration is not required, but space is limited. Parents- If your child has a food allergy, please let us know. Time 4:00-4:30 p.m. (334) 699-2950 www.dhcls.org

Turkey Wobble Skate Night

November 15 @ School Age Center Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Perform your best Turkey Call and/or be the Best Dressed Turkey for your chance to win prizes! Safety Skate 5:00-6:00 p.m. Regular Skate 6:008:00 p.m. Participants must be a Child & Youth Services (CYS) registered member. (334) 255-9108 rucker.armymwr.com

Timeless Turkey 5K

November 16 @ Physical Fitness Center Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 The Timeless Turkey Prediction Run is not about being the fastest runner, but rather about the most accurately predicting your finish time. Those with the most accurate predictions will win a frozen turkey. Bibs available for pick up on race day. Time 8:00-10:00 a.m. rucker.armymwr.com

Thanksgiving Feast

Holiday Safari

December 5 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Westgate Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 Participants will select a present from beneath a small Christmas tree containing a clue, which corresponds to one of the surprise guest animals. All will have an opportunity to get “hands-on” during this special program! Time 4:00-5:00 p.m. www.dhcls.org

Mom’s Night Out: Ornament Exchange

December 5 @ Fostering Hope 1004 Montezuma Ave. Suite 3 Dothan, AL 36301 Join us for an ornament exchange with other foster moms! (334) 699-1563 www.fosteringhopewiregrass.com

Story Time with Santa

December 11 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Main 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36303 Do you have questions that you’d love Santa to answer? You’re in luck! Santa will be reading a few of his favorites and answering some of your questions like - How did the reindeer get their names, or what’s Santa’s favorite cookie? If time allows, you may be able to take pictures with Santa. Time 4:00-5:00 p.m. www.dhcls.org

Winter Wonderland Skate Night

December 13 @ School Age Center Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Safety Skate 5:00-6:00 p.m. Regular Skate 6:008:00 p.m. Participants must be a Child & Youth Services (CYS) registered member. (334) 255-9108 rucker.armymwr.com

Candyland Half Marathon and 5K

December 14 @ City Hall 505 E.Three Notch St. Andalusia, AL 36420 Race through Christmas in Candyland. Pre-race pictures with Santa Claus. Costume Contest. Categories: Half Marathon, 5K (walk and run) and free 1-Mile fun run for kids 10 and under. (333) 488-6333 jocivitan@gmail.com

Reindeer Run 5K

December 14 @ Downtown Enterprise, AL 36330 Costume Contest, Prizes, and more! 1 Mile Fun Run 9:00 a.m. 5K Run 9:30 a.m. Race-day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Register before November 24th to be guaranteed a shirt. runsignup.com

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Yule Ball

December 14 @ Basketcase Cafe 228 S. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36301 Private formal Christmas dinner and dessert. Cash bar. Photo booth. Themed music and decorations. Ages 16 and up. Tickets $49.99 plus tax. Limited to 125 guests. Ticket deadline November 30th. alabamafanaticon@gmail.com

November 28 @ The Landing 113 Novosel St. Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Relax while The Landing takes care of the cooking for you, so you can enjoy time with family and friends. The Thanksgiving Feast will be buffet style, featuring delicious Thanksgiving favorites! Reservations are highly recommended! Time 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa

(334) 255-0769 rucker.armymwr.com

(229) 758-2888 tarrerinnevents@yahoo.com thetarrerinn.com

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December 20 @ Tarrer Inn 155 S. Cuthbert St. Colquitt, GA 39837 Mrs. Claus and Santa will be here to visit with the kids and for photos. We will have a hot chocolate bar, pancakes, pigs in a blanket, and other various goodies. We will also make reindeer food and decorate cookies for Santa. Tickets: Adults $13, Kids $10

www.wiregrassparents.com

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Parades & Tree Lightings Dothan Christmas Tree Lighting

December 3 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Mayor Mark Saliba and members of the Dothan City Commission along with other special guests welcome the beginning of this joyous season. The Montana Magnet School Fifth Grade Chorus will perform Christmas carols. Santa will be onhand for photos. Time: 6:00 p.m. (334) 615-3700

Enterprise Christmas Parade

December 3 Enterprise, AL 36330 Largest Christmas parade in the Southeast. Time 6:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, a reserve date of Thursday, December 5, will take its place.

Ozark Christmas Parade

December 3 Ozark, AL 36360 Join us for our annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting! The tree lighting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Downtown Ozark Rose Garden, immediately followed by the parade, which will line up along Broad Street as last year. This is a free event!

Ft. Rucker Christmas Tree Lighting

December 5 Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Join us for a delightful evening of music, hot chocolate, the lighting of the Post Christmas Tree, and a very special visitor from the North Pole. This event is free and open to the public. Time 5:00 p.m. (334) 255-1749 rucker.armymwr.com

Headland Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 5 Headland, AL 36345 Tree lighting 6:00 p.m. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. through the downtown area. Santa will visit with children on the front porch of the Library following the parade. Entry forms due Dec. 2. Entry fee is $10. (334) 693-3303 headlandalchamber@gmail.com headlandal.com

Christmas Night Parade

December 6 Blakely, GA 39823 Join in the fun! The parade kicks off an evening of shopping, singing, eating, and what we consider the most wonderful and a joyous holiday season of the year. We hope you will make plans to join us downtown as we celebrate. Time 5:30 p.m.

Shopping

FRCSC Annual Bazaar ad on page 7

November 15-16 @ Yano Hall Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Complete your holiday shopping with 80+ local vendors under one roof! Sweet Shop, Food

Vendors, Santa photos & Door prize drawings. Admission, $5. Times: Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. frcsbazaar@gmail.com FortRuckerCSC.com

Downtown Holiday Open House ad on page 26

November 23 @ Downtown Enterprise, AL 36330 Shop Local and start your Holiday Shopping off right in beautiful Downtown Enterprise! Enjoy our wonderful downtown hospitality and diverse offering of merchants to provide unique gifts for the holidays! Time 10:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. (334) 348-2738 www.enterprisedowntown.org

Black Friday Pajama Party ad on page 26

November 29 @ Downtown Enterprise, AL 36330 Roll out of bed, come in your pjs and enjoy unique shopping at our Black Friday Pajama Party! Time 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (334) 348-2738 www.enterprisedowntown.org

Christmas on the Square ad on page 3

December 7 @ Court Square Blakely, GA 39823 Food vendors, arts & crafts, children games, entertainment. Time 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. EST

Holly Fair 2019

November 7-10 @ Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort 11212 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Join us for a shopping extravaganza with daily entertainment and special events. Preview Party on Thursday evening followed by a Champagne Brunch on Friday morning with general admissions shopping Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds support the The Junior League of Panama City. jlpc@jlpanamacity.org

All Saints Day Gospel Sing & Christmas Crafts Sale

November 2 @ Newton BCI Library Museum 209 Oates Dr. Newton, AL 36352 Tours, Art Exhibition, Crafts, Country Gospel, Newton Queens, Fun. (334) 299-3316

Holiday Gala and Open House

November 2 @ Out the back door 511 E. Maple Ave., Ste. 3 Geneva, AL 36340 Please join us for our open house event to showcase all the new holiday trends and ideas. It will be the first holiday party of the season with refreshments and special discounts. Come early, you don’t want to miss anything! Time 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (334) 248-6103 faaskaren1@gmail.com www.out-the-back-door.com

Market of Hope

November 2 @ Kinsey Baptist Church 6745 Walden Dr. Kinsey, AL 36303 Craft and Local vendors will be set up for you to enjoy some holiday shopping. Our youth will be selling lunches. Time 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Downtown Ozark Holiday Open House

November 14 @ Court Square Ozark, AL 36360 Participating merchants will be offering sales, refreshments, door prizes and more! Santa Claus will be at the Holman House from 5-8PM during the event; bring your camera! The Lisenby Primary Singers will preform at The Holman House at 6:00 p.m. (334) 774-9321

Christmas Bazaar

November 16 @ Cattlemen Park 4100 Hwy 231 South Troy, AL 36081 Looking for some unique or hand crafted Christmas gifts or are in need of photos with Santa? If so, then make plans to come by and shop from several amazingly talented vendors! Time 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Admission $5

The Greatest Knight 2019

November 21 @ Windmill Station 1369 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Live and Silent Auction! 30/30 Gun Draw! Gift Card Grub Grab! Holiday Bake Sale! Dinner! Music! Food! Fun!! The Ultimate Draw Down! 100% of all the proceeds benefit the students of Northside Methodist Academy. Time 5:30-9 p.m. greatestknightevents@gmail.com

Christmas at the Fort

November 23 @ Frontier Village Ft. Gaines, GA Over 150 vendors will take part, offering crafts, fun food and Christmas items. A full day of entertainment with music and dancing is also planned. Bring your family and enjoy a fun day out at the fair. Organized by the Fort Gaines Garden Club. (229) 732-6092 or (229) 881-5797 fayecc@windstream.net

Christmas Market

November 23 @ St. John Catholic Church 123 Heath St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Come and get your Christmas shopping done and amaze your friends and family with all the awesome creations our local vendors have to offer. St John’s hall doors open at 9:00!

Mistletoe & Magnolia Holidays at The Lake House

November 30 @ The Lake House at Camellia Palms 23622 Fifth Ave. Florala, AL 36442 Tis the Season. Deck the Halls. We’re Dreaming of...Our historic, Victorian home decorated for the holidays! (205) 585-0058 camelliapalms@gmail.com

Get in the Spirit Christmas Open House

December 5 @ Lucy Hilton Maddox Memorial Library 11880 Columbia St. Blakely, GA 39823 Time 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. EST WP

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FamilyCalendar Friday November 1

Art of Yoga ($10) 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL, 36303 Spend an inspired hour on your mat surrounded by some of the South’s most engaging art! Participants will be guided through an all-levels appropriate class held in one of the museum’s galleries. Please bring your own water bottle, yoga mat, and towel. www.wiregrassmuseum.org (334) 794-3871 Coffee and Friends 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Bowden Terrace Community Center, Red Cloud Rd. Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Do you need help understanding military life, new to Fort Rucker, or just looking to make some new friends? Join us for Coffee and Friends hosted by ACS on the first Friday of every month. rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-3898 Native American Powwow 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Culpepper Park, Daleville, AL, 36322 Learn about Native American culture and history through demonstrations of tribal traditional & contemporary dances, exhibition & social dances, drumming, flute music and storytelling. dakotawacipi@yahoo.com National Peanut Festival Opens 4:00 p.m. NPF Fairgrounds, 5622 Hwy. 231 South Dothan, AL, 36301 Celebrating the peanut harvest, The 76th Peanut Festival hosts the 10 day Fair each Fall. Spectacular Rides, great Fair Food, entertainers, agriculture exhibits, craft exhibits & lots of vendors combine for a family fun event. The Ultimate Roadside Attraction! www.nationalpeanutfestival.com Witches and Boos 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Mother Rucker’s Sports Bar, 319 5th Ave. Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 There will be beer vendors including Hops and Vines, as well as a live band (Midlife Crisis), costume contest (audience choice), & a raffle/giveaway. 18+ only. (334) 255-3916 rucker.armymwr.com

Friends of the Ozark Dale Co. Library Book Sale 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 The Friends of the Library are hosting another book sale just in time for the gift giving season! Be sure to stop by the Library and browse our wide selection of books for the reader in your life! All books are Buy One, Get One Free! Hardback books are $2 and softcover books are $0.50! First Saturday Family Day (Free) 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL, 36303 Come create art inspired by the Mexican celebration Day of the Dead! Design your own sugar skull or make a beautiful paper bouquet of marigolds. Don’t forget to stop on the stairs and admire Billy Hassel’s painting, Game of Chance, inspired by the holiday! www.wiregrassmuseum.org (334) 794-3871 Native American Powwow 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Culpepper Park, Daleville, AL, 36322 Learn about Native American culture and history through demonstrations of tribal traditional & contemporary dances, exhibition & social dances, drumming, flute music and storytelling. dakotawacipi@yahoo.com Jackson County Farm City Festival 3631 Hwy. 90 West Marianna, FL, 32446 Lawn mower pulls, tractor pulls, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, things for kids, pioneer activities like grits milling, iron fording, and lots more. (850) 482-8060

Sunday November 3

Native American Powwow 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Culpepper Park, Daleville, AL, 36322 Learn about Native American culture and history through demonstrations of tribal traditional & contemporary dances, exhibition & social dances, drumming, flute music and storytelling. dakotawacipi@yahoo.com

Jackson County Farm City Festival 3631 Hwy. 90 West Marianna, FL, 32446 Lawn mower pulls, tractor pulls, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, things for kids, pioneer activities like grits milling, iron fording, and lots more. (850) 482-8060

Reptile Feeding (Adults $4, Kids $3) 4:00 p.m. Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Meet Indie our Eastern Indigo snake, along with our Corn snake and Grey Rat snake, and learn why these animals are important to the environment. www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Saturday November 2

Monday November 4

40th Annual Southern Region Open Karate Tournament (Adults $6, Children (6-12) $3, 5 & Under Free) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Dothan Civic Center, 126 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Open to all styles of martial arts and karate. Divisions for fighting, weapons, katas and black belt breaking competition. (334) 615-3700 Celebration of Life 5K Run/Walk with Zumba

Fall Choral & Theatre Festival 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 A premiere competition and festival celebrating music and theatre. Students from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia perform in choral and showchoir settings. Events include solos, monologues, and scenes presented to a panel of qualified judges. Performances are open to the general public. Deadline to Register: October 4 theculturalartscenter.org ann@theculturalartscenter.org

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park, 1715 Whatley Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us for our first annual Angela Marie DiLillo Foundation “Celebration of Life” 5K Run/Walk with Zumba fundraiser event to raise money for educational scholarships and awareness about the importance of early detection and intervention of lung cancer. (334) 618-6706

Passive Aggressive Coloring (Free) 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Ashford Library, 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL, 36312 Need to de-stress? Join us for passive aggressive coloring! We have new books, printable pages and a whole new hilarious outlook. Come make new friends and have a good time laughing at the colorful language! All supplies are provided or bring your own. www.dhcls.org (334) 899-3121

Montessori Madness 5K (Pre-registration $25) 8:00 a.m. Dothan Montessori School, 205 Holly Lane Dothan, AL, 36301 5K race for all ages. Kids dash. (334) 671-7170 www.DothanMontessoriSchool.org

Lego Club 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Headland Public Library, 17 Park St. Headland, AL, 36345 Join us for some “creative” fun the 1st Monday of every month. This

(Registration: 5K w/ T-Shirt $25, w/o T-Shirt $15 / Zumba w/ T-Shirt $25, w/o T-Shirt $15)

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

program is designed for ages 4+. No Pre-Registration required. (334) 693-2706 NPF Greased Pig & Calf Scramble 7:00 p.m. NPF Fairgrounds - Arena, 5622 Hwy 231 South Dothan, AL, 36301 Pre-selected Ag students will have the opportunity to catch a calf or pig. Once the student catches the calf, the student must take care of it for an entire year and bring it back to the next years show. The winning calf and student win cash prize. nationalpeanutfestival.com (334) 793-4323

Tuesday November 5 Fall Choral & Theatre Festival Details November 4.

Wednesday November 6 Fall Choral & Theatre Festival Details November 4.

Anime Club 3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Daleville Public Library, 308 Donnell Blvd. Daleville, AL, 36322 Every month, we will watch anime, play games, and discover different Japanese arts & crafts. Please register. Some films rated PG-13. (334) 503-9119

Thursday November 7

Move, Groove, Read! Baby Lapsit (Free) 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 This program is designer especially for babies ages 0 to 18 months and their grown-ups! You and your baby will sing songs, do fingerplays, and enjoy books and baby games, all intended to help little ones discover words and language. rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-3885 LEGO Builders Club (Free) 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Daleville Public Library, 318 Donnell St. Daleville, AL, 36322 Come join us for some fun build challenges or you can enjoy some easy going freestyle building. (334) 503-9119 Pajama Story Time (Free) 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Wear your comfiest PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal as we sing, dance, and read stories. Open to authorized patrons and EFMP friendly. rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-3885 Come Home, It’s Suppertime ($25) 6:30 p.m. We Piddle Around Theater, N. Main St. Brundidge, AL, 36010 The stories told in “Come Home, It’s Suppertime” are 100 percent true and performed as told by real-life characters who milled around our hometown during the days of the Great Depression and strowed around stories that have endured with time. piddle.org (334) 685-5524 Red & Black Patriots Gala 6:30 p.m. Bella’s Ballroom, 191 N. Foster St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Inaugural fundraiser for Friends of Army Aviation. This event will offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities and a chance to help our organization continue to minister to our Veterans and their families. (334) 701-9865

Friday November 8

Come Home, It’s Suppertime ($25) Details November 7.

www.wiregrassparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Big River-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adults $18, Seniors/Military $15, Students/Children $13)

7:00 p.m. Spanish Trail Playhouse, 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL, 32428 Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel. www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com (850) 638-9113

Saturday November 9

Fall Pancake Breakfast (Plates $5) 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., PoFolks, 650 Boll Weevil Cir. Enterprise, AL, 36330 The Enterprise Lions Club will be serving up the famous Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Plates include pancake and sausage with coffee, juice or milk. Dine-in or to-go. Tickets may be purchased from a Enterprise Lions Club member or at the event. Open Flag Football Tournament 8:00 a.m. Physical Fitness Center, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Open to the public, ages 18 and older. Register your team at the Fort Rucker PFC by November 1, at least six teams must be signed up for the tournament to go. rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-2296 Fall Farmers Market 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Dothan Nurseries Greenhouse, Gardens, and Gifts, 1300 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL, 36303 We’ll have lots of vendors from Market At Dothan with their freshest veggies and homemade wares, all for you. Come see us! www.dothannurseries.com info@dothannurseries.com (334) 794-6774

Young Eagles (Free) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ozark Airport, 3247 Hwy. 231 South Ozark, AL, 36360 Enjoy the magic of an airplane ride for FREE if you are 8 to 17 years old. Parent/Guardian must register at the terminal building. Early registration at 8:30 a.m. Peanut Festival Parade 9:30 a.m. Downtown, Dothan, AL Arrive early for best seating. Parade route starts near Civic Center and travels toward South Park @ The First United Methodist Church area. Popcorn and a Movie! (Free) 12:45 p.m. Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Join us for a free kid-friendly movie with popcorn and a refreshing beverage! NPF Demolition Derby 2:00 p.m. NPF Fairgrounds - Arena, 5622 Hwy 231 South Dothan, AL, 36301 Pre-qualified cars and their drivers compete to be the last car standing. 2 sessions, 2pm & 7pm on the final Saturday of the Fair, November 9 in The Fairgrounds Arena. Arrive early for a complimentary seat. nationalpeanutfestival.com (334) 793-4323 Come Home, It’s Suppertime ($25) Details November 7. Big River-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adults $18, Seniors/Military $15, Students/Children $13)

the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel. www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com (850) 638-9113

Sunday November 10

Big River-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adults $18, Seniors/Military $15, Students/Children $13)

2:00 p.m. Spanish Trail Playhouse, 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL, 32428 Details November 8. www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com (850) 638-9113

Monday November 11

PGA HOPE Wiregrass Annual Golf Tournament 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Highland Oaks Golf Course, 904 Royal Pkwy. Dothan, AL, 36305 4-Person Scramble. Shotgun Start at 12:00 p.m. All proceeds will go to support PGA HOPE Wiregrass, a Joint PGA and VA Program that uses “Golf as Therapy” to Combat the issue that “22 Veterans a Day” are committing suicide. (239) 272-7086

Tuesday November 12

Taste of the Krewes 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., The Plant, 308 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 The Taste of the Krewes is a cooking competition/fundraising event sponsored by The Order of the Black Dress benefitting a local charity. Wiregrass Hope Group Fundraising Dinner 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Dothan Civic Center, 126 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Guest speaker: Scott Klusendorf. wiregrasshope.com marketing@wiregrasshope.com (334) 793-5433

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FamilyCalendar Play the Cafe - Songwriters in the Round 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Mura City Coffee Company, 192 S. Foster St. Dothan, AL, 36301 An intimate night with several of southeast Alabama’s best songwriters sharing their original songs and stories behind the songs. Featuring Allison Lumbatis, Joseph Brooks Rushing and Otha Allen.

Wednesday November 13

200 Years of Forgotten Alabama 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 The Friends of the Ozark Dale County Library & the Ozark Literary club present 200 Years of Forgotten Alabama by Glenn Wills! See Alabama’s past through the eyes of photographer Glenn Wills as we revisit Alabama’s past and celebrate the last 200 years! Teen Scrabble (Free) 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Daleville Public Library, 308 Donnell Blvd. Daleville, AL, 36322 Come relax with some refreshments, fun, and…GIANT SCRABBLE! (334) 503-9119

Wednesday November 14

After School Lego Club 3:14 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., McGregor-McKinney Public Library, 101 E. Fulton St. Hartford, AL, 36344 LEGO time! We will have various activities each month including some challenges and free style building. Space is limited so please let us know if you plan to attend! 5th grade Come Home, It’s Suppertime ($25) Details November 7. YA Book Club 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4601 Montgomery Hwy Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us at we discuss “The Foundations of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys.

Friday November 15

2019 Annual Pediatric Mental Health Conference 7:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center, 795 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL, 36303 A one-of-a-kind experience that brings together the most talented and driven professionals in the industry. Explore this site to learn about key speakers, our schedule, useful tips and more. dbmcadmin.wixsite.com Come Home, It’s Suppertime ($25) Details November 7. Sister Hazel at The Plant 6:30 p.m. The Plant, 308 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Big River-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adults $18, Seniors/Military $15, Students/Children $13)

7:00 p.m. Spanish Trail Playhouse, 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL, 32428 Details November 8. www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com (850) 638-9113 Beethoven in Blue Jeans (General Admission $15, Military/Student/Senior $12)

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Come hear some classic Beethoven and other beautiful works of art at the TriState Community Orchestra’s November concert, “Beethoven in Blue Jeans”. tristatecommunityorchestra.org

Wiregrass Parents I November 2019

Original Night at Harlow’s ($5) 8:00 p.m. Live at Harlow’s, 190 W. Reynolds St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Featuring bands The Last Thing You Remember, Outies, and Happy Lemmy. (334) 701-ROCK

Saturday November 16

Pickin’ in the Park (Adults $4, Kids $3) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in an instrumental jam session featuring bluegrass, gospel and country music. All skill levels and ages are welcome. If you bring your instrument and show it at the gate you can receive free admission to the park for the day. www.landmarkparkdothan.com Coffee & Coloring (Free) 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Dothan Houston Co. Library - Westgate, Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL Need to destress? Join us for passive aggressive coloring! We have new books, printable pages and a whole new hilarious outlook. Come make new friends and have a good time laughing at the colorful language! All supplies are provided or bring your own. www.dhcls.org Pokemon League 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Come battle and trade with your friends in this exciting trading card game or video game! Come Home, It’s Suppertime ($25) Details November 7. Big River-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adults $18, Seniors/Military $15, Students/Children $13)

7:00 p.m. Spanish Trail Playhouse, 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL, 32428 Details November 8.

Sunday November 17

Out of the Darkness Community Walk 1:00 p.m. Dothan High School, 3209 Reeves St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join the effort to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. rfuentes1414@gmail.com (334) 547-5120 Big River-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adults $18, Seniors/Military $15, Students/Children $13)

2:00 p.m. Spanish Trail Playhouse, 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL, 32428 Details November 8.

Tuesday November 19

Book Club 2:00 p.m. Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Join us for a lively discussion on popular books on the third Tuesdays of each month. Adult Book Club: Literary League 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Join our “Literary League”, an evening every month devoted to the appreciation of literature. Enjoy good books, intelligent discussion, and light refreshments. Bring new book ideas! rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-3885 An R-Rated Magic Show ($24-$36) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Dothan Opera House, 115 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Side-splitting comedy and mind-blowing magic are brought into the spotlight as comedy magician Grant Freeman brings his unique, raunchy show full of surprises to the Dothan Opera House! www.DothanCivicCenter.org (334) 615-3175

Wednesday November 20

Thursday November 21

Houston Co. Group Meeting & Parent Cafe (Free) 9:30 a.m. Wiregrass Boys & Girls Club, 457 S. Alice St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Join HIPPY for some free fun at the Boys & Girls Club in downtown Dothan, AL. Parents will join Ms. April for a Parent Cafe where you will discuss positive parenting solutions while your children enjoy fun, character building activities with the HIPPY staff! (334) 792-6255 Children Tea Time Story Hour ($7 per child) 10:00 a.m. Martin Teas, 450 S. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Boys and Girls Tea Time, ages 3-5, storybook reading, food, games. Reservation required. (612) 251-8521 Move, Groove, Read! Baby Lapsit (Free) 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 This program is designer especially for babies ages 0 to 18 months and their grown-ups! You and your baby will sing songs, do finger-plays, and enjoy books and baby games, all intended to help little ones discover words and language. rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-3885 After School Lego Club 3:14 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., McGregor-McKinney Public Library, 101 E. Fulton St. Hartford, AL, 36344 LEGO time! We will have various activities each month including some challenges and free style building. Space is limited so please let us know if you plan to attend! 6th grade & up Teen Book Club 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Come and discover your new favorite author. Light refreshments will be served. rucker.armymwr.com (334) 255-3885 Write Night (Free) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL, 36303 An evening of spoken word and an opportunity to present original work! Write Night: Open Mic Night provides an open platform to share original poetry, prose, skits, and more. Works can be individual or collaborative and should not exceed five minutes in length when presented. www.wiregrassmuseum.org (334) 794-3871

Saturday November 23

Pokemon League 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Come battle and trade with your friends in this exciting trading card game or video game!

Friday November 29

Chevelle at The Plant 7:30 p.m. The Plant, 308 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Doors open 6:30 p.m. Show starts 7:30 p.m. All ages (Under 16 require an adult 21+ at all times)

www.wiregrassparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Thursday December 5

Restoration BBQ, Bid & Buy (Admission $25) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Celebration at Jones Crossing, 5918 Fortner St. Dothan, AL, 36305 Items taken from the Habitat ReStore that have been refinished, painted, and refurbished will be auctioned off. Silent auction for non-furniture items. Tickets include BBQ. (334) 792-8453

Every Sunday

Baby & Me Storytime 11:00 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 4601 Montgomery Hwy #100 Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us as we read a book and participate in activities featuring sensory growth for your little ones. Plus, get a free Starbucks tall, hot or iced coffee (Café stores only). For caregivers and children 0-24 months old. (334) 671-8013 Chess Club (Free) 2:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Dothan Houston Co. LibraryMain Branch, 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us for Chess Club every Sunday at Main! All Chess boards and pieces are provided. (334) 793-9767 www.dhcls.org Scrabble Club (Free) 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Dothan Houston Co. LibraryWestgate Branch, Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us for Scrabble Club on Sundays at Westgate! (334) 699-2950 www.dhcls.org BMX Beginner Instruction (Free) 2:00 p.m. Circle City BMX, Westgate Memorial Park Dothan, AL, 36303 Beginner instruction, loaner bikes, and helmets are provided. Just wear long sleeves, long pants, and athletic shoes. New riders get the track to themselves starting at 2:00. (334) 714-0212

Every Monday

Mom & Me: Dad Too! (Free) 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Soldier Service Center Bldg., 5700, Rm. 371G Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Playgroup for families with children ages birth to 16 months. For details contact New Parent Support Program. (334) 255-9647 rucker.armymwr.com

Every Tuesday

Story & Craft Time @ Main (Free) 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Dothan Houston Co. Library-Main Branch, 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us for preschool story & craft time. Please note that registration is not required, however supplies are limited and will be available on a first come basis. If you are bringing a group, please call for more information. Stories and crafts are designed for ages 2-6. (334) 793-9767 www.dhcls.org Toddler Tales (Free) 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Lucy Hilton Maddox Memorial Library, 11880 Columbia St. Blakely, GA, 39823 Story time with music and crafts for children under the age of 5. GP Quilters (Free) 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Grace Place Church, 5730 Shellfield Rd. Enterprise, AL, 36330 Get together with other quilters of ALL skill levels, male and female, to create and construct colorful quilts for infirmed and homebound members or friends who will enjoy them. Just bring your sewing machine or willingness to help! (334) 347-5214 www.mygpchurch.com

Board Game Club (Free) 2:00 p.m. Ashford Library, 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL, 36312 Join us for classic board games. (334) 899-3121 www.dhcls.org

Every Wednesday

Tot Time (Free) 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Soldier Service Center Bldg., 5700, Rm. 371G Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Playgroup for families with children age 17-36 months. Registration and proof of immunization required. For details call New Parent Support Program. (334) 255-9647 rucker.armymwr.com Story & Craft Time @ Westgate (Free) 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Dothan Houston Co. Library-Westgate Branch, Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us for preschool story & craft time. Please note that registration is not required, however supplies are limited and will be available on a first come basis. If you are bringing a group, please call for more information. Stories and crafts are designed for ages 2-6. (334) 699-2950 www.dhcls.org Short Story Reading Group (Free) 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Dothan Houston Co. Library-Westgate Branch, Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Our Short Story Discussion group meets every Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 PM at our Westgate Branch. (334) 699-2950 www.dhcls.org

Every Thursday

Story Time (Free) Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Each Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. we meet for a story, a craft and a snack all focused on a theme. Adult Coloring Club (Free) 10:00 a.m. Daleville Public Library, 308 Donnell Blvd. Daleville, AL, 36322 Join us for some good conversation and coloring. Geared for adults. Please contact the library for more details. (334) 503-9119

Every Friday

Little Learners Library Adventures (Free) 10:00 a.m. Daleville Public Library, 308 Donnell Blvd Daleville, AL, 36322 Join us for story time, music, rhythm sticks, crafts, snacks, and free play. All our activities are focused on developing early literacy skills and promoting a lifelong love of learning. (334) 503-9119 Story Time (Free) 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 This program introduces the joy of reading to children ages 2 - 5 years old, and enhances parent-child interaction. A typical Story Time includes a story and coloring or craft time. (334) 255-0891 rucker.armymwr.com Far Out Friday (Free) 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Lucy Hilton Maddox Memorial Library, 11880 Columbia St. Blakely, GA, 39823 Science for children ages 6-12.

Every Saturday

Story & Craft Time (Free) 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Ashford Library, 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL, 36312 Join us for our story and craft time! Please note that registration is not required, however supplies are limited and will be available on a first come basis. (334) 899-3121 www.dhcls.org Kids Art Classes (Free) 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Public Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 From sketching to painting with watercolors, join us to learn new skills and practice perfecting your old ones. Recommended ages are 5 and up. Supplies are provided. (334) 774-5480 www.odcpl.com Storytime & Activities (Free) 11:00 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 4601 Montgomery Hwy #100 Dothan, AL, 36303 Story with activities to follow, plus, get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4 (Café stores only). (334) 671-8013 Pokemon League (Free) 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ozark Dale Co. Public Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Come battle Pokemon through cards or video games! Come have fun and make new friends! (334) 774-5480 www.odcpl.com Dothan Dance Club (Free) 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Doug Tew Rec Center, 300 Garland St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Come dance, socialize, enjoy a variety of food & have a fun night out with good people. We invite you to bring your favorite finger food to share with us. Ages 18 up. Casual dress.

Every Saturday & Sunday

Planetarium Shows: Seasonal Stars & Stories ($3)

1:00 p.m. Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Saturdays and Sundays. Live show that projects the seasonal stars and constellations and teaches stargazers how to find these heavenly bodies in their own backyards. Not recommended for children under 5. Please note, on the second weekend of each month the Planetarium will show full dome movies only. (334) 794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Planetarium Shows: Full Dome Movies ($3) Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Fridays, Sundays and Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. January Movie: “Two Small Pieces of Glass.” Learn the history of the telescope, from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass to the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy. (334) 794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Every Friday & Saturday

Wine Down with Art ($30/person) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., All About Art, 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL, 36330 Step by step class for all experience levels. You must pay in advance to reserve your spot for the evening. We accept walk-ins as space is available. Ages 18+. Bring your own beverages and refreshments. (334) 348-2738 www.allaboutartstudio.com

Please send your calendar events to ashton@wiregrassaparents.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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name things. Give them the lesson just like this world is giving it to us...raw! My kids knew about domestic violence, bullying and suicide prevention at four years old. You break it down to their language and as they grow you grow the lesson with them. I have a heart-to-heart separately or all together and share my personal stories and how it made/makes me feel. This is crucial because our kids aren’t expressing feelings in this technology-driven world. I always use metaphors to help them grab the concept. You have to make it relatable. My kids are little advocates-in-training, but most importantly they’re learning self-awareness.

Roxane Fuentes

WP: Do you think your own history with depression/mental health has influenced you as a mother? How so? RF: What I went through and the challenges of depression/mental health has a huge impact on me being a mother. I know what we go through is not just for us, but to help someone else. I highly believe a majority of the time it is for our kids. These kids were specifically chosen for me. Who I am, how I am and how I react to it is the key. I work harder to try to save my kids from these land mines. I try my best to show them how to tackle the everyday challenges of our minds. I try my best to educate them about, make them aware of, and teach them how to cope with any feelings. I pray they are mentally healthy and don’t suffer like I did.

WP: You are very involved in the community. What motivated you to start a local Out of Darkness Community Walk? RF: I tried taking my life the first time when I was 9 years old and a couple more times in my teen years. I had a beautiful, yet tough, childhood with bullying and being robbed of my innocence being the main factors. One day I was Bible journaling in my room listening to worship music and thoughts of taking my life came back to life. I was not in a bad place so I have no idea why these thoughts were brought to mind. However, I decided to reverse these negative thoughts and make them positive. I searched Suicide Prevention programs in the area and found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website. I reached out and asked how I could get involved. That was three years ago. It has been an amazing journey. It gives me life to shine light for others in the dark.

WP: You are constantly advocating for local families, not just in your professional roles, but also in a personal capacity. What kind of impact would you say all of your ‘giving back’ has on your family? RF: I never thought about how this can impact my family. WOW! I just know how it is to struggle, to be hungry, be living with family/homeless, trying to strive on a low income, depending on others, and how hard it is to ask for help. I pray my family and others see that it does take a village and community. We are not alone nor do others need to feel alone. We can be solutions to problems for those who are in arms reach. We are not saviors but we can give a one up. I hope they learn the value of giving and selflessness. We can have more in giving than having or wanting. I hope it’s a ripple effect that’s contiguous enough to spread throughout my family, those we helped, those around us and generations to come.

WP: Most recently, you’ve taken on the role of SADD advisor for 334 Prevention Project. Did you feel called to it?

WP: What are you most thankful for and why?

RF: I love how you asked if I was called to it because honestly this has felt God-sent. I have been searching and wondering if I would ever find ‘that job’ that fulfills my purpose, who I am and my mission on this Earth. After everything I have endured in my life, every lesson learned, all the volunteer experiences, and the road I have walked, I can honestly say this job feels specifically designed for me. My biggest struggles occurred when I was a teen/young adult, and that is the reason why kids/teens are my passion. God really paved the road for me, and I am still in awe!

RF: I am thankful for my past and my foundation in faith. I would not be who I am today without either of these two things. My life has been destined to be exactly where I need to be. I would probably not be here today if I did not know there is greater than what I can see. I hold on to this as we speak and as my story goes on. I am truly thankful to be alive and that I changed what statistics said about me! WP: Any advice for new moms? RF: When I first found out I was pregnant I was scared. Everyone would tell me “it will come naturally,” and it will. But there is nothing wrong with learning. Read books and seek wise counsel on whatever your kids are going through or the stages they are in life. You don’t have to do it alone! In addition, find your own parenting style and just be you.

WP: Drugs, alcohol, bullying, and mental health are all difficult topics to talk about. How do you broach those subjects with your own children? RF: Great question. It is not difficult to talk about it. We just need to do it and stop saying it’s hard. You navigate how it can be taught and do not make it so intense or serious, but be real, intentional and personal. We are in a different time and age in that our kids are already born many steps ahead. You cannot let them start this race of life without the tools they need to go forward. You are your kids’ first coach, teacher, and mentor. Do not sugar coat it. Don’t nickWiregrass Parents I November 2019

Roxane Fuentes is the SADD advisor at 334 Prevention Project, coordinator/ volunteer/advocate of the Out of Darkness Community Walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, co-founder of the Esther Speaks Foundation, and Public Relations Manager of the Rabbit Football Camp. She and her husband, Donnell Grimsley, Sr., have three children: Jeff (10), DJ (8), and Thalia (18 months).

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FREE

TUITION, ROOM, AND BOARD

ASMS is a public residential high school for academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in mathematics, science, and humanities. Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! While being surrounded by likeminded individuals who share a desire to learn, ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.2100.

• Early College Experience • Dedicated Instructors • Diverse Community • Leadership Opportunities • Experiential Learning

Visit our campus for

ASMS DAY Saturday, Nov. 16 or Dec. 7. Register to visit at www.asms.net

ADVANCED ACCREDITED