Wiregrass Parents December 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

December2019 4

Volume 2 Number 4

Columns 2

From the Publisher Ashton Wright

Therapeutic Parenting Find encouragement and a knowing that you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone on this hard road that is parenting.

Parenting the Video Game Fanatic

How to encourage other interests.

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Kids Health Watch by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

23 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Keep the Hush in Your Holiday Rush

Ways to stay relaxed all season!

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

Departments 5

Teacher of the Month

On The Cover Kylie and Carly Hattery are the daughters of Joshua and Jennifer Hattery. Kylie (17) is a senior at Enterprise High School, and Carly (13) is an eighth grader at Dauphin Junior High. Both girls are cheerleaders and hope to go on to cheer at Auburn and Alabama respectively.

School Bits 19

Movie Reviews 32

Family Calendar 36

Mom to Mom

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

FromThePublisher The Area’s Go-To Resource for Families

The end of the year is upon us. Raise your hand if you completely fizzled on your goals or resolutions for the year. Guilty. I was doing well until about halfway through the year. Then we started a home renovation project, and there was just no recovering. Now we’re fully in the busyness of the holiday season. With a multi-faceted family, our celebrations tend to spread all throughout the month. Add in jobs, homework (yes, even in PreK!), shopping, and other holiday events, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for burnout. End of the year burnout is something I struggle with, so I’m really excited about this month’s feature article, 21 Ways to Keep the Hush in the Holiday Rush. My favorite suggestion? Setting aside thirty minutes every day to read something. Do you have a gamer in your family? I remember our first gaming system: the original Nintendo NES. You know, the one that you had to blow in the game cartridges to get the dust out so they would work. I liked playing games like Mario and Zelda but thankfully was never consumed by them. Unfortunately, though, a lot of people, especially kids, do get sucked in. Our second feature article, Parenting the Video Game Fanatic: How to Encourage Other Interests, has some great advice to help you unglue the controller from your kid’s hand. The Holiday Happenings Guide is back this month with even more fun for the entire family, from light displays and parades to ways to give back and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Our favorite Christmasy things to do are walk through Gardens Aglow at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens and check out a few of the light shows around town. I’ll also take some time to give to my favorite charities by dropping my loose change in the Salvation Army’s red kettles, donating a new toy to Toys for Tots, and writing a check to the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. Despite my failed resolutions, 2019 was one of the best years of my adult life so far. I went on a few spontaneous trips, painted my entire house, survived Alexis’s first day of school, and reconnected with myself in a way that wouldn’t have been possible a year and a half ago. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely had its challenges (I’m looking at you September), but when I look back on the year that’s ending I see more accomplishments than failures, more happiness than just getting by, and stronger relationships with those I love best. No matter what or how you celebrate this season, I hope these final days of 2019 are filled with meaningful experiences with those you hold dear. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Publisher Ashton Wright ashton@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Editor DeAnne Watson editor@wiregrassparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Christina Katz David Lozano, MD Chery Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Cover Photography Jessica Sanford www.jsanfordart.com

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

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.

ashton@wiregrassparents.com

Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

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.

Visit us at www.wiregrassparents.com

Ashton

“A

www.wiregrassparents.com

AS tal stu

Find to s you

Wh ASM rese Mat Com

Man Ans wor Que

APPLY

NOW

“Alabama’s High School ”

Alabama 9th & 10th Graders Can Apply for Fall 2020 at www.asms.net

on the verse, ur ne is the

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

2. .

n in ed. are the

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The Hard Road of Parenting I think there is some unspoken expectation that exists when you author a monthly parenting column. An expectation that the author’s own children will be positively delightful at all hours of the day, that the children spend their free time tutoring each other in Latin, and they work toward peace in the Middle East in their free time instead of playing video games. Well, let me just implode that perception for you right now. Just last week I had the (ahem) privilege of finding out that one of my precious darlings said something incredibly hurtful and ugly to another child. And it is hard. And it is frustrating. And it is maddening and embarrassing. I had ALL the feelings that day. It reminded me of a day a few years ago when I ran into a friend in a grocery store and, in the midst of friendly small talk and catching up, I asked her how her kids were and she immediately burst into ugly cry tears. Turns out, she was on her way to the school – the principal had just called and she had been holding it in trying to just get through the checkout line.

Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

I tell you all of this to say – I get it. We all get it. Rarely does a parent walk this hard road of parenting and arrive at Destination Adulthood completely unscathed by something that happened with their child. Maybe it’s a teenager who crashed his car into an ambulance within the first six months of driving (personal true story), maybe it’s the middle schooler who skipped first period to go hang out with friends instead of doing Algebra (personal true story), maybe it’s the toddler that had to be carried out of the store kicking and screaming after breaking every last pickle jar in the aisle. Whatever it is we have all either been there – or we are headed there. So it is my encouragement to you, fellow parenting warriors, that we all realize our children are going to screw it up, they are going to get things wrong, they are going to do or say things they should not. And oddly, that’s ok. That’s the process of childhood. It is our role as their parents to love and lead and guide and disciple

and train and teach them in the way they should go. So often we think we should be “good enough” to prevent them from making mistakes in the first place, and I would encourage you to challenge that line of thinking. You are good enough. But predicting and mitigating every last mistake your kids are going to make before they happen is just unrealistic and tends to do little else than heap coals of shame and guilt upon our heads. So in the words of Taylor Swift, shake it off. Be available to your children, be their soft place to land in this world of hard, be thoughtful and intentional in your response to their mistakes, and always remember that you have a crowd of other parents cheering you on. And hey, if you have to cry in the middle of the grocery store, cry. They have a whole aisle of tissues just waiting for 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.

www.wiregrassparents.com

Ashley Adkinson Highlands Elementary School, Dothan

nnkg ds s

e eir e se

r’s n he

tor

and

This year is Elizabeth Conner’s daughter, Brenli’s, first year in a public school system. After attending private school with the same 14 kids for four years, Conner was understandably nervous about the transition, but says she didn’t have anything to worry about thanks to her third grade teacher, Mrs. Adkinson. Conner explains, “Ashley took Brenli in and gave her the calming, relaxing environment she needed to adapt to the new big environment. Brenli loves her new school and her teacher. She’s so awesome at relaying what’s going on and if issues arise she’s always on top of it.” Adkinson teaches third grade at Highlands Elementary School in Dothan and is the December Teacher of the Month for Wiregrass Parents. Adkinson has been teaching for nine years. She says she was surrounded by teachers her entire childhood and never imagined doing anything else. “I’m the person who is responsible for teaching them all that they need to know in order to be successful and ready for the next year,” Adkinson says. “I don’t take this challenge lightly. Each school year I get to help a whole new classroom of children meet their full potential. That in itself keeps me motivated.” She says the more involved kids are in the learning process, the more motivated they will be.

“I attempt to make a true connection with students on a day-to-day basis. Most elementaryaged children want to please, so all that I really have to do is show that I care and treat them like the “big kids” that they are. Room 17 at Highlands isn’t MY classroom- it’s OUR classroom.” Adkinson says she hopes her students are also learning kindness, empathy and acceptance. “Even though most children just want to blend in, I try really hard to celebrate their differences in a way that makes them proud of who they are. I want them to be respectful to everyone they meet, and we practice these daily.” Conner says Adkinson is “one of the few teachers I feel are left that were meant to teach. She truly has a passion for what she does and we are all so thankful for her and her sweet nature.” “I love getting to witness the growth of a child over a school year,” Adkinson says. “It’s crazy how far they all come and how much more they know once May rolls around. The connections they make in one short year with my help will be a huge stepping stone in their education. I LOVE these children, and when they leave me, they know it.” Ashley Adkinson received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Auburn University. She and her husband, Keith, have two children: Mac (12) and George (8).

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

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.

Enterprise Boll Weevil Monument Centennial Celebration

Wednesday, December 11 Boll Weevil Monument, Downtown Enterprise Enterprise is throwing a big birthday party and you are invited! Mayor William E. Cooper joins the Enterprise Centennial Committee in inviting one and all to make plans to attend the huge celebration in honor of a tiny insect. On December 11, the statue of the Greek lady now holding a replica of the destructive boll weevil, will have been in her prominent position as a centerpiece of the city for a century. Plans include a presentation of Centennial Tribute markers, burial of a time capsule, downtown tours, vendors with Centennial memorabilia, showings of living history films featuring Enterprise storytellers, book signings by guest authors, music and the highlight of the evening—the Boll Weevil Monument re-dedication ceremony! You can expect to hear the story of the Boll Weevil Monument as never told before, and a few extra surprises for the finale. After the re-dedication ceremony finale, we invite everyone to stay downtown and enjoy more festivities to include amazing cuisine at our local restaurants and the exciting sounds of Enterprise native and national recording artist, The Springs Band. Visit www.enterprise-100.com for more info.

Gardens Aglow

November 29, December 6, 13 & 20 * 5-8 p.m. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens Gardens Aglow is a walking tour to see the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens lit up for Christmas! Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are welcome but bicycles, skateboards and roller skates are not permitted. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and peoplefriendly. Owners should bring a “doggie bag” to take care of their pets’ needs. We’ll have some doggie treats at the refreshment station so feel free to dress your pooch up for the occasion. Free hot chocolate and cookies are included. Admission is $8 per person; children 8 & younger free. Santa will be there to hear the children’s wishes on each evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He’ll be on his way back to the North Pole on the final evening so he will not be on hand. For more info, visit www.dabg.com.

Winter Art Camps

Wiregrass Museum of Art, Dothan Cost per Camp: $65 members / $75 not-yet members www.wiregrassmuseum.org Campers must bring their own snack (if desired) and lunch for the full-day camps; no lunch time during half-day camp. Ages 6+ Art Around the World Day Camp (December 30 * 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): Join us as we learn about numerous cultures from around the world and create our own masterpieces. Discovering Art Day Camp (December 31 * 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): Join us as we learn about numerous artworks on display in the museum. After talking about the artist and learning how their artwork was created, students will create a unique work of their own. Explore photography, mixed media collage, and more! Clay Explorations (January 2-3 * 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.): Students get their hands messy in clay! Create multiple works while using different techniques such as scoring and slipping, surface decoration, and glazing. Finished pieces will be available two weeks after the camp is completed.

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. Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

o f W g h b s e H c w a

m h c a

w t p

e d G

Saddle Up Santa

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 from the Habitat ReStore that have been refinished, painted, and refurbished will be auctioned off, as well as a silent auction for nonfurniture items. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. They are $25 and include BBQ catered by Smoky Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ. For more info, visit www.wiregrasshabitat.org or call (334) 792-8453.

Saturday, December 14 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dothan Boots & Saddle Club Saddle Up Santa offers free entertainment for local residents in the Wiregrass, including free games, inflatable bounce houses for children, a bake walk, door prizes, silent auction, visits with Santa, gifts from Santa, and musical entertainment. The Salvation Army Mobile Canteen and Waffle House have teamed up to provide a free bag lunch, free hot chocolate, free train rides and more. There will be horse drawn wagon rides for all to enjoy and even a skit by drill teams bringing a message about Christmas on horseback. There will be cake auctions, silent auctions and raffles of many great items. In addition, area non-profit agencies will be on hand to assist families struggling to make ends meet. We will also collect canned food for the Salvation Army. Monetary donations are appreciated but not required to enjoy the fun. This is a wonderful event, focused on families spending time with each other without the stress of finances, especially during the holidays. Event proceeds will go to the local Wiregrass 2-1-1 program. We are looking for sponsors to help pay necessary expenses. If you or your business is interested in making a tax-deductible donation to help struggling families with children, contact Dawn Greathouse at (334) 685-2409.

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.

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

Is It RSV or the Common Cold? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects persons of all ages. Almost all children in the United States are infected by RSV by the age of 2. Parents need to be more aware of RSV especially in infants under 6 months, premature babies, children with immune system deficiencies or underlying heart or lung disease. RSV can be serious in patients with these medical conditions and lead to hospitalization or even be life-threatening. RSV is most prevalent in the fall and winter in the U.S. In Alabama, RSV season usually runs from October to April. RSV is highly contagious and enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth from a cough or sneeze. An infected child is most contagious during the first 72 hours after infection. RSV typically causes a mild cold-like illness including cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever. However, it can progress to high fever, wheezing, severe cough, rapid breathing, and decreased oxygen levels. In these cases, the infant or child may have developed bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Infantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; symptoms are harder to predict. Rapid

breathing and cough are common in infants, but some infants will show no respiratory signs and simply have decreased appetite, irritability, and low energy. The thick nasal secretions with RSV can make eating and breathing difficult. Parents should take the child to the doctor if he is struggling to breathe or canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take fluids. A test is available to detect RSV with a nasal swab. In many cases, the results are available within minutes. There is no specific treatment for RSV. Tylenol or Motrin can help ease the symptoms along with plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Antibiotics are generally not needed. There is a vaccine for RSV called Synagis. It provides antibodies that protect against RSV and is administered monthly during peak RSV season. Infants and children under 2 who are premature or have underlying heart and lung conditions are candidates to receive the vaccine. Synagis is usually covered by insurance, and the child must meet the criteria to be covered. A child who receives Synagis may

still acquire RSV, but it may be a mild case avoiding hospitalization. Preventing RSV is simple. Wash your hands frequently, especially if you are taking care of an infant. Keep surfaces clean at home, avoid tobacco and other smoke, limit contact with sick people, and wash toys regularly. Most importantly, keep a close eye on your infant or child if they develop what seems to be a cold. Dr. David J. Lozano joined Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network specializing in pediatric pulmonology at Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic in January, 2018. He is certified in general pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and is certified in pediatric pulmonology by the Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Board of the American Board of Pediatrics. He is also certified by the Sleep Medicine Board of the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Lozano lives in Dothan and in his spare time enjoys playing golf, competing in triathlons, traveling, and going to the beach.

o s a A C

to is liv in s le p

C M th s o u th Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

Autauga County Schools

Heard 5th-Graders Take Learning on the Road

Fifth-grade students at Heard Elementary School had an immersive learning experience through their first EL Education Module. Students read the book Esperanza Rising, studied all about their rights, and learned how they may be threatened. Their culminating activity consisted of taking a field trip to the Houston County courthouse and having a mock trial with Judge Moulton, stopping by the public library, then ordering lunch in Spanish at La Bamba.

ard d in g,

Winners Announced for Houston County DYW

The 2020 Distinguished Young Woman of Houston County is Sarahbeth Wagner, a senior at Providence Christian School. First alternate Caroline Kinney attends Houston Academy and second alternate Gabby Coates attends Dothan High School. Distinguished Young Women of Houston County, formerly known as Junior Miss, is a scholarship program for senior girls living in Houston County. The girls compete in scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression. This year, $20,000 in college scholarships was awarded to participants in each of these categories.

Eleven Houston Academy Students Earn Youth Leadership Dothan Honors

Eleven Houston Academy students earned the honor of being selected for Youth Leadership Dothan. These students were selected of the top 44 students in the Wiregrass, and Houston Academy had the most represented by a school in the area. They are: Jala Brown, Harrison Dowling, Frances Fabbrini, Lawson Faulk, Lydia Gil, Lucy Jeffcoat, Cooper Lee, Thomas Morris, Mady Patel, Annelise Rudd and Matthew Streitman. Per Youth Leadership – Dothan/Houston County, these students demonstrated leadership qualities and a concern for their community, expanded and developed leadership skills, performed exceptional decision making capabilities along with proper communication skills through hands-on experiences, and developed relationships with students from other schools with a level of mutual trust and respect.

Carver Students Put Math to Work

Carver Elementary sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Maddox didn’t just tell her students the real-world application of math skills— she showed them by creating a simulation of a shopping trip! Students determined unit prices of a variety of items and used this information to find the best deal. 9

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Northside Student Named Volleyball MVP

Northside Methodist Academy student Anna Johnston is a volleyball All Star. Her team won the match in three sets and she was named MVP for the East team!

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

Providence 5thGraders Radish Experiment

The fifth-graders from Providence Christian Academy harvested radishes as part of a four-week experiment using the scientific method to investigate different types of fertilizers. They enjoyed eating radishes after taking measurements and recording data!

DTC Biomed Students Teach 3rd-Graders All About Bones

Dothan Technology Center biomedical science students visited Highlands Elementary School to share their â&#x20AC;&#x153;All About Bonesâ&#x20AC;? lesson with third grade. The kids had a blast and learned so much!

Slocomb Elementary Students Honor Veterans with Poetry

Slocomb Elementary students wrote poems sharing characteristics of a veteran. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

M W o B in t

Slocomb High Singers Ranked Third at Festival

Congratulations to the Slocomb High School Singers, who competed in the Cultural Arts Center Choral Festival and received superior scores, ranking them third in their division of nine choirs.

Slocomb Holds Special Citizen’s Day Carnival

Mrs. Kitchens, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Walden’s class held a carnival in honor of Special Citizen’s Day. Thanks to SES Beta Club, and everyone that participated in the Talent Show to help raise money for this event.

Providence Christian School Spirit Card Contest Winners

This year’s Spirit Card contest winners from Providence Christian School include Mrs. Stewart’s 3rd-grade class. Top sellers are: 1st Place Zane Floyd, 2nd Place Myranda Henry, 3rd Place John Carter Cole and 4th Place Slade Woodham.

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Emmanuel Christian Earns Donuts for Compliments

Mrs. Cordes’s fifth-grade class at Emmanuel Christian Academy earned a donut party by filling their compliment marble cup with compliments from staff, other teachers and parents. Great job, students!

C a a c m i i s t m k

Highlands Elementary Elects SGA Representatives

Student Government Association representatives were recently elected at Highlands Elementary. Third-graders are: Layla Pfister, Rylie Dryden, Layla Freeman, Corey Craig, Jack Galloway, George Adkinson, Caitlin Grey and Addison Anderson. Fourth-graders are: Sarah Price, Aubrey Niedzwecki, Anna Claire Wright, Keely Weber, Erin McKinley, Bella Wedge and Abigail Baxley. Fifth-graders are: Sadie Pfister, London Thomas, Taylor Fayson, Olivia Stewart, Wit Hammond, Ariel Lumbatis, Lillian Boyd and Mallory Ward. Sixth-graders are: Hannah Barrett, Serena Porter, Kilee Warren, Addison Evenhuis, Will Trusty and Sam Broadaway. SGA officers are Sadie Pfister, Sam Broadaway and Erin McKinley.

Houston Academy Honors Veterans

On November 7, Houston Academy honored service members and their sacrifices in accordance with Veterans’ Day. The ceremony honored these brave veterans, near and far. Our band and choir performed, and our students and their essays were very touching. Thank you to all the service men and women for serving our country and protecting our freedom.

S m P T s

Kelly Springs Kindergartners Take First Field Trip

Kelly Springs Elementary kindergartners recently took their first field trip. Students learned about corn, planted sunflower seeds, petted and fed some goats and a pig, read a fairy tale through a maze and played and jumped until their hearts were content.

Providence Christian Choral Department Wins Best in Festival

Providence Christian School’s choral department won “Best in Festival” for having the highest overall score of all schools competing in solo/duet and theatre at the CAC Choral Festival. PCS ImPACT Show Choir placed second in the show choir division, and Maddie Souders and Clara Grace McCallister placed second in the duet division. All 19 entries including Providence Singers, received superior ratings! Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

Carver Lions Add New Makerspace

Carver School for Mathematics, Science and Technology students are enjoying all the fun and creativity that our media centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Makerspace offers. A makerspace is a collaborative workspace inside a school, library or other facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high-tech to no-tech tools. To donate supplies towards the makerspace, e-mail sagarrett@dothan. k12.al.us.

SHS Girls Rank Superior At Theater Festival

Slocomb High School students Emma Edmondson, Sophia Strickland and Ally Price competed in the Cultural Arts Center Theater Festival in Dothan and received superior ratings.

Northside Methodist K3 Dresses in Character

Northside Methodist Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s K3 students hosted a Bible Character parade around the school and they also helped in chapel recently.

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Faine Elementary Presents Distinguished Young Men

Presenting your 2019-2020 class of Faine Elementary Distinguished Young Men. These leaders will participate in various activities this year to promote positive male leadership. #Faineforward#raisingmen

B G M P b th F

Emmanuel Christian 3rd-Graders Learn With Sandwich Stories

Miss Brickerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-graders from Emmanuel Christian School are identifying the title, author and illustrator of a story. They are using paper sandwiches to learn how to identify the beginning, middle and end of a story as well as the setting and climax of a story.

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

P c A A f

S S p o s d t s r Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

Northside Methodist Student Places in NPF Poultry Show

Baileigh Martin, a student in Mrs. Granthamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th-grade class at Northside Methodist Academy, and her little brother, Peyton, brought home six first- place ribbons, one second-place ribbon and one third-place ribbon in the National Peanut Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Poultry Show.

Providence Donates 5K Cans of Food

Providence Christian School students collected 5,175 cans for the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. Together with Houston Academy, we exceeded our goal for this food drive.

Girard Second-Graders Honor Veterans

Second-grade students at Girard Primary School honored veterans with a special patriotic presentation. Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Woods, students sang songs, read poetry and performed a dance to show appreciation and recognition for the men and women who have served our country. Local veterans were recognized and given a special gift.

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Northside Awards Top AR Winners

Northside Methodist Academy Top AR winners for the month of October include 1st Grade: Hall Smith, Carter Nguyen and Mason Wambles; 2nd Grade: Ava Isbell and Abril Hurtado; 3rd Grade: Mason Carden and Jalen Jernigan; 4th Grade: Emi Jayne Stone and Harrison Blount; 5th Grade: Kenna Stone, Sean Cool and Maddie Ciszczon; and 6th Grade: Emily Steensma and Mary Claire Morgan

Highlands Inducts First Junior Beta Members

Congratulations to the new members of Highlands Elementary School’s first Junior Beta Club! The students were inducted and recognized for their academic achievement and dedication to good citizenship. Junior Beta sponsors are Mrs. Waid and Mrs. Baxley.

Student Missionary Speaks at Providence Chapel Service

Emmanuel Graduate Returns to Teach About Germs

Emmanuel Christian School graduate Kaylan Hand visited Mrs. Rodgers’s 3rd-grade class to complete one of her nursing school assignments at Troy University Dothan. She taught the students about the importance of handwashing using a special solution and a black light showing how germs stick to our skin.

Houston Academy Ninth-Graders Study Industrial Revolution

Delaynie Childers, who traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia, with Operation Christmas Child on a Student Vision trip, spoke to Providence Christian School at its elementary school student chapel November 13. At the chapel she shared the one time she cried after receiving a special gift. The gift was that her father surprised them by coming home from an overseas deployment on Christmas Eve. She was so excited to see him, jumping up and down and in tears. She said that is what she saw over and over again as children received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. Shoeboxes change lives.

In Mrs. Sewell’s 9th-grade World History II class, students at Houston Academy began a chapter on the Industrial Revolution. As an introduction to that chapter, students listened to “The Urban Game” as the teacher read during each round. They had to draw out the different numbers and kinds of structures, using a teacher-given symbol guide, as the teacher was reading about the time period they are studying. Each student drew structures to demonstrate what a village looked like during the Industrial Revolution based on the historical reading of the teacher. With this assignment, students were able to understand the historical process of urbanization in Great Britain on the land and the people. Students also were able to simulate the haphazard “urban planning” that took place at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and understand the problems associated with the lack of urban planning during this time in history. Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

le H R ti d y

w u te b b g r e s e th p h c q s s ti in th p

Enterprise 5th-Graders Write Goals Together

Critical conversations and thinking lead to critical writing and reading. In Mr. Holcomb’s ELA classes, fifth-graders from Rucker Boulevard dug deep into the essential question for Unit 2 Week 5 in their Wonders Reading curriculum, “What motivates you to accomplish a goal?” These learners worked as teams to write an expository paragraph using the unique sentences written by the members of the group, often revising and editing the sentences to ensure that the group’s paragraph had a consistent sequence and supported the same topic and theme. At the end of the activity, students were regrouped and engaged in a silent gallery walk in which they read the paragraphs of their peers and offered purposeful feedback and suggestions.

Slocomb High School Student Sims Signs Softball Scholarship to Bishop State

Slocomb High School senior Harleigh Sims signed a scholarship agreement to continue her education at Bishop State Community College, where she will play softball for the Wildcats.

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

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Pinedale Hosts Breakfast with Heroes

Coppinville Cheerleaders Win NPF Competition

Pinedale Elementary celebrated veterans with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Breakfast with Heroes.â&#x20AC;? Pinedale Pizzazz, the school choir, sang several songs to honor each of the branches of service. We then had a parade with our veterans walking through the hallways, which were decorated with different tributes to our veterans.

Cooppinville Junior High cheerleaders were first-place winners in the Small Junior High Category at the National Peanut Festival Cheer Competition.

MP Ov Vio Se Pro Alc

be sup thr An Ga

Pinedale Kindergartners, 1st-Graders Learn About Fire Safety

po sto kin to a be

an mo thin the

Pinedale Elementary kindergarten and first-grade students learned about fire safety recently. Thanks to the Enterprise Fire Department for spending time with our students!

com ne pre da in a

Rucker Boulevard Touts Family Night Success

MP Ov Vio Se Pro Alc

The Fifth Grade Family Google Night at Rucker Boulevard Elementary was a complete success! A huge shout-out goes to our awesome parents and students for taking time out of their schedules to be with us. We are more than just a grade level, we are a community!

Jer tic Fee ste Sw Ott wh

Sw are the The ish of f fen

Blakely Firefighters Visit Maddox Library

Thank you so much to the Blakely Fire Department and firefighters Blake Enfinger and Cody Wade for visiting with us at Lucy Hilton Maddox Memorial Library. The children learned so much and loved your fire truck! Thank you for your service to our community. Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

to t cal the not on mig

Frozen 2

Last Christmas

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The turbulent events of Frozen behind them, Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) is ruling Arendelle with the support of her loyal sister Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell). Kristoff is bumbling through his attempts to propose to Anna, to the despair of his reindeer, Sven. And thanks to Elsa’s magic permafrost, Olaf the snowman (voiced by Josh Gad) is free to bask in the sunshine and meditate aloud on his growing maturity. Then Elsa starts hearing voices. When Elsa answers the voices, the power of the elemental spirits of earth, air, fire, and water is unleashed. Windstorms batter Arendelle and the earth heaves, forcing an evacuation of the kingdom. Desperate to save their people, Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff head north to a mist-encircled magical forest, home of the Northuldra people, where Elsa believes she will find a way to appease the elements. Frozen II is a very different movie from the 2013 blockbuster hit; darker and more complex. It’s less about following your heart and more about following moral imperatives, however agonizing the consequences. “Do the next right thing”, King Runeard told his daughters before his death, and that maxim guides the conduct of both girls, now powerful young women, in their perilous quest. The film isn’t all dark; Kristoff’s inept romantic efforts provide some comic relief and Olaf provides one laugh after another. The light moments are needed because the film’s story is fraught with peril. This really isn’t a movie for preschoolers, especially if they cry easily. For kids who won’t be scared by the dangers inherent in the story, Frozen II, has a lot to offer. Far from being frozen in a fairy tale formula, this movie has a lot to say in our world.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: ASexual Content: BProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C Despite working in a Christmas shop in Covent Garden, Kate (Emilia Clarke) has lost any festive spirit she might have had. Spiraling into full fledged grinch-iness, she is losing herself in alcohol, casual sex, and a bottomless well of self-absorption. She’s run out of friends who are willing to lend her couch-space, she’s in a state of constant conflict with her mother and sister, and she can’t get over the emotional aftereffects of a serious health crisis. Then she meets Tom (Henry Golding), a handsome stranger who treats her with empathy instead of judgment. “Look up,” he tells her. As she takes his advice, she begins to rise above her despair. Last Christmas is a difficult film to review because it turns on a plot twist I can’t describe without ruining the show for you. I also can’t share my reaction to it for the same reason. Suffice it to say, that even though this movie sounds like a typical rom-com, it’s anything but... Compared to standard genre fare, Last Christmas stacks up well. It’s blessed with some outstanding actors. Along with good acting, this movie is packed full of positive messages tied up in sparkling ribbon. The biggest gift this film gives parents is its relative lack of negative content. Although Kate drinks heavily to deal with her painful emotions, her alcohol use is not glamorized. Most surprisingly for a rom-com, there is no explicit nudity or sexual content. Although Kate has some one night stands, no sexual activity is seen, only implied. Good points aside, this isn’t a flawless film. The pacing drags at times, there are some cheesy moments. Still, while Last Christmas might not be the perfect gift under the tree, it’s far better than a lump of coal.

Arctic Dogs

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Mail room clerk Swifty (voiced by Jeremy Renner) has a dream: to become a Top Dog, a star courier with the Arctic Blast Delivery Service. There’s just one problem: Swifty is a fox, not a dog. Feeling trapped in his dead end job, Swifty decides to prove his mettle so he steals a sled and heads out to develop a package. But this delivery is more than Swifty bargained for, as he learns when he winds up in the sights of evil villain Otto Von Walrus (voiced by John Cleese). Can a little fox defeat a supervillain whose dastardly plan will destroy the earth as we know it? There’s not much doubt about the answer to this question. Of course, Swifty and his friends will triumph. This is a kids’ movie, after all. The critters aren’t going to wind up dead in a snowy wasteland. The real question is whether the journey to this happy ending is worth taking. For adults, the answer is no. The predictable story line feels like a great first draft that needed a bit more polish and the jokes are aimed at the under-twelve crowd. Arctic Dogs is the kind of film that leaves adults longing for their phones and a round of Candy Crush to fend off the boredom. For young audiences, Arctic Dogs is lots of fun. I brought two of my sons to the movie and they laughed out loud at the corny jokes and slapstick physical comedy. And, on the bright side, this production serves up some positive themes along with the cheesy jokes. The movie is pleasant and harmless but not worth the ticket price at the local multiplex. Wait until it comes out online or on DVD and enjoy it from your couch. If you’re going to nap during a movie, you might as well do it in the comfort of your home.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not the movie I expected. It is not a biopic of Fred Rogers, it’s not a happy little movie for kids, it’s not a tribute to children’s television. Instead, it uses the format of an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to introduce us to Lloyd Vogel. I was skeptical that setting up a television episode as a narrative frame for a feature film would work, but it does. Mr. Rogers (played by Tom Hanks) sings his welcome song, puts on his running shoes, shows a picture of his friend, Lloyd, and then plays a clip about magazines on Picture Picture. When the story changes locations, the camera zooms around model buildings as toy cars and planes move from set to set. It sounds odd, but it is strangely effective in moving us from Lloyd’s world to Mr. Rogers’ world. The journey between their worlds is not just physical. The power of this film comes from Vogel’s voyage into Mr. Rogers’ life. The cynical writer is initially convinced that Fred Rogers can’t really be as good as he seems; he must be hiding something. He is bemused by the man’s all-encompassing empathy, his patient acceptance of others, and his sincere humility. Given the emotional issues in this movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not a movie for children. Not because of content issues – there are no serious problems here – but because this is a movie aimed at adults. There’s an emotional depth that adults will find deeply moving, not just in the ability of one man to change, but in the power of another man’s example and legacy. 19

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

ing tee ga

tio ha sc oft wi on at inc am

tiv pro au “c rea str tio ca ati vio

pla sh wh fro for if p da

wo rec wi lon ex tee ga ho

mo ga the int “a att

“It’s time for karate class,” I said to my 13-year-old son. “Do I have to go?” “Yes.”

This has been a common exchange between us for a variety of activities over the past 10 years. He has tried everything from baseball to cooking class—yet nothing holds his interest as much as video games. Every now and then I wonder if it is worth investing money and time into classes or sports he doesn’t want to participate in. But if I hold off on signing him up for things, he does nothing except play video games until we try something new again. It’s a never-ending cycle.

Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

no Sa int to

Are Video Games Healthy? My son is not an anomaly. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of teens—and 84% of teen boys—play video games. There is a lot of conflicting information about video game use, so it can be hard for parents to know what to allow. It’s screen time, of course, but video gaming is often also a social activity played together with friends either in the same room or online. And if it’s a popular pastime among a teen’s peer group, some parents may be inclined to let them play for an unlimited amount of time with their friends. Playing video games can have positive benefits, says Dr. Larry D. Rosen, a professor at California State University and author of The Distracted Mind. Gaming “can offer some skill-building, including reaction time, executive functioning, and strategic thinking,” says Rosen. He cautions, though, that “playing video games can be very addictive and create problematic thinking, including desensitization to violence.”

Video Game Obsession? Rosen recommends that video game play should be limited since research shows physiological arousal increases when playing—and kids need breaks from that. He suggests limiting gaming for teens to 60-90 minutes at a time, even if parents decide to allow more total time daily. Maria Sanders, a licensed social worker, and certified parent coach, also recommends creating clear boundaries with your teen regarding when and how long they are allowed to play. She says an example of boundaries might be letting teens choose to play an hour of video games either before or after completing homework. She encourages parents to learn more about their teen’s interest in video games. Sit down and play the games with them. “The child will see that you have an interest in what they are doing,” she says, “and you will learn about why they are so attracted to the game.”

Encouraging Other Activities Teens should live “balanced lives and not live solely in the video game,” says Sanders. But if your teen doesn’t express interest in anything else, it may be difficult to figure out which activity or sport to

Giftworthy Landmark Park Memberships last all year long. Enjoy free admission, planetarium shows, a newsletter and more! Call Laura at 334-794-3452 to purchase a gift membership. www.landmarkparkdothan.com 21

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

parents might loosen strict time limits on screen time. Instead of making negative statements about video games, Sanders says, “The best thing a parent can do is guide their child down a path of self-reflection. Asking questions like, I notice you seem pretty tired after playing video games. How are you feeling? will help your child figure out their own beliefs about video game use.” Parent negativity can make a teen feel as if they are being judged and misunderstood. Focus on their strengths while playing a video game—perhaps, for instance, their ability to help a friend get to another level. A parent should notice that ability and point out how it might connect to real-life situations. Next step: Parents can help them get out there and do just that.

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

Too Many Video Games: When to Worry

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

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3

encourage. Sanders suggests asking your teen about the type of video games they like to play. Then you might be able to figure out an activity that uses similar skills or gameplay. An avid Fortnite player, for example, might enjoy a laser tag league. Parents should avoid simply announcing which activities their teen must do. Rosen stresses the importance of including the child in the decision-making process. With your child’s input, create a list of the types of activities they could do at home during unstructured times or when they feel bored. Similarly, involving Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

(205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

your child in discussions about organized extracurriculars will prevent them from feeling forced into participating in certain activities.

Stay Positive About Video Games Often parents make comments like “video games are a waste of time” or “video games are unhealthy” in an effort to decrease video game use. Rosen says this almost always backfires. Instead, parents could reward the child for responsible behavior. For example, when a child demonstrates that they can stop playing on their own without parent badgering, 22

Video game addiction is not yet a disorder recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. The World Health Organization, however, recently recognized the existence of “gaming disorder” for the first time. Excessive video game play and other types of addictions do show similar patterns, says Rosen.

mi co al pa line He ab tha

int

wh cia do

Some signs parents should look for are: • Isolating behavior or ignoring family and friends • Sneaking video game play at night or at friends’ houses • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns • Decline in academic performance or not doing homework • A need to continue playing video games beyond a time limit • An interest only in playing video games, at the expense of other activities • Always thinking about video games

ga so mi ma ve sta an int

If you are concerned about your teen, you can contact a mental health professional to discuss counseling options. WP

wit ap su it’s tea OK yo Als rel wil

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Twins Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

www.wiregrassparents.com

? n

ns r

en,

our r

5 Myths and Truths About Kids’ Internet Safety

Myth: Social media alienates kids. Truth: Most kids say social media strengthens their relationships. Most kids want to have fun, hang out, and socialize normally online -- and in fact, according to our research, that’s what the majority is doing. Check out these comforting stats: • Most teens say social media has a positive effect on them. • Social media is an important avenue of creative expression. • The quality of kids’ online relationships has a big impact on their well-being.

If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cybercorner. Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there’s a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a “technopanic mindset” that worries parents unnecessarily. The bottom line is that we can’t keep our kids safe if we don’t know the facts. Here are the five most popular myths about Internet safety -- and the truths that can set your worries free.

Myth: It’s dangerous to post pictures of your kids online. Truth: If you use privacy settings, limit your audience, and don’t ID your kids, it can be done fairly safely. Although it’s true that posting anything online invites some risks, there are ways to limit them if you’re smart about how you do it. Use privacy settings. Make sure your privacy settings are set so only the closest people in your network can view your posts. Limit your audience. Only share posts with close family and friends. Or use photo-sharing sites such as Google Photos that require a log-in to see pics. Don’t rush your kids into social media. Obey the rules about keeping kids under 13 off social media. Once your kids have an online profile, they can be tagged in photos, which magnifies their online presence. If you’re going to upload photos of them, don’t identify them and don’t tag them -- that way the photo can’t be traced back to them.

Myth: Social media turns kids into cyberbullies. Truth: There are many reasons why a kid might cyberbully, and social media is just a convenient way to do the dirty work. The reality is that kids who engage in this behavior typically have something else going on that compels them to act out. They might be in crisis -- at home, at school, or otherwise socially. They may also be bullying in person, or they may have an underdeveloped sense of empathy. Awareness of a cyberbully’s circumstances -- though not excusing the behavior -- can help parents and educators recognize the warning signs and potentially intervene before it goes too far. Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online. Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances. In today’s world, where kids as young as 8 are interacting with people online, they need to know the boundary between appropriate and inappropriate conversation. Kids are often pressured by their own friends to talk about sex, so they need to know it’s OK to tell peers to back off. Go beyond “stranger danger” and teach them what kind of questions are not OK (for example, not OK: “Are you a boy or a girl?”; “Where do you live?”; “What are you wearing?”; “Do you want to have a private conversation?”). Also, teach kids to not go looking for thrills online. Risky online relationships more frequently evolve in chat rooms when teens willingly seek out or engage in sexual conversation.

Myth: Parental controls are the best way to monitor my kids’ online activities. Truth: Focusing on only one Internet safety method lulls you into a false sense of security. To keep your kids safe online -- and to raise them to be responsible, respectful digital citizens -- it takes more than installing parental controls. For starters, parental controls can be defeated by determined kids. They also often catch too much in their filters, rendering any Internet search useless, and they set up a “parent vs. kid” dynamic that could backfire. By all means, use parental controls to help prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material and to manage time limits. But don’t think they get you off the hook. Continue to discuss responsible, respectful online behavior, set rules and consequences for misbehavior, and train your kid to manage his or her own usage. 23

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

do pro no De the the pre

you of t co an thin err are wit

do wa wo in y hu ch you sea ac

Are you excited about the holidays, but dreading the end-of-year rush? If so, you are not alone. Most parents approach the season with equal parts excitement and trepidation, which can lead to difficulties with decision-making from moment to moment. That’s why I’ve created this list of twenty-one reminders to help you preserve your family’s good cheer all the way through the most wonderful time of the year. 1. Go For Good Enough. If you have an idea in your mind of the “perfect” holiday, you may to be disappointed when your imperfect brood can’t uphold your image. Aim for “good enough” instead. You’ll smile more if you can let unimportant things-like slightly burnt cookies, lights that won’t blink in unison, and late holiday cards-slide.

2. Just Hit Delete. If you think your holiday schedule is grossly overloaded, call a family meeting and vote on what to scratch off your joint to-do list. Decide what you don’t want to do, first. Then decide what matters most to each family member. A one-gift-per-family-member tradition might be a sanity-saving plan that sticks. Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

3. Call In Fresh Recruits. Even if you don’t normally hire a housecleaner, you probably could use some help now. Why not call in a cleaning service in midDecember and in mid-January to bookend the holidays, even if you don’t use one the rest of the year? Consider it a holiday present to yourself.

4. Hum Your Favorite Tunes. Haul out your seasonal music early before you tire of the omnipresent muzak that is sure to come. Load up your smart phone or iPod and carry headphones in your purse to jolly things up when you are ticking chores and errands off your to-do list. If your old faves are getting overplayed, jazz up your playlist with some fresh downloads or albums.

6. Sip Your Way To Heaven. When you are having a hectic day, take a timeout. Warm up or buy an extra-hot cup of Chai tea with a spritz of whipped cream on top. The spices will put you back in touch with your senses and the warmth will spread through your belly and soothe your frazzled cheer.

9. Bring Mother Nature Inside. Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, twigs, and poinsettias all remind us that there is life hibernating underneath that blanket of snow or wicked frost. Gather reminders of the season from your backyard or local garden shop and decorate the front hall,

7. Get Bazaar. Take the

5. Shop The Plan. First, the plan: write

whole family to a local holiday craft bazaar. Look for gifts for teachers and other folks who enrich your family life. Give each child a spending limit and enjoy interacting with the vendors. Plan to spend a couple of hours browsing, so you can soak up all the creative energy.

down the names of everyone you truly want to give to and what you think they would like. Then, the shop: keep the list in your wallet to jog your memory when hunting down a gift each person you cherish. For store shopping, pay cash, so you won’t overspend. For online shopping, search for coupons before ordering and act early for cheaper shipping.

8. Take Thirty. Line up winter reads from the library or download them onto your e-reader. Encourage the whole family to take 30 minutes a day to relax and read. Collections of short stories or essays are good choices for moms with very young or multiple children. This is a great way for everyone to decompress after a busy day.

mantle, and stairway. Remember: simple is as merry as ornate.

10. Huggy Holidays. Use “Happy Holidays!” as an excuse to hug your loved ones often. Every time you feel stressed, hug or get hugged. Your holiday stress will melt away.

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

11. Stay Healthy. Put holiday-scented

15. Question Tradition. Traditions are

soaps by every sink and encourage plenty of hand washing. Install a bottle of hand-sanitizer next to every box of tissues. Chase every “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on cold medicines, just in case, to avoid midnight trips to the market.)

wonderful, but let’s face it, sometimes even the fondest can become tired. So, if you don’t feel like tromping around all afternoon hunting for the most splendiferous evergreen on the tree farm or frying the most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre-cut tree at your local grocery store or pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use saved time to enjoy tree trimming or dreidel playing instead.

12. Lighten Up. Twinkling lights create a comforting mood. Don’t limit shimmery lights to the tree and outdoor eves. If it sounds fun, bring some solace into the kid’s bedrooms as well as yours.

13. Take A Deep Breath. Bring some uplifting scents into your cleaning routine. Check out the Mrs. Meyers brand of earthfriendly cleaning supplies. Your home and laundry will smell winter-wonderful.

14. Enjoy Spreading Cheer. Save the annual holiday letter composing and Christmas card address labeling for when you can carve out time to relax and enjoy the process. And don’t try to do it all yourself. Break the job down into steps and enlist the whole family. Remember: taking everything on without helpers is naughty, not nice.

one in your brood has warm tootsies as the mercury plunges.

19. Hit The Hay Harder. There’s less light during the winter. Take advantage of it and put the kids to bed an hour earlier than normal. There’s the extra hour you need to keep some hustle in your holiday muscle or at least wrap some presents without interruption.

16. Create Classic Memories. Play

20. Pop Plenty Of Corn. Line up

hooky from holiday prep for the day and go ice-skating or play in the cold with your kids. Drink hot chocolate. Take lots of family photos. Build a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins.

21. Deck The Bathroom. Hang up

holiday movie classics in your mail order DVD queue. Watch some with the kids and some with your honey in the wee hours.

18. Sock It To ‘Em. Don’t wait until the

some scented pomanders. Bring in lots of little candles (beyond the reach of little hands, of course). Look for winter-scented bath indulges in Juniper, Cedar or Musk. Sink into a bubble bath wonderland. Forget your name for ten minutes. You’ll feel more holly-jolly if can get calm and stay centered all holiday season long. Happy holy days! WP

temperature hits zero to stock up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep your heating bills down and your kids smiling if every-

Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach, who adores the holidays. She’ll take the rush, so long as she gets the hush, too.

17. Save It For A Heatwave. If you are really feeling a time crunch, don’t donate time to help the less fortunate during holiday time. Give time later during a less hectic time of year. There are people in need throughout every season, after all.

De 430 Sp at wre ma Vic tion pro sup ers ag on

(33

De @W 126 Art abo and Dis num the Cla tipl as gla /A

(33

De 445 Sto sup

De 210 Co inc $35 Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

e ed . -

Arts & Crafts Decorating Workshop ad on page 21

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

Winter Day Camps ad on page 11

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

DIY Snow Globes

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

Snoopy & Woodstock Christmas

December 4 @ Sixtel Bottle & Growler House 210 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Come Paint with us Downtown! All supplies included and no experience Necessary! Tickets $35. Time 6:00-9:00 p.m.

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

Pints & Paints: Merry Grinchmas

December 5 @ Folklore Brewing & Meadery 153 Mary Lou Lane Dothan, AL 36301 Come Paint with us at the brewery! All supplies included and no experience Necessary! Must be 21+ to attend. Cost: $35 Time 6:00 p.m.

DIY Snow Globes

December 6 @ Ashford Library 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL 36312 Stop by and make your very own snow globe. All supplies will be provided. Ages 5-12. Time 3:30-4:00 p.m. (334) 899-3121 www.dhcls.org

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. (334) 794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Make Christmas Ornaments & Plank Trays

December 6 @ Navigator International LLC 107 W. College St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Make beautiful Christmas ornaments from an elm tree that came from Fort Rucker and also Beautiful Plank Trays. You can choose from many different designs. Time 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Downtown Dothan Christmas Commercial

December 6 & 7 @ Downtown Dothan Kids will learn to shoot and edit a Christmas Commercial. Pre-production pizza party Friday. The shoot will take place on Saturday from 11-12:30 at the Downtown Dothan Christmas Festival. (334) 232-9772 kidcreativecompany@gmail.com kidcreative.co

Christmas Wreath Making Class

December 7 @ Dothan Nurseries 1300 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303 Add a little bit of YOU to your front door this Christmas by making your own wreath. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have all the materials and expertise you need to make your very own wreath to decorate with. A small brunch & mimosas will be provided. $78 (334) 794-6774

Ornament Workshop

December 7 @ Mercedes-Benz of Dothan 2309 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, AL 36301 Join us for milk, cookies, and hot chocolate while the kids decorate ornaments with Mrs. Claus! Kids will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa Claus! Ornaments will be $4.50 each. (334) 731-3003 www.arworkshop.com

Toddler Tales: Mr. Willowbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Tree

December 7 @ 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. 10-11 a.m. (334) 348-2738 www.AllAboutArtStudio.com

Wine Down with Art

December 7 - The Grinch December 13 - Naughty OR Nice December 14 - HoHoHo or Joy @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Step-by-step class for all experience levels. Bring your own beverages and refreshments and we will provide everything else. Sign up in store, online, or by phone. Ages 18 and older. Cost: $30 (334) 348-2738 www.AllAboutArtStudio.com

Hogwarts House Make & Take Ornaments

December 9 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36303 Registration is required. ges 7-18 only please. www.dhcls.org

SnoopAy Gift

December 9 @ The Craft Bar & Grill 1024 Boll Weevil Cir. Enterprise, AL 36330 Tickets $35. All supplies included. Time 6-9 p.m.

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

Tea Light Snowman Ornament December 10 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Westgate Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 www.dhcls.org

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

Merry Christmas Bunting

December 13 @ Front Porch Quilt Shoppe 199 Hwy 231 North Ozark, AL 36360 Come join us in making your own bunting to hang just in time for Christmas! (334) 445-3521

Cookies and Canvas: Santa’s Little Helper

December 14 @ 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 www.AllAboutArtStudio.com

Snoopy’s Snow Globe

December 19 @ Bolding Going Coffee Shop 1208 Rucker Blvd. Enterprise, AL 36330 Join us at the coffee shop as we paint snoopy with step by step instructions! No experience necessary. All supplies provided. Tickets $35

Christmas Cookies & Cookie Tray Workshop

December 21 2958 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301 Learn the art of Cookie Decorating with guest instructor Susan Mayes of Dixie Cakes. Take home your DIY Tray, 3 decorated cookies and some sweet knowledge on this tasty skill! Ages 12 & older. Time 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. www.arworkshop.com/dothan

Benefits & Fundraisers House of Ruth Wrapping

December 1-24 @ Wiregrass Commons Mall 900 Commons Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Busy Schedule? Let us wrap for you! Located Near JCPenney.

The Greatest Knight 2019 presents A Jingle Mingle

December 2 @ Windmill Station 1369 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Live and Silent Auction! Gift Card Grub Grab! Holiday Bake- Off!! Cruise Vacation Drawing! Decorating Contest! Music! Food! Fun!! Tickets can be purchased in the main office at Northside Methodist Academy. Proceeds will go to build a fence around the school.

Downtown Dothan Christmas Bike Parade

December 6 @ The Thirsty Pig 257 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Entry is $10 or a New, unwrapped toy. The ride will start at 7pm. All ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Helmets are required. Spectators are welcome and donations are appreciated. All proceeds benefit Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

Toys for Tots. Prizes will also be given for best decorated bicycle. yogijameswells@gmail.com

Toy Drive Party with Inspector 6

December 6 @ Thirsty Pig Craft Beer Taproom 257 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Held in conjunction with the downtown Lighted Bike Parade, this evening will also feature live music in the Pig Pen by Inspector 6. This is a free, all ages event, but please bring a new unwrapped toy to donate.

The Red Nose Run

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, 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

Hanging of the Greens Service

December 1 @ First United Methodist Church 44 S. Daleville Ave. Daleville, AL 36322 Please come and help us decorate for Christmas during the Hanging of the Greens Service. Time 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Jingle Jam

December 4 @ Watermark Church 103 Elmer Rd. Ashford, AL 36312 Join us for a Christmas Party big enough for the entire family! There will be songs, games, hot chocolate, and more! Time 6:30-8:00 p.m. (334) 899-3624 mstrickland@watermark-church. com www.watermark-church.com

Unfrozen Christmas Production

December 8 @ Glory to Him Church 6193 Andrews Ave. Ozark, AL 36360 Join us on at 10:00 a.m. for our Christmas Production, “Unfrozen: Do you want to meet the savior?” We would love to have you and your whole family join us for this year’s production! (334) 774-7677

Walk Thru Bethlehem

December 14 @ Dunkin’ 2141 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36301 Accepting unwrapped gifts for kids (ages 15 & younger) to be distributed throughout Jackson County AND pet supplies for Partners for Pets of Jackson County. Time 9:00-11:00 a.m.

December 10-15 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.

Teen Christmas Drive

Breakfast with Santa

Wiregrass Cars & Coffee Toy and Pet Supply Drive

December 20 @ Houston Co. Farm Center 1701 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Donations Needed- Hygiene Items, Baskets, Blankets, Candy & Socks. Qualified Teens have already been chosen. Volunteers are needed from 9:00-11:00 a.m. to help put together Baskets for Final Drop Off. (850) 381-0224

Turkeys from Heaven

December 22-23 Dothan, AL 36301 Meet at the NPF Pavilion Dec. 22 to grill the turkeys. Meals will be distributed for delivery at the Wiregrass Museum of Art Dec. 23. Turkeys may be purchased at any Dothan Winn Dixie. (334) 797-9376 mrmarsella@gmail.com

Operation Santa Paws

@ Ozark Animal Shelter 1315 Parker Dr. Ozark, AL 36360 Accepting toys in place of adoption fees. 2 large Kong balls for 1 dog, or a pack of plastic bell balls for 1 cat. (334) 774-4633 shelter@ozarkalabama.us

Church Events Christmas Choir ad on page 17

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

Old Time Christmas

January 6 @ Clay Hill Church Brundidge, AL 36010 Step back in time to celebrate Old Christmas. The church is beautifully decorated with the seasonal offerings of Mother Nature. Following the Old Christmas service, homemade teacakes and hot apple cider may be enjoyed along with the fellowship of friends and neighbors. piddle.org

December 14 @ Headland UMC 103 W. King St. Headland, AL 36345 Have a pancake breakfast with Santa! Join us from 8:00-11:00 a.m. We’ll have fun stations for your child to enjoy. Admission is $5 and one parent eats free.

urd

(22

Fru

De 909 SE Ing 10, epi ma

(33

Do Ch

De 909 Liv Ca we

De 126 Pa fan Wo Jin

(87 ww

De 420 Ca trea this

(33

Christmas Recital

Christmas Blessings for Single Parent Families

De En Ho Do Joi tran “W 3:0

December 16 @ Bethel Baptist Church 3257 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Piano and Voice students of Christie Hood will be performing for their annual Christmas Recital. Time 6:00 p.m.

December 21 @ Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 7185 Old Webb Rd. Webb, AL 36372 Food, Music, Gifts for Children, Giveaways and much more. Featuring Aisha Williams from Cooking with Aisha. www.christmasblessings.eventbrite.com

Ted’s Love 1st Annual Christmas Celebration

December 21 2573 Hodgesville Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Live music, Gospel singing, Guest speakers and of course food. (334) 435-3162 tedslove.org

Christmas Eve Service

December 24 @ Green Hill Presbyterian Church 735 E. Lee St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Green Hill Presbyterian Church will hold its annual candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm. EVERYONE is invited to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dance & Theater A Very May-Haw Christmas

December 5-8 @ Cotton Hall Theater 158 E. Main St. Colquitt, GA 39837 Showtimes: Thursday & Friday at 7:30 p.m., Sat-

www.wiregrassparents.com

(33

Sa ad

De A Joi bea adm Ca bui on ma

Vi ad

De 430 Sip ing En mu Ac me enc don

(33

as e

ng u e ves

m ild .

al.

d ok-

ual .

at-

urday at 2:00 & 6:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (229) 758-5450 www.swampgravy.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 seact@seact.com www.seact.com

Dothan Ballroom Dance Club Christmas Rock Formal

December 14 @ Cultural Arts Center 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Live music by The Ivey Brothers. Fancy dress. Cash Bar. Bring a party food to share. Guests welcome. $10 per person. Time 7:00-10:00 p.m.

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 an unforgettable story of Jessica Jingle and her quest to become an elf! (877) 775-5678 falinswilliams@gmail.com www.pattirutlandjazz.com

Andalusia Ballet’s The Nutcracker

December 13-15th 420 Church St. 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 andalusiaballet.com

Festivals Whoville Holiday Celebration ad on page 13

December 7 @ Downtown Enterprise, AL 36330 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 9:00 a.m.3:00 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. 2-4 p.m. www.christmasincandyland.com

Victorian Christmas ad on page 21

December 8 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 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. (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.

Who Sleighed Santa? Mystery Dinner December 6 @ Black Cat Bakeshop & Kitchen 123 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Spirits in Christmas City are dampened with the recent news of the murder of Old Saint Nick. Ticket price includes dinner and dessert. All mysteries are BYOB. Recommended age-Teen and up.

www.christmasincandyland.com

(334) 475-4600

Christmas in Candyland

Brunch with Santa

ad on page 4

Weekends in December 505 E Three Notch St Andalusia, AL 36420 Enjoy snow shows, ice skating, snow tubing, train rides and 2 beautiful cottage villages for imaginative play! www.christmasincandyland.com

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

Christmas on the Square

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

Downtown Christmas

December 7 @ Downtown Dothan 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

Ashford Christmas Parade & Festival December 13 Ashford, AL 36312 Family-friendly event. Arts and crafts, food vendors, and Santa Claus. Parade entry $10. This year’s theme is “Whoville.” Time 6:00 p.m. ashfordareachamber@gmail.com

Saddle Up Santa

December 14 @ Dothan Boots & Saddle Club 1347 E. Saunders Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Games, inflatable bounce houses, a bake walk, door prizes, silent auction, visits with Santa, gifts from Santa, musical entertainment, free bag lunch, free hot chocolate, free train rides and more. Time 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Old Time Christmas

December 13-14 @ Pioneer Museum 248 U.S. Highway 231 North Troy, AL 36081 Celebrate Christmas of days gone by. Time 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission $12 (334) 566-3597 pioneer@troycable.net www.pioneer-museum.org

Food Hot Cocoa and Characters ad on page 4

December 14 @ Springdale Estate Andalusia, AL Meet and Greet with Mickey, Minnie, Santa, Princesses, Superheroes, Elsa and other favorites at the Hot Cocoa and Characters event at Christmas in Candyland. Free Admission.

December 7 @ Ozark Dale Co. Library 416 James St. Ozark, AL 36360 Stop by and get your picture taken with Santa and enjoy a delicious brunch! Tickets: $12 Ages 13+, $6 Ages 4-12, FREE 3 & Under. Tickets $1 more at the door. Time 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (334) 774-5480

Homicide at the Tacky Sweater Shindig-Murder Mystery Dinner

December 13 @ Black Cat Bakeshop & Kitchen 123 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Mingle in tacky sweater garb with enchanting people, exquisite food, and fabulous entertainment. Ticket price includes Dinner and dessert. All mysteries are BYOB. Recommended ageTeen and up. (334) 475-4600

Christmas High Tea

December 14 @ Tarrer Inn 155 S. Cuthbert St. Colquitt, GA 39837 A Christmas twist on our traditional High Tea. Our tables will be decorated for the season and Santa may even stop by! We welcome our guests to come dressed for the occasion. Tickets must be purchased in advance. (229) 758-2888 tarrerinnevents@yahoo.com thetarrerinn.com

Mr. Grinch & the Who Crew Lunch Appearances

December 14 - Black Cat Bakeshop & Kitchen December 21 - Milky Moo’s Enterprise, AL 36330 Grab a bite to eat at your FAVORITE downtown Enterprise restaurants Saturdays during the WHOLIDAY season and enjoy time with Mr. Grinch and the Who Crew!

Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa

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

Light Shows & Displays Christmas Lights Festival ad on page 33

December 5-8, 12-25 @ Montgomery Zoo 2301 Coliseum Pkwy Montgomery, AL 36110 The Montgomery Zoo transforms into a Winter Wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights and festive decorations. Visits with Santa, live entertainment, and hot chocolate and freshbaked cookies. (334) 240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

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

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

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. Cost: $5 per person over 5.

the 1800s to visit with the kids at Landmark Park. Make sure to bring your camera for this visit with Santa! Free with paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members and children 2 and under).

Amphitheater Christmas Light Show

Whoville Holidays Tacky Christmas Contest

(334) 793-3224 www.dabg.com

December 1-31 @ The Crossing at Big Creek 11295 Hwy 231 South Dothan, AL 36320 Over 5,000 LED Lights, plus 10-foot-tall singing Santa and Rudolph heads, all programmed to Christmas songs for all ages. New additions include 20-Foot Tall Mega Trees, a 24-foot video wall, bleachers for viewing, and many more additions. www.thecrossingbigcreek.com

Christmas on Oakwood

December 1-31 @ 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

December 1-31 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

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. Times: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

(334) 790-5112 info@holidayspectacularpark.com www.holidayspectacularpark.com

Trawick’s Christmas in the Woodlands December 1-31 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

Misc. Holiday Photo Op ad on page 21

December 1 & 7 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Pose for your family Christmas photos with David Baker’s horse drawn wagon, parked in front of the Waddell House. Free with paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members and children 2 and under). Dec. 1 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Families must bring their own cameras, we just provide the backdrop.

A Visit with Pere Noel (Santa) ad on page 21

December 21 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Father Christmas travels all the way from the North Pole and back in time from Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

ad on page 13

December 21 Enterprise, AL 36330 FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN!!! Get TACKY and show your stuff! We want to see the tackiest holiday attire you can create! Decorate a sweatshirt, sweater or full outfit with your materials of choice - felt, yarn, LEDs, plastic, clock gears, buttons, etc! As long as it’s over-the-top and tacky, you’re good to go. Prizes for each age category and for MOST “WHOISH” ATTIRE * MOST TACKY ATTIRE * MOST CREATIVE USE OF MATERIALS. www.enterprisedowntown.com

Chip & Fancy Elf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt

November 29-December 19 Enterprise, AL Play along in our 2019 Elf Scavenger hunt for your chance to win daily prizes and a GRAND PRIZE of $500! ELF PASSPORTS can be picked up at the Chamber. Each time you find an elf, you get a stamp on your passport. Passports MUST BE turned into the Chamber on/before Dec. 22. The Grand Prize drawing will be Dec. 23!

Santa’s Village & Live Nativity

Saturdays in December @ Outskirts of Heaven Petting Zoo 8977 Hwy. 27, Newville, AL 36353 Fun for all ages! Food, petting zoo, pony rides, games, Christmas cookie decorating, cow train, bounce house! Come take a walk through Bethlehem with our live nativity and then do some Christmas shopping from our vendors set up in Santa’s Village while the kids play!

Santa & Friends Lighted Magical Cruise

December 1 @ Kolomoki Mounds State Park 205 Indian Mounds Rd. Blakely, GA 39823 Santa, Frosty and the Grinch will arrive via pontoon boat at 5:45 p.m. EST. Sit on Santa lap for photos and ride the lighted boat with his friends. A lighted hay ride and s’mores will be available as well. $5 wristbands + $5 ParkPass. Concessions will be sold.

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., Ste 3 Dothan, AL 36301 Join us for an ornament exchange with other foster moms! (334) 699-1563 www.fosteringhopewiregrass.com

Storytime with Santa

December 6 @ St. John Catholic Montessori 123 Heath St. Enterprise, AL 36330 A fun evening for children and adults. Wear your pajamas and enjoy a story read by Santa.

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. Time 4:00-5:00 p.m. www.dhcls.org

Price is Right Regifting

December 12 @ Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Main 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36303 Games will be played, fabulous prizes will be won. Come take a chance and enjoy the fun! Adults 19 and older. Registration is required. Time 5:30-7:30 p.m. www.dhcls.org

Nightmare before Christmas party

December 13 @ Bananas 621 Boll Weevil Circle Enterprise, AL 36330 Tired of the lame ugly sweater parties? Come join us for the Nightmare before Christmas. Create your scariest Christmas/Holiday costume to win cash and prizes. Special Holiday drinks created just for this event.

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

Christmas Business Fair for Those with Disabilities

December 14 @ Perry Recreation Center 240 James St. Ozark, AL 36360 Individuals with disabilities of all ages are welcome to sell materials made from ther existing business or start a new venture. Ideally the items for sale with have a tie to the holiday season.

IAM&AW 2003 Annual Christmas Party December 14 345 Hwy 84 East Daleville, AL 36322 Please join us for our annual Christmas party. There will be plenty of food and activities for all ages and completely free to members and their family. Please RSVP as soon as possible by contacting the hall or your steward/GNC. (334) 598-6308 www.iam2003.org

Kids’ Christmas Party

December 14 @ Ozark Dale Co. Library 416 James St. Ozark, AL 36360 Parents, bring your kids to the Library to join us for a fun-filled time with games, activities, and more! Refreshments will be provided and a special guest may be stopping by for an appearance! Time 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Layin Wreaths Across America

December 14 @ Meadow Lawn Cemetery Enterprise, AL 36330 Come out and lay a wreath with a family member, child, group or just by yourself to shed holiday spirit with those who served our nation. Time 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

www.wiregrassparents.com

De Co Fun reg No

run

Pla

De 130 Foo lea sw two

(33

Sto

De 194 Bri Sa coo orn

(33

M A

De 500 Co ver in t

De 126 Exp on hol

sea ww

Ch Th

De N. The Birm and

(33

Sh to

De 115 Sha Ho new

sha

De 126 Fea Alti gue ing the

(33 ww

De 554 We ma Aft “Ug alo

oin

n d

and

rty

ece!

er,

Reindeer Run 5K

December 14 @ Downtown Enterprise 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

Plant Swap: Dirty Santa Edition

December 17 @ Dothan Nurseries 1300 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303 Food, Drinks, and Wine provided. You must at least bring one healthy, pest-free houseplant to the swap to participate. Also, we will be giving away two prizes. Your ticket purchase is your entry. (334) 794-6774

Story Time with Santa

Masterworks Choir Christmas Concert December 13 @ St. John Catholic Church 123 Heath St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Carols and Music of the Season. Free and open to the public. Time 7:00-8:30 p.m.

December 13 @ Ft. Rucker Youth Center Come and enjoy the Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at the Youth Center. Time 4:00-6:00 p.m.

December 31 @ The Crossing at Big Creek 11295 Hwy 231 South Dothan, AL 36320 Chris Kattan & Friends are bringing their comedy show to Dothan, Alabama for one-night-only. The Alabama Blues Brothers will be taking the stage with two sets of classic rhythm and blues tunes and Blues Brothers dance moves that will go late into the night.

(334) 255-2271 rucker.armymwr.com

www.thecrossingbigcreek.com

Sounds of the Season Concert

The Great Gatsby at The Uptown

(334) 390-1009 eprisemusic@gmail.com

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

December 17 @ Ozark Civic Center 320 E. College St. Ozark, AL 36360 Time 7:00 p.m.

December 20 @ Eastgate Park 1949 Sanitary Dairy Rd. Ashford, AL 36312 Bring your children to enjoy a story read by Santa! The children will be served milk and cookies and will also be able to make their own ornament. Time 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Songs & Stories with John Berry

Music

Christmas Pops Concert and Singalong

(334) 6153700

A Holiday Concert

December 2 @ Troy University-Dothan 500 University Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Come and enjoy this free concert by the Troy University Dothan Community Band as they help bring in the holiday season with familiar festive tunes.

SEADAC’s The Nutcracker

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

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. $20 (334) 685-5524 piddle.org

Shane Owens Nothing Compares to Christmas

December 6 @ Dothan Opera House 115 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Shane brings his “Nothing Compares to Christmas Holiday Celebration and will be showcasing his newest CD. shaneowenscountrymusic.com

A Blue Ridge Mountain Holiday

December 10 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Featuring internationally-renowned Maestro Jason Altieri & The Atlanta Pops Orchestra, with special guests Balsam Range and Chloë Agnew. This exciting ensemble of talent will take the stage to create the most merry and magical event of the season. (334) 615-3175 info@musicsouth.com www.dothanciviccenter.org

Beer & Hymns: Lessons & Carols

December 11 @ McLeods Publick House 5540 W. Main St., Suite 9 Dothan, AL 36305 We invite you to come hear the story of Christmas, through the words of scripture and song! Afterwards, we will be holding our 2nd Annual “Ugly Sweater” contest concluding with a singalong of classic Christmas carols. 7 pm

NYE Chris Kattan & Friends with The Alabama Blues Brothers

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.

December 20 @ Cultural Arts Center 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Come enjoy the sounds of the season at the annual Tri-State Community Orchestra Christmas concert. This year we are including a sing-along of the Hallelujah Chorus in addition to our regular Christmas Pops Sing-along and traditional Carols! Time 7:30-9:00 p.m.

UGLY Sweaters with Iron Bulge and The Brown Goose

December 20 @ Live at Harlow’s 190 W. Reynolds St. Ozark, AL 36360 If you enjoy the 80’s and beyond, this is the place to be. Bring your ugly sweater and rock out with two of Harlow’s favorite bands Iron Bulge and The Brown Goose! Time 8:00 p.m.-Midnight

New Year’s Celebrations Year End Scene Party: The Rawring Twenties

December 28 @ Featured Players Cabaret 3178 Hartford Hwy. Dothan, AL 36305 It’s time to go back to the future, as we prepare to welcome the return of the Twenties by going back to the early 2000’s. It’s a scene party, come to dance to your favorite hits from the era of Emo. 19 to enter, 21 to drink.

Bama Slam’s New Year’s Eve Bash

December 31 @ Bama Slam Saloon 990 Private Rd. 1110 New Brockton, AL 36351 Help us bring in the New Year and celebrate our Grand Opening of the Bama Slam Saloon with Artists The Kentucky Head Hunters and Riley Green. Tickets $75

New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop

December 31 @ Pier Park 600 Pier Park Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 Enjoy free live music, entertainment, fireworks, and good cheer. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

New Year’s Eve Countdown

December 31 @ Downtown Dothan Ring in the New Year with us at our Dothan Downtown New Year’s Eve Countdown! The street festivities will take place on Foster Street and will include live entertainment, a midnight countdown and more. Time 7:00 p.m.-Midnight www.dothandowntown.org

December 31 160 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 We’re going back to the Roaring 20s with this one!!!! The Great Gatsby featuring our very own Chris Godber bringing down the house as always and taking us into 2020 the Uptown way! (334) 547-0171 booktheuptown@gmail.com Facebook.com/TheUptownDothan

Parades & Tree Lightings Elba Christmas Parade December 2 Time: 6:00 p.m. (334) 897-2333

Dothan Christmas Tree Lighting December 3 @ Dothan Civic Center Time: 6:00 p.m. (334) 615-3700

Enterprise Christmas Parade December 3 Enterprise, AL 36330 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Ozark Christmas Parade December 3 Ozark, AL 36360 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Ft. Rucker Christmas Tree Lighting December 5 Time: 5:00 p.m.

(334) 255-1749 rucker.armymwr.com

Headland Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 5 Time: 6:00 p.m.

(334) 693-3303 headlandalchamber@gmail.com headlandal.com

Daleville Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 6 Time 5:30 p.m.

Slocomb Community Christmas Celebration December 6 @ Centennial Park Time 4:00-6:30 p.m. (334) 886-2955

City of Abbeville Christmas Parade December 9 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Ashford Christmas Parade December 13 5:00 p.m. WP

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

FamilyCalendar Sunday December 1

Miss Heart of Alabama Pageant (Entry Fee $25 + 2 toys for Toys for Tots / Admission: $5)

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Doug Tew Rec Center, 300 Garland St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Attire: Christmas Wear. Show us your own unique sense of style! Model like you are in a fashion show! Outfit can be custom made or off the rack! Winners will receive a sash, rhinestone crown and paid entry to the 2020 Miss Heart of the USA National in Orlando!

Monday December 2

Lego Club (Free) 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Headland Public Library, 17 Park St. Headland, AL, 36345 Kids, do you love to build, create and have fun?! Then we have the perfect program for you..LEGO CLUB!! Join us for some “creative” fun the 1st Monday of every month. This program is designed for ages 4+. No Pre-Registration required.

Tuesday December 3

Slime Lab (Free) 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Dothan Houston Co. Library - Westgate, Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us each month for a different squishy-icky type of gelatinous goo! All supplies will be provided and registration is REQUIRED! (334) 793-9767 www.dhcls.org Community Bowl Making Session (Free) 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Reservations are required. Call or email to save your spot. (334) 699-2787 ann@theculturalartscenter.org

Wednesday December 4

Thursday December 5

Teachers’ Night Out (Free with School ID) 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL, 36303 Come and explore our exhibitions, dive into hands-on art activities throughout the galleries, play engaging games for prizes, and enjoy some light refreshments and a cash bar. Join us upstairs in the classroom for additional art activities, information about our tours and the Bus on Us Program, as well as a chance to talk with our museum educators. www.wiregrassmuseum.org Pajama Story Time 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. (334) 255-3885 rucker.armymwr.com Restoration BBQ, Bid & Buy (Tickets: $25) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Celebration at Jones Crossing, 5918 Fortner St. Dothan, AL, 36305 Refurbished furniture items from the Habitat ReStore will be auctioned. Silent auction for non-furniture items. Tickets include BBQ.

Friday December 6

Annual Candlelight Vigil at The Angel of Hope 7:00 p.m. Angel of Hope Statue, Westgate Park Dothan, AL, 36303 The vigil is for everyone who has ever suffered the loss of a child including the loss of

Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

a child during pregnancy. White carnations will be provided to each family to place at the base of the Angel in memory of their child. Two guest speakers will share their personal loss. CYS Youth Lock In 7:00 p.m. Youth Center, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Come and hang out for the CYS Youth Center Lock-In on December 6. For more information, please contact the Youth Center. (334) 255-2271 rucker.armymwr.com The Red Ball (Tickets $25) 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., 230 E. Powell St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Don’t miss your opportunity to “Masquerade in Red” at The Red Ball – 2019, a semi-formal affair in observance of World AIDS Day. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Proceeds from The Red Ball benefit the HIV/AIDS prevention education, care and wellness programs of Medical Advocacy & Outreach (MAO), a nonprofit organization. Art of Yoga ($10) 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, AL, 36303 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 (if needed). Each class is $10 and no reservations are required. www.wiregrassmuseum.org Coffee and Friends 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Bowden Terrace Community Center, 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. (334) 255-3898 rucker.armymwr.com

Saturday December 7

First Saturday Family Day (Free) 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 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! www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Sunday December 8

Reptile Feeding (Adults $4; Kids $3) 4:00 p.m. Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Park 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

Wednesday December 11

Enterprise Boll Weevil Monument Centennial Celebration (Free) 11:00 a.m. Boll Weevil Monument, Enterprise, AL, 36330 Plans include a presentation of Centennial Tribute markers, burial of a time capsule, downtown tours, vendors with Centennial memorabilia, showings of living history films featuring Enterprise storytellers, book signings by guest authors, music and the highlight of the evening, the Boll Weevil Monument re-dedication ceremony! Slime Lab (Free) 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ashford Library, 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL, 36312 Join us each month for a different squishy-icky type of gelatinous goo! All supplies will be provided and registration is REQUIRED! (334) 899-3121 www.dhcls.org

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! Ages 12-17.

Thursday December 12

After School Lego Club (5th Grade) (Free) 3:15 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! (334) 588-2384

Saturday December 14

Popcorn and a Movie! (Free) 12:45 p.m. Ozark Dale Co. Library, 416 James St. Ozark, AL, 36360 Join us for a kid-friendly movie with popcorn and a refreshing beverage! Aaron Lewis (General Admission $37.50) 6:00 p.m. The Plant, 308 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Aaron Lewis’s The Stata I’m In Tour w/special guest Ben Danaher. Doors 6:00p | Show 7:30p | All Ages (Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21+) Ozark Civic Giants (Tickets: $25) 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., The Holman House, 285 Broad St. Ozark, AL, 36360 As part of Alabama’s Bicentennial Celebration, The City of Ozark will be hosting a formal gala to recognize and honor Ozark’s Civic Giants. ozarkcivicgiants.com Chili Cook Off and Fundraiser (Free) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The Bean Bro, 176 N. Daleville Ave. Daleville, AL, 36322 Come meet some of the crew from Dale EMS and Rescue Squad, taste some chili, participate in the bake sale, enjoy some brew from the Bean Bro, and give the gift of life with donating blood with LifeSouth! All Breeds Rescue & Adoption 2 - Jane’s Legacy will also be there! Fort Rucker Fun Run & Resiliency Fair (Free) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, 4605 Andrews Ave. Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 This free event offers a 5K fun run, along with awesome activities for the entire family! Participants can run or walk, or just stop by to visit the numerous Resiliency Fair booths. Open to the public. Stroller and leashed pet friendly. (334) 255-2296

Sunday December 15

Audition for Mama Mia! 2:00 p.m. Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 13 roles + ensemble. Ages 16 and older. Performances Mar. 10-14, 2020. www.seact.com

Monday December 16

Audition for Mama Mia! 6:30 p.m. Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 13 roles + ensemble. Ages 16 and older. Performances Mar. 10-14, 2020. www.seact.com

Tuesday December 17

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. Each meeting begins with a general discussion of books read by attendees followed by a guided

www.wiregrassparents.com

disc (33

Lit 5:0 363 ligh 18 ruc

Au 6:3 St. and ww

An 3:1 Don will Jap Som

Slim 4:0 -M us gel reg (33

Ch 10: 363

kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

FamilyCalendar discussion of the monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection. (334) 774-5480 Literary League 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Center Library, Ft. Rucker, AL, 36362 Enjoy good books, intelligent discussion, and light refreshments. Bring new book ideas! For ages 18 and up. rucker.armymwr.com Audition for Mama Mia! 6:30 p.m. Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL, 36301 13 roles + ensemble. Ages 16 and older. Performances Mar. 10-14, 2020. www.seact.com

Wednesday December 18

Anime Club for Teens (Free) 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. Ages 12-17. Please register. Some movies rated PG-13. Slime Lab (Free) 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Dothan Houston Co. Library - Main, 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us each month for a different squishy-icky type of gelatinous goo! All supplies will be provided and registration is REQUIRED! (334) 793-9767 www.dhcls.org

Thursday December 19

Children Tea Time Story Hour ($7 per child) 10:00 a.m. Martin Teas, 450 S. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36301 Ages 3-5. storybook reading, food, games.

Parent or guardian free with paid admission for child. Reservation required. (612) 251-8521 After School Lego Club (6th Grade & Up) (Free) 3:15 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! (334) 588-2384 Hold Fast to Dreams (Free) 5:30 p.m. Hawk Houston Youth Enrichment Center, 329 Chickasaw St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Meet, Greet, Conversation & Reception with special guest, Alexis J. Smith. RSVP by December 12th. (334) 792-4618 www.hawkhoustonyec.org Paint and Sip with Ashley (Free) 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Main, 445 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Enjoy sipping on lemonade and tea while painting a beautiful canvas piece! Registration is required. Note, this event is for adults and seniors 19+ only. All supplies are provided. www.dhcls.org 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 Screen on the Green (Free) 7:30 p.m. Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum

Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to cozy up with a date, make it a family night, or enjoy some well-deserved alone time under the stars. Local food trucks and vendors on site. FREE popcorn. Showing: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. www.wiregrassmuseum.org, Houston Co. Group Meeting & Parent Cafe 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!

Saturday December 21

Paint Your Own Pet ($45) 1:00 p.m. All About Art, 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL, 36330 Submit a high resolution photo of your pet via email at least 2 weeks in advance of class date. We will prepare your 16 x 20 canvas with a custom sketch of your pet. In Advance: Consider your color scheme prior to attending class. Limited class sizeearly reservations recommended. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com Coffee & Coloring (Free) 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Dothan-Houston Co. Library - Westgate, Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 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.

e with &

05 nt

r et

ws 16

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

FamilyCalendar Sunday December 29

Sunday Rewind - Adult Skate Night (Admission $10; Skate Rental $3)

7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Fun Zone Skate Center, 465 Westgate Pkwy. Dothan, AL, 36303 DJ Smoke playing your favorite skate jams from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s.

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

Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

Board Game Club (Free) 2:00 p.m. Ashford Library, 305 6th Ave. Ashford, AL, 36312 Join us for classic board games Clue and Monopoly. (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. LibraryWestgate 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

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

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 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.

www.wiregrassparents.com

low fal mo sh of bu on vic

fin ex me em I’d no Do thi fea fea ca

FamilyCalendar

hew m.

ry, n

s Dow

Emotions, Basics and Change Q.

I’ve gotten out of debt before following your plan, but I always seem to fall right back in. I find myself spending more than I mean to whenever I go out shopping or running errands. I’m tired of all this, and I want to stop busting my budget and get control of my money once and for all. Do you have any advice?

A. Years ago, when I lost everything financially, there were two or three extremely strong emotions that spurred me toward change. Probably the biggest emotion was fear. I was scared to death I’d be broke for the rest of my life, and not be able to take care of my family. Don’t misunderstand me, though. I don’t think you should ever live your life in fear. But a reasonable, healthy level of fear where some things are concerned can be a fantastic motivator.

Another emotion was disgust. I realized the way I had been living and handling money was stupid. So, I made a proactive, conscious decision that I was going to change, and things were going to be different. The third emotion was contentment. You know, advertisers try to make us believe our lives will be better, and we’ll be happier, if we just go out and buy their stuff. I can tell you from personal experience when this idea is crammed down your throat every day, it can warp your perception of contentment and happiness. Lots of stuff does not equal lots of happiness.

If you’ve tried several times, and are still falling back into the same old trap, maybe you should approach your situation in a practical, day-to-day way. Stop going places where you’re tempted to spend money on silly things. When you go out running errands and shopping, make a list of only the bare necessities, and take along just enough cash to pay for them. Spending money on a bunch of stuff you don’t need, and probably don’t even really want, isn’t going to bring you contentment. It’s just going to bust your budget, and put you in a financial hole that will, sooner or later, become very difficult—if not impossible—to dig your way out of!

www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents

. e: he

or wrong way to grieve. Take it one moment at the time, and give yourself and those around you a lot of grace. WP: Does your family have any holiday or Christmas traditions? MH: We go to Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens every year. We also get each of our children an ornament every year. Other than that, we just do the normal traditions of decorating the tree, visiting with family, and being busy!

Marci Harrison

WP: What is your favorite thing about the holiday season? MH: My favorite things about this season are watching the joy in my childrens’ faces as we experience the season and spending time with friends and family!

WP: Tell me about your work as an advocate for special needs children and those affected by cancer. What’s the driving force behind that?

WP: Are you an early or last-minute holiday shopper? MH: A little bit of both. I tend to shop early, then forget what all I have bought. WP: Moms are busy year-round, but it seems as if things kick into overdrive this time of year. What self-care routines do you follow to make sure you stay at your best?

MH: I am blessed that I get paid to do something that God has called me to do. I love working with students with disabilities and their families to help them experience everything they can. I love helping children find the way that works for them and watching them grow and mature. My husband and I started Hannah’s Gifts of Hope so that we could support others the way that we were supported during our daughter’s illness. We live in a great community that loves and supports others in need very well.

MH: The best thing that I have found for my personal self-care is joining a workout group at a local gym in the mornings. This group of ladies has become very special to me. They encourage me to push myself each workout. WP: Looking back on the year that’s gone by, what’s your biggest takeaway or lesson learned? MH: I feel like in this past year, the greatest lesson that I have learned is how to find rest in the Lord even amidst the busyness and craziness of life. WP: Do you have any resolutions or goals for 2020? MH: I just hope that I can love those around me and grow to be more like my Creator every day.

WP: Losing a child is something you never get over. What’s something you and your family do to honor Hannah Grace’s memory and heal your hearts?

WP: What is something you hope your children are learning from watching you?

MH: Our Hannah Grace was such a ray of joy. She loved people so much. Every year for her birthday, we host a birthday party and collect items to help an organization. We have collected toys for children in the hospital, clothes for children in the Wiregrass, and arts and crafts supplies for child life specialists to use with the children in the hospital. This year, we are collecting $5 and $10 gift cards for the organization Smile-a-Mile to use as prizes or “pick me ups” for kids and parents in Children’s of Alabama’s Hematology/Oncology floor.

MH: I hope that my children are learning to love and serve the community around them. WP: Any advice for parents just starting on their parenting journey? MH: I would encourage parents to enjoy the time that they have with their children. Life is too short to spend it worried about if you are doing things right or wrong. You are the best parents that your children will ever have!

WP: Do you have any words of encouragement for other families who have lost a child or who may be going through something like cancer?

Marci Harrison is a special education teacher who advocates for special needs children and children affected by cancer. She and her husband, Jarrod, serve as elders at their church and founded an organization in memory of their daughter, Hannah Grace, called ‘Hannah’s Gifts of Hope.’ The Harrisons have four children: Chandler (12), Madalynn (7), Maeson (4), and Hannah Grace (forever 4).

MH: I would encourage families to lean on God and each other as they navigate through the grief process. Also, grief is a journey, not a destination. When you lose a child, you lose a piece of yourself; it is not something you ever get over. There is no right Wiregrass Parents I December 2019

www.wiregrassparents.com

Providing the Wiregrass smiles

gr am

am ogr Pr

grams Pro

A-Mile Pla c ile

pital Outrea s c Ho

Fe l

ro gra m

low

ro Sc holarship P

um si s me r Camp Se

P Sch p i h olars

io Reg

on s

a Funding for

lP rograms

Smile-A-Mileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to provide hope, healing of the spirit and love for the whole family during the childhood cancer journey. Through year-round meaningful and educational programming, Smile-A-Mile helps those in Alabama who are affected by childhood cancer thrive during treatment and the years beyond.

205.323.8427 kellie@smileamile.com

1600 2nd Avenue South Birmingham AL 35233