Family Calendar

Thursday December 1

The Prophecy Show - The Music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra 7:30 PM Dothan Civic Center, 126 N St Andrews St #214 Dothan, Al, 36303 The Prophecy Show - The Music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra http://dothanciviccenter.org/

Story Time Ozark Dale County Library, Inc, 296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 Kids! Join us for Story Time at the Library. We’ll have fun listening to stories, doing crafts and activities, and enjoying a yummy snack, too! Times: 10:30am and 5:00pm. 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Saturday December 3

Meet the Teaching Artists (Free) 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Get to know our lovely teaching artists at a short conversation and meet and greet in the Entrance Gallery just before our December First Family Saturday. 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

First Saturday Family Day (Free) 10:30 AM Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Saturdays are the perfect day for children and families to create and explore art together! First Saturday Family Day, one of WMA’s

longest-running educational programs, offers free art activities on the first Saturday of every month.

334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Ozark Pokemon League 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ozark Dale County Library, Inc, 296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 Pokémon trainers of all ages and skill levels are invited to battle and trade with other trainers in this exciting trading card game (TCG) and video game! If you’re new to Pokémon, don’t worry! We have a Pokémon Professor who can teach you everything you need to know about battling and trading cards and building your decks. 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Teens Art Club 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ozark Dale County Library, Inc,

296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 We are officially

launching an Art Club for teens (ages 13 and up!) at the new Ozark Dale County Library! 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Sunday December 4

Enterprise Christmas Tour of Homes 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Various locations, Enterprise, AL Join us on a self guided tour of 6 beautifully decorated homes and 1 business all around our amazing city. Tickets available from Initially Yours, Yancey Parkers, State Farm Insurance downtown Enterprise and all Pilot members.

Coffee County Arts Alliance: Messiah-A Choral Presentation 5:00 PM First Baptist Church, 302 N Main St Enter-

prise, AL, 36330 Coffee County Arts Alliance: Messiah-

A Choral Presentation

Tuesday December 6

A Very Merry Arty Pants (Ages 18 months to 4 years; must be accompanied by an adult) 4:00 PM Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Come celebrate the season and get messy at Arty Pants! Your little one will

enjoy creating art in different ways in these special

hands-on classes designed for parents and toddlers. Ages 18 months to 4 years; must be accompanied by an adult 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Lego Club 4:30 PM Ozark Dale County Library, Inc, 296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 If you love to build and create with Legos, then Lego Club is just for you! Join us for building challenges, games, and free play! All Legos are supplied and all ages are invited to join the fun! We’ll have Duplo Legos for the younger kids. 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Southeast Alabama Community Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” 7:00 PM Cultural Arts Center, 909 S St Andrews St Dothan, AL, 36301 In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids-probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on! /www.seact.com

Wednesday December 7

Crafts at Main Library 4:00 PM DHCLS Main Library, 445 N Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Construct your own Gingerbread House with this cute holiday craft project! With candy cane and peppermint accents, these little foam houses make a great yuletide project for your family. This project is for kids ages 5-12 and registration is required. 334-793-9767 https://dhcls.org/

Southeast Alabama Community Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Details on December 6.

Thursday December 8

Nightmare Before Christmas- DIY Jack Skellington ornaments 4:00 PM DHCLS Main Library, 445 N Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Hey Tweens and Teens! Drop by the Main Library to learn how to make your very own Jack Skellington ornament. All supplies will be provided for this class. Registration is required. This program is for teens ages 10-18 334-793-9767 https://dhcls.org/

Southeast Alabama Community Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Details on December 6.

Story Time Ozark Dale County Library, Inc, 296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 Kids! Join us for Story Time at the Library. We’ll have fun listening to stories, doing crafts and activities, and enjoying a yummy snack, too! Times: 10:30am and 5:00pm. 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Friday December 9

Southeast Alabama Community Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Details on December 6.

Saturday December 10

Watercolor Collective 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us in WMA’s garden once a quarter on the second Saturday of March, June, September, and December for an afternoon of watercoloring, drinks, and music. A leisurely, come-and-go free paint party will provide still-life

inspiration within the garden’s flowers, sculptures,

and fountains. 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Deaf Youth Bowling 11:45 AM Patricia Lanes, 2208 Ross Clark Cir Dothan, AL, 36303 Deaf/Hard of Hearing middle & high school students can attend - Parents and families are welcome. For more information contact AIDB Dothan RC at Cantu.Donna@AIDB.org https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaDeafCommunityAccessibilityCalendar

Ozark Pokemon League Details on December 3.

Teens Art Club 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ozark Dale County Library, Inc,

296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 We are officially

launching an Art Club for teens (ages 13 and up!) at the new Ozark Dale County Library! 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Southeast Alabama Community Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Details on December 6.

Tuesday December 13

A Very Merry Arty Pants (Ages 18 months to 4 years; must be accompanied by an adult) Details on December 6.

Crafts at Westgate 4:00 PM DHCLS - Westgate Branch, 535 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Construct your own Gingerbread House with this cute holiday craft project! With candy cane and peppermint accents, these little foam houses make a great yuletide project for your family. This project is for kids ages 5-12 and registration is required. 334-699-2950 knorth@dhcls.org https://dhcls.org/

Thursday December 15

Crafty Teen 4:00 PM DHCLS - Westgate Branch, 535 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us to make CD art! All supplies will be provided for this class. Registration is required. Ages 13-18 334-699-2950 knorth@dhcls.org https://dhcls.org/

Story Time Ozark Dale County Library, Inc, 296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 Kids! Join us for Story Time at the Library. We’ll have fun listening to stories, doing crafts and activities, and enjoying a yummy snack, too! Times: 10:30am and 5:00pm. 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Saturday December 17

Studio Class: Painting with Acrylics ($55 for

members; $65 for not yet members) 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Experience an immersive atmosphere while painting landscapes and learning the basics of how to paint trees, leaves and the cloudy sky. 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Ozark Pokemon League Details on December 3.

Teens Art Club 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ozark Dale County Library, Inc,

296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 We are officially

launching an Art Club for teens (ages 13 and up!) at the new Ozark Dale County Library! 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Becoming a Novelist with Cap Daniels 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, DHCLS Main Library, 445 N Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 We’ll explore the fascinating, mysterious, and sometimes exhausting process of turning your writing into marketable, commercially viable literature. 334-793-9767 https://dhcls.org/

Tuesday December 20

A Very Merry Arty Pants (Ages 18 months to 4 years; must be accompanied by an adult) Details on December 6.

Tuesday December 27

A Very Merry Arty Pants (Ages 18 months to 4 years; must be accompanied by an adult) Details on December 6.

Saturday December 31

Pajama Ball: A New Year’s Eve Party 7:00 PM - 12:30 PM, Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Join us in the museum’s galleries and event spaces to dance among the stars, lounge in the clouds, and make memories as we close one year and enter the next. Ticket holders can enjoy a dance party, the ultimate junk food

buffet, and open galleries with tucked-away corners

for board games, a movie marathon, fortune-telling, and artmaking. 334-794-3871 https://www.wiregrassmuseum.org/ events/pajama-ball/

Saturday January 2

Birdies For Blues Golf Tournament 11:00 AM Dothan National Golf Club, 7410 US-231 S Dothan, AL, 36301 Teams may register by calling Justin at 334-655-6265 or in person at registration. Proceeds from this tournament will go to Southeast Alabama Baseball Umpires Association to help recruit new umpires. 334-655-6265

Saturday January 7

First Saturday Family Day (Free) 10:30 AM Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Saturdays are the perfect day for children and families to create and explore art together! First Saturday Family Day, one of WMA’s longest-running educational programs,

offers free art activities on the first Saturday of

every month. 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Friday January 13

Doug Stone Concert 7:00 PM Dothan Opera House, 115 N St Andrews St Dothan, AL, 36303 Doug Stone concert. www.dothanciviccenter.org

Saturday January 19

Art After Hours (Free for members and $5 for not-yet members) 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Come wander the galleries, have a drink at the cash bar, and take in the art on view. 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Saturday January 28

2023 Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival We Piddle Around Theater, N Main St Brundidge, AL, 36010 We will be joined by Donald Davis, Tim Lowry, Bil Lepp and Barbara McBride-Smith. There are 3 performances on Saturday. 334-685-5524 http://piddle.org/

Every Monday

Teen Recharge 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM, DHCLS Main Library, 445 N Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 A place for tweens and teens (12-18) to hang out, mess around and geek out with others their age. S.T.E.A.M.-based activities such as robotics, 3D pens, crafts, computer coding, art, video games, etc. will be available to all at no charge. 334-793-9767 knorth@dhcls.org https://dhcls.org/

Every Tuesday

Story & Craft Time 10:30 AM DHCLS Main Library, 445 N Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Story & Craft Time, registration required, crafts are designed for children ages 2-6. 334-793-9767 knorth@dhcls.org https://dhcls.org/

Storytime - Enterprise Library Enterprise Public Library, 101 E. Grubbs St. Enterprise, AL, 36330 Story Time at 10:00pm and 1:00pm. Story Time for ages 0-5 years. 334-347-2636 www.enterpriselibrary.org

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Enterprise Farmers Market 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 525 N. Main Street Enterprise, AL, 36330 The Enterprise Farmers Market is a covered, open-air facility where local farmers can sell fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the consumer. The market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 to 11 a.m. 334-348-2668 https://www.facebook.com/enterprisealfarmersmarket

Second and Fourth Tuesdays

Toddler Tales Story Time 3:30 PM Ozark Dale County Library, Inc, 296 N Union Ave Ozark, AL, 36360 Join us for a special Story Time just for toddlers with stories and activities appropriate for ages 4 years old and younger. 334-774-5480 http://www.odcpl.com/

Every Wednesday

Story & Craft Time 10:30 AM DHCLS - Westgate Branch, 535 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL, 36303 Story & Craft Time, registration required, crafts are designed for children ages 2-6. 334-699-2950 knorth@dhcls.org https://dhcls.org/

Artist Escape 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 144 E. Broad Street Ozark, AL, 36360 Stop by Rudd Art Center and bring your art to work on. Join us any Wednesday from 11:00 - 3:00 334-445-6526

Lego Club 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Daleville Public Library, 308 Donnell Blvd Daleville, AL, 36322 Come join us for some fun build challenges or you can enjoy some easy going freestyle building. It is sure to be a fun time for all and best of all it is free! We will meet every Wednesday! (Unless otherwise posted). This program is geared toward Children 6-12 and/or Families. 334-503-9119 http://dalevillepubliclibrary.com/

Every third Wednesday

Master Gardener Lunch and Learn 12:00 PM DHCLS Main Library, 445 N Oates St. Dothan, AL, 36303 Join the Wiregrass Master Gardeners Association on the third Wednesday of each month as they present on a variety of seasonal topics! Don’t forget to bring a bag lunch and enjoy the discussion with experienced gardeners. 334-793-9767 https://dhcls.org/

Every third Thursday

Art After Hours 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Avenue Dothan, AL, 36303 Come wander the galleries, have a drink at the cash bar, and take in art on view. You might even have a chance to speak with one of the exhibiting artists or try your hand at an ingallery activity. Enjoy live music in the galleries from a range of local musicians. 334-794-3871 www.wiregrassmuseum.org

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Planetarium Shows ($3 per person and free for park members) 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL, 36303 Full dome movies will take place on Fridays at 3:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Mondays at 3:30 p.m. https://www.landmarkparkdothan.com/digitariumplanetarium/

Every Saturday

Story & Craft Time 10:30 AM DHCLS - Ashford Branch, 305 6th Ave. Dothan, AL, 36312 Story & Craft Time, registration required, crafts are designed for children ages 2-6. 334-899-3121 knorth@dhcls.org https://dhcls.org/

Every day in December starting December 7

Dive Into Diversity-Dive Into DiversityJolobokaflod Any DHCLS location, Dothan, AL Explore other cultures through books and crafts on traditional holidays and festivals around the globe https://dhcls.org/

Every day in January starting January 4

Snowman Soup Kits Any DHCLS location , Beginning January 4, 2023, stop by any DHCLS location to pick up a snowman soup kit. These kits are for kids ages 3-18. While Registration is not required, we kindly ask that you only take one per person. https://dhcls.org/

Find More Local Events at WiregrassParents.com!

Elizabeth Duke

WP: Let me start by congratulating you on kicking cancer’s butt. Can you share your experience with us?

ED: When I was 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a bone cancer. I am currently cured and have check-ups. The doctors initially said I had a 10% chance of survival and no chance of having children.

WP: Not only did you survive, but you are also thriving with eight children. What is it like for you and your husband to have a large family?

ED: I met my wonderful husband, and he married me knowing I had cancer and “could not” have children. He read me the scripture of Luke 1:13 when Zechariah was told, “Zechariah, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” He told me we would one day have a son (probably through adoption), and we would call him John. After four years of marriage, the Lord blessed us with our own baby boy, and we named him John. We had baby number eight by the time our oldest was twelve years old. I am SO BLESSED to be a mom, and I want to spend as much time as possible with my children. This is one of the reasons I wanted to homeschool. My family is very close. I love that they are there for one another. There is always a buddy to do something with. I know they won’t be here long before they start their own families.

WP: Homeschooling can be a huge undertaking. What advice would you offer a mom considering homeschooling for her child/children? ED: There are so many resources today for homeschooling. Never think you can not do it. There are many ways to homeschool; you just have to find the resources to fit your family. When my oldest was four years old, I started looking at my school options. I called all the private schools to see the prices and researched the public schools in our area. I also considered homeschooling, and I decided to try it. I figured if I ruined him in kindergarten and did a terrible job, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I could put him in school the following year. We started homeschooling in 2004. We were very blessed to get into Ridgecrest Christian School, and there was a wealth of knowledge and resources to help with the homeschooling journey. My number one tip is to choose your child, not the curriculum. If it is a tough day, close the book and take a walk with your child. Enjoy them! You can get back to the textbook tomorrow.

WP: You are married, homeschooling, and have eight kids. I imagine it can quickly get exhausting some days. What are some ways you avoid mom burnout?

ED: The Lord knew I needed a great man to keep me focused on what is important. When I start stressing, my husband keeps me laughing. He helps me keep my eyes where they belong and reminds me to lay things down at the Lord’s feet and that I don’t need to pick up the day’s burdens. I also love to listen to 94.3 on the radio. Praise and worship just fills me up again. It gives me precious reminders. Lastly, I am very thankful my husband gives me a kiss and hug every morning. This helps me to get through the day. Each of my boys knows how important hugs are to me, so they also give me a hug in the morning. It is the little things that matter.

WP: What is one piece of advice you would like to go back and give your younger self?

ED: Every day is a gift. Every birthday is another year the Lord has given me. So try to use every day for His glory, no matter what the day will hold.

Elizabeth Duke and her husband, William, have been married for 27 years. They have eight children, six boys, and two girls, ranging from 23 to 10 years old. Her husband is a veterinarian at Care Animal Clinic. They have adopted two dogs and are the proud owners of a turtle, a bearded dragon, and a hermit crab. The family has always been involved with the Boys and Girls Scouts of America and other activities like Taekwondo, Firefighter Explorers, theatre, and piano.