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Help Alabama
Shine!
The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!
“Happy to be part of this survey.”
“Thank you for checking on us!”
Actual comments from survey responses.
Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding 1 genetic information, and other federal, www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, or email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.
December2020 4
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Volume 3 Number 4
Columns 2
From the Publisher Ashton Wright
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Therapeutic Parenting Ideas for improving your child’s sleep.
Improving Parent/ Teen Communication Research study advice for you!
Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
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Kids Health Watch
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by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network
13 Parenting, Media &
Everything in Between Common Sense Media
10 Commandments for Holiday Cheer
Simple ways to find Christmas joy.
Our guide shares what’s going on around town and nearby to fill the holidays with joy and memories!
Departments 3
Teacher of the Month
On The Cover Molly Carrington (10 months) is the daughter of Tyler and Tiffany Carington. Molly turns 1 in late
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School Bits 24
Mom to Mom
January. She has a sister and a brother, Katherine (12) and Mason (10), who she adores. Molly attends the Enterprise Christian Learning Center and Hillcrest Baptist Church.
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FromThePublisher The Area’s Go-To Resource for Families
There’s no place like home for the holidays. That’s pretty par for the course this year, huh? Not that I’m the most social butterfly in the Wiregrass, but I’ve definitely spent a lot more time at home this year than ever before, and despite 2020 coming to an end it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting back to “normal” anytime soon. At the end of each year, I like to look back on the goals I set in January to see how successful my year has been, but 2020 took my goals and stomped on them. I didn’t accomplish any of the 10 goals I wrote down. #thankscovid My goals may not have gone according to plan, but there were some bright spots in this weird year. I had surgery to correct a major health issue. I started back writing for fun, discovered a lot of new authors, and rediscovered a lot of things I’d set aside back when I worked in news. I feel like my husband and I were able to strengthen our relationship with each other, and I got to spend the most time with Alexis since my maternity leave back in 2015. This will be my family’s first Christmas without my PawPaw, who was without a doubt the glue that kept us all stuck together. He passed in February, and though it’s been months since then, it really hasn’t sunk in until recently. It makes sense, I guess. We really haven’t seen many people since mid-March, but now that the time of year where we typically spend all our free time with family is here, PawPaw’s absence is really pronounced. Of course, I don’t really know what our Christmas celebrations will look like this year. If you’re struggling with your holiday plans, be sure to check out this month’s Kids Health. Dr. Lee Scott has some great suggestions for how to enjoy the season safely. The holiday season has always been the most wonderful time of year in the Wiregrass, and I have no doubt that it will be again this year. The way we celebrate, and even shop, may look different this year, but there’s still plenty of ways you can get into the spirit of the season. Our Holiday Happenings Guide is your source for arts and crafts, performances, ways to give back, light displays, and more. And our feature article, 10 Commandments for More Holiday Cheer, will help remind you of the true reason for the season. There’s a lot of bad stuff to remember from 2020, but I hope when you look back on the year that’s passed that you’ll choose to focus on the good, even if those moments were few and far between. From my family to yours, have yourself a merry little Christmas and the happiest of New Years. See you in 2021!
Wiregrass Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Wiregrass Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Ashton Wright ashton@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Editor DeAnne Watson editor@wiregrassparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Christa Melnyk Hines Lee Scott, MD Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Cover Photography Lauren Poss www.lollypossphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Ashton Wright ads@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.wiregrassparents.com
Ashton Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
ashton@wiregrassparents.com
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 2020 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Wiregrass Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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Jessica Smith Northside Methodist Academy
to be on their level. However, my class has to motivate me on a regular basis when they clap their hands and say, ‘Get it together. Ms. Jessica!’” Smith says her students have taught her to be more patient and understanding. She says they’ve taught her not to sweat the small stuff. “With four year olds there can’t be a favorite teaching moment - there are just too many to list! You could only imagine the laughs that are shared daily in our classroom!” Knowing that she had a part in her students’ academic, social, and emotional growth throughout the school year is the most rewarding part about being a teacher for Smith. When her students leave her at the end of the year, she hopes they leave with the mindset to “always love learning, period.”
Valerie Thomley says her daughter’s teacher “goes above and beyond has gotten my little girl to be able to write her name, where before she would cry even trying. Also, when she has had issues, Ms. Smith has even called me to be able to talk to her.” Jessica Smith is a K4 teacher at Northside Methodist Academy in Dothan and Wiregrass Parents’ Teacher of the Month for November. “I began as a teacher’s aide in a preschool program and realized how much I loved the hands-on experience I had in children’s early education,” Smith says. “When offered a teaching position, I never had a doubt that that was where I was supposed to be.” After five years of teaching, and a decade as a teacher’s aide, Smith says it’s “[t]he excitement on their faces and the hugs I receive every morning when they walk into the classroom” that keeps her motivated. When it comes to her students, Smith says, “Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am a big kid at heart so it is easy for me
Jessica Smith briefly attended Hunter College in New York City. She has three children: Luis Sanchez (20), Garrison Smith (14), and Madelyn Smith (13). She is dating Bryce Walters. They have three dogs: Cooper, Alice, and Dixie.
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
Improving Your Child’s Sleep Sleep during parenthood is a bit of an oxymoron. It is about as precious as that first sip of coffee, yet as unattainable as the ability to drive to work in the morning without spilling that coffee on your newly ironed shirt. As parents, we tend to put an enormous amount of focus on sleep. We want it, we seek it, we are willing to mortgage the house to get it. It is the hidden gem of parenthood that will make us feel human again. And when our kids pass through that precious newborn stage, where the sleep deprivation is expected, but then enter early toddlerhood and preschool and we still see no sign of quality, sustained sleep on the horizon – we tend to want to curl up on the floor of the closet and call it a day… at 10am. I wish I had THE answer for you, but I don’t. Before you stop reading, though, I will say there are certainly things you can be aware of that might help encourage those little “fighting sleep” soldiers to not only lay down and sleep, but stay asleep… at least until the sun crosses the horizon. Here are a few things to consider:
Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
1: Be aware of the temperature. Our body temperature naturally lowers at night. This is intentional and for our good, and we don’t want to work against that effect. Keeping a cool, but not cold, room will help the body maintain sleep cycles a bit longer. 2: If your child is above the age of three you can speak with your physician about introducing a weighted blanket that is titrated to no more than 10% of your child’s body weight, plus one pound. This gentle pressure mimics the effect of being held and increases rates of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that aids in sleep regulation and has an overall calming effect. 3: Consider adding a white noise maker. These machines tend to mimic a womblike environment, which can help silence your baby’s built in alarm clock that wakes them frequently as they progress between sleep cycles. Note there is a difference however between “light” white noise (raindrops, crashing waves, heartbeat sound) and “heavy” white noise (a whirring fan, an
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A/C fan). Heavy white noises are what you are after, as they will work to keep them in those deeper sleep cycles longer. 4: If your child has a bigger problem falling asleep, rather than staying asleep, consider gifting them some fun new accessories for their bedroom this year that may help. Consider items like a bed tent, a projector that casts stars and planets around the room, and a speaker wherein you can play a calming bedtime story from your phone (available on the app store), complete with calming sound effects. You can also go old school for your preschooler and get a Walkman and headphones with some tapes or CD’s of bedtime stories. Let’s be honest – any gift you buy them to help them sleep is really a gift to you. Hang in there! Another 15 years and you will be begging them to get out of bed before noon. Funny how that works. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.
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Gardens Aglow
December 4, 11, 18, 26 Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Avenue Admission: $8; www.dabg.com This event is a walking tour through a portion of the Gardens where visitors will be able to stroll at their own pace and enjoy the numerous Christmas lights and holiday displays It is approximately 1/2 mile of paved trail and wheelchairs, strollers, kids’ wagons, and leashed dogs are welcome each night. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos with the exhibits. The trail opens at 5 p.m. and the last admission will be taken at 7:30. This year’s event will feature new displays as well as the popular hidden objects in the trees along the trail so be sure to bring along your flashlights so you can find them all. The admission is $8 per person and free for children 8 years old and under, and for pets.
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Kids’ Virtual Painting Class
Thursday, December 17 Dothan Houston Co. Library System - Westgate Branch 535 Recreation Rd., Dothan AL 36303; www.dhcls.org Visit us on Facebook at 2:00 PM for a Virtual Paint instructional video for tweens and teens ages 8-18. Supply packets will be made and given out the day of the video post. Due to the paint containers not being airtight they can not be assembled until the morning of the event. Packets can be picked up at the Westgate Branch only between 11 and 6. Packets picked up after then can not be guaranteed for good use. Registration is not required for kids ages 8-18, but supplies are limited and will be available while supplies last.
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K Whoville Celebration Festival
SEACT Presents Greater Tuna
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Downtown Enterprise Holiday Fun for the Entire Family in beautiful Downtown Enterprise! SAVE THE DATE and Join the fun in Downtown Enterprise as we transform into “Whoville for the Holidays” at our “Whoville Holiday Celebration”! Along with a fabulous holiday shopping opportunities, there will be tons of family friendly activities including appearances by the Grinch and Who Characters, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Who Look-alike Contest, Max’s Holiday Pet Parade and TONS of activities throughout the downtown district. Follow this event page for updates and schedules of activities. Grow your HEART this holiday season at our “Whoville Holiday Celebration” December 5th!
December 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19; 7:00 p.m. Nightly Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. Saint Andrews St., Dothan AL 36301 Admission: $10; www.seact.com By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard. Greater Tuna is a comedy about a small town named Tuna. The wacky inhabitants of this town -- men, women, children and animals -- are all played by two skillful, transformative actors who must change parts at a rather breakneck speed and use inventive voicework. The day in Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas, begins—as usual—with Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie at the microphones of Radio OKKK. Topping the headlines is the winning entry in the American Heritage Essay Contest, entitled “Human Rights, Why Bother?” And so the day continues, as Tuna’s citizens parade across the stage in all their outrageous and irreverent glory, commenting on life, politics, and what makes them (and sometimes us) tick. Directed by Michael Clardy and Mike Doherty. This event is presented as part of a Fall Series, consisting of several dramatic presentations that range from stage readings to memorized productions. These smaller productions allow SEACT to produce and present excellent theatre in a way that protects our community from the spread of COVID-19. The audience is spaced in groups of two, and seating is limited to less than 40% of room capacity. Masks are required. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided. Regular disinfection protocols are employed before and after each production including the theatre, backstage, common areas, and restrooms. Hard surfaces are wiped down, fabric chairs disinfected, and programs or other materials are disposed of. We ask that if you or a family member have been in contact with someone who has tested positive or has symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. SEACT will transfer your ticket to another party, or future performance.
Victorian Christmas
Sunday, December 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr., Dothan AL 36303 www.landmarkparkdothan.com 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. Sponsored by Wal Mart. We would love to share your holiday desserts with our visitors! Call 334-794-3452 to sign up to bring a dessert. Or, email laurav@landmarkparkdothan.com.
A Grand Christmas
December 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-23 Doors Open 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $37.37-42.37 www.southernbroadway.com (334) 470-6568 In 1887 a gold miner by the name of John Hance began to put tourists on the backs of mules and take them down one of the ancient Havasupai Indian Tribe trails into the Grand Canyon. Then In the early 1900s Levi Stryker, and his adventurous young wife, built a cabin on the south rim of the Canyon advertising lodging and mule rides. Their first Christmas at the canyon was a time of hardship but great exhilaration. Come witness the “nature-loving” young family as they struggle to start their unique business and embrace one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Tickets go on sale Black Friday, November 29th. Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
Decorating Workshop
Sunday, December 6, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Landmark Park, 430 Landmark Dr., Dothan AL 36303 www.landmarkparkdothan.com Spread some holiday cheer at Landmark Park at the Holiday Decorating Workshop on December 6 at 1 p.m. 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. 6
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network
There is No Place Like Home for the Holidays This may be the year to be home for the holidays. 2020 has been a year unlike any other in our lifetimes as the entire planet has been affected by a pandemic. The following suggestions will help limit the risks of contracting COVID-19 while still preserving the joy of the season. Especially with large families, communicating desires, expectations, and comfort levels require many conversations. There is no 100% safe way to bring two or more households together where COVID-19 is circulating. Strong consideration should be given to staying in place and not gathering this year. The last thing we want is to put our loved ones at risk as we certainly want them to be at next year’s gathering and many more to come. Start new traditions. You can cook and eat together on a Zoom connection. If you live close by, favorite foods can be swapped
between households. It’s the season of giving and taking care of others, so contribute to charities with donations and safe ways to give of your family’s time. Use the season to talk to your children about giving and doing for others. If you must travel and gather, there are some common-sense steps that can be taken to lower risks. If flying, wear masks, frequently sanitize hands, and distance more than 6 feet as much as possible. Driving is safer than flying. Bring plenty of water, food, and snacks, so you don’t have to purchase these on the road. When hosting or visiting family or friends, set basic guidelines: Will masks be worn except for eating? Will social distancing be practiced? Also, consider gathering outdoors as weather permits. Limit time spent with other household members, especially indoors. Increase indoor ventilation by open-
ing windows and doors. Use an air purifier. Consider if people you visit are at increased risk for infection, such as those over age 65 or with chronic medical problems. It’s not too late to obtain a flu shot. Be prepared for last-minute changes. A positive COVID-19 test or the onset of symptoms can make it impossible to gather. If possible, have guests bring their own food and beverage, so there’s no sharing between households. Do not serve buffet-style; instead have one person do the serving to limit the number of hands touching the serving utensils. Happy holidays and stay safe! Dr. Lee Scott joined Dothan Pediatric Clinic in May 1995. Currently, he is one of ten physicians who are shareholders of the practice. Dr. Scott is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He is a proud member of the Alabama Academy of Pediatrics.
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Emmanuel Christian Collects 2600+ Items for Food Bank
Congratulations and job well done to Emmanuel Christian students who sponsored a Food Drive, which collected over 2600 items for a local food bank. Pictured are SGA members and officers who help organize this food drive. Thanks to every student and parent who made this possible.
Dothan High Students Recognized for AP Course Success
117 Dothan High School students were recognized for their achievement in A+ College Ready supported AP (Advanced Placement) courses and their passing scores on their exams, earning them possible college credit. The AP program at DHS offers college-level courses in Language Arts, Literature, US History, Statistics, Calculus, Government/Econ, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, and Physics. Students who pass the AP exams with scores of 3, 4, or 5 can receive college credits for the courses. A+ College Ready, a program of the A+ Education Partnership, delivered $100 gift cards to each student at DHS. A+ College Ready is a non-profit that works to boost the college readiness of Alabama students. Congratulations to these students for all of their hard work and achievements.
DCS Welcomes Penelope & Ed the Peanuts
We had a fun-filled morning (10/23) revealing our Dothan City School Peanuts and their new names to the City of Dothan! Everyone meet Penelope the Pre-K Peanut (named by The Carver School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology) and “Ed”ucation the Senior Peanut (named by Heard Elementary School)! Thank you again to the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, Replica Plastics -Aftermarket Panels & Fillers, Mayor Mark Saliba, and everyone else for coming out to help us celebrate.
Daleville First Responders Visit Elementary Students
Members of the Daleville Department of Public Safety went and spent time with the students in Pre-K through 4th grade at Windham Elementary on October 30. Chief Medley, Assistant Fire Chief Grubbs, and SRO Kiley spoke to the students about fire safety and how to call 911 in the event of an emergency. All important things to be informed about! We sure are glad we got to spend the morning with these kids! Chief Medley said to remind everyone to smile because it’s free!
Slocomb Senior Signs Scholarship
Congratulations to Gracen Hodges on signing an athletic scholarship to play softball and continue her education at Coastal Alabama today.
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Merritt Named Slocomb Elementary Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mrs. Ashlee Merritt! She is the 2020-21 Slocomb Elementary Teacher of the Year! Her positivity, hard work, and dedication to our school and students does not go unnoticed! Thank you, Mrs. Merritt for all that you do!
Northside Methodist Recognizes Top Readers
Top AR readers October 2020. Good Job!!! 1st Grade: Adair- Sarah Holloway, Jackson- Khloe Boozer, Hawkins- Olivia Outlaw 2nd Grade: Breth- Mollie Newman, Holloway- Hailey Williams & Britton Watford 3rd Grade: Gilley- Victoria Blount, Etheridge- Chloe Breth 4th Grade: Smith- Mason Carden, Morris- Carson Seaver 5th Grade: Haywood- Georgia Hinckley, Maddox- Sophia Pybus 6th Grade: Grantham- Sophie Oswald, Johnson- Sean Cool, Hall- Allyson Holland
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Geneva High School Names Assistant Principal
GHS is pleased to announce the hiring of Brent Johnson as our new assistant principal. We are excited to have Coach Johnson on board the administration team!
Send Your School News to: schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com.
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Carroll HS Principal Named District 2 Principal of the Year
Ozark 3rd Graders Celebrate Liberty
Liberty Learning Foundation celebration at Mixon today! 3rd grade celebrated inside their classrooms today! Local Veterans/Heroes will be giving their statues via mail this year due to Covid precautions.
Mixon School Names Peer Helpers
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Principal, Mrs. Andrea Maness, is District 2 Principal of the Year! She has progressed on to the next round of the interview process and is TOP THREE IN THE STATE. Please give Mrs. Maness a big congratulations and your best wishes for her next interview!
Lakeside School Cheerleaders Runners Up in Virtual Competition
Our Mixon School Peer Helper selection process has been completed, students who were selected are receiving their acceptance letters this week. Thank you to all students who applied! Our new Peer Helpers have a big responsibility here at school and we can’t wait to watch you all grow into positive role models who can display kindness and a helping hand to your peers! Mixon School is an official ThriveWay Peer Helper school!
Covid wrecked so many of our plans this year including the AISA state cheer competition at Garrett Coliseum. Thankfully, we were given the opportunity to compete virtually and after battling illnesses, quarantines, and volleyball playoffs, we got our routines together at the very last minute and were just notified that we are runner-up State Champions, and all 3 of our senior girls made AISA ALL STAR: Betsy Bennett, Mary Jensen Bailey and Brooke Mitchell. We could not be more proud of these girls.
Houston Academy Football Player Signs with UAB BIG congrats to Matthew Streitman for signing his NLI with the UAB Blazers! We are all so proud!
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Highlands LinC Class Honors Veterans
Check out this great project tribute to Veterans from the 3rd Grade LinC class at Highlands Elementary School Dothan! This was a collaborative project where each student colored a piece of the agamograph according to a code, cut it out and finally glued them all together in columns and folded the pieces. Check out the art from different angles!
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Coppinville Jr. High Robotics Team Kicks Off Season Our first Robotics Team practice is in the books! We are excited about this new team, and it looks like we are going to have a great year! Team members assembled our new and improved game board that is bigger than last year’s board by several feet!
Highlands Elementary Congratulates September Good Citizens
1st Row (L to R): Marlon Page, Ty Dougherty, Hampton Campbell, Sam Anderson, Grace Galloway, Zoey Meadows, Margaret Gay, Hadley Brooks 2nd Row (L to R): Islynn Henderson, Jonah Carter, Dawson DeLoney, Conner Evans, Adyson Green, Lily Donop, Jase Ebarb 3rd Row (L to R): Lily Ernest, Jack Galloway, Kinsley Ward, Erin McKinley, Ella Stephens, Ava Green, Maysen Duddy, Raeley Summerlin
Giftworthy
Spread Christmas cheer this holiday season with flowers!
Landmark Park Memberships last all year long. Enjoy free admission, planetarium shows, a newsletter and more!
Send the ones you love a beautiful gift of glad tidings and peace. As Santa’s little helpers, we’ll be sure to make them something that emulates the magic of Christmas. They’ll love receiving this gift, even if it’s not under the tree!
Call Laura at 334-794-3452 to purchase a gift membership. www.landmarkparkdothan.com
ASK ABOUT OUR HOME AND OFFICE DECORATING SERVICES! 965 Woodland Drive, Suite 2 | Dothan, AL. 36301 (334) 699-1800 | dothanhouseofflowers.com 11
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Southwest Georgia Academy One Act Play Wins State Congratulations to our One Act Play Cast and Crew and their director, Brianna Smith for coming in 1st place in the state competition! We also took home best Tech Crew and Jaycie Johnson won the Best Actress Award! We are so proud of all of you!!
State Senator Donates to Wicksburg High School
A huge thank you to Mr. Donny Chasteen, Alabama State Senator and Mr. Jeff Sorrells, Alabama State Representative for their generous donation to Wicksburg School. This donation was used to help transport our football, band, and cheer to the play off games and for needed technology.
Highlands Elementary School Holds Mock Election
Girls Inc. Donates Hygiene Bags to Homeless
Highlands Elementary had a schoolwide election on Tuesday, November 4t. Student Government Association representatives and upper grade classmates helped the younger students with the process. Voting booths were set up with iPads for the students to choose their nominee. Teachers did mini lessons prior to the election to teach the students about voting and voting etiquette. Students received an “I Voted” sticker after completing their ballot.
Our girls made hygiene bags for the homeless community! At Girls Inc. we want to ensure that our girls understand the value of helping others and understand that we are stronger together.
Highlands 5th Grade Gardeners
The 5th Graders at Highlands Elementary School have partnered with Alabama 4-H to learn more about planting a vegetable garden and learning what plants need to grow and survive. They have been completing hands-on lessons in the school’s garden. This project will be a part of the EL Expedition they have planned for the year. Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
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How to Tell Who Your Kid Is Talking to Online
What a spot check reveals. You should be able to see all of your kids’ contacts from their account profile page. On Instagram and TikTok, you can read chats by tapping on a contact name and viewing the history. You can also follow your kids on those platforms to see what they post publicly. But Snapchat automatically deletes chats and public posts (stories) after they’re viewed.
The fact that kids can stay in touch with friends and family by texting, video-chatting, and gaming has been a lifesaver for many families in 2020. There’s just a little problem: Who the heck are they talking to? And how do you make sure they stay safe? Below, we’ll break down exactly whom kids can talk to on different platforms, what you can determine from a routine spot check of their devices, and settings you can use to limit their circle.
What to watch out for. Cyberbullying, drama, and time spent are all hazards of social media chatting. Unwanted contact, such as predatory behavior or inappropriate requests, is a risk—and it can come from strangers or kids they know. Useful settings. Most platforms offer privacy settings that allow kids to keep their accounts private, prevent contact from strangers, and limit comments. Some apps go further: Instagram offers an array of settings for kids to manage their circle of friends, and TikTok offers a small suite of parental controls, including the ability to disable direct messaging.
Basic phone texting
Who kids are talking to. Texting is mostly limited to people kids know in real life, but anyone with your kid’s number can call, text, and even video-chat with them. What a spot check reveals. A lot (unless kids delete their call logs). Phones log every call and text and may add the sender to your kid’s contact list automatically.
Games
Who kids are talking to. Kids play with friends they know in real life, but competing against new people is a huge part of the fun. So most gamers have lots of casual online pals they’ve made just from playing certain games or playing on a certain platform, such as Steam or Roblox.
What to watch out for. Group texting is huge with kids who have their own devices. It also opens them up to being contactable by anyone on the chain—and some people may be strangers. Contacts can be hidden and texts can be deleted, so looking at your kid’s phone may not show you everyone they’re talking to. Also, watch out for spam bots—texts that look like they’re from real people but are actually ads; if kids don’t recognize the number, they shouldn’t respond.
What a spot check reveals. It depends. In most games, you can see a list of your kids’ contacts, and you might be able to read your kids’ chats and private message history. But some game chat is done by voice—so you might be able to only hear what your kid is saying when they’re gaming, which is possible if you keep their console or computer in a family room instead of a bedroom.
Useful settings. iPhones allow you to manage kids’ contacts (go to Settings/Screen Time/Communication Limits). Both iPhones and Android phones allow you to restrict third-party apps from automatically adding all of your contacts, which helps kids keep their circle smaller.
What to watch out for. Game chat—whether voice, video, or written—can run the gamut from edgy (with really graphic language) to cruel (including hate speech and homophobic slurs) to kind (since gamers can forge friendships through gaming). Game chat can be totally off topic, too. Be aware that not all game chat occurs on the platform kids play on. Some gamers prefer to use the chat app Discord to talk with their teammates, so you’ll want to find out whether your kid uses it (it has the same visibility as other social media).Useful settings. Games usually offer privacy settings that allow players to keep a tightly curated list of contacts. You’ll want to go through the game settings to enable the protections you’re comfortable with, from limiting all contact to just friends to moderated chat, which is available on some platforms.
Social Media
Who kids are talking to. Kids usually chat or send pics back and forth with only friends, as well as friends of friends, but they can pretty much chat with anyone they want. For example, on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, unless kids enable privacy settings to prevent contact with strangers, they can direct-message (DM) anyone who follows them and anyone they follow. The platforms also make it super easy to extend your network by recommending new accounts to follow, allowing you to sync all your social media contacts, and offering QR codes that let you add people with your camera. 13
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on the problems because they worry about their teens and they want them to do well and succeed,” says Dr. Miller. It is important to remember that it is normal for parents to have some challenges communicating with their teen.
As a mother of twin 15-year-olds, I often struggle to find ways to effectively communicate with them. A recent research study done at CHOP explored ways for parents to improve communication with their teens. Dr. Victoria Miller, psychologist, and author of the study explained some of the prompts used in the study that helped parents and their teens promote reciprocal communication instead of one way. She also discussed common mistakes parents of teens make when trying to talk to them.
Focus on how teens years are an exciting time.
Most teens are well-adjusted, and they have good relationships with their families, peers, and they contribute to their communities. “I think shifting the focus on how well adjusted most teens are and remembering that adolescents is a positive time in development and very exciting is a good thing that will help to improve communication with your teen,” says Dr. Miller.
Common Parenting Communication Mistakes
Focus on strengths. “It is important to notice and talk with your teen about his or her strengths” says Dr. Miller. She explains that strengths don’t mean what they are good at or what they have achieved, but rather the qualities about your teen that will contribute to becoming a healthy productive adult. For example, if your daughter is a star soccer player think about what it is that makes her good at it like her work ethic or being a good team player. “It feels good to notice what is going well for our kids instead of worrying about that test that didn’t go well or that she is upset with something with a friend,” says Dr. Miller.
Focusing only on problems. “One of the biggest
mistakes parents make is that they tend to focus only on problems like when our teens make a mistake or don’t live up to our expectations rather than also communicating with them about their teens’ strengths and what is going well. We can sometimes forget to do that in the busyness of daily life,” says Dr. Miller.
Asking too many questions or offering unsolicited advice. Dr. Miller explains that another mistake parents
make is giving advice and lecturing which can backfire and cause teens to shut down especially when they didn’t ask for advice. It can teach them that they can’t handle problems on their own, which can get in the way of their confidence. It is better to wait until they ask for advice. Teens can feel that parents are too controlling when they ask too many questions. They can also feel as if they are being interrogated instead of having a conversation causing them to shut down.
Allow for independence. Dr. Miller explains that during ado-
lescents teens are trying to separate themselves from their parents, so they might do those things like walk away when you are trying to have a conversation or keep 10 feet behind you at the mall or focus on their phone when you are trying to have a conversation. “This is really because teens need to see themselves as different and separate from their parents in order to figure out who they are and to become more independent. This can make parents feel like they don’t matter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” she says.
Letting emotions get out of control. Dr. Miller says that when your teen comes to talk to you about a problem, it can be difficult to hide your emotions. She suggests trying not to get angry or upset, but instead, focus on the fact that they were willing to talk with you. This will help to keep those lines of communication open by listening and offering guidance when asked.
Use conversation prompts. In Dr. Miller’s research study she used conversation prompts to help the parent and teen facilitate conversations that focused on strengths. The parent/ teen pair were instructed to take 10 minutes together and look at examples of strengths and then come back together and talk about it. Dr. Miller explains that prompts included things like:
Turn off “the parent alarm”. Parents may react emotionally when their teen tells them something upsetting. “When your teen comes to you saying something like, ‘Tom asked me out,’ a parent’s first reaction might be, ‘My daughter’s too young to date’ but instead, try to use this opportunity to navigate conversations about how to have a healthy relationship,” says Dr. Miller.
• Why did you choose these strengths for you and the other person? • Give examples of ways the other person demonstrates these strengths you choose. • Did the other person choose strengths that you didn’t expect?
Don’t over-empathize. Dr. Miller says it may seem counterintuitive to not over-empathize with your teen. But it can backfire. She offers the example that if your child comes to you and says they got in a fight with their best friend, you might want to jump to the rescue and say, “Good riddance! I didn’t like them anyway, you’re better off without them.” But if they make up the next day, your child may be too embarrassed to come to you and say they resolved their differences.
“They both gave strengths for each other which was the reciprocal aspect of the intervention that was really interesting and unique” says Dr. Miller. She explains that by shifting to the positive it can help parents and kids feel better. It doesn’t mean your teen doesn’t have weaknesses, but the key is to support your teen and use their strengths to address those limitations. She also stresses that it is important to shift your thinking of strength from achievement and what you are good at to who you are as a person. WP
Ways to Improve Communication According to Dr. Miller, one reason parents make these mistakes is because there is a lot of negative portrayals of teens in the media and in our culture. “You get the eye roll ‘oh well she’s a teenager.’ Which can cause parents to really worry about the teenage years and focus
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 The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Grown and Flown, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
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Want to experience a more joyful holiday season this year that doesn’t leave you depleted, miserable and broke? Here are 10 ways to shift your perspective and take command of this “hap-happiest” time of the year!
10- Thou shall quit worshipping perfection. Nothing burns holes into the
fantasy holiday like real life. Maybe the tree is a lopsided, the dog ate your sevenyear-old’s gingerbread house, or you were so focused on creating the best holiday ever that you ended up too sick to enjoy it when the big day finally arrived. “Decide to do things differently this year. Strive for the good and be satisfied with the good. Too often the focus is on the result, and we tend to lose focus on the beautiful process of getting to the result,” says therapist Julia Flynn, LCPC, CRADC.
9- Thou shall not overcommit.
Decide ahead of time which activities won’t work this year. Instead of committing to five parties and multiple gift exchanges, choose a few that you’re enthusiastic about attending. “Be firm, decisive and assertive, always coming from a place of love for everyone and keeping the focus on the origin of the holidays,” Flynn says, who specializes in helping women manage anxiety, depression and holiday overwhelm. “Graciously decline and send a nice card or note.”
8- Thou shall rediscover “the why.”
Take time to reevaluate your priorities. How do you want the season to feel? What do you want your kids to remember most? “Sometimes we need to take a step back and ask ourselves why this time of year is important to us because I think ‘the why’ gets lost. It just becomes an expectation of self and family—or whoever— to have it look a certain way,” says Maki Moussavi, a transformational coach, speaker and author of The High Achievers Guide: Transform your Success Mindset and Begin the Quest to Fulfillment. “Take a step back to assess, from an intangible, emotional perspective, why the holidays are important.”
7- Thou shall rest. Self-care is es-
sential all year long, but especially during the extra busy holidays when you’re stress level is more likely to sky-rocket. Pare down your list to what reasonably makes sense for your health, time and emotional wellbeing. And practice restorative techniques that relax and re-energize you. 17
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Simple ways to recharge include a warm bath, watching a favorite TV show, a walk outside, curling up with a juicy novel, a nap or a massage.
6- Thou shall honor thy family.
Attempts to please others by saying yes to everyone else’s holiday gatherings without taking into account you and your family’s desires can cause undue anxiety, frustration and resentment. “The holidays are about family time, appreciating one another and caring for each other. If the focus is switched to the less important gift exchanges and gatherings, all planned at the same time, you can’t enjoy the experience and the original meaning is lost,” Flynn says. For those events that you’d like to attend, but can’t, firmly communicate to your extended family or friends that you value time spent with them and would like to discuss alternative ideas for getting together. And, don’t feel guilty about standing by your decisions. “You have every right in the world to establish what you want your holiday tradition to be. You are not obligated to participate in somebody else’s version of the season,” Moussavi says.
5- Thou shall invite thy partner’s participation. If you feel overwhelmed
and stressed because you’re trying to manage the bulk of holiday prep on top of
working and taking care of your family, ask your spouse for help. Discuss what you’d both like the season to look and feel like. “Sometimes it’s not that men don’t want to be involved. It’s that they are never invited to be, and they don’t ask,” Moussavi says. Maybe your husband can mail the packages for out of town family, purchase tickets to the holiday play your family wants to see, or take charge of a few of the gifts.
4- Thou shall not allow others to steal thy happiness. Plan
ahead for those individuals who love to bait you into an upsetting conversation at annual gatherings. Since you know how the person is likely to behave, rehearse how you will respond when they pounce. “The only thing you can do is get better at making it clear what you will and won’t tolerate,” Moussavi says. “You have to shut it down. You standing up for yourself is normal, empowered adult behavior.” Arm yourself with responses like: “I’m here to enjoy myself. I don’t want to talk about that right now.” Or, “Let’s agree to disagree.” Also, physically exit from the situation by saying: “I’m going to go refresh my drink.” Or, “I have to make a call.”
3- Thou shall simplify. “The holiday
can be manageable and simple if we allow it to be,” Flynn says. “What makes the holi-
day so difficult is our own thinking about it. We make it difficult for ourselves.” Experiment with small changes that can relieve your stress. Hire a caterer for your party. Forgo Christmas cards this year. For the relative who has everything, send flowers or make a donation in their name to an organization that is important to them.
2- Thou shall not compete with thy neighbors. As Theodore Roosevelt
once quipped: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Some people enjoy casting their home in a professionally-created holiday glow while others prefer to hang a festive wreath on their door and call it good. Do what brings you pleasure and makes sense for your budget.
1- Thou shall give from thy heart.
Rather than twisting yourself in knots seeking the perfect present for everyone on your list, take a more light-hearted approach to gift-giving. For example, give a t-shirt with a meaningful quote, a digital photo album commemorating a fun getaway, or an experience like tickets to the zoo or a concert. Volunteering your time is also a fulfilling way to give. “If you are intentional, you can make the holidays about the ideas of love, caring for one another, understanding, enjoying quality time together and treating each other as the precious beings each of us are,” Flynn says. WP Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two sons and a menagerie of pets. Her intention this holiday is to slow down and focus more on the magic of the season and less on lopsided Christmas trees.
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BLOW UP II INFLATABLE CONTEMPORARY ART Engaging humor, scale, and surprise, the artworks in this exhibition will take you on a whimsical journey. Open six days a week, the Museum is free and open to all. Plan your visit at mmfa.org. FriendsWithYou, Never Ending Story, Spider Man’s Eye, 2019, ripstop nylon fabric, electric fan, 150 x 108 x 168 inches. BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA.
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Arts and Crafts Decorating Workshop ad on page 11
December 6 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Create wreaths, garlands and swags out of natural materials and decorate Landmark Park for Victorian Christmas, plus make some decorations to take home! Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. Guests are encouraged to bring gloves and wire pliers. Time 1:00-4:00 p.m. (334) 794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com
Framed Screen Painting Class
December 3 @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Step-by-step instruction. No experience needed. $40 per person, includes 16X20 Framed screen, all materials and tools needed. This class is appropriate for junior high age and up. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com
Gingerbread House Kits
December 3 @ Dothan Houston Co. Library System All Locations Ages 3-12. Reservations not required, but supplies are limited. Pick-up is not available for large groups or day cares. www.dhcls.org
Wine Down with Art
December 5: Naughty and Nice Grinch December 12: Whimsy Drinks with Friends December 19: Christmas Angel @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Step-by-step class for all experience levels. Advanced payment required. Ages 18+ $35 per person. Bring your own refreshments. Sign up in store, online, or over the phone. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com
Door Hanger Classes
December 8: Grinch December 10: Spirit Tree and K-Cup Tree @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Choose Your Door Hanger. $35-45 per person. Includes step by step instruction, all materials, and bow. Register online or by phone today! (334) 348-2738 www.AllAboutArtStudio.com
Snowflake Art with Lisa
December 10 @ Cutural Arts Center 909 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Time 4:00-5:00 p.m. Cost $10 theculturalartscenter.org
Saturday; Drop & Go Service @ The Cochran Firm Monday-Friday 9-4 (ask for Tess Steverson, Jessica Givens, David Darty). Make an Appointment: Text (334) 718-0247. Cash or check made out to House of Ruth. (334) 793-5214 www.houseofruthdothan.org
Paint Party: Merry Grinchmas
December 11 @ Lyfe Performance Training 299 Hutchinson St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Time 6:00 p.m. $35. Three person reservation minimum. (334) 447-8796 eyecatchersart.com
Pints & Paints: Merry Grinchmas
December 16 @ Sixtel Bottle and Growler House 210 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Time 6:00 p.m. $35. Three person reservation minimum. (334) 447-8796 eyecatchersart.com
Snoopy Paint Party
December 19 @ Folklore Brewing & Meadery 153 Mary Lou Lane Dothan, AL 36301 Kid friendly. All supplies included. No experience necessary. $35. Minimum three person reservation. (334) 447-8796 coloredinpaint@yahoo.com eyecatchersart.com
Cookies and Canvas
December 12: Gingerbread House @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Cost: $20 Per 11x14 Canvas or $30 Per 16x20 Canvas. Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Refreshments served. Sign up in store, online, or by phone. (334) 348-2738 www.AllAboutArtStudio.com
Toddler Tales
December 12: Peek a Boo Christmas @ All About Art 100 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Storytime and related art project. Light toddlerfriendly refreshments provided. $20 per child. Time 10:00-11:00 a.m. (334) 348-2738 allaboutartstudio@gmail.com www.AllAboutArtStudio.com
Benefits & Fundraisers House of Ruth Gift Wrapping ad on page 9
December 1-24 Busy Schedule? Let us wrap for you! Locations: Mr. Coffee Bean - Saturdays 8-5; Eagle Eye Outfitters (in-store purchases only) - Tuesday-
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Jerusalem Project
November 9-December 4 @ Fostering Hope 17965 Hwy. 431 Headland, AL 36345 Sponsor foster children for their Christmas gifts. Also collecting Christmas cards for foster families.
(334) 699-1563 www.fosteringhopewiregrass.com
Cruise in for Toys
December 5 @ Milky Moo’s 113 E. College St. Enterprise, AL 36330 5:00-8:00 p.m. Bring a toy for our toy drive and help the children of the Wiregrass area. www.weevilcitycruisers.com
Girls Inc. Mother Daughter Tea
December 6 @ Windmill Station 1369 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Hors d’oeuvre’s, Christmas Ornament making, Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, treat bags, and photo booth. (334) 793-2321 girlsincdothan@gmail.com girlsincdothan.org
Miracle on Foster Street Food Drive
December 10 @ WTVY Studio 285 N. Foster St. Dothan, AL 36303 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Collecting food and funds to help feed the hungry for the holidays and hopefully beyond!
The Red Nose Run
December 11-14 This year, the run is going virtual! This event raises funds for grants that are distributed to nonprofit organizations serving the Wiregrass region.
(334) 264-6223 burton.ward@cacfinfo.org cacfinfo.org/rednoserun
4th Annual Alveta Houston Hawk Wine & Food Fest & Live Auction
December 12 @ Celebration at Jones Crossing 5918 Fortner St. Dothan, AL 36303 Entertainment by 360 Productions & DJ Nigel Aman; auctioneer is Dr. Walter Sims. Tickets $50 per person. Tables of 8 - $500. Time 6-1 p.m. (334) 792-4618 www.hawkhoustonyec.org
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Saddle Up Santa
December 12 @ Houston Co. Farm Center 1701 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 Hop in your car and join us at the Houston County Farm center for a Drive Through Christmas Festival, with tons of goodies, food, and of course, gifts from Santa and his elves! 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Blessings for Families in Need
December 19 1699 Ross Clark Cir., Ste. 4 Dothan, AL 36301 Gifts, Food, Ministry. Pre-registration required.
(334) 625-9575 christmasblessings2020.eventbrite.com
Annie’s Outreach Free Christmas Dinner December 25 @ First Baptist Church of Enterprise 302 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Volunteers needed.
Turkeys from Heaven
December 22-23 Dothan, AL 36301 Meet at the NPF Paviion 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
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Dothan, AL Help provide Christmas for low-income children. Typical needs and wants range from clothes to a bicycle. Angels will be at the Wiregrass Commons Mall, Walmart and Dove Christian Supply Store for adoption. (334) 792-1911
salvationarmyalm.org/dothan/
Santa for Seniors
@ SARCOA 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd. Dothan, AL 36305 Help bring Christmas joy to Wiregrass seniors. Common requests include groceries, household repairs, and basic necessities. Collection Days at the former armory building 2755 Choctaw Street. December 4, 5 and 12 from 9-6. (334) 793-6843 www.sarcoa.org
Toys for Tots
Collecting new, unwrapped toys. Visit website for drop-off locations. (334) 316-6839 wiregrasstoysfortots@gmail.com thewiregrass.toysfortots.org
Church Events Drive Thru Nativity
December 5 @ Grandview Baptist Church 2400 Forrester Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 5:00-7:00 p.m. www.gbcdothan.org
Night of Christmas Music
Merry Marketplace
December 19 @ Harvest Church 2727 Fortner St. Dothan, AL 36305 An event where kids can find joy in creating and giving gifts as they remember the story of Jesus’ birth. Bring your families together to create this meaningful and incredibly fun Christmas event! www.harvestdothan.com
Christmas with the Bridge Church
December 20 1601 E. Park Ave. Enterprise, AL 36330 10:00 a.m. We will have a beautiful Christmas Service followed by food and fellowship. YOU are welcome . Come celebrate the Reason for the Season with us.
December 19 @ Enterprise FUMC 217 Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 6:00-7:00 p.m. www.efumc.com
Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org
The Sanders Family Christmas
(850) 638-9113
Candlelight Service
Open Mic Night: Christmas Edition
December 24 @ Green Hill Presbyterian Church 735 E. Lee St. Enterprise, AL 36330 5:30-6:30 p.m. greenhillpc.com
Candlelight Service
December 24 @ Ozark Baptist Church 282 S. Union Ave. Ozark, AL 36360 5:00-6:00 p.m. ozarkbaptist.org
Christmas Candlelight Service
December 24 @ Grace Place Church 5730 Shellfield Rd. Enterprise, AL 36330 6:00-7:00 p.m. www.mygpchurch.com
Christmas Eve Service
December 24 @ Bethel Baptist Church 3257 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, AL 36301 bbcdothan.org
Cross 2020 Watch Party
December 29-30 @ Calvary Baptist Church 901 Montezuma Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 A livestream watch party for high school seniors, college students, and young adults. $40 per student. Food provided. calvarydothan.com/cross2020
2021 New Years Bonfire with The Walters
January 2 @ The Bridge Church 1601 E. Park Ave. Enterprise, AL 36330 7:00 p.m. A Bonfire, hot chocolate, coffee, and other goodies. www.bridgechurchenterprise.com
Walk Thru Bethlehem
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December 3-6 @ 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.
www.bridgechurchenterprise.com
Candlelight Communion Service
ad on Back Cover
(334) 792-4842 mgbcdothan.com
SEADAC’s The Nutcracker
(334) 470-6568 director@southernbroadway.com www.southernbroadway.com
December 23 @ The Bridge Church 1601 E. Park Ave. Enterprise, AL 36330 7:00 p.m. Members and non members alike, come and celebrate the gift of salvation with us.
www.bridgechurchenterprise.com
Dance, Music & Theater
December 11-13 @ Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 2864 S. Brannon Stand Rd. Dothan, AL 36305 Step back in time as you take a guided tour of the village of Bethlehem on the eve of the birth of the Savior! Reservations required.
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December 3-6 @ Spanish Trail Playhouse 680 2nd St. Chipley, FL 32428 It’s December 24, 1941, and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders, of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and 25 Southern Gospel Christmas favorites.
December 6 @ Ozark Baptist Church 282 S. Union Ave. Ozark, AL 36360 5:00-6:00 p.m. 850-819-4788 ozarkbaptist.org
as they struggle to start their unique business and embrace one of the most breathtaking places on earth, the Grand Canyon.
Carols in the Park December 16 @ Johnny Henderson Family Park 300 Hwy 167 N. Enterprise, AL 36330 Bundle up in your blankets and pack up your lawn chairs to join Enterprise Parks and Recreation for a musical evening under the stars showcasing our local church choirs. Free hot chocolate will be provided!
A Grand Christmas
December 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-23 @ Southern Broadway Dinner Theater 104 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Come witness the “nature-loving” Stryker family
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December 4 @ Hoobler Music Studio 201 W. College St. Enterprise, AL 36330 There are usually new musicians stopping by every month. If you would like to try out performing this is your chance to take the stage. It is free and open to the public! Time 6:00 p.m.
Concerts and Carols
December 4, 11, 18 @ Christmas in Candyland 505 E Three Notch St Andalusia, AL 36420 Rock out to some of your favorite holiday hit tunes performed live on the Candyland at Springdale outdoor stage. (334) 222-2030 www.christmasincandyland.com
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 4, 5, 6 @ Cotton Hall Theater 166 Main St. Colquitt, GA 39837 When the Herdmans crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. It’s up to the pageant director and the kids to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes. Tickets $20 (229) 758-5450 www.swampgravy.com
Christmas Spectacular
December 5, 12, 18, 19 @ Christmas in Candyland 505 E. Three Notch St. Andalusia, AL 36420 This 25 minute show performed outdoors on the Candyland at Springdale Stage combines aerial acrobatics, fire performances, figure skating, and LED props in choreographed numbers set to hit holiday music. (334) 222-2030 www.christmasincandyland.com
Cookies and Carols Christmas Recital December 8 @ Bella’s Ballroom 191 N. Foster St. Dothan, AL 36303 The Piano and Voice Students of Christie Hood will perform in the Annual Christmas Recital
Holiday Concert & Gala Dinner
December 8 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 The Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble will ring in the season with their festive holiday program, featuring internationally renowned tenor Timothy Miller and Irish singer/songwriter Chloë Agnew of Celtic Woman. 6:00 p.m. (334) 615-3175 www.dothanciviccenter.org
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)
December 9-12 @ Spanish Trail Playhouse, 680 2nd St., Chipley, FL 32428 Three actors perform every Christmas story ever
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Santa’s Workshop
December 10-12 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Packed with high-energy dance numbers, fantastic music, and hilarious characters, Santa’s Workshop is back and better than ever and this year there is a new elf in town with new ideas to impress the big man in charge at the North Pole! (877) 775-5678 www.pattirutlandjazz.com
Christmas Fantasy
December 11 & 12 @ Cultural Arts Center 909 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Time 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Tri-State Community Orchestra. $10 per Family up to 6 members. $1 off ticket price per donated canned good supporting the Salvation Army - up to $5 off. www.tristatecommunityorchestra.org
A Holly Jolly May-Haw Christmas
December 11, 12, 13 @ Cotton Hall Theater 166 Main St. Colquitt, GA 39837 Come enjoy light-hearted comedy with your favorite Christmas tunes in this heartwarming production that will put your entire family in the Christmas spirit. Tickets $20
Christmas Songs and Stories with John Berry
December 20 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the greatest season of all with music. (334) 615-3175 www.dothanciviccenter.org
Deck the Stage
@ Cultural Arts Center 909 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 Instructional time focuses on creating a holiday production that will be presented to family, friends, and the Wiregrass community. No special clothing or equipment required. Class meets Mondays & Tuesdays Nov. 30 - Dec. 19. Performances are Dec. 16-19. Cost: $125 www.seact.com
(334) 794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com
Whoville Holiday Celebration ad on Back Cover
December 5 @ Downtown Enterprise, AL 36330 Join the fun in Downtown Enterprise as we transform into “Whoville for the Holidays” at our “Whoville Holiday Celebration”! Time 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (334) 348-2738 www.enterprisedowntown.org
Christmas in the Park
Festivals Christmas at the Farmers Market ad on Back Cover
December 5 @ 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.
(229) 758-5450 www.swampgravy.com
(334) 348-2668 www.enterpriseal.gov
Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Alabama Presents: White Christmas
Victorian Christmas
December 19 @ Downtown Ozark Amphitheater Ozark, AL 36360 Free Admission. Donations will be given to the Dale Co. Performing Arts Council.
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. Time 1:00-4:00 p.m.
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December 13 @ Landmark Park 430 Landmark Dr. Dothan, AL 36303 Sip hot apple cider or hot chocolate while listening to Christmas carols and visiting with Santa.
December 4 @ Robert Fowler Park Geneva, AL 36340 Christmas displays will be lit and situated throughout the park. Live Entertainment. Food Vendors. Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Free Admission 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Christmas in Candyland
December 4-27 @ Downtown Andalusia 505 E Three Notch St Andalusia, AL 36420 Your winter wonderland adventure is closer than you think! Make lasting holiday memories and watch children’s imaginations grow. Enjoy kidsized cottages, snow flurries, ice-skating, train rides, a Holiday Circus and more! (334) 222-2030 www.christmasincandyland.com
Downtown Christmas
December 5 @ Downtown Dothan, AL 36301 A day of family fun including sledding, s’mores, caroling, arts & crafts and much, much more!
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Time 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
(334) 793-3097 jamie@dothandowntown.org www.dothandowntown.org
Ole’ Time Christmas
December 11-12 @ Pioneer Museum 248 Hwy. 231 North Troy, AL 36081 This tradition-filled event will feature colorful decorations, holiday treats, storytelling, ornament making, Christmas music, Santa Claus and lots of holiday fun. (334) 566-3597 pioneer@troycable.net www.pioneer-museum.org
Light Displays Gardens Aglow
November 27, December 4, 11, 18, and 26 @ Dothan Area Botanical Gardens 5130 Headland Ave. Dothan, AL 36303 Stroll through the Gardens between 5:00-8:00 p.m. and enjoy the many festive lights and displays. $8 per person over age 8. Flashlights recommended. Pre-paid timed admission tickets only. Tickets may be purchased online. (334) 793-3224 www.dabg.com
Country Christmas
November 27-December 20 @ CornDodgers Farm 1555 Knowles Rd. Headland, AL 36345 Fridays 5-10, Saturdays 4-10, and Sundays 4-10pm. Take a walking tour of the farm’s Christmas attractions and lights; it’s not a driving tour, folks! Enjoy almost 30 of your favorite attractions along the way! (334) 726-1485 corndodgersfarm.com
Southwest Georgia Tinsel Trail
November 28-December 31 @ Earl May Boat Basin Bainbridge, GA A festive display of LIVE Christmas trees decorated by a local corporation, group, or family. Visit the display nightly over the holidays and help us spread the magic of the season in a joyful and safe way!
Lights Along the River Drive
December 1-31 @ Earl May Boat Basin Bainbridge, GA Stay in your vehicle, tune to 99.3 FM for some holiday music and drive through close to a mile of Christmas lights and themed displays celebrating the season.
Cajun Christmas
December 20-24 @ Zoo World 9008 Front Beach Rd. PCB, FL 32407 Celebrate Christmas with the most spirited bunch around! Photos with Santa and his “Elf”igator! Photos with Queen Elsa in the SNOW! Chainsaw ice carving, door prizes and so much more for the whole family. www.zooworldpcb.com
Christmas on Oakwood
Nightly in December @ Westbrook Subdivision Oakwood Drive Dothan, AL 36303 Tune your radio to 98.1fm to listen to the lights and dance to music. Please be mindful of neighbors and others enjoying the lights. Please do not liter or block driveways, and please remain in your vehicles.
Trawick’s Christmas in the Woodlands
Nightly in December Corner of Highway 84 & Boll Weevil Circle Enterprise, AL 36330 Drive-through Christmas light display. Train rides available some dates in December. Times: 5:009:00 Sunday-Thursday and 5:00-10:00 Friday and Saturday. Admission is free. Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
December 31 Panama City Beach, FL Say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 with a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show in Panama City Beach. The fireworks will be held at three locations along Panama City Beach; Russell-Fields Pier, M.B. Miller Pier and Grand Lagoon.
Miscellaneous 5K & Fun Run with the Grinch ad on Back Cover
December 12 110 E. College St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Join the Grinch, along with Friends of Main Street for our first annual 5k & Fun Run. 5k is $25 with T-shirt included. Fun Run is $15 for 12& under with 2 & under free. T-shirt included. 5kfunrunwiththegrinch2020.wodifyarena.com
Whoville Family Scavenger Hunt ad on Back Cover
December 19 @ Downtown Enterprise Grab your family and friends to form a team to take part in the Whoville Family Scavenger Hunt! Find all the citizens of Whoville and collect Grinch Coins throughout the Downtown District. Complete the hunt and be entered to win $100, $75 and $50 Main Street Money! Check in at 103 W. College (the old She Shed) beginning at 10 am. All completed hunt entries must be turned in by 4pm to be eligible for prize drawings. (334) 348-2738 www.enterprisedowntown.org
Christmas Chaos Escape Room
November 19-January 9 @ Brain Busters Escape Rooms 518 N. Daleville Ave. Daleville, AL 36322 This Super Fun Family Escape Room Will lift your spirits while Helping Others. Bring Canned food Items for Our Food drive. $15 Adults / $10 kids 6 and up $5 with one can Food item / $ 5 age 5 and under or Free with one can Food item (334) 494-5996 www.titanmagic.net
Dive into Diversity - Dongzhi Festival December 2 @ Dothan Houston Co. Library System - Westgate Branch 535 Recreation Rd. Dothan, AL 36303 Join us on Facebook for the reading of Moonflower and the Solstice Dance by Saskia E. Akyil. Video goes live at 10:30 a.m. Small crafts included. Supplies limited. www.dhcls.org
Yule Ball
December 4 @ Featured Players Cabaret 3178 Hartford Hwy. Dothan, AL 36305 Dress your best and spend the evening dancing, drinking, and generally being merry and bright. 19 to enter, 21 to drink, no cover. 8:00 p.m.
Beacon of Hope Christmas Event
December 5 181 W. Reynolds St. Ozark, AL 36360 Sensory Santa crafts and activities. The Miss Wiregrass Voice for Autism Queens will be interacting with children as well. Time 4:00-9:00 p.m. 4-5 sensory Santa with reservations. Parents Night Out: 5-9 p.m. for $20 per child (334) 477-4686 ababeaconofhope.com
Meet Elsa
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 @ Christmas in Candyland 505 E. Three Notch St. Andalusia, AL 36420 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet Elsa in her enchanted frozen
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garden Saturdays and Sundays at Candyland at Springdale. Free Admission. Take-your-own photo ops.
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(334) 222-2030 www.christmasincandyland.com
December 6 - Mitten Day December 10 - Snow Day December 17 - Holiday Party @ Ozark Dale Co. Public Library 416 James St. Ozark, AL 36360 Join us for lots of fun with crafts, activities, stories, and more! First come, first serve, with limited supplies, for all non-registrants. Limited seating available. (334) 774-5480 chlibrary@troycable.net
Story Hour: “The Mitten”
December 8 @ Cultural Arts Center 909 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36301 FREE on Facebook. Time 10:00 a.m. Contact us for educational packets to go with this story for PreK-1st grade. theculturalartscenter.org
The Merry Mile 5K
December 9 @ Physical Fitness CenterFortenberry-Colton Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Time 9:00 a.m. rucker.armymwr.com
Cocoa & Characters with Meredith’s Miracles
December 12 @ Christmas in Candyland 505 E. Three Notch St. Andalusia, AL 36420 4:00 p.m. Spend the day with Mickey, Minnie, Princesses, Superheroes, Elsa, Santa Claus and more. Spread out across the lawn at the Springdale Estate you will meet some of your favorite characters and pose for take-your-own photos. Free Admission (334) 222-2030 www.christmasincandyland.com
Popcorn & a Movie - Abominable
December 12 @ Ozark Dale Co. Public Library 416 James St. Ozark, AL 36360 Come enjoy some freshly popped popcorn, ice cold drinks, and a great movie all for FREE! Summary: After discovering a Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, teenage Yi and her two friends embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family. (334) 774-5480 chlibrary@troycable.net
Christmas Science Kits
December 14 @ Dothan Houston Co. Library System All Locations Ages 5-12. Reservations aren’t required, but supplies are limited. Pick-up is not available for large groups or day cares. Limited to one per family. www.dhcls.org
Fall Movie Nights
December 18 - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13) @ Rip Hewes Stadium 1701 Stadium Dr. Dothan, AL 36301 Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. Admission: one canned good per person to be donated to the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. Concessions benefit therapeutics program. Gates open 6 p.m. Movie starts 7 p.m. (344) 615-3700 leisureservices@dothan.org www.facebook.com/dothanleisureservices
Christmas Ham Shootout
December 19 @ Silver Wings Golf Club 20067 Combat Rd. Ft. Rucker, AL 36362 Tee times 7am to 9am. Cost is $20 per player. Ham and Gift certificates will be awarded as prizes to gross and net winners. Registration deadline is Saturday, December 19 at 9:00 a.m. Open to public. (334) 255-0089 rucker.armymwr.com
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Parades/Tree Lightings Enterprise Christmas Parade ad on Back Cover
December 1 Enterprise, AL 36330 Time 6:30 p.m.
Enterprise Christmas Tree Lighting ad on Back Cover
December 3 @ City Hall 501 S. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 Time 6:00 p.m.
Ozark Christmas Parade
Daleville Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
December 5 @ Daleville High School 626 N. Daleville Ave. Daleville, AL 36322 Time 5:30 p.m.
Dothan Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5 @ Dothan Civic Center 126 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, AL 36303 Time: 6:00 p.m.
Historic Ashford Christmas Parade December 11 @ Ashford Depot 312 Midland St. Ashford, AL 36312 Time 7:00 p.m.
Where to Shop
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House of Flowers
Headland Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
965 Woodland Dr., Ste. 2 Dothan, AL 36301 Send the ones you love a beautiful gift of glad tidings and peace. As Santa’s little helpers we’ll make sure to make them something that emulates the magic of Christmas. They’ll love receiving this gift, even if it’s not under the tree! Also, ask about our Home and Office decorating services.
December 8 Ozark, AL 36360 Time 6:00 p.m.
December 3 Time 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Opp Christmas Parade December 4 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Parade of Lights December 5 Colquitt, GA 39837 Time 7:15 p.m.
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(334) 699-1800 dothanhouseofflowers.com
Style ASAP Boutique
Shop Style ASAP for Amazingly Stylish, Affordable Prices!
(334) 417-0075 orders@shopstyleasap.com www.shopstyleasap.com
Chip and Fancy Elf Scavenger Hunt
@ Enterprise Chamber of Commerce 553 Glover Ave. Enterprise, AL 36330 Join Chip and Fancy on their journey through local businesses in Enterprise this Holiday season for a chance to win! (334) 347-0581
Dothan Nurseries Christmas Open House
December 12 1300 Montgomery Hwy. Dothan, AL 36303 Live music. Farmers market. Kids crafts. Refreshments. Giveaways. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Shop the Blocks
December 12 @ Downtown Florala, AL Join us for a day full of shopping and Christmas cheer. Local businesses will be hosting open house’s, streets will be lined with arts n crafts, chili cook-off, entertainment and much more! The night will end with the Florala annual Christmas parade!
Mistletoe Market
Saturdays in December DeFuniak Springs, FL 2:00–7:00 p.m. Homemade gifts, unique finds and sweet treats on Baldwin Avenue between 7th St. and 8th St.
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103 N. Main St. Enterprise, AL 36330 We have great stuff girls love from clothing, to accessories, to unique gifts! One of a kind vintage jewelry, Chavez for Charity, something fun for the pet lover, Natural Life, and everything in between!
Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.
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MW: My faith has shaped everything about my parenting style. I’m responsible for raising these children to fear the Lord and to be his disciples! Since the Bible is the basis of everything we believe, it also shapes everything about our parenting styles and our expectations. We strive to mirror what the Bible teaches about who these kids are called to be, and we make choices based on what will protect them and equip them to engage with a broken and messy world. WP: What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being a mom?
Meghan P. Williams
MW: The most rewarding thing for me is certainly found in the times when something you’ve been trying to teach them or instill in them presents for the first time unprompted. It gets me every. single. time. When I see my girls take initiative to be kind or compassionate, to teach others about Jesus, to love fully, or to even answer Biblically my heart just swells. The tiny glimpses we get to see along the way of who they might be when they grow up is also a bittersweet reward!
WP: You’ve been involved in Operation Christmas Child for several years. What led you to get involved with this cause to provide Christmas for underprivileged children?
WP: Does your family have any holiday or Christmas traditions? MW: Outside of packing shoeboxes, which, if I’m honest, we kind of spend all year shopping and working on... we spend the holidays with our extended families for meals. We have three local Thanksgiving meals and four local Christmas meals! It’s a tremendous blessing that so much of our family is right here within SOWEGA. Our other annual tradition is my mom’s Christmas card - getting that annual photo and accompanying poem of family updates ready for mailing is a BIG part of the holiday season!
MW: I really can’t remember when I first heard of OCC and the shoeboxes that are sent world-wide to children ages 2-14. The church we are currently serving has been involved with OCC since the early 90s when the program launched. When we became a part of the church, 10 years ago now, we continued to join in the packing of the boxes, and I found out there was an opportunity to volunteer in the processing center in Atlanta. It is there, and at other processing centers around the US, that the boxes collected from individuals and organizations get inspected and prepped for international shipping, and that’s the year where our involvement dramatically escalated! The more we understood the fullness of the ministry – the more excited we got about it! It was so neat to go up, see all the packed boxes and learn more about the stories from around the world of shoebox recipients. We learned more about the journey of the shoebox and what happens in the recipient countries – Gospel sharing, distribution and discipleship training for the children for 12 weeks after they receive their shoeboxes. It was incredibly exciting how BIG of an impact a shoebox could make in the life of a child, their family and their community.
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? MW: Self-care?! Ha! I’m kidding - I know ‘self-care’ is a major buzzword this year - especially with all the strain of COVID and this verynot-normal year, but I’m a pretty steady kind of person so no special self-care routines kick in for the holidays. I guess maybe the closest thing this time of year is that my Christmas tree is always plugged in once it is up. I love to see the lights... they bring me simple happiness, even in the daytime! WP: What’s your biggest takeaway or lesson learned from 2020? MW: God is always in control - so just walk by faith and keep doing what He has instructed you to do! God doesn’t change his expectations of us based on the world around us - he is steadfast in his instruction and we should be steadfast in our obedience!
WP: Is it important for your girls to see you give back? What impacts do you think your volunteer work has had on your family?
WP: Any advice for new parents?
MW: We actually decided when our girls were 2 and 4 that they would be a part of any ministry that it was appropriate for them to be a part of - even if that meant we hauled a suitcase of Pull-ups to Costa Rica for their first international mission trip at 2 and 4! We did not want our girls to see ministry as something “their parents did” or have resentment for time spent investing into others because they were left behind. Likewise, we wanted them to understand when we said ‘no’ to spending on certain things so we could use that money for God-centered projects. They’ve been a part of packing shoeboxes, Gospel sharing at local events, mission trips and numerous other projects that are all centered on giving in the name of Jesus.
MW: There is so much advice out there for new parents - I ignored just as much as I embraced as a new mama so many years ago. I’ve got two things: Raise your babies to know and love Jesus and model what that looks like in every aspect of your life. And keep your perspective that you are raising future adults... and make decisions not based just on the moment, but on what will impact them and shape them into the adults you want them to be.
Meghan P. Williams is a Customer Relations Coordinator, pastor’s wife and homeschool mama. She and her husband are celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary this month. They have two daughters, ages 12 and 10, and one dog, Bluff.
WP: You are very solid in your faith. How do you think that’s shaped your parenting style? Wiregrass Parents I December 2020
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one test two lives Get tested for HIV. For you and baby. for more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/hiv/hiv-and-pregnancy.html 1
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Christmas Parade
Enjoy the floats, marchers and excitement of the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast!
December 1 @ 6:30 p.m. • Main Street
Christmas Tree Lighting
Special musical performances, hot cocoa, cookies, and Santa!
December 3 @ 6:00 p.m. • City Hall
Christmas at the Farmers Market
Fresh Produce, Local Vendors, Ornament Painting, Storytime, & Pictures with Santa.
December 5, 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Whoville Holiday Celebration
Bring the family to this one-of-a-kind celebration with tons of shopping and family-friendly activities.
December 5, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. • Downtown Enterprise
Carols in the Park
A musical evening under the stars showcasing our local church choirs. Free hot chocolate!
December 16, 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Johnny Henderson Park
5K & Fun Run with the Grinch
December 12 @ 8:30 a.m. • College Street
Whoville Family Scavenger Hunt
Find all the citizens of Whoville and collect Grinch Coins throughout the Downtown District.
December 19, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
We ask that you follow COVID recommendations including wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home if you don’t feel well. For more information about events happening in Enterprise, check out VisitEnterprise.com or find us on Facebook! 1
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