Emerald Coast Parent Magazine May+June 2015 by Rob Williams

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May+June 2015

contents

7 12 Column

20 Teen Talk: Articles 7

What Your Kids Wish You Knew!

Family Fun Guide Calendar of Events

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special!

When Your Child Is Afraid of the Water: Help Your Child Conquer Fear, Have Fun and Keep Safe!

Camps �� 40 Seasonal Events ��41 The Arts ��41 Sounds Fun ��42 Runs, Walks & More ��43 Recurring Local �� 44 Volunteer �� 44

Coddling: When Overprotective Parenting Becomes a Hindrance!

Resource Directory

Half a Day Away for Mom: Relaxed, Refreshed and Ready for Anything

8 12 19

Community resources offer a wide range of information and services for you and your family!

Listings �� 45

Progressive Day Camp: A Budgetfriendly Way to Entertain the Kids this Summer

Family Builders

Families are important. Spend time enjoying life together at home and on the go.

The Family Chatter Challenge �� 22 That’s Good to Know!—Information you can use �� 24 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care ��25-26 Snacks—Recipes for tasty get-togethers �� 29-30 Crafts—Get creative with your kids ��32-33 Teach Your Kids Something New �� 34

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Emerald Coast

parent It’s Your MagazineTM

This is your magazine! Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work. As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars. If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue! Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about, enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together! Thanks, The EC Parent Team To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720

Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams Contributing Writer Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph. D. Contributing Writer Myrna Beth Haskell Contributing Writer Christina Katz Contributing Writer Pan Molnar © 2015 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

4 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 5

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By Myrna Beth Haskell

When Your Child Is Afraid of the Water It wasn’t that my son disliked being in the water. He loved to take baths and go to the beach or to the swimming pool. However, he was unwilling to put his face in or to submerge himself past the waist. When he was two I didn’t worry about it too much. I continued to take him swimming and I continued to hope that his fear would pass. Then he turned three, four, five, and things were not getting much better. I would watch as other moms would sit casually by the side of the pool and chat while their children fearlessly frolicked in and under the water. I, on the other hand, would nervously watch just a few feet away from my son. I was terrified that someone would dunk him under inadvertently, and I knew from previous experience that this would be an enormous setback. I used to think, If he would just put his head under once, he would lose his fear. It wasn’t until my son was six and a half that we finally broke some barriers, and at seven he finally began to swim. Continued on page 9

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h a Bet Myrn

Hask

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As the bonding process begins, parents have an incredible desire to protect their newborn infant. However, as baby begins to grow, some parents begin to obsess about the sometimes cruel and unfair world we live in. They want to shield their child, not only from getting physically hurt, but also from disappointment, other parents, failure at school, playground bullies, and a litany of other potential problems and conflicts. Continued on page 10

8 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Continued from page 7

A fear of water is not something to take lightly. In their book Monsters Under the Bed and Other Childhood Fears, Stephen W. Garber, Ph.D., Marianne Garber, Ph.D., and Robyn Freedman Spizman warn the reader that a child’s fear of water can be quite a handicap. “It means that when all your child’s friends are jumping in the pool, your child is left on the sidelines. Worse than that, if a child is so frightened of the water that he is unable to swim, it is dangerous to play near the water.” Therefore it is beneficial to help your child get over his fear of the water as soon as possible, and a good way to start is to try to get him to verbalize what he specifically fears; Is he afraid to put his face in because the water will hurt his eyes? Is he afraid he will go down and not come back up? Try to recall his

safety rules in and around the water is essential. Expose your child to positive literature about the joy of swimming or having fun at the beach. Barney and Baby Bop at the Beach (Barney Publishing) is a good book for toddlers, and Let’s Go Swimming with Mr. Sillypants (Knopf Books) is also terrific. Sharing positive, age-appropriate literature with your child is always a good choice. Conversely, exposure to television or movies that contain accidents in or by the water could have an extremely negative effect.

Go Slowly You may have heard the dated philosophy that advocated throwing a child into water over his head. The idea was that this child would

A child’s fear of water can be quite a handicap. “It means that when all your child’s friends are jumping in the pool, your child is left on the sidelines. Worse than that, if a child is so frightened of the water that he is unable to swim, it is dangerous to play near the water.”

past experiences. Did he have an accident at a pool, or something as simple as getting soap in his eyes during a bath? If you can get to the root of his fear, you have a place to begin.

Start Early If you’re reading this and your child is still too young to swim, there are some things you can do to try to prevent this fear before it rears its ugly head. This is the best scenario because preventing the fear in the first place is much easier than trying to allay a fear once it has taken hold. Positive exposure to water from infancy is a must. Make sure that bath time is fun time. There are so many interesting toys, paints and colorful stick-ons that your child can use in the bath. A parent’s comments and body language during a child’s exposure to water is paramount in helping the child to form a positive attitude toward water. When my son was a toddler and I would take him to the neighborhood pool, I was always reaching to grab him in a frightened manner when he would wander toward the edge. I knew that the water was over his head in the shallow end. My own trepidations may have contributed to my son’s extreme fear of water. This is not to say that you should not take careful precautions when you have a non-swimmer by deep water. Learning

swim for his life. Let’s leave it at that—an idea. The worst thing you can do for a child who is afraid of the water is to traumatize him further. Instead, you should maintain patience and persistence. Garber, Garber and Spizman warn that you must “realize that it takes time to get over a fear. There will be times when things do not go as you planned. Step back and try again.” Expose your child to water often. In addition to formal swim lessons (private lessons might better suit an extremely fearful child), there are many activities you can do with your child to supplement the work he does with his swim instructor. Don’t plan to work with your child in a crowded pool. There are too many distractions. Many parents choose to use floatation devices (such as swimmies or vests). I have heard mixed reviews from swim teachers and parents. Some children may become dependent on their floatation device. I allowed my son to use his vest only for deep-water exploration, but not for more shallow-water exploration. For the child who is afraid to put his face in (this was my son’s problem), slow but progressive work is best. First have your child get used to splashing water on his face in the sink or tub. Then try this at the pool, but have him slowly walk into waist-deep water first. Demonstrate how to blow bubbles and have a contest to see who can make the biggest Continued on page 15

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Continued from page 8

The overprotective parent “coddles” her child when she believes that completely shielding her child from inevitable problems and disappointments is a necessary part of parenting. Subsequently, the coddled child will learn to depend on others to rescue him from life’s calamities, instead of depending on himself. Coddling also has to do with over indulgence and spoiling. This leads to a child expecting that the world is a place where his needs are always met.

10 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Go Ahead—Coddle Your Infant! Most experts agree that it is a good practice for parents to immediately tend to their infant’s physical and emotional needs. Parents are teaching their infant to trust his caregivers and to learn that home is a safe haven. Lauren Solotar, PhD, chief psychologist and senior vice president of clinical services with the renowned May Institute, concurs. She says, “Infants are totally different. They are 100 percent dependent on their caretaker physically, cognitively, and emotionally.” Where coddling becomes a problem is with the older child. Continued on page 13

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By Christina Katz

Relaxed, Refreshed and Ready for Anything

H a l f a D a y Awa y for Mom

Let’s face it, a mom can get burned out mentally, physically and emotionally simply from trying to juggle it all. A constantly busy schedule with a lack of down time is often the culprit, leaving mom feeling raw, reactive, and even sometimes desperate. Continued on page 14

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Nurture versus Coddle

Long-term Effects

Parents need to strive to nurture (not coddle) their child in order to bring up an emotionally healthy and independent human being who learns to solve problems and conflicts on his own. Children need to learn that one does not always get what one wants, and that life is sometimes unfair. Coddlers step in to negotiate for their child instead of letting the child work it out for himself. They intervene, regardless of the severity of the problem. Parents who coddle their child provide instant gratification for those things that the child wants, as opposed to what he needs. In contrast, the nurturer trains her child to deal with problems on his own. Psychologist Erik Fisher, PhD, author of The Art of Managing Everyday Conflict (Praeger, 2004), says, “Parents who coddle their child don’t allow the child to develop a sense of self. Coddling is when parents predict the failure of a child.” Dr. Solotar compares the two styles of parenting: “Nurturing raises a child’s self esteem. It is healthy and positive. Coddling has a more negative connotation. This is synonymous with overprotective parenting. Parents must find a balance between providing the right amount of supervision and letting their child have enough esteem to make his own decisions.”

What happens to children who have been coddled throughout their growing up years? Fisher reports, “Children who are coddled have a harder time with separation anxiety.” Solotar warns that a child who is coddled may not become a successful adult. “Parents should provide guidance, but to constantly intervene prevents a child from learning. You put your child at risk when he doesn’t learn to communicate and interact with people.”

Why Do Parents Coddle Their Children?

Parents should use common sense when deciding it’s time for all of those “firsts”—first time down the street to a friend’s house, to the prom with the family car, or simply toddling forward down a full flight of stairs. Sometimes it might even feel like you’re jumping blindfolded into an abyss. But you take that leap, hold your breath, and hope for the best, because you trust that you’ve taught your child the skills he needs to navigate the world solo.v

Today’s families have to cope with a more hectic and fast-paced lifestyle as compared to what families dealt with decades ago. For many, two incomes have become a necessity. Parents often have less time to spend with their children, and there is sometimes guilt associated with not having enough hours in the day to tend to their children’s needs. This may lead to coddling because parents are trying to make up for lost time. Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, a pediatrician and creator of “Simply Parenting” (a program designed to bring parenting back to basics), reports, “I have seen an increased anxiety with parents starting during pregnancy. Parents no longer have extended family around and they feel more isolated. People call the practice all the time because we’ve replaced the extended family.” Solotar talks about the relationship between fear and coddling. She offers the following example: “Parents are less likely to allow their children to walk from place to place because of fear of abduction.” She advises, “Parents must find a balance between providing the right amount of supervision and letting their child have enough esteem to make decisions on his own.”

Some Guidelines to Follow • Look at each situation individually. • Do not overreact. • Intervene only when necessary. • Continually reassess your child’s friends and behaviors before drawing boundaries. • Evaluate your child’s maturity level. • Allow your child to do what is natural to do at his age.

Myrna Beth Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist and speaker. For more about her book LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert advice and support for the conscientious parent just like you (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012) and other works, please visit www.myrnahaskell.com. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 13

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Does a whole half-day to yourself sound impossible?

Does a whole half-day to yourself sound impossible? Well, maybe not! Half a day away adds up to just six hours of you-time. And, if your kids are school-age, six hours is the length of a typical school day anyway, making a half-day retreat the perfect chance for you to slip away from the siren call of chores, bills and shopping. So if you have never considered the possibility of a little escape before, maybe it’s time to try. Planning a half-day getaway may be just what the doctor ordered, even if it sounds like an indulgence. And don’t worry about the cost—just spend whatever you can afford. In a few short hours, you can reclaim your sense of self and return home feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready for anything. How does the countdown to a mini-getaway for mom work? Let me break it down for you.

3 . Plan Your Escape.

Make sure each child will be cared for, whether at school, with the sitter, or at an extended play date with a trusted friend. Prep your spouse. Once he understands that the goal here is a happier helpmate, there is no doubt he will be supportive. Communicate calmly and clearly about your decision to take a little time for you and no one will question the

practicality of the decision. They will discover soon enough that when mom is happy, the whole family is happier, too.

2. Prepare the Day Before.

Have the morning routine smoothly planned. Prepare lunches the night before. Pack the kids’ backpacks and also your bag with items you don’t want to forget. Get up early. Get the kids up a little early. Keep everyone on track and get out the door on time. No need to remind the kids what you are doing on your special day. Just give them a kiss, tell them to have a great day, and you’ll see them after school, as usual. After all, making time for mom should be normal, not abnormal.

1. Keep in Touch.

So long as you have your cell phone, and assuming it’s a regularly scheduled day, there is nothing for you to worry about. Keep your phone in your pocket but resist the urge to check it constantly. If a child comes down with the flu or skips a nap and becomes inconsolable, you are only a phone call away. But don’t expect imminent disaster or it might undermine your Continued on page 17

Well, maybe not! Half a day away adds up to just six hours of you-time.

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splash. You may want to try a pair of goggles that go over the eyes and nose. My son picked out his own pair at the store and felt much more comfortable knowing that his eyes and nose were protected. Children often forget their fears when they are having fun, so playing games in the water works wonders. Throw objects (such as pennies) into the water and see who can fetch the most in the least amount of time. However, do not throw objects in where your child must submerge all the way into the water or he will object to the game from the start. Measure objects under water or throw floatable rings and see who can retrieve the most. My son enjoys playing “shark and minnow.” The shark tries to catch the minnow before it reaches a prescribed base, and I always get to play the role of the minnow. The purpose of all of these games is to help your child to relax in the water so that he will forget to be afraid. Try to keep in mind that regression is common, and that you need to continue to go one step at a time.

Be Positive It is very easy to get frustrated when you are trying to teach a fearful child to swim, which is why it is sometimes best to leave the teaching to the experts. However, parents can help facilitate positive experiences. Help your child learn to relax in the water by playing games and having fun. A calm and joyful demeanor in and around water is a must. In addition, avoid comparing him to your other children who learned to swim quickly or to his friends who seem to progress at a normal rate. This will only hurt his self-esteem and cause him to conjure negative feelings about the activity. Create a calendar together with dates marked for benchmarks he is trying to reach. Have him place a sticker on each day that he accomplishes a new skill. You can also offer rewards when a successful plateau is finally reached. For instance, when your child is able to put his head under, tell him that you will take him out for some ice cream or to a movie. Most important, show your child that you love to swim. Sometimes observing others having fun in the water is enough encouragement. It took several years for my son to finally feel comfortable completely submerged under water. However, his swimming ability accelerated very quickly soon after. Keep in mind that what works for one child may not work for another. Talk to swim instructors and other parents to get ideas. Eventually, something will click. You should be reassured by the fact that your child is acquiring a life-saving skill—one that will surely bring him pleasure as he swims with family and friends for years to come.v

Be reassured by the fact that your child is acquiring a life-saving skill—one that will surely bring him pleasure as he swims with family and friends for years to come.

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fun. Chances are very good that the world won’t stop spinning just because you are taking some time to relax. Truly. And if your day is interrupted, don’t let this discourage you. Relax and enjoy whatever amount of time you can get this time, and then try again next week or next month. The more you practice, the better you will get at taking a half-day away.

Escape on a Shoestring

You don’t have to spend a lot to take a day to yourself. Six hours to yourself is relaxing no matter how much you spend. Pull together your escape bag. Pack a lunch. Check out some magazines from the library. Window shop. Eat at a bakery or sandwich shop. Check out free museum days. Take advantage of matinee prices. Or just meander around a nearby city or town without a plan. If you end up walking around the park, enjoying the day, and phoning friends because it’s something you never seem to have time to do at home, embrace it. Your primary goal is taking good care of you, whatever you decide that means, and give everyone else a chance to take care of themselves without you. It’s important for every mom to practice relying on others so that this ability doesn’t get too rusty.

7 Relaxing Ways to Spend a Day 1. Spa Trip. How about a massage and a hot tub soak? 2. Long Lunch. Bring a really good book or a stack of magazines. 3. Shopping Day. Your favorite location, try on as much as you like with no interruptions. 4. Museum Tour. Seen any good exhibits lately? 5. Movie Matinee. That rom-com nobody wants to see but you? Now you can. 6. Salon Day. Hair, nails and toes—make a day of it! 7. Go antiquing or junking at nearby shops and thrift stores. You’ll get inspired to update your décor for less.

Message to Working Moms Work at home or away from home? Then you really deserve a half-day just for you! Some working moms might have a couple of personal days left at the end of the vacation year that can be cashed in on a Friday or a Monday. And work-at-home moms can usually squeeze a five-day workload into four days to give themselves an extra weekend day once in a while. Plan ahead, communicate what you need with superiors, and get your half-day away on your schedule ahead of time to make sure it actually happens. Otherwise, relaxation for mom is likely to fall off the bottom of the list. v Christina Katz is a diligent, multi-tasking work-at-home mom, but she can tell when it’s time to get the heck out of dodge. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself, A Collection of Advice for Moms.

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By Pam Molnar

amp: Progressive DayteC rtain the Kids this Summer A Budget-friendly Way to En

Summer camp is a win-win situation for families. It gives parents the child-free time they need to work or care for younger children, while keeping their older children occupied with fun activities. The only disadvantage to summer camps is the cost. According to the American Camp Association, the average cost of a week of day camp is $304. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly way to achieve the same benefits that a day camp provides, you might want to consider a progressive neighborhood camp. Other than camp supplies, the only cost for a neighborhood progressive camp is an hour of the parents’ time each day. The parent counselors take turns providing one hour of structured entertainment in the form of games, crafts and other activities. When the hour is up, the children move on to the next house, leaving that parent the rest of the time to do their work child-free. How it works: Choose the number of participants based on the number of children and their ages. The number of families, not the number of children, will determine how long your camp is each day. For example, if you have five families, your camp is 5 hours long. If you have a large number of children, you can enlist the help of a babysitter who will move from house to house with the children and act as an assistant camp counselor.

Planning: Choose the activities that you will include in your camp. Some suggestions include outdoor games, arts and crafts, music and dance, gardening, cooking and baking, science projects, story time, and of course, lunchtime. Other options include teaching a new skill, like how to sew on a button, or inviting a guest speaker to come. If your group is small, you might also consider a short field trip. Parent camp counselors can choose which activity they host based on their skill level or tolerance for mess. Using a daily theme for your camp will help to tie the activities together. Theme ideas include pajama day, beach party, super hero, patriotic, decades day, sports jersey day, and Wacky Wednesday. Work as a group to determine a budget after factoring the number of children and the supplies needed for each activity. An example itinerary for a Wild West theme can be found in the sidebar.

Keep the costs down: You will find craft supplies at OrientalTrading.com, which is a goldmine for inexpensive kids’ crafts and game prizes. Instead of serving lunch for a large group, consider having each child bring a sack lunch.

If you plan to send the kids home with a trinket each day, consider something reusable like relay race water bottles from the dollar store. Other inexpensive ideas include a DVD of the music video they made or an egg carton full of the seedlings they planted.

Putting it all together: All the kids will meet at the first house at the start of camp. The camp counselor should be prepared to start the activity as soon as the kids arrive. Each session should end five minutes before the next hour so that the counselor (or babysitter) can walk the kids to the next house. At the end of the day, each parent will pick up his/her child at the last house. Don’t forget to capture the memories: Take a lot of pictures of the kids at camp. You can find inexpensive photo booth printouts online and at Etsy, or snap candid shots of the kids in action. Make a slide show of the photos to share with the campers on the last day and give everyone a copy. The best thing about a progressive day camp is that you can host a weekly camp or just one day each week for the whole summer. Unlike other camps, these parents will be a part of their child’s camp experience, an advantage that is priceless. v

Example Progressive Camp Today’s Theme: Wild West 9:00 to 10:00: Arts and Crafts at Smith House Make marshmallow shooters 10:00 to 11:00: Cooking and Baking at Yu House Make homemade ice cream 11:00 to 12:00: Outdoor Games at Johnson House Play horseshoes, water gun shooting gallery, rope the horse, sack races 12:00 to 1:00: Lunch and Story Time at Brown House Serve wagon wheel pasta and pigs in a blanket plus homemade ice cream Read: Cowboy Camp by Tammi Sauer 1:00 to 2:00: Music and Dance Time at O’Malley House Learn to square dance Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist and small-business owner. She has been enjoying her teeter-totter life for the past 15 years. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 19

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Te e n a l k T What Your Kids

Wish You Knew!

Caffeine Consumption It is not unusual to see young people clutching coffee cups on their way to morning classes, sipping down brew as they walk— caffeine surging through young bodies to help them get through the first few hours of the a.m. feeling awake and alert. While parental influence is a strong factor, statistics show that the coffee industry manipulates consumers into believing they need a cup of coffee every morning to start their day off strong and refreshed. It is the caffeine that clutches onto our brains, creating the illusion that it is a primary factor that assists in keeping us awake. According to science, caffeine is a strong stimulant that is absorbed into the intestinal tract and blood once ingested. This blood carries extra oxygen to our brains, making us feel more vigilant. Caffeine also directly stimulates the spinal cord and the cortex of the brain. The effects usually begin to peek in thirty minutes to an hour, and after about six hours that rush of energy is nearly dissipated. Although this drink is very helpful in dozens of situations, such as staying up to study for a big exam, it can also have negative effects. The main problem is not the so-called “addiction” of drinking it at least once a day, but it is the levels at which it is being consumed. Higher consumption levels may lead to decreased iron absorption and calcium loss. These can affect our hearts as well as our bones if not regulated. It can leave us feeling fatigued and occasionally irritable. Because of these health issues, it is recommended by health care professionals to limit one’s consumption of coffee to one cup a day.

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A feeling of having a greater attention span from coffee is another reason it has become desirable. According to statistics, 50 percent of the population (roughly 150 million Americans) drink espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, or iced coffees. Clearly, consumption levels among the young have increased because drinks have become sweeter, making the bitter drink more palatable to youth. The amount of sugar being put into these beverages is sometimes surprising, but remember that you can ask for less sweetener, which is advised. When it comes right down to it, there are really two types of people: (1) those who love coffee and everything about it, and (2) those who hate it. My best friend and I are on the side of loving it so much that we drink it as often as we can. In fact I am sipping on a cup of coffee as I write this. Notes:

Sweeter drinks = attraction to the young: http://www.livestrong.com/ article/498467-is-coffee-healthy-for-teens/ http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefitscoffee-teenagers-11248.html http://www.today.com/id/24123703/ns/ today-parenting_and_family/t/coffeenorm-growing-number-children/#. VTG9_9vnZdg

shailey

16 years old - Sophomore

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FAMILY BUILDERS

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FamilyChatter The

Stay connected no matter how busy life gets.

Challenge!

Describe your dream vacation. Who’s with you? Where are you? What are you doing? What are you looking forward to the most about summer vacation? Why? Do you like or dislike playing in the sand? Playing in the water? Do you prefer swimming in a swimming pool or the ocean?

Moms: What are you looking forward to the most about Mother’s Day? What makes you the happiest about being a mom?

Can you think of any volunteer work you can do during the summer that would help your community?

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What are some things you can do around the house for your mother (without being asked) that will make your mother really happy?

What was the most challenging issue you had to struggle with at school this year? Do you feel stronger for seeing it through?

Do you like to read? Summer is great for getting in some good reading. What are some books you’d really like to tackle this summer?

What movies are you looking forward to in the near future or during summer vacation? What excites you the most about these movies?

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Use these questions to spur on great conversations: • At the kitchen table • In the family room • On road trips • By yelling them out loud—out of the blue—just for fun!

Are your family summer vacations light on the family schedule and relaxing, or do you fill your days with too many summer activities?

What is your favorite local recreational activity? How often do you get to do it? More or less during the summer?

Dad: What are you looking forward to the most about Father’s Day? What makes you the happiest about being a dad?

What would be worse during the summer? • Having to take summer school • Having to babysit often • Working a summer job

What kind of chores do you do? Do you have to do more or less chores during the summer?

What types of foods make you think of summer the most? What’s your favorite food?

What are some things you look forward to doing with your dad this summer?

How often do you say “I love you” to your family members? How do you show your love?

Live Laugh Love and Talk Together

What are some home improvement projects you’d like to see happen this summer? How can you help with these projects?

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That’s Good to Know! Information You Can Use! This Edition:

Kids and Exercise When most adults think about exercise, they imagine working out in the gym on a treadmill or lifting weights. But for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or when playing tag.

The Many Benefits of Exercise

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Kids who are active will:

• have stronger muscles and bones • have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat • be less likely to become overweight

Endurance is developed when kids regularly engage in aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly and for extended periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells. Aerobic exercise can be fun for both adults and kids. Examples of aerobic activities include:

• decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

• basketball

• possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels

• bicycling

• soccer

• jogging

• ice-skating

• swimming

• running

• inline

• tennis

• have a better outlook on life Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges—from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.

The Three Elements of Fitness

If you’ve ever watched kids on a playground, you’ve seen the three elements of fitness in action when they:

1. run away from the kid who’s “it” (endurance) 2. cross the monkey bars (strength) 3. bend down to tie their shoes (flexibility) Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all three elements.

skating

• walking

Improving strength doesn’t have to mean lifting weights. Although some kids benefit from weightlifting, it should be done under the supervision of an experienced adult who works with them. But most kids don’t need a formal weight-training program to be strong. Push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises help tone and strengthen muscles. Kids also incorporate strength activities in their play when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids look for opportunities every day to stretch when they try to get a toy just out of reach, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.

The Sedentary Problem

The percentage of overweight and obese kids and teens has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Although many factors contribute Continued on page 37

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10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

R E H y u care Make a list of ten reasons you love her or appreciate her and leave them out for her to find (put a rose or chocolate next to it). Help her complete a major to-do. Take the kids out for breakfast—let her sleep in for a change.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Go on a long walk together—talk about the little things and relax. Go out of your way to do something you normally wouldn’t that helps her. Tell her she’s beautiful and mean it. Don’t just assume she knows you still find her attractive. Thank her often for the many things she does to keep the family going. Train your children to clean up after themselves so mom doesn’t have to. Play a board game with her—just the two of you—relax and have fun. Treat yourselves to a little staycation. Especially when life gets too busy. Take a break, act like a tourist and enjoy life a little. Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HER YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com

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M I H y u care Plan some family-time. Go bowling, go for a hike, a bike ride or to the beach. Give him a “free weekend.” No chores allowed—rest and relaxation only. Help him find fun activities he can do with his children.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Help him relax at the end of a hard day. Watch his favorite TV program together. Take him on a shopping spree—for tools, not dresses. Invite him to help out with making snacks or doing a craft with his kids. Buy him a book you think he’ll like. Take him on a mini-date for ice cream or frozen yogurt. Buy him a new shirt or pants. Guys seldom spend money on themselves for clothes. Help him stay in style!

Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HIM YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com

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SNACKS & CRAFTS Spending time with our children is something we all love to do—snacks and crafts offer a fun, exciting and tasty way to express our creative sides—together!

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Compliments of Miryam Quinn Doblas, M.S. R.D., www.eatgood4life.com

Lemon Ice YOU NEED • 4 Cups Crushed Ice • 2 Cups Healthier Lemon Soda • 1/8 tsp Turmeric Powder, Optional • Few Drops Liquid Stevia, Optional DIRECTIONS • Place all the ingredients in your blender and blend until combined. This will take no longer than 20-30 seconds. • Dish and serve.

This lemon ice is as tasty as it is easy to make!

Cookie Dough-Stuffed PB Fudge

Compliments of Cathy Trochelman, www.lemontreedwelling.com

Cookie Dough INGREDIENTS • 1 Stick Butter, Softened • ½ Tsp. Salt • ¾ Cup Dark Brown Sugar • 2 Tbsp. Milk • 1 Tsp. Vanilla • ½ c. Mini Chocolate Chips • 1 Cup Flour DIRECTIONS • Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla and mix together. • Add flour and salt and mix thoroughly. (Dough will be crumbly.) • Stir in 2 Tbsp. milk and mini chocolate chips. Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla and mix together. • Add flour and salt and mix thoroughly. (Dough will be crumbly.) • Stir in 2 Tbsp. milk and mini chocolate chips. Fudge INGREDIENTS • 16 oz. Vanilla Candiquik, • 1 Can (14 oz.) Sweetened Divided in Half Condensed Milk, Divided in Half • ½ Cup Peanut Butter, • ¼ Cup Mini Chocolate Chips Divided in Half

Creamy peanut butter fudge stuffed to the max with edible chocolate chip cookie dough and topped with mini chocolate chips.

DIRECTIONS • Pour ½ can of sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan and heat slightly over low heat. • Add 8 oz. vanilla Candiquik and ¼ c. peanut butter and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. • Pour into 8 x 8 inch pan that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Refrigerate until firm. • Once firm, spread cookie dough on top of fudge layer and press down completely. • Repeat fudge steps with remaining fudge ingredients; pour melted mixture over cookie dough layer. • Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate. Cut into pieces. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 29

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Compliments of Miryam Quinn Doblas, M.S. R.D., www.eatgood4life.com

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Popsicles YOU NEED • 3 (5.3oz) Blueberry Silk® Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative • 3 (5.3 oz) Vanilla Silk® Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative • 2 tbs Maple Syrup • 1 Cup Organic Blueberries DIRECTIONS • In a large mixing bowl, with a spatula, combine all the ingredients. • Spoon mixture into the popsicle mould. • Insert a wooden stick on each popsicle and freeze for at least 3-4 hours.

These popsicles are easy to make and are a healthy treat for the kids. Who could ask for more?

Compliments of Cathy Trochelman, www.lemontreedwelling.com

Lemon-Raspberry Phyllo Tarts INGREDIENTS • 1 Package (15 count) Mini Phyllo Shells (I used Athens® pre-made shells) • 1 Small Jar Lemon Curd • 1 Small Jar Raspberry Preserves • Sliced Almonds (Optional) • Almond Whipped Cream • 1 Cup whipping Cream • 2 Tbsp. Sugar • ½ tsp. Vanilla • ½ tsp. Almond Extract DIRECTIONS • Fill each phyllo shell with 1 tsp. lemon curd, ½ tsp. raspberry preserves, 1 Tbsp. almond whipped cream, and 1 raspberry. • Garnish with 1-2 sliced almonds (optional).

Almond Whipped Cream INGREDIENTS • 1 Cup Whipping Cream • 2 Tbsp. Sugar • ½ Tsp. Vanilla • ½ Tsp. Almond Extract

DIRECTIONS • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Makes 2 cups.

These tarts are great for a party or a picnic.

30 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Where Learning Meets Imagination!

Join WSRE each Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9 a.m.–noon for hands-on fun, discovery and exploration! Located at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, 351 West Cedar Street.

Discover the world of PBS KIDS, WSRE & Pensacola State College with hands-on learning, technology, smiles, friends and fun! Share stories with friends...

FREE &

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Explore touch-screen technology and PBS KIDS resources!

Have fun with PBS pals!

Engage in professional development, college classes, career training and parent workshops.

Enjoy books, games, puzzles and much more! 4260-0614 WSRE EC AugSept FP ad.indd 1 EC_Parent_May_June_2015.indd 31

wsre.org • (850) 484-1200 6/2/14 2:46 PM 5/3/15 3:26 PM

Homemade Mother’s Day Pot • Plaid® Stencils - Value Packs Letter Stencils 1-1/2” Old School • Plaid Brush Sets - Flats & Rounds Other Supplies • Large Clay pot and saucer

Compliments of www.plaidonline.com

MATERIALS • Apple Barrel® Colors - 2 oz.: White, Black, Bright Yellow • Apple Barrel Colors - 8 oz.: Pink Parfait • Folkart® Brush Sets - Stencil Brush Set, Short Handle

INSTRUCTIONS • Paint clay pot and saucer with Pink Parfait. Let dry. • Squeeze White paint onto paper plate and dip child’s finger into paint. Press fingerprint in a circle pattern to create white flowers as shown. Let dry. • Squeeze Bright Yellow onto plate and dip child’s thumb into paint. Press thumb in center of flowers as shown. Let dry. • Stencil “I Love U” with Black as shown. Let dry. • Paint rim of pot with White, let dry.

Bring a smile to mom’s face with this beautiful flower pot!

MATERIALS • Mod Podge® 7 Piece Tool Kit • Mod Podge Podgeable Designer Charms • Mod Podge Podgeable Papers - Woodland • Plaid® Stencils - Value Packs - Letter Stencils - Genie, 2” • FolkArt® Acrylic Colors Soft Apple, 2 oz. • Mod Podge Gloss, 8 oz. • Mod Podge Craft Glue, 2 oz. Other Supplies • Three 3 ½” wood blocks

• Pencil • Foam plate • Brush Basin or container for water • Fine grit sandpaper • Photo copies of your child’s favorite photos • Waxed paper • Solid color cardstock in color of choice • Assorted small buttons • gems or ribbon bows

INSTRUCTIONS • Lightly sand all sides of each wood block. Basecoat Soft Apple on all six sides using ¾” flat brush. Allow to dry and reapply. • While waiting for basecoat to dry, cut photo copies into 2” squares. Also cut Mod Podge papers into six 3 ¼” squares for each block. • Working one side of a block at a time, brush Mod Podge Gloss onto the wood surface as well as the back side of the Mod Podge paper using a ¾” flat brush. • Center the paper square on the wood block and press in place. Next place a sheet of waxed paper over your papered project surface. Using your Mod Podge squeegee, press and drag the squeegee over the paper from the center towards the edges to remove any excess medium as well as release any air pockets. Remove waxed paper and repeat until each side is papered with the Woodland patterns. Repeat creating all three blocks. • Continue using same techniques to adhere photo copies.

• Using a pencil, trace around Mailbox Stencil letters D A D onto cream colored cardstock and cut out. • Add “D A D” cutouts to top of each block using same Mod Podge techniques. (NOTE: If desired, D A D can also be stenciled directly onto patterned papers. Be sure to use contrasting paint colors so letters are defined.) • Apply a coat or two of Gloss Mod Podge over entire block allowing each application to thoroughly dry before applying next. • Using Craft Glue to add small buttons, gems, metal charms or ribbon bows of your choice.

Compliments of www.plaidonline.com

Father’s Day Photo Blocks

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You Are My Sunshine Photo Frame Compliments of www.plaidonline.com

MATERIALS • Apple Barrel® Colors - 2 oz.: Cool Blue, White, Bright Yellow, Parrot Blue Other Supplies • Medium flat brush • Small round brush • Sandpaper • Square wood frame

The perfect accessory to help brighten up any room in the house or mom’s desk at work.

INSTRUCTIONS • Basecoat entire frame with White and let dry. • Paint blue stripes alternating blue colors. Let dry. • Sand stripes to give it a distressed look. • Using a plate or bowl as a pattern trace a circle for the sun as shown. Paint Sun with Bright Yellow. Let dry. • Dip finger into Yellow paint and repeat around sun to create sunrays. Let dry. • Using small round brush and White, personalize with message “You are my Sunshine” and let dry.

e crafts terials for thes Most of the ma on lin e.com . aid de re d at Pl ca n be ea sil y or looking for nd ou ar e driving Spend less tim fting! d more time cra craft supplies an

This is a great gift idea that will last for many years! Give dad a gift that he can truly use all around the house on those to-do-list jobs he’s always working on.

Compliments of www.plaidonline.com

Fun Father’s Day Ladder Project MATERIALS • Apple Barrel® Colors - 2 oz.: Black, Khaki • Apple Barrel® Colors - Bright Red, 8 oz. • Folkart® Brush Sets - Stencil Brush Set, Short Handle • Plaid® Stencils - Value Packs - Letter Stencils - Plain Jane, 2” • Plaid® Brush Sets - Flats & Rounds Other Supplies • Small wood ladder INSTRUCTIONS • Paint entire ladder with Bright Red, Let dry. • Randomly add loose drybrush strokes to ladder edges with Khaki, this will create a distressed look. Let dry. • Stencil “BEST DAD” with Black as shown. Let dry.

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Teach Your Kids Something New!

This Edition:

Be a Volunteer You’ve seen people in need on the news after a hurricane, earthquake or other disaster. Perhaps you’ve walked past homeless people who are living on the streets. Or maybe you’ve been to an animal shelter and wished you could give every pet a home. So what can you do to help people (or animals) who need it? The answer is—volunteer! Volunteering means spending some of your free time helping others. You may volunteer to help other people, such as the families who lost their homes after a natural disaster. But you can also volunteer to protect animals, the environment, or any other cause that you care about.

Help Yourself by Helping Others

Volunteering helps others, but it can also help you, too. If you’re upset about something that’s happened—like a hurricane or other disaster—doing something about it can be a great way to cope with your feelings. Volunteering also lets you see your own life in new ways. Sometimes it’s easy to worry about stuff like grades or get annoyed because you don’t have the most expensive sneakers or the newest computer game. Volunteering lets you spend some time focusing on others for a while. Lots of people—and kids—find that they really enjoy volunteering. Volunteer experiences often put you in a different environment and expose you to people and situations that you wouldn’t have come across in your regular life. For instance, you might learn that just on the edge of your town are some kids who really need winter clothes. It feels good to be able to meet a need like that. You’ll know that, thanks to you, some kids have warm coats, hats, mittens and boots.

So whether it’s winter clothes, food for the hungry, or homes for unwanted pets, doing volunteer work means one very important thing: You make a difference in the world. So where do you start?

Getting Started

Some of you may already know about volunteering and service through 4H, Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts. Religious organizations, like churches, synagogues and mosques, also organize volunteer and charity work. School is another good place to start if you’re looking for volunteer ideas. Ask a teacher, school counselor, or librarian for ideas. Your local parks department also might have some suggestions for how kids can volunteer. Some places want volunteers who are 12 or even older, depending on the job. Often kids start volunteering by working alongside their parents. For instance, you might be too young to prepare food at a soup kitchen, but if your parents volunteer there you might be able to go along and pitch in. One girl who sent us an email said she helps out at a soup kitchen by playing cards with the homeless people who eat there. “It’s nice to see them smile,” said Sammy, 13.

Things to Do with Parents or Family Members

Volunteering is a great way to have fun with your family. Talk to your parents, brothers or sisters and see what they might be interested in doing. Find something you all agree on. Here are some ideas for things you can do as a family—or with a group that has adult supervision: Clean up a park or along a river. Plant trees or flowers in your local community. Serve food at a homeless shelter.

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Deliver meals to people who are elderly or ill at home. Clean up a school or other public building. Count wildlife or plants for environmental groups.

Invent Your Own Opportunity

Kids also can come up with their own ways to raise money or provide needed services. Here are some ideas: Make and sell products and donate the money to charity. Carly, 11, and her sister Molly, 13, raised almost $10,000 for the American Cancer Society by selling honey at farmer’s markets and fairs. Collect or earn money for charity. Talia, 10, trick-or-treated for donations to Hurricane Katrina victims; Kyra, 11, donated the money she made pet-sitting to a local animal shelter. Start your own charity group. Three sisters, ages 8, 11 and 14, started Project Backpack to help kids who were evacuated after hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Some schools now require kids to spend some time in service to others. Why? Because grown-ups hope kids will become caring people who see the value in giving of their time, talents and resources (like money, toys, or clothes they might donate). Volunteering gives kids a taste of responsibility because people are depending on them for something important. Volunteering also can help kids learn important stuff about themselves—like what kinds of things they’re best at and enjoy the most. A volunteer job can even help some kids decide what they want to do when they grow up. So what are you waiting for? Make a plan to start volunteering today!

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• Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself so that you’ll be a positive role model for your family. • Keep it fun so that you can count on your kids to come back for more. Figure 1.0

Age

Minimum Daily Activity

Comments

Infant

No specific requirements

Physical activity should encourage motor development

1½ hours

30 minutes planned physical activity and 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)

Preschooler

2 hours

60 minutes planned physical activity and 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)

School age

1 hour or more

Break up into bouts of 15 minutes or more

Continued from page 24

to this epidemic, children are becoming more sedentary. In other words, they’re sitting around a lot more than they used to. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 8- to 18-year-olds watch about 4.5 hours of television a day. And the average kid spends 7 hours on all screen media combined (TV, videos and DVDs, computer time outside of schoolwork, and video games). One of the best ways to get kids to be more active is to limit the amount of time spent in sedentary activities, especially watching TV or playing video games. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends these limits on screen time:

Toddler

• kids under age 2 should watch no TV at all • kids older than 2 should be restricted to just 1-2 hours a day of quality programming

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Parents should make sure that their kids get enough exercise. So, how much is enough? Kids and teens should get 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) offers these activity guidelines (see figure 1.0) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers: Infants and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time—no more than 1 hour unless they’re sleeping. And schoolage children should not be inactive for periods longer than 2 hours.

Raising Fit Kids

Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for raising fit kids:

• Help your kids participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities. • Establish a regular schedule for physical activity. • Incorporate activity into daily routines, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

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FAMILY

FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Welcome to a More Exciting Life! No matter how busy you find yourself these days, you might want to make your to-do lists in pencil rather than pen. With the Emerald Coast’s year-round sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, the stage has been set once again for an abundant year of festivals, concerts and special events. We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Don’t miss out on life just because you didn’t know what was happening. Enjoy!

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separately. For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Abrakadoodle Art Class, Summer Camp

Every Tues. and Thurs. in June (9:00 - 11:00 am) For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www. ecscience.org.

Gulf Coast Adventure Summer Camp Tues, June 16 – Thurs, June 18

Explore the area around you as you learn about Florida’s beautiful gulf coast. Morning Camp: 9:00-12:00pm; Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm; Afternoon Camp: 1:00-4:00pm. Students will need to pack a lunch for all camps. Snacks are provided for all camps and classes. Please wear closed-toed shoes. For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Spots for Tots

Tues-Thurs (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) 2-5 years old. These camps are separate for certain age groups and are priced separately. For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www. ecscience.org.

Young Rembrandts Art Class

Every Wed. in June (9:30 - 10:30 am) Art classes will run at the scheduled times during morning camps. They are included in the price of camp. For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Build It, Summer Camp

Tues, June 23 – Thurs, June 25 Ever wonder how things are built? Come learn the science of engineering! Morning Camp: 9:00-12:00pm; Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm; Afternoon Camp: 1:00-4:00pm. Students will need to pack a lunch for all camps. Snacks are provided for all camps and classes. Please wear closed-toed shoes. For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

ADSO’s Kids’ Summer Camp

Mon, June 22 (9:30 am) – Fri, June 26

Superhero Summer Camp, June Sessions Tues, June 9 - June 11 - E. C. Science Center

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a superhero! Come explore the wonderful world of science fiction’s most beloved characters. Morning Camp: 9:00-12:00pm; Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm; Afternoon Camp: 1:00-4:00pm. Students will need to pack a lunch for all camps. Snacks are provided for all camps and classes. Please wear closed-toed shoes. For further information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Friday LEGO Workshops

Fri, June 12 and Fri, June 26 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) Children ages 8-13. Note: These camps are separate for certain age groups and are priced

The Arts and Design Society again offers the opportunity for children to participate in creating visual arts in its summer Kids’ Art Camp. Classes begin on Monday with clay artistry and feature a different medium each day, including drawing, painting, and other media. Each week ends with an art show and reception for the families, during the second half of Friday’s class. There are two June sessions of the camp, organized by age groups. Session 1: Ages 6 - 8, June 22-26, 9:3011:30am; Session 2: Ages 9-13, June 22-26, 1:00-3:00pm. The cost for each of the weeklong sessions is $70 per child ($60 for the children of ADSO members). Pre-registration is required by Friday, June 19 for June Sessions. Classes will be held at the ADSO Art Center, 17 First Street, SE, FWB. For further information or to register, call 244-1271, or visit www. artsdesignsociety.org.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

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Cinco de Mayo Fest

Sat, May 2 (11:00 am) - HarborWalk Village Viva la Fiesta! Join HarborWalk Village for a day of vibrant Latin music, food, dance, artistry, and more. Get ready to run with the annual Running of the Bulls. Local roller derby women will don red shirts and bull horns and chase the running crowd through HarborWalk Village. Runners are encouraged to wear a white shirt, white pants or shorts and a red bandanna or piece of red cloth around the waste and neck. An alarm will sound to alert the runners that the corral gate is open. A second alarm will signal that all “Roller Derby Bulls” have been released. Then grab your friends for the annual Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl. Enjoy great drink specials all night long at all the fiesta stops. Then at 9pm, look out for the fireworks show! Stay and play rates available at Emerald Grande. For reservations or more information, call 855-421-3127.

Join Us for Our Mother’s Day Event

SEASONAL

be numerous food choices. Reservations are required; call 850-424-0622.

Memorial Day Concert Celebration

Sat, May 23 – Sun, May 24 (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm) HarborWalk Village This weekend celebration will rock with a live concert by Flash Flood Saturday, May 23. The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy DEPARTURE: The Journey Tribute Band LIVE Sunday, May 24! Celebrate with a vibrant fireworks display after Sunday’s concert! For more information, visit www.emeraldgrande.com

27th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 10 - Grand Boulevard

More than 125 juried fine artists exhibiting in over a dozen mediums will fill Grand Boulevard’s Town Center for three days, along with great live music, live art demonstrations, food and beverages, and Imagination (where kids rule). For more information, visit www. ArtsQuestFlorida.com.

Sat, May 9 (10:00 am) – E. C. Science Center

Mother’s Day Brunch

Bring the entire family and treat Mom to a day full of her favorite things. Enjoy creative cuisine, outstanding service, and breathtaking views overlooking the Destin Harbor at 10:00am on the second floor of HarborWalk Village. There’s no better place to make a memory with Mom and the whole family. Adults $26; children $13. There will

20th Annual Concerts in the Village music concert series Thurs, May 7 - July 2 - Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village

The come-as-you-are music showcase staged in the heart of Destin’s Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village has become a popular summertime tradition for Northwest Florida locals and visitors. For more information, call 850-650-2226 or visit www. mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

27th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 10 - Grand Boulevard

More than 125 juried fine artists exhibiting in a dozen mediums will fill Grand Boulevard’s Town Center, along with great live music, live art demonstrations, food and beverages. For more information, visit www.ArtsQuestFlorida.com.

I AM - The Calling Christian Dance Company Annual Concert Thurs, May 14 (6:30 pm) - Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center

The Calling is a contemporary Christian Dance company and ministry dedicated to spreading the gospel message of Christ through dance. For more information, call 850-650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

Roots and Wings from 10:00am to 2:00pm here at the Science Center. Call 850-621-6340 or visit The Science Center for more information.

Sun, May 10 (10:00 am - 2:00 pm) Emerald Grande

THE ARTS

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

ArtWalk on the Harbor

Sun, May 17 (11:00 am - 4:00 pm) HarborWalk Village Each month HarborWalk Village transforms into a mini art district. Every third Sunday, artists come out to showcase their vibrant and creative artwork, ranging from traditional to contemporary art, jewelry, paintings, and more.

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Emerald Coast Science Center Open House and Ribbon Cutting Wed, May 14 (4:00 pm - late) - Emerald Coast Science Center

Emerald Coast Father-Daughter Princesses Dance

Fri, May 29 (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm) - Niceville Community Center Come with your father, grandfather, uncle to dance the night away! All proceeds will be donated to Horizons of Okaloosa County. Reservations are required to attend. RSVP by May 28. Refreshments and candy table! Complimentary photo booth! Photo opportunities with the “Enchanted Princess.” Party gifts include tiaras, wands and corsages. Admission: $20.00 donation at the door. Additional princesses $10.00. For any questions regarding the event, please call Amanda Curtin at 850-461-7573 or Elizabeth Rambow at 850-499-3390.

For more information, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Friends Guild of the Destin Library, Inc., Movie Night: The Theory of Everything Tues, May 19 (4:00 pm) - Destin Library

The Friends Guild of the Destin Library, Inc., will sponsor a monthly movie night featuring independent films and documentaries on the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 4:00pm. The film series may occasionally feature a foreign film. The Friends Guild’s goal is to provide area residents with the opportunity to view films that are in limited release and/or unlikely to be presented in local theaters. The next film of the series will be offered on Tuesday, May 19. The program is free and open to the public. Films are unrated and directed toward mature audiences. Seating will be limited to 30 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Little Pirates Parade at First City Bank

Sat, May 30 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm) – First City Bank, Fort Walton Beach

The Science of Beer

Fri, May 29 - Grayton Beer Brewery Join us as we partner with Grayton Beer Brewery and learn how the frosty beverage is made. (Adults only.) For more information, call 850-664-1261.

On May 30, First City Bank is resurrecting the Little Pirates Parade. They are encouraging families to dress up their little pirates and bring them down to the First City Bank at 135 Perry Ave. from 10am–12 pm. Captain Billy Bowlegs and his crew will be there to judge the best costume for three age groups: Ages 3 and under; Ages 4–7; Ages 8–12. The parade will begin at 10:30 so make sure to come early! All children, with their parent or guardian, need to register for the parade either

the day of the event or pre-register at this site. Captain Billy will be bringing the mobile William Augustus Bowles Pirate Museum for everyone to tour and will also have the Bowlegs Pirate Ship the BlackHawk (alias parade float) for all to see. There will be hot dogs, popcorn, music, bounce house and face painting. There will also be a photographer to take your pirate photo and tattoos galore!

Kid’s Downtown Pirate Walk

Thurs, June 4 (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) - Downtown Fort Walton Beach The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Merchants’ Association and the Downtown Businesses will be hosting the “Children’s Pirate Walk Downtown” on Thursday, June 4, from 4 to 6pm. Scallywags are welcome to trick-or-treat pirate-style throughout downtown Fort Walton Beach to kick off the Billy Bowlegs festivities!

60th Annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade Mon, June 8 (7:00 pm) - Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Come and join us for the WindCreek Hospitality Torchlight Parade! By popular demand, the parade has been moved back to Monday night - so please come out and enjoy the parade!

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RUNS, WALKS & MORE ABWA Poker Run

Sat, May 16 – Check Online for Times a nd Ports of Call Ahoy Mateys! Grab your friends and register now for the 22nd Annual ABWA Billy Bowlegs Boat Poker Run on Saturday, May 16. The fun begins and ends at the Shalimar Yacht Basin. Visit ports on the map then play your hand for thousands of dollars in prizes at the big celebration party. Proceeds provide professional development programs and scholarships for local youth. We need sponsors and participants! Check in: Friday, May 15, 11am to 6pm at Shalimar Yacht Basin to pick up Captains Packets, including your hands. Visit www.boatpokerrun.com for more info.

Relay for Life of Niceville Valparaiso

Fri, May 1 (6:00 pm) – Sat, May 2 (6:00 am) Niceville High School A 12-hour event to benefit the American Cancer Society that unites people in communities around the globe to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember loved ones lost, and to fight back against the disease. At the event, teams of people or individuals take turns walking around the track. Food, fun and lots of music/activities are done throughout the night as our community comes together to take part in raising much needed funds and awareness to help finish the fight against cancer. Thanks to Relay for Life participants like you, we are creating a world with more birthdays - a world where cancer never steals another year of anyone’s life.

14th Annual Family Business Golf Tournament

Wed, May 6 (8:00 am - 1:00 pm) - Shalimar Pointe Golf Club The Special Forces Association would like to invite you to join us for our 14th Annual Family Business Golf Tournament on May 6. Check in time is 8:00 am and tee off is at 9:00 am. There will be four players per team and if you don’t have four people for a team we’ll team you up! You can sign up online on our website (www.sfa7.com) or you can mail in your application to Sam Smith. Email it to Sam Smith, sfach7treasurer@gmail.com. The last day to register teams will be May 5. Thank you and we hope to see you there!

NWFLC Charity 5K Run/Walk Benefiting Building Homes for Heroes Fri, May 8 (7:00 am) - Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Come be a hero at the NWFLC Charity 5K Run/ Walk Benefiting Building Homes for Heroes

ECAR Sponsors Golf Tournament to Benefit Emerald Coast Toys for Tots

to show your support for wounded warriors Friday, May 8. Registration will start at 7:00am, followed by the race at 8:00am. A breakfast will be provided immediately after the event. For registration or for more information, visit www.active.com.

Sat, May 30 (10:00 am) - Eglin Golf Course in Niceville Hold on to the Christmas spirit year round! ECAR is hosting a golf tournament May 30 at the Eglin Golf Course in Niceville to benefit Emerald Coast Toys for Tots. Registration will begin at 10am, followed by lunch and a silent auction at 11am and a shotgun start at 12:30pm. To register for the tournament, visit www.mkt.com/emerald-coast-associationof-realtors. For more information about sponsoring or golfing, contact Kim Kirschling at kim@ecaor.com or call 850-243-6145.

10th Annual Helen Back Golf Classic

Fri, May 15 (11:00 am) - Fort Walton Beach Municipal Golf Course The 10th Annual Helen Back Golf Classic is in full swing. Help us raise lots of money for the Emerald Coast Foundation while taking shots and having our balls washed- oh yeah, there will also be some golfing. 11:00am check-in; lunch provided by Golden Corral catering; 12:00pm shotgun start; 6:00pm awards, free pizza and beer at the Island. For more information, visit us online.

Fairway to Heaven Golf Tournament

Fri, June 12 (1:00 pm) - Shalimar Pointe Golf Club

12th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic

Fri, May 15 – Sat, May 16 – Eglin Golf Course The Air Force Enlisted Village’s local fundraising event will be held May 15-16 at the Eglin Golf Course in Niceville. Registration is open online at www.afev.us/GolfClassic or by calling 850-651-3766. Proceeds from this event benefit the Air Force Enlisted Village. Play begins on Friday, May 15 at noon on the Eagle course. Golfers will play the Eagle again on Saturday, May 16 with an 8:30am start; a barbeque awards luncheon will immediately follow. There will be prizes for the winning teams in three flights: a Longest Drive contest, a Closest to the Pin contest, and an opportunity for hole-in-one prizes. The twoday tournament is $150 per person and golfers will receive green fees, golf cart, range tokens, commemorative coin, goody bag, on-course refreshments and lunch for both days. For more information, call 850- 651-3766.

Fourth annual fundraiser golf tournament. All proceeds go to help support Trinity’s mission outreach programs, such as our daily bread soup kitchen, which serves approximately 30,000 meals a year. Tee off at 1:00pm with a scramble format. Prizes for closest to pin, hole-in-one, and team prizes as well. Hors d’oeuvres served after the tournament. A free entry will be given away at the Chamber’s First Friday breakfast in May. Contact Edwin Watts at 651-5604, or Duane Keck at 240-8347 for information.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

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RECURRING LOCAL

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Wednesday Night Concert Series Baytowne Wharf

Baytowne Wharf is welcoming back their Wednesday night concert series, with concerts every Wednesday night. The shows are from 7:00-9:00 pm, and are free to the public. For updates and more information, please call or visit us online.

Gallery Night

(5:00pm) - Seville Quarter

Opportunity Place

During Gallery Night Art in the Streets Fridays, you can expect to see crowded streets and plenty of people at Seville Quarter in Pensacola. It starts at 5:00 pm, and there will be lots of local art in front of the historical complex. Seville Quarter has invited over 70 local artists and vendors to showcase their work on Artist Row. With live music, a festive atmosphere, food, shopping and art, there will be something for everyone. For updates and more information, please call 850-434-6211.

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Art Show Fort Walton Beach Arts Center

Florosa Fire Department

The Arts and Design Society’s “Give Us Your Best Shot!” Show is scheduled for Fridays, from 6 until 8 pm. The exhibition features works, in any medium, that artists consider their best. Gallery hours are noon until 4 pm on Tuesday through Friday, and 1 until 4 pm on Saturday. Admission is free and open to the public. For updates and more information, please call 850-244-1271.

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Early Release Day Movie Series at Destin Library Destin Library

The Destin Library’s Youth Services Department has scheduled Early Release School Day Movie dates aimed at students in grades 3 through 5. The program is designed to connect popular children’s movies with available themed reading materials on the same topic or genre at the library. Movie selections will be announced prior to the scheduled movie date.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

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RESOURCE

DIRECTORY Planes, trains & automobiles. . . and everything else in between! The Emerald Coast has a wealth of attractions for all those who visit or call the coast home. It’s amazing just how much there is to do if you embrace your adventurous spirit and simply explore your own backyard. Whether you're looking to plan a field trip or just a fun family outing, there's always something to look forward to on the Emerald Coast. Here are just a few ideas for places to visit. And don’t forget to send us your favorites! info@itsyourmagazine.com

Wesley Mansion Welcome to Eden Gardens State Park The focal point of this 161-acre park is the beautifully renovated, two-story Wesley house with its elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. The moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens inspire visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. Named after a wealthy Florida timber family, the park is part of the family's estate. The house holds the second largest known collection of Louis XVI furniture in the United States. Visitors can also take a stroll along the grounds and enjoy the picnic area. 181 Eden Gardens Road Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 850-267-8320 www.floridastateparks.org/ EdenGardens/

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS Sheriff & Police Okaloosa County Sheriff �� 850-651-7400

Libraries Destin ��850-837-8572 www.readokaloosa.org/details_destin.html

Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-833-9590 www.readokaloosa.org/details_destin.html

www.sheriff-okaloosa.org

Walton County Sheriff �� 850-892-8186

Walton ��850-267-2809 www.focbl.com or www1.youseemore.com/ walton/about.asp?p=22

www.waltonso.org

Bay County Sheriff ��850-747-4700 www.bayso.org

Escambia County Sheriff �� 850-436-9580 www.escambiaso.com

Santa Rosa County Sheriff �� 850-983-1100 www.santarosasheriff.org

Navarre �� 850-981-7323 www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries

Crestview �� 850-682-4432 www.cityofcrestview.org/library.htm

Niceville �� 850-279-4863 www.cityofniceville.org/library.html

Ft. Walton Beach Police �� 850-833-9546 www.fwb.org

Panama City Beach Police �� 850-233-5000 www.beachpolice.org

Florida HWY Patrol �� 800-665-2794 www.flhsmv.gov/fhp

Florida Poison Control �� 800-222-1222 www.fpicn.org

US Coast Guard ��850-244-7147 www.uscg.mil/d8/stadestin

Fire Department Destin ��850-837-8413 www.destinfire.com

Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-833-9565 www.fwb.org/fire

South Walton ��850-267-1298 www.swfd.org

Navarre �� 850-939-5236 www.hnfd.org

Niceville ��850-897-3689 www.northbayfd.org

Chambers of Commerce Destin ��850-837-6241 www.destinchamber.com

Navarre ��850-939-3267 www.navarrechamber.com

Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-244-8191 www.fwbchamber.org

Walton County ��850-267-0683 www.waltonareachamber.com

Niceville �� 850-678-2323 www.nicevillechamber.com

Crestview �� 850-682-3212 www.crestviewchamber.com

Pensacola �� 850-438-4081 www.pensacolachamber.com

Panama City Beach �� 850-235-1159 www.pcbeach.org

Museums Air Force Armament �� 850-651-1808

Crestview �� 850-682-6121 www.crestviewfl.org

www.afarmamentmuseum.com

Destin History & Fishing ��850-837-6611

Panama City Beach �� 850-872-3053 www.pcbfire.com

Medical Centers & Hospitals Destin Emergency Care ��850-837-9194 www.fwbmc.com/our-services/destinemergency-care-center.dot

www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org

Indian Temple Mound Museum �� 850-833-9595 www.trailoffloridasindianheritage.org

Heritage Museum of NW FL �� 850-678-2615 www.heritage-museum.org

Walton County Heritage ��850-951-2127

Ft. Walton Beach Medical �� 850-863-7610 www.fwbmc.com

N. Okaloosa Medical Center �� 850-689-8100 www.northokaloosa.com

www.waltoncountyheritage.org

Wesley Mansion �� 850-231-4214

White Wilson Medical-Destin ��850-837-3848 White Wilson Medical-Ft. Walton �� 850-863-8100

Post Offices

www.sacredheartemerald.org

Emerald Coast Urgent Care �� 850-654-8878 www.emeraldcoasturgentcare.com

Niceville Twin Cities �� 850-678-4131 tchospital.com

Navarre Baptist �� 850-939-4888 www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/BMPNavarre

View a large collection of antique fishing rods and reels. The most unique is constructed of split bamboo with an original Penn Reel that belonged to Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy vintage photographs of early Destin settlers, boat captains and much more. Tues. 10:00 am–4:00 pm Wed. 10:00 am–4:00 pm Thurs. 10:00 am–4:00 pm Fri. 10:00 am–4:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am–4:00 pm Admission Fees: Adults $5 Seniors & Military $4 Children $3; Children under 6 are Free Destin History & Fishing Museum 108 Stahlman Ave. Destin, FL 32541 850-837-6611 www.destinhistoryand fishingmuseum.org

www.ecscience.org

white-wilson.com white-wilson.com

Experience the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with an awardwinning exhibit of fish caught in Destin.

www.floridastateparks.org/EdenGardens

Emerald Coast Science Center �� 850-644-1261

Sacred Heart �� 850-278-3000

Destin History & Fishing

www.usps.com

Destin ��850-837-6312 Ft. Walton Beach �� 850-244-2625 South Walton �� 850-269-1186 Navarre �� 850-939-0381 Niceville �� 850-678-2021 Crestview �� 850-682-2634

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Public Transportation

Delta �� 800-221-1212

Okaloosa County Transit ��850-833-9168 www.rideoct.org

Mid Bay Bridge ��850-833-7562 www.mid-bay.com

United Airlines �� 800-864-8331

Movie Theaters

AMC Destin Commons 14 ��850-650-4579 At the Destin Commons Mall

Cinema Plus ��850-302-0129 Downtown FWB

Lively 10 ��850-654-2992 Off of Hwy 98 in Destin

Regal Sun Plaza ��850-244-4252

Air Force Armament Experience the aviation warfare armament from the early days of World War I right through to today's high tech planes and bombs. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of weaponry and interactive displays that will amaze and intrigue. Outside displays include vintage military aircraft including the fastest plane ever built—the SR-71 Blackbird! Admission is FREE and all are welcome! Mon. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Tues. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Wed. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Thurs. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Fri. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Sat. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Sun. Closed Air Force Armament Museum 100 Museum Dr. Eglin AFB, FL 32542 850-651-1808 www.afarmamentmuseum.com

www.delta.com Service may be provided by Delta or a Delta Connection carrier. Provides nonstop service daily to Atlanta, GA (ATL).

Mary Esther Cutoff

UA Santa Rosa 10 ��850-243-5260 At the Santa Rosa Mall in FWB

Radio Stations

www.united.com Express Jet provides nonstop service to Houston, TX (IAH).

US Airways �� 800-428-4322 www.usairways.com Provides non-stop daily service to Charlotte, NC (CLT) and Washington, DC (DCA).

Southwest �� 1-800-I-FLY-SWA / 800-435-9792 www.southwest.com Provides non-stop flights daily to and from Baltimore, MD (BWI), Houston, TX (HOU), Nashville, TN (BNA), and Orlando, FL (MCO) with connecting service to international destinations.

AirTran ��800-Air-Tran / 800-247-8726

1120 AM – Progressive Talk 1260 AM – Fox News Talk 1340 AM – ESPN Sports 91.1 FM – Contemporary Christian 92.1 FM – Oldies 93.3 FM – Adult Contemporary 95.3 FM – Talk Radio–Local Crestview 98.1 FM – Country 99.5 FM – Rock 102.1 FM – Classic Rock 103.1 FM – Adult Contemporary 105.5 FM – Country 106.3 FM – Smooth Jazz 107.3 FM – Classic Rock

www.airtran.com 3 Daily Flights to Atlanta with 351 seats.

Rental Cars

Avis ��800-331-1212 Enterprise ��800-261-7331 National �� 877-222-9058 Budget �� 800-527-0700 Hertz ��800-654-3131

Airports NW Florida Regional Airport - VPS ��850-651-7160 www.flyvps.com

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport–Panama City Beach ��850-763-6751 www.iflybeaches.com

Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional ��850-436-5000 www.flypensacola.com

Destin Airport ��850-651-7160 www.flydts.com

Crestview Airport - Bob Sikes ��850-651-7160 www.flycew.com

Airlines American Eagle ��800-433-7300 www.aa.com Provides non-stop service to Dallas, TX (DFW).

It’s our goal to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. If we have omitted any resource you feel could be useful to our community of readers, please feel free to send us your recommendations at: info@itsyourmagazine.com

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