Pensacola Magazine May 2014

Pensacola • Your City • Your Magazine

May 2014

SUMMER C AMPS LEARN • P LAY • GROW

Y OU ’ RE I NVITED A LOCAL BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

CHILD’S PLAY

CLIMB, SLIDE AND SWING THROUGH SUMMER

Pensacola Kids 2014 Cover Winner Blakely Kate Richardson

CHALK IT UP! • FOOD FOR THOUGHT • PMA BRINGS ART IN THE PARK • TOYING WITH ART: LEGO COMES TO THE PMA

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editor’s note > my two cents on the subject

This month I’ve learned that Pensacola has a lot of cute kids and an equal number of proud mamas and papas. We received so many great submissions for our inaugural Pensacola Kids cover contest and choosing a cover was no easy task. In doing so, we had to keep size, orientation and resolution in mind.

And of course, we were looking for an image that really spoke to being a Pensacola kid specifically. Many parents sent in lovely photos, and in the end we chose a photo that we felt fit the Pensacola Kid experience—an adorable, happy child spending the day sailing, what could be more Pensacola? So, congratulations to Blakely Kate Richardson and photographer Patsy Brown on winning this year’s Pensacola Kid Cover Contest!

Also in this annual edition, we have a comprehensive listing of upcoming summer camps to help keep your kid healthy and sharp all summer long.

We’ve also compiled a birthday party guide with information on some of the best spots for celebrating your child’s yearly milestone. And, be sure to check out our profiles of some of the best playgrounds in town, then head out and discover some of them for yourself!

The parenting issue of Pensacola Magazine always marks my anniversary as Executive Editor here at Ballinger Publishing. It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years! I was pregnant with my daughter at the time and now she is a precious and precocious six year old. Time surely does fly. Speaking of my daughter, Ballinger employees were unable to submit photos for the contest, but if we could, I would have submitted these photos of my amazing daughter and my adorable nephew (hey, I have to do my bragging mom and aunt bit and get them in here somewhere!).

Lola Oden (center) with Ava and Ella McCall

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

Michael Jet Rosburg

As always, I hope you enjoy the issue and the upcoming summer season with your family.

Pick up any of our magazines at one of these fine locations: Barnes and Noble Bookseller 1200 Airport Blvd.

Pensacola, FL 32504 850-969-9554 Family Christian Stores 1520 Airport Blvd.

Pensacola, FL 32504 850-474-9324

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Ever’man Natural Foods 315 W. Garden St. Pensacola, FL 32501 850-438-0402 Varona’s Airport Gift Shop Area Books-A-Million Area Walmart Stores

Subscription Expiration Date is printed on the address label.

Renew your subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.

CONTENTS FEATURES

28.

10. Pensacola Kids Cover Entries 28. Child’s Play Climb, Slide and Swing Through Summer 33. You’re Invited: A Birthday Party Guide 38. Learn, Play and Grow at Local Summer Camps 44. Five Questions with Colleen Kelly

DEPARTMENTS 12. PLAY Events & Adventures

16. GIVE Nonprofit News

18. SHOP Local Style

33.

38.

20. LIVE Art, Music & Culture

24. BOOKS UWF Book Club

26. FOOD Food For Thought

46. REPEATS Pensacola Scene

20.

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Cover Winner: Blakely Kate Richardson Photo by Patsy Brown

May 2014 PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com PM EDITOR

KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS, II guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY josh@ballingerpublishing.com EDITORIAL INTERNS

JEANESSA GANTT LARSEN LIEN SALES & MARKETING

SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com

OWNERS

MALCOLM & GLENYS BALLINGER PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER • malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR

KELLY ODEN •kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON • rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS II • guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO •emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY •josh@ballingerpublishing.com SALES & MARKETING SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com SIMONE SANDS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com WEBSITE:

WWW.BALLINGERPUBLISHING.COM

EDITORIAL OFFICES 41 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 402 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32502 850-433-1166 • FAX 850-435-9174

PUBLISHED BY BALLINGER PUBLISHING:

Member of:

NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2014

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Sponsored by: Cover Winner: 1st Runner Up

Blakely Kate Richardson Photo by Patsy Brown

Abram Waldrop Photo by Burgundy H. Photography

Payton Housam

Anna Norris

Brett and Brooklyn Shelby Photo by Beth Shelby

Brooke Wagner, Kate Chad Bonner Bradley and Kara Photo by Deanie Wagner Photo by Ashley Wagner Sexton Photography

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2nd Runner Up

Berkeley and Miller Morris Photo by Jeanna Morris

Jessica and James Ludvigsen Photo by Tim Ludvigsen

Blakely Kate Richardson Photo by Patsy Brown

Braelyn Thomas Photo by Children's Photography

Emily Holmes Photo by Christine Holmes

Emory Rose Henry

Ian Johnson

Emma VanSchaick

Joy Szczepanski Photo by Becca Benson

Lauren Bonner

Lucy Russell

Lukas Pack Photo byGreg Pack

Maci Glenn-Moore Photo by April Glenn

Sarah Jane Stephenson Photo by Laci Green

Cooper Stephens Photo by Laci Green

Mia and Bridget Taylor

Ryan Mayes, Liam Longsworth, Bella Mayes, Neriah Vann, Zane Longsworth, Isaiah Godwin Photo by Lauren Southern-Godwin

Saige and Piper Pharr Photo by Tricia Pharr

Sailor and Louie Waters Photo by Brigette Walters

Ty Caraway-Appleby Photo byLinzi Appleby

Zach Rodriguez Photo by Doug Rodriguez

ZoeĚˆ Renee Schuck Photo by Tara Schuck

Peyton and Spencer Cristofoletti Photo by Timothy Cristofoletti

Riley and Aidan Smith

Sophia Fox Photo by Trey Photography

Rylen McConnell Photo by Jay Brindley

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PLAY

Chalk It Up!

The Third Annual Chalk It Up! Pensacola Chalk It Up Art Festival will be held on Saturday, May 10 at Commendencia Slip in downtown Pensacola from 8 am until 5 pm. The event is put on by the non-profit group Chalk It Up! Pensacola, which uses funds raised by the festival to support local charities in the Northwest Florida area. This year’s event will benefit Pensacola MESS (Math, Engineering, Science and Stuff) Hall.

Artists may register until May 7, the Wednesday before the event. There are two divisions: teams and individuals, and there will be three categories for artwork. Each participating artist is assigned a designated art space and given one box of chalk in various colors. Artists are then allowed four hours to create a sidewalk masterpiece. There will be prizes awarded in several student and non-student categories. Categories for this year are Time Out Pensacola!, a category to showcase Pensacola leisure time activities; It’s All Geek to Me, a category dedicated to depictions of some aspect of technological disciplines; and Off the Wall and Onto the Sidewalk, an artists’ choice category.

Festival goers will be able to stroll along behind the artists and watch as they create their artwork, visit vendors and exhibit areas, and participate in a silent auction. There will also be a kid’s area that will provide interactive activities for children.

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ATLAS BEVERAGE C LASSES AT

THE

FISH HOUSE D ECK

5/1 Atlas Oyster House presents the next installment of Atlas Beverage Classes (A.B.C.). This semester will feature handcrafted beers, two featured spirit brands, and now cocktails with beverage director Josh Goldman, each paired with small plates. Classes are held on the Deck Bar the first Thursday of the month and will feature a presenter for four tastings. Classes begin at 6 pm and cost is $20 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The May 1 class will feature A Taste of Tequila. Reservations are required. Call 516-2324 to reserve a seat.

âž B

LUE

ANGEL P RACTICES

5/6, 7, 13, 27 The Blue Angels will perform practice air shows over Pensacola Naval Air Station most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings starting in March at 11:30 am, with autograph sessions with the pilots inside the National Naval Aviation Museum on most Wednesdays. Admission to the Blue Angel practices is free and open to the public. The viewing area for the Blue Angels practice is located behind the National Naval Aviation Museum. Bleachers are available for seating about 1,000 people. Viewers can also bring their own lawn chairs, hats, sunscreen and water. For more information, visit blueangels.navy.mil.

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★ IFSLAND IGHTS 28

ALL P RO MMA AT P ENSACOLA BAY C ENTER

BLUE W AHOOS HOME G AMES

N ATIONAL A VIATION SYMPOSIUM AT N AVAL A VIATION M USEUM

The third season of Blue Wahoos May home games: baseball is under May 5-9 vs. way! Take Chattanooga yourself out to Lookouts the ballgame May 15-19 vs.

Jacksonville Suns to cheer on May 21-25 vs.

Pensacola’s Birmingham Barons newest home May 31-June 4 vs. team, the Jacksonville Suns Pensacola Blue Wahoos at the glorious Maritime Park baseball field. Home games for this month are listed above. For more information and game times check out bluewahoos.com.

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5/9 Roy Jones Jr’s Square Ring Promotions and Island Fights is back at the Pensacola Bay Center on May 9 with their biggest fight card to date. The main event will feature two colossal heavyweights, Pensacola’s Dillon “Bad Boy” Cleckler vs. Johnathan “The Leg Lock Monster” Ivey. The co-main event will feature Chris Barrnett vs. Richard White, for the Island Fights Super Heavyweight Title. Tickets are available at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office or online at pensacolabaycenter.com or ticketmaster.com and are $81.50, $68.50, $55.50, $45 and $34.50. Doors will open at 7 pm and the first fight is scheduled for 8 pm. All bouts are subject to change.

C ELEBRATING BROWNSVILLE FESTIVAL

5/7-9 Since 1987, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation has hosted its Naval Aviation Symposium each May in Pensacola, featuring first-hand accounts from former aviators and a Q&A session with active flag officers. Join up to 3,000 guests of the series for presentations and panel discussions, a golf tournament, luncheon, and a closing reception and banquet. For tickets and more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org. pensacolamagazine.com

May 2014

5/10 Join the community for the Celebrating Brownsville Festival Saturday, May 10, 11 am to 4 pm at The Brownsville Community Square, 3300 Mobile Hwy. The festival will include local food and craft vendors, musical performances and the unveiling of winning art works in a contest hosted by the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in partnership with Lamar Advertising and Artel Gallery. The goal of the initiative is to plant a seed of pride within the community by creating an outdoor urban art gallery throughout the Brownsville area featuring large-scale images from local artists that will become an ongoing gallery. The theme of this year’s competition is “The Face of Brownsville.” For more information, please contact Suzanne Robbert at info@artelgallery.org.

HOT GFLASSP CEOLD BREW LOWER

OWER

DITION

5/9 Don’t miss the last Hot Glass Cold Brew of the season May 9 from 5-9 pm at First City Art Center! The “Flower Power” edition promises to get your 60s groove on with brew courtesy of Pensacola Bay Brewery and Escambia Bay Homebrewers, live music by Michael Lockwood and food by Dan Dunn, Executive Chef at the Hilton Pensacola Beach and Nathan Holler of Dog House Deli. Live demos from glass and pottery artists will be happening all evening long. There will also be live raku demonstrations and an opening reception for Bloom, an exhibit featuring the work of the resident artists chosen for the 2014 Gallery and Studios program. Admission is a suggested donation of $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

FIESTA D AYS C ELEBRATION

AT

SEVILLE Q UARTER

40th Annual Fiesta 5K & 10K Run/Walk 5/3 Touted as one of the best point-to-point courses in the country, Fiesta 5K and 10K participants enjoy moderate hills through scenic residential and historic neighborhoods. The 10K runners will begin at Pensacola State College, while the 5K runners will start from Scott Street and 12th Avenue. Both races will finish at Seville Square. Runners will receive free admission to the Pensacola Crawfish Festival on Saturday. For more information visit pensacolarunners.com.

IHMC Lecture Series Presents “How Risky is the Market?”

5/8 Enjoy illuminating discussion on a variety of topics at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition’s Evening Lecture Series. This month, the talk will be held Thursday, May 8 and will feature Chartered Financial Analyst and author Charles Colson for a lecture titled, “How Risky is the Market?” Reception starts at 5:30 pm and the talk starts at 6 pm at the IHMC at 140 S. Alcaniz. Admission is free but space is limited. Call 202-4462 to register.

Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast Tour 5/29 The Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon Fiesta Days Celebration kicks off the 65th annual Fiesta Celebration with hundreds of guests in attendance May 29. Historic Seville Quarter comes alive with entertainment, decorations and delicious food in five rooms, each saluting our history under the flags of the five governments that have flown over our city. Be sure to join the Surrender of the City at 7:30 pm where local dignitaries will surrender the City of Pensacola and its citizens to DeLuna and his Queen for the Fiesta season. For more information, visit fiestaoffiveflags.org.

FPAN Exhibit Explore History of the Snapper Industry Through May The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) has opened a new museum exhibit titled Talking Smack: Northwest Florida’s Historical Red Snapper Industry inside the Destination Archaeology Resource Center. The Destination Archaeology Resource Center is located on the first floor of the Florida Public Archaeology Network headquarters at 207 East Main Street in Downtown Pensacola (next to the Fish House restaurant). Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. For more information please contact Mike Thomin, mthomin@uwf.edu or 595-0050 ext. 107.

5/17-18 Ever wanted to tour the lush gardens at private homes? The Pensacola Garden Club Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast Tour allows you to do just that! On May 17 and 18, guests will have two days to drive to private gardens in the Pensacola area and stroll each garden at their leisure. Garden Club members and Master Gardeners will be at locations with information on the plants and landscapes. Come by the Garden Center and purchase tickets to receive a Tour Guide with addresses and maps to all the gardens on the tour. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 2322937.

Cooking Demonstrations & Wine Pairings with Chef Irv Miller 5/21 Enjoy a Cooking Demonstration and Wine Pairing at Jackson’s Steakhouse with Chef Irv Miller. For the May 21 demonstration, Chef Irv will present “Regional Down-Home Cookery.” Tickets are $45 and there will be two seatings at 5 pm-6:30 pm and 7:30 pm-9 pm. For reservations call 217-2347.

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GIVE

“TAKE A HIKE PENSACOLA”

➷

Fundraiser 5/17

Pensacola residents are gathering to hike the beautiful trails on the University of West Florida’s campus. There are three different hikes to choose from, beginning with a family-friendly one that takes a more scenic route along the boardwalk. The hiking event will last from 9 am-noon.

Tickets to participate range from $10-$25, depending on when you purchase, so don’t wait too long. All of the proceeds will go to the United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida. For additional information, visit ucpnwfl.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS P ENSACOLA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RECEIVES AWARD Our local Habitat for Humanity was recently recognized as a 2014 Energy Star Certified Homes Market Lender by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award recognizes what the organization has done in regard to building energyefficient homes and being environmentally aware. Energy Star homes are built to help the environment as well as your wallet. These houses help homeowners save thousands on utility bills every year.

UWF STUDENT RECEIVES STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP Elizabeth Jones recently became the first student veteran to receive this scholarship at the University of West Florida. The scholarship is awarded to five wounded student veterans each year to help and support them as they further their education.

After serving 23 months in the Marine Corps, Jones was medically honorably discharged under the rank of corporal.

She is pursuing an electrical engineering degree.

SIX PSC FACULTY RECEIVE TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

PRINCESS BALL 5/9 Grab those tiaras and get ready for every little girl’s favorite event: the Princess Ball. Ballet Pensacola will be hosting the event that allows young girls to be princesses for a night. There will be a daddy-daughter dance and lots of fun for the entire family. The ball will take place May 9 from 6:30-8:30 pm, and tickets are $35 per couple and $15 per each additional guest. For tickets or more information, call 850-432-9546.

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HUMANE SOCIETY’ S

BATHE-IN 5/17 During the warm weather season, the Pensacola Humane Society holds monthly Bathe-Ins for local pets. The Bath-Ins offer a number of low-cost options, including dog bathing, grooming, nail clipping and flea dips. The Bathe-Ins are not only beneficial for your dogs and your wallet, but they also contribute to helping the local Humane Society. The May BatheIn will be held May 17. If you’d like to volunteer, please call 850-432-4260.

Creative Commons photo by David Locke

To honor their hard work and dedication to both the school and their students, Pensacola State College recently honored six faculty members with Teaching Excellence Awards. The recipients for 2013-14 were Cynthia App, Tim Hathway Kristen Regan, Chad Smudde, and Paula Work. Amber Carey was honored as Outstanding New Faculty Member.

FREE TEETH CLEANING

AT

PSC

Summer 2014 The dental hygiene students at Pensacola State College are now accepting new patients for teeth cleanings. During the summer, there is no charge. The students predominately need patients who have not had a teeth cleaning in more than five years. If you would like to make an appointment for screening, please call 850-484-2236.

Charity Golf Tournament 5/2 The Santa Rosa Kids’ House will be hosting its seventh annual Charity Golf Tournament May 2. The event is held to assist the organization that aims to help those affected by child abuse in the community. There will be a registration lunch at 10:30 am, a shotgun start at noon, and a dinner and auction later that evening. The tournament will be held at The Club at Hidden Creek in Navarre. For registration or sponsorship prices, please call 850-501-3627 or 850-324-0085.

Relay for Life of Perdido 5/3-4 Join the American Cancer Society and your fellow community members for a special Relay for Life. This 12-hour event will help raise money and awareness about cancer. Come out and join in the fundraisers and show your support by participating in the Relay for Life of Perdido. The relay will take place at the Jim C. Bailey Middle School track. It will begin May 3 at 6 pm and will continue into May 4 until 6 am. For more information, visit main.acsevents.org.

Pearl Nelson Child Development Center Holds Reunion 5/17 After 60 wonderful years of serving the greater Pensacola area, Arc Gateway is celebrating by hosting a reunion on May 17 at the Pearl Nelson Child Development Center. The event will involve children the organization has worked with in the past. Festivities will include fun attractions like balloon artists, face painting, two live bands, a visit from members of Krewe of Lafitte and much more. It will last from 11 am-3 pm. For more information, call 850-434-2638.

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L IV E

TOYING

WITH ART:

LEGO

With movies, theme parks and now artwork, LEGOs are no longer limited to just the playroom. With a penchant for crafting unique and often lifelike sculptures out of the famous childhood toy, LEGO Master Builder Nathan Sawaya is bringing his infamous exhibit to the Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA). The sculptures, simultaneously contemporary, colorful and threedimensional, are made strictly with LEGO bricks and glue, and feature limitless potential.

“LEGO bricks let me create anything I can imagine,” said Sawaya, whose art has been displayed around the country and world. “They are a great medium for art because I can use them to build my ideas.”

Sawaya got his start with the unique medium in his early childhood, when his parents refused to buy him a puppy.

Desperate, Sawaya crafted his own dog using LEGO bricks that were laying around the house. Years later, Sawaya first started toying with the idea of producing professional art with his favorite childhood pastime.

“One day I just pulled out my old LEGO bricks and built a giant replica of my own face,” said Sawaya. “It got a great reaction and I enjoyed making it, so I created more sculptures.”

One of the many elements of LEGO artwork that Sawaya enjoys is its accessibility. Many kids have more experience piecing the bricks together than they do sculpting or painting, so everyone already has years of experience in the medium.

“Everyone has snapped a few LEGO bricks together, so there is this familiarity that permits them to relate to my art on a different level,” said Sawaya. “My favorite thing about using LEGO bricks is seeing someone be inspired by my artwork to go and pick up a few bricks and start creating on their own.”

Sawaya will sketch out his ideas

COMES TO THE

PMA

on paper or on the computer before transferring the idea to the thousands of primarycolored bricks that adorn his studio. Oftentimes, up to 20,000 bricks and months of work will go into a single structure.

The PMA exhibit, entitled Art of the Brick, will display many of Sawaya’s most famous works, some of which are abstracts and many of which are caricatures of famous people. For kids and adults who wish to try their hands at the art form, Sawaya recommended “practice, practice, practice.” He even uses the very same bricks available at toy stores across the nation, and though LEGO has not offered him a job (yet), he is the only person in the world to hold the distinction of both Master Builder and a Certified Professional.

“As an artist, I wanted to elevate this simple childhood toy to a place it has never been before: into the fine art galleries and museums,” said Sawaya. “I appreciate the cleanliness of the LEGO brick—the right angles, the distinct lines. As so often in life, it is a matter of perspective. Up close, the shape of the brick is distinctive. But from a distance, those right angles and distinct lines change to curves. That is what drew me to the brick.”

Art of the Brick will be showing 5/3 through 8/8. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

By Josh Newby

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May 2014

PMA BRINGS

ART

IN THE

P ARK

By Emily Lullo

5/17-18 Spring ushers in the perfect weather to take leisurely strolls through Pensacola’s charming historic district, and May brings yet another reason to head Downtown to Seville Square. May 17 and 18, the Pensacola Museum of Art will be hosting the 12th annual edition of Art in the Park in Seville Square. The weekend of music, activities and, of course, art, will be from 10 am to 5 pm on both days, offering plenty of time to see what this celebration of artistic talent has to offer.

The art festival is a juried art show that brings in artists from around the country to showcase their work in many different media. Ninety-five artists and authors will have works displayed in everything from painting, jewelry and woodworking, to photography and ceramics, and everything in between. Food and beverage vendors will also be set up with snacks and treats for guests that work up an appetite perusing the artwork, and the sounds of jazz ensembles from local high schools will provide a pleasant audio backdrop for the weekend.

For families with younger art lovers, a children’s area will have story times and artistic activities to keep kids entertained. For those looking to add to their art collection while supporting a good cause, there will be a silent auction held throughout the weekend where artwork generously donated by participating artists will be auctioned off. Proceeds will go to the PMA’s educational programming.

As the weather warms and the season of events and festivals heats up, Art in the Park offers a picturesque weekend of art, music and a relaxing festival atmosphere in Seville Square. This outdoor celebration of art is presented free of charge to the community by the PMA. For more information on Art in the Park visit pensacolamuseum.org.

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PLT PRESENTS [TITLE OF SHOW] 5/1-3 Pensacola Little Theatre’s Studio 400 Production Series brings [Title of Show] to the M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. Performances will run May 1-3. [Title of Show] tells the story of two struggling young artists who decide to write an original work for a musical theatre competition even though the deadline is just three weeks away.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 pm. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $17 for café seating. For tickets and more information call 434-0257.

PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S CHORUS PRESENTS

SHOWTIME

5/2-4 Showtime will feature the seven talented choirs of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus comprised of over 300 members performing a variety of music at the Saenger Theatre May 2-4. This musical extravaganza showcases spectacular costumes and impressive choreography. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 pm and Sunday show is 2:30 pm. Tickets are $23, $33 or $39 and can be purchased at the Saenger box office or at pensacolasaenger.com.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ SACRED LANDSCAPES THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF KEVIN BOLDENOW AT THE PMA Through 5/31 Artist and fellow Floridian, Kevin Boldenow is bringing part of his photography collection to the Pensacola Museum of Art. The exhibition will focus on Boldenow’s black and white landscape photography. Sacred Landscapes is on view from April 10 to May 31.

An opening reception will be held at the museum Thursday, April 10, 5:30 to 7 pm. For more information visit pensacolamuseum.org.

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May 2014

BRIT FLOYD

AT THE

SAENGER

Brit Floyd, the World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show, will come to the Saenger Theatre May 5 with its brand new Discovery show.

Featuring a three-hour chronological musical journey through the Pink Floyd canon along with the trademark accompanying light show, Discovery will rock fans through almost four decades of hits.

Tickets are $42.50, $52.50 or $58.50 and can be purchased at the Saenger box office or at pensacolasaenger.com.

FOR

PLT PRESENTS

NOISES OFF 5/9-11; 15-18 PLT is proud to present Noises Off, the British farce written by Michael Frayn. This play-within-aplay follows a group of mediocre actors desperately trying to stage a British sex farce called Nothing On. Performances run May 9-11 & 15-18 in the Valerie J. Russenberger Theatre. ThursdaySaturday performances begin at 7:30 and Sunday matinee begins at 2:30. Tickets range from $14 - $30 and Thursday performances are half price. For tickets and information visit pensacolalittletheatre.com or ring 434-0257.

AT THE

PLT

AUDITIONS

5/5

HUNTER HAYES PENSACOLA BAY CENTER

NICK TICKLE, FAIRY TALE DETECTIVE

5/27-28 Auditions for Pensacola Little Theatre’s Acorn Production of Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective will be held May 27 and 28 at the PLT. Information will be posted about all available roles at pensacolalittletheatre.com. Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective will run July 12-13 and 19-20 2014 in the M.C. Blanchard Courtroom Theatre. Acorn Productions are performed by kids of all ages, for kids of all ages, where classic fairy tales and delightful stories are brought to life onstage. Call 432-2042 for more details about auditions and shows.

C HRISTOPHER’ S C ONCERTS AT ST. C HRISTOPHER C HURCH 5/1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Enjoy family-friendly musical entertainment on the lawn of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church each Thursday evening in May from 6-8 pm. Bring lawn chairs and snacks if desired. Concessions are available, including sandwiches, hot dogs, soft drinks and ice cream. For more information call 433-0074.

P ANHANDLE C OMMUNITY THEATRE P RESENTS P ICNIC AT THE IMOGENE THEATRE 5/15-17 Set in a small Kansas town in the early 50s, Picnic is about group of women preparing for a Labor Day picnic when a handsome and charismatic drifter named Hal arrives, upturning the quiet town life and forcing one young woman to question her future there when he is forced to leave. Picnic will be presented at the Imogene Theatre in Milton May 15-17. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children. For tickets and more information call 221-7591.

ARTEL G ALLERY P RESENTS C OLLAGE

5/30 Grammy-nominated artist Hunter Hayes is on his We’re Not Invisible tour, playing May 30, at the Pensacola Bay Center.

The tour will feature special guests Danielle Bradbery from NBC’s Emmy award-winning show The Voice and Warner Bros. Records new country duo Dan + Shay. Tickets are $52 and $36.50 and are available at pensacolabaycenter.com, Pensacola Bay Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Through 5/30 Artel Gallery presents Collage, a juried exhibit on display in the gallery until May 30. Works in this exhibit were selected by juror Joy Holland. The placement winners are: Best of Show, Paula Perdue; First Place, Leland Leonard; Second Place, Karen Valdés; Third Place, Carolyn Steward; Edgiest, Nick Croghan; Honorable Mentions, Kimberly Baldwin, Morris Eaddy and Jane Lies. This exhibit is generously sponsored by Varona’s. Artel is a notfor-profit educational gallery and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information call the gallery at 432-3080 or visit artelgallery.org.

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Photo by Remi David

BOOKS UWF BOOK CLUB

About the author: Kathleen Kent is the author of three best-selling novels. Her first novel, The Heretic’s Daughter, has been published in 15 countries and is a recipient of the David J. Langum Sr. award for American historical fiction. The book chronicles the life of Martha Carrier, the author’s grandmother back 9 generations, during the Salem witch trials of 1692, and is based in part on family stories passed down through generations.

About the book: Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live. Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. This is the story of Martha’s courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.

Kathleen Kent is a tenth generation descendent of Martha Carrier. She paints a haunting portrait, not just of Puritan New England, but also of one family’s deep and abiding love in the face of fear and persecution.

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A Battle of Words: Curses and Revelations in The Heretic’s Daughter

By Grady Miller, UWF Although Kathleen Kent’s hope for The Heretic’s Daughter was to convey the “tremendous bravery and fortitude” of her ancestors who endured the horrors of the Salem witch trials, Kent accomplishes more than simply paying homage to the doomed Martha Carrier and her family. In the course of addressing the broad themes of paranoia, superstition, and betrayal in colonial Massachusetts, the novel repeatedly emphasizes the potential of simple words to both destroy and sustain the lives of those they touch.

Much of Kent’s narrative is heavily invested in portraying common speech as a dangerous weapon. To her eventual disadvantage, Martha Carrier’s public reputation is forged by her merciless command of language. In an early description of her mother, Sarah claims that Martha “had a tongue, the sharpness of which would gut a man as quick as a Gloucester fisherman could clean a lamprey eel.” Instead of being recognized by her community as the traits of a strong, independent woman, Martha’s intelligence and brazen wit fuel the fire of jealousy and revenge in the minds of her accusers. However, the most calamitous words in the story are those spoken by Sarah herself in retaliation against a group of girls who attack her unprovoked.

After biting the hand of one of the bullies during a fight, Sarah says, “I hope it rots until every finger on your thieving hand falls off.” Though her wish is justified, these words will be falsely characterized during the Carrier trial as a curse, providing “proof” of the family’s collusion with the devil. And at the peak of the witch purges, the narrator notes how further evidence is brought forth to prosecute other members of the community: “A cross word, an unhealed argument, an oath or curse from half a generation ago was recalled, recounted, revealed.” The irony here is that these allegations serve to inflict real destruction and terror upon innocent people in a way that imaginary curses never could.

But the use of words to fabricate a false reality is only one aspect of storytelling that Kent seems to be obsessed with. Aside from the obvious patterns of lies, rumor, and ignorance, beyond the “cries and whispers of witchery,” the more subdued, intimate communication between Martha and her daughter rescues the concepts of recollection and revelation to a realm of understanding and healing. When Sarah’s resentment toward her mother reaches a boiling point, Martha takes the girl to a meadow and urges her to vent her angry thoughts, free from the fear of punishment. While Sarah and Martha’s relationship is not fully repaired at this point, the exchange that ensues strengthens the bond between mother and daughter and prepares the reader for a later scene in the same meadow, in which Martha discloses a family secret that will one day change Sarah’s perspective not only of her family but also of her entire world.

Although Sarah is occasionally frustrated by her mother’s “acid tongue” and compromised by her own tendency to lash out verbally, the story’s moments of tenderness are ushered in on subtle currents of conversation that express the unconditional love and trust that hold the Carrier family together despite their gradual physical separation. And what begins as a fictional letter written in 1752 becomes a vibrant narrative that transcends the barriers of time, bringing its reader words that provide comfort against injustice and offer solace in the face of devastating loss.

What Kent gradually shows is that the careful use of language can create the conditions that foster a meaningful life of peace, one that can exist beyond death and outside the shifting world of public perception.

Between Mothers and Daughters: Kathleen Kent’s The Heretic’s Daughter

By Rachel Bear, UWF

Halfway through The Heretic’s Daughter, Kathleen Kent’s ten-year old protagonist, Sarah Carrier, follows her mother into a meadow to address the anger and distance that has been building between them. “[You] are leaving the age of childhood for womanhood,” Martha tells her daughter, “But it is not as easy as stepping over a threshold. It is more like traveling a long corridor.” Sarah waits expectantly, hoping to be inducted into the secrets of sexual life. Much to her chagrin, however, what her mother expresses to her is the importance of family, of loyalty, and of firmly upholding one’s principles. The scene in the meadow is just one example of the ways that this engrossing novel sidesteps the clichés of the conventional female coming of age story. Sarah is not the young girl who begins feeling confused butterflies at the sight of that one boy.

She does not become engrossed in her own appearance and the opinion of her peers to the exclusion of all else. Instead, Sarah moves toward womanhood by struggling to define herself and find her voice within a society that demands that she be passive and silent.

While the 1692 Salem witch trials provide the backdrop for Kent’s novel, the characters take center stage, rather than the sordid historical events. Kent draws pettiness, ambition, sensuality, joy, and shame into her characters so vividly that, despite the gapping cultural breach between Puritan society and our own, they speak directly to us. Because the strained relationship between Sarah and her mother drives the plot, the novel draws us into a historically distant world that is also eerily familiar.

Although she mirrors the very qualities that she judges so harshly in her mother, Sarah spends much of the novel fixated upon Martha’s un-ladylike behavior and the consequent social reproach. She criticizes her mother for being stubborn, hardedged, and sharp tongued. “She, with a deliberation bordering on the unseemly, set herself apart from what a woman should be,” Sarah complains. “She had a will, and a demeanor, as forceful as a church deacon’s.” Sarah clearly resents Martha’s refusal to conform to Puritan ideals of femininity, idealizing the soft-spoken submissiveness of her aunt and the quiet wisdom of her grandmother instead. Unable to admit her respect for her mother’s unyielding sense of principle, she struggles against Martha’s outspoken nature, even when she picks up a rock and steps to her side, ready to defend Martha against an aggressive neighbor.

The events of the witch trials force maturity upon Sarah at the same time that they expose the self-righteousness, hypocrisy and weakness of many of her peers. The social trappings fall away, and she begins to recognize the full extent of her mother’s strength. As Kent weaves this powerful story, she gives us the chance to explore the complexity of what it means to be a woman, both within and apart from the legacy of the women who have gone before.

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Child’s Play

By Larsen Lien

Photos by Guy Stevens II & Larsen Lien

Benny Russell Park Do you remember when recess was the highlight of your day in elementary school? Your children may say the same thing in 10 years, but probably for different reasons. Much of recess nowadays consists of handheld video games and cell phones rather than monkey bars and freeze-tag. From 2004-2009, technology and media use among 8-18 year olds increased from six hours, 21 minutes to seven hours, 38 minutes per day, according to a 2009 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Nearly eight hours is a substantial amount of a child’s day to be spent with media. Kim Carmody, Neighborhood Services superintendent for Pensacola, stresses the importance of children and parents taking full advantage of outdoor play.

“Not only do [parks] encourage physical activity through play, which is critical to the development of muscle strength and coordination, but they encourage children in the development of language, problem solving, conflict resolution and continued development of their cognitive abilities,” she said. At the moment, Pensacola is home to 93 parks and 56 playgrounds. Carmody said when she asks people what they remember most about their childhood, it primarily revolves around play. She urges everyone to remember that even though play is often underappreciated, it contributes greatly to children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being.

This spring, let’s help remind kids how much fun playing outside can be with this helpful guide that details some of northwest Florida’s best and most unique parks and playgrounds.

Climb, Slide and Swing Through Summer

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Bayview Park about them getting lost in the expansive playground because there is a smaller playground just for 2-5 year olds. There are also a number of benches for parents to relax on while the kids let out all that energy. Benny Russell also catches eyes for another reason: its makeup. Its structures are quite different than playgrounds we normally see, making it stand out against the crowd.

Bryan Park 1200 Langley Ave. Bryan Park underwent construction a few years ago, and the wait has been worth it. It has plenty of swings and houses an intricate climbing structure for kids to play on. The park, located behind Tryon Library, has lots of green grass for the kids to play on or to even have a picnic. If you don’t feel like sitting on the ground while the youngsters run around, there’s a beautiful gazebo with plenty of shade and tables for you to take advantage of. Near the edge of the park sits a massive play structure shaped like a pirate ship, complete with a mast and blue mulch to resemble the high seas. It’s the perfect area for your kids to play pirates on a sunny afternoon.

Bayview Park 2001 E. Lloyd Street This is the perfect park to get your kids excited about the outdoors. Not only does it have two playing areas, but it also has a kid-friendly rock wall for them to climb on. If they start to get too hot or need a break, there shaded areas for them to hang out, as well as my favorite feature: the misters. Getting a little sweaty? Have your kids – and yourself, if you don’t mind getting wet – walk on over and try out the misters that will lightly spray you with water to cool you off. It has tons of features sure to appeal to everyone in the family, even the furry members. Only a 30 second walk away is the small beach area just for dogs. With sand, bay water and room to play, what more could a dog want?

Hitzman Optimist Park 3221 Langley Ave. As you pull into the parking lot of Hitzman Optimist Park, your eyes don’t know where to land because there are so many choices. On your right you have a smaller playground area with sand, swings and playground equipment. It has amenities younger children might enjoy more. As you continue onto your left, you see a second play area much larger than the first.

Though it’s not surrounded by soft sand, it’s inviting with its size and color. With swings, tons of slides and a place for them to play tic-tac-toe while they catch their breath, Hitzman’s playground equipment offers kids all they could ever want. But it’s not just great for them; it can be a nice afternoon for you, too. It’s got plenty of shade, benches and even a walking path if you get restless waiting for the kids to run out of energy.

Benny Russell Park 5417 W. Spencer Field Road, Pace Easily one of the coolest looking playgrounds, Benny Russell Park is spacious and filled with a number of activities for your little ones. Kids will never want to leave this one-of-a-kind setup, complete with tree house-like structures and all the slides they could wish for. If you have younger children, don’t worry Hitzman Optimist Park May 2014

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Lamancha Square 1400 E. Cross Street Lamancha Square’s playground equipment may not be as vast as Hitzman’s, but it does offer a ton of open field access. The playground equipment has slides, swings and even a game for the kiddos to practice their math without realizing. But that’s not what drew me to Lamancha. This park has the perfect layout for hosting a birthday party. If your child just wants a fun party out in the sun, this seems like an ideal location. It’s got plenty of space, so you wouldn’t have to worry about being cramped, and it’s got built-in entertainment for the kids.

Miralla Park 650 Connell Drive Nestled in a lovely neighborhood, Miralla Park offers a little bit of everything for every age. It has its own separate playground for the young ones between 2-5 years old, equipped with a pretend school bus to drive and four slides. As we step up an age group, we walk over to a playground in the sand. There are swings for all ages right next to a fun sea monster peeking out of the ground for the kids to play on. Near the back of the playground there is a very impressive area topped with a giant umbrella to keep the kids and the metal equipment from getting too hot. It’s got monkey bars and plenty of twisty slides to keep the kids occupied for hours. As you turn around, you notice the baseball field and basketball court, appealing to even more age groups.

Perdido Kids’ Park 10004 Gulf Beach Hwy. Much like Benny Russell with its intricacy and size, Perdido Kids’ Park has it all. The number of activities it offers is nearly endless to kids. They can start by entering the castleshaped playground and immediately become a Blue Angel pilot, climb on a rock wall, swing from monkey bars, slide down a number of slides, and eventually make their way to the back of the playground to relax on the swing

Top: Lamancha Square, Middle: Miralla Park, Above: Perdido Kids’ Park, Right: Toledo Square 30

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set. While it may not have the ample room to run like some locations, Perdido Kids’ Park makes up for it in everything it has to offer kids to keep them entertained for hours. And luckily for parents, there are a number of benches and tables, both covered and not.

Toledo Square 1700 E. Gonzalez Street Toledo Square embodies the best of both worlds. It has a good bit of playground equipment as well as ample room for the kids to run around. The royal blue and clean white of the playground equipment is definitely the first aspect of the park that catches your eye. With two different sets, the playground has every amenity imaginable. It’s got twists and turns, places to slide down and climb back up, and everything in between. There’s even a wonderfully shaded picnic table, so bring your lunch and keep the family time going.

Alternative parks you may enjoy include the Aviation Discovery Park and Long Hollow Park. While not set up like your typical playground, the Aviation Park brings the same amount of fun. Its layout is like that of a runway and control tower for an airport, except miniature. Kids can play on a few small airplanes and run around with all the room provided, but the main attraction is the play control tower. Kids can sit and listen to the actual air traffic control station as a plane takes off nearby.

Since it’s located right next to the airport, you can actually watch the planes taking off, too.

Long Hollow Park, much like the Aviation Park, is not like your normal playground. It does have playground equipment surrounded by soft sand, but it also is well known for its multiple public displays of art.

Throughout the park, you’ll discover one beautiful sculpture after another. When visiting Long Hollow Park, there’s something for the kids to enjoy as well as the parents.

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A LOCAL BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

By Larsen Lien

CORDOVA LANES Though it only offers one package, you’ll find that’s all you need CORDOVA when planning a party at Cordova Lanes. This all-inclusive package LANES offers everything a bowling birthday party requires apart from the birthday cake, including invitations, shoe rentals, plates, napkins and utensils. The star of the birthday show will also receive a commemorative bowling pin. If you feel like adding to the party, additional lanes are just $40 each.

PACKAGE: 2 hours $125 + tax Up to 12 bowlers Contact: (850) 477-2300 cordovalanes.com

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DREAMLAND SKATE CENTER Lace up those skates and get ready to roll to a great birthday party at Dreamland. This fun and family-friendly location offers two different birthday packages: a basic party and a pizza party. Both options FAST come with invitations, regular admissions, skate rental, drinks, EDDIES plates, napkins and utensils, and a return skating pass for each FUN partygoer. The lucky birthday guest also receives 300 tickets to use CENTER in the Stuff Shop, a glow stick and a Skate Center T-shirt.

Additionally, laser tag can be included to either package for only $3 per person.

PACKAGES Basic: $129 + tax Up to 20 skaters 1.5 hours Each extra guest - $7 Pizza: $159 + tax Up to 20 skaters 1.5 hours 3 12-inch pizzas Glow stick for each attendee Each extra guest - $8 Contact: (850) 478-3994 myskatecenter.com FUNPLEX OF GULF FAST EDDIES FUN CENTER BREEZE Want to have an energetic, fun-filled birthday party for kids? Fast Eddies may just be what you’re looking for. Kids are practically guaranteed to need a nap after spending an afternoon full of go-karts, mini-golf and arcade games. Fast Eddies offers three party packages: checkered flag, finish line and winner’s circle. Each option comes with a minimum of one go-kart ride, one future go-kart ride, a slice of pizza and a drink, but there are a number of different amenities for each. The birthday star receives relatively the same fun items for each option.

There is an eight-person minimum.

PACKAGES Checkered Flag: $11.95 per person Finish Line: $15.95 per person Winner’s Circle: $18.95 per person Contact: (850) 434-1968 fasteddiesfuncenter.com GULF BREEZE FUNPLEX OF GULF BREEZE ZOO The FunPlex may have started as a cheer and gymnastics facility, but they have since expanded to meet all your birthday party needs. They offer a number of packages, each including something fun and different. For most packages, you can pay extra if you want cake, pizza or additional drink pitchers. And while they have many packages, each one also includes its own extra options, depending on how many children you plan to invite. With parties ranging from princess themes to bouncy houses, FunPlex offers it all.

PACKAGES Bounce: $130, up to 6 kids (beginning price) 2 hours Central bounce room-1 hour 15 minutes Party room-45 minutes 1 drink pitcher Gym: $145 up to 10 kids (beginning price)

1 hour 45 minutes Gym room-1 hour 15 minutes Cake/presents-30 minutes 2 drink pitchers Split: 1 hour 15 minutes Bounce/gym-45 minutes Cake/presents-30 minutes All other details same as Bounce package Princess: $175, up to 10 kids (beginning price) 1 hour 30 minutes Cosmic Bounce: $225, up to 12 kids (beginning price) 2 drink pitchers Has black lights, glow necklaces and glow bracelets Contact: (850) 932-2297 gulfbreezefunplex.com GULF BREEZE ZOO Let’s celebrate this warm weather by spending a day outside with the Gulf Breeze Zoo and all its exciting animals and activites. The zoo offers two fantastic packages. Both offer all-day admission to the zoo and no long lines to stand in. Additionally, each child gets an animal feed cup, and the birthday star receives a $10 gift certificate to use in the zoo’s gift shop. If you want to add to the fun though, there are tons of ways to do so. Llama Lunches are just $7 per guest, and you can add a 15- or 30-minute animal encounter for just $50 or $100, respectively. Also, there’s an option to add a fun giraffe or hippo tour for $125 for up to 10 people.

PACKAGES Zoo It Yourself: $150, up to 10 people Train ride for all guests Reserved picnic table Safari hat for the guest of honor Zooventure: $300, up to 10 people Private train ride for all guests Private animal encounter Reserved table with prepared lunches and untensils Safari hat and goody bag for each child Contact: (850) 932-2229, ext. 101 www.gulfbreezezoo.org MOJO ELITE By thinking outside the box, Mojo Elite can offer your child a birthday party tailored specifically to their interests. Mojo Elite can structure their gym to accommodate any child’s favorite theme or character. To help you easily pick a date, Mojo Elite holds parties on Saturdays from 2-4:30 pm. While they provide décor and balloons for the parties, you’re allowed to arrive 30 minutes early to make any lastminute set up adjustments. What better way to celebrate a child’s birthday than with their favorite character or sports icon?

PACKAGE: 1.5 hours for $150 Up to 10 children $10 per extra child $50 deposit to hold reservation Contact: (850) 733-3547 mojogymnastics.com PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Pensacola Children’s Museum is a prime location to throw a child’s birthday party. Their Discovery Gallery on the first floor, which becomes exclusive to your party in every package, is perfect for children to play in and spacious enough to invite all their friends. All three packages include a guest limit of 85 people. The museum also provides you with five tables for kids to sit at while they enjoy some cake, as well as a 6-foot banquet table for that cake to sit on. As an added bonus, your party can use the museum’s second floor for after hour parties, as long as it’s after 4:30 pm. To not bust your wallet, the museum offers a $50 refundable deposit on every package, if nothing is damaged.

PACKAGES Basic: $100 1.5 hours

Basic+: $137.50 2 hours Basic++: $175 2.5 hours Contact: (850) 595-5985, ext. 112 www.historicapensacola.org or jmcmillen@uwf.edu ROLLING VIDEO GAMES Let the party come to you with the Rolling Video Games’ truck.

With four high-definition TVs for the kids to play on, this party host is truly one of a kind. And don’t worry about getting too warm sitting inside a gaming vehicle, the 32-foot long truck is climate controlled and has theater-style seating. The Rolling Video Game truck offers two packages. Each includes 20 free invitations, Papa John’s pizza opportunities, a multitude of games to play in Xbox 360s, Playstation 3s and Wii console systems, as well as a special medallion necklace for the guest of honor.

PACKAGES Option 1: $275 + tax 1 hour Option 2: $349 + tax 2 hours Contact: (850) 206-1031 www.rollingvideogametruck.com SAM’S FUN CITY With so many different options, it’s no wonder Sam’s Fun City is so popular in the birthday party circuit. Their parties range from laser tag opportunities to waterpark fun to amusement park activities. To better help you focus and find a party that best fits your child, Sam’s Fun City puts recommended ages for each party on their website, which is helpful since they have so many great packages to choose from. Once you find the best option for your child’s age, call Sam’s Fun City to get the full breakdown of what it includes.

PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

ROLLING VIDEO GAMES

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PACKAGES Rocky: $109.99 + tax, up to 8 guests $12.99 + tax per each additional guest Ages 2-5 Bullwinkle: $145.99 + tax, up to 8 guests $16.99 + tax per each additional guest Ages 2-9 Celebrity: $99 + tax, up to 4 guests $20.99 + tax for each additional guest Ages 5+ Laser Tag: $109.99 + tax, up to 4 guests $22.99 per each additional guest Ages 5+ VIP: $119.99 + tax, up to 4 guests $24.99 per each additional guest Ages 9+ Super Star: $129.99, up to 4 guests $27.99 per each additional guest Ages 9+ Wipe Out: $229.99 + tax, up to 8 guests and 4 chaperones $20.99 per each additional guest $14.99 per each additional adult chaperone $10 extra to upgrade to unlimited rides and attractions All ages Contact: (850) 505-0800 www.samsfuncity.com TRIPLE PLAY Want to have a one-of-a-kind inflatable birthday party? Then look no further than Pensacola’s only indoor inflatable party destination. Each package is for one hour and 15 minutes, with 30 minutes of play upstairs and 45 minutes downstairs in your party room.

The three packages offered are all semiprivate. For an additional $65, though, you can make any package a private party, which will ensure that no other kids are on the same activity floor. It is $11 each additional child, and drinks can be added to any package for adults in the Celebration Room for an additional fee.

PACKAGES Semi #1: $195 Up to 10 kids Add pizza for $25 extra (16 slices) Semi #2: $225 Up to 16 kids Add pizza for $25 extra (I6 slices) Semi #3: $295 Up to 23 kids Add pizza for $40 extra (23 slices) Contact: (850) 479-1122 tripleplay23.com WALES WEST The wildly popular Wales West park and campground is a favorite among kids who love being outside and fun train rides. Not only do they hold a variety of field trips and events, but they also shine at hosting birthday parties.

Right now they are offering just one birthday package, but since there’s so much to do, that’s all you need when visiting Wales West.

PACKAGE: $199, up to 50 guests 2 hours Community room Park Mini train ride Big train ride Contact: 1 (888) 569-5337 waleswest.com

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PSC Kid College

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Learn, Play and Grow at

Local Summer Camps

By Jeanessa Gantt

As summer vacation quickly approaches, students are gearing up for days of endless play, summer reading, unlimited TV time and no homework.

Parents, on the other hand, are probably envisioning a more productive break for their youngsters. Summer camps provide a happy medium between summer fun and educational activity. There are local camps to suit every age and interest, where students will have the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and keep their brains sharp during the extended break from school.

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PENSACOLA PENSACOLA MUSEUM PENSACOLA LITTLE FIRST CITY ARTS 4 O 3 THEATRE 5 OF ART CENTER PERA CAMP BALLET PENSACOLA “CREATISPHERE” Dates: June 6-Aug. 15, Dates: July 14-18, July Dates: June 2- Aug. 15 Dates: June 9-12; Ages: Mini Masters (6Dates: June 9-13; July Ages: 5-17, ranges 28-Aug. 1 9), Junior Artists (10-13) June 16-19; June 23-26; 7-11; Aug. 4-8 vary by age Ages: 8-16 Where: Pensacola Ages: 9-14 Aug. 4-7 Museum of Art Where: Pensacola Little Where: Pensacola Where: First City Arts Ages: 3-10 years old Cost: Daily: $40 for PMA Center Theatre Opera Center Where: Pensacola members; $45 for nonCost: $170 per session Cost: Varies Cost: July 14-18: $150; Cultural Center members, Week: $125 for members; $200 for Info: July 20-August 1:$175 for PMA members; $150 Cost: $125 per week, non-members pensacolalittletheatre.com Info: for non-members Info: FirstCityArt.org $325 for three weeks Info: Pensacola Little pensacolaopera.com Creatisphere will be Info: pensacolamuseum.org the ultimate summer Theatre’s two-week long Every summer, balletpensacola.com From printmaking to experience for students summer camps give Pensacola Opera holds Children’s Session at who love to create. During sculpting and watercolors students of every age summer opera camps Ballet Pensacola includes the three, week-long to photography, Pensacola group the opportunity to engaging children and Museum of Art’s Summer instruction in individual camp sessions, there will hone their acting skills. teens ages 8 to 16 to Art Camp is a great place dance, dance as a group, be hands-on workshops in These classes are meant the magic of opera. Each to explore and create art. pottery, sculpture, character acting, crafts, to promote selfsession focuses on the Interactive gallery and and mime work. Themes photography, confidence, various aspects of opera studio times provide glassblowing, STEM for this summer’s enriching experiences for production: vocal projects, bookmaking, 3-D communication, sessions include The students that foster mixed media, painting, creativity and service, as coaching, dramatic Littlest Cupid, Sleeping imagination and artistic printmaking, drawing and well as give students the training, audition Beauty, Enchanted Toy technique. There are more. Many classes will necessary skills to grow techniques, set and Shop, and Swan Lake. registration options for include special guest as artists, actors, costume design and week-long or day-long The beginning session is teachers. The week will technicians and people. makeup. Opera classes with titles like “Art for more experienced also include gallery visits, This year’s offerings professionals and Through the Ages,” “People art talks, and live students who have and Portraits,” and “Animal include Creative Drama, teachers will mentor demonstrations in the completed one year in Adaptations.” Each week of an introduction to students throughout glass shop and pottery Ballet Pensacola’s Presummer camp this year will storytelling for smaller each camp, all leading studio, all which are on Ballet 2, Tech 1, or Tech 2 begin with a guided tour of the FCAC campus. children; Break-a-Leg, a up to a final levels. Students for both The Art of the Brick with Creatisphere will end with class that focuses on performance by the Children’s and Beginning an art party and student Director of Education, character development campers for their Session should wear a Cortlandt Glover. These art show in which family and; and Summer Stars, parents, friends and tours will take place each solid black leotard, pale and friends will be invited a more advanced course peers.

Monday while the museum pink footed tights and to attend. Students of all is closed to the public, so it that keys in on the more full-soled, pink ballet artistic skill levels are is very much a private, technical aspects of welcome to participate. slippers. Students can “behind the scenes” acting.

The price of the camp attend one week or all opportunity. Following the includes all supplies and three, as each session tour, students will complete materials.

Students are provides new a special LEGO-themed art responsible for bringing opportunities for growth. project in celebration of the two snacks and lunch. exhibition.

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EDUCATION 7 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF PENSACOLA Dates: Week-long sessions June 10-Aug. 8, 8 am-12 pm Ages: 3-6, Incoming first through sixth graders Where: 1010 N. 12th Ave., Suite 138 Cost: $520 per month; $150, 10 percent sibling discount Info: montessoripensacola.com Montessori School of Pensacola offers summer camps for students ages 3-6 and grades 1 through 6.

Themes vary by week and range from arts and history to language and culture. Montessori also offers two weeks of tennis camps. Although regular camp hours are 8 am-12 pm, extended care is offered in the afternoons to accommodate working parents. Campers may attend all summer or choose weeks based on preferred themes.

Camps are open to the public and do not require school term enrollment.

NATIONAL FLIGHT UWF EXPLORE EPISCOPAL DAY PSC KIDS 8 COLLEGE 9 SUMMER CAMPS 10 ACADEMY AMBITION SCHOOL Dates: June 2-July 25 Dates: June 9-Aug. 15; Dates: June 10 – Aug. 8 SUMMER PROGRAM Ages: Incoming Dates: 6-day All sessions held from 8- for most camps kindergarten to sixth grade 11:45 am and 1-4:45 pm experiences between Ages: Incoming Where: Episcopal Day May 25 and Aug. 15 Ages: 6-12 years old kindergarten to grade 9 School Ages: 11-17 Where: PSC Campus Where: UWF Cost: $195 per week Where: 1 Fetterman Cost: Varies by session Cost: Varies by program Way, NAS Pensacola Info: edscc.org Info: Cost: $1,250 Episcopal Day School Info: Info: will be hosting eight weeks pensacolastatecollege.e uwf.edu/explorecamps nationalflightacademy.com of summer fun at the du/continuingeducation Explore Summer Ambition is nextHilton-Green Early Learning The Pensacola State Camps at UWF present generation innovative play.

Center Campus MondayCollege Kids’ College awesome opportunities From the theme park-like Friday from 8:30 am-4 pm. program provides for youth to broaden their sight and sound to premier There is early care elementary and middle horizons and discover new technology available for beginning at 7 am and school students with a students— the experience is strengths. All programs extended care until 5:30 pm available to accommodate summer of quality are carefully designed to unparalleled. During a sixcourses that are fun, working parents. Each be engaging and fun. As a day immersive program, Ambition Experimental Pilots interesting, and week there is a different bonus, most programs are (AXPs) will become challenging. Courses theme to explore, with fundamentally aware of the range from fine arts and aligned with Common options for both younger Core Standards, 21st integration of mathematics film making to science and older children. Theme Century Skills and STEM- and science into their daily titles include Music from and sports, taking a lives by measuring, Around the World, Game more hands-on approach related topics (science, collecting, analyzing and technology, engineering Show Mania, Sewing for than what students interpreting data. National Beginners, and iMovie and math).

STEM-related might normally recieve Common Core Standards as Magic, just to name a few. during the school year. camps are focused on well as National Benchmarks There are also a la carte robotics, forensics and in both mathematics and There are also themed camps available that are science will be addressed in camps that are focused marine science and will separate from the official help your child continue to the core curriculum. In camp listings. These include around a more narrow addition, critical thinking, subject matter, including learn throughout their Renegades of Rhythm communication, summer break.

If your Shakespeare Camp, Drum Camp ($160), EDS child is more interested in collaboration, creativity and Science Camp, Lego Cheer Camp ($100), and other learning skills are humanities, camps in art, valuable assets gained from Spanish Immersion Camp Camp, and Theater ($100). All supplies are history, game design, Camp. With the the experience. Individuals covered by the camp fee, exception of Theater and language and creative and groups are both and meal deals are Shakespeare Camp, all writing are also available. welcomed, providing the available for $35 per week sessions are split Camps last from 8:30 am opportunity for an for each camper. Campers between half days, with to 3:30 pm, with extended exceptional team-building are also encouraged to adventure. Scholarships are bring summer reading and lunch served in between care options available in available to cover the full each half. the mornings and other summer academic program costs. afternoons. materials.

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11 PENSACOLA COOKS KIDS SUMMER CAMP Dates: June 2-August 8; Week-long sessions Ages: 5-17 years old Where: Pensacola Cooks’ Kitchen Cost: $150 per session Info: pensacolacooks.com Pensacola Cooks is serving up a fresh batch of classes this summer for its Kids Camp program. Campers will have the opportunity to make foods that represent a wide variety of American and international cuisine.

Session themes vary by week and include Camp Fiesta of Five Flags: A passport of international cooking, Camp Fresh Food: A gardening and cooking camp, Kids’ Test Kitchen Camp: A chef scientist experience and Lights, Camera, Cook Camp: A kids cooking show production. There is even College Survival Cooking, a camp aimed at older students to help them learn to prepare quality meals that are fast, tasty, and easy.

Students get to enjoy the food prepared in class, and recipe cards are sent home each day of camp so campers can recreate their culinary masterpieces at home. Gluten-free substitutes and alternative protein options are available for students with special dietary needs.

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ACTIVE PLAY PENSACOLA SUMMER DAY CAMP Dates: June 2-August 15 Ages: Kindergarten through middle school Where: Vickrey Resource Center, Gull Point Resource Center, Fricker Resource Center, E.S. Cobb Resource Center, Woodland Heights Resource Center, Legion Field Resource Center Cost: Vickrey and Gull Point – City residents: $96; Non-city residents: $120; Fricker, Cobb, Woodland Heights and Legion Field – City residents $39; Non-city residents $45 Info: playpensacola.com PLAY Pensacola offers fun-filled days of camp throughout the entire summer. Campers have the chance to go on exciting field trips, splash around at the pool, play games with friends, do arts and crafts to take home and much more. Camp takes place Monday – Friday, with drop off as early as 7 am. Campers must be picked up by 6 pm.

UWF ARGO KIDS ADVENTURE CAMP Dates: June 2-August 8 Ages: Incoming kindergarten to grade 5 Where: UWF Cost: Full Week - Camper Brings Lunch: $110; Full Week with Lunch Provided: $150; Three-Day Week Camper Brings Lunch: $80; 3 Day Week with Lunch Provided: $105; Additional Child (Same Household) Camper Brings Lunch: $75; Additional Child (Same Household) with Lunch Provided: $115 Info: At Argo Kids Adventure Camp, campers enjoy daily access to a 36foot Climbing Wall and Aquatic Center, traditional and non-traditional sports and daily enrichment activities.

Campers will experience state of the art facilities, professional staffing, and a safe environment while participating in activities like canoeing, hiking, paintball, gymnastics, sports and much more. Camp opens 7:30 am and pickup is available until 5:30 pm. Lunches can be purchased at the Nautilus Market or campers can bring their own lunch. Registration is available for individual weeks or the whole summer.

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Five Questions With Colleen Kelly

Family Travel with Colleen Kelly is a popular PBS series that takes viewers to various locales around the country and world, showcasing family friendly activities and amenities to help plan fabulous vacations the whole family will love. It’s the only national TV program about traveling with family, and it airs in 90 percent of the country.

Colleen, her two daughters, and her crew recently traveled to Pensacola from her home base in Chicago to shoot an episode for the show’s second season that will focus on a week’s worth of vacation activities in Pensacola. For those of us who live here, many of the places Colleen stopped are staples for family fun, but some you may need to revisit. PM spoke with Colleen between shoots in the Historic Pensacola Village about what she loved about shooting in Pensacola and why she’s definitely bringing her family back for a more leisurely vacation.

1. What drew you to bring the show to Pensacola?

It’s really family friendly, which is my number one thing that we look for in locations. We loved that it’s historical and it has this Historic Village, because we’re on public television and everything involved with history and culture is of interest to us, so kids are learning while they’re traveling. Also the beaches are gorgeous. And the Blue Angels! That was the icing on the cake.

2. What are some things you’ve loved about Pensacola and what surprised you?

First of all I found out that the Blue Angels practice and the [Naval Aviation] museum are free. That was a great surprise because with families when you’ve got four or six people cost is always an issue when you travel. And then really just how beautiful the beaches are. They’re just gorgeous, even prettier than pictures. And the Blue Wahoos game. That was the most amazing stadium. And the food was tremendous. They have two chefs. That’s another surprise that I was shocked at. The other

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thing was that it was $5 to $10 for tickets. Right now in Chicago, it’s $100 a seat at a Cubs game, so what I love about here is families can go to the park and it’s not expensive and it’s a beautiful park. It was amazing. We got to meet the players and get autographs.

3. What have your kids enjoyed the most?

The Blue Angels practice, they loved that. And of course the beach. They couldn’t wait to get to the beach. They had no toys.

They were just playing in the sand. One of my daughters made herself into a mermaid [with the sand]. I think with the Blue Angels, it shocked them because I explained it to them, but you just can’t imagine it until you see them. They also loved the museum.

4. Is there anything that you wanted to do here that you weren’t able to?

Parasailing. We’re supposed to do it but I don’t think we’ll be able to because of the wind. I was hoping to do it with the girls because they’ve never done it before and it’s so fun. Next time when we come back on vacation, we’ll have to do it. I want to come back and have a real vacation. I want to bring my husband too. He’s back in Chicago working.

5. What is your number one tip for traveling with the family?

My number one tip is not to over-schedule. A lot of times you want to have a set schedule of events, but if you have a twoyear-old, sometimes a two-year-old can have meltdowns. Just plan one major thing each day then if you can get more in, great, but don’t over-schedule. Then you can have fun and relax and sometimes you have more surprises that way because you weren’t expecting to do something.

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PENSACOLA SCENE

Colleen Kelly and Emily Lullo between shoots for Family Travel with Colleen Kelly

Judges of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Gumbo Cookoff

...at the Council on Aging “Rat Pack” sponsor party, aboard “The NyHaven”

Jenn Cole, Angela Moore, Terry Cole, Glenys Ballinger, Celeste Southard, Amy Miller, Pete Moore

Teri Levin takes the helm

John Clark with Kathleen and Flack Logan

...at Jackson’s new menu tasting

Brian Spencer and Teri Levin Collier Merrill, Malcolm Ballinger and Burney Merrill

Burney Merrill and Corbett Davis Jr.

...at the Operazzi Ball

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Roger and Raisa Webb

Menu tasters after sampling Jackson’s delicious new menu.

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