Memphis Parent - October 2022

Exceptional pediatric care builds the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Exceptional pediatric care builds the foundation for a lifetime of good health.

By Rachael DeSaussure

By Jon W. Sparks

By Memphis Parent staff

By Kimberly Blaker

HAPPY DAYS AHEAD

Hard to believe I’m writing these words for what will be the October issue of this magazine. This year has flown by, and not without plenty of cuts and scrapes along the way. Memphis is known for its grit, and we’ve endured a lot in recent weeks. But we’ve also proven our resiliency, unity, and strength. I’m thankful for this community and the ways in which we push through even the toughest of times.

Sometimes when things get tough, our mental health suffers. We may also experience more stress than usual. We’ve covered these topics in “Tackling Mental Health Myths” (page 12) and “Distressing Anxiety Symptoms” (page 22). Cultural expectations and misconceptions about mental illness may stunt crucial conversations and healing. It’s important to acknowledge and address emotions rather

than keep them bottled in. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five Americans will experience an anxiety disorder in a given year. And there are more than 100 possible symptoms, many of which you’d never expect to be caused by anxiety. Read on for things to consider when it comes to mental health and well-being — for both children and adults.

Also in this edition, we’re featuring our second student-athlete for The Playbook (page 10). We hope you enjoy reading about Claire Todd, a sophomore golf star at Evangelical Christian School. If you’d like to nominate a middle- or highschool student-athlete in your life, visit memphisparent.com/playbook.

As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been welcomed by fall — can you believe it? And with it we head into the holidays. Halloween,

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve … before you know it, we’ll be greeting 2023. To help with your holiday shopping, we’ve put together a list of a few items we found for screen-free fun for the kids, as well as games and gifts adults can enjoy (page 16).

We’ve also compiled a comprehensive list of frights, lights, and other festive delights in our Calendar & Events section (beginning on page 27). Mark your planners for all the fun and family time to come. Happy Holidays! See you back here in print in the new year. In the meantime, find us on social media or memphisparent.com.

Take care, Shara Clark Editor

SCIENTIST. ARTIST. CHEERLEADER.

She gets to be all of these things at Harding.

ER care dedicated to your child.

The emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital is dedicated to treating children, from newborns to adolescents, when every moment counts. Easily accessible and centrally located, our ER is staffed 24/7 by an experienced team of pediatric emergency medicine specialists. When emergencies happen — and they will — you can count on Baptist to be there for you and your child.

centrally located

easy access

parking

HOLIDAY WONDERS

OCTOBER

6 • Thursday

Overton Square Movie Series

On Thursdays through November 10th, catch free screenings of some of your favorite movies

— Sister Act on October 6th, Paw Patrol on October 13th, Hoosiers on October 20th, Edward Scissorhands on October 27, Twilight on November 3rd, and Footloose on November 10th. Admission is free and films begin at 7 p.m.

8 • Saturday

Paint Memphis

From noon to 6 p.m. in the Broad Avenue Arts District, more than 150 artists will create the largest collaborative mural in Tennessee. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, workshops, demonstrations, dancers, skateboarding, live music, and a kids area.

14 • Friday

Zoo Boo

On select nights between October 14th and 31st, the Upside Down is taking over the zoo, and things are getting stranger at the annual Zoo Boo. Activities include magic with Mr. Nick, the Dracula’s Disco, a Jack-o-lantern Jamboree, a hay maze, and more. Tickets are $13-$18.

22 • Saturday

Time Warp Drive In: Kids Shocktober Spooktacular

Catch Coraline, Goosebumps, The Monster Squad, and The Midnight Hour on the big screen, all from the comfort of your car at the Malco Summer Drive-In. Don’t forget concessions! Films begin at 7 p.m. and admission is $25 per car.

29 • Saturday

Mighty Souls Monster Mash

Boys and girls ages two to eight are invited to grab their magic carpet and Halloween costume as they explore silly, spooky, chilling songs with the Mighty Souls Brass Band at the Buckman Performing Arts Center. The pay-what-you-can event begins at 10 a.m.

NOVEMBER

6 • Sunday

Memphis Japan Festival

From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Memphis Botanic Garden celebrates the history, culture, and people of Japan at this festival featuring food, entertainment, games, crafts, vendors, exhibitors, and more. Admission is free for garden members and children 12 and under. $8/students, $12/adults.

11 • Friday Wizard of Oz

Based on the classic motion picture, young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. In a plot of twists and turns, Dorothy’s amazing adventure returns to Playhouse on the Square. Performances will run Thursdays to Saturdays November 11th through December 12th at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

22 • Tuesday

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical

In this musical with magnificent sets and costumes bringing to life the whimsical world of Whoville, Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holidayloving Whos. Head to the Orpheum Theatre between November 22nd and 27th. Tickets are $25-$90.

DECEMBER

2 • Friday

A Christmas Carol

This Memphis family holiday tradition is based on the novel by Charles Dickens. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. An eye-opening exploration leads to happiness and enlightenment, not to mention song, dance, and holiday cheer. Theatre Memphis performances run Thursdays to Saturdays December 2nd through 23rd at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Theatre Memphis, December 2-23

10 • Saturday

Memphis Holiday Parade

Join in the fun on America’s most iconic street to ring in the holiday season with marching bands, steppers, twirlers, floats, and all sorts of sights. The fun begins on Beale at 3 p.m.

JANUARY

28 • Saturday

Professor Wow’s Fun-Believable Science Show

Nothing is impossible — as long as it obeys the laws of science! Head to Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center to watch Professor Wow turn scientific phenomena into a phenomenal show with help from some interesting devices. Perfect for kids from kindergarten to eighth grade, this show will inspire a love of science and make our world a little easier to understand. Show begins at 2 p.m. and tickets are $10-$15.

Check out our comprehensive calendar listings, beginning on page 27.

Time for a check-in with your child’s teacher? Check in on their mental health, too

Now that school is back in full swing, how is your child adjusting to being back in the classroom? When you meet with your child’s teachers, ask them about how your child is doing emotionally as well as academically.

If your child is dealing with emotional setbacks, we can help. Our inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs can help them regain lost coping skills. Lakeside also offers a fully accredited school program so students can maintain their studies while in treatment.

Don’t let anxiety or depression prevent your child from having a successful school year. Find out how we can help by calling 901-377-4733 today.

Together,

Call 901.377.4733

Contact us for a confidential, no-cost assessment, 24/7

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakeside Behavioral Health System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakeside Behavioral Health System. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 220029-0123 8/22

2911

Tennessee

COMMON REASONS FOR MISSPELLING

What are some of the reasons for the misspellings many students make? What are some ways to avoid them?

— Good Speller

First of all, parents need to understand that spelling is not a simple skill for children to master. It is tough for a lot of children and even some adults. Spelling involves thinking about how words sound and then translating the sounds into print. Reading, on the other hand, is just recognizing what is there — not that this is to imply that it is easy to learn to read. Nevertheless, most young children are far better readers than spellers.

There are three groups of children who are likely to have greater difficulties with learning to spell words. Dyslexics have problems isolating

sounds in words and turning them into letters. And spelling is also difficult for those with dysgraphia as they have physical problems writing or typing words. The last group of children are those with auditory processing problems.

When children first begin to spell words, they do not have down pat spelling rules or the sounds of individual letters, especially short vowels. So they use just a few letters to spell a word. This early spelling (common with 5- and 6-year-old children) is called inventive spelling and is not caused for the same reason as misspellings of older children and adults. If you are curious about the words that are commonly misspelled, just search online for lists. You will easily find the 100 most commonly misspelled words as well as those misspelled by grade level. Fortunately, 85 percent of all words follow sound to letter correspondence, and many others follow a few basic rules with few exceptions. The spelling of the remaining words simply will have to be memorized.

Once children have grasped the basics of spelling and have had serious spelling instruction, there are a number of situations in which they are likely to misspell words. Here is a list of the most common reasons children misspell words:

1. One of the most common of all is the use of homophones (words that are pronounced the same but mean different things depending on how they are spelled). Some very common examples of these misspellings are: to/two/ too; you’re/ your; they’re/their/there; are/our and it’s/its. It takes considerable instruction for children to learn to spell homophones correctly.

2. Another cause of spelling errors in the early grades as well as in later grades — even high school — is the mispronunciation of words. This is especially true of unfamiliar words in textbooks.

3. Students may forget to double letters in words such as committee, embarrass, and tomorrow.

4. Words may be written as one word when they are actually two (every day not everyday, thank you not thankyou, and all right not allright).

5. Students may not realize that some common words have silent consonants and misspell them as caracter and enviroment.

6. While spelling does follow some rules, students may not have learned the exceptions to these rules, or there may be too many exceptions for a rule to have value.

7. And in this day of doing so much schoolwork on the computer, misspellings may simply be typing errors.

There are ways to reduce children’s spelling errors. Begin by encouraging the use of spellcheck so children become aware of the errors they are making. Next, a list of their commonly misspelled words should be made. The list should then be studied to see if there is a pattern to the words that are misspelled. If so, this is the problem that should be addressed.

It is best if instruction on spelling these words correctly is given by the teacher, and a few of these words are added to the weekly spelling test. If not, parents can work on the list with their children.

Photo © Phovoir | Dreamstime.com

Photo © Lightzoom Dreamstime.com

By Marge Eberts and Peggy Gisler

HOW TO SPEED UP ESSAY WRITING

My daughter has started to write essays in middle school. She is a real slow poke at this and is not completing them in school. Do you have any suggestions for ways she can speed up the process? It will obviously be a big problem in high school.

— Just Too Slow

Of course, a basic way to solve this problem is to practice writing essays at home. Practice does make essay writing faster and easier. First of all, she needs to learn the very basics of essay writing which is to jot down the main idea and three ideas to support it. Help her do this for essays she has already started writing at school and not completed. Then go on to possible future essay topics. This will teach her the foundation of successful early essay writing. It may take some time and a lot of conversations with you to accomplish this.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com and visit dearteacher.com to learn more about helping their children succeed in school.

©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2022

Where do boys learn to live by a student-created COMMUNITY CREED?

Learn how at musowls.org/admissions

Illustration © MicrovoneDreamstime.com

By Samuel X. Cicci

The sophomore at Evangelical Christian School (ECS) hasn’t rested on her laurels since then, and continues to hone her craft in Tennessee tournaments and beyond.

Todd first got into golf watching her older brother, Carson, compete. But after he stepped away from the sport, she decided to pick up the clubs and start taking it seriously. “I was just hitting for fun at first,” says Todd. “I would just go with my brother when he played, but something about it just kept me interested, so I wanted to start playing on my own.”

Once she procured her own clubs, Todd’s grandfather, Jim Jennings, took her under his wing and showed her the ropes. “We’re really close,” she says, “and he lives on a golf course, so he’d take me out there and we’d hit for hours. I saw myself starting to improve, so I began practicing at TPC Southwind.”

Currently, Todd competes as both an independent, and as one of two members of the girls varsity golf team at ECS. And her dedication to the sport is evident thanks to topranked finishes at many of the tournaments that she competes in solo, as well as a nomination for Girls Golf Player of the Year for the Memphis Area High School Sports Awards. Just this year, she won the Masters 2-Day competition at Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee, and also earned a pair of second place finishes in other tournaments. And she frequently ranks among the top performers in national golf competitions.

For the ECS team, she’s eyeing a good performance at the upcoming regional match

in October alongside teammate and friend Shelby Callaghan. “The season is going really well so far,” says Todd. “For the most part, I’ve had pretty good rounds, and [in September] I shot the lowest I’ve ever shot on nine holes. I think we’ve both improved a lot, we’ve won a lot of matches as a team, and we’re in a good place.”

But when it comes to working as a unit, Todd finds it helpful to set overarching goals for every member of the ECS varsity golf team. Some competitions, they’ll come up with a target number of birdies they’d like to sink, or aim to avoid any “three-putts.” Plus, the two will check in with each other throughout the day, providing support and encouragement if one is off her game.

For independent tournaments, it’s a much lonelier affair. Out there by herself, many times at out-of-state tournaments in North Carolina or Florida, maintaining a strong mentality is a key component to success. When an athlete isn’t getting the rub of the green, Todd says it helps to stay positive. “I try to keep a good attitude at all times, but it can be tough,” she says. “If I’m playing badly, I’ll say to myself, ‘It’s golf. Everyone has bad days. Even the pros have bad days.’”

And that rock-solid mentality is key, with those tournaments bringing in a much wider pool of talent to compete against. But Todd

relishes the challenge of playing at a high level. “It just makes me better, having to go up against these really talented girls,” she says. “You’ll see athletes who are always on top, and it kind of gives you a goal that this is the person to beat. And in golf, anything can happen on a given day, so you have to keep pushing yourself and see how high you can go.”

As the season winds down, Todd is focused on her ECS team. Her previous two appearances at the state tournament have been as an individual, but under coach Beth Miller, the hope is to get the full team qualified. That would provide the perfect springboard for next season, when a third student is set to join the team. “We’ve usually had a small team, so getting to grow will be really helpful for us,” she says.

Expect the golf successes to keep coming for Todd. After high school, she has her sights set on continuing her upward trajectory into college athletics. And with several seasons to improve before then? Keep an eye on this rising star.

Memphis Parent wants to highlight the region’s top student-athletes. Know a rising sports star? Submit your nomination at memphisparent.com/playbook.

Sinking a hole-in-one is a memorable lifetime achievement for any golfer. But Claire Todd decided to get started on that milestone early, nabbing her first at the Hernando Golf & Racquet Club all the way back in 2018.

Photo Courtesy ECS

Girls are.

Extraordinary

At St. Mary’s Episcopal School, we know girls. We know how they learn best. We know what motivates them. We know how they tackle challenges in the classroom and in life. A St. Mary’s education goes beyond academics. We help girls grow into young women of integrity, compassion, and confidence.

Come join the tradition. Call 901.537.1405 to schedule a visit.

TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH MYTHS

One of the biggest barriers to healing is misconception from society, others, and ourselves.

Although we’ve made progress in recent decades, mental health challenges and emotional struggles can still be secret, unspoken burdens for some. Cultural expectations may stunt crucial conversations and healing. It’s easier to believe that heavy emotional weights or debilitating states of mind will pass, even if they never do.

Myth: “My child or I would feel or look weak if we acknowledged that we were struggling with our mental health.”

The research is clear: Not only does the stigma around mental illness prevent people from obtaining the support they need, it sometimes means they may initially get treatment but discontinue it or suffer worse outcomes from clinical support.

Parents and children, both individually and in their relationships with one another, can break down barriers by simply recognizing and calling out common myths about mental health. In the context of both World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week this October, this is a first step toward less stigma, better outcomes, and greater equity for everyone’s mental and emotional well-being.

Myth: “My child won’t be able to live a normal life if I acknowledge their mental illness.”

In a well-meaning way, parents can become anxious that reaching out for support will alienate their child from friends, teachers, and other community connections. However, the reality is that supporting a child’s mental health helps them build strong, healthy relationships and community connections.

Myth: “Only a professional can support someone with mental illness.”

It’s true that many mental health challenges require assistance from trained, licensed mental health professionals. Sometimes that work happens outside of daily life, at an inpatient or intensive outpatient facility.

But other family members, friends, school peers and co-workers are all critically important parts of the social fabric that supports a child outside of the clinician’s office. Nurturing, supportive, trusted relationships enable healing and growth that is necessary for mental wellness and healthy social and emotional development.

By Rachael DeSaussure

Photo © Flynt | Dreamstime.com

We are dedicated to providing excellent care to all age groups.

Daher Asthma and Allergy Clinic 2136 Exeter Rd. Suite 103 Germantown, TN 38138

Call for an appointment today: (Open Monday thru Thursdays) phone 901.203.6055 fax 901.203.6056 www.DaherAllergy.com

Daher Asthma and Allergy Clinic

Nora Daher, M.D. Board Certified Allergy Immunologist

Myth: “Having good mental health means always having it together.”

Anger, disappointment, sadness, frustration, and grief are normal emotions, but they’re not what you’ll see on most Instagram feeds.

Strong emotions are often messy and hard to manage. Maintaining good emotional and mental health is more about how well we can cope with these things, not whether they happen at all.

Children at any age can struggle to adjust to major changes in life or during times of loss. Parents, especially new ones, can find that some or all of what they dreamed parenting would be is different from the reality.

If you start to feel you are sinking, that’s a sign to reach out for support.

Combating stigma, expanding access It’s worth acknowledging that many of these steps and encouragements are much easier said than done for far too many of our neighbors. The self-perception that mental healthcare would be hard to receive is reflected back by the realities of many Americans. Racial, gender, and sexual minorities in the U.S. are less likely to receive the care and support they need and deserve — a reality that is clearly backed by data.

If you’re in a position to help, especially as a parent or guardian, consider what you can do to make the path easier for someone to seek the support they need. Know that a simple, “Are you okay?” when someone is struggling is the perfect way to begin.

Rachael DeSaussure, LPC-MHSP, NCC, is assistant clinical director of Kindred Place.

Olga Strelnikova

Dreamstime.com

Illustration

Games, gadgets, and more to kick-start your shopping list.

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about that gift list. Not a shopper? Worried about battling crowds? Not sure what your kids want? Don’t worry! From fun to educational, for solo play or group gatherings, we’ve found a few things to get you started.

THE TODO GAME

KEKE BAG

For good times on the go! These travelfriendly bags ($64.99 or $34.99/threemonth subscription) feature four pouches with different activities in each. Entertaining and educational, Keke offers screen-free fun for trips, dining in, at home (or anywhere!). Included activities encourage emerging skills for children ages 3 to 6: social/emotional, fine motor, pre-academics, and creative. Available at kekekid.com.

GIRLS CAN! CRATE

monthly subscription box ($28.95$34.95/month) was created to empower girls — and boys — (ages 5-10) to do and be anything they can dream. Each month, a new kit celebrates the life of a strong, diverse female role model such as Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Malala Yousafzai, Sally Ride, and others. The GIRLS CAN! 28-page activity book tells an original story celebrating a featured woman and includes hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) challenges with necessary supplies, a collectible button, and more.

Available at girlscancrate.com.

This family card game ($20-$24) offers editions for children, parents and grandparents, couples and newlyweds. Its purpose is to bring people together without digital distractions. And it’s easy to play! Just pick a random card and follow its instructions. Activities range from 20 minutes to an hour to complete. The “Happy Hands” card, for example, asks players to trace their hand on a sheet of paper and think of five things that make them happy. Players then write these down on the five fingers of their hand and share them out loud. Finished products can be hung on a wall or refrigerator. The couples’ edition helps plan date nights or fun, bonding cooking experiences!

Available at thetodogame.com.

Photo © Victor Moussa

Dreamstime.com

THE GEOMAG MECHANICS

CHALLENGE GOAL

Does your child enjoy building things? This 96-piece set ($29.99) contains magnetic rods, spheres, and plastic elements — all the essentials needed to build a magnetic cannon. It’s made with recycled plastic and the motion is provided by the invisible forces of gravity and magnetism — no electricity or batteries needed! Young builders (ages 7+) can experience the fundamental principles of physics — and a little magic. Available at maisonette.com.

HOPE HAVEN LITTLE HOMES

new take on dollhouses! Created as a miniature, modular, and on-the-go alternative to traditional, large-scale dollhouses, Hope Haven Little Homes ($10-$124) are designed with modern interior designs. Magnetic backs give littles the creativity to easily redecorate and arrange their houses as their imagination desires. For each purchase, the company supplies an underprivileged child with their own Hope Haven Little Home. Available at hopehavenco.com.

I’M THE CHEF TOO!

Is your child an aspiring chef? I’m The Chef Too! ($36.95) is a subscription kit created by a mother/educator that incorporates educational concepts into recipes to make learning fun, engaging, and tasty! Each month’s adventures combine food, STEM, and the arts. Kids can learn about outer space as they prepare galaxy donuts, engineer erupting volcano cake as they learn about chemical reactions, or even discover geology as they bake cupcake geodes! Available at imthecheftoo.com.

OG SLIMES

Ooey, gooey, squishy, slimy! OG Slimes ($9.99-$17.99) offers one-of-a-kind, nontoxic slimes in various colors, scents, and textures. The brand features new themed slimes weekly, in addition to traditional fragranced faves, like grandma’s cookies. The slimes can be used as fidget toy for fun, as a sensory stimulator, or for activities like

BUFF CITY SOAP

Don’t forget the adults! Shop local this season with handmade items from Buff City Soap. From fragrant soaps ($7) and sugar scrubs ($16) for the ladies on your list to beard balm ($15) and shave bars ($10) for the men, all products are made in-store with natural ingredients and contain no parabens, artificial detergents, dyes, harsh chemicals, phthalates, or other harmful ingredients. Available at Buff City Soap locations or buffcitysoap.com.

EDX EDUCATION

EDX education offers an array of STEM toys for kids of all ages. Outside play and education should go hand-in-hand. Actively engage with nature with these 2021 National Parenting Product Award-winning toys that encourage learning through play. Available on Amazon.

Compiled by Memphis Parent staff

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

Learning in a grandparent/grandchild relationship runs both ways.

Grandkids are little equalizers. If you believe that your mission is to guide and instruct, you’re not wrong — but the newly minted grandparent will discover rapidly that the guidance and instruction runs both ways. Often when you least expect it.

You might, for example, decide to explain to your preschooler how a garden works. You’re thinking they’ll get a good grounding in how

flowers grow from seeds, and why plants rely on water and sunlight. All this will additionally provide plenty of entries to other topics, like rocks and bugs. But don’t underestimate the ability of a child’s mind to skitter off in unexpected directions. “Hey grandpa, can we eat this mushroom?”

And don’t get ahead of yourself, or ahead of the school curriculum. I endeavored to tell a first grader working on Common Core math that she should carry the one in order to solve some kind of calculation. “We don’t carry the one,” she patiently advised me. I still don’t know how to do addition 21stcentury-style, and if they ever did offer Common Core for Geezers, I’d probably fall asleep just as I did back when I first tried to learn to carry the one.

I do recall that I experienced a few things

from my paternal grandfather. Tom Sparks was impossibly old when I came into the world (well, he was my age now) and I found him to be wonderful, if a bit mysterious. He was tall, slender, and dignified (I did not get those genes, however). He was soft-spoken but had a dry wit that kept the chuckles coming, and which I appreciated even in my childhood.

In his life he was a farmer, a grain elevator operator, a handyman, and who knows what else. He showed me the four rows of corn he had growing in the backyard and I learned a bit about kernels and silks and husks. Tom could make pretty near any tool or piece of furniture he wanted. I have a six-foot pitchfork he made from a long piece of pipe and a four-pronged iron tool that he connected using a nail that he jammed in and twisted tight. It’s probably a hundred years old, is rusty and homely,

Tom Sparks moved his family here and there in Oklahoma and Arkansas in the early twentieth century. Next to him is the author’s uncle Otto and just visible behind them is his dad Billy. Jack and Jake were the patient mules.

By Jon W. Sparks

and still works, not that I have a lot of hay to redistribute. He also made a wee rocking chair that I used, and that my kids used, and now my grandkids use. I also have his strop and straight razor, but I am too modern to even think about using that thing.

I once wandered too close to a trellis in his front yard and got stung by a wasp. I don’t remember that it hurt much but I did like how everyone fussed over me. The best part, though, was when he quietly got up, assembled some kind of torch, and smoked those bugs into the next county, stingers and all. So, when he later asked me to run an errand, I was glad to do it, even if it was to go to the little grocery a block away and fetch him some Beech-Nut Chewing Tobacco.

He was fascinating to me, but I can’t say I learned any great skills from him. I can hardly grow a plant, much less a row of corn. I couldn’t

Your student’s fullest potential is waiting. RSVP for an Open House in November or schedule a tour anytime.

possibly hammer together a pitchfork or make a piece of furniture unless it comes from Ikea. I get rid of stinging pests by getting a can of wasp killer with a very long spray nozzle (and once I’ve deployed the fatal squirt, I run very quickly into the house). And I never did learn to chew terbacky.

On the other hand, I have driven thousands of miles without causing an accident. The story was told about the one time that Tom tried to operate a car: It was parked in a barn, he cranked it up, managed to get it in gear, and immediately backed it through the rear of the barn. It is said that he removed himself from the vehicle, picked off the splinters from the damage, and never got behind a wheel the rest of his life.

Maybe there is something to be learned from that. Thanks, grandpa! 

MEMPHIS

At St. George’s, some of the greatest lessons are learned outside the classroom.

Illustration © Andrel Ignatov Dreamstime.com

“My love and passion for being impactful in the early stages of a child’s life is rewarding,” says Wilkes. Wilkes, who is a graduate of White Station High School and Crichton College, utilizes his morals and values from his upbringing to be impactful in the lives of each child that he encounters year after year. “Being a Christian role model and positive influence in their lives lets me know that I am serving my purpose in life, and that’s what continues to promote my drive and motivation to continue this mission,” says Wilkes.

Married with two children, Wilkes values his family and the opportunity to work alongside his brother Dee Wilkes, who is the head boys basketball coach at FACS. Wilkes, who grew up in the inner city of Memphis, enjoys his tenure at FACS and the impact he has had on the children. Wilkes appreciates the friendships and relationships that he has built over the years with the coaches and players.

FACS made school history with its first TSSAA boys basketball state championship.

“We were hungry for the win and so were our players,” says Wilkes. Wilkes coaches with a winning attitude in a positive environment. Being a positive role model and staying engaged to the young team is a motto he lives by.

Wilkes treasures the memory of this winning experience, which he shares with his brother. The championship game meant a lot to him, his brother, and the school. “As an assistant coach for FACS boys basketball team, we won the state championship this year, which was such a fun and exciting time to coach my nephew Kobe Wilkes and to also work alongside my brother,” says Wilkes.

“FACS beat Goodpasture 48-42 in the Division II Class A title game at Tennessee Tech’s Hooper Eblen Center to avenge a loss to the Cougars in last year’s state quarterfinals,” adds Wilkes. Last year, FACS had lost to Goodpasture during the quarterfinals. But this year, the FACS team returned home as champions after beating Goodpasture in the

MELVIN WILKES

finals. “This game was so amazing for our school history and for us as coaches.”

Wilkes manages his practices to be an optimal learning environment by outlining standards and expectations of the students. He believes in being creative and influential by encouraging positive communication among the students. Alongside practice and hard work, a positive mindset and open communication are equally important. “The best part of coaching is that I can be a role model for the players that I coach,” Wilkes says. “I get to impart the things that I learned as a player onto the young men that I coach daily, such as my drive, skill, and winning mentality.”

Besides being an outstanding basketball coach, Wilkes is loved by many middle and high school students because of his loving demeanor. He is a great assistant coach who impacts his students both on and off the court. “We built some long-lasting relationships with the players and look forward to what the young men will do in the future,” says Wilkes.

We want to shine a light on your child’s teacher, or even a teacher who made a difference in your life. Submit your nomination today by emailing teacher@memphisparent.com.

Melvin Wilkes has been with First Assembly Christian School (FACS) for 12 years and has coached boys and girls basketball teams as well as served as the PE teacher. Wilkes started his teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Promise Academy before transitioning to FACS.

Risha

By Kimberly Blaker

DISTRESSING ANXIETY SYMPTOMS

Some you might never expect.

Imagine, out of the blue, you feel your brain spin 180 degrees at lightning speed as if fueled by an electrical current. This bizarre feeling isn’t lightheadedness, dizziness, or anything you’ve ever experienced. You panic and wonder, ‘Am I going crazy?’ Or worse, ‘Am I going to die?’ You try to brush it off when suddenly, it happens again.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five Americans will experience an anxiety disorder in a given year. What’s more, there are more than 100 possible symptoms, many of which you’d never expect to be caused by anxiety. For that reason, when they occur, they often exacerbate anxiety because of the worry caused by the symptoms.

UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY

The following are some of the more bizarre symptoms of anxiety, though most are not uncommon. If you experience symptoms that persist, seek medical attention to rule out a medical cause since all the symptoms of anxiety can also be associated with various medical conditions.

• Indigestion. Anxiety can cause temporary or even chronic indigestion. Burping, passing gas, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be symptoms.

• Phantom ringing. Tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears, can be a sign of stress or anxiety and can be experienced in several ways. According to anxietycentre.com, you may hear buzzing, ringing, humming, whizzing, chirping, roaring, swooshing, or any number of other sounds.

• Burning sensation. This unusual anxiety symptom can be felt on your skin, lips, tongue, and even in your eyes. It can feel like a sunburn despite no sunburn being present, a prickling sensation, or even shooting sparks.

• Heart irregularities. Skipped heartbeats, palpitations, or a racing heart can all be symptoms of anxiety. What’s so troublesome is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between heart irregularities caused by anxiety versus a heart attack. When in doubt, seek medical treatment right away.

• Physical numbness or tingling. These feelings can occur in your hands, feet, arms, legs, or face. It may also feel like physical weakness.

• Excessive yawning. During anxiety attacks, hyperventilation is a common response, leading your body to feel it isn’t getting enough oxygen. As a result, you might experience frequent yawning.

• Phantom smell. Phantosmia, an olfactory hallucination, sometimes occurs with anxiety. It can cause you to smell something that isn’t there, or rather, a neutral smell becomes unpleasant.

• Brain shivers or zaps. Most often, this bizarre sensation is caused by antidepressants or withdrawal from them. However, sometimes it’s associated with anxiety. Brain shivers can range from mild to severe and feel different from person-toperson, though they usually last only a brief time. Brain shivers or zaps, explains anxietycentre.com, can feel like an electrical jolt or a shaking, vibration, or tremor in the brain.

• Phantom vibrations. If you’ve ever felt your phone vibrate, only to discover it didn’t, attachment anxiety may be the cause. This is a genuine phenomenon, according to a study reported by the University of Michigan in 2016.

• Tremors. Anxiety can cause numerous types of tremors. In addition to shaking or trembling, other typical forms, according to calmclinic. com, include arm or leg spasms, cramping, or longer or slower shaking than usual.

• Derealization. This experience feels like not being in reality. Anxietybc.com says it can be experienced in several ways. You may feel disconnected from the world and people around you, sort of like being in a dream state. You may have a distorted perception of space, time, and the size of things. Everything might feel foggy or fuzzy or that you’re very ill or going crazy.

• Globus hystericus. With this anxiety symptom, it feels like a lump in your throat, or you might have difficulty swallowing. Some people also feel a tightness in their throat.

Photo © Tim Gouw | Unsplash

You may feel disconnected from the world and people around you, sort of like being in a dream state.

The project was funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Health

Eye problems. Blurred vision, dilated pupils, watery eyes, and shapes that float in front of the eyes can all be a result of anxiety.

• Skin rashes. Stress can cause hives, itching, and rashes. If you already have rosacea or psoriasis, anxiety and stress can exaggerate it.

• Shooting pains. You may experience these in several areas of your body, including your face, abdomen, arms, and chest during episodes of anxiety.

• Freezing hands and feet. Stress and anxiety can decrease circulation. As a result, your hands and feet may feel icy.

HOW TO ALLEVIATE ANXIETY

Depending on whether you have an actual anxiety disorder or the severity of the symptoms, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication may be the solution. But there are other things you can do as well to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms.

During periods of high stress, get plenty of rest. This will help keep anxiety under control and result in fewer or less severe symptoms.

Also, practice slow breathing. Alice Boyes Ph.D., in her article, “Breathing Techniques for Anxiety,” says the key is to focus only on breathing out. While concentrating on slowly, steadily, and gently breathing out, allow the tension to flow out of your body and relaxation to flow in.

Mindfulness meditation is another useful technique for reducing anxiety according to a growing body of research. You can start by meditating for just a few minutes each day

and gradually increase it to more extended periods. For complete instructions, visit mindful.org/mindfulness-how-to-do-it.

Get some exercise. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy, hardcore workout. Even a 10-minute brisk walk can provide several hours of anxiety relief, according to psychologists, says the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Finally, if your doctor has told you your symptoms are anxiety-related, remind yourself of this when symptoms strike. Try not to worry about the symptoms, which only serves to exacerbate anxiety and cause the symptoms to persist.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer.

She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com.

By Kimberly Blaker

Photo © Andrey Metelev | Unsplash

DAD LIBS

THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD GO FAST, AND THEY WERE RIGHT

Making the most of the younger years.

A few weeks ago, I was walking by my 7-year-old Beatrice’s bedroom and noticed she had tucked two of her favorite stuffed animals in bed. It was the sweetest thing.

Bea is very childlike and imaginative and tends to do stuff like this, but for some reason this act of love stopped me in my tracks. I was so moved that I had to walk over to Winnie the Pooh and the handsewn rabbit creature fashioned by Grandma Cheryl to take a photo. I wanted to remember this special moment forever.

“I don’t ever want this to end,” I thought to myself. I want Bea to tuck in her stuffies for the rest of her life. I want her to stay 7 forever. Most of all, it made me appreciate her sweet and innocent spirit. I know it’s cliché, but time is moving too fast and it makes me want to hold on to this wonderful and whimsical time for as long as I can. Or at least plant it in a file folder deep in the recesses of my brain so I can remember it when things might not be so sweet and beautiful. My parents said these years would go fast, and they were right. I recently saw a picture of Bea as a baby eating from her high chair, and I barely remember that. I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment. I want to savor and remember it all.

Easier said than done, I know.

Ella, my 10-year-old, soon to be 11, has

become so independent and mature and opinionated as of late. It’s a different sense of pride I get from watching her ease into the pre-teen years. However, I long for the days when she would cuddle up in our bed and just snuggle and laugh and let us envelop her with the deep love that we have for our first-born child. After all, it was just me, Annie, and Ella for more than three years. They were great years. Those days aren’t completely gone, but as I watch her become a young lady, I’m more and more apt to hold on a little bit tighter.

I guess what I’m saying is that parenting has many seasons. Some are stressful while

By Jeff Hulett

others are free-flowing and easy. Some are beautiful while others are overwhelming. My family lives in between two families who have very young children, and it’s funny to watch them do the things that we did. Sometimes you just have to laugh and reflect on the real early years. Thankfully, we are in a season where our children are pretty self-contained and don’t need us every waking moment. My neighbors will get there one day, too, and then they’ll be sad like I am about how it all went too fast.

For now, I’ll enjoy watching Beatrice try to entice and capture a fairy in her room. She believes it’ll happen. Why can’t I?

Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis.

He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and dog Chalupa.

THE BEST FOR boys.

Early Childhood Coffee & Conversation: Nov. 3 & Dec. 6 at 9:30am • pdsmemphis.org

CALENDAR

OCTOBER 22ND DAY OF THE DEAD PREVIEW

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with music, folklore, dancers, altars, face painting, crafts, and live performances.

Crosstown Concourse, October 22

OCTOBER

1 • Saturday

Art for Elephants

Watch your favorite elephants channel their creativity as they paint masterpieces. Proceeds from the event go to Elephants for Africa, a charity committed to protecting the endangered African elephant through research and education. This event is included in zoo admission.

Memphis Zoo, October 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Disney’s Encanto 2D

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of Disney’s Encanto, which tells the tale of the extraordinary Madrigal family, who possess magical powers — well, except for one member of the family.

Museum of Science & History, October 1, 4 p.m. (in Spanish) Saturday, October 8, 4 p.m.

2 • Sunday

Family Fun Fish Fry

Support MoSH at the Nature Center, have dinner, and enjoy some family fun around the lake. Tasty catfish, hushpuppies, slaw, sides, cold drinks, and dessert will be served. Experience the activities area hosted by Bass Pro Shop and other community partners.

Lichterman Nature Center, Sunday, October 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m., $25-$40

6 • Thursday

Overton Square Movie Series

Catch free screenings of your favorite movies

— Sister Act on October 6th, Paw Patrol on October 13th, Hoosiers on October 20th, Edward Scissorhands on October 27, Twilight on November 3rd, and Footloose on November 10th.

Overton Square, Thursdays through November 10, 7 p.m.

Shout-Out Shakespeare Series: Macbeth

The Tennessee Shakespeare Company presents its sixth annual Free Shout-Out Shakespeare Series, bringing Macbeth to eight different outdoor venues throughout Shelby County over the three week-season. This 85-minute adaptation features six actors performing as Shakespeare’s players did while touring: with character/costume changes on-stage and sound effects accomplished by hand. Various locations, October 6-23, select days and times, free

Soul of the City

Rock around the clock as Elmwood Cemetery’s residents take you through Memphis music history. You’ll meet Sister Thea Bowman, Grammy Awardwinners, rock-and-roll stars, blues crooners, and more.

Elmwood Cemetery, October 6-8

8 • Saturday

Big River Fit Fest

This fitness fest is designed to expose and educate the Mid-South community of all ages and skill levels on fitness, wellness, and health.

Mud Island Park, October 8

Edge Motorfest

This family-friendly event features over 150 cars, food trucks, vendor booths, and more.

Edge Motor Museum, October 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., free

Paint Memphis

Over 150 artists will create the largest collaborative mural in Tennessee. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, workshops, demonstrations, dancers, skateboarding, live music, and a kids area. Broad Avenue District, October 8, noon- 6 p.m.

By

14 • Friday Zoo Boo

The Upside Down is taking over the zoo, and things are getting stranger at the annual Zoo Boo. Activities include magic with Mr. Nick, the Dracula’s Disco, a Jack-o-lantern Jamboree, a hay maze, and more.

Memphis Zoo, October 14-31, select nights, $13-$18

15 • Saturday Pancakes for Primates

Join Memphis Zoo’s primate friends for a delicious and entertaining breakfast, where you can build your own pancakes and enjoy the Primate Keeper Chat, a gorilla feeding, and fun gorilla enrichment.

Memphis Zoo, October 15, 9-10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon, $20-$25

22 • Saturday RiverArtsFest

More than 180 artists from around the country will show off and sell their fine arts. As an added bonus, the festival features artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities for all ages, and local music. Downtown Memphis, October 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. STEAMFest

To celebrate all things STEAM, MoSH and a host of community partners will have a variety of fun activities including pendulum painting, exploding pumpkins, balloon zipline races, and more. Plus, you can interact with some of the animals from Lichterman Nature Center, including a friendly opossum.

Museum of Science & History, October 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Time Warp Drive In: Kids Shocktober Spooktacular Catch Coraline, Goosebumps, The Monster Squad, and The Midnight Hour on the big screen, all from the comfort of your car.

Malco Summer Drive In, October 22, 7 p.m., $25

Illustration © Irina Miroshnichenko Dreamstime.com

Photo © Angel Ortez

25 • Tuesday

Chick-fil-A Southaven Superhero Fall Festival

Bring the family out for an evening of fun with superheroes from DC/Marvel and real-life heroes like police officers and firefighters. There will be trick-or-treating, a costume contest, interactive activities, and live demonstrations. First 300 kids will receive a free superhero cape. Landers Center, October 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

28 • Friday

Cemetery Cinema Double Feature: Soul of the City and Hocus Pocus

Cemetery Cinema is back with a special double feature showing of Elmwood Cemetery’s original film, The Soul of the City: Memphis Music, and Hocus Pocus. Guests can bring lawn chairs and coolers. Children ages 9 and up are welcome. Elmwood Cemetery, October 28, 6-9 p.m.

29 • Saturday

Mighty Souls Monster Mash

Boys and girls ages two to eight are invited to grab their magic carpet and Halloween costume as they explore silly, spooky, chilling songs with the Mighty Souls Brass Band.

Buckman Performing Arts Center, October 29, 10 a.m.

Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival

The community celebration at the Brooks will offer art-making activities, face painting, music, costumed performers, dance performances, a parade, and more — all in celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

Brooks Museum, October 29, 11 a.m., free Halloween Hike

Get an active start to your Halloween celebrations by taking a not-so-spooky walk through the garden. Special treat and activity stations along the way will feature Alice in Wonderland activities and crafts, pumpkin storytime, bat crafts, a bone dig, and much more!

Memphis Botanic Garden, October 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $10-$15

Spy Ninjas

Spy Ninjas is a team of YouTubers on a mission to save the internet from Project Zorgo, an evil organization of hackers, with bravery, loyalty, and honesty, and they’re bringing their adventures to the Orpheum stage.

Orpheum Theatre, November 5, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., $33-$178

6 • Sunday

Memphis Japan Festival

Celebrate the history, culture, and people of Japan at this festival featuring food, entertainment, games, crafts, vendors, exhibitors, and more.

Memphis Botanic Garden, November 6, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

10 • Thursday

Champions of Magic

A phenomenal team of magicians will present an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects, including interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage, and a finale beyond explanation. This show is not recommended for children under 5 due to moments of darkness and loud noises. Children under 2 will not be admitted.

Orpheum Theatre, November 10-11, 7:30 p.m., $45-$80

11 • Friday

Wizard of Oz

Based on the classic motion picture, young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. In a plot of twists and turns, Dorothy’s amazing adventure returns to Playhouse on the Square. Performances will run Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Playhouse on the Square, November 11-December 22

15 • Tuesday

Disney Jr. Live

This show brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel super heroes together live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more.

Orpheum Theatre, November 15, 6 p.m., $29.50-$159.50

17 • Thursday

Homeschool Days: Come Together

To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, take a guided tour at the Brooks and celebrate depictions of families and communities in the Brooks’s collection. Explore how different families are portrayed in art and create your own family portrait.

Brooks Museum, November 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

NOVEMBER

5 • Saturday

Peanut Butter and Jam: mömandpöp

Wendy the Whale really wants to be a contestant in the world’s greatest underwater baking contest, but she keeps dropping the eggs, losing her recipes, and making messes. Swim along with Wendy as she gets expert advice from her underwater friends on trying hard things and dealing with difficult emotions. With all brand new tunes from mömandpöp and loads of audience participation, this is one highly interactive, underwater adventure. Recommended for children 8 and under. Germantown Performing Arts Center, November 5, 10-11 a.m.

18 • Friday

Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School

Your favorite first-grader is at it again! Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School is a hilarious, whole-hearted show about owning up to your mistakes and how no one is ever done learning. Performances will run Thursdays to Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The Circuit Playhouse, November 18-December 22

19 • Saturday Writing Workshop with Caroline Brooks Dubois

This interactive writing workshop is for aspiring young writers and young-at-heart writers. Writers should bring their own writing materials and be prepared for collaborative activities, guided brainstorming, writing, and sharing, at comfortable levels. After the workshop led by Dubois, the author will give a book talk and sign her new release Ode to a Nobody Novel, November 19, 1-2 p.m.

Pinkalicious

Pinkalicious, a young girl obsessed with all things pink, has gotten herself into trouble as her all-pink cupcake diet has turned her pink from head to toe. How will Pinkalicious solve this pinkish problem in this charming stage production?

Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, November 19, 2 p.m., $10-$15

22 • Tuesday

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical

In this musical with magnificent sets and costumes bringing to life the whimsical world of Whoville, Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holidayloving Whos.

Orpheum Theatre, November 22-27, $25-$90

25 • Friday

Holiday Wonders at the Garden

This unique and expansive seasonal display is a delight for all ages to experience the magic of the season, and this year’s display is set in Wonderland. Memphis Botanic Garden, November 25December 23, select nights, $10-$14

Starry Nights

Shelby Farms Park will bring the spirit of Christmas to life with dazzling light displays featuring more than 3.5 million lights.

Shelby Farms Park, November 25 - early January, select nights

29 • Tuesday

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted — a chance to finally fit in — but with a lie that was never meant to be told. This show is recommended for ages 12+.

Orpheum Theatre, November 29 - December 4, $130-$35

Helping your whole family feel better ChurchHealth.org/family

Making Every

Feel Important

Dental Group & Orthodontics serves infants, children, and teens. From baby teeth to braces, PDGO is here for every stage of your child’s life.

901-363-8191

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Finding purpose in truth.

In a world where truth seems relative, what is really true? We believe God’s Word is true, so we study creation through the eyes of the Creator. Whether in science, academics, athletics, or the arts, we can help your child find their unique purpose.

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DECEMBER

2 • Friday

A Christmas Carol

This Memphis family holiday tradition is based on the novel by Charles Dickens. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. An eye-opening exploration leads to happiness and enlightenment, not to mention song, dance, and holiday cheer. Performances run Thursdays to Saturdays at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Theatre Memphis, December 2-23

Nutcracker: Land of Sweets

The timeless tale of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker comes to life on the Buckman stage. The dancers of the Buckman Dance Conservatory offer a fresh interpretation of this endearing holiday classic.

Buckman Performing Arts Center, December 2, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. | December 3, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights is coming to town with your favorite light displays and some of your favorite holiday activities, like visiting with Santa, cozying up with your family by the s’mores stations, or dashing across the ice at the ice rink.

Memphis Zoo, December 2-January 1, select nights

3 • Saturday

Bluff City Christmas Experience

’Tis the season to enjoy the Christmas tree exhibit, community resources, vendors, live entertainment, a Christmas taste test, carousel rides, and the Christmas parade.

Hickory Ridge Mall, December 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m

6 • Tuesday

Blue’s Clues and You! Live on Stage

Josh is conjuring up a magical theater show, but he needs your help to solve Blue’s clues. Josh and Blue will go to amazing places, so join in all the singing, dancing, laughing, and creativity.

Orpheum Theatre, December 6, 6 p.m., $25-$65

9 • Friday

It’s A Wonderful Life

Enjoy this radio-play adaptation of the Christmas classic where George Bailey sees what life would be like without him.

Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, December 9-December 11, various times, $25

10 • Saturday

Magic of Memphis!

Experience one of Memphis’ most beloved holiday traditions, joined by a continuous collage of Memphis performing groups including Memphis Black Arts Alliance, Coro Rio Children’s Chorus, Magic of Memphis Dancers, and many more special guests for a non-stop light and music show like you’ve never seen!

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, December 10, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $5-$75

Douglass

CALENDAR

Memphis Holiday Parade

Join in the fun on America’s most iconic street to ring in the holiday season with marching bands, steppers, twirlers, floats, and all sorts of sights.

Beale Street, December 10, 3 p.m.

Strange Christmas

Catch The Polar Express and The Grinch on the big screen, all from the comfort of your car.

Malco Summer Drive In, December 10, 7 p.m., $25

16 • Friday

The Nutcracker Ballet

This production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet features dancers from Singleton Community Center’s Esprit de Corps dance troupe as characters like Clara, the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, and more. This Christmas classic features the original score, including the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, December 16-18, various times, $10-$15

JANUARY

21 • Saturday

Magic Carpet: Grit and Grind with Grizzlies Grannies

Boys and girls ages 2 and up are invited to grab their magic carpet for a morning of grit and grind with everyone’s favorite dancing grands, the Grizzlies Grannies. Wear your Griz gear, grab your growl towel, and get moving on the Buckman main stage!

Buckman Performing Arts Center, January 21, 10-10:45 a.m.

28 • Saturday

Professor Wow’s Fun-Believable Science Show

Nothing is impossible — as long as it obeys the laws of science! Watch Professor Wow turn scientific phenomena into a phenomenal show with help from some interesting devices. Perfect for kids from kindergarten to eighth grade, this show will inspire a love of science and make our world a little easier to understand.

Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, January 28, 2 p.m., $10-$15

ONGOING

Alice in the Garden

How do you get to Wonderland? Over the hill or Underland or just behind the tree … or from May to October, you can simply visit the Memphis Botanic Garden, where larger-than-life Alice in Wonderland themed topiary-like sculptures have taken over. Be sure to check out membg.org/alice for more information on other Alice-related programming. Memphis Botanic Garden, on display through December 31, included in admission

Kaleidoscope Club (ages 5-9)

Each week, participants will enjoy an art or horticulture project that sparks creativity and critical thinking.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m., $8

Kids in the Garden (ages 7-10)

This fun, hands-on gardening workshop teaches kids the basics about horticulture and the flora around them. Supplies are provided.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens, monthly on the second Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m.-noon, free

Mini Masters (ages 2-4)

Introduce your little ones to the arts and nature with crafts, movement, and more.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m., $8

Project Pop-Up!

The Dixon invites participants of all ages to pop in to explore a new part of the Dixon with an inspiring project.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens, monthly on the first Saturday of the month,10 a.m.-noon, free Sprouts

Explore the senses with your toddler (12-24 months) in this interactive drop-in program.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., $8

Wacky Hollow

Life-sized board game for the whole family. Children are guided through the forest maze to discover that someone has upset the balance of Wacky Hollow. The object: solve the identity of the mysterious prankster.

Children’s Museum of Memphis, through November 19

Zoo Stroll

Bring your best stroller buddy and take a guided stroll through the zoo. This fun and interactive recurring program includes a visit to a different area of the zoo and a greeting from one of the animal ambassadors.

Memphis Zoo, select Thursdays

901 Student Passport

The “901 Student Passport” program allows Shelby County’s school-aged children and their families free admission to nine historic sites and cultural institutions. Simply visit each location and present your passport at the admissions counter to earn a stamp, plus free entry for the student and one parent. The participating museums and galleries are: Fire Museum of Memphis, Dixon Garden & Gallery, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Lichterman Nature Center, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the National Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Science & History, Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, and the Metal Museum. After you get all your stamps and submit your passport, you may earn a personalized gift from the mayor’s office.

Through November 30

Photo © Ghadel | Dreamstime.com

Millions of twinkling lights. Dozens of holiday activities and events. One incredible experience, without ever leaving the resort. It’s So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland.

NOV. 11 - JAN. 1

ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com