Eastern Shore Parents Magazine January 2017

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January2017

Volume 9 Number 8

44 Columns

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4 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton

6 Living With Children

Give Your Preschooler Choosing a Daycare Learn 10 important questions an Edge Key opportunities to seize that won’t cost a dime!

to ask before selecting where your child will spend his days.

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John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

35 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

36 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

38 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Child Care Guide

Our 2017 listing of Eastern Shore daycares and preschools will get you started in your search.

Create a Great Year for Your Family

43 Get This!

Focus on joys rather than resolutions for a better 2017!

Gerry Paige Smith

55 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover

Departments

Oliver (15 months) is the son of

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Maggie and Ryan Caver. Proud local grandparent is Susan Caver. Ryan loves hanging out at the beach all day and taking

Bits and Pieces 13

School Bits 58

care of his organic raised bed

Family Calendar

gardens.

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Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Now that the holidays are over and we welcome a new year you may be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. I know this may sound strange, but I have never liked New Year’s resolutions. I have nothing against personal resolutions, but to be honest, I have never really understood the need to make a change just because it is January 1. After all, any day is a good day to make a change if desired. I love Christina Katz’s perspective on the subject in her article, Create a Great Year For Your Family By Focusing On Joys Rather Than Resolutions. She explains that the New Year is a perfect time to focus on the joys of life. Sure, there are times we need to recognize when things aren’t going in the right direction and need to make a change, but instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive results that come with the change. Katz offers some great ways to turn potential negative feelings that can come with New Year resolutions into a positive, joyful family experience.

January not only brings thought of resolutions, but also kick starts thoughts of school registrations. You may be thinking, “What? We are not even half way though this school year.” However, many daycares, preschools and private schools will start hosting open houses in the next month. This is why each January Eastern Shore Parents publishes our Annual Child Care Issue.

Choosing a childcare is never easy, especially if this is your first child. I can remember how terrified I was enrolling my first child in daycare. I was completely overwhelmed with the responsibility. If you or someone you know is preparing to enroll in child care make sure you ask around, do your research and make a list of what you are hoping to find in a child care setting. To help with your list we have included Sandra Gordon’s article, 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Daycare in this month’s issue. As she mentions, there are many things to consider when choosing child care and it is important to have the right questions on hand.

One of the questions on your list may pertain to the curriculum. As parents we want to make sure our children are receiving the instruction they need to prepare them for school.

As Michele Ranard explains in her article 8 Ways to Give Your Preschooler and Edge, there are also simple, everyday acts that parents can participate in to help prepare their child for “big” school. The good news is these steps are very simple actions that you may already be doing.

Another helpful resource we have provided for your search is the Child Care Directory on page 48. In this listing you will find a variety of child care options including full-time and part-time options for daycares, preschools, and mother’s day out programs.

As I mentioned, the choice to put your little one in child care can be incredibly difficult, but when you find the right fit for your family, it is a wonderful blessing. I was very fortunate to have amazing child care for my children that fit our needs and desires perfectly. These wonderful ladies became a part of our family that we will forever be grateful for. As an added bonus we also developed some amazing friendships with the other families!

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Ryan and Maggie Caver www.sun-shots.com

President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Traci Calvert Danielle Nicholas ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com

Lynn

Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099.

Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community.

Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Do You Have an Unhealthy Parenting Style?

Some of the sources that inform today’s parenting do not come immediately to mind when one thinks of raising children. Take Karl Marx (1818 – 1883), for example. Along with his buddy Friedrich Engels, Marx articulated the fundamental principles of communism. He proposed that capitalism was an economic and social system that exploited and oppressed labor and kept the “masses” in a perpetual state of subjugation and misery.

Marx was the unspoken godfather of the late-1960s/early-1970s psychological parenting revolution. The revolutionaries—mental health professionals, mostly—proposed that traditional parenting oppresses the “natural” (aka “inner”) child. This myth gave rise to a relationship-based, feeling-based, self-esteem-based parenting, and child-rearing in America has been on the skids ever since.

Today, the typical American parent practices—and, to be fair, unwittingly—what I call Egalitarian Parenting (aka Postmodern

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

Psychological Parenting). The parents in question lack confidence in the legitimacy of their authority and behave, therefore, as if the parent-child relationship is constituted of equals. The general result is children who are flush with esteem for their “bad” selves but deficient in respect for their elders. Fifty years ago, such children were called, among other things, insufferable.

Because Egalitarian Parenting Syndrome is a form of co-dependency, its practitioners are usually clueless.

Therefore, I have devised the following short questionnaire to help them self-identify (or not). The directions are simple: Answer each statement with either Mostly True, Somewhat True, or Not True. Then assign yourself ten points for every Mostly True and five points for every Somewhat True.

1. When I talk to my child, I try to get down to his/her level (or did when he/she was smaller).

2. I generally end instructions with “Okay?”

3. My child sleeps with me/us.

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4. When my child throws a fit over a decision I’ve made, I often feel that his/her reaction means that I may have made the wrong decision.

5. I always want to be pleasing to my child.

6. If my child agrees to do a household chore, I usually pay him/her for doing so (because adults get paid for doing work).

7. I give my child lots of choices, like where he wants to sit when our family goes to a restaurant, what he would like for supper, and where he wants the family to go on vacation.

8. I generally explain to my child the reasons behind my decisions and instructions.

9. I allow my child to call adults by their first names.

10. I often get into arguments with my child.

If you score 60 or above, you are suffering from Egalitarian Parenting Syndrome.

The good news is, you can recover. Here’s a great first step in that direction: The next time you need some parenting advice, ask your grandmother or some other person over age 65.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Eastern Shore Medical Alliance King Cake Sales Begin in January

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The Eastern Shore Medical Alliance (ESMA) is helping to keep the good times rolling with their annual king cake sales. ESMA MEMBERS will begin sales January 11th and continue through February 3rd. These aren’t just any king cakes but delicious, fresh, cream cheese filled delicacies from New Orleans. Individuals or companies can purchase their king cakes from an ESMA member or email esmakingcakes@gmail.com. You may also check out their Facebook page at ESMA King Cakes for more information. The cakes ARE $26 and MUST be pre-ordered. They will be available for pick up February 13 and 14.

ESMA has been selling king cakes for over twenty years to benefit local charities in our area. The Eastern Shore Medical Alliance is an organization that brings together physicians and their spouses to support the local needs of the Baldwin County community.

Auditions for 4th Annual Theatre On The Bluff

This May, Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre will bring the full Broadway version of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to Henry George Park in Fairhope. Auditions for 3rd graders through adults will be held Monday, January 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, January 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre Studio located in the Dance Arts South building at 251 Greeno Road South in Fairhope.

Those who wish to audition should prepare sixteen bars of a musical theatre audition piece. For more information please email questions to easternshorerep@gmail.com.

Service Fair for Homeless to be held at Fairgrounds in West Mobile

Mobile Project Homeless Connect is scheduled for Friday, January 27, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The location for this one day service fair for the homeless will be at The Fairgrounds in West Mobile. The event will provide medical services, legal assistance, dental and vision screenings, and access to housing assistance and mainstream resources (food stamps, state ID’s, Social Security Cards, etc.) to the homeless of Mobile and Baldwin counties. This community event will bring government agencies, academia, health care facilities, faith based organizations, transportation, law enforcement/court, United Way, businesses, workforce development and other nonprofit agencies together to provide necessary services for the homeless in our community, at no cost to them. For more information, contact Sharon Algood of Housing First, Inc. at 251-445-8016 or via email at sharon@hfal.org.

IMPACT Youth Theater's Auditions for Spring Production

IMPACT Youth Theater, a local performance group comprised primarily of homeschooled children in Baldwin County ages 3-18, announces audition for their spring performance, “A Robin Hood Adventure”.

Auditions will be held January 11 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Lifeway Community Church, 16373 Thompson Road, Loxley. For more info, please go to www.ImpactYouthTheater.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

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Reese’s Senior Bowl 2017

The 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Many fun events are planned for the week of the Senior Bowl. Chick-Fil-A Fellowship of Christian Athletes Rally will be held on Wednesday, January 25 at the Mobile Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to the public (ticket required), please visit www.southalabamafca.org for more information. The Coca-Cola Meet the Players will be held on Friday, January 27 from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center and is free to the public. In addition to meeting the players, fans can enjoy interactive displays from the New Orleans Saints, Under Armour, Coca-Cola and AT&T plus games for the kids. These events are Family-friendly with interactive activities for children and adults. Baumhower Tailgate Challenge is on Saturday, January 28. This competition is to determine the Senior Bowl Tailgater of the Year. The challenge is free and open to anyone tailgating in the parking lot on game day. Also held on game day in the East parking lot is The Food for Less Tailgate Party which is a pre-game event held in the Ladd-Peebles Stadium parking lot on Senior Bowl Saturday. Passes for the event are free with the purchase of a Senior Bowl ticket from area Food For Less stores and are limited to the first 3,500 fans. In addition to free food and drink, tailgate party goers will enjoy inflatable activities, face painters, clowns, inflatables and the Coca-Cola Family Festival game trailer. To purchase tickets to the Senior Bowl please call 888-736-2695 or 251-432-4109 or purchase online at www.seniorbowl.com.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Introduces New S’mores Cookie

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) introduces a new cookie to its lineup, starting December 26, where it will join classics like Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites, and Shortbread.

The new cookie will offer a s’mores-inspired crispy graham cookie double-dipped in a crème icing and enrobed in a chocolaty coating. This clever take on the time-honored campfire treat was developed in response to popular consumer trends. It is vegan, and free of artificial colors, preservatives, and partially hydrogenated oils. “The S’more has strong ties to our organization’s history, and this cookie brings a new and delicious way for consumers to support girls and the fun adventures that help them develop leadership skills through Girl Scouts,” Karlyn Edmonds, GSSA CEO, said. *Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is offering a Girl Scout Cookie Troop for the first time ever for girls only interested in selling cookies and learning the 5 business skills through the program. Any girl who sells 160 boxes will attend camp aboard the USS Alabama for one night with the Girl Scouts! For more information email Allison Marlow at amarlow@girlscoutssa.org. Deadline to register is January 13.

For those who would like to visit a cookie booth near them, they can find their favorite cookies being sold at booth sales beginning Friday, January 20, when troops will set up in front of local businesses and shopping centers across the area. A cookie booth locator app can be downloaded for the iPhone and Android devices. The sale ends on Sunday, March 5.

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Run for Shep

On August 23, 2013 our lives were forever changed by hearing the words “Shephard has cancer.” No child should ever have to suffer from such a horrible disease! Though some view it as not the most ideal of circumstances, we knew from the very beginning that God was going to use Shep’s cancer for His glory.

We’ve been blessed every step of the way.

Matt and I are passionate about helping families in the area who have a child battling cancer, therefore we started Shephard’s Flock, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The families we support have childhood warriors who are battling cancer at USA Children’s and Women’s hospital in Mobile. The Run for Shep is currently our largest fundraiser. We have been overwhelmed by all of the support from local businesses and families for the first three years of the race. Last year we had over 450+ registrants! The money raised benefitted local families with the non-medical expenses (food, gas cards, groceries, etc.) related to treatment. We were also able to provide the patient treatment areas at the hospital with I-pads and several other distraction therapies for a child undergoing treatment. We are really excited about the opportunity to give back to the community that has blessed us by giving so much over Shep’s time in treatment.

This year the Run for Shep will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 with a 9 A.M. start. The race (certified route) will start and finish in front of Daphne City Hall. This year we are adding something new! Following the races, we are going to have a “No Mo Chemo Party” for all of the local children who have fought and won the battle with cancer over the past year. The "No Mo Chemo Party" will have food, characters, jump houses, photo booth, music, games, raffle and the race awards presentation. If registered for the race, you will receive a wrist band to participate in the party. If you are not a runner, you can purchase a wrist band to participate in “NMCP” activities. Entrants can choose to walk or run either the 5K or ½ mile fun run and participate in the “No Mo Chemo Party.” Register by mail (entries should be postmarked by January 15, 2017), in person at McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri, or Fleet Feet in Mobile, or Running Wild in Fairhope, or the Bounds Family YMCA in Daphne, until noon on January 19. OR register online at http:// runforshep.eventbrite.com.

For more information or to become a sponsor contact Lauren Babcock, 251-533-1916 or email runforshep@gmail.com. You can also visit the website, www.shephardsflock.com or "like" Run for Shep" on Facebook.

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Center Stage Auditions for Spring Performances

Center Stage Performance invites children grades K4 – 4tth and 4th – 12th to audition for their spring performances. Auditions will be held at 155 S. Section Street, Fairhope, AL inside Fairhope United Methodist Church Life Center. Students should come prepared to sing at least 16 bars of a song and may be asked to read lines for a part. Dancers and gymnasts are also welcome, as these would be incorporated into parts of the shows. Please also bring a copy of a nonreturnable headshot photo, preferably size 4x6. Center Stage Performance is will also be auditioning for Take 2 Show Choir for 3rd-6th graders and Center Stage Show Choir for 7th-12th graders. These students should also come prepared to sing at least 16 bars of a song and bring a copy of a nonreturnable headshot photo, preferably size 4x6. For show announcements, audition dates, field trip reservations and other information, visit www.centerstageperformance.com or contact Executive Director, Erin Harris at (251) 928 -1707.

Auditions for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Charlotte’s Web at Modern Renaissance

Modern Renaissance announces musical auditions and technical interviews for their spring shows will be January 9th and 11th from 6pm - 8pm at Homestead Village Ballroom located at 924 Plantation Boulevard, Fairhope. Spring shows will be “Your a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Charlotte’s Web”. During the season students will learn from professionals in all aspects of theatrical production in a fun, creative environment. Performance auditions for Modern Renaissance should consist of 16 bars of a song (about 30 seconds) and a script will be read.

Please bring a non-returnable photo. Songs should also be memorized, show the student’s strongest vocal range and students may bring recorded accompaniment or sing a’capella (without accompaniment). There may be callbacks scheduled after the initial audition if needed. Technical interviews are for students who are interested in the backstage and design side of theatre. For more information visit our website, modrentheatre.com (please note the spelling) or call 251-279-0154.

Impact 100 2016 Grant Recipients Selected

Members of Impact 100 Baldwin County awarded grants to four area nonprofits at its annual meeting on November 1st. Each will receive $93,000 for innovative, impactful projects proposed earlier this year. The winners include South Baldwin Community Theatre, for the replacement of an unsafe, antiquated lighting system; Baldwin County Library Cooperative, for the purchase of a new bookmobile to serve clients in remote areas of the county; The Family Center, for the purchase of a new facility in the Robertsdale area to offer monitored child exchanges and expand supervised child visitation; and Under His Wings, to build a new facility in Spanish Fort for adolescent girls who have been traumatized by abuse, homelessness, abandonment and other tragic events. The four were selected from a group of ten finalists in five categories: Education; Family; Health and Wellness; Arts and Culture; and Environment, Preservation and Recreation.

Impact 100 is a women’s philanthropy organization, open to all women over the age 18. Each member donates $1,000 annually, with 100% of a member’s donation going toward the grants that are awarded each fall. The number and size of grants given each year is dependent on the number of members. Those interested in more information about the organization are invited to visit www.impact100baldwincounty.org. The 2017 membership drive ends March 31.

Providence Office 610 Providence Park Dr. E., Suite 201 Mobile, Alabama, 36695 (251) 639-1300 Karen I. Calametti, M.D. Jonathan Holmes, M.D. Catherine W. Huettemann, M.D. Richard E. Huettemann, M.D. Deborah A. Kassner, M.D. Elizabeth S. Weinacker, M.D. Airport Office 3920 Airport Boulevard Mobile, Alabama, 36608 (251) 342-3810 Jennifer G. Adair, M.D. Savannah I. Browning, M.D. Matthew Cepeda, M.D. Michael Little, D.O. Lisa McDonough, M.D. Faye Roberts, M.D. 11

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Ear Infections and You One of the most common problems in the pediatric world is ear infections. Everybody has had at least one in their life and everybody has taken the “pink medicine” to get it better.

But times have changed and the approach to ear infection management has changed as well. Today, we will talk about why kids get ear infections, signs and symptoms of a current infection, treatment options (even when not to treat!), and the dreaded need for “tubes.”

So first, why does my baby always get ear infections and other kids rarely have them? Well, let’s think about a few things. First, did you or your spouse have ear infections or other sinus problems as a child or adult? Family history is a good predictor of increased ear infections mainly because of the genes you pass on to your child that determine the anatomical structure of their ears. Our ears are a complex series of bones, nerves and drainage tubes that are responsible for hearing. If the drainage tubes are small, tortuous, or obstructed, then ear infections can occur. Now the obstruction can be from several things. Snot or congestion from allergies, viruses, or bacterial infections can be a culprit as well as enlarged tonsils. Once the drainage tubes are blocked, then the fluid behind the ear drum can’t drain, and infection can set in.

So, now we know why, but how do I know if my child has an ear infection? First, a child or infant pulling on their ears without any other signs or symptoms is rarely an ear infection.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

That symptom by itself usually represents teething or a sleepy habit or just discovering one’s ears! So, what signs are concerning for an ear infection? Well, you have to look for direct and indirect signs. They usually have congestion for several days and sometimes fever is found as well. But oftentimes, you see crankiness, waking up frequently at night, decreased feeding, maybe vomiting, and/or just an overall change in temperament in your child.

So, what now? My baby has an ear infection and has kept me up all night. Well, most infants and young children need to be treated with antibiotics and oftentimes need special drops for pain management until the infection can be resolved. Now, the issue over the last twenty years or so has been an overuse of the “pink medicine” or amoxicillin. While still a great medicine, the treatment plan has changed.

Higher doses and other classes of antibiotics are also used to rid the ears of infection and hopefully not have continued resistance by the bacteria to the antibiotics. But what about older kids? And what about kids who don’t have symptoms? Oftentimes, these children can be observed off antibiotics for several days to see if any new symptoms arise or if the child improves on their own. These decisions can be discussed with your healthcare provider.

So now you have an infection, but it won’t go away. Your child took every dose of medicine as prescribed and it’s still there! Well, as

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per above, sometimes your anatomy or continued obstruction from congestion prevents complete clearance. Also, sometimes the bacteria that are causing the infection have some resistance to the antibiotic and need another one. But won’t all these antibiotics hurt my child or weaken their immune system? No! If a child has an infection, then the antibiotics are appropriate and will work with your immune system to fight off the infection. The only times they are not indicated are if the child has just a viral illness and then treated with antibiotics.

So, what now? My child continues to have ear infections and now I’m worried about what this is doing to my child and what about hearing loss? These are valid concerns that need to be addressed with your healthcare provider; but overall, a few ear infections do not indicate a need for “tubes.” But, infections that are unable to be cleared, a child that has abnormal hearing, or multiple infections over a period of months might indicate the need for an evaluation by a specialist. And remember, just because you see a specialist doesn’t mean you have to get tubes!

Ear infections are an unfortunate part of growing up, but you now you are armed with info.

Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.

www.easternshoreparents.com

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Autauga County Schools

STEM Challenge at Fairhope Elementary

Mrs. Haas' class enjoyed working together in teams on a STEM challenge to see who could design the tallest perch for Harry. They had limited materials, but endless possibilities. They incorporated problem solving skills, creativity, and collaborative learning as they completed this task. Lastly, they wrote the steps it took to complete the design process in their STEM journal.

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Bayshore Christian School Cross Country Team Has Strong Start to Season

The Bayshore Christian School Cross Country team began the season with a fast pace, entering two races, and they have three events remaining. The Eagles' first race was the local Turkey Trot in Daphne that benefits local families in need during the holiday season. BCS had a total of 14 runners participate, and our girls represented BCS well, capturing first and third place finishes. The second race of the season was held in Pensacola as a benefit for Sacred Heart School.

BCS earned first place in both boys and girls divisions as well as third and fourth place honors for the girls. The third race of the season was the Runway Run. BCS runners won 4th place in the boys division and 1st and 3rd places in the girls division. Currently the girls are in 1st place overall in the conference, and the boys are in 3rd place overall in the conference. They have two races remaining in the season, and they hope to win the title of Panhandle Christian Conference Champions for the second year in a row!

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Autauga County Schools

Ready for Winter at Gulf Shores Elementary!

These three second grade friends at Gulf Shores Elementary School were quite prepared for the freezing forecast!

Pictured l to r: Caroline Taylor, Haven Spruiell and Alexis Jones.

Spanish Fort HS Holds Tacky Sweater Fundraiser

Project Outreach Spanish Fort held a “Tacky Christmas Sweater” fundraiser. They met their goal of $500, so students and teachers alike wore tacky Christmas sweaters to show their support for the mission of Project Outreach. The money raised will be used to help the organization fund community events like “Shooting 2 Change” and Special Olympics.

Fairhope High School Groups Tour New Orleans

Three Fairhope High School student organizations recently toured New Orleans. Students in FCCLA, led by Mrs. Bernasconi, the French Club, led by Mr. Bouriche, and IB Theory of Knowledge, led by Mrs. Hartley, visited several area landmarks. FHS students toured the famous Roosevelt Hotel, ate at and toured the historically oldest restaurant in New Orleans (Antoine’s Restaurant), visited St. Louis Cathedral, the Mississippi River, Café DuMonde, and enjoyed the cultural wares at the French Market including items from hat maker Jason Tullos with Carnival Collectibles and Oscar’s Earring of New Orleans. Pictured, Fairhope High School IB students gather in historic Jackson Square.

Robertsdale Principal-Pals Run for Office

Robertsdale Elementary's Princi-Pals presented their speeches and posters as they ran for officer positions. They included: president, vice- president, secretary, treasurer and public relations liaison. Princi-Pals serve as the student council of the school.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

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Stapleton Students Participate in Hour of Code

The Hour of Code is a global event held during Computer Science Education Week. It was designed to introduce students to computer programming and teach them critical skills for 21st century success.

These Stapleton School students are programming their small robots, the Ozobot, by drawing color coded pathways. The robot reads the colors and follows whatever direction the student wrote in the code. Pictured, front left to back right: Brooke Powell, Maddison Mercante, Brenna Stevens, and Presley Roberts.

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Bay Minette Intermediate School Peer Leaders Honor Stapleton Student

Bay Minette Intermediate School peer leaders dressed in orange and black to honor Stapleton sixth grader, Connor Kelly, who died in a tragic accident recently. Connor was a beloved peer helper at Stapleton Elementary School and will be greatly missed.

Pictured l-r: Front: Trey Guida and Tucker Brown. Back: Sam Day, Amelia FelixPastor, James Mitchell, Counselor Vickie Liles, Kailee Cox, Langston Lewis, Alaiyah Bishop, Kelsey Burford, Makala Mason, Blakelyn Norton, Dominic Partin, Orion Brown, and Principal Abby Hamilton.

Little Miss HoneyBee

Central Baldwin Education Foundation recently held the HoneyBee Festival where Faith Kroll was crowned Little Miss HoneyBee 2016. She is the daughter of Matt & Stephanie Kroll. The pageant was for all 3rd5th grade girls in Baldwin County. Others awarded are: Most Photogenic Chloe Hopper from Rosinton Elementary (left). Miss Congeniality Phoenix Smith from Robertsdale Elementary (far right). 4th Runner Up Savanna Powell from Rosinton Elementary.

3rd Gracie Christian from Silverhill Elementary.

2nd Runner Up Matalyne Kroll From Robertsdale Elementary. 1st Savannah Grace from Bay Minette Intermediate School.

For more information on Central Baldwin Education Foundation or Little Miss HoneyBee, find Central Baldwin Education Foundation on Facebook.

Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

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Autauga County Schools

Celebrating Mass with Archbishop Rodi

St. Patrick Catholic School celebrated Mass with Archbishop Thomas Rodi and Superintendent Gwen Byrd at the Children’s Mass. Afterwards, Fr. Jim and Sr. Margaret accompanied the archbishop and superintendent on a tour of the school, visiting each classroom and talking with the students and teachers.

Archbishop Rodi’s very first visit to St. Patrick Catholic was in 2008 when our current 8th graders were in kindergarten. Students enjoyed Archbishop Rodi’s homily from the book of Jonah, and talking with him and Superintendent Gwen Byrd during their classroom visit.

Computer Science Education at Christ the King Catholic School

The first week of December was Computer Science Education Week. Christ the King Catholic School 6th grade students had the opportunity to participate in The Hour of Code, a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. The Hour of Code is designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science.

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Silverhill Leaders of the Month

Silverhill Elementary School’s Leaders of the Month are being recognized for practicing Habit 3 – Put First Things First. Pictured in no particular order are: Dalton Burroughs, Constanza Salter, Koen McCullough, Korra Owens, Miah Jones, Stephanie Riley, Anna Dobbins, Cody York, Nehemiah Canceleno, Anthony Rincon, Kayleigh Osborne, Brandon Lopez, Lucas Lyons, Melonie Hardy, Landry Kostelecky, George Cortes, Memphis Burroughs, Emily Flanders, and Hannah Ganey. Not pictured are Sophia Teem, Courtlynn Womble, and Perrie Johnson.

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Gulf Shores Student Athlete, Tiffany Hughes Signs Scholarship

Tiffany Hughes, a Senior at Gulf Shores High School, signed with Springhill College in Mobile, to play softball. She is an Honor student in the AP (Academic Placement) program with a 3.8 GPA; a member of the National Honor Society, GSHS Band (Solo and Ensemble, Alabama Bandmasters Assoc.- 2010 through 2015) as well as the Varsity Softball (Defensive MVP, Team Captain and All County/ Tournament) and Basketball teams. Tiffany has multiple honors and awards on her resume, including – Presidential Award – GSHS 2013; A/B Honor Roll all four years; Miss GSHS Pageant – Freshman Beauty/ People’s Choice - 2015; Who’s Who award winner – 2012; and Honor Band member – Troy University - 2013 and the University of South Alabama – 2013, 2014 and 2016. BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR NEW JOURNEY! Go Dolphins! Pictured, L-R: Thomas Hughes (Brother), Alan Hughes (Father), Tiffany Hughes and Tina Hughes (Mother).

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Autauga County Schools

Thanksgiving at Bayshore Christian School

As part of this year's focus on early American history, the 5th graders at Bayshore Christian School devoted several weeks to an in-depth study of the Pilgrims. After reading a true historical account based on the Pilgrims’ journals, writing about the Pilgrims, and practicing a play depicting the Pilgrims’ story, the students celebrated with A Day in Plymouth! They performed a play, "The Mayflower Compact," for BCS parents and fellow students. Then they went outdoors and enjoyed colonial crafts and games. The event culminated in a beautiful Thanksgiving feast that the wonderful fifth grade mothers prepared!

Send School News and Photos to: lynn@ easternshoreparents.com!

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St. Michael Service Club Holds Canned Food Drive

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The service club held a competition among our houses for a canned food drive to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Getting ready to load up the 466 cans are, L-R: Chloe Walker, Marideth Hayes, Ryan Russo, Rory Dembowski, Kristen Matus, & Caroline Zitnik.

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Baldwin County HS Student Named 6A Runner of the Year

Baldwin County High School’s Tyler Priest has another trophy to add to his collection: 6A Runner of the Year. He was presented by the Mobile Optimist Club. He was accompanied by Coach Mathew Beckett.

Throughout the season the club recognizes the Runners of the Week for 1A-5A, 6A and 7A in the South Alabama region.

Priest received the Runner of the Week nod earlier this year and in 2015, becoming the first BCHS athlete to win the award multiple times.

The BCHS senior has had a great season leading up to the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s State Championship Race, where he finished in 18th place out of 196 runners.

Priest won the Sectional Qualifying meet in Mobile for 6A, came in third place overall at the Baldwin County Championship Race, fourth place at the Foley High School Invitational, and won the Daphne Invitational.

At the state championship race, Priest finished with a time of 17:18:76: the top-ranking runner from Baldwin County in the 6A division. Under his leadership, the BCHS Cross Country team has finished in the Top 10 in the state for the past two seasons. Priest finishes his high school career ranked No. 18 in the State of Alabama.

Pastor Appreciation Day at Christ the King Catholic School

December 2 was Pastor Appreciation Day at Christ the King! After our school mass that day, the students of CTK Catholic School presented Father O'Connor with a painting of a cross, created by the CTKCS students' thumbprints in appreciation for his wisdom and guidance.

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Autauga County Schools

Fairhope HS Theatre Department Competes at Trumbauer Festival

The Fairhope High School Theatre Department competed at the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s 76nd annual Walter Trumbauer Secondary Theatre Festival on Dec. 1-3, at the University of North Alabama. The festival consisted of 30 individual events, a one-act play festival, and a studio theatre festival -- representing the talent of more than 1500 Alabama students from grades 9-12.

On both Friday and Saturday, Fairhope students competed in 57 individual events and were awarded 15 Excellent medals, 27 Superior medals, and 15 top-three placements.

Receiving first, second, or third are the following: Evans Smith, 3rd, Solo Pantomime Varsity; Sabrina Glaser & Joey Roh, 2nd, Reader’s Theatre Comedic Novice; Paige Mackey, 1st, Acting Contemporary Comedic Varsity; Paige Mackey, 2nd, Acting Classical Comedic Varsity; CeCe DeCorte, 3rd, Acting Classical Comedic Varsity; Anna Stewart & J. Ben Turk, 3rd, Acting Classical Dramatic Varsity; Sabrina Veale & Dory McMillan, 3rd, Acting Classical Comedic Novice; CeCe DeCorte & Saunders Fitzgerald, 2nd, Acting Classical Comedic Varsity; Savannah Petrus, Gracie Roth, & Carrie Sullivan, 3rd, Group Acting Varsity; Nick Smith, 1st, Musical Comedic Novice; Nick Smith, 2nd, Musical Dramatic Novice; Jacob Schmitt, 3rd, Musical Comedic Novice; Josh Bell & Connor Thompson, 2nd, Musical Comedic Varsity; Maria Picado, 3rd, Makeup Design Novice; Caleb Smith, 1st, Sound Design Novice.

The Fairhope Theatre department is under the direction of Katie Denton and musical direction by Diane Ham, with choreography by Cody Rawlinson. The department will be presenting “Les Misérables” in March 2017. For more information, please visit www.fairhopetheatre.com.

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Guided Reading Grant from City of Fairhope

Thank you City of Fairhope! Fairhope Elementary received $110,000 to purchase guided reading books, professional development and coaching. Heather Hapworth is coaching Jamie Wren in how to use assessment to plan for each student. Hailey Duell is teaching a child how to read using a book at her guided reading instructional level. Scholastic presented two workshops for all teachers to learn how to plan a guided reading lesson. A huge thank you to the Education Advisory Committee (EAC) for recommending the funding of this training and collaborative coaching and planning to the Fairhope City Council.

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Brennity Home Makes Donation to Daphne East Angle Tree

Every year the 1st grade classes of Daphne East trick or treat with the residents of The Brennity home in Daphne. Some of The Brennity residents and their family members wanted to give back to Daphne East with a surprise donation to the Angel Tree at our school. Seated are Daphne East 1st grade teachers, and standing are residents and their family members as well as staff members.

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Autauga County Schools

Celebrating Veterans’ Day Week at Bayshore Christian School

Bayshore Christian School’s Kindergarten classes learned about careers in the military during a study on careers and community helpers. They heard from classmate Catherine Ann Songe’s dad who is a Military Police in the Army and served in Afghanistan. He helped the students write letters to deployed soldiers. It was a great way to celebrate Veterans’ Day week.

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Coffee/Cookie Dough Fundraiser at J. Larry Newton

J. Larry Newton’s PTO held a hugely successful Fund Rayz coffee and cookie dough fundraiser. Newton students surpassed all expectations and sold a staggering $30,716 of tasty treats! The school received 45% of the proceeds, which totaled nearly $14,000!

The top four sellers, Christian Lindell, Ava Frances Dasinger, Jack McKenzie, and Jackson DeShazo, were each presented with an Amazon gift card. 55 students qualified for a very special reward; they were treated to a limo ride to the Fairhoper's Community Park where they enjoyed a pizza lunch. Way to go for raising dough, Newton School!

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Two Members of Bayside Academy’s Arts Faculty Achieve Major Accomplishments

Two members of Bayside Academy’s arts faculty have recently achieved major accomplishments.

Fine Arts Department Chair and Upper School Band Director Nick Lacanski has secured for Bayside a performance by Muscle Shoals music veteran Russell Gulley, whose CD, “Back to the Swamp,” was released in 2004. Gulley will perform blues, folk music and traditional music at a special assembly scheduled for grades 7-12 at Bayside Academy’s Pilot Center Theatre on Thursday, February 9, 2017. Students will have the opportunity to ask Gulley questions about his craft. Gulley has previously recorded with Jackson Highway, a southern rock group nurtured by Jimmy Johnson and David Hood of the Muscle Shoals Sound Recording Studios, which is the home of the Swampers. The Swampers is the group immortalized by Lynyrd Skynyrd in the southern classic, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Gulley’s performance is being underwritten by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts as part of the Alabama Touring Artist Program.

“We are excited about this performance because it will give our students the opportunity to hear the music of a local legend,” said Nick Lacanski.

Bayside Primary School Science/Art teacher Cindy Robles is pursuing an Early Childhood Technology (ECT) certification program through Tufts University. The selective program is especially designed for educators and practitioners working with young children in grades PK through 2 in such diverse educational settings as schools, museums, libraries and daycares. The four-course program introduces the teaching of technology and engineering in early childhood in a developmentally appropriate way that focuses on playful learning. Program participants gain an understanding of student learning through integrated curricula that include the arts and literacy as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Those who complete the program will be prepared to implement high-quality technology and engineering activities in diverse learning environments.

“Today’s children are immersed in a world of technology and need to understand it,” said Cindy Robles, adding that the Tufts University ECT program will help her teach children to be creators of technology as opposed to just users of it.

“I am proud of Mr. Lacanski’s and Ms. Robles’ initiative,” said Bayside Academy Head of School Michael Papa. “Our students will benefit greatly from the hard work of these teachers.”

2017-2018 Open RegistRatiOn

Robertsdale Elementary Teacher of the Year

Natalie Osborne, fourth grade teacher, was nominated as Teacher of the Year for Robertsdale Elementary. Mrs. Osborne is a phenomenal teacher who works diligently to promote literacy through the content areas. She has a big heart for children and reading!

Kindergarten February 14 Grades 1- 8 February 15

Canned Food Drive at Gulf Shores Middle School

Gulf Shores Middle School’s SGA collected over 450 cans of food during their Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive! These items were donated to the Christian Service Center in Gulf Shores to assist those in need in the local community.

Pictured: Marleigh Green, Kirby Ard, Sam Dersch, Olivia Callahan, Jake Gibbons, Kailyn Opperud.

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PreK 3 & 4 February 21 Call 251.626.1692 or visit ctkcsdaphne.org for more information.

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Fall Musicale at Westminster Village

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Autauga County Schools

Fairhope Middle School All-County Honor Band Students

Music students of Baldwin County Music Teachers Association members Vincentine Williams, Lindsey Hughes, Daniel DeKonty and Eric Marrero recently performed for the residents of Westminster Village. The concert featured piano, flute, tuba and vocal.

From left, Back Row: Abrielle Le, Albert Le, Amber Bender, Kahlan Wokasien, Gabe Wokasien.

Front Row: Taylor Byrne, Elle Caroline Blackmon and Abigail Doremus.

G Fairhope Middle School would like to congratulate its All-County Honor Band students for the 2016-2017 school year. Pictured, in no particular order, are the following students: Zach Howell, Hannah Collins, Katie Parsons, Catherine Gamard, Grace Forrester, Sarah Kate Sligh, Nan Browning, Emily Kilgore, Reese Houck, Lizzy Faust, Ty LaHay, Louis Villanova, Christopher Finch, Clayton Pipkin, Brennyn Fisher, Gabe Clark, Tyler Croy, Zach Butler, Jonathan Adams, Gabe Rodriguez, and Noah Trull.

Not pictured: Mark Sayler.

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Physics at St. Michael

Sophomore Griffin Mahoney helps Physics/ Chemistry teacher Mr. Jon Hall with a hot air balloon experiment!

Gulf Shores Raffles Off Cookie Jar

Mrs. Machele Martin's 6th graders at Gulf Shores Elementary School raised money for Relay for Life by selling raffle tickets to raffle off a snowman cookie jar filled with cookies baked by the students! $1.00 per ticket and it all goes to Relay for Life. Pictured l to r: Makayla Peyer and Carson Harris deliver raffle tickets before school.

Daphne East Elementary Spelling Bee Winners Christian Glass is the Daphne East Elementary School Spelling Bee winner and Madyson Johnson is the runner-up. We are proud of both of these students! Way to go!

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Autauga County Schools Baldwin County HS Participates in Model UN

Baldwin County High School participated in the Model United Nations at the Fairhope Civic Center.

As part of the annual event, students serve as delegates for different countries and debate and discuss a variety of topics such as human trafficking, the situation in Turkey and the Zika virus.

This year BCHS students represented the countries of France, Egypt, New Zealand, Turkey and Greece. Participants included seniors Allison Jones, Mackenzie Hicks, Ashley Presley, Bryce Cheatham, Nathaniel Carnley, Morgan Bryars, Todd Harding, CJ Bennett, and Jacob Turner; junior Cameron Williams; sophomores Jacob Myers, Kaya Leigh Clemmons, Zach Francis, Jason Holcomb, Jessica Hilliker, and Isabella Eleogo; and freshmen Graham Jerkins, Jayden Pyles, Alex Seale, and Mitchell Bryars. Cameron Williams won Premier Speaker for the Security Council committee. Allison Jones and Mackenzie Hicks, both Seniors, served on the OT Council. Pictured holding the France card is BCHS student Cameron Jones.

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CKCS Students Grow Factor Trees

Students in Mrs. Kolb's 6th grade math classes created "factor trees" in order to study prime factorization. At the top of the tree students selected a number and let the factors of the numbers act as the branches. By the time they worked down to the bottom of the tree they wrote down the "roots" or prime factorization of the number they selected. Mrs. Kolb hopes that students never look at the trees outside the same way again! Pictured, Sara Kate Long, Maya Hise,4:56 Ryan Pierce, Roh show off their trees.

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Fairhope HS Robotics Program Receives Generous Donations

The Fairhope High School Robotics Program is off to a great start in its first year thanks to the generous donations made by the supporters of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation. The grant awarded to the Fairhope Robotics Program made possible the purchase of robotic kits for each student in the class. These kits provide students with the opportunity to develop skills associated with the career fields of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. Students were given the hands – on task of wiring up electronic circuits and taking measurements for voltage and resistance. Students were able to learn how electronic components both operate and function in an electronic circuit. Students were also able to assemble a complete robot and program the robot to perform pre-determined tasks such as tracking a line and obstacle avoidance. Finally, students have submitted some really great project proposals that have real world application. They will begin to work on those projects when they return from the Christmas break. There is a lot of excitement building in Robotics for the second part of the school year.

Kindergarten Nature Spies at Fairhope Elementary

Ms. Rolle’s Kindergarten class read a big book called “Nature Spy”. We went on a nature spy walk and found lots of wonderful examples of nature!

Afterwards, each student chose one thing to share on the class nature poster, labeled it, and hung it in the hallway. We love nature!

Christmas Cheer at Spanish Fort High School

The Spanish Fort High School Peer Helpers are spreading Christmas cheer by decorating the cafeteria lobby and reminding students it's the season for giving by collecting cans for The Prodisee Pantry in Spanish Fort.

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St. Michael Catholic HS Winter Concert

Autauga County Schools

St. Michael Catholic H.S. had our first Winter Concert, where every student was either in the band or chorus. Great performances all around! L-R are: Jeremy Del Angel, Grant Murray, Colette Murphy, Mary Ford, Emily Madson & Laurel Barker.

Bayshore Christian School Geography Bee Winners

Bayshore Christian School held its first National Geography Bee in November. There were 10 contestants in the 4th through 8th grades. Congratulations to the first place winner, 7th grader, Jake Oldshue! He will test to enter the state Geography Bee in the spring. Eighth grader, Bryant Stevens came in second place, and seventh grader, Meg Haynes and sixth grader, A. J. Macaro tied for third place.

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Bay Minette Students Volunteer at Prodisee Pantry

Bay Minette Intermediate School students in National Elementary Honor Society and Student Council spent time at Prodisee Pantry to help prepare for the holidays. Students collected over 1200 food items to donate to the food pantry, assembled 3 pallets of boxes, and wrote Christmas messages on the boxes in preparation for holiday donations. Prodisee Pantry is a non-profit community ministry providing emergency food and disaster relief. The NEHS and SC are sponsored by Merlyn Kittrell, Starla Sellers, and Heather Sims. Students received service hours for participating in the project.

Students add Christmas messages to the boxes.

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Congratulations to the Spanish Fort High School students who participated in the Model UN Competition in Fairhope on November 29th and 30th. These students did an incredible job representing various countries, debating topics, and discussing resolutions in their groups. Adam Davis, Cole Allen, Kallie Brown, and Noah Brown represented Russia and took the top honor, winning the overall competition as the Premier Delegation from Russia.

Congratulations on an outstanding job!

Pictured, Spanish Fort High School students pose with their awards after the Model UN Competition. (Back row): Maddie Grace, Adam Davis, Cole Allen, Kallie Brown, Nick Spainhower, Kayla Edgar, Brin Allen, and Cady Inabbinett. (Front row): Seth Broussard and Luke Reosti.

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Spanish Fort HS Students Participate in Model UN Competition

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Sea Cadets Are Busy Again

In November, the Dunlap Division held a three-day drill over the Veteran’s Day weekend. They started by marching in the Veteran’s Day Parade in Mobile. For most of our cadets this was their first experience ever marching in a parade and it turned out great.

After the parade, the cadets mustered at the USCG ATC Base and began semi-annual classes which included Chain of Command, Harassment, Hazing, Drug Abuse, Social Media, and Naval History. These classes are taught by the senior cadets to help them with public speaking. Many of the cadets will tell you these classes can be long and tedious, so to give them a break, the cadets were taken to Planet Gymnastics where they had the opportunity to try basic gymnastics skills and different forms of strength training. The unit seemed to really enjoy it; even some of the adult officers joined in!

Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages ten to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge on our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap Division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. The cadets are under no obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist they are usually eligible to enlist at a higher paygrade. The program does offer ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www.seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at angela.graham@hotmail.com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision.

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Fairhope Middle School Students of the Month for September and October Fairhope Middle School would like to congratulate their Students of the Month for September and October, 2016. These students were selected by the faculty and staff for their exceptional citizenship and leadership qualities.

September, 2016: TOP: Pictured, from left to right: Logan Lanicek, Allie Adams, and Kate Bezeredi. 2nd Photo, from left to right: Lauren Noblitt and Cyline Koen.

October, 2016: 3rd Photo, from left to right: Isabella Tran and Jackson McKenzie. 4th Photo, from left to right: Jeanne Cohen and Grayson Johnson.

H. L. Strickland Jr., DDS l Stephen Strickland, DMD, MS

Fairhope: 7489 Parker Road | Fairhope South: 19059 S. Greeno Road | 251.928.9292 Spanish Fort: 9816 Millwood Circle | 251.272.3232 Bay Minette: 1901 Hand Avenue | Foley: 815 North Alston Street

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Autauga County Schools

Fairhope Middle School Club Visits Brennity Home

Members of the Fairhope Middle School Builders Club recently visited The Brennity at Fairhope Senior Living Center. They sang carols and presented each resident with candy and a homemade ornament. The FMS Builders Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Fairhope and currently has a membership of more than 75 students.

Please send your School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

Literacy Activities at Robertsdale Elementary

Gingerbread Buddies at Christ the King

An annual Christmas tradition at Christ the King Catholic School - our kindergarten students making gingerbread houses with their 8th grade buddies!

Josephine Null and Grace Miller show off their finished house!

Gabriel Stephens and Isaiah Ramirez are working on literacy activities during fifth grade reading block in Laura Pickett's classroom.

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Gulf Shores Middle School Teacher of the Year

Megan Michaelson is Gulf Shores Middle School’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year. Her colleagues describe her as creative, dedicated, energetic, and compassionate. Megan has taught Art and coached cheer at Gulf Shores Middle School for five years and has continually amazed everyone with the creativity and energy she brings to the students, school and community.

Mrs. Michaelson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Education degree from the University of Montevallo. She has always had a strong passion for art, but it was her mother who convinced her to become a teacher. Her mother saw her love for helping others and sharing her passion. Mrs. Michaelson is still grateful for her mother’s encouragement to pursue teaching.

“My fondest teaching memories have been from seeing my students make an impact in the community,” expressed Michaelson. “My students have made texture books for the students at the Alabama School for the Blind, made ceramic take home bowls for the animals at the local animal shelters, and created HeARTs for Orphans - heart magnets to raise money for African orphans.”

Those are just a few of the ways Michaelson brings the real-world into her classroom. She consistently ensures her students have outlets to share their artwork as well as help others. Michaelson’s students also enter a variety of contests throughout the year. Her students take great pride in the work they produce and appreciate being able to share it with others.

“My students have had 118 publications in the National Art contest ‘Celebrating Art’. We have won Best of Show two years in a row at the Shrimp Festival art competition as well as brought home two 1st place ribbons and a 2ndplace. One student received $1,000 toward our art program for winning the Baldwin County Sewer Service Ornament Contest. I have also had 128 students place in the Baldwin County Fair throughout the years. Each year we have had a winner of the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest,” Michaelson said proudly.

Zumba, shopping, watching Hallmark movies, and going to the beach are a few hobbies Michaelson enjoys. She feels that teachers should always follow the motto, “Do what you love, love what you do.”

Shery Butler, Gifted History teacher at GSMS, shared, “Mrs. Michaelson amazes me with the varied works of art she displays in our school. She cares about her students growing as artists and often enters their work in competitions. She shows compassion for others by supporting various fundraisers, like the time the history department was raising funds for African Orphans, and her students made heart magnets to sell. Extracurricularly, she sponsors the cheerleaders at Gulf Shores Middle School, which is a huge time commitment. She includes everyone in fun seasonal art parties, and she supports the academic classrooms with artistic ideas and materials when asked. She is a great asset to Gulf Shores!”

Michaelson hopes to still be teaching at GSMS in five years. “I absolutely love it and can’t picture myself doing anything else.”

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St. Michael Winter Concert

This is our first Winter Concert where every student in the school participates either in the band or chorus. Directed by Mr. David Pryor beautiful sounds of Christmas filled the school gym!

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Fairhope Middle School Teacher of the Year

Fairhope Middle School is proud to announce that Ms. Melody Early has been selected by the faculty as its Teacher of the Year for 20162017. Ms. Early has taught science at FMS for the past 12 years and is currently teaching 7th grade life science. She also teaches an online marine biology class through the ACCESS program. Prior to her assignment at Fairhope Middle School, she taught marine biology and college preparatory biology for 9 years at Foley High School. Ms. Early graduated from Troy University with her B.S. Degree in Biology and her M.S. Degree in Comprehensive Science Education. She is one of the sponsors of the National Junior Honor Society and serves as the science department chairman. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, going to the beach, boating, and cheering on her daughter at dance competitions.

Gulf Shores Middle School Spelling Bee Winners

Gulf Shores Middle School held its school-wide spelling bee on Friday, December 2.

The winner was Miss Kimberly Hiller (left photo), and the first runner-up was Miss Stacy Stevens (right photo). There were 19 participants.

The spelling bee went six rounds, and the winning word was “silhouetted.�

We are very proud of our top-two winners, and we wish Kimberly good luck in the district-level spelling bee in Loxley, February 2nd.

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My daughter is in her first year of college. Recently, her math instructor walked students through the process of getting a credit card and building credit. We’ve always followed your plan and taught her to do the same. When she asked the instructor if no credit score was as good as a high credit score, the instructor said no. He told the class the only way to buy a home without a high credit rating is by having a huge amount of assets or savings. I think I know your answer, but how do I explain this to an 18-year-old?

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Well, the first thing you explain is that college instructors — even tenured college professors — can be absolutely wrong sometimes.

A few years ago my daughter took a personal finance class in college, and on the first day the instructor went on a rant saying Dave Ramsey is stupid. He didn’t know I was her dad, but she went through the entire class and never said a word. When she called home and asked what she should do,

we told her to take the class and give him the answers he wants on the tests. We reminded her that she’s just taking a class, and that doesn’t mean she has to form her life opinions around what that guy thinks.

Sit down with your daughter and gently explain in this instance her instructor doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. Explain to her you can get a home loan even if you have no credit score. People do it all the time. There are places like Churchill Mortgage that would be happy to give her an example of this process. It’s called manual underwriting. All you have to do is make a reasonable down payment, have two years at the same job, and provide two years of tax returns.

Q. I’m 38 years old, and I’ve got $12,000 in student loans still hanging over my head. It’s the only debt I have. I make $30,000 a year, and I’ve managed to save $12,000, but I’m also driving a junky, old car that will have to be replaced soon. Should I split the money

I’ve saved and buy a $6,000 car while paying off $6,000 of the student loan?

A. If I’m in your shoes, I want that student

loan out of my life as quickly as possible.

At the same time, I don’t want you living life without some money in the bank.

If you’ve followed me for very long, you know I teach the Baby Steps when it comes to getting out of debt and saving money.

Baby Step 1 is to save a beginner emergency fund of $1,000. Baby Step 2 is to pay off all debt, except for your home, using the debt snowball method. The third Baby Step is to build a fully funded emergency fund of three to six months of expenses.

You don’t have quite enough on hand for your idea and to have something left over. I recommend paying off $11,000 of the school loan now and then finishing it up as you go. It won’t take much more time. Limp along in the beater for a little while longer and then, when you have no student loan debt, finish your emergency fund and start a car fund.

I talk to a lot of people your age who still have student loan debt. But you have the opportunity to punch its lights out in a hurry.

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ParentingToday’sTeens

by Mark Gregston

When Your Teen Just Doesn’t Care “I don’t care!”

Ever heard that phrase pop out of your teen’s mouth? My guess is 99.9 percent of all teens have expressed their indifference to mom and dad. It can be maddening to watch a child shrug their shoulders or roll their eyes at something we say. I mean, how did kids get to be so apathetic today anyways?

Typically, apathy is the symptom of a bad attitude. So the way we try to get past a teen’s indifference is to point out the obvious—your attitude needs to change! But how do you get an indifferent teenager to care again?

Fear-Based Apathy

The apathetic teen is not a kid without emotions. In fact, I’d say that a kid who says he “doesn’t care” may actually care a whole lot! What I’ve found is that you have to look past the attitude to see what is driving a child’s apathy towards life. Often, an indifferent teen is struggling with fear—a fear of life and the world. He hates going to school, is afraid of social events, or angry about the state of the world. This outlook is common among kids who look around at things like famine, war, disease, murder, inequality and think, Hey, this is not right! I don’t know if I really care about this world after all. It’s a pretty crummy place. So they develop an attitude of apathy and try to block everything out. Even though they give their best effort to appear shielded, apathetic teens are still struggling to express anxiety, worry and fear over situations in their life.

For the teen who is trying to overcome their anxiety through a cavalier attitude, you have to help them put life into perspective.

Talk about the things worth celebrating. Show your apathetic son or daughter that life has more joy and happiness than what he or she can see at the moment.

And let your teen know you believe in them. Many teens fear they don’t have what it takes for learning, for working, or succeeding in life. They compare themselves to others and refuse to try to do something they don’t think they can do—or do well. So here’s where you can guide them into places and projects where they can experience sucEastern Shore Parents I January 2017

cess and satisfaction—a part-time job, a new sport, or a fun project that you can even do alongside them. This will help them overcome the fear of failure that many apathetic teens face. It is easy to feign apathy rather than admit fear. That’s why it’s important to create a safe relationship with them. Let them know that you, too, have fears that you must face.

Being vulnerable with them and allowing them to process their real feelings will go a long way in releasing them from their fears.

And it will equip them to face future fears as they arise.

Grief-Based Apathy

As teenagers begin to face the realization that the world isn’t the happy and carefree place they once thought it was, they might experience a deep sense of sadness and grief. Coming face-to-face with death and tragedy causes a loss of innocence. Sometimes a traumatic experience in a teen’s life can be a secret source of grief.

As parents, we don’t know everything that is happening in our child’s life. My parents didn’t know everything I did as a teenager.

And I’m guessing it was the same for you. So you can be sure that you don’t know everything your teenager is going through either. If grief is fueling their apathy, then we need to help our kids learn to process and deal with that emotion in a healthy way.

Be attentive to your teen. Notice the little and big things that indicate what he or she is really experiencing. Have patience and encourage him or her to not only express his sadness, but his anger, and frustration, too.

Show them that there are healthy ways to express all the emotions they feel.

A friend who worked with me at Kanakuk Kamp in the ‘80s made a statement that has stayed with me through the years. He said, “The moods of a lifetime are often set in the all-but-forgotten events of childhood.” If your son holds on to his grief instead of processing it and moving past it, that grief may become the “mood of a lifetime.” And being apathetic may be your daughter’s way of trying to navigate these difficult feelings, when 36

she really needs your help to process them in a safe and respectable way.

Anger-Based Apathy

There is nothing wrong with being angry.

When we see acts of cruelty, scenes of chaos, or loss of life, it’s natural to feel anger and rage over a fallen world where bad things happen to good people. But in the same way that adults need to channel their anger into appropriate outlets, teen anger must be dealt with or it will grow into an “I-just-don’t-careanymore” attitude—or even something more destructive.

So direct your teens to acceptable ways of expressing anger. Show them appropriate ways to let off steam. You can write a letter, go for a run, listen to music, paint a picture, build something, or even talk it out. Encourage them to use those angry feelings to do something, rather then let them boil inside.

I’ve found the best way to break an apathetic attitude is to get your teen to serve others.

Apathy is really a preoccupation with yourself. So when you take a kid on a mission trip, serve a soup kitchen, visit a nursing home, or make dinner for your sick neighbors, you are replacing a teenager’s self-obsession with a focus on helping others.

When our kids say, “I don’t care,” the easy response is to say, “You’re being apathetic!” But pointing out a kid’s bad attitude doesn’t change it. Breaking your son or daughter out of their indifference requires getting to the root of the problem, and addressing those feelings. It also may require changing your own attitude. Do you complain about problems at work, church, or at home, but never take steps to get involved in making change happen? Would you rather talk than take action to do something? Apathy can be infectious. So if you’re dealing with a teen who doesn’t care, make sure you do!

And make sure it shows in your actions.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your free online application at www.asms.net. Application deadline is February 3, 2017.

Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2016, the 72 ASMS grads earned $11.5 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.0.

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Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net 37 www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Minimizing the Health Hazards of Technology Any adult who spends much time with technology knows that it can cause physical strains ranging from headaches to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Children who use computers, laptops, mobile devices and video games can also be vulnerable to these problems both because their bodies are developing and because they may not notice the twinges that signal overuse.

Fortunately, parents can take relatively simple steps that will protect kids from the physical wear and tear associated with technology.

Helping children establish good tech habits now makes it less likely that they will have problems later. Here are things to consider:

Hands. Repetitive stress injuries occur when the same motion is repeated over and over, something that’s hard to avoid when playing video games or using a cellphone.

Encourage your child to develop a light, relaxed touch to minimize stress on fingers.

To prevent wrist strain, rest devices on a pillow and position keyboards at elbow height.

Arms should hang loosely at the sides rather than being outstretched.

Back. You may feel self-conscious about telling your child to “sit up straight,” but slumping over a handheld device creates strain on a child’s back and neck. Whenever possible, encourage your child to do extended projects such as homework or even lengthy gaming sessions at a work station that is designed to encourage “neutral” posture. Feet should rest on the floor (or on a box for younger children). The chair should provide support for the lower back (a rolled up Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

towel may help). Screens should be at eye level (consider using a portable keyboards for laptops and tablets). Consider adding an inexpensive keyboard to a laptop or tablet so the monitor can be propped at eye level and your child won’t have to hunch over her work.

Eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome won’t necessarily cause long-term damage to your child’s eyes but it can result in fatigue, blurry vision and headaches.

Show your child how to increase font size so devices can be held comfortably about 20 inches from the face. Reduce glare by adjusting the position of screens and, if necessary, adding an anti-glare filter. Clean screens and, for that matter, eye glasses by wiping them gently with a soft, damp cloth.

Because people in front of screens blink less often, their eyes may get dry and irritated.

Encourage your child to look away every five or ten minutes and focus on something else.

Ears. One in five American teens already has hearing loss caused by extended exposure to sound—especially music—that is too loud. Set the volume for devices that have headphones and tell young children that they need your permission to make it any louder. Instead of earbuds, get your child earphones that cover the ear so there’s less need to increase volume to block out environmental sound. To make children more aware of sound levels, try installing an app like Sound Meter for Apple products or Sound Level for Android.

Brain. Even though the research is inconclusive, many experts recommend that parents err on the side of caution when exposing children to the electromagnetic waves created by mobile devices. Dr. Devra Davis, author of Disconnect: The Truth About Cell38

phone Radiation urges parents to discourage young children from using cellphones for any but very short conversations. Older children should get in the habit of using the speaker phone or a headset. Some kids will find it amusing to use an inexpensive retro handset, readily available at sites like Amazon.

Most cellphone manufacturers recommend that phones not be pressed against the side of the head. Check the manual to find the ideal distance from phone to ear.

To find out how much radiation a particular phone routinely emits, check its SARS level at https://www.sarchecker.com/. You may want to adopt other precautions to limit your child’s exposure to unnecessary radiation: Turn off WIFI whenever it’s not in use or set the phone to airplane mode so it doesn’t emit a wireless signal. Avoid using the phone in a moving vehicle or when reception is poor because the phone will emit more radiation in its effort to find a relay antenna. Keep phones and tablets out of the bedroom when your child is sleeping. If your child (or for that matter, you) use your cellphone a lot, consider investing in a case that redirects radiation like the available from Pongresearch.com.

The best way to protect your child from the health issues associated with using technology is to encourage breaks—lots of them. Try installing a timer app or use an old-fashioned kitchen timer. Set it for 20 to 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, have everyone stop what they are doing and MOVE for at least five minutes. You may also want to help your child become aware of the aches and pains that indicate overuse. Teach your child simple stress reduction exercises like shoulder rolls and yoga stretches like downward dog. Have a squishy ball available for soothing cramped hand muscles.

All of this advice is, of course, good for adults as well as kids. In the end, the very best way to get your kids to develop healthy habits with technology may be adopting them for yourself.

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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8 WAYS

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TO GIVE YOUR PRESCHOOLER AN EDGE

by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.

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If you are anxious to provide your preschool-aged child with opportunities leading to later academic success, you are in good company! Opportunities certainly exist; however, as well-meaning parents we may be vulnerable to thinking “inside information” or alternative fast tracks are the key.

In reality, current research and expert advice on emerging literacy are far more reliable than the latest hype. The advice often won’t have a sexy ring to it, but the foundation for success--those steps that lead your child to the point she is ready to read—comes from daily experiences at home.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

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8 Opportunities to Seize Right Now In Carl Dunst’s Children’s Learning Opportunities Report (2000), he conceptualizes the opportunities for language development and early literacy in terms of incidental and intentional opportunities.

Incidental opportunities might include watching leaves blow while on a walk, blowing on food when it’s too hot, or talking about body parts during bath time.

Intentional activities might include story hour at the library or a trip to the zoo.

Dunst says children need activity settings matched to their interests and competencies to practice existing skills and learn new abilities. Here are 8 opportunities Dunst suggests seizing:

Identify your young child’s

INTERESTS: • What makes your child smile or laugh?

• What makes your child happy and feel good?

• What are your child’s favorite things?

Think PRINT.

• What is enjoyable to your child?

• What does your child work hard at doing?

Identify your young child’s

COMPETENCIES: • What gets and keeps your child’s attention?

• What is your child good at doing?

• What “brings out the best” in your child?

• What does your child like to do a lot?

• What gets your child to try new things?

Everyday Repetition and Rituals.

Stay RESPONSIVE.

It’s the everyday stuff! Repetition during meal time, bath time, diaper changes, and bedtime story routines primes young children for later school success. Sound lazy or too simple?

It’s huge. Rosenkoetter and Barton’s Bridges to Literacy (2002) encourages parents to think of building bridges to literacy by providing experiences that include print, responsiveness, repetition, modeling and motivation, and oral language.

41

Reading time may be brief but must occur every day. Listening to stories helps kids explore new worlds, laugh across generations, and learn about amazing and ordinary things. Sharing stories can be a balm for irritable or fussy children. Rosenkoetter and Barton indicate “Shared reading also provides security and calms children’s restlessness.” Reading together should be relaxing and fun. It is not just about the exposure to language, it’s about creating happy reading memories which set the stage for a love of reading.

For early literacy, you want your child to learn: language is fun, she can do it well, and she can get results from using it. When your child speaks, help her feel successful by giving her the attention and lots of positive affirmation.

Repeat Key Phrases.

Provide routine schedules that use familiar phrases (such as “let’s have some lunch” or “scrub-a-dub-dub”) and cues at key times during the day. Nap and bedtime routines should be kept the same, and

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reading the same book over and over helps strengthen the foundation for later academic success.

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and MOTIVATOR.

It’s important your child sees you reading. “Such routines demonstrate that reading is important in the lives of older people and draws attention to the value of reading for coping with everyday life.” At home, point out that you are reading the newspaper or a recipe. On car rides, be intentional as you point out signs on the road or the names on store fronts. It’s also important to write and draw with your child. “When children draw pictures, their verbal comments should regularly be written on the page and read aloud.”

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Use ORAL LANGUAGE.

Quantity matters so talk a lot. You want to expose your child to as many words an hour as possible. Talk to your child during work and play. Chitchat has a big payoff and translates into broader vocabularies and higher levels of reading later.

In Learning to Read the World (Zero to Three, 2004) Rosenkoetter and KnappPhilo write “From this foundation of basic learning and subsequent daily explorations with everyday people and objects, the young child builds many other understandings of self and others…young children begin to ‘read their world’ and to have wider and greater impact upon it.”

As parents we can help them read their world long before they learn to read. ESP Michele Ranard is a former preschool teacher with a master’s of education degree in counseling. She has been helping students and families as a private tutor for a decade.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

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Tools for Young Sleuths

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The primary task of a secret agent, detective or spy is to collect information. And as a child’s inquisitive nature grows, the quest for obscured information embedded in their daily lives often leads them to seek out play roles that place them in the middle of a mystery. They create their own cases to crack, secrets to reveal and mysteries to solve.

Self sufficiency, independent action and sleuthing talent are some of the beneficial skills that can emerge from pretendplay that casts them as clue finders. The following items are ideal for equipping the young clue-collector on his mission explore mysteries, real and imagined!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Ultimate Night Vision Goggles

Room Defender (SmartLab)

(Spy Gear)

A simple door alarm gets the high-tech treatment with the Room Defender. Designed with kids’ tastes and abilities in mind, this door unit comes with instructions that can guide kids through basic programming that lets them choose the alerts, and levels of room access for friends and family. From a range of sound effects to access themes that include secret knocks, codes and key cards, the Room Defender offers young minds the means to service their own fun security through simple programming. Empowering a kid to create a safe and secure space while learning basic computer input skills is easy with SmartLab’s Room Defender.

Kidzlane Walkie Talkie

Bionic Ear Electronic Listening Device

The Ultimate Night Vision Goggles allow kids to peek through the black curtain of darkness and discover what lies hidden just behind it. Using infrared technology, these goggles project a specific stealth beam that highlights what is cloaked in darkness. When the infrared goggle attachment is flipped down into place, the viewer can see for distances of up to 30 feet. Perfect for evening missions and nocturnal backyard safaris, this hands-free resource peels back the curtain of darkness and lets young sleuths discover the wonders that can emerge at night.

(Kidzlane)

Young investigators are best equipped when they have a communications tool that keeps the information flowing. Lightweight and durable walkie talkies give kids the means to share discoveries, directions and news as it happens and from a distance. The range of the Kidzlane walkies is exceptionally broad, exceeding one mile. With three separate channels, kids can use these walkies to host exclusive communication for competitive games, secret plans and more. Simple push-to-talk operations and long battery life ensures that kids can keep the conversation going for hours. Recommended for kids and families when communication is important to the mission.

(Scientific Explorer)

Previously imperceptible by distance and distraction, the Bionic Ear lets operators pick out specific sounds and voices from up to 300 feet away. Using the the principles of a parabolic reflector, the Bionic Ear dish collects sound waves from the distant selected source. The dish focuses the specific sound toward a highly sensitive microphone that excludes background noise and helps isolate the target sounds. The collected sound is then transmitted to the operator’s earphones with maximum fidelity. Whether it’s conversations, bird calls or other sounds that deserve investigation, the Bionic Ear is an ideal sleuthing tool in a young detective’s toolbox.

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Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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If you’ll be returning to work after your baby is born, you probably know that open daycare spots can go faster than ice cream melts on a hot day. Still, for your child’s wellbeing and your own peace of mind, it pays to get picky.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

Starting about a few months before you’re ready, “visit three to five daycare programs,” says Kris Murray, author of The Ultimate Childcare Marketing Guide and a consultant to the childcare industry. To narrow your selection, here are the top questions Murray suggests asking daycare providers that can help you know if you’ve found the right place--or if you need to keep looking. 44

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1 What activities will my

child do? The code word to listen for

is “curriculum.” With emerging research about early brain development, top childcare programs aren’t glorified babysitters.

They’re full-featured learning environments, even at the infant level because learning starts from birth.

“There are all sorts of age-appropriate curriculums available now, from baby sign language in an infant room to early reading, nature, science, art, technology and drama programs for toddlers,” Murray says. Each program is typically organized into themes. If the theme is insects, for example, your toddler might be asked to dress up as his favorite bug for the drama unit, paint a bug for the art unit and learn about insects in the computer lab for the technology unit. To you though, it may all just look like fun and games. But that’s the idea. “Children learn best through play,” Murray says.

2 What’s the teacher to

child ratio? It’s important for your

child to get plenty of attention, especially the younger she is. Babies and toddlers

12 months old and younger need an adult to child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult per four infants). For toddlers 12 to 28 months old, the ratio should be 1:3, one instructor per three children. Small class sizes of 10 to 12 children or less is preferred too. Even if there are plenty of adults to children, a larger group of toddlers can feel chaotic.

It’s a big plus. Imagine sitting in a meeting and getting a text from your child’s daycare or preschool with a video or photo of a picture he just painted. “Real time streaming helps you stay connected to your child’s day,” Murray says. When you pick your child up, you can say “Look at the cute pictures I got from you today” and talk about them together.

3

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The best answer is, “No problem. We have an open door policy.” Impromptu parent visits should always be welcome, Murray says. After signing your child up, you should be able to drop by anytime.

“Ask for a list of the teachers, which includes the number of years of experience they’ve had in the field, their degree (in early childhood education for the lead teacher) or the training they’ve had,” Murray says. Lead teachers should also have five to seven years of experience. With practice comes the competence to handle challenging issues, such as fighting and other behavioral problems or potty training in a toddler program.

What’s your policy What are the qualificaabout unannounced visits? tions of your caregivers?

4 How will I know what

my child did all day? Some

daycare centers will distribute a daily activity sheet detailing what each child experienced that day, such as what she had for snack and how often her diaper was changed. Even better is paperless communication. Many daycare centers offer e-mail or texting messages two to four times daily.

45

6 Are drop-off and pick-

up hours flexible? If you work

from home sometimes or need a half-day

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help here and there, look for a daycare option works with your nontraditional schedule. Daycare that’s less than fulltime is a growing trend. “For a monthly membership fee, many daycare centers will allow you to drop off your child whenever you want,” Murray says.

7

What’s the security situation like? Most childcare

programs are safer than they were five years ago. Some now, for example, have biometrics at the entrance. Instead of punching in a code at the door, you’re be required to place your finger on a pad to enter the building. “Stricter regulations on safety and background checks are now required in many states,” Murray says.

When touring a daycare center, ask whether the children are monitored by a secure webcam. Is the feed distributed to the director’s office so there’s oversight of what’s happening in the classroom? (Good.) Can you have access to the feed as well?

(Double good.) Not only does camera surveillance provide peace of mind

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

because you can see what’s going on, it allows you to engage in your child’s day (“I saw you help Sam pick up his crayons. That was so nice of you.”)

“You get to spy with a positive purpose,” Murray says.

8

How often do the kids get to go outside?

Beyond extremely hot or cold weather, “there’s no excuse for children not to get outside every day,” Murray says.

Your childcare center should support the full health of the child, which includes spending time in nature and being active.

9

What’s your disaster recovery and emergency policy? If there’s a fire or disaster at the school, you want to know that teachers have been properly trained to respond quickly and effectively to get every child out. Every teacher should be trained in CPR too.

46

10 Ask yourself: Am I

comfortable with the environment? After you’ve nar-

rowed it down to your top picks, spend an hour or two hour observing a classroom when the kids are awake (not at nap time). What’s the vibe? The daycare center should feel open and warm-hearted.

Teachers should look like they’re happy to be there and engaged with the children.

If you get a good feeling about the place, chances are your child will like it too because he’ll pick up on your satisfaction.

Finally, confirm your selection by finding out what everyone else has to say.

Review testimonials from other parents on the daycare center’s Facebook page and review sites such as Yelp. “Sometimes there are disgruntled employees or an occasional unhappy parent,” Murray says.

If you see 10 great reviews and one negative one, you’re probably fine. “Look for a preponderance of positive.” ESP Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues.

www.easternshoreparents.com

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Take advantage of priority enrollment until Friday, January 13, 2107. If you are interested in learning more about the enrollment process at Bayside Academy, please visit www.baysideacademy.org or call 251-338-6446.

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Contact: Tracey Dale, (251) 626-6338 www.faithfamilyonline.com

God’s Living Sea ad on page 30

9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne, 36526 Ages 3 months - 4 years. Half day with extended care available Monday – Friday. Registration begins February 1st, 2016. For more information please call or email our office.

Contact: Meighan Sternberg, (251) 621-3977 www.jubileebaptist.com

Little Crusaders Learning Center

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Spanish Fort Presbyterian Preschool ad on page 15

6620 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, 36527 Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm Open registration for the Fall Semester begins February 6th, 2017. Ages Toddler – Pre-K4 are accepted. Hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Extended hours are also available from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call or email our office for specific registration times and rates.

Contact: Laura Roberts, (251) 626-7137 www.spanishfortpresbyterian.com

Spanish Fort UMC Preschool ad on page 41

6530 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, 36527 Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm SFUMC Church Member registration begins January 24th, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. Current student registration begins January 25th and 26th at 8:30 a.m. Open registration begins January 27th, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. Ages 5 months - 4 years are accepted.

We offer a Half-day program from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with a special lunch bunch hour until 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Jenni Dismukes, (251) 626-1380 www.spanishfortumc.org

ad on page 17

9023 Lawson Road, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Registration is open all year. Ages 6 weeks – 12 years. After-school care is also available. We have an experienced staff with Certified Pre-K Teachers, a Smart Board and splash playground. Little Crusaders is DHR Certified, First Aid/CPR Certified.

For more information please call our office.

Contact: Kathy Johnson, (251) 621-6363 www.littlecrusaderslearningcenter.com Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

The Learning Tree Early Education at First Baptist Church ad on page 24

300 South Section Street, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm Open Enrollment will begin in February 2017. We accept children ages 12 months – 4 years. Program Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Now offering

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Extended Day from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 2, 3 and 5-day programs available.

Contact: Lynn Carroll, (251) 928-0496 www.fbcfairhope.org

Weinacker’s Montessori School ad on page 10

28765 North Main Street , Daphne, 36526 Open Registration year round. Ages 6 weeks - 12 years. Full and half day programs are available.

Call today! A Montessori education is affordable!

Contact: Jennifer Potokar, (251) 259-5037 www.weinackersmontessori.com

3Circle Church Mom’s Day Out

10080 County Road 64, Daphne, 36526 Monday – Friday 9am – 1pm Registration will begin in January for the fall semester. K2-K4. We offer 2, 3 and 5 day options. Please call for details.

Contact: Jackie Roberson, (251) 510-0642 www.3circlechurch.com

AUC Resource Center, Afterschool and Daycare

8355 Jonesboro Road, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm Accepting children ages 6 weeks - 14 years with emphasis on school readiness. Hours are Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. At AUC your children are “Angels Under our Care”. Call our office for registration information.

Contact: Tyeshia Pickett, (251) 626-6056 http://childcarecenter.us

Bean Sprouts

11065 US Highway 31, Spanish Fort, 36527 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm

www.easternshoreparents.com

Bean Sprouts is convenient to Rockwell Elementary School. Serving ages 6 weeks through 5 years with the Mother Goose curriculum. Registration is open all year. Please call our office for information.

Contact: Director: Sara Brightbilll; Assistant Director: Tierney Harris, (251) 626-5445 www.facebook.com/beansproutsdaycareAL

Big Red Barn, Inc.

14968 Morris Road, Bay Minette, 36507 Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm The center accepts children ages 6 weeks - 5 Years. Call our office for registration information.

Contact: Scarlet Weatherford, (251) 937-1296

Bright Beginnings Preschool Orange Beach UMC

28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach, 36561 Our mission is to be the love of Jesus Christ to children and their families by providing a Christian learning environment that is safe, warm and loving.

Serving children age 1 by September 1st of the current school year through 4 years old. Please call or email our office for detailed registration information.

Contact: Pam Kreamer, (251) 981-6750 www.orangebeachumc.org

Children’s Learning Center

22305 Palmer Street, Robertsdale, 36567 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Accepting children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We offer a Full time program with after school care also available. Please call or email our office for specific registration information.

Contact: Lynn Beasley, (251) 947-4407

Color Us Kids Learning Center

26000 Nelson Street, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Registration is open all year. Ages 6 weeks – 5 years accepted. We provide a Full time learning

center with ABeka Curriculum. Please call our office or visit our website for more information.

Contact: Annette Brumfield, (251) 625-6933 www.coloruskidslearningcenter.com

Community Action Agency of South Alabama Head Start

Baldwin County area, , Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm Head Start program information for Baldwin County.

Contact: Parent Family Engagement Specialist: Alicia Clark, (251) 626-2646 www.caaofsa.org

Cox Daycare

301 Rain Drive , Bay Minette, 36507 Monday - Friday 6am - 5pm Accepting ages 3 weeks - 12 years. Please call the office for registration details and pricing.

Contact: Clara Cox, (251) 937-2745

Cradle 2 Crayons, Inc.

507 West Rose Avenue, Foley, 36535 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm Open enrolment all year. Ages 6 weeks - 12 years accepted. 3K and 4K programs are also offered.

After school care available. We offer WIZ Kids computer classes and Tumblebus.

Contact: Renee Brunson, (251) 943-4599

Crossroads Head Start and Pre-K Program 9411 Hurricane Road , Bay Minette, 36507 Monday - Friday 8:15am - 2:30pm The center accepts children ages K3 – K4. For information call our local or district office.

Contact: Neacy Holloway, (251) 937 5698

Discovery Island Child Development

24843 Commercial Avenue, Orange Beach, 36561 Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm

We have ongoing registration for ages 6 weeks 5years. We are the only licensed and inspected Daycare center on the island.

Contact: Melissa Callaway Moody, (251) 974- 5488 www.discoveryislandcdc.com

Eastern Shore Academy of Excellence

23946-B US Highway 98, Montrose, 36532 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Open registration is year round for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Our daycare uses a Preschool curriculum. Summer programs, After-school care and Half day programs are available. Visit us on Facebook or call our office for information.

Contact: Jamie Snowden, (251) 928-1854 or (251) 243-5153

Eastern Shore Baptist Church Weekday Education Ministries

6847 Park Drive, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with extended option from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Our In-house registration will be January 23, 2017 and open to the public February 1, 2017. (All paperwork and registration fees are due at this time.) The Preschool program accepts children ages 2 years – 4 years. The Mother’s Day Out program will accept children ages 6 weeks - 24 months. Hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with extended option from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There is limited space available in our extended care program and we do offer 2, 3, and 5 day program options. For information please call or visit our church website.

Contact: Gail Gardner, (251) 626-7627 www.myesbc.net

Eastern Shore Early Childhood Center

1090 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, 36532 Monday – Friday 6:30am – 5:30pm Call for registration information. Full Time. Ages 18 months - 12 years.

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First Baptist Child Development Center – Gulf Shores

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2200 West 1st Street, Gulf Shores, 36542 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Registration begins in June for fall 2017 for children ages 6 weeks – Pre-K4. Our Registration fee is $150 and tuition is $130 per week. Hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Melanie Davis, (251) 968-8124 www.cdc.fbcgulf.com Our In-house registration will be January 23, 2017 and open to the public February 1, 2017. (All paperwork and registration fees are due at this time.) The Preschool program accepts children ages 2 years – 4 years. The Mother’s Day Out program will accept children ages 6 weeks - 24 months. Hours areMonday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with extended option from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There is limited space available in our extended care program and we do offer 2, 3, and 5 day program options. For more information and tuition rates please call or visit our church website.

Contact: (251) 928-3449

Eastern Shore Kids Kastle, Inc.

10291 B County Road 48, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm Registration open all year. Ages 6 weeks - 12 years. Full Time and After-school Programs available. Hours are Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ChildCare South is also accepted. Come See What Sets us APART! We offer Health Habits, Sports Activities, Outdoor Sand/Water Play, Trike Paths, Computers, Professional Photos, Special Events, Dance Lessons, and Homework Assessments. Visit our new Facebook Page!

Contact: (251) 990-5350

Eastern Shore Montessori School 980 Main Street, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 7 am - 5:30 pm

Registration is open year round. Full and part time programs are offered to ages 12 months – Kindergarten. Summer programs are also available. We also have a Spanish teacher on staff.

Contact: Kate Burdick, (251) 626-7505 www.easternshoremontessori.com

ECMHSP/LOXLEY AL CENTER

16742 County Road 68, Loxley, 36551 Monday - Friday 5:30am - 6:00pm Accepting ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Please call for more information.

Contact: (251) 960-1060

Fairhope UMC Preschool Ministry

155 South Section Street, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 9am - 12pm Open registration: January 30, 2017. Ages are young 2 years (turn 2 during the school year) to Pre-K. Contact: Terry Lowell, (251) 928-1280 www.fairhopeumc.org

Faith Christian Academy

18109 US Highway 98, Foley, 36535 Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 5:30pm All ages accepted. Please call for specific information on our program, registration and pricing.

Contact: (251) 971-3202 or (251) 943-1455

1201 Hand Avenue, Bay Minette, 36507 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm Ages 1–4 years. Pre-k3 & Pre-k4 programs. Open 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. After school program offered for school aged children. Registration is open if space permits. Please call or email our office for more information.

Contact: Megan Franklin, (251) 937-3744

First Baptist Daycare – Spanish Fort

8353 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, 36527 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Open Registration year around. Accepting ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Please call for tuition rates and information.

Contact: Kristin Hegji, (251) 626-2946

Foley UMC - Joy Center

915 North Pine Street, Foley, 36535 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm We offer a Full Day Program for children ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Our hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Mother’s Day Out for children 18 months – 5 years with 2 or 3 day Programs are available. Please call or email our office for registration information.

Contact: Kathie Johnson, (251) 943-3688 www.foleyjoy.com

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13220 North Main Street, Elberta, 36530 Monday - Friday 7:55am - 3:00pm Now registering for PK3 - 4. Children must be potty trained to start. Class is from 7:55 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday – Friday. Early drop off is available at 7:00 a.m. Extended day program is open until 5:30 p.m.

Our program focuses on school readiness with Christian teachings. Please call for registration.

Contact: (251) 987-1966 www.goodshepherdlutheran-sch.com

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

3100 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, 36606 Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm and Fridays 9am - 4pm Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services improves the quality of childcare programs and implements early learning opportunities to prepare children for academic success. Accepting children from infant to 5 years. Visit our website for area centers and helpful resources.

Contact: (251) 473-1060 ext. 101 www.grecs.org

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Preschool and Mother’s Day Out 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 36542 Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:45 pm Registration begins in March 2017 for children

Heavenly Sent Learning Center Inc.

12710 County Road 65, Foley , 36535 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm We have ongoing registration for children ages 6 weeks through 14 years and offer a school readiness Pre-K program. Our hours are Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please call our office or visit our website for tuition rates and registration.

Contact: Arlene Trotter, (251) 970-3324 or (251) 943-3049 www.heavenlysentlearningcenter.com

Hermes Enchanted Garden Home Daycare

Highway 90 and I-10, Daphne, 36526 Montessori influenced home day care. We provide preservative free organic meals. Please call for more information.

Contact: (251) 269-0022

Holy Spirit Episcopal Day School

616 West Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, 36542 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Day school for children ages 1 1/5 years - 5 years.

Please call our office for availability.

Contact: Diane Wheeler, (251) 968-5219 www.hseds616.com

Jubilee Early Child Development Center

8930 Spanish Fort Boulevard, Spanish Fort, 36527 Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:45pm Registration is open all year. Ages 6 weeks - PreK4 accepted. Full Time and part-time programs are available. Call for more information.

Contact: Heather Bankester, (251) 625-1234 www.jubileechildcare.com

Jubilee Head Start Center

24044 Highway 98, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm Ongoing registration for ages 3 - 5 years. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Also accepting low income and special needs children.

Please call or visit our website for more specific information.

Contact: (251) 928-9193 www.caaofsa.org

Jubilee Shores WeeSchool

17261 State Highway 181, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm Registration begins in February 2017. Ages 10 months – 5 years accepted. Our hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You are welcome to choose specific days and hours needed.

Contact: Amber Jones, (251) 929-0829 www.jubileeshores.net

Kid Plus Child Development Center

900 South Bay Street, Foley , 36535 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm Registration is ongoing for children ages 6 weeks through 11 years. For more information please call our office or visit us on Facebook.

Contact: Christie Steigerwald, (251) 970-1566 www.facebook.com/kidplusfoley

Kid’s Kabin Daycare

27730 Main Street , Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 7am - 5:30pm Open Registration is year around. We accept ChildCare South. Ages 10 weeks - 6 years accepted.

Hours are Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

We provide Full time daycare. Visit us on Facebook! Please call for more information.

Contact: Kelly Lee, (251) 375-0152 www.facebook.com/daycareKidsKabinDC

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more!

We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16...

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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse.

Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

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Good Shepherd Lutheran School

ages 1 - 4 years as of September 1st of the current school year. We offer 3 and 5-day programs from 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Please call for information.

Contact: Lana Crawford, (251) 968-4328 www.gulfshoresumc.org

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26120 Equity Drive , Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm “A Lifetime of Learning Begins Here” Ages 6 weeks – 12 years accepted. Hours are Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. After-school care is also available. We offer an onsite Spanish and teacher. We are DHR, CPR and First Aid Certified. Please call or email our office for registration and tuition rates.

Contact: Debra Rowe, (251) 316-5995

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Good Beginnings Community Center

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Milestones Child Care Center accepts children ages 6 weeks - 12 years. Our hours are Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Registration is ongoing.

Contact: Miss Ann, (251) 960-1616

Mrs. Robin’s Playhouse

Kidz Learning Center

1074 North Hickory Street, Loxley, 36551 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Registration is ongoing and available for ages 6 weeks – 12 years. No registration fee required. We are state licensed and provide breakfast, lunch and snack. We provide one formula and all baby food and cereal. Call for more info and to schedule a tour.

Contact: Stacey Bain, (251) 964-4200

Kinder Academy

8209 Gayfer Road Extension, Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages 6 weeks – 12 years accepted. Multiple schedule options are available. Infant and Toddler rooms have a $25 enrollment fee and Preschool classrooms have a school supply list.

Please visit our website for detailed registration information.

Contact: (251) 210-6513 www.kinderacademyfairhope.com

Little Anchors Preschool

18200 Hwy 104, Robertsdale, 36567 Monday - Thursday 8:20am - 2:20pm Please call for more information Contact: (251) 978-5324

Little Learners Kiddie School

708 East Laurel Avenue, Foley, 36535 Monday - Friday 6:30am-5:30pm We offer ongoing registration for preschool children ages 6 weeks – 4 years. Our Hours are Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Please call our office for more information. We are a faith based child care program.

Contact: Tia Stafford, (251) 923-7602

Loving Care Children’s Center

10142 County Road 64, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Registration is open to children ages 6 weeks - 6 years. We offer Full and half day programs Monday – Friday. Please call for detailed rates.

Contact: Wanda Burroughs, (251) 626-1855 www.lovingcare2.com

Magnolia Springs Head Start

10839 Saint Johns Avenue, Foley, 36535 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm Registration is ongoing for ages 3 years - 5 years.

Please call for detailed information.

Contact: Ada Ikner, (251) 965-7937 www.caaofsa.org

Milestones Child Care Center

1074 South Cypress Street , Loxley, 36551 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm

21649 Bartlett Lane, Robertsdale, 36567 Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:30pm Learn through play in an environment based on family and faith. Ages newborn to 5 years accepted.

Mrs. Robin’s Playhouse is DHR licensed, health, fire and safety inspected, CPR/First Aid certified.

Mrs. Robin is also a licensed social worker with more than 20 years experience. Call or visit our website for more information.

Contact: Robin Gruber, (251) 677-4141 www.msrobinsplayhouse.weebly.com

Ms. Tiffany’s Daycare

11880C County Road 48 , Fairhope, 36532 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm Ms. Tiffany’s Daycare is a licensed Home Daycare owned and operated by Paul and Tiffany Villanova.

We are CPR and 1st Aid certified and licensed by the state of Alabama since 2007. We specialize in tender loving care for infants and toddlers 6 weeks to 3 years of age. Our hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call or visit us on Facebook for more information and availability.

Contact: Tiffany Villanova, (251) 990-7368 www.facebook.com/ms-tiffanys-daycare

New Life Assembly of God

10424 Old Highway 31, Spanish Fort, 36527 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am - 1pm Registration is ongoing. Ages 12 months - 4 years accepted. We offer a half-day program on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We also have a summer program. For more information please call or email our director.

From pregnancy to birth and beyond.

Nicole Arthur, M.D.

Specializing in Family Practice and Obstetrics Nicole Arthur, M.D., is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and received her medical degree from the Medical University of Lublin in Lublin, Poland. She completed her fellowship training in family practice and obstetrics at the University of Alabama.

• Board certified in family medicine • Board eligible in obstetrics • Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians

Now accepting new patients.

251-937-5377 2002 Medical Center Drive, Bay Minette, AL 36507

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Contact: Brenda Smith, (251) 656-3535 or (251) 802-8542 www.newlifeagspanishfort.com

Open Door Christian Child Care

20774 County Rd 12 South, Foley , 36535 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm Enter to grow in wisdom…depart to better serve.

Applications are accepted for children 6 weeks - 3 years. We also have a Pre-K4 through 12th Grade program available. Please call for registration instructions and questions.

Contact: Violet Wallace, (251) 943-1693 www.opendoorchurchfoley.com

Precious Moments Learning Center

1900 South Oak Street, Foley, 36535 Monday - Friday 6am - 7pm We offer ongoing registration for children ages 2 weeks - 15 years. Full & part time programs and after school care available.

Contact: Monica Pierce, (251) 943-4399

Saint Benedict Catholic School

12786 South Illinois Street, Elberta , 36530 Monday - Friday 7:45am - 3:00pm Registration begins in February for fall of 2017 for ages Pre-K3 - 8th Grade. We also offer an extended day program until 5:30 p.m. Please call for more information.

Contact: Leslie Mapp, (251) 986-8143 www.saintbenedict.net

Saint Patrick Catholic School

23070 Highway 59 North, Robertsdale, 36567 Monday – Friday 7:45am - 3:00pm Preparing students to “Be God’s light in the World” since 1979. Serving grades PK3 - 8th from 7:45am - 3:00pm. Extended Day is available until 5:30pm.

We will have open registration the week of January 30-February 3, 2017.

Contact: Sr. Margaret Harte, (251) 947-7395 https://school. stpatcatholic.com

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church Preschool

28788 North Main Street, Daphne , 36526 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Registration for fall begins in March 2017. Open House on August 19th, 2017. Accepting ages 12 months – Pre-K4. Before school care is available from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and afterschool care is available from 1:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Call or email for more details.

Contact: Mary Haulard, (251) 626-2774 www.stpaulseasternshore.com

Sleepy Town Childcare

1111 Wilson Avenue, Daphne, 36526 Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day At Sleepy Town we schedule our hours around your family’s needs! Offering childcare 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We provide a “home away from home” experience for children in a safe and Christian environment. Please call for specific registration information and pricing.

Contact: Earline Harris, (251) 421-7296

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Spanish Fort Preschool Academy

9543 Stagecoach Commercial Park Circle, Spanish Fort , 36527 Monday - Friday 7am - 5:15pm Registration for the 2017 school year will open to the public on Friday February 3rd at 8:30 a.m. The summer program will begin May 30, 2017. Please call or email our office for more information.

Contact: Stephanie Wilson, (251) 625-4042 www.sfpacademy.com

Swift Church Christian Preschool

23208 Swift Church Road, Foley , 36535 Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm We provide Christian education for kindergarten readiness. Ages 1 year - Pre-K4 accepted. Hours

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The Organic School Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education

8 Marietta Drive, Fairhope, 36532 We nurture each child’s creativity with weekly classes in art, music, yoga, pottery, nature studies and dance. Celebrating 108 years of learning through play and exploration! Applications for PreK - 8th grade are currently being accepted. Call for details.

Contact: Jessie Patterson, (251) 928-9347 www.fairhopeorganicschool.com are Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with Open Enrollment. For more information please call our office.

Contact: Shawn Simpkins, (205) 913-7385 www.swiftchurch.org/preschool

The Community School

29964 Saint Basil Street, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 2:30pm and Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm The Community School (TCS) proactively exists to provide a high level of education for all student based on their academic. TCS is registered and licensed by the Alabama Department of Education and all of its faculty members are required to comply to the same standards as public school teachers. They must have teacher certifications, qualified and actively pursuing certification, or teaching in the field in which they majored. TCS administrators, faculty and staff are committed educational professionals who care about the educational and spiritual well-being of their students. TCS offers grades PreK3 - 6th and students must be age appropriate under state law. The Community School operates Monday through Thursday (Friday option available) To ensure excellent education, TCS class sizes will remain at a ratio of 1 teacher to 14 students for all K-6th

grade classes. With our small class sizes, we will exceed the required amount of teaching hours per week according to the state law. TCS administrators, faculty and staff are committed educational professionals who care about the educational and spiritual well-being of their students. Registration for the 2017/2018 school year will begin March 2017.

Contact: Melanie Daw, (251) 517-5590 www.mycommunityschool.org

The Learning Cove Preschool

28848 North Main Street, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm We accept children ages 6 weeks to 6 years and registration is available all year. DHR certified. For more information call or email us.

Contact: Rhapsody Parker, (251) 621-8811

The Neighborhood School

26481a Kensington Place, Daphne, 36526 Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm Please call for registration information and pricing.

We offer a full day program for children infant Pre-K and after school care programs for school age children. Visit us on Facebook for updates or call for program details.

Contact: Carriann Tombes, (251) 626-0074 www.facebook.com/theneighborhoodschool

Tiny Tots Academy

25478 Friendship Road, Daphne, 36526 Monday – Friday 6:30am -6:00pm.

Open registration all year. Ages 6 weeks – 5 years accepted. Full Day program available. We also offer a kindergarten readiness program. Please call for availability and specific registration instructions.

Contact: Katie Turnage, (251) 625-6625 www.tinytotsacademy.net

Victory Daycare Academy

20511 County Road 12 South, Foley, 36535 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Providing early education with fundamental values. Serving children ages 6 weeks through 4 years. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please call for more information.

Contact: Latisha Staimpel, (251) 943-7684 www.victorylifechurch.net

Visions of North Baldwin Child Development Center

801 West 14th Street, Bay Minette, 36507 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm The center accepts children ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Like us on Facebook! Contact our office for registration and tuition information.

Contact: Jackie Rushing, (251) 580-4209 ESP

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A Page in a Book

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Home is Where the Heart Is Every child’s home is unique. Some kids live in spacious places with bedrooms of their own. Many children share their home with extended family, experiencing cozier quarters. Others split their days between two places that they call home.

The places that children call home don’t always have the same footprint. While lodgings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and settings, the things that make them into our homes are indefinable. The following titles explore alternate living spaces and the ways that children claim those spaces, making them into their own unique home.

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Stella’s Starliner

By Rosemary Wells (Candlewick Press) Stella’s home is a marvelous wonder. A gleaming silver house on wheels, it has cozy hiding spots and a sofa that transforms into a bed with a push of a button. Stella’s house has everything her family needs and she loves every bit of it. But then some neighborhood weasels mock her silver home, calling it a tin can, asking her if she’s poor because she lives in a trailer.

The words hurt so much that Stella can’t even tell her mama. But when the truth comes out, Mama and Daddy use the opportunity to show Stella what their home can really be. As the shining silver Starliner treks through the night, readers will find a new appreciation for the special aspects of our own lodgings that make them a treasured home to us.

The House on Dirty-Third Street

By Jo S. Kittinger, Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (Peachtree) A young girl is dismayed as she looks at the houses on Thirty-Third Street where her mother has bought a “starting over” for them. Their new home is the shabbiest of them all; run-down, full of trash and so dirty that she wants to call it the house on ‘Dirty-Third Street.’ Mother and daughter work long and hard to clean and repair it, but the enormous task of bringing the house back from the brink is beginning to overwhelm them. When their vision of transformation is unexpectedly embraced by others, they discover there are many small ways to save a damaged house and turn it into a real home. “The House on Dirty-Third Street’ is an inspiring testament to family and faith creating a powerful foundation for every home.

Ella

By Mallory Kasdan, Illustrated by Marcos Chin (Scholastic Press) For little Ella, living in a hotel comes with as many adventures as there are rooms. In this cheeky, updated parody of the classic children’s book “Eloise”, readers are taken along on a delightfully manic exploration of Ella’s daily life as an urban dweller at The Local Hotel. The tour is viewed through Ella’s lens as the people and practices filling her days are introduced in random order. As Ella reveals the things that make her happy at her hotel home, the reader gets a growing insight into the truly fabulous life she enjoys at The Local. Celebrating the meaningful small moments that shine in such a broad environment, “Ella” highlights the connections that anchor her personal home within a populated space.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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signed to make you and your family feel

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inadequate and flip New Year’s resolutions on

you are falling short as an acceptable hu-

their heads. Resolve to no longer let an an-

man being in a multitude of ways. You are too

nual holiday undermine your family’s sense

poor, too unfit, too uneducated, too lonely, too

of wholeness and worth. Resolution comes

busy, too selfish, too boring. You name it and

from the word resolve, meaning to make a

you need to change it, preferably starting on

decision or determination. This January 1st,

January 1st. But unless parents are clear that

why not become determined to resist self-

they are enough as they are, you risk passing

criticism altogether? Take some time over the

this annual habit of self-recrimination on to

New Year transition to assess everything you

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

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to mo ma as fam co wa ac no is u ca mo sh tio

Here are a few family discussion topics that will help you focus on building your family up rather than on tearing each other down.

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critical of yourself, nit-picking your kids swiftly follows. Instead, start discussing these topics and watch the never-good-enough season transform into the joyful New Year every family craves.

Discuss what was joyful last year. What choices did family members make that brought them joy? Were there some decisions any family members made that created disappointment? You can learn as much from what did not work as you can from what did work, so don’t be afraid to admit to any mistakes you feel you may have made. A balanced year is full of ups and downs.

Express feelings of joy. Have a deeper conversation about choices you made last year that brought you joy.

What were the smartest decisions you made from your perspective? How did these positive choices make you feel?

Would you make these same choices again? One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing last year’s happiest moments.

Imagine the new year as even more joyful. Ask each family member

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to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. They can make the story as ambitious or inspired as they like. For example, maybe one family member wants to get admitted to a college of her choice while another simply wants to maintain a long-time enjoyable activity. Remain nonjudgmental. Joy is not a competition and each person’s joy is unique to them. Each family member can tell the story that makes them feel the most content, and no one else in the family should interject their ideas or expectations.

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affirm the validity of each family member’s dream. Make sure everyone feels supported by each other. Stressing teamwork in achieving shared individual goals can help reduce sibling rivalry. Kids who are empowered to be authentic don’t have to compete with anyone. Parents can take whatever actions they can throughout the year to support each family member’s dreams. And parents should expect support for their dreams, as well. Don’t sit back and let the kids have all the fun!

You are the creator of your family traditions; you don’t have to go along with 57

the crowd. So celebrate the New Year in positive, constructive ways that build family members up, rather than a negative, critical ways that tear family members down. When you teach your family members to use joy as a touchstone for making choices this year and every year, you give them the keys to creating personal satisfaction in their lives and you get to watch your family grow closer than ever every year. ESP Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz strives to live a joy-centric life, despite whatever else is going on in the world. She knows there is nothing more important to pass along to future generations.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Family Calendar Tuesday January 3

Fort Morgan Civil War Tours 2:00 PM Fort Morgan, 110 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores Tuesday Civil War Tours will be held in January and February at Fort Morgan at 2:00pm.

(251) 540-7127 fort-morgan.org Tea for Two 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Donnie Barrett – Donnie will present his slide show on Populism demonstrating how Fairhope was founded on populist principles. www.cofairhope.com

Wednesday January 4

Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens 10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore Every year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home hosts specialized workshops when the weather gets chilly in winter months. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home, tips for making your garden more spectacular or guest lectures from renowned members of the horticultural and gardening world. These programs run from January 4 – February 22. Each program begins at 10:30 AM and is included in your Gardens admission. Admission for members is free.

(251) 973-2217 bellingrath.org

Friday January 6

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month. www.esartcenter.com

Saturday January 7

Thin Mint Sprint and Health Expo 9:00 AM USA Campus - SGA Pavilion, 6431 John Counts Road, Mobile Join us for the Thin Mint Sprint benefitting Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama.

(251) 344-3330 www.girlscoutssa.org

Sunday January 8

Jewish Film Festival presents “On the Map” 3:00 PM Springhill Avenue Temple, 1769 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobilewww.mobilejewishfederation.org First Light Marathon, 1/2 marathon and Fun Run 7:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile Join us for the First Light Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and Fun Run to benefit the L`Arche Mobile community.

(251) 438-2094 www.firstlightmarathon.com

Monday January 9

Modern Renaissance Theatre Auditions 6:00 PM Homestead Village, 924 Plantation Boulevard, Fairhope Modern Renaissance announces musical auditions and technical interviews for their spring shows, “Your a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Charlotte’s Web”. Performance auditions for Modern Renaissance should consist of 16 bars of a song (about 30 seconds) and a script will be read. Please bring a non-returnable photo. Technical interviews are for students who are interested in the backstage and design side of theatre. For more information visit their website.

(251) 279-0154 www.modrentheatre.com

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

January2017

Tuesday January 10

Fort Morgan Civil War Tours 2:00 PM Fort Morgan, 110 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores Tuesday Civil War Tours will be held in January and February at Fort Morgan at 2:00pm.

(251) 540-7127 fort-morgan.org Tea for Two 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Chris “Champ” Napier – Chris was a young man in Mobile who was sent to prison then given a full pardon. He is now a motivational speaker warning today’s youth of the dangers of falling prey to a life of crime. www.cofairhope.com

Thursday January 12

2nd Annual Distinguished Lecture Series 6:30 PM Gulf Coast Campus Cultural Center Auditorium, 19470 Oak Rd West, Gulf Shores John Dindo, Senior Marine Scientist III, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, will be lecturing on, “Birds of the Alabama Gulf Coast.”

(251) 517-5162 www.gulfshores.com

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South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz

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Impact 100 Baldwin County Membership Drive Event 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Ashurt & Niemeyer, 7472 Parker Road, Fairhope The women of Impact 100 Baldwin County invite you to attend this informational social to learn about membership and the power of collective giving! impact100baldwincounty.org

Friday January 13

Tu

Watt Key - Book Signing Hideout 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Page and Palette, 32 South Section Street, Fairhope Watt Key event at Page and Palette.

(251) 928-5295 www.pageandpalette.com

Tedeschi Trucks Band 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Huka Entertainment & 92ZEW present Tedeschi Trucks Band plus Leon Russell.

(251) 208-5601 www.mobilesaenger.com

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Jewish Film Festival presents “The Last Mentsch” 7:00 PM Laidlaw Center for the Performing Arts, 5751 USA Drive South, Mobilewww.mobilejewishfederation. org

Wednesday January 11

Eggs and Issues ($10 for members, $15 for guests) 7:30 AM Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Mobile Please join us as we hear from the Porch Band of Creek Indians as they discuss the history of the tribe. Current issues and upcoming endeavors.

(251) 928-6387 business.eschamber.com/events Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens 10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore Every year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home hosts specialized workshops when the weather gets chilly in winter months. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home, tips for making your garden more spectacular or guest lectures from renowned members of the horticultural and gardening world.

These programs run from January 4 – February 22.

Each program begins at 10:30 AM and is included in your Gardens admission. Admission for members is free.

(251) 973-2217 bellingrath.org Modern Renaissance Theatre Auditions 6:00 PM Homestead Village, 924 Plantation Boulevard, Fairhope Modern Renaissance announces musical auditions and technical interviews for their spring shows, “Your a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Charlotte’s Web”. Performance auditions for Modern Renaissance should consist of 16 bars of a song (about 30 seconds) and a script will be read. Please bring a non-returnable photo. Technical interviews are for students who are interested in the backstage and design side of theatre. For more information visit their website.

(251) 279-0154 www.modrentheatre.com

58

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz

Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday January 14

Coast Coin and Jewelry Show - Foley 9:00 AM Foley Civic Center, 414 East Laurel, Foley Join us January 14-15 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm for the Gold Coast Coin & Currency Jewelry Show at the Foley Civic Center (251) 269-3089 www.coinzip.com/gold-coast-coincurrency-show Jewish Film Festival presents “In Search of Israeli Cuisine” 6:00 PM Ahavas Chesed Synagogue, 705 Regents Way, Mobile Ahavas Chesed Synagogue – “In Search of Israeli Cuisine” Catered dinner – additional cost. www.mobilejewishfederation.org South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Sunday January 15

Coast Coin and Jewelry Show - Foley 9:00 AM Foley Civic Center, 414 East Laurel, Foley Join us January 14-15 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm for the Gold Coast Coin & Currency Jewelry Show at the Foley Civic Center (251) 269-3089 www.coinzip.com/gold-coast-coincurrency-show Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen

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Family Calendar Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 2:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz Jewish Film Festival presents “Rock in the Red Zone” 3:00 PM Ahavas Chesed Synagogue, 705 Regents Way, Mobilewww.mobilejewishfederation.org

Tuesday January 17

Tea for Two 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Betty Jo Haynie – Betty Jo has been in the antique business across the street from the museum for many years. She will talk about the local antiques market and her antique appraisal service. www.cofairhope.com Jewish Film Festival presents “Fever Dawn” 7:00 PM USA Fairhope Campus, Fairhopewww.mobilejewishfederation.org

Wednesday January 18

Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens 10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore Every year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home hosts specialized workshops when the weather gets chilly in winter months. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home,

January2017

tips for making your garden more spectacular or guest lectures from renowned members of the horticultural and gardening world. These programs run from January 4 – February 22. Each program begins at 10:30 AM and is included in your Gardens admission. Admission for members is free.

(251) 973-2217 bellingrath.org Jewish Film Festival presents “Fanny’s Journey” 7:00 PM Ben May Library, 701 Government Street, Mobilewww.mobilejewishfederation.org

Thursday January 19

Oyster House Job Fair 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Original Oyster House, 701 Highway 59, Gulf Shores Are you interested in working at one of our area’s best known res­taurants for great seafood, scenery and southern hospitality? We are looking for cooks, expediters, dishwashers, bussers, servers, food runners, bartenders, hosts, and cashiers.

(251) 928-2620 www.originaloysterhouse.com/jobs Jewish Film Festival presents “The Dove Flyer” 7:00 PM Ahavas Chesed Synagogue, 705 Regents Way, Mobilewww.mobilejewishfederation.org South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz

Friday January 20

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz TRAXXAS Monster Truck Destruction Tour 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile Monster Truck Destruction Tour in Mobile. www.monstertruckdestructiontour.com Travis Tritt Concert 7:30 PM The Steeple on St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street, Mobile Travis Tritt concert at The Steeple on St. Francis. www.thesteeplemobile.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday January 21

Run for Shep 9:00 AM Daphne City Hall, 1705 Main Street, Daphne Run for Shep to benefit Shephard`s Flock whose mission is to financially assist (non-medical related expenses) local families with childhood cancer warriors who are undergoing treatment at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. www.eventbrite.com

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Family Calendar

January2017

Celebrating 10 Years at 501 - Fairhope Public Library 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope Celebrating 10 years at 501.

(251) 928-7483 fairhopelibrary.org

Sunday January 22

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 7:30 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” 2:00 PM South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “Dearly Departed”.

(251) 968-6721 www.sbct.biz

TRAXXAS Monster Truck Destruction Tour 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile Monster Truck Destruction Tour in Mobile. www.monstertruckdestructiontour.com

Jewish Film Festival presents “The Lady in Number Six”.

7:00 PM Springhill Avenue Temple, 1769 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobilewww.mobilejewishfederation.org

Alter Bridge Concert 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Alter Bridge - The Last Hero Tour concert will be held at the Saenger Theatre.

(251) 208-5601 www.mobilesaenger.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2017

Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Monday January 23

Gulf Shores Entertainment Series - Atlantic City Boys ($35) 7:00 PM Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Atlantic City Boys will perform January 23 and 24. www.gulfshoresal.gov

Tuesday January 24

Tea for Two 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Jack Cummings – Jack’s family has lived in Fairhope for four generations. His Grandfather sat on the Alabama Capital steps to save the Fairhope Bank during the depression. He will tell us his Fairhope story. www.cofairhope.com

60

Gulf Shores Entertainment Series - Atlantic City Boys ($35) 7:00 PM Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Atlantic City Boys will perform January 23 and 24. www.gulfshoresal.gov

Wednesday January 25

Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens 10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore Every year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home hosts specialized workshops when the weather gets chilly in winter months. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home, tips for making your garden more spectacular or guest lectures from renowned members of the horticultural and gardening world. These programs run from January 4 – February 22. Each program begins at 10:30 AM and is included in your Gardens admission. Admission for members is free.

(251) 973-2217 bellingrath.org Chick-Fil-A Fellowship of Christian Athletes Rally 6:30 PM Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street, Mobile Many fun events are planned for the week of the Senior Bowl. Chick-Fil-A Fellowship of Christian Athletes Rally will be held on Wednesday, January 25th at the Mobile Convention Center at 6:30pm. This event is open to Public (Ticket required), please visit www.southalabamafca.org for more information.

(251) 432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com

Thursday January 26

Toast the Coast ($50 per person) 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Event Center at the Wharf, 4671 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach South Baldwin’s

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Family Calendar Newcomers Annual Toast To The Coast presents “An Evening with the Phantom “ (251) 271-4261 www.mygulfcoastchamber.com FEEF Hosts “Two Gentlemen of Verona ($15) 7:00 PM FEEF’s Black Box Theatre at Fairhope High School, 1 Pirate Drive, Fairhope Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) will host Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s touring production of Two Gentlemen of Verona for a one-night performance only on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in FEEF’s Black Box Theatre at Fairhope High School.

General admission tickets are $15 and available at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 990-3333.

(251) 990-3333 www.feefonline.org

Friday January 27

Coca-Cola Meet the Players (Free) 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street, Mobile The Coca-Cola Meet the Players will be held on Friday, January 27th from 3:30pm-6:00pm at the Mobile Convention Center and is free to the public. In addition to meeting the players, fans can enjoy interactive displays from the New Orleans Saints, Under Armour, Coca-Cola and AT&T plus games for the kids. These events are Family-friendly with interactive activities for children and adults.

(251) 432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com St. James Episcopal Church - Concert Series features Daryl Robinson (Free) 7:00 PM St. James Episcopal Church, 860 North Section Street, Fairhope Daryl Robinson has earned critical acclaim as a solo and collaborative artist, praised for his innovative programming, compelling performances, and unique depth of interpretative

January2017

skill. Described as a performer with “… a driving muscular poetry underpinned by nimble technique and nuanced sense of style …” by London-based Choir and Organ, Daryl was winner of both First Prize and Audience Prize at the 2012 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition. At the age of thirty, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.

(251) 928-2912

Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on the weekends from January 27-February 12.

(251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord”

($18 for adults and $12 for students)

8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017 Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org

Saturday January 28

A Day in the Life of a Civil War Soldier - Fort Gaines (Adults $8.00, Children (ages 5 to 12) $4.00) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Mobile The Independent Rifles will showcase the day to day life of a Confederate soldier while on duty at Fort Gaines. Come and experience a living history day for the whole family. Blacksmith demonstrations will be on hand all day in the fort’s Blacksmith Shop. There will be military drills and training as well as the firing of the cannon and other daily duties.

(251) 861-6992 dauphinisland.org Baumhower Tailgate Challenge 9:30 AM Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 1621 Virginia Street, Mobile Baumhower Tailgate Challenge is on Saturday, January 28th. This competition is to determine the Senior Bowl Tailgater of the Year. The Challenge is Free and open to anyone tailgating in the parking lot on game day.

(251) 432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com The Food for Less Tailgate Party 10:30 AM Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 1621 Virginia Street, Mobile The Food for Less Tailgate Party is a pre-game event held in the Ladd-Peebles Stadium parking lot on Senior Bowl Saturday. Passes for the event are free with the purchase of a Senior Bowl ticket and are limited to the first 3,500 fans. In addition to free food and drink, tailgate party goers will enjoy inflatable activities, face painters, clowns, inflatables and the Coca-Cola Family Festival game trailer.

(251) 432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Krewe de la Dauphine (Free) 1:00 PM Dauphin Island, Dauphin Island Krewe de la Dauphine parade at 1:00pm. townofdauphinisland.org

CARSONWENTZ

PHIL ADELPHIA EAGLES 2ND OVERALL DRAFT PICK 2016 SENIOR BOWL

* FREE FOOD FOR LESS TAILGATE PARTY PASSES AVAILABLE WITH PURCHASE OF GAME TICKET AT AREA FOOD FOR LESS STORES.

JANUARY 28, 2017 | 1:30 PM | MOBILE, AL | LADD-PEEBLES STADIUM - TICKETS ON SALE NOW @ seniorbowl.com 61

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Family Calendar Senior Bowl 2017 1:30 PM Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 1621 Virginia Street, Mobile The 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 28th at 1:30pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

(251) 432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Mobile Symphony presents Winter Romance 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Banish the winter chill with MSO’s Winter Romance. Featuring works by some of the Romantic Era’s best known composers: Wagner, Korngold, and Tchaikovsky.

(251) 432-2010 mobilesymphony.org/events Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on the weekends from January 27-February 12.

(251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord” ($18 for adults and $12 for students)

8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017 Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org

January2017

Sunday January 29

Big Beach Marathon & Half Marathon 8:00 AM The Hangout, 101 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores Boasting a flat and fast Boston Qualifier course, the marathon reveals beautiful scenery as it runs through the paved trail system of Gulf State Park before finishing the last 3 miles on Beach Blvd with great views of the Gulf of Mexico. bigbeachmarathon.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile Joe Jefferson Players present “Chapter Two” by Neil Simon.

(251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on the weekends from January 27-February 12.

(251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org Mobile Symphony presents Winter Romance 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Banish the winter chill with MSO’s Winter Romance. Featuring works by some of the Romantic Era’s best known composers: Wagner, Korngold, and Tchaikovsky.

(251) 432-2010 mobilesymphony.org/events Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord” ($18 for adults and $12 for students)

2:30 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017

Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org

Monday January 30

Annual Volunteer Fair at the James P. Nix Center 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, James P. Nix Center, 1 Bayou Drive, Fairhope The Nix Center will host a Volunteer Fair. Local groups are looking for all types of volunteers with many different talents to offer. Local organizations who are in need of volunteers will have booths set up with information about their group and what kind of volunteer they are looking for. You can sign up to volunteer at the fair or take home information to make sure you find the right fit. www.cofairhope.com Gulf Shores Entertainment Series - The New Christy Minstrels ($35) 7:00 PM Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Their influence on pop and folk music is undeniable, with chart-topping hits such as “Green, Green,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “Denver,” and the Oscar-winning song “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Hailed for its rich and robust vocal blend, the ensemble garnered a “Best Performance by a Chorus” Grammy for its album “Presenting The New Christy Minstrels.” www.gulfshoresal.gov

Tuesday January 31

Tea for Two 2:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope Tod Jonson – Tod was a Hollywood gossip columnist and became close friends with Hollywood movie stars. His stories are amazing and a who’s who of very recognizable movie stars. www.cofairhope.com

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Gulf Shores Entertainment Series - The New Christy Minstrels ($35) 7:00 PM Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Their influence on pop and folk music is undeniable, with chart-topping hits such as “Green, Green,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “Denver,” and the Oscar-winning song “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Hailed for its rich and robust vocal blend, the ensemble garnered a “Best Performance by a Chorus” Grammy for its album “Presenting The New Christy Minstrels.” www.gulfshoresal.gov Cuisine for Kids Area Restaurants, Mobile Cuisine for Kids, a fundraiser to benefit the Child Advocacy Center will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Area restaurants will participate by donating a portion of their proceeds to the CAC to help fund much needed services for children.

(251) 432-1101 www.cacmobile.org

Thursday February 2

Fairhope Lecture Series 6:00 PM Fairhope Museum of History, 24 North Section Street, Fairhope “The Founding of Fairhope” by speaker: Donnie Barrett. www.cofairhope.com The Southern Antique Show Preview Party ($25) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, St. Paul’s Episcopla Church, 28788 North Main Street, Daphne Join us for a special preview of the wonderful items offered at The Southern Antiques Show. The preview party will include hors d’oeuvres wine, and beer, and live music. The show will be open from 9 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday, with lunch available each day.

The Baldwin Pops 20th Anniversary Concert

(Free)

7:00 PM Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope Baldwin Pops Classical Concert on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at the Fairhope Civic Center at 7:00pm. www.baldwinpopsband.com

Friday February 3

The Southern Antique Show ($8) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, St. Paul’s Episcopla Church, 28788 North Main Street, Daphne Dealers from across the country will sell silver, china, pottery, accessories, maps, jewelry, lighting and furniture among many other treasures.

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month from 6-8 p.m. www.cofairhope.com Mobile Opera presents Winter Gala Concert 8:00 PM The Steeple on St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street, Mobile Selections of some the most popular moments from the world’s great operas, showcasing the Mobile Opera Chorus.

(251) 432-6772 www.mobileopera.org Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord” ($18 for adults and $12 for students)

8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017

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Family Calendar

January2017

Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org

ments from the world’s great operas, showcasing the Mobile Opera Chorus.

(251) 432-6772 www.mobileopera.org

Saturday February 4

Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord” ($18 for adults and $12 for students)

The Southern Antique Show ($8) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, St. Paul’s Episcopla Church, 28788 North Main Street, Daphne Dealers from across the country will sell silver, china, pottery, accessories, maps, jewelry, lighting and furniture among many other treasures.

2:30 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017 Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org

6th Annual Starla Ride 12:00 PM Faulkner State Community College, 1900 Highway 31 South, Bay Minette 6th Annual Starla Motorcycle Ride to benefit Starla Champman Scholarship and BMB Charities.

(251) 802-9638 www.bmbrockets.com

Monday February 6

Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord”

($18 for adults and $12 for students)

8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017 Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org

Sunday February 5

Mobile Opera presents Winter Gala Concert 2:30 PM The Steeple on St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street, Mobile Selections of some the most popular mo-

Gulf Shores Entertainment Series - Kingston Trio

($35)

7:00 PM Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Kingston Trio will perform on February 6 and 7. www.gulfshoresal.gov

Tuesday February 7

Gulf Shores Entertainment Series - Kingston Trio

($35)

7:00 PM Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores Kingston Trio will perform. www.gulfshoresal.gov

Thursday February 9

2nd Annual Distinguished Lecture Series 6:30 PM Gulf Coast Campus Cultural Center Auditorium, 19470 Oak Rd West, Gulf Shores Sue Brannan Walker, USA Professor of English, Retired Former Alabama State Poet Laureate. will lecture on, “Through Edward O. Wilson: The Mobile-Tensaw Delta.”

(251) 517-5162 www.gulfshores.com

Friday February 10

Theatre 98 Presents “Ripcord” ($18 for adults and $12 for students)

8:00 PM Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope Theatre 98 will present Ripcord by David LindsayAbaire and directed by Timothy Guy for the first 2017 Theatre 98 Season. Performances will be January 2729, February 3-5, and February 10-12.

(251) 928-4366 www.theatre98.org Fairhope’s Arbor Day 10:00 AM Fairhope Faulkner Campus, Fairhope Along with the always-popular distribution of tree seedlings, the day will honor new “treasured tree” award recipients and recognize the 5th grade poster contest winners from Fairhope Elementary and J. Larry Newton. We will also raffle off a few fruit trees and have commercial tree vendors there to answer the public’s questions about trees.

(251) 929-1466 www.cofairhope.com

Classes/Meetings

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Monday of each month.

The meeting is held at Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave, in Daphne from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Parent, Youth/Teen group and childcare is available. Topic discussions by adoption professionals and ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information call 251-4602727 or 1-800-489-1886 or www.childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counseling services to adoptive families.

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Celebration MOPS Fairhope Celebration MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope. Childcare is provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $30 per semester. Call the church office for info at 251-928-0343 or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ celebrationmopsfairhopeal.

Daily Living Skills Group for parents with children on the Spectrum Held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:307:00 p.m. at The Family Center, 27365 Pollard Road, Daphne.

Focus is on daily living needs of families and their children, such as: Safety issues; How to have a family dinner out; Ways to assist with transition; How to talk with people who stare; Your questions, comments and suggestions. Limited childcare slots are available. For more information, please contact Judy Bradshaw: (251) 990-7781.

Daphne Neurological Disease Support Group (Includes Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy). Meets second Monday of each month at Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne, in the Community Life Center-Gathering Room. 11:00 a.m. until noon.

Noon light lunch for $3 from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Speaker or joint group session. Contact person: Alice Hallford - 251-626-8228.

Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday (during the school year) at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for how to register.

Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion.

Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Chill Skills” - Anger Management by appointment. $25 giftcard upon completion. Call 251-626-1610 schedule, The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Nurturing Parenting, everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne.

MOPS on the Eastern Shore MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” - but don’t let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you.

7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. 1st Thursday of the Month (September through May). Dinner & Child Care are provided. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly.com/ Facebook.com/MopsOnTheEasternShore.

Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged.

Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope.

928-1148.

Single Mom Ministry Sponsored by Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church, this prayer and support group for single moms is designed to provide a safe and prayerful environment where group members are able to express themselves among others who will listen, care, and lift each other up.

Each participant will receive one bag of non-perishable food items each week. Child care will be provided.

Light snacks and soft drinks will be served. Meetings

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Family Calendar are held every Tuesday from 6-7 PM at Fairhope Avenue Baptist Family Life Center, 8717 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-0890.

SOS (Survivors of Suicide) This group is for adults who has ever lost a loved one to suicide. If it has been 5 days or 50 years since the loss, this group is here for you. SOS meets

January2017

the 2nd and 4th Monday of EVERY month from 6:30 to approximately 8:00 p.m. at the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S. Section Street, Fairhope.

The support group, which has been around since November, 2012, is facilitated by a professional and co-facilitated by two survivors. There are no dues. For more information, please email jlbarber5@ bellsouth.net or call 251-455-6453.

Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance Studio, located behind Pizza Hut across from Thomas Hospital. 251 South Greeno, Fairhope. $5 per class (fee may be higher with special guest instructors).

For more information Contact Ben Samel at 6052657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol. com.

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. $10.

Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises.

Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises.

Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical

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and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises.

Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session.

• Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. Located just off of the main lobby.

• Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

Method of payment accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, AmEx, Debit Card.

Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients.

The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For information please contact 949-3781.

Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m. Free.

Infant CPR and Safety Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373. Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m.

Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series.

Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope) Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.

Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for upcoming classes and registration.

Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or more information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251- 928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@ bellsouth.net.

Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free.

No Pre-registration required.

Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne.

Pre-registration required.

Sibling Class Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope).

Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373. 10 - 11 a.m.

Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous)

HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Chess.indd 1

Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-4771104 for more information.

Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for more information.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information.

ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information.

Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each

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month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information.

Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room.

For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center.

Call 251- 626-6337 for more information.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com!

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

La La Land

Passengers

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: BLanguage: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated La La Land PG-13 for some language.

Borrowing from Beauty and the Beast, this is a tale as old as time -- or at least as old as Tinsel Town. Mia (Emma Stone) has arrived in Los Angeles with the dream of being an actress.

And while she’s waiting for her big break, life ain’t that bad. She drives a Prius, shares a hip retro apartment with three equally budding roommates and has nabbed a barista job at a coffee shop on a major motion picture studio lot. But for all the auditions she’s attended, no one has seen the potential within her.

Cut to Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). His big goal is to explore his obsession for all things jazz, with the grand desire of owning a club one day. In the meantime, he drives a 1980’s convertible that’s seen better days, lives in a rundown flat and plays a piano for uninterested diners. His boss (J.K. Simmons) provides immediate feedback when Sebastian’s fingers start improvising on the keys, and insists he stick to the preselected set.

These two first lay eyes on one another while Mia is stuck in traffic. She’s so busy studying her audition script that she doesn’t realize the cars around her are beginning to move. With a loud honk from him and an upended finger from her, Sebastian drives past. It’s love at first sight -- LA style. After a few more “meet cutes”, their disdain for one another segues into full on affection. Soon the couple is sharing an apartment, while each of them continues to chase their artistic vision. Yet their growing love for one another begins to compete with their inner hopes for success.

This conflict is depicted in surprisingly poignant scenes as both Mia and Sebastian reassess their priorities and talent, and try to balance their dreams with reality. With the many dual-working couples in society, this script is a relevant exploration into the difficult choice of whose career is the most important and whether the heart should overrule the wallet.

On first viewing these deeper plot points may be difficult to notice, thanks to the movie’s distracting scenery and catchy tunes. Offering a strange retro feel, the production pulls cues from the Gene Kelly days (with Stone and Gosling doing some impressive dancing), yet brings them into a modern-day context. Old music combines with new. Classic costumes merge with trendy styles. Characters occasionally break into song, and Sebastian’s love of tickling the ivories insures there are frequent musical interludes. While your ears softshoe to the notes, your eyes will be mesmerized with the saturated colors. Even better, this sensory treat is relatively clear of content concerns. It is obviously implied that Mia and Sebastian are living together (we see them in bed a couple of times), but sexual depictions are limited to kisses and hugs.

As much of a love story for the city in which it is set as it is a romance for the leading couple, La La Land provides iconic Hollywood stuff in a fun package that might just explain to your older kids why the musical genre continues to live even after its “Golden Era” is long gone.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: C Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated Passengers PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and action/peril.

Passengers explores a timely topic during a period when people like Elon Musk are musing about colonizing Mars. In this movie, a private enterprise is offering Earthlings the ultimate permanent getaway: A chance to colonize what appears to be a beautiful sphere where there are fewer people and a great deal more serenity.

Getting the people to the planet, known as Homestead II (the company has already populated a pervious outpost), requires The Avalon, a massive spaceship tasked with ferrying 5,000 passengers and 258 crew members. Even at half-light speed, the trip takes 120 years, and that’s not very marketable. To avoid the worst road trip imaginable, everyone is tucked inside a hibernation pod. Ideally the occupants should sleep until four months prior to their arrival, but a malfunction causes a curious event that awakens two of the passengers.

Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) got a good deal on his passage because he’s a mechanical engineer and the colonization company needs people who can fix and repair things on Homestead II. While Jim has a very utilitarian cabin with no porthole, Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) paid full freight for her experience. A journalist, she’s determined to be the first person to visit Homestead II and then return to Earth.

Strong emotions settle in when both passengers ask the proverbial “Are we there yet?” question, only to be told by a computer they are a scant few decades into their journey. The revelation sinks in when they realize they will live out their lives before reaching their destination. At least the cruise ship-like vessel provides activity opportunities, such as video games, a movie theater, and a bar. And it’s that last location where much of their time is spent.

Not only does liquor help numb some of the feelings of desperation, but a human-like bartender named Arthur (Michael Sheen) is a comfort, even if his android programing is limited to a collection of the best patronizing responses you’d expect from any well-seasoned mixologist. However, the bartender isn’t the only clue that this smart ship may be lacking in its autonomous abilities. Jim and Aurora discover an increasing number of glitches. Yes, there’s trouble brewing deep inside the Avalon and this mechanical engineer will be called upon to try and keep it patched together.

Parents greatest concern on this voyage will be the favored activity between this couple who have nothing but time on their hands. Three scenes of brief sexual activity are included with careful camera angles avoiding explicit nudity. We also see male buttock nudity on a couple of occasions. And the frequent conversations with Arthur also involve some serious drinking. Aside from this, there are only a few scatological terms and profanities, a brief scene of hand-to-hand violence.

What Parents need to know about Passengers...

Violence: A character is injured when a piece of mechanical debris lodges in an arm, some blood is seen. An angry character attacks another with punches, kicks and threats with a crowbar. A character coughs up blood. A dead corpse is seen. Characters are in frequent peril, including being disoriented and untethered in space, and facing life and death dilemmas. Suicide is contemplated.

Sexual Content: Brief sexual activity between a man and woman is seen in three scenes without explicit nudity. Other scenes include some mild sexual innuendo, sensuality, embracing and kissing. A female character is seen in a revealing swimsuit. Male buttock nudity is seen in non-sexual situations.

Profanity: Infrequent use of mild and moderate profanities.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters frequently drink alcohol, often to relieve stress.

What Parents need to know about La La Land...

Violence: Heated discussions occur between cohabitating man and woman. A driver makes a crude finger gesture to another driver. Some other scenes depict verbal conflict over business and work issues.

Sexual Content: A man and woman live together. We see them embrace and kiss. At a pool party women are seen in bikinis and men without shirts.

Language: A single sexual expletive, two crude finger gestures, a couple scatological terms and a few other mild profanities are heard.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters consume alcohol in bars and restaurants. One character turns to alcohol when feeling discouraged.

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Provides caring, quality services that affect all communities and every person in the state — not just those who walk through health department doors.

Increases access to health care for eligible, uninsured children ages birth through 18 with the ALL Kids Children’s Health Insurance Program. In 2013, ALL Kids served nearly 85,000 Alabama children.

Provides nutrition assessment, education, and nutritious foods at no cost to a monthly average of 139,000 limitedincome pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 at nutritional risk through WIC.

Investigates disease outbreaks, maintains surveillance of notifiable diseases, and answers queries about disease control and other health-related events including communicable disease outbreaks and rabies case investigations.

Protects patients/ residents of health care facilities from abuse and neglect.

Works to ensure facilities provide a level of care that complies with state and federal standards. Requires corrective action when surveys find facilities are noncompliant.

Protects the public from foodborne illnesses and the spread of disease by ensuring standards in environmental health, regulates onsite sewage disposal systems, and oversees treatment and disposal of septage and other permitted wastes.

Offers home care services that include skilled nursing, physical therapy, medical social work, and personal care services through Medicare-certified home health agencies.

Provides health education to modify behavior to prevent and manage chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, and overweight/obesity.

Offers a tobacco Quitline.Thirty-nine percent of tobacco users who complete the telephone or online program stop using tobacco.

Issues certified copies of all Alabama birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in every county health department on a while-you-wait basis regardless of where in the state the event occurred.

Provides a wide range of confidential and professional family planning services, regardless of income, to prevent unintended pregnancies and abortion through education and contraceptive services.

Administers the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to provide screening to uninsured and underinsured women age 40-64, and ensures treatment is provided.

Screens newborns for genetic or metabolic conditions, thereby reducing morbidity, premature death, intellectual and other developmental disabilities through early detection and follow-up.

Provides clinical nursing services such as immunizations, and STD and TB screening and treatment. Administers the Alabama Drug Assistance Program for HIV medication assistance.

Assists rural and medically underserved areas by working with health care providers and organizations to prepare grants and provide workforce development.

Assures that emergency medical services meet or exceed established standards.

www.adph.org 1-800-252-1818