Eastern Shore Parents January 2011

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Why choose South Baldwin Regional?

Your care is our passion.

At South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, you’ll find the medical services you need delivered with care and compassion. A dedicated and experienced medical team offers our community an extensive array of medical specialties, ranging from The Heart and Vascular Center to Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Services and much more. The quality care you need is right here at home at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.

The Women’s and Children’s Center The Diagnostic Imaging Center The Surgery Center, Inpatient/Outpatient Rehabilitation — Inpatient/Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetic Counseling Cardiac Rehabilitation Occupational Medicine Network

Connect with us at 251-949-3400 or online at www.southbaldwinrmc.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

The Heart and Vascular Center

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Home Health Services

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Contents January 2011 Volume 3 Number 8

Features 46 10 Tips to Conquer Kid Clutter

Discover organizational tips for getting your house in tip top shape and everything in its place for the New Year.

50 Choosing Child Care

Find out the most important things to look for and questions to ask when searching for child care.

52 2011 Child Care Directory

Our detailed listing of local child cares will help you find the right center for your family’s needs.

Columns 2 From One Parent to Another Lynn Knighton

5 Living With Children John Rosemond

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Kids Health

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Get This!

On The Cover

by Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D.

Departments 6 Bits and Pieces

Paige Gardner Smith

12 School Bits

45 Dave Says

44 Public Library Activities

Dave Ramsey

48 Cooking with Kids

56 Family Calendar

Dana Moonan

55 A Page in a Book Paige Gardner Smith

60 Grading the Movies Parent Previews

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Owen Rolinson (2), son of Laura and Chris Rolinson and little brother to Anna (10) and Graham (6). Owen’s favorite part of preschool is the play-doh.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

EasternShoreParents

The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

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.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com

Associate Editor Kelly Watson kelly@easternshoreparents.com

Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton, Leslie Hall

ads@easternshoreparents.com or (251) 929-2099

Contributing Writers Laurie Davala Kerrie McLaughlin Dana Moonan Dave Ramsey John Rosemond, Ph.D. Dr. Robert L. Rux, M.D. Paige Gardner Smith

Cover Photography Susan Caver (Just a Pose Photography)

Contributing Photographer Erin Creel

President

From One Parent to Another...

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with lots of festive family fun. If your holidays are anything like mine they are a joyful occasion, but also VERY busy and sometimes very stressful . It is nice to have the new year roll around to give us a little rest.

January is a great month to just take a breath, reflect on life, make plans and organize, both mentally and physically. I would love to say I am one of those “Type A” personalities where everything has a place and everything is in its place.

Unfortunately, I am not. Everything has a place, I just don’t know where it is! I would love to have everything neatly organized all the time. I envy my friends who have the cans in their pantry in alphabetical order and the laundry always folded and put away. It amazes me how my house can be neat as a pin on Friday afternoon but a mess once the kids get out of school and we run the course of the weekend.

I have decided to re-evaluate the household duties and re-delegate in an effort to maintain order in the home. I have purchased boxes and cubbies, labels and hooks. We even have a “Chore Chart” hanging to remind the girls (and us) of our daily responsibilities. One of the biggest obstacles to deal with was all the “stuff” the girls have. With three growing girls there are a ton of clothes and shoes, not to mention the over abundance of other items with missing pieces, etc. Going through it all was certainly a huge chore. If you are looking to get organized with the start of this New Year, you will enjoy reading “10 Tips to Conquer Kid Clutter,” by Kerrie McLoughlin.

Conquering children’s clutter is just a minor issue parents have to deal with. One of the biggest decisions parents may make has to do with childcare. Trusting the wellbeing of your child to another person can be overwhelming, especially for a new parent.

We all feel that no one can take care of our child the way we can. With so many childcare options, what is the best for your family? Full-time childcare or Mother’s Morning Out--that is a decision only you can decide. Before you begin your search, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. For some guidelines on what to look for in a childcare setting, refer to “Choosing Child Care” (page 50) produced by the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care. This should give you a good foundation, but I also feel that a mother’s instinct is a powerful tool. To help with your search we have also included a full list of childcare facilities on the Eastern Shore.

Full-time child care, home day care and Mother’s Morning Out programs are listed in our directory along with registration dates.

As we begin a New Year, I hope you will take time to reflect on your blessings, make plans for the future and enjoy some great football with friends!

Jason Watson

Lynn

jason@easternshoreparents.com

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com 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 2011

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.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Lynn Knighton, Publisher

Our Advertisers Matter!

Each is a wonderful resource for families in the Eastern Shore.

Please support our advertisers.

If you are interested in purchasing an advertisement email lynn@easternshoreparents.com today.

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January 2011

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Living With Children

By John Rosemond

Enforce Behavior Rules in Grandparents’ Home Q:

Help! Whenever our two adult children, their spouses, and our four school-age grandchildren (tweenagers, all) visit us, as they did this past Thanksgiving, chaos reigns. The children are nothing short of wild. They run, jump, and scatter toys and clothing all over the place, all with much yelling and screaming. They act like they’re on vacation at a beach rental, and the parents do little to control the situation.

We have tolerated this for some time now because we don’t want to create discomfort for our guests. But we’ve pretty much had it. Do we talk to the parents or should we just discipline when we feel discipline is needed?

A:

This can be the stickiest of wickets, one that I’m hearing about from an ever-increasing number of grandparents. Apparently, too many of today’s parents fail to realize that proper parenting is an expression of love and respect for one’s neighbors, including friends and relatives. Lacking such fundamental social awareness (they have some mass disorder, no doubt), they inflict their little (and sometimes, as in this case, not so little) terrors on everyone who is kind enough to let them in the door.

Willie and I laid down the law early on concerning grandchild behavior in our home. We told the kids that two rules prevailed: First, when in Rome do as the Romans do, and when the Romans come to you, do as the Romans do. Second, it is our job to spoil, your job to discipline; do not do our job and we won’t have to do yours. That pretty much sums up the grandparent/parent relationship.

Thankfully, our kids were and are still on board with our expectations. We Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

certainly aren’t draconian, but things like running, jumping on furniture, loud noises, and disobedience (in any form) are not allowed. Those clear understandings make for much better visits for adults and children alike.

Were I in your shoes, I would take this issue up with the parents. If you react to the grandchildren’s behavior out of the proverbial blue, and especially given the unfortunate precedents that have been set, you are likely to run afoul of parental protectiveness.

Furthermore, you are not and should not be responsible for the discipline of your grandchildren. Their parents are responsible, and they should accept that obligation. Doing so is a matter of respect for you not to mention good guest etiquette (a word in danger of extinction).

Assuming you and Grandma are on the same page (Caution! Do not proceed unless that condition is satisfied!), talk to the parents. Tell them what bothers you and what your expectations are.

No need to be critical, mind you. No need to imply that you don’t approve of their parenting. Explain that the older one gets, the less tolerant one becomes of child chaos. It’s true, unless one is blessed with hearing loss.

The parents, in turn, should convey your expectations, in no uncertain terms, to the grandchildren before they get in the car to come to your house and again in the driveway before everyone gets out of the car. They should make a further commitment to you that enforcement will not be in your court.

And it really doesn’t matter whether or not the parents agree with your expectations; they should back you unconditionally. That’s one way parents teach children respect for adult authority.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

bits & pieces Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore, AL Announces New Members

This January, the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore, Alabama inducted seven new members to its organization.

Through JAES, each member has made a personal commitment to serve Baldwin County family and youth through various educational and service projects.

Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore, Alabama is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, MS. NAJA has more than 13,500 active, associate and life members in 101 chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The NAJA slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow” and when teamed with the current focus of the Association, Junior Auxiliary Chapters are working more than ever before to increase awareness of child health and welfare and how it affects their futures. For more information on the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore, Alabama, visit www.jaeasternshore.org. For more information on NAJA, visit www. najanet.org. To contact someone regarding membership, call Robyn Koser at 251-6265082. Pictured are: (left to right) Katie Evan, Sherry Walding, Gina Oliver, Rachel Rowell, Nicole Olmsted, Selena Furr.

Local Students Create Tooth Fairies for Malbis

Malbis Parkway Pediatric Dentistry held a “Where’s the Tooth Fairy” contest for local first grade students. Dr. Kelly Jones was in search of a toothfairy to watch over Mr Maji’s toothpaste castle. Students submitted beautiful tooth fairies for the contest. First place winner: Jordyn Shackelford, Runners up: Summer Hadley and Autumn Parker.

Child and Family Therapist to Sign Copies of Her New Book Page and Palette welcomes Jennifer Kolari on Tuesday, January 11, from 3-5 p.m. A child and family therapist for more than twenty years, Jennifer Kolari began her career working with children who suffer from severe behavioral problems.

That experience taught her an invaluable lesson: It wasn’t “tough” discipline that helped these kids change their behavior and build self-esteem. It was unending compassion and empathy. Now Kolari applies these lessons in her work with all families, teaching them how to take a non-defensive stance through even the most heated moments - endless battles over homework, routines, food, and more. Powerful and inspiring, Connected Parenting includes incredible stories from families who have experienced miraculous transformations - often in just a few weeks - using Kolari’s parenting approach. It is a dynamic blueprint for bringing peace and loving connections into any family for life. Page & Palette, 32. S. Section Street.

(251) 928-5295.

Little Ladies Invited to Participate in Fancy Nancy Fashion Show

It’s time to get fancy! Preschool and elementary school girls are invited to strut their stuff at Page & Palette’s Fancy Nancy Fashion Show. Come dressed in your fanciest outfits, accessories and shoes and parade down the runway. After the show, storyteller Connie Cazort will read a Fancy Nancy story to all the lovely little ladies. Ooh La La! Thursday, January 27, 4 p.m. 32 South Section Street, Fairhope, 9285295. For more information, please call (251) 928-5295 and ask for Stephanie.

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2010 Bay Charities Gumbo Championship a Delicious Success

The inaugural 2010 Bay Charities Gumbo Championship held on October 30 at the Fairhope South Pier Park was a success thanks to the outstanding support of the event sponsors, the gumbo teams and the many attendees.

Congratulations to the gumbo championship winners: First Place Eastern Shore Sertoma Club, Second Place - Big Daddy’s, and Third Place - Fairhope Walmart. Hosted by five area service clubs, including the Fairhope and Eastern Shore Kiwanis Club, the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club, the Daphne-Spanish Fort Rotary Club, the Point Clear Rotary Club and the Eastern Shore Sertoma Club, the event raised funds for two area youth clubs: Ruff Wilson Youth Club of Daphne and Rotary Youth Club of Fairhope. These organizations provide after-school study programs, citizenship training, supervised recreation and other activities/ services for the youth in our community. Appreciation is extended to the eleven cooking teams who provided delectable tastes of a variety of gumbos: Riviera Utilities, Guarantee Title, Ace Inc., Vision Bank, Point Clear Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore, Big Daddy’s Grill, Fairhope Walmart, Fly Creek Cafe, Eastern Shore Sertoma Club, and the Grand Hotel. We are grateful to our wonderful gumbo judges who donated their time and had to make the difficult selections: Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb, Baldwin County Circuit Court Judge Lang Floyd, Darrelyn Bender, President and CEO of the Eastern Shore Chamber and Eddie Boyette, Retired (City of Fairhope). We heartily thank our event sponsors who made it all possible and contributed much to the success of this first Bay Charities Gumbo Championship: Bronze Sponsors: The parents of the Ruff Wilson Youth Club, the Rotary Youth Club of Fairhope, Banktrust Financial Services - Thom Lott, Thomas Hospital, Hughes Cremation and Funeral Services, Dyas LLC, Baldwin County Eye Institute, Baldwin Bone and Joint, Baldwin Accounting and Tax Service - Jim V. Williams, and Bill and Lana McNair.

Silver Sponsors: Terry Thompson Chevrolet, Riviera Utilities, Mediacom, Daphne-Spanish Fort Rotary Club and Bay Shore Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Gold Sponsors: Kiwanis Club of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore, Budweiser Busch Distributing Co., Baldwin County Sewer Service, The Marriott Grand Hotel Resort, Tonsmeire Properties LLC, East Bay LLC, Pelican Bay Apartments and Bay Breeze Apartment Homes. A very special thanks is extended to the Gumbo bowl forgers - Gloria Tullos and The Kiln Studio and Gallery along with all those who sold and bought tickets and those who came out to enjoy the delicious gumbo!

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

bits & pieces Page & Palette and Fairhope Sunset Rotary Welcome #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Greg Mortenson

Author and Humanitarian Greg Mortenson will be at Fairhope United Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center, 155 S. Section Street, on Thursday, January 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to sign copies of his latest book, Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, www.stonesintoschools.com. From the author of the #1 bestseller Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson picks up where Three Cups of Tea left off in 2003, recounting his relentless, ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan; his extensive work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake hit the region in 2005; and the unique ways he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders, and tribal leaders even as he was dodging shootouts with feuding Afghan warlords and surviving an eight-day armed abduction by the Taliban. He shares for the first time his broader vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women—all woven together with the many rich personal stories of the people who have been involved in this remarkable two-decade humanitarian effort.

Greg Mortenson is the co-founder and Executive Director of nonprofit Central Asia Institute www.ikat.org (1996). Since a 1993 climb on Pakistan’s K2, he has dedicated his life to promote community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Mortenson is also founder of Pennies For Peace www.penniesforpeace.org. He is a military veteran, and when not overseas, he lives in Montana with his two children and wife, Dr. Tara Bishop.

Tickets to Mortenson’s signing event are $5; this includes admission to the event and can also go toward the purchase of Mortenson’s hardback or paperback copy of Stones for School. Tickets are available at Page & Palette, 32. S. Section Street or by calling (251) 928-5295.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Kids Heal h

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

A Current Age Debate: Pre-School Or Not?

Hey guys! All of you have talked with your child’s health care provider about milestones, and there are milestones for lots of different areas— gross motor, fine motor, social, and speech. We all think about sitting up, walking, babbling, smiling and talking. But what about some group social skills and exposures to stressors and illnesses? For example, how does a child learn to share or take turns? What about separation anxiety and learning how to cope when a parent is not there? And what about illness exposure and your child’s immune system? Let’s address some ideas about getting young kids exposed to other kids and some pros and cons about the exposure!

First, it is vitally important for kids to have peer exposure at all ages. Whether it’s through large group daycares, inhome daycares, half-day preschools, fullday preschools, Mother’s Day Out, church nurseries or play groups, they have to learn how to interact with others in terms of playing, speech and communication, sharing, and creative play. One of my favorite things is to ask my kids what they did at school that day. I will often get fantastic stories of playing Batman on the playground, or playing “baby doll” with Annie and Mrs. Becky! And what about things like art projects, music and dancing.

I love to see how kids express themselves both individually and in the group when they do projects. Finally, it’s critical for all kids to learn expected social behaviors.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Taking turns, waiting in line, sharing, not hitting or biting, and not always getting your way or what you want are all so important in the development of a child.

I’ve been asked time and time again how to stop temper tantrums when a child wants something. Here’s the trick— it’s expectations! If you give them everything they want, then they will expect it every time. So.....stop doing that! I believe that group exposures can help temper unreasonable expectations and let them have a more reasonable outlook!

So, you’ve decided to send your kid to get some group/peer exposure. You walk them in to the classroom on the first day and your kid freaks out. I mean freaks out. The non-stop crying, flailing of arms and legs, giving you those terrified puppy eyes. What should you do? Take them home immediately, right?? Wrong! It is a normal response for a child to have some separation and stranger anxiety and for them to be upset. But, it is very important for them to learn how to adjust to these exposures in a healthy way. Just think, it’s the first day of kindergarten and you walk them in, and as you leave, it’s meltdown city! Believe me, it’s much, much easier to deal with a two year old not wanting to be at Mother’s Day Out than a 5 year old in kindergarten. I’ve seen both, trust me!

Finally, an article was just published in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine by Sylvana M. Cote

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basically stating that kids who attend daycare or preschool get more colds when they are young, but have less colds when they are school age. And, the flipside is true— kids who do not attend any daycare or preschool have less colds when they are young, but have more colds when they are school age. So, from an academic standpoint, it’s better to miss daycare or preschool then actual kindergarten and first grade!

I’m not saying you have to put your kids in daycare. All I’m saying is it is a really good idea to get your kids exposed to other kids so they can learn vital social behaviors, figure out how to react when you are not with them, and finally, to catch a cold or two! If you have questions, please talk to your healthcare provider and check out resources at AAP.org. Have a great day!

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.

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Kangarooz Family Fun Centers www.mykangarooz.com

Birthday Parties

Open Play Admission

Our party prices are: - $210 for 10 children ($100 deposit) - $260 for 15 children ($100 deposit) - $300 for 20 children ($150 deposit) - $340 for 25 children ($150 deposit)

$ 8.25 for children 1 - 3 years old $11.25 for children 4 - 13 years old Adults enter free of charge

Teen Lockin Nights

$12.50 per additional child for all parties.

Deposits are refundable up to 14 days before the scheduled party.

Each party includes: - Dedicated party host to ensure that everyone has a great time. They are 100% assigned to your party. They will serve food & drinks and will be available to you at all times.

- Party invitations and admission for all the children in the party - Gift for birthday child: 1 make believe styling or Kangarooz tee shirt or toy ($15 limit) from our store - One themed private party room for 2 hours - 13 drink choices from Coca-Cola (2 pitchers for 10 child party, 3 pitchers for 15 child party, 3 pitchers for 20 child party, and 4 pitchers for 25 child party) - Fresh baked pizzas (1 pizza for 10 child party, 2 for 15 child party, 2 for 20 child party, and 3 for 25 child party) - Bluebell ice cream cups for each child - Kangarooz mascot visit - Balloons and party accessories (plates, utensils) - HD TV with DIRECTV in each party room - Games at the stage where your guests can win prizes such as face paints, snow cones, and slushees ________________________________________________ Additional party items are available at an extra cost.

- Chicken Tenders - 30 Piece ($25.00) - Hot Wings - 30 Piece ($25.00) - Veggie Platter ($18.99) - Fruit Platter ($25.00) - Pizza ($13.99) - Pitcher of Soda ($4.75) - Ice Cream Cups ($1.00) All you have to do is bring the birthday cake!

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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Kangarooz will host teen night lock ins on designated Saturday nights from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Teens can enter at 7:00 PM and can stay after we close at 9:00 PM where they will have Kangarooz to themselves to jump, dance, and listen to their favorite music. Check our website for the designated dates. Admission is $12.50 for children between the ages of 10 and 17.

Mommy’s Morning Out Mom’s we have a program for you and your little ones.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 1 PM you may drop off your children that are over the age of 1 with our Mommy’s Morning Out Staff. For children that are with us between 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM lunch will be served. Admission is $20 per child.

Hours of Operation During School Year

Mon: Closed, except school holidays Tue - Thur: 10 AM - 8 PM Fri: 10 AM - 9 PM Sat: 9 AM - 9 PM Sun: 10 AM - 8 PM

Location

Kangarooz - Spanish Fort

Spanish Fort Town Center 31000 Bass Pro Dr. (Next to Bass Pro Shop) Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Phone: (251) 219-4290 Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Daphne East Elementary Citizenship Club Food Drive A Big Success

Daphne East Elementary School’s Citizenship Club sponsored a food drive to help families during the holiday season. The food drive raised more than 3,000 donated food items. Coach Valdes (sponsor of the Citizenship Club) said the students commonly bring a tremendous amount of food items to give to families and local pantries in the community. The Citizenship Club would like to thank the students for giving their support in this wonderful event.

Fairhope Intermediate Students Visit News Station

Students in the Gifted & Talented Program at Fairhope Intermediate School visited Fox Ten / WALA in a study of broadcast news and the technology of weather forecasting.

The group toured the station, watched a taping of “Studio Ten” and spent time with morning anchor Eric Reynolds and morning weather meteorologist Michael White.

Pictured are Mrs. Frances Campbell’s 5th grade class with Michael White.

Bayshore Christian Students Read “Prince Caspian”

Mrs. Clow’s seventh grade class at Bayshore Christian School recently finished reading Prince Caspian

by C. S. Lewis. As a culminating activity the students reenacted sword fights and scenes from the book. It was truly a battle between good and evil and they still aren’t sure which side won!

W.J. Carroll Spelling Bee Winners

W. J. Carroll Intermediate School recently held their annual school spelling bee.

Congratulations to, from left, Clay Schofield - 3rd place, Melanie Lim – 1st place, and Alyssa Ducote – 2nd place. Melanie, a student in Mrs. Debbie Greer’s sixth grade class, will represent the school in the county wide spelling bee held later in the school year.

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CKCS 8th Grader Winner of Catholic Education Essay Contest

Christ the King Catholic School eighth grader Mary Baumhauer receives a $100 scholarship check from Michael Mullek of the Mobile Alliance for Catholic Education Advocates at school in November. Mary won the scholarship as the winner of the junior high Catholic Education Essay Contest for her essay that answered the question, “What is the most important lesson that you have learned in your Catholic school and how has that shaped you as a person today?”

The Catholic Education Essay Contest was sponsored by the Mobile ACE Advocates and the scholarship applied towards the winners 2010-2011 tuition costs.

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Daphne Middle School Spelling Bee Winners

The Daphne Middle School spelling bee winners, pictured along with the spelling bee coordinator, from left to right are: Grayson Haley, runner-up; Amanda Blake, coordinator; and Emma Kirby, 1st place. Emma will represent DMS along with 33 other school winners in the county spelling bee on February 1, 2011.

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Fairhope Intermediate School Spelling Bee Winners

Fairhope Intermediate recently held its school-wide spelling bee. Winners from each classroom bee competed in front of over 700 audience members, which included classmates, teachers and parents.

The winner, Braxton Galloway, will compete in the upcoming county-wide spelling bee. Both he and the alternate, Spencer Huff, received gift certificates from Page and Palette. Pictured are: Spencer Huff, Braxton Galloway , Ms. Gloria Salsamendi, Spelling Bee Pronouncer, and Mrs. Peggy McCarthy, Spelling Bee coordinator.

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Bayside Academy Collects Over 4500 Items for Food Pantry Bayside Academy’s entire student body in grades Pre-kindergarten through 12 recently participated in the school’s annual canned food drive. The 750 students collected more that 4,500 items and donated them to the Ecumenical Ministries food pantry for the holiday season. Pictured (l-r): Bayside seventh graders Seth Pippin, Peyton Galich and Ben Gottfried prepare to load food onto the truck to deliver to Ecumenical Ministries.

Daphne Elementary Students Hold Thanksgiving Food Drive

Daphne Elementary School students displayed good character by showing concern and compassion for their community. Students recently held a Thanksgiving food drive and raised over $1,000, which will allow Prodisee Pantry to purchase about $5,000 worth of food for the Bay Area Food Bank. In addition to the cash donation, DES students also collected over 1200 nonperishable food items for donation. We are proud of our students who care about others...especially during the holiday season. Pictured left to right are: Principal Jan Palmer, Deann Servos from Prodisee Pantry, Guidance Counselor Elizabeth Childs, and 1st grade students Prue Davis and Dillon Ensor.

Eastern Shore Academy of Excellence • Nurturing Christian Environment • Focus on Education • Arts/Music Education • Science and Discovery • Mature Experienced Staff • Nightcare Available • Afterschool Care Available

Ages 6 weeks - 12 years

Hours 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.

23946-B US Hwy 98, Fairhope • 251-928-1854 (just north of Classic Pool) Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

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Fairhope Elementary Students Believe!

Students at Fairhope Elementary School spent the week reading and discussing the book, The Polar Express. In a culmination activity, all students watched The Polar Express wearing their favorite pajamas, drinking hot chocolate, and eating popcorn. Pictured here is Mrs. Helen Rivenbark’s first grade class getting prepared to watch the movie in their comfy pjs.

Fairhope K Center Students Perform at Oak Hollow

On Saturday, December 11, Fairhope K Center students performed Christmas carols at Oak Hollow Farms, for the 7th annual Cookies and Carols at Oak Hollow, put on by FEEF. Santa arrived for pictures, and hot chocolate and cookies were served.

Pictured are Claire Wiggins, Maddox Childree, and Canon Kilpatrick from Mrs. Sandy Sumlin’s kindergarten class.

Photo by Shelton Painter.

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Architects-in-Training at Foley Elementary

Paul Maurin from Mrs. Kathleen O’Connor-Weir’s class builds his AMSTI tower. Photo submitted

by Kathleen O’ConnorWeir.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Spanish Fort High School Students Attend United Nations Competition

Spanish Fort High School students participated in Baldwin County Model United Nations recently and won several awards including best overall delegation, best speaker, and best diplomat. Mitch Fisher, Will Menas, Ryan Burns and Blake Scarbrough won the Best Overall Delegation award. Ryan Burns also won the best speaker award for his committee, and Blake Scarbrough won for Best Diplomat in his committee. Seth Read was the runner up for Best Speaker in his committee, and Josh Spell won the Best Speaker award and was runner up for Best Diplomat in his committee. These students are taught by Tim Williamson of SFHS. Pictured from the left are Mitch Fisher, Will Menas, Ryan Burns, Blake Scarbrough, Seth Read, and Josh Spell.

Bayshore Christian School Walk-a-Thon a Huge Success

The students, faculty and staff of Bayshore Christian School would like to thank the sponsors and donors of our 2nd Annual, Walking in HIS Footsteps, Walk-a-Thon. Because of their generous donations and the hard work of the students, we were able to raise over $35,000 for our school.

The event, held in November, was a huge success and the students celebrated with a family event complete with sno-cones, jumpy houses and games for everyone. The students of Bayshore Christian School enjoy a pep rally prior to walking for their 2nd Annual walk-a-thon.

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Spanish Fort Elementary Spelling Bee Winners Spanish Fort Elementary School recently held its annual Spelling Bee for students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. The First place winner was Kade Frenette and 2nd place winner was Lily Morris. Kade is in 5th grade and Lily is in 4th grade.

Daphne East Elementary Students Attend International Festival

Daphne East’s Project Jubilee students from Jessica Inlow and Martha Pierce’s classes recently attended the Mobile International Festival, which is held each year at the Mobile Civic Center. This year’s festival celebrated “The World of Languages.” Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade Project Jubilee students enjoyed learning about various cultures through presentations, exhibits, and art/musical displays. Students tasted foods from 32 food booths, which featured foods from all around the world. Pictured are Connor Williams and Nash Sheldon at the International Festival, with representatives from Thailand.

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Students at Fairhope Elementary Have a BLAST!

While learning about the layers of the Earth and volcanoes, students in Mrs. Kate Robertson’s 3rd grade class constructed volcanoes with plaster of paris and observed a chemical reaction when they erupted the volcanoes using baking soda and vinegar.

Students pictured are: Alfredo Guzman, Claire Hesse, Molly Horn, and Jaidon Nyugen.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Fairhope Intermediate School Students Build and Test Parachutes

Ms. Campbell’s 5th grade Project Jubilee students at Fairhope Intermediate School are studying Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci built a parachute, but never had the opportunity to try it out from great heights. This week, GEP students made their own parachute and had the opportunity to test their parachute!

Pictured (Front roll left to right) Zach VonZimmerman, Olivia Estees and Abe Saleeb; (Back roll left to right) Ben Anderson, Gibbs Sherrell, Caroline Davis, Reuben Burch and Madison Estees.

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Bayside Headmaster Selected Counselor Advocate of the Year

Fairhope K Center Students Enjoy Thanksgiving Lunch with Parents

Bayside Academy Headmaster Tom Johnson was named by the Alabama School Counselor Association (ALSCA) as the “Counselor Advocate of the Year” for his support of counselors in education. Johnson was honored at a luncheon sponsored by the ALSCA at the Riverview Renaissance Hotel in Mobile. Johnson has worked in both public and private schools in an academic career that spans more than 40 years. In positions of both faculty and administration, he has taught, coached, and served as an Upper School Director, Assistant Headmaster, and Headmaster. At Bayside Academy, Johnson hosts an annual breakfast for local counselors. He also supports the needs of his students by providing two counselors on staff. Johnson has served as headmaster for Bayside Academy for 13 years. Pictured (l-r): ALSCA President Donna Clark, Bayside School Counselor Amanda Hembree, Bayside Headmaster Tom Johnson and Bayside College Counselor Mary Ann Willis.

The K center in Fairhope celebrated Thanksgiving by having yummy turkey and all the good stuff in the cafeteria last week. Parents were encouraged and invited to come eat with their children.

Pictured, Hannah Lea with mom Natalie Lea enjoying a thanksgiving feast together at the K center. Hannah is in Mrs. Sumlin’s kindergarten class. Photo

by Shelton Painter.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Spanish Fort High School Class Learns Success Skills

Students in Mrs. Bernasconi’s Family and Consumer Science Classes completed their Success Skills Certification Course with Junior Achievement. Students participated in 7 classes based on the 7 Success Skills for Highly Effective Teens.

Pictured are: Michael Green, Whit Deas, Alexis Hooks, Colleen DeVoe from Junior Achievement, Hannah Kennett.

Spanish Fort Elementary School Collects Toys for Tots

Spanish Fort Elementary recently held its annual Toys for Tots toy drive. The school collected new, unwrapped toys during the end of November and beginning of December. Student Council members delivered the toys to the Sports Academy. Pictured are members of the Student Council and teacher representative, Deborah DeWeese.

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Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

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Fairhope High School Students Attend International Festival

Fairhope High School took 295 students to the International Festival on November 19. Students were able to sample foods from countries all around the world. They visited different countries’ exhibits and made crafts. They saw exhibitions of dances from Iran to Zimbabwe. Pictured left to right, Caroline White and Brittany Ross fill up their passports with the countries they have visited.

Huntington Learning Center Announces FMS Teacher of the Month

Huntington Learning Center is pleased to announce the November Fairhope Middle School Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Cindy Florey. Mrs. Florey has been a teacher for 24 years and at FMS for the past 15 years.

She currently teaches 7th grade math.

She received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Alabama with a major in both English and math. Mrs. Florey was chosen by the faculty for her ability to teach math and her commitment to the success of her students.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Bayside Academy Inducts Alumni into Athletic Hall of Fame

Bayside Academy recently inducted three alumni athletes and an honorary member into its Athletic Hall of Fame, and honored the inductees with a banquet at Rock Creek Golf Club. Honored alumni included Byron Brackin ’99, David Green ’93, Bo Nichols ’97, and Bayside cross country and track and field coach Alan Foster, Honorary. Following a social hour and dinner, each inductee received a special tribute and introduction before being honored with his award. Pictured (l-r): Alan Foster, Byron Brackin, David Green and Bo Nichols.

Daphne East Elementary’s Teacher Of The Year Allyson Stewart has been teaching in Baldwin County for over eighteen years.

Allyson is a graduate of Foley High School and a native of Baldwin County.

She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Collaborative Teaching. Allyson was a co-creator of STARS – a tee-ball team for exceptional children in Baldwin County. She currently teaches resource and multiple disabilities in grades K-3 at Daphne East Elementary School.

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Silverhill Elementary’s November Students of the Month

Congratulations to these students selected for displaying outstanding characteristics of Citizenship. When asked what they thought it meant to be a good citizen, several replied “Doing what your teacher asks of you,” “Being prepared for school,” and “Taking care of our school and each other.” Listed in no particular order: Michael Zona, Landry Kostelecky, Cason White, Rosie Blount, Chloe Cain, Rayvin Williams, Julia Ellis, Chloe Paul, Connor Byrd, Carson Dowsey, Hannah Harrison, Jocelyn Kuklo, Bailey Ryals, Jacob Larkin, Khamron Keith, Kaitlyn Cushman, Tarrah Crouch, Brittani Valencia, Imagine Pinkney.

W.J. Carroll Students Study Imitate French Painter’s Method

After learning about the French painter, Henri Matisse, W. J. Carroll Intermediate School students have been drawing with scissors under the direction of Mrs. Felicia Olds, the school’s art teacher. Matisse was a French painter who became very famous for using bright colors. Later in life, Matisse turned to making collages by arranging boldly colored paper cutouts into striking compositions. Matisse believed paper cutouts allowed him to draw with color. Showing off their work are, front row from left, Lily Mozer, Mckenzie Beard, and Mallory Phillips. In the back row, from left, are Reagan Garlock, Liam Ayres, and Callie Macaluso.

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Mrs. Claus Visits 1st Grade Class at Fairhope Elementary School

On December 1st, Mrs. Claus stopped by to visit and read to Mrs. Sawyer’s first grade class at Fairhope Elementary. She brought cookies from Santa’s elves, shared good news from Santa, brought some of Santa’s favorite things (including his magical key!), as well as listened to what the kids wanted for Christmas so she could pass the word on to Santa!

Fairhope High School Student Chosen as a Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist

Coleman Tharpe, a student at Fairhope High School has been named a semifinalist for the 2011 Class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. With the 2011 class, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 4,700 young scholars nationwide with over $44 million in scholarships.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation received nearly 71,000 applications this year, and the semifinalists are truly some of the most accomplished students in the country,” said Mark Davis, President of the foundation.

Coleman Tharpe ranks with approximately 2,100 high school seniors who are in the running for $3 million in college scholarships that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award in spring 2011. Students are selected to advance to this next phase based on the academic excellence, leadership and achievement demonstrated in school and community activities. As semifinalists, students must submit additional information that will be reviewed in January 2011 by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States. If advanced, Coleman will be among 250 finalists who will travel to Atlanta April 14 – 17, 2011 to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars weekend. During their visit they will attend a final interview process that will determine whether they are designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. The 50 National Scholars will each receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

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Daphne Middle School Collects Food for Bay Area Food Bank

Daphne Elementary’s Principal’s Pick for November

Pictured are the students at Daphne Elementary chosen for November’s Principal’s Pick.

Principal’s pick is a special recognition of students chosen by his or her teacher who have displayed exemplary character traits. The character traits are set forth by the Baldwin County School System’s Character Education Program, “Show Me Character”. November’s character trait was Citizenship. November’s students were: Abigail Carlson, Declan Kirby, Reagan Andress, Casey Thompson, Chloe Ayres, Christian Welch, Alex Davis, Xander LeJeune, Carson Hurst, Janiya Brigham, Gage Foxworth, Lily Reynolds, Aleta Cooper, Kiaron Ward, Caris Blake, Taylor Hicks, Ruby Bembry, Will Stephens, Charly Wilson, Raegan Lim, Landen Baruco, Kenisha Dailey, Jack Sullivan, Kendyl Stroud, Drew Barton, Abigail Mosley, Jack Cropper, Kayla Nelson, Kaiden Tassin, Cara Mae Salmon, Brendon Hayes, Mackenzie Greene, Jack Huey, Peyton Mann,Max Ford, Vanessa Smith, Maeva Tiller, Cade Jones, Jake Cortes, Diamond Edwards, Kylee Agee, Pete Browning, Mary Helen Weatherby, Stefin Cooper, Olivia Clark, Caleb Dyche, Jon Davis, Anna Turner, Kolby Hanes, Zoey Bembry, Skyler Barrow, Justin Castaneda, Mary Helen Weatherby, Stefin Cooper, Tyndal Godwin, Kolby Valrie, Devin Duccomun, Victoria Krebs, Hampton White, Esteban Morrow-Reece.

Mr. Oliphant, principal at Daphne Middle School, presented a check to the school’s Red Ribbon Representative, Brewer Ayres.

Brewer, selected for his outstanding character and leadership qualities, organized a fundraiser for the Bay Area Food Bank. The charitable event was well-supported by the student body.

Daphne Middle School students helped raise over $200 to help our community’s neediest during this holiday season.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

W.J. Carroll Honors Students of the Month

W. J. Carroll Intermediate School recently honored students for displaying positive character traits during November. Each month students are identified by homeroom teachers for exhibiting great character in all aspects of learning. Students are sponsored with a party by PTO in the Trojan Room, which includes pizzas and fun activities. Pictured are Jonathan Cowan, Kara Agee, Madison Parke, Savannah Donnelly, Haley Meshejian, Hope Mann, Hayli Parnell, Kam Bryan CraigMcCovery, Julene Engstrand, Hunter Lowry, Morgan Davis and Ashley Brantley. Not pictured are John Lowery, Bethany Carlson, and Evan Azevedo.

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CKCS 6th Graders Perform “Camel Lot”

Christ the King Catholic School sixth graders, from left, Marlee Davis, Chloe Ray, and Genevieve Corte, pose for a picture during the school performance of their Christmas play, “Camel Lot.” With the help of the second grade choir, sixth graders told the story of the birth of Christ for the school in December.

The play was directed by CKCS teachers Mrs. Barbara Hutson and Mrs. Toni Henry.

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Fairhope Middle School Spelling Bee Winners

Fairhope Middle School recently held their school-wide spelling bee. The school will be represented in the Baldwin County spelling bee by 1st place winner Zane Drummond, a 7th grade student. The alternate is Adam Schrubbe, also a 7th grader at FMS. The county spelling bee will be held in February.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Mark Wilson, assistant principal; Zane Drummond; Reese Joiner; and Mrs. Crys Hatcher, spelling bee sponsor.

Spanish Fort HS Participates in Poetry Out Loud Contest

Poetry Out Loud is the National Endowment for the Arts & Poetry Foundation’s national recitation contest in which students compete in a series of competitions, the first of which is the school level. Sponsored by Mrs. Gail Cates, Spanish Fort High School’s first round was held on December 8; nearly 50 students competed in this first round. The top 11 students were sent on to the second school round, which will be held in the coming weeks. After this second and final school round, the judges will pick the top three contestants to move up to the regional level, which is then followed by the state and national levels. Good luck to all SFHS participants!

Pictured is Kaleigh Myers, a senior at Spanish Fort High School, participating in the Poetry Out Loud Contest.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Daphne Elementary Students Decorate Doors for Food Pantry

Daphne Elementary School hosted a Turkey Feather & Turkey Dressing Door Decorating Contest. Feathers for the turkey were earned daily as students brought in donations for the Prodisee Pantry. Mrs. Lisa Blackmon’s 3rd grade class was the winner of the Turkey Feather contest as they displayed over 280 feathers on the classroom door. Pictured, (front row) Eli Sims, Joseph Sandefur, McKenzie Hunn, Sam Dukes; (second row) Shelby Stewart, Lewis Bruce, Tori Ellis, Ja’Quan Myles, E’myis Craig; (standing) Mrs. Blackmon, Jon Davis, Will Kell. The bestdressed turkey door belonged to Mrs. Gwen Peturis’ 3rd grade class. Their “Kung Fu” turkey put the karate chop on hunger. Pictured, Mrs. Peturis’ class (Back row, left to right) Esteban Morrow-Reece, John B. Forrester, Mrs. Peturis, Kennedy Payne, Raymundo Barragan, Gabe Daniels, Holly Yazdi; (Middle row) Miles Cooke, Hampton White, Camron Farmer, Memphis Avritt, Leland Scott, Madison Dixon, Darby Lyndall; (Front row) Madison Cunningham, Lillie Yazdi, Reese Roberts, Gillian Ayres, Grayson Charlton.

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Daphne East Elementary Relay for Life Holds Breakfast with Santa

The Relay for Life Team at Daphne East Elementary recently held Breakfast with Santa featuring Santa Ernie of the Santa-America Organization. Families enjoyed breakfast, participated in making a craft, and had their picture taken with Santa. The team raised over $950 for the American Cancer Society. Pictured, the Relay for Life Team: Back, left to right: Amy Gordon, Santa Ernie, Janet Baxter, Kristyn Cain, Carol Valdes, Carolyn Burmeister, Michelle Boulton; Middle: Jenny Flynn, Front: Terrie Weinacker (holding Cas Weinacker), Gini Allen, Deborah Sutton (holding Ashlin Bagley), Felicia Bagley (holding Anslie Bagley).

DMS Holds Pep Rally for Daphne HS Football Team

Faculty and students of Daphne Middle School enjoyed seeing some familiar faces return to the DMS campus. A special pep rally was held to honor the Daphne High School Football team as they are headed to the state championship game in Auburn against Hoover.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Spanish Fort Elementary First Graders Perform Thanksgiving Play

Amanda Ingram’s first grade class at Spanish Fort Elementary School performed a play, “The First Thanksgiving.” The children made Indian headbands and shirts for the play and memorized all of their lines. They were very excited to put the play on for their parents. Pictured: (Front row) Austin Acton, Shanya Tunstall, Destiny Jackson, Branson McCafferty, Mario Montgomery, Wimberly Helms. (Middle row) Tyler Patterson, Morgan Carrier, Trinity Trawick, Jillian Koch, Drake Seibert, Charlie Colclough, Damion Hollis. (Back row) Kearis Cook, Katelyn Mergulhao, Ellison Pulliam, Reagan Nettles, Avery Wilson, Ari Theodore, Connor Perciavalle, Connor Bell.

Fairhope Intermediate Has Character!

Recently, Fairhope Intermediate School teachers came to consenus on the one student in each grade level who exemplified the character trait of caring, respect or citizenship. During the school’s first annual Christmas Celebration the students were recognized and received an award. Pictured with Mrs. Peggy McCarthy, school counselor, are fourth grade student Benny Gambino - Caring; fifth grade student, Arthur Howard- Respect and sixth grade student, Mattie Thompson - Citizenship.

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Fairhope High School Shines at Model UN Competition

Congratulations to all of the Fairhope High School students who participated in the Baldwin County Model United Nations simulation and competition! Fairhope sent 36 delegates to represent twelve different countries. With an impressive showing overall, eighteen students were nominated for awards, and students representing seven of the twelve countries received nominations for best delegation. Special congratulations to the following students who earned awards at the close of the two-day event: Erica Estes, representing Lebanon, awarded Premier Diplomat for the Social and Humanitarian Committee; Emma Hunter, representing Pakistan, awarded Premier Speaker and Outstanding Diplomat for the Social and Humanitarian Committee; Zach Kibler, representing New Zealand, awarded Outstanding Diplomat for the Economic and Social Committee; Ben Lundy, representing Mexico, awarded Outstanding Diplomat for the Security Council; and Welles Richardson, representing the United States, awarded Outstanding Speaker for the Security Council. Mrs. Myrick, sponsor for Fairhope High’s Model United Nations program, wants to recognize Fairhope High’s students who served on the countywide organizational team: Sara Dumas, Maring Eberlein, Jillian Holloway, and Keaton Taylor. These students worked with representatives from other schools to plan and prepare for this largely student-led event. They also served as the chairpersons for the committee meetings. Notably, Maring Eberlein was selected as Secretary General for the 2010 Baldwin United Nations, which faculty from all schools agrees was one of the best!

Two W.J. Carroll Intermediate School Teachers Receive Grants from SEEDS

Our school is pleased to announce that two of our teachers received grants from the SEEDS foundation. SEEDS (http://www. seedsindaphne.org/) chose to sponsor the grants of Mrs. Blair Heald and Mrs. Sondra Gentry. Mrs. Gentry, who works with students learning English, created a grant entitled “It Takes A Village.” This will provide interactive resources for students to practice their vocabulary. Mrs. Heald, who works with gifted education, created a grant entitled “Living in the Past.” This will provide technology resources for students to maintain a website for the Black Education Museum located on the school campus.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Daphne Elementary’s Principal’s Pick for December

The following students were selected for Daphne Elementary’s Principal’s Pick for the month of December: Chemyiah Brown, Evan Pierce, Alyssa Kinsey, Jonathan Hymel, Savannah Dutton, DeAndre Carroll, Shelby Stewart, E’myis Craig, Jasmine Adams, Maddix Ring, Jordan Adams, Jackson Meadows, Grant Kirby, Laura Anne Ling, Emma Cate Graf, Dylan Boyington, Reece Springs, Jada Lim, Gracie Goodman, Clayton Benefield, Jack Huey, Liz Burt, Lawrence Boley, Alexia Woodard, Antonio Li, Shaniah Shaw, Garrett Smith, Georgia Lieb, Daylin Jackson, Owen Strength, Alana Woodard, Jaidan Workman, Alex Davis, Juliette Sandefur, Reed Cloninger, Autumn Strasser, Isaac Sanchez-Martinez, Mya Williams, Daniel Porter, Caige Mills, Kimmie Kilburn, Holly Yadzi, Lillie Yadzi, Emily Menefee, Gavin Fussnecker, Abi Mosley, Mia Helm, Kaya Smith, Charles Turner, Haliey Coshatt, Hayden Mayes, Jarrett Lemieux, Ashleigh Miller, Tanner Thompson, Ava Smith, Tyler Elmore, Sequoia McMillian, Katlynn Cooper, Grayson Siver, Sarah Niles, Michael Burks.

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Local Artist Visits Fairhope Elementary First Graders

Mrs. Hope Sawyer’s first grade class at Fairhope Elementary School had local artist, Mimi Joiner, come in and share with them about shadows and pencil art. Pictured are Ms. Joiner and Maggie Delamore showing how both sides of our faces are symmetrical before starting the drawing with the class.

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Bayshore Christian Students Prepare Thanksgiving Meal for Parents

The 2nd graders at Bayshore Christian prepared a Thanksgiving meal for their parents to celebrate all of their many blessings.

Sydney Jane Hendryx (left) and Lydia Walsh (right) give their teacher, Mrs. Zakutney, a Thanksgiving hug.

Kids Eat FREE on Tuesdays

Fairhope Middle Schoolers Go On a Scavenger Hunt

Mrs. Michele Jordan’s math classes at Fairhope Middle School recently spent a day on a scavenger hunt in downtown Fairhope. The students were divided into groups of four and assigned a parent/ teacher chaperone. Each group had a folder of math word problems to solve worth points specifically written for individual businesses in Fairhope. The top three groups with the most points at the end of the day received a Wal-Mart gift card. Mrs. Jordan’s classes would like to thank the downtown merchants, Publix, parents, and FMS staff for their assistance in making the scavenger hunt a success. Pictured, from left to right, are participating students: Carrie Davis, Evangeline Spears, Daisy Wallace, and Michele Fasanello.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Spanish Fort High School Choral Department Holds Santa Breakfast

Fairhope K Center Students Perform Thanksgiving Play

The Spanish Fort/Daphne Choral Department sponsored its second annual Breakfast with Santa in the Spanish Fort High School Cafeteria on December 4 after the Spanish Fort Christmas Parade. Pictured with Santa are choir seniors (l to r) Collin Chunn, Amanda Godwin, Ameriol Finley, Marina Brooks, Dylan Tribble, Chelsea Yarbrough, Ben Flores, Nathan Blackmon, Alayne Naylor, and choir director Kathy Hughes (center).

Fairhope K Center students in Mrs. Sumlin’s and Mrs. Madson’s classes performed a Thanksgiving play for their parents. Pictured are Ollie, Hopton, Hollon Brock, Alex Penn, Caroline Cowles, Denton Paitner, Jamarion Curlee, and Kayce Sexton.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Bayshore Christian School Studies Alabama Indians

CKCS Students Collect Toys for Catholic Social Services

1st Graders in Mrs. Redman’s class spent a morning learning about the life of Native Americans. Their day included gaining knowledge about Native American clothing, tepees, and food indigenous to Alabama Indians.

Alabama History is an ongoing study in 1st Grade at Bayshore Christian School.

Christ the King Catholic School sixth graders, from left, Shen Ou, Michael Rathle, William Bailey, Ryan McKain, Claire Tomberlin, and Claire Mattingly help CKCS volunteer Mr. Earl Boyce, and Santa Claus, CKCS PTO treasurer Gerry Marlowe, load toys collected by students to be delivered to Catholic Social Services in December. Donating new toys to CSS was the student council sponsored outreach for the month of December.

“What, NO Santa?” at Fairhope Elementary School

Mr. Wilson McDuff’s third grade class at Fairhope Elementary School performed a readers’ theatre play, “What, No Santa?” In the play Santa gets too sick to work on Christmas Eve and Mrs. Claus has to take his place. Pictured are Mr. McDuff’s third graders.

Daphne East Art Students Help Decorate City’s Christmas Tree

6th grade students from Daphne East Elementary enjoyed decorating wooden star ornaments for the City of Daphne’s Christmas tree. This year’s theme for the tree is “Stars Fell on Daphne.” Pictured are Julia Marino, Bradley Lewis, Vincent Heiss, Art Teacher- Laurie Jaye, DeAndre Graves, Phillip Eckhoff, and Will Bowman.

Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.

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Daphne Middle School Teacher of the Year

The faculty and staff of Daphne Middle School have selected Mrs. Teresa Surrey as the 2010-11 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Surrey has been teaching social studies at DMS for 18 years. She is also the scholar’s bowl team sponsor. Pictured left to right are Principal, Tripp Oliphant, Teresa Surrey and Assistant Principal Jeanne Fox.

W.J. Carroll Intermediate School Holds Send-off for Daphne HS Football Team

Daphne Elementary Invites Families for Reading and Math Fun

Parents and students were treated to a night of reading and math fun at Daphne Elementary School. Recently, the staff of Daphne Elementary invited students and family members to school for an evening filled with reading games and craft activities for the whole family. The second annual “Family Reading and Math Night” was a huge success with families of kindergarten and first grade students participating. Pictured is Kendall Samson with her 3 year old brother, AJ Samson.

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W. J. Carroll Intermediate School students were able to be a part of the festive send-off for the Daphne High School football team who were headed to their state champion playoff game. When she spotted him among the football players as they moved through the students, Jasmine Able, a fourth grader in Mrs. Lisa Legrone’s room, was able to give her big brother, Duquan Able, a special hug and send off.

Schools Visit Bayshore Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

Students from various schools took a field trip to watch “The Nutcracker,” presented at the Fairhope Civic Center in December.

The production was presented by Bayshore Ballet. Pictured is dancer Sara Templeton. Photo by Shelton Painter.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Daphne Middle School Raises Money for Toys for Tots Daphne Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society raised $736 for Toys for Tots. The N.J.H.S. students went on a field trip and purchased toys to donate to some of our area’s neediest children. On hand to purchase toys were from left to right: Kailey Akers, Harper Cassidy, Morgan Cannon, Rachel Jernigan, Emma Kirby, Olivia Buchanan, Callie Cox, Brewer Ayres, Cameron Milroy, Colton Corley, Taylor Gore, Rachel Lane, and Rob Randolph

Girl Scout Troop Holds Battleship Sleepover

CKCS 8th Grader Receives Red Ribbon Leadership Award

Christ the King Catholic School eighth grader Erica Lucas was selected to receive the annual Superintendent’s Red Ribbon Leadership Award for the 2010-2011 school year. Lucas was chosen for the honor by a vote of her classmates and teachers and was presented with the award during the school’s annual Red Ribbon Assembly.

The award is sponsored by the Drug Education Council as part of its educational program promoting a drug free lifestyle. Lucas will be recognized at the Red Ribbon Leadership Banquet in January.

Pictured from left are, CKCS Principal Max Crain, Mike Lucas, Erica Lucas, and Mary Lucas.

Fairhope Intermediate Students Collect Toys for Great Toy Drive

Fairhope Intermediate students in Mrs. Jenny Creasy’s fourth grade class decided it is better to give than receive. In lieu of exchanging gifts with each other, they chose to participate in WKRG Channel 5’s “Great Toy Drive”. They collected unwrapped, new toys to be dispersed to local charities and to local children so many others would have a wonderful Christmas. Pictured in no particular order with the donated gifts are: Mary Alice Case, Shelby Cox, Ann Ryan Johnston, Sydney Johnson, Kathleen Tharpe, Camille Baker, Mary Bradley Knighton, Hannah White, Payton Fulkerson, Randy Bridges, Bowyn Broderick, Hunter Autry, Jasmin Bethea, Carson Gandy, Jackson Turner, Mason Strickland, Ronnie Partain, James Lankford, and Izzy Aurich.

Girl Scout Troop 8012 had fun participating in writing cards for Veterans, making arts and crafts, dancing, a scavenger hunt on board, and eating dinner on the Battleship in November during their Battleship Sleepover! Pictured are Girl Scouts Belle Myrick and Eva McDonald.

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Silverhill School Greets and Thanks Our Veterans Pre-k students studied patriotism and American symbols of patriotism during the month of November. They also made gifts to present to WWII Navy veteran Mr. Gaywood Steadham and to two of our teachers who are veterans.

Mr. Steadham drove from Grove Hill to share his wartime experiences in Germany with the students.

Fairhope Middle Sweeps Tournament

The Fairhope Middle School 8th grade boys’ basketball team recently hosted a tournament at their school. A total of four teams participated including FMS, Bayside Academy, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, and UMSWright Preparatory School. The FMS team, led by Coach Chad Keith, went undefeated in the tournament. Pictured are the 8th grade FMS team members (front row left to right) Desmond Samuels, Bailey Daniels, Davis Watson, Christian Williams, Al Ruggs, and Luke Webb; back row left to right: Nate Faust, Cole DeLeon, Jacob Champion, Ford Robinson, Dave Kirksey, Grey Jackson, and Rip Merritt.

Fairhope High School Collecting Items for Children in Haiti

Fairhope High School students and service clubs are supporting recovery and relief efforts in the earthquake-devastated country of Haiti. Hannah Hill, a senior at Fairhope High, is organizing a supplies drive on her campus. Specific items are being collected to supply a PlayCare Kit to civilian response teams in Haiti. The PlayCare Kit is designed to be deployed in disaster-struck areas, such as Haiti, so that affected children can find protective, nurturing environments in the midst of emergency response efforts. The kits consist of 6 themed boxes that include items for sports, arts, music, reading, games, and health and hygiene.

Various service clubs and groups on Fairhope High’s campus are assisting in the collection of these items. Other needed items, listed on a “Giving Tree,” are being donated by interested individual students, parents, staff or community members.

Donations are also being accepted to support the cost of shipping the kit to Haiti.

The PlayCare model for disaster response is a project originated and administered by Project K.I.D. a non-profit organization with roots in Fairhope. Founded by Paige Ellison-Smith, of Fairhope, in September 2005, Project K.I.D. successfully deployed PlayCare Kits in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana in areas affected by the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Fairhope High’s supplies drive is a campus-wide Red Ribbon Leadership Project. Items are being collected in the school’s computer lab until the end of January. For more information on Project K.I.D. or Fairhope High School’s supplies drive, including a list of needed items, please visit the school’s website at www.fairhopehs.com or call Molly Peterson at 990-2061.

CKCS Prep Band Students Treat Classmates to Christmas Concert

Christ the King Catholic School sixth graders, from left, Clarie Tomberlin, Isabella Smith, and Nicole Goff, are all smiles after their Christmas concert in the school gym on December 9. The students are part of the McGill Toolen Prep Band which is comprised of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders from the Catholic elementary schools in the Mobile area. CKCS students and teachers were treated to the musical sounds of Christmas by the prep band.

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Finding the Balance

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Developing a strong sense of balance in youth has more benefits than just preparing kids for a life on the high wire or balance beam. Toys and games that foster and hone a child’s sense of balance will also support the development of muscle tone, physical control and concentration. Encouraging kids to experiment with balance also aids in developing gross motor skills, fine motor coordination as well as building self-confidence. The following games and toys are an excellent enticement to wobble, weave and finally find the perfect balance between fun and fitness.

by Paige Gardner Smith

Bilibo

River Stone Set

Crafted from superdurable plastic, the simply designed Bilibo has become one of the most popular developmental toys for kids aged one to seven. Shaped like a turtle shell, a smaller child can sit or rock on its rounded bottom while seated inside the cup of the shell. Finding their balance is a safe secure exercise as their hands and feet can touch or leave the floor as needed. Older children can invert the Bilibo and stand on top of the rounded shell, strengthening ankles while they continue to develop their balance. While Bilibo offers a broad variety of additional play functions, beginning balance is one of its brightest benefits!

Inspiration from nature often produces the best ideas for amazing products for kids. Mimicking stepping stones in a stream, the River Stone Set is a collection of strong plastic ‘stones’ that are shaped with sloped sides of varying degrees. The bottom edge of each stone has a non-skid lip that grips well onto most surfaces.

The stones can be placed in any variety of arrangements or pathways so that kids can step or hop from stone to stone as they wind their way across imaginary moats, pretend tar pits or other pitfalls. The River Stone Set pieces nest together when not in use, making them infinitely portable and easy to store. Balancing for fun has never been better!

Wobble Deck

Bungee Jumper

(American Educational)

(Bilibo)

(Diggin)

(McNeill Designs)

Standing on this balance board, Wobble Deck offers added challenges beyond ‘finding your feet’. The Wobble Deck is an electronic game that offers three types of play that challenge (and improve) kids’ sense of balance.

Using their own weight, reflexes and sense of balance, kids can play Memory Match, Speed Play and Freestyle – alone or taking turns with others. It’s durable (up to 90 pounds of player weight) and fun for kids age 5 and up.

Wobble Deck is an addictive balance challenge that adults will want to try – but they can’t…it’s for kids only!

Combining the best elements of a pogo stick, a wake board and moon boots, the Bungee Jumper is a safer, softer alternative than the aforementioned, yet offers a strong balance challenge to newcomers. Crafted from high-rebound foam, the soft base has a tethered cord handle so kids can pull it taut against their feet for jumping. Over time, kids can attempt skateboard or snowboard moves as they get the feel of the rebound of the foam and tension. It’s balance on the bounce!

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Public Library Activities Fairhope Public Library

501 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-7483

Weekly Programs:

Our weekly programs will resume on January 10. Lap-sit (ages 2 & under), Mondays & Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Preschool (ages 3-5), Monday & Thursdays at 11 a.m. School Age Storytime (ages 5-8), Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Art at the Library, (k-5) Thursdays at 4 p.m. TEEN Programs, Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Daphne Public Library 2607 U.S. Hwy 98 251-621-2818 Storytimes, Activities, & Crafts

Preschoolers Tuesdays 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays 2 p.m., and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

After School Kids Story Time Thursdays 3:45 p.m.

Daphne Teens

Teen Advisory Board Meetings - 2nd Tues. of each month, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Adults

Jubilee Book Club – 3rd Wed. of every month, 10 a.m.

Mystery Book Club – 2nd Thurs. of every month, 6:30 p.m.

Library Board Meeting – 1st Thurs. of every month, 4 p.m.

Craft Exchange & Tutorials – 1st Thurs. of every month, 5 p.m.

New Local History Forum – 1st Wed. of every month, 2 p.m.

GED Classes – Every Mon. and Wed. at 4:30 p.m., hosted by Faulkner State Junior College.

Orange Beach Public Library 26267 Canal Road 251-980-2360

Santa Visits Orange Beach Public Library

Santa took time out of his busy holiday schedule to drop in to story time at the Orange Beach Public Library on Tuesday, December 7. He was greeted by many excited preschoolers and their families.

Everyone was eager to visit with Santa and wish him Merry Christmas. Santa relaxed in a rocking chair as everyone played, snacked and listened to Christmas music. The children decorated a picture frame Christmas card for their Santa pictures. Pictured, Vanessa, Parker, Palmer and Prissie McGuire visit with Santa at the Orange Beach Public Library story time.

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Dave Says...

by Dave Ramsey

Is Refinancing a Good Idea?

Q. How

do you feel about people refinancing their homes?

Is it smart to refinance a house in order to have a lower mortgage payment?

A. No, it’s not. But it is smart to refinance

a house to get a lower interest rate. By doing this, you pay off the home faster.

Think about this. Right now, with a 15-year fixed rate mortgage and one point paid, you can get an interest rate under four percent. That’s awesome! Let’s say you have a $300,000 mortgage, and you refinance from six percent to four percent.

A two percent savings equals $6,000 a year, and that’s $500 a month in interest saved.

In my book, that’s worth doing!

So, refinancing definitely makes sense in cases where you’re going to stay in the home a long time and you get a lower interest rate. Good question!

Q. How do you feel about giving an allowance to kids younger than 10 years old?

A. I don’t do allowances for anyone. The

word “allowance” sounds way too much like welfare to me.

We put our kids on commission at an early age. If they worked, they got paid. If they didn’t work, they didn’t get paid. We put a little dry-erase board on the refrigerator and listed all the jobs they had to do during the week, with a dollar amount next to each one. When you did a certain job, you were paid that amount.

Keep in mind, though, kids shouldn’t get paid for every little thing they do around the house. There are some jobs they should have to do just because they’re part of the family, or because mom or dad tells them to do that job. Some of these jobs Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

should have a higher purpose, too. As a parent, you want to find as many teachable moments for your kids as possible.

Once they’ve earned their money, sit down with them and divide it into three separate envelopes: one for saving, one for spending, and one for giving. This way, they get to learn about these three important things while they’re learning how to work.

Teaching kids that there’s an emotional connection between work and money is one of the best things you’ll ever do as a parent.

If they learn this when they’re five, chances are they won’t be clueless and financially irresponsible when they’re 55!

Q. We recently saw a copy of our credit

report, and one debt we had was listed as “charged off as bad debt.” What does this mean?

A. Simply put, it means you didn’t pay

them. You had a debt you never paid, so the creditor never got their money, and they wrote you off as a deadbeat. I’m being facetious, of course, but in credit terms that’s pretty much what it means.

If you want to get that cleaned up, you’ll have to go to the creditor and make arrangements to settle the debt with them.

Once you do that, it will read “bad debt settled.” It’s still not an ideal situation, but it’s much better than having “charged off as bad debt” stuck on your credit report.

Remember, you always settle a bad debt in writing. Never give a creditor or collections company electronic access to your checking account, because lots of them will steal from you. I’ve seen plenty of cases where there was no written agreement, and a collector took out more than they said they would. Then, somebody’s house payment bounced!

Dave is the author of The New York Times best-selling book Financial Peace. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated The Dave Ramsey Show. You can hear Dave online at www.daveramsey. com. Send your questions to askdave@daveramsey. com. He resides with his wife Sharon and their three children, Denise, Rachel, and Daniel, in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

10 Tips to Conquer Kid Clutter

by Kerrie McLoughlin

I get exhausted just thinking about how much clutter kids are born with: clothes, shoes, diapers, wipes, bottles, toys, stuffed animals, paperwork and on and on. And it only gets worse as they grow up and start to participate in activities outside the home (think ballet shoes, softball equipment, Scout projects, homework papers and such). Sure, you can tell your kid to clean his room, but chances are he has too much and won’t even know where to start. Why not give a few of these tips a try to help your household recover from clutter?

1. Start by overhauling what your kids already have for about an hour a day so you don’t get overwhelmed (toys, stuffed animals, shoes, clothes, books, videos). Separate items into two or three piles or bags: throw away, give away (or sell at a consignment store or in Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

a garage sale), and (if applicable) save for a future kid. Then group like items (e.g., shoes, leotards, sports equipment) so you can quickly figure out what you are missing or have too much of. Kyle Boeglin of Overland Park, Kan. says, “I found that my kids’ dressers were overflowing with clothes, much of it never worn. I went through them and only kept a few pairs of shorts and pants and their 5 favorite shirts.

It has made it much easier for them to get dressed in the morning because without all the clothes they weren’t wearing packed in there, they can choose their outfits quickly.”

2. Notify family and friends that you are trying to reduce clutter.

Grandma would probably be thrilled to get the kids a membership to the local zoo, while several people could pool money to pay for quite a few of your daughter’s ballet lessons. This is also a great way to 48

teach your kids that birthdays and holidays are not just about what your kid can get out of the whole deal.

3. I am in love with those toy storage units with the 10 brightly colored bins. You can either have your child throw everything in the bins however they like, or try to get them to sort by bin (e.g., trains in the large yellow bin, books in the small blue bin, animals in the small red bin, etc.). But … don’t get too crazy about grouping like items. While this method works well for many things (trains, shoes, Barbies), make sure you have a catch-all system, too (see #4).

4. Consider buying a storage ottoman for a main living area. Target

carries a nice brown leather storage ottoman with a no-pinch lid for about $80 that hides toys and is also sturdy enough to serve as a seat for two. Kids can do a fast Advertising: 251-929-2099

pick-up daily or when company is on the way, and then close the lid on the whole mess.

5. Underbed boxes and/or plastic storage tubs are nice for storing things like stuffed animals and outof-season clothes, depending on the

height of your child’s bed frame. Consider using simple copy paper boxes, which are great for throwing miscellaneous toys into and then shoving in a closet. They are not only free, but also fit under many beds so they are hidden.

6. Perform a paper purge. One

sample of how well your child colored within the lines at age 3 is fine, but something even more special would be a hand-drawn picture. This is a tough one for most softies, so ideas for saving space include putting pictures up in the garage instead, taking a photo of a set of pictures, giving away pictures to loved ones.

7. Never search for shoes again!

Place a medium-size basket by the door you normally enter and leave the house from for seasonal shoes. Out of-season shoes can be stored in their closet or in a plastic tub in the basement.

8. Take all kiddie DVDs and music/ computer/video game CDs out of their cases. Store them in a short, round case or in a disc album that hold 8 CDs per page in sleeves.

9. Do a purge before birthdays and holidays since it’s a given that more stuff will be arriving. I like to pretend I’m moving in a week and absolutely can’t take everything in my home with me, and that prompts me to get rid of more things.

10. Keep it up. To maintain your newfound order, have the kids pick up daily, either before dinner or before bedtime and teach them that it’s easier to do it as it happens instead of letting it get out of hand (something that took me about 35 years to figure out!).

Kerrie McLoughlin, her husband and five children fight clutter daily.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Cook ng w/ K ds

by Dana Moonan

Dinner with your family is a special time. Ideally we would like to sit down each night together as a family and share our day’s story while we eat dinner.

After school activities, sports, jobs and traveling sometimes make this a difficult, if not impossible, task. So make the days that you do sit down with your family special. Plan a meal together as a family with a favorite food from each person incorporated in one meal. For exampleAppetizer ~Mom’s favorite mozzarella sticks. Salad~ Abby’s favorite veggies dipped in salad dressing. Dinner~ Dad’s favorite chicken on the grill. Side~ Matthew’s favorite Mac and Cheese. Dessert ~ Emily’s favorite brownies. This gives everyone a chance to enjoy a favorite.

Speaking of favorites…when you share tonight’s menu with your children there is sure to be a cheer! It’s MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA NIGHT!

Tonight’s Menu Salad- Mixed ‘house’ salad with Italian dressing Dinner-Make your own pizza Dessert-Cookie pizza Mixed ‘House’ Salad with Italian Dressing

Ingredients: -1 bag of mixed blend lettuce - Handful of chopped carrots - 1 small tomato, cut up - 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced Directions: - Mix all ingredients and serve with dressing on top.

I like to lay the lettuce flat in the bowl, and then place the cucumber around the edge of the bowl in a circle, then the tomatoes, then carrots. Black olives, shredded cheese, and croutons are also good mix-ins.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Make your Own Pizza

There are several ways to make your own pizza. You can use a Pillsbury pizza crust spread evenly on a cookie sheet for the crust. Spoon your favorite pizza sauce on, leaving a thin edge that will be the crust. This will make a rectangle

pizza. Then, let your children each have a section of the pizza to add their own toppings or just split the pizza between pepperoni and cheese. The fun part is letting your children put on the toppings themselves. Bake the pizza at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the crust starts to brown.

Another interesting way to make homemade pizza is by using flour tortillas. We like the whole wheat variety.

Place the tortillas flat on a cookie sheet side by side or in a pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes until the tortilla becomes a little crispy. Make as many as you need for each person to have their own. Then spread pizza sauce lightly leaving an edge for the crust. Top with any of your favorite toppings and cover with cheese. Bake again for 4-8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into 4 squares per tortilla for a delicious, thin and crispy pizza.

Some favorites of ours are shredded chicken, bacon and feta cheese (no sauce); tomato sauce, pepperoni and 50

shredded cheese; and tomato sauce, green peppers and mushrooms. These individual pizzas give your children a chance to try new toppings and be creative with only a minimal commitment because of the pizza size.

Cookie pizza

Ingredients: - Sugar cookie dough - Vanilla icing - “Toppings” of your choice--kiwi and strawberries, or M&Ms, crushed Oreos, Skittles.

Directions: - Mix the sugar cookie ingredients as directed on the box or use the premade sugar cookie batter.

- Spread in a round pie plate (for a round pizza) or across a cookie sheet for a rectangular pizza. The larger the pan, the thinner the cookie will be.

- Bake at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes (watch carefully depending on how thin you have spread the cookie) or until cookie dough is done (light browning).

- Cool - Spread a layer of icing across the pizza - Add toppings of your choice. Kiwi, sliced bananas and strawberries make a healthier choice. Any variety of candy toppings are always a hit, of course.

- Cut into pizza slices and serve.

This meal is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s easy, everyone gets to help and there are many healthy options, too. So save the pizza delivery man a trip and make your own tonight!

Dana Moonan is a former first grade teacher and current stay-at-home mom of three, Emily and Matthew, and Abby.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Choosing Child Care

More and more, research tells us that our children’s healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during the first few years of life. If you are a parent who works during these early years, choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for your child.

To help you make the right choice for your child, researchers have identified 13 research-based guidelines to think about when choosing a child care program.

You might want to visit several different child care programs, either centers or family child care homes, before you decide which one is best for your family.

Call each child care program and schedule an appointment for your visit. Once you are there, stay for at least an hour to watch activities, check the surroundings, and ask questions. The checklist below provides a place for you to note which guidelines are met. Research shows that if a program follows guidelines, it is more likely to be a safe and healthy place for your child.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Considering these guidelines can help you find a place where you feel comfortable leaving your child.

Supervision • Are children supervised at all times, even when they are sleeping?

• How do the caregivers discipline children? (Hint: Discipline should be positive, clear, consistent, and fair.)

Hand Washing and Diapering • Do all caregivers and children wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers?

• Is the place where diapers are changed clean?

• Do caregivers always keep a hand on the child while diapering?

• Do caregivers remove the soiled diaper without dirtying any surface not already in contact with stool or urine?

• Do caregivers clean and sanitize the surface after finishing the changing process?

(Hint: Hands should be scrubbed with soap and water for at least 10 seconds and 52

then rinsed and dried. The water faucet should be turned off with a paper towel.)

Director Qualifications • Does the director of a child care center have a bachelor’s degree in a child-related field?

• Has the director worked in child care for at least 2 years?

• Does the director understand what children need to grow and learn?

Lead Teacher Qualifications • Does the lead teacher in a child care center have a bachelor’s degree in a childrelated field?

• Has the teacher worked in child care for at least 1 year?

• Does the teacher give children lessons and toys that are right for their ages?

Child:Staff Ratio and Group Size • How many children are being cared for in the child care program?

• How many caregivers are there? (Hint: Your child will get more attention if each caregiver has fewer children to take care Advertising: 251-929-2099

of. The younger the children are, the more caregivers there should be. For example, one family home caregiver should only take care of two babies.)

Immunizations • Is your child up-to-date on all of the required immunizations?

• Does the child care program have records proving that the other children in care are upto-date on all their required immunizations?

Toxic Substances • Are toxic substances like cleaning supplies and pest killers kept away from children?

• Has the building been checked for dangerous substances like radon, lead, and asbestos?

• Is poison control information posted?

Emergency Plan • Does the child care program have an emergency plan if a child is injured, sick, or lost?

• Does the child care program have first aid kits?

• Does the child care program have information about who to contact in an emergency?

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Fire Drills • Does the child care program have a plan in case of a disaster like a fire, tornado, flood, blizzard, or earthquake?

• Does the child care program do practice drills once every month?

Child Abuse • Can caregivers be seen by others at all times, so a child is never alone with one caregiver?

• Have all caregivers gone through a background check?

• Have the caregivers been trained how to prevent child abuse, how to recognize signs of child abuse, and how to report suspected child abuse?

Medications • Does the child care program keep medication out of reach from children?

• Are the caregivers trained and the medications labeled to make sure the right child gets the right amount of the right medication at the right time?

Staff Training/First Aid • Have caregivers been trained how to keep children healthy and safe from injury and illness?

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• Do they know how to do first aid and rescue breathing?

• Have they been trained to understand and meet the needs of children of different ages?

• Are all child care staff, volunteers, and substitutes trained on and implementing infant back sleeping and safe sleep policies to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, crib death)? (Hint: When infants are sleeping, are they on their backs with no pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, or other soft bedding in the crib with them?)

Playgrounds • Is the playground inspected for safety often?

• Is the playground surrounded by a fence?

• If there is a sandbox, is it clean?

• Are the soil and playground surfaces checked often for dangerous substances and hazards?

• Is equipment the right size and type for the age of children who use it?

Produced by National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

2011 Child Care Directory Country Day School

Director: Stacey Martiniere Address: 23800 US Highway 98, Fairhope Phone: 928-1403 Registration for Fall 2011 is Friday, January 21st, first come first serve. Ages 18 mths Half Day Kindergarten.

Daphne United Methodist Preschool

Director: Lee Scioneaux Address: 2401 Main Street, Daphne Phone: 626-3606 Email: preschool@dumc.org Website: www.dumc.org Open registration begins January 31st at 8 am until full. Preschool Ages 2-4. Full and half day available. Sharing God’s love.

Eastern Shore Baptist Church Weekday Education Ministries

Director: Gail Gardner Address: 6847 Park Drive, Daphne Phone: 626-7627 Website: www.easternshorebaptist.org Fall Registration for Preschool (ages 2 - 4 yrs) begins March 1. Mother’s Morning Out (ages 6wks - 2 yrs) begins April 1st.

Eastern Shore Presbyterian Mother’s Morning Out

Director:Brenda Turner Address:23050 US Highway 98 Phone: 422-7519 Ages Birth - Preschool. Now registering for Summer 2011 and Fall 2011.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

God’s Living Sea

Director: Angela Meadows Address: 9264 Pleasant Road, Daphne Phone: 621-3977 Email: godslivingsea@jubileebaptist.com Website: www.jubileebaptist.com Registration for Summer/Fall begins February 1st. Ages 6 months - 4 years. Half Day.

Eastern Shore Academy of Excellence

Director: Jamie Nero Address: 23946-B US Hwy 98, Montrose Phone: 928-1854 Open registration year around for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Daycare with Preschool curriculum, Afterschool care and Nightcare. Hours 6a.m. – 6p.m. and nightcare from 7p.m. – 12a.m.

Hermes Enchanted Garden

Home Daycare Located in Daphne near Hwy 90 and I-10. Call 251.269.0022

KidSpace of Foley

Address: 307 East Myrtle Avenue, Foley Phone: 654-2890 Newborns and up. Available 7 days a week, 5:30am – Midnight. Open registration all year

Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education

Director: Leslie Mulcahy Address: 8 Marietta Drive, Fairhope Phone: 928-9347 Website: www.fairhopeorganicschool.com Fall Registration begins in January. Call for details. Ages 3 - 8th grade 54

Mobile Bay Montessori

Director: Yonna Fogle Address: Hwy 181, 20900 Fairhope Phone: 391-9004 Now registering for 20100. Ages 24 months to 5 years. 8:30 am - 3:00 pm - before and aftercare available. Find us on Facebook.

My Girl Friday

Nanny Services. Licensed, bonded and class trained. GRMCA certified. Elderly care also available. 251-279-7079 or 251-533-2269 www.mygirlfridaynow.weebly.com

Potter’s Mill PreSchool

Director: Melissa Carrington Address: 30505 Spanish Lane, Spanish Fort Phone: 626-3022 Email: pottersmillpreschool@yahoo.com Website: www.pottersmill.org Open Registration year around.

Ages 6wks - 5 yrs. Full and Half Days.

Spanish Fort Presbyterian PreSchool

Director: Stacy Vail Address: 6620 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort Phone: 626-7137 Email: sfpcpreschool@bellsouth.net Registration for Fall 2010 begins Friday February 4th. 12:30 – 2:30.

Ages 18 mths - 4K. Half day program.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Director: Julie Taylor Address: 28788 North Main Street, Daphne Phone: 626-2774 Email: juliehtaylor21@yahoo.com Website: www.stpaulseasternshore.com Registration for Fall begins January 24th.

Ages 12months - PreK 4. Half Day Program Advertising: 251-929-2099

The Learning Tree Weekday Early Education @ First Baptist Church Director: Holly Blosser Address: 300 South Section Street, Fairhope Phone: 928-0496 Website: www.fbcfairhope.org Registration for Fall and Summer begins February 21st – 25th; 9:00 - 1:00; Ages 1 - 5yrs. Half Day Program

Tiny Tots

Director: Cindy Turnage Address: 25478 Friendship Road, Daphne Phone: 625-6625 Email: tinytotsac@att.net Open registration all year. Ages 6 wks – 4yrs.

Full Day program • Children’s Learning Center Address: 22305 County Road 65, Robertsdale Phone: 947-4407 Kindergarten readiness program, 6 weeks - 12 years, Full Day. Open enrollment • Christ the King Early Childhood Development Center Director: Jennifer Felicelli Address: 1506-B Main Street, Daphne Phone: 621-8391 Email: ctkecdc@gmail.com Website: www.ctk-daphne.org Open registration year around. Ages 6 wks 4 yrs. Full and Half day program available.

• Cradle 2 Crayons, Inc. Address: 507 Rose Ave, Foley Phone: 251-943-4599 Website: www.cradle2caryonsinc.com 6 weeks thru 12 years. 6am - 6pm, Mon - Fri, After school care available • Color Us Kids Learning Center Director: Annette Brumfield Address: 26000 Nelson Street, Daphne Phone: 625-6933 Email: annettebrumfield@mchsi.com

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Open registration year around. Ages 6wks -5yrs. Full Time • Crossroads Church Preschool Director: Jackie Roberson Address: 10080 County Road 64, Daphne Phone: 621-2322 Website: www.thecrossroadschurch.net Registration for Fall is January 19th.

Call for details. Ages 12mths - K4.

Half Day Program • Eastern Shore Early Childhood Center Director: Carol Saltz Address: 1090 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope Phone: 928-3449 Call for registration information.

Full Time. Ages 18 months - 12 yrs • Eastern Shore Kids Kastle, Inc Address: 10291 County Road 48, Fairhope Phone: 990-5350 Email: eskki@bellsouth.net Open Registration year around.

Ages 6 wks - 5 yrs. Full Time • Eastern Shore Montessori School Director: Kate Burdick Address: 980 Main Street, Daphne Phone: 626-7505 Email: esmontessorischool@gmail.com Website: easternshoremontessori.weebly.com Open Registration begins in February. Call for details. Full and Half Day available. Ages 2 Kindergarten • Fairhope United Methodist Church Preschool Ministry Director: Terry Lowell Address: 155 South Section Street, Fairhope Phone: 928-1280 Website: www.fairhopeumc.org

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Registration for Fall 2010 is 9:00am January 31st. Ages 3 - 5 • Faith Family Fellowship Preschool Director: Angela Weissgerber Address: 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort Phone: 626-6338 Website: www.faithfamilyonline.com Fall Registration is currently scheduled for Monday February 7th at 8a.m. Ages 15 mths K-4. Full Day Program • First Baptist Daycare – Spanish Fort Director: Wanda Finch Address: 8353 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort Phone: 626-2946 Open Registration year around. Ages 6wks 5 yrs. Full Time.

• Foley UMC - Joy Center Downtown Foley, 251-943-3688 Full Day Program 6weeks-5 years, Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm. Pre-K

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

• HeadQuarters Director: Becky Tomaso Address: 925 Nichols Ext., Fairhope Phone: 928-0984 Registration for Fall 2009 begins January.

Call for details. Ages 3-5yrs. Half Day • Jubilee Early Child Development Center Director: Heather Bankester Address: 8930 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort Phone: 625-1234 Open Registration year around. Ages 8wks PreK4. Full Time • Jubilee Shores WeeSchool Director: Amber Jones Address: 17261 state Hwy 181, Fairhope Phone: 929-0829 Registration for Fall begins in February. Call for details. Ages 1 – 5. Half day program with aftercare available.

• Just Kid’n Around Director: Melanie Wolfe Address: 26120 Equity Drive, Daphne Phone: 621-1201 Open Registration year around. Ages 6wks 5 yrs. Full Time • Kid’s Kabin Daycare Director: Lynnette Locke Address: 27730 Main Street, Daphne Phone: 626-1256 Open Registration year around. Ages 6 wks 6 yrs. Full and Half days available.

• Lake Forest Christian Academy Director: Amber Hollinger Address: 28848 North Main Street, Daphne Phone: 625-2672 Open Registration year around. Ages 6 wks 12 yrs. Full and Half day available.

• Little Ducklings Inc. Address: 9023 Lawson Road, Daphne Phone: 625-1240 Open Registration year around. Ages 6 wks 5 yrs. Full Time

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

• Loving Care Children’s Center Director: Karen Dees Address:10142 County Road 64, Daphne Phone: 626-1855 Website: www.lovingcare2.com Open Registration year around. Ages 6 wks 6 yrs. Full and Half days available.

• Loxley First Baptist - A Christian Learning Center Address: 1050 N. Alabama Street, Loxley Phone: 251-964-5700 Wee Learn Curriculum, 6 weeks - 6th grade, Full Time, Open enrollment • New Life Assembly of God Director: Ketrah Holley Address: 10442 Old Hwy 31, Spanish Fort Phone: 656-3535 Now enrolling. Ages 18months - 4 yrs.

Half Day program • PreSchool by the Bay Director: Tracy Johnson Address: 1515 6th Street, Daphne Phone: 626-2242 Registration for Fall 2010 begins January18th.

Ages 6 mths – 5K years. 9:00 – 1:00.

Afterschool care also available.

• Samaritan Wee Care Center Director: Helen Smith Address: 7208 Twin Beech Road, Fairhope Phone: 928-2273 Website: samaritanweecare@aol.com Open Registration year around. Ages 6 wks 5 yrs. Full Time • Spanish Fort Child Day Care Director: Carol Davis Address: 30973 Stanton Road, Spanish Fort Phone: 626-5575 Open Registration year around.

Ages 6 wks - 5 yrs. Full Time

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• Spanish Fort Preschool Academy Director: Stephanie Wilson Address: 9543 Stagecoach Commercial Park Circle, Spanish Fort Phone: 625-4042 Email: stephaniewilson@sfpacademy.com Registration for Summer and Fall 2011 begins January 28th.

• Spanish Fort United Methodist Preschool Director: Josie Free Address:6530 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort Phone: 626-1380 Registration in early February. Call for specific dates - Ages 5 months - 4 yrs.

Half Day program • Swift Church Christian Preschool Address: 23208 Swift Church Road, Foley Phone: 943-8367 Christian education for Kindergarten readiness.6 weeks - 5 years, Mon - Fri, 7am-6pm Enrollment currently open • The Neighborhood School Director: Carriann Tombes Address: 26481a Kensington Place, Daphne Phone: 626-0074 Please call for registration information. Ages infant through Pre-K. Full day and half day programs available • Weinacker’s Montessori School Daphne Locations (2) (1) Director: Amanda Cooper Address: 415 College Ave, Daphne Phone: 626-6163 Email: acooper@WeinackersMontessori.com Open Registration year round. Ages 6 wks - 12 yrs. Full and Half Days available (2) Director: Terri Kasmia Address: 28765 North Main Street, Daphne Phone: 259-5037 Email: dana@WeinackersMontessori.com Open Registration year round. Ages 6 wks - 12 yrs. Full and Half Days available •

Advertising: 251-929-2099

The lighter side of getting sick When children get sick there’s not a whole lot that can be done to entertain them or distract them from how bad they feel. Watching videos quickly gets tiresome and no one feels good enough to play. Books that take a lighter look at the sniffles and sneezes that accompany illness may just be the best prescription for weathering a bad head cold or case of the flu. Complete with tips on hygiene, quack cures and real remedies, the following titles will plant the seeds of cure in children who have caught the contagion and words of caution for those who are trying to avoid getting sick in the first place.

Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo

through his nose. And not just the boring classroom stuff – he’s sneezed out Christmas and dinosaurs, too. It’s enough to make a boy cry, and sniff...a sniffle which might help get some of that knowledge back where it belongs. Packed with hilarious illustrations, the power of a sneeze is unleashed in this nosewrinkling flight of fancy.

by E.S. Redmond Publisher: Candlewick As pale, sniffly Felicity enters the zoo, she wipes her runny nose with her hand instead of a tissue. When a mysterious cold spreads among the zoo animals, a series of gloppy, mucus-covered hand prints provide clues to the cause. For children who are still too young to understand the concept of invisible germs spreading sickness, Felicity’s trail of slimy green hand prints imprinted on the animals she touched make it clear what is ailing the residents of the zoo.

Giving a whole new meaning to a “hands-on” outing, younger readers of Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo may develop a better appreciation for using tissues and hand-washing.

I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat

by Carlyn Beccia Publisher: Houghton Mifflin If your sick child has ever balked at taking their medicine, a jaunt through history’s various solutions to symptoms might make them grateful they are products of a modern age From unbelievable to bizarre, ancient remedies and folk cures are presented for light-hearted review and their efficacy (or lack thereof) will surprise every reader. Maggots for wounds, chicken soup for colds, electric eels for headaches are among the cures offered for judgment by today’s standards. Humorously illustrated and packed with interesting trivia on the subject, I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat will make kid’s current prescriptions seem positively tasty.

Sneezenesia

by Deb Lucke Publisher: Clarion A boy in the grocery store with his mother is suddenly beset by a series of sneezes so powerful that they literally empty his head. He suddenly can’t remember his name or what his mother looks like. Subsequent sneezes expel everything he’s learned out Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Family Calendar Ongoing

American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit www.asama. org.

Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251-344-0536 x 104.

Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope. The Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale.

Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www. easternshoreartcenter.com.

The Exploreum Located in downtown Mobile, the Exploreum is an exceptional regional science center for adventurers of all ages. The Exploreum’s newest traveling exhibit, Reptile Planet, is an interactive, family-friendly

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

January2011

exhibit featuring 30 exotic creatures from more than 20 different countries. Visitors can get up close and personal with exotic creatures such as the Asian Cobra, Burmese Python, American Alligator, Star Tortoise and Gila Monster. Children will also enjoy the many hands-on components of the exhibit. Kids can climb inside a replica of a giant Galapagos Tortoise shell or spin a zoetrope to observe how Sidewinder Rattlesnake moves across the desert sand. There are also feeding demonstrations, photo opportunities and many other hands-on games and activities. The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.exploreum.com or call 251208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile.

Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope.

You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474.

First Friday Catfish/Fried Chicken Strips Foley United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Dine in, Takeout, or Delivered (must be for 3 or more within 12 miles). $7.50/plate includes Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Hush Puppies, Dessert and Drink. 901 N Pine St., Foley. Call 943-4393 for directions or deliveries.

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk First Friday of each month, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy an artsy and fun-filled night with an evening of exhibit openings, guest artists and live entertainment

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throughout beautiful downtown Fairhope.

Refreshments will be provided at participating galleries and downtown businesses and trolley transportation is also available. For additional information or a list of participating galleries, visit www.easternshoreartcenter.com or call 928-2228.

Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson.

Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www.mariettajohnson. org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601.

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www. weeksbay.org.

Classes/Meetings

Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance

Advertising: 251-929-2099

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.

Eastern Shore Art Center’s First Saturday with Jackie Roberson Calling all emerging artists, ages 3 to 6. In this workshop, young artists will create individual and group art pieces. Wear old clothes and bring a snack.

If you miss one, come the next month. It is a great way to make the most out of your Saturday mornings away from the cartoons! $15 per class (Must preregister 5 days prior to the class). 10 a.m. to Noon, every first Saturday during the school year. 401 Oak Ave, Fairhope, (251) 928-2228, www.esaconline. com.

Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcomed. Email Kristin at fairhopemops@yahoo.com for more information.

High Hopes and CAAR (Center for Autism and Asperger Resources) Support group for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other development delays in the High Hopes Classroom at St. Benedict School.

St. Benedict is located at 12786 South Illinois Street, Elberta. Meetings are held every other Monday at 6 p.m. lead by Rachael Mueller, M. Ed, BCBA, High Hopes Director. Children are welcome. For more information visit www.highhopes4pdd.org.

Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7:00 – 7:30 P.M., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10:00 P.M., first and third Monday

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 Mile East of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www.

FitzpenPlace.com. www.Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251-621-6665 or 251-3774069.

MOPS on the Eastern Shore We meet at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, September through May. MOPS is designed to nurture mothers and it is for all mothers from all walks of life who have children birth through K-5. We have a morning meeting (9:30-11:30) and an evening meeting (6-8 p.m). Each meeting provides an inviting environment where women can come - just as they are - to build friendships, be encouraged, gain practical parenting strategies and have fun all while their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. A typical meeting includes sharing a meal together, listening to a speaker that is of interest to mothers with young children, participating in a roundtable discussion, or doing a creative craft project. The children’s program includes care for infants as well as classes for toddlers through kindergarten. Check us out on our website to find out more about us at www. easternshoremops.blogspot.com.

Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes A four-week series of classes, held Mondays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Thomas Hospital Wellness Center; or Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. $30 fee (covered by Medicaid and Gift of Life program).

Pre-registration required, 990-1373 or www. thomashospital.com.

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

Newborn Basics Class Held the second Monday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No pre-registration required Pre-admission Sessions Held the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month (except September) at 6 p.m. OR Thomas Medical Center in Daphne at 7 p.m. No pre-registration required.

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

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148.

Breastfeeding Class Held the first Tuesday of every month at Thomas Hospital Wellness Center. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. No pre-registration required.

Sibling Class Held the third Saturday of odd-numbered months at Thomas Hospital East Tower Meeting Room. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Free. Pre-registration required, 9901373 or www.thomashospital.com.

Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alcoholics Anonymous (Beginner) Meetings & Alanon Meetings are held at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital every Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information, call The Harbor at Thomas Hospital at 279-1119.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Alateen Meetings Open to young Al-Anon members and friends, usually teenagers. Meetings are held in the East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Call Kenisha Montgomery at 391-1152 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

Alzheimer’s Support Group For family and friends of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne.

For more information, call Bunnie Sutton or Kellie Sutton of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of the South at 660-5661 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

ALS Support Group For people with ALS and their families and friends.

Meets the second Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. For more information, call Lynn Sanderson at 205-937-4415 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

Diabetes Support Group For people with diabetes and their families and friends. This group meets the first Tuesday of the month in the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center at 6:30 p.m. For more information call the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center at 279-4008.

Down Syndrome Support Group For people with down syndrome and their families and friends. This group meets the third Saturday of the month in the Thomas Hospital Wellness Center at 2 p.m. For more information call Nikki French at 609-5777 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

Medi Weightloss Support Group This group meets the third Wednesday of the month in the Medi Weightloss office in Thomas Hospital at Noon. For more information call Cindy Adams at 990-6535 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group For people with MS and their families and friends.

This group meets the second Wednesday of the month in the Thomas Hospital Wellness Center at 5:30 p.m. For more information call Carolyn Hrabovsky at 463-1487 or Thomas Hospital at 2794008.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Open to individuals, friends and family. Meetings will be held every Thursday at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call NAMI at 251-965-6264.

Step Children and Parenting Ethics (SCAPE) Support Group For parents or guardians of step children and their families. This group meets the first Thursday of the month in the East Tower meeting at Thomas Hospital at 6:30 p.m. For more information call Shelia Booth-Alberstadt at 232-9927 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. For more information call Joy Peters at 626-6337 or Thomas Hospital at 279-4008.

Saturday, January 1

Santa vs. The Snowman at the IMAX Santa vs. The Snowman at the IMAX Theatre in the Naval Aviation Museum. 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola.

Showtimes are 1 p.m. daily. General admission is $8, Member/Discount $7.50*, Schools/Home-Schools $4.75. *Discount admission applies to children ages 5 to 12 (ages 4 and under are free), senior citizens age

62 or older, military (active, reserve, or retired) and Naval Aviation Museum Foundation members. (888) 627-4629 for more information on movies, times, ticket prices and reserving the IMAX® theatre. www. navalaviationmuseum.org.

Sunday, January 2 Santa vs. The Snowman at the IMAX See Jan. 1 for details.

Monday, January 3 Santa vs. The Snowman at the IMAX See Jan. 1 for details.

Tuesday, January 4 Santa vs. The Snowman at the IMAX See Jan. 1 for details.

Tuesday, January 11

Page and Palette Welcomes Jennifer Kolari A child and family therapist for more than twenty years, Jennifer Kolari began her career working with children who suffer from severe behavioral problems. That experience taught her an invaluable lesson: It wasn’t “tough” discipline that helped these kids change their behavior and build self-esteem. It was unending compassion and empathy. Now Kolari applies these lessons in her work with all families, teaching them how to take a non-defensive stance through even the most heated moments - endless battles over homework, routines, food, and more.

Powerful and inspiring, Connected Parenting includes incredible stories from families who have experienced miraculous transformations - often in just a few weeks - using Kolari’s parenting approach.

It is a dynamic blueprint for bringing peace and

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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.

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I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

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Advertising: 251-929-2099

loving connections into any family for life. 3-5 p.m.

Page & Palette, 32. S. Section Street.

(251) 928-5295.

Chick-Fil-A Kids Night, Daphne location 5-7 p.m. Great activities for the whole family. Free 4-pack kids meal with adult meal purchase.

Thursday, January 27

Chick-Fil-A Kids Night, Daphne location 5-7 p.m. Great activities for the whole family. Free 4-pack kids meal with adult meal purchase.

Fancy Nancy Fashion Show at Page and Palette Preschool and elementary school girls are invited to strut their stuff at Page & Palette’s Fancy Nancy Fashion Show. Come dressed in your fanciest outfits, accessories and shoes and parade down the runway. After the show, storyteller Connie Cazort will read a Fancy Nancy story to all the lovely little ladies. Ooh La La! 4 p.m. 32 South Section Street, Fairhope, 928-5295. For more information, please call (251) 928-5295 and ask for Stephanie.

Thursday, January 20

Saturday, February 5

Tuesday, January 18

Bestselling Author Greg Mortenson Book Signing Author and Humanitarian Greg Mortenson will be at Fairhope United Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center, 155 S. Section Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to sign copies of his latest book, Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, www.stonesintoschools. com. Tickets to Mortenson’s signing event are $5; this includes admission to the event and can also go toward the purchase of Mortenson’s hardback or paperback copy of Stones for School. Tickets are available at Page & Palette, 32. S. Section Street or by calling (251) 928-5295.

Baldwin County Homebuilders Home & Product Show 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center. For more information call 928-9927.

Sunday, February 6

Baldwin County Homebuilders Home & Product Show 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center. For more information call 928-9927.

Looking Ahead...

Tuesday, January 25

Parent Meetings Featuring MSW, RSW Jennifer Kolari. The Baldwin County Public School System announces a series of parent meetings held during the week of January 10-14, featuring Mrs. Jennifer Kolari, a registered social worker and child and family therapist who has been helping children, teens, and families get connected for 20 years.

Mrs. Kolari is the author of the book Connected

Visit www.EasternShoreParents.com

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Chick-Fil-A Kids Night, Daphne location 5-7 p.m. Great activities for the whole family. Free 4-pack kids meal with adult meal purchase.

Parenting: Transform Your Challenging Child and Build Loving Bonds for Life. By showing parents how to model compassion, empathy, responsibility, and understanding, Connected Parenting allows parents to effectively set boundaries and correct behavior, while deepening the connection between the parent and his/her child. Parent meetings will be held from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (There will be an additional 30-minute Q & A session provided at the end of the meetings for parents who want to talk directly with Mrs. Kolari.) The schedule for the parent meetings is: Monday, January 10 Gulf Shores, Foley, and Robertsdale communities, Location: Elberta Civic Center; Tuesday, January 11 - Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope communities, Location: To be determined; Thursday, January 13, North Baldwin and Bay Minette communities, Location: Faulkner State Community College Auditorium. For those parents who are unable to attend any of these evening meetings, there will be another meeting held on Wednesday morning, January 12 from 10 a.m.- noon. This meeting will be held in the theater at Delta Five Rivers, located off the Causeway. For more information, contact Mrs. Patrice Harris, Intervention Supervisor for the Baldwin County Public School System, at 972-8525 or pharris@bcbe.org.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com by the 12th of the month. It’s FREE!

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Tron: Legacy

Yogi Bear

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: B Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Tron: Legacy PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language.

Unlike many sequels, the new Tron: Legacy asks viewers to try and recall plots points from a movie that released 28 years earlier. Huh? All I remember about seeing Tron in the summer of ‘82 was that it felt long and tedious, and it was my second date with the woman who is now my wife. It also seems Disney has done it’s best to make that earlier film disappear. A rare, sealed copy sells upward to $100 and more for the 2002 DVD edition on eBay. While the team of writers on this effort attempt to provide some clues to the back-story, the quantity of information still feels a little stingy. They begin by returning us to 1989 where Kevin Flynn (played by a digitally youth-enized Jeff Bridges) says goodbye to his 7-year-old son Sam (Owen Best) and rides off into a virtual world of his creation where he will become trapped for the next two decades.

Sam grows up (now played by Garrett Hedlund) to be the antithesis of his father. His disdain for technology is his motivation for launching sophisticated technological pranks on his father’s former company, which has morphed into a mega conglomerate. But when his father’s former business partner Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) gets a mysterious message asking Sam to return to his father’s abandoned arcade, the young man reluctantly accepts the request.

Entering the dusty den of electronic entertainment, he throws a few switches and lights up an old Tron videogame. Within minutes he discovers a secret passage that takes him to the land of virtual enchantment where he will reunite with his father and discover the conflict that has kept him captive for so long.

The original Tron is noted for its cutting edge use of computerized effects and first time feature director Joseph Kosinski has embraced this mantra completely. Everything in this world of darkness glows with neon-like details.

Characters zip around on lightcycles -- essentially a motorcycle created with beams of illumination -- and humanoids are outlined and accented with phosphorescent piping. It’s an art director and costume designer’s dream.

Unfortunately, as is often the case, the level of special effects in any given film is usually inversely proportional to the quality of the story. This rebooted Tron is still abstract without reason. Thankfully, my complaints have more to do with artistic matters than concerns parents may have about letting their kids see this film.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Yogi Bear PG for some mild rude humor.

Yogi Bear (voice by Dan Aykroyd) is no average ursidae. Living in picturesque Jellystone National Park with his little pal Boo Boo (voice by Justin Timberlake), the clever mammal prefers stealing lunch from unsuspecting park visitors rather than foraging in the forest for food. He lives in a cozy cave outfitted with human comforts including a pop vending machine that he confiscated from the ranger’s office.

But Jellystone’s Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) has had just about enough of Yogi’s picnic basket pinching. The park is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary and the thievery is keeping people from coming to the wilderness location. As a result the recreational area is losing money.

Unfortunately the nearby town’s mayor (Andrew Daly) is also dealing with a municipal deficit (largely because of his exorbitant spending practices).

While a town would never have charge of a national park, things appear to be different in this script. In order to encourage the electorate to vote for him in an upcoming gubernatorial run, Mayor Brown plans to sell off the logging rights for Jellystone and fill his city’s coffers with the funds.

Luckily for family viewing, this adaptation of the animated Hanna-Barbera television series is as good or better than the 1960’s cartoon. While many of the characters in this film are exaggerations (such as the corrupt politician and his fawning assistant played by Nathan Corddry), the stereotypes work because the script is as animated as the two main characters. Yogi still considers himself to be “smarter than the average bear” despite the fact that his plans frequently backfire or that his inflated sense of his own intelligence frequently put the pair in perilous situations. A wild trip through the river’s rapids and a precarious flight in a less-than-air-worthy craft results in moments of slapstick humor. The film also employs a pie-in-the-face routine and other typical gags from the original series. But the mishaps don’t stop this tie-wearing forest creature from trying to help Ranger Smith save the mountainous destination from deforestation.

Coming in at just 80 minutes runtime, the predictable plot with good quality 3D effects is short enough to hold the attention of most young viewers. And though a romance between the socially inept Ranger Smith and an equally awkward documentarian (Anna Faris) won’t be as engaging as the antics of the two bears, the characters in this forest adventure will keep most family audiences happily entertained.

What Parents need to know about Tron: Legacy...

What Parents need to know about Yogi Bear...

Violence: The movie contains frequent portrayals of slapstick humor. A character falls, is hit in the head with a sign, burns his foot on a hot item and is smashed in the face with a pie. It is implied that a man is hit with a large rock and later accidently staples his own finger to a post. A corrupt politician attempts to cover his misdeeds by lying to his citizens. A woman chokes a man with his necktie. Characters argue and experience moments of peril.

Sexual Content: Brief kissing and embracing is depicted.

Language: The script includes brief name-calling.

Other: The movie contains brief rude bathroom humor when an animal suggests urinating on another character. A bear attempts to eat a slug that crawls out of his nose.

Violence: Main characters are in frequent perilous situations. The movie contains almost continuous depictions of hand-to-hand battles (with and without weapons), racing high-tech vehicles and firing at various opponents which result in implied deaths, crashes, destructive explosion and characters disintegrating into digital rubble. Character loses a limb (no blood is seen).

Sexual Content: Characters wear tight, form-fitting costumes. Female outfits also reveal shoulders. Background characters at a nightclub are briefly seen cuddling together.

Language: Infrequent mild profanities are used.

Drugs and Alcohol: Characters drink alcoholic beverages in private homes and in a bar-like setting.

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

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Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

Eastern Shore Parents I January 2011

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Advertising: 251-929-2099