Greater Pensacola Parents December 2019 by KeepSharing

Make family meals more than a holiday tradition.

Reports show children who eat at least five times a week with their family are at lower risk of developing poor eating habits, weight problems or alcohol and substance dependencies, and tend to perform better in school than their friends who frequently eat alone or away from home.

For more health information, follow us on Twitter @HealthyEscambia

December2019 4

Volume 4 Number 10

Columns 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

24 Parenting, Media &

Therapeutic Parenting Find encouragement and a knowing that you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone on this hard road that is parenting.

Parenting the Video Game Fanatic

How to encourage other interests.

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Keep the Hush in Your Holiday Rush

Ways to stay relaxed all season!

Holiday Happenings Pensacola holiday parades, lights, musicals and more!

Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

Departments On The Cover Austin (10), Paxton (8), Josiah (6) and Kingston (3). Sons of Nathan and Naomi McIntosh. Proud grandparents are John and Wanda Roberts and Wayne and Linda McIntosh. Austin loves basketball and baseball. Paxton enjoys hiking and karate. Josiah loves to swim in the pool and play soccer. Kingston loves going to the beach and playing with Legos.

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 40

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

FromThePublisher

Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Some years my family celebrates Thanksgiving early. This was a solution we came up with so the whole family could be together on the year my siblings spent Thanksgiving with their in-laws. The years that we do celebrate early leaves me with a whole week to do whatever I need (and want) to accomplish without the worry of pre-Thanksgiving prep. Typically, I will work on some household projects and put up Christmas decorations. However, each year I do have hopes of accomplishing my “ideal” Thanksgiving day which looks something like this: A morning to sleep in a bit, a wonderful brunch while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, then an afternoon of holiday decorating finished up with homemade sugar cookies and a Christmas movie. Sounds crazy perfect, right? Well, I would not know because this ideal day has yet to happen. Last year nobody was really hungry for brunch so I watched the parade on the elliptical at the gym (which was probably a better idea anyway). Next, we scoured the paper for Black Friday deals with the girls. We talked about the Christmas decorations, but that was about it. Then, at some point, we naively thought it would be a good idea to check out the Thursday night sales. That ended up being more of a spectator sport for us. I definitely did not get any shopping done. My hat is off to those of you who did. That takes some patience, planning and skill! So the Thanksgiving holiday week came and went, and so did my perfect little plan. But that’s okay. I still was able to spend some fun, quality time with Brad and the kiddos. Thanksgiving day seems to be the perfect start to the Christmas season. Usually that leaves us about a month to plan, decorate, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday. But, with Thanksgiving being so late this year, I am feeling like I am already starting the holiday season behind schedule and not sure when I am going to fit all of this in. If your household is anything like mine, December is quickly filled with performances, exams, and other commitments, not to mention the decorating, cooking and other festivities. If I’m not careful, the busyness can quickly suck out all of the fun. If you too find yourself frazzled during the holidays, flip to page 30 where you will find 21 Ways To Keep The Hush In Your Holiday Rush, by Christina Katz. Hopefully by trimming out some of the more stressful to-dos you can make room for more of the things that will build fond holiday memories with your family. You will find an abundance of joyful holiday events in this year’s Holiday Happenings Guide on page 34. This guide is filled with many events perfect for creating memories with your loved ones. Parades, live nativities, light shows, concerts, ice skating, and yes, even snow are some of the exciting activities found in this year’s guide. Make sure you also flip over to the Family Calendar for even more December events. Whether you are out shopping ‘til you drop or just taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas, please do remember those in need who may be struggling financially or emotionally. Make it a family priority to give back this holiday season. It doesn’t matter if you have a million dollars to give or just a smile, you never know how a simple act of kindness may turn someone’s day around. May God bless you and your family with peace, love and joy this holiday season.

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Christina Katz Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222. Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola 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.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The Hard Road of Parenting I think there is some unspoken expectation that exists when you author a monthly parenting column. An expectation that the author’s own children will be positively delightful at all hours of the day, that the children spend their free time tutoring each other in Latin, and they work toward peace in the Middle East in their free time instead of playing video games. Well, let me just implode that perception for you right now. Just last week I had the (ahem) privilege of finding out that one of my precious darlings said something incredibly hurtful and ugly to another child. And it is hard. And it is frustrating. And it is maddening and embarrassing. I had ALL the feelings that day. It reminded me of a day a few years ago when I ran into a friend in a grocery store and, in the midst of friendly small talk and catching up, I asked her how her kids were and she immediately burst into ugly cry tears. Turns out, she was on her way to the school – the principal had just called and she had been holding it in trying to just get through the checkout line.

I tell you all of this to say – I get it. We all get it. Rarely does a parent walk this hard road of parenting and arrive at Destination Adulthood completely unscathed by something that happened with their child. Maybe it’s a teenager who crashed his car into an ambulance within the first six months of driving (personal true story), maybe it’s the middle schooler who skipped first period to go hang out with friends instead of doing Algebra (personal true story), maybe it’s the toddler that had to be carried out of the store kicking and screaming after breaking every last pickle jar in the aisle. Whatever it is we have all either been there – or we are headed there. So it is my encouragement to you, fellow parenting warriors, that we all realize our children are going to screw it up, they are going to get things wrong, they are going to do or say things they should not. And oddly, that’s ok. That’s the process of childhood. It is our role as their parents to love and lead and guide and disciple

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

and train and teach them in the way they should go. So often we think we should be “good enough” to prevent them from making mistakes in the first place, and I would encourage you to challenge that line of thinking. You are good enough. But predicting and mitigating every last mistake your kids are going to make before they happen is just unrealistic and tends to do little else than heap coals of shame and guilt upon our heads. So in the words of Taylor Swift, shake it off. Be available to your children, be their soft place to land in this world of hard, be thoughtful and intentional in your response to their mistakes, and always remember that you have a crowd of other parents cheering you on. And hey, if you have to cry in the middle of the grocery store, cry. They have a whole aisle of tissues just waiting for you. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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7th Annual Pensacola Lighthouse Museum Christmas Gala

Dec. 7 * 3-7:30 p.m. 2081 Radford Boulevard, NAS Pensacola. Free admission with holiday fun for the whole family. Meet and greet with Santa and his elves; free cookies and hot cocoa; Pensacola’s tallest Christmas light display; live performance by The Bue Anchor Belles. For more info, call (850) 393-1561 or visit www. pensacolalighthouse.org.

White Tie Rock Ensemble: A White Tie Christmas

December 6 * 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. A White Tie Christmas is an annual holiday concert series featuring music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis and other holiday classics! The Tied Up Quartet will add a classical touch as they recreate these timeless songs in the White Tie Sound tradition! Tickets start at $28. For tickets or more info, call (850) 5953880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Santa’s Puppy Party

December 14 * 1-3 p.m. Downtown Pensacola, 223 Palafox Place. Santa needs your help to find puppies a home for Christmas! Partnering with local animal shelters, Winterfest brings back our annual puppy party. Give your child an early Christmas gift this year by adopting one of these puppies in need of a home. For more info, call (850) 583-1365 or visit pensacolawinterfest.org/.

2019 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade

December 14 * 5:15 p.m. Downtown Pensacola at Spring & Garden Streets. Don’t miss this event that draws more than 50,000 people each year, including nearly 90 entries, and eight bands from Escambia County, New Orleans and Mississippi. The parade also features the Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region. Preceding the parade is the 1.2 mile Christmas parade dash, sponsored by the Pensacola Runners Association. All profits of the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade go to the local high school band booster organizations. For more info, visit www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org/.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker

December 20-22 * 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Follow the adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and embark on a journey through the Land of the Sweets with the guidance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Music by Pytor Tchaikovsky, with original choreography by Richard Steinert. Tickets start at $33. For more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

2019 Christmas ZOOBilee

December 14,15, 21 & 22 * 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze Zoo This daytime event is complete with live music, performances, contests, food, artists, pictures with Santa and a Candy Cane Market trail full of gifts, sights, smells and tastes of the season. Enjoy the entire zoo, plus artificial snow, winter-themed bounce stations and the perfect family photo opportunities for the whole family. All activities are included with regular daytime admission. For more info, visit https://www. gbzoo.com/events/ boo-at-the-zoo or call (850) 932-2229. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Pensacola’s Mardi Gras Kickoff Celebration

January 4 * 4 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. This is a FREE citywide event. Pensacola’s best Mardi Gras Krewes will have their floats and entire Krewes on Palafox and Government Streets, where the Krewes will be ceremoniously blessed and proclaimed ready to participate. Come out and join us for FREE King cake provided by Bluejay’s Bakery, and dance to a second line jazz band street performance. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/. 6

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Christmas Theatre for Families

Panhandle Community Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, written by Barbara Robinson and directed by Sylvia Love, December 5-8 and 12-15. In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history. For more info, call (850) 221-7599 or visit http://panhandlecommunitytheatre.com/. Pensacola Little Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street directed by Kathy Holsworth December 13-15 and 19-22. By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. At stake, the belief in Santa Claus. A family favorite during the holidays. For more info, call 850-432-2042 or visit http://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/. Shining Light Players present A Little Women Christmas December 13 and 14 at The Rex Theatre, 18 N Palafox, Pensacola. This is a delightful new Christmas play adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. $27 general admission, $22 students, seniors and military. For more info, call (850) 207-6877 or visit www. shininglightplayers.com/. Gulf Breeze High School presents Elf the Musical December 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pensacola State College Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Boulevard. For tickets, call (850) 484-1800 or visit https://lyceum.pensacolastate.edu/.

Holiday Parades

The Lighted Boat Parade is December 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. from Sabine Marina around the Santa Rosa Sound to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where it will dock by about 7:30 p.m. Directly following the boat parade, Santa will make his way to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Shell to greet children and a dazzling firework display will take place from the boardwalk at about 8 p.m. For those wanting to participate and compete in the Lighted Boat Parade, the deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m. Entry fee is $35 per boat. For details, call (850) 932-1500 or e-mail penbeach@visitpensacolabeach.com. The Surfing Santa Beach Parade is December 8 beginning at 2 p.m. See Santa Claus make his way down Via De Luna Drive atop a Pensacola Beach fire truck. Starting from Avenida 10, the parade will make its way toward Casino Beach and end at the Gulfside Pavilion, where kids will be able to meet and greet with Santa until 3 p.m. For those wanting to participate in the Surfing Santa Beach Parade, the deadline to register is Tuesday, December 3. Entry fee is $50. For details, call (850) 932-1500 or e-mail penbeach@visitpensacolabeach.com.

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Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Christmas on the Coast

Learn More About Chain Reaction for Teens

Enrollment in Chain Reaction is currently open for teens in grades nine through twelve. Chain Reaction is a Teen Leadership Institute that empowers teens to learn through service. Armed with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for impacting change, we empower teens to experiment, to grow and ultimately, to thrive. Here, they learn to create an impact beyond themselves. Chain Reaction provides service learning and leadership development opportunities to teens. At Chain Reaction, teens receive personal and real-world benefits in an environment that empowers life skills and sets them up for success. Teens earn service hours for competitive high school programs and the Bright Futures Scholarship as well as complete a Resume Learning Plan based on personal and Chain Reaction experience. Teens also build soft skills and leadership skills and gain work experience through service-based projects and internships. Membership costs $100 for the year with limited scholarships available upon request. Registration is easier than ever by going online to www.mychainreaction.org and clicking “Sign Up.” For more info, call (850) 471-4685 or e-mail info@mychainreaction.org.

December 13-15 Saenger Theatre Christmas on the Coast is a staple of Pensacola’s holiday season. This larger-than-life perennial spectacular is packed full of the best sounds of the season. Frequently nominated as one of the best annual events in town, this is the best way to kick off your December! For more info, visit https:// www.pensacolasings.org/ or call (850) 434-7760.

STEM SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORATION

SKIP THE LINE TO SANTA Book your Holiday photo with Santa in advance!

DEC. 14 • 9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Students will learn all about space with December’s STEM Saturday event. Elementary students will explore basic rocketry, the solar system and vacuums. Middle school students will have the opportunity to learn about rocket recovery and solar energy then fly a legend of aviation: the SR-71 Blackbird.

TO REGISTER:

To reserve your FastPass, visit simonsanta.com

Visit https://tinyurl.com/y422juyv to register by December 9, 2019. Registration is $30 per child with lunch provided. Open to 3rd – 8th grade students. 877-552-3632 | | NationalFlightAcademy.com | 1 Fetterman Way | NAS Pensacola, FL 32508 The National Flight Academy, a program of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Inc., is authorized, but not endorsed by the US Navy or US Government.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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Take a Plunge with the Penguins and Polar Bears on New Year’s Day!

Penguin Plunge ‘n Paddle: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Juana’s Pagodas, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre Beach. Brave the waters as you dash from the beach at Juana’s Pagodas into the Santa Rosa Sound with other courageous people to raise money for kids. Last year Penguin Plunge n’ Paddle raised $8,000 for the Santa Rosa Kids’ House and Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. For more info, visit www.juanaspagodas.com/PenguinPlunge.htm. Polar Bear Dip: Noon-3 p.m. Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola. This popular, annual splash in the Gulf of Mexico is followed by a southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Great laughs, good music and fun for the whole family! For more info, call (850) 492-6838 or visit www.florabama.com/. Polar Bear Plunge: 2 p.m. Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound. Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume – flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 cash per person. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt or a $10 registration donation to participate without the t-shirt and $5 Cub Club for ages fifth grade and under. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Pensacola New Year’s Eve Events

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Celebrate the New Year! at Pensacola Saenger Theatre 7 p.m. on December 31. Featuring Peter Rubardt, conductor, and Ian Parker, piano, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra plays light classics and timeless music like George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Tickets begin at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. New Year’s Eve Fireworks will start at midnight at Santa Rosa Island Authority, 1 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola. Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies for free fireworks. Displays will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For more info, call (850) 9322257 or visit https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happeningcalendar./

Explore together HistoricPensacola.org 9

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Blessed Star Enjoys Interactive Geography

Autauga County Schools

These four students from Blessed Star Montessori took their geography project to the next level by completing this puzzle to see where everything was on the map in relation to each other. They had so much fun working together and became motivated to learn more about our country, along with the rest of the world.

West Pensacola Teacher Receives Foundation Grant

West Pensacola Elementary teacher Ms. Vinson was over-the-moon delighted to be awarded a grant from Escambia County Public Schools Foundation to facilitate the creation of a sensory garden and labyrinth at her school.

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Ages Birth to 5

Locations in Pace and Pensacola

850.292.0519

www.bythebay.kindermusik.com kmbythebay@gmail.com Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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Firefighters Visit St. Paul

Firefighters from Station 3 brought their gear and fire truck to St. Paul Catholic School for a visit! Our special guests gave a demonstration of how quickly they can put on their gear and talked to the kids about how firefighters might look scary, but they are just trying to help. The kids loved getting right up close to the firemen and checking out the gear for themselves.

Aletheia Christian Academy Makes Pensacola SHINE!

The students of Aletheia Christian Academy held their annual Project SHINE event in November. SHINE gives all students the chance to partner and serve in local churches and non-profits such as RMH, Waterfront Rescue Mission, Florida Baptist Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home and many others. During this event, students helped paint a house, served food to the homeless, cleaned, organized and made care packages for area children in need. This event is also a fall schoolwide fundraiser with all proceeds going to improve the safety and quality of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground. Aletheia appreciates the opportunity to serve and help make a difference in the Pensacola community.

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Autauga County Schools

Two Local Football Teams Create Play of a Lifetime

East Hill Christian Holds Book Fair

The students at East Hill Christian School enjoyed an “Arctic Adventure” book fair. There were many opportunities for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to come in and peruse the aisles with their student to find that perfect book to read together.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

2019 School Choice Expo and VIP Reception

School Choice Expo, a seven-year-old annual event, was held October 29 to give students and their families a chance to visit with instructors and students from the majority of the Escambia County School District middle and high school workforce Education Career Academies. This year we added a reception for business partners and other members of the community before the event, to thank them for their support of our schools, and then they were invited to explore and visit with students and instructors! Organizers were worried that bad weather might scare some people away, but attendance was high—and hopefully, attendees left with a plan for which programs to apply for on the application for the 2020-2019 school year. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

A simple act of kindness secretly organized by two teams at a youth football game gave a Gulf Breeze middle school student and team manager who is disabled a moment he, his family and fans will never forget. Turner Small was born four weeks premature with a brain bleed, which damaged the left side of his brain. His dad compares the long-term effects to those experienced after a stroke. Small has difficulty using the left side of his body and was unable to walk until he was 5 years old. The secret play took place at the middle school homecoming game when the U14 Gulf Breeze Juniors played the A&G Rattlers from Pensacola, who were more than happy to participate in the golden moment for Small. For weeks before the game, the team schemed to plan the secret play honoring Small, who is also their team manager. “The boys came to me fairly early on in the season asking if Turner could suit up and get a touchdown,” said U14 Juniors Head Coach Brian Batte. “I loved the idea and we got to work on a plan.” Coach Batte met Turner in the spring while coaching baseball for the newly created Miracle League in Tiger Point. “Turner would hang around the football field during practice and often mentioned how much he wanted to be able to play football but knew he couldn’t,” Batte added. “So I asked him if he wanted to be our team manager.” Small happily agreed and came to every practice this season. When the coaches passed out jerseys, he was handed #00. He also was given a coach’s hat. That’s when he decided he wanted to take a more active role on the team. Small called a few plays during practice, broke down the team after practices and was given a whistle to use on the field. Soon the kids referred to him as “Coach Turner” and would not allow anyone to call him anything else. “Turner instantly was embraced by the team,” team mom Kathy Batte said. “At first some of the boys were cautious around him and unsure how to act, but that didn’t last long. Turner truly is their friend, not just their special friend but actual friend.” Batte worked with Gulf Breeze Youth Football Commissioner Aaron Hayek to develop Small’s big play. “I was thrilled at the idea and started making calls to other teams to see if we could pull it off,” Hayek said. A&G Rattlers from Pensacola coached by Anthony Caldwell jumped at the chance to help orchestrate the run. Many of the spectators had no idea what was happening as the team bypassed the starting kickoff and began play on the 30-yard line. All they saw was a rush of kids huddled together who were protecting their middleman, #00 Turner Small, who was carrying the ball. A&G players dove and purposely missed Small as he slashed his way to the goal line to score his very first touchdown. When asked how it felt to score, Small only said one word with a big smile— “Awesome!” Small is not the only one changed from this experience. The handshakes, high fives, hugs and pats on the helmet from both teams showed how powerful this moment was. “It was beautiful how one little football play can impact an entire community and make two football rivals work together for a greater purpose,” Coach Batte said. “This simple act of kindness just might make that run the most successful play of all time.” 12

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O s th F o to R o a C c

EDS Fall Sports Celebrate Big Victories

Episcopal Day School’s fall athletics teams celebrate multiple wins after their amazing season. The sixth- through eighth-grade tackle football team, which partners with the Little Flower Catholic School Cardinals, won their “Friday Night Lights” championship game against Lighthouse Christian Academy. Their victory would not have been possible without the support of the cheerleading squad each and every Saturday. The following day, EDS’s 3rd/4th grade flag football team, 1st/2nd grade flag football team, and the 6th-8th grade silver bracket girls’ volleyball team all brought home the ‘W’ for their family, friends and fans.

Redeemer Supports Cancer Research

On Halloween, Redeemer Lutheran students wore red and walked to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For the month of October, all chapel offerings and fundraiser proceeds went toward supporting blood cancer research. Redeemer students and staff were honored to walk alongside Enga McLendon, a leukemia survivor and retired Escambia County teacher. “When Crusaders walk, cancer runs!”

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STEAM Night for Dixon

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Autauga County Schools

Dixon School of Arts and Sciences students recently participated in a STEAM logo competition. First-place winner was 7th-grader Zanaya Chase, second-place winner was 8th-grader Anthony Kitchen and honorable mention was 6th-grader Ava Salvidar. A big thanks to our sponsor Office Depot for providing a prize donation and Dixon School art director Dr. Liza Puzon for providing certificates of recognition for all of the participants and her help with this project. The STEAM Night event will take place on April 2, 2020. If you are interested in contributing through either donations or sponsorship, please e-mail ehazbun@yahoo.com.

Little Flower Cardinals Go Pink for Breast Cancer

Little Flower Catholic School showed support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by coming to school dressed in ALL PINK!

Please email news and photos to editor@ greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month!

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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MSP Runs for Funds

Montessori School of Pensacola students were running for fun and for funds in the annual MSP Minithon runs. Students collect pledges per lap or as a lump sum and funds earned go to classroom purchases and to the school’s PTO (parent-teacher organization). The PTO provides funding for field trips, computers, playground equipment, and more. Families cheer on the runners and help count laps. All MSP students take part (even the youngest toddlers). Each run is followed by a classroom potluck feast. In the 40-plus years of operation, it is also a tradition for each student and staff member to get a free tie-dye T-shirt commemorating that year’s run. Community member sponsors make the Minithon runs possible.

East Hill Fifth-Graders Take Symphony Field Trip

The fifth grade class of East Hill Christian School was able to see the Pensacola Symphony at the Saenger Theater in downtown Pensacola. The students enjoyed a variety of music by composers such as Duke Ellington (jazz), Mason Bates (modern), Calvin Custer (bluegrass) and John Williams (movies) performed by Pensacola’s Symphony Orchestra! The students were also excited to see their principal, Mr. Witter, playing the violin for the symphony.

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E P ti s T ta n n o y

Autauga County Schools

ASL Focused Author Visits Montessori School of Pensacola

Montessori School of Pensacola Montessori Drive campus was visited by author Kentrell Martin, who is the president and creator of the “Shelly’s Adventures” series. He’s also an author of many of the books in the series. Growing up with a deaf brother, Martin saw how the world viewed deaf people. He created Shelly’s Adventures so that he could introduce kids and parents to American Sign Language and deaf culture. Martin sees Shelly’s Adventures as a company that will play a part in helping bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing world. He envision Shelly’s Adventures as a company that will be a household name. MSP students start ASL instruction at a young age and integrate sign language into all of their school performances. Students were inspired by Martin and his mission to spread information about signing to others.

St. Paul Class Partners

St. Paul Catholic School encourages students to develop friendships across grades. To foster this, we paired up classes so younger students shared in an activity with older students! Each pair of teachers collaborated to create a fun activity for the kids to do together. This is something we have done in the past and are looking forward to doing several times throughout the year.

BTW Celebrates National Day of Writing

Redeemer Lutheran Takes Gold in Flag Football

Redeemer Lutheran Crusaders’ 5th and 6th grade flag football team took first place in the “CYSL Flag Football Championship” on November 2. Way to go, Crusaders!

Booker T. Washington High School is writing up a storm. Students participated in various activities for National Day of Writing in the Innovation Center with lots of style and flair that demonstrated all of the reasons why we write. AP teachers and their students did an excellent job.

Blessed Star Takes Fun Seriously

Blessed Star Montessori children are shown taking a little break from studies with Fun Friday. This particular Fun Friday was the day after Halloween, so students were invited to come to school in their choice of pajamas or costume. After a quick spelling test, their day of fun included a donut eating costume, tug of war, Just Dance, pizza, and other little games. Everyone needs a break sometimes! Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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EDS Starts New Fall Tradition

Episcopal Day School and Christ Church Parish partnered together for the first time this year to host a spooky, silly and safe Trunk or Treat event for all ages. This community-wide Halloween spectacular was a huge success. There were no tricksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just treats and smiles from the nearly 100 children in attendance. The only scary part was knowing that there is a year-long wait until the next one!

East Hill Performs The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

East Hill Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater department held a dessert theater during a performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It was a great evening of entertainment and fellowship. The East Hill family looks forward to the annual dessert theater and the spring drama productions.

Please email news and photos to editor@ greaterpensacolaparents.com by the 12th of each month!

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Superintendent Community Forums

The Escambia County School Board invites the community to participate in community forums to voice their feelings about the type of person the Board should be looking for to serve as the next Escambia County Schools superintendent. Citizens are welcome to attend either or both of the remaining forums: January 7, 2020, from 6-7 p.m., Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. January 9, 2020, from 6-7 p.m., Tate High School Cafeteria, 1771 Tate Road, Cantonment. The timeline for the Appointed Superintendent Search is available to the public and can be found by visiting the ECSD homepage, ecsd.fl.schoolloop.com.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Autauga County Schools

Beulah Class Writes Stories Inspired by Book

Ms. Aikenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second-grade class at Beulah Elementary School wrote their own crayon quilt stories after a mystery reader read the book The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt to the class. Each child was encouraged to make up his own crayon or story of why a crayon would be upset just like in the story. The class was so creative that the parent of Lana Fernandez has collected all of the letters and will be mailing them to the author, Drew Daywalt, in hopes that he will respond back to the class. This is a great example of how children, teachers and families can continue the engagement of a story even after itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been read.

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St. John School Hosts Chili Cookoff

St. John School hosted a Chili Cookoff during the Snow Much to Read Book Fair. There were amazing chilis to try and vote for made by teachers and school parents. Anyone who bought a book at the book fair got an extra vote!

Pensacola High Cross Country Team Advances to State

History was made when the Pensacola High School boys’ cross country team advanced to the State Championship.

Creative Learning Academy Honors our Military

Each year CLA invites a parent who is active, deployed, or retired military to share their life story with our students. This year Major Jack Glojek of the U.S. Air Force, Special Tactics came to explain what he does as an airman on the ground. Major Glojek shared videos of him jumping from planes and how the Special Tactics work to assess airstrips for landing planes. Students learned how Special Tactics Teams work hard to be combat controllers and do personnel recovery missions. CLA students enjoy learning from these real life experiences and are thankful to be interacting with our heroic parents.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF PENSACOLA CREATING LIFELONG LEARNERS SINCE 1977 MSP Entry Level & Preschool Programs Offer:

• Daily Playime • Montessori certified teachers that are caring and experienced • Age appropriate and stimulating environment • Low student-teacher ratios • Spanish, Sign Language, Art, Music & More! 850.469.8138 • www.montessoripensacola.com Accredited by AMS, AdvancED, & NCPSA 19

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Autauga County Schools

St. Paul Catholic Ends Season with Pep Rally

St. Paul Catholic School football, volleyball and flag football teams ended their seasons with a Spartan Pride pep rally!

Little Flower Veterans’ Day Breakfast

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In honor of Veterans’ Day, Little Flower Catholic School seventh-graders invited veterans from the community to come have breakfast at the school. The morning was spent talking and learning about their military experiences and honoring their service.

Creative Learning Academy’s Greek Symposium

EDS Competes in BEST Robotics Contest

Sixth-graders at Creative Learning Academy read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, an American fantasy-adventure novel based on Greek mythology. After reading the novel, each student researched a Greek god/goddess and wrote a research paper about them and the myths they were a part of in mythology. “The students and I agree we could never dig deep enough into Greek mythology,” said sixth-grade teacher Ms. Russell. The students also created a monologue, dressed up like their god/goddess and presented their speeches during a symposium with their parents. Afterwards, they enjoyed some Greek food, which is the highlight of any symposium! “It’s been a great adventure both reading and researching the Greek god and goddesses,” said one student.

The Episcopal Day School Robojags made the BEST out of every second of their time at the 2019 Emerald Coast BEST Robotics competition. They didn’t take home the big prize, but their fans in the stands couldn’t have been prouder (or louder) cheering them on as they competed in EVERY category against teams from across the panhandle, including high schools. While building a robot to combat real-world problems that affect our community, they also built confidence and public speaking skills as they prepped for marketing and sales presentations. With support from Instructional Technology Coordinator Mrs. Fluegge, and many parent and staff volunteers, this team gets stronger and stronger with every competition. They’re ready for 2020! Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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Redeemer Lutheran Takes Field Trip to Exploreum

On a rainy “Day-Before-Halloween,” a class of 8th-graders from Redeemer Lutheran School ventured into the Exploreum Museum in Mobile to test their own “fear factors.” This field trip through the “FEARS!” exhibit was their culminating activity for a literature unit that included various reading selections on the same theme. They also were given the opportunity to learn about forensic science in a hands-on lab.

Escambia County Announces Top Ten Teachers of the Year

Escambia County School District recently announced its Top Ten Teachers of the Year: Kadee Barnett, Beulah Elementary; Jacqueline Chabot, Montclair Elementary; Mary Kate Griffith, Booker T. Washington High; Maureen Harden, Bailey Middle; Marlena Lewis, Warrington Middle; Michelle Lingo, Bellview Middle; Cheyenna Novotny, West Florida High; David Vaughn, Navy Point Elementary; Jodi Woods, Ransom Middle; and Tamika Wyrick, Sherwood Elementary.

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Blessed Star Learns Hands-On Counting

Autauga County Schools

Blessed Star Montessori School’s headmistress gave a lesson on the number rods, which gives students a hands-on experience to help learn the variation of numbers in terms of size. Using this tool is one of the first steps in learning addition and subtraction. For the older students, this technique is also used to help visualize three dimensions, such as length, width and height. Many students are said to learn better if they can use hands-on materials,which is a huge part of Montessori teaching.

Scientists from University of Florida Visit Lincoln Park

If scientists had visited your classroom and shared with you how they discovered their love for bones or rocks or research... maybe YOU would be a scientist today! That’s the idea behind University of Florida’s Scientist in Every Florida School program. The engagement at Lincoln Park Elementary recently was a wonderful thing to watch!

St. John 6th Grade Attends Retreat

Physics in Action @ MSP

St. John School 6th-grade students spent a day on retreat, taking some time to be with God and one another. The theme of the day was friendship. Led by teachers Molly Kane and Abigail Jones, students worked individually and in small groups to reflect upon what God intends for friendships, how Jesus is a friend to each of us, and how we can make the most of our friendships. It was a wonderful day to pray, laugh and learn together!

OJ Semmes Class Rewarded for Attendance The best thing you can do when you want to learn something new is SHOW UP! If you stay away you can’t hear something new, try something new or conquer something new! Great job, OJ Semmes Elementary kids—and thank your families, please! Second grade earned a popcorn and movie party for having the highest attendance during October!

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Montessori School of Pensacola Upper Elementary students enjoyed handson group and individual science exploration of simple machines. Simple machines are devices with no, or very few, moving parts that make work easier. Students created different simple machine devices and then tested them and recorded their observations. Throughout history, humans have developed several devices to make work easier. The most notable of these are known as the “six simple machines”: the wheel and axle, the lever, the inclined plane, the pulley, the screw and the wedge, although the latter three are actually just extensions or combinations of the first three. Students have been studying the properties of physics in relation to these simple machines: transferring a force from one place to another, changing the direction of a force, increasing the magnitude of a force, or increasing the distance or speed of a force.

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Christkindlmarkt Friday, December 6th 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Join us for an evening of food, music, and Christmas shopping!

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6495 Lillian Hwy | Pensacola, FL 32506 (850) 455-4851 23

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5 Myths and Truths About Kids’ Internet Safety

Myth: Social media alienates kids. Truth: Most kids say social media strengthens their relationships. Most kids want to have fun, hang out, and socialize normally online -- and in fact, according to our research, that’s what the majority is doing. Check out these comforting stats: • Most teens say social media has a positive effect on them. • Social media is an important avenue of creative expression. • The quality of kids’ online relationships has a big impact on their well-being.

If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cybercorner. Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there’s a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a “technopanic mindset” that worries parents unnecessarily. The bottom line is that we can’t keep our kids safe if we don’t know the facts. Here are the five most popular myths about Internet safety -- and the truths that can set your worries free.

Myth: It’s dangerous to post pictures of your kids online. Truth: If you use privacy settings, limit your audience, and don’t ID your kids, it can be done fairly safely. Although it’s true that posting anything online invites some risks, there are ways to limit them if you’re smart about how you do it. Use privacy settings. Make sure your privacy settings are set so only the closest people in your network can view your posts. Limit your audience. Only share posts with close family and friends. Or use photo-sharing sites such as Google Photos that require a log-in to see pics. Don’t rush your kids into social media. Obey the rules about keeping kids under 13 off social media. Once your kids have an online profile, they can be tagged in photos, which magnifies their online presence. If you’re going to upload photos of them, don’t identify them and don’t tag them -- that way the photo can’t be traced back to them.

Myth: Social media turns kids into cyberbullies. Truth: There are many reasons why a kid might cyberbully, and social media is just a convenient way to do the dirty work. The reality is that kids who engage in this behavior typically have something else going on that compels them to act out. They might be in crisis -- at home, at school, or otherwise socially. They may also be bullying in person, or they may have an underdeveloped sense of empathy. Awareness of a cyberbully’s circumstances -- though not excusing the behavior -- can help parents and educators recognize the warning signs and potentially intervene before it goes too far. Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online. Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances. In today’s world, where kids as young as 8 are interacting with people online, they need to know the boundary between appropriate and inappropriate conversation. Kids are often pressured by their own friends to talk about sex, so they need to know it’s OK to tell peers to back off. Go beyond “stranger danger” and teach them what kind of questions are not OK (for example, not OK: “Are you a boy or a girl?”; “Where do you live?”; “What are you wearing?”; “Do you want to have a private conversation?”). Also, teach kids to not go looking for thrills online. Risky online relationships more frequently evolve in chat rooms when teens willingly seek out or engage in sexual conversation. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Myth: Parental controls are the best way to monitor my kids’ online activities. Truth: Focusing on only one Internet safety method lulls you into a false sense of security. To keep your kids safe online -- and to raise them to be responsible, respectful digital citizens -- it takes more than installing parental controls. For starters, parental controls can be defeated by determined kids. They also often catch too much in their filters, rendering any Internet search useless, and they set up a “parent vs. kid” dynamic that could backfire. By all means, use parental controls to help prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material and to manage time limits. But don’t think they get you off the hook. Continue to discuss responsible, respectful online behavior, set rules and consequences for misbehavior, and train your kid to manage his or her own usage. 24

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“It’s time for karate class,” I said to my 13-year-old son. “Do I have to go?” “Yes.” This has been a common exchange between us for a variety of activities over the past 10 years. He has tried everything from baseball to cooking class—yet nothing holds his interest as much as video games. Every now and then I wonder if it is worth investing money and time into classes or sports he doesn’t want to participate in. But if I hold off on signing him up for things, he does nothing except play video games until we try something new again. It’s a never-ending cycle.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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Are Video Games Healthy?

My son is not an anomaly. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of teens— and 84% of teen boys—play video games. There is a lot of conflicting information about video game use, so it can be hard for parents to know what to allow. It’s screen time, of course, but video gaming is often also a social activity played together with friends either in the same room or online. And if it’s a popular pastime among a teen’s peer group, some parents may be inclined to let them play for an unlimited amount of time with their friends. Playing video games can have positive benefits, says Dr. Larry D. Rosen, a professor at California State University and author of The Distracted Mind. Gaming “can offer some skill-building, including reaction time, executive functioning, and strategic thinking,” says Rosen. He cautions, though, that “playing video games can be very addictive and create problematic thinking, including desensitization to violence.”

Video Game Obsession?

Rosen recommends that video game play should be limited since research shows physiological arousal increases when playing—and kids need breaks from that. He suggests limiting gaming for teens to 60-90 minutes at a time, even if parents decide to allow more total time daily. Maria Sanders, a licensed social worker, and certified parent coach, also recommends creating clear boundaries with your teen regarding when and how long they are allowed to play. She says an example of boundaries might be letting teens choose to play an hour of video games either before or after completing homework. She encourages parents to learn more about their teen’s interest in video games. Sit down and play the games with them. “The child will see that you have an interest in what they are doing,” she says, “and you will learn about why they are so attracted to the game.”

Encouraging Other Activities

Teens should live “balanced lives and not live solely in the video game,” says Sanders. But if your teen doesn’t express interest in anything else, it may be difficult to figure out which activity or sport to encourage. Sanders suggests asking your teen about the type of video games they like to play. Then you might be able to figure out an activity that uses similar skills or gameplay. An avid Fortnite player, for example, might enjoy a laser tag league. Parents should avoid simply announcing which activities their teen must do. Rosen stresses the importance of including

the child in the decision-making process. With your child’s input, create a list of the types of activities they could do at home during unstructured times or when they feel bored. Similarly, involving your child in discussions about organized extracurriculars will prevent them from feeling forced into participating in certain activities.

Stay Positive About Video Games

Often parents make comments like “video games are a waste of time” or “video games are unhealthy” in an effort to decrease video game use. Rosen says this almost always backfires. Instead, parents could reward the child for responsible behavior. For example, when a child demonstrates that they can stop playing on their own without parent badgering, parents might loosen strict time limits on screen time. Instead of making negative statements, Sanders says, “The best thing a parent can do is guide their child down a path of self-reflection. Asking questions like, I notice you seem pretty tired after playing video games. How are you feeling? will help your child figure out their own beliefs about video game use.” Parent negativity can make a teen feel as if they are being judged and misunderstood. Focus on their strengths while playing a video game—perhaps, for instance, their ability to help a friend get to another level. A parent should notice that ability and point out how it might connect to reallife situations. Next step: Parents can help them get out there and do just that.

When to Worry

Video game addiction is not yet a disorder recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. The World Health Organization, however, recently recognized the existence of “gaming disorder” for the first time. Some signs parents should look for are: • Isolating behavior or ignoring family and friends • Sneaking video game play at night or at friends’ houses • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns • Decline in academic performance or not doing homework • A need to continue playing video games beyond a time limit • An interest only in playing video games, at the expense of other activities • Always thinking about video games If you are concerned about your teen, you can contact a mental health professional to discuss counseling options. GPP Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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A Page in a Book Rolling Up With Books on Bikes Learning to cycle is a big milestone for many kids. They’ve spent their earliest years in parent-powered prams, carriages and strollers. Learning to power their own motion on a tricycle, pedal car or bike is a big step toward their growing autonomy and independence. And cycling comes with physical benefits that improve muscular, bones and cardiovascular development. As with mastering any challenge, the biggest payoff that comes with learning to cycle is the tangible demonstration of commitment to a task producing real, lifelong rewards. The sense of achievement and confidence kids experience the first time they cycle away on their own is unmatched. The following titles celebrate bikes and cycling as they prepare young readers for their rolling journey forward.

Cycle City

by Alison Farrell (Chronicle Books) Etta has come to Cycle City just in time for the Starlight Parade, an event where every kind of pedalpowered conveyance takes to the street in a celebration of cycles. As the runup to the parade evolves, everyone is looking for someone or something in preparation for the evening excitement. Every page is filled with detailed drawings, populated with animals navigating the city on a vast variety of wheels. From tandem bikes to pedicabs, from velocipedes to penny farthings, a wide world of cycles is on display as the text prompts readers to find specific cyclists in the mix. With endpapers that feature every kind of cycle, labeled with names and description, Cycle City offers an engaging exploration of bike culture that mirrors the variety of wheels on streets and trails worldwide.

The Little Pig, The Bicycle and the Moon

by Pierrette Dube, Illustrated by Orbie (Margaret K. McElderry / Simon & Schuster) Content with a pig’s life in the mud, Rosie is doing fine on the farm until she sees a boy on a bike. Captured by this marvel of moving independence, Rosie exclaims her intention to ride a bicycle and to see the wider world along the way. But learning to ride a bike takes work and commitment. With the support of a few farmyard friends, Rosie gears up with improvised safety wear as she mounts up again and again on her mission to ride a bike. Under the light of the moon, she’s pushed and pulled by supportive friends. Every evening, she falls and she crashes. But, most importantly, Rosie gets up and keeps going. Offering humorous encouragement to aspiring cyclists, this title is a sweet celebration of the freedom and frontiers ahead for new bike riders.

Bikes for Sale

by Carter Higgins, Illustrated by Zachariah OHora (Chronicle Books) Maurice has the perfect bike for selling lemonade. With bright yellow paint and a box for his signature drinks, he spends his days making bright refreshments, pedaling and peddling them around town. Etta has the perfect bike for trundling into the woods and thickets where she collects sticks to redistribute among friends. When Etta and Maurice each experience a crash that breaks their bikes, they find their routines disrupted and with no means to go forward in the same way. But when a bike shop finds their broken cycles and uses the parts to create something new, Maurice and Etta’s separate journeys combine as they find the perfect blend of biking together, and find a friendship rooted in their shared passion for cycling. A lovely paean to salvaging things that work and finding solutions, Bikes for Sale pays off with charming vision for forwardthinking readers. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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Emotions, Basics and Change Q.

I’ve gotten out of debt before following your plan, but I always seem to fall right back in. I find myself spending more than I mean to whenever I go out shopping or running errands. I’m tired of all this, and I want to stop busting my budget and get control of my money once and for all. Do you have any advice?

A. Years ago, when I lost everything financially, there were two or three extremely strong emotions that spurred me toward change. Probably the biggest emotion was fear. I was scared to death I’d be broke for the rest of my life, and not be able to take care of my family. Don’t misunderstand me, though. I don’t think you should ever live your life in fear. But a reasonable, healthy level of fear where some things are concerned can be a fantastic motivator.

Another emotion was disgust. I realized the way I had been living and handling money was stupid. So, I made a proactive, conscious decision that I was going to change, and things were going to be different. The third emotion was contentment. You know, advertisers try to make us believe our lives will be better, and we’ll be happier, if we just go out and buy their stuff. I can tell you from personal experience when this idea is crammed down your throat every day, it can warp your perception of contentment and happiness. Lots of stuff does not equal lots of happiness.

If you’ve tried several times, and are still falling back into the same old trap, maybe you should approach your situation in a practical, day-to-day way. Stop going places where you’re tempted to spend money on silly things. When you go out running errands and shopping, make a list of only the bare necessities, and take along just enough cash to pay for them. Spending money on a bunch of stuff you don’t need, and probably don’t even really want, isn’t going to bring you contentment. It’s just going to bust your budget, and put you in a financial hole that will, sooner or later, become very difficult—if not impossible—to dig your way out of!

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Are you excited about the holidays, but dreading the end-of-year rush? If so, you are not alone. Most parents approach the season with equal parts excitement and trepidation, which can lead to difficulties with decision-making from moment to moment. That’s why I’ve created this list of twenty-one reminders to help you preserve your family’s good cheer all the way through the most wonderful time of the year. 1. Go For Good Enough. If you have an idea in your mind of the “perfect” holiday, you may to be disappointed when your imperfect brood can’t uphold your image. Aim for “good enough” instead. You’ll smile more if you can let unimportant things-like slightly burnt cookies, lights that won’t blink in unison, and late holiday cards-slide.

2. Just Hit Delete. If you think your holiday schedule is grossly overloaded, call a family meeting and vote on what to scratch off your joint to-do list. Decide what you don’t want to do, first. Then decide what matters most to each family member. A one-gift-per-family-member tradition might be a sanity-saving plan that sticks. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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3. Call In Fresh Recruits. Even if you don’t normally hire a housecleaner, you probably could use some help now. Why not call in a cleaning service in midDecember and in mid-January to bookend the holidays, even if you don’t use one the rest of the year? Consider it a holiday present to yourself.

4. Hum Your Favorite Tunes. Haul out your seasonal music early before you tire of the omnipresent muzak that is sure to come. Load up your smart phone or iPod and carry headphones in your purse to jolly things up when you are ticking chores and errands off your to-do list. If your old faves are getting overplayed, jazz up your playlist with some fresh downloads or albums. 5. Shop The Plan. First, the plan: write down the names of everyone you truly want to give to and what you think they would like. Then, the shop: keep the list in your wallet to jog your memory when hunting down a gift each person you cherish. For store shopping, pay cash, so you won’t overspend. For online shopping, search for coupons before ordering and act early for cheaper shipping.

6. Sip Your Way To Heaven. When you are having a hectic day, take a timeout. Warm up or buy an extra-hot cup of Chai tea with a spritz of whipped cream on top. The spices will put you back in touch with your senses and the warmth will spread through your belly and soothe your frazzled cheer.

9. Bring Mother Nature Inside. Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, twigs, and poinsettias all remind us that there is life hibernating underneath that blanket of snow or wicked frost. Gather reminders of the season from your backyard or local garden shop and decorate the front hall,

7. Get Bazaar. Take the whole family to a local holiday craft bazaar. Look for gifts for teachers and other folks who enrich your family life. Give each child a spending limit and enjoy interacting with the vendors. Plan to spend a couple of hours browsing, so you can soak up all the creative energy.

8. Take Thirty. Line up winter reads from the library or download them onto your e-reader. Encourage the whole family to take 30 minutes a day to relax and read. Collections of short stories or essays are good choices for moms with very young or multiple children. This is a great way for everyone to decompress after a busy day.

mantle, and stairway. Remember: simple is as merry as ornate.

10. Huggy Holidays. Use “Happy Holidays!” as an excuse to hug your loved ones often. Every time you feel stressed, hug or get hugged. Your holiday stress will melt away.

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11. Stay Healthy. Put holiday-scent-

15. Question Tradition. Traditions are

ed soaps by every sink and encourage plenty of hand washing. Install a bottle of hand-sanitizer next to every box of tissues. Chase every “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on cold medicines, just in case, to avoid midnight trips to the market.)

wonderful, but let’s face it, sometimes even the fondest can become tired. So, if you don’t feel like tromping around all afternoon hunting for the most splendiferous evergreen on the tree farm or frying the most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre-cut tree at your local grocery store or pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use saved time to enjoy tree trimming or dreidel playing instead.

12. Lighten Up. Twinkling lights create a comforting mood. Don’t limit shimmery lights to the tree and outdoor eves. If it sounds fun, bring some solace into the kid’s bedrooms as well as yours.

13. Take A Deep Breath. Bring some uplifting scents into your cleaning routine. Check out the Mrs. Meyers brand of earthfriendly cleaning supplies. Your home and laundry will smell winter-wonderful.

14. Enjoy Spreading Cheer. Save the annual holiday letter composing and Christmas card address labeling for when you can carve out time to relax and enjoy the process. And don’t try to do it all yourself. Break the job down into steps and enlist the whole family. Remember: taking everything on without helpers is naughty, not nice.

16. Create Classic Memories. Play hooky from holiday prep for the day and go ice-skating or play in the cold with your kids. Drink hot chocolate. Take lots of family photos. Build a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins.

17. Save It For A Heatwave. If you are really feeling a time crunch, don’t donate time to help the less fortunate during holiday time. Give time later during a less hectic time of year. There are people in need throughout every season, after all.

one in your brood has warm tootsies as the mercury plunges.

19. Hit The Hay Harder. There’s less light during the winter. Take advantage of it and put the kids to bed an hour earlier than normal. There’s the extra hour you need to keep some hustle in your holiday muscle or at least wrap some presents without interruption.

20. Pop Plenty Of Corn. Line up holiday movie classics in your mail order DVD queue. Watch some with the kids and some with your honey in the wee hours.

21. Deck The Bathroom. Hang up some scented pomanders. Bring in lots of little candles (beyond the reach of little hands, of course). Look for winter-scented bath indulges in Juniper, Cedar or Musk. Sink into a bubble bath wonderland. Forget your name for ten minutes.

18. Sock It To ‘Em. Don’t wait until the

You’ll feel more holly-jolly if can get calm and stay centered all holiday season long. Happy holy days! GPP

temperature hits zero to stock up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep your heating bills down and your kids smiling if every-

Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach, who adores the holidays. She’ll take the rush, so long as she gets the hush, too.

The Polar Express will screen at 3:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday beginning Saturday, November 30 through Sunday, December 22. Children will receive free hot cocoa and a cookie. Tickets prices are $7 per person, infants one and under are free. Please arrive early and purchase tickets in person at the museum ticket counter, advance tickets available in person. OPEN 9–5 DAILY ON NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA • FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION

850- 453-2389 • 800-327-5002 • NavalAviationMuseum.org • 1750 Radford Blvd. • Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508 Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

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De Now - December 22

Polar Express Pajama Party ad on page 8, 32

@ National Naval Aviation Museum 1750 Radford Blvd NAS Pensacola, FL 32508 Every Saturday & Sunday until December 22nd, children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and journey to the North Pole in the Giant Screen Theater. Children will receive a free cup of cocoa & cookie. Tickets: $7 per person, 1 year and under are free. Arrive early to purchase tickets at the museum ticket counter. Movie begins at 3:30pm. 850-453-2389 namfoffice@navalaviationmuseum.org www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Sundays in December

Hail Incarnate Deity! ad on page 7

@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Join us for our Advent Worship Service Series. Sundays in December at 10:30am. 850-438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org

December 6

Christkindlmarkt ad on page 23

@ Little Flower Catholic Church 6495 Lillian Highway Pensacola, FL 32506 Join us from 5:30pm - 8:30pm for an evening of food, music, and Christmas shopping! 850-455-4851

December 6 & 7

The Nutcracker

LaBelle Performing Arts presents Pensacola Youth Ballet ad on page 21

@ Booker T. Washington Theatre 6000 College Parkway Pensacola, FL 32504 Treat your family this Christmas to the magic and splendor of Pensacola Youth Ballet’s most anticipated holiday tradition. Don’t miss this lavish production with dazzling costumes, spectacular Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

dancers, and a story that will leave your family wide eyed with wonder! Performances are Friday at 7:00pm & Saturday at 3:00pm. Tickets available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com. 850-944-5650 frontdesk@labelleperformingarts.com www.labelleperformingarts.com

December 7

Jingle Jangle Kindermusik Family Play Date

Messiah: Heaven’s Glory ad on page 7

@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Merry Christmas from our Hearts to yours! Join us for a beautiful Christmas Choral presentation at 6:00pm. 850-438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org

December 13-15, 19-22

ad on page 10

Miracle on 34th Street

kmbythebay@gmail.com www.bythebay.kindermusik.com

@ Pensacola Little Theatre 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Directed by Kathy Holsowrth. This Christmas, enjoy this timeless tale filled with Christmas cheer! Visit our website for more details. Evening and Matinee performance times.

10:00 a.m. - Come sing, dance, play instruments, and bring in the holidays in jingle bell style. Cost is $15 per child or $25 per family (includes a 45 minute class and small instrument, music download card). Pre-purchase tickets required online.

Pensacola Children’s Museum Holiday Program ad on page 9

ad on page 25

850-432-2042 boxoffice@pensacolalittletheatre.com www.pensacolalittletheatre.com

December 13 - 15

Pensacola Children’s Chorus

@ Pensacola Children’s Museum 115 East Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Meet the Conductor of The Polar Express as he reads this classic story! Then meet Santa’s Lead Elf, Veteris Laboriosus who will collect your letters to Santa to send in the North Pole’s secret mail box. Then, he’ll introduce the big jolly man himself! Bring your cameras for pictures with Santa Clause! Program 1: 10:30am - 12:00pm; Program 2: 1:00pm - 2:30pm.

Christmas on the Coast

December 8

December 14

ad on page 8

ad on page 33

850-595-5985 (Ext 112) jmcmillen@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org

ad on page 27

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 We will transform the sunny weather into a winter wonderland with sights and sounds of the season. Friday - Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:30pm. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com, (800) 745-3000 or Saenger box office.

850-434-7760 admin@pensacolachildrenschorus.com www.PensacolaSings.org

Caring Santa at Cordova Mall

Billy Claus visits LuLu’s!

@ Cordova Mall 5100 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 A time for children with special needs and their families to visit with Santa and have a photo taken. The environment will accommodate the needs of the children. Registration required. 10am - 11am.

@ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s will arrive at 2pm, read a Christmas story, and listen to your wish list! Arts & crafts, live music and pictures with Billy Claus. 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Stay for the lighted boat parade beginning at Dusk.

850-477-7562 Angela.Jacks@simon.com www.cordovamall.com

251-967-LULU (5858) www.LuluBuffett.com

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Jingle Jangle Kindermusik Family Play Date ad on page 10

@ Woodland Heights Resource Center 111 Berkley Drive Pensacola, FL 32503

850-435-1750 rsmith@cityofpensacola.com

Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs Monday - Friday from 7am - 6pm for children ages 5-12 years. Registration required. One snack will be provided. Campers should bring a second snack and lunch. www.playpensacola.com

kmbythebay@gmail.com bythebay.kindermusik.com

December 20

December 16

A Village Carol -

Jingle Jangle Kindermusik Family Play Date ad on page 10

10:45 a.m. - Come sing, dance, play instruments, and bring in the holidays in jingle bell style. Cost is $15 per child or $25 per family (includes a 45 minute class and small instrument, music download card). Pre-purchase tickets required online. kmbythebay@gmail.com bythebay.kindermusik.com

December 18 - January 2

Play Pensacola Winter Break & Holiday Camp ad on Inside Back Cover

@ E.S. Cobb Resource Center 601 East Mallory Street Pensacola, FL 32503 850-436-5192

@ Fricker Resource Center 900 North F Street Pensacola, FL 32501

850-436-5195 mmims@cityofpensacola.com

@ Gull Point Resource Center 7000 Spanish Trail Pensacola, FL 32504

850-494-7360 aboydquina@cityofpensacola.com

An Evening of Dickens’ Christmas

ad on page 9

@ Historic Pensacola Village 205 East Zaragoza Pensacola, FL 32502 Join us for an evening of holiday celebrations in Historic Pensacola Village with open hearth cooking, card decorating, holiday celebrations, a reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and refreshments from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. $20 per adult and $10 per child (12 and under). Purchase tickets online. 850-595-5985 (Ext 112) wdavis4@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org

Story Tyme with Grandma Jenkins -

Santa is Coming to Florida/ A Loud Winter’s Nap ad on page 9

@ Pensacola Children’s Museum 115 East Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502

Join Grandma Jenkins at 11:00am for holiday stories and cookies. Free public reading program.

850-595-5985 (Ext 112) wdavis4@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org

December 21

Billy Claus visits LuLu’s! ad on page 33

@ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 4607 Legendary Marina Drive Destin, FL Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s will arrive at 2pm, read a Christmas story, and listen to your wish list! Arts & crafts, live music and pictures with Billy Claus. 1:00pm - 4:00pm. 850-710-5858 www.LuluBuffett.com

December 22

Cordova Lanes ChildAdult Holiday Doubles Tournament ad on page 15

@ Cordova Lanes 2111 Airport Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32504 This tournament is for one child (5-18) and one adult (19 and up). Entry fee is $16 per team. Shifts at 12pm and 3pm. Call or visit the website for registration information, handicap info and additional details. Ask about our Saturday Youth League for ages 5 - 18. 850-477-2300 info@cordovalanes.com www.cordovalanes.com

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December 23 and January 6

Play Pensacola Archery & Fishing Day ad on Inside Back Cover

Pensacola, FL Spend the day learning archery and fishing! Games, awards & prizes and lunch provided. Ages 7 - 14. $35 per city resident; $40 per nonresident. 8:00am - 4:00pm. 850-436-5670 TVaden@cityofpensacola.com www.playpensacola.com

December 24

Lessons & Carols ad on page 7

@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Join us for our Christmas Eve Service at 6:00pm. 850-438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org

December 31

LuLu’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! ad on page 33

@ Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s 4607 Legendary Marina Drive Destin, FL 850-710-5858 www.LuluBuffett.com

200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-967-LULU (5858) www.LuluBuffett.com

Noon Year’s is a FREE family event for all ages. The fun starts at 10:00am with arts & crafts, face painting, music, a beach ball drop and kid friendly fireworks at NOON! See you there!

Now - December 23 Fish River Christmas Tree Farm

13982 Woodhaven Dairy Rd E Summerdale, AL 36580 Choose & cut your own, pre-cut, flocked and container trees! Santa visits, live manger scene, camel rides, train and more! Open daily from 8am - 5pm. Call to confirm times before your visit. 251-988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com

Now - December 24 Winterfest Activities

@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola , FL 32502 Wander along the streets throughout the holidays and see live street performances, concerts, lego & drawing contests, puppet shows and SNOW! Santa photos, train rides, scavenger hunts, dancing reindeer and more! 850-583-1365 info@pensacolawinterfest.org www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Now - December 27 Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display

7650 Sowell Road Milton, FL 32570 A drive through Christmas light show. $10 per car. Train rides for an additional $2/person. Ages 2 and under Free. Open nightly 5:00pm - 9:00pm. www.facebook.com/sowellsnorthpole

Now - December 31 Magic Christmas in Lights

@ Bellingrath Gardens and Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Join us for our 24th season! The dazzling nightGreater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

time display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Open daily 5:00pm - 9:00pm. 251-973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org

November 15 and December 20 Gallery Night Shop Local Event

@ Palafox street between Garden & Main From 5:00pm - 9:00pm we will feature artists, music, Santa parade, twinkling lights and more! boardmember@gallerynightpensacola.org www.gallerynightpensacola.org

Weekends Only - December 23 Holiday Activities at the Farm

@ Fish River Christmas Tree Farm 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East Summerdale, AL 36580 Choose a Christmas Tree. Holiday activities (Fridays - Sundays Only) 8am - 5pm. Tannenbaum Express Tree Train, live manger scene, Camel/ Pony Rides ($5 per ride). Santa visits December 1-2 and December 8-9. 251-988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com

December 4 An Evening with Santa

@ Cokesbury United Methodist Church 5725 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 Christmas songs, storytelling, crafts, family meal and of course a moment with Santa in the sanctuary at 6:00pm. Reservations required. Please call for more information. Look for our event on Facebook. 850-476-5818 www.cokesburychurch.com

December 5 Wreaths of Joy Gala

@ Pensacola Bay Center 201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Enjoy a three course dinner, entertainment, auctions, and more. Proceeds support The Arc Gateway for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 5:30pm - 9:30pm. 850-434-2638 rsvp@arc-gateway.org www.arc-gateway.org

December 6 A Night in Bethlehem

@ St. Luke United Methodist Church 1394 East Nine Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514 Celebrate the birth of Jesus! See, touch, feel, and smell what life was like during a Biblical times marketplace. Free for the whole family! 6 - 8pm. 850-477-3145 esther@stluke-umc.org www.facebook.com/events/511879129563146

Light Up Milton

@ Milton Riverwalk Come ring in the season with the whole family! Parade, music, snow machine, Santa, reindeer, caroling, carriage rides, food and more! 5pm - 9pm. 850-981-1100 or 850-723-4863 www.sracf.org/light-up-milton

St. Christopher’s Christmas Tour of Homes

@ Separate Locations, Pensacola, FL Tour four beautifully decorated homes. Purchase tickets in the church office (Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm). Proceeds donated to local charities. Home tours from 10:00am - 3:00pm. 850-384-4800 or 850-479-9962 plfogg@aol.com www.scpen.org

December 6 - 7 An Evening in Bethlehem

@ Gonzalez United Methodist Church 2026 Pauline Street Cantonment, FL 32533 A recreation of the town of Bethlehem. Guides lead visitors to experience the Nativity story. 6pm - 8pm. 850-968-6006 office@gumc.gccoxmail.com www.gonzalezmethodist.org

St. Christopher’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

@ St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 3200 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Gifts, arts/crafts, food and more! Free admission. Entertainment, kids activities and puppy dogs for adoption! Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm.

850-384-4800 or 850-479-9962 plfogg@aol.com www.scpen.org

St. Mary’s Arts & Crafts Winterfest

@ St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 6849 Oak Street Milton, FL 32570 Enjoy Christmas shopping for custom jewelry, art, woodcrafts, candles and other creative handiwork. Baked goods, jams, jellies and more. Hamburgers & gumbo whiles supplies last. Friday 12:00pm - 7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 2:30pm. 850-623-2905 stmarysmiltonflorida@gmail.com www.stmarysmilton.wix.com/church

December 6, 7 & 21 Christmas Story Time

@ Barnes & Noble Pensacola 1200 Airport Boulevard Pensacola , FL 32504 December 6th at 7pm for the Polar Express! Activities, hot chocolate, and wear your PJs! December 7th at 11am, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. December 21st at 11am for Construction Site on Christmas Night. 850-969-9554 www.facebook.com/BNPensacolaFL

December 6, 7, 14, 16 & 21 Alyssa’s Holiday Market Events

@ Alyssa’s, The Refinery & Alyssa’s Etc. 4586 Chumuckla Highway Pace, FL 32571 Get a head start on your Christmas lists with our Holiday Markets. Visit us online or check our Facebook page. Market times: 9am - 3pm. 850-994-9114 shopalyssas@gmail.com www.shopalyssas.com

December 6, 13, 20 Big Screen on the Blackwater

5158 Willing Street Milton, FL 32570 Bring your blankets, chairs and smiles to Downtown Milton for your favorite Christmas films! Event sponsored by the City of Milton. 6:00pm.

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A Very Merry Grinchmas Who-Bilation!

@ Crabs on the Beach 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach Candy cane hunt, craft table, movie room, a Grinch Feast, photo booth, and an ugly sweater contest! 9am -12pm. 850-932-0700 info@crabsonthebeach.com www.crabswegotem.com

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Autism Pensacola Santa Meet and Greet

@ Marcus Pointe Baptist Church 6205 North W Street Pensacola, FL 32505 Join us for pictures with the Jolly Ol’ Elf! Arts & crafts, light refreshments, a quiet zone, and movie room. Reserve your picture time at www. signup.com/go/gHUNbaP. 9am - 12pm. 850-434-7171 shanan@autismpensacola.org www.signup.com/go/gHUNbaP

Breakfast with Santa

@ St. Mark United Methodist Church 2203 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Come enjoy breakfast and meet Santa. Parents eat free; children are $5 each ($10 cap per family). 8:30am - 10:30am. 850-432-7777 stmarkpensacola@outlook.com www.stmarkpensacola.com

Choral Society of Pensacola Presents: Handel’s Messiah

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Handel’s masterpiece, “Messiah”. Four of our popular soloists return to perform with our 60-voice community chorus and an orchestra. Tickets online or at the box office. 7:30pm. 850-595-3880 www.choralsocietyofpensacola.org

Films on the Field

800 Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Games, inflatables and more. Bring blankets/ chairs & a picnic for the Movie, A Christmas Story, beginning at 7:00pm. Concessions for purchase. 5:00pm - 10:00pm.

850-934-5140 ksanderson@gulfbreezefl.gov www.gulfbreezerecreationcenter.com/upcoming-events

Gulf Breeze Holiday Parade

Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 36561 Join us for the Christmas parade beginning at 10:00am. This year’s theme will be Awesome 80’s again due to last years cancellation. 850-932-7888 www.cityofgulfbreeze.com

Lighted Boat Parade

@ Sabine Marina to Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 Boat Parade at 6:30pm. See Santa on the lead boat! More information online. Activities from 4pm - 6pm at Shaggy’s with fireworks at 8pm. 850-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.pensacolabeachchamber.com

Milton Christmas Parade

Highway 87 (Stewart Street) Milton, FL 32570 Check our website for more event information. 850-623-2339 membership@srcchamber.com www.srcchamber.com

Navarre Christmas in the Park

8513 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 Handcrafted jewelry, wreaths, books, concessions, silent auction and more. Cookies and hot chocolate in Mrs. Claus’ Bakers and a kids zone! 9am-5pm.

850-939-3267 info@navarrechamberfoundation.org www.navarrechamber.com

Navarre Jingle Bell Run

@ Holley-Navarre Fire Station 8618 Esplanade Street Navarre, FL 32566 Run/walk through the streets of Town Center. 8:00am start, one hour course time limit. Post race refreshments and door prizes. A prize will be

given to the most festive participant.

850-939-3267 info@navarrechamberfoundation.org www.Navarrechamberfoundation.org

Pensacola Lighthouse Christmas Gala

@ Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum 2081 Radford Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32508 Join us as we celebrate the season! Cookies & cocoa, holiday music & games, and a visit with Santa & his elves! Admission is Free. 3pm - 7:30pm. 850-393-1561 info@pensacolalighthouse.org www.pensacolalighthouse.org

Winter Wonder Ride

@ Museum Plaza Pensacola, FL 32502 A scenic ride from Museum Plaza to downtown Pensacola. Post ride music, games, and food. Proceeds purchase new bikes and helmets for needy children. Find us on Facebook. 11am - 2pm. 850-485-1889 onbikespensacola@gmail.com www.onbikespensacola.org

December 8 Breakfast with Santa Cow

@ Chick-fil-A Gulf Breeze 310 Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Join Santa Cow and Elf Cow for breakfast, crafts and pictures! 8am - 10am. 850-932-5400 gulfbreezecfa@gmail.com www.facebook.com/CFAGB

Santa’s Puppy Party

@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola , FL 32502 Snuggle and cuddle puppies from local animal shelters and help Santa find them forever homes for Christmas! 1pm - 3pm. 850-583-1365 info@pensacolawinterfest.org www.pensacolawinterfest.org

Sounds of Christmas

@ Pine Terrace Baptist Church 6212 Pine Blossom Road Milton, FL 32570 Join us for the Musical production of Sounds of Christmas. This event starts at 6:00pm in the worship center. Free to the public. Child care for infants to 5 years old. 850-623-3954 www.ptbc.org

Surfing Santa Beach Parade

@ Gulfside Pavilion Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 Parade at 2:00pm. See Santa Claus atop a Pensacola Beach fire truck! Parade ends at Gulfside Pavilion. Visit Santa until 3:00pm. 850-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.pensacolabeachchamber.com

December 11 Christmas Cookie Decorating and Carols

@ Olive Baptist Church Warrington Campus 103 West Winthrop Ave Pensacola, FL 32507 Join us at 6:00pm for decorating cookies, fellowship and singing Christmas carols! This event is Free with no Registration required. Parents should attend with their children. 850-476-1932 (Ext 156) info@olivebaptist.org www.facebook.com/OBCWarrington

December 12 - 14 Drive-Thru Live Nativity

@ Navarre First Assembly of God 9594 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 See the Christmas story come to life as you drive

through scenes with live animals. Cocoa, Christmas cookies, pony rides, petting zoo, and bounce house. Free event. 6:00pm - 8:30pm. 850-939-3333 nfagfrontdesk@gmail.com www.navarrefirst.com

December 12 - 22 Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

@ Emerald Coast Theatre Company 560 Grand Boulevard (Suite 200) Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Mary Bennet, the oft-forgotten middle child, meets a visitor - sparking her quest for independence. Join Mary and explore the complexities of family and love in this holiday production. Tickets online. Thursday - Saturday: 7:30pm and Sunday: 2:00pm. 850-684-0323 info@emeraldcoasttheatre.org www.emeraldcoasttheater.org

December 13 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra “Holiday Pops”

@ Mattie Kelly Arts Center- Main Hall 100 College Boulevard East Niceville, FL 32578 Enjoy the spirit of the season! Tickets are: Adults $25, Youth $16 and Free with NWFSC ID. Tickets available online or by phone. 7:30pm - 9:00pm 850-729-6000 www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org

December 14 Breakfast and Skating with Santa

@ Weber’s Skate World 6056 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 Breakfast, pictures and skating with Santa! $12.00 per person includes admission, skate rental, Santa visit, and breakfast. Limited Tickets. Available November 15, 2019. 8am - 11am. 850-626-4070 WebersSkateWorld@gmail.com www.weberskateworld.com

Christmas with the Krewe

@ Navarre Park 8513 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 Bring the kids from 5pm - 8pm and receive a Christmas stocking, enjoy punch & cookies and Christmas music. contact@nkoj.org www.nkoj.org

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade

@ Downtown Pensacola Enjoy floats, bands from Escambia County, and New Orleans. Also featuring the nationally renowned Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region. 5pm - 8pm. lew@coxpensacolachristmasparade.org www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org

Farmers Market Winterfest

@ Santa Rosa Farmers Market 6451 Park Avenue Milton, FL 32571 Food, baked goods, crafts and, of course, your local farmers! Grab your holiday gifts! Pictures with Country Santa and Mrs. Claus! Free. 9am - 4pm.

850-736-3040 farmersmarketsantarosa@gmail.com www.facebook.com/FarmersMarketSantaRosa

Pace Christmas Parade

@ Pace Fire Rescue District 4773 Patriot Boulevard Pace, FL 32571 The parade begins at 10:00am. Deadline for float applications is December 2nd. 850-994-6884 info@pacefirerescuedistrict.com www.pacefirerescuedistrict.com

Painting and Sweets - The Snowball Express

@ Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets 5237 Willing Street Milton, FL 32570 Paint a 12x12 canvas of the Snowball Express!

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

$25 per person includes guided painting, supplies and a small sundae. Ages 6 years and up. Reservations & tickets online. 10am - 12pm.

Jingle Bell Beach Children’s Christmas Concert

Pancakes and Pajamas Warrington Families

850-623-3954 www.ptbc.org

850-860-9124 www.expressyourselfartstudio.com/ event/paint-sweets-12-14-train

@ Olive Baptist Church Warrington Campus 103 West Winthrop Ave Pensacola, FL 32507 Children (Preschool - 5th Grade) will have food, fun, games, and crafts, while you finish Christmas Shopping! Event is free but registration is required online or at the preschool office. 10am - 1pm. 850-476-1932 (Ext 156) info@olivebaptist.org www.facebook.com/OBCWarrington

Photos with Santa & Train Rides

@ West Florida Railroad Museum 5003 Henry Street Milton, FL 32570 The Railroad Museum will be open from 10am 7pm for photos with Santa and rides on the Santa Train! 850-623-3645 info@theimogenetheater.com www.wfrm.org

Polar Express Movie

@ The Imogene Theater 6866 Caroline Street Milton, FL 32570 Admission is free but you Must Reserve a ticket online and presented it at the door! 10am 12pm, 1pm - 3pm and 4pm - 6pm. 850- 368-7954 www.theimogenetheater.com

Santa Drop

@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Kick-off the Christmas season watching Santa skydive onto the beach and enjoy activities for kids in the Flora-Bama tent. 11am - 2pm. 850-492-0611 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com/events.html

December 14 - 15, 21 - 22 2019 Christmas ZOOBilee

@ Gulf Breeze Zoo 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Join us for an all new daytime Christmas ZOOBilee! Live music, performances, contests, food, artists, pictures with Santa and a Candy Cane Market! Enjoy the entire zoo, artificial snow, winter inflatables and more. 850-932-2229 info@gulfbreezezoo.org www.gbzoo.com

December 15 Breakfast in Bethlehem

@ Pine Terrace Baptist Church 6212 Pine Blossom Road Milton, FL 32570 See the Christmas story through the Wise Men, Shepherd, Innkeeper and Mary and Joseph. Bring canned goods for your taxes & entry. Ages 3 years - 5th grade. 8:45am - 11:00am. 850-623-3954 www.ptbc.org

Choral Society of Pensacola’s Tis the Season Sing Along

@ Rex Theatre 18 North Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Carols, cocoa and cookies for all ages. Admission is free. Donate a non-perishable food item for the folks at Manna. Don your gay apparel..or your ugliest holiday sweater! 5:00pm. 850-484-1806 www.choralsocietyofpensacola.org

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

@ Pine Terrace Baptist Church 6212 Pine Blossom Road Milton, FL 32570 Pine Terrace Kids Choir’s production of Jingle Bell Beach will begin at 6:00pm in the Worship Center.

The Little Drummer Dude

@ Marcus Pointe Baptist Church 6205 North W Street Pensacola, FL 32505 Join us at 6:00pm for this fun night of music with our 1st - 5th grade children. 850-479-8337 info@marcuspointebaptist.org www.PensacolaChurch.org

December 20 Twas the Night Before Little Spruce Market

@ Museum of Commerce 201 Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 A charming indoor market with an Old World setting, music from the Blue Anchor Belles. Take your time to admire the beautiful booth designs, glistening lights, and taste festive nibbles and wine. Individual tickets $15 and $20 for 2 tickets. Ages 21 and over. 7:00pm - 10:00pm. 850-284-7468 littlespruce@pensacolamarket.com www.PensacolaMarket.com

December 20 -22 Ballet Pensacola: The Nutcracker

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Experience the magic of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker! December 20 & 21 performances at 7:00pm. December 22nd performance at 1:30pm. Tickets available online. 850-432-9546 www.balletpensacola.org

December 21 Bethlehem Live

@ Hickory Hammock Baptist Church 8351 Hickory Hammock Road Milton, FL 32583 Walk through the candlelit streets of Bethlehem like years ago. Live animals and demonstrations and refreshments served as you leave Bethlehem. FREE to the public for all ages. 6pm - 9pm. 850-623-8959 info@hickoryhammockbaptist.org www.hickoryhammockbaptist.org

Kid’s Day Out - Parent Shopping Day

@ St. Luke United Methodist Church 1394 East Nine Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514 Leave the kids with us and finish Christmas shopping! 6 weeks - 11 years. $25/child, $40/2 siblings, $50/3 and $60/4. Lunch/snack included. Credit/Debit accepted at the door. 9am - 2pm. 850-477-3145 esther@stluke-umc.org www.facebook.com/events/2380588758896347

Little Spruce Market

@ Museum of Commerce 201 Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL 32502 A holiday market with businesses, artists and other venders ready to help you find unique Christmas gifts. Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, coffee, or delicious muffin while you shop! 10:00am - 4:00pm. 850-284-7468 littlespruce@pensacolamarket.com www.PensacolaMarket.com

December 22-23, 27, 29-30 & January 2-3 Holiday Ice Skating

@ Pensacola Bay Center 201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Visit our website for more event information.

Skate sessions between 2:00pm - 7:30pm.

850-432-0800 www.pensacolabaycenter.com

December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

@ Pine Terrace Baptist Church 6212 Pine Blossom Road Milton, FL 32570 Join us on Christmas Eve at 5 PM in the Worship Center for our beautiful candlelight service. 850-623-3954 social@ptbc.org www.ptbc.org

December 30-31 and January 2, 3 & 6 Holiday Camp at Pensacola Mess Hall

@ Pensacola Mess Hall 116 North Tarragona St Pensacola, FL 32502 Register your scientists, (Grades 1st - 6th), for Science Sampler Camps! Half-day camp: 9am 12pm. Full-day 8:30am - 4:00pm. Pre-registration is required. 877-937-6377 info@pensacolamesshall.org www.pensacolamesshall.org

December 31 Noon Years Eve and Beach Ball Drop

@ Crabs on the Beach 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 This event will be nothing short of fun! Cotton Candy, Live Entertainment, Crab Races, games, and a beach ball drop! 10:00am - 12:00pm. 850-932-0700 info@crabsonthebeach.com www.crabswegotem.com

January 1 New Year’s Eve Fireworks

@ Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL A free fireworks show provided by the beach chamber, will take place at 12:00AM overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. 850-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.pensacolabeachchamber.com

Polar Bear Dip

@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Wear a crazy costume, bring the whole family and take a New Year plunge into the Gulf of Mexico! No registration is required. Event is from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. 850-492-0611 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com/events.html

Polar Bear Plunge

@ Pensacola Beach Dress in costume and take the plunge! Registration at 12pm and Plunge at 2pm. $15/person. Check for updates at Pensacola Chamber’s Facebook page. Times subject to change. 850-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.facebook.com/pensacolabeachchamber

December Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm

1603 Penton Road Milton, FL 32570 We offer a variety of Christmas trees in different types and sizes at our farm. Find us on Facebook for updates and time changes. Friday - Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm. 850-304-1559 info@floridachristmastree.com www.floridachristmastree.com GPP

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From octagonal stop signs and rectangular doors, from triangular roofs to circular wheels— children experience shapes in every part of their daily lives. Finding opportunities to talk about and explore shapes not only helps children identify and organize visual information, it helps them learn skills in other curriculum areas including reading, math, and science. For example, an early step in understanding numbers and letters is to recognize their shape. Learning shapes also helps children understand other signs and symbols that support their later literacy. Preparing for the shape of things to come, the following recommended toys are ideal introductions to basic shapes in their variety of functions and forms.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Shape Sorter House

Chunky Puzzle Shapes

The shape sorter house from Battat is a take-along shape sorting playset that comes with 12 different shape pieces, a set of 6 keys and versatile sorting features that explore both shape and color. Shapes are easy to hold and manipulate as they fit perfectly through a hole of the same shape somewhere around the house. Each of the six keys feature a distinctive shape that will only unlock its matching shape door. When kids find the right key shape, they can unlock the door revealing the shaped blocks inside. Cleverly designed to store its components, the Shape Sorter House’s sturdy carry handle makes it an ideal take-along toy for continued exploration and entertainment. Combining motor skill development, shape recognition and pretend play, the Shape Sorter House unlocks loads of learning fun for the preschool set!

Introducing eight familiar shapes, this extra-thick wooden puzzle with easy-to-grasp, chunky pieces is perfect for little hands. Each basic shape puzzle piece is embedded in a contrasting color and has a matching full-color picture underneath. The shape name is also printed on the puzzle board. Kids may place the pieces on the puzzle board, but the pieces also stand upright and may be used as manipulatives or pieces in other imaginative play. Children can take a puzzle piece around the house to match it with similar shapes in their own environment, reinforcing their understanding of shape. Supporting hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, visual perception, and shape/color recognition, Melissa & Doug’s Chunky Puzzle Shapes is a must have on the preschooler puzzle shelf.

Serving Shapes Tea Set

Play Forms for Toddlers

This colorful tea set serves up a rich menu of shape recognition, sorting, and sequencing every time kids host a pretend tea party. Featuring a sturdy tea pot and five colorful cup/saucer pairs, the tea time play is just the part of the exploration laid on the table. Each cup and saucer set comes in color and shape combinations that explore colors and counting. Kids can also work on their matching skills by pairing the shaped pegs on each saucer with the corresponding holes on the bottom of each cup. The cups and saucers fit inside the tea pot for easy clean-up and simple storage! The table is set for many afternoons of skill-building steeped in playtime with the Serving Shapes Tea Set from Learning Resources.

Before they cultivate the fine motor control to manipulate the smaller shapes of puzzle pieces and sorting boxes, toddlers can still take big strides into active shape-informed play. The Play Forms set for toddlers includes five big three-dimensional shapes (two blocks, a ramp, a cylinder and a half cylinder) constructed with solid bounce-back inner core foam covered with durable vinyl in primary colors. Soft and lightweight, these outsized, moveable shapes are perfect for climbing and gross motor exploration by toddlers. The forms don’t include connections so stacking is limited, but they are lightweight enough for little kids to rearrange and configure into forts, obstacle courses or buildings of their own design. Ideal for active play and exploration indoors, these forms combine toddler energy with a lively landscape of shapes.

(Melissa & Doug)

(Battat)

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(Learning Resources)

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

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FamilyCalendar Wednesday, November 27

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Macon Mayhem 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Friday, November 29

2019 Toys for Tots Drive at Gulf Breeze Zoo Guests can receive 50% off all tickets to the Zoo from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with an acceptable Toys for Tots donation. One toy donation per discounted admission ticket. Donations must be new, unwrapped, toys at least $10 in value to be accepted by U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Acceptable toys will also be available for purchase in the Zoo gift shop. All donations stay within Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, ensuring every child has a Christmas within our impact area. For more info, visit https://www.gbzoo.com/or call (850) 932-2229. Elf Parade 4:45-5 p.m. 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola. Lineup and contest judging at 4 at the old Escambia County Courthouse, followed by lights and snow at 5 p.m. and tours and games at 6. The Parade Grand Marshall leads the merry crew of kids, parents, toys and characters to Plaza Wonderland at Palafox and Government Streets. Costumed kids of all ages march alongside an alligator “second line” brass band, Santa, and our characters from stops in the Winterfest Performance Tour. The six-block route takes about 20 minutes, and includes a Christmas song battle, tumbling snowflakes, and plenty of cheer. For more info, call (850) 583-1365 or visit https://pensacolawinterfest.org/. First City Lights Festival Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m. 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola. Join the Downtown Improvement Board and Winterfest immediately following the Winterfest Elf Parade, when the grumpy Grinch will try to prevent Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson from flipping the switch to turn on the holiday lights! It all happens on the steps of the old Pensacola Courthouse on Palafox Street. Santa, Rudolph and an entire cast of Winterfest characters will be there to watch downtown Pensacola light up with half a million white lights—that is, if the mean old Grinch doesn’t get his way! For more info, call (850) 583-1365 or visit https://pensacolawinterfest.org/.

Saturday, November 30

Arcadia Kids’ Crafts 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arcadia Mill, 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton. Free kids’ crafts featuring frosty pinecone ornament. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, visit historicpensacola.org/explore-arcadia-mill or contact Arcadia Staff at arcadiamill@uwf.edu. Grinch in the Garden 11 a.m.-2 p.m. From the Ground Up Community Garden, 501 N Hayes St., Pensacola. Bring your people, pups or any pets to the garden for pictures with the Grinch! Red Fish Blue Fish will be serving gumbo and selling dog treats. Please bring dog food, dog treats or cash donations for pictures with the Grinch. All proceeds go toward the garden and Friends of Escambia County Animal Shelter. Don’t have a four-legged friend? Friends of Escambia County Animal Shelter will have dogs for adoption during the event! Please RSVP to save your seat. Call (850) 934-3609 or visit www. fromthegroundupgardenpensacola.com/.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Polar Express Pajama Party 3-4 p.m. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola. The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 22. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and will receive a free cup of hot chocolate and cookie from the refreshment counter. Tickets are $7 per person. For more info, call (850) 308-8963 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/.

Sunday, December 1

Free Yoga Class - Breathe Yoga and Wellness 10 - 11 a.m. Community Maritime Park. Classes are held the first Sunday of each month and are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use. Water will be provided, but you need to bring your own bottle or container. For more info, visit www.cityofpensacola.com/.

Monday, December 2

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. The Salvation Army Community Center Basketball Program for Boys and Girls Registration is open; league starts in January. Please come down to 1501 North Q Street, Pensacola, to fill out a registration form. Ages 5-14 can register to play. Cost $35. For more info, call (850) 432-1501 ext 3 or 4.

Wednesday, December 4

The University of West Florida Department of Music Chamber Music Recital Noon. Old Christ Church, 405 South Adams St., Pensacola. The UWF Chamber Music Class will present a variety of pieces from Baroque to the 20th Century. The program will also feature well-known arias and ensembles from works of Bizet, Mozart, Verdi and others. Admission free, no tickets. For more info, call (850) 474-2147 or visit http://uwf.edu/cfpa/.

Thursday, December 5

Yoga in the Galleries 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S Jefferson St. Art and yoga have complimentary and intrinsically valuable benefits and the museum gallery provides the perfect space to awaken your imagination. All levels welcome. Bring towel, yoga mat, water bottle. PMA members are free; non-members free with admission to museum ($7). For more info, visit www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. Written by Barbara Robinson; directed by Sylvia Love. In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting

the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history. Tickets only $10! For more info, call (850) 221-7599 or visit http://panhandlecommunitytheatre.com/. WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 6 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are Ben Bedford, Hiroya Tsukamoto, and The Macs. Tickets are $10 and available in advance at radiolive.org or at the door on the day of the show. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more info, visit wuwf.org/radiolive or call (850) 473-7433.

Friday, December 6

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Huntsville Havoc 7:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

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Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing. Nirvanna—Tribute To Nirvana w/ The Kurt Loders & Mike Ensley (‘90s Alternative Video DJ Set) Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit www.vinylmusichall.com/.

White Tie Rock Ensemble: A White Tie Christmas 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. A White Tie Christmas is an annual holiday concert series featuring music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis and other holiday classics! The Tied Up Quartet will add a classical touch as they recreate these timeless songs in the White Tie Sound tradition! Tickets start at $28. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Winterfest at St. Mary’s Noon-7 p.m. 6849 Oak Street, Milton. In celebration with downtown Milton Festival of Lights. Bake sale, crafts & vendors, “festival of vendors,” and lunch sold. For more info, call (850) 623-2905 Christmas Caravan Arts & Crafts Show 9 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. The show includes: arts and crafts with about 40 vendors, bake sale of a variety of delicious edibles made by church members, raffle/silent auction, concessions and small breed pet rescue adoptions. For more info, call (850) 433-0074 or visit https://www.scpen.org/ caravan-2019.html. The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Meets the 1st Friday of every month. Program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided. Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/ or call (850) 529-0908. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adult 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. Registration required. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, December 7

Preschool Art Time: Car Ornaments 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. Cost: $6/members and $8/non-members, per class. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Winterfest at St. Mary’s 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 6849 Oak Street, Milton. For details, see December 6 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 1015. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Our program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Huntsville Havoc 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Christmas Caravan Arts & Crafts Show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. Children’s activities on Saturday only. For other details, see December 6 listing. Lighted Boat Parade Leading up to the boat launch, a kids’ party will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. from Sabine Marina around the Santa Rosa Sound to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where it will dock by about 7:30 p.m. Directly following, Santa will make his way to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Shell to greet children and a dazzling firework display will take place from the boardwalk at about 8 p.m. For those wanting to participate and compete in the Lighted Boat Parade, the deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. Entry fee is $35 per boat. For details, call (850) 932-1500 or e-mail penbeach@visitpensacolabeach.com.

Handel’s Messiah Performed by the Choral Society of Pensacola 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. For this performance, soprano Carla Connors, mezzo-soprano Monika Cosson, tenor Randall Black, and baritone Patrick Jacobs join a 70-voice community chorus and an orchestra of the area’s finest instrumentalists, conducted by artistic director Xiaolun Chen. Tickets start at $30. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/.

Santa’s Lego Building Party 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola. Be an elf in Santa’s workshop for a day! Children under age 12 are invited to build a lego creation in our Christmas courtyard, or bring their very own masterpiece from home. The top three creators will receive special prizes from Santa himself! For more info, call (850) 583-1365 or visit https://pensacolawinterfest.org/. 25th Annual Christmas in the Park & Navarre Community Christmas Parade 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 8543 Navarre Park, Navarre. There will be a Merry Market from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for retail businesses featuring hand-crafted jewelry, wreaths, books, concessions and much more! The Silent Auction will end at 4 p.m. Admission to the public is free. The Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade will begin at 1 p.m. at the Navarre Library and will end in the back parking lot behind Centennial. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck and will be available for photos with children as soon as the parade ends. A 20-foot Christmas Tree will be erected in the park with tree lighting at approximately 5 p.m., weather permitting. Call (850) 939-3267 or visit www.navarrechamberfoundation.org for more info. Annual Pensacola Lighthouse Museum Christmas Gala 3-7:30 p.m. 2081 Radford Boulevard, NAS Pensacola. Free admission with holiday fun for the whole family. Meet and greet with Santa and his elves; free cookies and hot cocoa; Pensacola’s

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FamilyCalendar tallest Christmas light display; live performance by The Bue Anchor Belles. For more info, call (850) 3931561 or visit www.pensacolalighthouse.org.

Sunday, December 8

Family Sunday at Pensacola Museum of Art: End of the Year Mural 1-4 p.m. Bring your family to the museum for a Sunday afternoon full of family-friendly activities. Afterwards enjoy a self-guided tour of the exhibitions. Cost: $6/participant over the age of 3, includes day admission into the PMA. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 2:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing. Surfing Santa Beach Parade 2 p.m. See Santa Claus make his way down Via De Luna Drive atop a Pensacola Beach fire truck. Starting at 2 p.m. from Avenida 10, the parade will make its way toward Casino Beach and end at the Gulfside Pavilion, where kids will be able to meet and greet with Santa until 3 p.m. For those wanting to participate in the Surfing Santa Beach Parade, the deadline to register is Tuesday, December 3. Entry fee is $50. For details, call (850) 932-1500 or e-mail penbeach@ visitpensacolabeach.com.

Thursday, December 12

Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing.

Friday, December 13

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 7:30 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing and belief in Santa Claus is at stake! For more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit http://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing. Shining Light Players Present A Little Women Christmas 7 p.m. The Rex Theatre, 18 N Palafox, Pensacola. A delightful new Christmas play adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. $27 general admission, $22 students, seniors and military. For more info, call (850) 207-6877 or visit www.shininglightplayers.com/. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Performs Christmas on the Coast 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. This larger-than-life perennial spectacular is packed full of the best sounds of the season. Frequently nominated as one of the best annual events in town, this is the best way to kickoff your December! For more info, call (850) 434-7760 or visit www.pensacolasings.org/.

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

Gulf Breeze High School Presents Elf the Musical 7:30 p.m. Pensacola State College Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Boulevard. For tickets, call (850) 484-1800 or visit https://lyceum.pensacolastate.edu/.

Saturday, December 14

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 7:30 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. For details, see December 13 listing. Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing.

Bay Bluffs & Chimney Park Cleanups 9 -10 a.m. Come join the Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation, Earth Ethics and Ocean Hour for a twolocation clean-up on Scenic Highway the second Saturday of every month. Location one is Bay Bluffs Park on Scenic Highway at Summit Blvd. Second location is two miles north at Chimney Park on Scenic Highway at Langley Ave. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. E-mail oceanhourfl@gmail.com or BayBluffsCleanUp@ gmail.com; visit www.facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www.oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 207-9326 and leave a message.

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Gulf Breeze High Presents Elf the Musical 7:30 p.m. Pensacola State College Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Boulevard. For details, see December 13 listing.

Open Studio: Holiday Crafts 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Participants are invited to drop in anytime between 11:30 and 3:30 to explore and experiment with a variety of media and art forms. Admission: $6 per participant, free for PMA members. All supplies provided; all ages welcome! Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

University of West Florida Winter Commencement Pensacola Bay Center. Morning Ceremony @ 9:30 a.m. Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering (HMCSE) and Usha Kundu, MD College of Health (UKCOH); Afternoon Ceremony @ 1:30 p.m. College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH), College of Business (COB) and College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS); Evening Ceremony @ 5:30 p.m. Graduate School. For more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/.

2019 Christmas ZOOBilee 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze Zoo. This daytime event is complete with live music, performances, contests, food, artists, pictures with Santa and a Candy Cane Market trail full of gifts, sights, smells and tastes of the season. Enjoy the entire zoo, plus artificial snow, winter-themed bounce stations and the perfect family photo opportunities for the whole family. All activities are included with regular daytime admission. For more info, visit https://www.gbzoo.com/events/ boo-at-the-zoo or call (850) 932-2229.

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Performs Christmas on the Coast 7:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see December 13 listing.

Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. FREE. A group that studies the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

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Sunday, December 15

2019 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade 5:15 p.m. Downtown Pensacola at Spring & Garden Streets. Don’t miss this event that draws more than 50,000 people each year, including nearly 90 entries, and eight bands from Escambia County, New Orleans and Mississippi. The parade also features the Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region. Preceding the parade is the 1.2 mile Christmas parade dash, sponsored by the Pensacola Runners Association. All profits of the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade go to the local high school band booster organizations. For more info, visit www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org/. Rumours—Tribute To Fleetwood Mac Doors open at 7 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 South Palafox Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 607-6758 or visit www.vinylmusichall.com/. Santa’s Puppy Party 1-3 p.m. Downtown Pensacola, 223 Palafox Place. Santa needs your help to find puppies a home for Christmas! Partnering with local animal shelters, Winterfest brings back our annual puppy party. Give your child an early Christmas gift this year by adopting one of these puppies in need of a home. For more info, call (850) 583-1365 or visit https://pensacolawinterfest.org/. Shining Light Players Present A Little Women Christmas 3 p.m. The Rex Theatre, 18 N Palafox, Pensacola. For details, see December 13 listing.

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 3 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. For details, see December 13 listing.

Panhandle Community Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 2:30 p.m. 4646 Woodbine Road, Milton. For details, see December 5 listing. 2019 Christmas ZOOBilee 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze Zoo. For details, see December 14 listing. Pensacola State College Winter Commencement 3 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. Learn more about applying to graduate, attire, ceremony protocol, invitations, guests, and parking here: http://www.pensacolastate. edu/current-students/graduation/.

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Pensacola Children’s Chorus Performs Christmas on the Coast 2:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see December 13 listing.

Monday, December 16

Story Seedlings 2:45-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W.

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FamilyCalendar Garden Street, Pensacola. Story Seedlings builds on the foundations begun in Sprouts with emphasis on chapter books. Lessons are geared for 4- to 7-yearolds, but siblings under 10 are welcome to join and participate as they like! Cost: complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Tuesday, December 17

Santa Visits the Library 10:30-11:15 a.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. SANTA is coming to Southwest Branch Library to read a story and hear all your wishes just in time for the holidays! For more info, call (850) 453-7780.

Wednesday, December 18

Pensacola Cinema Art Presents It’s a Wonderful Life 7 p.m. The REX THEATRE, 18 North Palafox Street, Pensacola. Our annual Christmas classic film. Tickets $5, cash only. All tickets sold at the door, concessions available by donation. For more info,

Thursday, December 19

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 7:30 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. For details, see December 13 listing. Santa Visits the Library 6-7:15 p.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. For details, see December 17 listing. Veterans’ Meeting 4-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. These free monthly meetings focus on veteran services in our community. Call Evelyn Coleman at (850) 543-2258 or visit http:// everman.org/.

Friday, December 20

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 7:30 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. For details, see December 13 listing. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adult 4-5:30 p.m. For details, see December 6 listing. The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at Beef O’Brady’s, 344 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze. The program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch is not provided. Call (850) 529-0908 or Visit https://powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/. Gallery Night 5-9 p.m. Stroll through the charming brick walkways of downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of local music, art and cuisine. Gallery Night is a free event and many businesses provide light refreshments. Visit downtownpensacola.com/ or call (850) 434-5371.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Follow the adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and embark on a journey through the Land of the Sweets with the guidance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Music by Pytor Tchaikovsky, with original choreography by Richard Steinert. Tickets start at $33. Call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ for more info.

Saturday, December 21

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 7:30 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. For details, see December 13 listing. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Huntsville Havoc 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www. pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. 2019 Christmas ZOOBilee 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze Zoo. For details, see December 14 listing. Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. For details, see December 20 listing. Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s clean up at Project Greenshores, also known as Wayside Park West, the third Saturday of every month. Project Greenshores is at the Three Mile Bridge on Bayfront Parkway, 745 Bayfront Parkway. Buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags will be supplied. Sign-in at 8:45. The second location is Bartram Park located at 211 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola (Behind the Fish House). E-mail: oceanhourfl@gmail. com; visit www.facebook.com/oceanhourfl or www. oceanhourfl.com. Or call (850) 450-1112 and leave a message. Preschool Art Time: Snow Globes 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. For details, see December 7 listing. Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-14. For details, see December 7 listing. Parents’ Night Out: An Art Class for Kids 5:30-8 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. For ages 5-12. Cost $20 per student. Students will experiment with various media to create 3D and 2D works to take home. Light snacks are provided but you may pack a dinner if desired. Register at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

Sunday, December 22

2019 Christmas ZOOBilee 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gulf Breeze Zoo. For details, see December 14 listing.

Thursday, December 26

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Macon Mayhem 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000.

Saturday, December 28

Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls 7:05 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets or more info, visit www.pensacolabaycenter.com/ or call (800) 745-3000. Ever’man Cooks Kid’s Kitchen Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Join Sherry Brubaker in the kitchen with your kids as they explore the fun and benefits of cooking and eating healthy food. Kids get hands-on experience, turning picky eaters into enthusiastic foodies! There will be two sessions: an early session for kids aged 0-7 from 10-11 a.m., and an 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for kids 8 and up. Seating is limited, and reservations are limited to two tickets per guardian. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/. Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see December 14 listing.

Monday, December 30

Winter Break Camps at Pensacola MESS Hall 116 N. Tarragona St. Half day from 9 a.m.-noon, or full day from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Science Sampler Camp offers new experiments, discovery and opportunities to create each day for scientists in grades 1-6. Dive into topics like game design, mineralogy, rocket engineering and more. Pre-registration is required. For more info, visit www.pensacolamesshall. org/ or call (877) 937-6377.

Tuesday, December 31

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Celebrate the New Year! 7 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Featuring Peter Rubardt, conductor, and Ian Parker, piano. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra plays light classics and timeless music like George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Tickets begin at $23. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Midnight. Santa Rosa Island Authority, 1 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola. Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies for free fireworks. Displays will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For more info, call (850) 932-2257.

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Miracle on 34th Street 3 p.m. Based on the movie and the novel by Valentine Davies; directed by Kathy Holsworth. For details, see December 13 listing.

Winter Break Camps at Pensacola MESS Hall 116 N. Tarragona St. Half day from 9 a.m.-noon, or full day from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For details, see December 30 listing.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker 1:30 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. For details, see December 20 listing.

Latino Festival Noon-8 p.m. Museum Plaza, 120 E. Church St. #A108, Pensacola. Free admission, live music, cultural perfor-

Wednesday, January 1

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FamilyCalendar mances, international food and drinks, micheladas, giant inflatable obstacle course (Lost Jungle/King Cobra) for the kids. For more info, call (850) 494-7899 or visit https://latinomediainc.com/. Penguin Plunge ‘n Paddle 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Juana’s Pagodas, 1451 Navarre Beach Cswy, Navarre Beach. Brave the waters as you dash from the beach at Juana’s Pagodas into the Santa Rosa Sound with other courageous people to raise money for kids. Last year Penguin Plunge n’ Paddle raised $8,000 for the Santa Rosa Kids’ House and Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. For more info, visit www. juanaspagodas.com/PenguinPlunge.htm. 3rd Annual Pirate Plunge 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This charity event for Healing Paws for Warriors features a plunge into the Gulf of Mexico at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier followed by an after-party at Broussard’s Bayou Grill & Bar. The Rowdies will be rocking the stage along with food and drink specials. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/PiratesOnThePanhandle. Polar Bear Dip Noon-3 p.m. Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola. This popular, annual splash in the Gulf of Mexico is followed by a southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Great laughs, good music and fun for the whole family! For more info, call (850) 492-6838 or visit www.florabama.com/. Polar Bear Plunge 2 p.m. Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound. Hosted by Paradise Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume – flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 cash per person. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt or a $10 registration donation to participate without the t-shirt and $5 Cub Club for ages fifth grade and under. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Thursday, January 2

Winter Break Camps at Pensacola MESS Hall 116 N. Tarragona St. Half day from 9 a.m.-noon, or full day from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For details, see December 30 listing.

Friday, January 3

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Known for their note-for-note, sound-for-sound recreations of classic albums, The Black Jacket Symphony wants you to help them choose the album! They’ll start the show with a surprise album—either II, III, IV, or Houses of the Holy—followed by a full set of Led Zeppelin hits. Visit https://blackjacketsymphony.com/pensacola-poll and comment with which album you’d like them to play. Tickets start at $31. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/. Winter Break Camps at Pensacola MESS Hall 116 N. Tarragona St. Half day from 9 a.m.-noon, or full day from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For details, see December 30 listing.

Saturday, January 4

Darren Knight’s Southern Momma An Em Comedy Show 8 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Darren Knight’s Southern Momma An Em Comedy Show features

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

comedians Red Squirrel and Gary Cargal with DJ Slim McGraw. Darren Knight, aka Southern Momma from Munford, Ala., has cultivated a massive online presence across multiple social media platforms. He’s been compared to Jeff Foxworthy, as the next star of redneck comedy. Dee Jay Slim McGraw River recently was honored to perform at NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s retirement party with Kid Rock, Cole Swindell & Billy Currington. Tickets start at $28. For tickets or more info, call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/. Pensacola’s Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration 4 p.m. Downtown Pensacola. This is a citywide event, and the public is invited to attend the FREE EVENT. Pensacola’s best parading Mardi Gras Krewes will have their floats and their entire Krewes on Palafox and Government Streets, where their Krewes will be ceremoniously blessed and proclaimed ready to participate. Each Krewe will be in costume and will have its royalty present. Come out and join us for FREE King Cake provided by Bluejay’s Bakery, and dance the night away with a second line jazz band street performance. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. For more info, call (850) 436-7638 or visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/.

Monday, January 6

Pensacola Little Theatre Holds Auditions for Short Attention Span Theatre 6:30 p.m. Directed by Christopher Holloway, Brandon Mayo and Gavin Parmley. Six one-act plays for Studio400. Call (850) 432-2042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions for more info. Winter Break Camps at Pensacola MESS Hall 116 N. Tarragona St. Half day from 9 a.m.-noon, or full day from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For details, see December 30 listing.

Tuesday, January 7

Pensacola Little Theatre Holds Auditions for Short Attention Span Theatre 6:30 p.m. Directed by Christopher Holloway, Brandon Mayo and Gavin Parmley. See January 6 listing. Citizen Input on Appointed Superintendent Community Forums 6-7 p.m. Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. The Escambia County School Board invites the community to participate in these forums to voice their feelings about the type of person the Board should be looking for to serve as the next Escambia County Schools superintendent. Citizens are welcome to attend any or all of the forums.

Thursday, January 9

Citizen Input on Appointed Superintendent Community Forums 6-7 p.m. Tate High School Cafeteria, 1771 Tate Road, Cantonment. For details, see January 7 listing.

Every Sunday This Month

Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. The service always draws a large and friendly crowd. Visit http://www.centralonline.tv/flora-bama/. Polar Express Pajama Party 3-4 p.m. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola. The Giant Screen

Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 22. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and will receive a free cup of hot chocolate and cookie from the refreshment counter. Tickets are $7 per person. For more info, call (850) 308-8963 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/. Family-Friendly Improv at Pensacola Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. 239 N. Spring St. Come learn basic improv techniques and games like those in the comedy show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Improv is storytelling without a script. All ages welcome, but parents must accompany younger children. For more info, call (850) 436-5060.

Every Monday This Month

Pickleball at PAC! 6-9 p.m. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Looking to try something fun and competitive? Join us for a pick-up game of Pickleball. Spare paddles are limited, so please BYOP. Members play free and guests play for only $3. For more info, call Max at (850) 453-1534 or visit www.pacactive.com.

Every Tuesday This Month

Preschool Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Join us for stories, songs and movement designed to build future readers! We have fun with many books from our collection. For more info, call (850) 453-7780. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are creative and have an organic, environmental and local twist. Price: Complimentary. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http:// everman.org/. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Funky Flow is a creative hour with fun postures and music, combining yin and yang postures. Please wear comfortable clothing. All you need is yourself, a mat if you have one and an open mind. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Tuesday Jazz Jam 6:30 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government Street. Featuring various jazz vocalists and musicians weekly. The jazz concert will start in the Lili Marlene room. For more info, call (850) 434-6211 or visit www.sevillequarter.com/.

Every Thursday This Month

Every Saturday This Month

Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. For more info, visit www.palafoxmarket.com. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church parking lot across the street from their sanctuary. Providing local goods, including seasonal produce, eggs, chicken, jams, jellies, home-baked treats, fresh breads, honey, pickles and local arts and craft items. For more info, call (850) 736-3040 or find us on Facebook. Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. Our free beginner ukulele classes are designed to get you familiarized with the ukulele, including parts of the ukulele, how to hold it, how to tune it, basic chord shapes, basic strumming patterns and chord changes for your first song! The intermediate class focuses on learning songs and playing while singing along. For more info, call (850) 457-7557. Polar Express Pajama Party 3-4 p.m. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola. The Giant Screen Theater at the National Naval Aviation Museum will present The Polar Express at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 22. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas and will receive a free cup of hot chocolate and cookie from the refreshment counter. Tickets are $7 per person. For more info, call (850) 308-8963 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum. org/.

Classes Community Education

Babysitter Class This class is open to youth from ages 11-15 for $30 (lunch is not provided). All participants receive an American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR Card, plus a Sacred Heart Hospital Babysitting Certificate. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5051 Carpenter’s Creek Drive in Pensacola at our Population Health Building. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-7262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education. SNAP, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and “keep problems small.” SNAP services are completely free to youth and their families! SNAP Boys and SNAP Girls program is designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behavior and/or have come into contact with authority figures at school or in the community. The parent group meets at the same time as the SNAP Boys/SNAP Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges. For more info or to participate in a program, call (850) 453-2772.

Parenting

CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. offers a variety of parenting programs specific to the age of the children (from infants to teens) and needs of the parents. They are offered free to the community and meet in different locations in Pensacola. Please contact Medena Williams at mwilliams@cdac.info or (850) 449-4315 or (850) 439-5626 for more info.

Prenatal & Childbirth

Baptist Women’s Center offers you choices to tailor your experience from early pregnancy to months following your baby’s birth. Our experienced team of nurses and educators are specially trained to make your birthing experience one of a kind. To register or for more info about our classes, call (850) 434-4567 or visit www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/birth. Baby Care Basics – Select Saturday classes (9 a.m.13:30 p.m.) walk you through what to expect in the hospital and at home. A key milestones guide will be given to monitor baby’s growth and needs and how to meet them. $20 per series. Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour of labor & delivery unit, and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Held third Fridays odd months, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Breastfeeding – Two-class series (select Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.) teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. $20 per series. Prepared Childbirth – This class prepares you and your partner for the labor and delivery journey by understanding the process and offering coping skills. $90 per series. Classes are offered each month as a five-class series from 6-8:30 p.m. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! Select Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4874 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Mondays and Fridays, 5:30 p.m. Monthly Series Package – $125 per couple and includes Prepared Childbirth (a four-class series or one all-day class), two Breastfeeding classes and two Baby Care Basics classes. Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital offers a

variety of prenatal education classes designed to help parents-to-be prepare for their special day and for the days that follow back home with the new baby. Registration is required for all classes and is offered online. For any questions, please call (850) 416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacredheartbaby.com. Breastfeeding This two-hour class, taught by one of Sacred Heart Hospital’s lactation consultants, teaches techniques for breastfeeding success and addresses common concerns to make your experience as smooth as possible. Cost is $20 per couple. Offered monthly on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. Infant/Child CPR Course Class is open to new parents, family members and friends who will be caring for a baby or young child. Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fee is $22 per person and pre-registration is required. To register, please call (850) 416-7264. “My Family’s Growing” Sibling Class Class prepares soon-to-be siblings (ages 3 through 10) for the arrival of a new baby in their family. Our sibling class includes a complete tour of the Maternity & Women’s Center of Sacred Heart Hospital. Cost is $10 per child. Newborn Parenting This class strives to prepare parents in caring for their new bundle of joy, from birth through the first few weeks at home. Newborn Parenting is taught by experienced nurses from Sacred Heart Hospital’s mother-baby unit, and a local pediatrician will be available to answer questions during a portion of the class. Cost is $20 per couple. Prepared Childbirth Classes Designed to help prepare you and your partner for the birthing process – including tips to make you more comfortable during labor – Prepared Childbirth Classes are taught by experienced obstetrics nurses and include a tour of the Maternity and Women’s

Center. Cost is $50 per couple. This course is offered in two different formats to meet your scheduling and educational needs: •As a four-week series, especially designed for firsttime moms. •As a one-day class, ideal for moms who have had children before and are looking for a refresher course in the delivery experience. To see a list of upcoming dates, visit www.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/. Tours Tours of Sacred Heart Hospital’s Maternity & Women’s Center will give soon-to-be moms an idea of what to expect during your stay at the hospital, including where to go, where to park and what to bring when you arrive for the delivery of your baby. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.

West Florida Hospital understands that giving

birth is a family affair, and we encourage the involvement of family and friends in the birth process. For more information about The Family Birthplace or childbirth classes at West Florida Hospital, call (850) 494-4368 or visit https://westfloridahospital.com/ service/family-birthplace. Breastfeeding Preparation Class Classroom 5 & 6 on the 7th Floor of the Ancillary Building at West Florida Hospital located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Free for pre-delivery parents. Topics include: How breastfeeding works (How the Breast Makes Milk), Latch & Positioning, When to Feed Your Baby, How to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk, Breast Care, Pumping, Storing and Bottle-Feeding with Breastmilk. This is a Power Point, Videos, and Question/Answer Class. Mom, Dad, and caregivers are welcome. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/ service/childbirth-preparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - 4-Week Series Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Join us for a PowerPoint presentation that will discuss: what to expect in labor, vaginal delivery, c/s delivery, pain control options, post partum care, newborn care, and we will tour the labor unit/suite. This 4-week course goes into a little more detail than the intensive 4-hr course. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/service/childbirth-preparation. Childbirth Preparedness Class - Express Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Condensed version of our 4-week Childbirth Preparation class into one day, has many great topics, features and video clips including: understanding pregnancy, labor, medical procedures and cesarean birth. Free, very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368 for any additional questions.

Support Groups Cancer

Cancer Support Group 2-3 p.m. second Tuesdays. Sacred Heart Hospital Oncology Unit Library, 2nd floor. Cancer patients,

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SupportGroups cancer survivors, their families & friends are invited to join. Enjoy some “Tea for the Soul” & light refreshments. The group is designed to offer support through education, spirituality and humor as well as the comfort of fellowship with other cancer patients. For more info, call Rene Moses, 416-7703 or Jo Jensen, 416-7593. CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) Tuesday nights for six consecutive weeks at the Sacred Heart Cancer Center. A unique, free program created to provide emotional support for children who have a parent with cancer. During the group meetings, conversation and art are used to help children identify and appropriately express complex feelings related to having a parent with cancer. Pre-registration is required by calling (850) 416-2679. Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. Support Group 6:30-8 p.m. 3rd Tuesdays in Conference Room A of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. Supporting families of children with blood disorders and cancer. Anyone with a friend or family member who has been stricken with a form of childhood cancer or blood disorder is welcome. More details can be found at www.wingsofhopeinc.org. Look Good...Feel Better Sacred Heart Cancer Center 3rd Floor Conference Room on Airport Blvd. Free program that teaches people in active cancer treatment ways to deal with the appearance-related side effects of treatment. It will be offered jointly by the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Pre-registration is required by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-888-604-5888 or visit www.cancer.org/cps3florida. Man2Man Prostate Cancer Self Help Group 9:30 a.m. first Saturdays. Sacred Heart Cancer Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room on Airport Blvd. Facilitated by Ed Rigby, American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer education and support program. For more info, call (850) 438-7627 or 438-4491. No registration required. Managing Life with Cancer: A Mini Series Four-week program at Sacred Heart Cancer Center designed to help patients and families learn how to emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially cope with cancer. Patients will be able to connect with other cancer patients while learning common emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis, healthy coping skills, safe exercises, sources of personal hope, and available financial resources. Lunch is provided so pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-2679. Patient and Family Cancer Support Group Pensacola 4-5:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Prostate Cancer Support Group 5-6:30 p.m. 2nd Thursdays. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372. Sacred Heart Cancer Center Sacred Heart provides emotional support and education for cancer patients and their families through a variety of support groups. For more info, visit the Cancer Center Support Groups website or call (850) 416-2679.

Grief Support

GriefShare The Sacred Heart Palliative Care department provides a free, 13-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care department, located in Suite 201 of the Bayou Tower on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s Bayou Tower

Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

entrance, which faces Bayou Blvd. For class dates and times and for registration information, call Kerri Riggs, LCSW, at (850) 416-7705. Grief Support Group for Adults Sacred Heart Hospital provides this free group for adults who have lost a loved one. For future classes and registration info, please call (850) 416-7705. Grief Support at Baptist Health Care Meetings last for six consecutive weeks. For current dates and more info, call (850) 469-7197.

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. For meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 1-2 p.m., usually second Fridays. West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc. com/calendar/index.dot. Stroke Support Group 12:30-1:30 p.m., second Wednesdays. October through December meetings are at Sacred Heart Women’s & Children’s Classroom C/D (regular meeting location). See Information Desk staff if you need assistance. Please let us know in advance if you need a wheelchair. All stroke survivors and their family members invited to join us each month, free of charge. Discussions are led by the Neurology Social Worker. Topics change each month, and meetings occasionally will include a guest speaker. For more info, call (850) 416-7621 or e-mail: eopena@ascension.org.

Parent Support

Baptist Mommy & Me Play Group Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Free support group for moms with babies up to six months old. Call for next meeting dates. For more info, call (850) 434-4567. La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Our mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Free. Next meetings will be held December 5 and January 2, from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/ event/la-leche-league-9/. LEAPS New Mom Support Group Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. LEAPS (Love, Encouragement, and Postpartum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Pre-crawling babies welcome. Free. Next meeting will be held December 21, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of most months from 10 a.m. to noon in Classroom C/D of Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 5151 N. Ninth Ave. in Pensacola. This free support group provides mothers with an opportunity to share experiences, gain support and develop friendships. A lactation consultant

from the Sacred Heart Maternity & Women’s Center will be present to answer questions and offer advice. Baby weight checks are offered at each meeting. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required for each class session. For more info about this class or your parenting experience, please call The Nesting Place Women’s Boutique at 850-416-6378 (NEST) or visit www.sacredheart.org/childbirth. MOMS Club of Pensacola-Northeast Non-profit organization whose mission is to support stay-at-home mothers and their children. We offer age-specific playgroups, member-only activities and participate in philanthropic efforts within our community. We strive to provide a supportive, caring atmosphere during every stage of motherhood. Member meetings are held near the end of each month. Visit us at www.momsclubpensacolane.weebly.com or find us on Facebook. MOMS Club of Pensacola-Southwest We are “MOMS Offering Moms Support.” Our non-profit organization aims to meet the needs of West Pensacola and Perdido Key mothers who have chosen to stay at home with their children. Public member meetings are held on 4th Wednesdays. We also meet throughout the month in smaller, agespecific and activity-specific playgroups for various club activities. For more info, visit https://momsclubpensacolasw.weebly.com/ or find us on Facebook. Pensacola Parents of Multiples If you are expecting or already blessed with multiples, you are encouraged to get free, helpful information. We offer a support network, social activities for children and parents, library and more. For more info, visit pensacolamultiples.com or call (850) 449-4208. Also e-mail PensacolaParentsofMultiples@hotmail.com. Salvation Army Community Center Afterschool Care 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday for ages 5-17; 18 if still in high school. Through this program, we offer homework help, a basketball gym, playground, ping pong table, pool tables, and an indoor swimming pool. We teach the kids in our afterschool care the basics of swimming; we swim Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more info, call (850) 432-1501 ext 3 or 4.

Special Needs

Children With Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) Support Group For families of children with attention deficit disorders. To find a local group, please visit www. chadd.org/.

Weight Loss

Weight-Loss Support Group Meets second Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Baptist Tower 3, Ground Floor, Baptist Weight-Loss Center, 1717 North E St. For info, call (850) 437-8746. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Parent-Teen Relationship Destroyers I have never had a mom tell me, “I want my daughter to be perfect,” or had a dad say, “I want to have absolute authority over my son.” Certainly, no parents have ever announced, “We want to be judgmental.” But I have heard hundreds of girls say, “My mom wants me to be perfect,” and hundreds of young men have said to me, “My dad rules our home with an iron fist.” And, thousands of teens have told me, “My parents are the most judgmental people I know.” As parents, we want a strong relational bond with our teens. But sometimes, despite our good intentions, we can be doing the very things that destroy these relationships. So what are the primary culprits that break our connection with our kids? Here are the four “most wanted” relationship destroyers.

#1: DEMANDING PERFECTION

At a recent parenting seminar, I asked each mom and dad to pull out their cell phone and text this question to their teen, “Do you think I expect you to be perfect?” After about five minutes, every phone in the auditorium started beeping with replies. About 95% of the teens said they did believe their parents wanted them to be perfect. As parents, we want great things for our kids. That’s why we try so hard to push them towards excellence. But there’s a line between encouraging excellence and creating unreasonable expectations. When we place unattainable standards before our kids, we always risk raising expectations so high that our kids just give up. Some kids will begin to rebel to prove they are in control of their own lives. Others will become hyper-aware of the high standards and turn to drastic measures in order to achieve them. We need to balance between wanting the best for our teens, and setting up impossible expectations. If you have never shared your personal flaws with your kids, they haven’t had an opportunity to see what it’s like to live with imperfection. Instead, they think that faultlessness is normal. By admitting your flaws, you give your kid permission to make mistakes

and be imperfect, and you allow your teen to connect with you in a deeper way. Plus, as your kids see your own successes and failures, they’ll understand that it’s possible to have a good life even when they’ve messed up and fallen short.

#2: HAVING A JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE

This relationship destroyer is sneaky. I’ve witnessed parents using voice inflection, body language, and even Bible verses to make a valid point to their son or daughter— but the child only hears a harsh judgment being given. When you take a stand on issues like marijuana, homosexuality, religion, or even movies, your child may interpret your words as unfair criticism. Now, it might sound like your teen is putting words in your mouth. I mean, you’re not a judgmental person, right? But let me ask you; have you rolled your eyes when your daughter came out wearing certain outfits? Have you withheld hugs or signs of affection when your son disappointed you? We’ve all been there at one time or another. The problem is, these actions can be seen as coming from a judgmental spirit, and teens pick up on that quickly. It’s okay to voice your concern or disappointment, but be careful that you don’t belittle your kids or look down on their friends when you do so. Display grace in your actions and attitudes. And take time to listen to your son or daughter with a caring heart. You don’t have to offer your opinion to every conversation. But if your teen does ask you to speak into a topic, preface your thoughts with, “I don’t want you to think I’m being judgmental, but these are my feelings.”

#3: THE NEED TO CONTROL

As parents, we want to protect our kids. But our desire to protect can morph into an unconscious habit of control. And that habit crushes relationships! Do you want to control your son when he’s 20? Of course not! How about 18? I would guess “no.” So what about when he’s 47

15? You can see where I’m going. If you don’t want to be controlling your children when they’re adults, the teenage years are the best training grounds for slowly and carefully making that handoff. When teens feel like mom and dad control every aspect of their life, that’s when they start to act out. Rebellion is an effort to take back decision-making power, even if the resulting decisions are very poor ones. There was a sweet girl who was staying with us at our Heartlight campus and she was fond of piercings, but her parents were not. For this teen, piercing her body was a way to take control back from her parents who (with good intentions) maintained tight control over her life. Once the parents started to let their daughter make more decisions on her own, guess what? Somehow, those piercings started to disappear.

#4: CONSTANT NEGATIVTY

Try this little exercise this week—start counting the times you say, “You need to…” “What you should’ve done…” (or phrases like these) to your teen. You may be surprised how many times those types of comments come out of your mouth. A foolproof method to get your kid to shut down is to speak more negative than positive words into their lives. If you spend more time criticizing than encouraging, judging than training, condemning than approving, you’re slowly eating away at a relationship with your child. Be intentional about finding positive behaviors, actions, and attitudes for which you can praise your child. I realize that these words are tough to take. It’s not easy to hear that something we may be doing as parents is destroying our relationship with our kids. We can all readily admit that we don’t have parenting down perfectly. To build great relationships with our kids, we have to be willing to evaluate our attitudes and actions, and continue building strong and healthy ties with our teens. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Ford v Ferrari

Last Christmas

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) has an idea. The rising young Ford executive wants teenage Baby Boomers to perceive Ford cars as cool; not as stodgy family vehicles with declining market share. To reach this goal, Iacocca urges Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) to develop a racing division that can compete in Europe. Ford is dismissive, until a personal insult from Italian racecar maker Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) stings his pride. Determined to best Ferrari at his own game, Ford gives Iacocca carte blanche to hire whomever he needs to defeat the Italian on the fabled LeMans course. In Iacocca’s mind, the best man for the job is Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), the only American to have won at LeMans, now sidelined by a heart condition. And Shelby is convinced that the best driver is Ken Miles (Christian Bale), a stubborn, temperamental Englishman whose racing career was derailed by his military service in World War II. Shelby and Miles find themselves struggling on two fronts: first, to develop the fastest car in the world; and second, to survive the constant corporate infighting among the Ford executives. Even if you, like me, aren’t interested in cars, this movie offers drama between larger-than-life characters, excellent acting, a tense true story, a gut-punch of a plot twist, laugh out loud comedy, and heart-rending moments. With something for everyone, this pulse-pounding popcorn pic is sure to be one of the biggest hits of the year. The biggest drawback to this film is profanity, with approximately 40 uses of crude language, including a single sexual expletive. To counterbalance the swearing, Ford v Ferrari is chock full of positive themes.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: ASexual Content: BProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C Despite working in a Christmas shop in Covent Garden, Kate (Emilia Clarke) has lost any festive spirit she might have had. Spiraling into full fledged grinch-iness, she is losing herself in alcohol, casual sex, and a bottomless well of self-absorption. She’s run out of friends who are willing to lend her couch-space, she’s in a state of constant conflict with her mother and sister, and she can’t get over the emotional aftereffects of a serious health crisis. Then she meets Tom (Henry Golding), a handsome stranger who treats her with empathy instead of judgment. “Look up,” he tells her. As she takes his advice, she begins to rise above her despair. Last Christmas is a difficult film to review because it turns on a plot twist I can’t describe without ruining the show for you. I also can’t share my reaction to it for the same reason. Suffice it to say, that even though this movie sounds like a typical rom-com, it’s anything but... Compared to standard genre fare, Last Christmas stacks up well. It’s blessed with some outstanding actors. Along with good acting, this movie is packed full of positive messages tied up in sparkling ribbon. The biggest gift this film gives parents is its relative lack of negative content. Although Kate drinks heavily to deal with her painful emotions, her alcohol use is not glamorized. Most surprisingly for a rom-com, there is no explicit nudity or sexual content. Although Kate has some one night stands, no sexual activity is seen, only implied. Good points aside, this isn’t a flawless film. The pacing drags at times, there are some cheesy moments. Still, while Last Christmas might not be the perfect gift under the tree, it’s far better than a lump of coal.

Arctic Dogs

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Mail room clerk Swifty (voiced by Jeremy Renner) has a dream: to become a Top Dog, a star courier with the Arctic Blast Delivery Service. There’s just one problem: Swifty is a fox, not a dog. Feeling trapped in his dead end job, Swifty decides to prove his mettle so he steals a sled and heads out to develop a package. But this delivery is more than Swifty bargained for, as he learns when he winds up in the sights of evil villain Otto Von Walrus (voiced by John Cleese). Can a little fox defeat a supervillain whose dastardly plan will destroy the earth as we know it? There’s not much doubt about the answer to this question. Of course, Swifty and his friends will triumph. This is a kids’ movie, after all. The critters aren’t going to wind up dead in a snowy wasteland. The real question is whether the journey to this happy ending is worth taking. For adults, the answer is no. The predictable story line feels like a great first draft that needed a bit more polish and the jokes are aimed at the under-twelve crowd. Arctic Dogs is the kind of film that leaves adults longing for their phones and a round of Candy Crush to fend off the boredom. For young audiences, Arctic Dogs is lots of fun. I brought two of my sons to the movie and they laughed out loud at the corny jokes and slapstick physical comedy. And, on the bright side, this production serves up some positive themes along with the cheesy jokes. The movie is pleasant and harmless but not worth the ticket price at the local multiplex. Wait until it comes out online or on DVD and enjoy it from your couch. If you’re going to nap during a movie, you might as well do it in the comfort of your home. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2019

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not the movie I expected. It is not a biopic of Fred Rogers, it’s not a happy little movie for kids, it’s not a tribute to children’s television. Instead, it uses the format of an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to introduce us to Lloyd Vogel. I was skeptical that setting up a television episode as a narrative frame for a feature film would work, but it does. Mr. Rogers (played by Tom Hanks) sings his welcome song, puts on his running shoes, shows a picture of his friend, Lloyd, and then plays a clip about magazines on Picture Picture. When the story changes locations, the camera zooms around model buildings as toy cars and planes move from set to set. It sounds odd, but it is strangely effective in moving us from Lloyd’s world to Mr. Rogers’ world. The journey between their worlds is not just physical. The power of this film comes from Vogel’s voyage into Mr. Rogers’ life. The cynical writer is initially convinced that Fred Rogers can’t really be as good as he seems; he must be hiding something. He is bemused by the man’s all-encompassing empathy, his patient acceptance of others, and his sincere humility. Given the emotional issues in this movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not a movie for children. Not because of content issues – there are no serious problems here – but because this is a movie aimed at adults. There’s an emotional depth that adults will find deeply moving, not just in the ability of one man to change, but in the power of another man’s example and legacy. 48

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