Greater Pensacola Parents July 2017 by KeepSharing

TOUCH SUPERVISION is drowning prevention

• Keep your child within arm’s reach while in or around water. They only need a few inches of water to drown. • Children 1 to 4 years of age should always wear a life jacket. Life jackets should be US Coast Guard approved. • Place fences around water sources including pools, ponds, and hot tubs. • Enroll children in swimming classes at an early age to learn the basics of water safety. • Adult supervising children in the water should be able to swim. Supervising adults must be physically capable of rescuing the swimmer. • Learn CPR. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you can save a child’s life with CPR skills. • Air-filled or foam toys are not safety devices. Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as “water wings”, “noodles”, “floaties,” or inner-tubes, in the place of life jackets. Put these toys away when not in use so that children are not tempted to enter the water unsupervised.

Find more information at www.EscambiaHealth.com

July2017

Volume 2 Number 4

31 Columns

Living With Children John Rosemond

Kids Health Watch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates, P.A.

Making Family Events Special

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Birthdays, anniversaries, and vacations - these are special times in a family’s life and can create lasting memories. However, as treasured and important as these events are, some families try to make too much of them. Parents may try to turn each birthday party into the best one ever. Or they feel they have to fulfill every wish on their children’s gift lists. Inevitably, that approach can create anxiety and disappointment, since few events turn out perfectly, and we all know that our young children can almost never have everything they want… nor should they! When they look back at their youth, your child’s most important memories will probably be centered around family, not typically around what toys they got or what theme their party had. Remember that events don’t have to have a big price tag to be fun, and they don’t have to be complex or elaborate to be memorable.

How To Make Parties More Special

Ask your child if they have a preference about what type of party they want to have. It may help to not leave it too open-ended, so you may want to offer them a few choices and ask which option

appeals the most. Try to keep it relatively simple – your child isn’t likely to be critiquing how you put it together, so you don’t need to make it elaborate. Sometimes just some simple games or crafts followed by a snack are all that you need. Ideas for crafts and games you can do for the kids are often available on social media, or even better, ask your friends or neighbors what types of things they have found to be simple and fun! As far as gifts go, again… try to avoid going overboard. Have your child draw up a list of things he or she wants so that you and others have gift ideas from which to choose. Tell the child from the beginning that they may only be able to get one or two things, and have him or her underline or indicate top preferences in some manner. This way, they will understand from the get-go that they won’t get everything on the list, and they won’t be disappointed. And if you can, try to surprise them with something not on the list. If your family budget does not allow you to buy your child most of what he wants, do not feel guilty; instead, choose one or two gifts that will mean the most, rather than a dozen that don’t. Even if you

could provide for your child’s every wish, some selectivity can teach him to set priorities and to learn values. More importantly, spend time with and show your love for your child; this is much more significant and lasting than material items. Remember that special events - from family gatherings to attendance at school recitals - are times to demonstrate the specialness of the people you care about. Often that just means being there, and enjoying it with them. Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)

Dr. Samuel Ravenel, Board Certified Pediatrician, is a native of Greensboro, NC and joined Pediatric Associates, PA, in June of 2016. After completing his undergraduate work at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he completed medical school at Medical University of South Carolina and did his residency at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters/Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. Dr. Ravenel practices at our Cordova and Pace locations.

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Autauga County Schools

Fairy Godmothers at Woodham Middle

Little Flower Names Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Little Flower Catholic School celebrates Peter Nguyen, above, 2016-17 valedictorian and Cardinal honoree, and Dolan Marcelonis, below, salutatorian and President’s Award for Educational Achievement honoree. Nguyen has served Little Flower as the Student Council president for the 2016-17 school year and has done an amazing job leading his classmates. He is also receiving the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. He is a role model for his classmates and demonstrates impeccable character and Catholic values. Marcelonis is a kind and respectful young man, self-driven and hardworking. He is always ready to volunteer for school events and help out his school in any way that he can. Both boys will continute their education at Catholic High.

Every little girl has watched Cinderella and fantasized about having a fairy godmother who would give her a beautiful dress and sparkly shoes. This year the 8thgrade young ladies attending Woodham Middle School have a fairy Godmother – in fact, they have a few of them! Two are teachers Amber Norstum and Summer Williams. At last year’s 8thgrade dance, Williams noticed that some of the girls looked uncomfortable. “And I thought about some dresses, like bridesmaid dresses, I had at my house that they might like to have so they could be dressed more like everyone else.” So, this year, a dress closet was started with dresses donated by Williams, her sister and Norstum and her sister. From there, the women put the word out on Facebook, and friends and other family member started sending items, such as dresses and jewelry. Some other supporters sent financial donations for shoes as well as some money for drinks and snacks for the dance itself. “I probably got more responses on Facebook to that (her request for help) than anything else I ever posted.” Williams said. With the dance rapidly approaching and a need for more dresses, enter godmothers number three, Assistant Principal Marietta BrittMcCaskill, and number four, Casey Richards. Richards is the mentor coordinator for Navy Federal Credit Union and a mentor of a student at Woodham. Britt-McCaskill told her about the effort to create the dress locker so 8th-grade girls whose families might not be able to afford a party dress could have a chance to pick out something beautiful to wear to the upcoming dance. Richards heard about the special project Tuesday night and Wednesday morning she put out a request for help at NFCU. By midday Thursday she was driving back to Woodham with 200 dresses. “Most came from our employees and one of our employees contacted his friends in a community group, My Brothers and Sisters, and about a quarter of the dresses came from them. All of this happened in just 24 hours!” explained Richards. Many of the dresses still had tags on them, and a few of the donations were even appropriate for the school’s Dress for Success days. Girls enjoyed searching through the dresses, sorting jewelry and giving their opinions for those there to try something on. They even found a few tiaras that added just the right amount of bling for a couple of princesses!

Medieval Demonstration at St. John School

St. John School was visited by the lords and ladies of the Shire of Arenal, invited and organized by St. John Morning Star teacher Jennifer Harrington! Kindergarten through 5th-grade students were able to participate in this awesome hands-on medieval demonstration. Students experienced carding wool, spinning yarn, examining herbs used by medieval apothecaries, and music and dances of the middle ages. St. John students even got to learn about and observe medieval combat performed by a variety of knights and characters and try their hand at some sword play.

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Special Edition Library Cards Issued to County Students

West Florida Public Libraries and the Escambia County School District teamed up to ensure every student in Escambia County received a special edition library card recently. The cards, which were issued to all K-12 Escambia County School District students and homeschooled children registered with the district, have a limit of three books or audiobooks at a time with unlimited access to online resources like e-books and research databases. The 41,623 student cards will not have late fees for overdue items and can be used at any West Florida Public Libraries location. The cards were handed out to students by their homeroom teachers. “We look forward to working with the schools more in the future to support student learning year-round,” said Library Director Todd Humble. “Every Escambia County student now has a fresh start with this new account, regardless of past mistakes. As the future leaders of Escambia County, we want you to make us proud by reading for enjoyment to explore new worlds and learn about the things you love.” “We greatly appreciate community support for our students such as the library card program, the summer reading contests, and ECAT’s free summer passes that make it even easier for students to get to the libraries,” said Escambia County School District Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. “One of the best ways for students to stay up to date over the summer is to read. So, we are excited to partner with our local public libraries to make it even easier for our students to develop their love for reading and to explore their world through the books and resources available to them this summer in our libraries.” The initiative is part of the Urban Library Leaders Challenge, which was accepted by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, the Escambia County School District and West Florida Public Libraries. To date, only 60 communities in the U.S. have accepted the challenge. Escambia County followed Orange and Duval counties as the third Florida county to accept. For more info about this and other library events, call 850-436-5060 or visit MyWFPL.com.

Gulf Breeze Middle Holds NJHS Induction

Ninety-five seventh-graders were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at Gulf Breeze Middle School at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Family and friends came to the school to watch the ceremony and celebrate after the students were inducted. NJHS is very involved in Gulf Breeze Middle School and in the community. One of the organization’s big philanthropic drives for the year is Relay for Life. Students chosen for this prestigious organization must have never received a discipline referral and maintain a 93 average through 6th and 7th grade.

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Autauga County Schools

Panhandle’s Top Ten STEM Students Honored at Statewide Conference

Montessori Students Share Their Talents

Montessori School of Pensacola students had a chance to share their many talents with fellow students, staff and families. A special Talent Show Day allowed students an opportunity to sign up and perform. Performances included dance, poetry, singing, piano and more.

The Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation recognized 10 of the Panhandle’s highest-achieving 11th-grade STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students at the Sunshine State Scholars conference May 19-20. The two-day conference, presented by Lockheed Martin, celebrates the accomplishments of Florida’s elite students and provides a unique venue for the state’s colleges, universities and employers to recruit their talents. “I am pleased to congratulate each of these Sunshine State Scholars for receiving this tremendous academic accomplishment and being selected to represent their school districts,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “It is my hope that these outstanding scholars will consider pursuing their dreams in the Sunshine State.” Among those recognized were Michael Dean Hoffman, pictured, from Pensacola High School, and Richard Musca, from Gulf Breeze High School. Event sponsors for this year’s Sunshine State Scholars program include Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Universal Orlando, Blue Man Group, Florida Lottery, Helios Education Foundation, Kyra Solutions, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts, Microsoft Corporation, Florida Department of Education – School Choice Office, Florida Power & Light, Publix Super Markets Charities, Arthrex, Inc., IBM, AppRiver, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of North Florida, University of South Florida and University of West Florida. For a list of scholars and more information about the event, visit Sunshine State Scholars.

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Escambia High Chosen for Class 7A Award

Escambia High School was selected by the Florida High School Athletic Association as the winner of the Class 7A Fred Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for the 2016-17 school year. his year, fifteen high schools and two middle schools received the prestigious award. This award has been presented annually since 1991. Escambia High School has won a plaque and a cash award of $2,500.

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CLA Student Wins Award At Lionfish Art Contest

A Creative Learning Academy kindergarten student won second place in her age group for her artwork submission in the Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day art contest. In its third year, the Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and Reef Rangers hosted the Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day Festival in downtown Pensacola. The mission of the festival is to reduce local lionfish populations as well as to educate the public about why lionfish removal is such a serious issue for our local waters. More information on lionfish removal and awareness is available at www.gulfcoastlionfish.com Through this and other community activities, Creative Learning Academy students are encouraged to think beyond the classroom walls, explore creative ideas, and take intellectual risks. In addition to education through art, CLA enrichments include physical education, technology, Spanish, music, character education, and library. 13

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NEW Little Free Library At O.J. Semmes

Autauga County Schools

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O.J. Semmes Elementary School can now boast that it has a beautiful Little Free Library installed in front of the school by its new partners, the East Hill Neighborhood Association. Stop by and add a book or two, then see what’s there and if something interests you, take a book!

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St. John Performs ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

St. John the Evangelist’s Middle School Drama Club and Ukulele Club teamed up to prepare an engaging and hilarious rendition of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Drama and Ukulele clubs are two of the electives offered to 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade students. The two electives prepared for this schoolwide dramatic performance over the course of the semester, practicing the script, creating the set and costumes, and arranging the music and lyrics.

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

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2017 Champions of the Arts

The third annual celebration was held May 18 to celebrate and thank Champions of the Arts, people within our schools and throughout our community who were nominated for this honor for their support of fine arts education in Escambia County. Superintendent Malcolm Thomas helped get the evening started by greeting the Champions and their guests. “We know the real academic value that comes when students participate in fine arts programs. So, for all the champions that are here tonight I want to celebrate with you because it does take every one of us, parents, businesses and educators all working together to promote the very best to to get the best out of our students. Thank you for being here tonight.” Honorees were treated to a performance of the song, “Happiness Is” from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, performed by drama students from Booker T. Washington High School. The first group of Champions held a special distinction because they are fine arts teachers who are retiring this year. Then Christina Frierdich was invited up front to receive her certificate and ECSD’s Fine Arts Specialist Angela Barberi shared with everyone that Frierdich’s classroom was lost in a fire at the end of the school year. Together they expressed how wonderful it was to have support come so quickly from around the county, from schools in the neighboring county, from school orchestras around the country, as well as families and even a company based in California. The names of the Champions were read aloud and those able to attend received a certificate and photos were taken. Then Superintendent Thomas was invited back to the podium for some parting words that turned out to really be the announcement of one more Champion. Nominated by a group of Escambia County School District Fine Arts instructors, the final Champion of the Night was Barberi, who received a standing ovation!

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Montessori Students Lead Clean-Up Crew

Students from the Montessori School of Pensacola Upper Elementary class put together a day and meeting place to clean up the environment for an hour on May 20. They collected more than eight pounds of paper and plastic. They even found a couple of tires! The students orchestrated and planned this event with the help of teachers. It grew into a whole class event all stemming from a discussion in their literature group about helping our environment. They plan to start next school year with other clean-up events and will be submitting information and photos to the Ocean Hour volunteer website.

Please email news to schoolnews@ greaterpensacolaparents.com!

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Autauga County Schools

State Science Fair Results for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties

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This year’s Florida State Science Fair held at the end of March in Lakeland brought 870 students from around the state. The West Panhandle (Escambia and Santa Rosa counties) Special Award winners are: Behavioral & Social Sciences: A $50 cash award sponsored by the Fla Assoc. of Science Supervisors was awarded in the Senior division to Patricia McAuley and Lauren Beall. They attend Pensacola High and their instructor is Cherie Stephens. Earth & Environmental Sciences: A $50 cash award sponsored by Capital Regional Science and Engineering Fair was awarded to Joseph Stevenson from Brown Barge Middle, where he is taught by Susan Hunter. A $50 cash award sponsored by the Three Rivers Regional Science and Engineering Fair was awarded to Avery Ottley from Holley Navarre Middle. Ottley is taught by Kathryn Clark. Engineering: A NASA Plaque and two (2) complimentary tickets to the NASA Visitor Complex sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were awarded to Julianna Heitman from West Florida High, where she is taught by Cathy Organt. Microbiology: A $350 cash award sponsored by the Florida Association for Food Protection was awarded to Anglia Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Morris from Holley Navarre Middle, where she is taught by Kathryn Clark. At the senior or high school level, the students who placed or were recognized are: Behavioral & Social Sciences - “The Effect of Work Environment and Stress level on the Accuracy of Eyewitness Testimony: Year III,” Lauren Beall & Patricia McCauley, Pensacola High, with instructor Cherie Stephens Chemistry Fourth Place - “The Effect of Dissolved Sodium Chloride Ions on the Leidenfrost Point of Water,” John Dixon, Pensacola High. Engineering Honorable Mention “Determination of Airfoil Characteristics for Maximum Lift,” Julianna Heitman, West Florida High. Environmental Engineering Fourth Place - “The Optimal Performance for Residential Wind Turbines with Different Number of Blades,” Leo Forty & Jeffrey Sutherland, Pensacola High. Environmental Engineering Honorable Mention - “Monitoring Nutrient Levels of a Self Sustained Environment with Use of an Arduino,” Xuan Ho, Maya Humeda & Joseph McCormack, Pensacola High. Intelligent Machines, Robotics, & Systems Software - “Creating an Optimised Algorithm for EEG Wave Separation and an Accompanying Graphic Interface,” Alexander Pope, Pensacola High. 16

The middle school student scientists from our two counties who placed or were recognized this year are: Animal Sciences - “Crabtastic Temperatures,” Dana Amin, Saint Paul Catholic, with instructor Holly Forrester. Behavioral & Social Sciences - “Pricing Trickery: The Placebo Effect and Prices,” Lauren Bautista, Holley Navarre Middle. Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biochemistry - “Pineapple Enzyme vs Jello Smackdown,” Lilah Hodge, Saint Paul Catholic. Microbiology Fourth Place - “Light Up Your Euglena,” Amy Zhang, Brown Barge Middle. Microbiology - “Spice It Up: Testing the Antimocrobial Properties of Herbs and Spices,” Angelia Morris, Holley Navarre Middle. Physics & Astronomy - “Pitter Patter Here’s Some Splatter!” Darcy Sullivan, Saint Paul Catholic. Physics & Astronomy Honorable Mention - “Liter of Light (Refracted Sunlight vs Light Bulbs),” Lindsey Rauscher, Saint Paul Catholic. Plant Sciences Fourth Place - “ Fix That Nitrogen! Comparing the Effects of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria and Nitrogen Fertilizer,” Kavay Howell, Holley Navarre Middle. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Tech Honor Society Honors Tate Senior

The National Technical Honor Society has selected Tate High School senior Kayla Johnson to receive one of only 225 scholarships being awarded across the country. According to a release from NTHS, Johnson was recently awarded a $1,000 Jon H. Poteatscholarship. In addition to her involvement with NTHS, Johnson has excelled at HOSA competitions for EMT and Sports Medicine, which took her to the State level competition. She is an active member of Chorus and has completed four years of the Biomedical Sciences Academy, including more than 200 hours of volunteer service at West Florida Hospital. Johnson also obtained two industry certifications for Patient Care Technician and Medical Administrative Assistant. Her future plans are to become an EMT, while continuing her education to become an RN. NTHS is the leader in recognizing student achievement in career and technical education. More than 4200 schools and colleges are affiliated with the Society. Since its founding in 1984, it has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to remarkable CTE students nationwide. Visit www.nths.org for more information. NTHS works in partnership with national student leadership organizations to promote educational excellence and award scholarships to career and technical education students. These include Business Professionals of America (BPA), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA/DEX), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA/PBL), Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA), and SkillsUSA.

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Autauga County Schools

Ferry Pass Middle Excels in Florida Stock Market Challenge

St. John Visits Wildlife Sanctuary

In April, 2nd-grade students from St. John the Evangelist School went on a trip to the Northwest Florida Wildlife Sanctuary. These elementary students got a firsthand look at the important work done there. St. John students, with their teacher Dana Donahoo, were able to see the care given to injured and orphaned indigenous creatures by the local sanctuary.

Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Ferry Pass Middle School students placed first, second and third in the middle school division of the Northwest region of the Florida Stock Market Challenge this spring. The Florida Stock Market Challenge is a statewide competition where students invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds through a mock stock market that mimics the real market for a two-month period. Winners receive certificates and a pizza party for their class. Finishing in first place was Harrell Jackson, in second place were Jennah Bryant and Jayla Williams, and in third place was Mei Adcox. Ferry Pass also had teams in the top three spots in the fall challenge. In the fall challenge, Joshua Lausen and Aidan Rich placed first, Joseph Bennett and Emily Fisk placed second, and Bryanna Laguna-Bowman placed third. Congratulations! Shown from left are Harrell Jackson, Jayla Williams, Jennah Bryant and Mei Adcox.

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ECSD Names Stellar Employee of the Year

The Escambia County School District Stellar Employee for the Year is Charlie Freeman, a carpenter with the ECSD Maintenance Department who has been with the district in this role for ten years. He is currently assigned to Scenic Heights Elementary School. Superintendent Malcolm Thomas shared with the members of the school board and those in attendance at the recognition that Freeman is always willing to lend a helping hand and even stop what he is doing and go out of his way to help. Principal Mary Ellen Wiggins stated that she and the staff admire his ingenuity, and his many his thoughtful acts that put a smile on everyone’s face. Freeman announced that a portion of his financial prize from Members First Credit Union would be donated to backpackprojectusa, the ECSD Maintenance Department’s program that raises money to send snacks home with children each weekend during the school year. “I never imagined that this would happen to me,” said Freeman. “First, I need to thank the master carpenter of all carpenters for blessing me with this job. I thank Mr. Thomas and all the Board members, Mrs. Wiggins and everybody at Scenic Heights, all the little Bulldogs, all my schools, everybody.” Thomas concluded his remarks by explaining that Freeman is stellar because of his excellent work ethic and dedication to the staff at Scenic Heights. “He exemplifies the pillars of people and service and it is for those reasons, and so many others, that Mr. Freeman has been selected as our Stellar Employee of the Year.”

Montessori Showcases History Fair Projects

Montessori School of Pensacola’s 7th- and 8th-grade students presented their history fair project boards to fellow MSP students, as well as staff and families. Students answered questions about their topics of research and what they had learned. Topics included Seminoles, the Vietnamese people, Queen Elizabeth and world justice. The curriculum area in Montessori education referred to as “cultural” includes the study of history, geography, botany and zoology. The Middle School class focused their study this year on world conflicts, protests and injustice.

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Autauga County Schools 2017-18 Voluntary Pre-K Fall Registration

Prekindergarten registration and enrollment for Escambia County School District is now underway for the 2017-18 school year. To be eligible, your child must be four years old on or before September 1, 2017 and live in a Title I school attendance zone. There are 14 locations for you to choose from across the school district. Call (850) 595-6915 ext. 224 for more information.

Escambia High Mentors Help with Water Safety

Escambia High School student mentors have been supporting community members who are helping younger students learn water safety while getting great experience in designing a web site. Some of the participants are shown.

Gulf Breeze Middle Visits Sam’s Fun City

At the end of the 2016-2017 school year, Gulf Breeze Middle School 8thgraders took a field trip to Sam’s Fun City. Students were able to have fun in the amusement and water park area.

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Creative Learning Academy Dominates National Spanish Exams

Several world language students from Creative Learning Academy attained national recognition for excellent performance on the 2017 National Spanish Examinations. Students from Creative Learning Academy earned a total of 16 gold, 14 silver and eight bronze medals along with six honorable mentions. “Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with more than 157,000 students participating in 2017.” Taught by CLA Spanish teacher Profe Maureen Leccese, students from Creative Learning Academy have a long history of high achievement on these exams. The National Spanish Examinations are administered each year in grades 7 through 12, and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

ECSD Student Named Top Elementary Artist for 2017

The 2017 Elementary School Winner in the 2017 Florida Art Education Association K-12 Art Assessment and Exhibition is Bradley Hurd’s work titled, “Color Your World.” Hurd is a 5th-grade student at Lipscomb Elementary. His art teacher, Sally Miller, sent in the work earlier this year and it was judged along with close to 1,000 other pieces of student work. Hurd says he is inspired by his art teacher and that he doesn’t have a particular art style - yet. His artist’s philosophy is, “Always try your hardest and never give up. Practice makes perfect. Try to inspire others.” “Color Your World” was on display in the Artel Gallery through the end of June.

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Autauga County Schools

Escambia County Council of PTA Holds 2017 Awards Ceremony

The Escambia County Council of Parent and Teacher Association (ECCPTA) held its annual awards ceremony at Heritage Hall in Pensacola on May 12. The gathering included Council officers, Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas and School Board members Patty Hightower and Kevin Adams, members of individual school PTAs and PTSAs (Parent, Teacher and Student Associations) as well as County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. Superintendent Thomas thanked the ECCPTA for their continued stellar support of local schools, teachers and students. “Thirty-one chapters raised more than $865,000 this year and performed more than 78,000 community service hours this year,” announced ECCPTA President Michelle Salzman. Award presenters shared story after story of the outstanding events and programs various chapters have conducted this school year. A few standouts included Cordova Park Elementary School’s four week-long, schoolwide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs that won the Innovations Award. Florida State PTA President Cindy Gerhardt was pleased to hear that the ECCPTA had created a new award named for her statewide initiative, All Children Matter. “ALL children matter,” she explained, “Not just children in schools with active PTAs.” N.B. Cook Elementary School won the new “All Children Matter” award for its program that selected a different school to support in special ways each month. Other awards were: Outstanding Program of the Year – Primary: Beulah Elementary; Outstanding Program of the Year – Secondary: Jim Bailey Middle; Communications Excellence – Primary: Beulah Elementary; Communications Excellence – Secondary: Ferry Pass Middle; Outstanding Principal of the Year – Primary: Dr. Tama Vaughn; Outstanding Principal of the Year – Secondary: Sherri Mims, Ferry Pass Middle; Unit of the Year: Pensacola Beach Elementary; Volunteer of the Year – Primary: Amy Diaz, Pleasant Grove Elementary; Volunteer of the Year – Secondary: Lisa Foster, Ferry Pass Middle; Diversity & Inclusion Award: McArthur Elementary; Mentor a PTA Award: McArthur Elementary (Mentored West Pensacola Elementary’s new PTA); Outstanding Newsletter of the Year: Cordova Park Elementary; Outstanding Yearbook: Lipscomb Elementary; and Citizen of the Year Award: Dennis Mills. Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas is shown with his wife Sandra.

Little Flower Performs Student Musical

Little Flower Catholic School’s Fine Arts Department presented The Little Mermaid this spring. Mr. Gonzales and students did an amazing job hosting three nights of performances, including a dinner theatre sponsored by Franco’s in Orange Beach. Students played roles in set making, sound, lighting and performing this amazing production.

Nada Elway, left, and Katherine McCall

FOUR Valedictorians Represent Pensacola High IB Class of 2017

This year’s International Baccalaureate Program at Pensacola High School had FOUR valedictorians. They worked together to create one shared speech on the importance of open-mindedness, tolerance and respect. Nada Eldway plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biology & Middle Eastern studies. Katherine McCall plans to attend the University of Florida and study economics and environmental science. Anna Neville plans to attend the University of Michigan and study environmental engineering. Carla Dias plans to attend Princeton University and study neuroscience. In addition to these four, Pensacola High’s valedictorian was Jessica De Guzman and salutatorian was Ronald Coro. Salutatorians in the PHS IB program were Allen Litvak, III and Tricia Kay McAuley. Anna Neville, left, and Carla Dias

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Beulah Elementary Delivers Pull Tabs to Ronald McDonald House

All nine of Beulah Elementary School’s second-grade classes teamed up on a community service project recently. All year they saved soda can pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House. At the end of the year, a team from Beulah traveled to see Ronald and make their delivery.

Montessori Band Provides the Beat

Students from the Montessori School of Pensacola band and wind ensembles performed for their annual end-of-year concert. The students performed for students, families and friends at the Montessori Drive campus. The concert was followed by a potluck dinner. Montessori School of Pensacola has a school band program for students in 4th through 8th grades. Local musician and music teacher Fred Domulot is their director.

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St. John the Evangelist School’s first-grade class had a special opportunity to attend a Blue Angels practice event on a Tuesday in May. The first-graders and their teacher, Kelly Gore, were able to meet the pilots and crew, view the aircrafts, and learn about the work of the Blue Angels. The St. John students were able to sit in prime spots to watch the Blue Angels as they practiced their flights and formations.

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A Page in a Book Help Wanted: Big Jobs for Little Kids Once a child is old enough to help with small tasks, parents can often find themselves with a surplus of assistance. When children are invited to participate through helping, it creates a sense of value and responsibility. Sorting clothes, mixing batter, carrying the mail, and other opportunities for kids to contribute can be a vital part of supporting their positive self-image. This empowerment of the child can also lead to young ones seeking innovative and bold ways to ‘help’. The following titles explore the lighter side of youthful assistance and the humorous results of their enthusiastic help.

Sprout Helps Out

by Rosie Winstead (Penguin / Dial) Even though Sprout is young, she’s still older and bigger than her baby sister, Bea. So while her mom works from home, Sprout has big ideas about how she can help with the baby. Citing all the ways that she takes care of herself, Sprout’s enthusiastic confidence in her ability to help powers her grand plans for entertaining Bea. The actual chaos that Sprout’s ‘help’ generates only makes her successful assistance more powerful. Pencil and watercolors soften the edges of the mess, leaving the helpful spirit of Sprout to shine in this sweet story of a girl who takes on responsibility with love and wonderful abandon.

by Mo Willems (Disney / Hyperion) Nothing delights young Nanette’s taste buds like a warm baguette. When her mother gives her a coin to make her first solo trip to the bakery for a fresh loaf, Nanette is delighted to help. Navigating a journey fraught with distractions (from Brett with his clarinet to Mr. Barnett with his pet, Antoinette), Nanette and her coin reach the bakery. Once the baguette is bought, the return home with the hot, crispy loaf is all that remains. But how long can a tempting baguette last in the hands of a hungry Nanette? Celebrating a child’s first taste of responsibility and the hazards that can come along with the task, this delightful romp will whet every young readers appetite for opportunities to help.

Laundry Day

by Jessixa Bagley (Roaring Brook Press) Tic and Tac are badger brothers who are bored beyond measure. As they loudly lament the lack of something to do, their mother makes suggestions while she does the laundry. The brothers discard all her ideas, until she offers something new that they’ve never done before; hang up the wet laundry on her clothesline. Armed with instructions on how to handle wet clothes and use clothespins to hang them, Tic and Tac make quick work of getting the laundry on the line. But their excess energy (and new-found talent) give them grander ideas for helping that may put their mother’s patience on the line. Saluting the enthusiasm that comes with teaching kids new skills, this charming picture book tips its hat to the rewards of chores. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Skipping to the Altar Q. My wife and I make good money, and our daughter’s college education is pretty much paid for through pre-paid tuition and scholarships. We just started your plan to get out of debt and take better control of our finances. When we get to Baby Step 5, which is saving for college, can we substitute that with saving for a wedding? A. That would be fine. I’m glad you’re thinking ahead. It’s always a good idea to save toward a wedding if you have the financial resources to do so, because weddings are real and they’re coming. The average wedding in America today runs around $35,000. Of course, you don’t have to pay anywhere near that amount to make it a beautiful occasion. Your household income, debt, savings and other factors will all play into how much you can afford.

Just remember to pay cash for the wedding. If you have to go into debt to make it happen, then you’re talking about too much money. It’s as simple as that. Crunch the numbers with your wife, and see what you two can handle. And remember, there’s absolutely no correlation between the cost of a wedding and the success of the relationship!

Bad Advice From a Bad Friend Q. My husband and I are currently in Baby Step 2, and paying off all our debt except for our home. A friend recently told us to pay off everything except for the credit card debt. She says we can then settle for a far less amount and not have so much money go-

ing out the door. This feels a little unethical to me. What are your thoughts? A. There’s a good reason this idea feel unethical to you — it is unethical! Would a good friend, a smart friend, encourage you to do something as dishonorable as not pay a bill you’re morally and legally obligated to pay? I don’t think so. If you’re able to pay your bills, you pay your bills. It’s as simple as that. Now, if you honestly can’t pay the bill, and you have to settle upon a mutually agreed upon amount with the creditor or collector, then it’s okay at that point to try and reach a settlement. Otherwise, it’s a simple question of ethics. Pay the bill!

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Embracing Teen Conflict for Good If your family could be described by a television program, would it be the older than dirt Leave It To Beaver series, or more like the can’t wait till it’s over The Kardashians? Despite every parent’s earnest hopes that their family will look something like the perfect sitcom, I can guarantee there’s going to be some reality TV thrown in there, too. Maybe you’re living some of that reality right now. Your children have hit the teen years and you feel like your home has been thrown into tail-spin. Your teens are seeking increased independence while, as parents, you are trying to let the reigns out slowly. Or perhaps raising your child has always been a battle, causing you to think about waving the white flag and giving up. I get it—the teen years are a challenge! Conflict is a pre-cursor for change. Don’t ignore what is before you as it might just be the greatest opportunity to influence your child… in the midst of some of the hardest parenting times. Mom and Dad, let me offer you some encouragement. While these years are challenging, they also present critical opportunities to guide your teen through the real issues of life. Don’t shy away from these opportunities that appear as headaches and heartaches. Keep engaged with your teen no matter the level of stress on either side. This is where the battle is won for your teen. And this is when you need to be your teen’s best ally not his or her worst nightmare. Here’s some guidelines for dealing with a few challenging examples.

Example #1: The Angry Teen

Maybe the situation you’re facing today is constant conflict with your teen. Let’s first normalize this. Conflict will occur as your teen’s self-interests clash with your desire to look after his or her best interests. Remember, anger is a secondary emotion, so when your teen is angry, look to understand what is the root cause. Be genuinely curious to learn what he or she is feeling and thinking, wanting or needing. Talk to you teen! Don’t match their anger, but ask them to share with you why they are angry. Your calm approach will bring stability to them and their emotions. You may not always be Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

able to meet their unmet needs or wants, but you can listen to them and learn about them. Most important, you can help them process their deep feelings and frustrations. Sometimes that is enough. You may even be able to relate to them on many levels, remembering when you were a teen. In this way, your teen’s anger can be a doorway for developing an honest and healthy relationship based on mutual love and respect. You may be thinking, “This is impossible!” You may be saying, “You don’t know my kid. He’s unapproachable!” Resist reliving the past or feeling intimidated in the present. Yes, it may start out bumpy, but let you teen know you are going to keep trying, you are going to keep engaging, and you are going to keep loving. It’s been said that “no one cares how much you know until you show how much you care.”

Example #2: The Withdrawn Teen

The withdraw teen is an apathetic teen. Anger indicates they are still passionate and engaged, but apathy indicates they are in the danger zone of disengagement— checked out from everyone and everything. Signs of the withdrawn teen are that the things she used to care about no longer excite her. He has no motivation, no ambition, and lacks any strong emotion. This is the teen who can take parents to the end of their ropes because they seem unreachable. The withdrawn teen can pose a heartwrenching challenge–sometimes calling for the urgent action. First, keep engaging and keep reaching out to your teen in ways that are caring and loving. Again, it’s all about communication. Rather than criticizing them for their apathy, invite them into a dialogue to learn about what is troubling them inside. Let them know that nothing they can tell you will stop you from loving them. Let them know that you are genuinely there to listen and help. Take time out to show you really care. 26

That might mean scheduling a night on the sofa to talk, a walk, a dinner out, or a road trip—whatever will create a real opportunity for real communication. But if your teen won’t talk to you, don’t throw up your hands. You still have options. Suggest that they talk with a trusted therapist or pastor. Many times teens are afraid to share with their parents the truth about their overwhelming feelings and even dark struggles, but they will talk to someone else if given the opportunity. Don’t feel rejected or hurt. Be grateful they want to deal with their issues. If they aren’t talking to you, they need to talk to someone. In addition, a professional can assess whether your teen is dealing with something more than temporary apathy. They can evaluate if serious depression or suicidal thoughts are preventing recovery.

Example #3: The Acting-Out Teen

These are the teens who wake you up in the middle of the night asking you to bail them out of jail. These are the teens who are sexually active, using drugs, drinking alcohol, bullying others, self-harming, have an eating disorder, or are exhibiting some other self-destructive behavior. This is the time for you to resist only focusing on the external issue to look deeper to the motivational driver. When you are tempted to berate your teen for external behaviors, stop to talk about the “why” of what they are doing. This can be illuminating to you and your teen. Often times, your teen hasn’t stop to look at the “why” or where it is taking them. Your teen may be acting out of depression, insecurity, faulty thinking, fear, loss, and peer pressure. While setting healthy boundaries and addressing the behavior, you can also offer your teen desperately needed support, love, and a place to process their pain. Let them know that there is way out and a way up.

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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As my teenage daughter’s birthday was approaching, I asked her if she wanted to have a party with some friends. “I guess,” she answered in her typical non-committal way. While she thought she could have a killer party by just inviting friends, ordering pizza and plugging her phone into a speaker, I knew they would spend much of the party concentrating on their phones instead of each other. Instead, I offered her a few teen party ideas that I hoped would serve as the “warm up band” and get her friends moving, laughing and making memories at the killer party my daughter envisioned. Here are the six ideas that we came up with!

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Night at the Club – Turn your basement into a Dance Party or Sports Bar (minus the alcohol, of course). Teens love to Karaoke via your Wii, Playstation or Xbox and dance games like Just Dance gets the party going fast. Consider asking your guests to wear neon or white and set the room in black light. Games like Darts, Pool, Foosball or Air Hockey are usually found in the basement of a family with teens. You can also bring in Cornhole boards and bean bags for a friendly, competitive game. Instead of pizza, try serving nachos, cheese sticks and chicken wings. An 80’s Party – My kids know all

the 80’s songs from Bon Jovi to ZZ Top because they grew up listening to them. At an 80’s themed party guests can dress up as their parents did back in the day. Offer a variety of 80’s games for the kids to play including Simon, Uno, Rubik’s Cube and Atari Flashback (available on Amazon). Keep the party going with “Who Wants to be an 80’s Star” which is a spinoff of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. Create 80’s trivia questions with a life line to parents or poll the audience. Serve popular 80’s foods like pizza rolls, jello pudding pops, sloppy joes, and of course, Tab.

Murder Mystery – Not only is

Minute to Win – This is a fun

Amazing Race – An Amazing Race party requires the guests to break up into teams, read and decipher clues and perform challenges in the shortest amount of time. The game can easily be set up in your neighborhood. Set challenges at the park, a neighbor’s backyard or a local business. Game printables can be found on Etsy. Incorporate food in your challenges so everyone is fed, but offer appetizers and desserts before and after the race. Challenge food games may include making a Froot Loop necklace with a certain pattern of colors and then eating it before moving on to the next challenge.

Social Media Party – Ok, if you can’t beat them, join them. This is as close to it comes to just hanging out. Set up a photo booth with props for fun party posts. Play “Find a Post” where players receive points for having posted a particular item on social media – a team logo, their pet, a picture of a Starbucks cup. Serve food that only requires one hand to eat so the teens can continue to eat and Tweet. Try foods you can stick with a toothpick like cheese cubes, cocktail meatballs or cut up fruits and veggies. GPP

a Murder Mystery Party a theme within a theme, it is also a fun way to release your inter-actor. Some themes include the Wild West, a night at the theatre, glamorous millionaires, medieval times, prom or even the holidays. You can find downloadable games online which will include character descriptions, a storyline and directions. Inform your guests ahead of time so they can dress for their role or offer costumes when they arrive. Your meal should revolve around your murder mystery setting.

party for all ages and a simple set up for the party-planning challenged. The guests are given one minute to do a variety of simple challenges, like picking up four dry penne pastas with a dry spaghetti noodle. Players can be individual or broken into teams of 2 or more. Have everyone do the same challenges and keep record of everyone’s times. For game ideas, check out the Minute to Win it website and head to the dollar store for supplies. Food ideas include quick and easy make-it-yourself bars like tacos, pasta or baked potatoes.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three teenagers. She is the author of a party game series on Amazon and creator of Pam’s Party Printables on Etsy.

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Toys That Build a Balancing Act

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Balance is key to reaching many of a child’s developmental milestones. Raising their head, pulling up to a stand, taking their first steps are all achieved when a baby finds and hones their balance. It’s marvelous how our bodies take in a variety of stimulus while making a multitude of minute adjustments, all to achieve a physical equilibrium. As kids grow and change, their bodies benefit from constant new challenges that calibrate and improve their balancing abilities. The following recommendations are ideal for encouraging and building a child’s sense of balance as they grow.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Ice Cream Balance Game

Teeter Popper (Fat Brain)

Offering a versatile range of play options, the Teeter Popper from Fat Brain encourages all kinds of balancing moves for the kid in control. Cupped in the curve for seated maneuvers, young athletes can wobble and spin their way to better balance. Improved coordination follows when kids take a stand on the edges, twisting and tilting the Teeter Popper. Especially cool for kids who love the satisfaction of popping bubble wrap, the suction cups peppered around the bottom of this gadget generate rapid-fire pops as they engage and disengage with a hard floor. An irresistible sensory challenge for kids, the multiple moves they create with the Teeter Popper are all part of building better balance.

(Little Treasures)

A delicately perched desert stand is ready to host the sweet challenge of players vying to build the best confection without knocking the whole tray over. While it can be played solo as a balance building challenge, this game is most rewarding when multiple dessert chefs take turns using tongs to select and place the colorful cookies, cones and ice cream scoops on the tower without disturbing other pieces. As players strive to build a balanced diet of ice cream, the risk increases with each play that the tasty tower will topple. Supporting the development of steady hands and cool coordination, only the best balancing act will finish dessert first.

Gonge River Stones

Kids Balance Cushion, Jr.

Leaping from stone to stone at the creek’s edge is an outdoor rite of passage for many youth. But when the pebbled steps of the waterways aren’t available, Gonge’s River Stones replicate the experience in both indoor and dry land settings. Placed in a path of their own design this set of six steps offer varying degrees of steepness and difficulty for young adventurers making their way from stone to stone. The sturdy rubber marked bases offer stability as well as a measure of protection for floor surfaces. As children build their confidence and improve coordination, they can create new balancing challenges as they reconfigure their high and dry paths across imaginary rivers (or the lava floor).

Parents of kids with ‘the wiggles’ have welcomed the Kids Balance Cushion as a fun solution to help keep little ones centered. Directing their energy into the multiple and minute body adjustments needed to maintain their balance, this cushion’s subtle design keeps kids using their extra energy to stay centered. Maximizing ‘active sitting’ balance cushions have been a positive tool to cultivate better posture and improve physical focus for more restless children. The surface nubbins provide tactile stimulation as well as gripping action to keep sitters centered. With a deceptively simple structure the Gaiam balance cushion offers a complex set of rewarding outcomes for kids as they channel their surplus energy into staying seated.

(Gaiam)

(Gonge)

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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7 Ways to Encourage Kids to Write This Summer School’s out for summer and the family deserves a break. Your kids probably do not want to think about homework or projects. Still it’s important to keep learning in the back of the mind. Even if children do not wish to read books or study vocabulary words, there are sneaky ways to encourage kids to write, think and develop their minds while they are just doing their normal routine or going on summer outings. Try these seven suggestions to have your kid earn brain power without even realizing it.

1. Write a review

Children love to give their opinion. When they start to give it, have them write it. Have kids state what they like or don’t like about anything they are experiencing. It could be the food at a restaurant you visit. Perhaps the summer’s most anticipated film didn’t measure up to your child’s expectations. Encourage your opinionated son or daughter to share their thoughts on paper. Help them form complete sentences or even use a new word.

2. Pick three

Have your kid choose three things to discuss. It could be three of their favorite songs. Choose three of their favorite superheroes. Select three favorite colors or ice cream flavors. Start with three and see where it leads. Then find out why your child made that decision. You’ll learn more about your kids and it will be fun, informative brainstorming session. Tell your child to suggest a topic for you too so you can play along.

3. Design a place

What kind of house would your child build? Or would it be a castle or an airport instead? Help your kid design it, draw it and build it with construction paper or blocks. Ask your child the questions to start the senses. What will the site look like, smell like, feel like, sound like and perhaps even taste like? What is the texture and materials used in constructing it? Have your children consider these notions to help with thought process, transitions and putting things in order. Whether they realize it or not, they are building the foundations for writing.

summer, read them all. You may have the makings of quite the comedy!

6. Today’s rhyme

Have your children say, Similar words today. Make it a fun game, Where words sound the same. Tell your child for every rhyme, You’ll give him a dime. With a limit of fifty cents, And only two hints. When it becomes too long, Just put on a song.

7. Sit and talk

The simplest way to spark creativity among kids is to force them to stop moving, slow down, sit next to you and have an open discussion. Ask them what they are thinking about. Invite them to talk about their day or share a story about a friend or something they observed. You could have an oral storyteller on your hands and not realize it. Let kids speak freely with their thoughts. Then you can always help them transfer it to writing later.

The Magnificent Seven of Writing

4. Make a list

Recruit your family’s help in making a list for the day or the week. What things should you do? What groceries do you need? What special toy does your child want for his birthday or for a holiday? Start the list now and have your child write it if she or he can. Help them spell words and write letters correctly if necessary. Or you can type up the list on a computer. This is great writing practice and possibly a big help for moms and dads too when they are tired or out of ideas.

5. Silly sentence

What’s the wackiest thing your kid can say? Tell your child to be as silly as possible within a sentence. Can you use each word with the same consonant? Or how about each word with a vowel? What sounds can you repeat? Each of you can compose one funny statement per day. Then by the end of week and end of the 31

These magnificent seven suggestions are hidden ways that I promote writing in my family. I can use these prompts no matter where we are, what we are doing or what time of the year it may be. Try these or similar ideas to round up your own rowdy bunch of smart, creative kids or to defend the honor of your intelligent home. Mandy B. Fernandez is a writer living in Pensacola, Florida with her husband and two children. She has a B.A. in English with a minor in Technical Writing. She writes on topics such as business, education, creative arts, health, family life, parenting and natural foods. In addition she loves sharing humorous stories, poetry and essays about womanhood and motherhood. Her first children’s book, Kazoo Makes The Team, was just released. Visit her at www. writtenbymandy.com.

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Birthday Traditions You’ll Want to Try By Kerrie McLoughlin

told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are.

Every year when I was a kid my parents would let me choose where I wanted to eat dinner out

2. Birthday letter.

for my birthday. Another birthday tradition they

Every year I type up a birthday letter for each of my children telling them what great things they did and said and learned during the past year. I give the birthday child a copy, then save a copy in a binder and on my computer for myself because we all know kids can’t keep track of stuff. The plan is to give each of my children a copy of all their letters when they move out, which means they’ll have somewhere between 18 and 30 letters to enjoy!

kept going was to have a small party for me with family and friends, including a cookout since I have a June birthday. Kids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout. Never fear! Below are 8 ideas for birthday

3. Birthday slideshow.

traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and

With just a few clicks of your mouse you can create a special slideshow using PowerPoint or a similar computer program. Just pop in photos, size them and add cute captions. You can even add some music if you like. After your child watches it about a zillion times, save it to a CD and pop it in a special place (safe deposit box, fireproof box, etc.) so your child will always have it.

choose a few of them each year…and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love! 1. Rise and shine. I like to wake my kids up on their birthday not with, “Get up! It’s time for school!” but with an extra long snuggle and the condensed version of the day they were born. Who doesn’t like to hear their birth story?! Adopted and foster children can be

Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

4. Photos. I try to take as many pictures as I can on birthdays and even make sure I’m included in some of them, since I’m the mom

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and all! Later we like to get out old photo albums and the birthday kid’s baby album.

5. Special meal. One of my kids loves the neighborhood restaurant where they sing Happy Birthday and are given a balloon to take home. Another is content heading to the local fast food indoor play area and grabbing bites of food in between trips down the slide. Make at least one meal of the birthday child’s day something out of the ordinary!

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6. Special treat. We like to hit the cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors to spread the celebration around. A cheap – and just as special – route would be to make your child’s favorite dessert at home…cookies, cake, banana splits, shakes or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet. Depending on which fruit is in season (or go frozen!), a decadent fruit smoothie made with frozen yogurt could be nice.

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7. Party (doesn’t have to be on the actual birthday). If you get a few gray hairs every time you think of planning a birthday party, don’t fret. Options include: a simple party at your place with just a few people, a bash at a park shelter or a celebration where a local children’s party place does all the work.

8. Birthday weekend sleepover with a few special friends (for kids over age 7). Warning: this one is not for the faint of heart! I suggest a maximum of 3 friends to stay the night at your house on a Friday night around the time of your child’s birthday. Order pizza to make life easy on yourself, grab some movies from the library and have them set up their sleeping bags as far away from your bedroom as possible. GPP

Kerrie McLoughlin is the proud and kooky mom of five. Check out their adventures at TheKerrieShow.com.

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Little House Bake Shop

Pensacola Custom Cakes and Baked goods. With a decadent menu we make it even harder to say “no” to dessert! 850-417-9193 Find us on Facebook

Marble Slab

5405 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola 850-478-4547 www.marbleslab.com 840 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze 850-934-7522 www.marbleslab.com Invite your guests to the ultimate dessert party with homemade ice cream, delicious toppings, and everything you need to entertain any size group. Ask about options for having a marble slab brought to your next celebration.

Milton Quality Bakery

6727 Caroline Street, Milton Milton Quality Bakery is a family-owned business that has been satisfying sweet cravings for more than 40 years. 850-623-3676 Find us on Facebook

Oh Snap Cupcakes

Cakes and Treats

707 East Cervantes Street, Pensacola Oh Snap! Cupcakes is a locally owned and operated Gourmet Bakery- Open 7 days a week. 850-466-3363 www.ohsnapcupcakes.com

Cake Gallery

126 South Palafox Place, Pensacola Adonna’s offers cakes, pastries and Southern baked goods that are to be found nowhere else in this area. 850-696-2227 www.adonnasbakery.net

732 West Garden Street, Pensacola Cake Gallery specializes in wedding cakes, special occasion celebration cakes, chocolate candies, individual desserts, corporate gifts and coffee. Every tasty creation will be handmade on-site with top quality ingredients and can be customized to the client’s specifications. Delivery available upon request! 850-433-5003 Find us on Facebook

Artfully Delicious

Cakes & More by Alicia

Adonna’s Bakery

3046 Concho Drive, Pensacola Artfully Delicious delivers stunning cakes to the panhandle and surrounding areas. Your choice in cake design makes a statement about your personality and sense of style. Call or email us today to choose the cake that you love. Visit us on Facebook. 850-221-0885 www.buymycake.com

Baskin-Robbins

205 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze 850-934-6958 www.baskinrobbins.com 4350 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola 850-484-9000 www.baskinrobbins.com Custom ice cream cakes from Baskin Robbins. Online ordering available.

Bread of Life Bake Shop

6100-G West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola Custom cakes for all occasions including doll cakes, character cakes, petit fours, cupcakes and more! Bread of Life offers several cake flavors and fillings to choose from. Visit the Facebook page for photos and website for pricing. 850-458-2273 www.breadoflifebakeshop.com

Bubba’s Sweet Spot

412 South Palafox Street, Pensacola Bubba’s Sweet Spot produces high quality products and delivers them with superior customer service ensuring a delightful and memorable experience for children and adults of all ages. Proudly based in Pensacola, Fla., we strive to make the world better one satisfied customer at a time. 850-332-6696 www.bubbasweetspot.com/ Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Publix

Milton Cakes and More by Alicia offers sweet treats for all occasions including specialty cakes, cupcakes, gourmet cookies and cookie baskets as well as custom designed sugar cookies and cake pops! Themed cookies make great party favors! 850-319-8180 www.cakesandmorebyalicia.com

2180 West 9 Mile Road, Pensacola 850-473-5025 www.publix.com 5055 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola 850-484-9646 www.publix.com 5998 Mobile Highway, Pensacola 850-941-8101 www.publix.com 852 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze 850-932-0113 www.publix.com 9251 University Parkway, Pensacola 850-473-5000 www.publix.com Publix Bakery will help you realize the perfect cake for your occasion. Choose your favorite cake flavor, fillings, frosting, and theme for a custom-decorated cake. Try Publix online ordering where you can customize your order.

Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Shoppe and Café’

Say It with Frosting

236 West Garden Street 2A, Pensacola Award winning artisan sweet and savory cheesecakes made to the order with the freshest and finest Ingredients! Ask about no sugar added, gluten free, specialty cakes, and layered cheesecakes. 850-438-5650 ccspensacola@yahoo.com www. chrisoulascheesecakeshoppe.com

Great American Cookie Company

5100 North 9th Avenue (Cordova Mall), Pensacola From our signature cookie cakes to our deliciously rich brownies, Great American Cookies takes the time to do it right. The end result are the finest freshbaked products and perfect for every occasion or celebration. 850-478-2200 www.greatamericancookies.com

3026 East Kingsfield Rd, Pensacola Say It With Frosting offers a diverse range of customized cakes & treats at affordable and competitive prices. By baking everything fresh to order from tried & trusted recipes, you are provided with high quality products so that you get nothing but the freshest, yummiest baked treats! 850-449-0908 www.sayitwithfrosting.com

Sherry’s Cake Shop

510 Massachusetts Avenue, Pensacola Offering custom design cakes, cookies and more. We also carry cake and candy supplies, decorating lessons and more. 850-433-4208 www.sherryscakeshop.com

Simply Cupcakes of Pensacola

J’s Pastry Shop

2014 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola Adorable custom cakes, cupcakes, pastries and other delicious treats are available at J’s. Check out J’s Pastry on Facebook to view samples of a few delicious creations. 850-432-4180 www.jsbakeryandcafe.com/

Pensacola Simply Cupcakes proudly provides delicious, delectable cupcakes. We adhere to a high standard of excellence, using only the finest, freshest ingredients to provide a most flavorful and quality product worthy of the Simply Cupcakes name. Italian buttercream, chocolate ganache, homemade key lime curd.....and

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Smallcakes of Pensacola

5046 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola Gourmet cupcakes, custom cakes and more from Smallcakes: A Cupcakery, as seen on the Food Network and Cupcake Wars. 850-332-5245 www.smallcakescupcakery.com

Sweet Creations by Sharon

Gulf Breeze My unique, artistic designs will provide a sweet addition to your special day. 850-341-6674 www.sweetcreationsbysharon.com

Szotski’s Cheesecakes

2600 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola We proudly offer the largest selection of Cheesecake flavors in Pensacola with more than 200 varieties and counting! Our Cheesecakes are baked in small batches giving them the proper attention they deserve! By focusing only on Mini Cheesecakes we have created the perfect combination of size and variety! From a sweet treat for two, an office potluck for 20, or a wedding reception for 200, our Mini Cheesecakes are sure to be a hit! Stop in and enjoy Pensacola’s Premier Cheesecake Purveyor today!! 850-466-3477 www.szotskis-cheesecakes.com

TCBY

4771 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola Frozen Yogurt Cakes and Pies are the perfect addition to any party. Cool and refreshing, festive and fun, TCBY”s cakes and pies are made with the frozen yogurt that you can feel great about serving to your friends and family. 850-332-7531 www.tcby.com

Entertainment to You Animal Tales

ad on page 33

Live Exotic Animal Birthday Parties! Animal Tales conducts educational programs for over 900 schools and libraries annually in 15 states. We bring our animals to your location for a unique birthday party experience. 6+ animals of your choice, 45-50 minute show. Serving a 300-mile radius around Pensacola, FL. 800-589-5408 Ext.2 www.animaledzoocation.com

Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters ad on page 13

PaRtY AnImAlS FoR HiRe!!! A Fun Hands-On Learning Adventure Featuring Small Exotic Animals for Birthdays, Classrooms, Festivals and MORE! If you love animals and like to be up close and personal with them, then this is the party for YOU! Nonie can also hostess your birthday party with decorations, games, prizes, and the cake! Programs are an hour long and limited to 30 kids maximum unless special arrangements are made for larger gatherings. Crew mates of this Ark include unwanted pets adopted by Nonie Maines, Wildlife Educator in the Florida Panhandle. 850-862-9588 www.noniesark.com

Host the perfect birthday party at our...

Pensacola Children’s Museum 35

Parent-friendly, themed packages include invitations, decorations, Publix birthday cake, set-up, breakdown and clean-up!

Book today!

850.595.5985 ext. 112 jmcmillen@uwf.edu historicpensacola.org

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A DJ Connection

Pensacola Regardless of the age of the birthday, regardless if boy or girl, we have you covered with 70 years in music and almost 40,000 songs. Your DJ not only plays music, but entertains and plays games with your guests and makes your birthday party fun and memorable. 850-968-1968 sales@adjconnection.com www.adjconnection.com

when they awaken or when they get to work. We then return in the late afternoon or early evening to gather the critters back up and clean up our “mess”. It couldn’t be easier for you and tons of fun for that special someone. 850-438-4004 www.flamingoafriend-pensacola.com

Game Cave Pensacola

Game Cave is the top video game truck ready to make your birthday and any other event the best

Ahh Snap It’s a Photo Booth

Pensacola Photo booths are a great addition to any party or celebration! 850-316-1456 ahhsnap850@gmail.com Find us on Facebook We are balloon twisters in the Alabama Gulf coast area. Do you have a party or celebration coming up? Then you have landed on the right website! We provide a full scope of roving entertainment at your party which includes our balloon animals, bubblemaker, confetti gun, t-shirt launcher (which can launch parachuting army men, stuffed animals and party gifts). We have arches, custom centerpieces and various decorations for your party/gathering. (251) 233-9657 www.balloonbubblebuddies.com

Characters on the Go

Pensacola A multitude of make-you-smile-every-time characters and party themes that you and your child will enjoy! We also offer photo booths, wholesome DJ-hosted parties, Glow Parties (ultraviolet and fluorescent color decorative parties), and theme parties for all ages and so much more! 850-607-9057 www.charactersonthego.com

party of the year. Our mobile video game theater is complete with four big screens, all the newest video game systems, hundreds of games, and it is all in surround-sound with vibrating seats and controllers for the ultimate 4-D video game experience. 888-985-2844 www.game-cavepc.com

Copy Characters

Knockerball

Faces By Alyce

Face Painting for your party, festival or special event. Please call for pricing and booking information. Visit us on Facebook for photos and updates. (251) 937-1199 facesbyalyce@yahoo.com

Fairy Tale by Christina

Fairytale By Christina not only teaches dance and hosts birthday parties and special events, but also encourages creative personal expression through the art of dance. Fairytale By Christina classes and parties are most suitable for children ages 2 to 10 years. Complete party packages available. Call or email for more information. 703-861-9062 fairytalebychristina@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Flamingo A Friend

Pensacola Our unique lawn greetings are guaranteed to make your special someone’s day the most memorable ever. We fill a yard with your choice of the most adorable critters and a 4 Ft personalized message board. We deliver 7 days a week in the early morning hours so it’s there to surprise your victim Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Pensacola Photo Booth

Pensacola Offering quality entertainment and high-resolution photos for you to take home and share – our photo booths guarantee a great time for you and your guests! 850-968-1968 sales@ adjconnection.com www.pensacolaphotobooth.com

Pensacola Video Game Parties

Balloon Bubble Buddies

Pensacola “The Life of the Party”. Visit us online to explore the variety of specialty party options we offer such as jumpers, slides, train rental, character meet & greet, balloon delivery, character parties, superhero parties, princess parties and more. 850-479-4386 www.copycharacters.com

from Xbox 360, Xbox ONe, Wii, Wii U and PlayStation 4! 251-207-8102 1onsightentertainment@gmail.com www.onsightentertainment.com

Pensacola Knockerball is a single chamber inflatable sphere with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps. Knockerballs can be used singularly to perfect your rolls, flips, and wheels. “KnockerBallers” describe the sensation as almost defying gravity, just imagine the sensation and mobility that a Knockerball allows you to experience without putting any stress on the body. With two or more Knockerball’s the experience is catapulted into rip roaring laughter, exhilarating knocks and rolls that will keep you coming back for more. Organizing a KnockerSoccer game is truly a blast but we will warn you, organized games generally break down into literal knock down chaos with the only resulting pain being from laughing so hard and having way too much fun. 850-288-1035 www.knockerballpensacola.com

Little House Bake Shop

We bring the fun of a baking party right to you! Little House Bake Shop will provide the cake(s) for (for older children) or cupcakes (for younger children) and all the supplies, icing, sprinkles and more needed to create fun and delicious treats! 850-417-9193 Find us on Facebook

On Sight Entertainment

On Sight Entertainment brings the best mobile video game truck party right to your front door. Our luxury, limo-style mobile game theater on wheels features 7 widescreen high-def TVs, surround sound and multiplayer gaming excitement! 28 can game at the same time! We have the latest titles

Pensacola Video Game Parties offers a fully-loaded, climatecontrolled Video Game Truck that delivers a high-tech, action-packed party right to your front door in Pensacola! Each Pensacola Video Game Truck comes with a Game Host to coach the fun and keep the action going. 855-445-9043 www.pensacolavideogameparties.com

Radiant Face and Body Art

Pensacola Let Radiant Face and Body Art help you create memories that will last a lifetime! We provide professional face painting for birthdays and any special occasion! Using only the highest quality of products, we can paint anything from simple cheek art to full faces and can even create custom designs based off your theme! We service the Pensacola and surrounding areas. To book or get a free quote, give us a call at 850-366-2249 or visit us online at http://radiantfba.wixsite.com/radiantfba 850-366-2249 radiantfba@gmail.com ww.radiantfba.wixsite.com/radiantfba

Reno’s Reptiles

Pensacola Our shows are age appropriate for grade, and you can pick from the variety of reptiles to offer. Some examples are: alligator, bearded dragons, scorpions, tarantulas, tiger reticulated python, alligator snapping turtle, boa constrictor, chameleon, African spur-thigh tortoise. 850-393-3004 rsnakeman@aol.com www.renosreptiles.com

Rolling Video Games

FOUR widescreen high-def TVs cover the walls in front of stadium seating with built-in vibration motors synched to the on-screen action with incredible sound bars to hear and feel the action. Everything can be linked, so up to 16 players can play the same game and we can rotate players through if needed! We’ve got great games, and a Game Coach that runs the party while you relax! 850-206-1031 mike@rollingvideogametruck.com www.rollingvideogametruck.com

The Dot Shop - Paint Parties

We bring our studio to you! Everyone will choose

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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their wooden cutout from a selection sent to the hosts or all guests via email or text. At the time of the party everyone will choose their own colors, design, and personalization! 251-363-3859 www.thedotshoppaintpartystudio. weebly.com

Party Planning Endless Creations

5530 West Jackson Street, Pensacola Don’t let stress keep you from having fun with your guests – call us to handle the details so you can get back to celebrating! We’ll work closely with you to establish a budget, theme and activities and services such as bounce houses, fun characters, games, photo booths, and professional photographer to capture your event. Endless Creations can also provides a DJ. 850-490-4652 www.endlesscreationsfl.com

Kent’s Special Events

3877 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Kent’s Events is a full service party rental and party supplies company. In addition to carrying a large variety of party rental equipment, Kent’s now offers over 4,500 different party supply Items including balloons, tableware, piñatas, party favors, decorations, candles, collegiate, party lights, hats, lawn signs, candles, gifts and more. 850-932-3505 www.gokents.com/

Party Supplies/Décor Custom Baskets and Balloons

9254 North Palafox Street, Pensacola For baskets, balloons, and events with flair...You just found the best company for the job! Pensacola’s most innovative & professional balloon decorators. We deliver! 850-479-4438 cbbw@custombasketsballoons.com www.custombasketsballoons.com

Places to Party Cici’s Pizza ad on page 21

7145 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola Cicis offers a very fun and unique, one of a kind, hands on pizza making birthday party for all ages using Cicis special pizza making tools and ingredients. Your personal Cicis hostess will take you through all of the steps and give you some fun facts as you create your own pizza. 850-476-6464 www.cicis.com

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Cordova Lanes

ad on page 8

2111 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola Cordova Lanes birthday party package includes invitations, shoe rental, plates/napkins/utensils, decorative bowling pin for birthday child, and bottomless freestyle soft drinks. The party is 2 hours, up to 12 guests. Price is $150 + tax. Additional lanes are $50 per lane. $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve. 850-477-2300 www.cordovalanes.com

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In His Steps Dance Studio ad on page 6

6231 North “W” Street, Suite 5, Pensacola $150 Party Package includes up to 10 Children, 45 minute dance class, Pizza, drink & party treat. Party Room will be available to you for 1 hour for you to facilitate gifts, games etc. Our hostess will serve the pizza & drinks but then you are in charge for the remaining time. 850-474-4922 www.inhisstepsinc.com

LaBelle Performing Arts ad on page 13

8253 Chellie Road, Pensacola Let LaBelle take the worry out of planning your child’s birthday party! We are proud to offer child friendly themes, a carefully planned itinerary, engaging & varied activities! Call LaBelle Performing Arts today! 850-944-5650 www.labelleperformingarts.com

Mojo Elite Gymnastics Training Center ad on page 33

6890 W Fairfield Drive, Pensacola We have awesome theme parties, Gladiator Games, Glow Parties and more! Parties are held on Saturdays from 2:00-3:30 pm and 4:00-5:30. You have the facility to yourself and may have up to 30 minutes prior to party time to set up. Sundays may be available by request for an additional fee. Birthday parties start at $175 for 1.5 hours and include one hour in the gym, 30 minutes in the dedicated party area, invitations, basic paper products, balloons, and up to 10 children. $10 per child extra. Glow parties start at $250, include all above, plus glow accessories for the host and guests! Extra children are $15 each. Additional options include extra time, custom theme cakes, goodie bags, drinks, pizza, and ice cream! A deposit of $50 is required to hold any party reservation. 850-733-3547 www.mojogymnastics.com

OWA

ad on page 7

10113 Foley Beach Express, Foley Come discover a whole new level of fun and celebration. It’s entertainment at it’s best. It’s OWA. With 20+ amusement park rides from thrilling roller coasters to colorful kiddie rides, OWA was built for celebration. The Park at OWA (the amusement park) opens in July. For more information please visit us online at VisitOWA.com and like us on social media to get the latest breaking news. OWA - It’s for you! (251) 923-2111 www.visitowa.com

Parks and Recreation ad on Inside Back Cover

The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of facilities that provide the best possible year-round services for private and public events. Visit Facility Rentals on our website to learn more about Community Maritime Park, Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, Osceola Golf Course, Roger Scott Tennis Center, Resource Centers & Park Shelter Reservations, Event Permitting & Park Rentals. 850-436-5670 www.playpensacola.com Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Pensacola Children’s Museum ad on page 35

115 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola The Pensacola Children’s Museum’s private, themed birthday parties enable little honorees to treat their friends and family to a unique experience. Choose from pirate, princess and dinosaur themes. The parent-friendly, all-inclusive theme parties allow parents to show up, enjoy the festivities and head home without the worry of decorations, a cake or clean-ups! Themed party packages, starting a $250.00, include invitations, decorations, a cake courtesy of Publix, drinks, set-up and clean-up services. A basic package is also available starting at $100. All private birthday parties include exclusive use of the first floor Discovery Gallery and the Party Central room. A discount of 10% is extended to members at the Family level and above. 850-595-5985 ext. 112 jmcmillen@uwf.edu www.historicpensacola.org

Pensacola Kids’ Place ad on page 3

875 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola Birthday parties are available and are PRIVATE functions! The entire play zone is reserved just for you and your guests. Call to reserve your slot. Includes: Private party/play time for just you and your guests, up to 20 children, tables, chairs and clean up are included. Price is $275 for 2 hours. $50 for additional 30 minutes. $100 for additional 1 hour. $100 due at reservation. Parties available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Find us on Facebook and Instagram! 850-435-4846 pensacolakidsplace@yahoo.com Find us on Facebook

Pensacola Museum of Art ad on page 35

407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola You can have your cake – and museum too! The Pensacola Museum of Art offers children’s birthday parties for the little artist in your life. All party packages include an Art Educator, supplies and the private use of the Charles W. Lamar Sr. Assembly Room plus a complimentary Little Artist Gift Bag for the birthday child. Multiple packages are available for Tiny Tot Art (ages 1-3), Mini Masters (ages 4-6) and Junior Artist (ages 7-12). Party Packages start at $160. A discount of 10% is extended to members at the Family level and above. 850-432-6247 ext. 203 vpeacock1@uwf.edu www.pensacolamuseum.org/birthday-parties

A Bead and Crystal House

711 Garden Street, Pensacola You can reserve A Bead and Crystal House afterhours for your own private bead party, the price includes supplies for a necklace and bracelet, staff support and we will attach the clasps for you, for a minimal fee of $20 per person. You are welcome to bring in food and beverage of your choice to celebrate the company and the occasion. 850-432-3400 www.abeadandcrystalhouse.com

Alligator Alley

19950 County Road 71, Summerdale With over 20 acres of natural cypress swamp land, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. At Alligator Alley, we currently have over 500 alligators from the hatchlings in our gift shop to the big alligators in our swamp land. Enjoy a nature walk to our various exhibits as you journey towards the big swamp, and the ultimate king of Alligator Alley, Captain Crunch! This world record gator is over 13’ long, weighs over 800 pounds, and has the world’s strongest bite ever recorded from an alligator. You’ll also observe other wildlife such as: green herons, owls, turtles, bullfrogs, a fox squirrel and more. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species of various field animals. Birthday Parties: $250 includes 20 people. $10 for each additional adult and $8 for each additional child. Call us for more information or to book today! (251) 946-2483 info@gatoralleyfarm.com www.gatoralleyfarm.com

ad on pages 11, 23, 29, 45

5007 North Davis Highway: Unit 8A, Pensacola Throw your child the best party ever at Sky Zone! Your kids and their friends will experience the WOW of jumping, flying and flipping on our wall-to-wall trampoline courts. Give your child the best gift of all – pure joy! Sky Zone makes it easy. Just bring the kids and we do the rest. You can have the whole package: pizza, drinks, ice cream cake, and a private party room. After they fuel up, kids can flip into our Foam Zone (filled with 10,000 foam cubes), dunk like a pro on SkySlam hoops, or even jump on private trampoline courts reserved for your guests only. 850-500-ZONE www.skyzone.com/Pensacola

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2729 Ten Mile Road, Pace We offer several birthday party themes and activities that little girls and boys will love! We will decorate our pony based on your chosen theme. After everyone rides, party guests will paint their horse with Real Pain! Call for party package options. 850-396-3102 www.aubreyhill.com

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Aubrey Hill Riding Camp

351 West Cedar Street, Pensacola Looking to host a “home run” party? We have a special experience in store for you at Blue Wahoos Stadium...and we make it easy! Party benefits include a special message on video board, a visit from Blue Wahoos mascot, each child receives a Blue Wahoos souvenir. Package also includes hot dog, drink, and chips for each child, group seating together for the game (depending on availability), complimentary group photo and a dedicated team representative to help you every step of the way. 850-934-8444 www.milb.com

Bounce House

Skyzone

6241-D North Davis Highway - Behind Party City, Pensacola Bounce House is a family entertainment center where kids can play, be creative, and have fun! We offer bounce houses, slides, a creative area, sports games, video games, and a separate toddler area for little ones. Our Birthday Party packages include decorations, 1 hour 15 minutes of playtime, 45 minutes in private party room for food and opening of gifts, dedicated party coach, unlimited drinks for children, plates, flatware, cups, napkins and party cleanup. Upgrades to include food, themed decorations and extra time are available. 850-417-4692 www.BounceHousePensacola.com

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Cheer Omega

3601 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Cheer Omega offers open gym time on tumble track and spring floors and are special needs friendly. Reservations are required. Please call or email for availability. 850-542-7003 www.cheeromega.com

Chuck E. Cheese

7350 Plantation Road, Pensacola Birthday tables are reserved for 2 hours, unless the party is reserved for a Monday thru Thursday date and not a school holiday. Ice cream or cake are the only outside foods allowed to be brought in our restaurants. Visit our website to reserve your party today! 850-476-7727 www.chuckecheese.com

Colbert’s Taekwondo Academy

8042-A North Palafox Street, Pensacola Call or email us for more information 850-476-1188 www.calvincolbert.com

Make this summer COUNT WITH SUMMER LEARNING AT SYLVAN

Kids can lose up to 2 1/2 months of learning in the summer. Stay ahead of the curve with Sylvan's summer sessions!

DeLuna Lanes

590 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola Birthday party packages include 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, optional bumpers, light weight balls, table setup, paper goods, souvenir bowling pin for birthday child, two slices of pizza, chips and soft drink. $14 per child. $25 deposit required. 850-478-9522 www.delunalanes.com

Dreamland Skate Center

2607 East Olive Road, Pensacola We have ten party rooms available for your use! Dreamland offers great packages for public or private parties for all ages. Check out our Birthday Party Information Page on our website to see the selection of Party Packages we offer. Dreamland also has laser tag available to add to your party packages! 850-478-3994 www.myskatecenter.com/dreamland-skate-center.html

Ellen’s Art

1265 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze Ellen’s Art offers Paint Parties and Paint classes for all ages. The studio across from Oriole Beach Elementary is beautifully designed and filled with award winning art. You will leave with a sense of awe and inspiration that will keep you coming back! Ellen helps you relax and feel confident no matter what your experience level.Proof that fun art can also be fine art. 850-934-8538 www.ellens-art.com

Start this next school year strong with a personal learning plan to fit your family's busy summer schedule - and budget.

$99 Assessment

Payment options and military discounts available. Offer valid at Pensacola location only. Expires 07/31/2017.

Sylvan of Pensacola 2401 Executive Plaza Rd, Bldg 8, Pensacola, FL 32504

850-474-9022

https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/pensacola-fl

Summer is the perfect time to catch up, keep up, or get ahead. Start now. SYLVANLEARNING.COM/pensacola

Emerald Coast Science Center

31 Memorial Parkway Southwest, Fort Walton “Celebrate with science at the Emerald Coast Science Center! Book a birthday party package on Saturdays either from 11 am - 1 pm or 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Explore science with one of our fun themes: Dino Dig, Animal Safari, Mad Scientist, or Space Adventure. Bring or have delivered your own lunch and cake for a delicious birthday party. Packages accommodate 12 kids and 2 adults. Discounts for members are available, please call for more information or to book.” 850-664-1261 business-office@ecscience.org www.ecscience.org

Falbo’s Family Karate

3031 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Throw them a party they will never forget! The

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school is decorated with balloons and the first hour is dedicated to floor games and balloon games. ?The beginning of the second hour we gather for karate instruction and Bushido board breaking. Following the karate class, the student will be seated on a throne to open presents. The final event of the party is when the honorary birthday black belt cuts the cake with a real samurai sword! Price is $225 for up to 18 children. Each additional child is $10. 850-934-7977 www.falbosfamilykarate.com

Fast Eddie’s Fun Center

505 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola Fast Eddies provides a variety of party packages with entertainment options like go-karts, putt-putt, batting cages, arcade games and more! Visit our website to view Party Packages for one of our Private Party Rooms. 850-433-7735 www.fasteddiesfuncenter.com

First City Art

1060 North Guillemard Street, Pensacola Art parties available for ages 4 and up. Party themes include MYOG “Make your own Glass” for ages 8+, Pottery handbuilding for ages 5+. Let one of our creative FCAC art instructors design a unique art project that fits the theme of your party! For details visit our website under the workshops tab. 850-429-1222 www.firstcityart.org

First City Gymnastics

65 East Olive Road, Pensacola 1 hour of fun in the gym and then 45 minutes in our fully air conditioned party room for cake, refreshments, and presents! Parties are for guests ages 3 and up. All parties are held on Saturdays at our Olive Road location. A $50 deposit is required to book a party. Please call today to reserve your spot! 850-474-1068 www.firstcitygymnastics.com

Flippin Out

4050 Avalon Boulevard, Milton Let us do the work! We set up, serve, guide activities and clean up. At least 2 gym instructors are available during the party. Parties include 1 hour of gym time activities and 30 minutes of party time for cake, food and presents. Please call for availability and party packages. 850-983-1410 www.flippinoutgym.com

Glow Golf

5100 North 9th Avenue, Suite D-415A, Pensacola A Glowgolf birthday party is a one-of-kind experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the fun of playing a round on a Glowgolf glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, our glow-in-the-dark party facilities offers a uniquely entertaining atmosphere when it’s time to blow the candles out on the cake. 850-912-8283 www.opryglowgolf.com

Good Fortune Pirate Cruises

665 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, Pensacola The crew needs your help to defeat the deadly kraken, with its giant tentacles and ghastly breath. Are you brave enough to man the water cannons and battle the tentacled sea monster? Come join us for a pirate expedition, and discover the good fortunes of the sea. Lots of fun and surprises are in store on this pirate adventure. Each cruise includes games, water cannons, pirate training and more! 863-274-4444 www.facebook.com/PensacolaPirateShip Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Gulf Breeze Community Center

800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze Please Call the Community Center for all room rental prices 850-934-5140 www.gulfbreezerecreationcenter.com

Gulf Breeze Funplex

3123 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze 1 hour and 45 minutes of Party Fun! Gym Time 1 hour 15 minutes of gym time and 30 minutes for cake and presents. Please call or email today for party package options and pricing. 850-932-2297 www.gulfbreezegymnastics.com

Gulf Breeze Zoo

5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the WILDEST place in town! Our birthday party packages offer unforgettable experiences for children, and the grown-ups are sure to have a great time too! Your adventure through the zoo, animal encounters, and a train ride on the Safari Line Limited will have your whole pride roaring with excitement! 850-932-2229 www.gbzoo.com

Gulf Coast Gymnastics

1844 Cowen Road, Gulf Breeze Parties are full of fun at GCG. Let us help you celebrate your special day! Slots fill quickly. Reservations are required. Call for party package options. Whatever you would like to celebrate, just gather the kids and let us do the rest! 850-934-3990 www.gulfcoastgym.com

Gulfarium

1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach Have a splash-tastic day at the Gulfarium with your friends and family and enjoy lunch “under the sea” surrounded by beautiful tropical fish in our Living Sea event room. Please contact the Gulfarium for details. 850-243-9046 www.gulfarium.com

Innerlight Surf Camp

6307 N 9th Avenue, Pensacola Available for both kids and adults. Lifeguard and CPR trained instructors will teach the basics of surfing in a fun filled environment. All participants must be at least 7 years old and a good swimmer! For more information please email lessons@innerlightsurf.com. 850-549-4011 lessons@innerlightsurf.com www.innerlightsurf.com

Kil’n Time Studio

6103 Tippin Avenue, Pensacola Kil’n Time Studio is a great place to have your Birthday Party! Private Party Room available for groups of 10 or more. Party time is 2 hours. You may bring cake, order pizza, etc. Feel free to decorate the room, we clean up! Pottery is ready for pick up in 5 - 7 days. Our group rate for parties of 10 or more painters is a $4.00 studio fee per painter plus the price of the pottery and sales tax. You can pre-select pottery items for your guests to choose from or allow them to choose from the main studio. We also have a birthday collection that we recommend for children ages 8 and younger. The price of the birthday collection is $10.00 plus tax per painter (the studio fee is included) and is limited to our party room which requires a minimum of 10 painters. $25 nonrefundable deposit required to reserve your date and time. 850-475-9091 www.kilntimestudio.com

Michael’s

4721 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola Choose from our kid-friendly party themes or we’ll help you design your own. Themes include pirate, princess, superhero, monster mania, safari, magical fairy fest and more! 850-484-7665 www.michaels.com/birthdayparties.html

Milestone Aquatic Club

35 New Market Street, Cantonment Birthday Parties are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm-8pm. $175 for 2 hour Private Party includes: The only party going on at the facility, 20 children, a party room, and a lifeguard. A $50 deposit is needed when booking the party to reserve your spot. You may bring food, drinks, and party decorations. Fees for additional children, additional time, and extra lifeguards may apply. 850-637-1295 mac.aquatics@outlook.com Find us on Facebook

Montessori School of Pensacola Tennis Parties

4100 Montessori Drive, Pensacola Have a ball with a tennis party! MSP specializes in child and youth tennis and in addition to customized parties, we offer after school programs, homeschool clinics, and summer camps! 850-469-8138 www.montessoripensacola.com/ learning-at-msp/tennis/

Navarre Science Station

8638 Blue Heron Court, Navarre What better way to spend your birthday than with a bunch of friends who are as excited about the ocean as you are? Join us for a two hour hands-on themed party (Shark Frenzy or Under the Sea). Call for details and pricing. 850-261-2141 www.navarresciencestation.org

Oops Alley

3721 Highway 90, Pace We offer several party packages that include party hostess, paper goods, shoe and ball rental, and free game coupon for each child for their next visit. You can also have pizza, drinks, a decorated party room, arcade tokens and more! Also offering cosmic bowling! 850-995-9393 www.oopsalley.com

Pensacola ATA

6247 North Davis Highway, Pensacola Parties at our martial arts center are fun, structured events that kids brag about for months after they’ve ended. Parties include martial arts lesson, activities, pizza and drinks, decorations, all the setup and most important all the clean up! 850-791-6777 www.pensacolaata.com

Pensacola Bay Center Ice Skating

201 East Gregory Street, Pensacola An ice skating party is the “coolest” way to set your event apart. The Pensacola Bay Center rink can be rented to accommodate private birthday parties, corporate holiday parties, or youth groups. Our inhouse catering department can also help plan the menu! For details, call 850-432-0800 ext 240. 850-432-0800 ext. 240 www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Pensacola Cooks Kitchen

3660 Barrancas Avenue, Pensacola A PCKids’ birthday cooking party is a fun-filled,

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incredible edible “edutaining” culinary experience full of hands-on activities for budding chefs! Choose from over 10 menu themes available. Food sensitive menu options (gluten, lactose, nut, and sugar free) available. Parties for children 4 - 16 years. Parties for ages 4-5 years are 1.5 hours and have 2 themed recipes and dessert; ages 6-11 years are 2 hours with 3 themes recipes and dessert, and ages 12 - 16 years are 2.5 hours with 4 themed recipes and dessert. Parties will be held at our PCKids cooking classroom at 3660 Barrancas Avenue. 850-456-0743 Info@pensacolacooks.com www.pensacolacooks.com

Pensacola MESS Hall

116 North Tarragona Street, Pensacola A birthday party at the MESS Hall is a fun and educational event. The birthday package includes admission for up to 20 children and 20 adults, use of the party room for 2 hours where you can have cake or other food, free exploration of the MESS Hall for everyone during the party, birthday child receives a free MESS Hall t-shirt. We schedule birthday parties on Saturdays at 10 am. Other times may be available upon request. Activities are most appropriate for elementary age and up, so, to provide the best experience for all, birthday parties are for children turning ages 6 and up. 877-937-6377 www.pensacolamesshall.org

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PTSDA Karate

More than 50 courses Flexible schedule Three age groups (Ages 6–12) Safe environment

201 East Gregory Street, Pensacola Come to the game early and enjoy the brand new Ice Flyers Birthday Zone! You’ll be the first fans to enter the arena on the day of the game and you’ll get to play games and hang out with Maverick before the game begins! And don’t forget the cupcakes! Birthday Groups will be seated together in one of the best locations in the Bay Center, the corner level. The Birthday Child receives a special P.A. birthday announcement and matrix board greeting and also receives an autographed birthday card and special gift! The coolest mascot in Pensacola, “Maverick,” will make a special visit to your birthday party! 850-466-3111 www.pensacolaiceflyers.com

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Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the college’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity/Title IX Officer at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.

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CapstoneLearning.org

4901 West Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, FL 32506 Phone: (850) 458-7735

5308 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 Phone: (850) 626-3091

6656 Park Avenue, Milton, FL 32570 Phone: (850) 983-5315

• charter school for ESE pre-K • child care center • speech, occupational & physical therapies • low student-teacher ratio

Saufley Street Building 606, Pensacola Portside Cinema offers Birthday Party Packages. Birthday parties include a movie, drink and popcorn for 30 people for $120. 850-452-3523 www.navymwrpensacola.com

*Now enrolling for summer programs and for the 2017-18 school year.

2500 West 9 Mile Road, Pensacola PTSDA Karate makes it easy on parents by setting everything up and providing tables, covers, drinks, napkins, plastic wear and chairs. Best of all, we do all the clean up! We do an hour of exciting martial art skills, games and activities on the karate floor. The remaining time is used for cake and presents. We offer three different packages including the Kickin’, Deluxe and Ultimate Karate Party. 850-478-0680 www.ptsda.com/programs-services/birthday-parties

Red Dragon Martial Arts

6301 N 9th Avenue, Pensacola We do all the work - invitations, party, prizes and clean up. Activities include martial arts class, games, obstacle course and tons of fun! No martial arts experience necessary. Offering 2 party packages. Visit our website for details. 850-607-2330 www.reddragondefense.com

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Rotolo’s

888 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Contact or visit Rotolo’s Pizzeria today to find out about our birthday parties. 850-934-6699 www.rotolos.com

Salute Gymnastics Academy

9245 North Palafox Street, Pensacola Private parties for kids of all ages! All parties last 1 hour and 30 minutes (The first hour on the gym floor followed by 30 minutes in the lobby for cake and presents). A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to reserve your party. 850-969-9111 info@salutegymnasticsacademy.com salutegymnasticsacademy.com

Sam’s Fun City

6709 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola All Birthday Party packages at Sam’s Fun City include unlimited access to Play-Zone City (socks required), a reserved party table, party invitations, an indoor party host for one hour, and a special birthday present for the birthday child. We offer several different party packages with additional option. Please visit our website for details. 850-505-0800 www.samsfuncity.com

Sonshine Family Farms

6270 Oglesby Rd, Milton Plan your birthday party or field trips at Sonshine Family Farm corn maze. Parties that include admission to the maze, food, drinks and cotton candy. Ask about our other activities too. You bring the cake or upgrade your package and we will supply the cake! 850-418-5897 www.sonshinefamilyfarms.com

Surprizes Inside - Party Palace

955 East Nine Mile Road, Suite 107, Pensacola We do hair, nails, makeup, & dress up. You can add the Spa option which includes facials w/ cucumbers on the eyes, warm towel, hand soak, and hand massage. We have games and karaoke too! We provide plates, cups and utensils for the kids and we even include goodie bags. 850-542-7988 Find us on Facebook

Sweet Frog

3749D Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze Parties are held for 1 hour, for up to 15 guests. Each parent may get one 12 oz. cup of froyo for only $4, because they deserve a special treat too! Party guests will receive a visit from Scoop or Cookie. Please call for party packages and booking. 850-934-3764 www.sweetfrog.com

Sweet Season Farms

2260 Horn Road, Milton Let your child celebrate their fall birthday with friends and family at Sweet Season Farms. From bouncing on the Corn Popper to catching a ride on the Cow Train, your child will never forget the fun they had celebrating their birthday here at the farm! Birthday Throwdown - includes all day Whole Cob Admission for the birthday child and 11 guests, 2 reserved picnic tables under the Birthday Barn for 2 hours, party hostess to kick-off the fun, farm themed table décor, 12 additional corn cannon shots, 12 bottles of water, 12 ice cream cups, special Happy Birthday wish over loudspeaker. Package also includes 2 FREE adult chaperones’ admissions. 850-675-3573 www.sweetseasonfarms.com

Triple Play

3186 Gateway Lane, Cantonment We are a family indoor facility, filled with state-ofGreater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

the-art inflatables, obstacle courses, imaginary play, and more. Celebrate your child’s party in our private party rooms and have our party coaches decorate and clean up for you. Available options including pizza, drinks, balloons and goodie bags will make your party planning stress-free. 850-479-1122 www.tripleplay23.com

Unlimited Training Academy

3881 Pasco Street, Pensacola Unlimited Training Academy is a 10,000 square foot indoor, multi-use turfed facility. Baseball, softball, soccer; really anything that needs a gigantic, open, air-conditioned space is welcome. Private hitting, fielding, catching and pitching lessons, given by former professional and college players are available. Teams and individuals can come rent out any of our 5 batting cages. Party packages available that include 3 hours in the Academy, swag bag for each guest, pizza, water and paper goods. 850-434-2189 www.unlimitedtrainingacademy.com

and drinks. For paddle parties, we show up in the Waterboyz van at a spot of your choice or a paddle spot that we’ll determine the day before the party. We’ll deliver the paddleboards, a tent and a table. You provide the food and drinks. All participants for our parties must have a waiver on file which can be filled out and signed by visiting our website. 850-433-2929 www.waterboyz.com

West Florida Railroad Museum

5003 Henry Street, Milton Visit our website under Rentals for party pricing, times and invitation options. Payments must be received 10 days before the event. For more information or to make a reservation request please call or email. 850-623-3645 conductor@wfrm.org www.wfrm.org

11000 University Parkway, Pensacola Group outings and private rentals are part of the Aquatic Center’s offerings. We have several party packages to choose from including our Deluxe Party, Olympic Challenge Premium Party, Log Rolling Party, Inflatable Obstacle Course Party, Water Safety Party and more! 850-474-2497 www.uwf.edu/offices/recreationand-sports-services/aquatics/pool-parties-andgroup-rentals/

Waterboyz Surf, Skate & SUP parties

380 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola Waterboyz Skate Park Birthday - Other skaters are allowed to use the park, but you will have your own reserved decorated party room where only your guests are allowed. It is a semi-private decorated room (open walls) with couches, tables and a TV that overlooks the park. You provide the birthday cake. Private parties are available (except during summer months when Skate Camp is in session). For surf parties, we show up in the Waterboyz van at a spot of your choice or a surf spot that we’ll determine the day before the party. We’ll bring the surfboards, a tent, and table. You provide the food

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Rental Entertainment Pensacola Inflatables

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UWF Pool Party

URU Yoga and Beyond Summer Camp

2400 Executive Plaza Drive, Pensacola Birthday parties at URU are a fun and healthy choice! Our parties include many age appropriate activities for your guests. Options include aerial silks instruction and kids yoga. Lots of spacing options allow for indoor and outdoor cake and gift time. Have a fun and relaxing experience for you, your birthday child and their friends! Please call for availability and reservations. 850-377-5334 www.uruyoga.com

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We offer a diverse inventory of entertainment from inflatable water & dry slides, bounce houses, mechanical rides, rock climbing walls, bungee trampolines, concessions and offer free delivery and setup. Like us on Facebook! 850-602-9255 www.Pensacolainflatables.com

Air Mania

Gulf Breeze We have several bounce house rentals and water slide rentals to choose from for all ages and party needs; from the traditional moon bounce to the colossal water slide combos. We promise to provide you the best service at a low price. Delivery is free to Navarre and Gulf Breeze. Fees apply elsewhere. 850-619-2337 www.airmaniarentals.com

Backyard Bouncers

Pensacola For 12 years Backyard Bouncers has been providing you the party supplies to make any party great. We are the oldest party rentals company in town and we know how to treat our customers right. We have slides, wet and dry, bounce houses, inflatable obstacle course rentals, inflatable playground

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rental, inflatable wrecking ball and party supply rental. 850-475-8846 www.partyrentalspensacola.net/#cid=glbc

BK Inflatables

2330 Chance Road, Molino BK Inflatables offers the most entertaining party rentals around! Our bounce houses keep young and old amused for hours! Wet in the summer, dry in the winter, our thrilling slides are always a party favorite. Do your guests want to be competitive? Our obstacle course and inflatable games are always a hit! Nothing is more enjoyable, after a hard day of play, than a refreshing snow cone. So be sure to ask us about our snow cone machine rentals! Need extra seating? No problem, we offer all sorts of additional Party Rentals. 850-324-1812 www.pensacolainflatablerentals.com

Bounce-N-Slide

Pensacola Whether you call them bounce houses, bouncers, slides, waterslides, moon walks, or jumpers, our inflatables are a wonderful and easy way to add some fun to your birthday party, church function, team party, family reunion, or any outdoor gathering. No matter which inflatable you choose, our company will deliver, set up, sanitize, and take down the inflatable, leaving you free to enjoy your event! 850-384-6464 www.bounce-n-slide.com

Bouncin Beyond

Pensacola We provide service to Pensacola, Pace, Milton and surrounding areas. (30 mile radius).Our Party Rental carries many different styles of bounce houses also known as jumpers, moonwalks, inflatable bouncers. We also offerwater slides, Dry Slides, and combos. 850-207-9627 www.bouncinbeyond.com

Pensacola Fun Rentals

9235 Roe Street, Pensacola Pensacola Fun Rentals is an entertainment rental company specializing in fun, unique and exciting products like photo booth, party foam machine, hop along rodeo bouncers, huggable bears and more. 850-607-8213 www.pensacolafunrentals.com

Rent Inflatable Fun

Breeze Bounce

4188 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Pensacola The premier choice for moonwalk, dunk tank, water slides and party rentals in Gulf Breeze, Navarre and Pensacola. Visit our website to view our wide selection and make reservations online. 850-450-8522 www.breezebounce.com

New inflatables, super water & wave slides, bounce house combos, slip n slides, obstacles, concessions, castles, 20 foot inflatable movie screen and more. 850-941-1234 rentinflatable@gmail.com www.rentinflatablefun.com

Funtastic Inflatables

Sunny Days Party Rentals and Events

Funtastic Inflatables handles everything from business events to birthday parties and other social gatherings. Please feel free to browse through our site and see our wide selection of inflatables. 850-525-7473 www.funtastic-inflatables.net

Patriot Party Rentals

Ready for some fun? See our complete selection of inflatable bouncers, castles, slides and obstacle courses. What would a party be without refreshments? We rent cotton candy, snow cone and popcorn machines. 850-889-1020 www.patriotpartyrentals.com

4418 Highway 90, Pace We offer Bounce Houses, Slides, Tables, Chairs, Character/Themed Parties, Concessions, Face Painting, Kid Zones and Party/Event Planning. We are a fully licensed and insured company. Our Characters are unique and add a special touch to your event. Sunny Days only hires local professional performers with an extensive background in theatre. From princess to pirate parties we can customize a themed party for you. 850-686-6747 info@SunnyDaysRentals.com www.sunnydaysrentals.com GPP

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FamilyCalendar This Month

Saturday, July 1

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Fireworks Saturday 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. The most spectacular night of summer gets even better after the conclusion of the game. Enjoy the most magnificent firework show on the Gulf Coast! Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info. Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. Children 4 and under must have adult supervision. Parents can drop older children off for only $20 per child for supervised play. Admission covers pizza and drinks also. Parents are welcome to stay and play for free if they choose. Open to the public; no membership required. Call (850) 733-3547 or visit www. mojogymnastics.com. Debby’s Kitchen 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. This is a cooking class for the novice cook at any age! Educational, fun and offers some basic knife and sauce skills to appeal to anyone. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/ to reserve your spot in advance. 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. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and 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. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). Providing local goods, including produce, baked breads, canned preserves, cooked meats and even wood-fired pizza. Kids’ Movie Club Presents: Disney’s Animated 101 Dalmatians (1961) 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Saenger Box Office only. Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Box Office will open an hour before showtime, but we recommend purchasing beforehand to avoid line waiting. For more info, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880. Saenger Classic Movie Series Presents: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Saenger Box Office only. Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Box Office will open an hour before showtime, but we recommend purchasing beforehand to avoid line waiting. For more info, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Beach Pavilion. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association offers free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion starting at sun-

Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

set. The times listed are approximate. Volunteers will set up nearly 20 telescopes ranging in strength and size from duplicates of Galileo’s original telescope to today’s incredible large-scope devices for the public to take a peek at wonders such as Jupiter, the Milky Way and other galaxies. For more info, call Dewey Barker at (850) 450-7767 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-star-gazing/. Summer Concert Series at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheatre 6-9 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Sugarcane Jane will perform tonight. Heading the series on August 5 will be Will Kimbrough, Anthony Crawford & Savana Lee, Grayson Capps, and Corky Hughes, known collectively as Willie Sugarcapps ~ 2013 Independent Music Award winners for Best Americana Album. For more info, visit http://business.visitperdido.com/ or call (850) 377-5603. Tickets begin at $15. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us as we read BE QUIET! followed by fun activities. Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2926 for more info.

Sunday, July 2

Pensacola Blue Wahoos McDonald’s Family Sunday 4:05 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. Families can enjoy Sunday afternoons at Pensacola Bay with the Blue Wahoos! Presented by McDonald’s, kids can run the bases postgame and play catch on the field. Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. Bring your family, bring your pets! 1.5 mile walk with 12 trivia questions will be posted. Ballots are $2 each and all proceeds are donated to the Community Center After School Program and local animal shelters. For more info, call Cissi at (850) 393-4605. 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 www.visitperdido.com/ events/worship-on-the-water. Half-Price Sundays at Pensacola Museum of Art Noon-4 p.m. 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola. Tickets purchased during the Sunday hours are half price through August 27. For more info, call (850) 432-6247 or visit www.pensacolamuseum.org/. Art on the Boardwalk Noon-6 p.m. on Pensacola Beach. Ten artists will show and tell each Sunday through September.  In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

Monday, July 3

Cat’s Seed to Table Cooking 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Join our gardener Cat for a cooking class featuring fresh harvest from our community garden. Cost: complimentary (you will just eat a sample, not a full meal). Please

reserve your spot by calling (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visiting http://everman.org/. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Independence Day Celebration 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. A night full of America’s favorite past time and fun! Fireworks brought to you by Hancock Bank. Bring the family out for an Americana night at the ballpark. Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info. Patriotic Pops Concert 7:30 p.m. Seaside Amphitheater, Seaside. Join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for a patriotic celebration. This free outdoor concert will honor the United States Armed Forces and feature a mix of patriotic music with popular favorites performed by the PSO under the direction of Maestro Peter Rubardt. For more info, visit www.pensacolasymphony.com or call (850) 435-2533.

Tuesday, July 4

2017 Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. The free concert series features a lineup of performers for every musical taste and is held each Tuesday night, through Oct. 31. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach, spectators are encouraged to take their own lawn chairs and blankets. Pets and glass are prohibited. Organized by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. For more info, visit www.visitpensacolabeach.com or call (850) 932-2257. Today’s performer is Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs. Symphony Sparks & Stars Concert 7:30- 9 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for a FREE 4th of July concert. This familyfriendly event kicks off with a color guard presentation and then the orchestra takes the stage to perform patriotic pieces we know and love. Enjoy the performance and then stay for the fireworks over the bay. For more info, visit www.pensacolasymphony.com or call (850) 435-2533. Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration Events begin at 11 a.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Seville Square Park, Pensacola. Free admission. Call (850) 434-1234 or visit http://pensacolafireworks.com/ for more info. Independence Day Fireworks 8:30 p.m. Fireworks over Santa Rosa Sound, just offshore from Quietwater Beach. The best viewing spots would be from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach. Call (850) 932-1500 for more info. Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. Fresh produce to local Lonestar Kitchen to jewelry and soaps. Come support local artists. For more info, visit www. facebook.com/pg/gbfarmersmarket/ or call (850) 867-7263.

Wednesday, July 5

Red, White and Blues Week - Breakfast with the Blues! 8 a.m. Pensacola Beach. Avoid the crowds and enjoy breakfast at a beachfront restaurant and watch the Blues pilots prepare for Saturday’s show. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/.

Thursday, July 6

Red, White and Blues Week - Practice Flight Demonstration 2 p.m. Pensacola Beach. Practice flight demonstration with the Blue Angels. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-blue-angels/.

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Tunes by the Dunes Free Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. Sand Crab Pavilion in Navarre Beach Park (directly north of the Navarre Beach Causeway and Gulf Boulevard Intersection and just east of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier). The free concert series takes place weekly through August 31 and will showcase a variety of local musicians ranging from Jazz, Reggae, Southern Rock, Country, Oldies and much more. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach blankets and lawn chairs for a night of free family entertainment. Each week, concert-goers are encouraged to come hungry and purchase concessions provided by Navarre Chamber member restaurants. Tonight’s performers are The Rowdies, a rock and roll band. For more info, visit www.floridasplayground. com/event/tunes-by-the-dunes-free-summer-concertseries/.

Coast Kid’s House from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 provided. Visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com.

Zoom! Microscope Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Learn about optics and how to use a microscope. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/.

Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. This class will focus on relaxation and restoration of the body through the use of yoga props and supportive postures. Ideal for all levels of yoga. Please bring a mat. Call (850) 4335353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Friday, July 7

The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting Meets the 1st Friday of every month at the Gulf

Baptist Cancer Institute Hosts Free Skin Screening 8 a.m. to noon at Casino Beach on Pensacola Beach during the Blue Angels practice air show. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Regular skin exams are especially important for people who are at higher risk of skin cancer, such as people with reduced immunity, people who have had skin cancer before and people with a strong family history of skin cancer. No reservations needed. For more info, call (850) 469-7462. Red, White and Blues Week - Dress Rehearsal Noon. Pensacola Beach. Dress rehearsal with civilian acts and Blue Angels rehearsal begins at noon with Blue Angels flying at 2 p.m. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-blue-angels/.

Story Tyme with Grandma Jenkins: Sleeping Beauty 11 a.m. Pensacola Children’s Museum, 115 East

Zaragoza St. FREE. Grandma Jenkins has traveled all the way from England to read engaging stories that your kids will love. Don’t forget to stick around for cookies after the story. For more info, call (850) 5955985 ext. 112 or e-mail jmcmillen@uwf.edu.

Saturday, July 8

Acorn Treehouse Theatre Presents The Further Adventures of Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. Directed by Debi Dunkerly and Jay Bixler, there will be performances through July 16. Old Granny Possum is entertaining us with her slightly irregular version of Snow White and Just the Two Very Tall Dwarves when she’s kidnapped by Bluebeard and his band of scurvy pirates! Thank goodness Nick Tickle has been hired to get her back. Can he outwit the kidnappers and save her or is she gone for good? Shows are daytimes and audiences are very young. For more info, call (850) 432-2042 or visit www. pensacolalittletheatre.com. Kids’ Movie Club Presents: Disney’s Animated Beauty and the Beast (1991) 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. Saenger Classic Movie Series Presents: Double Indemnity 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing.

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FamilyCalendar Star Gazing on Pensacola Beach 7:30 p.m. For more info, see July 7 listing. Red, White and Blues Week - Pensacola Beach Air Show Show begins at noon. Pensacola Beach. Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m. For more info, call (850) 932-2257 or visit http://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see July 1 listing. Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. For more info, see July 1 listing. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). For more info, see July 1 listing. Bay Bluffs & Chimney Park Cleanups 9 -10 a.m. Come join the Pensacola Scenic Highway Foundation, Earth Ethics and Ocean Hour for a two-location 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. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us as we read Little Excavator, who joins Loader, Dump Truck, Backhoe and Crane as they get ready to transform a vacant lot into a neighborhood park, followed by fun activities. Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2926 for more info. Ghost Hunt at Pensacola Lighthouse Museum 8 p.m. For more info, visit www.pensacolalighthouse. org/ or call (850) 393-1561.

Sunday, July 9

Acorn Treehouse Theatre Presents The Further Adventures of Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 8 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos McDonald’s Family Sunday 4:05 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. For details, see July 2 listing. Half-Price Sundays at Pensacola Museum of Art Noon-4 p.m. 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 2 listing. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For details, see July 2 listing. Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. For more info, see July 2 listing.

Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Art on the Boardwalk Noon-6 p.m. on Pensacola Beach. For details, see July 2 listing. American Girl Club: Stephanie at Barnes and Noble 2 p.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for fun, crafts, samples of cookies and drinks from our Barnes & Noble Cafe as we discuss American Girl Stephanie. Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https:// stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2926 for more info.

Tuesday, July 11

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. Call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ for more info. 2017 Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Today’s performer is The Reunion Band. For details, see July 4 listing. One Grain of Rice Show at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Come view a show about exponential growth featuring Lego bricks instead of rice. Who was smarter: the young woman or the rajah? Visit www.pensacolamesshall.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/. 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/. Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For details, see July 4 listing.

Wednesday, July 12

Story Seedlings 2:45-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. 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/. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Mardi Gras Night 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. Enjoy a New Orleans style night at the ballpark filled with good food, a mini parade on the concourse and plenty of beads! Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info.

Thursday, July 13

Aladdin Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Make a hover craft. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Tunes by the Dunes Free Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. Sand Crab Pavilion in Navarre Beach Park (directly north of the Navarre Beach Causeway and Gulf Boulevard Intersection and just east of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier). For details, see July 6 listing. Tonight’s performer is Erma Granat & Shades the Band – Motown. Cancer Study Group: Can Cancer Be Inherited & More About Genes 6-8:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. A group that studies about the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http://everman.org/.

Saturday, July 15

Acorn Treehouse Theatre Presents The Further Adventures of Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 8 listing. Kids’ Movie Club Presents: Disney’s Animated Cinderella (1950) 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. Saenger Classic Movie Series Presents: Cool Hand Luke 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. Project Greenshores & Bartram Park Cleanup 9-10 a.m. Wayside Park West. Come join Ocean Hour’s clean up at Project Greenshores, also know 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. Please dress for the weather and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen as needed. 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.

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Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see July 1 listing. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). For more info, see July 1 listing. Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. For more info, see July 1 listing. Jacksonian Guard Colors Ceremony Noon-12:30 p.m.The Jacksonian Guard is a Pensacola re-enactment group of Jacksonian era and Spanish soldiers, fifers, and drummers who perform a Colors Ceremony every third Saturday, in Plaza Ferdinand, on Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. The ceremony commemorates Pensacola’s 195th Birthday & Florida as a U.S. Territory. For more info, call (850) 466-5220.

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FamilyCalendar

FamilyCalendar Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. For more info, see July 1 listing. Storytime: Pig the Pug and Pig the Winner 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 1200 Airport Boulevard. Join Pig the Pug as he learns lessons the hard way with his footlong playmate Trevor by his side. Young readers will love the irresistibly quirky and funny illustrations that are paired with a relatable lesson of learning to share with others. Activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2926 for more info.

Sunday, July 16

Acorn Treehouse Theatre Presents The Further Adventures of Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 8 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos McDonald’s Family Sunday 4:05 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. For details, see July 2 listing. Half-Price Sundays at Pensacola Museum of Art Noon-4 p.m. 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 2 listing. Art on the Boardwalk Noon-6 p.m. on Pensacola Beach. For details, see July 2 listing. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see July 2 listing. Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. For more info, see July 2 listing.

Monday, July 17

One Pot Wonders 6-8 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. French cooking made easy with “One Pot” cooking techniques. Price: $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Reserve your spot by calling (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visiting http:// everman.org/.

Tuesday, July 18

2017 Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Today’s performer is Hot Sauce Band. For details, see July 4 listing. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing. Zombie Brains Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. What parts of the brain are affected in a zombie? Come figure out neuroanatomy Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For details, see July 4 listing.

Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing.

Wednesday, July 19

Donate Blood at Gulf Breeze Hospital Baptist Health Care hosts a blood drive provided by One Blood, Blood Bank from noon to 4 p.m. at Gulf Breeze Hospital, located at 1110 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze. All donors will receive a gift. Donors must be age 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Photo identification is required For more info, call (850) 434-4514. Babywearing Pensacola 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Free. Helping you wear your baby safely and comfortably is what we are here for! We are volunteers dedicated to spreading the baby wearing love and love celebrating all types! Call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http://everman. org/.

Thursday, July 20

Cancer Study Group: Cooking with Vegetables 6-8:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see June 8 listing. E.T. Phone Home Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Make a telegraph so ET can phone home. Well, sort of phone home. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Tunes by the Dunes Free Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. Sand Crab Pavilion in Navarre Beach Park (directly north of the Navarre Beach Causeway and Gulf Boulevard Intersection and just east of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier). For details, see July 6 listing. Tonight’s performer is A Touch of Gray – Oldies. Veterans’ Meeting 4-6:30 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, July 21

A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. Directed by Roxie Alyssa Smith, Katelyn Geri, and Kathy Johansen. A theatre favorite and Broadway record holder. The full-on musical based on T.S. Elliott’s poems will feature the best of our local dancers and character actors. For more info and tickets, call (850) 4322042 or visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com. Hill-Kelly Movies In the Park Series Showtime 7:50 p.m. Free movies presented by Cox will return to the Community Maritime Park once each month through August 4! Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets then spread out on the lawn to watch the movie underneath the stars. Movies are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Tonight’s movie is The Jungle Book. Concessions are available but picnic baskets are welcome. No pets or glass containers please. Movies are shown at the Hunter Amphitheater with grass seating only. For more info, call (850) 436-5670 or visit www. playpensacola.com/1162/Hill-Kelly-Movies-In-thePark-Series.

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. The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at the Hampton Inn & Suites from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please join us for this time of non-traditional networking and education. 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 provided. Visit www. powerfulwomengulfcoast.com. Stargazing at Fort Pickens at Battery Worth 7:30 p.m. For details, see July 1 listing. Story Tyme with Grandma Jenkins: The Bad Mood Bear 11 a.m. Pensacola Children’s Museum, 115 East Zaragoza St. FREE. For details, see July 7 listing. Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 7 listing.

Saturday, July 22

A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing. Kids’ Movie Club Presents: Disney’s Animated Dumbo (1941) 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. Saenger Classic Movie Series Presents: An Affair to Remember 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. sshall.org/. Ghost Hunt at Pensacola Lighthouse Museum 8 p.m. For more info, visit www.pensacolalighthouse. org/ or call (850) 393-1561. Parents’ Night Out at Mojo Elite Gymnastics 6-10 p.m. 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. For more info, see July 1 listing. Free Beginner and Intermediate Ukulele Class 9:30-11 a.m. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. For more info, see July 1 listing. Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. For more info, see July 1 listing. Santa Rosa Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4587 Woodbine Road, Pace (in front of The Pace Presbyterian Church). For more info, see July 1 listing. Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime featuring What Do You Do with a Problem? Activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2926 for more info.

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FamilyCalendar Sunday, July 23

Blues Angel Music Blues on the Bay Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. FREE. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St., Pensacola. Concerts are family-friendly and concessions are available. Bring coolers, blankets and lawn chairs but leave glass containers and pets at home. Call (850) 436-5670 or visit http://pensacolacommunitymaritimepark.com/ for more info. Tonight’s performers are The Mulligans. A Treehouse Production of Cats 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing. Half-Price Sundays at Pensacola Museum of Art Noon-4 p.m. 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 2 listing. Art on the Boardwalk Noon-6 p.m. on Pensacola Beach. For details, see July 2 listing. Trivia Trek 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday, at the Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For more info, see July 2 listing. Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. For more info, see July 2 listing.

Tuesday, July 25

2017 Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Today’s performer is Modern Eldorados. For details, see July 4 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Christmas in July 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. Only six months left until Christmas! Bring those letters to Santa and the holiday spirit out to the ballpark. Will there be snow? Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info. Crickwing Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Design and engineer structures and animals from natural materials. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Funky Flow Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing. Story Sprouts 10 a.m.-noon. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing. Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing.

Judge’s Choice category and by diners in the People’s Choice category. Proceeds will support The Arc Gateway, a Pensacola area non-profit that provides services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To register your team, sponsor or purchase tickets, call (850) 434-2638 or visit www.arc-gateway.org.

Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Buy, sell, trade coins, currency, stamps, pocket watches, tokens, and other collectibles. Fresh home-cooked food & drinks available. Admission $1. Free & handicap parking available. Call (850) 602-7600 or visit www.pensacolacoinclub.com/ for more info.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Faith Night 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. Marcus Pointe Baptist Church will host a “Sermon on the Mound” prior to first pitch. Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info.

Kids’ Movie Club Presents: Disney’s Animated Pete’s Dragon (1977) 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing.

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. For details, see July 11 listing.

Thursday, July 27

Heroes Among Us ~ Veteran Speakers Series 6 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park and Wall South, E Romana St. & Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola. Representing those who have distinguished themselves in combat from every generation and branch of the Armed Services. Tonight’s theme is Korean War Remembrance Night with Guest of Honor Sergeant (Rev.) John Phillips, US Army, Bronze Star, Battle of Pork Chop Hill, Republic of Korea. Call (850) 434-6119 or visit http://pensacolamcleague.com/ for more info. Tunes by the Dunes Free Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. Sand Crab Pavilion in Navarre Beach Park (directly north of the Navarre Beach Causeway and Gulf Boulevard Intersection and just east of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier). For details, see July 6 listing. Tonight’s performer is The Blenders – Reggae, Jazz & Groove. A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing. Bats- Stellaluna Presentation at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Learn more about these creatures of the night during this special presentation. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Adult Forums and Events at Pensacola MESS Hall 6-7:30 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Adults get in on the action as they explore a Brave New World. During this free program, participants will learn about genetic engineering and the related ethical and societal dimensions, along with several ways scientists are considering using it. In groups, they choose one application to consider in depth and make a plan about whether and how to bring this technology to the world. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/ or call 877-937-6377. Cancer Study Group: Cooking With Vegetables 6-8:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. A group that studies about the illness of cancer. Presentations are done through DVDs or by live speakers who share personal insights and experiences. Call (850) 438-0402 ext. 17 or visit http://everman.org/.

Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For details, see July 4 listing.

Friday, July 28

Wednesday, July 26

Restorative Yoga 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see July 7 listing.

Arc Gateway’s Crab Cake Cook-off Be a part of this sell-out event held at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, an artwork sale, and all the crab cakes you can eat. Restaurants, chefs and organizations can showcase their best crab cake recipe amongst 20 teams. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of blind judges in the

Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing.

Saturday, July 29

42nd Annual Coin & Currency Show Hadji Temple, 800 Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. Hours

Saenger Classic Movie Series Presents: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Fireworks Saturday/ Little Princess Night 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium. You are cordially invited to our Little Princess Night, followed by fireworks brought to you by Cox Communication. Expect glitter, face paint and a lot of tiaras! Have your little princess wear her favorite princess outfit; the best ones will be recognized! Call (850) 934-8444 or visit BlueWahoos.com for more info. Ghost Hunt at Pensacola Lighthouse Museum 8 p.m. For more info, visit www.pensacolalighthouse. org/ or call (850) 393-1561. Superhero Storytime at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. Join us for a storytime featuring Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman. Superheroes have to get up in the morning, go to school and have a bedtime, just like you! Join us as we read about turning every day situations into amazing super adventures! Kids, come dressed as your favorite superhero, villain or character to show your fandom! Activities to follow. Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2926 for more info.

Sunday, July 30

A Treehouse Production of Cats 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing. Blues Angel Music Blues on the Bay Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. FREE. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St., Pensacola. Today’s performers are The Astronauts. For details, see July 23 listing.

Monday, July 31

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Summer Festival 46 East Chase St., Pensacola. Open for children entering 3rd grade through completed 8th grade. In addition to large group singing and interaction, singers will participate in dynamic and participatory music classes which explore performance skills such as age-appropriate vocal artistry, engaging and game-based sight singing, creative and hands-on music theory, world music exploration, and movement based on music and musicianship. A final performance for friends, family and community members will conclude the Festival on Saturday, August 5, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Pensacola. Tickets for the performance are $10 each. For more info or to register, visit http://pensacolachildrenschorus.com/ or call (850) 434-7760.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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2017 Bands on the Beach 7-9 p.m. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. Today’s performer is Southern Breeze. For details, see July 4 listing.

Kickstart Soccer Camp 8:30 a.m.-noon. Brent Football Complex, 4711 North W Street, Pensacola. For details, see August 1 listing.

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Gulf Breeze Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday evening, Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive. For details, see July 4 listing.

A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing.

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Preschool Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. Stories, songs and movement designed to build future readers! For more info, call (850) 453-7780. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Summer Festival 46 East Chase St., Pensacola. For details, see July 31 listing. National Night Out 6-8 p.m. Guy Thompson Community Center, 5629 Byrom St., Milton. Free entertainment, community agency information and kids’ activities. Target, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office, Milton Police Department, Department of Health Santa Rosa, and CDAC encourage residents to come and join this family event. Target will provide free school supplies and hot dogs while supplies last.   Kickstart Soccer Camp 7:30 a.m.noon. Brent Football Complex, 4711 North W Street, Pensacola. This FREE soccer clinic by Pensacola Sports is for children of all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 12. This is a great opportunity to introduce your child to the sport of soccer in a fun and casual learning environment. For more info, visit http://pensacolasports.org/ or call (850) 434-2800. Opt: An Illusionary Tale at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Investigate optical illusions and make your own eye teasers. Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/.

Wednesday, August 2

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Summer Festival 46 East Chase St., Pensacola. For details, see July 31. Kickstart Soccer Camp 8:30 a.m.-noon. Brent Football Complex, 4711 North W Street, Pensacola. For details, see August 1 listing.

Thursday, August 3

Tunes by the Dunes Free Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. Sand Crab Pavilion in Navarre Beach Park (directly north of the Navarre Beach Causeway and Gulf Boulevard Intersection and just east of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier). For details, see July 6 listing. Tonight’s performer is Theresa Byrd Band – Classic Rock, Modern Country Top 40. Rosie Revere Engineer Workshop at Pensacola MESS Hall 2-3 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona Street, Pensacola. Can you persevere like Rosie Revere as you enter a design challenge? What will you engineer? Visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Summer Festival 46 East Chase St., Pensacola. For details, see July 31 listing.

Friday, August 4

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Summer Festival 46 East Chase St., Pensacola. For details, see July 31 listing. Hill-Kelly Movies In the Park Series Showtime 7:40 p.m. Free movies presented by Cox will return to the Community Maritime Park once each month through August 4! Tonight’s movie is Lego Batman. For details, see July 21 listing. Stargazing on Pensacola Beach 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Beach Pavilion. For details, see July 1 listing. Story Tyme with Grandma Jenkins: Dogger 11 a.m. Pensacola Children’s Museum, 115 East Zaragoza St. FREE. For details, see July 7 listing.

Saturday, August 5

A Treehouse Production of Cats 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing. Kids’ Movie Club Presents: Disney’s Animated Robin Hood (1973) 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. Saenger Classic Movie Series Presents: The Big Sleep 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre. For details, see July 1 listing. Pensacola Children’s Chorus Summer Festival 46 East Chase St., Pensacola. For details, see July 31 listing. Summer Concert Series at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheatre 6-9 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. For details, see July 1 listing.

Sunday, August 6

A Treehouse Production of Cats 3 p.m. Pensacola Little Theatre. For details, see July 21 listing.

toddler class for only $5. The first visit is free. Children walking to age 3 are welcome. This is a great way for toddlers to explore in a safe environment and meet new friends! Call (850) 733-3547 or e-mail info@mojogymnastics.com.

Diabetes

Sacred Heart’s Diabetes Education Program offers individual and group instruction to help patients gain knowledge to control their disease, avoid complications and teach or enhance skills for a healthier life. Our Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) include registered nurses and registered dietitians. For more information or to register for a class, please call (850) 416-7261. Classes include: •Continuous Glucose Monitor Application and Training Professional and personal •Diabetes and Pregnancy offered weekly for women with Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Individual counseling is also offered for pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes. Please complete our Patient Questionnaire form and bring it with you to your appointment or e-mail to Diabetes-scheduling@shhpens.org. •Insulin Pump Training Comprehensive training and Carbohydrate counting •Insulin Training Skills training on equipment use, an understanding of insulins and Hypoglycemia •Living Well with Diabetes course for adults with diabetes and their family members. •Pre-Pump Training Discussion of benefits of pump and insulin pump limitations.

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 – Two-class series walks 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 couple. Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Usually held first Saturdays of most months, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beginning Breastfeeding – This class teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. $20 per couple.

Blues Angel Music Blues on the Bay Summer Concert Series 6-8 p.m. FREE. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St., Pensacola. Today’s performers are The Reunion Band. For details, see July 23 listing.

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 3 p.m. at the Greenhut Auditorium at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-7262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education. Mojo Elite Gymnastics Parent/Toddler Classes 6890 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. we have a parent/

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 couple. All-day or four-class series available. Sibling Class (Ages 3 to 8) – This class helps you prepare your children for the arrival of the new member of the family! $10 per child per class. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Tours of Baptist Hospital, 3rd Floor, Labor and Delivery Unit Please call (850) 434-4567 to reserve your tour time. Tours are available Mondays and Fridays, 5:30 p.m.

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FamilyCalendar Monthly Series Package – $125 per couple and includes Prepared Childbirth, a four-class series or one all-day class, one Breastfeeding class and one Baby Care Basics class.

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.sacredheart.org/SHHP/Childbirth/Main/Guidance/. 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 the Sacred Heart Education Department at (850) 416-7264. This class is an orientation to CPR and is not a certifying or credentialing course. “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.sacred-heart. 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. Breastfeeding Classes 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.

Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017

Understanding Birth - Childbirth Preparedness Class - 4-Week Series Join us for a PowerPoint presentation with videos on the subject of: understanding pregnancy, understanding labor, a birth story, understanding comfort techniques/options for pain control, understanding medical procedures, understanding cesarean birth, understanding newborns, understanding postpartum, and tour of 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. Understanding Birth - Childbirth Preparedness Class - Express 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. Very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368 for any additional questions.

Support Groups Cancer

Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. Support Group 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. All meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Conference Room A of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. More details can be found at www. wingsofhopeinc.org.

1-2 p.m. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc. com/calendar/index.dot.

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. Next meetings are Thursdays, July 6 & 20 and August 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. 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 meeting will be held June 1 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 meetings will be held July 5 and 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/event/leaps-new-momsupport-group-3/. Mommy & Me Support Group The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month 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.sacred-heart.org/childbirth.

Patient and Family Cancer Support Group Pensacola Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, from 4-5:30 p.m. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-2224. 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.

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 West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. Usually held second Fridays,

Pensacola Parents of Multiples Meets the second Thursday of every other month at Sacred Heart Women’s and Children’s Hospital Meeting Room C/D down the hallway next to the cafeteria. Meetings are held from 7-8:30 p.m. on August 10 and October 12. We normally have a family holiday dinner in December. Parking is available in the 9th Avenue Parking garage and in the lot in front of The Children’s Hospital. 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.

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/.

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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8 Ways to Spark Summer Reading Most parents want to encourage reading, especially during the summer when kids often have more unstructured time. Now that so much reading occurs online, parents may wonder about the best way to nurture a reading habit. Is reading on a device as good as getting lost in an old-fashioned book? The emerging answer is that both print and digital reading have value, but they promote different ways of thinking. One revealing study found that college students prefer reading online when they are looking for quick information. However, when they really want to dig in and master new material, they turn to paper books. Without the distraction of clicks, students find they engage more deeply and comprehend more of what they read. Students also reported that they liked being able to manipulate physical books—underlining, writing notes in the margins, turning down corners and being able to thumb back to a favorite passage. This study suggests that online reading often resembles snacking--quick, easy to digest, maybe even a little addictive. Physical books offer more of a meal--stimulating and nourishing on many levels. Because kids gravitate naturally to devices (and snacks), parents may want to put a little effort into helping kids discover the pleasures of print. Fortunately, most kids are receptive. A biannual study of reading habits by Scholastic magazine found that 86% of kids think it’s important to be a good reader, and 6 in 10 agreed that, “I really enjoy reading books over the summer.” Here are some ideas about turning that spark into a flame.

Read aloud. In the Scholastic survey, kids 6–11 said that they enjoyed reading aloud, mostly because it was special time with their parents. Even after they can read independently, many kids and even teens enjoy settling in to listen to a good story. Kids who can read for

themselves may enjoy taking turns reading. Or they might like to read dialogue with each child taking on the voice of a different character.

Hunt for books together. In the Scholastic study, 41% of kids said it was hard to find books they wanted to read. Turn the quest for good books into something you do as a family. Visit your local library regularly. Find out if there’s a story hour at the local bookshop. Hunt for bargain books at garage sales and thrift stores. Look for a Free Little Library in your neighborhood or create one of your own (littlefreelibrary.org/). Good lists of recommended books are also available from Reading Rockets (readingrockets. org/books/summer ) and the American Library Association (ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb). Find books at the right level. Kids

sometimes disconnect from reading when books seem boring because they are too easy or frustrating because they are too hard. If possible, ask your child’s teacher to recommend books that are “just right” for your child. Or zero in on books at the right grade level by using the Scholastic book wizard (scholastic.com/teachers/bookwizard ).

Follow their lead. Like adults, kids read more of what they love. If a child gets hooked on a particular genre, author or series, run with it. And don’t get hung up on format. Magazines, graphic novels and comics can all be a gateway into reading. So can video or board games that include lots of written directions. For really reluctant readers, try activating captions on the television so kids can read along with their favorite shows. Make it social. Enthusiasm for reading is contagious, so encourage kids to share books they like whenever possible. Some kids 51

may enjoy writing reviews on kid-friendly sites like dogobooks.com or spaghettibookclub. org. Kids can also follow favorite authors online. Many interact with readers through local readings or websites that feature games and giveaways. Or consider organizing a summer book club. PBS offers tips about how to get one going (tinyurl.com/njgpk7k).

Find the right incentives. Just keeping a list of books they’ve finished can be motivating for some kids. Others will benefit from a small treat--maybe a gummy “bookworm” or a pack of Smarties. An entire board of clever incentives including Reading Bingo is available on Pinterest (tinyurl.com/lp6krcg). Consider using reading itself as a reward. During the summer, let children stay up an extra hour beyond bedtime--if they are reading. Set aside time. Designate a specific time for family reading. Turning off TV, computers and cellphones makes it clear that reading is a priority. To get a better picture of how your kids are spending summer days, try using the media time calculator as well as the media planner created by Healthy Children (tinyurl.com/z8wbef5). Get creative. Think about fun ways to integrate books into whatever you’re doing this summer. Instead of handing your child a cellphone during wait times, carry a chapter book that you can pull out in a doctor’s waiting room or between games at a tournament. Create a treasure hunt with a new book as the treasure. Have a Reading Picnic where everyone reads outside while munching on sandwiches. Take an audio book on your family road trip. Create a secret reading space by setting up a tent in the backyard or putting a sheet over a card table. Whatever you do, keep it light. If your goal is to have kids who read because they love it, making rules too rigorous or setting expectations too high can be counter-productive. Experts say that reading as few as six books over the summer helps kids avoid the dreaded summer slump. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Captain Underpants:

Cars 3 MPAA Rating: G Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Cars 3 G. Looking in the mirror and seeing a few gray hairs is never easy. For a racing car who’s used to being the leader of the pack, getting old takes on a whole new meaning. It’s not that Lightening McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is slowing down. The problem is the young new cars are speeding up. One of those hotshots, Jackson Storm (voice of Armie Hammer), has a body built on technology and a training facility that gives the racer a chance to practice and refine every possible scenario. On the day when Storm zips past McQueen to greet the checkered flag, our hero suddenly feels his age. Mustering every last horsepower to overtake his new competitor doesn’t return the usual glorious outcome. Instead the effort leaves him bruised, broken and beaten on the side of the track. The longtime ruler of the oval is a wreck -- inside and out. At first, he would rather sit in Radiator Springs with the old gang. But Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) and Sally (voice of Bonnie Hunt) are reluctant to watch their friend stall in a state of disrepair. With the best intentions, they encourage him to accept an offer from his longtime sponsor to come and hone his racing skills using the same new technologies offered to the young upstarts. Excited at the notion of getting back on track he accepts the challenge to work with Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), a bright yellow car who will be his new trainer. Cars 3 is an insightful look at how the finish line that we thought we were headed toward can sometimes change. The elder McQueen and young Ramirez offer differing perspectives based on their life experience. This dual protagonist design is typical of Pixar’s keen ability to present storylines that cross generations. With a G-rating, there is very little to discourage parents from sharing this movie with their children. McQueen’s crash and his accidental entry into a demolition derby are two moments when the youngest of children may be frightened. Otherwise kids and adults will enjoy plot elements that teach of the importance of having a positive outlook while continuing to move forward and accepting new challenges, even if the road doesn’t lead to where we originally thought we were going. Coming from an animation company that is also used to leading the pack, Cars 3 demonstrates Pixar can still deliver a high-octane experience that offers a potent mix of engaging entertainment and meaningful messages.

The First Epic Movie MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie PG for mild rude humor throughout. Have you ever noticed how many superheroes look like they are dressed in underwear? Well, I suspect the notion crossed the mind of Dav Pilkey, author of the Captain Underpants book series. And that may be why this animation, based on his work, features a couple of aspiring comic book creators who point to these costume choices as the inspiration for their title character. George and Herold (voices of Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch) are elementary-aged kids who have been friends since kindergarten. Sharing the same sense of humor, the pals combine their separate talents for writing and art, to make hand-drawn adventure stories featuring a bald action figure in tighty-whities. The pair also likes to play pranks on their teachers as a way to cheer up their fellow students at their penitentiary-like school. Their mischief has made them regular visitors to the office of Principal Krupp (voice of Ed Helms). Fed-up, the administrator threatens to put the hooligans in separate classrooms. To prevent him for carrying out the threat, George attempts to hypnotize him -- and it works. With a mere suggestion, Principal Krupp believes he is Captain Underpants, and the boys are able to take control of his actions. Or so they think. It turns out to be far harder to keep a leash on the eager-but-super-powerless hero. And George and Herold’s struggles to prevent the caped crusader from hurting himself, or those who get in his way, intensify when a new teacher (voice of Nick Kroll) joins the staff. Calling himself Professor P., it quickly becomes obvious the disgruntled, former scientist has evil designs for his pupils. As is to be expected from the film’s title, this script is full, full, full of potty humor. Perhaps more of a surprise will be the violence that erupts between the boys and the vengeful Professor. While all the depictions are too ridiculous to be taken seriously, they may still be a bit frightening for young viewers. Yet despite the fixation on toilets and a blatant disrespect for authority figures, the story does allow its characters to reconsider their motives, feel remorse for their mockery, and redeem their actions. While these positive moments won’t flush away all the shenanigans, they will likely provide enough charm to amuse older children and tweens.

What Parents need to know...

Violence: This animation features an evil teacher who has the goal of using a ray gun to deactivate the portion of a child’s brain that is responsible for humor. The teacher also uses another ray gun to make things very small or very large. The teacher threatens students with these weapons at the elementary school. These scenarios may be frightening for young children. A principal is played as very stern and harsh, however never abusive. Sexual Content: There are frequent discussions of scatological and mildly crude bodily functions in a comic context, with little detail. Profanity: Name calling is used along with common child terms to describe bodily functions. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

What Parents need to know...

Violence: Depictions of car races includes frequent accidents and crashes. Characters unwittingly enter a demolition derby, and are not permitted to back out of the race. Some racers have malicious intents for their fellow competitors. Bullying and belittling occur. Main characters face mildly perilous situations. Racial and gender prejudice is mentioned. Sexual Content: Mild sexual innuendo is included. Profanity: Some good-natured and spiteful name-calling is heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters gather to talk in a bar setting. Running moonshine is mentioned. Greater Pensacola Parents I July 2017