Greater Pensacola Parents September 2018

SAVE THE DATE! September 29, 2018 10 AM - 2 PM Community Maritime Park

The 5-2-1-0 Day of Play is a day to get up, get out and get active! On September 29th, families will shut off their computers, tablets, and TVs and head outdoors for some fun! Come check out the many ways families get moving!

Join us for a day of exciting activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the entire family.

Find more information at www.5210NWFL.com

September2018

Columns

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Volume 3 Number 6

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Living With Children John Rosemond

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Get This!

Special Needs Siblings

Learing Disabilities and ADHD

What you need to know to best advocate for your child.

With the challenges of having a sibling with special needs, the benefits are even greater!

Gerry Paige Smith

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Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates, P.A.

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Mama Moments Betsy Eggart

26 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Special Needs Guide

Local and national resources assist in caring for your child.

Advice for Parenting Today’s Teens

A crash course in teen drug use.

On The Cover Kade (7), son of Mike and April McGaw, little brother to Drew (10) and big brother to Quinn (3). Proud grandparents are John and Ruth Dixon and Mike and Julie McGaw. Kade enjoys drawing, playing basketball, and telling awesome jokes!

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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 40

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews

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FromThePublisher

Greater Pensacola

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Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Our journey with Kade began in October of 2010. We had recently found out we were having a boy, and that our routine blood tests for certain birth defects, such as SB (spina bifida), had returned normal. Then, at our twenty-week ultrasound, the doctor noticed a large mass on Kade’s lower back. We were sent to a perinatologist who told us that our baby had spina bifida and would never walk, would have severe delays, and an overall poor quality of life. We felt like we had been punched in the gut! Our dreams and plans for this new baby had been crushed. Or so we thought at the time. The waiting for the remainder of my pregnancy was the hardest part. We decided to move our care, and I have to say, our doctors were amazing and offered us so much encouragement and hope!

Kade was scheduled to be delivered three weeks early by C-section. That day was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. It’s funny how your whole life can change in a moment.

The moment I laid my eyes on him I knew I would do ANYTHING for this sweet miracle. I loved him with a fierceness that dared anyone to say he wasn’t perfect!

Kade was immediately whisked away to the NICU with his first surgery scheduled for the next morning. They let me see him before he went in. He was so tiny and beautiful. I would have given anything to take this away from him. A few days later he went in for his second surgery. One of the hardest parts was signing all the medical release forms and watching them wheel our tiny newborn away from us. Kade came through both surgeries beautifully and was able to be released home with us after nine days in the NICU! While in the hospital, we were approached by an Early Steps coordinator who was a lifesaver in helping set us up with the therapists Kade would need. A few years later, we were introduced to Greater Pensacola Parents magazine and the Special Needs Resource Guide they include in the magazine each September. This guide has been incredibly helpful! You can find a copy of this year’s Special Needs Resource Guide on page 32.

Since Kade was also born with bilateral clubbed feet, he was put into casts at about a month old. He was then put into Ponsetti shoes with a bar in the middle for three months.

After, he had to wear them every night for the first two years of his life.

Kade has progressed amazingly and he is now a funny, kind, smart, and delightful little second grade boy. This past year was his first official year in school. It did this momma’s heart good to see all his classmates just love to be around him. They see him for who he is and not the braces on his legs or the arm crutches he uses to get around. Kade is like any other boy, in the fact that he loves to wrestle with his siblings, talk about his favorite sports, and not do his handwriting papers! This past April he underwent surgery #5. He was in a full leg cast for over two months, but that didn’t stop him from playing basketball from his wheelchair or much else that he put his mind to doing!

There are good days and there are hard days having a child with special needs, but we thank God EVERY DAY for Kade. He brings joy and smiles to everyone he meets. He makes us laugh all the time and our life would not be complete without him! We may never understand why, but we do trust in God’s perfect plan for our family. We praise Him, for we know Kade is “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” We thank God for the gift that Kade is to our family. One of my favorite quotes for Kade is, “Because something is difficult for you, do not think it impossible.”

You can do it, Kade!

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse

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Contributing Writers

Kimberly Blaker Betsy Eggart Mark Gregston Amy Scott Lorton Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Tavi Slevinski, RN, MSN,CPNP Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Danielle Becker www.daniellebeckerphotography.com

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

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222.

Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

April McGaw Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

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

Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

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New pediatric specialists for Gulf Coast families

When your child is sick, you need personalized, compassionate care — care that starts with a team of doctors who listen to children and understand them like you do.

That’s why the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, a part of Ascension, is now affiliated with the Southeast’s largest academic health center, University of Florida Health.

James Burns, MD

Adolescent Medicine University of Florida

Matthew Steiner, MD

Matthew Furst, MD

Theresa Roca, MD

James Coticchia, MD

Berrin Ergun-Longmire, MD Pediatric Endocrinology University of Florida

Pediatric Gastroenterology University of Florida

Brent Thompson, PA

Debra Cohen, MD

Jeffrey Schwartz, MD

Robert Huang, MD

Tracy Roberts, MD

Dana Wert, ARNP

Bryan Weidner, MD

C. Gerry Henderson, MD

Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida

Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida

Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida

Together, Sacred Heart and UF have hired 25 pediatric specialists, who live and work full time on the Gulf Coast, caring for the region’s smallest patients and their parents.

Find a physician, and see our patients’ stories: studerfamilychildrenshospital.com

Bevin Weeks, MD Pediatric Cardiology University of Florida

Pediatric ENT University of Florida

Robert Dillard, MD

/sacredheartchildrenshospital /studerchildrens

Alan Sacks, MD

Pediatric Gastroenterology University of Florida

PEDIATRIC SPECIALTIES

Pediatric Gastroenterology Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Sacred Heart Medical Group University of Florida University of Florida

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Amanda Strobel, MD

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

University of Florida

David Shapiro, DO

Pediatric Infectious Diseases University of Florida

Edward Kohaut, MD Pediatric Nephrology University of Florida

Gulnur Com, MD

Pediatric Pulmonology University of Florida

Matthew Pearson, MD

Pediatric Neurosurgery Sacred Heart Medical Group

Jonathan Papic, MD

Pediatric Surgery Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Orthopedics Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Surgery Sacred Heart Medical Group

Pediatric Orthopedics University of Florida

Pediatric Orthopedics Sacred Heart Medical Group

Mark Wehry, MD

Pediatric Urology University of Florida

Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group

Jamie Thorn, ARNP

Donna Williams, ARNP

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850-462-9496

Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group

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Pediatric Urology Sacred Heart Medical Group

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LivingWithChildren

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by John Rosemond

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The Marriage Must Come First Q: I am stepfather to my wife’s only child, age 8, from her first marriage. My wife always and in every way puts her son before our marriage. We went through counseling several years ago and things got better for a while, but then began slipping back into child-comes-first mode.

Believe me, we have a near-perfect marriage outside of her putting her son first and not supporting me when it comes to discipline. My wife struggles constantly to make him happy and it’s really hurting our relationship. Do you have any advice for me or us?

A: You’ve described what is in my estimation the number one reason why the divorce rate is so high (relatively speaking) for marriages where at least one party brings a child or children with them into the union. Specifically, either the male parent cannot shift out of dad and into husband or the female cannot shift out of mom and into wife. Said another way, for

the person or people in question, being a parent trumps being a spouse.

A parent-child relationship of this sort is defined by the lack of an emotional boundary between the two parties. Your wife experiences her son’s emotions as if they were her own.

Any unhappiness on his part makes her anxious and kicks her into high-enabling.

Furthermore, his unhappiness is, from her perspective, indication of her failure as a parent. The solution, she thinks, is more enabling. A vicious and mutually destructive cycle has developed. The more she enables, the more helpless he behaves, and the more she enables. And around and around they go. That is, in a word, codependency.

Since the prior round of counseling had a positive effect, it makes sense for the two of you to give that another try.

Know, however, that this is one of the most intractable problems a counselor will ever encounter. My question, therefore, to you:

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

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Are you prepared to hang in there another ten years or so, in the hope that when said son goes off on his own, the “near-perfect” marriage you now have will realize its full potential? That would certainly be my recommendation.

By the way, the problem of one or both spouses putting parenting in front of being husband or wife is not only the single biggest problem in step- and blended families; it is also the single biggest problem in first marriages where there are children. Unfortunately, the child-centric family has become the norm. That’s why so few husbands and wives these days are found on the same parenting page, or even in the same parenting book, or even in some cases in the same parenting library.

It may sound counterintuitive, but agreement concerning parenting issues requires being married first, parents second.

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

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Pensacola Seafood Festival

Friday, September 28-Sunday, September 30 11 a.m.- 11 p.m./10 a.m.-11 p.m./11 a.m-5 p.m.

The annual Pensacola Seafood Festival takes over Seville Square, Fountain Park and waterfront Bartram Park in historic downtown Pensacola each fall, attracting more than 100,000 attendees during the three-day event. At the festival, you’ll find local seafood favorites prepared in a variety of ways by top restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, traditional festival fare from the nation’s top vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and live music.

Activities for kids will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and include: SeaMobile Touch Pools, Hermit Crab Races, Obstacle Course, Arts & Crafts, Games, Entertainment Stage Make sure to look for these festival vendors selling fun kids’ items: Martins Wooden Craft – wooden toys, folk toys, action toys, boomerangs, cars and trucks Bobbie’s Shop – little girl dresses Di’s Custom Tied Bows – fairy bows and headbands Sew N Sew Sisters – T-shirt quilts, totes and teddy bears For more info, visit www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/.

Santa Rosa Island Authority’s Bands on the Beach Returns

Pensacola Beach’s popular FREE outdoor summer concert series features performers for every musical taste and is held each Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m., through October 30.

Located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Pets and glass are prohibited.

Upcoming performers include on Aug. 28: ClassX; Sept.

4: John Hart Project; Sept. 11: Chloe Channell; Sept. 18: Dr. Breeze; Sept. 25: Touch of Gray; Oct. 2: Bring on the Benjamins; and Oct. 9: RAIN DATE if needed.

For more info, call (850) 932-2257, visit www.visitpensacolabeach.com or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.

Hill-Kelly Free Movies in the Park

Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Boot Camps

September 14 @ 7 p.m.

Community Maritime Park’s Hunter Amphitheater. Bring your blankets and chairs and spread out on the lawn to watch Sherlock Gnomes, a familyfriendly movie, underneath the stars.

Movies begin at sunset and FREE event parking is available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall. Concessions are available from local food trucks. Picnic baskets are welcome too, but no pets or glass containers. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/191486801630638/.

October 8 & 9 * 6-8 p.m.

Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. Children ages 4 to 7 begin camp at 6 p.m. October 8. Children ages 8 to 10 begin camp at 7 p.m. Boys and girls ages 11 through 14 have camp October 9. Girls’ group will begin at 6 p.m. and the boys’ group will start at 7 p.m. Fee for residents of Pensacola is $10 and for non-residents it is $20.

For more info, call (850) 436-5195 or visit www.cityofpensacola. com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Fricker-Resource-Center-94.

Ballet Pensacola Presents A Nightmare Before Christmas

October 19-21 & October 26-28 7:30 p.m. performances except 2:30 p.m. matinees Oct. 21 & 28 Pensacola Cultural Center Will Christmas be the same with a pumpkin king in charge? A Nightmare Before Christmas continues Ballet Pensacola’s tradition of creating captivating and unconventional ballets.

For tickets or more info, call (850) 432-9546 or visit www.balletpensacola.com/.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

Blues Angel Music’s Blues on the Bay

Sundays, September 16 & 23 * 6-8 p.m. * Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Pack your coolers and bring your lawn chairs and join us at the Hunter Amphitheater for the concert series presented by Audi Pensacola. Concerts are free and open to the public. Performers Sept. 16 are The Mulligans and Sept. 23 are The Modern Eldorados. For more info, call (850) 457-7557 or visit https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/ Blues-Angel-Music-Blues-on-the-Bay. 6

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U.S. Navy’s Country & Bluegrass Band Performs

On September 2 at 6 p.m., the U.S. Navy Band will perform at Pensacola Saenger Theatre. This event is free to the public, but you must pick up free tickets in advance at the Saenger box office at 22 East Intendencia Street. Country Current performs regularly for the president, vice president, the secretary of the Navy, the chief of naval operations, and numerous other dignitaries. Visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival Supports Gulf Coast Kid’s House & Junior Achievement of NW Florida

Captains for Kids Special Needs Day

Captains for Kids offers a free fun day on the water for kids with special needs and illnesses by providing: fishing charters, sailing excursions, parasailing rides, dolphin cruises and water banana rides. Most events have space for the parents and sometimes a sibling or two to tag along, however, some activities are more limited on space. All activities are free of charge. Each event has a maximum seating capacity so pre-registration is required for each person in order to give you a smooth experience and to provide a passenger manifest to the captain. We will be having this year’s event on Saturday, September 8th. To register or to get involved call 850-438-5555, visit www.captainsforkids.com or find us on Facebook!

Come to Bayview Park, behind Bayou Texar, on September 8 beginning at 8 a.m. for the Annual Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival presented by Wind Creek Casino. Northeast Pensacola Sertoma is bringing this event back for the fifth year to benefit Gulf Coast Kid’s House (GCKH) and, new this year, Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida. This all-day festival is complete with food, drinks, children’s activities, contests, music and more.

Watch while teams from local businesses, civic groups and non-profits compete to take home the glory and show who has the most spirit in Pensacola. Each team will compete at least three races throughout the day. Over the last four years, this event has raised more than $80,000 for GCKH. For more info, visit www.pensacoladragonboatfestival.com,

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Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth

Sept. 15 & 29 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-13.

Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment.

Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

Court of De Luna Movie Night

September 7 * 7:30 p.m. 116 East Gonzalez Street, Pensacola.

We will show Ready Player One. $5 for adults & FREE for kids.

Viewing on HD LED screens unlike any other in town. Plenty of outdoor activities & picture-worthy moments here so charge your phones! We provide seating or you can bring your own. Food & beverages available. We have indoor/outdoor options so don’t let the weather bring you down. For more info, find us on Facebook.

2018 Pensacola Cycling Classic

Sept. 15 * Holiday Inn Resort, 14 Via De Luna, Pensacola Beach.

Registration is available Friday 4-8 p.m. at Packet Pickup (Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach). No Race Day registration. The SUBWAY Pensacola Cycling Classic will feature three stages over two days of intense racing which will include a time trial on Pensacola Beach; a road race in Milton that weaves through the scenic Blackwater River State Forest; the Criterium will be held in historic downtown Pensacola; Kid’s Expo organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters featuring games, activities, and much more. It’s free! Proceeds will be donated to The Paralyzed Veterans of America. Children 12 and younger will get a chance to be part of the 9th annual MusculoSkeletal Center/ Medical Center Clinic Criterium as they ride through the downtown course. Each child will receive a medal and a chance to win a new bike! You and your child need to be at Government & Jefferson St. by 9 a.m. to check in. For more info, call (360) 921-7018 or visit www.pensacolacyclingclassic.com/.

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Taste of the Beach

Sept. 15 * 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

7 Casino Beach Boardwalk.

Pensacola Beach chefs will spice up the food and crowds at the 11th annual Taste of the Beach Festival. Fun for the whole family! The day is filled with chef’s challenges, cook-offs, tastings, live music, restaurants’ signature dishes, crab racing, beer tasting, and more! Pop Fiction will take the stage at 7 p.m. For more info and a full schedule of events, call (850) 9321500 or visit www.tasteofpensacolabeach.com/event-info/.

Sea NO Limits for Special Needs

Sea NO Limits is a free event offered to children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities requiring supervised care. The fishing clinic will be held Saturday, October 6, from 8 a.m.-noon at Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park. This event is limited to the first 250 applicants (plus up to two additional family members/guardians/caregivers).

Pre-registration required. The event includes rod and reel to keep, grilled lunch w/ beverages, T-shirt, optional child ID program, fish identification booklets, fishing instruction and Escambia Search & Rescue Demonstration.

Sea NO Limits is hosted by Gulf Breeze Masonic Lodge No. 347.

For more info, visit www.seanolimits.com or call (850) 341-5036.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

5210 Northwest FL Day of Play

Saturday, September 29 * 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola The 5210 Day of Play is a day to get up, get out and get active! On September 29, families will shut off their computers, tablets and TVs, and head outdoors for some fun! Come check out the many activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the entire family. For more info, visit www.playpensacola.com.

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The Clover Pick a Bowl Fill a Bowl

Autism Pensacola’s Steps for Autism

Steps for Autism 2018 is a grassroots fundraising season where friends and family join together to honor loved ones with autism, raise community awareness, and support the mission and programs of Autism Pensacola. Our culminating event, to celebrate this year’s successes, is September 15, from noon to 3 p.m., at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, 6205 North W St., Pensacola.

Sandy Sansing and his family of dealerships are the exclusive presenting sponsors for Steps for Autism this year. Sansing’s commitment is a two-year sponsorship toward the mission and programs of Autism Pensacola.

“Mr. Sansing’s generous gift to Autism Pensacola has been a tremendous help in raising the awareness we need to further our mission,” said Cate Merrill, president and CEO of Autism Pensacola, Inc. “His philanthropy is well-known in our community, and we have been benefactors of his generosity for many years. The donation allows us to not only continue our programming to the community, but also enable us to develop other programs and events to support our families.”

Funds raised by Steps for Autism are used to increase community awareness, improve safety, and provide quality-oflife programs for those living with autism in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this fun, family-friendly event will stay in our local area to support families affected by autism.

To become a sponsor or start a team, call (850) 434-7171 or e-mail steps@autismpensacola.org.

September 7 * 6-8 p.m.

Pensacola State College, The Lou Ross Center, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg. 3.

Join us in the fight against hunger at Manna’s annual fundraiser. This unique event with an artsy twist features the work of local artists, a silent auction, and the fare of local vendors. Choose a one-of-a-kind clay bowl to keep and sample some of the best soups in town! The annual event has been renamed in honor and memory of longtime supporter Bill Clover, a Pensacola State College visual arts professor who was instrumental in starting and sustaining the 11-year event that has raised money to help thousands of hungry people. For more info and event ticket sales, visit www.mannahelps.org/events/pick-a-bowl-fill-a-bowl.

ReptiDay Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

Sept. 22 * 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Navarre Conference Center, 8700 Navarre Parkway, Navarre.

One-day reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, familyoriented fun for everyone! Adults are $10; children 5-12 are $5; and under 5 - free. Visit http://repticon.com/florida/reptiday-pensacola/ or call (863) 268-4273.

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Positively Prehistoric Playtime

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Long before kids discover the enormous catalog of creatures living on earth, most children cultivate an outsize appreciation for the rare and wonderful creatures that roamed the earth long before our time. The marvel of sloths the size of grizzly bears, visions of sharks that could swallow whales whole, the notion of an earth populated by dinosaurs of every size and shape - these creatures offer a vast imaginative landscape for kids to explore. In addition to feeding their fascination with animals from the ancient past, prehistoric-themed toys and games provide an educational avenue for kids to learn about the origins and history of life on earth. The following toys provide hours of prehistoric play that satisfies both the child with an appreciation for the giants of the past as well as the obsessive dinosaur aficionado!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Prehistoric Mammals

Ultimate Dino Dig (Discover with Dr. Cool)

The lives of dinosaurs remain an unfolding mystery. Evidence and clues that continue to emerge from our fossil record continuously evolve our understanding of prior millenia. Children who question what we know about dinosaurs soon discover that there are answers that remain hidden in the earth beneath our feet. Dr Cool’s Ultimate Dino Dig lets kids sample the thrill of paleontological sleuthing by excavating a block of matrix that hides a sample of dino poop, a fossil bone and tooth, as well as a replica T-Rex skeleton. Using the kit’s digging tools and magnifier, children carefully unearth the block’s secrets. The included activity book offers teacher-written dinosaur facts plus puzzles, mazes and and challenges that enhance the discovery experience. Offering young dino enthusiasts a real hands-on feel for paleontology, Ultimate Dino Dig is treasure hunter’s delight.

(Safari Ltd)

While dinosaurs often feature unimaginable and exotic differences from known creatures on earth today, prehistoric mammals generate a different type of excitement in young explorers. Early mammals share some broad appearance with their descendants of today, but display some stunning differences that anchor them in the past. Kids recognize the shape of a modern elephant hiding in the DNA of the ancient Ambelodon and the woolly mammoth, observing the changes that have developed over time.

These toys offer children an opportunity to investigate captivating distinctions between modern mammals and their early ancestors. From giant sloths to sabretooth cats, Safari Ltd. has a versatile selection of prehistoric mammals for kids building their own stable of these amazing animals.

Crafted from lead-free and phthalate-free materials and hand painted, these durable figures transport kids into a time that’s positively prehistoric!

Plush Stegosaurus

Fossil Collection Sorting Kit

(Melissa & Doug)

One of the most distinctive dinosaurs to walk the earth 155 million years ago, the Stegosaurus with its fin-like back plates and spiked tail set it apart from the other massive marvels of the age. Stegosaurus is typically one of the first dinosaur types that very young children are able to identify. Brought to lovable life by Melissa & Doug, this plush replica of the giant Jurassic vegetarian is rendered with bright color contrasts, detailed design and super-sized soft contouring. Perfect for prehistoric pretend play, Melissa & Doug’s huggable plush Stegosaurus is a sweet beginning to a child’s life-long love affair with dinosaurs.

(Dancing Bear)

Fossils, the stone remnants of organic materials, are some of the most important clues that teach us about the earliest life on earth. From shark teeth and plant impressions to fossilized shellfish and petrified poop, these rocky remains reveal a slice of life from millions of years ago. The Dancing Bear Fossil Sorting Kit comes with one hundred actual fossils from twenty different categories. Equipped with a detailed guide book, ID cards and illustrations, kids get first hand experience identifying fossil characteristics and learning how to classify their different forms. For the child who is fascinated by fossils, this hands-on activity is the real deal for prehistoric sleuthing!!

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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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates, P.A.

“Something Bit Me!” This is an exclamation often heard from our loved ones here in the South.

Evenings on the porch, adventures at the shore or on the river are often peppered with slaps and scratches. Mosquitoes, yellow flies, bees and spiders all share the outdoors with us. More often than not they bite or sting!

Understanding the difference helps us treat the problems created.

Mosquitoes, yellow flies and ticks bite.

They use mouth like parts to attach to your skin and transfer blood via saliva from other people or animals they’ve bitten. This can spread infection. These bites can also cause a local reaction. “Skeeter syndrome” is the itchy, red bump that swells. It can appear within eight hours of the bite and last as long as ten days.

This reaction can become very large, red and feel warm and is very common in younger children. As children get older this type of reaction stops. Treatment for this is based on the symptoms. Itching at the site is treated with an oral antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec. Red and swollen skin responds well to cortisone cream applied twice a day. If the swollen, red area persists for several days check with your nurse or physician to make sure a secondary skin infection has not developed.

Spider bites are actually rare because their fangs cannot easily pierce human skin.

When it does happen, it usually is the result of the spider being pressed between skin and an object. Most spiders are harmless, but their bite hurts. The skin can become red, swollen and may have tiny puncture marks at the center. This can create an itchy or burning sensation. If you think a spider has bitten your child wash the area with soap and water. Apply an ice pack to the area at 15 minute intervals for an hour or so if it hurts. Try to identify the type of spider that created the bite. If muscle pain, tummy pain or other concerning symptoms develop have your child seen by a nurse or doctor.

Bees, wasps and hornets sting injecting poison from a stinger on their backside. The venom they inject can be very irritating to the skin. They do not spread infection but can create a dangerous allergic reaction in children and adults. If stung by a bee, wasp or hornet remove the stinger right away. This prevents the venom from quickly spreading. The most common local reaction is pain and red swelling of the skin. This reaction will improve over a few hours. Some children may have a large red area of swelling (4 inches or more) which may take several days to resolve. Apply cold to the area with a moist washcloth. For the pain,

ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can help. (Do not use this for an infant under 6 months of age.)

A more severe reaction can appear right away.

Hives, swelling or redness can appear on the body away from the sting. For example: swelling of the face or lips and the sting occurred on the arm. Stomachache, breathing problems and hives can indicate anaphylaxis and can happen on the first ever sting as well as at subsequent stings. This requires emergency care as soon as possible. Call 911 to assure immediate help from paramedics.

Prevention is always best! When going outside avoid exposure. Use insect repellent on exposed skin surfaces. Children 2 months and older can safely use products with up to 30% DEET. In most conditions this lasts 4-5 hours. Do not apply to face. .

Tavi Slevinski, Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, has lived in Pensacola, Florida for over 35 years. She has been an advanced nurse practitioner with Pediatric Associates for over 23 years. Her undergraduate studies in nursing were completed at the University of Florida. She obtained her advanced nursing practice degree initially as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Alabama.

Miss Tavi, as her patients have come to know her, realized she enjoyed the entire pediatric age spectrum and obtained her Post Masters degree in general pediatrics from the University of South Alabama. Although she cherishes her title as Miss Tavi, her favorite role and title is that of “Gigi” to her grandchildren.

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Autauga County Schools

Redeemer Lutheran School Partners with Pyramid

Blessed Star Visits Sea Lab

Blessed Star Montessori School summer campers visited the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium. Campers really enjoyed viewing all the tanks with various species of fish and marine life, but they enjoyed the hands-on activities the most. They had a great time touching and examining preserved marine life such as the Hardhead Catfish, a jellyfish and an octopus.

Campers had a group lesson where they learned all about Mobile Bay, marshes, and the barriers that protect the area.

They learned about shelled marine life during the lesson, such as snails, clams and oysters, and had a chance to explore their shells. They also had a chance to touch some live marine life, such as stingrays, which they are petting in the above picture. The children enjoyed it so much that Blessed Star plans to take all of the students during the regular school year.

For more than five years, the students of Redeemer Lutheran School have proudly worked with a unique Pensacola community program for the developmentally disabled, Pyramid Inc. Located at 7309 W. Highway 98, the center serves nearly 90 adults with disabilities with a staff of 25. Pyramid Pensacola is part of the statewide Pyramid family of five centers in five Florida cities: Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Tallahassee and Tampa.

Pyramid was created in 1994 to serve 200 individuals, most of whom faced severe developmental barriers. Pyramid is best known for its unique visual and performing arts program, which caters to each student’s level of ability and interest. Performers and artists from Pyramid perform and exhibit across north Florida and beyond. Redeemer Lutheran School, as well as other schools from our area, will attend their annual performance this fall. This year the Pyramid Players will present Hello, Dolly! on Friday, October 26, at the WSRE Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio.

Incorporating disabilities training and education is part of Redeemer’s curriculum.

Educating students to see others’ abilities is of upmost importance to the school administration. Pyramid’s director, Laurie Hoffman, has also been invited to speak at the Southern District teachers’ conference. Redeemer has named Pyramid, Inc. as its annual Fall Walk proceeds recipient. Monies raised during this fundraiser will be donated to the Pyramid Players.

PE Teachers Serve as Motivators

Little Flower Starts Off New Year

Students are off to a great start in Mrs. Tucker’s second-grade class at Little Flower Catholic School. They are learning and working together with puzzles.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

Physical education teachers in Escambia County are making a difference. They integrate other subjects in fun ways, have special relationships with some of the most challenging students, wear 50 different hats, teach quality programs helping youth learn how to live a healthy life, and coach up to four sports per year after school at the end of a normal work day when many are going home (sacrificing many times their personal lives for others’ children). Cheers to a great year to all of you! You rocked back to school professional development ....Now go out there and rock this school year!

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St. Paul Catholic Welcomes New Faculty & Staff

St. Paul Catholic School welcomes seven new faculty and staff this fall. Amy Blamires is teaching fifth grade. One of Escambia County’s 2017-2018 Teachers of the Year, she brings with her a passion for teaching and many years of experience.

After 20 years in the classroom and as a guidance counselor, Susan DeVoe is working in the guidance office to offer full-time coverage for SPCS students. Montserrat Garcia, a longtime SPCS parent, is joining the faculty as the instructional aide for 2nd grade. Kristin M. Herr-Garrett, CDR, USN (Ret.) is teaching 5th through 8th grade PE. Her impressive 20-year Navy career gave her many opportunities to lead young people to serve and shine as an executive officer.

Marybeth Ottesen, the new Intro to Algebra teacher, comes from Pine Forest High School, where she taught Algebra Honors. Haley Richards brings experience in teaching history and history fair at Creative Learning Academy and will be a wonderful addition as the middle school social studies and religion teacher. April Sanderson, a new Title 1 teacher, is a longtime SPCS parent and former PTO president.

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Lipscomb Art Teacher Wins VAA Grant

Sally Miller of Lipscomb Elementary School is the 2018 Visual Arts Association of Northwest Florida’s Classroom Grant winner! This grant will provide the opportunity to incorporate S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math) into her art room. Art has always been tied in with other curriculum, but unique supplies for specific lessons on creative higher order thinking will engage students in new ways. Miller’s students will learn how art is inherently incorporated into all subjects.

From left, Miller is shown with VAA President Pat Page.

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Autauga County Schools

Gulf Power Kids Learn Service and Conservation Gulf Power employees are passing on their stewardship and community service ethos to their children, building future conservationists, philanthropists and humanitarians by taking them along to Gulf Power service projects. Along the way, employees and their children provide thousands of volunteer hours annually to nonprofits and causes across Northwest Florida. In 2017, employees and their families volunteered 10,674 hours with 63 percent of those in support of poverty and education initiatives and about 1,000 hours in environmental projects.

“Gulf Power employees value giving back to the communities we serve and are always willing to pitch in to build a house, support a walk, feed the hungry and raise money in support of an effort that makes our communities stronger,” said Kimberly Blair, Gulf Power spokesperson. “So much so, that many employees take these opportunities to bring along their loved ones to help provide extra support and get the whole family engaged in making a difference.”

Giving back is a big part of the lives of Susan and Darin Southard, who both work for Gulf Power. Their 13-year-old daughter Alexa is part of what they call Team Southard when they gear up to tackle a community event.

“I’m crazy about being involved in the community, and I want Alexa to know the contacts and relationships you build through participating in charitable events will pay off down the road — for her and for the community,” Darin said. “Everything we do, we do together.”

Alexa has joined her family at Gulf Coast Kid’s House Chocolate Fest in Pensacola, and Feeding the Gulf Coast fundraiser in Santa Rosa County, and she has helped pick up litter for Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce’s Adopt a Highway program.

Kimberly Williams said her 12-yearold-grandson, Malachi, is developing leadership skills through volunteering.

He helped at the Bike Pensacola Slow Ride that Gulf Power sponsored last year and at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

When the Ransom Middle School honor student is not helping his grandmother, he’s active in the First West Florida Baptist District Association’s Young People’s Department in Pensacola, honing those leadership skills.

“Although I have been through a lot in my life, I am glad to be involved and to have my ‘MeMe’ support me,” said Malachi.

Making a difference in protecting the natural resources of Northwest Florida is a family tradition that’s been passed on to Jeff Cole, Gulf Power’s Environmental Stewardship coordinator. And he’s passing it on to his sons James, 16, and Timothy, 15. For years, James has been at his dad’s side during the volunteer workdays Cole organizes for the utility. Timothy recently got involved.

“I get my desire for the preservation of the environment from my dad and mom, who both enjoy the outdoors and taught me and my brothers and sisters to not just enjoy it but take care of the areas we used, and to leave it a little better than we found it,” said Cole, a Santa Rosa County native who works in the Panama City Office. “From camping at the beach to canoeing on Cold Water Creek, being part of the outdoors has always been part of my life. Now, I try to provide the same thing to my four kids, so they can experience the unique natural environment of northwest Florida.”

Laurie Stearmer, who works at the Corporate Office, said involving her sons, Alex, 28, and Anthony, 23, in community stewardship since they were in middle school has shaped their treatment of others.

“My boys have joined me in events including cleanups, walks, fundraising bowling and golf tournaments, and many other events,” she said. “I started them out doing things like that because I wanted them to see the impact someone can have on a community. I wanted them to be someone who does instead of someone who talks about what needs doing.”

Helping others has become second nature for her son, she said. Alex didn’t hesitate to stop on the side of the road once to help a woman get her lawnmower unstuck from a ditch. Both of the young men won’t allow anyone with them to litter and they often pick up trash in parking lots they pass by.

When it comes to getting the next generation involved, Heather Cresap of Pensacola said she believes they are never too young. She has already introduced her 5-year-old-son, Tyler, to community service so he grows up with

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a “giving heart... to spread joy and love in the world,” she said.

“I am one of the leaders of a young adult ministry called Eightfive0, and I bring my son with me to outreaches conducted by the ministry so he can learn how to spread love and treat everyone the same no matter what their race, ethnicity, social background and financial status,” said Cresap, who herself volunteers for United Way and Junior Achievement, along with church events. “My ultimate goal is to raise him to be a vessel for spreading the love of Jesus and go on mission trips together when he is older.”

Malachi Williams, above center, had a great time helping his grandmother, Kimberly Williams, and Kimberly Sweat, HR Business consultant, who are both members of Gulf Power’s Transformers, sell popcorn and raffle tickets to raise money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer during the 2016 Bike Pensacola Slow Ride.

Above, Susan Southard mugs with daughter, Alexa, while volunteering for Gulf Coast Kid’s House Chocolate Fest fundraiser. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Saint Paul Raises the Bar on the Standards

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will begin rolling out its new set of standards this year with math and English/language arts. St. Paul Catholic School joins other local Catholic schools in this effort, which is the result of a great deal of collaboration between dioceses, administrators, teachers and consultants. This rigorous new set of standards will raise the level of baseline knowledge for our students and better prepare them for their next phase of life after graduation. New standards for history and social studies will roll out next year, followed by science the year following.

Across the Diocese of PensacolaTallahassee, schools are embarking on a mission to elevate catholicity, improve academic rigor, and train students in the art of service by looking to the past. St. Paul Catholic is embracing this renewal and believes that it is essential for students to master multiplication tables and grammar. By focusing on the Catholic liberal arts core of theology, history and literature, SPCS will give its students the tools they need to think and reason when the answer is not readily apparent.

While SPCS has done much of this for years, the school is now making an intentional goal of aligning the topic areas across the curriculum to enable students to make necessary links that enrich their knowledge and encourage discovery through activities, questioning, and projects. SPCS will continue to use Foss Kits and Math in Focus, Singapore Math, to build investigative and critical thinking through discovery and experimentation. SPCS is continuing its STREAM initiative and will be visited by the Florida Catholic Conference this year for an accreditation check-up and to be evaluated for STREAM Certification.

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

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• Charter school for ESE, VPK, pre-K • Child care center • Speech, occupational, and physical therapies • Low student-teacher ratio • Now enrolling for FREE ESE pre-K and VPK • Child care vouchers accepted

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

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EHCS Athletic Programs Kick Off New Year

East Hill Christian School’s Eagles soccer team started off the new school year with a weekend tournament where the team went undefeated. The school’s volleyball team also gained great experience at a weekend tournament, and are ready to start the regular season. EHCS Athletics (ehcs.org) looks forward to the first cross country meet as well.

The 2018-19 soccer team is shown below.

Little Flower Hands-On Activities for K5

In Miss Grantham’s kindergarten class at Little Flower Catholic School, students are learning about and exploring various block patterns. We love engaging our students with hands-on activities throughout the day.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

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

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Aletheia Teen Wins Taekwondo Gold Medals at World Championships

Lauren Lewis, a junior at Aletheia Christian Academy, participated in and won the red belt women’s division in the world taekwondo championships this past summer. To win a taekwondo match, competitors need to earn seven points in a two-minute time frame, or earn more points than the opposition by the end of the two minutes.

A punch or kick to the chest and torso is one point, as is a leg check. A kick to the head is two points.

Lewis was successful with those punch, kick and leg check deliveries on July 21, winning five matches in one day to reach the final. But the real kicker (pun intended) is that there was no age cap in the division she competed in – it was 16 and up. The championship match was tied at the end of the period so it had to be decided in sudden-death overtime.

That’s where Lewis landed a kick flush to the chest to pick up the point, the win and the gold medal.

The gold in the final wasn’t even Lewis’s only gold medal that day... she also took a gold in sparring.

Blessed Star Talks About Healthy Eating

Blessed Star Montessori School summer campers had a lesson on healthy eating.

They learned simple ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals and snacks. They finished up the lesson by making fruit and vegetable smoothies. Some campers had never had a smoothie with vegetables in it and were a little hesitant to taste the finished product. Eventually, they all gave it a try and really enjoyed their smoothies.

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Ensley Elementary School Holds Pennies for Pets Donation Drive in September

East Hill Welcomes Students Back

East Hill Christian School welcomed K-12 students back for the 201819 school year with smiling faces.

This summer, the school underwent classroom improvements and facility upgrades. Our mission at EHCS is to educate students morally, intellectually, and physically based on the Word of God in a loving, Christian environment.

During the month of September, Ensley Elementary School will be collecting money for the annual Pennies for Pets donation drive, traditionally held in October.

This year’s donation drive will begin Tuesday, September 4, and end September 28.

Once again, all funds collected will be donated to the Pensacola Humane Society to help with their mission to improve the lives of companion animals in our community through advocacy, adoption, education and sanctuary.

Last year Ensley presented a check for $1,592.52 to the Pensacola Humane Society and over the course of the past 10 years, the school has donated more than $15,000!

Anyone who would like to donate pennies or other loose change, bills and/or checks to this cause, can take the money to the Ensley Elementary School, located at 501 E. Johnson Avenue, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, call Regina Smolensky, Pennies for Pets school coordinator, at (850) 494-5600.

Please email news to schoolnews@greaterpensacolaparents.com!

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Cram the Van for ART!

Some supplies needed by art teachers are not exactly the same as those needed by other classroom teachers, and sometimes they are the same, but they are used in a different way, like crayons. Kathy Dunagan at WEAR TV recognizes that special need by working with Angela Barberi, Escambia County School District fine arts specialist, to collect specific supplies and financial donations that are then divided and given to fine arts teachers. Recently, a few of those teachers stopped by WEAR to pick up their materials. Thank you to Kathy, WEAR and to the many unknown donors who believe in the arts!

Sacred Heart Trust-Building Activities

Sacred Heart Cathedral School’s 8th-graders participated in the Ropes Course at Adventures Unlimited to practice problem solving, and build trust and community.

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New EHCS Families Gather for Meet and Greet

The Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) of East Hill Christian School welcomed all the new students and families with an ice cream social. It was a great time of fellowship, meeting new students and catching up with old friends. New families had an opportunity to meet and talk with teachers. The gymnasium was filled with laughter, conversations and new students being welcomed into the EHCS family. Visit ehcs.org for more info.

Blessed Star Technology Fun

Blessed Star Montessori campers visited Tryon Library several times this summer to participate in their STEAM lessons.

Shown here, one of the campers is playing a virtual reality game. The campers really enjoyed the lessons and are looking forward to visiting the library for additional STEAM lessons this school year.

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Episcopal Day School Chooses Annual Theme

The students of Episcopal Day School have officially returned for the 2018-19 school year! Traditionally, EDS chooses an annual theme that guides and inspires the staff, students and families. This year they are “Dreaming BIG!� After a wonderful summer off, the entire EDS Dream Team is feeling renewed and excited to think BIG, give BIG, and love BIG.

6+ Live Animals 45+ min Show & MUCH MORE Starting at $225 We Come To You!

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First Week at O.J. Semmes Elementary

This week was brought to you by the Letter E! The first week of school can be Exciting and Exhausting - for kids and teachers! The first week at O.J.Semmes Elementary School was also Engaging!

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A Case for Imagination When I moved into my current classroom, I knew it was going to be the perfect home. It’s large and open with storage for days. But my favorite part isn’t within the walls of my classroom at all. My favorite part is outside...the backyard.

Only four classrooms in our entire school share this unique space that is a fenced in play area for our children. There are two small trees, several benches, a happy garden and bright green grass.

We do have a playground complete with slides, a climbing wall, monkey bars and basketball goals. But for the first few weeks of the year, we go to our backyard.

On the first day, I tell my students all about how lucky we are to have this special space, review the rules and swing open the door. It’s not the picture you might be imagining.

No, they do not race out the door and shout and laugh. Typically, my students wander out into the open grass and look...lost.

They look at me for directions. They look around for toys or play equipment.

They look to each other for something to do because, very honestly, they have no idea WHAT to do!

I noticed this trend a few years ago and I keep coming back to the same thought, “They don’t know how to use their imaginations.”

When I was a little girl, I remember playing with my friends for hours and not one minute of it was planned by anyone.

We’d drag out all of my Barbies and have a fashion show. I clearly remember creating menus and putting them on neighbors’

porches for a make-believe restaurant.

My brother and I put together a stage with random things from the yard and put on a show for my parents.

I also remember going to the movies, goofy golf, the mall and birthday parties.

However, the bulk of my childhood was not consumed with carefully organized play dates with a theme or exciting outings to the latest attractions in town. The majority of my childhood I spent with my brother, my friends and myself. I got bored...really bored. You know what I did? I used my imagination and created new ways to have fun! My friends and I worked our imaginations into overdrive as we set up stores, became fashion models and created classrooms.

Every moment of our children’s lives does not need to be scheduled. Somewhere along the way, we began to believe that our little ones need constant engagement and entertainment. And yes, our children DO need our love, focus and attention. They need purposeful time with us. We need to create memories and do the things and visit the places.

But we also need to allow space for our kids to use their imagination. That space looks like no plans for the afternoon, no pre-made craft, no place to go and no organization. It looks like your child sitting in a pile of cars making crash noises or running in the backyard with a stick for a sword.

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Beyond our own tendencies to plan and organize, there are so many advances in technology that have filled those empty spaces for creativity with instant entertainment. Long car ride? Turn on the DVD player. Waiting on the doctor? Here’s the iPhone. Rainy afternoon? Let’s see what’s on Netflix.

Before you roll your eyes and close this magazine--stop! I have done all of the above. And I will admit my iPhone has saved my toddler and my sanity more than once! Taking your child to a baseball game, planning a themed birthday party, organizing a park play date and watching Elmo to survive the school pick up line are all examples of great parenting! What I’m suggesting isn’t radical. I would never cancel my Netflix or toss my phone. I wouldn’t be able to help myself from planning the most precious party for my baby girl when she turns two. And I won’t ditch the golf lessons or Sunday school. But could we take a few steps back and let our children just be? Could we throw away the guilt that if it’s not planned or productive it’s not meaningful?

This month, here is my challenge to you. Send your children out into your backyard with no toys, no instructions and no schedule. Fight the urge to turn on the screen and see what they might find to do instead. When you hear them exclaim, “I’m bored!”...just think...it’s working!

Boredom leads to creativity. When our children are using their imaginations, they are thinking for themselves, problemsolving and creating. They aren’t sitting back and letting something or someone else think for them. Now just imagine how far your child will go with ample time to strengthen those muscles.

Retire from the entertainment biz, Mama... it’s time to let your little one create some magic on their own. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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Approximately 10% of American school-age

One thing parents and kids should realize is that those with LDs are often average or above average in intelligence.

In fact, it isn’t uncommon for a child with a learning disability to excel in one subject, while struggling in another. Or perhaps a child does well under certain conditions while in other situations having great difficulty. Though depending on the LD and severity of it, a child might struggle in all areas.

children suffer from a learning disability (LD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a report by the

Forms of learning disabilities

Centers for Disease Control. It’s estimated

There are several forms of LDs. Some pose input problems, which means a child struggles with either sound or visual input. Information isn’t processed correctly or gets stored incorrectly in the brain. This can pose problems with retrieval as well as short or long-term memory.

An LD can also cause output problems. This can sometimes be seen in motor skills such as handwriting difficulties. Another common problem is verbal output. This is usually evident in that the child has trouble organizing thoughts either in writing or orally. Punctuation, grammar, and spelling also often suffer.

that 4% of children have both. But for many children, these disorders go undetected despite ongoing struggles with school work and behavior issues that often accompany these disorders.

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Dyscalculia is a math learning disability. With this disorder, children have may have difficulty learning to tell time, counting money or counting in general, learning math facts, calculating, understanding measurement, or performing mental math.

ADHD is marked by attention problems and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls often have only attention issues while boys are more commonly impulsive or hyperactive. Symptoms can include difficulty staying on task or paying attention yet often hyperfocusing on stimulating activity. Children with ADHD may fidget or have trouble staying seated, interrupt, and act without thinking.

Dyslexia is a reading disability, though the symptoms are not exclusive to reading. Children with this disorder may have difficulty with spelling, vocabulary, or comprehension. They may read slow, have trouble learning left from right, or have organizational problems both with written and spoken language.

The symptoms listed above for each of the LDs aren’t exhaustive.

To learn more about symptoms, visit Learning Disabilities Association of America https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/.

What to do if you suspect your child has an LD or ADHD

Dysgraphia is a writing disability. Poor handwriting and often an awkward style of holding a pencil or even contorting the body while writing are hallmarks. A child may also have trouble drawing lines. With dysgraphia, children can often better express their understanding of material through speech than in writing.

The first step is to talk with your child’s teacher, and find out what the teacher has observed. Then talk to the school principal, and request an evaluation. Public schools are required by law to provide an evaluation. This should include an IQ test, assessments of math, reading, and writing, and testing processing skills. If your child is in a private school and the private school doesn’t offer this service, you can request it through your public school district.

Once your child has received a diagnosis, your school psychologist should be able to recommend and help you set up services or accommodations for your child. Depending on the specific learning disability, your child may qualify for special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or accommodations through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Bear in mind, you are your child’s best advocate. So read books and articles on your child’s LD and learn how you and your school can help. Talk to your child’s teacher about additional ways the teacher can assist your child. Most teachers are eager to help, though depending on student ratio and school resources, it’s sometimes challenging for teachers to do as much as they’d like because they likely have other children with special needs in the classroom as well. If you feel your child isn’t getting the help he or she needs, talk to the school administrator. GPP

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a problem with input.

It isn’t a problem with hearing but rather the brain has difficulty processing sounds. As a result, kids with APD may be distracted by loud noise or have difficulty following conversations. It tends to be especially problematic when there’s a lot of background noise which makes it difficult to distinguish sounds.

Visual Processing Disorders (VPD) are also a problem with input. Similarly, they aren’t a vision problem. Rather, VPD is a problem with the brain processing what the eyes see. It can result in a child bumping into things or not being able to distinguish the shapes they see. It can also pose difficulty in identifying letters or numbers or result in problems with visual sequencing among other symptoms.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is similar to Asperger Syndrome and shows up as difficulties with social skills. Academic problems are sometimes present as well but often don’t show up until kids reach higher grade levels. Those with NLD may be afraid of new situations, struggle to make friends, lack common sense, and experience social withdrawal. Academic problems can include reading comprehension and working out math story problems.

Kimberly Blaker is the author of a kid’s STEM book, Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? containing fun experiments to help kids understand the scientific method and develop critical thinking skills.

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Help Tweens and Teens Clean Up Their Feeds

that bolsters positive social connections, supportive relationships, and validation of their inner qualities.

Encouraging your kids to see and appreciate their individual strengths has always been a part of parenting. And learning to stop comparing yourself to others is a part of growing up. By helping kids clean up their feeds, you’re bringing together two critical aspects of raising kids in the digital age.

Try these tips:

You know that girl from TV -- the one whose Instagram always looks perfect even with #nofilter? Or what about that amazing singer on musical.ly whom you can’t believe is only 14? And then there’s that kid whose Snapchat stories of Coachella got 500 views. Your kids may be following people like this right now. Obsessing. Over. Every. Detail. And starting to feel kind of crappy about it.

Keeping tabs on the rich, famous, and just-plain-cool is nothing new, of course. But social media can take that fixation to a pretty dark place. The feeling is common enough that some doctors are calling it social media anxiety disorder (SMAD) -although what most kids have is more like FOMO … on steroids.

While it’s tough to see your kid in despair, there’s a good solution that doesn’t require an all-out social media ban: Just help your kid clean up their feed.

Self-comparison is a natural part of the tween and teen years. And for most kids, so is social media. While there are plenty of good things kids get out of their online connections, sometimes the combo can lead to a negative feedback loop that gnaws away at them. Depending on whom they’re following and what’s going on in their lives, their overall self-assessment can cycle from wistful (“I wish I was like that”) to highly critical (“What’s wrong with me that I can’t be like that?”). Even for kids who know when to close their laptops and move on, their selfesteem may take a hit. And for the more self-critical, anxiety and depression are real risks.

If your kid mostly enjoys social media but suffers the occasional bout of self-doubt, help them find a healthier balance. Ask if -- or what -- they’re already doing to take care of themselves.

They may already be tweaking their social media feeds to limit posts that make them feel bad. Or they may be intentionally trying to curb the endless scrolling through the cool kid’s Insta.

Work together to prune out the parts of their social media feeds that trap them into judgy comparisons, and encourage the stuff Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

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Identify the triggers. Maybe it’s a certain couple who always look happy and in love, when your kid really wants a romantic relationship. Maybe it’s ads from a dog-toy delivery service that makes your kid miss your old mutt. Explore what’s behind their emotions. Sharing your own FOMO-induced feelings will likely get your kid to open up. Once they recognize the cause of their emotions, they can take steps to manage triggers.

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Fine-tune levels of engagement. All social media offers ways to see and hear less from your contacts -- without totally unfriending them. Check out settings such as these from popular platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter: unfollow (you’re still friends, but their posts won’t show up in your feed); hide post (see fewer posts from someone); snooze (temporarily stop seeing posts); mute (turn them off for a while); and do not disturb (temporarily block the person).

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Turn off notifications. Most social media apps send updates -- and none of them are life-and-death. To prevent your kid from interruptions -- especially ones that might trigger negative thoughts -- you can encourage your kid to check their social media once or twice at a certain time of day -- say, 4 p.m. That might be a stretch, but you can still encourage them to turn off notifications either in the app itself or on their phone.

Follow people who nourish your soul. Kim Kardashian may be all over social media, but there are lots of folks who post uplifting, life-affirming, thoughtful, inspiring things that get kids thinking -- and maybe even behaving -- in ways that make them feel good about themselves. Follow these kinds of people.

Suggest apps to help with focus. Just as you can use technology to excess, you can use it to rein yourself in. These productivity apps help keep kids on task, boost concentration, and remind you to stop doing stuff that’s not good for you.

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Spouse won’t follow the plan Q. What can someone do if they can’t convince their spouse to begin planning and saving? I’ve tried for years to persuade my wife to join me in following your plan, but I can’t get her to start thinking about our financial future and stop living in the moment.

A. It sounds like your wife, for whatever reason, is not willing to pay a price for a short period of time. I’m sorry to say it, but that kind of thinking is a one-way ticket to a lifetime of mediocrity. If you’re unwilling to pay a price to win, then you’re going to end up paying the price that comes with never having paid a price.

In essence, you’re asking me how to get her to grow up. I’m not sure there’s a way to convince her at this point. If she’s not willing to delay getting or doing things she wants, that’s a sign of immaturity. You can’t change that within another person. It must be a conscious, willing decision on their part.

Maybe you could try letting her know that being careful with your money and planning for the future doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. It just means you may have to delay certain things for a little while. My wife and I do and have lots of cool things now, because we saved like crazy and sacrificed years ago. We lived like no one else, so now we’re able to live like no one else. In other words, we paid a price to win!

A burden to help?

Q. Do you believe the adult child of a senior citizen, who is physically and mentally healthy but has neglected to plan for retirement, should be burdened with providing financial assistance to that parent?

A. Based on the wording in your question, I can only believe you don’t think the adult

child should be “burdened” to provide this assistance. My guess is you’re talking about one of your own parents. I understand that you might be aggravated with a parent who has been irresponsible with their money. But in my mind, there’s a bigger question. How big is the burden?

I talked to a guy recently who was making $1.5 million a year.

He was questioning whether he should help his dad — an older man in poor health, who didn’t handle his money well — by giving him $1,000 a month. There’s no question you give that guy money. But if you bring home $2,000 a month, and your family is barely getting by, you’re not morally required to financially take care of a parent who was irresponsible with their money.

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Having a sibling with special needs is a unique experience that provides both challenges and benefits. While there is no doubt that they love their sibling with special needs, the feelings that can arise during childhood are often complicated. The love, appreciation, and compassion they feel towards their sibling can be mixed up with jealousy, worry, resentment, fear, responsibility, and anger. Parents who are in tune to their children’s feelings can help them work through the negative emotions and turn these challenges into benefits.

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Challenge: Insensitivity of others Unfortunately, kids with special needs are often the target of teasing.

Kids, or even adults, that don’t understand other people’s differences may make insensitive comments, ask inappropriate questions, or just make fun of someone who is different from them.

Siblings of special needs kids may feel the need to constantly stand up for their sibling, explain their situation to others, or may be the brunt of teasing themselves. “One of the biggest challenges in growing up with my sister was watching her get laughed at.” says Justin Lyons, brother of Kara, who has cerebral palsy.

Parents can help their kids work through this challenge by equipping them with the right answers for those awkward questions and teach them how to handle bullying in an appropriate way.

Benefit: Development of dependability, loyalty, and compassion After years of watching someone they love get teased, siblings of special needs kids will naturally develop a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about as well as a strong compassion towards others.

Even though watching Kara get teased was hard for Justin, he also notes, “I think it made me less likely to laugh at or tease other people.” Kids who grow up in a home with a special needs sibling typically become dependable, compassionate, and loyal adults.

Challenge: Jealousy Parents do their best to treat their children fairly and spend equal amounts of time caring for each child. When you have a child with developmental delays or significant medical needs that balance can become extremely difficult to achieve and jealousy can develop. Kids may feel they get less attention or that their parents spend more time caring for the sibling.

When these feelings develop it is very common for kids to feel guilty that they have these thoughts, causing them to be more upset and resentful. As a parent, try to be understanding and patient about your child’s jealous feelings. Talking it through and having someone listen and take them seriously will help your child feel loved and included. If possible and appropriate, welcome your child to join you in caring for the sibling, but don’t push the issue.

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Benefit: Self control and thoughtfulness First, it is important to remember that sibling rivalry and feelings of jealousy are normal in any sibling relationship. As your child learns to wait for their parent to be free to help them, they will learn patience and self control. They will also learn to put other’s needs before their own.

Challenge: Worry and fear When children are around a sibling with serious medical challenges, lowered immunity, or special needs, kids may feel worried or afraid about the health of their sibling. They may not be able to express their feelings the same way that an adult would. Kids may act out, become overly emotional, or appear aloof to what is going on around them. Parents can help kids by being honest about health concerns in an age appropriate way. By including your child in this discussion, you can reduce their fear of the unknown and reassure them as well.

Benefit: Develop compassion and empathy for others Kids who are exposed to someone with medical and developmental

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challenges naturally become more compassionate and empathetic to those who may have their own struggles.

“I attribute my sense of understanding and compassion to group up with my sister.” says Michelle Hupp, sister to Felicia, an adult with Down Syndrome.

help to support your child’s development in a healthy way and encourage an appropriate relationship between your children.

Benefit:

Challenge: Complicated and mixed feelings As each person is different, kids have a variety of feelings related to their sibling with special needs.

Some kids may feel pressure to “live up” to their parents’ expectations for themselves and for the sibling that may never reach certain milestones. Kids may also feel resentment, anger, frustration, or like they are “missing out” on activities or experiences because their sibling’s care puts restrictions on certain activities. “Siblings often feel guilty about any negative feeling such as jealousy.” says Hupp. “The

rewards more than outweigh the negatives but sometimes the negatives are hard to talk about.” None of these feelings are fun to talk about and often result in guilt causing the children to feel even more resentment to the sibling because they have these negative feelings. Some of these feelings may be difficult to overcome and a parent may not know exactly what their child is feeling or how to deal with them. If you feel that these feelings are becoming a problem, consider seeking professional

A variety of positive characteristics develop While all of these challenges are realistic, kids also develop a wide variety of wonderful characteristics from their experience such as kindness, patience, compassion, acceptance of differences, helpfulness, and empathy.

All of these qualities are wonderful and valued in our society.

Being a sibling of a special needs person is a unique and sometimes challenging experience but most people will tell you they have benefitted from the experience.

As a parent, it helps to think of the long term benefits and help your child shape their challenges into successes. GPP Sarah Lyons is a contributing writer.

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Ask the Advocate

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What is the Difference between an IEP and Section 504 Plan?

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This is a question that I am asked frequently. While there are similarities between a 504 Plan and IEPs, each has a different purpose and approach. For students with disabilities there are two federal laws that protect and guarantee their rights: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) which regulates IEPs and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504). Each law addresses special education- which is defined as specifically designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including special instruction delivered in the classroom, at home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings.

At a Glance: A 504 Plan is intended

for students with disabilities who are, with specific accommodations, able to benefit from participating in a general education classroom. An IEP, on the other hand, is intended for students with specific disabilities who require special instruction and services.

An IEP may include modifications (changes to the curriculum), where a 504 Plan does not make changes to the general education curriculum.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two:

An IEP is an Individualized Education

Program that is required for eligible individuals whose disability adversely affects their educational performance and/or ability to benefit from general education. Students who have an IEP have the right to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) according to their unique needs.

Who is eligible? Under IDEA an eligible student is one who has one or more categorized disabilities as defined by law such as: Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Other Health Impairment (OHI), Autism Spectrum

What is included in an IEP? An IEP describes special instruction and services that a student will receive and must include: the student’s disability, the student’s present levels of academic and functional performance, services and supplemental aids the school will provide, goals and objectives and how they will be measured, accommodations and modifications (changes to the curriculum), where the student’s learning will take place and how much time the student will be included with non-disabled peers, transition planning for older students, a behavior intervention plan to address any significant behaviors, and how the student will participate in standardized testing. The student’s needs may be addressed in the general education setting, in a specialized setting, or a combination of settings. Evaluations are conducted to determine eligibility and reevaluations must be conducted every three years. The IEP is developed by a team, which includes the parent and student, and is reviewed annually.

A Section 504 Plan is a plan required for eligible students with disabilities or impairments detailing services and accommodations necessary to access everything that non-disabled students can, including general education curriculum. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, individuals are protected from discrimination in educational settings based solely on their disability and have the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Who is eligible? An eligible individual is one who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more 31

major life activity such as learning, speaking, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, working, self-care, or performing manual tasks; or has record of an impairment; or is regarded as having an impairment.

What’s included in a 504 Plan? Generally, a Section 504 Plan includes: the student’s disability or impairment, specific accommodations, and services and supplemental aids the school will provide to allow the student to participate in the general curriculum. Unlike an IEP, modifications (changes to the curriculum) are not included. Accommodations do not change the curriculum the student receives.

Examples may include extra time allowed for assignments and testing, frequent breaks, training for staff, and special seating arrangements. No formal school evaluations are required, but parental consent is needed if one is conducted. Information must be considered from a variety of sources such as a doctor’s recommendation, documentation from qualified professionals, and discussion with parents. The plan is developed by the team or committee, which includes the parent and student, and is reviewed as needed.

Need Help? Don’t Go It Alone! Request

a consultation: myIEPadvocate@gmail.com or visit our website: https://www.myiepadvocate.com.

Information in the “Ask the Advocate” column does not constitute legal advice. For more information contact www.myiepadvocate.com.

Amy Scott Lorton is a Special Education Consultant & Advocate and the Owner of My IEP Advocate.

Amy has over 16 years of experience helping parents navigate the complicated special education process through her skillful consultation and insightful parent training, empowering families to become their child’s best advocate. Amy has two decades of education experience as well as personal experience raising a child with a disability. Amy regularly partners with local disability support agencies and non-profit organizations to offer quality advocacy and informational training and workshop opportunities.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

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ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease and is offered at no cost to our families. We have activities including fishing, swimming, ropes course, horses, archery, and arts & crafts. All activities and accommodations are fully accessible, and a medical staff team is on site around the clock.

Camp is open to children living in Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and on a case by case basis other kids.

251-599-5688 campmashmobile@gmail.com www.campmash.org

Camp S.K.A.M.P. (Special Kids and Meaningful People)

Camps Camp ASCCA ad on page 7

5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults and is nationally recognized in therapeutic recreation for those with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, we offer campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, accessible water slide, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zipline, and much more.

256-825-9226 or (800) THE-CAMP org www.campascca.org

info@campascca.

Camp Fire ad on page 27

1814 Creighton Road, Pensacola, FL 32504 A unique experience for children in the Pensacola, Milton & Century, Florida areas. Our program offers everything from VPK programs to summer camps, child care programs, and after-school care for children. Camp Fire is open to everyone and we embrace the uniqueness of every youth, teen, and family we serve.

850-476-1760 info@gulfwind.org www.CampFireKids.com

Camp Frog - Autism Society of Alabama

Lake Martin, AL Camp is for children on the autism spectrum to enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive environment with their families. Dates for the 2018 Camp Frog will be September 14th 16th. Applications are available for download on the website.

(205) 951-1364

www.autism-alabama.org/camps/

Camp Mash

11081 Wanda Drive, Mobile , AL 36608 A week-long recreational program for children Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

P.O. Box 216, Baker, FL 32531 Our camp is host to special children with intellectual and physical challenges including cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SB), and other similar disorders.

Camp provides a unique experience for campers who are unable to attend other camps due to their special circumstances. Our dedicated Counselors and Staff Members pay to attend camp. Therefore, all campers’ expenses are paid by this and generous donations from our Sponsors.

850-826-1770 Camp.SKAMP.inc@gmail.com www.campskamp.org

Camp Smile

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 A residential summer camp, hosted by United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile, for individuals with disabilities (ages 5 – 50) and their siblings. Here, campers not only have the chance to participate in physical activities like kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding; they also meet others whose abilities and life experiences are similar to their own.

251-479-4900 (Ext 531) campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

Dentists Laura McAuley, DDS ad on page 25

4500 Spanish Trail, Pensacola , FL 32504 Dr. McAuley received additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs. At the pediatric dental office of Dr. Laura McAuley, our top priority is helping your child achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile in a loving, nurturing environment.

850-505-9778 (Ext 3)

www.readysetsmile.net

Charles Stavely, DMD

1560 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 Our patients with mental or physical limitations are special to us. We have enjoyed caring for special needs patients for over 10 years at Charles Stavely DMD. Part of our mission is helping people with

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special needs have healthy, pain free teeth and gums. Dental services offered in Pensacola, Destin, Fort Walton and Perdido Key Areas.

850-479-1677

www.pensacolageneraldentist.com

Pensacola Kids Dentistry

4541 North Davis Hwy (Ste 6B), Pensacola, FL 32503 We offer unique dental care and treatment for each child we serve. Dr. Neil Simmons was selected as a SPARKS Trainee, gaining dental treatment training for individuals with special needs. Dr. Simmons and Dr. Allison “Allie” Simmons both have specialty training in providing care to patients with special needs.

850-549-3656

www.pensacolakidsdentistry.com

Stu Bonnin, DMD

3201 East Olive Road, Pensacola, FL 32514 Dr. Stu Bonnin earned his doctorate from the University of Florida where he completed his residency in pediatric dentistry in 2001. Dr. Bonnin is also on staff at Sacred Heart Hospital. We provide preventative, restorative dental care as well as a variety of treatment options for each patient’s needs.

850-477-1722

www.stubonnin.com

Education Resources Capstone Academy Milton Campus ad on page 15

5308 Stewart Street, Milton , FL 32570 An inclusive educational opportunity for all children, ages birth to five years, focusing on early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or who are at risk of delay. Children benefit from music, art, story time, computer, dramatic play, gross motor skills (outdoor play), fine motor skills (manipulative), and free exploration. Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies are offered.

Therapies are provided during each child’s scheduled classroom hours.

850-626-3091

www.capstoneacademy.org/

Capstone Academy Pensacola Campus ad on page 15

4901 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506 An inclusive educational opportunity for all children, ages birth to five years, focusing on early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or who are at risk of delay. Children benefit from music, art, story time, computer, dramatic play, gross motor skills (outdoor play), fine motor skills (manipulative), and free exploration. Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies are offered.

Therapies are provided during each child’s scheduled classroom hours.

850-458-7735

www.capstoneacademy.org/

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Century Academy

440 East Hecker Road, Century, FL 32535 Dedicated to students with learning disabilities. It is our goal to meet the challenging needs of our students by seeking new ways of teaching that will improve the skills of students who struggle to achieve. The mission of the school is to provide each child with the best individualized education program that will improve their skills and abilities, so they may successfully re-enter mainstream education.

850-437-5560 learn@easthillacademy.com www.easthillacademy.org

East Hill Academy

635 West Garden Street, Pensacola , FL 32502 4401 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, FL 32583 Dedicated to students with learning disabilities. It is our goal to meet the challenging needs of our students by seeking new ways of teaching that will improve the skills of students who struggle to achieve. The mission of the school is to provide each child with the best individualized education program that will improve their skills and abilities, so they may successfully re-enter mainstream education.

850-437-5560 learn@easthillacademy.com www.easthillacademy.org

Florida Diagnostic Learning & Resources System

30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 We provide training and support for parents and educators throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties, focused on improving the student achievement of exceptional and gifted education students. Services are

data-driven and focused on improving student achievement.

850-469-5423 lharris@escambia.k12.fl.us www.fdlrsemeraldcoast.org

Learning Ally

We are a national nonprofit dedicated to helping students with print disabilities, including blindness, visual impairment and dyslexia. Learning Ally improves the way students learn at home and in the classroom.

800-221-4792

www.learningally.org

Learning Rx

5910 Tippen Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 A training program that works on the cognitive skills the brain uses to think, read, learn, remember, and pay attention. Our clients work face-to-face with personalbrain trainers, doing fun, challenging mental exercises that train foundational brain skills including auditory processing, memory, logic, and more. Serving children and adults of all ages.

850-466-4999

www.learningrx.com/pensacola

Morning Star - Sacred Heart Cathedral School

1603 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 Helping students, 2nd - 8th grade, develop a sense of self-worth, respect for others, a recognition of God as One who loves and values them, a sound academic foundation, occupational competencies, social skills, cultural appreciation and recreational outlets.

Instruction in reading, spelling, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies is incorporated into a functional life skill program. For more information, contact Elizabeth Snow, Principal.

850-436-6440 esnow@shcs.ptdiocese.org www.shcs.ptdiocese.org/morningstar.html

Playing with Words 365

Insightful, relevant, and helpful information that can be applied in daily life to help educate, inspire & empower parents (and professionals!) to connect with the children in their lives & help them build speech and language skills in everyday experiences. katie@playingwithwords365.com www.playingwithwords365.com

Sylvan Learning Center

2401 Executive Plaza (Bldg 8), Pensacola , FL 32504 Our tutors use a personal approach and interactive technology to help kids learn math, reading, writing and more. We turn frustration into confidence!

850-474-9022

www.sylvanlearning.com

Financial iBudget Florida

4030 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399 A new and better way for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to manage the Medicaid waiver system for people with developmental disabilities. iBudget Florida gives APD customers more control and flexibility to choose services that are important to them, while helping the agency to stay within its Medicaid waiver appropriation.

850-488-4257 apd.ibudget.contacts@apdcares.org www.apd.myflorida.com/ibudget

Medical Waiver Program

2800 Dauphin Street (Suite 105), Mobile, AL 36606 Agency that administers a comprehensive program of long term care services that offers eligible patients care choices and opportunities to receive

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services at home or in the community. Support services include, home health services, hospice care, private duty nursing and targeted case management as well as care in nursing and other long term care facilities. Serving Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile and Washington counties.

866-371-4078 or 251-472-4365 rhonda.peters@medicaid.alabama.gov www.medicaid.alabama.gov

Rehab Foundation of NW Florida

2929 Langley Avenue (Suite 202), Pensacola, FL 32504 Funding for rehabilitation of those physically disabled, but who do not have, or are not eligible for financial resources or support from other agencies.

850-478-0297 rehabilitationfo@bellsouth.net https:// escambia.communityos.org/zf/profile/service/id/174789

The Gardiner Scholarship

P.O. Box 54429, Jacksonville, FL 32245 The program helps parents individualized education plans for their children with certain special needs.

The Gardiner Scholarship is different than other state scholarships in that it allows parents to personalize the education of their children with unique abilities by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers. These include schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology and college savings account options.

This scholarship is for Florida students 3 years old through 12th grade or age 22, whichever comes first, with one of the following disabilities: autism spectrum disorder, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Spina bifida, Williams syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, anaphylaxis, deaf, dual sensory impaired, hospital or homebound, rare disease or condition, traumatic brain injured, visually impaired or intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment). Also, students ages 3, 4 or 5 deemed “high risk” due to developmental delays may be eligible for the year they apply. Please visit the website for further eligibility requirements. Click on For Parents then Special Needs Scholarship.

877-735-7837 gardiner@StepUpForStudents.org www.StepUpForStudents.com

General Resources Amy Scott Lorton My IEP Advocate ad on Back Cover

Providing effective advocacy services including: IEP Review and Analysis, Consultations, IEP meeting attendance and participation, Trainings and Workshops. Helping families navigate the special education process in the Escambia, Santa Rosa, Mobile and Baldwin County school districts for over 16 years.

850-684-IDEA (4332) myiepadvocate@gmail.com www.myIEPadvocate.com

Autism Pensacola Project Lifesaver ad on page 9

3916 North 10th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 A safety program in partnership with Escambia Search and Rescue. Available to individuals with a developmental disability who are at risk of wandering. The program features transmitter bracelets that emit a radio signal that search and rescue personnel can use to track and locate an individual who is missing.

850-434-7171 admin@autismpensacola.org www.autismpensacola.org/our-programs/projectlifesaver

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

Empowerment Parent Resource Center ad on page 7

EPRC links community resources and provides training to underserved communities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Our mission is to support parents, caregivers and persons with disabilities from ages birth to 26. We have links to resources and agencies on the local, state and federal levels. The EPRC is a division of the Project Empower Coalition of NW Florida and is funded in part by grant #H328C160032 from the Federal Department of Education as a Community Parent Resource Center. Our hope is to empower parents, one person, one family, one community at a time. We help families find answers.

850-686-0936 projectempowernwfl@gmail.com www.projectempowernwfl.org

My Pink Lawyer ad on page 5

111 S DeVilliers Street, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32502 We help parents make planning decisions to care and provide for their special needs loved ones and other family members. Currently, we support Florida residents with their Wills, Trusts, Estates, Special Needs & Guardianship needs. We also offer many free planning guides and books, on our website.

850-439-1191 info@mypinklawyer.com www.mypinklawyer.com

Phase III Vans ad on page 4

130 Industrial Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505 Offering New and Pre-Owned wheelchair accessible vehicles as well as mobility products and adaptive equipment. Lowered floor Ramp vans available in Chrysler, Honda, Dodge and Toyota.

Our trained staff has over 22 years of experience!

850-378-8914

www.phaseIIIvans.com

Canine Companions for Independence

8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 32818 A non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

800-572-2275 or 850-522-3300 www.cci.org

Center for Parent Information and Resources Your source for information, resources and support for children who have disabilities and their families.

Staff members and other experts help create products and services that increase Parent Center education and knowledge.

973-642-8100 malizo@spannj.org www.parentcenterhub.org

5192 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 Collection of programs for eligible children with special needs. Each one of our programs and services are family-centered and designed to help children with a variety of conditions and needs. Eligible to children with medicaid and chronic illnesses.

850-484-5040 or 850-245-4200 CMSPlan@flhealth. gov www.floridahealth.gov/AlternateSites/CMS-Kids

Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart Early Steps

Pensacola, FL 32503 The site of the Western Panhandle Early Steps Program which provides early intervention services for children from birth to three years of age who may have developmental delays living in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

850-416-7656 www.sacred-heart.org/childrenshospital/main/services/page/?ID=1006

Disability Resource Center (CIL)

3600 North Pace Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505 Our mission is to assist individuals with disabilities achieve their goals of independence. cil-drc@cil-drc.org

253 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, OH 45385 Training quality, task-trained service dogs for those with disabilities. We also work with veterans who’ve lost the use of limbs or hearing while in active combat.

Disability Rights Florida

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

800-342-0823

937-374-0385 Info@4PawsForAbility.org www.4pawsforability.org

160 W Government St, (Ste 412), Pensacola , FL 32502 APD works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families. We also provide assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services.

850-595-8351 or 866-273-2273 org www.apdcares.org

APD.info@apdcares.

American Hyperbaric Center

8871 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 AHC is a premier Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatment facility. Our state-of-the-art center provides HBOT to outpatients 6 days per week.

Therapy reduces inflammation, promote healing, repair cells and heal wounds as well as treating symptoms of Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme, TBI/ PTS, Stroke, RSD/CRPS, Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Foot Wounds, Radiation Injury, Failed Grafts/Flaps, Concussion and other Sports Injuries, Migraine Headaches, Cancer, Crohn’s/Colitis, Cerebral Palsy, Neuropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue and much more.

251- 210-1496 info@americanhbot.com www.AmericanHBOT.com

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2473 Care Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308 A statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. Disability Rights Florida is a not-for-profit corporation that has authority and responsibility under eight federal grants. Our services are free and confidential. www.disabilityrightsflorida.org

Emerald Coast Exceptional Families

PO Box 5188, Navarre, FL 32566 Our mission is to connect and support special needs families and enhance their lives through events and education.

850-396-1008 ecexceptionalfamilies@gmail.com www.emeraldcoastexceptionalfamilies.org

Emerald Coast Pediatric Sleep Consultants

400 Gulf Breeze Pkwy (#204), Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Providing comprehensive sleep diagnostic and treatment services to children from birth to age 21 years. A philosophy of health and wellness is the foundation for treatment.

850-932-3830 soniasmith@emeraldcoastsleep.com www.emeraldcoastsleep.com

Emergency Preparedness ESC Special Needs

6575 North W Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 A shelter of last resort for people who need more supervision than a general population shelter can provide due to special medical needs, but do not require hospitalization. Those wishing to stay at a

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

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special needs shelter should pre-register with the Public Safety Department online for planning purposes. Registrations expire after one year and must be updated. Please visit our website to register or call for an application to be mailed to you.

850-471-6400 em@myescambia.com www.bereadyescambia.com

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT)

Pensacola, FL 32514 ADA Transportation. ECAT is a safe, convenient, and affordable mode of transportation throughout the Pensacola area. Providing service through the fixed-route bus, seasonal Pensacola Beach trolley, UWF on-campus trolley, and ADA paratransit transportation. The fixed route system operates 15 routes six days a week.

850-595-3228 ECAT@myescambia.com www.goecat.com/ada-services

Especial Needs

1850 Borman Court, St. Louis, MO 63146 An online selection of adaptive equipment, rehab equipment and therapy solutions for children and adults with special needs. Offering over 10,000 special needs products focused to mobility, sensory needs and independent living. From the homepage, at the bottom, click on Funding to see a list of funding resources.

877-664-4565 sales@especialneeds.com www.especialneeds.com

Family Care Council Area 1

P. O. Box 17391, Pensacola, FL 32522 To advocate, educate, and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, partnering with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), to bring quality services to individuals for dignity and choice.

800-470-8101 familycarecouncilarea1@gmail.com www.area1fcc.org

FDLRS/Child Find

30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 Free developmental, speech, language, hearing, and vision screenings are provided for children, ages 3-21, who are NOT currently enrolled in public school. Diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services for Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties.

850-469-5423 tstoker@escambia.k12.fl.us fdlrsemeraldcoast.org

www.

Florida Alliance of Assistive Services and Technology

820 E Park Ave (Suite D200), Tallahassee, FL 32301 A resource to provide Floridians free access to information, referral services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology.

844-353-2278 or 850-320-7948 www.faast.org

info@faastinc.org

Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 An association for members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel, and students.

321-794-1538 info@floridasspeechaudiology.gov www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/FL/contacts

Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast

2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36117 We offer Encouragement, Education and Employment to persons dealing with disabilities, low income, or other needs. Programs for families of

youth with and without disabilities include free parenting classes, support groups, Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and preschool readiness in-home instruction, and teen recreational activities.

Family outings are offered in a variety of community venues. Education (GED), Job Training and Employment, Medical Assistance, and an Adult Day Program are also available to families when needed.

251-471-1581

www.gesgc.org

To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs. info@guidedog.org

www.guidedog.org

March of Dimes

1990 Village Green Way, Ste 3, Tallahassee, FL 32308 We fight for the health of all moms and babies.

We’re empowering families with the knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies. By uniting communities, we’re building a brighter future for us all.

850-422-3152

www.marchofdimes.com/florida

Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Project Empower of Northwest Florida

6205 North “W” Street, Pensacola, FL 32505 A grassroots coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to the dream of Complete Community Inclusion for individuals with a disability.

Through Education, Compassion and Community involvement, we can help an individual with a disability feel as though he or she is a welcomed and integral part of the community. The coalition meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 11:00am.

850-686-9369

www.projectempowernwfl.org

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center

2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 We are Montgomery’s preferred, five star rated children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. In our caring and nurturing environment, we provide services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require ongoing nursing care. Our dedicated team of health care professionals understands that each family has an individual set of circumstances, needs and preferences. At Montgomery Children’s we are inspired by you to work together creating a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing.

334-261-3445

www.montgomerybytutera.com

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

8331 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32514 Highly specialized pediatric care in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment. Our experienced pediatric teams work together with your child’s pediatrician or family care provider, pediatric specialists and researchers throughout Nemours and our partners at The Children’s Hospital to achieve the very best outcome for your child. One of our most important partnerships is with you because we believe in family-centered care.

850-505-4700

www.nemours.org

Santa America

308 Belrose Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 A national volunteer organization with a very special mission. Over 200 hundred Santa’s, (All having extensive background checks), across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him—twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children wrapped in a warm secure Santa Hug! Visits last about an hour and can be in home, hospital, or hospice. Santa visits for free. There is never a charge for a visit from Santa Claus! Our volunteer Santa’s serve Coastal Alabama, the Mississippi coast and the Western Florida Panhandle.

251 656-8877 santajohn@santa-america.org www.santa-america.org

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P. O. Box 37157, Pensacola, FL 32526 Our purpose is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing service dogs to help improve their independence, dignity and quality of life.

850-723-6365 servicedoguniversity@gmail.com www.servicedoguniversity.net/contact

Sight Savers America

Guide Dog Foundation 800-548-4337

Service Dog University

337 Business Circle, Pelham, AL 35124 A nonprofit 501(c)(3) that assists children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics.

Children are referred to Sight Savers via failed vision screenings at school, referrals from teachers, school administrators, school nurses, eye-care professionals and parents.

877-942-2627 info@sightsaversamerica.org www.sightsaversamerica.org

Southeast ADA Center

The Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability access tailored to the needs of business, government, and individuals.

800-949-4232 adasoutheast@law.syr.edu www.adasoutheast.org

Special Needs Foundation of America

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 SNFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting families with children that have special needs such as Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc. SNFA has a board of devoted clinicians, parents and individuals who work diligently and seek grant opportunities for these families in need.

251-210-1632 info@specialneedsfoundation.org www.SpecialNeedsFoundation.org

The Arc Gateway-Escambia

3932 North 10th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 Programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Our programs and services include Early Intervention, Pediatric Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy and Vision Rehabilitation, Vocational Training, Recreation, Employment, Transportation, Education, and Residential Support. We also offer life-enhancing opportunities to promote independence and community inclusion.

850-434-2638 info@arc-gateway.org www.arc-gateway.org

The Arc of the Emerald Coast

6225 Dixie Road, Milton, Fl 32570 Provides services and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

850-623-9320 info@horizonsfwb.com www.arcemeraldcoast.org

The Listening Program

TLP is a music listening therapy that trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self-regulation.

Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities.

888-228-1798 info@advancedbrain.com www.advancedbrain.com

Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Clothing

Partnered with Runway of Dreams™ to create a very special collection addressing the challenges

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

the differently-abled community faces each day when getting dressed. Faux buttons and cuff plackets conceal a patented MagnaReady® magnet closure for ease of dressing. info@runwayofdreams.com

www.tommy.com

Recreation/Therapy Sea No Limits Fishing Clinic ad on page 29

301 West Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Our next event will be at the Community Maritime Park on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 8am 12pm. Sea No Limits is a Free fishing clinic for children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities requiring supervised care. The event is strictly limited to the first 250 applicants (plus up to 2 additional family members/guardians/caregivers).

Pre-Registration for the Fishing Clinic is required.

See our ad in this issue for more information.

850-341-5036

www.SeaNoLimits.com

Access To Recreation

Provides adaptive recreation equipment for the physically challenged. Online equipment items such wheelchair accessories, daily living, replacement parts, bath and shower accessories, Lifts, safety equipment, ramps, manual and power chairs, etc.

800-634-4351 CustomerService@AccessTR.com www.accesstr.com

AMBUCS

A charitable service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. Programs include providing Amtryke therapeutic tricycles to people with disabilities, funding educational scholarships for therapists and other community service such as building home access ramps and accessible playgrounds.

800-838-1845

ambucs@ambucs.org www.ambucs.org

Autism Surfs

Surrounding areas of the Emerald Coast of Florida, FL A community of friends and families that have come together with the purpose of teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to surf. We want to help expose participants to the different sights, sounds, and texture our beautiful beaches offer.

Programs and activities are offered at surrounding areas of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

850-428-1471 autism.surfs@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/AutismSurfs

Ballet Pensacola

400 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Twice per week, our Director provides dance instruction to the students at Capstone Academy. The program has helped children make strides in their mobility and confidence. The program is provided at no charge to Capstone or the participating families.

850-432-9546

frankgiammaria@balletpensacola.com

Breathe Pensacola - Yoga

505 South Adams Street , Pensacola , FL 32502 We offer private sessions or small classes designed for children who have special needs, including ADD/ADHD, sensory integration disorders, highfunctioning autism, Down syndrome, and neurological learning disabilities. Regular yoga practice, as an adjunct to traditional PT and OT therapies, enhances a child’s physical, mental and emotional development in a safe and gentle manner. Christa Sonnier is trained and certified in the Sonia Sumar Method of Yoga for the Special Child and offers private sessions and classes to best serve the needs of your child.

850-470-4444 info@breathepcola.com www.breathepcola.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

Breathe Pensacola - Yoga

3101 East Cervantes Street, Pensacola , FL 32503 We offer private sessions or small classes designed for children who have special needs, including ADD/ ADHD, sensory integration disorders, high-functioning autism, Down syndrome, and neurological learning disabilities. Regular yoga practice, as an adjunct to traditional PT and OT therapies, enhances a child’s physical, mental and emotional development in a safe and gentle manner. Christa Sonnier is trained and certified in the Sonia Sumar Method of Yoga for the Special Child and offers private sessions and classes to best serve the needs of your child.

850-470-4444 info@breathepcola.com www.breathepcola.com

39821 Duffee Lane, Bay Minette, AL 36507 Providing physical therapy and specializing in hippotherapy for children with disabilities. Hippotherapy is a therapy which uses the movement of the horse to influence the patient’s posture, balance, strength, stability & sensory processing. The therapist can direct the movement of the horse, analyze the patient’s response and adjust the treatment accordingly.

251-604-3904 buckaroobarn@gmail.com www.buckaroobarnllc.com

Captains for Kids Special Needs Day of Fun

A free fun day on the water for kids with special needs and illnesses by providing: fishing charters, sailing excursions, parasailing rides, dolphin cruises and water banana rides. Most events have space for the parents and sometimes a sibling or two to tag along, however, some activities are more limited on space. All activities are free of charge.

We offer these activities at many different beach locations and marinas in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Key Largo, Florida. Each event has a maximum seating capacity so pre-registration is required for each person in order to give you a smooth experience and to provide a passenger manifest to the captain. We will be having this year’s event on Saturday, September 8, 2018. www.captainsforkids.com

Chuck E Cheese

7350 Plantation, Pensacola, FL 32504 We now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. 2 hours before the restaurant opens to the general public, we’re sensory sensitive for children with autism & special needs. The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes less crowding and noise, lighting, and music turned off or down, Limited appearances by Chuck E., Food and games are offered.

850-476-7724 ECheeses

www.facebook.com/OfficialChuck-

Dive Pros Pensacola- Adaptive SCUBA

7203 West Highway 98, Pensacola, FL 32506 Training programs for people with disabilities is taught using safe techniques and participants are certified according to Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) Physical Performance Standards. The system enables Dive Pros to train people with a wide range of disabilities, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, the blind and those with high functioning brain injuries.

850-456-8845 kurtisj.freeland@gmail.com florida-divepros.com

Equine Education Consultants

www.

19818 Lawrence Road, Fairhope, AL 26532 EEC provides equine therapy to individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and Speech/Language Delays. Find us on Facebook for program updates.

251-747-8219

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2061 Corbin Gainy Rd, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435 Our mission is to provide the therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted activities to individuals with special needs, and improve the lives and community of each of our riders and their family members.

850-259-9195 or 202-555-1212 com www.gracerides.com

sherry@gracerides.

Gulf Coast Cheer All Star Elite

4607 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola , FL 32526 Offerring Twisters, a special needs all-star cheerleading program. Please call or come by to sign up for fall classes.

850-898-3366 info@gulfcoastelitecheer.com www.gulfcoastelitecheer.com

Buckaroo Barn

850-438-5555

Grace Rides

Leaning Post Ranch

4150 Cedar Springs Road, Molino, FL 32577 A 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization that serves Northwest Florida. Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EEAT) are known to offer a three-fold benefit: physical, psychological and social. We provide EEAT to individuals with disabilities ( to include the mentally, cognitive, and/or physically challenged ), at-risk youth, and Veterans/Wounded Warriors. As Certified Addiction Professionals, we assist “at-risk” youth to remain drug free and stay in school. LPR offers health, hope and healing through horses.

850-587-5940 leaningpostranchinc@gmail.com www.theleaningpostranch.org

Miracle League of Pensacola

Our mission is to provide a safe organized baseball league and facilities for Gulf Coast persons with mental and/or physical challenges. Every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and every player wins – every inning. Come join the fun!

850-232-3845 or 850-393-5043 tgodwin@cox.net www.miracleleaguepensacola.org

Pensacola Museum of Art

407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 An arts education initiative designed for young adults on the autism spectrum. The program focuses on nurturing artists development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educator leads each lesson with the assistance of our dedicated volunteers.The Art Academy for Autism - Youth (ages 5 - 9) on alternating Saturdays from 11:30am - 1:00pm. Ages 10 - 15 from 1:30pm 3:00pm. Young Adults/Adults (ages 15 and up) class is held on alternating Fridays from 4:00pm-5:30pm.

Classes begin September 14. Register online.

850-432-6247

www.pensacolamuseum.org/children.html

Pyramid Pensacola

7309 West Highway 98, Pensacola, FL 32506 A program with visual and performing arts, catering to each participant’s level of ability and interest.

Adults ages 18 and up with developmental disabilities are able to see themselves as singers, dancers, talented artists, sculptors and jewelers creating for art patrons across Florida and beyond.

850-453-3341 lhoffman@pyramidinc.org www.pyramidinc.org

SEASTARS Aquatics

1501 North Q Street , Pensacola , FL 32505 A free year round swim team for children on free or reduced lunch or for Special Needs Individuals in Escambia County. We foster success and growth in children who are economically, physically, and mentally challenged. Seastars provides individualized attention as a part of a structured competitive swim team program. SeaStars Aquatics program meets at the Salvation Army Community Center Aquatics center.

850-418-0644 robin@seastarsaquatics.org www.seastarsaquatics.org

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SkyZone Sensory Sundays

5007 North Davis Highway (Unit 8A), Pensacola, FL 32503 We turn off the music and dial down the distractions for the comfort of our extra special jumpers.

We welcome children and adults with special needs and their siblings, family and friends to jump. We will make every effort to accommodate all jumpers with any kind of special needs. Sensory Sundays is the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am - 11am.

850-500-9663 www.skyzone.com/pensacola/programs/sensory-hours

Special Olympics Florida - Escambia County 2000 East Lloyd Street, Pensacola, FL 32503 Providing year-round sports training, competitions, leadership training and Health Programs to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Find us on Facebook at Special Olympics Florida Escambia County.

850-291-6234 michaelstone@sofl.org www.specialolympicsflorida.org/escambia

Water Planet Dolphin Therapy

203 Greenwood Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 We offer therapy options that allow patients to interact with the dolphins. Our dolphin therapy programs use the emotional impact of a dolphin encounter in his own environment combined with expressive art, massage, craniosacral therapy and music as a beneficial experience for children with physical disabilities, spectrum disorders, depression, ADHD, head and spinal cord injuries, developmental delays, emotionally challenged and fragile children.

850-230-6030 info@waterplanetusa.com www.waterplanetusa.com

Specific Resources ADD/ADHD Adult, Children and Family Counseling

1318 Dunmire St (Suite 3), Pensacola, FL, FL 32504 We take a personalized approach to ADD and ADHD therapy, using every tool at our disposal to help patients better manage their symptoms and enjoy an enhanced life.

850-477-2799 acfc4222@gmail.com www.pensacolatherapytreatment.com

Attention Deficit Disorder Assoc. (ADDA)

Providing information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives.

800-939-1019

info@add.org

www.add.org

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD)

Providing support and education for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting those with ADD/ADHD. 301-306-7070 or 800-233-4050

www.chadd.org

Feingold Association of the United States

Helping families introduce low-additive dietary programs for children with learning/behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. The Feingold® Association of the United States is dedicated to helping children and adults apply proven dietary techniques for better behavior, learning and health, and to generating public awareness of the role of foods and synthetic additives in behavior, learning and health problems. Online, phone and infor-

mational support and materials are available for families.

631-369-9340

help@feingold.org

www.feingold.org

Focus MD

28080 US Highway 98 (Suite F), Daphne, AL 36526 A medical practice for kids and young people with ADD/ADHD and related problems. Focus MD provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies.

251-517-9025

www.adhddaphne.com

The Wolff Center for Child & Adolescent Health

1530 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola , FL 32504 Our board-certified and highly qualified health providers and staff provide all your child’s healthcare needs from birth through young adulthood. Our combination of medical and behavioral care along with educational and family support, makes us a complete resource center for ADHD/ADD children or adolescents and their families.

850-474-4777 info@wolffcenter.com www.wolffcenter.com

Specific Resources Autism Spectrum Autism Pensacola ad on page 9

3916 North 10th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503 A 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to educate and connect individuals and families.

Our information and resources help make more informed decisions, build and strengthen relationships, and more importantly, thrive.

850-434-7171 admin@autismpensacola.org www.autismpensacola.org

Autism Society of America

Providing advocacy, education, referral information, and community support at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates. Our contact center is open Monday through Friday from 9am - 9pm.

800-328-8476 info@autism-society.org www.autism-society.org

Autism Society on the Emerald Coast

Niceville, FL 32578 A society that serves as the voice and resource of the local autism community. The program is organized exclusively for charitable & educational purposes, to ensure that all individuals affected by autism or spectrum disorders is provided opportunities to become fully accepted, included, and actively participating members of our community, through family support, education, advocacy and public awareness.

850-496-3062

www.asecfl.com

Autism Speaks

We are dedicated to funding research for causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. Autism Response Team coordinators are specially trained to connect individuals and their families with information, resources, and opportunities.

888-288-4762 familyservices@autismspeaks.org www.autismspeaks.org

B.I.G. Autism Foundation

3332 Indian Hills Drive, Pace, FL 32571 A 501(c) 3 non-profit organization formed to bring awareness, education, and research to families in Pensacola and the surrounding areas on the latest treatment options available for children with autism.

37

Find us on Facebook for updates and programs.

850-516-3885

www.bigautism.com

BTEC Behavioral Therapy, Inc.

1508 West Garden Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 BTEC provides one-on-one behavioral therapy based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodologies exclusively by a team of board certified behavior analysts (BCBA). All BTEC practitioners hold at least a Master’s degree, have received extensive post-graduate training in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, and have been awarded credentials by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

850-483-1508 lauriturner@btectherapy.com www.btectherapy.com

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

Pensacola, FL 32503 To serve individuals across the lifespan by helping them become valued members of their communities. We provide support resources and training workshops for parents and professional. Please call for area locations nearest you.

866-863-0138 christine.ogilvie@med.fsu.edu www.fsucard.com

Pace Gracie Jiu Jitsu

5430 Highway 90, Milton, FL 32571 Learn Self Defense, Situational Awareness, and Anti Bullying techniques.

850-816-0065

pacegjj@gmail.com

www.pacegjj.com

Sacred Heart Autism Center

5154 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503 Offering a range of services for children on the autism spectrum, all with a family-centered approach to learning. Our services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a research-based, systematic method for improving socially significant skills and behaviors. We also offer parent instruction and hands-on training, social skills groups for various ages, and group training for families and professionals.

850-416-4681 soman@ascension.org or kelsey.sanchez@ascension.org www.sacred-heart.org/Autism

Spectrum House - Autism Center

3771 Stefani Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 An organization that provides therapy for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.

Follow us on Facebook for updates, events and resources.

850-607-6910

www.spectrumhouse.org

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

A national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments.

949- 640-4401 or (855) 726-7810

www.tacanow.org

Specific Resources Cerebral Palsy MyChild at CerebralPalsy.org

Offering information about cerebral palsy, connect individuals with helpful resources, as well as offer unlimited support. Come join us, today!

800-692-4453 ContactUs@MyChildwithCP.com www.cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 Dedicated to advancing the independence of people with disabilities. UCP offers a wide range

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

of services for people of all ages, starting with one of our early intervention programs and continuing through adulthood with our supported employment program.

251-479-4900 lluckie@ucpmobile.org www.ucpmobile.org

Specific Resources Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Southwest Florida Chapter

5100 West Kennedy Boulevard (Suite 195), Tampa, FL 33609 The world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. We fund more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of the Foundation’s support. Ryan Reid, is Executive Director of our Southwest Florida Chapter.

813-374-9041 westFL

tampa-fl@cff.org

www.cff.org/South-

Specific Resources Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Association of the Emerald Coast

To provide support, resources and advocacy for those with Down Syndrome. We aim to increase awareness and acceptance within Bay County and surrounding communities.

850-249-9988 dsaec321@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/DSAEC

Down Syndrome Society of West Florida

A support group for families of children with Down Syndrome. Membership applications are available by emailing our administrators. Annual dues are $20 per family. Visit us on Facebook and join our group F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida. downsyndromesocietywf@yahoo.com

The Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee (DSAT)

2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy (D4-212), Tallahassee, 32309 DSAT provides education, support, and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, families, professionals, and the community. We strive to build public awareness and acceptance of the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. DSAT serves Florida’s Capital City, North Florida and South Georgia.

850-514-3981 amber.davis@dsatallahasee.com www.dsatallahassee.com

Specific Resources Dyslexia Dianne Craft - Child Diagnostics

Website containing information, articles and resources for all learning disabilities including dyslexia, auditory processing and right/left brain learning and provide nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store.

303-694-0532 craft@ecentral.com www.diannecraft.org

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

Specific Resources Epilepsy Epilepsy Florida

2401 Executive Plaza (Suite 3B), Pensacola, FL 32504 Leading the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. Epilepsy Florida serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizures at the local, county, state and national level.

850-433-1395

www.epilepsyfl.org

Epilepsy Foundation

8301 Professional Pl E (Ste 200), Landover, MD 20785 A non profit program with nearly 50 local organizations throughout the US. The Foundation works to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through community services, public education, federal and local advocacy, and supporting research for new treatments and therapies.

800-332-1000 ContactUs@efa.org www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Specific Resources Spina Bifida Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida 100 West Lucerne Circle, Suite 100-G, Orlando, FL 32801 Promoting the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.

407-248-9210

www.sbacentralflorida.org

Specific Resources Vision Impaired American Sign Language University

A resource site for ASL students and teachers.

Here you will find information and resources to help you learn ASL and improve your signing. Join our Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/ Lifeprint.ASLU. www.lifeprint.com

Bureau of Braille and Talking Books Library

239 North Spring Street, Pensacola, AL 32504 The Library provides information and reading materials in Braille and recorded audio format to Florida residents who are unable to use standard print as the result of visual, physical, or reading disabilities.

Serving Escambia County. Hours are 10am - 3pm Tuesday - Friday.

850-471-6000 or 850-494-7373 http://dbs.myflorida.com/library/

Florida Division of Blind Services (District 1 - Pensacola)

600 University Office Boulevard (Building 4), Pensacola , FL 32504 Helping blind and visually impaired individuals throughout the state from babies to senior citizens achieve their goals and live productive and independent lives.

850-484-5122

www.dbs.myflorida.com

Independence for the Blind of NW Florida

3107 North Davis Highway, Pensacola , FL 32503 Offering a wide range of education and training.

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Our mission is to empower people who are Blind or Visually Impaired in Northwest Florida to achieve maximum independence.

850-477-2663

www.ibwest.org

Support Groups Facing Forward

Pensacola, FL Support group for Parents of children with facial abnormalities.

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1000 East Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 This is a parent-led group open to parents, friends, and support people of children with varying exceptionalities including Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Spina Bifida, and any other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to enhance the lives of children with varying exceptionalities by providing resources, training, education, and emotional support to families. The goal of this group is to provide a regularly scheduled meeting of parents who will support each other by listening, sharing, and laughing. This is a friendly place to share concerns and ask questions, and for answers to be given by others who have “been through it.” We have speakers on various topics and open discussions about relevant topics to the group. All are welcome to join us! Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month at 6pm at The Pollak Training Center at ARC Gateway.

850-384-7330 or 850-393-8808 com or amylmaxwell@att.net

abeddy01@gmail.

SiblingSupport.org

A national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. Visit our website to find a program near you.

206-297-6368 info@siblingsupport.org www.siblingsupport.org

The Starfish Project NWFL

1762 Sea Lark Lane, Navarre, FL 32566 We currently provide parent education and support in addition to providing opportunities for families to connect during fun seasonal events. These resources are available to a myriad of children and families with a wide variety of exceptional needs.

850-204-8030

www.thestarfishprojectnwfl.org

Therapy Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers ad on page 15

2912 North E Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 The premier provider of multi-faceted educational and therapeutic programs for infants, children, youth and adults with a spectrum of abilities and disabilities including pediatric therapies, specialized child care, youth transition, charter schools for (3 to 5 year olds) Pre-K and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK).

850-432-1596

www.capstonelearning.org

American Autism and Rehabilitation Center

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 AARC is a facility aimed at treating a variety of special needs in one convenient location. Our services are for children and adults and include speech

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therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, psychological/diagnostic services, educational services, pharmaceutical services and more. Our highly-trained professionals work collaboratively to provide treatment plans as unique as the individual in order to help patients reach their full potential. We offer help to patients and families with children that have special needs such as Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.

Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart Pediatric Rehabilitation Center

251-210-1632 info@americanautismcenter.com www.americanautismcenter.com

850-416-7340 www.sacred-heart.org/Childrens Hospital/PediatricTherapy

Love That Max

Greater Pensacola Behavior Services (GPBS)

www.lovethatmax.com/2015/04/free-things-for-kidswith-special-needs.html

Baptist Health Care Speech Center

1717 North E Street, Suite 236, Pensacola, FL 32501 Therapists care for individuals who have communication and swallowing disorders. Our certified speech language pathologists treat a wide range of disorders for people of all ages from newborns to adults. All staff members hold the Speech Language Hearing Association s Certificate of Clinical Competence and are licensed by the state of Florida.

850-434-4957

www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/Speech

Beyond Expectations

Services, such as applied behavior analysis and counseling, are provided to clients in a variety of settings including in home, at school, or at one of our clinics. Owned and operated by Karen Reid, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. ABA therapy offers services for clients in Okaloosa, Walton, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

850-362-6824 bebilling@yahoo.com www.beyondexpectationsaba.com

Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation

1108-A Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504 Pensacola’s first and most experienced pediatric rehabilitation center offering speech, occupational and physical therapies for children with developmental, neurological and organic disorders. Our team provides the most current treatment approaches, in a family friendly environment, to help children reach their highest potential.

850-484-9292

www.centerforpediatricrehabilitation.com

Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart Pediatric Rehabilitation Center

15 Daniel Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Our comprehensive program includes physical, occupational, speech, aquatic, social skills and food-aversion therapies. Our facilities feature a spacious, kid-friendly gym, as well as private treatment rooms. Our experienced therapists are specially trained in care for children and are dedicated to serving kids of all ages.

850-416-2121 www.sacred-heart.org/ChildrensHospital/PediatricTherapy

Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart Pediatric Rehabilitation Center

3754 U.S. Hwy 90 West (Suite 210), Pace, FL 32571 Our comprehensive program includes physical, occupational, speech, aquatic, social skills and food-aversion therapies. Our facilities feature a spacious, kid-friendly gym, as well as private treatment rooms. Our experienced therapists are specially trained in care for children and are dedicated to serving kids of all ages.

850-416-5290 www.sacred-heart.org/Childrens Hospital/PediatricTherapy

5151 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 Our comprehensive program includes physical, occupational, speech, aquatic, social skills and food-aversion therapies. Our facilities feature a spacious, kid-friendly gym, as well as private treatment rooms. Our experienced therapists are specially trained in care for children and are dedicated to serving kids of all ages.

Created around the premise that all children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) should have dedicated and quality care. All children at our agency begin services with a certified Analyst (BCBA or BCaBA). Analysts follow the strict guidelines of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

850-723-6570 GreaterPensacolaABA@gmail.com www.greaterpensacolaaba.com

Pediatric Therapy Center of NWFL

4624 Summerdale Boulevard, Pace, FL 32571 A provider of speech, physical and occupational therapy to children and adolescents. We serve children in clinic environments, child care centers, homes, and schools in Santa Rosa, Escambia and Okaloosa counties. The PTC team of pediatric specialists includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists who work closely together to create individualized treatment plans. Therapy is carried out in an atmosphere focused on creativity and fun.

850-994-3456 meme@ptcnwfl.com www.pediatrictherapycenterflorida.com

The Arc Gateway/Pearl Nelson Child Development Center

916 East Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503 The center provides pediatric services for children who have, or at risk of, a developmental disability including speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy and early intervention services.

850-434-7755 info@arc-gateway.org www.arc-gateway.org

Websites and Publications Bright Expectations

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399 A Florida Department of Health program to help residents with unique abilities find the support and resources for for pregnant women, parents and families. BE aims to provide information on evaluation and intervention services, support programs for families, and resources for health care providers.

they need to pay for and succeed in college. www.learnhowtobecome.org/college/financial-aid-forstudents-with-disabilities

Kids Health from Nemours

One of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, teens and educators.

PR@KidsHealth.org

www.kidshealth.org

A list of 22 free things, services and grants for kids with special needs.

Operation Autism for Military Families

Supports U.S. military families touched by autism and autism spectrum disorders. It serves as an introduction to autism, a guide for the life journey with autism, and a ready reference for available resources, services, and support. www.operationautismonline.org

Our-Kids

Devoted to Raising Special Kids with Special Needs. The Our-Kids list consist of over 700 people representing children of varying diagnosis; everything from indefinite developmental delays and sensory integration problems, to cerebral palsy, to rare genetic disorders. www.our-kids.org

Parent Involvement Exceptional Education in Florida

Website providing resources for early intervention and exceptional student education. http://forparents.florida-ese.org/index.aspx

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

We are making it our mission to provide parents of children with special needs of all ages and stages of life, both information and inspiration. Through Parenting Special Needs online Magazine, we’ve created a world that provides practical tips, shares life’s lessons, tackles the challenges and celebrates the joys of one of life’s greatest gifts. www.parentingspecialneeds.org

Pathways.org

Providing Free tools to maximize all children’s motor, sensory, and communication development.

800-955-2445 friends@pathways.org www.pathways.org

Sesame Street Autism: Resources for Parents

The nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street and so much more. Our mission is to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, using the power of media and our beloved Muppets to meet children’s development needs with critical early education, social impact programs, and a large dose of fun!

850-245-4444 www.floridahealth.gov/programs-andservices/people-with-disabilities/bright-expectations

www.autism.sesamestreet.org

Financial Aid for College Students With Disabilities

A website directory dedicated to camps serving individuals with one or more of a wide range of special needs. Locate a summer camp or program based upon your specific needs by using our Full Search, browse by Camp Type or Location, or use a Keyword Search.

College can be expensive for anyone, but it can be especially costly for those with disabilities. This guide focuses on those options, with the goal of helping students with disabilities find the resources

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Very Special Camps

www.veryspecialcamps.com GPP

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

FamilyCalendar Saturday, August 25

Open Studio: Contemporary Pop Art 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s pop art, participants use images of contemporary celebrities and public figures to transform into pop art pieces. For details, see July 28 listing.

Summer Classic Movies Series at Saenger Theatre 7 p.m. Today’s movie is The Sound of Music, featuring Julie Andrews in 1965. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Saenger Box Office only. For more info, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

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

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Fireworks Saturday 6:05 p.m. vs. Biloxi. For tickets or more info, visit www.bluewahoos.com or call (850) 934-8444.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra-Pensacola State College All-State Audition Clinic 2018 8 a.m. Ashmore Auditorium, Pensacola State College.Clinic is for for middle and high school music students. It will prepare students for the upcoming 2018-19 All-State Band auditions. There is also an Escambia County Youth Orchestra audition clinic for high school string students. Register online by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, August 21. For more info, visit www.pensacolasymphony.com/ or call (850) 435-2533.

Pet Partners: Read With Me 10 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. School-aged children are invited to register for a 15-minute session to pick a book and read to one of the therapy dogs. Dogs and handlers are coordinated through Pet Partners and Cherry Point Dog Training, Inc. Preregistration is requested. For more info, call (850) 453-7780.

Storytime and Activities Featuring We Don’t Eat Our Classmates at Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. 1200 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola. It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so delicious. That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine.

Join us and get a coupon from our Cafe for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4! Call (850) 969-9554 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble. com/store/2926 for more info.

Sunday, August 26

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Family Sunday 5:05 p.m. vs.

Biloxi. Bring out the whole family so kids can enjoy running the bases. For tickets or more info, visit www.bluewahoos.com or call (850) 934-8444.

Monday, August 27

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball Military Monday 6:35 p.m. vs. Biloxi. First Command Financial Services and the Blue Wahoos are honoring those

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who served and are still serving our nation’s military every Monday night. Active and retired military can enjoy a $1 off on Monday game day tickets at the box office. For tickets or more info, visit www. bluewahoos.com or call (850) 934-8444.

Tuesday, August 28

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.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Tap and Taco Tuesday 6:35 p.m. vs. Biloxi. Watch Blue Wahoos Stadium transform into a chill environment with acoustic music, local artwork, and an awesome beer and taco pairing every Tuesday! All you can eat buffett out on the Winn Dixie party deck in partner with Moe’s Southwest Grill. For tickets or more info, visit www. bluewahoos.com or call (850) 934-8444.

Wednesday, August 29

Blue Angels Autograph Day 11:30 a.m.

National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola.

FREE. Members of the Blue Angels will sign autographs and answer questions. Call (850) 452-3604 or visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org/ for more info.

Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Auditions for 2018-19 Company and Fall Classes 6 p.m. 2299 Scenic Highway #K6, Pensacola. For ages 13-19. No experience necessary -- just a demonstrable desire to learn the art of acting Shakespeare! Fall classes for beginners start in September.

For more info, call (662) 278-8383 or visit http:// setsco.org/.

Thursday, August 30

UWF Argos vs. Carson Newman Eagles 7 p.m. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Tunes by the Dunes 7-9 p.m. Navarre Beach Park. Performer is Chloe Channell (Pop Country). FREE.

Saturday, September 1

2018 Gulf Coast Summer Fest - Jazz Edition 3:30-11:45 p.m. Pensacola Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main Street, Pensacola. Join us for a Boney James Birthday Celebration! Bring your coolers, lawn chairs and umbrellas. You cannot bring weapons, tents, grills, glass containers or children under 18.

For more info, call (800) 745-3000 or visit www. gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com/.

12th Annual BonFest Pensacola Noon-4 p.m. Booker T. Washington High School, 6000 College Parkway, Pensacola. Based on the Obon festivals of Japan, BonFest Pensacola features authentic Japanese food, cultural performances and fun activities for guests of all ages. Headlining the event is EPCOT’s Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, who will perform while audience members drum along.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a Bon Odori dance competition, browse through a variety of Japanese arts and crafts for sale, see performances by the Miyabi Dancers and Emerald Coast Okinawa, and join the Kid’s Mikoshi Parade, where participants experience the Japanese ritual of

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carrying a portable Shinto shrine. For more info, call (850) 602-4385 or find us on Facebook.

Sunday, September 2

Family Sunday: Painting in the Galleries 1-4 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. This Sunday, use fingers, brushes, and sponges for painting inspired by the art of All That Sounds in the Forest: Contemporary Art of the Peruvian Amazon. All materials are provided! $6 per participant over the age of 3, includes admission into the Museum. Register online at pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

United States Navy Band’s Country and Bluegrass Band 6 p.m. Pensacola Saenger Theatre. This event is free to the public, but you must pick up free tickets in advance at the Saenger Box Office at 22 East Intendencia Street. This seven-member ensemble employs musicians from diverse backgrounds with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, New York, New Orleans and more. For more info, visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

Monday, September 3

Cat’s Seed to Table Cooking Class 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Join our gardener Cat McCreery for a cooking class featuring fresh harvest from our community garden. At the end of class, you can tour of our community garden, all of which Cat herself has grown from seeds. This cooking demonstration is free and participants will be able to try various samples during this class. Call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Wednesday, September 5

Blue Angels Autograph Day 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see August 29 listing.

Thursday, September 6

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see August 28 listing.

WUWF’s RadioLive Concert Series 5 p.m. Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street. Our featured artists are Cliff Eberhardt, Louise Mosrie, and Grant Peeples. Tickets are $10 and available in advance at radiolive.org or at the door on the day of the show. Doors open at 5 p.m.; show starts promptly at 6 p.m. For more info, visit wuwf. org/radiolive or call (850) 473-7433.

Friday, September 7

Blue Angels Practice 9 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see August 28 listing.

Big Lagoon Fall Concert Series 6 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. This concert is the first in a series of 3 concerts in the park. Cliff Eberhardt and Louise Mosrie will perform under roof and will go on rain or shine. Wine and beer will be for sale during the event with snacks offered. Very limited seating to this event. For more info, call (850) 867-5873 or visit www.biglagoonstatepark.com/.

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Ft. Pickens) 6:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Ft.

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FamilyCalendar Pickens Battery Worth parking lot. 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/.

The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl 6-8 p.m. Pensacola State College, The Lou Ross Center, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg. 3. Join us in the fight against hunger at Manna’s annual fundraiser.

This unique event with an artsy twist features the work of local artists, a silent auction, and the fare of local vendors. Choose a one-of-a-kind clay bowl to keep and sample some of the best soups in town!

The annual event has been renamed in honor and memory of longtime supporter Bill Clover, a Pensacola State College visual arts professor who was instrumental in starting and sustaining the 11-year event that has raised money to help thousands of hungry people. For more info and event ticket sales, visit www.mannahelps.org/events/pick-a-bowl-filla-bowl.

Preschool Art Time: Robot Puppets 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. Artists use a range of materials to design their own robot puppet. Don’t forget to test them out in our puppet theatre before taking them home. Cost: $6/members and $8/non-members, per class. Register at www. pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

The Pensacola Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Meets

the 1st Friday of every month. Program includes education segments, presentations by local business women and is designed to provide women with the resources and connections they need to help them grow personally and professionally. Lunch provided.

Visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com or call (850) 529-0908.

Court of De Luna Movie Night 7:30 p.m. 116 East Gonzalez Street, Pensacola. We will show Ready Player One. $5 for adults & FREE for kids. Viewing on HD LED screens unlike any other in town. Plenty of outdoor activities & picture-worthy moments here so charge your phones! We provide seating or you can bring your own. Food & beverages available. We have indoor/outdoor options so don’t let the weather bring you down. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Bulls on the Beach 6-8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-midnight. FloraBama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola. Bring the family for the 7th Annual Bulls on the Beach for TWO nights of adrenaline-filled bull riding! Friday & Saturday night’s highenergy, rock-and-roll rodeo will feature professional bull riders from across the Southeast. Ride the mechanical bull if you dare! $5 a ride under the tent. $25 for adults 18 years & older; $15 for teens 7-17 years; and kids 6 and under are FREE! For more info, visit https://florabama.com/ bulls-on-the-beach.html.

Saturday, September 8

Open Studio: Exploring Materials through Self- Portrait 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Engage with non-traditional drawing mediums to create expressive self-portraits. An art educator will be available to facilitate the use of materials and the encourage exploration of the non-traditional materials. Free for PMA members and $6 for non-members.

Drop in anytime from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All ages are welcome! Register online at www.pensacolamuseum.org/ or call (850) 432-6247.

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.

Bulls on the Beach For details, see September 7 listing.

Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see August 25 listing.

Little River Band Performs at Saenger Theatre 7:30 p.m. Little River Band is best known for mega hits like “Cool Change,” “Take it Easy on Me,” “Lone-

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FamilyCalendar some Loser,” “The Night Owls,” “Lady” and “Happy Anniversary.” Military discount at the Saenger Box Office only. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

Fifth Annual Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival 8 a.m. at Bayview Park, behind Bayou Texar. Support Gulf Coast Kid’s House and Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida at this all-day festival complete with food, drinks, children’s activities, contests, music and more. Watch while teams from local businesses, civic groups and non-profits compete to take home the glory and show who has the most spirit in Pensacola. Each team will compete at least 3 races throughout the day. For more info, visit www.pensacoladragonboatfestival.com.

Vettes at the Beach Car Show 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola. Join the Miracle Strip Corvette Club for a weekend of fun, sun and Corvettes. We are expecting 300 Corvettes from all over the country. Trophies will be awarded, vendors will be on site. DJ Boogie, Inc. with great music, Deep South Focus Photography for awesome photos of your Corvette. Registration includes Welcome Dinner on Friday at Hemingway’s Bimini Bar at Pensacola Beach 4:30-6:30 p.m. No charge for visitors. Saturday registration is 8-10 a.m., with trophies awarded at 2:30 p.m. For more info, call (850) 375-6993.

Sunday, September 9

Pensacola Humane Society’s Doggie Bowl 2-5 p.m. Cordova Lanes. Register by September 7! This event features a three-round bowling tournament full of twists and turns, excitement, and healthy competition as bowlers vie for the coveted Doggie Bowl Grand Prize Trophy! The third game consists of the top 6 teams duking it out for bragging rights, the Grand Prize Trophy and a $100 gift card to one of Pensacola’s area restaurants! All participants receive three games of bowling and shoe rental. PHS will be there with adoptable animals looking for their furever home, PHS gear for sale, information on how you can help our mission, prize baskets, and a 50/50 chance drawing! For more info, call (850) 466-3945 or visit www.pensacolahumane.org/events.

Tuesday, September 11

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see August 28 listing.

Wednesday, September 12 Blue Angels Autograph Day For details, see August 29 listing.

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/.

Thursday, September 13

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Will Mr. Merriwether Return From Memphis?

7:30 p.m. PLT is invited to perform this obscure play for the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater

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Festival. Written in 1969, unperformed until 1980, and not published until 2008, Will Mr. Merriwether Return from Memphis? is a Tennessee Williams play with a vision of the world as mythic and mundane.

In Bethesda, Mississippi, as the 19th century turns into the 20th, the widowed landlady Louise McBride pines for her former flame and star boarder, Mr. Merriwether. The Three Fates make a ghoulish guest appearance. Directed by Jeff Glickman, the cast will travel to Massachusetts for the festival Sept. 27-30.

For tickets, call (850) 432-2042 or visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Science Hour 6-7:30 p.m. Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola. UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension hosts this educational series the 2nd Thursday of every month. Tonight’s topic is Snakes, presented by Rick O’Connor, UF IFAS Extension. Join us for a discussion of the latest in solar and alternative energy technology. Each session is free to the public. For more info, contact Carrie at ctsteven@ufl.edu or call (850) 475-5230.

Chef Challenge: A Challenge to End Hunger 6-9 p.m. Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Resource Center, 913 South I Street, Pensacola. Chef Challenge is Feeding the Gulf Coast’s fundraiser to raise awareness for those struggling with hunger along the Central Gulf Coast. Chef Challenge guests will enjoy tastings of dishes from local chefs and restaurants, live entertainment by Roman Street, raffle, and complimentary beer and wine. Guests will also get to vote on their favorite dishes! All proceeds from Chef Challenge are used to help those in need within our 24-county service area along the Central Gulf Coast. Visit feedingthegulfcoast.org/florida-chefchallenge/.

Friday, September 14

Hill-Kelly Free Movies in the Park­­— Sherlock Gnomes 7 p.m. Community Maritime Park’s Hunter Amphitheater. Bring your blankets and chairs and spread out on the lawn to watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars.

Movies begin at sunset and FREE event parking is available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall.

Concessions are available from local food trucks.

Picnic baskets are welcome too, but no pets or glass containers please. For more info, visit https://www. facebook.com/events/191486801630638/.

Pensacola MESS Hall Retro Night 6-9 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St., Pensacola. $20/ person. Retro Night will include classic video games and MacGyver challenges. For more info, call (877) 937-6377 or visit www.pensacolamesshall.org/.

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adults 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. Our program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free semester long program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

Rodney Carrington Performs at Saenger Theatre 7 p.m. Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented

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comedian, actor, and writer who has recorded eight major record label comedy albums selling over 3 million copies. “Morning Wood” has been certified gold and “Greatest Hits” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Carrington starred in his own TV sitcom Rodney, which ran for two seasons on ABC. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 6:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free stargazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. 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/.

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Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Will Mr. Merriwether Return From Memphis?

7:30 p.m. For details, see September 13 listing.

Saturday, September 15

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.

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.

2018 Pensacola Cycling Classic Holiday Inn Resort, 14 Via De Luna, Pensacola Beach. Registration is available Friday 4-8 p.m. at Packet Pickup (Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach). No Race Day registration. Proceeds will be donated to The Paralyzed Veterans of America. Each child participating will receive a medal and a chance to win a new bike! You and your child need to be at Government & Jefferson St. by 9 a.m. to check in! For more info, call (360) 921-7018 or visit www. pensacolacyclingclassic.com/.

International Coastal Cleanup at Park West 8 a.m.-noon. Park West, Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola.

We will be one of the hundreds of groups worldwide participating in the International Coastal Cleanup!

Please register as we have a limited number of T-shirts to give away! Keep Pensacola Beautiful will supply all the needed clean-up equipment; we will also have water for you to refill your reusable water bottle! Please wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty and bring whatever sun protection you may need (hat, sunscreen, glasses, etc.) For more info, call (850) 438-1178 or visit https://keeppensacolabeautiful.charityproud.org/.

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for ages 5-9; 1:30-3 p.m. for ages 10-13. Art Academy for Autism is an arts

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FamilyCalendar education initiative designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Our program focuses on nurturing artistic development and abstract thinking skills within a group environment. Our art educators believe that self expression can help students build personal connections, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and learn a wide variety of artistic skills. Free program, sponsored in part by Autism Pensacola. For more info, visit pensacolamuseum.org or call (850) 432-6247.

Taste of the Beach 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach.

Pensacola Beach chefs will spice up the food and crowds at the 11th annual Taste of the Beach Festival. Fun for the whole family! The day is filled with chef’s challenges, cook-offs, tastings, live music, restaurants’ signature dishes, crab racing, beer tasting, and more! Pop Fiction will take the stage at 7 p.m. For more info and a full schedule of events, call (850) 932-1500 or visit http://www.tasteofpensacolabeach.com/event-info/.

Autism Pensacola Presents Steps for Autism Noon-3 p.m. at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, 6205 North W St., Pensacola. Steps for Autism is a grassroots fundraising season where friends and family join together to honor loved ones with autism, raise community awareness, and support the mission and programs of Autism Pensacola. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this fun, family-friendly event will stay in our local area to support families affected by autism. To become a sponsor or start a team, call (850) 434-7171 or e-mail steps@autismpensacola.org.

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Gulfside) 6:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free stargazing at the Gulfside Pavilion. For details, see September 14 listing.

Sunday, September 16

First City Shakespeare Presents Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 plays in 60 minutes) by Greg Allen Doors open at 7:17 p.m. Casks & Flights, 121 S. Palafox Street, Suite B. You choose the order of the plays; sometimes you play along with the actors, sometimes you just laugh. Advance tickets for VIPs are $16. Get your mead and seat first. At The Door, Dice Roll tickets are $10-$15. For more info, visit http:// setsco.org/ or call (662) 278-8383.

Blues Angel Music’s Blues on the Bay 6-8 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Pack your coolers and bring your lawn chairs and join us at the Hunter Amphitheater for the concert series presented by Audi Pensacola.

Concerts are free and open to the public. Today’s performers are The Mulligans. For more info, visit https://www.cityofpensacola.com/1161/Blues-AngelMusic-Blues-on-the-Bay or call (850) 457-7557.

Tuesday, September 18

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see August 28 listing.

Thursday, September 20

Veterans’ Meeting 4-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. These free monthly meetings

focus on veteran services in our community. Call Evelyn Coleman at (850) 543-2258 or visit http:// everman.org/.

Friday, September 21

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. A musical directed by Carla Rhodes with music direction by Tina Buran. The Sondheim favorite about what happens AFTER “happily ever after,” including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the beans, Prince Charming, and a wicked and beautiful witch. “Careful the things you say, children will listen...” For tickets, call (850) 4322042 or visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

The Gulf Breeze Chapter of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meets the 3rd Friday of every month at LaBrisa in Gulf Breeze. 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.

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.

Preschool Art Time: Dot to Dot 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver.

Squeeze bottles, paint, and brushes come together to create a colorful work of art. Artists practice motor skills and hand eye coordination in this open ended art project. For details, see September 7 listing.

Saturday, September 22

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Natural Healing/Cancer Study 2-4 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 315 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see August 25 listing.

THE HUB Music Festival 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Bartram Park, 211 West Main Street, Pensacola. Live music for all music lovers: jazz, blues and rock! Food and art/crafts. Tickets available online through Eventbrite. For more info, call (850) 889-8157 or visit https://thehubmusicfestiva.wixsite. com/thehubmusicfest.

The Humane Express at the Fall in Love Mega Adoption Event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pensaola Interstate Fairgrounds.

Join Pensacola Humane Society, along with 20 other rescues and shelters, for this one-of-a-kind adoption extravaganza! For more info, call (850) 466-3945 or visit www.pensacolahumane.org/events.

Pet Partners: Read With Me 10 a.m.-noon. Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. For details, see August 25 listing.

Brian Regan Performs at Saenger Theatre 8 p.m. In 2015, Brian made history with his stand-up special, Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, as the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. A regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Brian is the rare

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guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and a segment on the couch to chat with Jimmy. Previously, Brian was a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, making 28 appearances on the CBS show. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

ReptiDay Pensacola Reptile & Exotic Animal Show 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Navarre Conference Center, 8700 Navarre Parkway, Navarre. One-day reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone! Adults - $10, Children (5-12) - $5, Under 5 - Free. For more info, call (863) 268-4273 or visit http://repticon.com/florida/reptiday-pensacola/.

Open Studio: Cardboard Machines Sculpture 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. The industrial meets everyday recycled material in this Open Studio perfect for anyone interested in building. From designing virtual reality cardboard glasses for your smartphone, or engineering a cardboard car, the options are endless! For details, see September 8 listing.

Sunday, September 23

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 3 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Blues Angel Music’s Blues on the Bay 6-8 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Today’s performers are The Modern Eldorados. For details, see September 16 listing.

Tuesday, September 25

Blue Angels Practice 11:30 a.m. National Naval Aviation Museum - viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacola. FREE. For details, see August 28 listing.

Thursday, September 27

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Friday, September 28

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adults 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. For details, see September 14 listing.

Pensacola Seafood Festival 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Downtown Pensacola in Historic Seville Square, as well as adjacent Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. The annual Pensacola Seafood Festival attracts more than 100,000 attendees during the threeday event. You’ll find local seafood favorites prepared in a variety of ways by our top restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, traditional festival fare from the nation’s top vendors, arts and crafts vendors and live music. For more info, visit www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/.

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FamilyCalendar Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival Three-day festival Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun. 12-5 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton. International food - Polish, Filipino, Italian, plus American, Cajun, BBQ and more! 5K run/walk, live entertainment all weekend featuring Chloe Channell! Also raffle, games, vendors, car & Indian motorcycle exhibit, arts & crafts! Fun for the whole family! Free admission. For more info, call (850) 602-7495 or find us on Facebook.

Saturday, September 29

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. For details, see September 15 listing.

Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival Three-day festival Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun. 12-5 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton. For details, see September 28 listing.

Pensacola Seafood Festival 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Downtown Pensacola in Historic Seville Square, as well as adjacent Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. For details, see September 28 listing.

5210 Northwest Florida Day of Play 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola. Come check out the many ways families get moving! Join us for a free day of exciting activities, games, sports, contests and physical challenges for the whole family. For more info, visit www.playpensacola.com.

White Tie Rock Ensemble Presents Americana at Saenger Theatre 8 p.m. The White Tie Rock Ensemble presents a tribute to The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty and The Eagles. Featuring the unparalleled White Tie Sound, this full rock band, along with the Tied Up String Quartet, will recreate favorites from this classic era of rock and roll. For more info or tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com/ or call (850) 595-3880.

Sunday, September 30

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 3 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Annual St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival Three-day festival Fri. 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun. 12-5 p.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton. For details, see September 28 listing.

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Tuesday, October 2

Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. Children ages 5 to 12 years old learn the fundamentals of basketball. Registration starts September 3 and costs $20. For more info, call (850) 436-5192 or visit www.cityofpensacola.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/ES-Cobb-ResourceCenter-93.

Wednesday, October 3

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 7. More than 100 songwriters perform on 15 stages across Pensacola Beach. Most events are free and open to the public. Some special events require tickets. For ticket info, visit www. pensacolabeachsongfest.com.

Thursday, October 4

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.

Friday, October 5

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Adults 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. For details, see September 14 listing.

Preschool Art Time: Woodworking 10-11 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. First and third Fridays for ages 2-5 years old with caregiver. What can you build with wood pieces? Young builders are encouraged in open-ended building using wood, glue, and paint to finish off their structures. For details, see September 7 listing.

Big Lagoon Fall Concert Series 6 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola. International acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Hiroya Tsukamoto will perform under roof and will go on rain or shine.

For details, see September 7 listing.

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach (Ft. Pickens) 6:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will offer free star gazing at the Ft. Pickens Battery Worth parking lot. For details, see September 7 listing.

Saturday, October 6

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Sea NO Limits Fishing Clinic

Pensacola Seafood Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Pensacola in Historic Seville Square, as well as adjacent Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. For details, see September 28 listing.

Monday, October 1

Cat’s Seed to Table Cooking Class 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For details, see September 3 listing.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

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8 a.m.-noon at Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park. Free event offered to children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities requiring supervised care. This event is limited to the first 250 applicants (plus up to two additional

family members/guardians/caretakers). Pre-registration required. Event includes rod and reel to keep, grilled lunch w/beverages, T-shirt, optional child ID program, fish identification booklets, fishing instruction and Escambia Search & Rescue Demonstration.

Hosted by Gulf Breeze Masonic Lodge No. 347. For more info, visit www.seanolimits.com or call (850) 341-5036.

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Academy for Autism: Youth 4-5:30 p.m. Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for those on the autism spectrum. For details, see September 15 listing.

Music Under the Stars with Xaris 7 p.m. 501 N. Hayne St., Pensacola. From the Ground Up Community Garden is welcoming Xaris, an 18-year-old artist and songwriter from the Florida Panhandle. Her music style is somewhere in between folk and Americana. You may even recognize Xaris from the Gulf Breeze community or Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice. Bring your favorite drink, something to sit on and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the garden.

For more info, call (850) 934-3609 or visit www. fromthegroundupgardenpensacola.com/.

Sunday, October 7

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Into the Woods 3 p.m. For details, see September 21 listing.

Family Sunday: Pumpkin Painting 1-4 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. Drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. This Sunday, it’s pumpkin season! Bring a pumpkin or use one of the provided tiny pumpkins to paint and embellish for fall, while supplies last. For details, see September 2 listing.

Monday, October 8

Co-ed Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. Children ages 4 to 7 begin camp at 6 p.m. Children ages 8 to 10 begin camp at 7 p.m.

The fee for residents of Pensacola is $10 and for non-residents it is $20. For more info, call (850) 4365195 or visit www.cityofpensacola.com/Facilities/ Facility/Details/Fricker-Resource-Center-94.

Tuesday, October 9

Youth Basketball Camp 3:30-5:30 p.m. E.S. Cobb Resource Center, 601 East Mallory Street, Pensacola. For details, see October 2 listing.

Boys/Girls Basketball Bootcamp 6-8 p.m. Fricker Resource Center, 900 North F Street, Pensacola. For boys and girls ages 11 through 14.

Girls’ group will begin at 6 p.m. and the boys’ group will start at 7 p.m. There is a one-time $10 fee for residents and a one-time $20 fee for non-residents.

For more info, call (850) 436-5195 or visit www. cityofpensacola.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/FrickerResource-Center-94.

Every Sunday This Month

Worship on the Water 9 and 11 a.m. weekly church services held in the tent at the Flora-Bama. The service always draws a large and friendly crowd. Visit http://www.centralonline.tv/flora-bama/.

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Support Groups & Classes First City Improv 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join us for family-friendly improv at the public library! For more info, e-mail director@ setsco.org.

Every Tuesday This Month

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.

2018 Bands on the Beach Pensacola Beach’s popular outdoor summer concert series returns! The free concert series features performers for every musical taste and is held each Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m., running through October 30. Organized by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and located at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach, spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Pets and glass are prohibited. Aug. 28: ClassX; Sept. 4: John Hart Project; Sept. 11: Chloe Channell; Sept. 18: Dr. Breeze; Sept. 25: Touch of Gray; Oct. 2: Bring on the Benjamins; and Oct. 9: RAIN DATE if needed.

For more info, call (850) 932-2257, visit www.visitpensacolabeach.com or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.

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/.

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Community Education

Babysitter Class This class is open to youth from ages 11-15 for $30 (lunch is not provided). All participants receive an American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR Card, plus a Sacred Heart Hospital Babysitting Certificate. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5051 Carpenter’s Creek Drive in Pensacola at our Population Health Building. Pre-registration is required. Call (850) 416-7262. Course provided by Sacred Heart Education.

Prenatal & Childbirth

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,

Every Thursday This Month

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

Orange Blossom Special 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children’s Museum, 115 Zaragoza Street, Pensacola. Come on downtown for storytime Saturdays! Climb aboard and take a journey with storyteller Paul Morrell on the Orange Blossom Spe-

Tuesday Jazz Jam 6:30 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 East Government Street, Pensacola. Featuring various jazz vocalists and musicians weekly. For more info, call (850) 4346211 or visit http://www.sevillequarter.com/.

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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 info, visit www.palafoxmarket.com.

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/.

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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.

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 series.

Baptist Birth Experience – Overview of the Baptist Women’s Center, tour of labor & delivery unit, and epidural video. FREE. Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor. Held first Fridays of most months, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Breastfeeding – Two-class series teaches how breastfeeding works, the best way to start, and what choices will result in a rewarding breastfeeding experience. $20 per series.

Prepared Childbirth – This class prepares you and your partner for the labor and delivery journey by understanding the process and offering coping skills. $90 per series. 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) 434-4874 to reserve your tour time.

Tours are available Saturdays, 10 a.m.

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

Pickleball at PAC! 6-8 p.m. Pensacola Athletic Center, 7700 W Highway 98, Pensacola. Looking to try something fun and competitive? Join us for a pick-up game of Pickleball.

Spare paddles are limited, so please BYOP. Members play free and guests play for only $3. For info, call Max at (850) 453-1534 or visit www.pacactive.com.

up

cial train ride. Learn Florida train history inside the museum and then take a ride on the train. Tickets are only $5 each (includes 1 free adult).

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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 first-time 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 or visit https://westfloridahospital.com/service/familybirthplace.

Breastfeeding Preparation Class Classroom 5 & 6 on the 7th Floor of the Ancillary Building at West Florida Hospital located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Free for pre-delivery parents. Topics include: How breastfeeding works (How the Breast

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Support Groups & Classes Makes Milk), Latch & Positioning, When to Feed Your Baby, How to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk, Breast Care, Pumping, Storing and Bottle-Feeding with Breastmilk. This is a Power Point, Videos, and Question/Answer Class. Mom, Dad, and caregivers are welcome. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/service/childbirth-preparation.

Childbirth Preparedness Class - 4-Week Series Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Join us for a PowerPoint presentation that will discuss: what to expect in labor, vaginal delivery, c/s delivery, pain control options, post partum care, newborn care, and we will tour the labor unit/suite. This 4-week course goes into a little more detail than the intensive 4-hr course. For more info, call (850) 494-4368 or visit http://westfloridahospital.com/service/childbirth-preparation.

Childbirth Preparedness Class - Express Classroom 1 on the 7th Floor in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Condensed version of our 4-week Childbirth Preparation class into one day, has many great topics, features and video clips including: understanding pregnancy, labor, medical procedures and cesarean birth. Free, very interactive and we finish with a tour of the Family Birthplace. Please call (850) 494-4368 for any additional questions.

Pregnancy Concerns 7th Floor Auditorium in the Ancillary Building located at 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola. Join us for our free discussion on Pregnancy Concerns. Next meeting is Sept. 6 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Please call (850) 4944368 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 6:308:00 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.

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) 469-7372.

Grief Support Group for Adults Sacred Heart Hospital provides this free group for adults who have lost a loved one. For future classes and registration information please call (850) 416-7705.

Grief Support at Baptist Health Care Meetings last for six consecutive weeks. Next session is September 26 through October 31 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more info, call (850) 469-7197.

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola.

For meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc.com/calendar/index.dot.

Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group 6:30-7:30 p.m. Next meetings are September 10 and October 1. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 1-2 p.m., usually second Fridays. West Florida Hospital - West Florida Rehab - Community Rooms A & B, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola. Refreshments will be served. To verify meeting dates and times, call (850) 494-3212 or visit https://westfloridahospital.secure.ehc. com/calendar/index.dot.

Stroke Support Group 12:30-1:30 p.m., second Wednesdays. September meeting is at Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola Pediatric Classroom, 3rd floor, Children’s Hospital, next to Peds ICU. (Take the elevator in the Children’s Hospital lobby.)

October through December meetings are at Sacred Heart Women’s & Children’s Classroom C/D (regular meeting location). See Information Desk staff if you need assistance. Please let us know in advance if you need a wheelchair. All stroke survivors and their family members invited to join us each month, free of charge.

Discussions are led by the Neurology Social Worker.

Topics change each month, and meetings occasionally will include a guest speaker. For more info, call (850) 416-7621 or e-mail: eopena@ascension.org.

Prostate Cancer Self Help Group This group sponsored by the American Cancer Society is designed to educate and support men facing prostate cancer. Meets the first Saturday of the month at Sacred Heart Hospital, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call (850) 438-4491.

Grief Support

GriefShare The Sacred Heart Palliative Care department provides a free, 13-week Grief Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one. The meetings are in the Palliative Care department, located in Suite 201 of the Bayou Tower on Sacred Heart’s Pensacola campus. The public may use the free valet parking at the hospital’s Bayou Tower entrance, which faces Bayou Blvd. For registration information, call Kerri Riggs, LCSW, at (850) 416-7705.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/ event/la-leche-league-9/.

LEAPS New Mom Support Group Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. LEAPS (Love, Encouragement, and Postpartum Support) is a self-care support group focused on helping moms connect and engage in activities that promote balance, stress management, and overall wellness. Guest speakers and self-care activities will be provided and are free of cost. Pre-crawling babies welcome. Free. Next meeting will be held September 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more info, call (850) 433-5353 ext. 10 or visit http://everman.org/event/ leaps-new-mom-support-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.sacredheart.org/childbirth.

MOMS Club of Pensacola-Northeast Non-profit organization whose mission is to support stay-at-home mothers and their children. We offer age-specific playgroups, member-only activities and participate in philanthropic efforts within our community. We strive to provide a supportive, caring atmosphere during every stage of motherhood. Visit us at www.momsclubpensacolane.weebly.com or find us on Facebook.

MOMS Club of Pensacola-Southwest We are “MOMS Offering Moms Support.” Our non-profit organization aims to meet the needs of West Pensacola and Perdido Key mothers who have chosen to stay at home with their children. Public member meetings are held on 4th Wednesdays. We also meet throughout the month in smaller, age-specific and activity-specific playgroups for various club activities. For more info, visit https://momsclubpensacolasw.weebly.com/ or find us on Facebook.

Pensacola Parents of Multiples If you are expecting or already blessed with multiples, you are encouraged to get free, helpful information.

We offer a support network, social activities for children and parents, library and more. For more info, visit pensacolamultiples.com or call (850) 449-4208.

Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets 2nd Thursdays, from 5-6:30 p.m. Baptist Towers, Tower 3, Suite 233, 1717 North E St., Avery Street Entrance. For more info, call (850) 469-7372.

Sacred Heart Cancer Center Sacred Heart provides emotional support and education for cancer patients and their families through a variety of support groups. For more info, visit the Cancer Center Support Groups website or call (850) 416-2679.

P

Special Needs Parent Support

Baptist Mommy & Me Play Group Baptist Hospital, Prenatal Classroom, 3rd Floor.

Free support group for moms with babies up to six months old. Call for next meeting dates. For more info, call (850) 434-4567.

La Leche League Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street, Pensacola. Our mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Free. Next meetings will be held September 6 and October 4, from 10 a.m.-noon. For more info,

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Children With Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) Support Group For families of children with attention deficit disorders.

To find a local group, please visit www.chadd.org/.

Weight Loss

Weight-Loss Support Group Meets second Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Baptist Tower 3, Ground Floor, Baptist Weight-Loss Center, 1717 North E St. For more info, call (850) 437-8746.

Please send your calendar events to editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

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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A Crash Course in Teen Drug Use Maybe you saw the title of this article, and thought, “Well, this is one I don’t need to read.

My kid would never do drugs!” I’m not here to frighten you, but if you believe your son or daughter will never be tempted to use harmful substances, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. We might like to think it’s the other kids who are using, and not our own. But according to recent studies, 1 out of every 5 teens is abusing alcohol, illegal, or legal drugs on a regular basis. Even high school students who aren’t presently using are telling researchers that they get offered prescription narcotics at least twice a day!

In a world that increasingly embraces drug and alcohol use, moms and dads need to understand that this issue will come up in their child’s life. Parents also need to learn how to identify and discuss with their teens the many social pressures they will face to participate in substance abuse.

What’s Out There?

What would you say is the number one drug abused by teenagers today? Marijuana?

Nicotine? In reality, more common than both of these are prescription drugs! Narcotics like Vicodin, Oxycotin, Ativan, Valium, Ambien, Adderall, and even Ritalin are popular medications being used recreationally among today’s adolescents. There is a huge market for sedatives, painkillers, and anti-depressants, so keep a tight lid on your medicine cabinet, and realize that those bottles on the shelf can be just as damaging as the dealers on the corner.

Next to prescription drugs, marijuana is the second most common drug abused among teens. And you can’t turn on the television, listen to music, or read the newspaper without seeing prominent people coming out in support of legalizing this drug. As pot use becomes more common, teens who’ve never tried it may start to think, “Well, it can’t be too bad if that person is promoting it!” Parents, it’s not enough anymore to say, “It’s illegal!” We need to learn how to engage in a conversation about the dangers of marijuana in a different way.

Another growing trend in narcotics is designer drugs. These are fairly common sub-

stances that have had their chemical structure altered in order to create a new product. These drugs are often sold in powder form, including LSD, PCP, Ecstasy, and Ketamine.

This list of drugs and narcotics is not an exhaustive collection by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s a crash course for the uninformed on what’s being offered, pushed, and abused in our culture. The more you know about what is out there, the better prepared you will be to handle a teen who is caught in addiction, or tempted to experiment.

What Are the Signs?

Here are telltale signs to keep watch for: Constant use of eye drops. Smoking pot dries out the sinuses and causes bloodshot eyes. If your teen is going through bottles of eye drops, it might be a sign that they are using marijuana.

Use of Goldenseal vitamins. Goldenseal is an herb that aids in fighting in the common cold and may help with digestive disorders, as well.

But this herb is commonly believed to mask the presence of illegal drugs in urine.

Overuse of air fresheners or incense. If you get into your teen’s car, or walk into their room, and it’s perfumed with heavy aromas, it may be a sign your child is trying to hide the smell of smoke.

Drinking vinegar. Many people use vinegar for medicinal reasons, but for a teen using drugs, consuming vinegar could be an attempt to mask the smell of drugs on their breath, or hide the presence of narcotics in their urine.

Small burns on their fingers. If you regularly notice small burns on a teen’s forefinger and thumb, that’s a strong indicator of drug use. Rapid weight loss, lack of energy, heavy perspiration, or small bruises on the arms, legs, or feet, are also signs of drug use.

Emotional changes. Does your son seem to be depressed or angry? Is your daughter avoiding her friends or seem listless all the time?

While these are signs of normal adolescence, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Wild swings in your child’s emotions could be a sign that they are turning to drugs or alcohol to cope.

What Do I Do?

If you’ve discovered that your teen has a problem with drugs, your next question is, “Now what do I do?”

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First, if you’ve had a history with drugs in your past, don’t be afraid to share that with your son or daughter. Many parents are extremely hesitant to volunteer that kind of information to their kids, in fear that acknowledging mistakes gives kids license to repeat history. But that is simply not the case. Admitting why mom and dad know what they’re talking about actually adds credence and value to their words. Don’t glorify your past, but rather share the mistakes and regrets you have in this particular area.

Second, don’t engage in an argument about the morality of using of drugs. Yes, marijuana is an herb; yes it’s been successfully used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

Yes, many people want to legalize it. And yes, many successful and prominent people in society openly admit to smoking pot. But these are not the arguments that matter. What’s important is your son or daughter’s relationship to drugs. Always bring the discussion back to that personal level. The fact is, all drugs are addictive and can be destructive. Explain that you care for your teen, and don’t want them to be held captive to any substance. Narcotics are designed to dull our senses and trick our minds into feeling a certain way. Drugs don’t improve our lives in any way. Their purpose is simply to alter our emotions, and eventually they hold us prisoner. Many teens have told me that after using drugs for awhile, it got to the point where they needed those crutches to go to school, deal with their family, or relax. As you talk to your teens about drugs, put yourself in the same scenario. What would your teen say if you needed a couple of beers for breakfast before going to work? Or you needed to pop a pill in order to sit down at the dinner table and relax?

Wouldn’t they be concerned for you?

Lastly, seek help. Drugs have the capability to sink their claws into our kids so deep that it can be extremely difficult to pry them loose. If your child is caught in the snare of drugs, enlist some allies to help you free them. Find sponsors or programs that give them tools to overcome cravings and addictions. Read books or articles that delve deeper into counseling teenagers dealing with drugs. You don’t have to face this alone.

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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Alpha

The Meg

MPAA Rating: PG 13 Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Alpha is a slow movie. I don’t mean that as a criticism but as a statement of fact. Alpha moves at a deliberate pace, gradually unfolding the plot, carefully building up relationships between the human and animal characters, and lovingly sweeping over its awe-inspiring locations in Canada and Iceland.

The story begins 20,000 years ago in Ice Age Europe. Our protagonist, Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is the son of Tau, the chief, played with dignified assurance by Johannes Haukur Johannesson. It is time for the annual buffalo hunt, and Keda is finally old enough to join the other hunters and become a man. Tau’s assurance is tested quickly. Luckily for Keda, aid comes in an unexpected package when he is stalked by wolves and knives one of the creatures in the leg. The teen develops a sense of fellow feeling for the injured animal, who he names Alpha, and nurses it back to health. The relationship that develops between Keda and Alpha is critical to their mutual survival.

When it comes to family viewing, Alpha has some unusual considerations. It is almost entirely free of objectionable content, aside from hunting related violence and situations of extreme danger. That being said, this film is not likely to be a smash hit with family audiences. Its biggest drawback for kids and teens comes from its dialogue. Spoken in an invented Cro-Magnon language, the film is subtitled throughout. through a barren (albeit beautiful) landscape. On the flip side, filmgoers of any age who enjoy survival movies, history or nature documentaries, and who are prepared to be patient, will find their niche with Alpha.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B In the depths of the Pacific Ocean lurks a sharp-toothed predator, ready to chomp on your desire to go swimming this summer! When a deep-sea research station, funded by Morris (Rainn Wilson) and operated by Zhang (Winston Chao) and his daughter, Suyin (Bingbing Lao), discovers a lower level of the ocean, they encounter some unexpected creatures. After their submersible pod is damaged, it is up to Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham), a burned-out rescue diver with a dark past, to save the crew from what lies beneath. Fortunately, the monsters of the deep are contained by a band of icy water near the ocean floor...for now.

As you might expect from a movie about a 75-foot-long prehistoric shark (the Megalodon), there is a lot of blood and gore. Dismembered limbs, an accidental stabbing, and various injuries associated with damaged ships and submarines are seen throughout. However, the violence is not overly gratuitous and is used mostly to further the plot. The sexual content is even less of an issue. One sexual pun is made between several adult characters, and Jason Statham is seen without his shirt. And, for such an intense movie, there is less profanity than expected, although you will hear frequent mild swear words, terms of deity and scatological slang, along with a couple of moderate curses.

All in all, The Meg is well placed at PG-13, and it markets itself to that demographic of teenagers and young adults. If your teen is especially sensitive to suspense or violence, this may be one to avoid. However, more thick-skinned viewers may enjoy taking a bite out of this thriller from the deep.

Crazy Rich Asians

The Darkest Minds

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: BSexual Content: C Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: BIn the familiar Cinderella story, Prince Charming falls in love with a beautiful woman, not knowing that she is really a scullery maid. Add a tiny glass slipper, true love and...presto... they all live happily ever after. Crazy Rich Asians puts a spin on the traditional formula. In this modern re-telling for adults and older teens, Chinese-American university professor and regular girl, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) falls in love with Nick Young (Henry Golding), who she believes to be a regular guy.

Unbeknownst to her, Nick is the scion of a Singaporean property dynasty – the next thing to Asian royalty. Getting to happily ever after is going to be a bit more complicated.

Nick loves his family matriarch, despite her attempts to control his life.

And Rachel is very close to the loving single parent (Kheng Hua Tan) who raised her and worked hard to lift them out of poverty. This positive message comes alongside some negative content issues, the biggest one of which is alcohol consumption. Characters imbibe constantly. The single most visible issue in this movie, however, is money. Enormous amounts of cash are spent so lavishly that “conspicuous consumption” sounds like an understatement.

Rachel initially views the family’s wealth with apprehension. Yet eventually she has to decide if she is going to remain who she has always been or play the same games as the rest of the Singaporean social elite. Will she have a happy ending or will she become just another “crazy rich Asian”?

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: C Sexual Content: CProfanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A Teens with special powers. Adults who try to stop them. Sound familiar?

That’s because it is. The Darkest Minds isn’t blazing any new trails for Hollywood but it ticks all the boxes for a teenage sci-fi action movie.

The beginning of the movie is disturbing, especially when protagonist, Ruby Daly, (played with big-eyed luminosity by Amandla Stenberg) is taken away to the camps at the age of ten, where the inmates are separated by their color-coded gifts. Six years later, Ruby escapes, meets up with three other fugitives - Liam Stewart (Harris Dickinson), Chubs (Peyton Wich), and Zu (Miya Cech). The group goes on the run looking a rumored children’s settlement where they can live without fear. When they find it, they discover that everything isn’t what it seems.

Parents will want to be aware of issues around violence and sexual content. These are significant enough that the movie is not suitable for younger children, although teens will likely enjoy it. The most upsetting episodes involve the intersection of mind control and violence. A male teenage character in a position of authority attempts to sexually assault a teenage girl. It isn’t clear if the abuser is inside her mind or is assaulting her physical body. The attack is not graphic, no clothing is removed, and she escapes from him very quickly.

The relationship between Ruby and Liam illustrates the most positive messages found in The Darkest Minds. This media portrayal of an adolescent love story is unusually wholesome.

Greater Pensacola Parents I September 2018

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SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS NEED A

SPECIALIZED PLAN With school back in session, is your plan in place?

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