Eastern Shore Parents November 2015 by KeepSharing

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile invite you to

2015

5th Anniversary!

Tuesday, December 1 at 6 p.m. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital 1700 Center Street

Tree Lighting • Music • Crafts • Cocoa

Santa • Ronald McDonald

Vaccine is the best method to prevent influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease (pneu), and reduce complications. FLU VACCINE

PNEU VACCINE

• Recommended for 6 months of age and older

• Recommended for 2 months to 5 years and 65 years and older

• Available types include: nasal mist, high-dose, under the skin, egg-free, or 3-4 strains

• Two vaccines protect against 13 and 23 strains of pneumonia • Risk groups and all adults 65 years should receive both vaccines

• Vaccine can be given from September - March each year

For more information, contact your healthcare provider, county health department, or community vaccinators.

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Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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November2015 52

Volume 8 Number 6

Columns

6 Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Lynn Knighton

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Positive Discipline = Positive Behavior A token system for behavioral change in the difficult child.

Growing a Thankful Family

20 Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Ideas for growing grateful children in a want-more world.

48 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

50 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

54 Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Holiday Happenings

From parades to tree lightings to musicals and more, these events make your season bright!

56 Centsibly Southern Chic

Hovering Parents

Laura Handey

Avoid creating anxious kids by giving the proper amount of independence and stepping back.

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments

On The Cover

Hali Everette (12) is the daughter of Gene and Dawn Everette and little sister to Kristie (22) of Spanish Fort. Hali enjoys participating in theatre, singing with her voice coach, boating, swimming and Auburn football. Hali is a former dancer with 10 years of experience. 5

83 A Page in a Book

Bits and Pieces 22

School Bits 78

Family Calendar 84

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote If you have more than one child, you have inevitably heard, “But that’s not my mess!” Especially if you have children who share a room. My youngest girls were born 15 months apart and have shared a room most of their lives. I love how close it has made the two of them, and for the most part, they really do enjoy each other’s company. You can often hear them playing and giggling in their room, especially at bedtime. I can’t tell you how many times I have to go in there and ask them to stop talking and go to sleep. Yes, all is well in their room. That is, until it comes time to clean it. You would not believe how quickly they turn on one another. Oh, the blaming and finger pointing that goes on! One would think they were archenemies. At some point during the process one of the girls will ask, “Why do I have to share a room with her? Why can’t I have my own room?” Then she will list all the people she knows who don’t have to share a room. I remind her that the world is full of legitimate injustices, but having to share a room with her sister is not one of them. There are whole families living in one room, or worse, who have no home to live in at all. We remind them of just how very lucky we are, and instead of looking at what we don’t have, to be thankful for what we do have. It is tough in a world of consumerism to raise children to appreciate what they have. Jan Pierce writes an important article in this month’s issue, Growing a Thankful Family in a WantMore World. Jan provides us with some helpful suggestions of things families can do to foster a more grateful attitude. Once we have that discussion, the girls usually calm down enough to focus on the task at hand. I have to say, they really do a great job. For a long time Brad and I spent way too much time hovering over them to make sure they did everything they were supposed to do. This was fine when they were younger and just learning, but at some point, they needed to take ownership. As Christa Hines tells us in her article, Hovering Parents, Anxious Kids, we really are not doing them any favors by helping too much. With the goal of creating more independent cleaning, Brad, the girls, and I created a chore list that everyone agreed was a fair division of responsibilities. The list isn’t anything fancy. It is just a plain old piece of paper on the back of the door with check boxes the girls can initial as they complete each task. Some families opt for a more creative solution. Just look on Pinterest and you will find several adorable chore charts and incentive programs. Be warned, many of those require way too much crafting for a busy parent on the go. If your family is looking to implement a more formal system for behavior issues, that includes both rewards and penalties (and is easier to put together than some of the Pinterest ideas) check out Positive Discipline Equals Positive Behavior, by Kimberly Blaker. She explains step by step her token system and how it works for her family. Once the girls are finished, they do end up being very proud of their hard work. Plus, once all the housework is done, we can all go out and have fun! With all the exciting events and holiday happenings, that is definitely a great incentive! This month we have compiled a list of all the Holiday Happenings into one convenient list on 64. But, the fun doesn’t stop there! Make sure you also check out the Family Calendar on page 78, where you will find even more community activities to enjoy. As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I want to thank all of you who support Eastern Shore Parents Magazine. Whether you are an advertiser, reader, distribution location, community contributor, or school liaison, we could not do this without you. I am grateful each and every day for this wonderful opportunity and thank you for being a part of it. Happy Thanksgiving!

Lynn lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Laura Handey Christa Hines Carolyn Jabs Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Janel Gay www.janelgayphotography.com

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

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Micromanagement Stimulates Pushback Q: My 14-year-old son started public high school this year and immediately fell into his old bad habits. He’s intelligent and capable of making consistently excellent grades, but he often does less than he’s capable of. He also tends to wait until the last minute before he begins something like a book report. I’m on the school website every day, keeping up with his assignments and then making sure he does them. I’ve been doing this since he was in the third grade. He obviously doesn’t like it, but if I don’t, I’m afraid of what will happen. When I try to talk to him about the problem, he tells me he’s okay, everything is fine, and I need to back off. He’s a good kid who’s well-liked by teachers and peers and can do exemplary work when he wants to. How can I motivate him? A: Your son may have developed some bad habits, but so have you. Unfortunately, neither of you can see that your

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

respective bad habits are playing off each other’s and have created a vicious cycle. Your son does less than he’s capable of, you micromanage, he responds by doing less than he’s capable of and you respond with more micromanaging. And around and around you go. The two of you have been engaged in this dance for six, now going on seven, years, during which time nothing has changed. Is there any possibility that more micromanagement on your part is going to suddenly accomplish what six years of it has not accomplished? The answer: No. Micromanagement is self-fulfilling. Invariably, it stimulates push-back. The recipient retaliates against the violation of his autonomy by passively frustrating the manager’s attempts to improve his performance. This causes the manager to double-down, which results in more pushback, which brings on more micromanaging, and so on.

Your son has told you what you need to do: back off. He’s intelligent, capable, and like all too many of his peers, has figured out how to make adequate grades with minimal effort. You can take away privileges if his achievement falls below a certain level, but that’s not going to work unless you back off, and I mean completely. Stop checking the school website; stop checking behind him; stop nagging. Leave him to his own devices. You’re not describing a child who’s going to crash and burn, drop out of school, and wind up homeless or in prison. My experience leads me to predict that when you back off, his school achievement will slowly improve—slowly being the operative word. You’re probably going to have to accept that he’s going to continue underachieving (while still making decent grades) until he finds coursework that presents him with a rewarding challenge. In the meantime, your relationship with him will greatly improve. Can you accept a less-than-perfect outcome? Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Send Your Halloween Candy to the Troops

Support the Troops, Saturday, November 7th, by trading in all that leftover Halloween candy and be entered for a chance to win a Movie Party Package! This event is hosted by Daphne Pediatric Dentistry and supports Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to U.S. Military. You may turn your candy in between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm at Premier Cinemas in the Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort. For more information on this special project call 251-447-0627.

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Mobile Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”

Holiday splendor returns to the stage with Mobile Ballet’s lavish production of “The Nutcracker” at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Featuring a cast of more than 100, this year’s production stars guest artists Jeanette Delgado, principal dancer, Miami City Ballet, as the Sugarplum Fairy and Daniel Ulbricht, principal dancer, New York City Ballet, as her Cavalier. Ticket prices range from $20 to $60, with additional discounts for children, students, seniors 65+, military ID and groups. Three performances: Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. Purchase tickets on-line at www.mobileballet.org or call the Mobile Ballet Box office at (251) 342-2241, 4351 Downtowner Loop North, Mobile, AL 36609. Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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Five Reasons to Visit Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

1. Magic Christmas in Lights is made in Alabama. Bellingrath Gardens and Home’s beautiful holiday lights display is designed and built on-site by our employees, two of whom work full-time, year-round to create and lamp the set pieces. 2. You’ll have a chance to see brand-new displays and effects, along with your favorite scenes. We’ll have animated snowflakes sparkling on the Great Lawn and 8-foot water lilies glowing on Mirror Lake. The Underwater Garden will be enhanced with blue track lights to create the effect of flowing waves overhead. 3. It’s one of the nation’s best holiday light shows, voted into the Top 10 of USA Today’s reader’s choice list in 2014! 4. It’s the perfect family event to get everyone into the holiday spirit. All ages – grandparents, babies and everyone in between – enjoy strolling the paths throughout the Gardens and taking magical photos together. 5. Magic Christmas in Lights is celebrating 20 years of magic in 2015, and we’re marking this milestone anniversary with a bang! Join us for a fireworks show on the Great Lawn on Opening Night, Friday, Nov. 27. Magic Christmas in Lights will continue from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2016. (The Gardens are closed on Christmas and New Year’s Days.)

Lights of Love Holiday Tree-Lighting

A Chocolate Affair

Family Promise of Baldwin County announces the 8th annual fundraiser 'A Chocolate Affair". This exciting event features heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts from local restaurants, live/silent auction, live music and other activities. Tickets are available now for $25 per person in advance by visiting our website, www.familypromisebc.org or by calling the office at 251947-5641. Tickets are $30 at the door. "A Chocolate Affair" will be held on Tuesday, December 8 from 6 – 9 pm at the Foley Civic Center. Proceeds from the event benefit Family Promise of Baldwin County, a community response to the issue of homelessness in Baldwin County, specifically homeless families with children.

The 5th Annual Lights of Love holiday treelighting at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 to celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season. New this year will be a towering, 30-foot tree. As always, Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald will greet guests. The free event also features live music, cookies and hot cocoa. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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Turkey Take Out Seeking Volunteers and Donations!

Foley Elementary School, along with area churches and organizations, is stepping up to help those in need in the Foley area. The Sixth Annual Turkey Take Out is gearing up to feed an estimated 1000 people again this year, many of whom are the families of students at Foley Elementary School and the Foley feeder schools such as Magnolia Springs, Swift, Summerdale and Elberta. “With over seventy percent of the school’s population at poverty level or below and over 100 students labeled as ‘homeless’, we couldn’t look the other way and do nothing to help” said Ginny Barnas, owner of Island Air, Inc. and one of the organizers of Turkey Take Out. Turkey Take Out was established to provide families with a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day as well as non-perishable food items to fill the pantries of those in need. Last year, the Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dressing, green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and pie was prepared, packaged and delivered with the help of more than 300 volunteers over two days. Turkey Take Out is calling on everyone to collect non-perishable food items and deliver to the following locations: Foley Elementary School, Foley City Hall/Civic Center, Christian Life Church Foley, St. Paul’s Episcopal Foley and Columbia Southern University. Churches or other organizations can also collect the food items to be delivered to Foley Elementary School by Friday, November 20, 2015. Turkey Take Out is in need of donations to buy the food for the Thanksgiving meal. $40 feeds a family of four. Donations can be made directly to Foley Elementary School or to any of the organizations listed above. Also, volunteers are still needed for the preparation of food, organization of non-perishable foods, packaging and delivery. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can go to the Turkey Take Out website at www.turkeytakeout.com.

Getting Dazzled for Diabetes

Check off your holiday shopping list and help children with diabetes at the same time! Join us on November 16th at a very special Silpada Jewelry Event sponsored by Jubilee Printing and The Venue. Getting Dazzled for Diabetes will be held at The Venue, 105 South Section Street, Fairhope, from 5 pm – 8 pm. Proceeds will benefit The Sweet Life Group. The Sweet Life group was formed to help children with Diabetes attend Camp Seale Harris, a camp for children with Diabetes. Families with type 1 diagnosis often feel scared and alone. Camp Seale Harris helps children feel "normal" and realize they are far from alone. Attending this camp is not covered by insurance so it is the hope of "The Sweet Life Group" to provide assistance to send children who would otherwise not be able to attend. If you cannot attend in person, you can shop online at www.MySilpada.com/LinkaFeenker and choose "Get Dazzled for Diabetes" as the hostess. Profit from your purchase will be donated in your name!

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Former Crimson Tide Quarterback to Speak at Young Life Benefit

Brodie Croyle became a hero of the gridiron known almost instantly as just “Brodie” to University of Alabama football fans of the early 2000’s. Success later as an NFL quarterback still didn’t keep him from returning ultimately to his roots at Big Oak Ranch, the home for abandoned, abused, orphaned and neglected children his father founded over 40 years ago. Today, Brodie has stepped into leadership of the program that’s been home to nearly 2000 boys and girls since its founding in 1974. Croyle will bring his story to the annual Young Life of the Eastern Shore banquet November 9th at the Daphne Civic Center. “Brodie couldn’t be a better fit for our mission in reaching out and encouraging teenagers,” said YL Director Mark Wilson. “We believe kids’ lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults simply spend time with them sharing God’s love and believing in them. They start to see their lives have worth, meaning and purpose. And being a teenager in 2015 – gaining that direction has never been more important. The work Brodie and his family are doing every day with the kids of Big Oak is a huge inspiration to what Young Life is all about.” Croyle retired from the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 and he later became Associate Executive Director of Big Oak Ranch. He grew up on the Ranch which today incorporates 18 residential homes between the Girls’ and Boys’ Ranch. He attended Westbrook Christian School, which is owned and operated by Big Oak Ranch. The Big Oak Ranch ministry grew out of Croyle’s father John’s desire to give hurting children a chance. The older Croyle was an All-American defensive end on the national champion 1973 team under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He declined an opportunity in the NFL to pursue his dream of helping children in need. Croyle’s Tide teammate of the 70’s – Bob Baumhower – is a longtime supporter of the Ranch and major sponsor of the night. Doors open at 6:30 at the Daphne Civic Center with dinner by Baumhowers Restaurant and the program to start at 7. The event is free, and donations to Young Life encouraged but not required. For reservations or more information contact Reta Barnes at ylbanquet2015@gmail.com.

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Can Do Good Building Competition Accepting Entries

Can Do Good (CDG) is a social design-build competition steered by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. (GMC) architecture and engineering firm, for school students (K-12th grades) in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Students will organize canned food drives and design and build creative structures using the collected items, which are then donated to local food bank or charitable organization. GMC will match the donation of the winning team from each division, in addition to presenting the winners with the title of Best Can Do Good Structure in the Southeast and a check for $1,000. GMC is currently accepting entries and seeking schools to participate in the 2016 CDG competition now through December 9, 2015. For more information about this hands-on learning experience that emphasizes that importance of giving back to the community please visit www.gmcnetwork.com/designbuildeat or contact Ashley.Morris@gmcnetwork.com.

IMPACT Youth Theater Presents “Judah's Journey A First Christmas Experience”

IMPACT Youth Theater, a performing arts group primarily comprised of home-school students ages 3-18 and their families presents “Judah's Journey - A First Christmas Experience”. Written and directed by Mrs. Patti Woods, this play is a fun retelling of the Nativity story. Judah, an angel, is sent on a mission to deliver a very special item to the new King, who will be born in Bethlehem. Will Judah successfully deliver the item? Or will she fail the mission? Either way, “Judah's Journey - A First Christmas Experience,” is sure to bring a smile to your face. The performances will be held at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm on Tuesday, December 1st, at the Daphne Civic Center. Admission is free and donations are appreciated! Concessions and silent auction are available at the 6:30 performance. For more information emailimpacttheaterreservations@gmail.com.

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University of Mobile Announces New $20,000 ‘Belief in Community’ College Scholarships for High School Seniors in Baldwin and Mobile Counties

The University of Mobile is offering a new “Belief in Community Scholarship” that awards $20,000 college scholarships for each high school senior in Mobile and Baldwin counties who enrolls at the Christian university for Fall Semester 2016. The $20,000 scholarships are part of the university’s award-winning “Belief in U” campaign that highlights the advantages of attending the Christian university in north Mobile County. “The University of Mobile is highly invested in our community, and our new ‘Belief in Community Scholarship’ is a great example of that,” said Kim Leousis, vice president for enrollment services. Last year the University of Mobile awarded more than $9 million in university scholarships, not including athletic scholarships. Students should apply online for the Belief in Community Scholarship at www.umobile.edu/community. The $20,000 scholarship will be awarded to all Mobile and Baldwin county residents who will graduate from high school in 2016 and enroll as first-time freshmen for Fall Semester 2016 at the University of Mobile. Scholarship recipients must meet admission requirements for the University of Mobile. Mobile and Baldwin county students may earn an additional $2,000 Visit Day Scholarship by attending a Visit Day or campus tour and enrolling. Visit Days will be held Oct. 16 and Dec. 4 in 2015. Visit Days are set for Jan. 29 and March 18 in 2016. Also, campus tours are held Mondays through Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. To sign up for a Visit Day or schedule a private campus visit, go to www. umobile.edu/visit or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222. For information about the University of Mobile, visit www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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Joe & Dave of the Original Oyster House Win ARHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance presented Joe Roszkowski and David Dekle of the Original Oyster House the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony. The award has been given since 2004 in recognition of outstanding achievement in the restaurant industry and generous contributions throughout the state of Alabama. What a wonderful testament to their 32-year journey on a mission to exceed customer’s expectations and give back to the community they serve. Joe Roszkowski, his wife Mary Lou and long-time friends and business partners David and Jane Dekle built one of the most iconic seafood restaurants along the Gulf Coast. The Original Oyster House first opened in Gulf Shores with sixty seats and ten employees. Joe is President/CEO and David Dekle is vice president of Superb Foods, the management company of the Original Oyster House restaurants, Geez Louise Boutique, Trading Company and Joe & Dave’s Sauces and Seasonings. Being named one of the best oyster bars in America by Time, Inc. along with having numerous awards for seafood gumbo, homemade desserts and the very popular fire-grilled oysters have kept their restaurants in the headlines, but it’s the years of unnoticed service that makes Joe and David standouts in the community. Through outreach, volunteerism, donations and sponsorships, Joe and David have been able to give back to area schools, athletics, churches charitable organizations and many other worthy causes. Every September 11 the restaurants offer a free lunch to all first responders in memory of those who lost their lives. Each year the restaurants also award 2 scholarships to high school seniors in memory of the late Chelsea Garvin, an employee of the restaurant who exemplified a giving spirit. In 2014, Joe and David were recognized by the local Chamber as leaders in environmental stewardship because of the company’s proactive environmental stance and sustainable practices, including converting used frying oil into biodiesel to fuel company vehicles, installing the only wind turbine on the Mobile Causeway for electricity and installing solar heaters. In 2014, the restaurants became leading sponsors of the Oyster Trail that supports oyster restoration and gardening and published an Oyster Trailblazer Calendar to educate and support the Oyster Trail. Joe is president and an active board of directors of Archangel Communications/Archangel Radio (1410 am), president of the board of directors of Baldwin County Catholic Social Services, active in Cursillo Retreat Ministry as well as worked on the Business Development Committee for the new St. Michael’s Catholic High School. He has also served as chairman for the Mobile Archdiocese Catholic Charities Appeal. As a Knight of Columbus, David is also active in the Catholic Faith. David has been influential in the communities he serves and has been a longtime sponsor funding Catholic School scholarships for needy families. Through his advocacy for the physically and intellectually challenged, David helped implement programs that have changed lives forever, including the disabled Veteran’s fishing program he helped launch in 2010. David also actively supports the Bay Area Food Bank, which distributes over 16 million pounds of food annually.

November 27 – January 2 • 5 – 9 PM Closed Christmas and New Year’s Days

VOTED ‘TOP 10 PUBLIC LIGHT DISPLAYS IN AMERICA’

251.973.2217 • bellingrath.org

Advance tickets available online and at the Gardens. 15

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Mobile’s Singing Children Announces 2015 – 2016 Concert Choir Performances

The Concert Choir of Mobile’s Singing Children welcomes 45 singers into Concert Choir for the upcoming season. Concert Choir has been chosen to sing at the Alabama Music Educator’s Conference in January. This is a great honor as this talented group sings for the music educators of Alabama. Pictured, Left to right, First row: Brianna Balmes, Ligaya Gapud, Tatum Courington, Marina Roddy, Madison Motley, Madison McPhillips, Katie Ann Hites, Abby Ferlise. Second row: Ruth Harper, Madison Lancaster, Emma McDonald, Tara Piggott, Mary Ferniany, Haydn Emmertson, William Stoll, Miguel Gapud, Emily Bruemmer, Elyssa Musial, Janie Dunwell. Third row: Malory Myers, Samantha Brantley, Taylor Emmertson, Whitney Wallace, Ethan Myers, Emmanuel Gapud, Rileigh Hawkins, Hannah Evans, Meredith Mosley, Grace Greenwood, Emma Loftin. Fourth row: Bentley Odom, Madison Harkins, Darby Short, Megan Matthews, Kiana Shula, Katie Norton, Caroline Womack, Lauren Wallace, Kiliyah Shula, Shelby Peterson, Morgan Myers, Tamra Gill. Here are some of our 2015 – 2016 performances: Veterans Day Performance with the Mobile Pops Band – Battleship Park – November 11 at 7:00 p.m. Annual Christmas Concert – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – December 5 at 7:00 p.m. Governor’s Mansion Annual Christmas Open House – December 21 at 5:30 p.m. Alabama Music Educator’s Conference – Montgomery- January 21 at 7:30 p.m. Mobile Symphony Orchestra – Saenger Theatre – May 14 and 15 at 8:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mobile’s Singing Children is currently holding auditions for their Preparatory and Intermezzo Choirs. For more information or to set up an audition, please visit our website or email us at mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com.

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Distinguished Young Women of Baldwin County Names Winners

The Distinguished Young Women of Baldwin County recently held their 51st Annual program on the Faulkner State Community College campus. Eligible high school senior girls competed for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Baldwin County, competing in categories such as scholastic, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression. Caroline Hill of Fairhope High School was the nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big winner, taking home the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Baldwin County as well as cash scholarships from Springhill College, Mobile College and Troy University. Nicole Roca of McGill-Toolen High School was selected as first runner up, with Rebekah Lomax of Robertsdale High School being named second runner up. Hill will continue on to the state level competition in hopes of being named Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama, where she would then compete in the national finals in Mobile. L to R: Nicole Roca (1st runner up), Caroline Hill (2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Baldwin County) and Rebekah Lomax (2nd runner up).

91 Year Old Resident Performs with Music Students

Music students of Baldwin County Music Teachers Association members Lindsey Hughes, Vincentine Williams and Eric Marrero had a real treat when Westminster Village resident, Dr. Rock, joined their program to perform one of his original piano pieces. This September concert featured student piano, flute and tuba performances. Pictured, from left, back row: Dr. Rock, Andrew Erdman, Kahlan Wokasien; 2nd row: Isabella Porto, Anna Dorris, Abrielle Le, Albert Le; 3rd row: Kayleigh Thomas and Gabe Wokasien.

A weekend of fun for the whole family! Saturday, December 5th 9am - 3pm Sunday, December 6th 9:30am - 2pm

Free Admission! Variety of Unique Vendors Gift Baskets-Silent Auction Arts-Crafts-Antiques Santa-Food Baked Goods-Homemade Goodies Visit our website:

www.stlawrencechristmasbazaar.com

370 South Section Street Fairhope Our Proud Sponsors

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20th Annual Christmas by the Bay “Rescues on the Runway”

Christmas By The Bay 2015 – An evening of great food, live entertainment, silent auction, and Rescues on the Runway! Some of Baldwin County’s most charming, pretty, handsome and adoptable pups and cats will make their debut Thursday, November 19th from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Fairhope Civic Center. Roman Street will headline the event. Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since their college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed 'the next generation' of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. Jim Cox, a ‘Man about Town’ will again be our emcee this year. Jim is a board member and supporter of the Baldwin County Humane Society through his wine store, Southern Napa, and his marketing company, Wahoo Productions. Jim is also the television host of High School Football on UTV 44. Established in 1979, the Baldwin County Humane Society is the only animal welfare organization serving all of Baldwin County. We are volunteer driven and rely solely on donations and grants to provide our many services. With the generosity of our community we were able to have 2,270 dogs and cats spayed or neutered and find forever homes for 240 in 2014. This event will help provide for hundreds of animals in need.

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 5 hr drive.

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1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

Dog Bites and More Hey guys! We have talked about protecting your kids and yourselves from many of the dangers around us every day, i.e. the sun, the water, bugs, fireworks, and lawnmowers, just to name a few. But, today we are going to discuss pet safety, and more importantly, dog bites. Dog bites and dog attacks can occur from the most mild mannered weenie dog to large stray pit bulls. Let’s discuss some numbers and then delve into some ways to keep you safe and treat dog bites. An estimated 4.6 million dog bites will occur this year with 800,000 requiring medical attention. Somewhere between 10 and 20 people are killed by dog bites each year with the majority being children. And, an estimated 479 million dollars in liability claims were paid on dog related injuries in 2011! So, what can you do? When purchasing a dog or adopting one, be sure to carefully select your dog based on demeanor and suitability for your family. As a puppy is growing up, be sure to carefully expose them to social situations and do it in a non-threatening way. Teaching dogs to be aggressive only leads to harm for the pet and their owners. Keep your dog healthy and be on alert for any signs of illness as this can lead to an increased risk of bites or attacks. The number of bites in

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

children and infants are much higher than in adults, so never, never leave any dog alone with a child. The other important way to help reduce dog bites is to teach your child some basic behavior and safety rules. First, teach your child respect for animals and to not taunt any animal or throw things at them. Also, teach your children to avoid dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. It’s also a good idea for your child to always ask an owner if they can pet a strange dog and to offer a hand to sniff prior to petting. When petting a dog, be sure to avoid the face and tail. Dogs are very playful, so oftentimes, if a child is running near or past a dog, the pet thinks it is playtime and will chase the child. Sometimes playful situations can lead to more aggressive behavior. If a child feels threatened, have them avoid eye contact and slowly back away from the dog until out of harm’s way, but don‘t run away. If a dog does attack, teach the child to ball up and protect their face with their arms and hands. So, what happens if you or your child is bitten, or your dog bites another person? Immediately restrain the dog and remove from the situation. Wash all bites with soap and water and seek medical

help immediately. All animal bites have an increased risk of infection, especially bites that occur on hands and fingers. These areas are prone to infection from even the smallest puncture wounds and can lead to serious consequences. After the bite is addressed, and your dog is the biter, then talk to your veterinarian about the current rabies immunization status for your pet. If it was another dog, then talk to the owner about the current vaccine status or if unable to locate an owner, then collect all descriptive information about the animal and notify local authorities so that it can be located. Finally, talk to your medical provider ASAP about rabies prophylaxis if the rabies status is unknown. Dogs and other pets are wonderful for families and children, but like all things in life can be dangerous if caution is not taken. Please look for more resources at aap.org and talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian regarding these topics. Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.

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Autauga CountyOrange Schools Beach Elementary’s Apple Orchard

Mrs. Lynn’s class and Ms. Hollis’ class created an apple orchard with paper mache’ apples during their apple PBL unit. The students researched apples and Johnny Appleseed in small collaborative groups. They learned apple songs and poems. To culminate, they had an apple tasting birthday celebration in honor of Johnny Appleseed on Friday, September 25th.

See You at the Pole

Students in several north Baldwin County schools participated in the 25th annual “See You at the Pole” prayer service. This year’s theme was Acts 1:14, “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer.” Some of the schools participating included Baldwin County High, Bay Minette Middle, Bay Minette Intermediate and Stapleton Schools.

Fairhope ES Class Learns About Australia

Miss Rebecca Stoddard and Miss Katie Norris' Fairhope Elementary first grade classes have started a yearlong project based learning project on Australia. Last week the students researched airports, and airplanes. Then, the classes worked together to construct a fully staffed airport and airplane. Finally, the students took a flight to Australia to begin research on the cultures and land regions Down Under. Pictured: (Left to Right) Margaret, Sam , Jack , and Owen on Air Traffic Control.

Daphne East Student Council Members 2015-16 School Year

Pictured L to Right are the Daphne East Student Council Members: President Brett Nestande, Treasurer Sidney Wilhelm, Secretary Grae Cole, Vice President Kamden Eady.

Sweet Potato Cookoff Winners at Fairhope Middle School

Fairhope Middle School 7th grade students in Mrs. Amy Smith’s Family and Consumer Science classes recently participated in the annual Sweet Potato Cook-off contest by preparing and presenting their favorite sweet potato dish for judging by the FMS faculty and staff. Pictured, from right to left, are the school contest winners: 3rd place - Ellie Smith – Sweet Potato Waffles, 2nd place – Shelby Cargile – Sweet Potato Crisp, and 1st place – Mary Katherine Carrick – Loaded Sweet Potato Skins. Mary Katherine Carrick represented Fairhope Middle School at the Baldwin County Fair, placing 3rd in the Junior Division and earning an award for the Most Nutritious entry.

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Native American Day at Fairhope Intermediate School

On Friday, October 2nd, 4th graders at FIS held our Native American Day. The classes rotated to three stations: read-alouds & storytelling using Native American symbols; making arrowheads with salt clay; and learning about local Native American history from Mr. Donnie Barrett (of the Fairhope Museum of History). Mr. Barrett even hand-made an arrow for each class while he intrigued the students and parents with fascinating facts!

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GSMS Brings Home 30 Art Ribbons

Congratulations to the 30 Gulf Shores Middle School art students who placed in the 2015 Baldwin County Fair Art Contest! 1st place

ribbons: Hallie Daniels, Marley Burgess, Ellie Gaughan, Benjamin Imperato, Gracie Watley, Demmie Myrick, Coby Hallex, Malia Price, Brooke Graham, William Howard. 2nd place ribbons: Madison Edgar, Kaylee Duke, Olivia Faestel, Molly Griffin, MyLinh Bushnell, Grace Lawrence, Jordan Kelly, Kimberly Sharp, Rebecka Hennis, Jake Rail, Amanda Hannah, Allie Bodine, Caroline Steeley, Eden Smoot. 3rd place ribbons: Brant Lewis, Aaron Linton, Giulia De Souza, Emma Crawford, Jesse Wright, Payton Ross.

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Autauga County Schools

Students at McGill-Toolen Catholic Take Advantage of New Technology

The Chamber Singers at McGill-Toolen use their iPads to read their music during Mass.

Cardinals Selected as Mascot for St. Michael Catholic HS

It's the Cardinals! Archbishop Rodi, before a packed house at Christ the King on Tuesday 9/29, announced the "Cardinals" as the new mascot for St. Michael Catholic High School. Fifth through ninth grade Catholic students from Baldwin County made over 650 nominations; from these, a diocesan committee chose two finalists, then went back to the students for a final vote. Students filled out ballots just like a government election and inserted these into voting machines on loan from the Baldwin County Probate Office. The school is set to open in August of 2016 with 9th and 10th graders.

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Bayshore Christian School Students Named Commended Students in 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program

The Head of School, Mrs. Pam McKee, of Bayshore Christian School announced today that Jacob Collins and Kevin Kearney have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2016 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). "The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success." 25

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Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy’s Senior Convocation

Bayside Academy held its Senior Convocation on September 29 in the Pilot Center Theatre. Bayside seniors, their parents and students in grades 9-12 attended this traditional formal assembly publicly recognizing the seniors. “Convocation is a wonderful tradition at Bayside Academy, and it was a privilege for me to be involved this year,” said Head of School Michael Papa. “At Convocation, we take time to honor our seniors, encourage them to be leaders, and share a small gift of appreciation with each of them.” The 2015 Senior Convocation speaker was Lee Ann Backlund, Vice President for Enrollment Planning, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Sewanee: The University of the South. Ms. Backlund included in her remarks a quote from Pope Francis’ recent remarks to U.S. Congress: “Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility.” She encouraged seniors to keep in mind their core values as they move forward in their lives. She also urged seniors to be thankful, to learn for the sake of learning, to help others and to be mindful in setting goals. She closed her remarks with a reminder to find joy and laughter in each day. Ms. Backlund began her career in education more than 30 years ago and has worked in both admissions and college counseling. She has served as President of the Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling, was the 2013 winner of the William Starling Award presented by SACAC, and has co-chaired the SACAC Admissions Practices Committee.

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Please join us!

Fall Tour Day

Tuesday, November 10th at 8:30AM

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23050 US Highway 98 | Fairhope, AL 36532 www.bayshorechristian.org | 251-929-0011

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Spanish Fort Middle School Student Places in County Competition

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Spanish Fort Middle School, seventh-grade student, Matthew Blevins, won second place in the annual Sweet Potato Recipe Contest at the Baldwin County Fair in Robertsdale, on Wednesday, September 23. His dish was Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans. Students’ dishes were judged in two categories: middle school dessert or casserole and high school with any recipe containing 1 cup of sweet potatoes. The purpose of the contest is to educate students and adults about the important nutritive values and various cooking methods for sweet potatoes. Matthew is a student of Dr. Marsha Coker.

Amigos at BMIS

Bay Minette Intermediate School takes pride in its AMIGOS program that pairs adults with students in a mentoring program. The All Minds Inspire Great Opportunities for Success program provides students with extra support to help them adjust and be successful in school. Mr. Vinson Bradley takes time to visit with his AMIGOS, and Andre Kirby and Jamarious Evans to see how they are progressing this new school year.

We will teach your child to be stronger, “bully-proof”, more confident, & better prepared D E T I UNATES to face the challenges of life! T

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Classes start at $89/mo. DAPHNE 621-9933

“Pay As You Go”- No Contracts

BAY MINETTE 232-7598

Family Discount

SEMMES 786-5425

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Autauga County Schools Project at Newton AMSTI-GLOBE

J. Larry Newton fourth and fifth grade GEP students in Mrs. Wiles’ class enjoyed a handson atmospheric processes lesson with Mrs. Lynn Vaughan this month. Mrs. Vaughan is an 18-year veteran and master trainer of the GLOBE program. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is a worldwide science education program used by over 50,000 teachers in over 110 countries! AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) has partnered with GLOBE in order to provide training, materials, and support for teachers using GLOBE in their classrooms. Newton students investigated the stability of warm and cold liquids, the measurement of temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius, the use of rain gauges, and cloud identification! They are looking forward to the installation of their new AMSTI-GLOBE Atmosphere Shelter that will allow them to collect and record weather data, which will be used by the international science community.

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Leaders of the Month at Silverhill Elementary School

Silverhill Elementary school’s Leaders of the Month are being recognized for being proactive! Pictured in no particular order are: Harley Harrington, Rymoni Dailey, Luke Christian, Sergio Guevara Romero, Emma Grace Hutzell, Guadalupe Cortes, Addison Kucera, Ayanna Daggy, Eddin Cabrera, Luke Byrd, Lucas Lyons, Emily Johnston, Adrianna Bella, Cadence Peturis, Maggie McNeil, Avery Kyzar, Cassie Burns, Emily Wood, Brooke Sterling, Andrew Sanders, and Cammilla Stricklin. Not pictured; Cayden Cheney.

Daphne East Citizenship Club 2015-16

Daphne East Citizenship Club is a student-led organization in which the goal is to teach leadership through serving others. Our club will obtain this goal through several projects throughout the year and we would like to congratulate the students that were elected as their class representative for the year 2015-2016. Each class representative is appointed by their classroom teacher and has demonstrated responsibility, respectfulness, and is resourceful. The Citizenship Club representatives for 2015-2016 are: Kindergarten: Amelia Lauderdale, Helena Tillman, Stella Wiggins , Emerson Willkie , Rylee Davis , Gavin Stewart, Jacob Thomas. 1st Grade: Harper Hurley, Wyndham Metzger, Brody McDavid, Landon Thomas, Matthew Stroud, Jack Davidson, Savannah Johnson. 2nd Grade: Aidan Kouvarakis, Zachary Butchka, Zoey Smith, Grayson Maund, Anslie Bagley, Elizabeth Hall, Ayden Roberts. 3rd Grade: Jackson Stroud, Mackenzie Shipman, Maddox Balius, Margaret Jane Strickland, Presley Ide, Reese Fiala, Ella Grace Byrd. 4th Grade: Bates Birdsong, Tyler Durant, Jay Davidson, Gunter Cole, Landon Bedsole, Mary Beth Bowman. 5th Grade: Christian Glass, Wesley Dixon, Kelly Bryant, Lily Rogers, Alyssa Kinsey. 6th Grade: Chandler Hopper, Manna Mathews, Katelyn Few, Amelia Koser, Beck Risser, L’ Quentin Young. Coach Amanda Jones

Fairhope ES Class Calculates Area

Mrs. Crystal Phelps’ 3rd Grade Fairhope Elementary class has been working on area and its relation to arrays in multiplication. The students were illustrating the area of the taped tiles on to their grid paper. Then, they found the area using what they know about arrays. Pictured are Braxton, Desmond, Annie, Eva, and Madeline. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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SPCS Teams Up for Coastal Clean Up

Students from St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale were eager to help with the 28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup day. Teachers, Deborah Brown and Moira Flint organized the team; meeting at May Day Park in Daphne the group set out to clean up the coast by collecting trash and tallying their collections. The team also took some time to explore nature and enjoyed the day. Pictured are several of the team members doing their part to keep God’s world beautiful!

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Daphne Elementary First Graders Visit Pelican’s Nest

September 8th Mrs. Winberg's Class attended a field trip to the Pelican's Nest at the Fairhope K-1 Center. During this trip they studies local animals in their natural habitat.

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AutaugaNational County Schools Foley High School Recognizes Teen Driver Safety Week & Awards Contest Winner

Car crashes continue to be the number one cause of death among teens. To combat this trend, Foley High School once again partnered with Frances Holk-Jones / State Farm, WHEP 92.5 FM/1310 AM, Little Bitty’s Towing Service, Zaxby’s of Foley, and Bebo’s Car Wash for their fifth annual National Teen Driver Safety Week Safe Driving Campaign. This year’s campaign was held during October 18th – 25th and included on-campus activities to promote safe driving behaviors led by the Driver Education & Peer Helper students. A public service announcement contest was held and judged based on content, time, & creativity. Ryan Taylor and Sandy Smith were recognized as the 2015 winners of this contest. Their winning public service announcement was played on WHEP throughout National Teen Driver Safety Week. Local State Farm agent and campaign sponsor, Frances HolkJones, stated, “We at State Farm are committed to teen driver safety. Together with our local communities we can truly make a difference and help save the lives of our teens.” National Teen Driver Safety Week was established by Congress in 2007 to focus attention on the nation’s epidemic of teen car crashes and to find solutions to lower teen drivers’ fatal crash risk. For more information on the Foley High School Safe Driving Campaign contact drwatson@bcbe.org. Foley High School administration and students listed left to right: Coach Evan Bryant (Driver Education Instructor), Ryan Taylor (PSA co-winner), Sandy Smith (PSA co-winner), PA Sunflower ad.qxp_Layout 1 9/3/15 2:14 PM Page 1and David Watson (Driver Education Instructor & Safe Driving Campaign Leader).

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GSES 3rd Grade Studies Rocks

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3rd grade students in Ms. Tanya Best and Mrs. Christie Whitehead's classrooms at Gulf Shores Elementary School have been studying rocks and minerals. They are learning to use their science notebooks to record data. Next, they will be performing scratch tests and soaking rocks in vinegar to check for traces of calcite. Pictured l to r: Braylynn Rehl, Lola Pattillo, Aurora McCollum, and Parker Emmerich.

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SFHS Students Create Characters from Reading Assignment

Spanish Fort High School students in Ms. Mason's 10th grade Honors English class were busy making life sized characters from their reading assignment, “Warriors Don't Cry”. Students worked in groups to create posters portraying their characters. Victor Chhoa works in the hallway outside his classroom on his character portrait from “Warriors Don't Cry”.

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Autauga County Schools

Fairhope High School AP Students Rewarded with Gift Cards

Advanced Placement students at Fairhope High School received gift cards from the A+ College and Career Ready Grant Program for successful performance on the Spring 2015 AP exams in a variety of academic areas. An exam score of 3 or higher allows students to earn possible college credit. The following Fairhope High School students earned the award: John Aiken, Nicholas Alexander, Keegan Allen, Hanna Ardrey, Bethany Aucoin, Rachel Ball, Landon Blair, Arcole Brandon, Warren Brunson, Madison Cash, Cody Clemens, Cameron Cortinas, Marelouise Cunningham, Gavin Day, Anna Delahunty, Taylor Desjardins, Jenna Domos, Christopher Drummond, Thomas Egbert, Michael Erwin, Charleen Firlus, Ashleigh Franklin, Julia Gale, Henry Gilbert, Nellie Given, Emilie Gonzales, Jacob Graham, Carolina Groom, Joseph Hadaway, Darian Hagan, Christin Hamilton, Lacey Harris, Parker Hice, Caroline Hill, Sophie Hirsh, Dana Hodde, Rawls Holobaugh, Donald Holyfield, Karlee Johnson, Mary Johnson, Robert Joiner, Mary Jordan, Taylor Keller, Crystal Kilpatrick, Morgan King, Margaret Lester, Tanner Lewis, Theodosia Maddison, John McLean, Haley Melton, Ryan Merritt, Susan Morel, Baylee Muench, Leilani Payne, Justin Penninger, Audrey Peterson, Kate Phelps, Katherine Pierce, Caitlin Plumb, Sarah Powell, Conner Raley, Charles Reichley, Thomas Roberts, William Robertson, Adam Schrubbe, Natalie Seay, Ramsey Shane, Charles Shelton, Caitlyn Staab, Logan Stark, Mary Claire Stewart, Sawyer Summers, Sydney Swan, Dylan Taylor, William Terral, William Thompson, Kyle Vanhulzen, Cullen Waters, Graham Williams, Kaitlyn Wimpee, Thomas Yeend, Genna Yonge, Liza York.

J. Larry Newton School Fundraiser a Huge Success

In October, J. Larry Newtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PTO held a hugely successful Fund Rayz coffee and cookie dough fundraiser. Students selling at least one item were entered into a drawing for a chance to win a basket full of goodies, and the top four sellers were each presented with a Walmart gift card. Newton students surpassed all expectations and sold a staggering $28,122 of tasty treats! The school received 45% of the proceeds, which totaled over $12,500. Way to go for raising dough, Newton School! Pictured are the basket drawing winners (Emma Breazeale, Maura Barnette, and Caidence Habermehl), the top four sellers (Sara Beth Smith 4th place), (Jonathan Irby 2nd place), (Olivia Beasley 3rd place), (Kyra Lindell 1st place) and Mrs. Krueger, Newton Principal

CBMS Homecoming Court

Anna Rose Racine was crowned Central Baldwin Middle School Homecoming queen for 2015-2016 during halftime festivities for the CBMS Golden Bears held Thursday Sept 24 at JD Sellars stadium. Anna Rose was presented with her crown by 2014-2015 Homecoming queen Anna Criswell. Also representing on Homecoming court are Gracie Sharp, front left, Maddie Cooper, Front right. Back row from leftMelissa Merchant, Brooklyn Rider, Ashleigh Sanspree, Michaela Sharp, Caroline Lipscomb, Andy Taylor, Kailey Bass, Gracie Bass Bergeron, Kelly Rogers, Maggie Moore, Camryn Lowery, Amanda Franklin, Caylyn Campbell. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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New Awning at Daphne East

Daphne East PTA worked hard with many fundraisers to purchase a new awning for the car line drop off on the side of the building. We are all very appreciative of this much needed addition to our school and to the PTA that does so much for the teachers and students at Daphne East. Pictured are Daphne East principal, Mark Doherty and Assistant Principal, Pat Malisham (back row) and many faculty members and staff enjoying our first day with the awning.

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

BCHS Tiger Band Receives Superior Scores at Competition

Congratulations to the Baldwin County High School Tiger Band and Auxiliary for earning all superior ratings at the Southern Showcase Marching Competition in Dothan. The Tigerettes also earned Best in Class danceline and had the top overall danceline score for the entire competition. The band is under the field direction of Drum Major Haven Graham. Band directors are Jeff Lepa and Josh Williams and Auxiliary sponsor is Elizabeth Bridges Byrd.

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Autauga County Schools Fairhope Elementary Kindergartners Learn About Apples

Mrs. Hailey Duellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fairhope Elementary students are having a blast researching and talking about apples in their kindergarten class. They are learning about the seasons of an apple tree and made their very own apple tree! Pictured from left to right are: Shepard, Emmalynn, Zach, and Bella.

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Baldwin County HS Key Club Inducts New Members

Baldwin County High School recently held an induction ceremony for the new members of Key Club. New members inducted in the service organization includes: Nicholas Arnette, Holly Bates, Will Brooks, Valerie Brothers, Jacob Burt, Patyn Butler, Kaya Clemmons, Brianna Coffman, Courtney Coleman, Keri Cooper, Jacob Cox, Cayley Crocker, Cagan Crysell, Gabriel Davis, Tayler Drinkard, Anna Emmons, Tucker English, Morgan Epperson, Amanda Eversman, Emma Franklin, Mose Franklin, Zackary Gibbs, Brenton Godwin, Kenzie Gohagan, Tionne Grace, Nicholas Hadley, Nyashia Jenkins, Kiana Knight, Brendan Lanhamk, Courtney Lewis, Cady Livermore, C.C. Long, Sawyer McCullough, Keegan McGhee, Madison McMillan, Dylan Milstid, Courtney Mitchem, Jonathan Norris, Abigail Oestriecher, Swayze Phelan, Daisy Pogue, Hunter Powell, Nathan Rider, Callie Roley, Mercedies Ruhland, Jake Shiver, Brandon Simmons, Olivia Steege, Laura Weatherford and Dalen Wiggins.

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Gulf Shores Elementary 5th Grade Science Fun

These Gulf Shores Elementary School 5th grade boys had fun in "scienceâ&#x20AC;? today with their Balloon Blow Up experiment showing a chemical reaction! Pictured l to r: Ocean Honsvick and John Lumpkin.

Orange Beach Elementary Red Ribbon Winner

McKenna Claypool, Orange Beach Elementary Red Ribbon Leadership Award winner. McKenna received the Red Ribbon award during an impressive ceremony at the Daphne Civic Center. Baldwin County Superintendent, Eddie Tyler, presented the award.

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Autauga County Schools

Fairhope Middle School Builders Club Elects Officers

The Builders Club of Fairhope Middle School recently elected officers for the 2015-16 school year. Under the sponsorship of the Kiwanis Club of Fairhope, Builders Club is a student-led community service organization for middle school students. Pictured, from left to right, are: Hunter Rencher – President, Margaret Nobles – Secretary, India Buchanan – Treasurer, Frank Borelli – Sergeant at Arms, and Talasia Campbell – Vice President.

Bay Minette Intermediate Selects Student Council

Bay Minette Intermediate School homeroom teachers selected student council members for the 2015-2016 school year recently based on leadership qualities and responsibility. Student council members will participate in a variety of school and community projects during the school year and they are sponsored by teachers Starla Sellers and Heather Sims. Front Row: Cayden Griffith, Nicholas Portis, Cole Rountree, Ahmari Williams, Gavin Karras, Lucy Satterfield, Tyler Sprinkle, Dorothy Myers, Annalee Barnett, Audrey Garrett. Back Row: Teacher sponsor Starla Sellers, Ryan Boyington, Jaelyn Gray, Alaiyah Bishop, Randall Moye, Anijah Clayton, Leslie Odom, Jordan Pritchett, J. J. Stevens, Langston Lewis, Landon Earl, A. J. Hall, Shadyn Marion, Abby Parnell, Brianna Ramer, Gage Chambliss, and teacher sponsor Heather Sims.

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

OBES Kiwanis Terrific Kids for October

Pre K – 3rd Grade: Front: Ella Price, Riley Greene, Cash Reed, Tinsley Vail, Jayci Cooper, Nathan Watson. Back: Tessa Logel, Addie Roach, Eli Cardwell, Sydney Phillips, Sanders Semiklose, Jay Spencer Lanford, Eli Cross. 4th – 6th Grade: Front: Ava Coburn, Abby Duncan, Wei Cui, Molly Reese. Back: Anna Grace Bradley, Emily West, Houston Bryant, Makenna Claypool, Finch Cantrell. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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Bayshore Christian School Celebrates Senior Athletes During Homecoming Week

Bayshore Christian School celebrated their Fall Senior Athletes during Homecoming Week. These seniors have been an asset to their respective volleyball and soccer teams as both teams finished the regular season with a winning record. We are looking forward to seeing them lead their teams in the Regional Conference Tournament which will be hosted at Bayshore. The

seniors on the Volleyball team (above) are #18 Kaitlin Decker and #14 Priscilla Brock. The seniors on the Soccer team are #8 Sarah Breslin, #11 Ian Doremus, #1 Logan Omtvedt, #16 Colton Phillips, and goalie Fletcher Williams.

McGill-Toolen Catholic School Recognizes National Merit Scholars

Several members of the senior class were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their outstanding performance on the PSAT. Pictured: National Merit Finalist Carol Arensburg, National Latin Scholar, Nicole Roca, Principal Michelle Haas; National Merit Finalists Connor Kusch and Jack Schuler and National Merit Commended Scholars Dara St. Pierre and Josh Freund.

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Autauga County Schools Spanish Fort Middle School

Volleyball Team Celebrates Their 100th Consecutive Win

Under the superior coaching direction of SFMS’s Coach Leigh Jones, the 8th grade volleyball team achieved an incredible milestone on Saturday, September 26—their 100th consecutive win. The Lady Toros defeated Causey Middle School at the Gulf Shores Invitational. This is Coach Jones’s 7th year to coach the Lady Toros. She has accumulated an overall record of 225-15. Coach Jones was presented with the game ball at the middle school’s Spirit Week Pep Rally. Six years’ worth of Lady Toros came to celebrate the win with her. SFMS is so blessed to have a coach like Coach Jones. She pours in countless hours of hard work, dedication and love to these girls’ lives, and the effort has paid off 100 fold! Coach Jones is pictured with the game ball and six years of Lady Toros.

Newton Students’ See You at the Pole Event

Before the school day began on Wednesday, September 23rd J. Larry Newton students led their annual See You at the Pole prayer meeting. Parents, teachers, and community members gathered at the flagpole outside the Newton school building to listen to the students’ prayers. The students gave thanks for many things including our military, our freedom, and even the beautiful morning! What an inspirational way to start the day!

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SFHS Holds National Honor Society Inductions

Students from Spanish Fort High School were inducted into the National Honor Society on October 19 A reception immediately followed. These students achieved high standards and were chosen based on academic performance, teacher recommendations, leadership abilities, and service hours. Congratulations to a "top notch" group of students from Spanish Fort High School! (Top) New NHS inductees from L to R : Caroline Womack, Christina Spencer, Nicole Jayjohn, and Hannah Smith. (Bottom right) Chase Riley, Jakob Wilson, Tyler Norman, and Barry Booth enjoyed cupcakes and fellowship with other NHS members.

(Above) SFHS students Sean Conniff, Andrew Theodore, and Jakob Wilson enjoy the reception after being inducted as new National Honor Society members.

(Bottom right) Congratulations to our Spanish Fort High School students who are both athletes and scholars! These students are members of the SFHS football team and cheerleading squad and still maintain academic excellence! (Left) Featured from left to right: back row â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Skyler Pavlou, Zachary Miller, and Jackson Carlyle. Front row â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Abbye Brunson, Molly Quinn, and Taylor Pierce. 39

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Autauga County Schools

Nineteen Christ the King Catholic School Students Qualify for Duke T.I.P.

Nineteen Christ the King Catholic School seventh graders qualified for the Talent Identification Program sponsored by Duke University. Students qualify for the program based on standardized tests scores above the 95th percentile. The program provides students with information about academic abilities and introduces them to a network of services and programs. This year's Duke TIP students are in no particular order: Ben Adamski, Katie Berry, Noah Calvery, Andrew Fouty, Conner Haynes, Maggie Helton, Jake Kokoszka, Lee Lazzari, Dominic Murphy, Jessica Quint, Rebekah Schott, Edward Cowles, Sophia Lapalme, Grace Miller, Anna Claire Potier, Mary Katherine Roberts, Sam Swanson, and Gabby Yenewine. Not pictured, Erin Koster.

Gulf Shores Middle School Volleyball

Congratulations to the Gulf Shores Middle School 8th grade volleyball team for winning 2nd place in the 11th Annual Gulf Shores Middle School Invitational Volleyball Tournament! 8th graders, Ali Livingston and Marti McLaurin, were selected from Gulf Shores to the AllTournament Team. Go Dolphins!

Fairhope Middle School Coach Named Teacher of the Year

Fairhope Middle School is proud to announce that Coach Lee (Donna) Earnest has been selected by the faculty as its Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016. A graduate of Fairhope High School, she received her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Physical Education from the University of South Alabama. She has been a physical education teacher at FMS for 19 years. She currently coaches the 7thand 8th grade volleyball teams and is the soccer team sponsor. As a physical education teacher, Coach Earnest provides a learning environment which allows students to experience positive, challenging, and enjoyable physical activities while learning skills that promote the benefits of physical activity. In addition to her teaching duties, Coach Earnest is very involved in organizing schoolwide student field trips and dances. She has been married for the past six years to Al Earnest, the head football coach and Athletic Director at Washington County High School in Chatom. When she is not teaching or coaching at FMS, she enjoys fishing, going to the beach, reading, traveling, or spending time with her husband. Pictured, from left to right, are: Angie Hall, FMS principal; Coach Lee Earnest; Jessica Webb, 8th grade assistant principal; and Jacquie DePalma, 7th grade assistant principal.

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This year's Ocean Camp t-shirt fund was donated to the Coastal Wildlife Rescue in Foley. They accept injured wild animals and help them recover! Thanks to Lauren Quigley (left) for one of the winning artwork designs on our t-shirts. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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Daphne East Students Observe National Walk to School Day

Daphne East PE coaches Carol Valdes, Amanda Jones and Will McInvale walked with over 300 students from Trione Park for National Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 7th. Pictured is Carol Valdes with some students that morning.

Johnny Appleseed Visits OBES Kindergartners

Kindergarten students at Orange Beach Elementary have been learning all about apples. Johnny Appleseed came to visit the students and he read the book “Johnny Appleseed and the Bears”! Pictured is Johnny Appleseed with Mrs. Lynn’s Class.

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Fairhope Elementary Students Studying Planets

Fairhope Elementary students in Mrs. Tori Erdossy’s second class had a great time researching planets on their iPads. They worked in groups to create a Popplet presentation on each of the planets in our solar system. Pictured working on their Popplets from left to right are: Tristian Mason, Cody Byrd, Denice Blackwood, and Matthew Pennington.

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Autauga County Schools BCHS Homecoming Court

Baldwin County High School crowned its new homecoming queen during halftime activities. London Kimber Naseman was crowned by last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner Katelyn Bradley. London is the daughter of Harry Wilson and the late Kim Wilson, and Roland and Melissa Naseman. She is a member of the Varsity Cheerleading squad,

historian for the National Honor Society and a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Diamond Darlings, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also the reigning Miss North Baldwin. Pictured, London was escorted on the field by her step-father Harry Wilson. Fellow senior maids included Brittany Cheyenne Baggett, Jessica DeAnn Frith, Lauteshia Shontel Gray, DiAngela Charlene Pope and Myesha Washington. Junior class court members included Jayda Cox, Micah Murphy and Mary Watson. Sophomore maids were Demi Davis, Gabi Mann and Takira Watson. Freshman court members included Anna Leigh Bowman, Mary Bradley Rodgers and Sheridan Stevens.

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Local Sea Cadet Appointed to Chief Petty Officer

Cynthia Lowder, Commanding Officer, Dunlap Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, has announced the following appointment within the unit: Christopher Townsend, son of Douglas and Robin Townsend of Semmes, was appointed from First Class Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer, the highest attainable cadet rank in the Sea Cadet program. Townsend is the first cadet from Dunlap Division to progress to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. In order to be promoted, he had to have time in grade and complete the same course work that is done by actual enlisted members of the Navy. Chief Townsend began his Sea Cadet career three years ago at 14, and immediately began his training to get where he is today. He has participated in multiple trainings including Recruit Training, Medical Fitness, Coast Guard Training, Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Recruiting Station Duty, and has staffed a League Orientation as Assistant Leading Petty Officer. Townsend has served as a member of the unit’s Color Guard and as the unit’s Leading Petty Officer before transitioning to Training Officer. The Navy Chiefs of the USS Jackson stationed in Mobile honored Townsend with a pinning ceremony similar to the traditional Navy Chief’s Pinning Ceremony. The ceremony was held aboard the bow of the USS Alabama, Saturday, 19 September. In attendance were US Navy Chiefs, Navy League Representative, NSCC Whiting and Dunlap Division Officers and cadets, family and friends. Chief Townsend has been awarded the following awards as a Sea Cadet: NLUS Youth Medal; Community Service Ribbon (4); Academic Achievement (2); Recruiting Incentive (4); Staff Cadet; Color Guard; Expert Marksmanship; 25th Commissioned; Unit Efficiency “E”; Recruiting Duty “R”; USCG Shield; POLA Torch; and Compass Rose. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds

character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. For more information, www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets.org. 43

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Autauga County Schools

FMS Red Ribbon Committee

Fairhope Middle School is pleased to announce the members of its 2015-2016 Red Ribbon Committee. The students, nominated by the FMS faculty and staff, are responsible for planning school events during Red Ribbon Week, October 26th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30th. Pictured, from left to right, are: Courtney Martiniere, Kathryn Jordan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Red Ribbon Student Leader, Kallia Bonner, Gracie Grimes, and Erin Moseley.

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SFMS Lady Toros Win County Championship

The Spanish Fort Middle School Lady Toros Volleyball team finished the year undefeated 23-0 and won the county championship tournament on October 3, 2015. They defeated Gulf Shores Middle School to secure the win. Mya Barnes, Audrey Miller, and Meg Brackhan made the all tournament team and Kayla Keshock was the MVP. The SFMS Lady Toros are coached by Leigh Jones.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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Gulf Shores Middle School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Gulf Shores Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2015-16, ESL Resource Teacher Stephanie Montiel. Mrs. Montiel was chosen by her peers as our Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Montiel settled down with her husband in Baldwin County after teaching health education with Peace Corps Paraguay in 2003. She earned her Master’s of Education with ESL certification from UAB in 2008 and holds an undergraduate degree from Auburn University, 2000. She taught part-time at a private school and Faulkner Community College before joining Baldwin County as an ESL Resource Teacher. This is her 9th year teaching at Gulf Shores Elementary School. She also resources students at Gulf Shores Middle and High Schools. Her teaching philosophy is centered around students, "I am a facilitator of learning. I want students to be life long learners who are responsible for their own learning. I am honored that I can learn along with them and help them find the tools and confidence they need to succeed.” Pictured back row l to r: Mrs. Montiel with several of her 3rd grade students

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Autauga County Schools

BCHS Tiger Band Members Selected for Honor Bands

Several members of the Baldwin County High School Tiger Band have been selected for Honor Bands sponsored by local universities. Four students were selected for the Auburn University Honor Band. The students performed with the Auburn band during the Sept. 12 match-up against Jacksonville State. Students selected included, from left, Andrew Selph, Baritone; Austin Hutchinson, Trumpet; Lizzie Hall, Piccolo; and Dani Thomaston, Flute. Songs played included “Word Up!”, “Dance with Me Tonight”, “Shut Up and Dance”, and “War Eagle”. Students selected for the University of South Alabama Honor Band performed with Jag Band at the game against North Carolina State. Honor Band students selected from BCHS includes, from left, front row, Brianna Coffman, Trumpet; Kierra Kelly, Flute; Michael McKinley, Clairnet; Courtney Stewart, Piccolo; Britany Loeser, Saxophone. Back Row: Hunter Jerkins, Tenor Saxophone; Evan White, Cornet; Andrew Selph, Baritone; Austin Hutchinson, Trumpet; Dani Thomaston, Flute; and, not pictured, Bethany Driggers, Destiny Miskel, Morgan Orem. The students performed “Word Up!”, “Good Golly Ms. Molly”, “Devil in Blue Dress”, “Happy”, and stadium songs.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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Gulf Shores Elementary School New SGA Officers

Congratulations to our new Gulf Shores Elementary School 2015-2016 Student Government Officers! Pictured left to right: President-Charlie Hollis, Vice President- Olivia Lawrence, Secretary-Kennedy Morris, Treasurer-Sophia Henry.

Send School News and photos by the 8th of each month to: lynn@ easternshoreparents. com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE!

World-Renowned Pianist Visits Bayshore Christian School

In October, Bayshore Christian School welcomed world-renowned pianist, Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva for a special performance. Dr. Onalbayeva has an educational background in composition and piano. She has traveled around the world showcasing her talents and has won many awards for her work. Most notably, she was awarded the President's Award for Young Artists and Chevron's Award for Talented Students in piano and composition. Dr. Onalbayeva is an Associate Professor at the University of Mobile and is founder, co-director and pianist of the chamber ensemble The Gulf Coast Virtuosi. She currently serves as President of the Gulf Coast Steinway Society (Alabama, Mississippi and Florida). Dr. Onalbayeva provided a wonderful performance, and Bayshore students were honored to have her at their school.

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Dealing with Distraction Many parents are conscientious about making rules for when and how kids can use technology. But what about rules for parents? For her book, The Big Disconnect, Catherine Steiner-Adair, a psychologist at Harvard, interviewed more than 1000 children, aged 4-18. Over and over, she heard kids talk about how they felt frustrated or forlorn because their parents spent too much time on their cellphones. The same results showed up in the State of the Kid Survey, done by Highlights Magazine in 2014. Over half the children surveyed reported that their parents often didn’t respond to them because they were distracted by technology—laptops, cellphones or television. Several researchers have observed that interacting with technology is different from other parenting activities like cooking, shopping or even driving in ordinary traffic. Cellphones, in particular, are designed to grab and hold attention, so people lose track of other things including how much time they’ve spent staring at the device. E-mailing, texting or even scrolling through social media preoccupies parents in a way that can make children feel shut out, lonely and unimportant. At the same time, giving kids constant undivided attention isn’t possible or desirable. Children need to learn how to soothe and amuse themselves. They benefit from opportunities to play and daydream without the direct supervision of adults. Also, good parenting can’t happen in a vacuum. Adults must earn a living and stay informed. They are also likely to be more grounded and happier if they stay connected to colleagues, friends and other parents, something that’s supported by new technologies. In other words, cellphones and other technological distractions aren’t a problem in and of themselves. They become a problem Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

when parents aren’t mindful about how they distribute their most precious resource—attention. Here are things to consider: Focus on safety. After years of decline, visits to pediatric emergency rooms have risen. No one can prove cellphones are responsible but research shows that adults who use cellphones while walking, much less driving, are more likely to have accidents. For safety’s sake, parents (and other caregivers) should put away all devices when supervising kids in risky settings—changing tables, bathtubs, parking lots, city streets, swimming pools and playgrounds—where even a moment of inattention can be dangerous. Make the most of reunions. Adair recommends putting devices on hold when family members see each other after they’ve been separated. Make yourself fully available when you pick your child up from daycare or other activities and when someone (including your spouse!) walks into the house. Plan ahead so you can stop what you’re doing and let your child know how happy you are to see him or her. Teach (and appreciate) patience. There’s nothing wrong with asking a child to wait while an adult finishes a task. How long a child can be patient depends upon age, temperament and other stresses, so you’ll want to take those variables into account when you ask for “just a sec” to finish something on your phone or laptop. Be sure not to take advantage of your child’s self control. If you promised to get a snack or play a game in ten minutes, set a timer so you keep your commitment. Respect tech free zones. Many families enjoy each other’s company more if they put technology off-limits at particular times. Meals and bedtime are obvious choices but you might also set aside time for a walk after dinner or game night on the weekend. Some families make the car a tech-free zone, but others depend on tech to relieve the stress of a long commute. Once you decide on rules 48

that make sense for your family, be sure you follow as well enforce them. Before checking in with a ping that seems urgent, think about what you’re telling your children about their place in your priorities. Monitor emotions. Do you feel irritated when your child wants your attention? In one recent study, researchers observed caregivers and children in a restaurant. Most of the adults used a cellphone during the meal, and those who were most focused on their phones responded harshly to interruptions. Some kids gave up and sat passively, but others became more disruptive in an effort to get the adult’s attention. If negative feelings are building in you or your child, it’s time to take a tech break and tune in to what’s happening. Take a breath and focus on your child. If you have to correct misbehavior, feel compassion for what has caused it. Notice what your child is doing right. Ask yourself what you can do to restore good feelings. Make good use of found time. Even when life is very busy, there are moments of unclaimed time. Your toddler is napping. Your school age child is playing happily with a friend. Your teen is engrossed in homework. Use these moments on something that will replenish and not deplete your energies. If you reach for your device, be selective. Answer the e-mail that’s weighing on your conscience. Reach out to the friend who lifts your spirits. Pay attention to your feelings. Does a hit of social media feel refreshing? Or would you be better served using found time on exercise, crossing off something on the To-do list or daydreaming with a cup of tea? Finally, think about times in your life when you have felt treasured and loved. In all likelihood, you had another person’s full attention. Be sure your child regularly has that experience in your company. Read together. Share a snack. Take a walk. Play a game. Snuggle before bedtime. What you do doesn’t matter nearly as much as the fact that you let go of everything else so your child can feel the security and warmth of your undistracted love. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Q. With all the economic problems in the country today, what can college students do to avoid money problems in the future? A. There are always three or four things smart things you can do to protect yourself financially. One is to live on a budget. When you give every dollar you make a name, and write in down on paper, it helps you know what your money is doing instead of wondering where it went. Two more good ideas are staying out of debt, and saving as much money as possible. Your money is your biggest wealth-building tool, and when you’re saddled with debt, your money goes to creditors instead of into your pocket. Saving money is what prepares you for the good and bad things life throws at you — whether it’s putting money aside to buy

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

a car, a house or handling unexpected things that always happen. Another thing is investing. I know you’re young, but a little bit invested now could make you a millionaire when you’re ready to retire. These are all simple things, but they’ll make a huge difference in your financial situation now and in the years to come!

Q. I’m having issues with my youngest brother, and I need some advice. He’s 25, divorced and has two kids. He only wants to play dad when it’s convenient for him, and he’s very irresponsible with money as well. Our parents passed away a few years ago, so this leaves me to be the big brother and dad at the same time. I worry about him, but I’m not sure how to help him grow up. Any advice? A. One of the bad things about these

situations is watching people you love do stupid things to themselves and the people around them. And I don’t know

that there’s really a lot you can do without becoming the enemy to some degree. You can always try to hold him to a higher standard and refuse to tolerate immature, irresponsible behavior when you’re around him. You might even look for opportunities to use yourself as an example. Point out areas in your life where you made mistakes in the past and how you fixed the problems. But to go out and directly intervene in his life, trying to force him to be a man, would be a tough thing to pull off. When I help people on my show, I have the benefit of them calling in and actually looking to me for help. These people actually care about what I think. I don’t just walk up to folks and say, “You know, what you’re doing there is really stupid. Let me fix you.” I think that’s kind of the situation you’re in right now. I would also begin to pray for him, and ask God to bring people into his life who will have a positive impact. You never know what might happen, and asking God for help is never a bad idea. Who knows? He might even start dating some strong, mature young woman who’ll jerk a knot in his tail and straighten him up!

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Benefits of the token system The token system has a number of advantages over other forms of discipline and behavior management plans. First, it can be carried out any time and any place. Children often act up in stores or public places, leaving parents with few options for immediately settling the problem. But with the token system, you and your child will carry a supply of tokens everywhere you go. Before you head out, remind your child that good behavior will be rewarded and that inappropriate behavior will result in immediate loss of tokens. The second advantage is the token system teaches children how to save, budget, and plan expenditures because tokens are used similarly to money. Next, this system prevents inappropriate or useless measures that parents often utilize in the heat of the moment. The token system makes empty threats a thing of the past, and because your child is aware of the consequences and your ability to administer them immediately, he’s less likely to act up. Fourth, the token system is a positive approach by eliminating criticism, yelling, arguing, and other unhealthy and ineffective ways parents often get caught up in dealing with problem behavior. Finally, the token system can be altered regularly to keep kids’ interest and thereby increase its effectiveness. The token system, or one of its variations, can be used from about the age of three on into the preteen years, depending on your child’s level of maturity.

Getting started

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

Make a list of the behaviors you’d like to work on with your child including positive behaviors you’d like your child to improve on, such as using good table manners or putting dirty clothes in the hamper. If your child is five or older, also make a separate list of problem behaviors you’d like to reduce, such as name calling or hitting. For children under five, the token system should be www.easternshoreparents.com used only for reinforcing positive behavior. The frus-

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your child to tration caused by losing go into debt. If Fun rewards for gaining your tokens for poor behavior this becomes child’s cooperation: will not be helpful to the a problem, preschooler. That said, adjust the A trip to the ice cream parlor when a preschooler misbedistribution A DVD or video game rental haves, you can simply tell of tokens acCollector cards your child she will not be cordingly. Gel pen receiving any tokens as a You’ll A trip to the park result of the bad behavior. also need Favorite fast food Next, go through each to choose Playing a board game with Mom or Dad list and prioritize, and rewards your A new book choose only four or five child can A pass to stay up late behaviors to work on at a purchase with A friend overnight time. Once your child has the tokens. An hour of TV improved on a certain beDetermine A packet of colorful modeling clay havior, remove it from the what will be Bowling or roller skating list and add a new one. most enticing Favorite meal for supper Next determine how to your child. many tokens to reward While a trip your child or to confiscate to rent a DVD might be a real winner with for specific behaviors. Your list might look some kids, others won’t be fazed by it. similar to the one below. Keep in mind the As you plan the rewards, include privinumber of tokens assigned to a particular leges your child asks for or does regularly behavior should fit the severity or difficulty and would be devastating to your child if of the behavior relative to the other behavthe privilege were lost. Those rewards will iors on which you are working. be the strongest motivators. To make such rewards effective, you’ll need to place limits Hang up book bag and jacket Earn 3 tokens on those privileges unless they have been Eat supper without complaining Earn 2 tokens earned and purchased by your child. Saying please and thank you Earn 1 token Be sure to set guidelines with your Completing homework Earn 6 tokens child for rewards that require your time or Hitting Lose 5 tokens attention. If your child wants to buy a trip Tattling Lose 2 token to the apple orchard, require a two-day notice. While for a board game you might You should also try to estimate the agree you’ll play within four hours of a number of tokens your child is likely to request. earn and lose in a week. Your child should Set a variety of values to the rewards be able to earn enough tokens to pay for so your child has the option to either make problem behaviors. It’s not a good idea for

frequent purchases or to save for something big. Small children require frequent opportunities to purchase rewards to maintain their interest. Poker chips make good tokens. For older children assign different point values to each color. Finally, when handing out tokens, always verbally praise your child. Say you’re proud of his actions or appreciate her thoughtfulness. When your child is no longer earning tokens for the behavior, continued use of praise will reinforce it.

Variations If your child struggles to complete schoolwork and turn in assignments, use the token system for this alone. Ask your child’s teacher to send home a daily report of what your child has completed and turned in, then reward your child’s efforts. Use grade rewards only if your child is capable of achieving high marks without too much difficulty. As your child approaches the teen years, tokens may be perceived as childish. If your preteen still struggles behaviorally and with completing tasks, offer a checkbook ledger for tallying points instead. When points are earned, have your child fill in the ledger with the specific behavior or task and the number of points earned. Then immediately initial to show you’ve approved the points. ESP

Kimberly Blaker, of Arizona, is an author and freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in more than 200 newspapers, parenting and women’s magazines, and other publications throughout the U.S.

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Getting the Wheels Rolling

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Most adults can still remember the heady feeling of independence that accompanied acquiring their license to drive. It’s a feeling that isn’t limited to teens. The mastery of forward motion on wheels drives a satisfying sense of freedom at every age. When kids get their first set of wheels, it puts them on the road to independence as well as enhancing gross motor skills, cultivating balance and developing coordination. The following rides are great starts toward getting little ones rolling on the road to independence.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Fly Bike

Radio Flyer Ziggle

Ideal for riders on the go, the Fly Bike is ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, the Fly Bike offers a threewheeled base for beginning gliders. Pedal-free, the bike is propelled by feet and sized for the littlest riders who feel too big to be pushed (and are young yet for balance bikes). The added appeal of the Fly Bike is its portability. It folds down into a small bundle that kids can easily carry and it stores in the back seat of a car. The Fly Bike goes everywhere so little riders can roll anywhere they go.

Powered by kid energy alone, the Radio Flyer Ziggle is all action for young riders. Kids generate forward motion on the Ziggle by twisting the handlebars while wiggling the back. The caster-style wheels also create the opportunity for 360 degree travel and turns. As riders develop their “Ziggle wiggle”, they can explore the spin-out capabilities of the widebased, low-sling Ziggle. The Ziggle doesn’t have brakes, so it’s ideal for riding and spinning on flat surfaces. For the kid with energy to burn, or the child who needs more physical activity, exercise is definitely a benefit that comes with the Ziggle!

(Chrome Inc)

(Radio Flyer)

Batman Baby Walker

PlasmaBike (PlaSmart)

With a cool design that mimics the fast track racers, the PlasmaBike has all the visual cues of a speed bike. But it’s actually a much simpler ride. The PlasmaBike is crafted with lightweight, safe materials and has no gears, chains or pedals. It’s extra wide wheels and limited turn range help little riders keep this balance bike upright in its stationary position. Bolstering their confidence as they develop their coordination, the PlasmaBike combines bike fun with balance training as kids cultivate their skills on wheels.

(Kids Embrace)

Babies know that they’ve leveled up once they age into the walker that allows them to move about, to have some autonomy. It’s a small but important step when toddlers learn that they can control the motion of their conveyance. And, if we’re honest, there really is no cooler conveyance than a baby Batmobile. The Baby Batman walker features all the awesome hallmarks of the DC detective’s ride, as well as an activity tray with a key that starts a rumbling engine sound, a gear shift, lights and more. Adjustable heights and a high backrest ensure comfort for the babe behind the wheel. It’s true that there are other rolling walkers available, but if there’s a Batman wheeled walker...always be Batman.

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

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Styling You and Your Baby Bump Some of you know that I am expecting, and we are beyond thrilled in the Handey house! Recently, while looking on Pinterest for a few fashion pregnancy styles, I found cute ideas, but I was somewhat disappointed about all the tiny little models in those cute form-fitting maternity clothes. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s awesome that some women can stay so fit and skinny during pregnancy. Call it good genes or good luck...not sure what to call it. Either way they look great! I’m one that will probably gain weight in my stomach...of course, plus my rear and thighs. That’s pretty normal. And yes, I’m still working out, but it’s just not in my DNA and that’s okay. We all know the goal is to have a healthy baby and to show off that proud baby bump. Let’s be real when it comes to pregnancy fashion, especially for all of us moms who aren’t going to be stick thin with a tummy. I want to share a few tips on fashion for not only our growing bellies, but possibly our growing back end, thighs, arms, and chest. Enjoy, as I break down the do’s of a fashion forward pregnancy wardrobe.

Find comfort. You can have great style, but allow yourself to be comfortable. No need to squeeze into those tight fitting clothes. And Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

if you are expecting the second, third or fourth time around then we all know we are growing much quicker. Comfort is always the key when juggling other kiddos, wife duties, work, and the like. Think comfort meets stylish.

Find a trend. Find a trend that works for you. Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t rock out the latest trends. My favorite trend while pregnant is the Boho look. This look seems to have a lot of give when it comes to loose-fitting, but stylish clothing. And the best part about Boho is that you can wear it into the fall and winter with an extra little layer. Find what’s comfortable for your personal style when it comes to trends.

Layer. I absolutely love to layer. Layering is the perfect way of changing up your style and camouflaging those parts of your body that may be growing along with the tummy. Keep your layers light in the summer and heavy in the fall and winter.

Know how to style everything. This is a great way to gain confidence and enjoy your pre and post pregnancy. Even if it’s just throwing on a little makeup and fixing up your hair. Add a pop of color in your nails, or maybe try a new lipstick.

Accessorize. Accessories go a long way. I know we all get to a point of not wanting to buy one more piece of maternity clothing until that baby is born. So purchase fun and trendy accessories to change up your style. This gives a small change without the stress of spending money and time on more clothes.

Enjoy your changing body. I think once we embrace the changes our body will be going through in order to keep this little miracle healthy, then we can enjoy styling our bodies. Prepare yourself for the little extra weight before and after pregnancy. Most importantly focus on the health and well-being of the unborn child, while looking and feeling good in the process.

Research. I have researched my pre and post pregnancy style. Although it’s been a little harder to find what fits my shape, it has allowed me to be a bit more creative with what I have in my wardrobe. You can be a little more open-minded when dressing your changing body. Take those ideas from Pinterest and fashion magazines and use what you have hanging in your closet. We all have a few items that are made a bit bigger. Work with what you have until it’s time to shop for pre/post pregnancy pieces. 56

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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Plant the Seeds: Teach your values Agree on the values you wish to teach your children and encourage them in everyday living—in work and play and how you spend your time. Those lessons begin in the nursery and continue to adulthood. In the book Just Moms, Conveying Justice in an Unjust World, Marta Oti Sears writes about a project her seven year old daughter took on one Christmas. The year before, she’d participated in a project to give a farm animal to a needy community overseas but this year, said her daughter, “I want to give the whole farm!” The whole farm was a group of animals costing in excess of $2000. Marta outlines her family’s journey through, “Can we really do it?” to “Yes, we did it with the help of friends and family.” You can bet the family had planted those seeds in their daughter’s heart at an early age and as a result they’ll all treasure the memory forever.

Water: Tell Your Stories Most of us have stories from our family’s history documenting a much simpler lifestyle. My father received only one gift his entire childhood. It was a sled made by his father. His was a North Dakota farm family working hard to make a simple living, and gifts were not expected. Knowing his father took the time to make the sled for him made it more than special. When my own children had questions about the concepts of rich and poor we came up with a saying that covered our philosophy of family life. It was, “We’re rich in love.” The children knew we gave gifts to those less fortunate. They knew we had enough to share with others in times of need. The message they received was the truth––we had all we needed and enough left over to be generous. We were content. What true stories of simpler times do you have to share with your kids?

Feed and Prune: Model a Thankful Lifestyle Children may learn by hearing stories, but they’ll take to heart the things they see with their own eyes and actually experience. Have a family meet59

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Projects for Your Generous Family -Allow children to do chores to earn money for the purpose of giving to a worthy cause. -Adopt a needy family through a local agency and meet their holiday needs. -Work as a family to earn money to donate to a specific family-selected charity. -Make the decision to sort through old clothing, toys and other possessions to “pare down” possessions and live with less. -Take the entire family to a shelter or group home and help serve a meal. -Choose to provide a snack or meal to a homeless person you pass on the roadways each day. -Decide how to spend vacation time with an emphasis on enjoying one another without excess financial drain. -Regularly plan family fun times including games, music, food, work projects and other inter-generational or extended family activities. -At meal times make it a point to discuss the “fine art of having enough.” What does it look like in real life? What are the distinctions between wants and needs? ing and talk about the choices you make. Explain why you make certain purchases, what you give to others and why you shop for bargains. Why do you choose certain family activities and not others? When do you refrain from spending? Does fun always require spending a lot of money? Are there opportunities for your family to give time or money to help others? Model the decision-making process and include the children.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is.

Reap the Reward: A Thankful Family in Action The benefit of careful planting, watering and pruning is a healthy family with thankful children. You’ll have kids who understand life beyond their own wants and needs. A thankful heart doesn’t just happen, it’s taught over time. Living out the values of a thankful heart in day to day family life isn’t easy in our consumer-driven world. We have to say no to the want-more, have-more cycles so many families embrace. But we can do it, because it’s the right thing to do. So go ahead and plant, water, feed and prune. Your family will thrive when you teach them to have thankful hearts. ESP

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

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

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a freelance writer published in Young Child, Momsense, The Mother’s Heart and in Just Moms: Conveying Justice in an Unjust World. She currently helps to plant, water and prune the thankful lives of her three terrific grandsons.

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Including Holiday Markets, Ballets, Plays, Festivals, and More!

Santa at Silverhill Market and Gift Garden’s Holiday Open House November 6th, 7th, and 8th 16320 Highway 104, Silverhill, (251) 945-6500 www.facebook.com/silverhillmarket Email: starr@silverhillmarket.com Bring friends and family to visit Santa on Saturday at our Holiday Open House. We will be opening our CHRISTMAS BUILDING with lots of fun and exciting Christmas Décor. Enjoy refreshments and holiday cheer. Call for Santa times. Gulf Shores Methodist Church – A Festival of Gifts Saturday, November 7th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (Winn Dixie shopping Center), (251) 968-4328 www.gulfshoresumc.org/preschool/fundraisers Email: theharvestfestival@yahoo.com The Harvest Festival of Gifts is an arts and crafts festival featuring local artists and crafters gathering together to celebrate their God given talents while offering their handmade creations to the community for purchase. The profits will benefit our Mother’s Day Out and Preschool Program. There will be crafts for sale, a sweet shop, a silent auction and more. What at great way to support our school and get an early start on your Christmas shopping! For more information visit our website or email theharvestfestival@yahoo.com.

Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee (ad on page 70)

Wednesday, November 11th through Saturday, November 14th 1 South Water Street, Mobile (Mobile Convention Center), (251) 471-3348 www.juniorleaguemobile.org Check off your holiday shopping list at the 31st Annual Christmas Jubilee! This event features merchants from around the country; Christmas Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

Jubilee will kick off the holiday shopping season with a broad selection of gifts for all ages, interests and budgets. There are also numerous special events sponsored by the Junior League including a Preview Party Gala on Wednesday, November 11, VIP Shopping, Girls’ Night Out on Thursday, November 12, Santa Breakfast on November 14 and Cookies with Santa on November 14, please visit the website for more information. Regular shopping hours are Thursday, November 12 – 10:30am-8:00 p.m., Friday, November 13 - 9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14 - 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. General Admission Tickets valid for one day are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Please visit www. juniorleaguemobile.org for more information. Trim-A-Tree Christmas Event Friday, November 13th – Tuesday, December 21st, Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tanger Outlet Center, Suite 250 (Next to Santa!) 2601 South McKenzie Street, Foley (251) 943-4381; www.foleyartcenter.com Email: foleytrimatree@gmail.com More than 50 fine artists and craftsmen from throughout the area have created quality, unique one-of-a-kind ornaments, decorations, pottery, jewelry, and fine artwork to be sold on consignment. This event is hosted by the Foley Art Center. Admission is Free and open to public.

Junior League Santa Breakfast & Cookies with Santa (ad on page 70)

Saturday, November 14th, 2015 1 South Water Street, Mobile (Mobile Convention Center), (251) 471-3348 www.juniorleaguemobile.org Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and your special little ones! There will be Story-time, crafts, breakfast and, of course, photos with Santa. Buy your tickets early. This event sells out fast! Tickets: $20. Times: 8:30am, 9:30am. Cookies with Santa – There will be Story-time, crafts, cookie decorating and SANTA! Tickets: $10. Times: 10:30am, 11:30am. Tickets are available online at www.juniorleaguemobile.org or call (251) 471-3348. 64

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “My Life as a Turkey” November 15th 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie comes just in time AFTER the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. After a local farmer left a bowl of eggs on Joe Hutto’s front porch, his life was forever changed. Hutto, possessing a broad background in the natural sciences and an interest in imprinting young animals, incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. As the chicks emerged from their shells, they locked eyes with an unusual but dedicated mother. This documentary is one man’s remarkable experience of raising a group of wild turkey hatchlings to adulthood. Please call for specific times. 5 Rivers Story Time “Turkey Trouble” November 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is Story Time at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts. In this week’s story, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Turkey is in trouble… BAD trouble! But Turkey has an idea… Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concerts November 19th - 5:30 p.m. Lighting of the Trees in Downtown Fairhope December 3rd – 7:30 p.m. Concert at Fairhope UMC (155 South Section Street, Fairhope) December 4th – 7:30 p.m. Concert at Spanish Fort UMC (6690 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort) December 6th – 3:00 p.m. Concert at Fairhope UMC (155 South Section Street, Fairhope) This year’s program will feature Vivaldi’s Gloria with soloists Dr. Kathryn Hedlud and Mollie www.easternshoreparents.com

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Adams and will include other Christmas selections. The concert will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra, organ and piano and will have an opportunity for audience participation singing favorite Christmas carols. Student tickets (grade school through college) are always free. Regular tickets are $15 and may be purchased from any ESCS member, online at our website www.escs.org, or at the door the day of the concert. There is something for everyone on our program! Come out and support your local community choral arts. December 15th – 7:30 p.m. Annual MessiahSing-A-Long at Trinity Presbyterian Church (545 South Mobile Street) Each year the Eastern Shore Choral Society hosts a community sing-a-long of the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah. This year we will add two soloists Dr. Kathryn Hedlund, Assistant Professor of Music/Voice at the University of Mobile, Dr. Joe McClellan, Worship Pastor at Point Baptist Church in Pensacola, and two Mobile Symphony violinists to make our event and experience even more festive. The community is encouraged to come with a musical score or borrow one of ours, as together, in an informal setting, we sing through this great music. There is also room for those who want to come and listen! All are welcome to this FREE event and to the reception following the sing-a-long. Contact us at info@escs.org for information. Fairhope’s Lighting of the Trees Celebration Thursday, November 19th, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Downtown Fairhope (251) 929-1466; www.cofairhope.com The City of Fairhope will kick off the holiday season with their annual Fairhope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festivities begin at 5:30 and the lights come on at 6:00 p.m. Sharp! Local entertainment will be provided and Mrs. Claus will be passing out candy canes. Join us as we turn on over 1 million lights in downtown Fairhope. For more information contact the City of Fairhope. 20th Annual Christmas by the Bay Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC) November 19th 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Fairhope Civic Center, Fairhope

161 North Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-4585; www.baldwinhumane.org Email: Barc_execdir@baldwinhumane.org This is a great way to start off the holiday season and it benefits a very worthy cause in Baldwin County! Roman Street will provide entertainment for the night. Tickets are $40 per person which includes gourmet hors d’oeuvres from dozens of Baldwin County’s finest restaurants. The silent auction, along with a Ruff Ruff Raffle, offers a great opportunity to purchase unique gift items for the holidays. “Rescues on the Runway,” has become the highlight of the evening. “Last year,” according to Executive Director, Stephen Savage, “When the dogs paraded on the runway, it was amazing how everyone in the civic center stopped what they were doing to watch.” This is BARC’s major fundraiser every year. For more information, to purchase tickets or make a donation, call 251.928.4585, stop by the BARC office at 22886C Hwy 98 in Fairhope, ask a board member, go on event website www.baldwinhumane.brownpapertickets.com, or check out our Facebook event page. “We urge everyone to buy a ticket or make a donation,” Savage added, “You help us help the many dogs and cats in our area that need assistance.” The Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC) is a no-kill adoption agency. We are a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit established in 1979; we were the first and remain the only county-wide animal welfare agency. Our goal is to eliminate the number of abused and abandoned pets through spay/neuter, education, rescue and adoption.

Downtown Fairhope’s Holiday Stroll (ad on page 21)

Friday, November 20th, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (251) 929-1466; www.cofairhope.com Stroll downtown for food, drinks and a chance to fulfill your holiday wish list! Downtown Fairhope Business Association Executive Director Alex Robinson, invites everyone to begin their night at the Fairhope Welcome Center for

complementary hot chocolate and a re-useable shopping tote courtesy of DFBA. Shops and restaurants will have extended hours from 5-8 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Thrift Shoppe Holiday Sale Friday November 20th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Advance Tickets); Saturday November 21st, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Sunday November 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 28788 N Main St, Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 626-6102; www.stpaulseasternshore.com Email: saintpaulsthrift@gmail.com Kick off your Christmas season with the Thrift Shop’s 11th annual holiday sale! On Friday, November 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be offering a very exciting preview “Gala” evening to begin our annual shopping event. The Gala will take place in the Life Center at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne. Advance tickets are $20.00 each and go on sale Sunday, October 4th in Malone Hall between church services. Tickets will also be available at the Thrift Shop. Gala ticket price includes light hors d’oeuvres, two beverages, complimentary glass and the opportunity to shop first! There are a limited number of tickets available, so buy early! In addition to the Gala on Friday, there will also be two more days of shopping in the Life Center: Saturday, Nov. 21st from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Sunday Nov. 22nd from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission is Free Saturday & Sunday. Need homemade baked items for your Thanksgiving feast? Fabulous food and baked goods will be offered for sale throughout the event. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will have their famous smoked pork for sale. For more information contact the Thrift Shop at (251) 626-6102. Christmas Tree Lighting at the Eastern Shore Centre November 20th at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort 30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0060; www.easternshorecentre.com Email: info@easternshorecentre.com or mkraft@ easternshorecentre.com. Please call the office for event activities and hours.

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Mrs. Lolly’s Plantation – Magnolia Springs Library Plymouth Plantation and the First Thanksgiving! Saturday, November 21, 10:00 a.m. Magnolia Springs Public Library 12440 Magnolia Avenue, Magnolia Springs (251) 965-2305; www.magnoliaspringslibrary.org Email: magnoliaspringslibrary@gmail.com Come take a Fantastic trip back in time to Plymouth Plantation and the First Thanksgiving! An exciting adventure and story with Mrs. Lolly. St. Francis at the Point Church 8th Annual Fall Festival Saturday, November 21st from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 17280 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear (One mile south of the Grand Hotel) (251-928-1255); www.stfrancisatthepoint.org St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church is proud to announce it’s 8th Annual Fall Festival! The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. to a delightful array of crafts, local artwork, and professionally designed Christmas wreaths, tabletop trees and centerpieces. The ladies of St. Francis have been working on canning delicious fruits, preserves, pickles and fruit butters. Our bake sale is a huge presentation of homemade cakes, pies and breads, ready to take for your Thanksgiving dinner. We will also have tasty chocolate fudge, chocolate covered peanuts and Creole pralines. The silent auction will feature the usual outstanding gifts and artwork as in the past. We will have vendors selling items such as jewelry, handmade merchandise and other specialties. The Sidewalk Café will be cooking sausage dogs, hotdogs, and homemade desserts for lunch. The proceeds from the Fall Festival helps

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

St. Francis support various community needs and the continuing preservation of our historic church. We hope you will come out to share in this happy day! Festival closes at 3:00 p.m. Santa Visits the Eastern Shore Centre Saturday November 21st – 22nd Friday November 27th – 29th Saturday December 5th – 6th Saturday December 12th – 13th Saturday December 19th – 24th 30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0060; www.easternshorecentre.com Email: info@easternshorecentre.com or mkraft@ easternshorecentre.com. Come have your picture taken with Santa! Please call the Eastern Shore Centre office or visit website for times.

Downtown Fairhope Business Association

6th Annual Holiday Movie in the Streets (ad on page 21)

Saturday, November 21st, 6:30 p.m. Intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street, Fairhope (251) 929-1466; www.cofairhope.com The Downtown Business Association will host an Outdoor Movie at the intersection of Section Street and Fairhope Avenue. Those who plan to attend can bring lawn chairs and blankets from home. Children are invited to wear their holiday pajamas. “Movie in the Streets” is a family friendly event, no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Admission is Free. For additional information call or visit our website.

Redeemer Lutheran Christmas Bazaar Saturday November 21, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 200 South Section Street, Fairhope (251) 928-8397; www.redeemerfairhope.org Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar featuring a bake sale, arts & crafts, woodcarvings, and other unique items. A “Make Your Own Gingerbread House” area for children ($10/house) will be in full swing, as well as our Coffee Shoppe featuring hot drinks, sweet rolls, and monkey bread. Come out and join us to get your Holiday celebrations underway! Proceeds will be matched by Thrivent Financial and will benefit the ongoing mission projects of Redeemer’s Women’s Guild.

Fairhope’s 56th Annual Christmas Open House (ad on page 21)

Sunday, November 22, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (251) 929-1466; www.cofairhope.com Christmas Open House - Restaurants and stores open on Sundays to welcome shoppers with specials deals offered. With live entertainment and refreshments throughout town, this Fairhope tradition grows every year!

A Little Time with Santa (ad on page 13)

Sundays on November 22nd, 29th and December 6th and 13th and 20th The Grand Hotel, Point Clear, (251) 928-5944 Appointment Only, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Email: info@renaissanceportraits.com Santa and Renaissance Portrait Studio will be

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available for a special private session with your little one! To schedule an extra special Santa Experience, please contact the Elf Hotline at (251) 928-5944. Appointments available between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular at the Wharf Special Holiday Show November 23rd - January 10th Every night at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com The Wharf Ice Rink November 23rd – January 10th, 2016 The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Lace ‘em up and come skate through a winter wonderland. Weekdays: 3p-10p, Weekends & Holidays: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Some dates subject to change, please check website calendar for full schedule. $10 to skate, $13 combo to skate & ride the Ferris Wheel.

Wales West Arctic Express (ad on page 41)

Friday, November 27th – Thursday, December 24th 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com All aboard the Arctic Express at Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway. Great holiday fun for the whole family! Ride an authentic Steam Train through a wonderland of lights and decorations to the North Pole. Children visit with Santa in the Winter-wonderland barn and receive a free

wooden toy. Lots of photo opportunities to enjoy! Free refreshments served at the Train Station after your trip! Enjoy a ride on the Mini Train, hay ride, and playground Inflatable. In addition, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Snowball Cannon are available for a slight fee. Try our Cafe’s new menu options, and a Gift Shop full of train items ideal for Christmas presents! Open Nov. 27 through December 24. Hours: WEEKENDS: Fri’s, Sat’s, and Sun’s, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m; Beginning Dec. 15, open NIGHTLY, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $15/person, plus tax. 2 and under are free. Group rates, field trips, and parties can be booked in advance. Located on Co. Rd. 9 between Fairhope and Silverhill. For information call 888-569-5337 or go to www. waleswest.com. Must see to believe! Register on website for coupons early in the season.

Fish River Christmas Tree Farm (ad on page 75)

Friday, November 27 – Wednesday, December 23 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East, Summerdale (off of CR9) (251) 988-8114; www.fishrivertrees.com There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40-acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery. Take a free ride on The Tannebaum Express “tree train” for a fun filled farm tour (weekends only). View our manger scene with live animals! Visit our new ‘Santa & Friends Family Fun Zone’ for family portraits and dancing with Snowball and Prancer. Santa

will arrive for visits on the first two weekends beginning on Friday November 27th to November 30th, December 5th - 6th, and December 12th-13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Take a tour of the farm and view the wide selection of trees including our choose and cut trees, our special container-grown Living Christmas Trees that can be decorated then planted after the holidays. We have fabulous shipped in Fraser Firs, flocked and snow-tipped trees. Also available are fresh wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands. For more details and directions please visit our website.

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home (ad on page 15)

November 27th, 2015 – January 2nd, 2016 (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day) 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Theodore is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2015. The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,000 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Magic Christmas in Lights has become a mustsee tradition for visitors from the Gulf Coast region and beyond. Magic Christmas in Lights, which will run from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from November 27, 2015, through January 2, 2016, also includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home, which will be open for tours and decorated in full holiday finery. (The Gardens will be closed on

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Christmas and New Year’s Days.) The Gift Shop will be fully stocked for the season, and guests may also have their photos taken with Santa Claus in the Magnolia Café. For details about Magic Christmas in Lights, visit our website, www.bellingrath.org. Online tickets will be available at the site on November 1st, 2015. Horse & Carriage Rides at The Wharf November 27th - December 27th – weather permitting, The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224- 1000; www.alwharf.com Come to the Wharf and enjoy an exciting horse and carriage ride to make your Christmas celebration complete. Bring the family or come as a couple and make great Christmas memories as you stroll around the Wharf and see the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations. Call or visit our website for carriage times. Live Animal Nativity Trail & Exhibit November 27th - December 27th The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Entry $5, Petting Zoo- Free, Horse & Pony Ride - $5, Camel Nativity Ride - $10. Enjoy the live nativity scene by foot, by car or by camel. Photos with Santa at the Wharf November 28th – December 23rd The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Fridays: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sundays: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

City of Foley Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Monday, November 30th Heritage Park, 125 East Laurel Avenue, Foley 251-943-1300; www.cityoffoley.org or www. visityfoley.org; Email: lhula@cityoffoley.org The first ten applications will receive a free tree to decorate! Decorating may start on Monday, November 30th and finished by Wednesday, December 2nd. Judging will take place on Thursday, December 3rd, 2015. Winners will be announced on Friday, December 4th at Christmas in the Park and plaques will be awarded. The trees may be undecorated and removed beginning Saturday, December 26th, but no later than Monday, January 4th, 2016. Each Applicant is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the tree while on display. Please call for information on applications. 5 Rivers Story Time: “Dinosaur’s Night Before Christmas” by Jim Harris December 1st 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is Story Time at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts. A festively fun and traditional story with a reptilian twist!

Lights of Love 2015

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Tuesday, December 1st, 6:00 p.m. USA Women’s & Children’s Hospital (251) 415-1000; www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Three organizations dedicated to the care of children and families are celebrating the excitement and wonder of this holiday season! Everyone is invited to the 5th annual “Lights of Love” tree lighting at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital beginning at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1st. Co-sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, the Lights of Love tree lighting directly in front of the hospital will also feature visits from Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald, as well as performances from local school and community choirs. Enjoy cookies, caroling and spread some old-fashioned cheer. Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wharf December 1st, (call for exact times) The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224- 1000; www.alwharf.com Join The Wharf for the “Lighting of The Island” when The Wharf’s magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree comes to life. City of Daphne Open House and Tree Lighting Thursday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. City Hall, Daphne (251) 621-9000; www.daphneal.com Everyone is invited to kick off the holiday season with music, activities, crafts for kids and much

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more! The Open House begins at 6:00 p.m. and the Tree Lighting will be at 7:00 p.m. Nix Center Annual Holiday Concert Thursday, December 3rd, 2:00 p.m. James P. Nix Center, 1 Bayou Drive, Fairhope (251) 928-2835; www.cityoffairhope.org Jammin’ Folks will provide holiday music. Refreshment will be served following concert. USA’s Annual Holiday Concert Extravaganza Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 p.m. 5751 USA Drive South, Mobile (251) 460-6136; www.southalabama.edu/music Email: kbohnet@southalabama.edu USA’s Annual Holiday Concert Extravaganza is to be held at the South Alabama Mitchell Center on Thursday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. USA’s Department of Music students and faculty will be the featured performers in a concert highlighted by classical and popular holiday pieces. Admission is free and open to the public. Summerdale Library Christmas Concert Thursday, December 3 Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m., Baldwin EMC Building, 19600 State Highway 59, Summerdale (251) 989-2011; www.summerdalelibrary.com Enjoy the classic holiday sounds from featured musicians Victor Andzulis and Megan Andzulis, Howard Reddy, Hannan Tarabay Reddy with special guest performance by Trinitas Choir. Proceeds support the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library in Summerdale.

Coastal Chorale Christmas Show Thursday, December 3, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 3:00 p.m. (251) 458-1690; www.coastal-chorale.com The Coastal Chorale Christmas Show performances are at the Foley Civic Center, located at 407 East Laurel Avenue, Foley. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. All Coastal Chorale members also have tickets available for purchase. Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert” Friday, December 4th 407 E. Laurel Avenue, Foley (Foley Civic Center) (251) 943-1545; www.mobilesymphony.org The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season. Please check our website for times. Daphne Library Kids Ornament Make & Take Friday, December 4th, 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-2818; www.daphnelibrary.org Email: rmoss@daphneal.com Make the Christmas tree at home a little brighter! Bring your child to the community room to make an ornament with us! Christmas in the Park Friday, December 4th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Heritage Park, 125 East Laurel Avenue, Foley (251) 943-1300; www.cityoffoley.org

Email: lhula@cityoffoley.org Come out to Heritage Park to sing carols, sip cocoa, light the Christmas tree and visit with Santa. Free cocoa and snacks for all! Gulf Shores Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration Friday, December 4th, 2015, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. The 5th Annual City of Gulf Shores Christmas Parade will be held on the First Friday of December. The parade will start at Club House Dr. on Hwy. 59, head south, and end at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. The parade will start at 6:30 p.m. Registration is available now by contacting Candice Carraway at (251) 968-1173 or ccarraway@gulfshoresal. gov. Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade Friday, December 4th, 7:00 p.m. Downtown Fairhope (251) 929 -1466; www.cofairhope.com The Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade begins at the intersection of Morphy Avenue and Section Street, and continues down Section and Oak Street. The excitement will build as more than 50 parade units dazzle the crowd in anticipation of Santa Claus’ arrival into Fairhope! WABF will be broadcasting the parade live. Come join us for plenty of lights, beautiful floats, and Santa Claus! Spanish Fort Spirit of Christmas Parade Saturday December 5th, 9:00 a.m. Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort (251) 626-4884; www.cityofspanishfort.com

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Email: lcooper@cityofspanishfort.com The prestigious Daphne-Spanish Fort Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Cadets, followed by the award-winning Spanish Fort High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders the Spanish Fort, Miss Spanish Fort High School and the Grand Marshal, lead this family-oriented parade. Past participants have included local and national dignitaries, the Dogwood Trail Maids, representatives of Alabama’s Distinguished Young Women, Little Miss Spanish Fort and Tiny Miss Spanish Fort, Baldwin County Strawberry Festival Queen and Miss Faulkner State Community College. Adding to the holiday cheer are area Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, various talented dancing troupes, floats decorated by church and business organizations, and everything from baton twirlers to unicyclists, all with holidaythemed parade throws. Of course, the “Spirit of Christmas” Parade would not be complete without a visit from that most famous jolly old elf, Santa Claus, arriving with a little assistance from the Spanish Fort Fire Department! Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at Fort Gaines Saturday, December 5th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org Experience a Christmas of “Days Gone By!” This event is a living history Day for the whole family. Come and join the soldiers from the 1700’s through the 1900’s and their Families as they celebrate a non-commercial Christmas. Our visiting children will have the chance to make a seashells ornament and other decorations. Times: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

St.

Lawrence Christmas Bazaar

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Saturday, December 5th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6th, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 370 South Section St, Fairhope, (251) 928-5931 www.stlawrencechristmasbazaar.com Email: bazaar@stlawrencefairhope.com Variety of Unique Vendor Booths, Silent AuctionArts - Crafts - Antiques – Food - Pictures with Santa and much more! Over the past few years the Christmas Bazaar has grown into a wonderful experience for the whole family. We started with just a small idea to make a little money to send our youth group to Washington, and the event has grown into an event that the people of St. Lawrence and Fairhope look forward to every year. Free Admission. Visit our website and on Facebook. For more information call or email Afton Sylvester.

FEEF Cookies with Santa at Oak Hollow Farm (ad on page 51)

December 5th, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Oak Hollow Farm, Fairhope (251) 990-3333; www.feefonline.org Email: director@feefonline.org As a way of saying “Happy Holidays” to the community, Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) will host its annual Cookies with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope. Enjoy a variety of musical entertainment by Fairhope school students and

have your photo taken with Santa and his elves. Freshly baked cookies and hot cocoa round out this fun event. Cookies with Santa is always a wonderful way to thank our supporters and bring Fairhope families together for some oldfashioned holiday cheer. The event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods to support Ecumenical Ministries’ food pantry. Santa Claus will arrive shortly after 9:00 a.m. to begin taking pictures with children. For more information call or visit www.feefonline.org. City of Fairhope Santa Saturdays Saturday, December 5 & 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fairhope Museum of History Santa will be in front of the Fairhope Museum of History in downtown Fairhope for children to visit. Parents may bring cameras to take pictures. Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade Saturday, December 5th, 11:00 a.m. Downtown Foley (251) 943-1300; www.foleykiwanisclub.com The annual Foley Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade winds its way through downtown Foley with festive floats, treats and throws, and of course, Santa waves a Merry Christmas to all. For information visit the Foley Kiwanis Club website. Foley’s Annual “Let It Snow!” Saturday, December 5th, 11:00 a.m. Heritage Park, 125 East Laurel Avenue, Foley (251) 943 1300; www.cityoffoley.org

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Email: lhula@cityoffoley.org Bring your mittens and play in the snow! Located in Heritage Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. directly following the Christmas Parade. Come out and hear live musical performances, listen to Mrs. Claus tell stories, make arts and crafts in the Children’s Art Village, and of course play in the SNOW! Concessions are sold on site. Please call Linda Hula for more information. Christmas Boat Parade on Dog River Saturday, December 5th from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. 6036 Rockpoint Road, Mobile, (251) 443-6300; www.grandmarinemarina.com; Email: missy@thegrandmarinier.com or grandmarinerM@gmail.com Dog River’s annual Christmas on the River Boat Parade. This is Mobile’s oldest and largest boat parade. Sponsored by Grand Mariner Marina. Also a Toys for Tots drive location. The Robertsdale Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Park December 5th, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Honeybee Park, Robertsdale (251) 947-2626; www.robertsdale.org Parade will be on December 5, 2015 and will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Robertsdale High School and end at Wisconsin Street at Honeybee Park. For more information contact the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at (251) 9472626. Applications for Parade Float are available on our website. Parade will start at Robertsdale High School.

Mobile’s Singing Children Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, December 5th, 7:00 p.m. 2 South Claiborne Street, Mobile (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) (251) 285-2285; www.mobilesingingchildren.org Email: mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com Come join us on Saturday, December 5th at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for our Annual Christmas Concert starting at 7:00 p.m. A donation of $10 is suggested. Handel’s “Messiah” with Pensacola Choral Society Saturday, December 5th, 7:30 p.m. The Saenger Theater, Palafox Place, Pensacola (251) 968-2411; www.choralesocietyofpensacola.org. Conducted by Xiaolun Chen, Artistic Director, accompanied by The Choral Society Orchestra with soloists Carla Connors, soprano; Monika Cosson, mezzo-soprano; Thomas Rowell, Tenor; Patrick Jacobs, bass-baritone. Tickets are now on sale in person at the Saenger box office, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at ticketmaster.com. Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Celebrates the Christmas Season Sunday, December 6th, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (2 worship events in Church Sanctuary) (251) 968-2411, www.gulfshoresumc.org Email: cody@gulfshoresumc.org The first is a children’s worship service at 11:00 am in the main sanctuary featuring the GSUMC Children’s Choir and Puppet Team. The second

is “Everything Glorious”, a praise and worship musical event at 7:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary with the GSUMC youth choir, praise team and praise choir. For info, please contact the church office or go to www.gulfshoresumc.org. Baldwin Pops Christmas Concert Monday, December 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Foley Civic Center, 407 East Laurel Ave., Foley Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Daphne Civic Center, 2603 U.S. 98, Fairhope Tuesday, December 15th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gulf Shores Civic Center (251) 232-1013; www.baldwinpopsband.com Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. We are committed to enhancing the cultural environment of the area by providing free concerts to the public. Members come from all walks of life. A common thread for all of us is our love of music, the desire to perform and the ability to play. Playhouse in the Park presents A Christmas Carol Wednesday, December 9th 6 South Joachim St, Mobile (Saenger Theatre) (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org The Playhouse in the Park presents “A Christmas Carol” at the Saenger Theatre on Wednesday, December 9th at 7:30 p.m. for our one public show. Student shows are December 8th and 9th at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Please visit www.playhouseinthepark.org for more information.

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Daphne Library Preschool Storytime at the Senior Center Thursday, December 10th from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Daphne Senior Center 2607 Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-2818; www.daphnelibrary.org Email: rmoss@daphneal.com Description of Event: Members of the Daphne Senior Center are invited to attend Daphne Public Library’s preschool storytime. We will read, sing, play, and meet new friends! Daphne Library Kids Pajama Movie Night Thursday, December 10, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-2818; www.daphnelibrary.org Email: rmoss@daphneal.com Description of Event: Bring the whole family to watch Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the Community Room! Snacks will be provided! Don’t forget to wear your PJ’s! Christmas Festival in Bay Minette December 11th and 12th Blackburn Park in Old Town Bay Minette (251) 937-5665; www.northbaldwinchamber.com Email: assist@northbaldwinchamber.com The Annual Christmas Fest is a longstanding tradition complete with Christmas Tree Lighting, Live Entertainment, Arts & Crafts, Good Food, an Art Contest and culminating on Saturday afternoon with the Annual Christmas Parade! Please visit our website for more information on times and applications for venders.

Free admission but a gift for Toys for Tots would be appreciated.

Christmas Tea with Charming Teacup (ad on page 7)

Saturday, Dec. 12th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear (251) 300-0231; www.charmingteacup.com Darlings, join us for a very special Christmas Tea! Open to Ladies (and Gents) of all ages! Little Ladies ages 3-12 can enjoy getting dressed in one of our gorgeous gowns and Ladies ages 13-up can wear one of our fabulous tea hats to make this a fun and memorable event! We will serve a full Afternoon Tea with scones, Devonshire cream, tea sandwiches, fruit, petit fours and delicious Christmas cookies. Enjoy bottomless pots of our gourmet tea- over 15 flavors to choose from! We will also enjoy ballroom dancing and parlor games! The price is just $30 per child ages 3-12, and $25 for 13 yrs. old and up. Reservations are required and tickets are limited! Get yours before it’s too late! Call or visit our website to purchase tickets. City of Daphne Christmas Celebration and Parade Saturday, December 12, Parade begins at 11 a.m. City Hall, Daphne (251) 621-3703; www.daphneal.com Join us for kids’ activities, hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate and “SNOW”. Come join the family fun! The Parade begins at 11:00 a.m.

4th Annual Merry Market Crafts Expo Friday, December 11th, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12th, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Orange Beach Events Center 4671 Wharf Parkway Drive, Orange Beach (251) 968-7215, www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com The 4th Annual Merry Market at the Wharf is two days of fine arts, crafts and unique gifts. Admission is free and open to the public. Make sure you take the children to Story Time with Mrs. Claus! Mrs. Claus will be reading stories and taking photos at the end of each session. Story Times are as follows: Saturday at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 & 2:30 p.m. Story time is free. Photos will be available for purchase by Dillon Photography. For info visit website or email Vicki@mygulfcoastchamber.com.

Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 12th, 5:30 p.m. (251) 968-7200, www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com Email: owen@mygulfcoastchamber.com The 29th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday December 12th starting at 5:30 p.m. from Lulu’s and finishing at Cobalt in Orange Beach. To enter your boat in the parade visit our website. There will be a mandatory captain’s meeting 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 11th @ LuLu’s . Don’t have a boat? Charter boats are available to host your group. This makes for a great office or company holiday party. Call 251-981-2300 for more information. If you have questions please email Owen Corcoran at owen@mygulfcoastchamber.com.

Daphne Library Kids Gift Make & Take Friday, December 11th from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-2818; www.daphnelibrary.org Email rmoss@daphneal.com Description of Event: Parents need Christmas presents too! Bring your child to the community room to make you a special gift this year!

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra

Christmas On Broadway Concert

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December 11 at 7 p.m., Eastern Shore Baptist Church, 6847 Park Drive, Daphne (251) 979-6834; www.bcyorchestra.com Email: bcyorchestra@gmail.com Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile (Mobile Civic Center Theatre) (251) 342-2241; www.mobileballet.org Mobile Ballet will take you on a magical journey of brilliant dancing, sumptuous sets, and gorgeous costumes. This is a favorite for all ages. Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Billy Claus visits Lulu’s! Saturday, December 12th 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores. (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com 72

Billy Claus Oh Billy Claus how we love you... Poor Billy is allergic to snow so what better place for him to come and celebrate the holidays but LuLu’s. Come enjoy as this delightful children’s book, written by none other than the talented Lucy Buffett, comes to life. Enjoy a full day of arts & crafts, live music and get your picture taken with Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s. Make sure to leave Billy your Christmas list so that he can personally deliver it to his brother (you may have heard of him) Santa Claus. What a better way to kick off the holiday season than a day here with all of your friends and family at LuLu’s. Bay Shore Ballet Academy “The Nutcracker” Saturday, December 12th, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 3:00 p.m. Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N Section St, Fairhope (251) 990-9744; www.eventbrite.com Email: trinollinger@gmail.com Dancers of the Bay Shore Ballet Theater, along with students of the Academy will be featured in the much anticipated holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”. A special, full-length preview performance will be Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 P.M. with general admission ticket prices at $5.00. Performances on Saturday, December 12th at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday, December 13th at 3:00 P.M., tickets will be priced at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under. Janet Carole, former principal ballerina with leading U.S. and Canadian ballet companies will direct the whimsical classic, which will delight audiences of all ages. Annie Laurie O’Neill, Abigail Kiernan and Emily Davis will be the Principal Dancers, in the roless of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen. Professional stage production will be by Scenic Design. Tickets for performances can be purchased online at www. eventbrite.com, or in advance at The Coffee Loft, 503 N. Section St. in Fairhope, Page and Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, at the door prior to performances, or by calling the Bay Shore Ballet at (251) 990-9744. For reserved seating, calling Trin Ollinger at (251) 583-3875. Teachers interested in bringing school classes to a special condensed version of the ballet on Friday, December 11th, or to have a dancer visit their class should contact Allison Hunter at allisonhunter@live.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee alternating, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” December 13th (Please call for specific times) 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. Not one but TWO animated classics rotating throughout the day. See them on the big screen! The Mobile Pops in Concert present “Sounds of the Season” Monday, December 14th 3900 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mobile (Davidson High School Auditorium) www.easternshoreparents.com

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(251) 679-6036; www.themobilepops.com The Mobile Pops present their annual Christmas Concerts on December 14 at 7:00 p.m. The concert will be at Davidson High School Auditorium. All concerts are FREE and open to the public. 5 Rivers Story Time: “The Littlest Elf” by Brandi Dougherty December 15th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is Story Time at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts. In this week’s story, Oliver may be the littlest elf in the North Pole, but he has a big desire to discover his very special job in Santa’s workshop! But after getting lost in the toy shop, making a mess at the book shop, and falling in the mixing machine at the bakery, is the littlest elf just too little? Perhaps he just needs the littlest reindeer to remind him what Christmas is all about! Daphne Library Kids Santa Stories Thursday, December 17th from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Daphne Library Community Room 2607 Highway 98, Daphne (251) 621-2818; www.daphnelibrary.org Email rmoss@daphneal.com Guess who is coming to town? Santa, that’s

who! Join us in the Library Community Room as Santa shares his favorite stories with his Eastern Shore friends! There will be cookies and warm cocoa. Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach Hot Shop Blowout December 17th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach (251) 981-ARTS (2787) www.cityoforangebeach.com Email: jjones@cityoforangebeach.com The Hot Shop Blowout will feature resident artist Kerry Parks manipulating molten glass in a free hot glass demonstration. We will serve hot chocolate, candy canes and other Holiday treats. For more information, call the Arts Center at or visit the City of Orange Beach Website. City of Spanish Fort’s Reading of “Twas’ the Night before Christmas” December 17th, 7:00 p.m. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov Cuddle up by the fireplace and join Santa as he reads “Twas’ the Night before Christmas.” Stick around after the reading for free pictures with Santa. Mobile Holiday Market & Christmas Kids Day Saturday, December 19 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Cathedral Square

www.specialeventsmobile.org Arts & crafts...fun activities...music...pictures... dance performances...and much more! Christmas Card Workshop with Mrs. Mel Saturday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. Magnolia Springs Library 12440 Magnolia Avenue, Magnolia Springs (251) 965-2305 www.magnoliaspringslibrary.org Email: magnoliaspringslibrary@gmail.com Mrs. Melanie O’Donnell will teach us how to make professional looking Christmas cards. She is inviting mothers and daughters, as well as any others interested. Please call the library and confirm attendance at least two days prior to the event. Don’t miss this special Christmas event! For more information call or email magnoliaspringslibrary@gmail.com. 5 Rivers KID’S Sunday Matinee Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” December 20th 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.alabama5rivers.com Email: Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.gov Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. This film will play at 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning.

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Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! LuLu’s - 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at LuLu’s! Think your year couldn’t possibly get any better, just wait and see what LuLu’s has in store to help you end the year with a bang. LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve party is pure excitement around every corner. From delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, live music, zoo animals, face painting, wow I could just go on and on, but wait there is one thing I forgot to mention... To count it down to noon we celebrate with kid friendly fireworks and a huge beach ball drop. Just take a look at the pictures from last year and plan your vacation to make sure you don’t miss this incredible event. See you there! Fairhope’s New Year’s Eve Family Celebration Thursday, December 31, 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Downtown Fairhope (251) 929-1466; www.cofairhope.com Bring your family and ring in the New Year in downtown Fairhope with fireworks dancing in the streets, a DJ and a ball drop at midnight! The band begins playing at 8:30 p.m. at the corner of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street. Reel in the New Year at The Wharf December 31st The Wharf, Orange Beach (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com Ring in the New Year with all of your friends at the party of all parties! Enjoy live entertainment, fireworks and our famous Marlin drop! Visit our Website for Evening festivity times. Happy Noon Year’s – Gulf Coast Exploreum Thursday, December 31, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 65 Government Street, Mobile (251) 208-6873; www.exploreum.com Our Noon Years event complete with our very own mini MoonPie drop! The Noon year countdown will have lots of family activities. Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration Thursday, December 31 (251) 208-1550; www.ncsmobile.org Moonpie over Mobile is back. With over 60,000 people in attendance last year, this year’s New Year’s event will usher in the New Year in grand style. Come and get a larger glimpse at the moon pie as it rises over the city in downtown mobile. There will be live entertainment, activities for the kids at the local museums and a countdown to 2016 like no other.

Send us your Holiday Event. Email lynn@ easternshoreparents.com! Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas Tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40 acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery.

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Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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According to a study from LiveScience.com, hovering or over-protective parents are more likely to turn out neurotic, more dependent adult children. “(College) students with helicopter parents tended to be less open to new ideas and actions, as well as more vulnerable, anxious, and self-conscious, among other factors, compared with their counterparts with more distant parents,” the study reported. Dr. Ed Christophersen, a psychologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, says hovering becomes problematic if the child isn’t learning key life skills like good sleep habits, independent play and self-calming skills. “But, because, in my experience many hovering parents hover in order to keep themselves from getting stressed by seeing their child distressed, the odds are they will not allow their child the opportunity to learn the life skills,” Christophersen says. To raise children to become self-reliant, independent adults, Christophersen urges parents to instill four important life skills.

Good sleep habits. Avoid co-sleeping with your baby (514 children were smothered in the past 10 years due to cosleeping with a parent according to Christophersen). After the age of one, establish a short bedtime routine that includes brushing teeth, bath, bedtime stories and prayer or quiet talk time. Studies show, children who can fall asleep on their own

and stay asleep throughout the night are more likely to do well in school.

Separation skills. The first day of preschool or daycare is often stressful for both parents and their children. Your child may cry or “press back into you. Don’t pick them up,” Christophersen advises. Allow your child time to adjust and soon it’s not so anxiety-provoking. Learning healthy separation skills promotes a sense of self-confidence and the ability to transition more easily from one situation to another. Independent play. Children as young as 18 to 24 months can learn to play by themselves for extended periods of time. Unstructured playtime not only provides children with a quiet outlet from a busy day, it nurtures creativity, decision-making and self-reflection. Social skills. Once your child enters

toddlerhood, encourage cooperation and sharing through parallel play, in which two children play independently with the same group of toys, and eventually social play skills, in which children play together with the same toys. In tandem with healthy sleep habits and social skills, establish a system that helps children learn step-by-step independence. “Set them up for success when they are young and then back off,” says Mary Jennings, a kindergarten teacher who has taught for 34 years. The night before a school day, for example, help your children pack their

backpacks and have them set out their clothes. Assign specific household chores to help them build a skill set and a sense of responsibility. Cues and prompts like index cards or color-coded family calendars are simple reminders. “Consistency is key. Don’t give up too soon. It takes 21 days to change a habit,” Jennings adds. Recalling how difficult it was to drop off her two middle-schoolers for their first day in a new school, Holly Clark understands the temptation to hover. “I felt bad for them since they did not know anybody, but I also knew the last thing they needed was their mommy walking in with them,” she says. Clark gives her six children, ranging in age from 2 to 15 years, the space to make age-appropriate decisions and learn personal responsibility. “If we see that they may head down the wrong path, we will step in and intervene,” she says. With her husband in the military, the family moves frequently. To get everyone off on the right foot, she and her husband make it a priority to select a good school district and neighborhood. “When the children...go to college, we will not be there so we need to let them have some responsibility for themselves now so they will not be overwhelmed when we are not there.” For additional parenting tips, check out Christophersen’s book, Parenting that Works: Building Skills that Last a Lifetime. ESP

Christa Hines is a freelance writer and frequent contributor.

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American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit www.asama.org. Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251-344-0536 ext. 104. Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope, the Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale. Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www.eseartcenter.com. The Exploreum The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.exploreum.com or call 251-208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile. Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474. Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson. Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www.mariettajohnson.org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www.weeksbay.org.

Classes/Meetings Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Monday of each month. The meeting is held at Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave, in Daphne from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Parent, Youth/Teen group and childcare is available. Topic discussions by adoption professionals and ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information call 251-460-2727 or 1-800-489-1886 or www. childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counseling services to adoptive families.

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Celebration MOPS Fairhope Celebration MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope. Childcare is provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $30 per semester. Call the church office for info at 251-928-0343 or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ celebrationmopsfairhopeal. Daily Living Skills Group for parents with children on the Spectrum Held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Family Center, 27365 Pollard Road, Daphne. Focus is on daily living needs of families and their children, such as: Safety issues; How to have a family dinner out; Ways to assist with transition; How to talk with people who stare; Your questions, comments and suggestions. Limited childcare slots are available. For more information, please contact Judy Bradshaw: (251) 990-7781. Daphne Neurological Disease Support Group (Includes Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy). Meets second Monday of each month at Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne, in the Community Life Center-Gathering Room. 11:00 a.m. until noon. Noon light lunch for $3 from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Speaker or joint group session. Contact person: Alice Hallford - 251-626-8228. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday (during the school year) at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for information about how to register. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Chill Skills Anger Management by appointment. $25 giftcard upon completion. Call 251-626-1610 schedule, The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Nurturing Parenting, everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, near the YMCA. MOPS on the Eastern Shore MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” - but don’t let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you. 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. 1st Thursday of the Month (September through May). Dinner & Child Care are provided. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly.com/ Facebook.com/MopsOnTheEasternShore. Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7 – 7:30 p.m., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 mile east of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www.FitzpenPlace.com. www. Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251621-6665 or 251-377-4069. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged. Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148. Single Mom Ministry Sponsored by Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church, this prayer and support group for single moms is designed to provide a safe and prayerful environment where group members are able to express themselves among others who will listen, care, and lift each other up. Each participant will receive one bag of non-perishable food items each week. Child care will be provided. Light snacks and soft drinks will be served. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 6-7 PM at Fairhope Avenue Baptist Family Life Center, 8717 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-0890.

SOS (Survivors of Suicide) This group is for adults who has ever lost a loved one to suicide. If it has been 5 days or 50 years since the loss, this group is here for you. SOS meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of EVERY month from 6:30 to approximately 8:00 p.m. at the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S. Section Street, Fairhope. The support group, which has been around since November, 2012, is facilitated by a professional and co-facilitated by two survivors. There are no dues. For more information, please email jlbarber5@ bellsouth.net or call 251-455-6453. Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance Studio, located behind Pizza Hut across from Thomas Hospital. 251 South Greeno, Fairhope. $5 per class (fee may be higher with special guest instructors). For more information Contact Ben Samel at 605-2657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol.com. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. Cost: $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises. Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session. • Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. Located just off of the main lobby. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. We look forward to sharing this special time with you! Method of payment accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, AmEx, Debit Card. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For additional information please contact 949-3781. Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m.  Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class  Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required. To register, 279-1373.  Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m.  Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series

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Family Calendar which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope)   Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.  Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for upcoming classes and registration. Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or more information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251- 928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@bellsouth. net. Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No Pre-registration required. Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required.   Sibling Class   Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope).   Pre-registration required.  To register call 279-1373.  10 - 11 a.m.   Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-477-1104 for more information. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for more information. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group-Family Connected by Ribbons Support group for cancer survivors, friends and family. Open to any types of cancer. Every first Thursday of every month from 6 - 8 p.m. Morphy Conference Room (Old ER entrance) at Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Preregistration not required. Call 209-1229 for more information. Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Diabetes Support Group Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center. Call 279-1700 for more information. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Meetings are held every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251- 9656264 for more information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 455-9919 for more information. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251626-6337 for more information.

November2015

Sunday, November 1

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents “The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes” Join us for the “The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes” on October 23, 24, 30 & 31 at 7:30 pm and October 25 & November 1 (Sunday) at 2:00 pm at South Baldwin Community Theatre (2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores). Please visit www.sbct.biz for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2-2:30 pm, Free. Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers.com. Greater Gulf State Fair It’s time for the Fair! The Grounds will host the 61st annual Greater Gulf State Fair from October 30 – November 8. This year’s Fair will feature a new theme “Lions, Tigers, The Fair , Oh My!” which aims to host the best things about the “Wizard of Oz”

Tuesday, November 3 Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information. 5 Rivers StoryTime 10 am - 11 am. “Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields”. The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts. This week, we find out what the dinosaurs did for fun. With illustrations by Scott Nash that leap off the page like a raptor doing the fandango, Carol Diggory Shields tells dinosaur devotees all about reptilian revelry with a foot-tapping, tail-whacking beat. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www. alabama5rivers.com. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7 pm - 8:30 pm Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 pm - 8:30 pm Mobile Bay Sierra Club. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www. alabama5rivers.com.

Wednesday, November 4

Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information. “From Shame to Fame,” with Rick Hall AL.com has partnered with Page and Palette Bookstore to host “From Shame to Fame,” an intimate Q&A with Alabama legend and music mogul Rick Hall. Hall, the co-founder of FAME music studios and author of the new autobiography, “The Man from Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame,” will share stories of his experiences in the industry breaking music and racial barriers throughout the state and the nation. Two special evening events - scheduled for November 4 and 5. The first of the two scheduled appearances will be held at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center (formerly known as Space 301) in Mobile, starting at 5 pm. General admission tickets are $15 and VIP tickets are $50. VIP tickets include premium seating and a signed copy of Hall’s book. Copies of “The Man from Muscle Shoals” will be available for purchase at the event. $5 from ticket purchase may be used towards a book purchase. The Alabama Contemporary Art Center is located 301 Conti Street in Mobile. Visit alabamamediagroup.com to learn more about Rick Hall and register for the event.

Check out our Holiday Happenings Guide for seasonal events your family will love!

under one roof as well as more than 30 adult rides, 30 kid rides and a must-see entertainment line-up! Location: 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile. Please visit thegroundsmobile.com for more information. Celebration Church - Fall Shindig at Volanta Park Free family fun and open to the public. We will have Trunk-or-Treat; Inflatables; Costume Contest; Live performances; Food trucks; Mechanical bull; Velcro wall. Location: 803 North Greeno Road, Fairhope from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. For more information call the church office at (251) 928-0343. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee ““Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayhem” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, meet the honey badger, the “thug of the savannah” known for its ability to confront grown lions, castrate charging buffalo and shrug off toxic snakes. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers.com

Monday, November 2 Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information.

Thursday, November 5 31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival Join us for an unforgettable musical journey where the white sand beaches meet the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. During this festival, Grammy Award winning songwriters and the up and coming stars of tomorrow come into the spotlight to perform original songs in multiple locations in beautiful Perdido Key and Pensacola, Florida and Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Festival attendees enjoy an up close and personal concert experience and are often able to learn the stories behind the songs as told by the original author. Dates: November 5 -15. Please visit frankbrownsongwriters.com for more information. Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market The market features local farmers, bakers, fresh

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Family Calendar produce, fresh cut flowers, plants, baked goods and more. The market is open on Bancroft Street behind the Fairhope Public Library from 3:00 pm - Sundown. (Dates: September 24-November 12). Fairhope Public Library will have story times and activities at 4 p.m. For more information, call (251) 929-1466. Rick Hall – Page and Palette “From Shame to Fame” Featuring Rick Hall, Father of Muscle Shoals Sound at 5:30 pm at Page & Palette (32 South Section St). Free Event - Book Purchase Required for Entry. Please visit www.pageandpalette. com/event/rick-hall for more information. Cocktails for the Coast The Alabama Coastal Foundation Board and staff are delighted to host the Fifth Annual Cocktails for the Coast. This is ACF’s celebration of our shared coastal heritage and the dedicated individuals who work to preserve our coastal resources. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at 5 Rivers Delta Conference Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.joinacf.org. “From Shame to Fame,” with Rick Hall AL.com has partnered with Page and Palette Bookstore to host “From Shame to Fame,” an intimate Q&A with Alabama legend and music mogul Rick Hall. Hall, the co-founder of FAME music studios and author of the new autobiography, “The Man from Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame,” will share stories of his experiences in the industry breaking music and racial barriers throughout the state and the nation. The second of a 2-day event, Page & Palette Bookstore, will host a free event with book purchase required to attend the intimate discussion (seating is limited to 100) and secure a signed copy of Hall’s book. Page and Palette is located at 32 S. Section St. Fairhope, AL. The event begins at 5:30 pm. Complimentary light refreshments and cash bar will be provided. To register for the events and for more information, visit alabamamediagroup.com and pageandpalette.com. Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information.

Friday, November 6

First Friday Art Walk - Fairhope First Friday Art Walk is a community art and entertainment event held the first Friday of each month. This event is free and open to the public. You may start your art walk by visiting the Eastern Shore Art Center. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Please call (251) 9282228 for more information. Eastern Shore Repertory presents “Lion King” “Lion King” will be performed on November 6 – November 7 at 7:00 pm at the Fairhope Civic Center (161 North Section St., Fairhope). Tickets - $20 for adults / $10 students. Please visit www. easternshorerep.org for more information. Alabama Pecan Festival This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center (5055 Carol Plantation Rd) features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. Friday 5:00 pm - until; Saturday 9:00 am - until; Sunday 11:00 am - until. Admission and parking are free. Please visit www. alabamapecanfestival.com for more information. 31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival See November 5 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information.

Saturday, November 7 Fairhope Veteran’s Day Parade The City of Fairhope will honor its military veterans with a Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 7th. The parade will start at 10 a.m. and will begin and end at the Fairhope Civic Center. Participants include local veteran’s

Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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organizations, military vehicles, the Dogwood Trail Maids, local boy and Girl Scout troops, the Fairhope High School Band, the Daphne High School ROTC, the 1165th MP Company, the British Car Club and many other local groups. Leading the parade will be Fairhope’s 2014 Veteran of the Year. For more information, call Paige Turberville at (251) 929-1466. 2015 Baldwin Bicycle Fest featuring Tour de Foley Ride Proceeds Benefit Foley Lions Club and Foley Kiwanis Club. Join us for a ride through southeastern Baldwin County, Alabama! The rides travel through flat and rolling rural farmland in and around the beautiful towns of Foley, Robertsdale, Loxley, Summerdale, Elsanor, and Elberta. Route Categories: 3 mile Kids Ride; 10 mile on flat rural roads; 28 mile on mostly flat to rolling rural roads; 71 mile on flat, rolling, and hilly rural roads. Please visit active.com for more information. Third Annual Stockton Sawmill Days Step back in time on the site of Alabama’s first sawmill as Stockton celebrates its history and heritage as a sawmill town. Draft animals pulling logs; professional lumberjacks demonstrating log-rolling, pole-climbing, crosscut sawing and boom-walking, lumberjack sport camp where pros teach young and old alike the art of log-rolling and cross-cut sawing; living history demonstrations - basket making, spinning, weaving, horseshoeing, blacksmithing, syrup making, grist mill, Indian camp, cooking in cast iron pots, oxen and sheep and others. Churn butter, shell corn, gather eggs, and hunt for treasure in a sawdust pile. Juried “folk art”. Live music. Buck dancing contest. “Hayride History Tour” of the park compliments of Baldwin Co. Dept. of Archives & History. Flap jacks & syrup, Sawmill Biscuits, tomato gravy, fried catfish and cheese grits, cracklings, turnip greens, cornbread, BBQ, funnel cakes, buttermilk pie, plus. Hosted by Stockton Heritage Association. Proceeds to Stockton Heritage Museum. Bring a lawn chair. Location: Bicentennial Park – 51233 Hwy. 225 N. Stockton, AL from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Tickets: Adults $10; Children (5-12) $5; under 5 free. Please visit www. stocktonala.com for more information. Daphne Pediatric Dentistry – Operation Gratitude Support the Troops by trading in all that leftover Halloween candy and be entered for a chance to win a Movie Party Package! This event is hosted by Daphne Pediatric Dentistry and supports Operation Gratitude, and organization that sends care packages to U.S. Military. You may turn your candy in between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm at Premier Cinemas in the Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort. For more information on this special project call (251) 447-0627. Mobile Ballet presents “Snow White” Mobile Ballet presents “Snow White” at 7:30 pm and November 8 at 2:30 pm at the Mobile Civic Center. Call Mobile Ballet Box Office soon for best seat selection at (251) 342-2241. Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run 5K, 10K & 1Mile Fun Run The Senior Bowl Charity Run 5K, 10K & 1Mile Fun Run will start at 151 Dauphin St, Downtown Mobile. Please visit www.seniorbowl.com/community-charity-run.php for more information. Pout-Pout Fish Costume Tour & Storytime – Page and Palette Join us at 4:00 pm for Pout-Pout Fish Costume Tour & Storytime - “The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish” at Page and Palette (32 South Section Street). Please visit www. pageandpalette.com for more information. 5 Rivers Road Show: Open House at the Environmental Studies Center 10 am - 2 pm. Free family fun! Bring your family out to the 500-acre property that is the Mobile County School System’s Environmental Studies Center. Enjoy a day of walking trails, native wildlife exhibits, animal presentations, planetarium shows, food, and fun. All proceeds from concessions and all donations go to wildlife care. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers.com. 5 Rivers Road Show: Stockton Sawmill Days 9 am - 4 pm. 5 Rivers is going on the road! Drop by to see us in Stockton at the Third Annual Sawmill Days. See draft animals, lumberjacks, log-rolling, pole-climbing, crosscut sawing, boom-walking and more! Also, take a turn through the lumberjack sport camp to learn valuable skills, or see

demos in basket making, butter churning, blacksmithing, spinning, and weaving. Wagon rides, antique cars, mechanical bulls, and live music - this fest has it all! Proceeds go to Stockton Heritage Museum. Adults $10 in advance, children 6-12 $5, under 6 free. See website for more details: www.stocktonsawmilldays.org. Charlotte March – Book Signing Join us for Charlotte March Book Signing from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Page & Palette. Please visit www. pageandpalette.com for more information. 31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival See November 5 for more information. Alabama Pecan Festival See November 6 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information. Eastern Shore Repertory presents “Lion King” See November 6 for more information.

Sunday, November 8

31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival See November 5 for more information. Alabama Pecan Festival See November 6 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See November 1 for more information. Mobile Ballet presents “Snow White” See November 7 for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee ““The Civilian Conservation Corps” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week examines FDR’s creation of the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps to provide jobs in natural resource conservation. This program interweaves rich archival imagery with the personal accounts of CCC veterans to tell the story of one of the boldest and most popular New Deal experiments, positioning it as a pivotal moment in the emergence of modern environmentalism and federal unemployment relief. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www. alabama5rivers.com.

Monday, November 9

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra Veterans Day Concert You are invited to a special Veterans Day Program with a special performance by the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra. All Veterans and family members are invited to attend. This event is free and open to the public. 6:00 p.m. Summerdale Municipal Complex, 502 West Lee Street, Summerdale. (251) 979-6834; www. bcyorchestra.com. Email: bcyorchestra@gmail.com.

Tuesday, November 10

5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6 pm - 7 pm Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 6 pm - 7 pm Mobile Bay Environmental Educators; 7 pm - 8 pm Mobile Bay Audubon Society. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www. alabama5rivers.com

Wednesday, November 11 Veteran’s Day Concert Join us for a Veterans Day Performance at Battleship Park (2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile) at 7:00 pm. The Mobile Singing Children will perform with the Mobile Pops Band.

Thursday, November 12 3rd Annual International Fairhope Film Festival Fairhope, Alabama celebrates cinema! Four days of

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Family Calendar 40 plus award-winning films to be held November 12th-15th. All film venues are within walking distance in the beautiful and historic bayside city of Fairhope. Reasonable festival tickets include a wide variety of films, film-maker panels, and time with film industry leaders. Opening night will showcase Alabama-native Monnie Wills’ fabulous new film WHAT LOLA WANTS and include an outdoor reception hosted by Regions Bank. The wide variety of international films, panels, events, and visiting industry professionals, offers a peak at film production that promises to satisfy myriad tastes. Various Venues – please check www. fairhopefilmfestival.org for more information. Christian Artist Carmen to Perform World reknown Christian Artist, Carmen, will be in concert at Family Ministries Center, 9955 County Road 34, Fairhope, at 7:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Family Ministries Center Mon - Fri from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or may also be purchased at ITickets. com. General Admission tickets are $10. Seating for 500 people, expecting a sell-out crowd. Light the Night Walk Leukemia and Lymphoma Society presents Light the Night Walk at Bienville Square. Registration and festivities begin at 5:30 pm with Remembrance and Survivor Ceremonies at 6:15 pm then Opening Ceremony at 6:40 pm. Enjoy music, food by Mugshots Grill & Bar, mascots, cheerleaders, drinks from Pepsi, and a TOTALLY FUN KIDS’ ZONE! Please bring your family, friends, and coworkers and come celebrate with hundreds of walkers and teams as we Light the Night in the fight for a cure! We encourage all walkers to become a “Champion for Cures” by raising $100 or more! Champions for Cures will receive a wristband granting them access to this year’s Walk t-shirt, dinner and a lantern. To register, please visit www. lightthenight.org/al. Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market See November 5 for more information.

Friday, November 13 James Episcopal Church 2015-2016 Concert Series

Join us at 7:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church for Watanabe Organ Duo. Husband and wife organ duo Kiyo and Chiemi Watanabe have performed at Spreckels Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park, San Diego, Iglesia Cathedral in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, Izumi Hall in Osaka, Japan and Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Both native of Japan, Kiyo holds degrees in organ performance from Baylor University and Manhattan School of Music. Chiemi has a BA in sociology from Kwansei Gakuin University in Hyogo, Japan, and a masters in organ from the Manhattan School of Music. Besides performing, Kiyo and Chiemi work in church music in Wichita Falls, Texas. All concerts are free and open to the public. We are located at 860 North Section Street, Fairhope. Nightglow Golf Tournament First-ever Nightglow Golf Tournament to benefit the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation! The four-person scramble begins with nine holes in the late afternoon, then nine holes at night! The course will light up with glow-in-thedark balls and course markings along the fairway. Teams are limited so sign up now for this adult-only event! Cost is $500 per team or $125 for individuals. Corporate sponsors will be at tee boxes with company displays and some will feature a unique challenge on that hole, including chances to advance your position to gain on your opponents. Location: Glen Lakes Golf Course, 9530 Clubhouse Dr., Foley. Please call (251) 943-5520 for more information. 3rd Annual International Fairhope Film Festival See November 12 for more information.

Saturday, November 14

Fairhope Round Up Play This year the Fairhope Museum will celebrate Fairhope’s 121st birthday by producing the 4th annual Round Up Play, which will take place at the Colony Cemetery at 11:00 am and again at 2:00 pm. People attending can park at the Fairhope Civic Center and the $10 tickets can be purchased at the gate. The story of Fairhope’s

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founding and struggle to survive the first few years is in the voices of many of the founders, as portrayed by current-day residents dressed in early-1900s attire and standing alongside their character’s grave. Performers use wireless mics so the performance is easy to hear. The 23nd Foley Rotary Oyster Run The 23rd Foley Rotary Oyster Run will start at Orange Blossom Square (West Orange Ave Foley). Please visit www.active.com to register. For more information, please visit www.foleyrotary.org. Tween Stars Live Tween Stars Live! The show is from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm at the Mobile Civic Center. Actors Appearing: Peyton List “Emma” – Jessie & Bunk’d, Calum Worthy “Dez” from Austin & Ally, Trinitee Stokes “Judy” K.C. Undercover, Spencer Boldman “Adam” – Lab Rats, Noah Munck “Gibby” – iCarly, Corey Fogelmanis “Farkle” from Girl Meets World. A highly interactive family variety show that includes: Tween stars musical performances, Comedy, Games, Improvisations, Unpredictably funny in-audience Q&A session, Behind the scenes secrets from your favorite TV shows, Totally tween trivia, Multiple opportunities for your kids to star and play along on stage and in the audience, up close and personal with all the tween stars. Prizes, surprises, lots of tweets, selfies and a whole lot more! 3rd Annual International Fairhope Film Festival See November 12 for more information.

Sunday, November 15

3rd Annual International Fairhope Film Festival See November 12 for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2 - 2:30 pm. Free. Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers. com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “My Life as a Turkey” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie comes just in time AFTER the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. After a local farmer left a bowl of eggs on Joe Hutto’s front porch, his life was forever changed. Hutto, possessing a broad background in the natural sciences and an interest in imprinting young animals, incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. As the chicks emerged from their shells, they locked eyes with an unusual but dedicated mother. This documentary is one man’s remarkable experience of raising a group of wild turkey hatchlings to adulthood. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers.com.

Monday, November 16

Getting Dazzled for Diabetes Check off your holiday shopping and help children with diabetes at a very special Silpada Jewelry Event! This event is sponsored by Jubilee Printing and The Venue. Proceeds will benefit The Sweet Life Group, a group formed to help children with Diabetes to attend Diabetes Camp. Join us at The Venue, 105 South Section Street, Fairhope, from 5 pm - 8 pm.

Tuesday, November 17

Book Talk & Author Discussion – Page and Palette Join us at 6:00 pm for Tim Cope at Page and Palette (32 S. Section St). In June 2004 Tim Cope set off on an epic journey, 10,000km from Mongolia to Hungary by Horse - a journey that eventually took him more than three years and led him on a deep journey into the fabric of nomad society on the Eurasian steppe. 137 hours of film, and 4 years of book writing later, his experience can now be seen in a documentary series

titled “The Trail of Genghis Khan,” and now an award winning book “On The Trail of Genghis Khan, An Epic Journey Through the Land of the Nomads”. 5 Rivers StoryTime “Turkey Trouble” by Wendy Silvano 10 am - 11 am. The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts. In this week’s story, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Turkey is in trouble…BAD trouble! But Turkey has an idea… 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers.com.

Friday, November 20

Book Signing & Author Discussion of The Generals Join us at 6:00 pm at Page and Palette for book signing and author discussion of “The Generals” with Winston Groom. Filled with novel-worthy twists and turns, and set against the backdrop of the most dramatic moments of the twentieth century, “The Generals” is a powerful, action-packed book filled with marvelous surprises and insights into the lives of America’s most celebrated warriors. Tickets are $30 and include an autographed copy of “The Generals”. Please visit www. pageandpalette.com for more information.

Saturday, November 21

Mobile Symphony: Morning and Night Beethoven & Blue Jeans It’s Beethoven and Blue Jeans, the Mobile Symphony’s popular annual tradition. This season we present a journey from darkness into light, with Beethoven’s fateful, iconic and blazingly exultant Fifth Symphony. This masterpiece is accompanied by the lyrical and brilliant piano concerto by the MSO’s own former Composer-in-Residence, Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts, who returns to Mobile to introduce his music from the stage. November 21 at 8:00 pm and November 22 at 2:30 at the Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street). Please visit mobilesymphony.org for more information. The International Festival After celebrating its 25th anniversary in Mobile in 2008, the Festival returns for another 25 years of serving up the diversity of Mobile’s flavors and cultures. The Mobile Civic Center will host the event that brings the sights, sounds and tastes of the world together in one place! Come out and join in the cultural festivities during this three day event. School tour days are on Thursday and Friday, November 19 & 20. The public is invited on Saturday, November 21. To find out more, please visit www.mobileinternationalfestival.org. 5 Rivers SPECIAL GUEST Author of hiking and paddling guides, Daphne’s own Joe Cuhaj will join us to talk about his latest adventures, and to share with us how we can get in on the fun. “Hiking the Gulf Coast” and “Hiking Through History Alabama.” 1 pm. Free. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For more information call 625-0814 or visit www. alabama5rivers.com.

Sunday, November 22

Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation Join us for Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation to benefit the WISP Foundation (Weeks Bay Institute for Sustainable Organic Preservation). We are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as Earphunk, McLovins, and Maradeen. Each session will feature four bands, offering a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival. 2:00 pm at Weeks Bay Plantation (12562 Mary Ann Beach Road, Fairhope). Please visit www.liveandlisten.com for more information. 5 Rivers KID’S Sunday Matinee “Free Birds” Showing at 10 am, Noon, 2 pm. Come out and join

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Family Calendar

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Run-N-Tri Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In noon on November 24th. Early packet pickup for this week’s program, two adversarial turkeys find a participants and late registration will occur at the time machine, and take a wild trip to the past to try Medical Society of Mobile County from 10:00 am - 6:00 to take turkey off the main menu of Thanksgiving. pm on Wednesday, November Animated, starring Owen 25th. Race Day packet pickup Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and registration and check-in Amy Poehler. 91 min. 5 will occur at Spanish Plaza Rivers is located on the in Downtown Mobile from causeway at 30945 5 Rivers 6:15 am - 7:30 am. The 2015 Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble For more information call Wobble benefits Camp Rap-A625-0814 or visit www. Hope, a camp for Gulf Coast alabama5rivers.com. children faced with cancer. To Book Signing learn more about Camp, visit Johnathon Barrett www.camprapahope.org. Join us at Page and Palette for Johnathon Barett book signing of “Rise and Shine”. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at 32 S. Section Street. Please visit www.pageandpalette.com 2015 Kaiser Realty by for more information. Mobile Symphony: Wyndham Vacation Rentals seasonal events for Morning and Night Coastal Half Marathon and Beethoven & Blue Jeans 5K Run your family will love! See November 21 for more Shed your turkey with us at the information. beach on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Bring the whole family to enjoy the weekend on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. From a 1 mile fun run to a 5k run to a half-marathon run, there is a distance for everyone. Enjoy running on the peaceful, scenic Turkey Trot for Hope paved trails in the Back Country Trail. You will enjoy The Turkey Trot for Hope will be held at Spanish scenery encompassing the Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores Plaza in Downtown Mobile on Thanksgiving Day. The and Orange Beach. Stick around for awards and the 5k will start at 8:00 am and run along a certified 5k best post-race party around at the Orange Beach course (AL08033JD). The Gobble Wobble fun run is Sportsplex. Location: Orange Beach Sportsplex, 4389 less than a mile and will begin at 9:00 am. Online at William Silvers Parkway Orange Beach. Please visit www.turkeytrotforhope.com until noon on November www.team-magic.com for more information. 24th or you can register in person at McCoy Outdoor,

Saturday, November 28

Check out our Holiday Happenings Guide

Thursday, November 26

Sunday, November 29 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Earth Flight”

Free family, friendly film. In this week’s program, take an awe-inspiring journey across six continents with camera-carrying birds, drones, paragliders and microflight planes. 5 Rivers is located on the causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. For info call 625-0814 or visit www.alabama5rivers.com.

Thursday, December 3 Wine & Sign - Author Event

Join us at 6:00 pm at Page and Palette (32S. Section Street) for Katherine Clark & Pat Conroy. Published by bestselling author Pat Conroy’s Story River Books, Katherine Clark’s debut novel casts a comical eye on Southern society and celebrates the power of great teachers and schools to transform the lives of young people and lift up their communities. Tickets to the “Wine & Sign” author event are $5 and include a coupon toward the book purchase. Please visit www. pageandpalette.com for more information.

Tuesday, December 8

8th Annual Chocolate Affair Family Promise of Baldwin County, Inc. will be hosting our 8th Annual Chocolate Affair, a gala event to benefit homeless families with children in our program. Chocolate Affair will have silent and live auction items, desserts and heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live music by local musician, Mel Knapp. Bring your holiday spirit and give to a wonderful cause. Location: Foley Civic Center 407 E. Laurel Avenue Foley. 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Please visit www.familypromisebc.org for more information. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

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A Page in a Book Alternative Alphabets

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Alphabet books are common fixtures in the literary landscape of children. The ‘A is for apple, B is for ball’ formats are popular and usually feature recognizable objects from kids’ environments to introduce the alphabet sounds. But the building blocks of our language offer much broader opportunities for artistic treatments that go beyond the customary ‘ABC’ fare. The following titles explore and celebrate the alphabet through captivating alternative avenues!

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by Isabelle Arsenault (Candlewick Press) Based on the NATO phonetic alphabet, this title features the words that military branches, first responders and relief organizations use to clarify letters as they are spoken. For example, the word ‘five’ would be spelled ‘Foxtrot - India – Victor – Echo’ for clarification. Each letter in this book is part of a two-page spread that features an image with connections to its NATO code. Sometimes the letter/word connection to the artwork is obvious and other times it’s obscure. But always the pictures inspire thoughtful exploration and conversation between readers. Part ABC primer, part art book, ALPHA is a Tango – Oscar – Papa choice for the alphabet book shelf.

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The Numberlys

by William Joyce & Christina Ellis (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster) In a monochromatic world of no nonsense numbers, everything adds up and numerals are the name of the game. But in a place without words, there can be no books, or colors, or even pizza. So five friends in this numberly city join forces to create something...more. They begin to manipulate the numbers around them to build new shapes that will enrich their bland and orderly world. With Art Deco sensibilities, the rich sepia-tone edge-to-edge illustrations demand study as color is slowly introduced and the evolution of the alphabet breathes life into the world formerly dictated by numbers. With endless secrets to discover in the art, The Numberlys can be counted on for repeat reading.

8: An Animal Alphabet

by Elisha Cooper (Orchard / Scholastic Press) While alphabet books that feature animals are not new to the ABC theme, this title from Elisha Cooper offers a refreshing challenge to readers. Introducing an unparalleled menagerie of creatures, each page dedicated to a letter of the alphabet features a menagerie of creatures whose name begins with the letter – including eight representations of one animal in particular. In addition to learning about more uncommon animals, readers are also encouraged to explore counting on each page to find the ‘eight’ among the many. With a fine glossary at the end of the book, this animal alphabet is a choice title to both reinforce alphabet sounds as well as introduce cool trivia about more obscure creatures around the world.

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

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He Named Me Malala

Jem and the Holograms

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: C+ Sexual Content: A Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated He Named Me Malala PG-13 for thematic elements involving disturbing images and threats. Malala Yousafzai captured the world’s attention when, in 2012, she and two other schoolgirls were shot by Taliban henchmen while riding their school bus home. Miraculously all three girls survived, but have been left with physical and mental injuries. For Malala, the bullet that entered the left side of her head caused a large skull fracture, and cut off the muscle movement on that side of her face and destroyed her ability to hear in one ear. Yet Malala’s story is not about her injuries -- it’s about her spirit. Raised in the Swat Valley of Pakistan in a moderate Muslim family, Malala observed and kept the moral codes of her religion. But when the Taliban decided girls could no longer attend school, the edict went beyond what her conscience could bear. As a young teenager she began to publicly challenge the law and that’s what placed her squarely in the crosshairs of her attempted assassins. Perhaps the most endearing aspect of this story is the subject’s sincere desire to put her cause ahead of the celebrity attention she is receiving. Although her father is by her side, Malala is no puppet child. Certainly Dad has engendered social responsibility in this family, yet his daughter claims personal responsibility for her advocacy activities. The filmmakers should receive praise for doing their best to tell the tragic details of Malala’s life without being overly gratuitous. Re-enactments of the terrorist attack where she was injured are shot with obscured camera images and imply the violence (with some blood effects) rather than showing it. Many parts of her past experiences, along with the accompanying fears, are portrayed in colorful, simplistic animation. The most shocking content is the inclusion of real news footage. Photographs of the empty bloodstained bus in which the girls were shot are seen, as well as a short clip featuring the body of a person executed in the town square that is wrapped in a blood-soaked cloth. Despite theses sensitive depictions, this documentary may still be too much for young children. However teens and adults will be offered a wealth of valuable discussion points, such as the benefit of being able to attend school and the rights of all children to receive an education. Malala especially embodies the challenges endured by girls --and her courageous actions are a great example of how one person can stand up to effect positive change.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: ALanguage: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Jem and the Holograms PG for thematic material including reckless behavior, brief suggestive content and some language Do you remember the Jem and the Holograms cartoon that ran on TV between 1985 and 1988? If so, you are likely too old to be impressed by this live-action reimagining of the young rock star. However, you just might have a daughter who’s the perfect age to be part of this movie’s target audience! The screenplay up-dates this thirty-year-old series by placing the characters in the middle of the social media revolution. While closet songwriter Jerrica Benton (Aubrey Peeples) is too shy to promote her talent, her sister Kimber (Stefanie Scott) has no such inhibitions. Hoping to be an internet star, Kimber constantly has her video camera turned on, and is forever trying to form a band featuring her sibling and their two foster sisters, Shana and Aja (Aurora Perrineau and Hayley Kiyoko). Despite the desperate money issues faced by their caregiver Aunt Bailey (Molly Ringwald), the foursome seem to have no shortage of pricy cell phones and computers, nor more pressing obligations than playing around with them. So one night when she thinks everyone is asleep, Jerrica borrows Kimber’s camera, pulls out a guitar, and records herself singing a sorrowful, self-authored ballad about loneliness. Embarrassed to show her real self, she paints her face, dons a blonde wig and calls herself “Jem”. Unfortunately, it is hard to keep a secret in such a small house, and everyone overhears her soulful solo. As soon as Kimber gets a chance, she uploads the video – which, of course, goes viral literally over night. The next day, major media outlets are commenting about the mysterious Jem, and just as quickly Erica Raymond (Juliette Lewis), owner of the large record label Starlight Music, announces she is interested in signing the unknown singer. Initially, Jerrica is uncomfortable with the attention she is attracting. Yet when Aunt Bailey simultaneously faces the treat of eviction, the 18-year-old decides to seize the opportunity to secure a better financial future for their family. The rest of the plot plods predictably as we watch the rising starlet and her back-up band face the challenges of relocating to a mansion in Los Angeles, the monotony of makeovers, the tediousness of trying on brand name fashions and enduring a grueling rehearsal schedule. Perhaps viewers within the intended demographic will buy into this dream of instant fame and the mantra of being true to one’s self. Their accompanying parents though, might find themselves asking some obvious questions, like how likely is it for a young artist to achieve lasting success? If Jem’s music is supposed to inspire each listener to embrace his or her own identity, why are so many of her fans dressed up just like her? Why are there no consequences for the depicted illegal activities? However, if you can overlook such details, then you may be able to focus on some of the redeeming messages. Family bonds, teamwork and forgiveness are strong contenders here.

What Parents need to know about He Named Me Malala...

Violence: Death threats, executions and murders are frequently discussed. Re-enactments of men gunning down students on a school bus, and a wounded girl being transported to medical care are purposely shot to obscure most details, although some blood is seen. Animation is used to depict some portions of this story, including a battle between warring soldiers where weapons are seen, and death and killing implied. Historical news footage is used and shows depictions of blood where shootings have occurred, a bloodied corpse, surgical procedures and bombed out buildings. Scars from life-threatening injuries are shown and the damage of a bullet wound to the brain is discussed. Slapping children as a punishment is mentioned. The documentary also shows other girls, children and refugees who are suffering because of poverty, war and terrorist acts. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: Siblings exchange some name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. Eastern Shore Parents I November 2015

What Parents need to know about Jem and the Holograms...

Violence: One character frequently steals little things. The girls don’t keep rules (like their curfew), lie, trespass, “borrow” cars and break and enter. Sexual Content: Teen couples kisses passionately. A mild sexual slur is used. A crude icon is shown on a computer screen. A man is seen wearing only a towel. Some performers wear skimpy costumes. Language: Mild cursing, profanity and name-calling are heard. Terms of deity are used as expletives. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. www.easternshoreparents.com

The results are in... Thomas Hospital has received the 2015 Women’s Choice Award distinguishing them as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience – that makes five years in a row!

infirmaryhealth.org

Fairhope, AL