Orange Beach Community Newsletter, November 25- December 1, 2022

From: City Of Orange Beach
November 25, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving! 

http://www.orangebeachal.gov?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508

"Life is better here"

Welcome to the City of Orange Beach's
community newsletter.
Vol. 5, Issue 48

Happy Thanksgiving

The city wishes everyone a happy, restful and safe Thanksgiving holiday. We are grateful to have active and caring citizens, who are involved in our community and schools. Go Makos!

On this holiday of appreciation, we also thank all of our city employees who - day in and day out - make life better here in Orange Beach.

For the Thanksgiving holiday, non-essential city offices are closed Thursday and Friday, November 24th and 25th.

Please remember that trash will not be picked up Friday. The usual Friday residential routes will run on Saturday.

City offices will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, November 28th.

Latest News

(https://www.orangebeachal.gov/news?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Shop Local This Holiday Weekend

A message from the Alabama Retail Association: An estimated 166.3 million people plan to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year, according to the National Retail Federation, with most shoppers heading to stores on Black Friday.

Roughly 59% of consumers plan to shop for can’t-miss deals in the wake of rising prices. This means you should get out early and expect some lines and crowds.

Be sure to thank a retailer and their staff as many may be working longer hours to meet consumer demand over the weekend.

Locally, a big "thank you" also goes out to all of our restaurateurs and service workers in and around Orange Beach during this busy holiday season.

Christmas Tree Lighting set for Tuesday

It's almost time to officially start the Christmas holiday season in Orange Beach. The city's annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held this Tuesday, November 29th at The Wharf.

The tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature performers singing Christmas Carols, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, hot chocolate and will end with the tree lighting.

Other upcoming holiday activities:

Coastal Ballet to present ‘The Nutcracker’ on Dec. 2-3 at Orange Beach Performing Arts Center

The Coastal Ballet Company, in cooperation with the City of Orange Beach, will present The Nutcracker on December 2-3 at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.

The classical Christmas ballet will be performed at 6 p.m. Friday, December 2nd and at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3rd. General admission tickets are $25 per adult, $10 for children ages 4-17, and free for children 3 and younger.

Purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker.”

(https://our.show/obpac/nutcracker2022?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

The Performing Arts Center is at 23908 Canal Road, adjacent to Orange Beach Middle/High School.

Gingerbread Jam returns Dec. 3

The annual Gingerbread Jam will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, at the Orange Beach Event Center.

It is a gingerbread house-assembly and decorating competition for families, friends, and businesses, and raises funds for the Expect Excellence Culinary Arts Program.

Cost is $10 for the Family Category (up to four family members or friends) and $25 for the Business Category (team up to 10 co-workers). Each team needs to bring their own gingerbread structures, icing and decorative elements, along with their own tablecloth. Nothing may be pre-assembled. Building will begin on-site at 9 a.m.

Click here for more details and to register your Gingerbread Jam team. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5fDFilL5f7xdGDHogwqP3K8kkNFoSShoOzQUBFFe6plk_zw/viewform?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

The event is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: free entry and viewing. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Family/friends team judging at noon; business judging at 1 p.m.

OBPD Kids’ Christmas Party with Santa returns Dec. 15

The Orange Beach Police Department invites the public to its annual Kids’ Christmas Party with Santa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th at Magnolia Hall, behind BuzzCatz, next to Cosmo’s.

Coastal Arts Center to host annual Light Up the Arts on Dec. 15

The Coastal Art Center’s annual Light Up the Arts event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th. There will be hot glass, pottery demonstrations, raffles, cocoa, cookies, a gallery full of gift options with specials, and CASA student art showcase. Entertainment by saxophonist Rod Pittman. A wine bar provided by Friends of the Arts.

Christmas Movie Night on the Trail happening on Dec. 16

Join Orange Beach Coastal Resources and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Foundation for a free Christmas Movie Night on the Trail at 6 p.m. Friday, December 16th at Al's Parkour Park.

They will be showing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and serving popcorn and hot chocolate.

Bring a blanket and a chair and join us at Al's Parkour Park for a family-friendly movie night under the stars. Parking will be at the Orange Beach Sportsplex Trailhead. Shuttles to the Parkour Park will be available upon request.

For any questions, call 251-981-1063.

3rd Annual Holly Days on Main Festival

Returning for its third year, the Holly Days on Main Festival

(http://bit.ly/hollydays22?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508),presented by South Baldwin Regional Medical Center & Riviera Utilities, will be taking over The Wharf in Orange Beach on Dec. 10-11.

A free-to-attend festival run by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Holly Days on Main looks to bring some Christmas cheer by catering to all ages.

Holly Days takes advantage of the wide Main Street area of The Wharf to line vendors up and down the complex. Vendors will be selling a variety of fine arts, retail goods, and arts & crafts, making the festival the perfect stop for last-minute Christmas gift shopping.

Flip Flop Vacations will be providing arts and crafts, cookie and ornament decorating, balloon animals and face painting for the kids during the Holly Days on Main.

The Lower Alabama Young Professionals’ Santa Pub Crawl, presented by Gulf Group at EXP Realty, will also be making a return. The event serves as a Toys for Tots fundraiser with attendees asked to bring a $10 or toy donation to take part. All money and toys collected will stay within the Baldwin County area. Open to all ages 21 & up, the Pub Crawl encourages attendees to dress up in their best Santa (or Christmas related) costume. Last year’s crawl saw over 300 attendees who helped raise $1,200 and two boxes full of toys.

SCHOOL NEWS

School is out this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. See the full school calendar on the Orange Beach City Schools website (https://www.orangebeachboe.org/families/school-calendar?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508).

MAKO ATHLETICS

Mako Swimmers heading to State

Congratulations to the Mako Girls and Boys swim relay teams for earning a spot in the state tournament after competing in the Sectional finals last Saturday in Mobile. Go Makos!

https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics/posts/pfbid03XPwLPxRoorRWNRjGdssJDWQcjaNvZFGKc8T7C5FEVSDMF2hsND1phN8QgiczXD8l?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508

ORANGE BEACH HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulation to the Mako All-American cheerleaders: Evie Rosa, Eliza, and Kaedyn! They participated in the Thanksgiving Tour parade at Disney World on Wednesday.

ORANGE BEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Congratulations to Gabby Meehan!

Gabby Meehan, a seventh grade student at Orange Beach Middle School, was named Baldwin EMC’s Shining Star Student of the Month for November. She was nominated by her teacher Leah Tucker.

Tucker wrote in her nomination that Gabby is a conscientious student who goes out of her way to help others. “Gabby takes the initiative to be a good citizen and takes care of our campus. If she notices a peer in need, she takes the time to help. Gabby is bilingual and has volunteered time from her own lunch to help a classmate who only speaks Portuguese progress through math lessons. Gabby always greets adults and students with a friendly smile or words of encouragement.”

The awards were presented by WALA FOX 10 TV’s meteorologist Michael White and Baldwin EMC representative Kim Frank.

In the photo: Orange Beach Elementary School student Gabby Meehan (center, holding certificate) is pictured with Fox10 TV’s Michael White, Baldwin EMC representative Kim Frank and teacher Leah Tucker.

Follow all of the latest happenings at Orange Beach City Schools on the Orange Beach City Schools Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508).

Orange Beach City Board of Education

Upcoming scheduled meetings and/or work sessions:
* Thursday, December 8, 2022, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers

Find more information on the Orange Beach City Schools website at https://www.orangebeachboe.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508.

School Websites

Orange Beach Elementary School: www.obschools.org.

Orange Beach Middle/High School: www.obcityschools.org.

Find all of the latest school news on Facebook at:

Orange Beach City Schools (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Orange Beach High School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Orange Beach Middle School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachMS/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Orange Beach Elementary School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachElementary/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Orange Beach Mako Athletics (https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club (https://www.facebook.com/Makos-Academics-Arts-Athletics-Club-307058323296222/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

2022 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship kicks off Nov. 29 in Orange Beach

Ten teams from across the country will be competing in Orange Beach starting on Tuesday, November 29th at the 39th Annual NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship.

From November 29th to December 5th, the community is invited to come out to the Orange Beach Sportsplex and cheer on the collegiate women’s soccer teams from across the country as they compete for the tournament’s 39th annual crown. The first championship round kicks off Tuesday, November 29th at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

Opening round games were played November 17th-19th at sites across the country. (See the NAIA opening round recap: NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Opening Round Day Two Recap (https://www.naia.org/sports/wsoc/2022-23/Releases/2022_First_Second_Round_Schedule?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508) .)

ORANGE BEACH SPORTSPLEX SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 29th - first championship round:
- 1 p.m. - No. 8 Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, Michigan) vs. No. 9 Westmont College (Santa Barbara, California)
- 4 p.m. - No. 7 and defending champs University of Tennessee Southern (Pulaski, Tennessee - formerly Martin Methodist College) vs. No. 10 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott, Arizona)

Thursday, December 1st - quarterfinals:

- 10 a.m. - No. 4 Spring Arbor University (Spring Arbor, Michigan) vs. No. 5 William Carey University (Hattiesburg, Mississippi)

- 1 p.m. - Winner of Aquinas-Westmont match vs. No. 1 Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

- 4 p.m. - Winner of Tennessee Southern-Embry-Riddle match vs. No. 2 Marian University (Indianapolis, Indiana)

- 7 p.m. - No. 3 University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Kentucky) vs. No. 6 Oklahoma Wesleyan University (Bartlesville, Oklahoma)

The semifinals will be played on Saturday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The championship will be played on Monday, December 5th at 1:05 p.m

View the 2022 NAIA Women's Soccer National Champion bracket (https://www.naia.org/sports/wsoc/2022-23/files/2022_WSOC_Championship_Bracket.pdf?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508).

For ticket information, visit https://www.naia.org/sports/wsoc/index?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508.

Community Christmas Potluck returns Dec. 5

The Community Potluck Dinner will be held on Monday, December 5th at 6 p.m. at Orange Beach Community Center, 27235 Canal Road. This will be Community Association's annual Christmas Potluck with turkey, dressing and and all the trimmings. Attendees will also be asked to join in as they have a sing-a-long of favorite Christmas songs. Anyone attending may bring a side dish, dessert or pay $5, if unable to prepare a food item.  The association is collecting 2022-2023 dues of $25 for a family and $13 for single member.

https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2268/Wind-and-Water-Learning-Center-Newsletter-Vol-2?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508

Wind and Water Learning Center Newsletter

The Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center's latest Quarterly Newsletter is a available now. View Happenings at Wind & Water Volume 2 (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2268/Wind-and-Water-Learning-Center-Newsletter-Vol-2?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508) by clicking on the image above or the link here.
IN THE NEWS
OBA WEBSITE: Here's where to have Thanksgiving dinner at the beach (https://www.obawebsite.com/here-s-where-to-have-thanksgiving-dinner-at-the-beach?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

Fox Business:  On 'American Dream Home,' a pair of homebuyers seek their 'Color Me Orange Beach' house (https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/american-dream-home-homebuyers-color-me-orange-beach-house?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd69b7330c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-bd69b7330c-171456508)

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