Welcome to the City of Orange Beach's
community newsletter.
Vol. 5, Issue 49

'Tis the Season

It’s official! The Christmas tree lights are all aglow at The Wharf!

Thank you to everyone who attended the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony on Wednesday night.

The holidays are officially underway in Orange Beach!

See more photos of the tree-lighting ceremony on the city's Facebook page.  (https://www.facebook.com/orangebeach/posts/pfbid02ggLK9oXKCc7xS2Msz9cyuiKUFpa3iaamWTk4JJemvvjgwEKmQUrNKD8YddzNWSpLl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)

Next up, don't miss the performance of "The Nutcracker" tonight and tomorrow - Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3 - at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.

The Coastal Ballet Company is presenting the classic Christmas ballet in cooperation with the City of Orange Beach. Performances are set for 6 p.m. tonight - 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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)

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

Also, next weekend, 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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) , presented by South Baldwin Regional Medical Center & Riviera Utilities, will be taking over The Wharf in Orange Beach on December 10th-11th.

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

The Christmas holiday season is meant to be a joyous time spent with family and friends. But for people living paycheck to paycheck or just barely getting by, the holidays can also be quite stressful. While some people may need help finding enough food, others may be struggling to put presents under the tree for their children. Opportunities abound to help others by donating or volunteering at a local charity. Following are some local food and toy collection and distribution possibilities:

Food Distribution locations:

Christian Life, Island Church - Orange Beach
25550 Canal Road
251-967-4840

Christian Service Center - Gulf Shores
317 Dolphin Ave.
251-968-5256
Hours – M-F 9 a.m. - Noon

Catholic Social Services - Robertsdale
223010 Hwy. 59 N.
251-947-2293
Hours – M-F 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call for an appointment

Prodisee Pantry - Spanish Fort
9315 Spanish Fort Blvd. (U.S. Hwy. 31)
251-626-1720
Each Tuesday 9-11:30 a.m.

Angel Tree locations:

Wal-Mart Vision Centers throughout Baldwin County

Tanger Outlets Food Court in Foley

Toys for Tots Drop-off location:

The Orange Beach Performing Arts Center -  located on the eastern side of the Orange Beach Middle/High School campus. ***Please go to the back side of the P.A.C. between 3:30-6 p.m. at Black Box Theater Ticket Office. For further information, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Blessed to the Blessings Boxes for Baldwin (Facebook page) (https://www.facebook.com/groups/357603761862127?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) : Blessings boxes are located throughout the county. For a complete list of boxes, visit the Facebook page linked above.

Orange Beach locations - J&M Tackle, Orange Beach Elementary School, Orange Beach Presbyterian Church

Gulf Shores locations - Dr. Wayne Martin, Fresh Market Seafood, Gulf Shores Presbyterian Church, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church.

Latest News (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/news?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)
https://orangebeach.novusagenda.com/agendapublic?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508
City Council to meet Dec. 6

The Orange Beach City Council is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 6th in the Council Chambers at City Hall, followed by the Committee of the Whole work session. The council meeting will be streamed live on the city's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/orangebeach. Once posted, the agendas are available at https://orangebeach.novusagenda.com/agendapublic?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508 (https://orangebeach.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) .

East Canal Road nighttime road work announced for next week

The East Canal Road contractor will be installing drainage crossings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, December 6th-8th, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. The morning following the nighttime construction, the crossing will be patched at 9 a.m. The asphalt placement should take no longer than one hour each morning. There will be single lane closures during the night and day time construction.

Perdido Beach Boulevard lane closures planned

The new CoastAL project, across from Publix, on Perdido Beach Boulevard (State Road 182) will be making improvements to SR182 requiring lane closures over the next two months. The following are the locations and dates of the lane closures:
* Daytime closure of the southerly eastbound Perdido Beach Boulevard lane in the location of the project site - Monday through Friday, November 28th to December 12th.
* Nighttime closure of southbound SR161 right turn lane onto Perdido Beach Boulevard - Sunday through Thursday, December 11th to December 22nd.
* Nighttime closure of Perdido Beach Boulevard U-Turn located in front of the project site, near Hampton Inn - Monday through Thursday, December 26th to January 5th.

Community Christmas Potluck returns Monday

The Community Christmas Potluck returns Monday, December 5th at 6 p.m. at Orange Beach Community Center, 27235 Canal Road. This is the Community Association's annual holiday potluck with turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Attendees will also be asked to join a sing-along 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.

HAMMIN' IT UP

The city's Employee Appreciation Committee continued the annual tradition of giving out holiday hams to each city department on Friday. Thank you to our city employees for all of their hard work throughout the year. See more photos of the City of Orange Beach Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/orangebeach/posts/pfbid0vadhJZGedAiGoLQAuy6A8BzMB3WuNXvpXqPGHxr1o2J16MranvgZ161us4fexiFWl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) .

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.

Light Up the Arts event in 2021 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.
SCHOOL NEWS

ORANGE BEACH CITY SCHOOLS

Newest edition of 'The Current' released

Orange Beach City Schools' December 2022 edition of "The Current" is available now. Click here or on the image below to view The Current, Issue No. 2 (https://issuu.com/orangebeachboe/docs/december_22_newsletter_5_?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) . This month's magazine highlights student achievement. Stay informed. Go Makos!

https://issuu.com/orangebeachboe/docs/december_22_newsletter_5_?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508

Here's the opening message from Orange Beach City Schools Superintendent Randy Wilkes in this month's magazine:

Hello Makos and Mako Supporters,

Thank you for reading our second-ever edition of The Current. This month, though safety is always foremost, we shift from safety to student achievement. The State released each system's report card a few days ago, and you will only find mention of our schools under the parent system. We expect our first-ever report card for Orange Beach City Schools next year. The grades received for the 2021-2022 school year were as follows: Orange Beach Elementary School - 89, Orange Beach Middle High School - 86. Both scores are not indicative of our potential. Maintaining a 95 is our goal moving forward. The quickest fix is that of chronic absenteeism. Simply put, our students will not achieve, nor be ready for college or career as they should, if they are not present and engaged. Other solutions to improving student achievement are ongoing teacher professional development, academic goal setting, and increased student accountability - all of which we are working on. Please read closely the articles on
AP and Dual-Enrollment courses and our efforts to provide new high school electives.

Image of Orange Beach Softball Field with new base being placed for artificial turf. You will also read about our ongoing capital campaign, which was solidified with the recent City's budget approval. We are excited to forge ahead with our building plans and appreciate the City's generous support. Not within the Board's scope, but rather that of the City's, is the placement of turf on the softball field and the creation of softball and baseball facilities at the Sportsplex. So again, we say thank you, City of Orange Beach!

Lastly, we are entering a most celebrated time of year. As we enjoy the holidays, let us be mindful of those around us who are not as fortunate and of those who may have lost a loved one this past year. Involve those who are without, encourage those in despair, and share the HOPE of the season with all!
Merry Christmas & Go Makos!

Randy Wilkes, Superintendent

ORANGE BEACH HIGH SCHOOL

Best of luck to all of our swimmers and theatre students at their respective state competitions today and this weekend. Go Makos!

https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics/posts/pfbid0DcDn3GbfTsoAcQbQoDCuziFgdsqZb7M9sUjqT4taXbdxiJ9cRywFBBJqWUkLinWpl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508
https://www.facebook.com/obfinearts/posts/pfbid0fBJ2XVu6ixB2Uz3Y2DK7TA4YLLHDFM9s9V4zgk5PPmicgJSzqEWJ1t7T1sB3gXG7l?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508

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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)
* Orange Beach High School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)
* Orange Beach Middle School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachMS/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)
* Orange Beach Elementary School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachElementary/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)
* Orange Beach Mako Athletics (https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)

2022 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship heads to semifinals Saturday

The 39th Annual NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship is down to four teams. Through a week of play, the top four seeds have advanced to Saturday's semifinals.

In quarterfinal action at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Thursday:
No. 4 Spring Arbor University beat No. 5 William Carey University, 1-0
No. 1 Keiser University topped No. 8 Aquinas College, 1-0
No. 2 Marian University dominated No. 7 and defending champs University of Tennessee Southern, 4-1.
No. 3 University of the Cumberlands edged No. 6 Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 2-1.

(See the NAIA semifinal recap: Top Seeds Thrive in Quarters (https://www.naia.org/sports/wsoc/2022-23/Releases/WSOC_FinalSite_DayTwoRecap_12_1_22?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) .)
ORANGE BEACH SPORTSPLEX SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 3rd - Semifinals:
1 p.m. - No. 4 Spring Arbor University (Spring Arbor, Michigan) vs. No. 1 Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
4 p.m. - No. 2 Marian University (Indianapolis, Indiana) vs. No. 3 University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Kentucky)

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=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) .

For ticket information, visit https://www.naia.org/sports/wsoc/index?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508.

https://www.naia.org/sports/wsoc/2022-23/files/2022_WSOC_Championship_Bracket.pdf?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508

ORANGE BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY DECEMBER CALENDAR
Be sure to check out all of the happenings at the Orange Beach Public Library. The December 2022 Children & Teen Calendar is available now. Find more information on the Orange Beach Public Library Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachPublicLibrary?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508) .

The new Orange Beach Fire Station No. 3 on Canal Road, south of The Wharf, is on target to be open by the summer of 2023, weather permitting. The brick façade of the four-bay station is currently going up. In January, M. W. Rogers Construction was awarded the contract to build the new fire station with a low bid of $5.4 million. McCollough Architecture, Inc. is the project engineer.


IN THE NEWS
OBA WEBSITE: Orange Beach staffers complete water quality monitoring training (https://www.obawebsite.com/orange-beach-staffers-complete-water-quality-monitoring-training?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)

ALABAMA DAILY NEWS: Baldwin Co. sending trio of women with local roots, energy to Montgomery (https://aldailynews.com/baldwin-co-sending-trio-of-women-with-local-roots-energy-to-montgomery/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=12c359dfcc-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-12c359dfcc-171456508)