The long, lazy days of summer are over, and school is officially back in session. I hope you all are settling back into a routine. I’m excited to be taking over the Military Mom Column for Monterey Bay Parent. My name is Allison Chance, and I am a Navy wife and mom to two children. Our military adventure has taken us to Florida, Hawaii, and CA thus far. We have been in Monterey for a little over a year now, while my husband studies at Naval Postgraduate School. We have enjoyed exploring the area and have visited several spots on the west coast. I look forward to sharing upcoming events and relevant topics to military life in Monterey.
With our September issue featuring the Arts, I wanted to highlight some upcoming local events that are perfect for your family. One of my favorite experiences in the area has been attending a play at the Pacific Repertory Theatre’s Outdoor Forest Theater. This month, The Little Mermaid will take the stage through September 23. Tickets are available online or at their box office in Carmel at Monte Verde St. between 8th & 9th Aves. They also offer a discounted rate for the military. Pack a picnic and enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars. Arrive early to grab your seat as the theater features open seating. They also have snacks and beverages for sale on-site.
Also offering discounted rates for the military is Ariel Theatrical, located in Salinas. Their next show debuts in October and will be School House Rock Live. Ariel Theatrical also offers terrific summer programs and is dedicated to serving the community and has been doing so for over 30 years. Rounding out their 2018 season will be the Three Piggy Opera and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Looking to get into dance? NSA Monterey is hosting ballroom dancing lessons every Thursday from September 6-27 at 5 pm. The classes are free and located in the Barbara McNitt Ballroom and El Prado Dining Room located in the Historic Del Monte Hotel. A dance partner is not required to attend. For more information, visit NSA Monterey Community Recreation on Facebook.
Is your little one looking to dance, too? La Mesa Tech Connection offers ballet on a monthly basis for just $50 per month. This is perfect for the family who just arrived and missed other dance studio registrations or for families who want to try dance out. Classes are on Tuesdays. 3-4-year-old’s at 2:30-3: 15 pm, 5-6-year-old’s from 3:15-4: 00 pm and seven years old and up are from 4:00-4: 45 pm. Take advantage of this opportunity for your tiny dancer to explore the art of dance. My daughter has done several ballet classes and has enjoyed them.
Another fun event to mark your calendar for is the 3K Color Run hosted by Navy Fitness Monterey on Saturday, September 15. Registration starts at 12:30 pm at the La Mesa Tech Connection and the run will kick off at 2:00 pm. The run is FREE and includes a t-shirt and sunglasses. This is fun for the whole family and strollers are welcome. My family attended last year, and we had a blast.
If you are looking for something fun to do over the Labor Day Weekend, don’t forget about the Monterey County Fair, which will run until Monday, September 3.
Be sure to stay up to date with local happenings for military families with the Peacock Press, which is NSA Monterey’s quarterly magazine and is available online at monterey.navylifesw.com. Fleet and Family Support Center Monterey also publishes a monthly calendar with seminars, playdates, and special events. Be sure to like them on Facebook to stay up to date.
Allison Chance is a military spouse and mom to Charlotte, 4, and Hux, 4 months. She is a Realtor and has been lucky to call Florida, Hawaii, and now CA home during her family’s military adventure.
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