Mobile Bay Parents August 2017

August2017

Volume 7 Number 5

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Columns

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Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Strategies for Academic Success

Practical ideas to help your child become more organized.

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Beyond Burnout and Bickering

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Avoid over-scheduling so kids can individuate.

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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

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Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

After School Activities

It’s time to sign your child up for after school enrichment, and our guide has all the details.

Help Kids Cool Down

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Growing Up Online

Discover techniques to help your children manage anger, from toddler to teen.

Carolyn Jabs

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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

On The Cover

Departments

Kaylei (11) and Kinleigh (8) Touchstone, daughters of Chastity and Josh Touchstone and big sisters to Joseph Kade (10 months). Proud grandparents are Randy and Phyllis Touchstone of Semmes, Nina Hamilton of Grand Bay, and Ronnie and Daphne Hamilton of Grand Bay. Great grandparents are Pat and Laroy Squires, Nelda Hamilton and Barbra Hamilton. Kaylei enjoys dancing, tumbling and swimming.

Kinleigh enjoys swimming at the beach, playing with friends and tumbling.

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Bits and Pieces 11

School Bits 57

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth Back to school time can bring a range of emotions for moms. It can be a sad and/or stressful time for some. And then there are some moms who are excited and ready to get those kiddos out of the house. I find it exhausting and stressful, but more than anything, I find this time of year to be exciting and a blessing! Yes...a blessing.

If you told me four years ago that today I would be school shopping and getting ready to send my daughters to 3rd grade and 6th grade, I would have been skeptical. I would have laughed if you had told me I would also be sending my baby boy to day care today. The reason I say these things is because four years ago my future was grey. In February 2013 I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. I spent months enduring chemotherapy, surgeries and radiation. Although I felt positive that God would pull me through this storm in my life, it was still hard to see my life in the future. When faced with a life threatening disease all I could do was take it day by day, and try not to plan the future for fear that the future may not come. However, here I am today happy and cancer free!

At the time I was diagnosed, I had a 7-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old daughter.

After all of my treatments, I was told I could not have more children. I was okay with that information because I felt blessed to have my two girls. But as some of you may know, God often has a plan different from our own. Last March I found out I was pregnant with a baby boy!

This year we are getting ready for “Back to School” feeling completely blessed. We will be sending our oldest daughter to middle school at Clark Shaw Magnet (I cannot believe I have a middle schooler), our middle daughter will begin 3rd grade at Allentown Elementary, and the baby will take his diaper bag to day care.

Not only are we preparing to send our children back to school, but we are also preparing to head back into the classroom! My husband and I are both teachers at Mary G. Montgomery High School. This year will begin his 13th year at MGM and my 11th year. He teaches Drivers Ed and is the Varsity Baseball Coach. I teach 9th grade Physical Science and will also begin teaching Engineering in the spring.

As parents and educators, we know first hand the importance of starting the school year off prepared and organized. Michelle Ranard’s article, 3 Strategies for Academic Success, provides some insightful information and helpful tips to get your student ready for the upcoming school year.

Starting the school year organized will not only smooth the path for academic success, but can also make for a calmer home environment. A disorganized, over-scheduled child will end up frustrated and definitely cranky. We all know nothing triggers a tantrum more than exhaustion. In a world that seems to showcase every moment of every day, some may feel that if they are not involved in every activity they may be missing out. As Christina Katz explains in her article, Beyond Burnout & Bickering: Avoid Over-Scheduling So Kids Can Individuate, over-scheduling can lead to more than just a grouchy child (and parent). Katz also shows us the benefits of a more manageable schedule.

To help with the planning of your fall schedule and activities, Mobile Bay Parents has also included a full list of extracurricular options in this month’s After School Activities Guide. With so many options, you are sure to find just the perfect fit for your child.

I am hoping and praying for a great school year for my family as well as for yours. Have a successful and blessed year!

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

Chastity Touchstone 2

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M.Ed. John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Chastity Touchstone

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200.

Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay 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

Is “1950s Parenting” Really Best?

Q: You seem to blame all of America’s parenting woes on mental health professionals and imply that if parents still raised kids as did people in the 1950s and before, they wouldn’t be having the problems they’re having today. But times have changed, John. Is it realistic to think that children can still be raised like their grandparents were raised?

A: Times have always changed. Since America’s colonial beginnings in the 17th Century, every generation has put their own stamp on culture. Demographics, technology, politics, economics…you name it, it has changed, and constantly so. But through it all, the fundamental understandings that informed child-rearing remained unchanged, the simple reason being that children, unlike the “times,” do not change from one generation to another. That’s why my parents approached the responsibility of raising children pretty much the same way as had their parents, who had raised their kids the way they themselves had been raised, and so on.

In the 1960s, mental health professionals claimed that traditional child rearing was psychologically harmful. They proposed a radically new approach based on equally radical understandings and principles. Psychologists like best-selling author Thomas Gordon (“Par-

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

ent Effectiveness Training”) proposed that families should be child-centered, children’s emotions contained deep meaning, and the parent-child relationship was a relationship between equals; ergo, children should be given equal sway when it came to making family decisions.

The results of this paradigm shift have been disastrous. Child mental health has plummeted. The raising of children, once regarded as a straightforward process guided by common sense and traditional principles, has become the single most stressful thing a woman will attempt in her entire life. And yes, I blame the mental health professional community – my colleagues – for this debacle because they were its architects. Ironically, they have also profited greatly from it. If one shrinks from the political incorrectness of “blame,” then insert “hold responsible.”

To raise children the way children were raised before the psychological parenting revolution of the late 1960s means to adhere to a short list of fundamental principles of fact: 1. The family operates best when parents, not children, are the center of attention; when parents run the show.

2. For the most part (95 percent, by my estimate), a child’s feelings mean nothing except that his feelings, like his behavior, are in need of outside discipline.

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3. Obedience to parental authority improves the mental and emotional health of children.

That is confirmed by both research and common sense.

4. Proper child-rearing is not all about the child in question; rather, it is an act of love for one’s neighbors, broadly defined.

5. The ultimate purpose of raising a child is not to produce a high achiever; rather, it is to produce a person of character, a good citizen. Grades are less important than manners.

Those principles are based on the unassailable understanding that children do not know what they need; they only know what they want. The adults in their lives are responsible for giving them everything they need and very little of what they want, thus properly preparing them for adulthood.

Those understandings are timeless; they did not expire upon non-renewal by my generation. There are better and worse ways of expressing them, but they are as valid today as they were sixty-plus years ago. Per the title of my latest book, it turns out that Grandma was right after all.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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USS ALABAMA 75th Anniversary Celebration Set

Battleship Memorial Park will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the USS ALABAMA on Saturday, August 12. Activities include concert by the Mobile Big Band Society from 10 – 11 a.m. followed by the 75th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony in the Aircraft Pavilion. The USS ALABAMA Living History Crew will present a mock battle attack featuring vintage airplanes at 1 p.m. on the deck. Children’s activities included.

Admission and parking is free all day. Hours of operation - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit www.ussalabama.com or call 251-433-2703.

Mission Nutrition Opens at the Exploreum Science Center

After more than a year of planning, the Exploreum Science Center opened the new Mission Nutrition interactive exhibit area in the My BodyWorks Gallery. The renovation features five Superfood Heroes that come alive through Augmented Reality technology; a racing video game, Fuel Up, where visitors race through breakfast, lunch, and dinner, trying to avoid unhealthy foods; the Now You’re Cooking touch screen interactive exhibit that lets visitors choose between ingredients to create healthier versions of traditional Southern dishes; and the You Are What You Eat interactive game featured on an eight- foot screen. “This renovation hits the mark on so many levels,” said Jan McKay, the Exploreum’s Executive Director. “The interactive media uses the most recent technology available, the colors and design are amazing and exciting, there is something for everyone, the games are fun, and the educational content is strong. We are pleased with the outcome, and we hope our community will come and see for themselves.” For information about the Exploreum, visit www.exploreum.com.

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Alabama Contemporary Art Center Silent Auction Benefit

Savor traditional Cuban cuisine and cocktails while browsing our incredible collection of auction items. Enjoy live Cuban music, meet artists from Havana’s historical Taller Experimental de Gráfica, watch renowned Cuban sculptor Gustavo del Valle create works live in the gallery, and take a sneak peek behind the scenes as works for our upcoming exhibition Back to Havana take shape!

Join us August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at 301 Conti Street. All proceeds from the night go directly to Alabama Contemporary’s exhibitions and programs to make art fun, meaningful and important for your local communities.

Advance tickets are $40 for Individuals and $75 for Dual/Family, or simply sign up for or renew an Alabama Contemporary membership – Individual Members receive 1 complimentary ticket, Dual/ Family Members receive 2 tickets, and Reciprocal Members receive 4 tickets. Please call (251) 2085671 or visit www.alabamacontemporary.org for more information.

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Alabama Chef Challenge

This year’s 19th Annual Alabama Chef Challenge will take place on Thursday, August 31, at the Fort Whiting Armory. Every fall, we hold our annual Alabama Chef Challenge event in Mobile to kick off Hunger Action Month and to help raise awareness for those struggling with hunger along the Central Gulf Coast.

Join us for a night of superb food and drink as you enjoy tastings of dishes from local chefs and restaurants while they compete to win votes for the night’s best dish in their category.

In addition to excellent food, you’ll enjoy live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction to participate in, and complimentary beer and wine.

Tickets can be purchased for $60 prior to the event, $75 at the door. To purchase tickets over the phone contact Kim Getto at (251) 653-1617 ext. 130 or mail check to 5248 Mobile South St., Theodore, AL 36582 attn. Kim Getto-Chef Challenge. Please make checks payable to Feeding the Gulf Coast. All proceeds from our Alabama Chef Challenge event are used to help those in need within our 9-county service area in Alabama. Please visit feedingthegulfcoast.org/alabama-chef-challenge for more information.

Cheers to Children Event to Benefit Child Advocacy Center

Williams Financial Group will present Cheers to Children, a benefit for the Child Advocacy Center, hosted by Moe’s Original Bar B Q on Springhill Avenue, on Monday, July 31 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The event will feature samplings of Moe’s Original Bar B Q signature dishes and wines to taste donated by United-Johnson Brothers Wines, along with a select live and silent auction. Music will be provided by Harrison McInnis. Tickets are $35 each and are available at the CAC. Call 432-1101 for details.

Free Haircuts for Kids at Remington College in August

Children under 17 can get a complimentary haircut at Remington College during the entire month of August!

Every summer, Remington College helps kids face the prospect of school with a smile on their faces. At the Remington College campuses with cosmetology departments, our own cosmetology students help boost children's self-confidence with style - and have a great time doing it! To schedule an appointment, call 251-342-4848. Walk-ins are also welcome. Our location is 4368 Downtowner Loop South.

In addition to helping students, Remington College also wants to help local schools. Throughout August, Remington College student salons will be collecting school supplies for local schools.

Anyone who brings in a donation – pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. – will receive a complimentary haircut, manicure or pedicure.

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Joe Jefferson Players Present “Annie”

The Joe Jefferson Players will kick off their 70th Season with the family favorite musical, “Annie”!

With a perfect combination of street-smarts and optimism, “Annie” warms the hearts of the audience as we witness her rise from next-to-nothing in New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago. Though things don’t quite work out the way she has planned, she does manage to thwart the plans of the mean ol' Miss Hannigan and find a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy.

The show will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from August 25 - September 10. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Tickets and season subscriptions are on sale at www.joejeffersonplayers.com.

Marc-Art 2017

Marc-Art is a festive evening featuring extraordinary artwork created by our talented art program participants along with local artists. Because art activities help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to socialize, express themselves, and stay healthier, Mobile Arc provides art instruction in painting, drawing, and ceramics.

Join us at 6:00 p.m. on August 3 at Azalea Manor. Evening will feature music by Harrison McInnis and catering by Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe. Support from the community is more crucial than ever to continue providing programs like this one. For more information or to reserve your tickets, please email aodom@mobilearc.org or call 251.665.9646.

Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “The Little Mermaid”

Disney’s award-winning Broadway show “The Little Mermaid” swims into Chickasaw Civic Theatre this August! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World” along with brand new songs! This spectacular production is sure to have you dancing and singing along the entire time! Please visit cctshows.com for more information.

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Locally owned and operated Closets | Garages | Home Offices Entertainment Centers | Wall Beds | Wall Units Pantries | Craft Rooms | Laundry Rooms | Mud Rooms | Wine Rooms the art of organization ©2017 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

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Girls of Fall - A Night of Football, Fashion, & Fun!

Girls of Fall - now in its fifth year - is a unique event focusing on female football fans, featuring football, fashion and fun! This year's event will be interactive and will feature new sessions and more vendors. Our female fans will learn more about the game, plus have an opportunity to eat and drink - and shop!

Join us August 17, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center. The cost is $25 in advance and $30 at door (includes free t-shirt, gift bag). This event will include food, beverages, entertainment, breakout sessions that include Playbook 101, Rules of the Game, Tailgating 201, Football Fashion Show and Shopping. Please visit www.seniorbowl.com for more information.

Free Admission to Bellingrath Gardens on Sunday, August 6

By tradition, Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Mr. Bellingrath’s birthday on August 6 by offering free admission to residents of Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

“Over 85 years ago, Walter Bellingrath opened the Gardens to the citizens of Mobile,” said Dr. William E. Barrick, Executive Director of Bellingrath Gardens and Home. “To honor his birthday, we are offering free admission to the citizens of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Even though we are in the heat of summer, his gardens are lush and full of color.”

Admission to the Gardens is complimentary to all Mobile and Baldwin County residents on Founder’s Day, but there is an additional charge of $9 to tour the Bellingrath Museum Home.

During the month of August, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is also offering an Anniversary Special, a discount rate to those touring the Gardens and the beautiful Bellingrath Home. Throughout the month, Gardens and Home tickets for adults are $16.50 (regular fee: $21), and Gardens and Home tickets for ages 5-12 are $11.50 (regular fee: $13).

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Holly Rowe to Speak at Healthy Woman Ninth Anniversary Event

The Healthy Woman program at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center will host keynote speaker Holly Rowe at their annual celebration dinner on Thursday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf.

Rowe, an Emmy-nominated reporter with ESPN, is not only a producer, writer and reporter, but also a two-time cancer survivor. Everyone will enjoy hearing Holly’s inspiring message about overcoming the obstacles that life puts in your path.

Lenise Ligon with Fox 10 News will once again emcee the event and dinner is catered by Luna’s. Tickets are now on-sale for $50 and can be purchased by visiting SouthBaldwinRMC.com/HealthyWoman. The event is open to both women and men.

The South Baldwin Regional Medical Center chapter of Healthy Woman launched in 2008 and has a network of over 1,700 members and features free monthly seminars, health fairs, education programs and interactive events focusing on empowering women to make informed health and well-being decisions for themselves and their family members. Women of all ages may join the program free of charge. For more information about the Healthy Woman program contact Hayden Kaechele, Healthy Woman Coordinator at (251)949-3562.

Bring Girls on the Run to Your School!

Girls on the Run South Alabama is now accepting new sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties for the fall 2017 season. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd – 5th grade. Girls on the Run is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Through the 11-week program girls learn their worth comes from within, that healthy relationships and healthy habits matter and that they can be a force for good in their community through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Meeting twice a week in small teams, we teach girls life skills through engaging lessons and fun activities. The curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches. During the program, each team also creates and executes a local community service project to demonstrate the strength that comes from helping others.

At each season's conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a celebratory 5k running event.

Girls on the Run helps empower girls to be the author of their own story and define the future on their terms. To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit www.GirlsontheRunSouthAL.org or check us out on facebook! If you’re interested in bringing Girls on the Run to your school please contact Mary Candace Vegliacich at maryc.vegliacich@girlsontherun.org.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

ADHD: How to Identify It Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been diagnosed more and more often since it was first described in the 1700s.

The condition itself was not commonly known as ADHD until 1994. It has been given many names over the years, but in 1968, it was officially given the name Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). From that point, the terminology further evolved to what we have today: ADHD – Inattentive Type, Hyperactive/Impulsive Type, or Combined Type.

It’s natural – necessary even – to have a relatively short attention span from time to time, or to feel the need to burn off some energy.

Research still differs on what a normal attention span for a person should be, but the current consensus is that a normal, sustained attention

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

span, in which a person can actively try to focus on a task, is only 20 minutes.

Because of this, short recharging breaks every 15-20 minutes are vital, along with activities to keep the brain active. Exercise, recess, and nap time for children are also extremely important for the same reasons.

As our modern lifestyle becomes more fast-paced, the question is often asked: what classifies someone as having ADHD vs. just being bored?

ADHD is defined as the inability to sustain attention and/or hyperactivity or impulsiveness that is difficult to control and that is inhibiting one’s ability to function in two separate environments (i.e. home and school or home and work).

It’s only natural to feel fidgety and restless, especially if it is during an activity or chore one

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doesn’t find interesting. However, if this is causing long-term problems, then it’s time to consider if the symptoms are indicative of ADHD. It is important to remember that there could be other problems in addition to – or instead of – ADHD that may cause a child to struggle in a school or social setting. If you have concerns that your child might be exhibiting forgetfulness, fidgeting, hyperactivity, or having trouble retaining information, ask your doctor if your child needs to be tested for ADHD. If your child does have ADHD, medications can help, in addition to new skills and accommodations to help him or her succeed.

Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

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Letter from Superintendent Martha Peek Our students are more than just a test score.

That is why Mobile County Public Schools is partnering with the national School Superintendents Association in Redefining Ready. Through this new initiative, we will provide our students with more opportunities to be successful, and we will keep track of additional measures - not just test scores - to make sure our students are graduating ready for college, career and life. Those measures range from how many hours of college credit students earn to whether students have identified a career interest and have begun the preparations necessary to enter the workforce. We have already begun to lay the groundwork for Refining Ready, starting in elementary school.

Mobile County Public Schools students are earning more college credit and scholarships than ever before as we have expanded options for them to do so through dual-enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate,

Autauga County Schools

the Cambridge Program and one-of-a-kind partnerships with the University of Alabama Early College. I am proud of the fact that the Class of 2017 earned $120 million in college scholarships, and I challenge the Class of 2018 to work hard this school year and do even better.

Through our 12 Signature Academy high schools, our students are earning industryrecognized career credentials in record numbers - 14,228 last year. We know that students with career credentials are more likely to get a job or enroll in a two- or four-year college, so one of our goals is to continue to increase that figure.

With an emphasis on Redefining Ready, Mobile County Public Schools will continue to provide multiple pathways that give our students and their parents the freedom to choose academic programs – and schools – that best suit their learning styles and family needs. Mobile County Public Schools is leading Alabama in school choice, including: • Alabama First Class Pre-K at 43 elementary schools and Just 4 • 20 Schools of Innovation • 13 National Blue Ribbon schools • 7 magnet schools • Envision Virtual Academy • Signature Academies in all 12 of our high schools: Aerospace and Aviation at B.C. Rain;

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Health at Blount; STEM at Mary G. Montgomery; Industry, Manufacturing and Technology at Citronelle; Coastal Studies at Bryant; International Studies at Murphy; Maritime, Engineering and Entrepreneurship at Williamson; Engineering and industry at Theodore; Engineering at Davidson; Advanced Studies at Baker; Technology at Vigor; and Pre-Law and Health at LeFlore • Bryant and Faulkner career and technical education centers • The Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind and Augusta Evans School • International Baccalaureate at Davidson and Murphy High Schools and Pre-IB at Council and Phillips • Advanced Placement courses in all 12 high schools and the AP Capstone program at Baker and AP Springboard at Causey Middle • Murphy University Center • Cambridge Program at Bryant High • The PACE program for gifted students • Special-education programs in all schools to help students meet their Individualized Education Programs (I.E.P.’s) • English as a Second Language programs.

We are looking forward to a great 2017-18 school year and to the community joining MCPSS in Redefining Ready.

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Autauga County Schools Lott Cheerleaders Attend

Faith Elementary Students Continue Love for Music

Students in 5th & 6th grades were given the opportunity to grow in their musical knowledge this summer, and that is just what they did. According to Choral Director, Mrs. Amanda Goins, "Summer music camp proves to be a huge advantage to the students that will be a part of the Faith Academy Elementary Choir program for next school year, as they sharpened their skills that are needed in music theory, sight-singing, and vocal technique." In addition, the camp gave new students a chance to meet new people and have the basics learned before school begins. Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Isabella Townsend, Diya Patel, Mrs. Amanda Goins, DeAsia Jones, Taylor Baker, Josie Begeman, Ariannah Masarek, Layla Parker, Kara Klehammer, Grace Piggott, Skylar Thomas, Bailey Polk, and Emily Meiners.

Cheer Camp at Auburn

Lott Middle School Cheerleaders attended Cheer Camp at Auburn University the week of June 7 – 10.

Pictured, front row: Marissa Wilson, Skylar Cochran - CoCaptain, Gracie Roberts - Captain, Julieonna Snow, Anna Weaver; back row: Chloe Adams, Jancie Wesley, Julia Pitts, Piper Lee, Makyla Sampson, Alexis Lofton.

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Allentown Raises Over $4500 for Relay for Life

Allentown’s Relay for Life Team raised $3,864.00 and the Student Team raised $765.00 for a total of $4,629.00. Several fundraising activities were held at the school to benefit both teams in collecting funds for the event. Several team members stopped to get a photo taken with the lavender Trail Maids.

Coach Ryan Jett, Harrison Jett, Sara Jett, Karis Singleterry, Tammy Johnson, Chasity Touchstone, Brandi Singleterry, Judd Singleterry, Hudson Jett, Remonia Walker, Elizabeth Swinney, Stephen Swinney, Kaylei Touchstone, Jennifer Phillips, Kinleigh Touchstone, Cindy Hurtt.

McDavid-Jones 5th Grade Day

Dodge Elementary Bike Rodeo

Dodge Elementary held its 2nd Annual Bike Rodeo on May 10.

Students went through a bike and helmet safety inspection, then rode through an obstacle course practicing various bike safety rules.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

We would like to thank Mayor Jason Stringer for coming to 5th Grade Day at McDavid-Jones Elementary this year. It is so important for our students to know that they are a part of this community and that our community supports them.

Students and guests were treated to breakfast provided by our Partner in Education – Arkema. After breakfast students were recognized for their accomplishments for this school year.

In picture, Mayor Stringer helping Terrel Phalo with his tie!

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Dixon Elementary’s Archery Team

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Dixon Elementary’s Archery Team, led by the best coach ever Mrs. Faye Hussong, is not new to winning and competing!

They are back to back Regional champions, which were held at Bryant High School. After winning Regional, Dixon’s Archery Team traveled to compete in the State Championship.

They came in 2nd place again, with 24 shooters who competed.

4th grader Ian Crosswhite won 1st place shooter for the boys, 5th grade Colby Lewis won 2nd place shooter for the boys, 3rd grader Mia Cornelson won 3rd place shooter for the girls, and 5th grader Lily Steiner won first place for the girls. Dixon’s Archery Team then headed to the National Championships on May 11th, 12th, and 13th located in Louisville, Kentucky. The PE department submitted a project to Donors Choose for their trip to Nationals and it was fully funded!

St. Mary Alive in You Mission Trip

St. Mary Parish high school students attended this year's Alive in You Mission Trip in Atlanta, Georgia. With 12 students and 5 chaperones, the students worked hard to help a fellow community in need. Activities included daily community service projects; praise and worship; group discussion on the topic of Unity focusing on the Trinity; competitive games with other parishes; and dinner theme nights!

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Autauga County Schools

Phillips Preparatory School Top 10 Scholars for the Class of 2017

Phillips Preparatory School recently announced the Top 10 Scholars for the Class of 2017. These students have attended Phillips Prep from 6th - 8th grade and they have earned the top overall grade point averages. Pictured left to right are: Caidlea Inman-Top Scholar, Daisy Ferrell, Katharine Boone, Savannah Creel, Jackson Rice, Maleah King, Madison Pickens, Racheal Moore, MaKensey Alford, and Miquel Gapud.

Congratulations to these students for their hard work and accomplishments! To their teachers, staff and parents, thank you for your support.

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Little Flower Catholic School Bids Farewell to Long-Time Teacher

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After over 40 years in education, Ms. Mickie Hartley retired from Little Flower Catholic School at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. Most recently she has taught middle school math at Little Flower Catholic School. Throughout her career, she has been a classroom teacher, principal, tutor, and advisor. Although she is now officially retired, staff and students were happy to learn that Ms. Hartley intends to continue to be involved through volunteering and other assistance at the school. From left, Darlene Niyonzima and Caroline Browne wish Ms. Hartley a happy retirement.

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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

McGill-Toolen Catholic Dancers Highlighted at Sheffield Dance Recital Students Cara Coletti, Lilli Lawrence, Madeleine Greenwood and Carson Kuhr performed "Four Little Swans" from the traditional ballet, “Swan Lake” at the Sheffield School of the Dance recital this past month.

UMS-Wright Cheerleaders Earn Superior Ratings at Camp

The UMS-Wright cheerleaders attended UCA camp in June. All three squads had a great time learning new material and can't wait to cheer on the Bulldogs for the upcoming school year! The girls won the TOP spirit award, and also the Traditions Award. We are proud to recognize the following who were chosen as All-Americans: Varsity – Eugenia O’Connor, Maizie Summersell, Aryn McDowell, Emilee Wilkerson, and Andy Robinson; Junior Varsity – Mary Martin Yance; Middle School – Ellie Fountain, Blakslee Elliott, Leigh Rogers, Loie Whiting, Lily Corley, and Virginia Ann Harrigan.

Congratulations, girls!

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St. Paul’s AP Photography Class Honors Fellow Classmates

The AP Photography class wanted to visually recognize students that demonstrate the values and character sacred to St. Paul’s: responsibility, character, creativity, love and service. These students are not ones who actively look for recognition. They are hardworking, respectful, and deserve the positive dialogue the large portraits are creating.

The students recognized are: Turner Boulo, Vivienne Stabler, Ross Carley, Lili Etheredge, Sam Johnson, Nathaniel and Daisy Hudson, Sarah Frances Greene, Margaret Zheng, Will McFadden, Cameron Drum, Mary Stirling Brown, Jarred Eaton, William McEvoy, Jessie Everett, Hannah Collier, Austin Bryars.

The students completed the project, using high school teacher nominations from all grades. The AP Photography class took, edited, and hung the portraits on various buildings around campus.

The AP photography students are: Laura Adams, Annie Buffkin, James Courtney, Madelyn Claire Lott, Caroline Myers, Hartley Robinson, Sydney Williams and Madeline Wing.

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy 100 Book Club

The CHCA 100 Book Club had a Grand celebration in the school’s library on May 12. This book club is specifically designed to encourage and spotlight our younger Reading Warriors who read 100 or more books in a school year. Members included: Addison Brock, Molly Conken, Shan Cortez, Daeton Dees-Hill, Troy Driskell, Carter Hinton, Kailynn Hamilton, Max Hipp, Catherine King, Brooklyn McDonald, Chase Mose, Caleb Saechang, Josiah Sandefur, Caroline Shanks, Reagan Slawson, Aubrey Stallworth, and Katelynn Weaver. We LOVE to read at CHCA.

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Old Shell Road Math Team Competes at Clark-Shaw

The Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts School 5th Grade Math Team competed in the annual competition at Clark-Shaw Magnet School on Saturday, May 6. The students met after school for several weeks to prepare for the competition. The members were as follows: Seated (from left to right): Kathleen Andrews, GayBrielle Martin, Lily Hoyle; Middle row (from left to right): Joseantonio Trejo, Marc Leyk, Shemar Welch, Charles Ibie, Nakeria Woods; Last row (from left to right): Ms. Hughes, sponsor/math teacher, Jenna Au, Derrick Butler, DeJah Carey; Not pictured: Kyra Owens.

Davidson Senior Elected to Serve on National FBLA Officer Team

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Congratulations to Davidson’s Keenan Carter on being elected to serve as the National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Southern Region Vice President. His region covers 12 states including Alabama. Keenan, an upcoming senior, also serves as the Alabama FBLA State President and has been recognized as a top membership recruiter for his local and state chapters, having increased membership in his local chapter from 78 members his freshman year to 209 members during his junior year.

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UMS-Wright Golf & Baseball Teams Bring Home the Blue and Red Maps!

The UMS-Wright spring sports teams worked extra hard this season and have multiple trophies to prove it! The boys’ golf team had another record season and won the 4A championship for the second year in a row! JP Cave won the individual medalist (-5) and Andrew Grave placed 2nd overall (-3).

In addition to the boys’ team, the girls’ golf team placed runner-up in the state tournament. To close the athletic season, the baseball team defeated Madison Academy in a 2 out of 3 game series in Montgomery to win the 4A state championship for the second year in a row!

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Covenant Christian Coding Camp!

Covenant Christian School recently held its first summer coding camp, instructed by Daniel Jajeh. Students participated in a hands-on camp using Arduino micro-controllers and computers to build and program electric circuits using the C and C++ programming languages.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius Pro-Life Ambassadors

These incoming 8th grade students at St. Ignatius will represent the school as Pro-Life Ambassadors for the 2017-18 school year. They each applied and were chosen among their peers and will lead the ProLife effort for the 40 days for Life fall and spring campaigns. Pictured are: Isabelle Brown, Louise Stuardi, Ella Keaton, Evelyn Hicks, Eldon Porter, Ellis Bennett, Bennett Katz, Julia White, Lindon Hutchisson, Milligan Grinstead and McGowin Grinstead.

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St. Pius X Hosts Color Run

St. Pius X hosted its second Color Run. The Color Run was the culminating event at the school's annual Field Day. Pictured are middle school students at the start of their first heat.

CHCA Student/ DYW Contestant Receives $178,000 in Scholarships

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Olivia Moore of Cottage Hill Christian Academy participated in the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program held at Alma Bryant High School in June. She was awarded a total of $178,000 in scholarships from various colleges and universities. Congratulations and Go Warriors!

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Local Students Honored for Exceptional Academic Success

Janie Dunwell and Simms Stokes, 7th grade students from St. Dominic Catholic School are among the students honored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT. They were recognized at the Grand Recognition Ceremony on May 22 at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Duke TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search identifies students across the United States who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level standardized test. As part of the program, these academically talented students take above-level college-entrance exams to learn more about their abilities. Duke TIP then hosts annual recognition ceremonies to honor the seventh graders with remarkable ACT or SAT scores. Those with the highest scores are invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony. Of 53,843 students who took the exams through Duke TIP—all of whom are in the 95th percentile of their grade level—only 2,072 were invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our remarkably talented students who have demonstrated key aspects of their academic potential by achieving scores on the ACT or SAT approximately equal to the 90th percentile for college-bound high school seniors taking these tests,” says Shawna Young, Executive Director of Duke TIP. “As an alum of our 7th Grade Talent Search, I still remember how it felt to be recognized by Duke and TIP in seventh grade, as well as my excitement and anxiety at taking the SAT at such a young age. As an organization, we cherish the opportunity to celebrate each of our ceremonies honorees for such an outstanding accomplishment.”

Cottage Hill Ladybug Launch

The annual preschool "Ladybug Launch" was an amazing event. It truly was a hands-on learning experience for all in attendance.

Students, parents, and teachers alike enjoyed the excitement as the ladybugs began to "fly away home".

The launch took place on the Cottage Hill Christian Academy Lower Campus on May 12.

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building the Body of Christ One Student at a Time.

Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K3 through eighth grade an outstanding education. Our child care center provides a warm, nurturing environment with developmentally-appropriate programs for children up to 2 years old. The school is committed to providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus.

6300 McKenna Drive Mobile, Alabama 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school CCS MBP Ad.indd 1

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Questions? Please contact us.

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Autauga County Schools Prichard Prep National Elementary Honor Society

Prichard Preparatory School participates in the National Elementary Honor Society. The qualification for membership is an 85% or higher average in all core classes (English, Math, Science & Social Studies) while in 4thand 5th grades with the majority of the Faculty Council rating students above average in the four core areas: Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Responsibility. The Board, Staff, Administration and parents are very proud of the students’ achievement!

McGill-Toolen Class of 2017

Congratulations to the McT Class of 2017! They earned more than $16.8 million in scholarships.

Twenty-five signed athletic letters of intent to compete at the next level, two will be attending service academies, two are discerning religious life, and four were National Merit Finalists. We echo the sentiment of Valedictorian Claire Mattingly when she ended her speech at gradation; "I pray that we can be what the world really needs: the best witnesses to our Catholic faith that we can possibly be." We wish you all the best of luck!

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St. Luke’s Middle Schoolers Enjoy Field Trips During Last Week of School

The St. Luke's Middle School students spent their final week of the school year immersed in the mountains, the water and history! Each year 6th, 7th and 8th graders participate in "field curriculum" and have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real life experiences. Sixth graders travel to the Great Smoky Mountains to expand upon their geology curriculum. The students tour Tuckaleechee Cavern, spend several days at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont enjoying hikes, campfires, and ghost stories. On the way they stop to pan for gold and gems! The seventh grade marine life curriculum trip provided a great opportunity for students to swim with manatees, snorkel the coral reefs and see a variety of fish, sea turtles and barracuda, take an airboat ride through the Everglades and enjoy time bonding with their classmates. Members of the St. Luke's eighth grade class had a fantastic trip to Washington DC! The trip included stops at Monticello, Williamsburg, the War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln

Memorial, the White House, and the Capitol Building. Representative Bradley Byrne met them and gave them an opportunity to ask questions and then posed for the annual class photo on the steps of the Capitol.

Corpus Christi Catholic School is a “Cool School”

Corpus Christi Catholic School is always excited to be featured as the “Cool School” of the week on local TV station WPMI Local 15. It is a pleasure to have meteorologist and anchor, Kelly Foster, visit the school to record segments for the show. Corpus Christi has its own weekly TV show, Corpus Christi News, which airs each Friday. Mrs. Foster is pictured with students who are part of the CCN program.

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Autauga County Schools

Moblie Christian Students Participate in Reading Parade at Bay Bears Game

On Saturday, May 13, over 50 Mobile Christian students participated in a Reading Parade at Hank Aaron Stadium prior to the evening’s Bay Bears game.

Students had been challenged earlier in the quarter by Teddy and his friends with the Bay Bears to meet their Accelerated Reader goals.

Over 100 MCS students far exceeded the challenge.

Mobile County Public Schools Holds Industrial Trade Camp for Girls

About 20 girls learned that trades like welding and carpentry aren’t just for the boys at the recent Girls Can Camp, a project of Mobile County Public Schools, the Mobile Area Education Foundation and Alabama Power. The camp, located at Bryant Career Technical Center is designed to introduce girls to industrial trades. They learn skills involved in welding, pipefitting, carpentry and electrical work from instructors who work in those fields and using those skills to complete projects.

“It shows them that there’s more outside their realm of what is traditionally thought to be female occupations,” said Roger Pettis, a maintenance specialist and trainer at Alabama Power who is among the camp’s instructors. “They can be carpenters. They can be welders. They can be electricians. They can be all these things and a lot of times do it better than men.”

Among the projects undertaken by campers this year were a shepherd’s staff planter in welding, a birdhouse and toolbox in carpentry, a sprinkler in pipefitting and a lamp in electrical. Several local, statewide and national businesses and organizations helped sponsor the event, including Go Build Alabama; Austal; Evonik Industries; Fluor; G.A. West; Airgas; Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Techs Local 119; I.B.E.W. 345; and the Central Gulf Industrial Alliance.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

Dodge Elementary Breakfast for School Volunteers

Dodge Elementary School appreciates all of the many volunteers who make the school a better place for everyone. Parent and community volunteers do many things around the school such as reading with students, working special events such as Movie Nights and Spring Flings, counting ice cream money, and much, much more. A volunteer breakfast was held on May 23, to honor some of those dedicated volunteers whose service does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you, volunteers!

Mobile JROTC Cadets Receive STEM Instruction at Leadership Academy Camp

The JROTC STEM Leadership Academy set its sights on the sky this year, as more than 150 Mobile County JROTC cadets were challenged with STEM projects relating to aviation at this month’s camp.

The residential camp, based at Spring Hill College, includes STEM instruction at SHC and the University of South Alabama, business and industry site visits, and leadership activities such as rappelling, drown-proofing and orienteering. With this year’s focus on aviation, cadets were challenged with STEM design projects related to flight and took site visits to the U.S. Coast Guard, Airbus, VT MAE, Continental Motors, Flight Training of Mobile and the Alabama Aviation Center.

The STEM design challenges at this year’s camp included: designing and building an aircraft constructed of paper and other materials to learn about aerodynamics; constructing a glider aircraft with emphasis on wing design and function; and testing flight capability after improvements were incorporated into the prototype.

The academy is sponsored by Mobile County Public Schools, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a collection of local businesses, postsecondary institutions, community organizations and foundations. It is designed to increase awareness of high-paying STEM career opportunities in the Mobile area and the skills needed to land those jobs, while also focusing on leadership development, and critical thinking skills.

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Dixon’s “It Starts With Me” Winner Desmond Chhun

Dixon Elementary congratulates 5th grader Desmond Chhun for winning Dixon's "It Starts With Me" award! He was chosen for exemplary character and scholarly behaviors. Desmond was honored in April at MCPSS's "It Starts With Us" ceremony held at Murphy High School.

We are proud of Desmond and all that he has accomplished this year!

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St. Paul’s Hosts First Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

St. Paul’s first annual Daddy Daughter Dance was held on Monday, May 8, at the Lower School.

Girls in PreK through 2nd grade were escorted by their fathers as their dates. Among pink balloons and a sea of flowers, music played as the couples danced, made homemade paper corsages, enjoyed lemonade and cookies, and took silly pictures in a photo booth. This event was memorable for all, and we began a new tradition which will bring daddies and daughters together for a special night for many years to come.

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Autauga County Schools

E.R. Dickson Reading Millionaires

Congratulations to our E.R. Dickson 3rd Grade Millionaires. Mrs. Kinn, principal, and Mrs. Wilcox, assistant principal, presented the following students with the Millionaire award at the End of the Year Accelerated Reader Ceremony on May 18th. These students read over a million words through the Renaissance Accelerated Reader Program. These students received a trophy and a book to read over the summer. (Top left photo) Justus Buchanan (2,769,905 words), Olivia Mendoza (1,712,412 words), and Madison Harris (1,006,695).

4th Grade Millionaires: (Middle right photo) Anthony Meola (2,153,960 words), Mason Steele (1,672,620 words), Garrett Steele (1,488,318 words), Conner Kennedy (1,311,182 words), Bobby Hurst (1,127,082 words), Josiah Cazalas (1,090,192 words), Angelina Freij (1,101,853 words), and Kipper Miller (1,031,268 words).

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5th Grade Millionaires: (Bottom left photo) Kevin Sonith (1,874,836 words), Ashton Strickland (1,107,617 words), Natalie Chatel (1,284,070 words), Caleb Finklea (1,064,597 words), and Jennifer Horton (1,330,592 words).

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Sea Cadets Learn Land Navigation Techniques

In the month of June, Sea Cadets of Dunlap Division drilled at the USCG ATC where they had the honor of hosting Army Staff Sergeant Joel Rogers. SSG Rogers taught the cadets proper techniques for land navigation. They learned how to pinpoint their exact location, read all aspects of a map, and how to use a compass. Learning land navigation is a very important tool to have as a Sea Cadet and may come in useful for the rest of their lives. Dunlap Division looks forward to practicing their new skill. Looking forward, we are excited to be taking a firearm safety course in July, learning how to properly handle a weapon, and in August having our annual camp out where we will divide the cadets into teams and they will compete in several games against each other.

Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages ten to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge on our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Center in Mobile. The cadets are under no obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist they are usually eligible to enlist at a higher pay grade. The program does offer ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www.seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at Dunlap.seacadets@gmail.com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision.

St. Ignatius Students Earn Award for Service

St. Ignatius awards the Skeet Diehl Catholic Charities Award each year to a boy and a girl who exemplify service. The students in 5th-8th grade must value service and leadership among their peers. The award is chosen by the school administration. Pictured are MS. Skeeter Diehl and Fr. Bry Shields giving the Catholic Charities award to Mackie Nicholas and Bennett Katz.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Mary Catholic School Law and Order Debate Camp

St. Mary Catholic School middle school students had summer fun and learning during their 2017 Law and Order Debate Camp! Under the direction of Middle School Teacher, Will Hester, students learned the art of the trial and learned the roles of the key players involved through a mock trial at the end of the session. From learning how to give opening and closing statements, to cross examining witnesses, the students were able to display their skills in front of a jury of peers, parents, and parishioners!

Pictured are students with Mr. Hester at the close of the camp.

Little Flower White Elephant Sale

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Part of the Spring Fling fun at Little Flower Catholic School was a huge White Elephant Sale. Ms. Pennie Deihs helped organize the items with the help of parents and student volunteers.

From left, students Joseph Pierre, John Solis, Karen Tran, and Leslie Solis help arrange items to complete the display for the sale.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

Science Camp at Covenant Christian

Students at Covenant Christian recently participated in Summer Science Camp, instructed by Jr. High science teacher, Patti Haataja. Participants completed hands-on labs dealing with crystals and solutions; bugs, birds, and bass; and friction and spinning with "phidgetty physics."

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

Mobile Area Water and Sewer System’s Watercolor Contest Winners

Lindsey Imsand from Theodore High School was recently named the winner of the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System’s “Fun with Water” watercolor contest.

Imsand’s painting (pictured) is titled “A World Underwater” and features a pod of orcas and various other sea life.

Grade-level winners were also named: Grades K-2: Corynne Swan, Old Shell Road School, for “A Beautiful Day at the Beach”. Grades 3-5: Jalyn Johnson, Council Traditional School, for “Fun Summer Birthdays”. Grades 6-8: Mia Bauer, Dunbar Magnet, for “Underwater Adventure”.

Grades 9-12: Jeremy Bankston, Theodore High, for “Everything is Coming Up Coral”.

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Local Teachers Attend Space Camp

Seven Mobile County Public Schools teachers attended the Alabama Space Academy for Educators recently, and they came home with new ideas and renewed energy for teaching science in their classrooms.

Attending the camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville earlier this month were: Tamara Lewis, Samantha Miller and Jessica Allement O’Neal of Semmes Middle; Mindy Kirksey of Clark-Shaw; Nina Stiell of Robbins; Fay Phillips of Mary B. Austin; and Jonathan Horner of North Mobile.

The week-long immersive professional development program is designed to allow teachers to train like an astronaut while learning among their peers. It also allows them to access NASA and Space Camp lesson plans and experiments that can be adapted to their classrooms. Activities the teachers participated in included: building and launching rockets, creating and testing mock heat shields for the Space Shuttle, and experiencing 3 Gs and weightlessness.

Little Flower Catholic School Faculty Plans New Year When students leave school in May at Little Flower Catholic School, the work has just begun in wrapping up the past year and planning for the upcoming school opening at the end of summer.

"Having such an energetic and dedicated faculty makes my job so much easier," stated principal Alesa Weiskopf. Taking care of details and offering new and creative ways to do things seem to come naturally for the elementary school faculty. Shown taking a break are (L to R) teachers Katie Patterson, Kelly O'Donnell, and Renee Cherry.

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Corpus Christi Catholic School’s Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Corpus Christi Catholic School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Alison Dennis!

Mrs. Dennis has been a kindergarten teacher at Corpus since fall 2014 and taught preschool before joining the faculty at CCS.

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Autauga County Schools

McGill-Toolen Girls Varsity Soccer Wins First-ever State Championship!

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Under first year Head Coach Cheryl Flores, our girls beat Vestavia 2-1 in the championship game. Both goals were scored in the second half, the first by Angelina Piccini and the second by Chloe Martin.

Goalkeeper Eva Knapstein recorded the shutout and was named the MVP of the tournament. The Yellow Jackets were 24-2 and were ranked #18 in the nation by USA Today.

Cottage Hill Christian Academy Athletic Hall of Fame

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The inaugural CHCA Athletic Hall of Fame class was inducted at Heron Lakes Country Club on May 18. The 36 inductees recognized and honored included CHCA High School athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters who excelled in their respective sports or coaching/support roles and who helped to bring honor, recognition, distinction, and excellence to CHCA by their conduct both on and off the field or court, of competition. We are proud of these athletes and honorary members and of the traditions they helped establish at Cottage Hill Christian Academy.

Craft Camp at Corpus Christi Catholic School

A group of students from Corpus Christi Catholic School kicked off their summer with a craft camp hosted at the school. The camp leaders were Mrs. Cummings and Mrs. Palmer, who are teacher assistants at the school. The girls completed at least 3 projects a day and even got to use hand tools on some of the projects. “We tried to challenge the girls’ creativity with the projects that we selected. Many of the girls had attended our creative camp before, so we made sure to come up with new ideas for them,” said Mrs. Palmer.

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Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month.

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Davidson Soccer Team Places Second In State Finals

The Davidson boys soccer team fought hard and brought home a second place finish in the state championship tournament. Several Warriors travelled to support the team as they advanced all the way to the finals.

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UMS-Wright Students Compete in Distinguished Young Women Program Four students represented UMS-Wright in the Distinguished Young Women of Mobile County program in June. Kierra Giles, Abby Cunningham, Caroline Whatley and Kaitlyn Read were among 33 other participants who competed in the scholarship program.

Distinguished Young Women of Mobile County is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership, and talent in young women. Caroline Whatley was first runner-up and Kaitlyn Read placed in the top 8! We are so proud of Kierra, Abby, Caroline and Kaitlyn for all of their hard work.

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St. Paul’s Student Wins 2017 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship

St. Paul’s recent graduate Skandan Ananthasekar was selected as the 2017 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship recipient.

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program is a nominationbased award, and only one student per school may be nominated by their principal or guidance counselor.

Leaders and Achievers, funded through the Comcast Foundation, recognizes high school seniors from Comcast communities for their commitment to community service, academics and demonstrated leadership. To acknowledge these accomplishments, Leaders and Achievers students are awarded one-time scholarships, with a base award of $1,000.

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Autauga County Schools Mobile Christian Athletes Receive Scholarships We are excited and proud to announce the signing of five Mobile Christian students to Spring Hill College for athletic scholarships. Hannah Brenton has signed on to play softball for the Badgers.

Taylor Bourgeois signed on for Basketball, Grayson Williams and Chris George for baseball, and Jacob Kirby for Track. Best of luck to our fellow leopards!

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Davidson’s 2017 IB Class Achieves Rare Feat

The Davidson High School International Baccalaureate® (IB) Program class of 2017 has achieved a rare feat: every one of the 26 students who completed program requirements was awarded the IB Diploma, far exceeding the international average of 70.9%.

The IB Program is a challenging program of international educational standards and rigorous assessment. In order to teach IB programmes, schools and teachers must be trained and authorized, designating the school as an IB World School.

“We are so proud of these students! While our diploma rate is consistently higher than national and international averages, this is an amazing feat considering the size of the group,” said Lydia Edmonds, IB Coordinator for Davidson. “Our teachers work together as a team with students and are truly invested in their success. Those positive relationships, hard work by teachers and students, and the support of parents are the driving forces behind this outstanding outcome.”

To receive an IB Diploma, students must score a required number of points from multiple assessments in seven subject areas, as well as a scored 4,000 word essay.

The assessments are then scored and moderated in international locations by trained evaluators. If a student meets the standards in the required areas, the student qualifies for the IB Diploma—in addition to the school’s state diploma.

According to statistics from the IB Organization, students receiving the IB Diploma are likely to perform well academically and enroll at top universities.

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate®(IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly respected programmes of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.

Reading Makes Me Smile Award Winner at McDavid-Jones

This year’s recipient of the "Reading Makes Me Smile" award was presented to Chase Bryan. Chase maintained the highest Accelerated Reader percentage and had the most points from third grade through fifth grade. He was presented a plaque and a $25 gift card by Arkema. Chase also received the "Arkema Excellence Award" for fifth grade.

Great job Chase!

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Autauga County Schools

St. Paul’s Alumni Participate in a Day of Service

St. Mary Catholic 8th Grade 4.0 Awards

On March 25th, a group of alumni gathered for the first St. Paul’s Alumni Day of Service. St. Paul’s alumni partnered with the Raise the Roof Project to help restore a home in need of repair.

Raise the Roof Project is a home repair ministry partnership of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mobile. Raise the Roof Project connect people in need with groups willing to repair roofs and build relationships in the South Broad Street community of Mobile.

Thank you to the alumni who participated and to the Raise the Roof Project.

St. Mary Catholic School honored the 8th grade students who maintained a 4.0 GPA during their middle school careers at the Commencement Mass in May held in St. Mary Church. The 8th grade awards are made possible by the St. Mary Knight of Columbus Council 13163. Pictured left to right are: Meghan Stein; Skyler Bumpers; Reilly Martorana; Ella Woods; Caleb Thompson; and Lucy O'Neill. Also receiving the award, but not pictured: Mia Sizemore.

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A Page in a Book Books to Celebrate the One-of-a-Kind Kid As parents we celebrate the things that make our child distinctive. His eccentric passion for polka dot clothing, her encyclopedic knowledge of bats, their precocious habit of singing (loudly) in public, the fact that they speak two languages – these characteristics can make our child a delightful stand-out against a standard backdrop. While these aspects of our child endear them to us, this same distinctiveness can sometimes set them apart from their environment. The following titles celebrate the ways that positive interaction helps ‘outside of the norm’ join its special perspective to the larger social whole.

My Cousin Momo

by Zacariah Ohora (Penguin / Dial Books for Young Readers) When gray squirrel siblings look forward to hosting cousin Momo for a visit, they are filled with anticipation. As a flying squirrel, Momo’s special ability promises to be the highlight of their first meeting with their cousin. But their fabled cousin doesn’t perform as expected. Momo doesn’t hide-and-seek very well, he plays acorn-pong all wrong and he won’t show off his advertised specialty of flight. The brother and sister’s obvious disappointment leads cousin Momo to contemplate leaving, but a last-minute appreciation of his special talents may just help their new friendship take flight. Ohora’s bright illustration gives all the right nods to this evolution of appreciation for uncommon style.

The Girl Who Heard Colors

by Marie Harris, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Penguin / Nancy Paulsen Books) Little Gillian experiences the world much like her counterparts, except when it comes to sounds. Gifted with synesthesia, Gillian perceives sound as color. Her bike’s bell rings silver, the rain whispers in light purple and her teacher’s voice is green as a frog. But when a lunch box falls to the floor and Gillian exclaims “Yellow!”, her distinctive ability is revealed to classmates who laugh (in inky black) at what they don’t understand. It’s the visit of a musician to the classroom who recognizes her special perception and helps Gil and her classmates cultivate a new appreciation for differences that make their world a brighter and more colorful place.

The Seeds of Friendship

by Michael Foreman (Candlewick Press) Relocated from the tropics to a cold and gray city, Adam misses all the things that were unique to his old home. As he tentatively ventures into snow for the first time, curious kids soon begin to help him craft a snow white menagerie of creatures from his homeland. Still lamenting the dreary landscape, Adam’s first day of school reveals a small garden, a bright spot of color. When the teacher begins to send seeds from the garden home with him, Adam and his mother begin sinking new roots into the city. With a green thumb and memories of home, Adam is joined by his friends as they begin transforming their gray surroundings into a colorful bridge between friends, neighbors and two different worlds.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Playing with Food

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Playing with food is part of every child’s early years as they learn to feed themselves. And as their food interests expand beyond the high chair and into the larger kitchen, kids often develop specific curiosity about the objects and items that contribute to their menu. They begin to look at ‘grown-up’ food, kitchen set-ups and cooking tools with a new, and hungry, eye. While they’re not ready to don the official chef’s hat yet, encouraging their interest with safe and engaging toys and resources is ideal for cultivating their nutritional education and expanding tastes. The following items are recommended for kids who still want to play with their food.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Morphy Richards Kitchen Set

Cutting Food Play Set (Melissa & Doug)

Putting a knife in the hands of a toddler is encouraged with Melissa & Doug’s Cutting Food Play Set. Complete with sectioned wooden fruit, vegetables and bread loaf, kids use this set’s sturdy, blunt-edged wooden knife to cut the food into its parts. The “crunch’ of the cut comes from the strong Velcro attachments between the food sections. The actual weight and feel of the wooden food mimics real produce much more closely than plastic counterparts. As children separate and reassemble the food, they are also benefiting from an early exposure to fractions. Crafted with non-toxic materials, the occasional nibbling and gnawing is not a worry. Giving young chefs their first opportunity to carve out their place in the kitchen, the Cutting Food Play Set offers a surprisingly real food prep experience for kids.

(Casdon Little)

While the coffee maker and toaster are often off-limits for little ones, the Morphy Richards Kitchen Set presents a safe and entertaining option for the younger cook. The coffee kettle is refillable with water (or other beverage) and features a level gauge indicator for added realism.

The ‘toast’ pops up from the toaster with an energetic spring to launch every morning meal. Featuring colorful cutlery, dishes and pretend food, breakfast or brunch is easily laid out by the youngest kitchen helper. Perfect for pretend play this miniature collection is sized for little hands, but easily serves alongside adult crockery for a family-sized breakfast spread.

Honeysuckle Treat Street Food Truck

Sew Mini Treats (Klutz)

Making your own food takes on a whole new meaning with Sew Mini Treats, an adorable craft kit from Klutz.

Following super-easy instructions in the 48-page guide, young seamsters are equipped with everything they need to assemble plush food with fun faces. With patterns, felt, filling, floss, and delightful design elements for cheeks and eyes all included, kids can turn out up to 18 different food-themed plushies in a short amount of time.

Getting the hang of following patterns and simple stitching is also ideal for turning hand work into real confidence-building opportunities. Perfect for party-activities, decorating, gift-giving, or just carrying around as an “I made this!” badge, Sew Mini Treats are a delicious dip into food-themed crafting.

(Woodzeez)

With the booming interest is food truck cuisine nationwide, it’s the perfect time for little foodies to explore the business with their own pintsized version of the same. The Honeysuckle Treat Street Food Truck is a highly detailed toy replica of a restaurant on wheels. With a grill, cupboards, and an oven (with a working door) there’s plenty of food activity on the menu. The trapdoor for extra storage adds to the space economy that echoes real food trucks. There are eighty-nine pieces, so while kids are guaranteed to stay busy this set is best for kids who are past the mouthing age. Woodzeez brand figures are sold separately, but this food truck can easily host a variety of similarly sized characters. Battery-free and ready to feed friends, the Honeysuckle Treat Street Food Truck will get your child’s restaurant business rolling.

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

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Dip In, Pay It Off! Q. My wife just had our first child. Now, we now have about $3,000 in medical bills not covered by insurance. We’ve got $8,000 in our emergency fund, and I make between $25,000 and $30,000 a year.

Should we try setting up a payment plan with the hospital, or is dipping into our savings a better idea?

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A. I’d write a check today and knock out that hospital bill. This falls under the heading of “emergency” in my mind, so pay the bill and jump back into rebuilding your emergency fund.

You’ve done a really good job of saving on your income, but let’s see what we can do about making better money in the future.

Extra practical training in your field, or more education in the classroom, could increase your income quickly. Your emergency fund needs to be a little bigger as well, and it’ll be a lot easier to make this happen if you’re making more money.

I’m sure you’re a hard-working guy, but it’s going to be tough for even a small family

to make it on what you’re bringing home now.

The unexpected can become a common occurrence when there’s a little one in the picture.

Can They Really Garnish My Wages?

Q. I got a call from a debt collector regarding $2,000 I owe in medical bills.

I’m trying to get my finances in order and pay this off, but I’m afraid they’ll follow through on their threat to garnish my wages. Can you give me some advice?

A. First, I want you to take a deep breath and calm down. Debt collectors like to play on your emotions because they think you’ll give in and do something you can’t really afford to do. Most of them don’t care about you or your

situation as long as they get some money.

They won’t garnish your wages because they can’t. They would have to go through the formal, legal procedure of first suing you and then winning the case. They broke federal law by saying they would garnish your wages but hadn’t sued you. If I’m in your shoes, I’d be filing a complaint against these bozos with the Federal Trade Commission.

Don’t react with fear and panic in the face of debt collector threats. Talk to them and explain your situation. See if you can work out a compromise. If they get nasty or break federal law again, let them know you’ll be filing another complaint with the FTC. In the meantime, do everything you can to scrape up as much cash as possible. Have a big garage sale and sell everything in your attic or basement you don’t need. Then, when you get this mess cleaned up, pay off the rest of your debts — if you have any — and start living on a written monthly budget!

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What to Consider Before Using GPS to Track Your Kid Sooner or later, most parents lose a kid—usually for only a few minutes. A toddler figures out how to open an unlatched door.

A kindergartener heads off to investigate something in another grocery aisle. A school age child gets confused about the pick up location. Even if it’s brief, the experience is heart-stopping. And it’s given rise to a whole new industry--GPS tracking for kids.

Some parents turn to GPS because the world seems scarier than it was when they were kids. Others want an electronic yenta who can keep an eye on children (and their caregivers) when parents can’t be there. Still others want a better way to supervise and enforce family rules about safety. For those who really can’t take care of themselves—very young children, kids with disabilities, even pets or elders with dementia—tracking devices may produce peace of mind.

And, for children, that can be a problem.

Experts point out that tracking devices can encourage both passivity and a false sense of security in children as well as parents. As parents find themselves counting on surveillance, they may be less intentional about helping kids anticipate and avoid risks. Instead of learning what they need to know to navigate confidently and safely in a risky world, kids depend on the panic button that summons Mom. That said, there are situations in which a tracker can be very useful—think amusement parks or kids who walk to and from school.

Before purchasing the technology, consider these questions: What does it do? Some trackers, like Trax, do nothing but show location. They can be attached to children, elders, pets or even a laptop that tends to wander off. Many units resemble watches or function like flip phones.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

And some, like the Amby Gear Smartwatch, include games or virtual pets. For little kids, the extra bells and whistles may be distracting. For an older child, they may make the device more appealing.

What’s the technology? Tracking units that use GPS depend on satellites and some provide coverage pretty much anywhere on the planet. Other devices use the cellphone network so they won’t work if the child wanders out of range. Still, other devices like My Buddy Tag use Bluetooth technology. Their reach is limited, though that may be just fine if you’re trying to keep tabs on a child in the backyard or your local park. The most accurate devices like the Wherecom Kidfit use a combination of technologies.

What does it monitor? At the very least a tracking device should pinpoint a child’s location. Some send a signal at intervals; others allow continuous tracking though that may drain the battery. Many units make it possible to set up safety zones or geofences and send an alert if the child goes beyond those boundaries.

Is it complicated? For very young children, simplicity is a virtue. Tinitell, for example, is a band with a button. If a child pushes the button, the device calls preprogrammed numbers until someone picks up.

Check the app as well as the device. If it has lots of features, be sure customer support is readily available.

Is the device secure? If you have to sign in to get information about your child’s location, it’s possible for other people to sign in too. What precautions has the company 36

taken to prevent hacking? What kind of alerts will you get if there is a security breach?

What kind of communication is possible? Some units have a big panic button a child can press. Some allow one way communication. More expensive devices like the GizmoGadget, available from Verizon, provide two way communication similar to a cellphone.

Is it kid-proof? Some kids can handle delicate equipment and some can’t. Choose a GPS unit accordingly. Pocket Finder, for example, is built out of plastic that’s almost indestructible. The Korex Babysitter claims to be waterproof. Be sure the clasp on any band is secure and easy to use.

How much does it cost? Tracking devices range from $40 to $200. Many devices also require a monthly service contract that can cost from $4 to $40 per month. Before signing with a new service, check your existing cellphone provider to see if they offer a better deal on a device.

Are there special features for special kids? AngelSense is designed to provide extra layers of protection for children with special needs that make them more vulnerable. Doki lets parents schedule reminders or deactivate the distracting features of the watch when the kid is supposed to be concentrating on other things.

Of course, by the time a child is old enough for a cellphone, the tracking question is moot. Cellphones are trackers with a variety of apps that will monitor where children are and what they are doing. For older kids, parents need to think carefully and talk frequently about the intersection between privacy and trust.

Some kids may benefit from additional supervision, but parents must keep their eyes on the ultimate goal—raising children who are responsible and confident enough to make their own decisions about staying safe in a complicated world. That, of course, can be done without a tracking unit.

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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“Just so you know, mom I’ve got a test on Friday I’m gonna fail.” My sixth-grader is barely through the front door when this escapes his lips. Because he is an excellent student, my head is spinning.

Smiling, I remark “What do you mean? You’ve got three more days to study!” But he is already grinding his teeth, scowling as he announces “I can’t do it.”

Still calm, I attempt to appeal to his reason with no luck. Within seconds, I am shouting “Fine. YOU’RE GROUNDED FOR A MONTH!” Sound familiar?

Organizing the Disorganized Child (2009) by Martin Kutscher and Marcella Moran provides a helpful guide for explaining in plain English how disorganized habits interfere with school success and create chaos within the home. The following issues addressed in the book were ones in particular I believe are relevant to helping your child develop healthier habits and achieve more.

Understand Why They Procrastinate According to Kutscher and Mora, kids often adopt an “I’ll get to it later” habit and put off school projects or studying for several reasons. Sometimes they simply have a poor concept of time.

Other kids have poor memory for ways procrastinating has failed them in the past. Still others are too easily sidetracked and unable to resist temptation to do something more appealing.

The authors remind parents that most often these issues are “the fault of the undeveloped brain, not the child” and urge parents not to yell or punish. Instead, stay positive, offer support, and help them break larger tasks down into chunks. They offer these tips to get organized: 1. Write down assignments in a planner.

Disorganization and Success

2. Ask the teacher or a buddy to double-check their planner to be sure it is correct.

What my son was probably communicating after school that day was “I feel distressed, Mom. I have no idea how to get organized for this test.” Unfortunately, like so many parents, I let myself grow overly emotional and failed to truly listen to his fear and concern.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

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3. Place all materials touched that day into a take-home section of a folder.

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4. Mark a calendar with completion dates for step in preparing for a project.

6. HOW CAN I SUMMARIZE THIS IN AS FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE?

3. Read directions carefully. Underline keywords of the directions.

5. Put completed work in a Take to School section of a folder.

7. HOW CAN I VISUALIZE THIS IN PICTURES OR FLOWCHARTS?

4. Answer easy questions first.

6. Weekly purge the backpack and folders of papers no longer needed.

8. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO LEARN ABOUT THIS?

Teach Them to Question Everything

9. WHAT QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ARE LIKELY TO BE ON THE TEST?

The authors of this guide believe in addition to good note-taking and study skills, the key to your child’s education is questioning everything. Teaching your child to ask the following questions will enhance your child’s learning: 1. WHAT DID THE TEACHER JUST SAY? 2. WHAT DID I JUST READ? 3. WHY IS THAT SO? IS IT TRUE?

10. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME AND THE REST OF THE WORLD? 11. SO WHAT?

Test Taking Smarts All students can use a refresher for how to best manage time on a test, and the following strategies are recommended

by Kutscher and Moran:

4. WHERE HAVE I SEEN INFORMATION LIKE THIS BEFORE?

1. Turn over the sheet and jot down keywords, dates, formulas, and phrases you memorized.

5. HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM MATERIAL I’VE PREVIOUSLY LEARNED?

2. Look over the entire test quickly to anticipate what’s coming up.

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7. Sometimes you may be able to get help or clues from the teacher i.e. “Can you rephrase the question.”

8. If you have leftover time, check your answers and scan for careless mistakes.

Only change an answer when you’re certain the new response is correct.

9. If unsure, guess.

In terms of helping your child become a more organized student, the authors remind parents, “We can’t completely fix everything overnight. We can, though, expect continued progress over a mountainous terrain toward an ultimately successful future.” MBP Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling.

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ParentingToday’sTeens

by Mark Gregston

Signs of Suicide in Your Teen Watch any episode of a classic family TV shows from the 50s—Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, or The Donna Reed show—and there’s one thing you will not hear teens Wally, Bud, Jeff or Mary talking about: suicide.

Fast forward to 2016 and today, most teens not only talk about suicide—they can tell you exactly how they would do it. Thanks to Google, they have plenty of tutorials on how to take their own life. There are even websites that put forth a suicide or “self-euthanasia” worldview. One site even encourages people to “do their part”—complete with instructions—in reducing the world’s population.

It gets even more disturbing. Teens that are considering suicide are often encouraged by their peers to go beyond the contemplation stage and “just do it.” And “doing it” they are. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death in the 15- to 24-year-old age range. It’s more common among boys. Male adolescents commit suicide five times more than females, though females are three times more likely to attempt suicide.

Gone Too Soon

For Gerard Long, the president of the ministry, Alpha USA, this statistic became highly personal when his 17-year-old son, Alex, hanged himself on a beach after being given one dose of a recreational drug. Like most parents of teen suicide victims, Gerard and his wife, Jeannie, didn’t see it coming. Up until a week before his death, Alex had been a good student, an outstanding athlete and a seemingly happy teen. But it’s what his parents didn’t know that would come back to haunt them. He shared his story when I interviewed him sometime after.

The day that Alex killed himself, he was home all day with his mom, who stayed close by his side—monitoring him. The drug his “friend” had given him had a particular insidious effect on their sensitive son. His rational thinking was skewed and his emotional equilibrium was clearly off kilter. After Alex had confessed to his parents about his foolish mistake, they kept a watchful eye on him. On Gerard’s part, he had prayed with his son for an hour that morning before he left for work. That night, when his father returned home, Alex greeted his father warmly, Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

even quoting Psalm 103:1-5—a psalm he had memorized.

So to his parents, Alex seemed to be on the mend. Still, when Alex asked his mom if he could “go for a ride in the car” she said, “No.” Given his still questionable mental state, Jeannie didn’t think it was safe. But Alex snuck out anyway. When the police finally found his body hours later, Jeannie became hysterical with grief. It took her two years to stop blaming God, and her husband, for her son’s death.

When I asked Gerard during that first interview, what he would have done differently to try and prevent what happened, he said: “I would learn as much as could about signs of suicide and I would be more direct and decisive when I saw some of those troubling signs.”

In Gerard Long’s case, his son didn’t suffer from depression—he just happened to have had a very bad reaction to a street drug. One dose was enough to send him into a depressed, suicidal state. For most teens, it takes more than one dose of a drug to send them into a downward spiral. It’s usually a cumulative effect.

Studies show that at least 90 percent of teens who kill themselves have some type of chronic mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or a behavior problem.

So, what are the signs of possible suicide in your teen and what can be done about it? It’s a good question—and an important one. Not taking the time to study these signs could be deadly. As Gerard says, “Don’t ever think it can’t happen to you… it can happen to anyone.”

Danger Signs In Your Teen

• Withdrawal from social activities, as well as friends and family.

• Giving possessions away • Increased sadness and hopelessness • Obsession about death, including talking about it. For example, after someone dies, a teen might talk about who he would like to come to his memorial service if he ever passed away.

He may also watch films or listen to music that is centered on death.

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• Engagement in risk-taking behaviors— what might be called a “death wish” • Bullied at school • Changes in eating or sleeping behavior—especially eating less and sleeping more • A lack of concentration—unable to focus If your child is manifesting several of these signs, or he begins to actually threaten suicide, then it’s time to ramp up the prevention strategy.

He will need to be constantly monitored. Hide all prescription drugs and eliminate any access to guns. Take all suicide threats seriously—it’s your teen’s cry for help and you need to heed it. At Heartlight, if a teen says, “I want to die” then we take him to the hospital for observation.

If your teen is chronically depressed and it’s serious enough where it’s causing suicidal behaviors to manifest, then consider a shortterm solution, like anti-depressants. Sometimes this regime is necessary if there’s a chemical imbalance. Still, it’s a decision that you need to make wisely and prayerfully as some antidepressants can be worse than the condition they’re supposed to cure. Do the research. Even “safe” drugs can be toxic. It all depends on the particular chemical make up of your teen.

Whatever extra measures you need to take to keep your teen safe, be encouraged— teen depression is not a life sentence. According to a 2014 study by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, around half of teens who experience brief episodes of depression or anxiety do not go on to have a mental illness in adulthood.

You can increase those odds with good parenting, including lots of love, prayer and vigilance. As Gerard Long said, “Be direct and decisive.” This means knowing what your teen is doing at all times. Don’t underestimate the power of peer pressure (“bad company corrupts good character”) or other external influential factors like the Internet and TV. Do these things, and chances are good that you’ll be helping your teen over a temporary “hump” in his volatile teenage life—after which you can both breathe a huge collective sigh of relief.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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ALABAMA’S HIGH SCHOOL Succeed at a high school where learning comes first. Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success.

ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities.

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School, sports, after-school activities, birthday parties, and social commitments--all of these things compete for your child’s energy and attention on a daily basis. And now that kids are hopping on social media at increasingly younger ages, the pressure to participate can become fierce early on. All those images of friends playing sports, hanging out at a pool party, or posing together in a gleeful gaggle may cause your child to feel like his schedule doesn’t quite measure up.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

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But no matter whose idea it is to keep kids busy and social 24-7, it’s ultimately every parent’s job to make sure kids don’t fall into the over-scheduling trap. Kids need their parents to make space for them to just be, so they don’t feel compelled to constantly do-do-do.

If parents don’t take an active role in supporting each child’s individuality, then their uniqueness is going to take a back seat to their busy schedule, and this can create feelings of isolation or even depression in kids and lay the groundwork for workaholism later in life.

Kids discover their sense of self in the quiet moments of life, when they can relax, be themselves, and let their instincts lead. If they can’t find quiet, reflective moments in their overly busy lives, identifying individual desires may be delayed or denied. So be smarter than your sources, parents. Don’t let your child’s individuality get overlooked because you are keeping him steadily overbooked.

Prioritize The Calendar. Before you add another activity into the busy mix, pause and consider what’s already on the schedule for the entire family. It’s only

natural to want to do it all, but saying yes to everything will only exhaust everyone and cut into valuable family time. If you can manage another addition, consider it.

If you can’t; then it’s time to prioritize.

Focus On Enrichment. Does the activity bring more joy and energy into your child’s life or does it create conflicts and anxiety? Joining the competitive soccer league may sound fun, but if your child does not enjoy the level of intensity, then maybe a local intramural league is a better fit. Don’t assume the most expensive or competitive choice is always the best fit for your child’s needs. Sometimes less really is more.

Shrug Off Kiddie Competition. Pressure to conform is ever-present in childhood. The kids next door participate in more activities than your kids? So what.

Left to their own devices, kids will often compare their experiences with other kids and find theirs lacking. How many times have you heard that their friends’ parents let them do this or that? Strong, secure parents can hear this without giving in to pressure. They do? That’s nice. This

is what we do and these are the reasons why.

Find Mentors Of Character. When you choose the activity, you also choose the role model who is in charge. Make sure coaches, organizers, and leaders are the types of people you want influencing your kids. Mentors who focus on character model healthy choices, and allow kids to act like kids while helping them build skills in a measured manner. If you are concerned that a coach or activity leader is over-zealous or too high-pressure, trust your instincts and investigate further.

Allow For Downtime. Be sure your family has at least a day or two each week when no outside activities are on the schedule. Whether you participate in a religious Sabbath or not, everyone in the family can benefit from observing a weekly day of rest. And spending a whole day enjoying family time each week will bring your family closer and remind everyone that family comes first.

Encourage Personal Development.

Kids need hobbies, just like adults.

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Private, personal activities that don’t have to be shared with others can be soothing, pleasurable, and teach kids to become more self-directed. So if your child loves to bake, knit, build models, or peer at the stars, support those interests. When you buy her special ingredients, pretty yarn, three types of glue, or the slightly better telescope, you are saying, “I see you and I support the person you are becoming.” Every child needs and wants this kind of recognition and acknowledgement from parents.

Be Honest With Yourself. Do you really care more about what others think of your kids than you do about your family’s overall happiness? Do you worry you are living in such a dog-eat-dog world that your child has to be hyper-busy to compete?

Are you so concerned about your child’s social standing that you put her in activities she doesn’t care about to expose her to the right kids? If any of these are true, take a step back. When it comes to scheduling your child, let her needs lead, not yours.

Watch For Signals Of Over-doing.

Is your child happily content or often tired

and irritable? Do you have a mutual admiration society at home or are family members always snipping at each other? Is everyone sleeping well at night or is exhaustion the norm? Are you in charge of the schedule or do stress and pressure run the show?

Remember that your family deserves to feel calm and contented. Take charge of how you spend your time and your children will soon follow suit.

Relax, Kick Back & Hang Out Take back your family’s quality of life by trying some of these simple strategies.

• Have a family project you all work on year round in a leisurely manner like a vegetable garden or even a puzzle.

• Go on local outings with the mission of simply hanging out together.

• Take an occasional family walk together in a go-to location when something challenging needs to be discussed and sorted out.

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• Watch a family double feature with popcorn, drinks, and lively discussions.

• Take the family to the library and spend an hour gathering books, magazines, music, and DVDs. • Make Sunday brunch a ritual activity either at home or at an inexpensive local restaurant.

• Have a casual but consistent family meeting once a week to get a better sense of how kids are feeling about the ways they spend their time. MBP Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and coach, who often writes on the topic of life balance and personal self-expression. She knows the power of saying no and is not afraid to use it.

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Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

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Alabama Contemporary Art Center

The Cookery 4456 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36608

301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Pre-K & Kids Studio -Pre-K & Kids Studio are weekly programs that encourage children and their parents to explore contemporary art together. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross curriculum learning opportunities with hands-on projects. Classes are designed to reflect the content of the current exhibition and are facilitated by trained professional educators. Kids Studio at the Ben May Main Library offers a series of idea based art-making classes for children ages 8-13, taught by local artist educators. These classes are free and open to the public. Teen Spark - Teen Spark, Alabama Contemporary Art Center’s youth council, exposes young adults ages 13-18 to all levels of the working environment of a cultural non-profit organization. Members of Teen Spark work with contemporary artists and the Alabama Contemporary staff to create multifaceted arts programming for their peers. Teen Spark’s 2017-18 project focuses on the role of technology and creativity in digital storytelling.

(251) 208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.org

Mobile Museum of Art

4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Starting August 23, The Museum School at Mobile Museum of Art offers Home school art classes on Wednesdays or Thursdays every other week for 8 weeks from 1-3 p.m. All classes introduce a variety of media and artistic techniques to create age-appropriate original pieces of art. The cost is $90 for the first student, then $25 for each additional sibling. FALL 2017 – 1 – 3 p.m. Wednesdays: Aug. 23; Sept. 6, 20, Oct. 4, 18, Nov. 1, 8, 29 Thursdays: Aug. 24, Sept. 7, 21, Oct. 5, 19, Nov. 2, 9, 30. WINTER 2018 – 1 – 3 p.m.

Wednesdays: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, Apr. 11, 25 Thursdays: Jan. 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8, 22, Apr. 12, 26. Call Kim Wood at 251.208.5212 or email kwood@cityofmobile.org to register.

(251) 208-5200 kwood@MobileMuseumOfArt.com www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Mobile Parks and Rec. Community Activities

Numerous locations Mobile Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Educational Classes and more. Visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks.

(251) 208-1607 parksandrec.tylertech.com/Al.Mobile/Home/

Paint Party Studios

15 Upham Street Suite A Mobile, 36607 Paint Party Studios offers Mixed Media After School Art Classes that include drawing and painting and incorporate a variety of art mediums. Students have fun discovering new and creative art tools and supplies while they learn about classic and modern artists and art styles. Our skilled instructors demonstrate the lesson and offer visual prompts, but then encourage students to create their own unique style as they work on their individual art. Advance registration is required for after-school art classes. Please see our website for class schedules and more information. Registration begins in August. Class offerings vary by age - please see our class schedule for details.

(251) 343-2423 info@paintpartystudios.com paintpartystudios.com

Debbie’s School Of Dance ad on page 30

At The Cookery, we believe that no child is too young to be in the kitchen. Cooking offers children a variety of learning experiences, and it’s a practical way to teach kids basic life skills, as well as academic skills involving reading, science and math. Offering after school classes, summer camps and cooking parties.

(251) 654-7646 info@thecookerymobile.com www.thecookerymobile.com

6429 Hillcrest Park Court Mobile, 36695 Dance classes for ages 2 – 18. Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Tumbling, Hip Hop, Pointe, Lyrical and more. Debbie’s School of Dance was established in 1983 and has been serving Mobile County for 33 years. Offers a state-of-the-art studio equipped with 3 large studios, sprung Marley floors, observation windows, 4 bathrooms, dressing rooms, and a large lobby to accommodate our students and parents.

(251) 633-9559 debbiesdance2@bellsouth.net www.debbiesdance.com

Dance Broadway South Dance Studio ad on page 19

7906 Westside Park Drive Mobile, 36695 (251) 639-0660

4715 Airport Boulevard Suite #300 Mobile, 36609

(251) 300-3262

Choose Broadway South – Large, diverse faculty headed by a New York Dance Professional. Spacious studios with room to dance! Sprung dance floors keep our dancers healthy - just step on our floors and you can tell the difference. Tremendous schedule with plenty to offer children through adults at all levels. Large one way windows for parent observation - open every class. Limited Class Sizes, Age Appropriate Classes and Choreography Dance lessons offered at both locations for ages 2-10+. Call for details or visit www. broadwaysouthdance.com.

office@broadwaysouthdance.com www.broadwaysouthdance.com

Dance Without Limits ad on page 15

(Broadway South Dance) 4715 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36609 Offering dance classes exclusively to the special needs community! Preschool through adult. Classes are led by Kerrie Benson, a dance teacher for over 20 years and mom to a special needs child herself and occupational therapists. Visit our website for class schedule and fees. A few scholarships available provided by our generous donors. Most classes will be assisted - meaning each dancer will have a volunteer helper to work with them through class.

These volunteers are dancers at Broadway South, Camp Smile counselors, special ed teachers and speech and OT students at South. All dancers will perform at a recital!

(251) 610-4969 dancewithoutlimits@aol.com www.dancewithoutlimitsfoundation.org

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Mobile Ballet Inc.

ad on page 44

4351 Downtowner Loop North Mobile, 36609 Mobile Ballet School is recognized as the region’s premier dance school and performing Company for classical ballet and Broadway-style jazz with two school locations in Mobile and Daphne under the direction of Zoe Lombard-Todd and Lee Weatherby Partridge. Our faculty has extensive performance and teaching experience, enabling us to offer a complete curriculum from pre-ballet through pre-professional levels, plus Fitness Studio classes for adults. Students in the school have performance opportunities in our annual production of The Nutcracker ballet at the Mobile Civic Center Theater, the Nutcracker Charity Ball, and our year-end Showcase. For our youngest students beginning at age 3, Mobile Ballet School offers quality dance education in a caring and fun environment, including elements of the classic story ballets. Register online or call for more information. Fall classes begin Sept. 5.

(251) 342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

Robinson’s School Of Dance ad on page 16

421 Highway 43 North Saraland, 36571 Founded in 1971. We offer the best in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Baton, and Acrobats. Robinson’s is home of the award winning “Lynn Robinson Dancers” who have

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(251) 675-5915 Robinsonsseven@aol.com www.robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Sheffield School of the Dance ad on page 11

1901 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36606 (251) 479-3926

4570 Hermitage Avenue Mobile, 36619 (251) 479-3926

Celebrating 75 YEARS this season, Sheffield School of the Dance is Mobile’s “Best Dance Studio” as voted in the 2016 Nappie Awards. “Motivating Young People and Enhancing Lives.” All ages and levels are taught from age 3 thru adults, and Beginner thru Advanced/ Professional Level Classes. The very best in Ballet/ Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more is offered! Come join the Sheffield Dance Family for our 75th milestone year!

www.sheffielddance.net

Brandy Brown Studio

2569 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36606 The Brandy Brown Studio for the Performing Arts teaches young people the joys and excitement of performing. The studio is dedicated to introducing and exposing our youth to the performing arts while affording them the opportunity to receive training in a nurturing environment. Offering a spectrum of classes to children ages three and up, the studio provides something for everyone. The Brandy Brown Studio provides an outlet for positive growth and development as well as cultural enrichment. Our primary focus is on enhancing self-esteem and encouraging participants to achieve their dreams.

(251) 509-5659 brandybrownstudio@gmail.com brandybrownstudio.net

Carole Graham Dance Center

517 Holcombe Avenue Mobile, 36606 Dance Classes for all levels.

(251) 473-1489

CC Dance Studio and Company

2560 Leroy Stevens Road Mobile, 36695 CC Dance Studio and Company offers a wide variety of classes for ages 2 and up. Classes are available for beginners, intermediates, and through more advanced levels. We offer Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tumbling, Baton, Hip Hop, Lyrical Contemporary and more.

(251) 639-1106 info@ccdancestudioandcompany.com www.ccdancestudioandcompany.com

Classical Ballet of Mobile

4621 Museum Drive, Suite C Mobile, 36608 We are an Academy for Pre-Ballet through Advanced dancers offering outstanding instruction in classical ballet.

(251) 410-4477 academy@classicalballetmobile.org www.classicalballetmobile.org/

Creative Dance Center, LLC

Two locations in Mobile Classes held UMS Wright and St. Ignatius Schools.

After school classes for Preschool- 12th. Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical. Email creativedance@bellsouth.net.

Call Renee McAleer 610-3992 or Shay Owen 4796551 x 240 for more information.

(251) 610-3992

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

Gale’s Studio of Dance, Inc.

6345 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Gale’s Studio of Dance offers classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Character, Tip Toe Tots, Acrobatics and Pre-school. An annual recital is held in May. The emphasis of our studio is on dance as a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and is designed to meet the needs of any student interested in the art of dance.

Great care and individual attention is given in nurturing the abilities of each student to their fullest potential.

(251) 343-9544 gfrey@bellsouth.net www.galesstudioofdance.com

Grace Dance Center

208 Saraland Blvd South Suite F3 Saraland, 36571 Grace Dance Center is located in Saraland, Alabama.

Our goal is to not only teach the art of dance, but to ignite a passion and love of dance within a Christian conservative atmosphere.

(251) 234-7982

www.gdcdance.com

How Fine Arts Program

10160 Airport Boulevard Building E Mobile, 36608 Hearts of Worship (HOW) is in its 6th year! We are a ministry of Hearts of Hope Church and we offer classes for boys and girls. HOW teaches Ballet, Worship Dance, Jazz, Tap, Tumbling, Poi, and Worship Flags and Streamers. We also offer Art, Drama, and Fitness!

We teach technique but more importantly we want the students to learn how to use their gifts to honor the Lord.

251-895-5380 or 251-599-8571

www.how-mobile.com

Inspired Dance Academy

900 Schillinger Road South Mobile, 36695 Inspired Dance Academy - the inspiration is in you.

(251) 263-9545 inspireddanceacademy@gmail.com www.facebook.com/InspiredDanceAcademy1/

Jubilee School of Dance

6245 Old Rangeline Road Theodore, 36582 The vision of Jubilee is to offer instruction in various forms and style of dance for children and adults. We offer classes in classical ballet, tap, lyrical, gymnastics, and pre-dance. Our teachers are trained dancers, who have a heart to share their love and knowledge of dance. We at Jubilee have a Christ centered environment to assist in training students in technical preparation with a spiritual foundation. We have a production every year to showcase the student’s talents.

(251) 408-0219 jubileeschool.dance@gmail.com www.jubileeschoolofdance.com

Kelly’s Dance Academy

9420 Alabama 188 Irvington, 36544 Kelly’s Dance Academy is a national award winning studio, home to numerous National Champions, and has been teaching students the love and art of dance in the Bayou La Batre area for 32 years!

(251) 605-3960

www.facebook.com/KDA5678

Maccrossan School of Irish Dance

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606 The Maccrossan School of Irish Dance teaches kids of all ages the traditional jigs, reels, hornpipes, and ceili dances of the beautiful art form that is Irish dancing. In addition, we strive to instill poise, grace, and confidence in our students. Our music, dance moves and costumes are family appropriate. There are many fun performance opportunities throughout the year and competition opportunities.

(251) 239-2422 maccrossanirishdance@yahoo.com

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Melinda Leigh Performing Arts Center

6641 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618 Here are some reasons to choose Melinda Leigh Dance Company as your dance home! Highly trained staff who have your child’s best interest at heart!

Watch your child dance each week. We have closed circuited cameras and televisions in the lobby for you to view all classes! Stay in touch! At MLPAC we know your schedule is busy. Stay connected through email and text updates! Our studio features two spacious dance rooms with many classes offered to fit your busy schedule! At MLPAC we believe your dancer should learn more than just technique! Through dance your child will laugh, make friends, learn discipline, work towards goals, and most of all have fun!

(251) 649-6361

www.mlpac.com

Mobile Bay Dance Academy, Inc.

3055 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 At Mobile Bay Dance Academy, we are dedicated to teaching students in a structured and exciting loving environment. We focus on the development of our students, their dance technique and education. MBDA provides a constructive, yet encouraging atmosphere, which builds high self-esteem and a love of dance. No matter what stage of dance, students are expected “to be their best” but are always accepted for whom they are. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling, Hip Hop, Lyrical, & more.

(251) 455-3044 mobilebaydanceacademy@comcast.net www.mobilebaydanceacademy.com

Next Generation Dance Center

5721 Hwy 90 West, Suite C Theodore, 36582 Next Generation Dance Center is focused on providing high-quality dance education, and we will do everything we can to meet your expectations. With a variety of classes to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you need at NGDC. A studio with over 25 years of dance experience.

(251) 591-9899 branellard@gmail.com nextgenerationdancecenter.com

Precision Dance Academy

168 Noel Street Mobile, 36607 Home of the 2017 Regional and National Champions “The Precision Divas and Dudes”. Why Join Precision?

Strong Technique and Dance Education, Incredible Attention to Detail, Family Atmosphere in a State of the Art Facility, National Award Winning Competition Company, Dedicated Staff who is focused on your childs individual progress and future, where your child isnt simply a number in a classroom.AGES 2 & UP, All Levels. BOYS TRAIN FREE!! Come join us for classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Stretch, Improv, Preschool, Turns & Progressions, Tumbling, Bootcamp Conditioning, and Contortion. Offering personalized and individual instruction. Owner & Director, Lauren Dreher. TRAIN INSANE OR REMAIN THE SAME, To God be the Glory.

(251) 222-3403 precisiondancecompany@gmail.com www.precisiondanceacademy.net

Rhythm Dance Center

879 Snow Road North Suite 2A Mobile, 36608 Rhythm Dance Center offers recreational classes as well as an outstanding performance team. We welcome students from the age of 2 & up into our studio. We offer a fun, friendly environment for children with expert training so they may grow as dancers and individuals.

(251) 649-2767

www.therhythmdancecenter.com

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio

8665 Four Mile Road Irvington, 36544 Offering the best in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Baton, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Cheer. Classes starting at age 2 and up. Come join our national award-winning studio! Email: robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com (251) 455-1866 robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Robinsonsbayoustudio/

(251) 342-0563 waa.dance@moffettroad.org www.worshipartsmrbc.org

The Dance Academy

Education and Tutoring

5566 Andrews Road, Suite D Mobile, 36619 The Dance Academy of Mobile was created in response to an incredible number of requests from parents and students for a new way to experience dance. Our goal is to inspire dancers, young and old, in a caring yet challenging atmosphere. We strive for a collaboration between student and teacher where a real love for the art and technique of dance come to life.

Here, uniqueness and creativity feel like home.

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learn and the talents they develop are both gifts from God as well as gifts that are to be given back to God through their personal worship of Him and through opportunities to lead others to worship Him, and that they are also to be used as an avenue to share His love with others they meet through their dance experiences.

4880 Lakeland Drive Suite D Mobile, 36619 Why should you choose to be a part of the TPDA family? We are a conservative studio that gives each child the individual attention that they deserve. AT TPDA EVERY CHILD IS A STAR! We pride ourselves in having energetic, patient; loving and highly qualified instructors who make it their mission to share their love of dance with your child!

(251) 422-0262

www.tpdadancefamily.com

Worship Arts Academy

5555 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618 The Worship Arts Academy School of Dance was created to instruct students in the art of dance so that they may use their skills and talents to worship God. We believe that dance was created by God and should be used first and foremost as a form of worship. Our desire is for each student to recognize that the skills they

The Think Tank ad on page 23

meeting, but exceeding today’s top education standards. Corporate level and regional accreditation is a symbol of our organization’s commitment to integrity.

First in the industry, Huntington has the longest track record of helping students achieve academic success and boost their confidence... we’ve been successfully helping kids learn for nearly four decades. Our mission to give every student the best education possible has been our mantra since the beginning, and we love to see students realize “I can” when it comes to school success. Named after the family that started it all, Huntington continues to be a family-owned company with its executives deeply involved in the day-to-day aspects of the business.

We provide tutoring services to pre-kindergarten through adult students in: Reading, Math, Science, History, Study Skills, Standardized Test Prep such as ACT and SAT, Kindergarten Readiness, and much more! Tutors are also available for specialized subjects such as: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology and Chemistry.Our average student improves two letter grades in 90 days!

(251) 525-9239

USA Literacy Center

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D Mobile, 36606 “We create the magic of learning!” Founded in 1986 by Patricia Lindamood and Nanci Bell, Lindamood-Bell is dedicated to enhancing human learning. Our founders are the authors of critically acclaimed instructional programs that teach children and adults to read, spell, comprehend, think critically, and express language. We are now signing up students for after-school sessions.”

(251) 414-4494 thinktankminds@gmail.com www.thinktankminds.com

ad on page 5

Huntington Learning Center

2370 Hillcrest Road #D Mobile, 36695 Huntington Learning Center is dedicated to not only

Kumon Learning Center

3152 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading enrichment program, unlocking the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own.

(251) 447-2264 sarahbigazzi@ikumon.com www.kumon.com/mobile-spring-hill

Lindamood-Bell Learning

University of South AL, UCOM 3100, Mobile, 36688 USA Literacy Center offers reading and writing tutoring for children kindergarten through eighth grade. Individual and/or small group reading and writing tutoring.

Monday - Thursday 3:30 - 6:30pm. Initial Assessment Fees: $75. Individual Session: $40. Small Group Session (2-5 students) $25. Family discounts are available.

(251) 380-2891 jmholland@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/literacy

huntingtonhelps.com

(251) 473-6808; Toll Free: (800) 300-1818 www.lindamoodbell.com

Read-Write: The Learning Center

15 Midtown Park West Mobile, 36606 We are an educational clinic serving students and adults with language-based learning disabilities in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama. Also available

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for advocacy, speaking engagements and homeschool students. One-on-one, intensive, systematic, & multisensory instruction for students as recommended by the International Dyslexia Association.

(251) 287-1822 mobileoffice@readwritelearningcenter.com www.readwritelearningcenter.com

Schoolworks

2534 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Tutoring from PreK-College, ADHD Coaching of all ages, All subject areas, ACT Prep, Iowa Testing Center, homeschool services and Summer camps! Find us on Facebook!

(256) 252-8374 michaelann@schoolworksedu.com

Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden

1108 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36604 Creative Play Place, Drop off Service, Birthday Parties, Classes and More!! Drop Off and Open Play Available (M-F, 9am-1pm, Drop off is $24 per child per day, Open Play by the hour). Reservations for drop offs required for a guaranteed spot; walk-ins welcome if there is availability. Please check our FB page and Website (www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com) for current class offerings and special events. Come Play With Us! (251) 421-2434 hello@sunshinesuesplaygarden.com www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com

Sylvan Learning Center

8020 Moffett Road Semmes, 36575 Avoid summer learning loss. Make Sylvan a part of your summer schedule and make Back to School time a big success! Sylvan has programs to help your child catch up, keep up, or get ahead. Whether your child needs remediation or enrichment, Sylvan can help!

Also offering ACT Prep. Call today for your FREE consultation and to book your Skills Assessment.

(251) 649-8522

www.sylvanlearning.com

The Smartatorium

3925 Spring Hill Avenue Mobile, 36608 One-on-one tutoring for all math, science, humanities, and languages; grades 6-12, AP, and early college.

One-on-one test prep for ACT/SAT, SSAT, GRE, FE.

(251) 660-4254 smartatorium@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Smartatorium

Gymnastics Cheer Force One ad on page 4

8700 Zeigler Boulevard Mobile, 36608 All Star Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes for boys and girls. Visit www.cheerforceone.com or email info@ cheerforceone.com for more information.

(251) 634-0203 info@cheerforceone.com www.cheerforceone.com

Planet Gymnastics ad on page 24

900 Schillinger Road South #B Mobile, 36695 For boys and girls all levels from beginner to elite.

We have a 17,500 sf, air-conditioned, state-of-the-art facility with in-ground trampolines, a 100’ long trampoline track, foam pits, two full floor areas, a specially designed preschool gym, trampoline & tumbling and Olympic equipment for girls’ and boys’ gymnastics.

When you come to visit you’ll find various other activities available in our complex. For more information and Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

registration forms, visit www.planetgymnastics.com.

(251) 650-0699 planetgymnasticsal@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center offers various recreational gymnastics classes for children of differing ability levels and ages. 18 months - high school.

(251) 666-0559

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Gem of Champions

8043 Airway Park Drive Mobile, 36618 Gem of Champions is the LARGEST AND MOST elite All-Star, Cheerleading, and Gymnastics Facility on the Gulf Coast! Located in Daphne, Alabama, D’Iberville, Mississippi, Laurel, Mississippi, and now in Mobile, AL!!

In addition to our GEMS TEAMS, we offer: Recreational Tumbling, Stretch Jump and Stunt Classes (All-Girl and Co-Ed), School Squad Instruction, Birthday Parties, Summer Camps, Choreography, Custom Music and MORE!

(251) 654-8719 info@gemofchamps.com www.gemofchamps.com

Miss Lisa’s Gymnastics

2907 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Mrs. Lisa’s offers Recreational Tumbling Classes, Competitive Cheer Teams, School Cheer Team Tumbling and Private Lessons. Mrs. Lisa offers a trial class to everyone. Our staff has over 60 years of combined years of coaching experience. Classes are offered Beginner-Elite Tumbling, Classes are for all ages 1 & up, Homeschool classes available.

(251) 471-9708

alabamajagallstars.com

Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics

102 Baker Road Satsuma, 36572 Classes for all levels of Tumbling and Cheerleading!

(251) 599-2205 or (251) 675-3322 msdaphnescheernastics.com

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 At Nasser Gymnastics, Inspiring Dreams and Motivating Champions is our mission. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe, and progressive environment for all students.

Nasser’s coaches are upheld to a high level of instruction through goal setting, organization, and lesson planning. We have a low student to teacher ratio, and utilize positive reinforcement daily. The gym colors are Navy and Gold, and we embrace it so much that Nasser’s is known for being the Home of the Navy Nation!

(251) 479-9311 nassergym@yahoo.com nassergym.net

HorseBack Riding Beginner’s Luck

5392 Dawes Lane Theodore, 36619 Children’s Horseback Riding Lessons and birthday parties. Find us on Facebook.

(251) 605-3499

Celisse’s School of the Equestrian

2568 Sollie Road Mobile, 36695 Our school provides therapeutic riding lessons and regular riding lessons ranging from beginner level to highly skilled performance level riding. Find us on Facebook.

(251) 289-1244

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Mimi C. Peters Riding School/Silver Lining Farm

10727 El Nina Drive Mobile, 36608 Silver Lining Farm offers riding lessons in classical English style for children and adults. Our goal is to teach students how to ride, handle and groom horses safely and to the best of their ability. Our instructors are experienced riders and teachers.We offer group and private lessons 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. Adults and homeschoolers of all levels are taught weekday mornings and Saturdays. Students are grouped by ability after an initial evaluation lesson.

(251) 634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www.silverliningfarm.net

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road Mobile, 36695 Our lesson program is open to riders of all ages and experience levels. We specialize in dressage and eventing while teaching the basics of English riding emphasizing safety and care of the horse. We offer both group and private lessons.

(251) 633-8088

www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road Grand Bay, 36541 We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services!

Starlight Stables is home to 21 horses and ponies.

Many are rescues and many have been born and raised here at our barn. We have been in business for over 21 years and have shared our horses and ponies with the community. We offer lessons. All lessons are western style riding. Beginners start with learning basic riding aides, walk trot transitions and stop and back. Intermediate to advanced riders will be taught to lope and may choose to learn barrels, poles and timed events.

(251) 391-4268

www.starlightstables.weebly.com

Martial Arts ATA Martial Arts

1261 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 We mix a perfect blend of fun activities and games in all our Mobile kids martial art classes to keep kids’ attention. But at the same time, we go beyond the traditional martial arts techniques to impart discipline and a deeper sense of respect to our students. As a result, kids become better-behaved everywhere they go and perform better in school. That’s why parents are crazy about our classes too, not just their kids.

(251) 633-5808

www.mobileata.com

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ATA Martial Arts

2410 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695 We mix a perfect blend of fun activities and games in all our Mobile kids martial art classes to keep kids’ attention. But at the same time, we go beyond the traditional martial arts techniques to impart discipline and a deeper sense of respect to our students. As a result, kids become better-behaved everywhere they go and perform better in school. That’s why parents are crazy about our classes too, not just their kids. Kids of all ages love these martial art classes...they enjoy the fun activities and games while improving and learning new martial art techniques.

(251) 307-5676

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www.mobileata.com

David Holler’s Taekwondo

2423 Schillinger Road South Mobile, 36695 Premiere martial arts school established in 1996. Offering classes for children ages 5-adults and in a fun,

www.mobilebayparents.com

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positive, family environment. David Holler is 7th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor who has been training in Taekwondo for over 30 years.

(251) 272-0289

www.davidhollerstaekwondo.com

Graham’s Elite Martial Arts (Elite Fitness)

1121 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695 Kids, teens and adult classes. Elite Fitness offers a unique “family” atmosphere with a complete approach to a fitness lifestyle in a luxurious and friendly environment. Our professional staff provides members with personalized instruction and care. Graham’s Elite Martial Arts’ Kids Martial Arts Classes Are The Best Way To Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential. We offer an After School Karate program. We pick kids up from school and they have two Karate classes a week.

(251) 633-7837

www.grahamselitemartialarts.com

Grand Master Yoon’s Taekwondo Academy

1300 Schillinger Road Mobile, 36695 Quality taekwondo instruction to children and adults of all levels, from absolute beginner through advanced.

Courses are ongoing, with separate classes for children aged 5 and up, adults and teens. Family classes are also available.

(251) 666-9300

www.yoonstkd.com

Inner Strength Martial Arts

9120 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels.

Taekwondo is a wonderful activity that does more than teach kids self-defense. It can help your child improve their grades, concentration, fitness, athletic ability, selfcontrol, self-confidence and can teach them respect while in a safe, state of the art facility with a focus on Christian Values. *Also offering program for special needs children.*

(251) 776-1978

www.innerstrengthmartialarts.info

Master Steger’s Ultimate Martial Arts

4412 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36693 We are a complete Natural Health Care, Fitness, and Martial Arts facility offering the very best in these fields.

(251) 660-8885 doctorsteger@aol.com www.martialmuscle.net

McLean’s Martial Arts & Fitness

1490 Celeste Road Saraland, 36571 McLean’s Martial Arts offers highly specialized martial arts classes for children and adults taught by nationally certified instructors. Children’s Taekwondo programs include unlimited class attendance, fun & motivational classes and a positive, family environment.

(251) 675-9662

www.mcleansmartialarts.com

Port City MMA

2502 Schillinger Road South, Suite #7 Mobile, 36695 Port City MMA is a place where kids and families can go to learn mixed martial arts, get their cardio workout, do some strength training, and other fitness related activities. We offer kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for all ages 5 and up. These classes teach kids proper self defense techniques based on real world experience, not theories and forms.

(251) 470-0903

www.portcitymma.com

Shaolin Institute

704 Lakeside Drive Mobile, 36693 We are a martial arts school guided by 31st generation Shaolin Grand Master Shi Deru. Kung Fu, TaiChi, QiGong, Kickboxing, Sanshou, Grappling.

(251) 662-3225

www.shaolin-world.net

Springhill Taekwondo

65 Sydney Phillips Drive Mobile, 36607 Springhill Taekwondo Center is a family oriented training center for martial artists and athletes. We offer Taekwondo lessons taught by nationally certified instructors and competition in sanctioned regional and national tournaments. Our Taekwondo classes are taught in a positive way that builds character, fitness, and skill.

(251) 554-5425

www.springhilltaekwondo.com

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Se Music Full Scale School of Music / Azalea City Center For the Arts ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606 Full Scale School of Music offers a variety of group classes and private lessons for those interested in learning an instrument. Contact Daniel Driskell for scheduling: (251) 454-6591 or fullscaleschool@gmail. com. Daniel Driskell, Director - piano, guitar, bass, mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, flute/Angela Rayburn – piano/David White - drums, percussion/Elizabeth Bernath, violin/Joshua Ward - guitar, bass/Laryssa Burgess, piano/Laura Deal – piano/John Cochran, guitar, rock band and Natalie Blackburn - violin, viola, cello, please visit www.azaleacityarts.com for a complete listing of classes.

(251) 454-6591

www.fullscaleschool.com

Andy’s Music Inc.

1412 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Andy’s Music is a locally owned and operated family business in Mobile, Alabama, and began operations in April, 1977. We are the only full-line musical instrument store in Mobile offering lessons, rentals, instrument repair, and a complete music department.

(251) 633-8944

www.andysmusiconline.com

Broussard’s Academy of Music

1541 East I-65 Service Road South Mobile, 36606 Would your child like to enjoy the wonder of making live music? Music lessons have proven time and again to increase learning awareness, mental discipline, focus, and provide a permanent life skill. Here at Broussard’s, we offer piano lessons in well appointed private studios. We have five certified piano teachers on staff with years of experience in their field.

(251) 344-8856

www.broussardspianos.com

Christ UMC - Kindermusik

6101 Grelot Road Mobile Kindermusik International is the world’s leading publisher of music and movement curricula for parents and their children. Kindermusik offers classes for children birth through 7 years and their families. Each class is specifically geared to develop the musical skills of singing, listening, and rhythm in an age appropriate manner with parental involvement, all within a nurturing environment that actively fosters your child’s development in language skills, literacy, listening, problem solving, social skills, self-esteem, and musicality.

(251) 706-3336 Emily@ChristUMCMobile.com www.kindermusikatchristunited.com

Mobile School of Piano

Located in West Mobile Private Piano Lessons for ages 4 to adult. Learn how to sight-read, play by ear, improvise and more in a fun, uplifting environment! Instructor, Shiloh Lange, will be spending quality one on one time with each student teaching self-expression through the gift of music. Each student has their own style, so let’s have fun discovering it together! Call today for a free trial lesson!

(251) 272-9616

mobileschoolofpiano.com

Mobile Symphony Music Education Program

The Education Programs are designed to be available to all ages from elementary to adult and include Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

music instruction, live performances and lectures, and performance ensembles. The following classes are available: Preludes – Mobile Symphony musicians teach general music to Pre K-second grade classes in a school, one day a week for 25 weeks. Strings Classes – Mobile Symphony musicians give group violin and cello lessons to 3rd – 8th grade students. String Academy – A training ensemble for intermediate level violin, viola, cello and bass students. Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra – offers young instrumental musicians throughout the Gulf Coast an opportunity for growth and development by preparing, studying and performing various genres of orchestral literature. ben@mobilesymphony.org www.mobilesymphony.org

Mobile’s Singing Children

Mobile’s Singing Children is the premier youth choir on the Gulf Coast. We provide opportunity for children to receive classical voice training of the very highest quality, as well as perform music of the highest caliber in age-appropriate ensembles. MSC has toured and performed in Europe, Canada and numerous states in the U.S. We have been featured on National Public Radio’s “From the Top” and perform with Mobile Opera and the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. To request an audition contact Susan Hoitt, director at 251-285-2285 or email us atmobilesingingchildren@gmail.com.

Please visit us on mobilesingingchildren.org.

(251) 285-2285 atmobilesingingchildren@gmail.com www.mobilesingingchildren.org

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Music Lessons Offered at the Playhouse. Guitar: Call Danny Mollise at (251) 602-0630, Piano: Call Scott Jolly at (251) 422-2178, Individual Vocal Lesson: Call (251) 602-0630 (251) 422-2178

www.playhouseinthepark.org

Worship Arts Academy

5555 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618 The Worship Arts Academy School of Music exists to glorify God by equipping and training students young and old in the areas of music and worship, so as to build them up to serve the Lord in whatever musical capacity they find themselves in, whether sacred or secular.Lessons are available for anyone age five and up in vocal or instrumental music, including but not limited to piano, voice, guitar, strings, drum set, and band instruments.

(251) 342-0563 wendy@moffettroad.org www.worshipartsmrbc.org

Performing Arts Azalea City Center For the Arts ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606 Mobile’s all-Inclusive home for the creative kid; theater, music, dance and more! Visit www.azaleacityarts.com for a complete listing of classes. Also see the following Azalea City Center for the Arts individual business listings in this directory - Drama Camp Productions/SunnySide Theater and Full Scale School of Music. Also offering voice lessons with Dr. Allanda Small, Cindi Reedy, & Anna Fillingim. To start voice lessons, contact owner Chris Paragone at azaleacity@mindspring.com or call (251) 510-1808.

(251) 510-1808 azaleacity@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

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Drama Camp Productions/ Sunny Side Theater ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East MobileDrama Camp Productions & Sunny Side Theater offers a variety of afterschool classes for all ages and talent level. Classes meet once a week for an hour and begin at ages 4 and go up through high school. Sunny Side 2017-2018 Season: October 2017 – Charlotte’s Web, November 2107 - Heathers (grades 9-12), December 2017 – Madagascar, Jr., March 2018- The Little Mermaid, Jr. (grades K-5), May 2018 – Mary Poppins, Jr. (must be in grades 3 and up or have taken a class at Sunny Side Theater to be in this production)! Visit www. sunnysidedrama.com for class descriptions. Acting classes include Center Stage Drama, Bringing Books to Life, Exceptional Arts Drama, Costume Craziness, Fractured Fairy Tales, and Improv Academy (251) 510-1808

www.azaleacityarts.com

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Training young people in theatre arts since 1961. Our program has grown to include five large productions a year; a comprehensive training program of drama, dance, vocal, piano, guitar, and scenic art classes; and an elaborate, full-scale puppet theatre. At the Playhouse-in-the-Park there is something for all ages.

Playhouse-in-the-Park Repertory Training Program -The Playhouse-in-the-Park Repertory training program (PRT) is designed to mold young actors in a guided, dynamic, studio-style program that is tailored to the needs of each individual student. Simultaneously, PRT offers an open-enrollment program in acting, dance, and music (piano and guitar) which encourages exploration while creating the opportunity to see the world through the diverse lens of the performing arts. Classes are offered in three 10-week quarters (September December, January - March, and March - May).

(251) 602-0630

www.playhouseinthepark.org

Scouting and Sea Cadets Boy Scouts of America

2587 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36606 The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

(251) 476-4600 scouts@bsamac.org www.bsamac.org

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608 Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

(251) 344-3330, (800) 239-6636 mhesselein@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

U. S. Naval Sea Cadet’s Dunlap Division

8501 Tanner Williams Road Mobile, 36608 The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) is a federally chartered non-profit civilian youth organization for young people, ages 11 through 17. 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.

They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy

www.mobilebayparents.com

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to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. Naval League Cadets consist of ages 10-13 who are introduced to maritime and military life before becoming full-fledged Sea Cadets between the ages of 14-17 or upon high school graduation. Visit our website or email angela.graham@hotmail.com. www.seacadets.org

Sewing All About Sewing 590 Schillinger Road South, Suite D Mobile, 36695 Classes and private lessons available!

(251) 634-3133 sue@allaboutsewinginc.com www.allaboutsewinginc.com

Dancing Needles Designs

6103 Southbend Drive South Mobile, 36619 Teaching the love of sewing to kids. Sewing Classes.

(251) 454-5263 www.facebook.com/pages/DancingNeedles-Designs/180113318695591

School Assembly Programs

Sports Planet Fencing ad on page 24

(Planet Gymnastics) 900 Schillinger Rd S Mobile, 36695 Fencing is an Olympic and NCAA collegiate sport. We have a new fencing gym upstairs at Planet Gymnastics. Classes are recreational and competitive. Fencing Master is Alex Whalen.

(251) 650-0699 planetgymnasticsal@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

Above and Beyond Hot Yoga

878 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Kids Yoga encourages children to “play” yoga and experience how their breath and body move together in a fun-filled way! Through yoga poses, games, activities, music and stories, we promote strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. Breathing and visualization techniques teach focus, relaxation and self-control. This class promotes inner-strength, confidence and self-esteem; a feeling of well-being and respect for others; and, love for one’s self, inside and out. Taught by Karma Kids Yoga certified instructors, Kids Krewe Yoga is open to children ages 7-11, studio will provide mats. Non-heated (60 min)

We come to you! All ages! Integrates with STEM!

www.animaledzoocation.com

1-800-589-5408 ext. 2 info@animaledzoocation.com

(251) 639-9030 shoshana@abhotyoga.com www.abhotyoga.com

Ballpark Sports Training Facility

14061 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Speed and agility, private, team and group training!

Call today to schedule a lesson or group session!

(251) 694-2888 info@theballparkmobile.com www.theballparknj.com

Battleship Youth Rugby

Our physical education curriculum, Rookie Rugby, is approved by the State of Alabama based on its many benefits. Some of the many benefits include low cost, easy to learn, and a fast-paced, inclusive learning environment. All courses are facilitated by one of our certified coaches. Contact us if you are interested in introducing Rookie Rugby to your school or for info on joining our growing youth and flag rugby leagues.

(251) 272-1058

www.mobilerugby.org

Christ United Methodist Church Sports

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 The Recreation Ministry at Christ United Methodist Church has year round co-ed sports programs for children with some of our sports for those as young as 4 and some for those up to 9th grade. Sports include: T-Ball, Baseball, Young Runner’s Club, Flag-Football, Basketball, Cheerleading, Softball and Volleyball.

(251) 706-3326 info@christumcsports.com www.christumcsports.com

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City of Mobile Swim Assoc. (CMSA)

A year-round swim team that was founded in 1979.

The City of Mobile Swim Association offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. Our team is comprised of a variety of practice groups ranging from the entry-level swimmer to the Senior National and Olympic Trials qualifier. CMSA’s team goals are to develop the character, skills, and desire necessary for each child to maximize their potential.

Our swimmers develop physical fitness, self-discipline, and self-esteem enabling them to maximize their potential, both athletically and personally.

(251) 422-0011

www.swimcmsa.com

Coach Kickken Soccer

Coach Kickken Soccer teaches children the basic skills of soccer, enabling them to transition into more competitive leagues as they grow up. These soccer and movement activity classes are designed for preschool aged boys and girls and will take place at an indoor facility, conveniently located in the heart of Mobile.

dace Vegliacich at maryc.vegliacich@girlsontherun.org.

(251) 421-9369

www.girlsontherunsouthal.org

Kidding Around Yoga (Various Locations)

Each Kidding Around Yoga Class with April class provides a complete, age-appropriate Yoga experience including: Breathing instruction, Relaxation techniques, Stretching and strengthening poses, Music, games, and imagination. All of my classes are designed to provide your child with skills they can use immediately and for years to come. The program provides a sense of calm, balance, and power for every child that rolls out a mat. I can’t wait to share Yoga with you and the young Yogis in your life.

(251) 422-1377 april@kiddingaroundyoga.com kiddingaroundyoga.com/april

(251) 473-0015

mccranieata.com

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction

(Azalea City Golf) 1000 Gaillard Dr Mobile, 36608 As the Teaching Professional at Azalea City Golf Course located in Mobile, AL., and a member of the PGA since 1996, I have dedicated my career to teaching the game of golf. My teaching goals are simple; improve my student’s skill level, and increase their enjoyment of this great game. I use the latest technology in video, launch monitors, 3D swing capture, and short game tools to make the complicated golf swing seem easy. I teach golfers of all skill levels and ages, from professionals to beginners, and adults to juniors.

(251) 490-3812 michael@michaelbrisbanegolf.com www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com

Mobile County Aquatics League (MCAL)

(251) 895-2389 coachkickken@ gmail.com www.coachkickken.com

Mobile County Aquatic League - MCAL was organized to promote a competitive program of swimming and diving among summer league swim clubs located in southwest Alabama. As of today, we have 10 swim teams representing over 800 swimmers and divers of all ages and skill levels. We value these teams and swimmers and are fully committed to providing a safe, positive, and rewarding environment for them to compete every summer.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run South Alabama is now accepting new sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties for the fall 2017 season. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd – 5th grade. Girls on the Run is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. If you’re interested in bringing Girls on the Run to your school please contact Mary Can-

We do this by teaching the same values you teach at home. Our teen/adult program is second to none. From traditional martial arts to more modern self-defense styles, there is something for everyone at McCranie ATA Martial Arts.

mcalswimming.weebly.com

Mobile Parks and Rec Community Activities

McCranie ATA Martial Arts

3385 Schillinger Road North Semmes, 36575 Our children’s martial arts program creates leaders.

Numerous locations Mobile Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Educational Classes and more.

(251) 208-1607 parksandrec.tylertech.com/Al.Mobile/Home/

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Mobile United Futbol Club

If you are looking for the next level of soccer, find a home with Mobile United FC.

(251) 219-0021 mobileunitedsecretary@gmail.com www.mobileunitedfc.com

Mobile Youth Football Conference

We provide an organized recreational football and cheerleading program for the youth of the city of Mobile and Mobile County. We place a major emphasis on fun and enjoyment for boys and girls interested in playing football or cheering and learning the skills of football and cheerleading. We teach boys and girls football and cheerleading fundamentals and techniques. We encourage, foster, and promote good sportsmanship and physical fitness through an athletic endeavor.

www.myfc.org

Mobile Youth Lacrosse League

48 North Sage Avenue Mobile, 36607 The Mobile Youth Lacrosse League, Inc. was founded to grow the game of lacrosse in Mobile. We are a dedicated group of players and parents who have seen exponential growth in the last few years and are excited to continue that work. mobilemaverickslacrosse@gmail.com mobilemaverickslacrosse.org

North Mobile County Soccer Club

(251) 604-5837 info@nmcsc.org nmcsc.org

Ronnie Arrow Basketball Academy

Basketball Academy for boys and girls ages 4th Grade - College. Learn Basketball skills the right way.

(251) 509-2700

ronniearrow.com

The Copeland-Cox Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive MobileOffers a variety of tennis clinics. The Mobile Tennis Center (Copeland-Cox) is a city of Mobile facility that is recognized as one of the largest public tennis complexes with 60 tennis courts. Facilities: Cottage Hill, Lions Park and Mobile Tennis Center.

(251) 208-5181

www.mobiletenniscenter.net

The Fit Nest

4406 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36608 Kids Aerial Classes and Camps! Has your child ever wanted to fly like a circus performer? Here is their chance.

(251) 455-4161 fitnestflying@gmail.com fitnestflying.squarespace.com

Volleyball

www.gulfcoastvolleyball.org/club-directory

West Mobile County Girls Softball Park

2275 Leroy Stephens Road Mobile , 36619 West Mobile County Girls Softball Park is holding Fall Registration. Please visit our Facebook page for more information.

www.facebook.com/wmcgsa

West Mobile SC West Mobile Soccer Club was

created in August of 2015, to give the community an affordable way of playing competitive soccer. The vision of the club was to offer year around soccer training in order to continually improve the level of play. This also allows the players on our teams to bond since they play together throughout their time at West Mobile Soccer Club.

(251) 786-0599

www.westmobilesoccer.com

YMCA Youth Sports

Y youth sports programs offer children the ability to learn good sportsmanship, communication skills, the value of healthy competition and offer a way to have fun while building gross motor skills. We encourage parents to get in on the action by volunteering as a coach, team parent and, of course, acting as your child’s number one cheerleader. Team Sports: Basketball, Running Camp, Soccer, Flag Football, Swim Team & T-ball (offered only at Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA) www.ysal.org MBP

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Everyone has to deal with feelings of anger and frustration at times. While these feelings are normal, it is important to teach kids how to appropriately deal with them.

Parents and kids can work as a team to come up with strategies for these situations. “Unfortunately, many kids have never been given the opportunity to think of those other ways to calm down. They keep getting into trouble because the only behaviors they know are inappropriate ways to express their anger.” (www.parents.com) Working together to prepare a plan in advance will help children learn how to calm down and discuss why the feelings occurred. “Once the child chooses his ‘calm down’ technique, encourage him to use the same strategy each time he starts to get angry.” Here are some examples of this technique for each age group.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

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The Toddler Years (ages 0-2)

know that this stage will pass as the child matures and their vocabulary develops.

Prepare: Observe what calms your

The Preschool Years (ages 3-5)

child. Is it snuggling up with a parent?

What toys does he play with quietly?

Make note of what is calming for your child and use these activities later when the child is upset.

Act: Children of this age do not understand their feelings. When the child becomes frustrated and angry, use one calming technique you observed. Sing a song, snuggle up with a book, get out a new toy, or start a new activity. Remain calm yourself and use a soothing voice while speaking to the child.

Discuss: Think about what caused the child’s anger and discuss with other caregivers what may be common frustrations for your child. If a toy is causing the child to become angry, simply remove it.

If the child was overtired or hungry, adjust meals and bedtime. During the toddler years, tantrums are normal and may happen frequently. Try to remember this is one of the ways that toddlers are able to communicate their feelings. Be patient and

Prepare: On a calm day, talk with your

ideas of how to prevent the situation in the future. Remind them it is normal to feel angry at times and let them know you are proud of the way they used the techniques to calm down.

The School Years (ages 6-11)

preschooler about different types of feelings, giving names to them. Some find a chart or photos helpful when explaining.

Discuss appropriate behavior when angry and talk about actions to help them calm down. Calming suggestions for preschoolers may include drawing a picture, playing with cars, doing a simple puzzle, singing and dancing to music, running, jumping, or hugs. Sherrie Hoffman of Hiawatha, KS says “With my five year old, slow deep breaths help. Then, when he can talk, we discuss what has upset him.”

Prepare: Discuss common triggers for your child and come up with a plan of how to handle them. Talk about the difference between appropriate and inappropriate anger. Like the preschool age, come up with a technique that helps calm the child and plan to use it when needed. Ideas for this age group could include: going to their bedroom and listening to their favorite music, kicking a soccer ball, swinging on the swing set, or screaming into a pillow.

Act: When feelings of anger begin, ask

Act: When the child becomes angry,

them, in a calm voice, to try one of the techniques discussed earlier. Remind them you will talk about it when they are calm. Do not feed into their actions unless they are working on becoming calm.

Discuss: Later, ask the child to share why they became angry and come up with

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calmly let them know that you see they are upset and would like to talk about it when they are calm. “We don’t talk about a problem until they are calm and if they get worked up while explaining what is wrong then we take deep breaths until they are calm again.” says Rachael Kennedy, mother of five.

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Discuss: When

It is no secret that our behavior as

the child has calmed down, listen to their frustrations.

Let them know it is okay to feel angry and praise them for handling it well. Ask them what could have been different and come up with solutions as a team.

parents affects our kids. How a parent deals with feelings of anger can have a huge impact on how our children will react when they feel angry. Here are some tips to model appropriate behavior when those feelings occur:

Tips to Help Parents Cool Down • Walk away • Take some deep breaths • Keep a calm voice • Use calm body language (no slamming doors or stomping around) • Diffuse anger by doing a calming activity (tidy up, take a walk, splash water on your face) • Fake it until you make it • Make a commitment in advance to keep your cool • Think about how your actions affect your kids • Acknowledge that it is normal for children to push your buttons • Try to see the humor in the situation

The Teen Years (ages 12 and up) Prepare: At this age the child may be aware of what sets them off and so may the parent. Try to problem solve how to avoid situations that make them angry. Come up with ways that they can calm down

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on their own. Ideas for this age include taking a walk, tidying up their room, listening to music, journaling, taking a shower or bath, or calling a friend to vent.

Act: Calmly mention that you see they are angry and ask them to please take a break from the situation until they can calm down. Give them space unless they want to talk and be patient. If appropriate, leave them alone in house to calm down.

Discuss: Later after everyone is ready, discuss what happened. Problem solve what a solution could be now or in the future. Come to a compromise about what could be different and ask them for as much input as possible.

The goal of these techniques is to teach kids that all feelings are normal, even anger. Teaching these techniques gives kids the tools they need to deal with anger in an appropriate way and teaches them how to use problem solving to work through a frustrating situation.

Sarah Lyons is a wife and mother of six children living in suburban Kansas City.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday July 22

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Christmas In July Boutique Bash 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Join us from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at The Grounds. This will be a fantastic day of shopping, food, and fun! We will have something for everyone including food trucks, shopping for the ladies, a “Man Cave” for the men, and photos with our Summer ready Santa for the littles. Enjoy shopping many boutiques and businesses from the Mobile and surrounding areas all while supporting the Whatever Ministry! The purpose of the Whatever Ministry is to empower young girls and women by helping them find their true beauty, value, and purpose. whatevergirlsevent.wixsite.com/whatever/christmasin-july Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors)

7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Join us for The Playhouse in the Park’s production of “Willy Wonka – The Musical,” based on the classic 1964 book by Roald Dahl. The stage musical follows Charlie Bucket’s adventures inside the famed Wonka Chocolate Factory. Owned by eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka, the factory tour is open to only the five lucky children (and their guardians) who find an elusive golden ticket. Show dates for “Willy Wonka – The Musical” are Friday through Sunday, July 21 through August 13, 2017. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m.

251-602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 22 and 23.

Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org White Tie Rock Ensemble 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 The White Tie Rock Ensemble presents: An Evening of British Rock! with a tribute to Pink Floyd, The Who and a whole lotta Led Zeppelin. www.mobilecivicctr.com Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 531 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island , 36528 The 84th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23, 2017. The ADSFR is a 3-day Captain’s Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued up to one million dollars in cash and prizes and anchored by a boat, motor, and trailer packages. The ADSFR has donated over $200,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships. www.adsfr.com

Sunday July 23

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee

Kip will discuss proper placement, planting and care tips for each new plant release to solve your landscape challenges.

251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 22 and 23.

Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 2:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Summer Classic Film Series - Blazing Saddles ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 531 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island , 36528 The 84th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23, 2017. The ADSFR is a 3-day Captain’s Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued up to one million dollars in cash and prizes and anchored by a boat, motor, and trailer packages. The ADSFR has donated over $200,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships. www.adsfr.com

Monday July 24

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Mary Kathleen Shaw, marykathleenshaw@yahoo.com, 251-391-2455. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/events/get-event/node/124638.

251-391-2455 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/124638 Storyteller Wanda Johnson (Free) Saraland Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, 36571 Storyteller Wanda Johnson - Monday - 9:30a.m. & 10:30a.m. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Movie Matinee - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Free) 3:30 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Movie Matinee - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Wednesday - 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday July 27

Film Series 3:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 In this MMofA film series, join us for a movie night meant to get your creative juices pumping. On Thursday afternoons through the summer we will be screening Artist biopics and documentaries featuring some of the greats. Admission is pay what you can. Show starts at 3 p.m. Free popcorn. Beer and wine by donation.

251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie.

Movie: Storks townofdauphinisland.org

Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and

seniors)

7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays

10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular.

July 26 - New, Better, Yours: Plant the Newest, Best Plants. In recent years, new plant varieties and brands have filled your local garden centers, but how do you distinguish the best from the rest? Which are proven to be improved introductions that solve real landscape challenges? Plant expert Kip McConnell, Director of Plant Development Services Inc., will discuss the newest introductions, including new releases from the Southern Living Plant Collection and Encore Azalea.

57

Library Price is Right! Back to School Edition

(Free)

Friday July 28

Wednesday July 26

(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)

Bay Bites – Food Truck Festival 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, 36603 Hosted by Mobile Baykeeper’s Young Advisory Council, Bay Bites is a food truck festival featuring a variety of different cuisine from local food trucks, craft beer, live music, and a variety of lawn games and other entertainment on the riverfront of Downtown Mobile at Cooper Riverside Park. www.mobilebaykeeper.org

Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie.

Movie: Up townofdauphinisland.org

Saturday July 29

Summer Library Program Finale (Free) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Back to School Bash! Join us for games, crafts and snacks! Back to

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar school supplies will be given out as door prizes to some lucky winners. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Summer Library Program Finale (Free) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Harry Potter Birthday Party! All Ages.Join us for a special Harry Potter Birthday Party! Games and special snacks come dressed as one of your favorite Harry Potter characters. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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Sunday July 30

Gulf Coast Exotic Animal Expo ($5 (children under the age of 12 enter for free))

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile , 36695 South Alabama Caged Bird Society presents the first-ever, not-to-be-missed Gulf Coast Exotic Animal Expo at Abba Shrine Auditorium. www.gcexoticanimalexpo.com Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and

Summer Library Program Finale (Free) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Back to School Bash! Join us for arts & crafts, games, and refreshments!Caregiver required for children under 10 years of age. Registration is required. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

$14 students and seniors)

2:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Summer Classic Film Series - The Color Purple ($6

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Color Vibe 8:00 AM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 The Color Vibe 5k is coming to Mobile on July 29 for our 2017 Good Vibes Tour and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun! Kids 12 and under run for FREE!!! A portion of our proceeds will also be donated back to a local charity, Feeding the Gulf Coast :) www.thecolorvibe.com/mobile.php Gulf Coast Exotic Animal Expo ($5 (children under the age of 12 enter for free))

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile , 36695 South Alabama Caged Bird Society presents the first-ever, not-to-be-missed Gulf Coast Exotic Animal Expo at Abba Shrine Auditorium. www.gcexoticanimalexpo.com Babypalooza Baby and Maternity Expo (Free)

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 New, expectant, and hopeful parents don’t miss the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Babypalooza Baby & Maternity expo Tour as it stops in Mobile!Babypalooza is a FREE one-day baby and maternity expo and miniconference. Giving parents the opportunity to interact with pre and postnatal health providers, attend parenting workshops, demo the latest baby gear and gadgets, and visit with maternity and baby themed exhibitors. www.babypaloozatour.com Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce Kids’ Day (Free, Bring canned good) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Tillmans Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 We will have many fun activities including Laser Tag, Giveaways, The Largest Mobile Video Game Theater, Free Vaccines, Kona,Knocker Ball, Inflatables, Free Haircuts, Face Painting, Food Trucks & More. There is no cost to attend and we only ask people to bring a canned good to get into the gate. All proceeds donated to the Food Bank locally.

251-666-2488

Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com Sunday Sunset Concert - Dauphin Island 6:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island presents “Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Eric Erdman & Ryan Balthrop. Entrance fees $5.00 per individual! As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. *All concerts approx time & weather permitting! townofdauphinisland.org

Monday July 31

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Tracy Kemper, tracy.m.kemper@gmail.com, 513-910-7892. We will meet at Chick Fil A, 435 Schillinger Rd S, Mobile, AL, 36695. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/events/getevent/node/122966.

513-910-7892 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/122966.

Cheer’s to Children ($35) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Moe’s Original BBQ, 701 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36602 The event will feature samplings of Moe’s Original Bar B Q signature dishes and wines to taste donated by United-Johnson Brothers Wines, along with a select live and silent auction. Music will be provided by Harrison McInnis. Ticket cost is $35 each and are available at the CAC. Call 432-1101 for details.

251-432-1101 www.cacmobile.org

Tuesday August 1

Crime Prevention 5K 6:30 PM Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Crime prevention race. runsignup.com/Race/AL/Mobile/CrimePrevention5K RunWalk Teen Tuesdays in the Teen Spot! (Free) 4:00 PM West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Great Fun for Teens! Join us in the “Teen Spot” and learn the basics of Calligraphy. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

58

Wednesday August 2

Magnolia Cemetery Tour 9:00 AM Magnolia Cemetery, 1202 Virginia Street Mobile, 36604 Meet Tom McGehee at Mobile’s Magnolia Cemetery for a very special walking tour. The largest and one of the most prominent monuments in the cemetery marks the graves of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. Learn about the cemetery’s beautiful funereal art and about some of its most famous and infamous permanent residents. Comfortable shoes are suggested for this onehour tour. Directions: Meet at the Main Gate on South Ann Street. Please note: Reservations are required because space is limited.

251-459-8864

Thursday August 3

Night Market 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 MMofA hosts a monthly Night Market that showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods.

Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food, drink, and live music.

251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Marc-Art 2017 6:00 PM Azalea Manor, 751 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36602 Join us at 6:00pm on August 3 at Azalea Manor.

Evening will feature music by Harrison McInnis and catering by Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe. Support from the community is more crucial than ever to continue providing programs like this one. For more information or to reserve your tickets, which will go on sale in July, please email aodom@mobilearc.org or call 251.665.9646.

Peer Helpers 20th Annual Pro Rodeo ($12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4012 and Free for 3 and under.)

6:00 PM Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Avenue Foley, 36535 The 20th Annual Professional Rodeo will be held August 3-5, 2017 at the Foley Horse Arena rain or shine. This event attracts thousands of fans who cheer on professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the South. All proceeds from the 2017 rodeo benefit local Peer Helper Programs in schools across Baldwin County. Rodeo starts at 8:00pm and kids activities start at 6:00pm. jennifermoorefoundation.com/events/rodeo/ Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie.

Movie: Nim’s Island townofdauphinisland.org

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Friday August 4

Mobile Homeschool Playgroup 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Fred Wright Park Splash Pad, Satsuma For more information & to sign up, send email to compasspointhomeschool@gmail.com.

Peer Helpers 20th Annual Pro Rodeo ($12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4012 and Free for 3 and under.)

6:00 PM Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Avenue Foley, 36535 The 20th Annual Professional Rodeo will be held August 3-5, 2017 at the Foley Horse Arena rain or shine. This event attracts thousands of fans who cheer on professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the South. All proceeds from the 2017 rodeo benefit local Peer Helper Programs in schools across Baldwin County. Rodeo starts at 8:00pm and kids activities start at 6:00pm. jennifermoorefoundation.com/events/rodeo/ Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp Recital 6:30 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal

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FamilyCalendar Street Mobile, 36602 Summer Jazz Camp Recital at the History Museum of Mobile. gcehjazzfest.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 Disney’s award-winning Broadway show The Little Mermaid swims into Chickasaw Civic Theatre this August! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.

251-457-8887 cctshows.com Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. townofdauphinisland.org

Saturday August 5

153rd Battle of Mobile Bay 9:00 AM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island , 36528 The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Now a fascinating historic site, the Fort stands at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island where it commands panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The event highlights Fort Gaines integral role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. The cannon will be fired every forty-five minutes in honor of the soldiers that fought in this pivotal battle. Come and experience a living history day for the whole family. Blacksmith demonstrations will be on hand all day in the Fort’s Blacksmith Shop.

251-861-6992 dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines Sew & Tell (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling all children, ages 8 and Up! Visit with friends and learn how to make a Tic Tac Toe game set www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Discover the Dinosaurs 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Venture back to a time when the dinosaurs roamed the earth at the ALL NEW Discover the Dinosaurs UNLEASHED! Experience up-close encounters with a lifelike Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and the king T-Rex in this thrilling walk-through exhibit. Kids can also meet a baby dinosaur, take a spin in the Jurassic Jeeps on the Dino Raceway and visit the Kids Adventure Zone filled with themed bouncy houses, crafts, face painting and more. Parents and kids can test their skills playing an all-new mini golf course, become junior paleontologists while completing the scavenger hunt, and dig for fossils in the Valley of the Bones. It’s family fun of prehistoric proportions! www.discoverthedinosaurs.com Ginger Sale at Botanical Gardens 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Gingers are wonderful

plants for a tropical look during our hot and humid summers – and are root hardy! From the dramatic Curcuma elata – Giant Plume gingers to the short Kaempferias that make a good summer groundcover with their decorative foliage there is a ginger for most shady places in your yard. Some, like Curcuma “Khymer Orange” are also suitable for container planting so you can move them to enjoy their longlived blooms! www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Moms’ Saturday School 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Saraland First Assembly of God, 907 Shelton Beach Road Saraland, 36571 Topic is De-schooling: what is is & what it isn’t. For more information & to sign up, send email to compasspointhomeschool@gmail.com.

Peer Helpers 20th Annual Pro Rodeo ($12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4012 and Free for 3 and under.)

6:00 PM Foley Horse Arena, 113 East Rosetta Avenue Foley, 36535 The 20th Annual Professional Rodeo will be held August 3-5, 2017 at the Foley Horse Arena rain or shine. This event attracts thousands of fans who cheer on professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the South. All proceeds from the 2017 rodeo benefit local Peer Helper Programs in schools across Baldwin County. Rodeo starts at 8:00pm and kids activities start at 6:00pm. jennifermoorefoundation.com/events/rodeo/ Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 Disney’s awardwinning Broadway show The Little Mermaid swims into Chickasaw Civic Theatre this August! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.

251-457-8887 cctshows.com Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Bass Tournament Steele Creek Marina, 368 Juniper Avenue Satsuma, 36572 A Benefit Bass Tournament for Saraland Police Officer Jackie Tucker is Saturday, August 5th, 2017 at Steele Creek Marina in Satsuma. Registration begins at 4:30 a.m. and Weigh-In will be 3:30 p.m. at EZN Boat and RV Storage. For more information, call Stephen White, 251-423-2262.

251-423-2262

Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic Fishing Tournament 14772 State Docks Road Bayou La Batre, 36509 Join Kayak Anglers from all over the Gulf Coast for a day of fishing and family fun. Compete in Junior or Master Angler age divisions. bayoulabatrekayakclassic.org

Sunday August 6

Save-A-Sole 2 Mile Run/Walk 7:30 AM Providence Hospital, 6801 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Save a Sole Race will be held at Providence Hospital Building B. Please bring gently used shoes, unused race shirts, and canned goods to donate to the Waterfront Mission. www.eventbrite.com

59

Founder’s Day - Bellingrath Gardens 8:00 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 In honor of Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday, admission to the Gardens is free to all Mobile and Baldwin County residents!

251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org Discover the Dinosaurs 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Venture back to a time when the dinosaurs roamed the earth at the ALL NEW Discover the Dinosaurs UNLEASHED! Experience upclose encounters with a lifelike Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and the king T-Rex in this thrilling walk-through exhibit.

Kids can also meet a baby dinosaur, take a spin in the Jurassic Jeeps on the Dino Raceway and visit the Kids Adventure Zone filled with themed bouncy houses, crafts, face painting and more. Parents and kids can test their skills playing an all-new mini golf course, become junior paleontologists while completing the scavenger hunt, and dig for fossils in the Valley of the Bones. It’s family fun of prehistoric proportions! www.discoverthedinosaurs.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 Disney’s award-winning Broadway show The Little Mermaid swims into Chickasaw Civic Theatre this August! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.

251-457-8887 cctshows.com History Museum Open House (Free) 2:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Join us from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, August 6, 2017 for Open House at the History Museum of Mobile. Explore 300 years of Mobile’s History, while learning about our membership program and benefits! Light refreshments will be served and admission is FREE. Our story starts here at the History Musuem of Mobile! www.museumofmobile.com Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 2:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Summer Classic Film Series - Willy Wonka ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com

Monday August 7

Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Ammie Baldwin, ammiebaldwincc@gmail.com, 813-943-3793. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations. com/events/get-event/node/125657.

813-943-3793 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/125657

Tuesday August 8

Chickasabogue Park 2 Miler 6:30 PM Chickasabogue Park, 760 Aldock Road Eight

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar Mile, 36613 2-Mile certified course (AL12055JD) starting at the entrance of Chickasabogue Park. www.pcpacers.org Family Bingo Night (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Venomous Series Part 1 6:30 PM Environmental Studies Center, 6101 Girby Road Mobile, 36693 Venomous reptiles are among the most widely misunderstood and feared animals on the planet.

“The only good snake is a dead snake” is still one of the most often used phrases today when one mentions the word ‘snake’ in a group setting. Perception still has not given way to reality. www.mcpsesc.com

Wednesday August 9

Learning Lunch - History Museum of Mobile (Free) 12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 This series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission to Learning Lunch is free.

Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages.

August 9 - Robert Kane, Author, So Far From Home: Royal Air Force and Free French Air Force Flight Training at Maxwell and Gunter Fields during World War II. www.museumofmobile.com

Thursday August 10

South Alabama REAL TALK Mental Wellness Conference ($25) 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Goodwill Easter Seals Center, 2440 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, 36617 Guest speaker: Dr. Loren Hill, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, will share insights into best practices in mental health delivery systems. Learn how collaboration between both traditional and non-traditional healthcare service providers benefits our consumers, what is happening in our area, and how we can strengthen our planning efforts to build trust among agencies, municipalities and families.

Round table discussions. Expo vendor tables $75; exhibitor receives two tickets. Registration fee $25 per person. CE credits available; $25; up to 4 hours through the Institute for Violence, Abuse & Trauma (www.ivatcenters.org) Register at Eventbrite.com 251-404-3924 or RealTalkMWAL@gmail.com Limited Seating.

251-404-3924 eventbrite.com Southern Voices: A Filmmaker Showcase 6:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 This film showcase, curated by filmmaker April Dobbins whose work is in our exhibition Contemporary Alabama Photography, will feature a number of short films by Southern filmmakers followed by a Q&A after the screening. These films have debuted at international festivals such as Cannes and Sundance.Films include: Rabbit Hunt, New Orleans Sazerac and Eat White Dirt.

251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Participants are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. Ages 8-13. For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org An Evening of Poetry with Huggie Bear 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for an evening of poetry with Huggie Bear. gcehjazzfest.org

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Friday August 11

LODA Artwalk 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Starting at 6pm on the second Friday of every month, galleries, restaurants, shops, institutions, etc in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District open their doors for a family-friendly evening of exhibitions and entertainment by area artists. www.specialeventsmobile.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 251-457-8887 cctshows.com Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night (Free) 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie.

Movie: Soul Surfer townofdauphinisland.org

Saturday August 12

USS Alabama’s 75th Anniversary Celebration 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Battleship Memorial Park will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the USS ALABAMA on Saturday, August 12. Activities include concert by the Mobile Big Band Society from 10 – 11 a.m. followed by the 75th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony in the Aircraft Pavilion. The USS ALABAMA Living History Crew will present a mock battle attack featuring vintage airplanes at 1 p.m. on the deck.

Children’s activities included. Admission and parking is free all day. Hours of operation - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit www.ussalabama. com or call 251-433-2703. www.ussalabama.com Gulf Coast Ethnic and Heritage Jazz Festival 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for Jazz on the River. gcehjazzfest.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 251-457-8887 cctshows.com Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Conde Cavaliers Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island Marina, 650 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, 36528 Fishing Rodeo www.condefishingrodeo.com

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Sunday August 13

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 251-457-8887 cctshows.com Great Expectations hosted by Infirmary Health 2:00 PM Mobile Infirmary, 5 Mobile Infirmary Circle Mobile, 36607 Infirmary Health is hosting an event called Great Expectations. Mothers-to-be, new mothers and their friends and family are invited to our Great Expectations celebration that includes: door prizes, physician and educational booths, retail displays, and birth center tours. For more information, call 251-435-3939 www.infirmaryhealth.org Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 students and seniors) 2:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Details on Saturday July 22.

Summer Classic Film Series - North by Northwest

($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com Sunday Sunset Concert ($5) 5:45 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island presents “Sunday Sunset Concert” Reggae Theme Ja’rhytm.

Entrance fees $5.00 per individual! townofdauphinisland.org

Conde Cavaliers Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island Marina, 650 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, 36528 Fishing Rodeo www.condefishingrodeo.com

Tuesday August 15

Help Me Grow Alabama - Connecting Families to Valuable Resources (Free) 9:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Help Me Grow is an organization that wants to ensure that all children have the best possible start in life. Come meet Amelia Leonard, Help Me Grow Care Coordinator for Region 8/South Alabama, as she discusses the various ways HMG connects families to health and developmental resources, so children from birth to age 8, can start school healthy and ready to succeed. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Teen Tuesdays in the Teen Spot! (Free) 4:00 PM West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Great Fun for Teens! Join us in the “Teen Spot” and enjoy making your own Knot Art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday August 17

Girls of Fall ($25 in advance | $30 at door)

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Girls of Fall - now in its fifth year - is a unique event focusing on female football fans, featuring football, fashion and fun! This year’s event will be more interactive than the previous events and will feature new sessions and more vendors than in the first three years. Our

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FamilyCalendar female fans will learn more about the game, plus have an opportunity to eat and drink - and shop! www.seniorbowl.com Live at the Museum 7:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Live at the Museum with The Pine Haunts.

251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Healthy Woman Anniversary Event ($50 per person) 7:00 PM Orange Beach Event Center, 4671 Wharf Parkway West Orange Beach, 36561 Celebrating its ninth anniversary, the Healthy Woman program at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center will host keynote speaker Holly Rowe at their annual celebration dinner on Thursday, August 17th at 7:00pm at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf. ESPN reporter Holly Rowe has covered college football, basketball and softball, as well as NBA and WNBA games. Emmy-nominated, she is not only a producer, writer and reporter, but also a two-time cancer survivor. Join us to hear Holly’s inspiring message about overcoming the obstacles that life puts in your path.

SouthBaldwinRMC.com/HealthyWoman

Friday August 18

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 251-457-8887 cctshows.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night (Free) 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie.

Movie: Happy Feet 2 townofdauphinisland.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday August 19

Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Visit with friends and learn how to make balloon rockets. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Pickles’ “Bird”thday Party - she’s NINE! 1:00 PM B&B Pet Stop, 5035 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, 36609 Many of you know our store bird, PICKLES, the Sulphur-crested cockatoo. Each year in August, we celebrate Miss P’s “bird”thday by throwing a big party and inviting all her friends. You and anyone you know who has a pet bird – or who is THINKING of getting a pet bird – is invited to come to Pickles’ “Bird”thday Party!

Meet special guest MELANIE ALLEN from Hagen’s Avicultural Research Institute (HARI). She’ll be on hand to talk about bird nutrition, treats, the latest in cages and perches, mental enrichment, and more! Bring your bird.

At Pickles’ “Bird”thday Party we’ll have TWO birthday cakes – one for people and one for BIRDS! We’ll cut + serve the cake around 1:45 pm.

251-661-3474

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 251-457-8887 cctshows.com

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Sunday August 20

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 251-457-8887 cctshows.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org Summer Classic Film Series - Gone with the Wind ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).)

Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”.

251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night (Free)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com

Thursday August 24

Business Expo 12:00 PM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 The Mobile area’s largest business-to-business trade show features more than 200 companies showcasing the latest products and services. events.mobilechamber.com Silent Auction Benefit (Advance tickets are $40 for Individuals and $75 for Dual/Family, or simply sign up for or renew an Alabama Contemporary membership – Individual Members receive 1 complimentary ticket, Dual/Family Members receive 2 tickets, and Reciprocal Members receive 4 tickets.)

6:00 PM Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Savor traditional Cuban cuisine and cocktails while browsing our incredible collection of auction items. Enjoy live Cuban music, meet artists from Havana’s historical Taller Experimental de Gra?fica, watch renowned Cuban sculptor Gustavo del Valle create works live in the gallery, and take a sneak peak behind the scenes as works for our upcoming exhibition Back to Havana take shape! All proceeds from the night go directly to Alabama Contemporary’s exhibitions and programs to make art fun, meaningful and important for your local communities.

251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.com

Friday August 25

Vintage Market Days of Mobile 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. Vintage Market Days® events are so much more than a flea market. Each Vintage Market Days® event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in creative venues. vintagemarketdays.com

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Drawdown on the USS Alabama 6:00 PM USS Alabama, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36603 Join us for a fun night to raise money for St. Jude on the Gulf Coast. Meatboss will be catering the event and Ryan Balthrop will be playing for us. Tickets are $100 which admits two people for food, bar, entertainment and a chance to win $10,000.00. Second chance insurance is available for $30. joyoflifegulfcoast.org

8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie.

Movie: ET townofdauphinisland.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday August 26

Kickoff Run for Sight 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 7:30 AM USA SGA Pavilion, Mobile, 36608 Family-Friendly 5K Race followed by a 1K fun walk. Post-race party w/ awards presentations follows. www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/mobileuniversity Maker Mornings (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 All Ages - Be Creative! We provide the supplies, ideas and space - families feel free to experiment in the making of fun projects. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Anniversary of Fort Mims 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Mims, 1813 Fort Mims Road Stockton, 36579 Enjoy 1800’s Craft’s and Living History with daily reenactments. fortmims.org Doggie Paddle ($25) 10:00 AM Location varies by shelter, This annual event hosted by WildNative Tours is designed to raise money for animal shelters across the nation by bringing together kayaking enthusiasts (both human and canine alike) for a fun paddle on their local waterways. Registrants can choose the participating shelter they want to benefit when they sign up and will then be notified of their paddle route. All (human) ? participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up-paddleboards are welcome. wildnativetours.com/coastal-alabama-special-events Vintage Market Days of Mobile 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and

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FamilyCalendar a little more. Vintage Market Days® events are so much more than a flea market. Each Vintage Market Days® event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in creative venues. vintagemarketdays.com Dauphin Street Beer Festival 6:00 PM Dauphin Street, Think Globally, Drink Locally! Spend the evening visiting participating taverns and restaurants, tasting over 90 different microbrews and imports.

251-508-4006 www.specialeventsmobile.org Commedia del Arte Presents “War of the WHAT?” ($8 in advance, $10 at the door, children under 5 admitted free.)

7:30 PM Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7125 Hitt Road Mobile, 36695 Your favorite radio actors are back in this hilarious, interactive comedy. They’ve escaped vampires, werewolves, and the mummy’s curse...can they survive an alien invasion? Join us and find out! A portion of the proceeds benefits ARF Mobile 251-510-0654 www.commediadelarte.org Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”.

251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Sunday August 27

Anniversary of Fort Mims 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Mims, 1813 Fort Mims Road Stockton, 36579 Enjoy 1800’s Craft’s and Living History with daily reenactments. fortmims.org Vintage Market Days of Mobile 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. Vintage Market Days® events are so much more than a flea market.

Each Vintage Market Days® event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in creative venues. vintagemarketdays.com Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”.

251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Thursday August 31

19th Annual Chef Challenge 6:00 PM Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street Mobile, 36605 Join us for a night of superb food and drink as you enjoy tastings of dishes from local chefs and restaurants while they compete to win votes for the night’s best dish in their category. In addition to excellent food, you’ll enjoy live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction to participate in, and complimentary beer and wine. feedingthegulfcoast.org/alabama-chef-challenge

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Panel Discussion: Art vs. Craft (Free) 6:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Unbeknownst to many, there is heated ongoing discussion of how we define ‘fine art’, craft and even design, hailing from the dawn of making. These categories move and change all the time, and the lines between each are often undefined. What qualifies ‘fine’ art from other forms? What is the role of utility? Is there a higher aim to decoration? Are ‘high’ and ‘low’ art distinctions even still relevant? Hear what local artists and academics think as they share works of art that exemplify or defy classification. www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org.

Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families.

1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson.

Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251-281-7312.

Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mobile Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com.

The Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor.

Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions.

All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet.

Spouses and other support partners are also welcome.

Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile.

Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251431-5100.

COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt.

This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations.

The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion.

The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks.

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251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile.

La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect?

•A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000.

• Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m.

• Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

• Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

• Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia.

Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included.

Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org.

Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852.

• Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information.

Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace

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FamilyCalendar Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438.

• Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register.

• Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

• Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to preregister.

• Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month.

Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger.

The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on

helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment.

• Infant CPR Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 3407769 early to pre-register.

• Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please.

Class size is limited.

Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information.

• Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach).

Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2.

• Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15.

• Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problemsolving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information.

However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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War for the Planet of the Apes

Despicable Me 3 MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Despicable Me 3 PG for action and rude humor.

Gru, Lucy (voices of Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig) and their adorable daughters may be moviegoers’ new favorite family. And for good reason. The villain-turned-virtuous dad adopted three orphans and then married his secret agent sweetheart. While Gru got the fatherhood thing figured out in the previous movies, Lucy still hasn’t found her footing when it comes to life as a parent.

Meanwhile the minions have had it with Gru’s good guy persona and set out on their own. However, their reformed boss is soon tempted to return to the dark side. The invitation comes from his twin Dru (voice also by Carell), a sibling Gru didn’t know he had. Dru, also a villain, wants Gru to join him in a heist that will bond them as brothers.

For audiences, it may be impossible to find three cuter characters than Margo, Edith and Agnes. But despite their big eyes and winsome personalities, this isn’t an entirely kid-friendly film, especially for younger children. Like so many animations, this one is packed full of cartoon-style punches, scuffles, guns, rockets and explosions. The script also introduces a mammoth-sized robot intent on destroying Los Angeles.

Fortunately, this sequel comes with some sweet life lessons about dealing with those grown-up concerns. (Even little Agnes choses to face disappointment with a positive attitude adjustment.) But the messages most likely to charm audience members are those about families, in all their configurations. Because nothing could be better than someone who has your back.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: CSexual Content: A Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated War for the Planet of the Apes PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, thematic elements, and disturbing images.

What would you do if you felt like your family, friends and even your very species was threatened with annihilation? What risks would you be willing to take? What sacrifices would you be willing to make? All these questions come into play in this third chapter of the Planet of the Apes franchise.

In Rise of the Planet of the Apes a well-intentioned scientist accidentally created a virus that increased the intelligence of simians, but killed many people. With the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the evolving primates established a society of their own, but ran into irreconcilable differences with their human neighbors. The conflict turns into a War for the Planet of the Apes as both groups struggle for survival.

Caesar (Andy Serkis) is still leader of the primate population. His efforts to rally the troops to protect their women and children, as well as carve out a place for their kind, are at odds with the goals of The Colonel (Woody Harrelson), who commands an army of human soldiers intent on genocide.

Not your average sci-fi/action movie, War For the Planet of the Apes will expect you to think deeply. Borrowing a few themes from biblical characters (Christ and Moses), and displaying tenacity of spirit, this script may cause viewers to do a little soul searching while reflecting on the best and the worst of human nature.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Kong: Skull Island (Rental)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: BProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Spider-Man: Homecoming PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments.

Launching another version of this well-loved icon is a bit of a gamble because there is lots of room for disappointment from unsatisfied fans. But in the case, the risk pays off.

We were briefly introduced to the young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who already has his “spidey” powers in Captain America: Civil War, so this film wastes no time with backstory. The story plunges into the teen’s struggle to balance his time between school, family and stopping crime. We meet his friends and classmates, and these relationships form the core of the movie and add greatly to its humor.

More than anything, Peter wants to reach his Spider-Man potential, and is impatiently waiting to be part of the Avengers team. Yet his mentor Tony Stark (Iron Man), as well as the other superheroes, feel the lad still has a lot of growing up to do. Frustrated, Peter wants to show them they are wrong, so he continually seeks out more and more dangerous situations in the hope of proving what he is made of. Rather than making that point, the fledgling champion soon discovers that having superpowers doesn’t necessary mean you are invincible.

And it is this realization that sparks Peter’s journey to develop the discipline and maturity needed to help protect those he loves.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: D+ Sexual Content: B Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Kong: Skull Island PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language.

It’s 1973 and the Vietnam War has just ended. It appears mankind has claimed every last spec of the world. But Bill Randa (John Goodman) believes there is still something on the globe we don’t know about. When NASA’s first global mapping satellite discovers an unchartered landmass, the firm believer in monsters is convinced the curious locale holds a big secret. Cloaked and surrounded by a continual storm that has mysteriously claimed a variety of ships over the centuries, the army calls upon Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) to head up the expedition to the island.

To its credit, this movie reveals its monster early in the game. Purported to be the biggest Kong ever to grace the silver screen, the digital creature is imposing and protective of his natural habitat. However, the secrets this island holds go far beyond the giant ape.

With the body count quickly climbing, and Randa’s ulterior motives revealed, Packard initiates a power play and divides the group between those who want to kill anything that could pose danger to the outside world and those who fear disturbing the unique ecosystem could create even greater problems.

This conflict applies to much of our decisions today as humans attempt to play the god of this world, determining what lives and what dies.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2017

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Recommended Vaccines Child Care Centers (by 12 Months of Age)

Kindergarten through 5th Grade

6th through 12th Grade

DTaP

4*

5*

5*

IPV

3*

4*

4*

MMR

1*

2*

2*

Varicella

1*

1*

2**

Hib

4*

PCV

4*

Tdap

1*

Rota

3

Hep A

1

2

2

HepB

3

3

3

HPV

3

MCV

2

Prior to entering all Alabama schools and child care centers, each child must submit an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization. *Code of Alabama ยง16-30-4 **1 dose for <13 years of age or 2 doses for >13 years of age

For more information, visit adph.org/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo IMM.VaccinesAd.060717.indd 1

6/7/17 11:51 AM