Moblie Bay Parents October 2013

Starla has always loved to play like a princess...

Today she is one.

When Starla came to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, at age two, she was already very sick. The physicians soon diagnosed her with a rare form of leukemia. After a courageous battle, Starla is cancer free at four.

Today she’s still pretending to be a princess but the physicians and staff at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital know what a real princess she truly is.

From diagnosis and treatment to recovery, let USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital care for your family.

251.415.1000

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Find out more at usahealthsystem.com/usacwh

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October2013

Volume 3 Number 6

44 Columns

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Mom of the Month Petrina L. Odom

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Living With Children

Fright Night Eight ways to help your child beat nightmares and get a good night’s sleep.

10 Ways to Enjoy Autumn Outside

New ideas for fall outdoor fun, plus some old favorites!

John Rosemond

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Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

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The FlyLady Marla Cilley

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Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

Find Mobile events for the season in our extensive guide.

Find an Extra Hour Each Day

The FlyLady helps you better manage your time.

On The Cover Roxson Alexander Odom is one year old and the son of Roy and Petrina Odom. His proud grandparents are Tony and Mary Taylor of Gautier, MS, and Lorenzo and Jean Jones of Columbus, MS. Roxson loves to scoot and is beginning to take his first steps. His costume on this month’s cover is provided by Tiny Town.

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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 54

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth The fall season is when I trade in my flip flops for boots, say goodbye to the long hot days of summer and say hello to cooler evenings and shorter days. My excitement grows each passing day in anticipation of the leaves changing color, families gathering for the holidays, picking pecans, and smelling the scents of pumpkin spiced baked goods.

As I pull out my favorite sweaters and scarves to use in the coming months, I am reminded of childhood memories. I remember jumping in big leaf piles, trick-or-treating with my little brother, attending fall festivals, popping fireworks at New Year’s, baking cookies at Christmas time with my sister, and making caramel apples and popcorn balls with my mom for Halloween.

Fall has always held a special place in my heart. This year fall is even more special to me because my husband and I have a one-year-old son to share the season with and start some new fall traditions. As a mom and dad, we want our son to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the many holidays during the fall season. We plan to do at least one outside activity to celebrate each holiday.

The first holiday we plan on celebrating is Halloween. It is just around the corner and I will be taking Roxson costume shopping. There are many costumes to choose from and some of them may frighten young children and even cause nightmares long after the Halloween holiday is gone. One of the articles in this month’s magazine, Fright Night: Eight Ways to Beat Nightmares, by Malia Jacobson, offers helpful suggestions on how to handle nightmares and make your child feel safe.

In addition to trick-or-treating at Halloween, there are so many activities parents can do with their kids to take advantage of the nostalgia that only fall brings. This month’s article, Ten Ways to Enjoy Autumn Outside, by Katie Beltramo, provides several great ideas on how parents and kids can get out of the house and have big fun. Plus, be sure to check out our Fall Festival Guide in this issue!

A new tradition that we plan to start for the Christmas holiday is to take the little one to Bellingrath Gardens to see all the lights and decorations. In addition to this we are also taking him to my parents’ house to pop fireworks for the New Year’s holiday, which has become a standing tradition in the past few years.

As a mother I want to make sure to fill not only each year, but each season, of my child’s life with memories. I want him to be able to do as I have done and reminisce years down the road about his favorite Halloween costume, making treats for trick-or-treaters with me in the kitchen, going on hayrides, and popping fireworks at his grandparents’ house in the woods. I think fall is the perfect season for doing just that!

Have a wonderful and safe fall season!

Petrina L. Odom Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

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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 Katie Beltramo Marla Cilley Malia Jacobson Mike Little, D.O. Petrina L. Odom Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Oracle Imaging & Design www.oracle-weddings.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 2013 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

Don’t Delay Kindergarten Just Because of Late Birthday Q: Our son’s fifth birthday is in August. He

did just fine, socially and academically, in preschool, but the counselor at the school he’s slated to attend has recommended that we hold him back a year because of his late birthday. She says that kids with late birthdays, especially boys, do better if they’re given an extra year of maturation before starting school. What do you think?

A: The practice of postponing kindergarten for so-called “late birthday” children— generally defined as children having birthdays after May— got its start about twenty years ago and has generated the usual unintended consequences. Prime among those is the fact that by delaying the start of school for children having birthdays after May, schools only create a new crop of children with late birthdays—those occurring after January.

It’s true that during early elementary school, boys are less mature in several

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

respects than girls. In general, their attention spans tend to be shorter. Therefore, they’re more impulsive and more easily distracted.

It’s also true, however, that some children, boys as well as girls, experience developmental “spurts” during kindergarten. The slightly immature, impulsive 5-year-old may be at the norm one year later.

As a result of this rather uniform recommendation, a disproportionate number of late-birthday children are given test batteries to further determine their readiness for school. The fact is, however, that the predictive reliability of IQ tests and other measures of ability is questionable with children this young. And when such tests are off the mark with a given child, they tend to be lower rather than higher.

The late-birthday recommendation is also influenced by the test score mania that currently grips American schools, public and private. Giving close to 20 percent of children an extra year of preschool is bound to raise overall test performance during the early elementary school years.

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For a number of reasons, classroom discipline has relaxed considerably since the 1960s. This has unharnessed the impulsivity and distractibility of boys, especially. I have to believe that this contributes significantly to the fact that disproportionate numbers of boys are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during early elementary school. If the hypothesis is true, then some kids are being medicated primarily because school discipline isn’t what it used to be. Holding late-birthday kids back a year may mitigate this problem somewhat, but it fails to address the larger issue.

My general feeling is that if a child’s birthday allows him to attend school, and the child doesn’t have obvious developmental delays, then he should attend school. If at the end of that school year, his teacher recommends an additional year in kindergarten, then leave him in kindergarten. One of my grandchildren spent two years in kindergarten and he’s now a nearly straightA student in high school. That second year gave him lots of confidence he wouldn’t have obtained by spending another year in preschool.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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bits & pieces Sunny Side Presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Sunny Side Theater presents "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" October 17 - 19 at 7:00 PM. This is the tale of Ichabod Crane, an unsuspecting schoolmaster, who comes to a town full of ghost stories. Join Sunny Side for its 5th Annual Halloween show. There will be a costume contest on closing night for anyone who would like to come dressed up!

Prize is a $100 gift certificate to a future Sunny Side theater camp or class. The show will take place at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts located on the St. Luke's High School campus, 1400 University Boulevard. To make reservations, call owner/ director Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808.

Salty Worm Fishing Tournament

The Salty Worm Fishing Tournament and Delta Bash will be held November 2 at the Bluegill. Anglers start bringing in their catches at 1:00 PM and the winners will be announced at 4:30 PM. Meanwhile, there is live music, games for the kids, door prizes, and a seafood buffet. Everyone likes watching as the fish are weighed and totals put up on the leader board. The Combo Jackpot of $1,000 will be won by the person with the highest combined weight of their three biggest speckled trout and three biggest bass. This tournament is one-of-akind in that it pits freshwater fishermen with saltwater fishermen. All proceeds will directly benefit the Gaillard Family Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Please visit http://www.saltyworm.org/ for more information.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes will take place on Saturday, October 19th in Bienville Square. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and the walk begins at 9:00 AM. The 3-mile walk winds through the streets of historic downtown Mobile.

Walk activities include a Health and Wellness Festival, the Healthy Kids Zone, live music, food, fun and more. Individuals with diabetes who register to walk will receive Red Strider goody bags on the day of the event. The Mobile County Health Department will be on hand to conduct free health screenings and Infirmary Health will host the Kids Fit Obstacle Course.

All proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association and its mission to educate, to prevent and to cure diabetes. Please visit http://main. diabetes.org/mobileal to register or contact Carole Grant at (251) 4231272 or cgrant@diabetes.org for more information.

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Fun Outdoor Halloween Movie Series to be Held in October

The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. invites you and your family to attend the first annual “Screen on the Green During Halloween,” a free outdoor movie series at Lavretta Park on Old Shell Road featuring Halloween movies that are either PG or G rated. Join us for the following events: “Ghostbusters” (Saturday, October 12); “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (Saturday, October 19); “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” (Saturday, October 26); “Young Frankenstein” (Saturday, October 26).

Pre-show fun, including movie trivia, face painting, and other exciting activities, will be offered from 6 until 7 p.m., with prizes available. Movies begin at 7 p.m., weather permitting. Bring your own chair or blanket. For more information please visit The Village of Spring Hill’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ TheVillageOfSpringHill.

Local Agency Now Doing International Adoption Home Studies

Over the years, Agape of Central Alabama’s ministry has involved counseling women in crisis pregnancy, domestic adoption, and foster care. We are very excited to announce that as of June 2013, Agape is now Hague Accredited and has begun international adoption home studies! We are so eager to see what God has planned for families through this addition to our ministry. If you would like more information about Agape’s International Adoption Program, please contact Patrice from our Mobile/ Baldwin County office at 251-625-1133, or visit www. agapeforchildren.org.

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Wine Festival to Benefit Service Center Ministry

Buy your tickets now for The 7th Annual Wine Festival at Five Rivers. On October 17, the Catholic Social Services Advisory Board will host friends and supporters from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the beautiful Five Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. All proceeds from this evening of fine wines and wonderful food will benefit the work of The Service Center of Catholic Social Services, which provides emergency assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a temporary loss or interruption of income. 100% of ticket proceeds will be used by The Center.

Wines for the main event of the Festival will be coordinated by Domke Market and offerings at the Premium event will be offered

by Red or White. Buy your tickets at winefestivalat5rivers.com or at one of this year's ticket outlets Domke Market , Red or White or Southern NAPA.

3rd Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail The 3rd Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail will be held Oct. 12, on Dauphin Island from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event will include 40 local and regional artists spread around the island at 11 different locations with retailers who will be hosting them. It is free and open to the public.

As last year, there is an element of fun to the event…a sort of “treasure hunt” to entice patrons to visit all 11 Art Trail locations to qualify for prize drawings at the end of the day.

The drawings will be held at 5 PM at the Welcome Center. We will be giving away cash prizes, gift shop and restaurant gift certificates, kayak trips, condo packages, fishing trips, Estuarium and Fort admissions, ferry rides, etc.

The contributing artists are either from Dauphin Island or have ties to the island. Visitors will be given a sheet of discount coupons for several local restaurants on the island so they can enjoy some of the fresh gulf seafood that Dauphin Island is famous for.

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Sleep in a Box at Cardboard City

Mark your calendar for the 8th Annual Cardboard City which will be held on Saturday October 26, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 AM the next morning. The mission is to raise money and awareness of homelessness.

All proceeds go directly to Family Promise and Sybil H. Smith Family Village. Family Promise provides temporary shelter and support services to homeless families with children, and Sybil H. Smith Family Village is a Transitional Housing Facility for Homeless Women and their children. Setup begins at the corner of Dauphin and Ann Street (Alabama School of Math & Science Soccer Field). Entertainment begins at 7:00 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend without spending the night. An annual memorial service for homeless persons will be held at 9 PM. A simple meal will be provided. Sunrise devotion will be held at 6 AM Sunday morning, then clean up and depart at 8 AM. All overnight participants must raise a minimum of $100 per box in sponsorships. Up to two persons or a family with small children may sleep in a box. Participants are responsible for bringing their own box and decorating it if they like. Visitors are welcome until 10:00 PM. Please visit CardboardCityMobile.com for more information.

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“Dracula” Coming to Playhouse in the Park

Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is coming to the Playhouse in the Park in October. Public shows are October 18, 19, 25, & 26 at 7:30 p.m. Public show tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Call 251-602-0630 for public show reservations. There will also be school shows for middle and high school students. To make reservations for school shows, call 251-422-0079.

Playhouse in the Park is located at 4851 Museum Drive in Mobile (across from the Mobile Museum of Art in Langan Park). www.playhouseinthepark.org.

First-Ever Fall Lacrosse Clinics to be Held in Mobile

The Mobile Youth Lacrosse League, Inc., is proud to announce open registration for its first-ever Fall Ball clinic series to be held on Sunday afternoons.

This six-week program, beginning September 29, is designed for all skill levels, including both boys and girls ages 3rd grade and up. The league is hopeful that Sunday afternoon sessions will allow kids currently playing other sports to get the chance to try lacrosse without interfering with their weekday schedules.

Thanks to a previous grant awarded to the Mobile league from US Lacrosse (the official governing body of lacrosse in the United States), there is even loaner equipment available. Sessions will be held on the fields of Mobile Kinetic Sports, 1301 Azalea Rd.; across Azalea Rd. from Old Time Pottery.

To register for the fall clinics, or for more information, please see the league’s Facebook page at facebook.com/mobileyouthlacrosse, visit their website at mobilemavericks.teamsnap.com, or simply email mobileyouthlax@gmail.com.

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Infirmary Health: Keeping Children Active and Healthy

Our children may be our future, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 30 percent of children in the United States are overweight and obese. In a national effort to combat this statistic and keep children healthy and fit, Infirmary Health Fitness Centers offer a program called Operation FitKids. The eight-week program, designed to educate, motivate and support children and their families, is available at all three Infirmary Health fitness center locations.

Infirmary Health Fitness Centers—ProHealth Fitness Center, Mobile; Thomas Fitness Center, Fairhope; and North Baldwin Fitness Center, Bay Minette—have partnered with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to offer this fitness program for kids. Operation FitKids educates children and their families on the benefits of regular physical activity and proper nutrition. The eight-week program begins October 8 for children, ages seven through 11 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Weekly lessons include: Move and groove as you eat to win; Heart-smart kids on the liquid lookout; Walk this way/Snack attack; Pump it up/How much to eat; Toughen up/Cut the fat; Chill out/Breakfast…Don’t skip it; Putting it all together; Weekly meeting with a nutritionist. Free with physician referral. For more information or to register your child for the program, call ProHealth at 435-2010, North Baldwin Fitness Center at 937-9099 or Thomas Fitness Center at 279-1684.

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Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass Fundraiser The Junior League of Mobile, Inc. (JLM) is launching its fifth year with the charity shopping pass fundraiser, Blue Pass. The Blue Pass fundraiser, named after JLM’s signature blue logo, is a $30 charity shopping pass shoppers can purchase to receive a 20 percent discount at participating businesses in Mobile and Baldwin Counties for 10 days starting Friday, October 25, and ending Sunday, November 3. All net proceeds from the sales of the Blue Pass fund the community projects and mission of JLM. Over 130 businesses have committed to partnering with JLM and Blue Pass for 2013. The participating businesses are very diverse including clothing stores, restaurants, spas and salons, gift shops, home stores, professional service providers, office equipment suppliers, and more. Blue Passes can be purchased at several participating businesses and online at www.juniorleaguemobile.org, or by calling JLM headquarters at 251-471-3348. Please see JLM’s website for complete details.

Evening of Savings with BluePass Kick-Off Event

A selection of Spring Hill's finest boutiques have teamed up with the Junior League of Mobile and their Annual Blue Pass Event to offer the public an evening of shopping fun...with extended hours & exclusive discounts & savings when using their JLM BluePass Card.

This First Annual BluePass Kick-Off Event is being hosted by the Spring Hill Merchants Association on Thursday evening, October 24th, 5:30-8:30 p.m. and will give shoppers “first dibs” on exclusive BluePass savings and kick-off specials for that evening only.

The kick-off event will offer appetizers, drinks and fun shopping experiences at the various Spring Hill merchants, October 24th evening only, to help support and highlight the Junior League of Mobile’s (JLM) BluePass. Miss Susie Lott from Studio 3 will be offering Art Classes during this time frame so moms can drop their kids then go shop. To find a complete list of details and participating merchants please visit the Spring Hill Merchants Association Facebook page.

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Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes reading, writing, and spelling extremely difficult for children, young people, and adults. Contrary to popular myth, people with dyslexia do not see words or letters backwards. Instead, they struggle with reading because their brains process sounds differently (also referred to as a weakness in Phonological Processing). Dyslexia occurs in people of all intellectual levels, including bright and gifted young people. Although dyslexia is a life-long condition, most individuals with dyslexia can overcome their difficulties in school with proper interventions and encouragement to find their strengths.

The warning signs of dyslexia, to name a few, are: Slow, choppy inaccurate reading; Difficulty finding the correct word when speaking; Terrible spelling; Mixing up sounds and syllable in words; Confusion of left vs. right; Poor written expression; Close relative who struggled in school. For a more complete list and information visit www.dyslexiaspecialist.net. Hunter Oswalt and Julie Rentz: Dyslexia Consultants and co-owners of Read-Write, LLC

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bits & pieces 21st Annual Colonial Isle Dauphine at Historic Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines stands at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island where it commands panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Fort was recently designated as one of the eleven most endangered historic sites in America due to on-going shoreline erosion. On October 11, the Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board is hosting the 21st Annual “Colonial Isle Dauphine” at Fort Gaines from 9 AM – 5 PM. Explore the grounds while hearing stories of days gone by, watch live reenactments and see a blacksmith demonstrate his craft.

Appreciate today a place where simpler times and historic culture has been preserved. This event is also known to have Pirates show so come down to Dauphin Island and enjoy this special event and everything the Island has to offer. Admission is $4 for kids under age 12 and $6 for adults. For more information visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DIPBB or visit us at www.dauphinisland.org.

31st Annual Renaissance Festival GATALOP 30 at Historic Fort Gaines

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The Grounds Launches Fundraiser to Raise $125,000 for Mobile County Public Schools

The Grounds, formally known as the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, has partnered with the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) to raise $125,000 for local schools over a two-week period. The fundraiser will take place from Sept. 16 – Oct. 1, 2013. The initiative offers students the opportunity to sell tickets to the Greater Gulf State Fair while keeping a portion of the proceeds for their schools. As part of the fundraiser, students will sell Greater Gulf State Fair ride tickets that can be redeemed for an unlimited ride armband. For each armband sold, the school will keep $2 in profit. The students will also be allowed to sell admission tickets to the Fair at advanced-ticket sales prices thus allowing their patrons to benefit from the reduced admission cost. Adult tickets will be sold at $6 (normal price of $10), and children tickets will be sold at $4 (normal price of $5). In addition, students who achieve all A’s in each class at the end of the first quarter will receive a free admission ticket. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the fundraiser, please attend an informative meeting at The Grounds on September 19 at 6:00 p.m. or email helpingschools@mobilefair.com.

Mobile Arts Council Hosts ART Works: The Throwdown 2

Mobile Arts Council presents ART Works: The Throwdown on Thursday, October 17 at 6 PM in MAC’s space downtown at 318 Dauphin Street. MAC has drafted local artists for a battle of creativity.

Each artist will be given a box with mystery items, a shared supply closet, and 90 minutes to create new works of art. The pieces will be sold in a live auction at the end of the evening. The silent auction consists of items donated by area artists and organizations, ranging from paintings, photographs, ceramics and sculptures to tickets for performances and weekend get-a-ways. Also enjoy music by D.J. Bob Kohrman, food by Heroes and The Royal Scam, beer, wine and MAC's signature drink: Red Roosters. Tickets are $30 in advance (through midnight Oct 16), $35 at the door. You can purchase them at Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.) or online at Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com).

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On October 24 - 25, the Society of Creative Anachronism and the Barony of Osprey will present “Life in the Middle Ages” at historic Fort Gaines from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come and see Knights in Armor as they storm the castle, view melee’s and sieges. Visit with Lords, Ladies, Artist, and Medieval Merchants. Watch our resident Blacksmith demonstrate his craft in the Fort’s original Blacksmith Shop. Admission is $4 for kids under age 12 and $6 for adults.

For more information visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DIPBB or visit us at www. dauphinisland.org.

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Faith-Based Scouting Organization Comes to Mobile

Mobile families are discovering a new scouting organization for their daughters called American Heritage Girls (AHG.) AHG is a faith-based character development program for girls ages 5-18, dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. With an emphasis on faith, service and fun, girls can earn more than 240 badges in over 75 categories and participate in service projects.

They are also given leadership opportunities and develop teamwork skills and build confidence through varied outdoor experiences. Troops are led by trained adult volunteers who facilitate the AHG program while encouraging girl leadership. Faith-based organizations like churches, schools and civic organizations charter AHG to achieve their ministry goals for youth. In September the troop helped with the Women's Resource Center's Walk for Life as their first service project.

They also learned proper flag etiquette from US Coast Guard CDR Craig Neubecker as part of earning their first badge, "Our Flag."

AHG Troop AL2345 is the first AHG troop in Mobile County. It is chartered at Family Fellowship Baptist Church in West Mobile. They meet every Thursday evening at 6:00 at 1057 Middle Ring Rd., Mobile. For more information, please contact Troop Coordinator Janice Hicks at ahg.familyfellowship@gmail.com. Visit www.ahgonline.org to view the AHG National website.

Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital to Benefit Evaluation Center

On Friday, October 25, USA Children’s and Women’s supporters and friends will host the “Trick or Trot” 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run for the Evaluation Center at the University of South Alabama Moulton Tower. It will be a night of family fun, running, trick-or-treating and children’s activities with great food and drinks. The 5K will start at 6:00 PM. The Scary Scurry Fun Run will begin at 7:00 PM and is open to walkers and runners of all ages.

Emergency medical services are provided through the Evaluation Center, which is a 14-bed, Level III emergency department. The Evaluation Center sees more than 35,000 patients annually and is specially equipped and staffed to meet the unique needs of children and women with obstetrical and gynecological emergencies. For running or sponsorship information for the 2013 “Trick or Trot” 5K please contact Nancy Calhoun at 251-415-1636 or ncalhoun@southalabama.edu. You may also register for the run at cwhtrickortrot.eventbrite.com.

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bits & pieces Duck Dynasty Stars to Headline Page & Palette’s First Annual Bay Jubilee

Page and Palette will host its inaugural “Bay of the Holy Spirit Jubilee” (Bay Jubilee) featuring stars from the popular A&E reality show series, “Duck Dynasty.” Si, Phil, Kay and Korie Robertson have been confirmed to headline the event as the Grand Finale of their national book tour on November 15.

This very special event will be held at Oak Hollow Farm, in Fairhope. Doors will open at 11 AM for a fun-filled day of activities for the entire family with the feature event beginning at 5 PM. This faith-based, family event will feature live music and inspirational speakers, including New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews, who will host an on-stage interview and discussion with the Robertsons.

Tickets to Bay Jubilee may be purchased at www.pageandpalette.com or in the bookstore; each ticket includes admission for one to the feature event and a Duck Dynasty book of choice. Tickets are available at $100, $60 and $35 price levels, determined by proximity to the stage. Seating is general admission within each price category. Chairs will be provided for all ticket holders except Sweet Tea level, who will need to bring a chair. Group discounts are available for 20+ tickets. $5 parking. Due to the large crowd size, there will not be enough time to accommodate a book-signing.

As a special bonus, best-selling author and speaker Jill Conner Browne, “The Sweet Potato Queen,” will share an empowering message over lunch at 12 p.m. Tickets to the luncheon are $15 and may be purchased as an optional add-on item for “Bay Jubilee” ticket holders. There is no alcohol for sale or allowed in. No coolers, food or drinks from the outside are allowed.

Seminar and Fun Day Held for Families Affected by Williams Syndrome

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In August, 80 people from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida gathered at Christ Anglican Church in Mobile to learn from nationally recognized specialists in the area of Williams syndrome. Individuals with WS visited the Exploreum and Mardi Gras Museum.

Later, the WS models and their siblings modeled the latest fashions from Carousel Kids Consignment. Afterwards, families gathered at Cooper Riverside Park for a picnic catered

by Dreamland BBQ and to watch "Embraceable", a 50-min documentary highlighting the unique abilities of individuals with WS. Goodwill/Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast help to sponsor this special event.Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music. For more information, visit www.williamssyndrome.org or contact Searcy Kelly at skelly@williams-syndrome.org or 251-753-4133.

Immaculée’s Story of Faith, Hope and Forgiveness

Presented by The Sisters of Visitation Monastery, author and speaker Immaculée Ilibagiza will share her story of faith, hope, and forgiveness on October 15, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin St., Mobile. Immaculée's life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide when she and seven other women spent 91 days huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor's house.

She entered the bathroom a vibrant, 115-pound university student and emerged weighing just 65 pounds to find most of her family had been brutally murdered. She has written several books that are available at Visitation Monastery Gift Shop and will be available at her talk. It has been said that “Immaculée not only writes and speaks about unconditional love and forgiveness, but she radiates it wherever she goes.” Immaculée works hard to spread her message and to raise money for her Left to Tell Charitable Fund which directly benefits the children orphaned by the genocide. Tickets $40 general admission; $20 Students; $250 SPONSOR – Sponsors will receive two admission tickets to a private, preevent reception with Immaculée and two premium, reserved event tickets plus signed book. Purchase tickets at www. visitationmonasterymobile.org or at Visitation Monastery Gift Shop, 2300 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36607. (Check or Cash Only). For more info: Visitation Gift Shop (251) 471-4106, Deborah H. Farmer (251) 633-8840. http://www.visitationmonasterymobile.org/ Immaculee_000.htm.

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8Eighty Records Releases ‘Our God is Faithful’ Live Worship from the University of Mobile

8Eighty Records has released its first album, “Our God is Faithful: Live Worship from the University of Mobile.” The new worship project was recorded live at Ram Hall on the University of Mobile campus. It offers eight songs blending original material written by students and alumni, plus covers of popular worship songs. Video of the title song, “Our God is Faithful,” is at www.8EightyRecords.com. Downloads may be purchased for $10 through www.8EightyRecords. com and CDs may be ordered for $10 by calling 8Eighty Records at the University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts, 251.442.2553 or email 8eightyrecords@gmail.com. Songs will be available through iTunes on Sept. 17. The recording reflects “in every way an amazing night of worship by University of Mobile students singing to their Creator in an authentic expression of true worship. The energy in the room was incredible,” said Jeff Quimby, 8Eighty Records general manager and A&R manager.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for New Family Rooms Inside USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital

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Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile and the University of South Alabama Children's & Women's Hospital announce a new partnership that will expand Ronald McDonald House Charities' services to families with critically ill and injured children through the opening of two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms located inside the new hospital tower at USA Children's & Women's Hospital. Family Rooms will provide areas of peaceful respite within the hospital where families and caregivers can spend quiet time – engage in private conversations, reflection, or enjoy coffee and a snack while remaining merely steps away from their child’s bed.

The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are located on the third and fourth floors of the new hospital tower and are equipped with a kitchenette stocked with snacks and Coca-Cola products, La-Z-Boy furniture, a television, private restroom, shower, laundry facilities and internet connection. For additional information on Ronald McDonald Family Rooms or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, visit www.rmhcmobile.org or contact Amanda Spiegel at amanda@rmhcmobile.org or 251-694-6873.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Special Education Services Last month we spoke about Early Intervention (EI) services for children under three years old. What about children older than three?

This article will help to address the roadmap to evaluation and services available to help older children reach their maximum potential in school.

First, let’s define what Special Education (SPED) truly is and what place it has in our public school system. Special Education encompasses a wide range of services and programs at all levels of education for many different kinds of students. Many people associate the words “special education” with serious and significant physical, mental, and behavioral disability. Children who have these kinds of disabilities many times are involved with special education, but many other kids receive SPED who might not be typically associated with our preconceived ideas. Children who have significant hearing or vision problems, but are otherwise perfectly healthy receive SPED services. Children who are involved in advanced course work or gifted programs are included under the umbrella of SPED. Children who have very specific learning disabilities in a core subject, but otherwise excel in all other academic areas can be involved in SPED. So the definition of Special Education is fairly far reaching and no longer fits the paradigm of yesteryear.

In the case of the preschooler who has been involved with therapies through Early Intervention, at around two years old EI will begin

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

a transition process that is meant to streamline the child’s assimilation into the school system at three years old. Therapies or services the child needs in early years will be reassessed and offered in older years through the school they attend.

Sometimes a child may not present with certain classroom or medical needs until later in life. There is a well-established protocol to assess a child for specific conditions or needs in and out of the classroom. That protocol begins with a formal request by the parents in letterform to the school. By law, once the parent has given permission to evaluate, the initial assessment must take place within 60 days of a written request and eligibility for SPED must take place within 30 days of the assessment.

That evaluation of need is completed by the school. Furthermore, there are standards set forth by the State of Alabama that help evaluators determine the severity of need. Once the need(s) have been established, further evaluation with specific specialists can take place. For example, if it is determined that a child has a hearing and/or speech deficit, their level of need will be established by the school and referral made to a Speech and Language Pathologist. Those services are paid for by the school system. Many schools share specialists, and if a particular school cannot provide the needed secondary evaluation or service, that child has the option of moving to another school that has the ability to make the accommodation.

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The public school system is required to provide special education evaluations and services for all children, regardless of whether they are in public or private schools. If a child is enrolled in private school, they may still be able to receive services depending on the type. Otherwise they have the option of receiving those services by enrolling in public school.

Once a child has been determined eligible for a specific service or a modification in the way they are taught, an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is created for the child. The IEP is reviewed and agreed upon by all parties involved (including the parents and teacher). It essentially is the roadmap for how a child is to receive services during the day or what kind of accommodations need to be made by the teacher. Of note, eligibility remains active for three years, and an IEP is valid for one year. At the IEP’s expiration, a new IEP is written for the next school year. Parents are always an integral member of the IEP team.

I strongly encourage all parents who have concerns about their child’s academic health to be in close contact with their child’s teachers.

Speak to your doctor about your concerns and, ultimately, make that formal request for assessment of need through the school system.

Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005. Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (12) and Nathan (8). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.

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Autauga County Schools McGruff the Crime Dog Welcomes

Welcome to St. Dominic Catholic School

St. Dominic Catholic School faculty and staff began the school year with a welcome social. Here Mrs. Sally Teague, Counselor, (front) welcomes (l - r) Mrs. Melanie Fromdahl, middle school Literature/Language Arts and Ms. Megan Hartman, middle school Literature/ Language to the St. Dominic Catholic School community.

Students at McDavid-Jones

Our students were so excited when they arrived at school the first day to see “McGruff the Crime Dog” here welcoming them back to a new school year. We would like to thank the City of Mobile and McGruff for helping us to make this a special day for our students.

Pictured is Rylie Smith, a 4th grader in Ms. York’s class, and McGruff.

Back to School at Little Flower Catholic School

Little Flower Catholic School kicked off their back-to-school effort with a Meetand-Greet Night for parents and students.

Students had a chance to drop off their books and supplies, and teachers had a chance to visit with parents before the first day of school. The PTO provided a Spaghetti Dinner for all those in attendance.

Extra-curricular groups such as Chess Club, Scholars' Bowl, Scouts, and sports teams had informational tables set up to encourage student participation. Pictured welcoming students and parents at Little Flower's Meet-and-Greet were (L to R) Mr. John Scimeca, Miss Sara Hendrix, Mrs. Haley Rubey, and Mr. Andy Ryan. Mr. Scimeca and Mr. Ryan are affiliated with the Alliance for Catholic Education through the University of Notre Dame.

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Parents and Teachers Team Up for a Successful Year at Dauphin Island Elementary

Parents and teachers enjoyed getting to know one another at the August “Meet the Teacher” meetings at Dauphin Island Elementary School. Teachers were able to share their vision for the year, which included hard work with great rewards. Parents were able to provide input and express their support for the faculty and staff.

Pictured is fourth-grade teacher Susan Watt and several parents.

What a great way to begin the school year! Way to go, parents!

Way to go, Dauphin Island Elementary!

Faith Academy Drama Department Presents Audience-Participation Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Much Ado About Murder, by Pat Cook, will be held in the Faith Academy elementary gym on November 8th at 7 p.m., and Nov. 9th at 5 p.m. During intermission the audience can inspect the play’s scene of the crime and then question the suspects near the end of the play. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance, by calling 251-776-8047. The ticket price will include program, dinner, and production ticket.

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St. Paul’s Service Leadership Prepares for Tutoring at Prichard Preparatory

The Service Leadership class toured Prichard Preparatory School on Tuesday, September 3rd with teachers Mrs. Lerner and Mrs. Gregory.

On a weekly basis Brooke Benefiel, Lyla Brady, Virginia Cottrell, Taylor Graham, Katie Grant Harkness, Taylor Larsen, Hannah Rose Riggin, Mary Alden Wing, Taylor Bahos, Lee Bonner, Kellsey Daggett, Matthew D’Alonzo, Joseph Graham, Julia Logan, Olivia Scarcliff, Hyland Stockton, and Caroline Ward will be tutoring selected Prichard Prep students from PK-2nd grade in reading and math this year. Prichard Preparatory School faculty member Mrs. McBride did a PowerPoint presentation on tutoring for the Service Leadership class on Monday, September 9th to prepare them for working effectively with their tutees this year.

E. R. Dickson Safety Patrol on Duty

The 2013-14 E.R. Dickson Safety Patrol has been selected. These fifth grade students were selected for their leadership and for demonstrating good character daily. The Safety Patrol is sponsored by the AAA School Safety Patrol Program which instills students with a sense of responsibility, leadership and citizenship. The E.R. Dickson Safety Patrol is properly uniformed in their electric lime safety belts and trained to assist their classmates during morning take-in, afternoon dismissal and in the hallways. Pictured are: Top Row Left to Right: Mahdy Hamdan, Tristan Crowley, Jayshon Chandler, Ryan White, Edward Moffett, Kaleb Saucier, Demetrius Johnson, Sam Ingraham, Joshua Shaw; Bottom Row Left to Right: Ms. Mary White (Counselor/Sponsor), Emmaculate Mwangi, Thomecia Richardson, Mia Fusaiotti, Emani King, Eris Blankenhorn, Zoe Travis, Aisya Mooney, Sarah Sims, Hayden Emmertson; Missing: Indyia Mooney.

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Covenant Christian School Holds Summer Soccer Camp

Covenant Christian School held their first soccer camp this past summer. Coaches Brandon Richardson, Collin Armstrong and Zoe Mould were excited over a great turnout for the inaugural camp, and the kids enjoyed the week of learning the basics of the country's fastest growing sport.

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Phillips Preparatory School Lady Pirates Ready for Action!

The Phillips Preparatory School Lady Pirates attended a Volleyball Camp this summer. Pictured are: Front row (left to right): Kaitlynn Diaz, Leah Draine, JaKaylyn Carter, Mary Ashlynn Civitelli, and Alicia Bracken.

Back row (left to right): Chyna Kiel, Kenya McQuirter, Team Captain, Alana Foster, Coach Lee Waters, Team Captain, Allie Glover, Cecilia Woodford, and Mallory Odom.

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St. Paul’s Episcopal School Senior Attends Summer Academy in Spain and 2013 Alabama Governor’s School

St. Paul’s student, Rebecca Pober Citrin received a scholarship to attend La Academia de España for almost five weeks this summer. This academic program was held in The Residencia Universitària Josep Manyanet, a university residence in Barcelona, Spain, with five additional days in Madrid. Rebecca studied among an international faculty that included scholars and academics, as well as creative professionals, artists, photographers, and writers, from Barcelona and elsewhere. Together with program administrators, Rebecca and other students had a daily schedule that combined intellectual and curricular adventure, cultural enrichment, field trips, guest speakers, activities, and sports.

She was also one of 83 top students from 53 high schools in 29 counties around the state chosen to attend Alabama Governor’s School from June 15-28, 2013. Participants collectively had an average GPA of 4.15, top test scores, were ranked among the top 10 percent at their high schools, and were involved in student government, the arts and community service. Students from varied backgrounds interact with professors and professionals from many disciplines.

Rebecca also performed violin this past winter in Salzberg and Vienna, Austria, as well as Prague, Czech Republic, with the St. Paul's Episcopal School String Ensemble. Rebecca is a senior at St. Paul's, a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, President of the St. Paul's Government Club, a violinist with the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and St. Paul's String Ensemble, a two-time winner of the Bayfest Music Education Scholarship, is working on a documentary for her Girl Scout Gold Award, and appears in her sister Jacqueline Citrin's upcoming Go Bama music video. Rebecca is pictured at the Closing Ceremony on June 28, with George Keller, director of Alabama Governor’s School, and associate professor at Samford University where the two-week summer residential honors program is held.

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St. Dominic Catholic School opened the 2013 – 2014 school year on August 19. Students were excited to make new friends and enjoyed visiting with classmates. Chatting about their last year at St. Dominic Catholic School are 8th grade students Maggie Overstreet, Aubrey Wakefield, Caitlin Williams, Sadie Adams, Grace Reid, Natalie Grimes, Cecily Davis, Anna Boucher, Alecia Wells, Hartley Conner, Hannah Hoffman, and Danielle Noletto.

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Blended Learning at UMS-Wright

UMS-Wright Preparatory School has launched Haiku, a learning management system. This innovative approach to learning allows teachers to blend text, video and other online resources, as well as connect with others around the globe. Additionally, students are no longer receiving all of their lessons strictly within the classroom walls.

Rather, they are engaged in interactive learning and collaboration with teachers and peers in a blended learning setting. 9th and 11th Grade English teacher Tommy Walton is one of the many teachers using Haiku in their curriculum as shown here by 9th grade student John Lassiter.

Orientation Starts Faith Families on the “Right Foot”

Faith Academy held their annual orientation day on Monday, August 12. Each year, the orientation schedule is divided by grade level, and teachers share important information concerning everyday routines, expectations, and guidelines. This one hour session also allows time for parents to ask questions and to get to know their child’s teacher. This orientation day was no different with the halls filled with parents and students from grades K3-12th grade.

Members of SGA, cheerleaders, yearbook staff members, and Azalea Trail Mails were on hand all day to welcome back the Faith family and assist when needed.

St. Luke’s Football Players and Cheerleaders Assist with Morning Carpool

Every Friday, St. Luke's varsity football players and cheerleaders assist with morning carpool on the Early Childhood and Lower School Campus. It's a great way for the younger students to meet them and to get excited about that night's football game. Pictured are Varsity players Luke Phillips, Reave Shewmake, Matthew Holland, and Christian Kennedy Milligan along with fifth graders Bryant Lowe, Davis Ashcraft and Will Wallace.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Mary Catholic School Celebrates 200th Anniversary of Fort Mims

St. Mary Catholic School fourth graders deepened their knowledge of history during a recent field trip to Fort Mims.

The trip was especially important as the day marked the 200th anniversary of the Massacre at Fort Mims. Students interacted with re-enactors and heard great stories, experienced history using all five senses, and watched a reenactment of the massacre at the exact hour and day of the event! Pictured left to right are St. Mary Catholic School teachers and students: Mac Mayer, Mrs. Annette Grow, Mrs. Lindsey Brabner, Mrs. Leigh Ankersen, Mrs. Kristy Martin, re-enactor, Mrs. Lisa Mayer, Sam French; In the foreground: Jackson Patapenko, Mitchell Luckie; Sitting : Nate Miller.

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St. Pius Class Creates Cross

The students of St. Pius X 7M homeroom created a classroom cross symbolizing our Catholic classroom community. Each student designed a puzzle piece with symbols or words which described themselves, their family, and their interests. Those puzzle pieces were assembled by hard-working students to form a cross. This cross represents our classroom body, which is formed with the interests of each student, yet not complete without all pieces fully present. “For the body is not one member, but many” - 1 Corinthians 12:14

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'It's great to be home,' Murphy Senior Says as Students Return

As senior Obie Moultrie stepped onto Murphy High’s front lawn for the first day of school since a Christmas Day tornado struck the historic campus, a flood of memories came over him. “Even though we were only gone one semester it seems like longer,” Moultrie said. “Murphy is so special to us and now, it looks even better than it did when we left it.” “It’s pretty awesome,” he said as he headed off to homeroom. Murphy in Midtown Mobile reopened to its 2,100 students who spent last semester being bused across town to Clark-Shaw Magnet School in northwest Mobile. Schools Superintendent Martha Peek greeted students as they walked onto the campus. Three television stations were filming early morning live shots of the historic day. Over the last eight months, contractors worked long days to get Murphy in shape for the students’ much-anticipated return. They retiled all of the roofs with the signature Spanish tile that was blown all over the place during the tornado. They replaced windows, repaired the drainage system, cleaned the classrooms and hallways and re-landscaped the grounds. All of the sprawling campus is now inhabitable, with the exception of the auditorium, which has been gutted, the natatorium and the band room. “This campus is different from any other campus,” said Principal William Smith, noting the openness and historic Spanish architecture. Murphy was built in the 1920s and was for a long time Alabama’s largest high school. “I think this is going to be one of the best years we’ve ever had,” Smith said. “You can just feel the excitement.” At Clark-Saw, where the students had classes in a village of about 70 portables and shared a cafeteria, Murphy’s student learned to be focused and flexible, Smith said. “We also learned what a blessing it is to be at Murphy,” Smith said. In coming months, the Mobile County Public School System will begin major renovations at Murphy, with $15 million from the Alabama Legislature and another $10 million in local funds. The work will be done in phases as classrooms will move into portables. “I think the campus looks really good,” said junior Lillian Thomas. “I was happy this morning to come back and see my campus and my friends and everything.” Senior Bernard Crandle said he’s looking forward especially to having pep rallies during football season. “It’s great to be home,” he said.

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St. Ignatius Honors Sports Teams at Pancake Breakfast

St. Ignatius hosted a pancake breakfast after the CYO Mass on August 25. All the CYO sports teams were honored for the coming season.

The Men of St. Joseph hosted the pancake breakfast. Pictured left to right: Maggie Schuler, Camille Cox, Lucy LaCour and Julia White.

O'Rourke Students Get to See Themselves on Buses, Billboards

It’s not every day you get to see your picture in full color painted on the side of a school bus.

Or see yourself about 12 feet tall on a billboard on the side of the road. But that’s what a group of students at O’Rourke Elementary experienced, as images from a recent photo shoot at the school have been an essential component of the Mobile County Public Schools’ “It Starts With Us” campaign. School officials launched the “It Starts With Us” campaign on Aug. 6 to promote a positive image of the state’s largest school system and to encourage students, teachers, parents and the community to do whatever they can to support our schools. The school system has painted two of its old buses with a new logo and the slogan. One side of each of the buses features Superintendent Martha Peek with O’Rourke second-graders Campbell Wysong and LaTerrian Riley in a classroom. The other side has a teacher with fourth-grader Sydney Davis and fifth-grader Matthew Nguyen, who are working on laptops. “It’s so cool to have my face on the bus,” Campbell said.

“We saw it parked in front of Semmes (Middle), and my mom pulled over and we took pictures. “I smiled.” Peek and other school system officials and representatives of School Insites marketing firm brought one of the buses to O’Rourke in west Mobile Tuesday morning to show the children. “I’ve got to tweet this,” Peek said as she took a photo of the children standing in front of the bus. “You know what, I should have worn my same clothes, too, and I’ll make that my uniform,” she said, referring to the fact that the students were in their same red and navy uniforms. Peek said the children are beautiful and she is happy to be spotlighting them as part of the campaign. These two buses will be parked in spots throughout the county during the school year. Recently, one was in front of the Convention Center in downtown Mobile for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo. The school system has also printed banners to hang on 10 other reserve buses parked on property throughout the county in spots like Eichold-Mertz Elementary, Gilliard Elementary, Just 4 Developmental Laboratory, Theodore High and Barton Academy. It’s a cost-effective way of advertising that has gotten plenty of notice. “Everyone kept sending my parents emails saying they saw me on a bus,” Sydney said. Lamar Advertising has donated 10 billboards throughout the county. One features a pigtailed Christina Nguyen, a third-grader at O’Rourke. Her chin is resting on her hands, and her elbows are propped up on an open library book. “When I was in first grade, I wanted to be a cheerleader,” Christina said, “but now, I want to be a model.” Christina’s image was also the cover of a special section in the Aug. 18 issue of the Press-Register. The section, entitled “It Starts With Us,” included several other photos taken at the school, including one of her brother, Matthew, whom she likes to tease. “Some people asked me how I got in the newspaper, and how I’m famous now,” Matthew said. “I told them I just had my picture taken.” First-grader Jemarcus Riley is featured on another billboard looking up to recent Baker High graduate Harold James. His mother reportedly was very excited to see Jemarcus on a billboard. She pulled over and took a picture and has thanked the school system for spotlighting her son. “I was laughing when I saw the billboard,” Jemarcus said, “because I like it.”

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AutaugaHome Countyto Schools SVS Officially Becomes Local Wildlife Habitat

It’s official! St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School was recently certified by the National Wildlife Federation as an Official Wildlife Habitat! SVS has a long-standing history of concern for its ‘carbon footprint’. Not only has this tiny school maintained one of the most comprehensive and aggressive recycling programs, the faculty and students at St. Vincent have worked diligently for years developing all of the necessary components to be a certified Wildlife Habitat enabling the school to provide a quality habitat for many wildlife species on its campus. Middle school students on the SVS Student Council won several grants from Keep Mobile Beautiful that provided them the funds needed to build flower beds around the school building that contain plants that attract caterpillars, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

The seventh grade under the tutelage of science teacher, Mrs. Ginny Zalopany, constructed bluebird houses and put them on the pecan trees this past spring. Within weeks, the houses were occupied (mostly bluebirds, but a few wrens) and quickly were homes to many new baby birds. They also purchased bird baths that provide water and cooling off spots that are hung in the trees. The sweeping 20 acre campus also provides homes and cover for squirrels and more local wildlife.

The Knights of Columbus donated and installed on Mattie’s Barn a bat house for nursing young bats. The fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Sharon Brown, and her students have lovingly cultivated and tended the butterfly garden for years to be sure that the caterpillars (specifically: Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries, and Swallowtails) have plenty to eat and it is an exciting annual school-wide event when the butterflies emerge! Through the efforts of many at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, the school provides the necessary requirements – food, water, cover, and places for wildlife to raise their young – for a variety of creatures. A National Wildlife Federation plaque, naming St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, is now proudly displayed at the school as a testament to the school’s commitment to the environment and the hard work by many.

Children and Adults

We Host Birthday Parties Field Trips & Group Outings

$10.00 plus tax

Children 2 and under - FREE Special Rates & Times for Parties, Field Trips & Church Groups Cash & Check Only Fridays 5:00pm - 8:00pm Saturdays 11:00am - 9:00pm Sundays 12:00pm - 5:00pm All other times by appointment only

Sept 28th - Nov 3rd

NEW

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Bazooka Ball

8 Acre Corn Maze,

Camp Fires and 2 Different Mazes

Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Pig Races, Corn Cannons, Cow Train, Hop-a-long Rodeo, and More!

Trick or Treat in the Maze

Saturday, Oct 26th - 1-4pm

Wear your costume!

For more information, visit our website magnoliacornmaze.com or call 251-605-7216 15275 County Rd 49 - Summerdale, AL

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Lighthouse Baptist Academy Has Record Enrollment

Lighthouse Baptist Academy officially kicked off its 2013-2014 school year with its 1st-12th grade Parent/Teacher Fellowship meeting on Monday, August 12. With over 230 students enrolled, Lighthouse has the largest student body in the history of the school. Many of these students are brand new students to LBA, and many of their parents came out to see the school and meet the teachers and staff.

Covenant Recognizes Exceptional Athletes at Sports Banquet

Covenant held their annual sports banquet this past May for the 2012-2013 season. Male Athlete of the Year was Collin Armstrong. Female Athlete of the Year was Jolena Farrish. Pictured from left to right are: Dreanna Freeland, recipient of the "Sparkplug Award" in soccer, Coach Richardson, Megan Riordan, recipient of the "MVP Award" in soccer, and Katie Carnes, recipient of the "Leadership Award" in basketball.

UMS-Wright to Hold Admissions Open House

UMS-Wright will hold an admissions open house on Sunday, November 3, from 1-3 PM. We will have campus tours and lower school curriculum presentations at 1 and 2 PM. Attendees should meet at the columns. For more information, please contact Anne Stabler at 251.470.9044 or astabler@ums-wright.org.

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Autauga County Schools Principal Diane Allgood Welcomes New Year

Dauphin Island Elementary School is uniquely located on the beautiful sand dunes of Dauphin Island. It is host to almost one hundred area students and an incredibly dedicated staff. From the first day of school to the last, Principal Diane Allgood can be seen at the door of the “little red schoolhouse” greeting parents, students, and staff. The Principal’s presence is comforting and reassuring and sets the morning routine in motion.

Principal Allgood expressed, “It is a pleasure to work with the students, parents, and community of Dauphin Island. It starts with us!” With Principal Diane Allgood at the helm, the best is yet to come!

St. Mary Catholic School Leadership Social Kicks Off School Year

St. Mary held its annual Leadership Social for the staff and leadership of St. Mary Catholic Church and School at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Bennett Hooks. This event serves to introduce the members of the church and school leadership councils and boards to the staff as well as with each other. The event was held on September 5 and included fantastic food and fellowship, serving as a great kick-off for the school year. Pictured left to right are faculty members, Ellen Marston and Kathryn Beagle; the generous social host couple, Beth and Bennett Hooks; and volunteers, Thomas and Catherine Arensberg.

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Phillips Preparatory School Cheerleaders Win Superior Ribbons at Camp

The 2013-14 Phillips Preparatory School Cheerleaders attended camp this summer and won all superior ribbons. During the camp four of the 8th grade cheerleaders were chosen as camp all-stars; Kyla Brown, Madison Plattenburg, Carmen Tate and Annaka Brewer.

Standing Back Row: Left to Right Annaka Brewer, Samari Lett, Shantavia Morris, Carment Tate, Kiana Davis, Gracie Cook.

Middle Row: Left to Right, Captains Kyla Brown and Madison Plattenburg, Julianna Tillman, Olivia Firth, Jenna Powe, Madison Gibson; Front Row: Left to Right Isabel Smith, Abby Church, Caroline Smith, Aleah Wilson.

St. Mary Catholic School Kindergartners Learn the Ropes

St. Mary Catholic School kindergartners are off to a great start for the new school year. Jumping from preschool to kindergarten is a big step. New uniforms, chasing down the gingerbread man revealing the many classrooms to visit, and rules to learn are a lot to take in, but this year’s class was ready for the challenge. Looking on are a few of the newest faces in kindergarten practicing music in the school lobby: Conner Seibt, Mary Evelyn Bodin, Abigail Leary, and Connor Ollis. Looking on in the background is St. Mary Catholic School Principal and grandmother of Connor Ollis, Mrs. Debbie Ollis.

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McDavid-Jones Holds Open House

McDavid-Jones Elementary held their Open House on August 26th. We are so excited to start another school year. We hope this will be the best year ever. Pictured are Carie Miles, Jessi Chance, Val Shirah, First Grade Teacher, J.W. Martin, and Cooper Naugle.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Announces Six National Merit Semi-Finalists for the Class of 2014

Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 59th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Six St. Paul’s seniors were among the list of scholars – the most at one school in Mobile County – Abigail Lindsay Blankenship, Holly Nicole Friedlander, Alexandra Louise Goodwin, Katherine Baylor Jeffries, Jessica Renee Knezha and Danielle Celeste Graves Williamson. These academically talented high school seniors will continue in the competition for more than 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $35 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 440 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. Steps in the 2013 Competition: About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists.

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Autauga County Schools

McT is Back in Black!

The tradition continues as students from McGill-Toolen hosts their first pep rally of the year. In preparation for the season opener against UMS-Wright, the #3 ranked Yellow Jacket football team was cheered on at the Back in Black Pep Rally. Underclassmen dressed in orange and, as a rite of passage, all the seniors were dressed in black. Here, The yellow jackets went on to kick off the season with a win, final score 49 to 35.

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St. Dominic Catholic School Inducts NJHS Officers

St. Dominic Catholic School recently inducted officers for the National Junior Honor Society. These officers have met the five established criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. Chosen by their fellow members to serve in positions of leadership these students indicated their willingness to carry out the principles of the National Junior Honor Society. Leading the St. Dominic Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society are (l – r) Prayer Leader – Natalie Grimes, Secretary – Alicia Wells, Vice – President – Lindsey Oberkirch, President – Aubrey Wakefield and Parliamentarian – Rachel Partridge.

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UMS-Wright Lower School Students Explore Robotics

Bulldog Bytes is an exciting addition to the after school opportunities in the Lower School at UMS-Wright. This program features classes that promote development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Currently, students are enrolled in Amazing Machines, which is a fun introduction to robotics for the elementary age child.

Students are building and programing LEGO models featuring working motors and sensors. This first class is a huge success!

Students may enroll at a basic instructional level and progress to an independent advanced level. The next session begins in mid-October. Students Ellie Moore, Ty Haffner and Edward Ladd are pictured here as they work on their creations.

First Grade at St. Pius Mrs. Jordan's St. Pius X first grade are busy working on reading project.

Bright Beginnings Offers Multi-Sensory Education

Makenzie Hall is working on her science project at Bright Beginnings School. She has been learning about landforms and feels that class projects are more fun than worksheets.

Bright Beginnings is a new school for 1st – 3rd grade, specializing in multi-sensory education.

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Autauga County Schools

Little Flower Catholic School Holds Tea for Grandparents

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Little Flower Catholic School PTO hosted the first annual Grandparent Tea, complete with china cups and floral decorations.

Over eighty grandparents came to share Mass followed by the tea party. Little Flower students participated by welcoming and serving the guests. It was a joyous occasion!

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Corpus Christi Catholic School 8th Graders Serve the Community

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All 8th graders at Corpus Christi Catholic School are members of the service club, The Disciples of St. Michael. This club was established in August of 2012 to honor the memory of our former student, Andre Michael Colletti. Just as Andre was a light in the lives of all those who knew him, The Disciples of St. Michael will work to help those in our school, parish and world communities. This year’s leaders for the service club are (pictures L to R): William Walker, Nick Smith, Courtney Calci and Abby Allen.

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Blount Students Assist with Physicals through HCAP Program

Blount high school senior Kristopher McKinney has no problem seeing himself as a future pediatrician. That’s because he has plenty of practice and hands-on experience in the school’s Signature Academy program, the Health Care Access Pathway (HCAP).

The health care academy teaches real-life practices during school while giving students hands-on experience. One recent day, McKinney and his classmates measured other students’ height, weight and blood pressure for their required athletic physicals.

Experiences such as this, according to Dr. Daniel Howard Spriggs, who administered the physicals, provides a distinct advantage.

“They are well prepared and know most of the basic functions for a physical,” Spriggs said. “Practical applications are what they are working on.”

It’s all part of the Mobile County Public School System’s effort to establish Signature Academies in all 12 of its high schools.

Besides health care at Blount, B.C. Rain now has aviation and aerospace; Citronelle has manufacturing, industry and technology; and Mary G. Montgomery has teaching and learning. Five additional schools will open Signature Academies in 2014.

McKinney said he appreciates the benefits of the Signature Academy, which has partnered with the Stars and Stripes program of the University of South Alabama “I’ve learned a lot of various medical practices that I feel will really benefit me in a future career,” he said. The students have also shadowed different professionals in a variety of medical practices.

“I have enjoyed the exposure to pharmacies and different procedures like witnessing an open heart surgery,” McKinney added. “This experience gave me the passion and drive to be the person I am today and a better person in the future.”

According to nurse and instructor Michelle Spriggs, the program is designed to give teach real-life skills to students who are interested in a health career. “Hopefully they will go into physical therapy, nursing, or pharmacy,” she said. And they do. Blount High School alumni often return to talk to current students and serve as a true model of what can happen if they stay in the program.

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St. Ignatius Celebrates Birthday of Mary, Mother of Jesus

St. Ignatius students had a birthday party for Mary, the mother of Jesus, September 6. Her birthday is actually celebrated September 8, but St. Ignatius never misses an opportunity to celebrate. After Mass, the entire student body had cake and released balloons in her honor.

Pictured left to right: Savannah Cochran, Amelia Revels, Gabby Marston, Madalyn O’Sullivan and Laura Burch.

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Autauga County Schools Project SEARCH Prepares Disabled Students for Employment

Infirmary Health is excited to announce its participation in Project SEARCH. Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, a research environment that fosters visionary thinking and innovation. It all began in 1996, when Erin Riehle was Director of Cincinnati Children's Emergency Department. Erin felt that, because the hospital served individuals with developmental disabilities, it made sense that they should commit to hiring people in this group. She wondered if it would be possible to train people with developmental disabilities to fill some of the high-turnover, entry level positions in her department, which involved complex and systematic tasks such as stocking supply cabinets. As a starting point, Erin presented her ideas to Susie Rutkowski, then the special education director at Great Oaks Career Campuses.

Erin and Susie formed a partnership that was instantaneous, and together they launched Project SEARCH. Since its inception, Project SEARCH has grown from a single program site at Cincinnati Children's to over 200 sites across the United States and Canada, England, Scotland, and Australia.

Project SEARCH's primary objective is to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities. The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a unique, business-led, one-year, school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace.

Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and relevant job-skills training through strategically designed internships.

The goal for each student participant is competitive employment. The program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help youth with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life. The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching, and continuous feedback from teachers, job coaches, and employers. As a result, at the completion of the training program, students with significant intellectual disabilities are employed in nontraditional, complex and rewarding jobs. The presence of a Project SEARCH High School Transition Program can bring about long-term changes in business culture that have far-reaching positive effects on attitudes about hiring people with disabilities and the range of jobs in which they can be successful. For more information on eligibility, training and curriculum, Carole Statter, 251- 591.6180. Pictured are attendees at the parent/student orientation held at Thomas Hospital on August 8th.

Semmes Students Raise Money for Fellow Student’s Family

Semmes Middle School Faculty, Staff and Students donated more than $2,500 for the Loustalot family during their “Jeans day for Skye” promotion. Skye Loustalot, a 7th grader at Semmes Middle School was diagnosed in June with Osteosarcoma bone cancer. It was so wonderful to watch a group of young people donate so generously for one of their own. The family truly appreciates the support for Skye and asks for continued prayers for Skye. You can visit her facebook page at God, Faith, Hope. Skye’s war with Cancer.

It's PINK Day at St. Luke’s

By now, it's no secret to St. Luke's students that new Headmaster Mike Notaro wears pink EVERY Wednesday.

To show their support of Mr. Notaro all of the K4 students and teachers wore pink to school on Wednesday, August 28th to surprise him!

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Lighthouse Baptist Academy Varsity Volleyball Team Begins Championship Defense

The Lighthouse Baptist Academy Varsity Girls Volleyball team began the 2013 season in defense of its third straight Gulf Coast Christian Conference and Tournament Championship.

With 4 starters returning, including GCCC Tournament MVP June Bowman, the Ambassadors look to continue their dominance on the court.

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Chip In for Autism Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Woody’s Song School

The Third Annual Chip In For Autism Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, October 12th at the Azalea City Golf Course, with tee off at 1:00 PM. The tournament supports Woody’s Song School for kids on the autism spectrum, a program of The Learning Tree.

Woody’s Song School opened three years ago in response to the need for more effective educational opportunities for these children.

The children are provided a unique educational program that focuses on increasing skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognition, while decreasing behaviors that interfere with learning.

There were nine children in the school when it opened. The school’s enrollment is now at 22 students, with a waiting list.

Registration begins at 11:30 AM, with a shotgun start at 1:00 PM. Lunch will be sponsored by the Hungry Owl restaurant. Individual golfers may register for $50 per person. Sponsorships are available.

For more information, contact Cindy Fulford, 251.656.0070, cfulford@voase.org or Teresa Atkins, 251.331.2633, tatkins@learning-tree.org.

Encouraging, Embracing, and Enhancing Greatness in Mind, Body, and Spirit

Open House Sunday, November 3, 2013 1:00-3:00 p.m.

For reservations and more information contact Admissions 251-470-9044 or astabler@ums-wright.org

UMS-Wright

PREPARATORY SCHOOL UMS-Wright.org | 479-6551 UMS-Wright does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed or national origin.

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Autauga County Schools

McT Art Students Create Portraits for Orphans in Ghana

Art students at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School participated in the Memory Project, a nationwide initiative in which art students create original portraits for children around the world who have been orphaned, neglected, or disadvantaged this summer. Given that children in such situations often have few personal keepsakes, the purpose of the portraits is to provide them with a special memory of their youth, to honor their heritage and identity, and to help them build a positive self-image. Our students participated as part of the Art Club under the direction of moderator and Art Teacher, Miss Harlan Toole.

Students received photos of children who are waiting for portraits, and then worked in their art classroom to create the portraits. Once finished, the Memory Project delivered the portraits to the children. In total, the students will made portraits for 13 children in Ghana .

Renowned Scientist Visits Corpus Christi Catholic School

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Corpus Christi Catholic School had the honor of hosting renowned scientist Dr. Fred Herrero, who came to CCS to speak with students in 5th through 8th grades about Auroras. Dr. Herrero is currently a Senior Research Scientist with Space Systems Research Corporation of Alexandria, VA and is working on several projects at the Naval Research Laboratory and one with NASA. Prior to his position with SSRC, he spent 31 years at NASA Goddard, Greenbelt, MD. He earned a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Florida, and a B.S. from Spring Hill College. Dr. Herrero is the author of more than 70 publications, holds 2 US patents and 5 pending. Pictured is Dr. Herrero with CCS’s junior high science teacher, Ms. Cheryl Reese.

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McT SWEEP!

The mighty yellow jackets stung the competition at the Foley Invitational Cross Country Meet, winning every division!

Congrats to all our runners! Ebie Douglas lead the varsity girls followed by Annah Robinson, Julia McDermott, Anna Fouty, Gabby Guard alabene scoring for MCT. David Williams lead the Varsity boys followed by Grainger Rathle, JP Dalton, Dante Piccini & Andrew Dunne. Arianna Gaurdalabene & Luke Nicholas won JV. Fia Rose & John Paul Williams won the Middle school Division.

Character Counts at Dauphin Island Elementary School

The Dauphin Island Elementary dolphins are swimming upstream this year. While students are excelling in reading, writing, and arithmetic, they are also learning the importance of good character. Each month fifth-grade students are chosen to assist Principal Diane Allgood in the implementation of the school-wide character initiative. This team of students can be heard each day during morning announcements encouraging classmates to be on the best behavior by offering practical ways to be respectful, responsible, and resourceful. They also provide character leadership on campus and a model of good behavior for younger students. The September Character Counts Leadership Team was Kyler Curtis, Gracie Maples, Ahslin Lott, John Gibbs, and seated is Jake Miller. Thank you, students!

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

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St. Pius X Students Enjoy Class Outside

St. Pius X Pastor, Fr. Savoie meets with 8th grade students in the school's new outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom was constructed as a result of the Eagle Scout project headed up by St. Pius X alumni Andrew Harrison. The classroom is located on the southern end of the school's east campus.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Senior Participates in the University of Alabama Early College Program

Jonathan Landry, a senior at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, has been selected to serve as a 2013-2014 UA Early College ambassador. Landry joins students across the United States who are earning college credit online at The University of Alabama while still remaining in high school. Students can earn up to a full year of college credit through this program. “UA Early College is designed to accommodate high school students’ busy schedules. Our online classes are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week, so students have the flexibility to study and complete college work ahead of deadlines,” said Dr. Cheree Causey, director of UA Early College. “Students from Alabama to Ohio, California to Vermont, are part of a global classroom, participating together in discussions, chat and group projects.” In its fourth year, UA Early College has over 1,000 students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA in their University of Alabama courses. UA Early College students choose when they take courses – every term, during the summer, or in selected terms as their high school schedule allows. A number of students participated in the UA Early College Summer Residential Experience this year, living on campus, making new friends, and earning six credit hours. Early College credits transfer broadly to most colleges and universities across the nation. Students who complete 17+ UA Early College credit hours with a 2.5+ grade point average are eligible for admission to The University of Alabama without submitting an ACT score and receive priority assignment for housing. UA Early College students also benefit from a partial tuition scholarship that reduces the cost of tuition. “This is an excellent program for motivated high school students who are prepared to take college-level courses,” Causey said. “Peer coaches and other support networks are in place to help the student transition to college-level study.

We accept students throughout the year – spring, summer and fall.” To enroll in UA Early College, students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and a transcript sent by a counselor, principal or home school agent. Landry is the only UA Early College ambassador from St. Paul’s. As a UA Early College Ambassador, Jonathan will be free to utilize as many recruiting opportunities as he would like.

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What’s Trending at St. Paul’s Episcopal School...

Educating the whole student through our top-notch academic curriculum, world-class fine arts programs, state-wide recognized athletic endeavors and a spiritually based focus that gives our students a jump start to rise above the rest.

Come see what sets us apart at our LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE for prospective parents.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 | 6 p.m. | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall

For questions about the event please contact Julie Taylor in our Admissions office at 251-461-2129 or jtaylorstpaulsmobile.net www.stpaulsmobile.net | @StPaulsMobile | #GoSaints St. Paul’s admits academically qualified applicants of any race, creed or national origin.

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County Schools Archbishop VisitsAutauga St. Pius X School

Archbishop Rodi visited St. Pius X School to celebrate Mass and tour the classrooms. He is pictured here in Mrs. Patty Garner's first grade explaining a lesson to the students.

Book Drop at St. Dominic Catholic School

Each year St. Dominic Catholic School students are given the opportunity to visit campus prior to the first day of school. During their visit they find out who their teacher and classmates are for the upcoming year and have the chance to bring books and supplies. Mrs. Martha Hill (left) had the pleasure of teaching Ashley Laurence (middle) and now has the opportunity to teach her son, Dreyeton Cunningham.

St. Ignatius Kindergartners Treated to Popsicles on the Playground

The St. Ignatius PTO hosted popsicles on the playground for the incoming Kindergarten class before Move-in Day. All the new Kindergarten students had an opportunity to meet and play before they moved into their new classrooms. Pictured left to right: Bryce Ward, Barrett Porter, Brady Shirah and Drew Kercher.

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St. Mary Catholic School Presents Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament

St. Mary Catholic School will host the 6th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday October 27 at Spring Hill College Golf Course. This year's steering committee includes Desi Tobias, Celie Tobias, John Thompson, and Dina Blankenship.

The volunteer crew is provided by the St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus Council 13163 and members of the Thompson family. The entry fee will be $100 per golfer and includes lunch, beverages, prizes, and a gift. Registration begins at 11 AM with a shotgun start at noon.

Hole sponsorships are offered at $100 each and corporate sponsors are welcome! All Proceeds benefit St. Mary Catholic School. For more information, to register, or to become a sponsor, contact Desi Tobias at (251) 432-5001 or desi@ tobiascomer.com or call the parish development office at 432-8678, ext. 3.

Dauphin Island Students Give a Big Thumbs Up

When Dauphin Island Elementary School students returned from the Labor Day Holiday they discovered a gift from County Commissioner Jerry Carl: a new blacktop for the basketball court. Students in Ms. Anita Dunnam’s second grade class are pictured giving a “thumbs up” to DJ’s Asphalt and Clayton Brown Contractors who provided the installation. The crew worked all day in what seemed like the hottest day of the year to install the new blacktop for the students. “We are happy to be able to do this for the children. It is a pleasure,” Mr. Brown expressed. Principal Allgood wishes to thank Commissioner Jerry Carl and everyone involved. What a great day for Dauphin Island students!

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Tuesday Open Jump 4:30 pm - 6:00pm • $8 per child

What a fun Weekday reward! Come in for jumping, climbing, sliding & a light snack in our party room.

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Pump It Up of Mobile • 251.342.3940 741A Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695

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Autauga County Schools UMS-Wright Seniors Meet their Kindergarten Buddies

UMS-Wright Seniors had the pleasure of meeting their Kindergarten buddies for the first time on September 3! It was an exciting day as they “interviewed” each other during a classroom activity and then enjoyed free play on the playground. They will meet once a month throughout the school year and celebrate the end of the year together at the Senior/K5 Field Day. This long-standing tradition is such a treat for both groups! Pictured are: Samantha Kraver and Mary Christopher Dodd; and Will Seifert and Sam Grady.

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy Students Raise Money for USA Mitchell Cancer Institute

Recently a group of Cottage Hill Christian Academy students had the privilege of visiting the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and presenting a check to the MCI for the funds raised during the spring Warrior Challenge. The event, hosted by the Warrior Club, raised $800 for the MCI. The students were also given a tour through the research portion of the facility. Pictured: Brady Short, Carleigh Parks, Gene Hicks, Ainsley Northcutt, Matthew Landry, Kelly McCarron of the MCI, Linda Parrott, Mason Graves, Evan Bedwell, and Elaine Russ. These students were a combination of the top fundraisers and volunteers for the event.

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Faith Academy’s SGA River Retreat

The sunny weekend of August 2 and 3, the Faith Academy Student Government Association gathered for a weekend of both business and recreation at Camp Polly Wiggle on the Chickasawhay River in Greene County, MS. Molly Ward, junior member, said, “We really learned about ourselves and the other members through fun games and journaling about our experiences. It was a really great time to get the vision for the SGA year.” Not only were there bonding and games but also hanging out at the river and eating enormous amounts of marshmallows. The SGA advisor, Mrs. Howard commented on the overall experience, “We had several grade levels represented and it was a wonderful opportunity for our younger members to bond with the older ones.

We were able to see leadership and visionary skills come to light as we discussed the many events we have planned for the year. We have an amazing SGA and they are ready to lead our student body into a wonderful school year.” With vision cast and new friendships formed, the SGA left the camp with a great amount of excitement for the new school year. Pictured, SGA members at Camp Polly Wiggle – (kneeling) Jacob Mitchell, Tony Naman, Blake Schmidt, Greg Naman, and Clark Presley; (standing) Madi Franklin, Mady Braswell, Madee Thompson, Carson Tillman, Sarah Barnes, Mrs. Shelley Mitchell, Mrs. Kristin Howard, Allyssa Litton, Molly Ward, and Kathleen VanBeber.

St. Luke’s Students Focus on Honor

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St. Luke's students recently held nominations for the school's Honor Council. Students in grades 9-12 were anonymously nominated by their peers and then selected by a faculty committee. Honor Code Pledge Assemblies were held on each campus and students in grades K5-12 heard from their peers, their teachers and others, what HONOR is and why the St. Luke's Honor Code is important.

Fifth graders, the oldest students on the Early Childhood and Lower School Campus, and Seniors, the oldest students on the Middle and Upper School Campus, demonstrated their leadership and commitment very publicly during the assemblies by signing their name to the Honor Code Pledge Roll in front of all the other students. All students and teachers in the other grades pledged once they returned to their classrooms. These class pledges, signed by the students, will be displayed in each classroom during the year. Pictured are the members of the St. Luke's Honor Council: Front Row Ella Johnson, Ellie Pierce, Ashlynn Murphy and President Thomas Stubblefield; Second Row: Reave Shewmake, Mary Enger, Mary Page Martin, and Sara Taylor; Back Row: Austin Davis, Matthew Holland and Arnold Spencer.

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McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Celebrates First Mass of the School Year Fr. Shields, Fr. Dan Good and Fr. Steve Williams celebrated Mass of the Holy Spirit, our first school Mass. Beth Haley directed our Faculty Choir with special guest Tjaden O'Dowd Cox, Class of 2006 as Cantor.

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Corpus Christi Catholic School Student Leaders

Each year the students at Corpus Christi Catholic School elect members of the Student Leadership Committee (SLC). The members of SLC work with the principal and teachers to ensure that the concerns of the student body are addressed.

The members of the SLC have the opportunity to begin learning principles of leadership, to exercise or experience self- government, and to participate in service projects. This year’s members are (pictured L to R), front row: Mandy Menton (6th grade), Sarah Gelineau (8th grade), Vivian Lee (8th grade), Jonathon Slaby (5th grade) and Jack Heller (5th grade); back row: Matthew Taylor (7th grade), Ellie Holt (7th grade), Brant Lacoste (8th grade), Andrew Wenthworth (8th grade) and Luke Vailes (6th grade).

Join the St. Jude Give thankS. Walk.™

Walk.

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RegisteR | FoRm YouR team | FundRaise | Walk Eastern Shore Centre Spanish Fort, AL Registration: 7:00 a.m.

Walk Start: 8:00 a.m.

Sign up today at givethankswalk.org.

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Thanks and Giving

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Schools Faith Alumni Come HomeAutauga For theCounty Love of the Game

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Thursday, August 15, our young varsity volleyball players challenged our alumni volleyball players to the annual alumni game. The match took place in the high school gym. The game gave our alumni the opportunity to come back and play on the court that is home to many of their unforgettable high school memories, while also giving our varsity team practice for their exciting, upcoming season.

Three games were played, two of which were won by our varsity Lady Rams. This was a perfect example of how the love of a game can bring people of all ages together.

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St. Ignatius to Hold Annual Impala Gala

October 10 will be the 11th Annual Impala Gala. But before St. Ignatius had Impala Gala, it began 30 years ago as a memorial fundraiser for Pat Sullivan, a student of St. Ignatius. That evolved into the Children’s Memorial Fund which 11 years ago became Impala Gala. For the 10th Anniversary for Impala Gala, St. Ignatius added the Impala Gallop, a certified 2-mile fun run in Spring Hill. Each October, the parents of St. Ignatius put on the Gala, a silent auction that last year raised $95,000 for above-budget items for the school. Such items that have been purchased have been Smart/Promethium Boards for the classrooms, each classroom has a board. Impala Gala has also purchased a new sound system for the gym and cafeteria, built a state-of-the-art Science Lab, an art lab, tablets for the classrooms, and Sound Fields. Sound Fields were added last year for K-2nd grade. They are auditory systems for the classrooms that amplify only the teacher’s voice and alleviates ambient sound. They are extremely useful for managing behavior, ADHD and auditory processing disorders. St. Ignatius is the only private school in Mobile that has systems like this in use in the classroom. Impala Gala is hoping to add additional systems in the coming year. Tickets for the Impala Gallop, October 5, are $15 for adults, $10 for children or $50 for a family. Tickets can be purchased prior to the race at 5:45 in the church parking lot. Tickets for the Gala, October 10, are $35 each. For more information about tickets, events, donating items and times, please go to impalagala.org or contact Lindsay Hutchisson at hutchissonl@stignatius.org.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

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Mobile County Students Receive $68 Million Worth of College Scholarships

The Mobile County Public School System's Class of 2013 received $68 million in college scholarships. That’s an increase from $65 million awarded to the Class of 2012, even as the school system has one fewer high school. A total of 983 students received monetary awards for college, representing 28 percent of the graduating class. “All those dollars translate into a lot of hard work of our students, counselors and other staff members who encouraged them and helped them write their essays and fill out the applications,” said Rebecca Elmore, supervisor of guidance services and student records for the Mobile County Public School System. At Bryant High School in Bayou La Batre, a remarkable 49 percent of students received at least one scholarship offer. The 183 scholarship recipients there earned $10.1 million worth of offers. Baker High in west Mobile had the highest total scholarships, with 191 graduates earning $14.6 million. That was 37 percent of the graduates. Rounding out the top scholarship totals are: • Davidson High, where 95 students (30 percent of the graduates) received $11.6 million.

• Montgomery High, where 119 (29 percent) received $7.4 million. • Vigor High, where 57 students (29 percent) received $3.6 million. • LeFlore High, where 52 students (24 percent) received $3.8 million. • Murphy High, where 110 students (23 percent) received $7 million. Baker High’s valedictorian, Austin Saunders, who wants to be an engineer, is heading off to the Colorado School of Mines with a hefty scholarship. He received offers totaling $207,000. “I love math and science and I know I want to be some kind of engineer,” said Austin, whose school of choice outside Denver focuses on energy and environmental engineering. Baker classmate Meghan Sergeant received $410,000 worth of scholarships. She has turned down offers at American University in Washington, D.C., as well as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Troy University, Spring Hill College and Loyola. Meghan plans to enroll in the University of South Alabama, where she has a “full ride” with Presidential and Alumni scholarships. Hoping to become a diplomat, she will major in international studies. At Baker, Meghan took 8 Advanced Placement classes. “Baker provided a really good academic atmosphere and with AP and my honors classes, I feel I am prepared for college,” Meghan said. Countywide, $54 million of the total scholarships were academic. The second highest category was military scholarships, which totaled $4.4 million. Students received $3.4 million worth of athletic scholarships, with students at Baker, Blount, Vigor and Davidson earning at least $600,000 worth of athletic scholarships apiece. Scholarships were also awarded in the arts, for leadership and in other categories. This comes as the Mobile County Public School System is making other gains in high school. The four-year graduation rate is up to 70 percent with our goal being to increase it to 80 percent by 2020. The school system has increased its number of Advanced Placement courses that allow students to earn college credit. This year, 2,191 students took 3,118 exams, a 30 percent leap over 2012. And more students than ever before are earning career credentials. This year, 1,400 students graduated from high school with some type of certification, ranging from workforce readiness to OSHA 10-hour safety cards to being Certified Nursing Assistants.

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Fright Night

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by Malia Jacobson Bad news for parents of school-age kids: the early school years are a prime time for nightmares. For many children, nightmares peak between ages 5 and 8, thanks to an increasingly active imagination, fantasy play, and newly acquired social awareness.

Nightmares are a near-universal childhood experience, and up to half of young children experience recurring nightmares at some point. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; according to clinical psychologist Matt Woolley, Ph.D., of the University of Utah Department of Psychiatry, nightmares may serve a developmental role. “Parents want to rid their child of nightmares entirely,” he says. “But that’s not necessarily possible or desirable. Occasional nightmares are a normal experience.”

While nightmares are normal, some children seem to get more than their share, and their sleep can suffer as a result. Kids who experience excessive Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

nightmares (more than two per week) can become sleep-avoidant, sullen, irritable, and show signs of depression.

Thankfully, experts say that some nightmares can be prevented or minimized. Parents can pave the way for sweeter dreams by learning about the top “nightmare triggers:” events or situations likely to bring on bad dreams.

Nightmare triggers run the gamut from social (adjusting to a new school) to physical (having a high fever) to experiential (riding a roller coaster for the first time), and they may surprise you.

Tricky Transitions Starting a new school or daycare, beginning a new class or sport, or being away from a parent or other caregiver can contribute to a child feeling a temporally helpless. These feelings can bring on nightmares, says Woolley.

“When children have a lot of nightmares, it’s not uncommon that there are a lot of changes going on at home,” he says.

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How to help: Discuss life transitions with your child, preferably in advance.

Encourage your child to talk about things that may be bothering him or her.

Dream danger Scary or unsettling experiences like car accidents, injuries, or other reallife traumas can be nightmare fodder for children. The death or a relative of pet or a divorce in the family can also cause emotional distress that plays out in the form of bad dreams.

How to help: After scary or traumatic experiences, encourage creative expression in the form of journaling or drawing. Art and creative play can help children communicate and process troubling emotions, says Woolley.

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boob tube can contribute to nightmares, especially if kids watch intense or troubling content. “The central themes of many children’s stories—separation from or loss of parents and friends, or evil people hurting innocent ones—are very commonly upsetting,” says Jan Drucker, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Sarah Lawrence College.

How to help: Don’t allow your child to view troubling, intense scenes on television, particularly before bedtime.

A trip on the amusement park ride; a long-awaited airplane trip; a longed-for visit with faraway cousins— new experiences, even enjoyable ones, can trigger nightmares.

Under pressure Music or dance recitals, tests at school, and sports games can bring on excitement, worry—and nightmares.

Dreams are often an opportunity to relieve pressures of the day, says Drucker. When there are big demands placed on a child, dreams become a time to replay anxiety or stress over the event.

How to help: Any time your child is facing a transition, special challenge, or new experience, stick to an earlier bedtime and spend extra time winding down and relaxing before bed.

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A trip on the amusement park ride; a long-awaited airplane trip; a longedfor visit with faraway cousins—new experiences, even enjoyable ones, can trigger nightmares. “The first time a child does something, it’s nearly always stressful,” says Woolley. “The brain reprocesses that stress at night in the form of a nightmare.”

How to help: Limit new-experience stress by following an exciting “first” with a familiar, comforting activity—after a child’s first roller-coaster ride, wind down with a leisurely walk or relaxing tunes.

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When kids stay up too late, nightmares can come calling. That’s because sleep deprivation results in the fitful, poor quality sleep that can trigger bad dreams.

How to help: Ensure that your child gets enough sleep—most children aged 5-8 need between 9 and 11 hours per night.

Pills and chills Parents are often surprised to learn that medications intended to improve their child’s health can have a detrimental effect on sleep. Mood altering medications, including anti-depressants and medications for ADHD, can negatively impact sleep or trigger nightmares, particularly when taken over a long period of time.

How to help: Talk to your doctor about any medications your child takes and ask how you can minimize any negative effects on sleep.

Discomfort drama When kids toss and turn because of a too-hot bedroom, ill-fitting PJs, or an old, saggy mattress, bad dreams are more likely to happen, says Woolley.

Fortunately, the most common discomfort-related nightmare trigger—sleeping too hot—is easily remedied by removing a child’s socks, switching to lighterweight pajamas, or removing a heavy blanket.

How to help: Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and cool—between 60 and 68 degrees is ideal. During warner months, switch to lighter-weight pajamas and remove heavy blankets.

If your child has more than two nightmares a week for over a month, a visit to a doctor or psychologist is in order. And take heart: like teddy bears and footie pajamas, bad dreams are often a passing childhood phase. In the meantime, healthy sleep habits mean sweeter dreams, fewer nightmares, and happier mornings. MBP Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer and mom of two who specializes in children’s sleep and health topics.

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Q. I’m a stay-at-home mom now, and my husband brings home $2,600 a month.

We’re trying to get out of debt, but we need more money coming in. I want to go back to work, but emotionally part of me feels like I should stay home with our 2-year-old daughter. What do you think?

A. I understand the feelings involved,

especially if you’ve spent all of your time home with your child. But don’t make the mistake of blaming the debt if you simply want to go back to work. You’re not a bad person if you have kids and you work outside the home.

I have several ladies on my team who have young children, and they work 40 hours a week. Guess what? They’re excellent mothers! Anyone who says a woman can’t be a great mom because she works outside the home is full of it. On the other hand, if anyone says you’re not fulfilling yourself as a person or you’re stunting your intellectual development because you’re a stay-at-home mom, they’re full of it, too!

I’d advise you and your husband to sit down, talk about this a lot, and pray

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

about the situation. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, because it’s none of their business. You guys are in charge of your lives and your family.

That makes it your job to decide what’s best.

If you want to stay at home, and you guys can make it happen financially, that’s a great thing. If you can’t right now, or you simply want to go back into the workforce, that’s fine too. It’ll help solve your debt problem. Then after you’ve got your money under control, you might find you want to come home again. The option will be there.

For now, I think you should go back to work. Why? Because you want to!

Q. I live outside Houston with my wife

and our 9-month-old daughter. I’ve received a job offer from a company on the other side of the city that would pay, with bonuses, $25,000 a year more than I’m currently making. This would require moving to a new house and away from our extended family. My wife wants to move because my mom can be a little overbearing. I understand how she feels, but I’m

42

not certain I want to move or take a new job. What’s your advice?

A. I’m not so sure this is a job change

question as much as it is about the state of your relationships. I know it’s hard to keep the grandparents away when there’s a baby in the house; that kind of goes with the territory. But I can also understand how lots of unexpected visits and unsolicited advice can wear on a person.

If it were me, I wouldn’t change jobs just to run from something. My advice is to try setting boundaries in your relationships with your parents instead of installing geographical boundaries. You might want to pick up a copy of Dr. Henry Cloud’s great book Boundaries. Remember, your mom may not realize she’s intruding on your lives. This book is full of insight, and it will give you both some good advice on how to manage relationships in a healthy, loving way.

Like I said, I really don’t feel this is a job-move issue. I think you guys just need to establish some fair and reasonable emotional distance between yourselves and your family.

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Ways to Autumn Enjoy Outside

by Katie Beltramo At our house, something happens in the fall. As the days get cooler, children migrate inside. Even on sunny days, my daughters burrow into our basement playroom as instinctively as squirrels gather nuts. It makes me crazy, especially since kids who play outside are healthier, happier, and do better in school. Luckily, there are plenty of activities beyond jumping into a leaf pile that will lure kids outside to enjoy the great outdoors.

Build a campfire in the evening.

Being outside after dark is magical, and with sunset arriving earlier each day, you won’t have to stay up past bedtime like you would have during the summer.

Roast marshmallows, tell stories, or just bask in the cozy warmth on a cool night.

Go letterboxing or geocaching.

Kids love a treasure hunt, and both activities will give you a workout for body Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

and brains. Letterboxing involves landmark-based clues that lead to a unique, often hand-made stamp, while geocaching focuses on using a compass or GPS to find a hidden cache. Check letterboxing.org, atlasquest.com, or geocaching. com for more information.

Walk or bike to school. Studies show that kids who walk to school cope with stress better, and built-in daily activity is great for the whole family. Join with neighbors and adults can take turns chaperoning if you’re concerned about kids on their own. If the route between home and school is not safe, consider dropping kids at a nearby walk-friendly location.

Observe creatures around you as they prepare for winter. Take young naturalists outside with binoculars and a clipboard to observe birds, squirrels, or other animals. Experiment by leaving out foods, observe how and where animals move, draw pictures, and look for 44

characteristics to distinguish individuals from each other. Find great tips from handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com or check out books on your quarry from the library.

Let kids loose in the garden.

Autumn is time for garden pruning, and it’s difficult to do too much damage to plants at this stage. You can teach kids to use pruning shears properly and assign them a task, or have them help you gather gorgeous plants like hydrangea and let them dry naturally to bring the outdoors inside during the winter.

Harvesting seeds will teach kids about nature and the seasons.

Pick apples. It’s a classic for a reason. Looking for a great orchard? Ask if cider and donuts are made on-site, what sort of spraying policy is in place (fully organic orchards are fairly rare), and if there are additional activities for the kids.

Our family loves a local orchard that allows visitors to climb their ladders. If you www.mobilebayparents.com

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Go on a playground tour. School playgrounds are often spruced up for the new academic year, so this is a perfect opportunity to try fresh destinations. Make a list of places to visit.

You can even rank the playgrounds or ponder awards in different categories, like Best Climbing or Fastest Slide.

Document the changing landscape. Take photographs and draw pictures of any local natural landscape, whether it’s your favorite hiking spot or your front lawn. Come back to the same spot every week to observe and document the changes. Kids can even make a seasonal landscape scrapbook or write a picture book based on the changing setting.

Enjoy fall sports. Even if you’re child isn’t registered to play, take in a game and root for your neighbors or your local high school. It’s a great community builder, and the older role models might inspire your kids to try something new. Grab a playground ball and teach kids classic games like 4-square.

Life happens. Be ready.

Build a fort or fairy house. With a little push of inspiration, you’ll be surprised how engrossed kids get. As they build, kids learn creativity, engineering, and negotiating skills with their fellow builders. Find a spot with plenty of raw materials, and if you need ideas to get you started, check out fairyhouses.com or search on Pinterest for images.

Finally, all of these activities are great ways to start outdoor play, but if your kids get excited about playing something else outside, step back.

By guiding your kids outdoors, you’ve already taken the first step to happier, healthier kids. Give them space to play independently, and you’ll be amazed by what they come up with next. MBP Katie Beltramo, mother of two, blogs at www.capitaldistrictfun.com and is editor at KidsOutAndAbout.com.

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& Halloween Fun Seward Farms

September 28-November 2 10836 Tanner Williams Road, Lucedale (228) 641-3936; www.sewardsfarm.com Come to the border of Mississippi and Alabama on Tanner Williams Road, and you’ll find tons of family fun, fresh air, twisting corn maze, fantastic food, and an evening by a crackling fire! We have a challenging corn maze, pig races, hayrides and cow train, giant jumping pillow, tube slide, corn cannon, and Farm animals and goat walk, field animals and pony rides. .

Our flexible hours and admission allows you to choose how many activities are right for your family and budget, but we have to say, the All Day Pass is a terrific bargain for a full day of fun! Our Wagon Wheel Cafe offers delicious barbeque sandwiches, pulled pork, hotdogs, drinks and more. We have birthday Huts and party pavilions available by reservation for special events and birthdays. Make reservations now for a fire pit for your group for a perfect evening.

The pumpkin barn opens in October with a great selection of perfect pumpkins for your jack-olanterns and decorations. October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, & 26 will be the dates to join us if you dare for a Halloween Scare! Hauntings begin at dusk (doors open at 6:00pm). October 26 is Trick or Treat Saturday, Come meet your favorite cartoon characters. Hours of operation: Open Saturdays 10:00am-9:00pm- Closed Sundays.

Monday thru Thursday: field trips by reservation.

NOTE: Cash Only, No Credit Cards, No Personal Checks. Visit us at www.sewardsfarm.com for more information.

Magnolia Corn Maze

September 28-November 3 15275 County Road 49, Summerdale (251) 605-7216; www.magnoliacornmaze.com 2013 will bring 2 corn mazes. Enjoy the hayride, cow train, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pig races, pony rides, corn cannons, games, a pumpkin slingshot, hop-along rodeo, hay bale mountain and a children’s maze, bazooka ball, second corn maze, second playground, food and concession items and more! We have many Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

special events going on, like Trick or Treat in the Maze – Wear your costume! (October 26, 1-4pm). Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: by appointment only, Friday: 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Saturday: 11:00am to 9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Cost: General Admission $10.00 per person plus tax, Unlimited Activity Ticket $15.00 per person plus tax, Ultimate Admission Ticket $20.00 per person plus tax, Children 2 and under are Free. Please visit www.magnoliacornmaze.com for more information.

org or calling (251) 378-7532. Field trips are $2 or $3. For $2 each child receives a small pumpkin, experiences story time, and an informational time about how and where the pumpkins were grown and they get to pick out their very own pumpkin. The $3 field trip also includes a hayride. The patch is located at the corners of Catherine and Dauphin in the parking lot across from the church. All funds raised will benefit the children’s and youth missions and ministries.

Pumpkin Patch at Christ United

October 4-October 6; www.bayfest.com BayFest will celebrate its 19th anniversary on October 4-6, 2013 with an expected crowd of more than 200,000 guests, who will make merry in the streets of Downtown Mobile and see over 125 live musical acts on nine stages during the weekend. BayFest offers continuous music for every taste, including country, classic rock, alternative, pop, jazz, R&B, rap, gospel, modern rock and more. One of the festival’s stages, the Launching Pad, is specifically designed to spotlight local and regional talent and showcase acts who aspire for musical greatness. The event also includes a family activity area that has garnered rave reviews in and of itself. All of this is offered at a price that is less than what most individual concerts cost! Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Please visit www.bayfest.com for more information.

Methodist Church

September 29 -October 31 Grelot and Cottage Hill Road, Mobile (251) 342-0462; www.christumcmobile.com It’s that time of year again....time for the Children’s Ministry’s annual Pumpkin Patch! We are excited to see the lawn at Christ UMC covered with gourds and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes! From the smallest to the largest pumpkin, you’re sure to find the best pumpkins for holiday decorating or to use as the perfect backdrop for fall family photos. If you’ve been before, we look forward to seeing you again. If you haven’t been yet, plan on joining us this year! Times Sunday: Noon – Dusk, Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – Dusk. We’ll see you at the Patch!

Dauphin Way Methodist Pumpkin Patch

October 3-October 31 Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets, Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org Come to the Pumpkin Patch! The patch will be open 7 days a week beginning October 3th.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 9:00am6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm. You will find pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and even some different colors along with gourds and indian corn for your fall decorations. Painted pumpkin will also be available at an additional charge. Field trips are offered Monday - Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm with an appointment. Appointments may be made by emailing emcallister@dauphinwayumc.

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BayFest 2013

Wales West

October 4-October 31 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com All Aboard! Pumpkin Patch Express at Wales West Light Railway begins October 4 and runs through October 31, 2013. Ride a real steam train to the Haunted Barn and kid-friendly Pumpkin Patch, decorate a free pumpkin, visit the spooky haunted maze, and enjoy free refreshments, miniature train ride and inflatable. The pumpkin cannon, petting zoo, pony rides, and cafe are available for a small fee.

Open Fridays, 5:00pm-9:00pm; Saturdays and www.mobilebayparents.com

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Sundays, noon to 9:00pm. Scary Night Trains start October 24 thru October 31 Nightly from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Cost - $12 per person, plus tax; children 13 months and under are free.

Park for the SCREEN ON THE GREEN DURING HALLOWEEN film festival. This FREE outdoor event organized by The Village of Spring Hill will take place on Saturday, October 12, 19, and 26.

Pre-show activities will be offered from 6:00pm until 7:00pm which include live entertainment, face painting, children’s activities, the Bay Bears Mascot, games and prizes. Movies begin at 7:00pm, weather permitting. Dinner and drinks available for cash purchase. Bring your own chair or blanket Movies: October 12 - Ghostbusters” (rated PG). October 19 - “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (rated PG). October 26 -It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (G) to be followed by “Young Frankenstein” (PG). For more information on the “Screen on the Green during Halloween” movie series, please visit www.thevillageofspringhill.com or find us on Facebook!

Fall Art Festival – Moorer Branch Library

October 5 4 McGregor Avenue South, Mobile (251) 470-7770; www.mplonline.org Join us on the Plaza at 10:30am! Participants will make pompom spiders, yarn pumpkins, toilet paper roll owls, and apple trees from apple stamps.

Registration is required for groups. Location: Moorer/Spring Hill Branch. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

Rotary Club of North Mobile – Touch a Truck Fundraiser

October 12 1251 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland The Touch a Truck fundraiser is on Saturday, October 12. The Rotary Club of North Mobile invites the community to get out and enjoy a fall day of trucks, fun, music, and fellowship at their Original Touch-a-Truck fundraising event being held at North Mobile First Baptist Church.

The Village of Springhill, Inc. 1st Annual Screen on the Green

October 12, October 19, October 26 200 Parkway St W, Mobile (Lavretta Park) www.thevillageofspringhill.com Join us for a night under the stars at Lavretta

Legend of Sleepy HollowDrama Camp Productions and Sunny Side Theater

October 17-October 19 1400 University Boulevard, Mobile (251) 510-1808; www.sunnysidedrama.com Sunny Side Theater presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Vera Morris October 17 - 19 at 7:00 p.m. This is the tale of Ichabod Crane, an unsuspecting schoolmaster, who comes to a town full of ghost stories. The schoolmaster soon finds out that some of the “stories” may be true with a graveyard haunted by pirates, indians, specters, and a Headless Horseman! Join Sunny Side for its 5th Annual Halloween show. There will be a costume contest on closing night for anyone who

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would like to come dressed up! Prize is a $100 gift certificate to a future Sunny Side Theater camp or class. The show will take place at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts located on the St. Luke’s High School campus, 1400 University Boulevard. To make reservations, call owner/ director Chris Paragone at (251) 510-1808.

City of Gautier Haunted Trails Halloween

October 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31 Shepherds State Park, 1034 Graveline Road, Gautier, MS; (228) 497-2244; specialevents@ gautier-ms.gov; The City of Gautier is excited to present their first annual Haunted Trails Event.

Hours are 6:30pm - 10:30pm. The multi-night event will provide fun activities for all ages, including haunted trail tours, hay rides, games for kids, face painting, food and much more. The event will be hosted by Gautier Cultural Services Division and the Gautier Firefighter’s Association.

Mobile Symphony-Saenger Fright Night October 19-October 20 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 432-2010; www.mobilesymphony.org Back by popular demand, the Mobile Symphony’s Halloween Pops concert brings back a popular favorite for audiences that love a good costume party! Led by guest conductor Robert Franz, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra will fill the Saenger with frightful favorites that are fun for all ages. And don’t forget your costume! October 19 at 8:00pm and October 20 at 2:30pm at the Mobile Saenger Theatre.

Celebrating 10 Years Of Family Fun!

ORIGINAL CORNFIELDMAZE”

Get lost and have fun on a farm!

September 28 through November 2!

Monday - Thursday School Field Trips

FIELD OF FRIGHT OCTOBER 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26

COME AND SEE IF YOU CAN SURVIVE THE UNEXPECTED ADRENALINE-PUMPING NIGHT. IT’S FOR ALL AGE GROUPS. THE WALKING MAZE WILL BE OPEN AT THE SAME TIME.

OCT 5 & NOV 2

TRICK OR TREAT SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 GRAB THE KIDS AND ENJOY THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND TRICK OR TREATING EXPERIENCE! MEET YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTERS AND ENJOY TREATS AT ALL OF THE ACTIVITES. KARAOKE DAY FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES!!

CHARACTER TIMES: 11AM UNTIL 5PM.

SPECIAL MUSIC DATES OCTOBER 26

90 DEGREES WEST OF NEW ORLEANS. A 7 PIECE HIGH ENERGY COUNTRY BAND! MUSIC STARTS AT 5PM.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TODAY ON OUR WEBSITE: SEWARDFARMS.COM

“HOW MUCH WE LOVE GRANDPARENTS” DAY! THESE DAYS ARE FOR THAT SPECIAL OUTING WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS. GRANDPARENTS WILL RECEIVE 50% OFF THE “GET LOST” TICKET ON THESE DATES. DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!!

BAY AREA FOOD BANK CAN GOOD DRIVE OCTOBER 5, 12, 19 HELP US STOCK THE FOOD BANK FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. BRING A CAN GOOD AND GET $1 OFF ADMISSION ON THESE DATES.

SAT 10AM-9PM • 228-641-3936 • For more info, pricing or directions visit our website: www.sewardfarms.com.

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Dracula – Playhouse in the Park

October 19-20, October 25-26 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org Coming to the Playhouse in the Park in October is “Dracula,” based on Bram Stoker’s original Gothic novel about the infamous vampire with Stoker’s original text along with dazzling theatrical special effects that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats! School Shows for middle and high school students are October 17, 18, 24, & 25. There are two shows each day at 9:00 and 11:00am Tickets for students are $8 and teachers are admitted free. Call (251) 422-0079 for school show reservations. Public shows are October 18, 19, 25, & 26 at 7:30pm.

Public show tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Call (251) 6020630 for public show reservations.

Night at the Fort

October 25 150 South Royal Street, Mobile (251) 208-7304; www.museumofmobile.com In celebration of the new Fort Condè exhibits, we will have Night at the Fort on October 25 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Once the clock strikes 5, Mobile’s history comes alive! Many fun activities including a scavenger hunt , historical figures from Colonial Mobile come to life, games, activities, trick or treat bags and more!

al/mobile/home-p1q36.htm Halloween is simply spook-tacular when you’re bouncing, laughing, sliding, and howling at our Halloween Jump Night! Cost: $10 plus tax per child- includes up to 2 1/2 hours of playtime, face painting, spook-tacular snacks, drinks & costume contests too! Parents stay and play for FREE! RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED as space is limited for the safety of the children.

Socks and signed waived required. Parents must stay with children- not a drop off. Note: Wear your “Play Safe” costume - For the safety of our guests, costumes may not include: masks, jewelry, capes or other hanging items, or heavy make-up. Times: 6:30pm-9:00pm.

Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital

October 25 USA Campus – Lawn of the Mitchell Center near Moulton Tower, Mobile www.cwhtrickortrot-zvents.eventbrite.com USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital is proud to host the Inaugural Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run to benefit the Evaluation Center.

Come out and support the hospital in our efforts to renovate and expand the current EC! Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun night of Pump It Up Not-So-Scary food, fun, and fright! There will be a pumpkin Halloween Jump decorating contest, kid-friendly “Monster” movie October 25 and children can trick or treat at all the tents.

741-A Hillcrest Rd, Mobile The 5K will start at 6:00pm. The Scary Scurry PulmAssoc PurpFlwr ad 9/5/13 10:36 AM Page 1 (251) 342-3940; valid.www.pumpitupparty.com/ Fun Run will begin at 7:00pm and is open to

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walkers and runners of all ages. Costumes strongly encouraged! Visit www.cwhtrickortrotzvents.eventbrite.com for more information or to register.

The Rocky Horror Show – Mobile Theatre Guild

October 25-26, October 31, November 1-2 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile (251) 433-7513; www.mobiletheatreguild.org Halloween brings thrills, chills and a chance to do the “Time Warp” again in this cult classic

by Richard O’Brien. A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a cross-dressing mad scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle man named Rocky Horror.

Special Halloween night performance!! Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm.

Greater Gulf State Fair

October 25- November 3 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile (251) 344-4573; www.thegroundsmobile.com Come enjoy The Greater Gulf State Fair’s annual gathering of the masses! The 10-day agriculture fair features local and professional food concessionaires as well as commercial and community exhibitors. The grandstand shines the spotlight on local music artists for everyone’s listening pleasure. The carnival rides and games will leave everyone young and old feeling like a kid again! Get ready to have some fun with

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Thomas the Tank Engine and Angelina Ballerina!

Your admission ticket to the Fair will include seeing Thomas the Tank Engine and Angelina Ballerina; they will perform 3 stage shows on Saturday (Oct 26) and Sunday (Oct 27). So bring the kids and come on out to The Greater Gulf State Fair for some family fun!!

Balloon Glow in the Gardens

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October 26 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org Dress up your little goblins and come out to enjoy beautiful hot air balloons glowing on the Great Lawn. Multiple hot air balloons are scheduled to “glow” for us this year…weather permitting.

This year’s event will also include a selection of scary and fun inflatables glowing throughout the Gardens. There will be plenty of treats and trinkets from area organizations and businesses for our trick-or-treaters to enjoy. One of our local favorite BBQ spots will be in the Gardens selling their one-of-a-kind and national award winning barbeque will be on the Great Lawn and a live band will be performing live on Live Oak Plaza.

The Balloon Glow is free for members and special reduced rates will begin at 4:30pm. SPECIAL RATES: Adults $6; children 5 -12 $3 and as always children 4 and under are free. Please visit www. bellingrath.org for more information.

Christ United Methodist Church – Fall Family Day October 26 6161 Grelot Road, Mobile

(251) 342-0462; www.christumcmobile.com Our annual Fall Family Day will happen on Saturday, October 26th from 9:00am – 1:00pm. During Fall Family Day, children can enjoy bouncing on inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting and a performance by the Children’s Ministry Puppet Team and Children’s Choir at 10 o’clock. Youth can enjoy Pumpkin Chunkin’, large inflatables and a pumpkin sling shot. There will also be music by the Youth Praise Band and Singers at 11:00am. During your time at the patch, have your family’s picture taken with the on-site photographer. We will have delicious foods and treats for sale, including snow cones, cotton candy, hotdogs and hamburgers.

Be sure to head over to the bake sale to pick up goodies, or join in the cake Walk to win a yummy cake! To complete the day of fun at the Pumpkin Patch, beginning at Noon, bluegrass band Delta Reign will perform. This is a performance you and your family won’t want to miss!

Trick or Treat at 5 Rivers

Saturday, October 26th 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.Alabama5Rivers.com Join us for our Annual Trick or Treat at 5 Rivers from 1:00pm-4:00pm. This FREE, family friendly event will have lots of crafts, games and movies throughout the day, and boat tours at only $5 per person. The legendary skunk ape hunter will be traveling to join us again this year to scour the trails for any sign of the elusive skunk ape, and guests are welcome to join us on the trail through the Fire Swamp as we explore. Come dressed in your best, as our costume contest will be at 3pm.

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To find out more, call (251) 625-0814, visit us online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com, or check us out on Facebook.

Dog River Ghost chase 5K/ Goblin Gallop

October 26 6120 Marina Drive South, Mobile www.productionsbylittleredhen.com The 5K race starts at 5:00pm and the ½ mile Gallop starts at 5:10pm to benefit Dog River Clearwater Revival. A mystery ghost will be somewhere in the race - will you be able to identify the spirit? Drawings for awesome prizes including a paddleboard and paddle set from the Outdoor Exchange. Post-race party will include food, beverages and live music at the River Shack. Special dinner and beverage discounts offered at the River Shack to all race participants on October 26.

Ashland Place United Methodist Trunk or Treat

October 27 15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile (251) 478-6356, www.apumc.com Come join us! We will have hot dogs, popcorn, carnival games, and an opportunity to “Trick or Treat” for candy from a variety of decorated cars.

Bring the whole family! Appropriate costumes are encouraged. Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm. For more information, please contact Kathy Minor, Director of Children’s Ministries, at kminor@apumc.com or (251) 478-6356.

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Dauphin Way Methodist Fall Festival

October 27 Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets, Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org The festival takes place in the Pumpkin Patch at the corner of Catherine and Dauphin Street. The festival will be held from 2:30pm-4:30pm and is FREE. Costumes are acceptable, but not required.

Popcorn, drinks, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available along with a train ride, inflatables to include an obstacle course and other activities for the kids. J.C.’s Construction Company puppet ministry of DWUMC will present a program at 3 p.m. and DWUMC youth band will play through afternoon.

Woofstock 2013

October 27 Bienville Square, Mobile; woofstockmobile.com Woofstock will spread out over an entire city block allowing for even more fun activities, vendor booths, contests and more! We invite humans and their canine companions to spend the day listening to live, local music, enjoying the great food and libations and of course, let’s not forget the ever popular Weiner Dog Race and all-time favorite Doggie Costume Contest. This event benefits The Animal Rescue Foundation. Time- 11:00am-6:30pm.

Cost - Adults $10/Children $5

Lighthouse Baptist Church 2nd Annual Harvest Festival

October 27 6905 Nan Gray Davis Rd Theodore (251) 653-1133; www.lbctheodore.com Fun for the whole family with inflatables, carnival games, and free food for everyone. All the events will begin after the morning services. Sunday school begins at 10 AM, and the morning service begins at 11 AM. Come and join us at this special event.

Halloween Fun at the Library

October 30 Come participate in Parkway’s Halloween Haunted House! 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile; (251)470-7766; www.mplonline.org Come join us from 3:15-4:15 at the Parkway Branch for a Halloween Haunted House for ages 9-14. Refreshments will be served. For more information call (251) 470-7766.

Annual Trick of Treat in Green Park – Dauphin Island

October 31 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island www.townofdauphinisland.org Come and join the fun. Bring your tables and chairs and candy.

First Baptist Church North Mobile Fall FUNtastic

October 31 1252 Industrial Parkway, Saraland (251) 679-3266; www.northmobile.org This event takes place at 1252 Industrial Parkway, Saraland. The fun will include games, a cake walk, and inflatables and face painting. Food will be available for purchase.

Government Street Baptist Church Trunk-a-Treat

October 31 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile (251) 660-7444; www.governmentstreet.org Join us for our Trunk-a-Treat event on October 31 at 6:00pm. Admission and activities are free, concessions will be sold. Activities include trunks decorated, blow up games, face painting, entertainment and more! Admission and activities are Free!

Concessions will be sold.

House of Bounce – Halloween

October 31 6368 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile; (251) 666-3456 www.houseofbouncemobile.com Halloween Costume Contest! Jump on by for a Boo-Tastic Halloween Time at House of Bounce.

We will host a costume contest during our Halloween Open Jump Session on 10-31-13 from 10:00am -1:00pm. The winner of the contest will receive a $25 gift card to Toys-R-Us! All guests will receive a treat bag for playing at our Special Boo-Tastic Open Jump Session! Each guest may have their picture made in their Halloween Costume and pictures will be displayed on website and Facebook page. Open Jump is just $8.00 for 3 hours of Fun!

West Mobile Baptist Trunk or Treat

October 31 7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 639-9952; www.westmobilebaptist.org Be our guest…and Trunk or Treat with West Mobile Baptist Church—Candy, games, inflatables, food and prizes!! ALL FREE!! At 7501 Airport Blvd (Next to UJ Chevrolet and across from Academy) from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Thursday, October 31st. Join us for a night of fun and fellowship for the whole family. Invite your friends!

Woodridge Baptist Church “Harvest Celebration” Fall Festival

October 31 2700 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 776-4912; www.woodridgebc.com Join us October 31st for our annual communitywide “Harvest Celebration” fall festival! Children and students of all ages are welcome. Enjoy free food, games, inflatables, and more! MBP

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TheFlyLady

A Flight Plan For You and Your Home.

by Marla Cilley

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Parents Should Do Their Best, Finding an Extra Hour Each Day! But Not Expect Too Much in Return

Wouldn’t you like to find an extra hour to your day and not lose any sleep to do it? I think I have found a way to accomplish this!

Recently it was brought to my attention that, on an average, people spend 55 minutes each day looking for lost items! Just think about what you have looked for today. I have been asking folks all day about what they have been searching for. Some of the answers were typical: flip flops, shoes, socks, the remote, bills, keys, sunglasses, glasses, phone, birth certificate and the most popular “My Mind”!

If the truth be told, whenever you lose anything your mind is the first thing to go!

The stress and guilt of losing something again causes us to not think logically. I wish we had an acronym to help us FIND things. I may not have that acronym, but I do have a plan!

Let’s go back in time and stop ourselves from losing things in the first place.

My grandmother always said, “Everything has a place and everything in its place!”

Just think about how this little saying can put an extra hour in our day.

If we took the time to pick up after ourselves instead of stashing things like a crazy person then we may actually be able to find those items when we need them. But the problem is that we don’t have a place picked out for that item. The reason we don’t have a place is because clutter has taken over all of our storage areas and flat surfaces.

We buy houses with lots of closets, kitchen cabinets and drawers, yet each one is filled to capacity with miscellaneous items. There is no true organization to our homes because we can’t seem to get rid of our clutter.

In order to find a place for everything we have to begin the process of decluttering. We can set our timers for 15 minutes and sort through those cluttered recesses,

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one drawer or one shelf at a time. Sort the clutter into three bins: Give away, put away, and throw away!

I know that in your “Want it now” mentality that you are determined to get your house organized as fast as you can. The problem with this is that you will crash and burn! When we take baby steps to release the clutter and use our zones to work our way around our homes, we can determine places for the things we love and use.

As you eliminate the clutter, you are going to find that you have several like items. One time we got a testimonial in which a lady said she found seven pairs of scissors in her home as she decluttered. We know how that happens. When we can’t find a pair of scissors we go out and buy another pair. Isn’t it funny that we spend more time buying a new pair than searching for the old one?

Once the clutter is gone you can determine a place for everything and with more time on your hands, you can put things back where they belong!

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

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Carry Along for Camping

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Little hands are often too small to help assemble the tent, build a campfire or launch the boat, but there are ways that they can make the most of a camping adventure. Equipping them with tools they can use and toys for their down time ensures that camp time is a success from roll up to tent strike. With gear and toys designed especially for kids, the littlest campers can make their own outdoor experience the most fun ever – rain or shine. From in-tent entertainment to wilderness exploration, help the younger set get into the great outdoors in style with the following recommendations!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Mickey Mouse Camper’s Playset

National Geographic Starry Night Lantern

Taking along the best toys to entertain very young campers should be an important part of the planning and packing for family camping trips. Little legs can’t hike all day, and there’s usually an expiration hour for toddlers and tykes when they just get ‘camped out’ and need some toy time. The Mickey Mouse Camper’s Playset lets little ones continue their camping adventure on familiar pretend-play turf as they mirror their outdoor adventures on a small scale. With a cool camper that opens up into a campsite with all the essentials, Mickey and his pal Pluto can enjoy rafting, cookouts, stargazing and more with all the included accessories that guarantee a great camping experience. The vehicle closes up with the gear stowed inside, ready to get back on the road to the next campsite!

For the littlest campers, nighttime in the great outdoors is often when the real adventure begins! And every parent knows that no child is immune to the desire to hold a flashlight or lantern in the darkness. The Starry Night Lantern offers kids two ways to control the light in the night! It carries and functions like a normal lantern, ideal for carrying on nighttime walks and navigating the campsite.

But once back inside the RV or tent, the illumination doesn’t end. With the flip of a switch, the light projects through a star field dome on the lantern top to cast the constellations on the walls and ceiling. Kids don’t have to miss starry nights even in overcast or rainy weather. Illuminating in more ways than one, the Starry Night Lantern is a brilliant tool for lighting up overnight camping!

(Fisher-Price)

(Uncle Milton)

Backyard Safari Cargo Vest

Camp Board Game (Education Outdoors)

When the family hike is over, the fish and camp stew are cooking and the fireflies are joining the sunset crowd, it’s the perfect time to roll out the Camp Board Game. Loaded with fun facts about the great outdoors, the wilderness adventure continues with friends and family around the campfire (or tent lantern)! Designed with a broad age range of players in mind, this board game offers four different skills levels on each playing card with the easiest questions for very young children to more challenging tasks for teens and adults. Rolling the dice and navigating the footprints along the trails with the goal of getting to “Camp” first, the Camp Board Game is the first thing to unpack when the chores are done!

(Summit)

You never know what you’re going to need on a wilderness journey. Flashlight, whistle, magnifying glass, compass, field guide, fishing line and a snack all deserve a place on the hiking list. But taking a backpack on and off to fish out what you need in the moment takes time away from the real adventure. Rugged and adjustable for size, the Backyard Safari Cargo Vest features roomy cargo pockets (plus six D rings and two shoulder straps) to hang, stow, and carry every kid’s camping and trail-blazing gear. Taking the adventure way beyond the back yard, the Backyard Safari Cargo Vest keeps a kid’s outdoor essentials right at their fingertips!

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

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Family Calendar Ongoing

Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org.

Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com.

Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp.

Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Government St. Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. noon - 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50.

HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www.handsonsal.org.

Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com.

LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District.

Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services.

6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org.

Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 3422241 or visit www.mobileballet.com.

Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com.

Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org.

Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org.

Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org.

Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320.

USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www. ussalabama.com.

VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.

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 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org.

Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sage Ave. and Airport Blvd. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www. azaleacityharmony.com.

Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league.

The Family Center • Nurturing Parenting (Mobile) course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes.

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. Call 251-479-5700 to register.

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• Father Central Classes (listed below) in Mobile and Daphne are completely free. Father Central classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Father Central program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www.familycentermobile.org.

• Father Central of Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.

• Together We Can: Helping Everyone Cope With Divorce. Mondays, 8 weeks. $50 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Begin any Monday.

• Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Start and Tuesday.

• Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion.

Topics are: Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, Relaxation; Emotional Intelligence & Techniques; Defining, Responding To & Learning from Anger; Defining Abuse & Learning to Cope & Communicate.

251-479-5700 to get started in Father Central, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www.familycentermobile.org or www.

Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile 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) 435-2000.

• Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m.

• 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.

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• 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 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 pre-register.

• 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 340-7769 early to pre-register.

• NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center.

• 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

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Family Calendar advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. 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.

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Brown Bag in Bienville Come join us on Wednesdays in Bienville Square. Fall is back and so is live jazz. Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl or oak trees in Bienville Square.

Live music provided by the City and Catt Sirten. 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 19 Artist Talk: Candy Chang As a part of our collaborative Futures Project programming with the Ben May Public Library, Futures Project artist Candy Chang will speak about transforming our cities through art and design. Chang will use her artist projects, including The School of the Future at CLA, to explore public space, community engagement, and personal well-being. 6 p.m. at Ben May Public Library / Bernheim Hall. Free to the public.

Penelope House Annual Golf Tournament Saad Development Corporation presents the Penelope House Annual Golf Tournament at Heron Lakes Country Club. 12:00 Registration 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start. 4 person scramble includes: Dinner, beverages, goody bags, and silent auction $100 per player (4

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person team) Mulligans $5 each/ Hole Sponsors $100/ Cart Sponsors $50. Contact 251-342-2809 for more information.

Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Free all day each Thursday, open until 9 p.m. The Mobile Museum of Art (MMoA) presents weekly programs and happenings highlighting our permanent collection and special exhibitions to start your weekend early: Thursday Nights at MMoA, 5-9 p.m. Join us each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. (4850 Museum Drive). Please visit http://www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.

Friday, September 20

“Les Miserables” at Chickasaw Civic Theatre The longest running musical in history is finally available for community theatre stages. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and set against the dramatic background of the French Revolution, the show features music by Claude-Michel Schonberg with lyrics and book by Alain Boubill and English adaptation by Herbert Kretzmer. Shows: Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. Lola Phillips Playhouse (801 Iroquois St, Chickasaw. Adults/ $15; senior citizens (60+) & students/ $10 (cash and local checks) For more information, please visit www.cctshows.com.

“Noises Off” Presented by Joe Jefferson Players Comedy by Michael Frayn; director: Timothy Guy. A side-splitting farce filled with slamming doors, flying props, pratfalls and at times mass hysteria among cast and crew, “Noises Off” highlights what people love about live theater, and about drama, on stage and off. Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 and Sunday at 2:00 at the Joe Jefferson Playhouse (11 S. Carlen

St). Adults/ $20; senior citizens and military/ $15; students/ $10. For more information, please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com.

“God of Carnage” Play at Mobile Theatre Guild MTG proudly welcomes long-time friend and director Mike McKee back to the Guild to present this winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, written by Yasmina Reza. Two high-strung couples decide to meet one evening for a civilized discussion about a playground altercation between their two young sons.

What follows is a comically explosive downhill slide from polite, political correctness to full-on character assassination. “The New Yorker” called this laugh-outloud hilarity “ninety minutes of sustained mayhem.” A no holds barred look at relationships between spouses and friends, and what happens when the littlest things end up pushing us completely over the edge. Friday and Saturday- 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. General/ $20; 62+, military & students/ $15. Please visit www. mobiletheatreguild.org for more information.

Saturday, September 21

Bayfest Music Industry Education Program The Music Industry Education Program is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Mobile Civic Center Theater. All area high school students are welcome. This FREE program offers students the opportunity to learn about the music industry and jam with professional musicians. For more information, please visit www.bayfest.com.

Jubilee Race for Life 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Certified race and wholesome fun! Held yearly on the 3rd Saturday of September in Daphne to benefit Bayside Medical Missions who through volunteer doctors provide corrective orthopedic surgeries in under developed countries. Unique awards from Ecuador 3 deep in 15 age categories. Chick Fil-A food, music and drawing for prizes among the many

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Family Calendar activities. Best of all: knowing that you are helping someone with a disability achieve a functional life!

Please visit www.jubileeraceforlife.org for more information.

Herb Day at Mobile Botanical Gardens One of the Gulf Coast Herb Society’s most exciting activities is our annual Herb Day workshop. In keeping with our purpose of education about the growing and use of herbs, we have expert speakers who share their knowledge with you. “The Gift of Herbs” featuring creative ideas for the holidays from your herb garden includes lunch, door prizes, information packet, and more at The Botanical Center (5151 Museum Drive)/Cost: $25. Reservations required. For information or to register: 251-604-6866 or email herbday2013@aol.com. We also have an herb sale, in which members share some of their hard-tofind herb plants and can tell you how to grow them!

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week Kick-off Event 2:30-7 p.m. Celebrate and learn about yoga as we kick off the third annual Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week! Get to know local yoga teachers at their informational booths and be entered to win raffle prizes from local businesses.

Enjoy beginner friendly workshops of yoga including options from the chair, meditation, kid’s yoga, paddleboard yoga, aerial yoga (in the air). The event will have food, music, raffle prizes and a conscious product market with local vendors and an evening of fire performances and more. No experience necessary. Bring your own mat or towel and water bottle. For more information, visit www.yogalifefair.com or Facebook: Yoga Life Fair- Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week. Fairhope Pier Park, 1 Beach Rd. in Fairhope. Cost: Donation of canned goods for Bay Area Food Bank.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week In celebration of National Yoga Month, local yoga studios will be offering free classes to new students.

Participating studios are located in Mobile, the Eastern Shore, Foley and Gulf Shores. This is a great opportunity to give yoga a try or to visit a new studio!

For details and a list of participating studios, visit www. yogalifefair.com or Facebook: Yoga Life Fair- Mobile/ Baldwin Yoga Week. September 21-27th. Cost: Donation of canned goods for Bay Area Food Bank.

Contact: 251-379-4493 or yoga@yogalifefair.com.

SeaGrass Music Concert Series – Dauphin Island The SeaGrass Concert Series, presented by the South Mobile County Tourism Authority, is a series of live musical performances spotlighting the rich roots and music traditions of new and traditional folk, roots rock, bluegrass, singer/songwriter, acoustic blues, Cajun, and other forms of American roots music which make up the Americana music genre. This inaugural concert will feature Texas Roots Legend Delbert McClinton. The concert series will be held inside Historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. For more information, please visit www.dauphinislandtourism.com.

Walk With Me Easter Seals Walk With Me is a national fundraising event to raise awareness and support for families living with disabilities! Individual walkers and teams join hundreds of other passionate people in their communities for a day full of entertainment, fun and, of course, our signature walk! The location is Hank Aaron Stadium and check in at 9 with opening ceremony and walk at 10 a.m. Please visit www.easterseals.com for more information.

Penelope House Tennis Tournament Team Up Tennis Tournament- Mobile Tennis Center Registration at 8 a.m. Play Starts at 9 a.m. Men’s and

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Women’s Doubles Round Robin. Lunch, Prizes, Silent Auction $35 per person. All proceeds benefit Penelope House. For more information, please visit www.penelopehouse.org.

USA Piano Ensembles-Fall Concert Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. at USA Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr. S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Alabama Coastal Cleanup Show your support and concern for Alabama’s waterways by participating in the 26th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup scheduled for 8:00 a.m. until noon. For more information, please visit www. alcoastalcleanup.com.

“Les Miserables” at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 20 for details.

“Noises Off” Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 20 for details.

“God of Carnage” Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 20 for details.

Sunday, September 22

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio – Ceramics Deaf and hard of hearing students will use the CLA’s Futures Project exhibit as inspiration while working with clay. The class will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. RSVP required by September 18. CLA Studio – 1-4 p.m. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile. org to sign up.

Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association Fundraiser Showing of “The Big Picture Rethinking Dyslexia” to increase awareness and raise funds for education.

This event takes place at the Crescent Theatre (208 Dauphin Street) at 4 p.m. Cost $15. For additional information, please call (251) 287-1822.

Pianist Jerry Alan Bush USA Faculty recital at 3:00 p.m. at the USA Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr. S) General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Mobile Fashion Week A week of activities and programs that benefits Camp Rap-A-Hope. Sept. 22 – 28. Downtown Mobile, various locations. Please visit www.mobfashionweek.com for more information.

“Les Miserables” at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 20 for details.

“Noises Off” Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 20 for details.

“God of Carnage” Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 20 for details.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Monday, September 23

Drama Camp Productions Auditions for “Beauty and the Beast” Auditions will take place September 23, 24, & 25, at 7:00 p.m. at Azalea City Center for the Arts at 63 Midtown Park East. Please call (251)510-1808 for more information.

Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Tuesday, September 24 Piano Spook-Tacular: Daniel Driskell Faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S).

General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth

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under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Drama Camp Productions Auditions for “Beauty and the Beast” See September 23 for details.

Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Wednesday, September 25 Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Brown Bag in Bienville See September 18 for details.

Drama Camp Productions Auditions for “Beauty and the Beast” See September 23 for details.

Thursday, September 26 Columns and Cocktails A benefit for Historic Mobile Preservation Society at 5:30 at the former first national bank building (68 St. Francis St.) Admission/ $25; wine pull tickets/ $20 For more information, please visit www.historicmobile.org.

Archduke Trio: Music of Beethoven and Ravel Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S).

General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Artist Talk: Dawn Dedeaux Futures Project artist Dawn Dedeaux will speak about her CLA installation “Aboard the Mothership: Postulations on Myth and Math,” as well as how her work explores environmental concerns for the Gulf Coast. 6 p.m. at the CLA Auditorium / 301 Conti Street. Free Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights See September 19 for details.

Government Street Forum The Government Street Forum at Government Street Presbyterian Church downtown is lunch and a speaker on Thursdays from Sept. 12 through Nov. 14 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Lunch costs $7 and is served at noon; the forum begins at 12:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the forum. The church is on the corner of Government and Jackson streets downtown, and parking is available in the Jackson Street lot. For details, call the church office at (251) 432-1749.

GSPC Fall Forum 2013: Sept. 26: Randy Kennedy, Hub Director, Mobile Press-Register, and co-host for the Afternoon Sports Drive on WNSP 105.5 FM. Oct. 3: Ben Raines, Executive Director, Weeks Bay Foundation.

Oct. 10: Julia Starr, Program Director, Woody’s Song school for children with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Oct. 17: Tom McGehee, Director, Bellingrath Museum Home. Subject: “Mobile’s Lost Treasures.”

Oct. 24: Bill Sisson, President, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Oct. 31: Judy Adams of Alabama State Port Authority. Nov. 7: Dr. Will Petersen, USA Jaguars Band Director. Nov. 14: Phil Duryea, Volunteer Coordinator, National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola.

Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Friday, September 27

Mercy Medical’s 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Rock Creek in Fairhope. Proceeds benefit Mercy’s Guardian Angel which cares for critically and terminally ill children of Mobile and Baldwin counties. Mercy’s

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Family Calendar Charity Golf Tournament is one of the area’s oldest and most popular charity tournaments and offers excellent prizes, a silent auction and sponsorship opportunities.

Silent auction items and raffle prizes include resort stays, weekend passes, signed sports memorabilia, football tickets and much more. The tournament format will be a four-person scramble with 8:30 a.m. shotgun followed by lunch and brief awards programs.

For more information, call 621-4884 or visit www. mercymedical.com.

Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

“Noises Off” Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 20 for details.

Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

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under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Tuesday, October 1

USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Fall Concert Join us for our fall concert with conductor Laura Moore.

This event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). Cost - General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). Please visit www.southalabama.edu/music for more information.

expected crowd of more than 200,000 guests, who will make merry in the streets of Downtown Mobile and see over 125 live musical acts on nine stages during the weekend. Please visit www.bayfest.com for a complete lineup of the music and for more information.

Alabama Coastal BirdFest See October 3 for more information.

Saturday, October 5

Saint Luke’s Animal Blessing Event The St. Luke’s Animal Blessing Event is a festival for animal lovers and their furry friends. The festival will consist of vendors offering products, services, and crafts geared toward the Animal Lover. There will be

Wednesday, Saturday, September 28 October 2 BayFest 5K & Fun Run BayFest will host its 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk to kick off the beginning of the 2013 BayFest Music Festival.

This race benefits Bayfest Music Industry Education & Scholarship programs. The 5K race will start at 8 a.m. and the fun run will start at 9 a.m. Location: Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. For more information, please visit www.bayfest.com.

The Opera Ball The Mobile Marriott Ball Room will be transformed into a magical setting for fine dining with special wine pairings, dancing to the sounds of the Mobile Big Band Society, an entertaining silent auction and an elegant evening you will never forget. An exclusive VIP lounge is available to sponsors with signature Mikado and Madama Butterfly cocktails (and you can even keep up with all the SEC football scores). Don’t miss this special event! For tickets and information about sponsorship levels call Mobile Opera at (251)432-6772.

Butterfly Festival at Mobile Botanical Gardens Explore the world of butterflies and learn how to make your own butterfly garden. Fun for the whole family, 9 am - Noon. Adults $10, children $5 each.

Registration required. Call 251-342-0555 or visit mobilebotanicalgardens.org.

25th Annual Jubilee Festival Arts and crafts, live local entertainment, children’s activities, festival foods and football on the large screen. This event takes place on Main Street (Scenic 98) Olde Towne Daphne, in front of City Hall and in Centennial Park. Festival stage located in front City Hall. Attendance to the festival is free. Booths will be set up for children to explore their creative side. They will also be invited to paint their creations on a fence.

The hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

“Noises Off” Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 20 for details.

Sunday, September 29

USA Fall Concert – USA Jazz Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S).

General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

25th Annual Jubilee Festival See September 28 for details.

“Noises Off” Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 20 for details.

Monday, September 30

Fall Concert: USA Concert Choir and University Chorale The Fall Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth

Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts Join us for a free class for ages 3-5 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Centre for the Living Arts, CLA Classroom (301 Conti St). Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up.

Brown Bag in Bienville See September 25 for more information.

Thursday, October 3

Please see our Fall Festival and Halloween Fun Guide on page 46 for more great September & October events!

Springhill Medical Center’s Annual Pink Party Join us at Springhill Medical Center’s Heart Center (3715 Dauphin St.) from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. as we paint Springhill pink for Breast Cancer Awareness! We will be selling lunch, baked goods, jewelry, crafts, and chocolate goodies from the pink chocolate fountain, T-shirts, and much more. The PINK fire truck from Orange Beach will be on site, as well as the Heroes Helping Heroes Purple truck from Mobile. And, there will be a silent auction this year. All proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society. Please contact 460-5358 for more information.

Alabama Coastal BirdFest Join us October 3rd through 5th for guided field trips to our local birding hotspots in the Mobile Tensaw Delta, Weeks Bay, Grand Bay, Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, and many more. Online registration at www.

AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com or call 5 Rivers at 251625-0814 for more details. In addition to the field trips offered by BirdFest, 5 Rivers will be offering a series of free seminars to occupy festival attendees when they return from field trips. Topics include: Alabama’s Biodiversity, Live Reptiles, Basics of Nature Photography, Planting to Attract Birds, and more!

A Night to Remember – Jazz Concert University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts/ School of Music and School of Worship Leadership with director Ken Hughes will perform a concert. This event will take place at 7 p.m. at Saraland Center for Performing Arts, Saraland High School (1115 Industrial Parkway, Saraland).

Thursdays at the Museum See September 26 for more information.

Government Street Forum See September 26 for more information.

Friday, October 4

BayFest BayFest will celebrate its 19th anniversary with an

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demonstrations from animal training, agility. The event centers around a service that blesses animals by an ordained Priest at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 1050 Azalea road at 10:00 a.m.

An Evening under the Stars - Mobile Pops Concert Please join us at 7 p.m. at Medal of Honor Park Bicentennial Pavilion. All concerts are free to the public.

Please visit www.mobilepopsband.com for more information.

1st Saturdays at Mobile Museum of Art Explore art in a program for kids ages 3 and up together with their adults. Become inspired from the museum’s collection and exhibitions as you make your own creation and learn about old and new art. From handling tools and materials to learning how works of art were formed, these programs welcome children and adults with a range of abilities and learning styles, together with family and friends. Join us each month to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. The exhibition The Silent Cities of Peru: Archaeological Photography Fernando La Rosa’s archaeological photography shows how the exploration of ancient sites like Machu Picchu led to efforts to restore and preserve aspects that may have been of great importance to the original builders. Uncover you own works of art using “southern-style” scholarly research and preservation techniques, and compare it to the sites shown in La Rosa’s photographs of Peru.

All materials included. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at 4850 Museum Drive. For more information, contact us at (251) 208-5200.

Paddle Bayou La Batre Paddlers will have an up-close and personal experience of being on a true working bayou, lined with shipyards, shrimp boats, oyster skiffs, and scenic natural vistas.

Experience and learn about the bayou’s history as you traverse the waters. Paddle under the vertical

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Family Calendar lift bridge, one of Bayou La Batre’s landmarks. Enjoy Bayou cuisine afterwards. The trip is approximately 6 miles with an option to take out at 2.5 miles.

Please visit www.paddlebayoulabatre.org for more information.

Kids Studio at Centre of the Living Arts Join us for a free class for ages 6-12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Centre for the Living Arts, CLA Classroom (301 Conti St). Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up.

31st Annual Grand Festival of Art 31st Annual Grand Festival of Art takes place in downtown Fairhope on Fairhope Avenue, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The show features more than 70 local, regional, national and international artists with more than 20,000 visitors expected. Visitors will find woodworking, blown glass, painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography and even children’s activities! It is a part of a fun-filled weekend known as “Fall Into Fairhope” that includes the First Friday Art Walk, Grand Festival of Books, Alabama Coastal BirdFest, Mullet Run and Baldwin Pops Founder’s Day Concert.

Special Day for Special Needs Families – Shiloh Baptist Church Shiloh Baptist Church presents a special day for special needs families from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fun day including zip-line, lots of games, bounce house, lunch, your very own buddy, and more! Location: 717 Cleveland Road, Saraland. Please visit www.shilohbc. com for more information.

Library Fall Art – Moorer/Spring Hill Branch Join us on the Plaza at 10:30 a.m.! Participants will make pompom spiders, yarn pumpkins, toilet paper roll owls, and apple trees from apple stamps. Registration is required for groups. Location: Moorer/Spring Hill Branch. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

Sew and Tell – Moorer/Spring Hill Branch Visit with friends and learn to sew simple projects at 2:00 p.m. for ages 10 and up. Registration is required for groups. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

Impala Gallop Impala Gallop Certified 2-mile fun run/walk to benefit St. Ignatius School. 5:45 start time with great after party. Please visit www.stignatius.org for more information.

Bayfest See October 4 for more information.

Alabama Coastal BirdFest See October 3 for more information.

Sunday, October 6

Commedia del Arte Presents “The Phantom Curses the Opera” A spoof of the classic musical. 6:30 p.m. Loxley Civic Center. $10 in advance, $12 at the door, for adults and children 6+. A portion of the proceeds benefit the National Federation of the Blind of Mobile.

Bayfest See October 4 for more information.

31st Annual Grand Festival of Art See October 5 for more information.

Monday, October 7

An Evening with the Pops – Mobile Pops Concert Please join us for “An Evening with The Pops” at 7 p.m. at Mary G. Montgomery High School Auditorium

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(4275 Snow Rd, Semmes). All concerts are free to the public. Please visit www.mobilepopsband.com for more information.

Tuesday, October 8

Centre for the Living Arts – Pre-K and Kids Studio West Regional Branch Library. Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature.

This month’s project is Tar Paper Paintings. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. Pre-K studio is for ages 3-5 and is held at 10:00 a.m.; Kids Studio is for ages 6-12 and is held at 3:30 p.m. Location: West Regional Branch. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at (251) 340-8571.

Wednesday, October 9

Learning Lunch – History Museum of Mobile Join us at 12 p.m. for Learning Lunch. The theme is “Writing Lives: The Mitcham Wars of Clarke County” presented by Jerry Brown (Retired Professor, Auburn University and The University of Montana). Bring lunch; complimentary beverages provided at the History Museum of Mobile (111 S Royal St). Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information.

Centre for the Living Arts Kids Studio Toulminville Branch. Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature. This month’s project is Tar Paper Paintings. Space and materials are limited. Kids Studio is for ages 6-12 and is held at 4:00 p.m. Location: Toulminville Branch. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at (251) 438-7075.

Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 2 for more information.

Brown Bag in Bienville See September 25 for more information.

Thursday, October 10

LoDa Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues.

Second Fri, 6 - 9 PM. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St). Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event at www. ncsmobile.org or call (251) 208-1550.

Centre for the Living Arts Kids Studio Ben May Main Library. Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature. This month’s project is Tar Paper Paintings. Space and materials are limited. Kids Studio is for ages 6-12 and is held at 3:30pm. Location: Ben May Main Library. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at (251) 208-7079.

Impala Gala On October 10 at 7:00 p.m. St. Ignatius School will hold its annual fundraiser. Come join us for food, fun, raffles and silent auction. For more information, please visit http://impalagala.publishpath.com.

National Shrimp Festival – Gulf Shores The Annual National Shrimp Festival presented by Zatarain’s and sponsored in part by our wonderful sponsors, is held each year during the second full weekend in October on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Thanks to our all of our generous sponsors the event is FREE to everyone! The Annual National Shrimp Festival is held at the public beach access in Gulf Shores where Hwy. 59 ends and intersects with Hwy. 182.The festival is one of the nation’s premier outdoor festivals attracting 250,000 people, featuring over 250 vendors that offer fine art, arts & crafts, a retail marketplace, outdoor world, and of course, SHRIMP! Two stages offer continuous

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musical entertainment while the little one’s attention is captured in the Children’s Activity Village where they create their own “art” and participate in other fun-filled activities. This year enjoy our first ever Shrimp Festival Idol Contest taking place Saturday on the west stage from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. This contest will feature the best of the best youth talent from Baldwin County.

Get the entire family involved in the family-friendly sand sculpture contest. This will be held on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the west end of the public beach. Prizes include cash and trophies! The Shrimp Festival is open from 10-10 Thursday-Saturday, and from 10-5 Sunday. Please visit www.myshrimpfest.com for more information.

Signature Chef’s Auction benefiting March of Dimes Event showcases top local chefs and their culinary masterpieces, fine wines, fabulous entertainment and a lively auction featuring one-ofa-kind packages.

6:00 PM, Five Rivers Delta, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort. Cocktail Attire. Tickets are $75/each. For more information, contact Riley McDuff at the March of Dimes Chapter Office at (251) 345-6480 or by email at emcduff@marchofdimes.com.

Thursdays at the Museum See September 26 for more information.

Government Street Forum See September 26 for more information.

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Mobile SPCA Giant Rummage Sale Gates open at 8 a.m. sharp Friday and Saturday mornings! The Mobile SPCA store, warehouse, carport and yard will be packed with 1000s of items - collectibles, tools, art, jewelry, home decor, clothes, linens, household appliances, kitchen items, antiques, toys, furniture and more! New and gently used items at great prices. Place: Mobile SPCA Office (620 Zeigler Cir. W.). 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 12

Mobile Piano Ensemble 62nd Anniversary Concert A six-piano concert experience featuring approximately 30 highly trained pianists performing on Steinway grand pianos provided by Broussard’s Piano Gallery and Academy of Music. Program includes a selection of pieces ranging from classical standards to popular show tunes. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Davidson High School Performing Arts Center (3900 Pleasant Valley Rd) $5. Please visit www. mobilepianoensemble.org for more information.

20th Annual “Colonial Isle Dauphine” A living History Day exploring life on the Gulf Coast before Historic Fort Gaines was built. There will be Pirates, Colonial Soldiers and Craftsmen providing living history. Ft Gaines (51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island).

3rd Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail 40 local and regional artists at 11 different locations.

Pick up a Trail Map and have it stamped at all locations to qualify for prize drawings at 5 PM. Sponsor: Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce. 9 – 4. Dauphin Island.

Market on the Square Join us in Cathedral Square (downtown Mobile,

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bounded by Dauphin, Jackson, Conti and Claiborne Street) for locally grown produce, seafood, beef, honeys, breads, pastas, cheeses, plants, handcrafted goods for kitchen and home; live music; art and crafts.

8 – noon. For more information, please visit www. ncsmobile.org.

The Color Run Mobile The Mobile Sports Authority is proud to present The Color Run™ 5k paint race event in Mobile benefiting the Y campaign for youth and families. The YMCA has a goal of raising enough money so that no one is turned away from their programs and services because of their inability to pay. The race will take place at the Civic Center at 8 AM. Please visit www.thecolorrun.com for more information.

Riveting Rosie - Chickasaw Civic Theatre Riveting Rosie is the premier of a new musical comedy

by Chris Kern which looks at the lives and loves of the women who built ships in local shipyards during World War II. The show features unforgettable ballads and swing music of the era. Accompaniment is provided by the local jazz band Swing. Sat. 7:30 PM; Sun. 2 PM. Lola Phillips Playhouse (801 Iroquois St, Chickasaw).

Adults/ $15; senior citizens (60+) & students/ $10 (cash and local checks). Please visit www.cctshows. com for more information.

A Walk in the Longleaf – Bill Finch Join Bill Finch, author of “Longleaf Far as the Eye Can See” for a tour of our longleaf forest, which should be resplendent with wildflowers and butterflies this time of year. Bring a sack lunch and stay afterward for an old-fashioned longleaf picnic. Copies of the book will be available for purchase (cash or check only).

Registration requested. Members free, Non-members $5. Location: Mobile Botanical Gardens (5151 Museum Dr.). 10 AM–noon. Please call (251) 342-0555 or visit www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org for more information.

Mobile SPCA Giant Rummage Sale See October 11 for more information.

Sunday, October 13

Mobile Piano Ensemble 62nd Anniversary Concert See October 12 for more information.

Riveting Rosie - Chickasaw Civic Theatre See October 12 for more information.

Monday, October 14

Faculty Recital – USA Trumpeter Peter Wood Fall Concert at 7:30 PM at USA Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr. S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music.

Wednesday, October 16 Via’s Health Life Expo Via’s 2nd Annual Healthy Life EXPO starts at 9 AM. Free to the public! We will have: Flu Shot Clinic, Demonstrations, Blood Drive, and Information for seniors, Refreshments & Door Prizes. For more information: Cal Christina Bailey (251) 470-5222 or email-cbailey@viamobile.org.

Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 2 for more information.

Brown Bag in Bienville See September 25 for more information.

Thursday, October 17

Mobile SPCA’s First Annual Fish Fry Enjoy two catfish filets, coleslaw, baked beans, hushpuppies, tea, and homemade dessert for just $10.

Beer and wine available with meal. Live toe-tapping music by The String Slingers. Lots of raffle items and door prizes - Grand Raffle Prize is a $250 gas card!

All proceeds benefit the Mobile SPCA pet adoption

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Family Calendar program. This event takes place at Our Savior Catholic Church (1801 Cody Road South) from 5–7:30 PM. Please visit www.mobilespca.org for more information.

2013 Wine Festival at 5 Rivers to benefit Catholic Social Services The 7th Annual Wine Festival at 5 Rivers will be held from 5:30-8:30 PM at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample a wide variety of wine and food selections, all donated by local restaurants, caterers and wine distributors, throughout the evening. In addition to food and wine, event highlights include live music from local favorite Phil Proctor and sunset cruises on the Delta. Additionally, two people’s choice awards are made to food vendor participants, based on votes cast during the event.

The best overall caterer or restaurant is recognized with the “Best of the Fest” award and the “Taste of the Bay” designation goes to the best dish. Tickets are $50 and are all-inclusive. There is no charge for parking. Tickets may be purchased online via WineAt5Rivers.com (additional $2 handling) or at Red or White in Mobile and Fairhope, Domke Market in West Mobile and Southern Napa in Daphne.

For information, call (251) 434-1550 or email info@ winefestivalat5rivers.com. The Wine Festival at 5 Rivers is a fundraiser for The Service Center of Catholic Social Services.

Plantasia Preview Party – Mobile Botanical Gardens Enjoy wine, snacks, and first choice of plants at this not to be missed event! MBG’s Fall Plant Sale features thousands of plants for your Gulf Coast garden.

Winter veggies, camellias, natives, & more. Opening Night Preview Party & Sale 4-7 PM. $25 Admission.

Please visit www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org for more information.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow”- Drama Camp Productions and Sunny Side Theater Sunny Side Theater presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Vera Morris at 7:00 p.m. This is the tale of Ichabod Crane, an unsuspecting schoolmaster, who comes to a town full of ghost stories. The schoolmaster soon finds out that some of the “stories” may be true with a graveyard haunted by pirates, Indians, specters, and a Headless Horseman! Join Sunny Side for its 5th Annual Halloween show. There will be a costume contest on closing night for anyone who would like to come dressed up! The show will take place at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts located on the St. Luke’s High School campus, 1400 University Boulevard.

ART Works: The Throwdown 2 Shaking up the traditional silent auction, Mobile Arts Council has created an event that you don’t want to miss! This one-of-a-kind silent auction/ loud party features a competition like none other seen in Mobile.

Inspired by concepts from some of TV’s most-loved competition shows, Mobile Arts Council has drafted five artists to compete in a battle of creativity. ART Works is Mobile Arts Council’s largest annual fundraiser, and all proceeds go to support our mission of bringing people and art together. This event takes place from 6-9 PM. Please visit www.artworksthrowdown2. brownpapertickets.com to purchase tickets.

Thursdays at the Museum See September 26 for more information.

Government Street Forum See September 26 for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

September/October2013

Friday, October 18

Plantasia! Fall Plant Sale Thousands of plants for your Gulf Coast garden.

Winter veggies, camellias, natives, & more. 9-4. Free.

Plant list posted two weeks prior to sale at www. mobilebotanicalgardens.org. For easier shopping, bring your own cart!

Mobile County Public School System Learn and Play 5K and Fun Run This race will be held at 8 AM at MCPSS Central Office (One Magnum Pass, Mobile). Benefits MCPSS Students (School Academic or Fitness Grants). Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow”- Drama Camp Productions and Sunny Side Theater See October 17 for more information.

Saturday, October 19

Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Join us on our 5th Annual Buddy Walk® at Hank Aaron Stadium.

Registration is 8-9 AM; Walk Starts at 9 AM. Start a team, join a team, register as an individual or donate and help support Down syndrome awareness in our community!

Please visit www.dssmc. com for more information.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes 2013 Hosted by The American Diabetes Association. The 3-mile walk takes place in historic downtown Mobile.

The event includes a Health & Wellness Festival, breakfast and lunch, children’s activities, music and more. All funds raised help the American Diabetes Association in its mission to raise awareness, educate and find a cure. Bienville Square, 8-11 AM. Please call (251) 423-1272 for more information.

Saenger Fright Night!

Mobile Symphony with guest conductor: Robert Franz.

Halloween Pops concert. Wear your costume. 8 PM. Sun. 2:30 PM. Saenger Theatre (6 S Joachim St) $20 - $65.

Dauphin Island Sunset Bridge Run 5K This race takes place at 5:00pm at 531 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island. Please visit www.dauphinislandtourism. com under the events section for more information.

Kids Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 5 for more information.

Market on the Square See October 12 for more information.

Plantasia! Fall Plant Sale See October 18 for more information.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow”- Drama Camp Productions and Sunny Side Theater See October 17 for more information.

Sunday, October 20

We Still Live Here A program of poems from the collection “We Still Live Here” read by the author, Celia Lewis, with images by the book’s photographer, Walter Beckham; reception and book-signing. 2 PM. Mobile Public Library, Ben May Main Library, Bernheim Hall & Armbrecht/Briskman Meeting Room (701 Government St) Free.

Please visit www.mplonline.org for more information.

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Saenger Fright Night!

See October 19 for more information.

Plantasia! Fall Plant Sale See October 18 for more information.

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Wednesday, October 23 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 2 for more information.

Brown Bag in Bienville See September 25 for more information.

Thursday, October 24 Thursdays at the Museum See September 26 for more information.

Government Street Forum See September 26 for more information.

Friday, October 25

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Halloween brings thrills, chills and a chance to do the “Time Warp” again in this cult classic by Richard O’Brien. A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a cross-dressing mad scientist unveiling his new creation, muscle man named Rocky Horror. Special Halloween night performance! Music, lyrics and a book by Richard O’Brien/Directed by Jim Faust. Fri. & Sat., 8 PM; Sun., 2 PM at Mobile Theatre Guild (14 N Lafayette St). Cost - General/ $20; 62+, military & students/ $15. Please call (251) 433-7513 or visit www.mobiletheatreguild. org for more information.

The Mikado – Mobile Opera Comic operetta by WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan.

October 25 and 27 by the Mobile Opera. Fri., 8 PM; Sun., 2:30 PM. Mobile Civic Center Theater (401 Civic Center Dr. Cost: $20 - $60. Please call (251) 432-6772 or visit www.mobileopera.org for more information.

Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital is proud to host the Inaugural Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run to benefit the Evaluation Center. Come out and support the hospital in our efforts to renovate and expand the current EC! Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun night of food, fun, and fright! There will be a pumpkin decorating contest, kid-friendly “Monster” movie and children can trick or treat at all tents.

The 5K will start at 6:00 PM. The Scary Scurry Fun Run will begin at 7:00 PM and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. Costumes strongly encouraged!

Visit www.cwhtrickortrot-zvents.eventbrite.com for more information or to register.

30th Annual Renaissance Festival – Dauphin Island The Barony of the Osprey will present life in the Middle Ages with knights in armor, period arts and sciences and more. Admission charged. Place: Historic Fort Gaines (109 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island). 9 AM. Also Sat., October 26 5 PM. Please visit www.baronyosprey. org for more information.

Greater Gulf State Fair Come to the Fair! Mobile Fairgrounds (1035 Cody Road North). Please visit www.thegroundsmobile.com for more information.

Saturday, October 26

Cardboard City Fundraiser This event takes place from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Alabama Math and Science Soccer Field. The mission is to raise money and awareness of homelessness. All proceeds benefit Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, and Sybil H. Smith Family Village. Setup begins at 4 PM at corner of Dauphin and Ann street (Alabama School of Math & Science Soccer Field). Entertainment begins at 7 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend w/o spending the night. An annual memorial service for homeless

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Do you miss Summer? NO PROBLEM! persons held at 9 PM. A simple meal is provided.

Sunrise Devotion at Sunday morning 6 AM. Clean up and depart at 8 AM. Visit www.familypromisemobile. org/cardboardcity for more information.

25th Polo at the Point Sonny HillClearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear.

The Gulf Coast’s premier charity sporting event benefits USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and Thomas Hospital’s Pediatric Rehab. This momentous anniversary year will include special events including Fashion Fếte.

For more information, please visit www.poloatthepoint. com or call (251) 928-9704.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information.

30th Annual Renaissance Festival – Dauphin Island See October 25 for more information.

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

We still have plenty of Bouncing Sliding Flipping Jumping

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Sunday, October 27

St. Mary Catholic School’s 6th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament St. Mary Catholic School will host the 6th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament at Spring Hill College Golf Course. The entry fee will be $100 per golfer and includes lunch, beverages, prizes, and a gift. Registration begins at 11 AM with a shotgun start at noon. Hole sponsorships are offered at $100 each and corporate sponsors are welcome! All Proceeds benefit St. Mary Catholic School. For more information, to register, or to become a sponsor, contact Desi Tobias at (251) 432-5001 or desi@ tobiascomer.com or call the parish development office at (251) 432-8678, ext. 3.

The Mikado – Mobile Opera See October 25 for more information.

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Monday, October 28

Golden Eagle Extravaganza – St. Dominic Catholic School Please join us at the Golden Eagle Extravaganza with an Italian Flair. This adult social will have great food, beverages, music, auction and more. Admission is only $25 per person for this fun filled night. Doors open at 6:30pm. St. Dominic’s (4160 Burma Road).

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Obstacle Course Giant Drop Slide Inflatables Plenty of Seating

Perfect for parties and special events!

Call today to reserve your party in the new headquarters for kids on the Gulf Coast!

906 Gulf Shores Pkwy • Gulf Shores, AL • 251.948.2106 (Hwy 59 S.)

watervilleusa.com

Tuesday, October 29 Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Wednesday, October 30 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 2 for more information.

Brown Bag in Bienville See September 25 for more information.

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

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Thursday, October 31

12th Annual Angel Ride Spectacular This fundraiser takes place at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope. Please visit www.angel-ride.org for a list of all activities.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information.

Thursdays at the Museum See September 26 for more information.

Government Street Forum See September 26 for more information.

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Looking Ahead...

KNOW S C

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF

USPECTED

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A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

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Should not drive a motor vehicle

Friday, November 1 12th Annual Angel Ride Spectacular See October 31 for more information.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information.

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Saturday, November 2 2nd Annual Salty Worm Brackish Classic and Delta Bash The Bluegill Restaurant on Causeway, 1–5 PM. Benefits the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Please visit www.saltyworm.org for more information.

Stars of American Ballet Mobile Ballet’s 2013-14 season opens with Stars of American Ballet featuring Principal Dancers and Soloists from New York City Ballet in a rare appearance for onenight only. The outstanding program includes Jerome Robbins’ “Classic Fancy Free” with a score by Leonard Berstein, as well as excerpts from George Balanchine’s “Rubies, Who Cares?”, and “Stars and Stripes.” Led

by Daniel Ulbricht, Principal Dancer, guest artists include Tiler Peck, Teresa Reichlen, Amar Ramasar, and Robert Fairchild. The Mobile Ballet Company will also present an excerpt from Winthrop Corey’s “Snow White,” the gorgeous ballroom scene. Please visit www. mobileballet.org for more information.

12th Annual Angel Ride Spectacular See October 31 for more information.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information.

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.

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

Please send your calendar events to lynn@mobilebay parents.com.

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A Page in a Book

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The Gift of Grandfathers Grandfathers often have the special gift of wisdom and extra attention to share with our children. For children who are blessed to know their grandfatherly forebears, they often gain the benefits of their grandfather’s life experiences and memories through those rare and treasured interactions. Getting to know their grandfathers is a vital part of children’s lives as they work to assemble their understanding of how families are made and grown, how each relationship is different and special. The following titles explore the unique connections between children and their grandfathers in beautiful, loving and poignant ways.

Max and the Tag-Along Moon

by Floyd Cooper (Philomel / Penguin Books for Young Readers) At the end of Max’s visit with his Grandpa, the hardest part is saying goodbye. As their last hug is framed by the rising full moon, his Grandpa says, “That ‘ol moon will always shine for you…on and on!” And true enough, as the family drives away, Max watches his Grandpa recede from view while the moon waxes large. Through all the twists and turns of the drive the moon plays peek-a-boo, yet it is always there. But when the clouds arrive, the moon is hidden and Max isn’t sure that it’s shining anymore. Missing his Grandpa AND the moon, Max lies in bed worrying about the absence of both until a gentle light begins to fill his bedroom, keeping his Grandpa’s promise. A lovingly illustrated testament to a relationship that is constant despite the challenges of time and distance, ‘Max and the Tag-Along Moon’ is gentle support for kids missing a grandparent.

Joone

by Emily Kate Moon (Dial) Joone revels in the life she shares with her Grandpa in his homey yurt. Narrating the ways they spend their days, Joone offers a child’s eye view of the ways that her grandfather finds a balance between play and parenting. Her words reveal bits of her Grandpa’s life (before he was old) showing that she’s paying attention to who he was, as well as who he is. With lively illustrations and spare text, readers will appreciate the blending lives of a loving grandfather moving slowly through the day while his adventuresome, full of zest granddaughter runs, climbs and swims with enough energy for both of them.

Zayde Come to Live

by Sheri Sinykin, Illustrated by Kristina Swarner (Peachtree) Rachel thinks she knows why her Zayde (grandfather) has come to live with her and her family.

Although no one has told her, she knows because he is dying. He is no longer able to play hideand-seek, or catch a ball without getting tired. He runs out of breath when he reads to Rachel, so she reads to him. While she’s aware that she will eventually lose her Zayde, she’s more worried about what will happen to him when he dies. She doesn’t know who to ask until the family’s rabbi visits. The answers she receives are reassuring and allow her to focus on every moment, every breath that she can still share with her Zayde before the end. The title alone, ‘Zayde Comes to Live’, is an optimistic message leading a powerful story recommended for kids who are facing the loss of a grandparent or elder relative.

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

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Insidious: Chapter 2

One Direction: This Is Us

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: C Sexual Content: A Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Insidious: Chapter 2 PG-13 for intense sequences of terror and violence, and thematic elements.

The poor Lambert family doesn’t learn very fast. In their previous Insidious outing they had to put up with squeaky doors and haunting sounds until they finally discovered the ghost that was freeloading in their home wasn’t attached to their house, but to their son (Ty Simpkins). The discovery saved the family but cost the life of Elise, their psychic (Lin Shaye). Now in “Chapter 2”, parents Josh and Renai (Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne) are living in Josh’s mother’s (Barbara Hershey) home where they once again are spooked by creaks and groans. Worse yet the police are still investigating Elise’s death and Josh is a prime suspect.

A case lot of WD-40 would likely solve ninety percent of their issues, but the opening of this movie assures us this issue is more than rusty hinges. It turns out Josh had his own ghostly interaction with mediator Elise when he was a young boy, along with an assistant named Carl (Hank Harris). Now Carl (Steve Coulter) is feeling the need to communicate with Elise in the afterlife. For added support he teams up with Specs and Tucker (Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson) -- Elise’s tech team from the first movie -- and discovers the Lamberts are still in danger.

Other than a brief twist in the third act, this movie is all about scene and setting. Old houses with dim light bulbs and an abandoned hospital (complete with confidential patient records still on the shelves) provide plenty of boo business. As the plot thickens the violence escalates, with portrayals of a possessed male character that lashes out and strikes a woman multiple times, attempts to choke her and threatens a child with a weapon. Other scenes depict fights and scuffles with a knife and a hypodermic tranquilizer. Squeamish stomachs will also awaken when a hidden room is discovered that’s full of murdered corpses -- all women. Finally another flashback reveals a child forced to assume an opposite gender identity.

There is no sexual content and profanities are limited to a single scatological curse and terms of Christian deity. Obviously those who don’t appreciate themes involving séances and psychics will also want to search for scares elsewhere.

The movie deserves credit for turning some everyday objects into spooky devices, like a tin can telephone that becomes a conduit for a rude awakening during a child’s sleep. But the involvement of children in this story will almost certainly make this a nightmare generator for young audiences. For older teens and adults, there’s little here of artistic or moral value to make the film worth your time.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: ASexual Content: B+ Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated One Direction: This Is Us PG for mild language.

It is easy to roll your eyes at the thought of another boy band. These types of groups have come and gone for a long time. And yet it seems every generation of girls is as excited as the last to scream and cry and swoon over the next crop of crooners. Luckily for young fans the new rash of concert movies has made these singers more accessible for the mass audience who can’t afford the price of concert tickets. Not only do moviegoers get front seat exposure to the performers, they also get behind-the-scene coverage of the tour and intimate details into the boys’ humble beginnings.

If it all feels a bit orchestrated, wait. There’s more. One Direction, the latest phenomenon in the teen music scene, is the brainchild of Simon Cowell, the acerbic judge from American Idol and Britain’s The X Factor. After soloists Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson failed to advance to the finals of The X Factor, they were given a second chance at the competition. Put together as a five-member boy band, they competed in the group category. They failed to win the competition again but by that time, their good looks and audience appeal had helped to attract a huge fan base. Following their third place finish they signed a record deal with Cowell’s Syco Records and became an almost instant success in the UK, thanks in large measure to social media. And social media has continued to be the moving force behind the band’s worldwide megastardom. There’s nothing like the quick thumbs of tireless teen tweeters to spread the word about their favorite celebs.

Although the English-Irish band members refute the idea that they are a typical boy band (they don’t dress in identical outfits and their choreography on stage resembles more of a free for all than composed dance steps), they still follow the prescribed formula pretty closely. Each member has his own descriptor -- the funny one, the serious one, the flirt etc. -- and their pop rock songs are full of sweet and sloppy lyrics that appeal to their young audiences.

However it doesn’t take much trolling of the Internet to know these guys aren’t squeaky clean, but so far they seem to have avoided any paternity lawsuits. And the movie, directed by Morgan Spurlock, does it’s best to promote these performers as the kind of boys you wouldn’t mind your daughter bringing home -- at least on her iPod. Their parents, tour director and fans also all get a chance to extol these singers as the documentary intercuts personal interviews with musical interludes from their concerts.

One Direction: This is Us certainly won’t appeal to all. Still, if you or your daughter is in the demographic niche that can’t help but squeal when someone sings, “You don’t know you’re beautiful, that’s what makes you beautiful”, then an hour or so with this British pop group will probably be worth the price of movie tickets.

What Parents need to know about Insidious: Chapter 2...

Violence: WARNING -- Information contains plot spoilers: A possessed man seriously assaults a woman and attempts to murder her -- a child that witnesses the incident runs for cover. A man is seen with a large knife and is poised to kill a child.

A room full of female corpses is discovered, all of which were murder victims. Dialog mentions a man attempting to castrate himself. Men fight with a knife and a hypodermic needle containing tranquilizer; by the end a man is stabbed and another shot with the needle. A dead woman is seen sitting in a chair. Many “jump” scenes are included that intend to frighten with visuals and/or sounds.

Sexual Content: None noted.

Language: A single scatological term, a couple of terms of Christian deity and a few other mild profanities are used.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2013

What Parents need to know about One Direction: This Is Us...

Violence: Characters engage in horseplay and one character slaps another. One character pulls down another’s pants (exposing his boxers) during a concert.

Sexual Content: A boy removes his shirt during a couple of recording sessions saying he prefers to sing only in his underwear. A couple of characters are seen in their underwear a few of times. Some mildly suggestive lyrics are included.

Language: Characters swear on occasion.

Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

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