Mobile Bay Parents September 2017 by KeepSharing

September2017

Volume 7 Number 6

Columns

38 44

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Gentle Ways to Quiet Your Chatterbox Help your child manage her compulsion to talk, talk, talk.

Talking to Kids About Disabilities

Conversation starters and answers to their questions.

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Group

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Caring for the Caretaker

How to support the parents of special needs children.

2017 Special Needs Resource Guide

Local and national resources assist in caring for your child.

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Elliot Cooley (4), son of Jennifer and Bryan Cooley. Proud grandparents are Carol and Freddie Cooley, Debra and Richard Turberville, and Laura and Bob Ridgeway. Elliot loves music, art, dinosaurs, and playing with his iPad. He also loves his PreK class at Hutchens Elementary School. He has a little brother on the way (hopefully arriving in September) who will be named Charlie.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 62

Family Calendar 68

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth If you told me five or ten years ago that I would be authoring a letter as the “Mom of the Month” in a parenting magazine, let alone an issue devoted to the parenting of a child with special needs, I likely would have laughed. While I always figured that I would be a mom, I never imagined the reality of my parenting experience today. In fact, I bet a lot of the parents reading this letter similarly had no idea that they would one day acquire the title of special needs parent. I suppose I began to realize that my expectations for motherhood might be off-base when I was 15 weeks pregnant with my son Elliot. Thanks to a non-invasive blood test, my husband Bryan and I learned that I was carrying a baby boy who tested positive for Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down syndrome. Elliot, like some of his friends with Down syndrome, also had a major heart defect that was surgically corrected when he was about five months old. During my pregnancy with him, I learned everything I could about Down syndrome, from books, websites, and other parents. Even with all that preparation, we had no indication that Elliot, who is hard-headed to a fault and always full of surprises, would make his arrival at 29 weeks of pregnancy, leading to an 11-week NICU stay before he joined us at home. Today Elliot is a happy and generally healthy four-year-old. He is still stubborn and is also one of the strongest, loving and most sarcastic people I know (given that Elliot has verbal delays, all of that sarcasm comes from on-point facial expressions). He loves going to preschool each day, listening to music and creating art, as well as playing with his iPad. I can easily admit that Elliot is not like every other child his age—he cannot move, talk or eat like other children his age; he sees a litany of physicians that follow his care; and he participates in various therapies to help him reach developmental milestones. All these things are an added encumbrance for special needs parents, requiring extra effort, money and time, but the returns are well worth it, the most unique of which is the impact that raising someone with special needs has on you as a parent. Most people in my shoes have heard the tired expression that “God only gives special children to special people.” While the phrase is well-intentioned, I think instead that we as special needs parents are only special because of our children. I am definitely no more special than any other parent out there, but I do feel special and fortunate because I can credit my child with teaching me many life lessons that I may not have acquired otherwise. Before motherhood, I was a perfectionist. Elliot made sure from the beginning that he would consistently flip the script on my so-called plans. One of the biggest lessons he has taught me is to accept the fact that I cannot plan everything in my life, and, instead, I should try more to cede control and go with the flow. Additionally, I have been through difficult experiences with Elliot, like sitting in a waiting room for six hours while he had open heart surgery. Facing challenges like these taught me how resilient I really am, and have afforded me an extraordinary perspective on life and what matters. I do not sweat the small stuff and what qualifies as small stuff now consistently astonishes me compared to my sensibilities just five years ago. And speaking of small things, Elliot has given me the ability to notice and celebrate the tiny aspects of life and milestones that I may have once overlooked, enhancing my life with immeasurable richness. So, while my experience of motherhood has been much different than I anticipated, I would not trade it, or Elliot, for anything in the world. Yet, there are many things that can and do make our lives as special needs parents easier, including support from our family and friends (a great resource on this topic is this month’s article Caring for the Caretaker: How to Support Parents of Special Needs Children) as well as the education of our children’s peers on disabilities (more information on that in the article Talking to Kids About Disabilities). As I near the end of my pregnancy with Elliot’s little brother, I am excited to meet the newest member of our family and to experience a new level of parenthood. I have no idea what Elliot’s reaction to his new little brother will be, but I know he will surprise us and deepen the experience immensely.

Jennifer Cooley Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Jennifer Cooley Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

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

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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Avoid STDs, not the conversation. 1 in 2 sexuaLly active people wiLl get a STD by the age of 25. Learn how to get tested and stay protected.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Don’t Rush for Evaluation in Happy Child Q: Our 4-year-old prefers solitary play over play with other children. It’s been this way from early on when I began arranging play dates for him. When those really didn’t work, I enrolled him in pre-school but that didn’t help either. If firmly instructed to do so, he will join in and “play” with other children. I put the word in quotes because he doesn’t seem to really connect. He’s very imaginative and will spend hours in his room playing quietly on his own or even boisterously with various imaginary friends. At both home and school, he’s polite, obedient and sometimes can be very talkative with his older siblings or us. Everyone agrees that he seems happy and content. He’s in preK now and his teacher tells us he’s at least a year ahead of most of the kids in his class. Nonetheless, his school counselor called us in the other day and suggested he might have a mild form of autism—specifically, Asperger’s Disorder. Do you think we should have him evaluated?

A: Obviously, your son has more going for him than against him, which is my

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

primary reason for recommending against an evaluation—for the present, at least. Based on your description, it sounds to me as though your son is on the cusp of qualifying for a diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder. Whether that occurred would depend on how liberally the therapist

in question interpreted the diagnostic criteria. In my estimation, those criteria (symptoms) should always be considered in light of the “big picture” which in this case includes the fact that your son is a happy, content, intelligent, well-behaved and imaginative little fellow who interacts

well with family members—the people with whom he is most familiar. That description is more significant than his social immaturity. We seem, collectively, to have forgotten that children are capable of being odd little creatures—some more than others. Most children eventually outgrow their oddness or learn the advisability of controlling it. For that reason, I’d hold off, for the time being, on an evaluation. At age four, the fact that a child is lagging in one developmental area is, in and of itself, no cause for alarm. One thing is certain: If people treat a child as if he has something wrong with him, the child is likely to become convinced there is something wrong with him and begin acting accordingly. Your son is a smart, imaginative, happy little camper who at this early point in his life doesn’t socialize well with other children. Given the positives, I am inclined to think that the best therapy is patient guidance from the people who love him the most. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Awareness and Prevention

The South Alabama Out of the Darkness Community Walk for suicide awareness and prevention will take place Sunday, October 15 at Daphne City Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There will be a Memory Wall and table set up at the Daphne Walk so pictures, poems and messages can be displayed. There will also be music, food, butterfly coloring and face painting for the children, and informational booths set up to distribute information. To register for the Walk and to donate, please go to afsp.org/Daphne. For more information, please email jlbarber5@bellsouth.net.

Alabama Coastal Cleanup

Alabama Coastal Cleanup, the state's largest one-day volunteer event, returns for its 30th year on Saturday, September 16. Residents, visitors, individuals and organizations are invited to “get the trash out of the splash” by picking up trash littering Alabama coasts and waterways from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed on foot and on water. An exciting addition to this year’s 30th annual cleanup will be an effort to incorporate enhanced recycling opportunities for trash collected during the cleanup event. Alabama Coastal Cleanup, with support from Weeks Bay Foundation, Thompson Engineering, and Alabama Coastal Foundation, will partner with the TerraCycle Company to provide plastics recycling at cleanup zones. Volunteers are needed at 30 different cleanup sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Alabama Coastal Cleanup provides a t-shirt and clean up supplies to participants who collect trash. For more information or to contact a cleanup site captain to sign up to participate, go to www.AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com or call (251) 928-9792. Keep up with us on Facebook at Alabama Coastal Cleanup.

DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY OF MOBILE

BUDDY WALK®

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 21 10 a.m. Bienville Square Downtown Mobile

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Down Syndrome Society of Mobile hosts the Buddy Walk® each October to promote acceptance and inclusion of those with Down syndrome in the Mobile area. There's a one-mile walk through historic downtown, live music, special guests, games and much more! Register online today at www.dssmobile.org!

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile is a 501(c)3 organization. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

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Shop for Fall & Homecoming at the “Cheap Chic Boutique”

Stock up on fall fashion essentials to support a good cause at the “Cheap Chic Boutique”, a fundraiser for Our Sisters’ Closet. The twice yearly sale features new, nearly new, retro and vintage, designer and name brand clothing including Homecoming dresses, after-five and mother-of-the-bride, jewelry, purses and shoes galore at thrifty prices. There is an excellent selection of sizes from petite to plus. The sale is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, and Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Dumas Wesley Auditorium, 126 Mobile Street. For more information, contact Terri Kearns at 251.423-2001, www.oursisterscloset.org, or FB Our Sisters Closet.

American Cancer Society Hosts Vintage Affair Gala

Guests can experience one of Mobile’s premier philanthropic events as we join together to save lives and party for a cause. The American Cancer Society (ACS) will host the Vintage Affair Gala, presented by Lexus of Mobile on Thursday, September 28 at Fort Whiting Armory from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy an evening filled with exquisite cuisine by Clifton Morrissette, fine wines from Red or White and the exciting sounds of dueling pianos from Cooper Trent, Johnson Trent and Teddy Williams. Sure to thrill are the live and silent auctions which include fabulous trips, estate jewelry and original local art featuring artist Karen Sandifer. Tickets for the event are $150 and can be purchased online at www.vintageaffairmobile.org or by calling 251.344.9858.

Greek Fest’s “The After Party”

The Greek Fest Charity Gala announces a new way to join in on the fun. Doors for The After Party will open at 9 p.m. following the gala, Saturday, September 23 at 50 South Ann Street. Come and enjoy the soulful and vibrant music of Nashville’s Jason Eskridge Band. Proceeds from this event will go towards Penelope House, Prichard Preparatory School and Diokonia Center. Take this opportunity to get dressed up and most importantly give back to your community! Your $75 ticket will gain you access to the after party, two drink tickets and a phenomenal dessert bar filled with sweets to energize you to dance all night! For more information call 251-438-9888 or find The After Party event on Facebook.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore presents the 11th annual Girls Just Wanna Have Fun event benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile on Thursday, September 14 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. at The Steeple. This "must do" event is an evening for ladies 21 years of age and older, complete with heavy hors d'oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini's, and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs, shopping and more! In addition, Purse-Onalities will be available at the 2017 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun event! Each year, a limited number of purses are available for this event which always creates a 'shopping frenzy!' In the event that admission tickets are sold out prior to the event, no admission tickets will be available for purchase at the door. To purchase tickets or to learn more visit www.RMHCMobile. org or find our event on Facebook.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2017 Leukemia Cup Regatta

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Alabama/Gulf Coast chapter is proud to announce its 2017 Leukemia Cup Regatta, setting sail to raise funds to support blood cancer research and patient services. Local sailors and friends will raise funds in honor of local leukemia survivor, Emma Katherine Smith of Mobile. This year’s race will be held on September 16th at the Buccaneer Yacht Club. The race will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday. All are also invited to the race pre-event at the Buccaneer Yacht Club on Friday, September 15. This event will include a silent auction, live auction, Calcutta auction and a brief presentation by Emma Smith and family. Tickets to this event can be bought at the door for $25. Each sailor in the Regatta is eligible to win prizes including the opportunity to race at the Fantasy Sail in Annapolis, MD on October 27-29, 2017. If you are not a sailor, you can still register as a fundraising participant. Register at www.leukemiacup.org/al. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

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Parents Can Take Children to symphony FREE with MSO’s Big Red Ticket Program!

The Mobile Symphony (MSO) opens its 20th Anniversary season Sept. 23 & 24 with a brilliant musical celebration of famous classical works created for the Russian ballet. The concert even features dancers from New York’s famed Juilliard School and projected artworks provided by the Mobile Museum of Art. Through Big Red Ticket, sponsored by Alabama Power, students in grades K-12 can attend any Sunday performance in the classical series free when accompanied by a paying adult. A pre-concert lecture at 1:30 before each 2:30 matinee provides a more in-depth preview of the concert. Big Red Ticket admissions cannot be purchased online – only by phone at 251-432-2010 or at the symphony box office, 257 Dauphin Street, before the performance or during regular business hours. The offer is limited to two children per paying adult. Regular adult tickets are $15-$75. Student tickets for all concerts are available for $10. More details can be found online at www.mobilesymphony.org.

7th Annual “Chip in for Autism” Golf Tournament

The seventh annual “Chip in for Autism” Golf Tournament to benefit The Learning Tree’s Woody’s Song School is planned for Friday, October 20, at the Azalea City Golf Course in Mobile. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. Registration is $60 per player, which includes a bucket of range balls, tournament round, cart and dinner. Currently one in 68 children are diagnosed with a form of autism (Center for Disease Control, 2014). Autism is a complex developmental disability typically appearing during the first three years of a child’s life, as the result of a neurological disorder affecting normal functioning of the brain. The Learning Tree is a nonprofit organization providing educational and residential services for children with developmental disabilities, including autism. For tournament registration information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Cindy Fulford at 251-656-0070 or cfulford@ voase.org or Teresa Atkins at 251-331-2633 or tatkins@learning-tree.org.

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USA Medical Center Gala “A Night Honoring Heroes”

Highlighting the courage and dedication of first responders and medical professionals who help patients survive after a traumatic injury, the University of South Alabama Medical Center will host “A Night Honoring Heroes,” a gala scheduled from 5:30 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Mobile Convention Center Grand Ballroom. “A Night Honoring Heroes” will include a reception, dinner and inspiring video presentations of two patients who suffered traumatic injuries and those who cared for them. University of South Alabama Foundation is the title sponsor for the inaugural event, which will benefit USA Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.usahealthsystem.com/heroes.

Walk to Defeat ALS®

On September 23, The ALS Association Alabama Chapter’s annual Mobile Walk to Defeat ALS will take place at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile. Registration for the Walk starts at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease robs people of the ability to walk, to talk and even blink an eye, and it ultimately prevents them from breathing as it takes their life. There is no known cause of the disease, although military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. Living with ALS can cost up to $250,000 annually, depleting families of all savings. The event will feature music, food and activities for kids. It is a Walk followed by a picnic-style celebration. The Walk is open to the public, and all funds raised will be donated to the chapter for care services programs in the state of Alabama and for research and awareness. The chapter offers all services to people with ALS and their families free of charge. To learn more about the Mobile Walk to Defeat ALS, call the chapter at 205.637.7797 or visit walktodefeatals.org.

The Wharf Uncorked Announces Culinary Lineup

The 4th Annual Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival, set for Sept. 14-16, will feature more than 20 chefs and restaurants from the Gulf Coast and beyond serving up samples of their signature dishes, demonstrating their skills and competing for the ultimate prize. • Thursday, Sept. 14: VIP Kickoff + Chef Showdown — The three-day experience will begin at 4720 Main Street from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reigning showdown champion Brody Olive will be joined by two mystery chefs for this year’s competition to create the best dish with Alabama Gulf Seafood fueled with culinary challenges and roadblocks. There will be select vendor wine and spirits tasting, an auction preview, an open bar, food samples and giveaways. Individual tickets are $35. Combo tickets for the Chef Showdown and Grand Tasting are $80. Ticket prices will rise on Sept. 1 to $40/$95. • Friday, Sept. 15: Local Wine Dinners — The Wharf is home to more than 10 unique restaurants with a robust range of fare. Participating venues will curate individual menus with specials and wine pairings. Guests can make reservations directly through the restaurant of their choice. • Saturday, Sept. 16: The Grand Tasting — The Wharf Entertainment District will be lined with vendors serving more than 100 labels of wines, craft beer, spirits and small bites for the culinary competition from participating restaurants. In addition, there will be a luxury yacht walk, book signings, vendor booths, both live and silent auctions benefitting Make-A-Wish® Alabama and a high-end wine sampling tent. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $60 – last minute pricing begins Sept. 1 at $70. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.com, or at The Wharf box office. For more information, please visit TheWharfUncorked.com.

Children’s of Alabama presents All In For Heart Event

The first-ever All In For Heart event kicks off on September 21 to benefit the Pediatric Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama. Friends in Mobile and Baldwin counties are invited to enjoy a night of faux casino games at The Pillars, located at 1757 Government St. in Mobile. Admission is $60 per ticket and $100 per couple. Starting at 6:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy fantastic food, complimentary beer and wine, live music and great prizes, and will receive $1,000 in “fun money” to play blackjack, craps and roulette. Guests are asked to dress in cocktail attire. Proceeds from the All In For Heart event will help heal the hearts of many children like local Gulf Coast patient, Brantley Erwin of Mobile. Brantley was diagnosed with complex congenital heart defects. He has undergone 13 operations and countless procedures for his heart and complications from his complex CHD. Now, Brantley is an active 10-year-old, but will battle CHD and continue taking a daily dose of medicines for the rest of his life. For more information or to register online, visit give.childrensal.org/allinforheart, or call Kerrie Benson at (251) 610-4969. Event updates will be posted regularly to www.facebook.com/AllInForHeart. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

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Free “Never Forget” Lunch for First Responders

Throwdown 6: Retribution

The Original Oyster House restaurants will honor Mobile and Baldwin County law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and sheriff officers by offering a free “Never Forget” Lunch at either the Gulf Shores or Mobile Causeway location on Monday Sept. 11, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 10th Annual Never Forget Lunch was established by the Original Oyster House restaurants in honor of the 9/11 First Responders who risked their lives to save, protect and serve and in recognition of all first responders for their service. “Let’s never forget the brave men and women that went above and beyond that tragic day in history. Please join us on Sept. 11th anytime between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just show your ID or better yet wear your uniform so we may recognize you with a handshake,” stated David Dekle, co-found of the Original Oyster House restaurants. In memory 9/11, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, a 501(c) 3 non-profit community blood supplier, will also be on hand at the Causeway restaurant for blood donations. All blood donations collected will be distributed to hospitals in Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia Counties.

Throwdown 6: Retribution will go down on September 15 from 6-9 p.m. at the Temple in downtown Mobile. This one-of-a-kind silent auction and 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 (think Chopped and Iron Chef). This year's challengers are coming back from the previous 5 years for a chance at redemption! They will be given a box containing pre-selected unknown items, a shared supply closet, and 90 minutes to create new works of art. These masterpieces 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. While watching the competition and bidding, party-goers can enjoy dancing to music by DJ Ron Anthony as well as food, plenty of beer, wine and, of course, MAC's signature cocktail: "The Red Rooster". The Throwdown is the Mobile Arts Council's largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds go towards our mission to support, strengthen and sustain the local arts and cultural community. For more information, please visit mobilearts.org.

10th Annual GO Run

Ready. Set. GO Run. That was the theme for the first GO Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, launched 10 years ago by a Mobile oncologist to raise awareness about GYN cancers. Set for Saturday, September 16, 2017, on the University of South Alabama campus, the GO Run event has raised almost $400,000 for GYN cancer research at USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which is associated with the colors teal and purple. This year, MCI researchers will begin testing a new compound in hens at Auburn University, with the hope of developing a drug to prevent the recurrence of ovarian cancer. The 10th Annual GO Run begins with a 5K at 8 a.m. on the USA Mitchell Center Lawn near the Moulton Tower. The 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. The event will include prizes, music, vendor booths, food and children’s activities. Teams may compete for awards in a variety of categories -- largest team, most spirited, best dressed and more. Individual awards will also be given by age categories. To register online, visit raceroster.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Group

The Harm of Bullying The new school year has begun! Each school year brings the opportunity for fresh starts, new friends, and new opportunities. I wanted to use this time to touch on a subject that is so important, but difficult to discuss whether you are a parent, teacher, or student: bullying. Bullying and harassment can take on many forms: physical, social, mental, verbal, and now even cyberbullying. Bullying has been a problem for generations, but is now getting even more attention and it is our job as a community to stand behind our children and fight back against bullying. But how do we recognize that there is a problem and what can we do? School age children do not always want to confide in their parents, so you may not realize anything is wrong right away. Some signs that your child may be a victim are a decline in

grades, change in behavior, or nightmares and bedwetting. We are seeing more depression and anxiety in children, and bullying can be a contributing factor. Being bullied takes a real physiologic toll on the body, so you might see that your child is sick more often. This may manifest as stomach aches, headaches, or chest pain. On the flip-side, if your child is a little more aggressive than most other kids, does not follow instructions well or respect adults or leaders, or has a history of harming animals, your child may need help, too! These are cries for help and early signs of a bully that eventually could lead to even more detrimental behavior in the adult years if not caught early. The earlier parents and friends recognize bullies AND victims, the sooner both groups can be helped. Reach out to teachers, principals,

your pediatrician, and/or counselors to see what your child may need to improve his self-esteem and insure that he is in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Do not be ashamed to reach out to someone. Ask your school if the Alabama Student Harassment Prevention Act is in place; ask your child if they feel safe; be good role models for your children at home; and surround them with love and guidance! Talk to your children starting at a young age about being kind and embracing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s differences. Teach them to be brave and stand up to bullying at school by befriending the lonely child or telling an adult if someone is being bullied. The change can start with this generation and with you! Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

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ALABAMA’S HIGH SCHOOL Succeed at a high school where learning comes first. Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application September 1, 2017 at www.asms.net.

Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. The 2017 senior class earned $13 million in merit-based scholarships and scored a composite 29.5 on the ACT, the highest in the school’s history. More than half of the graduates scored above 30. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net 11 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine admissions@asms.net

Autauga County Schools

E.R. Dickson Elementary Welcomes Students in Style

E.R. Dickson Elementary welcomed their students back to school on Tuesday, August 8. Faculty and staff celebrated the return of their students into “Our House”. This year students will be joining assorted E.R. Dickson Houses on September 8th. Students, faculty, and staff will be divided into six houses. These houses include the House of Excellence, House of Integrity, House of Respect, House of Perseverance, House of Gratitude, and the House of Responsibility. Throughout the year, these six houses will compete against each other for points which may earn their house various rewards that are awarded on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. The goal of the House System is to provide an opportunity for students and faculty to interact across grade levels. In doing so, the school community will benefit from positive peer pressure, increased school spirit, and healthy competition.

Kate Shepard First Day

Students at Kate Shepard Elementary are full of smiles on the first day of school!

Allentown Elementary Angelique Miller, a Kindergarten student at Allentown Elementary, is loving being an Allentown Alligator.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Lott Middle School Holds Camp Wildcat for Incoming Students

Lott Middle School held Camp Wildcat on July 25 – 27. Camp Wildcat is a summer bridging program for incoming sixth graders from McDavidJones and incoming seventh graders from Calcedeaver. While at Camp Wildcat the students met some of their teachers, toured the school, explored the library, were introduced to the Think Through Math Computer Program, learned school rules and procedures, and participated in many activities to prepare them for the upcoming year.

LEGO Night Extravaganza

Come one, come all for the event of the season as Bright Beginnings Academy hosts its 5th annual LEGO Night Extravaganza on Thursday, October 4, at 6 p.m. Envision large children’s pools prefilled with LEGOS of every color as deep as your elbows. Your kid’s imagination is sparked and creativity is unlimited as your child demonstrates his/her ability to build the “best” LEGO model. Prizes are awarded by grade. This year’s theme is “If you can dream it, you can do it (Walt Disney).” A kid’s ticket to this one of a kind event includes food, beverage, and LEGO competition. The adult ticket is for food and beverage. This exciting competition fills up quickly, so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets for this fun filled evening at www.brightdyslexics.com. Children in grades K5 through 8th grade are eligible to compete. This event will be held at Bright Beginnings Academy located at 3590 Pleasant Valley Road (just past the intersection of Montlimar Drive on Pleasant Valley). 12

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Autauga County Schools

Little Flower Gets New Buzzers for Scholars Bowl

After many years of service, the buzzer system that Little Flower students used for their Scholars Bowl tournaments and practices became unusable. A new system arrived just in time to aid the students in practicing their quick answer techniques. In recent years, Miss Rebecca Kudija and Miss Helen Maduka have lead the weekly practices, assisted by Mrs. Donna Hill. Shown with the new buzzers are (L to R) Karen Tran, Miss Kudija, Grant Carney, Jordan Reiser, David Bettis, Jaxon Weaver, Jim Pryor, Gigi Gardner, Miss Maduka, and Bruce Davis.

St. Ignatius VBS!

St. Ignatius had over 125 children at Vacation Bible School this summer for a fun filled week about "I Wanna Say YES!" The theme was based around saying Yes to the Lord as Mary did. As we approach a year of focusing on Mary, it was fun to get the kids in on the action with games, plays and learning. Pictured here with the 4th grade group are Patrick Weems and Brady Shirah.

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McGill-Toolen Scholars Host Math Skills Camp for Incoming Freshman

Corpus Christi Junior High Students Volunteer During Summer Break

Dr. Nick Niccolai, grandparent volunteer and students from our Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and our Aquinas program volunteered this summer to help incoming freshman in Algebra I freshen up on basic skills so they can have a successful first year at McT.

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A group of junior high students from Corpus Christi Catholic School spent part of their summer working on an outdoor seating area at the school. Not only will the seating area be a place for students to relax, but it can also be used as an outdoor classroom for small-group instruction. Pictured are (front row, L to R): Anna Grace Sparks, Kate Lilley, Lindsey Cox, Lucy Cox, Justin Sullivan and Everett Lilley, (back row): Chris Owens, Aiden Lilley and Grayson Zoghby.

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Autauga County Schools UMS-Wright Offers Transformation to More of Baldwin County!

Did you know . . . UMS-Wright is now offering a second bus to serve more of Baldwin County! In addition to the Bay Minette route, we are adding three NEW stops along the Eastern Shore. If your children are currently enrolled or if you are interested in joining the UMS-Wright family, but logistics and transportation have been a hurdle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we now have a solution for you!

Davidson PTSA Treats Teachers to Special Breakfast

The Davidson PTSA welcomed teachers back to school with a special breakfast to kick off the 2017-2018 school year. Volunteers prepared and set up the meal, which was a great way to start the work day. Thank you to the volunteers for their time and thoughtfulness!

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Davidson Students Get Real World Career Experience

Most students spend the summer relaxing, but for 11 Davidson students it was a summer of learning. These students got real world working experience in paid internship positions with local companies. Mobile Area Water & Sewer System and Baheth Companies USA were two of the partners to offer these positions. The students found out what company they were placed with at “Connect Day,” a ceremony where the internships were announced.

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St. Mary Middle School Cheerleaders Ready for New Season

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St. Mary Catholic Middle School Cheerleaders welcomed UCA Coach Ashton for a two-day summer camp at St. Mary Catholic School to learn new cheers, dances and stunts to kick off the 2017-2018 CYO sports season! The incredible camp was organized by Kim McCorkle, St. Mary Catholic Cheer Sponsor.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

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Autauga County Schools St. Paul’s Families Gather for

St. Pius Students Enjoy Evening of Bowling and Pizza

St. Pius X Catholic School 7th and 8th graders got together for some summer fun. About 30 students joined Pastor S. J. Savoie at Camilia Lanes, July 29, for an evening of bowling and pizza.

Blessing of the Grounds

On August 6, St. Paul’s Episcopal School welcomed its families, students and staff on campus for the annual Blessing of the Grounds where participants prayed for guidance and direction the upcoming academic year. At the completion of the ceremony those that were present had the opportunity to separate and pray over all of the different spaces on both the upper and lower school campuses. It was certainly a meaningful service for the faculty, students and families of St. Paul’s.

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CHCA Represented at Girls State

Ellie Kendall represented Cottage Hill Christian Academy at Girls State in June. After a primary, a run-off, and a general election, Ellie was elected to the Girls State, State Board of Education. Justice Bill Pryor gave the elected officials their oath of office and the inaugural ball was held in The Zone at Bryant Denny Stadium. The following morning the girls had lunch in Montgomery with Kay Ivey.

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

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

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New Year at Revelation Christian School We are off to a fantastic start at Revelation Christian School! Our second grade girls are very excited about beginning another year together! Eagles Cheer, "It's Going to be a Great Year!"

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Autauga County Schools

Cottage Hill Christian Academy Welcomes Students to 2017-2018 School Year

Cottage Hill Christian Academy enthusiastically welcomed 640 students back to Warrior Nation for the 2017-2018 school year on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. CHCA is excited to have each of them as part of the Warrior family. Our teachers, administration, student groups, and school organizations have worked hard this summer updating facilities, attending professional development, preparing classrooms, working on lessons, and planning for another successful school year. We are praying for each of your families and look forward to a great year. It is great to be a Cottage Hill Warrior!

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Debbieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Dance Wins Gold

Debbie's School of Dance Competition Team won Tremaine National Junior Gold at the Tremaine Nationals in Orlando. Their dance "Into The Wild" was choreographed by Ms. Caroline Tison.

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Smiles At Little Flower Catholic School

Sharing a smile is the order of the day in the cafeteria at Little Flower Catholic School. Mrs. Sonia Simmons, who prepares and serves lunches, greets each visitor with her easygoing cheerfulness. Acts of kindness come naturally for her, and students at Little Flower know they can count on "Miss Sonia" for not only a good meal but also an encouraging good word.

Welcome To St. Dominic!

St. Dominic Catholic School parents and students extended a warm welcome to our new families who will be joining us for the 2017/2018 school year. John Blair Hamlin is proud to say he will soon be a St. Dominic Eagle!

Causey Student Raises Money for Mosquito Nets in Uganda

Ava Lena Jackson, a 6th grade student at Causey Middle School, has a friend whose sister was adopted from Uganda. Ava's friend was telling her about the great need for mosquito nets to help prevent malaria in Uganda. She immediately wanted to help so she started a Go Fund Me page to raise money to provide mosquito nets. A total of $2,160 was donated and all money was sent to Uganda. The goal was to originally raise enough to provide 133 nets but the money was able to buy so much more including a truck load of rice and beans for starving families. If you are interested in contributing visit her Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/avas-hope.

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Lott Middle School Hosts STEM Camp

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Lott Middle School hosted STEM Camp on their campus the week of July 17-21. AM/NS Steel Processing Plant in Calvert, Alabama sponsored the camp. While attending the camp the students went on a field trip and toured AM/NS. The Mobile Area Foundation of Education ran the camp. Students from Lott Middle, McDavid Jones Elementary, Calcedeaver Elementary, North Mobile K-8, Collins-Rhodes Elementary, and Chickasaw were all invited to attend.

McT Cheerleaders Compete at Destin Cheer Camp

Congratulations to the McT Varsity and JV Cheerleading squads on their outstanding performances at cheer camp in Destin, FL this summer! The Varsity took 1st place in Extreme Routine, Sideline Chant and Overall Game Day Championship and 2nd in Sideline Cheer. JV placed 1st in Sideline Chant, and 2nd in Extreme Routine and were recognized as a Superior Squad. You can look forward to seeing these talented athletes on the sidelines at the Lip this fall!

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E.R. Dickson Teachers Attend Workshops in Atlanta

E.R. Dickson teachers led by Mrs. Katryna Kinn, principal, and Ms. Stacey Wilcox, assistant principal, traveled to the Ron Clarke Academy in Atlanta, Georgia in April to obtain information, ideas, and activities to engage and empower the students at E.R. Dickson. Through classroom observations and workshops, these teachers learned ways to increase student engagement, to ensure academic rigor, and to create a climate and culture that leads to success. This team will bring their knowledge back to the school to implement some of these ideas for the 2017 – 2018 school year.

Bright Beginnings Academy warmly welcomed Mayor Sandy Stimpson to our school on July 13. Mayor Stimpson met with teachers and parents while touring our facility. Our Summer Art Camp students were honored as Mayor Stimpson spoke with them and answered several of their questions. The kids learned a lot from this wonderful man. Thank you so much Mayor Stimpson for visiting our school! You definitely have our vote!

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Mayor Sandy Visits Bright Beginnings Academy

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

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Autauga County Schools

Baker High Students Received National AP Scholar Recognition

A record number of students earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar recognition during the 2016-17 school year. The system honored 222 AP Scholars in a ceremony recently, and the number could grow as scores for late tests come back. Two students received National AP Scholar recognition: Hannah Morris and Elizabeth Munn, both of Baker High School. This recognition is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. The College Board’s AP Program provides academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school. Each course culminates with a May exam designed to measure each student’s mastery of the subject. Exams are graded on a scale of 1-5, with scores of 3, 4 or 5 considered passing or “qualifying” scores. More than 90 percent of four-year colleges in the United States give students credit, advanced placement, or both on the basis of AP Exam scores. "I am incredibly proud of our students for their dedicated efforts to pursuing their goals," Superintendent Martha Peek said.

Davidson’s Copeland Awarded Principal of the Year

The Mobile County Parent Teacher Association (PTA) recently awarded Lewis Copeland with the Principal of the Year award. Mr. Copeland has served as principal at Davidson for 35 years. He was presented with the scholarship at the annual PTA Awards Banquet.

First Day at Mobile County Public Schools

About 57,000 Mobile County Public Schools students returned to class on August 8, as schools opened for the first day of the 2017-18 school year. “There’s an enthusiasm this year that you can sense on each and every school campus and with the students, who are so happy to be back,” said MCPSS Superintendent Martha Peek, who visited several schools as students arrived for their first day. “We’re glad to have them here today. “Just to see the work the teachers, the principals and the staff members put in to having everything just perfect for opening day is just amazing.” Among the schools opening was Mobile County’s newest, the recently completed Chastang-Fournier K-8 School. The $16 million, 98,000-square-foot facility is the sixth school that MCPSS has opened in the last four years. Its enrollment includes the former students of Chastang Middle and Brazier Elementary. Only one of MCPSS’ 88 schools did not hold its first day on August 8. Fonde Elementary has gone to a year-round schedule and opened school on July 21. Fonde’s schedule will include 2½-week breaks at the end of each quarter and a summer break lasting four to six weeks. In the photo, new Griggs Elementary Principal Laura Hittson welcomes students back to school. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Mary B. Austin Kids Thank Mobile Fire Rescue

Mary B. Austin students delivered gift baskets and cards to the five fire stations that responded to the fire on their campus on July 8. The century old schoolhouse was lost but these firefighters worked diligently to protect the main building and the school's iconic live oak, Old Ann.

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Local Principals to Serve on Alabama Schools Board of Directors

Congratulations to two Mobile County Public Schools principals, Murphy High School’s Joe Toomey and Wilmer Elementary School’s Timothy Dollar. Toomey, pictured at left, will serve as Director of the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals on the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Board of Directors in 2017-18. Dollar, right, will serve as the Director of the Alabama Association of Elementary Schools Administrators on the same board. CLAS provides professional development to educational leaders across the state and connects successful leaders so they can share best practices.

St. Mary Catholic Peer Leaders

Under the slogan, "be the good, show the way, lend a hand", St Mary Catholic School welcomed the team from Inaugural Peer Helpers for Catholic Schools in Mobile for a two day training of 7th and 8th grade students. The program fosters leadership among students and their peers. Thanks to our St Mary Session Coordinators: Carolyn Davidson and Kortnee Acton, and Peer Trainers, Jan Quint and Julie Champion from the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation.

Bright Beginnings Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Over 100 folks came out to support Bright Beginnings Academy in its official ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Mobile Chamber of Commerce. The weather was rough, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the event nor the attendance. Gina Englund along with her teachers cut the ribbon on August 4, 2017. Thank you Ms. Gina for your incredible foresight to develop a school specifically designed for dyslexics. You saw a need and filled it! Students, families, and friends are all benefiting from your vision. This is an incredible school with an incredible staff. We celebrate you and we celebrate BBA.

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Autauga CHCA Holds Back To School NightCounty Schools Little Flower Catholic School At Pump It Up Students Recycle

Little Flower Catholic School has been a leader in recycling for many years. Since students see all aspects of recycling going on all around the school every day, the act of collecting paper, plastic and other recyclables just comes naturally. Students regularly deliver containers of recyclable paper to the collection bin on the campus. Jim Pryor (left) and Eric Gonzalez help with the recycling initiative by carrying a large bin of paper to the collection bin.

Cottage Hill Christian Academy held a back to school bash for K2-5th grade students at Pump It Up on July 24. The fellowship was a huge success giving students the opportunity to connect with fellow Warriors prior to the school beginning. Members of the faculty and administration were present to play and answer questions regarding the start of the school year. It was a great night with filled with fun, fellowship, and family. #FaithFamilyFuture

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Mobile County Public Schools is Redefining Ready

Redefining Ready is a national initiative launched by the AASA to introduce new research-based metrics to more appropriately assess that students are college ready, career ready and life ready. The initiative is a response to dismal college and career readiness scores reported by standardized test makers that fail to portray a comprehensive picture of student potential. Dr. David Schuler, national president of The School Superintendents Association, told an audience of about 200 principals, educators, state legislators and community partners last month that schools should not focus on one test score. Instead, they should provide innovative ways to encourage young students to start exploring career options as well as opportunities for high school students to earn college credit. By joining this national initiative, Mobile County Public Schools will use multiple data points to confirm that students are college, career and life ready, including Advanced Placement courses, Algebra II, early college credits, industry credentials, attendance, community service, among others. “Our students learn in a variety of ways; they must be able to demonstrate readiness in a variety of ways,” Schuler said. “We never want to be in a position where we are developing a workforce where everyone has the same skillset – the ability to take a test well.”

St. Pius X Catholic School Explores Ancient Egypt Through Literature

Forty-five St. Pius X Catholic School 4-8th grade students and teachers gathered for the week of July 17 to immerse themselves in the study of ancient Egypt while completing their summer reading requirements.

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Autauga County Schools

Clean Sweep at University of Alabama Cheer Camp for St. Paul’s Episcopal

The entire cheer program from St. Paul’s received the Leadership Award voted on by fellow campers as well as the spirit award “the Banana” on the 3rd day of camp. We also received a superior rating for being best “floor-mates” in the dorms. Team Awards: VARSITY: 1st in Extreme Routine, 1st in Sideline, 5th in cheer, 1st in Game Day – all superior ratings in evaluations. JV: 1st in Extreme Routine, 1st in Sideline, 2nd in cheer, 1st in Game Day – all superior ratings in evaluations. MIDDLE SCHOOL: 1st in Extreme Routine, 1st in Sideline, 1st in cheer, 1st in Game Day – all superior and excellent ratings in evaluations. Individual Awards: The following cheerleaders received the “Pin it Forward” honor recognized by the UCA Staff at camp: Lucy Brown (Varsity), Weezie Martin (JV), and Tori Passeau (Middle School). All American Cheerleaders: VARSITY: Victoria Pitruzzello, Margaret Winters, Lacey Evans, Katie Sullivan, and Jody Parker. JV: Lindsey Autio, Riley Hudson, Anne Carter Mullins, Katie Vallas.

Mrs. Connick’s Students at Allentown Are Rockin’ First Grade!

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St Mary Alumni, McT SGA Leaders Present Concerns to City Council

St. Mary Catholic School Class of 2014 Alumni, Alan Andrews, McGill-Toolen SGA President, and Mattie Naman, McGillToolen Senior Class President, representing the Mobile Youth Drug Education Council, made a presentation for to the Mobile City Council this summer on the plea to parents and community for involvement in the prevention of underage drinking. The presentation was a synopsis of perceptions from teens across Mobile County.

First Day at Allentown

Children of several Allentown’s 5th grade teachers are pictured ready for their 1st day of school. L to R: Huck Sumrall, Colt Robinson, Abigail Courington, Emily Miller, Colton Barry, Adalynn Dearmon.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

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UMS-Wright Students Participate in Summer Shadowing Programs

Our Upper School students have been extra busy this summer! The Alumni Office partnered with the College Counseling Department and developed a program called Career Pathways. Career Pathways was designed as a way to give rising seniors the opportunity to "job shadow" with local alumni and other members of the community. Our students develop communication skills, as well as, career and college awareness during these shadowing experiences.

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St. Mary VBS!

St. Mary Parish launched “Maker Fun Factory” this summer under the leadership of parishioner, Elizabeth Blanchette. The camp held July 24 -27 welcomed over 100 campers from kindergarten through fifth grade to a “world where curious kids became hands on inventors who discovered they are loving children crafted by God”! St. Mary gives thanks to the crew of volunteers who helped in this annual event for St. Mary Parish.

23 New STEM and Outdoor Badges Enrich Girl Scout Programming

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) recently released new badges in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and the outdoors, areas girls are not typically encouraged to explore outside of Girl Scouting. The badges will debut on the organization’s first digital platform for volunteers, making it more accessible than ever to unleash the power of every girl. At a time when 81 percent of American voters think preparing girls for leadership roles should be a national priority, GSUSA—the preeminent leadership development organization for girls—offers girls even more opportunities to learn skills and empower themselves with the experiences they need to succeed in life. And as the Girl Scout Research Institute releases new findings that confirm the outstanding leadership outcomes that Girl Scouts exhibit compared to their non-Girl Scout peers, there has never been a better time to join. The new Girl Scout programming builds girls’ skills and encourages their interest in STEM and environmental conservation from an early age, increasing their confidence in these areas—in an allgirl environment where they feel comfortable trying new things, taking appropriate risks, and learning from failure. For more information about the new badges, visit www.girlscouts.org/our program.

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Corpus Christi School Teacher Named “Coolest Middle School Teacher”

Congratulations to Corpus Christi Catholic School teacher, Mr. Peter Stoyka, for winning the 2017 Nappie Award in the “Coolest Middle School Teacher” category. Mr. Stoyka is the junior high religion teacher at Corpus Christi. He is a 2016 graduate of Spring Hill College. In addition to teaching, he serves as the Youth Ministry Leader for Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Autauga County Schools

UMS-Wright Alumnus Recognized as Presidential Leadership Scholar

Brad Israel '00 was selected for the Presidential Leadership Scholar Program. The program is designed for leaders from diverse backgrounds and geographies, coming from a variety of sectors, including private, public, non-profit, military, and academia, who share a commitment to facing society’s greatest challenges. They work on personal leadership projects that change lives by focusing on a new or existing civically relevant initiative.

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McGill-Toolen Football Players Visit Little Sisters of the Poor Residents

Senior players from the McGill-Toolen Catholic Yellow Jackets football team visited Little Sisters of the Poor as part of a service project. Residents played bingo and our boys were patient, friendly companions, helping out when needed and cheering them on. Several of the residents taught at McGill long ago, and one resident played football! Afterwards, players were happy to catch Archbishop Lipscomb in the hallway to chat about the upcoming season, ending in a group prayer.

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CHCA Students Named As T.A.L.L. Leaders

Congratulations T.A.L.L. (Tillmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner Area Learning Leadership) Leadership recipients. Catherine Bryson, Sara Hilburn, and Lillian Swearingen have been selected to participate in the T.A.L.L. Leadership Program. The T.A.L.L Program is designed to encourage leadership through community involvement and honors five students from the Mobile County area that exemplify characteristics of leadership. Selection for the T.A.L.L. program also qualifies each of these students for scholarship opportunities.

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Autauga County Schools

BBA Welcomes Dr. Richard Gentry

St. Ignatius Middle School Students Walk the Mystery Bus

While the small children were having fun during Vacation Bible School, the St. Ignatius Middle School kids were having a week of service. It was called the Walk the Walk Mystery Bus Tour. Each day these students boarded a bus without knowing what the day had in store. They started the week off with cleaning the grounds at the Catholic Cemetery and finished with a day of games at St. Mary's Home. It was wonderful to see these students in action giving back to their community. Pictured here are Maggie Schuler, Sophia Wayman, Layton Long and Margaret Wilson.

Bright Beginnings Academy welcomes internationally acclaimed author and educational consultant, Dr. Richard Gentry, on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Gentry is known for his ground-breaking work in education covering topics such as literacy, best practices for reading, writing, and spelling, and dyslexia. He’s written 13+ books, including 2 textbook series, numerous journals and magazines, and blogs for “Psychology Today”. The event is open to everyone interested to learn more from this author. Space is limited, so don’t hesitate reserving a spot, www.brightdyslexics.com. This event will be held at Bright Beginnings Academy located at 3590 Pleasant Valley Road (just past the intersection of Montlimar Drive on Pleasant Valley). CEU’s are available for this event.

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

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Arkema Plant in Axis Hosts Four Local Teachers, Providing New Tools for Teaching STEM Topics

The annual Arkema Inc. Science Teachers Program provides local teachers with tools for bringing science to life in the classroom. This program recognizes that, in today’s world, one of the best ways to set a child up for success is to provide a strong science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Employment in STEM occupations is growing twice as fast as in non-STEM occupations, and the average wage in STEM occupations is nearly double that in non-STEM occupations. These statistics, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, underscore the need to help prepare students to compete in these fields. The Arkema Science Teachers Program has been offered by many Arkema sites across the United States for more than two decades. Under the program, each participating site hosts a small group of local middle school teachers (grades 3-6) for multiple days. Each participating teacher is able to select a science kit that contains teaching aids and tools related to a specific topic. Each kit includes materials and instructions for classroom science demonstrations that engage students and bring concepts to life. In 2017, the Axis site hosted four teachers on July 18 – 21. Teachers attending the program were: Stephanie Newgaard and Kimberly Templeton (McDavidJones Elementary); Megan Nobles and Crystal Tagudar (Orchard Elementary). Across the country, 17 Arkema sites are hosting nearly 80 teachers, giving priority to applicants from lower income school districts that need the most support. “We enjoyed spending time with the teachers and hearing about their classroom challenges,” said Judy Smith, who is coordinating the program for Arkema’s Axis site in Axis, AL. “This is always a rewarding program for us and we hope it makes a difference during the coming school year. The teachers get new approaches and materials they can bring back to the classroom in the coming school year. ” During the program, teachers interact with Arkema scientists, get training in the scientific concepts behind their science kits, and see real-life examples of how science is applied every day in the workplace. In addition, each teacher and each of their schools receives a cash award to further support science education. “The program targets teachers in grades 3-6, and teachers in these grades do not typically have a heavy science background,” said Smith). “These are important years for students to develop an interest in science, and we hope our program can better equip the teachers who participate.” “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are at the heart of economic activity that drives innovation and competitiveness,” said Ryan Dirkx, Vice President, Research & Development, Arkema Inc. “We have a constant need for scientists to drive innovation, and engineers to design safe and efficient manufacturing processes. We also need people with strong STEM skills to fill key roles at our manufacturing plants.” In addition to the Science Teachers Program, many Arkema sites support local science education by offering internship opportunities, funding scholarships, hosting student visits to our plants, or sending scientists and engineers to speak at local schools. These efforts are part of Arkema’s Common Ground® program, which focuses on building relationships based on mutual knowledge and trust within the communities in which we operate.

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A Page in a Book The Power of a Poem: More Than Just the Words Our early speech to children, with its sing-song lilts and rhyming endearments, is full of poetry. Before babies are old enough to decipher words, they can recognize rhythmic and repeating sounds. Poetry predates written language. Our ancestors used the cant and rhythm of poems to understand and retain the ‘idea’ of things in the absence of written records. The repeating words and sounds punctuated our language with markers and milestones as it helped us memorize our story and history. The following titles cherish the power of poetry and introduce young readers to one of literature’s earliest and most endearing storytelling forms.

A Carnival of Cats

by Charles Ghigna, Illustrated by Kristi Bridgeman (Orca Publishing) Move over, Mother Goose. Charles Ghigna’s moniker of ‘Father Goose’ is well-deserved as a prolific and beloved author of poetry for kids. His feline fancy, A Carnival of Cats pulls the youngest reader into the poetic arena with verse that not only introduces simple poetry, but also fosters predictive engagement. The recto (right hand) page offering rhythmic clues that indicate a specific breed. Children use the rhyming words to anticipate the type of cat to be revealed as the verso (left hand) page is turned. With warmly energetic illustrations celebrating everything from Calicoes to Black Bombays, cat lovers will find perfect pairings in A Carnival of Cats!

A Poke in the “I”: A Collection of Concrete Poems

Selected by Paul Janeczko, Illustrated by Chris Raschka (Candlewick) Concrete poetry is when the words or linguistic elements are arranged in a shape or pattern that adds visual emphasis to the meaning of the poem. Sometimes these shaped poems have an element of problem-solving as the reader discovers which path to follow as they read the words. The works selected for this title offer a rich variety of concrete poetry from the extremely simple to denser poems that require more attentive navigation. The vibrant illustrations mirror the use of shapes throughout without distracting from the importance of the poems’ shape. Get ready for a poetic poke in the eye with this bright look at concrete work.

A Song About Myself

by John Keats, Illustrated by Chris Raschka (Candlewick) Although John Keats’ (1795-1821) life was brief, his words and poetry have remained a testament to his gift for almost two centuries. His A Song About Myself, extracted from a letter to his sister during a visit to Scotland, captures the mischievous spirit and adventurous nature of a young boy abroad. The soft burr of a Scottish accent can be read in its lines, and adds extra auditory elements for a read-aloud listener. The rhyme and tempo of this work shift and start, much like the progress of a child leaping from creek to hill on a long hike. With soft watercolor illustrations updating the narrative, this aged poem remains a treasure for all ages.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Getting Kids to Grow Up Remember Alice in Wonderland? There’s one part of the story that finds a diminutive Alice trapped in a room where everything is bigger and taller than she is. But there, at her feet, she finds a piece of cake labeled “Eat Me.” After one bite from that questionable dessert, Alice grows exponentially, transforming into a full-fledged adult in the space of a few seconds. I know many parents who would love to feed a bit of that kind of “maturity cake” to their own kids! It seems that more and more teenagers in this generation are becoming stuck in a perpetual state of adolescence. Instead of growing into healthy adults, a rising number of young people are prolonging their childhood. In fact, the American Medical Association has recently increased the age of adolescence to 27. That means we have a bunch of twenty-somethings running around behaving like kids! No parent wants his or her child stuck. Our desire is to see our kids develop into mature, responsible, and independent adults. So how can we get them to grow up?

Causes

Before we work to fix the problem, we first have to identify the cause. Now, we could blame society for this generation of childish teens. But here’s the honest truth— parents, the fault lies with us. Young people will remain kids as long as we allow them to be kids. When we entertain their every desire, cater to their every need, protect them from every threat, and fund their every activity, why would they ever feel the need to be mature or responsible? Another cause for stunted growth could be related to how we communicate with our teens. When we constantly criticize their behavior, we stop their decision-making processes and send a clear message that they can’t function on their own. As they move Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

through the process of maturity, remember to transition from lectures to discussions. Parents; stop the constant correction of your kids! I realize that sometimes they need it, but communication made up entirely of criticism can stunt a child’s growth. If you want your child to grow into an adult, begin to treat him like one. If your son or daughter makes a mistake and doesn’t always listen to your advice, that’s okay. The consequences of bad decisions are often better than correction you could give.

Solutions

When your child shows no desire to hold a job, move out of the house, pursue goals, or further her life, it’s time to ask some tough questions. Are you giving too much and expecting too little? Are you nurturing a child’s inner adult or catering to an adult’s inner child? Though on the outside it looks like a maturity problem with your child, a teen stuck as a kid is really a family problem. And it needs to be corrected! Zookeepers know that you can turn a ferocious grizzly bear into a non-threatening stuffed animal by providing for their every need and limiting their freedom. But don’t make that mistake with your teens. Allow them opportunities to reach, grow, and mature, even if that means they make mistakes along the way. We want our teens to survive in the jungle, not a controlled habitat at home. Start by making a detailed plan of moving your child through maturity. It could look something like this: Age 13: Start washing his or her own clothes Age 14: Pick up more chores around the house Age 15: Get involved in helping others at church or in the community Age 16: Get a summer job Age 17: Be responsible for his or her own school career, including homework, tests, and activities Age 18: Manage personal money, including clothes budget or gas 36

These are simply examples, but you can see that the goal is to slowly nudge your children to deeper levels of maturity and growth, and lovingly train them to stand on their own two feet. Mom and Dad, start taking the emotional training wheels off your child’s bike early and often. This doesn’t mean we can’t help him steer or balance the bike from time to time. But we don’t allow our 18-year-old to keep riding around on a tricycle! No teen is past the age where you can teach maturity. Maybe you have a 19-yearold living in your basement, playing video games and contributing nothing. Now’s the time to take action and give him a big push in the right direction. Announce that you’ll be charging rent next month. However, maybe the first month you’ll cover half the payment, the second month you’ll cover a quarter, and by the third month you’ll expect a full rent payment. The ramp-up will give him time to get on his feet. Or make the decision that gas money, insurance, and clothing allowances are contingent on going to college or holding down a job. Set the rules, then don’t give in! Stick to your guns. If you don’t do anything now, two years down the road, instead of a 19-year-old living in your basement, you’ll have a 21-year-old living there! Make a decision to help your teen move forward right now, and put it at the top of the priority list. Though the American Medical Association says that 27 is the new 18, we don’t want that to be the case for our kids. It starts with us as parents. Let’s take the initiative and begin offering our teens opportunities to nibble the cake that will help them grow up. Stop the constant correction, take off the training wheels, and make a yearly maturity plan for your teen. Use these tools to get your teen moving forward into adulthood. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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While some kids will barely utter a word, their talkative brethren are more than happy to fill the silence. How do you know when talking has crossed from socially acceptable to problematic?

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Why kids talk and talk and talk... A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talking varies according to the situation. What parent doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delight in the way her childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face beams when he talks enthusiastically about something that was particularly interesting or rewarding at school?

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Often non-stop talking is age-appropriate, such as when a toddler is excitedly developing her language skills. Some kids may talk your ear off at home, but are quiet and shy at school. On the other hand, you may have a social butterfly who finds it difficult to restrain herself from visiting with her neighbors during quiet time and classroom instruction.

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“The important determining factor has to do with whether others are adversely affected,” says Dr. Richard Newman, a child psychologist. Newman specializes in working with school-aged children and adolescents who have problems that manifest in the classroom, including compulsive talking and disruption. “I think it’s important to be tolerant about talking, to carefully listen to and watch for red flags for when talking creates problems and to discuss potential problems with children,” he says. A youngster’s gift for gab becomes a concern if she constantly interrupts conversation, speaks in lengthy monologues and frequently gets into trouble at school for her talking. Worse, non-stop talking can cripple your child’s social relationships, leading to lower self-esteem and social isolation. To help your Chatty Cathy learn to moderate her talking, try a few of these gentle methods to model appropriate conversation skills:

Help your child feel heard.

Julie Hanks, LCSW, a family psychotherapist, says to reflect back to make your child feel listened to and more aware of his behavior. For example: “Hmmm...you’ve told me that story about what you did at recess three times. It must have been really important to you.”

Make eye contact.

When people don’t look at us when we address them, we aren’t sure if they’re truly listening and that can compel us to repeat ourselves. Put aside your phone, magazine, or tablet and give your child your full attention when he talks to you. “Sometimes kids repeat themselves because a parent is multi-tasking,” Hanks says.

Notice your habits.

Ever heard your preschooler pretending to be you talking on the phone? Then you know that kids learn how to communicate with others by watching how their parents handle social situations. Model reciprocal communication, which occurs through body language like gestures and nods, eye contact and through dialogue in which one person speaks while the other listens and then responds.

Establish boundaries. Teach your child self-control and self-regulation by setting boundaries. Point out times when it’s

When you need it most, our solution-focused counseling can offer hope Sometimes children facing emotional challenges may experience erratic behaviors such as aggression or difficulty concentrating, mood swings, even changes in appearance. If your family is struggling with issues like these, call BayView today. Our confidential, supportive professionals can help you restore your family’s quality of life.

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Go All In For Heart!

disruptive to talk like in the quiet space at the library or while others want to listen to a speaker or a favorite song on the radio. If you need a break from your child’s chattering, tell her you need some quiet time. Set the timer for 15 minutes and suggest that she play in her room quietly, look at a book or color.

Make listening fun.

If your child’s talking interferes with other family members’ opportunities to speak, set a limit on how long she can talk before it’s the next person’s turn. One way to practice turn-taking is to go around the table with an item like a pepper mill or an honorary spoon, which can symbolize a mic. Whoever holds the designated “mic” holds the floor, which means it’s his turn to share his news, quip or story. No interruptions, but others can ask questions of the person doing the talking to learn more about what he shared.

Nurture social signal recognition.

Some children struggle to recognize social cues like body language and tone of voice. Play charades to practice different facial expressions and body language. Acknowledge your child’s nonverbal signals and label emotions: “You’re smiling from ear to ear. Something good must have just happened!” Look at picture books and ask your child what the character is feeling. Make note of other people’s body language. For example, “That lady has her arms crossed and she’s talking loudly to the clerk. How do you think she’s feeling?” Read dialogue in books with inflection to help your child discern how the characters must be feeling based on how the dialogue is spoken. One sentence spoken in different ways can carry a variety of connotations like anger, sarcasm or gentle teasing.

Tuesday Nights Kids Eat Free!

about your child’s constant chattering, consult with his pediatrician or a mental health professional. An assessment can determine if your child’s talking is within the normal range of behavior or compulsive, i.e., he refuses to be interrupted, focuses on worries or fears or gets extremely agitated when he can’t finish a story. MBP

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two boys who love to talk. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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Seek professional help. If you’re concerned

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Feeding Program Eases Mealtime Struggles Mealtime is a time when many families life, but he still has gastrointestinal symptoms gather, not only to eat, but to share their day. including acid reflux. However, in some cases, this doesn’t happen “Andrew’s feeding can be painful and because one of the family members may uncomfortable at times. Through feeding have difficulties with therapy, we have learned how to alfood textures or swalleviate some of Andrew’s symptoms, lowing. The pediatric making our feeding experience more program at Thomas enjoyable, and reducing the risk of Hospital offers a comserious complications like aspiraprehensive feeding tion. The therapists are not just there program in the Mobile to help Andrew, but have provided Bay area. Their team unbelievable support for me and my of speech-language husband as well. They have been pathologists and ocable to help ease my frustrations and cupational therapists disappointment when things don’t go work with a child’s just right and have helped formulate physician and family questions that need to be addressed members to provide by our doctors. We have made great feeding and swallowing strides in Andrew’s progress and it therapy for children of is largely due to our wonderful and Thomas Hospital therapists work with all ages. dedicated therapists.” caregivers and patients to find the right “The feeding combination of techniques to benefit For some children, it is the texeach family. therapists at Thomas ture, smell or color of food that limits Hospital have helped their ability to eat. “The feeding prome work through my son’s feeding issues,” gram has been the most amazing experience says Margaret Whitehurst. Her son Andrew for me and my child,” says Tracey Farnell. was born with a tracheoesophageal fistula “Our therapist, Amber Miller, is patient, kind (connection between the esophagus and traand a wonderful resource. When we started chea) that was repaired on his second day of the feeding program, I could count on one

hand how many things Brendan would eat. Not only were his choices extremely limited, but he was not tolerant of having unfamiliar foods on his plate. Before we started the program I would try to get him to tolerate touching, smelling and tasting new foods. Most attempts were unsuccessful, with many attempts causing major meltdowns. Now Brendan takes a lunchbox to therapy. We’ve reached the point where he is very intrigued by what we prepare and he no longer has tantrums. I honestly think it’s because he knows that even though he’s going to have to try eating something he’s never tried before, which is very scary for someone on the autism spectrum, he trusts Amber, knows she cares about him and she understands him. The feeding program is a huge blessing to me, to Brendan and to my family. We recently went out to eat and had what I call a “ successful dinner out ” without having to pack Brendan his own meal. For me that is HUGE, and ultimately for Brendan, it’s life changing. To enlist these services provided by the pediatric therapy staff at Thomas Hospital a referral is required. All referrals require a diagnosis and valid physician signature. Please contact Thomas Hospital Physical Therapy at (251) 279-1640 with questions or to make a referral.

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Is Your Family Using Technology Wisely? Not long ago, a search engine company called ReportLinker surveyed 670 families with children under fifteen to better understand the relationship between American kids and their devices. The results are a snapshot of how technology has been integrated into American families. In many ways, parents are following recommendations from experts including the American Academy of Pediatrics. But in a few key areas, parents seem to be ignoring best practice and following the path of least resistance. To get an idea of where your family falls, answer the following questions and compare your family’s tech habits to those of other families as well as recommendations from AAP. How many screens do you have at home? When you count TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones and game consoles, the average number of screens per family is 7.3. Most households own a TV (94%), and about half have a video game console. Just over three quarters of the families had at least one smartphone in the household, and 62% of parents said their kids spent 3 to 5 hours a day using a smartphone. The average age when kids get their own phone is 13 and a half. For computing, families are more likely to use laptops (78%) than desktops (63%). The researchers also noted that among families with kids under ten, tablets are very popular—58% of children under 5 use them--and they may eventually rival television as the device of choice. Perhaps the most interesting statistic is about technology in bedrooms. The AAP recommends that bedrooms be device free and children “avoid exposure to devices or screens for one hour before bedtime.” Despite that advice, about two thirds of the families with five or more Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

devices allow kids to have one in the bedroom and, not surprisingly, those kids are more likely to use devices before they sleep. How many hours per day do your kids interact with technology? Having more devices in the household also increased the amount of time kids spend with technology. Half the parents said they limit “plug in” time to less than two hours a day, but that rule is more likely to be enforced in families that have fewer devices and keep them out of bedrooms. The AAP recently revised its guidelines to say that “parents must develop personalized media use plans” based on each child’s age, health, temperament and developmental stage. They also point out that parents must be sure technology doesn’t squeeze out other healthy activities including sleep, physical play and time away from media. When do your kids use technology? Over 80% of families said kids used devices during their spare time; only 6% allowed them to be used at mealtime. That’s consistent with the AAP recommendation that mealtimes be media-free. Is technology a positive or negative influence on your kids? Experts continue to argue about whether technology is changing childhood, but three quarters of parents believe devices are good for kids. Half say technology creates more benefits than risks, and 25% believe being comfortable with technology is essential for kids in the 21st century. For the 25% who feel technology has a negative impact on children, 11% believe technology creates more harms than benefits and 14% feel that technology “ruins the essence of childhood.” What are the main disadvantages of using tech devices? Twenty percent of parents couldn’t think of any disadvantages. 42

A third worried that technology kept children from more traditional childhood activities such as playing, going outside or reading. Thirty one percent were concerned that time with devices made kids more isolated and less social. Only 10 percent worried about kids being less creative and 4% were concerned about increased aggression. To those concerns, AAP adds sleep disruption, the risk of obesity because of too much sedentary time and problematic Internet use including online bullying. What are the main advantages? When asked about benefits of technology, parents were clear: 40% felt technology promotes cognitive development and school readiness. About a quarter agreed that technology expands a child’s horizons, and another quarter thought access to devices makes kids more savvy about using technology of all kinds. Only 7% admitted using tech gadgets to amuse kids so they could do something else. AAP guidelines also note the social benefits of devices, including the opportunity to interact with distant friends and family members. Do your children manage their own tech time? Over half of parents (58%) believe their kids can manage their own time on electronic devices. Ironically, in the households where children use screens more than five hours a day, 43% of parents think kids are doing a perfectly good job of time management. On the other hand, if you sometimes find it difficult to manage screen time, you’re not alone; 42% of parents admitted they feel the same way. How often do you know what content your kids are watching? Even though parents vary a lot in how much access they give kids to technology, they agree with the AAP on one thing—it’s important to monitor what kids are consuming. Eighty three percent say they keep an eye on what kids watch, and 71% claim to have activated parental controls. Of course, one survey isn’t definitive, but it does reveal places where parents are on the right track—and improvement is possible. In the end, every family has to devise a device policy that works for them. To help, the AAP offers an interactive tool called Create Your Family Media Plan. Find it by looking for Media Plan at healthychildren.org. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Using the Grandchild for Money Q. My wife and I have been helping our adopted daughter financially for some time. She’s 25, has been married for three years, and we don’t see this cycle stopping anytime soon. The worst part is, they will often throw in that our grandchild will go without something unless we help. We’re certain this isn’t teaching them to stand on their own feet, but we don’t know what else to do. A. You’re right about one thing. It’s time they both learned how to handle money like mature, responsible adults. I don’t know how much your tried to teach her about finances when she was growing up, but it sounds like this “needing help” thing is turning into an endless cycle. You’re giving them money left and right, and it’s not working. You’re giving them fish, and you’ve heard that whole saying. You could also teach them to fish and then not give them any fish, but I like a third choice in this scenario — give them

fish only if they take fishing lessons. They get no more money from you unless they get financial counseling together and make a serious move toward straightening up their lives. If they try to play on your feelings by saying your grandchild is hungry, tell them to send the child over for a meal. If they run out of money until payday, tell them to go to their financial counseling session to find answers. Right now, every time they have a problem they call mom and dad. Guess what? They don’t have any problems as long as you’re doing what you’re doing. Love them well. Hold their hands and say, “When I was your age, I wish someone had done this for me. I’m not going to give you any more money unless you go to financial counseling sessions regularly and together. If you do this, turn in a budget to us and let us coach you on how to be adults and handle your own money well, we’ll help and set up a matching system. If you don’t do the matching part though, you won’t see anything from us.”

They’ve figured out if they hold your feet to the fire when it comes to this grandbaby, you’re going to open the wallet. They’re playing you right now, and it’s not to their benefit — or yours!

Borrow against retirement? Q.

I have an opportunity to take a loan against my 401(k) retirement, and pay myself interest. Is this a good idea?

Actually, you’ll end up costing yourself interest. Never take a loan against your retirement! When you pay interest against your retirement, you cost yourself interest. If you leave the company — which you will someday — the loan against the 401(k) is due within 60 days. If you don’t pay it off, they consider it an early withdrawal and you’ll get taxed and penalized big-time. If you have a certifiable emergency, like owing the IRS or facing a foreclosure, you may have to withdraw some. You’ll still get taxed, but please don’t ever borrow against retirement!

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“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class.

answer, “It’s just the way I am,” after years of questions about her differences. Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is but there came a time when each of them have asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different. Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone at school or in the community that has disabilities. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way. Here are some tips to get the conversation started:

“It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sister-in-law wisely answer the curious boy. My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech is different. Kara has been taught to

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Everyone is different but the same

All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game, chances are a person with special needs is too. Ask them what they love to do, I would guess they will be happy to tell you.

Types of disabilities

Some disabilities are obvious and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive (thinking) disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. People can have impairments with sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive, or a variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently and many have these questions.

Name calling is never okay

Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings too. Name calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior towards others, as well.

A note about “rude” comments

Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times they will speak exactly what is on their mind, without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing to parents. So what do you do if your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter of factly. If, for example, your child says, “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like, “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally. My sister-in-law, now 38 years old, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else, she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes that simple fact is all kids need to know. MBP Sarah Lyons is a contributing writer and has been published in more than 100 parenting publications.

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Arts and Crafty Kids

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Most parents and teachers will agree that art is a powerful element in every child’s learning toolbox. It’s the one thing that every kid can produce on an equal footing because art is an individual expression – there’s no way to get it wrong. Art teaches problem solving and encourages open-ended thinking. It focuses attention and cultivates hand-eye coordination. Children who are encouraged to explore art are more receptive to risk-taking, more inclined to explore diverse solutions and more open to learn from their mistakes. The following items are recommended resources to foster early artistic exploration and to empower every child’s inner artist along the way.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Pottery Cool Studio

Needle Felting Kit

From the variety of pottery wheel options for kids, the Pottery Cool Studio turns the competition on its head with an upside down design that lets gravity assist kids’ shaping of clay masterpieces. Complete with every thing needed to launch the creative process, from sculpting tools and paintbrushes to paint and two pounds of clay, this kit includes easy instructions for a variety of forms. Simply place a disc of clay on the inverted spinning base, and your child’s project will begin to take shape. Young potters can put their own artistic spin on pencil holders, smart phone speakers, frames and more with all the tools at their fingertips. Once kids get the hang of manipulating clay in the round, there are additional project kits for pottery masters who’d like to expand their 3D art portfolio.

Needle felting is enjoying new popularity among artists and Artterro has come to the fore with the best collection of materials and tools to introduce this sensational craft craze to the younger set. Using a sturdy barbed needle, wool fibers are compacted by repeatedly jabbing the needle into the fibers to form three-dimensional felt figures as well as colorful soft canvas pieces. In addition to four wool felt squares, thirteen colors of roving wool, needles and instruction book, this kit includes a soy-based foam pad to sit below the working needle (because, in truth, needle felting is all about stabbing wool). Surprisingly versatile and open to a broad range of artistic expression, the Artterro Needle Felting Kit is an ideal introduction to this tactile and wildly satisfying craft form.

Kreatio Jumbo Size Oil Pastels

Stencil Kit for Young Artists

While crayons are the most common tools for the youngest members of the art community, the amount of pressure required to make heavier marks with crayons can be frustrating for small hands. Oil pastels are a softer medium, allowing kids to work more on their artistic vision and less on building their upper arm strength. Jumbo-sized so small hands can grasp them easily, the Kreatio pastels create a bolder color than standard wax crayons and offer more versatility through blending. The plastic carrying case keeps twentyfour brilliant colors organized and portable for the artist on the move. Take the pressure out of coloring and consider the lighter touch of oil pastels for the littlest Rembrandt.

For the kids who want to draw, but can benefit from a jump start on the creative process, stencils are the easiest way to cultivate a sense of form and space as they build their drawing skills. With twelve sharpened colored pencils, twelve large stencils, a sharpener and a carrying case, guided art is ready to happen instantly. The Boofo stencils (featuring animals, plants, cars, shapes and more) are sturdy and washable ensuring a durable resource for training young hands as they hone their drawing chops. More than just a guide for pencil tips, the Boofo stencil kit is the perfect resource to build a child’s confidence and empower their artistic drive toward independent drawing mastery.

(Spin Master)

(Artterro)

(Kreatio)

(Boofo)

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

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

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When Tracy Glock’s 13-month-old daughter Kira was hospitalized with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, she was touched by the outpouring of support she and her husband received. During those eight difficult months, the community rallied around the family. Friends and acquaintances babysat Kira in the hospital while her mom and dad worked, and many others helped by delivering meals and even mowing the family’s lawn. “Words cannot express the gratitude you feel when someone you barely know does so much for you,” Glock says, who was also pregnant at the time with Kira’s sister, Allina. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

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Although Kira, now seven, has recovered from the frightening ordeal, she still faces many daily challenges. As a child with Down syndrome and autism, learning and development takes longer and requires more patience compared to the typically developing child. Like many parents who have children with special needs, Glock says finding time for herself is difficult. While many of us know how to help a family in crisis, how do we support parents who often put their own needs last as they focus on the daily challenges of caring for special needs youngsters?

Offer to babysit. Finding trustworthy, alternate caretakers is a huge relief for parents who regularly juggle doctor’s appointments, school issues and therapy, not to mention jobs and other children. “Every special needs parent’s needs are different, but most just love a little rest,” Glock says. Because special needs children require more attention from their parents, healthcare providers and therapists, other youngsters in the family may feel slighted. “Children always struggle and this is the case whether they’re special needs or not,” says Nancy Masannat, mom to two children, including Emy, 16, and Kyle, 14, who is on the autism spectrum. “There’s going to be sibling jealousies.” When her children were younger, Masannat would often schedule her son’s appointments during times when her daughter was in preschool. “In my daughter’s mind, it wasn’t fair that someone was coming to the house and playing with her brother and not her.” Having access to a qualified babysitter you can trust with your special needs child, can give you an opportunity to spend much-needed, one-on-one time with your other children too. Listen. Ask your friend how she’s doing and then simply listen. Avoid offering platitudes or suggestions to help her fix problems. “We all just like to be heard. Everybody likes to vent,” Masannat says. “Just listen to what the issues are without judgment. That’s a huge help for everybody, but primarily when you’re dealing with something that someone else might not understand.”

Educate yourself. Get to know your friend’s child, including her disability, her personality quirks and her individual needs. And ask your friend about her specific parenting challenges. “It shows that you care and will help you provide more effective support,” says Heather Trammell, mom to two special needs children, including Beth, 14, who has Down syndrome and Marie, 11, who has high-functioning autism. Both girls also have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Suggest resources. Support groups help parents feel less alone and provide valuable resources for assistance in childcare, school issues and navigating healthcare. “The biggest thing for me was to know that I wasn’t in this by myself--that I wasn’t the only person who had a child who didn’t sleep well; that I wasn’t the only one with a child who was now three and not talking,” Masannat says. To find support groups in your area, consult with the therapists and teachers your child already works with, your library, your church and online. For example, www.autismspeaks.org, which includes resources for families or the National Down Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org. Also check out Facebook and MeetUp.com for local support groups. (Also, find Support Groups in this month’s Special Needs Guide immediately following this article.)

Other ideas to brighten your friend’s day: • Purchase a gift certificate for a massage or manicure. • If you plan to have the family over, ask your friend if you should be aware of any food sensitivities or specific ground rules to ensure a successful visit. • Offer to babysit and/or help with siblings. • Help with getting kids to practices. • Deliver a meal. • Mow their lawn. • Send a bouquet of cheerful flowers. • Arrange for a house cleaning crew. • Ask if you can pick up anything while running errands/ • Mail an encouraging card. MBP Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, and her husband are the parents of two sons. She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

“We believe in the POSSIBILITY of each child. We believe that each child is UNIQUE and DIFFERENT with his or her own GIFT to the world. We believe in GIVING each child the BEST from their therapists and instructors to realize his or her GOALS. Providing HOPE to families is WHY we are here.”

Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy

Physical Therapy

Psychologist Diagnostician

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Community Events And more!

251.210.1632

AmericanAutismCenter.com

8909 Rand Ave.

Daphne AL 36526

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

neuropsychology testing for mood, anxiety, cognitive, learning, educational and other needs. Our providers are board certified specialists, many with military and multi-national experience. Specializing in evaluation and/or treatments for Autism/Aspergers, Learning/ Cognitive/Intellectual Disabilities, Anxiety/OCD/Social Phobia, ADD/ADHD, Depression/Bipolar, Psychosis, Trauma/PTSD. Multiple evidence-based therapies used.

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(228) 331-3310

Disability Specific Resources -

ad on page 49

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 American Autism & Rehabilitation Center (AARC) is a facility aimed at treating a variety of special needs in one convenient location. Our services are for children and adults and include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, psychological/ diagnostic services, educational services, pharmaceutical services and more. Our highly-trained professionals work collaboratively to provide treatment plans as unique as the individual in order to help patients reach their full potential. We offer a family-centered approach and seek to provide hope and help to each patient and family. (251) 210-1632 info@americanautismcenter.com www.Americanautismcenter.com

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Alabama Resources Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network 1856 Keats Drive, Huntsville, AL 35810

(256) 859-4900 info@alabamarespite.org www.alabamarespite.org

Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (BPH) 6030 Monticello Drive, Montgomery, AL 36092

(800) 392-5671 or (334) 213-3906 bph@apls.state.al.us www.statelibrary.alabama.gov

Alabama Special Education Services

50 North Ripley Street , Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-9700 vm@alsde.edu www.alsde.edu

ALL KIDS Insurance

201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 (888) 373-5437 ALLKids@adph.state.al.us www.adph.org/allkids

Civitan International Research Center

1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 (800) 822-2472 or (205) 934-8900 www.uab.edu/medicine/circ/

Governor’s Office on Disabilities

602 South Lawrence Street, Mobile, AL 36104 (888) 879-3582

www.good.alabama.gov

Mobile Arc (MARC) (251) 479-7409

www.mobilearc.org

Southeast Americans with Disability Act Center (800) 949-4232 or (404) 541-9001 adasoutheast@law.syr.edu www.adasoutheast.org

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (256) 325-8885 Info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)

(800) 782-7656 or (334) 293-7143 www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-and-families/star

Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services (251) 479-8611 or (800) 671-6842 www.rehab.alabama.gov

Disability Specific Resources - ADD-ADHD Be Better Clinical Psychology ad on page 51

22 North Florida Street, Mobile, AL 36607 Be Better Clinical Psychology - Joanna T. Koulianos, Ph.D. and Associates providing Neurodevelopmental and Psychoeducational evaluations that make a difference. Autism/ADOS-2 testing, ADD/ADHD, behavioral/ emotional, vocational, LD/IQ, diagnosis and recommendations. Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Ages 2 and up. By appointment only. Now filing insurances. (251) 300-2743

Bridgewater Psychiatry ad on page 18

USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Pediatric Developmental Medicine ad on Inside Front Cover

1601 Center Street, Mobile, AL 36604 The USA Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics operates an Autism Diagnostic Clinic on the campus of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital at the Strada Patient Care Center. The mission of this clinic is to improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the greater Gulf Coast area through early identification and diagnosis, as well as to provide educational outreach to families, physicians, daycare centers, churches and other organizations who serve children in the community. Services include: Medical Assessments -- By Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians to evaluate health-related conditions, Cognitive Evaluation -- To determine current developmental level of functioning, Speech/Language Evaluation -- To assess communication level, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) -- To observe social skills and communication abilities during a play session, Assistance with Community Resources -- Upon completion of the evaluation, the staff will assist the family in obtaining appropriate community services and Consultation -- By affiliated specialists with expertise in autismrelated conditions.

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Bridgewater Psychiatry ad on page 18

8990 Lorraine Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 Bridgewater Psychiatry is a multi-specialty psychiatric service clinic with Child and Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adult Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Social Work. We provide comprehensive psychological and neuropsychology testing for mood, anxiety, cognitive, learning, educational and other needs. Our providers are board certified specialists, many with military and multi-national experience. Specializing in evaluation and/or treatments for Autism/Aspergers, Learning/Cognitive/Intellectual Disabilities, Anxiety/OCD/Social Phobia, ADD/ADHD, Depression/Bipolar, Psychosis, Trauma/PTSD. Multiple evidence-based therapies used. (228) 331-3310

Alabama Autism & Aspergerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Statewide Info & Support Network We are uniting, making connections and sharing knowledge and support for all 67 counties in our state & the world. A hub for Autism related events, videos, & support. alabamaautism@gmail.com www.alabamaautism.org

Auties & Aspies of LA- Lower Alabama Community Support Group

A community dedicated to support for and awareness of those on the Autism Spectrum and their families in lower Alabama. Our intention is to create a community for families in the lower Alabama area who have members on the spectrum. The goal is to be able to share information, support, inspiration, and prayers with other families who are living similar experiences. Visit and Like our page on Facebook for updates. www.facebook.com/AutiesandAspiesofLA

Autism Society of Alabama

205 Lambert Avenue, Suite C, Mobile, AL 36604 The Autism Society of Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to improve services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy. Current programs and services offered include, but are not limited to the following: Information and Referral Specialist, Online Resource Directory, Family Camps, 33 Network Support Groups in counties statewide, innovative website with a Transition Roadmap, Respite Program to give caretakers a break, First Responder Trainings, Conferences and Sensory Friendly Alabama. Please visit our website for a complete listing. (251) 259-5553 or (877) 4AUTISM info@autism-alabama.org www.autism-alabama.org

Autism Society of Alabama Sibshops

www.siblingsupport.org/sibshops/autism-society-ofalabama-sibshops

Autism Society of America

Autism Society of America provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. We provide free, comprehensive, bilingual Information and Referral services via our toll-free number and through our online referral database, Autism Source TM. (800) 328-8476 or (301) 657-0881 info@autism-society.org www.autism-society.org

Autism Speaks

At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. We strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society: and we work to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action

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to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. Autism Response Team coordinators are specially trained to connect individuals with autism and their families with information, resources, and opportunities. (888) 288-4762

www.autismspeaks.org

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

Programs include comprehensive and cutting-edge curricula that can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals from birth to 21 years of age. These programs help children learn to communicate, develop friendships, and lead happy, healthy lives.

parents and caregivers of children with special needs can turn to for needed, non-legal help, information and resources. We have recently updated our website to include a wide range of blog topics and have a thriving Facebook community we encourage you to check out! Email us, contactus@mychildwithcp.com. (800) 692-4453 contactus@mychildwithcp.com www.cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile

Operation Autism for Military Families

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 UCP of Mobile is dedicated to advancing the independence of people with disabilities. UCP offers a wide range of services for people of all ages, starting with one of our early intervention programs and continuing through adulthood with our supported employment program.

www.operationautismonline.org

(251) 479-4900

Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital Autism Center

Disability Specific Resources -

(855) 345-2273

www.centerforautism.com

5154 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, AL 32504 At the Sacred Heart Autism Center, we offer a range of direct services for children on the autism spectrum, all with a family-centered approach to learning. Research shows when families are involved, children do better. Our services include: Direct, individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a researchbased, systematic method for improving socially significant skills and behaviors; Parent instruction and hands-on training; Social skills groups for various ages; Group training for families and professionals. (850) 416-4933 katie.price@shhpens.org www.sacred-heart.org/childrenshospital/autismcenter

Sesame Street and Autism autism.sesamestreet.org

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism. (855) 726-7810 or (949) 640-4401 www.tacanow.org

Disability Specific Resources -

www.ucpmobile.org

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Alabama Chapter

200 Office Park Drive Ste 115, Birmingham, AL 35223 The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. We fund more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

(205) 870-8565 alabama@cff.org www.cff.org/Alabama

Disability Specific Resources -

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile ad on page 5

2827 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606 Our mission is to provide enrichment through education, networking opportunities, advocacy, and emotional support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the greater community. (888) 454-0317 downsyndromealbama@gmail.com www.dssmobile.org

Down Syndrome Alabama

Down Syndrome Alabama’s mission is to promote awareness, acceptance and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages.

CdLS

(205) 988-0810 downsyndromealbama@gmail.com www.downsyndromealabama.org

CdLS Foundation (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome)

Disability Specific Resources -

The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS make informed decisions throughout their lives. (800) 753-2357 or (800) 223-8355 info@cdlsusa.org www.cdlsusa.org

Disability Specific Resources -

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy.org

Our Mission: We strive, every day, to be the ultimate resource for everything cerebral palsy. We provide information, resources, support and unlimited inspiration to all those touched by cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. We provide a comprehensive resource, including a website and call center that Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Dyslexia

ferences in order to achieve their full potential. Bright Beginnings Academy was developed to give parents an alternative for their children’s education. Each child is unique and should be taught in unique ways. At Bright Beginnings each child is individually challenged and taught to meet his/her specific needs. An individual educational plan is developed for each child and is taught in small group settings. We offer a full day academic program specializing in dyslexia. (251) 525-9105

www.brightdyslexics.com

Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama

The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. (334) 277-9151 alabama

www.ldaamerica.org/lda-chapters/

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development. (412) 341-1515 info@LDAAmerica.org www.ldaamerica.org

2925 Chantry Place SE , Gurley, AL 35748 ALIDA is a state-level organization charged with carrying out the mission and goals of the International Dyslexia Association, and promoting activities related to dyslexia awareness, appropriate reading instruction, testing and tutoring information, and partnering with other organizations concerned with dyslexia in Alabama. ALIDA and IDA work to improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation, and services. (256) 337-1889 tcrowecrnp@msn.com www.idaalabama.org

Bright Beginnings School

3590 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile, AL 36609 It is the mission of Bright Beginnings Academy to enable students to overcome individual learning dif-

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15 Midtown Park West, Mobile, AL 36606

1048 Stanton Road, Suite G, Daphne, AL 36526

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Read Write offers educational consulting, testing, and one-on-one academic therapy for students with language based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. We offer instruction in the following areas: reading, spelling, written expression, handwriting, grammar, math, and technology. We have special programs for homeschooled students and preschoolers.

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Read-Write

(251) 287-1822 (251) 625-4020

www.dyslexiaspecialist.net

Renaissance School

10526 County Road 64, Daphne, AL 36526 Renaissance Center of the Eastern Shore is excited to offer several enrichment opportunities to local families. We pride ourselves in creating a learning environment that values the student as an individual, and helps each to realize his or her potential. Our curricular opportunities are designed to help our students propel past the barriers that are keeping them from fulfilling both their academic and life goals.We offer individual and group sessions for reading difficulties, services for dyslexia & dysgraphia, math tutoring, homework helper class, arts/writing tutoring, academic therapy and more. Formerly Learning Lagniappe, LLC. The Renaissance Center of the Eastern Shore is a tax-deductible, nonprofit 501(c)(3). For more information visit our website or find us on Facebook. (251) 990-0041 admin@esrenaissance.org www.esrenaissance.org

Disability Specific Resources -

Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, The

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Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation

The Foundation works to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through community services; public education; federal and local advocacy; and supporting research into new treatments and therapies. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential. (800) 332-1000 ContactUs@efa.org www.epilepsy.com

Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

3929 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36609 The Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama has a mission to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families, to increase awareness in the general community and to facilitate prevention and management of epilepsy. This includes providing services and programs for people with epilepsy and their families;

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educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues and collaborating with other community resources in support of the mission of the people with seizure disorders. (251) 341-0170 or (800) 626-1582 info@efala.org www.efala.org

Disability Specific Resources -

Tourette Syndrome

National Tourette Syndrome Association

Founded in 1972, The Tourette Association of America (formerly known as the Tourette Syndrome Association) has emerged as the premier national non-profit organization working to make life better for all people affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders. (888) 4-TOURET (486-8738) support@tourette.org www.tourette.org

Disability Specific Resources -

Muscular Dystrophy

Alabama Muscular Dystrophy Association

700 Century Park South, Birmingham, AL 35226 MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. (205) 823-8191 mda@mdausa.org www.mdausa.org

Disability Specific Resources -

Sickle Cell

ADD-ADHD

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Mobile Chapter, Inc.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

1453 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604 The mission of the Association is to “Empower clients and their families with knowledge, through quality comprehensive programs and services.” The Association provides the following services to individuals throughout nine counties in southwest Alabama, including Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Choctaw, Conecuh, Clarke, Covington, Washington, and Monroe counties. For individuals with sickle cell disease: Case management services, Transportation to/from medical appointments, medical and pharmacy assistance for those without insurance. Career assistance, After School Tutorial Program (ages 6-18), Summer Enrichment Program, Client support groups and fun activities. For the general public: Sickle cell screenings, lab onsite, Genetic counseling for those who test positive for sickle cell trait, Educational seminars and certification program. ***All services provided free of charge. (251) 432-0301 info@scdmobile.org www.scdmobile.org

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information; resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives. We provide hope, empowerment and connections worldwide by bringing together science and the human experience for both adults with ADHD and professionals who serve them. For information call or email info@add.org. (800) 939-1019

www.add.org

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHAD)

Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. (800) 233-4050 affiliate-services@chadd.org www.chadd.org

Disability Specific Resources -

Feingold Association of the United States

Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

(631) 369-9340 help@feingold.org www.feingold.org

Spina Bifida

Promotes the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected. info@sbaofal.org www.sbaofal.org

Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce lowadditive dietary programs for children with learning/ behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults.

Focus-MD, Inc.

3930–F Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people

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with ADHD and related problems. Dr. James Wiley started FOCUS so that he would have more time to devote to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Focus provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies

estimated cost of transportation, food and lodging. The Foundation genuinely seeks to assist families faced with financial burdens when health complications are not covered by health plans.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Financial Resources

(251) 378-8635

www.focus-md.com

Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development. (412) 341-1515 info@LDAAmerica.org www.ldaamerica.org

Financial Enable Savings Plan Alabama ad on page 32

• Tax-Free Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities • Keep Your Disability Benefits and Save for Your Future Enable Savings Plan Alabama provides tax-free savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities., its features include: • An individual with an eligible disability can open one account. The owner and beneficiary are the same. • Any person can contribute to the account. • Three risk-based investment options, an FDICinsured bank savings option and FDIC-insured check writing option with a debit card. Call Us at 1-866-833-7949 or visit us on the web at EnableAL.com. Created in partnership with the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office, the State of Nebraska Treasurer’s Office and First National Bank of Omaha. (866) 833-7949

www.EnableAL.com

Disabled Children Relief Fund

Provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. (516) 377-1605

Family Support

1050 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Family Support is the home of the Individual & Family Support program in south Alabama. We help families in south Alabama help themselves, and do so by offering emotional support, information, referrals, flexible financial assistance, and special project assistance, all provided through local area volunteer councils. (251) 455-6760 go@famsupport.com www.famsupport.com

Individual & Family Support

Providing financial support to families with developmental disabilities and head/spinal cord injuries. For more information please email susanpolizzi@comcast.net. (251) 455-6760 or (251) 209-0453 susanpolizzi@comcast.net

Medicaid Waiver Program

The Alabama Medicaid Agency administers a comprehensive program of long term care services that offers eligible patients a wide range of care choices as well as increased opportunities to receive services at home or in the community. (800) 441-7607

www.medicaid.alabama.gov

The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation

The mission of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to families of children with unforeseen health problems. Upon careful review of an applicant’s files, awards are distributed on a needs basis. All files are documented with medical diagnosis, physician recommendations, family income, expense records; and an Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

(251) 243-0365

www.angel-ride.org

Joyful Journey Mom’s Ultimate Guide

Joyful Journey Mom posted the “Ultimate List of Grants and Resources for Families with Special Needs”. www.joyfuljourneymom.com/ultimate-list-of-grants-andresources-for-families-with-special-needs/

Learn How to Become

Our mission is to help students (or other aspiring professionals) understand what it takes to land their perfect career, from picking the right school all the way to climbing the company ladder. We are passionate about creating a one-stop, comprehensive resource that can guide individuals through each of the steps they need to take to begin, further, or change their career path. Financial aid for college students with disabilities. www.learnhowtobecome.org

NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)

A unique federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare “orphan” diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. (800) 999-6673 or (203) 744-0100 orphan@rarediseases.org www.rarediseases.org

General Resources AltaPointe Health Systems – Children’s Outpatient Services ad on page 39

301 Bishop Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 13825 Tapia Avenue , Bayou La Batre, AL 36509 Children and teens with mental illnesses need special attention and specialized care in an environment especially designed for them. AltaPointe Children’s Outpatient Services provides treatment for children and teens ages 3-19, and their families, with the ultimate goal of helping them maintain stability in the community. AltaPointe’s therapists use state-of-the-art, evidence-based practices. They specialize in treating trauma, bereavement, child sexual abuse, emotional and behavioral problems or significant school-related issues. Treatment focuses on problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment is highly variable and depends upon the individual’s existing symptoms. (251) 450-2211 or (888) 335-3044 www.altapointe.org/ altapointe-services/child-outpatient-services/

BayPointe Hospital ad on page 39

5800 Southland Drive, Mobile, AL 36693 BayPointe Hospital is a free-standing psychiatric hospital specializing in child and adolescent acute inpatient and long-term residential care. Located in west Mobile on a beautiful 15-acre campus, it offers short-term stabilization and long-term treatment in a residential setting for children and adolescents. Often these children have suffered from abuse, neglect or substance abuse, and an intervention is desperately needed. They may be disruptive, sometimes uncontrollable, exhibiting suicidal, aggressive or other unsafe behaviors and can no longer function in their homes and community settings. Many factors must be considered before admission to BayPointe is appropriate. (251)450-2211 or (888) 335-3044 baypointe-childrens-hospital/

www.altapointe.org/

BayView Professional Associates ad on page 39

1015 Montlimar Drive, Suite A-210, Mobile, AL 36609 BayView Professional Associates’ confidential and supportive, solution-focused counseling can help children and families with problems, such as erratic behavior, aggression towards self or others, difficulty concentrating, unexplained weight loss, even physical symptoms like headaches. Our comprehensive clinical services consist of an interdisciplinary team including a child/adolescent board certified psychiatrist, psychologists, and psychotherapists which provide complete evaluations and testing of learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and cognitive (thinking) problems in addition to psychotherapy and treatment for children, adolescents and adults. Services may include: individual, group or family counseling; play therapy; crisis intervention; behavior modification; psychiatric services; medication management; substance abuse services; and parent education. BayView accepts most major insurances including PEEHIP and AllKids. (251) 660-2360 or (888) 335-3044 www.bayview-associates.org

Be Better Clinical Psychology ad on page 51

Bridgewater Psychiatry ad on page 18

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center ad on page 21

2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 We are Montgomery’s preferred, five star rated children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. In our caring and nurturing environment, we provide services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our dedicated team of health care professionals understands that each family has an individual set of circumstances, needs and preferences. At Montgomery Children’s we are inspired by you to work together creating a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing. (334) 261-3445

www.montgomerybytutera.com

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities 100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Our Mission is to promote and support independence, advocacy, productivity and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. ACDD is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability,

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 “Unique in the nation, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is comprised of state and federal programs that provide a continuum of services from birth through life for Alabamians with disabilities. ADRS has four major programs: 1. Alabama’s Early Intervention System (AEIS) - 1610 Center Street, Suite A, and Mobile (251) 439-7890, Toll-free number: (800) 879-8163 or TTY (800) 4991816. Provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth though age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. 2. Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) CRS District Office - 1610 Center Street Suite A, Mobile (251) 432-4560, Toll-free number: (800) 879-8163, TTY (800) 499-1816 A statewide organization of skilled professionals providing quality medical, rehabilitative, coordination and support services for children with special health care needs and their families. This network provides specialty clinic and other services by physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, secretaries, and administrators. 3. Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Toll-free number: (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816. Helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve independence through employment. VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed. In addition. 4. State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Toll-free number: (888) 388-3245, TTY: (800) 499-1816 Provides specialized in-home education and counseling, attendant care, training and medical services to Alabamians with severe disabilities. SAIL ensures the consumer can live as independently as possible at home and in the community through specialized programs.” (800) 441-7607 www.rehab.alabama.gov

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program

205 North Conception Street, Mobile, AL 36603 (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system. ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights. ADAP’s vision is one of a society where persons with disabilities are valued and exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity. (800) 826-1675 adap@adap.ua.edu adap.ua.edu

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Mobile Regional Center

1050 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Our Mobile Regional Office serves Baldwin, Mobile, Clarke, Washington, Monroe, Conecuh, and Escambia Counties. The earlier children learn the better they progress. Some experts estimate that up to 20% of the skills learned in a lifetime are learned in the first five years. That’s why we place so much emphasis on helping families, and encourage families to come forward with their concerns as early as possible. Everyone around your child can be a teacher. Infants and toddlers will soak up language and information from every source. Regional Center staff members can give you the skills to make this happen. It takes time and creativity to communicate with a child who is blind or deaf, but the rewards of making that effort are incalculable. (251) 432-7777 jones.michelle@aidb.state.al.us www.aidb.org

Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation

Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Center

We are happy to serve as consultants to teachers of students whom we have evaluated and who have been determined to be experiencing dyslexia, languagelearning disabilities, or severe speech or language disabilities. We will work collaboratively with teachers and other members of the IEP team to develop goals and benchmarks necessary to assist students in reaching their academic potential. We will also provide teachers with in-service training in thttp://webmini.apls.state. al.us/apls_web/apls/apls/homehe areas of identification and remediation of dyslexia, in-service training in the areas of language-learning disabilities and severe speech or language disabilities. Free Testing of speech and language disorders such as dyslexia (205) 365-1640 mobilesr@bellsouth.net www.alsrlcenter.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc. ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.

Catalina M. Arata, Ph.D., M. Hope Jackson, Ph.D., Ellen L. Odom, M.S., L.P.C., Kelly R. Fountain, M.S., L.P.T.

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite A, Mobile, AL 36606 We specialize in a variety of areas and services for Mobile and the greater region of southwest Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. We provide psychological assessment and treatment to families, adults, adolescents and children with a variety of problems. Children ages 5+, Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Families. Services are available for a broad range of emotional, behavior, cognitive and adjustment problems affecting children and their families. We use combinations of individual, family and play therapy. Treatment issues include: Adjustment Issues, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Skills Training, Eating Disorders, Divorce, Separation Anxiety, Grief, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression and Self-Esteem Issues. Psycho-educational testing for ADHD, LD, and Gifted. (251) 470-7607 vicki@bayareaclinical.com www.bayareaclinical.com

55 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 The Delicious Dietician offers “One- on- One” Disease Management services specific to the client’s individual needs. The Delicious Dietician understands the need for education and practical advice when dealing with health problems requiring restricted diets. Let The Delicious Dietician teach you how to live deliciously, despite having limitations with your meals.

Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. We provide nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store. (303) 694-0532 craft@ecentral.com www.diannecraft.org

Easter Seals Alabama

5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117 Our organization consists of several community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. We provide services for people with disabilities and their families. (334) 395-4489 info@al.easterseals.com www.easterseals.com/alabama/

Canine Companions for Independence

Largest non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. We train four types of assistance dogs to master over 40 specialized commands: Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs. We train four types of assistance dogs to master over 40 specialized commands: Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs. We train four types of assistance dogs to master over 40 specialized commands: Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs. We train four types of assistance dogs to master over 40 specialized commands: Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs. www.cci.org

Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation

600 BelAir Boulevard, Suite 110, Mobile, AL 36606 Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to helping those with low vision and blindness. The clinics provide professional evaluation by a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or an Optometrist (O.D.), Occupational Therapists, Ophthalmic technicians, Computer Specialists and others. It works in collaboration with state agencies, regional and national resources. Our Board of Directors includes a broad spectrum of community leaders active in improving the access to care and quality of life for those living in Southwest Alabama.

Delicious Dietician

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC

(251) 476-4744 visionrehab@bellsouth.net www.csvrlowvision.org

(251) 928-2888 visionrehab@bellsouth.net www.csvrlowvision.org

(251) 478-2233 or (800) 876-3230 info@4tdd.com www.4tdd.com

(256) 325-8885 info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org

(800) 572-BARK (2275)

29653 Anchor Cross Boulevard, Daphne, AL 36526 Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to helping those with low vision and blindness. The clinic provides professional evaluation by eye doctors (ODs and MDs), occupational therapists, ophthalmic technicians, computer specialists and others. It works in collaboration with state agencies and regional and national resources.

Emerald Coast Pedatric Sleep Consultants

400 Gulf Breeze Pkwy #204, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 The mission of Emerald Coast Pediatric Sleep Consultants is to provide comprehensive sleep diagnostic and treatment services to children from birth to age 21 years. A collaborative approach to patient care, with emphasis on addressing biopsychosocial and cultural patient factors, is utilized to determine individualized plans of care. A philosophy of health and wellness is the foundation for treatment. 850-932-3830

www.emeraldcoastsleep.com

Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast

2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36117 Goodwill Easterseals offers Encouragement, Education and Employment to persons dealing with disabilities, low income, or other needs. Programs for families of youth with and without disabilities include free parenting classes, support groups, Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and preschool readiness in-home instruction, and teen recreational activities. Family outings are offered in a variety of community venues. Education (GED), Job Training and Employment, Medical Assistance, and an Adult Day Program are also available to families when needed. (251) 471-1581

www.gesgc.org

Hurley Counseling, LLC

1900 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL Counseling for children, adolescents and adults. Find us on Facebook. (251) 222-8880

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities The ARC of Alabama

The Arc of Alabama, Inc., is a non-profit, volunteerbased membership organization whose primary role is to advocate for the rights and protections of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This advocacy is provided through Information and Referral services, educational opportunities like the annual Alabama disability Conference, and public policy initiatives. The Arc of Alabama provides chapter support to 29 local chapters across Alabama all of them unique non-profit organizations sharing their passion for advocating and providing a variety of supports and services to those with I/DD and their families. (334) 262-7688 or (866) 243-9557

www.thearcofal.org

Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama

The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama, Inc. (LDAA) is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. LDAA strives to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities.

(334) 277-9151 www.ldaamerica.org/lda-chapters/alabama

March of Dimes Mobile Chapter

205 Lambert Street, Suite A, Mobile, AL 36604 The March of Dimes Alabama Chapter has a passion to help babies in our community start life in the healthiest way possible. Through education and intervention, we help moms-to-be learn how to take care of themselves before, during and after their pregnancy. We are also available when things don’t go as planned, providing comfort and information to families when a baby is born too soon. The Alabama Chapter also partners with local medical groups and organizations to establish guidelines for how to care for pregnant women and premature babies. We provide grants to researchers working to understand birth defects and premature birth and to find treatments and solutions. (251) 438-1360

www.marchofdimes.com/alabama

Mental Health – National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI Alabama is an organization comprised of local support and advocacy groups throughout the state dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with a mental illness in Alabama. The number of such groups is growing rapidly as families become more determined to improve treatment and care for Alabamians diagnosed with a mental illness. The mission statement/purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders. Numerous local meetings. Meetings listed under the support information on our website. (251) 461-3450 or (334) 396-4797 namimobile1@gmail.com www.namimobile.org

Mobile Association for the Blind

2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617 The Mobile Association for the Blind is now a 45,000 square foot manufacturing facility where many visually impaired individuals who are not able to join the public workforce are employed in our Sheltered Workshop. Our organization also provides assistance to other citizens with disabilities. Our organization also provides assistance to citizens with other types of vocational disabilities. Counseling and evaluation, skills training, independent living classes, and job placement are just some of the services we may be involved in to help individuals develop the skills and self esteem to become successful and independent within the industrial workforce. (251) 473-3585

www.mobileblind.org/home.html

Mobile County Special Families

Facebook page is for special needs families in Mobile County. We support and encourage one another. www.facebook.com/groups/1724984711121214/

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

MobileArc

2424 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617 Mobile Arc (MARC) is a nonprofit advocacy and service system for people with developmental disabilities. We help them become active members of the community by providing opportunities for education, employment, transportation, housing, and recreation. (251) 479-7409

www.mobilearc.org

Mulherin Custodial Home

2496 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL 36606 Mulherin Home provides a home for individuals, children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our foremost concern is the happiness, comfort, and welfare of the residents at Mulherin Home. Mulherin Home is a 501(C)3 dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Mulherin Home can be a home to 34 individuals at a time. All of our residents live with us full-time. We provide all residents nutritious (and delicious!) meals, routine medical care, transportation to and from medical appointments, day programs, job commitments, activities, etc. Because many of our residents have grown up in the Home, we are one big happy family and operate as such! (251) 471-1998

www.mulherinhome.com

Pediatric Developmental Medicine

1601 Center Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Common disorders seen in this clinic include autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, developmental delays and school/learning problems. The developmental/behavioral pediatricians in our division work with a speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and psychologists to diagnose developmental conditions. The conditions we treat include autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning problems, developmental consequences of premature birth and prenatal exposures to substances or infections. (251) 410-5437 www.usahealthsystem.com/pediatricdevelopmental-medicine

Santa America

308 Belrose Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special mission. Over 200 hundred Santa’s across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him—twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice. Santa’s visits are free. There is no charge for a visit from Santa Claus—ever. www.santa-america.org

Sight Savers America

337 Business Circle, Pelham, AL 35124 Sight Savers America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that assists children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics. Children are referred to Sight Savers via failed vision screenings at school, referrals from teachers, school administrators, school nurses, eye-care professionals and parents. Children of families who qualify for our program receive the eye care they need at no cost to the family.

with massive love and passion for those with special needs, who work diligently fundraising and seeking grant opportunities for these families in need.

specialneedsfoundationofamerica.org

Support Group for Siblings of Special Needs www.siblingsupport.org/sibshops/north-mobile-sibshop

The Centre

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(251) 625-0118

1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 (251) 471-5844

www.thecounselingcentre.com

The areas of specialization include: Treatment of Depression and Anxiety, Grief, Abuse/Trauma Issues, Life Adjustments, Spiritual Issues, Career Planning, Divorce Recovery, Attention-Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems, Parenting Skills, Peer Conflicts, Family Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Relationship/Marital Therapy, Medical and Health Concerns, Psychological Testing, Psycho-Educational Evaluations. The Centre’s CrossRhodes Art Therapy Program provides counseling for children who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The nurturing therapeutic environment allows them to ask questions and express feelings in a healthy, healing way. Art becomes an added voice for telling their story. It gives them a selfsoothing avenue to practice coping strategies they can use in their daily lives.

The Listening Program

The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self-regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities. (888) 228-1798

www.advancedbrain.com

Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Clothing

Tommy Hilfiger proudly partnered with Runway of Dreams™ to create a very special collection addressing the challenges the differently-abled community faces each day when getting dressed. Faux buttons and cuff plackets conceal a patented MagnaReady® magnet closure for ease of dressing. www.tommy.com

Organizations for Parents Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)

10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 We believe that parents have the greatest impact on their children’s lives. APEC provides families with the training, information and support they need to help them ensure that their children become productive, well-educated citizens.

(866) 532-7660 or (334) 567-9938 apec@alabamaparentcenter.com www.alabamaparentcenter.com

Special Needs Foundation of American

Family Voices of Alabama

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1290 Main Street, Suite B, Daphne, AL 36526

(877) 942-2627 info@sightsaversamerica.org www.sightsaversamerica.org

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 Special Needs Foundation of America (SNFA), is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families with children that have special needs such as Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc. It provides grants and subsidies for treatments such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, ABA therapy, counseling, etc., and many things not covered by insurance. SNFA has a board of devoted clinicians, parents and individuals

1050 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care. (877) 771-3862 info@familyvoicesal.org www.familyvoicesal.org

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Committed to promoting parent support across the country. Our website highlights statewide organizations that offer parent to parent support programs and evidence-based P2P USA endorsed practices. We provide emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs by matching parents with an experienced, trained ‘Support Parent’. (855) 238-8979 or (717) 503-8992

www.p2pusa.org

Physical & Speech Therapy North Baldwin Infirmary ad on page 33, 41

1815 Hand Avenue, Bay Minette, AL 36507 Infirmary Health’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Department provides comprehensive care to children who require occupational, physical and speech therapy. We offer an environment where all three therapies can work together with families to guarantee each child is receiving exactly what he or she needs. Therapy gyms and offices have viewing windows and headphone systems for parents to observe their child’s therapy sessions, full-spectrum lighting to enhance learning needs of patients and wireless laptop computers to further diminish distractions. We also strive to find the correct balance of challenge and play so that children can work toward their treatment goals while having fun. (251) 937-5521

www.infirmatryhealth.org

Thomas Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation ad on page 33, 41

212 Hospital Drive, Suite B, Fairhope, AL 36532 Thomas Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Department provides comprehensive care to children who require occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Located in the Wellness Center at Thomas Hospital, we offer an environment where all 3 therapies can work together with families to guarantee each child is receiving exactly what he or she needs. Our facility enables us to meet the unique needs of our patients from birth through adolescence and allows parents to be an integral part of their child’s therapy. Therapy gyms and offices have viewing windows and headphone systems for parents to observe their child’s therapy sessions, full spectrum lighting to enhance learning needs of patients, and wireless laptop computers to further diminish distractions. Some of the specialized treatment modalities provided at Thomas Hospital include: Vital-Stem neuro-muscular electrical stimulation for Dysphagia, Augmentative/Alternative communication training and support, Ipad applications, Integrated Listening System training (ILs), Interactive Metronome, TheraSuit, Lite Gait, Braces, AFOs, splinting, and a comprehensive team for feeding/swallowing therapy. Visit us on Facebook at Infirmary Health Pediatric Therapy. (251) 279-1640

www.infirmatryhealth.org

American Autism and Rehabilitation Center ad on page 49

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

BlueBird Pediatric Therapy, Inc. ad on page 5

6157 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 At Bluebird Therapy, we believe that every child deserves to live a full, confident life. In order to accomplish this, we offer occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, music therapy, social skills groups, summer camps and adapted kid’s yoga. We provide services that address the whole child and ultimately, help the family provide their child with independence and confidence. Each session addresses the individual child’s needs through play that is grounded in child development while also teaching the parents what to do at home. Some of the special techniques that we use include, Integrative Listening Systems, Sensory Integration Techniques, Handwriting Without Tears, DIR/ Floor time Concepts, Neurodevelopmental Treatment Techniques, Brain Gym, Kinesiotaping, Augmentative Communication, Kaufman Approach to Apraxia, Talk Tools Training, SOS Feeding Therapy Approach, Beckman Oral Motor Approach, and the Melanie Potock-It’s not just about Swallowing Approach. We currently have openings available for new client evaluations and are in-network providers for a variety of insurance companies. Give us a call today to find out how your child and family can join the Bluebird Family! We look forward to meeting you! (251) 287-0378 bluebirdtherapy@gmail.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Pediatric Physical Therapy of Mobile ad on page 20

881 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695 It is the mission of Pediatric Physical Therapy to provide Mobile and Baldwin County pediatric patients with options for out-patient physical therapy services. Treatment will be individualized, assertive, and aggressive to maximize functional outcomes. We strive to have childfriendly, play-based treatment programs which are family centered. We believe in empowering the patient and the family to heal themselves through patient education. We believe in physical fitness for all ages and abilities thus will promote pediatric fitness and sports. Pediatric Physical Therapy strives to utilize state of the art technology and evidence based practice during treatment. Families will be guided toward area community resources. Services will be coordinated with other community agencies and other health professionals working with the child. We will provide students of physical therapy a problem based clinical with emphasis on adult learning. The clinic will practice according to the guidelines and ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association. Cheryl L. Thames, PT, DPT, and owner of Pediatric Physical Therapy, LLC has been named a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. (251) 450-0070 ppt_llc@hotmail.com www.pptmobile.com

Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital ad on Inside Front Cover

1610 Center Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers a team-oriented program of pediatric physical, occupational and speech-language therapies. Services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We offer pediatric-specific care for infants and children with varied diagnoses. Services include assessment and treatment of: Developmental Delays, Orthopedic Injuries, Neuromuscular Problems—Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, etc., Burns and Wounds, Speech and Language Deficits, Feeding Problems, Sensory Problems, Attention Problems & Loss of Function Due to Chronic Illness. (251) 415-1670

www.usahealthsystem.com

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

American Hyperbaric Center

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 A state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility and home to the largest hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the region. Being unattached to a hospital, with our caring staff, flexible scheduling, easy access, and ample free parking, they are an excellent alternative to the traditional hospital setting. The center offers this safe medical treatment at affordable rates with many payment options. By delivering 100 percent oxygen to patients in a pressurized chamber, American Hyperbaric Center treats Conditions treated include Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme, TBI/PTS, Stroke, RSD/CRPS, Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Foot Wounds, Radiation Injury, Failed Grafts/Flaps, Concussion and other Sports Injuries, Migraine Headaches, Cancer, Crohn’s/Colitis, Cerebral Palsy, Neuropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue and much more. (251) 210-1496

americanhbot.com

Anchor Therapy Services

400 C Saraland Boulevard North, Saraland, AL 36571 Specializing in pediatric communication disorders. Tasha Rowell, M.S., CCC-SLP (251) 316-4882

Buckaroo Barn, L.L.C

39821 Duffee Lane, Bay Minette, AL 36507 Buckaroo Barn, LLC provides physical therapy specializing in hippotherapy for special little buckaroos. Kristye Chastang is certified to use hippotherapy as a treatment tool for children with disabilities. Hippotherapy is a therapy tool which uses the movement of the horse to influence the patient’s posture, balance, stability & sensory processing. The therapist can direct the movement of the horse, analyze the patient’s response and adjust the treatment accordingly. It is rewarding for every one involved & is so much fun, the kids won’t even know its therapy. Visit our website or call for information. (251) 604-3904 buckaroobarn@gmail.com www.buckaroobarnllc.com

Jubilee Pediatric Speech Services, LLC

9086 Merritt Lane, Daphne, AL 36526 Providing quality speech and language therapy to children while partnering with parents to promote communication development. (251) 340-2166

www.jubileespeech.com

Kids Kount- Therapy Services, LLC

26420 Kensington Place, Suite C, Daphne, AL 36526 3512 Godwin Court, Mobile, AL 36693 Our therapy techniques skillfully weave sensory experiences and practical application into activities of daily living. Children learn to work through challenges in a caring, supportive environment; and we all celebrate their accomplishments. We strive to instill compassion and confidence in each child, and we give each child encouragement to become their own unique self. We provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy as well as audiology and educational services for children from birth to 21 years. (251) 517-0355 frontdesk.kidskount@yahoo.com www.kidskounttherapy.com

Springhill Medical Center- Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation

100 Memorial Drive Suite 1-C (at Dauphin and I-65), Mobile, AL 36608 Rehabilitation Center offers Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy services to children from Pediatric to Geriatric. Our therapists will screen, analyze and evaluate children who may be experiencing limitations or difficulties in daily life environments or developmental performance areas. Together with parents or caregivers a treatment plan will be developed to maximize the child’s independence, behavior and self-esteem. Upon referral by the child’s physician, an appointment should be scheduled by calling (251) 340-0688. Hours of Op-

eration: Monday through Friday; 8am- 5pm. Facebook: Springhill Medical Center Rehabilitation. (251) 340-0688

www.Springhillmedicalcenter.com

University of South Alabama Psychology Clinic

307 University Blvd N, UCOM 2000, Mobile, AL 36608 USA Psychological Clinic offers low-cost services for children, adults, and families, including psychological testing and counseling, martial counseling, and stress management. Under the supervision of Licensed Psychologists, graduate students provide a variety of clinical services, offering reduced fees (therapy $5-$25/session, evaluations $250-$500). Psychology faculty members also see clients for a fee and accept some insurance. Services offered include Individual Therapy (Adult and Child), Family Therapy, Group Therapy, The Junior Autism Group for Social Skills, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Evaluations and Assessments. (251) 460-7149 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/psychology

USA Speech and Hearing Clinic

1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North, Mobile, AL 36608 The clinic serves two primary purposes: to provide services in speech, language and hearing to citizens of Mobile and surrounding areas and to provide the supervised clinical experiences needed by the students for graduation and to obtain professional licensure/ certification. Because the USA Speech and Hearing Clinic functions as a service facility and teaching facility, activities and procedures address both purposes. Diagnostic and treatment services in speech, language and hearing are provided to persons of all ages and with all types of speech-language and hearing disorders. (251) 445-9378 speechandhearing@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/colleges/alliedhealth/speechandhearing/clinic.html

Recreation BlueBird Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc.- Adapted Music Lessons,

Music Groups and Individual Music Therapy ad on page 5

6157 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 At Bluebird Therapy, we believe that every child deserves to live a full, confident life. One of the ways in which we accomplish this is by providing opportunities for children to learn through music! We currently provide group and individual music therapy sessions that help to incorporate movement, language, following directions, creativity, and socialization through playing instruments, singing songs and dancing. We also offer adapted keyboarding lessons taught by the music therapist as well. Give us a call today to find out how your child and family can join the Bluebird Family through our music program! We look forward to meeting you! (251) 287-0378 bluebirdtherapy@gmail.com www. bluebirdtherapy.com

BlueBird Pediatric Therapy, Inc. – Kids Yoga ad on page 5

6157 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Bluebird Therapy offers Yoga for children with and without special needs. Yoga classes will incorporate poses, breathing techniques and purposeful postures to strengthen the body, calm the nervous system, and teach a fun way to exercise. Each class series will be designed to meet the needs of participants. All poses can be adapted to meet the needs of each child. Pre-registration is required for classes which will run 1 day per week for 4-6 weeks. For class registration and upcoming dates and times email Danielle at bluebirdtherapy@gmail.com. (251) 287-0378 bluebirdtherapy@gmail.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Dance Without Limits ad on page 31

4715 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36609 Offering dance classes exclusively to the special needs community! All of our dancers participate to their maximum potential. Wheelchairs are forgotten, tight muscles are stretched, social skills and confidence are enhanced and no speech is needed in dance. It is truly an art form that we believe EVERYONE can participate in! Each dancer gets a “helper” to assist them through class. Some need no assistance, just some encouragement. Others need help standing, staying with the beat or just help staying on task. These “helpers” are all incredible volunteers ranging from Occupational or Physical Therapy school students, Camp Smile Volunteers, Special Ed teachers, moms, or just really incredible individuals with a heart for special needs kids. They are what make DWL work and we love them! (251) 610-4969

dancewithoutlimitsfoundation.org

Exceptional Arts Drama by Sunnyside Theater ad on page 47

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Sunnyside Theater proudly presents Exceptional Arts Drama. Drama and Theater classes for adults and children with special needs ages 8 – 80! Exceptional Arts Drama is committed to providing fun and creative theater opportunities for children and adults with special needs! We adapt roles to give each cast member the chance to showcase their unique talents on stage. Our actors learn how to put on a play, memorize scripts, perform choreography, and role play during dress up! With Azalea City Center for the Arts, cast members and volunteers work together with the common goal of putting on a great show for our families and friends! Tuesday nights 6:00pm-8:00pm. $50/month. At end of semester we will present a full length play. For more information please contact Chris Paragone, azaleacity@mindspring.com or call 510-1808. (251) 510-1808 azaleacity@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

Access To Recreation

Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. (800) 634-4351 customerservice@accesstr.com www.accesstr.com

Alligator Alley

19500 County Road 71, Summerdale, AL 36580 Alligator Alley is ADA compliant. With over 20 acres of natural cypress swampland, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. You’ll also observe other wild life such as: Ospreys, Owls, Turtles, Bull Frogs, and various field animals. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species. (251) 946-2483 info@gatoralleyfarm.com www.gatoralleyfarm.com

Captains for Kids

Annual day of fun activities (September 10 this year!) on the water for kids with special needs and illness’. We offer fishing charters, dolphin cruises, pirate cruises, sailing charters, parasailing, banana boat rides, airboat rides and more. (850) 438-5555 or (850) 377-6422 spotate@aol.com www.captainsforkids.com

Celisse’s School of the Equestrian

2568 Sollie Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Therapeutic Riding Lessons to those with special needs (mental or physical), blind or deaf, and recovering from injury. It is our goal that everyone who wants to learn and benefit from horses is able to do so. (251) 289-1244 kcequestrianarts@gmail.com facebook.com/CSEAmobile

City of Mobile Parks and Rec Center Special Activities Therapeutic Recreation

Special Olympics Swim Team

261 Rickarby Street, Mobile, Therapeutic Programs for Special Needs. Classes vary so call or check our website for more information. (251) 208-1651

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Hope Outdoors

P.O. Box 1421, Chatom, AL 36518 Larry & Kim Hubbard, Alabama Chapter Directors, Glenn Sansing-Executive Director; Karen SansingSecretary/Treasurer -Hope Outdoors has a passion to spread the love of God and provide the fun of the great outdoors to those who have special needs. We provide opportunities for fishing, deer hunts, bird and turkey hunts, and other ways to get close to nature and enrich lives no matter the challenges life may have given you. Hope Outdoors provides all meals, lodging and licenses. Participants are only responsible for travel to and from the event. Our Alabama event will be held January 19 & 20, 2018. Applications can be filled out online by typing in http://hopeoutdoors.org/applynow. (251) 769-0711 or (251) 769-5642 opie.thomas@hopeoutdoors.org www.hopeoutdoors.org

Inner Strength Martial Arts

9120 Airport Boulevard # H, Mobile, AL 36608 Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick Hoadley, Master Instructor 7th Degree Black Belt in the martial art of Taekwondo has over 35 years of professional experience. Also offering program for special needs children. (251) 776-1978

www.innerstrengthmartialarts.info

Kallie’s Cheer & Gymnastics

8680 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes, AL 36575 Mobile’s first Christian cheer/gymnastics/dance studio. Special Needs classes offered. (251) 401-5841 kalliescheerandgymnastics@gmail.com

Langan Park

4901 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 This is a Boundless Playground. The Boundless Playground is designed so that children of all abilities can enjoy the park. There is a Pedestrian Bridge connects the playground and park area of Langan Park to the Mobile Museum of Art across Three Mile Creek.

SNAP

Special Needs Athletes Programs –Our mission is to give developmentally disabled citizens in the greater Mobile, Baldwin County Alabama area, the opportunity to participate in a recreational sport with others of the same skill level and to have fun doing it. We work to partner our special athletes with mentors to help them learn the game of bowling, to develop their skills and to be a positive role model. (251) 366-9978 joe@snapofalabama.com www.snapofalabama.com

Special Olympics Mobile County

2827 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606 The mission of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The ultimate objective of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs. Find us on Facebook. (251) 408-1395 mobilecospecialolympics@gmail.com

951 Downtowner Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36609 The Special Olympics Hammerhead Swim Team program at the Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA is designed for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. The group uses the water to improve coordination, mobility and endurance, but most of all, to have fun! Swimmers are eligible to attend two sectional meets and State Meet. Meets are typically scheduled for Fridays beginning in January and ending in May. (251) 344-4856

www.ysal.org

Turning Point Dance Academy

4880 Lakeland Drive Suite D, Mobile, AL 36619 Why should you choose to be a part of the TPDA family? We are a conservative studio that gives each child the individual attention that they deserve. Special needs class for all ages. (251) 422-0262 or (251) 602-8900 www.tpdadancefamily.com

Water Planet Dolphin Therapy

203 Greenwood Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 We offer 2 therapy options to interact with the dolphins. The Harmony Program we have found can help a wide variety of children: most spectra of autism, manic depression, Rett Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, Down, and hyperactivity. Our Serenity Program caters to children with serious developmental delays, physical and motor disabilities like Cerebral Palsy, Head and Spinal Cord Injury, Mitochondrial Disorder. Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Angelman’s Syndrome and other disabilities, which require body work and specialized interventions. (850) 230-6030 info@waterplanetusa.com www.waterplanetusa.com

Westside’s Buddy Ball League

Westside Buddy Ball is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth between 5 – 21 years of age in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. Our program strives to teach the community to recognize the abilities of our participants rather than their disabilities. More than the skill of baseball is learned through the experience. The value of the Babe Ruth Buddy Ball is therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. Young adults, teens and children can volunteer to be a buddy to the participants. Email: rochellejdn@aol.com. (251) 633-9853

www.westsidebaseball.com

The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast

28788 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 The Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the social & recreational aspects of adults and children with special needs in the Baldwin/Mobile area. We offer art, cooking, dance, sign language, yoga, Special Olympics, community field trips & so much more. EFGC is open Monday thru Thursday 7:50am – 6:00pm. For more information contact Jennifer Flad, Executive Director at Jennifer.Flad@exceptionalfoundationgc.org (251) 625-8955 efgulfcoast@gmail.com or jenniferbflad@ gmail.com www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org

Recreation Camps Camp ASCCA ad on page 20

5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 Camp ASCCA is Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Providing weekend and weeklong sessions, Camp ASCCA is open yearround. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp

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ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, accessible waterslide, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zipline, and much more. (256) 825-9226 or (800) THE-CAMP www.campascca.org

Camp Bridges

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Our mission is to provide camps and programs to pre and post transplant children, teens, young adults and their families from Alabama and neighboring states. We create a fun and educational environment for heart, kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients that encourage positive self image and healthy transplant living. (205) 558- 2090 info@campbridges.org www.campbridges.org

Camp Mash

P.O. Box 850548, Mobile, AL 36685 Camp M.A.S.H. is a weeklong recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease. Our camp is planned specifically for the needs of our campers in order to empower them to live life to the fullest and to build friendships with others on similar journeys. Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families. (251) 599-5688 campmashmobile@gmail.com www.campmash.org

Camp Seale Harris

Southern Diabetes Education Services camps and local community programs provide needed diabetes education, encouragement, and friendships for children with diabetes and their families. Trained adult volunteer counselors with diabetes are joined by physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and pharmacists to provide safe supervision and real time feedback. Camps include fun activities that vary by location. (205) 402-0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.campsealeharris.org

Camp Smile

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 The mission of Camp SMILE is to empower children and adults with disabilities to live their lives without limits by providing an inclusive summer camp experience where there is no limit to the adventure. Camp SMILE is a residential camp for individuals with disabilities five to fifty years old and their siblings.

hood cancer journey. Through year-round meaningful and educational programming, Smile-A-Mile helps those in Alabama who are affected by childhood cancer thrive during treatment and the years beyond. (205) 323-8427 or (888) 500-7920

www.campsam.org

Space Camp and Aviation Challenge

Camps are available for students ages 9 to 18. Additional programs are offered for trainees who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing and/or have other special needs. (800) 637-7223 or (256) 837-3400

www.spacecamp.com

Schools & Educational Resources The Learning Tree Woody’s Song School ad on page 39

5459 Able Court, Mobile, AL 36693 Woody’s Song School serves children ages 5-21 on the autism spectrum. The private, nonprofit school is a tuition-based, twelve month, day program. The school helps children with autism increase their skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognitive skills while decreasing behaviors that interfere with their learning. (251) 331-8021

www.learning-tree.org

The Learning Tree – The Little Tree Preschool ad on page 39

1176 Azalea Road, Mobile, AL 36693 The Little Tree Preschool offers high quality preschool education for children ages 2 ½ - 5. Low student-teacher ratios are maintained and teachers are certified. Children are encouraged to grow as learners by building on individual strengths to establish a strong foundation for school success. The preschool includes services for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. The Little Tree Preschool is an inclusive learning environment that focuses on teaching readiness and prerequisite skills to prepare children for primary school. The curriculum is comprehensive and encourages children to explore and discover answers, and we provide a social setting to promote healthy selfesteem and sensitivity to the needs of others. (251) 649-4220 ext. 1225 or 1226

www.learning-tree.org

(251) 479-4900 campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

The Learning Tree, Inc.

Camp-Rap-A-Hope

4979 Lott Road, Eight Mile, AL 36613 The Learning Tree, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides educational and residential services for children and adolescents, ages 2 ½ -21, with developmental disabilities, including autism. The organization also provides and Individual and professional consultation and training. Programs are located in Mobile, Anniston, Auburn Jacksonville, and Tallassee.

Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides year-long programming, as well as, a week-long summer camp to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have, or have ever had, cancer. The camp is offered at no cost to the campers and their families as cancer has been costly enough. (251) 476-9880 info@camprapahope.org www.camprapahope.org

Lakeshore Foundation

4000 Ridgeway Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209 Lakeshore is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Since 1984, Lakeshore has helped advance and promote the impact of positive, long-term physical and emotional effects of physical fitness on people with disabilities. From infants to seniors, to injured soldiers and elitelevel athletes, every participant is free to discover his or her own potential. (205) 313-7400 info@lakeshore.org www.lakeshore.org

Smile-A-Mile

1600 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide hope, healing of the spirit and love for the whole family during the childMobile Bay Parents I September 2017

ad on page 39

(251) 649-4420

www.learning-tree.org

The Think Tank ad on page 26

The Think Tank Tutoring provides one-on-one in-home tutoring to general education, learning disabled and homebound students. In addition to working oneon-one with students, The Think Tank tutors provide educational strategies to parents during each tutoring session. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services works directly with the student’s teachers ensuring we follow the Individual Education Plan for special needs students. In addition, we follow the student’s current classroom curriculum. The Think Tank Tutoring provides homework help, test preparation, and study skills to students in grades Pre-K through

12 in all subjects. We have qualified educators to work with ADD, ADHD, hearing impaired, MR, Dyslexic, and speech impaired students. (251) 414-4494

www.thinktankminds.com

Augusta Evans School

6301 Biloxi Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Augusta Evans School was organized to provide a quality education, appropriate for mentally handicapped students of Mobile County and individualized to meet each of these student’s needs. As Special Education practices in the United State, Alabama, and Mobile County move into a new century, it has become imperative that changes in philosophies and methods are forthcoming. To this end, the faculty, staff and parents of Evans School are dedicated to insuring that every special needs individual receives an education of the highest quality, an education appropriately designed for each individual, an education which provides each individual with the skills necessary to become a productive citizen, and an education delivered in a setting designed to allow each student to develop to his maximum potential. The faculty and staff of Augusta Evans School take pride in its leadership role in Special Education in Mobile County. (251) 221-5400

evans.mce.schoolinsites.com

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3590 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile, AL 36609 See description under Dyslexia section. 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617 Children of all abilities receive high quality instruction with small child-staff ratios. Programming includes Special Education Preschool (Part B) services through the local school system, Early Headstart classrooms and an Alabama “First Class” Voluntary PreK classroom. With high quality instruction, small child-staff ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program addresses all aspects of learning: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Summer camp and afterschool programs are available for elementary school children. (251) 471-1581 Christy@gesgc.org www.gesgc.org

Huntington Learning Center

2370 Hillcrest Road #D, Mobile, AL 36695 Our mission to give every student the best education possible has been our mantra since the beginning, and we love to see students realize “I can” when it comes to school success. (251) 439-5829

www.huntingtonhelps.com

Kumon Learning Center

3152 Old Shell Rd Suite # 1, Mobile, AL 36607 Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading enrichment program, unlocking the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. (251) 447-2264

www.kumon.com

Lindamood-Bell Learning

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D, Mobile, “We create the magic of learning!” Founded in 1986 by Patricia Lindamood and Nanci Bell, Lindamood-Bell is dedicated to enhancing human learning. Our founders are the authors of critically acclaimed instructional programs that teach children and adults to read, spell, comprehend, think critically, and express language. The Lindamood-Bell programs have proven successful for individuals with a wide range of learning challenges, including previous, third-party diagnoses of learning disabilities such as dyslexia, hyperlexia, ADHD, CAPD, and autism spectrum disorders. (251) 473-6808 or (800) 300-1818 www.lindamoodbell.com

Mobile Preschool for the Sensory Impaired 1050 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Provides classroom setting for deaf and visually

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supportive educational environment that provides opportunities for sensory impaired students to reach individual potential in the areas of academics, independence, responsibility and social competence. This will be accomplished through the implementation of appropriate curricula, utilizing specialized communication and equipment, directed by a cooperative, dedicated, specially trained faculty and staff supported by parents and the community.

Read-Write

15 Midtown Park West, Mobile, AL 36606

1048 Stanton Road, Suite G, Daphne, AL 36526

(251) 625-4020 www.dyslexiaspecialist.net

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10526 County Road 64, Daphne, AL 36526 See description under Dyslexica section.

3980 Burma Road, Mobile, AL 36693 The mission of the Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind is to create a positive,

Schoolworks

Writing Skills. We offer on-site tutoring during your child’s study hall. We monitor your child’s grades, along with their classroom teacher’s assignments to ensure we are all on the same path to success for your student.

(256) 252-8374 michaelann@schoolworksedu.com

Springhill Child Development Center

10 Westminster Way, Mobile, AL 36608 At the Goodwill Easter Seals Spring Hill Child Development Center, we base our programs on the philosophy that all children can learn and here we provide the tools and support necessary to foster that learning. Children with and without disabilities receive comprehensive child-care services. With high-quality instruction, small staff-child ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program provides an optimal setting for young learner’s ages 2 1/2 - 5 years old. Areas of learning addressed on a consistent basis are social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Children with special educational needs receive programming in an inclusive preschool setting. (251) 342-3122

www.gesgc.org

Sylvan

2534 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36607 Provide Tutoring SAT, GRE, ACT I and II Test Prep, ADHD Coaching for Children and Adults, All Subject Areas for Elementary and High School Students, Organizational, Study, Note Taking and Test Taking Skills classes, Homework Assistance,

8020 Moffett Road, Suite A, Semmes, AL 36575 A Better School Year Starts with Sylvan .Don’t worry about falling behind later–start now, don’t hope for the best, get your child the help he or she needs today. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on schoolwork and a boost in confidence. Let our proven tutoring approach help your child start the school year off right. Our Tutoring Services include math, reading, writing, study skills, homework help, summer camps, state test prep, SAT/ACT prep, College Prep, SylvanSync, and many other services. (251) 649-8522 www.sylvanlearning.com MBP

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FamilyCalendar Sunday August 20

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid “ 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, 36611 Disney’s award-winning Broadway show The Little Mermaid swims into Chickasaw Civic Theatre this August! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. 251-457-8887 cctshows.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org Summer Classic Film Series - Gone with the Wind ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).

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

Thursday August 24

Business Expo 12:00 PM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 The Mobile area’s largest business-to-business trade show features more than 200 companies showcasing the latest products and services. events.mobilechamber.com Silent Auction Benefit 6:00 PM Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Savor traditional Cuban cuisine and cocktails while browsing our incredible collection of auction items. Enjoy live Cuban music, meet artists from Havana’s historical Taller Experimental de Gra?fica, watch renowned Cuban sculptor Gustavo del Valle create works live in the gallery, and take a sneak peak behind the scenes as works for our upcoming exhibition Back to Havana take shape! All proceeds from the night go directly to Alabama Contemporary’s exhibitions and programs to make art fun, meaningful and important for your local communities. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.com

Friday August 25

Vintage Market Days of Mobile

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

Drawdown on the USS Alabama 6:00 PM USS Alabama, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36603 Join us for a fun night to raise money for

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

St. Jude on the Gulf Coast. Meatboss will be catering the event and Ryan Balthrop will be playing for us. Tickets are $100 which admits two people for food, bar, entertainment and a chance to win $10,000.00. Second chance insurance is available for $30. joyoflifegulfcoast.org

Maker Mornings (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 All Ages - Be Creative! We provide the supplies, ideas and space - families feel free to experiment in the making of fun projects. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Dauphin Street Beer Festival 6:00 PM Dauphin Street, Think Globally, Drink Locally! Spend the evening visiting participating taverns and restaurants, tasting over 90 different microbrews and imports. 251-508-4006 www.specialeventsmobile.org

Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night (Free) 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: ET townofdauphinisland.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday August 26

Kickoff Run for Sight 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 7:30 AM USA SGA Pavilion, Mobile, 36608 FamilyFriendly 5K Race followed by a 1K fun walk. Postrace party w/awards presentations follows. www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/mobileuniversity Anniversary of Fort Mims 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Mims, 1813 Fort Mims Road Stockton, 36579 Enjoy 1800’s Craft’s and Living History with daily reenactments. fortmims.org Doggie Paddle ($25) 10:00 AM Location varies by shelter, This annual event hosted by WildNative Tours is designed to raise money for animal shelters across the nation by bringing together kayaking enthusiasts (both human and canine alike) for a fun paddle on their local waterways. Registrants can choose the participating shelter they want to benefit when they sign up and will then be notified of their paddle route. All (human) ? participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up-paddleboards are welcome. wildnativetours.com/coastal-alabama-special-events Rubber Ducky Regatta 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, 36603 Mobile’s first-ever Rubber Ducky Regatta will make a splash on August 26, 2017 by dropping 5,000 rubber duckies into Mobile River at Cooper Riverside Park. The “adopted” duckies will race to the finish line and the lucky ducky’s adopter will receive the grand prize of a Carnival Cruise for two. All proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, which houses families with seriously ill and injured children being treated at area hospitals and staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Rubber ducky adoptions are available for $5 online at rubberduckyregatta.com, or “quack packs” of five, twelve or twenty-five duckies at special rates. rubberduckyregatta.com Vintage Market Days of Mobile 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Details on August 25.

Commedia del Arte Presents “War of the WHAT?” ($8 in advance, $10 at the door, children under 5 admitted free.)

7:30 PM Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7125 Hitt Road Mobile, 36695 Your favorite radio actors are back in this hilarious, interactive comedy. They’ve escaped vampires, werewolves, and the mummy’s curse...can they survive an alien invasion? Join us and find out! 251-510-0654 www.commediadelarte.org Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534

joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Details on August 25.

Sunday August 27

Anniversary of Fort Mims 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Mims, 1813 Fort Mims Road Stockton, 36579 Enjoy 1800’s Craft’s and Living History with daily reenactments. fortmims.org Vintage Market Days of Mobile 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Details on August 25. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”. 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Thursday August 31

19th Annual Chef Challenge 6:00 PM Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street Mobile, 36605 Join us for a night of superb food and drink as you enjoy tastings of dishes from local chefs and restaurants while they compete to win votes for the night’s best dish in their category. In addition to excellent food, you’ll enjoy live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction to participate in, and complimentary beer and wine. feedingthegulfcoast.org/alabama-chef-challenge Panel Discussion: Art vs. Craft (Free) 6:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Unbeknownst to many, there is heated ongoing discussion of how we define ‘fine art’, craft

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and even design, hailing from the dawn of making. These categories move and change all the time, and the lines between each are often undefined. What qualifies ‘fine’ art from other forms? What is the role of utility? Is there a higher aim to decoration? Are ‘high’ and ‘low’ art distinctions even still relevant? Hear what local artists and academics think as they share works of art that exemplify or defy classification. www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Friday September 1

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Little Discoveries with Mr Wayne 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. Ages 3-6. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

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

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Mom’s Saturday School 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Saraland First Assembly of God, 907 Shelton Beach Road Saraland, 36571 Moms’ Saturday School (Continuing Education for the Homeschool Mom) will be held on September 2. Topic is Homeschooling w/ Disabilities Reading Paws (Free) 2:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Meet, Greet & Read! Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a fourlegged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Sunday September 3

5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet

(Free)

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Road Spanish Fort, 36527 Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Sunday Sunset Concert - Dauphin Island 5:45 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard

Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island presents “Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Delta Reign & Dennis Gould. Entrance fees $5.00 per individual! As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. *All concerts approx time & weather permitting! townofdauphinisland.org

Tuesday September 5

5 Rivers StoryTime “Blue Burt and Wiggles” (Free)

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Road Spanish Fort, 36527 StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is about unlikely friends that are besties even when they have to separate. www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center

Wednesday September 6

Saturday September 9

Hurricane Run 5K and Fun Run 8:10 AM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 102 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Join us for the Hurricane Run benefiting Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue. www.pcpacers.org

Lunch at the Shoppes Details on September 7.

Thursday September 7 Lunch at the Shoppes

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, The Shoppes at Bel Air, 3299 Bel Air Mall Mobile, 36606 Join us for our third quarterly “Lunch at the Shoppes” weekend September 7 - 9. During lunch hours, participating restaurants and retailers throughout The Shoppes will offer specials and promotions. Customers can stroll The Shoppes while enjoying live music and art displays located throughout the mall. www.theshoppesatbelair.com Casino Royal 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care, 580 Providence Park Drive, Suite E Mobile, 36695 Join us for cocktails, conversations, hors d’oeuvres, exclusive pricing and casino games. This event is free but please RSVP. 251-631-3572 advanceddermclinic.com

Friday September 8

Mobile Homeschool Playgroup 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Fred Wright Park Splash Pad, Satsuma Mobile Homeschool Playgroup (Homeschooling mamas 6 & under) at Fred Wright Park Splash Pad. For more information & to sign up, send email to compasspointhomeschool@gmail.com. Lunch at the Shoppes Details on September 7. LoDa Artwalk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Dauphin Street, Downtown Mobile, Starting at 6pm on the second Friday of every month, galleries, restaurants, shops, institutions, etc in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District open their doors for a family-friendly evening of exhibitions and entertainment by area artists.

Black Jacket Symphony 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked–the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. www.mobilesaenger.com

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Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” Details on September 2.

Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” Details on September 2. The Black Jacket Symphony: The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked–the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. www.mobilesaenger.com

Sunday September 10

Tunnel to Tower Race 7:30 AM USS Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Tunnel to Tower Race will be held September 10. eventbrite.com The Market at the Pillars 12:00 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, 36604 A fun afternoon of local makers, bakers, crafters and artists! Live music and local eats! This event is free and open to the public. Family fun and pet friendly! Gryphon Piano Trio 3:00 PM Laidlaw Recital Hall, 5751 USA Drive South Mobile, 36608 Join in to here some good music at Laidlaw! The Mobile Chamber Music presents the Gryphon Piano Trio in concert in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. www.mobilechambermusic.org

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FamilyCalendar Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents “Annie”. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Monday September 11

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit our website. 251-327-7980 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/128027

Tuesday September 12

Reading Paws (Free) 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Meet, Greet & Read! Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a fourlegged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Bingo for Books (Free) 4:00 PM Parkway Branch Library, 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 Fun for all! Winners get to choose prizes from our table of gently used books. Light refreshments will be provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Book Signing Event - John Sledge “These Rugged Days Alabama in the Civil War” 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Bragg Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36607 Free parking will be available at the event, as well as hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music. The author will attend to sign books, which will be for sale at the event for $34.95. Family Bingo Night (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Springhill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Venomous: The Sequel 6:30 PM Environmental Studies Center, 6101 Girby Road Mobile, 36693 We continue our two part series on venomous snakes. www.mcpsesc.com

Wednesday September 13

Thursday September 14

Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Participants are invited to ex-

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

plore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 5:30 PM 9:00 PM, The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore presents the 10th annual Girls Just Wanna Have Fun benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile on Thursday, September 14th, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. This “must do” event is an evening for ladies 21 years of age and older complete with heavy hors d’oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini’s, and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs, shopping and more! Purse-Onalities will be available at the 2017 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun event – and are sure to be enjoyed by all! Each year, a limited number of purses are available for this event which always creates a ‘shopping frenzy!’ Don’t miss out, purchase your event & Purse-Onality tickets today! rmhcmobile.org

Friday September 15

Cheap Chic Boutique 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Dumas Wesley Auditorium, 126 Mobile Street Mobile, 36607 Stock up on Fall fashion essentials to support a good cause at the “Cheap Chic Boutique”, a fundraiser for Our Sisters’ Closet. The twice yearly sale features new, nearly new, retro and vintage, designer and name brand clothing including Homecoming dresses, after-five and motherof-the-bride, jewelry, purses and shoes galore at thrifty prices. There is an excellent selection of sizes from petite to plus. 251-423-2001 www.oursisterscloset.org Throwdown 6 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, The Temple, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, 36602 This one-of-a-kind silent auction and 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 (think Chopped and Iron Chef). The Throwdown is the Mobile Arts Council’s largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds go towards our mission to support, strengthen and sustain the local arts and cultural community. mobilearts.org 2017 Women’s Forum 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM, Battlehouse Hotel, 26 North Royal Street Mobile , 36602 The Community Foundation would like to invite you to the 3rd annual Women’s Forum! This free event will take place on September 15th from 8:30 to 11:30 am at the Battle House in downtown Mobile. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit https://womensforum-mobile. eventbrite.com! Free womensforum-mobile.eventbrite.com

Saturday September 16

Coastal Cleanup 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Various Locations, Alabama Coastal Cleanup returns for its 30th year. Residents, visitors, individuals and organizations are invited to “get the trash out of the splash” by picking up trash littering Alabama coasts and waterways from 8:00am-12:00pm. Volunteers are needed on foot and water. 30 locations around Mobile, Baldwin, and

other counties, please visit our website to find a zone nearest you. 251-928-9792 www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com

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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Ft Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 On September 16th & 17th, Historic Fort Gaines and the 6th Alabama Calvary Bucaneers will host the 2nd Annual Massacre Island Pirate Event. The event will highlight Flintlock Pistol Duel, Pirate Tug of War, Swashbuckling Sword Play, Cannon Firing, Blacksmithing and music by the Kracker Dan Band. Treasure Hunt for the kids 12 and under. 251-861-6992 dauphinisland.org Cheap Chic Boutique 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, Details on September 15. 10th Annual GO Run 5K and Fun Run 6:30 PM USA Moulton Tower, 307 North University Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Please join us as we celebrate 10 years of this one-of-a-kind run presented by the Catranis Family Charitable Foundation! This year’s GO Run 5K and one mile Fun Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, September 16, at the USA Moulton Tower & Alumni Plaza. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. The 5K will begin at 8:00 am and the Fun Run at 9:00 am. 251-460-7032 www.usahealthsystem.com Leukemia Cup Regatta Buccaneer Yacht Club, 4381 Park Road Mobile, 36605 Join us at the Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, Alabama, September 16, 2017. Register now! Join us for a campaign kickoff on Friday, July 21 at 5:30 pm at the Buccaneer Yacht Club! For more information, call Stacey Brandau at 251-406-8471 or email stacey. brandau@lls.org. www.leukemiacup.org/al/

Sunday September 17

2nd Annual Massacre Island Pirate Event (Adult tickets (ages 13 and up) $8.00, Children tickets (5-12) $4.00 Children 4 and under are FREE)

Tuesday September 19

Classical Conversations Community Open House 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Prospective students with their parents are welcome to join our Classical Conversations community during an Open House at one of our 3 Mobile Campuses. Please register for and attend an Informational Meeting prior to the Open House. This allows us to familiarize you with our unique pro-

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FamilyCalendar gramming schedule and let you know what materials to bring for your visit. Please visit our website for registration. 813-943-3793 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/128150 Talk Like a Pirate Day (Free) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Enjoy storytime at 11 am and crafts for all ages! Children who say a hardy “Argh!” to the staff will receive a prize. Children who dress up will receive a bag of goodies. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Talk Like a Pirate Day (Free) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Dress and talk like a pirate and get a free video rental at the checkout desk. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wednesday September 20

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Fall is back and so is live jazz! Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl of the oak trees in Bienville Square. Live music provided by the City of Mobile Special Events Dept. and Catt Sirten. Dates: Wednesdays, September 6 to October 25 ncsmobile.org Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit our website. 813-943-3793 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/128146 Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in concert at the Saenger Theatre. www.mobilesaenger.com

Thursday September 21

Peppa’s Pig Surprise 6:00 PM The Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Peppa Pig, the #1 Family show of 2016, is back with an actionpacked live show featuring your favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters in Peppa Pig’s Surprise! Come join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! www.peppapigliveus.com All in for Heart 6:30 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, 36604 All In For Heart is a casino-themed event complete with casino games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette! Guests can expect fantastic food, complimentary beer and wine, live music and some great prizes! Each guest will receive $1,000 in “fun money” to use at the gaming tables. Come try your luck and help heal the hearts of patients at Children’s of Alabama. give.childrensal.org/allinforheart

Friday September 22

Focus Women’s Conference 9:00 AM Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Focus Women’s Conference presented by Junior League of Mobile, Focus will feature a day of dynamic speakers, compelling panel discussions, interactive workshops, luncheon discussions and purposeful networking and conversations. www.focuswomensconference.com The Great Escape Travel Auction 6:00 PM 1260 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36604 Expect to dine on delicious Southern hors d’oeuvres paired with craft beer and wine as you pursue a variety of silent auction items. The evening will conclude with a live auction featuring bucket list trips to amazing locations around the world. All proceeds benefit Central Presbyterian Church missions. thegreatescapemobile.com/

Saturday September 23

St Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer 8:00 AM USS Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Memorial Park Mobile, 36602 Please join us as we celebrate 10 years of this one-of-a-kind run presented by the Catranis Family Charitable Foundation! This year’s GO Run 5K and one mile Fun Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, September 16, at the USA Moulton Tower & Alumni Plaza. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. The 5K will begin at 8:00 am and the Fun Run at 9:00 am. All GO Run proceeds will benefit the amazing gynecologic cancer research taking place at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. fundraising.stjude.org Jubilee Festival of Arts (Free Admission) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 1700 Main Street Daphne, 36526 This year we’ve added fresh energy by embracing a wide range of talents. Your favorite artisans will set up beneath the canopy of oaks with original paintings, one-of-a-kind pottery, handcrafted jewelry and thoughtful gifts. Come ready to shop, but don’t miss out on the lively atmosphere. You’ll be treated to cooking competitions, craft demonstrations, pop-up performances and local musicians.Kids Art Park will also be back in Centennial Park with free activities for your young artist to explore their creative side. www.eschamber.com/page/Jubilee-Festival-Welcome ALS Walk 11:00 AM Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, 36606 More than just a few-mile trek, the Walk to Defeat ALS® is an opportunity to bring hope to people living with ALS, to raise money for a cure, and to come together for something you care about. The Walk to Defeat ALS® is The ALS Association’s biggest annual event, which raises funds that allow our local chapters to sustain care services and support research for much of the next year. alsa.org Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Firebird 7:30 PM The Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The opening of our season will celebrate the rich history of Russian ballet. We will be joined by dancers from The Juilliard School to bring to life famous scenes from some of the world’s most popular ballets. In addition, MSO will be partnering with the Mobile Museum of Art to bring you art inspired by Ballet Russes which will be presented by projection during the performance. 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org/event/firebird The After Party ($75) 9:00 PM Annunciation Greek Church, 50 South Ann Street Mobile, 36604 Come and enjoy the soulful and vibrant music of Nashville’s Jason Eskridge Band. Proceeds from this event will go towards Penelope

House, Prichard Preparatory School and Diokonia Center. Take this opportunity to get dressed up and most importantly give back to your community! Your $75 ticket will gain you access to the after party, two drink tickets and a phenomenal dessert bar filled with sweets to energize you to dance all night! More details to come! www.greekfestcharitygala.com

Sunday September 24

Jubilee Festival of Arts (Free Admission) Details on September 23. Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Firebird 2:30 PM The Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The opening of our season will celebrate the rich history of Russian ballet. We will be joined by dancers from The Juilliard School to bring to life famous scenes from some of the world’s most popular ballets. 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org/event/firebird Mobile Fashion Week The Award Winning Mobile Fashion Week will be held September 24th - 30th. Please check our webpage for more information. mobfashionweek.com

Monday September 25

Mobile Pops Band Concert 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 4275 Snow Road Semmes, 36575 Enjoy a variety of classic and popular music performed by the Mobile Pops Band. 7pm - 9pm 251-454-2395

Tuesday September 26

Reading Paws (Free) 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Children reading or learning to read can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with a certified Reading Dog. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wednesday September 27

Thursday September 28

Night Market 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 3668 MMofA hosts a monthly Night Market that showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food and drink from The Crepe Crusader and the DJ stylings of Neil Byrne aka Hot Lobster. www.mobilemuseumofart.com

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FamilyCalendar An Evening with Paula Webb (Free) 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road Mobile, 36575 Local Semmes author, Paula Webb, will discuss the research and the historical resources used for the writing of her book, Mobile Under Siege: Surviving the Union Blockade. Following the presentation, there will be a book signing and reception. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Vintage Affair 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street Mobile, 36605 Join us September 28 for Vintage Affair benefitting the American Cancer Society. main.acsevents.org

Friday September 29

Ten Sixty Five Downtown Mobile, Mobile TenSixtyFive is back for another FREE weekend of fun, music and friends in downtown Mobile, Alabama. Save the dates for September 29, 30 and October 1! tensixtyfive.com

Saturday September 30

Delta Dash 7:30 AM 8900 Lower Bryant’s Landing Road Stockton, 36579 Experience the Delta like never before. A 5K obstacle course race designed to challenge the heart, body and soul. The goal is simple…provide participants of all lifestyles and ages with an opportunity to test endurance, stamina, resilience, quick decision making skills, animal instinct and the ability to enjoy a face-full of mud, leaves or whatever else the terrain throws their way. deltadash.org Herb Day with Felder Rushing ($35 for nonmembers, $30 for members)

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Speaker Felder Rushing “Slow Gardening with Herbs” - growing easy culinary and other useful herbs through all seasons and senses” www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Springhill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Visit with friends and learn how to make plastic bottle bird feeders. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Mobile Pops Band Concert 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Cottage Hill Park, 1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36609 Enjoy a variety of classic and popular music performed by the Mobile Pops Band. 7pm - 9pm Ten Sixty Five Concert and Arts and Crafts Market Downtown Mobile, Mobile TenSixtyFive is back for another FREE weekend of fun, music and friends in downtown Mobile, Alabama. Save the dates for September 29, 30 and October 1! In conjunction with TenSixtyFive Music Festival, MAC is organizing an art market featuring one-of-a-kind arts and crafts produced by local artisans. It will take place in Cathedral Square on Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM during the free outdoor concert series! tensixtyfive.com

Thursday October 4

Bright Beginnings Academy 5th annual LEGO Night Extravaganza 6:00 PM Bright Beginnings Academy, 3590 Pleasant Valley Road Mobile, 36609 Come one; come all for the event of the season as Bright Beginnings Academy hosts its 5th annual LEGO Night Extravaganza. Envision large children’s pools pre-filled with LEGOS of every color as deep as your elbows. Your kid’s imagination is sparked and creativity is unlimited as your child demonstrates his/her ability to build the “best” LEGO model. Prizes are awarded by grade. www.brightdyslexics.com

Thursday October 5

Think Pink Tea (Free) 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 This annual celebration of breast cancer awareness features a runway fashion show with models who are cancer survivors, supporters and caregivers. 251-445-9691

Tuesday October 10

A Night Honoring Heroes 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 The event will include a reception, dinner and inspiring video presentations of two patients who suffered traumatic injuries and those who cared for them. University of South Alabama Foundation is the title sponsor for the inaugural event, which will benefit USA Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center. www.usahealthsystem.com

Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251-281-7312. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mobile Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com.

Ten Sixty Five Concert and Arts and Crafts Market Details on September 30.

Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251431-5100.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Sunday October 1

COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks. 251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect? •A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • 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. 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@

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providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@ providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace 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 3407769 early to pre-register. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be

made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problemsolving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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The Dark Tower

The Nut Job 2:

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Dark Tower PG-13 for thematic material including sequences of gun violence and action. Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) is the classic “Chosen One” in The Dark Tower, but parents don’t assume a teen protagonist equals a movie suitable for all your kids. First clue: It’s based on a Stephen King novel... an author known for thriller and horror stories, not fun family romps. This sci-fi has a kill rate that’s right up there with R-raters. It just doesn’t have as much blood or explicit details. Our young hero has this tough task. His serial nightmares feature a messed-up sorcerer, known as the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), who is strapping kids to a funky chair and sucking their mental powers to send energy impulses toward a dark tower with the goal of eventually knocking it down. (I’m guessing they were out of TNT at the local dynamite shop...) Fighting back is a guy known as The Gunslinger (Idris Elba), a cool dude whose pistol loading techniques even left me wanting to play with guns. To be fair, The Dark Tower intrigued me enough to want to know what will happen next. Another plus is this bid-to-save-all-life-from-extermination is a serious tale and leaves no time for sexual soirées. Other than some references to deity and a couple of scatological curses, there’s little else for parental concern (except for those many bullets). I’m sensing there may be a positive moral message coming in the next episode, but will it also offer some glue to hold the plot together? If not, this tower could fall without the help of a madman.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature PG for action and some rude humor. The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature is a more-than-nutty sequel that foregoes many of the usual concerns about sex and profanity, but does provide a generous helping of slapstick animated violence. It also presents a mixed assortment of some of the most ingrained stereotypes promoted by media, wrapped up in a painfully ridiculous package and sent gift-wrapped to a young unsuspecting audience. This little guy vs big guy story includes all the usual elements you might expect. The critters do their best to chew through electrical cables (with much animated shock value) and jam up the equipment and amusement rides. They engage in silly antics to break jail and sabotage the enemy. They also bridge the gap between the opposing forces with two canines -- Heather’s servile French bulldog Frankie and Precious, a pug that was owned by two crooks in the first Nut Job movie and has since joined forces with the park animals. At first glance this film’s biggest crime happened when you paid to see it. Yet even if families hold out against the enticing advertising and their kids’ pleas until the home video release, parents should remember the power of repeated messages. The aforementioned stereotypes, and Andie’s role as a female who is helpless to do anything without Surly’s approval, may be reason enough to say, “nuts to this” and find something better to watch.

Logan Lucky

The Glass Castle

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Logan Lucky PG-13 for language and some crude comments. Instead of suave and sophisticated George Clooney heading up the large cast of thieves, this time we have Channing Tatum playing war vet Jimmy Logan. Left with a leg injury from service in Iraq, Jimmy is fired from his earth moving job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the opening minutes of the film after an HR minion noticed he walks with a limp. The cruel and heartless termination is the perfect setup for us to root for this blue-collar boy when he hatches an idea: return to his former workplace and steal a truckload of cash from a central depository buried under the raceway. Next, we need a team. Jimmy’s brother Clyde (Adam Driver) is an obvious first choice, and their sister Mellie (Riley Keough) is game to help too. Recognizing they need someone who has “professional” experience, the siblings seek out an old buddy in their small Virginia community who happens to be in prison. Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) is an explosive safecracker and even though he says he’s not interested, Jimmy quickly convinces him. This PG-13 film has numerous profanities yet, in other areas doesn’t push the limits of its rating. But parental concerns in media aren’t always about sex and violence. Logan Lucky is a fun film to view and offers an interesting portrait of life in the south without exploiting harmful stereotypes too much. Yet the stylized, creative camera work and precise editing are a thin veneer covering a message that lying, cheating and stealing are the basis of good luck.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: C+ Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated The Glass Castle PG-13 for mature thematic content involving family dysfunction, and for some language and smoking. Complicated, engaging, inspiring and possibly disturbing, The Glass Castle, with its US PG-13 rating, defines the need for “parental guidance”. Not likely to be on the top of your teen’s gotta-see list anyway, this story is based on the real-life memoir of Jeannette Walls. Her description of growing up as the daughter a dysfunctional father and mother may catch some audience members by surprise, especially if abusive behavior lurks their life history. Scenes of neglect, verbal and physical domestic abuse, a lack of providing protection or the necessities of life, and a moment of sexual abuse punctuate the memories depicted in this story of the Walls family. Stellar performances from this large cast add to this compelling drama. Woody Harrelson portrays with precision a drunk who swings between poetically grand, and cruelly petty. Naomi Watts vacillates between wanting to get as far away from this madman as she can and falling comfortably back into his controlling arms. And the young actors playing the children genuinely portray the anguish of being caught in the middle. What sets The Glass Castle apart from legions of other films about family dysfunction are the lessons and examples it offers.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2017

Nutty by Nature

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s n g i S e h t w o n K Most suicidal people show signs that they are thinking about suicide. Know the signs, start the conversation, and get help. One small act can make a difference. 1. Withdrawal 2. D epression/Anxiety 3. Reckless Behavior 4. Loss of Interest 5. N eglect of Personal Appearance 6. Substance Abuse iving Away 7. G Belongings Together we can prevent suicide. Just Talk About It.

Call 1-800-2 73-8255 Available 24 hours every day alabamapublichealth.gov/suicide