Mobile Bay Parents September 2016

Champions for Children & Women At USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, we are a unique resource in the region, offering health care exclusively focused on the needs of children and women.

October 21 NICU Reunion October 23 Lights of Love Tree-Lighting November 29 Trick or Trot

For more information, follow us on Facebook. /usacwhospital/

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Volume 6 Number 4

Columns

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Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Growing Up Online

Leaving Tweens Home Alone

Find out if your tween is ready and how to best prepare him.

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Kids Health Watch

Okay Pokeman GO families, here are common sense rules for augmented reality.

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sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

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Get This!

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Gerry Paige Smith

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Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Special Needs Kids

7 habits of highly effective parents of special needs children.

2016 Special Needs Resource Guide

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Dave Says

Local and national resources assist you in caring for your child.

On The Cover Maddie (10), daughter of Sylvester and Asha Kidd. Proud grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Johnson, Mr. James Oliver Kidd and the late Mrs. Madeline Kidd. Maddie loves dancing, swimming, and riding in her dad’s vintage 1969 cutlass.

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Dave Ramsey

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 11

School Bits 54

Family Calendar 60

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth My name is Asha J. Kidd. Currently, I am the principal of Augusta Evans School. Also, I am the proud parent of a child with special needs. My passion and love to advocate for children with disabilities started 15 years ago. My life took an interesting turn for the better the day my beautiful daughter, Maddie, was born. I delivered Maddie via C-section. She entered the world dependent on a feeding tube and a breathing monitor, having a heart condition and hydrocephalus. My husband, Sylvester, and I were told on Christmas morning 2006 that Maddie was not normal; she had a long road ahead of her. Maddie was in the NICU for several weeks prior to coming home. My husband and I had no medical diagnosis for Maddie’s condition until August 2007; then, we were told that our daughter has a rare genetic disorder. She has a deletion of chromosome 8 q 21:11-21:13.

However, her doctors informed us that there was more bad news. Currently, Maddie is the only person in genetic history that has this particular deletion. Maddie’s doctors also told us that Maddie would never sit-up or walk. However, Maddie sat up at two years of age and walked at 4 ½ years old. Despite, this horrific news and setback, my husband and I were optimistic and continue to be optimistic about Maddie’s future.

Perhaps, you would expect my being a special educator to translate into having all the answers on how to care and advocate for my daughter. But it didn’t. Just like other parents of children with special needs, I was terrified, confused, angry, and I felt alone. However, God’s timing is so amazing. He sent an angel into our home. Her name is Anne Falkenhagen. She was Maddie’s early intervention teacher for Goodwill Easter Seals. Anne will forever be in our hearts. She is still and will always be a dear friend to our family. Anne taught us how to advocate and care for Maddie’s needs. She was that shoulder to cry on and she kept Sylvester and I focused on Maddie’s abilities rather than her disabilities. Anne doesn’t know this, but she is one of the reasons that I advocate for children with disabilities today.

Of course, Maddie is my other reason.

Raising Maddie has its daily challenges and obstacles and I can’t do it alone. Maddie has an amazing family and I have an even more amazing husband. Statistics show that 80% of marriages with special needs children end in divorce. However, I am excited to be approaching my 17th wedding anniversary with Sylvester. Maddie is the glue in our marriage. She keeps us grounded and family oriented. Today, Maddie is a beautiful, nine-year old. She still faces numerous medical challenges and recently underwent two major spinal surgeries. However, Maddie is a little fighter. She is Mommy’s “Jelly Bean!”

Maddie is in the 3rd grade at Dawes Intermediate School. She is a cheerleader for Mrs. Lisa’s Special Athletics (Alabama Jags). She plays Buddy Ball for Westside Park. She is also a member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church Youth Choir. This year, Maddie made her First Holy Communion. Despite her busy schedule she loves to ride in my husband’s 1969 Cutlass. My husband and I don’t know what the future will bring as we face challenges daily. However, we are thankful and grateful for this appointed opportunity to be Maddie’s earthly parents. Sylvester tells Maddie daily, “Peanut Butter, you are going to change the world!” Typically, my response is that she already has. Maddie Kidd is my inspiration; she is my hero and my best friend. She gives me a purpose and the courage to want to make a difference in the lives of other children with disabilities.

Asha Kidd

Principal, Augusta Evans School

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Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Asha Kidd Judy M. Miller 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.

www.mobilebayparents.com

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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Sleepovers Need Basic Parameters Q:

My husband and I have decided that we do not want our children to participate in sleep-overs. We recently moved to a new community and are just making new friends and meeting new families. All of these parents, it seems, love to do sleep-overs. We, however, are sticking by our guns. As a result, our kids are beginning to feel left out. What should I say to these other parents who think we’re crazy and their children who are making mine feel bad about it?

A: You never told me why you are so strongly opposed to sleep-overs. That suggests—but maybe I’m just playing psychologist here—that you think your objections are self-evident. If that’s the case, they are not self-evident to yours truly.

I have heard of problematic situations that arose during sleep-overs, but I fail to see the basis for a sweeping indictment. In my (naïve?) estimation, the issue is not sleepovers per se; the issue is how well a given sleep-over is managed by the supervising parents. Before letting a child attend a sleepover, a finite set of “givens” should exist: First,

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

you are more than just slightly familiar with the host parents and know them to be conscientious, responsible people; second, that they know how to quickly get in touch with you should that become necessary; third, that the sleep-over will be attended by only one gender; fourth, that siblings, especially if they are older than the attendees, will be kept at a distance (ideally, farmed out for the evening).

Your concern hints at a tendency to want to control everything that happens in your children’s lives. That’s called micromanagement and I would be remiss if I failed to point out that parental micromanagement always, without exception, creates huge problems of one sort or another in the long run.

The problem is that micromanaging parents always, without exception, justify their anxietydriven over-control. They also tend to think apocalyptically, as in, “If I let my child attend a sleep-over, some other child who comes from a family that does not share our beliefs may permanently corrupt my child’s values.”

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In short, the fears that lie behind micromanagement are rarely realistic. Plus, the parents in question fail to accept that they are not omnipotent, that try as hard as they might, they simply cannot control everything that happens in their kids’ lives.

When my wife and I were in our active parenting years, we would purposefully allow our children to get themselves entangled in certain problematic situations that we could have prevented. In other words, we managed risk for the purpose of helping our children learn, by trial and error, how to keep themselves out of trouble. The result was win-win: the kids enjoyed a good amount of freedom and we enjoyed the peace of mind of knowing that they were steadily coming to grips with the relationship between freedom and responsibility. Some lessons cannot be “talked into” a person.

Anyway, concerning this sleep-over issue, I’d take a deep breath and give it a go. Sounds like your kids need a break from your oversight. It also sounds like you and your husband could do with some parenting freedom as well.

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

www.mobilebayparents.com

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9th Annual GO Run

Join us for the 9th Annual GO Run 5K and one mile Fun Run/Walk presented by Catranis Family Charitable Foundation, which will be held September 17 at the University of South Alabama Moulton Tower & Alumni Plaza. All GO Run proceeds will benefit gynecologic cancer research at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. The 5K will begin at 8:00 a.m. and Fun Run at 9:00 a.m.

The event will include prizes, music, vendor booths, food, and children’s activities.

Families, schools, corporations and friends are encouraged to form teams of six or more to participate. Each team will be eligible to win awards for a variety of categories for example, team with most members, most spirited team, best dressed team, and many more. Individual awards will also be given in all age categories. Please visit www.usamci.com/gorun for more information.

Dauphin Way UMC Features a Weekend with Author Rachel Held Evans

This fall Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will feature New York Times best-seller author of “Faith Unraveled”, “A Year of Biblical Womanhood”, and “Searching for Sunday” Rachel Held Evans as our Keynote Speaker for the 2016 Dill Lecture Series. Saturday, September 24, Rachel will take part in the Dill Women’s Event, a half-day event (9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.) focusing on “Women of Valor: A Biblical Call to Celebration.” Cost is $15 per person, which includes brunch. Register by Sept. 15. On Sunday, Evans will speak both during the 10:30 a.m. worship services then again at 5:30 p.m. during a public lecture. All events are open to the entire community. www.dauphinwayumc.org/dilllectureseries, www. dauphinwayumc.org/dillwomensrretreat. 251.471.1511.

TenSixtyFive is a laid back street party celebrating music, local artists and makers, and locally owned establishments in Downtown Mobile the weekend of September 30, October 1 and 2. We will showcase local, regional, and national bands on two main stages, as well as a kid’s zone and a local art market, all weekend long. The team at DMG Productions, Inc. is proud to bring this FREE party to Downtown Mobile with the support of some of our city's extraordinarily generous companies, who have donated their money, time, and other resources to make this weekend possible. We hope everyone joins us downtown for a celebration that will highlight the fun-loving spirit and rich culture of Mobile. For more information, please visit www.tensixtyfive.com.

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Join the Fight Against Cancer

TenSixtyFive Street Party to be Held in Downtown Mobile

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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 Galapresented by Lexus of Mobile on Thursday, September 29 at the Alabama Cruise Terminal 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 the Crowned Jewelz Band. Sure to thrill are the live and silent auctions which include fabulous trips, estate jewelry and original local art featuring artist Ashley Terrell.

Tickets for the event are $125 and can be purchased online at www.vintageaffairmobile.org or by calling 251.344.9858.

United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile’s Annual Food and Folly

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Mobile will host our annual Food and Folly event on Thursday, September 15 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Fort Whiting Armory (1620 Broad Street).

This exciting, Mardi Gras themed event is one of United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile's annual fundraisers. Support our programs and enjoy music, fun, food, dancing, silent auctions, wine tastings and more! Please call (251) 479-4900 for more information.

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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Camp I Believe Seeking Campers, Donations, and Volunteers

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel - Atmore presents the 10th Annual ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ fundraiser benefit for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile on Thursday, September 15, from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center.

This “must do” event is an evening for ladies 21 years of age and older and features heavy hors d’oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini’s and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs, shopping, entertainment and more.

Tickets for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are available for $50 in advance or for $60 at the door. Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets for a stylish “Purse-Onality” at $25 or $50 which includes a purse – and a surprise gift inside valued at that (or more!)

Proceeds from ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ directly benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile supporting families through their Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.

For more information about Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and to purchase advance event and Purse-Onality tickets, please visit www. rmhcmobile.org or call 251-694-6873.

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When a child is grieving the loss of a loved one or friend, it is important for them to know that they are not alone with their grief. Gentiva Hospice has developed Camp I Believe, an overnight camp to help children ages 6 – 14 deal with their feelings and become empowered to cope with the loss of their loved one.

The camp will be held September 10-11 at Camp Baldwin in Elberta, AL. The campers are able to attend camp free of charge through funding provided by the Kindred Gentiva Hospice Foundation.

Camp I Believe is a two-day camp where children can learn to express grief in a healthy, safe environment. Our professional staff and trained volunteers include social workers, spiritual care coordinators, nurses, recreational therapists and bereavement specialists. Campers will be encouraged to not only reflect, but to laugh and play again. The beautiful grounds of Camp Baldwin allow children to heal through nature and a variety of fun activities which include fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, field games and much more.

Camp I Believe is currently seeking campers to participate in the camp. We are also seeking supply donations and volunteers. If you or a friend would like more information, please visit www. kindredgentivahospicefoundation.org or contact Lorrey Chapman with Kindred at Home Hospice directly at 251-621-2500.

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29th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup

Wallace Tunnel Tour

Tour the Wallace Tunnel on Wednesday, September 21! After light refreshments at the Cox-Deasy Cottage, the tour will leave from the Historic Mobile Preservation Society campus, 350 Oakleigh Place, at 9:45 a.m. and caravan over for the 10 a.m. tour. The tour will be led by members of the Alabama Department of Transportation staff and include a visit to the control room and a guided walking tour of the interior of the tunnel. All proceeds will benefit the HMPS's new youth education program.

Steep stairs are a part of this tour, so please dress casually, with comfortable shoes.

Admission is $10 for all HMPS members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. Please visit www. historicmobile.org or call (251) 432-1281 for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

Show your support and concern for Alabama's waterways by participating in the 29th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, September 17, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. You or your organization can make a difference by volunteering to clean up our cherished coastal area.

In its twenty-eight year effort to clean up the coast, over 83,000 volunteers have removed more than 1.5 million pounds of trash from Alabama's valued coastline and waterways. Join us this year as we continue to make Alabama the Beautiful!

For more information about how to get involved please visit www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com or call (251) 621-1216.

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Down Syndrome Society of Mobile Buddy Walk®

The 9th Annual Mobile Buddy Walk® will take place at Bienville Square on October 15, at 10:00 a.m. More than 1,100 people are expected to attend the event, which is one of over 250 Walks across the country this fall to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.

“Buddy Walks are fantastic events where smiles are shared, hugs are free, games are played and most importantly - footsteps are heard as we all walk together to support people with Down syndrome," said Imagination Mover Scott Durbin.

The Buddy Walk® welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. The goals of the walk are to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. All funds raised through the Buddy Walk® support local programs.

The Mobile Buddy Walk® will feature live music, games, petting zoo and much more. To learn more, visit www. dssmobile.org and click on the Buddy Walk® link at the bottom of the page or contact Cathy Ogarek at Down Syndrome Society of Mobile.

The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival

The third annual Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival presented by Wind Creek Atmore returns to Main Street Sept. 15-17 with a robust roster of talent. The three-day culinary event will feature more than 20 of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved chefs and restaurants.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, the event will kick off with an Alabama Gulf Seafood Chef Showdown at The Palms from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with a cutthroat competition between Chris Sherrill (Flora-Bama Yacht Club), Brody Olive (Perdido Beach Resort) and Chris Kelly (Driftwood Bar & Grille, Ronin Sushi Bar).

James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst, authors of “The Couples Kitchen”, will team up to emcee the Showdown. There will be select vendor wine tasting, an auction preview, an open bar and giveaways.

Individual tickets for the kick-off event are $30. Combo tickets for the Chef Showdown and Grand Tasting are $75. Ticket prices will rise last minute pricing to $35/$90.

The Wharf Entertainment District will be lined with vendors serving more than 150 labels of wines and small bites for the culinary competition from participating restaurants including: Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, Master Joe’s, Shipp’s Harbor Grill, Driftwood Bar & Grille, Ronin Sushi Bar, Ginny Lane Bar and Grill, Villaggio Grille, Flora Bama Yacht Club, Voyagers, Coast, Cowgirls.

Ticket pricing begins July 15 at $60 and last minute pricing is $70 starting Sept. 1. In addition, there will be a luxury yacht walk, book signings, both live and silent auctions benefitting Make-A-Wish® Alabama and a high-end tasting tent with wines including: Jordan, Duck Horn, Cannonau di Sardegna and Anastasia Semidano.

Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.com, or at The Wharf box office. For more information, please visit TheWharfUncorked.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Early Intervention in the Mobile Area Children are such a blessing! It is wonderful that everyone is made so uniquely and with such different talents and personalities! Some children may be born with varying degrees of special needs from hearing loss to speech delay to cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome.

Every child still has so much potential and joy to bring to those they meet! There are several programs in our area to assist children who may need a little extra help to reach their full potential, and I want to touch on some of those programs in case you know someone who needs a little extra therapy, but isn’t sure how to contact the correct people.

The first two years of life there are so many frequent check-ups, and there are many things that pediatricians check for at each visit, one of which being development. There are various ways that we screen for any development problems, and the goal is to notice any delays early and get the appropriate therapy to get that child back on track. Some of the developmental screenings such as the newborn screen (the blood test that is done on every newborn to check for specific congenital problems) and the hearing screen are two things that are done before a newborn even leaves the hospital!

At each well child check, your pediatrician will check your child’s gross motor, fine motor, communication, social, and problem solving development. If there are any delays or concerns or if a child was born premature or has a specific type of disability, they will refer you to Early Intervention. In Mobile, there are also feeding clinics, Developmental Pediatrics, Geneticists, various support groups, CRS (Children’s Rehabilitation Service), speech and occupational/ physical therapy, and other subspecialists that your pediatrician may refer you to in addition to Early Intervention.

Early Intervention is a nationwide program committed to helping families and children receive any extra care and therapy they may need ranging from speech therapy and physical therapy to help getting hearing aids and wheelchairs.

In Alabama, even parents and teachers or daycare workers can refer to Early Intervention. Once the referral is made, a supervisor will evaluate the child within two months to see what services will benefit him or her.

Once a child reaches three years old, Early Intervention transitions over to a preschool setting. This means that a child has the option to attend a daycare that will provide extra services in a school setting and

will provide more interactions with other children his or her age. For school age children that are noticed to have any learning disability or special need, they will have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that helps coordinate specific education goals for teachers, counselors, and family members to help the child succeed.

If you have concerns that your child needs extra attention, but do not know how to start the process, the best place would be to make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss your concerns, and they can guide you in the right direction and help you along the way. You can also approach the school board if your child is older than three years old. If you have a child younger than three who you think needs to be evaluated, then you can also contact Early Intervention through their website (www.rehab.alabama. gov) or by phone (1-800-543-3098).

Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She graduated from Davidson High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at The University of Alabama in 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of Nevada College of Medicine – Las Vegas and the University of South Alabama. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office.

Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

Providence Office 610 Providence Park Dr. E., Suite 201 Mobile, Alabama, 36695 (251) 639-1300 Karen I. Calametti, M.D. Jonathan Holmes, M.D. Catherine W. Huettemann, M.D. Richard E. Huettemann, M.D. Deborah A. Kassner, M.D. Elizabeth S. Weinacker, M.D. Airport Office 3920 Airport Boulevard Mobile, Alabama, 36608 (251) 342-3810 Jennifer G. Adair, M.D. Savannah I. Browning, M.D. Matthew Cepeda, M.D. Michael Little, D.O. Lisa McDonough, M.D. Faye Roberts, M.D. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

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Autauga County Schools

It is a pleasure to welcome you back to school. Each new school year provides fresh pages on which to write the story of student achievement, school accomplishments and top quality education programs throughout the Mobile County Public Schools. Working with an intent focus on academic growth, the book we write together in the 2016-2017 school year will conclude with noted improvements in student learning success for -

Quality in Education

“It Starts With Us”

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The focus will remain on quality standards, high expectations and academic achievement for all students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Working as a team, we will honor the trust placed in us by our students, parents and the community to ensure that all students are proficient learners who graduate well educated, ready for college and career success.

I look forward with great confidence to this being a year in which your skills will be recognized and the accomplishments of our students will be celebrated. As we focus on meeting all goals and expectations, I pledge my and the system’s full support and dedication of resources to undergird the work that must be accomplished. Thank you for the efforts and energy that will be used for this to be the most successful year yet in the Mobile County Public Schools, where quality in education is the set standard.

Best wishes for a great school year,

Martha L. Peek, Superintendent

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Autauga County Schools

Baker HS Dance Team Members Named UDA All-Americans

Baker High School had three of their Baker Dance Team members selected as Universal Dance Association (UDA) AllAmericans. The young ladies were selected by the UDA staff during their summer camp held at the end of June. The UDA All-Americans selected were Annabelle Giles, Savannah Hall, and Kelsey Perine. As an All- American dancer, they are invited to attend the Varsity Spirit New Year's Day London Parade. Congratulations to these girls and their coach, Mrs. Kylie Williamson.

St. Ignatius Selects Pro Life Ambassadors

Incoming St. Ignatius 8th grade students have been selected as Pro Life Ambassadors for the Pro Life Club. These students have volunteered many hours in our community and are planning for the fall 40 Days for Life campaign. They will also be speaking around the community about Pro Life issues. Left-right: Josh Wilbur, Frances Muscat, Camille Johnson, Mackie Nicholas, Smith Strain, Isabella Tolleson, Claiborne Dumont, Lane Gottlieb, Alison Cromwell and Henry Bridges.

Faith Team Earns Best Broadcast Team

It's amazing what can happen when four random students from one school unexpectedly join together to form a team while learning the in's and out's of public broadcasting, and end up becoming the best team of the competition. This is what happed to Faith Academy's Walker Bray, Caleb Ward, Anna Kate Burleson and Ashlin Jarrell, the week of June 20-23, when, as a team, they earned the BEST BROADCAST TEAM at the Seymour Broadcasting Camp held at Bishop State. Special congratulations to Anna Kate Burleson on earning the Best Anchor Award!

Corpus Christi Catholic School Welcomes New Faculty

In addition to a new principal, Corpus Christi Catholic School also welcomes new faculty members, Mrs. Laura Rahmel, who will be teaching junior English and reading; Mr. Peter Stoyka is the new junior high religion teacher; and Mrs. Ada Small will be teaching one of the 3K classes. The following teachers have moved within the school: Miss Toni Counts will be teaching first grade, Miss Stephany Pasquale moved to 4th grade, and Mrs. Monica Warren is our new 4th & 5th grade resource teacher.

E.R. Dickson Wins Nappie Award for Best Elementary School

The votes are in, and with more than 1.4 million votes cast in this year’s contest, E.R. Dickson was selected as the 2016 Nappie Award Winner for the Best Elementary School!

E.R. Dickson continues to show that we are not just good but GREAT! Thank you to all of the parents, community, teachers, and staff for your votes and confidence in showing Mobile that E.R. Dickson goes the extra mile for our students.

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St. Luke’s Student Ambassadors Attend Summer Retreat

Each year, St. Luke's Upper School students apply to serve as the school's Student Ambassadors. Student Ambassadors are selected based upon their academic standing, reputation among faculty, staff and students, and a personal interview. The Student Ambassadors represent the school at school and community events, recognize students and faculty for their hard work, increase school spirit, and spread the word about our great St. Luke's community. Each summer, the Student Ambassadors attend a retreat and a workshop where they participate in team building activities and organize their activities and projects for the upcoming year. This year's retreat was held on Mobile Bay and provided a great opportunity for some fun! Pictured are Bailey Fisher, Allison Lowe, Lauren Bailey, Amber Kadel, Ella Johnson, John Warner Norris, Bailey Fitzgerald, Adrian Williams, Michaela Holt, Anne Bennett Hammons, Hardy Demeranville, Lincoln Hammons, Hunter Doughty, Zach McCleery, William Brandyburg, Graham Driskell and Stefon Ward.

St. Mary Catholic Summer Enrichment a Blast!

St. Mary Catholic School held their annual Summer Enrichment Series for rising first through eighth graders. Students enjoyed reading, writing, and math across the curriculum using computer, interactive technology, drama, art, and music. The three-week program was held July 11 through July 29 with one to three week options for students.

The program was created and staffed by St. Mary Catholic School faculty members.

Pictured: St. Mary Enrichment students circle up in the gym with teachers, Nicki Dean and Amy Duncan for learning and fun!

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Autauga County Schools St. Paul’s Sixth Grade Life Skills Class St. Dominic Catholic School Tours Ronald McDonald House Offering Drama Club Mrs. Donna Mackin’s sixth grade Life Skills class decided to “adopt” Ronald for Middle Schoolers McDonald House for a class project so they wrote uplifting notes for the

families who stay in RMH while their children are hospitalized. On Tuesday, May 17 they were joined by the Service Leadership class to get a tour of the facility. Mrs. Mary McAleer showed them around and told them about the history and mission of Ronald McDonald House then the students presented her with the notes they had written.

St. Dominic Catholic School will now offer a Drama Club as an extracurricular activity for Middle School students. They are working towards their first debut, a two-act adaptation of “Peter Pan” to be presented in the Spring. During the summer drama camp students were taught the basics of theatrical swordplay and combat by drama club sponsors Mrs. Jeanette Connally and Ms. Hannah Findlay.

Here students follow the lead of Mrs. Connally as they master the art of theatrical swordplay.

Premier Medical Welcomes Dr. Brian P. Sullivan!

Brian P. Sullivan, MD, Otolaryngologist has joined the medical practice at Premier Medical and will begin seeing patients this month. Dr. Sullivan, attended Auburn University before graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.

Dr. Sullivan completed both his internship and residency at the UAB School of Medicine, where he won many awards and was recognized as Resident of the Year in Otolaryngology.

Dr. Sullivan is accepting new patients – please call today For new patient appointments or patient referrals Mobile Office: 251-473-1900

Visit us online at pmg.md.

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McGill-Toolen Senior Wins State Junior Golf Championship John Racciatti, a senior golfer, won the 71st Alabama Boys State Junior Championship by three strokes this summer shooting a 205 (-11). John is a member of the McT Boys Varsity Golf Team.

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

Cottage Hill Receives Blue Ribbon Award

Cottage Hill Christian Academy was named a 2016 Blue Ribbon School.

The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) awards a BLUE RIBBON to schools exemplifying excellence in teaching, student performance, school life, and school and community interaction. Cottage Hill Christian Academy is honored to receive this prestigious award.

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Little Flower Catholic School Welcomes New Secretary

Ms. Loretta Daffin has come to Little Flower School as its new secretary. She embraces her job as secretary, mail deliverer, part-time nurse, encourager, re-director, door greeter, and tearwiper.

There is never a dull moment in a school office, and that is just the way Ms. Daffin likes it. This new position is an easy transition for Ms. Daffin since she has a long history with the school. Her son graduated from Little Flower, and through the years she has spent many hours on the campus volunteering for special events and fundraisers.

Principal Alesa Weiskopf (right) welcomes Ms. Daffin with a bouquet of flowers.

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Autauga County Schools St. Pius X Summer Reading Camp St. Pius X held its annual Reading Camp the week of July 18.

The theme of this year's camp, which focuses on reading and comprehension skills, was mystery novels. Although students focused on reading, they also participated in daily CSI labs, cooking classes and worked on math skills.

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UMS-Wright Students Participate in Career Pathways

Career Pathways is a program implemented through the College Counseling Office that offers rising seniors the opportunity to engage in the day to day operations of a particular field and gain valuable career mentoring and support. Students learn to interact with professionals, understand and develop the skills necessary to work in a business environment, and learn the manner in which they are expected to carry themselves in such situations. This type of experience is a valuable tool in assisting students when making college and career decisions, as well as learning interpersonal and professional skills to use in the future. Pictured here are seniors Hollie Holbrook and Sarah Frances Phillips with Registered Dietitians from Mobile Infirmary.

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UMS-Wright Cheerleaders Named All-Americans at Camp

Congratulations to the UMS-Wright cheerleaders for another fabulous showing at camp! All three squads had a great time learning new material and can't wait to cheer on the Bulldogs for the upcoming school year! We are proud to recognize the following girls who were chosen as All-Americans: Varsity - Jeanie Hope, Virginia Murray, Marissa Patel, and Breanna Price.

Junior Varsity - Cooper Leland, Lauren Pennington, Kenley Russ, and Addy Tanner. Middle School - Hayden Owen, Abbie Simmons, and Victoria Sudeiha.

Tuesday Nights Kids Eat Free!

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Autauga County SchoolsSt. Ignatius Holds Summer Corpus Christi Catholic School Library Has Camp in Eight Mile New This summer the incoming 5th, 6th and 7th grade students Pirate Cove learned to "Walk the Walk," at Camp Creation. Camp ARRGGH you ready to get back to the school library?

Mrs. Mansfield, the Media Director at Corpus Christi Catholic School, is ready for all her BOOKANEERS to return and check out the new "Pirate Cove." This is a special interactive reading/writing corner. Students will get to be the "captain" of their class during the year and choose an interactive "Living Book" to read and interact with or perhaps even write their own story with Kids Works Deluxe.

Even when students are not the Captain, they can explore the wonderful book treasures our library has to offer...”X” marks the spot! Find your treasure at the library!

Creation is a summer camp that St. Ignatius helped organize for Pure Word Church in Eight Mile. During the opening week of Camp June 20-24, our students were partnered with Camp Creation campers to help them get settled for six weeks and fun and education enrichment.

St. Ignatius had almost 70 participants with another 30 volunteers helping make Camp Creation happen for these kids. Pictured is Julia White, St. Ignatius 7th grader, with her buddy Talise.

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Mobile Public School Students Attend National Leadership Forum in Arkansas Five Mobile County Public Schools students recently attended Harding University’s 60th annual National Leadership Forum in Searcy, Arkansas: Angel Scott, Saron Desta and Cameron Gildersleeve Jr. of Scarborough Middle School; Katore James of B.C. Rain High School; and Keenan Carter of Davidson High School.

The Cottage Hill Civitan Club sponsored the delegates, who were instructed in the values and qualities of leadership and how our country has developed its leaders. They also addressed contemporary issues facing young leaders in high school. More than 210 young people from six southeastern states attended the forum.

Pictured, front row: Angel Scott, Saron Desta, Governor-elect of the Alabama/West Florida district Thelma Scott and Katore James. In the second row, Keenan Carter (middle) is flanked by two home-schooled attendees from Mobile, Gabriel Ellison and Christian Hyatt.

McGill-Toolen Catholic Football Wins National 7 on 7 Tournament!

The Jackets defeated Park Crossing (Montgomery, Ala.) 19-9 and 19-10 in the final games of the USA Football 7on7 National Championship in Hoover this summer. They also beat out Hoover to win the USA 7 on 7 Alabama State Championship. And for the first time in school history McGill-Toolen enters the football season ranked #1 in the ASWA state rankings. It's great to be a Yellow Jacket!

Mobile County Public Schools Promote Reading Habits for Babies

In coming months, 1,000 babies born at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital will receive the hardback book “Read To Your Bunny” by Rosemary Wells, thanks to a partnership between the hospital, Mobile County Public Schools and the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners. Board member Dr. Bill Foster (pictured at the podium) told a crowd gathered in the hospital lobby that the book, which will be distributed by nurses, will be a great addition to the diapers and other items new mothers take home with them. By just reading to a baby a few minutes a day, parents can bond with their children and start a lifetime of learning. “This is another way we are partnering with the community,” said Don Stringfellow, president of the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners. “There’s more to education than starting on the first day of school in kindergarten or Pre-K.” Superintendent Martha Peek added that she hopes these books are well-loved and well-worn by the moms and dads and babies over the years.

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Autauga County Schools

SGA Members Retreat to the River

Fifteen of Faith Academy's Student Government Association members set out on July 29th for the Chickasawhay River banks in Greene County, MS. The 14 girls and one boy (along with chaperones) group didn't spend the night in tents, but they did participate in team building activities and silly games and competitions like a coloring contest, play dough creation contest, pipe cleaner creation contest, and many others. The student leaders enjoyed getting to know one another and planning the school year's activities while cell phone service was not an option at Camp Polly Wiggle.

Photo: Member of Faith Academy's SGA who took part in the annual Camp Polly Wiggle Retreat were: (back row) Caitlyn Dickinson, Britney Stringfellow, Katie Whatley, Taylor Raulerson, Lorna Gurley, Jamaray Porter, Raygan Stair, Alex Grayson, Kathleen VanBeber, and Lydia Hoodless. (Front row) Rachael Smith, Alyvia Collins, Maia Leonard, Bailey White and Teaghan Raulerson. Chaperones were: Mrs. Sharla Raulerson, Mrs. Shelley Mitchell, and Mrs. Kevin Mitchell.

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Little Flower Students Shine

Students at Little Flower Catholic School with high academic achievement were paid tribute with accolades from their teachers and peers. Fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Haley Rubey, congratulates her student, Quincy Kidd, for making the A Honor Roll for four consecutive quarters. Seventh grader Mary Clare Beaty proudly displays her A Honor Roll award with Ms. Rebecca Kudia.

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St. Paul’s Middle School Band and Chorus Visit Nursing Home with First Graders

St. Paul’s first graders have visited their “GrandFriends” at Springhill Manor nursing home monthly through the school year. On Tuesday May 10 Mrs. Towery’s class was joined by some special guests—the 6th grade band class. Band instructor Treadwell Davis walked over with band students Emma Barnes, Owen Beaverstock, Tristan Carnley, Noah Epker, Joseph Helmsing, Sarah Horner, William Jameson, Isabella Mueller, Maria Napier, Valencia Thomas and Joseph Valentine to perform several songs for the residents. Later in the day Mr. Powell brought over the Middle School chorus to sing for residents. Mrs. Hodges, Mrs. Kilpatrick and Mrs. Fraser also brought their classes for an end of the year visit. All the students gave the residents gift bags with lip balm and lotion. They also decorated hand towels with grapes and made tags that said “We Love You Bunches”. After singing Jesus Loves Me and You Are My Sunshine, the students helped deliver trays of treats to the nursing home staff. As a special thank you, Springhill Manor had a snow cone truck and a popsicle truck visit to give the first graders a cool treat.

Long-Time St. Luke’s Employees Receive Special Gifts

St. Luke's surprised five of their employees with a special gift during Back to School workshops.

The teachers, who have all been with St. Luke's for 20 years or more, received their own reserved parking space signs. Each will be allowed to select the parking spot that will be "theirs" for the remainder of their St. Luke's career! Pictured left to right are Sandy Downing (25+ years), Macy McKay (40+ years), Suzy Banks (25+ years), Annie Gwin (25+ years) and Ellen Ford (20+ years). Other employees reaching milestone years received their Recognition Pins. Pictured from left to right are Angela Merrick and Kelvin Wiley (15 years), Anita Roberson and Paige Moore (10 years) and Brandi Richardson, Tisa Smith and Keesha Miles (5 years). Not pictured is Duncan Cassidey (5 years).

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Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius Holds 8th Grade Games Tradition

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8th grade games are a St. Ignatius tradition. All the graduating 8th grade girls play their moms in volleyball and all the graduating 8th grade boys play their dads in basketball. Both teams dress up for an exciting afternoon of sports. This year the 8th grade ladies beat the moms in volleyball and the dads came out on top over the 8th grade boys. Pictured here is the entire graduating class of 2016.

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy Names New Head of School

Cottage Hill Christian Academy is proud to announce Mr. Jimmy Messer as the new Head of School. Mr. Messer comes to CHCA from St. Paul’s Episcopal School where he served as Dean of Students, teacher, coach and most recently Athletic Director. He has also worked in administration the University of Mobile and Enterprise State Community College.

A native of Mobile, Messer holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Mobile. He also studied educational administration at Columbus State University.

“After hearing the vision of the search committee and of Pastor Alan Floyd, I believe Cottage Hill Christian Academy has unlimited potential,” said Messer. He added that he is excited to “see what God has planned for the future of Cottage Hill.”

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more!

We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16...

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Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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Mobile Public School Student Wins Award from University of Maryland

Mobile County Public Schools student Cassi Taylor was awarded the Captain Ken Coskey Prize for an Outstanding Entry in Naval History at the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest held recently at the University of Maryland.

Taylor, a student at Phillips Preparatory last year who will be a freshman at Baker High this fall, represented Alabama at the national contest for the third straight year. Students create projects in one of five categories -documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website – and are encouraged to conduct original historical research using both primary and secondary sources around an annual theme. The 2016 theme was Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.

After completing a project, students compete in a series of history contests beginning at the local level. The top students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and several U.S. territories and international schools are given the opportunity to present their projects at the National Contest, where they are judged by more than 300 historians and educators.

This year, thousands of students from around the world presented their work to judges at the National Contest.

Mr. Phillip Nassar, a retired teacher from Davidson High School and the President of the CSS Alabama Association, was instrumental in helping Taylor conduct her research. The association is active in trying to recover artifacts from the wreckage of the CSS Alabama in France.

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, and physical symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or headaches. 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.

Offices in Fairhope & Mobile (251) 660-2360 · BayView-Associates.org BayView accepts most major insurances including PEEHIP and AllKids.

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County Schools New Family Orientation HeldAutauga at Cottage Hill Welcomes Students Little Flower Catholic School Back to School New families were warmly welcomed during an orientation meeting at Little Flower School, and given information about what to expect when the new school year starts. Principal, Alesa Weiskopf, greeted the students and their parents, explaining that family involvement is a key element to the success of the students and the school. PTO President, Joycelyn Lang (right) greets Jay and Melody Westbrook and their incoming fifth graders, Lu and Gus Westbrook.

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CHCA welcomes students back for a new year. The Cottage Hill Christian Academy family continues to grow as evidenced by the highest enrollment numbers since the 2009-2010 school year. We are happy to welcome over 120 new students and their families to our school. Families are joining us from our own Early Education Center, schools across the city, and families new to the Mobile area. These new Warriors will be participating in many on campus opportunities such as SGA, Key Club, athletics, music, art, robotics and theater.

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UMS-Wright Student Named 2016 “Wonder Kid ”

UMS-Wright sophomore, David Shivers, was recognized as a 2016 “Wonder Kid” by “Mobile Bay Monthly” magazine. David was one of eleven students featured in the August issue for his artistic work both at UMS-Wright and in the community. Aside from being an accomplished musician on both the classical and electric guitar, David has achieved the status of Life Rank with the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of the Wright Singers choral group at UMS-Wright and is the lead singer and guitarist for his rock band, Monarc. Congratulations on this honor, David! We are so proud of you!

St. Mary Parish Welcomes Director of Youth Ministry

St. Mary Parish welcomes new Director of Youth Ministry, Candice Wilson, a recent graduate of Southern Mississippi with a major in Recording Production.

While in school, Candice was active in the Catholic Student Association. She enjoys playing guitar, singing, and "Pokemon Go"! Her hometown is Vancleave, Mississippi and she has two siblings: an older sister Allison and a younger brother, Graham.

Her goals are to continue the ministry of both St. Mary's Edge for middle school students and Life Teen for high school students and to grow both programs, introducing new leadership opportunities for all. She wants to help them grow through service opportunities in both the parish and community and offer fun and new learning adventures.

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Autauga County Schools

First Communion at St. Ignatius

First Communion is always a special time at St. Ignatius. The 2nd grade students spend all year preparing for the May event. A fun tradition is swapping 1st Communion calling cards with their friends. First Communion was followed by a reception at the Marian Center on Campus. Pictured left to right: Mary Fran Rigrish, Anna Grace D'Olive, Julia Blankenship and Ava Murrah.

St. Mary Summer Family Wednesdays Fun for All!

St. Mary Summer Family Wednesdays were a great success! Bingo, movies, food trucks, outdoor grilling and more! Thanks to Chair, Emily Montague and the many volunteers who donated their time and treasures to make every Wednesday evening during the summer a success!

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

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Faith Academy Reaches Out to Sister School in Ghana

What do you do when a few young ladies approach their senior adviser in January, and tell her that the Lord was telling them to go to Ghana in May of that same year?

YOU GO! A thirteen-member group of Faith Academy senior students, alumni, teachers, and a former Faith parent, hopped on a plane in Mobile on May 31st and 36 hours later, arrived in the Accra airport in West Africa. But that was just the beginning of their journey, as they set out to serve the Faith Academy International School by spending time getting to know the students and teachers and making improvements to the Daboise village school campus. The group also gave scholarship awards to individual students which consisted of composition books, pencils, and erasers and presented school administration with volleyballs, soccer balls, kiddie pools, and much more. The true blessing of the trip came to those who set out to be the blessing.

Members of the 2016 Faith Academy Ghana Mission team are: (back row) Shelley Mitchell, Sarah Powell, Patricia Davis, Tim Pimperl, Mattie Grace, Aundrea Walker, Madison Thornton, Angela Ritchie, and Courtney Sonnier (front row) Emily Scarpa, Emily Jordan, Blakeley Rapier, and Sarah Baker.

St. Dominic Catholic School Welcomes Faculty and Staff for New School Year

St. Dominic Catholic School recently held a social, welcoming faculty and staff for the 2016 - 2017 school year. Discussing plans for the upcoming year are St. Dominic Catholic School Principal Mrs. Laurie Michener (center) and new faculty members (left) Dr. Meredith Hayes, Counselor and (right) Mrs. Mary Herbst, Middle School Math teacher.

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Architects at Any Age

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Once small hands successfully stack one block upon another, the interest in building and design is ignited. The power to envision and construct an edifice of their own design with their own hands is an inspirational tool to cultivate architectural enthusiasm in children. In addition to empowering creativity, crafting buildings fosters fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well as supporting STEM development. From the simplest structure to complex edifices, the following building sets offer kids developmental play with a world of design options!

by Gerry Paige Smith

4D Cityscape New York

Archiquest Master Builder Wooden Building Blocks

(4D Cityscape)

(T.S. Shure)

Part puzzle, part model, the 4D Cityscape expands beyond simple construction giving young talents a taste of city planning and design.

Recreating the famous Manhattan footprint with a traditional 2D jigsaw puzzle, the set takes on its 3D aspect with over 100 buildings that fit into pre-cut holes in the finished puzzle.

The fourth dimension to explore is time as buildings from 1812 through 2013 can populate the city. Famous landmarks such as the World Trade Towers, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, Statue of Liberty are some of the iconic architecture that stand tall in the Manhattan realm. Once young builders master the Big Apple, they can set their sights on additional 4D Cityscape projects such as Washington DC, Rome, London and many more!

Melissa & Doug Architectural Units

KEVA Brain Builders

From designing roads and bridges to stacking up towering structures, Archiquest Building Blocks lay the world of architecture at a child’s feet. Featuring 136 precision-cut solid wood blocks in both primary and natural colors, the Archiquest block set encourages young builders to create from the ground up. The set comes with a wooden box without a lid so an alternate tub or bag is recommended for easier storage. Whether inspiring free form creative design or guiding building skills from the illustrated instruction booklet, kids can experience growing confidence that comes with the power to construct their visions.

(Mindware)

Doubling down on the benefits of playing with blocks, the Keva set pairs brain development with the customary growth in motor skills that come with construction play. The Keva kit comes with 20 planks and a set of 30 double-sided puzzle cards. The cards offer a two-dimensional representation of a building and the challenge to young builders is to recreate the structure in three-dimensions. The flip side of the card offers the blueprint so kids can check their work or get the help they need to master the task. The variety of building projects ranges from structures to fanciful beasts, keeping the challenges fresh and engaging. Boosting kids understanding of geometry, composition, proportion and engineering, the KEVA Brain Builders offers the best blueprints for a new generation of architects!

(Melissa & Doug)

Characterized by Melissa & Doug’s child-friendly standards, the architectural units building block set is designed and sized for the smaller builder in mind. With 44 hand scrolled and smooth sanded blocks, little hands can quickly get a grip on the fundamentals of building. Featuring some of the distinct hallmark shapes of architecture (pillars, arches, peaked gables and more), there’s a sense of exploring the origins of classical building design along the way.

The Architectural Units set pairs beautifully with other M & D building kits as kids may like to expand their projects into bigger and more complex designs.

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

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Need to run a few errands? Get out of the house for a while for some mental health time or exercise? Around the time your child reaches the preteen (tween) years, staying home alone may be an option. But, how do you know if your child is ready? The following points will help you determine if your child is equipped to do so:

Your tween indicates they want to stay home alone.

Your child is seeking more independence and has asked you to leave him by himself. He is not anxious when you are gone and he can keep himself occupied safely.

Your tween follows your directions and rules.

Your child has shown you that he can follow your expectations, even when you are not present.

You’ve witnessed your child making good choices without your input. He adheres to the guidelines you have set in place about having a friend over, watching TV or a movie, playing video games, and time spent outdoors.

Your tween is reliable and selfsufficient.

Daily chores are done with little to no reminders. Your child can safely prepare simple snacks when he is hungry. He knows how to properly use the microwave and toaster. You can rely on him to use only the appliances you’ve agreed to let him use.

Your tween uses the phone properly.

Your child answers the phone appropriately. He recognizes why it is all right when you are away from the house to say you are unavailable, and how to take a message correctly.

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Your tween understands safety.

Additional questions parents should know

Have a simple chart of first aid tips close to the emergency contacts and numbers. (In our home a bright binder labeled “EMERGENCY,” with our address and home phone number below, holds contacts, emergency numbers, and basic first-aid procedures.

This binder remains by the kitchen phone and comes in handy for any babysitter we hire.)

Begin slowly, leaving him alone for five to ten minutes the first few times and build from there. What else can you do to help your tween?

Give him something to do to structure his time. This helps alone time pass quickly. Check in with your tween while you are gone. Call to see if he is comfortable or has any questions, and also to keep him updated on when you will arrive back home.

This is an exciting time for your tween as he establishes more independence, with your confidence that he will do well. MBP

He is familiar with the answers to before leaving their tweens basic first-aid and knows at home alone: what to do in case of a fire or other emergency.

Is your neighborhood a safe one? Do you have neighbors He knows to call 911 that your child knows and trusts, people he can turn to if he and other emergency needs help? numbers if necessary.

He knows what he can Does your child demonstrate good decision-making and and cannot do when judgment? Does you child understand basic safety proceyou are not at home. He dures? Will he make the decision of safety first? understands that knives cannot be used without Can your child tell time? Can he calmly provide your home your supervision. He phone number and address and give directions to your knows not to open the house in case of emergency? door while you are gone Does you child know your cell number? and which neighbors to call or go to if he needs Can your child lock and unlock your windows and doors? help. He knows the “safe” Does your child know the garage door code and/or alarm meeting spot, to find system code and password, if this applies? you or be found, in case anything should hapDoes you child stay calm when the unexpected happens? pen. He knows where the flashlights and extra Do you have more than one child you will leave home alone? batteries are.

Can they resolve their conflicts without physical altercations Although your child and adult intervention? may know the emergency Judy M. Miller, a mother of four, is training her numbers, keep a list of tween son on how to be safely home alone. She When panic or worry sets in, the brain can emergency contacts and is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What flood and we struggle to remember what numbers in an easy to view place. Make To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal we do know. sure all of your numbers are there as well.

Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

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 6-weeks 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.

For more information or to arrange a tour, please contact us.

251.342.5474 or school@corpuschristiparish.com 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school 31

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Common Sense Rules for Augmented Reality Pokemon GO may be the first breakthrough game to use augmented reality (AR), but it certainly won’t be the last. The boundaries between virtual and tangible worlds have been blurring for a long time, and new games fuse the two into one irresistible package.

As everyone knows by now, Pokemon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. So far so good. But augmented reality also creates risks. Thinking through the pros and cons of Pokemon GO gives parents a good platform for making common sense rules about the many AR games that are likely to follow. As you develop family guidelines, keep these 5 P’s in mind.

Permissions. Children under 13 can’t sign up for games unless they have permission from parents. That’s a reminder that younger children need augmented supervision in augmented reality. Play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you (literally!) through the game so you can see and comment on what’s fun and what’s risky.

AR apps also ask for permissions when they are installed, and parents should get in the habit of reviewing every request. Obviously, smart phones hold lots of information— who a child knows, where she hangs out, what photos he’s taken, what social media she uses. This information may seem trivial, but it’s catnip to marketers. Even if the company that makes the app promises to use the information responsibly, tech companies often change hands.

The best policy is to give each app as little permission as possible. Pokemon Go, for example, needs access to the phone’s Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

camera but not contact information. To revise your choices after installation, find the Settings icon on the phone. Look for the Apps folder. Find the relevant app and uncheck as many boxes as possible.

Place. AR games encourage children to explore the world.

That’s terrific! But kids still need boundaries. For kids mature enough to play without direct supervision, be very clear about where they are allowed to go.

In the case of Pokemon GO, monsters may very well show up outside the approved play zone. Talk in advance about how you want your child to handle this situation. (To confirm that the rules are being followed, click the Pokeball button at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of captured Pokemon and details about where they were caught.)

Before turning a child loose with AR, remind them about tangible concerns. Exercise special caution near water and never cross safety barricades. Don’t trespass on private property and don’t play the game in inappropriate places like cemeteries and churches. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Traffic is another obvious risk. People staring at phones have bumped into things and stepped in front of cars. Some parents insist that kids set the phone to vibrate when a Pokemon is nearby so they can walk without distraction. To its credit, Pokemon GO reminds players to turn the game off while driving. The same rule should apply to other forms of transportation—bikes, scooters, skateboards.

People. The best games are often social, and AR is no exception. Chatting with others who are playing in the same vicinity seems natural, and some objectives require teamwork. Most of the people your child encounters will be fellow enthusiasts. But the Pokemon GO game includes devices that 32

draw Pokemon—and their hunters—to specific locations, and that creates opportunities for predators.

Remind your child that all the usual rules about talking to or going anywhere with strangers apply. Encourage kids to play with friends and reiterate the fact that, even with friends, they shouldn’t go into isolated places like dark alleys or abandoned buildings. As an extra layer of protection, consider keeping track of your child’s phone with a service like Find my Friends (Apple) or Google+ (Android).

Price. Apps are seductive because they seem to be free. Still, the people who develop these things need to be paid, so something is always for sale. In the case of Pokemon GO, players can purchase Pokeballs, Pokecoins and lures that will make it easier to catch rare specimens. For parents, this is a teachable moment. Consider giving your child an in-game allowance or encouraging her to earn money for game items by doing chores. Make it crystal clear that your child needs to get approval before spending real money on virtual goods.

AR games are also likely to have other costs. Because Pokemon GO depends on GPS tracking, it consumes lots of data. Show older kids how to monitor usage so they don’t incur extra charges by exceeding the family limit.

Privilege. Playing any game is a privilege that can be revoked if kids don’t follow household rules. In the case of a craze like Pokemon GO, you may want to be flexible at first to see how the game fits into family life. When is it OK to play? When do you expect phones to be powered down? Are there things your child can do to earn extra time? What behaviors will result in suspending privileges?

The answers to these questions won’t be the same for every family, and they may need to be hammered out in family meetings.

Still, it’s always up to parents to be sure that the allure of AR is tempered with real world common sense.

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, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved

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ALABAMA’S HIGH SCHOOL Change your life forever! Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities.

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8 Ways to Transition Your Summer Clothes to Fall Fall is fast approaching and that means our temperatures will soon be slowly dropping (and living in the South I do mean “slowly”). I know we are all tired of the hot, humid weather at this point and dreaming of piling on the layers in the fall.

However, with this slow weather change, we really need to keep in mind that we can’t quite pull out the boots, heavy sweaters, and jackets just yet. That said, we are already seeing a lot of fall trends pop up in our favorite retail stores or online shopping stores. This also makes us excited about fall approaching.

Let me give you some styling tips to slowly transition those light layers without feeling like you are going to melt away.

And I’ll help you save money when it comes to those seasonal trends.

1-Reinvent your clothes before you buy new.

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to get rid of certain items, or buy new ones, then research a little. Find out what trends you like and try recreating these styles with items you have in your closet. You can also pull out a lot of styles you wore last year and incorporate them into current trends.

2- Pack away anything that looks like “summer” such as linen shorts and pants, sun dresses, flip flops and a few of your sandals.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

3- Keep out anything made with silk and cotton (blouses, dresses, blazers, and T-shirts, which can be worn all year round).

These are great pieces to layer when it comes to your fall and winter wardrobe.

4- Transition accessories.

I always tell my clients that accessories can really change up an outfit. This goes for seasonal style changes, too. Fun statement piece necklaces can change out that summer blouse to a fashion forward fall trend. And the best part about having accessories is that you don’t have to break the bank for that simple style change.

5- Incorporate light layers.

Soft cardigans and summer scarves are the perfect layering pieces for the fall. You certainly do not want anything heavy when the weather warms up during the day. It’s nice to have layers to take on and off. Also, just because you bought a scarf or cardigan in the spring doesn’t mean you can’t style them for fall or winter.

6- Change your shoes.

When the beginning of October hits, I say that’s the time to store up your sandals and flip flops. Find a fun flat that you can throw on for all your casual outfits. You may even want to pull out your favorite casual ankle boots for those cooler days.

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Ankle boots are great to pair with your short or long dresses, and even a fitted pant.

7- Add fall colors.

Find out what fall colors are trending this season and combine them with your summer and spring colors. By doing this it will help guide you in the right direction when it comes to saving money and time on your seasonal trends.

Take a blush color dress, for instance. It was perfect for summer, but don’t feel like you need to tuck it away because fall is here. If you add some heavier textures and jewel tones, you’ll be able to transition it to the fall.

8- Don’t be afraid to break the “rules”.

Finally, one of the reasons fall shopping can be so expensive and stressful are all the supposed “rules” that surround dressing for cooler weather. When you live in the South a lot of those rules are tossed right out the window. Don’t spend too much time thinking about whether or not an outfit is fall-appropriate, but if it’s weather-appropriate and it makes you feel great, regardless of all the fashion rules.

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama.

You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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Many parents of special needs children appear to parent with grace, balance, and energy. In addition they also seem remarkably stress-free and organized. How, in the face of all of these challenges and more, do they keep it together? What habits do they embrace that allow them to be highly effective parents for their children?

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Habit One: They are proactive and advocate for their children and educate others.

Parents become experts about their children and their needs. They conduct ongoing research; ask questions of therapists, doctors, specialists, and other professionals; and keep an organized binder full of notes and important information. They create and add to their at-home special needs libraries. They are knowledgeable about vernacular, treatments, and services. They are well versed in the state and federal laws that regulate services for their children.

Because of their knowledge parents are effective educators of their child’s faculty and staff. They are powerful advocates for treatment, services, and support-in and outside of school.

ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure

THE FACE OF A

CURE

Habit Two: They maintain a sense of “normalcy” within the family.

Effective parents realize that although everyone in the family is affected by their child’s disorder, they are not defined by it. Parents work to ensure that siblings have childhoods and do not take on adult responsibilities. They encourage siblings to spend time with their friends.

Parents are proactive about training other family members, friends and sitters about how to care for their child so that they can have time for themselves, individually and as a couple, perhaps going out on weekly dates. They also spend time in the company of other adult friends.

Habit Three: They take care of themselves.

Parents nurture their needs, and recognize that doing so is important for themselves as well as their children.

Effective parents address themselves holistically, meaning they take care of their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.

They eat nutritious unprocessed food and don’t skip meals. They make sure their bodies are properly hydrated.

They schedule time for regular exercise, by themselves or with friends. They engage in activities that offer creative or intellectual enrichment.

The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is committed to finding a cure for Lilianna and the more than 1,500 children who come to us for care each year.

As a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group,* Children’s of Alabama and UAB combine research and innovative therapies to help save the lives of children down the street and around the world.

Although the cancer cure rate has risen from 50 to 84 percent in just 20 years and strokes in patients with sickle cell disease have decreased 90 percent through standardized screening processes, we are actively working toward a TOTAL CURE for children like Lilianna. *The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.

Habit Four: They manage their stress.

Effective parents are intentional about reducing stress in their lives by setting time aside each day to promote calm and centering. They adopt practices such as prayer, deep breathing and meditation to

PreSchool-12th Grade 10:30AM Sundays www.GoRedemption.com 37

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replenish their inner reserves. Rebecca, a mom of a son who has a diagnosis of autism, says, “When in doubt I choose grace, to forgive people for letting me down or for rejecting my son, for whatever reason.”

When parents lead lives that are stress-free and balanced, all family members, especially children, win. Research, by the Gottman Institute supports that children fare better emotionally, socially, and academically when parents manage their stress properly.

Habit Five: They make rest a priority.

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While any parent can tire in their parenting responsibilities, parenting a child with special needs can elevate fatigue to a whole different level. Sometime parents don’t realize the extent of their exhaustion. I didn’t. My child’s physical therapist pointed this out to me.

Effective parents realize the importance of getting to bed as early as possible, or taking naps to offset the sleep they lose due to their child’s irregular sleep patterns-up and down throughout the night, late to bed, and/or early to rise.

Habit Six: They surround themselves with energy givers.

People are either energy zappers or energy givers. Effective parents opt to spend time in the company of people who lift them up, make them feel confident, positive, and happy. They realize energy givers help them to feel energized, inspired and motivated. Parents of special needs children appreciate and need this energy.

Habit Seven: They have a support group.

Parenting a child with special needs can be lonely, however there is no need to be alone in the journey. Effective parents are part of or have created a group of parents whose parenting journeys are similar to theirs. Christy, a single mother of a child with mental health issues shares, “I’ve found that meeting and sharing with people who have raised children with similar issues helps me.

They understand what I deal with without me having to explain it. Their support helps me to be calm when I’m with my child.” MBP Judy M. Miller savors time with her kids. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

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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 16

Alabama Special Education Services

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.

ALL KIDS Insurance

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

Alabama Resources Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (256) 859-4900 www.alabamarespite.org

AL Public Library Service-AL Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (800) 392-5671 www.webmini.apls.state.al.us/apls_web/apls/apls/ (334) 242-9700 www.alsde.edu

(888) 373-5437 www.adph.org/allkids

Civitan International Research Center

(800) 822-2472 or (205) 934-8900 www.circ.uab.edu

Governor’s Office on Disabilities

(888) 879-3582 www.good.alabama.gov

Mobile Arc (MARC)

(228) 331-3310

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.

(251) 479-7409 www.mobilearc.org

(800) 939-1019 www.add.org

Southeast Americans with Disability Act Center

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHAD)

(800) 949-4232 or (404) 541-9001 www.adasoutheast.org

Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (256) 325-8885 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/star

Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services (334) 281-8780 www.rehab.alabama.gov/vrs

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 www.chadd.org

Feingold Association of the United States

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

(631) 369-9340 www.feingold.org

Disability Specific Resources

ADD-ADHD

Be Better Clinical Psychology ad on page 9

22 North Florida Street, Mobile Be Better Clinical Psychology - Joanna T. Koulianos, Ph.D. and Associates providing Neurodevelopmental Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

Focus-MD, Inc.

3930 F Airport Boulevard, Mobile Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people 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 (251) 378-8635 www.focus-md.com

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Learning Disabilities Association of America

Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

(412) 341-1515 www.ldaamerica.org

Autism American Autism and Rehabilitation Center ad on page 29

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne 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, psychological/diagnostic services, educational services and more. Our highlytrained professionals work collaboratively to provide treatment plans as unique as the individual in order to help patients reach their full potential. We offer a familycentered approach and seek to provide hope and help to each patient and family.

(251) 210-1632 www.Americanautismcenter.com

Autism Society of Alabama ad on page 31

205 Lambert Avenue, Suite C, Mobile The Autism Society of Alabama’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 www.autism-alabama.org

Be Better Clinical Psychology ad on page 9

22 North Florida Street, Mobile 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 16

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 & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network We are uniting, making connections and sharing

www.mobilebayparents.com

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knowledge and support for all 67 counties in our state & the world. A hub for Autism related events, videos, & support. www.alabamaautism.org

Auties & Aspies of LA- Lower Alabama Community Support Group

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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 Alabama

An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education provides on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). www.alex.state.al.us/autismAL

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 ™. Our contact center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 9:00pm.

(800) 328-8476 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 to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. For more information and resources, visit our website. You can also contact the Autism Response Team by calling or emailing us. 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.

(850)-416-4495

www.centerforautism.com

Pediatric Developmental Medicine Ctr (PDMC)

1707 Center Street, Suite 201, Mobile The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic sees patients with referral from a physician or other medical/educational professional. 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. Autism Spectrum

Disorders include Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic evaluates patients up to ten years of age. 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; Genetics Evaluation-To obtain a detailed family history and pertinent genetic laboratory tests; Occupational Therapy Evaluation-To evaluate motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and self care skills; Assistance with Community Resources-Upon completion of the evaluation, the staff will assist the family in obtaining appropriate community services; Consultation-By affiliated specialists with expertise in autism-related conditions.

(251) 415-8577 www.usahealthsystem.com/autism-diagnosis

Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital Autism Center 5190 Bayou Boulevard, Building 2, Pensacola 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 www.sacred-heart.org/childrenshospital/autismcenter

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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

Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Alabama

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

(205) 988-0810 www.downsyndromealabama.org

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile

2827 Airport Boulevard, Mobile Our mission is to provide enrichment through educa-

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. www.ldaal.org

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

(412) 341-1515 www.ldaamerica.org

CdLS

Epilepsy

CdLS Foundation (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome)

Epilepsy Foundation

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 www.cdlsusa.org

Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy.org

Our Mission: to provide you with the most comprehensive, FREE resources and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy. We strive, every day, to be your ultimate resource for everything Cerebral Palsy. We provide a comprehensive resource, including a website and call center that 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

www.cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile 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. Please contact us for information on several programs we offer.

(251) 479-4900

www.ucpmobile.org

Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Alabama Chapter

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 www.amabama.cff.org

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

(800) 332-1000 www.epilepsy.com

Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

(888) 454-0317

www.dssmobile.org

Tourette Syndrome

Read-Write

National Tourette Syndrome Association

ad on page 17

15 Midtown Park West, Mobile 1048 Stanton Road, Suite G, Daphne 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.

(251) 287-1822 www.dyslexiaspecialist.net Daphne: (251) 625-4020 www.dyslexiaspecialist.net

Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, The Promoting literacy through research, education and advocacy.

(855) 247-1381

273 Azalea Road # 310, Mobile 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; 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 www.efala.org

Dyslexia

www.idaalabama.org

Bright Beginnings School

3590 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile 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.

Full day academic program specializing in dyslexia.

All subjects. Serving grades 1-8.

(251) 525-9105 www.brightdyslexics.com

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The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 local organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against seizures since 1968.

The Foundation is an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. 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.

tion, networking opportunities, advocacy, and emotional support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the greater community.

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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. Email: support@tourette.org (888) 4-TOURET (486-8738)

www.tourette.org

Muscular Dystrophy Alabama Muscular Dystrophy Association

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 or (800) 572-1717 www.mdausa.org

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

The mission of the Association is to “Empower clients and their families with knowledge, through quality comprehensive programs and services.” In carrying out this mission, 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

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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 www.scdmobile.org

Spina Bifida Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

The mission of the SBA of AL is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected. www.sbaofal.org

Family Support

1050 Government Street, Mobile 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. An area council member must be an adult with a disability or a family member of a child with a disability. This, then, results in a very unique low-cost resource for families that uses the wisdom gained by real-life experience to help others facing many of the same issues.

(251) 438-1609

www.famsupport.com

Individual & Family Support

Providing financial support to families with developmental disabilities and head/spinal cord injuries. For more information email susanpolizzi@comcast.net.

Financial

(251) 455-6760 or (251) 438-1609

Disabled Children Relief Fund

Visit our website for more information about intellectual disabilities waiver and living at home waiver.

Disabled Children’s Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, 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. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged.

(516) 377-1605

ease or rare genetic diseases (such as Lesch-Nyhan disease).

(800) 441-7607 www.medicaid.alabama.gov/CONTENT/4.0_Programs/4.3.0_LTC/4.3.1.5_State_Ala_Ind_ Liv_Waiver.aspx

The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation

The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation is a foundation started by the inspiration of two children -Rileigh Glass and Raylee Odom. Rileigh was born with Down syndrome and Raylee with Muscular Dystrophy. 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 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.

(251) 243-0365 www.angel-ride.org

Medicaid Waiver Program

General Resources

www.medicaid.alabama.gov

BayPointe Hospital

State of Alabama Independent Living Waiver

This waiver program provides services to disabled adults age 18 years or older who have specific medical diagnoses and who would otherwise qualify for care in a nursing care facility. Diagnoses may include but not limited to; Quadriplegia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Spinal muscular atrophy, severe cerebral palsy, Stroke, and other substantial neurological impairments, severely debilitating dis-

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5800 Southland Drive, Mobile 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, inpatient 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

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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 www.altapointe.org/baypointe-childrens-hospital/

BayView Professional Associates ad on page 23

1015 Montlimar Drive, Suite A-210, Mobile BayView’s professional clinicians offer confidential and supportive, solution-focused counseling that 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 that provide complete evaluations and tests for 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 insurance, which includes PEEHIP and AllKids.

(251) 660-2360 or (888) 335-3044 www.bayview-associates.org

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities 100 North Union Street, Montgomery 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, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities.

(334) 242-3973 or (800) 232-2158 www.acdd.org

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery 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) 4397890, Toll-free number: (800) 543-3098 or TTY (800) 499-1816. A division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Early Intervention 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. Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and other caregiver’s ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities.

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 Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) is a statewide organization of skilled professionals providing quality medical, rehabilitative, coordination and support services for children with special health care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. 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. CRS staff members also work closely with local school systems to enable children with special health care needs to participate fully in school.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

3. Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Tollfree number: (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), the largest division within the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, 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, VRS works with middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and universities statewide to assist students with disabilities in receiving appropriate educational opportunities.

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 The State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) provides specialized in-home education and counseling, attendant care, training and medical services to Alabamians with severe disabilities. The SAIL program has seven communitybased offices located throughout the state to serve residents in all 67 counties. SAIL ensures the consumer can live as independently as possible at home and in the community through specialized programs.

abilities. 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 the areas of identification and remediation of dyslexia, in-service training in the areas

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Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program

(205) 348-4928 www.adap.net

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Mobile Regional Center

1050 Government Street, Mobile 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 www.aidb.org

of language-learning disabilities and severe speech or language disabilities. Free Testing of speech and language disorders such as dyslexia.

(205) 365-1640 www.alsrlcenter.org

AltaPointe Health Systems & Children’s Outpatient Services

301 Bishop Lane, Mobile Children and teens with emotional problems 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-ofthe-art, evidence-based practices. They specialize in treating trauma, grief, 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.

Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (256) 859-4900 www.alabamarespite.org

(251) 450-2211 or (888) 335-3044 www.altapointe.org/ altapointe-services/child-outpatient-services/

Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Center

American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc.

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 dis-

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(334) 293-7500 or (800) 441-7607 www.rehab.alabama.gov

The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (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.

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ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.

(256) 325-8885 www.alabamashaa.org

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Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC 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.

Center for Attention & Learning

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite A, Mobile At Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC, 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. We specialize in issues of anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, grief, school-related difficulties, eating disorders and Post-divorce issues. Psycho-educational testing for ADHD, LD, and Gifted.

(251) 470-7607

www.bayareaclinical.com

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.

829 University Blvd South, Mobile John I. Bailey, Jr., MD Medical Evaluation & Treatment for School Learning & Behavioral Problems, Classroom & Homework Difficulties, ADHD-ADD, LD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Tourette, & Depression & other Mood Problems. Over thirty years’ experience. Member, Professional Advisory Board of the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

(251) 342-6443

Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation

600 BelAir Boulevard, Suite 110, Mobile Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation is a non-profit 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.

(251) 476-4744

29653 Anchor Cross Boulevard, Daphne Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation is a non-profit 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.

(251) 928-2888

www.csvrlowvision.org

55 Midtown Park East, Mobile 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. For questions email info@4tdd.com.

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

Dianne Craft - Child Diagnostics

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 www.diannecraft.org

Easter Seals of Alabama

5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery 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. For more information visit our website or email info@al.easterseals.com.

(334) 395-4489 www.alabama.easterseals.com

Easter Seals of Gulf Coast

2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile Easter Seals offers Parent Education and Support,

More than 50 State & Regional individual champions last season!

• Bouncing Babies & Preschool Classes • Girls & Boys Developmental Classes • Teams for Girls & Boys • Cheer Squad, Trampoline & Tumbling Classes • Friday Night Open Gyms • Birthday Parties Bi • Field Trips & Summer Camps • Dance Studio

Planet Olympic Fencing -

www.csvrlowvision.org

Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation

www.cci.org

Alabama Gym of the Year

www.centerforattentionmobile.com

Delicious Dietician

Olympic Champion Head Coach

Competitive and Recreational

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Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and a Wonderful Recreation Program that provides schoolage children (6 - 12) of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of community recreational activities. Sessions include gymnastics, rock wall climbing, bowling, skating, music & movement, and tee ball. Staff is assisted by volunteers from the University of South Alabama Therapeutic Recreation and Occupational Therapy Programs.

Our organization consists of eight 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.

(251) 471-1581

www.goodwill-easterseals.org

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 Alabama Chapter

205 Lambert Street, Suite A, Mobile The March of Dimes Alabama Chapter has one goal: 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 there 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. And we provide grants to researchers working to understand birth defects and premature birth and to find treatments and solutions. To find out how you can be involved call or email Riley Bridges, Sr. Development Manager, ebridges@marchofdimes.org.

(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 www.namimobile.org

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

Mobile Association for the Blind

2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile 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. Counseling and evaluation, skills training, and job placement are just some of the services we provide to help create the self-esteem needed to become productive members of society.

(251) 473-3585 or (877) 292-5463

Mulherin Custodial Home

2496 Halls Mill Road, Mobile 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. The Mulherin Custodial Home is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a United Way agency.

(251) 471-1998 www.mulherinhome.com

Santa America

308 Belrose Avenue, Daphne Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special mission. Over 200 hundred Santas 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.

(251) 626-6609 www.santa-america.org

Sight Savers America

337 Business Circle, Pelham 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.

(877) 942-2627 www.sightsaversamerica.org

The Centre

1290 Main Street, Suite B, Daphne 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.

(251) 625-0118 www.thecounselingcentre.com

1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile

(251) 471-5844 www.thecounselingcentre.com

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,

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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

Organizations for Parents Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)

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 www.alabamaparentcenter.com

Family Voices of Alabama

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 www.familyvoicesal.org

Parent-to-Parent USA

Parent-to-Parent USA (P2PUSA) is a national nonprofit organization 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”. www.p2pusa.org

Physical and Speech Therapy BlueBird Pediatric Therapy, Inc.

ad on page 11

6312 Piccadilly Square Drive, Suite 3, Mobile At Bluebird Therapy, we offer occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy and special needs kid’s yoga. We believe in providing therapy that addresses the whole child and ultimately, helps the family provide their child with independence and confidence.

Each service focuses on addressing the child’s needs through a playful and encouraging environment that is grounded in child development and focuses on purposeful play to promote the areas of need while also teaching the parents what to do at home to further promote their child’s abilities. Some of the special techniques that we use during occupational therapy and speech therapy treatment 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, etc. Our feeding therapy team consists of an occupational therapist and speech therapist who use a holistic approach that focuses on helping the child overcome the sensory, oral motor and behavioral difficulties that can inhibit the child from having age appropriate feeding skills and an age appropriate diet for the appropriate caloric and nutrient intake for a healthy lifestyle. The feeding

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therapists have training with the 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 more about the services we offer or to find out how to sign up! We look forward to meeting you!

(251) 287-0378 www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Pediatric Physical Therapy of Mobile ad on page 26

881 Hillcrest Road, Mobile 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 child-friendly, 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.

(251) 450-0070 www.pptmobile.com

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

1610 Center Street, Mobile 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

Buckaroo Barn, L.L.C.

39821 Duffee Lane, Bay Minette 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 www.buckaroobarnllc.com

Gulf Coast Therapy

Gulf Coast Therapy is a state-of-the-art outpatient therapy center serving Mobile and Baldwin County.

We are committed to offering our patients a center of excellence for the treatment of pain and/or disability.

The mission of Gulf Coast Therapy is to provide our patients with the skills they need in order to function at their highest level of independence and increase their quality of life. Services include: early intervention, outpatient pediatrics and school-based therapy.

(251) 928-7312 www.gulfcoasttherapy.com

Jubilee Pediatric Speech Services, LLC

9086 Merritt Lane, Daphne 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

2504 Dauphin Street, Suite A, Mobile 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 for children from birth to 21 years.

(251) 517-0355 www.kidskounttherapy.com

Kids Kount- Therapy Services, LLC

26420 Kensington Place, Suite C, Daphne 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

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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 for children from birth to 21 years.

(251) 517-0355 www.kidskounttherapy.com

a 4-6 week commitment 1x each week. For further information on signing up and on the upcoming dates for yoga classes please email Danielle at bluebirdtherapy@gmail.com .

(251) 287-0378 www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Exceptional Arts Drama by Sunnyside Theater

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile 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 the-

Springhill Medical Center- Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation

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USA Speech and Hearing Clinic

1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North, Mobile 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 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/alliedhealth/speechandhearing/clinic.html

Recreation BlueBird Pediatric Therapy, Inc.-Kids Yoga ad on page 11

6312 Piccadilly Square Drive, Suite 3, Mobile Bluebird Therapy offers yoga for children with and without special needs. The yoga class is taught by a pediatric therapist who is yoga certified but also works at Bluebird Therapy and is familiar with the needs of children with and without special needs. Each class 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 those who are signed up for the class. Sign up ahead of time is required and each class series ranges from Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

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(251) 340-0688 www.Springhillmedicalcenter.com

(251) 460-7149 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/psychology

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100 Memorial Drive Suite 1-C (at Dauphin and I-65), Mobile 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 Operation: Monday through Friday; 8am- 5pm. Facebook: Springhill Medical Center Rehabilitation.

307 University Blvd North, UCOM 2000, Mobile As a training clinic for the USA Clinical and Counseling Psychology doctoral training program, USA Psychological Clinic also 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 JAGSS Group (Junior Autism Group for Social Skills), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Evaluations and Assessments.

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Access To Recreation

Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities.

(800) 634-4351 www.accesstr.com

Celisse’s School of the Equestrian

2568 Sollie Road, Mobile We provide 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 experience, learn, and benefit from horses is able to do so.

(251) 289-1244 www.kcequestrianarts.com

City of Mobile Parks and Rec Center Special Activities Therapeutic Recreation

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

Dance Without Limits

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile Offering dance classes exclusively to the special needs community! We will offer a preschool class for ages 3-5, hip hop classes ages 6-11 (or based on cognitive level), ballet classes and a teen/adult class. Classes are led by Kerrie Benson, a dance teacher for over 20 years and mom to a special needs child along with occupational therapists Mia Manning and Victoria Rowan. Tuition rates are $50 per month - there will be a few scholarships available provided by our generous donors. Most classes will be assisted - meaning each dancer will have a volunteer helper to work with them through class.

These volunteers are dancers at Broadway South, Camp Smile counselors, special ed teachers and speech and OT students at South. All dancers will perform at the Broadway South Dance recital and at community events throughout the year. Our schedule is available on our Dance Without Limits Facebook page. Call (251) 610-4969 or email dancewithoutlimits@aol.com for more info!

(251) 610-4969

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ater 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

www.azaleacityarts.com

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Hope Outdoors

P.O. Box 1421, Chatom Glenn & Karen Sansing, Alabama Chapter Directors Hope Outdoors has a passion to spread the love of God and provide the fun of the great outdoors to those who may be ill or challenged. Some are looking to be re-introduced into an activity they once loved, while others are discovering a new and exciting way to live life to its fullest. We provide opportunities for fishing, deer hunts, archery shoots, bird and turkey hunts, and other ways to get close to nature and enrich lives no matter the challenges life may have given you. We now have chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and 3 chapters in Mississippi. All events are free to participants and their families. Hope Outdoors provides all meals, game processing and licenses. Participants are only responsible for travel to and from the event. Our Alabama event will be held the 3rd weekend in January 2017. Applications can be found on our website. To find out how you can be a part of Hope Outdoors call or visit our website today. Visit us on Facebook for photos and event updates.

(251) 769-0711 or (251) 769-5642 www.hopeoutdoors.org

Inner Strength Martial Arts

9120 Airport Boulevard # H, Mobile Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick

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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 Mobile’s first Christian cheer/gymnastics/dance studio.

Special Needs classes offered.

(251) 401-5841

Langan Park

4901 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile 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) 285-0224 www.snapofalabama.com

Special Olympics Mobile County

2827 Airport Boulevard, Mobile 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

Springhill Taekwondo - Super Samaris

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile Springhill Taekwondo Super Samaris-a taekwondo class designed for special needs. Ages 5+. Tuesdays at 5:30pm. Improve gross motor skills and build confidence!

(251) 554-5425

Turning Point Dance Academy

The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast

28788 North Main Street , Daphne Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast is a 501 (c)(3) non- profit organization dedicated to enhancing the social, recreational and artistic abilities of the special needs community. EFGC provides daily programs, which include arts & crafts, music, social events and Special Olympics. Our program is available to the special needs individual upon completion of high school. We also offer a summer program for school-aged children. Our Hours are Monday and Thursday from 8:00am-6:00pm. For more information contact Jennifer Flad, Executive Director at Jennifer.Flad@exceptionalfoundationgc.org.

(251) 625-8955

© 2016 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A® and Chick-fil-A Stylized® are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc. Aug. ‘16 • MF-034

www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org

4880 Lakeland Drive Suite D, Mobile 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

VSA of Alabama, Art Partners

VSA Alabama is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities through the arts. Programs offered by VSA Alabama include: visual arts, music therapy, therapeutic drumming & rhythm, art therapy, drama, creative movement, and creative writing. This program is FREE to participants! The Eastern Shore Art Center has participated in this unique program since its inception. For information, visit www.esartcenter.com. www.vsaalabama.org

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Westside’s Buddy Ball League This Division of Babe Ruth 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

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Recreation Camps Camp ASCCA ad on page 11

Lake Martin ASCCA is an acronym that stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Beginning in 1976, Camp ASCCA has been a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation and is known throughout the world for its superior quality services. Providing camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Within its barrier-free environment, Camp ASCCA offers 230 wooded acres on the shores of beautiful Lake Martin in Alabama. Camp ASCCA serves an average of 7,000 people annually. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a splash pad, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

(256) 825-9226 or (800) THE-CAMP www.campascca.org

Camp Bridges

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham 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.

For more information emailinfo@campbridges.com.

(205) 558- 2090 www.campbridges.org

Camp Mash

P.O. Box 850548, 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.

We have activities such as fishing, swimming and the ropes course, as well as horses, archery, and arts & crafts. All activities and accommodations are fully accessible, and a medical staff team on site around the clock. Camp MASH is open to children living in Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and on a case-by-case basis other kids from surrounding areas as we have space.

(251) 599-5688 www.campmash.org

Camp Smile

3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile 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. Camps are typically held from Tuesday-Friday. Each session serves a maximum of 75 campers. Campers are assigned to a counselor who is with them 24 hours/day.

A cabin leader, who is a trained adult, supervises each camper/counselor pair. Contact us today for detailed information.

(251) 479-4900 www.campsmilemobile.org

Camp Smile-a-Mile

Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost to the families. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.

(205) 323-8427 or (888) 500-7920 www.campsam.org

Camp Sugar Falls & 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. Camp is a place where Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

having diabetes is the norm; where you can compare and share stories with peers; and where you don’t have to explain diabetes all the time because everyone here gets it. They understand exactly what it’s like living with diabetes, because they live with diabetes too. Children learn independence in managing blood sugar levels and medication, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. 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.

Local programs include safe family-oriented recreation throughout the year.

(205) 402-0415 www.campsealeharris.org

Camp-Rap-A-Hope

Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides a week-long summer camp in Mobile, Alabama and is open 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. Each year the children enjoy a typical summer camp environment that includes swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts and many other activities depending on the theme for the year. Many of these children have forgotten what it’s like to be a kid because much of their childhood has been spent hearing the sounds and seeing the inside of hospitals. It is our privilege to give a part of their childhood back to them through fun-filled camping activities.

(251) 476-9880 www.camprapahope.org

Lakeshore Foundation

4000 Ridgeway Drive, Birmingham 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. Our mission is to enable people with a physical disability and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active and independent lifestyles through physical activity, sports, recreation and research.

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 25

1176 Azalea Road, Mobile The Little Tree Preschool offers high quality preschool education for children ages 2-5. 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

ad on page 17

15 Midtown Park West, Mobile 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.

(251) 287-1822 www.dyslexiaspecialist.net

1048 Stanton Road, Suite G, Daphne

(251) 625-4020 www.dyslexiaspecialist.net

The Learning TreeWoody’s Song School ad on page 25

5459 Able Court, Mobile Woody’s Song School serves children ages 5-18 on the autism spectrum.The private, nonprofit school is a

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The Think Tank ad on page 14

Augusta Evans School

(800) 637-7223 or (256) 837-3400 www.spacecamp.com

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4979 Lott Road, Eight Mile The Learning Tree, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides educational and residential services for children and adolescents, ages 2-21, 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.

Read-Write

Camps are available for fourth grade through high school-age students. Additional programs are offered for trainees who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing and have other special needs.

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Schools and Educational Resources

Space Camp and Aviation Challenge

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The Learning Tree, Inc.

The Think Tank Tutoring provides one-on-one in-home tutoring to general education, learning disabled and home bound 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.

(205) 313-7400 www.lakeshore.org

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(251) 414-4494 www.thinktankminds.com

6301 Biloxi Avenue, Mobile 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 www.evans.mce.schoolinsites.com

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Bright Beginnings School

3590 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile Bright Beginnings School 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. Full day academic program specializing in dyslexia. All subjects.

Serving grades 1-8.

(251) 525-9105

www.brightdyslexics.com

Gordon Smith Child Development Center

2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile 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 www.gesgc.org

Huntington Learning Center

2370 Hillcrest Road #D, Mobile 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 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

S. W. Regional School for the Deaf and Blind

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

(251) 221-5454 www.regional.mcs.schoolinsites.com

Schoolworks

2534 Old Shell Road, Mobile 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, 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 www.schoolworksedu.com

Springhill Child Development Center

10 Westminster Way, Mobile 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. Our center is licensed by the Department of Human Resources and provides a rich learning environment suitable for the developmental needs of each child. 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

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educational needs receive programming in an inclusive preschool setting. Support services, including speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy, are provided by the Mobile County Public School System.

(251) 342-3122 www.gesgc.org

Sylvan

8020 Moffett Road, Suite A, Semmes 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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A Page in a Book Books, Beds and Sleepyheads Preparing children for a good night’s sleep can include a variety of routines and regimens, all designed to help kids relax and settle into the bedtime groove.

Warm baths, dimmed lights, and soft pajamas create soothing transitions from active play to relaxation. Best among these comforting routines is the time-honored bed time traditions of finding just the right books to settle in with before lights out.

The following titles are recommended for winding down wound up kids with simple text, soft-edged illustrations and sweet progressions toward sleep.

Sheep Go to Sleep

by Nancy Shaw, Illustrated by Margot Apple (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Five sheep are back from their latest adventure and heading home to hit the sack. They’re ready for sleep in their snug beds of hay but nighttime noises are keeping them awake. Enter the loyal collie who has just the thing to soothe restless sheep. Helping with a hug for one, a drink for another, collie has something to offer each sheep as they countdown toward slumber. Nursery rhyme fans will also smile when they discover where an exhausted dog ends up after getting the herd to bed. With simple rhyming text and soft-edged illustrations this title is perfect for little ones who are just beginning to count sheep as they go to sleep.

Good Night Like This

by Mary Murphy (Candlewick) Dusk arrives with gorgeous color as animal parents prepare their young for evening slumber. Rabbits, bears, fireflies and squirrels all snuggle in with their babes as twilight looms, calming and cuddling their little ones. Each two-page spread features a split page insert that shows the moments just before sleep, then turns to reveals the sleeping family. The evening hues shift from dusky orange, through violet to blue as the progression toward bedtime sees the departure of the sun and the arrival of starry skies. Children reading along will enjoy identifying the shadowy silhouettes that say “good night” while chiming in with their own “like this” refrain after each animal closes its eyes.

by Linda Ashman, Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Random House) Taking inspiration from the ‘Rock-a-bye, Baby’ lullaby, this baby’s journey toward slumber departs from the treetop and takes a round-a-bout tour before the last goodnight. Rendered with almost dreamlike detail, baby leaves the cradle in the boughs and soars through darkening skies, floats along rivers of stars, and ambles across peaceful pastures. Animals met along the way all seems to be guiding baby toward a sleepy destination. The journey ends when the child finally lands in mother’s arms, and makes the last stop of the night in baby’s own bed (under a swaying mobile featuring many of the child’s fellow travelers on the journey toward sleep). With rhyming text that perfectly syncs with the original lullaby, readers may also use this gentle selection to sing the way toward slumber.

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

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Q. Our daughter is a special needs child, who doctors say will live about half as long as the average adult. There’s also a good chance she will be under our care her entire life. We just finished Baby Step 3 of your plan, so we have all of our debt paid off except for the house, and we have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses saved. We have health insurance, too. However, we were wondering how the situation with our little girl affects retirement planning and college funding?

A. I know this may sound strange, but the situation with your daughter really doesn’t affect things all that much. The only real difference is that it sounds like you’ll be responsible for your sweet daughter for the foreseeable future — not just until she’s 18 or 21.

If you don’t already have it, you and your wife should both buy 10 to 12 times

your annual incomes in term life insurance.

Make sure the money from the policies is set up to go into a special needs trust that would be managed for her care. That way, your baby will be taken care of in the event something unexpected happens to you.

Otherwise, just keep following my plan.

Baby Step 4 means you start putting 15 percent of your income into pre-tax retirement plans, like Roth IRAs and mutual funds. Baby Step 5 is college funding, if that’s a consideration for her, followed by paying off your home early.

Then, of course, the last Baby Step is building wealth and giving.

Financially speaking, you’re looking at filling a need in the event of your deaths.

This should be covered by life insurance or investments. If you reach a point where your investments are substantial, and money from those things can adequately cover her needs and the needs of your family, then you can always drop the insurance policies.

Q. My husband has his own one-man painting business, and I help him with the books.

We were wondering how you know when it’s time to implement a price increase. Also, what should the increase be?

A. I grew up in the real estate business, so I’ll use the apartment-complex model as my example. If your building is completely full, it’s time to raise prices a little until you have a vacancy.

In this type of scenario, you want a healthy level of vacancy, meaning you’re always going to be losing some customers as you go up in prices.

In your husband’s case, if he’s booked through the end of the month, he’s way underpriced. Just keep on turning in your bids, and don’t make a big deal about things. It isn’t like a tenant, in your case, where you’re going back time and time again except in rare cases. You might start with a 10 percent increase, and see what happens for a while. If that goes well, wait a bit and raise them another 10 percent.

There are only so many hours in a day he can work, so the only other option is to take on staff. But before I start staffing, I’m going to raise prices and cut the number of customers that way. In most cases, if you show up when you say you will, complete the job when you say you will, and you do high quality work, there’s almost no ceiling on what you can make!

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www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Family Calendar Saturday August 20

Thin Mint Sprint 7:30am USA Campus - SGA Pavilion, 6431 John counts Road, Mobile 2016 Publix Charities thin Mint Sprint benefitting Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama 5K run and health expo. Race participants will enjoy eating free thin mints after the race!

(251) 344-3330 eventbrite.com

Sunday August 21

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band 7:00pm Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Lyle Lovett & His Large Band in concert.

(251) 208-7261 www.mobilesaenger.com Summer Organ Concert: A Grand Symphony (Free)

4:00pm Christ Church Cathedral, 115 South Conception Street, Mobile Come enjoy a kaleidoscope of musical color! Christopher Powell will present Saint-Sae?ns’ Carnival of the Animals and Franck’s Grand pie?ce Symphonique.

(251) 438-1822 www.christchurchcathedralmobile. org/summer-organ-concerts-2016.html

Wednesday August 24

Splash and Play Wednesdays at the Exploreum 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile Splash and Play Wednesdays kick off at the Exploreum on July 6 at 1:00pm and runs through August 31. Every Wednesday (weather permitting) we will convert our outdoor courtyard into a water playground.

Sprinklers, water toys, and more. There will be sitting areas complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas so parents can keep an eye of the kids in comfort. So grab your swimsuits and towels and head down to the Exploreum for a super COOL time!!! General Admission Applies / Free to Exploreum members (251) 208-6873 www.exploreum.com

August/September2016

and restrooms available on site. August 26 movie is Minions. townofdauphinisland.org

Saturday August 27

Living Proof Live with Beth Moore 1:00pm Mitchell Center, 5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile Living Proof Live with Beth Moore at the Mitchell Center. www.lifeway.com A Ramblin’ Night at the Steeple ($100 VIP Tickets, $35 General Admission)

7:00pm The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street, Mobile A Ramblin’ Night at the Steeple is a benefit to raise money for benches for Wave bus riders. It features Shawn Mullins, The Mulligan Brothers and Eric Erdman. VIP tickets are $100 per ticket and include VIP seating, a meet and greet with Shawn Mullins after the show, Mullins new CD My Stupid Heart, and a poster from the show. Only 50 VIP tickets available.

General admission tickets are $35. www.brownpapertickets.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 8:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Kickoff Run for Sight 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 7:30am SGA Pavilion on USA Campus, Mobile Proceeds from the Kickoff for Sight 5K will benefit the sight programs of the University Lions Club. productionsbylittleredhen.com

2016 Mobile Business Expo ($5 admission ) 12:00pm - 5:00pm, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street, Mobile The 2016 Business Expo, presented by Infirmary Occupational Health and iHealthy, gives Mobile Area Chamber members an opportunity to showcase their products and services at the area?s largest business-to-business trade show. mobilechamber.com

Living Proof Live with Beth Moore 5:00pm Mitchell Center, 5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile Living Proof Live with Beth Moore at the Mitchell Center. www.lifeway.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 8:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Reel Hope Classic Orange Beach Marina, 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach The second annual Reel Hope Classic fishing tournament is set for August 26-27 at the Orange Beach Marina. Hosted by Mobile�Big Game Fishing Club, the event benefits Children?s of Alabama patients treated at Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.� (251) 610-4969 give.childrensal.org/reelhope Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night (Free) 8:00pm West End Beach, Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Nights on Thursday and Fridays presented by the Town of Dauphin Island and Greer’s Market. Bring chairs, blankets, bug spray just in case. Snack Vendor

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

Sunday August 28

Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 2:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Reel Hope Classic Orange Beach Marina, 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach The second annual Reel Hope Classic fishing tournament is set for August 26-27 at the Orange Beach Marina. Hosted by Mobile’s Big Game Fishing Club, the event benefits Children’s of Alabama patients treated at Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.

(251) 610-4969 give.childrensal.org/reelhope Screen on the Green (Free) 7:30pm St. Ignatius , 3704 Springhill Avenue, Mobile Screen on the Green featuring “The Good Dinosaur”. thevillageofspringhill.com The 19th Annual Dauphin Street Beer Festival 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Downtown Mobile, Mobile Grab your friends, grab your mug and get ready to taste a bevy of brews! That’s right, the Dauphin Street Beer Festival is back and we are gearing up for another record year.

With only craft beer offerings, we expect quite a few new beers to be on the sampling menu.

(251) 208-1550 ncsmobile.org Fort Mims Reenactment 9:00am Fort Mims, 12 miles north of Stockton (Baldwin County) on Hwy 59, go west on County Road 80 three

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Fort Mims Reenactment 9:00am Fort Mims, 12 miles north of Stockton (Baldwin County) on Hwy 59, go west on County Road 80 three miles and follow the signs., Stockton Living history includes settlers, militia and Red Stick Creek Indian reenactors. Displays of arrowheads and artifacts, early crafts (basket weaving, blacksmith work, pottery making, flint napping), period music, Native American crafts and culture, and more. Concessions available.

(251) 533-9024 www.fortmims.org

Wednesday August 31

Splash and Play Wednesdays at the Exploreum 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile Splash and Play Wednesdays kick off at the Exploreum on July 6 at 1:00pm and runs through August 31. Every Wednesday (weather permitting) we will convert our outdoor courtyard into a water playground.

Sprinklers, water toys, and more. There will be sitting areas complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas so parents can keep an eye of the kids in comfort. So grab your swimsuits and towels and head down to the Exploreum for a super COOL time!!! General Admission Applies / Free to Exploreum members (251) 208-6873 www.exploreum.com

Thursday September 1

Thursday August 35

Friday August 26

miles and follow the signs., Stockton Living history includes settlers, militia and Red Stick Creek Indian reenactors. Displays of arrowheads and artifacts, early crafts (basket weaving, blacksmith work, pottery making, flint napping), period music, Native American crafts and culture, and more. Concessions available.

(251) 533-9024 www.fortmims.org

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18th annual Chef Challenge ($60 admission) 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Alabama Cruise Terminal, 201 South Water Street, Mobile Guests will enjoy tastings of dishes from local chefs and restaurants as Chefs compete to win votes for the night?s best dish. Live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction, and complimentary beer, wine and spirits are also part of the event. All proceeds from Chef Challenge are used to help those in need within our 24-county service area along the Central Gulf Coast.

(251) 653-1617 feedingthegulfcoast.org Eastern Shore Kid’s Market 9:00pm - 6:00pm, Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale easternshorekidsmarket.com Night Market - Mobile Museum of Art (Free) 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile MMofA hosts a monthly�Night Market that showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods.

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

(251) 208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Friday September 2

Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night (Free) 8:00pm West End Beach, Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Nights on Thursday and Fridays presented by the Town of Dauphin Island and Greer’s Market. Bring chairs, blankets, bug spray just in case. Snack Vendor and restrooms available on site. September 2 movie is Heart of the Sea. townofdauphinisland.org

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Family Calendar Eastern Shore Kid’s Market 9:00pm - 6:00pm, Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale easternshorekidsmarket.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 8:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

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Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 2:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 8:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Carson Barnes Circus The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobilewww. carsonbarnescircus.com

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60),

Students,& Active Military $12.00

Wednesday September 7

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square (Free) 11:30pm - 1:30pm, Bienville Square, Mobile 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. Wednesdays, September 7 through October 26. www.ncsmobile.org

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August/September2016

Thursday September 8

Miranda Lambert “Keeper of the Flame” Tour 7:30pm The Wharf Amphitheatre, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beachwww.alwharf.com

First Friday Lawn Party and Tour 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Oakleigh, 350 Oakleigh Place, Mobile The Oakleigh House Museum would like to help our friends and neighbors kick off the weekend with Friday Lawn parties at Oakleigh. We will have food trucks, music, and $5 tours of the museum. Bring your blankets, chairs, ice chests, games etc.

(251) 432-1281 www.historicmobile.org Carson Barnes Circus The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobilewww. carsonbarnescircus.com Little Discoveries with Mr. Wayne (Free) 10:30am - 11:30am, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street, Mobile Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children ages 3-6.

(251) 208-7086 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saturday September 3

Eastern Shore Kid’s Market 8:00am - 1:00pm, Fairhope Civic Center, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale easternshorekidsmarket.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 8:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Carson Barnes Circus The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile www.carsonbarnescircus.com

Sunday September 4

Dauphin Island Sunset Concert ($5.00 per person

Children 12 and under are free.)

6:00pm West End Beach, Dauphin Island Sunset Concerts presents Heart of the Sea at 6:00pm. Bring chairs, blankets, drinks, snacks and bug spray. Proceeds go to the Little Red Schoolhouse Relocation Fund. townofdauphinisland.org Dauphin Island Labor Day Fireworks 8:45am Dauphin Island Public Beach, Dauphin Island Town of Dauphin Island presents Labor Day Fireworks Display at Dauphin Island Public Beach townofdauphinisland.org

Kids Studio (Free) 4:00pm Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street, Mobile Children and their parents are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of current exhibitions. Kids Studio for ages 8 to 13 is a free after-school class that helps children investigate themes relevant to Alabama?s culture and heritage through literature and art while using the current exhibition.

(251) 208-7086 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

7:30pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street, Mobile Chickasaw Civic Center presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.

(251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Sunday September 11

Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 2:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60),

Students,& Active Military $12.00

2:00pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street, Mobile Chickasaw Civic Center presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.

(251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Friday September 9

LoDa Artwalk 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Downtown Mobile, Mobile Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk. www.specialeventsmobile.org The Black Jacket Symphony presents The Eagles Hotel California 8:00pm Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. The Eagles? ?Hotel California? 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.

(251) 208-7261 www.mobilesaenger.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Sweeney Todd” ($20) 8:00pm Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile $15 for seniors and military (251) 471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60),

Students,& Active Military $12.00

7:30pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street, Mobile Chickasaw Civic Center presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.

(251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Saturday September 10

Hurricane Run 5K and Fun Run 8:10am Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 102 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Race to benefit Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue. productionsbylittleredhen.com

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Tunnel to Towers 5K 7:30pm USS Alabama Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Tunnel to Towers 5K benefitting Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation programs.

Race will start at the USS Alabama Battleship Park and finish at Bienville Square in Downtown Mobile. www.crowdrise.com/T2TMobile2016

Wednesday September 14

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square (Free) 11:30pm - 1:30pm, Bienville Square, Mobile 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. Wednesdays, September 7 through October 26. www.ncsmobile.org Learning Lunch (Free) 12:00pm History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street, Mobile The Learning Lunch series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission to Learning Lunch is free, and all are encouraged to join us. Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages. Speaker - Gary Scovil, Film Producer, ?We Remember:” The Holocaust Experience in Southern Alabama (251) 208-7569 www.museumofmobile.com Mystical Monarch Migration along the Gulf Coast

($50 admission)

7:00pm Larkins Music Center, 257 Dauphin Street , Mobile Mobile Botanical Gardens is proud to present a stunning visual story of the monarch butterfly and the

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Family Calendar effect of vanishing milkweed on its future. The gala starts with a Champagne and Dessert Reception and a showing of the 30 minute film will follow at the Crescent Theater. You will leave with a new appreciation of the habitat needs of Monarch butterflies, a coupon for a milkweed plant, and an idea of what you can do to help. Limited tickets available and proceeds benefit Mobile Botanical Gardens.

(251) 342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

August/September2016

Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s (251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org 9th Annual Go Run 8:00am Moulton Bell Tower, University of south Alabama, 5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile Grab your sneakers and support GYN cancer research at this 5K and 1-mile fun run. Proceeds benefit research for gynecologic oncology at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

(251) 460-7032 www.usahealthsystem.com/gorun Alabama Coastal Cleanup 8:00am - 12:00pm, Alabama Coastal Cleanup seeks volunteers, including boaters, to help pick up trash along Mobile and Baldwin County waterways and coastlines, Saturday, September 17, 8 a.m. - Noon. Choose from 30 participating sites. Learn more at www. alabamacoastalcleanup.com. www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com

Thursday September 15

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun ($50 in advance or for $60 at the door)

5:30-9:00pm, Daphne Civic Ctr, 2603 US-98, Daphne Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore presents the 10th annual Girls Just Wanna Have Fun benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile on Thursday, September 15th. 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 2016 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!

(251)694-6873

rmhcmobile.org/girls-just-wanna-have-fun United Cerebral Palsy’s Food and Folly 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street, Mobile This exciting, Mardi Gras themed event is one of United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile’s annual fundraisers. Support our programs and enjoy music, fun, food, dancing, silent auctions, wine tastings and more!

(251) 479-4900

Go South to Freedom - Frye Gaillard & Anne Kent Rush (Free) 6:30pm Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road, Mobile Come meet Frye Gaillard and illustrator Anne Kent Rush for a discussion and readings from his new book, Go South to Freedom.

(251) 438-7075 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Friday September 16

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin” ($20, Senior, Active Military, Student with ID $15) 8:00pm Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s (251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60), Students,& Active Military $12.00

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60),

Students,& Active Military $12.00

7:30pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St, Mobile (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Mobile Botanical Gardens/Gulf Coast Herb Society 9:00am - 12:00pm, Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile The annual HERB DAY will be Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Mobile Botanical Gardens. The program will be HERB ARTISANS , Growing and Using Your Favorite Herbs, program will be from 9:00 ? Noon, Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Featured presenters will be members of Mobile Botanical Gardens, Mobile County Master Gardeners, Montrose Garden Club and the Gulf Coast Herb Society.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required; a light lunch is included; cost is $30. A Registration Form is available under Fundraising Events at the website: www.gulfcoastherbsociety.org.

(251) 342-0555 www.gulfcoastherbsociety.org

2:00pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St, Mobile (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Historic Fort Gaines - 1st Annual Massacre Island ($8 for Adults ages 13 and up, 4$ for children ages

5-12, and children ages 4 and under are free!)

9:00am Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Come and see the Pirates as they pilfer and pillage Isle Dauphine and fight against Spanish and British Galleons. The event will highlight Flintlock Pistol duels, Pirate Tug-O-War, Swashbuckling Sword Play, Cannon Firing, Blacksmithing by Ralph Oalman and period music by the Kracker Dan Band. There will be a treasure hunt for kids ages 12 and under.

(251) 861-6992 www.dauphinisland.org

7:30pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St, Mobile (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Sunday September 19

Saturday September 17

5-12, and children ages 4 and under are free!)

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin” ($20, Senior, Active Military, Student with ID $15) 8:00pm Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

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Talk Like a Pirate Day! (Free) 4:00pm West Regional Branch Library, 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile Enjoy pirate stories, pirate crafts and get a Tattoo for ages 3 and up. Registration is required.

For more information or to register, please call the Children?s Department at 340-8571.

(251) 340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Tillman’s Corner Chamber of Commerce, 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce will host a ?Business Expo? at the Tillman?s Corner Community Center on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Come and enjoy a relaxed, informal get together of professionals from many different types of businesses.

This is an opportunity to network, discuss and share ideas while enjoying complementary refreshments, appetizers and food samples from local restaurants. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

(251) 666-2488 swmcchamber.com

Wednesday September 21

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square (Free) 11:30pm - 1:30pm, Bienville Square, Mobile 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. Wednesdays, September 7 through October 26. www.ncsmobile.org

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin” ($20, Senior, Active Military, Student with ID $15) 2:00pm Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s (251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org

dents,& Active Military $12.00

Historic Fort Gaines - 1st Annual Massacre Island ($8 for Adults ages 13 and up, 4$ for children ages 9:00am Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Come and see the Pirates as they pilfer and

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pillage Isle Dauphine and fight against Spanish and British Galleons. The event will highlight Flintlock Pistol duels, Pirate Tug-O-War, Swashbuckling Sword Play, Cannon Firing, Blacksmithing by Ralph Oalman and period music by the Kracker Dan Band. There will be a treasure hunt for kids ages 12 and under.

(251) 861-6992 www.dauphinisland.org

Sunday September 18

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60), Stu-

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Wallace Tunnel Tour ($10 for all HMPS members and $25 for non-members)

9:15am Historic Mobile Preservation Society Campus, 350 Oakleigh Place, Mobile After light refreshments at the Cox-Deasy Cottage, the tunnel tour will leave from the Historic Mobile Preservation Society campus, at 9:45 a.m. and caravan over for the tour. The tour will be led by members of the Alabama Department of Transportation staff and include a visit to the control room and a guided walking tour of the interior of the tunnel. All proceeds will benefit the HMPS’s new youth education program.

(251) 432-1281 www.historicmobile.org

Friday September 23

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin” ($20, Senior, Active Military, Student with ID $15) 8:00pm Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s.

(251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org

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Family Calendar Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60),

Students,& Active Military $12.00

7:30pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St, Mobile (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Vintage Market Days (Early Buying Event (3-Day Pass) $10 on Friday, General Admission (Sat/Sun) $5)

10:00am - 5:00pm, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home d�cor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. vintagemarketdays.com

Saturday September 24

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin” ($20, Senior, Active Military, Student with ID $15) 8:00pm Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s (251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60), Students,& Active Military $12.00

7:30pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St, Mobile (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Rhapsody in Blue 7:30pm Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Not just blue ? but red, white and blue! Our season opens with the most American of all classical hits. You?ll also hear Korngold?s Overture to The Sea Hawk and Rachmaninoff?s Symphony No. 2.

(251) 432-2010 mobilesymphony.org Vintage Market Days (General Admission (Sat/Sun) $5) 10:00am - 5:00pm, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home d�cor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. vintagemarketdays.com Taste of the Bayou 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Bayou La Batre Chamber of Commerce, 12745 Padgett Switch Road, Irvington Sample fabulous food prepared with the freshest ingredients harvested in our own backyard . . . the Gulf of Mexico.

(251) 824-4088 www.tasteofthebayou.org National Estuaries Day (Half Price Admission: Adult

$5.50)

10:00am - 3:00pm, Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island Children (5-18) or Students with ID $3 (251) 591-1865 www.disl.org

Weeks Bay Foundation?s annual Kids Fishing Day (Free) 8:00am - 12:00pm, Safe Harbor Pond, 1401 US Highway 98, Fairhope The Weeks Bay Foundation?s annual Kids Fishing Day is a great FREE opportunity for children 15 and younger to cast a line in a safe and fun environment. We stock the Safe Harbor Pond with locally raised catfish and each child can take home up to three fish. Fishing gear and bait will be provided for those children who do not have their own.

(251) 990-5004 www.weeksbay.org Eastern Shore Jubilee Festival 10:00am - 5:00pm, Olde Towne Daphne, Main Street (Scenic 98), Daphne The Jubilee Festival is an Eastern Shore tradition that offers fine art, crafts, great enter-

August/September2016

tainment and great food in Olde Towne Daphne. Kids Art in the Park offers our children the opportunity to enjoy hands-on art projects and games. It?s so exciting to see those faces enjoying a “jubilee? of activities. www.eschamber.com Fire Prevention 5K and Fun Run 8:00am Meaher State Park - Spanish Fort Causeway, 5200 Battleship Parkway East, Fire Prevention 5K and Fun Run to benefit Spanish Fort Fire Department. www.eventbrite.com Reading PAWS - Need a Good Listener (Free) 10:30am Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street, Mobile Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Find out how you can practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend.

(251) 208-7086 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Sunday September 25

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin” ($20, Senior, Active Military, Student with ID $15) 2:00pm Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s (251) 433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Adults $15.00; Seniors (over 60), Stu-

1. Please check our website for more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com

Tuesday September 27

Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis St, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October 1.

Please check our website for more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com Read to Rex and His Friends (Free) 3:00pm - 4:30pm, West Regional Branch Library, 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile Set Up an Appointment to Read to Rex and His Friends. The Pet Therapy dogs are at the Library and ready to listen to a good story.

Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend.

Time and space is limited. To schedule your 10 minute reading time, please call the children?s department at 340-8571.

(251) 340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wednesday September 28

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square (Free) 11:30pm - 1:30pm, Bienville Square, Mobile 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. Wednesdays, September 7 through October 26. www.ncsmobile.org

dents,& Active Military $12.00

2:00pm Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St, Mobile (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Rhapsody in Blue 2:30pm Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile Not just blue ? but red, white and blue! Our season opens with the most American of all classical hits. You?ll also hear Korngold?s Overture to The Sea Hawk and Rachmaninoff?s Symphony No. 2.

(251) 432-2010 mobilesymphony.org Vintage Market Days (General Admission (Sat/Sun) $5) 10:00am - 5:00pm, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home d�cor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. vintagemarketdays.com Eastern Shore Jubilee Festival 10:00am - 5:00pm, Olde Towne Daphne, Main Street (Scenic 98), Daphne The Jubilee Festival is an Eastern Shore tradition that offers fine art, crafts, great entertainment and great food in Olde Towne Daphne. Kids Art in the Park offers our children the opportunity to enjoy hands-on art projects and games. It?s so exciting to see those faces enjoying a “jubilee? of activities. www.eschamber.com Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October 1. Please check our website for more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com

Monday September 26

Mobile Pops Concert (Free) 7:00pm Mary G Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road North, Semmes City of Semmes Presents “The Mobile Pops” - Free Concert www.cityofsemmes.org Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis Street, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October

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Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis St, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October 1.

Please check our website for more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com

Thursday September 29

Vintage Affair Gala - American Cancer Society 6:00pm Alabama Cruise Terminal, 201 South Water Street, Mobile The American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala, presented by Lexus of Mobile, takes place Thursday, September 29. The Late Night Party (included in ticket) is from 8-11pm on the Terminal Rooftop! Enjoy an evening filled with exquisite cuisine

by Clifton Morrissette, fine wines from Red or White and the exciting sounds of the Crowned Jewelz Band!

Sure to thrill are the live and silent auctions which include fabulous trips, estate jewelry and original local art featuring artist Ashley Terrell. Experience one of Mobile?s premier philanthropic events as we join together to save lives and party for a cause... even if it takes all night!

(251) 344-9858 www.vintageaffairmobile.org Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis St, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October 1.

Please check our website for more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Family Calendar Friday September 30

TenSixtyFive (Free) Downtown Mobile, Mobile TenSixtyFive is a laid back street party celebrating music, local artists and makers, and locally owned establishments in Downtown Mobile the weekend of September 30th, October 1st and 2nd, 2016. We will showcase local, regional, and national bands on two main stages, as well as a kids zone and a local art market, all weekend long. www.tensixtyfive.com Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis St, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October 1.

Please check our website for a more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com

Saturday October 1

TenSixtyFive (Free) Downtown Mobile, Mobile TenSixtyFive is a laid back street party celebrating music, local artists and makers, and locally owned establishments in Downtown Mobile the weekend of September 30th, October 1st and 2nd, 2016. We will showcase local, regional, and national bands on two main stages, as well as a kids zone and a local art market, all weekend long. www.tensixtyfive.com

August/September2016

is and how it can work for you. We always have a licensed agent on duty. This event is free and open to people ages 65 and older. The Viva Medicare Cafe’ is located at 3071 Dauphin Street, Mobile. For more information visit www. vivamedicarecafes.com/Mobile or call 380-2222.

Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 342-2241 or visit www.mobileballet.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 251-431-5100.

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

The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24-HOUR 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.

Mobile Fashion Week The Steeple at St. Francis, 251 St. Francis St, Mobile Mobile Fashion Week will be September 25-October 1.

Please check our website for more information.

(251) 285-CHIC (2442) www.mobfashionweek.com

Sunday October 2

TenSixtyFive (Free) Downtown Mobile, Mobile TenSixtyFive is a laid back street party celebrating music, local artists and makers, and locally owned establishments in Downtown Mobile the weekend of September 30th, October 1st and 2nd, 2016. We will showcase local, regional, and national bands on two main stages, as well as a kids zone and a local art market, all weekend long. www.tensixtyfive.com

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District.

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

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

Medicare Mondays Come by the Viva Medicare Cafe’ any Monday at 9 am if you or a friend have any questions about what Medicare

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

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

Classes/Meetings

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

Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org.

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.

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*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. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.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.

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

Parent-Child Worship Service Each Wednesday in January and February, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will offer a new Parent-Child Worship Service from 9:15-10:00 a.m. (room E207) for parents and their children ages birth to four-years-old.

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Family Calendar Relaxed and filled with music, prayer, a Bible story and coloring, this new program is a wonderful opportunity to worship with your precious little ones. The program will be short, and then kids can play while parents enjoy social time. Contact Dauphin Way UMC at 251-471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m.

– 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect?

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

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

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

Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

• Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included.

Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified.

To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. You may register for Breastfeeding or Childbirth classes online on our website or call 633-1749 for any questions.

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.

• NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 5918021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center.

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

Call 460-5323.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information.

• Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas.

Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2.

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

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

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.

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

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Florence Foster Jenkins

Pete’s Dragon MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Pete’s Dragon PG for action, peril and brief language.

What is an adventure? Is it scary? These are among the questions asked by five year-old Pete (Oakes Fegley) as he sits reading aloud from the picture book “Elliot Gets Lost” in the back seat of his parents’ station wagon while they make their way down a secluded road. Then things take a turn for the worse. A devastating car accident (not shown on screen) leaves the child orphaned and alone in the woods with wolves howling all around him. Trying to be brave, the young boy does his best to summon his courage as the snarling animals close in. Suddenly their plan to have Pete for supper is interrupted by a fierce growling coming from the nearby trees. As the predators whimper away, a terrified Pete watches and waits for the source of the sound to appear. Is it a bear? A cougar? No... It’s a huge dragon! The imposing creature emerges from the shadows revealing coarse fur and an impressive set of leathery wings. Still, it seems more curious than hostile as it approaches. Almost instantly a magical bond forms between the lost child and the gentle, green giant.

Six years pass and the unlikely companions are as close as can be. Sharing a cave, the colossal creature (now affectionately known as Elliot) and the growing boy play and explore in the wilderness all day and spend their evenings around a small fire. Yet everything changes when Pete sees another human in the forest. First he catches a glimpse of a woman putting marks on some of the trees. The next day, a strange sound alerts him to her return. This time she has in tow a crew of chainsaw-wielding workers and some arguing men. Enthralled, Pete watches from a distance until he notices the group also includes a young girl. And she spots him too.

Unfortunately, Pete’s craving for human contact leads to him being captured and taken back to civilization. Here, forest ranger Grace Meacham (Bryce Dallas Howard), her fiancé Jack (Wes Bentley) and his daughter Natalie (Oona Laurence) try to figure out where the feral child came from. Meanwhile back in the woods, Elliot discovers that his friend is missing. But almost immediately his efforts to find his pal are hampered by a new struggle with the loggers. What neither Pete nor Elliot realize yet is that the loyalty of friendship is about to be tested against the powerful pull of family and belonging.

This well-crafted movie is an entertaining ride that offers positive role models (including a strong female lead), a not entirely “bad” guy and a subtle message about preserving the environment. Family ties are on full display here, with almost all of the primary supporting characters being related. Robert Redford is especially memorable playing Grace’s father, a grizzled but kind and loving wood carver who believes Pete’s story. Elliot is a wonderfully rendered CGI character who manages to inspire awe without being frightening, easily conveys emotion and comes across as a playful, dog-like chum.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B+ Sexual Content: C+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated Florence Foster Jenkins PG for thematic elements, scary images, action and peril.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seemed wise to complement someone’s abilities, even though you know they really aren’t as talented as you are leading them to believe? Such is the case for the friends and associates of Florence Foster Jenkins (played by Meryl Streep). A passionate music lover from an early age, the wealthy heiress uses her family’s fortune to establish a private theater in New York City and become a patron of the arts.

But her true longing is to perform.

The movie opens at the Verdi Club, where Florence literally flies above her guests, suspended from a harness while portraying a rather unconventional angel. In the audience are the many socialites who patronize the establishment and are appreciative of the talent her venue and loose purse strings attract. Yet it soon becomes obvious that the eccentric woman has the enthusiasm of a child caged within a body that isn’t able to keep up. Standing by her side is St Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), her husband and B-rate actor, who gently guides and keeps watch of her much like someone balancing an antique statue on a three legged table.

When Florence attends a concert by Lily Pons in Carnegie Hall, it reignites her former desire to sing on stage. From years of experience, Mr. Bayfield knows that resistance to her ideas is a waste of time. So he re-hires the esteemed Metropolitan Opera conductor Carlo Edwards (David Haig) to be Florence’s vocal coach. However, a new pianist is required. The auditions produce Cosme McMoon, a brilliant player who is desperately waiting for his big break.

The paycheck alone has him excited, but when he discovers he’s working with Carlo Edwards, his face immediately reveals his anticipation of having been selected for something amazing. Then Florence opens her mouth…

In what is be one of the funniest movie scenes of the year, we watch St Clair and Carlo patronize their student and implore her to continue practicing while assuring her she has never sounded better. Meanwhile Cosme, doing everything he can to keep his look of utter disbelief under control and not break out into hysterical laughter, focuses all his efforts on playing the classical piece.

It is at this point that we begin to understand the complexities of Florence’s public and private life. A kind and generous woman, she has offered performance and social opportunities to many. She is the financial facilitator to a grand party of benefactors and artistic hopefuls. And now she wants her own moment in the spotlight. How can those who supposedly love her, deny her this opportunity?

What Parents need to know about Florence Foster Jenkins...

Violence: Stage actors wear gory make-up. A character bitrates a disrespectful crowd. A brawl occurs at a bar. A medical condition causes an ugly rash, depleted energy, occasional hysterical behavior and eventually a complete collapse.

Sexual Content: Couples embrace and kiss. An extra-marital affair is depicted.

Sexual relationships are implied. A naked man and women are shown in bed, with sheets covering private body parts. A man makes sexual overtures to another man. A woman strikes some sexy poses in response to some catcalling from a group of men. Mild sexual references and innuendo are heard.

Language: Racial prejudice against Jews is mentioned. Some mild and moderate profanities are heard and terms of deity are used as expletives.

Alcohol / Drug Use: This period piece frequently depicts smoking and alcohol consumption. Several characters drink to excess and many are depicted as drunken. Characters suffering from hangovers vomit.

What Parents need to know about Pete’s Dragon...

Violence: Car accidents occur, but details of the incidents are obscured or implied. A five-year-old is left orphaned and alone when his parents are killed in a crash. Wild animals threaten a child. Characters are depicted as shooting tranquilizer darts at a mythical creature as well as pulling a rope tight around its neck. The dragon attempts to defends itself against capture by breathing fire at those hunting him. Characters are in perilous situations, including one depicted as jumping off a cliff, running through traffic, climbing and falling out of tall trees, leaning out of a car window on a high trestle bridge.

Sexual Content: None noted.

Language: Some name-calling occurs.

Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2016

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