Mobile Bay Parents August 2015

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Volume 5 Number 3

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Mom of the Month 6

Living With Children John Rosemond

For the Love of Learning

Kids Health Watch

Why headaches happen and when to worry.

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Kids Health Watch

Learn four ways to help them truly enjoy school.

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sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

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Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

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Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

After School Activities High School’s Register now for activities that Final Year will enrich your child’s life after the school day is done!

A thorough look at supporting your college-bound child.

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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

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Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Twins Parker and Paisley (age 5) are the son and daughter of Suzanne and Dusty Lewis. The twins have a younger brother, Preston (age 3). Proud grandparents are David and Teresa Lewis and Rusty and Jessie Lewis. Great-grandparents are Luther and Frankie Havard Hack, Louise Lewis and Donna Danford.

Parker and Paisley will be entering Kindergarten this month. For after school fun Paisley enjoys gymnastics and Parker plays t-ball.

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Departments 8

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 57

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth “Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!”

“Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’...get those doggies rollin’!”

These songs take me back to early school mornings when my mom would wake me, my two sisters, and brother up for school. At the time I would grumble, wondering why she was so happy when the sun wasn’t even up yet! It’s funny how I am now doing the same songs with my kids Monday through Friday.

Back to school month is here and it’s time for early wake ups, school uniforms, supplies, and routines.

Before every school year, I begin to pray for the upcoming students and parents who will be entering my classroom. I am proud to say that, as a kindergarten teacher, I am lucky to be part of a child’s first school experience. I know what an important job I have to uphold. My goal is to make learning fun and attainable. The beginning of the school year is the hardest, with rules and routines to be taught, but soon after they are in place what a difference it makes! I have heard it said that a child learns everything he/she needs to know in Kindergarten.

This school year is especially exciting for me because my twins, Parker and Paisley (age 5) will be entering Kindergarten. Although I have been looking forward to this day, I also have a little hesitation because I know they are slowly growing up and becoming more independent. Although they will be across the hall from me, they are still nervous and anxious about making new friends, and being away from me.

Although “Back to School” is a fun and exciting time, it can also be stressful for students and parents. In the feature article, For the Love of Learning, you’ll find four ways to teach your child to enjoy school with helpful tips for making the upcoming school year successful. My favorite part of the article discusses being positive and proactive. If your child knows that you support school and have a positive outlook, he/ she will most likely have the same outlook.

There are also many extracurricular activities your child can be involved in listed in this month’s After School Activities Guide. I believe, as a teacher and a mom, it is important for children to have an “outlet” outside of school where they can release energy and learn new skills. Paisley is involved in gymnastics and Parker and Preston (age 3) play t-ball, along with any sport that has the word “ball” in it!

At this point in my life my kids are playing with trucks and dolls, and playing behind the bleachers at ball games, but I know this will come to an end one day. They will be driving their own cars, playing on a high school field, and even graduating and moving away. Maybe you are in this season of your parenting life and your child will be graduating high school this school year. High School’s Final Year: Supporting your College Bound Child lists several key ideas on how to prepare your child for transitioning to college. Some of the ideas include talking to your child about his/her dreams, and making a list of possible colleges to attend.

Whatever season of life you are in, I hope Mobile Bay Parents magazine gives you encouragement. I’m praying you all have a super school year!

Suzanne Lewis Kindergarten Teacher Saraland Elementary School Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

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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 Christina Katz Suzanne Lewis Diane Turner Maller Superintendent Martha Peek 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 2013 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Bedtime Fears

Common for Preschoolers Q:

About six months ago, our four-year old daughter began complaining of being afraid to be alone at bedtime. Upon questioning, she told us she was afraid of monsters in her closet and under her bed. We were unable to convince her otherwise. In fact, the more we talked to her, the more her fears grew to the point where she was becoming nearly hysterical at bedtime. As a result, I began staying with her until she fell asleep. The problem is that she wants to talk and doesn’t end up falling asleep until ten or eleven o’clock. I should mention that she gives us no other problems and is a happy little girl at preschool.

Does this indicate some deep-seated insecurity or is she, as a therapist friend of mine suggested, just being manipulative? In any case, your advice would be appreciated.

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I have no way of knowing your daughter’s emotional status, but a “deep-seated insecurity” is unlikely given that she functions well except at bedtime. I doubt she’s being manipulative either. Children this age really don’t possess the level of cunning and social intelligence necessary to purposefully manipulate people. It may seem at times as if they are, but appearance—in this case, your daughter appears to have “manipulated” you into staying with her at bedtime— and actuality are two different things. The sudden advent of random fears—especially various bedtime fears—is fairly common to children this age. Most of the kids in question are otherwise well-adjusted, as seems the case with your daughter.

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Paradoxically, and as you’ve already discovered, the more parents try to talk a child out of being afraid of something unreal like monsters in the closet, the worse the fear becomes. In a preschooler, the power of the irrational in combination with the power of imagination is stronger than the power of reason. My first recommendation, therefore, is that you abandon all such efforts. The quality of your explanations doesn’t matter; your best words aren’t going to work.

My second recommendation is that you continue to remain with your daughter until she falls asleep, but that you impose a penalty on her for the pleasure of your company.

Tell her you’ve learned that children who are afraid at bedtime need more sleep, meaning they need much earlier bedtimes. So if she wants you to stay with her at bedtime, she must go to bed right after supper the following night. On that following night, if she again wants you to stay with her, do so, but remind her that her bedtime the next night will have to be right after supper because she obviously still needs more sleep. And so on.

In other words, she continues to enjoy your presence at bedtime, but has to pay a price for it.

My experience predicts that if you are able to pull this off without any show of frustration, it will take two to four weeks for your daughter to begin telling you NOT to stay with her at bedtime. Yes, you will be inconvenienced during that time, but much less inconvenienced than you might be otherwise. More than a few parents have told me horror stories of these bedtime fears not only lasting several years but also breeding other fears and anxieties along the way.

The approach I just described has prevented many a molehill from becoming a mountain.

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

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Every Monday Matters

Join the Mobile BayBears for Every Monday Matters. They've partnered with the Bay Area Food Bank to collect nonperishable food donations. Fans can receive a free grandstand ticket to a Monday Night Home BayBears Game with the donation of two nonperishable food items. Visit the Mobile BayBears website www.milb.com/ index.jsp?sid=t417 for a schedule of games.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Launches Walk/Run Series in 58 Cities

Marquee event to be held in September 26 at the Eastern Shore Centre for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month This September, people in 58 cities nationwide will lace up their sneakers and take to the streets in support of kids and families battling childhood cancer by participating in the inaugural St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer. Mobile & Baldwin County will host the signature event in the new national series during September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In Mobile and Baldwin County, the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will take place Sept. 26. The route will pass through the Eastern Shore Centre in Spanish Fort. Registration for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer is $10 for adults and children ages six and up. Participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, with incentives beginning at the $100 and $250 fundraising levels. To register and learn additional event details, visit stjude.org/walkrun.

17th Annual Chef Challenge

The aspiration of our national partner, Feeding America, in naming September Hunger Action Month is to mobilize every American in the fight against hunger. In honor of Hunger Action Month, we hold our annual Chef Challenge fundraiser. The 17th annual Chef Challenge will be held on Thursday, September 3, at the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile. Guests will enjoy the favorite dishes of some of our area’s most prestigious chefs, live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction, and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. All proceeds from Chef Challenge are used to help those in need within our 24-county service area along the Central Gulf Coast. If you’d like more information about Chef Challenge, or if you are interested in participating, contact Stephanie Snyder at (251) 653-1617 ext. 141 or ssnyder@bayareafoodbank.org.

Marc-Art is Thursday, August 6th

You are invited to our festive exhibit and sale of inspiring artwork by Mobile Arc artists as well as their collaborative pieces created with artists from the community. Come enjoy this annual celebration’s unique art, music, food, and drinks. Join us August 6th at 6:00 p.m. at Azalea Manor. All proceeds benefit Mobile Arc art education programs, which help people with developmental disabilities continue to learn, express themselves, and experience the joy the arts bring to their lives. Tickets are $25 and available by calling Suzanne Dennis, 479-7409, ext. 623.

Remington College Mobile Campus Offers Free Back-to-School Haircuts

Remington College is again offering free back to school haircuts through its Cuts for Kids promotion.

Throughout the month of August, all Remington College cosmetology programs are providing free haircuts to kids 17 years of age and under. Here’s how to participate at Remington College Mobile Campus: Event dates: Monday, August 3 - Monday, August 31. To schedule an appointment, call the Remington College School of Cosmetology at 251-342-4848. Walk-ins are also welcome. Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Address: 4368 Downtowner Loop South During Cuts for Kids, Remington College will also be collecting school supplies - pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.

Anyone who brings in a donation can get a free haircut, manicure, or pedicure for themselves. All school supplies collected will go to local schools. Haircuts will be provided by students and instructors in the Remington College’s Cosmetology Diploma program. For more on the Remington College Cosmetology Program, visit remingtoncosmo.com or call 1-800-448-6405.

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New Splash Pad Opens in City of Mobile

Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Commissioner Merceria Ludgood and Councilman Levon Manzie announced the opening of a new splash pad at Seals Park. “Providing amenities in our parks such as splash pads connects our community together,” said Mayor Stimpson. “I am committed to improving our parks to become the most family-friendly city in America.”

The Seals Park Splash pad is 50' diameter spray pad defined by a 6' wide perimeter concrete walk and is enclosed with a 5' high decorative fence. The project also included the installation of 6 new benches, a new 5' wide concrete walks, two trash receptacles and a drinking fountain. CSA Group, Inc. designed the project and Aeiker Construction built the final product. The entire project cost $252,679 with funds allocated by Commissioner Ludgood. Seals Park has also undergone other improvements including new ball field lighting, security lighting and tennis court resurfacing and lighting. A new walking trail is also expected to open this September.

“I want to thank Commissioner Ludgood’s support for this project,” said Stimpson.

“This has been a great example of how the County and City can partner together to improve our community.” Three other splash pads can be found in the City of Mobile at Tricentennial Park, McCants-Chavers Park and Sullivan Park.

The Village of Spring Hill’s Third Annual Screen on the Green

The Village of Spring Hill’s “Screen on the Green” Outdoor Movie Series continues monthly through the Fall. Due to an increase in attendance and a great response to our Spring and early Summer movies, the Village of Spring Hill has decided to continue it’s Screen on the Green Movie Series each month from July to October. Sponsored by Rouses Markets, the Film Series is a family-friendly event where neighbor can meet neighbor to watch movies under the stars. Admission is FREE! Bring blankets or lawn chairs and join us Saturday, July 11th for “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day” at 8:15 p.m.

Saturday, August 22 at 7:45 p.m. the movie “Home” will be shown. Come early and be entertained by Dr. Gee's Magic and Balloons from 6:30 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, September 12 at 7:15 p.m. take an adventure ride with “Guardians of the Galaxy”. From 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. enter the Best Superhero Costume Contest with a prize for best costume (ages 0-16 years). Our series concludes on Saturday, October 10 at 6:45 p.m. with “Hotel Transylvania”. Come early to participate in a costume contest from 5:45 to 6:45. There will be a prize for best costume ages 0-5 and 6-10 years. All movies will be shown on Dorn Field on the campus of Spring Hill College. Special thanks to our Title Sponsors Rouses Markets and our Pre-Movie Entertainment Sponsor Spring Hill Comprehensive Dentistry. www.thevillageofspringhill.com, or https://www.facebook.com/TheVillageOfSpringHill.

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

Girls of Fall - now in its third year - is a unique event focusing on female football fans, featuring football, fashion and fun! This year's event will be more interactive than the previous events and will feature new sessions and more vendors than in the first two years. Our female fans will learn more about the game, plus have an opportunity to eat and drink - and shop! Join us August 20, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center. The Cost is $25 in advance and $30 at door (First 100 to register online are entered to win a VIP Fan Package to 2016 Reese's Senior Bowl). This event will include Food, Beverages, Entertainment, Breakout Sessions that include Inside the Game, Rules of the Game, Tailgating/Party Tips, Football Fashion Show and Shopping. Please visit www.seniorbowl.com for more information.

MBAAA Golf Tournament to Benefit Little Sisters of the Poor and Care House

MBAAA (Mobile Bay Area Apartment Association) is happy to announce the inaugural Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Little Sisters of the Poor and Care House. This special event is to be held Thursday, September 10th at Heron Lakes Country Club. Check-in begins at11:00 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 and Shotgun Start at 12:30 p.m. The fun does not stop there though! The fun continues into the evening with a silent auction at 5:00 p.m. followed by the awards banquet at 6:00 p.m. MBAAA is also looking for sponsors. 100% of proceeds benefit Little Sisters of the Poor and Care House. For more information, to register a team or to become a sponsor contact Whitney Briones, Event Organizer, 251-298-9552 or wbriones@realfloors.com. The Mobile Bay Area Apartment Association is a non-profit professional organization.

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Doughnut Dash and Dare

It’s everyone’s dream. Melt-in-your-mouth, Krispy Kreme doughnuts perfectly arranged ready to eat.

The best part? Every doughnut has YOUR name on it. Not only are they yours, but you are expected to eat and enjoy each and every one of those perfect pastries. There's just one condition. You must run to reach this doughnut haven, and once you eat them, you must complete the rest of your race that you won't soon forget.

At the 1.5mi mark, 5K participants may take the dare to STOP and EAT 6 delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts before moving on to finish the 5K. One mile participants may take the Dare to STOP and EAT one delicious Krispy Kreme doughnut before moving on to finish the 1 mi. Join us Saturday, August 15 at 7:30 a.m. for a race you will remember that will start on the Spring Hill College Campus. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by August 8), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on August 13, or on-line at https://www. eventbrite.com until four AM midnight August 14. Race day registration and packet pick-up on the Spring Hill Campus from 6:30 – 7:15 AM.

Founder’s Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Bellingrath Gardens and Home will continue a longstanding tradition when it celebrates the legacy of its founder, Walter Bellingrath, on Thursday, August 6, his birthday.

“Over 80 years ago, Walter Bellingrath opened the Gardens to the citizens of Mobile,” said Dr. William E. Barrick, Executive Director of Bellingrath Gardens and Home. “To honor his birthday, we are offering free admission to the citizens of Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Even though we are in the heat of summer, his gardens are lush and full of color.”

On Founder’s Day, admission to the Gardens is complimentary to all Mobile and Baldwin County residents, but there is an additional charge to tour the Bellingrath Museum Home.

Bellingrath and his wife, Bessie, created Bellingrath Gardens from a former fishing camp along the Fowl River, which Bellingrath purchased in 1917. The Bellingraths opened the Gardens to the public for the first time on April 7, 1932.

The Founder’s Day tradition dates back to 1949, when Mr. Bellingrath invited local residents to come and enjoy the Gardens at no charge as part of his 80th birthday celebration.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the 65-acre garden and estate home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call 251.973.2217.

Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, shown in the late 1930s. (Courtesy of Bellingrath Gardens and Home)

Aug. 22, 7:45 pm - Home

Dr. Gee’s Magic and Balloons from 6:30-8 pm.

Food Vendors: Papa Johns and Kona Ice

Sept. 12, 7:15 pm - Guardians of the Galaxy

Best Superhero Costume Contest with prize for best costume, ages 0-16 years. Food Vendors: Pita Pit

Oct. 10, 6:45 pm - Hotel Transylvania

Costume contest from 5:45-6:45 pm. Prize for best costume, ages 0-5 and 6-10 years. Food Vendor: Pizza Hut Presented by:

www.TVOSH.com

Title Sponsor:

Pre-movie entertainment provided by Spring Hill Comprehensive Dentistry 11

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Original Oyster House Hosts an American Oyster Celebration

The Original Oyster House hosts an American Oyster Celebration this summer which spotlights fresh Gulf oysters in a variety of delectable dishes to celebrate National Oyster Day (August 5th).

Recorded history of the New England settlements indicated a passion for oysters. Oysters were so sought and plentiful in colonial times that they were shipped back to Europe from America. During the early 1800s, oysters were eaten by wealthier people except in local harvesting areas. But by the mid to late 1800s when production surged, all economic levels enjoyed oysters because they cost less than poultry and other meats.

Love of oysters inspired early Americans to transform them into culinary desserts. Mark Twain claimed his favorite ice cream flavor was oyster as a mention in his book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. While some more popular oysters were transplanted from place to place in the 19th Century, oysters were able to keep pace with the demand. Today, the fate of the edible oyster relies on science, mankind and the environment. So as you join the American Oyster Celebration don’t forget that oysters are steeped in history and share a culinary moment with our colonial ancestors.

Several features on the American Oyster Celebration menu include Joe & Dave’s Favorite which combines garlic cocktail sauce, Applewood smoked bacon crumbles and Parmesan cheese. Gulf oysters are considered some of the tastiest in the world so if you never tried them, you can’t beat Gulf oysters on a half shell, an Original Oyster House signature. For more information about The American Oyster Celebration and The Original Oyster House, visit www.originaloysterhouse.comor call 251-928-2620.

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile Announces Buddy Walk® T-Shirt Design Contest

The Down Syndrome Society of Mobile (DSSM), is excited to announce the first-ever t-shirt design contest for the annual Buddy Walk, planned for Saturday, October 17, in downtown Mobile’s Bienville Square. As a way to involve the Mobile-area community in this year’s Buddy Walk event, the DSSM is sponsoring a t-shirt design contest, where area artists, graphic designers and others can submit their proposed design for the front of the official t-shirt for the 2015 Buddy Walk in Mobile, which is given to all who register for the 1-mile awareness walk in October. All submitted designs are due to DSSM (via email to downsyndromesociety@gmail.com) by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Submissions will then be judged by a panel of local media personalities and artists. For full contest rules, visit http://bit.ly/buddywalkmobiletshirtcontest. For more information on the Buddy Walk and the Down Syndrome Society of Mobile, visit www.dssmobile.org.

Inaugural Reel Hope Fishing Tournament

The inaugural Reel Hope Classic fishing tournament is set for August 28-29 at the Orange Beach Marina (27075 Marina Road). Hosted by the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, the event will benefit patients treated at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. The Reel Hope Classic will kick off the tournament weekend with the Captains’ Meeting and pre-party at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at the Orange Beach Marina. Participating crew members can bring one guest each to enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, and a live auction.

On Saturday, four-man teams can compete in categories including inshore fishing for $250 per boat and offshore fishing for $500 per boat. A jackpot category is also available for an additional $25 per boat. All boats must be under the bridge at Orange Beach Marina by 6 p.m. Weigh-in will run from 4-8 p.m. Individuals can register under the “Land Lubber” category to fish from the Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores for $25 per person.

To register or get more information about the tournament, visit give.childrensal.org/ reelhope or call Kerrie Benson at 251-610-4969. Further updates can also be found on the event’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ReelHopeClassic).

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Local Jazz Camp Honors Legacy of Band Leader

The 17th Annual Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival (GCEHJF), to be held during July 27 through August 1, proudly announces that its annual Summer Jazz Camp program will be named in honor of the late Marcus Johnson, former band leader of Mobile’s own Bay City Brass Band, affectionately known as the “Kings of the Second-Line.” Also, the Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp (MJSJC) will be expanded from a 3-day to a 5-day program, to be held from July 27 through 31, at the Historic Museum of Mobile, and will include scholarship opportunities for aspiring Jazz artists throughout the Gulf Coast community.

Registration information is available online at www.gcehjazzfest.com.

Marcus Johnson, a native Mobilian and talented Jazz artist and musician, founded the ever popular Bay City Brass Band in 1997. Under his direction, this group of amazing musicians performed during Mardi Gras parades and a host of other notable local and regional events and activities. The Band quickly developed a huge following, and became affectionately known as “the Kings of the Second Line!" Johnson was an enthusiastic music instructor and mentor to a host of aspiring youth artists. He passed away Dec. 20, 2014, just four days before his 44th birthday. The MJSJC precedes the 17th Annual GCEH Jazz Festival concert, to be held August 1, from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m., at The Temple, located at 351 St. Francis Street in downtown Mobile. The Festival features an exciting line-up including: renowned piano virtuoso, Gino Rosaria (also the Artist in Residence for the 2015 MJSJC); The E.B. Coleman Orchestra; legendary Blues man, Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, “Gulf Coast Blues Boy,” Jamell Richardson; and Mobile’s own Bay City Brass Band. Admission is a donation of $10 at the door. www.gcehjazzfest.com.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Hours Extended through Labor Day

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center has extended visiting hours now through Labor Day so guests can enjoy exhibits and programs seven days a week. Hours are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday Noon-5 p.m. Among the highlights this summer are two exhibits featuring manned space flight. “Beyond Earth”, explores mankind’s fascination with the universe, through a collection of large format photography from numerous NASA expeditions, meteorites found all over the world, and artifacts from the Space Race.

Also open at the Exploreum through September 7 is “Journey to Mars”, an exhibit that showcases the history of space flight and the future of space travel. Through artifacts, models, simulators and hands-on activities visitors can experience the progression of space travel from the moon landing to the mission to put a person on Mars. www.exploreum.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Headaches

Why They Happen and When to Worry Headaches seem to be an all-too-common occurrence for everyone. They can occur in any age group, for a number of reasons, and in some cases may represent serious health problems. This month I will discuss some of the basic types of headaches and which signs may be more worrisome if spotted in your child.

Dull, aching headaches are the most common type.

These can occur in children very young – too young to fully explain what the headache feels like. They are usually painful all over the head, may improve with Tylenol or Motrin, and usually persist for a few hours or less. These headaches can be caused from stress (also called tension headaches), dehydration (even mild dehydration that may not be realized throughout the day), caffeine withdrawal, or medicinal side-effects. These are the most benign types of headache as well and are easier to treat.

Migraines are also a common cause of headaches, even in children as young as 6 or 7 years of age. These are a little more difficult to diagnose in younger age groups because

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

the diagnosis relies heavily on the patient’s description of the headache. These are usually throbbing, one-sided, associated with visual changes and nausea or vomiting. They generally last hours or days, get better with quiet, dark places, and occasionally can be relieved by Motrin or prescribed medications. This is the typical presentation of migraines in adults, however they do not always appear this “textbook,” and migraines do not always feel or appear the same way in each person. These are more common in people who have family members with a history of migraines. In children, these also can occur with more abdominal symptoms – termed abdominal migraines or cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Another more serious, but thankfully much less common, cause of headaches is increased intracranial pressure. The head is made up of bone (skull), brain matter, and fluid within the brain. If any of these grow larger than they should, pressure increases, causing sustained headaches and vomiting, especially after laying down flat. The most common causes of this in children are hydrocephalus

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(increased fluid in the brain) or tumors or masses in either the bone or brain (these can be benign or malignant types). Symptoms associated with these diagnoses typically worsen slowly over weeks to months, happen daily, and are generally more severe in the morning.

When you are talking to your child’s doctor about concerns with headaches, be as descriptive as you and your child can be.

Many times it helps to keep a headache diary, which is a log of the frequency of headaches, the duration, any associated symptoms, and anything that worsens or improves the pain.

Be honest with your pediatrician about what concerns you the most about the headaches and your doctor will investigate either by a simple physical exam and history, or by using labs or imaging to help determine how to best treat your child’s headaches.

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.

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Autauga County Schools

Letter from Superintendent Martha Peek It’s always exciting to welcome students back to another year in Mobile County Public Schools, where education is our focus and It Starts With Us. You have probably heard the term “school choice,” and I am proud of the choices Mobile County Public Schools offers to our 59,000 students and their parents. That includes our Signature Academies, where students in all 12 of our high schools are participating in hands-on, relevant learning experiences and preparing for college and careers in fields ranging from aviation to engineering, health care to coastal studies. That includes our 12 Blue Ribbon Schools, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for being the top public and private schools in the country, as well as our six magnet schools specializing in college preparation, math and science, and the arts. It also includes our two pre-International Baccalaureate schools and two International Baccalaureate schools; our four Torchbearer schools; and our 40 Schools of Innovation that are changing the way students learn and teachers teach.

Twenty-seven of our elementary schools offer pre-kindergarten. We also have two stand-alone schools for students with special needs: Augusta Evans and the Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind. All our schools are engaging students in their learning through the use of state-of-the art technology. We have SMARTboards in all of our classrooms. Students are collaborating and creating projects with the 1 terabyte of storage and access to Microsoft and Adobe software for use at school and home. They are blogging, writing code and using 3-D printers.

Mobile County Public Schools was the first in the state to open an entirely online school for students in grades 6-12 who prefer to take their classes at home via the computer at their own pace. We graduated our first students from the Envision Virtual Academy this summer.

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We were one of the first schools in the country to offer college classes on campus through a partnership with the University of Alabama Early College and Murphy High School. Students can earn up to 30 hours of college credit there and we are preparing to open applications up to students from across the county. Besides that program, all of our high schools offer students the opportunity to earn college credit through dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. Baker High is one of a handful of schools in the state to be named an Advanced Placement Capstone School for its success with AP. We are in the midst of $100 million worth of school construction projects, where we are building brand new schools, renovating campuses and adding multipurpose buildings.

Our Class of 2015 earned $96 million worth of college scholarships, which is a significant increase from the $72 million earned in 2014. We also saw a significant increase in the number of students earning industry-certified career credentials, from 7,307 in 2014 to 11,162 in 2015. They include dual enrollment college credit in technical fields, NCCR (construction) credential, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), OSHA 10-Hour Safety Card, Microsoft Office Specialist, AWS (welding), etc. I credit that to the efforts we are making to provide rigor and relevance in the classroom that challenges our students and has them thinking about and preparing for their futures.

As you buy school supplies and uniforms, please know that you are sending your child off on that first day of school to receive the best education possible. We appreciate the opportunity to teach your child and are happy you have chosen Mobile County Public Schools.

I encourage you to stay involved in your child’s school and informed about what we are all working together to accomplish. Join the PTA or PTO. Ask your child about his or her school work and homework. Also, encourage your child to attend school every day as attendance is a leading factor in academic achievement.

Log on to our revamped and more userfriendly mcpss.com for information; follow us on Facebook and Twitter; and tune into our 24-hour mcpssTV, available via mcpss.

TV, Comcast, AT&T U-verse and Roku boxes. And remember: It Starts With Us. www.mobilebayparents.com

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Satsuma HS Cheerleaders Invited to Perform in Citrus Bowl

The Satsuma High School varsity cheerleaders attended the UCA Iron Man camp at the University of Alabama June 26-28. The Iron Man camp is an invitation-only fastpaced skills camp for competitive cheerleading programs. While at Iron Man, these young ladies learned and developed elite stunning skills and pyramids and competed in strenuous Iron Man challenges. On the final day of camp, the staff awarded the squad for the Best Variety of Stunt Transitions, and named senior Mary Layne Barfoot as an All-American Cheerleader. Three other squad members--Madison Verkouille, Callie Holmes, and Shelby Preston--received Pin-It-Forward recognitions for outstanding leadership. The squad was also invited to perform in the Citrus Bowl. The cheerleaders are pictured as follows: (back left to right) sophomores Brittni Lynch, Callie Holmes, Jada Price, Katie Eubanks, Shelby Preston, Ashton Black, Tori Lowery, and Allison Windham; (front row left to right) seniors Madison Verkouille, Heather Smelley, and Mary Layne Barfoot.

Mobile County Students Earn $96.6 Million in College Scholarships

Mobile County Public Schools’ Class of 2015 received $96.6 million worth of college scholarships.

That’s an increase from $72 million in 2014. In addition, our students earned a record 11,162 career credentials, which is up from 7,307 in 2014. These are adult credentials that are recognized nationally by business and industry. They include dual enrollment college credit in technical fields, NCCR (construction) credential, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), OSHA 10-Hour Safety Card, Microsoft Office Specialist, AWS (welding), etc. “These numbers signify academic achievement, and they show that our students are understanding what it means to be college and career ready,” said Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Martha Peek. “College and career readiness is not just a buzz word in Mobile County Public Schools. It’s reality,” Peek added. “Our students have career goals in mind and they are working toward them.” A total of 3,602 students graduated from Mobile County’s 12 high schools. About one-third of the graduates, or 1,051, received at least one scholarship offer. The $96.6 million total includes academic, athletic, leadership, military, arts and other scholarships. Having these career credentials can make a difference in whether students get hired as well as in their entry-level salaries.

Working toward the credentials exposes students to the demands and standards they will face in the workforce.

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Autauga CountyDistinguished Schools Young Women Pay Visit to Woody’s Song School

The children at The Learning Tree’s Woody’s Song School were treated to a visit by participants in the 2015 Distinguished Young Women program as a part of the Junior League of Mobile’s “Be Your Best Self Day.” The young women helped with classroom activities and then headed outside to play on the playground with the children. The kids had a great time meeting new friends from all over the country.

Warrior Baseball Prepares for Battle

The Cottage Hill Christian Academy varsity baseball team completed a great summer program. The Warrior Baseball team competed in the AHSAA umpires tournament in Mobile during the first weekend of June. The Warriors defeated Dothan High School, Deshler High School, and Gulf Shores High School. After participating in that tournament, the Warriors worked hard twice a week in non-mandatory workouts on campus. To conclude the mandated playdates, the Warriors participated in Davidson High School’s annual wood bat tourney.

The Warriors faced McGill-Toolen, Davidson, Jackson, and Leroy High School.

In the two day tournament, the Warriors made it to the semi-finals before the summer came to an end. With several upperclassmen returning, the CHCA baseball team looks to surpass the success in the 2015 season and notch another 30+ wins.

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Arkema Excellence Award 2015

Arkema wants to impress upon the students at McDavidJones Elementary the importance of good behavior, attitude and good grades. The “Arkema Excellence Award” was given to a student from each grade level who exemplified good citizenship throughout the school year. The students were picked from the students who were chosen for “Caught Being Good”.

The following students were recognized during end of the year awards. Each student received a $25 gift card from Books-A-Million.

Kindergarten-Kara Howard; 1st GradeD.J. Robinson; 2nd Grade-Bradly Hatcher; 3rd Grade – Naisar Powell; 4th Grade – Gabe Reynolds; 5th Grade – Jacob Arnold. We would like to thank Arkema for their continued support of our students. They continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.

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Autauga CountySchool Schools Welcomes New Principal Little Flower Catholic

Little Flower Catholic School bids farewell to retiring principal, Clara Brunk (right) and welcomes new principal, Alesa Weiskopf (left). Ms. Weiskopf is no stranger to Little Flower, having taught fifth grade for 23 years at the school before this transition. She was happy to receive the Viking Hat with encouraging words from the outgoing principal, and pledges many more years of success for Little Flower School, the Light of the Loop.

U12 Rugby Players Win Gold Medal

Mobile Area Rugby Foundation made history at the Alabama Sports Festival in U12 Rugby. Six young rugby players traveled to the Wiregrass to represent the Greater Mobile area in the 3-match contest. In the organization's first year to participate in the games, it was fortunate to not only experience the great traditions of the Alabama Sports Festival Opening Ceremonies, but also to win the Gold Medal for Mobile. Mobile Area Rugby Foundation is a non-profit organization centered on developing the sport of rugby for youth, while also focusing on the traits of leadership, fitness, inclusion, and passion in the development of personal character. We are currently working on a rookie rugby clinic schedule for after school and weekends so parents can bring their boys and girls, ages 8-12, to learn more about this fascinating sport that was recently included into the Olympics. For more information contact Battleship Youth Rugby (251) 2721058 or visit www.mobilerugby.org.

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St. Luke’s Mascot Visits Summer Campers

St. Luke's Summer Campers are having a great time! Their days are filled with activities including swimming, arts and crafts, playground, library time, field trips and fun with friends. Wilks the Wildcat and some of the varsity cheerleaders made a special trip to pop in on the campers. The kids loved the surprise visit.

St. Pius X School Gym Gets a Facelift

The St. Pius X School gym is undergoing a facelift this summer. Renovations include new lighting and electronic scoreboards, along with painting and other improvements. The gym will be ready by August 17, for the first day of school when St. Pius will be hosting Donuts and Coffee for all of our parents after morning drop-off. School will dismiss at noon that day. For those missing this preview of the gym renovations another opportunity will be available on Wednesday, August 26, when St. Pius X hosts Open House at 5:30 followed by the first PTO meeting at 6. For our parents’ convenience, CAPPS training will also be available following the PTO meeting at 7.

McGill-Toolen Catholic Athletes Receive National Exposure Pictured are Marlon Williams & Sheldon Layman at USC camp with Coach Steve Sarkisian.

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Covenant Christian School Soccer Camp

Covenant Christian School had another great turn out for summer soccer camp this year. CCS had a morning and afternoon session due to the high number of kids interested in soccer. Coach Brandon Richardson is excited about the future of soccer at CCS. CCS fielded 8 soccer teams last spring with CASA and had over 70 kids participating in the world’s most popular sport. CCS is currently renovating their field and playground with expansions happening in both areas. Go Eagles!

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UMS-Wright Cheerleading Squads Win Awards at Annual UCA Camp

All three of the UMS-Wright Cheerleading squads attended UCA Cheerleading Camp at the Beach Club in May. The Middle School squad won 2nd place in Extreme Routine, 1st place in Cheer competition, and was the over-all Middle School Camp Champions. The Junior Varsity squad won 3rd place in Extreme Routine and 3rd place in Cheer competition. The UMS-Wright Varsity Cheerleaders took 1st place in Extreme Routine and 1st place in Cheer competition.

Congratulations to the coaches and squads for all of their hard work!

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Autauga County Schools

St. Pius X Book Drop-off and Carnival

St. Pius X will hold their annual Book Drop-off and Back to School Carnival on Saturday, August 15. The afternoon begins with Book Drop-off at 3:30, followed by Mass at 4, and the Back to School Carnival at 5 PM. In addition, St. Pius X School is excited to be adding a Pre-K3 Program to their west campus this school year.

Pictured are members of this year’s Pre-K4 program.

McGill-Toolen Graduate Finishes Third in Vault at Junior Nationals

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McGill-Toolen Catholic recent graduate Sean Collins finished third at USA Junior Nationals in Eugene Oregon. He placed third with a United States High School #vault of 17-10.5! Sean will be competing for the University of South Alabama this fall.

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Corpus Christi Teacher Travels to Germany

Ms. Theresa Roh, 5th grade teacher at Corpus Christi Catholic School, spent 2 weeks traveling and learning about modern Germany as part of the Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP). TOP is a nonprofit, public/private partnership between the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the Goethe-Institut, Deutsche Bank, the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and the Siemens Corporation. It was founded in 2002 to promote education about Germany, to encourage intercultural dialogue, and to provide the opportunity for North American social studies educators to experience Germany in person. Ms. Roh is pictured in front of the Frankfurt Opera House. She is excited to share all that she learned with her students this coming school year!

Corpus Christi Catholic School Building the Body of Christ one Student at a time .

Corpus Christi Catholic School serves students in K3 through eighth grade.

Established in 1958 by Corpus Christi Parish, the school is committed to building the Body of Christ. It seeks to integrate the teachings of the inspired Word of God with a sense of Christian fellowship and service to community. Corpus Christi Catholic School is committed to high academic performance in a Christian setting, laying a foundation for a productive, faith-filled life. Dedicated faculty and staff nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus.

For additional information or to schedule a tour, please contact the school office at 251.342.5474.

Corpus Christi Catholic School 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school

St. Paul’s Summer Enrichment Programs and New Summer Day Camp Experience

This summer, St. Paul’s students in grades PreK through 5th grade were able to participate in a safe and dynamic day camp experience! Summer Saints Day Camp was a newly designed program that was directed by caring and committed St. Paul’s staff who created an exciting program to engage both mind and body. Each week was focused on a different theme and campers enjoyed water play, field trips and participated in special daily activities such as arts and crafts, music, recreation, and much more!

St. Paul’s Episcopal School also offered numerous summer school classes (math, reading, study skills, Spanish) and enrichment classes (music, art, computer, cooking, acting, game-ventures, super sleuths, and more!) throughout the summer. There were several Athletic Camps for all ages including Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball, Cheerleading, Soccer and Swimming. All of these classes were open to the public.

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Autauga County Schools St. Luke’s Episcopal School Holds Exciting Workshop

This summer teachers at St. Luke's Episcopal School were treated to a workshop like no other! Dave Burgess, the "pirate" in the photo, engaged the group with his high energy, exceptional creativity and powerful personal classroom experiences. Our faculty was transfixed for an entire day as he used a unique combination of magic and humor to reignite and fuel their passion for the education profession.

With his presentation style of unbelievable intensity and outrageous energy, Mr. Burgess inspired our staff to create lesson plans that will have our students knocking down the classroom doors each day to see what is in store!

St. Mary Catholic Kindergarten Round Up!

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St. Mary Catholic School prepares incoming kindergartners and their parents for their entrance into elementary school at the annual Kindergarten Round Up! This event offers an introduction to kindergarten and an orientation to St. Mary Catholic School. During this event, St. Mary's new kindergarten Mustangs are suited up with colorful bandannas, enjoy refreshments, meet their teachers, and get a sneak peak at their very first school uniforms.

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St. Paul’s Senior Wins First Congressional District Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. This year, out of 133 entries in the First Congressional District Art Competition, St. Paul’s Episcopal School had three winners.

Siobhan Johnson won First Place for her mixed media encaustic entitled “Brotherhood’s Past.” Johnson’s work will be displayed for a full year in the corridor that connects the United States Capitol to the U.S. House of Representatives. She will also be invited to Washington D.C., for a special awards ceremony in June.

Grace Jeon received Second Place for her Scratchboard entitled “With my Sister.”

Anna Alford received Honorable Mention for her Acrylic Painting on Tar Paper entitled ”Sunset on the Canal.”

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St. Ignatius Students Trade Spaces

St. Ignatius Parish has a special program for incoming 5th-7thgrade students each summer during VBS week. Trading Spaces, God’s Way is a great program centered around service. This year, St. Ignatius had over 60 youth volunteers who completed a work project at St. Mary’s Home. They completely repainted a wing of St. Mary’s Home and spent some time with the participants who live there. At the end of the week the kids had the big reveal and then they all had a pizza party and some basketball fun. It was a great experience for all the volunteers. Thank you St. Mary’s Home for letting us invade a wing for the week. Pictured left-right: Branson McCafferty, Jack Sims, Cameron Stadther, Parker Elebash, William Coggin, Lindon Hutchisson and Colin Cromwell.

Because the first five years have so much to do with how the next eighty turn out.

The Early Learning Center at St. Luke’s Episcopal School offers 2 and 3 year old programs designed to introduce your child to a nurturing learning environment filled with play-based activities including literacy, foreign language, music, science, art, and our exclusive iKids technology program. Learn more!

Space is limited.

251-666-2991 www. stlukesmobile.com.

Early Childhood & Lower School Campus 3975 Japonica Lane Mobile 36693

Middle and Upper School Campus 1400 University Blvd. S. Mobile 36609 25

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Autauga County Schools

Lady Warriors Basketball

The Cottage Hill Christian Academy Lady Warriors basketball players have been involved in summer practice to improve their skills and grow as a team. The girls, ranging in age from upcoming 8th grade to upcoming juniors, have played on Tuesdays nights in June at the University of West Florida. CHCA ended up with a 5-5 record after a rocky start then finished with several strong wins. We are so proud of how far they have come on and off the court. Come out and watch these ladies in action this coming school year.

St. Mary Parish Youth Ministry

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St. Mary Parish Youth Ministry Life Teen and Edge groups have a full schedule this summer and much of that time involves volunteering. Each Wednesday, youth members volunteer for St. Mary Family Nights where they sell popcorn and ice cream to raise funds for their activities. Service programs for this summer include the Alive in You Mission Trip at Spring Hill College, volunteer days at Little Sisters of the Poor and Sea Breeze Health Care Center, and assistance with St. Mary's vacation bible school.

Pictured: St. Mary's new Youth Ministry Director, Katelynn Hanna, with Life Teen Volunteers, Riley Maratorana, Millie Maratorana, and Mary Felrath.

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Covenant Christian Citizenship Award Winners

Each year at Covenant Christian, one student from 3rd-8th grade is selected from each class to receive the prestigious Citizenship Award. For 2014-2015, award winners included (left to right), Zachary Haataja, Kylie Kina, Blakely Boone, Jonathan Rush, Sophie Lynch, Lauren Field, Abby Locklier, Matthew Richardson, and Jolena Farrish (not pictured).

St. Pius X Holds Movie Night

St. Pius X School hosted Movie Night for parents, students and parishioners on Friday, June 26. Everyone enjoyed popcorn, snacks and a viewing of “Paddington the Bear�, which was held in the Sarto Center. Pictured here are some of our enthusiastic movie goers.

Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@ mobilebayparents.com to be printed FREE! Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

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Mobile Area Education Foundation Working To Support Mobile County Students Graduating With Success

For the last 23 years the Mobile Area Education Foundation (MAEF) has been working to ensure all students are given the chance to succeed. MAEF works collaboratively with public school districts, civic and community leaders, business and industry leaders, and other area community organizations to ensure our students are given the support and tools needed to graduate high school with a plan for achievement.

Over the years MAEF has led the charge in incorporating the community’s voice into our schools, and making that voice a reality. With the creation and implementation of the Graduate Ready Initiative (Graduate Ready), MAEF is continuing our path of offering first-class opportunities to all students at all schools.

Graduate Ready is a partnership between MAEF and public schools in Mobile County to ensure that they graduate students who are prepared for success in college and the workforce, engaged and able to apply learning in the real world, and equipped with 21st century workforce skills. Each of MAEF’s 10 programs tie into Graduate Ready, and work toward fulfilling our regional job markets with capable graduates from our schools.

MAEF has had vast success amongst our programs, and the proof is in the numbers. We have invested millions of dollars in the development of our teachers and teacher leaders, so the best faculties are in our classrooms each and every day. We have developed evening and summer programs that are creating a new pathway to graduation for kids who have dropped out or at risk of dropping out of school, where nearly 1,000 students have received their high school diploma since the program’s inception in 2005. Elementary and middle school students are being introduced to Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math with nationally recognized curriculum and afterschool programing that MAEF designed.

Each year elementary school students are gaining the confidence and skills needed to learn to read by utilizing one-on-one practices with MAEF volunteers. Lastly the graduation rate in Mobile County is on the rise, and has reached 82 percent due to Graduate Ready, and MAEF placing focus on the importance of connecting schools, business and industry, and community partners. There are many ways for the community to be involved with MAEF and the Graduate Ready movement.

We seek the community to support us by donating time by volunteering with us and our programs, donating money that assists us in our efforts to serve Mobile County and improve the quality of life for all citizens, and to talk about the importance of Graduate Ready and what that means for everyone in Mobile County. Visit our website, www.maef.net, to learn more about MAEF, or call 251-476-0002 to find out how you can get involved. Education is central to the health of the community, and we all want our schools to be great. It benefits the quality of life for all of us. Even if you don’t have kids in school—or in school in Mobile—there’s a huge economic impact to graduating more kids that benefits us all.

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Autauga County Schools

Little Flower Petal and Pace Duathlon

Come join us on Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 a.m. for the Annual Little Flower Petal and Pace Duathlon. This race has a 5 mile bike, 5 mile run, 5 mile bike and starts at Little Flower Catholic Church (2053 Government St, Mobile). This race benefits Little Flower School. Registration online at Eventbrite.com. For more information, please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com or call (251) 421-4014.

St. Pius X Annual Golf Tournament Held at Spring Hill College Golf Course

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The Msgr. Jospeh J. Jennings Memorial St. Pius X Annual Golf Tournament was held on Sunday, June 1, at Spring Hill College Golf Course. 20 Teams participated in the tournament which was followed by a Crawfish Boil featuring live music by Phil Proctor. Although none of the players hit a Hole-inOne for the opportunity to drive home a new Buick sponsored by McConnell Cadillac, a great time was had by all. The tournament, which was chaired by Dr. and Mrs. Matt Eves, was the most successful in school history. Thanks to all those who participated and to all of our sponsors. Our next parish event will be the Knights of Columbus Shrimp Night to be held on Saturday, August 22. For more information contact the church office at 471-2449.

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 10am - 5pm

daily feedings: 11am, 1pm & 4pm see 100s of alligators in their natural habitat

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Satsuma Jr. High Cheerleaders Attend Camp at University of Alabama

The Satsuma Junior High Cheerleading Squad recently attended summer camp at The University of Alabama. They learned new dance and cheer material that they performed in competition at the end of camp. They received first place in extreme routine, first place in sideline, and were named overall camp champs in their division. They were also awarded a total of five superior ribbons throughout the week during their evaluations, and they received the “Top Banana” award for showing the most spirit throughout the week at camp. In addition to these team awards, there were many individual awards given as well. Brinkley Little was named a finalist in the jump off competition.

Baileigh Jay was awarded a blue superior ribbon for her achievements in dance class, and Skylar Gray and Logan Collins were both awarded white ribbons for their achievements in dance class. Dori Lewis was awarded a blue superior ribbon for her outstanding demonstrations in tumbling class. In addition to this, five team members were named All- Americans. As AllAmericans, Baileigh Jay, Briley Johnston, Brinkley Little, Dori Lewis, and Madison Cooley were invited to attend the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Walt Disney World. The Satsuma Junior High Cheerleading Squad will also be competing at the regional, state, and national level this year. We wish them luck as they continue to make Satsuma High School proud!

UMS-Wright Students Win AL.com’s Tennis Players of the Year

William Hooper ’15 and McKenzie Courtney ’15 were both named as the AL.com’s Coastal Alabama Tennis Players of the Year. William and McKenzie combined to win 22 state titles in their high school careers. McKenzie was also honored separately as AL.com’s Female Athlete of the Year. We are so proud of you both and wish you the utmost success at the next level!

UMS-Wright Preparatory School 251-479-6551 | ums-wright.org

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Autauga CountyCovenant Schools Christian 6th and 7th Grade All "A" Honor Roll

Pictured are the 6th and 7th grade students who earned All "A" Honor Roll for 2014-2015: (left to right) Lauren Wilson, Angela Russ, Katherine Rush, Lauren Field, Autumn Wyatt, Isabella Cameron, Mason Kendall, Zachary Haataja, and Caroline Tremblay.

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Cottage Hill Baptist Church VBS Raises Funds for School Supplies

Kids who attended VBS at Cottage Hill Baptist Church learned what it means to MOVE toward Christ! Just over 600 attended this challenging and fun filled week, from little ones all the way up through middle school.

The kids enjoyed cheering on their team each day, and in doing so, raised over $1800 for the VBS offering and collected many school supplies!

The offering will be used to buy school supplies and backpacks for underprivileged kids in the area.

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If you think character is more important than charisma, you might just be a Saint.

At St. Paul’s, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Sure, we’ve graduated our fair share of National Merit Scholars and major-league athletes, but we’re more proud of what’s harder to measure: character.

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Every week this school year, you’ll find our students out in their communities, distributing food, volunteering at shelters, and just in general lending a hand – wherever one is needed.

And on campus? Treating one another with tolerance, compassion, and respect.

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If you’d like to learn more about St. Paul’s, give us a call. Or, better yet, pay us a visit.

Know What Matters.

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161 Dogwood Lane | Mobile, Alabama 36608 | 251-342-6700 | stpaulsmobile.net

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Corpus Christi Director Attends Summer Program Mrs. Stephanie Gillis, Director of Public Relations and Development at Corpus Christi Catholic School, attended the Summer Certificate Program sponsored by Catholic School Management, Inc. The Summer Certificate Programs provide information, instruction, guidance, insight and best practices in key areas critical to the long-term viability and vitality of Catholic schools. "It was an honor to attend the Summer Program. I returned from the program with so many great ideas that will help CCS this coming year, and for years to come," said Mrs. Gillis. She (on the left) is pictured with another program attendee.

Come Swim with TinkerBell!

August 9 from 11:00 - 2:00

Dune Racer Flowrider Mini-Golf Nascart GoCarts Roller Coaster Rainbow Falls Triple Dog Dare Screamin’ Demon Crystal Waters River and More!

VBS at St. Ignatius

St. Ignatius had a wonderful Vacation Bible School June 22-26 with a full house of students in PreK- 4th grade. The kids learned about many of the symbols of our Catholic Faith and what they mean.

Each group started the day with singing and dancing and then moved on to other groups that include water games, art, story time, inside games and everyone’s favorite, snack time. Pictured left- right: Anna Grace D’Olive, Laurel Dolan, Amelia Crocker and Lauren Carrington.

906 Gulf Shores Parkway • Gulf Shores • AL

McGill-Toolen Breaks Ground on New Student Center

Students, faculty, board members, campaign leaders and administrators joined Archbishop Rodi, Superintendent Gwen Byrd and Fr. Shields as the contracts were signed and ground was broken on the project that will be complete for the start of the 2016-2017 school year. The Student Center will serve as the heart of

the McGill-Toolen Catholic Campus with the White-Lipsomb Chapel and a dining hall that can accommodate our continued growth in enrollment.

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Autauga Schools VBS County at Spring Hill Baptist Church

Sciency-fun gizmos such as snow seeds, bubble boosters, and incredi-balls … washing in the Jordan River 7 times and seeing leprosy disappear … learning how to conquer challenges with God’s mighty power … it was all part of our hike up Everest this summer! This summer 150 children gathered at base camp, Spring Hill Baptist Church, for an exhilarating hike up Everest filled with fun, challenges and God’s awesome truths.

Along the way, we partnered with Operation Kid-to-Kid, and the children raised enough money to purchase 187 children’s Bibles for kids in Thailand. They also raised enough money to see Base Camp Leaders transformed into abominable snowmen. Everest VBS was by far the “coolest” week in the summer!

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St. Luke’s Ambassadors Attend Planning Retreat

The 2015-2016 St. Luke's Student Ambassadors attended the first of two full day retreats and had a great time getting to know each other and making plans for the upcoming school year. The students participated in several team building exercises and worked on plans to unveil a BIG surprise for the middle and upper school students when school starts back in August! The 2015-2016 Student Ambassadors are Lauren Bailey, William Brandyburg, Hardy Demeranville, Graham Driskell, Olivia Fisher, Elizabeth Guice, Lincoln Hammons, Michaela Holt, Ella Johnson, Christian Kennedy- Milligan, Madeline Lary, Zach McCleery, Morgan Meeker, Matthew Mowry, Emmy Musial, Isabelle Nguyen, Rachel Parden, Olivia Pickett, Ellie Pierce, Cameron Preston, Bailey Sheffield, Steven Small, Nick Stuart, and Sara Taylor.

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St. Mary VBS Climbs Everest!

St. Mary Parish hosted "Everest" Vacation Bible School this past June with over 100 participants and 48 youth volunteers. Under the theme, “Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power", the campers had a fun-filled week of learning through games and activities, accompanied by cool snacks prepared by volunteers!

Pictured are St. Mary Parish VBS volunteers: Taylor Marston, Mattie Naman, Loren Barbour, Michael Patrick Barbour and Payton Offerle.

UMS-Wright Swimmer Has Her Eyes on the Olympics

Paige Madden earned a spot on the USA Junior National Swim Team and competed at the Irish Senior Open Swimming Championship in Dublin, Ireland in May. Paige finished with a 4th in the 400, 5th in the 800, 7th in the 200, and two 2nd place relay finishes. This summer, Paige will be competing in the Pro-Am Grand Prix in Santa Clara, CA and Nationals in San Antonio, TX. In addition to these competitions, Paige has 3 Olympic Trial Cuts in the 100, 200 and 400 Meter Freestyle! The U.S. Olympic Team Trials for swimming are slated for June and July of 2016, in Omaha, NE. Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

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Grandfather Teaches Science Lesson to Corpus Christi Catholic School Students

The 3rd graders in Mrs. Picicci's class were treated to special science lesson taught by one of the student's grandfather, Dr. Michael J. Day, grandfather of Dylan McGuire. Dr. Day is retried from Ciba Specialty Chemical Company (McIntosh, AL) where he served as Head of Production. His class lesson for the 3rd graders was on the chemical properties of gases. To demonstrate the lesson, he did the "Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment" with the students and explained that the eruption was caused by the gas being released by all of the tiny holes on the surface of the Mentos. The students were impressed that the eruption reached nearly 15 feet in the air!

The Future of McGill-Toolen

St. Mary Catholic School Wax Museum

Future Jacket Elizabeth King will be the 4th generation in her family to attend McGill-Toolen!

Her presence at the recent groundbreaking reminds us all why this project is so important.

St. Mary Catholic fourth grader, Jackson Reece, becomes World War II Marine, Dr. Sidney Phillips at the annual Wax Museum where St. Mary fourth graders become their favorite Alabama celebrity after months of studying Alabama history.

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

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Autauga County Schools Go On a Gulf Island Journey at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

This summer at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, students in grades 7 through 9 dove headfirst into the world of marine science! At Gulf Island Journey, a residential marine science camp for children ages 12-14, students had the unique opportunity to explore island habitats, both human and aquatic.

Campers explored island habitats and discovered more about coastal ecology by stepping inside the world of a marine researcher. By seining in a salt marsh, trawling the bay in the Sea Lab’s Research Vessel the Alabama Discovery, and casting plankton nets from shore, the campers were able to gather their own specimens and observe marine life firsthand under the guidance of the experienced team of educators and counselors from DISL. The group also unearthed some of the roots of our own history found here on Dauphin Island. They toured the historic Fort Gaines, where the famous Battle of Mobile Bay took place during the Civil War, then visited an ancient Shell Mound formed by Native Americans hundreds of years ago.

While students at the camp often focused on the impact that humans have on marine ecosystems, they also learned about the role the ocean and coastline of Alabama has played in American society throughout history.

Back at the Sea Lab, students also learned about Remote-Operated Vehicles (ROVs), dissected real sharks in order to discover for themselves what characteristics allow fish to thrive in their native marine habitats. The students who participated in this education-rich adventure at the Sea Lab created a memory that will spark a love of learning and interest in environmental science that will last their entire lives.

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VBS at Corpus Christi Catholic Church

Corpus Christi Catholic Church held Vacation Bible School during the week of June 15 – 19. The theme for the week was “Everest.”

The VBS was a wonderful event for all who participated, from the "mountain climbers" to the wonderful student and parent volunteers. There were 103 campers and staff. Everyone had a great time learning that they could conquer any “mountain” with God's mighty power. Another important lesson that the students learned during the week was that God can provide for all of their needs. The children raised $400 that was donated to the "Kids to Kids" program which will use the money to buy 100 New Testament bibles for the children living in Thailand.

CHCA Performs Disney’s “Little Mermaid, Jr.”

The Fine Arts Department at Cottage Hill Christian Academy made a big splash with this year’s production of Disney’s “Little Mermaid Jr.”, a shortened version of the Broadway production. The dinner theater featured a cast of 48 CHCA students in grades 3-12. From the smallest of the sea chorus to Prince Eric and Ariel herself, the cast performed superbly.

Every lyric and scene from the song “Part of Your World” to Sebastian’s “Under the Sea” captivated the audience. The sea villain, Ursula, along with her sidekicks Flotsam and Jetsam commanded the stage with “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. It was a production to remember with Chef Jim’s dinner and cupcakes as the icing on the evening. We would like to thank Mrs. Susan Sanders, the Fine Arts Department, parents and volunteers for producing this amazing event.

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Q. What’s your opinion on rewarding kids with money for getting good grades in school?

A. Honestly, I don’t have

a strong opinion about it one way or the other. We didn’t pay our kids for good grades, but I can’t really think of a strong argument not to pay them for success in school. You could say you shouldn’t pay them because it’s something they’re expected to do anyway, and that’s somewhat valid. But you could also make the same point where chores around the house are concerned.

We paid our kids to do some chores, but really the point is not about the economic value. It’s the fact that you want your kids to associate work with money. I still meet people my age and older who haven’t made that connection. Work creates money, and that’s an important thing to teach your kids. Once they’ve created some money by

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

working, then you want to use those moments to teach them to save, spend and give wisely.

You can do this around the subject of grades if you want. There’s probably a valid case to be made that getting an “A” takes a lot more work than getting a “C.” You’re certainly not obligated to pay them for work or grades, but if you don’t do some of this – and teach them the proper ways to handle the money they earn — you’ll miss out on a lot a fantastic teachable moments.

Q. We have two girls in competitive gymnastics, and it’s costing $12,000 to $15,000 a year at a professional gym to do all this. My wife and I both work, and we make about $115,000 a year, but virtually all of her income goes toward paying the gymnastics bill. We’re also trying to get out of debt and get better control of our money at the same time. Should we focus more on our finances right now?

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A. If I were in your shoes, I’d be asking my-

self why the kids are in gymnastics. Unless you guys are trying to send them to the Olympics — and they’re actually good enough to reach that level — teaching them things like discipline and to master their bodies through physical training can be done at a local amateur level. And at a much lower cost.

My son played ice hockey in local leagues for years when he was growing up.

We did it as a family thing, and he had lots of fun and we all made great new friends. He even played some in high school, too, but he wasn’t NHL material. It didn’t change his life that he didn’t play on a traveling team or with pro trainers, so we had to ask ourselves, “What will it matter when he’s 30 years old?”

You make good money, so that’s not really the big issue. If you guys made $50,000 or less, I’d be yelling at you. But with your income, the gymnastics thing probably isn’t going to slow you down too much when it comes to getting your financial house in order. In other words, it’s a parental thing.

Ask yourself why you’re investing so heavily in this, and what the goal is when they’re adults. I think that will help you make the smart decision.

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The New Peer Pressure Has your child been nominated? Not for class president or team captain. The new way to nominate is to post something outrageous online and then “tag” friends who are expected to top the performance. Some of these so-called “nek nominations” are silly, harmless fun, but many involve alcohol, drugs or sex. And kids who don’t want to participate may find that they are teased or even bullied.

Peer pressure is nothing new, of course, but new research indicates that social media can exacerbate the problem, making young people more likely to engage in risky behaviors in the hope of winning attention and approval from other teens. One study, by researchers in Belgium, confirmed that peer pressure often plays a role in sexting. Even kids who know it isn’t a good idea to exchange explicit photos may get involved because the short-term boost in popularity seems more important to adolescents than the long term damage to reputation and selfesteem. Decisions about drugs and alcohol are also heavily influenced by what happens in online friendship networks according to research done recently at the University of Southern California.

Even parents who have Facebook accounts aren’t likely to see much of what goes on in social media, partly because teens are migrating to other sites such as Vine, Snapchat, Instagram and What’s App. Rather than trying to monitor everything a child does on and offline, parents need to be proactive, equipping teens with information and skills that will help them set appropriate boundaries and live up to their own ideals regardless of what their friends do. Here are some suggestions: Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

Assume your child is under pressure.

In its annual survey of substance use, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that 45% of teens have seen social media pictures showing other teens getting drunk, passed out or using drugs. Teens don’t necessarily talk about these photos because they don’t want to get friends in trouble, but the images have an influence. The same report found that 47% of teens who had seen such photos were convinced the participants were having a terrific time.

Talk often about values. Be sure your child has a clear sense of your expectations.

Just as important, talk about the reasons behind the rules you make. “Because I said so” may be adequate for younger children, but your teenager deserves a deeper explanation of what kind of life you hope he or she will lead and why you think drinking, drug use and casual sex might interfere with his or her prospects.

Clarify consequences. Researchers now know that the part of the brain that is able to anticipate long-term consequences doesn’t develop until late in adolescence.

Social media reinforces short-term thinking with photos that show the fun of partying without the aftermath which can be unpleasant and even tragic. Parents have to compensate by making the dark side of teen sex and substance abuse equally vivid. Be sure your child understands that there can be lifelong consequences from driving drunk, being arrested while under the influence, distributing pornography and having unprotected or underage sex.

Rehearse refusal. Teens are often convinced that, if they don’t do what a friend wants, they’ll lose the friendship. They will be better prepared to resist pressure if they have thought ahead about things they might say or post when they want to turn down a request.

Humor helps. So does changing the subject 38

or suggesting an alternative activity. Remind your child that true friends don’t push each other into situations that are uncomfortable much less dangerous.

Be willing to argue. Even when you start with the best of intentions, conversations with teenagers are likely to become confrontational. That’s OK. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that kids who had the confidence to stand up to their parents and argue their point of view were also more likely to resist peer pressure. Even when it seems that your child isn’t listening, keep calm and stay focused on the issue of the moment rather than getting distracted by attitude.

Use the tools to take control. Facebooks’s untag feature is a highly effective way to eliminate posts from people who are pressuring a teen to do something stupid or dangerous. (Go to the activity log by clicking the downward arrow at the top of any FB page. Click Photos and select the problem photo. Select “Remove Tags”. ) Even better, encourage your child to activate the ability to “Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your timeline.” (Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner and then choose “Settings.” Select Timeline and Tagging and choose “Review posts.”)

Harness peer pressure for good.

After analyzing over a billion status updates on Facebook, a research team from the University of California, San Diego, found that positive posts inspired positive responses.

Encourage your kids to engage in good deeds and random acts of kindness. Then they can nominate friends to top those accomplishments.

The power of social media often seems overwhelming, but parents have power too.

Talking frankly about the kinds of online pressures kids may encounter gives them the opportunity to think ahead so that, when the time comes, they are better equipped to make decisions in the moment that they won’t regret in the future.

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Raising engaged students is not only

1. Share to prepare. Tell your child what you enjoyed about school. If your spouse enjoyed school, encourage him to share stories, too. If you had a difficult time in school, share those stories with someone who is not your child. Talk to another adult about the ways you struggled, and how those struggles might color your expectations of what school will be like for your child. Get your fears and biases about school off your chest and let them go so you won’t unwittingly pass them on. Remember, your child is not you. That was then, this is now. By confronting and releasing any back-to-school skeletons in your closet, you open the doors to a positive school experience for your child today.

the responsibility of the teachers and the administrators at your school, it’s a job that starts at home with every parent. You may have anxiety, fears, or merely first-day jitters about your child going to school. But if you can muster up your courage and take a onegood-day-at-a-time approach, you will find that raising a child who loves school is easier than you might have imagined.

Just follow these four simple guidelines, keep your interactions with your school’s employees constructive and upbeat, and watch the magic that occurs when your child loves learning.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

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2. Step back. Some parents have trouble trusting that a school will care about their child as much as they do. And it’s true--teachers won’t treat your child like a parent would. They will probably expect more. And they will care about your child as educational professionals, who want to challenge your child so she can realize her potential, so let them do their jobs.

Smart parents know that school is not just about academics. When your child is in school, she is learning how to be a member of a community. She is learning how to socialize and enjoy playtime. He is learning how to express himself through art, music and physical activity. So take a leap of faith. Remind yourself that the folks who run schools are trained professionals.

Trust them with your child’s daily education and well being. Then your child will experience every day as an adventure in learning and growing.

3. Be positive and proactive. Try to find something to like about your school on a regular basis. If you don’t know what to like then you might not be aware enough. Have a working knowledge of the school layout. Introduce yourself to

teachers on open-house days and meet the folks who work in the front office, including the principal. Make sure the teacher knows you are on her team. If you have a miscommunication or misunderstanding with a teacher or administrator, strive to work things out in a calm, pro-active manner. Don’t hang on to negative perceptions or try to create negative consensus with other parents.

Confident, secure parents seek solutions not squabbles. Put yourself in the teacher or administrator’s shoes before you pick up the phone or shoot off that email. Remember, the way you would like to be treated is the way to behave, always, no matter how you feel in the heat of the moment.

4. Give without strings. If you cannot spend a lot of time at school, know that your child still benefits from seeing you there, even if it is not as often as you would like. If you like to pitch in, join the PTA or sign up to be a room parent. You will find plenty of opportunities to contribute, but do so without expectations of payoffs for your child based on your involvement. The benefits for your child come when you happily contribute, not when you use your position as an insider to create an ongoing list of how you would

do things differently and better. Remember your role as a helper in the larger scheme of things. Be service-minded, looking for opportunities to match the school’s needs with what you have to offer. Do your best not to criticize parents who are less committed to volunteering than you, unless you wish to be judged right back.

Break the school year up into three parts and try to pitch in to help or chaperone at least once each season. Don’t forget to get your spouse involved. And don’t feel guilty about not being a parenting association volunteer. Give money to financially support the programs of the PTA, if you can swing it. Then go to your child’s teacher when looking for ways to contribute in proximity to your child.

No matter how you choose to contribute, when you give the way you want to give, you set a great example for your kids. Parents who invest energy cheerfully and proactively in their child’s school stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons, paving the way to success in school for all their children. MBP Christina Katz has always loved school and strives to pass this passion on to her daughter. She comes from an extended family of enthusiastic learners, teachers and educators.

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Mobile’s Parenting Resource Guide for After School Activities!

Programs in Art, Dance, Gymnastics, Sports and much more...

Art Paint Party Studios (ad on page 37)

15 Upham St., Suite A, Mobile 63 Midtown Park East at Azalea City Center for the Arts 1903 Main Street, Suite A, Daphne (251) 343-2423; paintpartystudios.com A new series of After School Art Classes will be offered at our new Midtown Mobile location and Old Town Daphne location. Classes offered in drawing, painting, jewelry-making, glass fusing, metal work, recycled art and mixed media.

Each class will be led by a skilled artist who will teach students art fundamentals as well as guide their individual work. Course sessions range from one-day projects to multiple-week projects. Advance registration is required for after-school art classes - see website for class schedule and more information.

Registration begins in August. Class offerings vary by age - see class schedule for details.

kwood@MobileMuseumOfArt.com.

Mobile Parks and Rec. Community Activities Numerous locations, Mobile (251) 208-1607; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Educational Classes and more. Visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks or www.communityactivitiesprogram.com.

Paint and Pals

6345K Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 654-2313; www.paintandpals.com Classes offered, please check our website or call for more information.

Playhouse in the Park

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

301 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 208-5671; www.alabamacontemporary.org Children’s programming is very important to Alabama Contemporary Art Center’s mission. We offer tours and classes to school groups based on current installations. Pre-K and Kids Studio are programs available for children to explore contemporary art and music.

Classes and workshops are also available for adults and seniors. Visit our website or call Amanda Solley, Education Coordinator, at (251) 208-5658.

Mobile Museum of Art

4850 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com Art All Year Long Classes! The Education Department continues the tradition of offering afternoon art classes.

Art Classes starting in September for ages 4-7 on Tuesday afternoons and for ages 8-12 on Thursday afternoons from 4-5:15pm. Each term, fall, winter and spring will consist of 8 themed classes, appropriate for each age level and corresponding with exhibitions in the galleries. The price is $85 per term for members and $100 per term for nonmembers. For more information - Call Kim Wood at (251) 208-5212 or email Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

at ages 4 and go up through high school.

Sunny Side 2015-2016 Season: October 2015 – The Secret Garden, December 2015 – Elf, Jr., march 2016(High School) Footloose, May 2016 – The Lion King, Jr. (must be in grades 3 and up or have taken a class at Sunny Side Theater to be in this production)! Visit www.sunnysidedrama.com for class descriptions.

Acting classes include Center Stage Drama, Bringing Books to Life, Exceptional Arts Drama, Costume Craziness, Fractured Fairy Tales, Improv Academy, and Set Painting Art Classes- Mixed Media Studio. Art with Susie Lott from Studio 3!

Full Scale School of Music offers a variety of group classes and private lessons for those interested in learning an instrument. Contact Daniel Driskell for scheduling: (251) 454-6591 or dgdriskell@gmail.com.

Daniel Driskell, Director - piano, guitar, bass, mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, flute www.danieldriskell.com, Angela Rayburn – piano, David White - drums, percussion, Joshua Ward - guitar, bass, Laura Deal – piano, Mark Habib – guitar, Natalie Blackburn - violin, viola, cello, Tad Borowski - Rock Band, guitar. Visit www. azaleacityarts.com for a complete listing of classes Voice - Dr. Allanda Small, Cindi Reedy, & Anna Fillingim.

To start voice lessons, contact owner Chris Paragone at azaleacity@mindspring.com or call (251) 510-1808!

The Greenhouse at ACCA-Improve Your School Performance. We help with Reading – Math – Social Skills – Tutoring – Homework Assistance – ACT Prep – College Applications -Social Cognitive Intervention.

We are Fastforward providers, Cogmed Coaches and Certified ADHD Life Coach. Bo Dooley (251) 209-1102; bodooley.thegreenhouse@gmail.com

Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden

1108 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 421-2434; www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com Play Place, Drop off Service, Birthday Parties, Classes and More!! Sue’s Drop Off Club (M-F, 9am-6pm). 4 hours Maximum per child per day. Reservations required for a guaranteed spot; walk-ins welcome if there is availability. Numerous Classes available: Mommy and Me Art Projects Class, Mommy and Me Class, Baby Sign Language and Kindermusik. Now registering for all fall classes!

Performing Arts Azalea City Center For the Arts (ad on page 37)

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Mobile’s All-Inclusive Home for the Creative Kid. Drama Camp Productions- Sunny Side Theater. Drama Camp Productions & Sunny Side Theater offers a variety of after-school classes for all ages and talent level. Classes meet once a week for an hour and begin

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4851 Museum Dr., Mobile (251) 602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org Training young people in theatre arts since 1961. Our program has grown to include five large productions a year; a comprehensive training program of drama, dance, vocal, piano, guitar, and scenic art classes; and an elaborate, full-scale puppet theatre. At the Playhouse-in-the-Park there is something for all ages.

Playhouse-in-the-Park Repertory Training Program -The Playhouse-in-the-Park Repertory training program (PRT) is designed to mold young actors in a guided, dynamic, studio-style program that is tailored to the needs of each individual student. Simultaneously, PRT offers an open-enrollment program in acting, dance, and music (piano and guitar) which encourages exploration while creating the opportunity to see the world through the diverse lens of the performing arts. Classes are offered in three 10-week quarters (September December, January - March, and March - May). Call (251) 602-0630 or visit www.playhouseinthepark.org.

Music Lessons Offered at the Playhouse Guitar: Call Danny Mollise at (251) 602-0630 Piano: Call Scott Jolly at (251) 422-2178 Dance Classes: Throughout the year, national awardwinning choreographer Matthew Kiel offers dance classes at the Playhouse for ages 3 through adult.

Classes include Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Ballroom.

Contact Matthew Kiel at phnpdance@gmail.com or (251) 382-3966.

Individual Vocal Lesson: Call (251) 602-0630

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1541 East I-65 Service Road South, Mobile 11247 US Hwy 31, Spanish Fort, AL (251) 344-8856; www.broussardspianos.com Offering piano, guitar, violin, organ, and voice for adults and for children of all ages– Free introductory Piano lessons when you mention this listing!

Full Scale School of Music offers a variety of group classes and private lessons for those interested in learning an instrument. Contact Daniel Driskell for scheduling: (251) 454-6591 or dgdriskell@ gmail.com. Daniel Driskell, Director - piano, guitar, bass, mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, flute www.danieldriskell.com, Angela Rayburn – piano, David White - drums, percussion, Joshua Ward - guitar, bass, Laura Deal – piano, Mark Habib – guitar, Natalie Blackburn violin, viola, cello, Tad Borowski - Rock Band, guitar. Visitwww. azaleacityarts.com for a complete listing of classes.

Full Scale School of Music

Andy’s Music Inc.

Azalea City Center For the Arts (ad on page 37)

63 Midtown Park East – Mobile (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Voice with Dr. Allanda Small, Cindi Reedy, & Anna Fillingim. To start voice lessons, contact owner Chris Paragone at azaleacity@mindspring.com or call (251) 510-1808!

Broussard’s Academy of Music (ad on page 45)

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Azalea City Center For the Arts 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 454-6591; fullscaleschool@gmail.com; www.azaleacityarts.com

1412 Hillcrest Rd., Mobile (251) 633-8944; www.andysmusiconline.com Find us on Facebook! Stop Dreaming, Start Playing!

Andy’s Music offers music lessons for people of all

ages. Visit the website for information on scheduling lessons on a wide variety of instruments. Private and Group Lessons Available!

Christ UMC - Kindermusik

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, (251) 706-3336 www.kindermusikatchristunited.com

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

Mobile School of Piano

Located in West Mobile (251) 272-9616; mobileschoolofpiano.com Private Piano Lessons for ages 4 to adult. Learn how to sight-read, play by ear, improvise and more in a fun, uplifting environment! Instructor, Shiloh Lange, will be spending quality one on one time with each student teaching self-expression through the gift of music. Each student has their own style, so let’s have fun discovering it together!

There is limited space so call today for a free trial lesson!

Chamberfest – A 4-day chamber music workshop for string players and pianists of all ages in the Mobile Bay area.

Playhouse in the Park

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

Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden

1108 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 421-2434; www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com Kindermusik Classes and more. See listing under Art Section.

7906 Westside Park Drive, Mobile 4715 Airport Blvd. Suite #300, Mobile 620-F Hwy 43/Saraland Blvd, Saraland (251) 639-0660; www.broadwaysouthdance.com Choose Broadway South – Large, diverse faculty headed by a New York Dance Professional.

Spacious studios with room to dance! Sprung dance floors keep our dancers healthy - just step on our floors and you can tell the difference. Tremendous schedule with plenty to offer children through adults at all levels.

Large one way windows for parent observation - open every class. Limited Class Sizes, Age Appropriate Classes and Choreography Dance lessons offered at both locations for ages 2-10+. Call for details or visit www.broadwaysouthdance.com.

(ad on page 13)

6429 Hillcrest Pk. Ct., Mobile (251) 633-9559; www.debbiesdance.com Dance classes for ages 2 – 18. Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Tumbling, Hip Hop, Pointe, Lyrical and more. Debbie’s School of Dance was established in 1983 and has been serving Mobile County for 30 years. Offers a state-of-the-art studio equipped with 3 large studios, sprung marley floors, observation windows, 4 bathrooms, dressing rooms, and a large lobby to accommodate our students and parents.

(251) 285-2285 www.mobilesingingchildren.org Email: mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com Directed by Susan Hoitt, Mobile’s Singing Children is the premier youth choir on the Gulf Coast. We provide opportunity for children to receive classical voice training of the very highest quality, as well as perform music of the highest caliber in age-appropriate ensembles. MSC has toured and performed in Europe, Canada and numerous states in the U.S. We have been featured on National Public Radio’s “From the Top” and perform with Mobile Opera and the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Auditions are no underway for boys and girls in grades 2 – 12. To request an audition contact Susan Hoitt, director at 251-285-2285 or email us at mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com . Please visit us on our website mobilesingingchildren.org.

Mobile Ballet Inc. (ad on page 33)

Mobile Symphony Music Education Program, The

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

(ad on page 15)

Debbie’s School Of Dance

Mobile’s Singing Children

www.mobilesymphony.org The Education Programs are designed to be available to all ages from elementary to adult and include music instruction, live performances and lectures, and performance ensembles. The following classes are available: Preludes – Mobile Symphony musicians teach general music to Pre K-second grade classes in a school, one day a week for 25 weeks.

Strings Classes – Mobile Symphony musicians give group violin and cello lessons to 3rd – 8th grade students.

String Academy – A training ensemble for intermediate level violin, viola, cello and bass students.

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra – offers young instrumental musicians throughout the Gulf Coast an opportunity for growth and development by preparing, studying and performing various genres of orchestral literature.

Broadway South Dance Studio

Dance Brandy Brown Studio (ad on page 39)

2569 Dauphin Street, Mobile 3958 Snow Road, Semmes (251) 509-5659; Find us on Facebook!

The Brandy Brown Studio provides professional instruction in a nurturing and creative environment for students ages three through high school seniors in dance, vocal performance and drama.

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4351 Downtowner Loop N, Mobile 26436 Kensington Place, Daphne (251) 342-2241; www.mobileballet.org Mobile Ballet School is recognized as the region’s foremost dance studio, offering the finest training in classical ballet and Broadway-style jazz under the guidance of Winthrop Corey, Artistic Director. Our faculty has extensive performance and teaching experience, enabling us to offer a complete curriculum from pre-ballet through preprofessional levels. Students in the school have performance opportunities in our production of The Nutcracker at the Mobile Civic Center Theater, the Nutcracker Charity Ball, and our year-end Showcase. For our youngest students beginning at age 3, Mobile Ballet School offers quality dance education in a caring and fun environment, with instruction and activities based on the beloved ballet princess characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Please visit our website or call for more information. Fall classes begin Sept. 8.

Precision Dance Academy (ad on page 55)

New Location – 168 Noel Street, Mobile (251) 222-3403; www.precisiondanceacademy.net Home of the 2015 National Champions “Precision Divas and a Dude”. Why Join Precision? Strong Technique and Dance Education, Family Atmosphere in a State of the Art Facility, National Award Winning Competition Company. Come join us for classes in Ballet, Jazz,

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Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Hip Hop, Stretch, Improv, Preschool, Turns & Progressions, Latin Ballroom, Latin Jazz. All boy classes taught by National Champion Ballroom Dancer & Teacher, Patrick Iglesias! Offering personalized and individual instruction. Registration dates are August 18th and 20th from 5:30pm - 8:00pm and August 22nd and 23rd from 2:00pm - 6:00pm.

Director, Lauren Dreher.

Robinson’s School Of Dance (ad on page 18)

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Sheffield School of Dance (ad on page 49)

3 Locations: 1901 Dauphin Street, 4570 Hermitage Avenue, 4358 Old Shell Road #B (251) 479-3926; www.sheffielddance.net Founded by Mary Lou Sheffield Noletto in 1943, Sheffield School of the Dance is Mobile’s Most Respected Name in Dance Training. “Motivating young people and enhancing lives.” All ages and levels are taught from age 3 thru adults, and Beginner thru Advanced/Professional Level Classes. The very best in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Stretch & Flex, Progressions & Turns, Boot Camp and more is offered!

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Carole Graham Dance Center

517 Holcombe Avenue, Mobile, (251) 473-1489 Dance Classes for all levels.

CC Dance Studio and Company

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2560 Leroy Stevens Rd., (251) 639-1106; www.ccdancecompany.net We offer Classes in Pre-Ballet, , Pre-School combo; 6-up in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Leaps and Turns, Technique, Tumbling, Progression, Cheer/Dance, ballet, lyrical, Musical Theater and more. We also offer an Advance 4-6 year old class for those interested in competing at a later date. We offer a Happy Feet program where we can teach children at an older age the basics without holding the other students back.

Creative Dance Center, LLC

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(251) 675-5915; 251-402-2294 421 Hwy 43 North, Saraland 8665 Four Mile Road, Irvington www.robinsonsschoolofdance.com Founded in 1971. We offer the best instruction in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics and Baton. Home of the Award Winning “Lynn Robinson Dancers” National Champions, Top 6 studios in Mobile for Nappy Award, Members of Dance Educators of America, Dance Magazine’s top 50 studies on the move in the U.S. 2006. Fall Registration-Saraland location Tuesday, July 28th and Thursday, July 30TH 4-6pm, Saturday, August 1ST 10am - 12NOON. Bayou location registration is Friday, July 31st and Monday, August 3rd 5-7p.m.Classes Start Tuesday, August 4th!

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(251) 610-3992; (251) 479-6551 (x240) Classes held UMS Wright and St. Ignatius Schools.

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

Call Renee McAleer 610-3992 or Shay Owen 479-6551 x 240 for more information.

Gale’s Studio of Dance, Inc.

6345 Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 343-9544; www.galesstudioofdance.com Gale’s Studio of Dance offers classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Character, Tip Toe Tots, Acrobatics and Pre-school. An annual recital is held in May. The emphasis of our studio is on dance as a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and is designed to meet the needs of any student interested in the art of dance. Great care and individual attention is given in nurturing the abilities of each student to their fullest potential.

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Grace Dance Center

208 Saraland Blvd S Suite F3, Saraland (251) 234-7982; www.gdcdance.com Grace Dance Center is located in Saraland, Alabama.

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

Grace Line Dance Studio

4154 Wulff Road, Ste. E., Semmes (251) 232-4786; www.gracelinesdance.com Grace Lines Dance Studio is a Christian studio directed

by Kiersten Borowski. We have experienced instructors imparting not only dance technique, but elegance, grace and a heart for expressing beauty in dance as a form of worship. Your young dancer will grow in ability as well as physically, spiritually and emotionally. Expose your child to Grace Lines and they will be changed forever.

Jubilee School of Dance

6245 Old Rangeline Road, Theodore 251-408-0219; www.jubileeschoolofdance.com Dance classes for ages 3 and up. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Gymnastics, and Pre-dance.

Kelly’s Dance Academy

9420 Alabama 188, Irvington (251) 605-3960; Find us on Facebook!

Kelly’s Dance has been teaching students in the Bayou La Batre area for 30 years! Classes offered: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Baton, Stretching and Flexibility, Contemporary and this year we are adding and Adult Tap Class!

Kimberleigh’s School Dance

5021 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, (251) 661-0501 Dance studio offering classes from ages 3 and up.

Melinda Leigh Performing Arts Center

6641 Moffett Rd, Mobile (251) 649-6361; www.mlpac.com The Melinda Leigh Dance Company offers classes in Tap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theater, Pointe, Contemporary, Lyrical, Leaps and Turns, Flexibility, Modern, Cheerleading and Acrobatics.

Mobile Bay Dance Academy, Inc.

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 455-3044; www.mobilebaydanceacademy.com At Mobile Bay Dance Academy, we are dedicated to teaching students in a structured and exciting loving environment. We focus on the development of our students, their dance technique and education. MBDA provides a constructive, yet encouraging atmosphere, which builds high self-esteem and a love of dance. No matter what stage of dance, students are expected “to be their best” but are always accepted for whom they are. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling, Hip Hop, Lyrical, & more.

Next Generation Dance Center

5721 Hwy 90 W., Suite C, Theodore (251) 653-8233, (251) 591-9899; nextgenerationdancecenter.com Next Generation Dance Center is focused on providing high-quality dance education, and we will do everyMobile Bay Parents I August 2015

thing we can to meet your expectations. With a variety of classes to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you need at NGDC. A studio with over 20 years of dance experience.

One Step Ahead Dance Studio

6710B Old Shell Rd. Mobile (251)786-0923; osadance.webs.com We offer classes for ages 2-up in Clogging, Jazz, HipHop, Ballet, Tap, Tumbling, Cheerleading, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Zumba!

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Dr., Mobile (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org Dance Classes: Throughout the year, national awardwinning choreographer Matthew Kiel offers dance classes at the Playhouse for ages 3 through adult.

Classes include Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Ballroom.

Contact Matthew Kiel at phnpdance@gmail.com or (251) 382-3966.

Rhythm Dance Center

879 Snow Road North Suite 2A, Mobile (251) 649-2767; www.therhythmdancecenter.com Rhythm Dance Center offers recreational classes as well as an outstanding performance team. We welcome students from the age of 2 & up into our studio. We offer a fun, friendly environment for children with expert training so they may grow as dancers and individuals.

Turning Point Dance Academy

4880 Lakeland Drive Suite D, Mobile (251) 422-0262; www.tpdadancefamily.com Why should you choose to be a part of the TPDA family? We are a conservative studio that gives each child the individual attention that they deserve. AT TPDA EVERY CHILD IS A STAR! We pride ourselves in having energetic, patient; loving and highly qualified instructors who make it their mission to share their love of dance with your child!

Gymnastics Cheer Force One (ad on page 22)

8700 Zeigler Blvd., Mobile (251) 634-0203; www.cheerforceone.com All Star Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes for boys and girls. Visit www.cheerforceone.com or email info@ cheerforceone.com for more information.

Planet Gymnastics (ad on page 9)

900 Schillinger Road S #B, Mobile 251-650-0699; www.planetgymnastics.com For boys and girls all levels from beginner to elite.

We have a 17,500 sf, air-conditioned, state-of-theart facility with in-ground trampolines, a 100’ long trampoline track, foam pits, two full floor areas, a specially designed preschool gym, trampoline & tumbling and Olympic equipment for girls’ and boys’ gymnastics. When you come to visit you’ll find various other activities available in our com-

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plex. For more information and registration forms, visit www.planetgymnastics.com.

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7755 Summit Court, Mobile (251) 599-3948; www.5starcheerleading.com Beginner through elite tumbling classes, flexibility, and competitive cheerleading programs. Classes for all ages, No experience necessary.

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Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

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5 Star Cheerleading and Tumbling

1711 Hillcrest Rd., Mobile (251) 666-0559; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center offers various recreational gymnastics classes for children of differing ability levels and ages. 18 months - high school.

Miss Lisa’s Gymnastics

2907 Old Shell Road, Mobile, (251) 471-9708 Gymnastics and cheerleading classes.

Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics

102 Baker Rd., Satsuma (251) 599-2205; Find us on Facebook! Classes for all levels of Tumbling and Cheerleading!

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 479-9311; www.nassergymnastics.net We believe gymnastics & cheerleading are all-inclusive sports. We have a place for any child, regardless of prior experience or skill level. We have designed each of our programs to provide the necessary education and instruction to allow each Nasser student all the benefits gymnastics and/or cheerleading has to offer.

We have gymnastics, tumbling & cheer classes along with private instruction. Visit www.nassergymnastics. net to view a list of our classes.

The Watermelon Patch

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile (251) 633-3288; www.thewmpatch.com The Watermelon Patch is a planned play program for children Birth to 12 years of age. It offers a series of parent/child classes devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of children. Weekly classes are offered with activities designed to improve balance, coordination and other sensory stimuli while reinforcing good social skills in a group play environment. The Watermelon Patch also offers a very important link to other parents with children of the same age. We offer many various classes and a Mom’s Day Out Program.

Martial Arts Grand Master Yoon’s Taekwondo Academy (ad on page 9)

5546- D Old Shell Rd. Mobile (251) 666-9300; www.yoonstkd.com Quality taekwondo instruction to children and adults of all levels, from absolute beginner through advanced.

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

www.mobilebayparents.com

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ATA Martial Arts

1261 Hillcrest Road, Mobile (251) 633-5808; www.mobileata.com Ages 3-Adult. Learn fitness, self-defense and self confidence. The ATA Black Belt Academy is dedicated to the highest quality of martial arts training. We are committed to continually enhancing our program to address exercise, drills, safety tips and a realistic approach to self-defense situations. We “Build Confidence Through Achievement” and provide an environment conducive to positive relationships, fostering self-discipline, selfconfidence and self-respect.

David Holler’s Taekwondo

2423 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 272-0289; www.davidhollerstaekwondo.com Premiere martial arts school established in 1996. Offering classes for children ages 5-adults and in a fun, positive, family environment. David Holler is 6th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor who has been training in Taekwondo for over 30 years.

Graham’s Elite Martial Arts (Elite Fitness)

1121 Dawes Road, Mobile (251) 633-7837; www.grahamselitemartialarts.com Kids, teens and adult classes. Elite Fitness offers a unique “family” atmosphere with a complete approach to a fitness lifestyle in a luxurious and friendly environment. Our professional staff provides members with personalized instruction and care. We offer an After School Karate program. We pick kids up from school and they have two Karate classes a week. Also we have Karate classes for adults and children in our regular program.

9120 Airport Blvd, Mobile (251) 776-1978; www.innerstrengthmartialarts.info Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick Hoadley, Master Instructor 7th Degree Black Belt in the martial art of Taekwondo has over 35 years of professional experience. *Also offering program for special needs children.*

Master Steger’s Ultimate Martial Arts

4412 Government Blvd., Mobile (251) 660-8885, www.martialmuscle.net We are a complete Natural Health Care, Fitness, and Martial Arts facility offering the very best in these fields.

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Inner Strength Martial Arts

1490 Celeste Road, Saraland (251) 675-9662; www.mcleansmartialarts.com McLean’s Martial Arts offers highly specialized martial arts classes for children and adults taught by nationally certified instructors. Children’s Taekwondo programs include unlimited class attendance, fun & motivational classes and a positive, family environment.

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Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

2502 Schillinger Rd. S., Suite #7, Mobile (251) 470-0903; www.portcitymma.com Port City MMA is a place where kids and families can go to learn mixed martial arts, get their cardio workout, do some strength training, and other fitness related activities. Ages 5 and up.

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

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Shaolin Institute

704 Lakeside Dr., Mobile (251) 662-3225; www.shaolin-world.net We are a martial arts school guided by 31st generation Shaolin Grand Master Shi Deru. Kung Fu, TaiChi, QiGong, Kickboxing, Sanshou, Grappling.

Springhill Taekwondo Center

109 Furr Street, Mobile (251) 554-5425; www.springhilltaekwondo.com Springhill Taekwondo Center is a family oriented training center for martial artists and athletes. We

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offer Taekwondo lessons taught by nationally certified instructors and competition in sanctioned regional and national tournaments. Our Taekwondo classes are taught in a positive way that builds character, fitness, and skill. Begin your journey to Black Belt and beyond today.

Sports Alabama Youth Sports Combine

2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, (251) 633-6263 Alabama Youth Sports Combine is a sports training facility located in West Mobile offering sports specific camps, clinics and seminars! Programs include football, baseball, soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse and multisports conditioning. Whether you want your child to simply become a better ball player or want to get the athlete in your family trained for the big leagues, we offer sports training for children, youth, and adults.

Please browse through our website and learn about all of the exciting programs we have to offer.

Ballpark Sports Training Facility

14061 Airport Blvd, Mobile (251) 694-2888; www.theballparknj.com Speed and agility, private, team and group training! Call today to schedule a lesson or group session!

Basic Training Inc: A Sports Training Facility

9625 Moffett Rd, Semmes, (251) 645-2888 We are a gym that teaches the basic for kids and adults. Speed, agility and lifting techniques. We also do hitting and fielding classes private and teams.

Battleship Youth Rugby

(251) 272-1058Call: (251) 272-1058 www.mobilerugby.org Our physical education curriculum, Rookie Rugby, is approved by the State of Alabama based on its many benefits. Some of the many benefits include low cost, easy to learn, and a fast-paced, inclusive learning environment. All courses are facilitated by one of our certified coaches, each boasting over 20 years of playing, coaching or refereeing various levels of rugby across the U.S. and abroad. Contact us if you are interested in introducing Rookie Rugby to your school or for more information on joining our growing youth and flag rugby leagues.

Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Rd., Mobile (251)706-3316; www.christumcsports.com The Recreation Ministry at Christ United Methodist Church seeks to provide opportunities for members of the CUMC family and guests from throughout the community to come together for sports activities, fitness programs, various arts classes, entertainment, and just good clean fun with family and friends. Young Runners Club - Spring and Fall-Young Runners Club is for K5-9th graders and is offered in the Spring and Fall of each year. Tball, Coach Pitch Baseball, Coach Pitch Softball – Spring, Flag Football – Summer, Soccer--Fall, Basketball & Cheerleading– Winter, 678 Basketball - Late Summer/Early Fall (middle school), 678 Volleyball - Late Winter/Early Spring (volleyball).

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

City of Mobile Swim Assoc. (CMSA)

(251) 422-0011; www.swimcmsa.com A year-round swim team that was founded in 1979.

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

Mobile Youth Lacrosse League

encourage, foster, and promote good sportsmanship and physical fitness through an athletic endeavor.

Swim Mobile Swim School

www.swimcmsa.com The initiative teaches water safety and swim lessons to all residents of the Mobile area. Using a five step process, students will learn safe practices around water, how to swim and life saving skills. The goal of this initiative is to have the entire city of Mobile swimming and safely enjoying the waters along the Gulf Coast.

The Copeland-Cox Tennis Center 851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile

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(251) 604-0528; www.moblax.org; mobilemavericks. teamsnap.com The Mobile Youth Lacrosse League, Inc. was founded to grow the game of lacrosse in Mobile. We are a dedicated group of players and parents who have seen exponential growth in the last few years and are excited to continue that work.

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction

(251) 490-3812; www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com As the Teaching Professional at Azalea City Golf Course located in Mobile, AL., and a member of the PGA since 1996, I have dedicated my career to teaching the game of golf. My teaching goals are simple; improve my student’s skill level, and increase their enjoyment of this great game.

(251) 208-5181; www.mobiletenniscenter.net, Offers a variety of tennis clinics. The Mobile Tennis Center (Copeland-Cox) is a city of Mobile facility that is recognized as one of the largest public tennis complexes with 60 tennis courts.

Facilities: Cottage Hill, Lions Park and Mobile Tennis Center.

Mobile Parks and Rec Community Activities

The Junior Golf Association of Mobile

Locations: numerous locations, Mobile (251) 208-1607; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Educational Classes and more. Please visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks or www. communityactivitiesprogram.com for more information.

3201 Dauphin Street, Suite E, Mobile (251) 586-2916; www.jgam.net Ages 8-18. Dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development and availability of junior golf opportunities in Southwest Alabama.

Mobile Soccer Club

West Mobile Youth Soccer

www.mobilesoccerclub.org; Info@MobileSoccerClub.org

Mobile Youth Football Conference

www.myfc.org We provide an organized recreational football and cheerleading program for the youth of the city of Mobile and Mobile County. We place a major emphasis on fun and enjoyment for boys and girls interested in playing football or cheering and learning the skills of football and cheerleading. We teach boys and girls football and cheerleading fundamentals and techniques. We

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(251) 366-9896; www.westmobilebucs.com West Mobile Youth Athletic Association is proud to be the first youth football association in Mobile to partner with the USA Football by certifying all of our football coaches through their Heads Up program. Home of the Buccaneers.

Volleyball

www.gulfcoastvolleyball.org – under club tab

YMCA Youth Sports www.ysal.org

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Y youth sports programs offer children the ability to learn good sportsmanship, communication skills, the value of healthy competition and offer a way to have fun while building gross motor skills. We encourage parents to get in on the action by volunteering as a coach, team parent and, of course, acting as your child’s number one cheerleader.

Team Sports: Basketball, Running Camp, Soccer, Swim Team & T-ball (offered only at Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA)

Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm

with the community. We offer lessons. All lessons are western style riding. Beginners start with learning basic riding aides, walk trot transitions and stop and back. Intermediate to advanced riders will be taught to lope and may choose to learn barrels, poles and timed events. Advanced riders may choose to do trail rides in exchange for lessons or may be allowed to attend horse shows. Other fees will be applied to attend shows.

Horseback Riding

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Rd., Mobile (251) 633-8088; www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com Our lesson program is open to riders of all ages and experience levels. We specialize in dressage and eventing while teaching the basics of English riding emphasizing safety and care of the horse. We offer both group and private lessons.

Education and Tutoring

Celisse’s School of the Equestrian

2568 Sollie Rd., Mobile (251) 289-1244; www.kcequestrianarts.com This is a classical riding school that focuses on establishing a relationship between the horse and rider at a professional performance level.

I emphasize horsemanship and the performing arts. We also 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.

10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile (251) 634-1229; www.silverliningfarm.net Silver Lining Farm offers riding lessons in classical English style for children and adults. Our goal is to teach students how to ride, handle and groom horses safely and to the best of their ability. Our instructors are experienced riders and teachers.

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay (251) 391-4268; www.starlightstables.weebly.com We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services!

Starlight Stables is home to 21 horses and ponies.

Many are rescues and many have been born and raised here at our barn. We have been in business for over 21 years and have shared our horses and ponies

Sylvan Learning Center (ad on page 19)

8020 Moffett Rd, Semmes (251) 649-8522; www.sylvanlearning.com Avoid summer learning loss. Make Sylvan a part of your summer schedule and make Back to School time a big success! Sylvan has programs to help your child catch up, keep up, or get ahead. Whether your child needs remediation or enrichment, Sylvan can help! Also offering ACT Prep. Call today for your FREE consultation and to book your Skills Assessment.

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The Greenhouse at ACC (ad on page 37)

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 209-1102; www.socialthinking.com Bo Dooley; bodooley.thegreenhouse@gmail.com The Greenhouse at ACCA-Improve Your School Performance. We help with Reading – Math – Social Skills – Tutoring – Homework Assistance – ACT Prep – College Applications -Social Cognitive Intervention. We are Fastforward providers, Cogmed Coaches and Certified ADHD Life Coach.

The Think Tank (ad on page 6)

(251) 414-4494; www. thethinktanktutoring.com Improve your child’s grades with One-On-One tutoring in your home!

The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services is your solution • All Subjects • PreK - Adult • SAT/ACT Prep • Reading • LD/ADD • Math • Science • Foreign Languages •SOAR Study Skills. • Affordable Rates • Certified Teachers. Summer Tutoring is a great way to catch up & get ahead with Reading and Math!

OUR AVERAGE STUDENT IMPROVES 2 LETTER GRADES IN 90 DAYS. Call for details.

programs that teach children and adults to read, spell, comprehend, think critically, and express language. We are now signing up students for after-school sessions.”

Little Language (251) 610-7968; www.littlelanguagellc.com Email: littlelanguage@gmail.com Little Language, LLC is proud to offer foreign language classes for ages 3 - 17 in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Arabic and ESL (English as a Second Language). Classes can be started with (10) or more students and groups rates can be offered to schools/ organizations for 40 or more students. The classes are perfect for homeschool groups, neighborhood groups, after school programs, camps, or structured classes during the school day. Inquire about starting a class at your child’s school or organization and you may be eligible for free tuition through our referral program.

Ms. Elizabeth’s Tutorial Service

3966 Government Blvd, Mobile (251) 307-5575; www.mselizabethtutoring.com Miss Elizabeth Tutorial is a K-12 all subject tutoring service as well as test prep for ACT, SAT, ASVAB, GED, GRE, State of Alabama Life Insurance etc.

Bricks 4 Kidz

(251) 300-4796; www. bricks4kidz.com/alabamabaldwin-mobile; Email: lsmith@bricks4kidz.com Bricks 4 Kidz classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where we learn, we build, we play… with LEGO® bricks. Kids can learn and grow with our fun-filled model plans, which are designed just for us by architects and engineers! Our one hour classes explore S.T.E.M. concepts using LEGO® Bricks.

Students will learn about exciting themes including Space, Inventions, Famous Buildings, and Natural Disasters.

Kumon Learning Center

3152 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 447-2264, www.kumon.com/mobile-spring-hill 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.

Lindamood-Bell Learning

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D, Mobile (251) 473-6808; Toll Free: (800) 300-1818; www.lindamoodbell.com mobile.center@lindamoodbell.com “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 Mobile Bay Parents I August 2015

Read-Write: The Learning Center

15 midtown park west. Mobile, (251) 287-1822;

dyslexiaspecialist.net We are an educational clinic serving students and adults with language-based learning disabilities in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama. Also available for homeschool students.

Schoolworks

2534 Old Shell Road, Mobile (256) 252-8374; www.schoolworksedu.com Michael Ann Kelley; michaelann@schoolworksedu.com 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

The Smartatorium

4505 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 660-4254; www.facebook.com/Smartatorium One-on-one tutoring for all math, science, humanities, and languages; grades 6-12, AP, and early college.

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

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Scouting and Sea Cadets Boy Scouts of America

2587 Government Blvd., Mobile (251) 476-4600; www.bsamac.org

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Ave, Mobile (251) 344-3330, (800) 239-6636; www.girlscoutssa.org

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U. S. Naval Sea Cadet’s Dunlap Division

8501 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile Cynthia Lowder, clowder2002@bellsouth.net The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) is a federally chartered non-profit civilian youth organization for young people, ages 11 through 17. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. Naval League Cadets consist of ages 10-13 who are introduced to maritime and military life before becoming full-fledged Sea Cadets between the ages of 14-17 or upon high school graduation.

After School Daycares

Please check with local daycare centers for the option of after school care. Check out Mobile Bay Parents on the web at www.mobileparents.com and use our archived April Child Care Guide to get started.

Sewing All About Sewing

590 Schillinger Rd. S., Ste. D, Mobile (251) 634-3133; www.allaboutsewinginc.com Classes and private lessons available!

Dancing Needles Designs

6103 Southbend Drive S, Mobile www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Needles-Designs/180113318695591 Teaching the love of sewing to kids. Sewing Classes.

Miscellaneous Mobile School of Etiquette and Protocol

(251) 709-9573; www.mobileetiquetteschool.com The Mobile School of Etiquette & Protocol is committed to equipping children and young adults with the building blocks of social etiquette and interaction by promoting courteous and refined behavior, providing children with the skills to be socially adept and confident in any circumstance, and teaching personal empowerment through consideration to others. MBP

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Sales I have always said that bargain shopping can be turned into a fashion work of art. Your closet can be overflowing with clothes that not only fit well, but that also express your unique personality and style.

What better way to shop and not feel like you are breaking the bank than to shop sales? We don’t hesitate shopping sales when it comes to buying new cars, groceries, furniture and kids toys.

Why not invest in your personal style? Don’t let that fall by the wayside because you don’t feel like investing in yourself or feel your style is not as important.

Sales are around every corner when you go shopping these days. We’re officially in the “Sale Season.” A lot of my clients have told me they dread shopping, as well as sale season. They find it stressful and can’t seem to get past that one word...

SALE! Anxiety kicks in when they see clothes everywhere and they just can’t decipher what may or may not work for their style. I get it, it’s extremely overwhelming, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be, Ladies.

We are fast approaching end of the season sales, and as crazy as it sounds, retailers are going ahead and

slashing prices and gearing up for fall and winter styles. While shopping sales may be overwhelming at first, it is so worth it in the long run. I have helped save my clients a ton of money on their styles, half of what they would normally spend. Since we were able to save them that amount, we were able to buy more items of clothing to complete their new style.

So here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to shopping sales.

Do: Do Make a Plan - Find out when and where the sales will be.

Make a list of items you would like to add to your wardrobe. Research your style...this will prepare you for all of that digging around and fighting the crowds.

Do Set a Budget - When shopping sales it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending “because it’s on sale.” Preparing a list can help you keep your budget intact.

Do Try Things On - Make sure you try everything on unless you KNOW that the size is true to size and will fit. Some sale items can’t be returned so ask about the store’s return policy.

Do Know Prices - Know what the original retail price of items are because this will help determine if you’re getting a great deal or not.

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Do Try Something Different - Have you been eyeing a certain trend and just aren’t sure if you can pull it off?

Sales are the perfect time to try something new.

Don’t:

Don’t Settle for Less - There’s no need to make quick purchases. I always tell my clients to marinate on it.

Don’t Buy Different Pieces - Rule of thumb, don’t buy pieces unless you can think of at least 2-3 different ways of wearing them with what you have hanging in your closet.

Don’t Be Super Trendy - If an item is very trendy it may be hard to make wearable for the next season. Think about how or if it can be worn throughout the next season Don’t Squeeze Into It - Sale items don’t mean you should squeeze into them. If it doesn’t fit then move on.

You’ll find something else, I’m sure of it.

Don’t Buy It Just Because - Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Think it through...it’s all about the fit, trend and your style.

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 at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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Consider campus size. What size of campus will appeal the most? As my daughter, Natalie, and I learned, actually visiting the campus was the best way to get a feeling for size. On our visits, we observed the kind of people who were walking around campus.

How did the large campus feel? Or, would she prefer a smaller campus? Our tour guides made impressions on us. One professor stood out. He made Natalie feel welcome when she sat in on his class and remembered her name when he saw her the next day.

eady or not, prepared or not, when summer is over, your child is set to begin the final, defining and transitory, senior year of high school. Whether this is your first or third child, each college-bound high school student walks a unique path.

By the beginning of your child’s senior year, you may be in the refining stages of your child’s dream or your child may be considering fast and furiously what opportunities are available.

High school counselor Brooke Nova encourages parents to “start the conversations early about college and career.” Speak to several people about their careers and explore college campuses. Nova emphasizes that setting up overnight stays on college campuses “are free.”

Discuss distance from home. How far away is your child comfortable living? Some students are fine going to the opposite side of the country while others prefer to stay close to home, where weekend visits are possible or perhaps even to live at home that first year. My son, Thomas, demonstrated his independent nature by his choice to study a good six-hour drive away at the opposite end of our home state.

Talk it over. You have been listening to your child’s dreams all through her childhood. You are her first advisor. Now is the time to reflect the intimate knowledge that you have gained over these precious and fleeting years. What are his talents? What is she passionate about? What will she always want to be a part of her life?

What does he want to contribute? Making time for conversation and real dialogue with your child is crucial to helping her to focus her aspirations on a possible program of study. Never underestimate what is possible.

Apply, apply, and apply. Early in the senior year is time to tackle the tedious work of completing college admissions applications as well as scholarship applications. This load will be lightened considerably if, as Nova suggests, the student has used the summer of junior to senior year to research scholarships and to draft samples of scholarship and admissions essays. Sarah Myers McGinty’s book, “The College Application Essay” by College Board is an excellent reference to use as a guide for those intimidating essays.

Brainstorm a big list. The first list of colleges and universities should include a wide spectrum of choices from which to ultimately choose. Some of these choices should provide a stretch that challenges your child to reach further. Encourage your child to attend college presentations that are offered at the high school.

Explore university websites together and separately. Your child will let you know when your presence over his or her shoulder is no longer required. You can compare notes later.

Make that essay shine. Parents, siblings, and friends can help with the editing process. In most cases, the final admissions or scholarship application is uploaded online. Take the time, however, to print out the various pieces and refine the wording. If ever there were a time for perfectionism, the time is when writing

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

Allison Horner, Agent 6353 Cottage Hill Road, Suite F Bus: 251-666-1616 Fax: 251-666-6919 allison@allisonhorner.com www.allisonhorner.com

It can also provide for today.

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ®

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 1203087

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Brooke Nova encourages students to finish most everything, “(applications to college, scholarships, and FAFSA), should be done by winter break.” After the first semester seniors are typically “’over high school’ so getting everything done before break really does help,” she concludes.

college and scholarship applications. Proofreading by multiple sets of eyes can add exponential value. Print hard copies of all the applications and keep them in a large accordion style file or file box. The file box will be full if not bursting by the end of the year.

Support without hovering. Your child needs your support during this process. Most students this age need help breaking down the projects and requirements into manageable bits. They need help managing deadlines and timelines. Brooke Nova, who specializes in college and career counseling, suggests parents start tracking all community service once students enter ninth grade.

Wait it out. Even after all of this preparation, there is nothing to do but hang in there with your child and wait for the letters of acceptance or rejection to arrive in the mail. If your child was taking some risks in the application process, there are bound to be disappointments as well as victories. Each letter brings opportunity for feedback and learning for both of you. You will likely celebrate one day and then receive sobering news the next. Be prepared for tears.

Remind your child that the closing of one door opens another.

Attend financial aid presentations. Many high schools have at least one night, usually in the fall, to invite someone from a local University Financial Aid Office to speak about financial aid. In his presentations, Mike Johnson, Director of Financial Aid for Pacific University, likes to go beyond the basic information. “I also try to provide a reality check on what costs really mean.” Johnson helps parents to consider how much the tuition “sticker price” can be alleviated by factoring in the potential for financial aid in their situation.

It is helpful to attend more than one of these presentations. I attended a multitude of them. Attend at least one with a friend, better yet; a friend who has already sent a child to college if this is your first. A second ear can help with sorting through the information overload. I found it nearly impossible to assimilate all the information, terminology, and financial acronyms, in one sitting. Allow time to make sense of it all in order to be able to apply the information to your individual situation.

Accept the roller coaster. During my daughter’s senior year, sometimes she accepted gentle reminders, other times, she bristled at any suggestions. As a parent, I was continually walking that tight rope between supporting and hovering. I felt the stress of meeting the application deadlines right along with her. Even so, I couldn’t write her essay for her. I was almost grateful when she shut her bedroom door in my face so she could work on it on her own. Later, when she took the envelope into her room to open privately in her own space, I held my breath, too. But the results were hers, not mine.

Whatever the news, ceremonies that mark the end of high school for your child are rich with meaning and memories. You will have endured the ups and downs of a unique and remarkable senior year with your child. The events and memories of senior year will stay with both of you as you take the next step to life beyond the high school years together. MBP

Get a jump on senioritis. Senioritis seems to hit all of them. It’s just a matter of how far into the year it takes to kick in.

Diane Turner Maller is a freelance writer and mother of two college students. She recently attended the ceremonies for her daughter’s college graduation in May.

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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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1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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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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We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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A Page in a Book The Night Sky Unfolds in Books While evening cloaks the details of the world from sight, the glowing objects in the night sky offer perpetual wonders for human eyes – young and old. It’s a moving moment when our children spy the moon for the first time, small hands pointing toward something constant yet so very distant. As their awareness of the night sky grows, they begin to discern stars and the patterns they form as our small blue dot tumbles through the cosmos.

Following in the footsteps of astronomers from ancient times to the present, a child’s fascination with celestial bodies can introduce them to universal knowledge and undiscovered marvels. The following titles celebrate the night sky and will have young readers looking up from the pages to find their own stories written in the stars.

Moonday

by Adam Rex (Hyperion / Disney) Gazing out of the car’s back windows on a night ride home is familiar territory for young passengers. But when one young girl spies the moon keeping pace during the drive home, her sleepy musings of a bright orb that follows her home become all too real. She awakens to find the moon looming large in her backyard, and her town is caught in a day without morning. No one in her community is fully awake, tides laps into the neighborhood, and only another night journey with her family can put the moon back where it belongs. Rex’s artistic gift with illumination comes to the fore against the dark of this extended night. Combined with his eclectic style of storytelling, “Moonday” is a sumptuous feast for both the eye and the mind. A brilliant inspiration for young stargazers, this title is likely to launch endless lunar journeys in the imagination of every young night rider.

Henry’s Stars

by David Elliot (Philomel / Penguin) Ancient astronomers looked toward the night skies’ discerning patterns among the stars and they named these constellations after animals and heroes familiar to them (which, of course, varied from culture to culture). With a nod to the history of heavenly perceptions, this title opens with a stargazing pig named Henry who begins to connect the evening stars and discovers “The Great Pig in the Sky”. With enthusiasm, he runs to his neighbors on the farm to share his revelation. But as he encourages them to look skyward, each animal sees something different. From “The Great Sheep” to “The Starry Cow” each barnyard friend sees the constellation through their own frame of reference and names it thus. As Henry leaves the animals arguing about the stars they see, his joy over his discovery is dimmed. But when he’s alone again and looks up – his own eyes confirm what he knew all along. Ideal for kids who want to make their own connections with the night sky, “Henry’s Stars” will encourage them to make their own celestial discoveries!

Hello, Moon!

by Francesca Simon and Ben Cort (Scholastic) While the moon in the sky is a common sight that is shared by everyone in the world, it is not uncommon to sky watchers to feel a singular connection with it – as one person looking up at one moon. For one lonely little boy, seeing the moon through his bedroom window ignites a host of questions about what the moon sees and does. He wonders if the moon likes animals (the boy does). He asks if the moon can see the sea – and under it. The boys wants to know if the moon has friends among the constellations. While the moon smiles gently down, no answers are forthcoming. And that’s okay. Simply being a constant and familiar presence in the boy’s life, the moon provides the quiet comfort for the boy to ask the questions that spark his own imagination as he drifts off to sleep. “Hello, Moon!” is an ideal bedtime read for a full moon night!

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

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Family Calendar Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

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

History Museum of Mobile • Exhibit “Art of India” open through September 1. “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores Southern Asia” is an exhibit about personal discovery and exploration. It is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures, and most importantly, photographs, and writings. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information.

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

LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classes/Meetings

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

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

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

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

July/August 2015

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.

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.

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

The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes.

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series.

Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks.

251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000.

• Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required.

Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438.

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

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

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

• Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment.

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

Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

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

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

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

• Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and

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Family Calendar 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.

Thursday, July 23

Sunny Side Theater Drama Camp presents “The Girl with the Golden Locks” Sunny Side Theater Drama Camp presents “The Girl with the Golden Locks” by Brian D. Taylor at 7:00 p.m. and July 24 at 10:00 a.m. Enter the world of fairy-tale espionage and intrigue, where top-level spies take on the kingdom’s worst criminal masterminds.

Admission is $5 and performances take place at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts on the St. Luke’s Upper School Campus, 1400 University Boulevard. Call Director Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808 for details.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” Join us this summer for the delightful story of the “practically perfect” nanny Mary Poppins. Based on the book by P. L. Travers and the movie produced by Disney studios, Mary is a super-nanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children. She proceeds to put things right in the Banks household with the aid of her extraordinary magical powers. This fun-filled musical is wonderful for adults and children alike. You’ll be singing along in no time...”in the most delightful way!” The show runs from July 23 through August 16. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15, and students and seniors are $12. Call 251-602-0630 for reservations!

Market on the Hill An outdoor market of locally grown produce, seafood, soaps at Lavretta Park every Thursday from May 28 to July 30 3 - 6 p.m. The Market on the Hill runs from 2 to 6 p.m. For more information, please call (251) 208-1550.

Friday, July 24

Sunny Side Theater Drama Camp presents “The Girl with the Golden Locks” See July 23 for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Saturday, July 25

Battle of the Bay Canoe and Kayak Race The fourth annual Battle of the Bay is a family-friendly event that allows serious (and not-so-serious) paddlers the chance to race while raising money for the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, a nonprofit that works with lawyers to provide free civil legal services

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to low-income citizens. The morning begins with a one mile canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fun paddle at 8am. Boats launch next to the restaurant and line up at the starting line next to the Bluegill’s dock.

An Alabama Supreme Court Justice blows the starting horn to signal the start of the race. Next up the brand new canoe relay division adds to the excitement as a team of four competes to win (4 paddlers per team and each team completing two 1-mile loops).

Spectators crowd the Bluegill’s deck to cheer on their favorite paddlers. Children enjoy fun activities while DJ Dr. Feelgood plays music, adults enjoy beverages sponsored by a local coffee shop and local brewery, the Bluegill serves a delicious shrimp and grits brunch, and the crowd enjoys the opportunity to win door prizes.

Live music by Elaine Petty and Smokin’ Elvis will begin when the paddlers make it back to land. The top three boats in each boat category in the fun paddle and the top three teams in the canoe division will win prizes.

Please visit vlp.publishpath.com/fundraisers for more information.

Market in the Square Shop for the freshest crop in Cathedral Square from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p..m! This time of year is our favorite because you can buy locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelons, plants and flowers, as well as seafood, baked goods, pastas, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and much more.

Stay for live music on the green! For more information, please call (251) 208-1550.

Southwest Mobile County – Kids Day Join us from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center (5055 Carol Plantation Road) for Kids Day. Many activities: petting zoo, bounce house, food, entertainment, Kona, giveaways, Health Screenings, fitness activities and much more!

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Sunday, July 26

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Life: Insects” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. Today, the last showing starts at 12 and ends at 1 p.m. This week’s program is narrated

by Sir David Attenborough, and the series examines the wide variety of life on Earth, and the spectacular abilities that plants and animals have to survive.

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet. One of the keys to their success lies in their ability to reshape themselves. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Summer Classic Movie Series The Summer Classic Movie Series will run from July 12 – August 16. On Sunday afternoons, the Saenger Theatre will feature a classic movie to be shown at 3 p.m. with the doors opening at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are general admission: $6.00 per adult and $3 per 12 and under child or 60+ senior. All movies will be seated on a first-come-first-served basis. Tickets can be purchased beforehand at either the Saenger Theatre Box Office located at 6 South Joachim Street, Monday – Friday, 11am-2pm or at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office located at 401 Civic Center Drive, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Movie Schedule: 7/26 - “Caddyshack”, 8/2 - “Singin in the Rain”, 8/9 – “A Streetcar Named Desire”, 8/16 – “The Wizard of Oz”. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the showing starting at 12:30 p.m. from the Saenger Box Office.

Monday, July 27

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival Join us for the Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival from July 27-31. Monday-Friday will have a jazz camp from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Museum of Mobile 111 S. Royal St. for $25. Camp will include a field trip to the Ellis Marsalis Musician Village in New Orleans.

On Thursday, July 30 – Join us for an Evening of Poetry 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Ben May Main Library (701 Government St., Mobile). Saturday, August 1 - Jazz in the Temple from 4 - 9:30 p.m. at 351 St. Francis St.

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Second Line Parade from Cathedral Square to Temple.

Prize for “Best Decorated Umbrella” at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.gcehjazzfest.com.

Cheers for Children 2015 Café 615 will host a benefit for the Child Advocacy Center from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m at Café 615.

Sponsors include: Adams Plumbing & Drain, Norton Lilly International, Sirius Technical Services, Williams Financial Group, Wendell Quimby, and 99.9 Lite Mix Radio. The event will feature samplings of Café 615 signature dishes and wines to taste, along with a select live and silent auction. Music will be provided by the Bonus Brothers. Ticket cost is $35 each and are available at Café 615 and the CAC for $35 each. Please call 432-1101 for details.

Tuesday, July 28

Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman” Discussion The announcement of the publication of a second novel by Harper Lee prompted a firestorm of publicity.

Controversies raged over subjects such as the author’s mental competence, the author’s health, financial fraud and legal fraud. Special guest, Nancy Anderson will lead a discussion of the pre-publication press, the novel “Go Set a Watchman”, and its reviews. Discussion of the novel will, of course, make comparisons with “To Kill a Mockingbird” to consider the labels of “parent” (Lee’s label) or “sequel” (the publisher’s label). Nancy Anderson is an associate professor of English and director of Actions Build Community at the Auburn University at Montgomery. She has a particular interest in Southern literature, especially that of Alabama, and has published work about Lella Warren, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, Mary Ward Brown, Harper Lee, Clifton Taulbert, and Richard Marius. 6:30 p.m. at West Regional Branch. For more information, please call 208-7097.

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival See July 27 for more information.

Wednesday, July 29

Bellingrath Wonderful Wednesdays “The Moonlit Garden” lecture and book-signing: Join Scott Ogden, author, horticulturalist and garden designer, as he shows us how to create a garden under the stars. His moonlit gardens feature mixed plantings of scented flowers for light-reflecting foliage, exotic fragrances of tropical plants and shimmering water gardens. 10:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call (251) 973-2217.

5 Rivers Growing Up Wild “Awesome Owl Adaptations” from 10 - 11 a.m. for grades 1-2. Owls have been said to have superpowers – super sight, super hearing, super silent flight. Come learn about these amazing nocturnal hunters. Free, but registration is required. To register, email Shonda at Shonda.Borden@DCNR.Alabama.gov or call 251-6250814. For more information, please visit www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival See July 27 for more information.

Thursday, July 30 Market on the Hill See July 23 for more information.

Friday, July 31

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival See July 27 for more information.

Saturday, August 1

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival – Jazz in the Temple Jazz in the Temple from 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at 351 St.

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Family Calendar Francis St. Second Line Parade from Cathedral Square to Temple and prize for “Best Decorated Umbrella” at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www. gcehjazzfest.com.

3rd Annual Weeks Bay Foundation Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race Last year, we had about 100 paddlers turn out for a spin around a three-mile course in Weeks Bay that travels past an active bald eagle nest and some of the most pristine marsh left in coastal Alabama. We gave out 27 medals in nine categories, including first, second and third place for stand up paddleboards, unconventional crafts, canoes, men’s and women’s kayak, and juvenile. We will also include a more leisurely guided nature paddle around Weeks Bay this year, after last year’s nature paddle proved exceptionally popular. The crew from 17 Turtles Outfitters will be on hand to serve as expert guides. The race proceeds go toward our mission of protecting the Edges of Alabama’s coastal waters.

That includes our maritime forests, marshes, and the wetlands along the rivers and creeks of Mobile and Baldwin counties. For more information, contact the Weeks Bay Foundation at 251-990-5004 or visit www. weeksbay.org.

Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic This fishing tournament will be held along the coastline of Bayou La Batre and the Gulf of Mexico. Join us with a shotgun start at 6:00 a.m. and compete for many different awards including Master and Junior Angler divisional titles. A full day of festivities including live music, food, cold spirits and tons of fun will be in store at tournament headquarters at the Bayou La Batre City Docks. Please visit www.BayouLaBatreKayakClassic.org for more information.

Something Special for Saturday - Happy 34 Harry Potter It’s a day late (July 31), but let’s celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday at 10:30 a.m. at the Moorer/Spring Hill Branch. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Sunday, August 2

5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond from 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. Location: 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “River Dreams” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, familyfriendly film. In this week’s program, join Hunter Nichols as he sets out for the solo adventure of his life, paddling through Alabama from Birmingham to the Gulf, encountering storms, alligators, sickness and pollution. Free. Location: 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Summer Classic Movie Series See July 26 for more information.

Tuesday, August 4

Crime Prevention 5K Run/Walk Join us for the Crime Prevention 5K Run/Walk at Bienville Square that starts at 6:30 p.m. Please visit www.eventbrite.com for more information.

5 Rivers StoryTime: “Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10 - 11:00 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts.

In this week’s story, Wemberly is a worrywart! She

July/August 2015

is worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator – but she is especially worried about her first day of school. What will Wemberly do? 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Free.

Floetry at the Saenger Natalie Stewart, a slam champion and a founding member of the performance poetry group 3 Plus 1 which was rising to critical acclaim throughout London, Birmingham, and Manchester, invited Marsha Ambrosius to join her on stage to perform at a spoken word night, where they debuted a piece called Fantasize. Floetry was born. Join them at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre. Please visit www.mobilesaenger. com for more information.

Wednesday, August 5

5 Rivers Growing Up Wild Growing Up Wild for Grades 1 -2 from 10 - 11 a.m.

“The Bee’s Knees”. Do honey bees have knees? Why are honey bees so busy all of the time? Is honey really bee vomit? All these questions and more will be answered in this Growing Up Wild class! 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Free, but registration is required. To register, email Shonda at Shonda.Borden@ DCNR.Alabama.gov or call 251-625-0814.

Thursday, August 6

Marc-Art Marc-Art is the annual fundraising event benefiting Mobile Arc’s art education programs for people with developmental disabilities. The evening features an exhibit and sale of extraordinary artwork created by our talented art program participants as well as their collaborative pieces created with local artists from the Mobile area. Marc-Art is a festive celebration of the significant impact these programs make in their lives and encourages community awareness and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. We are excited to have Chef Rob cater the event. For more information or to reserve your tickets now, please call 251.665.9646 or email aodom@mobilearc.org.

Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation’s Annual Professional Rodeo The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation’s primary fundraiser is the Annual Professional Rodeo, an award-winning Professional Cowboy Association event at Foley Horse Arena, 113 E Rosetta Ave Foley. The rodeo is held over a three-day period in an outdoor area, rain or shine, in August and attracts thousands of fans who cheer on professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the South.

All proceeds from the 2015 rodeo benefit the Peer Helper Programs in Baldwin County Schools. Thursday, Friday & Saturday – Rodeo Begins at 8:00 p.m. nightly. Spectators will pay at gate – $12.00 adult, $6.00 children 4-12, age three and under free. 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. nightly Kids Zone Activities. Kids Zone activities include face painting, tattoos, bouncy house, inflatable obstacle course and games! Free Horseback Rides compliments of Oak Hollow Farms 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Thursday, August 6 “Hometown Heroes” A tribute to our local heroes including all military and emergency service personnel. All service personnel are encouraged to wear their service memorabilia and will be recognized in the stands during the Pre-Rodeo festivities. Each hero can show his/her service ID or badge for free admission. Friday, August 7 “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Rodeo contestants wearing pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and research. To align with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in one of their greatest commitments, audience members will join the contestants in wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. Saturday, August 8 “School Spirit” Opportunity

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for young and old to support Baldwin County schools by wearing their team colors. Many different schools will be represented by audience members, showing their participation in this unified approach to peer support!

Please visit jennifermoorefoundation.com for information.

Bellingrath Founders Day Walter Duncan Bellingrath was born August 6, 1869.

Celebrate Mr. Bellingrath’s 146th Birthday with us.

Free Gardens admission for local residents (Mobile and Baldwin Counties). Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore. Please visit www. bellingrath.org for more information.

Ladies Night: The History of Getting Hitched First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage…but has it always? The institution of marriage, in many forms, has become a cornerstone of civilization. But have you ever wondered how it came to be, and where these traditions come from? Join us as we unravel ‘tying the knot’. From dowry to dresses, we’ll discuss it all. Ladies’ Night is a free event as part of Thursday Night Programs at Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr). FREE. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series Every Thursday and Friday night at dark. All movies begin at dark and patrons are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and bug spray. Come enjoy a family friendly night on the West Beach at Dauphin Island. August Movies: August 6 – “Spongebob Squarepants movie”, August 7 – “X-Men Days of Future Past”, August 13 – “Swiss Family Robinson”, August 14 – “Hugo”, August 20 – “The Dog Who Saved Summer”, August 21 – “Fast and Furious”, August 27 “Minions”, August 28 – “The Avengers”.

Roman Street & The Mulligan Brothers Roman Street & The Mulligan Brothers will be preforming at the Saenger Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information.

Friday, August 7

Annual Professional Rodeo See August 6 for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

Saturday, August 8

Little Flower Petal and Pace Duathlon Come join us at 7:00 a.m. for the Annual Little Flower Petal and Pace Duathlon. This race has a 5 mile bike, 5 mile run, 5 mile bike and starts at Little Flower Catholic Church (2053 Government St, Mobile). This race benefits Little Flower School. Registration online at Eventbrite.com. For more information, please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com or call (251) 4214014.

Annual Professional Rodeo See August 6 for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Sunday, August 9

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Murder of Crows” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, familyfriendly film. This week’s program explores a bird with a bad reputation. Research, however, has shown that crows are among the most intelligent animals in the world. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Great Expectations Event Infirmary Health invites expectant mothers, new mothers and hope-to-be moms, their friends and family to its annual Great Expectations event, to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mobile Infirmary, North Baldwin Infirmary and Thomas Hospital. This premier pregnancy and parenting event, a one day

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Family Calendar extravaganza of “all things baby”, is not your typical mass-expo event. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit one-on-one with medical professionals, check out the finest baby products register for premiere services. For more information, visit infirmaryhealth. org or call 251-435-3939.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Summer Classic Movie Series See July 26 for more information.

Tuesday, August 11

Chickasabogue 2-Miler 2 Mile certified race organized by the Port City Pacers.

This event starts at 6:30 p.m. Please visit Eventbrite. com for more information.

Wednesday, August 12 Learning Lunch at the History Museum of Mobile Join us to explore new perspectives on the history and culture of Mobile, Southern Alabama, and the Gulf Coast. Each program begins at noon – bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages! Location: History Museum of Mobile 111 S. Royal Street. For more information about the Learning Lunch program, contact: Howard McPhail, Curator of Minority History at 251-208-7557 or howard.mcphail@cityofmobile.org.

Thursday, August 13

Anatomy of a Museum Dive deep into our administrative offices to see our work rooms and scale models of 10,000 square feet of gallery space. This staff-led tour will include hands-on interactive elements with scale cutouts of artwork as participants get to create their own tiny exhibition.

Along the way guests will get to hear the logistical

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secrets to exhibition planning. Anatomy of a Museum is a free Thursday Night program. 7 - 9 p.m. at The Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive).

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

Friday, August 14

LoDa Artwalk Second Fridays in downtown is the place to be! 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. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the lower Dauphin district. If you have any questions please contact (251) 208-1550.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America From Washington to Watergate, yea verily from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order – The Complete History of America (Abridged) is a ninety minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American History, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters – it’s what you’ve done with it! Dates: August 14-30, Fridays and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at 14 Lafayette Street. Please visit mobiletheatreguild.org for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

Saturday, August 15

Doughnut Dash and Dare It’s everyone’s dream. Melt-in-your-mouth, Krispy Kreme doughnuts perfectly arranged ready to eat.

The best part? Every doughnut has YOUR name on it.

Not only are they yours, but you are expected to eat

and enjoy each and every one of those perfect pastries.

There’s just one condition. You must run to reach this doughnut haven, and once you eat them, you must complete the rest of your race that you won’t soon forget.

At the 1.5mi mark, 5K participants may take the dare to STOP and EAT 6 delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts before moving on to finish the 5K. One mile participants may take the Dare to STOP and EAT one delicious Krispy Kreme doughnut before moving on to finish the 1 mi.

Join us at 7:30 a.m. for a race you will remember that will start on the Spring Hill College Campus. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by August 8), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on August 13, or online at https://www.eventbrite.com until four AM midnight August 14. Race day registration and packet pick-up on the Spring Hill Campus from 6:30 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.

5 Rivers Presentation “Tales from the Hive: Bees” 2-3 p.m. All ages, free. Honey bees are an insect that many of us learn about early in life. Honey bee hives have provided humans with honey and wax for centuries, but it is probably their job as pollinators that makes them much more important to us. Come take a peek inside the honey bee hive with 5 Rivers Educator and Beekeeper Mark Wetzel. All ages, free, no registration required. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). ). Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

Sunday, August 16

5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the

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local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). ). Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “America’s Amazon” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. This week’s program takes you on a journey through Alabama’s own Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. See the beauty and the challenges this unique ecosystem faces. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

Summer Classic Movie Series See July 26 for more information.

Tuesday, August 18

5 Rivers StoryTime: “What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?”

The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. In this week’s story, explore how animals use their noses, ears, tails, eyes, mouth and feet in very different ways. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Thursday, August 20

Girls of Fall - A Night of Football, Fashion, & Fun! Join us August 20, 2015 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center. The Cost is $25 in advance and $30 at door (First 100 to register online are entered to win a VIP Fan Package to 2016 Reese’s Senior Bowl). This event will include Food, Beverages, Entertainment, Breakout Sessions that include Inside the Game, Rules of the Game, Tailgating/Party Tips, Football Fashion Show and Shopping. Please visit www. seniorbowl.com for more information.

Live at the Museum The Mobile Museum of Art is pleased to present Nashville songwriter, Christian Lee Hutson from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Cost $10.00 at The Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive).

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

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Friday, August 21

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

Saturday, August 22

Screen on the Green Join us for family-friendly movies on Dorn Field at Spring Hill College - FREE! Our movie line-up is geared to families with children. Do something different this year, grab your kids and a few of their friends, blankets and chairs and watch a movie under the stars! Thank you to Rouses Supermarket who has generously committed to being the sponsor of the 2015 film festival events! Thank you also to Spring Hill College for letting use Dorn Field (located behind the Moorer Library). Movie will be Home playing at 7:45.

John Hiatt and The Combo and Taj Mahal trio HUKA Entertainment Presents John Hiatt and The Combo and Taj Mahal trio at the Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

KYM THURMAN

WATCH

WORKING MOMS

TUESDAYS ON LOCAL 15

TODAY

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Sunday, August 23

5 Rivers KID’S Sunday Matinee Disney’s, “The Emperor’s New Groove”. Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. This week’s program is a Disney favorite about a South American emperor that experiences a reversal of fortune when his advisor turns him into a llama. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort).

Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for information.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

Monday, August 24

HUKA Entertainment & AEG present Todd Rundgren HUKA Entertainment & AEG present Todd Rundgren at 7:30 at the Saenger. Please visit www.mobilesaenger. com for more information.

Thursday, August 27

Mobile Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2015 Mobile Chamber of Commerce Business Expo presented

by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Business Expo is Thursday, August 27 from Noon - 5 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. This premier annual event gives members an opportunity to showcase their products and services at Mobile’s largest business-to-business trade show. Last year’s event sold out with 230 companies participating! Please visit www.mobileconventions.com for more information.

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

Friday, August 28

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

West End Beach 2015 FREE Family Movie Series See August 6 for more information.

Saturday, August 29

The Dauphin Street Beer Festival 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 a record year. With only craft beer offerings, we expect quite a few new beers to be on the sampling menu.

Time is 6-9 p.m. For information, call (251) 208-1550.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

Sunday, August 30

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Animal Misfits” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. This week’s program looks at a collection of implausible creatures at first glance seem illequipped for survival. Somehow these creatures are able to thrive, and prove that being different and highly specialized can give you an edge. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.

Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents The Complete History of America See August 14 for more information.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Most children are crazy about animals from the outset – and the toys that celebrate the wild kingdom. When you add a interactive elements to animal toys, kids go wild. Sounds and movement that mimic their living counterparts take an ordinary animal figure and turn it into an engaging plaything that adds new life to the toy box.

The following items are recommended for the sights, sounds and interaction that they add to the animal kingdom of toys!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Pom Pom: My Baby Panda

Zoomer Interactive Puppy (Zoomer)

(FurReal Friends/Hasbro)

Couple the lifelike silhouette and mannerisms of an actual dog with cutting edge technology and the result is the cool interactive pet, Zoomer! Mimicking the actions of his real-life counterparts, Zoomer can sit, follow, and wag his tail as he responds to instruction in English, French and Spanish. He’s also ready to be taught tricks and with time will be rolling over, laying down, chasing his tail and more. Battery-operated Zoomer does need to be charged regularly, so parents should be prepared to help younger dog trainers with charging connections as needed. Just like with a real puppy, communicating with Zoomer is also a learning curve. Kids will need some patience as they discover the speech patterns and tricks that work best for commands, but in no time at all, Zoomer can be following directions and delighting the entire family with his canine appeal.

Lolly Musical Giraffe

Friendly Frankie: Little Live Pets Bird Cage

One of the gentlest large mammals in the animal kingdom gets the interactive treatment with the Pom Pom Panda from FurReal. Complete with her own bottle and rattle, Pom Pom Panda walks when you shake her rattle or pet her back. Nursing her with the bottle activates cooing and feeding sounds as well as gentle kicking action. The engagement opportunities continue as Pom Pom responds to speech with her own baby panda language. She is also adjustable into a variety of poses which change the effects of her movements in delightful ways. Kids will enjoy caregiver pretend play in a whole new way with this wildly adorable interactive animal baby.

(GUND)

Very young children may be startled by sudden or abrupt movements from an interactive toy, but Lolly Giraffe features just the right speed and volume to delight the littlest animal lover.

As a nursery toy, Lolly is crafted with a soft body with coloration that mimics a real giraffe. When you wind her key, she quietly plays “Hush Little Baby” as her neck slowly sways side-to-side. Echoing the graceful neck movement of a real giraffe, this gently active toy is ideally engaging for young tots – offering just the right amount of soft sound and slow movement that small children will welcome and love.

(Little Live Pets)

For the fans of feathered friends, Friendly Frankie is a ready-made bird buddy as he interacts with kids from both inside and outside of his colorful home. When Frankie is happy he sings his own special song.

Kids can also press a button on his chest to record their own voice which the bird buddy will play back on demand. When he’s happy at home in his cage he may chirp, tweet or swing on his bar. Frankie is also a portable pal, with feet that can gently grip little fingers like a real bird as he travels with your child to greet friends and family. The Little Live Pets Bird Cage door is open and ready to welcome a new friend!

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

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Ant-Man

Minions

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Minions PG for action and rude humor.

If you are a fan of the little yellow creatures that appeared in the films Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2, then you will undoubtedly be curious to see what the screenwriters have done with these characters now that they are the stars of their own movie. There is only one word to describe it: Despicable.

In part the problem lies with the premise of the story. We already know from watching the pervious animations that the munchkin-sized critters are the workforce of an evil mastermind. This prequel sets out to tell us why. However the idea of being the henchmen for the dastardly deeds of criminals is a hard thing to sell in a children’s flick, no matter how much you attempt to sugarcoat it in silly antics and slapstick comedy. It only worked in the first two films because the bad guy turned out to be a good guy.

Such is not the case this time around. Beginning at the opening credits we learn the Minions evolved from single-celled minnows to their presently “advanced” bumbling state by following the fittest life form they could find. From big fish, to T-Rex, to Neanderthal, to the Pharos, to Dracula and even Napoleon, the saffron swarm has loyally served -- and accidentally destroyed, each master.

And what they have learned over time is that they can only be happy if they have a bad boss to get behind.

Sent to find their next leader, we meet Kevin, Bob and Stuart (voiced by Pierre Coffin). The trio eventually stumbles upon Scarlet Overkill (voice of Sandra Bullock), a villain extraordinaire with a few fancy weapons tucked under her skirt. Through another series of unplanned-yet-fortuitous events, they convince the femme fatal that they are the right team for her diabolical doings. So she whisks them off to London, England where she unveils a plot to steal the crown of Queen Elizabeth. However, when their bungling jeopardizes her plans, Scarlet sees red and the Minions are forced to face the wrath of a woman scorned.

Although children may be willing to overlook the tediousness of the repetitive scenes where idiots unknowingly do something that saves the day, their parents aren’t likely to miss the ever-increasing violence in each scenario.

While the screenplay attempts to put in some gags for the adults, this genius will be lost on the target audience. For the younger crowd, the constant peril, mean-spirited action and death threats will be an unpleasant surprise. And there is no charm to mitigate the depictions of killing or soften the motives of the characters involved.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Language: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Ant-Man PG-13 for sci-fi action violence.

I suspect many of us comic strip newbies will approach Ant-Man in much the same way we did the Guardians of the Galaxy debut. I’ve heard of The Incredible Hulk and Captain America, but Ant-Man? Sorry. No idea. Based on what this movie teaches us about his origin story, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is another Tony Stark -- an ordinary guy whose suit makes him extraordinary. Looking much more stretchy and nimble than Iron Man’s full body cast, Scott’s Ant-Man getup gives him the ability to become teeny-weensy with the push of a button.

The gimmick is a Cold War era invention of Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), who discovered he could reduce the empty space between atomic particles, thereby making objects much smaller and denser, while also increasing their strength. However, like so many Marvel Universe inventors, his creation is hijacked for military use by Howard Stark (John Slattery) and weapons dealer Mitchell Carson (Martin Donovan). But they were missing one key aspect of Pym’s secret, which prevented them from ever putting it to use.

Fast forward to the present and Dr. Pym discovers his former apprentice Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) is on the brink of putting the puzzle together. It’s about this time when Scott, who has made some bad life choices, decides to break into the Pym residence. Fortunately, the thief’s creative B&E skills impress the scientist. The aging man has been looking for a new candidate to wear the incredible shrinking suit – one he hopes will conspire with him to stop Cross from putting the final touches on his version of the minimizing machine.

Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the Marvel Comics franchise is the interplay between characters and references to other super heroes. And those are abundant here. Even those of us who haven’t got a clue what the backstories are, can still laugh along with the gags -- and then pester our comic geek friends to fill us in after the show is over.

Even better, Ant-Man reduces the objectionable content found in many action films to the point where parents may find this production suitable for ‘tweens and teens. As a role model, Scott is a poor example when he figures the only way he can get the money needed to make his child support payments is to turn to crime. Yet, by the end, his more positive choices prove he is willing to sacrifice for others. Perhaps the greatest victory for this script is its ability to transform such an implausible concept into something that seems almost logical. (The movie’s pre-release trailer did nothing to convince me this tale would be more than a laughable bomb.) With nano-technologies making headlines in reality, Ant-Man allows our imaginations to believe a shrinking suit could have a useful purpose in our weapons closet.

What Parents need to know about Minions...

Violence: Characters are in peril throughout the movie. Sometimes these depictions are slapstick, other times they are more serious as the Minions face death threats from animals, to normal humans, to villains. The violence is bloodless and portrayed in a humorous manner. Frequent depictions of guns and weapons use, bombs and explosions, hot lava, torture equipment, hand-tohand altercations, deaths and assassination attempts. Crime is glamorized.

Sexual Content: A Minion mistakes a fire hydrant for a female, and tries to kiss and caress it. Later he is shown in a hot tub cuddled up with two fire hydrants. A female character wears a strapless dress that often needs adjusting.

Characters are seen wearing loincloths made of leaves and one puts starfish over his breasts. When disguised as a woman, the Minions use a flip-up bra as a lookout place, and a pair of goggles is seen where the breasts should be. Bare bums are shown, on wrestlers and minions. Guards remove their clothes and dance around wearing their boxer shorts. Other mild sexual innuendo is heard.

Language: Name-calling occurs.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Alcohol is drunk on a plane. An authority figure drinks at a pub where some of the patrons appear drunk.

What Parents need to know about Ant-Man...

Violence: Characters frequently fistfight and punch one another – bloody injuries occasionally result. Break-and-enters, car theft, and other robberies are depicted. A character escapes from jail. Humans and animals are killed by a gun that reduces their bodies to a blob of goo. Characters are in constant peril, especially when they shrink to a miniature size. Ants bite, swarm and crawl on people, causing minor injury and major property damage. Characters die in heroic ways. Weapons use, gun threats and explosions are depicted. A child’s safety is threatened.

Sexual Content: Prostitutes are briefly shown. A man is seen (from the back) using a urinal. Breast fondling is mentioned. A couple is caught kissing.

Language: Mild and moderate profanities are used. A couple terms of deity are used as expletives. A sexual slang term is used.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Social drinking is shown. A sleeping pill is given to some unsuspecting characters.

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