Mobile Bay Parents November 2012

I chose my doctor because he delivers at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

My name is Candis Busby. My husband and I are the proud parents of two wonderful children, and we are expecting our third child this fall.

Our last baby, Ty, had some health concerns when he was born a few years ago and the doctors transferred him to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. They said he would receive better care at Children’s & Women’s, and they were right. Today, Ty is a healthy, rambunctious boy!

Well, when we learned we were pregnant again, I said “this baby will be born at Children’s & Women’s!” They deliver more babies than any hospital in the

area, with the only intensive care unit for babies, so it just makes sense. I chose my

doctor because he delivers at Children’s & Women’s, and I would encourage every

mother who wants the best for her baby to Candis and Bucky Busby Monroeville, Alabama

do the same.

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Contents November 2012 Volume 2 Number 8

Features 38

7 Fun Things to Do After Thanksgiving Dinner

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Holiday Gift Guide

44

Holiday Happenings

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Become a High Energy Mom

Rather than the traditional “after turkey nap�, try out these ideas for making the most of Thanksgiving Day with your family.

Local businesses offer great Christmas gift ideas, and many with discounts.

November kicks off tons of holiday fun in Mobile Bay and our guide gives you all the details!

Columns

Learn how to best eat, move, work and sleep in order to boost your energy for the tasks that fill your days.

2 From Mom of the Month 4 Living With Children John Rosemond, Ph.D.

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Kids Health

On The Cover

Mike Little, D.O.

Departments 6 Bits and Pieces

36 Get This!

14 School Bits

Paige Gardner Smith

37 Dave Says

56 Family Calendar

50 A Page in a Book

64 Parent Previews

Dave Ramsey

Paige Gardner Smith

55 Craft & Cook w/ Kids Dana Moonan

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Hayden Hassell, age 10, and Ryan Hassell, age 8, sons of Laura and Brad Hassell. Proud grandparents are Ann and Jim Hassell, Betty Goulden and Reg Garcia. The boys are looking forward to cooler weather to do more things outside. They love the beach in the Fall, football games, and Halloween.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Mobile Bay Parents Mobile’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

Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com or (251) 304-1200

Contributing Writers Kerri Cooke Jennifer Gregory Mike Little, D.O. Dana Moonan Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Heidi Leudtke Smith Paige Gardner Smith

Cover Photography

Victoria Webb www.victoriawebbphotography.com

President Jason Watson jason@mobilebayparents.com

Visit us online 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 2011

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.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

From Mobile Bay’s Mom of the Month...

When I received a phone call asking if I would be Mobile Bay Parent’s Mom of the Month, I was both honored and a little overwhelmed about what I would be sharing with all of you.

The first thought that came to my mind is… I am no different than most moms trying to do their best with all the things that we have going on in our busy lives. It has always been comforting to know that I am not the only one going through the prioritizing “juggling act” of taking care of a family, while managing a career at the same time.

When I started having children, I thought that nothing could ever fulfill me like being a wife and mother. While that still holds true, I felt I had more to give, so I decided to start a business in fitness. Being healthy and fit has been a passion of mine, as well as part of my life, as far back as I can remember.

Once I decided to join the “working” world, it definitely took some adjusting. I have no regrets about taking on my new role, but I have had to learn to prioritize my life in a totally new way. I felt it was important to stop and really take a look at what I wanted to put first in my life. It is easy to say spending time with my husband and children, exercising and growing my business is my main focus, but actually having the time and energy for everything I deemed important has proven to be difficult.

In this month’s article, Become a High Energy Mom, there are many great tools and good advice on how to incorporate some of the things you want to make a priority in your life. I have found that taking my week “one day at a time” keeps me from feeling overwhelmed with all I feel I want to accomplish. If “life” permits, I am even more productive if I choose to focus on one task at a time each day; but, as a mother, wife and business owner, “life” does not always cooperate.

I am fortunate to have been able to keep my family life and my business separate.

While I am with my children and husband, it is about our family. Eating dinner together, something simple that used to be a part of most families’ every day routine, is now considered a special occasion. It is something that is important to our family and something my husband and I both strive to do nightly. It can be done; it just has to be made a priority. I think of all the wonderful lessons we are teaching our children with such a simple task. Another simple task I feel is equally important, and is high on my priority list, is making the time to exercise with my husband. Keeping a strong bond with him and doing something together that we both enjoy (and is healthy) is definitely a priority.

I am from a very large family as one of eight children, and having quality time with my extended family is yet another important part of my life. With all of us living in different parts of the United States we take full advantage of our time when we are all together. In the article, 7 Fun Things to Do After Thanksgiving Dinner, you’ll find great ideas for making the most of your time with family and friends over the holiday break.

After all, spending time with loved ones is very important in life. It is easy to get caught up in this very busy “go, go” world we live in today, but it is my hope to one day look back and feel that I was able to keep all the things important to me a priority in my life.

Kerri Cooke

Stroller Strides of Mobile

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Living With Children

By John Rosemond

When Sibling Conflict Becomes Sibling Bullying Q: The younger

of my two boys, 10 years old, has started cutting himself when his 13-year-old brother picks on him. His older brother is also verbally abusive to him and at times to me. I’m not sure what to tell the 10-year-old. He’s a very sweet boy who does great in school and has nice friends. I’ve told him he needs to express his anger in a positive manner. Meanwhile, my husband and I have told our 13-year-old that we will not tolerate this behavior. In the past I would tell them to solve it on their own, or I would punish them both. Any suggestions?

A: It’s generally appropriate to tell children

who are engaged in run-of-the-mill sibling conflict to solve it on their own. But this is not sibling conflict. This is sibling bullying. The fact that your 13-year-old is verbally abusing both his younger brother and you is clear indication that he’s gotten more than a tad too big for his britches. This is budding narcissism, and the bud needs immediate nipping.

Children your younger son’s age tend to worship older brothers, especially if their age ends in the suffix “teen.” For a 10-yearold boy, nothing equals being accepted by an older brother. Likewise, there is nothing so devastating as being rejected by an older

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

brother other than being rejected by one’s father. The devastation felt by your younger boy can’t be over-exaggerated, and the very unfortunate fact is that for many of today’s kids, cutting has become the response of choice to feelings of worthlessness.

Telling your younger son to “express his anger in a positive manner” is well-intentioned, but that requires more emotional maturity than is possessed by your average 10 year old. More important is what you tell his older brother.

I recommend that you and your husband inform your older son that the next time he physically intimidates, harasses, or verbally abuses either his younger brother or you, he will spend all of his discretionary time for one month in his room, which you will strip of any and all entertainment. During his confinement, his lights will go out at 8 p.m., seven nights a week. If, upon his release, any such incident occurs again, his confinement will be increased to two months and you will either throw or give away everything he owns that is not absolutely essential.

Your older son’s behavior is serious stuff, but it is the beginning of even more serious stuff. It requires an equally serious response from you and your husband.

From John: A reader in Buffalo resonated with a recent column in which I opined that a punishment is worthless unless it establishes a permanent memory.

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When said reader’s son began kindergarten, he would work himself into a tantrum every morning. His “problem with transitions” caused him to miss the bus, so Mom ended up driving him to school.

To her credit, Mom did not allow emotion to drive her response to the problem.

Realizing that her son’s morning meltdowns needed to be nipped in the proverbial bud, she considered her options and came up with a game plan. She sat her son down and calmly told him that he was free to throw morning tantrums, but for no longer than fifteen minutes. When a tantrum started, she was going to set a timer. When it rang, he had to stop, compose himself, and proceed cooperatively to the bus stop.

If a morning meltdown lasted past the bell, Mom was going to confine him to his room after school and put him to bed immediately after dinner. If he missed his bus because of a tantrum, he would spend a week in his room, during which time he could join the family for meals, family outings, and school.

Mom writes: “The next day he threw a tantrum and missed the bus. I drove him to school, came home, and cleaned his room of anything and everything entertaining, including books. He spent the full seven days in there. He never missed his bus again and he never threw another tantrum.”

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

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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BIRTHING SUITES SO SPACIOUS, THEY COVER A LIFETIME.

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This is the day to begin all days. So Infirmary Health provides more. More room in our birthing suites. More hospitals and clinics around the bay. More for your family’s health that first day and in all the days to come.

More, devoted to your care. infirmarylaboranddelivery.com Thomas Hospital - North Baldwin Infirmary - Mobile Infirmary Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

bits & pieces Call to Enter Cheese Straw Challenge

Revv up those cookie presses because the Historic Mobile Preservation Society wants to know who the big cheese of cheese straw baking is. Cooking Traditions: It’s All About The Cheese – Cheese Straw Challenge will be held on Sunday, November 18, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the grounds of the Oakleigh Historic Complex. Entry forms are now available. Only 20 spots are available. Bakers will be asked to provide 200 small tasting samples for judging by the public and by an esteemed panel of judges, their recipe, and a very brief essay entitled “My Cheese Straw Memory.” Applications can be obtained at The Gift Shop at Oakleigh or by calling the HMPS office at 432-6161.

Tickets to the event are $10 per person and can be purchased at The Gift Shop at Oakleigh, by calling the HMPS office at 432-6161, or through www.historicmobile.org beginning October 1. For more information call 432-6161.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market

The Holly Jolly Craft Show will take place on November 3, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Heron Lakes Country Club at 3851 Government Blvd. This event is to raise funds to benefiting USA Children's and Women's Hospital. There will be over 40 Arts and Crafts booths to help kick off the Christmas Shopping Season. Some items to purchase are Christmas Decorations & Wreaths, Glassware, Home Items, Jewelry, Artwork, Children’s Clothing & Accessories, Specialty Foods, Purses, Make-up and Skin Care, Gift Items, Monogramming & Vinyl Personalization, Ladies Apparel and MUCH MORE! We will also be auctioning off some wonderful trips and prizes. A $3 entry fee will be charged for ages 12 and up, with all proceeds going to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital for the current expansion to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit! For more information on this event, find us on Facebook.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass Shopping Fundraiser

Purchase a $30 Blue Pass shopping discount card to save 20% at over 100 participating retailers throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties during a 10-day shopping period to be held Friday, October 26 through Sunday, November 4. All proceeds help the Junior League of Mobile fund its mission. From spas to clothing stores, home accessory boutiques to restaurants, the Blue Pass helps you save money at the places you want to be and leaves you feeling good about your decision to help others.

For more information about the Blue Pass including a list of participating stores, how to participate as a merchant or how to purchase a pass visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org or email bluepass@juniorleaguemobile.org.

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Market on Sage Planned

Saint Pius X Parish’s “Market on Sage" will showcase vendors from across the area, offering one of a kind pieces with something for everyone. Shoppers will find upscale decorative items, handmade jewelry, monogrammed pieces, religious items, children's clothing, and seasonal gifts. A wide variety of homemade breads and baked goods will also be available. This year's event will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10 with special in-house activities set for Thursday, November 8. The Gingerbread Café will be open for lunch serving soup and sandwiches on Friday and Saturday. Pictured, Committee Chairman Frani Stewart and Vendor Coordinator Mary Head make an early inventory of decorative items for the Market.

The Second Annual Tracy Hurley Memorial Writing Contest

The Second Annual Tracy Hurley Memorial Writing Contest for students in grades 6-12 will have two categories: 6-8 Grade, 9–12 Grade. The deadline for this contest is November 23. Entries must be 500-2,000 words, fiction only. Send entries in the body of an e-mail to mobilewritersguild@gmail.com. This contest is open to Mobile and Baldwin counties and prizes include cash ($25 for 1st prize; $15 for second; $10 for third) publication and other miscellaneous prizes. Winners will be announced December 6 in the meeting room on West Mobile Regional Library. For more information, please visit www.mobilewritersguild.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Run for the Battleship 5K

The USS Alabama is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mobile. After years of being in the elements, the battleship needs repairs and restoration. You can lend a helping hand by lacing up your tennis shoes and heading to Battleship Park on November 10. A 5k Run/Walk will be held at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The run starts at 8 a.m. with race day registration an hour before. The course takes you along the Causeway. Registration forms by mail (entries should be postmarked by November 3) or they can be picked up/dropped off at McCoy Outdoor in Mobile or Run-n-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on November 8 or online (www.Active.com) until midnight Thursday, November 8. 5K Run/Walk Pre-registered: Adults $15 Children (16 and under) $12; 5K Run/Walk Day of Race: Adults $20 Children (16 and under) $15; All pre-registered K-12 students: $5 without tee shirt. After the race, enjoy food and beverages. www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

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Purse Auction to Benefit Our Sisters’ Closet

PurseWithPurpose, a cocktail benefit for Our Sisters’ Closet with presenting sponsor Makeda Nichols/State Farm Insurance will be held Thursday, November 29 at 6 p.m. at the Harbor Communications Party Room at Hank Aaron Stadium. Male movers and shakers will model designer and fashion purses – stuffed with gift certificates and surprises - in a live auction. There will also be a silent auction of purses and jewelry new and vintage - and other items just in time for holiday gift-giving.

General admission tickets are $25 and include a signature cocktail, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar.

Individual sponsorship packages are also available. All proceeds will benefit the mission of Our Sisters’ Closet which is to provide free interview and workplace clothing to disadvantaged and in-crisis women to increase their self-confidence and job opportunities; and other job search support and resources to women, men and teens. Tickets and more information are available at www.oursisterscloset.org. or call Terri Kearns at 251.423.2001.

The perfect place to find all kinds of unique gifts... for teachers, children, friends and even yourself!

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

bits & pieces Annual Fall Open House Set for Environmental Studies Center

On Saturday, November 3, the Environmental Studies Center will conduct its annual Fall Open House from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Activities will include nature walks, nature crafts, face painting, raptor show, wildlife lectures, Starlab show, live animal exhibits, and environmental exhibits. Also featured at 12 noon, will be the award ceremony for the winners of the 2012-2013 Wildlife of Mobile calendar contest.

The event is open to the general public and attendance is free. Concessions will be available, with proceeds benefiting the Center's wildlife rehabilitation program. The Center is located at 6101 Girby Road, between Burns Middle School and Infirmary West Hospital. For information, call 221-5000.

National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month! Alabama Pre and Post Adoption Connections, a program of Children’s Aid Society designed to support adoptive families, would like to take this opportunity to recognize each and every adoptive family in Alabama. If you are a member of an adoptive family or know an adoptive family, join us in celebration of this very special month. APAC will be hosting an open house on November 17, 9am – 12pm, at our offices at 857 Downtowner Blvd, Mobile, AL 36609. Join us for food, games, crafts, and more! Please contact us at (251) 460-2727 to learn how the APAC program can support your family or to learn more about becoming an adoptive parent.

Happy National Adoption Month! Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections is a collaborative effort between Children’s Aid Society and the Department of Human Resources to provide education and support to Alabama’s adoptive families.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Wants You

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is recruiting girls between the ages of 5-17 and adult volunteers throughout the 30 counties served by the organization during this annual recruitment drive. While joining a troop is the most common option for participation, there are other ways for girls to become and participate as a Girl Scout. Individual girls may join as a Juliette, which provides more flexibility for girls and parents with active schedules. While allowing them to take part in the many activities provided

by GSSA including camp, STEM programs, trips, product sales and more they can work toward earning badges and other goal-oriented programming at their own pace. Adult volunteers are also a vital part of Girl Scouts with the most recognizable being a troop leader. Each year, many girls looking for the traditional troop experience miss out due to a lack of adult volunteers. Whether someone has a little or a lot of time to give, every attempt is made to meet the availability and interests of the volunteer with commitments of little as one or two events a year to something more long term. For more information on joining Girl Scouts or to find a nearby recruitment event, visit www.girlscoutssa.org or call 1-800-239-6636.

Wells Fargo 2012 Senior Bowl Charity Run

The 25th annual Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run will take place Saturday, November 3, in downtown Mobile. Each year thousands of runners fill the streets of downtown Mobile to take part in the 10K, 5K or one-mile Fun Run. For the first time ever the Charity Run’s school program features cash incentives, established to help promote health and fitness for area students. Every school that signs up at least 10 people earns $100. That amount increases to $200 for more than 50 entries and goes to $1000 for 100 or more participants on race day. The school with the highest total number of participants earns $1,500 as does the school with the highest percentage of participants based on enrollment. Registration can be done in Person: Senior Bowl Office (Race Headquarters) –151 Dauphin Street (Downtown Mobile), Uncle Joe’s Running Store in McCoy Outdoors –3498 Springhill Avenue (By Wednesday, November 4) or On-Line (By Wednesday, November 4): www.seniorbowl.com (on-line registration will close at 11:59 p.m on November 4). All participants receive a free long-sleeve t-shirt and admittance into the Family Fun Festival in historic Bienville Square where free food, drink, live music and activities will be available for everyone to enjoy. www.seniorbowl.com/run.asp.

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and CNC Prepare for Celebrate Hope

The Fourth Annual Celebrate Hope fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 15 at MCI in “midtown” Mobile. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and cocktail attire is required. Tickets are $150 each. The funds raised benefit MCI which is the only academic cancer research institute in the upper Gulf Coast. This year’s event will continue the tradition of being held under the white peak tents on the brick pavers in front of MCI. While guests enjoy the creations of local celebrity chefs and specialty wine and beer pairings, they will also be enamored the sounds of Big Swing and The Ballroom Blasters. This year’s event will spotlight Celebrity Chef Martie Duncan. She was a finalist on Season 8 of Next Food Network Star and will be joining us to create a selection of appetizers. The Beau Rivage Resort and Casino will again sponsor the Premiere Partner Package for Celebrate Hope sponsors that donate $1,000 or more. This special event, to be held on December 7, will feature an upscale cocktail party and tickets to attend the Daryl Hall and John Oates concert that evening.

For more information about Celebrate Hope, contact USA Development Office at 251-460-7032, or email Development@USouthAl.edu. Online ticket sales can be purchased through www.USAMCI.com/CelebrateHope. Sponsorship information is currently available through Kelly McCarron at 251-460-7276 or KMcCarron@USouthAL.edu and online at www.USAMCI.com/CelebrateHope.

Bay Area Food Bank and Bronstein’s to Host Holiday Gift Shopping Event

On Tuesday, December 4 from 4-6 p.m., Bronstein's Fine Furniture is hosting a holiday "pop-up" shop. Local artists, jewelers, fashion boutiques, etc. will set up shop in the showroom for an afternoon of holiday gift shopping, benefitting the Bay Area Food Bank. Bronstein's "Home for the Holidays" will showcase Mobile's great talent and the unique finds and services that the city has to offer - all while allowing shoppers to get started on gift shopping for the holidays. To join the fight against hunger, Bronstein's is partnering with the Bay Area Food Bank for this fun event. Guests are invited to bring canned goods/non-perishables – all of which will be donated to the Bay Area Food Bank - and will then be entered in the drawing to win incredible prizes from each of the vendors! Bronstein’s is located at 458 Azalea Road, Mobile.

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Black Women on the Run

Annual BSA Scouting for Food Drive

Black Women on the Run is a group of black women on a quest to stay healthy and fit!

The women meet on the following days: On November 3rd, “Scouting Mondays @ 5 a.m. for a for Food” grocery bags will long run at the University be distributed throughout of South Alabama southwest Alabama by Cub Mitchell Center; Scouts, Boy Scouts and Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. for Venturers of the Mobile speed and conditioning Area Council of the Boy at the University of Scouts of America. Then South Alabama Track; Scouts will return to the Wednesdays @ 5 same neighborhoods on a.m. for speed and Saturday November 10th to conditioning at the collect the grocery bags that have been filled with canned goods and University of South non-perishable foods. The collected food will be taken to the Bay Area Alabama Mitchell Food Bank, which serves the local community. If you don’t get a bag Center; Thursdays @ on your door, you can still participate by dropping a few non-perishable 7 p.m. for a long run at food items in the collection bin at your local Greer’s Markets & Food University of South Alabama Track; and Saturdays @ 6 a.m. TBA Tiger Stores, who will be the event sponsor again this year. Be watching (check for updates each week). You can find them on Facebook, WKRG Channel 5 for promos during the newscasts as the big day facebook.com/BWOTR. approaches.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Fatherhood Program of Mobile Offers ½ Price Day to Dads and Kids at Paint Party Studios

On Sunday, November 4 from 2-5 p.m., “Splatter That Matters” invites dads to bring their kid(s) and paint together at Paint Party Studios, 6808 Airport Blvd, Suite B (across from Providence Hospital). 11 x 14 panels are reduced to $15 in honor of fathers, and hundreds of themes are available (beach, animals, holidays, etc.). For more information and to register, visit paintpartystudios.com. Enter “father/child” in the comments section, and choose your panel ahead of time so that they can be pre-sketched for you. Registration deadline is November 2 at noon. Artists will be on hand to assist and refreshments will be provided. The Fatherhood Program is a free voluntary program that underscores the importance of fathers through promoting spending time with your kids at events like “Splatter That Matters.” A new course, Quenching the Father Thirst, shows dads why they are important and how to live like they are important. Cooperative parenting and stress/anger management training is also offered. For more information visit Facebook.com/Fatherhood ProgramMobile or familycentermobile.org.

Responsible Fatherhood Program is operated at The Family Center and is made possible through the Children’s Trust Fund, Grant #90fk0042-01-00, Office of Family Assistance, United States Department of Health & Human Services, Administration of Children & Families. Available to all eligible persons regardless of race, gender, age, disability or religion.

Daphne Streets Will Jingle on December 1 During Jingle Bell Run

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Jingle Bell Run/Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual holiday-themed running or walking event to raise awareness and funds to fight the nation’s leading cause of disability. Teams of families, friends, co-workers and individuals tie bells on their shoes and will jingle through the streets of Daphne on December 1. Participants can choose a 5k course or a 1 mile course to run or walk. We also offer an Elf Chase for children 8 and under. The festivities begin when registration opens at 6:45 a.m. at Daphne City Hall. Following the race events, we put on a great after party with cold and hot beverages, Grits and Conecuh sausage, Music, a Fun-filled Children’s Area with jump houses, crafts and games. Don’t forget about our costume contest! Register by visiting www.2012jbrwgulfcoast.kintera.org or by calling the local office at (251) 706-8194.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Kids Heal h

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Well Child Appointment (15 Months)

Months continue to fly by quickly and all of the sudden your 15-month-old little boy is becoming his own person complete with a blossoming personality. He is beginning to have serious “conversations” with you and he has probably discovered what makes you laugh and is very willing to repeat an action so as to continue to be the center of attention.

He may even be displaying some levels of frustration when told “no” or restrained from doing something and shows it by acting out.

Let’s take a moment to touch on receptive and expressive language development of a toddler. Receptive language corresponds to a child’s ability to understand what is being said to him. His expressive language corresponds to how he responds verbally to what has been said to him. At 15 months old, most toddlers will be able to comply with a simple command such as “pick up your cup”. It means their brains have understood the words spoken to them and have followed through correctly with their actions. In a similar fashion, most 15 month olds will begin to verbally respond correctly to simple questions posed to them such as, “Who’s that?” Many times a toddler’s receptive language is in full stride before his expressive language. While in pediatric residency training, one of my mentors always reminded me that it can be more helpful for a parent to give a command rather than ask a question. For example, if you ask a 15 month old what he wants to drink, not only does he have to answer correctly but he also has to physically express himself. Instead, it

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

might be more helpful to state to the toddler, “Tell me what you want to drink.” Invariably, we know what the child wants and we shouldn’t make him spend 10 minutes trying to answer us. Mom can simply hold the sippy cup in front of the child and help him parrot the word “milk” or “juice” after she has allowed the child to respond to her without a cue for a few seconds.

So back to our 15 month old little boy.

He is probably saying a very small handful of words in addition to “Mama” and “Dada”.

He still has a lot of nonsensical speech with voice inflection. He has also discovered how to scribble with crayons or mama’s pen from her purse and any surface becomes his canvas. When given the chance he also likes to hold a spoon or fork and either try to eat with it or use it as a drumstick or missile as he throws it down from the highchair. This can be a messy time around the highchair because he wants to feed himself and not be spoon fed by mom or dad. And of course he is showing an increased and scary ability to climb onto most chairs or sofas and even has a controlled landing when dismounting.

Of course, with an increase in his ability to explore his world and get into trouble, now is the time to reinforce setting limits and counseling on how to deal with blossoming temper tantrums. While we will save temper tantrums for next month’s article, suffice it to say that one of the most important things parents can do regarding home and child safety is to be consistent with your approach on how

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you limit access to certain areas of the home, as well as how mom and dad discipline. Your 15 month old will continually test his limits in his desire to explore his environment. It is healthy to allow him to be independent within reason, but be prepared to be amazed when he starts stacking toys on top of chairs in an effort to get up on the kitchen counter.

Sometime during your 15 month visit the physical exam is completed, immunizations given, and plans are discussed for either an 18-month or 2-year-old exam. Some pediatricians will routinely see their patients at 18 months for a checkup while others reserve that appointment if there are concerns for any developmental delays. The 2-year-old checkup and initial finish line is within site.

See you next month at the end of our Well Child Exam series.

Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005.

Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (11) and Nathan (7). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.

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C Dauphin Island Students Learn About Fire Safety

Dauphin Island Elementary students were recently treated to a Fire Safety Program by the Dauphin Island Fire Department. Brandon Cox shared explained and demonstrated fire safety tips and “Stop, Drop and Roll” techniques to the students. The students were also pleased to greet the special guest; Smokey the Bear who reminded them that “Only They Could Prevent Forest Fires.”

Pictured from left to right Riley Barton, Christian Gazzier, Nicholas Mallon and Tripp Sandagger.

(Peeking out from behind – Tristen Skinner).

Calloway-Smith Student to Cheer at Disney World

Calloway-Smith Middle School Cheerleaders participated in the UCA Cheerleading Camp in Panama City, FL, this summer.

Cheerleading member, Kayla Allen Parsons competed against numerous cheerleaders from various cities and was selected as one of the UCA All-American Cheerleaders! As a UCA All-American Cheerleader, Kayla will participate in the 2012 Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, November 20-23. This tour will require Kayla to cheer in the pre-parade performance in the Magic Kingdom Main Street USA Parade. She will also receive a Walt Disney World Resort 4-Day unlimited Park Hopper admission pass into the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The Calloway-Smith Middle School's faculty, staff, and students are proud to have Kayla, an awesome cheerleader as a Wildcat representative.

Mertz Receives Supplies from St. John Lodge #2

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St. John Lodge #2 F&AM PHA under the leadership of Worshipful Master Lou Spencer has been a Partner in Education with Eichold Mertz elementary since 2009.

The organization has done great things to help the students, teachers and faculty. This year, they donated school supplies to Mertz students. The supplies included notebooks, composition books, pencils, paper, crayons, folders, glue, and many other much needed school supplies. Mertz administration would like to give a special thank you and show of gratitude to Past Master, Brian Sneed, who was gracious enough to deliver the materials to the school and personally distribute them out to students. We appreciate the support of this organization and look forward to many continued years with them as a Partner in Education to Mertz.

Breitling Students Remember 9/11

Every year, Breitling Elementary 4th grade students remember the people who died during the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country. The students learned about the tragic details and created special art work to commemorate the event. Every year they display their art work in a unique way. The Breitling school community and parents look forward to the student displays every year.

McGill-Toolen Marching Band Earns Top Honors

The McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Marching Band competed at the Gold Medal Classic in Perkiston, MS on October 8th. The competition hosted bands from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The McT Band received all superior ratings in the captions of Band, Drumline, Color Guard, Drum Major. The Drumline won the Best in Class Award at the competition. The McT Band, under the direction of Sean Noah, has more than 90 members and is ranked in the top10% in the state of Alabama.

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Calcedeaver Pledges to Attend School

The first part of learning is to be present and on time for school. As a part of its school-wide attendance plan, Calcedeaver Elementary School students and faculty are saying "Peace Out to Absences." In order to make arriving on time a good habit, Calcedeaver students chose a fun and modern slogan to help meet attendance goals. The students and faculty members have signed a pledge that states: "I pledge to do my best to be at school on time, all day, every day." Students are excited about keeping the pledge. Parents are impressed with their student's taking personal responsibility to be on time.

Academics • Arts • Athletics • Spirituality • Record $8.6 Million in College Scholarships Awarded to the Class of 2012 • Leading the State with 165 Athletic State Championships • Internationally Acclaimed Fine Arts Program • Practicing Faith Through Service ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL – EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD SCAN YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR THE ADMISSIONS VIDEO, AND JOIN THE FAMILY OF SAINTS.

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Lower School Open House November 15, 6 p.m. | For admissions information, contact Julie Taylor 251-461-2129 | www.stpaulsmobile.net

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St. Dominic Students Play Tennis for PE

St. Dominic Catholic School students recently participated in tennis lessons as part of their PE class.

Tennis Pros and volunteers visited the school in an effort to not only generate interest in the sport but to increase participation in the newly formed CYO tennis program. Here Jillian Lami shows off her tennis skills as she partners with Rachel Forbes in a doubles match.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

St. Paul's Students Selected for Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra

The St. Paul’s Episcopal School Performing Arts Department is proud to announce the students selected to join the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra for their 2012-2013 season. These students will have the opportunity to play the very best of the full orchestral repertoire with other young artists from across the Gulf Coast. They will experience music making at a very high level and will interact with some of the world's most renowned and respected guest soloists. Front Row: Justin Way - violoncello, Rebecca Pober - violin, Victoria Boening -clarinet, Dayoung Jeon -violoncello. Back Row: Hiroshi Kamei - violin, Barrett Thompson - double bass, Grace Jeon - violin, Anna Alford –viola. In addition, St. Paul’s Chamber Strings will perform at the Orangerie in the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna this January. They will also perform at venues in Salzburg and Prague. Holly Compton, Director of the Strings Program has promoted a performance tour once every four years since 2001 to immerse her students in music of other cultures and countries.

Dixon Elementary Teachers Receive Class Gifts from Christ UMC

Dixon Elementary started out the year ahead of the game thanks to sponsorship from Christ United Methodist Church (UMC) in Mobile. Every single teacher in the school received items off of a wish list to help students start the year! This is a tremendous help to teachers and a wonderful support to students. Members of Christ United delivered items such as paper, glue, sanitizer, markers, etc. from an over-filled church van. Dixon’s faculty and staff are always so overwhelmed and thankful by the supplies sent by the members, but they were more touched by the handwritten notes of prayer and encouragement sent by donators. Thank you, Christ United Methodist, every single thing you do matters to us!

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Little Flower Celebrates the Feast of St. Therese

Little Flower Catholic Church and School celebrated the feast day of their patron St. Therese of Lisieux on October 1st. Parishioners were invited to a special feast day Mass where everyone was invited to place a rose honoring the Little Flower of the Lord Jesus before the altar during the celebration. Following Mass, all were invited to the school cafeteria for refreshments and to watch a presentation on the life of the saint. Pictured at the feast day celebration are front row: Joseph Pierre, Trenier Coleman, Stephanie Bettis; middle row: Thao Nguyen, Angel Pham, Rose Pham, St. Therese (Angela Pollman), Long Nguyen; back row: Gwen Byrd, superintendent of Catholic Schools, Ferrin Coleman, Lauryn Bettis, Shroy McAleer, Sarah Pierre, Jonathon Showers, Alex Pierre, Josh Ibanez, Mary Wetjen and Little Flower Pastor Rev. John Lynes.

Cottage Hill Volleyball Teams Finishes 2nd in Tournament

Congratulations to Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s JV Volleyball players for finishing 2nd at the Battle in the Swamp tournament in Satsuma. They played six games and had wins over Murphy, MGM, Saraland, and Theodore! The ladies hung in close to St. Paul’s and made them earn every point for the championship. Way to go Lady Warriors!

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

UMS-Wright Bulldog Run to be Held December 1

The 10th Annual Bulldog Run is less than a month away! This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, December 1st at 8:30 a.m. at UMS-Wright. Grab your holiday hat and join us for this holiday-themed two-mile fun run/walk. We promise loads of fun for your family (special appearances by some of our favorite holiday friends) as we celebrate the season, keep fit, and raise money to support UMS-Wright’s spring athletic teams. Over the past ten years, this event has purchased much needed equipment for our spring athletic teams. Each coach of these teams is asked to submit a “wish list” for their team. All proceeds from this event go directly to the teams on this wish list. Race and sponsorship forms can also be downloaded from the UMS-Wright website. We promise a jolly good time and keep you warm with some delicious post-race treats. If you register

by November 27th, then you are guaranteed the race shirt of your size and style.

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St. Ignatius Holds First Impala Gallop Run

More than 250 runners competed in the first ever Impala Gallop September 29 at St. Ignatius School. The run was added as a special event to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Impala Gala, a silent auction to help raise money for the school.

Parents, students, parishioners and even Iggy took part in the event. The run was followed by a party in the school cafeteria.

Murphy High’s JROTC Places 2nd in Gulfport Drill Meet

Murphy’s JROTC competed against 11 other schools from Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana in the Gulfport High School Drill Meet on Saturday, September 26, in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Female Color Guard commanded by Tresa Clark won third place. Female drill teams led by Tarial Malone and Aliesha Lewis placed second in unarmed drill and unarmed exhibition drill respectively. The male drill team led by Teriq Alastal place first in armed exhibition drill, second in inspection and third in armed regulation drill.

Murphy won second place overall. Other cadets participating were: Ellis Hale, Kalyn Jones, Starrann Foster, Crystal Gilmore, Phalaysha Robinson, Kierston Ealey, Octavia Jones, Alexis Mixon, Vanessa Cruz, Alexis Wilson, Nigeria Sewer, Teyia Rhodes, Tyeisha Maddison, Brianna Caldwell, Latrina Hughes, Kadijah Frank, Joseph Bemer, Hugh White, Aaron Woodard, Landon Miller, Michael Miller, Levi Newton, Rashid Almarri, Andrew Cherry, William Cherry, Lee Thomas, D’Andre Mahan, Patrick Wright, Tyler Comstock, Greg Harris, T. J. Connolly, Johnny Gray, Emanual Crawford, Robert Williams, Mario Hernandez, Shawn Draine, Marsha Clark and Skylar Hannon.

Chad Fincher, State Representative, District 102, was able to award McDavid-Jones Elementary a Community Service Grant in the amount of $3,000. These funds can be used for any education project or facility improvement at the school. Thanks to Rep. Fincher for his continued support of our school and community.

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ASMS Student Government Goes on Summer Retreat

St. Mary Catholic Preschool Trike-athon Raises $2,000 for St. Jude

One week before the Alabama School of Math and Science started the 2012-2013 school year, SGA officers went on a retreat to gather and form ideas for the upcoming school year. The retreat was held in Gulf Shores, and the SGA was accompanied by sponsor Derek Barry. It consisted of bonding activities, holding mock meetings, and learning Robert’s Rules of Order. The officers also performed a service project with the Share the Beach Foundation, which consisted of helping baby sea turtles hatch and safely make their way to the ocean. The officers also met with two SGA members from the University of South Alabama, who explained how the student government system works on their campus.

St. Mary Catholic School PreK4 students participated in the “St. Jude Trike-a-thon” this September as part of St. Mary Catholic School’s “Something Beautiful for God” Service Program.

Rounding out laps on St. Mary’s Campus in Tricycles, scooters, and bikes, the little tikes raised over $2,000 in sponsorships to benefit St. Jude Hospital. The event was organized by the teachers of St. Mary’s 3 Preschool K4 classes to include: Kathy Ross, Rose Rogers, and Mary Lou Ankersen. Pictured: front row: David Huguley, Maggie Boudreaux, Mary Evelyn Bodin, Eashan Sharma, Carter Woolfolk. Row 2: Jackson Hamilton, Aiden Smith, Reid Onderdonk, Emma Grubbs, Lars Hansen, Porter Murray, and Vivian Ellison. In background: PreK4 teacher Mary Lou Ankersen and Teacher Assistant, Alice Nolen.

Saraland Board of Education Receives Praise and Required Actions from National Accreditation Team

On April 29 through May 2, 2012, the Saraland Board of Education hosted an AdvancED Quality Assurance Review Team that visited the district and a cross section of its schools to evaluate the district’s adherence to the AdvancED accreditation standards and to make a recommendation for national accreditation. The team rated Standard 1 Vision and Purpose as Highly Functional and all other standards as Operational. Overall, the team found that Saraland Board of Education met the requirements for AdvancED accreditation and announced that it will be recommending the district for District Accreditation. Their recommendation will be reviewed and acted upon by the national AdvancED Accreditation Commission in June.

The team was comprised of four trained professionals from across the state and nation. The team members reviewed district documents and performance data; interviewed over 131 district, school, and community stakeholders; conducted site visits to all 3 schools as well as central office; and observed district and school practices. The team commended the district for the following areas: • The superintendent is extremely knowledgeable of current data trends at all grade levels within the Saraland City School System (SCSS).

• The stakeholders of the SCSS are committed to meeting the needs of the students through continuous human, material, and fiscal resources.

• The vision of the SCSS to create a world class educational system is accepted as the primary goal for the district.

• Strong leadership at all levels, shared decision-making, and focus on student achievement create an atmosphere of continuous improvement and academic success.

In addition, the QAR team identified the following required actions for the district: maintain the intense focus and enthusiasm for a world class educational system and develop a comprehensive plan for the anticipated growth of the SCSS; develop plans to respond to and address required action; and report to AdvancED the system’s progress in addressing the team’s required actions within a two year period. “This outstanding distinction is the result of many months of preparation by everyone in the school system - central office, administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders,” said Dr. Wayne Vickers, superintendent of Saraland City Schools. “We are so pleased with this confirmation of our diligence and will continue striving to improve our system while pursuing our vision of providing a world class educational system for our children.” Parents and interested community members can learn more about the District Accreditation Process at www.advanc-ed.org. Pictured, Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Vickers receives the plaque from Mr. Lowell Eudy, a member of the Alabama Council for AdvancED. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Corpus Christi to Hold Cougars Running Wild 5k and 1-mile Fun Run

The Corpus Christi Catholic School Booster Club is hosting a first annual Cougars Running Wild 5K and 1-mile fun run on Saturday, December 8. 5K race will start at 3 p.m. and the fun run will start after the completion of the 5K at approximately 4 p.m. All activities are taking place at Mobile (Langan) Municipal Park. Participants can register online at Active.com or in person at Corpus Christi Catholic Church or the school office. Registration fees until December 6th are $15, adults and $12, children (15 and under.) The fun run registration fee is $10 for all. Excluding CCS, the school with the most participation will have a $100 donated to their booster club! Come join in the fun - food, beverages and music will be provided after the race. All registered participants will be eligible for many fantastic door prizes.

St. Pius X School Participates in Walk of the Poor

St. Pius X School participated in the St. Vincent DePaul Society Walk of the Poor on Friday, September 28. Students were asked to bring in canned food items as a donation to walk. The walk was designed to bring awareness to the poor and hungry in our area. Pictured, St. Pius X students participate in the St. Vincent DePaul Walk for the Poor.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time.

Please join us at an Open House program to learn more about our school.

Friday, December 7, 2012 Sunday, January 6, 2013 9 a.m.—1 p.m.

1 p.m.—3 p.m.

Reservations are not required, but please RSVP at 251.342.5474 if you plan to attend.

Corpus Christi Catholic School 6300 McKenna Drive · Mobile, AL · 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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St. Paul's First Graders Spread Fall Cheer Mrs. Mosley’s First Grade Class at St. Paul’s Episcopal School spread a little fall sunshine at Spring Hill Manor nursing home on September 20. The children walked from the Lower School while singing Zip-aDee Do Dah and delivered their hand-made scarecrows and cookies to the residents. Parents Jacy Bindon, Brandi Stuart, Bonnie Fuchs, Anna Katherine Ray, and Kristie Brown joined the class on the walk to the nursing home. Pictured are: First Row, L to R: Anna Frances Sullivan, Lilly Robinson, Julie Ray. Second Row, L to R: Macy Messer, Anna Elizabeth Brown, Ella Katherine Stuart, Mia Bindon, Nina DiVittorio, Claire Valentine, Ann Whigham. Back Row, L to R: Jay Martin, Jack Stallings, Edward Vulevich, Charlie Fuchs, Philip Gill, Eli Thompson, Louie Vanderlinde, Pape Davidson, Taylor Hundley.

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Dirty Dozen Celebrates Senior Players at Senior Night

Senior members of the Dirty Dozen, #2 Resi Rogers, #5 Danielle Harbin, # 1 Tori Bruette and #41 Mary Alex Barter, were recognized with the families for their contribution to the success of the team. McT beat Fairhope to a crowd of students, friends and family who came out to support our seniors.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

A UMS-Wright Cell-ebration

A colorful energy signal flies across the room to trigger the robotic opening of the nucleus, revealing miles of DNA (the instructions of life). A remote control truck delivers copies of these instructions to awaiting nets and membranes hanging from the ceiling and micro-machines called ribosomes begin building molecules of life (proteins). Proteins enter a hamster ball vesicle which travels via robot down Inter Cell 65, a microtubular highway constructed of PVC, driven by the colorful energy sent flying through the room known as ATP. Some balloon sleds accomplish similar goals. These molecule building proteins get delivered to a floating array of laundry baskets – the Golgi Body – to further modify the proteins so that they can build more molecules of life. Finished proteins are shipped out via balloon sleds. The strange and other worldly mitochondria that have fueled this process with ATP light up as we learn of their extra-cellular origin. By the end, the Central Dogma of life – describing the information flow from DNA to RNA to proteins – has been acted out and forever tattooed in the minds of on-lookers. This was accomplished by the UMS-Wright 9th grade Honors Biology classes.

Fonde Elementary Students Elect Student Council Officers

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 Student Council Officers for Fonde Elementary. These students were elected by their fellow students on October 2. Students in the third, fourth, and fifth grade listened to campaign speeches and then chose their candidate. Pictured Left to right, back row: Mrs. Leigh Bailey, Sponsor; Nolan Asberry, Co-Vice President; Skye Johnson, Treasurer; Melissa Marshall, Co-Vice President; Ms. Barbara Nathan, Sponsor.

Pictured left to right, front row: Timothy Payton, Co-President; Hania Ghaful, CoPresident; Jeremy Labyzon, Parliamentarian. Not pictured: Trinity Sykes, Secretary.

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Sea Cadets Ride the USS Roosevelt

Four Sea Cadets and a leader from the USNSCC D. R. Dunlap Division along with members of the Mobile Council Navy League had the honor to ride the USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) from Dauphin Island to the Port of Mobile. ROOSEVELT is the 30th ship in the Arleigh Burke Class of Aegis Guided Missile Destroyers and named in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. The ship and its crew pulled into the Port of Mobile around 1300 on Friday, October 5, and remained in town until Tuesday morning. The crew has spent the last seven and a half months in the Indian Ocean looking for Somali pirates.

“What a great day for a boat ride. Had a chance to bring a few of our Sea Cadets for a ride today on the USS Roosevelt (DDG-80). Even got a shuttle ride from the Coast Guard station at Dauphin Island on their 45 foot bay boat out to the ship for our ride back to Mobile,” said INST Charles Nylander.

On Saturday, October 6, the D. R. Dunlap Division boarded the ship for a private tour. LTJG Christine M. Cairoli, Assistant Operations Officer for the USS Roosevelt, along with other crew members gave the cadets and family members an in-depth view of the ship. The ship had arrived in Mobile to participate in the BayFest activities and was berthed at the Alabama State Docks.

The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships.

If you or someone you know is interested in the program, visit our Division website www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets. org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison Pictured (L to R) INST Charles Nylander, LPO PO3 Nathan Goss, SA Harrison Culp, ALPO SA Hollis Henderson, and SA Connor Nylander.

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Davidson High School Announces Three National Merit Semifinalists This year, Davidson is proud to have three National Merit Semifinalists: Cody Miller, Delaney Thull, and Danni Xin. These students were selected from a group of 50,000 who participated in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) to qualify for National Merit. One-third of the students taking the PSAT, or 16,000 of the higher scorers, are chosen as Semifinalists. This accomplishment is an outstanding feat since Davidson has 3 out of 4 students in MCPSS that are Semifinalists. In February, the Semifinalists will be notified by mail if they have advanced to the Finalists standing. All three students are on the Robotics team, in International Baccalaureate (IB), and part of the pre-engineering program (EPIC).

Individually, Delaney is the president of the student government, Cody is on the Varsity Baseball team, and Danni is on the Varsity Tennis team. We are very proud of their accomplishment and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in years to come.

Explore the opportunities.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Dinner & Information Packets: 5:30pm-6:30pm Open House & Curriculum Tours: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Registration information for 2012 - 2013 school year will be available (child care provided)

Pre K-3 through 8th grade

scan code on your smartphone for direct link to stmarymobile.org

Digital Voting at Burns

Burns Middle School is voting online for student elections. Pictured right is student, Marlana Ingram in Ms. Manley's homeroom registering to vote for Homecoming Elections with her BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). The school held the event on Constitution Day. Burns students are upholding their right to VOTE (at a school level) and to celebrate the Constitution school wide!

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Coach Hillier's 500th Win for the Lady Saints of St. Paul’s

Lady Saints Volleyball Coach Kelli Ogden Hillier was recognized at the school-wide Homecoming Pep Rally for her 500th Win as the St. Paul’s Episcopal School Varsity Volleyball Coach against Davidson High School. The Lady Saints have won five of the last six 5A State Championships. Kelli graduated in the Class of 1986 from St. Paul’s Episcopal School and was an All-SEC Volleyball Player for the Georgia Bulldogs in 1990 and 1991. Kelli was inducted into the St. Paul’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996, and she is one of the two players in the School’s history to have their jersey retired. Congratulations Coach Hillier! Back row: Morgan Eiland, Mackensie Williams, Shelley Spires, Head Coach Kelli Hillier, Ali Sutherland, Kaylee Wilks, Kourtney Wadkins, Bradley Carrington, Assistant Coach Sharon Mosley. Front row: Olivia Scarcliff, Mackensie Mosley, Kittie Harless, Lindsey Kendall.

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Alba Middle School Has SWAG

SWAG—Students With A Goal is a group designed to educate Alba students on bullying behavior. The students involved learn how to identify bullies, students who are being bullied, and learn the different types of bullying. The overall goal for students involved in SWAG is to serve as leaders in Alba Middle and help to ensure no bullying in school.

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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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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse.

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.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

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Saint Mary Catholic School 5th Annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament

St. Mary Knights of Columbus will host the 5th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament, Sunday, October 28 at Spring Hill College Golf Course. The tournament will begin with a scramble shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. There will be door prizes for all participants and members of the top finishing groups will receive prizes. The cost per player is $100. Registration with lunch begins at 11 a.m. All entries submitted by October 20 guarantee spots for players. Registration includes green fees, 2 carts per team, catered lunch, team awards for various places, snacks and beverages, a gift bag, and awards presentation.

Proceeds from the golf tournament provide enhancements to St. Mary Catholic School in the areas of academic programs, and facility and campus improvements. This year’s funds combined with those raised in St. Mary Catholic School’s Annual Fund Drive will benefit campus improvements and the five-year plan for technology enhancements.

The golf tournament is a memorial to Steve Thompson, a St. Mary graduate with many personal and family ties to St. Mary School.

Steve died of cancer in 2001. His wife, Michelle Thompson and their three sons, Blake, Bradley and Benton are members of St. Mary Parish.

Steve is the son of the Mr. Hays and the late Mrs. Pat Thompson who are long-time parishioners of St. Mary Parish.

St. Mary thanks this year’s sponsors to date including: Tobias Comer Lawyers, LLC; Callaghan’s Irish Social Club; Mobile Popcorn; Cummings Architecture Corporation; USC Glass; Geothermal Solutions; Pixallure Design; Monica and Mike Thompson; and John Romano.

Four sponsorship levels are available ranging from Hole sponsorships of $100 to Platinum at $1,000. To register for the tournament or to learn more about sponsor opportunities, log on to www.stmarymobile.org, visit St. Mary Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament on Facebook or call Tournament Co-Chair, Desi Tobias at (251) 432-5001.

Pictured, members of the Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament Committee, St. Mary Catholic School Principal Debbie Ollis and Thompson family members at the 2011 event. The 2012 tournament will be held on October 28 at noon at SHC Golf Course. For more information contact Desi Tobias at 432-5001.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Author Reads to St. Ignatius Students

Lori Taylor was the guest author at St. Ignatius School with her book, Squirrelly Celebration. She read the book and gave "squirrelly fun facts" to about 150 pre-schoolers, kindergartners and 1st graders. Left to Right, back to front, Christopher Marshall, Audrey Fendley, Lori Taylor (Arthur), Emma Smalling, Linda Robinson (squirrel), Emily Walton, McNeill Robinson, Hansen Graham, Kelsey Fogarty, Ashlynn Ferriell, Lucy-Anna Bryars, John Baggett, Lee Vella Courtney, Gabi deMelo, Jessica Hankinson, Zachary Regan, Sarah Woodford, Avery Van Alstine, Grace Greer, Katie Adams, Mary Parish Hutchisson, Callie Walker, Emily McKellar, Laurel Gottlieb, Wyatt Green, Will Green, Grayson Robinson.

Students at St. Pius X Learn About Dangers of Tobacco Usage

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Jessica Franklin of The American Lung Association visited St. Pius X with Octapuff to talk about the dangers of tobacco usage. Ms. Franklin is pictured with Miss Mandy's Pre-school class.

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Faith Academy Celebrating 43 Years of Excellence in Christian Education!

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Saraland Singers Raising Money to Travel to Perform at Epcot

The Saraland Singers are an audition-only vocal ensemble from Saraland High School. The group, made up of students in 9th through 12th grades, traveled to Orlando last year to sing in Disney's Candlelight Processional at Epcot Center and were the only school from the State of Alabama. The group has been invited to sing again this year and is currently raising money to cover the cost of the trip. If you would like to help provide a scholarship for the students, please contact Saraland City Schools Choral Director, Christie Breland: cbreland@saralandboe.org. Kayla Turner, Austin Andrews, Hayden Courington, Timothy Fryer, Greg Barnes, Bonnie Maddox, Aryn Callahan, Adrianna Bailey, Marissa LaPorte, Catherine Walker, KC Lane, Rikysha Smith, Rebecca Williams, Cora Estes. Not pictured: Bryant Lee.

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Generations of Student Council Service at St. Dominic

Ann Greenwood poses with her children and grandchildren - representing two generations of Student Council service at St. Dominic Catholic School. Patrick served as Student Council President in his 8th grade year. Beth served as Secretary/ Treasurer. Madeleine is currently serving as Parliamentarian/Prayer Leader and Sarah is her 8th grade class representative. (L-R) Patrick Greenwood (alum), Madeleine Greenwood (daughter, 6th), Beth Mathison (alum), Sarah Mathison (8th) and Ann Greenwood (mother/grandmother).

Giving thanks.

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

I thank you for your continued business. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Wilmer Students Read for the Record

On Tuesday, October 3rd, students at Wilmer Elementary celebrated “Read for the Record”. Read for the Record is an international campaign to bring children together to read the same book. The main goal of Read for the Record is to promote literacy. The chosen book for 2012 was Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad. Some of the faculty and staff at Wilmer Elementary dramatized the story for Pre-K , Kindergarten, and 1st grade students. Students were given cupcakes (a central part of the story) after the dramatization. Pictured L to R, Suzan Lovelace as narrator (school registrar), Penny Nason as Bumblebee boy (school math/reading intervention teacher), Kimba Drakeford as Butterfly Girl (school reading coach), Malinda Gray as Ladybug Girl (school counselor), Jillean Wiggins as Dragnofly Girl (school librarian), and Cathy Schwall as Mama (special education teacher).

Williamson High School Homecoming Queen

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Williamson High School recently crowed “Miss Williamson” during their homecoming celebrations.

Pictured is Meghan Donald with her father Anthony Coleman.

Little Flower Catholic School Grows Choir

Little Flower Catholic School children are singing praise.

This year, the school is reforming their children's choir.

With the help of church musician Paul Ismand, the children in each grade are taking part in weekly choir practice and singing in the school's weekly Mass. Little Flower Pastor Rev. John Lynes asked Ismand to take on this role to introduce the school children to the music of the liturgy and give them a taste of the fine arts at the same time. Imsand is a graduate of St. Pius X School, McGill-Toolen High School and Spring Hill College and performed with Musica Sacra over the years. Imsand works in medical sales, but volunteers his time singing and playing the piano at Little Flower's 5:30 p.m. Mass. "Fr. John wants to start a youth choir for the school," said Imsand. Fr. Lynes and Imsand would like to have a 6, 7 and 8 grade choir, and the children would have to audition to be a part of the group. With all the great changes taking place at Little Flower, Imsand believes this is a great opportunity for the school children to show their talent to the community. Paul Imsand rehearses with the Little Flower Catholic School 6th grade choir.

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Fonde Elementary National Elementary Honor Society Officers

The James T. Hamner Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society at Fonde Elementary School elected officers for the 2012-2013 school year. They are pictured left to right, back row: Mr. Kevin Morrow, Sponsor; Alana Smith-Gorcey, Vice President; Valentina HermidaFlores, Secretary. Pictured front row: Jorden Reed, President; Amar Edwards, Treasurer.

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McDavid-Jones Students Read for the Record

On Thursday, October 4th, Arkema presented “Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad” to the Pre-K and Kindergarten students at McDavid-Jones. They read to one hundred and ninety five students to help achieve the goal for “Read for the Record”. The students loved the play they were so excited to see the book come alive. The stage was made into a forest for the bug squad to hunt for their bugs. To the children’s delight the adults dressed up as the characters in the book. Mr. Tom Grimm, Plant Manager, narrated the book, the Lady Bug was played by Judy Smith, Administrative Assistant, Dwayne Christian was Bumble Bee Boy, Accountant, Butterfly Girl was played by Theresa Baker, Logistics, Dragon Fly was played by Julie Owler, Plant Nurse the older brother was played by Bruce Weaver, Purchasing. We are so excited to start off our school year with this wonderful play for our students. Thanks once again Arkema for all you do for our school and community. This is our twenty second year as Partners in Education with Arkema. Bruce Weaver, Terri Owler, Theresa Baker, Judy Smith, Dwayne Christian, Tom Grimm.

Chess Team at ASMS Announced

The 2012-13 Alabama School of Math and Science Chess team has been announced. The A Team is Eric Peterson, Alexander Peeples, Kristian Jordan, Nathan Gilbert; the B Team is Joey Osbourn, Skylar Wagner, Dennis French, and Austin Pearson; and the C Team is Connor Bass, Noah Coon, Noah Poirson, and Kristian Cruz. The team is pictured with their new uniforms, which are “recycled” from the soccer team.

St. Mary Catholic School Parent Night and Open House November 13

St. Mary Catholic School will host a Parent Night Dinner and Open House for families interested in learning more about St. Mary Catholic School on Tuesday, November 13.

The event will begin with a buffet dinner from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and will then offer an open house with curriculum tours from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This evening offers a unique opportunity for interested parents to not only tour the school, but to speak with St. Mary Catholic School parents, faculty, and staff members about all aspects of the school.

During the buffet dinner, parents will dine with St. Mary School parents and staff, gain more information about the school, all while enjoying a fabulous meal and great company!

Children are welcome to take the tour, and during the dinner child-care will be provided with a meal for them as well. Reservations for child care are appreciated. St. Mary School invites all families to make an appointment for a personal tour and visit anytime by calling the school office. Open Registration for the 2013-2014 school-year for new families begins January 22, 2013. St. Mary Catholic School is located at 107 N. Lafayette Street in Mobile’s Dauphin Way Historic District across from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. For more information or registration information, contact the school office at 433-9904 or log on to www.stmarymobile. org. Pictured, Seventh graders, Michelle Roca, Mattie Naman, and Emily O’Neill, all members of the National Junior Honor Society will serve as student ambassadors during the 2012 Parent Night and Open House.

St. Luke Seniors Serve as Big Brothers/Big Sisters

With a new class comes a new tradition! This year, the first class of Seniors at St. Luke's wanted to do something special with younger students and created the newest SLES tradition. Each fifth grade student (the oldest students on the Japonica Campus) will be paired with a Senior as a part of the Big Sister/Big Brother Program. To introduce the students to their Big Brothers and Big Sisters the fifth grade students were invited to enjoy lunch on the University Campus during Senior Lunch period. The classes will hold special events throughout the year. Pictured are fifth grader Collin Bryant and his Senior Big Brothers Alex Polio and Adam Miller.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

D H St. Pius X Holds First Pep Rally

St. Pius X School held its first Pep Rally of the year on Friday, September 21 to introduce the fall soccer, football, volleyball and cheerleading teams. Pictured are the Sr. and Jr. cheerleading squads performing.

McGill-Toolen Students Receive Recognition from National Merit Scholarship Program

5 McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Seniors qualified as National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists: Students, Left to right: Morgan Davis, Kevin Kusch, Allen Davis, William Treutel, Conrad Collins back row: Ellen Falzini, Sr. Guidance Counselor, Michelle Haas, Principal; Lisa Robertson, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs. And 5 other McGill-Toolen Seniors, from front left Carmen Carlos and David Wentworth, back left Silvio Piccini, David Friedlander and Jantzen Lee received letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. These students placed in the top five percent or higher out of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the PSAT/ NMSQT last year.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Davidson High School to Hold 8th Grade Preview

Davidson High School, an international baccalaureate world school, invites you to join us for 8th grade preview, Sunday, November 4, 2-4:30 p.m. Curriculum presentations at 2:15. Classroom visits at 3:45. Presentations will include international baccalaureate (IB), pre-engineering (EPIC), fine arts, athletics, leadership, special program applications, transfers, and shadowing. For more information, call 221-3084 or visit wpdavidson.org.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Red Ribbon Award Winner

Eighth grader William Fletcher was chosen to be SVS’s Red Ribbon Award winner! He will be collaborating with school counselor, Mrs. Karen Hinton, in planning and organizing the school’s activities for each day of Red Ribbon Week.

They have put together a fun week for the student body. William (who is also a Robotics and Soccer standout) will be presented a certificate and a medal for all of his hard work at the Drug Education’s Red Ribbon Banquet.

Corpus Christi School Mentor Program

CCS was excited to start a new TeacherStudent Mentor program (TEAchers Mentoring Students). The purpose of TEAMS is to build strong relationships between students and teachers. The mentors check in with their students each week, sometimes having lunch with them. Mentors can be advocates for the students they are mentoring and can answer questions about junior high. We have 19 teachers and teacher assistants serving as mentors to our class of sixth grade students. L to R, Lisa Finnorn with mentees Matthew Gillis and Hunter Freeman.

At St. Luke’s Episcopal School our size ensures that every student is engaged in curriculum, embraced by our faculty, and celebrated by our community. Whether it’s the arts, athletics or academics, at St. Luke’s you’ll find that your child will always be center stage. This environment, along with the strength and uniqueness of our academic programs and facilities, provides what we call THE ST. LUKE’S EXPERIENCE…but you can call it home.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4th 2:00 - 5:00 Office of Admissions l www.stlukesmobile.com l 251.666.2991 Early Childhood and Lower School Campus l 3975 Japonica Lane Middle and Upper School Campus l 1400 University Blvd. S.

St. Luke’s accepts all qualified applicants without regard to gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

ASMS to Hold Open House Preview Day

The Alabama School of Math and Science will be holding an open-house style Preview Day on its Mobile campus on Saturday, November 10 at 9 a.m. Interested students and their parents will view classroom demonstrations and meet with current students and instructors. ASMS is the state’s only fully public and residential high school for students seeking advanced studies in Math, science, and the humanities. Tuition, room, board, and books are free. Any current 9th or 10th grader can apply. For more information or to register for Preview Day, visit www.asms.net or call the Office of Admissions at 441-3250.

Homeschool MACH Robotics Team Prepares for Competition

Mobile Area Coalition of Homeschoolers, MACH, will participate in the Jubilee B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition October 27th at U.S.A. Mitchell Center. B.E.S.T. is a nationwide program that encourages students in the areas of Engineering, Science and Technology. Each year teams, consisting of middle and high school students, are given a task and are required to build a robot which can complete that task. They must also build a display showing what their team does during the 42 days of the competition and show off their marketing skills to sell their robot to a panel of judges. A technical Engineering Notebook documents how the robot is created and the entire team shows spirit on game day by cheering on their robot and teammates. This year's team consists of 24 students featured in this photo; Front Row from left to right: Hunter Grissett, Annabelle Bryan, Amanda Price, Jeremy Isenburg, Jillian Lane, Baxley Stokes.

Second row: Abigail Bryan, Lee Borowski, Katie Price, Hayden Lane, Sydney Isenburg, Samuel Battle, Noah Vice, Dillion Grissett. Back row: Kolby Isenburg, Walker Bray, Ben Morris, Gray Vice, Tolbert Hines, Ethan Hofer, Riley Peckham, Arienne Borowski, Dalton Allen.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Optimist Club Recognizes Cottage Hill’s Top Cross County Runners

The Mobile Optimist Club is a non-profit organization that recognizes the top boy and girl runner from each division. They recognize 2 runners each week during the Cross Country season in each of the 1A3A, 4A-5A, and 6A classifications. Last week, Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s own Caroline Cumbest and Lucas Bishop were awarded a trophy and luncheon from the Mobile Optimist Club for being the top runners in their 1A-3A meet. Lucas and Caroline attended the club meeting on September 7 for their achievement and to be recognized. “It was really cool and I loved being recognized. It was a great honor and we hope to have up to five runners recognized by the end of the season,” said Lucas Bishop.

“I really liked the club meeting, it was fun and cool to meet other top runners from the top divisions,” said Caroline Cumbest. This is a great honor for Cottage Hill to have two runners be recognized by the Mobile Optimist Club. Pictured, Lucas Bishop, Coach Joe Swagart, and Caroline Cumbest.

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Five Davidson High School Students Selected as Trail Maids

Davidson High School is proud to currently have five trail maids chosen to be representatives of Mobile. These girls are in rigorous academic programs like International Baccalaureate (IB) and the pre-engineering program (EPIC), involved in school extracurricular activities like the dance company, yearbook, and student government, and still find time to be involved in our local community. The Azalea Trail Maids serve as ambassadors for the city of Mobile. The court is composed of fifty girls who are selected during their junior year through an intense and selective interviewing process. These girls are judged from their knowledge of Mobile’s history and current international events. They are also judged on their academic performance and involvement in the community. They include Morgan Bishop, Casie Connolly, Kristen Lee (not pictured), Delaney Thull, and Dana Waller.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

St. Ignatius SGA Inducted

The St. Ignatius SGA was inducted during a school Mass September. The SGA will host many events over the year for the school including help with school activities. Pictured left-right back row: Matthew Duffey, President, Luke Nicholas, Treasurer, John Cooper, Raquel Waller, Joe Seiter, Vice, President, Dickson Thames, Millie Andrews. Bottom row: Jordan Agagan, Luke Bryars, Thomas Jackson, Joseph Kirkpatrick, Kit D’Olive, Sidney McAleer, Lucy Stuardi, Clair Frazier Bolton and Mary Olivette Bookman.

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St. Luke’s School Hosts Blessing of the Animals

Each year, St. Luke's School and Church host Blessing of the Animals for students in grades K3- 2.

Students are invited to bring their pets (real or stuffed) to school for the service. Fr. Ken Cumbie, the Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, blesses each animal and student during the morning ceremony. It is always an exciting event filled with creatures of all kinds including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, gerbils, fish and even the occasional goat, chicken or donkey! The church hosts a community wide Blessing of the Animals the following Saturday. Pictured is Fr. Ken Cumbie as he blesses "Poppy" and his owner John Henry Johnson. Jimmie Beth Kuntz looks on as she awaits the blessing of her stuffed teddy bear.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Genesis, Big Bang Theory, and Kickoffs.

Experience McT. First Pep Rally Brings Home First Win for St. Vincent’s Volleyball Team

On Wednesday, October 3rd, the SVS cheer team gave its first pep rally of the year for the SVS girls’ volleyball teams. And what a great job those cheerleaders did. The very next match for the Spirits, played on Monday, October 8th, against a formidable St. Dominic team, they brought home their first win of the season with the final score of the third game being an impressive 15-9! Making the win all the more meaningful is what this little team overcame to get there. This was the first SVS volleyball team in over a decade. After their first coach had to re-locate for his job, a kindly man was listening to his neighbor fret over what this little team would do now. As it happens, this kindly neighbor had coached his daughter’s volleyball team in the past… at none other than St. Vincent! Without hesitation, Frank Lilley and his daughter (and SVS alum), Caitlyn, offered to step in as coaches! They worked tirelessly teaching basic skills and techniques, and then bringing the girls together to function as a cohesive team…with winning results! For a first-year little team, from a little school with less than 200 students, they apply the school’s motto ‘Start Small, Think Big!’ quite impressively!

Campus and Curriculum Tour Sunday , November 4 2:00pm Introduction: 2:00pm Welcome: Fr. Bry Shields, President Curriculum Overview: Michelle Haas, Principal Toolen Auditorium Sessions: 2:45-3:55pm Technology in the Classroom Apologetics Physics Extracurricular Life

Reception 4pm Kaitlin Marie Overstreet Memorial Courtyard

Administration, Faculty, Coaches, Parent Ambassadors & Student Ambassadors will be present to answer questions about McGill-Toolen Catholic High School.

McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Mobile, Alabama mcgill-toolen.org • 251.445.2935 Placement Test, December 1 ~ 7:45am

St. Luke Student Initiates Pinwheels for Peace Program

Sara Taylor, a ninth grader at St. Luke's Episcopal School initiated the worldwide program Pinwheels for Peace last year at the school's Early Childhood and Lower School Campus and helped organize the event again this year. Over 400 students created pinwheels and decorated them, then planted them into a huge peace sign on the school's front lawn for World Peace Day. This year, Sara also continued to spread the program by initiating at Prichard Preparatory School.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

The Big Yellow School Bus

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The bright yellow bus is one of the first vehicles that children learn to recognize coming down the street. It’s big, yellow, and often full of wiggling, waving kids – hard to miss out on the open road. The bus is one of the rare vehicles that almost everyone can claim to have ridden at some time, regardless of age and geography. When they’re older, many children will ride the bus to and from school, or ride buses on field trips, church excursions and vacations. The following items introduce the big yellow bus to little ones approaching their first bus ride to school…and they can also reacquaint veteran riders with the on-road adventures of the bus to school…and back!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Playhut School Bus

Mass transit makes sense.

Saving time, energy and resources are just part of the benefits that bus riding supports. And now, there’s a toy school bus that makes another kind of good Earth sense. The Green Toys Bus is a super-sturdy, heavy gauge vinyl toy made from 100% recycled milk containers. With no toxic paints or dyes, it’s printed with soy ink and dishwasher safe! Infinitely ‘playable’ with an open top for little hands to load and offload passengers and gear, the Green Toys Bus serves as an additional lesson on the importance of making the maximum use of resources with the minimum effect to the environment. Kind of like…riding a bus!

Unlike the real bus, it’s okay to crawl, lie down or jump in the Playhut School Bus. The soft-sided pop-up tent features the shape and exterior design of a school bus, but this ride is custom-made for straight-up pretend play. Big enough for two kids to play inside, yet small enough to erect in any bedroom, den or hallway, the Playhut Bus uses “Twist N Fold” technology to set-up and fold away in an instant. Whether children are driving the bus or hiding inside with a book and more toys, this bus playscape will take them to places only they can imagine.

(Playhut)

Pool Bus Habitat

The Magic School Bus: Chemistry Lab

(Swimline)

Kids can enjoy the last gasps of summer on a school bus of a different kind! This huge inflatable covered raft is big enough to float four or five kids as they stay cool in pool school. Measuring up at 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and assembled with heavy-gauge PVC, this middle-ofthe-pool mass transit has a 400 pound weight capacity. The most buoyant bus on the blue, this wonder of the waves will have kids scrambling for the best seat every time it hits the water. Adults are sure to be pulled into the bus as well, and should just relax as they are chauffeured around the pool when the kids take the wheel!

(The Magic School Bus)

Based on the popular kids’ science series, The Magic School Bus, this chemistry experiment kit puts kids on the road to brain-power.

The bus-shaped kit is a chemistry lab for budding young scientists, containing the materials and components for a host of experiments inside. Colorful cards guide young inquiring minds through simple kid-friendly (and sometimes messy) experiments. Lessons on litmus paper and chromatography mix with projects to create sticky ice, fungus and slime. Like riding a bus to an unknown destination, these experimental adventures will open up exciting new avenues for kids with an interest in chemistry who are ready to get on board with science.

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

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Dave Says...

Q.

by Dave Ramsey

Grown Son Should Leave the Nest

My son has worked and saved all through school and will be graduating this year with a degree in electrical engineering.

He has a job waiting for him when he finishes, and he wants to move out on his own then.

I think he should continue to live at home and save up more money. What do you think?

A.

Honestly, I think he should move out.

This situation isn’t about money as much as it’s about your son becoming a man. At this point in his life it’s going to be really good for him, emotionally and spiritually, to stand on his own two feet.

It sounds like you’ve got some good ideas about saving and financial responsibility, and he needs to take some of Mom’s advice in those areas. But it’s time he had his own place and started paying his own bills. It’s time for this one to leave the nest, spread his wings, and fly.

Here’s something else to think about.

He’s going to look a whole lot better to the world if he’s out there standing on his own.

I think lots of young ladies, not to mention their parents, will be much more impressed by a guy who’s making his own way rather than living at home with mom.

He’s at a point where he’s reaching for dignity and trying to make his way in the world. Let him do it. I’ve got a feeling he’ll make you proud!

Q. My niece just graduated from college with $20,000 in student loan debt. Her boyfriend graduated as well, and they’re talking about getting married. He has $115,000 in loan debt and wants to go to graduate school. They both want to be teachers, and she’s currently job hunting.

The idea of all this debt hanging over their heads bothers her. Do you have any advice on how she can come to peace with the situation?

A.

This is a really interesting question. In a way, I’m glad she’s conflicted about the

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situation. At the same time, I wouldn’t want it to be a deal breaker where their relationship is concerned.

Here’s my take. You don’t pass up a great, lifelong relationship just because of debt. You do, however, walk away from a relationship based on things like laziness, irresponsible behavior and immaturity.

These are flaws that usually don’t go away.

Any girlfriend or boyfriend who goes into a marriage thinking, “I can fix this person,” is in for a rude awakening.

I’m glad she’s looking for a job, but her boyfriend also needs to be working— especially if they’re planning to get married. There’s no excuse for either of them being full-time students with $135,000 in combined student loan debt hanging over their heads. Besides, lots of people hold down real jobs and further their educations on a part-time basis.

If she were my niece, I would encourage her to have an open and honest discussion with her boyfriend about their future, how he plans on paying for graduate school and her feelings on the situation. If his answer is simply to borrow more money, then she’ll have some potentially difficult decisions to make. But if he realizes how damaging picking up any more debt could be to their finances and their future, then they can start off on the same page. And things will look a lot brighter!

Dave is the author of The New York Times bestselling book Financial Peace. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated The Dave Ramsey Show. You can hear Dave online at www.daveramsey. com. Send your questions to askdave@ daveramsey.com. He resides with his wife Sharon and their three children, Denise, Rachel, and Daniel, in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

7 Fun Things to Do

After Thanksgiving Dinner

by Jennifer Gregory

After Thanksgiving dinner, many families usually head to the living room to relax and watch football games on television. Since quality time with friends and family can be hard to find these days, consider spending the time after dinner creating a new family tradition and making memories. After you have finished eating the turkey this year, enjoy one of these fun activities together.

Have a Game Night

When you invite guests to your house for Thanksgiving this year, ask them to bring their favorite board game.

Katie Roger’s family always played games together after the dinner and says “Some of my favorite memories growing up are from these times.”

Be sure that you have games on hand that are appropriate for all ages of Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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kids that will be at your house, including teenagers and preschoolers. After dinner is cleaned up, pull out the games and help everyone find a game to play.

You can also do a group game, such as Trivial Pursuit, Charades or Pictionary.

together. You can find hiking trails in your area on www.trails.com. You can also take a family walk or bike ride in your neighborhood. Be sure to have guests to bring walking shoes or bicycles when you invite them to dinner.

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Carrie Schlegel remembers that “growing up we played touch football in the front yard after Thanksgiving dinner.” Divide up your guests into teams, clearly communicate the rules and then have fun playing a friendly game of football together.

You could also play a group game of Hide and Seek or Kick-the-Can. If you have a large area, Capture the Flag can also be a lot of fun.

If you are feeling adventurous, head to a nearby or explore local hiking trails 38

Have each adult and child bring a few of their favorite family pictures to Thanksgiving dinner. Provide some cardstock, pattern paper, glue sticks, sticker, pens and scissors. Have each person create a scrapbook page using the pictures and write their memories about the picture on the scrapbook page.

When everyone is finished, add the pages to an album. Be sure to include the date and artist on each scrapbook page. Next year, create more scrapbook pages and add to the album each year.

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Write Thankful Letters

Have each guest think of one person that they are especially thankful for this year. Hand out pens and paper and encourage your guests to write the person a letter telling them why they are special.

You can include preschoolers in this activity by having them dictate the letter to an adult or an older child. When each person is done, give them an envelope for their letter and a stamp.

Jolly good, elf-endorsed, merry-making at its finest.

Be of good cheer! Give them what they really want this year— a box full of Gigi’s deliciously scrumptious cupcakes, cheesecakes and mini cupcakes. Let the merriment begin!

Decorate for the Holidays

Consider decorating for the holidays on Thanksgiving evening to include your guests in the festivities. Some families pick out their Christmas tree together on Thanksgiving to decorate later in the weekend. “For several years, we have gone to a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm to cut down our own tree. We also take our picture for our Christmas cards then, too” says Jim Thompson, father of two.

Another idea is to make holiday decorations together after dinner. Some simple ideas include paper chains, salt dough ornaments and bead ornaments.

When coming up with a project, be sure to include young children who might want to participate and provide alternate crafts if you have guests who celebrate winter holidays other than Christmas.

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Volunteer Together

Consider heading to a soup kitchen or food shelter together as a family to help serve meals to other people. Mary Ford is planning to start volunteering on Thanksgiving with her kids. “I want my kids to see the blessing they have while at the same time serving others that are not as fortunate” says Ford.

Another option is to use the time after Thanksgiving dinner for your family to help an elderly neighbor with a special project, such as painting or raking leaves. You can also use the holiday afternoon to organize your own food drive by having each guest to your house bring canned food. Have each guest collect food from their friends and neighbors before Thanksgiving. After dinner, you can take a field trip to the food pantry to deliver the food.

Have a Talent Show

When Carrie Schlegel was growing up, her family had a talent contest each Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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year on Thanksgiving night. The kids and the grownups took turns performing talents, such as quoting Shakespeare, singing and playing the violin. Each year someone was awarded a trophy for the best performance. She looked forward to this tradition throughout the years and is planning on hosting her own family talent show this year.

When you invite guests to your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to let them know ahead of time about the talent show. Encourage everyone, including children, to share their talents. Remind 39

everyone to bring any props or costumes they will need for their performance.

Whatever you do with this down time on Thanksgiving, be sure that you spend the time with your family and friends. In addition to have a good time together, you may find yourself starting traditions that everyone looks forward to throughout the year.

Jennifer Gregory is the mom of two kids and three dogs. Her family enjoys playing football in the yard after finishing their turkey dinner each year.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Unique and precious. Each has Her own story to share and celebrate. Each Moment in her life plays an important role...that’s what makes them unforgettable. Come to Friedman’s today to pay tribute to every one of her special moments, no matter how big or small.

Friedman’s Fine Jewelry Ground Floor, Regions Bank Tower Mobile, AL Call (251) 479-9469 Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/friedmansfinejewelry Follow us on Twitter! @FriedmansJwlry

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

p.m. Family Event with free admission. Ongoing Activities-Environmental Fair, Awards Ceremony Nature Walks, Wildlife Lectures, Exhibit Talks, Starlab Show, Moon Walk, Raptor Show, Animal Exhibits, Nature Crafts and Face Painting, Gift Shop, Bake Sale, Ice Cream, and Concessions Sales. Sponsored by Evonik Industries and Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club 6101 Girby Road (Between Burns Middle School and Infirmary West). For more information, contact Desiree Bishop at 221-5000.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market benefiting USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital

Saturday, November 3 Over 40 local Boutiques and Arts & Crafts Vendors will be set up to help kick off the Christmas Shopping Season.

We will also be auctioning off some wonderful trips and prizes. Make plans to attend this wonderful event, that will help raise money for the NICU Expansion going on at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Time - 9:00am until 4:00pm at Heron Lakes Country Club - 3851 Government Blvd., Mobile. For more information, find us on Facebook.

2012

Alabama Pecan Festival

Friday, November 2 – Sunday, November 5 Mobile Alabama Pecan Festival will take place on November 2nd – November 5th and will feature Bruce from the hit television show Swamp People. A familyoriented festival featuring a carnival atmosphere with vendors selling food items, crafts, arts, jewelry. Also, face painting and lots of other activities, including a free grand stand event featuring a classic country and western show, a Sunday Gospel Show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. Free, including free parking.

Tillman’s Corner Community Center--Fri., 3pm-6:30; Sat., 9 a.m.-8:30pm; Sun., 10am-6pm. For more information, please visit www.alabamapecanfestival.com.

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Outdoor Cascading Mum Display at Bellingrath Gardens and Home Greater Gulf State Fair

October 26th -November 4th Come enjoy The Greater Gulf State Fair’s 58th annual gathering of the masses! Annual attendance is approximately 300,000+ people. The 10-day agriculture fair features local and professional food concessionaires as well as commercial and community exhibitors. The grandstand shines the spotlight on local music artists for everyone’s listening pleasure. The carnival rides and games will leave everyone young and old feeling like a kid again! Weekdays, 4-10 p.m.; weekends, noon-10 p.m. Located at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds -1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL 36608. Visit www.mobilefair.com for more information.

Pump It Up Fall and Holiday Fun

November – December Pump it up has fall open play on Monday & Friday mornings from 10am-12pm for $6 plus tax/child.

Holiday Open Play sessions from 10am-2pm for $8 plus tax/child on Mon, Nov 12 for Veterans Day and Wed, Nov 21st and Fri, Nov 23rd for Thanksgiving Open Play.

Please check our calendar on our website for December Holiday open play sessions. Visit http://www.pumpitupparty.com/al/mobile/home-p1q36.htm for more information and dates or call (251) 342-3940.

Greek Fest 2012

Thursday, November 1 – Saturday, November 3 Come join us at Greek Fest 2012 where food, fun and fellowship is the theme. Indulge in Greek food items such

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

as pastries, lamb and much more. Begin your holiday shopping early. Vendors will be on hand with art, clothes, jewelry and much more. Greek music and dance performances will entertain the crowds. Proceeds from admission will help support local charities such as Penelope House, Mobile Area Food Bank, Victory Health Partners, School of Math and Science, Catholic Social Service and Woody’s Song. Come join the fun... Join us Saturday and watch the Bama game on our BIG SCREEN TV. Curbside pick ordering and pick-up available. Thursday – Saturday from 11am-10pm, $2 at the door; Pre-sale ticket $18.95 include meal/admit/pastry tray. The location is Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 50 S. Ann St. For more information, please visit http:// greekfestmobile.org.

Saturday, November 3 – November 22 Hundreds of colorful four-foot long cascades will be displayed on bridges and balconies, in baskets and containers through the Gardens. Guests will also enjoy the columns of mums and thousands of mums in the flower beds in the fall colors of yellow, red, bronze, orange and white. The Great Lawn’s dramatic border will be a feast for the eyes. Bellingrath’s Mum show is one of the grandest in the country. All of the cascades are grown at Bellingrath. Moving the cascades into the gardens is one of the most spectacular horticultural events of the year. It takes over nine months to grow a single crop – a true labor of love by Bellingrath’s expert growers. For more information call 1-800-247-8420 or visit www. bellingrath.org

South Alabama Film Festival

Market on Sage

Friday, November 2 – Sunday, November 4 Now in its fourth year, the SoAL Film Festival seeks to showcase all varieties of films by, for or about the South and its people. The festival will include feature-length and short films at multiple venues along with seminars and workshops for adults and school children. For more information please call (251)490-4356 or visit www. southalabamafilmfestival.org

Saturday, November 9 – Sunday, November 10 The season’s most distinctive craft show. Come shop with dozens of the areas most talented vendors showing their wares. The times for this event are Nov. 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and November 10 from 9:00am-3:00pm.

The location for this shopping event is St. Pius X (217 South Sage Avenue). For more information, please call 251-533-8114.

Environmental Studies Center Open House

Christmas At The Road

Saturday, November 3 The Environment Studies Center Open House will be held on Saturday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00

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Saturday, November 10 Christmas At The Road 2012 is a Vendor, Arts & Crafts Show located at Lott Road Church of God 5301 Lott Road, Eight Mile, AL 36613. This event will

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take place on Saturday, November 10, 2012 From 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us for a unique Shopping experience! An indoor, HUGE, Christmas wonderland filled with the perfect gifts for all your family and friends.

Cookie Decorating, Story-time, Santa Claus, Jubilee Art Walk -Featuring local artists’ work available for purchase.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee

Friday, November 16 – Sunday, November 18 The 2012 Port City Craftsmen Fall Craft show is set for Nov. 16th, 17th and 18th at the Shriners Abba Temple in Mobile Al. at the corner of Schillingers and Hitt Rd. The perfect way to start your Holiday shopping. Find something unique for everyone on your list while shopping with over 80 local and regional Arts and crafters. Times for this event: Fri and Sat. 9 am - 5pm, Sun 11am to 4pm, At the Abba Shrine Temple (Shillingers & Hitt Rd , Mobile , Al.) For more information, contact Ann Lloyd 633-7198. For more information, please call (251)6337198 or visit www.facebook.com/portcity.craftsmen.1

Thursday, November 15 – Saturday, November 17 Don’t miss this year’s 28th Annual Christmas Jubilee, a Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Event for fifth year in a row! This year we are excited to announce extended hours to allow you more time to get all your holiday shopping done! Market Hours and Ticket Prices: Thursday, Nov. 15: 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.,$8 in advance, $10 at the door and $3 parking. Many Special Events are planned: Preview Gala & Silent Auction - $50 Wednesday, Nov. 14: 7-10 p.m.Sponsored by C Spire Wireless/ Holiday Attire ~ Silent AuctionLive Music by Roman Street; Open Bar Featuring Georgia Roussos & Twist Cupcakes Ticket includes unlimited admission to market. Girls’ Night Out - $35 -Friday, Nov. 16: 6-8 p.m.,Private Gallery Fashion Show & Pop-up Boutique with Discount, Taste of the Town provided by Local Restaurants, Cocktails Fabulous Shopping Author’s Corner- Sponsored by Barnes & Noble Eastern Shore Centre. Hall of Wreaths Silent Auction- Purchase wreaths made and donated by individuals, area businesses and local schools.

VIP Shopping Event - $30-Thursday, Nov. 15: 8:30 10:30 a.m., Stroller-free ~ Crowd-free Contintental breakfast by Naman’s, Pollman’s & Fresh Market. Mimosas & Bloody Mary’s Santa Breakfast - $15-Saturday, Nov. 17: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. seatings, Chick-fil-A Breakfast

Port City Craftsmen 2012 Fall Craft Show

Lighting of the Christmas Trees – Downtown Mobile

Friday, November 16 The lighting of the trees in Bienville Square is from 5pm until 7pm. The City welcomes in the holiday season with pictures with Santa, live music, dancing and much more.

Shop in our Merry Market, enjoy live entertainment. Be sure to be there by 6pm as we kick off the holiday season when the Mayor and Santa light up the tree at 6:10!

Please visit http://ncsmobile.org for more information.

The International Festival

Saturday, November 17 Enjoy the adventure of first-hand experience of varied cultures. You can visit the continents of Asia and Africa in the lobby area and Europe and the Americas in the East Exhibit Hall. Come face-to-face with people from every

corner of the world and feel their friendliness. See the arts and crafts, hear the sounds, be entertained, and taste the flavors of the world. Observe the many wonderful traditions handed down from many generations and brought here from other countries. The Mobile Internatonal Festival is adding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to our curriculum. Bring the kids to Annette’s Storytelling Room. This year we are showcasing simple science projects along with storytelling. In addition, we are planning a competition between an abacus and calculator! In this same exhibit, Capt. Jack Sparrow will feature the six simple machines found on a pirate ship!

In the David McCann Art Gallery, we’ll feature a local potter who will demonstrate how STEM is used to make the perfect piece of pottery. Mobile Museum of Art will feature a make and take hands-on activity area that centers around STEM. See the smiles on your kids’ faces as they enjoy all the fun. This event takes place at the Mobile Civic Center. Ticket Admission Costs: $10.00 adults, $8.00 seniors, $5.00 7-15 years Free 6 and under.

Purchase advance tickets from Mobile Civic Center Box Office (251) 208-7906 or at 2900 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 208-1555.

Wales West Arctic Express

Friday, November 23 – December 24 Wales West RV Resort & Light Railways--Christmas at the Wales West Light Railway is a special family time.

The entire railway and surrounding park grounds are totally decorated with more than 1,000,000 lights, figures, blow-ups and miles of ribbon and garlands. The steam powered totally decorated train (Arctic Express) leaves the main station for a mile-long trip through a wonderland of lights to the North Pole and return. Once at the North Pole the children will be able to visit with Santa in the winter wonderland barn while parents and grand parents take pictures. Each child receives a handmade

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wooden locomotive made at the railway as part of their visit. They can decorate it at the arts and crafts table before re-boarding the train. Upon returning to the main station everyone is treated to hot coco, cookies, and candy canes in the hospitality tent. The children can play with the large Thomas The Tank train tables while the adults relax or shop in the unique gift shop or tea room.

Weekends from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for groups and walk-ins.

General public hours: Sat. & Sun., 1-9 p.m. During the last two weeks, the event is open daily from 4-9 p.m.

For more information, call 251-978-3050 or visit www. waleswest.com. Our location is Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway, 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576. Admission charged.

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens

November 23 - December 31 (closed December 25th) The holiday tradition continues as Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Magic Christmas in Lights.

You can take a trip to the North Pole at this year’s Magic Christmas in Lights! Polar Bear Square, Bellingrath’s new scene, is located at the Summer House just after the Underwater Garden and will feature polar bears and an igloo in a light snowfall. Like all of the scenes in Magic Christmas in Lights, this scene was designed “in-house” and all of the set pieces have been fabricated and lit by the Garden’s staff.The 2012 edition of Magic Christmas in Lights will open on Friday, November 23rd and run through December 31st. The show will be closed on December 25th . Guests may visit the Gardens during the day from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Each evening from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. guests may stroll through the Gardens to see over 3 million sparkling lights in nearly 1,000 displays throughout the 65 acre estate. You will not want to miss seeing the Bellingrath Museum Home decorated in its holiday finery. The Magnolia Café will be serving lunch and dinner throughout the show. The Bellingrath Gift Shop will be loaded with fantastic holiday decorations,

ornaments and gifts. Holiday music will be provided by local performing groups during the week. Members of the Friends of Bellingrath may use their annual membership cards for admission during Magic Christmas in Lights. For those that are not members, tickets can be purchased at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, The Urban Emporium or Regions Bank. You may also pre-purchase your tickets on-line at www.bellingrath.org. Online tickets must be purchased at least one day before your visit and are good for the entire show. Please bring a copy of your receipt to expedite your entrance into the Gardens.

Tickets are also available at participating Regions Banks, the Urban Emporium and at the door during regular hours of operation. During our busiest nights, we will have a special entrance for members and those that have prepurchased tickets. For more information, please check our website at www.bellingrath.org.

Victorian Ornament Workshop at the Ben May Main Library

Saturday, November 24 Children ages 6 and up are invited to make lovely Victorian ornaments to decorate our children’s holiday tree and to take home. The time for this workshop is 10:00am11:00am. Space is limited so registration is encouraged.

Groups must register. Please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086 for more information or to register.

Grand Bay Country Christmas and Parade

Friday, November 30-Saturday, December 1 On Friday, November 30 – enjoy Business open house, entertainment and arts & crafts from 3:00pm-8:00pm in the center of town. The lighting of the Christmas Tree with Santa will be at 7:00pm. On Saturday – enjoy entertainment, arts & crafts from 12:00pm-8:00pm. The Christmas Parade starts at 7:00pm. For more information, please visit www.grandbayonline.com.

Christmas Spectacular Concert

Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 2 The University of Mobile Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the season with performances of the Christmas Spectacular program at Dauphin Way Baptist Church (3661 Dauphin St) Admission is Free but Tickets are Required! Free tickets are available at the University of Mobile or Dauphin Way Baptist Church. For more information contact the CPA office at 251-442-2420 or visit www.umobile.edu.

Holiday Sales at Mobile Botanical Gardens

Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 1 Celebrate a “Citrus Christmas “Through Dec. 1. Decorate for the season with poinsettias, wrapped citrus and holiday plants plus fresh greenery and decorations by the Mobile County Master Gardeners. Enjoy a variety of citrus treats and learn more about our fabulous local citrus.

Friday 9-4 , Saturday 9 -2. Location- Mobile Botanical Gardens at 5151 Museum Dr. For more information, please visit http://www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org.

10th Annual Christmas Spectacular presented by the University of Mobile

Friday, November 30 through Sunday, December 2 Christmas Spectacular will be performed at Dauphin Way Baptist Church on Dauphin Street in Mobile on Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6:45 p.m. A ticketed dress rehearsal is also scheduled for Thursday, Nov 29 at 6:45 p.m. People may still attend the performances without a ticket, but those who have tickets will be seated first. At present, no more tickets are available for Friday and Saturday performances. Once tickets for the Sunday performance are distributed, tickets will be available for the dress rehearsal on Thursday. The annual event is a celebration of Christmas that includes more than 300 students and faculty from the UMobile School of Music and School of Worship Leadership. Presentations of traditional and contemporary sacred and secular Christ-

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mas music will be thefocus of the program. Tickets are free and are available by emailing mbennett@umobile. edu or calling the University of Mobile at 251.442.2420.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Christmas at Oakleigh

Saturday, December 1 – Sunday, December 2 Join the Historic Mobile Preservation Society for this Mobile tradition as we open the doors of Oakleigh for the holiday season. See how the Christmas season was celebrated in Mobile during the 1850s. Admission includes children’s activities, entertainment, refreshments and a tour of the Oakleigh Historic Complex. Admission is $10 per person, Times- Saturday -10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday-1:00pm-4:00pm ,Location- Oakleigh Historic Complex 350 Oakleigh Place. Saturday night also includes the Candlelight at Oakleigh event. For more information, please visit http://www.historicmobile.org or call (251) 432-6161.

Mobile Symphony presents Home for the Holidays

Saturday, December 1 – Sunday, December 2 Mobile’s favorite holiday tradition, this concert embraces all the spirit of the holidays and packs it into an unforgettable concert featuring music you know and love. From Sweden to Jamaica, this year’s program will showcase holiday traditions from around the globe. There is truly no place like Home for the Holidays. Times: 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday For more information, please visit www.mobilesymphony.org

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Christmas – Richards DAR House

Saturday, December 1 – Sunday December 2 Please mark your calendars for “An 1860s Christmas” on December 1st and 2nd. The house will be decorated in an elegant Victorian Mobile style. Presale tickets will be available soon for a reduced rate. For more information, please visit www.richardsdarhouse.com.

28th Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at Fort Gaines

Saturday, December 1 Experience a Christmas of days gone by. A living history day for the whole family. Come join the soldiers and their families as they celebrate Christmas from the past. Soldiers from 1700’s - 1900’s, along with a potter and a blacksmith. The time for this event is from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Where: Historic Fort Gaines. For more information, please call 251-861-6992 or visit www. dauphinisland.org.

Dauphin Island Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 1 The 2012 Dauphin Island Christmas parade will be held at 2:00pm. For more information, please visit www. townofdauphinisland.org.

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Semmes Christmas Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 1 The Friends of Semmes will be putting on the Christmas Tree Lighting on December the 1st at Semmes Community Center starting at 4:30. We will have Santa available to take pictures with ... local school children will be singing and we will be giving away Hot Chocolate, coffee and cookies.

Christmas on the River Parade

Saturday, December 1 Grand Mariner Marina on Dog River at the Alba Fishing and Hunting Club--Alabama’s Official Tall Ship, the Joshua, will lead festive decorated boats down Dog River in Mobile’s oldest boat parade. The boats circle and pass Dog River Bridge as treats are thrown to the cheering crowd. Dusk-8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.grandmarinermarina.com.

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Elf Magic Event

Sunday, December 2 Come join us for a fun family event at The Gilded Nest.

Elf Magic Elves will be on sale and these elves are friends. There are a myriad of accessory items available for the elves and each one comes with an authentic snowflake on its heart applied by Santa himself. We will have Santa, coloring pages for the kids, art & crafts, & a mailbox (will be available for kids and parents through the Christmas Season) to leave letters for Santa (the store elves, Jingle and Jangle, will deliver letters to Santa each night) and lots more! We will be drawing for a Giant Elf and a Nativity set in addition to other door prizes. Tickets will be limited and available at The Gilded Nest at 2054 Government Street. This event takes place on Sunday, December 2 from 11:00am-2:00pm. For more information on this fun event, please come by the shop or call (251) 476-1555.

Bragg-Mitchell Open House

Sunday, December 2 See the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion all dressed up for the holidays. This Christmas Open House is from 1:00pm4:00pm. For information, please www.braggmitchellmansion.com

Bella Voce Concert

Sunday, December 2 A classical concert of familiar and beloved songs of the Christmas season by Mobile’s premiere women’s chorus; conductor: Dr Thomas Rowell. 4 PM. St Paul’s Episcopal Church (4051 Old Shell Rd) Free, but donations welcome. For more information, please contact 251-4148194 or visit http://bellavoceofmobile.org

Gloria Dei Chorale Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 2 Yuletide Reflections: Holy Mother, Holy Child will be preformed at 7:30pm at The Cathedral Basilica of the

Immaculate Conception.Featuring works by Stephen Caracciolo, Matthew Culloton, Dan Forrest, Philip Stopford, Eric Whitacre, Louis F. Daniel, and others. All donations at the door will go to Catholic Social Services.

For more information, please visit www.gloriadeichorale. org/concertinfo.html.

University of South Alabama Holiday Concert

Tuesday, December 4 USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Holiday Choral Concert will take place at 7:30 pm at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Laura Moore, conductor. Admission prices: $5 USA students. $8 General Admission. Visit www.southalabama.edu/music

“Babes in Toyland”

Thursday, December 6 – Friday, December 7 The Playhouse in the Park presents the Victor Herbert classic musical suitable for all ages! See all your favorite storybook characters come to life in a lavish production of this holiday favorite. Staged at the historic Saenger theatre, a cast of 100 will delight audiences with singing, dancing, and colorful costumes. The public show is Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. and the SchoolFest performances are December 6 & 7 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Book Early! For more information, please visit www. mobilepip.org or call 251-602-0630.

North Pole Stroll

Friday, December 7 This free, family fun in downtown Mobile event takes place from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Royal Street in Downtown Mobile. Some events planned are: Visit Santa, Ride the Stroll Train, See the Grinch at Whoville, Write letters to Santa, See snow falling on Royal Street & Take photos inside a GIANT snow globe. More details available on our website: www. downtownmobile.org

Mobile Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 8-Sunday, December 9 Mobile Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a family holiday classic. Mobile Ballet will take you on a magical journey of brilliant dancing, sumptuous sets, and gorgeous costumes. This is a favorite for all ages. Saturday performances are 2:30pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday’s performance is at 2:30pm. Please call 251-342-2241 for more information or to order tickets.

Semmes 12th Annual Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 8 Semmes 12th annual Christmas Parade will be on December the 8th organized by the Friends of Semmes.

Parade will start at 10:00 am on Wulff Road & Nursery Road. Parade applications can be found on our Web site at www.friendsofsemmes.org or at Century Bank in Semmes. Visit www.friendsofsemmes.org.

4th Annual Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes & Tasting Tour

Saturday, December 8 Semmes Woman’s Club is proud to present the 4th Annual Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes & Tasting Tour on Sat. Dec. 8th. Guests will celebrate the season in style by touring residential homes decorated beautifully for the holidays. The Tasting Tour will feature traditional Southern fare supplied from local, partner restaurants.

The Tour of Homes is scheduled from 3pm-7pm while the Taste of Semmes will be offered from 3pm - 5pm.

For more information, please contact Caresse Fincher at 251.656.1777 or Diane Moore at 251.645.9176. You can also visit Semmes Woman’s Club on Facebook.

Saraland Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 8 Join us for the 2012 Saraland Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 12:00pm at Adams Middle School. Please visit www. saralandcoc.com for more information.

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Gingerbread House Workshop Stories & Songs Too! At the Library

Saturday, December 8 Enjoy stories like The Gingerbread Man and then make Gingerbread houses out of frosting, candy and graham crackers. This activity is for children ages 5 - 8. Space is limited, so registration is required. This event takes place at Ben May Main Library at 10:00am-11:00am.

For more information or to register please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086. This event also takes place at the Moorer/Springhill Branch at 10:30 am. For more information or to register please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

Centre for the Living Arts – Light Bulb Ornaments and/or Stained Glass Lanterns at the Library

Tuesday, December 11 Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children create beautiful art projects inspired by The Memory Project and themes associated with the exhibits.Today’s projects are “Light Bulb Ornaments and/or Stained Glass Lanterns.” Ages 3-5 starts at 10:00 am and Ages 6-13 is at 3:30. These classes take place at the West Regional Branch of the Library. Space and materials are limited. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 340-8571.

Program will be held in the Meeting Room.

“Peter and the Wolf” by the Playhouse Puppets

Wednesday, December 12 - Friday, December 14; Tuesday, December 18-Thursday, December 20 The Playhouse Puppets will present the marionette classic “Peter and the Wolf” at the Playhouse-in-the-Park on December 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 am. The show is a faithful retelling of the musical story by Sergei Prokofiev and features hand-carved marionettes, hand puppets, and shadow puppets. The Playhouse Puppets have been performing since 1987 and have toured extensively throughout the southeast.

The performance is 45 minutes long and includes a full performance and an explanation and demonstration on music and movement. This is a perfect introduction to the performing arts, and is suitable for K4 through 5th grade. Tickets are $5.00, with no charge for teachers. This event is very popular! For more information, please visit www.mobilepip.org or call 251-602-0630.

Christmas Movies at the Saenger

Friday, December 14 – Sunday, December 16 Come join us for Christmas Movies playing at the Saenger. The price of admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for Kids and Seniors. On Friday – It’s a Wonderful Life will be showing at 7:30 pm. On Saturday, White Christmas will be showing at 3:00 pm. On Sunday – Elf will be playing at 3:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 250 Conti Street, 251-208-5600. For more information, please visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com.

Sunny Side presents Best Christmas Pageant Ever Play

December 14 through 16 Drama Camp Productions & Sunny Side Theater present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Thursday - Saturday, December 14-16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Moorer Performing Arts Center, 1400 University Boulevard. The Herdmans are the worst kids in the whole history of the world. And now they are invading the Christmas pageant at the local church! Join us for this hilarious, heartwarming show.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for teens, and $5 for kids.

Call Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808 for more details!

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Images courtesy of So Life Studios, 217 Fairhope Ave

Mobile Annual Christmas & Holiday Parade and Christmas Market

Saturday, December 15 It’s a holiday tradition for the entire family! Come join us for our Holiday Market on the square at Cathedral Square from 10:00 am until 3:00pm. The market will feature fresh fruits, veggies, breads, pasta and fresh baked goods for your holiday party. Also arts and crafts from local artists for the shopper that likes to give hand-crafted items. Also for the shopper to look for the last minute gifts. And watch the parade go by. Come join us at 1:30 for all the festivities in and around our Annual Christmas & Holiday Parade.

Bring the little ones and enjoy free kids activities in Bienville Square both before and after the parade between 12:30-3:00pm. For route and more information, please call 208-1554 or 208-1550.

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Christmas Carol Ride

Saturday, December 15 Singing Christmas Carols is fun. Biking house to house to do it is funner. Join us as we bring a bit of holiday cheer to the midtown area. Awards for Best Costume and Fanciest Bike Decoration. This event takes place at Cream and Sugar at 351-B George Street. For more information, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/453229414701857

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Monday, December 31 Moonpie over Mobile is back! With over 60,000 in attendance last year, this year’s New Year’s event will usher in the new year and the Mardi Gras season in grand style.

Come and get a larger glimpse at the moonpie as it rises over the City in downtown Mobile. There will be live entertainment, activities for kids at local museums and a countdown to 2013 like no other. MBP

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

The Case for Books on Canines There’s a reason we call them ‘man’s best friend’. Since ancient times, dogs have hunted beside us, guarded our flocks, defended our homes, and been stalwart and loyal companions through the ages. Maybe it’s the historic bond we share with them, or perhaps their ability to communicate through expression and behavior, that we regard them as ‘almost human’ friends and family. Anyone who’s ever loved a dog will love these tales of hounds who face challenges (real and absurd) with dogged determination, and triumph with flying furry colors!

Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic

by Monica Carnesi (Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin) When people along the icy shore of a Baltic seaside town spy a dog trapped on a block of ice floating swiftly toward the sea, the saga begins of an unlikely rescue. Unreachable from shore despite the efforts of firefighters, the pup’s chances of survival almost disappears until a ship catches sight of him two days later. Can the ship’s crew reach him before he falls into the ocean? The unexpected connection between a freezing pup heading into unimaginable danger and the warm hearts of the people who strive to save him will melt every heart!

Dog in Charge

by K.L. Going, Illustrated by Dan Santat (Dial Books / Penguin) Dog can do SO many things! He can sit, stay and even dance! Surely it will be no problem for him to keep five cats in order while the family runs a few errands. Dog is left in charge, but his charges have other ideas. When Dog’s head is turned for only a moment, the cats are on the move and wreaking havoc from room to room. Chasing the cats and trying to boss them into submission is getting Dog nowhere – and it’s exhausting. When he finally falls asleep, too tired to chase them anymore, too tired to fix the mess – the cats emerge one by one and decide to take charge before the family returns. Hilariously illustrated from cover-to-cover, kids will delight in the ‘babysitting’ mayhem and the redemption that follows.

Magritte’s Marvelous Hat

by D. B. Johnson (Houghton Mifflin) On a bright day in the dark of night, Magritte, the gentleman hound and painter, spies a marvelous hat in the store window. But when he tries it on, it won’t fit on his head, instead floating inches above it. Disturbing, yet delightful to others who see his floating hat, it’s none-the-less a perfect fit for him as it doesn’t pinch his ears or muss his hair. But the hat is also prone to escape and take off on flights of fancy that lead Magritte to see and explore the world with a new eye. Illustrated with plentiful nods to the original (non-canine) Magritte’s surrealist paintings, this title is a marvelous introduction to the artist’s iconic style as well as an enchanting tale of a dog and artist finding the style that best suits him.

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

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Become a High Energy Mom

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By How You Eat, Move, Work & Sleep

by Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD

You hurry all day, tackling your toolong to-do list. By mid-afternoon, you want to collapse on the couch or get a quick fix of caffeine and carbs. Don’t. We have expert advice on how to get – and sustain – the physical and emotional energy you need.

Eat

You’ll be tired and cranky if you’re low on fuel, says Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

RD, a health fitness specialist and registered dietician in Washington, DC. Decide when to eat by attending to your body’s hunger signals, not based on the clock or your moods, she says. Eating when you’re not hungry causes weight gain, and extra weight weighs you down. Manage energy levels by eating a balanced plate of high-quality foods at each meal. Make it simple: Aim for one third fruits and vegetables, one third starchy carbohydrates (like beans, brown rice, or pasta) and one third lean protein.

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Don’t cut out fats and sugars, Scritchfield says, they’re important. Sugars give you energy and fats keep you fuller, longer.

When you combine them, the fats slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream, so you don’t get a sugar rush and a subsequent drop in energy. The key is to choose the right sugars and fats, says Scritchfield.

Fruit, whole grains, and dairy products are smart sugar sources for your diet. Eat omega-3 fats, too. Found in salmon and walnuts, omega-3 fats help repair damaged Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Sustain your energy with these cutting edge resources: Track your nutrition with a food diary online or on your smart phone http://www.mynetdiary.com/

Get fit

Read Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom by Laurie Kocanda and Kara Thom (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2011)

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cells and protect against inflammation. Unsaturated fats in olive oil and avocados also protect your heart. Bottom line: If you want energy, focus on nutrition not restriction.

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When you’re tired, exercise may feel like drudgery. “It’s counterintuitive,” says Kara Thom, an endurance athlete and co-author of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom. “Exercise helps frazzled moms save their sanity. It is both calming and energizing.” If you’re tired, get moving. You don’t have to run a 5K; commit to a 10-minute walk. When you put on your workout clothes and start walking, you’ll get some quiet time and a change of scenery. Bonus: You’ll feel so good that you’ll likely walk further than you planned.

Take the kids along for a ride or a run.

“Me time” gets lost when you’re a mom, Thom says. If you feel like you have to hire a sitter to get a good workout, you’re wrong. “Once I opened myself up to exercising with my kids, being a mom didn’t restrict my workouts,” says Thom, “it gave me new options.” She rides her stationary bike in the driveway while her kids cycle around the cul-de-sac. In the winter, she pulls them on a sled while she snowshoes.

The opportunities are endless if you think creatively. Commit to fitness. Soon the kids won’t be able to keep up with you.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Work

As moms, we don’t just want energy, we want to feel focused. When you jump from task to task, productivity plummets, according to Dave Crenshaw, author of The Myth of Multitasking: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done. What we call multitasking is really switching back and forth between two (or more) tasks that require our attention, notes Crenshaw. The costs of switchtasking are high. Constant stops and starts drain your mental and emotional energy and decrease your efficiency. When you’re unproductive, you feel frustrated. To preserve your positive outlook, do one thing at a time. Schedule time for each task and use a timer to stay focused.

Turn off your cell phone or close your email to avoid distraction.

It is a myth that women are better at multitasking, Crenshaw says, juggling work and family is especially challenging. When you don’t give people your full attention, they notice. Be present, Crenshaw advises.

Make sure you meet kids’ needs before moving on to other tasks. Giving minimal attention to people you love leaves everyone – including you – dissatisfied.

Sleep

If you want to bounce out of bed in the morning, get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Keep a consistent bedtime. Don’t work or clean house until you crash, says Janet Kinosian, author of The Well-Rested Woman, your body and your brain need time to unwind.

Take advantage of your body’s natural circadian rhythm. A drop in body temperature signals it’s time to sleep. Mimic this natural occurrence by taking a warm bath or shower 90 minutes before bed, Kinosian suggests.

Bedtime routines are good for grownups, too. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or warm milk. Snuggle with your spouse or read a good book. These rituals help you switch gears before sleep. Even if you’re exhausted, you may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Clock watching reminds you how little time you have left for sleep and how tired you’ll feel tomorrow, says Kinosian. Turn your clock away to keep from obsessing over the time.

If your energy fizzles, be kind to yourself. Even high-energy moms have low-energy moments. Rest and regroup so you’re ready for the next life-challenge.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and writer uses her energy to chase kids and dreams.

Get more psychology lessons for life at www.heidiluedtke.com

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

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A Thanksgiving to Remember Thanksgiving is such a special time for families and friends to celebrate together. Sandwiched in between Halloween and Christmas, this tasty holiday is a quick reminder of all the things we have to be thankful for. Adding a few crafts, snacks and special touches will make your Thanksgiving a family day to remember.

Crafts

A great family activity that you can do throughout the day is to make a Thankful Turkey. You can draw a turkey face on a large piece of poster board.

Just trace a large round object and color it brown. Then add eyes, a beak and a mouth using crayons, markers or craft objects like wiggle eyes and pom poms.

Using red, orange and yellow construction paper, cut out large feather shapes. Ask families members throughout the day to write something they are thankful for on a feather. At dinner time have a younger family member “read” the turkey.

Another variation of this activity is the Thankful Tree. Using a piece of poster board draw a simply tree trunk and color it brown. Then provide your family members with green, yellow, orange and red papers. Ask them to trace their hand and write something they are thankful for on it. Then glue or tape the hand (leaf) to the tree trunk. You can glue them on the top or scatter on the ground like fall leaves.

This looks really neat with different size hands from the youngest to the oldest in your family.

Snacks

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An easy-to-make snack for kids are Snack Cornucopias. Put together some of your child’s favorite dry snacks. A few good choices are: goldfish, pretzels, Cheerios, raisins, chex cereal and mini marshmallows. Pour as much as you want into a big bowl and mix together. Then provide pointy ice cream cones (cornucopias) to scoop with. Kids and grown ups can stop

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by throughout the day and scoop up a yummy snack.

Another great snack is the Blessing Mix. You can prepare this in a big bowl mixed together with the saying below printed beside it, or put a little of each of the ingredients in a small clear bag to give out. You can print the saying and attach to the bag as a party snack favor.

Blessings Mix

Each ingredient in this snack mix symbolizes something associated with the Harvest Season (Thanksgiving) Bugles Brand Corn Snacks - represents a cornucopia, a horn of plenty.

Pretzels - represents arms folded in thanks and prayer.

Candy Corn - during the first winter, the pilgrims were each allotted only 5 kernels of corn per day because food was so scarce.

Dried or Candy Fruits - Thanksgiving is the celebration of the harvest.

Peanuts and/or Sunflower Seeds seeds represent the potential of a bounteous harvest for the next season if they are planted and well tended.

During Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner can be a wonderful time to catch up with family and friends. And also a long time for little people to sit at the table. Prepare a few little activities for the children so that when they finish dinner, they can stay at the table and complete them. You can 55

look up “Thanksgiving coloring sheets” online and also use www. puzzlemaker.com.

This website allows you to make any type of word puzzle or search using words of your choice.

You can make a crossword puzzle using all the names and locations of people in your family. Or you can make a word search with Thanksgiving words like: pilgrims, Indians, turkeys, feast...

Clean up after Thanksgiving dinner can take almost as long as dinner did!

Plan a few fun after dinner activities for the kids to keep the fun going. A scavenger hunt is always a hit for children of all ages. You can have them make teams based on how many children you have present. Then develop a list of items that you want to hide. Look through your local craft or dollar stores to get some seasonal ideas. You can simply hide individually wrapped smarties or Starburst candies.

Have each team find as many as they can.

Or draw a map and have them work together to find the treasure. There are many variations of scavenger hunts you can do depending on how much time and energy you want to put into it. A good old fashion game of flashlight tag (tag someone with the flashlight beam and they are out) or hide and seek is also fun to do outside.

Spending time with loved ones is always a special time. Plan a few of these fun ideas to make the most of your time together.

Dana Moonan is a former first grade teacher and current stay-at-home mom of three, Emily and Matthew, and Abby.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Family Calendar Ongoing

Bellingrath Gardens and Home Nov. 10 - 23. Outdoor Cascading Mum Display. Regular Admission. See one of America’s largest outdoor display of chrysanthemums. Garden mums are featured in the floral borders, containers and terraces of the Gardens.

See fantastic cascade mums on bridges, balconies and in baskets in the fall colors of red, yellow, bronze, orange and white throughout the Gardens.

Centre for the Living Arts The Memory Project is the first phase of the Centre for the Living Arts’ plan to create a national model for community building through the arts. Running through December 31, it involves a nine-month visual and performing arts program that examines the various intersections of individual and collective memory in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. It will include a global to local exhibition of significant artists, as well as live music, film screenings, public forums and conversations, plus classes and workshops for all ages. Programming will be held at Space 301, the Saenger Theatre, and several offsite locations throughout the City of Mobile. Visit the link www.centreforthelivingarts.com/memory-project to learn about dates for specific events associated with the project.

Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-5650.

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 IMAX Born to Be Wild At Exploreum IMAX Theater September – January 5th. Documentary about the orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time. 10 a.m., noon, 2 & 4 p.m. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, JL Bedsole IMAX Theater (65 Government St) Adults/ $8.75; youth and seniors/ $7.25; children/$6.50. Members: adults/ $6.75; youth and seniors/ $5.75; children/ $5.25; group rates.

Contact: 251-208-6880/ www.exploreum.com/ www. imax.com/borntobewild.

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 Up Up & Away. October 20, 2012 - March 3, 2013.

Comic book superheroes are a mirror on modern America. Superheroes represent the very best image of ourselves. Their worlds are purely fictional but their experiences and struggles echo our own reality.

Through superheroes we celebrate our triumphs and confront our fears. This is their story...”

Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For info 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 Bay Parents I November 2012

October/November2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org.

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

Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. and the last Monday at 6:30 p.m. The nighttime meetings are especially geared towards expectant/new mothers and working mothers, but any pregnant or breastfeeding mother is welcome at either.

The number to call for the location is 251-689-2085.

We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league.

The Family Center of Mobile • Nurturing Parenting course Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Call to register.

• The Family Center Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. • Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 wks.

• Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, a new ”dads are important” course for dads, 12 wks.

• Thursdays: Controlling Ourselves Stress/Anger Management training, 4 wks. (one/month).

251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. RFP classes require intake appt. IN ADVANCE. All classes are free and offer free childcare WITH 24HR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodProgramMobile.

The Family Center of Baldwin County opens in November at 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, with Quenching the Father Thirst classes and case management services.

Please call Mobile office, 251-479-5700 for exact dates and other information.

Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center,

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please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000.

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

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

• Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 4352000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Family Calendar • 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 for 2012: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1685. 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 The expectant mother and her support person (coach) can choose to attend class on Monday nights for three weeks or the all-day Saturday class. 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: $35. 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.

Next 3-week Series, 6:30-9 p.m., Mondays, Nov. 5 – Nov. 19. Next all-day Saturday class, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 17 (continental breakfast and lunch served) • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday from 6:309 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee: $5. Next classes meet Nov. 1 and Dec. 4.

• 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 and fourth Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the hospital’s second-floor classroom. Fee: $5. Next classes meet Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.

• Infant Care, Safety and CPR This one-night class is designed for both expectant and new parents. Topics include preparing your home for the new baby, car seat safety and infant CPR instruction.

Class meets from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. $5 per person. Next class Dec. 11.

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Feed an alligator!

Call for details.

See over 200 alligators up close!

Nature walk on elevated boardwalk.

Registration Information: Payments are accepted by check, money order, cash and credit card. Make checks and money orders payable to USACW Education Department. 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.

Tuesday, October 23

Bravery & Beauty Mint Julep Party Commemorating the 1877 visit to Oakleigh by James A Garfield (before his presidency) when CSA General T.K. Irwin served him his first mint julep.

Garfield’s diary entry of that occasion states: “The bravery and beauty of Mobile were there.” Mint juleps; cash bar; cocktail buffet; silent auction. Historic Mobile Preservation Society. 6 - 9 p.m. Oakleigh (300 Oakleigh Pl.) $20. 251-432-6161/ www.historicmobile.org.

Drama Camp Productions & Sunny Side Theater Auditions for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See Oct. 22 for details.

Wednesday, October 24

Yo Yo Ma Grammy award-winning superstar Yo-Yo Ma returns to Mobile’s Saenger Theatre for one night only!

This much-anticipated performance will feature Yo-Yo Ma performing Schumann’s elegant Cello Concerto as well as John Williams’ “Elegy for Cello and Orchestra.” 7:30 p.m. For more information, please call (251) 432-2010.

Centre for the Living Arts –Pre-K Studio and Kids Studio Spooky Houses Children and parents are welcome to join us on

Get up close and personal with our alligators!

“Mighty Max” “Prince Eric” “Crunch” “B.A.” and

“R.J.”

View alligator feedings.

Field Trips/Birthday Parties available.

Fun for the entire family!

Safe for kids!

1-866-99-GATOR 19950 Hwy 71 • Summerdale, AL Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Have the best Birthday Party ever here at Alligator Alley!

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Family Calendar Wednesdays for Pre-K Studio (ages 3-5) from 11-12 p.m. Admission is free for children. Children will create their own 3D house with a spooky twist while drawing inspiration from The Memory Project house installed inside of Space 301. Call Brennan Gibson at 208 – 5658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up.

Thursday, October 25

Taste of Mobile The 35th Annual Taste of Mobile will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center. The event will be hosted by the Mobile Chapter of the Alabama Restaurant Association and Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast. This year’s Taste of Mobile will raise funds and awareness for Goodwill Easter Seals. The Taste of Mobile showcases area restaurants by offering an opportunity to present their specialty dishes to a large local gathering. This year, with more than 40 booths participating, should give each attendee the opportunity to sample many of the finest dishes available in Mobile.

Attendees will also be able to vote for their favorite dishes in various categories. Tickets for the event are $25 per person, or a table for 10 can be reserved for $250. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available, providing early entry, at $35, or $350 per table. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Thomas Smith at Thomas@gesgc.org or 380-7152. Tickets are also available at: Mobile Fixture - Montlimar Dr., Wintzell’s Oyster House - Airport Blvd., Downtown, Saraland and Goodwill Easter Seals (Gordon Smith Dr).

Westside Tailgate Farmers Market Westside Tailgate Farmers Market is sponsoring a Fall Craft & Food Market from 5 - 7 p.m. It is located at Providence Presbyterian Church—rain or shine (if it’s raining, we’ll be inside the church). We have crafters, artisans, bakers and, of course, farmers with fresh, local creations and produce to offer throughout the fall. 2320 Schillinger Road South. Check out the Westside Tailgate Farmers Market group on FACEBOOK to see what products will be available.

Friday, October 26

Bonnie Raitt Southern blues icon Bonnie Raitt will return to the Saenger as she promotes her new album, Slipstream, her new release after a seven year hiatus from recording.

8 p.m. Tickets can either be purchased online at www. ticketmaster.com or through the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 250 Conti Street, 251-208-5600.

The Conclusion of Edgar Allan Poe Play at Playhouse in the Park In Poe’s last moments on earth, he recalls his life and some of the stories he wrote, including dramatizations of The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, and several others. The 75-minute show, staged at the Playhouse, will run at 7:30 p.m. with a Halloween costume party following the final show.

SchoolFest performances are October 18, 19, 25, & 26 at 9 and 11 a.m. For more information, please visit www. playhouseinthepark.org.

Downtown 81 Film at Centre for the Living Arts 6 p.m. Centre for the Living Arts, Auditorium (301 Conti St.) Adults/$5; members, children & seniors/$3 www.centreforthelivingarts.com.

The Woman in Black Play October 26, 27, 28, 31 Nov. 2, 3, Arthur Kipps, a junior solicitor goes to the funeral of his client where he sees a strange woman but when he asks about her the townsfolk are inexplicably silent. Sorting through Mrs Drablow’s papers, he discovers the dreadful secret of the Woman in Black – to his own terrible cost. The 1987 stage play, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt is based on the book of the same name by Susan Hill. Fri & Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Mobile Theatre Guild (14 N Lafayette St) General/ $20; senior citizens, military & students/ $16. www.mobiletheatreguild.org.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

October/November2012

29th Annual Renaissance Festival “Gatalop 29” at Fort Gaines See knights in armor as they storm the castle. Come view melee’s, sieges, and the lords & ladies. Also visit with a medieval merchant and the Fort’s resident blacksmith. It is a very colorful event hosted by the Society of Creative Anachronism. Admission charged. Historic Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd./ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, please call 251-861-6992 or visit www.baronyosprey.org.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass Oct. 26 - Nov. 4, Junior League of Mobile’s $30 Blue Pass helps improve the lives of children living in Mobile and Baldwin Counties through the charitable programs it helps fund. The Blue Pass is a shopping pass that provides shoppers with a 20% discount on purchases at over 100 participating merchants in the Mobile area.

From spas to clothing stores, home accessory boutiques to restaurants, the Blue Pass helps you save money at the places you want to be and leaves you feeling good about your decision to help others. For more information, visit, www.juniorleaguemobile.org/?nd=bluepass.

Pump It Up Not So Scary Halloween Jump 6:30-9 p.m. $10 plus tax per child- playtime, pizza, snacks, face painting, etc. Costume contests too! Ages 2-12 Welcome. Socks required. Not a drop off event.

Saturday, October 27

Balloon Glow in the Gardens Bellingrath Gardens and Home, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Adults $6, Children 5-12 $3 and Children 4 and under are free. Discounted admission begins at 5 p.m. Dress up your little goblins and come out to enjoy beautiful hot air balloons glowing on the Great Lawn. Multiple hot air balloons are scheduled to “glow” for us this year… weather permitting. This year’s event will also include a selection of scary and fun inflatables glowing throughout the Gardens. There will be plenty of treats and trinkets from area organizations and businesses for our trick or treaters to enjoy. The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint will be in the Gardens selling their one-of-a-kind and national award winning barbecue and live music will be on the Great Lawn.

Trick or Treat at 5 Rivers This free, family friendly event will include a not-sohaunted swamp buggy ride, games and crafts, face painting, $5 boat tours, candy and so much more!

You’ll want to wear your Halloween best and take part in the costume contest at 3 p.m. 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

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

7th Annual Cardboard City Individuals, school, church, & civic groups raise rent money through sponsors (minimum of $100 per box) to spend the night; up to two persons or a family with small children may sleep in a box; participants bring their own box. To raise money and awareness of homelessness. Benefits Family Promise (temporary shelter and support services to homeless families with children) and Sybil H. Smith Family Village (transitional housing for homeless women and their children) 4 p.m. Set-up 7 p.m.

Entertainment 9 a.m. Memorial service for homeless persons 6 a.m. Sunrise Devotion, followed by clean-up and departure. Alabama School of Math and Science, lot at Dauphin and Ann Sts. Contact: 251-441-1991 or 251-473-5526.

Centre for the Living Arts –Pre-K Studio and Kids Studio Spooky Houses See Oct. 20 for details.

Family Day At Christ United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch Family Day at the Patch from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. We will have pony rides, a fire truck, costume contest, bake sale and more! We will also have special music by Southern Gospel group Joyful Noise, and contemporary music

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group New Dawning. This is certainly a day you’ll want to be a part of! Our location is 6101 Grelot Road.

Dog River Ghost Chase 5K/Goblin Gallop ½ Mile 5K and 1/2 Mile race that benefits Dog River Clearwater Revival, Post race party including food, beverages, live music at the River Shack. Special dinner and beverage discounts offered at the River Shack to all race participants on October 27. Race is at 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.active.com.

Its Pumpkin Time at the Moorer Branch Library Enjoy stories and snacks and then make Tin Can Pumpkins to use for trick or treating around the Library.

Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Groups must register. For more information or to register please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

St Pius X Haunted Carnival-Presented by St Pius X Life Teen 6-9 p.m. Haunted House, Hayride, Food Carnival Games and Prizes. Costume Contest. Tickets can be purchased at the door or prior to the event through St. Pius X School.

Our location is 217 S Sage Avenue, Mobile.

Snow Road First Baptist Church Annual Fall Festival Our annual Fall Festival will include a car show, food, kids games, raffles, live music, Boston tea party, Cliff Robertson, Guest Speaker: Rev. John Montalvo. 10 a.m.2 p.m. at 2370 Snow Road North, Semmes. Please call 679-7728 for more information.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer The Making Strides walk takes place at 8 a.m. at the Mobile Civic Center. For more information, please visit www.makingstrides.acsevents.org.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass See October 26 for details.

The Conclusion of Edgar Allan Poe Play at Playhouse in the Park See Oct. 26 for details.

Market on the Square See Oct. 20 for details.

The Woman in Black Play See Oct. 26 for details.

29th Annual Renaissance Festival “Gatalop 29” at Fort Gaines See Oct. 26 for details.

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Sunday, October 28

Woofstock Bienville Square is the place you want to be for the 8th Annual Woofstock. WOOFSTOCK will spread out over an entire city block allowing for even more fun activities, vendor booths, contests and more! We invite humans and their canine companions to spend the day listening to live, local music, enjoying the great food and libations and of course, let’s not forget the ever popular Weiner Dog Race and all time favorite Doggie Costume Contest. This event benefits The Animal Rescue Foundation. Please visit http://www.woofstockmobile.com for information.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week we stay up to see if we can spot the Great Pumpkin in It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. For more information please visit our Facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Dauphin Way Methodist Fall Festival The festival takes place in the Pumpkin Patch at the corner of Catherine and Dauphin Street. The festival will be held from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is FREE. Costumes are acceptable, but not required.

Popcorn, drinks, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available along with a train ride, inflatables to include an obstacle course and other activities for the kids. J.C.’s Construction Company puppet ministry of DWUMC will present a program at 3:00 p.m. and the DWUMC youth band will play throughout the afternoon.

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Family Calendar The Woman in Black Play See Oct. 26 for details.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass See October 26 for details.

Wednesday, October 31

G’Street County Fair @ Government Street Baptist Church 6-7:30 p.m. FREE Trunk-a-Treat, games, blow ups, face painting, entertainment and MORE! Location-3401 Government Blvd. Mobile, AL 36693, 251-660-7444.

Woodbridge Baptist Church Fall Festival Admission is free! Enjoy snacks such as corn dogs, soft drinks, and popcorn, Inflatable jumps and slides, The trunk or treat cars. A Hayride, candy guess, face painting and more. See you there and invite a friend. 4 - 6 p.m. at Woodridge Baptist Church, 2700 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile.

Church of the Nazarene Trunk or Treat Mobile First Church of the Nazarene at 669 Azalea Road will host Trunk or Treat from 6-7:30 p.m. There will be candy, games, prizes, and more!

Fall FunTastic at First Baptist Church North Mobile This event takes place at 1252 Industrial Parkway, Saraland. The fun will include games, a cake walk, and inflatables and face painting. Food will be available for purchase. For more information, call 251-679-3266 or visit www.northmobile.org.

5th Annual Trick of Treat in Green Park – Dauphin Island Come and join the fun. Bring your tables and chairs and candy. Everyone wear your costume. Pick a sport in the park and decorate to your hearts content. 6 - 8 p.m.

West Mobile Baptist Fall Festival The Fall Festival takes place from 6:30-8:30. Games,

October/November2012

inflatables, food and candy for all. 7501 Airport Boulevard. For more information, please call (251) 639-9952 Centre for the Living Arts –Pre-K Studio and Kids Studio Spooky Houses Trick-art-Treat-Children will join in the festivities of Halloween by creating fun and spooky crafts.

See October 24 for details.

The Woman in Black Play See Oct. 26 for details.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass See October 26 for details.

Thursday, November 1

Hummingbirds of Alabama Mobile County Master Gardeners Present Hummingbirds of Alabama. Speaker: Fred Bassett, Certified Master Bird Bander, 9:30 a.m. Social time, 10-11 a.m. Admission Free. 1070 Schillinger Road. For more information, please email: conniebarron@verizon. net or visit www.aces.edu/Mobile/mg.

Angel Ride For the 11th consecutive year, thousands of motorcycles will gather from across the USA for a “Ride To Give the Children Hope” at Oak Hollow Farm located on more than 300 acres in beautiful Fairhope. The Rileigh & Raylee Angel Ride Foundation assists hundreds of children and their families with special medical needs. Thursday evening everything cranks up at the campground with the Kick Start Party with live entertainment and food. Mustang Sally, Angel Ride’s favorite band returns to the main stage to headline the FRIDAY NIGHT STREET PARTY! The Alabama Blues Brothers will overwhelm you with their high energy tribute to Jake and Elwood. Then things start to get a little bit wild and crazy with the SuperToons Party

Band. Inside the barn, the Tommy Morse Band will keep things heated up. Saturday morning at 9 a.m. registration for the ride begins and the rally midway reopens for food, fun, music and more merchandise. At noon, the bike show will get underway. Then at 2:30 p.m. a roar will fill the air as the Angel Ride begins and tours the scenic roads of Baldwin County and along Mobile Bay. Live bands play all day and into the evening culminating with a Saturday night rock show. For more information, please visit www.angel-ride.com.

The Mary Ellen Ward Art Guild Adult Painting Class This class meets every Thursday at noon until 3 at Semmes Public Library. This free class is offered for both novice and seasoned painters. 9150 Moffett Rd. Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass See October 26 for details.

Defining, Responding To and Learning from Anger 6-8 p.m. Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 1 of 4, Responsible Fatherhood Program.

See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Friday, November 2

Over the River and Through The Woods Play Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey.

His parents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn’t mean his family isn’t still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he’s been offered a dream job. The job he’s been waiting for—marketing executive—would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents.

He tells them. The news doesn’t sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around.

Performances on Nov. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m., Nov. 4 at 2 p.m., Nov. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 11 at

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Family Calendar 2 p.m./Nov 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Nov 18 at 2 p.m.

Please visit www.joejeffersonplayers.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Don Pasquale Mobile Opera present Don Pasquale at 8 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. For more information, please call 251-432-6772 or visit www. mobileopera.org.

Angel Ride See November 1 for details.

The Woman in Black Play See Oct. 26 for details.

Saturday, November 3

Kathy Mattea at the Saenger Well-known country music and bluegrass performer Kathy Mattea will bring her Appalachian folk sound to the Saenger as she promotes her new album, Calling Me Home. As a Grammy-winning singer Mattea has been active since 1983 as a recording artist. $20 $35. Tickets can either be purchased online at www. ticketmaster.com or through the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 250 Conti Street, 251-208-5600.

St. Francis Episcopal Church Fall Bazaar Fall is in the air and that means it’s time for the annual St. Francis Episcopal Church Fall Bazaar.

St. Francis ECW will sell scrumptious GUMBO, baked goods, casseroles, pickles, and Wimberly Hory’s Famous Chicken Salad! Stock your pantry and freezer for the holidays! ECW’s unique “White Elephant Sale” will also be going on, so come find some bargains. All proceeds will fund St. Francis ECW projects to benefit the community. This event is free and is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The location is St. Francis Episcopal Church, 401 Key Street Dauphin Island. For more information, please call 251-861-5224.

Magnolia Cemetery Tour Series A three-part historic cemetery tour on consecutive Saturdays in November looks at the history and art of Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile; and the language of stone in the Victorian Cemetery. This event is free from 10 a.m. - noon at Magnolia Cemetery, 1202 Virginia Street. For more information, call 251-208-7307 or email Tige Marston at hereford.marston@cityofmobile.org.

Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run The 25th annual Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run will take place in downtown Mobile. By offering a little something for everybody the Charity Run has become extremely popular for both the experienced runners and casual walkers alike. Registration can be done in Person: Senior Bowl Office (Race Headquarters) –151 Dauphin Street (Downtown Mobile), Uncle Joe’s Running Store in McCoy Outdoors –3498 Springhill Avenue (By Wednesday, November 4) or On-Line (By Wednesday, November 4): www.seniorbowl.com (on-line registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on November 4). Please visit www.seniorbowl.com for more information.

Semmes Arts Festival The Semmes Arts Festival sponsored by the Mary Ellen Ward Art Guild will be held from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Semmes Heritage Park, 3871 Wulff Rd. Art work will be available to purchase. For more information, please call Jeanette Byrd, 649-1647.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass See October 26 for details.

Market on the Square See October 20 for details.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Angel Ride See November 1 for details.

The Woman in Black Play See Oct. 26 for details.

October/November2012

Chris Tomlin and If Our God is For Us Tour With All Sons & Daughters/Mobile Civic Center Arena. 7 p.m.

Tickets on Sale Now at $27.25! Tickets Available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, by phone 800-745-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Chris-Tomlintickets/artist/982298.

Splatter That Matters A dads-n-kids paint day, 2-5 p.m. Paint Party Studios, 6808 Airport Blvd (near Providence). Get ½ price 11 x 14 panels for $15! Register online at paintpartystudios.com w/”father/child” for “comments” to select your painting from their huge online gallery and RSVP to Beth at 251479-5700 by Nov. 2 at noon. An event of the Responsible Fatherhood Program, The Family Center.

Junior League of Mobile’s Blue Pass See October 26 for details.

Don Pasquale See Nov. 2 for details.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Monday, November 5

Together We Can Class 4 of 8, cooperative parenting course at The Family Center. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Tuesday, November 6

Fall concert: University of South Alabama Jazz Ensemble Director: Tracy Heavner. Program features a variety of jazz styles for big band and small ensemble including swing, jazz, latin, funk and the blues. 7:30 p.m.

University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. General/ $8, USA students, faculty and staff, senior citizens, children under 18/ $5. For more information, please contact: 251-4606136 or visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Wednesday, November 7

NAM Mini Conference “Strategies for Working with Children” This conference will feature experts on childhood trauma and special needs children. All services provided by APAC are free of charge. Children’s Aid Society/APAC offers Social Worker and Counselor CEU’s as well as certificates for adoptive and foster parents. CAS is an approved CEU provider by the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners and the National Board of Certified Counselors.The National Adoption Month mini conference will be held at the Mobile County Department of Human Resources (DHR) office located at 3103 Airport Blvd. Mobile, Room 601. Please call 460-2727 or email estokes@childrensaid.org to register for this event.

Holiday Hanging Baskets -A “Make and Take” Workshop with Donald Zimlich Donald Zimlich, Co-owner and Manager of ZIMLICH’S Patio & Garden Center and Elizabeth’s Garden instructs you in the construction of traditional, moss-covered hanging baskets that are perfect for holidays or any occasion. Participants will create their own hanging basket to take home, using provided materials. Please bring: apron, gloves and your camera, if desired. This workshop takes place from 1 – 3 p.m. $35 per person, limited to 25. Advance registration required. To register, call MBG at 251-342-0555 or email mbg2@bellsouth. net.

Thursday, November 8

Sunday, November 4

The Tenors: Cook, Dixon, and Young at the Saenger The Tenors will preform at 7 at the Saenger Theatre. For more information, please call 208-5600.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Play University of Mobile’s Upper Room Theatre; director

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Chris Tomlin & If God is For Us Tour

Keone Fuqua perform Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Saraland Center for Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. For tickets call 251-442-2383.

The Mary Ellen Ward Art Guild Adult Painting Class See Nov. 1 for details.

Defining Abuse: Causes & Consequences, learning to cope and communicate 6-8 p.m. Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 2 of 4, Responsible Fatherhood Program. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Friday, November 9

LoDa Art Walk Celebrating 7 years! 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. Join us in the Downtown Arts District from 6 until 9 p.m. For more information, please visit http://www.ncsmobile.org.

Parent’s Night Out Education, entertainment and social development in a secure, structured environment for children aged 4 – 12; includes hands-on activities, admission to the galleries, a kid-friendly feature film, popcorn and lemonade, and more. Drop off between: 6 - 8 p.m. Pick up by 10 p.m.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center (65 Government St.) Registration required by the previous Wed. Members/ $12; nonmembers/$20. For more information, please contact: 251-208-6873 or visit www.exploreum.com.

Mobile Renaissance Faire The 12th annual Mobile Renaissance Faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Abba Temple Shrine (Shriners Lodge). 7701 Hitt Road, Mobile. This 2 day festival will feature medieval Jousting Knights, Pirates, Falconry, the King & Queen, Swashbuckling Swordsmen, Storytellers, Arabian Dancers, Gypsy Dancers, Magical Wizards, Medieval Fighters, Renaissance Dancers, Irish Dancers, Medieval Musicians, Renaissance Theatre, Jesters, Jugglers, Fire Breathers, Food & Drink, Renaissance Games of Skill, Medieval Merchants with Thousands of Renaissance Wares and Crafts and much more.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Free admission for infants 4 and under. Tickets available at the gate on the days of show. For more information, please visit www.mzrf.us.

Mike Epps at the Civic Center One of the top comics in the business for over a decade, Mike Epps is back on tour and in Mobile with a new show with new laughs – I’m Still Standing Tour. The time for the show is 8 p.m. Tickets available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, by phone at 800-7453000 and online at Ticketmaster.com.

Lend Me a Tenor Play at Chickasaw Civic Theatre Everything’s set for a grand night at the Cleveland Opera.

The great Italian tenor Tito Morelli is to headline the celebration. But this is a farce and we may never actually get to the opera. Instead we follow the antics of a conked-out star, a bellboy with aspirations for the stage, a love-struck girl, and her disappointed boyfriend who just might be forced to save the day. It’s a hilarious romp with mistaken identities, one crazy costume, slamming doors and maybe — just maybe — a few minutes of beautiful music. The dates for the play are November 9-11 and 1618. Curtain times: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Tickets: $15; seniors (over 60) and students, $10 (cash and local checks) For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://cctshows.com.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Play See November 8 for details.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Family Calendar Saturday, November 10

Run for the Battleship A 5K run/walk that begins at Battleship Memorial Park and goes down Battleship Parkway and ends back at Battleship Memorial Park. For more information, please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Christ United Methodist Church 1st Annual 5K Run For Your LIFEgate This run is to provide Thanksgiving groceries to people in need through CUMC`s Lifegate Ministry.

The 5K run starts 8 a.m. - Fun Run follows 5K.The location: Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile & Cottage Hill/Medal of Honor Park. For more information and registration details, please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Magnolia Cemetery Tour Series See November 3 for details.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Play See November 8 for details.

Market on the Square See October 20 for details.

Mobile Renaissance Faire See November 9 for details.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Lend Me a Tenor Play at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 9 for details.

Sunday, November 11

Sunday Night Sensation An elegant dining experience featuring guest chef Filippo Milone, local celebrity servers, and the Distinguished Young Woman of America 2012. All proceeds benefit Distinguished Young Women.

Tickets $100 per person, Location- Ruth’s Chris

October/November2012

Steak House at 2058 Airport BLVD. Ticket info, call: 251.438.3621 or email Ann@DistinguishedYW.org.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Lend Me a Tenor Play at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 9 for details.

Monday, November 12

2012 Veterans Day Luncheon and Parade The Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Committee is planning their annual Veterans Day Luncheon, beginning at noon at Fort Whiting in the Brookley Complex. This follows the parade down Government Street at 10 a.m.

The luncheon will honor Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel as the Patriot of the Year and the guest speaker for the luncheon.

CDR, USNR (Ret) Robert Edington will be recognized as the Veteran of the Year. A Freedom Celebration will follow the luncheon at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Park at 3 p.m. and the day concludes with Mobile Pops Concert at 7 p.m. The cost to attend the lunch is $18 per person. To secure your reservation, register online above or contact Carolyn Hunt at 431-8621 or chunt@ mobilechamber.com with payment info.

Mobile Pops Band Concert Mobile Pops Band in concert will take place at 7 p.m. at Mobile Battleship Park Aircraft Pavilion. Free admission. For more information, please visit www. mobilepopsband.com.

Together We Can Class 5 of 8 cooperative parenting course. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Tuesday, November 13

Center for the Living Arts –Art Projects at West Regional Branch of the Library Today’s projects are “Fireflies & Firefly paintings with

glow in the dark paint.” Program will be held in the Meeting Room. Ages 3-5 meet at 10 a.m. and ages 6-13 meet at 3:30 p.m. Space and materials are limited. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 340-8571.

Prayer Breakfast for City of Mobile 46th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Sponsored by CBMC of Mobile. 7:30 a.m. at The Mobile Convention Center. Special Guest Speaker: Mark Whitacre; Highest-level executive to turn “Whistleblower” in U.S. history. Table of 10 for $200. Individual Tickets $20. For reservation & information call Travis Toth @ 367-6195, Gordon Stimpson @ 689-3890, Jim Bingaman @ 7167158.

Quenching the Father Thirst: The Father Thirst Epidemic The first in a 12-wk series through Feb 19. See Classes & Meetings section, The Family Center for details.

Wednesday, November 14 Learning Lunch – An Introduction to the Creek Culture The learning lunch is at 12 p.m. at the History Museum of Mobile (111 S Royal St). Bring your lunch and complimentary beverages are provided. For more information, please visit www.museumofmobile.com or call 251-208-7569.

Thursday, November 15

Celebrate Hope The fourth annual Celebrate Hope fundraising gala to benefit the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute will be held at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile. It is an evening full of food from the area’s best chefs and entertainment under the white peak tents on the campus of USA Mitchell Cancer

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Family Calendar Institute. In addition to local chef’s creations paired with specialty wine and beer, guests will also enjoy appetizers by Celebrity Chef Martie Duncan. Duncan was a finalist on Season 8 of Next Food Network Star. For more information about Celebrate Hope, contact USA Development Office at 251-460-7023 or email Development@USouthAL.edu. Online ticket sales can be purchased through www.USAMCI.com/ CelebrateHope.

An Evening in History Tom McGehee will join HMPS for the November lecture, An Evening In History. A member of The Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, McGehee will talk about this history of this stately mansion and discuss restoration plans. The presentation is a prelude to the HMPS Holiday Bus Trip to Montgomery to for the Candlelight Tour of the Governor’s Mansion. Free to all HMPS members and $10 for non-members. 5:45 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Oakleigh Historic Mansion, 350 Oakleigh Place. Please call 251-432-6161 or visit http://www. historicmobile.org for more information.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Play See November 8 for details.

The Mary Ellen Ward Art Guild Adult Painting Class See November 1 for details.

Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, learning relaxation exercises Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 3 of 4, Responsible Fatherhood Program. See Classes & Meetings section, -The Family Center for details.

Friday, November 16

Opera Theatre Fall Production at USA “Scenes from the Opera and Musical Theatre” will play on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday November

October/November2012

18 at 3 p.m. Thomas Rowell is the director and this event will take place at the Laidlaw Recital Hall at University of South Alabama. Tickets for this Musical Arts Series event will be sold at the door only. Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty & staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only). Persons needing more information about this event or in need of special accommodation may call 251-460-7116 or 251-4606136.

Child Advocacy Center Charity Golf Tournament The 2012 CAC Charity Golf Tournament will be held at “Robert Trent Jones” Magnolia Grove Golf Course. Play will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a shot gun start. The format is a 4 person scramble, team prizes include: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, closest-to- hole, longest drive, and numerous door prizes. Food and beverages will be provided on the course. Entry fee is $75 per person and ($300 a team). Chevron is the Lead Sponsor and additional sponsorships are available. Palmer’s Toyota Super Store is the Hole-In-One sponsor. Contact tournament chairmen Kevin Moore, 985-773-6908, moorekt@chevron.com or Mike Williams 251-662-7740, moodyprice@gmail.com.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Lend Me a Tenor Play at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 9 for details.

Saturday, November 17 Beethoven & Blue Jeans: Mobile Symphony Conductor: Scott Speck. Program includes Reich: Clapping Music; Sibelius: Violin Concerto (soloist: Chee Yun); Beethoven: Symphony 3. 8 p.m.; Sun, 2:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.). $15 -

$55. Students K-12 free admission to matinee when accompanied by paying adult; download Big Red Ticket from MSO website. Tickets: 251-432-7080. For more information, please contact 251-432-2010 or visit www. mobilesymphony.org.

National Adoption Month Open House This open house takes place at the APAC Office in Mobile with food, displays, and fun activities for the entire family. The National Adoption Month Open House will be held at 857-B Downtowner Blvd. from 9 a.m.-noon. Open to all adoptive families and those interested in adoption information.

Colonial Kids Day at the Moorer/Springhill Branch of the Library Enjoy snacks, do crafts and play games from the book, Colonial Kids. This event starts at 10:30 a.m.

Groups must register. For more information or to register please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@ mplonline.org.

Turkey 10-Miler & 5K Run / Walk This run starts at 8:30 a.m. at the River Delta Marina, Creola, AL. and benefits Creola Police and Rescue, River Delta Marina and Bay Area Food Bank. Please bring canned or packaged nonperishable food to the race to donate to Bay Area Food Bank. For more information, please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Magnolia Cemetery Tour Series See November 3 for details.

Market on the Square See October 20 for details.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Lend Me a Tenor Play at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 9 for details.

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Sunday, November 18

Cooking Traditions: It’s All About The Cheese Cheese Straw Challenge The Historic Mobile Preservation Society is hosting Cooking Traditions: It’s All About The Cheese Cheese Straw Challenge, a fundraiser for The Cook’s House Restoration Project. Rev up the cookie presses and let’s see just who is “The Big Cheese” of cheese straw baking. To enter, call 432-6161. Only 20 spots will be open for the competition. Tickets to the event are $15 per person and include a wine bar, refreshments and voting slips. This event takes place from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Oakleigh Historic Complex. For more information, please visit www.historicmobile.org.

Beethoven & Blue Jeans: Mobile Symphony See November 17 for details.

Opera Theatre Fall Production at USA See November 16 for details.

Over the River and Through The Woods Play See November 2 for details.

Lend Me a Tenor Play at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 9 for details.

Monday, November 19

Together We Can Class 6 of 8 cooperative parenting course. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Tuesday, November 20 Quenching the Father Thirst: What About the Children?

Class 2 of 12. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Thursday, November 22

Turkey Trot for Hope 5K and Fun Run The proceeds from the Run for Hope will benefit Camp Rap-A-Hope. The 5Krace starts at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. at Spanish Plaza Park (Downtown Mobile). For more information, please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Emotional Intelligence: Techniques Planning a personal strategy, conflict resolution skills & problem solving. Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 4 of 4, Responsible Fatherhood Program.

See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Friday, November 23

18th Annual Jewelry, Gem, and Mineral Show Rocks, Gems and Jewelry from around the World.

Admission $3, Children under 12 free with adult Three day show Friday, November 23 from 2-7 p.m., Saturday, November 24 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, November 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.mobilerockandgem.com.

Saturday, November 24 18th Annual Jewelry, Gem, and Mineral Show See November 23 for details.

Sunday, November 25

18th Annual Jewelry, Gem, and Mineral Show See November 23 for details.

Monday, November 26

Together We Can Class 7 of 8 cooperative parenting course. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

Tuesday, November 27

Quenching the Father Thirst: It Takes a Man to be a Dad Class 3 of 12. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Thursday, November 29

Candlelight Christmas at Oakleigh Preview Party Historic Mobile Preservation Society will open the doors of the Oakleigh Mansion for a holiday sneak-peek during this festive Preview Party and Christmas Ornament Auction. Bid on Christmas Ornaments created by local artists while enjoying cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a tour of the Oakleigh Mansion dressed for the holiday season. Proceeds benefit HMPS and the Oakleigh Historic Complex. Cost-Tickets are $50 per couple and $30 per individual. Location- Oakleigh Historic Complex,350 Oakleigh Place from 6-9 p.m. For more information, visit http://www. historicmobile.org.

The Mary Ellen Ward Art Guild Adult Painting Class See November 1 for details.

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Dec. 3. Together We Can Class 8 of 8 cooperative parenting course. See Classes & Meetings section-The Family Center for details.

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 by the 8th of the month.

It’s FREE! Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Frankenweenie

Here Comes the Boom

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: A Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Frankenweenie PG for thematic elements, scary images and action.

Frankenweenie tells the story of a young boy (voiced by Charlie Tahan) who loses his beloved dog after it runs into the street and is hit by a car. This certainly isn’t the first time Disney has dealt with the death theme.

The studio has been exploring grief and the end of life for decades in movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi and Old Yeller. But this time, Victor’s loss doesn’t have to be forever.

Inspired by a new science teacher (voiced by Martin Landau and bearing a strong resemblance to horror film actor Vincent Price), Victor attempts to jumpstart Sparky’s heart using an elaborate electrical system he’s built in his attic laboratory. While Sparky may look a little worse for wear from his days interred in the pet cemetery, Victor is thrilled to have him back.

But Victor’s Igor-like classmate Edgar (voiced by Atticus Shaffer) sees even bigger opportunities for this life-restoring experimentation. With the school science fair only days away, Edgar can already envision himself holding the winning trophy. Unfortunately the competition to bring dead pets back to life escalates when the rest of the kids on the block also discover Vincent’s laboratory.

While this entirely black and while production contains some clever jokes, an endorsement of the value of science and some seemingly autobiographical elements (Burton’s father was a former minor league baseball player and as a child, Burton made films in his backyard using stop motion animation techniques), the script soon plummets into the typical monster movie. It pays homage to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and other frightening characters like The Mummy, Godzilla and Gremlins. Though less dark than some of Burton’s other stop motion animations (such as The Nightmare Before Christmas), Frankenweenie still contains plenty of ghoulish looking characters. It is also aimed at an older audience -- hopefully ones mature enough to understand the danger of plugging a deceased pet into a wall outlet.

Like all scientific experimentation, this script incorporates numerous variables such as themes of love vs. greed and the inconsistent application of science. As well it includes some gross fecal jokes along with a few gruesome depictions. But before packing up the kids, parents will have to decide if there are enough positive points in this script to spark a visit to Burton’s bizarre adventure.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Here Comes the Boom PG for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.

A lot has happened since Scott Voss (Kevin James) won Teacher of the Year a decade ago. And most of it hasn’t been for the better. Now, instead of inspiring higher learning in his biology classes, Scott is mentally absent and chronically tardy.

Yet despite his classroom deficiencies, Scott is appalled when Principal Betcher (Greg Germann) announces the school will be cutting extra-curricular activities including the music program run by Marty Streb (Henry Winkler) who has just confided to Scott that his wife is pregnant. However only Bella Flores (Salma Hayek), the school nurse, shows up when Scott organizes a meeting to discuss raising funds for the musicians.

With the weight of saving the music program resting on his shoulders alone, Scott eventually stumbles onto the idea of competing in mixed martial arts fights where even the losers make more money than he does teaching community education classes in the evening. One of his adult students, Niko (played by renowned MMA master Bas Rutten) reluctantly agrees to coach him. With Marty tagging along for moral support, Scott enters the world of cage fighting. And with a little luck eventually finds himself competing in the ring at the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As Scott’s winnings slowly add up, an even bigger change occurs as this disenchanted educator regains his passion for teaching and passes his enthusiasm on to the apathetic students in his classroom.

The rumbles result in some bloody facial injuries, bruising, a dislocated shoulder and the kind of punches you wouldn’t want thrown at home. Other content in this PG-rated comedy consists of some rude humor, couple spats and brief language. Still, the script also allows many of the characters, including the oft-maligned school administration, to develop and amend their ways over the course of the story.

Although cage fighting might not be the kind of fundraising event your school is ready to support, the budgetary shortfall depicted in this film (and the attempt to correct it) makes for some entertaining moments for families who don’t mind a little grappling on the mat along with more hard-hitting mixed martial arts action.

What Parents need to know about Here Comes the Boom...

What Parents need to know about Frankenweenie...

Violence: Characters involved in mixed martial arts competitions and training are knocked out, choked, punched, kicked and knocked to the ground. Some of the brawls result in bloody facial injuries, bruising and a dislocated shoulder. A character is accused of embezzlement.

Sexual Content: An artfully posed picture of a naked man and his musical instrument is shown in his home. A woman wears a low cut tank top. A character’s buttocks are partially revealed during a yoga class.

Language: The script includes brief profanities and terms of Deity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink briefly in social settings and at home.

Other: A character throws up on his opponent. A man talks about fecal matter.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2012

Violence: Characters are bullied at school. The death of an animal is depicted off screen. A boy falls off the roof of a house and breaks his arm. Angry adults yell during a meeting at the school. Characters are caught inside a burning building. A girl falls from atop a building. An animal is impaled with a stick.

Monster-like characters destroy the fairgrounds. Dead animals are shocked with electricity.

Sexual Content: Brief mild sexual innuendo is heard.

Language: None noted.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Minor, secondary characters drink beer in one scene.

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