Without the University of South Alabama Medical Center, our son would not be with us today. It’s every parent’s nightmare. Our son, Brandon, riding home from school, was in a bad car wreck.
He was taken to the Trauma Center at USA Medical Center in critical condition, on life support and with little hope of survival.
Thankfully, the Trauma Center doctors and nurses never gave up. As Mobile’s only Level One
Trauma Center, they treat the most serious of injuries. They had the education, heart and faith to save our child’s life.
Today, Brandon is back in high school. Without the USA Medical Center, he would not be with us. We are forever grateful.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
-Mike and Kelly Cooper Parents of Brandon Norwood, Mary G. Montgomery High School student Pictured from left, Emmie Lynn Cooper, Mike Cooper, Brandon Norwood, Kelly Cooper, Blake Wade
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MEDICAL CENTER The highest level of care. www.usahealthsystem.com/usamc
Contents September 2012 Volume 2 Number 6
Features 30 Beginning a Mother-Daughter Book Club These six easy steps will have you and your daughter connecting with each other and your new group in no time.
34 What Parents of Special Needs Kids Want You to Know
Find insight from moms and dads on how they feel about unsolicited advice, hurtful comments and the importance of teaching empathy.
Columns
36 Special Needs Resource Guide
Our guide includes local, state, and national help for children with all types of disabilities and special needs.
2 From Mom of the Month 4 Get This!
Paige Gardner Smith
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Living With Children
On The Cover
John Rosemond, Ph.D.
Departments 6 Bits and Pieces
11 Kids Health
12 School Bits
Mike Little, D.O.
29 Dave Says
47 Family Calendar
32 A Page in a Book
52 Parent Previews
Dave Ramsey
Paige Gardner Smith
46 Crafting & Cooking w/ Kids Dana Moonan
Victoria Jayne Messick is four years old and the daughter of proud parents, Mark and Heather Messick of Saraland, AL. Victoria has two older sisters, Elyssa (7) and Natalie (5). Victoria loves her grandparents, Howard and Justine Fath of Theodore, AL, and O’Neal and Mary Hazel Messick of Bay Minette, AL. Victoria’s favorite thing to do is watch Miss Pattycake DVDs!
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Mobile Bay Parents I September 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 Julia Derkovitz Cindy Hudson Mike Little, D.O. Heather Messick Dana Moonan Dave Ramsey John Rosemond 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 September 2012
From Mobile Bay’s Mom of the Month... As I think back over the past 10 years of my life, one word comes to mind … “Blessed.” Ten years ago, I was “blessed” to marry my college sweetheart, Mark Messick. Three years after we married, we had our first baby girl, Elyssa. Eighteen months later, I gave birth to our second little girl, Natalie. Six months after Natalie was born, I was pregnant again. Crazy, I know, but we actually planned all three pregnancies that close together! So, there I was pregnant with our third bundle of joy … another baby girl. I had wonderful pregnancies previously and I expected that this one would be no different. I was scheduled for my first ultrasound with “Baby #3” when I was 11 weeks pregnant. I remember being so caught up in the excitement of seeing my new baby on the sonogram monitor that I couldn’t believe it when I heard my doctor say, “I’m so sorry, but something is wrong with your baby.” In the weeks to come, I would visit an Obstetrics Specialist. The specialist confirmed that something was wrong with our little baby girl. Genetic defects were suspected and heart defects were found. The remaining months of my pregnancy were filled with many depressing doctor visits. I found myself on an emotional roller coaster and I wasn’t enjoying the ride. I tried to be strong, but it was hard. After I had seen so many blessings the past few years of my life, how could something like this be happening to Mark and me? It was hard to see this situation as a “blessing.” The major source of comfort I found was from God’s Word and from my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I clung to a particular passage of Scripture that reminded me that Victoria’s life was no mistake. I posted Psalm 139:13-17 to my bathroom mirror and read it every day during my pregnancy. “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious are Your thoughts toward me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”
On March 10, 2008, Mark and I nervously welcomed Victoria Jayne Messick into this world. Victoria was born with Down syndrome and major heart defects that would require emergency open-heart surgery when she was seven weeks old. Life, since Victoria, has been filled with many emotions. I grieved, initially, because I didn’t have a “normal” child. I was fearful that I wouldn’t know how to care for Victoria. I was anxious about all of the unknowns that come with raising a child with special needs. The list goes on. But, with time, a lot of my fears and worries began to fade. Each time I held Victoria, kissed her sweet face, held her little hand … I gave way for new emotions to flood my heart. Love. Peace. Joy. Hope for the future. You see, God could have given Victoria to some other family at some other time in history, but He CHOSE to give her to our family. And, we ARE surely blessed!! As you thumb through this wonderful magazine, you will find inspiring articles and resources that you will want to share with others (What Parents of Children with Special Needs Would Like You To Know). Most of all, I hope you find a network of support and encouragement through the directory of services for special needs families. My prayer is that God will encourage all of you that are on this “special needs” journey with me. May you be reminded that your child is a gift from God and that you are, indeed, BLESSED!
Heather Messick Heather’s Blog: www.messickmom.blogspot.com Heather’s Websites: www.cdbaby.com/heathermessick and http://spotlight.planningcenteronline.com/heathermessick Visit YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1D5uYcolc to hear the song Heather wrote especially for her daughter, Victoria, called “She Is God’s Child.” If you are interested in booking Heather as a special guest speaker/singer for your event, please contact Heather Messick Ministries at hcmessick@yahoo.com / (251) 591-3191.
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Monsters Kids Will Love to Find Under the Bed
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
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To small children, ‘monsters’ are exciting and repellant at the same time. Imaginary creatures, monsters can seem pretty scary because there are no limits to a child’s imagination. Keeping monsters in their place is helped with reminders to kids that monsters are simply made-up things, figments of someone’s imagination – or of their own. The following toys and games add strength to the assertion that monsters are not real and have no power… by giving kids the power to create, role-play and rework monsters into a form that they control and are comfortable with. Get ready to bring out the little monster in your little ones!
by Paige Gardner Smith
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Shrinky Dinks Moster Lab
Go Away, Monster! (Gamewright)
The popular favorite at library story times, Go Away, Monster is a delightful children’s book that helps a child imagine wishing a monster away, bit by bit, until it’s completely gone. The Go Away Monster Game brings some of that monsterbanishing power right into every pre-school age kid’s personal domain. Using empty bedroom playing boards, players reach into a bag for furniture and gear for decorating their bedroom. But there are monsters in the bag, too. When a monster is drawn, kids get to throw it into the monster pit shouting “Go Away, Monster!” This simple premise allows kids to build their ‘safe environment’ AND put monsters in their place along the way. Also, children love an excuse to shout – and this time, it’s game approved!
(Creativity for Kids) Kids are in control with Shrinky Dinks Monster Lab, an expansive craft kit with everything needed to color, bake and shrink monsters down to size. Over 50 pre-cut plastic monsters are ready for coloring, cooking and casting as characters in the 3-D laboratory setting that’s included for display finished monsters. Colored pencils, wiggly eyes, jump rings and more decorations for the monster come with the kit. Everything you need to create monsters is included except the oven for baking and shrinking these bad boys down to size!
LEGO Monster 4 Game
Tickle Monster Laughter Kit
There is safety in numbers and never more so when you are moving through a graveyard at night trying to get your monsters in order. Interfering with your efforts to line up your four monsters, players must keep an eye out for skeletons and jumping spiders that can appear anytime. LEGO’s Monster Game is one of their buildable games series that creates a framework for gameplay, but allows for changeable rules and building different game boards (a la LEGO), offering kids the opportunity that keeps the game play fresh for players and builders alike. Great for a range of ages and ideal for children who already love building bricks, LEGO Monster is game for a monstrous good time!
Ideal for reading aloud (and tickling along) with young children, the Tickle Monster Laughter Kit includes the best-selling kids book, plus super soft fuzzy mitts for the tickle monster to wear as the story is acted out. As the Tickle Monster arrives on Earth, he explains how tickling is his favorite thing and the story provides helpful direction to all the ticklish places! The included oversized monster mitts take a lot of the scare out of the monster when the tickling commences and laughter pours out. Parents who assume they will wear the mitts – be warned. Plenty of kids like to be the mitt-wearer and act the part, so prepare to be tickled!
(Lego)
(Compendium)
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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Living With Children
By John Rosemond
Help Child See Relationship Between Freedom & Responsible Behavior Q:
My 12-year-old daughter thinks she’s old enough to set her own bedtime. We told her that we want her in bed, lights out, by 9:30 on weeknights and 10 on non-school nights. This really isn’t working, however, as she continues to try to stay up later. In one of your books, you describe a system for letting teenagers earn their curfew. Can we use a similar system for bedtime?
A: Curfew and bedtime are horses of two
different colors. The former involves safety, peer group, maturity, and responsibility issues that are not involved, or as involved, as regards bedtime. For that reason, I would not advise using an approach similar to the curfew system that I describe in my book Teen-Proofing. I generally recommend that parents set no specific bedtime for a child 12 years of age or older; rather, they simply insist that after a certain time—say, 9 p.m.—the child is on non-punitive restriction to her room. Assuming that she does not make it difficult for other family members to get a decent night’s sleep, the youngster can stay up as late as she wants. However, if getting up in the morning and getting ready for school, church, or whatever become problematic, then the parents go back to enforcing a specific, and relatively early, bedtime. In that unfortunate event, they also remove distracting electronic devices—cell phones, computers, and the like—from the child’s room so that she can fall asleep more easily and get the sleep she obviously needs. If that step needs to be taken, then the child’s room is cleansed and the “old” bedtime is enforced for at least a month, but no more than two months. Then parents replace the distractions and let the child determine her own bedtime again. My experience is that the “punishment” doesn’t have to be used more than twice before the problem is solved. This approach helps the pre-teen or young teen see the life-long relationship Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
between freedom (what this age child wants most) and responsible behavior (what parents want most from this age child). To maintain or gain more freedom, the child begins to act more responsibly. Win-win!
Q: Our 4-year-old daughter goes to the bathroom frequently during the day. Sometimes, she will go into the bathroom, pee, come out, and go back in again within minutes. Her need—if that’s the right word—increases when we put her in her room for time-out, during nap time in the afternoon, and after we put her to bed at night. Her pediatrician has ruled out a urinary tract problem. How do you recommend handling this?
A: I’m glad you told me her physician has
ruled out a urinary tract problem because I wouldn’t have given you advice otherwise. This isn’t the first time parents have described this problem with a girl this age. Odd, for sure, but nearly all young children do odd things of one sort or another, and one or two odd things does not make an odd child. The somewhat selective nature of the problem tells me this is a tad manipulative. Tell your daughter that if she has to go to the bathroom more than once during her nap time, that you have to move her bedtime back one hour that evening (notice the margin of error). Otherwise, I recommend that you completely—and I mean COMPLETELY— ignore her need to be in frequent contact with white porcelain during normal waking hours. With dispassionate enforcement on your part, the naptime urges should disappear within a couple of weeks. When you think that part of the problem has been solved, use a similar approach concerning her bedtime urges. Tell her that if she goes to the bathroom more than once after being put to bed, you will move her bedtime back an hour the next night. If my experience serves me well, that approach—ignoring and a mild consequence—should clear up her urinary tract hyperactivity in short order.
Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
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bits & pieces Girls Just Wanna Have Fun to Raise Funds for Ronald McDonald House
Wind Creek Casino presents Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile 6th annual Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Thursday, September 13th from 6 – 10 p.m. at The Alabama Cruise Terminal. This “must do” event includes delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature drinks, wine and an unforgettable evening of entertainment, shopping and pampering just for our guests. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Casual Dress. For tickets visit rmhcmobile.org or call 251-694-6873 for more details. Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill or injured children being treated in area hospitals.
Bay Area Food Bank’s 14th Annual Chef Challenge A Challenge to End Hunger
Bay Area Food Bank is kicking off Hunger Action Month with its 14th Annual Chef Challenge – A Challenge to End Hunger, Thursday, September 6, at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center from 6 – 8:30 p.m. The annual event will feature cuisine from some of our area’s most celebrated chefs, live music from Roman Street, a vast silent auction and complimentary wine and spirits. Admission is $50 per person. Tickets are available online at www.bayareafoodbank.org or by contacting Mary Candace Vegliacich at 251-653-1617 ext. 118 or mvegliacich@bayareafoodbank.org. All proceeds from Chef Challenge will be used by the food bank to continue distributing food to those in need throughout the Central Gulf Coast. Bay Area Food Bank serves a 24-county area spanning south Mississippi, south Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. The food bank provides food through multiple programs, including Child Nutrition, Disaster Relief, Emergency Response Pantry, Mobile Pantry, Rural Delivery and SNAP Outreach. Bay Area Food Bank is a United Way agency and a member of Feeding America.
Butterflies of Alabama: Glimpses into their Lives
Join us Saturday, September 29 from 9-11 a.m. at Mobile Botanical Gardens as we take a peek into the everyday lives of Alabama’s butterflies. Sara Bright and Paulette Ogard, authors of Butterflies of Alabama: Glimpses into Their Lives, will begin by looking at basic butterfly biology and end with glances at a few of the state’s most common as well as some of its rarest species. The seminar will conclude with a tour of the grounds to search for monarch butterflies, which should be migrating at that time. Participants will also learn what they can do to benefit these fascinating insects in their own yards – information on butterfly care will be available, along with butterfly activity guides. Copies of Butterflies of Alabama will be available for autograph and sale. Cost is $5 for members, $8 for non-members, and pre-registration is required. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Call 251-342-0555 or email mbg2@bellsouth.net to register or for more information.
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Helen Keller Art Show Returns to University of South Alabama Library
The 2012 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama will be on display in the University of South Alabama Library, first floor gallery, July 18 – September 30, 2012. This show is a popular exhibition that travels throughout the region and marks the ninth time it has been shown in the University Library. Art is solicited from all ages of students with visual and/or hearing impairments in Alabama public, private, home and residential schools. These students’ artwork is unique with emphasis on creativity, color and tactile media. Pieces in this year's show include watercolors, chalk pastels, finger paintings and multimedia. The exhibit is free and open to the public and may be viewed during library hours: http://library.southalabama.edu/. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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Rubber Turtles to Compete in Turtle Derby on the Delta
Approximately 1,000 rubber turtles will race their way to the finish line during the 5th annual Turtle Derby on the Delta benefiting Covenant Hospice. The event will be held on Saturday, September 22 at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. Participants will “adopt” a rubber turtle for a suggested donation of $5 each to enter in the race. The rubber turtles will be released into Sardine Pass where they will race in hopes of winning their adopter a fabulous prize. The event will also include fun activities for the whole family. The Five Rivers Delta Safaris pontoon boat will also be giving 30-minute tours for $5 per person. Turtle Derby activities and last minute adoptions will begin at 9 a.m. and the turtle race will start at 11:30 a.m. The Turtle Derby will also include a 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run on the grounds of Five Rivers prior to the turtle race. Registration for the 5K will last from 7:30 to 8 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 8:15 a.m. Register online at www.Active.com. The cost is $20 per adult, $15 per child (12 and under) and $10 per person for the Fun Run if pre-registered by Sept. 20. For more information about the Turtle Derby 5K or to adopt a turtle, visit www.eventsatcovenant.org/turtlederby or contact the Philanthropy Department at (251) 478-8671.
Goodwill Easter Seals’ Walk with Me to Raise Funds for Disabled Citizens
Teams are now forming to participate in Goodwill Easter Seals’ Walk with Me 2012, to be held on Saturday, September 22, at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the event kicking off at 9:00 a.m. Walk with Me is a national event that spreads hope and awareness while raising funds to support people living with disabilities. Participants will join hundreds of other passionate citizens for a day of fun, entertainment and, of course, our signature walk. For more information or to register to participate, please visit www.walkwithme.org/mobile or contact Sherard Haas, Event Manager, at (251) 300-6181 or Sherard@gesgc.org; or Thomas Smith, Communications Manager, at (251) 380-7152 or Thomas@gesgc.org.
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Auditions to be Held for “Dracula: The Twilight Years”
Sunny Side Theater returns to Caste Dracula for this year's annual Halloween show! Auditions for Dracula: The Twilight Years are September 4 & 5, at 7 p.m. at the all-new Azalea City Center for the Arts (63 Midtown Park East). Everyone who auditions receives a part! Come be part of our fun, spooky tradition and while you are there check out all of the wonderful drama, music, photography, art, dance, & creative writing classes we are offering at the Center this year. For more details call 251-510-1808!
“Deaf Jam” Documentary About Deaf Teen to Be Presented at Public Library Join us for a special screening of the documentary, Deaf Jam produced by Judy Lieff, Thursday, September 13, 5-8 p.m. at the Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street. Aneta Brodski, a deaf teen living in New York City, discovers the power of American Sign Language poetry. As she prepares to be one of the first deaf poets to compete in a youth slam, her journey leads to an unexpected collaboration. The film is captioned, and an ASL interpreter will be provided by the AIDB. This presentation is held in conjunction with Deaf Awareness Month by the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Mobile Arts Council and the Mobile Public Library. Beginning at 5 p.m. there will be light refreshments in the Armbrecht/Briskman Meeting Room, followed by opening remarks by at 5:45 p.m. Mr. Hurst is deaf and is a retired paralegal from the National Office of Chief Counsel, Washington, D.C. The film showing will begin in Bernheim Hall at 6 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information please call 208-7097.
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Buddy Walk Celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Exploreum Now Offers Parents’ Night Out During LoDa Artwalk
On the second Friday of each month, during LoDa Artwalk, the Exploreum will be hosting Parents’ Night Out. This new program is the ideal opportunity for parents of children aged 4 – 12 to spend a grown-up night out enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their kids enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment. Children will be able to explore the handson, interactive exhibit galleries, make new friends, experience a kid-friendly feature film, enjoy a popcorn snack with lemonade, and learn lots of cool stuff from the Exploreum’s team of informal educators. Price is $12/child for members and $20/child for nonmember. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and pickup is no later than 10 p.m. The Exploreum is located at 65 Government Street. Children must be registered in advance and no later than the Wednesday prior to each Parents' Night Out. To register visit www.exploreum. com. 251.208.6852. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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The Down Syndrome Society of Mobile County will celebrate its annual Buddy Walk® on Saturday, October 20 at Hank Aaron Stadium. The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk® is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Registration is $12 for everyone, except individuals with Down syndrome (of any age). Your registration covers the cost of one Buddy Walk® T-shirt and it is your ticket to all the fun activities and food at the walk. We will have music, inflatables, face painting, games, food, and much more! Deadline to register and to guarantee a t-shirt is October 4th. After the deadline, registration will be $15 and shirts may not be guaranteed. You can register online at www. dssmc.org. Or you can register with cash the day of the walk on Saturday, October 20 at 9 a.m.
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Alabama to Celebrate 25th Annual Coastal Cleanup During the 25th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on September 15, thousands of volunteers will spend a few hours removing trash from their local beach or waterway and keeping track of everything they find on standardized data cards. This information is sent to the Ocean Conservancy which is the official sponsor of the International Coastal Cleanup. The Ocean Conservancy uses this data to create the world's only state-by-state, country-by-country index of what is trashing our ocean, lakes and rivers, which has helped to identify the sources and solutions to marine debris over the past 25 years. There are over 20 cleanup zones across Mobile and Baldwin County. For more information about how to get involved please visit www.AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com or call (251) 621-1216.
Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week Kick-off Event and Free Classes
Celebrate and learn about yoga as we kick off the second annual Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week on September 16. Get to know local yoga teachers at their informational booths from 3-5 p.m. and be entered to win raffle prizes from local businesses. A beginner-friendly group practice will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to participate or observe. Parents are encouraged to bring their children ages 5 and up. A children’s yoga class and mindful activities will be led for 5 to 8 year olds while the group yoga practice is taking place. Youth ages 8 and older are welcome to participate alongside parents in the main group class. No experience necessary. Bring your own mat or towel and a water bottle. Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile; Rain site: Space 301. 251-990-9552. In celebration of National Yoga Month, 10 local yoga studios will be offering free classes to new students, September 16-22. Participating studios are located in Mobile, the Eastern Shore, Foley and Gulf Shores. This is a great opportunity to give yoga a try or to visit a new studio! For details and a list of participating studios, visit www.tinyurl.com/yogaweek or Facebook: Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week. The cost is a donation of canned goods for Bay Area Food Bank or contribution to Dana Goudie Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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bits & pieces Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Guardian Angel Pediatric Home Care
Come play Mercy’s 26th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 27 at Rock Creek and help raise much-needed funds for Guardian Angel which provides home care to critically and terminally children of Baldwin and Mobile counties. Ivee, now six, fell from her mom’s shopping cart at 7 months of age and was rushed to a local hospital. After an MRI and surgery it was discovered that Ivee had a rare stage 3 brain cancer called Anaplastic Ependymoma. 5 years and 8 months later, Ivee has battled her cancer twice, has undergone 15 total surgeries, 6 months of chemo, and 63 doses of radiation. Ivee has received physical therapy and nursing care through Mercy’s pediatric home care for these 5+ years. Because no child is turned away at Mercy, and medicaid and many insurances may cover less than 30% of a child’s medical costs, Mercy must raise funds for its Guardian Angel to help ensure every child receives excellent healthcare in their homes. For more information, visit mercymedical.com/golf or call (251) 621-4884.
“Take Steps Gulf Coast” Walk for Crohn’s & Colitis
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America – Alabama/NW FL Chapter will host the 2nd Annual Take Steps Gulf Coast Walk on Sunday, October 14th at the Fairhope Bay Front Park & Pier. The 1.5 mile walk– beginning and ending at the park will feature mission education, refreshments, entertainment and a kid’s corral. Walk T-shirts and prizes are available for walkers raising $100 or more! Dollars raised fund research for a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis- chronic digestive diseases that affect 1.4 million Americans – and also provide funding for patient education and support programs. 83 cents of every dollar raised goes into patient and research programs. Local Sponsors include: Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Infirmary Health System, Thompson Engineering, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Sunday, October 14, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. Registration tables open at 3 p.m. To register for the event please visit the CCFA online at www.cctakesteps.org/gulfcoast or call Justin Shugart at 646-387-2149 for more information.
Feed an alligator! Call for details.
See over 200 alligators up close! Nature walk on elevated boardwalk.
Get up close and personal with our alligators! “Mighty Max” “Prince Eric” “Crunch” “B.A.” and
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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 Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
Have the best Birthday Party ever here at Alligator Alley!
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Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
The Well Baby Appointment (9 Months)
It has been three months since our last visit together and those extra months can make a big difference in growth and development. Remember what I told you in our last article about damage control and new found mobility of your 6 month old? Hopefully mom and dad have been able to keep up. There is more to come on new 9 month motor skills below, but last month we focused a little extra on the growth chart, so this month we’ll talk a bit more about speech development. Just to review, up until now most infants have only been babbling in a monotone voice with little voice inflection. Around 1-2 months old they begin to coo and giggle. That leads to flat out squealing by 4 months old. The real magic for many parents begins around 6 months old when their infant forms those broken syllables such as “dadadada”, “gagagaga” and “babababa”. Dad swears that his little girl said “dada” to him specifically while mom frowns because she never hears “mama” around that 6 month age. While I would never tell dad that his daughter isn’t saying “dada” to him specifically, it would be rare for a 6 month old to do so. It doesn’t mean it can’t happen. However, by 9 months, it is very likely that a child may say “dada” specifically. Your baby may even be able to parrot your “baba” or “dada” and it makes for a fun game while I examine an infant on the table. At 9 months old most infants will also begin to have some voice inflection to their babbling. This is called
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jabbering or jargoning. They are saying something in their own little language. For most 9 month olds, it is quite clear to your pediatrician that they don’t need mom and dad anymore to get around. If they are already on the examining table they are easily sitting on their own, can get to a seated position from crawling, and may even be pulling up to stand (or at least to their knees). If I make the mistake of putting down any of my instruments on the table while talking with mom and dad, most infants immediately try to get the new toys. They may even grunt or fuss at you if you do not pay attention to their wants or react too slowly. Mom and dad usually state that their infant can now pick up a Cheerio or puff with an index finger-thumb grasp and can now easily feed themselves age appropriate finger foods. As for the 9 month old diet, most have moved on to step 3 foods or are even trying soft table foods like mashed potatoes, cooked carrots or green beans, and even small bits of mashed chicken. Small bits of bread may go over well, too. Some babies have no problem with textures at this age while others are very happy to stay with jarred foods for a little longer. Some will ask about whole milk but that isn’t offered until one year of age so continue breast feeding or bottle feeding. Once our head to toe physical exam is completed, it is a good opportunity to remind mom and dad about all the trouble your highly mobile infant can get into. At
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this age infants want to explore their world which causes them to get out of sight in a hurry. Doors should be closed and baby gates should be in place across stairs or other off-limit areas. Items that have normally been safe out of reach on counters now need to go higher up or locked out of sight as climbing abilities begin to form. Walking is around the corner so, again, it’s about damage control. No house is fully babyproof and there will be plenty of scrapes and bruises. Our goal is to help you minimize those events. Finally, your infant should still be rear facing in the car seat. Most 9 month olds will have some simple blood work performed to screen for anemia as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and with consent, the hepatitis B vaccine series is completed. See you at the one year visit. 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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New St. Dominic Catholic School Advisory Board Holds Planning Day
The 2012-2013 St. Dominic Catholic School Advisory Board met on July 27th for a Summer Retreat and Planning Day. The day began with morning Mass, followed by a review of Board responsibilities, the Code of Ethics, a Committee overview, discussion of personal and overall school goals, and tips on reading Financial Reports. Board members shared lunch and posed for a photo in the Mary Garden to conclude the day. Standing back row left-to-right: Matt Adams, Tanya Dunwell (Secretary), Linda Tant (Asst. Principal), Bob Histing, Stephanie Greenwood (Chair), Michael Cumpton, Annette Hites, Mike Ryan (Vice-Chair); Seated front row left-to-right: Stella Grant, Suzanne McGill, Linda Pereira. Not pictured: Board members Christen Midgette, Alison Sykes.
Paella Dinner and Sunset Cruise Enjoyed by St. Mary Catholic School Auction Winners Rev. Msgr. G. Warren Wall and Mark and Augusta Tapia hosted a Paella Dinner and Sunset Cruise at the Tapias’ home on Fowl River this past July. The dinner was a live auction item during St. Mary Catholic School's Casino Night in May with this year's theme, "Fiesta at the Tropicana!" and proceeds benefitting the school. The generous event included a social hour, a Sunset Cruise on Fowl River, and a fabulous Paella Dinner prepared by the Tapia Family. Pictured are Casino Night Patrons ready to sail.
Theodore High Student Wins First Place in MAWSS Contest
Mobile Area Water & Sewer System announced the winners of the sixth annual “Fun with Water” Watercolor Contest. This year’s overall winner is 18-year-old Tori Daniels from Theodore High School for an untitled painting of a girl swimming under water. Daniels will receive a $250 gift card from Bel Air Mall. Art teacher Christy LeGros will receive a matching prize, according to a news release. The contest asked kids and teens to paint a watercolor of their favorite summer activity involving water. The 260 entries were displayed at Bel Air Mall where celebrity judges Shelby Mitchell from WKSJ, Angela Martin from WPMI NBC-15 and Paul W. Richelson, Ph.D., chief curator for the Mobile Museum of Art, selected the winners. Karen Thomas, 17, of Cottage Hill Christian Academy was the winner in the 17-18 year age group for her work titled “The Snorkeler’s Surprise.” Desiraye McKeel, 15, from Theodore High School won the 15-16 age group for her painting “Boogie Boarding Blondie.” Madeline Knizley, 13, from Dunbar Magnet School earned top honors in the 11-14 age group for “A Day at the Beach.” Sarah Kennedy, 9, of Little Flower Catholic School won the 6-10 age group for “The Three Masked Divers.” Winners for each age group will receive a $100 gift card from Bel Air Mall. In addition, all winning artwork will hang in the MAWSS Catherine Street lobby for the public to enjoy over the next year. The “Fun with Water” Watercolor Contest was developed to educate area youth about the importance clean water plays in our daily lives. “This year’s entries depicted a high degree of talent and a wide variety of activities, from playing in the surf, to deep-sea diving and canoeing on the river,” says Barbara Shaw, public affairs manager for MAWSS. “All of these activities require clean water. We hope this artwork inspires everyone to do their part to keep our waters clean.” Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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St. Luke’s Dance Team Earns Superior Trophy at Camp at Auburn
The St. Luke's Dance Team attended a UDA (Universal Dance Association) Camp at Auburn University and received a superior trophy for their accumulation of superior awards in dance performances, individual performances, etc. They placed 2nd for their Home Dance and three of the SLES dancers were selected as UDA AllAmerican Dancers: Sarah St. Cyr, Kamryn Stewart, and Allison Lowe. Pictured from left to right are dancers Sarah St. Cyr, Kamran Kangal, Kenley Catherine Waters, Allie Dixon, Rachel Parden, Kamryn Stewart, and Allison Lowe. In the back row are Coach Whitney Hornbuckle and choreographer Brittany South.
St. Vincent de Paul Students go to N.A.S.A.
Just two days after the historical August 6th Mars landing of N.A.S.A.’S rover ‘Curiosity’ in Gale Crater, a group of SVS middle school students visited the new Infinity Science Center at N.A.S.A.’s John C. Stennis Space Center. They spent the entire day exploring the facilities, asking questions, satisfying their curiosity and developing new fascinations with space, and the technology behind its exploration. Little SVS has gained a regional reputation for their winning performances in the annual B.E.S.T. robotics competition, (B.E.S.T. stands for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) beating out large high schools to earn titles for the last seven years. Their school motto “Start Small, Think Big!” applies to these future N.A.S.A. rover designers: (front row, left to right) Taylor Bennett, Kyle McBride, Kenneth Iseman (back row left to right) Jacob Bennett, Josh Iseman, William Fletcher, Victoria Fletcher.
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St. Pius Survivor Reading Camp Involves More than Reading
St. Pius X School held "Survivor" Reading Camp the week of July 23. Over 50 students participated in the weeklong camp. During camp students completed their summer reading assignments and participated in science, cooking and math components. Pictured (top left) are the Survivor Reading Camp participants. St. Pius X "Survivor" Reading Camp included hands-on science components. Middle school students cleaned and filleted their own fish, built their own camp fires, and cooked their own fish. Pictured are 7th and 8th grade participants cooking their fish (bottom left). St. Pius X alumni and Eagle Scout, David Eves demonstrate how to clean a fish to 5th and 6th grade campers at St. Pius X Survivor Reading Camp (right).
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S McGill-Toolen Student Ambassadors Meet to Prepare for Upcoming Year
This year McGill-Toolen selected 104 Sophomore, Junior and Senior student ambassadors to represent McGill throughout the year. Retired faculty member, Mr. Bill McAtee shared his 40 plus years of McGillToolen history with the ambassadors at training in August. The first activity for the ambassadors will be to assist with Freshman/ New Student Orientation. Many of the ambassadors will also attend the PTO Welcome Back and Open House meetings at the Catholic
elementary schools in Mobile during the first few weeks of school. Pictured, top left: Seniors Ambassadors Phillip Friedlander, David Friedlander, Jantzen Lee, David Wentworth and Conrad Collins. Pictured, bottom right: Sophomore Ambassadors Lily Fontenot, Burke Moore, Claire Jones, Russell Noletto, Gabrielle Bradley and Logan Cooney.
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St. Ignatius 3rd and 4th Grade Football Team
The 3rd and 4th Grade Football team is getting started with practice on the new green space at St. Ignatius. The incoming team is excited about the year and they are looking forward to some great CYO competition.
St. Mary Parish Crawfish and Bluegrass Extravaganza Celebrates 10 Years
St. Mary Knights of Columbus celebrated their 10th annual Crawfish and Bluegrass Extravaganza Saturday, April 21 and featured the region’s hottest bluegrass bands including The Wayfarers, Delta Reign, Fatman Squeeze, and the band who started it all off 10 years ago, The Dog River Boys. Held on the campus of St. Mary Catholic School, The Knights and Azalea Seafood and Gumbo served thousands of pounds of crawfish and hundreds of gallons of gumbo. The Knights also sponsored a food drive for the Bay Area Food Bank during the event. Proceeds from this event benefit the charitable works of the St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus Council 13163, the sponsor of this event. This year’s sponsors included: Adams and Reese LLP, Azalea Seafood & Gumbo, American Weatherstar, Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream, Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, Fabrication Specialists, Gotta Go Portables, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, NOV Portable Power, Mobile Popcorn Co., Lagniappe, Software Technology, Inc., and Zoghby's Uniforms. Pictured, St. Mary Catholic School third grader, Mitchell Luckie proudly displays his crawfish platter. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
Genesis, Big BangTheory, and Kickoffs. Experience McT. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Mobile, Alabama mcgill-toolen.org • 251.445.2935
McT vs. Theodore Friday 9/14 7pm at The Lip
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Nan Gray Davis Elementary Student Council Visits Ronald McDonald House
The NGD student council visited Ronald McDonald House on Monday, May 7th. They turned in 80 lbs. of tab tops collected at NGD throughout the year. Students enjoyed volunteering their time and services by baking cookies and cleaning up around the house. Pictured from left to right top row: Lauren Hinton, Claire Brewton, Kaitlyn Varnadore, Joshua Coulter, Cole McKinley, Riley Hutto, front row; Jackson Weaver, Kensie Boyer, Harley Murff, Logan Phelps. Not pictured: Brandon Rooney.
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St. Ignatius 8th Grade Volleyball
The 8th Grade Girls Volleyball team is getting a jump on the season. Many of the incoming 8th grade players are working hard for the incoming year. Pictured (left to right) Hallet DeMouy, Rose Gordon, Camille Hunt, Katie Dunne and May Hutchisson.
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Corpus Christi AR High Achievers Receive Pancake Breakfast
Each year students who earn 100 or more points in the Accelerated Reader program are treated to an end-of-the year pancake breakfast hosted by Mrs. Barbara Lenaghan, Assistant Principal and school librarian. Pictured are students at last year’s breakfast and Mrs. Lenaghan making the pancakes.
Dickson Math Team Wins First Place in Math Competition
E. R. Dickson's Math team competed against 19 other public and private schools in Mobile County on May 5th in the annual Math Competition. A total of 296 students participated in the Math Competition this year. The competition included a 1 hour written exam taken by 20 math team members and a ciphering portion with 5 ciphers per school. Dickson's Math Team won FIRST PLACE OVERALL! Dickson's Ciphering Team won FIRST PLACE! The Ciphering Team was made up of Terrence Jones, Joseph Montano, Jimmy Sobeck, Joseph Stauter, and Dylan Stapleton. Five of Dickson's students received individual awards based on the results of the written exam. Dickson took 5 of the top 10 places! 1st Place - Dylan Stapleton; 2nd Place - Joseph Stauter; 4th Place - Payton Emmertson; 5th Place - savannah Creech; 6th Place - Joseph Montano. The following students comprise Dickson's Math Team: Tavus Attonojova; Savannah Creech; Payton Emmertson; Jane Han; Mason Hartley; Caroline Humphrey; Terrence Jones; Cecily Odom; Noah Lovett; Allison Matthews; Joseph Montano; Kyle Mooney; Jada Nguyen; Antony Nguyen; Jimmy Sobeck; Dylan Stapleton; Joseph Stauter; Tyler Tannenhill; Bella Wilson; Garrett Yarbrough; Alex Zheng; Alan Zhu; Vy Vu. Way to go, E. R. Dickson Math Team! We are proud of you!
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St. Ignatius Basketball Clinic
The 2nd and 3rd grade students at St. Ignatius held a girls basketball clinic in August to get ready for the upcoming year. Many of the incoming 3rd grade players participated and helped the upcoming 2nd grade players get ready for the new year.
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Gilliard 4th Graders Learn About Life on a Battleship
Unbeknownst to the fourth grade teachers at Gilliard, this field trip inspired many young minds to consider joining the Navy! A beautiful sunny day, paired with excitement and adventure in the air created a wonderful day! Students got to duck and cram into many small areas in The Drum Submarine. The USS Alabama showed EXACTLY what life would have been like on the boat. Having to complete a scavenger hunt kept the students engaged and excited about reading everything the battleship had to offer. To wrap up the day, students ate lunch on the grounds, stopped by the gift shop for souvenirs, and rode the simulator. We could not have asked for a better field trip.
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Corpus Christi Youth Ministry Has Fun Summer
Corpus Christi Parish Youth Ministry had an exciting summer filled with fun! In July they hosted a bowling night and the students ended the summer with a tubing trip down the Cold Water Creek in Milton, FL. The group is open to parish youth in grades 9-12th. Friends are also invited to participate in the events.
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McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Prepares for Upcoming Fall Sports
Ranked #1 in the state and 22 in the country by Rivals. com, the McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets are preparing for their 2nd season under Coach Bart Sessions. They will kick-off the football season at UMS on August 31st with their first home game against Theodore at the Lip September 14th at 7 p.m. Dirty Dozen prepares for upcoming season: The McGill-Toolen Varsity Volleyball team, coached by Gretchen Boykin in her 8th year, is preparing for another successful season with 4 returning seniors, Resi Rogers, Mary Alex Barter, Tori Bruette and Danielle Harbin. The Dozen will open their season at home against Bayside on August 23rd. In addition to Football and Volleyball, our Boy’s and Girl’s Cross Country team began practicing in August with more than 150 athletes competing for Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity. They will kick-off their season with a dual meet against UMS on August 30th. The Swim and Dive Team will host tryouts at the end of August and after a State Championship for the boys last year, they are looking forward to a successful season.
Council Traditional School PTA Board 2012 – 2013
President - Tawonia Napier; 1st Vice President - Mark Berte; 2nd Vice President – Wade Whatley; 3rd Vice President - Melissa Wood; Treasurer - Keidrick Wooten; Assistant Treasurer – Cecelia Murray; Recording Secretary – Norma Bradley; Corresponding Secretary - Jennifer Barnes; Parliamentarian - Ishara Ramkissoon; Teacher Representative (K-2) - Mr. Lewis; Teacher Representative (3-5) - Mr. Robertson; Principal – Hattie Alexander.
ARKEMA Sponsors Summer Reading Program at McDavid-Jones
On July 12th McDavid-Jones Elementary School held their Arkema Summer Reading Award Celebration. We had over fifty children participate in the program this summer. Children from Pre-K to Fifth grade participated in the program. Older students read books and then took Accelerated Reader test to compete for the summers’ top readers! Younger students listen as books were read to them. We would like to thank ARKEMA and the parents for making this summer such a huge success. The top readers were: K-2 Library: Joshua Gardner, First Place; Tyler Gardner, Second Place; and Emily Cassity, Third Place. 3-5 Library: Leonna Jones, First Place; Cailin Allen, Second Place; Jacob Talbert, Third Place. Back Row: Kylie Stagner, Krista Byrd, Ray Lambeth, Brendon Henderson, William Wright, Patric Wright, Jonathan
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Worles; Middle Row: Allie Claire Stagner, Hannah Lingerfelt, Emily Cassity, Tyler Gardner, Joshua Gardner, Leonna Jones, Jacob Talbert, Gabriel Talbert, Katye Zedler; Front Row: Jacob Lambeth, Isabella Lingerfelt, Will Cassity, Aliza Weaver, Emily Guthrie, Jessica Chance, Grace Salmon, Brooklyn Byrd.
Gilliard Elementary Fourth Grade "Rocks" Sound
Gilliard Elementary’s fourth grade classes enhanced their study of sound by designing guitars to test pitch and volume based on tension and width of the rubber bands. They used cereal boxes, paper towel dowels and rubber bands of varying widths and lengths to create their instruments. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
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Cub Scouting Builds Better Boys
St. Luke’s Middle Schoolers Attend Back-to-School Bash and Orientation
St. Luke's Episcopal School Middle School students attended orientation on Thursday, August 9th and then enjoyed a Back-to-school bash hosted by the Middle School Student Council. Students enjoyed watching a movie and sharing pizza as they reunited with classmates and welcomed new students. Pictured enjoying the afternoon are Allie Dixon, Ella Johnson, Evan Corley, Kate Symons, Kacy Conklin, Kristina Swearingen and Amber Kadel.
Since 1930, The Boy Scouts of America has been helping younger boys with character development, citizenship coaching, sportsmanship and fitness through the Cub Scouting program. It is a year-round family program designed for boys in the first through the fifth grades (ages 7-10). Cub Scout Packs are usually sponsored by churches and other organizations that mirror the values of Scouting. Interested parents are encouraged to attend one of the presentations at the local schools to find out how their boys can join this fun and educational activity. Sign ups in the schools begin August 24th through October 2nd. For more information or to find your schools registration date please visit www.bsamac.org or call 251-476-4600.
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Arkema and McDavidJones Plan for New Year
On August 9th, Arkema and McDavid-Jones met to discuss the upcoming school year. Ms. Smyly welcomed everyone and thanked Arkema for their continue support for our school and community. Plans were made for Awards, Parenting and Career Day, Fall and Spring Fling and Christmas. This year will be our twenty-second year as partners. Pictured from Arkema: Tom Grimm, Plant Manager, Judy Smith, Assistant Human Resources, Dwayne Christian, Accounting, Theresa Baker, Logistics, Bruce Weaver, Purchasing.
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Gilliard Hosts Math Wizards
What do you get when you have 20 fifth grade math teams with a total of 296 student mathematicians, 40+ math team coaches, 22+ volunteers and 300+ parents? Answer: The largest MCPSS Fifth Grade Math Competition ever! On Saturday May 5th, Gilliard hosted the competition. Mathematicians and parents were arriving to compete as early as 7:00 a.m. It was a wonderful morning as the students completed the written test and then five members from each team moved on to the ciphering round. With a theme of Cinco de Mayo, the event was declared a success by our new Superintendent, Mrs. Martha Peek, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Carolyn Taylor and school board member Ken Megginson. Many thanks to all the volunteers who made this event possible.
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Classrooms ‘Spruced up’ at St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School (K4-8) has focused heavily on the technology in its classrooms for years…with great results! For years, every single classroom has had interactive boards. There is handheld technology and a wonderful computer lab…all for a school with just under 200 students. With all of those wonderful functional qualities in place, it was time to focus on the form. There is sleek, beautiful new cabinetry in the multi-functional cafeteria space. The eighth grade classroom was the first classroom to get a ‘make-over’ by the school’s PTO. It has new paint, desks, blinds, shelving and organizational units. The goal was to make it not only a more attractive room, but to improve its organization and functionality. They will be working on the other classrooms throughout the coming year. Over in Mrs. Stephanie Johnson’s K4 classroom, she and Mrs. Teresa Spikes created two owlthemed murals designed to inspire and ignite the youngest SVS student’s imagination and desire to learn. Whooooooo’s up for learning?
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St. Mary Parish Vestibule Spaces Renovated
St. Mary Parish will celebrate another capital campaign success on Sunday, August 26 as they unveil the newly renovated vestibule spaces in St. Mary Church which include a reconciliation room, bridal entrance, and upgraded and additional handicapped accessible restroom facilities, made possible by the generous donors of St. Mary’s “Our Faith Our Hope Our Future” Capital Campaign. The event begins with Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, followed by a blessing, and Celebration of Generosity, and is open to all. One of the unique features of the restoration is the “rediscovery” of the St. John the Baptist window in the reconciliation room. This room originally served as the baptistery to the church, and when converted years ago, the window was hidden from view. With the renovations, the window is once again prominent in the vestibule. As part of the campaign’s stained glass windows naming program for donors, the window has been named by J. Bradley Donaghey in thanksgiving of his marriage to Teresa Daniels Donaghey. The Donagheys were married in St. Mary Church on June 5, 1953. St. Mary is recognized by its Spanish Mission Revival bell tower in historic midtown. The church was built in 1926 and includes over 9600 square feet of worship space with the story of Mary told through mosaic tiles and 55 magnificent windows, and an interior ceiling with a soaring height of over 50 feet. Thus far, the committee has coordinated church restorations including a new HVAC System and Sound System and the restoration of six of the stained glass windows. Remaining projects include the completed restoration of St. Mary’s historic stained glass windows, replacement of the church ceiling, restoration of the church kneelers, and interior and exterior moisture repair. The campaign continues and has currently raised over $1,826,000 in pledges to provide for church restorations as well as investments made in parish buildings for the growth of St. Mary Catholic School. St. Mary’s Building Committee employs the talents of architects, engineers, interior designers, construction experts, accountants, attorneys, and development professionals. For more information, please contact the St. Mary Parish Development Office at 432-8678, ext. 2 or email mrnaman@stmarymobile.org. Pictured, six windows have been restored with 49 remaining including the three rose windows.
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Vigor Students Host Prichard Mayoral Forum
“Your vote is your voice.” So says an engaged group of teens from Vigor High School that is working diligently to spark interest and involvement in their Prichard community and recently held a mayoral forum for the candidates. About 15 enthusiastic students have been studying local government and preparing for the forum under the direction of the League of Women Voters of Mobile, which has partnered with Jessica Norwood of Emerging ChangeMakers Network, an organization she founded that pairs emerging leaders with allied supporters committed to making change happen in communities that have been historically disenfranchised. This group’s aspirations go far beyond the election event. Troubled by the common perception that in order to survive Prichard, one must get out of Prichard, these high school seniors, juniors and sophomores endeavor to improve their city so that residents will want to stay and raise their families there. “We can't blame the politicians for all of Prichard’s problems. Sooner or later the community has to take responsibility for its part,” said Shamaica Lewis, who is entering her senior year at Vigor. The VHS Civic Engagement Project aims to: inform the community about issues impacting Prichard; provide an opportunity for citizens to engage in an open forum with mayoral candidates; and bring teens and adults together to work collectively to build a better Prichard. Issues of particular interest to the students include crime rates and police response time, blighted property, bad roads, and a lack of parks and recreational areas. The group dreams of making Prichard a desirable community where people want to live. “I feel excited because these young adults are connecting to their community, to what matters to them, and they are discovering that they can make a difference. They recognize that voting is one way to have an impact, even though most of them are still too young to vote,” said Mary McGinnis, special projects director for the LWV. Training and funding for this project was provided by NeighborWorks America.
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Cub Scouts Celebrate 100th Anniversary at Battleship
Local Cub Scouts recently celebrated their 100th anniversary Jubilee at the Battleship. Scouts enjoyed crafts, making cars for the legendary pinewood derby and even had an opportunity to camp out on the battleship! They all had a wonderful time with family and friends. Cub Scouts offers all this and so much more. So be on the look out for the round up date at your local school, so you can become a part of all the fun...or call the BSA office at (251) 476-4600 for more information.
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Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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5K Bullying Prevention Walk to be Held September 22
The Mobile Community Against Bullying Coalition is hosting a 5K Bullying Prevention Walk on September 22nd from 9-11a.m. beginning in the Spanish Plaza (Church & Franklin Street) in Downtown Mobile. The Mobile Community Against Bullying Coalition was formed in 2011 as part of the Crittenton Youth Services Organization with the help of Judge Edwin Naman and District Attorney Ashley Rich. The Crittenton Youth Services Organization, a United Way Agency received a grant to work with students in the Mobile County schools to provide Bullying Prevention Training. Ten local schools will receive training using the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program which started over 20 years ago. The cost, however is not free. The Mobile Community Against Bullying Coalition currently has four trained individuals to work with the 10 schools and they are hoping the walk will help not only raise awareness of this program but also raise money to fund more schools and more trainers. If you are interested in participating in the walk, the registration fee is $5 for youth and $15 for adults which includes the event t-shirt. Please send your registration and payment to Crittenton Youth Services, 30 Schillinger Rd. N. Suite 105 Mobile, Alabama 36608. For more information or to become a sponsor, send an email to Joy Logan at jlogan@crittentonyouthservices.com. Registration deadline is September 3.
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Welcomes New Faculty
Principal Michelle Haas welcomed the following new faculty members to McGill-Toolen: (front row, seated left to right) Tiffany Toxey, Math; Lisa Griffin, Science; Kirsten Patterson, Science; Jennifer Winkle, Campus Ministry; Abby Woodard, Social Studies; and Kristen Brack, Math. Back row, standing (left to right) Christy Evans, Theology; Ron Danley, AEP; Matt Moore, Social Studies/PE; Mark Tenhundfeld, Social Studies; Reed Hotard, Social Studies; Nancy Fontenot, English..
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St. Mary Catholic School Summer Enrichment Program Offers Learning and Summer Fun
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Over 40 Students from St. Mary Catholic School, various other Catholic schools and Mobile public schools attended St. Mary's Summer Enrichment Program July 16-27th. Students were engaged in Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Technology. The program included: Small group instruction for Reading, Writing, and Math; Reinforcement of skills through Computer Lab and SMART Board activities; and education on the proper use of SMART Board and explored the new software Notebook 11. The theme for students in grades 1-3 was "At the Beach" and included: Art projects (Rainbow Fish & Jellyfish in a bottle) & Music (ocean songs); Virtual field trips to Florida Keys and Great Barrier Reef learning about everything from Anchovies to Blue Whales; identification of the oceans on world map and discovery of animals that live there; and creation of individual seascape pictures which were turned into a group movie on Movie Makers. The theme for students in grades 4-8 was "Summer Olympics" where activities included: Measurement; Minute to Win it, where students blow through a straw to get to a cup on the other side of the table; and other science experiments such as Beat your own time in Fact Drills. St. Mary Catholic School Faculty members for the program included: Lauree Riggin, Linda Thornton, Kathryn Beagle, Tina Kauffman, Donna Anderson, Amy Duncan, Kristy Martin, Karen Calametti, and Lindsey Brabner. Pictured top left: St. Mary Catholic School faculty member, Lauree Riggin, works with Jacob Burnham and Brayden Mims on reading skills. Pictured bottom right: Katie Sasser, St. Marcy Catholic School faculty member, teaches Grace Harrell, Eleanor Boucher-Ferry, and Kayla Jones, measurement skills with one of the classroom Smart Boards.
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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
New Fifth Grade Teacher Joins Corpus Christi
Mrs. Angela Pitts joins the Corpus Christi Catholic School faculty as a fifth grade teacher. Mrs. Pitts brings years of experience working with 4th and 5th grade students. She earned her teaching degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.
McGill-Toolen Introduces 2012-2013 Student Government Officers
Front row: Emily Bourdon, Junior Class Sec/Treasurer; Elizabeth Glaser, SGA President; Jordan Doucet, Senior Class President; Hannah Brooks, Senior Class Sec/Treasurer; Tres Muscat, Sophomore Sec/Treasurer. Back row: Herlandez Corley, Junior Class Vice President; Ben Waddell, Junior Class President; Jack Cape, Senior Class Vice President, Blaize Naman, Sophomore Class President; John Murray McLaughlin, Sophomore Vice President.
St. Ignatius SGA Writes to New Families
The SGA is getting an early start writing to new families at St. Ignatius. They participated in many activities over the summer. The first school project will be to welcome new students to St. Ignatius. Pictured writing to new families, left to right: Sidney McAleer, Hayden Constantine and Matthew Duffey.
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Corpus Christi Catholic School Receives New School Sign
The class gift from the graduating class of 2012 is a new sign for the front of our school. New and returning students will be the first to enjoy the new sign.
Taekwondo Students Compete in Memphis
Students from Inner Strength Martial Arts recently participated in the World Taekwondo Alliance's National and Pioneer's World Cup tournaments in Memphis, TN. From left to right, in the National tournament, Christopher Lunsford placed third in forms and first in sparring. Hayden Lane placed third in sparring. McGregor Moore placed first in forms and second in sparring. Travis Cumbest placed third in sparring. Jillian Lane placed first in sparring. In the Poineer's World Cup, Christopher Lunsford placed first in forms and board breaking and third in sparring. Hayden Lane placed second in continuous sparring and third in board breaking. McGregor Moore placed second in forms and first in sparring. Travis Cumbest placed third in sparring and in continuous sparring. Jillian Lane placed third in forms, second in board breaking, and first in sparring and in continuous sparring. Anthony Williams (not pictured) also placed third in point sparring and in continuous sparring. Inner Strength Martial Arts is located in West Mobile and is run by Master Rick Hoadley. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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Dave Says...
by Dave Ramsey
Don’t Stay Down After Layoff Q. I just lost my job due to companywide layoffs. I have an emergency fund, but I’m losing my health insurance. Our state has a program that covers children’s healthcare in these kinds of situations. Would it be okay to accept this for my kids until I find another job and things get better? A.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with accepting help when you’re down or struggling. On the other hand, to define yourself as being down or struggling is a really bad thing. By this, I mean you should never just sit there, consider yourself helpless, and expect someone else to take care of you. Remember this: everyone falls down. Loser’s stay down, but successful people get back up! If I woke up one morning and realized I had no insurance or couldn’t feed my family because I’d lost my job, I’d be out looking for work all day long, every single day. If that didn’t work, I’d pack everyone up and go find another place to work and live. At the very least I’d map out a plan to work and make money somewhere else during the week, then come home weekends. You sound like a good dad, and I love the fact that you’re thinking about your kids. Do what’s necessary to take care of them right now, even if it means getting help from the state. Make sure you’re out there busting it, and trying to make something happen in the job market, too. You shouldn’t still be living this way six months from now!
carefully and give a name to every single penny of your income. Otherwise, you can still overspend. When I made the decision to get intentional with my money, I just used cash. It’s hard to spend it when you don’t have any on you. It’s a tough thing, I know, but you have to make a conscious decision to start living differently. You have to get mad at the things that steal your money a dollar or two at a time, and you have to put your foot down. Enough is enough! Try looking at your life as a whole, not a moment at time. All the moments you’re living right now will have either a positive or negative effect on your future. I decided I wanted the greater, long-term good, so I gave up on the short-term stuff. No discipline is pleasant when you’re doing it, but as the
Bible says, it yields a harvest of righteousness. Trust me, the greater good is worth the sacrifice. But until you make that decision for yourself, you won’t do it.
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.
Q. I have a problem with impulse spending. I switched to a debit card so that the money comes straight out of my checking account, but I still buy things I know I shouldn’t. Should I stop using the card? A.
First, let me say that debit cards are great. You can’t spend money you don’t have with them like you can with a credit card, but you’ve still got to budget Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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Six Steps to Starting a
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Book Club
by Cindy Hudson
Reading with your daughter is a great way to gain insight into her world. While talking about characters in a book, she’s more likely to open up with you about issues that are important to her that may not otherwise come up in day-to-day life. Sharing good books can also be a lot of fun. You can make joint reading more social by forming a mother-daughter book club. These reading groups have been growing in popularity during the last decade, and it’s easy to see why. Among the many benefits you may enjoy, book clubs help you to: * Stay close to your daughter as she grows * Connect with others in the community around you, including other moms and daughters, teachers, librarians, and more * Encourage your daughter to read for fun, an important factor in overall literacy Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
With a little bit of thought and planning, you could have a book club ready to go in no time. Here are six steps to get you started.
more time for each person to talk during discussion, and fewer people means fewer schedules to consult when you’re choosing your next meeting date.
1. First, make sure your daughter is ready for a book club. The
3. Next, consider whom you may want to invite. You can start by asking
ideal age is about nine. At this age, girls are often able to read on their own, enjoy spending time with their moms, and like being with their friends. You can start earlier if you keep the books simple or have the moms read to the girls. And your daughter’s never too old to get started as long as she’s interested.
2. Second, think about how big you would like your group to be.
Do you feel more comfortable in a crowd, or do you prefer more intimate gatherings? Larger groups can be more open, with new people invited to join all the time. Meetings may be at a fixed time for whoever’s available to attend. Smaller groups provide 30
one other mom and daughter you feel close to, and then asking them if they have ideas for others to join. You could also tap members of a school class, Girl Scout troop, or church group. You’ll probably want to define a few expectations. For instance, everyone in the group should know that as it’s a mother-daughter book club, mothers and daughters should both plan to attend meetings and read the books.
4. Once you know who will be in your club, you can decide where you’ll plan to gather on a regular basis. Will you trade off going to each
other’s homes? Will you meet at a library or in a bookstore? Consider too, whether Advertising: 251-304-1200
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you want to serve a meal or snacks at a meeting.
5. Now’s the time to talk about choosing books. You can let the girls
decide what to read, or let the moms and daughters select titles together, but I don’t recommend having the moms alone choose. It’s important for girls to know they have a voice in the process, and they’re not just reading what their moms think they should read. Other ideas that may help you choose books include picking a theme, focusing on a genre, reading from book lists (i.e. award winners), and getting recommendations from librarians or booksellers.
6. The last step is to talk about what you’d like to do when you get together. You’ll definitely want to include time for socializing in addition to discussing the book. You may also want to consider playing games or making bookrelated crafts. It all depends on how much energy your book club members want to put into planning your meetings.
Cindy Hudson is the author of Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs (Seal Press, October 2009). Find more ideas and recommendations for book clubs at www. motherdaughterbookclub.com.
6 Can’t Miss Titles to Get Your Book Club Started
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko Moose Flanagan is finding it hard adjusting to life on Alcatraz Island where his dad became a guard in 1935. He hopes to make new friends, but how can he be a regular kid when he has to help care for his severely autistic sister, Natalie? 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass Amanda and Leo are best friends who have shared birthday celebrations every year since they were born. When an argument keeps them apart on their eleventh birthday, they find themselves waking to relive their birthday every day until they solve their problem. Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech Granny Torrelli ladles up life lessons from her childhood in Italy to help her granddaughter Rosie mend a rift with her best friend Bailey. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen Juli and Bryce have totally different perspectives on the same events. Chapters flip back and forth between the two as they explore two sides of issues that have occurred since they met years before. Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce Dylan Hughes is the only boy left in Manod, a grey Welsh town with a dwindling population. When world famous art arrives there for storage in an old mine, the masterpieces inspire Dylan and the town’s eccentric characters to create great changes in themselves and Manod. The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick Megan, Jess, Cassidy and Emma can’t believe their moms signed them up for a book club together; they’re not even sure they like each other. But as they read and talk about Little Women, they get to know each other beyond the image they each have at school.
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A Page in a Book
by Paige Gardner Smith
Kids Who Want It All
When children are very small, we work hard to give them everything they want. Food, love, words, experiences…everything they need to grow into the amazing person we know they’ll become. But when kids get old enough to experience the ‘I want’ phase, the innocent greed for all the other things that aren’t important - but still very desirable – that’s when the give and take changes. Teaching children the difference between greed and need is an ongoing process. Cultivating an early understanding of ‘want’ and tempering a child’s greed impulse with the following titles can help young ones navigate their instinctual desire to get…well, everything.
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Betty Bunny Wants Everything
by Michael B. Kaplan, Illustrated by Stephanie Jorisch (Dial Books for Young Readers) When young Betty Bunny goes to the toy store with her family, she’s told she can pick out one thing for herself. Her siblings each choose one item (her thrifty older brother, Bill, opts for the cash instead), but Betty piles the cart high with everything. When she’s told to choose only one item, she throws a tantrum in the store and has to leave. At home, Betty learns about limits and gets to return to the store later, with a small amount of money to spend. How she shops (and behaves) the second time, shows her beginning understanding of a budget – and self-control. Perfect for sharing with kids who have enthusiastic ‘I want’ tendencies, this title is an entertaining lesson in restraint.
All for Me, And None for All
by Helen Lester, Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Gruntly is a pig with a greedy streak a mile long. Not only does he want everything for himself, he covets anything that his friends have, and isn’t shy about grabbing their goods as well. In short, he’s a hog. When Gruntly spies a sign advertising a treasure hunt in the park, it sounds perfect for him. But when his greed to beat his friends to the treasure causes him to miss important clues, Gruntly finds he’s the last to arrive at the treasure site. Will his friends leave any treasure for him or will he have to snatch their rewards? Benefiting from a lesson by his friends’ example, Gruntly gets more than he expected at the end of the hunt!
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More
by I.C. Springman, Illustrated by Brian Lies (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) With a centuries-old reputation for collecting shiny things, the magpie featured in ‘More’ is no exception to the acquisitive nature of his breed. Picking up every kind of odd object and curiosity, the magpie collects more and more ‘stuff’ to bring home to the nest. Marbles and pennies, keys and combs, his nest is soon overflowing with too many things. Reaching a breaking point, the magpie finally accepts help from a few small friends to lighten his load while keeping just enough to make a magpie happy. Beautifully illustrated with sparse text, this book shares the results of wanting too much – and getting it.
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Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.
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Public Library Activities Mobile Public Libraries Schedule Ben May Main Library
701 Government Street, 208-7086 Hours: M-Th: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Open Sundays 1-5 p.m. Individuals and families welcome to storytimes; no groups, please. Mother Goose: birth to 18 months. Caregiver required. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Toddler Time: 19-30 months. Caregiver required. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Good Listeners: 2 1/2 – 5 years. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.
Moorer/Spring Hill Branch
4 McGregor Ave. S., 470-7770 Hours: M, W, F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tu & Th: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Family Storytime: Ages 2 and up. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Caregiver required.
Saraland Public Library 111 Saraland Loop, 675-2879 Hours: M, W, F & Sa: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tu & Th: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Good Listeners: Ages 3-6 Stories and Crafts: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Semmes Branch
9150 Moffett Rd., 645-6840 Hours: M & W: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tu & Th: 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sa: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed Fridays Good Listeners: 3-6 years old. Wednesdays, 10:30, Registration required for groups.
Family and Friends Storytime: Ages 2 & up; Thursdays at 10:30. Registration required; no groups, please.
Toulminville Branch
601 Stanton Rd., 438-7075 Hours: M & Th: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Tu, W, F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m Good Listeners: Ages 3-6, Tues. 10 a.m. Registration required.
West Regional Branch
5555 Grelot Rd, 340-8571 Hours: M-Th: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m Registration required; no groups, please. Mother Goose: Ages birth to 14 months. Caregiver required. Wednesdays 10 a.m. Toddler Time: Ages 15 months to 2 years. Caregiver required. Thursdays at 10 a.m. Parent and Child: Ages 2 & 3. Caregiver required. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Good Listener: Ages 4 & 5: Wednesdays at 11 a.m.; Ages 3-5: Thursdays at 11 a.m.
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Theodore Oaks Branch
5808 Highway 90 W, Ste. E, 653-5012 Hours: M & Tu: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; W - Sa: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
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Parents of Children with
SPECIAL NEEDS Want YOU to Know...
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by Julia Derkovitz
A screaming child in a grocery store, an anxiety ridden child refusing to speak to other kids at the park, spending too much money for a ticket to a children’s show only to have them scream when the lights go down. For most of us, these moments (Thank God) are rare. For some families, however, these “moments” are Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
daily struggles as a result of raising a child with special needs. In conjunction with physical and/or behavioral issues, some families of children with disabilities also know the challenge of well meaning (and not so well meaning) people offering advice. As most people truly want to help, here are some tips parents of children with disabilities would like to pass along: 34
One mother shared an experience of being in a store when a woman came up to her and yelled, “Oh my God! Your child has Down Syndrome!” Guess what? She already knew! Another father shuddered at the memory of a complete stranger telling him his son looked autistic. The best thing to do if you are curious is to ask.
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Please Don’t Diagnose My Child
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Unsolicited and Unhelpful Advice
Telling me you could straighten my child out is not helpful. Neither is telling me my child needs a good spanking, or that I am spoiling him. Equally off putting are questions such as: What’s wrong with him? Why does he look that way? Have you contacted a lawyer? Isn’t autism just the correct term for poor parenting? After some such comments, one mother left the store and sat behind her steering wheel, crying for thirty minutes. It can be a devastating blow. Michelle Turner, Movement Integration Specialist and Educator from Peoria, Arizona, agrees. “Just saying ‘What a great smile’ or ‘he has your eyes’ would be a brief comfort.” Laura Shumaker, author of A Regular Guy: Growing Up with Autism shared a moment when her son was struggling in church and she managed to quiet him. “A woman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘I admire you so much.’ I’ll never forget it.”
Reach Out to Me, Even Though I May Not Ask
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My son has Apraxia, and it can confuse people. When polite strangers ask, usually in a round about way (He’s so cute! Is he a shy guy?), I relish the opportunity to share information about his diagnosis. This usually leads to the stranger bending down to my son and complimenting his smile. My son will beam and start laughing, and we all walk away from a positive experience.
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“One of the hardest aspects I believe… is that of isolation. The feeling that you are the only one who is facing this because others just don’t understand. I am the father of three children, the oldest has autism. I am always concerned about giving attention to all the priorities--my wife, my job, my community, my children, my friends, and myself--in my life without becoming emotional and physically spent, which has happened to me on occasion.” Michael J. Carrasco and other parents also mentioned the exhausted efforts with therapies, insurance companies, and the extra cost of having a child with a disability. What can you offer? If you have a family member or close friend dealing with this issue, the answer is easy. Patience. Understand therapy sessions might be rearranged at the last moment, money might be tight, or the child might be having an off day. Keep calling though, because even the invitation makes us feel included! Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
Another way to reach out is offering meals and free child care for siblings. Parents of children with disabilities may spend hours or days in hospitals, run around crazy with therapy, and/or exist on minimal sleep. After spending another scary night in the hospital with her child, one mother came home to a basket of muffins and fruit on her porch. The love and support she felt from such a simple gesture was immeasurable.
Teach Empathy!
Award winning author Mary Calhoun Brown is a parent of a child with Asberger’s Syndrome. “The three hardest things about being the parent of a special needs child: 1. Accepting the diagnosis. 2. Accepting the disability as part of your child. 3. Dealing with the thoughtless, hurtful behavior of others.” Her son has dealt with bullying issues, as many children do. While all parents love to believe their child isn’t the bullying kind, think again. Many parents had heartbreaking examples of very nice children giving in to peer pressure and teasing “different” children. If your “typical” child wets the bed, or trips in front of a group of strangers, this is the perfect time to discuss empathy. Leilani Haywood echoes a sentiment I have heard from many parents. “I wish, wish, wish, parents of typical kids taught their kids how to deal with children that are different or disabled. I think learning these skills would take them far in life with all types of people.” Her daughter (who has Down Syndrome) has not been invited to parties and/or play dates, which is a common issue children with disabilities face. Many parents of special needs children will happily explain why their child may not be able to play basketball, but they can play video games, or tell you that even though she isn’t talking to you directly, she is still enjoying your company. A play date as short as fifteen minutes can have a lasting positive effect. Often times, strong friendships form as a result of minimal effort. So there you have it! Four simple things you can do to help a family in need. When you get right down to it, it’s about seeing everybody as an individual. While some children might have a disability in one area or another, it’s not their definition. My son has Apraxia, he is not my Apraxic son, and yes, there is a difference! Julia is a teacher living in Western New York with her husband and two children. Currently she works with SUNY Fredonia part time and writes whenever time allows.
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Special Needs Resource Guide Read-Write
At Read-Write, we offer screening, consulting, and one-on-one therapy in Orton-Gillingham based programs to students and adults in Mobile, Alabama area. Orton-Gillingham is the only procedure endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association to teach those with dyslexia to read, write, and spell. Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory, systematic approach to teaching the structure of language. It is characterized by being explicit, direct, cumulative, and intensive. Read-Write, 251-2871822 5472 C Old Shell Road Mobile, Alabama 36608
Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC
Catalina M. Arata, Ph.D., LLC - M. Hope Jackson, Ph.D., LLC - Ellen L. Odom, M.S., L.P.C., LLC 2864 Dauphin Street, Suite A, Mobile, Alabama 36606 251.470.7607; bayareaclinical@bellsouth.net Children ages 5+, Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Families. Specializing in issues of anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, grief, school-related difficulties, eating disorders and Post divorce issues. Psycho-educational testing for ADHD, LD, and Gifted.
Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities
RSA Union Building 100 North Union Street Post Office Box 301410 Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1410 Phone: 1-334-242-3973 Toll-Free: 1-800-232-2158 Information and Referral: 1-877-774-9520 FAX: 1-334-242-0797 Email:addpc@mh.state.al.us www.acdd.org. To promote and support independence, advocacy, productivity and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
Mobile Regional Office Serving Baldwin, Mobile, Clarke, Washington, Monroe, Conechuh, and Escambia Counties. The earlier children learn, the better. Some experts estimate that up to 20% of the skills learned in a lifetime are learned in the first five years. That’s why we place so much emphasis on helping families, and encourage families to come forward with their concerns as early as possible. Everyone around your child can be a teacher. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins,
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
caretakers. Infants and toddlers will soak up language and information from every source. Regional Center staff members can show you how to make this happen. It may take more time, more creativity to communicate with a child who is blind or deaf, but the rewards of making that effort are incalculable. For children and families, we offer the following services: Information and referral services, Parent Infant Preschool home training in skills and techniques appropriate to child’s sensory needs Early intervention service coordination, Speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy, Kinderprep, a center-based classroom for sensory impaired preschool children three to five years old supported by United Way and AIDB ,Evaluation and ongoing assessment of child, Information about general child development and management, Technical assistance for community agencies such as daycare centers and preschools, Parent support groups, American Sign Language classes for families, Family counseling, Summer activity programs for young people ages six to 15, Parenting classes for deaf parents, Resource lending library , Resources for projects, papers and reports from elementary through graduate school , Participation in Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)/ Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings for developing child and family goals Michelle Jones, 1050 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama 36604, 251 432-3199 (fax), 251-432-7777 (voice/TTY) www.aidb.org or www.aidb.org/aidb-regional-centers/mobile
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system. ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect. promote and expand their rights. ADAP’s vision is one of a society where persons with disabilities are valued and exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity. www.adap.net, 205-348-4928, Toll Free 800-826-1625. Email, adap@adap.ua.edu
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Unique in the nation, the Alabama Department of
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Rehabilitation Services is comprised of state and federal programs that provide a continuum of services from birth through life for Alabamians with disabilities. ADRS has four major programs: • Alabama’s Early Intervention System (AEIS ) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, Phone: 251-4798611, Toll-free number: 1-800-543-3098 (or TTY 800-499-1816). Spanish-speaking families may call 1-866-450-2838., www.rehab.alabama.gov. EI coordinates services statewide for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays from birth to age 3, preparing them and their families for the transition to the State Department of Education’s preschool program for 3-to-5-year-olds or other community programs. EI also provides financial and technical support to the more than 60 community programs that provide early intervention services and expertise to eligible families. • Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) CRS District Office – Mobile, 1610 Center Street Suite A, Mobile, Phone: 251-439,7890, Toll-free number: 800879-8163, TTY : 800-499-1816, www.rehab.alabama. gov - Any child or adolescent younger than 21 years of age who is a resident of Alabama and has a special health care need is eligible for Children’s Rehabilitation Service. Individuals with hemophilia are eligible beyond 21 years of age. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. Staff members work closely with local school systems to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in school. • Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, Phone: 251-479-8611, Toll-free number: 800-671-6842, TTY : 800-499-1816, www.rehab.alabama.gov. VRS , the department’s largest division, provides rehabilitation, education and employment-related services to 47,083 adolescents and adults with disabilities through long-standing partnerships with local school systems, colleges and universities, junior colleges, vocational technical schools and community rehabilitation programs. VRS also provides more than 6,800 disability management and employee placement services to Alabama businesses each year. • State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) - 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, Phone: 251-479-8611, Toll-free number: 800-
Advertising: 251-304-1200
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671-6842, TTY : 800-499-1816, www.rehab.alabama.gov. SAIL provides services to Alabamians who have the severest disabilities resulting from spinal cord or head injuries. Seven SAIL teams located statewide and serving all 67 counties provide services to consumers and families.
American Foundation for the Blind
(800) 232-5463; afbinfo@afb.net; www.afb.org Services in Mobile, AL
Center for Attention & Learning
John I. Bailey, Jr., MD Medical Evaluation & Treatment for School Learning & Behavioral Problems, Classroom & Homework Difficulties, ADHD-ADD, LD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Tourette, & Depression & other Mood Problems. Thirty years’ experience serving Preschool through High School, College through Adult Learning through Adult Life. Member, Professional Advisory Board of the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association. 829 University Blvd S. Mobile, AL 36609. 251-342-6443.
CrossRhodes at The Centre
The areas of specialization include: Treatment of Depression and Anxiety, Grief, Abuse/Trauma Issues, Life Adjustments, Spiritual Issues, Career Planning, Divorce Recovery, Attention-Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems, Parenting Skills, Peer Conflicts, Family Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Relationship/Marital Therapy, Medical and Health Concerns, Psychological Testing, Psycho-Educational Evaluations. 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604, (251) 471-5844
Delicious Dietician
2561 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36606, 251-478-2233, www.thedeliciousdietician.com. The Delicious Dietician
offers “One- on- One” Disease Management services specific to the client’s individual needs. The Delicious Dietician understands the need for education and practical advice when dealing with health problems requiring restricted diets. Let The Delicious Dietician teach you how to live deliciously, despite having limitations with your meals.
Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics
303-697-7511 Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. Nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store. Please visit http://www.diannecraft.org.
Easter Seals of Alabama
This organization consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. Providing Services for People with Disabilities and Their Families. Easter Seals Alabama, 5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117, http://alabama.easterseals.com
Focus, Inc –
Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people with ADHD and related problems. Dr. James Wiley started FOCUS so that he would have more time to devote to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. In July of 2011, Dr. Kathleen Inge joined Focus specializing in adolescent and adult ADHD. Focus provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior
modification strategies. The current location is 2560 Old Shell Road in Mobile. In September of 2011, Focus will move to our new location at 3930 – F Airport Boulevard at McGregor Square. 251.378.8635, www.frustrationtofocus.com
Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast
Easter Seals offers Parent Education and Support, Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and a Wonderful Recreation Program that provides school-age children (6 - 12) of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of community recreational activities. Sessions include gymnastics, rock wall climbing, bowling, skating, music & movement, and tee ball. Staff are assisted by volunteers from the University of South Alabama Therapeutic Recreation and Occupational Therapy Programs. For more information call 251-471-1581. 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617, 251.471.1581, Fax: 251.476.4303, Toll Free: 800.411.0068
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities The Arc of Alabama, Inc., Montgomery, AL. (866) 243-9557 info@thearcofalabama.com; www.thearcofalabama.com
Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama- (334) 277-9151; www.ldaal.org. The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama, Inc. (LDAA) is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. LDAA strives to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities
March of Dimes Alabama Chapter
Southwest Alabama Chapter in Mobile, Al, 205 Lambert
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You have found your child’s “medical home.” Mobile Pediatric Clinic’s knowledgeable, compassionate physician and care team tend to your child’s health needs in a comprehensive manner, giving your child a genuine “medical
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Katherine L. Savells
MD, FAAP ~ pediatric physician
32 Tacon Street, Suite A
251.706.8170 Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
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Mobile, AL 36607
www.mobilepeds.com Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
Street, Suite A, (251) 438-1360, Fax (251) 438-1054. www.marchofdimes.com/alabama. No one is working harder than the March of Dimes to give EVERY BABY a healthy, fighting chance at life. With your help, we work to improve the health of babies and support families if something does go wrong.
Legacy Health Care
Parents like to be certain when trusting someone to take care of their children. Some children need special care, which is why there are different pediatric services. There are pediatric services dedicated to diseases like early diabetes, cancer or infections and specialists in learning, speaking or emotional problems. Our belief is that all parents need to be assured that their children are being well treated. Our nurses and caregivers, specialized in child assistance, are able to provide the best in home health care for children, with ongoing treatments using the most update in home health care sector and the best technology, to treat learning, speaking or emotional problems, as well as offering health care companions to children who need constant care. For more information visit www. yourlegacyhealthcare.com, 251-490-5570.
Mercy Medical – Pediatric Home Health Care
Healthcare - Mercy Pediatric Home Care allows children to recover in the comfort of their own home with family members, rather than in a hospital. It provides costeffective, compassionate medical care to homebound children under 18-years old who are recovering from injuries or surgeries, dealing with chronic or complicated diagnoses or other serious health problems. Provides high-tech medical care by a skilled, specially-trained team of healthcare professionals. Mercy Pediatric Home Care also supports the family by offering educational, nutritional, and spiritual counseling and assistance in securing resources. For more information visit www.mercymedical.com. Mercy Medical Home Health & Hospice 3280 Dauphin Street Suite B122 B• Mobile, AL 36606,Home Care: 251.304.3158 • fax 251.304.3171/ E-mail: Homecare@mercymedical.com
Mental Health
NAMI Alabama-Montgomery, AL. (800) 626-4199; www.namialabama.org NAMI Mobile, AL - Connie Ewing (251) 461-3450 NAMI Mobile, AL HISPANIC - Ana Marie Raminez Sawyer (251) 478-27730 NAMI Baldwin County (Foley, AL) - Lynn Adams (251) 965-6264. NAMI Alabama is an organization comprised of local support and advocacy groups throughout the state dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with a mental illness in Alabama. The number of such groups is growing rapidly as families become more determined to improve treatment and care for Alabamians diagnosed with a mental illness. The mission statement/ purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders. Meeting: 3rd Monday, 7:00-8:00 pm Springhill Baptist Church Activity Center McGregor Ave. in Spring Hill/Family Support Group Meeting -Meeting same day and place as abov,6:00-7:00 pm, Contact: Diane Kent 251-591-8021NAMI Connections Support Group -Meet every Wednesday 4:00-5:30 pm, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church 1501 Dauphin St. Mobile Meet every Friday 10:00-11:30 am Drug Education Council Bldg. 3000 Television Ave. Mobile Contact: Connie at 251-461-3450 or 251-438-2444 khani52@concast.net.
Montgomery Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Center
RiteCare clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.Free Testing of speech and language disorders such as dyslexia. As a rule, the RiteCare® Clinics accept preschool children who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word or school-age
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
children who have difficulty learning to read. For more information call 205-365-1640. www.scottishrite.org
dyslexia and learning disabilities. Please visit us at www. thelisteningprogram.com for more information.
Mulherin Custodial Home
Mulherin Home provides a home for individuals, children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our foremost concern is the happiness, comfort, and welfare of the residents at Mulherin Home. The Mulherin Custodial Home is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a United Way agency.2496 Halls Mill Road, 251-471-1998
Santa America
Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special mission. Over one-hundred Santas across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him—twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice. Santa’s visits are free. There is no charge for a visit from Santa Claus—ever. www.santa-america.org, 308 Belrose Avenue, Suite 200 East Daphne, (251) 626-6609, John Scheuch, Executive Director, SantaJohn@Santa-America.org, Nita Mickwee, Administrative Director, ElfNita@Santa-America.org, (251) 923-7404
Sight Savers America
Sight Savers America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that assists children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics. Children are referred to Sight Savers via failed vision screenings at school, referrals from teachers, school administrators, school nurses, eye-care professionals and parents. Children of families who qualify for our program receive the eye care they need at no cost to the family. Sight Savers has set the standard in follow-up vision care. At Sight Savers, we work with the members of our extensive volunteer network of eye care providers to arrange comprehensive eye care including scheduling appointments and transportation, making arrangements for eyeglasses, medications, eye surgeries, vision aids, or any other prescribed treatment. Email: info@sightsaversamerica.org. 877-942-2627, sightsaversamerica.org
Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy Pediatric Physical Therapy of Mobile
It is the mission of Pediatric Physical Therapy to provide Mobile and Baldwin County pediatric patients with options for out-patient physical therapy services. Treatment will be individualized, assertive, and aggressive to maximize functional outcomes. We strive to have childfriendly, play-based treatment programs which are family centered. We believe in empowering the patient and the family to heal themselves through patient education. We believe in physical fitness for all ages and abilities thus will promote pediatric fitness and sports. Pediatric Physical Therapy strives to utilize state of the art technology and evidence based practice during treatment. Families will be guided toward area community resources. Services will be coordinated with other community agencies and other health professionals working with the child. We will provide students of physical therapy a problem based clinical with emphasis on adult learning. The clinic will practice according to the guidelines and ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association. 3202 Old Shell Road, Mobile, 251-450-0070, www.pptmobile.com
Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital
3980 Burma Road, Mobile, AL 36693-4522 Local Telephone: (251) 221-5454 Contacts: Mary Lou Casey, Director, mlwcasey@mcpss.com
This group provides a holistic approach to physical, occupational and speech-language therapy for women and children, with the ultimate goal of assisting them in reaching the highest level of functional independence possible, while empowering families to play an active role in the therapeutic process. As such, we strive to maintain a high level of clinical proficiency, a pleasant therapy environment, state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, and appropriate family education materials and programs. Therapy Services is located on the ground floor of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Our telephone number is (251) 415-1670.
S.W. Regional School for the Deaf and Blind
USA Speech and Hearing Clinic
Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind
Established in 1977. Serving 6 counties and 300 students in Southwest Alabama including Mobile. The Regional School has an elementary campus on Burma Road that educates deaf and blind students ages three years to fifth grade. There are satellite campuses of the Regional School at a local middle and high school, allowing students to easily transition to the next grade. Students from surrounding counties attend the Regional School and itinerant teachers provide services at their local schools. The Regional School is unique because special needs students are able to remain in their home environment and receive collaborative vision and hearing impaired services from experienced and qualified staff. 3980 Burma Road, Mobile, AL (251) 221-5454, http://regional.mcs.schoolinsites.com/
The Listening Program
1-888-228-1798 The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD,
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251-445-9378 or email cntr@jaguar1.usouthal.edu. 1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North. Mobile. The clinic serves two primary purposes: to provide services in speech, language and hearing to citizens of Mobile and surrounding areas, and to provide the supervised clinical experiences needed by the students for graduation and to obtain professional licensure/certification. Because the USA Speech and Hearing Clinic functions as a service facility and teaching facility, activities and procedures address both purposes. Diagnostic and treatment services in speech, language and hearing are provided to persons of all ages and with all types of speech-language and hearing disorders.
Buckaroo Barn
Physical Therapy specializing in Hippotherapy for Special Little Buckaroos. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists use this treatment for patients with movement dysfunction. A specially trained therapist directs the movement of the horse, analyzes the patient’s responses and adjusts the treatment accordingly. For more information on Hippotherapy at Buckaroo Barn, please call Kristye Chastang, physical therapist, at 251604-3904 or buckaroobarn@gmail.com or visit http:// www.buckaroobarnllc.com.
CrossRhodes at The Centre Art Therapy The Centre’s CrossRhodes Art Therapy Program
Advertising: 251-304-1200
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provides counseling for children who are facing life threatening illnesses. The nurturing therapeutic environment allows them to ask questions and express feelings in a healthy, healing way. Art becomes an added voice for telling their story. It gives them a self-soothing avenue to practice coping strategies they can use in their daily lives. Contact Linda Colclough MS, LPC at 251-625-0118, 1507 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36604. You can also contact the Mobile office at 251- 344-2762, 100 Memorial Hospital Drive, Mobile.
Gulf Coast Therapy
Gulf Coast Therapy is a state-of-the-art outpatient therapy center serving Mobile and Baldwin County. We are committed to offering our patients a center of excellence for the treatment of pain and/or disability. The mission of Gulf Coast Therapy is to provide our patients with the skills they need in order to function at their highest level of independence and increase their quality of life. Two locations – Baldwin County location- 9890 Twin Beech Road, Fairhope, 251-928-7312 and Mobile location - 1903 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 476-0525, www. gulfcoasttherapy.com
Kids Kount- Therapy Services, LLC
Kids Kount Therapy Services was founded in February 2008 in Daphne, AL, as a result of two therapists’ vision to provide children with special needs the highest quality of multidisciplinary care. Due to the increased prevalence of autism in the area and lack of sufficient resources for these families, the therapists pursued sub-specialty training to develop a holistic program for diagnosis and treatment in this area as well as many others. The staff at this facility not only is highly qualified, but has a passion for all the children and families we service. At Kids Kount Therapy Services we provide specialized evaluations in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. We provide one on one and group therapy sessions based on the individual needs of each of our client’s and their families. Kids Kount Therapy Services requires a physician referral for all evaluations.
For more information contact Andrea Pointer/Shannon Norris 251.517.0355, www.kidskounttherapy.com or email kidskountmgmt@yahoo.com, 2560 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36607
Financial Disabled Children Relief Fund –
www.dcrf.com, 516-377-1605, Disabled Children’s Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down’s Syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged.
Family Support-
Our goal is to enhance the lives of Alabamians with disabilities and their families. - Financial support to families with developmental disabilities and head/spinal cord injuries. For more information, please visit www. famsupport.com or contact Susan Polizzi, 251-209-0453, susanpolizzi@comcast.net.
Medicaid Waiver Program-
3290 Dauphin Street, Suite 600 Mobile, Alabama 36606. 251-478-2760 Visit www.medicaid.alabama.gov then go to “programs” and “long-term care” State of Alabama of Independent living waiver – 800-441-7607. Mentally Retarded Waiver – 800-367-0955 www.Mh.al.gov
The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation 251-243-0365, info@angel-ride.com, www.angel-ride. com; The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation is a foundation started by the inspiration of two children -
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Rileigh Glass and Raylee Odom. Rileigh was born with Down syndrome and Raylee with Muscular Dystrophy. Their genetic conditions brought to light the hardships a family is challenged with when caring for children with special medical needs. A small group of family and friends took this awareness and turned it into the determination to establish a funding program that could help families faced with similar circumstances. The mission of the foundation is to assist families of children, ages 18 and under, who have special medical needs. Qualifying families may receive financial assistance to help pay for the costs associated with the medical needs of these children. A family is eligible for benefits once per calendar year. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has helped over 700 applicants and that number continues to grow each year. network of over 400 volunteers gathers each November to bring to life the foundation’s main fundraising event - The Angel Ride. It began as an afternoon motorcycle ride and picnic and has now grown into a two-day event with headcounts exceeding 10,000. The motorcycle rider participation has continued to reach new levels each year with the 2008 rider attendance topping out at over 4000 strong. The motorcycle ride is followed up with concerts by major entertainment artists. To see, first hand, the community and corporate support for this event is truly a heartfelt experience when considering its objective – to help a child.
Schools and Educational Resources Read-Write
251-287-1822 5472 C Old Shell Road Mobile, Alabama 36608. At Read-Write, we offer screening, consulting, and one-on-one therapy in Orton-Gillingham based programs to students and adults in Mobile, Alabama area. Orton-Gillingham is the only procedure endorsed
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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
by the International Dyslexia Association to teach those with dyslexia to read, write, and spell. Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory, systematic approach to teaching the structure of language. It is characterized by being explicit, direct, cumulative, and intensive.
The Think Tank
(251) 414-4494, www.thinktankminds.com, The Think Tank Tutoring provides one-on-one in-home tutoring to general education, learning disabled and home bound students. In addition to working one-on-one with students, The Think Tank tutors provide educational strategies to parents during each tutoring session. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services works directly with the student’s teachers ensuring we follow the Individual Education Plan for special needs students. In addition, we follow the student’s current classroom curriculum. The Think Tank Tutoring provides homework help, test preparation, and study skills to students in grades Pre-K through 12 in all subjects. We have qualified educators to work with ADD, ADHD, hearing impaired, MR, Dyslexic, and speech impaired students.
USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital
1700 Center Street, Mobile, Al, (251) 415-1000. The University provides services to students who are physically, emotionally or learning disabled. Students in need of accommodations in or out of the classroom due to a disability should contact the Special Student Services Office in the Student Center, Room 270, (251) 460-7212.
Augusta Evans Special School
100 North Florida Street, Mobile, AL 36607 251- 221-5400 http://evans.mce.schoolinsites.com/, Augusta Evans School was organized to provide a quality education, appropriate for mentally handicapped students of Mobile County and individualized to meet each of
these student’s needs. The faculty and staff of Augusta Evans School take pride in its leadership role in Special Education in Mobile County. Realizing that continuing research and continuing preparation are necessary to facilitate change in any endeavor, the Evans professionals are dedicated to providing their educational expertise to the MR community in Mobile County.
Continuous Learning Center
1870 Pleasant Avenue, Mobile, AL 36617 251- 221-2122, http://continuous.mcc.schoolinsites. com/, Our mission statement defines who we are and how we help students to become successful socially and academically. The road to such success requires the efforts of parents, students, teachers, administrators, and members of the community. Such cooperation will lead to success for everyone. The complete version of our mission statement is as follows: The Continuous Learning Center is committed to providing students with special needs a stable, structured, and supportive environment. The Continuous Learning Center remains true to its mission by Promoting healthy lifestyles and positive mental health, Maximizing academic and social skill instructions, Reinforcing student success, Promoting positive public relations, This mission will be accomplished with a competent and caring faculty and staff. It will provide a second chance for students to reach their fullest potential and continue their education at CLC, while striving to earn the right to return to a regular school setting.
Gordon Smith Child Development Center
2448 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, AL 36617, 251-471-1581, Children with and without disabilities (6 weeks to school age) receive comprehensive child-care services in a full-day program using the Creative Cirriculum Program. With high quality instruction, small childstaff ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program addresses all aspects of learning: social/emo-
tional, physical, cognitive and language. After-school and Summer Day Camp are also available for school-aged children at this location.
Kumon Learning Center
3152 Old Shell Rd Suite 1 Mobile, AL 36607 (251) 447-2264, www.kumon.com, Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading enrichment program. Kumon unlocks the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. It allows students of all ages and abilities to build the skills necessary to have a richer, more successful educational experience. We give children the tools to unlock their true potential. To succeed in the classroom and beyond. To love to learn. And the motivation to learn on their own. By helping to build self-confidence, Kumon leaves children feeling empowered with the desire to achieve more.
The Learning Tree
4979 Lott Rd., Eight Mile, AL 36613 , www.learningtree.org (251) 649-4420 , The Learning Tree, Inc. is a non-profit organization that exists to provide a warm and loving environment with individualized, empirically validated services and supports to persons with significant educational, medical, and behavioral challenges; helping them develop and maintain a quality of life enjoyed by non-disabled members of their family and community The organization maintains three residential schools in Alabama - Mobile, Jacksonville, and Tallassee - for children with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual disabilities
The Little Tree Preschool
1175 Azalea Road, Mobile, 251-654-2533; www.learning-tree.org/preschools.html; The Little Tree Preschool’s mission is focused on improving the services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities throughout Alabama. This is achieved by providing intensive, behavioral intervention (also known
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as ABA/Applied Behavior Analysis) in a setting with typically developing children serving as peer models. In addition to training students, The Little Tree Preschool’s offer an intensive training sequence for public school teachers in assessment, behavior management techniques, empirically validated teaching procedures, data collection and tracking progress. We support parents by providing weekly parent training and assistance dealing with issues in the home. Classes Monday-Friday; 7:45 am- 3:00pm.
Lindamood Bell Learning Center
www.LindaMoodBell.com , 251-473-6808 2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D, Mobile, AL. Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes is an organization dedicated to helping children and adults learn to their potential. Lindamood-Bell’s research-based instruction teaches reading, language comprehension, and math, and is especially successful with children previously diagnosed with dyslexia, hyperlexia, and autism spectrum disorders. Our Learning Centers offer individualized, one-on-one instruction based on each student’s individual learning needs. Through a comprehensive evaluation, strengths and weaknesses are identified and an individualized instruction plan is developed. Our programs provide students with the tools necessary to become selfcorrecting, independent learners. For more information visit, www.LindaMoodBell.com , email mobile.center@ lindamoodbell.com or call 251-473-6808.
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(first class is always free)
Drama & Art Classes
Open Play BIRTHDAY PARTIES KIDS NIGHT IN / PARENTS NIGHT OUT Come Build Your Own Animaland Friend
Present this ad for $50 Off Parties of $199 or More!
Springhill Child Development Center
Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, 10 Westminster Way, Mobile, 342-3122, anne@gesgc.org Preschool program open 12 months of the year (other than holidays). Children ages 2 1/2 - 5 years with special educational needs receive year-round programming in an inclusive preschool setting. Support services including speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, are provided by the Mobile County School System. Before and after school care are also available. For More Information: Call 251-342-3122,
NOW Registering for , Mom s Day Out Mommy&Me
thewatermelonpatch
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6417 Hillcrest Park Ct. Mobile (251) 633-3288
www.thewmpatch.com
Sylvan
3964B Airport Blvd ,Mobile, AL ,(866) 988-3420 Sylvan Learning Center 8020 Moffett Rd Semmes, AL (866) 989-2995 A Better School Year Starts with Sylvan .Don’t worry about falling behind later–start now, Don’t hope for the best, get your child the help he or she needs today. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on schoolwork and a boost in confidence. Let our proven tutoring approach help your child start the school year off right.
Woody’s Song
5459 Able Ct ,Mobile, AL 36693, http://www.learningtree.org, Woody’s Song, located in Mobile, is a day program providing services for children ages 5-18, on the autism spectrum. Woody’s Song is tuition-based and operates year-round. By increasing skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognitive skills while decreasing behaviors that interfere with learning, Woody’s Song helps children with autism learn to take pride in themselves and their work. To inquire about application and admission to the program, please contact Ms. Julia Starr, Program Director, at 251-331-8021 or jstarr@ learning-tree.org
Recreation Broadway South Dance
We offer a class for special needs children ages 5-10 years during Feb.-May each year. The class also participates in our annual recital. Dates and Times TBA call 639-0660 for info www.broadwaysouthdance.com, Michelle Adams-Meeker, 251-639-0660. 2 locations West Mobile-Schillinger-one mile south of Winn Dixie Shopping Center and our NEW location - Regency Square-Airport/University-Behind Morrison’s
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
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Jubilee School of Dance
6245 Old Rangeline Road, Theodore, AL 251-408-0219 x 21; Jubilee offers a class for our “Special” students both mentally and physically challenged, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of dance in a positive environment structured to their abilities. The value of the dance and creative movement have proven therapeutic and socialization benefits. Dance will strengthen student’s self-esteem, provide opportunity to learn, encourage musical role-play, promote coordination and best of all laughter. The class offers a structured, safe athletic activity for all youth in our community. Our Special student will be dancing with their peers and offered opportunity to experience the joys of dance recital.
The Watermelon Patch
Mommy and Me classes at The Watermelon Patch are open for children of all abilities. In our classes families work on sensory perception and fine / gross motor skills. We welcome special needs groups who would like to have their own play group and or field trip where we do art, cooking and other projects with families. Also our birthday party’s are private events. We love to help make that special day even more exciting! 6417 Hillcrest Park Court Mobile, (251) 633-3288, www.thewmpatch.com
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Deaf and Hearing impaired, ages 13- Adult will explore the arts with the assistance of AIDB and Bishop State Community College interpreters. The class will be located in the CLA Clerestory Studio. Please visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more information.
www.vsaalabama.org. VSA Alabama is a statewide, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses through the arts. We offer visual arts, drama, creative writing, drumming and rhythm, creative movement, music therapy, and art therapy programming. Annually, VSA Alabama serves over 3,000 people with disabilities and chronic illnesses through our programming in community, educational, and healthcare settings across Alabama. ArtPartners program provides people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses the chance to develop meaningful relationships with artists in our community while creating collaborative masterpieces. The ArtPartners program makes a lasting impression on everyone involved and the memories created last forever. This program is FREE to participants! The Eastern Shore Art Center has participated in this unique program since its inception. Nancy Raia, ESAC’s Community Outreach Coordinator, has worked directly with these gifted artists creating beautiful masterpieces, lasting friendships while developing their artistic learning processes. For more information visit www.esartcenter.com/NancyRaia.htm or check out her blog at blog.esartcenter.com or call the Eastern Shore Art Center at 928-2228.
Inner Strength Martial Arts
Westside’s Challenger League
Access To Recreation
Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. 8 Sandra Ct., Newbury Park, CA. 800-634-4351. www.accesstr.com.
City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Center
Woodcock Center, 261 Rickarby St. Community activities. Therapeutic Programs for Special Needs. Please check www.cityofmobile.org/parks for more information.
Deaf Studio at the Centre For the Living Arts
9120 Airport Blvd # H, Mobile (251) 776-1978; Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick Hoadley, Master Instructor 7th Degree Black Belt in the martial art of Taekwondo has over 35 years of professional experience. *Also offering program for special needs children.*
Langan Park
Little League baseball program. A program designed specifically for mentally and physically challenged children ages 5 through 18. For more details on the Challenger League Program at Westside, please visit http://www. westsidebaseball.com. Also you can contact League Coordinator Rochelle Jordan at 605-5939 or by email at rochellejdn@aol.com
4901 Zeigler Boulevard. This is a Boundless Playground. There is a Pedestrian Bridge connects the playground and park area of Langan Park to the Mobile Museum of Art across Three Mile Creek
Recreation Camps
Mobile Bay Special Olympics Sailing Team
For more information contact Chara Brown, 251-4711581, chara@gesgc.org. Camp ASSCA- Easter Seals Camp- (256)825-9226; www.campascca.org. Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions- open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.
251-550-8934; Fairhope Yacht Club will host a multistate regatta. Their team will be the host team and will welcome Special Olympic sailing teams from any state who want to join us. Sponsorships for the event are available. “It is our hope to expand the Special Olympic Sailing Program to other regattas and other boats. Being part of a team with Special Olympics athletes is most rewarding and fulfilling in addition to becoming a friend.” Anyone interested in assisting the Special Athletes can contact Haskew by email at 2haskews@bellsouth.net or by phone at 251-550-8934.
SNAP
Special Needs Athletes Programs –http://snapofalabama. com, 251.285.0224 ,Our mission is to give developmentally disabled citizens in the greater Mobile, Baldwin County Alabama area, the opportunity to participate in a recreational sport with others of the same skill level and to have fun doing it.
Special Olympics Mobile County
The mission of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to provide year-round sports training and competition in
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The ultimate objective of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs. We offer track and field, team basketball skills, individual basketball skills, golf, bowling, swimming, bocce, and our newest sport - gymnastics. www.mobilecountyspecialolympics. org, 5401 Cottage Hill Rd. Suite D, Mobile, AL 36609, 251-510-7300
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Camp ASCCA, Autism Camp, sponsored by the Goodwill Easter Seals
Camp Newhope & Camp Newsong
(205)877-2224; www.alfoundationforoncology.org/ campnewsong.php; A free program open to all grieving children in Alabama. Camp sessions are held at the YMCA Hargis Retreat in Chelsea, Alabama for children ages 6-18.
Camp-Rap-A-Hope
Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides a week-long summer camp at Camp Grace in Mobile,
Advertising: 251-304-1200
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Alabama and is open to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have or have ever had cancer. The camp is offered at no cost to the campers and their families as cancer has been costly enough. Each year the children enjoy a typical summer camp environment that includes swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts and many other activities depending on the theme for the year. Many of these children have forgotten what it’s like to be a ‘kid’ because much of their childhood has been spent hearing the sounds and seeing the inside of hospitals. It is our privilege to give a part of their childhood back to them through a week of fun-filled camping activities. Camp Rap-A-Hope offers additional opportunities for “fun” throughout the year. Family fun days and Holiday parties are a few ways that Camp continues the fun for the Campers and their families. For more information visit www.camprapahope.org or call 251-476-9880.
Camp Smile-a-Mile
1-888-500-7920; www.campsam.org; Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, Al. Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.
Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris
(205)402-0415; www.southeasterndiabetes.org. provides our kids with the chance to learn about effective diabetes management, while at the same time allowing them to interact with other children living with this same illness.
Lakeshore Foundation
(205) 313-7400; www.lakeshore.org; Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment.
Space Camp and Aviation Challenge
We offer a variety of programs for special needs student. We offer SPACE CAMP and AVIATION CHALLENGE programs specifically designed for special needs students, including camps for blind, and/or visually-impaired, deaf and/or hard-of-hearing, and a week at the end of summer designated for special needs youth. To learn more about the Special Needs Program, contact Space Camp Reservations at 1.800.63.SPACE (1-800-637-7223) or 256.721.7150.
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Special Needs Magazines/Publications ADDitude Magazine, 888-762-8475 Bi-monthly
lifestyle magazine for individuals with ADD/ADHD. 888-762-8475. www.additudemag.com.
Attention, Bi-monthly magazine with information and support for people affected by ADHD, 800-233-4050. www.chadd.org. Exceptional Parent Magazine, 1-877-372-7368 Monthly publication that provides information, support, ideas, encouragement and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them. Please visit us at www.exceptionalparent.com. Parenting Special Needs Magazine http://parentingspecialneeds.org/partners.
Disability-Specific Resources ADD/ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
Images courtesy of So Life Studios, 217 Fairhope Ave
(800) 939-1019; info@add.org; www.add.org Feingold Association of the United States 800-321-3287, 554 E. Main St., Ste. 301, Riverhead, NY. Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce low-additive dietary programs for children with learning/behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. www.feingold.org. Learning Disabilities Association of America 341-1515 Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development. www.ldaamerica.org. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D), 1-800-233-4050 Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. Please visit us at www.chadd.org.
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Autism Autism Society of America 1-800-328-8476 Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 310, Bethesda, MD. www.autism-society.org Autism Society of Alabama The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) responds daily to requests for information. 1-877-4AUTISM. Parent Support-ASA has support groups to address a variety of issues. Monthly meetings in a variety of settings throughout the state provide support and information, guest speakers, informative topics, and question and answer sessions. Lending Library- ASA has over 400 books and media on autism spectrum disorders that are available to our members. Items can be checked out through the office at 4217 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243. If you have books on autism that you are willing to donate or for info on our lending library, please call 1-877-4AUTISM. ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism. Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network Website offers videos, articles, forums, groups, chats, bulletin board, links and resources. Please visit www. alabamaautism.org Autism Speaks The nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To read more about Autism Speaks’ awareness, fundraising, science, and advocacy efforts, or to read about some of our other exciting initiatives, please visit www. autismspeaks.org Autism Alabama, An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education provides on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). www.alex.state.al.us/ autismAL Autism Society of America 1-800-328-8476 Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 310, Bethesda, MD. www.autism-society.org. Our Kids 877-533-7457, 3216 Silsby Rd. Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 Our Kids was founded as the result of the joy Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy experiences in working with Autistic children. Our Kids focuses 100% of their product line exclusively on supplements for Autistic children and designing innovative, high quality products. Please visit us at www.ourkidsasd.com. TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) 1-949-640-4401, TACA is a not-for-profit foundation of families helping families affected by autism. TACA Alabama Chapter meets in Birmingham/Huntsville/ Tuscaloosa area. TACA aims to speed up the cycle from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA holds monthly meetings throughout the United States that feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest news in the autism world. Members can check out books on Autism and DVDs/CDs. www.talkaboutcuringautism.org.
Cerebral Palsy
4 My Child 1-800-469-2445. Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life. Please visit us at http://www.cerebralpalsy.org. UCP of Mobile 3058 Dauphin Sq. Connector, Mobile, 251-479-4900, info@ucpmobile.org, http://www.ucpmobile.org e-mail: info@ucpmobile.org CdLS Foundation (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome) www.cdlsusa.org; 800-753-2357 The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS make informed decisions throughout their lives.
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mobile Chapter 205 Lambert Avenue, Suite B, Mobile, AL, 36604, T: (251) 436-0013 E: mobile@cff.org
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Society of Mobile County (DSSMC) As an organization, we strive to assist in meeting the needs for support to families of infants & small children with Down syndrome by providing educational materials and training, emotional support and networking opportunities. We have held special events that serve to both enhance and /or educate our community while serving our members & their families. In the past few years there have been three Buddy Walk events and Awareness Fairs and/or Spring Events. We have held back-to-school celebration events, in which members had opportunity to discuss concerns for the upcoming school year and the issues related to their particular school while allowing the children to get some exercise swimming, playing and building friendships with other Down syndrome children and their siblings. www. dssmc.org, 10 Westminster Way, Mobile, AL 36608-2821, Phone: 251-342-3122, info@dssmc.org F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome), local organization for families, friends and advocates who love an individual with Down Syndrome. Please visit us at http://www.downsyndromefriends.org/aboutus.html Mobile Area Down Syndrome Support Group 2371 Carrington Court, Mobile, 251-634-1351, LaLaPEDRN@aol.com. Website: www.dssmc.com Down Syndrome Parent Advocates (PADS) Parent Advocates Down Syndrome 205-988-0810 Promote awareness and acceptance, and advocacy for individuals. Offers education and support for individuals. www.downsyndromealabama.org
The Epilepsy Foundation Parents Websitewww.epilepsyfoundation.org/livingwithepilepsy/parentsandcaregivers/index.cfm/
Ala
Muscular Dystrophy
AL
Muscular Dystrophy Association Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program. 700 Century Park South #129, Birmingham, Alabama. 205-823-8191 www.mdausa.org.
Spina Bifida Gulf Coast Spina Bifida Group Working to raise awareness about spina bifida and to aid in the search for resources for recreation, funding and medical services in our area. Contact- Jenni Grimes Zimlich email - jgzimlich@gulftel.com, 251-604-7062. Find us on Facebook! Spina Bifida Spina Bifida Association of Alabama- Madison, Al. (256) 325-8600; www.sbaofal.org
Tourette Syndrome Tourette Syndrome Association Mid-South Regional Office-Auburn, AL .(334) 502-0055; http://tsa-usa.org/ TSANatlLocal/Chapters/Midsouth.htm
Dyslexia
Organizations for Parents
Read-Write
FighterMom™-A program for any mom who not
At Read-Write, we offer screening, consulting, and one-on-one therapy in Orton-Gillingham based programs to students and adults in Mobile, Alabama area. OrtonGillingham is the only procedure endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association to teach those with dyslexia to read, write, and spell. Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory, systematic approach to teaching the structure of language. It is characterized by being explicit, direct, cumulative, and intensive. Read-Write, 251-287-1822 5472 C Old Shell Road Mobile, Alabama 36608 Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Assoc. 2510 Monteview Drive, Huntsville, AL 35803. We are here to help improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation and services. For more information or to contact us please email info@idaalabama. org or visit www.idaalabama.org/contact.htm. International Dyslexia Association 800-222-3123 Offers information on products, an online store, conferences, support groups and more for children, teens, college students, parents and educators. www. interdys.org.
only cares for a child with a demanding disease or health condition, but who wants to get organized to defeat that condition by raising money, winning publicity, working with researchers, and making her case in Washington. www.fightermom.org
Family Voices of Alabama-Encourage families to develop individual partnerships with their children’s care providers, and to look for opportunities to impact systems change by working collaboratively with the many agencies in the state that care about services for children and youth with special needs. Susan Colburn (334) 293-7041; susan. colburn@rehab.alabama.gov; www.familyvoices.org Parent to Parent USA-Provide emotional and infor-
mational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained ‘Support Parent’. www. p2pusa.org
Parent Training and Information Center / Early Intervention Family Alliance
Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)- Wetumpka, AL. (866) 532-7660 www.alabamaparentcenter.com.
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Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama 334-277-9151 Non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. www. ldaal.org
Partners in Policymaking-Partners in Policymaking
of Alabama- Montgomery, AL. (800) 846-3735; http:// acdd.org
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Epilepsy
Alabama Resources
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Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama (251) 341-0170 Mission is to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families. Provide services and programs; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org http://www.epilepsyfoundationalabama.org
ADA Center, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation
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Epilepsy Foundation of South Alabama (251) 432-0970951 Government Street, Suite 201 Mobile, AL
Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 396-4797, 4122 Wall Street, Montgomery. www.namialabama.org
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Services, (334) 613-3471 (Montgomery office); (205) 2904540 (Birmingham office); (800) 205-9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information); www.rehab.state. al.us/ada DBTAC- Southeast ADA Center; 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA 30324; (800) 949-4232; www.sedbtac.org
Advertising: 251-304-1200
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Alabama’s Early Intervention System: Birth
through 2- Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Division of Early Intervention- Montgomery, Al (800) 543-3098; www.rehab.alabama.gov/ei
ALL KIDS, P.O. Box 303017, Montgomery, AL 361303017; 1-888-373-5437; www.adph.org/allkids/ Insurance
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center-
334-293-7500 (Montgomery office); (800) 205-9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information); www. rehab.state.al.us/ada . DBTAC - Southeast ADA Center; 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA 30324; (800) 949-4232; www.sedbtac.org
American Foundation for the Blind, 100 Peachtree Street, Suite 620, Atlanta, Ga. 1-404-2303, http://www. afb.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is committed to ensuring that all people with speech,
language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. http://www.asha.org/public/
Arc of MobileCounty - Advocates for those with intellectual developmental disabilities Please visit us at ww.thearcofalabama.com or www.mobilearc.org, 4797409, 2424 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617 Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind- www.AIDB.org
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind- Mobile , AL; (251) 432-7777; Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services-Montgomery, AL; (334) 281-8780
www.Care.com – Large internet search engine dedi-
cated to help families find special needs children caregivers like babysitters, nannies and after-school care, tutoring and more.
Career & Technical Education - Alabama State Department of Education- Montgomery, AL; (334) 242-9111; www.alsde.edu/
Children with Disabilities: Ages 3 through 5- Contact Special Education. Transition Services/ Special Education Services -Alabama State Department of Education- Montgomery, AL; (334) 242-8114 ; www.alsde.edu Client Assistance Program, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Montgomery 1-800-228-3231 Developmental Disabilities -Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, Al. (334) 242-3107 or (334) 242-3701; www.mh.alabama.gov/ Developmental Disabilities Council-Alabama
Council for Developmental Disabilities -Montgomery, AL .(800) 232-2158; http://acdd.org
Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, AL 36617, 471-1581, www. goodwill-easterseals.org Governor’s Office on Disabilities- Facilitate the
inclusion of Alabamians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, and leisure. www.good.state.al.us, Montgomery , AL (888) 879-3582
Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth- Of-
fice of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, AL. (334) 353-7110; www. mh.alabama.gov
Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 3-5, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, 334-242-8114 or 1-800-392-8020
Protection and Advocacy- Alabama Disabilities
Advocacy Program (ADAP)-The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. (800) 826-1675 ; www.adap.net
Respite Care- is temporary short-term relief for care-
givers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
those at risk of abuse and neglect. Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network-Anniston, AL; (256-237-3683) http://alabamarespite.org Birmingham, Al. (205)991-0927; 1-866-RESTALA ; alabamarespite@aol.com
Special Education Services-Alabama Department of Education- Montgomery, Al. (800) 392-8020; www.alsde.edu/
Special Format Library- Alabama Regional
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 6030 Monticello Drive , Montgomery, AL 36130-6000; (800) 392-5671; http://statelibrary.alabama.gov/
Special Health Care Needs, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service- Montgomery , AL; (800) 441-7607 ; www. rehab.alabama.gov/crs
Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama, 45
(256) 325-8885; Info@AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org
State Department of Education: Special Education, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, 334-242-8114 or 1-800-392-8020.
Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)-Montgomery, AL; (800) 782-7656 ; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities- Civitan International Research
Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL 35294-0021; (800) 822-2472; www.circ.uab.edu
Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services- Montgomery, Al. (334) 281-8780;
www.rehab.alabama.gov/vrs •
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
Craft ng & Cook ng with Kids
Dana Moonan is a former first grade teacher and current stay-at-home mom of three, Emily and Matthew, and Abby.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
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Aren’t They Grand? Celebrating Grandparents
Ideas with Flowers
The national flower for Grandparent’s Day is the forget-me-not. You can plant these flowers in a special pot or wrap up several packets of seeds along with gardening gloves to plant in the spring. You can purchase a clay pot at any hardware store and personalize in many ways. Let your child paint a picture of his choice on the pot. You can paint your child’s handprints or thumbprints on the pot and make them into flowers (add a stem and leaves). Or write a poem or Bible verse that wraps around the pot. When you have completed your pot, make sure that you use a finish spray (clear spray protectant) over top to seal your design. This will help protect it from water and the weather outside. Another great spin on the painted pot is a painted bird bath. You will need a large clay pot and its saucer. Place the pot upside down with the saucer on top and hot glue or super glue the saucer to the pot. And there you have a free standing bird bath. You can personalize in any way you would like. Spray painting will cover the whole pot and saucer most easily, but brush painting is not a bad idea either. You can paint the base one color and the top another. Use stencils to help draw pictures as well. Don’t forget to spray with a clear finish Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
to protect your design.
All About Grandma and Grandpa
Help your child to come up with a list of questions to ask Grandma and Grandpa. For example, “Where did you grow up?” “What was your favorite toy?” “What was your favorite food?” You can have your child write out the questions or type them on the computer and put in a binder or folder. Get together with your child’s grandparents and ask the questions, and then have your child answer the same questions and compare the answers. Or make the questions and answers into a book. You can make a title page, a table of contents, a picture of your grandparents drawn by your child, and a ‘then and now’ comparison sheet. You might call it, “The Story of My Grandparents,” and it will be a great keepsake for everyone.
Easy Gifts for Younger Children
An easy and cute idea for a grandparent gift is to make a fan. Take any color paper and fold accordion style back and forth until you have a paper fan. Make a card that says, “To Grandma! From your biggest FAN!” A bookmark is also an easy to make gift. You will need a piece of 8 ½ x 11 46
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by Dana Moonan
One special holiday right in the middle of September is Grandparent’s Day and is always the Sunday after Labor Day. This year it will fall on Sunday, September 9. This is a great chance to tell your grandmothers, grandfathers or special elderly people in your life how much they mean to you. Making something from the heart is always a special treat.
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cardstock in the color of your choice. Cut a strip about 2 inches wide down the length of the paper. Decorate with stickers, thumbprint art (you can make flowers or hearts using your thumbprint dipped in paint) or a small picture of your child. Then take to a copy shop and laminate for durability.
Dinner and Dessert
If you are lucky enough to live near your child’s grandparents, invite them over for a special meal. Make their favorite dinner, and for dessert make an old fashioned treat of apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Or set up a penny candy stand. Most stores sell candy in smaller pieces and bags. Display in small glass jars or bowls. Or visit The Cracker Barrel for a big selection of licorice, taffy, rock candy and other old fashioned treats. Let your child(ren) serve at the penny candy stand. If your grandparents live far away, send a sweet treats care package with a variety of different types of candy in a bowl. You can also encourage your children to make cards or bake cookies for a nearby retirement home. What better place to celebrate Grandparent’s Day than a home full of grandmas and grandpas. If you have a special grandpa or grandma who is deceased, plant a tree in their honor.
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Family Calendar Ongoing
2012 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama An annual traveling exhibition of art by students with visual and/or hearing impairments in Alabama public, private, home and residential schools. University of South Alabama, Library, First Floor Gallery. Through September 30. For more information contact 251-4607021 or visit www.southalabama.edu/librarygalleries. 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 2012, 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/memoryproject 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 info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum • Strange Matter Uncover the surprising science behind everyday stuff through September 3, 2012 on display in the Exploreum’s new 6,400 square foot special exhibition gallery! Don’t miss this interactive exhibit that uses science to explore the bizarre world of modern materials and provides a glimpse of where the future of materials research might take us. Zoom down to the micro level and find out why materials behave the way they do. Get hands-on and whack an atom, have fun with foam, make slime, try to smash glass with a bowling ball, and more! • Tornado Alley IMAX Film at Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, through September 9, 2012. An explosive new film narrated by Bill Paxton (Twister, Titanic), will bring nature’s most dramatic weather phenomena to the J.L. Bedsole IMAX at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in downtown Mobile. Through the power of IMAX, join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Science begins to reveal the unseen architecture of nature’s most elusive phenomenon, and viewers, for the first time in film history, are taken straight into the heart of an actual tornado. For showtimes and tickets, visit the link below or call (877) 625-4FUN. For more information, visit www.exploreum.com Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, (Government St.) Mon. - Fri., 9 - 5; Sat, 10 - 5; Sun, noon - 5. Adults (19 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www.handsonsal.org. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com.
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August/September2012
LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www. ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 342-2241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile Bay Bears Baseball Season runs through September 3. The BayBears were 2011 Southern League Champions and were also honored as Baseball America’s Minor League Team of the Year for 2011. For more information on the Mobile BayBears and ticket prices, please call 251.479.BEAR. For more information, visit www.mobilebaybears.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. Kids Cooking Experience - Preschool Cooking Class Mommy/Daddy and Me Class. Ages 3-5. This class incorporates recipes, age-appropriate culinary skills, basic nutrition, and literature. Will consist of age-appropriate themes such as: Shapes, Community Helpers, Numbers, Colors, etc. We will read a book and make a snack that goes along with the story. Classes are M-W-F 10 - 11:30 a.m. Call for reservations and pricing, (251) 378-8591. Located in Bayside Café, 5212-E Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, www.kidscookingexperience.com. Find us on Facebook. Kids Cooking Experience - After School Chef Ages 6-8 and Ages 9-12. This class offers a well-rounded approach to teaching children the skills necessary to develop their love of cooking. Classes are designed to allow creativity to mesh with culinary techniques for exciting results! Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 6 p.m. Call for reservations and pricing, (251) 378-8591. Located in Bayside Café, 5212-E Cottage Hill Road, Mobile. www. kidscookingexperience.com. Find us on Facebook. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month
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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. Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 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 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. 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
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Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323.
Thursday, August 23
American Cancer Society’s Vintage Affair and Late Night Party Vintage Affair from 6 – 9 p.m.: silent and live auction; live music by Roman Street, heavy hors d’oeuvres (Georgia Roussos Catering), wine; 9 p.m. midnight: after-party with live entertainment, food and drinks. Fort Whiting Auditorium (1620 S. Broad St.) Vintage Affair and Late Night Party: Through Aug. 1/$100; afterwards/ $125; Late Night Party only: $25; couple/ $40. For more information, please visit www. vintageaffairmobile.org. or contact: 251-344-9858.
Friday, August 24
Friday Night Movies on the Lawn Come to Cream and Sugar at 351-B George Street for Friday Night Movies on the lawn at 7 p.m. Espresso, ice cream & desserts until 9 p.m., outdoor seating available. This week’s movie is Field of Dreams.
Saturday, August 25
15th Annual Dauphin Street Beer Festival The Dauphin Street Beer Festival is back. For more information, please call 251-208-1558. Mobile Botanical Gardens Fall Vegetable Gardening Class Fall Vegetable Gardening from 9-11 a.m., will show you how to cultivate the fruits of the cool season – lettuces, kale, root vegetables – and when to plant. Advance registration is required for all programs. To register, call 251-342-0555 or email dcariglino@mbgardens.org. Fort Mims Commemoration Living History, Displays & Crafts of early 1800’s.Period Weapons and clothing, Covered wagons, Music. Tour of
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local historical and medicinal plants & trees. Burnt Corn Re-enactment at 11 a.m. Fort Mims Reenactment at 3 p.m. Sat./2 p.m. Sun. Old Time Church Service 10 a.m. Sunday. Food & drink available. Bring a chair. Fort Mims is located twelve miles north of Stockton on Hwy 59; then west on Co. Rd. 80, 3 miles; turn right at the state marker. For more information call the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce: 251-937-5665.
Sunday, August 26 Fort Mims Commemoration See August 25 for details.
Thursday, August 30
Bark in the Park Join Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) at the Bay Bears Game. Visit http://animalrescuemobile.org/ for more information. “Get Well” Health Check at ProHealth The health screenings include a full cholesterol profile, blood sugar, blood pressure, balance, body fat analysis, height, and weight and body mass index measurements. There is a $15 screening fee and results are mailed to the participant’s home address within a week. Appointments required and limited. For more information or to make an appointment, call the Infirmary’s marketing department at 4353500 or email infirmary.events@infirmaryhealth.org. ProHealth Fitness Center. 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, August 31
9 to 5 the Musical The 1980 movie became a 2009 Tony award winning musical and now it’s coming to Alabama. You’ll tap your toes to Dolly Parton’s tunes and laugh so hard you’ll cry when Doralee, Violet, Judy and Franklin Hart, Jr., hit the stage. August 31, Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15. For more information, please visit www.mobiletheatreguild.org. Friday Night Movies on the Lawn See August 24 for details. This week’s movie is Top Gun.
Saturday, September 1 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details.
Sunday, September 2
The Art of Fashion: A Prequel to Mobile Fashion Week A high fashion runway experience, featuring ballet dancers from the Melinda Leigh Performing Arts Center, VH1 Television Star and Singer/Songwriter K. Michelle, and designs by Sacred Heart Collections, Trendi Confessions, Zathan Marcs, and others. AMS Music Entertainment, JuJuBeez Models and Talent Agency, and ImageNation Academy. Benefits Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. 7 p.m. Centre for the Living Arts/ Space 301 (301 Conti St.). Contact: 251-463-3193 (Darnell Jones) for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Beat the summer heat and join us for a free family friendly film. This week we take an amazing journey with the Monarch Butterfly in The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies. 2-3 p.m. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www. Alabama5Rivers.com. 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details.
Monday, September 3
Mobile Fashion Week This event is a part of an even bigger development along our Gulf Coast, a movement of fashion forward thinking and creative outreach. Mobile Fashion Week, September 3-8, was born from the idea of “Fashion with a Cause”. The concept was simple, bring every
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factory of the Fashion Industry together to support a local charity; from models to designers, from makeup artist to hairstylist we bring them all together to support our charity “Camp Rap-A-Hope”.
Tuesday, September 4
5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and the 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story. Arts and crafts follow the reading. This week’s story is Monarch, Come Play with Me by Ba Rea. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com.
Wednesday, September 5
Mobile Fashion Week: Kick Off Night – White Party Mingling with editors of local publications, “Meet the Designer” forum, mini-fashion show, drinks and light food, cash bar. 7 - 9:30 p.m. Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.). Free, but attendees MUST wear all white. Donations welcome to support MFW & Camp Rap-A-Hope. www.mobfashionweek.com. Brown Bag in Bienville Fall is back and so is live Jazz. Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl of the oak trees in Bienville Square. Live Music provided by the City and Catt Sirten. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Football 101.3 for the Ladies USA Football Fieldhouse @ Campus of USA, 11:30 a.m. Lunch with Coaching Staff and lessons in Football as well as prep for Jaguar vs. Nicholls State game. Benefits the Jag-Gals Academic Services for all sports and student-athletes. Contact USA Athletic Development 251-461-1366. Tickets $15 advance/$20 at door, includes lunch. Football Fieldhouse on Campus of USA.
Thursday, September 6
14th Annual Chef Challenge Bay Area Food Bank is kicking off Hunger Action Month with its 14th Annual Chef Challenge – A Challenge to End Hunger. Thanks to Epicurean Sponsor, TRAX Tires, the annual event will feature cuisine from some of our area’s most celebrated chefs, live music from Roman Street and a vast silent auction. All proceeds from Chef Challenge will be used by the food bank to continue distributing food to those in need throughout the Central Gulf Coast. 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and cost is $50 per person. Please visit www.bayareafoodbank.org for more information.
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1776 Presented by Joe Jefferson Players It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence... if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince the members of the 2nd Continental Congress to vote for independence by signing the Declaration of Independence. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. 1776 is a funny,
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Family Calendar insightful and compelling drama. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. Friday Night Movies on the Lawn See August 24 for details. This week’s movie is Where the Red Fern Grows. 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details.
Saturday, September 8
Stars of the Joffrey Ballet! Mobile Symphony Scott Speck, conductor. The MSO Classics kick off an unforgettable combination of music and dance infused with power, movement and explosive chemistry. Six of the finest dancers from the Joffrey Ballet will join the musicians as they perform Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, as well as pieces by Goldenthal, Richard Rodgers and Arvo Part. 8 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: 251-4327080. 251-432-2010/ www.mobilesymphony.org. Hurricane Run 5K at Dauphin Island Certified 5K course on the eastern end of Dauphin Island. Course begins and end at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on Bienville Blvd. Fun Run is not certified and is approximately one half mile in length. Fun Run will begin and end at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. To register online, visit www.active.com. 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details. 1776 Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See Sept. 7 details.
Sunday, September 9
5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Beat the summer heat and join us for a free family friendly film. This week we investigate the fascinating world of hummingbirds in “Hooked on Hummingbirds” 2-3 p.m. at 5 Rivers in Spanish Fort. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com. Stars of the Joffrey Ballet! Mobile Symphony 2:30 p.m. See Sept. 8 for details. 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details. 1776 Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See Sept. 7 details.
Monday, September 10
Auditions at Playhouse In the Park The Conclusion of Edgar Allan Poe and Babes in Toyland auditions will be held at Playhouse from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, please call 251-6020630 or visit www.playhouseinthepark.org.
Tuesday, September 11
Centre for the Living Arts Pre-K Storytime & Craft Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 3 - 5 create beautiful art projects inspired by The Memory Project and themes associated with the exhibits.Today’s projects are “Coloring Jazz and Mosaic Maracas.” 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. Location: West Regional Branch at 10 a.m. Centre for the Living Arts Kids Studio Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6 - 13 create beautiful art projects inspired by The Memory Project and themes associated with the exhibits.Today’s projects are “Music Shakers and Mosaic Maracas.” 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. Location: West Regional Branch at 3:30 p.m.
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
August/September2012
Java Jive Volunteer Recruitment and new volunteer kickoff. 10:30 a.m. Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr.) Mon. Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 – 5 p.m. Adults $10; senior citizens & military $8; students $6. 251-208-5200. www. mobilemuseumofart.com. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. Hunter’s Education Course 6-9 p.m. (registration required, call 626-5474); Mobile Bay Audubon Society 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers. com. Flutist Andra Bohnet Faculty Recital, with Robert Holm, Laura Noah, Rebecca Mindock, J.C. Barker, Jodi Wood and Evelyn Watkins. Piazzola, Poulenc & Prokofiev. 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. 251-460-6136. www.southalabama.edu/music.
Wednesday, September 12 Presentation: Stereotypical Superheroes Learning Lunch. Bring lunch; complimentary beverages provided. Noon History Museum of Mobile (111 S. Royal St.) 251-208-7569. www.museumofmobile.com. Brown Bag in Bienville See Sept. 5 for details. Auditions at Playhouse In the Park See Sept.11 for details.
Thursday, September 13
Ronald McDonald House – Girls Just Want to Have Fun Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is an event for ladies 21 years of age or older to do a little for themselves and alot for Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are only $50 and includes delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, martinis, mini manicures, make-overs, chair massages, hair do’s shopping and an unforgettable evening of entertainment and pampering just for our guests. Location: Alabama Cruise Terminal. 6 - 10 p.m. Contact Adrienne Tate at 251-694-6873 or adrienne@ rmhcmobile.org. Just Us Girls Join us for a night out with our expert panel of Physicians discussing the latest health information for women. Q&A session includes everything you’ve ever wanted to know but were to shy to ask. Enjoy a Wine Tasting, Hors D’oeuvres and Silent Auction. 6 Joachim Street, Downtown Mobile (Next to Saenger Theatre). $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets, call 251-435-3500. Film: Deaf Jam at the Ben May Library Documentary by Judy Lieff. Aneta Brodski, a deaf teen living in New York City, discovers the power of American Sign Language poetry. As she prepares to be one of the first deaf poets to compete in a youth slam, her journey leads to an unexpected collaboration. The film is captioned, and ASL interpreters will be provided by AIDB. Presented in conjunction with Deaf Awareness Month by the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Mobile Arts Council and Mobile Public Library. 5 p.m. Light refreshments; 5:45 p.m. Opening remarks by Rick Hurst (a deaf retired paralegal, National Office of Chief Counsel, Washington, DC); 6 p.m. Film. Mobile Public Library, Ben May Main Library (701 Government St.). Free.
Friday, September 14
2012 Greater Mobile Arts Awards Presentation of annual awards recognizing six individuals and organizations for long-term contributions to the
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arts; followed by reception. 6:30 p.m. Cathedral Square (downtown, bounded by Dauphin, Jackson, Conti and Claiborne St.) and Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.). For further information about the awards and the nomination process: www.mobilearts.org/awards.php. LoDa Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. Second Friday, 6 - 9 p.m. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St.). Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. 251-2087443/ www.ncsmobile.org. Friday Night Movies on the Lawn See August 24 for details. This week’s movie is Holes. 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details. 1776 Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See Sept. 7 details.
Saturday, September 15
Longleaf Wildflowers Tour at Mobile Botanical Gardens Join us for a walk through the longleaf and experience the profusion of wildflowers uncovered through fire restoration. Afterward, bring a sack lunch for a longleaf picnic: Bill Finch will read from his upcoming book, Longleaf Far as the Eye Can See. Members FREE, nonmembers $5. 25th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup Help keep Alabama’s beautiful coastal areas clean during the 25th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup! 5 Rivers will again be a cleanup zone. To find out more about how you can help “get the trash out of the splash,” visit www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com. Go Run Certified 5K Course, 8 a.m. at USA Main Campus Moulton Tower, Mitchell Center Lawn, Mobile. 9 to 5 the Musical See August 31 for details. 1776 Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See Sept. 7 details.
Sunday, September 16
5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Beat the summer heat and join us for a free family friendly film. This week we learn how amazing crows really are in A Murder of Crows. 2 - 3 p.m. at 5 Rivers. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 1776 Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See Sept. 7 details.
Tuesday, September 18
Sesame Street Live Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together. Mobile Civic Center Theater, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. $15, $20, $25 (Gold Circle) & $45 (Sunny Seats). Tickets available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, by phone 800745-3000 or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Archduke Piano Trio: Music of Schubert and Debussy Archduke Piano Trio with violinist Enen Yu, Cellist Guo-Sheng Huang and pianist Robert Holm. 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. 251-4606136. www.southalabama.edu/music.
Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
Family Calendar 5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. In this week’s story we help find squirrel a place to sleep in The Very Best Bed by Rebekah Raye. 10-11 a.m. at Five Rivers. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com.
Wednesday, September 19 Brown Bag in Bienville See Sept. 5 for details.
Thursday, September 20 Pianist Daniel Driskell Piano Recital. 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. 251-460-6136. www.southalabama.edu/music.
Friday, September 21
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Film Centre for the Living Arts, Auditorium (301 Conti St.) Adults $5; members, children & seniors $3. 6 p.m. at the Saenger. For more information, visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com.
Saturday, September 22
Walk With Me Mobile Join one of the 60 Easter Seals Walk With Me events. You’ll spread hope and raise funds to help individuals and families living with disabilities. Walk With Me at the Hank will be held at Hank Aaron Stadium. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the
August/September2012
event will start at 9 a.m. Come and enjoy live music, refreshments, children’s activities and more. Our walk is a celebration of all the lives that are changed because of people like you investing in our mission. If you have questions please visit http://wwm. easterseals.com. Herb Day 2012 At Mobile Botanical Gardens Sponsored by MBG and the Gulf Coast Herb Society. Includes seminar, light lunch and door prizes. Hard to find herbs and gifts will be for sale. $25 per person, advanced registration required. www.gchs. org. Turtle Derby on the Delta Approximately one thousand rubber turtles will race to the finish line during the 5th annual Turtle Derby on the Delta. The event will be held at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Mobile Bay Causeway. This year, we are adding a 5K and 1 Mile Fun run to the event! The 5K will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the Fun Run will start immediately after the 5K finish. The Turtle Derby activities will start at 9:30 a.m. and the turtles will race at 11:30 a.m. The proceeds will benefit the uninsured patients and special programs of Covenant Hospice in Mobile and Washington County. For more details about the Turtle Derby, visit the event website at www.eventsatcovenant.org/ turtlederby. Menopause, The Musical This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for over 10 years! It’s a hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change! Mobile Civic Center Theater, at both 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets available at the Mobile Civic
Center Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Chaz Mena in Yo Solo, I Alone at the Saenger Yo Solo, I Alone is the theatrical re-enactment of the exploits of Spaniard Bernardo De Galvez, the famed explorer who colonized Pensacola, Florida as well as many of the contemporary cities currently lining the Gulf of Mexico. De Galvez is portrayed by New York-based actor Chaz Mena, who spent two years researching this historical figure. This event takes place at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or through the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 250 Conti Street, 251-2085600.
Sunday, September 23
5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Stop in and beat the summer heat with a free family friendly film. This week’s film is Raccoon Nation. 2 - 3 p.m. at 5 Rivers in Spanish Fort. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com. Menopause, The Musical 2 p.m. See September 22 for details.
Monday, September 24
Tenor Thomas Rowell Faculty Recital, with pianist Laura Moore. 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. 251-460-6136. www.southalabama.edu/music.
Wednesday, September 26 Brown Bag in Bienville See Sept. 5 for details.
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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
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Thursday, September 27
Art Works: Throwdown An evening of fun, food and drink, benefiting Mobile Arts Council’s programs and services; includes a silent art auction; entertainment - and a chance to watch visual artists competing in an hour-long throwdown. 6 - 8 p.m. Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.) $30. 251-432-9796. www.mobilearts. org.
Friday, September 28
Friday Night Movies on the Lawn See August 24 for details. This week’s movie is Forrest Gump.
Saturday, September 29
Ladies of Motown: Mobile Symphony with Radience Conductor: Scott Speck. Showcase of the greatest hits of The Supremes, Pointer Sisters, Donna Summer, and others. Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.) $15 - $55. 251-432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Butterflies of Alabama at Mobile Botanical Gardens Join Sarah Bright and Paulette Ogard for a peek into the everyday lives of Alabama’s butterflies. 9 - 11 a.m. Cost is $5 for members, $8 for non-members, and pre-registration is required. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Call MBG at 251-342-0555 to make your reservation!. For more information, visit www. mobilebotanicalgardens.org. Mobile County Walk Me Home Come join in for the 1st Annual Mobile County Walk for Foster Care. Money raised for this event will benefit foster children in Mobile County and a portion will also be used to support scholarships for Foster Children in Alabama. There are many ways you can help, corporate sponsorships $100 and up, register to walk $30 in pledges, register a team of at least 4 for $100, or make a donation of any amount. Foster children and all children under 5 are free. Every registered walker will be entitled to a Walk Me Home Tee shirt on the day of the walk. There will be booths for our supporters and sponsors. This event takes place at 9 a.m. at Medal of Honor Park. Taste of the Bayou Our seafood tasting event features more than 30 booths and succulent dishes prepared by local and professional chefs. We spotlight seafood caught and prepared by those who make a living from the area’s waters. Tickets are $20 and are available in advance from the Bayou Chamber of Commerce and member businesses. For more information, visit http://www.visitbayoulabatre.com/events.html. Bayfest 5K Run/Walk Benefiting BayFest Music Industry Education & Scholarship Programs. For more information, please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com. Jubilee Race For Life Certified 5K and 1mile fun run to provide wheelchairs and corrective surgeries to children in Ecuador. For more information, see www. jubileeraceforlife.org, or www.bayside. medicalmissions.org. To register online, go to www. active.com. The race begins at the corner of College and 6th in beautiful Daphne. Participants can enjoy spending the remainder of the day or the weekend enjoying the art and fun at the Jubilee Arts and Crafts Festival. 8 a.m. is the start time. 24th Annual Jubilee Festival The Jubilee Festival is an Eastern Shore tradition that offers fine art, crafts, great entertainment and great food in Olde Towne Daphne. Kids Art in the Park, is one of our favorites! It offers our children the opportunity to enjoy hands-on art projects and games. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Main Street (Scenic 98) Olde Towne Daphne, in front of City Hall and in
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
Centennial Park. Festival stage located in front City Hall. For information visit www.eschamber.com/ jubilee_gen_info.php.
Looking Ahead...
Sunday, September 30
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.
5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Beat the summer heat and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. This week we discover “The Loneliest Animals.” 2 - 3 p.m. at 5 Rivers in Spanish Fort. For more information please visit our facebook page or online at www.Alabama5Rivers. com. Ladies of Motown: Mobile Symphony 2:30 p.m. See Sept. 29 for details. 24th Annual Jubilee Festival See Sept. 29 for details.
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October 5-7. Bayfest.
Please send your calendar events to lynn @mobilebayparents.com by the 8th of the month. It’s FREE! Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
ParaNorman MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: B Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated ParaNorman PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language. “I see dead people” has been a popular theme in movies ever since Haley Joel Osment uttered the line in the 2000 (The Sixth Sense). Now Norman (voice of Kodi Smit-McPhee), a young boy living in the small New England town of Blithe Hollow, is also cursed/blessed with this metaphysical ability. Whether it’s his dead grandmother who chides him for watching zombie movies or the legion of ghostly people he meets on the way to school, it’s fair to say this boy with the sixth sense gets very little time alone. Even worse, Norman’s otherworldly conversations make him a prime target for bullying from his peers and ridicule from his frustrated father. Still this ghost whisperer has attracted one friend, an overweight and allergy prone boy named Neil (voice of Tucker Albrizzi), who is accepting of Norman’s unusual talent. Then there is Mr. Penderghast (voice of John Goodman), the typical spooky old guy who lives in the house on the hill and happens to be Norman’s uncle. Also rumored to be able to communicate with those who have passed on, he is desperate to teach the boy how to use his gift to thwart a centuries old curse on Blithe Hollow. Sadly the disheveled man dies before the information can be transferred. But fortunately he is still able to reach Norman, albeit in a most unusual way, with his face appearing in a school toilet. Now Norman and Neil, along with their respective older siblings Courtney (voice of Anna Kendrick) and Mitch (Casey Affleck), are left with the daunting task of saving the town from the curse. And the evil charm is about to intensify with the 300th anniversary of a witch trial that resulted in a young girl’s execution. Although the script features juvenile protagonists, this animation is very likely to frighten young children thanks to frequent jump scenes, gruesome images of corpses, insects bursting from teddy bears, and zombies with body parts that fall off. Obviously families who don’t appreciate occult themes will want to steer clear of this script that views witchcraft as a “special gift.” ParaNorman’s unique animation style and interesting musical score are worth noting. So are the occasional funny lines in the script and a message that uses the witchcraft plot to teach tolerance to modern day students. Yet it seems too scary for young kids, too immature for teens, and even less likely to interest adults.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Odd Life of Timothy Green PG for mild thematic elements and brief language. Devastated by the news that they will never be able to conceive a child, Jim and Cindy Green (Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Garner) mourn the doctor’s report by penciling a list of all the characteristics and qualities their unrealized child would have -- things like a sense of humor, a big heart, honesty and the ability to love and be loved. Then they place all those little slips of paper in a wooden box and bury it in their backyard outside the small town of Stanleyville where both are employed by the Stanleyville Pencil Company. Now I’ve grown a garden for 25 years and have yet to sprout a child, but quick as Jack’s magic beans grew into a gigantic beanstalk, a boy germinates in the soft soil of the Green’s plot. Still muddy from his incubation among the vegetables, Timothy looks like any other 10-year-old except for the leaves growing on his legs. His sudden arrival requires an explanation to family and friends (though the fact about the garden is conveniently avoided). However that seems like a small sacrifice for Jim and Cindy who are thrilled with their new role as parents. Timothy, a gentle, serious soul, quickly becomes an easy target for school bullies and an unlikely competitor on the soccer field. Yet, he also possesses the ability to relate to the elderly (M. Emmet Walsh), the unlikable (Dianne West), the aloof (David Morse) and the outcast (Odeya Rush). But his compassion comes at a cost. In reality, the story is less about Timothy than it is about the hopes and expectations of his parents. While trying to create a perfect boyhood for their new son, Cindy and Jim find themselves drawn into the competitive venture of childrearing, where bragging rights are paramount. They are also forced to face the disappointments they experienced in their own childhoods. During all of the Green’s frenzied attempts to be the flawless parents, Timothy remains a quiet, calming presence in the home. Timothy gives this inexperienced couple a chance to learn what things are really important as a parent. Kids in the audience likely won’t appreciate the lesson. But maybe the adults sitting beside them will leave the theater less worried about what their neighbors’ (or sibling’s) kids are doing and more interested in helping their own children blossom.
What Parents Need To Know About ParaNorman...
Violence: Frequent scenes of gruesome images include corpses and zombies with dismembered body parts. Zombies are hit by cars and subjected to other violence. Townspeople threaten to burn a building with children inside. A horror movie within this film depicts a zombie eating brains. A teacher calls her students “useless.” A witch attacks a young boy. Sexual Content: A girl fawns over a shirtless boy. A boy is caught freezeframing an aerobics video -- we see a woman clothed in exercise wear. A boy reveals his sexual orientation when he mentions he has a boyfriend. Language: A mild rude term for female breasts, a mild profanity and a term of Christian deity are heard. Drugs/Alcohol: None noted. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2012
What Parents need to know about The Odd Life of Timothy Green...
Violence: A man forcefully throws a ball at child during a game of dodgeball. One child is hit in the head and knocked to the ground. A girl gets a bloody nose after being kicked in the face. Adults are oblivious to a child on the bottom of a swimming pool. A child is injured during a soccer game. A corpse is seen in a casket. Some brief moments of peril are shown. Sexual Content: A married couple kisses. Girls wear swimsuits. Language: The script contains brief, mild profanities and terms of Deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: A couple drinks wine at home with some seeming affect on their sobriety. 52
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1. Make a plan and take action 2. Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily
3. Eat more fruit, veggies, and whole grains. 4. Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly
5. Choose wisely: Be tobacco, alcohol, and drug free. 6. See your doctor for checkups and yearly screenings.
7. Reach and maintain a healthy weight. 8. Control medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, etc.
9. Learn your family health history 10. Get mentally healthy
www.adph.org/gal
a healthy