Mobile Bay Parents "Fall Festival Issue" (October 2023)

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1 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine Departments Columns 6 Bits and Pieces 12 School Bits 42 Family Calendar 47 Dave Says 2 Publisher’s Note 4 Meeting Kids Where They Are Works of Wonder Therapy 10 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group 48 Tweens, Teens and Screens Kristi Bush, LSW On The Cover Volume 13 Number 7 June (6) and Bailey (3), daughters of Emily M. Reeves and Stephen Reeves. Granddaughters to Tonya Murph, Sheila and Arlen Murph, and Laurie and David Reeves. June enjoys ballet and art class. Bailey enjoys playing with her
dolls and art like her big sister.
girls also love spending time at
beach or
outdoor activity...
when it includes their family,
and friends! October2023 FaBOOlous Fun Ideas for Halloween gatherings that really impress! 34
baby
The
the
any
especially
cousins,
Advice for raising healthy, confident kids.
Cultivating a Positive Body Image
Parent beyond focusing on behavior.
Meeting Kids Where They Are
AND 36 30 4
Our guide shares what’s going on around town and nearby. Make plans to enjoy these events!

Mobile

Bay’s

After the absolute scorcher of a summer we had, I cannot wait for fall weather. I know I am not alone in this either. Just this morning I walked outside and there was a tiny hint of possible coolness. I was absolutely giddy! Even my dogs seemed to have a little extra pep in their step. There is so much I love about this season, like the milder weather, long sleeved t-shirts, boots, buying pumpkins in all different shapes, colors and sizes and how the sun starts to cast a more golden hue in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Autumn also brings with it a lot of activity. On top of the already exciting fall sports we have fall festivals, fairs, pumpkin patches, trunk-or-treats and so many other events for families to enjoy together. So much so that we have dedicated an entire section of this month’s issue to sharing these events with you! The Fall Festival Guide is a perfect place to start planning your family outings. Don’t stop there though. Make sure you also flip over to the Family Calendar for even more local events.

Maybe you are like me and love to host events. If throwing an awesome Halloween party is on your docket then you will definitely want to check out Cherie Gough’s feature in this issue, FaBOOlous Fun for Everyone: Halloween Gatherings that Impress. The great news about her ideas is not only will they work for small or large gatherings, but for most ages too! If your group loves to dress up in costumes, even better!

One of the tough parts of Halloween is what to do with all those treats! It is certainly reasonable (and probably smart) to set a limit on the allowed candy consumption. Make sure to express it as a “health” issue, not a “weight” issue. Kids are smart and very intuitive so if you are making it a weight conversation, they will pick up on it. However, having a healthy diet is more than appearance. It is about the way you feel, perform in school, etc. As Lita Chatham discusses in her feature Cultivating a Positive Body Image for Healthy, Confident Kids, we need to refocus the conversation that media is having with our kids when it comes to body image.

Once you decide an appropriate amount of candy (including the amount us parents sneak out after they go to sleep) you will probably still have candy left over. Did you know there are places you can donate your unwrapped candy? A quick Google search will lead you in the right direction. Some Ronald McDonald houses will accept donations, there is a Halloween Candy Buy Back program some dentists participate in, also a program called Treats for Troops, and you can check with local food pantries and retirement/nursing homes. This makes trick-or-treating even more special when you can do something fun with the goodies after!

I hope you find fun and exciting things in this month’s issue to get you all pumpkinspiced up and ready for a Happy Fall Y’all!

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com

Research Editor Lucy Green

Contributing Writers Savannah Browning, MD Kristi Bush, LSW Lita Chatham

Cherie Gough

Dave Ramsey Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson Photography www.HannahStinsonPhotography.com

President Jason Watson

Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200

Ad Design Tim Welch

Web Content Manager Scott Davis 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 2023 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect he view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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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. us at www.mobilebayparents.com
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How to Parent Beyond Focusing on Behaviors

An excellent tool to help parents with “overly emotional” children is the book, Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke, PhD. This article summarizes some of her main points and will hopefully help parents respond to children’s “bad behavior” in a more emotionally healthy manner.

The first thing parents must understand is that behaviors can be divided into two main categories: Top-Down and BottomUp Behaviors. Top-Down Behaviors require intentionality, thinking, and continuous effort. Bottom-Up Behaviors are reflexive, selfprotective, automatic responses that do not involve conscious thought. Bottom-Up behaviors occur when a child does not feel safe.

One of the worst mistakes a parent can make is to assume that a Bottom-Up Behavior

(response to feeling unsafe) is a Top-Down Behavior (intentional “bad” behavior). Delahooke uses three colors to help parents understand if a behavior is Bottom-Up or Top-Down: Green, Red, and Blue. Parents can learn to use body language to assess the pathway the child was in when the behavior occurred.

In the green (ventral vagal) pathway, we can successfully communicate, play, and learn. In the green pathway people feel safe, connected, calm, and social. People in the green pathway display a relaxed but interested body posture, look directly at people, smile frequently, and respond appropriately to changes in the environment.

In the red (sympathetic) pathway of the automatic nervous system (fight or flight), an individual feels threatened. People in the red pathway typically display a loud tone of voice, eyes that quickly look around the room, tense muscles, aggression, and clenched teeth. They are often attempting to take over a physical space by moving objects and people.

In the blue (dorsal vagal) pathway, the person feels extreme danger. People in the blue pathway display deceleration of heart and breathing rate, slow movements, eyes that look at things more than people, little curiosity, and a decrease in expressive language. In this pathway, people are attempting to conserve energy to survive.

The most important thing to learn and remember from this article is that all people, especially children, are logical, intentional, and teachable ONLY in the Green Pathway. Parents, please do not attempt to teach your child something when YOU or YOUR CHILD are not in the green pathway. When we are not in the green pathway, our likelihood of a successful and productive parenting interaction diminishes drastically.

When we see our children behave in a manner that we dislike, we must become curious instead of judgmental. Start by asking:

1. What body language is the child displaying?

2. Is this a Top-Down or Bottom-Up Behavior?

3. If this is a Bottom-Up Behavior, how can I help my child feel safe? What can I do to help them feel safe in this situation in the future? What can I do to prevent this response in the future?

4. If this is a Top-Down Behavior, how can I help my child practice a more appropriate response? How can I help my child learn from this experience?

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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“When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” Dan Heijer
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2nd Annual Mobtown Mac Down

Join us on October 28, 2023 for the 2nd Annual Mobtown Mac Down at the Brookley Aeroplex from 11am4pm. Mobtown Mac Down is a family friendly event with music, food vendors, games for the young and the young at heart, and LOADS of mac and cheese. Presented by Spire Energy, the event celebrates the roaring Mobile food scene and timeless tradition of this beloved staple. The proceeds of Mac Down benefit The Cookery Project, a local 501c3 nonprofit. Please visit https://www.mobtownmacdown.com/ for more information.

The Greater Gulf State Fair

The Greater Gulf State Fair returns to The Grounds October 27 - November 5th. The Fair will once again feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, a must-see entertainment lineup, along with the ultimate experience in entertainment, food and attractions. Please visit https://www.greatergulfstatefair. com/ for more information.

Blackbird Expo Coming to USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park will be hosting a Blackbird Expo October 13-15 in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion. This rare event will include some of the last former pilots and mechanics of these spy planes. They will hold discussion panels and break-out sessions discussing A-12 and SR-71 Blackbirds. These veterans will tell stories, hold demonstrations, give 360° tours of the cockpit (open for this event only) and more. The event is included with general admission. All proceeds will go toward the restoration of the park’s A-12.

The Blackbird team is a group who flew, worked on and built lackbirds. These experts are former aviators, maintainers, designers and engineers from Lockheed, Pratt & Whitney and other suppliers. Some will be traveling across the country to attend this special event where they will educate the public more on these spy planes. For information, visit our website at www.ussalabama.com/events.

Joe Bullard Wine on the River Mobile

Join us for Mobile’s 6th Annual wine tasting event on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 5PM-8PM at Battleship Memorial Park. Sample wine from national and international vineyards. With an “Around the World” theme focusing on cultural regions. Ticket price includes admission into the event, a souvenir tasting cup, all beverage samples, food samples, and a portion benefits Aubreigh’s Army Foundation 328. Live music entertainment will be going throughout the evening to keep the fun going. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joe-bullard-wineon-the-river-mobile-2023-tickets-690319844237 to purchase tickets.

Night of the Museum

When the clock strikes 5, history comes to life! Join us on October 21 from 5 - 8 p.m at the History Museum of Mobile. Admission is $5 per person. (Children 3 and under are free). Tickets may be purchased online in advance at historymuseumofmobile. com or at the door. Activities include a historical scavenger hunt, storytelling, Halloween crafts & and games, live music, and costume contests for all ages. Come dressed as your favorite person throughout history or in your Halloween costume.

Tales and Trails in the Gardens

A Literacy program of reading books and sharing activities. Designed for preschoolers and homeschoolers. Every Thursday morning at 10:30am the group will read a book at various locations in Mobile Botanical Gardens. On rainy days the group will meet in the Larkins Classroom.

FREE to MBG members, cost of admission for nonmembers, and registration is required.

All children must be accompanied by parent or assigned adult guardian. Registration online at https://mobilebotanicalgardens. org/ or call the office at (251) 342-0555. For more information visit www.mobileballet.org today.

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Mobile Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Join us on Sunday, November 12 at 3:00pm for the Mobile Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. Please visit https:// act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23932&type=fr_ informational&pg=informational& fr_id=16366 for more information.

Spooktacular Fun at Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is thrilled to announce a spooktacular lineup of fall events, offering an unforgettable experience for families and visitors of all ages. From Trick-or-treating to Scarecrows in the Gardens, and the 60th Annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums display, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Scarecrows in the Gardens: Witness the creative Scarecrows in the Gardens exhibition running from October 5 to October 31. We invite families, businesses, schools, local artists, individuals, and service/civic organizations to participate. Each registration includes 2 Daytime Gardens admissions during the exhibition. Please note that tickets cannot be redeemed for Boo at Bellingrath (October 28, 2023). Our esteemed panel of judges will determine winners across three categories, with announcements taking place during the Boo at Bellingrath event. The “People’s Choice” winner will be decided by votes received at our voting station in the Gift Shop/Cafe building and through social media.

Boo at Bellingrath – Trick-or-Treating Extravaganza: Get ready to dress up your little ghosts and goblins for an evening of Halloween fun at Bellingrath Gardens & Home on Saturday, Oct. 28. The Gardens will be transformed into a spooky wonderland, filled with thrilling inflatables. Local businesses and organizations will set up numerous treat stations, ensuring a delightful time for all guests. Join us anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for this fantastic event. Highlights of Boo at Bellingrath include:

● Balloon artists showcasing their creativity and crafting trick-or-treaters’ favorite animals and shapes from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

● Spooky Storytime with the Mobile Public Library at regular intervals, 3 pm-5:30 pm

● Live Music to keep the festive spirit alive from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

● Disney Channel Original Movie “Halloweentown” at 6:30 p.m.

● Relish the flavors of local cuisine from various food trucks stationed on-site. Coming in November, the Gardens at Bellingrath will come alive with the 60th annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums display – the largest outdoor cascade chrysanthemums show in the nation!

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APPETIZERS $6 CAJUN POPCORN SHRIMP GET PICKLED FRIED PICKLES FRIED GREEN TOMATOES FRIED MOZZARELLA CHEESE WELL DRINKS DRAFT BEERS SPECIAL DRINKS WINES $4 $3 White Zinfadel Merlot & Chardonnay Bloody Marys | Margaritas Food & Drink Specials originaloysterhouse.com/happyhour Mobile Causeway Only* * $4 $4 Local Microbrews Mon. thru Fri. 3 pm to 6 pm

Family Advisory Council at Children’s & Women’s Hospital Seeks New Members

With a goal of creating better patient and family experiences, USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital is seeking new members to expand its Family Advisory Council.

The group, which meets monthly, was established in recent years to more fully understand the needs of patients, families and caregivers who spend time at the region’s only hospital for children and women, as well as to streamline communication between parents and hospital leadership, among other goals.

Rachel Stanley, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit and the parent of a child with long-term healthcare needs, serves on the council and says, “We are looking for families who have children or a child with complex health issues who either frequently visit our hospital or see multiple disciplines within the health system.” Advisory councils such as the one at Children’s & Women’s Hospital promote effective and respectful partnerships among patients, families, and clinical staff members, while increasing understanding and cooperation among those groups. Those interested in joining the council can contact Kim Wagner, who coordinates the Mapp Child & Family Life Program at the hospital, by emailing kwagner@health. southalabama.edu. The application process includes an interview and background check, Wagner said. Family members are asked why they want to be part of the team and how they can contribute.

Mobile Ballet Presents ECLECTIC

Mobile Ballet’s 20232024 Season opens on October 7th with ECLECTIC, an all-new production by Artistic Director Katia Garza. In this mixed-repertoire performance with pieces from classical to contemporary, Mobile Ballet Company dancers and guest artists will perform alongside singers from Mobile Opera, Mobile singer-songwriter Symone French, and local musicians led by conductor David Ott. Guest artists include principal dancers from Cincinnati Ballet and more. This unique one-time-only performance is not to be missed! Saturday, October 7, 7:30 pm at Mobile Civic Center Theater. To purchase tickets visit www.MobileBallet.org

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Grilled Cheese Meltdown

Join us for the Grilled Cheese Meltdown, Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in Cathedral Square. This friendly competition will see who can make the most delicious grilled cheese yet! This annual event is a fundraiser for the Urban Emporium, Mobile’s retail incubator. Enjoy cheesy deliciousness from Mobile’s restaurant and business community, then vote for your favorite. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets.

Mobile Heart Walk

The Mobile Heart Walk is back, and you won’t want to miss it. We are bringing you a oneof-a-kind experience to join together with friends, family and colleagues to get moving and focusing on improved health, all while helping to defeat heart disease and stroke. On November 4th, festivities begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Mitchell Center Bell Tower on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile. The walk begins at 9 a.m. While you are pounding the pavement and strengthening your heart, you will have the opportunity to save lives by raising funds for innovative research that leads to new treatments and cures. This is the kind of science that saves the lives of millions of moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, babies, the people we love. Remember to post your pics and videos on this page using the hashtag #mobileheartwalk and help us celebrate health. Don’t wait! Get registered today and let’s take our next steps together to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Register now: www. MobileHeartWalk.org

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Preparing for Cold Season

That time of year is upon us: the dreaded common cold season has begun! Let’s dig a bit deeper into this type of illness.

Colds are almost always caused by viruses. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics, which only treat infections, so antibiotics will not help your child’s symptoms. Typically, the story of a cold is that symptoms start and get worse over 3-5 days and then should start improving. If symptoms start to get worse again after days 7-10, then that’s typically when an infection settles in that requires antibiotics – and you’ll want to take your child to the pediatrician for evaluation.

Now for some guidance on how to manage the cold symptoms at home. The options for littles under six months of age are relatively limited due to your child’s

young age, but there are some choices. Common treatments include: Tylenol for fever or fussiness; nasal suctioning with normal saline (you might want to limit this remedy to only when they refuse to eat or sleep due to congestion, as irritation can make them fussier); vapor rub (place it on their feet with footie pajamas to decrease the risk of ingestion); and a humidifier (cold or warm). You can try all the options above for children over six months of age, plus Ibuprofen for pain or fever. Of note, there are several options for herbal remedies offered for cold relief in children less than one year of age. However, please be aware that some contain honey, an excellent choice for cough relief after age one, but should not be consumed by children under one-year-old.

For over two years of age, you can do all of the above, plus an antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin and then a decongestant like Mucinex. Cough medicine can be added for children older than 4, especially if that cough is disrupting sleep.

A combination of Tylenol or Motrin for pain, Claritin or Zyrtec to help dry up the nose, and Mucinex is the favorite combination at our house.

As always, consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or are concerned that the cold has developed secondary complications. We’re always happy to take a look!

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Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.

Autauga County Schools

St. Paul’s Episcopal Students Partner with Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind

The Service Leadership class at St. Paul’s Episcopal School has joined forces with Amy Hess and Heidi Elliot from the Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind to receive specialized training for tutoring. This initiative not only aims to enhance students’ tutoring skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Under the expert guidance of Amy Hess and Heidi Elliot, students learned crucial skills such as how to effectively use the long cane for navigation and how to provide guidance and assistance to those with visual impairments. The partnership between St. Paul’s Episcopal School and the Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind exemplifies the school’s commitment to service, inclusion, and community engagement. The Service Leadership Class is eager to put their newfound skills and understanding into practice as they work alongside their tutoring buddies at Callahan School!

Corpus Christi Catholic Leadership Council

Acton Academy Mobile Gets New Studio

Acton Academy Mobile kicks off their second year with a brand new Studio for their Discovery learners! They spent the first day getting to know their new class family.

The Corpus Christi Student Leadership Council for the 2023-2024 School Year. Left to right - Top row - Edward Smith, Daniel Grantham, Cole Potteiger and Jake Potteiger. Bottom row - Harper Davis, Ansley Wellington, Emma Burkett and Ellen Wentworth

UMS-Wright Cum Laude Society Inducts New Members

Students who fall into the top 10% of the senior class are placed on a blind ballot to determine who will be inducted into the Cum Laude Society during the fall semester. The ballot includes information about each student’s performance on standardized test scores and their current course enrollments.

UMS-Wright is the only school in Mobile with a Cum Laude Society and one of only three in the state of Alabama (382 total chapters in 7 countries).

In addition to the 8 students, Mr. Pete Wilson was inducted as a faculty member. Mr. Wilson teaches AP Government and Honors Economics along with AP Euro and Honors World History I. He serves as the History department chair and Youth Judicial sponsor. Congratulations to the 2023 Cum Laude inductees!

L to R: Saylor Parker, Ish Chakroborty, Nathan Martin, Charles Saucier, Mr. Pete Wilson, Alex Sherman, Julia Russell, Jerrick Phan, and Emily Grace Wolf.

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Lighthouse Baptist Academy Sets School Year Theme

Lighthouse Baptist Academy is off to a great start! Students and staff have begun the school year with excitement and determination. This school year, our theme is “Commissioned: Called to Go and Change the World.” Our mission is to provide an environment that instills strong values, moral principles, and a deep-rooted faith in our students.

MCPSS ESL Teacher is Teachers of the Year Finalist

Ashley Self, who teaches English as a Second Language at Phillips Preparatory, Grand Bay and Semmes middle schools, is one of nine finalists for Teachers of Tomorrow’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Award.

All finalists will receive $500 and a six-month professional development membership to SimpleK12. The winner will receive a $5,000 prize and a 12-month PD membership. Self says she hopes to use the prize money to create a vegetable garden at each of her three schools “so that students can monitor, track, and report in English about what they observe.

Davidson High Receives #1 Ranking from U.S News & World Report

Davidson High School was ranked #1 in Mobile Public High Schools and #1 in Mobile, AL Metro Area High Schools! According to the same report from the 2023 U.S. News & World Report, the Warriors are also ranked #15 for all public high schools in the state! Schools are ranked using the following criteria:

College Readiness

State Assessment Proficiency

State Assessment Performance

Underserved Student Performance

College Curriculum Breadth Graduation Rate

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Autauga County Schools

Cottage Hill Christian Students in the Youth Leadership Mobile

Three Cottage Hill students were introduced in the Youth Leadership Mobile Class of 2024. Youth Leadership Mobile is a program that identifies and empowers rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds and schools in Mobile County and who have the potential and interest in becoming trustees of their community. During the nine-month program the participants will expand their leadership skills, will be introduced to issues and opportunities in the community and will learn how their leadership abilities can best fit those needs through the lens of servant leadership. We are proud of Ann Dinkel, Katie Shanks, and Jordis Roberts

Kona Ice at St. Dominic Catholic

St. Dominic Catholic School students love when Kona Ice visits campus. Thank you to our PTO for this special treat.

Scarborough Student Attends Young Leaders Conference

Carson Palmer of Scarborough Model Middle School attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., over the summer.

Carson was nominated by math teacher Michael Slezak for being “a student who achieves excellence and possesses strong leadership potential.”

Congratulations, Carson!

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

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happens Amazing ChildrensAL org 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 205-638-9100 Brand_AMAZING_Montgomery-Parent_7.5x4.8-PROD.indd 1 11/28/22 2:34 PM

Phillips Preparatory School Student Council Officers

Phillips Preparatory School is pleased to introduce the 20232024 Student Council Officers, Treasurer-Hayes Miller, President-Diego Palmerin Nava Vice President-Rileigh Bonham and Secretary-Kennedy Cotton We’re eagerly anticipating the remarkable achievements this exceptional group of young leaders will accomplish in the upcoming year.

Back to School at Council Traditional School

We are excited for a great year of globally inspired learning here at Council Traditional. We want to welcome back all our Council Comets, teachers and staff.

Crazy Hair Day at Corpus Christi Catholic

We are always crazy about “Crazy Hair” day at Corpus Christi!!! Since 2014, our crazy hair day has been a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Andre Colletti, a former CCS student who was treated at St. Jude during his battle with Leukemia. Thanks to the generosity of our scholl family we raised $2479.00!!!

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Cypress Grove Enrichment Lessons

Cypress Grove Academy first grade students learned about the origin of dyes in their afternoon enrichment class.

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius Middle Students’ Leadership Pledge

St. Ignatius Middle School- forming leaders in mind, body and spirit. Recently, St. Ignatius middle school students received blessed pins symbolizing their role as campus leaders. After they stood before the congregation and stated our school leadership pledge. K-8 school campuses are unique in that students become leaders at 11-14 years old. We are proud of our students accepting their role as leaders!

“Go forth and set the world on fire” -St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius Middle School Leadership Pledge

As a campus leader I pledge to uphold the mission and vision of St. Ignatius School.

I will honor God, my teachers, my peers, my family and myself. I will treat others and myself with respect.

I will help create a team spirit within our school. I will take responsibility for my words and my actions.

I pledge to serve our school with pride and loyalty.

I pledge to do what is right even when no one is watching.

I will lead with integrity. I acknowledge that leadership is not a path to privilege, it is a responsibility.

I stand before my peers and vow to do my best to be an exemplary campus leader in mind, body and spirit.

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Alma Bryant High Grads Complete FlightPath9

Two recent Alma Bryant High School graduates, Kurt Carden and Kyle Mao, successfully completed the rigorous 10-month FlightPath9 program and have moved into apprenticeships at Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility at the Mobile Aeroplex

Developed by Flight Works

Alabama, Airbus and Bishop State Community College, the FlightPath9 program is designed to equip high school seniors with the skills and certifications they need to launch careers in aviation.

Acton Academy Mobile Team Hosts Back to School Bash

The new team at Acton Academy Mobile

Heartwood Christian Academy Teacher Publishes Book

Congratulations to Thia Scott on her 1st published book titled “Something.” Currently, Thia teaches ukelele and drama at Heartwood Christian Academy, as well as working at HOW Dance, Music, Drama, & Film. Ms. Scott is a 2023 graduate who always had an affinity for writing. Ms. Scott writes her novels using the pen name of T.G. Scott. Thia’s blockbuster book “Something” is 1st in a dystopian series. As with many of us, Thia’s eyes were opened in 2020 to a world of injustice, which served as a major inspiration for this intriguing book. As a young adult, she realized the truth that the world is brutal and corrupt, and most importantly the power to fight for change resides in each of us. Thia’s book is captivating and inspiring.

First Week of School

Council Comets are off to a great start in the new school year. We had a successful first week of team building and communication challenges in the STEM Lab!

Representatives!

Congratulations to our SGA homeroom representatives for the 23-24 schoolyear. These students practiced their leadership skills by campaigning for themselves in front of their peers. We are proud of their accomplishment!

5th-Grady Stallings & Sam Zoghby

6th- Crosby Hayes & Katie Rae Gillman

7th- James Willis & Matt Wilber

8th- Anya Hilpert & Lee Walsh

St. Ignatius Catholic- forming leaders in mind, body & spirit.

New Lockers at Mobile Christian

Mobile Christian’s PTFA purchased brand new lockers for the 5th grade students!

Thank you PTFA!

Back to School at Cypress Grove

Cypress Grove Academy welcomed students back for their 4th year as a classical Christian collaborative school in Mobile!

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Autauga County Schools

Homeschoolers Visit Pascagoula River Audubon Center

The students from Field Trip Line-up and More went on a field trip to Pascagoula River Audubon Center. These homeschoolers had a blast learning about “Animals Needs and Structures.” They had an inside lesson, several outside lessons, hands on activities, and even a game! We plan to go back when it cools off just to explore this place!

Happy First Day from St. Mary

St. Mary Catholic School began their first day of school along with all students of the Archdiocese of Mobile on Wednesday, August 16. Plenty of smiles were to be had as students were reunited with old and new friends and teachers! Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Morning Chess for Middle Schoolers at St. Dominic

At St. Dominic Catholic School, morning chess with Mr. Womack is something our Middle School students look forward to each day.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 THROUGH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 SUNDAY - SATURDAY | 9:00 A.M. - DUSK 6101 Grelot Road | Mobile, AL 36609 | christunited.com OPENING DAY/FOOD TRUCK CELEBRATION
10:30 a.m.
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1:00 p.m. FAMILY FUN AT THE PATCH
October 21 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. WORSHIP WITH US! 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Traditional Sanctuary & Modern NewSong Services christunited.com/live
Sunday, October 8
p.m. PETS
Saturday, October 14
Saturday,

Davidson High Football Team Breaks Record

Davidson High School’s football team broke records and started new traditions

September 1. Mr. Lewis Copeland, who served as Davidson’s principal for 36 years, was the team’s honorary captain. He was joined by former DHS players from the undefeated 2005 season who were also recognized before the game. Senior DJ Butler, who is committed to Coastal Carolina, scored five touchdowns. The Warriors defeated Hillcrest-Evergreen with a final score of 59 - 46, setting a new school record for most points scored in a game. Davidson looks forward to hosting more home games this season and making new memories in Warrior Stadium!

St. Luke’s Booster Club Has THAT Spirit

St. Luke’s Booster Club invited the whole school to a Pep Rally to kick off the school year and fall sports! It was a great night celebrating the Wildcats!

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Sunday, November 5th - 1:30-3:30 pm 5900 Cottage Hill Road • Mobile, AL 36609 251-661-1613 • www.mobilechristian.org

Autauga County Schools

Little Flower Catholic School Pairs Up Bigs and Littles

Kindergarten students and eighth grade students at Little Flower Catholic School team up for fun and exchange all year long. Sitting together at Mass, the Bigs help the Littles with finding the right page in the book and knowing when to sit and when to stand. Recess is more fun because the eighth graders push the swings and play catch with the kindergarteners. As these friendships grow throughout the year, the students exchange

Mobile Christian Varsity

Volleyball Wins Varsity Gold

St. Dominic Catholic School Artists Work with Clay

At St. Dominic Catholic School our young artists sure like working with clay!

Under the guidance of Mrs. Castelin, Art Teacher, students learn many different styles and techniques.

9th Grade Traditions at Barton Academy

Most 9th grade students are the youngest students in their high school, but at Barton Academy, the 9th graders are the older ones, the more mature ones, the leaders on campus. One unique privilege that comes as a 9th grader here is that you are gifted with a blazer and brought up into the historic Barton Dome for a photograph. These students enjoyed making memories with their peers while seeing their city from a bird’s eye view. We are proud of them for joining with the previous 9th graders in being some of the lucky ones who opted to lead during their freshman year and have their pictures taken from the beautiful Barton Dome, overlooking our amazing historic downtown Mobile with fresh or “new eyes.”

Backpack Blessing and Welcome at St. Mary’s St.

Mary Catholic School welcomed students and families for a Backpack Blessing and Welcome Back Celebration on Sunday, August 13. Students were able to meet their new Principal, Mrs. Corinne Cuffle, and their teachers, and see their new classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year! After supplies were dropped off, all families gathered under the St. Mary Ollis Pavilion and Lauten Courts for lunch and a meet and greet. Parent volunteers made the event a success! Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 20
Mobile Christian’s Varsity Volleyball Wins the Varsity Gold Bracket Championship in the Battle of the Lake on September 2 2023.
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Autauga County Schools

Recess Fun at Little Flower Catholic

How many kids can get on the climbing house and slides at one time? We may not know the exact number because more and more keep getting in on the action. But numbers don’t really matter, because having fun in the sun at recess is the main objective here. In addition, several students found a quiet and cool place in the shade under the climbing house more to their liking. Students continue to enjoy the new playground equipment that was installed at the end of last school year.

Satsuma Girls Soccer Team Achieves Academic Honor

Congratulations to the 2022-23 Satsuma Girls soccer team!

They were recognized by United Soccer Coaches with the Team Academic Award which means the team maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. Satsuma’s team was the only girls team from Alabama to receive this honor.

Field Trip Line-up and More Homeschoolers Visit Beginner’s Luck Farm

Homeschoolers with The Field Trip Line-up and More visited Beginner’s Luck Farm. They had a hands-on experience with some of the animals. They also learned a little about life on a farm!

St. Mary Catholic School Science-Is it Alive?

Rise and Shine, St. Luke’s Wildcats

St. Luke’s Episcopal football players and cheerleaders start their Friday mornings off early, spreading school spirit with the lower campus. Go Wildcats!

St. Mary 7th Grade science students are learning how to classify things as living or nonliving. They created a habitat for their Hex Bug and observed it to see if it displayed any characteristics of being alive. Characteristics are 1) they have cells 2) they respond to their environment 3) they use energy 4) they grow 5) they develop and 6) reproduce. Students had to write from the perspective of whether they were living or not living. Living things have cells and nonliving things do not! Photo by Juli Reece. Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 22

Barton Academy Hosts 2nd Annual PBL Kickoff Event

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a way of teaching that connects subject areas and fosters student engagement by solving real world challenges and answering essential questions over time. Barton Academy is known for fostering such real-world learning experiences and is excited to begin another year with creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking guiding the learning taking place under the Barton dome. Each quarter there will be a different theme guiding various grade level and content area PBL experiences. They are D-Discovery, O- Opportunity, M- Meaning, and E- Exploration, making the acronym DOME. To kick off the PBL units, Barton unveiled new banners and had student representatives share the quarterly quotes and themes. Confetti cannons popped and Mardi Gras beads were thrown in the 4 colors of the Barton Orders. It was a wonderful way to have the entire school community share in the excitement of a new year with new themes, quotes, and PBL’s!

St. Dominic Catholic Learn Measurements and Patterns

Ms. Joyce’s third grade students at St. Dominic Catholic School are learning about measurements. They learned that you can measure the distance between an objects starting position and ending position. They worked on predicting how far a wind up toy would travel during different amounts of time. Students recorded all of their measurements and then looked for patterns.

Big/Little Buddy Program at CHCA

Nothing is better than Big/Little Buddy Day at CHCA! Our seniors met their little buddies and enjoyed a competitive game of bingo! This tradition gives seniors the opportunity to mentor their “buddy” while also being reminded of what it is like to be a child again. Throughout the year, Big and Little Buddies will gather for holidays, field trips, and graduation events to celebrate and build relationships that can last a lifetime!

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Autauga County Schools

UMS-Wright Celebrates Yellow Day 2023

Cottage Hill Christian Resource Officer Builds Relationships

Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s School Resource Officer, Officer Meredith Killian, has been spending the first few weeks of school building relationships with students on campus. Throughout the day, you can find her reading to students, eating lunch with them, and playing games with them in PE class.

Please

Each year, UMS-Wright joins families and organizations across the country in observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Our “Yellow Day” began 15 years ago as a celebration of the legacy and life of UMS-Wright student, Krisanna Roberts. Krisanna spread sunshine to all who knew her, and she lived kindness. Yellow Day is a time to promote positive living in all that we do. As we spread the yellow spirit, we hope to brighten the days of all families at UMS-Wright while spreading awareness of childhood cancer! Thanks to the support of t-shirt sales, the UMS-Wright Parent Teacher Association was able to donate $4,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thanks to Krisanna’s Garden for sponsoring Yellow Day 2023!

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 24
email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

St. Mary Introduces First CYO ALL GIRLS Flag Football Team!

St. Mary Catholic School is thrilled to introduce the very first ALL GIRLS CYO Flag Football team! This Mighty Mustang Crew representing the third grade D3 Division is coached by St. Mary parents, Ryder Copeland and Steven McDavid. Go Mustangs! Submitted by Marcelle Naman, Photo by Nicole Orso.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Teacher Attends Ron Clark Academy

St. Luke’s teacher, Mrs. Lersch talks to the faculty and staff about an experience she had this summer that was unlike any other! She attended the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which equips teachers with best practices that transform student learning experiences. They learn invaluable strategies to bring back to the classroom to implement innovative ideas that promote student engagement, foster a supportive community and empower each student to unlock their full potential! Mrs. Lersch and Mrs. Duke will return to the Ron Clark Academy for more training and to bring back some exciting new plans.

NOT ONLY did Mrs. Lersch attend RCA but she took two PLTW (Project Lead the Way) classes. Flight and Space will introduce the students to a science/engineering process to create the perfect astronaut team to land on Mars. They will work with charts, scheduling, and learning aerodynamics in a fully engaging environment.

The second class Mrs. Lersch attended was the PLTW app creator. In an immersive computer class, the students will learn the essence of the design process for coding and creating an app. This form of programming teaches the students an entirely new way of thinking by answering logical questions and building code. This step-by-step program will take us through the rigors of coding but make it a fun and exciting way to learn. As each lesson is completed, the students will see the app they have programmed in real time on their phone or computer. Mrs. Lersch’s energy is contagious! She’s passionate and loves to engage students to be enthusiastic about learning!

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Autauga County Schools Autauga County Schools

AP Scholars at St. Paul’s Episcopal School

For the 2023 AP test administration, there were 68 total AP Scholars with an average score of 3.8. Thirty-one of those scholars are in the Class of 2024 and earned the distinction of AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, or AP Scholar with Distinction. Congratulations to all of our Scholars! Nine students were granted AP Scholar with Distinction (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams): Bennett Brown, William Carnes, Reese Flotte, Philip Gill, Georgia LeDoux, Katherine Purdum, Haydn SaynerOubre, John Shell, and Anne Stockman Eleven students were named AP Scholar with Honor (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams): Neely Benton, Sydney Conrad, Pape Davidson, Polina Gracheva, Cheyenne Gray, Harper McLean, Ashley Park, Lilly Robinson, Susan Robinson, Grace Swain, and Camilla White

.Eleven students were named AP Scholar (granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams): Emme Clement, Brady Cleveland, Stella Durren,

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 26
Evie Epker, Gianna Estrada, Libby Fitts, Tommy Ford, Hannah McCrory, Emily Miles, Thomas Reid, and JC Tierce

Autauga County Schools Autauga County Schools

St. Luke’s Episcopal Students Sign Honor Pledge

St. Luke’s Honor Council and the Class of 2024 joined students in K2-11th grade to sign the honor pledge, “As a St. Luke’s student, I will never lie, cheat, steal, intend to deceive nor tolerate any of these acts.”

At St. Luke’s, character education begins early as we teach our students that all choices have consequences. Our Honor Code addresses conducting ourselves honorably in an academic and social setting. Congratulations to all of our students for signing the St. Luke’s Honor Pledge.

Honor Council Members: 9th Grade: Baker Farnell, Hannah Lockett

10th Grade: Maddie Banks, Ella Bentley

Phillips Preparatory Student Council Representatives

Phillips Preparatory School’s 2023-2024 Student Council Class Representatives are the heartbeat of student involvement. They constitute the most inclusive and impactful student body, striving for the benefit of all students.

11th Grade: Sophie Bitzer, Cami Abel

12th Grade: Maggie Blassingame, Garrett Dolbear, Emma Hataway, Cammie Waite

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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month. • Crafting College Essays • Managing Applications & Deadlines • Exploring Scholarship Opportunities • Pursuing Financial Aid (FAFSA) • Transitioning to College • Developing a College List • Visiting Colleges • Improving Grades • ACT / SAT / PSAT Test Prep • Upgrading Your Resume 1:1 College Planning Services College Planning Made Simple Planning for college is a complex, multi-year process. It’s hard to know where to begin. We serve families with students in 9th to 12th grade. Schedule a free consultation today! class101.com/mobileal tchilds@class101.com 251-529-6811 Empower Students Serve Families Inspire Greatness

Autauga County Schools

Davidson High Theater Production in October

Davidson High School’s theater program is in full swing as students prepare for their fall production. Theater classes have been studying with Mrs. Gloria Poorman to learn directing techniques as well as various acting methods and technical skills. DHS Theatre III student Sebastian Brown Brown hopes to become a film director in the future. He’s written his first play as a requirement of the Theatre III class and studies filmmaking manuals outside of school. He’s directing DHS’s fall production, and the student actors he’s directing are very excited to work with a peer in the driver’s seat. Mrs. Poorman says, “Sebastian has a great rapport with all of the actors and technicians and has a great eye for what looks good and works well on stage. He could become the next Steven Spielberg if he continues on this track.” Davidson Warrior Theatre’s fall production, An Experiment by Brent Holland, is depicted as a fantasy world in which participants for an experiment have no idea how they got there. It is being produced through special arrangement with Eldridge Publishing, Inc. Shows open to the public will be October 27 & 28 at 6PM in the Lewis Copeland Auditorium.

Congratulations to McGill-Toolen National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to the six National Merit Semifinalists from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School: Russell Ginn, Anthony Hantouche, Maggie Heller, Chris Hunt, Brendan Russell, Colson Tidikis. These talented seniors will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for more than 7000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 28
Visit uampa.com or call 251-433-1895 to schedule an appointment.
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As parents who want to raise healthy kids, we often put a lot of thought into providing adequate nutrition for growing minds and bodies. We research and prepare healthy meals and snacks. We worry about how much water they’ve had today or how much sugar is in their favorite cereal bar.

What if I told you that a positive body image is one of the greatest tools you can help your child cultivate for a healthy and happy life?

Many of us have spent years or decades at war with our own bodies. Even though research shows dieting does not lead to longterm weight loss, the diet industry still brings in billions of dollars yearly, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). But how are they selling diets, plans, and magic potions that they, and we, know don’t actually work?

The marketing plan is pretty simple when you think about it. First, the diet industry bombards us with messages that we aren’t good enough as we are. Then, they promise the perfect solution – which will only cost $49.95! And finally, when the product or diet fails (and most likely it will), we are blamed for our “lack of willpower” and told to buy more or different products or plans.

I know it’s not what you want to hear, but we’ve known that dieting doesn’t work for a long time. Past attempts at weight loss are a significant predictor of obesity. Dieting is a losing battle, and I don’t mean pounds or inches. Further, obsessing over the scale, restricting, and hating our bodies is no way to live, and it’s not the legacy we want to pass on to our children.

Unfortunately, pressuring ourselves to get or stay thin also influences how we view our kids and their bodies. We’re told by the media, and often our healthcare providers, that obesity is detrimental to health. As a result, we may find ourselves restricting what or how much our children eat to try and control their weight. For our children, this creates an atmosphere of stress around food and shame about their bodies, which can lead to lifelong

struggles with their weight and body image. This increases their risk of developing an eating disorder, which are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that can affect every system in the body, according to NEDA.

So, how can we raise healthy, confident kids who grow into the right body for them? Luckily, there are things we can do to intentionally cultivate body positivity and respect among our children and ourselves, too!

Take stress off the menu at meal and snack times

Ellyn Satter, registered dietitian, family therapist, and internationally recognized expert on feeding kids, created the Satter Division of Responsibility (sDOR) to help children become competent eaters. sDOR outlines clear roles for both parents and children at mealtimes. Parents are responsible for what is served, along with when and where the meal or snack will take place. Children are responsible for what and how much they choose to eat out of what is offered. Practicing the sDOR has many benefits, including reducing power struggles at mealtimes, which helps improve the relationship between kids and parents.

We are more open to trying new things when they aren’t being forced on us, and kids are no exception. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but removing stress from mealtimes allows kids to practice listening to their internal cues about what and how much to eat – a skill many of us struggle to tap into because of diet culture.

Let go of trying to control the size or shape of your child’s body

Trust that your child will grow into the body that is right for them – even if it isn’t your envisioned body. Body shape and size

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are primarily genetic, so chances are high that their body will be similar to yours. Therefore, negative comments we make about our bodies can feel personal to our kids as they notice these similarities. Even well-intended body commentary can be harmful; compliments may feel like comparison, while unsolicited advice feels like judgment. Instead, focus on praising and encouraging the things kids can control, like working hard to learn a new skill or befriending a new kid at school. Most importantly, never put your child on a diet. According to NEDA, 62% of teen girls and 29% of teen boys are trying to lose weight, and 14 and 15-yearolds who reported participating in even moderate dieting were five times more likely than their non-dieting peers to develop an eating disorder.

Talk to your child about unrealistic body standards

According to NEDA, discussing unrealistic body standards and the pressures to conform can help women and girls feel more positive about their bodies. Talk to your children about how body weight and size do not define who they are as people. Be sure they know you love them unconditionally and that they can come to you with any worries about food or their bodies. NEDA recommends keeping a list of the top 10 things we like about ourselves to help cultivate body positivity, which parents can help kids create and update as they grow.

Prioritize a healthy relationship with your own body

If we want to teach our kids to feel good about their bodies, an important step is learning to feel good (or at least neutral) about our own. This means extending grace and compassion to

ourselves for perceived imperfections. We deserve to live a life that fulfills us instead of wasting time agonizing over our pants size. If we want to give our kids a fighting chance at accepting their bodies, we must show them that we are willing to accept our own.

Put an end to negative self-talk

Identify times when you are participating in negative self-talk, either in your head or out loud, and make a conscious effort to stop. Constantly viewing ourselves through a lens of self-criticism fuels the cycle of shame that keeps us running back to dieting. Can you imagine what would happen to the diet industry’s sales if we all woke up one morning and decided to like ourselves?

Model how to care for the body you have

It’s essential to prioritize our health, but we can take care of our bodies and set goals for ourselves in ways that don’t involve the scale. Let’s eat fruits and vegetables that we like because we know they provide vitamins and minerals that are good for us. Let’s show our kids that it’s possible to move your body in ways you enjoy as a way to care for your body rather than as punishment for enjoying food.

Improving our relationship with our own body won’t happen overnight, especially if we’ve spent a good portion of our lives trying to change our bodies to conform to societal expectations. But can you picture its profound effect on the next generation if we decided that diet culture ended with us?

MBP

Lita Chatham is a mom and registered dietitian and nutritionist with 10 years of experience. She believes that eliminating blame, shame, and guilt in relation to body size and weight is the first step in ensuring future generations develop healthy relationships with food and their bodies.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 32
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Do your kids race around the house in costumes all year long? There are so many fun ways to celebrate the whimsy of Halloween.

Create new traditions with one of these faBOOlous events that anyone can pull together!

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 34
Cherie Gough

Trunk-or-Treat

A trunk-or-treat transforms an empty parking lot into a Halloween celebration filled with decorated vehicles and a fun opportunity to trick-or-treat at a safe venue.

Here’s how to do it: Reserve a parking lot in advance. Cconsider asking a local church or school. Secure participants who are willing to decorate car trunks or truck beds in a festive theme (popular kids’ films, movies or games). Ask participants to bring candy to distribute to kids. Some participants may add a free carnival game to their trunk (or parking space) for kids to enjoy. Advertise. Social media is a great way to get the word out!

Gross Science Play Date

Homemade slime is all the rage. If you’ve had kids over to play, chances are you’ve tried your hand at making the ooey-gooey stuff. A “weird science” play date where kids make gross concoctions is sure to impress. Our family used a gross science kit to make “veins”, “snot” and “earwax.” Most items needed are included in a kit, so there’s no need to drive all over town. It was easy and the kids were awed and delightfully disgusted. Gross science kits can be found at local toy stores, big box stores or online. End this play date with “dirt” pudding cups topped with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms.

Pumpkin Carving Party

After friends invited us to a pumpkin carving party, my kids were hooked on trying new wild and wacky jack-o-lantern designs each year. Provide an alternative to carving for young children. Paint, stickers and glitter help little ones get into the spirit and allow parents to relax and enjoy the party.

Gather Tools: Ask each family to bring their own pumpkins. Have a few pumpkin carving kits on hand for guests to use. They include tools and patterns to help get everyone started. Download additional patterns online for extra inspiration. Dry erase markers allow for mistakes as guests trace or freehand jack-o-lantern faces. Sharpie markers also work (but don’t wipe off). Cover tables with butcher paper or plastic. Provide garbage cans and extra trash bags. If you plan to roast pumpkin seeds, place large bowls on each table where guests can put seeds.

Tricks of the Trade Be sure to have adults help and supervise kids with all sharp tools. Cut around the stem at a slight angle to make a “hat” for the jack-o-lantern that won’t fall in. Add an extra hole at the top to act as a “chimney” for the candle inside or use a battery-powered candle for safety. To preserve a jack-o-lantern, rub the inside and cut edges with petroleum jelly. Wrap in a plastic bag and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Halloween Movie Night

Nothing sets the tone of Halloween like a spooky (or not-so-spooky) movie night!

Choose a Movie: Younger kids love It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Monsters Inc., old Scooby Doo episodes and Hotel Transylvania. For teens and tweens consider The Nightmare Before Christmas, ET, or The Addams Family.

Provide Atmosphere: Gather cozy pillows and blankets. Add twinkle lights.

Make Yummy Treats: Take a hint from Laurie and Nancy from the blog Two Sisters Crafting. Their candy corn popcorn contains marshmallow topping, M&Ms and candy corn. Get the how-to instructions at www.twosisterscrafting.com/fall-candy-corn-popcorn. Let the kids concoct their own combinations with a festive popcorn bar. Kids decorate cups with Halloween stickers, and fill with popcorn and candy toppings.

Pipe icing onto madeleine cookies to create cute mummies.

Press play and relax with friends. This no-fuss gathering is a tradition to relish.

Cherie Gough is a San Diego-based writer and has been published in HuffPost, Eating Well, and San Diego Family Magazine. She’s been writing for parenting magazines for a decade.

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Now through October 31, 2023

Thriller Nights and Lights

ad on page 4

Mobile International Speedway

7800 Park Blvd Irvington, AL 36544

Guests will enjoy a magical and an immersive experience from the convenience of their own vehicle. This dazzling drive-through showcase is over 1.5 miles and features over one million lights fully synchronized to music right on your car radio. 7pm-10pm https://nightsinlights.com/

October 1-31, 2023

Tanner Williams UMC Pumpkin Patch

1550 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd N Mobile, AL 36608

Pumpkin Patch hours-Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturdays 1pm-7pm and Sundays 12pm-7pm. Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, mums, and homemade treats available for purchase! Please drop by and take as many pictures with the pumpkins! School Field trips can be scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in October.

(251) 649-3677 www.tannerwilliamsumc.org

Now through November 4, 2023

Seward Farms Corn Maze and Fall Fun

ad on Inside Front Cover

Seward Farms 10836 Tanner Williams Road

Lucedale, MS 39452

You’ll find tons of family fun, fresh air, twisting corn maze, fantastic food, and an evening by a crackling fire! We have a challenging corn maze, pig races, hayrides, funny farm golf, cow train, giant jumping pillow, corn cannon, farm animals, field of fright, pony rides and more. Hours: Open: Saturdays: 10am-6pm, Field Trips by reservations Monday-Thursday. Special Days228-641-3933 www.sewardfarms.com

Pump It Up Not-So-Scary Halloween Jump

Pump it Up 741-A Hillcrest Rd Mobile, AL 36695

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. Space is limited. Socks and a signed waiver required. Please visit our website at www.pumpitupparty. com/mobile-al/calendar for more information

(251) 342-3940 www.pumpitupparty.com/mobile-al

Weekends in October

Wales West Pumpkin Patch Express Wales West RV Park & Railway

13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576

All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express and Scary Night Train! Enjoy Pumpkin Patch, Mini-train, Hayless Hayride, Potato Cannon, Cafe, Gift Shop, and more. Fri’s, Sat’s, Sun’s; 4-7pm Fall Festival Train; 7-9 pm, Scary Night Train. Nightly starting October 26, 2023. Reservations online, tickets at will call. (251) 232-2322 www.waleswest.com

October 1, 2023

Family Fall Festival

Georgetown Assembly of God 9436 Wilmer Georgetown Road Wilmer, AL 36587

Free Rides, Free Food, Free Admission, All are welcome! Canned foods donations accepted (for our thanksgiving baskets) - 5:00pm-8:00pm

(251) 649-1478 www.georgetownassembly.org

October 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2023

Middleton Farms

Middleton Farms 21500 Otis Cooper Road Moss Point, MS 39462

Pumpkin Patch, pet our baby calves, kiddie-train, a hayride and more. Also offering Field Trips, Birthday Parties and events. Saturdays-10am4pm, Sundays-1pm-5pm.

(251) 709-2001 www.middletonfarmtours.com

October 2-31, 2023

Dauphin Way UMC Pumpkin Patch

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets

Mobile, AL 36604

Come to the Pumpkin Patch! You will find pumpkins of all sizes, shapes, and colors along with gourds for your fall decorations. Field trips offered by appointment. Sunday-Friday, 12:00pm-6:00pm and Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm.

(251) 471-1511 www.dauphinwayumc.org

October 5-31, 2023

Scarecrows in the Gardens ad on page 9

Bellingrath Gardens 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL 36582

Discover a whimsical world of creativity and

imagination at Bellingrath Gardens & Home during the enchanting Scarecrows in the Gardens exhibition, running from October 5th through October 31st!

(251) 973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

October 5-31, 2023

The Edgar Allan Poe Experience

Historic Oakleigh House 300 Oakleigh Place

Mobile, AL 36604

Venture into the mind of Edgar Allan Poe as he is admitted into the hospital asylum for his final days. As the doctors and nurses try to subdue Edgar, he sees them transformed into his most iconic characters. Thursday-Saturday-7pm, 9pm, Sunday-7pm

(628) 245-3832 brianclowdus.com/performances/ edgar-allan-poe-experience

October 5-6, 2023

Monster Mash - A Halloween Murder

Mystery Dinner Show

OWA Theatre 101-H S OWA Boulevard

Foley, AL 36535

You are attending Frankenstein’s 205th Birthday Party! Meet and mingle with some of the most iconic monsters on the face of the earth. Family entertainment. 6:30pm (251) 237-2330 https://visitowa.com/

October 5, 12, 19, 26 2023

Mobile Parks and RecreationMovies in the Park

Various Locations

Movies in the Park at dusk. Free. Dates/locationOct 5- The Wiz, Seals Park, Oct. 12-Air Bud, Joe Bailey Park , Oct. 19-The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sage Park, October 26-The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sage Park. 6:00pm www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/movies-in-thepark-fall-2023/

October 7, 2023

Heart of Mary School Gumbo Festival

310 Sengstak St Mobile, AL 36602

Join us for our Gumbo Festival and enjoy delicious food, music, raffles and more.

https://heartofmaryk8.org/

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October 7-8, 2023

Pensacon HalloweenFest

ad on page 7

Splash City Adventure 6709 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505

HalloweenFest offers two full days of spooky pop-culture fun in an outdoor, convention-style atmosphere. The weekend will feature vendors, live entertainment, celebrity guests, artists, trickor-treating and other fun in a safe environment.

(850) 505-0800 www.pensacon.com

October 7, 21, 28, 2023

Fort Morgan Ghost Investigation and Historical Haunted Tour

110 State Highway 180 Fort Morgan, AL 36542

Join the members of Second Sight Paranormal TV for a fully equipped Ghost and Paranormal Investigation at Fort Morgan, one of Alabama’s most haunted places.

(251) 540-7127

October 8, 2023

Opening Day Celebration at the Pumpkin Patch

ad on page 18

Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609

Bring the whole family and join us for good food from some of our local food trucks. There will be

fellowship, fun and lots and lots of pumpkins as we celebrate the opening of the patch. Times: 10:30am-1pm.

(251) 342-0462 www.christunited.com

October 8-31, 2023

Christ United Methodist Church

Pumpkin Patch

ad on page 18

Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609

It’s Pumpkin Patch time! Bring the family and have fun taking a few holiday pictures surrounded by pumpkins of all sizes and colors. Don’t forget to pick out a pumpkin or two for purchase. 9am-dusk.

(251) 342-0462 www.christunited.com

October 12, 2023

Pups & Pumpkins

Mobile Museum of Art 4850 Museum Dr. Mobile , AL 36608

Join us for glassblowing, pet adoptions, and art activities! Pre-registration is required for glassblowing. Explore our special haunted FOR CHILDREN exhibition, complete our scavenger hunt for a prize, and enjoy a fun and spooky Halloweenthemed activity. 3:00pm-8:00pm

(251) 208-5200 https://www.mobilemuseumofart. com/our-programs/pups-pumpkins/

October 12-15, 2023

Shrimp Festival

Gulf Shores Public Beach

101 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Enjoy fresh seafood during this four-day event with great food, music and more! Local and regional vendors with food lining the boardwalk. Art lovers will have almost many booths to visit. Thursday-Saturday-10a.m.-10p.m., Sunday10a.m.-5p.m.

(251) 968-7200 www.myshrimpfest.com

October 13, 2023

October LoDa ArtWalk

Downtown Mobile Mobile, AL 36602

LoDa ArtWalk celebrates Halloween and Mobile Latin Fest. This event will highlight creatives within our community, including visual artists, musical performers, and local restaurants. Make sure to come downtown dressed festively for the spooky season! 6pm-9pm

www.mobilearts.org/art-walk/

October 13-14, 2023

Mobile Latin Fest

Live music, Latin food, dance, crafts, and more. Free & Open to the Public! Oct. 13-Cathedral Square, 5:00pm-10:00pm, Oct. 14-Mardi Gras Park, 4:00pm-9:00pm

www.mobilecountyal.gov/community_events/events/ mobile-latin-fest-2023-2023-10-13/

AND 37 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
LOOKING CALL HOME? Find your community. @fosheeresidential | fosheeresidential.com browse available properties and enjoy the spacesaving tips and more at fosheeresidential.com FOR A NEW PLACE TO

October 14, 2023

Christ United’s Pets & Pumpkins at the Patch

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Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609

Dress your pets up in costumes and join us for a day of fun at the Patch. Our pastors will be on site for the Blessing of the Pets at 10:00am and 12:30pm.

(251) 342-0462 www.christunited.com

Dauphin Way United Methodist Market in the Patch

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets Mobile, AL 36604

Stop by the pumpkin patch from 8:00am-3:00pm to check out our market in the patch! We will have vendors, food, and pumpkin activities for all ages.

(251) 471-1511 pumpkin.patch@dauphinwayumc. org www.dauphinwayumc.org

Fall Festival at Cloverleaf Baptist Church

Cloverleaf Baptist Church

6500 Three Notch Rd Mobile, AL 36619

Visitors can enjoy fall fun for the whole family! Fun, games, food, bounce house, door prizes, hayrides, and face painting. 12:00pm-3:00pm. Free.

www.cloverleafbaptist.net

Howl-o-ween - OWA

OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535

Join us for our dog costume contest, trying for a chance to win a share of $425 in cash prizes across exciting categories such as Most Creative, Best Team Costume, Spookiest, and Funniest costumes. 3pm-6pm.

(251) 923-2111 https://visitowa.com/

Woofstock

Oyster City Brewing Company

600 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602

Woofstock 2023-come enjoy all your favorites like the dog costume contest, dog pie eating contest, beer, wiener dog races, food trucks, kids activities like a bounce house and music. All proceeds benefit ARF! 11am-5pm. www.animalrescuemobile.org

October 14 - 29, 31, 2023

Halloween at OWA

OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535

Candy, costume contests, and more await you this Halloween season at OWA! Saturdays and Sundays-Oct. 14-29, Tuesday-October 31, Trick or Treat and Kids Activities-4pm-7pm, Island Movie6:30pm on Oct. 14, Dive in Movie-5:00pm on Oct.

15, 22, 29, Monster Bash Costume Contest-Saturday, October 28, 1-7pm.

(251) 923-2111 https://visitowa.com/

October 15, 2023

Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party

1655 McGill Avenue Mobile, AL 36604

One of the very best family events-live music, food, games, raffles, yard sale, inflatables, hay rides and so much more! Help the Little Sisters of the Poor enhance the lives of our elderly Residents! Time: 10:00am-4:00pm.

(251) 476-6335 https://www.facebook.com/LittleSistersOfThePoorLawnParty/

October 19-22 2023

Greek Fest

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The Annunciation Greek Church 50 South Ann Street Mobile, AL 36604

Come out and enjoy The Greek Festival. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm. Come enjoy authentic food, pastries, vendors, live music and more. (251) 438-9888 www.greekfestmobile.com/

October 21, 2023

Christ United’s Family

Fun at the Patch

ad on page 18

Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609

Bring your family for a day of pumpkin fun. We will have food trucks, a petting zoo, games, face painting, pumpkin decorating and much more.

10:00am-1:00pm

(251) 342-0462 www.christunited.com

Night at the Museum

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History Museum of Mobile

111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602

When the clock strikes 5, history comes to life. Enjoy a historical scavenger hunt and talk to historical characters, listen to spooky stories, see exhibits, crafts, costume contest and a goody bag.

5:00pm-8:00pm. $5.00 admission

(251) 301-0273 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Boo Krewe 2 Adaptive Race and Expo-Two Mile Run, Walk, Roll Island Fire Art Gallery 10505 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Theodore, AL 36582

Krewe of Kindess invites everyone to an Adaptive Recreation Expo and race for all abilities. Expo opens at 3pm and the 2 mile run,walk, roll starts at 5pm. To register visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2023boo-krewe-2-tickets. Food trucks and firos pops available for purchase at the event. www.kreweofkindness.com

Creepy Crawlers at the ESC

Environmental Studies Center

6101 Girby Rd Mobile, AL 36693

Join us October 21 from 10am-2pm for a Saturday of fun with some amazing, creepy, crawling critters. Children in costume get a special treat. Admission-$3 per person, children 2 and under are free.

(251) 221-5000 www.mcpsesc.com/

HalGLOWeen

OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535

Experience an unforgettable night filled with familyfriendly activities, including mesmerizing LED dancers, towering stilt walkers, glow-in-the-dark face painting, and a pulsating Glow Party with a DJ that promises a night of unforgettable fun and spooky spectacles, leaving you and your loved ones fully immersed in the spirit of the season. 6pm-8:30pm https://visitowa.com/

Trunk or Treat and Hometown

Saturdays at McConaghy’s McConaghy Drug Stores, Inc.

5565 Highway 43 Satsuma, AL 36572

Come enjoy a costume contest, games, hayrides, an inflatable and more. 2pm-7pm

(251) 675-2070 mcconaghydrugstores.com

Fort Gaines Fall Festival Fundraiser

Fort Gaines 51 Bienvile Blvd

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Food, games, candy, music, pumpkin patch and pie eating contest makes for an amazing fall time to enjoy with family all while supporting the historic Fort Gaines www.townofdauphinisland.org/calendar-of-events

Creepy Crawley Halloween at the Museum

Archaeology Museum-University of South Alabama 6050 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36688

Featuring a show and tell at NOON by Dr. Jason Strickland with the USA Biology Department about our own Gulf Coast “creepy crawlies,” an all day pumpkin painting with the Center for Archaeological Studies, and a walk through the trick or treat trail. Admission is free and open to the public. 10am-2pm.

(251) 460-6106 https://www.southalabama.edu/org/ archaeology/museum/upcomingevents.html

October 21-22, 2023

Jubilee Festival of Arts

Lott Park 2000 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526

Art, music & local cuisine meet southern charm at this annual festival set along the oak-lined streets of Olde Towne Daphne. Other attractions include entertainment, delicious food and Kids Art. Oct. 21-10am-5pm, October 22-10am-4pm.

(251) 928-6387 www.thejubileefestival.com

October 21, 28, 2023

Seward Farms Field of Fright

ad on Inside Front Cover

Seward Farms 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452

Are you Hungry for a Little Fright? Explore the Field of Fright! It’s scary fun for all ages! 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Only playground area open. Main activities will be closed. 228-641-3933 www.sewardfarms.com

October 22, 2023

City of Semmes Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat

Mary G. Montgomery High School

4275 Snow Road Semmes, AL 36575

Food trucks, trunk or treat, vendors, costume contest, pumpkin contests and plenty of fun for the kids. 12pm - 6pm. www.cityofsemmesal.gov

October 25, 2023

Halloween Party Poppers

Semmes Regional Library

9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL 36575

Get into the spooky season with the Semmes Regional Library as we make our own Halloween-themed party poppers! All supplies will be provided. For ages 6-11. Registration is recommended! For more information, please call (251) 494-4935 or email Callie Kelley at ckelley@ mplonline.org.

(251) 494-4935 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 26, 2023

Trunk or Treat at Springhill Presbyterian Springhill Presbyterian Church

10 Westminster Way Mobile, AL 36608

Trunk of Treat at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church will be held from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

(251) 342-1550 www.shpc.us

AND Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 38

Trunk or Treat

Saraland Municipal Annex 1025 HWY 43 S. Saraland, ALTruck or Treat from 5:30pm-6:30pm. (251) 675-4444 https://business.saralandchamber. com/events/details/trunk-or-treat-610

Ben May Main Library - Halloween STEAM

Ben May Main Branch

701 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602

Enjoy some Halloween-inspired STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) activities during Take a Break Thursday! 4pm (251) 340-1507 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 27-November 5, 2023

Greater Gulf State Fair

The Grounds 1035 N Cody Rd Mobile, AL 36608

The Greater Gulf State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family! Visit the website for a list of entertainment, specials and much more! (251) 344-4573 www.greatergulfstatefair.com

October 27-29, 2023

Playhouse in the Park presents “Dracula”

Playhouse in the Park 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608

Playhouse in the Park presents “Nightmares”. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $18 for adults $16 for students and seniors. The show is recommended for ages 10 years old up.

(251) 602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org

October 28, 2023

Boo at Bellingrath

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12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582

Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for a day of Halloween fun. Trick or Treating from 1:00pm6:00pm. Enjoy Inflatables, treat stations, spooky storytime, music, food trucks and the movie “Halloweentown ” at 6:30pm. (251) 973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Trick or Treat at Seward Farms

ad on Inside Front Cover

10836 Tanner Williams Rd Lucedale, MS 39452

Come in your favorite costume and Trick or Treat at the Farm with our favorite Cartoon Characters. Characters arrive from 11am–2pm. 228-641-3933 www.sewardfarms.com

Halloween at the Exploreum

65 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602

Venture to a spooky wonderland! Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy a series of thrilling and chilling science demonstrations! 10am-2pm (251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com

Ashland Place UMC Trunk or Treat

15 Wisteria Avenue Mobile, AL 36607

Our Trunk-or-Treat features a DJ, inflatables, games, a balloon artist, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy and treats, Family-friendly costumes are encouraged! 4:00pm (251) 478-6356 www.apumc.com

HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest

City of Semmes Honor Park

4100 Wulff Road East Semmes, AL 36575

Join the City of Semmes a dog costume contest & parade. 4:00 pm

(251) 649-8811 www.cityofsemmesal.gov/

2023 Stapleton Bluegrass Festival

Stapleton School 35480 Harriot Ave

Stapleton, AL 36578

Stapleton Bluegrass Festival-Outstanding musical talent, food trucks, family friendly activities and vendors. Enjoy outstanding Bluegrass music! $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12. 10:30am-5:30pm

(251) 937-2038 www.stapletonbluegrassfestival.com

Dauphin Island Haunted Bicycle Ride

1010 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528

A fun bike ride past some of the most haunted spots on Dauphin Island! This race benefits ARF. Registration required. www.facebook.com/massacreislandhauntedbikeride/

Fall-O-Ween Jesus

Chickasaw UMC, 108 Lee St Mobile, AL 36611 Trunk or Treat Street Party-Baptist and Methodist Church. 10:30am

(251) 452-3461 www.chickasawumc.org

Little Monster’s Glow Party

West Regional Library 5555 Grelot Road

Mobile, AL 36609

Halloween glow dance party for kids with games, snacks and crafts – and a glow-in-the-dark dance

AND 39 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

party! Wearing your favorite costume is encouraged. Registration required-https://forms.office. com/r/4A4Tcn0ttN

(251) 340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

MOB-tober Fest: Fall Festival 2023

James Seals Community Center & Park 540 Texas Street Mobile, AL 36603

A Family-Friendly Night-Trail-of-Treats: 3-6pm, Fall Family Fun: 3-6pm, inflatables, games & activities, live DJ, costume contests and more!

Live Music: 6-9pm (251) 208-1600 https://www.cityofmobile.org/parksrec/events/mob-tober-fest-fall-festival-2023/

Mobtown Mac Down

Brookley Aeroplex 23 East Brookley Main Lawn Mobile, AL 36605

Mobtown Mac Down is a family friendly event with music, food vendors, games for the young and the young at heart, and LOADS of mac and cheese. Proceeds of Mac Down benefit The Cookery Project. 11am-4pm https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mobtown-mac-downtickets-419923080237

Trunk or Treat at Moorer/Spring Hill Branch

Moorer Library/Spring Hill Branch

4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 Stop by the Moorer Branch and visit us for an outside festive treat. See you there! 11am-3pm (251) 494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

40th Annual Renaissance Festival Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL Renaissance Festival-you will see life in the middle ages, knights in armour, sieges, marketplace and more.

https://www.townofdauphinisland.org

Saturdays in the Land Autumn Market

Saraland First 907 Shelton Beach Rd Saraland, AL 36571

Join us for vendors, food trucks, live music, pumpkin patch, fall photos, bounce houses and so much more!

Bayou Sara Baptist Church Car Show and Fall Festival

Bayou Sara Baptist Church 12 Bayou Sara Ave Saraland, AL 36571

Car Show, Craft Show and more. 9am 251) 675-1770 bayousarabaptist.org

October 28-29, 2023

Trick or Treat - Mobile Flea Market

Mobile Flea Market 401 Schillinger Road Mobile, AL 36608

Get into the spooky Halloween Spirit at Mobile Flea Market, Trick or Treat through the market October 28th & 29th from 10am-2pm. Walk around the market and show off your Halloween costume

(251) 633-7533 mobilefleamarket.com

October 29, 2023

St. Mary Trunk or Treat

St. Mary Campus 1453 Old Shell Road

Mobile, AL 36604

Join us for this family event featuring decorated cars with trunks of candy. Prizes for best trunk, and best costumes. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. 2pm-4pm

(251) 432-8678 www.stmarymobile.org

Trunk or Treat

Abba Shrine 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL 36695

Trunk or Treat hosted by the Abba Shrine Provost Guard. 5:00pm - 7:00pm www.abbashriners.com/

5 Rivers Outdoor Market and Fall Festival

5 Rivers 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard S panish Fort, AL 36527

Our favorite time of the year! We will have a fall festival with the addition of an outdoor market. There will be $10 boat rides provided by Historical Blakeley State Park, games, local vendors, food trucks, and other surprises. Costumes welcomed but not required. 12pm - 4pm. (251) 625-0814 www.alabama5rivers.com

Dauphin Way Methodist Trunk or Treat

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets Mobile, AL 36604

Trunk-or-Treat is a big family-friendly event. We will have trunks, treats, games, and lots of fun from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Costumes are optional, but it’s way more fun to trunk-or-treat in a costume! (251) 471-1511 www.dauphinwayumc.org

West Mobile Baptist Church Tricks-n-Treats

West Mobile Baptist Church 7501 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36608

Join us for an astounding show by Bryan Drake followed by door-to-door candy collecting inside the church. Time: 5 p.m. (251) 639-9952 www.wemochurch.org

Witches Ride – Mobile

Blind Mule 57 North Claiborne Street Mobile, AL 36602

Get your best witch costume and hop on your your bicycle for bike parade. The fun will end in a fabulous block party. Benefits Delta Dogs. www.mobiledeltadogs.org

October 30, 2023

Book-Worm Book Club – Halloween Special Ben May Main Branch 701 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602

October 30th will be a special Halloween treat with spooky stories, candy, and a craft! Let’s enjoy the love of reading and get creative together! 4pm (251) 340-1507 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 31, 2023

Dauphin Island - Trick of Treat

Green Park 301 Lemoyne Drive

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Join us for treat or treating, games, crafts, dancing and more. 5:30pm www.townofdauphinisland.org

Not So Scary Stories Halloween Party

Grand Bay Library 10329 Freeland Ave

Grand Bay, AL 36541

Come dressed in your best Halloween costumes and enjoy snacks, and drinks, mix and mingle with friends while watching the PG film Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween. Take home a treat bag and Halloween Craft! 4:30pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Read & Play Storytime & Trick-or-Treating

Ben May Main Branch

701 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602

Join us in the youth programming room to enjoy storytime with books, songs, fingerplays, and

more! October 31 will include a time of Trick-orTreating around the Ben May Main Library. Halloween costumes are welcome! 10am (251) 340-1507 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

November 3 -5, 2023

Alabama Pecan Festival

Tillman’s Corner Community Center

5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL 36619

This family-oriented festival features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, games, arts and crafts, live music, antique car show, and more. Free Admission.

www.alabamapecanfestival.com

November 4, 2023

Kids Day: Quarterly Series Event

Joe Bailey Park 712 Magnolia Rd

Mobile, AL 36606

Potter in the Park! Take a magical journey through the world of Harry Potter. Featuring magic, crafts, games, and more! The evening with conclude with a special viewing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 4pm-8pm.

www.MobileParksAndRec.org

November 11, 2023

Living History Festival

Colonial Fort Condé 150 South Royal Street

Mobile, AL 36602

10:00 am - 2:00 pm. FREE admission - Experience the 18th century at Colonial Fort Condé as history is brought to life through the demonstration of everyday activities of Mobile’s past. In addition to stations teaching about daily life, there will also be musket and sword fighting demonstrations every hour as well as our local chapter of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers.

(251) 544-5480 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

November 18, 2023

40th Annual Mobile International Festival

The Grounds 1035 Cody Rd N Mobile, AL 36608

The festival provides the ambiance of world travel, and it gives the opportunity to meet people from over 70 countries, a change to speak different languages, sample some delicious food, learn geography, history and more.

(251) 285-5003 www.mobileinternationalfestival.org

November 18-19, 2023

Jubilee Renaissance Faire

The Medieval Village 30569 Osprey Lane

Robertsdale, AL 36567

Enjoy Medieval Games of Skill, such as Archery or Axe throwing. War Horse rides, a Falconry demonstration and other live animal exhibitions. The main event will be a real full contact Jousting Tournament. 10am-5pm. www.jubileerenaissancefaire.com

November 25, 2023

Iron Bowl Block Party

Downtown Mobile N. Jackson St. Between St. Louis and St. Anthony Streets Mobile, AL 36602

Catch the 88th Iron Bowl Game on our 23’x13’ HD LED screen! Enjoy a live DJ playing during TV timeouts! Opportunity to win prizes for bestdressed and most spirited fans. Block Party to start 2 hours before Kick-Off. Game Time-TBA www.MobileParksAndRec.org

AND Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 40 MBP
41 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar

Wednesday October 4

18th Annual John Borom Coastal BirdFest Various locations, 5 Rivers Delta Center is the central registration and expo location, while guided tours and workshops will take place throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties. https://southalabamalandtrust.org/birdfest/

Thursday October 5

Movies in the Park

6:00 PM Seals Park, 540 Texas Street Mobile, AL, 36603 Bring a picnic blanket, lawn chair, or anything to make you comfortable. We will be watching “The Wiz” on the big screen! Snacks such as popcorn and shaved ice will be served as well. https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ movies-in-the-park-fall-2023/

18th Annual John Borom Coastal BirdFest

Details on October 4.

Friday October 6

18th Annual John Borom Coastal BirdFest

Details on October 4.

Saturday October 7

13th Annual Dog River Fishing Tournament

6:00 AM Grand Mariner Restaurant & Marina, Mobile, AL, 36605 We invite all professional and recreational fisherman, women, and children to join us in this fundraising event to benefit DRCR’s mission to improve the water quality of, and access to, Dog River and its tributaries. https://dogriver.org/news/13th-annual-dog-riverfishing-tournament-fundraiser/

USS Alabama Memorial Park - 1940s Day

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Join our WWII reenactors during the October Living History Crew Drill dressed in your best 1940s/ WWII costume! Participants will receive 50% one adult admission ticket. https://www.ussalabama.com/event/1940s-day/

Bay Area Brunch Fest

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Bay Area Brunch Fest Presented by Lifelines Counseling Services! lifelinesmobile.org

Alzheimer’s Shopping Fundraiser Benefit

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Semmes Community Center, 10141 Moffett Rd Semmes, AL, 36575 Alzheimer’s Shopping Fundraiser Benefit

https://cityofsemmesal.gov/event/alzheimers-shopping-fundraiser-benefit/

Alabama Archaeology Day

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Archaeology Museum-University of South Alabama, 6050 USA Drive South Mobile, AL, 36688

Featuring Atlatl Throwing, Flintknapping, and Living History Demonstrations! 1-10 Mobile River Bridge Archaeology Project Open House! FREE Admission! FUN Activities!

https://www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum/upcomingevents.html

Mobile Ballet Presents Eclectic

7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center Theater, 401 Civic Center Dr Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Ballet’s 2023-2024 season opens with Eclectic, a new production with an intriguing mix of arts coming together on stage to create a story embodying and expressing the emotion

of our current times. In this mixed repertoire performance with pieces from classical to contemporary, dancers will perform along with musicians and singers, and audiences will be moved by an experience that is only possible through the magic of the arts. This unique one-time-only performance is not to be missed!at www.mobileballet.org

https://mobileballet.org/

Ashley Mcbryde

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602

https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/saenger-theatre

18th Annual John Borom Coastal BirdFest

Various locations, 5 Rivers Delta Center is the central registration and expo location, while guided tours and workshops will take place throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties.

https://southalabamalandtrust.org/birdfest/

Sunday October 8

USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Think Pink Tea

2:30 PM Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 The USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Think Pink Tea is a free celebration of breast cancer awareness — a commitment to patients, survivors, advocates, and the friends and family of those impacted by breast cancer.

https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/events/detail/usahealth-mitchell-cancer-institutes-think-pink-tea

Mobile Pops Fall Concert - Medal of Honor Park

4:00 PM Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Mobile Pops Fall Concert https://www.themobilepops.com/

Tuesday October 10

USA Concert Choir & University

Chorale Fall Choral Concert

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html

Thursday October 12

Toddler Time-Mobile Museum of Art

($5 members per child per session | $10 non-members)

10:00 AM 4850 Museum Dr. Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for single sessions of sensory-based art projects designed especially for toddlers and preschool children. Registration online. https://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/

Pups & Pumpkins

3:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr. Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for an evening of glassblowing, pet adoptions, and art activities! Pre-registration is required for glassblowing. While you wait for your pumpkin to cool, visit the pets from the City of Mobile shelter, who will be on-site for guests to play with and possibly add to their family through adoption. Guests can also explore our special haunted FOR CHILDREN exhibition and complete our scavenger hunt for a prize. Finally, our education staff will be assisting with a fun and spooky Halloween-themed activity. mobilemuseumofart.com/our-programs/pups-pumpkins/

Movies in the Park

6:00 PM Joe Bailey Park, 712 Magnolia Road Mobile, AL, 36606 Bring a picnic blanket, lawn chair, or anything to make you comfortable. We will be watching

“Air Bud” on the big screen! Snacks such as popcorn and shaved ice will be served as well.

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ movies-in-the-park-fall-2023/

Alabama School of the Arts’ Jazz Band (Free)

7:00 PM University of Mobile Ram Hall , Mobile, AL, 36613 Join us for an enchanting evening of musical exploration as The Alabama School of the Arts’ Jazz Band takes you on a captivating journey around the globe. Get ready to be transported to various iconic destinations through the timeless melodies of jazz tunes performed by our talented ensemble in their fall concert “What a Wonderful World”.

https://asota.umobile.edu/event/um-jazz-band-whata-wonderful-world/

Friday October 13

Blackbird Expo

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Mark your calendars for a rare, incredible event at Battleship Memorial Park. We invite you to learn about the A-12 and SR-71 from former pilots, mechanics and other experts of the Blackbird. They will be at the park to hold discussion panels and breakout sessions, 360 cockpit tours and more. Discover the history and innovation behind these iconic aircraft and the brave men who flew them. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the restoration of the park’s A-12. https://www.ussalabama.com/event/blackbird-expo/

Cruise to the Site of the Clotilda Wreck

3:00 PM Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The last known ship to bring African slaves into America, the Clotilda, rests in the waters of the Mobile River north of the city. This guided excursion tells the story of that fateful voyage. https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Mobile Latin Fest

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 The Mobile Latin Fest presents a cultural sample of the rich diversity of the Latin countries and helps integrate our communities by promoting mutual understanding. There will be food and arts & crafts vendors, live music, folkloric dances, among many other activities.

https://www.habagc.com/

Mobile Harbor Sunset Cruise

5:30 PM Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This cruise provides guests a unique opportunity to explore one of the nation’s busiest harbors. Guests will enjoy a rare waterfront view of all the activity at the state docks and within the larger port as they learn about both Mobile’s state of the art facilities and its rich maritime heritage. https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Roll Mobile

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Once again, we’re closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink from 6-9pm! We’ll have lights, a live DJ, and even more Roll Mobile merch for sale

Mobile Animation Film Festival

6:30 PM Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us during Artwalk for the 6th Annual Mobile Animation Film Festival, located in the 3rd Floor Terrace Room at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center https://www.alabamacontemporary.org/events/

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 42

FamilyCalendar

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale!

251-471-1534 https://joejeffersonplayers.com/

Yes Concert

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Saturday October 14

Bras Across the “CAUSE”way

8:00 AM Meaher State Park, 5200 Battleship Pkwy Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us for the 7th Annual Bras Across the CAUSEway 5k & Fun Run. All proceeds will directly benefit local patients of The Breast Center at Providence Hospital for gas, groceries, copays, uncovered medical expenses, rent, utilities and much more! https://www.brasacrossthecauseway.org/

Genealogy for Kids

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Virginia Dillard Smith/Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd Mobile, AL, 36617 Bring your family and join us with the Mobile Creole Cultural & Historical Preservation Society for a lesson in genealogy with Gaynell Brady of Our Mammy’s, a group committed to providing exceptional learning experiences that empower students to learn about their own family history.

251-494-4982 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Lunch Cruise

10:30 AM Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Join us for a special sightseeing cruise and seafood lunch at one of the Mobile area’s favorite restaurants! https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Woofstock 2023

11:00 AM Oyster City, 600 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Dog Costume Contest! Great Beer! Food! Awesome Vendors! Entertainment! Kids Activities! animalrescuemobile.org

“Out Damn Ghost” Interactive Comedy at the Ben May Main Library

3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 This hilarious original comedy by Shari Prestwood is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. When three wandering spirits find themselves in one of Master Shakespeare’s plays, things certainly go awry. These spirits mean well but always seem to make lethal mistakes for the characters of Macbeth. We invite the audience to join in the fun and dress in costumes. Help the spirits haunt Macbeth’s castle. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Mobile Latin Fest

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 The Mobile Latin Fest presents a cultural sample of the rich diversity of the Latin countries and helps integrate our communities by promoting mutual understanding. There

will be food and arts & crafts vendors, live music, folkloric dances, among many other activities. https://www.habagc.com/

Port City Blues Festival

7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr Mobile, AL, 36602 The Blues Is Alright Tour makes its debut at Mobile Civic Center Arena with The Port City Blues Festival on Saturday, October 14 at 7 p.m. www.asmglobalmobile.com/events/detail/blues-festival

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps

7:30 PM Details on October 13.

The Black Jacket Symphony presents “Saturday Night Fever”

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Black Jacket Symphony will return to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on October 14th to perform the soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever” in its entirety!

https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Sunday October 15

52nd Annual Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 1655 McGill Avenue Mobile, AL, 36604 The 52nd Annual Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party features Live Musical Entertainment by Three On A String, Ryan Balthrop, and the McGillToolen Catholic High School Marching Band. We have delicious food, giant slides, inflatables, video game truck, hay rides, homemade baked goods, White Elephant Yard Sale, Mobile Bay Vintage Motorcycle Club, and much, much more!

www.facebook.com/LittleSistersOfThePoorLawnParty/

43 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps 2:00 PM Details on October 13.

Afternoon Of Stars: The Cast of The Marriage of Figaro

3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 The Mobile Opera Presents the Cast of The Marriage of Figaro. Join us in Bernheim Hall of the Ben May Main Library to hear members of the cast of the upcoming production perform their favorite musical selections! Come enjoy beautiful music and meet the stars over light refreshments following the performance. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Monday October 16

Alabama School of the Arts’ Symphonic Winds Concert (Free)

7:00 PM University of Mobile College Woods Auditorium, Mobile, AL, 36613 Experience an enchanting evening of timeless music as the Alabama School of the Arts’ Symphonic Winds presents their Fall 2023 concert! Led by acclaimed composer and faculty member, Steve Dunn, this captivating event marks the perfect culmination of a season filled with artistic brilliance. asota.umobile.edu/event/symphonic-winds-fall-2023/

Thursday October 19

Family Art

($5 members per child per session | $10 non-members)

1:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr. Mobile, AL, 36608 This class is for families to create together. Each month will feature a different art medium with a project tied to the MMofA collection. Parents are encouraged to stay and create with their families. Registration online. https://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/

Friday October 20

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps

7:30 PM Details on October 13.

Big Spring Entertainment Presents Rumours

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Rumours (also known as Rumours ATL) has taken the U.S. by storm with their stage scorching renditions of Fleetwood Mac songs. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Sunnyside Theatre and Drama Camp Productions presents Fantastic Mr. Fox Davidson High School, 3900 Pleasant Valley Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 The classic Roald Dahl book comes to life in our season-opening non-musical. Join Mr. Fox as he and his friends evade capture from the nasty farmers. Shows - October 20 at 11 am & 7 pm, October 21 at 2 pm & 7 pm, October 22 at 2 pm https://www.sunnysidedrama.com/

Saturday October 21

Animal Ambassadors Cruise

10:30 AM Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join Five Rivers Delta Resource Center and Historic Blakeley State Park for a unique 90-minute cruise into the wild and scenic Mobile-Tensaw Delta featuring live native animal species!

https://www.blakeleypark.com/

3rd Annual Take A Kid Fishing Tournament

3:00 PM Mobile County River Delta Marina, 2350 Dead Lake Marina Rd Creola, AL, 36525 3rd Annual Take

A Kid Fishing Tournament, Hosted By Deep South Bass Club, October 21st 2023-Safelight - 3pm, Mobile County River Delta Marina, Youth/Adult Team Bass Tournament

Thursday October 26

Savvy Mom Sale

10am-7pm Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526 Savvy Mom Sale is a seasonal consignment sale. We invite you to volunteer, consign, & shop with the Savvy Mom Sale! Visit our website or checkout our Facebook page for updates, volunteer perks, consignment opportunities and discount days! www.savvymomsale.com

Mobile River Cruise with John Sledge

9:00 AM Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us as park friend John S. Sledge, author of the award-winning book, The Mobile River, narrates a three-hour cruise across the Mobile-Tensaw Delta https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Fall Plant Sale

the-river-mobile-2023-tickets-690319844237

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps 7:30 PM Details on October 13.

Sunnyside Theatre and Drama Camp Productions presents Fantastic Mr. Fox Details on October 20.

Whispers of Magnolia 2023 ($10) Magnolia Cemetery, 1202 Virginia Street Mobile, AL, 36604 The wagon ride will travel slowly through Magnolia Cemetery and you will be greeted with stories of the past by those who once lived it. This event is for all ages and is intended to explore the history of Mobile, AL through an engaging educational lens. Times: 11:00AM, 12:30PM, 2:00PM, 3:30PM, 5:00PM, 6:30PM, & 8:00PM

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ whispers-of-magnolia-2023

Sunday October 22

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps 2:00 PM Details on October 13.

Sunnyside Theatre and Drama Camp Productions presents Fantastic Mr. Fox 2:00 PM Details on October 4.

Whispers of Magnolia 2023 ($10) Details on October 21.

Tuesday October 24

Red Mountain Entertainment and 92ZEW Present The Head & The Heart with special guest Amanda Shires

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 An acclaimed indie folk band whose influences include Americana, country-rock, and classic Beatlesque pop, the Head and the Heart was formed in Seattle by a group of Northwestern transplants. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Wednesday October 25

AEG Presents Buddy Guy

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 AEG Presents Buddy Guy concert https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Savvy Mom Sale

9am - 5pm Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526 Savvy Mom Sale is a seasonal consignment sale. We invite you to volunteer, consign, & shop with the Savvy Mom Sale! Visit our website or checkout our Facebook page for updates, volunteer perks, consignment opportunities and discount days! www.savvymomsale.com

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

Alabama School of the Arts presents “Dancing with Pianos” (Free)

7:00 PM University of Mobile - Moorer Auditorium, Mobile, AL, 36613 Get ready to be swept off your feet as the Alabama School of the Arts presents “Dancing with Pianos” – an enchanting collaboration between the Piano Ensemble and Ballet class. Watch in awe as the students showcase their extraordinary talents, fusing various dance styles with timeless and contemporary piano masterpieces. https://asota.umobile.edu/event/piano-ensembledancing-with-pianos/

USA Piano Ensembles Fall Concert

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html

Friday October 27

Savvy Mom Sale

9am - 5pm Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526 25% off day! Savvy Mom Sale is a seasonal consignment sale. We invite you to volunteer, consign, & shop with the Savvy Mom Sale! Visit our website or checkout our Facebook page for updates, volunteer perks, consignment opportunities and discount days! www.savvymomsale.com

Fall Plant Sale

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

Jurassic Quest

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Walk with our larger-thanlife dinosaur herd with your friends and family as Jurassic Quest roars through Mobile. www.asmglobalmobile.com/ events/detail/usa-healthmitchell-cancer-institutes-think-pink-tea

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps

7:30 PM Details on October 13.

Mobile Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro

7:30 PM The Temple Downtown, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 A comedy of scandals, schemes, and wedding plans www.mobileopera.org

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 44

FamilyCalendar

Saturday October 28

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

8:00 AM Spanish Plaza, 401 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Premier South Alabama Breast Cancer walk hosted by the American Cancer Society, supporting breast cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers and friends and family. Walk through Downtown Mobile, 3 mile walk, family friendly.

Jurassic Quest

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Details October 27.

Excursion to the Bottle Creek Indian Mound Complex

9:00 AM Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us as we explore the Gulf Coast’s largest Native American mound site!

https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Fall Plant Sale

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

Savvy Mom Sale

8am - 2pm Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526 50% off day! Savvy Mom Sale is a seasonal consignment sale. We invite you to volunteer, consign, & shop with the Savvy Mom Sale! Visit our website or checkout our Facebook page for updates, volunteer perks, consignment opportunities and discount days! www.savvymomsale.com

3rd Annual Funnel Cake Run

10:00 AM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd N Mobile, AL, 36608 Register today for the 3rd Annual Funnel Cake Run at the 2023 Greater Gulf State Fair! The race will be on Saturday, October 28 and start at 10 AM! www.greatergulfstatefair.com/funnelcakefunrun

Kidz Bop Never Stop Tour

6:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kidz Bop Never Stop Tour https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps

7:30 PM Details on October 13.

Sunday October 29

Jurassic Quest

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Details October 27.

Fall Outdoor Market Secret Delta Tour

9:00 AM Five Rivers Delta Resource Center , Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This tour explores some of the forgotten southern reaches of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta that lie hidden just minutes from Mobile and the communities of Eastern Shore. Join us at Five Rivers the morning of the Fall Festival for this special outing. https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Five Rivers Outdoor Market Cruises

12:00 PM Five Rivers Delta Resource Center , Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This special event of activities taking

place on the afternoon of Oct. 29 features one-hour Delta cruises, educational programs, food trucks, and a variety of vendors.

https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Joe Jefferson Players presents 39 Steps

2:00 PM Details on October 13.

Mobile Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro

2:30 PM The Temple Downtown, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 A comedy of scandals, schemes, and wedding plans

www.mobileopera.org

Monday October 30

USA Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert

www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html

Tuesday October 31

USA Trombone Choir Fall Concert

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608

www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html

Thursday November 2

Alabama School of the Arts’ production of “The Pirates of Penzance”

7:00 PM University of Mobile College Woods Auditorium, Mobile, AL, 36613 Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with the Alabama School of the Arts’ production of “The Pirates of Penzance”

45 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar

by Gilbert and Sullivan! Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and merriment as we bring this beloved comic operetta to life. asota.umobile.edu/event/the-pirates-of-penzance/

Friday November 3

Alabama School of the Arts’ production of “The Pirates of Penzance”

7:00 PM Details on November 2.

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Arsenic & Old Lace

7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, AL, 36611 https://cctshows.com/

Saturday November 4 Mobile Heart Walk

8:00 AM University of South Alabama Mitchell CenterBell Tower, Mobile, AL, 36688 Every walker who joins, every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more medical breakthroughs and more champions for equitable health. www.MobileHeartWalk.org

Kids Day

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Joe Bailey Park, 712 Magnolia Rd Mobile, AL, 36606 Kids Day is a Quarterly Event that is just for the KIDS! Each event is different and fun for all ages. Potter in the Park! Take a magical journey through the world of Harry Potter with the City of Mobile Parks and Recreation. Featuring magic, crafts, games, and more! The evening with conclude with a special viewing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Movie will start at sundown.

Alabama School of the Arts’ production of “The Pirates of Penzance”

7:00 PM Details on November 2.

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Arsenic & Old Lace

7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, AL, 36611

https://cctshows.com/

Sunday November 5

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Arsenic & Old Lace

2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Chickasaw, AL, 36611

https://cctshows.com/

Alabama School of the Arts’ production of “The Pirates of Penzance”

3:00 PM Details on November 2.

Tuesday November 7

N.E.S.T of Mobile Annual Fundraiser Luncheon Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Serving the needs of at-risk youth and families in Mobile County, NEST of Mobile aims to Nurture Children, Equip parents, Strengthen families, and Transform communities. http://www.nestofmobile.org/

Thursday November 9

Toddler Time-Mobile Museum of Art ($5 members per child per session | $10 non-members)

10:00 AM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr. Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for single sessions of

sensory-based art projects designed especially for toddlers and preschool children. Toddler time is open to children ages 1 through 5. Registration online https://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/

The Pact Theatre presents Tarzan: The Musical

7:00 PM Langan Park, 4901 Zeigler Blvd Mobile, AL, 36608 Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burroughs’s classic story of “Tarzan of the Apes,” Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins and a book by TONY Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. 251-307-5056 https://thepactmobile.com/tarzan/

USA Flute Choir & Celtic Crúe Fall Concert

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html

Columns and Cocktails

Richards DAR House, 256 N Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36603 Join us for Columns and Cocktails. https://www.historicmobile.org/

Friday November 10

Veterans Day Celebration and Parade of Flags

3:00 PM Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 This Veterans Day, join us as we honor and express our deepest gratitude to the true heroes among us – our veterans. Event features patriot music, presentations by the Veterans Day Essay Contest winners, a keynote address by the 2023-24 Distinguished Young Woman of the Year and more. Parade of Flags features 4th Grade students from Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The Pact Theatre presents Tarzan: The Musical

7:00 PM Details on November 9.

USA Opera Theatre presents “The Trials of Opera”

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/mas.html

George Thorogood and the Destroyers: 50 Years of Rock

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 George Thorogood and the Destroyers: 50 Years of Rock https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Saturday November 11

Annual Veterans Day Program

9:00 AM Blakeley State Park, Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us special cruises, living history demonstrations, guided tours, and a lecture by a nationally-known author! https://www.blakeleypark.com/

Greek Fest Charity Gala

6:00 PM 50 South Ann Street Mobile, AL, 36604 The GreekFest Charity Gala invites you to take part in our online Charity Auction. By participating in this auction, you are not just bidding on remarkable items; you are offering hope and support to those in need. 251-438-9888 www.greekfestcharitygala.com

Every Wednesday

Teen Anime Hangout at Ben May Main Library

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us upstairs at the Ben May Main Library Teen Hangout to enjoy anime, video games, and snacks. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Second

Wednesday

Learning Lunch (Free)

12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 This series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission is free. Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages.

251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Every Thursday

Throwdown Thursday - Video and Board Games for Teens at West

3:30 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 This is a laid-back meetup to unwind playing games with other teens. We will have various board games, nintendo switch, playstation and xbox games for multiplayer matchups that include various genres - puzzle, racing, fighting, shooting, and open-world-type games. Sometimes there will also be additional activities like 3d pens and fuse beads for expressing your creative side!

251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Friday Little Explorers

10:30 AM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Exploring the world one tiny step at a time. Every Friday from 10:30-11:00 am in the Nature Pavilion and the Moorer Courtyard with Ms. Charise. Included in General Admission. Free for Exploreum members.

www.exploreum.com

Every Saturday from October 14-November 18

Fall Market in the Park

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Shop locally grown, locally produced, and handmade items all while listening to live entertainment. https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ market-in-the-park-fall-2023/

Every Saturday

Saturday Science

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for Saturday Science! Demonstrations will be shown in our various Lab and Headquarters throughout the day.

www.exploreum.com

Every Second Saturday

Saturdays at the Coop

7:00 PM Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Fill your weekend with good times and great music at Cooper Riverside Park every Saturday after ArtWalk! Our free concerts run from 7-10 PM and feature bands from a variety of genres including, but not limited to jazz, metal, country, rock, and pop.

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events

251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 46

Love Them Enough to Teach Them Well

Q. My husband and I are having arguments about money where our children are concerned. They are both 16, and I think they should have part-time jobs and be learning the value of work. He feels they’re only young once and wants them to enjoy being teenagers. He also gives them money anytime they ask. I want our kids to have fun, too, but this is beginning to cause tension in our relationship. I’d love your advice.

A. I understand your concern. I’m sure your husband has a good heart, but by doing this he’s acting like a friend instead of a parent. In the process, he’s allowing them to be nothing but takers and consumers. He’s setting them both up for lifetimes of helplessness and ridiculous expectations without realizing it.

But yes, kids should absolutely learn to work, make money and manage it wisely from an early age. My wife and I gave nice gifts to our kids from time to time, but they also worked and made money for themselves. And the nicer gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Even then we didn’t go crazy with things.

Still, the biggest problem you and your husband are experiencing is a communication breakdown. Your husband should stop being so impulsive, and grow a backbone where the kids are concerned. You’ve recognized this—and you’re right about it—so it’s up to you to take the first step in finding a solution.

Try sitting down with him, just the two of you, and sincerely explaining your feelings. Let him know you love him and how generous he is. But let him know, too, you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children and why. Talk it out, openly and honestly, and try to agree on some changes together. There’s a middle ground here, but it’s going to take some time and effort from both of you to reach it.

Most of all, it means you two will have to communicate with each other like mature, caring adults, and pull together for the sake of your kids. It might be difficult at first, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. For you and them.

Great question!

47 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

I read something this week that I would like to share with you. There are nine minutes that have the greatest impact on a child’s day. They are first three minutes right after they wake up, the first three minutes when they get home from school, and the three minutes right before bed. This information hit home for me, making so much sense.

The first three minutes after a child wakes up are crucial because it’s how we set the day. What we allow into our headspace first thing in the morning truly sets our mood. We may not even realize how much we are affected.

For instance, if your child starts their day immediately with a device, they begin with blue light. They will probably spend most of their day looking at their phone or computers at school, which causes eye strain. Starting the day with blue light stresses your child’s eyes and brain. Secondly, and most importantly, what they watch first sets the tone. Watching something that is upsetting, hurtful, or frustrating can lead to your child feeling these emotions before they begin their day.

Conversely, a positive effect can be if they use their device to watch something uplifting or encouraging. For example, suppose they are meditating, reading, exercising, or listening to uplifting podcasts. In that case, these are beautiful ways to use their devices to start the day positively.

The first three minutes they get home from school are challenging as they try

and jumping into school work or chores. The last three minutes before bed are also critical because this is when your child tries to unwind from the entire day. Using a device to do this is counter-productive. Referencing back to the blue light emissions, blue light from phones triggers the brain to think it is daytime. And it will keep your child awake.

Many of our youth today struggle with insomnia for this very reason. Before bed is a crucial time to help the brain settle. Our brains need rest in order to heal and recover for the next day. If your child is on their device all night, they are sacrificing sleep and not giving their brain ample time to recover. Ideally, the device should be put away at least 30 minutes before bed. Establish a good, positive routine for the three minutes before they go to sleep.

If you have noticed your child experiencing more anxiety lately and less sleep, look at these nine minutes of their day and see if there is room for improvement. You may be surprised how much little changes in those nine minutes can make such a massive difference in the overall mood for the day!

to process the day. Home is often their safe space to let the day’s emotions start unwinding. (It is also why your kid may be a pain to you and not a nuisance to their teacher. Home is where they feel comfortable to release these emotions they may have been storing all day.) This is a great time to step away from the phone. Please encourage your child/teen to take time to decompress a bit. To let their brain rest and settle before taking on the evening

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2023 www.mobilebayparents.com 48
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.
The Most Important Nine Minutes in Your Child’s Day
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