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Back to school, back to the dentist!
Visiting the dentist is just another important item on your child’s back to school list. Oral health issues can cause dental pain, absences from school for kids and work for parents, and poor performance in the classroom. So, give your child the best shot at a bright smile and a bright future with a trip to the dentist this fall. Remember Medicaid covers dental care. To find a Medicaid dental provider visit www.adph.org/oralhealth and click “Find a dentist.�
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Legendary Gulf Coast Eats with a Laid Back Vibe [View’s not bad either]
Mobile Causeway 251.626.2188
Free People Lauren James Chloe Oliver MM Couture Lucy Love THML C. Luce
Gulf Shores 251.948.2445
Escapada Black Swan Others Follow Gentle Fawn Kate Spade Gifts Lilly Pulitzer Gifts Ginger Snaps
OriginalOysterHouse.com We are on the Boardwalk beside the Original Oyster House!
Vera Bradley Hobo Report Havaianas Jack Rogers Chocolat Blu Lucky Brand
ShopGeezLouise.com
Bold Back-to-School Brands 3
clothing | jewelry | shoes | gifts ESParents Septindd.indd 1
701 C HWY 59 Gulf Shores, AL 251-948-5684 www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine ShopGeezLouise.com 8/24/15 12:45 PM
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Volume 8 Number 4
52 Columns
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6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton
8 Living With Children John Rosemond
Promoting Good Social Skills
Helping your special needs child interact better with others.
Advocating for Your Special Needs Child
Help them get the support, treatment & education they deserve.
20 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
40 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
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42 Dave Says Dave Ramsey
48 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith
2015 Special Needs Resource Guide
Local and national resources assist you in caring for your child.
50 Centsibly Southern Chic
Leaving Tweens Home Alone
Laura Handey
Find out if your tween is ready and how to best prepare him.
Gerry Paige Smith
Departments
On The Cover
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Eight year old Mia Ross lives in Fairhope with her mother, Stephanie, and eleven year old brother, Foster. Mia loves life by the bay where her favorite things are never too far away... water, animals and good food! Mia’s father, Justun Ross, and stepmother, Patricia, live in Pensacola...another one of Mia’s favorite coastal cities! 5
74 A Page in a Book
Bits and Pieces 22
School Bits 76
Family Calendar 88
Movie Reviews
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Publisher’sNote Now that we’re a couple of weeks into the school year, I think we are finally back in the swing of things. The girls are excited about their classmates and their teachers, and now that I have attended the “Meet the Teacher” and “Get the Facts” nights, I too am thrilled with the teachers chosen for the girls. Knowing my girls are in an environment that I feel will nurture their excitement for learning is a great comfort to me. The opportunity to submit letters to the principal at the end of the year describing your child and what environment they work best in is such a blessing, and I appreciate the school’s administration for allowing us that opportunity. They know that a good teacher/student match makes for a successful school experience for the student, the teacher and the parents. Being an advocate for your child, especially when they are younger and cannot advocate for themselves, is an important role as a parent. If your child has special needs, you know this all too well. Each September, Eastern Shore Parents publishes our “Special Needs” issue and I am amazed at the stories I hear from parents regarding the “teams” they put together. These families are working together with teachers, therapists, support groups, doctors, friends and family to make sure their child has every opportunity to thrive. But putting all this together is not an easy task. It takes a tremendous amount of time and research. Judy Miller, mother of four children (three with special needs) has provided a wonderful article, Advocating for Your Special Needs Child. It includes her personal story and steps to help parents develop a strategy. We have also included an extensive directory of resources in our Special Needs Guide , which will help you put together your team. I want to thank the parents and resource providers of special needs children for helping us compile this guide. The September issue receives so much attention from these families who love the guide and find it helpful, and we couldn’t do it without your help. We have also included the article Promoting Good Social Skills With Your Special Needs Child. While the title does reference special needs children, I think this article can be helpful to all families. Varina Mead of Easter Seals Central Alabama provides helpful tips to encourage eye contact, talking in turn, sharing and more. With a house full of girls who love to talk, Brad and I are constantly battling listening to three different conversations at once. The “Talking Stick” suggestion sounds like a great idea for us! You will have plenty of opportunities to practice your family’s social skills at all the great events this month! That is one of my favorite things about this time of year...plenty of things to do. Make sure you check out the Bit’s ‘N Pieces section along with the Family Calendar. You will find events including county fairs, charity functions, fashion shows, art festivals, comedy shows and much more!
Lynn
lynn@easternshoreparents.com
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The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Varina Mead Judy M. Miller Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Laura Rowe www.laurarowephotography.com
President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Tracie Calvert Danielle Nicholas ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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Immediate care for the whole family, right here.
Robertsdale Medical Specialists has moved to our new location at 21141 U.S. Hwy. 59 in Robertsdale and changed our name to Central Baldwin Immediate Care & Family Practice. We’ve extended our hours and added convenient walk-in service, plus expanded our range of services to include X-ray, lab and occupational health. It’s the care you’ve come to count on, now in a new location. Come see us in our new clinic. We’re ready to help.
Walk-ins welcome. For more information, visit SBRMCDoctors.com.
21141 U.S. Hwy. 59, Suite 1 • Robertsdale, AL 36567
251-424-1160
New Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday
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An Affiliate of South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.
LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Dinner with a Picky Eater Q: Our 4-year-old daughter will not eat dinner, no matter what. At most, she takes a few bites of what I fix and then says she doesn’t like it. This has been going on for over a year. I’ve taken favorite things away from her, sent her to bed early, even spanked. Nothing has worked and to be honest I’m getting increasingly frustrated. I absolutely refuse to fix her a special plate. I want her to be grateful for what she has. Please give me some direction here. A: I can give you some suggestions, but no approach is going to solve this problem as long as you are frustrated. You’ve gotten yourself stuck in a power struggle that you cannot win. An adult who enters into a power struggle with a child is no longer acting like an authority figure; therefore, the only person with any power in an adult-child power struggle is the child. If your daughter hasn’t eaten dinner for over a year and she’s still alive and thriving, then she’s eating enough at breakfast and lunch to carry her over to the next day.
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You’re doing the right thing by not fixing her a special meal, but you’re probably paying entirely too much attention to her at the dinner table-coaxing, threatening, bribing, and the like. That’s going to do nothing but make this problem worse. I have three suggestions for you, all of which have good track records. Take your pick, but whatever you decide to do, stick with it because nothing is going to work without patience on your part. First Approach: Feed her 30 minutes before the family sits down at the table. Put very small portions on her plate-no more than a tablespoon of each food item. Set a timer and when the thirty minutes is up, take away whatever food remains. If she has not finished everything on her plate, put her to bed, explaining to her that a doctor has told you that children who don’t eat dinner are actually tired and need more sleep. While she is sitting at the table, whether she is eating or not, pay absolutely no attention to her. Leave the room. Don’t
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even stick your head back in there and ask how she’s doing. Second approach: When you fix dinner, make sure you fix at least one food that she likes (assuming there is such a thing). Set a place for her at the table, but put no more than a half-teaspoon of each food item on her plate. The rule is that when and if she eats everything on her plate she can have seconds of anything. As time goes on, slowly increase the amount of each helping so that she has to eat more and more in order to receive second helpings. Again, the most important variable here is that you pay no attention to her if she isn’t eating. Have adult talk. Third approach: Don’t set a place for her at the dinner table. When dinner is ready, don’t call her. If she asks why there’s no place for her, calmly tell her that she obviously doesn’t like the dinners you fix and you’ve decided that’s perfectly fine. She has your permission to eat only breakfast and lunch. If she says she’s hungry, tell her you’ll fix a plate for her when the rest of the family has eaten. When all is said and done, your daughter needs dinner less than she needs you to be a calm authority figure in her life. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.
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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
The 9th annual ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile is a “must do” event for ladies 21 years of age and older featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini’s and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs, shopping, entertainment and more. Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal, 201 South Water Street, Mobile. Event tickets are available for $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Attendees may also purchase $25 or $50 ‘Purse-Onality’ tickets which include a stylish purse – and a surprise gift inside valued at that (or more!) Visit www.rmhcmobile.org or call Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile at 251-694-6873 to purchase tickets.
BayFest 5K & Fun Run
BayFest will host its 9th Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 26th to kick off the beginning of the 2015 BayFest Music Festival. The 5K race will start at 8:00a.m. and Fun Run will start at 9:00a.m. in Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by September 19), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on September 24, or online (www.bayfest5k2015.eventbrite.com) until 4a.m. September 26. Food, beverages, and music will be provided after the race. All registered participants will be eligible for door prize drawings - you must be present to win. For more information, please visit www.bayfest.com/5k.php.
28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) along with Alabama People Against a Littered State (AL PALS) will sponsor the 28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on September 19th from 8 a.m. to noon. The event gives residents in Mobile and Baldwin counties, as well as inland counties, the opportunity to give back to the environment and their surrounding communities by cleaning up along the coast and waterways and within their cities. Volunteers are needed to help with the Coastal Cleanup. Participants can find a cleanup zone near them at www.AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com. All supplies are provided, and volunteers who come out early will receive a free t-shirt. If you’d like to be involved visit www. AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com for a zone nearest you or call (251) 928-9792.
Take Strides Towards Down Syndrome Awareness at Mobile's Buddy Walk®
On Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m., participants from Mobile and surrounding communities will walk together for Down syndrome awareness as part of the 8th Annual Buddy Walk. More than 750 people are expected to attend the event, which is one of over 250 Buddy Walks across the U.S. this fall to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. This year’s Buddy Walk will be held in Bienville Square, located in the heart of downtown Mobile, and is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. Along with the walk through the historic area, there will also be live music, food, special guests, games for all ages, vendors and exhibitors and much more. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. For more information on the Mobile Buddy Walk, visit http://bit. ly/buddywalkmobile, and, for more information about the Down Syndrome Society of Mobile, visit www.dssmobile.org.
“Lions, Tigers, THE FAIR, Oh My!”
The Grounds will host the 61st annual Greater Gulf State Fair from Oct. 30 – Nov. 8. This year’s Fair will feature a new theme “Lions, Tigers, THE FAIR, Oh My” with a full schedule of Wizard of Oz themed entertainment and design. “The 2015 Fair is focused on creating the cleanest, most family-friendly event in America,” said Scott Tindle, executive director of The Grounds. Tickets are on sale now! To purchase your tickets or for more information about the 2015 Fair, please visit thegroundsmobile.com. Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
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Mobile Fashion Week Celebrates 5th Anniversary!
Mobile Fashion Week (MFW) celebrates its 5th anniversary with shows being held on location at the Warehouse District at Mobile Aeroplex, Mobile Fashion Week’s opening night is Thursday, September 24th to include local salons during the famed Hair Show. Friday, September 25th presents the popular Fashion’s Night Out and Saturday, September 26th will conclude Mobile Fashion Week with The Finale. Doors will open each night at 6 p.m. Showtime is set for 7 p.m. and events will conclude each night at 10 p.m. For the first time, Mobile Fashion Week will present junior designers from around the Gulf Coast to showcase their collections. Arianna Swan of Spanish Fort High School will present her designs at Fashion’s Night Out. The Mobile Fashion Council winner, Helen Legg of Fairhope High School, will display her collection during The Finale. Finally, the Thursday night Hair Show will feature designs from Santajia Lindsey of Vigor High School. Other designers include Tieler James, winner of Project Runway Threads, Katharine Faust, House of Faust, Lauren Dufilho and Native Royalty. Proceeds are distributed to the following charities: Camp Rap-A-Hope, Eye Heart World, and Children with Hair Loss. For more information visit us at: http://www.mobfashionweek.com/
2015 Polo at the Point
The 2015 Polo at the Point, hosted by Point Clear Charities, Inc. and presented by Mercedes Benz of Mobile and Grand Hotel Marriott, is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at Sonny Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear. The Gulf Coast’s premier charity sporting event has designated Thomas Hospital and Mitchell Cancer Institute as its main beneficiaries. Event highlights include world-class polo, gourmet cuisine, champagne, divot stomping, tailgating fun, reserved seating, garden party attire in the luncheon tent, hat parade, Mercedes Drawn Down, Silent Auction, football sports center, Night-Time Player’s Party and much more. Tickets range from $10 (tailgating) to $150. For more information visit www.poloatthepoint.com or call 251 928-9704.
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Original Oyster House Hosts Free Never Forget Lunch for First Responders
The Original Oyster House restaurants will honor Mobile and Baldwin County law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and sheriff officers by offering a free “Never Forget” Lunch at either the Gulf Shores or Mobile Causeway location on Friday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 8th Annual Never Forget Lunch was established by the Original Oyster House restaurants in honor of the 911 First Responders who risked their lives to save, protect and serve and also to recognize all first responders for their service. The Mobile Causeway restaurant will also host a blood drive in memory of 9/11. “We promised we would not forget and we have not forgotten the brave men and women that not only went above and beyond that tragic day in history, but today continue to serve and protect. Please join us on Friday, September 11 anytime between 11 am to 4 p.m. Just show your ID or better yet wear your uniform so we may recognize you with a handshake or pat on the back,” stated Joe Roszkowski, CEO and president of Superb Foods/Original Oyster House restaurants. In memory of 9/11, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, a 501(c) 3 non-profit community blood supplier, will also be on hand at the Causeway restaurant for blood donations. All blood donations collected will be distributed to hospitals in Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia Counties.
The Eastern Shore Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association – Alabama will hold its 21st Annual “Fall Out” Banquet on Thursday, September 24, at the Five Rivers Delta Center on the Causeway. The event will feature catering by Georgia Roussos, an open bar, live entertainment by Ryan Balthrop, raffles and a silent auction featuring a wide variety of trips, sporting goods and items of interest for all attending. 100% of net proceeds will go to support CCA Alabama and its mission to conserve our coastal region and marine resources. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $80 for couples and $60 for individuals, and include annual memberships in CCA. Corporate Sponsorships are still available. For more information and tickets please email info@ccaalabama.org, call 251-4783474, or visit www.ccaalabama.org
Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Party in the Park
The Eastern Shore Walk to end Alzheimer’s and Inaugural Party in the Park will take place Saturday, September 12th at the Fairhope Pier. The walk starts at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m. After the walk the Party in the Park will kick off at 11 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Both events are free to all. The party in the park will feature live Music from Ryan Balthrop, a petting zoo, pet adoption sponsored by The Pet Haven, bouncy house for the kids along with many other games and entertainment for the whole family. For more information or to register contact Claire McEntire, 850-462-5410 x8044 or visit act.alz.org.
Cooking for the Community Boston Butt Sale
Cooking for the Community is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping area families in need. Over the past few years this organization has restored homes in disrepair, fixing leaky roofs, windows, mold infestation and plumbing problems, and they upgraded a ramp to be wheelchair-compatible, just to name a few. They are also excited to be sponsoring thirty school children in the Fairhope Rotary Youth Club for after-school tutoring and “Enrichment” and “Academy” programs during the summer. Cooking for the Community is proud to announce this year’s fundraiser, the 5th Annual Cooking for the Community Boston Butt Sale! You can purchase a Boston Butt for $35 online or over the phone by calling 251-210-1229. Orders must be placed by Friday, October 9th. Pickup date is Saturday, October 17th between 8 a.m. and 12 noon at Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church, 23050 Highway 98, Fairhope. If you would like to become involved please visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookingforthecommunity and share their journey with friends. They also invite you to visit the website and volunteer at www.cookingforthecommunity.org. 12
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2015 Leukemia Cup Regatta
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Alabama/Gulf Coast chapter is proud to announce its 2015 Leukemia Cup Regatta, setting sail to raise funds to support blood cancer research and patient services. Local sailors and friends will raise funds in honor of local leukemia survivor, Shephard Hall, of Daphne. This year’s race will be held on September 19th at the Buccaneer Yacht Club. The race will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. All are also invited to the race pre-event at the Buccaneer Yacht Club on Friday, September 18. This event will include a silent auction, live auction, Calcutta auction and a brief presentation by Shephard Hall and family. Tickets to this event can be bought at the door for $25. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. In addition to raising funds for the mission of LLS, participants will enjoy the time spent with their honored skipper, Shephard Hall. Shephard’s mom, Brady Hall, states their involvement with LLS perfectly when she said, “When Shep was diagnosed, we knew we would have opportunities to share our faith and how the Lord has been with us every step of the way. The Regatta is just another opportunity for us to share our story while at the same time allowing LLS to move one step closer to finding a cure. We are impressed with how much effort LLS is putting forth in finding a cure for blood cancers. No parent should have to watch a child suffer with cancer. It’s been a difficult journey we wouldn’t wish on anybody. Though we wouldn’t trade our journey for anything, our prayer is that a cure will be found so that others will not have to suffer.” Visit www.leukemiacup.org/al to learn more about the Regatta series or to register for the event.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler Pour UCP
On Thursday, September 17, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Mobile will host its 6th annual Food and Folly event. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Whiting Armory (1620 South Broad Street, Mobile). Our FOOD will be provided by some of the best local restaurants and chefs as they will present their favorite dishes for guests to sample. The FOLLY will consist of live music from the Excelsior Band, a unique Mardi Gras procession featuring Chief Slacabamorinico and the Joe Cain Footmarchers. In addition, there will be a wine grab, silent auction, and wine tasting. Tickets are on sale now for $35 per person or $60 per couple. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have a great night out while supporting the many important programs of UCP! For more information, please contact Kenneth Sheets at 251.479.4900 or via e-mail atksheets@ucpmobile.org.
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Children’s Cup Regatta Benefits Children’s of Alabama Patients
The sixth annual Children’s Cup Regatta sets sail on October 10, to benefit patients from the Alabama Gulf Coast treated at Children’s of Alabama. Sailing enthusiasts and friends in Mobile and Baldwin counties are invited to enjoy a day of sailboat racing at the Fairhope Yacht Club, located at 101 Volanta Ave. A family-friendly event, guests are invited to watch the races free-of-charge beginning at 12:30 p.m. The kids activity area opens at 4 p.m. and features a waterslide, arts and crafts, games, and a chance to paint with Fairhope artist Ricky Trione. Throughout the afternoon, guests can bid on silent auction items and enjoy barbecue plates, a cash bar, and live music from Doc Rogers and the Rock Dodgers. The awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m. The entry fee for Performance Handicap Racing Fleet, Portsmouth, Rhodes 19 and Catalina 22 is $50 per boat. Youth Class entry fee is $25 per boat. Children’s of Alabama patients and their families in the area are invited to attend the Regatta. A few boats will be available to take former patients out to watch the sailing action close-up. The youth portion of the Children’s Cup Regatta is known as “Katie’s Cup Youth Regatta” in honor of Katie Hamlin of Fairhope. As a 16 year-old Bayside Academy honor student and soccer player, Katie was diagnosed with a possible staph infection in May 2009. After falling sick a few weeks later, she was induced into a coma and put on a ventilator. She was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome and transferred to Children’s of Alabama. After seven months of treatment, Katie was able to return home and is now a walking, talking miracle. Katie will be in attendance at this year’s Regatta. For more information or to register online, visit http://childrensal.kintera.org/childrenscup, or call Kerrie Benson at (251) 610-4969. Event updates will be posted regularly to facebook.com/ChildrensCupRegatta. Day-of registration is available from 9-10:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 at the Fairhope Yacht Club.
Rebecca Pober Citrin Receives Girl Scouts’ Highest Honor for Raising Awareness on Human Trafficking
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is proud to announce that Rebecca Pober Citrin, from Daphne, was selected by Girl Scouts of the USA as one of ten 2015 National Young Women of Distinction, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for her Gold Award project on domestic human sex trafficking awareness. This special honor and designation by Girl Scouts of the USA showcases Rebecca’s extraordinary leadership over a project that had measureable and sustainable impact and addressed a global issue. Rebecca saw the need to raise awareness for the second largest organized crime in the world. With the help from numerous people, from law enforcement officers to FBI Special Agents to victims of human trafficking, Rebecca put together a moving documentary and website about the subject that highlights the reasons that human trafficking is such a huge market and how to stop it. Both the Kappa Delta Foundation and Girl Scouts of the USA each generously provided a $5,000 college scholarship to all of the ten National Young Women of Distinction, including Rebecca. Additionally, she was awarded a Loucretia Hollingsworth Scholarship through Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama for $1000. This year, Rebecca will be honored at a national recognition ceremony hosted by Girl Scouts of the USA. She will also be featured in a livestreaming TED Talk event with her fellow National Young Women of Distinction. Both the recognition ceremony and livestream will be held on October 7, 2015, in New York. Earning the Gold Award is just one of the fun and amazing things girls can do as part of Girl Scouts. To join Girl Scouts or learn more about volunteering, please visit: www.girlscouts.org/join.
Mobile Rotary Club and Goodwill Easter Seals Send 100 local Children and Adults to Camp ASCCA
For the 31st year, 100 local children and adults with disabilities departed from Goodwill Easter Seals’ Gordon Smith Campus in July for a week-long camping adventure sponsored through a generous donation from the Mobile Rotary Club. Campers attended Easter Seals’ Camp ASCCA (Alabama Special Camp for Children and Adults), the largest barrier-free camp facility in the nation. Located in Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Camper activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a "splash pad," outdoor adventure elements such as a zip-line, and much more. Campers of all abilities can participate in everything from water skiing to horseback riding. The Mobile Rotary Club has been a long-time financial sponsor of the event. Goodwill Easter Seals coordinates the trip each year and sends support staff to assist the campers and staff of Easter Seals’ Camp ASCCA. For more information on Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, please visit www.gesgc.org. Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
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GulfQuest Grand Opening
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On September 26, the world’s only maritime museum dedicated to the historical, cultural and economic significance of the Gulf of Mexico will open to the public. Located on the Mobile River, this hands-on museum will become only the second interactive maritime museum in the United States. With 90 exhibits, a museum store, a museum café and event space, GulfQuest is a 120,000 square foot museum designed to look as if it were a ship headed into Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Six years after the building’s groundbreaking in April 2009, GulfQuest will become a major educational and tourist attraction for Mobile, the Gulf Coast and the state of Alabama. Early projections indicate GulfQuest will draw more than 300,000 visitors per year. “Beyond its focus on the Gulf of Mexico, GulfQuest will be unique among maritime museums in that it features interactive exhibits, simulators and theaters, complemented by artifacts and memorabilia,” Tony Zodrow, GulfQuest executive director said. Within the building, GulfQuest’s exhibits are housed inside the stern of a full-sized container ship, displayed as if dockside. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. GulfQuest will be closed on Mondays. Admission prices are; Adults (18-64) $18, Youth (13-17) $16, Child (5-12) $14, Seniors (65+) $16. Groups of 15 or more are eligible for discount rates. Children under 5 will be admitted free of charge. An adult must accompany all children/youth. Admission prices do not include sales tax. www.gulfquest.org.
Camp I Believe Supports Children Through Grief Process
When a child is grieving the loss of a loved one or friend, it is important for them to know that they are not alone with their grief. Gentiva Hospice has developed Camp I Believe, an overnight camp to help children ages 6 – 15 years old deal with their feelings and become empowered to cope with the loss of their loved one. The camp will be held September 12-13, at Camp Baldwin in Elberta, AL. The campers are able to attend camp free of charge through funding provide by the Gentiva Hospice Foundation. Camp I Believe is a two day camp where children can learn to express grief in a healthy, safe environment. Our professional staff and trained volunteers include social workers, spiritual care coordinators, nurses, recreational therapists and bereavement specialists. Campers will be encouraged to not only reflect, but to laugh and play again. The beautiful grounds of Camp Baldwin allow children to heal through nature and a variety of fun activities which include fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, field games and much more. Camp I Believe is currently seeking campers to participate in the camp. We are also seeking supply donations and volunteers. If you or a friend would like more information, please visit www.gentiva. com, or call or6:05 email Smith PA Pet ad.qxp_Layout 1 7/20/15 PMKim Page 1 at Gentiva Hospice, at 251-621-2500, or Kimberly.Smith1@gentiva.com.
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Committee Plans for 27th Anniversary of the Jubilee Festival
The 27th Annual Jubilee Festival, an Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event, is scheduled for September 26 and 27. The juried art show takes place on Main Street (Scenic 98) in Olde Towne Daphne, in front of City Hall and in Centennial Park. There is no admission and the festival will be going on 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Kids Art at Jubilee Festival returns to Centennial Park again this year. Kids enjoy such activities as fence painting, creating wooden structures, fish prints, puppet making, and more. As always, the fantastic entertainment on stage at the Jubilee Fest showcases the best acts in the region. For more information call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222 or visit www.eschamber.com.
American Cancer Society plans Black Out Cancer Ball
The American Cancer Society (ACS) will host the Black Out Cancer Ball on Sept. 17 at the Fairhope Civic Center. The event, formerly called the Baldwin County Gala, is a fun-filled evening that honors the Bay Area’s top men & women of influence who dedicate time to their community and to the fight against cancer. In addition to the honoree presentation, attendees will enjoy cuisine provided by Tamara’s Restaurant Group, music by the band Power House and exciting live and silent actions items from the area’s premier artists, boutiques and businesses. As part of the “Black Out” theme, guests are encouraged to wear black cocktail attire. Through fundraising events like the Black Out Cancer Ball, the ACS continues to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people to get well and stay well, find cures, and fight back against a disease that has taken too many lives. Tickets for the event are $100 and can be purchased online at blackoutcancerball.org.
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‘The Second City: Improv All Stars’ Headline Phantasy of the Arts 2015
The renowned comedic theater troop, “The Second City: Improv All Stars,” is headlining Phantasy of the Arts 2015, on October 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Fairhope Civic Center. Providing a memorable hour of improvised comedy, the event is put on by the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) and benefits public education students in Fairhope. The Chicago-based group is famous for launching the careers of comedic legends such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more. Celebrating 55 years of cutting-edge satirical revues, The Second City comedians will tickle funny bones with their talent, skill and wit — all without the aid of scripts or sets. In celebration of FEEF’s upcoming 20th anniversary, Phantasy of the Arts co-chairs Lisa Trotter and Heather Middleton say they wanted to bring back this crowd favorite for an all-new show and to bring a touch of Chicago to Fairhope for the night. In addition to the comedic entertainment from the Chicago-based comedic group, a real-time graffiti artist will be creating urban artwork for all to see. Following The Second City, the party will continue with live graffiti artwork, music, football viewing, and food truck fare from Wind Creek Hospitality’s “Good to Go” mobile kitchen. Sponsorships for Phantasy of the Arts 2015 are available with an exclusive pre-party gathering at Tamara’s Downtown at 5:30 p.m. Advanced individual tickets are $100. To purchase a sponsorship, tickets, or for more information visit www.feefonline.org, call 251-990-FEEF, or email info@feefonline.org.
Second Annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash
The second annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 8, , to benefit pediatric rheumatology patients. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music and barbecue at Camp Grace, located at 11081 Wanda Drive. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m., with live music from Ashton Shepherd. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and enjoy s’mores, hayrides and a bonfire. Moe’s Original Bar B Que will provide its award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. The Boots & BBQ Barn Bash is presented by Children’s of Alabama and Rheum4yAL, an advocacy group that works with children across Alabama suffering from juvenile arthritis. This year’s event honors Mitchell Hughey of Mobile. For more information or to register online, visit http://give. childrensal.org/barnbash or “Boots & BBQ Barn Bash” on Facebook. Admission is $60 per person and $500 per table. For sponsorship information, contact Kerrie Benson, the Gulf Coast coordinator for Children’s of Alabama, at Kerrie.Benson@childrensal.org.
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Get Ready for the Baldwin County Fair!
The Baldwin County Fair will be held Tuesday, September 22 - Saturday, September 26 at the Baldwin County Coliseum and Arena/ Baldwin County Fairgrounds, 19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale. Admission for adults is $6 and children (under 12) are admitted FREE. Daily specials include: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday September 22nd, 23rd, and 24th are Pay One Price Day beginning at 5pm! $12 for admission and all rides and entertainment, are free (all over 36” tall). Thursday, September 24th, senior citizens, military personnel and veterans admitted free from 3-5pm only. Friday, September 26, Admission: Adults $6, Children under 12 years are admitted free. Midnight madness is from 10pm – 1am on Friday with $20 armbands for unlimited rides. Saturday 1pm – 5pm $15 armbands, 5pm – closing armbands are $20. Individual tickets are also available. Fair hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5pm - 11pm; Friday 5pm - 1am, Saturday 1pm - Midnight. For more complete list of all the events and attractions or for more information visit the website, baldwincofair.com or call (251) 947-3247 or (251) 947-3492. Before planning your trip, please call or visit the website to confirm times and pricing.
This past summer more than 140 students took part in the Rotary Youth Club’s Summer Enrichment Academy at J. Larry Newton School – nearly double the number the club has hosted in the past. And once again, final test score numbers show students skyrocketed past the RYC test goals preparing for a confident return to school. Fairhope High School IB students and other volunteers joined certified teachers for the July portion of the Academy in one hour rotations of math, reading and science. Participants more than surpassed the commitment of 10% improvement across all subjects. With an average of 16% increased proficiency in reading overall, 4th and 5th grade scores jumped 25% alone. In math, 7th graders marked a 24% improvement over the month. And K-6 science scores moved up 18%, with Kindergarteners averaging 34% improvement. The Academy, under the direction of Education Coordinator Frances Campbell, is in its fifth year and funded by the Fairhope Education Enrichment Foundation. The Rotary Youth Club after school program launched last month with a record 156 enrolled on its Young Street campus. Students from the FHS IB programme as well as Bayside Academy are a big part of the “Power Hour” homework help team – but more tutors are needed immediately especially to work with our Middle and High School club members. If you’re a retired teacher, volunteerminded adult or high schooler with an hour to give during the school week – the club would love to have you! Contact Frances Campbell at fcampbell@rotaryyouthclub.org or call the club at 928.9148.
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“Life Matters” – Suicide Prevention Series to be held in Fairhope this September
A four-week suicide prevention program will be held in Fairhope this September. This is a free series to the public scheduled for Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22 and 29th. The event will be held at the James P. Nix Center, 1 Bayou Drive, Fairhope. Each date will cover a different aspect of suicide in a one-hour session that will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. The following topics will be covered: September 8th, Suicide: An Overview; September 15th, Who Is At Risk for Suicide; September 22nd, Suicide Prevention: The Link Between PTSD, Depression & Suicide; and September 29th, Suicide Prevention: Best Practices to Implement at Home, School & Work. “This is an issue that requires the support of community,” stated Fairhope Police Lieutenant Stephanie Hollinghead, “Our primary goal is to educate the public about misconceptions, risk factors, how to seek help and how to help one another. Also, we hope that this will be an opportunity to educate lawmakers on funding that is needed for education and mental health services, as well as the need for an emergency detention process for mental health evaluations. One suicide is too many.” The series is a collaborative effort between the Fairhope Police Department, Fairhope United Methodist Church, the local “Out of the Darkness” Walk, Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation and Baldwin County Community Alliance through AltaPointe Health Systems.
Exceptional Foundation Golf Tournament
The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast invites you to join them for the 3rd Annual Exceptional Foundation Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held Friday, September 18 at The Lakewood Club. Shotgun start is at 12 noon. Price to participate is $125 per player or $400 for 4 person teams. Sponsorships are available: Title Sponsor, $3,000; Gold Sponsor, $1,000; Silver Sponsor, $500; Putting Green Sponsor, $300; Tee Sponsor $200. Proceeds from the tournament provide the necessary funds to ensure that The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast participants are able to gather daily for social activities, field trips, team sports, arts and more. For more information on this or other programs visit www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org or call 251-625-8955.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
Loving “Special” Kids With kids back in school, I want to call attention to a group of people whose lives might be a little different than yours and mine. These children and young adults I am referring to are kids with “special needs,” and the families who sacrifice so much to take care of them. Their devotion to these kids is amazing, and today we will meet some of them. When I first met Kevin, I was in the ER at The Children‘s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham, and I wasn‘t sure what to expect. This was a 26-year-old man with a lifelong pediatric illness called Duchenne‘s Muscular Dystrophy, an inherited disorder that affects the muscles and lungs and leads to a severely shortened lifespan. I expected a sad person with a downtrodden family who had dealt with a lifetime of hospitalizations, medicines, and surgeries, but boy was I surprised. I walked into the room to see a smiling, polite young man who was in the middle of telling a story about how he had tricked his little brother into putting a salt covered lemon in his mouth for 30 seconds, and the parents were cracking up! I thought to myself, how can such a devastating situation lead to this wonderful family cracking up about a prank? How would I feel if that were me? If that were my child? Cody was a young child of 9 years who I met in Birmingham as well, who was basically
Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
a permanent resident of the pulmonary ward. Cody had a severe form of Cystic Fibrosis, a devastating disease that affects not only the lungs, but pancreas, liver, and gut. When I walked into his room, he was on the phone with the local sports talk radio station that broadcasted all over the city and he was talking up NASCAR and Auburn football! He was such an avid fan, that they expected him to call in every afternoon to talk sports! At this point, Cody had been admitted to the hospital for over 6 weeks receiving IV antibiotics and other therapies that he could not do at home. Later that night, I saw him and two other kids with CF wandering the halls and joking around. As we were talking, the other kids drifted off, and we started talking about his family. He was one of 5 kids, and the only one with CF. He hadn’t seen his parents in 5 weeks, mainly because they lived two hours away and had to work two jobs to help take care of not only the other the kids, but to help pay for all of his care at home and in the hospital. I expected him to be sad about his family situation, but in fact, he was so amazed and thankful that his parents worked that hard to support his family. How would I respond? How could I help? I have seen numerous kids and families like Kevin and Cody throughout my career and I am constantly amazed at their stories. I know families who sacrifice their entire lives
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to take care of these kids with special needs, including numerous doctor and hospital visits. I have seen families torn apart by the stress that goes along with the sacrifices they make and I have seen families strengthened by them. So my word of advice is to pray for strength for these families and help them any way you can. Help can come in lots of ways - not only a donation to a cause! Sometimes, just a simple smile and hello or acceptance can make a world of difference. One of the most important things a child with special needs can do is be incorporated into mainstream activities. School, sports, and extra-curricular activities are important aspects of a normal childhood and are so important to these kids, so be sure to welcome them with open arms and help if you can. A simple hug or pat on the back can go a long way! Finally, teach your kids to do the same. Teach them to be open and accepting to all human beings, especially those with special needs. Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.
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Schools the Teachers at GSES First Day at W.J. CarrollAutauga County Meeting The first day of school at W. J. Carroll Intermediate School showed how excited the students were to start back to school. Getting off the first bus of the day in no particular order are Aidan Breakfield, Jake Culbertson, Trevor Rotolo, and Hayden Middlebrooks.
Meet the Teacher is one of the most highly-anticipated days of the new school year at Gulf Shores Elementary. Parents, teachers and students all look forward to seeing who they’ll be spending so much time with for the next nine months. Go Dolphins! First selfie in Mr. Anthony Capps’ class! L to r: Tucker King, John Paul Hicks, Mr. Capps, Bella Sallin, Gabby DiMario and Mason Nettles.
First Day at Daphne East
Jax Garl and his parents, Leah and Jeff Garl, walk to his Kindergarten classroom on his first day at Daphne East Elementary.
Bayshore Christian School Proud of First Class of Seniors
Pictured here is the first class of seniors at Bayshore Christian School along with Head of School, Pam McKee, and Academic Dean, Andrew Colbert. With an average ACT score of 28.5, this impressive senior class has a bright future. It will be exciting to see the mark they leave on the school as its first graduating class, and the impact they will have on the world throughout their lives.
McGill-Toolen Cheerleaders Host Clinic for Elementary and Middle School girls
McT Catholic Cheerleaders hosted a clinic for elementary and middle school girls to get ready for the upcoming CYO football season. Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
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Autauga County Schools Sweet Start to the School Year!
Bayside Academy attempted to beat the heat on the first day of school with our Annual Ice Cream Social! After finding their classrooms, meeting their teachers, and getting acclimated to their new schedules, students from the four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten class to the Upper School seniors, were treated to a bowl of ice cream provided by the Seward family. The many parent volunteers on hand and the staff of the Bayside Grill, together served 850 bowls of vanilla to the eager students and guests. It was a great way to end the first day of school! Pictured: Fifth graders Elizabeth Elliott, Katie Clements, Augusta Lane Jones, Elle Brown.
New Staff at W.J. Carroll
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W. J. Carroll Intermediate School would like to welcome their new staff members. From left are Mr. Percy LaDuna – PE teacher , Mrs. Stephanie Rhodes – 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Averette Hale – assistant vice principal, Miss Courtney Hersch – 5th grade teacher, and Mrs. Tracy Whitfield instructional aide.
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McGill-Toolen Catholic School Breaks Ground on New Student Center
Students, faculty, Board Members, Campaign Leaders and Administrators joined Archbishop Rodi, Superintendent Gwen Byrd and Fr. Shields as the contracts were signed and ground was broken on the project that will be complete for the start of the 20162017 school year. The Student Center will serve as the heart of the McGill-Toolen Catholic Campus with the White-Lipsomb Chapel and a dining hall that can accommodate our continued growth in enrollment.
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Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
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BCHS Tiger Guard Wins Big at Camps
Congratulations to the Baldwin County High School Tiger Guard for winning TWO Grand Championship trophies at the Marching Auxiliaries camp at the University of South Alabama. The team won the trophies for their final camp evaluations and all members earned Superior ribbons for their performance. The team also won the 110% Award and Most Overall Spirit Award. Additionally, senior members received special recognition for an Outstanding Home Routine. Numerous members received Rising Star and All-American ribbons throughout the week. Select members -- McKenzie Moody, Jada Howard, Courtney Tyree, Myesha Washington, and Savannah Atchison -- earned a spot on the MA Honor Roll. "It was a fantastic week! The team worked hard and represented BCHS with class & pride," said Elizabeth Byrd, team coach. Jada Howard won the Top Color Guard Soloist Award. The Cheer squad was also selected as Camp Champions at the UCA Camp held in Destin, FL. The team also won first place overall, second place in Extreme Routine and a superior performance trophy. The squad also received in invitation to perform at the ACC Championship Game on Dec. 5. Throughout the week the squad received superior ribbons for evaluations and two BCHS seniors – London Naseman and Kaylee Rider -- were selected for All-American honors. In addition, London and Kaylee were two of only six participants asked to apply to be UCA staff members.
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Autauga County Schools Spanish Fort HS Student Working on Girl Scout Gold Award
Spanish Fort High School student, Morgan Mitchell, is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award and had a wonderful idea. This idea grew to become Delicate Embrace Angel Gowns. Knowing the NICU houses an average of 75 premies a day, some that sadly do not make it, Morgan wanted to do something special for these families. Morgan now collects donated wedding dresses and students from schools around the county are harvesting the embellishments, and cutting the dresses to make the burial gowns for these babies. This past year Fairhope High School also worked on the project. They plan to roll the project out to other schools year with the support of her mother, Amy Mitchell and her faculty advisor, Diane Bernasconi. Dianne Bernasconi (faculty advisor), Chloe Wadsworth (Fairhope High) Laurey Byrd (NICU Supervisor) and Morgan Mitchell (Project Manager).
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First Day at Bay Minette
Students in Baldwin County began a new school year today and that means bringing in lots of new supplies. Bay Minette Intermediate students Payden and Noah Kelly get help from Mom, Brandy Grace and sister, Tiara.
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Second Grade Team at Daphne East Off to a Great Start! Back row left to right: Tina Tuveson, Courtney Phillips, Kathy Johnson, Susan Samry, Missy Wood. Bottom row left to right: Deborah Sutton, Michelle Boulton.
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Gulf Shores ES Classes Create Books
Mrs. Jody Robinson and Mrs. Kelly Nelson's 5th grade classes at Gulf Shores Elementary School wrote and illustrated their very own class books! The title of their books is, "If I Could Choose....�. After completing PBL units involving museums, zoos, and libraries, students decided to choose one of the three locations. They wrote why they would spend a day there and added their very own illustration. Finally, they sent the pages to the publishers. Students are so proud of these books! Pictured l to r: Jacob Phillips, Catherine Hackett, and Molly Sims.
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Autauga County Schools Smart Choices Presentation Shows Dangers of Drug Use
The United Way of Baldwin County announces the Smart Choices Presentation "One Time. Only Time". It only takes one bad decision for your life to change in an instant. Do you really know all the dangers associated with drug use? Come out and learn about the dangerous drugs that are affecting our community. This is an event you can’t afford to miss! Thursday, September 10th Bay Minette Civic Center - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 15th Foley Civic Center- 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 16th Gulf Shores High School Gym- 6:00 p.m. Thursday September 17th CF Taylor Building- Robertsdale- Presented in Spanish – 6:30 p.m. Thursday September 24th Fairhope Civic Center- 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Graphic images and video consequences of a bad decision will be shown. Parental guidance is advised. This event is presented in partnership with City of Bay Minette, Foley Police Department, Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Baldwin County Public Schools, Fairhope Police Department, District Attorney of Baldwin County, The Shoulder, Youth Advocate and Drug Education Council.
McGill-Toolen Students Visit Brother Paul
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McT Catholic football players and friends visited Brother Paul at Sacred Heart today, where he is recovering from a slight stroke. It was good to see Br. Paul and spend some time together! Front row: Student Amelia Wilson, Br. Paul, student Lauren Prescott and alumni Amanda Wilson. Back: Vinny Vialpando, student Wes Megginson, Philip Rehm, Scotty Megginson, John-Henry Caponis and Jack Rooney.
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Sea Cadets Receive Hands-on Training
Dunlap Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps received hands-on training during their recent camp out in Bay Minette on July 31. Each year the unit holds an end of the year summer pool party/BBQ. This year, the unit’s Executive Officer, ENS Tony Graham, offered his land and time to teach the 43 cadets some outdoor skills. After the cadets, set up camp by installing tents it was time for the training to begin. ENS Graham instructed the cadets in the various methods of fire starting (a much needed skill for chow time) and water purification was taught by taking water from the cattle trough, cleaning it and making the water safe for drinking. Then it was time for chow, so the cadets learned how to clean and cook wild animals (in this case it was chickens). Later, while sitting around the camp fire the cadets shared their summer trainings experiences. This summer cadets traveled to numerous states for trainings. Those trainings included Navy League Orientation, Recruit Training, Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Marksmanship, Wilderness, Field Ops and Medical Field Ops (medical support in combat scenarios). The trainings listed are just a few that were offered all across the USA by the NSCC this summer. The following morning, the cadets completed Physical Training better known as “PT”. Nothing like a few pushups to get the heart pumping in the morning! Then the cadets broke down camp and prepared for the party to begin. As you can imagine, there was food, food, and more food, swimming, volleyball, soccer, and even a large scale “Jenga”. Fun for the whole family! The party ended with an Awards Ceremony to show off the cadets’ accomplishments. There were many promotions, community service and physical fitness awards, Honor Cadets and Companies, as well as graduation certificates from the various trainings. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know is interested in the Sea or League Cadet program and how they may join or by volunteering as an adult leader, visit our Division website www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison.
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Autauga County Schools Super Kindergartners
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Students in Mrs. Robertsonšs Kindergarten class at Fairhope Elementary squeezed their Super Dough with all of their might to reveal their Kindergarten Super Powers. They are all going to be Super Spellers, Super Readers, Super Writers, and have Super Math power by the end of Kindergarten. Pictured, Nell Hage-Wright, John Finley, Ellie Giddings, Shaun Kreek, Lexi Autrey.
First Day at Bay Minette Intermediate School
Summer was great but now it is over and students at Bay Minette Intermediate School returned to school today. Students in Daniel Brown and April Lamb’s class were very excited to be back together.
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First Day at Bay Minette IS
Students returned to Bay Minette Intermediate School where teachers have been preparing for weeks. Fourth grade teacher, Jennifer Anderson, welcomes new student, Brayden Vinson.
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Gulf Shores Middle School Student Places Third in District Poster Contest Douglas Sanders won the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest for Gulf Shores Middle School. He then placed third in the District Contest. The Lions International Peace Poster Contest is an international contest that encourages children, ages 11-13, to creatively express what peace means to them. The theme of the contest this year was "Peace, Love and Understanding." The contest allows students to share their unique image of peace with others, so that we may all have greater tolerance and international understanding. Pictured: Douglas Sanders recognized at Lions Club meeting for placing third at District.
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Autauga County Schools
Christ the King Catholic School Students Hear About Living the Christian Life
Christ the King Catholic School junior high students listen as Fr. Victor Ingalls talks about living the Christian life as students and leaders of the school. The junior high began the new year with an assembly, going over expectations and the learning environment, and concluding with praise and worship, led by Mrs. Hutson and Fr. Ingalls. Send School News to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
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Fairhope Elementary Students Create Self-Portraits
Students in Mrs. Tonya Mills Fairhope Elementary second grade class created self portraits and wrote 5 Super Fun Facts about themselves. She collected the ME portraits and the facts to read aloud while holding up a ME portrait. The students had to guess which super 2nd grader it was from their investigations and getting to know one another.
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Bayside Academy Welcomes New Faculty
Bayside Academy is excited to announce the addition of eleven new faculty members to the Bayside family. Andrew Arick is teaching English; Ryan Campbell is teaching English and Language Arts; Cheryl Cicco is teaching Kindergarten; Haley Hall is teaching Art; Carrie Jackson is art; Sarah Kalaris is teaching Computer Science; Steve Marine is teaching English; Jodi Marine is teaching Math; Barry McPhail is teaching Science; Liz Thimas is teaching World Language; Cassie Snow is teaching Pre-Kindergarten. Pictured (l-r): New faculty at Bayside Academy: Cheryl Cicco, Cassie Snow, Ryan Campbell, Haley Hall, Andrew Arick, Carrie Jackson, Steve Marine, Liz Thomas, Sally Kalaris, Jodi Marine and Barry McPhail.
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Bayshore Christian Working for ACCS Accreditation The faculty and staff at Bayshore Christian School worked hard all summer preparing for a wonderful 2015-2016 school year. It is their goal to become certified and accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools this year. They have been working towards this goal for the past two years, and they hope to earn the ACCS accreditation with the graduation of its first senior class in May. Reaching this milestone will be significant in the life of the school.
Kangarooz Family Fun Centers www.mykangarooz.com
We are a 23,000 sf indoor playground with multiple jumpers, video games, cafe, stage, make believe styles, and 5 party rooms.
We have Great Birthday Parties Our parties start at $195 for 10 children. There is a $100 nonrefundable deposit at booking. Included: A party host to ensure that everyone has a great time. Pizza and Soft Drink Pitcher (amount of these depend on the size of party). Party invitations for all the children in the party. Gift for the birthday child. One themed private party room for 2 hours. Ice cream cups for each child. Kangarooz mascot visit. Party accessories (plates, utensils). HD TV in each party room. Games at the stage where your guests can win prizes such as face paints and snow cones.
Kangarooz - Spanish Fort
Spanish Fort Town Center 31000 Bass Pro Dr. (Next to Bass Pro Shop) Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Phone: (251) 219-4290 33
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Autauga County Schools
McGill-Toolen Catholic Students Receive iPads
McGill-Toolen Catholic Student Government Officers Mark Prendergast, Sean Griffin, Hallett DeMouy and Philip Picard help prepare iPads for students. All 1200 students at McGill-Toolen Catholic will receive iPads at orientation as part of the schools new on-to-one initiative.
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Snowballs at Fairhope Elementary
Fairhope Elementary students in Mrs. Nicole Arnold’s third grade class had a blast playing their Snowball Fight/ Detective game. They are having so much fun learning about each other and their new FES family!
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New Principal, New Faculty, and New Furniture at Daphne Middle School
The students of Daphne Middle School returned to school to find some new and exciting changes, namely welcoming their new principal, Tiffany Irby Kalakheti. Mrs. Kalakheti came from Daphne East Elementary, where she was the assistant principal for two years, and says her goals at Daphne Middle School are to “prepare students for college and to help with strategies for success.” She also plans to make the school safer, which includes removing the use of lockers for the upcoming year. Students also welcomed new faculty members: Mr. Parent, the new OCS teacher, and Mrs. Neilson, the new Math teacher. Mr. Parent is a 20-year veteran of the Air Force and Mrs. Neilson has been teaching for 20 years and has taught everything from 1st grade to college. Other new additions include new lobby furniture for students and a new girls service club, the Fleurettes. Sports teams and existing clubs are off to a great start and everyone is excited about a new year at Daphne Middle School!
We will teach your child to be stronger, “bully-proof”, more confident, & better prepared D E T I UNATES to face the challenges of life! T
DO TAEKWON
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Master Kim
E FRE l i Tr a s s a Cl
Classes start at $89/mo. DAPHNE 621-9933
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“Pay As You Go”- No Contracts
BAY MINETTE 232-7598
Family Discount
SEMMES 786-5425
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Autauga County Schools
Bayside Academy Announces New Cheer Coach
Bayside Academy is pleased to announce Sarah Stanley as the new head coach of the cheerleading squads for varsity and 2nd-6th grade. The Mobile native went to Auburn University and cheered professionally. “This group of young ladies is one of the best squads Bayside has had in recent years, and we are gearing up for a great year,” said Sarah. Sarah is no stranger to the Bayside family. Her husband, Jeff Stanley ‘03, is entering his third year working in Bayside’s Athletic Department. The Bayside alum received his undergraduate degree in exercise science from the University of South Alabama and his master’s in sports administration from Arkansas State University. Jeff worked in the Strength and Conditioning Departments at both universities. When Bayside’s Phil Lazenby was named the new Athletic Director this past summer, Coach Stanley transitioned into the role of Strength and Conditioning coach. “In my 40 years as a coach, I have always been in charge of the Strength and Conditioning program, I never trusted anyone else to assume this role before now. Jeff’s experience and dedication to the program made him the obvious choice,” said Coach Lazenby. Jeff, Sarah and their two boys, Jaxon and Jasen, reside in Silverhill. The Admirals’ football season opener is Friday, August 28, at Bayside’s Freedom Track and Field. A complete schedule can be found on the website. Pictured: Jeff and Sarah spent the summer months giving the weight room a much-needed facelift. Please Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com.
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The Bayshore Christian School soccer and volleyball teams attended camps and practices this summer in preparation for their 2015 seasons. They have welcomed a new soccer coach this year, Jesse McCarty, and he has been diligently preparing the team for victory. Coaches David Omtvedt and Lisa Decker are returning to coach the BCS volleyball team. Both teams have participated in scrimmages and look forward to getting their successful seasons underway. Please check our website, bayshorechristian.org, for the 2015 Soccer and Volleyball schedules.
Orange Beach Public Library Celebrates Summer Reading with a Grand Finale!
In June and July, 187 readers were able to find that “Every Hero has a Story” and “Unmask” their reading potential with a total of 3,417 books! The Orange Beach Public Library held a total of 27 programs with 1,476 young readers attending. The Grand Finale and awards ceremony was held on July 16, 2015 in celebration of the end of Summer Reading. Attending summer readers received prizes and Summer Reading Program Certificates. The Summer Reading Superheroes, keeping with the “Every Hero has a Story” and “Unmask” themes, were served ice cream at the grand finale. The Orange Beach Public Library would like to thank the community businesses and organizations that supported our summer programs: Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library; Wells Fargo; The Wharf; Dodge’s. Pictured, Tyla Rapp and Brandt Long were our grand prize winners this year!
EVERY TIME YOU SEE THIS TAG, REMEMBER THAT AN ALABAMA CHILD IS BATTLING CANCER ... AND RECEIVING WORLD-CLASS CARE WITHOUT EVER LEAVING OUR STATE. Over the past decade, Alabama’s Curing Childhood Cancer tag has raised more than $2.5 million for childhood cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s of Alabama. If you already have our tag, be sure to renew it at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. If not, please purchase one when it’s time for a new tag.
Buy a tag. Alabama children are counting on you! curingchildhoodcancer.org
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Building our Future... One Child at a Time Come experience the difference our small class sizes and personal attention make in your child’s journey of life-long learning.
Visit us at www.baysideacademy.org
303 Dryer Avenue | Daphne, Alabama | 251-338-6300 | www.baysideacademy.org Bayside Academy is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to qualified students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
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Starting a New Year
Ethan and Ansley Agerton are both excited about the start of a new school year. As seen in this photo Ethan is on his way out of Fairhope Elementary and will attend Fairhope Intermediate School this year. His little sister, Ansley is on her way into FES, starting her first year as a kindergartner. As these two grow up in Fairhope this will happen one more time when Ethan graduates from the high school as Ansley enters as a freshman. They will both spend the years in between learning, growing up, and building lasting friendships in our wonderful community.
Join SFEEF at Fiesta at the Five!
Food, drinks and music provided, cash bar, silent auction and some surprises! This exciting event will be held at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center and proceeds from this adults only event will help support SFEEF Teacher/Student grants and scholarships. Spanish Fort Education Enrichment Foundation is dedicated to empowering the Spanish Fort community to help enrich and support education for all Spanish Fort public school children. SFEEF has been dedicated to this goal since our inception in 2002. In the past thirteen years, they have given back more than $450,000 to the schools of Spanish Fort. These funds have provided schools with educational needs, technology, startup expenses for newer schools, playground equipment, scholarships, and teacher/student grants to name a few. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of SFEEF or if you would like more information in general call 604-3728. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple. Tickets may be purchased at Bancorp South, Medicap and through board members or you may call 604-3728. Check for updates on our Facebook page or visit our website, www.SFEEF.com.
Eastern Shore Adult & Family Medicine Andrew Dukes, M.D. Dr. Dukes is board certified with 20 years of experience in family medicine.
• Well baby care (2 weeks and up) • Pediatrics • Adolescent check-ups • Positive youth development • Immunizations • Sports physicals
Accepting new patients.
251-929-3424
More, devoted to your care.
Andrew Dukes, M.D. • John McDuff, M.D. 300 South Greeno Rd., Suite B, Fairhope, AL 36532
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Becoming Mindful About Photos Social media has become the new back fence, a place where parents can tell stories, swap tips and even brag a bit. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that moms, in particular, give and get lots of encouragement as well as useful parenting information from networks like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Almost all of these efforts involve photos which would be great if those photos would stay put. Unfortunately, they don’t. Photos of cute kids—especially babies—have been misappropriated by people who use them for their own, sometimes dubious, purposes. Baby role playing, for example, involves young women who use random photos of children to fantasize about motherhood. By posting pics and inventing details about babies they don’t now, they attract attention on social media. In these so-called digital kidnappings, the child may not be in physical danger. Still, most parents find it disconcerting to see their child’s face in someone else’s fantasy, especially if there’s a preoccupation with breastfeeding or bathtime. In other cases, parents have stumbled across familiar photos that have been used in advertising or to create memes, those Internet placards that sometimes take on a life of their own. Obviously, people vary a great deal in what they feel comfortable saying on social media, and parenthood doesn’t necessarily change that. Some new parents find that they are very protective about a baby’s online presence; others become Mommy bloggers who build a loyal following by chronicling intimate details about domestic life. All parents should, however, think seriously about what impact a post that seems cute today may have on a child in the future. Just as couples need to negotiate what they are willing to share on social media, parents Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
must also try to imagine how a child will feel when he or she is an eye-rolling eight year old, an easily embarrassed teen or a young adult looking for a job. How can parents balance the benefits of social networking with its risks? Here are a few tips. Use privacy settings. The report from Pew found that parents typically had 150 friends on Facebook, and of those, one third were “actual” friends. Consider sharing photos of kids only with those friends. Most social media sites make it easy to establish different groups within your FB community. (Details about setting privacy settings for the main social media venues are available at socialmediaexaminer.com/social-media-privacy-settings/.) Go through your network and think about whether your relationship is close enough to share details about your child. Grandparents, other family members, close friends? Absolutely! Colleagues, associates and friends of friends. Probably not. Share your reshare policy. Even if you are careful about privacy, photos can escape your network if they are reshared. To discourage resharing, remind friends and family that photos are “for your eyes only.” Talk to other parents, too. Explain your concerns about over-sharing and ask that they not post photos of playdates and other outings without your permission. Extend the same courtesy to them. Use a nickname. Instead of using your child’s real name, use a pseudonym. This makes it harder to connect an escaped photo with your family. It will also spare your child the embarrassment of having baby pics show up when someone Googles them in the future. Make copying difficult. A few techniques will make it harder for people to use your photos for other purposes. Try saving photos with the lowest possible resolution. Not only will the file transmit more quickly, but it will also be blurry if someone tries to enlarge it. Parents can also borrow a trick from professional photographers by putting a signature or watermark on photos. Visualwatermark.com is one of several free services that make it easy to brand digital pics. 40
No naked pictures. Ever. No matter how cute or innocent they may seem, naked pictures should not be posted online. Even if you don’t attract the attention of a predator or run afoul of the obscenity standards on your social network, you run the risk of distributing a picture that will be used to harass your child in the future. Use an alternative album. Some parents use social media as a kind of baby album, keeping track of firsts as they happen. Really important photos deserve better protection. Try making albums on password protected sites like Flickr or Photobucket. Share passwords only with family members and other trusted friends who really want to see all your great photos. Back up photo files in the cloud and on a separate hard or flash drive. For photos that really matter, consider making prints or photo books which are likely to last longer than any digital format. Be selective. Taking digital pictures is sooooo easy. Be ruthless about culling your photos. Review and delete at least once a week. And only share photos that are special in some way. Close-ups with only a few props tend to be more interesting, and they also make it harder for strangers to identify your child or locate your home. Post vacation pictures after you return home so people won’t know when your house is unoccupied. **Now that every cell phone includes a camera, parents also need to think about when photos are an intrusion. Yes, childhood is fleeting and a photo can help you remember. But photos can also turn you into an observer instead of a participant, especially if you are thinking ahead to the number of “likes” a photo will get on social media. Instead of reflexively reaching for the camera, get in the habit of asking whether a photo will deepen—or interrupt— a special moment with your child. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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Q. My wife and I are thinking about selling our home. I was recently let go from the military due to downsizing, and I’ve begun a job in real estate but things are starting slowly. My wife brings home about $3,500 a month as a teacher, and the only debt we have is our house payment of $1,616 a month. I was given a $35,000 severance package, but we need some advice to help bridge the financial gap. A.
Having little or no income is a lot harder than a variable income situation. Your wife is bringing home good money, but at the moment your house payment is almost half that amount. Are there some things you can do on the side while you’re getting your real estate business going that will create income? If you could make even $1,000 to $2,000 a month it would change the picture entirely. You guys would be able to keep your home and have a little breathing
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room while you get your real estate career off the ground. Looking at it from a long-term perspective, if you’re selling a bunch of houses a year or two from now, you’re in the clear. You could easily stay in the house. But if you don’t find extra income while you build your business, if you’re not willing to work extra hard and sacrifice in the meantime — even if it means just delivering pizzas — then you probably need to sell the house. It takes about six to nine months to start making a living in the residential real estate business. So look at it this way: the more houses you sell, the less time you spend delivering pizzas. All this really hinges on is how badly you want a career in real estate and how much you guys want to keep your home. If you want it enough, you’ll do what it takes to get there. And for the time being, that’s going to mean supplementing your income with something on the side while you grow your real estate business!
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Q. We’ve made an offer on a house we really like through a first-time buyers program. Now, after looking over our budget and debts again, my wife and I are having second thoughts. We haven’t signed or turned in any paperwork yet. What do you think we should do? A. I wouldn’t go through with the deal. I advise people to be debt-free before buying a home, because you want a home to be a blessing, not a curse. Homeownership when you’re broke is never a good idea. And basically, that’s the situation you’re describing. You have debt, and you’re trying to squeak into something with a first-time buyers plan. The translation? You have no money. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong. That’s Murphy’s Law, and he’ll move into your spare bedroom along with his three cousins — Broke, Desperate and Stupid. Get your debts paid off, build up an emergency fund, and save up a good down payment before buying a home. I know that’s not the popular answer, but it’s the smart one!
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by Varina Mead
Understanding social cues and forging new friendships can be challenging and scary for special needs children. It is the very personal interaction between two people that has the potential to cause anxiety. Helping your child build social skills will help with family relationships, peer/classroom interaction, and their future jobs. Social skills help us positively bond and interact with those around us and is a “language” that children learn differently. There are rules of communication… so many rules! Make eye contact with the person talking. Take turns in talking (sharing). Stay on topic. Listen actively. Sit or stand close enough to the person talking, Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
responding to questions when asked, reading facial expressions…it can be a lot to remember if you really think about it! It is something that some children will pick up easily just by observation, while others may need a bit more instruction. Here, we will go over some of “the rules” associated with social skills, as it relates to special needs children, and how to encourage these interactions. Dr. David Bicard, ABA Therapist with Great Leaps Learning Center reminds us: “Use teachable moments as often as you can. Social skills training is best done at a dinner table or when you’re getting ready to get into a car, cleaning a room, at grandma’s house, etc. There are a million 44
opportunities every day to use social skills that most people take for granted. Social skills teaching opportunities have to be planned for when working with children who have disabilities, because it is a skill they have difficulty with naturally understanding.” Using everyday opportunities is valuable. Kathy Welch, Director of Speech Pathology at Easter Seals Central Alabama, gives us an example, “Each day when “James” comes to speech therapy I encourage him to look at the receptionist and greet her using good eye contact, then as we go to the hall door James is asked to hold the door for (me) to come through. If there are other people in the hallway that www.easternshoreparents.com
speak to James he is reminded to look at them and greet them. We have been doing this for several months and now James no longer needs prompting to greet, give eye contact or hold the door for others.” Patience, persistence and encouragement is key!
The Do’s Eye Contact: Eye contact is used to convey listening and value. Everybody likes to be heard, and eye contact helps reassure the speaker that he or she is being listened to! Below are some methods used by families and professionals to help encourage eye contact when working with children: The sticker method: Place a sticker on your forehead. Sit down at eye level with the child and engage them in eye contact, even if only building up to 60 seconds. Encourage them to continue to look at the sticker as long as they can. Once you feel your child has become more comfortable looking at the target, you can begin to involve conversation. Puppets: Puppets are a fun and nonthreatening tool that can be used to help
develop eye contact when held near your face. This encourages the child to interact with an object with the goal to lead up to making eye contact with you while you talk. Having your child talk to a picture of a person may be helpful as well, possibly making it less intimidating. Another tool can be to use social outings to “people watch” and/or watch television with your child while pointing out the social skills you are working on. Drawing attention to two individuals, who are looking at each other’s faces while talking, can help reinforce the lessons you are trying to teach. Make a big deal out of it. When your child is able to maintain eye contact for the desired amount of time, rewards work best! You can verbally reward the child such as “Way to look my way!”, a high five, or a treat such as a sticker, M&M or whatever currency your child will respond to. Just make sure that you convey how proud you are of them (all while making eye contact, of course)! Taking turns: Taking turns when talking is a skill learned in real life that needs real practice. Below, you will find some helpful ideas for helping your child understand this process.
Talking Stick: A talking stick is an old Native American tool used for speaking. One person has the opportunity to talk while holding the stick, while the others must remain silent. Timers: An hourglass or other visual timer can be a useful tool when helping children understand the dance of language. The visual cue allows the child to see how much time they have to talk, or how much time the other person has to talk. While one person is talking, the other person must practice their listening skills. Should you feel your child may become anxious while waiting, consider use of a soothing item or “stimming” item to help alleviate the anxiety until it is their turn. Group stories: This can be a fun, entertaining and very easy tool. One person starts off a story (keeping it limited to a few sentences); then “passes the story off” to the next person, who adds more to the story; then on to the next person! Everybody involved would have to have a clear understanding that it is a fun “game” and that nobody can get mad if the story doesn’t go the way they want it to. Keep it silly and fun. This can be a wonderful game to play while in the car or waiting at the doctor’s office or at your favorite restaurant.
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Board games: This is a fun activity for everybody that encourages taking turns. Certain toys such as building blocks can encourage teamwork as you work on building something together! The use of a social story: “Using social stories at home and in therapy are a perfect way to address possible social situations, which may arise in a child’s day-to-day life. By role playing or reading a social story, the child can work through these situations and learn how to react or handle possible social problems, such as bullying, understanding body language, or classroom etiquette. The use of social stories is not limited to the Autism Spectrum population. These social stories are beneficial for any child with difficulty in social relationships, attention, or classroom participation,” states Caroline Stough, Speech Pathologist with Easter Seals Central Alabama. There are a wide variety of social stories available through many books and websites. You can also learn how to create your own unique social story for your unique situation. At the bottom of this article, you will find some helpful websites and books to help you identify the social story that may fit your child’s need.
The Don’ts:
Don’t criticize. Your child is learning a new skill. Although it can require a great deal of patience, understanding, and perseverance on your part, make sure to keep any frustrations you have “in check”. Criticizing your child can lead to self-consciousness, inappropriate behavior, and resentment. Try to find ways to encourage yourself as well as your child! Don’t look away. For busy parents who are cooking dinner, going through mail, on the computer or involved in other numerous tasks, be mindful of making eye contact every time you interact with your child. Try not to yell down the hall or speak to them while loading clothes into the dryer. Be sure to look at your child when they are talking to you, and have them look at you (as much as possible). Helpful Websites: - speakingofspeech.com - oneplaceforspecialneeds.com - supportingautismspectrum.weebly.com - livingwellwithautism.com - nationalautismresources.com ESP Varina Mead is the Director of Marketing at Easter Seals Central Alabama.
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Launching a Child’s Journey to the Stars
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
The final frontier is in the news with the successful missions of the Mars lander, SpaceX and the New Horizons spacecraft fly-by of Pluto. Our children can look up into the heavens and see the International Space Station crossing the sky as a tiny bright dot. The people who envisioned and executed these amazing missions and projects were children once, too. It only takes a bit of inspiration in youth to turn a child’s vision toward the marvels of outer space, toward the goal of taking a role in its future exploration. The following toys are ideal for cultivating a child’s interest in the stars, our solar system and the discoveries that await as we continue to stride into the endless expanse of outer space.
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Science Club Moonscope
Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards
(Nancy B)
There’s more to the moon than meets the naked eye and the Nancy B’s Science Club Moonscope is a perfect tool to take the first look a bit deeper. With real glass optics and adjustable magnification capacity that can reach 90x, kids can explore not only the surface of the moon, but also observe features of other objects in our solar system. Learning to navigate the night sky is easy with the Sky Gazer’s Journal which helps first time observers find their way around the heavens. The scope includes a gentle red LED light for using the companion journal and sky maps without ruining the viewers night vision. Perfect for fostering a pre-teen’s interest in the mysteries of the night sky, the Moonscope and Journal offers an eye-opening door to knowledge for budding astronomers!
(Rogge/Smith)
Before pointing a child’s attention skyward in the search for constellations, introducing Ursa Minor and more ancient star patterns through the Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards will help prepare them to understand how constellations are perceived. In addition to building fine motor skills for little hands, each card offers a bit of history and mythology behind its constellation. Once the stars on the cards are connected by the laces, a glow-in-the-dark image of the constellation will emerge around it in the dark, helping kids make the connection between the actual star arrangement and the imagined animal it represents. Animals in the Stars is a great teaching tool for children joining the centuries-long parade of sky gazers who have looked up and let their imaginations soar.
Discovery Space Center
Space Mission 28-Piece Playset
(Hape)
Crafted with wood and child-safe paints, rope-cranked elevators and lots of movable pieces, the Center is none-the-less very easy to assemble in minutes. Designed with a eye toward play, the set is less scientific and more geared toward generating kindergarten age storytelling. The hallmark of this play set is the creative pretend scenarios children can craft within the space center setting. Without batteries, noise makers and lights, this playset gives all the power to the child to make his own narrative for the characters in the space program. Including soft pose-able astronauts, an alien, and featuring a detachable shuttle for away missions, the Hape Discovery Space Center is a fun launch for top flight space play!
(Daron)
The road to space has been a long one with magnificent achievements along the way. The range of vehicles and programs represented in this one 28-piece set make it a fantastic introduction to man’s journey into the final frontier. With rockets, command modules, rovers and a range of transport vehicles, the history of space exploration is covered from lift off to lunar landings. Along the lines of matchbox cars, some of the vehicles in the set are die-cast metal, while others are plastic and rubber. While the models are not near to scale rockets would normally far outsize the vehicles, and the space stations are smaller than they would be in comparison – this lack of scale is strongly offset by the strength of the variety included in the Space Mission 28-piece Playset.
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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SEWARD FARMS MAZE “ THE GULF COAST ’S ORIGINAL CORNFIELD MAZE” OVER
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FAMILY FUN & ACTIVITIES ze hallenging Corn Ma C • • Pig Races ains Hayride and Cow Tr • Giant Jumping Pillow • Cannons Tube Slide and Corn • Farm Animals & Goat walk • • Field of Fright •WagPoonnWy RhideeelsCafé • • Live Music Cuisine in the Coernr : •Candle Light Dinn re… o Souvenir Shop & M •
Fire Pits Area & Birthday Huts (by reservation only) For more information & pricing: www.SewardFarms.com or 228-641-3936 www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine 49
8 Ways to Transition Your Summer Clothes to Fall Fall is fast approaching and that means our temperatures will soon be slowly dropping (and living in the South I do mean “slowly”). I know we are all tired of the hot, humid weather at this point and dreaming of piling on the layers in the fall. However, with this slow weather change, we really need to keep in mind that we can’t quite pull out the boots, heavy sweaters, and jackets just yet. That said, we are already seeing a lot of fall trends pop up in our favorite retail stores or online shopping stores. This also makes us excited about fall approaching. Let me give you some styling tips to slowly transition those light layers without feeling like you are going to melt away. And I’ll help you save money when it comes to those seasonal trends.
1-Reinvent your clothes before you buy new.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to get rid of certain items, or buy new ones, then research a little. Find out what trends you like and try recreating these styles with items you have in your closet. You can also pull out a lot of styles you wore last year and incorporate them into current trends.
2- Pack away anything that looks like “summer” such as linen shorts and pants, sun dresses, flip flops and a few of your sandals. Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
3- Keep out anything made with silk and cotton (blouses, dresses, blazers, and T-shirts, which can be worn all year round).
These are great pieces to layer when it comes to your fall and winter wardrobe.
4- Transition accessories.
I always tell my clients that accessories can really change up an outfit. This goes for seasonal style changes, too. Fun statement piece necklaces can change out that summer blouse to a fashion forward fall trend. And the best part about having accessories is that you don’t have to break the bank for that simple style change.
5- Incorporate light layers.
Soft cardigans and summer scarves are the perfect layering pieces for the fall. You certainly do not want anything heavy when the weather warms up during the day. It’s nice to have layers to take on and off. Also, just because you bought a scarf or cardigan in the spring doesn’t mean you can’t style them for fall or winter.
6- Change your shoes.
When the beginning of October hits, I say that’s the time to store up your sandals and flip flops. Find a fun flat that you can throw on for all your casual outfits. You may even want to pull out your favorite casual ankle boots for those cooler days. 50
Ankle boots are great to pair with your short or long dresses, and even a fitted pant.
7- Add fall colors. Find out what fall colors are trending this season and combine them with your summer and spring colors. By doing this it will help guide you in the right direction when it comes to saving money and time on your seasonal trends. Take a blush color dress, for instance. It was perfect for summer, but don’t feel like you need to tuck it away because fall is here. If you add some heavier textures and jewel tones, you’ll be able to transition it to the fall.
8- Don’t be afraid to break the “rules”. Finally, one of the reasons fall shopping can be so expensive and stressful are all the supposed “rules” that surround dressing for cooler weather. When you live in the South a lot of those rules are tossed right out the window. Don’t spend too much time thinking about whether or not an outfit is fall-appropriate, but if it’s weather-appropriate and it makes you feel great, regardless of all the fashion rules.
Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.
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sages and made notes in the margins. I created an impressive section of resources in my personal library about each of my kids’ special needs. During each visit I asked my child’s therapists about treatment and outcomes, recommendations of what to read, what I might expect, and clarification of my questions. I did the same with my daughter’s teachers and therapists when she attended developmental preschool. I took notes, notebooks full of notes. I was driven by my love for her as well as trying to assure she was physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe.
Parents are natural advocates for their children. We love our children, and we want the best for them. As a mother of four children, three with special needs, I know how important it is to advocate for my children. There is no one who will be more committed to making sure my children have access to the support, treatment, and education they are guaranteed more than me. My youngest daughter was my second child to be diagnosed with special needs (each of my kids have different special needs). I was at first overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and intimidated by how to best advocate for what she would require in school, when I did not yet know myself. I chose to dive in. Great hope impelled me. First steps: accept your child’s diagnosis and become the expert about it. Gather information about your child’s special needs diagnosis, recommended remedial techniques, and treatment. Learn all you can about your child’s special needs. Break the information into terms that you can understand. This will help others appreciate your child’s special needs when you share the information with them. I needed to fully comprehend my daughter’s diagnosis and the recommended care and treatments (therapies). I felt I would be a far more effective advocate for my child if my knowledge about my child’s special need bordered on encyclopedic. I fast-tracked my education. I purchased books, highlighted passages, and wrote in the margins where I required further clarification, discovered something I desired to learn more about, or wanted to share with others. I went online to reputable websites and printed out articles. And similar to my expanding collection of books about my daughter’s special needs, I highlighted pasEastern Shore Parents I September 2015
Become über-organized.
I purchased two 3-inch, 3-ring binders and index pages with pockets. One binder contained written records-sections for my child’s initial diagnosis and follow-up reports; therapy goals and therapy progress reports; copies of bills; medical paperwork; IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)--the original and future updates; and teacher emails, notes, and cards, etc. The other binder was my personal “education primer.” It held 3-holed college lined paper full of my journal entries; questions and the answers to them; definitions of terms--technical and layman; and highlighted recommended resources; and the printed articles about the diagnosis my child had been given. I made sure every paper that went into both binders was dated.
Learn about your child’s rights.
Legally, children with special needs are entitled to an “appropriate” education. Your child should have access to “specially designed instruction” (20 U.S.C. §1401) to meet their unique needs. Learn what this means for your child. 52
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Become competent about the “rules of the game.” Research and understand your state’s and the federal education laws and regulations. These federal laws apply to children with special needs: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) http://idea.ed.gov The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ada.htm Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/ factsheets/504.pdf
Do a search in your library or online to learn about cases similar to your child’s to answer your questions. Be informed about the procedures you must follow in your school to protect your child’s rights and yours. Print the legal rights, regulations and procedures out. Add these to the binder that has your child’s diagnosis information.
Be prepared. Build healthy relationships with your child’s team--therapists, doctors, and school. This encompasses preparation and planning for meetings with your child’s doctors, therapist, and teachers and aides. Be polite, firm, and persistent. Create a meeting agenda with your objectives: items such as addressing issues or test scores, clarifying treatment or goals, identifying problems, proposing solutions, or to firm up agreements. Focus on solutions. Share this ahead of time with the team members you are meeting with. This allows them to be prepared as well.
Take care of yourself. Parenting a child with special needs is challenging, sometimes downright exhausting. We moms typically give and give, until there is little to nothing left to give. And then we find we cannot be the parents we wish to be for our kids. Give yourself permission to put yourself first for a minimum of an hour each day. Have someone you trust watch your child if she or he is at home while you embrace “me” time. Take a walk; sit in silence, garden, or do yoga. Do something that will replenish your mama stores and bring you back to balance. ESP Judy M. Miller is a freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband and four children. She is a Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween, a guide for adoptive parents, and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward, a workbook for older adopted teens and adopted adults.
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GENERAL RESOURCES 3Circle Church Special Needs Ministry (ad on page 21)
10274 Hwy 104, Fairhope, (251) 990-3112 www.3circlechurch.com; Email: mindy@3circlechurch.com All of God’s children war created by Him and are precious to Him! Our Special Needs ministry is designed to partner with parents and children with various medical and physical challenges. Our team is committed to spending the entire service time teaching your child about Christ; we unitize a fun and engaging curriculum, specifically tailored to special needs children. The Special Needs Ministry currently meets during the 9:30 gathering on Sundays. We also offer a quarterly “ Parents Night Out” for children and siblings in the Special Needs Ministry, as well as partner with Premier Cinema for Sensory Friendly Screenings.
Casey’s Center for Learning
A division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Early Intervention provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth though age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. Early intervention support and services focuses on teaching the parents and other caregiver’s ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities. • Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) CRS District Office 1610 Center Street Suite A, Mobile, (251) 432-4560, (800) 879-8163, TTY: (800) 499-1816 Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) is a statewide organization of skilled professionals providing quality medical, rehabilitative, coordination and support services for children with special health care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. This
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1403 Main Street, Daphne (251) 209-1102; www.caseyscenterforlearning.org E-mail: bo@caseyscenterforlearning.org Our mission is to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and their families through education, advocacy, evaluation, and treatment. We provide learning evaluations, academic intervention, ADHD coaching, speech therapy and social cognitive skills. CCL also provides help with math, hand-writing and being a self advocate with confidence. We also offer RAV-O Reading and Play Attention programs. Please call or email today to schedule your evaluation.
James D. Sears, Special Education Attorney (ad on page 4)
Law Offices of Sears & Sears 7096-B Stone Drive, Daphne, (251) 621-3485 www.searsandsearslaw.com Email: jdsears@searslaw.net James D. Sears has over 45 years experience in the field of special education. The Law Offices of Sears & Sears assists families in navigating the educational system to ensure the best education for the child who has special needs. No representation is made that the legal services to be performed are greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities 100 North Union Street, Montgomery (RSA Union Building); (334) 242-3973 or (800) 232-2158; www.acdd.org; Our Mission is to promote and support independence, advocacy, productivity and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services 602 South Lawrence St, Montgomery, (334) 293-7500 (800) 441-7607; www.rehab.alabama.gov Unique in the nation, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is comprised of state and federal programs that provide a continuum of services from birth through life for Alabamians with disabilities. ADRS has four major programs: • Alabama’s Early Intervention System (AEIS) 1610 Center Street, Suite A, and Mobile (251) 439-7890, (800) 879-8163 or TTY (800) 499-1816 Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
network provides specialty clinic and other services by physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, secretaries, and administrators. CRS staff members also work closely with local school systems to enable children with special health care needs to participate fully in school. • State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816 The State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) provides specialized in-home education and counseling, attendant care, training and medical services to Alabamians with severe disabilities. The SAIL program has seven community-based offices located throughout the state to serve residents in all 67 counties. SAIL ensures the consumer can live as independently as possible at home and in the community through specialized programs. • Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, (800) 671-6842,TTY: (800) 499-1816 Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), the largest division within the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve
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independence through employment. VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed. In addition, VRS works with middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and universities statewide to assist students with disabilities in receiving appropriate educational opportunities. Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program 205 North Conception Street, Mobile (251) 338-0950 or (205) 534-9373; www.adap.net Email: dslawkowski@adap.ua.edu The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system. ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legal advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights. ADAP’s vision is one of a society where persons with disabilities are valued and exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity. Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind 1050 Government Street, Mobile (Mobile Regional Center) (251) 432-7777; www.aidb.org Email: jones.michelle@aidb.state.al.us (Michelle Jones, Mobile Director) Our Mobile Regional Office serves Baldwin, Mobile, Clarke, Washington, Monroe, Conecuh, and Escambia Counties. The earlier children learn the better they progress. Some experts estimate that up to 20% of the skills learned in a lifetime are learned in the first five years. That’s why we place so much emphasis on helping families, and encourage families to come forward with their concerns as early as possible. Everyone around your child can be a teacher. Infants and toddlers will soak up language and information from every source. Regional Center staff members can give you the skills to make this happen. It takes time and creativity to communicate with a child who is blind or deaf, but the rewards of making that effort are incalculable. Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Center (205) 365-1640; www.alsrlcenter.org We are happy to serve as consultants to teachers of students whom we have evaluated and who have been determined to be experiencing dyslexia, languagelearning disabilities, or severe speech or language disabilities. We will work collaboratively with teachers and other members of the IEP team to develop goals and benchmarks necessary to assist students in reaching their academic potential. We will also provide teachers with in-service training in the areas of identification and remediation of dyslexia, in-service training in the areas of language-learning disabilities and severe speech or language disabilities. Free testing of speech and language disorders including dyslexia. ARC - Baldwin County 3650 South Magnolia Street, Loxley (Administrative Office); 22860 McAuliffe Drive, Robertsdale; (Day Program Facility); 209 East Fern Avenue, Foley (Workshop Facility); (251) 964-4451 or (251) 978-9125; www.arcbaldwincounty.org Arc Baldwin County is a volunteer-based membership organization made up of individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, their families,
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friends, citizens, and professionals in the disability field. It is the mission of the ARC-BC, Inc. to ensure that appropriate and quality services are available and accessible to persons with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities throughout their life. Services will be family and individually driven and creative to specific needs. We provide a wide array of service options that can be tailored to individual and families’ needs. ARC-BC promotes family unity with community support systems and above all, enhancing the quality of life of citizens with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities in Baldwin County. Visit our website and contact our Director Kathy Fleet for more information. Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation 600 BelAir Boulevard, Suite 110, Mobile (251) 476-4744; http://www.csvrlowvision.org 29653 Anchor Cross Boulevard, Daphne (251) 928-2888; visionrehab@bellsouth.net Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping those with low vision and blindness. It has offices in Mobile, Montgomery and the Fairhope/Daphne area. The clinic provides professional evaluation by eye doctors (ODs and MDs), occupational therapists, ophthalmic technicians, computer specialists and others. We work in collaboration with state agencies and regional and national resources. Delicious Dietician 56 Saint Joseph Street, Mobile (251) 478-2233; www.4tdd.com Email: info@thedeliciousdietitian.com The Delicious Dietician offers “One- on- One” Disease Management services specific to the client’s individual needs. The Delicious Dietician understands the need for education and practical advice when dealing with health problems requiring restricted diets. Let The Delicious Dietician teach you how to live deliciously, despite having limitations with your meals. Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics (303) 694-0532; www.diannecraft.org Dianne Craft has a wonderful website filled with information, articles and resources for all learning disabilities including dyslexia, auditory processing and right/ left brain learning. We provide nutritional therapy and
supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store. For questions email craft@ecentral.com or pamscheduling@gmail.com. Easter Seals of Alabama 5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery (334) 395-4489; www.alabama.easterseals.com Our organization consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. We provide services for people with disabilities and their families. For more information visit our website or email info@ al.easterseals.com. Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, (251) 471-1581 www.goodwill-easterseals.org; Email: bill@gesgc.org Easter Seals offers Parent Education and Support, Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and a Wonderful Recreation Program that provides schoolage children (6 - 12) of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of community activities. Sessions include gymnastics, rock wall climbing, bowling, skating, music & movement, and tee ball. The University of South Alabama assists our staff by utilizing Volunteers in the Therapeutic Recreation and Occupational Therapy programs. For local Easter Seals information call or email bill@gesgc.org. Handi Home and Bath, LLC (251) 610-3277; info@handihomeandbath.com biltistay@yahoo.com; Improving Access and Safety Throughout Your Home! Licensed and Insured, we install grab bars, access ramps, enlarge doorways, remodel baths, upgrade lighting and make other changes to make your home/business more accessible. Call today for a FREE Consultation. Visa and MC accepted. Learning Disabilities Assoc. of Alabama (LDAA) (334) 277-9151; www.ldaal.org; Email: tamara@ldaa.org The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama, Inc. (LDAA) is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their
families, and the professionals who work with them. LDAA strives to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities. For local organization questions email tamara@ldaa. org. For general information email info@ldaa.org. The Listening Program (888) 228-1798; www.advancedbrain.com The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self-regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities. For general questions and info email info@advancedbrain.com. March of Dimes Mobile Alabama Chapter 205 Lambert Street, Suite A, Mobile (251) 438-1360; www.marchofdimes.com/alabama The March of Dimes Alabama Chapter has a passion to help babies in our community start life in the healthiest way possible. Through education and intervention, we help moms-to-be learn how to take care of themselves before, during and after their pregnancy. We are also available when things don’t go as planned, providing comfort and information to families when a baby is born too soon. The Alabama Chapter also partners with local medical groups and organizations to establish guidelines for how to care for pregnant women and premature babies. We provide grants to researchers working to understand birth defects and premature birth and to find treatments and solutions. To find out how you can be more involved call or email Riley McDuff our Community Director at emcduff@ marchofdimes.com. Mental Health-National Alliance on Mental Illness (334) 396-4797; www.namialabama.org (NAMI BALDWIN COUNTY) (251) 965-6264; www.namibaldwincounty.org Email: Vonnie Hamilton namibc@gulftel.com
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NAMI Alabama is an organization comprised of local support and advocacy groups throughout the state dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with a mental illness in Alabama. The number of such groups is growing rapidly as families become more determined to improve treatment and care for Alabamians diagnosed with a mental illness. The mission statement/purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders. Family Support Group: Groups are held 1st and 3rd Thursday 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., 308 Greeno Road, Fairhope at The Harbor, Contact: Vonnie Hamilton, 251-424-7918 or namibc@gulftel.com Connection Group: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 6:30pm 8pm, 308 Greeno Road, Fiarhope at The Harbor Contact: James Hamilton, 251-504-9769 or namibc@ gulftel.com Educational Programs: Family-To-Family 12-week educational program, Contact: James Hamilton or Vonnie Hamilton, 251-504-9769 or 251-424-7918 NAMI Basics: 6-week educational program, Contact: Melissa Shilling, 251-402-4115 or namibc@gulftel.com Peer to Peer: 10 weeks educational program Contact: James Hamilton, 251-504-9769
ed diagnoses or other serious health problems. In addition to the psychological and emotional advantages of recovering at home, Mercy Pediatric Home Care saves healthcare dollars, reduces the likelihood of complications such as infection and provides high-tech medical care by a skilled, specially trained team of healthcare professionals. Mercy Pediatric Home Care also supports the family by offering educational, nutritional, and spiritual counseling and assistance in securing resources. For resource information email homecare@ mercymedical.com.
Mercy Medical – Pediatric Home Health Care 374 South Greeno Road, Fairhope (251) 621-4431; www.mercymedical.com Healthcare - Mercy Pediatric Home Care allows children to recover in the comfort of their own home with family members, rather than in a hospital. It provides costeffective, compassionate medical care to homebound children under 18-years old who are recovering from injuries or surgeries, dealing with chronic or complicat-
Mulherin Custodial Home 2496 Halls Mill Road, Mobile (251) 471-1998; www.mulherinhome.com Mulherin Home provides a home for individuals, children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our foremost concern is the happiness, comfort, and welfare of the residents at Mulherin Home. The Mulherin Custodial Home is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a United Way agency.
Mobile Association for the Blind 2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (Mobile Association for the Blind) (251) 473-3585, (877) 292-5463; In 1924, a group of concerned citizens in Mobile started the Mobile The Mobile Association for the Blind is a facility where many visually impaired individuals who are not able to join the public workforce are employed in our Sheltered Workshop. Our organization also provides assistance to other citizens with disabilities. Counseling and evaluation, skills training, and job placement are just some of the services we provide to help create the self-esteem needed to become productive members of society.
Santa America 308 Belrose Avenue, Daphne (251) 626-6609; www.santaamerica.org Email: santaernest@santaamerica.org Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special mission. Over one hundred Santa’s across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him— twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice. Santa’s visits are free. There is no charge for a visit from Santa Claus—ever. Sight Savers America 337 Business Circle, Pelham, AL (877) 942-2627; www.sightsaversamerica.org Sight Savers America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that assists children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics. Children are referred to Sight Savers via failed vision screenings at school, referrals from teachers, school administrators, school nurses, eyecare professionals and parents. Children of families who qualify for our program receive the eye care they need at no cost to the family. Sight Savers has set the standard in follow-up vision care. At Sight Savers, we work with the members of our extensive volunteer network of eye care providers to arrange comprehensive eye care including scheduling appointments and transportation, making arrangements for eyeglasses, medications, eye surgeries, vision aids, or any other prescribed treatment. Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc. of Alabama (256) 325-8885; www.alabamashaa.org ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with
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speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. Please contact Vickie Copeland at info@alabamashaa.org. S. W. Regional School for the Deaf and Blind 3980 Burma Road, Mobile, (251) 221-5454 www.afb.org; Email: mlwcasey@mcpss.com Local website; http://regional.mcs.schoolinsites.com (please note, using www with this address does not work, you must type in http://) We Serve 6 counties and 300 students in Southwest Alabama including Mobile. The Regional School has an elementary campus that educates deaf and blind students ages three years to fifth grade. There are satellite campuses of the Regional School at a local middle and high school, allowing students to easily transition to the next grade. Students from surrounding counties attend the Regional School and itinerant teachers provide services at their local schools. The Regional School is unique because special needs students are able to remain in their home environment and receive collaborative vision and hearing impaired services from experienced and qualified staff. For more information email mlwcasey@mcpss.com.
Counseling Center for Calm Living Dr. David Kantra and Augusta Kantra, MS, LPC 150 South Church Street, Fairhope Email: drkantra@gmail.com (251) 928-5363; www.kantratherapy.com Treatment specialization includes psychological testing, ADD, LD, strengths, relationship needs and individual and family therapy. Please visit the website for a list of other services. Chris Murphee, Psy.D. 761 Middle Street, Fairhope (251) 928-4750; www.ChrisMurphree.org Dr. Murphree is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with children and adolescents. Types of evaluations offered are Learning Problems, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Functioning, Behavioral Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Abuse/Trauma and Depressive Disorders. The office accepts Aetna, AllKids, American Behavioral, Blue Advantage, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Alabama, Cigna, Compsych, Magellan, Medicaid, Medicare, MHCA, State EIB, United Behavioral Health and Value Options. For questions email eastbaypsych@att.net. Coastal Counseling Associates Dr. Sharon Ann Friday, PHD, LPC 307 South McKenzie Street, Foley, (251) 955-1232 Helping families stay together and deal with special needs issues. Specializing in trauma. Please call our office today for more information and to schedule appointments. CrossRhodes at The Centre Linda Colclough MS, LPC 1290 Main Street, Suite E, Daphne (251) 625-0118; www.thecounselingcentre.com The Centre’s CrossRhodes Art Therapy Program provides counseling for children who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The nurturing therapeutic environment allows them to ask questions and express feelings in a healthy, healing way. Art becomes an added voice for telling their story. It gives them a self-soothing avenue to practice coping strategies they can use in their daily lives. CrossRhodes at The Centre (2nd Location) (251) 625-0118; www.thecounselingcentre.com The areas of specialization include: Treatment of
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Depression and Anxiety, Grief, Abuse/Trauma Issues, Life Adjustments, Spiritual Issues, Career Planning, Divorce Recovery, Attention-Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems, Parenting Skills, Peer Conflicts, Family Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Relationship/Marital Therapy, Medical and Health Concerns, Psychological Testing, Psycho-Educational Evaluations. The Centre’s CrossRhodes Art Therapy Program provides counseling for children who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The nurturing therapeutic environment allows them to ask questions and express feelings in a healthy, healing way. Art becomes an added voice for telling their story. It gives them a self-soothing avenue to practice coping strategies they can use in their daily lives. Crossway Counseling Center, Inc. 27625 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne (251) 626-7959; www.crosswaycounseling.org CrossWay Counseling is a full Service Counseling Center assisting children and their families with the challenges presented by special needs. Our professionally trained counselors apply their knowledge of psychology and Biblical principles to serve individuals, couples, and families. The staff is trained to deal with a wide range of issues. You are encouraged to visit the Therapists page of the website for a summary of each therapist’s experience and his/her areas of specialty. For more information call or email crosswaycounseling@att.net. Focal Point Professional Services Barry Swope, LPC 6642 Park Drive, Ste. B, Daphne (251) 625-6448, www.focalpointps.com We offer ADHD and ADD assessments and related services. Our services also include individual and family counseling, drug treatment and conduct/emotional problems with adolescents. Visit our website or email bswope@focalpointps.com. Larry D. Faison, Ph.D. 27787 Moniac Cove, Daphne, (251) 605-6927 Specializing in ADD, bi-polar disorder, behavior problems, and depression. We offer testing, counseling and consultation for children and adults. Evening and Saturday appointments are also available.. Professional Counseling Associates Eastern Shore Counseling 29000 Hwy 98, Suite A102, Daphne
(251) 626-5797; www.easternshorecounseling.com Faith based counseling services including AD/HD screenings, anxiety issues, relationship counseling and depression. Please visit the website for a full list of counseling services offered. Stephanie Wright Williamson, LLCU 306 South Greeno Road, Fairhope (251) 379-0531; burlsandwoo@gmail.com My passion is helping individuals, families and children support each other in every stage of life. I provide counseling services with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, OCD, teen violence, parenting, family conflict, substance abuse, depression and coping skills. University of South Alabama Psychology Clinic 307 University Boulevard North, UCOM 2000, Mobile (251) 460-7149; www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ artsandsci/psychology Email: PsychologyClinic@Southalabama.edu As a training clinic for the USA Clinical and Counseling Psychology doctoral training program, USA Psychological Clinic also offers low-cost services for children, adults, and families, including psychological testing and counseling, martial counseling, and stress management. Under the supervision of Licensed Psychologists, graduate students provide a variety of clinical services, offering reduced fees (therapy $5-$25/session, evaluations $250$500). Psychology faculty members also see clients for a fee and accept some insurance. Services offered include Individual Therapy (Adult and Child), Family Therapy, Group Therapy, The JAGSS Group (Junior Autism Group for Social Skills), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Evaluations and Assessments.
PHYSICAL & SPEECH THERAPY South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (ad on page 7)
1613 North McKenzie Street, Foley (251) 949-3580; www.southbaldwinrmc.com South Baldwin Regional Medical Center’s Outpatient Therapy Center offers a variety of services, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. From the initial evaluation until the time of
discharge, patients receive one-on-one care from our team, a compassionate and skilled group of licensed therapists and therapy assistants – some with almost two decades of therapy experience. In most cases, the same therapist provides a patient’s care for the duration of treatment. This provides for continuity of care for the patient and improved communication with the referring physician. Outpatient Orthopedics.
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Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital
US
(ad on Inside Back Cover and page 70)
1610 Center Street, Mobile (251) 415-1670; www.usahealthsystem.com Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers a team-oriented program of pediatric physical, occupational and speech-language therapies. Services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We offer pediatric-specific care for infants and children with varied diagnoses. Services include assessment and treatment of: Developmental Delays, Orthopedic Injuries, Neuromuscular Problems—Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, etc., Burns and Wounds, Speech and Language Deficits, Feeding Problems, Sensory Problems, Attention Problems & Loss of Function Due to Chronic Illness.
Thomas Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation
(ad on Inside Back Cover and page 70)
212 Hospital Drive, Suite B, Fairhope (251) 279-1640; rich.rammel@infirmaryhealth.org Facebook Page - Infirmary Health Pediatric Therapy Thomas Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Department provides comprehensive care to children who require occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Located in the Wellness Center at Thomas Hospital, we offer an environment where all 3 therapies can work together with families to guarantee each child is receiving exactly what he or she needs. Our facility enables us to meet the unique needs of our patients from birth through adolescence and allows parents to be an integral part of their child’s therapy. Therapy gyms and offices have viewing windows and headphone systems for parents to observe their child’s therapy sessions, full spectrum lighting to enhance learning needs of patients, and wireless laptop computers to further
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diminish distractions. Some of the specialized treatment modalities provided at Thomas Hospital include: Vital-Stem neuro-muscular electrical stimulation for Dysphagia, Augmentative/Alternative communication training and support, Ipad applications, Integrated Listening System training (ILs), Interactive Metronome, TheraSuit, Lite Gait, Braces, AFOs, splinting, and a comprehensive team for feeding/swallowing therapy.
USA Speech and Hearing Clinic (ad on Inside Front Cover)
1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North, Mobile (251) 445-9378; www.usahealthsystem.com www.southalabama.edu/alliedhealth/ speechandhearing/clinic.html The clinic serves two primary purposes: to provide services in speech, language and hearing to citizens of Mobile and surrounding areas and to provide the supervised clinical experiences needed by the students for graduation and to obtain professional licensure/ certification. Because the USA Speech and Hearing Clinic functions as a service facility and teaching facility, activities and procedures address both purposes. Diagnostic and treatment services in speech, language and hearing are provided to persons of all ages and with all types of speech-language and hearing disorders. Buckaroo Barn Email: buckaroobarn@gmail.com Buckaroo Barn, LLC provides physical therapy specializing in hippotherapy for special little buckaroos. Kristye Chastang is certified to use hippotherapy as a treatment tool for children with disabilities. Hippotherapy is a therapy tool which uses the movement of the horse to influence the patient’s posture, balance, stability & sensory processing. The therapist can direct the movement of the horse, analyze the patient’s response and adjust the treatment accordingly. It is rewarding for every one involved & is so much fun, the kids won’t even know its therapy. Visit our website or call for information. Equine Education Consultants, Inc. 268 Equine Circle, Daphne (251) 210-8819; www.lakeforeststables.org Equine Educational Consultants, Inc. was created to provide an opportunity for those with special needs to experience the joy and motivation that horses provide just by allowing us to share their world. For more information call or email tonya@lakeforeststables.org. Gulf Coast Therapy www.gulfcoasttherapy.com 21040 Miflin Road, Foley; (251) 923-0888 9890 Twin Beech Road, Fairhope; (251) 928-7312 Gulf Coast Therapy is a state-of-the-art outpatient therapy center serving Mobile and Baldwin County. We are committed to offering our patients a center of excellence for the treatment of pain and/or disability. The mission of Gulf Coast Therapy is to provide our patients with the skills they need in order to function at their highest level of independence and increase their quality of life. Services include: early intervention, outpatient pediatrics and school-based therapy. Kids Kount- Therapy Services, LLC 26420 Kensington Pl, Ste C, Daphne, (251) 517-0355 www.facebook.com/KidsKountTherapy Kids Kount Therapy Services was established with a primary mission to foster a sense of achievement within each child and to improve the quality of life for those children and their families. Kids Kount Therapy Services recognizes and respects the uniqueness of every child. We firmly believe that every child deserves an opportunity to learn and play with optimal function at home, at school, and across all social settings. Each
child is assessed and treated with an individualized program to meet his or her developmental learning needs. Our therapy techniques skillfully weave sensory experiences and practical application into activities of daily living. Children learn to work through challenges in a caring, supportive environment; and we all celebrate their accomplishments. We strive to instill compassion and confidence in each child, and we give each child encouragement to become their own unique self. We provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children from birth to 21 years. Lake Forest Stables Therapeutic Horseback Riding 268 Equine Circle, Daphne (251) 210-8819; www.lakeforeststables.org Email: tonya@lakeforeststables.org Equine Educational Consultants, Inc. was created to provide an opportunity for those with special needs to experience the joy and motivation that horses provide just by allowing us to share their world. Tonya Halterman, M.Ed., B.S. SLP is a Therapeutic Riding Instructor and also the stable manager. She has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and taught in public education as a Speech Pathologist for 20 years. She has experience as a Teacher of the Multi-Handicapped, Orthopedically Impaired, Resource/ Inclusion Specialist and Teacher of the Speech-Language Impaired. However, her true passion is teaching children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Their therapy focuses on helping students improve Speech/Language skills, Social Awareness and Attention to task. Each lesson is constructed to help students achieve a specific skill in a fun, game like atmosphere. The site includes a covered arena facility specially designed to allow for a variety of therapy activities and a Sensory Trail that exits directly out of our therapeutic arena allowing students to experience a multitude of sights, smells and sensations. Melanie Waters -Spoken Word Speech Language Services LLC 29000 Highway 98 Suite 102C, Daphne (251) 786-8255; www.spokenwordspeech.com At Spoken Word Speech Language Services, evaluation and treatment are available for the following areas: speech sound problems (including childhood apraxia of speech), tongue thrust, poor listening skills, auditory processing disorder, reading difficulties such as dyslexia, social pragmatic deficits, stuttering, late talkers, and communication problems associated with autism. Fast ForWord products and monitoring are also available. We also offer payment options by Check or credit card; private pay - insurance diagnostic codes are also provided. Hours of business are flexible. Therapy may also be offered at your child’s school or daycare/ preschool during morning hours of the school year. For more information email mel.spokenword@gmail.com. Shelley Scott BS & MSCCC-SLP Speech Pathologist 11125 Pontchartrain Loop, Daphne (251) 767-2366; www.scilearn.com Certified provider of Fast ForWord, a neuro cognitive computer program. For more information email speechpath123@aol.com.
FINANCIAL Alabama Department of Mental Health 100 Union Street, Montgomery, (800) 367-0955 or (334) 242- 3454; www.mh.alabama.gov The Alabama Department of Mental Health envisions a future for Alabama when everyone with a mental health need at any state of life has access to effective care and supports essential for living, working, learning
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Tea & Spa Parties Frozen • American Girl • Spa • Fashion Show • Princess • Mermaid • PYO Pottery • Pinkalicious Cupcake and more! Packages range from affordable to Seriously Spoiled! and our celebrations are always completely private in our VIP suite. We attend to all of the details, so you can relax and enjoy!
SPA
(SPECIAL PAMPERING ACTIVITIES)
packages and ear piercing available by appointment in our girls spa. 4180 Oak Ridge Ave Mobile 36619 251-447-4846 www. s pa-tea-da. c om Join our birthday club Text spateada to 31996
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and participating fully in the community with dignity, respect and hope. Disabled Children Relief Fund (516) 377-1605; Disabled Children’s Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged. Family Support 1050 Government Street, Mobile (251) 438-1609; www.famsupport.com Family Support is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings together Alabamians with disabilities, their families, and supporters to provide assistance to their neighbors with disabilities. Assistance is “whatever is necessary” within available funds, and may include information and referrals, home modifications, food, clothing, therapy, prescription drugs, utilities assistance, childcare, special holiday help, etc. Individual and Parent Support Dr. Gerald Oveson, Director, (251) 209-0453 Providing financial support to families with developmental disabilities and head/spinal cord injuries. For more information email susanpolizzi@comcast.net. Medicaid Waiver Program www.medicaid.alabama.gov Info on intellectual disabilities and living at home waiver.
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State of Alabama Independent Living Waiver (800) 441-7607; www.medicaid.alabama.gov/CONTENT/4.0_Programs/4.3.0_LTC/4.3.1.5_State_Ala_Ind_ Liv_Waiver.aspx; This waiver program provides services to disabled adults age 18 years or older who have specific medical diagnoses and who would otherwise qualify for care in a nursing care facility. Diagnoses may include but not limited to; Quadriplegia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Spinal muscular atrophy, severe cerebral palsy, Stroke, and other substantial neurological impairments, severely debilitating disease or rare genetic diseases. The Rileigh & Raylee Angel Ride Foundation (251) 243-0365; www.angel-ride.org The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation is a foundation started by the inspiration of two children -Rileigh Glass and Raylee Odom. Rileigh was born with Down syndrome and Raylee with Muscular Dystrophy. Their genetic conditions brought to light the hardships a family is challenged with when caring for children with special medical needs. A small group of family and friends took this awareness and turned it into the determination to establish a funding program that could help families faced with similar circumstances. The mission of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to families of children with unforeseen health problems. Upon careful review of an applicant’s files, awards are distributed on a needs basis. All files are documented with medical diagnosis, physician recommendations, family income, expense records; and an estimated cost of transportation, food and lodging. The Foundation genuinely seeks to assist families faced with financial burdens when health complications are not covered by health plans. For info email info@angel-ride.com.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATIONAL Huntington Learning Center (ad on page 26)
6880 Us Highway 90, Suite 13, Daphne (Jubilee Square Shopping Cneter) (251) 621-1057; www.daphne.huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Centers help students of all ages build the skills, confidence and motivation to attain better grades. Whether your child is struggling in school or simply seeking a more enriching academic experience, our personalized programs will make a positive difference. Huntington’s exam prep instruction includes personalized, private tutoring. Our programs enrich a student’s test-taking strategies, teaches them to apply their knowledge for problem-solving, analytical thinking, reasoning, drawing conclusions, interpreting facts and essay writing. Come by our local learning center, visit our website or call to begin your child’s individualized program today.
Read-Write Baldwin County (ad on page 58)
1048 Stanton Road Suite G, Daphne (251) 625-4020; readwrite13@gmail.com Read Write offers educational consulting, testing, and one-on-one academic therapy for students with language based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. We offer instruction in the following areas: reading, spelling, written expression, handwriting, grammar, math, and technology. We also offer a reading readiness program for 4 and 5 year olds. Visit our website at www.dyslexiaspecialist.net.
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Read for Life (ad on page 32)
(601) 668-9691; www.read4lifedyslexia.com Email: read4lifedyslexia@gmail.com *Read For Life is a privately owned teaching and tutoring service for individuals with Dyslexia or other Specific Language Disabilities (SLD). These students have an average to above average IQ. Read For Life’s aim is to teach reading, spelling, and other coping strategies to those whose academic success is not matched by their intellectual ability. Orton-Gillinham based methods and programs are used to teach through the use of kinesthetic, auditory, verbal, and visual means. Games as well as physical activities are also employed to further help the student gain progress. *Read For Life can accommodate for an individual or group setting and will tailor sessions to the needs of the student. Sherlie Andrews is a certified Dyslexia Therapist with a passion to help others with dyslexia or specific reading disorders. Read For Life began as a result of her own experiences as a dyslexic and vision to teach others who are struggling to read. *Look for information on Read For Life’s new company name, Learning Lagniappe, in next month’s add. Learning Lagniappe, owned and operated by Sherlie Andrews, dyslexia therapist, and Brandy Weems, a nationally recognized Master Teacher trained in dyslexia therapy. Learning lagniappe will include evaluations for several specified learning disorders, therapy sessions for those with dyslexia and other reading problems, dyscalculia, dysgraphia. We will also offer speech therapy, math tutoring ACT preparation classes, and after school reading groups. More services will be added after the first of the year.
Sylvan
(ad on page 57)
27000 Bass Pro Drive, Spanish Fort (251) 210-1337; www.sylvanlearning.com Email: TeamSpanishFort@SylvanNow.com A Better School Year Starts with Sylvan .Don’t worry about falling behind later–start now, don’t hope for the best, get your child the help he or she needs today. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on schoolwork and a boost in confidence. Let our proven tutoring approach help your child start the school year off right. Our Tutoring Services include math, reading, writing, study skills, homework help, summer camps, state test prep, SAT/ACT prep, College Prep, SylvanSync, and many other services.
Baldwin County Public School System (251) 972-6860; www.bcbe.org The Baldwin County School System offers speech-language evaluations and therapy (if eligible) for children ages 3 and up. This service is available to children by law regardless of if they attend private, public or are homeschooled. Disabilities recognized include Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment. For more information call or email our Special Services Department at bmenglish@bcbe.org. Bright Beginnings School 1901 Schillinger Road, Mobile (251) 689-8253; www.brightdyslexics.com Bright Beginnings School was developed to give parents an alternative for their children’s education. Each child is unique and should be taught in unique ways. At Bright Beginnings each child is individually challenged and taught to meet his/her specific needs. An individual educational plan is developed for each child and is taught in small group settings. Full day academic programs specialize in dyslexia. All subjects. Available for grades 1-5. High Hopes Campus of St. Benedict’s School 12786 South Illinois Street, Elberta (251) 986-7007; www.highhopes4autism.org Our objective is to prepare children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental delays to independently participate in a traditional classroom. At High Hopes we specialize in preschool age children. We encourage parents and families to seek appropriate services for their child as soon as a need is suspected. Diagnosis is not required for any of our programs. We understand that it takes the whole family to make real progress. We practice research based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) techniques. We offer Individual ABA Therapy and Shadowing in the classroom. We also offer computer monitoring from your home while your child is in therapy. For more information email info@ highhopes4autism.org. The Learning Tree 4979 Lott Road, Eight Mile (251) 649-4420; www.learning-tree.org
The Learning Tree, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides educational and residential services for children and adolescents, ages 2 ½ -21, with developmental disabilities, including autism. The organization also provides and Individual and professional consultation and training. Programs are located in Mobile, Anniston, Auburn Jacksonville, and Tallassee. The Learning Tree-Woody’s Song School 5459 Able Court, Mobile (251) 331-8021; www.learning-tree.org Woody’s Song serves children ages 5-18 on the autism spectrum. The private, nonprofit school is a tuition-based, twelve month, day program. Woody’s Song helps children with autism increase their skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognitive skills while decreasing behaviors that interfere with their learning. The Think Tank 355 Manchester Lane, Foley (251) 414-4494; www.thethinktanktutoring.com Email: thinktankminds@gmail.com The Think Tank Tutoring provides one-on-one inhome tutoring to general education, learning disabled and homebound students. In addition to working oneon-one with students, The Think Tank tutors provide educational strategies to parents during each tutoring session. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services works directly with the student’s teachers ensuring we follow the Individual Education Plan for special needs students. In addition, we follow the student’s current classroom curriculum. The Think Tank Tutoring provides homework help, test preparation, and study skills to students in grades Pre-K through 12 in all subjects. We have qualified educators to work with ADD, ADHD, hearing impaired, MR, Dyslexic, and speech impaired students. WyzAnt Tutoring (877) 999-2681 or (312) 646-6365; www.wyzant.com Looking for a tutor that specializes in working with your child’s special needs? Simply visit the website, type in the type of special need (ADD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger’s, etc.) and your zip code to be connected with tutors in your area. Our “Good Fit Guarantee” protects your first hour with any tutor. You don’t pay for tutoring unless you find a good fit!
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RECREATION & SOCIAL Alligator Alley (ad on page 62)
19500 County Road 71, Summerdale (251) 946-BITE (2483); www.gatoralleyfarm.com Alligator Alley is ADA compliant. With over 20 acres of natural cypress swampland, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. You’ll also observe other wild life such as: Ospreys, Owls, Turtles, Bull Frogs, and various field animals. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species. Call for more information or to schedule a tour!
Bay City Gymnastics (ad on page 77)
7980 American Way, Daphne, (251) 621-2112 Email: bcgagym@att.net www.bcgagymnastics.com Now offering Special Needs field trips! Come and join us to “let loose” and have fun at Bay City Gymnastics. Did you know that gymnastics is the greatest overall body conditioning activity that you can have your child involved in? It develops strength, flexibility, kinesthetic awareness, muscular control, endurance, coordination, agility, speed, balance, courage, grace, posture and poise! Your children will be gaining so many valuable tools while having so much fun!
Center Stage Performance: Exceptional Theatre (ad on page 24)
(251) 279-0338; www.centerstageperformance.com Email: jill@centerstageperformance.com
Mondays, 5-6pm 14 years old and below Mondays, 6-7pm 15 years old and above Register today at www.CenterStagePerformance.com Exceptional Theatre at Center Stage is specifically tailored to students with Special Needs. Theatre activities can be used to teach emotion recognition and expression, non-verbal behaviors and gestures, listening skills, eye contact, conversation skills, strategies to handle social situations, and critical social skills. Theatre-based strategies are fun and non-threatening. Theater class can also teach body awareness through movement. Most important, theatre activities teach relationship skills, and help building friendships through performance projects. The theater is a safe place for individuals to try new things and we make it an enjoyable learning environment. Students should be able to follow oral directions (stand here, walk from point a to point b, etc) and should be toilet trained. Reserve your spot today on our website!
Heart of a Dancer at Creative Outlet (ad on page 42)
66 ½ South Section Streeet, Fairhope (located in Creative Outlet Dance) (251) 517-7159; www.creativeoutletdance.com “Heart of a Dancer “ Dance classes, led by Laura Bishop, a special needs teacher at Fairhope Elementary, will be available for any exceptional student that is interested in having fun, learning dance routines and experiencing the joy of learning as part of a group through creative movement. Creative Movement encourages dance in an interactive environment where children share space as they explore movement together. In the special needs class, students can experience sensory awareness, gross motor development and participate at their own level and ability.
see 100s of alligators in their natural habitat
Thomas Hospital Rehabilitation Playground (ad on Inside Back Cover and page 70)
750 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope (251) 279-1640; www.infirmaryhealth.org Climbing on a rock wall or playing on a see-saw can be a lot of fun for children but for the pediatric rehab patients at Thomas Hospital, those exercises also offer a fun alternative to traditional Occupational and Physical Therapy. The department’s new playground offers a safe way to help special needs children with their strength, coordination and balance. The playground, funded by the Thomas Hospital Foundation, includes a rock wall, balance beam, monkey bars, over head glider, chin bar, see saw, disc swing and a therapeutic seat swing all on a state-of-the-art cushioned flooring system. Access To Recreation 8 Sandra Court, Newbury Park, CA. (800) 634-4351; www.accesstr.com Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. Online equipment items such wheelchair accessories, daily living, replacement parts, bath and shower accessories, Lifts, safety equipment, ramps, manual and power chairs, etc. AMBUCS (800) 838-1845; www.ambucs.org A charitable service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities by providing AmTryke therapeutic tricycles to children with disabilities. Back Country Trail 3801 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach (Gulf State Park)
19500 HIGHWAY 71 SUMMERDALE, AL
Awesome time! Our 5 year old and 1 year old both loved getting to feed the animals. Amazing experience for our entire family! Great place! Kids loved it! Especially getting to hold the baby alligator!
visit gatoralleyfarm.com or call 251.946.2486 for fall hours
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(251) 981-1180; www.backcountrytrail.com We are ADA compliant. Explore the beauty and diversity of the Back Country Trail! Six trails among six distinct ecosystems make up more than 11 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex through Orange Beach and the Gulf State Park. Explore the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, the mystical Freshwater Marshes and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on the Twin Bridges or a White Tailed Deer on Gulf Oak Ridge. View an alligator basking in the sun and be sure to bring your camera to capture the adventure. For trail maps, pictures, locations please visit the website. Baldwin County Special Olympics (251) 972-6854; Dawn Frenette For more information email dfrenette@bcbe.org. or visit us on Facebook. Boy Scouts of South Alabama (251) 476-4600; www.bsamobile.org Deaf and hard of Hearing Studio at the Centre for the Living Arts 301 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 208-5658; www.centreforthelivingarts.com Deaf and hard of hearing students will have art classes which will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. RSVP required. Please check our website for class schedule. For more information or to register, please contact: Joy Antar (AIDB) at antar.joy@aidb. state.al.us or (251) 281-2333 or Brennan Gibson (Centre for the Living Arts) at cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org or (251) 208-5658. Disabled Sports USA 451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, Maryland 20850; (301) 217-0960; www.disabledsportsusa.org Disabled Sports USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs. These sports opportunities transform the people we serve, highlighting the potential in each of us, embodied in our motto: “If I can do this, I can do anything!” Each year through our nationwide network, we serve over 60,000 youth, wounded warriors and adults annually, through a nationwide network of over 100 community-based chapters in 37 states nationwide in over 30 different sports. For more information email us at info@dusa.org. Exceptional Arts Drama by Sunnyside Theater 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, (251) 510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com Email: azaleacity@mindspring.com Sunnyside Theater proudly presents Exceptional Arts Drama. Drama and Theater classes for adults and children with special needs ages 8 – 80! Exceptional Arts Drama is committed to providing fun and creative theater opportunities for children and adults with special needs! We adapt roles to give each cast member the chance to showcase their unique talents on stage. Our actors learn how to put on a play, memorize scripts, perform choreography, and role-play during dress up! With Azalea City Center for the Arts, cast members and volunteers work together with the common goal of putting on a great show for our families and friends! Classes are held on Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. For information call or email Chris Paragone. The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast 28788 North Main Street Daphne, Al 36526 (251) 625-8955; www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org Email: Jennifer.flad@exceptionalfoundationgc.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast is a 501 (c)(3) non- profit organization dedicated to enhancing the social, recreational and artistic abilities of the special needs community. EFGC provides daily programs, which include arts & crafts, music, social events and Special Olympics. Our program is available to the special needs individual upon completion of high school. Our hours are Monday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Jennifer Flad, Executive Director at Jennifer. Flad@exceptionalfoundationgc.org. Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (800) 239-6636 or (251) 344-3330; www.girlscoutssa.org Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, Inc. (GSSA) builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. GSSA focuses on activities and lessons that build leadership skills and develop a strong sense of self-worth. It is a safe and encouraging environment that challenges individuals and groups to make a difference in the world and create lasting friendships. For more information on how to become a volunteer or a Girl Scout, please call or email GSSA at Communications@girlscoutssa.org. Hope Outdoors P.O. Box 1421, Chatom, (251) 769-0711 or (251) 769-5642; www.hopeoutdoors.org Email: shaysansing@yahoo.com Glenn & Karen Sansing, Alabama Chapter Directors Hope Outdoors has a passion to spread the love of God and provide the fun of the great outdoors to those who may be ill or challenged. Some are looking to be reintroduced into an activity they once loved, while others are discovering a new and exciting way to live life to its fullest. We provide opportunities for fishing, deer hunts, bird and turkey hunts, and other ways to get close to nature and enrich lives no matter the challenges life may have given you. We now have chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and 3 chapters in Mississippi. All events are free to participants and their families. Hope Outdoors provides all meals, game processing and licenses. Participants are only responsible for travel to and from the event. Our Alabama event will be held the 3rd weekend in January 2016. Applications can be found on our website. To find out how you can be a part of Hope Outdoors call or visit our website today. Visit us on Facebook for photos and event updates. SNAP (Special Needs Athletes Programs) Skyline Lanes, Mobile (251) 285-0224; www.snapofalabama.com Our mission is to give developmentally disabled citizens in the greater Mobile, Baldwin County Alabama area, the opportunity to participate in recreational sports with others of the same skill level and to have fun doing it. For more information contact us at joe@snapofalabama. com. Starfish-Special Olympics Swim Team (251) 978-0295; www.gulfshoresstarfish.webs.com Sharon Brindle, Coach The Starfish swim team trains handicapped participants to qualify for the State Special Olympics in Baldwin County. Visit us on Facebook for news and events. VSA of Alabama, Art Partners (205) 307-6300; www.vsaalabama.org VSA Alabama is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to “serving children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities through the arts.” Programs offered by VSA Alabama include: visual arts, music therapy, therapeutic drumming & rhythm, art therapy, drama, creative movement, and creative writing. Annually, VSA Alabama serves over 3,000 people with disabilities
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and chronic illnesses through our programming in community, educational, and healthcare settings across Alabama. ArtPartners program provides people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses the chance to develop meaningful relationships with artists in our community while creating collaborative masterpieces. The ArtPartners program makes a lasting impression on everyone involved and the memories created last forever. This program is FREE to participants! The Eastern Shore Art Center has participated in this unique program since its inception. For more information, visit www.esartcenter.com. Westside Buddy-Ball League (251) 633-9853; www.westsidebaseball.com Email: rochellejdn@aol.com This Division of Babe Ruth Buddy Ball is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. Our program strives to teach the community to recognize the abilities of our participants rather than their disabilities. More than the skill of baseball is learned through the experience. The value of the Babe Ruth Buddy Ball is therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. Young adults, teens and children can volunteer to be a buddy to the participants.
RECREATION CAMPS Camp ASCCA (ad on page 26)
5278 Camp Ascca Dr, Jackson Gap, Al, (256) 825-9226
(800) THE-CAMP; www.campascca.org ASCCA is an acronym that stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Beginning in 1976, Camp ASCCA has been a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation and is known throughout the world for its superior quality services. Providing camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Within its barrier-free environment, Camp ASCCA offers 230 wooded acres on the shores of beautiful Lake Martin in Alabama. Camp ASCCA serves an average of 7,000 people annually. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more. For more information email info@campascca.org. Camp Bridges 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham Located at Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin, AL (205) 558- 2090; www.campbridges.org Our mission is to provide camps and programs to pre and post transplant children, teens, young adults and their families from Alabama and neighboring states. We create a fun and educational environment for heart, kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients that encourage positive self image and healthy transplant living. Those served receive and provide peer support and form lasting friendships to better cope with the unique challenges of transplantation. For more information email info@campbridges.com. Camp Mash (251) 599-5688; www.campmash.org Camp M.A.S.H. is a weeklong recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis
or a related autoimmune disease. Our camp is planned specifically for the needs of our campers in order to empower them to live life to the fullest and to build friendships with other folks who are on similar journeys with their conditions. Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families. We have some set activities that are just everyone’s favorite things to do like fishing, swimming and the ropes course, as well as horses, archery, and arts & crafts. We also have some surprises each year based on that summer’s theme. You never know what we will have planned to make this the best week of your camper’s year. All activities and accommodations are fully accessible, and a medical staff team is on site around the clock. Camp MASH is open to children living in Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and on a case-by-case basis other kids from surrounding areas as we have space. Camp-Rap-A-Hope 2701 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 476-9880; www.camprapahope.org Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides a week-long summer camp at Camp Grace in Mobile, Alabama and is open to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have or have ever had cancer. The camp is offered at no cost to the campers and their families, as cancer has been costly enough. Each year the children enjoy a typical summer camp environment that includes swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts and many other activities depending on the theme for the year. Many of these children have forgotten what it’s like to be a ‘kid’ because much of their childhood has been spent hearing the sounds and seeing the inside of hospitals. It is our privilege to give a part of their childhood back to them through a week of fun-filled camping activities. Camp Rap-A-Hope
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offers additional opportunities for “fun” throughout the year. Family fun days and Holiday parties are a few ways that Camp continues the fun for the Campers and their families. For questions email info@camprapahope.org. Camp Smile-a-Mile (205) 323-8427, (888) 500-7920; www.campsam.org A year round challenging, recreational and educational experience for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer. Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris (205) 402-0415; www.campsealeharris.org Southern Diabetes Education Services camps and local community programs provide needed diabetes education, encouragement, and friendships for children with diabetes and their families. Camp is a place where having diabetes is the norm; where you can compare and share stories with peers; and where you don’t have to explain diabetes all the time because everyone here “gets it.” They understand exactly what it’s like living with diabetes, because they live with diabetes too. Children learn independence in managing blood sugar levels and medication, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. Physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and pharmacists to provide safe supervision and real time feedback join trained adult volunteer counselors with diabetes. Camps include fun activities that vary by location. Local programs include safe familyoriented recreation throughout the year. Lakeshore Foundation 4000 Ridgeway Drive, Birmingham (205) 313-7400; www.lakeshore.org Lakeshore is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, serving people with physical disabilities throughout Alabama, across the country and around the world. Since 1984, Lakeshore has helped advance and promote the impact of positive, long-term physical and emotional effects of physical fitness on people with disabilities. From infants to seniors, to injured soldiers and elite-level athletes, every participant is free to discover his or her own potential. Our mission is to enable people with a physical disability and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active and independent lifestyles through physical activity, sports, recreation and research. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge (800) 637-7223, (256) 837-3400; www.spacecamp. com/specialprograms Space Camp and Aviation Challenge offer a variety of programs for special needs students. We offer Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs specifically designed for special needs students, including camps for blind, and/or visually impaired, deaf and/or hard-ofhearing, and a week at the end of summer designated for special needs youth.
DISABILITY-SPECIFIC RESOURCES
(Please refer to the Counselors section for a list of counselors that also provide testing and additional resources)
ADD/ADHD
Dr. Renee Lopez (ad on page 41)
401 North Section St, Fairhope (251) 928-5058; www.MaximizedLivingDrLopez.com Dr. Lopez is the co-developer of Autism Whispers, a
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national program certifying physicians in the prevention, treatment and recovery of Autism and other Neurodevelopmental disorders (including ADD/ADHD). The program is complete with the Autism Whispers Parent’s Guide, which includes biomedical interventions to evaluate and support neurological, immunologic and metabolic challenges children on the spectrum face. Where to start, what to expect, recipes and meal planning are just a few sections in the Parent’s Guide. Dr. Lopez’s second book is Brain Kids. Its core focus is on empowering parents to grow and develop a healthy brain in children during the following stages of growth and life: 3 month pre-conception, throughout pregnancy, infancy, early childhood and adolescence. Dr. Lopez is a DAN! Doctor and a Generation Rescue Doctor. She is committed to helping all children and their parents lead healthier, more integrated and purposed lives. For more information email kylelopez@bellsouth. net or reneelopez@bellsouth.net. Attention Deficit Disorder Assoc. (ADDA) (800) 939-1019; www.add.org The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information; resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives. We provide hope, empowerment and connections worldwide by bringing together science and the human experience for both adults with ADHD and professionals who serve them. For more information call or email info@add.org. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHAD) (800) 233-4050; www.chadd.org Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed
materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting those with AD/HD. Feingold Association of the United States (800) 321-3287; www.feingold.org Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce lowadditive dietary programs for children with learning/ behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. Focus, Inc. 28080 US Highway 98, Suite F, Daphne (251) 517-9025; www.focus-md.com Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people with AD/HD and related problems. Dr. James Wiley started FOCUS so that he would have more time to devote to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Focus provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies.
Autism
Autism Society of Alabama (ad on page 33)
(251) 259-5553, (877) 4AUTISM www.autism-alabama.org Our mission is to improve services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy. Our current programs and services include, but are not limited to the following: toll free information and referral hotline, resource directory -a preliminary directory of service providers, activities, disability organizations, etc., education (parents, providers, family members, etc.) through our quarterly newsletter, exhibitions, speaking engagements, etc.,
parent Networking Groups in approximately 20 counties around the state, innovative website has a direct link to our e-mail addresses, annual Alabama Autism conference for parents, doctors, teachers, service providers, and students, and collaboration efforts with other state agencies to provide services for persons with autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Renee Lopez (ad on page 41)
401 North Section St, Fairhope (251) 928-5058; www.MaximizedLivingDrLopez.com Dr. Lopez is the co-developer of Autism Whispers, a national program certifying physicians in the prevention, treatment and recovery of Autism and other Neurodevelopmental disorders (including ADD/ADHD). The program is complete with the Autism Whispers Parent’s Guide, which includes biomedical interventions to evaluate and support neurological, immunologic and metabolic challenges children on the spectrum face. Where to start, what to expect, recipes and meal planning are just a few sections in the Parent’s Guide. Dr. Lopez’s second book is Brain Kids. Its core focus is on empowering parents to grow and develop a healthy brain in children during the following stages of growth and life: 3 month pre-conception, throughout pregnancy, infancy, early childhood and adolescence. Dr. Lopez is a DAN! Doctor and a Generation Rescue Doctor. She is committed to helping all children and their parents lead healthier, more integrated and purposed lives. For more information email kylelopez@bellsouth. net or reneelopez@bellsouth.net. Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network www.alabamaautism.org We are uniting, making connections and sharing
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knowledge and support for all 67 counties in our state & the world. A hub for Autism related info, events, videos, & support.
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American Autism and Rehabilitation Center 8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne (251) 210-1632; www.Americanautismcenter.com The American Autism Center provides therapeutic, clinical, and pharmaceutical services to children and adults affected by Autism and other disorders.
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Auties & Aspies of LA- Lower Alabama Community Support Group, Fairhope www.facebook.com/AutiesandAspiesofLA A community dedicated to support for and awareness of those on the Autism Spectrum and their families in lower Alabama. Our intention is to create a community for families in the lower Alabama area who have members on the spectrum. The goal is to be able to share information, support, inspiration, and prayers with other families who are living similar experiences. Visit and Like our page on Facebook for updates. Autism Alabama www.alex.state.al.us/autismAL An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education provides on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Diagnostics Clinic - USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Pediatric Developmental Medicine Center (PDMC) 1707 Center Street, Suite 201, Mobile (251) 415-8577; www.usahealthsystem.com/autismdiagnosis The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic sees patients with referral from a physician or other medical/educational professional. The mission of this clinic is to improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the greater Gulf Coast area through early identification and diagnosis, as well as to provide educational outreach to families, physicians, daycare centers, churches and other organizations who serve children in the community. Autism Spectrum Disorders include Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic evaluates patients up to ten years of age. Services include: Medical AssessmentsBy Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians to evaluate health-related conditions; Cognitive Evaluation-To determine current developmental level of functioning; Speech/Language Evaluation--To assess communication level; Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)-To observe social skills and communication abilities during a play session; Genetics Evaluation-To obtain a detailed family history and pertinent genetic laboratory tests; Occupational Therapy Evaluation-To evaluate motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and self care skills; Assistance with Community ResourcesUpon completion of the evaluation, the staff will assist the family in obtaining appropriate community services; Consultation-By affiliated specialists with expertise in autism-related conditions. Autism Society of America (800) 328-8476; www.autism-society.org Autism Society of America provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. Autism Speaks (888) 288-4762; en Español (888) 772-9050; www.autismspeaks.org Email: familyservices@autismspeaks.org At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We
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are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. We strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society: and we work to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. For more information and resources, visit www.autismspeaks.org. You can also contact the Autism Response Team by calling 888-288-4762 (888-772-9050 en Español) or emailing familyservices@autismspeaks.org. Autism Response Team coordinators are specially trained to connect individuals with autism and their families with information, resources, and opportunities. Our-Kids www.our-kids.org Devoted to Raising Special Kids with Special Needs. The Our-Kids list consist of over 700 people representing children of varying diagnosis; everything from indefinite developmental delays and sensory integration problems, to cerebral palsy, to rare genetic disorders. Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital Autism Center Seton Medical Office Park 5190 Bayou Boulevard, Building 2, Pensacola (850) 416-4933; www.sacred-heart.org/ childrenshospital/autismcenter At the Sacred Heart Autism Center, we offer a range of direct services for children on the autism spectrum, all with a family-centered approach to learning. Research shows when families are involved, children do better. Our services include: Direct, individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a research-based, systematic method for improving socially significant skills and behaviors; Parent instruction and hands-on training; Social skills groups for various ages; Group training for families and professionals. TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) (855) 726-7810, (949) 640-4401;
Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
www.tacanow.org Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism.
CdLS
CdLS Foundation (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome) (800) 753-2357; www.cdlsusa.org The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS make informed decisions throughout their lives.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy 4 My Child (800) 692-4453; www.cerebralpalsy.org Email: info@ucpmobile.org Our Mission: to provide you with the most comprehensive resource and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. We strive, every day, to be your ultimate resource for everything Cerebral Palsy. We provide a comprehensive resource, including a website and call center that parents and caregivers of children with special needs can turn to for needed, non-legal help, information and resources. United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile 3058 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile (251) 479-4900; www.ucpmobile.org UCP of Mobile is dedicated to advancing the independence of people with disabilities. UCP offers a wide range of services for people of all ages, starting with one of our early intervention programs and continuing through adulthood with our supported employment program.
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Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mobile Chapter 205 Lambert Avenue, Suite B, Mobile, (251) 436-0013; www.cff.org/Chapters/mobile; www.alabama.cff.org The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. We fund more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support.
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Alabama (205) 988-0810; www.downsyndromealabama.org Down Syndrome Alabama’s mission is to promote awareness, acceptance and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Down Syndrome Society of Mobile County 10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251) 342-3122 or (888) 454-0317; www.dssmc.org Our mission is to provide enrichment through education, networking opportunities, advocacy, and emotional support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the greater community.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama Office Park 3, 273 Azalea Rd #310, Mobile (251) 341-0170; www.epilepsyfoundationalabama.org The Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama has a mission to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families, to increase awareness in the general community and to facilitate prevention and management of epilepsy. This includes providing services and programs for people with epilepsy and their families; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues and collaborating with other community resources in support of the mission of the people with seizure disorders. Epilepsy Foundation (800) 332-1000; www.epilepsyfoundation.org The Epilepsy Foundation of America® is the national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the more than 2 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The organization works to
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ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure.
Muscular Dystrophy
Alabama Muscular Dystrophy Association (205) 823-8191; www.mdausa.org MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
Sickle Cell
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Mobile Chapter, Inc. (251) 432-0301; www.scdmobile.org The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Mobile Chapter, Inc. (SCDAA-MC) was founded in 1974. A volunteer Board of Directors governs a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The mission of the Association is to “Empower clients and their families with knowledge, through quality comprehensive programs and services.” For individuals with sickle cell disease: Case management services, Transportation to/from medical appointments, Medical and pharmacy assistance for those without insurance. We provide Career assistance, After School Tutorial Programs (ages 6-18), Summer Enrichment Programs, Client support groups and fun activities. For the general public we offer Sickle cell screenings, lab onsite, Genetic counseling for those who test positive for sickle cell trait, Educational seminars and certification program. All services free.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida Association of Alabama www.sbaofal.org; The mission of the SBA of AL is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.
Parent to Parent USA www.p2pusa.org. Provide emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained ‘Support Parent’.
Tourette Syndrome
ALABAMA RESOURCES
National Tourette Syndrome Association (718) 224-2999; www.tsa-usa.org Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS.
ORGANIZATIONS FOR PARENTS Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC) (866) 532-7660; www.alabamaparentcenter.com We believe that parents have the greatest impact on their children’s lives. APEC provides families with the training, information and support they need to help them ensure that their children become productive, well-educated citizens. Family Voices of Alabama (877) 771-3862; www.familyvoicesal.org Email: info@familyvoicesal.org Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.
Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (256) 237-3683; www.alabamarespite.org Alabama Public Library ServiceAlabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, (800) 392-5671; webmini.apls. state.al.us/apls_web/apls/apls Alabama Special Education Services (334) 242-8114; www.alsde.edu ALL KIDS Insurance (888) 373-5437; www.adph.org/allkids Civitan International Research Center University of Alabama at Birmingham (800) 822-2472; www.circ.uab.edu Governor’s Office on Disabilities (888) 879-3582; www.good.alabama.gov Mobile Arc (MARC) (251) 479-7409; www.mobilearc.org Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (256) 325-8885; www.alabamashaa.org Southeast Americans with Disability Act Center (800) 949-4232; www.adasoutheast.org Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities) (800) 782-7656; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services (334) 281-8780; www.rehab.alabama.gov/vrs ESP
Marshall Shoemaker, M.D., and staff
Welcome
Jessica Jones, M.D.
Jessica Jones, M.D. Now accepting patients.
Pictured left to right: Marshall Shoemaker, M.D.; Jessica Jones, M.D.; Heather Talbot, Nurse Practitioner; Carla S. Corte, Nurse Practitioner
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shoemakerobgyn.com 251-990-1950
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Need to run a few errands? Get out of the house for a while for some mental health time or exercise? Around the time your child reaches the pre-teen (tween) years, staying home alone may be an option. But, how do you know if your child is ready? The following points will help you determine if your child is equipped to do so: Your tween indicates they want to stay home alone.
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Your child is seeking more independence and has asked you to leave him by himself. He is not anxious when you are gone and he can keep himself occupied safely.
Your tween follows your directions and rules. Your child has shown you that he can follow your expectations, even when you are not present. You’ve witnessed your child making good choices without your input. He adheres to the guidelines you have set in place about having a friend over, watching TV or a movie, playing video games, and time spent outdoors.
Your tween is reliable and selfsufficient. Daily chores are done with little to no reminders. Your child can safely prepare simple snacks when he is hungry. He knows how to properly use the microwave and toaster. You can rely on him to use only the appliances you’ve agreed to let him use.
Your tween uses the phone properly.
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Your child answers the phone appropriately. He recognizes why it is all right when you are away from the house to say you are unavailable, and how to take a message correctly.
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Additional questions parents should know the answers to before leaving their tweens at home alone: Is your neighborhood a safe one? Do you have neighbors that your child knows and trusts, people he can turn to if he needs help? Does your child demonstrate good decision-making and judgment? Does you child understand basic safety procedures? Will he make the decision of safety first? Can your child tell time? Can he calmly provide your home phone number and address and give directions to your house in case of emergency? Does you child know your cell number? Can your child lock and unlock your windows and doors? Does your child know the garage door code and/or alarm system code and password, if this applies? Does you child stay calm when the unexpected happens? Do you have more than one child you will leave home alone? Can they resolve their conflicts without physical altercations and adult intervention?
Your tween understands safety. He is familiar with basic first-aid and knows what to do in case of a fire or other emergency. He knows to call 911 and other emergency numbers if necessary. He knows what he can and cannot do when you are not at home. He understands that knives cannot be used without your supervision. He knows not to open the door while you are gone and which neighbors to call or go to if he needs help. He knows the “safe” meeting spot, to find you or be found, in case anything should happen. He knows where the flashlights and extra batteries are. Although your child may know the emergency numbers, keep a list of emergency contacts and numbers in an easy to view place. Make sure all of your numbers are there as well. When panic or worry sets in, the brain can flood and we struggle to remember what we do know.
Have a simple chart of first aid tips close to the emergency contacts and numbers. (In our home a bright binder labeled “EMERGENCY,” with our address and home phone number below, holds contacts, emergency numbers, and basic first-aid procedures. This binder remains by the kitchen phone and comes in handy for any babysitter we hire.) Begin slowly, leaving him alone for five to ten minutes the first few times and build from there. What else can you do to help your tween? 73
Give him something to do to structure his time. This helps alone time pass quickly. Check in with your tween while you are gone. Call to see if he is comfortable or has any questions, and also to keep him updated on when you will arrive back home. This is an exciting time for your tween as he establishes more independence, with your confidence that he will do well. ESP Judy M. Miller, a mother of four, is training her tween son on how to be safely home alone. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.
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A Page in a Book Getting a Read on Personal Style Sometimes, you ARE what you wear. To the outside observer, our clothes and accessories are often the first indicator of the things we like – a peek at our personal vibe. A specifically colored football jersey, beachcomber shorts, a Marvel comics tshirt (or DC comics, if that’s your thing), Anna-Elsa-or-Olaf on a back pack: the items that kids choose to wear are early statements of their own particular tastes and interests. Giving kids some wardrobe control also empowers them to cultivate their own style – to become comfortable with this form of self-expression. The following titles explore the power of the right wearables to brighten up the gloomiest mood.
Churchill’s Tale of Tails
by Anca Sandu (Peachtree Publishers) Churchill’s life is filled with wonderful friends and hobbies, but the thing that gives him the most pleasure is his small curly tail. When he wakes up one morning and his tail is nowhere to be found, he’s completely out of sorts. Churchill laments that he just doesn’t feel like himself, so his generous friends offer to let him wear tails like theirs. Churchill quickly finds that he likes wearing all the different tails – and gets so wrapped up in enjoying other styles that he begins to neglect his friends. But a chance meeting with a new friend (who also happens to have a suspiciously familiar curl on her head) reminds Churchill that he has missed his pals just as much as he’s missed his particular tail. The reunion that follows celebrates both the return of his best accessory as well as Churchill’s best strength, which is being a good and loyal friend.
The Frog Who Lost His Underpants
by Juliette MacIver, Illustrated by Cat Chapman (Candlewick Press) For a frog with a specific taste in clothing, his missing underpants are a big deal. When Frog enlists his jungle friends to help him search for his special drawers, the rhyming recon that follows is a madcap adventure that turns up unexpected culprits. An army of frogs have stolen his coveted underpants! The solution entails sharing Frog’s signature fashion with all the other frogs to keep the peace. But Frog has an idea for his pants that will help him reclaim his own personal style of uniquely amphibious underwear. For any parents who have dealt with the drama that can follow when a child’s favorite clothing item goes missing, this title will be a delightful repeat read!
Hooray for Hat
by Brain Won (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Elephant has woken up in a grumpy mood. When the doorbell rings, he stomps down the stairs with a rising temper to find...a present. Inside the gaily wrapped box is a hat, tall and layered with even more headpieces. Recognizing that it’s hard to be cross with a fantastic hat like that, Elephant dons the elaborate chapeau and heads off to show it to Zebra. But he finds Zebra in his own grumpy mood. Knowing how to turn that mood around, Elephant plucks a hat from his own amalgam and places it on Zebra’s head. The considerably happier pair begin a journey to lift the spirits of their other grumpy friends with hats from Elephant’s head. But there is one last friend whose hat needs are going to be a tall order. If one hat can make so many friends happy, then surely many hats can overcome the gloomiest mood of all! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.
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Family Calendar Ongoing
American Sport Art Museum and Archives Located on the campus of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, dedicated to the preservation of sports history, art, and literature. Exhibits spotlight visiting artists on a rotating basis, as well as our permanent collection of prints, sculpture, original paintings, photographs and other arts media. Free admission. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 1 Academy Drive, Daphne. For more information call 251.626.3303 or visit www.asama.org. Big Brother / Big Sister Mentors Needed At-risk children at Summerdale School need volunteer Big Brother Big Sister mentors. “Bigs” have fun with a child one time a week, for one hour, on school grounds, during the school year by reading a story, working puzzles, playing catch, drawing, or just being a friend. Professional training and support are provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama YMCA, Inc. For more information or to volunteer, contact Polly at 251-344-0536 ext. 104. Eastern Shore Art Center A non-profit arts organization located in beautiful downtown Fairhope, the Art Center houses four galleries with exhibits that change monthly, as well as a gallery featuring member artists’ work for sale. Admission is free. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928.2228 or visit www.eseartcenter.com. The Exploreum The Exploreum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.exploreum.com or call 251-208-6873. 65 Government Street, Mobile. Fairhope Museum of History The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You
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can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope’s first families. The museum is located in downtown Fairhope at 24 North Section Street. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 929-1474. Marietta Johnson Museum This museum was founded to preserve the oldest school building in Baldwin Country, which was founded in 1907 by famed educator Marietta Johnson. Known as one of the first progressive schools in the world, the museum includes historic letters, documents, and artifacts from the school’s heyday, as well as biographical information about Marietta Johnson. To learn more, visit www.mariettajohnson.org. Open Mondays-Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 440 Fairhope Ave. 990-8601. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Weeks Bay Reserve has a free educational interpretive center and two boardwalks. The Interpretive Center houses a multitude of exhibits, habitat models, specimen collections and a diorama giving the visitor a better understanding about the value of estuaries, diversity of coastal wetlands, and a close-up look at living plants and animals of coastal Alabama. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 11300 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call 251.928-9792 or visit www.weeksbay.org.
Classes/Meetings
Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Offering Adoptive Family Support Group Meetings in Baldwin County the 3rd Monday of each month. The meeting is held at Eastern Shore Church of Christ, 1209 Daphne Ave, in Daphne from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Parent, Youth/Teen group and childcare is available. Topic discussions by adoption professionals and ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information call 251-460-2727 or 1-800-489-1886 or www. childrensaid.org. APAC also offers free counseling services to adoptive families. Celebration MOPS Fairhope Celebration MOPS meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, 8180 Dyer Road, Fairhope. Childcare is provided and is included in the fees. There is an annual $23.95 MOPS International membership fee and $30 per semester. Call the church office for info at 251-928-0343 or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ celebrationmopsfairhopeal. Daily Living Skills Group for parents with children on the Spectrum Held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Family Center, 27365 Pollard Road, Daphne. Focus is on daily living needs of families and their children, such as: Safety issues; How to have a family dinner out; Ways to assist with transition; How to talk with people who stare; Your questions, comments and suggestions. Limited childcare slots are available. For more information, please contact Judy Bradshaw: (251) 990-7781. Daphne Neurological Disease Support Group (Includes Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy). Meets second Monday of each month at Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main Street, Daphne, in the Community Life Center-Gathering Room. 11:00 a.m. until noon. Noon light lunch for $3 from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Speaker or joint group session. Contact person: Alice Hallford - 251-626-8228. Fairhope MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) We meet 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Monday (during the school year) at Fairhope United Methodist Church. All mothers of young children
DOWNTOWN MOBILE, ALABAMA
New VIP options are available while they last! Amenities include private parking, reserved front of stage seating, a separate cash bar and air-conditioned restrooms!
SHINEDOWN • CAGE THE ELEPHANT • JUSTIN MOORE • THREE DAYS GRACE • KIP MOORE • SLASH FEAT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS SEETHER • RANDY HOUSER • ELI YOUNG BAND • TRAVIS TRITT • GEORGE CLINTON AND PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC • ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES
JOHNNY GILL • CHRISETTE MICHELE • ERIC PASLAY • BLACK STONE CHERRY • WILLIE CLAYTON • MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA • CALVIN RICHARDSON • OB BUCHANA • THE SWON BROTHERS GRAMMY ALL-STAR NIGHT FEAT. MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER, BARRINGTON “BO” HENDERSON & DENNIS “FINGER ROLL” NELSON • WENDELL B • VICK ALLEN • MS. JODY • THE VESPERS • KRISTY LEE & DIRT ROAD REVIVAL
THE JOE TAYLOR GROUP • CRYSTAL PISTOL • AND MANY MORE!
For more information, festival line-up and general admission tickets, visit www.bayfest.com Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
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Family Calendar are welcome. Email fairhopemops@yahoo.com for information about how to register. Father Central of Daphne *Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men, $75 giftcard upon completion. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 251-626-1610 to register, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Chill Skills Anger Management by appointment. $25 giftcard upon completion. Call 251-626-1610 schedule, The Exchange Club Family Center of Baldwin County, 27365 Pollard Rd., Daphne, near the YMCA. *Nurturing Parenting, everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Jump in on any Thursday! Call 251-626-1610 to register, 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, near the YMCA. MOPS on the Eastern Shore MOPS stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” - but don’t let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of moms just like you. 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. 1st Thursday of the Month (September through May). Dinner & Child Care are provided. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. http://www.mopsontheeasternshore.shutterfly.com/ Facebook.com/MopsOnTheEasternShore . Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society Dance lessons from 7 – 7:30 p.m., and Dancing from 7:30 – 10 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, at Fitzpen Place, 1 mile east of Eastern Shore Mall. No partner necessary. $10 per person includes dance lesson. $7 with membership, includes dance lesson. Live music, cash bar. www.FitzpenPlace.com. www. Moonlightchasse.com. For more information, call 251621-6665 or 251-377-4069. Shepherd’s Place (Christian Life Center) Ministry for memory & physically challenged.
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Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-1148. Single Mom Ministry Sponsored by Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church, this prayer and support group for single moms is designed to provide a safe and prayerful environment where group members are able to express themselves among others who will listen, care, and lift each other up. Each participant will receive one bag of non-perishable food items each week. Child care will be provided. Light snacks and soft drinks will be served. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 6-7 PM at Fairhope Avenue Baptist Family Life Center, 8717 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-0890. SOS (Survivors of Suicide) This group is for adults who has ever lost a loved one to suicide. If it has been 5 days or 50 years since the loss, this group is here for you. SOS meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of EVERY month from 6:30 to approximately 8:00 p.m. at the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S. Section Street, Fairhope. The support group, which has been around since November, 2012, is facilitated by a professional and co-facilitated by two survivors. There are no dues. For more information, please email jlbarber5@ bellsouth.net or call 251-455-6453. Tango by the Bay ~ Argentine Basic classes are held every Tuesday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Fairhope at Southern Edge Dance Studio, located behind Pizza Hut across from Thomas Hospital. 251 South Greeno, Fairhope. $5 per class (fee may be higher with special guest instructors). For more information Contact Ben Samel at 605-2657 or Cassie Fishbein 377-4069, cassief13@aol.com. South Baldwin Regional Medical Center offers the following classes: Your entire family can take part in several informative
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classes designed to help moms and dads welcome their special new addition to the family with more confidence. Classes cover topics including: Having A Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition, discomforts of pregnancy, warning signs of complications, and relaxation exercises. One session. Cost: $10. Prepared Childbirth Classes (Once a week for four weeks). Cost: $30 Week 1: Begin the Stages of Labor: The labor and delivery process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping, pain management, vaginal delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 2: Delivery and Cesarean Birth: A review of complications that may arise, use of special equipment, complete the stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and relaxation exercises. Week 3: New Born and Postpartum Care: Newborn appearance, caring for the newborn, infant safety, recognizing complications, relaxation exercises, and choosing a pediatrician. What to expect after delivery, understanding the physical and emotional changes to your body, and relaxation exercises. Week 4: The Art of Breast Feeding: The benefits of breast feeding for mother and baby, anatomy and physiology of the breast, how to breastfeed, and common difficulties. One session. • Tiny Toes members may enroll in Yoga, Water Aerobics and Expectant Mother Exercise classes through the Snook Family YMCA. The fee is $5 a class. There is a $3 fee for child care. There is no fee if you are already a member of the YMCA. All classes are located at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center–1613 North McKenzie Street Foley. Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classroom A. Located just off of the main lobby. • Please plan to attend the Healthy Pregnancy Class during your first trimester and the Prepared Childbirth
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Family Calendar Classes anytime after your 24th week of pregnancy. For more information or to enroll please call the OB Educator at 949-3676 to schedule. We look forward to sharing this special time with you! Method of payment accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, AmEx, Debit Card. Gift of Life The Gift of Life is a required maternity care program for Medicaid patients or Medicaid-eligible patients. The Gift of Life Program provides a caring system of prenatal services; education and care coordination for expectant moms and their babies. For additional information please contact 949-3781.
Thomas Hospital offers the following classes: Breastfeeding Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Monthly, first Tuesday, 6 - 8 p.m. Free. Infant CPR and Safety Class Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373. Saturdays, 4 - 6 p.m. Moving Through Labor Childbirth Classes Three or four-week prepared childbirth class series which prepares the mother-to-be and her support partner for the labor and delivery experience. $30 fee for the class series. Thomas Fitness Center, (Fairhope) Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Fitness Center (Fairhope) Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Thomas Medical Center (Daphne) Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 251- 279-1373 or visit www.thomashospital.com for upcoming classes and registration. Natural Childbirth Classes, Fertility Awareness, Mother’s Comfort, Exercise and Nutrition For class schedule or more information call Geralyn Piizzotti, 251- 928-9396. Yourbodyyourbirth@bellsouth. net.
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Newborn Basics Class Held on the second Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Free. No Pre-registration required. Pre-admission Sessions 6 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne. Pre-registration required. Sibling Class Thomas Hospital Fitness Center (Fairhope). Pre-registration required. To register call 279-1373. 10 - 11 a.m. Thomas Hospital offers the following support groups for the community: Alanon (Alcoholics Anonymous) Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 800-477-1104 for more information. Alateen Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room East Tower meeting room at Thomas Hospital. Call 391-1152 for more information. Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 345-7645 or 438-9590 for more information. ALS Support Group Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at Thomas Medical Center. Call 205-937-4415 for more information. Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Health Resource Center located at: 308 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Call 928-8650 for more information. Cancer Support Group-Family Connected by Ribbons Support group for cancer survivors, friends and family.
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Open to any types of cancer. Every first Thursday of every month from 6 - 8 p.m. Morphy Conference Room (Old ER entrance) at Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Preregistration not required. Call 209-1229 for more information. Cancer Support Group for Women Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Morphy Conference Room. For more information, call Patti Huval at 209-1229. Diabetes Support Group Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center. Call 279-1700 for more information. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Meetings are held every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Harbor at Thomas Hospital. Call 251- 9656264 for more information. Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251- 455-9919 for more information. Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Support Group Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Thomas Medical Center. Call 251626-6337 for more information.
Tuesday, September 1
5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10 - 11:00 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs.
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Family Calendar 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Minecraft Guild The Orange Beach Public Library is proud to present a brand new Minecraft Guild for the community! Louise Daileigh offers a free gaming experience using the popular Minecraft game on Xbox One. The Guild meets every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 3
17th Annual Chef Challenge The 17th annual Chef Challenge will be held at the Alabama Cruise Terminal in Mobile. Guests will enjoy the favorite dishes of some of our area’s most prestigious chefs, live entertainment by Roman Street, a vast silent auction, and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. All proceeds from Chef Challenge are used to help those in need within our 24-county service area along the Central Gulf Coast. If you’d like more information about Chef Challenge, or if you are interested in participating, contact Stephanie Snyder at (251) 653-1617 ext. 141 or ssnyder@bayareafoodbank.org.
Friday, September 4
First Friday Art Walk - Fairhope First Friday Art Walk is a community art and entertainment event held the first Friday of each month. This event is free and open to the public. You may start your art walk by visiting the Eastern Shore Art Center. 6 - 8 p.m. Please call (251) 928-2228 for more information.
Sunday, September 6 C Spire Concert Series presents: Alabama Alabama will perform at the Wharf Amphitheatre
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(23325 Amphitheater Drive, Orange Beach) at 8 p.m. Please visit www.ticketmaster.com for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Fabulous Frogs” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program, Sir David Attenborough takes us on a journey through the weird and wonderful world of frogs. Along the way, he sheds new light on these charismatic, colorful and frequently bizarre little animals through first-hand stories, the latest science, and cutting-edge technology. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.
Tuesday, September 8
5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6 - 7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Minecraft Guild See Sept. 1 for details.
Civic Center. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship levels call the United Way office at (251) 990-9260 or visit www.unitedway-bc.org. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun for Ronald McDonald House Girls Just Wanna Have Fun fundraiser benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. This “must do” event is an evening for ladies 21 years of age and older and features heavy hors d’oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini’s and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs, shopping, entertainment and more. Tickets for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are available for $50 in advance or for $60 at the door. Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets for a stylish “Purse-Onality” at $25 or $50 which includes a purse – and a surprise gift inside valued at that (or more!). Please visit rmhcmobile.org/ girls-just-wanna-have-fun for more information.
Friday, September 11
L.A. Songwriters’ Festival The L.A. Songwriters’ Festival will be held at the American Legion Post 199 at 700 S. Mobile Street in Fairhope on September 11 – 12. Seventeen original songwriters on the intimate but spacious inside Hall Stage during the two days with a jam session at the end of each evening’s performances. Vendor exhibits, festival activities, food and other events throughout the period. See performance schedules and songwriter bios below. Admission: $15/day. Please visit www. americanlegion199.com for more information.
September 12 Thursday, September 10 Saturday, South Baldwin Literacy Council’s Annual Gala United Way Annual Campaign Join us for our Annual Campaign Kick- Off Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Daphne
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Alphabet Jubilee: Celebrating “Anne of Green Gables” Join us from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Foley Civic
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Family Calendar Center. Enjoy Spirits, Dinner, and Dancing with the Tommy Mores Band. Silent and Live Auctions. Come join the fun and promote literacy in South Baldwin County. For more information call (251) 943-7323. 2015 Eastern Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s The 2015 Eastern Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at the Fairhope Pier. The walk starts at 9:00 and Registration starts at 8 a.m. After the walk the Party in the Park will kick off and it will go from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Both events are free to all. At the party we will have live music from Ryan Balthrop, petting zoo, pet adoption sponsored by The Pet Haven, bouncy house for the kids, and other games and entertainment for the whole family. For more information and to register, visit: act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2015/ALAlabamaFloridaPanhandle?fr_id=7304&pg=entry. Black Jacket Symphony presents Allman Brothers Band Eat a Peach Black Jacket Symphony presents Allman Brothers Band Eat a Peach at 8:00pm at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim St). Please visit www.mobilesaenger. com for more information. L.A. Songwriters’ Festival See September 11 for more information.
Sunday, September 13
5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Raptor Force” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program, join Nature as they hitch an exhilarating ride with elite, winged predators. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.
Tuesday, September 15 5 Rivers StoryTime: “The Bugliest Bug” by Carol Diggory Shields The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime
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at 5 Rivers from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. In this week’s story, enjoy a beauty contest with nontraditional entrees. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Minecraft Guild See Sept. 1 for details.
Wednesday, September 16
The Price is Right – Live Stage Show The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show from Plinko, to Cliffhangers, to The Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase. Playing to near sold out audiences for nearly nine years, The Price Is Right Live! has given away more than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes and sold more than 1.2 million tickets. If you enjoy the rush of emotions experienced while watching the show on television, just imagine the possibilities if you were actually in the audience watching it live. Location: Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street) at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger. com for more information.
Thursday, September 17 Black Out Cancer Ball for American Cancer Society The Black-Out Cancer Ball, formerly Baldwin County Gala, one of the most exciting fund raising events in Baldwin County will be held at The Fairhope Civic Center (161 N Section Street). The evening is packed with dancing, entertainment, an honoree presentation,
dining, auctions and everyone wears BLACK! The event will offer elegant surroundings, scrumptious foods, fragrant wines, and a night of revelry and merrymaking. The American Cancer Society will continue to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people to stay well and get well, find cures, and fight back against a disease that has taken too many lives. For additional information please contact: Blair Bullen at (251) 414-1305. 30th Annual Taste of South Baldwin Centennial Edition South Baldwin’s original tasting and sampling event features delicious gourmet selections from many of the area’s finest restaurants and vendors. Join us from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Foley Civic Center, (407 E Laurel Ave Foley). Please visit visitfoley.org for more information. Fairhope Fete Fashion Show Fairhope Fete, a Point Clear Charities Event, was inaugurated to promote Fairhope as a global destination! Fete fashion show will be held at 7 p.m. at Sonny Hill – Clearwater Polo Complex, corner of US 98 and County Road 32.
Friday, September 18
3rd Annual Exceptional Foundation Golf Tournament 3rd Annual Exceptional Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear $125 per player, $400 for team. Please call (251) 6258955 for more information.
Saturday, September 19
28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) along with Alabama People Against a Littered State (AL PALS) will sponsor the 28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on September 19th from
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8 a.m. to noon. The event gives residents in Mobile and Baldwin counties, as well as inland counties, the opportunity to give back to the environment and their surrounding communities by cleaning up along the coast and waterways and within their cities. Volunteers—involved citizens, community organizations, businesses, individuals, school groups and families—are needed to help with the Coastal Cleanup. Participants can find a cleanup zone near them at www.AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com. All supplies are provided, and volunteers who come out early will receive a free t-shirt. Jubilee Race for Life Held yearly on the 3th Saturday of September, the 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run feature certified courses and wholesome fun. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. 5K Starts at 8 a.m. and Fun Run follows. Event benefits www.baysidemedicalmissions.org to provide corrective surgeries for persons of limited financial resources in Ecuador. Location: Daphne Baptist Church (1515 6th Street, Daphne). Please visit www.jubileeraceforlife.org for more information. Perdido Key 3rd Annual Pirate Festival The family-friendly event features fun activities for all ages. The festival will be filled with delicious foods, great prizes, arts and crafts, and elaborate pirates. All attendees are highly encouraged to wear their best pirate garb. Pirate Captain Davy will be present to teach all the young pirates some sea-shanties, magic tricks, and much more! There may even be a mermaid! In addition to Captain Davy’s performance, Reno’s Reptiles will be set up in the park’s Amphitheater. And at the boat launch right before Capt. Davy, Pensacola’s very own Pirate Ship the “Good Fortune” will be in the water! Stop by and marvel at its grandeur. Throughout the festival, kids young and old will have the chance to hunt for pirate coins, redeemable for thousands of dollars in prizes. One lucky pirate who finds the “Lost Key” will even take home a grand-prize treasure chest — loaded with everything a family needs for a memorable vacation, including lodging and gift certificates for area attractions and restaurants. This event will be held ad Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola from 11am - 5pm. For more information visit the website, www.visitperdido. com/events/pirate-fest-2015.
Sunday, September 20
5 Rivers SPECIAL GUEST Sunday Matinee “Alabama Moon” with local author Watt Key Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. We are very excited about this week’s matinee. “Alabama Moon” is a wonderful book by a local author Watt Key. It was made into a movie directed by Tim McCaniles (Second Hand Lions). Starring John Goodman and Clint Howard, this story follows a young boys’ (Moon) trials and tribulations after his father passes away. Meet and Greet, Book/ Movie Signing. Check Website at www.Alabama5Rivers. com or Facebook page for showtimes, or call (251) 625-0814. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.
Tuesday, September 22 The 65th Baldwin County Fair Come join us at the 65th Baldwin County Fair from September 22-26 at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds (19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale). Please visit baldwincofair.com for more information. Minecraft Guild See Sept. 1 for details.
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Family Calendar Wednesday, September 23 The 65th Baldwin County Fair See September 22 for more information.
Thursday, September 24 CCA Fall Out 2015 Fall Out 2015 is hosted by Coastal Conservation Association Alabama’s Eastern Shore Chapter and will be held at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). This event will be held from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. Please visit www. ccaalabama.org for more information. Mobile Fashion Week Mobile Fashion Week (MFW) celebrates its 5th anniversary with shows being held on location at the Warehouse District at Mobile Aeroplex. Mobile Fashion Week’s opening night is Thursday, September 24th to include local salons during the famed Hair Show. Friday, September 25th presents the popular Fashion’s Night Out and Saturday, September 26th will conclude Mobile Fashion Week with The Finale. Doors will open each night at 6 p.m. Showtime is set for 7 p.m. and events will conclude each night at 10 p.m. Sponsors for Mobile Fashion Week 2015 include; Mobile Airport Authority, 92ZEW, Coca Cola and Southern Light. While the event offers the fashion community along the Gulf Coast to showcase their collections, it also serves as a fundraiser for charity. Proceeds are distributed to the following charities: Camp Rap-A-Hope, Eye Heart World, and Children with Hair Loss. For more information visit us at: www. mobfashionweek.com. Wharf Uncorked Be sure to visit The Wharf (23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach) September 24-26th for this 2nd annual award winning food and wine festival, featuring over 150 labels of wine, food tastings from local restaurants,
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and cooking demonstrations from a number of the Gulf Coast’s top chefs. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to benefit Make-A-Wish of Alabama. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: www.TheWharfUncorked.com. On Facebook at: www. facebook.com/TheWharfUncorked Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market The market features local farmers, bakers, fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, plants, baked goods and more. The market is open on Bancroft Street behind the Fairhope Public Library from 3 p.m. - Sundown. (Dates: September 24-November 12). Fairhope Public Library will have story times and activities at 4 p.m. For more information, call (251) 929-1466. The 65th Baldwin County Fair See September 22 for more information.
Friday, September 25 Mobile Fashion Week See September 24 for more information. Wharf Uncorked See September 24 for more information. The 65th Baldwin County Fair See September 22 for more information.
Saturday, September 26 27th Annual Jubilee Festival The Jubilee Festival will feature up to 130 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the region. The Eastern Shore Chamber expects more than 30,000 patrons to attend this year. Those attending will also find a delicious assortment of unique festival foods. Kids Art at Jubilee Festival returns to Centennial Park again this year. It is a great opportunity to provide children hands-on experience in learning and exploring their creative side. Kids enjoy such activities as fence painting, creating
wooden structures, fish prints, puppet making, and more. As always, the fantastic entertainment on stage at the Jubilee Fest showcases the best acts in the region. September 26th & 27th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location: Main Street (Scenic 98) in Olde Town Daphne, in front of City Hall and in Centennial Park. For more information call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222 or visit www.eschamber. com. St Jude’s Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer Join St. Jude supporters in Mobile/Baldwin County and in 58 cities nationwide in the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we‘ll help St. Jude change the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.stjude.org/walkrun for more information. Polo at the Point The 2015 Polo at the Point, hosted by Point Clear Charities, Inc. and presented by Mercedes Benz of Mobile and Grand Hotel Marriott. Sonny HillClearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear. Polo at the Point has become one of Alabama’s top one-day fundraiser events. Organized by all volunteers with proceeds going back to our community, the Gulf Coast’s premier charity sporting event has designated Thomas Hospital and Mitchell Cancer Institute as its main beneficiaries. Event highlights include world-class polo, gourmet cuisine, champagne, divot stomping, tailgating fun, reserved seating, garden party attire in the luncheon tent, hat parade, Mercedes Drawn Down, Silent Auction, football sports center, Night-Time Player’s Party and much more. Tickets range from $10 (tailgating) to $150. Sponsorships opportunities are still available. For more information visit www. poloatthepoint.com or call 251 928-9704.
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Family Calendar Baldwin County Home Builders Assoc. Parade of Homes The Baldwin County Home Builders Assoc. Parade of Homes will be held September 26 and 27 and October 3 and 4. Please visit www.bchba.com/page/ news-events/2015-parade-of-homes.php for more information. Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum Opening Gulf Quest Museum opening. Please visit gulfquest.org for information. BayFest 5K & Fun Run BayFest will host its 9th Annual 5K Run/Walk to kick off the beginning of the 2015 BayFest Music Festival on September 26. The 5K race will start at 8:00 a.m. and Fun Run will start at 9:00 a.m. in Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. Food, beverages, and music will be provided after the race. All registered participants will be eligible for door prize drawings you must be present to win. For more information, Please visit www.bayfest.com/5k.php for more information. Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Under the Roman Sky Internationally renowned guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas makes a triumphant return to Mobile to kick off the season with music inspired by southern climates. Pablo performs a new guitar concerto written especially for him by the legendary guitarist Sergio Assad. The program ends as Respighi’s awe-inspiring tone poem Pines of Rome conjures up the most glorious and exhilarating images of southern Europe. Performances are September 26 and 27. Please visit www. mobilesymphony.org for more information. Mobile Fashion Week See September 24 for more information. Wharf Uncorked See September 24 for more information.
Wednesday, August 26, 15
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The 65th Baldwin County Fair See September 22 for more information.
Sunday, September 27
5 Rivers KID’S Sunday Matinee “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program, Glenn Close plays a wonderfully evil, dognapping Cruella De Vil. The city’s animals join forces to rescue the missing Dalmatians. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 27th Annual Jubilee Festival See September 26 for more information. Baldwin County Home Builders Assoc. Parade of Homes See September 26 for more information. Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Under the Roman Sky See September 26 for more information.
Monday, September 28
Nix Center Fall Fashion Show The Nix Center (1 Bayou Drive, Fairhope) will host a Fall Fashion Show at 10:30 a.m. The Colony Shop, A Place Remembered, The Cat’s Meow and M & F Casuals, all of Downtown Fairhope, will present looks from their Fall clothing and accessory lines. Sponsored by Aseracare Hospice, the show will be centered on Fall styles tailored to the fashionable senior lady. Refreshments will be served immediately following the runway show. To sign up to attend or for more information, please see the Nix Center front desk, or call (251) 928-2835.
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Tuesday, September 29 Minecraft Guild See Sept. 1 for details.
The See Fai See
Wednesday, September 30
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The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest is Sept. 30–Oct. 3. This year, the festival expands to offer more of what you love about “LA” (lower Alabama) by becoming a “birding & nature festival!” We will still offer your favorite expertly guided birding trips to prime spots along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, but we are adding exciting new trips—on foot and by boat—that focus on more of our great outdoors. You’ll see and learn more about alligators, dolphins, wildflowers, pitcher plants, pine forests, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and more. This year’s expanded Alabama Coastal BirdFest features 15 brand new trips and adventures. For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com.
Thursday, October 1
The American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala The American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala, presented by Lexus of Mobile, takes place at The Alabama Cruise Terminal from 6-9 p.m. The Late Night Party (included in ticket) is from 8-11 p.m. on the Terminal Rooftop! Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online or call 251.344.9858. While listening to the smooth sounds of Swing Mobile, delight in fine wines from Red or White, glamorous decor from Ryan’s Studio and exquisite cuisine by Clifton Morrissette. Live and silent auctions including fabulous trips, estate jewelry and original local art featuring artist Brent Smith. Come party for a cause! Visit www.vintageaffairmobile.org
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The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest See September 30 for more information. Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market See September 24 for more information.
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Bayfest Music Festival Alabama’s largest music festival gears up for three days of music that includes more than 125 musical acts throughout the weekend in downtown Mobile. This year’s featured artists include St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Cage the Elephant, Shinedown, Travis Tritt, Three Days Grace, Eli Young Band and many more! $45 for advanced weekend passes. October 2-4. Please visit www.bayfest.com for more information. First Friday Art Walk - Fairhope First Friday Art Walk is a community art and entertainment event held the first Friday of each month. This event is free and open to the public. You may start your art walk by visiting the Eastern Shore Art Center. 6 - 8 p.m. Please call (251) 928-2228 for more information. The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest See September 30 for more information.
Saturday, October 3
Grand Festival of Art/Grand Festival of Books The Eastern Shore Art Center is pleased to bring you the 33rd Annual Grand Festival of Art. Held in downtown Fairhope, this premier fall event offers an exciting opportunity to view and acquire the works of over 100 participating artists from throughout the country. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and will be held at Faulkner State College in Fairhope. Please visit www.esartcenter.com for more information. The Grand Festival of Books also takes place on the Faulkner campus on Saturday, October 3, with author readings, book signings, and other activities for readers of all ages from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bird and Conservation Expo Exhibits, vendors, artists, hands-on activities for all ages, live raptor demonstrations, sea creature touch tanks, and lots more! FREE, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Faulkner State Community College, Fairhope. Phantasy of the Arts 2015 Phantasy of the Arts is bringing Chicago’s “The Second City Improv All-Stars” to Fairhope at 7 p.m. at the Fairhope Civic Center. The show will headline Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation’s (FEEF) Phantasy of the Arts 2015. Please visit feefonline.org for more information. 4th Annual Alabama Festival of Flavor The 4th Annual Alabama Festival of Flavor, sponsored by Riviera Utilities is set to take place in the streets of Historic Downtown Foley. Presented by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, The Alabama Festival of Flavor showcases the many flavors of local and regional foods, wine and craft beer. Festival hours are 12 noon - 8 p.m. Please visit www. alabamafestivalofflavor.com for more information. 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Gospel Jubilee The second Annual Gulf Coast Gospel Jubilee will have food, music, and more. This event is being held for the benefit of The Light House and the C.A.R.E. House of Baldwin County. All the proceeds and donations will go to these two organizations. Foley Sports Complex (998 W Section St, Foley) from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Please call (251) 504-6210 for more information. Pirates Cove Dog Olympics Join us for the Dog Olympics which is a fundraiser for the Baldwin Animal Rescue Center. Live music on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. Events start at 2 p.m. on Saturday including water sprint, dock diving and Prates Cove burger eating contest. Location: Pirates Cove (6664 Hwy 95, Josephine). Please call (251) 987-1224 for more information. The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest See September 30 for more information. Bayfest Music Festival See October 2 for more information.
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Family Calendar Baldwin County Home Builders Assoc. Parade of Homes See September 26 for more information.
Sunday, October 4 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet
Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Birders: The Central Park Effect” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program explores the extraordinary array of wild birds who grace Manhattan’s celebrated patch of green, and the equally colorful New Yorkers who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Bayfest Music Festival See October 2 for more information. Baldwin County Home Builders Assoc. Parade of Homes See September 26 for more information. Grand Festival of Art See October 3 for more information.
Tuesday, October 6
Founders Day Concert Come join us at Henry George Park in Fairhope at 6:00 p.m. for the Founders Day Concert. The Baldwin Pops will perform. Please visit baldwinpopsband.com for more information.
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5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort).
Thursday, October 8
44th Annual National Shrimp Festival Savor fresh from the gulf seafood at the 44th Annual National Shrimp Festival during this four-day event that attracts over 300,000 people. This year the festival will play host to more than 80 hours of musical entertainment featuring a lineup of national, regional and local acts. Food is another highlight of the festival with 50 local and regional vendors lining the boardwalk at the public beach with mouth watering delights. New activities this year include: “Outdoor World” and “Shrimp Festival Idol”. Outdoor World will feature fishing, boating, hunting and other outdoor vendors and activities. Shrimp Festival Idol will be an “American Idol” type competition where high school singers from seven local schools will compete in elimination rounds to find out who will become Shrimp Festival Idol. Families can enter the annual sand sculpture contest on Saturday. Kids can take part in a myriad of activities in the Children’s Activity Village, including facepainting, karaoke and much more. Runner and walkers can enter the 10K and 5K races on Saturday, October 11 to help work off some of the great food at the festival. All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment. Art lovers will have almost 200 booths of fine art and arts and crafts vendors from which to choose. Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5
p.m. in Gulf Shores where highway 59 ends and intersects with highway 182. Please visit myshrimpfest. com for more information. Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market See September 24 for more information.
Saturday, October 14
A Women’s Guide to Wellness Drs. Lopez will Cover mammograms, Breast Cancers and other Hormone Positive Cancers - best practices for prevention, not just early detection, Chronic Fatigue and Pain associated with it, Adrenal (Stress Hormone) Fatigue - which can lead to other Hormone Imbalances like Depression, Bone Health and Osteoporosis, and Heart Disease - still the Number 1 Disease Killer of Women. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 12 noon. The event will be held in The Seaside Room, Holiday Inn Express located at 19751 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope. Tickets are $25 for one ticket or $35 for two tickets. Ticket price includes the live event, 4-Week At-Home Challenge, grocery shopping tour, book, and invitation to recipe night. For more information or to purchase tickets call 251-928-5058 or visit www.MaximizedLivingDrLopez.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these calendar events. However, you should call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
Please send your calendar events to lynn@ easternshoreparents.com by the 15th of each month!
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Fantastic Four
Shaun the Sheep Movie
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: D+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: C Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Fantastic Four PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and language. Reed Richards (Owen Judge) and Ben Grimm (Evan Hannemann) are grade school chums who manage to build a device that can transport a small object to some unknown destination and then bring it back. At a high school science fair a few years later the miracle leaves their teachers unimpressed, however it does catch the attention of Dr. Franklin Storm (Reg Cathey), the director of a government sponsored research program for young prodigies. He is intrigued to discover these young men have figured out the missing piece for a stalled project his team has been working on. Certain he can convince the board to resume funding for the “Quantum Gate”, Storm offers Reed (Miles Teller) and Ben (Jamie Bell) a scholarship at the Baxter Foundation where they are invited to help complete the experiment. Although Ben declines, Reed enthusiastically accepts and is soon working with Storm’s scientist daughter Sue (Kate Mara) and lab technician son Johnny (Michael B. Jordan). The doctor also brings back an expelled student named Victor Von Doom (Tony Kebbell) because the rebellious young adult is the original brain behind the matter-moving machine. In short order the team pulls together to create a transporter big enough to send a life form to the mysterious destination. After a chimpanzee returns alive, the group is convinced the device is ready for human travel. And they want to be first to explore what they are sure is a new world in a different dimension. However, their success has been brought to the attention of the bureaucrats who now demand the project be turned over to NASA. Of course Reed, Johnny and Victor are not happy with that suggestion. After late night drinking, they make the impulsive decision to use the transporter without permission. Bringing Ben along, they head out on the adventure of a lifetime. It turns out getting there is easier than expected. Full of pride at their achievement, the gang can’t help but take a selfie. Nor can they resist the urge to do a little exploring of the new realm. Yet in their eagerness they make contact with a strange energy force so powerful that only three of them manage to make it back. Victor is left for dead. And upon their return, Sue is also exposed to the remains of the powerful surge. Like a box of assorted chocolates, the experience affects each person very individually, leaving them with a unique ability. The military is quick to look for ways to exploit these new capabilities until a new and more formidable foe emerges. The latter portion of the script is consumed with a showdown between this ultimate villain and the four fledgling super heroes. The resulting violence is quite graphic. This, along with periodic scatological slang and other profanities, constitute a few reasons why parents may want to be cautious.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Shaun the Sheep Movie PG for rude humor. You can take the sheep off the farm and send them to town... but things are likely to get a little woolly. At least they do for Shaun the Sheep (voice of Justin Fletcher) and the rest of his flock. Like many people stuck on the treadmill of life, Shaun is a little tired of the daily farm routine. Sleep. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. He wants a day off -a day to kick back and turn on the telly. The only problem is Farmer Sparks (voice of John Sparkes) is a firm believer in maintaining a schedule. After enduring another to-do list day, Shaun decides to take things into his own cloven hooves. Lulling the farmer to sleep with the old counting sheep trick, he and the rest of the flock lock the man inside a travel trailer and take over the house. However just as they are about to settle down with a movie and pizza, the trailer begins to roll down the road and into The Big City with the snozer inside. Aardman Animations has made a name for itself with charming claymation films such as the dog and master duo Wallace & Gromit, and a coop full of escapees in Chicken Run. Now the studio is giving television star Shaun the Sheep a shot at the big screen. Twenty animators were hired to work on the project, each creating about two seconds of footage a day. While the film has the same look as their other productions, there is no dialogue other than some grunts, groans and animal sounds. The lack of narrative makes this film easy to follow as long as you keep your eyes on the screen. It also means the jokes in this film are all sight and sound gags. Droopy pants, exposed underwear, a man on a toilet and a few other slightly distasteful scenes are played for laughs, along with some burps and flatulence. While the plot includes moments of peril and violence, the scariest depiction for very young children will likely be the animal containment officer (voice of Omid Djalili) who uses a high-powered gun to capture his victims. Overall Shaun the Sheep is a less complicated and less entertaining movie that previous Aardman animations. Still, the lack of language may also mean it may have a broader appeal to audiences of all ages and cultures.
What Parents need to know about Shaun the Sheep...
What Parents need to know about Fantastic Four...
Violence: An animal bylaw officer snares his victims with a large clasp. Later he uses a taser-like weapon to stun his victims. He also chases animals with a large scythe. Characters experience numerous moments of peril. Sexual Content: A man’s droopy pants reveal part of his buttocks on several occasions. A man flirts with a woman. Some mild sexual innuendo is included. A character is photographed in the nude for a magazine spread (no actually nudity is shown). Language: None noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: A character mixes a drink and serves it in a martini glass. A character is given a bottle of wine. One character sips wine during dinner.
Violence: A child is verbally abused and slapped. Experiments result in explosions, property damage and power failures. An animal used in an experiment looks frightened, but is unharmed. Victims of an accident suffer from injuries and strange mutations. A body is shown engulfed in flames, but is not consumed by the fire. Characters are used as weapons to achieve military goals – some combat situations are shown. Characters are killed on screen -- splatted blood, gruesome burns and battered corpses shown. Characters engage in a battle using super powers; injuries and deaths ensue. A black hole sucks up people. Sexual Content: A naked character is shown; no private body parts revealed. Language: A sexual hand gesture is shown. The script includes the use of mild profanities, scatological slang, crude words and terms of deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol and become inebriated. Eastern Shore Parents I September 2015
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