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June2017
Volume 7 Number 3
28
36 Columns
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Mom of the Month 4
Living With Children John Rosemond
What Dads Do Best
A look at how dads offer a good balance to moms in parenting style.
Growing Up Online
What parents need to know now about mobile social apps.
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Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
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Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
Teaching Kids to Enjoy Nature
Six ideas for getting your kids outside...and loving it!
2017 Summer Fun Our listing leads you to fun activities throughout Mobile this summer!
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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
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Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Nolan (5) and Jude (2), sons
Departments 6
of Jay and Emily Richardson.
Bits and Pieces
Proud grandparents are Bill and
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Sonia Mesbergen and Rayford
School Bits
and Vicki Richardson. The boys
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love gymnastics, swimming,
Family Calendar
baseball and golf.
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Movie Reviews 1
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MomOfTheMonth
Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source
It is hard to believe June and summer break is officially here! While this may be a much needed break for our children, we as parents have some work to do. Summer is such a fun and exciting time, however, finding things to keep our children entertained for two whole months can often be challenging. Thankfully, Mobile Bay Parents has provided a comprehensive Summer Activities Guide to assist us with all that summer planning. So, with summer break just beginning, before your children have a chance to say that phrase we’ve all heard many times, “Mom, I’m so boooored!” turn over and check it out. This month’s guide is packed full of activities for you and your family to do both inside and out. You will find details on all the local amusement parks, nature trails, cruises, trampoline parks, farmers markets and much more to keep those kiddos busy all summer long. Both my husband Jay and I were born and raised here on the Gulf Coast. We love to do anything and everything outdoors. Growing up, we both have very fond memories of spending lazy summer days on our beautiful beaches. Even now, with families of our own, no summer is complete without trips to those white sandy shores. Summer around our house also means lots of pool time, cookouts, and park playing. The Lord knew what he was doing when he blessed us with two young boys who share that love for the outdoors as much as we do. The school bells may have stopped ringing, but summertime is perfect for all kinds of fun learning opportunities for our kids. Nature can provide excellent and fun educational experiences for kids. Sarah Lyons explains in Teaching Children to Enjoy Nature the importance of spending time with our children outdoors. While it is so easy in today’s digital age to spend most of our time inside, research shows that kids who spend more time outside have better overall health and fitness. This month we also have the privilege of recognizing the fathers in our lives. Fathers play such an important role and deserve to be celebrated for the wonderful job they do all year long. As mothers, we often have strong views about how we want to raise our children. Our parenting style may also be quite different from our husband’s. In this month’s article, What Dads Do Best, Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. sheds more light on this topic. She explains that as mothers we are perfectionists, while men have more of a “good enough” approach; we are conservative while men are more risk takers; moms tend to be more anxious while dad is able to stay calm; and we are always trying to multi-task while men are able to be fully in the moment. I see these different characteristics every day between Jay and myself. While my free-spirited husband will dress the boys in their coolest super hero costumes with no shoes and chocolate all over their faces to go to the grocery store, this causes me to cringe. However, at the end of the day, no one was hurt and the boys sure were happy. During a recent Dave Ramsey seminar my husband and I attended, he said something that really stuck with me as humorous, but also holds some truth: “Opposites attract. If two people just alike get married, one of you is unnecessary.” We both have our strengths and our challenges as parents and it is the balance that is important. To Jay, my dad (Bill), father-in-law (Rayford) and all the other dads—“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.”-Anonymous Happy Dad’s Day!
Emily Richardson
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Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey Emily Richardson John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
www.mobilebayparents.com
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DON’T IGNORE THE WARNING SIGNS!
Dryness of the Mouth
Extreme Thirst
Headaches & Fatigue
Blurred Vision
Hunger
Frequent Urination
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
My Son is Vaping...Should I Worry? Q: I found a vaping pen hidden in my 13-year-old son’s room and am at a loss as to how to deal with it. He is very susceptible to peer pressure and wants very badly to fit in with the “cool” kids. Any suggestions would be appreciated. A: This is one of those occasional questions that no matter how I answer, some group of people buys pitchforks and torches and tries to find my house. At the risk of being pilloried anyway, I will share some objective facts, starting with although there has been plenty of speculation, medical science has yet to find any specific long-term health risk reliably associated with vaping other than the obvious: nicotine addiction. Undoubtedly, some folks are apoplectic already because they think nicotine causes various cancers, most notably lung cancer, but—and again, this is a fact—smoking tobacco is bad because tobacco tars become carcinogenic when burned and inhaled. Nicotine does not cause lung cancer. Nicotine is an addictive drug (but the strength of its addictive effect varies from person to person). However, if one removes tobacco from the equation, garden-variety nicotine addiction is not reliably associated
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
with any specific health or behavioral risk. Nicotine addicts are not known, as a group, to rob convenience stores or snatch elderly women’s purses to feed their habit. Drive-by shootings are not associated with nicotine addiction. There’s no South American nicotine cartel. As addictions go, it’s relatively benign. However, and hopefully needless to say, no addiction is a good thing, and it is possible to overdose on nicotine, so please hold off on the pitchforks and torches for now. Perhaps the most immediately worrisome thing about e-cigarettes is they’ve been known to set clothing on fire and even explode. As with anything else, the cheaper the e-cig, the more likely it is to malfunction. Needless to say, your son is probably using a fairly inexpensive unit. By no means am I dismissing your concerns. I’m simply saying that if you do all you can to stop your son from using e-cigs and he figures out how to get around your prohibition, the world isn’t coming to an end. After all, he could have fallen in with a peer group that self-medicates with alcohol, marijuana, or other illicit and even prescription drugs. If you don’t see an alarming change in his mood or behavior, then he’s not likely to be doing anything but nicotine.
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When it comes to teens, parents do well to accept that the limits of their influence have waned and trust that the discipline they’ve provided to that point is going to effectively deter anti-social and self-destructive behavior. Some experimentation is likely during the teen years—especially with boys. In many cases, the experimentation goes no further than that: experimentation. Above all else, you want to approach this issue dispassionately. You can and should confiscate your son’s smoking equipment and let him know that until all the facts are in concerning e-cigs, you would be irresponsible to allow him to vape. Let him know that there will be consequences if you find another e-cig in his possession. Try to discover if the peer group in question is doing anything riskier than vaping. If they are, then you should do what you can to limit contact, knowing however that attempting to prohibit teenage relationships carries its own risks. As your question illustrates, sometimes the only thing a parent can do in the face of a problem is to stay calm and continue to be “user-friendly,” as in always loving and always approachable. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.
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ACTIVITIES & FIREWORKS ALL ALONG
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S T R E E T PA RT Y KIDS ACTIVITIES | 5-9 PM
FIREWORKS | 8:45 PM
SPECTRA | AFTER FIREWORKS
Come enjoy a bouncy house, face painting, rock climbing wall, live animals, games, and more.
Stake a spot on Main Street for the best view of the show.
End the night with a Wharf favorite: the SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular.
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Fuse Project Surpasses 50 Teams for Annual Dragon Boat Festival
Fuse Project is excited to announce their annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, June 10, at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and an experienced steerer race 250 meters in 46-foot authentic Hong Kong style dragon boats. Fuse Project’s Dragon Boat Festival is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. In addition to watching the races, there will be food trucks, a petting zoo, a trackless train, jumpies for children, pony rides, plus all of the wonderful exhibits of the Battleship. To learn more, email Adrienne@FuseProject.org or register to participate at: https://dragonboat.fuseproject.org.
Paddle Skedaddle 2017
Spend the morning on the water racing (or moseying) a 1.5 mile course with your family or as an individual! This family-friendly event takes place at 5 Rivers on June 3rd. Boats will launch from the launch site in front of Delta Safaris and line up at the docks at 5 Rivers. Spectators will cheer the boat teams as they start from the docks and race around a small island at the end of the cut-through that connects Sardine Pass with Justin’s Bay. While contestants are on the water, there are lots of fun activities for adults and children. There will be food and fair games galore. After the race, there will be awards given in a number of categories including, “parent/child teams”, “most creatively dressed team”, “loudest cheering section”, the coveted “Pews & Canoes Award” for the church with the most supporters there, etc. Funds raised go to the USA Wesley Foundation Building Fund. Please visit www.usawesley.com for more information.
Just For the Mud of It 5K
Join us June 3 for Just for the Mud of It 5K with the first wave starting at 7:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to the Mobile Police Department S.W.A.T. Team in order to: Raise money to send S.W.A.T. officers to specialized training schools and assist with purchasing new equipment to help keep our officers safe during dangerous operations. Just for the Mud of It is an approximate 5K course filled with mud and obstacles. The course includes running, climbing walls, low crawling through pits, balance beams, creek run, water pits, and lots of mud. You don't have to be a professional athlete to complete this course. It was designed with the average person in mind. If you can't complete an obstacle, no problem, a few exercises and you're on to the next one. And when you've completed the course, stick around for even more fun. After the race enjoy food, music, raffles, and the awards presentation. Please visit www.justforthemudofit.org for more information. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
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2017 Coastal Seafood Craze
The Alabama Coastal Foundation is excited to host the sixth annual Coastal Seafood Craze! The Craze will partner with the Mobile Bay Bears at the Hank Aaron Stadium Event Center. The Coastal Seafood Craze invites local restaurants to feature dishes made with locally caught seafood. Also, this year we are excited to recycle the oyster shells as part of our AL Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Gulf Coast seafood is an important part of our local culture, and we need to do everything we can to support and celebrate it. We hope that you can come enjoy the best of what our local waters have to offer while enjoying a great American pastime! Mark your calendar for June 8 and plan to join us! A $25 ticket includes delicious seafood, a beverage, and admission to the Bay Bears game! Please visit www.joinacf.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
Summer Library Program Kick-off
Join us Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Ben May Main Library and West Regional Branch as we officially kick-off our 2017 Summer Library Program! The FREE program, which runs from June 3 – July 29, features special guest performers, storytimes, movies, crafts, games and more at all Library locations. Children can sign up any time during the eight weeks and are encouraged to set reading goals for the summer. To celebrate our theme, this year children will get a scoop of Legos each time they reach a reading milestone on their reading log. Please visit our website, mobilepubliclibrary.org, for details! www.mobilebayparents.com
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Fore the Kids Day of Golf to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama
Join Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama for a day of golf at Springhill Golf Course Saturday, June 10 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This fun event benefits the newly opened Prichard Branch. Fees are $75 per golfer and $275 per team. You may purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com and search for Fore the Kids Golf Tournament. For more information, please contact Mervin Thomas at 251-331-8670 or visit www.bgcsouthal.org/forethekids. Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama provide year-round youth development programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the young people of Mobile County.
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Dinner with Emmitt Smith
Join us for an evening of fundraising for the Palmer Williams Group, a non-profit organization "helping today's youth see a better tomorrow" on June 15 at The Grounds. Former Dallas Cowboy football player, Emmitt Smith, will be our guest speaker for the evening. The Palmer Williams Group organization was created to provide youth development programs to assist and guide disadvantaged youth to overcome interpersonal obstacles, embrace family values, education and avoid life’s pitfalls. Please visit palmerwilliamsgroup.org for more information.
Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath
Come to Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Wednesday, June 14, for Kids Gulf Discovery Day, an opportunity for children of all ages to learn about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast. A wide variety of environmental organizations will be on hand for activities and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to noon. Guests may also take a 45-minute guided cruise along the beautiful Fowl River with our friends from Wild Native Delta Safaris! Cruise times are 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., weather permitting. Fees are $8 for adults and $6 for ages 5-12 (free to ages 4 and under). Reservations are required for the cruise; to register, call 251.973.2217. Kids Gulf Discovery Day admission is $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12. No admission fee for Bellingrath members or for ages 4 and younger. Registration is encouraged for Kids Gulf Discovery Day. To register, call 251.973.2217. For details, visit our website, www.bellingrath.org.
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Recycling Tattoos for Kids at the Original Oyster House
Kids! Become an Oyster Trailblazer this summer at the Original Oyster House! During your next meal at Original Oyster House, simply answer 5 true-or-false questions on the kid’s menu about the benefits of Oyster Shell Recycling and oysters. Oyster Trailblazers earn an Oyster Shell Recycling tattoo or sticker provided by the Alabama Coastal Foundation while supplies last along with the alligator toy that accompanies kids’ meals at the Original Oyster House. “Our mission is to improve and protect Alabama's coastal environment through cooperation, education, and participation,” explained Ginny Barnas, public engagement coordinator for the Alabama Coastal Foundation. “One way we do this is through our wonderful children programs including Bay Buddies, which teaches basic conservation concepts to young students; Coastal Kids Quiz, which is similar to a scholar’s bowl for fifth-graders interested in coastal resources, conservation, and the environment; and Mobile Bay Estuary Corps, a hands-on educational program for middle schoolers to name a few. So it’s a great fit to partner with our restaurants on Oyster Shell Recycling education. The tattoos and stickers are a fun incentive to challenge kid’s knowledge of oysters and hopefully instill a passion for our next generation of marine biologists, educators, environmentalists and advocates.” Spearheaded by the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF), the Oyster Shell Recycling Program is made possible through a two year grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The program recycles oyster shells from restaurants and will put them back into Alabama waters, enhancing oyster production among other benefits. The Original Oyster House helped to pilot Alabama’s first oyster shell recycling program in October of 2016. ACF estimates that 2.5 million shells will be collected this year.
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Distinguished Young Women Invites the Gulf Coast Community to Participate in 60th National Finals Events
Distinguished Young Women will welcome the Class of 2017 to Mobile on Sunday, June 18 to participate in the 60th National Finals. One participant from every state will compete for a share of thousands of dollars in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2017. Following their arrival, the participants will take part in a number of activities and events in the Mobile community and surrounding Gulf Coast area. DYWomen officials would like to cordially invite Gulf Coast residents to participate in the following events: Arrival Ceremony: Sunday, June 18 @ 3:00 p.m. – Mobile Civic Center Grand Lobby. Help us welcome the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2017 to Mobile for two weeks of activities and preparation for the 60th National Finals competition. Extravaganza at the Shoppes at Bel Air: Friday, June 23 @ 4:30 p.m. – Bel Air Mall. Don't miss your chance to come out and meet all 51 of the state representatives and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2016, Tara Moore. During this fun-filled evening, you will be able to choose from many different activities to do with the representatives. You can even get their autographs and have your photo taken with them! Wintzell’s Oyster Eating Contest: Monday, June 26 @ 11:45 a.m. – Wintzell's Oyster House (Downtown Mobile). Watch as the Class of 2017 gets a taste of a Gulf Coast delicacy! Autograph Session and Community Night sponsored by Encore Rehabilitation: Wednesday, June 28 @ 5:30 p.m. – Mobile Civic Center Theater East Exhibit Area with show to follow @ 6:00 p.m. in the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Visit with all 51 special young women and then get a sneak peek of the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2017 as they perform selections from the 60th National Finals Program. With performances from the “Has Beens,” current Distinguished Young Woman of America, Tara Moore, and other special guests, your entire family is sure to enjoy this community event. Admission is $5.00 per person. Saucy Q’s Rib Eating Contest: Thursday, June 29 @ 12:00 p.m. – Saucy Q’s (Downtown Mobile). How much barbeque sauce can one napkin hold? Join us as the Class of 2017 clean the bones and then clean up the mess! 60th National Finals – Preliminaries & Finals Night: Thursday, June 29th, Friday, June 30th @ 7:00 p.m. – Mobile Civic Center Theater. Join us for the Distinguished Young Women Preliminary Competitions on Thursday and Friday as the Class of 2017 competes in fitness, talent and self-expression. On Thursday night, awards will be presented for community-supported cash scholarships and on Friday night for the Distinguished Young Women competition categories. Finals Night: Saturday, July 1st @ 7:00 p.m. – Mobile Civic Center Theater: On Saturday evening, help us in celebrating 60 years of inspiring young women during the Distinguished Young Women National Finals. Check out the ten finalists as they compete in fitness, talent and self-expression and enjoy performances from Tara Moore, Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2016. At the end of the night, one young woman will be named Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2017. Tickets for the Distinguished Young Women Preliminaries and National Finals are $88 for all three nights. Individual night tickets are also available. To purchase tickets, contact Valerie at the Distinguished Young Women National Office 251.438.3621. For more information visit www.DistinguishedYW.org. To view the live webcast of the Distinguished Young Women National Finals, visit website on Thursday – Sat., June 29 – July 1 at 7:00 p.m. CST. To see photos of participants from their time in Mobile, visit www.fpvision.com.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Toddlers Diarrhea
The
Bowel patterns change from person to person and there is no one standard that fits everyone. For most people, having 1-2 soft bowel movements without it being too watery or too painful is normal. However, if your child has one bowel movement every 2-3 days and does not routinely have abdominal pain, or if your child poops 4 times a day without stomach pains, then that is likely a normal pattern for your child. Diarrhea, most simply, is described as loose, watery bowel movements that usually occur more frequently and with more urgency than your usual pattern. Most people think of diarrhea as being caused by some sort of stomach bug. Infection is certainly a common cause for diarrhea, but other causes include malabsorption problems and limited diets. I want to spend some time discussing dietary causes of diarrhea, most commonly what is called toddler’s diarrhea. In order to have normal stools, the body needs a good combination of fiber, carbohydrates, fluid, and protein. Toddler’s diarrhea
usually presents as 5-10 large, watery stools per day that occurs off and on for months. Usually this occurs in a child who drinks too much fruit juice. Fruit juice is not a bad thing, but is best if limited to about 4 oz. per day. In children who drink mostly fruit juice, their bodies are getting too much sorbitol and fructose (sugars), which their body cannot absorb in large quantities. When this happens, more water is drawn into the intestines and makes the stool more watery. Toddler’s diarrhea is diagnosed by any combination of diet history, physical exam, and labs from the stool or a blood draw. Children with toddler’s diarrhea are otherwise healthy, growing well, and have none or limited stomach pain with the diarrhea. Any other serious medical problem should be ruled out. Sometimes it is ruled out by a trial of simply changing the diet, but sometimes more of an investigation is warranted. To treat toddler’s diarrhea, limiting fruit juice to 4 oz. per day and increasing the amount of whole milk to about 16-24 oz. per day helps.
Also, adding more fiber through fresh fruit, bread, cereal, beans, and vegetables will improve the diarrhea. A healthy range of dietary options is especially important in children between 6 months and 5 years old, since these children’s digestive systems are still relatively immature. Toddler’s diarrhea is still the most common cause of chronic diarrhea in children. It is usually harmless but annoying. Children at this age are usually very picky and strong-willed about what food they will eat, but be persistent in offering a wide variety of foods. If your child likes grazing throughout the day and carrying a sippy cup, make sure you water-down the juice and offer healthy snacks. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.
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Autauga County Schools
MGM Robotics Brings Home Awards from Regional Competition
First Holy Communion for St. Pius X Second Graders
Congratulations to the MGM Competition Robotics Team (sponsored by Dr. McInnis) who competed Saturday, April 8, at the SECME Regional Competition. MGM Robotics took the following: 1st place ESSAY High School: Brittany Dunagan. 1st place mousetrap engineering and design: Patric Lepiane, Kimberly Looney, and Brittany Dunagan; and 2nd place: Jennifer Murdock, Emily Stephens, Victoria Dunlap. 1st place water rocket engineering and design: Emily Stephens, Jennifer Murdock, Victoria Dunlap. 3rd place vex robotics: Johnathan Robinson, Wyatt Oliveras, Devin Hohler.
The St. Pius X second grade class made their First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 30.
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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
Mobile Christian Students Participate in Bible Times Day
Each year third graders at Mobile Christian School participate in a traditional Bible Times Day event. Bible Times Day is an entire day devoted to Bible activities which enable them to get a glimpse into what it would have been like to have lived during the time of Jesus. Students attend a marketplace with such places as a Carpenter’s Shop, Mosaic Shop, Jewelry Shop, Bake Shop, Scroll Shop, and a Pottery Shop. Students also choose a Bible character to write a report about, dress up as, and complete a project. Bible Times Day is a very special and memorable event in the heart of Mobile Christian students.
Career and Technical Education Career Fair Showcases Opportunities to Graduating Seniors
Not all high school seniors are going on to college, but there are still plenty of opportunities for them in the Mobile area. More than 500 MCPSS high school students learned about some of those opportunities this month, meeting with more than 70 local businesses, colleges, training programs and military recruiters at the Career and Technical Education Career Fair at The Grounds. “This is an incredible opportunity for business, industry, our partners, and our students,” said Larry Mouton, MCPSS Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education. “We’re focusing on 12th grade students who graduate in just a couple of weeks and don’t necessarily have a postsecondary plan. We’re here to showcase the opportunities for them right here in our area.” Local manufacturers and industrial operations like Austal, BAE Systems and VT MAE; healthcare companies like Infirmary Health and Providence Hospital; colleges like Bishop State and Coastal Alabama community colleges; and military recruiters from all branches were on hand to talk with the students about the opportunities available to them. Many of the companies on hand have already been involved in Mobile County Public Schools as partners in its Signature Academies, helping to prepare students for the job opportunities that are available. The career fair was the next step toward filling those jobs, Mouton said. 11
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Autauga County Dodge Schools Elementary Wins Award
Outdoor Classroom Installation at Robert E. Lee
at MCPSS Film Festival
Once a dream, now a reality as students, teachers, and volunteers at Robert E. Lee Elementary School worked hand-in-hand to install 8 raised bed gardens and an amphitheater with benches for the first phase of the Outdoor Classroom project. Students learned about carpentry, measurement, calculations, how to identify quality wood, the components required in a garden bed and teamwork. Students then planted sweet potatoes which they will harvest in the fall.
Distinguished Young Women’s Talent Showcase Winner
Mattelyn Neighbors, 14, won the Junior Division of the Distinguished Young Women's Gulf Coast Talent Showcase. She competed against 8 other students and performed “Dance Scherzo” on the piano. Mattelyn was awarded $200. Congratulations to this talented young lady! Pictured here are Lauren Bradford (left), winner of the Senior Division for her violin performance and Mattelyn Neighbors (right).
Mary B. Austin Chess Tournament Winners
On April 21, Mary B. Austin held a chess tournament. The overall champion was fifth grader Aris Richter and the runner-up was fourth grader Trusler Walch. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
MCPSS hosted its 3rd annual Film Festival on Friday, April 28, at Murphy High School. Students throughout the district submitted videos in several categories. Local 15’s Darwin Singleton emceed the event. Congratulations to Dodge Elementary winners in the Elementary News Category, Kirah McCarty, Grace Samarripa, and Hannah Duncan.
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‘Ease on Down the Road’ with Davidson Theater Department
The DHS Green Room, Davidson’s Theater Department, recently presented the spring musical, “The Wiz”. This soulful take on “The Wizard of Oz” included four different performances over the course of a few days. The theater students put in months of rehearsals into the performance, which showed through full crowds for each performance. Congratulations to these students on another successful show!
MGM Electric Car Places 3rd
On Saturday, April 22, MGM’s electric car team placed 3rd in the 2017 Emerald Coast Electrathon Classic 120 at the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL. This event consisted of two endurance races where student drivers circled the track for one hour. After the two races, the total number of laps completed was tallied. Congratulations to MGM’s electric car team: drivers – Michael Alford (#17), Samantha Rossignoll (#71), and Trinity Stroud (#71); crew members – Billy Keene, Raymond Cottrell, Cole Hernandez, and Austin Ortega; and sponsors – Dr. Morrow and Mr. Bitzer. 12
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Satsuma High School Certified Nursing Assistant Pinning Ceremony
Phillips Preparatory Archery Team
Satsuma High School held a pinning ceremony to recognize the 10 students who received their Certified Nursing Assistant certification. The students completed 50 hours of clinical work, as well as 2 semesters of coursework. Students pictured in the front row, left to right: Jordan Massingill, Chelsea Evans, Courtney Douglas, Skylar Smith. Teacher/students pictured in the back row, left to right: Mrs. Christina Ebbert, Teacher; McKayla Howard, Sidney Smith, Brelee Yarber, Yazmeen Penn, and Isabella Savell.
Phillips Preparatory has had an Archery Team for three years. Last year our team made the waiting list for The State Tournament. This year we were invited to go to State because of our score at Regionals. Each year, the team improves so much. Congratulations on a great year this year! Archery Team Members: Nash Boone, Lydia Burnham, Joshua Burnham, Connie Chieh, Makayla Cross, Anna Daniels, Daylon Drews, Natalie Escalera, Cody Freeman, Shelbie Fuller, Anna Marie Fulton, Jayde Garretson, Isabelle Gautier, Charlie Gulledge, Christopher Henderson, Elisabeth Hicks, Amir Kasim, Jonathan Myers, Lien Nguyen, Megan Powell, Harley Riddle, Faith Riley, Joseph Scillia, Brayden Sellers, Abby Stork, Audrey Tillman, Marlon Zha.
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
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Autauga County Schools
St. Luke’s Girls Track Finishes First at Montgomery Sectional Meet
The St. Luke's Girls Track Team finished in first place overall at the 2A Sectional Meet in Montgomery with a total of 144 points...almost 50 points more than the second place team! Competitors finishing in the Top 5 in events included Kaelyn Horn (1st/800 Meter Run, 1st/1600 Meter Run, 1st/3200 Meter Run 3rd/400 Meter Dash), Jada Carney (1st/200 Meter Dash, 2nd/javelin), Jordon Odom (1st/javelin, 2nd/800 Meter Run), Bailey Sheffield (3rd/800 Meter Run, 5th/400 Meter Dash), Olivia Watts (3rd/3200 Meter Run), Abigail Lowry (4th/400 Meter Dash, 5th/Long Jump), Macayla Owens (4th/Long Jump), Shakira Hunter (4th discus) and Anne Bennett Hammons (4th/javelin). The team finished 1st in the 4 x 400 Meter Relay and the 4 x 800 Meter relay and 4th in the 4 x 100 meter relay.
Four National Merit Finalists for McGill-Toolen Catholic
Congratulations to Annah Robinson, Claire Mattingly, Josh Meier and Claire Powers who were selected as National Merit Finalists! Additionally Josh was selected as a Corporate Sponsored National Merit Finalist. Best of luck to these exceptional members of the McT Class of 2017!
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St. Paul’s Competes in Alabama Council for Technology in Education State Competition
Congratulations to the following students for representing St. Paul’s so professionally at the Alabama Council for Technology in Education state fair competition held at Auburn University in Montgomery Saturday, April 29. In order to attend, these students placed first or second in their competing category at the regional fair held previously at Faulkner State. This past weekend over 650 students competed! Avery Williford – 1st in general applications level II; Gianna Estrada and Anna Frances Sullivan – 3rd in robotics level II; Porter Sanders and Gage Taylor – 2nd robotics level II; Isaiah Poston – 1st in literacy test level II; Bennett Brown and Philip Gill – 2nd multimedia level II; David Brown, Joshua Crumb, Mack Barber, William Jameson, Michael Whatley, Bryson Harris, Elijah Valenzuela, Philip Foster, Pape Davidson, John Collier Tierce, Bennett Henderson, Bea Ogden, Emery Lee.
CHCA Performs Disney’s “Lion King Jr.”
The excitement was unmistakable as 65 Cottage Hill Christian Academy students took the stage for the opening performance of CHCA Disney’s “Lion King Jr.” Dinner Theater. This junior version of the show included musical numbers from the original film performed enthusiastically by the talented cast under the direction of Susan Sanders, CHCA Fine Arts Music Director. From the opening number, the magnificent “Circle of Life,” to the final curtain, the audience was captivated by visual imagery, musical numbers, and engaging drama. The African savannah came to life with Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Pumba, Timon, Rafiki, Scar and others journeying from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspirational tale of encouragement and coming-ofage. The sets, costumes, and performances of the cast were impressive and made for a charming night. The Solid Rock Jazz Band entertained as the audience dined on a fabulous meal catered by Tyner's Catering, Creative Catering, or Meat Boss, depending on which show was attended.
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Autauga County Schools
Little Flower Catholic School Holds Spring Fling
A perfect spring day was the backdrop for Little Flower Catholic School's annual Spring Fling. Train rides, cake walk, bingo, and face painting added to the fun. Students Madison Kenny, Abby Grosvenor, and Amanda Payton share the fun with middle school teacher, Miss Helen Maduka.
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UMS-Wright Tennis Team Wins 9th Straight Title
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The Bulldogs swept the girls’ class 4A-5A state championship in tennis. This accomplishment marked the ninth straight crown for the team. We are so proud of this talented group of athletes and their coach, Meridy Jones ’76. Pictured L to R: Girls – Elizabeth Swain, Katie Ladd, Audrey Sewell, Martha Williams, Ellen Williams, Anna Miller, Anne Harvey, Adelaide Bell, and Tiana Dixon.
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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
Allentown Elementary School April GATOR Kids
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Front Row: Kailah Schaaf, Drifton Walley, Jake Potteiger, Sydney Washington, Piper Cannon, Layla Fuller. Middle Row: Sophia Burns, Lauren Jones, James, Dunnam, Carmelina Pedro-Gregorio, Trinity Foehl, Alexis Neuman, Tyler Wilkinson, Lane Reed. Back Row: Ayden Phillips, Natalee Cannon, Emily Reyes, Eli Pesnell, Nathan Farnell, Brooklyn Weatherly.
3rd – 5th Grade Front Row: Presley Willis, Jacob Gilley, Blair Renfro, Kandyn Cink, Malachi Fuqua, Mateo Juan-Andres, Ryan Freeman. Middle Row: Adison Christopher, Konner Savell, Avery Schultz, Dallas Bellard, Jordan Grant, Abigail McKenna. Back Row: Tracy Vermillion, Breanna Lee, Edward Nurse, Lilly Pardue, Anna Kathryn Hurston, Gabrielle Roberts.
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St. Paul’s Announces New Men’s Basketball Coach
St. Paul’s Episcopal School is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Adam Thomas as the new head Men’s Basketball Coach. Mr. Thomas has served as Associate Athletic Director and Boys’ Varsity Basketball coach at the Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama since 2014. Prior to that, he served for seven years in similar roles at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile. Dr. Mark Foley, Interim Head of School stated, “We entered this search process with the objective of advancing the men’s varsity basketball program at St. Paul’s to a new level and I believe Coach Thomas brings the skills and experience necessary to accomplish that task.”
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Mary B. Austin Student Wins Runner-Up in DYW Talent Showcase
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Student Spotlight: Daniel Mauldin, a second grade student at Austin, participated in the Gulf Coast Spotlight Talent Showcase sponsored by the Distinguished Young Women organization. Daniel performed "Minuet in C Major" by Bach on the cello and was the runner-up winner of his division! Daniel earned money for our school by winning this competition and has decided to designate the funds to the strings program at Mary B. Austin. We are so proud of Daniel and are constantly amazed by our talented students!
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Covenant Christian School Music Group Performs at Westminster Village
Covenant Christian School's Junior High Music Outreach group, J 1:7, enjoyed entertaining the residents at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort. Their variety show, included performances on mandolin, violin, fiddle, ukulele, banjo and vocals. Vocalists (left to right): Camille Tims, Mason Kendall, and Meg Hannan.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Autauga County Schools St. Ignatius Science Bowl Team Competes in National Competition
The St. Ignatius Science Bowl team won the state competition and moved on to the National competition in Washington DC April 27May 1. They competed against 116 other middle school and high school teams throughout the country. "The National Science Bowl continues to be one of the premier academic competitions across the country and prepares American's students for future successes in some of the world's fastest growing fields in science, technology and engineering," said Dr. J. Stephen Binkley, Acting Director of the Department's Office of Science. Pictured here is the St. Ignatius team who competed in Washington, Taylor Shirah, Isabelle Jouve, Megan Sanchez and Smith Strain.
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Lighthouse Baptist Academy End of Year Awards Banquet
Friday night, April 27 the high school students at Lighthouse Baptist Academy enjoyed the annual end of the year awards banquet. Each year at this banquet the students receive different athletic and academic awards. These awards are a great reminder of the feats that each student was able to accomplish throughout the academic and athletic calendar. The theme this year was a carnival theme with great BBQ for the meal and a popcorn bar for dessert. The students and parents in attendance were challenged by elementary principal and basketball coach, Ben Morrissey, to allow the Lord to use whatever talents they have and to strive for excellence in their lives.
Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Creating a Wall Mural
As part of their religion class at Corpus Christi Catholic School, the 6th grade students are creating a wall mural for the junior high hallway. “The mural is a work in progress! The students came early to a youth group gathering on a Sunday night to work on it. We hope to be done with it soon after spring break,� said Mr. Stoyka, junior high religion teacher. Pictured are some of the students who have worked on the mural.
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Autauga County Schools
St. Paul’s Partners with Prichard Prep for LegoTOPIA
St. Pius X Hosts Azalea-Themed Tea Party
On May 1 and 3, Students in the 3rd and 4th grades from St. Paul’s and Prichard Prep worked with Lego WeDo 2.0 robots to create a common S.T.E.A.M. experience. Teams, comprised of students from both schools, built robots designed to maneuver through a course to transport an animal to sanctuary. The teams also researched the type of environment their animals needed to survive and created 3-D representations of the sanctuaries.
Azalea Trial Maids Ashley Kerr and Sasha Cohen hosted a very special Tea Party for two very lucky students at St. Pius X School. The girls joined the Maids for tea and were treated to a reading and their own copy of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" book. The visit was an auction item from the St. Pius X A Night to Remember Live and Silent Auction.
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
E.R. Dickson Science Fair Winners
St. Dominic Middle School Students Participate in Holocaust Writing and Art Contest
St. Dominic Catholic School Middle School students participated in the Holocaust Writing and Art contest sponsored by the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center. Congratulations to (l – r) Connor Littrell, 3rd place Art; Kaleigh Ramsey, Honorable Mention Art; Abi Bolton, 2nd place Prose; Lilli Midgette, Honorable Mention, Art; Lundy Brink, 2nd Place Prose and Alex Heim, 2nd place Poetry. These students were recently recognized at the Mobile Area Yom Hashoah Commemoration.
Congratulations to the 2016-2017 E. R. Dickson Science Fair winners. Botany: Alyssa Schwartz (Honorable Mention), Jace Washington (3rd Place), London Mosley (2nd Place), and Savannah McGraw (1st Place). Engineering: Jonathan Lewis (Honorable Mention), Elijah Lucky and Juliana Perez-Lopez (3rd Place), LiDon Sylvester (2nd Place), and Anthony Meola (1st Place). Earth and Space Science: Danriel Boyd (Honorable Mention), Christian Boyd (3rd Place), Jordan Dubose (2nd Place), and Kaelle Walker (1st Place). Physical Science: Brandon Lewis (Honorable Mention), Ava Gardner (3rd Place), MaKayla Purnell (2nd Place), and Ben Conner (1st Place). Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
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McGill-Toolen HS Choral Company Performs at Chrism Mass
On April 11, the McGill-Toolen High School Choral Company performed at the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The voices of McT students have performed at this Mass for over 25 years.
Revelation Christian School Students Perform at City Council Meeting Revelation Christian School was invited to the Mobile City Council meeting to perform. We would like to thank Councilman Smalls for the invitation! Everyone in the office was very welcoming and the students enjoyed the tour.
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St. Dominic Trike-a-Thon Raises Money for St. Jude’s
St. Dominic Catholic School students in Grades PK4 and Kindergarten participated in a Trike-A-Thon, where they raised $1,618 for St. Jude’s. Here, (l – r) Lizzie Wilson, Bailey Nicole Hicks and Genevieve Peck are ready to start the event.
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St. Mary Catholic NJHS Volunteers at Feeding the Gulf Coast St. Mary Catholic National Junior Honor Society students and teachers volunteered their time at Feeding the Gulf Coast in May where they sorted and boxed 2,280 pounds of donated food. This food will provide 1,900 meals to our neighbors in need according to Missy Busby, the organizations Volunteer and Food Drive Manager. This annual project is part of St. Mary's Something Beautiful for Good Community Service Program.
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Mobile County PTA Presents Buzz Cooke Scholarship Award
The Mobile County PTA recently presented Davidson High School student Heather Ward with the Buzz Cooke Scholarship Award. This scholarship, named in memory of past PTA President Buzz Cooke, is awarded to a graduating senior from Baker, Davidson or Murphy. Heather was presented with the scholarship at the annual PTA Awards Banquet.
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St. Luke’s Girls Tennis Wins 2 State Championships
The St. Luke's Lady Wildcats won 2 AHSAA State Tennis Championships! Eighth grader Whitney Novak won a singles AHSAA 1A-3A State Championship for the Wildcats defeating Bayside 6-2, 6-2. Novak and seventh grader Anna Marie Bentley joined forces to claim the AHSAA 1A-3A Doubles State Championship defeating Montgomery Academy. Eighth grader Amelia Speir finished as State Runner Up after a tough loss in the final round. The team finished 3rd overall.
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Autauga County Schools
Robert E. Lee Elementary Gifted Students Host Renaissance Expo
CHCA Eighth Grade Retreat
Gifted Education students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Robert E. Lee Elementary School hosted an Expo to showcase their creative projects centered around the Renaissance. The students created “castle” projects in order to showcase what they had learned about the Renaissance, and also had to dress the part for their project.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy eighth graders journeyed to Atlanta for this year’s eighth grade retreat. During the visit to Atlanta, students were able to visit the Georgia Aquarium, Civil Rights Museum, enjoy a Braves game, and climb Stone Mountain. It was an amazing time of fun, friendship, and fellowship for CHCA students and teachers.
Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
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Author Kim Norman Visits UMS-Wright Lower School
Author Kim Norman visited our Lower School in April! Kim is the author of the popular children’s books, “Still a Gorilla”, “Puddle Pug”, “I Know a Wee Piggy”, and many more! Kim gave a presentation to our 1st - 3rd grade students sharing the joys of reading and writing! After the presentation, Anderson Bassett, Duffie Skidmore, Sahar Shaikh, Elizabeth Denson, Margaret Arendall, Allie Archey, Wrenn Landers, Mary Brook Wills, Luke Romano and Logan Loftin, were chosen to have lunch with Kim! These nine students were the contest winners for their creative iMovies based on their favorite Kim Norman book! In addition to her presentation, Kim made a donation to the Mobile Bay Keeper in honor of UMS-Wright!
Mobile Christian Students Participate in Leopard Color Run
Mobile Christian students had one of the most colorful and fun-filled days of the school year participating in the Annual Leopard Color Run. Willow McQueen, Andrew Bell, Carter Lewis, and Quinn Harris all agreed, being covered in color and running all around campus was a blast! They can’t wait to do it again next year.
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Autauga County Schools
Dawes Intermediate School Teacher Named Finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year
Satsuma High School “Making Waves for Education” Fundraiser
Dawes Intermediate fifthgrade teacher Chasity Collier has been selected as one of the four finalists for the 2017-18 Alabama Teacher of the Year award. Collier, who has also taught at Hankins Middle and Florence Howard Elementary, was named Mobile County’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in January and the state’s District I Elementary Teacher of the Year in April. She has served on district-wide textbook adoption committees, and has trained other teachers throughout Alabama and Florida in best practices. She is also a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science and she helped her school receive a Lighthouse Blue Ribbon. Collier says the two most important days in someone’s life are the days they’re born and the day they realize why they’re here. Her “why” is to teach. “I love coming to work,” she said. “I love what I get to do every single day and I love these kids.”
Mobile-Crichton Optimist Club Student of the Month
Sixth-grader Anna Caroline Martin was named the Mobile-Crichton Optimist Club Student of the Month for March. Anna Caroline was nominated by Ms. Burden, PPS school counselor, for her efforts in spearheading the Louisiana flood drive back in August/September. She certainly represents the character of a model PPS student and a Middle Years IB student – “Caring” – “Community” and “ServiceDriven.” Thanks to Anna Caroline spearheading this drive, PPS Pirates collected over 500 items for the Louisiana flood victims. Once all items were collected they were boxed by category, wrapped, and delivered to Volunteers of America. Anna Caroline has also demonstrated the utmost respect to her teachers and fellow students and has been on the A/B Honor Roll for the past three quarters. Anna Caroline was presented with a plaque at the luncheon held on Wednesday, March 22nd at Heron Lakes Country Club. She was especially happy to meet and shake hands with Sheriff Sam Cochran. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
The “Making Waves for Education” skills competition was held at Satsuma High School on Tuesday, April 25th. DJ Anderson won the cornhole competition, and he and his family are now the proud owners of the Kawasaki STX-15F Jet-Ski. Satsuma City Schools thanks Shell Chemical, LLP for sponsoring this outstanding fundraiser, which raised money for Project Lead the Way, Satsuma’s Engineering Program, technology supplies, athletic groups, and the playground/outdoor classroom at Robert E. Lee Elementary School.
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Pillans Middle School Students Attend Weekly Mentoring Sessions in Aviation
Eric Sajna wasn’t nervous at all. But his Pillans Middle School classmate, Jonathan Duvall (pictured in the cockpit), said going up in an airplane was “too exciting for my stomach.” The boys were part of a group of 46 Pillans students who joined pilots from Flight Training of Mobile recently for a flight from Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley as part of the Airbus Flying Challenge. Under the program, which is in its second year at Pillans, Airbus Engineering employees serve as mentors to Pillans students who have an interest in aviation. The program includes weekly mentoring sessions and field trips, including the ropes course at Camp Beckwith and the Airbus final assembly line. The flights are the culminating event of the program, which runs throughout the spring semester. The program is funded by the Airbus Foundation and is one of only two in the United States. The other is in Wichita, Kansas. It was started in 2012 in Toulouse, France, where Airbus is headquartered. Pillans is a feeder school to B.C. Rain High School, which houses a Signature Academy for Aviation and Aerospace. 26
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St. Mary Catholic May Crowning
St. Mary Catholic students from preschool through eighth grade had the honor of crowning two Blessed Mother statues on campus both at the St. Mary Grotto at the rear of the church and on the courtyard in front of the Sisters of Mercy Building at the heart of our campus on Old Shell Road. Thank you to Carol Ogletree and Jimmy Jones for leading our beautiful musical tribute to Mary for which our school is named.
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HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.
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Little Flower Catholic School NJHS
1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
The administration and faculty at Little Flower Catholic School inducted 4 new members into
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their chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. The inductees were chosen because they have exhibited excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. At a candle-lighting ceremony, new inductees (left to right) Joshua Norris, Jordan Reiser, Mia Uribe, and Victoria Tourne' were welcomed by current members Leslie Solis, Karen Tran, and Gigi Gardner. A reception for family and friends followed the ceremony.
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Autauga County Schools
Mobile Student Athletes Honored for at Signing Ceremony
Thirty-seven student-athletes were honored recently for signing athletic scholarships at Mobile County Public Schools’ spring signing ceremony. Added to the group who signed during the February signing day ceremony, MCPSS has now had 83 student-athletes sign college scholarships during the 2016-17 school year. The spring signees represented nine schools and 11 sports. Baker High had the most spring signees with 12. “Today is the fulfillment of a dream,” said Baker’s Addison Genard, who signed with Huntingdon College in Montgomery for volleyball. “I’m going to be able to play a sport in college — something I’ve always wanted to do — so I’m really excited.”
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Prichard Prep Students Learn About Healthy Eating
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On April 26th, PreK4 and Kindergarten classes learned about healthy eating from Brandy Revels, President of the Alliance to the Medical Society. The program, "Healthy Eating Placemats," explains the food groups, gives suggestions for foods in each group and also provides parents with assistance on developing healthy eating habits. Each student was provided a placemat to take home as a reminder!
Service at Little Flower Catholic School
An attitude of service drives the students and faculty at Little Flower Catholic School. Knowing that if everyone pitches in a bit, the outcome will be impressive. Leadership groups such as the Student Government help to organize and carry out projects of giving. Eighth graders Becca Nichols, Leslie Solis, Samantha Borja, Eric Gonzalez, Josh Norris, Edy Gael and Joseph Pierre gather donations to be blessed at Mass.
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Sea Cadets Learn CPR and First Aid
This past month the Dunlap Division had special guests come in to teach the cadets CPR and First Aid. Every cadet watched a first aid training video and administered CPR on an adult and infant training dummy. By the end of the day the unit was CPR and First Aid qualified! Also, this past month the Dunlap Division was sponsored to send two seniors to a Rotary Leadership Camp. The two cadets chosen were CPO Samantha Graham and SN Olivia Bozeman. These cadets were taught the importance of being a team, how to overcome obstacles, and decision making strategies. Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages ten to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge on our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Center in Mobile, the cadets are under no obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist the are usually eligible to enlist at a higher paygrade. The program does offer ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www.seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at angela.graham@hotmail.com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision. 28
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Pilgrim Virgin Mary Statue Visits St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius 1st grade students were recently visited by the Pilgrim Virgin Mary statue. The statue travels around to different locations in the Archdiocese for people to say the Rosary. Pictured with the statue are students from 1A, 1B and 1C.
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Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month.
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Dodge Students Compete in State Technology Fair in Montgomery
After placing 1st or 2nd Place in the Regional Computer Science Fair in March, several Dodge Elementary students traveled to Montgomery on Saturday, April 28, to compete in the State Technology Fair at Auburn University at Montgomery. Congratulations to Grace Samarripa, Kirah McCarty, and Hannah Duncan for placing 2nd Place in Video Production Level II as well as Chris Levy, Malik Boube, Victor Brewster, and Melanie Cox for placing 2nd Place in Video Production Level I.
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Autauga CountyBest Schools Revelation Christian School in Show Science Fair Winner Students Treated to Lunch at E.R. Dickson
The pictured students of Revelation Christian were treated to lunch at TGI Fridays for reaching their AR goal for the month of April. Congratulations Eagles!
Congratulations to fourth grade student Brendan Wells who won Best in Show in the 2016-2017 E. R. Dickson Science Fair with his Environmental Science project “Beef Up Your Windows”. Brendan wanted to determine if insulated windows hold in heat better than non-insulated windows. The results from his experiment showed that the window covered with insulated curtain material kept water at the warmest temperature after three hours when compared to windows covered with plastic wrap, thin weight curtain material, or medium weight curtain material. Brendan won lunch with the principal and a Chick-fil-A gift card.
Lighthouse Academy’s Spring Music Recital Showcases Students’ Talent
“Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise,” Psalm 33:3. Tuesday, April 23 was a wonderful evening of praising the Lord at the Lighthouse Baptist Academy Spring Music Recital. Band students from 4th through 12th grade and the high school choir demonstrated the skills they learned this past year under the careful direction of Mrs. Patti Felt, band director, and Mrs. Kindra Crumly, choir director. Some favorites of the night were the band’s medley of marches from the Indiana Jones Trilogy and “Star Wars” composed by John
Williams and the choir’s performance of songs like “Your Grace Still Amazes Me” and “Immortal, Invisible.” After a brief intermission, the annual piano recital showcased students grades K5 through 12. Attendees enjoyed fun performances like Karissa Crumly’s “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” and beautiful arrangements of traditional hymns like Clarissa Daugherty’s “Old Rugged Cross.” LBA is so fortunate to have such a talented staff to train the next generation of musicians!
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Corpus Christi Catholic School Holds NJHS Induction Ceremony
Corpus Christi Catholic School held its annual National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony on April 25th. The students were selected for induction into the honor society because they have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
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A Page in a Book Reading for Fans of Felines
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Whether they enjoy a pet kitten or the occasional cat encounter, children are quick to recognize a common world view with their feline friends. Both are masters of testing boundaries, mastering hide-and-seek, climbing into laps to snuggle or serving as unofficial alarm clocks for adult sleepers. The shared experience of kids and cats easily fosters a unique kinship between them. The following titles explore the ways cats model independence and confidence while celebrating the unconditional love that connects felines and their fanciers.
I Don’t Know What to Call My Cat
by Simon Philip, Illustrated by Ella Bailey (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) When a stray cat shows up on a young girl’s front steps, welcoming it into her life and home is easy. But finding the right name is a bit harder. The name “Kitty” calls every cat within ear shot. ‘Betty’ and ‘Ethel’ sound good until a vet visit changes the focus more toward ‘Butch’ and ‘Arnie’. Before the girl can decide what to call him, her cat escapes. But their journey back toward each other may just provide the perfect name for adventurous cat. Don’t know what to call your cat? Give it time, they practically name themselves.
Black Cat, White Cat
by Silvia Borando (MiniBombo / Candlewick Press) Dark and lovely from his ears to the tips of his toes, Black Cat only goes out in the day and only sees things that come out in daylight hours. Bright and beautiful from her nose to her tail, White Cat only goes out after dark, reveling in the sights that are only seen in the night. When curiosity inspires each cat to seek out their opposite’s world, their paths cross and what follows is a sweet exchange that highlights the shared joys in their diverse settings. Illustrated in stark black and white, the simple language and silhouette styling celebrates the cats’ curiosity as they discover together how much black and white have in common.
The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon
by A. N. Kang (Disney/Hyperion) He’s not just fluffy. Like the butterfly he’s named for, Papillon is so fluffy that he floats around lighter than air. Worried that he could just drift away, his companion Miss Tilly contrives a variety of ways to hold him down to earth. Pizza, costumes, hats and eye patches help keep him grounded, but Papillon is having no part of it. When an open window and a beautiful day lure the fluffy cat outside, a blue sky adventure quickly turns frightening. Floating past the wilder side of the great outdoors, a scared Papillon uses Miss Tilly’s ideas and the help of a friend to find his way back home. With physical comedy and adorable expression, Papillon strikes a delightful balance between living the high life and keeping your feet on the ground. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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by Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.
Dads are good with good enough
Pop culture doesn’t appreciate dads. Sitcoms make fun of their diapering (in)abilities or portray dads as irresponsible babysitters who feed the kids pizza, ice cream and sugary soda while mom is out for the evening. Personal experience tells me there may some truth in this. My own husband shows our kids zombie movies then acts surprised when they refuse to sleep with the lights out. Really. Stereotypes aside, it can be hard to move past the momknows best mentality and make room for dads’ different style of parenting. Mom of four Tsara Shelton of Teague, Tex., says parenting together with her boys’ dad has been the biggest challenge in their happy, 13-year marriage. “I always want to be the one with the answers and insights! But in truth, it’s been coparenting that’s blessed my boys with the best of what both mom and dad have to offer.” All moms can learn valuable lessons from watching what dads do best. Here’s how. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Most moms I know struggle to drown out the nagging inner critic who says we aren’t good enough. We feel intense pressure to keep the house (and kids!) clean and to respond cheerfully to every social obligation. Our to-do lists never get done. And it’s stressful. Researchers at Auburn University found women are more likely to feel inadequate at home and at work than men because we’re more perfectionistic. Dads recognize the 80% solution is often good enough. They can walk away from a sink full of unwashed dishes – without feeling guilty – to spend time playing with the kids before bedtime. Moms can’t deny there is wisdom in this approach. Dishes don’t grow up and go off to college. Kids do. Being good with “good enough” doesn’t mean dads deny their shortcomings. Tina Bushman, co-author of the family discussion-starting book Table Talk, says she has learned from watching 32
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her husband, John, address his missteps. “When it has been a rough parenting day, he will sit on the edge of our child’s bed and explain that even though parents try hard, we aren’t perfect. He apologizes if he got upset or said the wrong thing and asks forgiveness. It takes a humble dad to do that and I love him for it.”
Dads encourage active play Mud pies, snow forts and do-it-yourself science experiments are dads’ domain, says Wendy Valderrama of Denver, Colo., “They do messy fun really well.” Valderrama watches her 3-year-old daughter’s princess wedding ball with prince Daddy every night. “He lets her take the lead and follows right along with her in the imaginative play,” she says. Dads’ passion for play is a joy to behold. When they aren’t entertaining kids on their own level, dads expose kids to grownup tasks and topics. A dad might teach a child how to mow the lawn or talk about financial matters during informal apprenticeship sessions. Since dads aren’t focused ages and stages of development, they may share information that is over kids’ heads. There is an upside to this, Valderanna says. “The conversations I overhear between my daughter and her dad are amazing! I see her processing concepts I wouldn’t have thought possible because I am stuck in a preschool mentality all day.”
Dads encourage risk-taking While moms’ protective instincts lead us to discourage kids from taking physical risks, studies show dads give kids more personal space to explore the environment, even if there is risk involved. “At the park, I’m nervous about my 2-year-old going down the big slide, and, at home, I protect my baby from face-planting very time he attempts to crawl,” says San Diego, Calif., mom Anna Crowe. Dads often push kids to go outside their comfort zones. Physical challenges help kids develop strength, coordination and confidence. And, by testing their physical prowess, “kids learn valuable skills that could prevent them from getting into serious trouble in the future,” Crowe admits. Dads allow kids to learn by doing when moms might be more likely to teach by talking. During the anxious moments in parenting, dads maintain a calm composure moms admire. Stacy Lewis of Long Beach, Calif., says her husband changed her perspective on parenting forever during one intense encounter with their three kids. He said, “I don’t get it! You are the mom. Why are you hollering?” And something clicked for Lewis. “He keeps things insanely balanced, and I love him for that.” 33
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Dads set boundaries Because women are focused on preserving social connections, we may avoid family conflict. The mental and emotional effort of peacekeeping can lead to emotional exhaustion for women, according to research by psychologists at Carnegie Mellon University. Over time, minor frustrations can grow into deep, simmering resentments. Shelton admits she struggles to establish clear, firm rules for her kids. She sees most issues as gray areas and enjoys discussing the connections between kids’ behaviors, social expectations and cultural pressures. “If my hubby didn’t bring everything down to its simplicity I would get lost loving my children in the grey,” Shelton says. While moms might see kids’ behavior in shades of gray, dads can take a more blackand-white view. Men are less likely to shy away from conflict because they don’t take it personally. That means they step in and confront interpersonal issues head-on. Shelton’s two youngest sons – who had symptoms of autism at early ages – learned to be comfortable in their own bodies and brains because of their dad’s black-and-white boundaries. “If my husband didn’t bring everything down to its simplicity I would get lost loving my boys in the gray,” she says. The key to parenting well is to figure out which situations require a firm,
rule-based response and which ones call for deeper conversation. Dads seem to know this intuitively.
Dads don’t fret Women often wish men would listen to our problems without trying to solve them, but that’s not how men are wired. When things go wrong, dads jump into problem-solving mode and determine what steps they can take to change the situation. If the first attempt isn’t successful, dads try another approach. Women are more likely to focus on feelings, which can actually amplify distress. We may commiserate with girlfriends or replay worst-case scenarios in our minds. C. Lee Reed of Beachside, Florida recalls her father often told his kids to “suck it up” in the face of disappointment. “It sounds crazy but we learned to put on our big girl panties when things didn’t go our way,” Reed says. Now she uses the same phrase with her own daughter. It lightens the mood when emotions run high. Dads’ emotional balance allows them to keep parenting problems in perspective. Crowe says she often panicked at her son’s inability to sleep through the night or the fact that he didn’t crawl when other babies did. But her husband took a longer view. “He taught me not to worry so much about the little things, unless they become a bigger
concern,” says Crowe. A calm response is both comforting and practical.
Dads are present Moms take pride in our super-human ability to do five things at once, but there is an undeniable downside. Multitasking prevents us from seizing the joys of the present moment. Lauren Nichols of Farmingdale, NY, praises her husband’s ability to be in the moment with their 4-year-old son. “I admire his ability to slow down and listen to everything our son has to say. It is as if he really remembers what it was like to be a little kid. They are two peas in a pod.” Reed is inspired by her husband’s presence as well. While Reed, who calls herself “Helicopter Mom” is busy multitasking, her husband, “Just Plane Dad,” knows how to be fully present in the moment, she says. “When he spends time with our daughter, he’s not worried about the laundry or paying the bills. He is all there.” Tuning in completely allows dads to see children as growing, loving little people. And it reminds us all that we’re blessed by our children – and their dads – in big and small ways every day. MBP Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist who has gleaned many practical parenting strategies from her husband’s more laid-back approach. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.
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Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
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What Parents Need to Know Now About Mobile Social Apps It was probably inevitable. Now that 70% of teens are friends with their parents on Facebook, some are looking for less supervised places to socialize. A recent report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that even though most teens feel obligated to maintain a presence on Facebook, many expressed “waning enthusiasm”. Their reasons? The site has been “colonized” by adults, and there’s too much drama. “Teens are looking for a place they can call their own,” observes Danah Boyd, a fellow at the Berkman Center for the Internet and Society at Harvard University. “Rather than all flocking en masse to a different site, they’re fragmenting across apps.” Having teens on a variety of social media apps makes supervision more difficult. The classic advice—“keep the computer in a public space”—is hopelessly quaint, especially for teens who socialize on cellphones. One response is to use monitoring software that will alert parents anytime a child sends or receives a message that’s inappropriate. (Ten of these programs are reviewed by Mobile Independent Phone Reviews at mireview.com) Although surveillance may be a good short term fix for some kids, it can obscure the long-term goal—raising kids who use good judgment about social media. These kids resist the temptation to behave poorly just because they are online, and they know how to protect themselves when they encounter bullies, trolls and other online Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
predators. How do you equip your child with those essential life skills? Here are a few suggestions: Limit social networking of any kind for middle school students. Pre-adolescents are learning how to manage relationships and the process isn’t always pretty. Middle school kids are very aware of themselves and not very aware of others. Even the nicest kids say mean things-- and are devastated if someone says something mean to them. Being part of social media compounds the damage by making clumsy comments, ill-advised fashion choices and failed attempts at humor permanent and more widely available. Check the apps on your child’s phone. Review the apps on your child’s phone every time you pay the phone bill. Ask questions that will help your child think critically about social apps: How did you find out about the app? Does it do what you want it to do? What information does it collect about you? Does it broadcast your location? How much time do you spend with it? How could it be improved? What kind of community does it create? Be aware of the connection between social media and self esteem. For many young people, social media intensifies the pressure to be popular. They may obsess about how many followers they have, how many likes a particular post attracts or parties they didn’t attend. Parents can’t micromanage this part of a child’s life— teens learn by making social mistakes. At the same time, they can buffer the impact 36
of social media by giving kids plenty of positive attention, supporting healthy off-line friendships and pointing out the limited shelf life of popularity. Teach self-protection strategies. Talk to your child about how they can respond to mean or crude comments with tactics similar to those they would use offline. If possible, ignore bad behavior. The other person may just be having a really terrible day. Don’t respond in kind because that is likely to escalate the problem. Whenever possible, use humor to defuse conflict. Take advantage of privacy settings to block people who are always mean or negative. If a post is threatening, save a copy and share it with a trusted adult. Be sure your child knows you have his back. Many teens don’t talk to their parents about social media problems for fear that parents will overreact. Let your children know that you have confidence in them to handle most situations but you want to know about any online interactions that feel scary or overwhelming. If a child comes to you with an online problem, resist the urge to take charge. Instead, help your child think through how he or she wants to handle the situation. What is motivating the person who is causing the problem? Is this a relationship that matters to your child? Does he or she have offline contact with the person? Most important, listen! When you think about it, the social skills young people need to succeed with social media aren’t all that different from the ones that they will need in the offline world. As a parent, you can help your children stay focused on the big picture—what kind of people do they want to be and what kind of friends will support them in becoming those people? For kids who keep those goals clearly in mind, the particular app they are using at the moment won’t much matter. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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Don’t Be House Poor! Q. I read where you recommend having your house payment or rent at an amount that’s 25 percent or less of your monthly take-home pay. Does this figure include taxes and insurance too?
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A. Yes, it does. I’m trying to keep you from being “house poor.” Did you know you can qualify for a house payment, with taxes and insurance, that’s close to half of your take-home pay? That’s ridiculous! When you don’t have room in your budget to do anything else that matters because your house payment is so large, that’s what we call house poor. When your income minus your basic living expenses equals almost nothing, it means your basic living expenses are way too high. Being in this kind of situation keeps
you from saving for really important stuff like investing, retirement, and college for your kids. I’m trying to position you where you can get the house and everything paid off so you can become wealthy. When we talk about driving a crappy car, not going out to eat, or not going on vacation — those are temporary things. It’s all about living like no one else, so that later you can live and give like no one else!
How late is too late? Q. How late is too late to get life insurance? A. It’s pretty easy to get term life insurance – the only kind of life insurance I recommend – up until around age 70. Depending on your overall health situation, there are a few affordable policies available past that point. But once you get into your seventies and beyond it can be difficult to find reasonably priced coverage. I recommend that most people have 10 to 12 times their
annual income wrapped up in a good, level term life insurance policy.
Family and Business Q. My husband and I own a small business. One of our relatives asked for a job recently, and we have reservations about hiring him because there are several dysfunctional relationships within our extended family. Are we being mean? A. Having a small business doesn’t give relatives a free pass to employment. As entrepreneurs, you have the right and responsibility to do what’s best for your company. Ask yourself a few questions: Would you hire this person if they weren’t part of the family? Would you hire this person because they would make a good team member? If the answers are no, then you don’t hire them — period. Be kind about the situation, because there may be some bruised feelings. But the bottom line is you have to do what’s best for your business, your immediate family, and your team.
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Redemption Church - West Campus
879 Snow Road North, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory: Created By God, Built for a Purpose” Dates: June 4-June 8 Times: 5:30 AM-8:00 PM Ages: K5-5th grade 251-679-3266 www.goredemption.com
Spring Hill Baptist
2 McGregor Avenue South, Mobile Theme: “Maker FunFactory VBS” Dates: June 4-June 7 Times: 5:30 PM-8:00 PM Ages: Completed 4K-6th grade Join us for Maker FunFactory VBS where kids will discover they’re lovingly crafted by God and built for a purpose! Sign up online at www.shbc.cc between April 10 – May 25 for a free t-shirt! Get ready to experience God in wildly creative ways! A light dinner will be served each evening. (251) 342-5320 www.shbc.cc
Shadow Lawn Baptist Church
5665 Dogwood Trail, Eight Mile Dates: June 4-June 9 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Ages: For all ages pre-school through adult For all ages pre-school through adult. (Nursery will be provided for children whose parents attend, and for the children of those who will be working in VBS.) (251) 675-1447 www.shadowlawnbc.com
Redemption Church - North Campus
1251 Industrial Parkway, Saraland Theme: “Maker Fun Factory: Created By God, Built for a Purpose” Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K5-6th grade 251-679-3266 www.goredemption.com
Snow Road Missionary Baptist
809 Snow Road North, Mobile Theme: “The Redeemer” Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Ages 4-12th grade Register at the church on June 5th at 8:30am or preregister anytime at our web site snowroadbaptistchurch.com (251)344-0030 snowroadbaptistchurch.com
West Mobile Baptist
7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: June 11-June 15 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Ages: Ages 4-6th grade (251) 639-9952 wemochurch.org
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
1050 Azalea Road, Mobile Theme: “Hero Central – Discover Your Strength in God” Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K5- 5th grade Registration forms will be on the website or can be picked up in the church office. (251) 666-2990 stlukesepiscopalchurch.org
The Baptist Chapel
Ashland Place United Methodist Church
15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory VBS” Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM $15 per child (251) 478-6356 www.apumc.com
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Crosspoint Church of Mobile
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4791 Schillinger Road, Mobile Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (251) 408-9640 www.crosspointofmobile.com
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
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Government Street Baptist
Dauphin Way Baptist
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3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory” Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Completed 4K-5th grade (251) 660-7444 www.governmentstreet.org
Lighthouse Baptist Church
Kingswood United Methodist Church
Little Flower Catholic Church
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3704 Springhill Avenue, Mobile Theme: “I wanna say YES!” Making Mary’s Yes Our Own Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Ages PK-4th grade Cost is $30 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. Contact Brittany DeFalco for information at 605-1384 or defalcob@stignatius.org. (251) 342-9221 www.stignatiusmobile.org
2421 Lott Road, Eight Mile Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: June 5-June 9 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM (251) 452-4601 highpointbc.org 5200 Perin Road, Mobile Theme: “Hero Central” Dates: June 11-June 14 Times: 5:30 PM-8:30 PM Ages: K-5th grade (251) 661-0420 www.cokesburyvbs.com/kingswoodumcvbs
4156 Burma Road, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory” Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 8:45 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K4-5th grade Community Night June 14 at 6:00pm (251) 661-5130 www.stdominicmobile.org
10431 Old Pascagoula Road, Grand Bay Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 8:30 AM-11:30 AM Ages: K4-6th grade Join Dr. Albert Vanguard, his family and crew on their exciting adventure. They will be aboard their submarine under the sea and learn why Jesus is the only redeemer. For more information call Barbara Cannon. (251) 510-8220
6905 Nan Gray Davis Road, Theodore Theme: “Light of the World” Dates: June 12-June 15 Times: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Ages: 3-12 We are extremely excited to have a fun-filled and God-centered schedule that includes songs, lessons, crafts, snacks, prizes, games, and most importantly, Bible messages from an exciting and engaging children’s speaker! Please contact Eli Faulds with any questions you may have! 251-653-6542 lbctheodore.com
Highpoint Baptist Church
St. Dominic’s
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2053 Government Street, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory” Dates: June 12-June 16 Times: 8:30 AM-11:30 AM Ages: 3 years old-8th grade Cost: $10 per child: $25 for a family of three or more (251) 478-3381 www.littleflower.cc
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3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: June 13-June 23 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Completed K4-6th grade Register online at our website. (251) 342-3456 www.dwbc.org
Sonrise Baptist Church
140 Snow Road North, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory” Dates: June 18-June 22 Times: 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Ages: K-5th grade Register your children or sign up to volunteer here: https://vbspro.events/p/events/sonrise (251) 776-7473 www.sonrisebc.net
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory” Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 8:30 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K-8th grade Registration fee is $35 per child (Special discounts for families with 3 or more children)Registration fee includes a VBS themed Shirt, snacks and take home crafts! Contact Diane Stoyka at 342-5474 for more information. (251) 342-5474 www.corpuschristiparish.com
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info about a month prior to the event, or children can register on arrival. (251) 675-2728 www.saralandumc.org
Cottage Hill Baptist
4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile Theme: “Gadgets & Gizmos – uniquely wired, wonderfully made” Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K4-5th grade Immediately following VBS: Harlem Legends Shoot for the Stars Basketball Camp. Noon-5pm in the ROC Gym at CHBC. For boys and girls ages 7-14. Cost is $125. Contact Diane Capps for more info: 662-8650. (251) 660-2439 www.cottagehill.org
Snow Road First Baptist
2370 Snow Road North, Semmes Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: July 10-July 14 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Ages: Ages 4-6th grade Kick-Off to VBS and Water Fun Day: July 8th 2:00pm4:00pm. Bring your swimsuits and towels! VBS: July 10-14 @6:00pm-8:30pm Light supper served every evening. Family Day: July 16 at 10:45am; For registration contact Carolina Burkholder, (251)649-7722 or email Carolina@srfbc.com. (251) 649-7722 www.srfbc.com
Dauphin Island Baptist Church
910 Chaumont Avenue, Dauphin Island Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: 3 years old–6th grade (251) 767-6185 www.dibaptist.org
First Baptist Church of Dawes
3941 Dawes Road, Mobile Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Ages: K5-6th grade (251) 633-7331
Mt. Hebron Church Ministries
2531 Berkley Avenue, Mobile Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Ages: Ages 2-Adult Join Mt. Hebron Church Ministries for a Fun & Faith- Filled Time at Vacation Bible School June 19- 23rd. (251) 457-9900 www.mthebroncm.org
Westminister Presbyterian Church 2921
Airport Boulevard, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory” Dates: June 19-June 23 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K-5th grade (251) 471-5451 http://www.wpcmobile.org/
Christ United Methodist Church
6101 Grelot Road, Mobile Theme: “Ancient Heroes” Dates: June 26-June 30 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Ages K3-5th grade Register online. Cost - $15 (251) 342-0462 www.cumcchildren.com
Spring Hill Presbyterian
Online registration at www.stpaulschurchmobile. com/vbs. Cost - $15 (251) 342-8521 www.stpaulschurchmobile.com/vbs
Dauphin Way UMC
Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
1644 Wolf Ridge Road, Whistler Theme: “Glow for Jesus! -Let your light Shine” Dates: June 26-June 30 Times: 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Ages: All ages Curriculum goals will include a biblical study, snack, arts and crafts, music, dance, recreation, drama and more. Contact person: Portia Payne 251-6608685. 251-456-7638
Luke 4:18 Fellowship
2664 Sollie Road, Mobile Theme: “Beach Blast” Dates: June 26-June 30 Times: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Ages: K-5th grade Register at www.luke418fellowship. org. FREE! (251) 281-1418 www.luke418fellowship.org
Government Street Presbyterian – VBS at Baytreat
300 Government Street, Mobile Theme: “Camp Out – Getting S’more of Jesus” Dates: June 30-July 1 Times: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM 3rd-5th grade will spend the night Friday night at Baytreat (18249 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope) (251) 432-1749 www.gspcmobile.org
Semmes First Baptist Church
4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes Theme: “Operation Arctic” Dates: July 10-July 14 Times: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K-5th grade (251) 649-2319 www.semmesfirst.church
First Baptist Tillman’s Corner
10 Westminster Way, Mobile Theme: “Abundance Orchard” Dates: June 26-June 29 Times: 9:00 AM-11:30 AM Ages: Age 4-5th grade Registration online at shpc.us (251) 342-1550 www.springhillpresbyterian.org
5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile Theme: “Galactic Starveyors” Dates: July 10-July 14 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K5-6th grade (251) 661-0114 www.fbtc.org
St. Pauls Episcopal School
415 McKeough Avenue, Saraland Theme: “Hero Central” Dates: July 10-July 12 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Ages 4-5th grade Registration Info: Check our website for registration
4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile Theme: “Mighty Fortress” Dates: June 26-June 29 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Completed K3-5th Grade
Saraland UMC
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1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory - Created by God Built for a Purpose” Dates: July 17-July 21 Times: 8:45 AM-12:00 PM Ages: Ages 4-5th grade Registration available soon online. (251) 471-1511 www.dauphinwayumc.org/
Woodridge Baptist Church
2700 Schillinger Road, Mobile Theme: “Ocean Commotion” Dates: July 17-July 21 Ages: K-6th grade Join us for an EPIC adventure of Biblical proportions as we dive deep into the account of Noah and the flood! We’ll learn scientific lessons about the flood and spiritual lessons about how to be obedient to God. Free of charge! 251-633-6000 www.woodridgebc.com
St. Mary Catholic Parish
107 North Lafayette Street, Mobile Theme: “Maker Fun Factory: Created by God; Built for a Purpose” Dates: July 24-July 27 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ages: K-5th grade Cost is $25 per camper. The program takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon daily and will take place in St Mary’s Sisters of Mercy Building located at 106 Providence Street on the campus of St Mary Parish. For registration forms, email Elizabeth Blanchette a tlizzycary@aol.com or contact the parish office at (251) 432-8678, ext. 1. (251) 432-8679 www.stmarymobile.org
Covenant Presbyterian Church
2651 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile Theme: “The Race is On” Dates: July 31-August 2 Times: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Email marty@covenantpresmobile.org to register. (251) 298-7055 covenantpresmobile.org
Oak Park Church
3321 Sollie Road, Mobile Theme: “Summer Nights Extreme” Dates: August 17-August 19 Times: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Ages: All ages Fun for the whole family including: Music, Special Guest, Neon Battle, Giveaways and more. (251) 633-6110 www.oakparkministries.com MBP
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Ca In today’s digital age, families are spending more time inside and less exploring nature. Studies show that kids who spend time outside have better overall health and fitness levels, report better vision, less stress and depression, and are more likely to have good social skills. (www.nwf.org) The National Wildlife Federation also reports that “Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.” As kids spend more and more time watching TV and playing video games on a daily basis, only about 10 percent of kids say they are spending time outdoors every day.” (www.nature.org) If your kids fall into the 90% of children that don’t get out every day, here are some fun ways to change that. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Become a nature artist
Kids will begin to notice the beauty in nature if they are observing it from an artist’s standpoint. Bring the easel and art supplies out to the backyard and have the kids paint or draw what they see around them. Let the kids try their hand at photography while exploring nature by photographing plants, insects, and the landscape around them. Later make a scrapbook or frame their masterpieces.
Get dirty
Dress the kids in play clothes and give them permission to enjoy nature even if they get a little dirty, suggests Julie Keller, mother of three. Allow kids to dig for worms, lift rocks to find insects, and try fishing. Teach kids about gardening while 40
letting them plant flowers, vegetables, and other plants. Kansas mom Ally McDaniel says, “My four year old loves to help plant, dig in dirt, and water the garden. We look for worms, bugs, and baby snakes.” Kids that grow up planting and gardening develop a lifelong positive relationship with plants and trees. (www.childrenandnature.org)
Get comfortable
Collect some old pillows and blankets, bring them outside, and get comfortable. Darcy King, mother of two, says, “I teach my kids to enjoy nature by enjoying it myself. Stop and admire flowers, sunsets, scenery, and spend time outside.” Simply spending time in the great outdoors can help kids grow to love nature. Observe your surroundings and talk about what you see and hear. Read a book, take www.mobilebayparents.com
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a nap, and observe the cloud shapes. A great book for encouraging creativity when looking at cloud shapes is It Looked Like Spilt Milk, by Charles Shaw.
Have a picnic
Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outside after a hike, at a local park, or even in your own backyard. Without the distractions of the normal surroundings of your home, conversation will be easier and more fun.
Treasure hunt
Allow kids to take their time as you are on a nature walk. Do you see any flowers, insects, or birds you have not noticed before? If the park allows, collect treasures as you walk the trails. Have the children pick up sticks, rocks, leaves, or anything of interest. “We make it into a game. When we go on walks we collect small things to put in our nature jars. One time we even did a scavenger hunt after dark with a flashlight, which was a big hit.” says Rachael Kennedy, mother of five.
Campout
Camping is a great way to spend time in the outdoors as a family. A family campout, whether at a local park or in your backyard, encourages family bonding time and helps kids “unplug” from their electronics and enjoy the fresh air. One of the most important things to remember when you are trying to teach your kids is to model it yourself. “We try to get out and explore together. I try to just let them be in nature and really experience what exists,” says Sara Sinani, mother of three boys. Get involved, show the kids by example that nature is fun to explore and has great health benefits. If kids grow up spending time outside, they are sure to develop a desire to spend more time outdoors as they grow. MBP Sarah Lyons is a mother of six who loves to explore parks and go camping with her family.
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Amusement Parks and Outdoor Fun The Wharf Ferris Wheel ad on page 5
4985 Wharf Parkway Orange Beach 36561 It’s a landmark for every Gulf Coast beach vacation. Day and night, that first glimpse of The Wharf’s Ferris Wheel--one of the tallest on the Gulf Coast--means you’ve arrived. With the tree-top views and gulf breezes, it’s a favorite way to begin the day, end the evening--or both. Cost: $5 per person, per ride. Kids under 3 ride for free. (251) 224-1000
www.alwharf.com
Waterville USA ad on page 24
906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores 36542 Join the family fun with the Waterpark, Flowrider, Mini Golf, Bounce House, Go-Karts, Arcade, Rollercoaster and much more! For park dates and times please visit watervilleusa.com. Waterpark opens May 20 for 2017 and daily starting May 27. Take advantage of the discount with a SEASON PASS! Text WATERFUN to 45203 to sign up for cool coupons, specials, and more information.
tour over 900 acres of beautiful Louisiana countryside complete with 12 ponds and a lake. During the tour you’ll come face to face with bison, giraffe, zebra, camels, eland, and much more! The animals roam free. Adults and children alike experience the excitement of feeding the animals during the safari while remaining safe and secure in our custombuilt covered wagons with padded seating. Group tours and Private Pinz tours available. Open year round, 7 days a week. Check our website for safari check–in times and availability.
(985) 796-3585
globalwildlife.com
Gulf Adventure Center
4700 Main St. Unit G-114 Orange Beach 36561 The most unique zipline course in the US is located at The Wharf in Orange Beach. It features 9 zips through The Wharf entertainment district, the intracoastal waterway with beautiful views of our back bay eco system and a blackgum tree wetland with tree based observation platforms and rope bridges. (251) 948-9494
www.gulfadventurecenter.com
(251) 948-2106 wville2@ gulftel.com www.watervilleusa.com
Mobile. Open dawn til dusk.
(251) 208-1650 www.facebook.com/SkateParkMobileAl
OWA
10113 Foley Beach Express Foley 36535 OWA provides you with hours of unexpected discovery with more than 20 rides awaiting your next adventure. Be captivated by the vibrant rollercoasters or lose yourself in competitive games with your friends. If you are a thrill seeker with the need for speed, then jump on the park’s G Force ride and spin away. If you are anticipating something a little more traditional, then the teacups await. Smell the cotton candy as it is spun right before your eyes or enjoy watching kernels popping as you order fresh popcorn. Take advantage of endless entertainment possibilities at OWA. The choice is yours. Opening Summer 2017. (251) 923-2111
visitowa.com
Southern Alabama Paintball
4901 Montee Road Theodore 36582 At Southern Alabama Paintball, we pride ourselves in providing a safe, family oriented paintball field for all players. We are Mobile County’s largest scenario, woodsball field on 15 acres of land located in Theodore, AL near Mobile, AL. As a scenario field we provide our players with new field layouts and new objectives each weekend. We also have laser tag and airsoft games. (251) 301-6004 southernalabamapaintball.com
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores 36542 The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is tucked away just blocks from the beach and is home to more than 500 animals including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, macaws, and more. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary, seasonal animal encounters, and daily animal shows in the summer. Also offering “Zoo Camp”. Hours are Monday – Sunday 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission: 13 and up $11 (plus tax), Seniors (55+) $9 (plus tax), children 3-12 $8 (plus tax), Ages 2 and under are free. (251) 968-5732 info@algulfcoastzoo.org www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org
Bob’s Paintball
3428 Dawes Road Mobile 36695 One of the Gulf Coast’s premier spots for fun, safe paintball! Whether you like to play recreational paintball in the woods or you want to step up your game to the tournament level, there’s something for everyone. Hours: Saturdays – 10:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday – 12:00pm – 5:00pm. (251) 639-8245 bobspaintball@bellsouth.net www.bobspaintball.com
Global Wildlife Center
26389 LA-40 Folsom 70437 Enjoy a one and fifteen hour guided Safari Wagon Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Spanish Fort Town Center Park/Splash Pad
Kids Days in Bienville Square – Thursdays
150 Dauphin Street Mobile 36607 Kid’s days in Bienville starts on Thursday, June 8. Bring the kids out for some summertime fun in Bienville Square each Thursday and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire Departments and much more! Free. Thursdays June 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 10:00am-1:00pm. (251) 208-1550
www.ncsmobile.org
Mobile International Speedway
7800 Park Boulevard Irvington 36544 Alabama’s fastest ½ mile track featuring exciting oval track action including the Southern super Series, winged spring cars, demolition derby and more. (251) 957-2063
www.mobilespeedway.net
Mobile Skate Park
2301 Airport Boulevard Mobile 36606 Grab your skateboards and join us at Skatepark of
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30000 Town Center Avenue Spanish Fort 36527 Town Center Park features a number of amenities for public use, including: a pavilion area, splash pad, state-of-the-art playground, horse shoe pits, bike racks, restroom facilities, sunburst fountain pond, and a fitness area. In addition, the park will serve as a host site for signature community events at Spanish Fort Town Center. Splash Pad is open 8 am to 8 pm. Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset. (214) 561-8884, (214) 561-8814 www.spanishforttowncenter.com
The Putting Place
5103 Girby Road Mobile 36693 Miniature golf in Mobile is back!!! 36 holes of fun and challenging golf for all to enjoy! Before or after the round stop in to our game room! Hours: Monday – Wednesday – Closed (available for parties and special events), Thursday and Friday 3:00pm-9:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-9:00pm. Rates to play the course are $9.00 for adults and $6.00 for children (4-12yrs), tax included. (Children under 3 are free with adult purchase). We also have an $11 unlimited option per person! Think how much mini golf you can play, and we have two courses!! (251) 375-1490
www.theputtingplace.com
www.mobilebayparents.com
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The Track
3200 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores 36542 Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Bumper Rides, and lots of family fun! Summer hours - Open Monday - Sunday. 9:00am til close. Visit website for tickets and package pricing.
only, $12 per person, 2 and under free (includes Big and Little Train) $8 per person, big train only. (888) 569-5337; (251) 232-2322 www.waleswest.com
Weeks Bay Plantation Harvest Night
day 11:00-5:00pm. Admission: $5 for adults and Members and children under 14 are free. Free on Fridays. (251) 208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.com
12562 Mary Ann Beach Road Fairhope 36532 Lots of fun to be had on the farm! Harvest nights in June are June 10 and 24. Join us for live music, berry picking and family frun from 4:00pm-10:00pm.
Home Depot
End of Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island 36528 Join the fun at the West End Beach (end of Bienville Blvd). Admission is $5 per person. Concert schedule: Saturday May 28rd – Lisa Mills at 6:00pm, June 25 - Jonsey Jones and Crowned Jewelz at 6:15pm, July 30 - Eric Erdman & Ryan Balthrop at 6:00pm, August 13 – Reggae Theme Ja’rhythm at 5:45pm, September 3 – Delta Reign and Dennis Gould at 5:45pm and October 15 – Roman Street at 4:30pm. Bring a beach chair, blanket, sunscreen and bug spray and come enjoy! All concerts approximate time & weather permitting!
X-Treme Paintball
LoDa Artwalk
(251) 639-0399
(251) 208-1550
Wales West
Alabama Contemporary Art Center
(251) 270-0209 trackinfo@gulfshorestrack.com www.gulfshorestrack.com
Town of Dauphin Island Sunday Sunset Concerts
townofdauphinisland.org
13670 Smiley Street Silverhill 36576 Come to Wales West any day of the week and enjoy our Zume Flume Water Slide, spring-fed lake with waterfall, sandy beach and fishing. New large shady deck just completed overlooking the lake. Indoor pool, playground, and train rides are included. Train rides are at 1 pm and 4 pm. Prices: Day Pass, $15 plus tax, 2 and under free. Train ride,
www.weeksbayplantation.com
900-A Schillinger Road South Mobile 36695 Hours of Operation: Saturday-10:00am-6:30pm, Sunday-12:00pm-6:30pm. Field hours on Saturday and Sunday are subject to participation. We will stay open later or close earlier depending on the players. www.xpb.us
Home Depot offers free workshops for children AND adults. For project details, dates and times visit www.homedepot.com/workshops. www.homedepot.com
Downtown Mobile Second Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be! Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors. Fun for the whole family! In the Cathedral Square Art District from 6-9pm. www.ncsmobile.org
Michael’s Arts and Crafts
Arts and Crafts 301 Conti Street Mobile 36602 Alabama Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit contemporary arts center located on Cathedral Square in the heart of Mobile’s historic downtown district. Admission to the Alabama Contemporary Art Center is free on Fridays. Check out the center’s current exhibit “Sister Shores: From Mobile to Havana”. Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Artwalk – 2nd Fridays 11:00am-9:00pm) and Satur-
3250 Airport Boulevard Mobile 36606 Kids Summer Crafting! Join us for Camp Creativity from June 12-July 28 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00am-12:00pm. $5 per session or $12 for 3 sessions. Seven weeks of making for kids 3 and up. Please visit our website for more information. (251) 473-8520
www.michaels.com
Mobile Museum of Art
4850 Museum Drive Mobile 36608 The Mobile Museum of Art provides a place where people enrich their lives through interaction with
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the visual arts in thought-provoking and creative ways that nourish and delight the mind and spirit. For the fundamental purpose of education, the Museum collects, conserves, exhibits, interprets and researches art. The museum has numerous programs and happenings. Art Classes, Art Blast, the Museum’s summer art camp, Live at the Museum, Night Market, Film Series and more. Join the Mobile Museum of art each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. Open Tuesday- Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm (Thurdays 10:00am-9:00pm – admission by donation – pay what you can). Adults: $12, Seniors: $10 Students: $8. Children under 6: Free (Members are free). (251) 208-5200
www.mobilemuseumofart.com
Mobile Parks & Recreation Community Activities
Classes and Camps offering arts, crafts, sports and much more. Call 666-6404 or 666-6053 or visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks or www.communityactivitiesprogram.com. (251) 460-2421
www.cityofmobile.org/parks
Paint Party Studios
15 Upham Street Mobile 36607 Paint Party Studios has been in business since 2008 helping bring art and whimsy to the Gulf Coast region with paint classes, birthday parties for all ages, summer camps, memorable office parties and employee team-building events and more. (251) 343-2423
www.paintpartystudios.com
Bowling/Skating, Movie Theatres, Indoor Fun Jumps-A-Lot
302 Schillinger Road North Mobile 36608 Inflatable party place with arcade room, Jump and Party rentals. Summer open play is Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am until 2:00 pm. $5.50 per person. Starts first week of June – first week of August. (251) 633-6676
www.jumps-a-lot.com
Lazer Zone
790 Schillinger Road North Mobile 36608 We have a multi-level laser tag arena that features state-of-the-art laser tag gear and a challenging maze. We have 2 large party rooms that can also be converted into one large room for extra large groups. Our large lobby features fun arcade games and concessions. Whether you are looking for a place to have fun this summer, host your birthday party, church lock-in, school field trip, or business office retreat, LazerZONE Mobile has what you need for a fun, entertaining event! (251) 639-7330
www.lazerzone.com
Pete’s Party Castle
2040 Schillinger Road South Mobile 36695 Pete’s Party Castle is Mobile’s favorite place to sit back and let the kids play. Enjoy great food, arcades, and a dragon playground.mEven the little ones can play, too, in our toddler soft play area. We recently added a precious Crooked House to our toddler area which is very popular. (251) 281-1990 petespartycastle@aol.com www.petespartycastle.com
Pump It Up
741-A Hillcrest Road Mobile 36695 Summer Open Play: Begins May 29. Monday Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Friday all summer long! 10am-4pm we will have various open jump times and themes! Join us for our Little Tikes Jump, General Open Jump, Pizza Jump, Glow Jump and Buddy Jumps! All jumps can be pre purchased online under our events calendar.
camp information and registration online at www. disl.org.
Environmental and Marine Education/ Nature Trails
ad on page 41
(251) 342-3940 pumpitupmobile@gmail.com www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al
Back Country Trail
ad on page 41
Explore the beauty and diversity of the Back Country Trail! Seven trails among six distinct ecosystems make up more than 15 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex through Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and the Gulf State Park. Explore the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, rock climb in the Boulder Park; enjoy the mystical Freshwater Marshes and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on the Twin Bridges, a White Tailed Deer on Gulf Oak Ridge or explore the newest addition, Coyote Crossing. Capture adventure while enjoying biking, jogging, walking, plant and tree identification, wildlife, photography and simply connecting to nature. For trail maps, pictures, locations and other information please visit the website.
(251) 861-2141
www.disl.org
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort 36527 Learn and explore “America’s Amazon” - our own Mobile-Tensaw Delta! Visit the Apalachee Exhibit Hall and Little Bateau Learning Center for live animals and hands-on exhibits. Watch a movie in the state-of-the-art Tensaw Theater about Alabama’s ecology and history, or maybe your favorite type of animal. Reserve your spot on a boat tour of the lower delta, rent a kayak to paddle Sardine Pass and Justin’s Bay, or stay overnight at one of our new kayak/canoe campsites! Walk the nature trails, climb a tree, have a picnic, or enjoy some of the area’s best bird watching. Find that unique gift for a
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special someone in our Cypress Welcome Center and Gift Shop. Five Rivers offers programs for all ages throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram! Open 7 days a week, FREE admission, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Dauphin Island Sea Lab
(251) 625-0814 www.Alabama5Rivers.com Shonda.Borden@dcnr.alabama.govor info@5rds.com
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101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island 36528 The Estuarium is an exciting educational public aquarium highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 7,000 gallon sting ray touch pool, and the Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility has 31 aquariums totaling over 30,000 gallons with more than 100 species on display. The Estuarium showcases the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the Estuary and its surrounding marine habitats. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Estuarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. Our summer excursions and camps take you into the salt marsh, across the beach and into the maritime forest for a hands-on learning experience. Bring your friends and family. Summer hours: MondaySaturday 9:00am-6:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm-6:00pm. Estuarium Admission: Adults $11, Children 5 years - 18 years (with a Student ID) $6, seniors $9. Group rates available. Summer
Alligator Alley
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(251) 981-1180
www.backcountrytrail.com
ad on page 22
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19950 Highway 71 Summerdale 36580 Start your guided adventure with a walk to the elevated viewing platform, where you can see over 450 alligators now from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, courting and nesting. Come during feeding times and you can see the feeding crew walk right out to the alligators to feed them! After a breath taking view, continue your adventure with a nature walk on the elevated boardwalk and see alligators in their natural habitat along with other natural inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species. Open 7 Days a Week – 10:00am-5:00pm. Feedings 11:00; 1:00; 4:00. Cost - Adult-$12 (plus tax), Children-$10 (Ages 4-12) (plus tax), Seniors-$10 (65+) (plus tax) and 3 and under are free. Alligator food (chow) is $4 (plus tax). Call for more info or to schedule a b-day party! (251) 946-BITE
www.gatoralleyfarm.com
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore 36582 Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65-acre estate
www.mobilebayparents.com
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of year-round beauty. Come experience the 2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the U.S., as awarded by the All-America Rose Selections. Highlights along the 2 miles of walking paths include the Great Lawn, the Bayou Boardwalk on Fowl River, Mirror Lake, the Rockery and the Asian Garden. Tour the Bellingrath Home, complete with its original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collections of antiques, silver and china. Located just 30 minutes southwest of Mobile. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. Gardens: Open daily from 8:00am-5:00pm. The Bellingrath Home: Guided tours begin at 9:00am., with the last ticket sold at 3:30pm. (251) 973-2217
www.bellingrath.org
Bicycle Trails – Mobile County
Trail maps for Mobile and Baldwin County areas. Interested in finding a Specialty ride or joining a weekly ride, please visit www.bicyclemobile.org. (251) 432-1638
www.mobileunited.org/trails
Birding Trails
The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is a birder’s paradise. Our sun-drenched coast is a popular resort area for a variety of feathered visitors and year-round residents. Also visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary at Dauphin Island. It has been named one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migrations! The Sanctuary (213 Bienville Blvd.) consists of 137 acres of maritime forest, marshes and dunes, including a lake, a swamp and a beach. Meanwhile, the Sanctuary’s 3-mile trail system was designated recently as a National Recreational Trail. For detailed individual trail maps, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com
Bon Secour National Wildlife Reserve
12295 State Highway 180 Gulf Shores 36542 The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama. The refuge is open to visitors year-round, during daylight hours only. The Visitor Center is open from 9:00am-2:00pm Monday through Friday. The Visitor Center is closed on federal holidays. (251) 540-7720
www.fws.gov/bonsecour
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Dauphin Island Park & Beach
109 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island 36528 Dauphin Island Park & Beach offers many activities to choose from such as the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Fort Gaines, Kayaking, Public beach access, Trails and so much more! The Park & Beach Board has around 265 acres of parkland and in that we have 10 park facilities. The park offers 265 acres of parkland with 10 facilities to encourage outdoor recreation, environmental education. Each park facility offers a variety of programming. Visit our website for specific information on all activities the park has to offer. (251) 861-3607 scaindipbb@outlook.com or parks@ dauphinisland.org www.dauphinisland.org
Environmental Studies Center
6101 Girby Road Mobile 36693 The Environmental Studies Center is a natural sciences education facility designed to provide unique learning experiences not typically available in the local school. Featuring over 500 acres of rich woodlands, the Center affords teachers, students and the general public an opportunity to experience firsthand the natural environment and the inter-
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relationships governing our living world. Natural resources include pine and bay forests, swamps, freshwater streams, carnivorous plant bogs, and a twenty-acre lake. Man-made facilities include numerous nature and hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, covered pavilions, a weather station and STARLAB Planetarium, live animal exhibits, native plants garden, and multipurpose instruction building. The building contains an auditorium, library, and classroom/exhibit space containing live reptiles and amphibians, a salt-water aquarium, and numerous preserved specimens commonly encountered throughout southern Alabama. Summer Day camps for kids are also registering now. A donation of $2 per visitor is appreciated. Call for hours and special events. (251) 221-5000
www.mcpsesc.com
Gulf Quest
155 South Water Street Mobile 36602 With 90 interactive exhibits, simulators, displays and theaters, GulfQuest is a place you’ll want to visit often. The exhibits are housed on multiple decks of a life-sized replica of a container ship, so come ready to walk and browse and take your time. There are many places to sit and enjoy the view, both inside the museum and outside overlooking the beautiful Mobile River and the busy of Port of Mobile. Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Friday
Oyster Trail
The Oyster Trail is a fun, educational and public art treasure hunt throughout coastal Alabama. Look for the large fiberglass oysters that have been painted, decorated and bedazzled by artists throughout the area and which can be found along the street, within parks, in lobbies, and well…wherever. Each oyster has a fact plaque that includes important information about the oyster’s ecological and economic benefit to Mobile Bay. Visitors to the Trail are guided by a Trail Map which provides locations of the oysters. Trail Maps can be found in hotels, shops, visitor centers, etc. or can be downloaded from our website. Remember to complete the scavenger hunt form and return it to win Oyster Trail Prizes! (251) 438-5690 oystergardening@auburn.edu www.theoystertrail.com
Weeks Bay Reserve
11300 U.S. Highway 98 Fairhope 36532 Weeks Bay Reserve encompasses over 6,000 acres of land and water in and around Weeks Bay and along Mobile Bay. The Reserve has a free educational visitor center and two boardwalks. One boardwalk is behind the Reserve Visitor Center and leads to Weeks Bay; the pitcher plant bog boardwalk connects to Fish River. (251) 928-9792
www.weeksbayreserve.com
Plants-Organic Vegetables-Farm Fresh Eggs-CSA Farm Shares. Come out and enjoy the country. Visit our website for more information. (251) 865-0252
bluemoonfarm-grandbay.com
Flea Market Mobile
401 Schillinger Road North Mobile 36608 800 booths under one roof! Clean and modern facilities. Rain or shine! Saturday-Sunday, 9am – 5pm. (251) 633-7533
www.fleamarketmobile.com
Market in the Park - Lavretta Park
Parkway Street West Mobile 36608 Local farmers market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and jams, locally harvested honey, handmade soaps, eggs and organic meats, local artisans and more! Every Thursday May 25July 27 from 3:00pm-6:00pm. (251) 208-1550
www.ncsmobile.org
Market in the Park - Mardi Gras Park
100 South Royal Street Mobile 36602 Local farmers market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and jams, locally harvested honey, handmade soaps, eggs and organic meats, local artisans and more! Every Satruday from April 29-July 20 from 7:30am-12:00pm. (251) 208-1550
www.ncsmobile.org
Oak Hill Produce
7250 Grand Bay Wilmer Road Grand Bay 36541 For all the foodies out there, enjoy the luxury of garden fresh produce without all the hard work. Stroll through the U-Pick garden and gather your own Blueberries and Blackberries. Our Market Garden will have fresh vegetables available. You pick on the farm most days from 10am till dark but this varies with the season so please check our website for more information. Closed Sundays. (251) 751-2006
oakhillproduce.com
Historical Sites USS Alabama Battleship
ad on page 7
9:00am-4:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm. Admission: Adults (18-64) $14.00, Youth (5-17) $11.00, Child (under 5) Free, Seniors (65+) $13.00, Active Military (w/ ID) $13.00 and College Students (w/ ID) $13.00. (251) 436-8901
www.gulfquest.org
Mobile Botanical Gardens
5151 Museum Drive Mobile 36608 100-acre site of cultivated gardens and woodland trails. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, see in one place the largest collection of plants on the Gulf Coast, and learn about the diversity of our local plant and wild life. MBG Marketplace Saturdays 9-12:00pm until the end of June. Also offering classes and events. Admission: Members: Free, Adults $5, Children 12 and under free. Hours: Wednesdays-Sundays from 9:00am-4:00pm. Check website for more information. (251) 342-0555 mbg2@bellsouth.net www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Farmers Markets and Open Air Markets Betty’s Berry Farm
3887 Driskell Loop Road Wilmer 36587 Come pick your own blueberries from mid-Maymid-July!! Our berries are never sprayed with any chemicals, so you can taste them in the field with no worries! If it’s pretty outside, we’re open. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to pick! We accept cash or farmer’s market vouchers. No debit or credit. (251) 680-0684
www.bettysberryfarm.com
Blue Moon Farm
13620 Tom Gaston Road Mobile 36695 U-Pick Blueberries and Blackberries-Blueberry Plants-Cut Flowers-U/Pick Flowers- Specialty
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2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile 36603 At Battleship Memorial Park you’ll walk the decks of the Mighty A, our WWII battleship. Explore the decks and see how sailors lived aboard this floating city. It’s periscopes up in the USS DRUM, the oldest submarine on public display. You’ll also see over 25 historic airplanes, vehicles, tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat, and a super-secret spy plane . It’s all here waiting to be discovered! Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (April-September) 8:00 am 5:00 pm (October-March) last ticket sold one hour prior to closing. Ages 12 and up $15, Ages 6 – 11 $6, Under age 5 and active military is free. Ages 55+ is $13. Ask about our Overnight Program for scouts, school and church groups. (251) 433-2703
www.ussalabama.com
Dora Franklin African American Heritage Trail Tours
Mobile History comes alive on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail! Tours enlighten Mobile’s culturally diverse heritage by linking historic contributions and events with significant locations. Forgotten chapters of history are remembered through the stories of courage and contributions from Mobile’s ethnically diverse past. Book your tour today at 251-725-2236 or email eric. finley@att.net. Cost: $10 per person, $5 for Seniors (62 and up) and Students (17 and under). (251) 725-2236
www.dffaaht.org
www.mobilebayparents.com
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Fort Gaines
51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island 36528 Fort Gaines was the battle site of the famous Battle of the Bay in August 1864. See the battlements and soldiers’ living quarters, which were used from the 1800’s to 1946. Lots of fun for families and kids! Admission Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm. Cost - Children (5-12) - $4.00, Adults (Ages 13+) - $8.00. (251) 861-6992
www.dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines
Fort of Colonial Mobile
150 South Royal Street Mobile 36602 In this immersive, interactive exhibit in the heart of Historic Fort Conde, visitors can learn about the people who colonized early Mobile. While visiting the Fort be sure to visit the Colonial Cafe, Trading Post, Colonial Photo Booth, Breakout Room, and shooting gallery. You will also have a chance to tour the interactive exhibits that highlight the history of the Fort. Don’t miss the Fife and Drum band, cannon firing, and live action characters representing real people who lived in Colonial Mobile. Admission – Adults - $8, Kids - $5. (251) 802-3092
colonialmobile.com
Historic Blakeley State Park
34745 State Highway 225 Spanish Fort 36527 Tour the preserved Civil War battlefield with its Confederate and Union breastworks and fortifications. Walk or bike on miles of trails or take a 2 hour eco-boat tour. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Check our webpage for more information. The Park is 8:00am to dusk, seven days a week. Adults $4.00, Children 6-12: $3.00, Children under 6: Free. (251) 626-0798
www.blakeleypark.com
Historic Mobile Tours
Partake in an engaging and personalized tour of historic Mobile with your guide, L. Craig Roberts, Architect, AIA. Choose from three informative and interesting outings tailored to you and your group: Seven Historic Districts Tour, Historic Village of Springhill Tour or Downtown Mobile Historic Walking Tour. Please visit the website for information. (251) 343-8165 lcraigroberts@aol.com lcraigroberts.com/tours
Mobile Carnival Museum
355 Government Street Mobile 36602 The Mobile Carnival Museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras. Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival. See firsthand the intricate designs and artistry of majestic crowns, scepters and robes of Mardi Gras monarchs. Discover the art of costume design and float construction. View videos of parades and balls. Witness the pomp and pageantry of past coronations. Browse a pictorial gallery of historical photographs dating back to 1886. Experience a behind the mask view of the street party by climbing aboard a rocking float. Become a costumed youth rider in the Little Mystics Den. Adults-$5.00, Children 12 and under - $2.00. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm. (Open every other Thursday). (251) 432-3324
www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com
Mobile Mardi Gras Trail
1 South Water Street Mobile 36602 A walking or driving route that recreates the birth of America’s mystic Mardi Gras tradition. Discover the festive side of life during the steamboat era, authentic Creole culture and the extravagance of the Guilded Age, mixed with the intrigue of secret societies, flambeaus and ballrooms. Self guided or daily tours at 12:30pm or by appointment. (251) 432-6161 mardigrastrail@gmail.com www.mobilemardigrastrail.com
Civil War. Free Admission. Open Tuesday – Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm.
Oakleigh Historic Complex
300 Oakleigh Place Mobile 36604 Come hear our story! We certainly have a lot to tell you. During your visit to Oakleigh you will step back in time as costumed guides take you on an intimate tour of Mobile’s official period house museum. Hear stories of Mobile’s early history. Learn about the families who lived at Oakleigh. Experience life during the 1850s in Mobile. A tour of Oakleigh Historic Complex includes Oakleigh, our iconic Greek Revival home constructed in 1833 by cotton factor James Roper; the Cox-Deasy Cottage, built circa 1850 and home to George Cox a popular Mobile brick mason, his wife and 12 children; and The Cook’s House and Garden, built in the late 1860s and home to the Gaither family who worked on the Oakleigh estate for many years. Located minutes from downtown Mobile, Oakleigh offers a pleasant experience for all ages. Open 10:00am-4:00pm Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Closed Wednesday and Sunday. Tours offered on the hour. Last tour is at 3:00pm. $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for Military, AAA, National Trust members, Students, Children over 5. (251) 432-1281
www.historicoakleigh.com/
203 South Claiborne Street Mobile 36602 The Phoenix Fire Museum is in the restored home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. This building houses turn-of-the-century horse-drawn steam engines and early motorized vehicles. The gallery on the Second Floor recounts the history of the volunteer fire companies of Mobile from their organization in 1838. Open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Admission: Free. (251) 208-7508 www.museumofmobile.com/phoenix-fire-museum
The History Museum of Mobile
111 South Royal Street Mobile 36602 The History Museum of Mobile is an educational and entertaining destination for both adults and children. As you explore the museum’s galleries, interesting artifacts and fascinating stories will appear around every corner. The museum also boasts audio and interactive exhibits that engage visitors as they learn. Open Monday through Saturdays – 9:00am-5:00pm. Sundays – 1:00pm5:00pm. Cost: Adult - $10.00, Children age 13 to 17 - $7.50, Children age 6 to 12 - $5.00 and Children age 5 and under – Free. www.museumofmobile.com
University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum
6052 USA Drive South Mobile 36608 The Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts from the Gulf Coast and covers over 12,000 years of prehistory and history. Artifacts are contextualized using a series of life-size scenic representations depicting archaeologists at work and glimpses into the ways of life of ancient Woodland cultures, mound-building Mississippian peoples, early French settlers, and an African American family after the
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Indoor Fun Gulf Coast Exploreum
ad on page 35
65 Government Street Mobile 36604 8,500-square-foot, hands-on discovery playground with IMAX theatre where learning about science and nature is nothing but fun for children and adults of all ages! The Exploreum also offers amazing Summer Science Camps! Weeklong camps are hands-on, age-appropriate with make-and-take activities. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am5:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm.
(251) 208-6893
www.exploreum.com
Altitude Trampoline Park
3659C Airport Boulevard Mobile 36608 Trampoline Park. Come Jump with us! Hours: Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 11:00am - 9:00pm, Wednesday: 11:00am - 9:00pm, Thursday: 11:00am - 9:00pm, Friday: 11:00am - 11:00pm, Saturday: 9:00am - 11:00pm and Sunday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm. (251) 725-0171
altitudetrampolineparkmobile.com
AMF - Camellia Lanes
Phoenix Fire Museum
(251) 208-7508
(251) 460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum
125 North Schillinger Road Mobile 36608 With a Summer Games pass, you can bowl 3 games every day, all season long, for one low price. Get your passes today—online or in-center—and enjoy your best deal on bowling fun. Pay just once and play all summer! (251) 639-1221
www.amf.com/camellialanes
AMF Skyline Lanes
4120 Government Boulevard Mobile 36693 With a Summer Games pass, you can bowl 3 games every day, all season long, for one low price. Get your passes today—online or in-center—and enjoy your best deal on bowling fun. Pay just once and play all summer! (251) 661-1221
www.amf.com/skylinelanes
Arena-The Next Level Laser Tag/ Bazookaball
4720 Main Street Orange Beach 36561 Visit us for Great entertainment for all ages, and perfect for birthday parties, civic outings, and family vacations. We offer Laser Tag and Bazookaball for all ages. (251) 224-5297(LAZR)
www.arenaorangebeach.com
Breakout Mobile
3090 Dauphin Square Connector Mobile 36607 You have one goal: escape the room in under 1 hour. You’ll work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, find hidden items, and more in order to escape! Each game is a real life escape room adventure for a small group. It’s great for groups of friends, family, or coworkers. Take team building to a whole new level! (251) 460-1284
breakoutmobile.com
Chuck E. Cheese’s
710 Downtowner Loop West Mobile 36609 Watch your kids have a blast at the best place for
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family fun! We provide games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for the whole family. Toddlers, big kids, and parents will all see why Chuck E. rocks. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm, Friday-11:00am-10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am10:00pm. (251) 342-8142
www.chuckecheese.com
Dreamland Skate Center
5672 Three Notch Road Mobile 36619 Dreamland Skate Center is Mobile’s premier roller skating rink. Its hickory wood floor is the only one of its kind in Mobile. Check our online calendar for upcoming summer skate times! (251) 661-6997
www.dreamlandskatecenter.com
Get Air
842 Schillinger Road South Mobile 36695 Wall to wall trampolines, dodge ball, foam pits, basketball dunk, toddler jump area and birthday parties. Hours: Monday - Thursday – 12:00pm10:00pm, Friday – 12:00pm-12:00am, Saturday – 10:00am- Midnight and Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm. (251) 241-3101
getairmobile.com
Mobile Museum of Art – Summer Film Series
4850 Museum Drive Mobile 36608 Join us for a movie night meant to get your creative juices pumping. On Tuesday nights through the summer we will be screening Artist biopics and documentaries featuring some of the greats. Admission is pay what you can. Show starts at 6:00pm. Free popcorn. Beer and wine by donation. Please visit our website for the listings of documentaries. (251) 208-5200
www.mobilemuseumofart.com
Regal Movie Stadium 18 2017 Summer Movie Express
1250 Satchel Paige Drive Mobile 36606 Summer Movie Express 2017 - Family fun movies playing on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:00am for the summertime! Movies start June 6 and run through August 2. Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute.
Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden
1108 Dauphin Street Mobile 36604 Play Place, Drop off Service, Birthday Parties, Classes, Summer Camps and More! Check our website for dates, rates, summer camps and special classes coming up. (251) 421-2434
sunshinesuesplaygarden.com
(251) 447-4846
Sunshine Skate Center
950 Hillcrest Road Mobile 36695 Summer Fun at Sunshine begins June 5! Summer Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-4pm $7, Thursday 6pm-9pm $3, Friday 7pm-10pm $9, Saturday 12pm-3pm or 4pm-7pm $7, Saturday night (Family Fun Night) 7pm-10pm $5 and Sunday 2pm-5pm $7. Please visit our website and special events page for more information on upcoming events. (251) 639-1704
www.sunshineskate.com
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Mobile Symphony Orchestra 257 Dauphin Street Mobile (251) 432-2010
36602
www.mobilesymphony.org
The Playhouse in the Park
Many of the local libraries have very exciting events and activities during the summer. Summer Reading Program, Movies, Activities, Art Projects, Clubs and more! We encourage you to visit your local library’s website for details! 2017 Summer Reading Program kick-off will be held at the Ben May Main Library and West Regional Branch on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00am-1:00pm. Join us as we officially kick-off our 2017 Summer Library Program! The FREE program, which runs from June 3 – July 29, features special guest performers, storytimes, movies, crafts, games and more at all Library locations. Children can sign up any time during the eight weeks and are encouraged to set reading goals for the summer. To celebrate our theme, this year children will get a scoop of Legos each time they reach a reading milestone on their reading log. Reading during the summer is important because studies show children who don’t lose approximately three months’ worth of knowledge. Last year, more than 14,000 children participated in Mobile, making our program the largest in the state. Please visit our website, mobilepubliclibrary.org, for all the details on the fun activities planned at your favorite Library location! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Plays and Performances Azalea City Center for the Arts (251) 510-1808
www.azaleacityarts.com
14 North Lafayette Street Mobile (251) 433-7513
4851 Museum Drive Mobile (251) 602-0630
36608
www.mobilepip.org
The Steeple
251 St Francis Street Mobile (251) 415-4641
36604
www.mobiletheatreguild.org
36602
www.thesteeplemobile.com
University of South Alabama Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 5751 USA S Drive Mobile (251) 460-6136
36608
www.southalabama.edu
Things To Do - Sports Azalea City Golf Course
1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile 36608 Azalea City Golf offers golf lessons for all golfers. We have various skill level lessons offered from the novice student to advanced lessons for more experienced golfers. Contact our office for more information for private lessons. (251) 208-5150
www.azaleacitygolfcourse.com
Bow-Tag
Bow-Tag is a fantastic new, safe and friendly combat archery sport that can be played indoors or outdoors. Players wear masks and use recurve bows to shoot ultra-safe foam-tipped arrows at the opposing team members on the field. Think paintball without the pain, bruises or welts. The equipment is completely mobile so you can come to us or we can bring it to you. Players do not need any prior archery skills, it’s simple, safe and fun for all ages! Enjoy with friends, family or colleagues at work. We cater to the following events; private parties for both children and adults, church groups, scout groups, fairs, festivals, functions and corporate team-building events. (251) 895-5714 cole@bow-tag.com www.bow-tag.com
Chickasaw Civic Theatre
801 Iroquois Street Mobile 36611
www.spa-tea-da.com
www.mobilesaenger.com
Mobile Public Library
531 Saraland Blvd South Saraland 36571 Skateland is your premier party and family fun center. Come check us out!
3938 Government Boulevard Mobile 36693 Spa-Tea-Da! is a quaint day spa just for girls and a boutique party spot in Mobile. We have many fun activities planned throughout the summer sure to cure a girl’s summer boredom blues. Check our events tab on our website for more information.
(251) 208-5600
36602
Mobile Theatre Guild
Skateland of Saraland
Spa-Tea-Da
6 South Joachim Street Mobile
Libraries / Story Times
http://www.regmovies.com
(251) 675-6601 www.facebook.com/skateland.saraland
Mobile Saenger Theatre
(251) 457-8887
www.cctshows.com
Joe Jefferson Players
11 South Carlen Street Mobile 36606 (251) 471-1534
www.joejeffersonplayers.com
Mobile Chamber Music (251) 476-8794
www.mobilechambermusic.org
Mobile Civic Center
401 Civic Center Drive Mobile 36602 (251) 208-7261
www.mobilecivicctr.com
Mobile Opera
257 Dauphin Street Mobile 36602 (251) 432-6772
Mobile Pops (251) 679-6036
www.mobileopera.org www.themobilepops.com
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City of Mobile Parks & Recreation
Summer sports offered at many locations. Please check the Community Activities Program at our website for summer listings. (251) 208-1650
www.cityofmobile.org/parks
City of Mobile Swim Association
We have a history of being one of the finest competitive swim teams in Southeastern Swimming and have been serving the Gulf Coast since 1979. We are a parent operated, non-profit program. Our swimmers, coaches, and parents are all proud of our past accomplishments and we are looking forward to an even brighter future. Our team is comprised of a variety of practice groups ranging from the entry-level swimmer to the Senior National and Olympic Trials qualifier. CMSA’s team goals are to develop the character, skills, and desire necessary for each child to maximize their potential. Our swimmers develop physical fitness, selfdiscipline, and self-esteem enabling them to maximize their potential, both athletically and personally. www.swimcmsa.com
www.mobilebayparents.com
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Mobile Bay Bears Baseball
755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile 36606 Minor League Baseball at its best! (251) 479-2327
www.mobilebaybears.com
Mobile County Aquatic League
Summer fun...here we come! Don’t miss out, join a MCAL club today and start swimming! For leagues and meet information visit our website. www.mcalswimming.com
Mobile International Speedway
7800 Park Boulevard Irvington 36544 Alabama’s fastest ½ mile track featuring exciting oval track action including the Southern super Series, winged spring cars, demolition derby and more. Home of the ARCS Mobile 200. (251) 957-2063
www.mobilespeedway.net
Mobile Sailing School
4295 Marina Drive North Mobile 36605 The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982. This program is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about this wonderful sport. (251) 709-4102
www.mobilebaysailingschool.com
Mobile Tennis Center
851 Gaillard Drive Mobile 36608 Largest municipal tennis complex in U.S. with 60 Courts. Summer Tennis Clinics offered. (251) 208-5181
www.mobiletenniscenter.net
The Ballpark Mobile
14061 Airport Boulevard Mobile 36608 We offer lessons in baseball, softball, soccer fast speed and agility and camps and clinics. Call us or check our website for more information. Find us on Facebook. (251) 694-2888
www.theballparknj.com
Water Fun, Sailing, Cruises and Tours Five Rivers Delta Safaris
ad on page 41
30841 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort 36527 Delta Safaris is based at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. We offer boat tours, canoe and Kayak rental and outfitter services. Delta Safaris operates throughout the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the second largest river delta in the U.S., a prime location to see an abundance of wildlife. long. From 2 hour excursions to multiple day camping, fishing and hunting, we have an adventure to fit all ages and skills. (251) 259-8531 info@5RDS.com com/delta-safaris
wildnativetours.
Waterville USA ad on page 24
906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores 36542 Join the family fun with the Waterpark, Flowrider, Mini Golf, Bounce House, Go-Karts, Arcade, Rollercoaster and much more! For park dates and times please visit watervilleusa.com. Waterpark opens May 20 for 2017 and daily starting May 27. Take advantage of the discount with a SEASON PASS! Text WATERFUN to 45203 to sign up for cool coupons, specials, and more information. (251) 948-2106 wville2@gulftel.com www.watervilleusa.com
Action Outdoors – Dauphin Island
650 LeMoyne Drive Dauphin Island Action Outdoors offers boat trips into the waters surrounding Dauphin Island. We offer a safe comfortable trip. If you are looking for an adventure with Dolphins, planning a school field trip/eco tour, romantic cruise, or to do some inshore fishing, we can accommodate your needs. “Built in touch tanks provide personal experiences with many kinds of fish and other animals found in our waters. The Duke”- Action Outdoor’s boat “The Duke” is a 44 foot Bonner can carry 42 passengers along with her crew in bays and coastal waters within 3 miles of shore. For further information, please visit our website or contact us at (251) 861-2201. (251) 861-2201
www.actionoutdoors.org
Airboat Express
3733 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort 36527 Take a tour with us and experience a treat for the Whole family! Learn about the wildlife in the MobileTensaw Delta while having an educational, fun airboat ride that the whole family will enjoy! Tours depart from the Original Oyster House on The Causeway. We are open for reservations 7 days a week. Must call for reservations. Please call or visit our website for hours and rates. (251) 370-7089
www.airboatexpress.com
The Alabama State Lands Canoe Trails offer canoeists and kayakers alike the ability to explore the State’s unique natural resources while providing paddlers with opportunities for both day and overnight trips. There are 170+ miles of trail located along the Bartram Canoe Trail in the MobileTensaw Delta and Perdido River Canoe Trail. The Bartram Canoe Trail offers the option of camping on reservable floating platforms and pile supported camp shelters or primitive land-based sites with trail access starting from the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center or at one of many local landings. The Perdido River Canoe Trail offers reservable land-based shelters and allows for primitive camping at several sandbars. www.alabamacanoetrails.com
Bay City Tours
Daily sightseeing tours include Historic Mobile – 1 Hour Tour, USS Alabama Memorial Park - 3 Hour Tour, Mobile’s Own Ghost Stories: 1 hour. Other tours available. Please call for reservations or more information. www.baycityconventions.com
Delta Explorer
34745 State Highway 225 Spanish Fort 36527 Educational and FUN! Book a tour aboard the “Delta Explorer”, combine it with a *guided tour of Historic Blakeley State Park for an outstanding adventure. Journey with us by boat through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of Alabama’s Ten Natural Wonders. Visit this wilderness eco-system where you will find wetland habitats ranging from marsh to cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwoods. The Delta is also home to the State’s largest population of Experience this adventure from the comfort
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(251) 626-5581
www.blakeleypark.com/delta.asp
Gulf Coast Ducks
2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile 36603 Located at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park this duck boat tour is sure to exceed even your highest expectations. Be wildly entertained as our energetic tour guides bring hilarity and fun to this interactive tour. As you hop aboard the Gulf Coast’s only land and water tour you will experience the Mobile River, Downtown Mobile, Mobile Bay and Battleship Park like you’ve never seen them before. Prepare to experience over 3,000 years of Mobile history including a real life Game of Thrones featuring stories of colonial powers battle for control over Mobile’s waterways. Additionally, you’ll get to know the dynamic characters and personalities that make Mobile one of the most unique cultures in the world. (251) 802-8687 www.gulfcoastducks.com
Gulf Coast Tours
Step aboard our new, airconditioned historic trolley and visit over 20 homes, museums, attractions, and more, including 12+ hop on/hop off locations! This tour lasts about 90 minutes and allows you to take advantage of our hop on/hop off privileges for the day. You will learn about Mobile’s history, hear the stories of our ancestors, and much more! (251) 633-0560
Alabama Canoe Trails
(251) 479-9970
of the covered “Delta Explorer” eco-tour boat, complete with bench seating and restroom facility.
www.gctbus.com
Mobile Bay Ferry
Daily departures every 1 1/2 hours. The trip between Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan at Mobile Point provides wonderful views of the two historic forts that have long guarded the entrance of Mobile Bay. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is a great way for passengers to view birds, sea life and other boats and ships. For fares and other information, visit the website. (251) 861-3000
www.mobilebayferry.com
Mobile Sailing School
4295 Marina Drive North Mobile 36605 The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982. This program is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about this wonderful sport. (251) 709-4102
www.mobilebaysailingschool.com
Mobile Segway Tours
310 Dauphin Street Mobile 36602 Whether you’re a local or a tourist and want to have “the most fun you’ve ever had standing up”, check this out. As if gliding on a Segway for a couple of hours wasn’t fun enough, you’ll get to tell your friends that you KNOW that Mardi Gras originated in Mobile Alabama. How? By spending a couple hours with your friends, family or honey on a guided tour peppered with fun facts about the rich history of Mobile while also learning about the colorful, exciting life of Joe Cain. You’ll go back in time to the very spot where the first Mardi Gras parade began and end up in his final resting place Church Street Cemetery. (251) 433-9009, (251) 445-3652 segway@spotoftea.com www.mobilesegways.com MBP
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
Video Games Controlling Your Teen? Americans spent more than 10 billion dollars in video game equipment last year. Video game sales have now surpassed sales of both music and movies. What that means is that for millions of kids and young adults, playing video games has moved beyond a hobby and into an obsession. Now, before you label me as anti-fun, hear me out. I find nothing wrong with most videos games. In fact, playing them together with your teen is a great way to connect. But some kids and young adults are being consumed by them, and that’s where the problem lies. For some kids, what was once a fun pastime has quickly turned into an addiction. So where is the balance? If your teenager is obsessed with video games, how can you limit, but not eliminate, their interest? First, I think it’s important for moms and dads to know why teens are so easily addicted to games.
The Draw of Video Games Boys love playing video games because they provide challenge and adventure. There’s a sense of accomplishment when they beat a level, achieve a high score or complete a mission. Video games scratch an itch every guy has–to conquer dragons and rescue princesses. What’s more, teenage boys find a sense of value and esteem in playing these games. Even the dorkiest kids can become virtual sports stars, rock stars, cool secret agents or Rambo-like warriors in these games. It’s one thing they can do better than their parents and maybe even their friends, so they relish it. And it’s one place — maybe the only place — where they feel totally in control. So in order to pull your teen away from the screen, you have to offer them an adventure to take its place. I know this is hard when both parents come home tired at night, or for the single mom working hard to make ends meet. But if all a family does is go to work, go to school, watch TV, sleep Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
and repeat, then your teen is going to say, “life is boring,” and they’ll look for adventure through another means. It might require some changes and rethinking, but it doesn’t take a lot of time to have an adventure with your child. Build something in the garage. Go to the batting cages. Take him to a concert. Go for a night hike. Shoot hoops at the playground. Eat at a new restaurant you’ve never tried before. If you find your home is a boring place, inject some excitement into your family. Get out and live real life.
When It Becomes All Consuming Playing video games is a good way to spend time with friends. But kids who are addicted will tell you that they started playing video games with their friends, but then moved on to playing online–against people who they don’t even know. In this scenario, gaming moves from a social pastime to a very isolating addiction.How can parents tell if their teen is developing a gaming obsession? The book, Playstation Nation, provides a checklist of traits parents should watch for. Does your child: • Play almost every day? • Play for extended periods (more than three or four hours at a time)? • Play for excitement? • Get restless and irritable if he or she can’t play? • Sacrifice social and sporting activities to play? • Play instead of doing homework? • Try in vain to limit playing time? • Seem to be losing interest in real-life activities? If your teen is spending way too much time playing video games, or if the games are affecting their motivation or personality, then it’s time to act. Cut back the number of hours they play daily. Shut down the unit and take away the power cord after a certain hour in the evening. Require that they match the time they play video games with equal amounts of other, more productive, non-digital activities. Anything that takes over a child’s time and attention for many hours every day should be moderated. 50
Getting It Under Control
Video gaming can be a great way for moms and dads to stay connected with their kids. I’ve played through many a game with my teens and, especially in my son’s case, it has been a great way to connect, compete, communicate, and laugh (because he usually destroyed me quickly). And along the way we’ve created some of those fun bonding moments that are felt and remembered, if never quite defined. But if gaming takes over your kid’s life, it’s time to take action. Here are some quick tips to help get gaming under control: • Discourage children from retreating into games when they are stressed or upset. Don’t let a gamepad become that emotional coping mechanism. Talk honestly about challenges and work through them together. • Encourage moderation. Set an egg timer. When it goes off, so does the game console. • Limit temptations. Move electronic gaming hardware out of your teen’s bedroom and into a common area. • Spend time playing together. Take turns, ask questions and keep interaction going so teens won’t disappear into the game environment. • Capitalize on your child’s fascination with games to channel energy in a more productive direction. One gamer was challenged by his parents to figure out how his favorite games worked, technologically. Today, he’s a computer wiz who recalls, “I think my first meaningful C++ app came just from trying to get a graphic display of all of the internal components and their capabilities.” The bottom line is to implement these restrictions for your child, not against them. Tell your kids that you’ll stand beside them through thick and thin, but you’ll stand in front of them when it comes to blocking anything unhealthy, immoral or antisocial that is influencing their life. And that includes controlling their use of video games that might be controlling them. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
www.mobilebayparents.com
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FamilyCalendar Monday May 22
Auditions for “Willy Wonka - The Musical” 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Auditions for “Willy Wonka – the Musical,” are Monday and Wednesday, May 22 and 24, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Playhouse in the Park. Those auditioning should be ages 6 to mid 20’s and be prepared to sing a short song. Contact Managing Director Danny Mollise at 251-422-5434 for questions and information. 251-422-5434 playhouseinthepark.org
Wednesday May 24
Brown Bag Bienville 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile Spring has sprung in downtown Mobile! Come out and listen to the soothing Sounds of live jazz as you lunch in Bienville Square around the historic Ketchum Fountain. Catt Sirten sets up live musicians and the City sets up tables for your enjoyment each Wednesday in the Spring. ncsmobile.org Springhill Medical Center’s For Girls Only Class 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Wallace Conference Center, 3715 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Dr. Lauren Self, OB/ GYN with Azalea City Physicians for Women, will guide a discussion for girls ages 8-12 in learning about the physical changes that they will experience as they mature. FREE! Light meal provided. This class fills up very quickly. To register, call 251-460-5447 and leave a message with your daughter’s name and the parent’s name who will be staying with her during the class. Someone will call you back to confirm your registration. 251-460-5447
Auditions for “Willy Wonka - The Musical” 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Auditions for “Willy Wonka – the Musical,” are Monday and Wednesday, May 22 and 24, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Playhouse in the Park. Those auditioning should be ages 6 to mid 20’s and be prepared to sing a short song. Contact Managing Director Danny Mollise at 251-4225434 for questions and information. 251-422-5434 playhouseinthepark.org
Thursday May 25
Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org
Friday May 26
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Dolphin Tale. townofdauphinisland.org
Saturday May 27
Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, 101 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/ Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Crawfish Bash Food, Music and Fun! St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Bingo Night 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 4980 St.
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Join us for St. Vincent de Paul Bingo Night. No one under the age of 18 is permitted in the parish hall during Bingo games. Childcare available for ages 3 & up for $5 per child. www.svsparish.com
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Sup Cup ($25) 9:00 AM Mobile Yacht Club, 4925 Marina Drive North Mobile, 36605 Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Saturday May 27th at the beautiful Mobile Yacht Club for our first annual SUPCUP. The SUPCUP is open to stand up paddle boards, kayaks and open canoes. Registration will begin at 9 and the race will start promptly at 11. www.evensi.us/sup-cup-2017-mobile-yachtclub/205340017 Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Visit with friends and learn how to make Macrame Pot Holders. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. 251-470-7770 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Sunday May 28
Dauphin Island Sunset Concert ($5) 6:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island present “Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Lisa Mills Entrance fee $5.00 per individual. As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray townofdauphinisland.org Memorial Day Fireworks - Dauphin Island 8:45 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Join us for Memorial Day Fireworks. townofdauphinisland.org
Thursday June 1
Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org End of School Year Party (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, Celebrate the end of the school year with games and crafts.Snacks will be provided. All Ages. (251) 208-7086 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Night Market 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 MMofA hosts a monthly Night Market that showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food, drink, and live music. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Free Willy. townofdauphinisland.org
Friday June 2
Little Discoveries with Mr. Wayne (Free) 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. Ages 3-6 (251) 208-7086 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 5th Annual Crawfish Bash 5:00 PM Blackburn Park, Corner of South Hoyle Avenue and First Street Bay Minette 5th Annual
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Vincent Drive Mobile, 36619
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Ice Age. townofdauphinisland.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot”. 251-433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org
Saturday June 3
Publix Grandman Triathlon 7:00 AM Fairhope Municipal Pier, 1 North Beach Road Fairhope, 36532 Hosted by Mobile Baykeeper, the 13th Annual Publix Grandman Triathlon has become a premier destination for triathletes around the Southeast. Proceeds from the race benefit three local non-profit organizations: Mobile Baykeeper, myTeam Triumph: Southern Alabama, and Delta Bike Project. www.thegrandman.com Just for the Mud of it 7:30 AM 12251 Tanner Williams Road Mobile, 36608 “Just For The Mud Of It” is a 5k mud run and obstacle course created, designed, and built by the MPD S.W.A.T. Team. Obstacles include: low crawling, climbing walls and other obstacles, and navigating through mud pits and a creek. www.justforthemudofit.org Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, 101 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/ Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Summer Reading Kick-off (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Ben May Main Library and West Regional Branch Library, Summer Reading Kick-off for “Build a Better World - READ” will be held at Ben May Main Library or West Regional Branch Library. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen
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smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot”. 251-433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org
Sunday June 4
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Jubilee Kids Triathlon 7:30 AM Fairhope Pier, 1 North Beach Road Fairhope, 36532 The Publix Jubilee Kids Triathlon will take place on Sunday June 4 at 7:30 a.m. at the Fairhope Pier, making it the perfect race weekend for the whole family. Proceeds from the race benefit three local non-profit organizations: Mobile Baykeeper, myTeam Triumph: Southern Alabama, and Delta Bike Project. www.mobilebaykeeper.org/jubilee-kids-triathlon Explore Mobile
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2:00 PM 7:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, Enjoy music, food, activities, as well free admission to the city’s tourist attractions. 251-301-0273
Street Mobile, 36606 The Joe Jefferson Players are holding open auditions for the first show of our 70th season, Annie! 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com
Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) Saraland Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, 36571 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. Showtimes: 9:30am and 10:30am 251-675-2879 mobilepubliclibrary.org
Tuesday June 6
5 Rivers Story-Time (Free) 10:00 AM Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36608 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is about a contest for insects! Who is the bugliest bug of them all? Come find out in this whirring, zinging, hopping-good show! www.outdooralabama.com Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Keri Taylor, keriwtaylor@gmail.com, 850-304-6339. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https:// www.classicalconversations.com/events/get-event/ node/118945 . 850-304-6339 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/118945
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Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com
Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot”. 251-433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org
Joe Jefferson Players Audition for “Annie” 6:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 The Joe Jefferson Players are holding open auditions for the first show of our 70th season, Annie! 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com
Monday June 5
Wednesday June 7
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Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) 1:00 PM Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, 36575 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) 3:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players Audition for “Annie” 6:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen
Thursday June 8
Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) 10:00 AM Trinity Gardens Community Library, 2668 Berkley Avenue Mobile, 36610 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Days in Bienville Square (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and much more! ncsmobile.org Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Participants are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. Ages 8-13. For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, 36606 The Alabama
10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series to help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. June 7: Summer Garden Walk. Join Bellingrath’s Horticultural Management Team for a guided tour of the Gardens to see our wonderful summer displays, floral borders and new additions. Stay for lunch in our Magnolia Café and check out our new merchandise in the Bellingrath Gift Shop. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org
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Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. Showtimes: 9:30am 11:00am 1:00pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Coastal Seafood Craze ($25) 5:00 PM Hank Aaron Stadium, 755
Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays
(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)
Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) 3:00 PM Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Coastal Foundation is excited to host the sixth annual Coastal Seafood Craze! The Craze will partner with the Mobile Bay Bears at the Hank Aaron Stadium Event Center.The Coastal Seafood Craze invites local restaurants to feature dishes made with locally caught seafood. Also, this year we are excited to recycle the oyster shells as part of our AL Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Gulf Coast seafood is an important part of our local culture, and we need to do everything we can to support and celebrate it. www.joinacf.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: The Secret Life of Pets townofdauphinisland.org
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
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FamilyCalendar Environmental Studies’ Center Critter Show (Free) Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, 36617 The Environmental Studies Center’s Critter Show features some of the amazing animals who live along the Gulf coast. The show engages and educates our audience about the wonders of these animals and their habitats. Showtimes: 1:00pm and 2:30pm. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Friday June 9
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Home townofdauphinisland.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot”. 251-433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org
Saturday June 10
Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament 6:00 AM The Wharf Marina, 4851 Wharf Parkway Orange Beach, 36561 The 2017 Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Fishing will begin at daybreak, weigh station opens at 10am and closes at 5pm, followed immediately by the award ceremony. There will be lots of awesome prizes for our bracket winners, as well as some great raffle prize opportunities for guests! www.kysertournament.com Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, 101 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/ Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org
style Dragon Boat at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Paddlers fundraise for Fuse Project: Investing in the world’s most valuable resource: our children. www.ussalabama.com World Wide Knit in Public Day (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Bring your latest knitting project and join individuals and organizations for a special time of fellowship and the love of knitting at the Ben May Main Library. There will be light refreshments and door prizes throughout the day, including a special gift from JoAnne’s Fabric Store. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot”. 251-433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org
Sunday June 11
Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Green Days American Idiot”. 251-433-7513 mobiletheatreguild.org
Monday June 12
$275 per team)
Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) 1:00 PM Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, 36575 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
bama for a day of golf at Springhill Golf Course Saturday, June 10 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This fun event benefits the newly opened Prichard Branch. 251-331-8670 www.bgcsouthal.org/forethekids
Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) 3:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Fore the Kids Golf Tournament ($75 per golfer and
8:00 AM Springhill Golf Course, 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Join Boys & Girls Clubs of South Ala-
Fuse Project’s Fourth Annual Dragon Boat Festival 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship
Parkway Mobile, 36603
Over 1500 paddlers and 10,000 spectators will witness Fuse Project’s Fourth Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Teams of 20 paddlers, one drummer, and an experienced steerer will rock the water in a 46-foot authentic Hong Kong
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) Saraland Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, 36571 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. Times: 9:30am 10:30am 251-675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Tuesday June 13
Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) 11:00 AM West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) 2:00 PM Theodore Oaks Branch, 5808 Highway 90 West Theodore, 36582 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Bingo for Books (Free) 4:00 PM Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 Fun for all! Winners get to choose prizes from our table of gently used books. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call 470-7766. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Family Bingo (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Flag Day 9:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36603 The Eastern Shore Exchange Club will be aboard the USS ALABAMA giving lectures and presentations in the Ward Room on the American Flag and her history. Please stop by for their hourly presentation Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home 9:00 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Now that school is out, it’s time to plan a day of summertime fun for the family! Come to Bellingrath Gardens and Home for Kids Gulf Discovery Day, an opportunity for children of all ages to learn about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast. A wide variety of environmental organizations will be on hand for activities and demonstrations. Registration is encouraged for Kids Gulf Discovery Day. To register, call 251-973-2217. 251-973-8973 www.bellingrath.org Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) 3:00 PM Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. Times: 9:30am 11:00am 1:00pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Thursday June 15
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Kids Days in Bienville Square (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and much more! ncsmobile.org
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Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) 10:00 AM Trinity Gardens Community Library, 2668 Berkley Avenue Mobile, 36610 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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FamilyCalendar Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Mary Kathleen Shaw, marykathleenshaw@yahoo.com, 251-391-2455. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/events/get-event/node/122556 . 251-391-2455 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/122556 Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Dinner with Emmitt Smith 5:00 PM The Grounds, 1035
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Join us for an evening of fundraising for the Palmer Williams Group, a nonprofit organization “helping today’s youth see a better tomorrow” on June 15 at The Grounds. Former Dallas Cowboy football player, Emmitt Smith, will be our guest speaker for the evening. palmerwilliamsgroup.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Moana townofdauphinisland.org
Puppeteer David Stephens at the Library (Free) Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, 36617 Puppeteer David Stephens and All Hands Productions share The NEW Adventures of Br’er Rabbit. Times: 1:00pm and 2:30pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Friday June 16
Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Jenny Hollingsworth, jennyglenn03@yahoo.com, 501-286-1307. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations. com/events/get-event/node/122296 . 501-286-1307 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/122296 Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Cars 2 townofdauphinisland.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen
Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this
smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com
Saturday June 17
Ride Yellow 7:00 AM Halliday Park, Bay Minette, 36507 RIDEYELLOW is an Infirmary Health charity bike ride held annually on the Saturday before Father’s Day. The ride begins at Halliday Park in Bay Minette, Alabama, with a 6-mile tribute ride. Individuals can choose to participate in only the tribute ride or continue by pedaling the 10, 20, 37 or 62 mile route at their leisure. Rest stops are available along the way and food, beverages and vendor booths are available when riders return to the park. rideyellow.racesonline.com Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, 101 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/ Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Reptile Extravaganza 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, B & B Pet Shop, 5035 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, 36609 Family-Friendly Reptile Show + Sale. Ever been face-to-face with a tarantula? Ever gazed into one eye (or the other) of a chameleon? Come to the Reptile Extravaganza to get up close and personal with lots of reptiles that make good pets. It is a great opportunity to learn which snake, lizard, or spider is the right one for you and your family. Reptiles are one of the fastest growing segments of pet ownership for young people. They are easy to maintain, easy to feed, and can be an endless source of fascination. Many of our reptile customers own several different species – they are unique animals to collect, display, even breed. 251-661-3474 www.bbpetstop.com Reading Paws (Free) 2:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Meet, Greet & Read! Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. For more information, please call 208-7074 or email crhodes@ mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 8:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com
Sunday June 18 Reptile Extravaganza
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, B & B Pet Shop, 5035 Cot-
tage Hill Road Mobile, 36609
Family-Friendly Reptile Show + Sale. Ever been face-to-face with a tarantula? Ever gazed into one eye (or the other) of a chameleon? Come to the Reptile Extravaganza to get up close and personal with lots of reptiles that make good pets. It is a great opportunity to learn which snake,
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lizard, or spider is the right one for you and your family. Reptiles are one of the fastest growing segments of pet ownership for young people. They are easy to maintain, easy to feed, and can be an endless source of fascination. Many of our reptile customers own several different species – they are unique animals to collect, display, even breed. 251-661-3474 www.bbpetstop.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Rock of Ages” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 For the first time in Mobile, this smash Broadway hit, set in LA’s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love. Performance Dates: June 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com
Monday June 19
Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
(Free)
1:00 PM Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, 36575 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Deborah Hawie, hawiehome@gmail.com, 251-454-4725. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations. com/events/get-event/node/99929 . 251-454-4725 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/99929 Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library (Free)
3:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Members of the Science Squad will
perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
(Free)
Saraland Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, 36571 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! Times: 9:30am and 10:20am www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Tuesday June 20
Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
(Free)
11:00 AM West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
(Free)
2:00 PM Theodore Oaks Branch, 5808 Highway 90 West Theodore, 36582 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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FamilyCalendar Family Bingo (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Rio townofdauphinisland.org
Wednesday June 21
Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays
(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)
10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series to help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. June 21 - Magnolia Cemetery Tour. Meet Tom McGehee, Museum Director of the Bellingrath Home, at Mobile’s Magnolia Cemetery for a very special walking tour. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library (Free) 3:00 PM Parkway Branch,
1924-B Dauphin Island Park-
way Mobile, 36605 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
(Free)
Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! Times: 9:30am 11:00am 1:00pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Thursday June 22
Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library
(Free)
10:00 AM Trinity Gardens Community Library, 2668 Berkley Avenue Mobile, 36610 Members of the Sci-
ence Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Kids Days in Bienville Square (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and much more! ncsmobile.org Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
(Free)
Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, 36617 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! Times: 1:00pm 2:30pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Friday June 23
Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Finding Nemo townofdauphinisland.org
Saturday June 24
Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, 101 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/ Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Visit with friends and learn how to make lightning bugs. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Sunday June 25
Sunday Sunset Concert - Dauphin Island 6:15 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island presents “Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Jonsey Jones and the Crowned Jewelz. Entrance fees $5.00 per individual! As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. *All concerts approx time & weather permitting! townofdauphinisland.org
Monday June 26
Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Tracy Kemper, tracy.m.kemper@gmail.com, 251-345-4467. We will meet at Chick Fil A, 435 Schillinger Rd S, Mobile, AL, 36695. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/events/getevent/node/122562 . 251-345-4467 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/122562 Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 1:00 PM Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, 36575 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. Times: 9:30am 10:30am www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 3:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) Saraland Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, 36571 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. Times: 9:30am 10:30am www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Tuesday June 27
Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 11:00 AM West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 2:00 PM Theodore Oaks Branch, 5808 Highway 90 West Theodore, 36582 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Family Bingo (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Wednesday June 28
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Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays
(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)
10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series to help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. June 28 - Roses for the Gulf Coast. Learn about new roses as well as the Southern standards from James Mills, owner of K&M Roses in Buckatunna, Miss. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 2:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together.Times: 9:30am 11:00am 1:00pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 3:00 PM Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Autograph Session and Community Night sponsored by Encore Rehabilitation ($5) 5:30 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Visit with all 51 special young women and then get a sneak peek of the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2017 as they perform selections from the 60th National Finals Program. With performances from the “Has Beens,” current Distinguished
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FamilyCalendar Saturday July 1
Young Woman of America, Tara Moore, and other special guests, your entire family is sure to enjoy this community event. 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org
60th National Finals 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401
Thursday June 29
Kids Days in Bienville Square (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and much more! ncsmobile.org Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 10:00 AM Trinity Gardens Community Library, 2668 Berkley Avenue Mobile, 36610 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org 60th National Finals – Preliminaries 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Join us for the Distinguished Young Women Preliminary Competitions on Thursday and Friday as the Class of 2017 competes in fitness, talent and self-expression. On Thursday night, awards will be presented or community-supported cash scholarships and on Friday night for the Distinguished Young Women competition categories. 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Jaws townofdauphinisland.org Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, 36617 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. Times: 9:30am 10:30am. Times: 1:00pm and 2:30pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Friday June 30
60th National Finals – Preliminaries 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Join us for the Distinguished Young Women Preliminary Competitions on Thursday and Friday as the Class of 2017 competes in fitness, talent and self-expression. On Thursday night, awards will be presented or community-supported cash scholarships and on Friday night for the Distinguished Young Women competition categories. 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Jaws townofdauphinisland.org
Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 On Satur-
day evening, help us in celebrating 60 years of inspiring young women during the Distinguished Young Women National Finals. Check out the ten finalists as they compete in fitness, talent and self-expression and enjoy performances from Tara Moore, Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2016. At the end of the night, one young woman will be named Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2017 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org
Classes/Meetings
APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251-281-7312. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mobile Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com. The Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251431-5100. COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but
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REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks. 251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect? •A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the
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Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.
• Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and
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cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problemsolving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.
Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Children are wonderfully observant and are quick to make mental connections about how things work. Manipulating levers, scoops, and wheels demonstrate the mechanical ways that objects move and perform. Concepts that involve invisible forces like gravity and magnetism are more mysterious and easier to grasp when introduced through play. Exploring unseen forces moves a child’s thinking beyond obvious mechanical power and toward an expanded understanding of other marvelous forces. The following items are recommended as ideal introductions to the powerful attraction of magnets.
by Gerry Paige Smith
3D Magfun 32-Piece Set
Gearation Refrigerator Magnets
(Magfun)
(TOMY)
As a destination of every important document, photo or artwork related to your child, the refrigerator remains a central feature in the home. Gearation magnets are an intriguing opportunity to turn the kitchen’s crossroads into a site for play/ learning experience. This set comes with one central magnetic gear with a switch that starts rotation, and five accessory gears that can be placed in a variety of combination. One flip of the switch and the interlocking gears begin to turn with a mesmerizing effect. The pieces are sturdy and the magnets are strong enough to hold the gears in place as they move. Combining the strength of magnets with the mechanical marvels of gears, this Gearation set will set young minds in motion as well.
With brightly colored, environmentally friendly blocks in a variety of shapes and sizes, kids can explore the power and versatility of magnets as mortar for an endless stream of construction. The Magfun set includes thirty-two pieces that feature squares, wheels, balls, caps and more 3D shapes. The strong diversity of elements will quickly inspire small hands to craft their own masterpieces. The magnetic connections on all sides make quick assembly easy and intuitive. Whether children are taking their lead from the included instructions or designing their own builds, creating the shape of things to come is a magnetic snap with this Magfun set.
Bellz! A Positively Magnetic Game
Brain Power Magnetic Blocks
With the goal of channeling magnetic attraction through multiple objects to collect a player’s designated bell colors, the simple elements of this game camouflage real dexterity and strategy challenges. Players must choose which end of the magnetic wand (strong pull or weak) to use as they attempt to lift their color from the game surface without attracting other player colors. Delicate manipulation and forward thinking come into play as kids and adults navigate the wand among forty bells of various colors and sizes to gather their own. Neatly gathered in a zippered pouch that opens up to become the playing surface, the challenge of manipulating magnetic force can go anywhere.
Combining the basic shapes of plane geometry with the powerful pull of magnetic connections, Brain Power’s Magnetic Blocks open a wide vista of tactile play and mental exploration. The sixty-five translucent tiles not only support three-dimensional thinking as the build progresses, but also add a colorful artistic aesthetic that keeps kids engaged with their construction. Much like tangram shapes, the tiles’ basic elements of geometry encourage mathematical thinking and problem-solving as little fingers manipulate the pieces into structures of their own design. Whether kids are making architecture or art, these beautiful elements all come together through the invisible power of magnetism.
(Kidoozie)
(Wiggles 3D)
Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
King Arthur:
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: D Sexual Content: C+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language, and brief suggestive content. Classic tunes from the 1980s rock the soundtrack again in this sequel to the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy. The first movie’s origin story of this group of space renegades was a surprise hit with both Marvel comic aficionados and newcomers like myself. Along with the music and a priority on humor, we were introduced to a cast of misfits that were easy to love and root for. In volume two, there is the immediate assumption we know these guys and are in on the jokes. (Yes, viewing the first episode is mandatory homework.) However, the original provided much more opportunity for humor and hijinks. Now the Guardians feel a little more like a sports team that accidentally made it to the playoffs. The plot explodes into various parallel stories about past rifts between family members and friends, and forges forward to predictably resolve differences. It’s a lot to fit into even the two-hour-plus running time, especially when we spend what feels like eons in battle scenes that are dependent on catchy tunes to keep us engaged. The humor is wedged in between squabbles and the resulting laughs feeling less natural. 1980s kitsch, like an ongoing gag about David Hasselhoff, and sexual innuendo that comes off as immature grade-school speculation of whether an alien has male anatomy, are some of many overworked topics. You’ll also hear a few scatological terms and other profanities. Yet it will likely be the violent content that causes careful consideration of the film’s appropriateness for younger audiences. Like what was found in the original Guardians, this film also adds a slightly crueler tinge when characters are bullied and even tortured by a wide variety of bad guys. A scene with the now tiny Groot being knocked around and drowned in booze by a gang of drunks is particularly bothersome. Parents may appreciate the messages of reconciliation and coming together as a family, but Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 depends too heavily on violent action in its storyline and has lost some of the sincere charm of the first outing.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: D Sexual Content: C+ Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated King Arthur: Legend of the Sword PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some suggestive content and brief strong language. The origin story of the ancient British ruler is the topic of interest in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Orphaned after the brutal death of his parents, seen umpteen times as the backstory is slowly revealed throughout the film, Arthur (Oliver Barker as a child, Charlie Hunnam as an adult) grows up living in a brothel. His coming of age as a street kid who learns to gamble, cheat and steal is fast forwarded in front of us in a briskly edited montage. Now he’s settled into a somewhat comfortable life as a gang leader and protector of a group of prostitutes, so he would rather stash his cash than deal with the repressive political views of the country’s leader, King Vortigern (Jude Law). What Arthur doesn’t know is Vortigern is actually his uncle. The powerhungry usurper is obsessed by a prophesy that a direct descendant of the rightful king will one day pull the sword Excalibur from a rock in which it’s planted, and become the new guy in charge. To prevent this, the wicked monarch has been rounding up all the young men in the kingdom hoping to root out possible contenders. So far, Arthur has been able to lay low. But after a visiting Viking, who’s doing shady business with the king, beats up one of Arthur’s working girls, the entrepreneur’s interference makes him a man of interest. Consistent with many Arthurs of past movies, our protagonist is a reluctant hero. Once he discovers his hands can remove the sword, it takes what feels like decades before he finally accepts his calling as the chosen one tasked with reclaiming the kingdom and dispatching its evil ruler. Director Guy Richie does his best to keep the audience engaged with lots of stab-fests while we wait for Arthur to find his big boy pants, gird up his loins and swing the magic weapon. Battles galore will be the main caution for families considering watching the rise of this supposedly peace-loving king. The film is a shish kabob party offering a menu of virtually every sharp implement imaginable running through countless humans. Blood effects are frequent, especially during two very personal skewerings when a man takes the life of his wife and daughter. A smattering of profanities, including a sexual expletive, complete the concerns for teen viewing. The best that comes from these two conflict-fraught hours is a message about accepting responsibility and recognizing the negative consequences of apathy.
Legend of the Sword
What Parents Need to Know...
Violence: Fighting is seen in a grand scale of spaceships fighting one another, however many also depict conflict on a personal level. A character controls an arrow with his mind and we see the weapon working its way through hordes of people, entering and exiting the bodies of each and killing them; in one of these sequences we see some tissue damage as the arrows exit. A character is confined and released into space, we see the character’s prolonged death with some detail. Bodies are seen floating in space. Characters punch, hit, smash and choke one another. A crowd of people are blasted with poisonous darts while others are electrocuted. People are shot, sometimes repeatedly, by various weapons. A character jumps inside a large monster’s mouth, another character slashes the beast’s throat open -- huge amounts of body fluids gush out. A spaceship crash lands on a planet -- characters are tossed about and one hangs precariously on a tether behind the ship. Sexual Content: Conception is discussed. A man is seen with various scantily clad women, a man, who is doing up his pants, appears in a window. A man shown standing alone and we hear him urinating. A man discusses his “nether regions engorging”. Various characters discuss male anatomy and its role in mating. Male and female characters embrace and kiss. Profanity: Infrequent scatological slangs, mild profanity, a crude term for male anatomy, and a term of deity are heard. Slurs used to describe characters. Alcohol / Drug Use: People appear drunk and bully a child-like character. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2017
What Parents Need to Know...
Violence: This movie features violent portrayals throughout, many with blood effects. Characters engage in epic battles where people are shot with arrows, impaled by spears, stabbed with knives, sliced and hacked with swords, pummeled in hand-to-hand combat and crushed by large animals. The powers of good and evil magic contend and many spells, scary creatures and frightening transformations are shown. A character has his ear cut off, and others (usually women) have their throats cut. A character is bound and prepared for execution by decapitation. Torture is implied. A prostitute is shown with bruises and injuries after being mistreated by a group of men. Witch hunting is mentioned. Characters use enchantments and magic. Humans are branded with a hot iron tool. Corpses (some hanging from trees) and skeletons are seen. Sexual Content: Prostitutes and a brothel are depicted, and sexual activity is implied. Female magical creatures are seen naked, with private body parts somewhat obscured. Profanity: A strong sexual expletive is used once, and terms of deity along with other mild and moderate profanities are infrequently heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Magical potions are used. 60
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