Mobile Bay Parents May 2016 by KeepSharing

May 2016

Volume 5 Number 12

Columns

72 42

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Living with Children John Rosemond says it is possible to tame your toddlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tantrums and explains how.

Homeschooling

Find out the benefits as well as the challenges involved with educating your child at home.

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Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Group

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Homeschool Guide

Our listing shares local and national resources for your homeschooling journey.

Single Parent or Superhero?

Encouragement to ask for the help you need.

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

On The Cover Nydea (16), daughter of Carolyn and Nathan McDuffie, Sr. and little sister to Natalie (17), Nathan (19) and Taylor (21). Proud grandparents are Ernest and Alma McDuffie and Carolyn M. Smoke. Nydea loves reading, dancing/choreography, acting, singing, and spending time with family and friends.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 58

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth Happy Mother’s Day to all of you “Supermoms” out there! Webster defines a mother as a female, a woman in authority, specifically, but mothers are way beyond the Webster definition. We are sisters, friends, counselors, nurses, teachers, and so MUCH MORE! Mothers are truly the glue which holds it all together, and we make it look so easy. Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” I am a firm believer that family is your FIRST ministry! We pray for our loved ones more than we pray for ourselves, always concerned with the needs of others, putting our needs aside. But let us not forget about those whose mothers are no longer with them, for they are forever in our hearts and never forgotten. Hold on to the good laughs, fun times, traditions, milestones and memories to cherish forever! Speaking of milestones and memories... May is the month most people think of school letting out for the summer, vacations, hanging out at the beach, cookouts, Memorial Day and graduations. Many will celebrate with family the great accomplishments of their loved ones graduating only to begin a new chapter in their lives. It’s amazing how fast your kids grow up right before your eyes. Many will transition from elementary school to college. A kid making the transition to gaining independence, new people, unfamiliar places, etc. makes it important for us as mothers to have a great open relationship with them. Mothers are a voice of comfort to their children. It’s the voice that provides assurance that no matter what, we are there and love them unconditionally! This is why it’s so important to take the time to develop healthy relationships with your kids at a very young age. Have that relationship where they can be themselves and be able to talk to you about anything! Like most moms, we see our children as our babies, and nothing prepares you for that emotional moment when you send them off to college. You try to prepare by telling yourself, “WOO HOO, empty nesting here I come!” only to find yourself asking your spouse, “Have you heard from the kids this week?” This is when your FAITH kicks in! You pray for your kids daily, let go and let God; knowing that you have trained your kids in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). Moms, before you know it, that time of transition (college) is upon you! Our kids are not the only ones who are transitioning; mothers do too. As a mother of both college and high school students, that senior year of high school is hectic. We have to make adjustments just as our kids do. Spend quality time with your kids, ask them about their day, and plan family fun days/nights. Looking for some fun activities this month? Make sure you look over the Family Calendar. You are sure to find plenty of fun ways to spend quality time together with your family. Whether you are involved in a church or looking for a church home, Vacation Bible School is always a fun activity. Kids have a great time and it is a fun way to enrich their faith. There are so many of these opportunities in our area, too. Make sure you check out the Vacation Bible School Directory on page 38. Have a safe summer and Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you have kids or not, you are a mother figure and have made an impact on some child’s life. Congrats to the class of 2016! Remember to enjoy your family, and keep God first in everything you do!

Carolyn McDuffie Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Carolyn McDuffie Dave Ramsey 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.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Toddler Tantrums Can Be Tamed Q: Our 3-year-old daughter is very sweet,

loving, and generally well-behaved. Occasionally, however, he breaks into a huge tantrum during which she becomes uncontrollable. The word “possessed” comes to mind. She will suddenly snap from being sweet to being a demon and then back to being sweet and loving again. These tantrums don’t occur very often, but when they do, they are frightening. We try to be consistent with our discipline but are at a complete loss where this is concerned. I’ve heard that young children can be bipolar. Is that a possibility? In any case, can you shed some light on this for us?

A: The diagnosis of bipolar disorder of childhood or early-onset bipolar disorder is not officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. It was popularized in The Bipolar Child (Broadway, 2007), authored by psychiatrist Demitri Papolos and his therapist wife Janice. As pediatrician Bose Ravenel and I explained in The Diseasing of America’s

Children (Thomas Nelson, 2009), the diagnostic criteria proposed by the Papoloses describe fairly typical toddler behaviors. Those behaviors, even when they “cluster,” are not in and of themselves anything to be concerned about in this age child. That is especially the case when, as in your daughter’s case, only one diagnosing behavior is present and that behavior occurs infrequently. Given that you describe your daughter as generally sweet, loving, and well-behaved, then I would chalk her occasional tantrums up to toddlerhood. They are occurring not because she’s possessed (Disclaimer: I am not an official exorcist, but if she is possessed by demons, then so are many, if not most toddlers) but simply because toddlers believe that what they want, they deserve to have. In short, toddlers are little narcissists. Hopefully, parent discipline will “exorcise” that belief from the child in relatively short order, but traces of it remain in all of us, to one degree or another, throughout life. People who never get over

1. 2. 3. it are called undersocialized, narcissistic, sociopathic, egomaniacal, or just plain insufferable. A fair number of them have to be removed from society and spend their lives behind bars. But fear not. I doubt that your daughter is headed for a life of crime. And as of yet, she does not qualify as a brat, that designation being appropriate only after a child’s fifth birthday and requires more than simply occasional tantrums. Firm, consistent discipline will eventually prevail, believe me. In that regard, as soon as your daughter begins one of her outbursts, before it becomes full-blown, put her in her room. For this age child, cutting the door in half, re-hanging it as a “Dutch door,” and turning the lock around prevents escapes. (Do not, I repeat, do not lock a child this age behind a full door!) Regardless, put her in her room (drag her kicking and screaming if you must), walk away, and let the hurricane run its course. If my experience serves me well, your daughter’s cure will take four to eight weeks. Above all else, be calm. That’s what authentic authority is all about. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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plan

2. Learn about basic injury and disease prevention 3. Look for the most current information on emergency preparedness

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4. Create a family preparedness plan

5. Become familiar with the emergency plans of your community

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Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in items such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.

1. Stay informed

prepare store essential items Water Food Can Opener First Aid Kit Flashlight

Radio Clothes Personal Care Items Important Documents

Avoid the Bite! You can help prevent the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases by preventing mosquito bites and breeding. For the most up-to-date information on Zika Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in Alabama, visit www.adph.org/mosquito or call 1-800-252-1818.

practice Practice and review your preparedness plan every six months Plan. prepare. practice.

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Mobile Youth Symphony Orchestra to Present Annual Mother’s Day Evening Garden Concert

Be Fit 5K and Fun Run

Distinguished Young Women is excited to announce our first Be Fit 5K & Fun Run. To celebrate our annual Be Your Best Self Week, this fun, family-friendly event focuses not only on being physically fit, but also emphasizes the importance of setting goals and striving to achieve them. We will have waves for runners, walkers, strollers and a 1 mile kid's fun run. The race starts at 3 p.m. on May 1, and begins at the Distinguished Young Women headquarters at 751 Government Street. The race will then wind its way through downtown Mobile and conclude at the start. Prizes will be awarded to the top runner in each age group. There will be an after race party with vendor tables, kid's activities and food & drink. It's a fun afternoon for the whole family! Please visit befit5k.com for more information or to register.

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Bellingrath Gardens and Home and the Mobile Youth Symphony Orchestra will present the annual Mother’s Day Evening Garden Concert on Sunday, May 8. The Mother’s Day Evening Garden Concert is a relaxing afternoon of family time under the beautiful oaks on Live Oak Plaza. No need to buy flowers for Mother! We’ve got plenty of blooms – 65 acres’ worth – throughout the Gardens for her to enjoy. It’s not only a chance to enjoy time with your Mom; you’ll also be treated to a wonderful concert of classical music with the talented musicians of Mobile Youth Symphony Orchestra. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. You’re welcome to bring along a picnic supper and Mom’s favorite beverage; or, you may purchase snacks and drinks on Live Oak Plaza. With our discounted admission beginning at 4 p.m., you’re guaranteed a no-stress outing in beautiful surroundings! (And Mother’s Day shouldn’t be stressful, right?) For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call 251.973.2217.

Fifth Annual Coastal Seafood Craze!

On Friday, June 3, the Alabama Coastal Foundation will host the fifth annual Coastal Seafood Craze! The Craze will partner with the Mobile Bay Bears at the Hank Aaron Stadium Event Center (755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile) from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Coastal Seafood Craze invites local restaurants to feature dishes made with locally caught seafood. 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!

Mobile Public Library Summer Library Program Kick-off

Inaugural Run Ride Scout 5k, Duathlon & 1-Mile Fun Run

Join us as we officially kick-off our 2016 Summer Library Program on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive! The FREE program, which runs from June 4 – July 30, features special guest performers, storytimes, movies, crafts, games and more at all Library locations. Children, who receive a MPL sports bottle, can sign up any time during the eight weeks and are encouraged to set reading goals for the summer. It is important because studies show children who do not read during the summer 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!

Join us for the Inaugural Run Ride Scout event which includes a 5k, Duathlon & 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, May 14 at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park benefitting local scouting programs. The 5K race & Duathlon begins at 7:00 a.m. and the 1-mile Family Fun Run starts at 7:05 a.m. All Walk/Run & Bike events will start in the Battleship parking lot. Join us during and after the race events for scout activities in the field at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. All scouts in uniform can board the Battleship for FREE and receive discounted rate for family members. Register on Eventbrite.com. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Fuse Project Dragon Boat Festival

Fuse Project announced that its third annual Dragon Boat Festival will move to Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park. For the past two years, Fuse Project’s Dragon Boat Festival has been located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. “We knew that the Battleship would allow us to continue to grow the festival, but we simply cannot believe how quickly the teams are registering for our event,” said Adrienne Golden, Fuse Project’s executive director. “Our registration deadline is May 25th; however, we can only accommodate 60 teams this year, so if you are interested in participating, you will definitely want to go ahead and reserve your spot.” This past January, Fuse Project announced their plan to refine their organization’s focus to hone in on projects that center on afterschool programs for kids of all ages in Mobile and Baldwin counties. According to Grant Zarzour, co-founder and chairman of the board, “our goal is to ensure that all kids have access to an afterschool program that increases their overall quality of life and to foster a healthy family dynamic for the working parent(s) and their children.” In keeping with their goals, Fuse Project is well on their way to 60 teams for 2016. If you are interested in participating or sponsoring the Dragon Boat Festival you can find more information on the website, www.FuseProject.org or you can contact Adrienne Golden at Adrienne@FuseProject.org.

Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Plan a day of summertime fun for the family at Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Wednesday, June 8, at 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, including Mobile Baykeeper, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Share the Beach, Keep Mobile Beautiful and the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. Scientists from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab will introduce children to the creatures of Mobile Bay, and the Environmental Studies Center will present an exciting Raptor Road Show on the Great Lawn. Guests may also take a cruise along the beautiful Fowl River with our friends from Delta Safaris! Space is limited and reservations are required; to register, call 251.973.2217. Kids Gulf Discovery Day hours are 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to Bellingrath members and to 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.

Crawfish for a Cause

Please join us for the 3rd Annual Crawfish for a Cause event to benefit USA's Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center. This family-friendly event includes all-you-can-eat crawfish, kids activities and live music! There also will be a silent auction, so be sure to bring your wallets. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction items will be donated directly to the Burn Center. Each year the Arnold Luterman Burn Center admits more than 500 patients, making it one of the busiest in the nation. Please come out and help us raise money for this amazing cause! Saturday, May 14, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Grounds (1035 Cody Road North, Mobile). Please visit www.eventbrite.com for tickets.

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Beacon on the Bay Featuring Coach Bobby Bowden

Volunteers of America Southeast (VOASE) is excited to present the second annual Beacon on the Bay. This fundraiser will benefit the programs of VOASE which better the southeast community. “We are pleased and excited to have Bobby Bowden as our special guest this year,” says Wallace Davis, President and CEO of VOASE. “As our programs continue to grow, it is important that we tell the community what we are doing to serve America’s most vulnerable. Having Coach Bowden’s experiences tie into our mission is a nice way to do that.” The event will take place at the Renaissance Mobile River Plaza Hotel, 64 South Water Street on Thursday, May 12th, doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The night will include a wonderful dinner and key note speaker Coach Bobby Bowden as he speaks on his journey through faith. Visit www.voase.org for sponsorship information or to purchase tickets.

Blue Star Salute Foundation 5K Run/Walk/ Fun Run to Honor Alabama’s Fallen Heroes Blue Star Salute Foundation Memorial 5K Run/ Walk & Fun Run for Alabama’s Fallen Heroes The Blue Star Salute Foundation will host its annual Blue Star Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run for Alabama's Fallen Heroes on May 21, at Battleship Park (2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile). Each runner will run with a name of one of Alabama’s Fallen Heroes on their Race Bib and afterwards during activities, they can visit the wall of Alabama’s Faces of the Price of Freedom to see the faces of their fallen service member. Enjoy a day full of entertainment, fun and food at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park where there will be a variety of activities for everyone. Musical entertainment by the Patriotic singing group “Homeland” and Alabama’s 151st Army National Guard Band. Join us in honoring Alabama’s Military Service members, veterans and our Fallen Heroes. Many VOS’s will be available for serving our military and veterans. The day will conclude with a Gold Star Memorial Service honoring Alabama’s Fallen Heroes. Also, on display will be the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund traveling wall “The Wall That Heals,” a ½-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. To register online, please visit bluestarsalutefallenheroes5k2016.eventbrite.com.

2016-2017 Oakleigh Belles

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YMCA of South Alabama to Host Seventh Annual Golf Classic Tournament

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Oakleigh Belles: Emily Andrews, Meaghan Holland, Alexandria Hardy, Madilyn Robertson, Anna Arensberg, Izzy Sammons, Zelda Peach, Sydney Roland, Cassie Taylor, Morgan Hurston, Zistine Mones, Zoe Stokes, Jamie Lim, Sarah Quinnelly, Katie Clifton, and Ashley Scarbrough. Returning Belles (not pictured): Jillian Poiroux, Ella Johnson, Bria Scott, Chelsea Geter, Elizabeth Guice, Ashleigh Kerr, Ellie Pierce, and Mary Catherine Watson. The Oakleigh Belles Leadership Program is a very special organization sponsored by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society since 2008. Designed to instruct high school students in Mobile history and historic preservation, the Oakleigh Belles are a diverse group of young women who confidently and knowledgeably serve as guides at the Oakleigh Historic Complex and participate in special events there. These events include Christmas at Oakleigh, Mobile’s Historic Homes Tour, and annual fundraiser, and more. The Belles, dressed in attire of the mid-19th century, also make special appearances for many activities related to tourism, civic celebrations, and presentations. In the course of carrying out their duties, they not only have an opportunity to absorb the history of their city from a unique perspective, but gain valuable experience in public speaking and interacting with visitors from all over the world. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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The YMCA of South Alabama invites the communities of Mobile and Baldwin counties to tee up for a good cause at its Seventh Annual Golf Classic Tournament on Friday, June 3 at TimberCreek Golf Course in Spanish Fort. The YMCA of South Alabama will host two associationwide events this year aimed at realizing this mission. The proceeds will benefit children and families across Mobile and Baldwin counties. The tournament will consist of a four-person scramble format, with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $100 per golfer and $400 per team, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Sponsors may also purchase banners for $1,300 and tee signs for $100 per hole or $175 for two holes. Proceeds will go toward the ‘Y’ Campaign for Youth & Families, aimed at ensuring that all children and families, regardless of income, have a chance to benefit from the YMCA’s life-changing programs and services. Interested participants can learn more and register online at www.ysal.org or in person at any of the YMCA of South Alabama’s five branches. www.mobilebayparents.com

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Creek Fest 2016 to Showcase Mobile’s Historic Waterway

Oakleigh Victorian Tea and Friday Lawn Parties

Creek Fest will be held Saturday, May 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This event will be a free, family-friendly celebration including a cane pole fishing tournament (16 and under), live music from Eric Erdman, hotdogs provided by Mobile Gas, door prizes, and educational exhibits. Kayak rentals also will be part of the half-day event as the natural beauty of one of Mobile’s historic waterways is showcased. Three Mile Creek was the city’s first source of drinking water. Please join us along with Boy & Girl Scouts of America, Mobile BayKeepers, Keep Mobile Beautiful, Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Gulf Quest, MAWSS, The Mobile BayBears and others in this celebration! This fun filled day will take place at Tricentennial Park 2121 Lake Drive, Mobile. Please visit www.creekfest.org for more information.

Oakleigh events coming up include a Tea and Friday Lawn Parties. Please join the Oakleigh Belles for Victorian Tea on the grounds of Historic Oakleigh. Tea, yummy treats, a hat contest and other fun activities will be provided. This is the Belles' annual fundraiser! This event takes place on May 1 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 15 and under. Ages 3 and under are free. Tickets on sale at www.eventbrite.com. Also, The Oakleigh House Museum would like to help our friends and neighbors kick off the weekend with Friday Lawn parties at Oakleigh. This fun event will start on June 3. We will have food trucks, music, and $5 tours of the museum. Bring your blankets, chairs, ice chests, games etc. This will be hosted every first Friday of the month through November. Please visit www.historicoakleigh.com or call (251) 432-1281 for more information.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Allergies It is that time of year where the flowers are blooming, days are getting longer, kids are playing outside more… and the sneezing has commenced! I love Mobile and living in the South, but one of the downfalls is how many allergens are in the environment. Because of the humidity and more warm months in a year, pollen, dust, and mildew are more prevalent and cause more problems for those who suffer from allergies. Some people have allergies and do not even realize it. It can be similar to a cold or sinus infection, and in little ones who cannot talk, it is even harder for parents to distinguish between these possibilities. There are some ways that, in general, you can differentiate an allergy from something else. Allergies can last year round or during seasons such as spring. You cough generally more than you would think is necessary for the amount of drainage, and many times you sneeze with it. It generally is worse around whatever is triggering your allergies. For instance, someone allergic to dust will be worse inside or when they wake up each

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

morning, and someone allergic to pollen will be worse every time they are outside or around a certain flower or tree. An itchy nose, itchy skin, or itchy, watery, and/or red eyes often accompany allergies. Usually a viral upper respiratory infection, or common cold, only lasts 5-10 days. If the runny nose symptoms are lasting longer, it is usually a sinus infection or allergies or both. Many times sinusitis will have a headache with it. There are signs that sometimes can differentiate the three on exam by a physician. The treatment of allergies is usually an antihistamine. If you are unsure if it is allergies or a cold, an easy trick is to try a dose of Benadryl. If the symptoms improve over the next four hours, then there is a good chance that it is allergies causing the problems. Benadryl only helps symptoms for about 4-6 hours before it is out of your system. If you need something that will last longer, Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra are good choices that last closer to 24 hours. For some people, adding a steroid nose spray helps to control allergies better when needed. For little children and infants, suctioning the nose helps tremendously to treat a runny

nose for any reason. For older children, using a sinus wash or netti pot will help drain the nose and sinuses and give some relief. It is sometimes difficult to remember or do, but is important to blow your nose out instead of sucking the congestion back in. Humidifiers and Vicks Vaporub usually help with the congestion as well. Now that the winter season is ending, people are healthier and there are less viruses and illnesses going around. However, this is the season for allergies, which are not fun either. So identify the symptoms and try treating them. The best way to treat allergies is to eliminate whatever is causing it, but that is not always easy, so some medicines may help for some people. If you are unsure what is going on or have any questions, your pediatrician is a great resource and can identify and problems in the clinic. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She graduated from Davidson High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at The University of Alabama in 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of Nevada College of Medicine – Las Vegas and the University of South Alabama. 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

Baker Key Club Delivers Easter Baskets to USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital

The Key Club at Baker High School collected Easter items and filled 50 baskets to deliver to USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Pictured are left to right, Julianna Rushing, Kaleia Dawson, Kyanna White, Hannah Burckhartt, Huntir Bass, Megan Holloway, & Kaley Breland.

Eichold-Mertz Magnet Raises Money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

LeFlore Honors its 2016 State Championship Girls’ Basketball Team

The Lady Rattlers completed a 34-0 season with an 80-65 win over Homewood in the state championship game on March 5 at the BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Senior Japonica James scored 23 points and pulled down 16 rebounds to earn 6A state tournament MVP honors, while Jaz Hill had a state-record-tying seven 3-pointers among her 27 points.

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E.R. Dickson NEHS Members Volunteer at Food Bank

Eichold-Mertz Magnet students raised $2,310.26 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the Matha-thon during the month of March. Students worked math problems online or through the Math Fun Book and collected donations for each problem solved. Students worked enough math problems to bring our all-time donation total above $40,000. A big thank you to our Student Council and their faculty sponsors for helping us raise money. Students purchased Sham “rocks” of Love for $1.00 each to show support for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Students that raised $200 or more were Brixiann Bell, DeRyell Blakley, Justin Kenny, and Marlee Stebbins. Pictured left to right are DeRyell Blakley, Brixiann Bell, Justin Kenny and Marlee Stebbins.

The ER Dickson NEHS members volunteered at Feeding the Gulf Coast to support our local food bank and our community. Students experienced the opportunity to learn how much impact volunteers have on the community by sorting food into the correct categories for packaging. Members also took part in walking the gardens and getting the opportunity to plant their own produce. NEHS Members: Kennedy White, Darrell Copeland, Felicia Hetrick, Mikhaila Wilson, Jacee Williams, Aniyah Grant, Connie Chieh, Jasmine Washington, Shannon Mayo, Teagan Morgan, Clair Bassey. NEHS Committee members and volunteers: Ms. Jennifer Stasiak, Ms. Tangila Jiles, Mrs. Mary White, parents, and siblings.

Taylor-White Character Kids

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Taylor-White recognized the following Timberwolves as the Character Kids for the month of February. They displayed the 6 pillars of character to their teachers and fellow students. We are very proud of their efforts to be a great example to others. Front Row: Anthony Sanchez, Lola Cuesta, Ashlyn Burke, MacKenzie Blunier, Keegan Antoine, Ealiann Dalle, and Maylin Tanner. Middle Row: Caleb Hutchinson, Annie Le, Caitlyn Burkhalter, Ivan Gentry, Noel Smith, and Roman Gentry. Last Row: Madison Blalack, Calen Garner, Whitney Ryals, and Emma Earheart. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Murphy Students Honor ‘Greatest Generation’ with Senior Prom

As part of a community service project, the seniors in Murphy’s International Baccalaureate program organized a “Senior Prom” for the residents at Westminster Village retirement community in Spanish Fort. About 15 Murphy students pitched in to organize and participate in the event, which was designed to be similar to an actual high school prom – complete with a king and queen. Making the residents feel happy and appreciated was the whole idea behind the project, according to one of its organizers, Murphy senior Sarah Eiland. The theme of the evening was “The Greatest Generation.”

Got Dust? It's virtually impossible to avoid—and it can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. Certain triggers—ranging from viral infections to allergies to irritating gases and particles in the air—can make asthma worse. Each child reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma.

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Allentown Students Slime PE Instructor

Allentown Elementary recently participated in the Jump Rope for Life fundraiser. The students collected $6,300 to donate to this important event. As an incentive to raise funds, each student who collected $50 or more would get to “slime” Mr. Ryan Jett, a PE instructor at the school. Thirty-eight students earned the honor of sliming the coach.

Asthma Clinic Specialized asthma care for: l

Children with severe asthma Children with repeat hospital and/or urgent care visits l Children and families with unique asthma education needs l Children with other conditions that make asthma hard to control l

Appointments made by physician referral only. For appointments, call: 205.638.9583

ChildrensAL.org/asthma For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

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Autauga County Schools

E.R. Dickson Holds First Science Fair

E. R. Dickson fourth grade students participated in the first E. R. Dickson Science Fair. Students competed in five different categories: Physical Science, Engineering, Botany, Environmental Science, and Earth and Space Science. Students used the skills they have been learning in the hands-on science lab this year to complete their projects. It was a great success! Our Winners: ENGINEERING: Honorable Mention, TIE Joseph Robinson (Bracewell), Building the Tallest Tower and Teagan Morgan (Pruna), Building the Tallest Tower. Third Place, TIE: Gavin Amonett (Bracewell), Strong Small Tipsy Tall and Michael Stewart (Langan), Candy Snap. Second Place: Brantley Stevens (Stasiak), Does Height of a Building Affect Its Stability? First Place: Anna Lee Parks (Stasiak), Candy Snap. BOTANY: Honorable Mention: Charles Archie (Dunbar), Can Aloe Juice Save Your Berries From Mold? Third Place: Aniaya Grant (Dunbar), Does Aspiring Help Plants Grow? Second Place: Gabriella Gross (Wilson), Does Aspirin Help Plants Grow? First Place: Makayla Wilson (Mitchell), Saving Your Strawberries. PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Honorable Mention, TIE: Amaya Dunklin (Pruna), Swing Low: Motion of a Pendulum And Myron Dunklin (Bracewell), Swing Low: Motion of a Pendulum. Third Place, TIE: Bradley Seal (Langan), A Battery That Makes Sense And Kasper Lucas (Langan), How Far Will It Fly? Second Place, TIE: Ethan Chatel (Bracewell), How Far Will It Fly? And Natalie Chatel (Dunbar), How Far Will It Fly? First Place: Jonathan Russell (Langan), Get Your Heart Pumping. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Honorable Mention, Rachel Howard (Langan), Composting Made Easy. Third Place, Lemarcus Maye (Dunbar), Compost Ingredients: How to Make Energy from Household Scraps. Second Place, Layton Towery (Mitchell), Something's In the Air. First Place, Clair Basey (Pruna), Global Warming: The Effect of Trapped Gases on Earth's Temperature. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: Honorable Mention, Madison Ladd (Pruna), How Salty Is the Sea? Third Place, Lily Hicks (Dunbar), Soil Compaction. Second Place, Madison Williams (Wilson), Which Type of Water Will Make a Plant Grow? First Place, Tiante Mitchell (Mitchell), Race For Heat! Sand vs, Water. BEST IN SHOW: Clair Basey (Pruna), Global Warming: The Effect of Trapped Gases on Earth's Temperature.

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Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

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Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 6 Years and Up

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Mary G. Montgomery Students Earn Awards in Oratorical, Art, and Key Club Competitions

Several Mary G. Montgomery have earned awards in recent competitions in public speaking, art and design, and Key Club. Freshmen Elizabeth Busby and Mason O’Rourke took first-place honors in the Optimist Club Oratorical Competition earlier this month with her speech on this year’s topic: “How My Best Brings Out The Best In Others.” Busby and O’Rourke also took top honors in the Optimist Club’s zone competition and will now move on to the regional championship in Loxley. Three other students at the school, Rebecca Thompson, Alexandria Stallworth and Izach Silvers, placed first, second and third in a recent contest to redesign the Azalea Festival logo for the Semmes Chamber of Commerce. Their designs will be printed on billboards, T-shirts and signs around the Semmes community. Also, the MGM Key Club was named the Most Improved Key Club in the state of Alabama Silver Division (31-60 members) at the Alabama District Key Club Convention last month. The club earned second place for best single service project and for most money raised for Reading is Fundamental. Also, MGM Key Club members Makenna Crone, Hannah Jordan, Leia Ray, Daniel Cook, Ethan Rush and Jacob Shoub earned first place for best club skit.

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Eichold-Mertz Magnet Whiteboard Writing

Ms. Diaz works very hard to establish and maintain a classroom environment in which her students feel loved and accepted not only by her, but also by their peers. She tells them that they are a family and we must support and build each other up. She wants them to feel free to ask questions, discuss ideas, and to make mistakes without a fear of being judged. She follows a teaching blog by Brittney Biggs @ Miss5th. Miss Biggs uses her whiteboard to remind her students about “the importance of friendship and community.” As she states on her blog, our students need US to remind them that “their simple actions can truly make someone’s day.” Ms. Diaz has actually carried this idea a little further in her classroom, as they now use post-it notes and dry-erase markers to write notes of thanks or encouragement on each other’s desks. Ms. Diaz’s and her students are a family. Each one of these activities brings them closer as a family and reinforces the idea that they are in it together! Pictured: Parrias Baker.

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WISE DESIGN, INC. CLIENT Debbie’s School of Dance DESCRIPTION Summer Dance Camps HALF PAGE Magazine Ad PUB Mobile Bay Parents INSERTION March and April 2016 BUILT AT 100% MECHANICAL SIZE TRIM: 7.5” w x 4.8”h COLOR 4C LINE SCREEN Magazine QUESTIONS CALL Michelle Wise Wise Design Inc. K2-12 College Preparatory Program 251.660.7751Early Childhood and Lower School

www.stlukesmobile.com Middle Upper School 251-666-2991 Childhood and Lowerand School 3975 Japonica Lane Health Early College Preparatory BioMedical Science Program

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St. Luke’s Episcopal School presents a K2-12 college preparatory community developing young men and women ofwww.stlukesmobile.com honor, faith and responsibility with character and intellect to thrive in college and life. St. Luke’s accepts qualified applicants without regard to gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin. 251-666-2991 1400 S. University Blvd. 3975 Japonica Lane

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Autauga County Schools

Baker HS Culinary Team Wins First Place in Culinary Competition

We are pleased to report that Baker’s culinary team won 1st place in the Golden Spoon Culinary Competition sponsored by Golden Corral. The team consists of three members and one alternate – all seniors. The team had two weeks to come up with recipes for an appetizer, main dish and dessert featuring the secret ingredient which they found out was RUTABAGA! They were only allowed to use ingredients from the list provided. The dishes had to be prepared from scratch within a 2-hour period and presented to the judges at the end of that time. The instructors were unable to have any contact with the team during the competition – they were entirely on their own. Each team was required to wear official chef garb and was working in a professional grade kitchen. Judges for the event were: the Executive Chef from the Renaissance Hotel, Executive Chef from Kitchen on George, and the head of the Mobile County Health Department. The winning dishes were: Appetizer – Rutabaga and Root Vegetable Slaw served with a garnish of sautéed crawfish and arugula, served with fried okra stacks. Main Dish – Pan Seared Creole Chicken Thighs with Gumbo Gravy served over a bed of wilted kale and rutabaga. Dessert – Apple and Rutabaga Bread Pudding served with warm vanilla sauce. Members of the winning team receive scholarships to The Culinard at Virginia College. This team also won 1st place in the Facebook voting competition! Team Members: Amber Smith, Bria Robinson, Kaleigh Dixon; Alternate: Laura Hinton.

Matt McCants Promotes Health Lifestyle at Williamson High

Matt McCants, an offensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders, returned to Williamson High School to encourage the current students to follow their dreams. Pictured is McCants with Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II.

St. Paul’s Choral Department Earns All Superior Ratings

The St. Paul’s Episcopal School choral department competed in the Alabama Vocal Association’s State Choral Performance Assessment. The results are: Large Group: Middle School Singers – Straight Superior Ratings, Combined Women’s Chorus – Straight Superior Ratings, Chamber Singers – Straight Superior ratings, Combined Men’s Chorus – Overall Superior Ratings. Soloists: Claire Denton – Superior, Anna Weber – Superior, Chris Richie – Superior, Laurel Williamson – Superior, Mary Elise Lane – Excellent.

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Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Knollwood Christian School

Mrs. Mosier's 3rd graders looking good in green! They celebrated St. Patrick's Day in a fun way!

CHCA Coastal Indoor Track Athlete of the Year

Connor Allred of Cottage Hill Christian Academy was chosen as a Coastal Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. Connor had an outstanding indoor track and field season in pole vault, winning in every meet entered and at the state competition. Connor was honored at the AL.com/Mobile Sports Hall of Fame Winter Banquet on Thursday, March 24th at the Ashbury Hotel and Suites in Mobile. Connor started the indoor season clearing 13-0 at the Ice Breaker Invitational and finished the season winning the state 1A-3A pole vault title with the personal best of 13-7. Congratulations on a job well done.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Clark-Shaw Magnet School Holds Battle of the Books

Battle of the Books is a competition that is held each year at Clark-Shaw Magnet School. America’s Battle of the Books is a national organization that promotes this program. The process begins in August when the list of books for the spring competition is made public. The library obtains extra copies of the titles and displays them on a separate shelf to encourage students to read the books. The students select teams within their language arts class and work together to prepare for the competition. This year the competition was held during the first two weeks of 4th quarter. It consisted of 22 questions about each book during each match. The team with the highest score at the end of the match moved on in the competition. The championship round ended in a winning team in each grade. Team members win a certificate and a Target gift card. 6th Grade Winners: Lacee Parnell, Noah Johnson, Anna Lim, Carson Jones. 7th Grade Winners: Chloe Hunt, Hayden Emmertson, Hannah Patterson, Harshini Kannan, Jordan Jones. 8th Grade Winners: Casey Dinkel, Marcus Hoyett, Tommy White, Rhett Daigle, Kaelyn Leverett.

Semmes Middle School Students Participate in “Language Arts EQT Brain Bowl”

Mrs. Washington, from Semmes Middle School, would like to thank all of the students who participated in her “Eighth Grade Language Arts EQT Brain Bowl.” Many of these students had passing scores which led them to earn the title of “EQT Champions.”

UMS-Wright Theatre Guild Presents “The Curious Savage.”

The UMS-Wright Theatre Guild performed “The Curious Savage” in February. In John Patrick’s play, Mrs. Savage has been left ten million dollars by her deceased husband and wants to use it to establish a memorial fund in his name. Unfortunately, her three grown stepchildren seek to keep the money for themselves, by committing her to a sanatorium. In the sanatorium, Mrs. Savage meets various men and women who have trouble adjusting to life, people who need her help. Throughout the play, Mrs. Savage, with the help of her new friends, leads her stepchildren on a merry chase. Due to the overwhelming excitement in our Arts Department, we were thrilled to have 2 complete casts perform. Cast and crew are as follows: Mattie March, John Van Derwood, Lana Stringer, Grant White, Madison McGilberry, Russell Goodloe, Jordan McClinton, Katie Pappas, Ashleigh Neese, Emma Grace Ottolino, Ethan Nix, Taylor Allen, Jacob Hurdle, Sophia Palacio, Catharine Dukes, Jack Roush, Mariah Langan, Rob Wingate, Charlotte Bedsole, Fin Irvine, Griffin Brewster, Ava Ringhoffer, Maura Crook, Kaitlyn Read, Nathan Rothermel, Abby Cunningham, Sam McPhillips, Emma Samson, Hudson Barnett, Constantine Catranis, Katie Morris, Monica Langan, Gavin Barker, Nicholas Catranis, Julia Fink, Will Horn, Mitchell Slaughter, Hanna Fridiksson, Lizzie Hand, Emma Laurence, Brittany Clinton, and Taylor Bray. We are so proud of the entire cast and tech/set crew and cannot wait to see what they will put on next! A special thank you to Iberia Bank for sponsoring this year’s production.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Teacher Selected to Attend Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute

Congratulations to Mrs. Judy Edwards, a PreK3 teacher at Corpus Christi Catholic School, who was selected as the runnerup for the Jane Alice Lee Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award presented by the Alabama Ag in the Classroom Foundation. This June, Mrs. Edwards will be attending the Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute held in Montgomery. The children in Mrs. Edwards' class have spent the school year learning many different aspects of agriculture while having fun! 17

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Autauga County Schools

Covenant Christian School Soccer Teams Finish Season Well

Covenant Christian School, led by Coach Brandon Richardson, just completed their 1st season of AHSAA Middle School Soccer. The Eagles finished with a 10-3-1 record scoring 24 goals and only conceding 7 all season. Garrison Cooley led the Eagles on the season with 11 goals and 5 assists. The VB finished 1st in The Baldwin County Tiger Brawl Tournament and took home The Mobile Invitational Silver Bracket Title. Way to go Eagles! The Lady Eagles finished the season with a 9-4-1 record scoring 43 goals while only conceding 16. Dreanna Freeland, 17 goals and 5 assists, and Brittney Sharpe, 17 goals and 10 assists, led the Lady Eagles on their amazing season. The Lady Eagles placed 1st in the Baldwin County Tiger Brawl Tournament and 3rd in the Mobile Invitational. Way to go Lady Eagles!

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St. Mary Parish Life Teen and Pope Francis at ACYC

St. Mary Parishioners enjoyed a visit with Pope Francis (everyone can dream right?) at the recent Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Conference in Perdido. Pictured left to right are: Natalie Falls, Lily Anderson, Bekah Keyes, Isabella Barbour, Lauren Alley, and St. Mary Director of Youth Ministry, Katelynn Hanna.

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Dixon Elementary Wins First Place in Many More Miles Campaign

Hundreds of people in Baldwin and Mobile Counties recently donated gently used shoes to Baldwin Bone & Joint’s Many More Miles Campaign, resulting in 1,899 pairs of shoes finding new life. Baldwin Bone & Joint, P.C., Mobile and Baldwin County YMCA branches, the Port City Pacers, McCoy Outdoor Co., Dr. Glenn Glass, and the USA Student Recreation Center partnered to collect shoes for the homeless outreach programs of Wings of Life and Discovery Ministries. The campaign, now in its 13th year, got off to a running start in January and concluded at the Azalea Trail Run held on March 19th. Students in Mobile and Baldwin Counties were also given the opportunity to collect shoes and earn money for their schools’ PE programs. Dixon Elementary won first place, collecting 804 pairs of shoes and received a $300 prize. Fairhope Intermediate took second place, and Spanish Fort Elementary received third prize. Used running shoes may be donated year-round at McCoy Outdoor Co. on Springhill Avenue in Mobile. Pictured, Chuck Carlisle, Practice Administrator for Baldwin Bone & Joint, P.C. presents Glenda Warren, Principal of Dixon Elementary School and Faye Hussong, P.E. Coach with a $300 check to benefit the school’s PE program.

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Autauga County Schools

A St. Pius X WSPX Celebrates 18 Years on the Air

WSPX, the St. Pius X television news station, has been in production for 18 years. Each Tuesday and Thursday morning a team of middle school students produce, direct and write a school news program. Pictured here is the current broadcast team for the station.

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St. Mary Catholic Computer Fair Stars

The 32nd annual Regional Computer Fair sponsored by Faulkner State College was held on Thursday, March 10, at Faulkner State College. Students from Mobile County, Baldwin County and the Archdioceses of Mobile competed in various categories. Some of these categories include, General Application, Multi-media, Computer Programming, and Hardware Robotics. Forty-Seven students from St. Mary Catholic School's Computer Club attended and competed in the fair. Many awards were received: In Fourth Grade: Jacob Megginson won 1st place Literacy Test Level 1 and Honorable Mention for Individual General Application Project Level 1; Gavin Pica, Sam Keyes, Stephen Murray won Honorable Mention for Group General Application ProjectLevel 1; Reagan Knight and Brooke Castleberry won Honorable Mention for Group General Application Project-Level 1; and Beck Fancher, Coloson Tidikis, Connor Mosley and Andrew Baucom won 2nd Place for Group Multi-Media Project Level 1. In Fifth Grade: Joey Moore and Evan Tomlinson won Honorable Mention for General Application Project Level 2. In Sixth Grade: Matthew Byrne won Honorable Mention Computer Programming Level 2. In Seventh Grade: Dominique Williams won Honorable Mention for General Application Project Level 3; Aidie Conway won Honorable Mention for General Application Project Level 3; Zachary Barnes won 2nd place for Individual Multi-media Project Level 3; John Michael Davis and Michael Tobiaswon 2nd place for Group Hardware Robotics Project Level 3; and Ada Zeigler won Honorable Mention for Individual Hardware Robotics Level 3.

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Special Guests All Summer Long! JUN 05 SpongeBob Squarepants JUN 26 Ariel JUL 17 Elsa & Anna AUG 21 Rapunzel Visits are from 11am - 2pm

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McGill-Toolen Freshman Wins Top Prize at Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair

Freshman Mary Alice Jouve won 1st Place in Physics and Astronomy, Senior Division, The Von Braun Astronomical Society Excellence Award and Director's Award at Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair with an entry titled "Clear Sky at Night Astronomer's Delight: An Investigation of Sky Glow as a function of Cloud Cover" using a digital camera and specialized software that detected the intensity of collected background light. Mary Alice's individual award is on the heels of our State Championship in the Alabama High School Physic Competition. Go Jackets!

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St. Dominic Catholic Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Living Stations of the Cross

The Living Stations of the Cross are presented annually during the season of Lent by the 8th grade students at St. Dominic Catholic School. This year the Living Stations were from the perspective of a teenager, as she realizes all that Jesus did on the road to His death was for us. Here the soldiers (Liam Smith and Joey Piccini) allow Mary (Kylee Stringer) to speak to her son, Jesus (Spencer Baldwin). Grace Overstreet contemplates Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pain as she sees her son.

Tuesday Nights Kids Eat Free!

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Autauga County Schools

Covenant Christian Track Team

Knollwood Christian Varsity Cheerleaders Win 2nd Place at Jamfest

The 4th-6th grade track team at Covenant Christian School recently performed well at their league championship meet held at St. Luke's. Front row, Nathan Broome, Blakely Boone, Alexis DeBruin, Ella Grace Meaux, Ella Havard, and Cade Horton. Back row, Jonathan Rush, Sam Werry, Abby Russ, Kyndall Waller, and Coach Lisa Rush. (Not pictured, Victoria Slade and Kathy Hacker).

KCS Varsity cheer won 2nd place at Jamfest Nationals in Biloxi. We are proud of these young ladies and their hard work! Pictured: Madison Eidt, Logan Peasant, Rachael Smith, Chloe Delmore, Laura Maguire, Kylie Thompson, Kayla Collins, Korinda Seale, and Emma Sheffield.

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St. Ignatius Kindergartners Hold Animal-Themed Fashion Show

Each year St. Ignatius Kindergarten students hold a fashion show with a new theme. This year, each student dressed up like an assigned animal and learned a brief presentation about their animal to say to the crowd. Pictured is St. Ignatius Kindergarten student Hannah Louise Hodges.

Faith Academy Holds Miss Ram Pageant

The 2016 Miss Ram Pageant was presented by Faith Academy Student Government Association and the Yearbook Staff. It was held on March 12th at Bryant High School. The pageant’s theme was “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Yourself”, which was a great way to encourage the girls to love themselves and others. They had a meet and greet to get to know each other, fun practices, and a social at Chill Yogurt. The girls were judged on stage expression, teacher evaluations, personality and more. The 2016 Miss Ram Winners were Elly Kate Tuberville as Tiny Miss Ram, Blair Powell as Little Miss Ram, Dalys Brown as Young Miss Ram, and Sasha Cohen as Miss Ram. Blair Powell says, “When I won Little Miss Ram I felt very humbled. It was a fun night, and was great to get a crown and flowers. I had a feeling my family was very proud!” The Miss Ram pageant is a fun and great experience for girls all ages and helps them build lifelong friendships they can cherish forever.

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

Registering NOW for the 2016—2017 year. Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K3 through eighth grade an outstanding education. Our child care center provides a warm, nurturing environment with developmentally appropriate programs for children 6 weeks to 2 years old. The school is committed to providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. Questions? Please contact us. 251.342.5474 or school@corpuschristiparish.com www.corpuschristiparish.com/school 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36608 23

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Autauga County Schools

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holds Induction Ceremony for National Honor Society

St. Luke's recently held an Induction Ceremony and reception for the newest members of the National Honor Society. Students must meet criteria which includes standards in scholarship, leadership, character and service. The 2016 inductees are: Henry Clark, Landon Connell, Mary Hunter Davis, Courtney Farni, Olivia Fisher, Elizabeth Guice, Amber Hernandez-Sexton, Nicole Holt, Ella Johnson, Amber Kadel, Emmy Musial, Riley Nettles, Jordon Odom, Ellie Pierce, Cameron Preston, Hunter Preston, Carly Salter, Chase Swearingen, Andy Sykes and Abigail Turner.

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Archbishop Blesses Stations of the Cross at Little Flower

Archbishop Thomas Rodi blessed the newly installed Stations of the Cross at Little Flower Church in the presence of the entire student body. The students at Little Flower Catholic School participated in the Lenten devotion of Stations of the Cross weekly during Lent. They also viewed the Living Stations of the Cross presented by the eighth grade class under the direction of their teacher, Mr. Brendan Shea, before the Easter break.

McGill-Toolen Catholic Students spend Easter Break on Guatemala Mission Trip

This Easter Break, McT took 21 students and 4 faculty members to Cuilapa, Guatemala for a mission trip. Students spent their days working with the children, bringing food to families in need, painting their school, building a church and offices and establishing a relationship with people of Cuilapa and the Diocese of Santa Rosa for future missions.

Little Flower Students Produce Southwestern Art

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History lessons about regions of the United States become more meaningful when art is incorporated into the experience. The work of Georgia O'Keefe was the inspiration for three-dimensional art resembling native American rugs. The fourth graders at Little Flower Catholic School were encouraged to use bright desert-like colors on their pieces, and finished them with fringes similar to the edge of a rug. Eternity Duncan, Ethan Vanni, Dario Budlong, and Kathy Le proudly display their creations. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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CHCA Art Students Win District Art Show

Cottage Hill Christian Academy art students competed in the AISA District Art Show in March. Many of the Cottage Hill pieces entered received awards with 7 qualifying to compete in the state show that will be held in Montgomery later in April. The winners advancing to the state competition are: Caroline Shanks (Best in Show), Addison Brock, Dillon Tippens, Katie Shanks, Angela Andrade, Alan Munyon and Taylor Card.

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St. Paul’s Girls Indoor Track Team Wins 5A State Championship

St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s indoor track team won the state team indoor championship over 24 scoring schools in the combined 4A-5A classification division. This was the girls team’s 7th consecutive team title (and AHSAA record 23rd overall) led by senior Charlotte (Boo) Krause with 4 individual state championships in the maximum allowable 4 events in which she participated. Boo won the high jump, long jump, triple jump and 60M high hurdles accounting for 40 individual points toward our team total of 108. 8th grader Isabel Valenzuela added 21 ½ individual points in her 4 events and sophomore Callie Radcliff another 13 ½ points including her individual state title in the pole vault. All totaled, 11 girls contributed points towards the team total.

Students Get their "Groove On" at St. Pius X Book Fair

St. Pius X held their annual Book Fair this year featuring the theme: Get Your Groove On. The Book Fair included events such as "Project Runway" at the Book Fair, an art contest, daily raffles and Family Night. Pictured here is Clifford, the Big Red Dog, with a sampling of students who dressed out for the "Dress as your favorite hippie or flower child" costume contest.

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St. Luke's Students Love their Bigs and Littles!

St. Luke's students enjoy the relationships they are able to build among their peers...but they also enjoy the projects/events that provide them an opportunity to foster relationships with students from very different grade levels including our Bigs and Littles programs. K5 students and 8th graders spend the year as Big Brothers/Sisters and Little Brothers/Sisters and are able to have a great time getting to know each other! One of the most anticipated events is the K5/8th Grade Bigs and Littles Easter Egg Hunt. Kindergarten students join their Big Brother/Big Sister on the University Campus for the Egg Hunt, and they ALL have to stay behind the starting line until GO, then they are off and running. It's a great day for everyone! 25

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Autauga County Schools

Corpus Christi Catholic School Raises Money for Father Good’s Mission Trip

The members of the Corpus Christi Catholic School community participated in a schoolwide Lenten project to raise money for Father Good’s mission trip to Guatemala. The school’s fundraising goal was $2000 but the students and faculty exceeded that goal and gave Father Good a check for $3622.56! It was a wonderful experience to work together for the purpose of helping support the mission trip. Father Good is pictured with Rose Gordon, Emily O’Neil, Emma Pitts and Allyson Cooney.

Mary G. Montgomery Students to Compete at Oratorical Competition in Mississippi

On Saturday, April 2, Elizabeth Busby and Mason O’Rourke, freshmen at MGM, competed in the Optimist Club Regional Oratorical. Both Elizabeth and Mason won at the club and zone levels in Mobile with their speeches on this year’s topic: “How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others” prior to Saturday’s competition. As a result of the competition, Elizabeth advanced to the district competition which will be held in Meridian, MS, on Saturday, April 23.

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Baker Student’s Poem to be Published in Anthology

AP Capstone student, Taylor Annerino entered a poem into a writing contest sponsored by "Creative Communication." Taylor's poem was selected out of several thousand entries as one of the ten best poems in the contest for the United States and Canada! As a result, Taylor was awarded $25 and the honor of having her poem published in the anthology, "A Celebration of Poets." We are so proud of Taylor for her accomplishment!

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UMS-Wright Seniors Receive Appointments to Naval and Military Academies

UMS-Wright Seniors, Patrick Howze and Sarah Morris received appointments to the United Military Academy at West Point and the United Naval Academy Preparatory School, respectively. Being accepted for admission into the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point is an exceptional honor reserved for our nation’s most promising students. West Point seeks leaders who are not only intelligent, but physically fit and of outstanding character. Receiving a nomination to The Naval Academy is only the first step in the lengthy application process. Once you receive the nomination, which can come from only four sources, one of your two congressmen, your representative, or the vice-president, the admissions office still has to accept you for an appointment. In a typical year, approximately 19,000 applicants apply to the United States Naval Academy, however only 1,500 appointments are given out. Congratulations, Patrick and Sarah!

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Autauga County Schools St. Ignatius Students Attend Special Lunch with Fr. Shields

St. Ignatius 4th graders gather at a special lunch with Fr. Shields. The Radcliff twins, Charlie and Will, asked their mother to bid on the lunch with Fr. Shields at Impala Gala. At lunch, Fr. Shields hosted 10 students to a lunch of their choice in the Rectory. The Radcliff twins invited 8 friends to celebrate with them and eat a student favorite, Foosacklys. Pictured are: Nicholas Rutland, Edward Vulevich, Charlie Radcliff, Wells Brewster, John Baggett, Will Radcliff, William Harrison, Michael Crocker, Christopher Marshall and Jake Prati.

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Students Selected to Participate in Leadership Academy

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Each year, 100 outstanding high school sophomores who have shown an interest in leadership through service are selected to participate in the Capstone Leadership Academy hosted by the University of Alabama Capstone Council. St. Luke's is proud to acknowledge that EVERY St. Luke's student who has been nominated for the Academy has been selected to attend. Our 2016 attendees were sophomores Isabelle Nguyen and William Brandyburg.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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UMS-Wright Announces Spirit Award Winners

Every year, UMS-Wright awards six deserving students in each Middle and Upper School grade a distinguished â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spirit Award.â&#x20AC;? The criterion for this award is based solely on character and is voted on by the faculty. The award winners are presented with a coveted Spirit pin to be worn on their blazers. 6th grade: Robert Courtney, Blakeslee Elliott, JJ Gutierrez, Palmer Lavelle, Mya Wesley, and Hannah Whiting. 7th grade: Blake Adams, Sykes Ashbee, Ebb Cuonts, Brenda Ellis, Catie Naman, and Hayden Owen. 8th grade: Abby Baker, David Bell, Clarke O'Connor, Jackie Stewart-Kuhn, Olivia Swann, and Keyshawn Woodyard. 9th grade: Jeb Barber, Brink Bedsole, Marcelle Ellis, Trey Fowler, Catherine Lyons, and Brooke Swain. 10th grade: Caroline Heggeman, Trey Hill, Caitlin McIlwain, Ryan McIlwain, Will Mostellar, and Caroline Whatley. 11th grade: Danner Butler, Christian Cooper, Will Maitre, Sarah Naman, Allie Riddle, and Emilee Sprinkle. 12th grade: Briana Admire, Wheeler Bewell, Chauncey Callier, Thomas Iturbe, Ashley Scott, and Abby Tait.

Corpus Christi School Students Take Home Numerous Awards from Computer Science Fair

Congratulations to Mrs. Hickman and the members of the Corpus Christi Catholic School computer Club. Fifty-one students competed in the 32nd Annual Faulkner State Community College Computer Science Fair that was held on March 10th. The students entered a total of 25 individual or group projects in the competition. They won 18 awards including four 1st place trophies and the "Spirit Award" which is given to the most enthusiastic school.

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Autauga County Schools

Allentown Elementary School March GATOR Kids

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: Front Row – Brooke Cunningham, Saige Farmer, Robert Dunn, Drake Little, Chloe Vaughn, Kelsie Bell. Middle Row – David Johnson, Brycen Conner, Emily Luker, Landon Jones, Ally Fleming, Ethan Bradley, Elizabeth Johnson. Back Row – Dylan Sullivan, Danielle Adams, Truly Piper, Jackson Turner, Olivia Mashburn, Hunter McLean. 3rd – 5th Grade: Front Row – Jordyn Bell, Jordin Grant, Shawn Nguyen, Haley Lucious, Adrian Cotton, Bricen Crenshaw. Middle Row – Tracy Vermillion, Megan Maples, Melanie Pineda, Brannen Vickers. Back Row – Colton Tillman, Brayden Thornburg, Chloe Crenshaw, Victoria Davis, Kyleigh McDuffie, Izzy Bazor.

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid and CPR Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring and Fall Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

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1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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St. Dominic Alumni Named Distinguished Graduate

Congratulations to Dr. Jared Rehm, St. Dominic Catholic School alumni, who was recently named a 2016 National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Graduate. The NCEA Distinguished Graduate Award is an award presented to a Catholic elementary school graduate who has made a contribution to the community, reflecting positively on the education received at a Catholic elementary school. Dr. Rehm graduated from Saint Dominic Catholic School in 2000 and currently serves at the Assistant Director of the Ability Sport Network at Huntingdon College. Dr. Rehm believes in Catholic education and says, “Catholic education has been essential to my successes. It laid the foundation to develop strong character, a thirst for knowledge, and most importantly my faith.” Pictured with Dr. Rehm are (l – r) his brother - Sam, father - Dr. Mike Rehm, mother - Mary Ann Rehm and brother - Blaise Rehm.

Troop 8363 Juniors Complete Bronze Award, Deliver Easter Buckets

The 5th Grade Juniors of Girl Scout Troop 8363 completed their Bronze Award on Tuesday, March 22. For their Bronze Award Project, they delivered 50 personalized Easter Buckets to the children of St. Mary's Home in Mobile. The girls held planning meetings, collected donations, and assembled the buckets over a 2-month period of time. They involved their schools, churches, and community in this effort and received cash and other donations through events such as school out-of-uniform days, "Quesadillas for Quarters", and a bake sale. Each bucket was personalized with the child's name in white vinyl letters and included a journal, pens and pencils, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, lotions, lip balm, combs, brushes, toy airplanes, chocolate Easter candy, nail polish, hair accessories, and, of course, a box of Girl Scout Cookies! In addition, the girls hand made pillows from donated bright yellow fleece scarves and laminated Easter Cross bookmarks to accompany the journals. It was a wonderful experience! Front Row (L to R): Anna Daniels (Pearl Haskew Elementary School), Samantha Guillotte (Echiold-Mertz Magnet School), Sarah Burnett (St. Dominic Catholic School), Abby Ferlise (St. Dominic Catholic School), Anna Willis (St. Dominic Catholic School). Back Row (L to R): Grace Hosemann (St. Dominic Catholic School), Maeghan Reilly (St. Dominic Catholic School), Olivia Culberson (St. Mary Catholic School), Kaitlyn Barnes (Faith Academy).

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Autauga County Schools

MGM Invitational Multicultural Oratorical

On Tuesday, March 29, MGM hosted the 3rd annual MGM Invitational Multicultural Oratorical. Students from Baker, Bryant, Davidson, MGM, B. C. Rain, and Vigor delivered speeches on this year’s topic: “The Positive Effects of Immigration on American Society.” All of the participants impressed the judges (Commissioner Connie Hudson, MCPSS Digital Media Specialist Marcie McNeal, Seymour Broadcasting Director Tim Finnigan, and Bishop State Community College communications professors Kim Smith and Catherine Cochran); MCPSS Superintendent Martha Peek; retired speech and drama teacher Sheri Mullin; as well as teachers, students, and parents in attendance. Brooklyn Massey from Davidson took 1st place while MGM’s Kandace Garmon and Thomas Stevenson took 2nd and 3rd. In addition to these incredible speeches, the audience was also treated to a performance by MGM’s extraordinary choir directed by Mrs. Julia Malone. Mrs. Christina Skelton, competition organizer, would like to extend a sincere thank you to all who made this event possible. In MGM Invitational Pictures – from left to right: Tim Finnigan, Kim Smith, Juvoris Williams (Vigor), Tiarra Lambert (Vigor), Katore James (BC Rain), Jaylin Lucas (BC Rain), Kandace Garmon (MGM), Thomas Stevenson (MGM), Paul Delmas (Davidson), Brooklyn Massey (Davidson), Emma Janney (Bryant), Nefsahyatt Brown (Baker/Ms. Belle’s S.C.H.O.O.L.S. Program), Commissioner Connie Hudson, Marcie McNeal, Catherine Cochran.

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O’Rourke Elementary Holds Color Run

On March 5, O'Rourke Elementary held their first annual Trek for Tech Color Run. The Technology Team, which consists of one teacher from each grade level, decided to do a Trek for Tech Color Run as a fundraiser to raise funds to purchase more technology for the school. We had approximately 250 people participate in our first annual Color Run, raising around $3,500. With the money that was raised we plan to purchase tools to help introduce coding to the students as well as tablets to place in the classrooms which will help students further their technology use. We plan to continue having this event each year and have hopes of opening it up to the public.

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St. Dominic Students Create Cityscape Using Bar Graphs

St. Dominic Catholic School students in Grades 6 and 7 created an evening cityscape using bar graphs demonstrating the first 448 digits of Pi which will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern and has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. Here students, Jonah McLarty, Anthony Hoffman, Right Delia Peterson, and Robert Greenwood work to create their portion of the cityscape.

St. Paul’s Students Compete in ACTE Regional Computer Fair

Fifty six St. Paul’s students in the 3rd, 5th and 6th grade entered the 32st annual ACTE Regional Computer Fair held at Faulkner State Community College. Over 1,600 students in grades 3 – 12 participated from Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties. Students who placed 1st or 2nd are eligible to compete in the state computer fair held in Montgomery. Computer Literacy: 2nd Place – Russell Manning (Level 2). Hardware Robotics: 2nd Place David Brown (Level 3), Honorable mention – Taylor Etheredge (Level 2). Multimedia: 1st Place – Celeste Parker and Sage Philips (Level 2), Honorable mention – Sarah Morgan (Level 2), Honorable mention – Jahazel Scott (Level 2). Web Page: 1st Place – Ann Hanlon Cummings and Hadley Farnell (Level 3). Computer Programming: 1st Place – David Brown (Level 3), 3rd Place – Julianna Ramo, Leah Robinson, Valencia Thomas, and Elliott Morgan (Level 2). General Apps: Honorable Mention – Madison Faust, Emilie Seurot, and Isabella Mueller (Level 2), Honorable Mention – Porter Sanders. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Dawes Intermediate Wins Best in Fair!

Dawes Intermediate School's Technology Team competed at the Alabama Council for Technology in Education Regional Technology Fair in March. Dawes students competed against students from public and private schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Our students conducted themselves in a manner that made Dawes Intermediate School shine. Our 4th grade students competed at Level 1 and our 5th grade students competed at Level 2. We are proud of all of our students who took part in this competition. You did an outstanding job! Sponsors are Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Creel, & Ms. Spottswood. We won the following awards: Best in Fair Individual Computer Programming Level 1: 1st - Michael G., 2nd – Trey S., 3rd Thao N. Individual Computer Programming Level 2: 3rd – Braeden D., Honorable Mention – Derrick S. Group Programming Level 1: 1st – Kai B. & Will W., 2nd – Preston H. & Douglas L. Video Production Level 1: Honorable Mention - Emeree K., Zarea B., Chelsea W., & Kristen R. Video Production Level 2: 3rd – Tyden K., Sam D., David M., & Joshua G. Web Design Level 1: 1st – Gannon E. & Julie B. Honorable Mention – Eli D., Parker H., Lawayne L. Web Design Level 2: Honorable Mention – Will H. & Matthew O. Hardware & Robotics Level 2: 2nd – Samuel G., Madison H., Matt B., & Dylan C. 1st and 2nd place winners are eligible to participate in the ACTE State Competition in April. Go Hawks!

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Davidson HS Wins 2016 Hi-Q Championship

Davidson High School bounced back from a loss in the first match of the season to win the 2016 Hi-Q championship. Just 5 points separated first from third place in the championship match, as Davidson scored 32 points to Bryant’s 31 and McGill-Toolen’s 27. Davidson’s team members are: Rupa Palanki, Allie Milton, Thomas Hendrix, Emily Zecha, Derek Dang, Rohan Palanki, Nandita Dey and Isabelle Bracewell. Brittany King and Tanvi Bhadkamkar are the alternates. “They really worked hard after that first match,” said Tara Smith, one of Davidson’s Hi-Q sponsors. “We have kind of a young team — we only have one senior — so a lot of the new players have never played before… It was kind of a Cinderella season.” Davidson will receive a prize of $2,000 for winning the competition, sponsored by New Horizons Credit Union. Secondplace finisher Alma Bryant will receive $1,500 and third-place McGill-Toolen gets $1,000.

Eichold-Mertz Magnet Art Dabblers

Art Dabblers is an after school club held at Eichold-Mertz Magnet School. The art club is sponsored by third grade teacher, Cassia Diaz and outdoor science lab teacher, Lorie Pagan, and is open to all K-5 students. During this time, students learn about famous artists and techniques. They are allowed to use a variety of mediums to create individual and unique pieces of art. Pictured left to right: back row – Ava Sexton, Laurie Ella Hess, Temperance Bailey, Emily Martinez. Front row – Lindsey Robinson, Alyssa Williamson, Lena Andrews.

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St. Pius X Hosts Annual Oratorical Contest

The St. Pius X oratorical contest is sponsored by Optimist Clubs International for students in 5th-8th grade. Finalists are chosen from among these grades to participate in the school contest. The top female and male contestants move on to the Optimist Club's zone level competition against students from other schools. Pictured here are the SPX finalist, guest judges and Sr. Anne Claire, the moderator of the event. Seventh grader Halle Barnett, (back row left) and 8th grader Daniel Harrison, (back row left center), were chosen to move on to the zone contest.

Cottage Hill Student Named National Merit Finalist

Congratulations to Jordan Allred for being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a nationwide competition that recognizes the top seniors annually and is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. We are proud of Jordan's accomplishments as a student scholar and student athlete. 33

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Autauga County Schools

Covenant Christian Scholar's Bowl Southwest Alabama Champions

Covenant's performance at the Regional Scholars Bowl Championship hosted by UM was incredible! Our first year team brought home 3rd place for B team and 1st place for A team during the regular season district competition! One of our students, Zachary Haataja, brought home 1st place for individual in district and 3rd place individual overall! At the Super Tournament, held at The University of Mobile, our A Team went 5-1 in pool play to make it into the final 8 and WON IT ALL with 3 big wins over Bayside, St. Mary's, and St. Paul's! Words cannot express how proud and thankful we are for our team, our parents, Coach Brandon and Mrs. Haataja, and all of the teachers at Covenant that have poured into this amazing group of students! CCS is truly blessed! Way to go CCS Scholar's Bowl Team!

St. Ignatius Holds National Honor Society Inductions

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This year St. Ignatius had 15 students who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and an additional 18 students who were inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society. Pictured at the induction is Fr. Bry Shields with student Henry Stephens.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Murphy HS Students Take Best of Show at Regional Science and Engineering Fair

Students from Murphy High School swept the top four Best of Show places in the senior division of the Mobile Regional Science and Engineering Fair held recently at the University of South Alabama, while students from Clark-Shaw Magnet and Phillips Prep shared Best of Show honors in the junior division. Murphy’s Davina Ho took first-place Best in Show in the senior division for her chemistry project, with Murphy classmates Sarah Bowman (Animal Sciences), Jamie Lim (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and Ryan LanghinrichsenRohling (Behavorial and Social Sciences) placing second, third and fourth, respectively. For their first- and second-place Best in Show finishes, Ho and Bowman won full scholarships to South Alabama, as well as a trip to the International Science Fair. Bowman, who also won for Best Interview, was a Best in Show winner for the second time and will be able to use this second scholarship for graduate school. In the junior division, Clark-Shaw’s Savannah Dinkel (Chemistry) and Phillips Prep’s Spencer Purdy (Earth and Space Sciences) shared Best in Show honors, while Clark-Shaw’s Sophia MacDonald and Lawson James won the Mobile Gas Awards. Winners advanced to the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

The Tradition of Field Day at St. Mary Catholic

One of the highlights of the year at St. Mary Catholic School is Field Day! This springtime tradition for the entire school goes back generations at St. Mary and is a fun-filled day of old fashioned fun including games like potato sack races, long jump, basketball relays, and of course tug-o-war! Pictured, Raley Adams and Nick Torrans potato sack their way down the field.

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Giving Kids the Royal Treatment

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The fairy tales of youth could be what launches our early interest in castles. These over-sized, elaborate structures are the ubiquitous lodging for kings and queens. These elaborate structures are the seat of power in countless imagined kingdoms. History also defines castles in various cultures as the nexus for events that changed the world. So it’s certainly a natural outcome that many kids find playing with castle toys part of their ultimate childhood fantasies. Whether they are enacting their own epic intrigues or playing out a version of scenarios from their favorite tales, castle toys are prime real estate every kid’s landscape!

by Gerry Paige Smith

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Imaginext Lions Den Castle

Little hands have the tools they need to build their own small fiefdom with the My Soft World Castle Block Set. Featuring lightweight blocks and figures crafted with soft, yet durable foam, these pieces are the building blocks for a tiny realm that’s sized just right for the preschool crowd. No sharp edges or hard knocks come with this soft play set. With colorful graphics that add royal flair to the turrets and towers, plus a cast of characters ready to move in, this soft building set offers all the pretend-play elements for a child’s first castle adventures.

With the noble lion as its sigil and defender, this castle play set is ready for adventure. Designed for small hands and big imaginations, the Lions Den comes with fierce elements that will spark scenarios that change and evolve with each play session. Movable elements and parts allow kids to craft defensive actions or plan their own attacks on the fortifications – the adventures are theirs to design and implement. Including a raging lion and three characters with various armor and weapons, this set can also be expanded with additional figures to grow new stories from within the Imaginext Lions Den Castle.

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For turn key castle play, the Discovery Kids Knights Castle Tent is a quick and easy way to create an instant fortress for kids to rule. Crafted with durable nylon, this play tent has a roof and floor that make it ideal for indoor and outdoor play. With colorful graphics and classic castle design elements (crenelations, arched windows, peaked roof) that reinforce the vibe, this tent quickly cultivates its own legendary pretend play. The tent poles are stretch-corded for easy assembly and fast break down. When the castle is uninhabited the whole edifice collapses to a flat, compact and handily portable package for the royals on the go.

(Melissa & Doug)

Ready to host epic adventures and intrigues, the Fold & Go Wooden Castle delivers royal recreation. Crafted from safe materials and high quality wood, this durable two-story play set comes with six figures and some movable furniture items to set the stage. The multiple rooms, parapets. staircases, and windows (plus a dungeon and a working drawbridge) create a setting that will instantly kick-start a child’s storytelling. When the castle is closed for adventure, it simply folds together, storing its pieces inside. The Fold & Go Castle from Melissa & Doug is a first choice for quality design and versatility of play.

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

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Q. We have two daughters, and we’ve started

thinking about financial planning for college. What are the differences between an Education Savings Account and a 529 plan?

A. The Education Savings Account (ESA)

is limited to $2,000 per year, per child. It has complete flexibility, meaning you can invest it in whatever you like and you can move it—roll it over—to another one if you don’t like that mutual fund, as an example. I use that example because I recommend using good growth stock mutual funds and that you do this for the first $2,000 invested per year. There are several types of 529 plans, and there’s only one that I would recommend. It’s the kind that has complete flexibility, where you control the investments. Some states have 529 plans that are prepaid tuition, and I never recommend those. You don’t want the state managing anything for you, because you won’t get anywhere near the returns you’d get if you managed it yourself. Other types of 529s lock you into a certain kind of investment the whole time, or they move the investment based on the age of your kid. I don’t want anybody doing that crap. I want you controlling your money. Most of the 529s vary somewhat from state to state, but the majority have flexibility that al-

lows you to control the investment while contributing up to $10,000 a year. Both those and the ESAs grow completely tax-free on the growth as long as they’re used for higher education. They can also be transferred to a sibling if the kid doesn’t go to school, so a little brother or sister can use the money. If they get scholarships, make sure you keep up with the value of these. You’ll be allowed to withdraw that amount and refund yourself for the scholarship amount without penalty or taxes on the amount withdrawn. In short, both the ESA and 529 are fine ways to save for college. Just make sure if you’re doing a 529 that you choose the kind you control from top to bottom!

Q. I’ve always wanted to work from home. How can I separate the scams online and on television from real jobs where I can make money? A. The vast majority of things you see in latenight infomercials and online—except of course for legitimate job hunter sites—are scams. I’m talking about the business-in-a-box kind of stuff and everything else. And I know you’ve seen

the postings online that go something like, “My sister-in-law makes $50 an hour from home, and you can, too!” These scammers are the worst of the worst. Don’t waste a second of your time on that garbage. My biggest worry is that you’re looking at your career the wrong way. Just making money shouldn’t be the measuring stick of success in your professional life. Whether you’re going to start a home business or work in an office for someone else, your work should engage you in doing something you know about and love. You spend too many hours of your life at work to be miserable in what you do. Shuffling day after day through a job you don’t like—even one with a big paycheck attached—is also a bad idea. Sooner or later the fact that you don’t like your work is going to catch up with you on the job and at home. Think of something you love to do, then get creative and find a way to make money at it. It may mean turning a hobby into a part-time gig nights and weekends for starters. Who knows, with a lot of hard work and a little creativity, you could be your own boss in no time!

Ages 8 and up. One week classes. STEM Camp - May 31 through June 3 Sailing School - June 6 through July 29 Learn basic sailing and racing techniques in a safe and fun environment. Classes taught by U.S. Sailing Certiied Instructors

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Shiloh Baptist

717 Cleveland Rd., Saraland 251-675-3587, www.shilohbc.com May 7; PreK - 2nd grade Theme: “Get out of the Boat”; 9:00am-1:00pm. See June 9-10 for grades 3– 8.

Spring Hill Baptist

2 McGregor Ave S., Mobile (251) 342-5320; www.shbc.cc June 5-8; 5:30– 8:00pm; Ages 4K – 6th grade A light dinner will be served each evening. Join us for Deep Sea Discovery VBS where kids will discover that God is with them wherever they go! Sign up online at www.shbc.cc between April 18 – May 24 for a free t-shirt! Get ready to dive into God’s Word!

Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church

1644 Wolf Ridge Road, Whistler AL (251) 456-7638 June 6-10; 5:00pm -8:00pm; All ages are welcome to attend! Theme: “Jesus: The True SuperHero” Part 2 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Eph. 6:11; Bible Study, Arts & Crafts, Recreation, Refreshment, Music, Dance! Contact Portia Payne at 660-8685 for more information.

Little Flower Catholic Church 2053 Government St., Mobile (251) 478-3381, www.littleflower.cc June 6-10; 8:30am-11:30pm Ages 3 – 8th Grade

Redemption Church (ad on page 28)

1251 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland (251) 679-3266; goredemption.com June 6-10, 9:00am-12:00pm; Completed 5K-6th Grade; Theme - “Cave Quest - Following Jesus: the Light of the World”

Government Street Baptist 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile (251) 660-7444; www.governmentstreet.org June 6-9; 9:00am-12:00pm; Completed 4K-5th grade; Theme - “Walk This Way”

Government Street Presbyterian 300 Government Street, Mobile (251) 432-1749; www.gspcmobile.org June 6-9; 8:30am-12:30pm; Cost - $15 Theme - “Barnyard Roundup – Jesus Gathers Us Together”; Register online at vbsmate.com/ GSPCvbs2016.

Highpoint Baptist Church 2421 Lott Road, Eight Mile, AL 36613 (251) 452-4601; www.highpointbc.org June 6 - June 10, 6pm “Submerge Your Kids In God’s Word” This summer, take your family on an adventure like no other, deep within the mysterious sea. As kids submerge themselves in God’s Word, they will discover that Jesus didn’t just see what’s on the outside of people. He looked deep down on the inside. So grab your goggles, step into your flippers, and dive in to find truth below the surface! Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

Snow Road Missionary Baptist

809 Snow Road N, Mobile (251) 649-0030; snowroadbaptistchurch.com June 6-10; 9:00am-12:00pm, Ages 4 thru 12th Grade Register at the church on June 6 at 8:30 am or for preregistration, register at the church web site snowroadbaptistchurch.com.

Ashland Place United Methodist Church 15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile (251) 478-6356; www.apumc.com June 6-10; 9:00am – 12:30pm, Cost - $15 Theme - “Cave Quest – Following Jesus the Light of the World”

For registration forms, email Ashley Thompson at athompson@stmarymobile.org or contact the parish office at (251) 432-8678, ext. 1.

Christ Church Cathedral

115 S. Conception St, Mobile, (251) 438-1822; www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org June 7-9; 9:00am-12:00pm; Theme - “Egypt – Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace” To register: https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ hl/christchurchcath. For information, please contact Alison Mitchell at alisonsmitchell2@gmail. com or (251) 689-7874.

Shiloh Baptist

717 Cleveland Rd., Saraland 251-675-3587, www.shilohbc.com May 7; PreK - 2nd grade; Theme: “Get out of the Boat”; 9:00am-1:00pm; June 9-10; Grades 3rd - 8th; Theme: “Making it Real”; 6:00pm-6:00pm 24 hours of Making it Real

West Mobile Baptist 7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 639-9952; www.westmobilebaptist.org June 12-16, 6:00pm-8:30pm; Ages 4-Grade 6. Theme - “Submerged”

Cottage Hill Baptist 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile (251) 660-2439; www.cottagehill.org June 13-17; 9:00am-12:00pm; Completed 4K8th Grade; Theme - “Walk This Way” Immediately following VBS: Harlem Legends Shoot for the Stars Basketball Camp, Directed by legendary Harlem GlobeTrotter Michael Douglas, Noon-5pm in the ROC Gym at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. For boys and girls ages 7-14, Cost is $135 (includes lunch). Award ceremony on Friday, June 17th, at 3:00pm. For additional information contact Diane Capps at 662-8650 or visit www.cottagehill.org

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St. Mary Catholic Parish (ad on page 31)

107 N. Lafayette Street, Mobile (251) 432-8679, www.stmarymobile.org June 6-9; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages: K-5th grade Theme - “Cave Quest-Following Jesus, The Light of the World!” The cost is $20 for campers who register by May 27 and $25 per camper after that date. 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. 38

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Lighthouse Baptist Church

6905 Nan Gray David Road, Theodore (251) 653-6542 June 13-16; 6:00-8:00pm; Ages 4-12 Theme - “The Sweet Life”; For more information contact nick.coates@lbctheodore.com.

St. Dominic Parish

4156 Burma Road, Mobile (251) 661-5130; www.stdominicmobile.org June 13-17 8:45am-12:00pm, Community Night June 15 at 6:00pm; 4K – Entering Grade 5 Theme - “Cave Quest – Following Jesus, the light of the world”

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (ad on page 15)

1050 Azalea Road., Mobile (251) 666-2990; stlukesepiscopalchurch.org June 13-17; 8:00am-12:00pm; Ages K5 through 5 grade; Registration forms will be on the website or can be picked up in the church office.

The Baptist Chapel

10431 Old Pascagoula Road, Grand Bay (251) 957-6982 June 13-17, 8:30am-12:00pm; K3-6th grade. Join Dr. Albert Vanguard, his family and crew aboard their fantastic airship as they discover how to conquer the enemy with God’s help. We will have crafts, games, music, snacks and lessons as we venture aboard the airship.

First Baptist Church of Dawes

3941 Dawes Road, Mobile (251) 633-7331; www.firstbaptistdawes.org June 19-June 23; 6:00pm-8:30; Ages 3-6th grade; Theme - “Submerged”

Dauphin Way Baptist

3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 342-3456; www.dwbc.org June 20-24; 9:00am-12:00pm; Completed K-4 thru 6th gradel Theme - “Submerged” Register online at our website.

Mt. Hebron Church Ministries

2531 Berkley Avenue, Mobile (251) 457-9900; ww.mthebroncm.org June 20 - 24. Ages 2 through adult! 6pm 8:30pm

Snow Road First Baptist

2370 Snow Road North, Semmes (251) 649-7722, www.srfbc.com Kick-Off to VBS and Water Fun Day: June 18 12:00pm-2:00pm. Bring your swimsuits and towels!nJune 20th-24th; 6:00pm-8:30pm Light supper served every evening. Family Day: June 26 - 10:45am; Ages 4 – 6th Grade; Theme “Submerged”; For registration contact Carolina Burkholder, 251-725-3068 or email carolinaoburkholder4@gmail.com.

St. Ignatius Catholic Church

3704 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 342-9221, www.stignatiusmobile.org June 20-24, 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages PreK-4th grade; Theme: “Mercy Airways” 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.

July 11-15; 9:00pm-12:00pm; Ages 5 – completed 5th grade. Theme - “Cave Quest – Following Jesus the Light of the World”; Register online at www.stmarkmobile.com or call 342-5861 for more information.

Shadow Lawn Baptist Church

5665 Dogwood Trail, Eight Mile (251) 675-1447; www.shadowlawnbc.com June 26-July 1; 6:00pm until 8:30pm; For all ages pre-school through adult Nursery for those parents that attend and for the children of those working in VBS. There will be a snack supper every night. Theme “Submerged”

Travis Road Baptist Church

5226 Travis Road, Mobile, (251) 661-1620 June 26 - 29, 6:00pm-8:00pm; Ages 4k thru 5th grade; Join us for “Mega Sports Camp” VBS. To register or for more information call the children’s director, Rebecca Nelson, (251) 581-2539.

Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 342-0462; www.cumcchildren.com/vbs June 27-July 1; 9:00am-12:00pm; Cost - $15 Ages K3-5th grade; Theme - “Deep Sea Discovery”; Register online at cumcchildren.com/vbs.

Spring Hill Presbyterian

10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251) 342-1550; www.springhillpresbyterian.org June 27-30, 9:00am-11:30am (kids); Thursday – 5:00-7:30 pm (parents and kids); Age 4-Grade 5 Theme - “Splash”; Registration online at shpc.us.

First Baptist Tillman’s Corner

5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile (251) 661-0114; www.fbtc.org July 11-15, 9:00am-12:00pm. Completed K5-6th grade; Theme - “Submerged – Finding Truth Below the Surface”

Saraland UMC

415 McKeough Avenue, Saraland (251) 675-2728; www.saralandumc.org July 11-13; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages 4 – 5th grade; Theme - “Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love”; Registration Info: Check our website for registration info about a month prior to the event, or children can register on arrival.

St. Mark UMC

439 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 342-5861; www.stmarkmobile.com 39

Woodridge Baptist Church

2700 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 633-6000; www.woodridgebc.com July 11-July 15; 8:30am-12:00pm; For kids entering Kindergarten thru entering 6th grade. Theme - “Cave Quest”

Dauphin Way UMC

1507 Dauphin Street., Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org/VBS July 18-22; 9:00am -12:00pm; Age 4- completed 5th grade; Theme - “Cave Quest”

Oak Park Church (ad on page 13)

3321 Sollie Road, Mobile (251) 633-6110; www.oakparkministries.com June 21-24; 9:00am-12:30; Ages 3-12. Theme: “Cave Quest”

Semmes First Baptist Church

4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes (251) 649-2319; www.semmesfirstbaptist.net July 18- 22; 8:30am – 12:00pm; Entering Kindergarten to 6th grade. Theme: “Cave Quest”

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 342-8521; www.stpaulschurchmobile.com July 18-22. More details to come: check our website.

Covenant Presbyterian Church

2651 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile (251) 298-7055; covenantpresmobile.org August 1-3; 9:00am-12:00pm; Theme - “The King is Coming”; Email marty@covenantpresmobile.org with questions or to register.

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Raising Kids Who Can Code Over 600,000 computing jobs are available in the US, but only 43,000 computer science majors graduated last year. That startling statistic from code.org may explain why 9 out of 10 parents want children to learn computer programming. Even kids who aren’t likely to choose programming as a career benefit from learning something about it. Coding teaches kids to analyze problems, think logically and be persistent about troubleshooting. Getting results also gives kids a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they can make technology work for them. Unfortunately, many K-12 schools don’t routinely offer coding classes. To correct that problem, the White House launched a CS for All Initiative earlier this year. Parents can find out about exemplary school programs at digitalpromise.org and discover local programs in the “Learn” section of code.org. You can also supplement what’s available at school with options like these:

Toys. Three dimensional playthings can teach kids the kind of logical sequencing that is at the heart of programming. Code-A-Pillar, coming soon from Fisher Price, is a caterpillar that does different things depending on how a toddler sequences its segments ($50). Makerbloks.com sells domino size blocks that have different functions. Kids six and up can snap them together to tell stories or create devices like a burglar alarm or a voice changing microphone ($125). Circuit Maze from thinkfun. com teaches kids to think logically about circuits with a series of 60 puzzles ($40). Bots. Robots and droids can be fun for the entire family, but many models are expensive, delicate or tricky to operate. Exceptions include Dash and Dot (makewonder.com), freeMobile Bay Parents I May 2016

standing, kid-friendly bots that can be controlled through an app. Sphero.com also sells several durable, rolling robots that will appeal to kids over 8, especially if they are Star Wars fans. Apps. A wide variety of apps claim to teach coding to kids. Two of the better ones come from Hopscotch (gethopscotch.com) Their signature program lets school age kids use code to design games and create artwork. A simpler program called Daisy the Dinosaur is available for preschoolers (Both free, Apple products). Kodable teaches coding practices by having 6-10 year olds maneuver furry, round aliens called Fuzzes through 30 increasingly difficult mazes by using visual arrow icons (Free. Multiple platforms. Kodable.com). The Foos asks elementary age kids to help cute characters solve problems that just happen to involve coding skills such as pattern recognition and sequencing (Free for most platforms. TheFoos.com). Lightbot is a slightly more abstract set of puzzles that can be addictive for older kids (Free for most platforms. Lightbot.com). Hybrids. Several interesting programs teach code with a combination of tangible objects and apps. Bloxels has kids 8-12 create video games by inserting brightly colored blocks into a grid to create a pixellated image. Capture the image on a smart phone and an app helps you convert it into a game with characters and obstacles (bloxelsbuilder.com). Bitsbox.com has a free website, but it also offers a subscription service for elementary school kids. Once a month, kids get a box of new programming challenges along with stickers, small toys and trading cards. Clubs. Cs-first.com offers free modules that can be used in afterschool programs or summer camps. The materials are built around Scratch, a coding language devised at MIT (scratch.mit.edu) and are targeted to students in 4th-8th grade. All you need to start a club is a willing adult and access to one Internet-enabled device for each club member. Lessons. For children who develop a taste for coding, several organizations offer a more systematic way to become proficient. Code.org has links to “Hour of Code” projects that offer free one-hour tutorials introducing students to code. They also have a series of 40

videos that help kids master basic algorithms and offer inspiration from master coders like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. Pluralsight, a company that provides online training to adults by subscription, offers several free classes for kids at pluralsight.com/kids-courses. At Codeacademy.com, teens who are motivated can master several programming languages through free interactive lessons. Finally, Tynker. com, a program widely used by schools, offers over 1000 coding activities with kid appeal to families willing to pay a monthly subscription. Try the free apps, available for Android and Apple, before signing up. Camps. Summer is a great time to learn a new skill, and several camps will immerse kids in code. IDtech.com offers camps exploring a variety of technical topics at over 150 locations, including many campuses with prestigious CS programs. Their website makes it easy to find an experience that’s age appropriate for kids 7-18. The Emagination program intersperses lessons in coding with more traditional camp activities. Information about locations and programs, including a popular Minecraft session, is available at computercamps.com. Just for Girls. In the past, boys gravitated towards programming more readily than girls. A number of organizations are trying to reverse that trend. Madewithcode.com, a Google initiative, features exciting coding projects developed by young women. Girlswhocode. com sponsors tech clubs and summer camps for girls. And Girldevelopit.com offers supportive women-only classes in 52 US cities. Stuff around the House. CSunplugged.org promises to teach kids some of the basic concepts of computer science through games and puzzles that use inexpensive materials like cards, string, ping pong balls and crayons probably lying around your house. The site which is popular with educators includes downloads and videos explaining how to make use of the materials. With so many options available, every parent should be able to find a program or project that matches your child’s age and temperament as well as the family’s schedule and budget. So what are you waiting for? Get your kids coding now! Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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When the 2016-2017 school year gets underway many parents will begin homeschooling. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in 2012 roughly three percent of students in the United States were homeschooled, or around two million. With the numbers increasing each year it’s clear that homeschooling is here to stay. Choosing that route comes with some benefits and challenges you should be aware of before deciding if homeschooling is right for you.

The Benefits

“One of the biggest benefits for us, is that since my husband is in the military, I don’t have to worry about my boys missing something major in their education, especially with their math and reading skills,” explains Katie Beauchamp, who has been homeschooling for 10 years and is coordinator of MAHE (Maxwell Area Home Educators). “Homeschooling also keeps the family as a priority in my children’s lives, including when family from out of town visits. We’re able to take off and spend time with them.” Although reasons for homeschooling vary, the NCES reports that the most common reasons are that parents are not satisfied with the school curriculum and they have concerns about the school environment. Many parents don’t approve of certain subject matter being taught, while others feel

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

the school is not safe or that their child won’t learn the moral principles they desire. Other reasons for homeschooling include not wanting a child to be labeled as learning disabled or as having attention deficit disorder (ADD). Some families feel they can help a challenged student more at home. Another major benefit that many homeschooling families cite is the fact that their child gets more of an opportunity to explore and go in-depth with subjects that interest them. Schools are known for keeping people on pace and all learning the same thing at the same time, while a homeschooled child may take an interest in astrology, for example, and get to really explore that subject more. Students taught at home often get to learn at a comfortable pace, get more hands-on learning experiences, and have the opportunity to take more field trips to museums and other educational places. Homeschooled students also get more one on one time with the teacher, because it is usually just them, their parent and possibly some siblings, rather than a classroom with 20-30 students who are learning the subject matter.

The Challenges

Jill Jones, an Opelika, Ala. mother, is homeschooling her 10th grade daughter this year for the first time. Her daughter, who has Asperger Syndrome, has been in mainstream schools her whole life and even though her mother says she is a bright student, her grades did not reflect this because she has a difficult time taking standardized tests. Jones has discovered that there are challenges that come with homeschooling. “The disadvantage, and something that homeschoolers won’t often tell you, is how frustrating it can be to spend your day doing a lot of work with nothing to show for it. Of course, if you www.mobilebayparents.com

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start homeschooling at the beginning of their school career, this is probably not as apparent,” says Jones. “Of course, I had several distractions, including a 2 ½ year old who demanded a lot of attention.” Another challenge for many parents is that they worry a great deal about having their child’s education in their hands. Yet the research shows that there may not be reason for so much worry. A report in The School Psychology Review explained that the “data has consistently shown that homeschooled children typically score higher than the national average on achievement tests.” That can also be seen when comparing ACT Assessment tests, a widely accepted college entrance exam. ACT, Inc. reports that homeschooled students score higher on their test scores than do public school students. Additionally, another report in 2010 in the Journal of College Admissions, also had a higher overall grade point average. Perhaps the biggest challenge homeschoolers face are stereotypes. One of the biggest being that many people believe a homeschooled child doesn’t get properly socialized. However, the research doesn’t support that myth. The School Psychology Review reported: “Students from homeschools and traditional schools have been found to attend extra-familial social activities with the same frequency, belong to the same number of organizations (e.g., scouting and church youth groups), and socialize equally as often with relatives and friends.” Most homeschoolers belong to support groups where they often engage in outside classes, play sports and take field trips.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about homeschooling, make sure you research first so you know what it takes. Get involved in support groups so you get off to a good start and make the most of local resources. Just like sending your child to school, homeschooling does come with its own set of benefits and challenges. The more you know ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to meet them head-on. MBP Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer living near Daytona Beach, Fla. with her husband and two children.

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South Alabama Christian School

18250 Pennsylvania Avenue, Robertsdale (251) 947-5119; www.churchofchristatrobertsdale.com; Contact Michelle Hinton at balcodst@gulftel.com.

Alabama Cover Schools Academy for Excellence

www.academyforexcellence.webs.com

Alabama Hope Academy

(256) 418-4125 www.alabamahopeacademy.com

Broadchurch Academy

(205) 687-8474; www.broadchurchacademy.org

Calvary School

(256) 423-8165; www.calvary-school.org

Getting Started State Laws Leaping from the Box

www.leapingfromthebox.com Leaping from the Box contains resources & articles to assist Homeschoolers and Home Educators. Move beyond the “cookie-cutter” box mentality in your homeschooling journey. We have materials for Independent Learners including tips for using textbooks, community resources & online information. Leaping from the Box answers common questions about home schooling in Alabama. We also have support groups, cover schools and more available. For more information email Admin@LeapingFromTheBox.com.

Homeschool.com

www.homeschool.com For over 14 years Homeschool.com has helped homeschooling families get the information they need about the different curricula, products and services offered to the homeschooling community. We strive to provide you with information about everything from products and services to the inspiring stories of homeschoolers around the world. Homeschool.com contains great information on different approaches to homeschooling, such as: classical, un-schooling, Charlotte Mason, school in a box and much more.

HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)

(540) 338-5600; www.hslda.org Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend the constitutional right of parents and to protect family freedoms. HLDSA gives families the freedom to homeschool without having to face legal threats alone.

Homeschool Central

www.homeschoolcentral.com Homeschool Central is a resourceful website for new and veteran homeschoolers. It includes state laws, curriculums, un-schooling, support groups, blogs, How-To sections and much more.

CHEF – Christian Home Education Fellowship of Alabama

(334) 288-7229 www.homeschool-life.com/al/chefofalabama Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

CHEF of Alabama exists to promote and encourage Christian home education for the glory of God. Whether you are considering homeschooling, just beginning your homeschooling journey, or are a veteran homeschooling parent, our goal is to encourage, inspire, and equip you. For more information email sharon@chefofalabama.org or president@chefofalabama.org.

Dayspring Academy

(256) 353-2592; www.dsacademy.org

Everest Academy

(205) 433-9828; www.alabamahomeschooling.com

HomeLife Academy

(888) 560-0774; www.homelifeacademy.com

Mobile and Baldwin County Cover Schools

LifeGate Academy

(257) 679-5969; www.lifegateacademy.com

Cottage Hill Christian Academy (CHCA)

Outlook Academy

(251) 660-2427; www.chcacademy.com

334-290-0919; www.outlookacademy.org

Evergreen Christian Academy

The Way Home Christian School

First Assembly of God Christian School

Homeschool Teacher Discount Cards

www.eca-shiloh.com; melaniebaldwin@eca-shiloh.com

22811 Holland Street, Robertsdale (251) 947-5890; www.firstassemblyrobertsdale.org For info contact lifeministry@mediacombb.net .

Heritage Christian School

5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile (251) 751-2811; www.eheritagechristian.net Teresa Jones at hcsfbtc@gmail.com

Legacy Christian School

2700 Schillinger Rd. South, Mobile (251) 631-3615; Lafe Dozier

Moffett Road Christian School

6159 Moffett Road, Mobile (251) 391-4663; www.mobilemrcs.org

Northside Bible Academy

2700 North University Boulevard,  Mobile (251) 457-2464; www.northsidebibleacademy.com Marie Wattier & Angel Fauver For more information email admin@northsidebibleacademy.com .

Our Lady of Guadalupe School

(251) 219-4360; Mobile For more information contact Connie & Pat Arensberg at chirhoeuro@aol.com. 44

(256) 796-8533; www.wayhome.biz

Office Max Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Joanne’s Fabrics Scholastic.com Mobile Ballet* Mobile Opera * *Contact Erin Wainwright etw501@yahoo.com for discounted tickets to attend as a homeschool group.

Homeschool Communities & Co-Ops (Many cover schools also offer co-ops and support groups)

South Alabama Homeschooling

Join their Facebook page for information on group events like the ones listed below. Message Erin Wainwright, Group Administrator for information. Trunk or Treat @ the Bay Bears Stadium in October Science Fair @ University of Mobile TBA Junior/Senior Prom in May Annual Thanksgiving meal Annual Valentine’s Day party

Classical Conversations

www.classicalconversations.com Classical Conversations is a national classical www.mobilebayparents.com

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and Christian homeschooling program seeking to empower parents. Classical Conversations meets once a week, providing weekly accountability, encouragement, and structure that supplements and supports what is being taught at home. On a weekly basis, we offer Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge programs in local communities.Â Find out how Classical Conversations can help you redeem your own education so that you can do the hard, but rewarding work of teaching your own children. Several local communities available: Cottage Hill: Grace Community Church Kim Baxter- Foundations/Essentials Director (251) 725-7730 kimberlybaxter@gmail.com Challenge A Director- pending West Mobile: Luke 4:18 Fellowship Hollie Echevarria- Foundations/Essentials Director (502) 500-1873 mhechevarria5.14@gmail.com Rebecca McGallagher- Challenge A Director (251) 327-7980 rmcgallagher@hotmail.com Deborah Hawie- Challenge B Director (251) 454-4725 hawiehome@gmail.com April Montgomery- Challenge I Director (228) 372-4291 aprilmontgomery@bellsouth.net Spanish Fort: New Life Assembly of God Arcelia Miller- Foundations & Essentials Director (251) 402-3358 arcelia.classicalconversations@ gmail.com Robertsdale: Grace Fellowship Baptist Church Angela Puckett- Foundations/Essentials Director (205) 516-9046 kandapuck@gmail.com Michelle Oden- Challenge A (251) 517-0177 southbaldwinchallenge@gmail.com Challenge B- pending TBA Fairhope East: 3 Circle Church Meghan Wilson- Foundations/Essentials Director (770) 378-2284 meg1245@yahoo.com Stephanie Hedden- Challenge B (251) 978-5546 hedden4heaven@yahoo.com Fairhope West: Trinity Presbyterian Church Amy Cross- Foundations/Essentials Director (251) 459-9601 fairhopewestc@yahoo.com Beverly Krueger- Challenge A Director (251) 635-3355 bevkrueger96@gmail.com Bonnie Brackin- Challenge B Director (251) 210-5088 Bonnie.brackin@gmail.com

Miscellaneous Classes, Clubs and Civic Opportunities

Rondi Kirby- Challenge I Director (205) 908-3019 challengeatrussville@gmail.com Joseph Hedden- Challenge IV Director (251) 223-1289 misterhedden@gmail.com Foley: Foley Baptist Church Ashley Garcia- Foundations/Essentials Director (251) 550-5980 ashleygarcia0711@gmail.com

Azalea City Center for the Arts (ad on page 3)

University of Mobile

Offering co-op classes and workshops taught by UM faculty. 3-day summer writing camp available.

Offering homeschool music/instrument classes. Also, performing arts classes are available and open to the public.

Gulf Coast Exploreum

Physical Education/Athletics

(ad on page 41)

(Other athletics also available through city and church leagues for younger children. These are additional options for homeschool families with older children who want to participate in sports.)

(251) 208-6818; www.exploreum.com Offers science classes for the homeschool year. Calles fill quickly. Email Haley Freeman, hfreeman@ exploreum.com, for more information.

Boykin Park (Theodore)

Hearts of Worship

Baseball and Softball through 16yrs. Like the Facebook page for details.

(ad on page

Mobile Area Rugby Foundation

rcorley@mobilerugby.org visit www.rookierugby.com Competitive on the weekends up to 18yrs. Youth flag rugby 12 and under. Also offering a homeschool P.E. with a focus on health/nutrition.

Patrick.caine@aol.com www.TAAsportscomplex.com Baseball/softball ages 3-15.

Alabama Gulf Coast Guardians (AGCG 4-H)

(251) 661-6997; www.dreamlandskatecenter.com P.E. Classes every other Friday 10-12.

YMCA Downtowner

951 Downtowner Blvd, Mobile (251) 344-4856; www.ysal.org Offers $3 indoor free swim 1-3pm every Friday.

Lazer Zone

790 Schillinger Rd, Mobile (251) 639-7330; www.lazerzonemobile.com $10 Unlimited Laser Tag during school hours.

4-H Clubs

(251) 574-8445; www.offices.aces.edu/mobile sfb0010@auburn.edu Archery, Junior Master Gardener, Leadership, Sewing, Animal Sciences and more.

Theodore Athletic Association (TAA)

Dreamland Skate Center

Hearts of Hope Church 6001-C Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 599-8571 or (251) 895-5380 Dance, Tumbling, Drama, Art. Day classes available for homeschool families. Private and group lessons also available.

1070 Schillinger Rd N , Mobile Angela Hunt - angelahunt233@comcast.net A community-based club accepting ages 5-18. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 3:305:30 at the Jon Archer Agricultural Center. Activities include Science based activities, community service, cam pouts, rocket activities, hikes and competitive events. Club registration $5 per child with $15 limit/family.

Azalea Trail Maids

www.azaleatrailmaids.com; mobileazaleatrail@hotmail.com

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ebratory showcase of their accomplishments. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future. 3483 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 344-3330; www.girlscoutssa.org Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place!

Grace Lines Dance

(251) 232-6285; www.gracelinesdance.com Dance for all ages. Homeschool Classes available. 2-3 performances per year.

Heritage Girls

Boy Scouts 2587 Government Boulevard, Mobile (251) 476-4600; www.bsamac.org The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations.

Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary

2295 Michigan Avenue Mobile. (251) 455-8011, www.gocivilairpatrol.com. Scott Peters, Charter #SERAL005 Facebook Mobile CAP.

Distinguished Young Women

(251) 438-3621; www.distinguishedyw.org Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a cel-

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Girl Scouts

The Mobile Azalea Trail Maids serve as the city’s “Official Ambassadors” at many events, both locally and nationally.

www.americanheritagegirls.org American Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for girls ages 5-18 that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement.

Inspire Young Artists of Mobile

Alabama Contemporary Art Center 301 Conti Street, Mobile, (251) 208-5671 www.alabamacontemporaryart.com Find our events page on Facebook or email inspireyoungartists@outlook.com.

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Junior Civitan

Cottagehilljuniorcivitan@yahoo.com Junior Civitan is an organization of youth service clubs dedicated to making the world a better place.

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MACH Robotics

Mobile Area Coalition of Homeschoolers 6th-12th grades. Contact for more info: Kendra Lane kylekendralane@aol.com

Minecraft Club

Private, local, homeschool server. Contact admin Erin Wainwright @ South Alabama Homeschooling Facebook page.

Mobile Bay Area Homeschool National Honor Society

www.lambdazetahonorsociety.com

Mobile Museum of Art

4850 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com/ learn/children-families/home-school Offering homeschool classes on Wed & Thurs 1-3pm. 3 levels available: Art Splash 4-6yrs, MidLevel 7-10yrs, and Upper-Level for ages 11+.

Oakleigh Belles

300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile (251) 432-1281; www.historicoakleigh.com The Oakleigh Belles are a group of young women who represent the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and the community as ambassadors of southern history, culture, and hospitality.

Teen Pact

www.teenpact.com Peaches Fink, peachmail@comcast.net Teen Pact was founded with a mission to train youth to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend the Christian Faith, and engage the culture at a time in their lives when, typically, they do not care about such things. 4 day event ages 13-18 in Montgomery during the legislative session. Hands on!! ½ credit for Civics for the 4 day class. Also available 1 day class for ages 8-12.

Trail Life

www.traillifeusa.com; Trail Life USA is a Christian Outdoor Adventure, Character, and Leadership Program for boys and young men. K-12.

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps

8501 Tanner Williams Rd., Mobile www.seacadets.org Dunlap Division located at US Coast Guard Aviation Training Center

High School Helps & Transcripts/ Testing/Record Keeping ACT Testing

www.act.org; Faith Academy is a popular homeschool testing location. University of Mobile offers an “in house” ACT on very short notice. Visit www. homeschooltestingservices.com for hosted testing sites near you.

Covenant College

(sample transcript) www.covenant.edu/admissions/ undergrad/home-schooled

HomeschoolCounselor.com

www.homeschoolcounselor.com for web-based service offering supplemental essential tools for dads, moms and each homeschool student ages 13-20

Work on reading comprehension, time testing, deadlines, time management, and note taking.

Potter School

wwww.pottersschool.org Offering any course you need online through Belhaven University. Also check the website for information on Accredited vs. non-accredited.

Testing - www.hslda.org/high school/testing.asp - www.homeschoolreporting.com - www.fivejs.com/homeschool-gradebook-freedownload - www.homeschoolskedtrack.com - www.academicrecords.net Professionally formatted student records, report cards, GPA calculations, transcripts, and immunization records. Additionally, student resume builder summarizes extracurricular activities, awards/achievements, competitions, community/missions service, work experience & conduct reports. record keeping is free until you choose to print your official records. $15 to print per year.

Curriculum Options A Beka Curriculum

www.abeka.com/homeschool/ A Beka Curriculum has a Christian and traditional approach to education. They offer three options for teaching. The DVD option is a fully accredited college preparatory program with A Beka Academy. The second option is the traditional parent – directed option with A Beka Academy. The third option is textbooks / materials for home schooling that you pick and choose from. A Beka offers home school material displays several times a year in surrounding areas.

All in One Homeschool (AKA Easy Peasy)

www.allinonehomeschool.com We enable families to homeschool who thought they couldn’t because of a lack of finances, a lack of time, or a lack of know-how. Others join EP just because it’s easy and fun and they’re confident of the quality of education. EP seeks to free families from the burden of pursuing the “perfect” and encourages them to let it be “enough.” Each family and each child is different and we seek to provide the resources to enable your family to be who you were meant to be.

Alpha Omega Publications

www.aop.com Alpha Omega offers a wide variety of Christian curricula for varying learning styles. With printbased, computer-based, and online formats, our Bible-based curriculum includes Monarch, Ignitia, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. We also offer an accredited online education through Alpha Omega Academy.

Apologia Educational Ministries

www.apologia.com Along with our award-winning creation-based science courses, Apologia Educational Ministries offers biblical worldview and apologetic titles, online classes, inspirational books, homeschooling tools (such as planners), the Real Refreshment Retreats for homeschooling moms, and mission opportuni47

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needs. Calvert School provides you with all of the textbooks, tools and support you need. Calvert is a classical Christian Private School. The teachers provide the lesson plans and offer support with placement testing. Education counselors are available, as well as advisory teaching services.

Heart of Dakota

(605) 428-4068; www.heartofdakota.com Heart of Dakota publishes a Christ-centered homeschool curriculum that is easy to use, flexible, and educational. It can also be used with multiple ages at the same time. Our desire is to help homeschool teachers and parents have a successful experience from the very beginning, while keeping God’s Word at the heart of their children’s academic training. For more information visit our website, call or email carmikeaustin@msn.com.

Khan Academy

ties. All of our products and services have been created to help homeschooling families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith.

Bob Jones Curriculum BJU

(800) 845-5731; www.bjupresshomeschool.com BJU Press exists to encourage Christian character in students and promote academic excellence through the provision of K–12 educational materials and support services. Additionally, it produces quality music, youth fiction, adult non-fiction, and DVDs to edify believers. BJU offers quality textbooks, homeschool consultants, student focused distance

learning classes, and a wide range of other products and services to meet your educational needs.

Calvert Education School

(888) 487-4652 www.calvertschool.org/home-school/ Calvert Education’s comprehensive homeschool curriculum uses a blend of traditional textbooks and online learning. For over a century, Calvert has believed that every child deserves a quality education regardless of geography or situation. Whether you are new to homeschooling, or a seasoned homeschool veteran, Calvert Education can work with you to tailor a program to fit your child’s

www.khanacademy.org Free tools for parents and teachers. Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Our math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. We’ve also partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content.

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Keystone National High School

(800) 255-4937; www.keystonehighschool.com Flexible learning starts at Keystone. We are an online Accredited High School and Middle School to earn your diploma online. The Keystone School offers flexible education programs that help each student achieve their unique dreams and goals. Whether your student wants to study full-time or just needs individual classes, we offer more than 170 courses from credit recovery to world languages and AP. Students can also enroll at any time which truly meets our purpose to be the leader in flexible education.

KONOS

(972) 924-2712; www.konos.com KONOS is distinct from other curricula. We use the entire library as a textbook and the whole world as our curriculum. KONOS is one home-school student talking to another home-school student and sharing a curriculum designed by two homeschooling moms for their own children. We have 24 years of homeschooling experience. KONOS is passionate about passing on a vision to build families that honor God, strengthening the family unit and achieving excellence in education. For more information and questions email info@konos.com.

Math-U-See

www.mathusee.com Math-U-See is designed to teach students specific skills that build as the student progresses. This systematic and cumulative approach uses a definite, logical sequence of concept instruction. The Math-U-See system is structured with step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, practicing, and mastering concepts. Each lesson teaches using multi-sensory tools such as videos, manipulatives, and other resources, designed to appeal to any type of learner. With these resources, we are able to adapt to a variety of homeschool styles.

My Father’s World

(573) 202-2000; www.mfwbooks.com My Father’s World believes in helping parents raise generations who see the world through God’s eyes and live according to that knowledge. We utilize hands on, unit studies with daily lesson plans that are easy to teach. My Father’s World enables families and multi-age groups to learn together. Many of our programs may be taught to a range of ages simultaneously. We combine the best of Charlotte Mason’s ideas and classical education with a Biblical worldview, an international focus, and our own observations of how children learn. For more information email info@mfwbooks.com.

Oak Meadow

(802) 251-7250; www.oakmeadow.com Oak Meadow offers many different options to meet individual family needs for education. We offer a complete curriculum for at home use or you can enroll online to receive academic credit. Oak Meadow will give students the freedom to learn with flexibility and recognition of learning styles. For more information email info@oakmeadow.com.

Rod & Staff Curricula

(800) 761-0234; www.milestonebooks.com We offer affordable Bible-based curriculum and character-building storybooks, helping build a solid Christian education for schools and homeschools. These quality textbooks take a traditional approach to schooling. Rod and Staff offer Bible based

textbooks that are designed to make the child God conscious. Milestone books offers Rod & Staff curriculum materials. Visit our website and search Rod & Staff for information, resources and a list of products.

Saxon Curriculum

(800) 788-1221; www.christianbook.com Saxon teaches the foundational skills of math and reading. Christaianbook.com offers the Saxon curriculum series of textbooks and materials.

Sonlight Curriculum

(800) 903-1675; www.sonlight.com Sonlight uses a classical Christian approach to education. It is literature rich and focuses on teaching children to seek God’s kingdom and to create a learner’s heart. Sonlight encourages curricula with enthusiasm and excitement for learning. Please visit our website for more information, request a free catalog or take part in the forums.

Tapestry of Grace

(800) 705-7487; www.tapestryofgrace.com Tapestry of Grace uses a Classical approach to education through a plan of study that helps parents provide Christian, education using a guided unit study approach. Students will cycle through world history allowing all ages to study the same slice of history each week. Each student will progress at their own learning level. This curricula does not does not include a phonics program, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign language. Tapestry of Grace’s products focus primarily on teaching tools for the subject of History.

Timberdoodle Company

(800) 478-0672 or (360) 426-0672 www.timberdoodle.com Timberdoodle, a family-owned company, has been finding crazy-smart supplies for homeschooling since 1985. Our goal is to offer unique and innovative homeschooling items that are fun for kids and parents. Our special emphasis is engineering, hands-on and thinking-skills products that kids love. We offer Curriculum Kits containing our company’s favorite picks for each grade level. One of our passions helping families cherry-pick what works best for their children. That is why we are eager and available to help you, free of charge, to custom-fit your curriculum to be perfect for your family. For more information and questions email customerservice@timberdoodle.com.

Veritas Press

(800) 922-5082 or (717) 519-1974 www.veritaspress.com At Veritas Press we specialize in providing educational materials for a classical Christian education. We offer scripted lesson plans with a complete curriculum package or choose online classes with expert teachers available. Veritas Press also offers “In a week” courses. Visit our website to view our many teaching resources, lesson plans, featured products, eBooks and self-paced courses. At Veritas Press we put customers first. For more information and questions email info@veritaspress.com.

WinterPromise

(802) 372-9200; www.winterpromise.com Our captivating programs will excite your family’s curiosity and our interactive learning opportunities will involve every type of learner. We pull together a variety of resources that allow you to tailor the program to meet the needs of your family’s individual 49

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teachers looking for an easier way to put laughter and learning together in the hands of their children and students.

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(800) 533-4397; www.hearthsong.com At Hearthsong we are dedicated to helping parents follow their instincts and provide children with age-appropriate, wholesome, quality playthings. What better way to help your children learn than having tons of fun through play!

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learning styles. WinterPromise strives to provide activities that are exciting for kids and realistic for parents! If you want a “wake up and go” curriculum that will build your own unique family culture, Winter Promise is certainly for you. Our themed package choices include Language Arts, Science, Note booking and Math. Whether you choose to visit animal habitats around the world, journey through the American story, dig into ancient history or voyage with sailors on tempestuous seas, WinterPromise has something that will allow your family learning experience to succeed. For general questions and information, email winterpromise@gmail.com. You can also contact our Community Coordinator at michaelforwinterpromise@gmail.com.

Additional Resources A to Z Home’s Cool

www.homeschooling.gomilpitas.com A to Z Home’s Cool community website will help you home educate your kids from preschool, kindergarten, up to and through high school with free online education, lesson ideas, educational websites, helpful articles, top programs, books, materials, curriculum... and best of all... Homeschool Friends!

Beautiful Feet History and Science Curriculum

(805) 542-9847 or (800) 889-1978 www.bfbooks.com This site offers classic and historic works that nurture a love for reading.

Bellerophon Books

(800) 253-9943; www.bellerophonbooks.com Bellerophon Books publishes very inexpensive books of Ancient History, American History, Archeology, Native American Art and History, Natural History, Music History, English Literature, and much more! Our books are entertaining, beautiful; exceedingly edificatory, and they sell like crazy!

Cathy Duffy Reviews

(714) 849-9455; www.cathyduffyreviews.com Cathy Duffy Reviews provides information on several different curriculum options. This site also contains articles and reviews of other books Cathy Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

believes are important for those interested in homeschooling, education, and related political and spiritual topics.

Chem4kids

www.chem4kids.com We have information on matter, atoms, elements, the periodic table, reactions and biochemistry. If you’re still not sure what to click, visit our site map that lists all of the topics on the site. If you surf and get lost in all of the fantastic information, use the search function on the side of the pages

Children’s Books

(Home-School Discount Products) (864) 968-0391 www.homeschooldiscountproducts.com We strive to give you the best products at the best prices. All of our employees are either homeschool parents or homeschool graduates. We have all used a variety of different curricula. Our website contains a wide assortment of curricula and books. For questions email childrensbooks@earthlink.net.

Christian Liberty Press

(800) 348–0899; www.shopchristianliberty.com You will find that our programs, materials, and services will effectively aid you in the education of your students. We look forward to helping you provide students with a Christ-centered curriculum. Christian Liberty Press contains a large assortment for the Christ centered biblical approach. For more information email custserv@homeschools.org or custserv@christianliberty.com.

Distance Learning Integrators

www.efieldtrips.org Distance Learning Integrators will help enrich your home-school curriculum with a variety of Electronic field trips. Also visit www.jannalaughon. com/eFieldTrips.html for a list of specific efieldtrip websites. For questions email info@efieldtrips.org.

Greenleaf Press

(615) 449-1617; www.greenleafpress.com We strive to be the best resources for teaching history and literature chronologically.

Hands of a Child

(866) 426-3701; www.handsofachild.com We provide quality lap booking materials for all educators, homeschooling families and classroom 50

(888) 689-4626; www.homeschoolsupercenter.com We are in the business of helping parents find the best home school curriculum for each student. We also carry resources that will help get you started with homeschooling as well as guides to the best, homeschool friendly curriculum for your student.

Home Science Tools

(800) 860-6272; www.hometrainingtools.com Committed to making science both fun and accessible for families and classrooms. We carry affordable Science tools and kits for hands on experimentation.

IXL

(855) 255-8800; www.ixl.com IXL provides comprehensive, standards-aligned math and language arts practice for grades K–12. We are committed to make learning as effective as it can be and solve the real-world challenges faced by students and teachers around the planet. IXL provides skills drills for items that are required on the Alabama State Benchmark.

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Learning Things The Education Store

(800) 401-9931; www.learningthings.com We carry products for Science, Math, History, Economics, Art, Bible Studies, career skills, English, computer skills, Geography and the list goes on and on! Our site contains product reviews, products by age and grade level. Visit our site, request a catalogue, read our informative articles and blogs and find the perfect fit to teach and learn effectively.

Mindware

(800) 999-0398; www.mindware.com The nation’s best resource for educational toys for kids and learning toys for kids that engages and entertains. Whatever learning toys you select, we guarantee that your children will learn—and have fun—while they play!

Rainbow Resource Center

(888) 841-3456 www.rainbowresource.com/index.php It is our mission to provide the best educational products to homeschoolers, parents, and educators at the lowest prices we can offer. We currently carry over 40,000 quality educational products in all subject areas, for grades PK-12 and beyond!

Real Science 4 Kids

(505) 266-2761; www.gravitaspublications.com Real Science-4-Kids introduces kids to the core www.mobilebayparents.com

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disciplines of science. Students learn chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and astronomy. We offer a Science Curriculum from Preschool to High school.

ROCK Solid

(800) 705-3452; www.rocksolidinc.com Rock Solid offers popular homeschool products like Bob Jones, Alpha Omega, Apologia, Horizons, Switched On School House and Explode the Code

Store for Knowledge

(800) 392-8739; www.storeforknowledge.com Store for Knowledge offers thousands of products ranging from every educational subject. We carry a large variety of kits, models and toys. For customer service and other help email Help@StoreforKnowledge.com.

Yesterday’s Classics

(919) 357-8824; www.yesterdaysclassics.com Yesterday’s Classics offers a collection of books from a wide variety of subjects and categories, with special emphasis on history, literature, and natural history.

Zoom Kitchen Chemistry

www.pbskids.org/zoom/games/kitchenchemistry/ Explore the virtual kitchen and perform online experiments. Solve puzzles and get a reward! Choose from animated games and activities.

Educational Apps/Links Brain Pop/ Brain Pop Jr. Chalkdust.com DIY.org Happy Math PBS Kids Physics Monster Presidents Rocket Math Smithsonian Stack the Countries Stack the States

Books and Literature 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy

For the Children’s Sake

by Susan Schaeffer Macalay

Repairing the Ruins

by Douglas Wilson The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education

Saving Leonardo

by Nancy Pearcey A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals & Meaning

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

by Siegfried Engelmann This is a proven SRA Distar Reading program adapted for parent and child. 20mins per day.

The Big Books of Home Learning by Mary Pride

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Upcoming Events

Classical Conversations Parent Practicum

Have you ever wished for a homeschool training seminar? Each Practicum is a 3 day 9-4pm event. Registration is required. www. parentpracticum.com **MAY 17th, 18th & 19th at Foley First Baptist Church, 9am to 4pm **JUNE 6th, 7th & 8th at Luke 4:18 Fellowship Church, 9am to 4pm Navigating History: The Art of Argumentation is our Practicum theme for 2016. Prepare to be encouraged and equipped. For dates and locations of Parent Practicums in your area, go to www.classicalconversations.com and enter your zip code for a list of area events near you. These events are FREE for parents, but registration is required. Kid camps are available but fill up fast so don’t wait to sign up. For further info contact Melanie Carver mcarver@classicalconversations.com

The Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman & Campbell

The Homeschooling Handbook

by Mary Griffith Making the Decision and Getting Started

The Well Trained Mind - A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise Contains lots of resources.

The Practical Home Schooling Magazine

Understanding Mathematics

The Way They Learn

by Keith Kressin From counting to calculus, this reference covers it all.

by Mary Pride

by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias Discover and teach to your child’s strengths.

University of Mobile

Kick-off meeting in August to include transcripts help, financial aid info and workshop opportunities. Join the SAH University of Mobile Homeschool Alliance Facebook page or message the group admin Erin Wainwright for details. If you provide any services or resources to homeschooling families and you were not listed in this issue, please contact us at lynn@mobilebayparents.com. We want to make sure you are included!

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Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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A Page in a Book

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Great Books in the Forecast A child’s perception of weather is vastly different from the adult experience. Long before they grow into the tasks of driving in downpours, bringing in plants before a hard freeze or pruning tree limbs that are pushed against windows by wind, children will experience weather with a much simpler and innocent sense of wonder. Unafraid of rain on their skin, delighting in kite weather and simply mad with excitement as the first snow of winter approaches, kids see the potential for adventure in nature’s changing moods. The following titles celebrate special weather conditions through the eyes of children who see fun in the forecast!

Tap Tap Boom Boom

by Elizabeth Bluemle, Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Candlewick Press) The city sidewalks are crowded with pedestrians as the first droplets of rain presage the storm that’s about to break. The tapping tempo of the rain punctuated by the booming thunder provides the constant score behind the bustling of people rushing to escape the weather. With sparse text that reads a bit like beat poetry, the hypnotic sounds and rhythms of a thunderstorm drive the narrative of controlled chaos among strangers who are now merging together with a common goal of escaping the deluge. Refreshing in its approach, Tap Tap Boom Boom explores weather through the actions and reactions of the people caught in its wake.

When the Wind Blows

by Linda Booth Sweeney and Jana Christy (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When the wind picks up outside his door a young boy beckons his grandma to accompany him on a journey that will make the most of every breeze! From kites flown above the hillside to a gusty walk along the seashore, they experience together all the ways that wind touches every part of their world. Each two-page spread of rainbow-colored edge-to-edge illustrations is anchored by a simple quartet of noun/verb pairings. The sparse wording is just enough to whisper the sense of wind to the reader. Touching on the full sensory experience associated with being buffeted by breezes, this title is the soothing narration of a rich journey through a windy afternoon.

Snow

by Sam Usher (Templar Books / Candlewick) There is something uniquely maddening about having to wait for grown-ups before venturing outside after a new snowfall. If you need a slow-moving adult to facilitate your snow day experience, time can seem to be literally frozen. When one young boy must wait on his Grandpa to accompany him out into the new snow, he pleads for speed as he monitors the snow through the windows. In the beginning, he wants to be the first kid making tracks in the snow, but as time slowly passes he’s becoming worried that he will be the last in his neighborhood to step into the winter wonderland. It’s only when his Grandpa finally gets ready to venture out, that the snowy adventure in store for them both makes the waiting worthwhile!

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

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Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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Single parents have boosts your sense of important (and seemingly personal balance and endless) responsibilities. well-being. You’ll have 1. For bright ideas to improve your relationship with Unless you have super more energy and a powers, the stress of doing more positive outlook your kids and take better care of yourself, read Jennifer it all yourself can be overwith a team of trusted Wolf’s Single Parents Blog at singleparents.about.com. whelming. But asking for helpers around you. 2. For wise tips and practical tools to help you achieve assistance isn’t easy. Parents who co-parenting synergy, download “Co-Parenting After “It can be an act of seek help can model tremendous courage, reciprocity, humbleDivorce” from the University of New Hampshire’s Coophumility, or coordination to ness, and gratitude, erative Extension program at www.extension.unh.edu/ seek out help,” says family says Harrington. Kids resources (click Families and Parenting). counselor Suzanne Haralso gain exposure to rington, MA. Single parents other role models. “It 3. For kid-friendly advice on living with a single parent, want to feel competent benefits children so direct kids to www.kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/home_ and in-control and asking much to have other family/single-parents.html and have a heart-to-heart for help can make us feel adults interacting with about feelings and concerns. weak or inadequate. them,” says parent Even if you would like coach and psychoto have help, you may feel therapist Tammy prevent you from seeking an ex-spouse’s you have few resources. Gold, LCSW, author assistance. “Today’s families are quite isolated from of Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer. This is extended family and community,” Harespecially true when a single mom gets rington says. People we might ask for help Listen Up, Stressed-Out help from her father, Gold says, because are not always accessible. Grandparents the child is nurtured by both female and Superheroes may be far away, busy with their own lives Asking for help is smart, even when male family members. you feel you can manage alone. Studies The helping community you create for or unwilling to take on childcare responshow social support reduces the negative your kids will likely inspire them to pitch in, sibilities. Feelings of mistrust or concerns health effects of stress, including coronary too. Even young children want to feel like that help-seeking might be used against disease and immune suppression, and important members of the household, says you in an angry custody dispute may

Super Single-Parent Resources

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Talk Teamwork. If you’re on good terms with your ex, have a conversation about your parenting roles. Take a problem-solving approach. Say, “The kids need more help with science homework than I can give them,” rather than criticizing “You never help the kids with homework.” Play to Others’ Strengths. Consider who is best at what and take preferences into account. If the kids’ grandparents get frazzled by babysitting, they might prefer to host a family dinner once a week to stay involved and give you a break. That’s okay. You want this to be a win-win situation. Help Kids Help You. Determine what kinds of contributions are age-appropriate for each child. Your six-year-old may be too young to vacuum, but she can set the table or sort the recycling. Older kids can take turns folding laundry or helping put away groceries. Be sure to praise kids for work well-done. Be Clear. When you seek help, explain exactly what you want. Misunderstandings happen when we assume others know our expectations. If you want the bathroom squeaky-clean, explain what clean means: towels hung up neatly, bath toys picked up, toilet and tub scrubbed, floor mopped. Set helpers up for success. Praise Progress. You may not get the results you want right away, but be generous with your appreciation. Recognize others’ efforts, instead of focusing on their shortcomings. When you’re sure they know how much you value their help, explain how they could improve. Then say thanks (again). You really can’t thank them enough. Donna Genett, PhD, author of If You Want It Done Right You Don’t Have to Do It Yourself. Pitching in builds kids’ competence and provides a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Discovering the Joys of Teamwork

Slow down, superhero. Follow these steps to reach out and reconnect with sources of support. Identify Needs. Start out by figuring out what concrete help would be most beneficial, Harrington advises. Perhaps Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

you need childcare so you can work, attend school, get counseling, or just relax. A home-cooked meal once a week might lift your burden and brighten your spirits. The more specific your needs, the easier it will be to get help. Brainstorm Buddies. Develop a list of resources, including family and friends, and church and community services. Don’t be afraid to put formal sources of support, such as counseling groups, on your list. Individual or group therapy can help you heal after divorce and learn to thrive as a single parent. 56

The pressure to be a single-parentsuperhero can be strong, and you may avoid asking for help because you fear you can’t reciprocate. “People don’t help because they expect your assistance in return,” says Gold. They help because they love you and care about your family. Remind yourself that everyone benefits from meaningful social connections and take pride in the helpful community you’re creating for yourself and your kids. MBP

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom who has learned firsthand the benefits of seeking help when times are tough. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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Dressing in Comfort and Style

If it’s from a ride or just sweat, just plan on getting wet. This is why wearing the most comfortable and fast drying articles of clothing is extremely important. Take a poncho or light rain jacket that you can pack away in your backpack for all those wet rides.

for Your Favorite Theme Park Vacation Yes, the title is long, but it’s something all of us ladies wonder...can we actually have style and comfort when it comes to family vacation? Well, I recently experienced this with my family. I will say I packed way too much! So while I break down the 411 on your comfiest and fashion forward theme park style I’m also going to show you how to keep your packing to a minimum.

can pair with your shorts or workout attire.

6- Take a backpack.

4- Understand you will be walking... A LOT! Alright ladies, I want to stress this to you...you will walk/run a lot, which is

7- Packing lesson learned; I packed way too much! I always pack one or two “going out” outfits, but honesty we never go out on these trips. We are all so exhausted from the day that we just want to go to bed. So pack according to the season as stated above. See if your accommodations have a washer and dryer and take your own detergent. If no washer is available just wash your items in the hotel sink if needed! Pack light, with layers. If you feel the need to take a nice outfit, take one pair of pants or a skirt and change out your blouse or jewelry. Just keep it simple.

1- Comfort This is first and foremost. Don’t think comfort can’t be stylish.

2- Workout clothes My choice for comfort was wearing my favorite workout pant. I paired them with my everyday wear like a t-shirt, sweater, scarf or light cardigan. They were also sweat and water resistant.

3- Light layers In case it’s a little cooler in the mornings you might want to pack some light scarves with a fun print, jackets, sweaters, cardigans and workout jackets. If you are traveling in the summer, of course you need to keep your style a little cooler. Flip flops are not easy to walk around in all day long, so find a stylish summer walking shoe that you

This is great to pack refreshments like water and a few snacks to save you money and time standing in lines, but it also allows you to pack extra layers that you need to add on or take off throughout the day.

why it’s very important to find a comfortable and stylish shoe that will go with the majority of clothes you packed. Don’t think you can wear your favorite heels and survive. You wouldn’t believe how many women I saw wearing heels. They looked really cute, but I’m quite sure their feet felt terrible by the end of the day. Running around with kids and standing in line for 45 minutes to an hour in heels is asking for trouble when it comes to enjoying your theme park adventures. 57

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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Family Calendar Ongoing

Bloom Out at Bellingrath April 1-30. Tour the award-winning Bellingrath Rose Garden during its first bloom, which features more than 2,000 plants representing 75 varieties. The roses will continue to bloom throughout spring and summer, but we predict that the next full bloom out will be in June. For peak blooming times, please visit Rose Watch at bellingrath.org beginning in mid-April. Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Government St. Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. noon - 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.) For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www.handsonsal.org. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org. Medicare Mondays Come by the Viva Medicare Cafe’ any Monday at 9 am if you or a friend have any questions about what Medicare is and how it can work for you. We always have a licensed agent on duty. This event is free and open to people ages 65 and older. The Viva Medicare Cafe’ is located at 3071 Dauphin Street, Mobile. For more information visit www.vivamedicarecafes.com/ Mobile or call 380-2222. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 3422241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com. Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org. Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org. Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320. USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www. ussalabama.com. VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.

Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are

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offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 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. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.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. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. Parent-Child Worship Service Each Wednesday in January and February, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will offer a new Parent-Child Worship Service from 9:15-10:00 a.m. (room E207) for parents and their children ages birth to four-years-old. Relaxed and filled with music, prayer, a Bible story and coloring, this new program is a wonderful opportunity to worship with your precious little ones. The program will be short, and then kids can play while parents enjoy social time. Contact Dauphin Way UMC at 251-471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. 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, 9:3011:30 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 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 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) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just

one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 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 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. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who

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Family Calendar suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: 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 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 problem-solving. 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.

Wednesday, April 20

Brown Bag in Bienville Square 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. To make your Brown Baggin’ easier, stop in at your favorite Bienville Square eateries and ask for the Brown Bag special. They will provide you with your lunch to go in a nifty “Brown Bag” that you can easily transport to the Square and recycle in one of Keep Mobile Beautiful’s recycle bins! Wednesday’s starting April 6 through May from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 21

Spark Talk Dr. Yazdani, “The Heart of the Matter: From Da Vinci to Today, A Look at Advancements in Cardio Medical Technology”. The Spark Talk begins at 6:00 p.m. at Gulf Coast Exploreum (65 Government Street, Mobile). Admission for the Spark Talk is $6 per person and can be paid at the box office the evening of the event. For more information call the Gulf Coast Exploreum Box Office at 208-6893. Live at the Museum: D. Saunders D. Saunders is an R&B/jazz recording artist from Chesapeake, VA, known for his strong vocals and energetic performances. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr.). Cost $10. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com/programs/live-at-the-museum for more information.

April/May2016

Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Lucky Ducky Event Join Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy for a night of fun on the high seas! This event will feature live music by RuffWater, food, an art auction and drawings for different themed baskets. Location: Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street, Mobile at 6:00 p.m. Visit ssluckyducky. eventbrite.com to purchase tickets and to find more information. SARPC 18th Annual Business Expo & Job Fair The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission’s 18th Annual Business Expo & Jobs Fair will take place at The Grounds (Greater Gulf State Fair Grounds) from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.sawdc.com for more information. CCA Western Shore Annual Bay Blast Crawfish, Beer, Silent Auction, Raffles, CCA Merchandise, and live music by Eric Erdman. Tickets are $40 (single) or $55 (couple) and includes a one year CCA Membership. Tickets available on CCA website on March 1st. Location: The Pelican Reef (11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Theodore) from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Please visit www.ccaalabama. org for more information. Springhill Medical Center’s For Boys Only Wallace Conference Center (Building 2, Fourth Floor) from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., 3715 Dauphin St., Mobile. Boys ages 10 and older can hear Dr. William Terry, Jr., urologist at Urology Oncology Specialists, discuss the physical changes to be expected as boys mature. Also, he will provide information on what girls are experiencing at the same age. Light meal provided. FREE! Call 460-5447 to make a reservation. Second Chance Consignment Sale Join us for our consignment sale – we will have furniture, home and all age items. Located at Aba Shrine (corner of Schillinger and Hitt Road). Sale on Thursday (7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.), Friday (9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Please visit www. secondchanceconsignmentsale.com for more information.

Friday, April 22

Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” The production is based on the beloved children’s classic by E.B. White, with music by Charles Strouse. Public Shows will run for 3 weekends from April 22nd - May 8th. Please call (251)602-0630 or visit playhouseinthepark.org for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma on April 22-May 8 at Chickasaw Civic Theatre, Chickasaw. With show stopping tunes including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “I Cain’t Say No” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” the show is one of America’s most enduring musicals. Friday and Saturday show times are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15; $12 for seniors, military and students. The show is directed by Nedra Bloom. The Lola Phillips Playhouse is at 801 Iroquois St. in Chickasaw, just off of Exit 10 on I-65N. To make reservations, visit cctshows.com, call (251) 457-8887 or email theatre@cctshows.com. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Barefoot in the Park” A free-spirited bride and her buttoned-down groom settle down to some rocky happily-ever-aftering in a Greenwich Village walk-up, occasionally invaded by the bride’s easily winded mother and the quirky bohemian who lives in the attic. A Neil Simon classic! Weekends from April 15 – May 1. Friday and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the Mobile Theatre Guild (14 North Lafayette Street). Please visit mobiletheatreguild.org for more information. Second Chance Consignment Sale See April 21 for more information.

Saturday, April 23

Infirmary Health Duathlon The 2016 Infirmary Duathlon is set for 8 a.m. This running and cycling combination race consists of a two-mile run, 10-mile bike ride and a two-mile run through the streets of midtown Mobile. New to this year’s event, the Infirmary

Foundation will award prize money totaling $3,000 to the top first ($1000), second ($350) and third ($150) place male and female winners. The event will also include a post-party featuring a variety of local food truck vendors for athletes and spectators to enjoy. The race attracts both professional and amateur athletes. Since its origination, the event has raised more than $110,000 for special projects at Mobile Infirmary and its various community partners. For more information and to register, visit infirmaryduathlon. org. Earth Day Mobile Bay The Mobile Bay area celebration of Earth Day is inspired by the worldwide and national Earth Day, which promotes environmental citizenship and steers environmental awareness around the world. Location: Fairhope Pier Park, Fairhope, Alabama starting at 10:00 a.m. Free Admission. Please visit www.earthdaymobilebay.org for more information. Bald Eagle Bash The 7th annual fundraiser for the Weeks Bay Foundation, the only nationally accredited land trust in coastal Alabama, will be held at the waterfront Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center at the Fish River Bridge on U.S. Highway 98 in Fairhope. Enjoy “a taste of Weeks Bay” featuring fresh Gulf shrimp prepared by top local restaurants with live music by The Mulligan Brothers. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the gate. Entry is free for children 10 and under. Beverages are included in the price of admission, and free parking is available at the Weeks Bay Reserve Safe Harbor site, with BRATS shuttles providing transportation to the event. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.BaldEagleBash.com or call (251) 990-5004. Tickets are also available for purchase at Page & Palette in Fairhope, the Foundation office, the Reserve, and from Foundation board members. Time: 4 - 7 p.m. at Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center (US Hwy 98, Fairhope). Mobile Food and Wine Experience Grand Tasting The Mobile Food + Wine Experience is pleased to announce our Grand Tasting Event at the new GulfQuest Museum in downtown Mobile! Our Grand Tasting will feature fine wines from top wine distributors across the Gulf Coast as well as food from Mobile’s best restaurants and caterers. Tickets to the Grand Tasting will include free admission to the GulfQuest Museum, allowing you to enjoy their exhibits while you sip on the hottest new Pinot! You may purchase tickets at eventbrite.com. Ben Folds with Ymusic Ben Folds concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street). Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Math Path Math Path! Serial entrepreneurs Brooks and Mandee Cockle of Mobile Rundown and a small army of volunteers will cover sections of Mobile in sidewalk chalk math challenges appropriate for students in grades K - 5.The Conkles found support for their idea via www.onemobile.org, a nonprofit platform that facilitates collaboration and helps residents bring local ideas to life. Math Path will include routes in Spring Hill, Downtown and Midtown Mobile, but hopefully a few other neighborhoods. The math problems will be color-coded by grade level, so all children will stay on the same route. Students who participate will get plenty of fresh air, exercise and encouragement along the way as they pop into participating small businesses along each route to check their answers and have their ‘passports’ stamped. There will also be fun, photo-ready sidewalk chalk art sprinkled along each route. For more information visit on.fb.me/1VQv4xp. 5 Rivers on the Road: Earth Day Mobile at Fairhope Pier There will be plenty of things to do and see at this year’s Earth Day at Fairhope Pier from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Drop by and say hi to the 5 Rivers Crew! Free Admission. 58th Annual Dauphin Island Race Often called the largest single-day point-to-point race in the United States, the 58th Annual Dauphin Island Race will be held on Mobile Bay. Join us for three days of sailing fun including two competitive races and the Party on the Island. With live bands, refreshments and amenities, you’ll enjoy your stay on the Island. Come race with us! Please visit 58thdauphinislandrace.com for more information.

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Family Calendar WBA Steel Magnolia Soiree Join the Women’s Business Alliance for their annual Steel Magnolia Soiree! This signature event features a shrimp & crawfish boil, pig on a spit, open bar, art auction, live band, and of course...a bleeding armadillo cake! What better way to spend a Saturday evening! All proceeds from this event will benefit the Women’s Business Alliance Know Your Money Grow Your Money Financial Literacy Program for students, veterans, and entrepreneurs! Location: Rogers-Williams Historical Mansion at 250 St. Anthony Street, Mobile from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Please visit www.womensbusinessalliance.org/steelmagnolias for more information. Market on the Square Shop for the freshest crop in Cathedral Square! This time of year is our favorite because you can buy locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelons, plants and flowers, as well as seafood, baked goods, pastas, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and much more. Stay for live music on the green! Saturdays April 16 - July 30, from 7:30 a.m. until noon. For more information, please call (251) 208-1550. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Barefoot in the Park” See April 15 for more information. Second Chance Consignment Sale See April 21 for more information. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Sunday, April 24

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Human Planet” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free familyfriendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, watch a breathtaking celebration of the amazing, complex, profound and sometimes challenging relationship between humankind and nature. Humans are the ultimate animals - the most successful species on the planet. From the frozen Arctic to steamy rainforests, from tiny islands in vast oceans to parched deserts, people have found remarkable ways to adapt and survive. We’ve done this by harnessing our immense courage and ingenuity; learning to live with and utilize the other creatures with which we share these wild places. Location: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please call (251) 625-0814 or find our Facebook page for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Barefoot in the Park” See April 15 for more information. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Wednesday, April 27 Brown Bag in Bienville Square See April 20 for more information.

Thursday, April 28

Springhill Medical Center’s For Boys Only Wallace Conference Center (Building 2, Fourth Floor) from 6 - 7:30 p.m. 3715 Dauphin St., Mobile. Boys ages 10 and older can hear Dr. William Terry, Jr., urologist at Urology Oncology Specialists; discuss the physical changes to be expected as boys mature. Also, he will provide information on what girls are experiencing at the same age. Light meal provided. Cost: FREE! Call 460-5447 to make a reservation.

Friday, April 29

Village of Spring Hill’s Fifth Annual Sidewalk-AThon The Village of Spring Hill will hold its fifth annual Sidewalk-A-Thon from 4 to 7 p.m. The Sidewalk-A-Thon is a one-mile walk from the Moorer Public Library on

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South McGregor Avenue to Dorn Field on the campus of Spring Hill College to raise money for additional sidewalk construction in the Village. Proceeds from the 2016 Sidewalk-A-Thon will be used to construct new sidewalks on Bit & Spur Road. Children and adults of all ages are invited to attend! For more information and online registration, visit www.thevillageofspringhill.com. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Barefoot in the Park” See April 15 for more information. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Saturday, April 30

Delta Woods and Water Expo The Delta Woods and Waters Expo, an annual event sponsored by the City of Spanish Fort and held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, celebrates the beauty of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Featuring a variety of informative presentations, exhibitions and interactive displays by experienced outdoorsmen, professionals, educators and enthusiasts, the Delta Woods & Waters Expo includes fun and exciting hands-on demonstrations which allow attendees to learn and practice new skills with one-on-one instruction. The mission of the Delta Woods & Waters Expo is to promote responsible and enjoyable outdoor recreational experiences through a fun and educational event. Saturday, April 30th is Family Day, open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with FREE ADMISSION and plenty of on-site parking and free shuttle bus service available. Maps and schedules for various presentations will be available at the Expo information desk and in info boxes attached to shuttle bus stop signs around the 5 Rivers property. Please visit www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo. com for more information about the 2016 Delta Woods & Waters Expo! March for Babies - South Alabama 2016 Today at Geri Moulton Children’s Park on 1700 Center Street, we will be marching for babies! It promises to be a fun day out with people who share our passion for improving the health of babies. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends - it’s a great feeling knowing we’re all helping real families. Join our event and walk with us to raise money for babies right here in our community! To register for the South Alabama March for Babies, visit www.marchofdimes.org. Battle of the Bay Canoe and Kayak Race The 5th annual Battle of the Bay Canoe and Kayak Race will be held on the scenic Delta behind the Bluegill Restaurant with canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and team canoe relay races. Enjoy brunch, entertainment for the whole family, prizes for winners and more. The race once again benefits the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, a program providing free civil legal assistance to those unable to hire an attorney. For more information visit www.facebook.com/BattleoftheBayCanoeandKayak or www.savlp.org/fundraisers Wiggle Waggle Rescue Run 5K at Bellingrath Gardens Join us at Bellingrath Gardens and Home on April 30 for the 2016 Wiggle Waggle Rescue Run 5K and Walk/ Run to benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation. The 5K is for humans only, but walkers are encouraged to bring their furry friends to the Walk/Run. In addition, ARF will have adoptable pets on site for anyone looking for a new companion! For an additional fee, race participants may bring their pets for a stroll in the Gardens after the event. Proceeds benefit ARF, a nonprofit agency in Mobile that promotes the welfare and humane treatment of animals. Please visit www.animalrescuemobile.org for more information. Village of Spring Hill Art Showcase The Spring Hill Merchants Association “Art Showcase” is scheduled from 10 to 4 p.m. The Art Showcase is an annual event created and promoted by the Spring Hill Merchants Association. The Art Showcase will feature local artist with their artwork on display in front of Spring Hill Merchants storefronts. Enjoy refreshments as you

stroll the Village while viewing various forms of art. Art will be available to purchase. Free to the public. For additional information like the “Spring Hill Merchants Association” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ springhillmerchantsassociation American Cancer Society Relay for life of South Mobile County Join the Relay for Life movement today! Register online at relayforlife.org to start your fundraising team or join an existing team. Then join in on the event day to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back! Theodore High School (6201 Swedetown Rd. N., Theodore) at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Kelly Sugg the event Chair at 251-377-5321 or by email at irelay@netzero.com. Family Festival and Bike Rodeo Everyone is invited to join us for a fun-filled day of celebrations, including live music, food and a bicycle rodeo for kids of all ages. Activities will include how to properly fit your helmet, lock your bike, ride in traffic and how to handle intersections. Children who complete all of the rodeo stations will receive an event water bottle. This event takes place at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please visit www.jlmkindnesschallenge. org for more information. Walk for Autism & 5K Race Join the Autism Society of Alabama and help solve the puzzle of autism spectrum disorders one step at a time! The annual Walk for Autism is the single most powerful fundraising event in April that unifies thousands of participants statewide in support of the mission and projects of the Autism Society. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S., and affects over 50,000 people in Alabama alone. ASA has never been stronger or more focused on our mission, and we need volunteers like YOU to join our fight! Take the first step and register to support your local Walk for Autism. Location: University of South Alabama SGA Pavilion at 8:00 a.m. For additional information, please contact Angel Loewen at angel@autism-alabama.org. To register please visit the walk website at www.walkforautismAL.com. WEMO Arts and Crafts Fair West Mobile Baptist Church’s 4th annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Featuring a variety of creations from area craftspeople, as well as music, food, and free face painting. No charge for admission to this event. All proceeds are used for the local mission work supported by our church. Location: West Mobile Baptist Church (7501 Airport Blvd, Mobile) from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. World War II Event Come and experience a day in the life of a World War II Soldier. The soldiers will be doing drills throughout the day; there will authentic camping and blacksmithings in the original blacksmith shop from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Ft. Gaines, Dauphin Island (51 Bienville Blvd). Let’s Paint the Library Red! Come meet Pearl Cleage, African American novelist, playwright, poet, journalist and activist, for a special presentation, “We Speak Your Names: A Celebration.” It’s the story of the creation of a “praise poem” for Oprah Winfrey’s 2005 celebration of legendary African American women. It includes the author’s experience driving across America to get to the celebration, as well as the meaning of these women’s lives. Ms. Cleage offers a performance of the poem, which has been on the “Essence” magazine bestseller list for most of the two years since it was written. Following the presentation, please join us for a book signing and reception. In celebration of our special guest, we encourage everyone to wear red! Location: Ben May Main Library at 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call 208-7860 or 208-7097. 67th Annual Blessing of the Fleet – Bayou La Batre Join us April 30 – May 1 from 10:00 a.m. - 4 :00 p.m. on the grounds of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church (13790 South Wintzell Avenue, Bayou La Batre. Admission is free. This event includes a wide selection of family friendly activities, great food, live entertainment and more. For more information, please visit fleetblessing.org. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

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Family Calendar Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Market on the Square See April 16 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Barefoot in the Park” See April 15 for more information.

Sunday, May 1

Be Fit 5K and Fun Run Distinguished Young Women is excited to announce our first Be Fit 5K & Fun Run. To celebrate our annual Be Your Best Self Week, this fun, family-friendly event focuses not only on being physically fit, but also emphasizes the importance of setting goals and striving to achieve them. Run, walk or stroll through downtown Mobile. Post-race music, food, and beverages to follow at Distinguished Young Women Headquarters. 3:00 p.m. at 751 Government Street. Please visit befit5k.com for more information. Victorian Tea with Oakleigh Belles Join us for a Victorian Tea with Oakleigh Belles at 2:00 p.m. at Historic Oakleigh Garden (350 Oakleigh Place). Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.com. Local Goodness 2016 University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host the third annual Local Goodness, a unique farm-to-table experience sponsored by Hancock Bank from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. At this casual seated dinner and silent auction, guests will dine on local meats, seafood and produce as they enjoy authentic bluegrass music performed by local band Fat Man Squeeze. With an emphasis on the services we provide to families in our community, Local Goodness will pay tribute to local cuisine, art and music while raising awareness and support for our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare for the children and women in this region. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling (251) 415-1636 or visiting bit. ly/cwlocalgoodness16. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Beth Mattei at (251) 415-1636 or bmattei@ southalabama.edu. For more information on how to donate to the USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, call (251) 415-1636 or email cwhdevelop@southalabama.edu. Market at the Pillars Come experience a fun afternoon of shopping with local vendors and artisans! Great time to pick up that special gift for Mother’s Day! Food Trucks & Mimosas! Entrance to the event is free. The Pillars - 1757 Government St, Mobile from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bella Voce Spring Concert Bella Voce of Mobile, Mobile’s premiere women’s chorus, will present “Spring Fantasy” at 4 p.m. The concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 4051 Old Shell Road in Mobile. The program is in celebration of life, love, music and spring. For more information, contact (251) 414-8194. 67th Annual Blessing of the Fleet – Bayou La Batre See April 30 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Barefoot in the Park” See April 22 for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Tuesday, May 2

Fashion with a Passion Join us at the Grand Hotel starting at 10:30 a.m. for Fashion with a Passion benefiting Make a Wish. This event features: Brunch and Bubbly, Live Auction, Live Music by Roman Street, Wish Kid Appearances, Health & Beauty Expo, Purse Sweepstakes, Unique Door Prizes and a Fashion Show Presented by Mobile and Baldwin Counties Trendiest Boutiques. Individual Ticket: $50. For more information on sponsorship’s visit alabama.wish.org/ fashion.

April/May2016

Wednesday, May 3

Celtic Woman: The Destiny Tour Multiplatinum Irish music sensation Celtic Woman presents DESTINY, an enchanting new show and world concert tour. The Destiny Tour features an entirely new production with many songs from the forthcoming DESTINY CD and DVD including timeless Irish traditional and contemporary standards wrapped in the group’s celebrated style. Mobile Civic Center (401 Civic Center Drive) at 7:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilecivicctr.com for more information.

Thursday, May 5

Cocktails with the Critters Cocktails with Critters, the 11th annual fundraiser for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation, will be held from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. at Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. This will be an exciting evening overlooking Mobile Bay. For those seeking more thrills, there will be a fantastic silent auction. The Bluegill Restaurant is pulling out all the stops and will be serving fabulous and tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine and beer. Tickets are available by mail from the Foundation office, by calling 251-605-6624, visiting us online at sealabfoundation.org. Taste of Towns The annual Taste Of Towns event will be held at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center located on the east end of the Causeway. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of DaphneSpanish Fort and Safe Harbor Financial this year’s event is excited to offer a fun-filled evening benefitting the children of our area. Over 20 restaurants will be participating with taste venues galore, live music and both silent and live auction items. Over the years this event has always attracted a great crowd and generated revenue to help fund numerous worthy causes. Please join us for this year’s outstanding Taste of Towns from 6 until 8 p.m. at Five Rivers! Please visit www.daphnespanishfortkiwanis.org for more information.

Friday, May 6

12th Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Nearly 50 balloonists from across the country attend this family friendly festival. Activities include balloon glows and flights, tethered rides, frisbee dog show, live entertainment, arts and crafts, festival food and carnival fun! Festival Grounds open Friday from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. Foley Sports Complex (998 W Section Street, Foley). Please visit www.facebook. com/GulfCoastHotAirBalloon for more information. National Public Gardens Day National Public Gardens Day is celebrated nationwide on Friday, May 6, to promote public gardens’ important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness. Get to know the Gardens with special behind-the-scenes tours conducted by Bellingrath’s Horticultural Management Team. Find out how we grow our signature displays that provide beauty to more than 110,000 visitors every year. You may choose to attend any of the following tours: A guided tour to the Bellingrath Greenhouses at 10 a.m. followed by a Garden Walk to discover our Spring blooms at 11 a.m.; or a guided greenhouse tour at 2 p.m. followed by the Garden Walk at 3 p.m. Guests are invited to have lunch in our Magnolia Café and visit the Bellingrath Gift Shop, which will feature a special sale of plants and gardening merchandise. The program is included in the regular Gardens admission, which is $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to Bellingrath members and to ages 4 and younger. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Saturday, May 7

2016 Plane Pull Fundraiser Can you handle the ultimate man versus machine challenge? This extreme and unique event, which pits teams of 20 against a FedEx aircraft weighing more than

180,000 lbs., is a fundraiser that raises both money and awareness for the Dumas Wesley Community Center. Teams compete to pull the plane 12 feet in the fastest amount of time. The event is open to the public and will also include entertainment, food, an awards ceremony and a Kid’s Zone with various activities. Spectators are strongly encouraged to attend and cheer on their favorite team! Join us on May 7 at Brookley Aeroplex (1891 9th Street, Mobile) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Pulling begins at 10:00 a.m.). For more information, please visit www. dumaswesley.org/2016-plane-pull-fundraiser. CreekFest The event will be a free, family-friendly celebration including a cane pole fishing tournament (16 and under), live music from Eric Erdman, hotdogs provided by Mobile Gas, door prizes and educational exhibits. Please join us along with Boy & Girl Scouts of America, Mobile BayKeepers, Keep Mobile Beautiful, Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Gulf Quest, MAWSS, The Mobile BayBears and others in this celebration! Tricentennial Park (2121 Lake Dr, Mobile) from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.creekfest.org for more information. St. Mary Catholic School Casino Night presents “The Lucky Mustang” This 27th annual event features live and silent auctions, games with celebrity hosts, great food and entertainment! General admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. 6:00 p.m. Special dinner tickets are $100 each, admit two adults and give guest and opportunity to take home fabulous door prizes. Event held in School Gymnasium... transformed into the streets of Dublin! St. Mary Catholic School is located at 107 N. Lafayette Street in historic midtown Mobile. For more information, contact the school office at (251) 433-9904 or log on to www.stmarymobile. org. Mobile Symphony presents From Ocean to the Stars Our season closes with a trip to the stars. Peter Maxwell Davies, a longtime resident of the Orkney Islands off of Scotland, captures their powerful weather and rustic wedding traditions in a raucous barnburner that includes a strolling bagpiper! MSO Concertmaster Jenny Gregoire takes to the skies in Ralph Vaughn Williams’ gentle depiction of a bird in flight. And Gustav Holst’s astounding astrological journey takes us to the outer reaches of human aspiration. Performances May 7 at 8:00 p.m. and May 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street, Mobile). Please visit mobilesymphony.org for more information. 12th Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival See May 6 for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information. Market on the Square See April 23 for more information. Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Sunday, May 8

Mother’s Day Evening Garden Concert The Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and Bellingrath Gardens and Home will present the Annual Mother’s Day Evening Concert at 5:30 p.m. on Live Oak Plaza. Enjoy a late afternoon of music set amidst the splendor of the Gardens. Limited seating will be provided, but visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Guests are also invited to enjoy a picnic supper during the concert. You may reserve a table for 4 at $22 or 6 at $27, which includes a table, chairs and a table covering. Make your reservations early as tables are limited. We ask guests to bring their own picnic supper. Beverages and snacks will be available to purchase on Live Oak Plaza. The concert is included in your admission to Bellingrath Gardens. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Mother’s Day, admission will be reduced to $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12. There is no admission fee for Bellingrath members or to ages 4 and younger. Mobile Symphony “From Ocean to the Stars” See May 7 for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Oklahoma” See April 22 for more information.

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Family Calendar Playhouse in the Park presents “Charlotte’s Web” See April 22 for more information.

Thursday, May 12

Beacon on the Bay Volunteers of America Southeast will host our annual fundraiser, Beacon on the Bay, at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in downtown Mobile. Our guest speaker this year will be Coach Bobby Bowden. Tickets are on sale now, just visit voase.org to reserve your seats! Single tickets are $75 and we also have sponsorships available for groups or organizations. For more information, visit voase.org or call Amanda Gonzales at 251-338-1297. Mobile Museum of Art – Tour Identity and Representation in Art Lin Wilson, Long time docent and teacher here at the museum, offers a tour on the evolution of identity through art. Spanning history and galleries, discover how we see ourselves and each other has changed and how art stands as evidence of shifting ideas in the 21st century. 6:00 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Kid’s Studio Book and Art Activity Children and their parents are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of current exhibitions. Kids Studio is a free after-school class that helps children investigate themes relevant to Alabama’s culture and heritage through literature and art while using the current exhibition, History Refused to Die. 4:00 p.m. at Ben May Main Library (701 Government Street). For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

April/May2016

Friday, May 13

Little Discoveries with Mr. Wayne Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. 10:30 a.m. at Ben May Main Library (701 Government Street) for ages 3-6. For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 2087086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org.

Saturday, May 14

Tour De Bay Mobile Team Share the Road and Mobile Sports Authority is again hosting the Tour de Bay in Mobile. Hargrove Engineers + Constructors is presenting the event. The two-day event will be May 14 and May 15 and is permitted by USA Cycling. The Alabama State Criterium Championship will begin at 9 a.m. A Criterium is basically NASCAR for bikes. Participants from all of the Southeast will be competing for the Championship. On Sunday at 8 a.m. there will be a 62-mile ride, with the option of shorting it to 22 or 10 miles, throughout Mobile County. The Criterium and the Ride will begin in Bienville Square. Please visit www. TourDeBayMobile.com for more information. NAMI Walk NAMIWalks Mobile is a public, active display of support for people affected by mental health conditions. It is one of the important ways NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is changing how Americans view people with a mental illness. There is no fee to walk, but monies raised will go in the NAMI Care Fund which directly helps provide funds for those in the Mobile area affected by mental illness and in need. Visit www.namimobile.org to register and find out how you can help. Mothers on the Move Ladies on the Gulf Coast, Come get Encouraged, Uplifted, and Prepared to Move into Your Purpose In 2016.

Please join us at the Joesph C. Dotch Community Center (3100 Bank Avenue, Mobile at 10:00 a.m. for a time of encouragement and fellowship! Come expecting great fun, fellowship, motivation, inspiration, and instruction! You will enjoy some encouraging messages from our Dynamic Speakers: Author of the book “Half of A and A Piece of Me” Holly Smith Lindsey; Beautiful Me Founder LaKeisha Rainey-Collins; Mrs. Dietra Lang Reynolds Founder of the I Can Movement; Parent Advocate Mrs. Vernetta Greene; and Dr. Charlie Waller. You will want to be in the house to hear this real, raw and insightful wisdom into the mechanics of a Life of Mothers Moving into to Purpose. Please visit Eventbrite.com for tickets. Inaugural Run Ride Scout -5k, Duathlon & 1-Mile Fun Run Join us for the Inaugural Run Ride Scout event which includes a 5k, Duathlon & 1-Mile Fun Run at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park benefitting local scouting programs. The 5K race & Duathlon begins at 7:00 a.m. and the 1-mile Family Fun Run starts at 7:05 a.m. All Walk/ Run & Bike events will start in the Battleship parking lot. Join us during and after the race events for scout activities in the field at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. All scouts in uniform can board the Battleship for FREE and receive discounted rate for family members. Register on Eventbrite.com. Crawfish for a Cause Please join us for the 3rd Annual Crawfish for a Cause event to benefit USA’s Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center. This family-friendly event includes all you can eat crawfish, kids activities and live music! There also will be a silent auction, so be sure to bring your wallets. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction items will be donated directly to the Burn Center. This amazing facility is the only one of its kind in the region. Each year the Arnold Luterman Burn Center admits more than 500 patients, making it one of the busiest in the nation. Please come out and help us raise money for this amazing cause! This event takes place

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Family Calendar

April/May2016

Live at the Museum – Friction Farm Join us at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive) at 7:00 p.m. for modern folk duo Friction Farm is guitarist/ vocalist Aidan Quinn and bassist/vocalist Christine Stay. Blending country, folk and pop into a seamless package, they bring a rare freshness and spontaneity to the stage. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for information.

Blue Star Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run for Alabama’s Fallen Heroes at Battleship Park (2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile). Each runner will run with a name of one of Alabama’s Fallen Heroes on their Race Bib and afterwards during activities, they can visit the wall of Alabama’s Faces of the Price of Freedom to see the faces of their fallen service member. Enjoy a day full of entertainment, fun and food at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park where there will be a variety of activities for everyone. Musical entertainment by the Patriotic singing group “Homeland” and Alabama’s 151st Army National Guard Band. Join us in honoring Alabama’s Military Service members, veterans and our Fallen Heroes. Many VOS’s will be available for serving our military and veterans. The day will conclude with a Gold Star Memorial Service honoring Alabama’s Fallen Heroes. To register online, please visit bluestarsalutefallenheroes5k2016.eventbrite.com. Market on the Square See April 23 for more information.

Friday, May 20

Monday, May 23

from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Grounds (1035 Cody Road North, Mobile). Please visit www.eventbrite.com for tickets or visit www.facebook.com/crawfishforacause for more information. Market on the Square See April 23 for more information.

Sunday, May 15 Tour De Bay Mobile See May 14 for more information.

Thursday, May 19

Mrs. Bellingrath’s Birthday Every year, guests are invited to plan a special visit to the Gardens to celebrate Mrs. Bellingrath’s birthday. After touring the beautiful Bellingrath Home and Gardens, be sure to visit the Bellingrath Gift Shop for its “Buy Like Miss Bessie Sale”! 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore. Please visit bellingrath.org for more information.

Saturday, May 21

Memorial 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk for Alabama’s Fallen Heroes The Blue Star Salute Foundation will host its annual

Auditions for “Wizard of Oz” – Playhouse in the Park Auditions will be held May 23rd and 25th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Playhouse (4851 Museum Drive). Those auditioning should be ages 6 to mid-20’s and be prepared to sing a short song. Please visit playhouseinthepark.org for more information.

Wednesday, May 25

Auditions for “Wizard of Oz” – Playhouse in the Park See May 23 for more information.

Thursday, May 26

Anatomy of the Museum: The Anatomy of Sound Described as “achingly beautiful” by The New Yorker and “transcendent” by The New York Times, sound artist Janet Cardiff’s critically acclaimed installation Forty-Part Motet is an artwork made solely of sound, which presents a whole new set of challenges to our curators and gallery technicians. Get the scoop on installing this haunting and complex work. Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive) at 6:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Market on the Hill Lavretta Park (200 Parkway West/off Old Shell Rd.) is the place for late spring/early summer veggies & fruits, plus baked good and hand-made crafts. Thursdays, May 26 to July 28 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Springhill Medical Center’s For Girls Only Class 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. Reservations required by calling 460-5447. Please leave the name of the young lady and the name of the parent who will accompany them. A contact phone number and how you heard about the class are very helpful, as well. This is an annual event held each spring. Location: Gerald L Wallace Conference Center (3715 Dauphin Street, 4th Floor) from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 30

Mobile Pops Band Concert The Mobile Pops Band Concert at 7:00 p.m. at Cottage Hill Park (1711 Hillcrest Road, Mobile). Please visit www. themobilepops.com for more information. 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.

FREE Family Movie Night

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(PG-13)

MAY - The Princess Bride JUNE - Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens ***Food trucks will be on-site for each movie*** Please visit TVOSH.com for all details. Title Sponsor:

Pre-movie entertainment provided by Spring Hill Comprehensive Den�stry 63

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The Jungle Book (2016)

Barbershop:

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: A Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Jungle Book PG for some sequences of scary action and peril. For a second time Disney tackles the task of adapting Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel The Jungle Book for the big screen. In their 1967 version the studio used brightly colored animation and snappy tunes to tell the tale of a young orphan found alone in the jungle, rescued by a concerned panther and raised by a pack of wolves. This time around the story is being presented in live-action, with Neel Sethi playing the man-cub Mowgli, and a herd of humans using their best technical wizardry to bring to life a plethora of wild creatures. Their creative efforts are nothing short of spectacular! Partly because of the realism, and also thanks to a more action packed script, this 2016 production hits the ground running and seldom stops to catch its breath between scenes of peril. The biggest reason Mowgli is in constant danger is Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba). This vengeful tiger informs the wolves that he will no longer tolerate the boy’s presence amongst the beasts and threatens to kill members of the pack if they will not surrender him. Realizing the only way to keep the man-cub safe is to return him to his own kind, the fatherly panther Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley) offers to escort the youngster to the closest man village. So after a tearful goodbye to his adaptive mother (voice of Lupita Nyong’o) the two begin their dangerous journey. Mowgli encounters many challenges along the way, such as separation from his protector, stampeding buffalo, the deadly embrace of Kaa the python (voice of Scarlett Johansson), kidnapping by monkeys and threats from an orangutan (voice of Christopher Walken) who calls himself King Louie, but behaves more like a mafia boss. He also faces some natural disasters (drought, floods, mudslides) and manmade hazards (a forest fire). Although moments of humor are included, like an opportunist bear named Baloo (voice of Bill Murray) who befriends the tike for his usefulness in getting honey, the life-endangering sequences will likely be too intense for little ones. If that describes your cubs, you may want to stick to the classic Disney cartoon until they are a bit older. For more mature audiences, who hopefully won’t be terrified by the scary characters and depictions of fighting, injury, and implied deaths, there are some great messages about the strength of working together despite differences. And thanks again to those amazing visual effects, this will be a thrill-filled rollercoaster jungle ride.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: BSexual Content: C+ Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Barbershop: The Next Cut PG-13 for sexual material and language. If there’s one thing you can say for this third iteration of the Barbershop franchise, it’s consistent. Like the two movies prior, Calvin’s (Ice Cube) Chicago barbershop sits within the tense urban scope of the city’s South Side. And, like those previous movies, the establishment is full of hair grooming professionals, including some new additions. The wall between the barbershop and the beauty salon has been pulled down, allowing both genders to banter back and forth over interpersonal relationships, sexual matters, politics and -- the top trending issue in this script -- neighborhood crime. Shootings on the South Side have reached epidemic proportions. Now the city is threatening to block off streets to control the movement of gang members, but that will also hinder businesses who are already struggling to survive. Amidst the barbershop discussions, the cutting characters (who include stars like Common, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas and Eve) hatch a plan to try and negotiate a ceasefire between two gang rivals -- each of whom are patrons of the shop. The tense confrontation manages to score an agreement for a gunshot free weekend. With the hope of promoting the plan to the rest of Chicago, these creative stylists determine to offer free haircuts for the entire 48-hour period. This movie deserves high marks for having a message that encourages other viewers to try to do something similar. And don’t think the crime portrayed in this script is an exaggeration. But as much as these real world issues are promoted in this film, there is still a priority on comedy -- and that creates an awkward combination. Nearly non-stop sexual dialogue covers subjects ranging from President Obama having a floosy on the side (a more derogatory word than that is used to describe the female) to a poll on whether a woman’s first priority in finding a man should be the size of his genitals. Profanities are plentiful as well, including the expected single use of the sexual expletive, along with frequent scatological slangs, crude anatomical terms and mild profanities. This is a movie that’s full of good intentions for engaging citizens in bettering their community. Although the dramatic moments come off a little forced and sentimental, they offer a positive discussion seed that families could use to help grow their own ideas. However, the desire to integrate crass comedy within this scope will likely cut these viewers from Calvin’s customer’s list.

What Parents need to know about The Jungle Book...

Violence: Teens in a high school environment become involved in a fight. Two teens are approached by gang members -- another gang appears that protects the boys and offers them money with the implication they will be expected to support this gang. Shots are heard in the street and occupants of the barbershop drop to the floor in fear. Many discussions involve gun crime in Chicago. Sexual Content: Female buttock nudity is briefly seen. Many scenes include sexual language, crude anatomical references and innuendo. Men and women are seen embracing and kissing. A female character dresses in bra-like garment that expose most of her breasts. A woman becomes interested in a married man and makes overtures toward him. Comedic remarks are made about sexual accusations of real people like R. Kelly and Bill Cosby. Language: A single sexual expletive is used along with frequent scatological slang, mild profanity and vulgar terms. Frequent racial slurs are heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink hard liquor at a bar. Other references to drugs, alcohol and tobacco use are heard.

The Next Cut

What Parents need to know about Barbershop: The Next Cut...

Violence: Characters are constantly in peril, from other species, drought and famine, natural disasters and forest fires. Some of theses portrayals are quite intense and frightening. Verbal threats are uttered, especially by a tiger who wants revenge on a young boy and is willing to kill anything that gets in his way. Animals fight one another and bite, slash, toss and crush each other. Some bloody injuries are shown. Violent deaths are implied, but details are obscured or not shown on screen. Monkeys kidnap a boy and a large orangutan threatens and chases him. A building collapses and crushes the creatures inside. A snake coils around its prey and prepares to swallow it. A character is stung by bees and nearly trampled by stampeding animals. Characters run for their lives. A baby animal’s life is at risk and the adults in its herd are grief-stricken. Sexual Content: A boy is scantily clad. Language: Mild name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None-noted. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2016

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