Mobile Bay Parents November 2017 by KeepSharing

LIGHTS of LOVE 4:30pm

2017

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017 USA CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL 1700 CENTER STREET

Tree Lighting Ceremony *Rain date is Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2017

TREE LIGHTING | LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES | HOLIDAY TREATS | SANTA RONALD MCDONALD

November2017

Columns

Volume 7 Number 8

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Video Game Addiction John Rosemond discusses the worsening of this problem with American teens.

Let It Go!

Explore seven of the most common worries parents have and why you should stop.

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

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Kids Health Watch

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

A Meaningful Thanksgiving

Holiday Happenings

Family traditions to help your children count their blessings.

Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens

From parades to tree lightings to musicals and more, these events make your season bright!

Mark Gregston

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Riley (10), Collin (8), and Mason (6) are sons of Matthew and Adonica Hall. Grandparents are Elbert Hall and the late Mariann Hall, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Miller, and Bobette Fisher. All three boys attend Faith Academy. Riley plays football at Faith Academy (5th & 6th Pee Wee), baseball at Westside, and swims for West Mobile Swim Club. Collin plays football at Faith Academy (3rd & 4th Pee Wee), baseball, and swims for West Mobile Swim Club. Mason plays baseball at Westside and swims at West Mobile Swim Club where he was the 2017 MCAL Top 6 year Male swimmer.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 58

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

Fall is full of pumpkins, bonfires, football, family and friends, but most of all THANKFULNESS! As a busy working mom of three active boys, I make it my priority to slow down during the holidays, and enjoy family time. As my boys get older I have been more mindful that we keep the holiday heaped in giving, instead of being focused on just a day of good food. I want them to always see Thanksgiving as a time to show just how thankful they are for their many blessings. As a child, I grew up going to grandparents’ houses for big meals and cousin time. My grandmothers both cooked enough food to feed an army. After having kids, Thanksgiving traditions continued with the day spent running to make everyone happy. We rushed from here to there, boys sleeping in the car; trying to decide which place to eat what. I thought to myself, “Will I ever be able to just enjoy Thanksgiving with my guys without the hustle and bustle?” Boy, what would I do to take that back. In September of 2016, our family traditions would be forever changed. My precious mother-in-law, Mariann, left this earth to be with our Heavenly Father due to ovarian cancer. She was the glue of our family! We stared into the face of the holidays after her long three year fight. I found myself in tears thinking of the “Family Traditions” and carrying on for Matthew and our boys. I stepped up and offered to start new traditions. Through tears, we survived our first Thanksgiving without her. Our traditions included: looking through the Black Friday papers, cooking, baking turkey hand-print cookies, family, football, naps, some shopping, decorating our Christmas tree, and a family movie night. After reading one of the articles in this month’s Mobile Bay Parents titled Make This Thanksgiving Meaningful, I began to ask God what I could do to make our Thanksgiving more meaningful. Little did I know that those doors were already opened! It’s funny to me how God always knows what you need. My family was introduced to the Hope of Honduras project at Faith Academy, where I am a K5 teacher and our boys are students. We will collect items and send boxes to Honduras to be passed out among the little ones. These boxes include soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small flashlights with batteries, hairbrushes and/or combs, crayons, pencil sharpeners, and small stuffed animals. These boxes will be delivered throughout the year. My boys are on a mission to give all of these kiddos a box of goodies. If you and your family are interested in helping, please visit www.gcimissions.com/ honduras. If you would like to add some local activities to your list of family traditions, make sure you turn to the Holiday Happenings Guide where you will find a variety of tree lightings, holiday concerts and other festivities for you and your family to enjoy. Always love big and enjoy those “Family Traditions”, because you never know when it could be the last with a loved one! Happy Holidays!

Adonica Hall Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Mark Gregston Adonica Hall Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Sarah Lyons Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Account Manager Eleanor Williams 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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Help Alabama

Shine!

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!

“Happy to be part of this survey.”

“Thank you for checking on us!”

Actual comments from survey responses.

Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set!

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Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding 3 Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, or email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Video Game Addiction Worsening Responding to my recent columns on video games and smart phones, a reader asks what the problem is, thus proving that these devices can and do cause serious harm to one’s cognitive hardware. He, the father of two boys and a gamer himself, in effect claims that parents are imagining things and researchers are not finding what they are finding. He proposes that video games and smart phones do not make people play them or stare at them obsessively; rather, that some parents are simply not providing proper supervision. That’s true, as far as it goes. He then offers that nothing is bad in moderation, which is one of the stupidest adages ever conceived. The list of things that are bad/evil in moderation include pornography, heroin, cocaine, arsenic, assault, murder, rape, armed robbery, lying, cheating, child abuse, and cruelty to animals. Need I go on? Furthermore, if an addiction is defined as a self-destructive obsession over which an individual seems to lack control, then video games and smart phones do indeed “make” some people play them and stare at them as if their very lives depended upon it. Furthermore,

the force of that effect appears to be inversely proportional to the age of the individual in question. As such, what a 40-year-old may be able to do—that is, fit playing video games into an otherwise responsible and richly varied life—a 13-year-old boy may not be able to do. One of my grandsons is a case in point. After I expressed concern to his parents that his obsession with playing video games bordered on unhealthy, they took his game controller away. A year later, at age 14, he told me that he realized in retrospect that he had indeed been addicted. If his parents had not stepped in, he said, his adolescence would have been a disaster. I’ve lost count of the number of parents who have asked me what to do about unemployed 20-something male children who live at home, sequestered in the slums that are their rooms, playing online video games day and night. Most of said adult children do not engage in meaningful conversations with their parents, participate in family meals, or even leave the house unless there is no option but to do so. A few years ago, a convention center manager told me that many of the young males who

participated in a gaming convention at his facility wore adult diapers so they would not have to get up from their consoles to use the bathroom. To get them to eat and drink, he had to threaten to unplug them. The mother of a 25-year-old man-child who fits the above description recently asked if there are “resources for parents” who are dealing with adult video game addicts. I have figured out that in this context the word “resources” is a euphemism for “stuff we can read or meetings we can attend to convince ourselves that we’re doing something when we have no real intention of doing anything but complaining endlessly to anyone who will listen.” When I suggest the “resource” of involuntary emancipation, these parents come up with one excuse after another, demonstrating that where there is an addict, there is often an enabler or enablers. Would that these parents had employed the very resourceful word “no” when these males first asked for a video game console. What America is discovering, and most painfully so, is that a lost adolescence often precedes a lost life. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

The choice for a Christ-centered academically challenging education

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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Titanic Honour & Glory at the History Museum of Mobile

The History Museum of Mobile is proud to announce its upcoming exhibit, Titanic Honour & Glory, an international touring exhibition which prides itself in preserving the history of the Titanic, her sister ships Olympic and Britannic, and the fleet of ships that once sailed under the distinctive swallow-tailed flag of the legendary White Star Line. Titanic Honour & Glory contains the largest collection of Titanic and White Star Line artifacts in Scotland, which have been collected over the last twenty years. In addition to original artifacts, it also has magnificent movie props and costumes from the blockbuster 1997 James Cameron movie, “Titanic”. Titanic Honour & Glory will open December 15, 2017 and run through April 15, 2018, making its U.S. debut here in Mobile. In addition to the exhibition, the History Museum will also be hosting monthly events such as a Titanic Film Festival, a Third Class Irish Party, the Last Dinner on the Titanic and more.

Poker Paddle on the Delta

Mobile Baykeeper is partnering with WildNative Delta Safaris to host a “Poker Paddle on the Delta” on Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bartram Landing at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. The event is a water-based scavenger hunt where participants will follow maps to designated points and collect as many cards in the sealed envelopes as they can before the buzzer sounds. The best poker hands win trophies and there is no advantage in finishing first. Registration is $35/boat and includes a souvenir T-shirt and entry to raffle prizes. Participants can bring their own boat or rent a canoe or kayak. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. To register, visit wildnativetours.com/specialevents.

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King Day for a

NOV 28 • 6:30PM Saenger Theatre

ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Mobile, AL — VIP TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! — danieltigerlive.com Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood © 2017 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved. The PBS KIDS logo is a registered trademark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used with permission.

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Student Academy of Audiology to Host SuperHEAR-o Day

The University of South Alabama's Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is hosting our second annual SuperHEAR-o Day! This event is for children, and their families, who are deaf or hard of hearing, or for children with communication disorders. SuperHEAR-o Day is a day full of games, arts and crafts, food, and education! Our event is completely free and is being held on November 4, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the USA Intramural Fields. For questions please email Leah Kavanagh at USA.SAA1@gmail.com or check out our Facebook event!

One Night Only, “A Christmas Carol - The Musical”

The Playhouse-in-the-Park presents its original production of "A Christmas Carol - The Musical," at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile at 6 Joachim Street. All ages will enjoy this magical show set in Victorian-age England during the Christmas season. A cast of 100 local youth from ages 6 to mid-20s will perform for your entertainment. There will be ONE PERFORMANCE on Wednesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile. Tickets are $20 for all ages. Call for reservations at 251-602-0630; tickets are available at the Saenger box office on night of the performance. www.playhouseinthepark.org.

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Boots & BBQ Barn Bash

The fourth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, November 9 from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music from local favorite cover band, The Bearded Spoon, and barbecue at Moe’s Barbeque located at 701 Springhill Avenue. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and enjoy s’mores, hayrides, and bonfires. Moe’s Original Bar B Que will provide their award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. Tickets are $40 and proceeds will provide funding for pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Melissa Manion to hold clinics in Mobile to treat the many children along the Gulf Coast suffering from autoimmune disorders such as pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. For more information, please visit www.give.childrensal.org/barnbash.

20th Anniversary Bay Bash

Mobile Baykeeper is celebrating its 20th Anniversary Bay Bash, themed “Light Up The Bay”, on Friday, December 8 at GulfQuest Maritime Museum at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a silent auction on the beautiful riverfront of downtown Mobile. Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance, will be the featured guest speaker of the evening. This event will highlight Mobile Baykeeper’s 20 years of protecting the Mobile Bay Watershed and our coastal communities. Tickets are $75/person and $125/couple. To purchase tickets and learn more information, visit mobilebaykeeper. org/bay-bash or call 251-433-4229. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

First Ever Bay Area Brunch Fest Coming to Mobile

Lifelines Counseling Services is proud to present the first ever Bay Area Brunch Fest on November 18, in Bienville Square from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come join us to experience one of Mobile’s favorite pastimes, brunch! Guests can purchase a $15 ticket to enjoy samplings from 20 different vendors. VIP tickets are limited at $50 each. Bloody Marys, Mimosas, coffee and other beverages are available for purchase during the vent. Live music and local art vendors will be entertaining guests while they enjoy their food and beverages. For more information, please visit www.lifelinesmobile.org. www.mobilebayparents.com

Original Oyster House to Offer Free Lunch to Veterans and Active Duty Military

The Original Oyster House restaurants will serve a free lunch or dinner to veterans and active military on Veteran’s Day, November 11, from 11 a.m. to close at the Gulf Shores and Mobile Causeway locations. Please show your military ID or wear your uniform so we can salute you in person and thank you for your sacrifice. “We want to thank all military personnel who served our country and who sacrifice so much in protecting our freedom. One way we can honor them is by providing a Gulf Coast seafood meal on Veteran’s Day. We also pay tribute to our service men and women with Military Mondays, providing military a 10% discount every Monday,” stated co-founder David Dekle. The Original Oyster House (OOH) has two locations, Mobile: 3733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway and Gulf Shores: 701 Hwy 59 on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk or more information about the Original Oyster House, visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/ veterans or call 251-928-2620.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home Celebrates 22 Years of Magic Christmas in Lights

It’s one of the nation’s best holiday light shows, and it’s right here in south Alabama! Bellingrath Gardens and Home presents the 22nd season of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2017. The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Opening Night is Friday, Nov. 24. The show will continue nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. Families enjoy strolling the grounds together, taking holiday photos, drinking cocoa on Live Oak Plaza and visiting Santa Claus in the Magnolia Café. Magic Christmas in Lights also includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home, which will be open for tours and decorated in full holiday finery. Military Mondays are back! For details about Magic Christmas in Lights, or to order tickets, visit our website, www.bellingrath.org. Online ticket sales begin on Nov. 1.

HAYRIDE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 5:00 .. – 7:00 ..

In celebration of the Christmas season, travel in a hayride with us through the story of Jesus’ birth in a Live Nativity. This will be a unique way to experience the Christmas story for everyone of all ages! The Live Nativity will be located in the Christ UMC wooded area near the Patch. We will serve hot cocoa to keep you warm.

Sunday, December 3 | 6:00 p. m. | Sanctuary Bring the whole family and join us as we share the wonderful story of Christ’s birth! It will be a night filled with the musical talents of our adult, youth and children choirs accompanied by various ensembles, handbells, and instruments.

Christ United Methodist Church | 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile | 251.342.0462 | christumcmobile.com 7

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Loaves and Fish Community Ministries to Host ART SOUP 2017

Loaves and Fish Community Ministries Inc., a non-profit corporation committed to serving the needs of the homeless in Mobile, will host its annual fundraiser ART SOUP on November 17. All proceeds from ART SOUP tickets and sponsorships go directly to help the homeless through the following organizations: Family Promise, McKemie Place, Ransom Ministries, Penelope House and the USA Student-run Free Clinic. ART SOUP will be held from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Azalea Manor, 751 Dauphin Street. Tickets are $25 per person and include a fun night, with music, entertainment, soup, dessert, nonalcoholic drinks and art. The event will have a cash bar. Each ticket holder receives a handcrafted ceramic or glass bowl created by local artists as a reminder that there are many homeless people who are empty, helpless and hungry. For more information on Art Soup, visit www.artsoupmobile.org or call T. Bruce MacKinnon at 251-379-0564.

WWII Living History Event

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Saturday, November 18, come and experience a day in the life of a WWII Soldier at Fort Gaines Historic Site on the Eastern tip on Dauphin Island. The soldiers will be doing drills throughout the day; there will be authentic camping and blacksmithing in the original blacksmith shop. Fort Gaines is open 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and general admission rates apply. Adults Ages 13 and up are $8 and Children ages 5 to 12 are $4. For more info: 251-861-6992.

Christmas Children’s Nutcracker Tea

Please join us December 2, for a fun-filled afternoon of tea, delicious treats, and a delightful appearance by Mobile Ballet's Nutcracker Dancers. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for tea and treats, then at 4:00 p.m. the story of the Nutcracker will be read and the characters will appear. Bring your camera! Great photo ops are available with the characters in the majestic setting of the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion at Christmas, which will be adorned in traditional holiday splendor, complete with a 12-foot Christmas tree. Tickets will be available mid-November through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) or you may call the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion at 251-471-6364. Seating is limited. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be obtained prior to the event. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Midtown Mobile

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital invites the community to celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season on Tuesday, November 28 during a special tree-lighting ceremony and holiday festival at the campus on Center Street in Midtown Mobile. This event is free and open to the public. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. local children’s choirs and other live acts will perform, Santa and Ronald McDonald will be on hand for photos and everyone can enjoy crafts and sweet treats such as cocoa, coffee and cookies. At dusk, a 50 foot tall tree will sparkle with more than 350,000 lights. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras to take photos with Santa, Ronald and some very popular characters. A snow village will be on display inside the hospital’s main lobby complete with a train that chugs through the winter wonderland. For the seventh year, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile and USA Mitchell Cancer Institute for Lights of Love. Parking for the Nov. 28 event will be available at USA’s new Strada Patient Care Center and Mitchell Cancer Institute.

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Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee

The Junior League of Mobile (JLM) opens the doors to its annual holiday market, Christmas Jubilee, in downtown Mobile at Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on Wednesday, November 8. The 33rd annual event is jam packed with special events and shopping hours through Saturday, November 11. Christmas Jubilee is more than a holiday shopping market with over 100 merchants; it is also a great experience for families and friends to celebrate the holidays. This year we are excited to have author and football legend, Sherman Williams join our Preview Gala, entrepreneur Sister Schubert will speak at a luncheon on Thursday and local chef Lucy Buffett will sign her newest book on Friday night at Girl’s Night Out. Once again, we will host Santa’s Workshop on Saturday morning, where kids can make reindeer food, decorate holiday cookies, hear holiday stories and take their picture with Santa himself. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Discounts available for children, seniors, students, veterans and groups. Market hours are Thursday, November 9 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, November 10 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 11 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.JLMChristmasJubilee.org.

Hargrove Foundation Hosts Third Annual Gala

The Hargrove Foundation will host its third annual gala, “The Sky is Not the Limit”, on Thursday, November 30, at the Battle House Hotel in downtown Mobile. We are privileged to have world-renowned astronaut Captain Scott Kelly, USN Ret. as our keynote speaker for this year’s event. Cocktail festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a seated dinner to follow. During his record-breaking year in space, U.S. astronaut Scott Kelly captivated the world while laying the groundwork for the future of space travel and exploration. And while science was at the core of Kelly’s groundbreaking expedition—it is his life lessons and personal stories from 229 miles above Earth and the path that led him there that provide such valuable advice on pushing one's own limits. Captain Kelly is author of the memoir, “Endurance: My Year in Space and Our Journey to Mars” which will be released in Fall 2017 and will be available at the gala. Signed copies are included as part of our partnership program. Proceeds from the event will be directed to the HAT Project, dedicated to helping mobility-limited children achieve more independence through the use of adaptive cars. To learn more about Hargrove’s Adaptive Toy Project, visit hargives.org/hat-project/

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Understanding Asthma In last month’s article, I began a discussion about the allergic triad, starting with eczema. As you may recall, eczema is a dry, itchy rash that is triggered by an allergen. This month we continue the discussion with a focus on asthma. Asthma can definitely be the scariest disease out of the three, but most people don’t realize that the severity of asthma can vary, or that asthma can change over a person’s lifetime. Asthma can be classified as exerciseinduced bronchospasm, mild intermittent asthma, or persistent asthma - mild, moderate, or severe. For any of type of asthma, it’s important to have a ”rescue inhaler,” which is usually Albuterol given via a MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler) or nebulizer machine. These treatments are designed to relax the airways when they start to close up. Sometimes only one use is needed to relieve the symptoms of asthma, but severe asthma attacks may require more breathing treatments every few hours for several days.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

Exercise-induced bronchospasm can be the most difficult type of asthma to diagnose. However, it is also the easiest type of asthma to treat, only requiring Albuterol use about 30 minutes before exercising. Intermittent asthma is usually triggered by colds, viruses, allergies, or exposure to smoke. This type of asthma doesn’t exhibit daily, or even weekly, symptoms, as patients may have only 3 or 4 asthma attacks a year. Some who suffer from intermittent asthma can go years with no symptoms. Persistent asthma requires a daily inhaled steroid for treatment. The strength of the inhaled steroid, and the number of additional medications required to control the condition, depends on the severity, and whether the condition has improved or worsened over the past 3 months. This is usually determined by your child’s pediatrician or pulmonologist. It is important to understand that asthma should not limit a child’s activity, sports involvement, or ability to play. There are many

professional athletes who suffer from asthma and continue to compete, just like their teammates. The key is proper diagnosis, and close management of treatment by a physician. One of the most difficult challenges is the identification of asthma, especially if it is mild or only triggered by exercise. If you see signs like tiring easily while playing with friends, losing breath while running, an unusually bad cough– or wheezing– with a cold, or even throat clearing throughout the day, call your doctor to discuss the possibility of asthma. Check back next month as I finish the discussion of the allergic triad by covering allergies. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their son, Finn, and their three dogs, Barkley, Fitz, and Roo.

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Autauga County Schools

Lott Middle School 2017-2018 Student Council

President: Anna Weaver, Vice President: Wesley Schneider, Secretary: Jayla Powell, Treasurer: Colby Hendry, Sixth Grade Representatives: Paris Roberson, Emily Guthrie, and Jack Davis, Seventh Grade Representatives: Blake Jarvis, Jayla Brown, and Chase Lewis, Eighth Grade Representatives: Calvin Everette and Lance Rivers.

Phillips Prep is Aubreigh Army Strong!

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NJHS is in the army! NJHS members collected a large basket full of various items and gave it to Aubreigh and her family. They had the pleasure of meeting with Miss Aubreigh and her parents to get the basket to them. Pictured is a few NJHS members, Aubreigh and her parents, and Ms. T. Martin (NJHS sponsor).

Over 70 Davidson High School Students Recognized as AP Scholars

Davidson High School had 71 students (grades 10-12) that held the distinction of AP Scholar. The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams.

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Bright Beginnings Academy Hosts Annual LEGO Night

Bright Beginnings Academy kicked off its 5th annual “if you can dream it, you can do it” LEGO building competition on October 5. We were honored to have some esteemed members of our community judge the competition among them were Jackie Zeigler, Chris Lunsford, Christopher Pollitt, Sokon Ngam, David Chaltain, and Penny Hansen. The World Famous Hot Dog Man and his wonderful friends provided the best burgers and hot dogs in the area. K5 through Grade 8 students met the challenge to compete in the LEGO building contest. Prizes were awarded for the most outstanding designs in three age categories. Every contestant went home a winner thanks to CHILL providing a free 5 oz cup of yogurt. A silent auction was held during the occasion with over forty items auctioned off. The evening was complete once the 2nd annual “pie in the face” contest ended. All proceeds from the event benefit the school, which is in need of a perimeter fence and playground. Bright Beginnings Academy would like to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors, as well as, the families, friends, and community members, who made this event such an enormous success. We look forward to seeing you all next year! Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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St. Mary Steve Thompson 10th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament

This 10th annual family event takes place Sunday, November 5. Sponsored by The St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus, the event takes place on Spring Hill College Golf Course. The registration fee of $100 per player includes a catered lunch and prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive, and more! Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m., Scramble Shotgun Start at noon. Teams and sponsors welcome! For registration, contact Desi Tobias at desi@ tmclawyers.com or (251) 432-5001.

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World School Milk Day at Dodge Elementary

Dodge celebrated World School Milk Day on September 27. World School Milk Day is celebrated each year on the last Wednesday in September. Countries around the world celebrate World School Milk day to celebrate the health benefits of school milk programs. Pictured is 4th grade student, Zayana Marsh.

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Autauga County Schools

Mobile Christian Students Enter CabbageGrowing Competition

Learning Sight Words at St. Vincent de Paul

Mrs. Myra Goleman's first grade class at St. Vincent de Paul are learning their sight words by "Hammering" the words out to help with memorization. Pictured L to R, Tucker Desselle, Kaylee Connick, Barrett Bullock, and Cameron Barton.

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Each year, Bonnie Plants donates over a million free cabbage plants to 3rd graders in 48 states. The students take the seedlings home, grow them, then submit a photo of themselves with their full-grown cabbage for a chance to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Check out the amazing green thumb of Mobile Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own Ella Manning. Way to go, Ella! Good Luck!

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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New Year for St. Dominicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels on a Mission

Angels on a Mission are group of St. Dominic Catholic School 5th and 6th grade students who come together to spread the light of Christ by participating in service projects during the school year. Students were recently commissioned for another year of service.

Pine Grove Makes Donation to American Red Cross

Mr. Mike Brown, American Red Cross Executor Director of eleven counties in Southwest Alabama, joined Pine Grove School students, faculty and staff Friday, September 15. Maleek Stoudmire and a group of students presented Mr. Brown with a check in the amount of $428 to support hurricane victims. Students donated a dollar to dress in his/her favorite college colors on National College Color Day. Mr. Brown shared there have been over 36,000 people in shelters just recently with Hurricane Harvey and Irma. Also, 530 shelters were opened for relief. Mr. Brown thanked Pine Grove family for the donation and explained how much this meant to so many!

UMS-Wright Recognizes National Merit Scholars

Kaitlyn Read, Monica Langan, Joseph Feinstein, Caitlin McIlwain, Rachel Stewart, and Lydia Fantoni have been named Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship competition. Over 1.6 million students in over 22,000 high schools entered the competition, with roughly 16,000 making the cut as semifinalists. In addition to the National Merit Semifinalists Lana Stringer, Price Dukes, and Julia Harvey (pictured right) are being recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholars. We congratulate each of these students on a job well done and encourage our Semifinalists as they move on to the next stage of the competition!

Covenant Christian Wins Cross Country Meet

Covenant Christian's 7th and 8th grade boys and girls cross country teams won the small schools division of the Catman Classic Cross Country meet held at the Orange Beach Sports Complex. Team members include (left to right), Coach Lisa Rush, Kimber Colyer, Ella Grace Meaux, Kathy Hacker, Rebecca Hii, Mya Hall, Nathan Kim, Brandon Wolfe, Jonathan Rush, Jonathan Fredericks, and Nate Dillard (not pictured).

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40 Days of Life Campaign at St. Ignatius

St. Ignatius 8th grade students started off the 40 Days for Life campaign by placing crosses in front of the church. This is a tradition for our 8th graders who participate in the 40 Days of Life Campaign. These students also lead the Rosary for over 90 7th and 8th graders each Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. Pictured here are Gus Thames, Will O'Connor and Fr. Bry Shields placing crosses on Spring Hill Ave.

Autauga County Schools St. Mary Catholic Annual Blessing of the Pets!

The much-awaited annual Blessing of the Pets at St. Mary took place on The Feast of St. Francis, October 4! A parade of hundreds of pets and their owners came out for a good sprinkling of holy water by Father Cecil Spotswood as they processed through St. Mary's Thompson Field. Canine and feline furry ones, fish, turtles and feathered friends, and photos of pets who could not join in were all in the march!

Little Flower Catholic School Honors Grandparents

Grandparents at Little Flower Catholic School gathered after the school Mass to enjoy tea and treats with their grandchildren. The SGA helped serve the honored guests, and the PTO provided decorations and a continental breakfast. Kindergartner David Stringfellow was happy to share treats with family members at the event.

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E.R. Dickson 4th Grader Writes Essay About Going Back to School

Caroline King, 4th Grade student at E.R. Dickson Elementary, was selected by the Mobile County Public School System Office of Communication to write an essay on what going back to school meant to her. Here is her essay. “Back To School” It is time to go back to school! What does this mean? New school supplies, new uniforms, and a new teacher. Of course, it is always nice seeing my former teachers. They are like security blankets who make me feel warm, fuzzy, and confident that I can excel in a new classroom. What’s my favorite part of school? I would have to say EVERYTHING! Conducting hands-on experiments in the science lab, learning how to play new instruments in the music room, solving educational break-out games in the technology collaboration lab, and getting pumped up at our school pep rally celebrations are a few things that I look forward to the most. Of course, I am excited to see my friends and make new ones as well. When I begin a new school year, I always have butterflies in my stomach. I’m nervously excited about my new teacher, classroom, and classmates. Soon all my jitters turn into curiosity and the excitement of learning takes over. As an upperclassman, I’m also thrilled to welcome new students to our school and to encourage them to have a successful year. Since my little sister begins kindergarten at our school, it is an especially big year for us both. I really want her to love school as much as I do, so I want to be her security blanket just like my former teachers are to me. Hopefully, I can get her excited, show her the ropes, and encourage her to be successful. Returning to school also means that my afternoons will once again consist of Technology Team meetings, Student Council Meetings, choir, dance and so much more! These experiences have taught me so much about myself. No one ever called me quiet and my family has always known I have dance moves, but now I build robots and play the violin. As a school choir participant, I’ve sung across our community, including trips to senior citizens’ homes that remind me there is a world of people that I want to encourage and help outside of E.R. Dickson’s doors. Going to school fills your brain with knowledge and experiences that lead to a success in life. Most importantly, as we begin this school year, it is how my friends and I continue to use this knowledge gained from our classrooms or other activities that truly counts. Get ready for students who want to make a difference in this world. After all, IT STARTS WITH US!

Tuesday Nights Kids Eat Free!

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Autauga County Schools Corpus Christi Catholic School

McGill-Toolen Homecoming Court

McGill-Toolen Catholic is proud to introduce the 2017 Homecoming Court. Seniors: JaKayla Cunningham, Abigail Griffin, Anna Grace Lynam and Ellen Rose. Juniors: Danielle Flores, Caroline Hamilton and Kate Pfeffle. Sophomores: Lauren Scott and Tasia Williams. Freshmen: Grace Aguirre and Skylar Stapleton.

Donates Books to Houston School

During their annual Book Fair, Corpus Christi Catholic School collected nearly $1,000 worth of books to donate to Resurrection Catholic School in Houston. The school in Houston was severely damaged during the floods caused by Hurricane Harvey. The DeLeons, members of Corpus Christi school and parish, were travelling to Houston and volunteered to deliver the books to Resurrection Catholic School. Pictured (L to R) are Karynn, Thomas & Laila DeLeon.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

St. Ignatius Recognizes Monthly ROCK Stars

Each month at St. Ignatius, students are recognized for being ROCK Stars in our school. ROCK Stars are those students who are Respecting Others and Creating Kindness. These students are recognized in front of the entire school at Friday Mass. Pictured are a few of our ROCK Stars from September. Back row: Bry Baggett, John Paul McDonald, Ella Porter, Stephen Beatty, Josh Davoud, Wesley Clarke; Front row: Yasmin Habibollahi, Isabella McLemore, Win Tapia, Caroline Murphison, Madeline Prine and Henry Muscat.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

Corpus Christi Catholic School Holds Blessing of the Animals

Corpus Christi Catholic School held their annual Blessing of the Animals on October 10th. A variety of pets such fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and bunnies, along with a lot of dogs and cats were brought to the blessing. All pets, big and small, were blessed. Brandon McKee with his cat, Pearl, are pictured receiving a blessing from Father Boudreaux.

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CHCA Mu Alpha Theta Induction

Cottage Hill Christian Academy inducts new members into Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. The new inductees have met the requirements by excelling in and having strong scholarship in Mathematics. New members are: Back, Brinson Thompson, Noah Landry, Ryan Sweatt, Scott Alan Smith, Ian Singley, Andrew Hii. Front: Jasmine Vo, Mariajose Alvarez, Katherine Allred, Catherine Bryson, Sara Hilbun, Olivia Moore, Emma Newell, Sarah Lawrey, and Ella Kendall.

MGM’s Viking Daily Visits Troy

On Thursday, September 14, Viking Daily, MGM’s broadcast journalism team, attended a J-Day event hosted by Troy University. Students from all over the state of Alabama converged on Troy’s campus to learn about the various aspects of both print and broadcast journalism while getting a first-hand experience of learning in a college setting. While there, Viking Daily was awarded First Place in the Best Broadcast Reporting competition. Pictured: back row – Andrew Carter, Jacob Cox, Barbie Hardenbrook; middle row – D J Connell, Kacey Ward, Allison Simmons, Brianna Meeks, Cheyenne Alcudia, Alexis Coffey, Jessica Morgan; front row – Katie Eddins, Brian Peek, Kaitlyn Parker, Mya Johnson.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Pius X Students Receive Rosary Ring at Mass

St. Pius X students celebrate Mass at the school's annual Book Drop Off. Each student received a rosary ring, blessed by the Pope, as a gift from Pastor Fr. S. J. Savoie.

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Phillips Prep Homecoming Queen

Phillips Preparatory would like to congratulate their 2017 Homecoming Queen, Bo Arendall, 2017 Lady-in-Waiting, Gracie Craft, and our 2017 Football Sweetheart, Chelsey McMillian. Our Homecoming Queen was crowned by a former queen in 1958, Ms. Judy Friedhoff. Thanks to the parents and faculty for making this event a great success!

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

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M.A.C.H. Homeschool Robotics Team to Compete in B.E.S.T. Robotics Games

M.A.C.H. Robotics (Mobile Area Coalition of Homeschoolers) is one of thirty-six school teams competing in the annual B.E.S.T. Robotics (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) games. In this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, Crossfire, each school must create a robot to perform in a simulated industrial fire and rescue situation. Each team acts as a company, whose product is the robot. Each team is tasked with marketing the robot to a panel of judges, building a tradeshow-style display for their company and product, and keeping an engineering notebook detailing the process and progress of the robotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. Through the B.E.S.T. Robotics program, the students at M.A.C.H. and many other schools, both here and around the country, are given real world skills and experience such as communication, management, and problem solving. Our students include: Noah Barton, Riley Barton, John Bentley, Mason Brasher, Caroline Brasher, Ethan Burgess, Abigail Debruin, Anna Debruin, Ashley Debruin, Parker Duggan, Blakely Duggan, Archie Dutton, Eli Emerson, Aramis Hoffmann, Marisol Hoffmann, RJ Hunt, Julia Hunt, Jillian Lane, Caleb Lanford, Ellen Lanford, Zacchaeus Lemon, Allie Maples, Russ McKeever, Jack McKeever, Leslie Nehls, Ryan Rainey, Ian Robertson, Rebecca Sawyer, Kristen Sawyer, Joshua Sawyer, Evan Sayre, Clark Stombaugh, Kol Vasko, Julianna Vasko, Gabriella Vasko, Maria Verde, Lauren Wallace, Grant Wallace, Sam Werry, and Hayden Wilderson.

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Williamson High School Engineering Students Learn Valuable Interviewing Skills with BAE Systems

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Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Commissions Student Council Members

St. Dominic Catholic School recently commissioned new members of the Student Council. Elected by their peers, members of the Council pledged to serve their fellow students with pride and dedication and bring honor to the school. They promised to be examples in their behavior, conduct, and Christian values. Pictured are (front row, l – r) Class representatives Cameron Martin, Janie Dunwell, Lilli Midgette, (back row, l – r) Prayer Leader/Parliamentarian Russell Ginn, Secretary/Treasurer Anthony Hantouche, Vice President Dominic Piccinni, President Stone Nguyen and Class representatives Emily Smith, Holli Trinh, Isabella Hansen, Taylor Davidson and Anna Parker Reid.

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Lott Middle School October Students of the Month

6th Grade: Solomon Woodrow and Macie Jones. 7th Grade: Terran Overstreet (Not Pictured) and Haylee Marler. 8th Grade: Pedro Rodriquez and Emily Meek.

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Former Local Student Named Chief of Staff of Mobile County Schools

LeFlore High School graduate Chresal Threadgill has returned to his hometown to serve as a top administrator in Mobile County Public Schools. Threadgill, a former track star and member of the Rattlers’ Class of 1993, has been named Chief of Staff, a position he said will allow him to give back to the school system that prepared him to be successful in life. “I’ve always viewed Mobile County as a great school system,” Threadgill said. “Coming back here, I see that there have always been challenges that I wasn’t fully aware of. I have a skillset I can bring in as a new dynamic and as a new personality to help in those areas.” As Chief of Staff, Threadgill works directly under Superintendent Martha Peek in overseeing 89 schools. He was most recently the superintendent of Elba City Schools. He worked his way up to that position from being a classroom teacher to high school principal to Assistant Superintendent of Troy City Schools.

Mary B. Austin Receives National Distinction

Mary B. Austin received national recognition as “America’s Entrepreneurial School” named by EntreEd, The National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education. Austin is the first school in the State of Alabama, public or private, to receive this designation and the first in the southeastern United States. This journey began last school year and continues this school year with entrepreneurial skills imbedded into cross-curricular project-based learning activities. Students at Mary B. Austin are given frequent opportunities to think creatively, problem-find and solve, communicate effectively, and collaborate on diverse teams. These skills are enhanced through the Talents Unlimited instructional model for critical and creative thinking, project-based learning, and opportunities such as coding, 3D design and printing, use of the engineering design process, and creation of communication products provided in Austin’s innovative labs. Austin students are truly earning their name, “Austin Innovators”. Austin’s efforts have been supported by many local entrepreneurs and business leaders. A special thanks to Dr. Todd Greer, Dean of the College of Business at the University of Mobile and co-founder of The Exchange 202 and Dr. Gene Coulson, Executive Director of The National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education for their support in providing these opportunities for our students. The innovative faculty and staff at Mary B. Austin, led by Dr. Jones, are also to be commended for seizing the opportunity to develop engaging, real-world learning opportunities for Austin’s students.

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St. Vincent de Paul Students Attend Career Expo

Autauga County Schools

Mobile Christian Honors Grandparents

Mrs. Denna Morris' 8th Grade class at St. Vincent de Paul enjoyed Career Day on September 20 at the Mobile Civic Center, "Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo." The students enjoyed a hands-on, interactive exploration experience led by business professionals from eleven industries within the South Alabama region. Pictured left to right are Kelsey Smith, Kamryn Mulkey, Autumn Maghupoy, and Christian Robinson-Pitts.

Dodge Open House Literacy Night

Dodge Elementary school held its annual Open House in September. Students and parents were able to hear from PTA, visit classrooms, shop at the book fair, and were treated to many fun literacy activities throughout the building. With a superhero theme, students and teachers could dress up as their favorite super hero. Pictured, guest reader/school board member Don Stringfellow, stands with Cathy Alexander, Tracey Turner, and Principal Dr. Suzanne Crist.

A heart felt thank you from Mobile Christian to all of our grandparents and grand friends that came out to enjoy our Grandparents Day program and events. It is always a “grand” occasion when our young people and those young at heart spend quality time together. Fun was had by all!

MCPSS Announces JROTC Brigade Commander

Brooklyn Johnson described herself as “quiet as a mouse” when we she joined Mary G. Montgomery’s JROTC program as a freshman. But JROTC helped bring her out of that shell and four years later, after taking on more responsibility each year, she took the next step into a county-wide leadership position. Johnson was named Brigade Commander for JROTC programs throughout Mobile County, as the 2017-18 Brigade Command was announced last month during a ceremony at MCPSS’ Central Campus. “To be promoted to Brigade Commander is something I never thought to be possible. It’s a great honor to me,” Johnson said. “I think it’s going to be a new challenge that I’m ready to face head on.” The full 2017-18 Brigade Command (pictured, from left): Cadet Command Sergeant Major Jayuanna Harris (Murphy HS), Brigade Command Sergeant; Major Cadet Colonel Jordan Jones (Murphy HS), Deputy Brigade Commander; Cadet Colonel Brooklyn Johnson (Mary G. Montgomery HS), Brigade Commander; Cadet Colonel Christopher Willhite (Baker HS), Deputy Brigade Commander; Cadet Colonel Joseph Kelley (Bryant HS), Deputy Brigade Commander. It is a strong group of students — two have ACT scores of higher than 30, two will leave high school with a large number of college credits already earned, one is an Azalea Trail Maid, two plan to enter medical professions, one plans to study engineering and one wants to be a U.S. Army Ranger. “When people talk about the Mobile County Public School system, this is what it can produce and all of us should take a lot of pride in what we see here today,” said Lt. Col. Frank Barrow, who oversees JROTC programs in Mobile County.

St. Pius X Chromebooks

St. Pius X students use the school's new Chromebooks to collaborate on a back-to-school assignment. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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Archaeology at Old Shell Road School

Anne Dorland from the University of South Alabama’s Archaeology Department provided a lesson with artifacts to all of the fourth grade classes at Old Shell Road School for the Performing Arts. The students and teachers loved the lesson, especially touching real-life artifacts.

Collier Elementary Students Raise Money for Childhood Cancer

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In the month of September, Collier Elementary held two campaigns to raise awareness and to collect donations for childhood cancer. During our annual Pennies for Patients campaign, students brought in spare change and paper money, and proceeds from our ice cream sales that week were also donated. That same week, Collier held its first PJammin Day event. Since pajamas are the battle uniform for children with cancer, the Collier students and staff honored these young heroes by wearing pajamas to school. In total, our school was able to donate $1,089.21 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and $1,000 to the American Childhood Cancer Association. Way to go, Collier Bees!

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Get up close with the most curious little monkey, Curious George, and follow his lead, engaging in math, science and engineering activities modeled after his own adventures.

Including meet and greet with Curious George, birthday party packages, special events, storytimes, and more! Curious George television series merchandise © Universal Studios. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H. A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All rights reserved.

located at 65 government st. • Mobile, AL 36602 • 251-208-6893 • www.exploreum.com The Gulf Coast Exploreum is grateful to its presenting sponsors Mobile County, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, Austal, Delaney Foundation, Dee and Jim Gambill, Moses Foundation, Mobile Area Water and Sewer, WKRG, and Thompson Engineering, who partnered with us to bring this exhibit to Mobile.

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Autauga County Schools

Satsuma HS Volleyball Team Wins Saraland Tournament

E.R. Dickson Principal Named Reading Administrator of the Year

Congratulations to Mrs. Katryna Kinn, principal of E. R. Dickson Elementary School. Mrs. Kinn was selected as the Reading Administrator of the Year by the Metro Mobile Reading Council. Mrs. Kinn is pictured with teachers from E. R. Dickson Elementary School.

Satsuma High School Varsity Volleyball team won the Saraland Invitation Tournament on September 16 defeating Bryant, Blount, Saraland, and T.R. Miller High Schools. Way to go Lady Gators!

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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CHCA Star Student

Deaton Deas-Hill was named as Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce STAR Student for the Month of October. Congratulations Deaton!

Congratulations to W. C. Griggs 2017-2018 Shining Star Ambassadors

Griggs Ambassadors are chosen from an application and interview process that allows all our students to showcase their leadership skills. The new Ambassadors will serve as liaisons to welcome visitors and guests to Griggs. The Ambassadors will conduct school tours, lead our annual leadership day and plan schoolwide leadership events! Back Row: Amiyah Smith, Lilly Grace Bolton, Lallie Hays, Layal Hafia, Alaysha Watters, Braelynn Cotton. 3rd row: Jade Lopez, Diegan Sanders, Hayden Smith, Shelbie Bible, Riley Courtney, Saige Pasquill. 2nd Row: Izzy DeGregorio, Kayci Pritchett, Annah Murray, Aaliyah Langham, SyMia Anderson. Front Row: Brysen English, Michael Howard Blocker, Tripp Kirkland. Not Pictured: Ryker Hoppe and Darlean Cady.

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5901-E Grelot Road • Mobile, AL 36609 • (251) 639-0801 • www.droliverortho.com 27

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Autauga County Schools

Bright Beginnings Academy Gives to Hurricane Harvey Victims

Hurricane Harvey severely damaged the area of southern Texas primarily due to flooding. Many families lost everything. It really touched the hearts of the students, parents, teachers, and faculty of BBA. So, the students began a fund drive to see how much they could collect over a ten-day period for the Hurricane Harvey victims. The results were amazing! A check was written to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, an envelope was sealed, and the students posed for a picture sending prayers and hugs to the folks in southern Texas.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@ mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month.

Dawes Teacher/Alabama Teacher of the Year Launches Website for Teachers

Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Chasity Collier, has launched a new website that invites teachers from across the state to visit her classroom and even read her lesson plans. Collier, who teaches fourthand fifth-grade science at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile, hopes her site, which features a blog, videos of science experiments and more, will give teachers ideas to try in their own classrooms. The website is: www.teach2learnalabama.com. “Like many teachers, I am a working mom,” she said. “While I am excited about visiting schools across the state, I also wanted to create an easy-to-access tool that any teacher can use to learn about my classroom, my school and my philosophy of education.” Collier hopes the site will start conversations with educators from across Alabama about teaching. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

MCPSS Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Six Mobile County Public Schools students have been named as semifinalists for the 2018 National Merit Scholarships. They are: Noah Baker and Kaycee Tate of Baker High and Rohan Badve, Thomas Browning, Sophia Davis and Nandita Dey of Davidson High. They are among approximately 16,000 semifinalists for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Finalists will be notified in February, and are expected to include about 90 percent of the semifinalists. About half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. In addition to the 2,500 National Merit Scholarships, totaling $2,500 each, about 1,000 students will receive corporate-based Merit Scholarship awards provided by about 230 corporations and business organizations. In addition, about 190 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,000 collegesponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will be enrolling in those schools. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four news releases beginning in April and ending in July.

Mobile Public Schools Install Defibrillators in Schools

In another example of its commitment to the safety and health of its students, teachers and employees, Mobile County Public Schools last month had 214 automatic external defibrillators installed in its schools and administrative offices. MCPSS contracted with Cardiac Solutions, a leading provider of personal and public access defibrillators, to install the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P AEDs throughout the county and train school employees in their use. User-friendly thanks to easy-to-follow visual and audio prompts, this AED analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in order to restore the heart to a normal rhythm. “We’re very pleased to have AEDs in all our schools and facilities,” said MCPSS Superintendent Martha Peek, pictured here with Jon M. Seale, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiac Solutions. “Any time we can increase the likelihood of saving a life it’s important, and certainly this program will do it because not only are the devices provided, but also the training that goes along with it.” 28

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Williamson HS Recognizes Achievers

Congratulations to student Steven Spears for being inducted into the National Honors Society for High School Scholars. Steven recently went to Chicago for the ceremony at the University of Chicago. Also congratulations to teacher April Bell-Bush for being selected for Class Nobel Educator of Distinction

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Weatherman Visits Little Flower Catholic School

John Nodar of WKRG News 5 paid a visit to Little Flower Catholic School. During the hourlong action-packed presentation, he taught about hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, rain, and snow. Using a simple hair dryer, Mr. Nodar demonstrated to the students how hail is formed. Gabriella Barrantes holds the hair dryer which created the upward wind, while Hannah Bettis watches the ball simulating a piece of hail. Students and teachers alike were fascinated with the explanations and thanked Mr. Nodar for his fine presentation.

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Autauga County Schools

Local Student’s Science Fair Project Earns National Recognition and Awards

Hannah Patterson, a Pre-IB freshman at Davidson High School, recently met with Congressman Bradley Byrne to discuss her nationally recognized science fair project. Hannah's project, "Algebraic Hot Spots", was completed while she was an eighth-grader at Clark-Shaw School of Math and Science last year. The project has been chosen by Broadcom MASTERS as one of the top 300 in the nation. The project used mathematical comparisons of parabolic equations to determine if the parabolic curve affected the parabolic focus. A real-world application of this would be calculating the maximum return of solar energy. Patterson was one of 2,499 nominated national applicants in the contest. In order to be nominated, Broadcom MASTERS determines what projects are in the top 10% of competitors at the state or regional level. Broadcom MASTERS was founded by the Society for Science & the Public, and is the nation's most prestigious STEM competition for middle school students. Hannah's project has earned many awards, and was submitted in the Math and Computer Science category at the local, regional, state, and national level. She earned first place at Clark-Shaw's science fair, first place at the Mobile County science fair, and first place at South Alabama's Regional science fair. At the state science fair held at UAH, she earned second place in her category as well as three other special awards. Hannah earned Boeing's 1st place junior award for Best Scientific Achievement, the 1st place junior award from the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (S.P.I.E.), and finally the nomination to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS national science fair. Patterson's next science fair project will be a continuation of her "Algebraic Hot Spots" project to involve a more in-depth study of parabolic solar energy based on her findings for this project. Hannah's work to find a mathematical solution for a real world energy problem could help communities without electricity or firewood to boil water and to cook food more efficiently.

Allentown Elementary School September GATOR Kids

Pre-K - 2nd Grade Front Row: Laiken Nichols, Bria Hockaday-Simon, Macey Alford, Aleah Nadeau, Maddox Fillingim, Izzy Miller. Middle Row: Brianna Patterson, Rebecca Geroux, Markell Inge, MaKenzie Johnson, Addison Martin, Emily Thompson. Back Row: Camille Flott, Paige Holley, Preston Nollen, Mya Slaten, Lizzy Fowler, Annie Wolfe, Lizeth Galvan Guerrero. 3rd – 5th Grade Front Row: Presleigh Stokley, Carelli Clark, Peyton Wheat, Traceson Schaaf, Dylan Flowers, Joseph Mullenax. Middle Row: Karsen Weaver, Tanyjah Williams, Mallorey Davis, Justin Rockwell, Truly Piper, Ryan Taylor. Back Row: Madison Robbins, John Ponder, Campbell Myers, Braylon Gurley, MaLeah Shaifer, Abigail McKenna.

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UMS-Wright Observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, UMS-Wright joins families and organizations across the country in observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Our “Yellow Day" began six years ago as a celebration of the legacy and life of UMS-Wright student, Krisanna Roberts. Krisanna spread sunshine to all who knew her, and she lived kindness. Yellow Day is a time to promote positive living in all that we do. The intention of Yellow Day is to brighten the days of all families at UMS-Wright while spreading awareness of childhood cancer! The entire UMS-Wright family joined together to raise over $5,000 to be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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MCPSS Collects Donations for Hurricane Victims

Two Mobile County Public Schools buses roamed around the county last month to collect donations from schools and MCPSS departments to help those affected by Hurricane Irma in Florida. Twenty schools participated in the effort, along with MCPSS Central Office and the Transportation Department. Schools providing donations were: Alma Bryant, Anna Booth, Burns Middle, Burroughs, Calcedeaver, ClarkShaw, Collier, Council, Dawes Intermediate, E.R. Dickson, Hollingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island, Holloway, Lott Middle, Mary Montgomery, Meadowlake, Nan Gray Davis, Scarborough, Semmes Elementary, B.T. Washington Middle and Just 4 Developmental Laboratory (pictured). The donated items were unloaded at Volunteers of America, which sent them to be distributed in areas of Florida damaged by Hurricane Irma. Donated items included school supplies, cleaning supplies, water, gift cards and pet food. Mary Montgomery, Dawes Intermediate, Council and Central Office had already conducted drives on their own to send donations to people in the Houston area affected by Hurricane Harvey, as well. Several other schools also held their own drives, including Baker High, Castlen, Craighead, Dixon, Dodge, Hutchens, Indian Springs, McDavid-Jones, Old Shell Road, St. Elmo, Taylor-White and J.E. Turner.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

McGill-Toolen High School Band Wins First Place at Competition

Congratulations to the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Band for winning first place in the Azalea City Marching Competition! They scored all superior ratings, earning Best in Class Color Guard and Percussion. Way to go, Jackets! 31

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Autauga County Schools

Sea Cadets Drill with Cadets from Mississippi

Cadets from Gulf Port, MS joined Dunlap Division for September drill. Both Units had the privilege to observe a Chief pinning ceremony with the US Navy. Four new Chiefs from the USS Manchester received their Anchors. After the ceremony the cadets toured the USS Alabama, the USS Drum, and the grounds at Battleship Parkway. They participated in a scavenger hunt aboard the USS Alabama, finding facts like how much ice cream the crew needed and what famous baseball player was once part of the crew. The cadets had the opportunity to experience “life” on a battleship, eating in the galley and sleeping overnight in the bunks. Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages ten to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge on our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Center in Mobile, the cadets are under no obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist the are usually eligible to enlist at a higher pay grade. The program does offer ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www.seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at Dunlap.seacadets@gmail.com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision l

Children’s of Alabama is ... l The

third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

l Licensed l The

for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets

first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama

l One

of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state

l The

pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB

l Home

to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually

l Site

of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country

Russell Campus

l Home

205.638.9100 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast

l One

of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama

1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South

l Provides

care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

Children’s South

205.638.4800 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

www.ChildrensAL.org

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CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

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Saturday December 9th, 2017 Arrive at 2 pm for 5 hours of fun! experience the most wonderFul time oF the year with seward Farms christmas on the Farm!

For more inFo, pricing and directions:

www.sewardfarms.com

sat 10am-9pm 228-641-3936

arrive at 2 pm to enjoy all the christmas fun on the farm. spend the next 5 hours, till 7 pm, enjoying our live nativity scene, visit our country cabin for santa pictures, buy some homemade cowboy chili or sweet desserts at wagon wheel cafĂŠ with hot cider and hot chocolate! sing your favorite christmas song with our entertainers, hayrides, Funny Farm golf, Jumping pillow, yee haw slide, cow trains, pony rides, stay warm by the camp fires and much moreâ&#x20AC;Ś perfect for families, churches and youth groups. 33

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Tech Gifts -- For People Who Truly Need Them These days gift-giving holidays are all about gadgets—cellphones, educational toys and smart devices for the home. Families lucky enough to take technology for granted have a big advantage. Not only do they have the fun of giving the latest techno-gizmos, they are also more comfortable figuring out how things work, navigating virtual spaces and doing the inevitable problem-solving. Since technology plays such a big part in education as well as adulthood, it would be great if everyone had easy, early access. Instead, we face what’s often been called a digital divide. Families that don’t have ready access to technology often fall behind, creating a bigger gap between haves and have nots. During the holidays, when people who have more look for opportunities to share with people who have less, it’s worth thinking beyond warm mittens and turkey dinners. Consider participating in one of these efforts to make the digital divide less of a chasm.

1. Donate money. The simplest way to get technology into the hands of kids who wouldn’t otherwise have it is to donate to wellrun organizations. • One Laptop Per Child has an ambitious goal—get a rugged, connected low-cost computer into the hands of every child in the world. The laptops weigh less than a lunchbox and come equipped with simple software that allows children to read, write, record, measure and make music. With partners around the world and in low-income regions of the US, they have already distributed over 2.5 million computers. (one.laptop.org) • The Rural Technology Fund was founded by a tech executive who had limited access to computers when he was growing up in rural Kentucky. His organization helps out-of-the-way schools get equipment and books that will ignite a “spark” for studying electronics, programming Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

or engineering. The organization also gives scholarships to students from rural communities who hope to pursue careers in technology. (ruraltechfund.org)

2. Adopt a classroom. Public schools are another way to give kids access to technology. Teachers usually know what would make a difference in their classrooms, and playing Santa can be very rewarding. • Your local school district. Find out if teachers at your child’s school have technology on their wishlists. Or make a gift to your local school foundation. If your district is affluent, consider reaching out to a school in a community that has more challenges. • Donors Choose is one of several websites that give teachers a chance to explain how they would use specific pieces of equipment. The site makes it possible to search by location or curriculum. In many cases, a relatively modest donation will put current technology in the hands of teachers eager to use it with their students. (donorschoose.org) 3. Donate Equipment. If family members get tech gifts during the holidays, you may have used equipment to donate. Or share the joy by giving another child a game your child loves. • The Non-Profit Locator helps donors identify local organizations that might need equipment they aren’t using anymore. Enter a zip code to get a list of local agencies and detailed information about the kinds of equipment they could use. (www.donatetechnology.com) • Child’s Play gets video games to children’s hospitals and shelters for kids who have experienced domestic violence. A map on their website shows the organizations in their network. Each group has an Amazon wishlist 34

which usually features popular video games and systems. The website also includes a helpful guide to “therapeutic games” that help children cope with pain, boredom and anxiety. (childsplaycharity.org)

4. Volunteer. The holidays are also an excellent time to make resolutions about doing good in the new year. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a geek, there are ways to help children learn about technology. • Code.org hopes to make computer science a standard part of the curriculum just like biology or chemistry. The group provides lesson plans for grades K-12 and organizes an annual Hour of Code campaign which has reached 10% of all students in the world. They actively recruit volunteers to help with the Hour of Code and equip them with a helpful toolkit. (code.org/ volunteer/guide.) • Community Corp identifies volunteer opportunities for people who have more technical expertise. Their search engine allows you to find virtual or in-person projects in a variety of areas (communitycorps.org)

5. Set up passive donations. Perhaps the easiest way to support these (and other) charities is registering with a site that makes a microdonation every time you do something simple like searching or shopping online. • Goodsearch is an ordinary search engine powered by Yahoo that makes a tiny donation to a chosen charity each time you search. For families that do a lot of research, the numbers add up. Their sister site, GoodShop, makes it easy to donate a fraction of every of every online purchase to good causes. • Giving Assistant is a coupon marketplace that offers discounts from big retailers like Best Buy, Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond. A percentage of what you save goes to the charity you designate. Whatever you decide to do, involve your kids as much as possible. Encouraging them to imagine life without their beloved devices may very well be the gateway to a lifelong habit of empathy and generosity. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries invites you to

Christmas Open House

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ine

We’re opening up OUR HOME to YOU!

Would you like to know more about how to partner with us to help children and families in your community? We’d love for you to attend our Christmas Open House event to find out! Tour our home in Mobile and see how our children have decorated for Christmas, while enjoying holiday treats. Our Open House events happen around the state, and we hope you'll save the date for this free event near you:

Sunday, December 3 from 2:00–5:00 PM

6512 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Full details can be found at alabamachild.org/openhouse or call (251) 639-1022.

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A Page in a Book Prehistoric Picks for Dinosaur Fans Almost every child goes through a dinosaur phase. While some enter and leave the window of saurian fascination, other kids really drill down into the topic. They learn every dinosaur name, they know the difference between theropods and sauropods, and their toy box is populated with multiple examples of each. Regardless of a child’s intellectual investment in dinosaurs, these prehistoric juggernauts retain a strong grip on every kid’s imagination. The following titles celebrate dinosaurs’ larger-than-life status in the landscape of our lives and our literature.

Gigantosaurus

by Johnny Duddle (Templar / Candlewick) Before they strike out for a day of adventure, four young herbivores are warned by their parents of the greatest danger in their Cretaceous world...Gigantosaurus. As they make their way through the lush undergrowth, little Bonehead turns the elders’ warnings into a chance to frighten his playmates. His false shouts of ‘Gigantosaurus!’ and ‘Hide!’ send his companions scrambling for cover again and again. Tired of Bonehead’s pranks, the other dinosaurs go their own way, leaving their friend behind...until a crashing in the forest tests their bravery and their friendship. With a role call of creatures that will impress die-hard dino fans and comic illustrations that delight, this title offers gigantic fun for the littlest readers!

How Do Dinosaurs Choose Their Pets?

by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague (Blue Sky Press / Scholastic) Highlighting the fearless aplomb that impulsive kids are famous for, Yolen and Teague are back with another burning question on how youthful dinosaurs will conduct themselves in a moment of decision. This new ensemble of dinosaurs answers the title question with a parade of unlikely candidates for pets. From exotic zoo animals to mythical beasts, readers will delight as each impossible pet suggestion appears. Traditional pets observe these choices from the background as they wait for calmer heads to prevail. A bright addition to the popular ‘How Do Dinosaurs’ series, this title doubles down on adorable with a brilliant range of outlandish pets to join their prehistoric counterparts.

by Anna Staniszewski, Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (Henry Holt / Macmillan) After meeting all the pets available for adoption at the local shelter, Ben chooses Sadie, a bigger (more prehistoric) breed than his mother had envisioned bringing home. Sadie is so big that Ben uses a garden hose to craft her first leash. Eager to show off his new pet, Ben demonstrates the tricks that Sadie can do. But his commands to Sadie have unintended consequences. ‘Sit’ crushes a car, ‘Roll Over’ destroys a fruit stand and ‘Fetch’ brings back unhappy results. Just when it seems that Sadie’s size could be her undoing as a proper pet, her special tricks may be just the thing that saves the day. Celebrating the resilience of pet owners who worry they may have bitten off more than they can chew, Dogosaurus Rex turns disadvantage into the biggest of positive outcomes.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

www.mobilebayparents.com

k He’s becoming a man Q. My son is about to go off to college, and I’m concerned about how he’ll handle his money when he gets there. We’ve taught all our children how to use your envelope system, and to save and give, but I’d like some advice on how he can safeguard his finances a little better.

A. If you haven’t already covered it, he needs to learn to utilize a debit card and reconcile a checking account. Set the account up in your name and his, so you can follow what’s going on in the account. If there’s an issue, this gives you easy access so that a minor incident doesn’t become a huge problem. Right now, the best way for him to learn is to make educated, informed decisions

on his own and to stand on his own two feet. You’re there for guidance at this point — not control. I’d let him use a debit card, cash, and have a few simple envelopes for expenses. Also, he needs to report back to you monthly what’s going on with the budget. What I’m talking about here isn’t control; it’s a simple, regular review and coaching session on finances. This is an exciting time in your lives. You’ve laid a foundation, and it’s time for this little one to spread his wings a bit. Together, you can make sure he’s learning and living the way a young man should!

Where do I put the money? Q. I have a savings account for my twoyear old that has $5,000 in it, and about half of that is in gold. I’m going to save

for his college separately, and give this to him to help start his life after school. Is there a better place to put this other than a traditional savings account? A. First of all, you should not invest in gold. Gold is a very volatile, very dangerous investment. I don’t have a dime invested in gold, and I would strongly suggest that you not invest in it, either. If you take a look at the life-long track record on gold it will scare you to death. For the time being, you can leave it all in a traditional savings account. But if he’s not going to use it for many, many years you could move it into a conservative mutual fund. In fact, you started when he was at such young age, a nice, conservative mutual fund might be a really good idea. When he gets a little older, he can start adding to it himself from the money he makes from odd jobs and chores and such. After 15 years or so, thanks to your foresight and his contributions, he’ll probably wind up with a pretty nice chunk of cash.

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Worrying, it’s something all parents do. I am guilty of it, especially when I lie awake at 3 am, with the silence of the house ringing in my ears. I worry about what I forgot to do, what I need to do, what I should have done, and what I already did. Parenthood is hard. There is always something to be done, someone who needs assistance, and multiple things to worry about. The list is endless but may include everything from feeding your kids healthy foods, to your child’s friendships, to what others think about your choices. Some worries are valid, but many are not worth the time and effort. What if we could learn to let them go?

Personal Expectations

Before I became a parent, I had high expectations for myself as a mother. I had things I wanted to do and things I declared I would never do. After my first child was born, I quickly realized that I would change my perspective on most pre-child declarations. “Let go of the idea that you will be the perfect parent because it won’t happen.” says twin mother Aly Ridgeley of Kansas City. When parents accept that they are doing the best they can, at that moment, for their kids, they will be able to cross this worry off their list.

Guilt

Do you worry that you don’t spend enough time with your child? Do you feel guilty you were not able to breastfeed your child or that you missed a soccer game? Do you feel bad you forgot to remind your son to grab his lunch on the way out the door? The guilt of these things and more can weigh heavily on a parent but you have permission to let it go. It is okay if you miss a game or a school party. We all have to make choices and sometimes those choices cause unnecessary guilt. Once a decision is made, move forward and let go of the feelings of guilt. They will only rob you of enjoying the present. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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Outward Appearances

A tidy house, a perfectly decorated home, an amazing wardrobe, all organic, home-cooked meals, the perfect marriage, smart, athletic, creative children, and a partridge in a pear tree. We want it all and we want it to be perfect, or at least appear that way. This picture is lovely but it is not a realistic, reachable goal. It is easy to get caught up in what our families looks like to others. It does not matter if your children wear perfectly coordinating outfits. Is your child dressed in weather appropriate clothing? Great. Does it match? It’s your lucky day. Social media puts so much pressure on us to keep up with what we believe others are doing. I have a secret for you, Pinterest is not real life and what is posted on Facebook is typically the best of what is going on in reality. Embrace the fact that no one is perfect and nobody’s expecting you to be.

What If’s

Parents often worry about things that haven’t even happened yet. What if he gets sick? What if she falls and gets hurt? What if I forget something important? What

if he doesn’t make the team? What if’s are not worth the energy they use. Acknowledge they are unnecessary and decide not to waste time on them. Face the problems in front of you rather than worrying about issues that do not exist.

Comparisons

“Don’t compare yourself to other parents. Your family is unique. Your circumstances are unique. It would be like comparing apples and oranges.” says Lacey Rodriguez of Leavenworth, KS, “Do the best you can for your family and forget the rest.” Comparing yourself to other parents is never a good idea. Your parenting style for your children will always be different from others, but that doesn’t mean it is bad. Another pitfall is comparing your children to their siblings or other children their age. Each child has their own unique personality and will develop at their own rate. If you feel your concerns are valid, consult your child’s doctor for peace of mind.

Mistakes

Every parent makes mistakes and it is easy to spend time worrying about what should have been done differently. The

past cannot be changed and although not easy to do, we must let go of things we cannot change. We can learn from our mistakes and continue to do our best in the future. Parents have permission to let go of past mistakes and teach their children to do the same.

Control

I am a recovering control freak. With each child we added to our family, I was worn down a little more. When our triplets arrived, it finally dawned on me that I am not in control. Once I realized (and accepted) this fact, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Yes, my husband and I are still in charge of the household, but I cannot control what happens in life. It’s a roller coaster, instead of trying to steer, throw your arms up in the air and enjoy the ride. Learning to let go of these worries usually leads to feelings of relief. Remember that each family is unique and each parent handles situations differently, it is easier to relax and enjoy your family more. MBP Sarah Lyons, mother of six, has learned to let go of many things over the years to maintain a happy and functioning household.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Someone to Look Up To Who are the worst role models for teens right now? One website recently asked around 2,500 parents that exact question. For girls, moms and dads claimed that Miley Cyrus was the worst role model for teen girls, followed closely by Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian, Amanda Bynes, and Rihanna. On the boy’s side, parents shared that Chris Brown was the worst role model for their young men. Also included were Kayne West, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, and Charlie Sheen. But these celebrities might not be as influential as you think. As parents, I think that we often believe that the rich and famous are the primary role models our children respect. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to read a study by The Barna Group. Barna asked a wide range of teenagers who they see as their primary role models. Guess what? It wasn’t celebrities. And it wasn’t athletes. It wasn’t even youth ministers or friends. It was you! Overwhelmingly, 13-to-17-year-olds identified their parents as the people they look up to the most! Though it might be daunting to be in that position, aren’t you glad to hear that you’re the main role model, rather than some random, and not-too-upright, celebrity? Teens need healthy role models, and they’re looking to mom and dad to fill that role in their lives. Here are some tips on how to be a good role model for your kids:

pulled back, and we get an inside peek into the private lives of stars, we often don’t like what we see. That’s why teens are looking to imitate people they interact with on a daily basis. They are searching for models that can show them how to have a good marriage relationship, how to handle finances, ways to deal with stress and difficult circumstances, and how to talk with other people. They need models of faith and good character. Here’s the truth; you may have a lot of qualities your teen can respect, but they cannot see those qualities play out in your life if you don’t have a solid relationship with them. For teens, wisdom is gathered through observation, reflection, and experience. In that sense, as we strive to be good role models for our kids, there are three questions we must ask:

Consistent Relationship

Ask Questions / Discover Answers

In that same Barna Group study, the large majority of teens polled indicated that the people they most admire are those with whom they maintain a personal connection to, or have a relationship with. Sure, our kids may envy people with the talent to hit a baseball out of the park, or act in a blockbuster movie, but the people dominating the headlines are really just strangers. For the most part, teens realize that the stars of stage, screen, and stadium are simply names and faces. They can see what these people do, but teens don’t really know what these people are like. Unfortunately, when the curtain is Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

What do my teens see me doing on a daily basis? (observation) What am I asking my kids to think about regularly? (reflection) What am I exposing to my kids consistently? (experience) It’s only within the boundaries of a secure and healthy relationship that your kids can look up to you as a model to follow. So if there is distance between you and your teen, dedicate some time to closing that gap. A good role model is someone that your teen is comfortable with – someone he can ask any question that’s on his mind. Now, if you’re like most parents, a question free-forall scares you! We may be nervous about answering questions from our teens about delicate issues like drugs, sex, or suicide. The topics and subjects that we whispered about in dark corners when we were growing up are no longer taboo conversation pieces. The questions we wouldn’t dream of bringing up to our parents are now being openly asked by our teens. And they deserve an honest responses from us. 40

But maybe it’s not the awkwardness of the questions that bothers you. Maybe it’s the fear of not having the answers your teens are looking for. Look, being a role model is not about having all the answers. Because you won’t. You can’t! However, your kids will respect you for not shying away from those tough questions. Work on finding an answer with them. Don’t worry about always having the perfect response. If your teen stumps you, say, “You know, that’s a really good question. Let’s see if we can find the answer together.” A role model hears and responds to the tough questions in a way that engages teens.

Encouragement

When asked one of the reasons why they choose a particular person as a role model, many teens in the Barna Group study said, “because they help me be a better person” and “they are really interested in my future.” Makes sense, doesn’t it? That’s because encouragement plays a key part in being a role model. It starts with supporting your son and daughter when they try new things, or explore new areas of life. It continues as you help and guide your teen towards maturity and solid character qualities. Being a model of encouragement also means praising your teen when she gets it right, and not shaming her when she makes a mistake. A good role model would never say, “I’m not surprised you messed up in this area. I could see that coming before you even started.” Nor would they ignore a child’s achievements. Instead, a role model intentionally points out a teen’s gifts and abilities; “This dinner is excellent! You really know what you’re doing in the kitchen.” Or “You really care about people, and I love that about you.” Encourage your child, and they will, in turn, look up to you. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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ALABAMA’S HIGH SCHOOL

Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting

Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply

ASMS Day. Prospective families get a chance to

I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?”

our campus Saturday, Nov.12 or Dec. 3 for

see student-run classroom demonstrations and

learn about a school that could change your life

forever. Register for ASMS Day at www.asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential

high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors

seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted!

online at www.asms.net. Many people ask, “Do Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for

academic success. In 2017, the 82 ASMS grads

earned $13 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.5.

Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net 41 www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

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When we think of Thanksgiving Day, delicious

Make a list One way to remember your blessings is to acknowledge them. Go around the dinner table and have each person name something they are thankful for. This could be done each night at dinner during the month of November or for the week leading up to it. On Thanksgiving Day, have all your guests do the same. It is heartwarming to give thanks for the blessings we have. Looking for a more concrete idea? Have everyone write down or draw a picture of what they are thankful for. After everyone shares their paper, place them all in a three ring binder. Each year add to the binder and reflect on all the blessings of the past. “We do a Thankful Tree throughout November.” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “I draw a tree to tape on our pantry door and the kids cut out leaves from construction paper. Each night we all write one thing we are thankful for on a leaf and tape it to the tree. Kids can be grateful for a variety of things from butterflies to Elsa. We look forward to this tradition every year.”

food, football, and getting together with family and friends come to mind. The original purpose of Thanksgiving was to show gratitude and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Now as we celebrate Thanksgiving it is easy to get caught up in distractions like football games, Black Friday shopping, and the quest to create the perfect meal and table setting. We tend to forget all about stopping to give thanks for all of our blessings. Make this Thanksgiving meaningful by starting some family traditions that help everyone in the family stop and count their blessings. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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Donate to charity

Christmas is right around the corner and many kids will receive new items as gifts. In anticipation, have the kids help clean their closets and toy boxes and set aside items they no longer need. Donate gently used toys and clothing to a local charity or family in need. This process will not only reduce clutter around the house but it will teach the kid to be generous to those who are less fortunate than they are. In the same spirit, talk with your kids about how some people may not have coats, hats, and gloves to keep them warm during the cold winter months. As a family, collect hats, coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets to donate to a homeless shelter. Gather items you may have in your home that you are no longer using and ask friends and family to do the same. Go to the store and have the kids pick out items they would like to give to another child their age.

Cascading Chrysanthemum Display November 4 – 22, 2017*

*Exact bloom times may vary depending on weather conditions. For peak bloom times, visit Mum Watch at bellingrath.org in early November.

Hundreds of colorful, four-foot long cascades of chrysanthemums are displayed on bridges and balconies, in baskets and containers through the Gardens.

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, Alabama 36582 251.973.2217 • 800.247.8420 • bellingrath.org

Take a break

Have each family member take a break from a luxury they enjoy. Ideas may include dessert, manicures, coffee, soda, or a favorite video game or TV show. This exercise reminds us to be grateful for the luxuries that are otherwise taken for granted.

Family service project

Set aside time to do a service project as a family. Ideas may include cleaning up trash in a local park, raking a neighbor’s leaves, working at a food pantry, purchasing items for a Thanksgiving meal and delivering them to a family in need, organizing a book drive for a local children’s hospital, or adopting a family for the holidays. When you volunteer as a family, kids see you helping others and are more likely to continue serving as an adult. Serving in an area that your children are already interested in helps create excitement for the project. If your child loves singing, go caroling at a senior center. If your child loves to play at the park, plant flowers or pick up litter to help maintain it’s beauty. If they love crafts, make blankets for a homeless shelter. There are many possibilities for children of any age and skill level.

Visit the Nation’s Largest Outdoor

Gather together

Encourage the kids to think of friends and neighbors who may not have

anywhere to go on Thanksgiving and invite them to come over for dinner. Discuss the importance of hospitality and welcoming others into your home. If you are not hosting Thanksgiving, consider hosting a brunch the following day and opening your home to friends and family.

Little helpers

Thanksgiving dinner preparation is a lot of work. Having the kids help prepare dinner and clean up for company will teach them how much work really goes into 43

preparing a large meal like Thanksgiving dinner. This will teach them appreciation for the work that goes into a holiday meal and also encourages a good work ethic at a young age. This Thanksgiving take time to remember what Thanksgiving really means. It’s not about Black Friday deals or endless football. It’s about giving thanks for what we have, sharing with and serving others, and celebrating with those we love. MBP Sarah Lyons is a busy mom of six kids, including two year old triplets. Her family enjoys doing service projects together.

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Mobile Taste of the Holidays & Gift Show

November 4, 2017 @ Abba Shrine Temple 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL 36695 One of Mobile’s Largest Christmas Shows celebrating 7 years! Enjoy the Taste of the Holidays which will be benefiting the Shriners! Local Restaurants and caterers will be joining us as well as gift vendors offering you everything from Jewelry to gifts, accessories, fashion and so much more. A variety of unique seasonal and gift items including those unusual pieces for the “person who has everything”. Time: 9:00am-2:00pm. Admission: $5, children 12 and under are free.

11th Annual Merry Mart

November 5, 2017 @ Our Savior Catholic Church 1801 Cody Road South Mobile, AL 36695 The 11th Annual Merry Mart at Our Savior Catholic Church from noon-4:00pm. Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, lunch and fun under one roof--finding the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Children can shop The Santa Shop. Delicious lunch will be available for purchase. A $1 donation is requested at the door to support Our Savior Youth Group. 251-633-6762 www.oursaviorparish.org

5 Rivers Story Time “Run, Turkey, Run!”

November 7, 2017 @ 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is about a turkey trying to find a good place to hide from the farmer. Uh-oh! Here comes the farmer! Time: 10:00am. (251) 625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

United Cerebral Palsy’s Christmas Nights of Lights 5K and Fun Run

November 9, 2017 @ Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile will be hosting its 3rd Annual Christmas Nights of Lights 5K and Fun Run. We invite everyone to come out and experience the amazing race route through the Christmas Nights of Lights show at Hank Aaron Stadium.The 5K will start at 6:00pm and the Fun Run will follow at 6:45pm. raceroster.com

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee

with Santa and enjoy story time! Buy your tickets early. This event sells out fast! Event Time: 9:00am-12:00pm.

November 9 – 11, 2017 @ Convention Center 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Kick off your holiday shopping and get in the spirit at Junior League of Mobile’s annual Christmas Jubilee. The Gulf Coast’s greatest holiday market features more than 100 merchants from around the country under one roof for three exciting days of shopping. Christmas Jubilee will kick off the holiday shopping season with a broad selection of gifts for all ages, interests and budgets. There are also numerous special events sponsored by the Junior League including a Preview Party Gala on Wednesday, November 8, VIP Shopping on Thursday, November 9, Girls’ Night Out on Friday, November 10, Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, November 11, please visit the website for more information. Regular shopping hours are Thursday, November 9 – 11:00am-8:00pm, Friday, November 10 - 9:00am9:00pm and Saturday, November 11 - 9:00am -5:00pm. General Admission Tickets valid for one day are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $8 for Student, Senior Citizen and Military and $5 for Children (ages 6-12) 5 and under are Free. Please visit www.juniorleaguemobile. org for more information.

The Market at the Pillars

ad on page 55

(251) 471-3348 publicrelations@juniorleaguemobile.org www.juniorleaguemobile.org

Christmas Night of Lights

November 10 - January 1 @ Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 Christmas Night of Lights will be host to one of the most amazing drive-thru Christmas light shows you will ever experience. Hundreds of thousands of LED Lights, driven by over one thousand computer channels, synchronized to both traditional and new rocking Christmas music playing through your car radio. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show as you begin a Christmas tradition. 5:30pm-10:00pm, $6 per person with 3 and under Free. www.christmasnightsoflights.com

Santa’s Workshop ad on page 55

November 11, 2017 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Are you ready for some Christmas fun? Come spend your morning crafting with Santa and our Christmas Jubilee Elves. Your child will make crafts, take pictures

(251) 471-3348 www.juniorleaguemobile.org

November 12, 2017, December 10, 2017 @ The Pillars 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL 36604 The Market at The Pillars is a fun afternoon of shopping with local artisans, vendors and food trucks! Come get your Christmas shopping done! Sunday Funday from 12:00pm-4:00pm in Midtown Mobile! (251) 307-5382 www.thepillarsofmobile.com

Christmas Spectacular

November 16-19, 2017 @ Cottage Hill Baptist Church 4255 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL 36609 “Christmas Spectacular” will celebrate its 15th anniversary. Listed as one of the 25 best Christmas events in Mobile, it is sure to delight the entire family. Over 200 students will populate more than 20 ensembles and a 50-piece orchestra performing both sacred and secular classics. In addition to popular holiday hits, the evening will boast original music and arrangements from the Alabama School of the Arts faculty and students. November 16-18 at 6:45pm and November 19 at 3:45pm. (251) 442-2383 www.umobile.edu

The Lighting of the Trees in Bienville Square

November 17, 2017 @ Bienville Square Mobile, AL 36602 The City welcomes in the holiday season with pictures with Santa, Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo, and enjoy many other activities for the young and the young at heart. The lights on the city tree will be switched on at 6:10pm. www.ncsmobile.org

Photos with Santa at the Wharf ad on page 51

November 17 - December 24, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ho Ho Holiday photo time in Santa’s Village at The Wharf. Sit with jolly Claus and capture the moment forever! Fridays: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Saturdays: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm.Week of Christmas (Dec. 18-23) 10:00am-7:00pm and December 24 from 12:00pm-2:00pm. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

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The Wharf Ice Rink ad on page 51

November 17, 2017 - January 14, 2018 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Let us bring winter to you. Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin, or fall into the season. Share this unique experience with family and friends. Plan a date night! Whatever the occasion, coast on blades with us along the coast.Weekdays: 4:00pm - 10:00pm, Weekends: 10:00am-10:00pm, Thanksgiving Break: Nov 17 – 26, 10:00am – 10:00pm; Christmas Break: Dec 16 – 31, 10:00am – 10:00pm Some dates subject to change, please check website calendar for full schedule. $10 to skate, $13 combo to skate & ride the Ferris Wheel. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

Port City Craftsman Holiday Show

November 17 - 19, 2017 @ Abba Shrine Temple 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL 36695 The Port City Craftsmen Annual Holiday show is set for November 17 - 18 from 9:00am-5:00pm and November 19 from 11:00am-4:00pm. There is no better way of kicking off your holiday shopping with many local and regional artist and crafters. The perfect way to jump start your holiday shopping. Admission is $3.00 or $2.00 and 1 can good which will be donated to Feeding the Gulf Coast, children under 13 are free. pccshowcommittee@portcitycraftsmen.com www.portcitycraftsmen.com

Heritage Social Event House and Gardens Christmas Open House

November 18, 2017 @ Heritage Social Event House and Gardens 505 Hartley Road Saraland, AL 36571 3:00pm-8:30pm. The 1934 home and gardens will be decorated inside and out. come enjoy Christmas music

in the gardens, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, finger food and shopping.

(251) 455-4480 www.heritagehouseandgardens.com

Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides at The Wharf ad on page 51

November 18-19, November 26, December 1-3, December 8-10, December 15-17 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Are you “saddled up” for the holidays yet? If not, then mosey on over to The Wharf and spend an evening under the moon in an enchanted horse-drawn carriage. Trot along through streets and gaze at the lights and decorations with your loved ones. Time: 6:00pm10:00pm. Cost - $20. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

5 Rivers Story Time “Turkey Trouble”

November 21, 2017 @ 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 10:00am. (251) 625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center

Thanksgiving Placemats West Regional Branch

November 21 - 27 @ Pump It Up 741 Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695 Pump It Up will have numerous themed Open Play jumps Monday November 20th - Sunday November 26th. We will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Open Jump themes will include our Little Tikes Jump, Balloon Animal Jump, Doughnut and Juice Jump, Buddy Jump and Glow Jump! For specific times and to reserve your space early please visit our website. (251) 342-3940 www.pumpitupparty.com/mobile-al/ calendar/

Turkey Trot for Hope 5K & Gobble Wobble Fun Run

November 23, 2017 @ Spanish Plaza, Downtown Mobile, AL 36602 The Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble is more than a race, it is an experience. We invite you to join us on November 23rd for what is quickly becoming a Mobile tradition. It is a chance to kick the day off with a little turkey day spirit, gather with your family and to burn those extra calories in preparation for the impending feast. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to give thanks by giving back to a great cause, Camp Rap-A-Hope. The 5k will start at 8:00 am and run along a certified 5k course. The Gobble Wobble fun run is less than a mile and will begin at 9:00 am. www.turkeytrotforhope.com

November 21, 2017 @ West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Children are invited to share what they are thankful for, and create and decorate their own Thanksgiving placemats for their Holiday table. Registration is required. Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm. (251) 340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Pump It Up Holiday Fun

47th Annual Poarch Creek Indians Thanksgiving Powwow

November 23-24, 2017 @ Porch Creek Indian Grounds 6477 Jack Springs Road Atmore, AL 36502 Each year, tribal members gather on this original Creek tribal land for the annual Poarch Creek Indian Thanksgiving Pow Wow. You and your family are invited to join the festivities and enjoy a brilliant display of authentic

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Native American dress and exhibition dancing by Tribes from throughout the country. (251) 368-9136 www.pci-nsn.gov/westminster/index.html

Fish River Christmas Tree Farm ad on page 57

November 24 - December 23 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road E, Summerdale There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40-acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery. Take a free ride on The Tannebaum Express “tree train” for a fun filled farm tour (weekends only). View our manger scene with live animals! Camel Rides, Pony Rides and Christmas Bounce House. Santa will arrive for visits on the first three weekends beginning on Friday November 24th to November 26th, December 2nd - 3rd, and December 9th-10th. Take a tour of the farm and view the wide selection of trees including our choose and cut trees, our special container-grown Living Christmas Trees that can be decorated then planted after the holidays. We have fabulous shipped in firs, flocked and snow-tipped trees. Also available are fresh wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands. For more details and directions please visit our website. (251) 988-8114 www.fishrivertrees.com

Wales West Arctic Express ad on page 26

November 24 - December 24, 2017 @ Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 All aboard the Arctic Express at Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway. Great holiday fun for the whole fam-

ily! Ride an authentic Steam Train through a wonderland of lights, snow, and decorations to the North Pole. Children visit with Santa in the Winter-wonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Our staff can take your family photo with Santa. Free Refreshments, Mini-Train Ride, Hay Ride, Playground, and Bounce House. In addition, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Snowball Cannon are available for a slight fee. Try our Cafe’s new menu options, and a Gift Shop full of train items ideal for Christmas presents! Open November 24 through December 24. Hours: WEEKENDS: Fri’s, Sat’s, and Sun’s, 4:00pm-9:00pm; Beginning Dec. 11, open NIGHTLY, 4:00pm - 9:00pm. Admission is $15/person, plus tax. 2 and under are free. Group rates, field trips, and parties can be booked in advance. Located on Co. Rd. 9 between Fairhope and Silverhill. For information call 888-569-5337 or go to www.waleswest.com. Experience the wonder! Register on website for coupons early in the season and order online now. (888) 569-5337 www.waleswest.com

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens ad on page 43

November 24, 2017 - December 31, 2018 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL 36582 It’s one of the nation’s best holiday light shows, and it’s right here in south Alabama! Bellingrath Gardens and Home presents the 22nd season of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2017.The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. The holiday event includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Home Magic Christmas in Lights is open daily from 5pm – 9pm. (251) 973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wharf ad on page 51

November 28, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Wharf! Help us usher in the holiday season with bulbs, garland and glee. The annual tree lighting hosted by the City of Orange Beach is the perfect ceremony to inspire the Yuletide spirit. Enjoy special festive musical performances, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, cups of toasty hot chocolate, reading of The Christmas Story by the Mayor of Orange Beach and much more. Watch out for the firetruck because Santa may just be aboard! Stay and shimmy along with the Holiday SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular to conclude the event. Time: 5:30pm. Free admission. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

Lights of Love 2017 ad on Inside Front Cover

November 28, 2017 @ USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital 1700 Center Street Mobile, AL 36604 USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital invites the community to a special tree-lighting ceremony and holiday festival. This event is free and open to the public. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. local children’s choirs and other live acts will perform, Santa and Ronald McDonald will be on hand for photos and everyone can enjoy crafts and sweet treats. At dusk, a 50 foot tall tree will sparkle with more than 350,000 lights. A snow village will be on display inside the hospital’s main lobby complete with a train that chugs through the winter wonderland. For the seventh year, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital is partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities

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of Mobile and USA Mitchell Cancer Institute for Lights of Love. Parking will be available at USA’s new Strada Patient Care Center and Mitchell Cancer Institute. (251) 694-6873 www.rmhcmobile.org

USA Concert Choir & University Chorale Holiday Concert

November 28, 2017 @ Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 5751 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36608 Repertoire includes beautiful sacred works by composers from all eras, as well as fun contemporary settings of holiday carols where even the audience may be asked to sing along. (251) 460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/music

Christmas Tree Lighting in Semmes

December 1, 2017 @ Semmes Library 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL 36575 Semmes ushers in the holiday season December 1 with our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Gather with family, friends and neighbors for this heart-warming seasonal favorite! This event starts at 4:30pm with the tree lighting at dark at Semmes Library Parking lot. (251) 649-8811 www.cityofsemmes.org

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert”

December 1, 2017 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season. $5.00 suggested donation. Time: 7:00pm. (251) 943-1545 www.mobilesymphony.org

Grand Bay Country Christmas

December 1 - 2, 2017 12610 Old US 90 Grand Bay, AL 36541 The weekend kicks off Friday night at 5:30pm with Santa Riding into town and the Lighting of the Tree! We will also have the train, games, food, & diy cookie decorating. We will have various entertainment throughout the night as well. Saturday kicks off with Santa arriving to have Cookies & Milk and free pictures with Santa from 11:00am-1:00pm.This is a FREE event; however, we are asking for a non-perishable food item donation. The vendor market will be from 9:00am-3:00pm. We will have food trucks, fun, and attractions for kiddos. (251) 298-8089

Alabama School of the Arts presents “White Christmas”

December 1 - December 2, 2017 @ Saraland Performing Arts Center 1115 Industrial Parkway Saraland, AL 36571 Prepare to be swept away by the sumptuous orchestrations and vocal stylings of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” This seasonal classic boasts a cast of 32 students and 20-piece orchestra, and is led by Dr. Scott Wright of the Mobile Opera. Time: 7:00pm. itickets.com

Market on Sage

December 1 - December 2, 2017 @ St. Pius Family Life Center 217 South Sage Avenue Mobile, AL 36606 St Pius X Catholic School is having their annual market! Come out and mark items off your Christmas list! (251) 471-2449 stpiustenth.com

3rd Annual Christmas Jubilee Arts & Crafts at Georgetown Assembly of God

December 2, 2017 @ Georgetown Assembly of God 9436 Wilmer George Road Wilmer, AL 36587 Third annual Christmas Jubilee arts & crafts at Georgetown Assembly of God from 9:00am-4:00pm. www.georgetownassembly.org

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Christmas in Satsuma 2017 Arts & Crafts Festival and Reindeer Run December 2, 2017 @ Baldwin Square Satsuma, AL 36572 Annual Reindeer Run 5K is held in The City of Satsuma each year. It begins at 8:00am at Baldwin Square. Festival following. (251) 303-3022 www.reindeerrun.co/

Christmas on the River Lighted Boat Parade

December 2, 2017 @ Dog River 6036 Rock Point Road Mobile, AL 36605 This event cruises from the Alba Fishing & Hunting Club to the Grand Mariner Restaurant on Dog River. Start time: dusk. www.thegrandmariner.com

Dauphin Island Christmas Parade

December 2, 2017 @ Cadillac Square Dauphin Island, AL 36528 29th Annual Dauphin Island Christmas Parade. townofdauphinisland.org

Nutcracker Tea - Bragg-Mitchell Mansion December 2, 2017 @ Bragg-Mitchell Mansion 1906 Spring Hill Avenue Mobile, AL 36607 The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion will host a children’s Nutcracker Tea Fundraiser December 2, 2017 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Dancers from the Mobile Ballet Dance Troupe will make a guest appearance. (251) 471-6364 braggmitchellmansion.com

Satsuma Christmas Parade

December 2, 2017 Satsuma , AL 36572 Join us for the Annual Satsuma Christmas Parade. Start Time: 11:00am www.cityofsatsuma.com

SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Christmas Parade

December 2, 2017 @ W.C. Griggs Elementary School 6001 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL 36619 Parade will begin at 10:00am.. Parade lineup begins at 8:00 a.m. at W.C. Griggs Elementary School on Three Notch Road in Tillman’s Corner. (251) 666-2488 tillmanscornerco@bellsouth.net swmcchamber.com

SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Santa Breakfast

December 2, 2017 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL 36619 SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce Santa breakfast will be held at 8:00am. (251) 666-2488 tillmanscornerco@bellsouth.net swmcchamber.com

Christmas at the Richards DAR House

December 2 - 3, 2017 @ Richards DAR House 256 North Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36603 Experience a historic home ready for the holidays! The house will be decorated, homemade refreshments will be served and entertainment on hand to celebrate the holiday season. Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm.Tickets sold at the door. (251) 208-7320 www.richardsdarhouse.com

Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes

Christmas Open House ad on page 35

December 3, 2017 6512 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36695 Would you like to know more about how to partner with us to help children and families in your community?

We’d love for you to attend our Christmas Open House to find out! Tour our home in Mobile and see how our children have decorated for Christmas, while enjoying holiday treats. Join us from 2:00pm-5:00pm. (251) 639-1022 mobile@alabamachild.org www.alabamachild.org

Christ is Born! ad on page 7

December 3, 2017 @ Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Bring the whole family and join us at 6pm as we share the wonderful story of Christ’s birth! It will be a night filled with the musical talents of our adult, youth and children choirs accompanied by various ensembles, handbells and instruments. (251) 342-0462 www.christuncmobile.com

Christmas on the Hill

December 3, 2017 @ Village of Springhill Mobile, AL 36608 Christmas on the Hill” in the Village of Spring Hill is scheduled for Sunday, December 3rd from 1:00pm5:00pm. Christmas on the Hill is an annual holiday event created and promoted by the Spring Hill Merchants Association. This year a selection of the Village of Spring Hill’s finest boutiques will once again open their doors with special store hours, holiday refreshments, Free Trolley Rides, sleigh rides, photos with Santa, holiday music and a variety of children’s activities as well as sales and special merchandise promotions. www.facebook.com/springhillmerchantsassociation

Semmes Holiday Bazaar

December 3, 2017 @ Semmes Community Center 10141 Moffett Road Semmes, AL 36575 “Semmes Holiday Bazaar,” hosted by Taste of the

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Holidays and Gift Show is Sunday, December 3, from 1:00pm-6:00pm. There’ll be vendors, music, fashion show, children’s activities, door prizes and so much more. Entry fee is $5. Toy donations for local children would be appreciated.

Live Nativity Hayride ad on page 7

December 6, 2017 @ Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 In celebration of the Christmas season, travel in a hayride with us through the story of Jesus’ birth in a Live Nativity. This will be a unique way to experience the Christmas story for everyone of all ages! The Live Nativity will be located in the Christ UMC wooded area near the Patch. We will serve hot cocoa to keep you warm. The hayride is open 5pm - 7pm. (251) 342-0462 www.christuncmobile.com

Playhouse in the Park presents “A Christmas Carol”

December 6, 2017 @ Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 The beloved Dickens’ Christmas story will come to life on the Saenger Theatre stage in downtown Mobile on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 pm. Start your holidays with this delightful production, sure to entertain with all the familiar characters – Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Marley, and of course, Tiny Tim. Don’t miss this special event! (251) 602-0630 playhouseinthepark.org

Mobile Museum of Art – Holiday Art Market

December 7, 2017 @ Mobile Museum of Art 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 Join us on December 7 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm for our Holiday Art Market. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food, drink, and live music. (251) 208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

St. Mary “Lighting Up Midtown” Christmas Tree Lighting!

December 7, 2017 107 Lafayette Street Mobile, AL 36604 Christmas Tree lighting begins at 7:00pm on the St. Mary Parish Campus featuring Food Trucks, Snow, Hot Chocolate, Cookies, and more! Santa will arrive on the Lafayette Street Fire Truck. (251) 432-8678

Elf-A-Palooza

December 8, 2017 @ Bienville Square Mobile, AL 36602 This is Mobile’s chance to break the Guinness World Record for most elves in one place. To be a part of the official count, come wearing red, green, an elf hat and - whatever you do - don’t forget your pointy ears! Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm. www.ncsmobile.org

Christmas in the Country ad on page 29

December 8 and 9, 2017 @ Middleton Farms 21500 Otis Cooper Road, Moss Point, MS 39562 Enjoy Christmas in the Country from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Visitors will experience the Field of Lights, Moo-ey Express Train Ride, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Christmas movie on our 220” screen, shopping with vendors and much more! Admission is $10. Children 2 and under admitted free. Pre-Sale tickets are $2 off. Pony rides are available for an additional $5. Located only 15 miles from Mobile Regional Airport. www.middletonfarmtours.com

Celebrate A Sweet Season

LARGEST GULF COAST HOLIDAY MARKET 100+ Merchants

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NOVEMBER 9–11, 2017 MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER GENERAL ADMISSION: $10 IN ADVANCE • $12 AT DOOR BUY TICKETS AT 49

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2017 Semmes Christmas Tour ad on page 5

December 9, 2017 @ Allentown Elementary 10330 Howells Ferry Road Semmes, AL 36575 The ninth annual 2017 Semmes Christmas Tour will take place from 3:00pm - 7:00pm and will feature several seasonally decorated Host Homes, landmark sites, retail businesses plus two City of Semmes parks. Allentown Elementary will be the starting site for The Tasting Tour from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and will feature 15-20 local restaurants, specialty shops, and caterers. There guests will enjoy “tastings” of traditional Southern favorites and also receive a map to visit the premier homes and other places of interest on the tour. The Homes Tour is a self-guided tour, and participants may travel to any of the sites listed on the map at their own leisure from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. This year, a silent auction will be added with gifts provided by local businesses. Our TOUR event is a great way to celebrate the season in style and showcase places of significance in Semmes. Advance tickets are $10. At the door tickets are $12. (251) 288-7972

Christmas on the Farm ad on page 29

December 9, 2017 @ Seward Farms 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452 Experience the most wonderful time of the year with Seward Farms at Christmas on the Farm! Activities include live Nativity Scene, Santa pictures, buy homemade Cowboy Chili at Wagon Wheel Café, hot cider and hot chocolate! Sing your favorite Christmas songs, Hayrides, Funny Farm Golf, Jumping Pillow, Yee Haw Slide, Cow Trains, Pony Rides, stay warm by the camp fires and much more. Christmas on the Farm is from 2pm - 7pm. Advance tickets are $10 or $12 at the door. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com

Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at Fort Gaines

December 9, 2017 @ Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 The 34th Annual Christmas through the Ages at Fort Gaines Historic Site at Dauphin Island will showcase the holiday through the eyes of soldiers and their families during the 1700s and 1800s. Visiting children will make Christmas ornaments from seashells and other non-traditional items. Time: 9:00am-5:00pm. (251) 861-6992 fortgaines@outlook.com www. dauphinisland.org

Billy Claus visits Lulu’s!

Saraland Christmas Parade and Mistletoe Market

December 9, 2017 401 Baldwin Road Saraland, AL 36571 The annual Christmas Parade will start at 12:00pm. Market will take place before and after the Parade. (251) 675-4444 www.saralandchamber.com

Semmes Christmas Parade

December 9, 2017 Highway 98 to Firetower Road Semmes, AL 36575 The Semmes Annual Christmas Parade with floats from area businesses and churches, marching bands, antique cars, and lots of throws will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9th beginning at 10:00am. (251) 649-8811 information@cityofsemmesal.gov cityofsemmesal.gov

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” ad on page 11

December 9 - 10, 2017 @ Mobile Civic Center Theatre 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile Ballet will take you on a magical journey of brilliant dancing, sumptuous sets, and gorgeous costumes. This is a favorite for all ages. Saturday, December 9 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, December 10 at 2:30pm. (251) 342-2241 www.mobileballet.org

Mobile Symphony presents “Mobile’s Magical Christmas”

December 9 – 10, 2017 @ Saenger Theatre 6 Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Be prepared for THE holiday experience of the season. We will be presenting not only the full force of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra but we will also be joined by Mobile’s Singing Children and soloist Diane Penning performing all your holiday favorites, popular movie music and lush Christmas arrangements originally created by legendary pops conductor Carmen Dragon for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In addition, the entire Saenger Theatre will be decked out like you’ve never seen it before. From the moment you step into the theater, you will be fully immersed into the holiday spirit! (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org

The Mobile Pops Christmas Concert

December 11, 2017 @ Davidson High Auditorium 3900 Pleasant Valley Road Mobile, AL 36609 Join us at 7:00pm at Davidson High School for our annual Christmas Concert. All concerts are FREE. (251) 679-6036 www.themobilepops.com

December 9, 2017 @ LuLu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Enjoy a full day of arts & crafts, live music and get your picture taken with Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s. Make sure to leave Billy your Christmas list so that he can personally deliver it to his brother (you may have heard of him) Santa Claus. What a better way to kick off the holiday season than a day here with all of your friends and family at LuLu’s.

4th Annual Dawes Christmas Parade

(251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com

Pajama Storytime - A Holiday Event

Holiday Half Marathon & 8K Run

December 9, 2017 @ Mullet Point Park 13203 County Road 1 Fairhope, AL 36532 The Holiday Half Marathon & 8K Run will start at 8:30am at Mullet Point Park (Take Scenic 98 south of the Grand Hotel to the intersection with County Road 1; Mullet Point Park is on the right). Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by December 5), in person at McCoy Outdoor or RunN-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on December 7, or online events.com. Race day registration from 7:00 to 8:15 AM at Mullet Point Park. (251) 473-7223 www.pcpacers.org

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

December 12, 2017 @ Living Word Church 2900 Dawes Road Mobile, AL 36695 The Dawes Christmas Parade will start at 1:00pm at Living Word Church (2900 Dawes Road) and ends at the Winn Dixie parking lot at Cottage Hill and Schillinger Road. (251) 633-0033 info@dawesbizconnect.com www.dawesbizconnect.com

December 14, 2017 @ Toulminville Branch 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL 36619 A Family Holiday Event. Calling all children for our Holiday Pajama Storytime! Enjoy an evening of Holiday stories, games & songs. Light refreshments will be served too! Registration is encouraged. (251) 438-7075 glaffiette@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Gloria Dei Chorale Christmas Concert December 15, 2017 @ Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 2 South Claiborne Street Mobile, AL 36602 Gloria Dei Chorale, under the direction of Louis

F. Daniel, will open its 19th season with its annual Christmas concert at 7:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Marshall Richards, tenor, will be the soloist, and a string quintet and organ will accompany the group. Included on the program will be works by J.S. Bach, Dan Forrest, John Rutter, Ola Gjeilo, William Byrd, Eric Whitacre, and Louis Daniel. The concert is free and open to the public, but all donations taken at the door will benefit a local charity.

www.gloriadeichorale.org

Christmas at Oakleigh

December 16, 2017 @ Historic Oakleigh 300 Oakleigh Place Mobile, AL 36604 Step back in time and see Historic Oakleigh dressed in its holiday splendor. Christmas at Oakleigh will feature living history tours, storytelling, Santa’s workshop, a specialty silver exhibit and much more. Time: 4:00pm8:00pm. Tickets are $10, with free admission for everyone under 10 years old. (251) 432-6161 www.historicoakleigh.com

The Polar Express Pajama Party

December 16, 2017 @ West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Holiday Treat! Wear your favorite Jammies and enjoy some popcorn and a showing of a Holiday favorite, The Polar Express. Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm. (251) 340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Winter Wonderland

December 16, 2017 Cathedral Square and Bienville Square Mobile, 36602 Come play in artificial snow, take your picture with Santa Claus and shop for last minute Christmas gifts at the Christmas market in Cathedral Square. Mirrored after the Christmas market in Hamburg, Germany, the market will feature presents, locally grown produce and baked goods. Ride the Polar Express to Bienville Square for kids’ activities, music and more. (251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org

4th Annual Christmas Jubilee & Showcase

December 17, 2017 @ Tilman’s Corner Comm. Center 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL 36619 Join us for our 4th Annual Christmas Jubilee and Showcase. We will have food, raffle items, pictures with Santa, dancing and vendors from all over at our event. Get some Christmas shopping done and sit back and enjoy our NGDC dancers take the stage. The cost to get in is $7.00 and your ticket will be entered into a drawiing for one of our many raffle items. 2pm-8pm. (251) 591-9899

Ornament Making Workshop

December 19, 2017 @ West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Children and parents are invited to make their own ornaments for some added Holiday cheer for their homes. Enjoy some Holiday treats, too! 2pm-4pm. (251) 340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Home Free: A Country Christmas Tour December 20, 2017 @ Mobile Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 Begins at 8:00pm. (251) 208-7261 www.mobilesaenger.com

Celebrate Christmas

December 21, 2017 @ Saraland Public Library 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL 36571 Join us for hot cocoa and Christmas cookies! Make your own Christmas wreath and ornaments – we will celebrate everything Christmas! Ages 3 and up. Time: 6:00pm. Groups must register. (251) 675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

PJs & Polar Express

December 21, 2017 @ Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 Wear your favorite Jammies, enjoy cookies and hot

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chocolate for an afternoon showing of The Polar Express. All ages. Time: 2:00pm. (251) 470-7770 eenglish@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

The Polar Express - Ben May Main Library

December 21, 2017 @ Ben May Main Library 701 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 All Aboard! Pick up a free ticket at the Children’s desk anytime December 1 – December 21. Wear your favorite Christmas PJs and join us for a showing of The Polar Express in our grand, old theater. “Melted Snow” and hot popcorn will be served. (251) 208-7086 crhodes@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Home Alone Party - Ben May Main Library

December 22, 2017 @ Ben May Main Library 701 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Wear your favorite sweater and mittens and enjoy an ice cream party celebrating one of our favorite Holiday films, Home Alone. Prizes will be given for the most unique sweaters & mittens. Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm. (251) 208-7086 crhodes@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Something Special for SaturdayGingerbread Decorating Party

December 23, 2017 @ Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 10:30am for ages 5 and up. (251) 470-7770 ftigner@mplonline.org www.mplonline.org

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

December 30, 2017 @ Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 Join us for a kid friendly Noon Year’s Eve Party! Enjoy arts, crafts, popcorn, complete with a final countdown and balloon drop at NOON! Time: 11:00am. All ages. (251) 470-7770 eenglish@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Reel in the New Year at The Wharf ad on page 51

December 31, 2017 @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 2018, you’re on the hook and we’re bringin’ ya in. Reel in this upcoming year with us at The Wharf for our annual New Year’s Eve Street Party. Let’s bid adieu to 2017 in the grandest of style. Live bands, family-friendly AND adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with our marlin drop and fireworks. Resolutions are for the start of the month. Give yourself one last excuse to let loose! Time: 5:00pm-12:00am. Admission is FREE; Various kids activities range $5-$10. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31, 2017 @ Downtown Mobile Moonpie Over Mobile is back! With over 60,000 people in attendance last year, this New Year’s event will usher in the new year and Mardi Gras season in grand style.

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Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!

December 31, 2017 @ Lulu’s 200 East 25th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at LuLu’s starts at 10am! Noon Year’s is a FREE family event for all ages to enjoy. We will have kid friendly “fireworks,” a massive beach ball drop when the clock strikes NOON, and more! See you there! (251) 967-LULU (5858) www.LuluBuffett.com MBP

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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(Pictured from left to right, front row) Dr. Katelyn Braswell Parnell, Dr. Erin S. Saucier, Dr. Amy McCoy, Dr. Brooke Lenz, Dr. Helen Rogers, (back row) Dr. John Val-Gallas, Dr. Max Rogers, Dr. J. Quint Jardine, Dr. William Urquhart, Dr. Danilo Herrera

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When my son’s second grade teacher told me that he often appeared to “check out” during the school day, I was concerned.

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theless, his daydreaming needed to be addressed. While many dreamers are creative and bright children, they may have trouble getting work done during the school day, struggle with paying attention to the teacher and forget to turn in homework. Worse, they can easily get pegged as slackers. “The tendency to daydream--though it may be one symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder--does not automatically equal a problem with paying attention when necessary or completing tasks,” writes Amy Fries, author of Daydreams at Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers. “A child who enjoys daydreaming could well be a budding scientist, writer, artist or visionary entrepreneur.” Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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Because daydreams play an important role in a child’s social-emotional development and creativity, you wouldn’t want to quash a child’s imagination. Rather, the goal is to help him channel the behavior to more appropriate times of the day. Daydreaming isn’t uncommon. A study conducted by Harvard psychologists found that we tend to daydream about 47 percent of the time. Some of our society’s most innovative change makers, artists and inventors like Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and Albert Einstein were famous daydreamers. While the future may be bright for dreamers, it is necessary to find ways to help children engage in order to learn and enjoy success in a structured academic environment. “The daydreamer is usually fascinated by something that’s been said and is off in that world,” says Dr. Gay Lynn Pendleton Smith, assistant dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education. The secret to reaching a dreamer, she says, is to teach him how to engage outside of his imagination. “That’s really hard in today’s fastpaced world. Our children are connected to a handheld technology device that gives them one-on-one attention and then we put them in a classroom and ask them to focus on something and do something they haven’t done before. And that’s to engage with a whole group of people and to focus on one individual,” Smith says. How can you re-engage your daydreamer? Here are a few tips:

Ensure quiet observation time. Consider if your child is getting enough time to play quietly on his own. Kids given regular quiet time are more likely to exhibit time management and problem solving abilities. Time alone also fosters creativity, self-confidence and independence. Plus, solitude gives kids the opportunity to drive their own play without having to compromise or go along with what the group demands.

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Seek physical and creative outlets.

“Outside activities will satisfy some of that dream mode so that when they get in the classroom they can engage and start to think,” Smith says. Activities like swimming, karate, art, theater or playing an instrument can nurture concentration skills and provide avenues for self-expression.

Encourage note-taking.

Talk to your child’s teacher about having him take notes or write down basic words or pictures describing what the teacher says. Older children can also write down thoughts that come up on an idea pad. That way they won’t lose the thought, but can continue to focus on the teacher or task at hand.

Discuss seating arrangements.

Talk to the teacher about seating your child toward the front of the classroom or just off to the side. By being in the middle of the action, her thoughts may be less likely to wander.

Ask questions.

Encourage your child to think of questions she can ask the teacher during instructional time. Also look for opportunities to connect with and listen to your child one-on-one, whether driving in the car or while engaged in a creative process like cooking or baking. Knowing that you are interested in her thoughts may help her feel less inclined to drift off. If your child continues to struggle with focus and paying attention, consult with your pediatrician. MBP Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World. Visit her at www.christamelnykhines.com.

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Cooking Up Kitchen Fun

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The kitchen is often described as the heart of a home, the nexus of food and family that nourishes our bodies as well as our spirits. Kids are early inhabitants of this familiar space, first as passengers in our arms, later as diners in high chairs and eventually as explorers making their first forays into ‘helping’ with food prep. Children are eager to take an active role in the processes that bring their favorite foods to the table and, with supervision and patience, kids benefit socially and cognitively from inclusion in cooking tasks. From discovering measurement to learning basic chemistry, kitchen play is an ideal learning landscape for little ones to explore. The following items offer appetizing opportunities for junior chefs to cook up a versatile menu of food fun.

by Gerry Paige Smith

MasterChef Jr. Baking Set

3-Piece Nylon Knife Set

Warming up for real cooking is a snap with the Kitchen Baking Set from MasterChef Jr. Complete with mixing bowl, liquid measuring cup, rolling pin, spatula, 4 silicone cups, and 4 dusting guards, this kit assembles all the tools kids need to get started with their first baking adventures. Parents provide the ingredients, children provide the enthusiasm and everyone tastes the rewards of freshly prepared warm food. With easy recipes for every appetite, kids can craft egg cups, mac and cheese, cupcakes or even develop their own recipes with adult guidance. Cooking up a host of delicious outcomes, the MasterChef Jr. Baking Set is an easy and versatile start for kids with culinary ambitions and a taste for the good stuff.

For parents of kids who really want to take a hand in the chopping and dicing of food, Curious Chef’s Nylon Knife Set provides the means for young chefs to safely take food prep into their own hands. This assemblage includes three (small, medium and large-sized) nylon knives that feature serrated cutting edges, blunt tips and ergonomically designed grips for smaller hands. With real cutting ability, children can lend a hand as they slice and chop real vegetables and fruit with cutlery made just for them. Dishwasher safe and made with food-friendly materials, these tools are ideal confidence builders for the youngest aspiring chef. Best for kids aged five years and up, Curious Chef’s Nylon Knife Set is the (safe) cutting edge in culinary exploration.

(Curious Chef)

(MasterChef)

Stainless Steel Pot and Pans

Green Toys Tea Set (Green Toys)

Just the right size for little hands, Green Toys’ food-safe tea sets gives kids the perfect resources to host their own tea any time of the day. Less cumbersome than standard size cups and teapots, this scaled down version is not only easier to manipulate but also offers more opportunities for repeat pouring (the fun part!). While adult supervision is always recommended with any heated liquids, the fitted lids and sturdy construction of the Green Toys Tea Set offers the best tea time experience for young servers. Combining the pleasure of crafting an ancient beverage with the social benefits of sharing tea, this set rewards both body and spirit as kids explore the fine tradition of tea service.

(Melissa & Doug)

Pretend play in the kitchen gets real with Melissa & Doug’s Stainless Steel Pots and Pans. Mirroring the metal cookware used by adults, these child-sized kitchen tools are solidly constructed and offer the look and feel of their grown up counterparts. Including a colander, a lidded pot, two pans, and two wooden utensils this set comes with its own rack which not only keeps it stored neatly between ‘cooking’ sessions, but also builds problem-solving skills as kids must discover the best way to hang and stow their chefs tools. While not geared toward real food prep, the stainless steel medium does allow for cold finger food contact (followed by the opportunity to teach kids about clean-up).

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday October 24

Reading Paws (Free) 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, West Regional Branch, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Children reading or learning to read can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with a certified Reading Dog. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Mobile County Public Schools’ Signature Academy Showcase 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, USA Mitchell Center, 5950 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36608 The Mobile County Public Schools will host the 4th annual Signature Academy Showcase at the USA Mitchell Center. Each of the 12 MCPS high schools will set up displays and have administrators, faculty, and students available to provide information and answer questions about each of their unique Signature Academies. All 7th and 8th grade students, along with their parents/guardians, are encouraged to attend. (251) 221-4019

Food for Thought ($50 per person) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Camp Grace, 11081 Wanda Drive Mobile, 36608 “Food For Thought” to benefit Ransom Ministries will include a silent auction. www.ransomministries.com Blues Traveler: 30th Anniversary Tour 7:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St Francis Street Mobile, 36602www.thesteeplemobile.com

Wednesday October 25

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, Fall is back and so is live jazz! Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl of the oak trees in Bienville Square. Live music provided by the City of Mobile Special Events Dept. and Catt Sirten. ncsmobile.org

Thursday October 26

5th Annual Divas for Diabetes Fashion Show 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Stewartfield, 400 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Organizers encourage the public to “Join us for our 5th Annual Diva’s for Diabetes where we will be Hitting the Runway. 251-421-2259

Alabama School of the Arts Jazz Band presents “Ella Fitzgerald: Celebrating the 100th Birthday of the First Lady of Song” ($10) 7:00 PM University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway Mobile, 36613 Celebrating the 100th Birthday of the First Lady of Song, the Alabama School of the Arts Jazz Band presents an evening of music made popular by the beloved Ella Fitzgerald. This ensemble of 30 instrumentalists and featured soloists is presented under the direction of Kenn Hughes, chair of the Music Department, director of RamCorps, and former music director for the Dove Award-winning group Denver and the Mile High Orchestra. itickets.com

Friday October 27

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tuna does Vegas” 7:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters from the ‘third smallest town in Texas’ as they take a rambling romp in Sin City. The hilarity begins when oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie announces on air that he and his wife Bertha Bumiller are heading to Vegas to renew their wedding vows...but everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, “Tuna Does Vegas” features the favorite characters from the award-winning Greater Tuna productions with some new characters, too. www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Twelve Angry Jurors” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36608 Everyone says he’s guilty — everyone but one juror in this classic tale of justice in the jury room. cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel to Peter Pan based on the children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and freely adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with co-directors Alex Timbers and Roger Rees. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com 2017 Angel Ride Oak Hollow Farm, 14210 South Greeno Road Fairhope, 36532 The Angel Ride festivities will kick off at the campground at Oak Hollow Farms on Friday, October 27th. Our entertainment for the 2017 Angel Ride will be Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri! For more information, tickets, camping, and activity schedules, visit our website. 251-243-0365 www.angel-ride.org Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Saturday October 28

Fall Outdoor Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile The City of Mobile’s Certified Alabama Farmers Market has a new logo & new name-Market in the Park. The Fall Market is in Cathedral Square, with not only the vendors you’ve come to love, but with new vendors as well! Now you have more locally-produced, locally-made items to choose from. The Fall Market runs from the second Saturday in October through the third Saturday in November. ncsmobile.org Mobile Bay Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s 8:00 AM USS Alabama Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Join us for the 2017 Mobile Bay Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Enjoy a 2 mile walk around the Battleship Memorial Park. Food, fun and much more!! You don’t want to miss it. act.alz.org Sixth Annual Ram Run 5K & Fun Run 8:00 AM University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway Mobile, 36613 The sixth annual Ram Run 5K and Fun Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 on the University of Mobile campus. The certified 5K begins at 8:00am and the ¾ mile Fun Run starts at 9:00am.To register in advance, visit umobile.edu/ramrun. Registration will also be available before the race. Packet pick-up and race day registration begins at 7:00am. umobile.edu/ramrun 5 Rivers Halloween Bash 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort AL 36527 Our favorite time of year! On Saturday, Oct 28 from 10:00am-4:00pm, we will have our FREE, family friendly

Halloween celebration. There will be crafts, music, movies, trail rides, games, $5 boat tours, “Smokin’ Gringos” food truck, and a costume contest at 3:00pm. www.Alabama5Rivers.com Fall Frenzy 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Semmes Municipal Park, 8108 Morris Hill Road Mobile, 36575 The River Church in Semmes will have a Fall Frenzy at the new Semmes Municipal Park on October 28th from 10:00am until 2:00pm. There will be kids games, bounce houses, arts and crafts for sale, raffles and live music. myriver.tv Halloween Fun at the Exploreum 10:00 AM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for a day full of Mysteries and Oddities at the Gulf Coast Exploreum on Saturday October 28th, 2017 from 10:00 am to 2 pm. Family friendly activities and demos will be inspired by the unexplained while exploring the amazing world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Enjoy Spooky Jell-O Worms, see ghosts flying into the air, or encounter a creepy chemical chameleon. Don’t forget to dress up in your Halloween finery, because prizes will be awarded to during our 12:30 Costume Contest. Be sure not to miss our annual exploding pumpkin in the courtyard during one of the Exploreum’s most loved annual events! www.exploreum.com Boo at Bellingrath (Admission is $13 for adults and $7.50 for ages 5-12. There is no charge for Bellingrath members and children 4 and younger.)

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at Bellingrath, a day of Halloween fun at Bellingrath Gardens.The Gardens will be filled with Halloween-themed inflatables to guide visitors along the pathways to the Great Lawn. Local businesses and organizations will set up numerous treat stations to hand out candy and trinkets to trick-or-treaters. Guests are also invited to enjoy culinary delights from local food trucks; other surprises are in store. Tickets to Boo at Bellingrath must be purchased in advance. bellingrath.org Wine on the River Mobile 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile Join us for Mobile’s Inaugural Wine on the River on Saturday, October 28th. Sample wine from national and international vineyards. With an “Around the World” theme focusing on cultural regions there will be wine each selected area. Food will be available for purchase. Live music entertainment and lots of fun to benefit The Fuse Project. www.wineontherivermobile.com Food Family and Food Trucks ($10 per person or $35 for a family of four or more)

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Alabama School of Math and Science, 1255 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36604 Family Promise of Coastal Alabama presents a new event in conjunction with Cardboard City. Activities include food trucks, inflatables, face painting, games, candy apples and more! www.familypromisemobile.org Gulf Seafood Gala

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4:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, 102 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Mark your calendar and join us for “Gulf Seafood Gala”™, a celebration of Alabama Gulf seafood prepared and presented by regional chefs to focus positive attention on Gulf seafood and the rich

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FamilyCalendar heritage and culture that surrounds it. Local oyster farmers will also participate in the event by demonstrating the art of growing some of the best oysters in the world. Coastal heritage demonstrations such as cast net making, cast net throwing, oyster tonging, oyster shucking, gumbo making and other multi-generational traditions will also be featured. Drawings for original works of art, live musical entertainment and adult beverages will round out a great evening on the Island. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council. www.GulfSeafoodGala.com Dog River Ghost Chase 5K/Goblin Gallop 5:00 PM 4960 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 The Annual Dog River Ghost Chase 5K River Run and Goblin Gallop will be held on Saturday, October 28th at 5:00pm. Spectacular views of Dog River and Mobile Bay from the top of the Dog River Bridge make this fun pre-Halloween event one of the most popular fall races in Mobile County. After race party include live music and discounted food and beverages for race participants. dogriver.org Kevin Hart 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36608 Kevin Hart is coming to the Mobile Civic Center Theater on October 28 & 29! www.mobilecivicctr.com Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 7:00 PM Bienville Square, Mobile Celebrate Life with Survivors * Caregivers * Family & Friends. Join us in a atmosphere of loving fellowship as we walk to raise funds and awareness makingstrides.acsevents.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tuna does Vegas” 7:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters from the ‘third smallest town in Texas’ as they take a rambling romp in Sin City. The hilarity begins when oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie announces on air that he and his wife Bertha Bumiller are heading to Vegas to renew their wedding vows...but everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, “Tuna Does Vegas” features the favorite characters from the award-winning Greater Tuna productions with some new characters, too. www.mobiletheatreguild.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Twelve Angry Jurors” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36608 Everyone says he’s guilty — everyone but one juror in this classic tale of justice in the jury room. cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel to Peter Pan based on the children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and freely adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with co-directors Alex Timbers and Roger Rees. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com 2017 Angel Ride Oak Hollow Farm, 14210 South Greeno Road Fairhope, 36532 The Angel Ride festivities will kick off at the campground at Oak Hollow Farms on Friday, October 27th. Our entertainment for the 2017 Angel

Monday October 30

Ride will be Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri! For more information, tickets, camping, and activity schedules, visit our website. 251-243-0365 www.angel-ride.org Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com Salty Worm Brackish Classic and Delta Bash Blue Gill Restaurant, 3775 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, 36527 Unique fishing tournament and after-party benefiting the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Sponsored by Hieronymus CPAs. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets. www.usahealthsystem.com/saltyworm

Sunday October 29

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Twelve Angry Jurors” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36608 Everyone says he’s guilty — everyone but one juror in this classic tale of justice in the jury room. cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel to Peter Pan based on the children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and freely adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with co-directors Alex Timbers and Roger Rees. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tuna does Vegas” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Details October 28. www.mobiletheatreguild.org One Night in Havana 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Brookley Airfield, 886 5th Street Mobile, 36615 One Night in Havana will transport attendees to a tropical paradise filled with the sights, sounds and flavors of Havana. The evening includes charitable gaming, live music, Latin-inspired food and beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Join everyone at the tables for blackjack, roulette, craps and poker, plus try your luck at the slot machines. Then take your chips to the prize table and enter to win the item or experience of your choice. Proceeds will benefit the Distinguished Young Women Foundation and will provide college scholarships to deserving students. www.OneNightInEvent.com Kevin Hart 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36608 Kevin Hart is coming to the Mobile Civic Center Theater on October 28 & 29! www.mobilecivicctr.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 400pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Tuesday October 31

Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 Details October 30. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Wednesday November 1

John Rosemond Parenting the Strong Willed Child 6:30 PM St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, 36608 John Rosemond speaks on Parenting the Strong Willed Child. USA Flute Concert Choir and Celtic Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The University of South Alabama Flute Choir and Celtic Crúe, directed by Dr. Andra Bohnet, will present their Fall Concert on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Thursday November 2

Girls Night Out at the Pillars 5:00 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, 36604 Girls Night Out at The Pillars is a fun event for you and your girlfriends to come shop local boutiques and vendors, while relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine and live music! Night Market 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 MMofA hosts a monthly Night Market that showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food and drink from The Crepe Crusader and the DJ stylings of Neil Byrne aka Hot Lobster. www.mobilemuseumofart.com Mobile Ballet presents Blaine Hoven - Full Circle 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Mobile Ballet opens its 2017-18 performing season with a special one-night only production featuring Blaine Hoven, American Ballet Theatre soloist and Mobile Ballet alumni, returning to his home town stage! This special program will feature beautiful excerpts of

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FamilyCalendar classical ballet favorites as well as stunning new works, performed by Blaine Hoven, additional guest artists from American Ballet Theatre and the Mobile Ballet Company. mobileballet.org

items to choose from. The Fall Market runs from the second Saturday in October through the third Saturday in November. ncsmobile.org

USA Piano Ensembles Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The USA Piano Ensembles will perform their Fall Concert in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Senior Bowl Charity Run 8:00 AM Downtown Mobile, 151 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36602 The 30th annual Senior Bowl Charity Run is Saturday, November 4, 2017. This Run is a certified 5K and 10K Run and includes a one-mile Fun Run. Runners and their families will enjoy free food, drink and activities. www.seniorbowl.com

Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 Details October 30 www.thegroundsmobile.com

Tunnel to Tower 5K Run/Walk 8:30 AM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! t2tmobile.eventbrite.com

Friday November 3

Little Discoveries with Mr Wayne 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. Ages 3-6. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Pecan Festival 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 This familyoriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. 251-401-5555 www.alabamapecanfestival.com Bayou Bash ($35) 6:00 PM All Saints Church, 151 South Ann Street Mobile, 36604 Thirteenth annual BAYOU BASH hosted by All Saints Episcopal Church. Fun event with music, food, live & silent auctions. 251-438-2492

Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel to Peter Pan based on the children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and freely adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with co-directors Alex Timbers and Roger Rees. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Saturday November 4

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

Enviornmental Center Fall Open House (Free) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Environmental Studies Center, 6101 Girby Road Mobile, 36693 Join us for our Open House and enjoy wildlife presentations, exhibitions and more. www.mcpsesc.com Pecan Festival 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. 251-401-5555 www.alabamapecanfestival.com Poker Paddle in the Delta ($35 per boat) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 We’re excited to partner with WildNative Delta Safaris to host a fun, familyfriendly outing on the Delta this fall. The poker paddle is a water-based scavenger hunt where participants will follow maps to designated points and collect as many cards in sealed envelopes as they can before the buzzer sounds. A portion of proceeds benefit our efforts for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. 251-359-8531 wildnativetours.com/specialevents SuperHEAR-o Day! (Free) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, USA Intramural Fields, Mobile, 36608 The University of South Alabama’s Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) is hosting our second annual SuperHEAR-o Day! This event is for children, and their families, who are deaf or hard of hearing, or for children with communication disorders. SuperHEAR-o Day is a day full of games, arts and crafts, food, and education! Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Details on November 3. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 Details October 30. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Sunday November 5

Pecan Festival 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Cor-

ner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. 251-401-5555 www.alabamapecanfestival.com Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament 11:00 AM Springhill College Golf Course, 4000 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Join us for the 10th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament at Spring Hill College Golf Course Sunday, November 5.. Sponsored by The St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus, the event takes place on Spring Hill College Golf Course. Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m., Scramble Shotgun Start at noon. Teams and sponsors welcome! Families welcome! For registration, contact Desi Tobias at desi@ tmclawyers.com or (251) 432-5001. 251-432-5001

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Flags of Glory 2:00 PM Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Road Mobile, 36619 Free drive through display of more than 250 full size American Flags in honor of America’s Veterans. Display kicks off with an opening ceremony that features music, a special guest speaker, awards, and more. Join under the shade of the oaks near the Three Notch entrance

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Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Details on November 3. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com John Rosemond - Parenting with Love and Leadership 2:00 PM St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane Mobile, 36608 Children depend on parents for the two L-words of Love and Leadership. In today’s parenting culture, Love is often weakened by well-intentioned enabling, and Leadership is weakened by the equally well-intentioned attempt to be “popular” with one’s children. In this entertaining and thought-provoking talk, John tells parents how to deliver these two essential parenting ingredients in ways that strengthen children emotionally and help them grow into responsible, compassionate citizens. Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, 36608 The 63rd Annual Greater Gulf State Fair will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-11:00pm and Sunday October 29 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 5, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. www.thegroundsmobile.com

Tuesday November 7

5 Rivers StoryTime: “Run, Turkey, Run!” by Diane Mayr 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s

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FamilyCalendar story is about a turkey trying to find a good place to hide from the farmer. Uh-oh! Here comes the farmer! 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center 12th Annual Purse with a Purpose 5:30 PM Heron Lakes Country Club, 3851 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36693 Our Sisters’ Closet 12th Annual Purse with Purpose fundraiser is Tuesday, November 7 at Heron Lakes Country Club. 251-423-2001

USA Symphony Band Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The USA Symphony Band, under the direction of Dr. Jason Rinehart, presents a concert of wind band classics as well as more modern repertoire written in the last few years www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Wednesday November 8

Learning Lunch - History Museum of Mobile (Free) 12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street Mobile, 36602 This series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission to Learning Lunch is free. Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages. www.museumofmobile.com Ray LaMontagne: Just Passing Through 7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Ray LaMontagne is bringing the “Just Passing Through” Acoustic Tour to the Mobile Saenger Theatre! www.mobilesaenger.com

Thursday November 9

ArtTalk: 5 Mobile Artists ($5 suggested donation ) 3:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36606 Our own Stan Hackney will give a tour of 5 Mobile Artists, an exhibition featuring artworks by local artists John Cleverdon, James E. Conlon, Kaye Wall Hoffman, James E. Kennedy and Tut Altman Riddick. This exhibition highlights these five artists as true pioneers for the arts in the new South. www.mobilemuseumofart.com Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Participants are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Boots and BBQ

($40)

6:30 PM Moe’s Barbeque, 701 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36602 The fourth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, November 9 to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music and barbecue at Moe’s Barbeque located at 701 Springhill Avenue. Festivities will start at 6:30 p.m., with live music from local favorite cover band, The Bearded Spoon. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and enjoy s’mores, hayrides, and bonfires. Moe’s Original Bar B Que will provide their award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. Proceeds from the Boots & BBQ Barn Bash will provide funding for pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Melissa Manion to hold clinic in Mobile to treat the many children along the Gulf Coast suffering from autoimmune disorders such as pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. 251-610-4969 give.childrensal.org/barnbash

USA Wind Ensemble Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The USA Wind Ensemble, Dr. William H. Petersen, conductor, will perform the Fall Wind Ensemble Concert on Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Friday November 10

Veterans Day Celebration and Parade of Flags 3:00 PM Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 The event features the Parade of Flags by the 4th grade students from Mobile and Baldwin county elementary schools. 2016 Veterans Day Essay Contest winners will read their winning essays. Keynote speaker is America’s Distinguished Young Woman. Mobile Pops Band Veterans Day Celebration (Free) 7:00 PM Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Mobile Pops Veterans Day Concert at 7:00pm. Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Details on November 3. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com USA Ensembles Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Music students at the University of South Alabama will perform a fall concert of music for brass ensemble. The concert will consist of music performed by the USA Trumpet Ensemble, Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, and various brass quintets. Music performed will cover all music styles and periods, including Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, jazz, and contemporary. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Saturday November 11

Gears and Beers 6:00 AM Gears and Beers is a fundraiser that benefits the Delta Bike Project. This is an event with options for every rider - 10 mile, 30 mile, Metric Century (62.5 mile) and Century Ride (100 mile). www.gearsandbeersridemobile.com Fall Outdoor Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, 36602 The City of Mobile’s Certified Alabama Farmers Market has a new logo & new name-Market in the Park. The Fall Market is in Cathedral Square, with not only the vendors you’ve come to love, but with new vendors as well! Now you have more locally-produced, locally-made items to choose from. The Fall Market runs from the second Saturday in October through the third Saturday in November. ncsmobile.org St. Francis Episcopal Fall Bazaar 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, St. Francis Episcopal Church, Key Street Dauphin Island, 36528 Join us for fall fun. Visitors can stock their pantry or freezer with gumbo, casseroles, baked goods. The Ladies of St. Francis (Key Street, Dauphin Island) will be selling handmade crosses, angels and other Christmas ornaments made with oyster shells. 251-861-2300

Stockton Sawmill Days ($15; Children 12 and under Free) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Live Oak Landing, 8700 Live Oak Road Stockton, 36507 Celebrate Stockton’s history and heritage as home to the first sawmill in the State of Alabama. Step back in time to the big woods and learn how logging was done with draft animals. Listen to great music, meet folk artists and folk life demonstra-

tors, and see professional lumberjacks perform, take a boat ride on the river, and enjoy food cooked over open fires. Sawmill Days is a fun and educational experience for all ages. www.stocktonsawmilldays.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel to Peter Pan based on the children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and freely adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with co-directors Alex Timbers and Roger Rees. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com

Sunday November 12

Battleship 12K - 2017 8:00 AM Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Join us for a patriotic run for those that serve. www.battleship12k.com Joe Jefferson Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Peter and the Starcatcher is a prequel to Peter Pan based on the children’s book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and freely adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, with co-directors Alex Timbers and Roger Rees. 251-471-1534 joejeffersonplayers.com The Attacca String Quartet in Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Mobile Chamber Music presents the Attacca String Quartet in concert in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Tuesday November 14

NEST of Mobile Annual Luncheon 12:00 PM Byrne Memorial Hall - Springhill College, Mobile, 36608 Mark your calendar for the NEST of Mobile Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, November 14th at 12:00 pm at Byrne Memorial Hall on the campus of Spring Hill College. The 2016 Inaugural Luncheon raised over $52,000 for NEST to continue to provide mentoring teams and services for at-risk youth and families in Mobile County. 251-604-3131 nestofmobile.org Family Bingo Night (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Springhill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday November 16

ArtTalk: Native American Art ($5 suggested donation ) 6:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 MMofA Director, Deborah Velders, leads a tour of Native American Art: From the Collection. The exhibition features early 20th century photographs and hand-colored lithographs of Native American peoples, and various Native American arts and artifacts. www.mobilemuseumofart.com USA Woodwind Ensembles Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The University of South Alabama Woodwind Ensembles will present their Fall Concert on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. The concert will include numerous types of woodwind chamber ensembles performing music by a wide variety of composers. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

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FamilyCalendar Friday November 17

ArtSoup ($25) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Azalea Manor, 751 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36602 Art Soup is the annual fund raiser for Loaves and Fish Community Ministry Inc., committed to serving the needs of the homeless in Mobile, Alabama since 1979. Proceeds from this event will go directly to the following local organizations that assist the homeless every-day: Penelope House, Ransom Ministries, Family Promise, McKemie Place, and USA Student Run Free Clinic. artsoupmobile.org Sunnyside Theatre presents “Heathers The Musical: High School Edition” 7:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Heathers The Musical: High School Edition will be performed November 17-19 at the Mobile Theatre Guild. www.sunnysidedrama.com “Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre” 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The program, featuring the talented singers in USA’s voice program, will include scenes from opera, operetta, and American musical theater. Scenes from USA’s upcoming Spring 2018 production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” will also be performed. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Saturday November 18

Fall Outdoor Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, 36602 The City of Mobile’s Certified Alabama Farmers Market has a new logo & new name-Market in the Park. The Fall Market is in Cathedral Square, with not only the vendors you’ve come to love, but with new vendors as well! Now you have more locally-produced, locally-made items to choose from. The Fall Market runs from the second Saturday in October through the third Saturday in November. ncsmobile.org Muddy Turkey Obstacle Course Race 9:00 AM Moffett Road Assembly of God, 6159 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618 Participants will encounter between 15-20 obstacles as they traverse the more than three mile course. Be prepared to run, crawl, climb and carry as you attempt to take down the Muddy Turkey. www.muddyturkeyrace.com Bay Area Brunch Fest 10:00 AM Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 Join us for a day of great brunch foods, live jazz music, Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas! The event will be held in beautiful Downtown Mobile at Bienville Square. This fundraiser will benefit Lifelines Counseling Services and its many programs. Local restaurants will be cooking some delicious brunch food items for you to taste. www.lifelinesmobile.org Mobile International Festival 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36608 The Festival returns for another 25 years of serving up the diversity of Mobile’s flavors and cultures. Come out and join in the cultural festivities during this three day event. The Mobile Civic Center will host the event that brings the sights, sounds and tastes of the world together in one place! www.mobileinternationalfestival.org

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

November Family Day at USA Archaeology Museum (Free) 10:00 AM USA Archaeology Museum, 6052 USA Drive South Mobile, 36608 The USA Archaeology Museum is open one Saturday per month for families and those who cannot make it to the museum during our regular weekday hours. On Saturday, November 18th, kids and their families can drop in and learn about archaeology by exploring our mystery artifact boxes and making cordage! Our museum galleries will be open for self-guided tours, and this would be a great opportunity to check out our new temporary exhibit “History Matters,” a collection of historical photographs highlighting the contributions of key individuals and stops associated with the African American Heritage Trail of Mobile. www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum Kari Jobe: The Garden Tour 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Join Kari Jobe with special guest - her husband Cody Carnes for The Garden Tour, coming to Mobile Civic Center Theater. www.mobilecivicctr.com Sunnyside Theatre presents “Heathers The Musical: High School Edition” 7:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Heathers The Musical: High School Edition will be performed November 17-19 at the Mobile Theatre Guild. www.sunnysidedrama.com Mobile Symphony presents Contrast 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Our annual Beethoven & Blue Jeans is a reminder that you don’t have to dress up to enjoy the Symphony. We welcome you as you are! 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org

Sunday November 19

5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center Sunnyside Theatre presents “Heathers The Musical: High School Edition” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Heathers The Musical: High School Edition will be performed November 17-19 at the Mobile Theatre Guild. www.sunnysidedrama.com Mobile Symphony presents Contrast 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Our annual Beethoven & Blue Jeans is a reminder that you don’t have to dress up to enjoy the Symphony. We welcome you as you are! 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org “Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre” 3:00 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 The program, featuring the talented singers in USA’s voice program, will include scenes from opera, operetta, and American musical theater. Scenes from USA’s upcoming Spring 2018 production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” will also be performed. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Tuesday November 28

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood 6:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back with an all-NEW show for 2017-2018! The hugely popular Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE!, based on the #1 PBS KIDS TV series, has delighted live audiences on stages across the country. www.mobilesaenger.com

Wednesday November 29

USA Trumpet Department Studio Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center , 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 This performance by students of Professor Peter Wood represents the culmination of the students’ work throughout the semester and will feature a wide variety of repertoire for solo trumpet. Music performed will cover virtually all musical styles and periods, and there will certainly be something for everyone! www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html

Thursday November 30

The Hargrove Foundation’s 3nd Annual Gala 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Battle House Hotel, 26 North Royal Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for the Hargrove Foundation’s 3rd Annual Gala. Proceeds from the event will be directed to the HAT Project, dedicated to helping mobility limited children achieve more independence through the use of adaptive cars. hargrovefoundation.org/2017-foundation-gala Marc Broussard at The Steeple 8:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Marc Broussard at The Steeple. www.thesteeplemobile.com The Avett Brothers 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The Avett Brothers in concert at the Saenger Theatre. www.mobilesaenger.com

Friday December 1

Michael Carbonaro Live! 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Ever wondered what it feels like to be on the other side of Michael Carbonaro as he works his magic to make people believe the unbelievable? This is your chance to find out! From his hit television series “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, magician Michael Carbonaro brings his signature blend of bizarre antics, audience interaction, hilarious video clips, and mind-blowing magic, live on stage! www.mobilesaenger.com

Classes/Meetings APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our

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FamilyCalendar 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. Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251-431-5100. COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24-HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251479-5700 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. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-6892085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@ yahoo.com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30

a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect? •A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • 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. 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. • 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 problemsolving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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My Little Pony

Happy Death Day

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated My Little Pony: The Movie PG for mild action. Our hero is Princess Twilight Sparkle. Tasked with planning the kingdom’s all important Festival of Friendship, she is understandably stressed out. In this land of energetic ponies, there’s apparently nothing to pass the time besides impromptu musical numbers and snacking on a wide selection of baked goods. No wonder her peers are brimming with excitement; it’s about time someone broke up the monotony. With her reputation riding on this, Twilight comes close to panic over the event. Fortunately, her loyal friends have her back. But as preparations for the big day continue, the happy herd is delivered a rude awakening. An airship descends out of nowhere and an army is deposited in their peaceful city. From thence, the tireless team embark on a quest to find help in throwing off their oppressors. While the team may be tireless, the audience isn’t. As our protagonists journey across deserts, oceans and mountains, acquiring new friends through the charm of lengthy song and dance numbers, the tedium is only punctuated by the occasional pun. More concerning for families are the frightening bad guys and their minions who lock helpless citizens in cages and force them to pull heavy loads like... well, ponies. All the while, the main characters face perils of their own. This will only be troubling to the very youngest of viewers. For all its faults, the movie is full to bursting with moments of trust and friendship. Not half bad messages for kids to hear.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: D+ Sexual Content: C+ Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Happy Death Day PG-13 for violence/terror, crude sexual content, language, some drug material and partial nudity. She wakes up in a guy’s dorm room. She can’t recall how she got there. Pulling on her pants and sequined tank top, Tree (Jessica Rothe) says goodbye to Carter (Israel Broussard) -- although she can’t quite recall his name -- and makes a hasty retreat across campus. Today is Tree’s birthday, and the narcissistic young woman does her best to ensure the remainder of the day revolves around her. She heads out for the evening’s festivities, walking alone in the dark and wearing a skimpy white dress. It’s a moment that screams, “something bad is about to happen”. And it does. Murdered by a person dressed in black whose face is covered by a bizarre baby-face mask, Tree’s horrifying end is brief. Then in a moment she awakes, back in Carter’s room, and back at the start of her birthday. It seems this is a day she will live again, and again, and again. Her hope for escaping the daily grind lies in her ability to uncover the murderer’s identity. And the process of eliminating the suspects provides ample opportunities for Tree, and the audience, to relive her horrible demise over, and over, and over. Adding to the reasons to reconsider this film as a choice for teen viewing is Tree’s reputation for using her womanly ways to get what she wants from men, including a married professor. As well, a female is seen naked in public (partially seen from the rear). Also featured are infrequent profanities and crude anatomical terms.

Only the Brave

Spider-Man: Homecoming

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: BProfanity: D Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Only the Brave PG-13 for thematic content, some sexual references, language and drug. During June of 2013 a lightning strike started a wildfire. With winds whipping the flames toward the community of Yarnell, Arizona, various fire crews were called upon to bring it under control and to protect civilians. One of these was the Granite Mountain Hotshots. This elite group of firefighters held the unique certification of hotshots, meaning these men and women are trained to meet demanding physical standards and to undertake complex fire mitigation methods. Even though they worked within the fire department of the City of Prescott, Arizona, they are considered an “interagency” resource, and could be called to serve anywhere in the US. Only The Brave takes a great deal of time introducing many of the twenty members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots on a personal basis. Being a memorial film (yes, this is a true story with a very tragic ending), this approach is not only appropriate but also provides an effective dramatic backdrop. An exceptional film that uses its long running time effectively, Only the Brave also unleashes a torrent of profanities in what seems to be an attempt to convince us the men we see on the screen are the real deal. Although it would be unrealistic to believe their language wouldn’t include a variety of four-letter words, the generous peppering of profanity and sexual remarks may cause parents to rethink this title for family viewing -- and that’s unfortunate. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2017

(new to home video)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: BProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Spider-Man: Homecoming PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments. Launching another version of this well-loved icon is a bit of a gamble because there is lots of room for disappointment from unsatisfied fans. But in the case, the risk pays off. We were briefly introduced to the young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who already has his “spidey” powers in Captain America: Civil War, so this film wastes no time with backstory. The story plunges into the teen’s struggle to balance his time between school, family and stopping crime. We meet his friends and classmates, and these relationships form the core of the movie and add greatly to its humor. More than anything, Peter wants to reach his Spider-Man potential, and is impatiently waiting to be part of the Avengers team. Yet his mentor Tony Stark (Iron Man), as well as the other superheroes, feel the lad still has a lot of growing up to do. Frustrated, Peter wants to show them they are wrong, so he continually seeks out more and more dangerous situations in the hope of proving what he is made of. Rather than making that point, the fledgling champion soon discovers that having superpowers doesn’t necessary mean you are invincible. And it is this realization that sparks Peter’s journey to develop the discipline and maturity needed to help protect those he loves. 64

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When I grow up I want to be...

a doctor a lawyer a CEO I WONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET HPV STOP ME! The HPV Vaccine is a cancer prevention vaccine. Boys, girls, and young adults should receive the vaccine to defend against several different strains of cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the vaccine begin at 11 to 12 years of age.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let HPV keep you from reaching your goals.

For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo