Mobile Bay Parents October 2018

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October2018

Volume 8 Number 7

Columns

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Mom of the Month 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW

STEM for Preschoolers Ideas for science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities to try at home.

Halloween for Tweens and Teens Find teen approved games for hosting a fabulous party!

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Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

36 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

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Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

Our guide to all things “fall” in and around the community.

10 Skills to Know By Age 10

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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Important tasks to teach as they move towards independence.

On The Cover Savannah Grace (2), daughter of Melvin and Nicole Hitchens II. Proud grandparents are Rev. Melvin and Gina Hitchens, and James and Deborah Jackson. Savannah enjoys trips to the West Mobile Public Library, playing with her friends and swimming. Styled by Savvy Kids Clothing.

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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 14

School Bits 60

Family Calendar 68

Movie Reviews 1

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FromthePublisher

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

The October issue is always exciting because it is the month when we get to officially transition in to the fall season. There is so much I love about this season, like the milder weather (be patient, surely it is coming soon!), putting on my favorite pair of worn out boots, buying pumpkins in all different shapes, colors and sizes, and my daughter’s Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Maple Frosting! Oh, how yummy these treats are! Every time she makes a batch it has our whole house smelling like fall. She gets frustrated at me because I can’t even wait for her to ice them. I usually go sneak one while it is still warm only to have her exclaim, “Did someone eat a cupcake already?” with an accusatory tone targeted at her sisters. I just sit there with a mouthful of pure deliciousness and a guilty look on my face. Not only do we get pumpkin spice everything this season (even Cheerios!), but October also brings with it a variety of fairs, festivals, pumpkin patches and other events for families to enjoy together. So much so that we have dedicated an entire section of the magazine to these types of events. The Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide on page 48 is a great place to start planning your fall outings and possibly even start some new traditions. Don’t stop there though. Make sure you also flip over to the Family Calendar for even more local events. One of our fall family traditions is to all gather at my in-laws house for dinner and trick-or-treating on October 31. Anytime we all get together it is a lot of fun, but now that some of the kids in the group are getting too old for trick or treating, it may be time to introduce some new activities to the evening. If you are in the same position, you will definitely want to check out Pam Molnar’s article, Ten Halloween Party Games for Teens and Tweens. She has some really interesting ideas to kick off your party planning. Fair warning though, some are a bit gross, which means the kids probably will love it! Having children that are getting older means we can also get their help planning some of the activities. As I mentioned, my oldest has already started getting involved in the holiday baking and my others love planning activities. Getting them involved not only helps me out, but also teaches them some great life skills. As parents we may often feel it is easier to do it ourselves. However, if we aren’t careful, we will not only work ourselves into a frenzy, but deprive our children of these skills and the pride that comes with that little bit of independence. This month we have included an article by Sara Lyons, 10 Skills to Learn Before 10. In her article, Sara provides us with activities we can do with our younger children to help build important life skills. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. We always love finding fun activities and resources to share with area families (and ourselves too!). Now go pull your boots out of the closet, heat up a pumpkin spice latte, grab your calendars, and have a happy fall, y’all!

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 Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LMSW Pam Molnar Lauren Rachel Dave Ramsey 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

Lynn

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 2018 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.

lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

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.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW

It’s All About Relationship! The internet is full. Do you ever think that? There just simply cannot be one more get your baby to sleep through the night strategy or one more way to cook kale. Do you ever scroll past article after article and get lost in people telling you what easy 3-step dessert will compliment that chicken dinner, what new style of pant will make your legs look ten feet tall, and certainly how best to parent (and how you are currently doing it all wrong)? I do. We can so easily get lost in the idea that if we can just find that one strategy, that one solution, that one approach, we can affect change in every area of our child’s current level of functioning. Though I can’t help you find those pants that will change your life, I can definitively say this when it comes to parenting your kids: It is ALL about relationship. Here’s the thing, if you ask 100 people about the best strategy to deal with whatever behavior you are currently facing with your child, you are going to get about five different answers explained in 100 different ways. Spank your child. Don’t spank your child. Put your child in time-out. Put your child in time-in. Take away privileges. Enforce greater consequences. Leave them at the table until they clear their plate. Never get into a battle over food, they will eat when hungry. And on and on and on.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

So, allow me to simplify for you... relationship. Focus on the relationship, because relationship compels obedience. In fact, this concept bleeds over into other areas of our life. Allow me to illustrate. If you make a massive mistake at work one day and your boss calls you into his office and begins to yell, demean, threaten and tell you how incompetent you are, do you at all feel as though you are in relationship with your boss? No. Do you at all feel driven to please him? No. Do you at all feel connected to and respectful of your boss? Definitely no. You stand there until he is done, give a cursory apology and then walk out of the office grumbling under your breath straight to your co-workers, so that you can all discuss the frustration and irritation of working for such an incompetent leader…because somehow your mistake is definitely his fault. Now keep that example in mind. You have made a massive mistake at work and your boss in this scenario calls you into his office and says, “Hey. I heard what happened. It’s going to be okay. How can I help you in this? How can we partner together to make this right?” Now what does that do to your relationship? It breeds a spirit of connection. Do you walk out of that office feeling empowered to correct your mistake? Yes. Do you feel respect for and reverence toward your boss? Yes. In this scenario your boss is addressing the mistake, partnering with you to make it right, and is mindful to not dis-

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suade his or her relationship with you, because that relationship – when preserved - is going to compel that obedience within you. Here’s the thing. Your kids are going to screw it up. They are going to fail and falter and not get it right. This is the process of childhood. They are learning and, through that process, we are going to get such a better response if we can fiercely and unapologetically defend and protect our relationship with our child. The entirety of this concept is called Therapeutic Parenting and it is something I want to begin to introduce over the coming months. So join me as we dig deep and begin to understand how incredibly important our foundational relationship with our kids is, and how we can nurture that all important connection.

*Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child.

Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent. She spends her free time cooking, drinking coffee, cleaning, cooking, sweeping infield baseball dirt off of the kitchen floor, cooking, and cleaning up after the cooking in an effort to keep all those boys full while avoiding the appearance that she lives in a fraternity house.

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DIPG Warrior Walk Mobile

Join us Saturday, November 3 at USS Battleship Memorial Park at 10:00 AM for the DIPG Warrior Walk. This family-friendly walk is to honor our DIPG Warriors and to benefit The Cure Starts Now – Mobile, AL Chapter, to fund DIPG research. We believe as the experts do, that in order to truly cure cancer you have to focus on those cancers that are the biggest bullies, like DIPG. The Cure Starts Now is the first cancer charity dedicated to this “homerun cure” – curing cancer, one child at a time. Register today at http:// csnevents.org/mobilewarrior.

12th Annual Wine Fest

Catholic Social Services of Mobile will host Wine Fest at Cotton Hall (911 Dauphin St., Mobile) on Thursday, October 4 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. There will be delicious food and wine throughout the evening. For this year’s musical entertainment we will have the fabulous Cooper Trent! Attendees will have an opportunity to sample their favorite food dishes provided by local area caterers and wines will be provided by Red or White and their participating distributors. All proceeds from this evening of fine wines and wonderful food will benefit the work of Catholic Social Services. Catholic Social Services’ ministries include Adoption and Pregnancy Services, Emergency Services through the Service Center, 2B Choices for Women, Clinical Counseling, Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities, Refugee Resettlement and Disaster Relief. For more information, please visit www. catholicsocialservicesmobile.com/wine-fest. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

The Salty Worm Brackish Classic and Delta Bash

We hope you will make plans to attend this year's Salty Worm Brackish Classic & Delta Bash on October 20 for a day of family fun at the beautiful Bluegill on the Causeway! With a live band, seafood buffet, silent auction, and kidszone, the Salty Worm is a fun day for the entire family. All proceeds from the Salty Worm Brackish Classic & Delta Bash benefit the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. For more information please contact Brittany Ramsey at (251) 460-6209 or visit www.usahealthsystem.com/saltyworm.

Boo at Bellingrath

Dress up your little ghosts and goblins and come to Bellingrath Gardens for a day of spooky fun at Boo at Bellingrath on Saturday, October 27, 11 am to 2 pm. The Gardens will be filled with Halloweenthemed inflatables to guide visitors along the pathways to the Great Lawn, where local businesses and organizations will set up numerous treat stations to hand out candy and trinkets to guests of all ages. The Halloween fun will include Magic Shows featuring Dr. Gee and his magic balloons; spooky storytelling with our friends from the Mobile Public Library; musical entertainment on Live Oak Plaza; and more. For details, call 251.973.2217 or visit bellingrath.org.

Boots & BBQ Barn Bash features “The Voice” Star, Johnny Hayes

The fifth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off Thursday, October 25 to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Festivities start at 6:30 PM at Moe’s Original Bar B Que in downtown Mobile, with live music from Johnny Hayes and the Loveseats. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and come out to support a great cause for local children suffering from autoimmune disorders. This year’s event honors Grace Overstreet, a Mobile native who was diagnosed with enthesitis juvenile idiopathic arthritis in October of 2017. Grace is currently a junior at Mobile Christian and remains active through her debilitating disease. Admission is $40 per person. To register online, visit http://give.childrensal.org/barnbash. 6

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Sunny Side Theater Presents “Stuart Little”

Sunny Side Theater proudly presents its season opener “Stuart Little” October 12-14 at the Joe Jefferson Playhouse at 11 South Carlen Street. Join our cast for a fun show detailing the life of a little mouse in a big house! All the characters from the book and movie are here! Public shows are October 12 and 13 at 7 PM and October 14 at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 adults, $11 students/seniors, and $7 kids 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling Chris Paragone at 251510-1808. sunnysidedrama.com.

Ransom Ministries “Food for Thought” Benefit Luncheon

Tickets are available for Ransom Ministries' Food for Thought fundraiser luncheon and silent auction, scheduled for Thursday, October 18 at 11:30 AM at The Steeple in downtown Mobile. Food For Thought is Ransom Ministries' largest fundraiser of the year, and the goal is to fund the nonprofit's general operating budget. Ransom Ministries includes: • Ransom Café - A donation-only restaurant that has multiple locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties. • The Clean Machine - A portable laundry and shower trailer. • Ransom Reprogram - A job skills training program that provides participants with support services to overcome barriers to employment. • Mission teams – A training program for youth groups to learn how to share the love of Christ by serving others. Matt Armbruster will share his personal story on what led he and his wife Tara to start this ministry organization and what it has come to mean to him and our community at large. In addition, Travis Crim, a long-time friend and supporter of Ransom Ministries, will be in attendance to share why he supports this great organization. Travis speaks extensively for Outback America, The JH Ranch, Compassion International and many other ministries. Tickets are $50 each and are available at RansomCafe.com and Eventbrite. For questions, contact Tara Armbruster at tara@ransomcafe.com.

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Greater Gulf State Fair

One Night in Havana

One Night in Havana will transport you to a tropical nightclub filled with the sights, sounds and flavors of Havana. The evening includes live music, food and drink and charitable gaming. Stop at the tables for blackjack, roulette, craps and poker, in addition to slot machines, then take your chips to the prize table and enter to win the item or experience of your choice. Proceeds benefit the Distinguished Young Women Foundation and will provide college scholarships to deserving students. This event take place on October 25 from 6:309:30 PM at Brookley Airfield. Please visit onenightinevent.com for tickets or more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

As The Grounds prepares for this year’s fair, anticipation is building with the announcement of the return of music, an element that has been missed by the fair’s faithful patrons. MCA Nashville Records country singer and actor Josh Turner will open on October 27th, followed by Back to the 90s, featuring All 4 One, Coolio and Tone Loc on November 2. Admission to this year’s concerts are included with general fair admission, and upgraded Gold Circle seating options are available, which includes access to a private bathroom and bar. The Greater Gulf State Fair has made a great effort to expand the food menus on the midway to include unique and specialty vendors and items. The Fair has even begun an annual “Blue Ribbon Food Challenge” putting unique food items from various vendors against each other in a panel judged competition. This year’s fair will be held from October 26 - November 4, presenting a host of entertainment that provides something for the entire family. Entertainment includes: World of Wonders Entertainment Experience, featuring sword swallowers, knife throwers, circus hula hoopers, stage magicians, fire eaters and more; Escape Explosion, showcasing an escape artist that performs a comedy handcuff routine, mysterious whiskey barrel escape and an upside down straightjacket escape, suspended 30 feet in the air; Rhinestone Roper, performing trick-roping, fast-draw shooting, bullwhip-cracking, knife-throwing feats with his trick horses. Tickets are on sale now at www.mobilefair.com. Advance ticket purchase options include discounted selections, such as the $49.99 Super Saver package, available August 1- September 30. The Super Saver package includes fair admission and unlimited ride wristbands for two guests. This year’s fair will offer additional discount nights, geared towards families and college students. For additional information, please visit www.mobilefair.com or call 251-344-4573.

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2018 NICU Reunion Reunites Premature Babies and their Caregivers

Hundreds of babies, toddlers, teens and their parents are expected to gather at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, 1700 Center Street in Mobile, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 to reunite with the men and women who helped them thrive in the days after they were born too soon. The 29th annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion typically draws a crowd of more than 500 to the hospital’s courtyard for a fall festival-themed community event featuring games, entertainment, Azalea Trail Maids and popular children's characters. NICU graduates are babies who were born premature, underweight or ill, and were treated in the NICU at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. A Level III NICU, it provides the region’s most advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns. NICUs are classified by the level of care they are equipped and certified to provide. Level III NICUs provide comprehensive care to the sickest of newborns. At least 1,000 babies are admitted annually to the hospital’s NICU in Mobile. Most days, at least 80 premature infants are cared for in the unit. All graduates of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and their families are invited to come and spend an afternoon reuniting with their former caregivers and fellow NICU families in the courtyard. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Trick or Trot 2018

USA Children's & Women's Hospital is excited to announce the 6th Annual Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run planned for Friday, Oct. 19 at 6 PM at USA Moulton Tower. If clouds bring rain that evening, family-friendly festivities will be held inside the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama. We're celebrating our sixth year with a big goal of raising $40,000 to represent the 40,000 patients treated each year in the Pediatric Emergency Department. We can't do it without you! Our mission is to create a fun-filled, safe event for families to enjoy fall festivities while raising money for a great cause. To join us, sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Mobile/TrickorTrotRun

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Junior League of Mobile’s BluePass Offers Shopping Savings

Looking to shop for the latest fashion trends, pamper yourself, dine out and furnish your home? Or maybe just get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping? Now is the time! Buy your Junior League of Mobile BluePass for $40 and save 20% at over 200 merchants in Mobile and Baldwin counties! Plus, you'll be helping a service organization that reinvests in our local community. Some exclusions apply. You can now also purchase yours by texting "BLUEPASS" to 251-333-0018 or online at juniorleaguemobile.org/bluepass. Visit the site to also see the full list of merchants and their exclusions.

“Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour” Coming to Saenger Theater

"Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour," is coming to Saenger Theatre on October 10. Incorporating live appearances by favorite Disney Junior characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Puppy Dog Pals, The Lion Guard and Muppet Babies, and Vampirina, this 90-minute concert features 20 songs from Disney Junior's hit series, as well as two brand new original songs for the tour. TICKETS ARE $56, $46, and $33 (additional fees apply). Purchase tickets in person at the Saenger Theatre Box Office or the Mobile Civic Center Box, or purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

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The PACT Mobile Presents “Once On This Island”

The PACT Mobile is proud to present their inaugural production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND October 11th through 13th at The Bellingrath Gardens! Come out with your friends and family for a night of fun while the talented young artist of Mobile tell this classic story on the Great Lawn of Bellingrath Gardens and Home! Once on this Island will be directed and choreographed by Jacob Rowe. From the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical, Ragtime), comes the Olivier Award-winning Once on This Island. This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score as well as the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival! All shows begin at 7:15 p.m. and gates will open at 6:00pm each evening. Audience members should bring their own blanket or lawn chair, and picnics are encouraged. Very Limited concessions will also be available for purchase. Please note that if you bring a chair, you will be directed to sit in a certain area at the back of the audience so views are not blocked as the show is not performed on a raised surface. You must bring your ticket on your phone or printed out to be admitted into The Gardens. Tickets are available now online or may be purchased at the gate on the night of the show if space is available. Entrance to the gardens may not be admitted without a ticket in advance. In the event that a performance must be cancelled due to weather, a rain date performance will be held on Sunday, October 14th, 2018 at 7:15pm All tickets are non-refundable. For more information, visit thepactmobile.com.

Local Youth Pastors Develop App to Connect Families

Local Fairhope youth pastor, Ryan Smith, and his wife, Amy, a local school teacher, along with their friends Delaine and Travis Crim, a former youth pastor and professional youth and family speaker for organizations including JH Ranch, Outback, FCA and Youth for Christ have witnessed how easy it is for families to become disconnected in the hustle of everyday life. As a society, we're more connected than any other time in history, yet so many parents struggle to connect with their kids. The average parent spends just 3.5 minutes in meaningful conversation with their child each week. The struggle is real...We live on our phones, while social media relentlessly competes for the attention of our kids. Why not use these two realities to re-engage our children? This is what inspired them to create MyFam! MyFam is an interactive mobile app designed to help families connect through fun experiences with spiritual significance. Each week the app provides a strategically-designed experience called FamConnect. Conversation questions are provided along with each activity to trigger fun discussion & help family members bond. Time with our kids is finite and fleeting. MyFam provides the opportunity to connect. All you have to do is show up! The app is free to download and subscription-based. For more info, visit: myfamgroup.com/myfam.

KID-FRIENDLY TRAIN BY DAY. HAUNTED THRILL RIDE BY NIGHT. Hay Rides • Spooky Maze • Pumpkin Decorating Purchase tickets online at waleswest.com.

Use promo code “PARENT” for discount on tickets!

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

New Info About Food Allergies Food allergies are an overreaction of your immune system to a protein found in a certain food. The majority of allergic reactions are caused by eight food types: cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. In most cases, food allergies become evident in young children who can outgrow them, but food allergies can also show up for the first time in adulthood. Food allergies can present a number of ways. You may have a relatively mild allergic reaction, like hives, to a certain food– but after being exposed to the same food once again, you may experience a more severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from vomiting or stomach cramps to hives, trouble breathing, wheezing, and feeling like your throat is closing. When the latter occurs, it’s called anaphylaxis and is a medical emergency. People with food allergies should be managed by an allergist. If the allergist recommends an Epipen, it should be carried around at all

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

times. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Time is of the essence in the event of an anaphylactic reaction, and the sooner the Epipen can be can injected, the better the outcome for the person. If a child is old enough, I would recommend they carry the Epipen in their pocket or backpack. The newest studies on food allergies look at younger siblings of a child with a known food allergy. Previously, physicians recommended waiting until 1 year old to introduce high risk allergy foods such as eggs, peanut butter, and seafood. More recent studies, however, have found that introducing children to these food groups earlier has actually decreased the incidence of food allergies. So, if you have a child with a food allergy and are expecting a new baby, talk to your child’s pediatrician or allergist about specific ways to introduce foods safely to your baby. One takeaway for parents of children who do not have food allergies is that you don’t have to be strict about waiting until 1 year old to

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introduce certain foods. In fact, the only foods to exclude in your infant’s diet until 1 year old are raw fish and honey. Of course, it’s important to introduce foods safely– and always be mindful to avoid choking hazards when considering bite sizes. At your child’s check up visits, be sure you ask your pediatrician about how to expand your infant’s diet and if there are any specific considerations for your child as you introduce baby foods and table foods. Be vigilant as your child is trying new foods. If you see any possible signs of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor. If your child is having trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the closest Emergency Room immediately. 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

Baker Student Cast as “Mamma Mia” Lead Character

Seventeen-year-old Mallie Lyons had never seen “Mamma Mia” – the movie or the musical – when she was cast to play one of its lead characters, Sophie, at Joe Jefferson Playhouse. And she had never really danced to disco music. But that did not stop the Baker High School senior from belting out ABBA songs and showing off her dancing skills in the local theater’s most successful show to date. As Sophie, Lyons played a 20-year-old preparing for her wedding on a Greek island while trying to find her father. Running three weekends in August, Joe Jefferson Playhouse’s “Mamma Mia” – featuring eight Baker students and five Baker graduates and directed by Baker theater teacher Eric Browne – became the first JJP show to sell out nine shows, according to the theater. “I cannot begin to describe the joy and pride of watching each of them grow into their own as a performer,” Browne said of his students and former students. “Several of the students have been working with me since freshman year, and they just keep getting better and better.” The students are about to start rehearsing for Baker’s spring production: the Disney musical “AIDA,” which will run April 26-28. Performing in a community theater gives them a chance to hone their skills and build their acting resumes.

MGM FBLA Donates to Local Charity

At their August 22 meeting, MGM’s FBLA held a school supply drive and donated supplies to St. Mary's Home. Afterwards, a representative from St. Mary's spoke to members about St. Mary's Home, its residents, and jobs associated with the home.

Old Shell Road School Named Bicentennial School

Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts is excited to announce that they are one of the 200 Bicentennial Schools in the State of Alabama. Selected students will be participating in a service project entitled “Arts Across the Generations: What’s Old is New Again.” The students will partner with a senior center to share current songs, dances, paintings, and dramatic play, as well as songs, dances, paintings, and dramatic play from previous decades. We are thrilled to be recognized with this special honor! Pictured, Christi Brown, principal of Old Shell Road School and Beverly Daigle, project coordinator.

Welcome Aboard, New Phillips Prep Teachers!

Phillips Preparatory School welcomes six new teachers this school year. One of these new teachers is Mr. Hensley. Mr. Hensley teaches 6th grade Individuals and Societies. Previously, he student taught Mrs. Burch’s 8th grade History class at Phillips Prep. Students like most how Mr. Hensley is a very relatable teacher. We welcome aboard Mr. Hensley as a PPS Pirate. Arrrrgh!

Theodore Student to Appear on Times Square Billboard

Theodore High student Jakayla Penn is excited about making a trip to New York this month. But it’s not just any trip. Penn is one of 500 young people with Down Syndrome around the country who were selected to have their pictures displayed on an electronic billboard in Times Square this month. The display in September was in conjunction with the National Down Syndrome Society’s 24th annual New York City Buddy Walk. Penn, who is wearing a prom dress in her photo, said she’s excited to see it in Times Square and to visit relatives in New York while she’s there. “I feel like a star,” she said. Her teachers and classmates say she really is one. “There is no one more deserving of being on a billboard in Times Square than Jakayla,” said Theodore JV cheerleading coach Sabrina McAnally. “She is one of the biggest inspirations that I have ever known.” Jakayla’s mother, Jackie Penn, says cheerleading is one of many extracurricular activities Jakayla is involved in – including drama, Mobile Police Explorers, dance team and ushering in church. “A lot of times they think because they have disabilities, they can’t do everything,” Penn said of young people with Down Syndrome. “Jakayla does everything.”

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Project Outreach at Griggs Elementary

Griggs is now a new chapter of Project Outreach Gulf Coast! This is our first year to start Project Outreach Griggs Elementary. The purpose is to connect students with disabilities with their non-disabled peers for the betterment of both groups. Griggs has 58 student members in grades 2nd-5th grade. Several activities that we will do this year include Breakfast Buddies, Fall Crafts, Talent Show and Holiday Card Making.

E.R. Dickson Cheerleaders

Congratulations to the 2018 – 2019 E.R. Dickson Cheerleaders! Back Row: Ms. Ashley Earnest (sponsor), Amoree Williams, Kaliyah Wilson, Jamirkyal Smith, Lauren Ervin, Katlyn Cone, Taylor Withers, Kennedy Dailey, and Ms. Lauren Fetto (sponsor). Middle Row: Trinity Burden, Zoirah Loper, Tia Mdluli, Kennedy Washam, Millie Wilson, Ramielle Ramsey, and Camryn Hicks. Front Row: Ava Flores, Demi Stephen, Mylandria Dickinson, Allie Armbrecht, Jaleah Coleman, and Kendie Kidd.

Faith Academy Student Serves as Ambassador

Faith Academy senior, Madalyn Hupf, is a 2018-19 University of Alabama Early College Ambassador for the South Alabama region. This is Madalyn’s second year serving in this position. She demonstrates exceptional professionalism and leadership skills. Congratulations Madalyn!

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St. Vincent Students Attempt to Save Sammy

Following the scientific method to “Save Sammy", only using paper clips, students had to put Sammy's life preserver on and get him back in his boat. The students were not allowed to touch any of it except with the paper clips.

Autauga County Schools

St. Luke’s Holds Hollywood-Themed Pep Rally

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St. Luke's Varsity Cheerleaders and Band held a Hollywood-themed pep rally to celebrate the Inaugural Friday Night Lights Game. The pep rally was named "Pep Rally of the Week" by WKRG. Both the Varsity Cheerleaders and Band both performed during the first halftime show on their new home field.

CHCA, Jeremy Sandefur Receives Learning for Life Award

Congratulations to Mr. Jeremy Sandefur for receiving one of Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education Learning for Life award. The award was implemented to honor graduates who have excelled in their career or made a significant impact in the lives of others. Mr. Sandefur is one of fourteen school of education alumni receiving the prestigious Learning for Life award. We are blessed to have Mr. Sandefur as the Cottage Hill Christian Academy Church Campus Director and we rejoice with him. He truly exemplifies leadership, reaches out to others and leads by example. We are proud of the many ways he impacts CHCA with his skills, talents and Christian values.

You're Invited to Join us!

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 through WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Inflatables • Petting Zoo • Puppets Children’s Choir • Food and much more!

Sunday 12:00 p.m. - Dusk Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - Dusk

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2018 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

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St. Dominic Grad Now a Published Author

Caroline Stratas, a 2018 graduate of St. Dominic Catholic School, is a published author. Her book, Don’t Mention It, began as a writing project while at St. Dominic Catholic School. Here Caroline prepares to sign a copy of her book for SDCS Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Jeanette Connally and Principal of SDCS, Mrs. Laurie Michener.

Welcome to Little Flower Catholic School!

First year teacher, Mr. Owen Smith, greets Father Andrew Jones after Mass at Little Flower Catholic Church. Mr. Smith is at Little Flower Catholic School as part of the Alliance for Catholic Education, a master’s program through the University of Notre Dame. He teaches social studies and religion to middle school students at Little Flower. Father Jones was ordained to the priesthood in June and is the new parochial vicar at Little Flower Parish.

Upcoming Auditions:

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Freaky Friday - October 26 and 27 School of Rock - January 11 and 12

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Autauga County Schools

Six McGill-Toolen Catholic Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Seniors (pictured from left to right) Liam Tully, Danielle Flores. Mary Alice Jouve, Emily Doyle, Findlay Maier, Joseph Keegan have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®)—which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year. Semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis and are the highest scoring entrants in each state. They will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

True Blue Day at St. Pius X

St. Pius X Catholic School was proud to host it's Annual True Blue Day on Monday, September 10. The event was designed to commemorate 911 while honoring our local "First Responders." Over 50 local police, sheriff and fire personal enjoyed lunch and games, such balloon launching and basketball, with students.

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Phillips Prep Band Teacher Receives Golden Apple Award

Congratulations to PPS Band Director, Lori Galemore, for being WKRG's first recipient of the Golden Apple Award. This award is sponsored by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Riviera Utilities and Swift Supply. Ms. Galemore was nominated for this award by sixth grade student, Ben Specker. “It’s my first year here at Phillips and she made it a lot more fun,” Specker said. Way to go Ms. Galemore!

Lott Middle School Named Imagine Nation Beacon School

There’s a new banner hanging at Lott Middle announcing that the Citronelle school has been named an Imagine Nation Beacon School. Lott was nominated for its aboveand-beyond enthusiasm and innovative use of Imagine Math, a research-based intervention system designed to support students who are struggling with math. It is one of only six schools in the state of Alabama to receive the honor and one of 243 across the country. “We have implemented this program to fidelity for the past three years and our state test scores continue to increase each year,” said Lott Principal Jason Golden. “The students and teachers have bought into this program and enjoy using it to increase student achievement.”

E.R. Dickson Teacher and Staff Member of the Month

Congratulations to E.R. Dickson’s Staff Member of the month for September – Ms. Tina Grimes, Instructional Paraprofessional and to Teacher of the Month for September – Ms. Aimee Steele, Technology Support Teacher and Title 1 Facilitator!

JUNIORLEAGUEMOBILE.ORG

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Elementary School GATOR Kids for August

Pre-K – 2nd Grade Front Row: Brynn Pesnell, Easton Moye, Jayden Mixon, Emma Taylor, Cameron Corley, Jordyn Stevens, Tristan Landry. Middle Row: Clayten Barnett, Fabian Dieppa, Collin Harvard, Cyrus Corry, Reese Watson, Parker Box, Mallory Swain. Back Row: Owen Smith, Piper Cannon, Kaitlyn Walton, Mileia Golston, Makensie Johnson, Gabe Montalvo, Adalynn Dearmon. 3rd-5th Grade Front Row: Easton Hubbard, Sophia Burns, Will Watson, Marley Imholte, Jackson Hill, A.J. Stewart, Aluther Marks. Middle Row: Nicholas Hacker, Alannah Holman, Gracie Beech, Dylan Flowers, Noah Pesnell, Blayze McNair. Back Row: Taylor Washington, Kaylie Nguyen, Triston Andersen, Ashlyn Boothe, Kameron Moody, Hunter McLean.

Meeting the Teachers at St. Pius X

St. Pius X parents visited classrooms and met teachers at the beginning of the school year Open House and PTO meeting, held Wednesday, September 29. Pictured here are parents Lori and Paul Dekle along with Erin Edminds speaking to middle school language arts teacher Mrs. Diane Roberts.

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Mobile Christian Student to Participate in Leadership Program Katherine Bryan was chosen by the Board of Directors of the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce to participate in their TALL Leadership Program. She has already shown great qualities as a leader and we are honored to have her represent Mobile Christian School.

MGM Volleyball Coach Achieves Milestone

Congratulations to Coach Nancy Shoquist on her 1200th volleyball win! Good luck to Coach Shoquist and the Lady Vikes on a successful season!

Eichold-Mertz Awarded for Reading Improvement

Eichold-Mertz School of Math, Science and Technology is one of 50 schools across the state selected by the Alabama State Department of Education to share $1 million allotted by the Alabama Legislature to reward them for showing the most improvement in last year’s third-grade reading results. Each school will receive a $20,000 check as a way of recognizing and incentivizing teachers and students who have worked hard to achieve proficiency in reading by the third grade, as measured by last year’s Scantron Performance Series Reading Assessment. Eichold-Mertz Principal Michelle Adams said the award is confirmation that the collective efforts of the school’s faculty, administration and staff are paying off. “The reading scores dramatically improved due to a consistent effort from kindergarten to fifth grade, by researching and sharing with one another across grade levels, and knowing what our children should be held accountable for knowing and doing,” Adams said. A special recognition and awards ceremony was scheduled for on Sept. 13 in Montgomery after the September Alabama State Board of Education meeting. Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama legislators, and other dignitaries were expected to be on hand to personally congratulate representatives from all 50 schools.

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time.

Celebrating 60 Years! Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K3 through eighth grade an outstanding education. The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. 6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • www.corpuschristiparish.com/school

Questions? Please contact us: 251.342.5474 • school@corpuschristiparish.com CCS Generic Ad.indd 1

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Autauga County Schools Mobile County Bicentennial Schools

Lifeline Lemonade Stand for Orphans

Students from Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s NJHS partnered with Chef Leah Lott and LifeLine, a nonprofit orphan care organization, to help raise money and to impact the lives of orphans. The organization believes James 1:27 is clear in that we should care for the orphaned and vulnerable child. Students from CHCA manned the lemonade stand and supported the cause as they enjoyed lemon cookies and lemonade throughout the day. This local “Stand for Orphans” stand raised almost $2000 for LifeLine thus making an immediate impact as the ministry expands to Mobile County this fall.

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Fourteen Mobile County Public Schools are among 200 across the state that have been recognized as Bicentennial Schools. As Alabama prepares for its 200th birthday next year, Gov. Kay Ivey recognized schools where students and educators are finding creative ways to help recognize and celebrate the bicentennial. Alabama became the 22nd state in December 1819. Bicentennial School nominees each submitted a proposal for a project celebrating the bicentennial and the 200 schools selected received $2,000 each toward their projects. The 14 MCPSS schools honored as Bicentennial Schools are: Anna Booth, Calcedeaver, Dodge, Leinkauf, McDavid-Jones and Old Shell Road elementary schools; Alba, Calloway-Smith, Causey, Clark-Shaw (pictured), Dunbar and Phillips Prep middle schools; and Murphy and Davidson high schools.

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#Paint it Orange!

DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY OF MOBILE

BUDDY WALK®

The McT Murphy Rivalry is one of the oldest in Alabama and this year the Yellow Jackets beat the Panthers 30-3 and members of the class 2019 continued the tradition of painting the cannon orange.

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Back-to-School Mass at Little Flower Catholic School

What better way to begin the new school year at Little Flower Catholic School than with an all-school Mass? Faculty and staff assisted by bringing forward the liturgical gifts. From left, P.E. teacher, Miss Sha Buchanan; principal, Ms. Alesa Weiskopf; and fourth grade teacher, Miss Maura Hutson bring the gifts to be offered at the Mass.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 20 10 a.m. Bienville Square Downtown Mobile

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile hosts the Buddy Walk® each October to promote acceptance and inclusion of those with Down syndrome in the Mobile area. There's a one-mile walk through historic downtown, live music, special guests, games and much more! Register online today at www.dssmobile.org!

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile is a 501(c)3 organization. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

St. Luke’s Volleyball Team Receives Award

St. Luke's Varsity Volleyball team received the Academic Excellence Award from the AVCA for an unweighted GPA of 3.84. Senior Lauren Bailey was also awarded the "Outstanding Athlete Award" and Kiwanis Club Player of the Week Award. 23

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Autauga County Schools McT Dirty Dozen Dominates

Friday Night Lights at St. Luke’s

St. Luke's celebrated their Inaugural Friday Night Lights, September 7, 2018 with a packed out crowd. The Wildcats trumped the Bulldogs 33 to 25 to make school history and be named Game of the Week! It was a joyful day for all.

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Juanita Boddie Tournament

Defending Class 7A champion McGill-Toolen won seven matches to capture the 36th Annual Juanita Boddie volleyball championship. 44 teams competed over two days at the Birmingham tournament hosted at Hoover’s Finley Center.

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

Bring a Lesson Alive at the

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Booking Fall/Spring Discovery HalL Programs Field Trips Now! 251-861-2141 Ask about our Teacher Workshops

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disl.org/dhp

101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, Alabama

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Grandparents’ Tea at Faith Academy

Grandparents are so special! Faith academy Kindergarten classes honored their grandparents at a Grandparents’ tea. The students made special gifts for them, sang and shared a snack with their grandparents. Pictured is Mrs. Halls K5 class dressed for their Grandparents tea.

Lemonade War at St. Dominic Catholic School

Over the summer St. Dominic Catholic School students in Grade 5 read the book The Lemonade War. Students then hosted their own lemonade war in a friendly competition of girls vs boys. Grades 4 - 8 had the opportunity to purchase lemonade and other treats. In the end it was the boys who raised $10 more than the girls, sealing the victory. A total of $506 was raised for St. Jude’s and a local animal shelter. Here Peyton Williams purchases lemonade and popcorn from Peyton Henderson.

E.R. Dickson 1st Semester Safety Patrol

Congratulations to the 2018 -2019 E.R. Dickson Safety Patrol for 1st Semester! Back Row: Ms. Summer Davis (sponsor), Britton Singleton, Katlyn Cone, Quamar Parker, Claire Nguyen, Krystyn King, Ashley Peter, Olivia Mendoza, Autumn Harper, Lauren Ervin, and Ms. Kristy Elderkin (sponsor). Middle Row: Jazmyne Daniels, Logan Ervin, Wesley Clark, Kendrick King, Diana Dinh, Paris Jiles, Ava Flores, Peyton Hale, and Kobe Pugh. Front Row: Timothy Morrison, Cydney Garrett, Christiana Rankin, and Madison Morrison.

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Art at St. Pius X

Autauga County Schools

St. Pius X is excited with their new Art teacher and SPX Art Studio. Mrs. Katie Mattingly, who has been a resource teacher at St. Pius X for the past 11 years will now be splitting her duties between the resource program and teaching art 2 hours a day. Mrs. Mattingly, a local artist, is finding the transition quite natural. She is pictured here, in the new SPX Art Studio working with a sixth grade class.

Cottage Hill Big Buddy Program Kicks Off

The Cottage Hill Christian Academy Big Buddy Program kicked off the last week of August with a meet and greet luncheon at the Lower School. Kindergarten students were introduced to their senior buddies and enjoyed getting to know them over lunch. After lunch, the buddies took pleasure in getting to know each other as they enjoyed play and popsicles on the playground. It was an exciting time of fun and fellowship. The intent of the “Big Buddy� program is to allow our students the opportunity to see what it means to live like a Warrior and to build a meaningful relationship with an upperclassman. We are thankful for this opportunity to build relationships within the Warrior family.

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Little Flower Catholic School P.E.

Students at Little Flower Catholic School take pride in their achievements, and getting better at jumping rope is no exception. A little competition among classmates adds to the fun.

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North Mobile Christian Named Small Business of the Month

Congratulations to North Mobile Christian School for being selected by the Saraland Chamber of Commerce as their September Small Business of the Month. Headmaster, Christopher Reed, his faculty and staff work hard to prepare students for great success in life by achieving excellence through academic instruction and exposure to Christian principles and training in a Biblical worldview. The school also received the distinction as a "Blue Ribbon School" from AISA in July.

Mobile Christian Robotics Team Preps for Competition

Mobile Christian’s robotics team is coached by Ms. Paul & Dr. McGowan. They attended the BEST Robotics kick-off. Our team has now started their 42 day “sprint to competition”. They learned what the game was going to be, the rules, they picked up their equipment, examined the competition field & began brainstorming.

Parent Preview

Thursday Oct. 25 · 5:30 p.m. We invite all parents interested in learning more about the McT Experience.

Please enter through the Student Center on Lafayette Street.

McGill-Toolen.org

$6.99 APPS & $1 OFF DRAFTS* *Monday thru Thursday 5 - 7 pm Fried Green Tomatoes Popcorn Shrimp Chicken Tenders Thai Tenders [New Item!] Fried Mozzarella Cheese

USIC LIVE MH AT T EAY CAUSEW FROM 6-9 PM!

*Mobile Causeway Location Only Ends November 1st

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Autauga County Schools St. Dominic Commissions School Leaders

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Grade 8 students at St. Dominic Catholic School were commissioned as leaders of the school. They pledged to serve their school with pride and loyalty. They know leadership is a responsibility. Most importantly, they agreed to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, striving to imitate His example.

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St. Mary Catholic Weekly Student Mass Begins Again for 2018-2019!

St. Mary Catholic School ended their first week of school with their first weekly student Mass of the Year. As tradition has it, all July and August birthdays for staff and students were recognized at the end of Mass, kicking off a year-long weekly celebration of all birthdays by Principal, Debbie Ollis! A beautiful back drop of music is provided weekly by the St. Mary Middle School choir under the direction of Tammy Nicholas and Jimmy Jones. Weekly Mass is the highlight of every week with inspirational words from our priests and staff to end the week.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Attend Blue Mass The 5th grade class from Corpus Christi Catholic School attended the Blue Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on September 11th. This annual Mass is held to honor the service of Public Safety Personnel and First Responders and to remember those who lost their lives on 9/11. The students are pictured on the steps at the Cathedral following Mass.

Mobile Christian Player of the Week

Jake Brooks (#40 Inside Linebacker) from Mobile Christian School was named Defensive Player of The Week by the Crichton Optimist Club, Vs Pelahatchie High School on Saturday 08/25/2018 @ the Kenny Stabler Classic. Jake recorded 14 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 fumble recovery that resulted in a 47 yard TD on a scoop and score by Jake. Jake's excellent play landed him this award. Pictured with Jake is Linebacker Coach Charles Lawson.

W. C. Griggs Receives New Playground Equipment

W. C. Griggs students enjoy their new playground! Thank you to Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl for providing our school with this new playground equipment.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

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UMS-Wright Stresses a Love of Honor Mr. Barber addressed the students at the opening of school assembly with a new theme for the year: PHILOTIMO. Philotimo is a Greek word meaning “love of honor.” Essentially, it is an all-encompassing concept that gives meaning to life that stretches well beyond ourselves. Philotimo is the idea of being honorable because it is the right thing to do! It encapsulates all of the components of our mission as we strive to enable students to reach their highest potential! Throughout the year, the Head of School and Principals will be distributing Philotimo bracelets to students who exhibit Love of Honor. Pictured here are our 2018-19 Honor Council members who received a bracelet during their induction ceremony. The Honor Council is a unique program that sets UMS-Wright apart and is student-elected and studentgoverned. Our Honor Code is a code of ethics that governs the students in all matters pertaining to honesty and integrity. It is an expression of the desire from the students, faculty, administration and trustees to provide an atmosphere in which qualities of mutual trust, respect, and integrity prevail. We are so proud to recognize the 2018-19 Honor Council! Top L to R – Sykes Ashbee, Brenda Ellis, Mary Frances Wood, Campbell Ladd, Johanna Ehrhardt, Bruno Anez, Edward Ladd and Walker Willcox. Bottom L to R – Benton Ladd, Marcelle Ellis, Megan Hwang, Constantine Catranis, and Alex Baker.

St. Mary Catholic 6th Grade Posts Hurricane Protection Prayer in Parking Lot St. Mary Catholic 6th grade students began their half day of school before Tropical Storm Gordon, working together to write the Prayer for Hurricane Protection, in chalk, in the school parking lot for everyone to share. They prayed for the protection of their school, their community and loved ones. This project was under the direction of middle school religion teacher, Ashley Thompson!

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Autauga County Schools

Prichard Prep Kindergarten Students Love Music Class!

Ms. King, our Music Teacher, loves teaching students about music and especially teaching them how to play instruments. Our students, from Pre-K4 – 5th grade, participate in Music class every day. This Kindergarten class loved learning how to play hand bells and Ms. King’s method included math, eye-hand coordination and color recognition.

UMS-Wright Middle School Drama Club Presents “Peter Pan”

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Brayden (BB) Butler is right. His healthcare team is among the best in the nation! While practicing a motocross jump, BB fell and suffered a brain bleed. It would take half a year and surgeons, physicians, nurses and therapists to help him recover. Fortunately, for BB and thousands of other children, Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the top hospitals for children by U.S. News & World Report. DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

205.638.9100 CHILDREN’S SOUTH OUTPATIENT CENTER Outpatient surgery, Pediatric Imaging, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243

205.638.4800

www.ChildrensAL.org

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UMS-Wright Inducts Members into Cum Laude Society

Ten students were inducted into the Cum Laude Society Chapter at UMS-Wright in August! We are one of only three chapters in the state of Alabama and the only chapter in Mobile. Inductees are chosen by blind ballot from students who are in the top 10% of their senior class in terms of grade point average. Final selection from eligible students is based on PSAT, SAT, and ACT scores as well as performance on AP exams. Congratulations! L to R: Brooke Swain, Virginia Dukes, Sophie Martino, Sophie Goodwin, Martha Williams, Megan Hwang, Marcelle Ellis, Graf Sullivan, Molly McNair and Catherine Lyons.

Covenant Christian School Staff Receive CPR/First Aid Training

As of September 12th, all staff at Covenant Christian School are certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid! This training enables our teachers and staff members to assist in both minor accidents and life-threatening situations. Our goal is to keep our students and faculty as safe as physically possible.

St. Mary Catholic Middle School Peer Helpers Train for New Year! "Be the good, show the way, lend a hand". St Mary Catholic School welcomed 2018-2019 St. Mary Catholic Student Peer Helpers consisting of 7th and 8th grade students to an all-day training event before the school year began to prepare for the new school year. The program fosters leadership among students and their peers. Thanks to our St Mary Peer Helper Coordinators: Carolyn Davidson, Kortnee Acton, and LePret Williams.

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Autauga County Schools

Adam Clarke Foundation Awards Calculators to Davidson Class

Davidson Algebra teacher, Mrs. Inman, recently won a teacher pack of TI-84 Plus graphing calculators from the Adam Clarke Foundation. Adam’s mother presented the award in-person to Mrs. Inman’s first block class. These calculators will assist the students in learning throughout the year. The Adam Clark Foundation was established after Adam Clark lost his life in the 2015 Dauphin Island Race. The foundation provides scholarships and contributes to other charities in Adam’s memory.

St. Mary Catholic School Buddies

An age-old tradition at St. Mary Catholic is the fifth grade and kindergarten buddy program. Each year our seasoned fifth graders are paired with a kindergarten student to show them the ropes and help with the transition to the big school! One of the weekly duties with this program is for each pair to sit together at the student Mass. Pictured are a few of St. Mary's buddy pairs after the September 7 student Mass.

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

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It’s Book Fair Time at Prichard Prep!

Covenant Christian Cross Country Team Ready to Run!

Students love having the Book Fair so they can buy the books they would most like to read (and toys, too). Since reading is the most important skill a student can have, we try to encourage them in ways that are fun!

Covenant Christian School would like to congratulate our Cross Country runners at their first meet of the season! We are so proud of everyone’s hard work and perseverance! Our girls team placed 2nd overall at the Mobile Independent Cross Country Challenge at Municipal Park. As for individuals: Jonathan placed 2nd, Darien placed 4th, Morgan placed 5th, Natalie placed 6th, and Elizabeth placed 10th. Congratulations everyone!

Davidson Recognized as Silver Medal School by National Publication

Davidson High School was recently one of 38 Alabama high schools recognized as a silver medal school by the U.S. News & World Report Best High School Rankings. The rankings are determined by a combination of graduation rates, performance based on state averages, and college readiness.

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Autauga County Schools

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Davidson ESL Program Receives National Grant

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Our ESL teacher Mrs. Brown was awarded a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Grant last year to purchase tablets and graphic novels, as well as plan a trip to The National WWII Museum. The activities were aimed to foster a deeper awareness and understanding of humanitarian issues and increase language proficiency. Her grant will be detailed in the 2017 Innovation Awardee book.

Baker HS Teacher Receives Golden Apple Award

Baker High English teacher Sonja Ivey was surprised at her school last month with the Golden Apple award, a new honor sponsored by WKRG, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Riviera Utilities and Swift Supply. The Golden Apple is a new award for teachers who believe in the true spirit of teaching by making classrooms a fun and safe place of learning. Ivey, who also serves as an Azalea Trail Maid sponsor, was nominated by a former Baker student. “I love my students. I love being a teacher. They’re my heart, so I love what I do,” Ivey said. “These guys mean a lot to me. I told them I do what I do because I love kids, and I love being in the classroom with them. And I especially love freshmen — I love watching them grow up.”

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St. Ignatius Expands Latin Program

St. Ignatius Catholic School recently expanded the Latin program for many of our students. Now all students in 3rd-8th grade will take Latin. This is an extension of the Classical education that was offered over the last few years. Previously only middle school students took Latin. Receiving an education in Latin helps all the students at St. Ignatius expand their vocabulary and excel in language once at McGill-Toolen. Pictured here are Bailey Smith and LeVella Courtney.

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W.C. Griggs Students Lead the Pledge of Allegiance

W. C. Griggs Elementary students led the Pledge of Allegiance at the 9/11 Memorial Celebration held at Mobile Memorial Gardens. Pictured are Riley Courtney, Shelbie Bible, Sy'Mia Anderson, Dionysus Bohannon, & Wyatt Shewmake.

St. Ignatius 5th Graders Attend Blue Mass

St. Ignatius 5th grade students attended the Blue Mass on September 11 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. At this Mass, Archbishop Rodi blesses the first respondents of our community. Pictured with Mobile Police Officers are Ava Murrah, Stella Grace Harp, Lillian Nagy, Anna Beth Gibney, Anna Grace D'Olive, Andin Choquette, Victoria Lightcap, Ella King, Ella White, Jaden Kidd and Mary Fran Rigrish.

First Day of School for Teachers at Corpus Christi Catholic School

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@ mobilebayparents.com.

The middle school teachers at Corpus Christi Catholic School took a "first day of school picture", holding signs showing how many "first day of school" days they've had in their teaching career. Mrs. Brannon surpassed everyone with the most years teaching - 43! She still loves coming to school every day because the students bring her so much joy!

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Apps Stirring Up Trouble in Schools

snaps within a 24-hour period. The longest streaks number in the thousands of days -- and some kids maintain streaks with multiple people. Tik Tok - including musical.ly. What started as a lip-synching app is now a hugely popular, full-fledged videosharing service. The ability to “go live” at any time -- meaning to stream yourself live (yes, on the internet) -- has added a whole ‘nother level to the time tweens and teens can spend dancing, singing, pranking, and performing skits to music or other recorded sounds. While much of the content is fine, a lot of it is extremely iffy for kids, and when you watch it, you can see plenty recorded during the school day. Games such as Fortnite and HQ Live Trivia Game Show (HQ for short). Fortnite has all the hallmarks of being a teacher’s worst nightmare: It’s easy to play, highly social, and super compelling. The hugely popular survival game is played in short bursts (until you die -- which is often), so it’s tailor-made for students trying to get a bit of fun in between lunch and algebra class. Some schools are banning the game, leading to knockoff versions that get around the school network’s blacklist. HQ is the smash-hit trivia game that’s played for real prize money. Each 12-minute game is hosted live as hundreds of thousands of players log in to answer 12 multiple-choice questions on a wide variety of trivia topics. Games usually take place twice on weekdays and once on weekends (the company experiments with different airtimes to keep players on their toes). Sponsors including Nike and Warner Bros., and big jackpots timed with massive events such as the NBA finals, show that HQ is actively cultivating a young audience. Homework helpers such as Photomath, Slader, and, of course, Google. What do you do if you’ve been goofing off all day, or just feverishly multitasking, and can’t finish your geometry problems? Look ‘em up. Apps that supply all the answers are only a few taps away. And don’t even get us started on home assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Home, all of which can be programmed to provide tutor-like assistance. People finders such as Find My Friends and Mappen. Kids love being in touch with their friends 24/7/365, and location apps make it easy to arrange get-togethers and make plans with your posse. But these apps have a dark side, too. Kids feel pressured to be “on” all the time, partly because of friends’ expectations that one should always be available. Stalking -either of your kid or by your kid -- can be a major issue. And, riskiest of all, some location-aware apps encourage face-to-face meet-ups with strangers.

Ask any middle or high school teacher about their classroom frustrations, and you’ll probably hear “cellphones.” Makes sense. Today, 95 percent of teens have access to a cellphone, and nearly half say they’re on them “constantly.” Putting aside for a moment the need to find solutions to this problem, inquiring minds want to know: What the heck is on kids’ phones that they can’t go an entire class without them? Two words: killer apps. Specifically, the ones that play into the tween and teen brain’s need for stimulation and peer approval and its weakness for thinking through consequences. To stay a few steps ahead, teachers are doubling down on their efforts to keep kids focused, starting with strategies for managing device distraction and teaching kids selfcontrol and media balance. But you can help your student by discussing this issue at home. In fact, by simply being aware of some of the key apps that tend to stir up trouble in schools, whether due to social drama, distraction, or something worse -- like cheating -- you can start a conversation with your kid that could save them and the teacher a lot of headaches. And while you don’t have to know every single detail of all the popular apps, it helps to have an awareness of when, why, and how they’re being used and to help your kid manage their own use and that of their friends. Most teachers would probably agree that the internet has been a mostly positive aspect of the middle and high school years. But students, with the support of parents, need to use it responsibly. Check out some of the apps that can potentially stir up drama in schools this year:

Snapchat. The original disappearing-message app has metamorphosed into a megaportal for chatting, finding your friends on a map, sharing images, reading the news, watching videos, and much, much more. As one of the most important apps for teens, it takes up a significant portion of their day. One of those time-consuming activities that occupy students during the school day is Snapstreaks, which require users to trade Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

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The Best Things Under the Sun

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Every child on earth lives under the same sun. It illuminates their days, and even the moon reflects the sun’s glow at night. But beyond the light we see and the warmth we feel from the sun, the light from Earth’s star also provides boundless energy. Our kids are the generation that will see the broadest expansion of solar energy utilized in their living landscape. Introducing sunlight’s power and potential to kids offers an early understanding of their energy future. From solar panels to solar printing, the following items foster a brilliant exploration of the sun at its best.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Solar Power

SunPrint Kit

Harnessing a clean and abundant source of power, solar panels are a key component for using the sun’s energy. The Solar Power kit from Thames & Kosmos offers materials to assemble six solar models including a locomotive, single prop plane, bulldozer, helicopter, backhoe, and twin rotor helicopter. Each vehicle is powered by a solar panel with three solar cells that generate 1.5 volts of electricity in bright sunlight, like a AA battery. The panel is adjustable so it can be positioned to collect maximum light for maximum movement. Beyond the included models, the panel can also be used to power unique creations and even charge AA batteries. Combining solar science with innovative modeling, this kit shines a light on the sun’s energy and how it can run the world.

Every image, every photograph we see results from the composition and capture of light. The earliest photography essentially recorded an image on light sensitive paper. SunPrint revisits this process in its most basic form. Using the kit’s light sensitive paper, creative minds (young and old) can experiment with directing sunlight to expose a brilliant variety of images. From fern fronds and favorite toys to scissored shapes and stencils, objects laid on the photosensitive paper and exposed to sunlight for a few minutes leave their shape imprinted on the paper. Whisked into a saltwater bath to ‘fix’ the solar-generated image, the result is part art, part science and all kinds of amazing. Teaching the first fundamentals of photography, creating unique art and sparking scientific inquiry, The SunPrint Kit offers a captivating exploration of light and shadow.

(Thames & Kosmos)

(SunPrint)

T4 Transforming Solar Robot

Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker

Animated by solar power, the T4 Transforming Solar Robot is next level modelling for mechanically-minded youth. With just a few tools and a bit of patience, older kids can craft a variety of mobile robots that are powered by sunlight. Featuring cool components that can add moving jaws, walking legs, and rolling wheels to the robot, builders can choose operational modes for their model that include T-rex, insect, robot and driller. Assembling different forms requires a steady hand, so this kit is best appreciated by kid ten and up. Transforming young engineers’ understanding of solar power, the T4 Robot combines fun and sun in this learning adventure.

Bringing the science of sunlight right into the room, the Kikkerland Rainbow Maker uses swarovski crystals to translate natural light into the varied palette of colors that compose it. Attached to a sunny window the Rainbow Maker uses solar energy to propel gears that move the prism in the sunlight. The shape of a prism effectively bends sunlight and splits it into its component colors as light passes through it. In full sun, the twisting prism projects a colorful rainbow of light into the room. Much like the sunlight filtered through the clear remnants of rain to naturally create the massive rainbows in the sky, the Kikkerland Rainbow Maker simply draws down the process to a smaller scale, illuminating the room through solar science.

(Kikkerland

(OWI)

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

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Are We Spoiling Our Teens? Q. My wife and I are not on the same page when it comes to money and our two teenage daughters. I think they should be learning the value of work and money, but she doesn’t want them to work. She regularly hands them spending money and buys them expensive gifts. I want our girls to have some nice things, but this is starting to cause problems in our relationship. Do you have any advice? A. Kids should learn to work and make

money at an early age. We’ve given nice gifts to our kids, but the difference is they also worked and made money for themselves. The gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Showering our kids with money and expensive toys all the time was not our way of life. In this situation, your wife is allowing them to be nothing but consumers. I know she loves them, but they’re not learning how to work, and they’re not learning how to save or give. This is setting them up for a lifetime of unrealistic expectations. If something doesn’t happen to change things, you’re going to end

up with two spoiled little girls, who think they should be given everything their entire lives. Still, I think the biggest problem is you and your wife are experiencing a communication and marital breakdown. If the kids weren’t in the picture, I’ve got a feeling the same problems would exist. The difference is they would manifest themselves in other ways. Obviously, your wife needs to stop being so impulsive where the kids are concerned. Try sitting down with her, and gently explaining your feelings. Let your wife know you love her and how generous she is, but you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children. Maybe you could try to establish some guidelines as to when really nice gifts are appropriate, too. There’s a middle ground you can reach, but it’s going to take some time and effort. Most of all, it means the two of you are going to have to communicate and work together for the good of your kids.

ID Theft Protection Q. Where in the Baby Steps does identity theft protection fall? Should we cover the kids, too, or only the adults in our household? A. Everyone needs identity theft protection.

Unless you’re one of these folks who have gone completely off the grid, someone out there probably has a few of your numbers. Between sloppiness on the part of consumers, and the massive data breaches that have occurred in the last few years, almost everyone has experienced, or will experience, some sort of identity theft. Unfortunately, this is today’s world. I don’t really consider identity theft protection part of the Baby Steps. It’s like life insurance or car insurance, in that it’s something almost everyone needs. Things like that should just be part of your budget every month.

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Do your children have an interest in figuring out how things work? Do they

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enjoy experimenting with their surroundings? You may have a budding engineer, astronaut, mathematician or scientist on your hands. Even kids who are not naturally drawn to all things math and science enjoy exploring their environment and figuring out how they work.

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STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are activities that engage kids of all ages in these specific areas. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing 17% per year and STEM degree holders have a higher income. While a career in the STEM field may seem like a long time off for your preschooler, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables innovation of new products in the future. Most would agree that jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math, science, and technology and it is never too early to start developing your child’s interest in these areas. (www.engineeringforkids.com) While many schools are developing STEM curriculums for classrooms, there are plenty of things you can do at home to kickstart your preschoolers love of science.

STEM in the kitchen Your school teachers were right, you do use math and science in everyday life. You may already love cooking with your kids but consider incorporating science and math lessons at the same time. While baking cookies have your children help measure the ingredients, count the scoops of flour, talk about what happens if you

do not use the correct measurements, and discuss what the purpose of baking powder and baking soda is. (It leavens the batter to rise while baking.) Make the experience fun and educational at the same time. Your child may not even notice they are learning about math and science while baking and sampling tasty treats.

DIY science lab Create your own science lab mixing station at home. All you need is several plastic or glass containers (see through are best) of any shape and size. Fill containers with dry ingredients such as baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cornstarch. Fill additional containers with wet ingredients such as water, white vinegar, lemon juice, and ice. It may be wise to lay towels underneath your mixing station or set the ingredients up outside so you can have fun without worrying about the difficulty of clean up. Once your science lab is set up, it’s time to get creative. Let your kids experiment with what happens when different ingredients are mixed. This activity is great for preschoolers but can also be adopted to older children by providing them with a journal to record the results of each combination of ingredients when they are mixed.

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Use what you have Set up a sensory bin using dried beans, water beads, or rice as a filler then hide items inside. Ask your child to find the red dinosaur, count the green items, or close their eyes and guess what items they feel. Encourage your little engineer or architect to build a tower using toothpicks and marshmallows or fill a tray with shaving cream and blocks and ask if they think the shaving cream will help their blocks stick together. Sharpen their math skills with colored cereal like Fruit Loops. Ask your child to sort the pieces by color and count them. Then have them string the cereal on yarn to make a necklace. Make it fun and see what potential STEM activities you have laying around the house. Preschoolers love to explore with their hands and all of their senses which makes the possibilities endless. Plant a garden, fill water glasses with food coloring and mix to learn about colors, count and sort items throughout the day, talk about and chart the weather, or play with magnets and a cookie sheet. STEM is all around us just waiting to be explored. MBP Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six kids, including three-year-old triplets.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Communicating with Teens Every parent of a teenager wants to build a strong line of communication with their teen. But sadly, the opposite is most often true. I’d like to share with you some simple tips to improve your communications with your teen. You may wonder what the best timing is for building good lines of communication with your teen or pre-teen. That’s simple. Do it NOW, before problems, struggles and difficulties begin. And never stop working at it, even when there is conflict. As your children move from the elementary years into early adolescence, it’s essential that you adapt your style of communication to the changes taking place with your child. What was non-hormonal, now becomes laced with hormones. Total dependence moves closer to independence, and that affects how your teen interacts with you. Unless you change with them, there will be conflict and broken communications. The hope is that we, as parents, become that place of rest for our kids, a place where they might be restored. Too many times parents become a place of added burden or hardship, or an extra “measure” of correction, when correcting, and a life of training, has already been done. Moms have the tendency to do the “Energizer bunny” communication that just keeps on going. And dads have that tendency to tune out when communication is most needed. Moms, your over-correcting does not provide the rest your child needs. And dad, your refusal to speak up does not restore. What is crucial for your child is the Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

balance of the mom and dad mix, which will result in that place of rest. But to achieve this balance, it is important for us as parents to transition with our children, to change our style of communication. If we can successfully make this transition, then the day when our children begin to struggle or have difficulties, and desperately need someone to talk to, we are the ones they will turn to. Now, let me give you some advice on how to build that bridge– how to make that transition… Start by laying down some new rules, not ones that dictate, but those that invite. In fact, these are rules for yourself, not as much for your child, including making it a priority to have one-on-one time with your child. For example, you might state that a new rule for your house is to go on a motherdaughter, or father-son special vacation each year. Another might be a Joke Night that gets everyone laughing, just laughing, no spiritual lesson attached, just pure fun time together. Ask thoughtful questions… create a sense of wonder. Instead of always telling your child the answers, offer them thoughtful questions. And remember, not every question has to be answered immediately, or at all. They will learn to think on their own, and begin to ask you questions as you model one who asks questions. The questions themselves can lead to the right answers, without preaching. …and wait to be invited. Hold off on the tendency to always drive the conver42

sation and share your own opinions Don’t break genuine interest, but poignant moments of silence (especially when they are not accustomed to silence from you) will move a child to ask, “What do you think?” Try not to force your opinion unless it is invited. “I Was Wrong” diffuses difficult discussions. If you handled a situation poorly, admit where you were wrong. You will take the fuse out of the firecracker when you do that. Once you admit you blew it, the issue can no longer be held against you. Anger puts up barriers and must always be diffused before communications will open up. Give them respect… consider others to be more important. Easy to say, and sometimes tough to do. It’s basically putting your child first and showing them respect, even as you demand that of them. This should affect the way you speak to them (you wouldn’t yell at, belittle, or talk down to someone you respect), the way you discipline, the way you show grace and the way you respond when you are disappointed and upset. I want to challenge you today to commit to building a relationship with your child, and that starts with good communications. Make time to communicate and really get to know your teen. And no matter how strained or difficult your relationship might be, there is always HOPE. It may take time and persistence, but keep at it in a loving and natural way and they will eventually open up.

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 School of Mathematics and Science

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Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide informational meeting and visiting our campus for ASMS Day on Saturday, November 10 or Saturday, December 1. Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as ASMS Day at www.asms.net.

ASMS Informational Meetings

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ALBERTVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Albertville High School

FLORENCE Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6:00 PM University of North Alabama

MONTEVALLO Monday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM Montevallo University

ALEXANDER CITY Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Central Alabama Community College

GREENVILLE Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM Beeland Park Community Center

MONTGOMERY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Alabama Association of School Boards

ANNISTON/OXFORD Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM Oxford Civic Center

HAMILTON Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

ROANOKE Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Roanoke Public Library

ATMORE Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

HUNTSVILLE Monday, Oct. 22, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville

SELMA Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College

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AUBURN Thursday, Oct. 11, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University

JASPER Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

THOMASVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

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BIRMINGHAM Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham

LIVINGSTON Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:00 PM University of West Alabama

TROY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Troy University

BOAZ Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6:00 PM Snead State

MOBILE-OPTION 1 Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

TUSCALOOSA Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM University of Alabama

ENTERPRISE Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School

MOBILE-OPTION 2 Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

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Register for an ASMS Informational Meeting at www.asms.net. AL AB AMA S C H OOL OF M ATH AN D S CI EN CE • 1 2 5 5 DAUPHIN STREET • MOBILE , ALABAMA 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WW W.A S M S .NET

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Halloween has always been an exciting holiday for kids. They get dressed up, hang out with friends and know that a simple “Trick or Treat� means free candy. As our kids hit middle school, their days of trick or treating reluctantly come to an end. In an effort to keep the holiday fun for teens, why not throw a party?

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I know what you thinking – “How am I going to come up with entertainment that is not lame and that will keep everyone amused?” Simple! Check out these ten teen approved party games that will challenge, gross out and deliver hours of good times and laughter. But beware, if the kids have too much fun at your party, they will want you to host again next year!

Go Fishing

Fill a small swimming pool with water and live goldfish. On the bottom of the pool, place several marbles. Set as many chairs around the pool as will fit. Ask your guests to sit in the chairs and remove their shoes and socks. That’s right, they are going fishing for marbles with their feet. Add a little fear and anticipation by blindfolding the participants or turning off the lights.

Pumpkin Face

Have the kids put a layer of Vaseline on their faces. Pour several cheeseballs on a long table. On go, each person has to cover their face with cheese balls without using their hands. Set the timer for one minute and the person with the most cheeseballs wins. This is a great photo opportunity!

Plastic Wrap Mummy Race

Break the group into teams. Choose one person from each team to wrap in plastic wrap (from the neck down). As soon as the mummy is wrapped, the team has to gently lower him to the ground and roll him down the race course. When he gets to the finish line, you need to stand him back up and completely unwrap him. For a longer race, rewrap the next person and race back down to the other end.

Coins and Crickets

Fill a large jar (like a sun tea jar) with 20 crickets from the pet store. Place several coins on the bottom of the jar and have each player try to pick up 5 coins. Make it more challenging by having the kids pick up only dimes or choose the winner based on the least amount of money (not coins) collected.

Create a Crime Scene

Create a bag of things found at a mock crime scene but don’t include obvious murder weapons like knives or rope. Instead, find silly things like an apple, wooden spoon, stuffed animal, a children’s book and a magnet. Break everyone up 45

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BEST

ORTHODONTIST

into groups of 4 or 5. Each group has to create a crime scene based on the items in the bag and present it to the group. This is a great activity to do while you are serving dinner.

Halloween Egg Hunt

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Fill plastic eggs or plastic pumpkins with candy and hide around the room or outdoors. Take advantage of the early setting sun and search for the eggs with flashlights. Try adding a few tricks instead of treats and fill some of the eggs with worms, crickets or cow eyes from the local butcher shop. (Be sure to open the eggs outside!)

Bubble Gum Pie

Fill a pie plate with whipped cream and bury a couple pieces of bubble inside. Using only their face, the first kid to find the bubble gum, chew it and blow a bubble, wins.

Guess the Candy Bar

Melt 5 different candy bars in the microwave. Be sure to crush up any large pieces. Place the melted mess inside a clean disposable diaper and place on the table. Have the kids smell or taste what’s in the diaper to determine what candy bar it is.

Fear Factor - Egg Roulette

Hard boil 12 eggs and let cool in refrigerator. Place eggs on a table in front of your guests. Tell the kids that there is one raw egg among the hardboiled eggs. Challenge them to find it by choosing an egg and smashing it on their forehead. Get your cameras ready. Their expressions will be priceless!

LCR

This is a great way to end the night. LCR is a popular dice game that can be played with any size group. You can either purchase the LCR dice or use regular dice and determine which number is L, C and R. Normally you would play with chips or coins, but since it is Halloween, let’s use candy. Every player starts with three candies. As you roll, the candy goes to the left, right or into a bowl in the center. The winner is the person holding the last piece of candy! MBP

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mom of two teens and a tween. All of their parties include good food, lots of laughter and of course, games!

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September 28-October 31, 2018

Wales West

Seward Farms

ad on page 11

13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 Come ride an authentic steam train to our Haunted Barn and enjoy the maze and kid-friendly pumpkin patch. Decorate your pumpkin to take home, and enjoy the mini-train ride, hay ride, refreshments and bounce house. Don’t miss the exciting pumpkin cannon, petting zoo and pony rides, cafe and gift shop. Hours September 28 - October 23 are Friday 5pm - 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 9pm. Beginning October 24th hours are Monday - Friday 5pm - 9pm. Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 9pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the railroad. $15 per person. 2 years & under are free. Day trains are kid-friendly. Scary Night Trains begin at 7:00 pm. (888) 569-5337 or (251) 232-2322

September 29-November 3, 2018

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September 28–October 31, 2018

Thriller Night of Lights ad on page 39

755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 Looking for fun entertainment instead of the scary Halloween activities this October? Thriller Nights of Lights is a family-friendly drive-thru light show synchronized to music playing through your car radio. Displays of giant spiders, spooky eyes, friendly ghosts, and tumbling scarecrows are just a few of the displays to see dancing to a fun variety of music. The only show of its kind in the country, Thriller Nights of Lights will thrill kids and adults of all ages. Open 7:00pm til 10:00pm. $6 per person, ages 3 and under are free. www.thrillernightsoflights.com

September 29-November 3, 2018

Magnolia Corn Maze ad on page 33

15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Come get lost in our 2 Eight Acre Corn Mazes. Magnolia Corn Maze offers Fun for the whole Family! Come enjoy our Hayride, Cow Train, Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Pig Races, Corn Cannons, Jump Pad, Paintball Shooting Gallery, Campfires, and much, much more! We also have Bazooka Ball and Our All New Mag’s B Line. Magnolia Corn Maze is a great place to host your Next Party or Group Outing! Saturdays 11am - 9pm and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. American Hero Day, October 27 - Trick or Treat. (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

ad on page 41

10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452 Come to the border of Mississippi and Alabama on Tanner Williams Road, and you’ll find tons of family fun, fresh air, twisting corn maze, fantastic food, and an evening by a crackling fire! We have a challenging corn maze, pig races, hayrides, funny farm golf, cow train, giant jumping pillow, tube slide, corn cannon, Farm animals, field of fright and pony rides. Our flexible hours and admission allow you to choose how many activities are right for your family and budget, but we have to say, the All-Day Pass is a terrific bargain for a full day of fun! Our Wagon Wheel Cafe offers delicious barbeque sandwiches, pulled pork, hot dogs, drinks and more. We have birthday Huts available by reservation for special events and birthdays. Make reservations now for a fire pit for your group for a perfect evening. Field of Fright and Haunted Hayride begins at dusk 3 weekends in October. Hours of operation: Open Saturdays 10:00am9:00pm Closed Fridays & Sundays. Monday thru Thursday: field trips by reservation. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com

September 30-October 31, 2018

Pumpkin Patch at Christ United Methodist Church ad on page 16

Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Join us at the Pumpkin Patch. Hours: Monday - Saturday from 9:00am-Dusk and Sunday from 12:00pm - Dusk. We have lots of fun and exciting events planned for the Pumpkin Patch this year. We will open on Sept. 30th with Food Truck Sunday! Wednesday, October 3 is Preschool Fun Day- Pirate and Princess - Come dressed as your favorite pirate or princess for a fun time at the patch! We will decorate pumpkins, play games and then have a picnic. Don’t forget to bring your lunch! Cost: $5 per child. Please register at christunitedkids.com/register. And end on Oct. 31 with the screening of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. (251) 342-0462

www.cumcchildren.com

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October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 31

OWA’s Town of Terror: Circus Asylum ad on page 47

1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 This year’s Town of Terror theme is none other than the Circus Asylum. The Ringmaster is ready to welcome you to his Circus Asylum and claim you as his own! Enter this ticketed haunted attraction Oct. 5-28 in Downtown OWA on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-11pm, Sundays 6-9pm, and Oct. 31 from 6-10pm. Times subject to change. The haunted attraction also offers a non-scary ticketed option called the “No Boo Tour.” From 5-6pm each weekend in October, guests can take a behind-thescenes tour of Town of Terror and learn the story of the Circus Asylum. Included with each purchase is a guided tour inside Town of Terror, exclusive access to the haunted attraction from 5-6pm, photo opportunities with the actors afterward, and a complimentary “No Boo” necklace. “No Boo” necklaces let our scare actors know to turn on the charm for photo ops and friendly waves as you pass through the streets of Downtown OWA. “No Boo” necklaces will be available for purchase throughout the property, as well. (251) 923-2111

www.VisitOWA.com/Events

October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28

OWA’s Town of Terror ad on page 47

100 North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Brave the streets of admission-free Downtown OWA and weave your way through the Town of Terror acts who didn’t make the cut into the circus! This round of frights is located outside the ticketed haunted house. Will you survive this “fear fair” in Downtown OWA or will you become part of the circus forever?! (251) 923-2111

www.VisitOWA.com/Events

October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28

The Park After Dark ad on page 47

1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Join us Saturdays and Sundays in October inside The Park at OWA for a variety of kid-friendly events and activities. Grab the kiddos and spend a Halloween-themed day in The Park as they trick-ortreat, create fun arts and crafts, and make lasting memories! Specific times and activity details for

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www.VisitOWA.com/Events

October 6, 13, 14, 20, 2018

Middleton Farms ad on page 45

21500 Otis Cooper Road Moss Point, MS 39462 Come explore a REAL pumpkin patch for a fun-filled day!! “Come see us on October 6th, 13th, and 20th (10am-4pm) and Sunday, October 14 (1pm - 5pm). We have activities for the entire family! Admission Price: $10.00 per person, $2.00 off with Military ID, 2 and under are free. Pumpkin Patch Admission includes: Pumpkin Patch, Cow Milking Demo, Calf Feeding, Hayride, Hay Train, Cow Jumper, Slide, Fall Photo Opps, Antique Tractors, Middleton’s Favorite Animals, Toddler Hay Maze, Duck Races, Kid’s zip line, Playground and Picnic Area, Vendors and much more! For more information on Field Trips, Birthday Parties and events, please visit our webpage. (251) 709-2001

www.middletonfarmtours.com

October 11-13, 2018

Haunted Arena ad on page 23

Lazer Zone, 790 Schillinger Rd N Mobile, AL 36608 We are proud to present our Haunted Arena Event. This year, there will be times set up for Haunted Walk Through or times with Laser Tag in Free for All Mode (no scarers involved in the laser tag games but decorations will still be up). Do you have what it takes to make it through? It’s sure to be a heart pounding adventure with dark corners, strobe lights, sound effects, and live actors. Pricing is as follows: Thursday, Oct 11 = $8 Walkthrough, Friday, Oct 12 - Saturday, Oct 13 = $10 Walkthrough(The Walkthrough is not recommended for children under 10 years of age). (251) 639-7330 info@lazerzone.co www.lazerzonemobile.com

October 13, 20, 27, 2018

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10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452 Jump aboard our Haunted Hayride into the dark unknown! Then wander into the Field of Fright and walk into the dark corners of the cornfield. Choose one or both. It’s a haunting good time! No Cameras

ad on page 41

or Flashlights at haunted attractions. Parents use discretion on what your child can handle in way of fear. Hauntings begin at Dusk. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com

(251) 342-0462

Lazer Zone Trunk or Treat

6th Annual Trick or Trot 5K & Fun Run

ad on page 23

ad on Inside Front Cover

University of South Alabama Moulton Tower 307 North University Boulevard Mobile, AL 36608 We’re celebrating our sixth year of this great 5K with a big goal of raising $40,000 to represent the 40,000 pediatric patients who are treated annually through our Pediatric Emergency Department. We hope to see you at 6:00pm to raise money for the renovation of our Pediatric Emergency Department! This is a Certified 5K course on USA’s main campus and the Fun Run is approximately one mile. We aim to create a fun-filled, safe event for families to enjoy fall festivities while raising money for a great cause! Our afterparty will be filled with family fun, friendly activities, food and entertainment. Participants pre-registered by October 1 are guaranteed a T-shirt on race day. Late registrants will receive T-shirts while supplies last. Adult registration $20 through October 19th. $30 from October 19 through day of Race registration. Youth registration $15 October through day of race. www.usahealthsystem.com/trick-or-trot

October 19-21, 26-28, 31, 2018

Trinity Episcopal Church Family Friendly Haunted House ad on page 46

1900 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36606 Trinity Episcopal Church Family Friendly Haunted House. Family Friendly Dates/Times: October 19, 20, 26, 27 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm, October 21, 28, 31 from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Adults -$10, Children under 12 -$5, Special pricing for groups of 10+ Special Prizes for kids in costume! (251) 473-2779

www.trinitychurchmobile.org

October 20, 2018

Christ United Methodist Church – Fall Family Fun Day ad on page 16

www.cumcchildren.com

October 25, 2018

October 19, 2018

(251) 415-8730

day, October 20th from 10:00am – 1:00pm. During Fall Family Day, children can enjoy bouncing on inflatables, a petting zoo, puppets, food and more!

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Our annual Fall Family Day will happen on Satur-

790 Schillinger Road North Mobile, AL 36608 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat - Swing by and see our crew as we display our decorated vehicles and pass out candy for the enjoyment of our community! Feel free to enter our store for specials that are available that night ONLY! This event is great for kids of all ages! Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm. (251) 639-7330 info@lazerzone.co www.lazerzonemobile.com

October 26-November 4, 2018

Greater Gulf State Fair ad on page 13

The Grounds, 1035 N Cody Rd Mobile, AL 36608 We will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, food, games, entertainment acts, and live music! Hours: Monday-Tuesday from 4:00pm10:00pm, Wednesday October 31 from 4:00pm12:00am, Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday from 4:00pm-12:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday October 28 from 12:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday, November 4, from 12:00pm-9:00pm. (251) 344-4573 info@mobilefair.com www.thegroundsmobile.com

October 27, 2018

Magnolia Corn Maze Trick or Treat ad on page 33

15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Come get lost in our 2 Eight Acre Corn Mazes. Magnolia Corn Maze offers Fun for the whole Family! Come enjoy our Hayride, Cow Train, Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Pig Races, Corn Cannons, Jump Pad, Paintball Shooting Gallery, Campfires, and much, much more! We also have Bazooka Ball and Our All New Mag’s B Line. Magnolia Corn Maze is a great place to host your Next Party or Group Outing! Join us Saturday, October 27 for Trick or Treat. (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com

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October 27, 2018

Trick or Treat at Seward Farms ad on page 41

10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS 39452 Come in your favorite costume and Trick or Treat at the Farm from 10am-9pm with our favorite Cartoon Characters. Characters out from 11am–3pm. Activities include the Corn Maze, Corn Cannons, Hay Rides, Cow Train Rides, Jumping Pillow, Pony Rides, Pig Races, Farm Animal Alley, Funny

September 21-October 30, 2018 Haunted Ducks

The Fort of Colonial Mobile 150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 For centuries Mobile has been home to pirates, vagabonds, miscreants, soldiers, and ladies of the night. While their bodies may be gone their souls remain. Embark on a spine-tingling tour of Mobile and the Mobile River as we search along our haunted city streets for these forgotten souls who linger somewhere between today and the afterlife. While this tour is quite creepy this is a family attraction!

(251) 802-8687 www.gulfcoastducks.com

September 27, 2018 Mobile Downtown Get Down

Farm Golf, Playground Area and so much more! The Wagon Wheel Cafe will be open for lunch and dinner. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com

October 27-28, 2018

ARTSealab Festival ad on page 24

Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 The DISL 36-acre campus will host a two-day indoor and juried outdoor arts festival. This festival will feature: live music, hands-on art and science learning experiences, a Marine Debris 3D competition, Gulf “Folk” Life demonstrations, community booths. Also featured are visual artists and their works related to the marine and estuarine life of Alabama, from the “Deltas to the Deep Ocean Blue”. A middle and high school online arts competition, “Love Our Gulf” www.loveourgulf.org, and a live open mic featuring Marine Science Consortia eco-poets, community poetry writing projects, and chapbook print making will be held in the DISL Shelby auditorium and Estuarium Schooling Room. (281) 861-2141

www.artsealab.org

October 28, 2018

St. Mary Catholic School Mustang Stampede and Fall Festival ad on page 22

107 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL 36604 The pre-Halloween event begins at 1:00pm and features decorated cars with trunks of candy for trick or treaters. Prizes for best trunk, and best costumes. Plenty of activities for children to include games, arts and crafts, and cookie decorating. The cost is $1 per walk up per trick or treater. All those who would like to participate with a decorated car and a trunk full of treats can reserve a spot by contacting Laurel Wallace at lwallace@stmarymobile. org or (251) 432-8678. (251) 432-8678 lwallace@stmarymobile.org www.stmarymobile.org

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

Cathedral Square Mobile, AL 36602 The Hargrove Foundation is hosting a block party festival at Cathedral Square called the Mobile Downtown Get Down, the event is for the Mobile community to join together for live music from The Underhill Family Orchestra, food from local restaurants and food truck vendors, drinks, kids zone area, lawn games, and much more! All proceeds will benefit the Hargrove Foundation, for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related initiatives in the Mobile, Alabama area. Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm.

www.hargrovefoundation.org/2018-downtown-get-down

September 28-29, 2018

Halloween Healthcare Hauntings

Mobile Medical Museum 1664 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL 36604 Our fall fundraising event, returns for a second year in a new, more grown-up format. Modeled after ultra-realistic haunted house attractions like Baton Rouge’s 13th Gate, Healthcare Hauntings will transform one of Mobile’s oldest homes with several “healthcare horror” scenarios performed by actors in indoor and outdoor areas. Visitors will encounter grave robbers, witches, sadistic dentists and quack doctors, disease-ridden patients, and a chainsaw-wielding surgeon. Up to 10 visitors at a time will pass through the house in three 15 to 20 minute rotations per hour. We will also feature food trucks from The Kraken (Friday) and Ben’s Burga Kaboose (Saturday) and a DJ! The Saturday matinee event on September 29th will be a lights-on, toned down version for visitors under the age of 18. Tickets are $15 per person or six for $80. www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org

September 29, 2018

Family Festival Celebrate Midtown Mobile with Trinity

Trinity Episcopal Church 1900 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36606 Celebrate with vendors, non-profit organizations, children’s activities, antique cars, food, dog-friendly, book mobile and book sale, sweet-n-savory sale, church tours--all sponsored by NAMI, Literacy Coalition of South Alabama, and the Drug Education Council. BONUS: Free swag bags for the first 100 people to attend. Time: 9:00am-1:00pm. www.trinitychurchmobile.org

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September 29, 2018

St. Mary’s by the Sea Fall Festival and Pet Blessing

St. Mary’s By-The- Sea Episcopal Church 4875 AL-188 Coden, AL 36523 Bring your pets of shapes and sizes on a lease or in a crate (stuff animals welcome) for our pet blessing. The Festival is family friendly, and there will be BBQ, Music, Children’s Activities, Silent Auction, Mr. Music, Vendor Booths and Country Store--and more. Time: 11:00am-3:00pm. (251) 873-5602 www.saintmarysbytheseaepiscopal.com/

October 1 - October 31, 2018 Hillcrest Farm Corn Maze

30497 Hixson Road Elberta, AL 36530 The Corn Maze will be open every day except Tuesdays & Wednesdays in October. Hours are 8am - 6pm and the cost is $5 per person. 3 years and under are free. (251) 962-2500 alabama/

www.facebook.com/hillcrestfarm

October 5-6, 2018

Ten65 - Music + Tech + Culture

Downtown Mobile Converge on downtown Mobile and experience Ten65-a free, two day event that celebrates music, technology, and the culture of this awesome city. www.tensixtyfive.com

October 6-31, 2018

Tanner Williams UMC Pumpkin Patch

1550 Grand Bay Wilmer Road N Mobile, AL 36608 Open daily - Weekdays 11:00am-7:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am-7:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm7:00pm. October 20 will be Movie in the Patch night with popcorn and a kid friendly film at 6:00pm. Join us October 13 for our Fall Festival - games, crafts, cake walk, face painting, popcorn, balloons & more. Time: 11:00am-1:00pm. October 28 will be our Trunk or Treat at 6:00pm-7:30pm . Come trick or treat with our church family and enjoy free hot dogs and chips. Story time in the patch is every Wednesday in October at 5:30pm. All activities are free to our visitors and no admission fee is charged. Field Trips are available by appointment (251) 649-4752 or (251) 776-0283

October 9-28, 2018

Cottage Park Baptist Church Pumpkin Patch Cottage Park Baptist Church 8600 Celete Road Saraland, AL 36571 Celebrate the harvest with fun for the entire family! Enjoy hay rides ($1.00), pumpkin patch, great family photo opportunities, family fall fun, candy corn ring toss, pumpkin putt-putt and pumpkin corn hole. Weekdays - 8:00am-6:30pm and Saturday from 10:00am-3:00pm. Come enjoy our Family Fun Festival and Trunk or Treat on October 28, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Field trips welcome! All profits go to missions both local and state wide.

(251) 675-7037 or (251) 689-0147 www.cpbcmobile.com

October 10, 2018

Scary Movie Day - Parkway Branch

Parkway Branch 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, AL 36605 Halloween Movie Day! 3:15 - Frankenweenie Suburban schoolboy Victor resurrects his deceased dog Sparky as part of a science experiment, and he must contend with the unexpected complications of having an undead house pet. (ages 6 and up) (251) 470-7766

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 11-14, 2018 Shrimp Festival

101 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Enjoy fresh seafood during this four-day event that

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attracts over 300,000 people with great food, music and more! Local and regional vendors will have food lining the boardwalk at the public beach. Art lovers will have almost 200 booths of fine art and arts and crafts vendors. Hours are 10am - 10pm Thursday - Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm. (251) 968-7200 info@mygulfcoastchamber.com myshrimpfest.com

October 11-31, 2018

Dauphin Way Methodist Pumpkin Patch

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets Mobile, AL 36604 Come to the Pumpkin Patch! The patch will be open 7 days a week beginning October 11th. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm6:00pm. The patch will close on October 31 at 2:00pm. You will find pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and even some different colors along with gourds for your fall decorations. Field trips are offered Monday - Friday from 9:00am-12:00 pm with an appointment. Appointments may be made by emailing lindsay.lum@dauphinwayumc.org. Field trips are $2 or $3. For $2 each child receives a small pumpkin, experiences story time, and an informational time about how and where the pumpkins were grown and they get to pick out their very own pumpkin. The $3 field trip also includes a hayride. (251) 471-1511

www.dauphinwayumc.org

October 13, 2018

October 13, 2018

Animal Rescue Foundation. Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm (251) 661-3474

Dog River Ghost Chase 5K/Goblin Gallop

6120 South Marina Drive Mobile, AL 36605 The race will be held 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. Goblin Gallop is approximately 1/2 mile in length. All participants and spectators are encouraged to dress in costume. Special awards will be presented to the costume contest winners – Adult and kids divisions. Mystery ghost somewhere in the race – will you be able to identify the spirit? Drawings for awesome prizes including a kayak – you must be present to win. Post race party including awards, drawing, food, beverages,and music at the River Shack Restaurant & Oyster Bar. info@dogriver.org www.dogriver.org

October 13, 2018

Mary G Montgomery Spookfest

Mary G Montgomery 4275 Snow Road North Semmes, AL 36575 MGM is hosting its first “Spook Fest” and it will be fun time with haunted hallways, food, games, photo booths, Chili Cook Off and much more. From11:00am-5:00pm- Fall festival food and games and from 5:00pm-9:00pm- Haunted Hallway There will also be a Miss Pumpkin Pageant, please email eblackburn@mcpss.com for entry form. www.mgmvikings.com

October 14, 2018

(251) 375-1734

5035 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL 36609 B&B invites the public to “Gather the furry, feathered, and four-legged creatures in your family and come to the Pumpkin Patch at B&B Pet Stop.” Photos are $10 each and all donations benefit the

www.dogdaysbarkery.net

Pet Photo’s in the Pumpkin Patch at B&B Pet Stop

October 17, 20, 2018 Who Haunts the Fort

Fort Morgan State Historic Site 110 State Highway 180 Fort Morgan, AL 36542 A guided tour by a historical interpreter of the works compiled by Mike Bailey, on the Known Deaths and Burials at Mobile Point from 1813-1910. Bring your own flashlights. Event fee is $12. Limited to 100 people. You may encounter, low lighting, uneven surfaces, stairs, and wildlife during this tour. (251) 540-7127

www.fort-morgan.org

October 18, 2018

Night of the Dead Artists

Dog Days Barkery’s Halloween Party

Dog Days Barkery 5552 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36608 Join us for Dog Days Barkery’s Halloween party from 10-3! We will have an adoption event with Wags & Whiskers rescue, a haunted pumpkin patch photo booth, a costume contest, and more!

www.bbpetstop.com

Mobile Museum of Art 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 Join us for a Day of the Dead meets Night at the Museum Halloween extravaganza, fun for the whole family. Performers from a number of community theaters will be joining us as deceased artists come to haunt their own works in the galleries. Fun also includes a gallery scavenger hunt, live music, Day of The Dead altars made for artists no longer with us, sugar skull making, face painting, and tarot card readings. Come in costume with the whole family and take a spooky trip through time and into art history. Prizes will be drawn for a grand prize in the category of best costume and scavenger hunt winner, followed by the monster mash in the lobby. Time: 5:00pm (251) 208-5200

www.mobilemuseumofart.com

October 18-20, 2018 Greek Fest 2018

The Annunciation Greek Church 50 South Ann Street Mobile, AL 36604 Welcome to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s

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Greek Festival! Share our food, music, and heritage with friends and neighbors. Thank you for coming out to experience Greece in Mobile, Alabama - a yearly opportunity to eat, dance, shop, and be entertained as if you were in Greece itself! Enrich your senses with sights and sounds of Greece. We have live music and dancers, as well as activities just for the kids. As always, the food, desserts, and libations are sure to please, from the lamb to the always popular baklava. The ladies will be ready to take your order, with handmade baklava and assorted Greek pastries boxed to go! There’s a treasure of Greek jewelry, paintings, clothing, imports, and more available in our indoor marketplace as well. Thursday – Saturday from 11:00am-10:00pm. (251) 438-9888

www.greekfestmobile.org

October 19, 2018 Night at the Museum

History Museum of Mobile 111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 When the clock strikes 5, history comes to life. Events: go on an historical scavenger hunt and talk to historical characters from all of world history, listen to a Mobile Public Library storyteller read spooky stories, see the Mystery of the Mayan Medallion Exhibition, make Mayan and Halloween themed crafts.Kids can also participate in a costume contest, and get a goody bag filled with treats! Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm. Cost - $5. (251) 301-0273

www.historymuseumofmobile.com

October 19-20, 26-27, 2018

Playhouse in the Park presents “Dracula”

Playhouse in the Park 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 The Playhouse-in-the-Park presents “Dracula”. “Dracula” runs for school audiences on October 18, 19 & 25, 26. Public performances will be on October 19, 20 and 26, 27. All performances will be at the Playhouse. This performance is suitable for ages 12 and older. (251) 602-0630 playhouseintheparkmobileal@ gmail.com playhouseinthepark.org

October 20, 2018

International Archaeology Day Celebration

USA Archaeology Museum 6052 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36608 Please join us at the USA Archaeology Museum for a fun-filled afternoon of archaeology activities for all ages! Help us celebrate International Archaeology Day and participate in various craft activities, try your hand at native games and spear throwing, learn about forensic archaeology, tour the museum and native plant garden, and more. (251) 460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/ archaeology/museum

October 21, 2018

Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party

1655 McGill Avenue Mobile, AL 36604 Mark your calendars for our 47th annual Lawn Party here at Sacred Heart Residence. Our largest fundraiser of the year! One of the very best family events in the Mobile area...entertainment, food, games, raffles, yard sale, music and so much more! Help the Little Sisters of the Poor enhance the lives of our elderly Residents! Time: 10:00am-4:00pm. Admission is free and all proceeds go directly to the care of our elderly poor residents. (251) 476-6335 devmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org littlesistersofthepoormobile.org

October 22, 2018

Mystery Monday - Haunted Library Escape Room

Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, AL 36605 The Mobile Public Library Parkway Branch hosts Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

Mystery Monday at 3:15. Haunted Library Escape Room -Put on your critical thinking cap and decipher clues and solve puzzles to free yourselves from the haunted Meeting Room. Refreshments will be served. Boys and Girls ages 6 and up.

(251) 470-7766

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 24, 2018 Spooky Storytime

Ben May Main Branch 701 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Storytime for Preschoolers from 10:00am-10:45am. Headstart programs, schools and families are invited to a special Spooky Storytime in Bernheim Hall. Program consists of songs, stories and a Readers Theater tailored just for ages 4 to 7. (251) 208-7086

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 25, 2018

Halloween Spooktacular

Saraland Public Library 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL 36571 Join us at 6:00pm for Family Fun! Family Fun! Wear your costumes or try on some of ours! Enjoy some Monster Hand Punch & Graveyard Pudding Cups. Then join us for some Halloween crafts, and Trick or Treating throughout the Library. (251) 675-2879

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 25, 2018

Trunk or Treat at Springhill Presbyterian

Springhill Presbyterian Church 10 Westminister Way Mobile, AL 36608 4th Annual Trunk of Treat at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church will be held from 5:30pm-7:00pm. There’ll be trunks decorated and candy for Trick or Treating. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks. www.shpc.us

October 26, 2018

Dauphin Island Haunted Bicycle Ride

Green Park 301 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, AL 36528 A fun bike ride past some of the most haunted spots on Dauphin Island! Come join us for live music, candy for the kids and awards for the best costumes! This race benefits ARF. Time: line up at 6:00pm, race starts at 6:30pm. All riders must be 18 or older to participate.

October 26, 2018

Fireside Ghost Stories

Blakeley State Park 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Join us as we gather around the campfire for special presentations by local storytellers Harriet Outlaw and Irene Wegner. Outlaw is former teacher and popular speaker on local history, as well as the author of the acclaimed book, Haunted Baldwin County, Wegner is a storyteller who has been entertaining audiences with her professional performances for more than 30 years. She specializes in old folk tales told long ago on porches in the swamps and deep, dark woods. Admission: $4 adults/$3 kids ages 6-12/under 6 is free. (251) 626-0798

www.blakeleypark.com

October 26, 2018

Harvest Festival -Tanner Williams Assembly of God

Tanner Williams Assembly of God 14440 Tanner Williams Wilmer, AL 36587 Harvest Festival will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Fun for the entire family. Children can play games, get candy and have a great time. They also get a free hot dog and drink. For the adults, there’ll be additional food items available for purchase--and a silent auction. 251-649-2580

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October 26, 2018

Pump It Up Not-So-Scary Halloween Jump

741-A Hillcrest Road MobileHalloween is simply spook-tacular when you’re bouncing, laughing, sliding, and howling at our Halloween Jump Night! Cost: $10.95 plus tax per child- includes an hour and 10 minutes of playtime, face painting and costume contests too! Parents stay and play for FREE! RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED as space is limited for the safety of the children. Socks and signed waived required. Parents must stay with children- not a drop off. Note: Wear your “Play Safe” costume - For the safety of our guests, costumes may not include: masks, jewelry, capes or other hanging items, or heavy make-up. Times: 6pm-7:30pm. (251) 342-3940

www.pumpitupparty.com/mobile-al

October 26-27, 2018

Chickasaw Library and Theatre present A Literary Nightmare

Chickasaw Civic Center 224 Grant Street Chickasaw, AL 36699 A Literary Nightmare where the characters that chill the blood are now unbound from the pages. No longer made of paper or ink, but stalk you. Haunted house involves a hayride and a trail walk towards the end. Time: 6:00pm. Cost - $7 for adults and $5 for teens. Not recommended for young children. Alternate activity will be provided for children in the library. (251) 452-6465

www.facebook.com/cityofchickasaw/

October 26-27, 2018 Haunted Barn and Trail

Norman Stables 7233 Hickory Lane West Semmes, AL 36575 Join us for a haunted barn and trail from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Admission -$5.00 that will be donated to a local charity. Oct 27 - on top of having the haunted trail we will be doing a trunk or treat. Admission to that will be a food items canned or boxed that also will be donated. (251) 402-8240

October 26-October 28, 2018 Annual Renaissance Festival

51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Hosted by the Society of Creative Anachronism, the Barony of Osprey will present Life in the Middle Ages. You will see Knights in Armor as they storm the castle, view melee’s and sieges. Visit with Lords, Ladies, Artist, and Medieval Merchants. Watch our resident Blacksmith demonstrate his craft in the Fort’s original Blacksmith Shop. (251) 861-6992

dauphinisland.org

October 27, 2018

5 Rivers Halloween Bash

30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Our favorite time of year! On Saturday, Oct 27 from 10am-4pm, we will have our FREE, family friendly Halloween celebration. There will be crafts, music, movies, trail rides, games, $5 boat tours, food trucks, and a costume contest at 3pm. (251) 625-0814

www.Alabama5Rivers.com

October 27, 2018 Boo at Bellingrath

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for Boo at Bellingrath, a day of Halloween fun at Bellingrath Gardens from 11:00am to 2:00pm. 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. The Halloween fun will include Magic Shows featuring Dr. Gee and his magic balloons; spooky storytelling with our friends from the Mobile Public Library; musical entertain-

www.mobilebayparents.com

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ment on Live Oak Plaza; food trucks on the Great Lawn; and extra goodies and surprises throughout the Gardens. Admission is $13 for adults and $7.50 for ages 5-12. There is no charge for Bellingrath members and children 4 and younger. Tickets are available online at bellingrath.org. (251) 973-2217 bellingrath.org

bellingrath@bellingrath.org

October 27, 2018 Fall Fun Fest!

Toulminville Branch 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL 36617 Fun for the Entire Family. Join us for games, Trivia, Bingo, a cake walk and so much more! Registration is encouraged. Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm.

costume contest. Grab a broomstick and fly in for the fun from 11am to 2pm. BooLu’s will have pumpkin decorating, kid’s crafts, inflatable play area, and live music. Trunk or Treat will feature trick-or-treating on the LuLu’s grounds during BooLu’s with various businesses and non-profits handing out candy treats to the little goblins. Registration and judging for the costume contest, by age category, will take place from 11 to 1:30pm. Kids can come dressed in their most creative costumes such as witches, zombies, ghosts, super heroes, fairies and the like to partake in the costume contest with prizes for the winners. Best of all, this day of fun events is all free. lulubuffett.com

(251) 438-7075 glaffiette@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 27, 2018

October 27, 2018

Marina Lawn at The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Gather on the Marina Lawn with us for an evening of spell-casting, cinematic fun. Come down before the movie and enjoy a hayride provided by Kutter’s Landscaping or any of the family-friendly activities available. Bring a blanket or some chairs and get comfy with your crew. Come dressed in costume and trick or treat at participating shops beginning at 2:00pm. Kids activities begin at 4:00pm, including pony rides, face painting and bouncy house. Hayrides, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Movie begins at 7:30pm. Admission is FREE; pony rides $5 and face painting $5 - $7; complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate.

Halloween at the Exploreum

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Looking for a great, family friendly outing for Halloween? Well, the Exploreum has you covered. Halloween at the exploreum from 10:00am-200pm. Costume contest, trick or treat stations, Halloweenthemed activities and more. (251) 208-6893

www.exploreum.com

October 27, 2018

Oak Park Church Fall Festival

3321 Sollie Road Mobile, AL 36695 Join us for a trunk or treat, food, hayrides, games, jumps, candy and more. www.opcmobile.church

October 27, 2018

Something Special for Saturday at Moorer/ Springhill Branch

Moorer/Springhill Branch 4 McGregor South Mobile, AL 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Visit with friends and make your own Yarn Pumpkins. (251) 470-7770

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 27, 2018

Spooktacular BooLu’s and Trunk or Treat

LuLu’s Gulf Shores 200 E 25th Avenue Mobile, AL 36542 Enjoy a day full of Halloween festivities and kid’s

Spooky Movie on the Lawn

(251) 224-1000

www.alwharf.com

Trunk or Treat at Springhill Presbyterian

Moorer/Springhill Branch 4 McGregor South Mobile, AL 36608 Family Fun! Wear your costumes and join us for a special Halloween event! Trunks will be decorated and volunteers will be handing out all kinds of treats. Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm. (251) 470-7770 ftigner@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 27, 2018 Woofstock

Serda Brewing Company 600 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 We’re taking over the grounds of Serda Brewing Co. - a full city block and will have activities for ALL ages. Join us for beer, music, and tons of Halloween fun! Bring your pooch and be sure to enter the doggy costume contest. Hosted by the Animal Rescue Foundation. Adults - $10, Kids (4-12 yrs old) - $5 and Kids under 4 are free. woofstock@animalrescuemobile.org www.woofstockmobile.com

October 28, 2018

Ashland Place UMC Trunk or Treat

15 Wisteria Avenue Mobile, AL 36607 Please join us for family-friendly festivities! Our Trunk-or-Treat features a live DJ, inflatables, carnival games, hot dogs, popcorn, and tons of candy and treats from a variety of themed trunks. The more, the merrier -- so bring a friend! Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm. (251) 478-6356

October 27, 2018

The Mad Catters at the Haunted Book Shop

Haunted Book Shop 109 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602 Join The Mad Catters at the Haunted Book Shop for a spooktacular meet-and-greet. This event is for readers and writers getting to know each other and having fun. We’ll have snacks and drinks, tarot readings, a costume contest, and a sidewalk coffin that you can help decorate. The authors who are coming are Miranda James, Carolyn Haines, Rebecca Barrett, Susan Y. Tanner, Margaret Fenton, Lexi George/Alexandra Rushe, Helen Scully, Angela Quarles, and more! Time: 3:00pm-8:00pm. www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com

October 27, 2018

www.apumc.com

October 28, 2018

Dauphin Way Baptist Church Fall Festival

Dauphin Way Baptist Church 3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36608 Our Fall Festival will be from 3:30pm-6:00pm. We will have rides, games, inflatables, a petting zoo, hayride, food, and music. The event is free. www.dwbc.org

October 28, 2018

Dauphin Way Methodist Trunk or Treat

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets Mobile, AL 36604 Trunk-or-Treat is a big family friendly event. All are welcome so grab a friend and join the fun! We will

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food, candy, activities, bonfire and more. Kids and adults are encouraged to dress up in your family friendly costumes. (251) 661-8383 info@knollwoodchurch.net www.knollwoodchurch.website

October 31, 2018

Saraland UMC Trunk or Treat

Saraland United Methodist Church 415 McKeough Avenue Saraland, AL 36571 Join us for our Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6:00-7:30. We’ll have hot dogs, chips, and drinks for everyone to enjoy. There will be cars for Trunk or Treat, crafts, a bounce house, and a hayride! EVERYONE is encouraged to come in costume...adults, too! If it rains, come inside and join us in the Fellowship Hall! We hope to see you there! (251) 675-2728

saralandumc.org

October 31, 2018

Shadown Lawn Baptist Trunk or Treat

Shadown Lawn Baptist Church 5665 Dogwood Trail Eightmile, AL 36613 From 6:00pm - 8:00pm we will have games, food, train rides, hayrides, and treats. It is all free. Everyone welcome. have trunks, treats, games and lots of fun! Trunk-or Treat is located in the patch at the corner of Catherine and Dauphin Street. Costumes are optional but it’s way more fun to trunk-or-treat in a costume. Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm. (251) 471-1511

www.dauphinwayumc.org

October 28, 2018 Family Day

St. Mark United Methodist Church 439 Azalea Road Mobile, AL 36609 Free Food, Snow Cones, Bounce House, and Free Gift Bags for Every Kids! Time: 11:00am-1:00pm. (251) 342-5861

www.stmarkmobile.com

October 28, 2018 Family Fall Festival

Georgetown Assembly of God 9436 Wilmer Georgetown Road Wilmer, AL 36587 Free Rides, Free Food, Free Admission, All are welcome! Canned foods donations accepted (for our thanksgiving baskets) - all begins at 5:30 pm Sunday, October 28th (251) 649-1478

www.georgetownassembly.org

October 28, 2018

GulfQuest Halloween Fest

GulfQuest Maritime Museum 155 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Come join the fun for the entire family! We will have a wide range of activities for all ages, including pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating throughout our exhibits! The Galley will be serving lunch and Halloween Brews. A special spooky admission price of JUST $5/person gets visitors in to enjoy 90 interactive exhibits. And, if you arrive in costume, admission is FREE! GulfQuest Halloween Fest 2018 will be from 12pm - 5pm. (251) 436-8901 info@gulfquest.org www.gulfquest.org

October 28, 2018 Witches Ride – Mobile

Blind Mule, 57 N Claiborne St Mobile, AL 36602 Calling all Witches! We challenge you to get your best, most fabulous witches costume together and hop on your broom (aka your bicycle - yeah decorate that, too!) for a fun ride around downtown Mobile and DeTonti Square. Yes, Warlocks are welcome to register to ride with your Witches! The ride will end with a fabulous block party with live music, libations, and food from local food trucks and our party hosts, The Blind Mule. Prizes for best dressed witch and raffles Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

will be happening, too! All of this fun benefits a good cause - Delta Dogs. This is an 18+ ride. We encourage families to watch the Witches and Warlocks on parade. We will be throwing candy to everyone watching and families are welcome to meet up with their riders at the block party. mobiledeltadogs.org

October 30, 2018

Halloween Movie with Mr. Butch

Moorer Library/Spring Hill Branch 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 The Mobile Public Library Moorer/Spring Hill Branch hosts Movie Time with Mr. Butch at 4:00pm. Today’s feature will be Hocus Pocus. (251) 470-7770

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 31, 2018 Fall Festival

First Christian Church 1419 Government Street Mobile, AL 36604 This fun for the whole family event includes indoor games, prizes, candy, popcorn, corn dogs and much more. Come in costume or come as you ares. (251) 473-7979 firstchristianmobile@gmail.com www.firstchristianchurchmobile.com

October 31, 2018

Halloween at the Library

Ben May Main Branch 701 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Put on your costumes and join us for crafts and Trick or Treating throughout the Library from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. (251) 208-7086 crhodes@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 31, 2018

Halloween Karaoke Party!

Parkway Branch 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, AL 36605 Halloween Karaoke Party! Lets sing, dance and celebrate Halloween. Spooky treats will be provided too! Ages 6 and up. (251) 470-7766

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 31, 2018

Knollwood Church - Lit 2018

Knollwood Church 1501 Knollwood Drive Mobile, AL 36609 Join us for our Fall Festival event including free

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(251) 675-1447 slbc@att.net www.shadowlawnbc. com

October 31, 2018

Snow Road First Baptist Fall Trunk & Treat

Snow Road First Baptist Church 2370 Snow Road North Semmes, AL 36575 More than 30 trucks decorated and full of candy! We will also have Free food, popcorn, cotton candy, arts & crafts, face painting, game and so much more! Admission is free to everyone donations taken up for “Global Hunger Relief”. Fun for the whole family!!! Time: 6:00pm-dark.

(251) 649-7722

www.srfbc.com

October 31, 2018

Spooky Stories in the Church Street Cemetery

Church Street Cemetery 701 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 In addition to Trick or Treating at the Library, plan a visit with Mrs. Rhodes in the Church Street Cemetery for some special, Spooky Tales. Story times are scheduled for 4:30, 5:00 & 5:30pm. (251) 208-7086

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 31, 2018

Trick or Treat at the Library

West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Calling all children – put on your costume and join us for Trick or Treating throughout the Library from 3:00pm-6:30pm. (251) 340-8571 westyou@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 31, 2018

Trick or Treat in Green Park – Dauphin Island 301 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Come and enjoy some good old family fun. Bring the little ones to trick or treat in a safe environment sponsored by the Town of Dauphin & Dauphin Island Police Dept. Everyone is invited to bring a table and some treats to give out to the little ones. Wear your costume! www.townofdauphinisland.org

October 31, 2018

Trunk R Treat at The Wharf

23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Spend your not-so-haunted Halloween with us

www.mobilebayparents.com

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on Main Street for a night of seasonal delight for the whole fam. Whether you come as a goblin, ghoul, or Ghostbuster, make sure you dress to impress. There will be a costume contest for all the festive folks and kid’s activities galore! Don’t be a scaredy cat – join in for a safe, candyfilled good time. Time: 6:00pm– 8:30 pm. Cost: Admission is FREE; camel rides $5 and face painting $5 - $10 (251) 224-1000

www.alwharf.com

October 31, 2018

West Mobile Baptist Fall Festival

West Mobile Baptist Church 7501 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36608 We will have trunk or treat, food, games, candy, inflatables, and fun at our family-friendly event. It is completely free of charge. (251) 639-9952

www.wemochurch.org

October 31, 2018

Woodridge Baptist Church “Harvest Celebration” Fall Festival

2700 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL 36695 Join us October 31st from 5:30pm–7:30pm for our annual community-wide “Harvest Celebration” fall festival! Children and students of all ages are welcome. Enjoy train rides, trunk or treat, popcorn, drinks, corn dogs, games, candy and more! (251) 633-6000 info@woodridgebc.com www.woodridgebc.com

November 2-4, 2018 Alabama Pecan Festival

5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL 36619 This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car and tractor show, Azalea City Quilters Guild and more. There is something for everyone. Friday5:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday- 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday- 11:00am-4:00pm. Admission is free. (251) 401-5555 alabamapecanfestival@gmail. com www.alabamapecanfestival.com

November 3, 2018 Cotton Festival

Tanner Williams Park, 12855 Old Tanner Williams Road Wilmer, AL 36587 Come celebrate Tanner Williams life with us! We will have a Cotton Pageant, Pie Contest, Art Contest, Vendors, Music, and more.

November 3, 2018 Smashing PumpkinFest

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Bring your Halloween pumpkins and jack-olanterns and test the laws of gravity by dropping them and smashing them in some exciting and educational ways. You bring the pumpkins, we clean up the mess. That mess will be used as compost for our courtyard garden. Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm. (251) 208-6893

www.exploreum.com

November 17, 2018 Family Farm Day 2018

Humming Star Alpacas 19700 Blueberry Lane Silverhill, AL 36576 A day to meet and learn about the alpacas, see demonstrations of spinning-weaving and other fiber arts. Shop our farm store and shop with our local artists/craftsman. Eat a scrumptious lunch provided by Chef Will Hughes. Time: 10:00am-4:00pm. (251) 214-8224 www.hummingstaralpacas.com MBP

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By the time your child turns ten, you may have started teaching them responsibilities, assigned weekly chores, and started discussing whether they are old enough to stay home alone for a few minutes at a time. In the middle of their tween years, ten year olds are ready to begin taking on more responsibilities. Krystal Laws, Olathe mother of seven, says, “Parents can think about where they would like their kids to be at age 18 then go back every few years making goals to work up to independence as an adult. Having a vision for where you’re headed really helps in knowing what to work on at various ages.�

What are some basic skills kids can learn before ten? Here are some ideas: Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

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Basic household tasks

Teach your child some basic household tasks. If you are busy, out of the house, or under the weather your child should be able to make himself a sandwich, pack a sack lunch for school, and be able prepare a small meal in the microwave. It is also good to teach your kids how to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and how to clean up a spill.

Safety

Keeping our kids safe is a huge priority for parents. At a young age, we begin to teach them how to safely cross the street, bike and road safety, and to be aware of strangers. By ten, parents should take it one step further by teaching kids about internet safety and what to do in case of an emergency. “I want them to be safe mentally and physically.” says Lisa Parrish, mother of three. “They should know how to use the phone, procedures for being home alone or in emergencies, safe touch, and that no means no.” Kids approaching ten should also know basic first aid and when to call 911.

Budgeting and saving

Ten years old is a great time to intro-

duce basic budgeting skills. Kids can learn to pick something out that they would like to purchase, research the cost, and begin saving for it. This helps teach them delayed gratification, the value of the dollar, the reward for hard work, and also how to budget and save for things that they want. This skill will be necessary as they plan for larger purchases in adulthood.

Problem solving skills

When presented with a problem, children often look to the adults in their lives to solve the problem. Rather than giving your child the answer to the problem, why not let them try to work it out themselves? The problem solving skills learned early will benefit them as they grow older. You can also present your child with different scenarios and ask them what they would do. Ask your child - If you get lost, what should you do? What if you forget your lunch at home? What if you see another child getting teased? If there is a fire in the house, what should you do? Working through different scenarios and practicing problem solving skills will help your child build confidence for when they are faced with a problem.

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Value of hard work

Kids need to know the value of hard work, especially as they head off to college or into the workplace. Even middle and high school require a higher level of study habits. Developing good study habits also helps kids learn that their dedication pays off when they receive good grades because of it. To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy, or saving up allowance to work towards something they would like to purchase will show them the long-term payoff of hard work.

Proper etiquette and speaking skills

Ten year olds should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone etiquette, know how to shake hands, and express gratitude when someone gives them a gift or does something for them. With so much electronic communication, we must teach our children that when having face to face conversations, it is polite to use proper language rather than text speak. “Kids this age should know the

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Golden Rule and treat others the way they’d like to be treated,” says Laura Fenner, Olathe mother of four. Ten year olds can build confidence in this area by practicing public speaking and participating in sports or recitals.

Healthy habits

Proper hygiene and self grooming

Ten year olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair. Frequent showers, proper face and hand washing, and wearing deodorant are good habits to get into as the changing hormones of the teen years approach.

Caring for others

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children. This helps teach them responsibility and selflessness.

Outdoor skills

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety. Fire safety, how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy. Again, as we face competition with the screen, teaching kids how to be safe when pursuing outdoor activities may open a love of the outdoors they have not yet experienced.

The importance of a healthy diet and routine exercise is never too early to learn. While they may not be preparing entire meals at age ten, they do need to know that potato chips are not a well balanced lunch. Kids should also be able to listen to their bodies so they can tell you if they are unwell and what is wrong. Healthy sleep habits and a good diet can help them perform better in school and improve their moods. Kids should also be able to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed. These skills are a guideline as every child and every family is unique. You may find that in your family you value certain skills over others or that some of these were learned some time ago. “Be flexible with your plan to teach life skills,” says Laws, “Everyone learns at a different pace.” MBP Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to six kids, including three-year-old triplets.

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A Page in a Book

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It’s Just Your Imagination The marvel of the human mind is its ability to fill in blank or boring spaces with imagination. Seeing a parade of animals in the shifting of clouds overhead, making up a backstory for the stranger sitting on the park bench, or crafting alternate exploits that take beloved toys on all new adventures, these are some of the ways our mind moves beyond what is and into the realm of what could be. Imagination is the foundation of invention and creativity, as

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well as a healthy retreat from the everyday. The following titles celebrate the limitless vistas the mind can explore and the little things that can launch that journey!

Idea Jar

by Adam Lehrhaupt, Illustrated by Deb Pilutti (Simon & Schuster) The jar on the teacher’s desk is filled with ideas that are perfect for sparking young imaginations. Colorful characters and bold adjectives are written on scraps of paper just waiting to inspire an all new story. Armed with just a couple of words, students begin to craft the adventures of a space-faring Viking, a horseless cowgirl and more. The kids imagine new stories in written form, spoken word and art. But when the jar tips over, its ideas spilling out, the imagination overflow threatens to overwhelm the class. Advocating the value of imaginative focus, the Idea Jar offers ideal guidance for jump-starting imaginative journeys.

Use Your Imagination

by Nicola O’Byrne (Nosy Crow / Candlewick) Lamenting his boredom, a young rabbit is approached by a wolf with a solution. Claiming to be a librarian, Wolf suggests they write a story together. Observing what big ears Wolf has (better for listening to stories) and what big eyes he has (better for reading stories), Rabbit is reminded of another well-known tale. So as Wolf guides Rabbit through his imaginings, the evolving story’s setting (a forest), costuming (a red cape) and a villain (a wolf) all begin to point to a bad ending. With his own sly vision, Rabbit harnesses his powers of imagination and engages them to craft a new tale that flips the script on an old story that’s not boring at all.

Red Again

by Barbara Lehman (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Biking beside a wintery canal, a young boy discovers a red book on the ground. Scooping it up, he retreats to his ocean view reading spot to explore the found book. His first page view reveals a child in a boat...with a red book floating in the water nearby. Retrieving it from the water, the second child opens the book revealing a window back into the first boy’s canal side world. As the children marvel at their magical connection, the book watches their worlds draw closer. Author of the wordless Caldecott Honor title, The Red Book, Lehman returns with a brilliant follow-up that captures the power of imagination, as a simple action leads characters (and readers) on wonderful journeys that transcend reality.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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FamilyCalendar Wednesday September 26

Brown Bag in Bienville for Fall

(Free)

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, 36602 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. www.ncsmobile.org Spare Time, Leisure, and Recreation in Alabama (Free) 6:00 PM USA Archaeology Museum, 6052 USA Drive South Mobile, 36608 Join us on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 6pm for a guest lecture presentation by Frances Robb, social, cultural and photograph historian and museum consultant and Alabama Humanities Foundation Road Scholar. 251-460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum/index.html

Thursday September 27

Teen Art Scene at the Library (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Express Yourself! Want to create and expand your artistic endeavors? Bring your ideas to the Teen Spot. Enjoy the time and space to be creative. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Downtown Get Down 5:30 PM Cathedral Square, Mobile, 36602 The Hargrove Foundation is hosting a block party festival at Cathedral Square the evening of Thursday, September 27th. Called the Downtown Get Down, the event is for the community to join together for live music from The Underhill Family Orchestra, food from local restaurants and food truck vendors, drinks, kids’ zone area, lawn games, and much more! All proceeds will benefit the Hargrove Foundation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related initiatives in the area www.hargrovefoundation.org/2018-downtown-getdown Historic Mobile Preservation Society Lecture ($10, Free for members)

6:00 PM Cox-Deasy Cottage, 115 Palmetto Street Mobile, 36603 Lecture and Book Signing for A Poisoned Life: Florence Chandler Maybrick, the First American Woman Sentenced to Death in England 251-432-6161 www.historicmobile.org Vintage Affair 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Fort Whiting, 1630 South Broad Street Mobile, 36605 Join us for Vintage Affair benefiting the American Cancer Society. www.gala.acsevents.org USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Friday September 28

Healthcare Hauntings II 8:00 PM Mobile Medical Museum, 1664 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36606 Our fall fundraising event, Healthcare Hauntings, returns for a second year in a new, more grown-up format. Modeled after

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

ultra-realistic haunted house attractions like Baton Rouge’s 13th Gate, Healthcare Hauntings will transform one of Mobile’s oldest homes with several “healthcare horror” scenarios performed by actors in indoor and outdoor areas. Visitors will encounter grave robbers, witches, sadistic dentists and quack doctors, disease-ridden patients, and a chainsawwielding surgeon. Up to 10 visitors at a time will pass through the house in three 15 to 20 minute rotations per hour. We will also feature food trucks from The Kraken (Friday) and Ben’s Burga Kaboose (Saturday) and a DJ! The Saturday matinee event on September 29th will be a lights-on, toned down version for visitors under the age of 18. 251-415-1109 www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org Theatre USA presents “Godspell” 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Theatre USA presents “Godspell” on weekends, September 28-October 6. www.southalabama.edu/theatre

Saturday September 29

Delta Dash 9:00 AM Lower Bryant’s Landing, 8900 Lower Bryants Landing Road Stockton, 36579 Experience the Delta like never before. A 5K obstacle course race designed to challenge the heart, body and soul. The goal is simple… provide participants of all lifestyles and ages with an opportunity to test endurance, stamina, resilience, quick decision making skills, animal instinct and the ability to enjoy a face-full of mud, leaves or whatever else the terrain throws their way. The Delta Dash will take place on over three miles of wooded terrain where several obstacles will be encountered. Obstacles could be anything from crawling in the mud, wading through a creek, a mega slip-and-slide, scaling hay bales or something else (we aren’t going to tell you all our secrets). www.deltadash.org 30th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts (Free ) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 1700 Main Street Daphne, 36526 The 30th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts in Daphne Alabama is set to attract thousands to the oak-lined Main Street on September 29th and 30th. Art, music & seafood meet southern charm at this annual festival set along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. 251-928-6387 www.eschamber.com/page/JubileeFestival-Welcome Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Healthcare Hauntings II 1:00 PM Mobile Medical Museum, 1664 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36606 Our fall fundraising event, Healthcare Hauntings, returns for a second year in a new, more grown-up format. Modeled after ultra-realistic haunted house attractions like Baton Rouge’s 13th Gate, Healthcare Hauntings will transform one of Mobile’s oldest homes with several “healthcare horror” scenarios performed by actors

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in indoor and outdoor areas. Visitors will encounter grave robbers, witches, sadistic dentists and quack doctors, disease-ridden patients, and a chainsawwielding surgeon. Up to 10 visitors at a time will pass through the house in three 15 to 20 minute rotations per hour. We will also feature food trucks from The Kraken (Friday) and Ben’s Burga Kaboose (Saturday) and a DJ! The Saturday matinee event on September 29th will be a lights-on, toned down version for visitors under the age of 18. 251-415-1109 www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org Theatre USA presents “Godspell” 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Theatre USA presents “Godspell” on weekends, September 28-October 6. www.southalabama.edu/theatre

Sunday September 30

30th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts (Free ) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 1700 Main Street Daphne, 36526 The 30th Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts in Daphne Alabama is set to attract thousands to the oak-lined Main Street on September 29th and 30th. Art, music & seafood meet southern charm at this annual festival set along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. 251-928-6387 www.eschamber.com/page/JubileeFestival-Welcome Sensory Friendly Experience - Animation Academy ($8 per person (Same price for adults or children. Exploreum members only pay $5 for IMAX). )

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, 36602 The Gulf Coast Exploreum, in conjunction with the Autism Society of Alabama, invites you to a Sensory Friendly Experience in our great new fall exhibit, The Animation Academy. (251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com Theatre USA presents “Godspell” 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Theatre USA presents “Godspell” on weekends, September 28-October 6. www.southalabama.edu/theatre

Tuesday October 2

5 Rivers StoryTime “Giggle, Giggle, Quack”

(Free)

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. This week’s story is about Cows that can use a typewriter! 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. 10-11am, free, no registration necessary. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Bingo for Books (Free) 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway B Mobile, 36605 Fun for all! Winners get to choose prizes from our table of gently used books. Light refreshments will be provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night (Free) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Sierra Club, 7pm-8:30pm; Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

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Alabama Coastal BirdFest Various Locations, Join us Oct. 3–6 for the 15th annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest, a birding and nature festival! There will be many opportunities to see birds, alligators, wildflowers, dolphins, and other wildlife—and learn about their habitats. Plus, we will offer workshops at 5 Rivers Delta Center. BirdFest showcases great bird- and nature-watching spots all around Baldwin and Mobile counties, including Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island, Weeks Bay, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bayou La Batre, Forever Wild Grand Bay Savanna, Gulf Shores, and more. BirdFest is a great adventure no matter your level of birding experience. 251-990-5004 www.weeksbay.org/events/alabamacoastal-birdfest/

Thursday October 4

Think Pink Tea 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center , 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 USA Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Think Pink Tea is a free annual celebration of breast cancer awareness -- a commitment to patients, survivors, advocates and the friends and family of those impacted by breast cancer. The Think Pink Tea is attended by patients, donors, media, and members of the community. It features a runway fashion show, an educational com-

ponent and refreshments in the style of high tea. www.usahealthsystem.com/thinkpinktea Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Kids Studio at West Regional Library! Children, ages 3-10 are invited to explore contemporary art, music, and literature through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. This class is free, open to the public and lead by professional art educators. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Sing & Dance with Mr. Butch! (Free) 4:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 Join Mr. Butch for an hour of singing, dancing and Karaoke too! Ages 6-12. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Wine Fest 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Cotton Hall, 911 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36606 There will be delicious food and wine throughout the evening. For this year’s musical entertainment we will have the fabulous Cooper Trent! Attendees will have an opportunity to sample their favorite food dishes provided by local area caterers and wines will be provided by Red or White and their participating distributors. All proceeds from this evening of fine wines and wonderful food will benefit the work of Catholic Social Services. www.catholicsocialservicesmobile.com/wine-fest

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Blackberry Smoke 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Since emerging from Atlanta in the early 00’s, Blackberry Smoke has become known for a singular sound indebted to classic rock, blues, country, and folk. /www.mobilesaenger.com/events/blackberry-smoke/ Alabama Coastal BirdFest Various Locations, Join us Oct. 3–6 for the 15th annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest, a birding and nature festival! There will be many opportunities to see birds, alligators, wildflowers, dolphins, and other wildlife—and learn about their habitats. Plus, we will offer workshops at 5 Rivers Delta Center. BirdFest showcases great bird- and nature-watching spots all around Baldwin and Mobile counties, including Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island, Weeks Bay, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bayou La Batre, Forever Wild Grand Bay Savanna, Gulf Shores, and more. BirdFest is a great adventure no matter your level of birding experience. 251-990-5004 www.weeksbay.org/events/alabamacoastal-birdfest/

Friday October 5

Chip in for a Cause 10:00 AM Heron Lakes Country Club, 3851 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36693 Benefitting the YMCA Campaign for Youth, Seniors and Families. www.ysal.org/chip-in-for-a-cause Alabama Coastal BirdFest Various Locations, Join us Oct. 3–6 for the 15th annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest, a birding and nature festival! There will be many opportunities to see birds, alligators, wildflowers, dolphins, and other wildlife—and learn about their habitats. Plus, we will

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FamilyCalendar offer workshops at 5 Rivers Delta Center. BirdFest showcases great bird- and nature-watching spots all around Baldwin and Mobile counties, including Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island, Weeks Bay, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bayou La Batre, Forever Wild Grand Bay Savanna, Gulf Shores, and more. BirdFest is a great adventure no matter your level of birding experience. 251-990-5004 www.weeksbay.org/events/alabamacoastal-birdfest/ Theatre USA presents “Godspell” 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Theatre USA presents “Godspell” on weekends, September 28-October 6. www.southalabama.edu/theatre

Saturday October 6 Dog River Fishing Tournament

6:00 AM River Shack, 6120 South Marina Drive Mobile, 36605 For the 8th consecutive year, DRCR hosts its fall fishing tournament based from the River Shack Restaurant and Oyster Bar, under the Dog River Bridge. Come enjoy a family fun event whose proceeds benefit DRCR’s mission to improve the water quality of and access to Dog River & its tributaries. www.dogriver.org 2018 Mobile Heart Walk 7:30 AM USA Moulton Tower, Mobile, 36608 Join us at the Moulton Tower on the campus of the University of South Alabama. Walk in honor or in memory of someone you love or create a team and join the fight against the #1 and #5 killer of all Americans, heart disease and stroke. The 2018 Mobile Heart Walk will honor survivors of cardiovascular disease and stroke in our community. Enjoy FREE activities like a Kids Zone, CPR demo, and healthy snacks. 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk movement, so there’s no better time to get involved. www.MobileHeartWalk.org Bird and Conservation Expo (Free) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 450 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, 36532 Exhibits, vendors, artists, hands-on activities for all ages, live raptor demonstrations, sea creature touch tanks, and lots more! FREE, 9am-4pm at Faulkner State Community College, Fairhope. 251-990-5004 www.weeksbay.org/events/alabamacoastal-birdfest/ Dauphin Island Plant Sale and Give-Away 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Green Park, 301 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, 36528 sponsored by the Town of Dauphin Island, the event brings together multiple vendors offering for sale a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, trees, shrubs, sea oats and much more while Dauphin Island property owners can take home FREE plants www.townofdauphinisland.org Mobile’s Got Talent! (Free) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Can you sing, dance, play musical instruments or recite poetry? Sign up and showcase your talent! Judges will confer and the winners will be announced. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 2nd Annual Gulf Seafood Gala 6:00 PM Isle of Dauphin Club, 100 Orleans Drive Dauphin Island, 36528 Come enjoy tastings of

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

delectable Gulf seafood prepared and presented by local and regional chefs. The event will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of historic Isle Dauphine Club. Local art, live musical entertainment and adult beverages will round out a wonderful evening on Dauphin Island.Proceeds will benefit Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council. www.eventbrite.com 3rd Annual Greek Fest Charity Gala 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM, 50 South Ann Street Mobile, 36604 Greek Fest Charity Gala benefiting NEST of Mobile, Penelope House, and The Learning Tree. 251-438-9888 www.greekfestcharitygala.com Mobile Symphony presents Roman Festivals 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Join us on a musical journey to the Eternal City as Respighi’s cinematic musical style brings ancient Rome to life. 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org Mobile Animation Film Festival 10:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608251-208-5200 www. mobilemuseumofart.com Alabama Coastal BirdFest Various Locations, Join us Oct. 3–6 for the 15th annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest, a birding and nature festival! There will be many opportunities to see birds, alligators, wildflowers, dolphins, and other wildlife—and learn about their habitats. Plus, we will offer workshops at 5 Rivers Delta Center. 251-990-5004 www.weeksbay.org/events/alabamacoastal-birdfest/ Living History Crew Drill USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Come see history come to life as our historical reenactors board the USS ALABAMA and the USS DRUM. See what life was like on these naval vessels during WWII. The men share the stories of our original crewmen and demonstrate jobs aboard the battleship and submarine. Don’t miss the air attack and “Call to Battle Stations” at 1:00 p.m. on the main deck of the ALABAMA. 251-433-2703 www.ussalabama.com Theatre USA presents “Godspell” 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Theatre USA presents “Godspell” on weekends, September 28-October 6. www.southalabama.edu/theatre

Sunday October 7

Outdoor Market at 5 Rivers 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Local, handmade arts & crafts, farmer’s market, and unique nature inspired items from the Cypress Gift Shop at 5 Rivers. 251-621-0782 www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversal-delta-resource-center/5-rivers-events Mobile Symphony presents Roman Festivals 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Join us on a musical journey to the Eternal City as Respighi’s cinematic musical style brings ancient Rome to life. 251-432-2010 mobilesymphony.org Afternoon of Stars (Free) 3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Members of the cast of Mobile Opera’s The Barber of Seville will perform their favorite musical selections. Enjoy beautiful music and meet the stars over light refreshments following the performance. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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Bras Across the “CAUSE”way 5K and Fun Run 5:15 PM USS Alabama Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Join us in our race to benefit Providence Hospital Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. www.eventbrite.com Theatre USA presents “Godspell” 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Theatre USA presents “Godspell” on weekends, September 28-October 6. www.southalabama.edu/theatre

Monday October 8

Minute to Win It! (Free) 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Gaming Fun! It’s a School Holiday! Spend an hour at the Library testing your skills and playing fun-filled Minute to Win It games. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Fall Choral Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Fall Choral Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Tuesday October 9

Reading PAWS (Free) 3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Meet, Greet & Read! Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a fourlegged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Family Bingo Night (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill 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 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night (Free) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7pm-8pm; Mobile Bay Audubon Society, 7pm-8pm; Alabama Hiking Trail Society. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Ivano Ascari, Guest Artist Trumpet Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 Ivano Ascari, Guest Artist Trumpet Recital 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Wednesday October 10

Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour 6:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Are you ready to DANCE?!? Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour is an ALL NEW interactive live concert experience. Sing and dance along

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Thursday October 11

Teen Art Scene at the Library (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Express Yourself! Want to create and expand your artistic endeavors? Bring your ideas to the Teen Spot. Enjoy the time and space to be creative. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio at West Regional Library! Children, ages 3-10 are invited to explore contemporary art, music, and literature through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. This class is free, open to the public and lead by professional art educators. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org A Night Honoring Heroes 5:30 PM Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 The University of South Alabama Medical Center will host “A Night Honoring Heroes” on Oct. 11, 2018. The gala will benefit USA Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center and will honor the courage and dedication of first responders and medical professionals who help patients survive after a traumatic injury. www.usahealthsystem.com/heroes Grilled Cheese Meltdown 5:30 PM Cathedral Square, Mobile, 36602 15 teams will be competing in the 2nd Annual Grilled Cheese Meltdown to see who will capture the Golden Spatula. www.grilledcheese2018.brownpapertickets.com Speaker: Russell Blount “Wilson’s Raid: The Final Blow to the Confederacy”

Saturday October 13

Fall Market in the Park 7:30 AM Cathedral Square , 300 Conti Street 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 locallyproduced, locally-made items to choose from. www.ncsmobile.org Race for Hope 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run 8:00 AM Public Safety Memorial Park, 2301 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36606www.cityhope.cc/raceforhope 8th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Various Locations, Dauphin Island More than 50 artists will be at ten locations. Those attending may pick up a map at any of the locations and have it stamped at all locations to be eligible for prizes. There’ll be a free cross-island shuttle. www.arttrail.ArtDoesIt.com Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with hands-on projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “Stuart Little” 7:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “Stuart Little” at Joe Jefferson Playhouse. www.sunnysidedrama.com

The Pact presents “Once on this Island” 7:15 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 The Pact presents “Once on this Island”. 251-307-5056 www.thepactmobile.com

The Pact presents “Once on this Island” 7:15 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 The Pact presents “Once on this Island”. 251-307-5056 www.thepactmobile. com

Friday October 12

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents

($10; Members free)

5:30 PM Cox-Deasy Cottage, 115 Palmetto Street Mobile, 36603 Speaker: Wilson’s Raid: The Final Blow to the Confederacy www.historicmobile.org/events

Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “Stuart Little” 7:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “Stuart Little” at Joe Jefferson Playhouse. www.sunnysidedrama.com

“The Miracle Worker” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com

The Pact presents “Once on this Island” 7:15 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 The Pact presents “Once on this Island”. 251-307-5056 www.thepactmobile.com

Special Day for Special Needs 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Shiloh Baptist Church, 717 Cleveland Road Saraland, 36571 Join us for a special day for special needs families! We will have something for everyone! 251-675-3587 www.shilohsaraland.com

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Sunday October 14

The Market at the Pillars 12:00 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, 36604 The Market at The Pillars is a monthly market with over 40 local vendors: crafters, farmers, makers and bakers and live music from local

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musicians. Free admission. Family friendly and Pet friendly. 251-307-5382 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “Stuart Little” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, 36606 Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “Stuart Little” at Joe Jefferson Playhouse. www.sunnysidedrama.com Sunset Concert - Fort Gaines ($5.00 per person

(age 13 and over).)

4:30 PM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Last Sunset Concert of the summer featuring Roman Street. www.townofdauphinisland.org Maxwell 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Maxwell has artfully managed to transfix music lovers for more than two decades. Today, he announces his new “NIGHT” tour. www.mobilesaenger.com

Tuesday October 16

5 Rivers StoryTime “Raccoon at Clear Creek Road” (Free) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. This week’s story is about an adventurous raccoon. Children under the age of 6 years are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. No registration necessary. 251-625-0814 www.Alabama5Rivers.com

Wednesday October 17

Bob Dylan & His Band 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Maxwell has artfully managed to transfix music lovers for more than two decades. Today, he announces his new “NIGHT” tour. www.mobilesaenger.com

Thursday October 18

CODE REaD: IDA Fall Reading Conference University of Mobile, 5735 College Pkwy, Eight Mile The International Dyslexia Association of Alabama invites you to the fall reading conference. Don’t miss these two days filled with professional development and helpful information. Register for the Conference Online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/ register/event?oeidk=a07efix6no6e7a9e19a&llr=djv 4kndab. Approved for both ASHA and ALTA CEUs! 12 hours or 1.2 CEU credit. Food for Thought 11:30 AM The Steeple, 251 St Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Ransom Ministries will host its Food for Thought benefit luncheon at The Steeple on

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, October 18th at 11:30 a.m. Guests are invited to participate in a silent auction from 11:3012:00 followed by speakers explaining the wonderful mission work of Ransom Ministries during lunch. All money raised will help fund the general operating budget for Ransom Ministries. www.eventbrite.com 4th Annual Down to Earth Fundraiser 5:30 PM Victory Teaching Farm, 261 Rickarby Street Mobile, 36606 A truly unique event, held on the farm in Midtown Mobile, Farmraiser is an evening of delectable local food, drinks and music in recognition and support of our local food champions. In an effort to build a locally sourced food scene, local chefs and food entrepreneurs are paired with local farmers to create the relationships necessary to accomplish our mission and provide a delicious taste of the future. Proceeds support educational and outreach programs of Victory Teaching Farm. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3574356 University of Mobile - Symphonic Winds Concert 7:00 PM 5735 College Parkway Eight Mile, 36613 This free event features the Symphonic Winds from The Alabama School of the Arts. You will enjoy an evening of blissful and timeless music under the direction of composer, arranger and faculty member, Steve Dunn. www.umobile.edu USA Piano Ensembles Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 USA Piano Ensembles Fall Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Friday October 19

CODE REaD: IDA Fall Reading Conference Details October 18. Focus Women’s Conference 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 350 Campus Drive Mobile, 36608 The mission of Focus Women’s Conference is to educate, encourage, and empower women to achieve economic independence by partnering with mentors and instilling a passion for change within the community. Speakers and workshops will work to provide women in Mobile and the surrounding communities with beneficial advice on topics related to skill building and reaching their fullest potential. Breakfast is included. 251-366-0666 www.focuswomensconference.com Fall Plant Sale 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer great advice for your gardens. We’ll have over 10,000 plants with a special focus on Camellias this year. Plant list will be available on our website two weeks prior to the Sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org 8th Annual Chip in for Autism Golf Tournament ($60)

11:30 AM Azalea City Golf Course, 1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile, 36608 8th Annual Chip in for Autism Golf Tournament benefiting Woody’s Song School. The four-man scramble includes s bucket of range balls, tournament round and cart. Refreshments and dinner are also provided. 251-656-0070 Movie on the Promenade 6:30 PM GulfQuest Maritime Museum, 155 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 251-436-8901 www.gulfquest.org

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Mobile Opera presents The Barber of Seville 8:00 PM The Temple Downtown, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Rossini’s famous comedy about the lengths to which one will go to win love. The rascal, Figaro, gets Count Almaviva in all sorts of trouble as they try to steal Rosina from under the suspicious eye of her jealous guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Lots of bumbling fun and a happy ending. www.mobileopera.org

Saturday October 20

Fall Market in the Park 7:30 AM Cathedral Square , 300 Conti Street 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 locallyproduced, locally-made items to choose from. www.ncsmobile.org 2018 DSSM Buddy Walk 9:00 AM Bienville Square, 150 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36602 Join us to honor and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome in our communities. This event is focused on raising awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families www.ndss.org/buddy_walk/2018-dssm-buddy-walk Fall Plant Sale 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer great advice for your gardens. We’ll have over 10,000 plants with a special focus on Camellias this year. Plant list will be available on our website two weeks prior to the Sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Holiday Market at the Corner 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Southwest Mobile Chamber of Commerce, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 Join us for our Holiday Market at the Corner featuring local businesses with furniture, home decor, clothing, accessories, art, and one of a kind items. www.swmcchamber.com Mobile Fairytale Ball

9:00 AM 7:00 PM, Meet the Princesses at The Fairytale Ball! This Fairytale Event is full of magical moments you won’t want to miss! Dance with Cinderella. Read with Rapunzel. Share Sweet Treats with Tinkerbell. Create a Tiara with Elena! All of our princesses are excited to sing, dance, and play with your little ones! Our event focuses on making sure your little one feels royal throughout all of our activities. www.eventbrite.com

CNC Demonstration (Free) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 MaYker Lab Teens. Come see the Library’s new CNC Milling Machine in action! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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Maker Storytime (Free) 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Families with young children are invited for a time of exploring science, technology, engineering and math through stories and making projects together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org The Salty Worm Brackish Classic and Delta Bash Bluegill Restaurant, 3775 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, 36527 251-460-6209 www.usahealthsystem.com/ saltyworm Researching Your African-American Ancestors (Free) 10:45 AM - 2:45 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 In partnership with the Marengo County History and Archives Museum, the Mobile Public Library will host a free genealogy Conference in Bernheim Hall. Professional genealogist, Mary Jones-Fitts will present two sessions: “Introduction to African-American Research” and “Genealogy & Computers. A light lunch will be provided. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 208-7094. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Crafternoon (Free) 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for an hour devoted solely to the joys of crafting. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Land Rover Gulf Coast Wine on the River Mobile 4:00 PM Cooper Riverside Park, 101 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 Sample wine from national and international vineyards. With an “Around the World” theme focusing on cultural regions there will be wine and food for purchase in each selected area. Live music entertainment will be going throughout the evening to keep the fun going. www.eventbrite.com Tech Time (Free) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Join us as we explore the world of technology through a variety of projects and resources. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Tri The Gulf Isle Dauphine Golf Club, 100 Orleans Drive Dauphin Island, 36528 Brought to you by the Mobile Bar Foundation, Tri the Gulf is a sprint triathlon on Dauphin Island, Alabama consisting of a 600 yard

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Sunday October 21

Fall Plant Sale 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer great advice for your gardens. We’ll have over 10,000 plants with a special focus on Camellias this year. Plant list will be available on our website two weeks prior to the Sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Gulf Coast Mardi Gras Expo 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 4128 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36693 If you’re a vendor or event planner or just someone that loves to PARTY, join us for the Gulf Coast Mardi Gras Expo on October 21st! Live Bands and Entertainment, Food Tastings, and Door Prizes! www.mardigras.ticketspice.com USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital NICU Reunion 2018 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 1700 Center Street Mobile, 36604 NICU reunion. All former NICU patients are welcome, no matter their current age. www.usahealthsystem.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker” 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Mobile Opera presents The Barber of Seville 2:00 PM The Temple Downtown, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Rossini’s famous comedy about the lengths to which one will go to win love. The rascal, Figaro, gets Count Almaviva in all sorts of trouble as they try to steal Rosina from under the suspicious eye of her jealous guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Lots of bumbling fun and a happy ending. www.mobileopera.org

Monday October 22

Juan José Gutierrez, Faculty Cello Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608251-460-6136 www. southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents. html Lewis and Clark Circus Creola Park, 2350 Dead Lake Marina Road Creola , 36525 The Lewis and Clark Circus will be in Creola Park on October 22nd and 23rd. Shows will be at 5 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday October 23

Reading PAWS (Free) 3:00 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Meet, Greet & Read! Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org PBS - The Great American Read (Free) 7:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 The Vote is In! Join us in Bernheim Hall for a special streaming of the PBS Great American Read Live Broadcast with Meredith Vieira. Find out the results of a nationwide vote by millions

of readers over the past four months to choose America’s best-loved book.The evening celebration begins with light refreshments in the Armbrecht/ Briskman Meeting Room at 6:30 p.m. Live Broadcast takes place in Bernheim Hall at 7:00pm. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Toto 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Toto is pleased to announce twentyone new North American shows for its 40 Trips Around the Sun Tour in support of the band’s 40th Anniversary. www.mobilesaenger.com

University of Mobile - Jazz Band Concert 7:00 PM 5735 College Parkway Eight Mile, 36613 This free event features the Symphonic Winds from The Alabama School of the Arts. You will enjoy an evening of blissful and timeless music under the direction of composer, arranger and faculty member, Steve Dunn. www.umobile.edu Riley Green 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Flipside & 95KSJ present Riley Green special guest Troy Cartwright Outlaws Like Us Tour. www.mobilesaenger.com

Lewis and Clark Circus Creola Park, 2350 Dead Lake Marina Road Creola , 36525 The Lewis and Clark Circus will be in Creola Park on October 22nd and 23rd. Shows will be at 5 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.

USA Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608251-460-6136 www. southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents. html

Thursday October 25

Friday October 26

Teen Art Scene at the Library (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Express Yourself! Want to create and expand your artistic endeavors? Bring your ideas to the Teen Spot. Enjoy the time and space to be creative. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Lost Mobile: Free Public Talk (Free) 6:00 PM Marx Library University of South Alabama, 5901 USA Drive North Mobile, 36608 Mobile has been around for more than three centuries and has been built and rebuilt many times. The city is home to such enduring structures as Barton Academy and Government Street Presbyterian Church from the 1830’s and grand homes from the 1850’s including the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and the Richards-DAR House. What residents and visitors don’t see today are the countless structures which once adorned out streets but are now sadly missing. Some were lost to fire, but all too many were lost to something termed “progress.” Images of these lost structures will be joined with their stories. Boots and Barbeque 6:30 PM Moe’s Barbeque, 701 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36602 The fifth annual Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, October 25 to benefit the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Festivities will start at 6:30 p.m., with live music from Johnny Hayes and the Love Seats and award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and come out to support a great cause for local children suffering from autoimmune disorders. give.childrensal.org/barnbash One Night in Havana 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Brookley Airfield, 1886 Fifth Street Mobile, 36615 One Night in Havana will transport you to a tropical nightclub filled with the sights, sounds and flavors of Havana. The evening includes live music, food and drink and charitable gaming. Stop at the tables for blackjack, roulette, craps and poker, in addition to slot machines, then take your chips to the prize table and enter to win the item or experience of your choice. Proceeds benefit the Distinguished Young Women Foundation and will provide college scholarships to deserving students. www.onenightinevent.com

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Forks and Corks 6:00 PM 9:00 PM, Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Fundraising Gala and Seafood Extravaganza featuring a culinary challenge by student chefs from Mobile County Public School System’s Hospitality and Tourism Program at the Estuarium. 251-861-2141 www.artsealab.org/about/corks-andforks-culinary-arts-competition

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tom Jones” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tom Jones” www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday October 27

Fall Market in the Park 7:30 AM Cathedral Square , 300 Conti Street 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 locallyproduced, locally-made items to choose from. www.ncsmobile.org 9th Annual “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show (Free) 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Dauphin Way Baptist Church, 3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 The 9th Annual “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show will be held at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. We always have a large assortment of antique, new and classic cars, trucks, hot rods and rat rods. Registration opens at 8:00 am. Entry Fee is $20 if received by October 18, and $25 day of show. Awards include Shirley’s Choice, Best of Show PLUS $250 Cash, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Engine, Top 30 and Sponsor Awards. We will also have 25 or more vendors selling unique and quality items for the entire family. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be grilled on site and for sale. This is a FREE event open for the public to attend, and is a benefit for student ministry missions and summer camp scholarships. 251-445-4163 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Bienville Square, 150 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36602 Join us for the 11th annual

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Support Groups & Classes Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of South Alabama! Making Strides is a 3.5 mile fundraising walk to raise awareness about breast cancer and raise funds for research and patient support services. www.makingstrideswalk.org/mobileal First Annual Interdimensional Worlds Faire

(Free)

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, 36602 Please join us in beautiful downtown Mobile Alabama along the waterfront at Cooper Riverside Park for a day filled with fun and compassion. We are proud to bring you a wide variety of artists, authors, merchants, and fan groups as well as local charities and businesses. Come explore all the activities, attractions, and performances throughout the faire and on our two stages. www.airshipaberrantcre.wixsite.com/airship-aberrant

Monday October 29

Thomas L. Rowell, Faculty Voice Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Tuesday October 30

Kip Franklin, Faculty Clarinet Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

S Thursday November 9

Ovation Mobile Civic Center, Mobile, AL 36601 7:30 pm. “Ovation” is a one-night-only performance honoring music legends deserving of generations of “ovation” – including Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, George Gershwin and more. The vision of new Artistic Director Katia Garza is a mix of kinetic energy, exhilarating music and dynamic dance unique to the Mobile stage. More than 30 dancers will take the stage including internationally renowned Ballet Master Israel Rodriguez, Eduardo Pi Iglesias, and other guest artists. A music score takes the audience from Frank Sinatra to Louis Armstrong, John Williams, George Gershwin, Nina Simone, Piazzolla and more. 251-342-2241 www.mobileballet.org

Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

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Stephen Marley at The Steeple 7:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, 36602 Stephen Marley at The Steeple. www.thesteeplemobile.com The Mystery of Devil’s Gulch and Mobile Mystery Halloween Party 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Battle House Hotel Ballroom, Mobile, 36602 We are throwing a Halloween Party that must not be missed. This is a party like no other featuring a dinner theatre performance, full buffet and costume contest. 21 and over event. www.mobilemysterydinners.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tom Jones” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tom Jones” www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Sunday October 28

Boots and Jazz Brunch for McKemie Place 11:30 AM The Country Club of Mobile, 4101 Wimbledon Drive Mobile, 36608 Join us for our largest annual fundraiser, “Boots & Jazz Brunch” to support the operations of the Region’s only homeless shelter for women. Silent auction to begin at 11:30am, with entertainment by Josh and Noah Thompson of Roman Street. Wear your favorite boots and have a wonderful time supporting an amazing cause! www.eventbrite.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tom Jones” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Tom Jones” www.mobiletheatreguild.org Mobile Chamber Music presents The Lysander Piano Trio 3:00 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, 36608251-460-6136 www. southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents. html Don Felder 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 Don Felder in concert. www.mobilesaenger.com

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

Thursday November 1

Light The Night Mobile 5:30 PM Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, 36606 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter presents Light The Night Mobile. This free family-fun event will have a children’s area, music, games, food, a remembrance dome and much more. It ends with a symbolic 1 mile walk around the stadium to honor those lost, those still fighting and survivors. 251-406-8471 www.lightthenight.org

Saturday November 3

DIPG Warrior Walk 10:00 AM USS Battleship Memorial Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Join us on November 3 in Mobile, AL to Wage War on DIPG with the DIPG Warrior Walk. A family friendly walk to honor our DIPG Warriors and fund vital research to help find a cure! www.csnevents.org/mobilewarrior

Sunday November 4

Vince Gill 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 One of the most popular and most recorded singers of the past quarter-century, superstar Vince Gill has become the measure of excellence in country music. His vocal performances are spellbinding, his songwriting emotionally powerful and his guitar-playing world-class. Gill, along with his topnotch band, will perform at the Mobile Saenger. www.mobilesaenger.com

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Classes/Meetings APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, 445 Azalea Road. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251-281-7312. 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

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Support Groups & Classes 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.

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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. Bridge Support Group The Bridge support group is a place where parents with similar experiences come together to share stories, advice and love. These families have had babies who: were stillborn, born with a lethal anomaly (such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, skeletal dysplasia, anencephaly) or had a baby that only lived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our families are from all over the Gulf Coast and all have beautiful stories to tell. 1st Tuesday of every month, 5:30pm-until. Dinner is served. Meets in 1st floor conference room of Strada Center, 1601 Center Street, Mobile. Contact information: Rene Sprague RN, MSN rgilstrapsprague@health.southalabama.edu 251-6105264. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. 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.

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 offers a variety of classes on Childbirth Preparation. All classes meet in Conference Room 1, (located just inside the front doors in the main lobby of the hospital by the gift shop), unless otherwise specified. Preregistration is required for all classes, and fees are collected in class. To register for classes, please visit our website at www.providencehospital. org, Women’s Services and click “Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes. If you have any questions, please email us at maternityservices@ascension.org or call 251-266-1749. 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

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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 3407769 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 preregister. • 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. Call 340-7769. • 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 6:309 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. 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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God Bless the Broken Road

Searching MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: B+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: D This film, which is about a missing teenage girl, introduces us to her high school slogan: “Home of the Catfish”. For those of us who are not up to date on current word usage, a “catfish” is someone who creates a fake online persona. The plot focuses on the Kim family in San Jose, CA: David (John Cho), mourning his wife, Pamela (Sarah Sohn), who died of cancer, and their daughter, Margot (Michelle La). David misses a call from his daughter one night, and over the course of the next day frantically and unsuccessfully tries to reach her. He files a missing persons report with the local police. The case is picked up by Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing), who enlists David’s help in sorting through his daughter’s friends and schoolmates. In doing so, David learns he has been unaware of significant aspects of Margot’s life. This film breaks new ground in moviemaking as the entire story is literally told on screens: laptops, TV’s, cell phones, and security cameras. It’s a startlingly realistic portrayal of modern computer use (despite the fact that David seems to keep his webcam window open on his computer far more than most people would), and it manages to add a lot of detail to his character. Searching is a powerful film that almost brought me – usually impervious to drama-induced emotion – to tears. It is not suitable for children or most teens and is a very difficult story for parents (especially anxious ones). Parents or teens who watch this well written and thought-provoking movie will find much to discuss. This movie also lends itself to a conversation that is even more important than “teach your daughter to be careful”: the discussion around “teach your son not to be a predator”.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Amber Hill (Lindsay Pulsipher) is barely treading water. The death of her husband (Darren Hill) in Afghanistan has left her with a daughter, Bree (Makenzie Moss), a house she can no longer afford, mother-in-law problems, crushing grief, and shattered faith in God. Cody Jackson (Andrew W. Walker) is a slow learner. The stock car driver keeps on crashing cars. Cody is so obsessed with speed that he refuses to listen to cooler heads telling him to decelerate in the turns so he can accelerate in the straightway. His exasperated manager sends him to Amber’s small Kentucky town to train with local garage owner and racing expert, Joe Carter (Gary Grubbs). Will Amber heal from her husband’s death? Will she recover her faith in a loving God? Will Cody finally listen to good advice and stop wrecking cars? And will Amber and Cody be able to help each other? God Bless the Broken Road would be a better movie if the answer to any of these questions were in doubt. The movie’s biggest weakness is its predictability: there is very little uncertainty about how the story is going to turn out. That being said, viewers looking for a family-friendly movie that extols the virtues of Christianity and American patriotism will find little to complain about here. Positive messages about community, compassion and forgiveness are the highlights of this picture. The only potential content issues center around the ambush in which Darren Hill is killed. The violence is highly sanitized, though, and no blood or graphic injuries are visible.

Kin

Unbroken: Path to Redemption

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: D Violence: D Sexual Content: C Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C It can be inexpressibly painful to watch the innocent suffer for someone else’s bad choices. The innocent characters in Kin are Eli Solinski (Myles Truitt), a 14-year-old African-American and his adoptive white father, Hal (Dennis Quaid). The pair live in an unnamed Rust Belt city where Hal works in construction and tries to instill his personal ethic of hard work and honesty in his son. Meanwhile, Eli searches dilapidated buildings looking for copper wire to strip and sell. To increase the trouble quotient, Eli’s older brother, Jimmy (Jack Reynor), returns home after six years in prison. Jimmy has some significant baggage: in return for protection in prison, he accrued a $60,000 debt. And the criminals who provided the protection now want payment in full or they will kill both Hal and Eli. With his back against the wall, Jimmy agrees to help Taylor (James Franco) and his thugs rob the safe in Hal’s office. Tragically, Hal walks in at the wrong moment. In the shootout, Hal winds up dead, Taylor’s brother is dead, and Jimmy is on the run. Not surprisingly, Jimmy is a terrible substitute parent. One of the most upsetting parts of this film is when Eli grabs his weapon and kills men who are trying to shoot his brother. Any movie that turns a 14-year-old into a killer, for any reason, raises red flags for parents. Sexual issues are also problematic. Don’t let Kin rob you of 102 minutes of your life. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2018

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: B As Unbroken: Path to Redemption rolls across the screen, you might find yourself asking, “Wait a minute, haven’t I seen this before?” The answer is, yes, you have. A sequel to Unbroken, the 2014 film directed by Angelina Jolie, this new film takes upon itself the task of showing us what happens to Louis Zamperini (Samuel Hunt) after he returns home as a POW from Japan. The opening credits quickly review the events of the previous film, and then dive into Zamperini’s PTSD, alcoholism, marriage, and family life - ultimately leading us to his conversion at a Billy Graham revival. The film works hard to bring us along on an emotional journey toward a conversion to Christianity, though it ultimately falls short of its goal. Zamperini’s conversion is so over the top, so filled with blaring, dramatic music, that it feels more like a commercial for religious revivals than the denouement for a movie about a serious spiritual journey. The good news about this movie is that does not require you to have seen the 2014 prequel, and it is more appropriate for a PG-13 audience than the original. What it does have going for it are uplifting themes of forgiveness, repentance, faith, and family. It does, however, feel as though Universal sold their rights to the Louis Zamperini story to the Hallmark Channel. 68

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ALLREMAI NI NG

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