Mobile Bay Parents October 2019 by KeepSharing

October2019

Columns

Volume 9 Number 7

Publisher’s Note 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Common Sense Media Advice for parents on discussing “sexting” with their teens.

The Expressive Child

Help them understand their emotions and express them in a healthy way.

Kids Health Watch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

What You Need to Know About Vaping According to most recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) studies, 27.5% of high school students are using e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes first arrived on the scene in 2003 but the use has increased over the last 10 years and now these companies are targeting younger children and adolescents by making more candy flavors and making the designs of these e-cigarettes more attractive to teens. So what is the harm of e-cigarettes and how are they different from traditional cigarettes? There are different types of e-cigarettes such as jules, vapes, hookahs, mechanical mods, and pod systems. Some look like flash drives while others look like pens or cigarettes. This makes them easy to conceal. What physicians are starting to see are any combination of seizures, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, increased heart rate, lethargy, and difficulty breathing associated with vape use. Cigarettes contain carcinogens that over years can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

among other things after years or decades of use. On the other hand, vaping devices contain flavored chemicals that is causing young adult lungs to look like “70 year old lungs.” These chemicals in the vaping devices act as tiny, microscopic bullets that tear small holes in the linings of the lungs. Just in the summer of 2019, the AAP reports 251 “mysterious, lifethreatening vaping-related illnesses” that are showing up in hospitals as otherwise healthy teens or young adults with severe shortness of breath, vomiting, fever, and fatigue. In many of these cases, the teens lungs shut down quickly to where they require ventilation support in the intensive care unit. Physicians are perplexed at first and have found that these have all been linked to recent vaping use. It took decades to determine that cigarettes were harmful to the body. When ecigarettes were first being sold, it was marketed as a safe way to stop one’s smoking addiction. We are now learning that not only are the chemicals dangerous, but these devices also

contain nicotine so have an equally addictive quality as traditional cigarettes. Newer studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicate that teens who vape are more likely to use tobacco products in the future due to the nicotine exposure. So parents, be diligent and talk to your teen and loved ones about the harms of vaping along with other recreational drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. And teenagers, if you are suddenly having chest pains and breathing problems, please be up front with your doctor about any vaping use - because that information could make all the difference in getting you better faster! 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

Local Students Turn In 26 Gallons of Tabs to Ronald McDonald House

Connor Thompson from North Mobile Christian School and Ivy Thompson from Saraland High School participated in the 7th Annual “Back to School Tab Turn-In. This was the most successful turn-in to date with Twenty-six gallons of tabs! Way to go! Contributions of these tabs support the Ronald McDonald House.

Mary G. Montgomery Agriscience Students Grow Plants to Sell

This year, MGM agriscience is planting ten varieties of plants that will be available for purchase beginning in mid-September. These include Georgia collards, turnip greens, kale, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, herbs, pansies, dianthus, violas, snapdragons, and more. They are planting between 10- and 15,000 plants so there will be plenty available. MGM’s agriscience department would like to thank the Semmes community for their continued support providing students with this learning experience. Be sure to follow them on Facebook at VikingAgDept and on Instagram at @vikinghort for updated plant sales and other information. Ms. Dent, Mr. Ford, and the agriscience students look forward to assisting you with your plant purchases soon. Pictured, Agriscience students planting fall seedlings.

E.R. Dickson 1st Semester Safety Patrol

The 2019-2020 Burns Middle School Robotics Team kicks off the season preparing for the Jubilee BEST Robotics Competition. They are sponsored by Mrs. Atchison, Mrs. Stone and Mrs. Brown.

Citronelle Students Assist with McDavid-Jones Back-to-School Bash

Special thanks to the GEMSS and GENTS from Citronelle High School for assisting with the Back to School Bash at McDavidJones Elementary School. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

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E.R. Dickson Elementary would like to congratulate the 2019 – 2020 1st Semester Safety Patrol Members! Back Row: Coach Anna Blake Barnette (Sponsor), Keli’ani Nixon, Madison Langley, Mackenzie Mitchell, Jasmine Gross, Cameron Jones, Jayden Juarez, Navila Alam, Jacksem Vargas Villarraga, Haley Langley, and Ms. Kristy Elderkin (Sponsor); Middle Row: Raylee Edwards, Bella McCorvey, Joshua Coker, Kierston Campbell, Mylandrea Dickinson, Leila Long, Jermarion McNish, Nyla Mosley, and Seren Grider; Front Row: Alexander Meola, Tiang Mdluli, Loren Johnson, Taliah Collier, Kendie Kidd, Raniya Baker, Autumn Williams, and Carrington Bridges. Not Pictured: Ms. Summer Davis (Sponsor).

Burns Robotics Team Prepares for Jubilee BEST

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Collier Readers Earn Brag Tags

These #UnBEElievable readers were the first to earn brag tags for completing an entire book series at Collier Elementary School! Collier’s series reading is an amazing program for students to choose authors they enjoy, connect with characters, increase comprehension, and ENJOY reading to the fullest!

Baker High Stars Shine in “Matilda”

Article written by Baker HS Student Tamara Nguyen The lights truly shone upon the cast of “Matilda” this season at Joe Jefferson Players. Eric C. Browne, the theater teacher at Baker High School, directed the musical with a cast and crew that included his students, Makensey Alford, Reagan Baker, Emma Cheatham, Christian Emonina, Austin Mullins, Gavin Reeves, and Dennis Taylor. The cast created a beautiful performance as they sang and danced throughout the show, giving the audience the absolute time of their lives. According to Mr. Browne he was indeed very surprised when he realized the amount of talent that was surrounding him, which made him even more excited to work on “Matilda”! Reagan Baker, a senior at Baker High School, described her experience as, “Magical. I had an amazing time. I found it awesome because of the variety in ages. We had a cast that was from eight to sixty years old.” It was an experience that helped her and the cast grow. Baker theater students hope to continue to share their spot on the stage in the near future.

Murphy HS Recognized as IB CP School

Murphy High School has officially been recognized as an International Baccalaureate CP School. Murphy and a high school in Huntsville are the only schools in the state to offer the Career-Related Programme for students. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to develop career-related skills while taking the rigorous, globallyfocused IB curriculum. International Baccalaureate is an advanced curriculum designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Murphy is one of two MCPSS high schools with the IB program; Davidson is the other.

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

Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K2 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.

Come visit us at our Fall Open House! Thursday, November 7, 6:30 p.m. 6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • www.corpuschristiparish.com/school

Questions? Please contact us: 251.342.5474 • school@corpuschristiparish.com 11 CCS MBP Open House Ad.indd 1

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Autauga County Schools McGill-Toolen Catholic Begins

Way To Go, North Mobile Christian Lady Crusaders!

the Year with Mass

Congratulations to the North Mobile Christian Lady Crusaders for winning their first game of the season. These girls did awesome! Thank you to their coach Ms. Alexia Washington.

Students at McGillToolen Catholic school celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 2nd day of school. It is truly awesome to see the entire student body come together in prayer.

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Little Flower School Faculty

The school year is off to a great start at Little Flower Catholic School, in large part due to the efforts of the dedicated faculty. Caring teachers can bring out the very best in their students, and that is what happens every day at Little Flower. Each day brings another opportunity to work a little magic in the classroom.

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Faith Academy to Hold Walk for Classmate

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Faith Academy came together before a football game to pray over one of their very own, Katelyn Tillman. Katelyn, a senior at Faith, has battled cancer for over 5 years, and her strength and courage are an inspiration to everyone. Her classmates have planned a walk in her honor on November 2. We hope that you will join us in praying for Katelyn and walking for a cure. #TeamKatelyn #BeBrave #BeBold #GoGold

St. Mary Catholic Kindergarten Boo Hoo Breakfast

St. Mary Catholic School hosted the annual Kindergarten parent Boo Hoo Breakfast, organized by St. Mary parent Ashley O'Brien and committee. With a fabulous breakfast and a meet and greet, there was not one boo hoo in the house! All smiles for a great new year at St. Mary Catholic!

Football Players and Cheerleaders Help with Carpool Duty at St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Each Friday, our Cheerleaders and Varsity Football players help with carpool duty on the lower campus. Our lower campus students love getting out of the car to be greeted by the "BIG" students and our mascot, Wilkes! We love providing the opportunity for our oldest students to get to know our younger students.

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Autauga County Schools

Corpus Christi Catholic Robotics Team to Compete at Jubilee BEST

Covenant Christian Cross-Country Team Off to a Quick Start!

Congratulations to Coach Rush and the cross-country team for winning 1st place in the girls division at their 1st meet of the season! Covenant Christian School placed 5 runners in the top 20, 3 of which made it in the top 10. Great job Lady Eagles!

Corpus Christi Catholic School brought BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) to Mobile 18 years ago. Before there was even a local hub, Corpus competed at Alabama BEST at Auburn University. Jubilee BEST originated from that effort and today Jubilee is one of the largest hubs in the nation. Corpus Christi took a break for the past few years but they are excited to be involved again. Their team will be competing in the competition that is taking place on October 5th.

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

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St. Vincent de Paul Student Named STAR Student

Each month, the South West Mobile Chamber of Commerce honors one student from each school as a STAR student. This month, the STAR is St. Vincent de Paul student, Drake Mallard. Drake exhibits love, kindness, and patience with his fellow classmates. He is able to focus and have self-control in various learning environments. He also is the first one to step in and take charge when something is needing to be done. He does not have to be asked to do task such as cleaning up after lunch or helping another student. He does all of these things with a smile and a gentle heart.

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Cottage Hill Christian’s STAR Student

The Chamber of Commerce has invited schools to select a monthly "STAR Student" from the elementary grades. That student is recognized at a community luncheon hosted by local businesses. They are looking for students who "show good citizenship, respect to peers, faithful to attend school and do things beyond what they are asked of by their teachers." The teachers at Cottage Hill Christian Academy are asked to look for any student who stands out each month by exhibiting these qualities. Once the report is sent in about the students, the teachers vote on a student without knowing the student's name, only the actions qualifying them to receive this award. Congratulations to Lindley Sandefur for being named the CHCA STAR student for September. She represented CHCA at the monthly meeting of the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce. 15

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Autauga County Schools

57 UMS-Wright Students Recognized as AP Scholars

57 students at UMS-Wright Preparatory School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams. 3 students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Marcelle Ellis, Catherine Lyons, and Brooke Swain, earned the National AP Scholar designation. One student received the AP International Diploma. The AP International Diploma is awarded to those students scoring a 3 or higher in a minimum of five AP courses with the following characteristics: a minimum of two language courses, a minimum of one global perspective course, at least one AP math or science course, and at least one additional AP course of the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choosing. In addition, the student must attend or make application to a college or university outside of the United States. Emma Samson earned the AP International Diploma and is attending McGill University in Montreal, Canada. 21 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Alex Baker, Ann Burmeister, Virginia Dukes, Benno Ehrhardt, Johanna Ehrhardt, Marcelle Ellis, Trey Fowler, Andrew Gates, Sophia Goodwin, Ben Heggeman, Megan Hwang, Sullivan Irvine, Annie Klein, Catherine Lyons, Sophie Martino, Madison McGilberry, Douglas Rehm, Emma Samson, Grace Sherman, Graf Sullivan, and Brooke Swain. 17 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Bruno Anez, Abby Baker, Brink Bedsole, Constantine Catranis, Jordan Chow, Leslie Ann Corrigan, Charles Esses, Esther Feinstein, Lauren Kendall Graham, Kate Johnson, Alyssa LaCoste, Molly McNair, Jessica Olzinski, Defne Oztas, Katie Price, Jackie Stewart-Kuhn, and Scott Stimpson. 19 students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams, with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Ben Harris, Conrad Inge, Chapman Johnson, Ryann Jokerst, Jack Klein, Campbell Ladd, Emmie Mayson, Jack McAnnally, Cate Moore, Parks Moore, Linus Standley, Jessie Stirling, Julia Sumrall, Olivia Swann, Trip Tremayne, Sarah Webster, Martha Williams, Rob Wingate, and Mary Frances Wood.

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Congratulations E.R. Dickson 2019 – 2020 Choir!

E.R. Dickson held auditions for their 2019 – 2020 Choir. Over 50 students auditioned to be members of this great singing group. The choir will perform for various school functions and community events. Congratulations to the following students: 2nd Grade – Emma Brunson, Audrey Brown, Allysen Stevens, Sofia Russell, Madison Carter, Caylee Seals, Marshall Thigpen, and Jakeylah Gill; 3rd Grade – Londyn Anderson, Haylei Evans, Londyn Franklin, Ambrielle Hudson, Dalia Bakundja, Marley Bridges, Karri Morgan, Terriana Adams, Carmen Glover, Roman Lowe, Chandler Andrews, Nicholas Lockette, Arielle Mobley, Sophia McGraw, Matthew Russell, Leylyn Baker, Brooklyn Brown, Zy’Reanna Parker, Brelyn Pettway, Sofia Ryder, Tayler Hill, Jermaine Pettway, Alessa Serrano, Samora Serrano, and Emma Yonge; 4th Grade – Kaleaha Darden, Elijah Johnson, Iyonah McMillan, Keiry Martir, Kassidy Hughes, Bobby Jiles, Ju”Morian Adams-Nettles, and Olivia Currington; 5th Grade – Kennedy Dailey, Malachi McCovery, Danihla Gullap, Grayson Heath, Jael Lewis, Keli’ani Nixon, Francine Pasion, Alyssia Cochran, Kylee Odom, Tiang Mdluli, and Jakiyah Thomas.

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Burns Middle School Cheerleaders 2019-20

Burns Middle School Cheerleaders are excited about the 2019-2020 school term. They’ll bring school spirit to all Football, Volleyball and Basketball games. Front row: Masey Miller, Jada Fielder, Jade-Ann Smith, Jaylyn Traywick, KathrineAnne Stokes, India Poellenitz, Back row: Jamiah Coleman (cocaptain), Jasmine Washington (captain), MaKenzie McClain (cocaptain).

Little Flower SGA

Middle school students were elected to serve as SGA members at Little Flower Catholic School. SGA members help organize events throughout the school year, creating an opportunity for students to grow in responsibility and dependability. Left to right are: Alaiyah Robinson, Alby Lopuhovsky, Andre Lang, Gavin Tourne, Angelo Mendez, and Jaedyn Lang.

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Autauga County Schools

Clark-Shaw and Phillips Prep Recognized as Bicentennial Schools of Excelllence

Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology and Phillips Preparatory School were recognized recently as Bicentennial Schools of Excellence for their students' work honoring Alabama's history. Clark-Shaw and Phillips are two of only 21 schools to receive this honor, which comes with a $5,000 grant. Last year, 14 Mobile County public schools were named finalists in the competition. Clark-Shaw and Phillips were selected as our congressional district's winners. Students at Clark-Shaw recorded oral histories of their community and family members. These interviews were posted on a school-wide website and YouTube channel, where they will be available to the community and the public. Eighth-grade students at Phillips completed an extensive study of the Holocaust. They also sponsored a talent show to raise funds and volunteered several afternoons throughout the year at the Child Advocacy Center in Mobile, cleaning and organizing toys and other donated items at the center. Pictured are, from left: Phillips Principal Andrea Dennis, Phillips language arts teacher Linda Goodson, Clark-Shaw teacher social studies Miranda Manley, Alabama State Board of Education member Jackie Zeigler, and Clark-Shaw Principal Mary Divincenzo.

Snow Cones at Old Shell Magnet School! Mrs. Nassar's first-grade students at Old Shell Road Magnet School are excited to enjoy snow cones on a hot Friday afternoon.

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Allentown Elementary August GATOR Kids

Pre-K – 2nd Grade, Front Row: Annalyse Martin, Anaya Inge, Aspen Pruett, Abigail Snyder, De’Shanti Doss, Bella Montalvo; Middle Row: Tristan Landry, Mollie Soto, Jacob Reddoch, Sydney Nelson, Jayden Mixon, Samantha Howard; Back Row: Huntleigh Combs, Raelynne Latini, Collin Havard, DrewAnne Nelson, Tyler Shaifer, Lydia Chancey. 3rd – 5th Grade, Front Row: Janet Johnson, Humberto Hernandez, King West, Caden Lacy, Janiyah Grasham, Victoria Nguyen; Middle Row: Jackson Hill, AJ Stewart, Kyndall Thomas, Jaylon Hughes, Kylee Bateman, Bryanah Ray; Back Row: Dylan Flowers, Dylan Sellers, Nicholas Hacker, Kaylee Hall, Sophia Garcia, Maria Francisco.

St. Ignatius Student Ambassadors

St. Ignatius asked a student from each homeroom to represent the school by serving as a Student Ambassador. These students are responsible to helping with tours and being shadow students during the year. Pictured, not in order, Margaux LaCour, Olivia Gibney, Sarah Harris Conger, Kate Elkartabani, Hugh Kidder, Catherine Weinacker, B Wood, Eileen Steele, Khaki Hory, Griffin McIntyre, Joseph Weems, Gabe Hart, Annie Kleinmann, Andin Choquette, Case Wein, Frances Katz, Zachary Regan, Juliet Galla and William Harrison.

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Autauga County Schools

Mobile Christian Ninth Grader Completes Round of Chemo Treatments

Christian Hardy, member of the 9th grade MCS family, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Here he stands tall surrounded by faculty and friends as he rings the bell to finish off his round of chemo treatments. We are so proud of you, Christian! “BE THE LIGHT” Matthew 5:15-16.

Corpus Christi School Girls’ Club Teaches about Virtues, Saints, Catechism

Last year Corpus Christi Catholic School introduced a program for the girls in their school based on the Catholic club named "Little Flowers Girls' Club." The organization is similar to scouting but teaches virtues through scripture, saints’ biographies and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The chapter at Corpus Christi Catholic School chose the name "Seton Sisters" because Elizabeth Seton was the first person born in what would become the United States to be canonized by the Catholic Church. She established the first Catholic girls' school and she also founded the first American congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity. On St. Elizabeth Seton's birthday, the girls in the club worn t-shirts to honor their patron's birthday.

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

St. Mary Parish Youth Ministry Programs Kick off with Game Night

St. Mary Parish Lifeteen, under the direction of new Director of Youth Ministry Drew Donovan, kicked off the 2019-2020 year with a pizza and game night and fun ice breakers including a creative question and answer session using a Jenga game set! The event followed with a kick-off for both the Edge middle school ministry and Lifeteen for high school students on September 8. For more information on the youth ministry programs of St. Mary Parish, contact Drew Donovan a ddonovan@stmarymobile.org or (251) 432-8678.

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Davidson Students Excel in ISA Computing Course

A group of Davidson students were recently recognized as official students of The University of South Alabama School of Computing. They were invited by USA to participate in AP Computer Science Principles and met the benchmark on the AP exam last year - their average score was 4.7 out of 5! The students had to achieve a minimum ACT score of 25 in order to participate and were taught by Mrs. Wright and USA professor Tom Johnsten as part of the Java Pilot Program. Congratulations to participants Shawn Burnham, Calvin Bylinowski, Jacob DeLange, Caroline Herndon, Charles Johnson, Jack Lefrenier, Matthew Moseley, Nicholas Nelson, Jaishon Robinson, Riley Tucker, and Wengel Yohannes! 20

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Revelation Christian School Enthused about STEAM Program

Revelation Christian is excited about incorporating Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) into their curriculum. Pictured are a few of our 3rd and 4th graders engaged in a science and engineering activity in our STEAM lab. Stay tuned for the next generation of scientists, artists, mathematicians, and engineers!

St. Pius X Backs the Blue

St. Pius X School hosted their annual True Blue Day on Tuesday, September 10. This yearly event was established as a means to show appreciation for local first responders and commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. Over 80 law enforcement personnel stopped by St. Pius X for a lunch of freshly grilled hamburgers prepared by Pastor J. S. Savoie.

Faith Academy to Present “The Control Room” October 18 & 19

Premiering at Faith Academy this fall: “The Control Room”, a new play by Mobile native and Faith Academy alumnus Jonathan Kilcullen. The play, a comedy in two acts, is set in the mission control room for a probe launched to a moon of Jupiter. Cassie O’Brien, the program director has placed everything she has into the probe’s success. She’s holding it together until it all falls apart. Dealing with themes of loss, grief, and how to handle temperamental robots, The Control Room has it all. Sometimes the best way of keeping control is letting go. Dessert show dates and times are October 18 & 19 at Faith Academy theater; doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com. Contact Alisha Waite at a.waite@faithacademy.us for more information.

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Autauga County Schools

Four Local High Schools Participating in Environmental SWAMP Program

Students at several Mobile County high schools have joined with a local environmental organization to participate in projects to help the environment in their communities. Students at LeFlore, Vigor, Alma Bryant and Citronelle high schools are participating in Mobile Baykeeper’s Strategic Watershed Awareness and Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The program, which began last year through grants from local businesses and federal agencies, trains students to become water quality monitors, challenges them to undertake environmental projects in their communities, and gives them an opportunity to share what they’ve done and learned with other students in a bi-county conference. Students at LeFlore (pictured) created the Litter Free LeFlore campaign to clean up and stop litter and roadside dumping along Three Mile Creek. Vigor students began a letter-writing campaign to city officials asking for action to fix high levels of bacteria in the water. Students at Alma Bryant are placing storm drain markers on campus to keep waste from escaping down storm drams. And Citronelle students are erecting an Adopt-a-Stream sign to discourage residents from littering along local roadsides.

Mary G. Montgomery School Reels in a Victory

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MGM anglers competed in the Back-2-School Tournament held at Cliff’s Landing on September 7. Congratulations to Gabe Jenkins and Tristan Burroughs for winning the tournament with their 8.5 pound bag with a 3.35 kicker. They also won the Big Fish award with their 3.35 pound largemouth bass. Additionally, Mason Christopher and Chance Madaris finished 7th, Breanna Lee and Andrew Tart finished 9th, and Chase Waltman rounded out the top ten. Junior anglers Brody Tuinder and Philip Parker placed first for MGM in the junior division. Congratulations to all the anglers, and good luck this season. Pictured, Brody Tuinder, Philip Parker, Tristan Burroughs, Gabe Jenkins.

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

St. Ignatius Young Men of St. Joseph The St. Ignatius 7th & 8th grade boys meet each Friday morning for the young Men of St. Joseph. The group follows the format of the Men of St. Joseph with the added benefit of pancakes and sausage. They discuss the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday and give reflections. Pictured here are some of the 8th grade members, London Hill, John Baggett, Edward Vulevich, Henry Green, Wells Brewster, Michael Crocker, Justin Kidd-Nobles, Jack McQuillan, Donald Schulz, John Paul McDonald, James Mayhall, Matthew Paragone, Will Mile and Will Green.

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Friday Mystery Reader at St. Dominic Catholic School

St. Dominic Catholic School first grade students are participating in a new mystery reader program each Friday of the school year. They are given clues throughout the week and they try to guess who their mystery reader will be. Mrs. Michener, principal, was their first mystery reader and she brought a special birthday book and cupcakes! Father Driscoll, Pastor, surprised them next with several great books! Pictured is Father Driscoll reading to Mrs. Heim's first grade class. The kids are really enjoying these special visitors! Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

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St. Luke’s 3rd Graders Explore New Biomed Lab

St. Luke's expanded the STEM(M) program to include Medical on the lower campus. The students are thoroughly enjoying their time in the new Biomed Lab. One of the 3rd grades participated in a medical scavenger hunt, for their first visit to the lab, as a way to get familiar with the new classroom. They had list of "medical" terms to find such as: Human Body Book, bandages, crutches, skeleton, stethoscope, wheelchair, exam gloves, microscope, lab coat, clip board, medical oath, etc.

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Archbishop Rodi Delivers Tasty Treats to St. Pius X Students

moe’s BBQ Live auction & Live music by Johnny Hayes and the Loveseats

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honoring Daisy Howard, local mobile, al patient

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi visited St. Pius X Catholic School to celebrate Mass on the feast day of their patron saint, Pope Pius X. The Archbishop, along with Superintendent Gwen Byrd toured the school and visited with each homeroom class. Two homerooms, Mrs. Meyers’ 4th grade and Sr. Anne’s 7th grade received special treats known as Yum Yum Boxes. Each month a Yum Yum Box, filled with a variety of sweet and salty treats, arrives at St. Pius X school from a foreign country such as Jerusalem. The boxes go to a different grade to enjoy each month. Pictured here are Ms. Byrd, Archbishop Rodi and Pastor S. J. Savoie passing out treats from Indonesia to the 4th grade. 23

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Autauga County Schools UMS-Wright Middle School Drama Club presents

“Shrek, Jr., The Musical”

The UMS-Wright Middle School Drama Club was developed because of the desire of our students to perform on stage. This organization, made up of students in grades 5- 8, performs two productions each year. This fall’s performance was “Shrek, Jr., the Musical”. The cast, crew, set/props, and back drops were outstanding! Congratulations to Director Bobby Miller, Musical Director Michelle McCormick, the Arts Department and the entire crew/ cast on a job well done. We are so proud of this talented group of students and cannot wait to see what they perform next! We offer a special thanks to Gulf Services for sponsoring the performance! Cast and Crew: Emma Marmande, Emily Walton, Caroline Flowers, Mary Carlton Johnson, Maddox Lavelle, Kirk Kennedy, Killian Delaney, Elizabeth Denson, Stacy Rose, Caroline Hooper, Lilly Cunningham, Alaina Keene, Mary Lynn Cooper, Sydney Elder, Caroline Cole, Lane Nichols, Jay Ramsay, Mae Mae Druhan, Ridge Tanner, Laurie Ella Hess.

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McGill-Toolen Class of 2020 AP Scholars

Congratulations to the 64 AP Scholars at McGill-Toolen Catholic These students were recognized for their outstanding scores on 3 or more AP exams. Pictured are members of the class of 2020. The rest of our scholars are members of the class of 2019 and are beginning their first semesters at colleges and universities all over the country.

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Cottage Hill Christian Students Named Red Shoe Krewe Ambassadors

Congratulations to Ryan Waite and Emily Thullesen for being selected as Ambassadors for the Ronald McDonald House Youth Leadership Board and "Red Shoe Krewe.â&#x20AC;? They will represent Cottage Hill Christian Academy as part of an energetic group of young men and women that are committed to promoting volunteerism by serving families residing at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. Ryan and Emily were selected based on their leadership skills, outstanding scholarship, and their desire to share their time and talents with others. We are so proud to have these CHCA Warriors on the "Red Shoe Krewe" for 2019-2020.

St. Dominic CYO Football Jamboree

St. Dominic Catholic School hosted this year's CYO Football Jamboree to kick off the season. Father Driscoll, Pastor, came out to show his support of our athletes. First grade students, Jennings Duhe and Bryant Patrick, are pictured with Father Driscoll after playing a great game! They were thrilled he came out to cheer them on along with Mrs. Michener, Principal. Go Eagles!

North Mobile Christian Classes Dissect Squid

Mrs. Trawick's 4th grade and Mrs. Stacey's 5th grade classes from North Mobile Christian School went on a trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to partake in dissecting squids!

Who are we? We are

Parent Preview

Tuesday Nov. 5 Âˇ 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 25

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Collier Second Graders to Receive Monthly Scholastic Book

Mrs. Kathryn Carter’s second grade class at Collier Elementary is all smiles! They’ve been sponsored, along with quite a few other classes, to receive a Scholastic book per month! What lucky little readers to be supported by the community like that!

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Old Shell Kindergartners Receive Generous Donations!

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Each student in Mrs. Drews’s kindergarten class from Old Shell Road Magnet School will take home a free book once a month from Scholastic Books, thanks to several generous donors!

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Mobile Christian Families Tour New Building

Orientation was very exciting at Mobile Christian School. It was the first time parents and students could see our newly constructed elementary building. We are excited for the changes that have taken place on campus and wish a great 2019-2020 school year for everyone!

Mobile Convention Center

McDavid-Jones Broadcast Team Visits Arkema

This year we will be celebrating our 30th Year of Partnership with Arkema! In order for our students to understand what Arkema does as our “Partner in Education” they have interviewed key personnel. Students asked questions about the plant operations and the partnership with McDavid-Jones. On Wednesday, August 28th, the Broadcast Team from McDavid-Jones, Wildcat Nation News, WNN visited Arkema. Students (names listed in bold) interviewed the following personnel: D. Price, Plant Mgr. - Madison Bishop; D. Christian, Plant Accountant - Elaina Byrd; N. Robertson, HR Mgr. - Paige Everett; J. West, I&E Technician - Waylon Stokes; S. Colmer, Environmental Specialist - Paige Everette; M. Saale, Reliability Engr. - Waylon Stokes; J. Smith, Sr. Executive/ HR Administrative Assistant - Curvin Noyd; R. Richardson, Materials Handler - Madison Bishop. We will share the interviews with our students every Friday during our broadcast. To view interviews go to: https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCbGe1rutp7Ja2zP_

. .. 100+ merchants - Food Court ArtWalk - Entertainment Door Prizes - Online Silent Auction

kxkcq7g. Pictured: Curvin Noyd, Elaina Byrd, Waylon Stokes, Paige Everette, Ms. Judy Smith

St. Mary First Day Pep Rally!

St. Mary 8th graders hosted a welcome back pep rally for all students to kick of the new year! With words of inspiration, fun, games, cheers, and prayer, St. Mary Catholic is ready for a great 2019-2020! 27

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Talking About “Sexting”

by a sexting scandal involving hundreds of students. In 2009, Cincinnati teen Jesse Logan committed suicide after a nude photo she’d sent to a boyfriend was circulated widely around her high school, resulting in harassment from her classmates. Fortunately, networks with large teen audiences -- MTV, for example -- are using their platforms to warn teens against the dangers of sexting. And the website ThatsNotCool.com uses teen-speak to help resist cyber peer pressure. Even the movie Eighth Grade reveals the ambivalence kids feel about the pressure to join the trend. Hopefully, these messages will get through.

Sexting among teens may not be the epidemic parents have been warned about. But despite education efforts and cautionary tales, it’s still, unfortunately, pretty common. While experts differ on statistics, a research report in the June 2019 edition of JAMA Pediatrics found that at least one in four teens receive sexually explicit texts and emails. At least one in seven teens send “sexts.” Why do they do it? To show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment. Or even as a joke. Teens’ developing interest in sex, an impulse to experiment, and apps that make sexting easy -- and acceptable -- create an environment that some teens find irresistible. Though some experts tell parents not to “freak out,” sexting is associated with sexual risks, such as using drugs and alcohol, having more sexual partners, and not using contraception. Another big risk is kids’ personal privacy. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text. In a technology world where anything can be copied, sent, posted, and seen by huge audiences, there’s no such thing as being able to control information. The intention doesn’t matter -- even if a photo was taken and sent as a token of love, for example, the technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child’s most intimate self. In the hands of teens, when revealing photos are made public, the sexter almost always ends up feeling humiliated. Furthermore, sending sexual images to minors is against the law, and some states have begun prosecuting kids for child pornography or felony obscenity. There have been some high profile cases of sexting. In 2018, a sexting scandal ensnared several Virginia middle school students. In 2015, a Colorado high school was rocked Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Advice for parents • Don’t wait for an incident to happen to your child or your child’s friend before you talk about the consequences of sexting. Sure, talking about sex or dating with teens can be uncomfortable, but it’s better to have the talk before something happens. • Remind your kids that once an image is sent, it can never be retrieved -- and they will lose control of it. Ask teens how they would feel if their teachers, parents, or the entire school saw the picture, because that happens all the time. • Talk about pressures to send revealing photos. A study by Michigan State University found that many teens are sexually harassed online by their peers. Let teens know that you understand how they can be pushed or dared into sending something. Tell them that no matter how big the social pressure is, the potential social humiliation can be hundreds of times worse. • Teach your children that the buck stops with them. If someone sends them a photo, they should delete it immediately. It’s better to be part of the solution than the problem. • Check out Common Sense Education’s Sexting Handbook at www.commonsense.org. This resource gives families the language and support to take texting and cell phone power back into their own hands. It’s also a great resource for parents who are uncomfortable dealing directly with this issue. 28

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Transfer My Credit Card Debt? Q. I’ve got about $3,000 in credit card debt. Would it be a good idea to transfer the balance from my credit card to another one that has a much lower interest rate?

A. A lower interest rate will help you save a little money in the short-term, but the drawback is it can also make you feel like you’ve addressed your problem with debt when you really haven’t. You’ve got to change the behavior and the mindset that put you in that situation in the first place. I discovered long ago that personal finance is only about 20 percent head knowledge and 80 percent behavior. Emotion is a key element to getting out of debt and staying out of debt. You’ve got to get really mad at debt, the impact it has on your financial life, and attack it with a vengeance. Think about how many times debt has been a negative influence on your life. My guess

is there were many occasions in the past when you could have done great stuff—I’m talking about meaningful, important things— if you hadn’t had to send a bunch of money to those bozos at the credit card company every month. How about this? First, cut up your credit card and close the account. Then, sell some stuff and take a part-time job nights or weekends for just a little while. You could wipe out all your debt in less than a year by doing that and starting to live on a strict, written, monthly budget. If you don’t get mad about it and take a stand against debt, and become determined you’re never going to fall into that trap again, you’re liable to find yourself back in the same situation or worse!

Micro Investing Apps? Q. What is your opinion on micro investing apps like Acorns and Betterment? Are these

good vehicles for building wealth in the long term, and are there any major drawbacks to these types of services?

A. I’m not saying there’s anything really

wrong with Acorns or Betterment, but they do different things. Acorns is more of an invest pennies, round-up kind of program, where Betterment is kind of a robo-investing deal. Here’s the thing. Micro investing is going to create micro wealth. And the big downside is you’re going to feel like you did something important. The way you end up with money is by investing money. The way you end up with more money is by investing more money. You can argue all you want that using things like these create extra money. Yeah, but not really. The returns are still micro. An app doesn’t make two dollars turn into twenty dollars. It’s okay to use apps like that. I’m not mad at them, and I don’t think they’re a rip-off or anything like that. What worries me about these kinds of things, in an investing sense, is they give the illusion that you’ve done something significant with your money.

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Does your child throw temper tantrums when things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go their way? Does he hit siblings when he is mad? Does she throw toys across the room when she is frustrated? Kids often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand how to appropriately express strong feelings like anger, frustration, or disappointment causing them to act out. This is totally normal and the good news is, parents can help kids understand their emotions, express themselves in a healthy way, and even learn to cope with their feelings.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

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Teach feeling words

ask for help. Feelings of sadness It is important to not only give your child the are normal and we can show The biggest obstacle todwords to express their own feelings, but to also kids it’s okay to feel down once dlers have when expressing their feelings is the simple fact notice and label the feelings of others. When you in awhile. Spending time with people we care about, exercising, that they do not have the words arrive home to a dog that greets you at the door or doing something we enjoy is a to explain what is going on. great way to lift a mood. When your child has worked and a wagging tail, explain that the dog is excited hard to build a tower of blocks only to have it topple down to see you. If they notice someone crying talk Teach appropriate over and over again, they feel about how they are sad and why. ways to deal with frustrated. Simply stating “You are frustrated with your blocks emotions why. If your child acts out toward someone aren’t you? Can I help?” acOnce kids can express how they feel else, try to explain the feelings involved. knowledges your child’s feelings and give with words, we can help them come up “You were mad at your sister and so you words to identify them in the future. If a with appropriate ways to express their feeltold her you didn’t like her anymore, that sibling took their toy away and they begin ings. For some kids this may be simply talkhurt her feelings and now she feels sad.” to cry, acknowledge that they are sad and ing about it. For others they may need extra Help your child to notice the cues and come up with a solution together to work snuggles or hugs. For another child, having body language of others and guess their it out. In the future, give your child the optime to be alone to sort out their thoughts emotions. You can also play a game where portunity to express how they are feeling and feelings or cool down gives them time you make faces at each other. First make and listen. This will help them show their they need to process their emotions so they a happy face, then a mad face, then a sad feelings through words rather than actions can discuss them. When my daughter gets face. As you read books try to guess the (like hitting or throwing a tantrum). For an mad she finds it helpful to go to her room, feelings of the characters. Parents can older child, ask them what they are feeling shut the door and turn up the music. I often also find many books and videos about and listen to the answer without criticism. hear her singing as she looks at books, feelings at their local library If they are having trouble coming up with plays or even cleans. When she joins us feelings words to express themselves, again she is calmer, happier, and able to give them a couple that you feel may fit talk and interact with others calmly. My son Model appropriate the situation. Ask if they feel there is a prefers to take a walk when he is upset. expression better way they could handle the situation The exercise and fresh air helps him settle It’s okay for kids to know that parents and talk it out together. down. Depending on the child, their current have feelings of sadness, excitement, frusemotion, and the situation the coping skills tration, and anger just like they do. During may look very different. Talk about feelings often these emotional moments, we can model As kids begin to learn to express It is important to not only give your a positive way of dealing with our feelings their feelings using words and appropriate child the words to express their own to our kids. When a parent gets mad, they coping skills, it is important to give them feelings, but to also notice and label the have the opportunity to yell or get physical positive feedback. This will help encourage feelings of others. When you arrive home or they can calmly say they need to take them to continue to express themselves as to a dog that greets you at the door and a walk and excuse themself until they can they mature. MBP a wagging tail, explain that the dog is cool down. When we are frustrated with a excited to see you. If they notice someone task let kids know what you are feeling and Sarah Lyons is a Midwestern mom of six kids, crying talk about how they are sad and including three year old triplets. that you have decided to take a break or

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Teens in a Performance Driven Culture We live in a performance driven culture. Remember when baseball and football were sports you played in the empty sandlot at the end of the street? Nowadays, parents spend thousands of dollars to make sure even their middle-school kids have all the right equipment and privatized training to be bigger, faster and stronger. A high school diploma used to be enough to ensure you a decent job. And if you went on to a trade school and learned a skill like welding or mechanics, you were guaranteed a solid career. You can see the effect this performance driven culture has on teens when you step into the world of social media. Hop onto Facebook on a random Thursday, and you see friends and acquaintances reporting on what they’re doing, where they’ve been, who they’re hanging out with and what they know. Teens use photo-sharing apps like Instagram to display pictures of themselves with nice clothes, nice cars, nice vacations, and nice and notable friends. It’s a highly competitive digital world, in which our kids feel the pressure to “perform” as well, or better, than the other kids they see. Of course, moms and dads don’t want this performance attitude to permeate their own relationship with their kids. We don’t want our teens to feel they have to perform in order to win our affection. But sometimes the way we communicate with them says the exact opposite. When our teens exhibit bad behavior or don’t live up to our expectations, we may pull away from them, express our disappointment, or punish them by withholding time or attention. Yet, when our son or daughter excels or accomplishes something noteworthy, we heap praise, tell them how proud we are of them, and how much we care. This almost subconscious reinforcement that achievements bring love, and mistakes bring rejection, further drills into our teens this need to perform. So what are some of the lies our teens are hearing that we need to combat? Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Performance Driven Lies

In today’s culture, teens are hearing that people will only love them if they perform up to a certain high standard. Approval and accolades will be theirs when they are running on all cylinders. But should there be a drop in their performance, teens believe that others’ affections will correspondingly plummet. It’s one reason guys are conditioned not to show weakness, and to display the bravado of power and strength. It’s one reason young ladies develop eating disorders, or turn into mean girls and try to cut other people down. In a performancedriven world, teens are being conditioned to be tough guys and drama queens. The second lie teens are buying into is that if they make a mistake, no one will love them. It’s what leads many teens to act dishonestly or in secret. They’re worried that if anyone finds out who they really are, or what they’ve done, they’ll lose the relationship. Lastly, the lie of performance-driven culture says that we are valuable in our good years, but not valuable in our bad years. Teens think that if they’re behaving properly they have more worth to parents and family than when they are misbehaving. But I believe in the sanctity of life in all stages. An unborn baby is just as valuable and worthy of love as that bratty 14-year-old or that Rhodes Scholar student! With so many lies, untruths and misrepresentations flying around, how can we combat these performance-driven myths? Let me share a few options.

Relationally Driven Truth Communicate love in various ways when your teen does something bad. This is not a recommendation to gloss over the mistake, or forgo the due consequences. But in the midst of the punishment, verbalize your love to your child. Let him know that his behavior doesn’t negate your relationship with him. Give her a hug. Share an encouraging word. Be creative 32

about how you relay your care and compassion, even when they blow it. Also, allow your teen to make mistakes without shaming him or her. I’m sure you’ve seen or read articles about parents punishing their children by having them hold signs proclaiming their guilt in front of busy streets, or posting pictures and humiliating them on social media. I understand the motivation behind those methods, but shaming kids is never a good solution. All it does is reinforce their own insecurity and push them deeper into performance-driven behavior. When our toddler falls off their tricycle, we don’t run up and point and let them know what a stupid mistake it was to keel over. No, as parents we come alongside, brush the child off, and put them back on the bike. We have to treat our teens the same way. We brush them off and encourage them to keep going and try again. Also,it can help for teens to hear about mom and dad’s mistakes. I know it might be uncomfortable, but those stories let teens know that if mom and dad made mistakes, and still turned out all right, then maybe they don’t have to be perfect either. Let your kids have their own opinions. You don’t have to be correcting your teen 24/7. Let some discussions simply be about communicating. There may be times when you have to share the truth with your kids, but most of the time conversations should revolve around getting to know your teen as a person. Ask them what they enjoy, and why they enjoy it. Don’t tear them down. They are already facing pressure to like the “right” things from all of their peers; home should be a safe place for them to be who they are. Lastly, affirm your teen’s value regularly. Let your child know they have intrinsic worth. Show your kids that you appreciate them for who they are, and you’ll destroy that performance-driven mentality and foster a healthy teenager. 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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A Page in a Book It’s Just Your (Awesome) Imagination Loosely associated with fantasy or the unreal, imagination doesn’t get the credit it deserves as a very real driver of children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. Nurturing a child’s natural inclination to ponder the fantastic or impossible can foster their confidence when it comes to problem-solving, creativity and challenging tasks. Presented with the bold imaginings of kids, caregivers are gifted with ideal opportunities to join and follow conversations filled with the potential for expanded thinking. The following titles offer great prompts for read-aloud partners to ponder and celebrate the power of imagination, together.

Imagine That: A Hoot and Olive Story

By Jonathan D. Voss (Henry Holt / Macmillan) Stuck inside on a rainy day, Olive sees the perfect opportunity to go on a pretend adventure with Hoot. But, Olive’s special friend seems to have lost his imagination. Hoot’s not even sure he even had one to begin with. Undeterred, Olive takes Hoot through the house offering her own grand imaginative prompts for potential play scenarios, but he struggles to see what she does. Together, they try starting over with the smallest of imagining. And what blossoms from the seeds of their shared vision is splendid indeed. Voss’s filmy watercolor illustrations are the perfect medium for exploring the soft edges of imaginary play, where the borders blur between reality and recreational thinking. Perfect for jump-starting epic journeys of wonder, Imagine That is a sweet testament to those who share their imaginative gifts with others.

You and Me and the Wishing Tree

By Nancy Tillman (Feiwal and Friends / Macmillan) Awakening to the glory of a wishing tree, a child exclaims “I wish!”, launching a full day’s romp through a broad vista of imaginative experiences. As the child flies above fields and oceans, lunches with bears and plays with penguins, their parent observes their journey, quietly celebrating each new twist of adventure. Every wish comes alive in brilliant hues throughout the day until the vibrant colors begin to dim toward dusk. As they are gently guided back towards their bed, the child sleepily asks the parent what they had wished for. The answer reveals the power of parents to truly foster a child’s imagination. In this exquisitely illustrated title, Nancy Tillman creates a beautiful ode to the youngest imagineers and those who lovingly support their unfettered romps through the lands of what might be.

Imagine

By Erik Johansson (WeldonOwen) Many adult readers have distinctive memories of an unusual illustration or artwork in a book from their youth, a book that may have fallen outside the realm of typical kids literature. It might have been an encyclopedia, an art book, or other odd title that nonetheless housed images that stuck in our minds over the years. Erik Johansson’s photography collected in Imagine is a complete smorgasbord of unforgettable photography that guides imagination through unexpected channels. Power lines that stretch across a field before snaking up the frets of an enormous guitar, rooms and landscapes that twist and turn with Escher-like mystery, each surreal image prompts a mental exploration of imaginary possibility. Filled with wonder, Imagine offers a new generation pictures that will linger in their memory as visual prompts to keep asking, “What if?”

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Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

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ONE PLACE FOR EVERY KIND OF FALL FUN. Get your thrill on at our annual Haunted House, with terrifying scares around every corner. Then chill with all our great family-friendly Fall Festival fun like the 3rd annual Park After Dark, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, corn maze, pony rides, and more—plus food and drink specials throughout Downtown OWA! OWA’s Fall Festival is open every weekend from September 21-November 3.* Tickets on sale now at VisitOWA.com.

FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111 * See web for hours, prices and packages; closed Sept. 20 and 27

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

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Maybe you grew up carving Jack-o-lanterns and you want your kids to follow in your footsteps. Who could blame you? Carving pumpkins is a gooey-messy-blast for the whole family. For many of us, it’s a time-honored tradition. But exploring other options isn’t about turning pumpkin-carving into a Pinterest-perfect art form it’s about having fun decorating in a variety of ways. Why not try mixing things up this year? Select pumpkin color and size according to taste and embellish away! You’ll be amazed at how many looks a simple pumpkin can pull off. For best results, choose a pumpkin with a smooth, unblemished surface. Wash your pumpkin gently with mild soap and water and allow it to dry overnight before you begin decorating. Most of these looks work best for medium-sized to smallish pumpkins.

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

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1. Polk-a-dots Galore. Give very young children a pumpkin and a pile of sticky felt circles. Show them how to adhere them to their pumpkin, and they will be happily entertained for quite some time. Polk-a-dots are the simplest approach for the youngest in your clan, but you can also create a more traditional look using black felt shapes on an orange pumpkin.

2. The Glittering Globe. Coat pumpkin in a layer of Mod Podge or white glue, then sprinkle entire pumpkin with glitter. Or mix a few glitters in advance for a multi-color look. If you want to do a variety of colors, coat only a portion of the pumpkin, then sprinkle glitter over just that portion. Catch extra glitter on newspaper and pour it back into container. Let sections dry between applications of new colors for best results.

3. The Painted Lady. If you want your painted pumpkin to last, coat it with a layer of varnish or sealer first in a well-ventilated area. Flip pumpkin over onto a bowl or jar while you paint the bottoms first. When dry, flip it over to

paint the rest. Apply a couple of coats of acrylic paint. Chalkboard paint works well on pumpkins. Apply another coat of varnish to painted pumpkins for longest-lasting results. Leave chalkboard painted pumpkins unvarnished.

When dry, coat fabric with glow-in-thedark craft paint.

6. The Doodle Work-of-art. Teens

4. The Glitter-paint Combo. If you want to mix things up a bit, follow instructions for painting your pumpkin. Then, when completely dry, apply glitter to the pumpkin stem only. Or use blue painter’s tape to create designs on pumpkin. Then apply glue and glitter for added sparkle.

and up who enjoy drawing will relish the opportunity to create temporary works of art on pumpkins using Sharpie markers. Supply them with a rainbow of colors or an array of black markers in various thicknesses. Sharpie art using black and colored markers works especially well on white pumpkins. And black markers of various thicknesses look great on orange pumpkins. Varnish afterwards for a longer-lasting work of art.

5. All Wrapped Up. Turn your

7. The Drippy Look. Spread out

pumpkin into a spider web by wrapping it randomly all over with thick white twine. Then hot glue a large black spider onto the web to finish the look. For a mummified look, cut cheesecloth into long, wide strips. Fold strips to double thickness and spray with fabric stiffener. When dry, wrap strips around pumpkin, leaving top and bottom clean. Secure strips with hot glue. Hot glue googly eyes and wrap with a few more strips so eyes are peeking out. Cut away a thin mouth and dab inside with black paint.

newspaper or brown bags to catch any excess. Unwrap crayons in assorted colors. You can either do a spectrum of colors or mix things up. Consider autumn colors on an orange pumpkin or ghoulish colors on a white pumpkin. Glue down crayons (just the top half) with points facing out and tipped slightly down around the pumpkin stem with a thick white nonflammable glue. Let dry. Set hair dryer to high and work your way around the crayons one at a time until they are melted to your satisfaction.

Fall

YOU'RE INVITED TO JOIN US!

FIND YOUR GREAT PUMPKIN!

FAMILY DAY

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

through

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 HOURS Sunday Monday - Saturday 12:00 p.m. - Dusk 9:00 a.m. - Dusk

Inflatables • Petting Zoo • Puppets Children’s Choir • Food and much more!

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609

T 251.342.0462 F 251.342.7195 37

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stem, work your way down the sides of the pumpkin with gem stickers. Create an evenly spaced over-all pattern or a dripping-with-gems look. Combine gems with an adhesive letter sticker, if you like, for a monogrammed look. Leave gems off the bottom so pumpkin stands flat.

10. Stamp-a-pumpkin. If you wish

8. The Collaged Gourd. Mod Podge works well for applying paper or fabric to pumpkins. Paint the stems ahead of collaging, if you want a more polished look. Then choose tissue paper, old book pages, hand-made paper, printed paper napkins, or fabric quilting scraps for best results. Cut material into squares or

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

strips. When using strips, cut the ends into points so they will smooth easily. Apply a layer of Mod Podge under and over material. Smooth materials with fingers as you go. Add embellishments like ribbon on dried pumpkin as you wish.

9. Bling-kin. Paint pumpkin with two coats of paint. Then, starting at the

to change the color of your pumpkin, paint your pumpkin first, as described above. You can also paint your stem, if you like. To achieve a stamped look on your pumpkin, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to stamp directly on the surface. Instead, take white tissue paper and stamp it using archival quality ink with the image or images of your choice. Allow ink to dry thoroughly and then Mod Podge your tissue carefully to your pumpkin. Add additional collage elements to the top and bottom of the pumpkin to frame your stamp, if you like. Try using matching tissue paper or paper napkins around the top or bottom of pumpkin for a complimentary look. MBP Author, journalist and writing coach, Christina Katz enjoys the results of carving pumpkins but the messy process not-so-much. This year, she is looking forward to turning her front porch into a gallery of pumpkin art with the help of the whole family.

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September 28-November 2 Seward Farms Corn Maze and Fall Fun ad on page 42

10836 Tanner Williams Rd Lucedale, MS 39452 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. Hours: Open Saturdays 10:00am-9:00pm Closed Fridays & Sundays. Monday thru Thursday: field trips by reservation. (228) 641-3936 info@sewardfarms.com www.sewardfarms.com

September 29-October 31 Christ United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch ad on page 37

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 It’s Pumpkin Patch time! Whether you like to carve them, toast the seeds, or bake them into a pie, we invite you to go on an adventure with us! We will have big pumpkins, small pumpkins, red, white and green pumpkins, gourds or pie-making pumpkins. Many opportunities to capture that perfect Fall picture, so bring your camera. Hours: Sundays 12:00p.m.–Dusk, Monday–Saturday 9:00a.m.-Dusk (251) 342-0462

christunited.com

Friday-Sunday through November 3 OWA’s Fall Festival ad on page 35

100 North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Pick a pumpkin, ride a camel, explore the corn mazes, eat delicious food and more in OWA’s family-friendly Fall Festival. Plus, get handson experiences with the Poarch Creek Tribal Exhibitions every Saturday located on the festival grounds. Free event every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this fall. Select activities may require purchase. Check our website for specific times and prices. (251) 923-2111 krodriguez@dsbpagency.com www.visitowa.com/explore/events/fallfestival

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Friday-Sunday through November 3 OWA’s Hotel MitcHELL Haunted House ad on page 35

1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 For those brave enough, face your fears this Halloween inside OWA’s haunted hotel. Hotel MitcHELL, where guests can check in, but may never check out! See if you can survive this haunted experience in Downtown OWA. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Fridays & Saturdays 6pm 11pm; Sundays 6pm - 9pm. Visit our website for specific hours and tickets. (251) 923-2111 krodriguez@dsbpagency.com www.visitowa.com/explore/events/hotelhell

Saturdays & Sundays through November 3 OWA’s The Park After Dark ad on page 35

1501 South OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Join us Saturdays & Sundays inside The Park at OWA for a variety of kid-friendly events and activities like pumpkin painting contests, arts & crafts, trick-or-treating and more! From 5pm - 7pm. Visit website for specific activities and times. (251) 923-2111 krodriguez@dsbpagency.com www.visitowa.com/explore/events/parkafterdark

October 5 - November 2 Magnolia Corn Maze ad on page 38

15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Come get lost in our 2 Eight Acre Corn Mazes. Come enjoy our Hayride, Cow Train, Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Pig Races, Corn Cannons, Jump Pad, Paintball Shooting Gallery, Campfires, Bazooka Ball, Mag’s B Line and more! Saturdays 11am - 9pm and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. Oct 5: Grandparents day, Oct. 12: American Hero Day, Oct. 19: Scout Day and Oct 26: Trick or Treat. (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com

October 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 Middleton Farms ad on page 15

21500 Otis Cooper Road Moss Point, MS 39462 Pumpkin Patch, pet our baby calves, kiddie-train, zip line, a hayride and more. Also offring Field Trips, Birthday Parties and events. Harvest Moon Festival and pageant-Saturday, October 5. Hours: Sundays-October: 6, 13, and 20 -1:00-5:00pm. Saturdays-October: 12, 19, 26 -10:00am-4:00pm. (251) 709-2001

www.middletonfarmtours.com

October 9 Christ United’s Pirates and Princesses Picnic ad on page 37

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Dress your little ones in their favorite pirate or princess and join us for a fun time at The Patch! We will decorate pumpkins, play games, and then have a picnic. Don’t forget your lunch. Cost $5 per child. For more events, visit christunited.com. (251) 342-0462

christunited.com

October 19 Christ United’s Fall Family Day ad on page 37

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 All are invited to join us for a day of fun activities! We will have inflatables, a petting zoo, a puppet show, music, food and much more! For more events and activities, visit christunited.com. (251) 342-0462

christunited.com

October 12, 19, 26 Seward Farms Field of Fright & Haunted Hayride ad on page 42

10836 Tanner Williams Rd 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 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

www.mobilebayparents.com

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October 18-19, 25-26 & 31 Fear in the Forest ad on page 38

Magnolia Corn Maze, 15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Fear in the Forest, such a fright, come and have a Haunted Night! Only $20 Bones per Person, and includes the Corn Maze’s and most activities while you wait. From 7pm - 11pm. (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com

October 25-November 3 Greater Gulf State Fair ad on page 33

The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road Mobile, AL 36608 The Greater Gulf State Fair Theme is Board Games – It’s All Fun and Games at the Fair. We will feature the largest midway on the Gulf Coast, a must-see entertainment line-up including Marshall Tucker Band and LANCO, and the ultimate experience in entertainment, food, and attractions. (251) 344-4573 info@mobilefair.com www.greatergulfstatefair.com

October 25 Sensory Friendly Trick or Treat ad on Inside Front Cover

American Autism Rehabilitation Center 8909 Rand Avenue Daphne, AL 36526 FREE Trick-or-treat from 4:30pm-6:30pm while touring the facility for an evening of fun! Parents or care providers must accompany children. Bags will be provided! Mapped-out indoor route, no flashing lights, wagons are welcome, well lit, no scary decorations, no scary costumes, costumes are optional, non-candy options available. Contact us for sponsorship opportunities! (251) 210-1632 info@americanautismcenter.com www.AmericanAutismCenter.com

October 26 Trick or Treat at Seward Farms ad on page 42

10836 Tanner Williams Rd Lucedale, MS 39452 Come in your favorite costume and Trick or Treat at the Farm from 10am-9pm with our favorite

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October 26 Trick or Treat on the Farm ad on page 38

Magnolia Corn Maze, 15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL 36580 Join Us for Trick or Treat on the Farm from 1pm 4pm. Wear your Costume and Trick or Treat!! (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com www.magnoliacornmaze.com

October 27 St. Mary Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat ad on page 43

Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Enjoy sitting under the pumpkin tent as you watch everyone’s favorite Fall classic on the big screen. There will be popcorn and lemonade available and after the movie, children can decorate a small pumpkin to take home. There is no cost to attend movie night.

(251) 342-0462

St. Mary Campus, 1453 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36604 Join us for this family event featuring decorated cars with trunks of candy. Prizes for best trunk, and best costumes. Activities for children include games, arts and crafts, and cookie decorating. The cost is $1 per trick or treater. All those who would like to participate with a decorated car and a trunk full of treats contact Laurel Wallace at lwallace@stmarymobile.org or (251) 432-8678.

christunited.com

September 26, October 3,5,10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26

Bienville Bites Food Tour, Bites and Frights Downtown Mobile This spooktacular experience includes four of Mobile’s best restaurants, a walking tour while exploring Mobile’s haunted history, including cemeteries, secrets of the underground, and much more!

(251) 622-4041 info@bienvillebitesfoodtour.com bienvillebitesfoodtour.com

(251) 432-8678 lwallace@stmarymobile.org www.stmarymobile.org

September 27-October 30

October 29 Christ United’s Movie Night at The Pumpkin Patch

The Fort of Colonial Mobile 150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 Embark on a spine-tingling tour 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!

ad on page 37

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Join us for a special screening of It’s the Great

Haunted Ducks

(251) 802-8687

www.gulfcoastducks.com

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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 Farm Golf, Playground Area and so much more! The Wagon Wheel Cafe will be open for lunch and dinner.

• • • •

Highly trained orthodontic specialists Amazing smiles crafted for each patient’s unique features Affordable payment plans to fit any budget Friendly, professional team

(251) 660-7434 | www.hicks-mcmurphyortho.com M. Bancroft McMurphy III, D.M.D. Stephen T. Hicks, D.D.S., M.CI.D., P.C. Steadman McMurphy, Jr., D.M.D.

M O B I L E | SA R A L A N D | LU C E DA L E N E W LO C AT I O N CO M I N G S O O N AT A I R P O R T R D. & S N OW R D.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

September 27-October 31

October 1

Wales West RV Park & Railway 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express and Scary Night Train! Enjoy Pumpkin Decorating, Hay Ride, Petting Zoo/Pony rides, Minitrain, Pumpkin Canon, Café and Gift Shop. Open Now Fridays (5pm - 9pm), Saturdays & Sundays (1pm - 9pm). Open nightly beginning October 24th Monday - Friday (5pm - 9pm), Saturday & Sunday (1pm - 9pm). Order tickets online or at the station.

Fire Training Center 9010 Forest Street Semmes, AL 36575 Join us for a free public event for awareness and partnership building with the community and police, fire departments and first responders. There will be inflatables, face painting, free food and fun.

Wales West

(888) 569-5337

www.waleswest.com

September 2-November 3 Fear: The Science of Phobias

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government St Mobile, AL 36602 Exploreum-join us for Fear: the Science of Phobias explores the science behind our greatest fears. Through hands-on opportunities, an exciting array of science based programming and regularly scheduled performances at our FEAR stage, visitors will have the chance to face and maybe even conquer some of their greatest phobias. (251) 208-6893

www.exploreum.com

September 30-October 31

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, pumpkin patch, games, photos and more. Weekdays – 2:30pm-6:30pm, Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm. Come enjoy our Fall Festival Oct. 27 at 5:00pm. (251) 675-7037

cpbcsaraland.com

ouija board, face painting, and snacks for purchase. Benefits Mobile Medical Museum.

Semmes Night Out

cityofsemmesal.gov

October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 15

Mobile Parks and Recreation Movies in the Park

Various Locations, Mobile, ALB&B Pet Stop

www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

October 4-31

Thriller Night of Lights

Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 Thriller Nights of Lights is a family-friendly drivethru 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. 7:00pm-10:00pm. $6 per person, 3 and under free. www.thrillernightsoflights.com

www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org

October 5

Abby Fair:Craft Fair

Loblolly Farm 9930 Stone Road Semmes, AL 36575 Arts & crafts vendors, story time, performances, music, kids crafts & games and more. 10:00am4:00pm. Free admission (251) 288-8302

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 for our pet blessing. The Festival is family friendly, and there will be Food, Music, Children’s Activities, Yard Sale and more. Time: 9:00am-1:00pm. (251) 873-5602 www.saintmarysbytheseaepiscopal.com/

The Fort of Colonial Mobile presents Pumpkin Palooza

The Fort of Colonial Mobile 150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 Featuring games & prizes, treats, pumpkin decorating, bouncy castle, Food Truck and more!! Each child will get a pumpkin for decorating! 11:00am-4:00pm (251) 525-6933

October 4-5

Halloween Healthcare Hauntings

Mobile Medical Museum 1664 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL 36604 We will transform one of Mobile’s oldest homes with several ultra-realistic “health care horror” scenarios. Outdoor activities - tarot readings,

www.loblollyfarm.com

colonialmobile.com

October 5-31

Tanner Williams UMC Pumpkin Patch

1550 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd N Mobile, AL 36608 Open weekdays-1:00pm-7:00pm, Saturdays9:00am-7:00pm and Sundays-12:00pm-7:00pm.

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October 12-Fall Festival 11:00am-1:00pm, October 19-Haunted Halloween Paint Ball Obstacle Course 6:00pm, October 26-Trunk Or Treat 6:00 –7:30pm(Free Hotdogs & Chips), Wednesday Evenings-Story Time 5:30pm. Free admission. (251) 649-4752 or (251) 776-0283

Spooky Storytime

Ben May Main Branch, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Storytime for Preschoolers from 10:00am10:45am. Headstart programs, schools and families are invited to a special Spooky Storytime in Bernheim Hall. Join in the fun with stories, songs, puppets and more as we encourage the development of early literacy skills. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 10-12 Haunted Arena

Lazer Zone 790 Schillinger Road North Mobile, AL 36608 Join us for SPOOKY fun for our Annual Haunted Arena Walkthrough! Hours - Thursday 5:00pm8:00pm and Friday-Sat 5:00pm-11:00pm. (251) 639-7330 info@lazerzone.co www.lazerzonemobile.com

October 10-13 Shrimp Festival

Gulf Shores Public Beach 101 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Enjoy fresh seafood, music and more! Local and regional vendors with food lining the boardwalk. Art lovers will have many booths of great vendors. Thursday - Saturday 10:00am - 10:00pm; Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm. (251) 968-7200 info@mygulfcoastchamber.com myshrimpfest.com

October 11-31

Dauphin Way Methodist Pumpkin Patch

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets Mobile, AL 36604 Come to the Pumpkin Patch! You will find pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and even some different colors along with gourds for your fall decorations. Field trips offered by appointment. (251) 471-1511

www.dauphinwayumc.org

October 17

Dog Days Barkery’s Halloween Party

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, a pumpkin patch photo booth, a costume contest, and more! (251) 375-1734

October 9

(251) 208-7086

October 12

www.dogdaysbarkery.net

Mary G Montgomery Spookfest

4275 Snow Road North Semmes, AL 36575 Spook Fest for everyone. Art and Craft Vendors, Clothing Booths, Food Trucks, Pumpkin Patch, Little Miss Pumpkin Princess Pageant, Chili Cook off and Haunted Hallways!! All in one day! www.mgmvikings.com

Sew & Tell at Moorer/Spring Hill Branch

Moorer Library/Spring Hill Branch 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 Children 6 and up come and learn how to cross stitch by making a cross stitch pumpkin. Time: 10:30am-11:30am

Marx Library University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 36688 This event consists of a live forum on the Ghosts of Mobile. Attendees can ask questions and learn about the ghosts who haunt our city and other scary tales. Free 6:00pm-9:00pm.

October 18

Night at the Museum

History Museum of Mobile 111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 When the clock strikes 5, history comes to life. Enjoy a historical scavenger hunt and talk to historical characters, listen to spooky stories, see exhibit, crafts, costume contest and a goody bag. 5:00pm-9:00pm. $5 admission (251) 301-0273

www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run

Moulton Tower at University of South Alabama 5985 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36688 Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run set for Friday, October 18th at 6pm at USA Moulton Tower. Join us for a family friendly 5K and fun run and post-race refreshments and activities.

(251) 494-4132 ftigner@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 13-31

Chickasaw United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

(251) 460-7032 or-trot

Chickasaw United Methodist Church 108 Lee Street Mobile, AL 36611 Join us for a fundraiser for our Student Ministry. Fellowship and Fun. Monday-Friday 12:307:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm Sunday 12:00pm-7:00pm. Oct. 18-Movie Night, Oct. 19-Storytime, Oct. 25-Pumpkin Painting, Oct. 26-Founder’s Day and Oct. 31-Costume Day

www.usahealthsystem.com/trick-

October 19

International Archaeology Day Celebration

(251) 452-3461 chickasawumcnextgen@gmail.com www.chickasawumc.org

USA Archaeology Museum 6052 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36608 Help us celebrate 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. Fun for all ages. (251) 460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/ archaeology/museum

October 17-19 Greek Fest 2019

The Annunciation Greek Church 50 South Ann Street Mobile, AL 36604 Welcome to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Festival! Share our food, music, and heritage with friends and neighbors. Come out and experience Greece in Mobile. Thursday – Saturday from 11:00am-10:00pm. (251) 438-9888

Haunted Places, Haunted Spaces: A Forum on the Ghosts of Mobile

www.greekfestmobile.org

Public Safety Trunk or Treat Night

Lagan / Municipal Park 4901 Zeigler Blvd Mobile, AL 36608 The Mobile Police Department and Mobile Fire Department is proud to sponsor a Public Safety Trunk or Treat Night. Wear your costume. Time: 3:00pm to 7:00pm www.mobilepd.org

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

October 20

Trunk or Treat at Springhill Presbyterian

Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party

1655 McGill Avenue Mobile, AL 36604 One of the very best family events - 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.

10 Westminster Way Mobile, AL 36608 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. (251) 342-1550

www.shpc.us

(251) 476-6335 devmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org littlesistersofthepoormobile.org

October 25

Pet Photos in the Pumpkin Patch at B&B Pet Stop

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.

5035 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL 36609 Gather the furry, feathered, and four-legged creatures in your family and come to the Pumpkin Patch. Photos are $10 each and all donations benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation. Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm (251) 661-3474

www.bbpetstop.com

October 23, 26

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 18131910. Bring your own flashlights. Cost-$12. 6:00pm (251) 540-7127

www.fort-morgan.org

October 24

Halloween Spooktacular

Saraland Public Library 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL 36571 Wear your costumes or try on some of ours from the Costume closet! Enjoy Halloween crafts and snacks and then join us for Trick or Treating throughout the Library. 6:00pm (251) 675-2879

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Lazer Zone Trunk or Treat

790 Schillinger Road North Mobile, AL 36608 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! Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm. (251) 639-7330 info@lazerzone.co www.lazerzonemobile.com

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Dauphin Island Haunted Bicycle Ride

FallFest at Blakely

Blakeley State Park 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Join us for a fun evening of live music, ghost stories around the campfire, food truck and hayrides. Admission: $5 adults/$4 kids ages 6-12/under 6 is free. 4:00pm - 7:45pm. (251) 626-0798

www.blakeleypark.com

Harvest Festival -Tanner Williams Assembly of God

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

Live at Five concert - Halloween Show

Coastal Alabama Community College 450 Fairhope Avenue Mobile, AL 36532 Concert featuring The John Hart Project and Johnny Hayes and The Loveseats. Costume contest, Face Painting, Food Trucks and plenty of fun for kids of all ages.

Pump It Up Not-So-Scary Halloween Jump

741-A Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695 Halloween Jump Night! RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. space is limited. Socks and signed waived required. 6:00pm-8:00pm.$12 per child; an hour and 10 minutes of jumping, glow party

and a Halloween themed snack. Prize for the best costume! (251) 342-3940

www.pumpitupparty.com/mobile-al

October 25-26

Annual Renaissance Festival

51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 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. (251) 861-6992

dauphinisland.org

Chickasaw Library and Theatre presents 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. Haunted house involves a hayride. 6:00pm10:00pm. Not recommended for young childrenAlternate activity for young children in the library. (251) 452-6465

www.eventbrite.com

October 25-27

Playhouse in the Park presents “Frankenstein”

4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 The Playhouse-in-the-Park presents “Frankenstein”. Public performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Recommended for ages 12 and up. (251) 602-0630 playhouseintheparkmobileal@ gmail.com playhouseinthepark.org

October 26

5 Rivers Halloween Bash

30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Our favorite time of year! we will have our FREE, family friendly Halloween celebration. There will be crafts, music, movies, games, $5 boat tours, food trucks, and a costume contest at 1pm. 10:00am-3:00pm (251) 625-0814

www.Alabama5Rivers.com

Boo at Bellingrath

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for a day of Halloween fun from 11:00am-2:00pm. Admis-

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Dog River Ghost Chase 5K/Goblin Gallop

6120 South Marina Drive Mobile, AL 36605 All participants and spectators are encouraged to dress in costume. Mystery ghost somewhere in the race. Post-race party includes awards, food, beverages and a costume contest! 5:00pm info@dogriver.org www.dogriver.org

Fall Festival at Cloverleaf Baptist Church 6500 Three Notch Rd Mobile, AL 36619 Visitors can enjoy fall fun for the whole family! There will be hay rides, inflatables, face painting, BBQ sandwiches, snow cones and more. 1:00pm-3:00pm. Free. cloverleafbaptist.net

West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Join us at the library for Harry Potter themed crafts, snacks, games and more! 2:00pm. Registration is required. Register by phone or email. (251) 340-8571 westyou@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

LuLu’s BooLu’s!

LuLu’s, 200 E 25th Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Trunk-or-Treating, pumpkin decorating, crafts, inflatable slide and more! The Haven will host a Pet Adoption. Costume contest winner announced at 5pm. Free activities from 2pm - 5pm. (251) 967-LULU (5858)

www.lulubuffett.com

Oak Park Church Fall Festival

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

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: 2pm-5pm. (251) 438-7075 glaffiette@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Halloween at the Exploreum

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government St Mobile, AL 36602 Looking for a great, family friendly outing for Halloween? Well, the Exploreum has you covered. Halloween at the exploreum from 10:00am200pm. Costume contest, trick or treat stations, Halloween-themed activities and more. (251) 208-6893

Harry Potter Halloween Party

www.exploreum.com

Something Special for Saturday at Moorer/ Spring Hill Branch 4 McGregor South Mobile, AL 36608 Pumpkin Painting! Wear old clothes and paint yourself a pumpkin. Please make a reservation! Time: 10:30am-11:30am (251) 494-4132 ftigner@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Spooky Movie on the Lawn

complimentary hot chocolate from Kilwins. Bring a blanket and chairs and get comfy for this year’s spooky movie, Coco! Best of all, admission is free! Activities begin at 2:30pm. Movie at 7:30pm. (251) 224-1000

www.alwharf.com

Trick or Read Event

Parkway Branch 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, AL 36605 Join us for our fun event with stories, writing, candy and more! 1:00pm-3:00pm (251) 470-7766

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Trunk or Treat

Moorer/Spring Hill 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) 494-3684 eenglish@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Woofstock

Serda Brewing Company 600 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Join us for food trucks; face painting, scavenger hunt, raffles, beer, music, tons of Halloween fun and much more! Bring your pooch and be sure to enter the doggy costume contest. 12:00pm7:00pm woofstock@animalrescuemobile.org www.animalrescuemobile.org

The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Gather on The Wharf’s Marina Lawn for a day full of fall activities, including pumpkin painting, face painting, pony rides, trick or treating, and hayrides provided by Kutter’s Landscaping. Enjoy complimentary popcorn from AMC Theatres and

October 27

Ashland Place United Methodist Trunk or Treat

15 Wisteria Avenue Mobile, AL 36607 Join us for family-friendly festivities! Our Trunkor-Treat features a DJ, inflatables, carnival

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www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Fall Festival

First Christian Church 1419 Government Street Mobile, AL 36604 This fun for the whole family event includes hotdogs, popcorn, festival booth games and a costume contest. Come in costume or come as you are. Time: 6:00pm

(251) 473-7979 firstchristianmobile@gmail.com www.firstchristianchurchmobile.com

Grand Bay Halloween Fun

Grand Bay Community Center 11610 US Highway 90 Grand Bay, AL 36541 Halloween fun, games and activities for the children AND a haunted hall for those who are brave enough to enter. 6pm-8pm. (251) 865-4010

Halloween at the Library

Ben May Main Branch 701 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Put on your costumes and stop by for Trick or Treating throughout the Library from 4pm - 7pm. (251) 208-7086 crhodes@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

games, a balloon artist, face painting, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy and treats from themed trunks. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged! 4:00pm-5:30pm. (251) 478-6356 www.apumc.com

atrue@apumc.com

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

Dauphin Way Methodist Trunk or Treat

Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets Mobile, AL 36604 Trunk-or-Treat is a big family friendly event. We will have trunks, treats, games and lots of fun! Costumes are optional but it’s way more fun to trunk-or-treat in a costume. 4:00pm-6:00pm. (251) 471-1511

www.dauphinwayumc.org

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 (251) 649-1478

www.georgetownassembly.org

First Baptist Satsuma - Fall Festival

5600 Old Highway 43 Satsuma, AL 36572 Join us for inflatables, games, food, and facepaint. You’re welcomed and encouraged to wear your fun costumes to the festivities. 6pm-8pm www.fbcsatsuma.com

GulfQuest Halloween Fest

GulfQuest Maritime Museum 155 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Fun for the whole family! Pumpkin painting, trick-ortreating, Special Spooky Halloween food and drinks. Admission is $5/person and includes our 90 interactive exhibits. If you arrive in costume, admission is FREE! Halloween Fest is from 12:00pm - 5:00pm. (251) 436-8901 info@gulfquest.org www.gulfquest.org

Witches Ride – Mobile

Blind Mule, 57 N Claiborne St Mobile, AL 36602 Get your best witch costume and hop on your your bicycle for bike parade. The fun will end in a fabulous block party. Benefits Delta Dogs. mobiledeltadogs.org

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Halloween Dance Party

October 27-30

Discover Chiropractic Center Haunted House

1412 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36604 1st EVER Discover Chiropractic Center Haunted House! This event is for all ages so bring the kids! Refreshments and cool activities. Wear your costume. $5 for adults and students FREE! 6:00pm-8:00pm. (251) 432-3437

October 28

St. Luke’s Fall Festival

3975 Japonica Lane Mobile, AL 36693 Join us for our Fall Festival. We will have lots of fun for everyone with Trunk or Treat, inflatables, haunted house and much more! 5:30pm-8:00pm. (251) 666-2991

stlukesmobile.com

October 29

Halloween Movie at Moorer/Spring Hill Branch

4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL 36608 Put on your costumes and join us for a Halloween Movie and costume contest! Costume Contest: 5:00pm. Movie: Hocus Pocus at 5:30pm. Popcorn and treats will be enjoyed by everyone! (251) 494-4132 ftigner@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

October 30

Knollwood Church - Lit 2018

1501 Knollwood Drive Mobile, AL 36609 Join us for our Trunk-r-Treat from 6:00-8:00pm for Free Food, Inflatables, Cake Walk, Bonfire, Car Show and Fun! (251) 661-8383 info@knollwoodchurch.net www.knollwoodchurch.website

West Mobile Baptist Church Trunk or Treat 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. Time: 6pm-8pm. (251) 639-9952

www.wemochurch.org

October 31

Dauphin Island - Trick or Treat in Green Park

301 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Bring the little ones to trick or treat in a safe environment. Everyone is invited to bring a table and some treats to give out. Wear your costume! www.townofdauphinisland.org

West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 Stay after story time for some Halloween fun! Come in costume, trick or treat at the library service desks and then boogie down with your friends! 11:30am (251) 340-8571 westyou@mplonline.org www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saraland United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat

415 McKeough Avenue Saraland, AL 36571 Join us for hot dogs, Trunk or Treat, crafts, a bounce house, and more! EVERYONE is encouraged to come in costume...adults, too! We hope to see you there! 6:00-7:30. (251) 675-2728

saralandumc.org

Shadow Lawn Baptist Halloween Alternative

5665 Dogwood Trail Eightmile, AL 36613 From 6:00pm - 8:00pm we will have games, food, hayrides, and treats. It is all free. (251) 675-1447 slbc@att.net www.shadowlawnbc.com

Snow Road First Baptist Fall Trunk & Treat

2370 Snow Road North Semmes, AL 36575 More than 30 trucks decorated and full of candy! Free food, popcorn, cotton candy, arts & crafts, face painting, game and much more! Free Admissions - Fun for the whole family!!! 6:00pm-Dark (251) 649-7722

www.srfbc.com

Spooky Stories and Crafts inn the Church Street Cemetery

Church Street Cemetery 701 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 Put on your costumes and join us for storytelling and crafting in the Church Street Cemetery. Costumes are welcome but not necessary. Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm. (251) 208-7086

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Spooky Stories in the Church Street Cemetery

701 Government Street Mobile AL 36602 Put on your costumes and join us for storytelling and crafting in the Church Street Cemetery. Costumes are welcome but not necessary. Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm. (251) 208-7086

www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Trunk or Treat - Pathway Church

Moffett and Airport Campus, Mobile, AL Grab your friends and family, dress up in cos-

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Trunk R Treat at The Wharf

23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Spend your Halloween with us for a night of seasonal delight for the whole family. Whether you come as a goblin, ghoul, or princess, make sure you dress to impress! We’ll have pumpkin painting, face painting, camel rides, kids activities, and a costume contest for all the festive folks. Best of all, admission is free! 6:00pm - 8:30pm. (251) 224-1000

www.alwharf.com

Woodridge Baptist Church Fall Festival Trunk-or-Treat

2700 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL 36695 For children and students of all ages! Enjoy train rides, petting zoo, games, popcorn, drinks, corn dogs, candy, giveaways and more! 5:30-7:30pm (251) 633-6000

www.wbcmobile.com

November 1-3

Alabama Pecan Festival

Tillman’s Corner Community Center 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL 36619 This family-oriented festival features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, live music, antique car show, and more. Friday- 5:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday- 10:00am9:00pm; Sunday- 11:00am-4:00pm. FREE! (251) 401-5555 alabamapecanfestival@gmail.com www.alabamapecanfestival.com

November 2 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, Food, Art, Vendors, Music, and more. Time: 1pm-Dusk.

Fall Arts & Crafts Open House

Environmental Center 6101 Girby Road Mobile, AL 36693 Fall Arts & Crafts Open House will be 9:00am3:00pm with Raptor Road Show, Arts & Crafts, Calendar Contest Winners Announced and more. (251) 221-5000

www.mcpsesc.com

November 9

Commedia Del Arte presents “Dracula and Me”

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 7125 Hitt Road Mobile, AL 36695 Join us for an original interactive comedy, set in a 1930s radio station with a cast of actors that’s sure to have the audience rolling the aisles. Dracula & Me is family friendly. (251) 510-0654

www.commediadelarte.org

November 16

Down South GrillFest

Loblolly Farm, 9930 Stone Rd Semmes, AL 36575 Gate opens from 10am - 7pm. Steak cookoff with antique tractor show, kids corner, live music and more. Tickets are available online. (251) 288-8302

www.loblollyfarm.com

November 23

Family Farm Day 2019

Humming Star Alpacas 19700 Blueberry Lane Silverhill, AL 36576 Come visit and learn about alpacas, explore items made of alpaca fiber, shop with local vendors, participate in hands-on fiber arts, and have lunch. 10:00am-4:00pm. (251) 214-8224

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FamilyCalendar Wednesday September 25

Disneys Frozen JR: The Musical presented by The PACT Theatre Company 7:30 PM The Steeple, 251 Saint Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The PACT Theatre Company presents Disneys Frozen Jr: The Musical at The Steeple on St. Francis this September 25-27 thepactmobile.com PAW Patrol Live 10:00 AM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 PAW Patrol Live www.mobilecivicctr.com Doing The Most Good Annual Luncheon 12:00 PM Riverview Plaza, 64 S Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Annual Salvation Army Luncheon. This is an event to raise funds and awareness for the Good that is being done in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Our special guest for this year is the legendary Terry Bradshaw. app.mobilecause.com/form/tLFj_w?vid=1bu3x&f bclid=IwAR0TG9n75sQjkuclj7reZsJ6WThXI2T08 mf4_pg13cvAnhwJIzQMRMXRL6g Mobile Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet 6:45 PM Moes BBQ, 701 Spring Hill Ave Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet is September 25. Mark your calendars because we will have great raffle and auction! www.ducks.org/alabama/events

Thursday September 26

Disney’s Frozen JR: The Musical presented by The PACT Theatre Company Details September 25. USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Friday September 27

Disney’s Frozen JR: The Musical presented by The PACT Theatre Company Details September 25. thepactmobile.com Pop-Up Maker Lab (Free) 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Come see what new and exciting things you can make at our Maker Lab. Parental supervision is required for anyone under age 10. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Movie Night at The Loblolly ($10 per car) 4:00 PM Loblolly Farm, 9930 Stone Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Gate opens at 4 PM with food and beverages from local vendors, jump castle and games for the children. Movie Night starts at 7:00pm. 251-288-8302 www.loblollyfarm.com Live at Five Concert Series 5:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College, Fairhope, AL, 36532 The Tip Tops will be back at the Live at Five Concert Series on Friday, September 27th!

Saturday September 28

GO Run 8:00 AM USA Moulton Tower, Mobile, AL, 36608 Lace up your running shoes for this 5K and 1-Mile Fun

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Run presented by the Catranis Family Charitable Foundation. This family-fun event includes children’s activities, and prizes for individuals and teams with proceeds benefiting gynecologic cancer research at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m www.usahealthsystem.com/events/go-run Gulf Coast Multiple Sclerosis Avengers “Amazing Taste Of Mobile 5K Run & Fun Walk” 8:00 AM University of Mobile Campus, 5735 College Parkway Mobile, AL, 36613 Amazing Taste of Mobile 5K and 1 Mile runsignup.com/Race/AL/Mobile/AmazingTasteofMobile5Kand1Mile Girls Rock Workshop (Free) 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Lifelines Counseling, 4904 Oak Circle Drive Mobile, AL, 36609 Key objectives-self esteem, social media, relationships, academics, leadership, power commitments and more. 251-229-2860 www.compassiilife.com 31st Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Main Street, Olde Towne Daphne, Daphne, AL, 36526 The 31st Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts is set to attract thousands to the oak-lined Main Street of Daphne, Alabama September 28th and 29th. Art, music & seafood meet southern charm at this annual festival set along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts this familyfriendly festival each year in coordination with the City of Daphne. www.thejubileefestival.com/festival-info Artist Panel (Free) 2:00 PM Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us as we discuss Religious Iconography in Southern Art with Urban Wild artists, Merrilee Challiss, Byron Sonnier, Madison Faile, and Greg Skaggs. www.alabamacontemporary.org/events/informationsession/ Forks and Corks Seafood and Science Culinary Arts Gala 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 The Dauphin Island Sea Lab presents our 2nd annual Forks and Corks Seafood and Science Gala created to showcase and explore marine science through the culinary arts. This unique seafood culinary art competition features area high school hospitality and culinary arts programs’ students transforming marine science education into delicious seafood dishes to enjoy throughout the evening. www.disl.org/events/forks-and-corks-seafood-andscience-culinary-arts-gala Race for the Fallen Glow Run 6:30 PM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 The Race for the Fallen Glow Run is a night time family-fun race for participants of all ages & speeds! Register for the 5K, 1 Mile or as a Phantom Runner. www.raceforthefallen.com Rod Stokes 7:00 PM St. Luke’s Episcopal School, 1400 South University Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36609 We are so excited to host a community event with Rod Stokes on September 28th! bngn.smarttuition.com/?id=epojwudk1j1

St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial , 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for the St. Jude Walk/Run during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, to raise money for the kids of St. Jude, where families never receive a bill for anything. Let’s end childhood cancer. Together fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Walk/ Walk?pg=entry&fr_id=107583

Sunday September 29

31st Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts Details September 28. www.thejubileefestival.com/festival-info

Tuesday October 1

Semmes Night Out 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Fire Training Center, 9010 Forest Street Semmes, AL, 36575 Join us for a free public event for awareness and partnership building with the community and police, fire departments and first responders. There will be inflatables, face painting, free food and fun. cityofsemmesal.gov

Wednesday October 2

2nd Annual Passion for Prichard Prep Tailgate Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Don’t miss this second annual luncheon in support of Prichard Preparatory School, featuring speaker Eli Gold, comedian Jermaine “FunnyMaine” Johnson, and other legendary sports figures. Contact Sandra Dunaway for tickets and sponsorships: sdunaway@prichardprepschool.com. The PACT - Auditions for ELF JR 6:00 PM The PACT, 3995 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Auditions for Elf, Jr. Register for auditions online at thepactmobile.com/elf 16th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest: A Birding & Nature Festival Various Locations, Join us Oct. 2 – 5 for the 16th annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest, a birding and nature festival, and experience many opportunities to see birds, alligators, wildflowers, dolphins, and other wildlife. And learn about their habitats! weeksbay.org/events/alabama-coastal-birdfest/

Thursday October 3

Sip, Stretch or Stroll: Yoga in the Gardens ($14) 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Guests are invited to explore the Gardens after hours and take part in a yoga session on the Great Lawn. The event will include complimentary drinks and snacks. 251-459-8868

The PACT - Auditions for ELF JR 6:00 PM The PACT, 3995 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Auditions for Elf, Jr. Register for auditions online at thepactmobile.com/elf 16th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest: A Birding & Nature Festival Details October 2.

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FamilyCalendar Friday October 4

Mobile Heart Walk 8:00 AM USA Moulton Tower, Mobile, AL, 36608 The 2019 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. www2.heart.org

2019 Focus Women’s Conference 8:00 AM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 A full day of speakers, workshops, panels, networking, vendors, and a career expo to give you the tools and network you need. Platinum VIP includes a signed book and photo-op with Elizabeth Smart. focusWC.com

Shop til You Drop Shopping Spree 9:00 AM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd North Mobile, AL, 36608 Shop til You Drop Shopping Spree, Benefiting Alzheimer’s Caregivers!

Come Celebrate National Taco Day (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Library , 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Come celebrate National Taco Day with a fun taco craft! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Make and Take (Free) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Stop by the Library and make Rock Monsters. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Danny Gokey-The Hope Encounter Tour 7:00 PM Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile, AL, 36608 Danny Gokey in concert. www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1853384

Rubber Ducky Regatta 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL We are dropping 10,000 Rubber Ducks into the Mobile River at 11:00am. The lucky ducky’s adopter can win a cruise for two on the Carnival Fantasy! The event will have sweet treats and kids’ activities. You do not need to be present to win. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. www.rubberduckyregatta.com/#Tickets

Moon Taxi 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Moon Taxi in concert. www.mobilesaenger.com 16th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest: A Birding & Nature Festival Details October 2.

Saturday October 5

9th Annual Dog River Fishing Tournament 6:00 AM Grand Mariner, Annual Dog River Fishing Tournament - All proceeds further the clean water mission of DRCR. dogriver.org

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International Observe the Moon Night (Free) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 If weather permits, the Mobile Astronomical Society will set up their telescopes for a Moon viewing. Light Refreshments will be provided. 251-340-1535 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 16th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest: A Birding & Nature Festival Details October 2. Mobile Fairytale Ball Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Meet all the princesses at this one of a kind event! This event will feature our favorite fairytale friends, musical performances, stories, song, and dance! At the Fairytale Ball we will have a candy buffet, create magical tiaras, and enjoy activities throughout! www.eventbrite.com

• Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower

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Stem Saturday (Free) 2:00 PM West Regional Library , 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us for some STEM, (science, technology, engineering and math) fun and exploration at the Library! Ages 5 and up. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping

Reading Paws (Free) 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, West Regional Library , 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 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

• Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

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• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

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FamilyCalendar Sunday October 6

First Free Sunday - History Museum of Mobile 1:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Free admission sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality every first Sunday of the month! Special Needs Expo (Free) 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, GulfQuest Maritime Museum, 155 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Bay Parents and Eastern Shore Parents will hot their 3rd Annual Special Needs Expo, on Sunday, October 6 from 2pm - 5pm at GulfQuest Maritime Museum. Admission is FREE and attendees will have the opportunity to visit with exhibitors and learn about products, support groups, recreational activities, healthcare, therapy and other services for children and adults with special needs. This is a family friendly event that will include face painting, balloon animals, live creatures from Animal Tales and more! Guests will also have an opportunity to tour GulfQuest and enjoy the hands-on activities and exhibits. A big thank you to our sponsors, Thomas Hospital/Infirmary Health, Palmer’s Toyota, High Hopes 4 Autism, NBC 15 and Publications Press. For more information or to become an exhibitor please call 251-929-2099 or email lynn@easternshoreparents.com 251-929-2099 Mother Son Field Day 3:00 PM Wilmer Hall, 3811 Old Shell Rd Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for a fun-filled afternoon, where moms and sons will bond through games, activities, and fellowship! All to benefit Wilmer Hall Children’s Home. Think Pink Tea 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 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, a mix and mingle, a panel discussion and refreshments in the style of high tea. To RSVP, please email Vanessa McMillian at vmcmillian@health.southalabama.edu or call (251) 445-9691. 251-445-9691

Monday October 7

USA Concert Choir and University Chorale 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Concert Choir and University Chorale concert. 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Tuesday October 8

Tinker Tuesday (Free) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Learn how to make Wish Bracelets. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Mad Scientist Club (Free) 5:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for Kid Friendly Experiments and discover the outcome and results of the scientific methods we use. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

Nature Photography Presentation by Stephanie T. Pluscht (Free) 6:00 PM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Nature Photography Presentation by Stephanie T. Pluscht

Thursday October 10

Word/Play with ACAC (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Staff from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center join us for Family Storytime on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Preschoolers will explore contemporary art and music through handson and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Alabama Contemporary Art Center Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join staff from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. Ages 8-13 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Mobile SPCA’s 7th Annual Fish Fry ($10 donation requested)

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Our Savior Catholic Church, 1801 Cody Road South Mobile, AL, 36695 Enjoy food, music, lots of raffles items, door prizes. 251-633-3531 MobileSPCA.org Paint Party at Bellingrath Gardens and Home ($30) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Paint your favorite Bellingrath Gardens scenes and flowers during this special evening Paint Party. Artists Renee Wallace and Janie Brown will paint with students, step by step. Students may choose to create their own designs on a blank canvas, or they may select a pre-sketched Bellingrath Gardens. Registration required. 251-459-8868

Friday October 11

Live at Five 5:00 PM Halstead Amphitheater, 450 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL, 36532 Live at Five is excited to have both Will Kimbrough and The Red Clay Strays performing on Friday, October 11th. Will Kimbrough will play a set from 5-6 with The Red Clay Strays performing 6:00-7:30. www.accs.edu Semmes Fall Outdoor Movie Night 7:00 PM Semmes, AL, 36575 Come watch the new Aladdin movie under the stars. This is a free event! We will have free popcorn, drinks and candy. Bring your own chairs or carpets and enjoy this outdoor movie! Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St Mobile, AL, 36611 You know the story — Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must solve the mystery of the ferocious, luminous Hound of the Baskervilles before the heir to the family fortune falls to the jaws of the hound. But when Ken Ludwig retells the story, it moves from high drama to farcical comedy – fastpaced, witty and delightful. cctshows.com Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe” Davidson High School, 3900 Pleasant Valley Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp

Productions present “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe”. Shows: 9:00am, 11:00am and 7:00pm www.sunnysidedrama.com

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Fall Market on the Square 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for locally-produced, locally-made items. www.ncsmobile.org 4th Annual Race for Hope 5K and Fun Run 8:00 AM Dumas Wesley Community Center, 126 Mobile Street Mobile, AL, 36607 4th Annual Race for Hope 5K and fun run to benefit the Dumas Wesley Community Center www.eventbrite.com Anchors Away Tour: USS Alabama 8:00 AM USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park , Mobile, AL, 36602 We invite you to join us for a day of historical discovery and exploration aboard the USS Alabama! There will be plenty of time to explore this historic ship, opportunity to engage in a live feedback session, and take part in a scavenger hunt around the ship for prizes. Bras Across the “CAUSE”way 8:00 AM Meaher State Park, 5200 Battleship Pkwy Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 5k, Games for Kids, and Restaurant Rally Benefitting LOCAL Patients Fighting Breast Cancer. Please join us in helping our neighbors who are suffering! www.eventbrite.com Health Fair - Medal of Honor Park 8:00 AM Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Live Entertainment; Speakers will Educate the community on various topics how to live a Healthy Lifestyle. 9th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Dauphin Island, Dauphin Island, AL, 36523 Now in its 9th year, this free popular event brings together artists, art galleries, and local businesses through 12 cross island locations. 251-214-6485 2019 South Alabama Walk to Defeat ALS 10:00 AM Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Fundraising through the Walk drives bold and urgent innovation as we march together toward a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS. web.alsa.org Market at the Corner 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Tillman’s Corner Community Center,, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, AL, 36619 Market at the Corner 251-666-2488 Mobile County Wellness Festival 10:00 AM Pathway Church, 7200 Moffett Road Mobile, AL Informed Alabama is dedicated to promoting wellness through education and community outreach. We are excited to present Mobile County’s “The More You Know” Wellness Festival! Kid’s Fishing Day 11:00 AM Camp Grace, 11081 Wanda Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 All fishing equipment will be furnished and all registered children will receive a free rod and

www.mobilebayparents.com

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FamilyCalendar reel! The event will feature air-ups, face painting and plenty of fun for the whole family. www.teamjesusministries.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” Details October 11.

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Alison Krauss 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602

Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe” Davidson High School, 3900 Pleasant Valley Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Shows: 2:00pm and 7:00pm www.sunnysidedrama.com

Sunday October 13

Market at the Pillars 12:00 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Shop Local Farmers, Crafters, Bakers and Makers, Local Eats & Live Music Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” 2:00 PM Details October 11. cctshows.com

Sunny Side Theater & Drama Camp Productions present “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe” 2:00 PM Davidson High School, 3900 Pleasant Valley Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 www.sunnysidedrama.com Magic Moments Magic Show ($10 for children and

$15 for adults.)

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM, St. Luke’s Episcopal School Theatre, Mobile, AL, 36609 ?Magic Moments Magic Show is October 13, 2:30-5 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Theater. www.magicmoments.org Mobile Opera - Afternoon of Stars (Free) 3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Members of the cast of Mobile Opera’s La Traviata will perform their favorite musical selections. Enjoy beautiful music and meet the stars over light refreshments following the performance. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Dauphin Island Sunset Concert (Admissions for all concerts are $5 per person, children who are 12 and younger will receive free admission.) 4:30 PM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Sunset concert featuring Roman Street.

Tuesday October 15

and courage of the heroes that make survival possible when a traumatic and unexpected event occurs. giving.usahealthsystem.com/pages/event-a-nighthonoring-heroes Faculty Trumpet Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Wednesday October 16

www.ransomministries.com

Food for Thought 11:00 AM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us at Food for Thought benefitting Ransom Ministries.

Alter Bridge and Skillet Concert 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 www.mobilesaenger.com

Thursday October 17

A Night Honoring Heroes 5:30 PM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center,, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The public is invited to join in the support of the triumph

Word/Play ($5 or free for members) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Program that encourages children ages 2-5 to create works of art inspired by contemporary children’s literature. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

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FamilyCalendar 3rd Annual Grilled Cheese Meltdown 5:30 PM Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Teams will be competing to create the yummiest grilled cheese sandwich in the 3rd Annual Mobile Grilled Cheese Meltdown. All proceeds are for a great cause--to support the Urban Emporium in Downtown Mobile. www.eventbrite.com 5th Annual Down to Earth Farmraiser ($40) 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, The Victory Teaching Farm, 261 Rickarby Street Mobile, AL The community is invited by the Victory Teaching Farm: “Join us under the Stars for All Things Local. Help us ‘raise’ up our farmers, chefs and those that support our local food system.” brownpapertickets.com

Friday October 18

Fall Plant Sale 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org 9th Annual Chip In For Autism Golf Tournament 11:30 AM Azalea City Golf Course, 1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Four-man scramble with shotgun start. Includes a bucket of range balls and dinner by Crawdads following tournament. All proceeds benefit Woody’s Song School, a program of The Learning Tree 251-331-2633 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” 7:30 PM Details October 11. Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Mobile, AL, 36606 joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday October 19

Tri the Gulf 2019 7:00 AM Isle of Dauphine Club, 100 Orleans Drive Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Tri the Gulf 2019, sponsored by the Mobile Bar Assn, is a USA-sanctioned event that includes a 600 yard swim, a 16.7 mile ride and a 3.25 mile run www.imathlete.com Fall Market on the Square 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for locally-produced, locally-made items. www.ncsmobile.org

Buddy Walk 9:00 AM Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 The Buddy Walk® is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

syndrome. Onsite registration begins at 9:00 and the Walk starts at 10:00 www.ndss.org/buddy_walk/syndrome-society-mobile-buddy-walk/ Fall Plant Sale 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Reading Paws (Free) 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, West Regional Library , 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 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 Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” Details October 11. Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” joejeffersonplayers.com

Sunday October 20

Fall Plant Sale 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast Garden at our Fall Plant Sale! 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org NICU Reunion 1:00 PM USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, 1700 Center Street Mobile, AL, 36604 We invite all graduates of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and their families to come and spend an afternoon reuniting with their former caregivers and fellow NICU families in our courtyard! Put on your favorite Halloween costumes and join us for fun games and kid-friendly snacks. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” 2:00 PM Details October 11. Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” joejeffersonplayers.com

Tuesday October 22

Bright Beginnings Academy Lego Night 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, The Locale, 4128 Government Blvd Mobile, AL, 36693 Kids from grade K thru 10 are invited to compete in our one of a kind LEGO Building Contest. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each age category. Enjoy a meal and listen as Chevron’s inventor/speaker extraordinaire, Alfred Butterfield IV, tells his story. There will also be a silent auction. www.brightdyslexics.com USA Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Jazz Ensemble

Fall Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Thursday October 24

Girls Night Out 5:30 PM The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Grab your girlfriends, sisters, moms, aunts and besties for a fun Girls Night Out at The Pillars! Join us for local shopping, eating, drinks, music, fun, & Pumpkin Spice goodies! Dining on Dauphin 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL, 36602 The event will showcase globally inspired, locally sourced, inventive cuisine from three of Mobile’s premier restaurants in an intimate setting along Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile’s historic arts and entertainment district. www.diningondauphin.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” www.mobiletheatreguild.org

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Friday October 25

Knights of Columbus Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament 11:00 AM Springhill College Golf Course, Mobile, AL, 36608 All net proceeds benefit St Mary Catholic School! Visit www.StMaryMobile.org for registration and player and sponsorship information! 251-422-1824 www.stmarymobile.org Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” joejeffersonplayers.com Up Up and Away Annual Hot Air Balloon Event 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Please join RE/MAX Realty Professionals and The University of South Alabama’s Children’s & Women’s Hospital via the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for our annual fundraising and awareness benefit Making a special appearance is the worldfamous RE/MAX Hot-Air Balloon. The marque balloon will be on-site to provide tethered rides in exchange for donations. Outback Steakhouse® will be onsite cooking for cash donations. There will also be live entertainment, the popular TAPSNAP photo booth, plus a jumpy house and corn hole games for the entire family to enjoy! Mobile Opera presents La Traviata 7:30 PM The Temple Downtown, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 A cornerstone of operatic literature filled with wildly famous tunes, a tragic heroine, and vivid characters, Verdi’s masterpiece has been leaving audiences breathless since 1853. www.mobileopera.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” www.mobiletheatreguild.org Switchfoot 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Switchfoot in concert. www.mobilesaenger.com

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FamilyCalendar Saturday October 26

Funny as Ish Comedy Tour 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Comedian and actor Mike Epps will bring his “Funny as Ish Comedy Tour” to Mobile Civic Center www.mobilecivicctr.com

10th Annual “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show (Free to attend) 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Dauphin Way Baptist Church, 3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36608 The 10th 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. 251-445-4163 www.dwbc.org

Sunday October 27

Fall Market on the Square 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for locally-produced, locally-made items. www.ncsmobile.org

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of South Alabama 2019 8:00 AM Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 This Making Strides event will be held in Bienville Square, Mobile, AL. People will come together to celebrate survivors, have fun, and raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives from breast cancer. secure.acsevents.org FUN-el Cake Run 9:00 AM The Grounds, Mobile, AL, 36608 Experience the Greater Gulf State Fair in a whole new way. Join us for the sweetest fun run you’ll do all year- the FUN-nel Cake Run! Grab your friends and family and sign up for a run along the midway at the Greater Gulf State Fair and plan to stay all day and enjoy the rides, games, concerts and fair food! www.thegroundsmobile.com BizKidz Children’s Business Fair ($50 entry fee) 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, The Grounds, Mobile, AL, 36608 Know of a kid entrepreneur with a great idea? Come launch and sell your product. Ages 7-13 www.themobilerundown.com/bizkidz-childrensbusiness-fair/ Deep South Region Antique Automobile Club of America’s 2019 Southeastern Fall Nationals Show 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Everyone is invited to come see the cars. Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” joejeffersonplayers.com 3rd Annual Gulf Seafood Gala 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Isle Dauphine, 100 Orleans Drive Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Enjoy locally-sourced Gulf seafood served in a relaxed atmosphere at the iconic Isle Dauphine. A full cash bar will be available. Live music and a silent auction of original art will round out a memorable Dauphin Island experience. dauphinislandarts.networkforgood.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present “Macbeth” joejeffersonplayers.com

www.mobilecivicctr.com

4th Annual Charity Gala 6:00 PM 50 South Ann Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Black tie affair benefiting three local charities: Victory Health Partners, NEST of Mobile, and The Learning Tree. Dinner, dancing, and auction to enjoy. Event ticket price is $300 per person. 251-340-3600

Mobile Opera presents La Traviata 2:30 PM The Temple Downtown, 351 St Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 A cornerstone of operatic literature filled with wildly famous tunes, a tragic heroine, and vivid characters, Verdi’s masterpiece has been leaving audiences breathless since 1853. www.mobileopera.org

Sunday November 3

Marshall Tucker Band 6:30 PM The Grounds, Mobile, AL, 36608 Marshall Tucker Band LIVE at the 65th Annual Greater Gulf State Fair thegrounds.ticketspice.com/marshall-tucker-bandgold-circle-at-the-2019-greater-gulf-state-fair

Sean Tuder Blue Bowl Co-Ed Flag Football Tournament 7:00 AM University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688 Presented By Mobile Chevrolet is to benefit the families of the fallen. This is a flag football tournament made up of men, woman and kids. www.thefallenofficers.com

Wednesday October 30

50 Plus Halloween Luncheon sponsored by St. Mary 7th Graders! 12:00 PM St. Mary Sisters of Mercy Building, 106 Providence Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Join us for an afternoon of great food, entertainment and fun! Dress up in Halloween Costume or come as your favorite Saint! www.stmarymobile.org

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Thursday October 31

USA Piano Ensembles Fall Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Piano Ensembles Fall Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Rocky Horror Show” Showtimes: 7:30pm, 11:55pm www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday November 2

Fall Market on the Square 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for locally-produced, locally-made items. www.ncsmobile.org Wine on the River 2019 3:00 PM Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Sample wine from national and international vineyards. With an “Around the World” theme focusing on cultural regions. Ticket price includes beverage samples, food, and live music. Live music entertainment will be going throughout the evening to keep the fun going! www.wineontherivermobile.com

Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! 5:30 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Everyone’s invited to take part in the sunniest and funniest street celebration in Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! 251-208-7381

5 Rivers StoryTime (Free) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 1011am, free, no registration necessary. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Every Monday

Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Join us after school for fun, games, arts & crafts, prizes and surprises! 6 and up. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Introductory Piano Class (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Registration is required. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 340-1507 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. 251-340-1535 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Tuesday

Games and More! (Free) 3:00 PM Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Enjoy board & video games, movies, puzzles and so much more! Ages 7 and up. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Movie Tuesday (Free) 3:15 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Wednesday

Brown Bag in Bienville for Fall (Free) 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Bienville Square, 150 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 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. www.specialeventsmobile.org

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FamilyCalendar Learn to Knit (Free) 2:00 PM Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Learn to knit. Ages 8 and up. Bring your own supplies. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org What’s up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Enjoy Bingo, Karaoke, LEGO challenges and so much more! Refreshments served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Thursday

TGIT Hangout! (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Have fun with LEGO challenges, arts & crafts, games and more. 251-340-1535 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Saturday

Art & Rhyme Wiggle Time Storytime (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Simple stories and music introduce the sounds and rhythms of language and play to your little learner. Join us for a wiggle, rhyme, read and sing, active story time – and a craft too! (Ages 18 months-3 years) 251-340-1535 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 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. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

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 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 pm to 7 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to 11 am. (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

Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

(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 251-610-5264. 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 251431-5100. COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:3011:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks.251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www. Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, 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. • 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 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 pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings: Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. 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 251-415-1685 or at www. usahealthsystem.com/usacwh. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Classes are free if you are delivering at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. All classes will meet in the 1st floor conference room next to the surgery waiting room. • 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. . You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Offered monthly from 9 am to 2 pm. • Childbirth in a Nutshell: This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets one Wednesday per month, 6-8:30 p.m. • Breastfeeding: This two-hour class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Classes meet one Thursday per month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one Saturday per month from 10:00-Noon. • Classes on Preeclampsia, Developmental Milestones, Child Safety/Head Injury and Infant Safety are also available throughout the year. Call for details. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

While we keep string and rope away from toddlers for safety reasons, once kids approach the ‘dress themselves’ stage, they are usually ready to experiment with the manipulation of these versatile materials. Learning to tie knots and twist rope can be an important part of children’s development. For the little ones, experimenting with lacing, knots and weaving promotes discipline, focus and problem-solving (ability). String work also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. In addition to being a functional part of work, craft and construction, knots and manipulated string have been used for art and design works for thousands of years. The following items explore knotting and string work in ways that are forever fun and functional!

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Loopdeloom

Knot So Fast

Weaving is kind of the undiscovered hero behind so much of our everyday experience. From clothing to seatbelts, from backpacks to baskets, weaving exponentially multiplies the strength of ordinary materials. The Loopdeloom weaving kit puts this power into the hands of craftspeople, young and old. With its innovative spinning peg loom, this weaving tool is simple to set up, easy to use, and produces quick results. As the weaving methods become familiar to users, string and yarn projects can evolve from small potholders to large complex items with intriguing patterns. This versatile tool can combine with additional looms to create larger projects and it can also be used to weave recycled materials (plastic bags, t-shirt strips). The winner of multiple design awards for toys and crafting, Loopdeloom is an easy intro to the world of weaving with expanding potential for creative textile exploration.

It’s easy to get roped into the fun with the Knot So Fast game that combines dexterity and visual problem solving into a string of knotty contests. With colored ropes, rings, card base and a nifty ‘tugof-war’ scorekeeping rope, this twoplayer game is great for camping, scout meetings, or a friendly challenge between friends. The game features a variety of knots, sorted by their functions such as stopper, binding, bends, hitches, loops, and decorative knots. While the cards provide knot images only (no step-by-step instructions), players are challenged to use visual cues and experimentation to duplicate the knot before their opponent does. The cards also show interesting facts about each knot. Ideal for kids and adults who have an inclination toward sight-solving, Knot So Fast is a fast and fun introduction to the twists and turns of knot tying.

Paracord Bracelet Making Kit

String Art Kit Space Edition

A study stand-out among bracelet kits, this strong paracord kit jig is ideal for making functional arm wear that is as hardy as it is fashionable. The wooden weaving base is designed to be adjustable to desired length, to anchor the work in progress, and to hold up as young crafters expand their abilities with variable cordage and new designs. In addition to the building base, this paracord bracelet kit includes 4 bundles of paracord in different colors and styles, enough clips to complete 4 bracelets and instructions to guide them along the craft journey. Once kids pick up the skill, they can easily find additional paracord types, clips and ornaments to customize their future work. From bracelets to beyond, this kit from 3 Bees & Me is a great starting point for young crafters pondering a string of new projects!

Blending graphic design with string manipulation and knotting, String Art Kits from Craft-tastic offer young artists everything they need to tie into the string art world. Choosing from the included patterned foam canvases, kids simply push anchor pins into the outlines and the canvas is ready to string (no hefty tools needed). With detailed instructions and 40 yards of thread, string artists quickly pick up the skills of stretching and winding the colored thread across the core of the image as the pictures gain depth and shape. The Space Edition kit features templates for a rocket ship, a planet and a star, as well as everything needed to get right to work. For young artisans discovering how easy it is to create layered looks with string, similar kits from Craft-tastic featuring everything from unicorns and animals to desserts and symbols are available to keep the artwork coming!

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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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Downton Abbey

Overcomer

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ It’s 1927 and Downton Abbey is about to enjoy a great honor – a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his American-born wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) bring the family together to prepare for the royal visit. And their loyal staff determine to do their best to uphold the Abbey’s finest traditions. The monarch’s trip to Yorkshire makes for a thin plot, but it provides a good background for the many subplots that swirl through the film. Over the film’s somewhat bloated two hour runtime, audiences will get answers to numerous questions, large and small. Frankly, none of the questions leave the audience in suspense for long – if at all. There are, after all, only two questions that matter. First, will fans of the TV show like it? And, second, can the movie be enjoyed by those of us who don’t have years of exposure to the characters? The answer to the first question is definitely in the affirmative. Downton Abbey is a chance for fans to sit back, watch their favorite characters on the big screen, gaze wistfully at the glorious costumes, and laugh out loud at the Dowager Countess’s acerbic one-liners. The second question can also be answered positively. I am not a Downton fan, but I managed to enjoy the film’s quasi-historical escape with lovely period detail, a relaxing story, and only minor content issues. Downton Abbey is the cinematic equivalent of an English high tea. It isn’t terribly filling, but it looks lovely, tastes delicious is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: ASexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ John Harrison (Alex Kendrick) is a high school basketball coach who’s looking forward to having a dream team for the coming season. Then the local plant closes, families move away, and the enrolment at his Christian school is cut in half. Without enough student athletes to play basketball, Coach Harrison becomes the cross-country coach – with a team of one. Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson) is an asthmatic orphan being raised by her no-nonsense grandmother. Her greatest talent is running, which is convenient for making fast getaways when she steals things to squirrel away in a box in her bedroom. Coach Harrison admires Hannah’s determination, and despite his disappointment over the dissolution of the basketball team, he throws himself into mentoring his young athlete. And then, while accompanying his pastor on a hospital visit, John accidentally meets a patient (Cameron Arnett) with a successful past as a cross country runner, who changes everyone’s lives and stretches their faith. Overcomer will likely be a big hit with evangelical Christian viewers. With its strong emphasis on salvation through grace and the power of prayer, it confirms their theology. It offers a strong message about the power and joy that come from forgiveness. I am a Bible-reading, Sunday-School-teaching Christian, and I often cringe in faith-based films where the dialogue feels fake or painfully awkward – all of which occurs in Overcomer. I wish this movie had managed to overcome the temptation to make faith neat and tidy instead of acknowledging that it can sometimes be complex and challenging.

This Changes Everything

The Peanut Butter Falcon MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: DAlcohol / Drug Use: D The Peanut Butter Falcon is a perplexing movie. Is it a heartwarming Huck Finn tale of two renegades on the run, figuring out if they’re the good guys or bad guys in their own stories? Or is it a modern attempt to tackle how we relate to, communicate with, and treat people with disabilities? I think the response is subjective – and you’ll need to decide for yourself. Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a twenty-two year old man with Down Syndrome. He has no family and has been warehoused in a nursing home because the state lacks an appropriate facility. Not surprisingly, Zak decides to escape and pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. He’s even picked his own stage name - The Peanut Butter Falcon. Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) is a crab fisherman who steals other fishermen’s catches. This is risky and, having been trapped in a sticky position, he commits an unplanned act of arson, putting him on the run from the law. When Tyler and Zak cross paths, they pair up as they try to avoid their pursuers on their journey towards freedom. Thankfully this rich relationship is supported by excellent performances by the lead actors, particularly Zack Gottsagen’s. Having a person with Down Syndrome actually portrayed by an actor with Down Syndrome makes the film more authentic. The most difficult part of going to see this film is watching people mistreat and abuse Zak. The sheer cruelty was enough to make me recoil in empathetic pain and disgust – and parents will want to keep this in mind as they consider this movie for family viewing.

MPAA Rating: Unrated Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: B “Media has the power to educate; to shape people’s thoughts. It also has an incredible power when you see someone like you on screen.” So says Shonda Rhimes, successful screenwriter, when discussing the problems of gender disparity in the entertainment industry. Fifty-one percent of the population is female, but for the past 80 years, there have been three times as many male actors on the big screen as there have been female actors. And the male actors have two-thirds of the speaking parts. How extensive is the problem of female under-representation in Hollywood and what effect does it have on the people who consume the media? These are some of the questions tackled in the documentary, This Changes Everything. Drawing on interviews with highly successful women in the industry – Meryl Streep, Jessica Chastain, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Oh, Shonda Rhimes – director Tom Donahue delves into issues like sexual harassment, objectification, the camera’s male gaze, gender stereotypes, and male-centered stories. This Changes Everything is a solid documentary with interesting anecdotes and a solid grasp of the facts, however it isn’t for everyone. Kids will likely be bored with it but older teens and adults who are interested in learning about and discussing topics related to entertainment, gender, diversity, discrimination, and similar topics will find it challenging or even changing their perspectives on the media they consume. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2019

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