Mobile Bay Parents September 2014 by KeepSharing

Trick or Trot 5k and Scary Scurry Fun Run benefiting

USA Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Evaluation Center Costume Contests Trick-or-Treating Kids Activities

Food and Drinks Family Friendly Music and Entertainment

Friday, October 24, 2014 at 5:30pm

Moulton Tower on USA Campus For more information, go to

cwhtrickortrot2014.eventbrite.com USACWHospital @USACWHospital

September2014 32

Volume 4 Number 5

40 Columns

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Adapted Toys for Kids with Disabilities

Beating the Mommy Blues

Discover five ways to recharge your spirit.

Easy and inexpensive ways to adapt toys for a variety of play.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Help for Your Child on the Spectrum

2014 Special Needs Resource Guide

Social development and life skills for the autistic child.

Local and national resources assist you in caring for your child.

On The Cover

Carter (5) is the son of Erica and Ryan Cox and big brother to Kenzie (3). Carter’s grandparents are Toni and Mike Morris, John Martens, and Jerelyn and Russell Cox. Carter doesn’t let his diagnosis of Phelan McDermid Syndrome hold him back from much. He loves being outside; swinging, going down the slide and splashing in the pool are some of his favorite things. We can’t leave out his many cousins who he loves to spend time with. At night he loves to cuddle and listen to his little sister sing him to sleep. He is full of smiles and communicates without words with his precious expressions and laughter! He is a very loved little boy, who brings joy to everyone he meets!

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 56

Calendar 64

Movie Reviews

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MomOfTheMonth A special needs mom is something I never thought I would be, but I have learned that Carter was surely meant for me. On May 5th, 2010, we received a phone call that would change our lives forever. I can remember every moment of that day so clearly. I sat there holding my precious one year old and listened as a doctor tried to explain something to me that she knew nothing about. My son Carter was diagnosed with Phelan McDermid Syndrome (22q13 deletion). At the time there were only 600 people worldwide with his diagnosis; today there are close to 1000. We quickly learned that he may never talk or walk, and he would most likely face medical problems such as seizures and GI issues. We were completely devastated; I actually couldn’t speak about it for several months. But here we are four years later, and I don’t stop talking about Carter and how proud I am of him. I want everyone to know him and know about him because I know they will love him. His smile is contagious and his hugs are tight. Without a word, he connects with you so deeply. The bond he shares with his little sister, Kenzie, is amazing to witness; at three years old she shows him so much love and compassion. Carter has already overcome so many obstacles due to continued support from our family, friends, therapists, doctors, and teachers. His greatest one to date is that he is now walking independently, thanks to his physical therapists at Pediatric Physical Therapy and Buckaroo Barn. I would recommend that every special needs family find the right therapists who will quickly become part of your family. Although we feel so blessed as parents, we often have a difficult time with what others get to experience. What I would give to hear the sound of his voice or the thoughts in his head. At times we long for the little boy he would have been. Would he have become an athlete, artist, or musician? Would he be shy and quiet or loud and rambunctious? Would he like superheroes or video games? I could go on for days with the thoughts that keep me up at night. The stress and worries about the future can become overwhelming. As parents, we need help; we need alone time and date nights. We need hugs and encouragement and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. And let’s not forget the dads, who are often left out. People are more likely to tell me that I am doing a great job or that Carter is lucky to have me, but my husband rarely hears these things. He needs as much love and support as I do. The next time you see parents struggling with their special needs child in a doctor’s office, grocery store, or restaurant, offer a kind word or an encouraging smile. I promise you that it will really make a difference. The life of a special needs family is definitely a roller coaster ride, but that’s not to say we are any stronger than your family. We are simply taking care of our son the way that he deserves, just as other parents do. Some days I feel like we have it all together and things are getting easier, and then something happens and we backslide a bit. However, we are fortunate to have a great support group and Facebook page for Phelan-McDemid Syndrome. We rely on this for medical advice, to share success stories and pictures, and to reach out when we need some assurance. I urge you to find a support group. As we navigate through this life, a life that I wouldn’t have chosen, there is good that comes with this package. We would have never met so many wonderful people who are now a huge part of our lives. Carter is happy and loving. He has no fear, he knows no evil, and he will never have heartbreak. He is pure…plain and simple. He is the closest thing to perfection on this earth and has made us better people. I will end with a quote I heard at Carter’s medical conference we attended in July, “Alone we are rare, but together we are strong.”

Erica Cox Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Erica Cox Laura Handey Varina Mead Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey John Rosemond James D. Sears, Ed.D., J.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2013 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Avoid the Power Struggle Q: My 14-year-old son does not brush his teeth, except during the week before going to the dentist. He doesn’t have any cavities, his breath is fine, his check-ups at the dentist are at the “acceptable” level (not great, but passable), and his teeth look fine. So he feels like it’s an unnecessary bother. I nevertheless am concerned that he is setting himself up for dental problems. My wife wants to clamp down on this and enforce him brushing his teeth very closely, which would consist of being in the bathroom with him and supervising his brushing. If we don’t watch him, he will go in the bathroom and just do a perfunctory job, or just wet his toothbrush and say he brushed. Any advice? A: My advice is that you accept you have done and said everything you can do and say to get him to realize the importance of brushing his teeth and stop doing or saying anything. Have you not yet figured out that short of standing over him while he brushes---something that is going to get very tiresome very quickly—you aren’t going to win this battle? And I suspect, by the way, that this has turned into a power struggle that he is winning, he knows he’s winning, and he is going to continue winning no matter what you do.

If you stand over him in the bathroom twice a day, you are only going to stimulate more passive-aggressive behavior from him and become increasingly exasperated. He’s going to see to that. Drop it. It is only a matter of time before his peers begin telling him he has bad breath. One cannot neglect brushing forever and not develop halitosis. You can also inform him that if he develops a cavity, it will be his job to pay for the repair, and that his privileges will be suspended until he has satisfied the debt. Let this monkey be on his back, not yours.

Q: My 18-year-old son and a slightly younger friend recently found some mice and decided to dispose of them. They drowned one and set the other one on fire. When I confronted my son for torturing animals, his response was, “They’re just mice.” Is this typical boy behavior or should I be concerned? A: This may be “boy behavior” in that

boys are certainly more likely to do such things than girls, but it is definitely not typical boy behavior. Animal torture and abuse is a very strong marker of Antisocial Personality Disorder. The website “How

to Spot a Sociopath” (http://www.wikihow. com/Spot-a-Sociopath) defines APD as a “disregard for the feelings of others, a lack of remorse or shame, manipulative behavior, unchecked egocentricity, and the ability to lie in order to achieve one’s goals.” The mere fact that your son tortured mice to death is not, in and of itself, diagnostic, but it certainly raises suspicions. His cavalier attitude when you confronted him raises those suspicions even higher. The question turns on whether or not other aspects of your son’s behavior fit the criteria. It is possible, in other words, for a person to exhibit an isolated sociopathic behavior without actually being a sociopath. If, however, your son habitually lies, seems callous toward the problems of others, is generally narcissistic, and often manipulative of others, then I would recommend a professional evaluation. He’s still young enough that if he’s confronted with a problem of this sort in a professional setting, he can possibly make some corrections to the direction his life is taking.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

*actual patients

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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Chip In For Autism

The 4th Annual Chip in for Autism golf tournament, benefitting Woody’s Song School, will take place on Saturday, September 27, at Azalea City Golf Course. Registration is $50 per person and will begin at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start is at 1:00 p.m. Competition will include a four-man scramble. The Hungry Owl will provide dinner following the tournament. All proceeds of the tournament benefit Woody’s Song School, a private, nonprofit school, serving children with developmental disabilities, including autism. For more information, call Cindy Fulford, 251-656-0070 or Paige Norris, 251-654-2114.

American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala and Late Night Party

Join the American Cancer Society in a spectacular event to create a world with more birthdays! Mingle among community leaders at one of Mobile’s premier philanthropic events. An evening filled with elegant hors d’oeuvres from Clifton Morrissette, the smooth sounds of Swing Mobile and exciting silent and live auctions! Wine tasting of varieties awaits you provided by Mobile's Red or White! Let's join together to save lives... even if it takes all night! Thursday October 9, at The Alabama Cruise Terminal from 6:00 p.m. - 12 midnight. Tickets to the Vintage Affair from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. are $100 and include entry to Late Night Party. Tickets to the Late Night Party from 9:00 p.m. – midnight are $30 per person. Please visit gala.acsevents.org for more information.

Alabama Coastal Cleanup

Show your support and concern for Alabama’s waterways by participating in the 27th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. You or your organization can make a difference by volunteering to clean up our cherished coastal area. In its twenty-six year effort to clean up the coast, over 68,583 volunteers have removed 1,420,466 pounds of trash from 4,582 miles of shoreline. Join us this year as we continue to make Alabama the Beautiful! For more information on how to get involved please visit www.alcoastalcleanup.com or call (251) 621-1216.

Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Shrek the Musical”

The season kicks off with “Shrek,” a wild and crazy musical based on the very human monster in the Oscar-winning film that captivated audiences when it debuted in 2001. The crotchety ogre “Shrek” really just wants to get the newcomer fairy tale creatures out of the swamp where he’s lived happily all by himself, but meets up with unexpected friends and finds true love before achieving his quest. It’s a charming story that won Drama Desk Awards during its Broadway run. Scott Morlock will direct “Shrek,” which opens Sept. 12 for a three-weekend run. Please call (251) 457-8887 or visit cctshows.com for more information. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

Auditions for “Treasure Island”

Sunny Side Theater will hold auditions for its annual Fall Production “Treasure Island” September 2 and 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown Park East. Join us for this classic retelling of the swashbuckling Long John Silver and his encounter with Jim Hawkins and the rest of the crew. Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson, this is a great chance for novices and more advanced actors to have their time to shine on the stage. Anyone interested in auditioning should come either night prepared to read from the script. For more information, call Owner/Director Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808.

Lego Building Contest to Promote Dyslexia Awareness

Bright Beginnings School will host a "Lego Building Contest" to promote Dyslexia Awareness Month in October. The event will be held Thursday, October 2nd and is open to children grades K - 5th. A $5 donation is the entry fee. Please join us for Lego fun and prizes, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.! You may register at www.brightdyslexics.com or call Gina 251 689 8253. There will be a limited number of participants. Register early. Bright Beginnings is located at 1901 S. Schillinger Road, Mobile. For more information call Gina Englund at 251-689-8253. 6

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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Set for September 18

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel presents the 8th Annual ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ benefit for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. This “must do” event is an evening for ladies 21 years of age and older and features heavy hors d’oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini’s and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs, shopping, entertainment and more. Proceeds from Girls Just Wanna Have Fun will directly support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. Tickets for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets for a stylish “PurseOnality” at $25 or $50 which includes a purse – and a surprise gift inside valued at that (or more!) For more information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.rmhcmobile.org or call 251-694-6873.

Inaugural Boots & BBQ Barn Bash Kicks off at Camp Grace

The inaugural Boots & BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 2, to benefit the Children’s of Alabama’s Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music and barbecue at Camp Grace, located at 11081 Wanda Drive. Festivities will start at 6:30 p.m., with live music from local country band, the Modern Eldorados. Guests are encouraged to wear their best pair of cowboy boots and enjoy s’mores, hayrides and bonfires. Moe’s Original Bar B Que will provide their award-winning barbecue and sides for dinner. The Boots & BBQ Barn Bash is presented by Children’s of Alabama and rheum4yal, an advocacy group that works with children across Alabama suffering from juvenile arthritis. The event will honor 6-year-old Children’s of Alabama patient, Mary Carlton Johnson of Mobile. Mary Carlton was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at the age of two and continues to receive frequent injections to manage her pain until her arthritis reaches a dormant phase. Her family remains hopeful for a cure and works closely with the rheum4yal Admission is $60 per person and $500 per table. To register online, visit www.tinyurl.com/Rheum4YalBarnBash.

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Join Your Family at Table on Sept. 22

As children age, it is important to build trust with them and keep the lines of communication open so that if at any point they begin to feel increased pressure to experiment with smoking, drinking and using drugs they can feel comfortable talking to you about it. Join parents across the nation in making a special commitment to your children on Monday, September 22nd at The Family Table, in your home! Photo Contest for Mobile and Baldwin County Residents: Pictures of your family having a meal together can be submitted throughout the month of September by email to mhadley@drugeducation.org or by text to 251-377-0449. Send in a photo along with a caption of your family dining together for display on the Drug Education Council’s Facebook Page! Winners will be notified Friday, October 3rd and rewarded with gift cards for groceries!

Shop for Fall at the Cheap Chic Boutique

Stock up on Fall and Winter fashion essentials at the “Cheap Chic Boutique”, a fundraiser for Our Sisters’ Closet. The twice yearly sale features new, nearly new, retro and vintage, designer and name brand clothing including after-five and mother-of-the-bride, jewelry, purses and shoes galore at thrifty prices, in sizes petite to plus. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept 19, and Saturday, Sept 20 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Sisters of Mercy Building, St. Mary Campus at 1450 Old Shell Road, across from McGill-Toolen High School. All proceeds benefit the mission of Our Sisters’ Closet which helps improve the self-confidence and job opportunities of in-crisis women by providing free interview and workplace clothing; and job search and workplace competencies to women, men and teens. For more information, contact Terri Kearns at 251.423-2001 or www.oursisterscloset.org.

Ready..Cassette..Go… The Ultimate 80's Re-Run 5K

Who doesn't love a flashback to the 80s? From the bright colors and fashion to the entertainment and games, this course is sure to be totally awesome as each kilometer highlights a different theme. Participants will warm up for the run/ walk with some 80s aerobics, a hairspray station and a backdrop for tubular photo opps! Participants will also have the chance to win rad prizes through contests along the course, so dress in your 80's best! We are happy to announce that a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the local LLC chapter here in Mobile. The 5k run will take place on the campus of The University of South Alabama, beginning at the Intramural Field. The race will begin promptly at 8:00 AM followed by a post party sponsored by Delivery Dudes. For those not able to register until the day of the run, registration will be open from 7:00-7:45 AM at the tent in the parking lot of the intramural field where race will begin. Please visit www.active.com to register. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

MDA Muscle Walk

Join us September 27 for the South Alabama MDA Coast Muscle Walk, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium.

e MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. Please visit walk.mda.org for more information.

Grief Camp for Children Who Have Experienced Death of a Loved One

Gentiva Hospice is sponsoring a FREE children’s grief camp – Camp I Believe – for children ages 6-14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Open to children across South Alabama, Camp I Believe will take place September 6- 7, at Camp Baldwin in Elberta, AL. Camp I Believe is a FREE children’s bereavement camp that provides support to grieving children and families across the country, with an emphasis being placed on strong clinical programming and community engagement. Camp activities and programming focus on providing campers with opportunity to express feelings and tell their story in a safe environment. All activities, whether directly or indirectly, help campers to establish a sense of community and provide teambuilding opportunities; activities place an emphasis on personal growth through creative expression and through establishing positive relationships with peers. Camps are organized and operated by skilled professionals such as recreational therapists, social workers, bereavement coordinators, and trained volunteers. For more information on Camp I Believe or to request a camper application, please contact Lorrey Chapman at 251-621-2500 or visit our website at www.gentiva.com/hospice/camps /. 8

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The Grounds Takes Huge Steps to Offer Unparalleled Customer Service at the Greater Gulf State Fair

In an effort to take the next step to transform the Greater Gulf State Fair to the cleanest, safest, and most family-friendly event outside of Disney Parks and Resorts, The Grounds sent its staff to training at the Disney Institute's course on guest service to adopt the organization’s best practices in guest experiences. To compliment this effort, The Grounds hired approximately 12 former Disney employees to enhance the new culture of a service-first attitude and to implement these new customer service efforts. “The Grounds staff and I have spent around 100 hours at Disney studying their remarkable customerservice program,” said Scott Tindle, executive director of The Grounds. “There are many things that the Disney Corporation does that we could never do based on our business realities. However, there are a great deal of processes, strategies, and techniques Disney uses that are strictly effort and planning based. We have identified those accomplish-able items and will be integrating them into the culture of the Fair and the Grounds' year-round events. We are committed to becoming the cleanest, safest, and most familyfriendly event anywhere from Orlando to Anaheim." The hallmark of the Fair's guest service efforts will take place through a new program called the "Training Grounds" where former Disney employees will mentor like-minded volunteers who want to work for Disney's College Program. A sampling of the new guest service items that will be at the 2014 Greater Gulf State Fair include: Disney-style waste cans and waste removal procedures; A complete non-smoking venue; A newly created "Baby Center" where parents can change their babies in a safe and clean environment; A redesigned and remodeled First Aid Center; Enhanced Signage and Mapping; Parking lot Trams to escort guests to the ticket office efficiently; A redesigned guest entry system; Removal of all portable comfort stations replaced by heated and cooled trailer comfort stations. You can experience these updates at The Grounds at the Greater Gulf State Fair from Oct. 24 – Nov. 2. This year’s Fair will feature a new theme “Celebrate the Coast,” as well as more than 30 adult rides, 30 kid rides and a must-see entertainment line-up including Yo Gabba Gabba, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Octonauts! Also, new to the Fair this year is “The Grounds Experience,” which will highlight unique entertainment experiences that embrace all things coastal including the Live Shark Encounter, Sea Lion Splash, Live Sting Ray Encounter, and Giant Sandbox Creation Station. Other highlights include a 250-ton sand sculpture by acclaimed sculpting group Team Sandtastic, the local art festival Arts Alive! where spectators can enjoy more than 80 exhibits and booths from local artists, and the South Alabama Film Festival which will bring one-of-a-kind film viewing to the Fair! To learn more, please visit, TheGroundsMobile.com.

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New Children’s Book Written to Increase Awareness of Children with Special Needs Connor 0'Brien was born with Cerebral Palsy and utilizes a wheelchair and communication device as means to travel and communicate with everyone. Last year Connor's father, Richard O'Brien was inspired to write a book with the hopes of increasing awareness that children with special needs truly have unique gifts and should be recognized as differently-abled, not disabled. Mr. Connor says this was "truly an inspiration from God" and is the first book in a series of books dealing with differently-abled children or "Angel Kids". The illustrator is sixteen year old student at Mary G. Montgomery, Morgan Mabry. This book and the books to follow in the series are written not only as a ministry but as a fundraising opportunity to promote a positive message. The O'Brien family is currently working with United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile for distribution of the book with all proceeds going to their fundraising activities. For more information on the first book, “CJ and the Angel Kids: The Case of the Missing Cookies”, and other books to soon follow, please call 645-0568 or contact United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile at 479-4900.

Local Music Academy Launching Piano Camp at USA’s Children’s and Women’s Hospital

A very special piano camp was held in July at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital to offer young patients, at no charge, the chance to discover how much fun it can be to create music of their own. The four-day event is was offered through a partnership with Broussard’s Piano Gallery and Academy of Music and the Mapp Child and Family Life Program at USA’s Children's & Women's Hospital in Mobile. Broussard’s delivered four pianos to the hospital’s ClassAct, a special classroom where the lessons were given during the camp. Christy Broussard hopes the camp inspires other teachers, musicians, and vocalist to volunteer their time and help support these patients with music therapy. Broussard's Piano Gallery has donated a digital piano that will be there on a rolling cart, so that musicians can go from room to room sharing the gift of music. For information on the program call 344-8856. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

3rd Annual Blues & Grooves Festival

Join us September 13 at the Malaga Inn for the 3rd Annual Blues & Grooves Festival. The Blues and Grooves Fest is a musical celebration to help promote Down Syndrome Awareness held in Mobile. The festival is made up of local musicians, business owners, friends and family and other non-profits volunteering their time and talent for a fun filled day of music and awareness. Please visit www.dssmc.org for more information.

Dauphin Island Art Trail

The 4th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail, presented by the Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce, will be held Oct. 11, on Dauphin Island from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event will include over 50 local and regional artists spread around the island at 17 different locations with retailers & businesses who will be hosting them as well as many having open house at their businesses. It is free and open to the public. As in the past 3 years, there is an element of fun to the event…a sort of “treasure hunt” to entice patrons to visit all Art Trail locations. Here’s the plan: At any Art Trail location, patrons will be able to pick up a Trail Map along with a list of artists and various locations. We will include instructions to patrons to have the Trail Map rubber stamped at 10 of the 17 locations on the island to qualify for prize drawings at the end of the day. If a patron gets all 17 stamps, they will be entered for the grand prize drawing which will include a condo package on the beach. There is no purchase necessary to have your map stamped and enter for the drawing and you do not have to be present to win. The drawings will be held at 5 p.m. at the Welcome Center on Dauphin Island. We will be giving away cash prizes, gift certificates, artwork, kayak trips, condo packages, fishing trips, and many more great prizes. The Chamber of Commerce will be providing two old fashioned trolleys on the island from "Old Shell Trolley Company" transporting patrons from stop to stop throughout the day. 10

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Locally Filmed “Yellow Day” Movie to Premiere at Mobile Civic Center Theater

“Yellow Day” chronicles a young man’s life-changing journey through the mysterious Yellow Day. For this young man, the Yellow Day becomes not just a search for his lost love, but a spiritual journey where faith, hope, and love are revealed in extraordinary and unexpected ways. This compelling and imaginative fairytale draws upon true stories of often unsung heroes: those with special needs, terminal illness, or from abusive homes, who together inspire audiences to, even in the most difficult of times, remain steadfast in their faith. With powerful animation and a beautiful love story, “Yellow Day” is a film to watch more than once, as safe as Walt Disney Classics, and fun for everyone! “Yellow Day” was filmed in the Mobile Bay Area and is based upon true stories of people in our community! Come and see them in a real feature film. To order tickets, visit yellowdaymovie.com or call 251.219.0977 The “Yellow Day” Premiere event will be held at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. See the Yellow Carpet! Learn about our vision! Be a part of this one-of-a-kind event! $18 gets you 1 premiere ticket + 2 tickets to Premiere Cinemas September 19 - 21! See it again, give them to friends, or donate them to one of our charities!

Signature Chefs Auction of Mobile

Geared toward people who enjoy fine dining, fine wine, auctions and entertainment, the Signature Chefs Auction of Mobile takes place Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. at Space 301 (301 Conti Street). This event features 8 to 12 of the finest chefs, restaurants and caterers around town. Each are asked to present their signature dishes in a tasting size during a reception, as well as donate a unique package to be sold in either the live or silent auction. After enjoying an entertaining reception, guests are invited to bid on a variety of packages during a live auction. Auction packages may include fine dining, hotel/resort stays, weekend getaways, fine jewelry and much more. You won’t want to miss this deliciously extraordinary social event! Money raised at Signature Chefs of South Alabama supports research and programs designed to improve the health of babies by preventing premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality in Alabama. You can support the March of Dimes in this mission by serving as a corporate sponsor or purchasing a table to the event. If you’re interested in attending, participating or sponsoring such an event, please contact Riley McDuff, Community Director at emcduff@marchofdimes.com or 251.345.6480.

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University of Mobile Art Gallery Hosts “Observations” Exhibit Ceramic works and mechanical wood sculptures created by artist Jim Kransberger will be on display beginning Aug. 18 in “Observations,” a free exhibit at the University of Mobile’s Marilyn Foley Art Gallery. At nearly 80 years old, Kransberger is a self-taught contemporary artist in North Carolina whose early works feature unique mechanical movement, known as “automata.” Recently he has transitioned to working with clay, moving from folk art to contemporary sculpture. Humor is a common theme in all of his works, and pieces representing both styles of his art will be on display. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. “Observations” will be on display through Sept. 30. The Marilyn Foley Art Gallery is located in the Ben May Building on the University of Mobile campus, 5735 College Pkwy. For information, call the UMobile Art Department at 251.442.2283, or visit the University of Mobile website at umobile.edu. For more about the artist, visit jimkransberger.com. Pictured is “End of Childhood”.

Vintage Inspiration: The Brides of Downton Abbey

Spend time at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion September 23 for a morning coffee or afternoon tea and enjoy the wit and wisdom of Amazon bestselling author, Cornelia Powell. Ms. Powell is a former “Vogue” magazine associate editor and served on the Costume Society of America's Board of Directors. As a wedding folklorist and costume historian, Ms. Powell will combine behind-the-scenes stories of the Downton Abbey designers with stories of wedding folklore, tiara legends and intriguing bits of fashion history. This presentation is full of beautiful images, commentary, and anecdotes from the costume designers themselves. Admission will be charged for this wonderful fundraiser and seating is limited. Admission includes Ms. Powell's excellent presentation, a tour of the mansion, refreshments and food, shopping in our gift shop, and a book signing opportunity with Cornelia Powell! The morning coffee presentation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the afternoon tea presentation will begin at 3:30 p.m. Ticket sales are available through our "Links" section on our website at www.braggmitchellmansion.com, or through Brown Paper Tickets. Please call us at (251) 471-6364 for more information.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Early Intervention in the Mobile Area Children are such a blessing! It is wonderful that everyone is made so uniquely and with such different talents and personalities! Some children may be born with varying degrees of special needs from hearing loss to speech delay to cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome. Every child still has so much potential and joy to bring to those they meet! There are several programs in our area to assist children who may need a little extra help to reach their full potential, and I want to touch on some of those programs in case you know someone who needs a little extra therapy, but isn’t sure how to contact the correct people. The first two years of life there are so many frequent check-ups, and there are many things that pediatricians check for at each visit, one of which being development. There are various ways that we screen for any development problems, and the goal is to notice any delays early and get the appropriate therapy to get that child back on track. Some of the developmental screenings such as the newborn screen (the blood test that is done on every newborn to check for specific congenital problems) and the hearing screen are two things that are done before a newborn even leaves the hospital! At each well child check, your pediatrician will check your child’s gross motor, fine

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

motor, communication, social, and problem solving development. If there are any delays or concerns or if a child was born premature or has a specific type of disability, they will refer you to Early Intervention. In Mobile, there are also feeding clinics, Developmental Pediatrics, Geneticists, various support groups, CRS (Children’s Rehabilitation Service), speech and occupational/physical therapy, and other subspecialists that your pediatrician may refer you to in addition to Early Intervention. Early Intervention is a nationwide program committed to helping families and children receive any extra care and therapy they may need ranging from speech therapy and physical therapy to help getting hearing aids and wheelchairs. In Alabama, even parents and teachers or daycare workers can refer to Early Intervention. Once the referral is made, a supervisor will evaluate the child within two months to see what services will benefit him or her. Once a child reaches three years old, Early Intervention transitions over to a pre-school setting. This means that a child has the option to attend a daycare that will provide extra services in a school setting and will provide more interactions with other children his or her age. For school age

children that are noticed to have any learning disability or special need, they will have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that helps coordinate specific education goals for teachers, counselors, and family members to help the child succeed. If you have concerns that your child needs extra attention, but do not know how to start the process, the best place would be to make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss your concerns, and they can guide you in the right direction and help you along the way. You can also approach the school board if your child is older than three years old. If you have a child younger than three who you think needs to be evaluated, then you can also contact Early Intervention through their website (www.rehab.alabama. gov) or by phone (1-800-543-3098). Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She graduated from Davidson High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at The University of Alabama in 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of Nevada College of Medicine – Las Vegas and the University of South Alabama. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

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Autauga Schools Reading Camp at St. Pius County X St. Pius X held a Reading Camp to allow students to complete their summer reading requirements. The camp was based on the classics "Gulliver's Travels" and "Treasure Island". The science component of the camp dealt with nautical instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries. Pictured here are students entering 5th & 6th grades participating in buoyancy and astrolabe experiments.

St. Mary Alumni Giving Back

St. Mary Catholic School had a busy summer preparing the school for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. Alumni always seem to be ready and willing to lend a hand when it comes to sprucing up their alma mater. Pictured are St. Mary Catholic School Alumni of the Class of 2011, Zach Heisler and Nicholas Calametti, now seniors at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. These alumni worked all summer with painting projects including a freshly painted foyer and gymnasium to name a few. Other alumni volunteers worked on projects in both the church and school throughout the summer.

Dauphin Island Kindergartners Eager to Learn

Dauphin Island Elementary School welcomed a new group of faces this year! The 2014-2015 kindergarten class is eager to learn all they can. Pictured with them is Mrs. Tammy Dolbare, who has been teaching kindergarten on the island for almost twenty years. We wish everyone a successful school year! Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

Phillips Pirates Off to a Great Start!

Pirates have boarded the PPS ship and ready to sail into an exciting new year! Happy sailing!

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UMS-Wright Will Host Words of Wisdom Series of Speakers

With the start of the new school year, UMS-Wright is introducing a new series of motivational speakers to their students by launching a program called Words of Wisdom, or WoW. Through the WoW series, students will have the opportunity to hear encouraging words and stories from successful leaders in the community and around the state. Four of this year’s six speakers are UMS-Wright alumni. Kicking off the series is Mr. John Croyle, Founder and Executive Director of Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children in need. Other speakers include Captain Brad Israel, Detachment Commander in the US Army, class of 2000; Will Sledge, Managing Director of Sales & Trading at Mission Capital Advisors, class of 1996; Bill Sisson, President of Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce; Brandon Gibson, Medical Sales Representative and Business Owner, class of 2008; and Hallie Blunck, MD/ PHD, Professional Triathlete, class of 2002. Each year, the WoW series will have a theme to guide and shape the speeches. This year’s theme is “SPIRIT.” Each speaker will touch on ideas such as “Spirit of Respect,” “Spirit of Honor” and “Spirit of Compassion.” Students and faculty alike are excited to hear the words of wisdom these inspiring and accomplished individuals have to share. www.mobilebayparents.com

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St. Luke’s Coach Returns for 41st Year of Teaching

St. Luke's is very excited to have Coach Macy McKay returning for her 41st year of teaching! During her tenure at St. Luke's she has taught students from K3 to 12th grade and founded the St. Luke's Archery Club, taking teams to both regional and national competitions. Coach McKay is loved and respected by her students, the faculty and our parents, and is always one of the first teachers sought out by visiting alumni.

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

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McDavid-Jones Welcomes New Principal

On Sunday, July 27 a “Welcome Reception” was held in honor of Mrs. Jill Dickinson, the newly-appointed principal at McDavidJones Elementary. The faculty and staff along with community leaders were there to welcome Mrs. Dickinson and her family to McDavid-Jones. We are so excited to have Mrs. Dickinson as our Principal. Pictured are Mrs. Gayther Rowell, and Mrs. Jill Dickinson, Principal.

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Autauga CountySt. Schools Ignatius Celebrates Incoming 8th Graders!

While St. Ignatius was sad to see the 2014 8th grade class graduate, we are excited to have a great group of incoming 8th graders for the 2014/2015 school year. The class celebrated their new status with a party in the Frassati Center the last week of school. Pictured are several of the incoming upper classmates.

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UMS-Wright Students Set New School Record for Distinguished AP Scholars

UMS-Wright set a new school record for AP Scholars with Honor and AP Scholars with Distinction in 2014. The College Board recognized a total of 28 students who earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, up six from 2013. A total of 16 students, up three from 2013, qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Furthermore, two senior students, Fran Harris and Thomas Boudreaux, qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of four or higher on all AP Exams taken, and scores of four or higher on eight or more of these exams. Both Fran and Thomas excelled in their academic endeavors and will be attending college this fall, Fran at Yale University and Thomas at Texas Christian University. AP exams were taken in May after students took difficult collegelevel classes to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both. The College Board recognized a total of 58 UMS-Wright students as some level of AP Scholar for their outstanding achievement on the AP Exams.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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Knollwood Christian Cheerleaders Attend Cheer Camp at USM

Our Knollwood Christian cheerleaders attended the UCA cheer camp at USM. The girls won first place in extreme routine, second place in sideline cheer, cheer, and band dance. They were also second place overall camp champs! We are very proud of our squad for also winning most improved. The girls came away with 4 Superior ribbons! Pictured: bottom row: Logan Peasant, Madison Mety, Laura Maguire, Raven Lyons, Madison Eidt, Rachael Smith; top row: Caitlyn Blackwell, Emma Beihn, Kylie Thompson.

St. Dominic Holds Welcome-Back Social for Faculty and Staff

St. Dominic Catholic School welcomed back faculty and staff with a morning social followed by a prayer service led by Fr. Jim Cink, Pastor of St. Dominic Parish. Here Kathleen Reber and Danielle Rowe, both members of the Preschool staff, discuss their summer activities and plans for the upcoming school year.

McT Catholic Football Team Adopts Mantra from “The Bridge Builder”

Senior members of the McGill-Toolen football team pictured in their annual senior poster are ready for a great season with new head coach Caleb Ross. Each year the team adopts a mantra to keep them motivated and this year Coach Ross found his inspiration from a the poem “The Bridge Builder”.

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Corpus Christi Students Meet the Teachers

The day before school starts at Corpus Christi Catholic School, students are invited to bring in their books and supplies. It is always an exciting day for students to meet their new teachers and visit their new classrooms. Pictured are 3rd Grade teacher, Mrs. Dee Dee Picicci with 3rd grade students, Sadie Oberkirch and Meghan Jones.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

Autauga County Schools Mobile Christian School Ready for a Great Year!

Mobile Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus came to life on Thursday, August 7th as hundreds of students began their 2014-2015 school year. Grades 2-5 were excited to see their building transformed with new lights, paint, new carpeting, and a couple of new teacher faces. The school year has already gotten off to a very busy start. Football, cross country, band, and cheerleading practices are in full swing and the off-season athletes are busy staying in shape for their sport. We are very proud of our athletes as they have been honored with the AHSAA STAR Sportsmanship Award for the 2nd straight year. Elementary students, K-3- 5th grade, will have a chance to participate in Elementary cheer week and after a week of practice will perform at Grandparents Day on September 5th . They will also perform pre-game for the football game that evening. The varsity girls basketball team has been conditioning and is gearing up for another great season. Front row: Gillian Nelson, Jordyn Wasden, Emily Kendall, Mary Grace Diffley, Taylor LaMay, and Julia Grace Redd. Back row: Coach Scruggs, Manager Holland Chupek, Baylee Johnson, Madison Harry, Kortney Barnes, Mary Carol Cagle, Haley Sargent, Nature Williams, and Coach Strickland.

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Hollinger’s Island K-4 Students Start New Year

Hollinger’s Island Elementary School welcomed twenty K-4 students this year! They look both nervous and excited during their first guidance lesson about “Being Responsible.” The Hollinger’s Island Elementary Pre-K program is under the guidance of veteran teacher Cyndi Naylor and Principal Deborah Torbert.

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First Day at E.R. Dickson

E.R. Dickson students were not afraid to show their tiger pride as classes started Thursday, August 7. All MCPSS students receive free breakfast and lunch this year. E.R. Dickson is also a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, which is exciting for teacher and students.

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Phillips Preparatory Students are Eager to Learn! 7th graders are ready for their Spanish lesson in Mr. Holly's class at Phillips Preparatory School.

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St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassadors Help Out on First Day

The St. Luke's Student Ambassadors helped kick off the year for students in grades K2-5 as they arrived for their first day of school. Student Ambassadors assisted with unloading at carpool, walking with students to class and carrying books. The group had a busy summer that included the interview and selection process, workshops and projects. Pictured are Matthew Holland, Nick Stuart, Max Franklin, William Brandyburg, Elizabeth Guice, Isabelle Nguyen, Ella Johnson and Ellie Pierce.

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Corpus Christi Teachers Honored for Years of Service

Corpus Christi Catholic School Building the Body of Christ one Student at a time .

Congratulations to Ms. Theresa Hickey, Mrs. Gayle Phillips and Mrs. Julie Brannon from Corpus Christi Catholic School who were honored during the Archdiocese of Mobile's Orientation Day for their years of teaching service in Catholic schools. Ms. Hickey - 30 years of teaching and Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Brannon - 20 years of teaching.

Corpus Christi Catholic School serves students in K3 through eighth grade. Established in 1958 by Corpus Christi Parish, the school is committed to building the Body of Christ. It seeks to integrate the teachings of the inspired Word of God with a sense of Christian fellowship and service to community. Corpus Christi Catholic School is committed to high academic performance in a Christian setting, laying a foundation for a productive, faith-filled life. Dedicated faculty and staff nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please contact the school oďŹ&#x192;ce at 251.342.5474. Corpus Christi Catholic School 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school

St. Ignatius Move-In Day

The St. Ignatius students were excited to get back to school for move-in day August 12. The students brought in all the supplies and books they will need for the year. The 5th and 6th grade students were especially excited because they got new lockers this year. Pictured here left to right: Zachary Reagan and Charlie Zakutney incoming 2nd grade students.

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Autauga County Schools Back the Staff! St. Mary Catholic School Welcomes

St. Mary Catholic School Staff were welcomed back on August 6 with a Mass in St. Mary Church celebrated by Parochial Vicar, Rev. Saleth Mariadoss. Following the Mass, the staff were treated with a gourmet breakfast prepared by St. Mary's PTO Officers. The Mass and breakfast was a great way to kick off their week-long training before they welcome back students to the new school year which began August 12.

SMS/MGM Robotics Team Forges Ahead in Back-to-Back Camps

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The SMS/MGM Robodogs attended BEST Robotics Summer Camp at Faulkner State Community College on July 17 & 18. In preparation for the upcoming competition, they learned Robot C Programming and Solid Works 3D Drafting. Following the twoday BEST camp, the team returned to SMSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus for a two day camp of their own where they designed, built and tested a device to successfully drop an egg without breaking it. Unfortunately, not all of the eggs survived, but the administrators and staff cheered the team on in awesome Bulldog fashion! On day two of the camp, the team built and used programmable Drawbots. The Robodogs are looking forward to an exciting season this year! Sponsor- Tracy LePiane, Woodie Albritton, Patric LePiane, Mentor - Paul LePiane, Nathan Leonard, Caleb Jackson, Nick Eubanks, Christopher Thornton.

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St. Pius X Back to School Mass and Carnival

St. Pius X hosted its annual "Back to School Mass and Carnival on Saturday, August 2nd. Pictured here is St. Pius X pastor Reverend S. J. Savoie, at Mass, blessing medals for the students. Students and their families were treated to dinner and a night of fun family activities following the Mass. St. Pius X School will have Open House on Wednesday evening August 27th followed by the kick-off PTO meeting.

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A Summer of Service at St. Paul’s Episcopal School

At the end of the 2013-2014 school year, the St. Paul’s Community Service department organized a school supply drive. As students did their final locker cleanouts before the summer break, they were encouraged to donate usable leftover items that were carefully sorted and boxed. About 25 boxes of supplies were donated to Wilmer Baptist Church and were distributed on July 29th to needy families in preparation for the beginning of a new school year. In the spring, the St. Paul’s Community Garden was planted with tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. The items harvested throughout the summer were peeled, chopped, prepped, and frozen for use in preparing meals for the hungry in our community during the upcoming school year. During the 2013-2014 school year, the St. Paul’s Service Leadership students serve as patrol leaders for a special needs Girl Scout Troop at Augusta Evans School. Faculty member Leslie Lerner organized paperwork for six of the girls to enjoy a week at Camp ASCAA, Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Beginning in 1976, Camp ASCCA has been a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation and is known throughout the world for its superior quality services as it provides camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities. Mrs. Lerner picked the girls up at the end of the wonderful week for their ride home.

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AutaugaEarns CountyGirl Schools Sawyer Scout Gold Award

Bailey Sawyer has always had a passion for acting and participating in the arts, and she believes high school and middle school students should have access to the arts even if they are not provided within their school. This passion for acting and the arts led her to create a special project for her Gold Award, the highest award earned in Girl Scouts. Open only to girls in high school, the Gold Award represents a take action” project that challenges girls to change the world through a seven-step process: Identify an issue; investigate thoroughly; get help and build your team; create a plan; present your plan and gather feedback; take action; and educate and inspire. After brainstorming with her project advisor at Playhouse-at-the-Park, Sawyer decided to hold a theatre arts seminar that reached about 500 high school students and managed to leave 12 students with a new artistic knowledge and skills that they might not have had otherwise. "I love acting and participating in the arts, so from the beginning I was set on doing a project that would be centered around the arts somehow. I also wanted to help out Playhouse-in-the-Park, a local youth theatre where I spent most of my high school career acting and dancing," she said. Sawyer admits she was intimidated in the beginning because there were countless hours of work to be done. “I had trouble imagining myself actually getting through eighty hours’ worth of work to be done! After I finally got through the planning process and the proposal paperwork and interview, I felt less daunted and ready to get to work,” she said. Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s Award Manager Jeannie Napper said, “Bailey demonstrated excellent leadership skills in completing her project. In spite of huge obstacles, she was able to provide exposure to the arts for hundreds of students in Mobile County. Throughout this process I have seen Bailey really grow into her leadership role, which is one of the main goals of the Girl Scout Gold Award.” Bailey Sawyer will attend NYU to study theatre in the fall. She is now a part of an elite group of women who have also earned their Girl Scout Gold Award. Since 1916, the best and brightest Girl Scouts have undertaken projects that improve their communities and the world. The Gold Award has inspired girls to find the greatness inside themselves and share their ideas and passions with their communities.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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UMS-Wright Varsity Football Team Helps Build Community Garden

Members of the UMS-Wright Varsity Football Team volunteered to help build a community garden for Eagleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans. The boys joined forces with Volunteers of America Southeast in Mobile to create a garden from 6,000 square feet in a vacant lot on Moffett Road all in a matter of hours. They were put to work hauling soil, constructing garden tubs, and planting fruits and vegetables. Veterans at Eagleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing now have a sustainable garden where they can plant, collect food, and enjoy the greenery. 25 members of the team participated in the inspiring project.

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Mobile Christian Volleyball Team Ready for the New Season

The Mobile Christian Lady Leopard varsity volleyball team played in an MGM tournament and begins their season on August 28th in Satsuma. Pictured, Front row: Che Armstead, Lyndsey Kessler, Kristen Collins, Raven Frazier, and Shania McReynolds. Back row: Coach Strickland, Savannah Layman, Kennedy Ward, Kortney Barnes, Mary Carol Cagle, Sydney Moore, Taylor Nelson, and Coach Haines.

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

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Autauga County Workshop Held for Crittenton YouthSchools Services New Ambassadors

Crittenton Youth Services Ambassadors were selected in May from local public, private and parochial schools in Mobile County. These high school seniors receive training in the Managing Pressures Before Marriage Educational Series. The goal of this program is to help teens postpone sexual involvement. During the school year, Ambassadors visit seventh grade classrooms in Mobile County middle schools, presenting sessions in the following topics: media influence, peer pressure, communication, risks of early sexual involvement, and assertive techniques. The Ambassadors also represent CYS at various events and participate in community service projects. All Ambassadors receive a monetary gift for their commitment and service to the Ambassador Program. Three Ambassadors who have shown above average performance are awarded scholarships. Crittenton Youth Services Ambassadors for the 20142015 School Year: Kailyn Bailey (Vigor High School); Ashley Banks (Blount High School); Haley Cooner (Saraland High School); Andrew Courtney (Alabama School of Math and Science); Trevon Dais ( B.C. Rain High School); Christian Dodd (Theodore High School); Antonio Gibbs (Theodore High School); Ellis Glass (McGill-Toolen Catholic High School); Destiny Jones (Leflore High School); Hannah Lupo (Baker High School); Kalyn McDonald (Saraland High (School); Jacobi McGrew (Alabama School of Math and Science); Marah McMillian (Blount (High School); Broderick Morrissette (Vigor High School); Erica Powell (Mary G. Montgomery High School); Laila Presley (Blount High School); Michael Ransom (Murphy High School); Joshua Reynolds (Baker High School); John Schultz (McGill-Toolen Catholic High School); Timothy Shaw (UMS-Wright Preparatory School); Shelita Smith (Alabama School of Math and Science); Abby Stephenson (Mary G. Montgomery High School); Elizabeth Strong (Satsuma High School); Jacuerria Tucker (Blount High School); Averi Warren (Alabama School of Math and Science); Sophia Webster (Baker High School); Ana Catherine Weldy (Baker High School); Hunt Westbrook (Saraland High School); Molly Wiggins (Satsuma High School); and Jordan Williams (Leflore High School).

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McGill-Toolen Catholic Welcomes Students

Student Ambassadors Rachel Wagnon and Christopher McClintock show a group of incoming freshman around campus with a stop in the Advancement Office for a treat!

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Phillips Preparatory School Welcomes Sixth Graders

6th graders are taking time out of their busy day to have lunch and socialize with their friends.

St. Paul’s Athletes are All-Stars!

In July, three St. Paul’s student athletes participated in the Alabama High School Athletic Association North/South All-Star Week. Rising seniors Ali Sutherland (volleyball), Morgan Eiland (volleyball) and Will Pickard (soccer) were selected to compete with some of the best athletes in the state in their respective sports. Congratulations to our All-Star Saints! According to al.com, the St. Paul’s Saints varsity football team is ranked number one in the Alabama Sports Writer’s Association preseason poll for division 5A. The Saints kick off the season with a match-up at Bryant High School on August 22nd and will host their first home game against Jackson High School on September 12th. Go Saints!

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Autauga CountyNew Schools St. Paul’s Alumnus Produces Film “Yellow Day”

G.P. Galle Jr., a St. Paul’s Episcopal School 1998 graduate, recently produced the fullscale feature film “Yellow Day”, a high quality work blending live action and animation. “Yellow Day” creatively shows that when we accept grace, both joy and suffering shape us into who God desires us to be. This compelling and imaginative fairytale romance draws upon true stories of those in the Mobile Bay Area, with a focus on often unsung heroes: those with special needs, terminal illness, or from abusive homes, who together inspire a man to remain steadfast in his faith. “Yellow Day” was filmed completely in Mobile. The settings include both St. Joseph’s Chapel at Spring Hill College and Camp Grace, and locals participating as extras. The film has been produced out of a great interdenominational effort. On September 16, 2014, Yellow Day will debut at its Yellow Carpet Premiere, held at the Mobile Civic Center Theater (doors open 6:00 p.m.). This first class event for everyone will cast the vision for the new entertainment culture we need. Due to generous sponsors, ticket prices are reduced to $18, and even better, these tickets are PAY IT FORWARD TICKETS. What that means is, if you purchase a ticket to the premiere, you get two additional tickets to the first theatrical release the following weekend, September 19-21, at Premiere Cinemas at the Eastern Shore Centre! Buy the PAY IT FORWARD TICKETS before they are gone!

St. Mary Parish Welcomes New Director of Youth Ministry

As the New Director of Youth Ministry, Maggie Twigg is the new coordinator for St. Mary's Life Teen and EDGE Youth Groups as well as the Coordinator for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Maggie graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a bachelor’s degree in theology, and a minor is psychology. Maggie's experience includes CCD instruction, middle school and high school youth ministry, and mission work. Her main goal in ministry is to lead teens closer to Christ by showing them that it is possible to live out the Word of God while still loving life and having fun.

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Q. What do you think about making bi-

weekly mortgage payments?

A. I think it’s an awesome idea. By doing

that, you can pay off a 30-year mortgage in about 22.8 years, on average, depending on the interest rate. However, I would never pay someone a fee to set up bi-weekly mortgage payments. All you do on a bi-weekly schedule is make half a payment every two weeks. Since there are 26 two-week periods per year, that equals 13 whole payments. It’s nothing magical, and it’s not difficult. Go for it. Get rid of that house payment as fast as you can. Just don’t pay extra fees to make it happen!

largest, then start with the smallest one and work their way up. This doesn’t always seem to make mathematical sense, but the truth is personal finance is 80 percent behavior and only 20 percent head knowledge. Paying off some small debts quickly energizes you and gives you motivation. It makes you feel like you can really do it. Besides, if you were such a math genius you wouldn’t have debt in the first place. But the IRS is a different animal altogether. Their interest rates and penalties are ridiculously high. Plus, they have virtually unlimited power to collect. So put them at the top of the list, and get them paid off as fast as you can!

Q. I owe the IRS $6,000, and currently I’m making monthly payments. Should I roll this debt into my debt snowball, and then really attack it when it gets to the top of the list?

Q. I noticed that your Baby Steps list puts saving for retirement before saving for your kid’s college fund. Sending your kids to college would come first on the timeline, so what is your reasoning behind this?

A. My advice would be to put the IRS at the

A. I advise this approach because everyone

very top of your debt snowball. Usually, when it comes to paying off debt, I advise people to arrange their debt snowball from smallest to

is going to retire someday, unless, of course, they happen to die before reaching retirement age. Retiring and eating are neces-

sities. College is a luxury. Lots of people succeed in life without going to college, and thousands have worked their way through college. I worked 40 to 60 hours a week in college, and I still graduated in four years. Having a college fund set aside by your parents is really nice, if they can afford that kind of thing. But you can go to school by getting good grades, applying for scholarships, working your tail off and choosing a school you can afford. I believe in education, but there are lots of ways to get a college degree other than having your parents foot the bill. Besides, the last time I checked there weren’t any good ways to retire that didn’t include saving and preparing for retirement beforehand. I mean, you can always try to live off Social Insecurity, but I don’t consider that a plan. In short, college funding is not a necessity. That’s why it follows saving for retirement in the Baby Steps. Should you try to save up for your kid’s college education? Sure, if you can. But there are lots of parents out there who won’t be able to pay a dime toward someone’s college education. And that doesn’t make them bad parents!

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Beating the Mommy Blues by Pam Molnar

mother often gets lost in the shuffle. Her job as support staff to her husband and children is essential, but lacking in personal growth. Women often let their family’s activities and accomplishments become their own. It is dark standing in someone’s shadow. Allow yourself to step back out into the spotlight. Mothers can continue to grow and evolve as individuals. By feeding your own fire, you are able to be a better mother and wife.

Take a class. Education is an important step in your evolution process. Your primary role as a mother is to teach your children, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn new things yourself. Find something that interests you and learn more about it. Look at community colleges in your area. Most colleges offer continuing education classes in a variety of subjects to sharpen your skills or teach you something new. Visit the park district in your area for gardening, dance or cooking classes. Take advantage of free demonstration classes on weekends at local hardware and craft stores. Attend a lecture, join an acting workshop or enroll in a wine tasting course.

Five Ways to Recharge Your Spirit

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

Volunteer. Look beyond helping out in your son’s preschool class. There are so many great causes that need your help. Consider working at your local PADS, animal shelter or senior center. Giving back to your community recharges your soul. Cathy Fulgham, youth mentor and mother of two, explains her reasons for choosing to volunteer with teenagers. “Each and every one of our kids is so unique, so individual and quirky and fun and angst-ridden, it’s impossible not to learn from them. Being with them helps me to keep an open mind, to learn new trends, games, culture, etc. They also renew my hope in our future.” 32

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Go back to work. Moms need to reconnect with adults on a regular basis. We are intelligent people and need to challenge ourselves. Now is the perfect time to start the business you have been talking about. Research your options and talk to business mentors at your local SCORE office. If a business venture is too much to take on right now, consider a part time job that takes you out of the house. Flexible hour jobs may include retail, tutoring, or jobs within the school district like library aides and office staff. Just a few hours a week in another environment will make a world of difference. Have a regular Girl’s Night Out. Spending time socializing with

other women will do wonders for your mental health. Amy Chavous, mother of an active five-year-old, stresses the need for a girl’s night out. “It is important for a mom to have a girl’s night out because sometimes when you become a mother you can lose yourself. Being able to connect with other women through stories is a way to reassure yourself that not only are you doing the best you can as a mom, but you still have an identity outside of all your daily obligations.” Chavous suggests trying popular wine and canvas nights, chocolate tastings or hosting a book talk at your house.

Follow your dream.

Is there something on your list that you have always wanted to try? You may want to run a marathon, try scuba diving or take a ride in a hot air balloon. Dig deep into your soul and think selfishly for a moment. As mothers, we tend to push off our unachieved dreams onto our children, hoping to live vicariously through them. If you have always wanted to play the piano, don’t get piano lessons for your daughter, get them for yourself. Search the dark corners of your mind and find something to do just for you. Prove to yourself that you are never too old to try something new. As the saying goes, “If mom isn’t happy, no one is happy.” In other words, you can easily bring others down if you are not satisfied. Make yourself a priority. If you keep hitting the “Dismiss” button when your battery is low, you will eventually run out of juice. It is vital to keep recharging your spirit so you can be at 100% when your family needs you. MBP

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Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist and mother of three. She is inspired by mothers who continue to grow alongside their children.

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It Takes Two to Play

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Making playtime twice as much fun is as easy as adding games and gear that invite kids to pair up and play hard. Two-player toys encourage a natural ebb and flow between kids that strengthens their sense of sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play. Games and gear designed for two players are also ideal encouragement for children to find playmates, make friends and connect with peers. It’s time to double the good times with the following recommended toys and games that take two!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Everywhere Table Tennis Set

Spiro Hop Bouncer (TP Activity)

(EastPoint)

Table tennis is an addictive sport. With broad paddles, light-as-air balls and a small net, it’s one of the easiest sports to just walk up and play. And while you may have to look harder for a regulation-size ping-pong table to play on, you can now bust out a recreational set that turns any smooth table into a table tennis arena! The EastPoint Everywhere Table Tennis Set includes net anchors that simply unspool the retractable net according to a table width, and clamp into place onto the sides of the table top. Two paddles and three balls come with the set, so you can get your game on in minutes. Lightweight, compact and portable, this table tennis set is perfect for family reunions, playdates, church outings, or any event with tables that can quickly be transformed for a ping-pong-pair showdown.

Perfect for pairs, the Spiro Hop Bouncer is a sturdy improvement over traditional teeter-totters. On a stable tripod base, the Spiro adds bouncing and spinning to the normal see-saw ups and downs. With inflatable balls absorbing the impact under the seat, there are no more tongue-biting, hard landings when the seats hit the ground. While unevenly weighted kids on a traditional see-saw could keep one child ground-bound and the other stuck aloft, the Spiro assembly includes an adjustable bar to account for weight differences. Additionally, the counterbalance action of the ball seat adds lift on the rebound to keep the up and down going strong. Complete with stakes to anchor the set for outdoors and padded floor protectors for indoor use, the Spiro Hop Bouncer definitely levels-up over old-school see-saws with its flexibility to accommodate diversity between two riders.

OgoSport Disc Set

Ultra Range Walkie Talkie

Featuring elements from several sports, the OgoSport Disc Set has ‘catch-and-throw’ at its heart, but it’s range of activities expands far beyond. The round disc frames a trampolinelike surface that catches the ball and then adds extra spring as a player launches the ball back. Additionally, with its large surface area, smaller hands can have a better chance at snagging the ball with the disc. The disc floats in water and is great for lofting water balloons as well. It’s also easy to create OgoSport Disc gameplay based on other sports baseball, soccer and more! Like an over-sized FrisbeeTM that also throws, catches and bounces balls, the OgoSport Disc set is a versatile and actionpacked combination of two-person action!

Whether your kids are in pretend-play mode as secret agents or on the move as bona-fide explorers, giving them the means to communicate at a distance will amplify the whole experience! The Ultra Range Walkie Talkie set features a simple click-and-hold button to talk – with a volume control for those sensitive missions that require a “sneak” factor. The walkie talkies’ sturdy construction is a plus, but it’s the extended talking range of this set (up to two miles!) that makes it a real winner. Ideal for hiking, outdoor festivals, and neighborhood expeditions, best buddies will love having their own channel to communicate as they explore their bigger world. Paired with a sense of adventure, the Ultra Range Walkie Talkies take the conversation to the extreme!

(OgoSport)

(Spy Gear)

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

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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Teaching social development for the parent of an autistic child can be quite a stressful and

daunting task. Add in teaching life skills and you have a recipe for burnout. Although these concerns may feel like you are trying to climb an uphill battle, don’t be discouraged. A focused, patient, and consistent approach is key. In this article, we will share helpful tips and advice from some local professionals who work in the field of autism intervention. Let’s discuss social development. Your child may appear to be more withdrawn, try to isolate, or have a difficult time grasping communication concepts such as listening and following directions. Intense one-on-one interaction is best until your child appears more comfortable in gradually increasing groups. Throughout this article, several techniques are provided to help your child reach their full potential. You will hear the phrase “descriptive language”. Descriptive language refers to identifying objects as you see and use them (let’s put the pillow on the bed, the cup goes beside the plate, etc.). Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with your autistic child: Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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1. Wait, observe and listen. It is important to observe your child’s body language and listen to what he or she is saying through his nonverbal cues. By doing this, you will not miss attempts to initiate, such as pointing, eye gazing, gestures and grunts, which all have meaning. Do not anticipate all needs; wait to be asked for things and try as much as possible to make sure you are down on his physical level. Being face-to-face allows you the opportunity to receive communication cues from your child, no matter how small, and also allows him to study and learn your nonverbal cues with limited distractions. Being down on his level and using exaggerated expressions helps you to be the most interesting thing in the room!

2. Reading together. Reading with your child can be one of the best ways to bond, as well as helping him develop the skills necessary for learning language and listening skills. Functional reading will help to set the foundation for independence later in life (cooking, shopping, scheduling daily activities…). Some children on the spectrum have short attention

spans, so you may want to select a short book or plan on reading in segments. Find a quiet comfortable room where you and your child cannot be interrupted and make sure to point out objects as you read and discuss the characters and pictures. You may find that he becomes intensely interested in one topic and wants to read everything he can on that particular subject! No matter what type of child you have, keep the reading a fun time and it can be a special time for you both.

3. Encouraging communicative gestures. Helping your child express thoughts, needs and emotions through gestures can be a wonderful tool (and can usually make for some fun games)! One tip is to secure a favorite toy inside a clear and difficult-to-open container. Hand the sealed container to him and encourage him to open. If he is unable to do so, he will then hand it back to you and gesture for you to open. This is a communicative gesture and is a foundational building block for later communication. Another tip is to place things just out of reach so he has to ask, point or

gesture. Eat a favorite food in front of your child without offering any to him and wait for him to communicate that he wants some. Engage your child in constructing a block tower and then knock it down saying “uh oh!” Do this several times and then knock it down without saying anything and wait to see what your child says or does! All of these skills will help to encourage your child to interact with the world around him. Be patient, be consistent, use descriptive language, and keep it positive (though sometimes that can be challenging). Never feel intimidated to seek outside help for yourself or for your child. Another valuable skill to teach that fosters independence is life skills. Life skills are everything from preparing a meal, hygiene and grooming, money management, organization and other skills you would use to help live productively in the world around you. Establishing life skills is one of the foundations for confidence and greater independence. Here we will share some information to incorporate into your everyday routines with your child.

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1. Establishing routines. Establishing a routine is beneficial for anybody at any age! Establishing a strong routine can help your child feel more in control of his environment as well as helping to establish the foundations for organization--an important life skill lesson as an adult. Sometimes making a simple picture chart for certain situations (undressing for bath time, getting dressed, etc.) can be a helpful tool to help him understand “what comes next”.

2. Getting dressed. Sometimes, simply getting your child dressed can be a task worthy of a sigh at least. Making sure you continue to use your descriptive phrases (shirt on, pants up, etc.) will help teach and allow the child to do as much as possible. Laying clothes out on the bed, for example, can be useful in helping your child identify in groups and learn how to follow three-step commands. Lay the clothes on a surface, ask him to get one of the articles and help walk him through the “shirt on” process. The same descriptive language used for getting dressed

can be used for undressing (shirt off, pants down, socks off…). Always try to encourage him to remove the clothes himself with as little help from you as possible; again, patience is key here. This may take more time in the beginning, but can help advance independence as time goes on.

3. Making mealtime a teachable moment. For mealtimes, try to stick to the same routine of everybody sitting at the table together for each meal as much as possible. This allows for a comfortable opportunity for social interaction and practice. Have your child help you set the table by putting the napkins on the table or beside the plate. Make sure that as you are serving his plate or when you set it down on the table that you identify the objects on it. Enjoy this time with your child and family. Mealtime can be a great opportunity to learn more about each other and for you to gain support as a caregiver.

4. Maintaining a bedtime routine. This is a special time to read

stories and spend some quality time learning more about him in a calm environment. Try to stick to the same routine every night and keep bedtime as consistent as possible. A well-rested child who knows what to expect and when to expect it, will have a greater opportunity to engage in the world around him! With an estimated 50,000 children in Alabama living with autism, new resources are popping up all over the state to help support you and your child. Become knowledgeable and take advantage of the services and support groups that are available to help support you as a caregiver and provide valuable opportunities for development in your child. MBP Varina Mead is the current Director of Marketing for Easter Seals Central Alabama and has enjoyed working in the family service field for over 15 years. Raised by a single mother with Cerebral Palsy, Varina learned from an early age that she wanted to work in disability advocacy and education. Easter Seals is a collection of programs designed to assist children and adults with disabilities, find greater independence, enhanced quality of life, and be seen for their abilities.

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Easy Transitions for Your Fall Fashion Here in the beautiful Southern states, we go from nice spring weather to hot weather in an instant. Then, when fall sneaks in, we can go from cool mornings to warm afternoons and back to cool nights. It’s like a fashion roller coaster! This can lead to major confusion when it comes to your seasonal style. Today, Centsibly Southern Chic brings you tips to transition your closet with the shifting Southern climate. *Tip 1- Do some shopping! This is the perfect time to buy spring and summer items at half the cost. You can incorporate several of your favorite styles into fall and winter outfits simply by layering them with accessories. To stay on trend for the season with those summer styles, figure out what your seasonal color is (typically colors for fall and winter are jeweled tones) and have fun color blocking or incorporating a few of your spring and summer colors and styles into your wardrobe. Be aware of fabric! No summer fabric such as linen, or bright whites mixed in with spring brights, as this makes a major difference when it comes to seasonal style transition. Fashion NEWS FLASH! Pull out your spring pastels. Yes, they are being incorporated in with our fall colors. Your staple color for the fall is navy, and almost everyone has navy hanging in her wardrobe. Be sure to bring out that color blocking with those pastels. I love mixing jeweled colors with pastels. *Tip 2- Pull out your cardigans, light jackets, button-up tops and light weight scarves. You can layer all of these items, as needed. If it is 45 degrees when you

leave the house that morning, wear your short-sleeved blouse with a scarf, cardigan, light jacket, blazer or even a denim jacket (make sure your sleeves are rolled up for proportional length) and your favorite fall accessory (mine would be a chunky, long, light material scarf). Then, if it is 70 degrees when you leave work or the sun comes up during your favorite fall activity, take that extra layer off and wear your light scarf with a great bracelet, necklace and/or earrings. This just gives you combined fun and functionality in a new transitional outfit. *Tip 3- Simple t-shirts. Remember all of those t-shirts or tanks you stocked up on during the spring and summer? NOW is the perfect time to put them to good use! For example, take your favorite winter/fall skirt, tuck in your t-shirt, belt it, and then layer it with your favorite accessories, cardigan, scarf, blazer, etc. Voila! You now have a great transitional night on the town or work outfit. You can do the same thing with jeans. There are endless possibilities! *Tip 4-Wear the right shoes. When the official first day of fall hits you can bust out those fun heels or boots that you have been waiting to wear. Southerners really need to get ready for game day and many more events coming up this fall. So, let’s also make our shoes stylish and comfortable. Flats are great to wear when you are walking to and from tailgates, but if you are like me, sometimes flats are not that flattering on your body. I shoot for a 39

pointed toe flat or a camel/lighter color knee high boot. It’s still flat and very comfortable for that game day experience. If you are all about comfort, consider getting a good looking natural/gold or patterned closed toe flat. Find a shoe or heel that’s versatile with your everyday styles. Remember, prints can be a fun way to add to your simple seasonal change. *Tip 5- Dabble in your winter clothes from last year. Add your favorite spring colors and styles to a favorite winter piece and you have a new outfit. Just because clothing is deemed “winter wear” doesn’t mean we can’t dabble in it and try to combine some of it with our summer wear. We believe in saving money, looking good and maxing out the use of each season’s clothing. *Tip 6- Dresses/skirts are a perfect staple piece for all seasons. Once again, as stated above, pull from the colors that are in the dress/skirt and that will help you change your look from summer to fall/winter. Add boots, tights, leggings, jackets, cardigans, scarves and, of course, your favorite accessories. Dresses or skirts are great for versatility! If you have any questions call me or e-mail me. I would love to walk you through the transition between seasons. You should feel confident about your clothing and Centsibly Southern Chic wants to equip you with the tools to be just that.

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

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• Action figure adaptations - You will need the figure(s), poker chips and hot glue. Glue the figure’s feet onto the poker chip and viola! You now have a stable mini-figure for play!

Every parent is always on the lookout for new, fun, educational, developmental and inexpensive toys for their child. A parent with a special needs child can find toy shopping to be more of a frustration and challenge. Adapted toys are one of the many sub-categories of Assistive Technology (AT) which refers to devices, tools and adaptations made to objects to help your child (or any individual) do something they may not have otherwise been able to do. AT can come in many shapes, sizes and packages. It can be purchased off the shelf, customized, can be high tech or low tech, or developed to fit a specific need. AT can help your child to move independently and explore the world around her. With the assistance of AT, your child can attend birthday parties, participate in family routines and activities, play and explore books and toys to help advance learning! In this article, we will explore options you can use to adapt toys you probably already have, easily and inexpensively, to help your child with a variety of play. A couple of tools of the trade are hot glue guns (keep out of reach of children) and battery interrupters. If you are not familiar with those items yet, just wait, you will be and you will find them to be a very valuable tool in your box. Below are some simple adaptations made to classic toys and activities to help make it easier and less frustrating for you and your child to play and learn! Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

• Games – Use puff paint or glue to outline the sections on a board game. Add velcro to each section and attach to game pieces for added stability and ease of placement. For card games, consider using a hairbrush to slide cards into for stable holding or cut a “shelf” out of a piece of inexpensive foam!

Art – Crayon/pencil holders can be made out of many different things depending on your child’s grip. A foam ball (similar to a stress ball) can be used as a grip for a crayon when a small incision is made and the crayon securely inserted. A pill bottle with an “x” cut at the bottom can also be used to securely insert a crayon for easier grasp. For painting, consider sponge painting (an insert can even be added to help with grip if needed), or add paint into an empty roll-on deodorant container to roll-on the paint!

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Small motorized cars/toys – Purchasing a battery interrupter (at Radio Shack, Amazon.com and other stores with prices ranging from $11-$150) and adding it to almost any battery operated device can allow your child to operate •

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many of the toys he/she wants and sees other kids playing with, all by themselves!

• Reading – This is such an important activity that any adaptation you find that works…do it. You may find that a giant chip clip or giant paper clips (such as the kind used on clipboards) secured to each page may make turning each page easier. Separated contact lens cases attached to the pages work well also. Generous amounts of hot glue dots or felt pads (like the ones used on the bottom of chairs) are helpful to help fluff and separate pages for easier turning. •

Puzzles – Starting off with a puzzle

with less complexity may offer a less frustrating option for your child. Use a permanent black marker to outline the placement of each puzzle piece on the board. You can also color each section on the board with a different color and then color the back of the matching puzzle piece with the same color for matching fun!

•

Magnetic grips – If your child is

able to grasp a magnetic wand you can purchase one or make one out of a tube or pvc pipe based on your child’s grip. Add magnetic tape to the wand and to the toys for easier maneuvering. Your child can use the wand to attach and manipulate the toy as well as pick it up to move to another location!

Pull toys – The tiny, thin string attached to pull toys can be frustrating for a child with low grip. Attach a large wooden bead, cut dowel rod or shower ring to the end of the string for easier grasp.

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• Ride on/push toys – Add a phone book, canned food or water bottles to the toy so it doesn’t tip over while in use. Secure non-slip cabinet or rug liners to the seats of toys so the child doesn’t slip off.

Bubble fun – Purchase a small bubble machine from any local retailer (Target, Wal-Mart…). They are very inexpensive (around $10) and can provide hours of fun. Using a battery interrupter, attach it

•

IT’S A-MAZING

to the bubble machine so the child can operate the bubbles using the large button switch and watch it go! You can add in a game by trying to pop all of the bubbles yourself “in a hurry” while allowing your child to be in control! Locate resources in your area and talk with other parents to see what adaptations they have made to help their child learn and play. There is a known adapted toy lending library located in Huntsville at United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville. Soon there will be one in Montgomery at Easter Seals Central Alabama! A wonderful online resource, used for this article, is the Tots-n-Tech website (tnt.asu.edu). Play with your child and think creatively so they can, too! MBP Varina Mead is the current Director of Marketing for Easter Seals Central Alabama and has enjoyed working in the family service field for over 15 years. Raised by a single mother with Cerebral Palsy, Varina learned from an early age that she wanted to work in disability advocacy and education. Easter Seals is a collection of programs designed to assist children and adults with disabilities, find greater independence, enhanced quality of life, and be seen for their abilities.

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GENERAL RESOURCES Handi Home and Bath, LLC

(251) 610-3277; info@handihomeandbath.com Improving Access and Safety Throughout Your Home! Licensed and Insured, we install grab bars, access ramps, enlarge doorways, remodel baths, upgrade lighting and make other changes to make your home/ business more accessible. Call for a FREE Consultation. Visa and MC accepted.

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Special Education Attorney Law Offices of Sears & Sears, PC 7096-B Stone Drive, Daphne (251) 621-3485; searsandsearslaw.com James D. Sears has over 45 years experience in the field of special education. The Law Offices of Sears & Sears, PC assists families in navigating the educational system to ensure the best education for the child who has special needs. No representation is made that the legal services to be performed are greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

organization of skilled professionals providing quality medical, rehabilitative, coordination and support services for children with special health care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices. This network provides specialty clinic and other services by physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, secretaries, and administrators. CRS staff members also work closely with local school systems to enable children with special health care needs to participate fully in school. • Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Toll-free number: (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816

RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Post Office Box 301410, Montgomery, 36130 (334) 242-3973, (800) 2322158; www.acdd.org Our Mission is to promote and support independence, advocacy, productivity and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. ACDD is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities.

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

205 North Conception Street, Mobile (251) 338-0950 (Office), (205) 534-9373 (Cell); www.adap.net; e-mail: dslawkowski@adap.ua.edu The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system. ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights. ADAP’s vision is one of a society where persons with disabilities are valued and exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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Mobile Regional Center-1050 Government Street (251) 432-7777; www.aidb. org Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is a comprehensive education, rehabilitation and employment system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind and multidisabled. AIDB has five campuses and eight statewide regional centers.

Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities

602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, 36104 (334) 293-7500, (800) 441-7607; www.rehab.alabama.gov Unique in the nation, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is comprised of state and federal programs that provide a continuum of services from birth through life for Alabamians with disabilities. ADRS has four major programs: • Alabama’s Early Intervention System (AEIS) 1610 Center Street, Suite A, and Mobile (251) 439-7890, Toll-free number: (800) 879-8163 or TTY (800) 499-1816 A division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Early Intervention provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth though age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and other caregiver’s ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities. • Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) CRS District Office 1610 Center Street Suite A, Mobile. (251) 432-4560, Toll-free number: (800) 879-8163, (800) 499-1816 Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) is a statewide

training and medical services to Alabamians with severe disabilities. The SAIL program has seven community-based offices located throughout the state to serve residents in all 67 counties. SAIL ensures the consumer can live as independently as possible at home and in the community through specialized programs.

(256) 325-8885 (Alabama contact); www.asha.org, www.alabamashaa.org ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.

Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC

Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), the largest division within the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve independence through employment. VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed. In addition, VRS works with middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and universities statewide to assist students with disabilities in receiving appropriate educational opportunities. • State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Toll-free number: (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816 The State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) provides specialized in-home education and counseling, attendant care,

Catalina M. Arata, Ph.D., M. Hope Jackson, Ph.D., Ellen L. Odom, M.S., L.P.C 2864 Dauphin Street, Suite A, Mobile (251) 470-7607; www.bayareaclinical.com, bayareaclinical@bellsouth.net At Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC, we specialize in a variety of areas and services for Mobile and the greater region of southwest Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. We provide psychological assessment and treatment to families, adults, adolescents and children with a variety of problems. Children ages 5+, Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Families. We specialize in issues of anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, grief, school-related difficulties, eating disorders and Postdivorce issues. Psycho-educational testing for ADHD, LD, and Gifted.

Center for Attention & Learning 829 University Blvd S., Mobile (251) 342-6443

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The Centre

1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile 1290 Main Street, Suite B, Daphne. (251) 471-5844; www.thecounselingcentre.com The areas of specialization include: Treatment of Depression and Anxiety, Grief, Abuse/Trauma Issues, Life Adjustments, Spiritual Issues, Career Planning, Divorce Recovery, Attention-Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems, Parenting Skills, Peer Conflicts, Family Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Relationship/Marital Therapy, Medical and Health Concerns, Psychological Testing, Psycho-Educational Evaluations.

Community Serv. for Vision Rehabilitation 600 BelAir Boulevard, Suite 110,  Mobile (251) 476-4744; http://www.csvrlowvision.org 29653 Anchor Cross Boulevard, Daphne   (251) 928-2888; visionrehab@bellsouth.net Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping those with low vision and blindness. It has offices in Mobile, Montgomery and the Fairhope/Daphne area. The clinic provides professional evaluation by eye doctors (ODs and MDs), occupational therapists, ophthalmic technicians, computer specialists and others. It works in collaboration with state agencies and regional and national resources.

Delicious Dietician

56 Saint Joseph Street, Mobile (251) 478-2233; www.4tdd.com The Delicious Dietician offers “One- on- One” Disease Management services specific to the client’s individual needs. The Delicious Dietician understands the need for education and practical advice when dealing with health problems requiring restricted diets. Let The Delicious Dietician teach you how to live deliciously, despite having limitations with your meals. For questions email info@4tdd.com.

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

(303) 694-0532; www.diannecraft.org Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. We provide nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store.

Easter Seals of Alabama

5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, AL (334) 395-4489; www.alabama.easterseals.com Our organization consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. We provide services for people with disabilities and their families. Mobile Location: Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 471-1581, (800) 411-0068; www.gesgc.org Easter Seals offers Parent Education and Support, Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and a

Wonderful Recreation Program that provides schoolage children (6 - 12) of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of community recreational activities. Sessions include gymnastics, rock wall climbing, bowling, skating, music & movement, and tee ball. Staff is assisted by volunteers from the University of South Alabama Therapeutic Recreation and Occupational Therapy Programs.

Focus, Inc.

3930–F Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 378-8635; www.focus-md.com Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people with ADHD and related problems. Dr. James Wiley started FOCUS so that he would have more time to devote to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Focus provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies.

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The Arc of Alabama, Inc., Montgomery, AL (334) 262-7688, (866) 243-9557; www.thearcofalabama.com; Mobile Arc - mobilearc.org; info@ thearcofalabama.com The Arc of Alabama, Inc. is a volunteer-based membership organization made up of individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens, and professionals in the disability field. The Arc also advocates for people with other disabilities who need similar supports and services in order to be as productive and independent as possible.

Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama

(334) 277-9151; www.ldaamerica.org/lda-chapters/ alabama/ The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama, Inc. (LDAA) is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. LDAA strives to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities.

The Listening Program

(888) 228-1798; www.advancedbrain.com The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self-regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities.

March of Dimes Mobile Alabama Chapter 205 Lambert Street, Suite A, Mobile (251) 438-1360; www.marchofdimes.com/alabama The March of Dimes Alabama Chapter has one goal: to help babies in our community start life in the healthiest way possible. Through education and intervention, we help moms-to-be learn how to take care of themselves before, during and after their pregnancy. We are also there when things don’t go as planned, providing comfort and information to families when a baby is born too soon. The Alabama Chapter also partners with local medical groups and organizations to establish guidelines for how to care for pregnant women and premature babies. And we provide grants to researchers working to understand

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birth defects and premature birth and to find treatments and solutions.

Mercy Medical–Pediatric Home Health Care

3280 Dauphin Street, Suite B122 B, Mobile (251) 304-3158; www.mercymedical.com/homecare_pediatric.php Mercy Pediatric Home Care allows children to recover in the comfort of their own home with family members, rather than in a hospital. It provides cost-effective, compassionate medical care to homebound children under 18-years old who are recovering from injuries or surgeries, dealing with chronic or complicated diagnoses or other serious health problems. In addition to the psychological and emotional advantages of recovering at home, Mercy Pediatric Home Care saves healthcare dollars, reduces the likelihood of complications such as infection and provides high-tech medical care by a skilled, specially-trained team of healthcare professionals. Mercy Pediatric Home Care also supports the family by offering educational, nutritional, and spiritual counseling and assistance in securing resources.

Mental Health – National Alliance on Mental Illness

(251) 461-3450, (334) 396-4797; www.namialabama NAMI Alabama is an organization comprised of local support and advocacy groups throughout the state dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with a mental illness in Alabama. The number of such groups is growing rapidly as families become more determined to improve treatment and care for Alabamians diagnosed with a mental illness. The mission statement/purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders. Numerous local meetings. Meetings listed under the calendar tab on our website.

Mobile Association for the Blind

2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 473-3585, (877) 292-5463, (800) 232-5463; www.mobileblind.org In 1924, a group of concerned citizens in Mobile started the Mobile Association for the Blind to create job opportunities for people who were blind. The Mobile Association for the Blind is now a 45,000 square foot manufacturing facility where many visually impaired individuals who are not able to join the public workforce are employed in our Sheltered Workshop. Our organization also provides assistance to other citizens with disabilities. Counseling and evaluation, skills training, and job placement are just some of the services we provide to help create the self-esteem needed to become productive members of society.

Montgomery Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Center

(205) 365-1640; www.alsrlcenter.org We are happy to serve as consultants to teachers of students whom we have evaluated and who have been determined to be experiencing dyslexia, language-learning disabilities, or severe speech or language disabilities. We will work collaboratively with teachers and other members of the IEP team to develop goals and benchmarks necessary to assist students in reaching their academic potential. We will also provide teachers with in-service trainMobile Bay Parents I September 2014

ing in the areas of identification and remediation of dyslexia. We will provide teachers with in-service training in the areas of language-learning disabilities and severe speech or language disabilities. Free Testing of speech and language disorders such as dyslexia.

with other community agencies and other health professionals working with the child. We will provide students of physical therapy a problem based clinical with emphasis on adult learning. The clinic will practice according to the guidelines and ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Mulherin Custodial Home

Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital

2496 Halls Mill Road, Mobile (251) 471-1998; www.mulherinhome.com Mulherin Home provides a home for individuals, children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our foremost concern is the happiness, comfort, and welfare of the residents at Mulherin Home. The Mulherin Custodial Home is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a United Way agency.

Santa America

308 Belrose Avenue, Daphne (251) 626-6609; www.santa-america.org Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special mission. Over onehundred Santa’s across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him—twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice. Santa’s visits are free. There is no charge for a visit from Santa Claus—ever.

Sight Savers America

337 Business Circle, Pelham, AL (877) 942-2627; www.sightsaversamerica.org Sight Savers America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that assists children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics. Children are referred to Sight Savers via failed vision screenings at school, referrals from teachers, school administrators, school nurses, eye-care professionals and parents. Children of families who qualify for our program receive the eye care they need at no cost to the family. Sight Savers has set the standard in followup vision care. At Sight Savers, we work with the members of our extensive volunteer network of eye care providers to arrange comprehensive eye care including scheduling appointments and transportation, making arrangements for eyeglasses, medications, eye surgeries, vision aids, or any other prescribed treatment.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AND SPEECH THERAPY Pediatric Physical Therapy of Mobile

3202 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 450-0070; www.pptmobile.com It is the mission of Pediatric Physical Therapy to provide Mobile and Baldwin County pediatric patients with options for out-patient physical therapy services. Treatment will be individualized, assertive, and aggressive to maximize functional outcomes. We strive to have child-friendly, play-based treatment programs which are family centered. We believe in empowering the patient and the family to heal themselves through patient education. We believe in physical fitness for all ages and abilities thus will promote pediatric fitness and sports. Pediatric Physical Therapy strives to utilize state of the art technology and evidence based practice during treatment. Families will be guided toward area community resources. Services will be coordinated

1610 Center Street, Mobile (251) 415-1670; www.usahealthsystem.com Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers a team-oriented program of pediatric physical, occupational and speech-language therapies. Services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We offer pediatric-specific care for infants and children with varied diagnoses. Services include assessment and treatment of: Developmental Delays, Orthopedic Injuries, Neuromuscular Problems—Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, etc., Burns and Wounds, Speech and Language Deficits, Feeding Problems, Sensory Problems, Attention Problems & Loss of Function Due to Chronic Illness.

USA Speech and Hearing Clinic

1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North, Mobile (251) 445-9378; www.southalabama.edu/alliedhealth/speechandhearing/clinic.html The clinic serves two primary purposes: to provide services in speech, language and hearing to citizens of Mobile and surrounding areas and to provide the supervised clinical experiences needed by the students for graduation and to obtain professional licensure/certification. Because the USA Speech and Hearing Clinic functions as a service facility and teaching facility, activities and procedures address both purposes. Diagnostic and treatment services in speech, language and hearing are provided to persons of all ages and with all types of speechlanguage and hearing disorders.

BlueBird Pediatric Therapy, Inc.

6312 Piccadilly Square Drive, Suite 3, Mobile, (251) 287-0378; www.bluebirdtherapy.com We provide occupational therapy and speech therapy services.Some of the special techniques that we use during treatment include, Integrative Listening Systems, Sensory Integration Techniques, Handwriting Without Tears, DIR/Floor time Concepts, Neurodevelopmental Treatment Techniques, and more.Our hope is to address the ongoing needs of children with diagnosed disabilities, as well as, address the ongoing needs of children who may simply just need a little extra help staying afloat when they are having trouble meeting the demands of their school systems or daily activities in society. Our mission is to serve all children who need help in one way or another and to serve their families in all the ways that we are able to. Just as bluebirds often need a little extra help from their mom when they first learn to fly, many of our children need a little extra help becoming confident and self fulfilling in a society today that demands great things from them. We believe that through collaboration with the families, school systems and our staff, we will be able to help your child to become what they are meant to be.

Buckaroo Barn, L.L.C

39821 Duffee Lane, Bay Minette (251) 604-3904; www.buckaroobarnllc.com Physical Therapy specializing in Hippotherapy for Special Little Buckaroos. Specially trained physical

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26420 Professional Pl, Daphne (251) 517-0355 Kids Kount Therapy Services offer speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children from birth to age twenty-one. Services are available for families in Baldwin County and Mobile County

CrossRhodes at The Centre Art Therapy

Springhill Medical Center- Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation

1507 Dauphin St, Mobile (251) 471-5844, (251) 625-0118 www.thecounselingcentre.com Art Therapy Program - The Centre offers a safe, nurturing therapeutic environment that allows children to ask questions and express feelings in a healthy, healing way. Art becomes an added voice for telling their story. It gives them a self-soothing avenue to practice coping strategies they can use in their daily lives. Please see our website for further information about specific art therapy programs at The Centre.

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and occupational therapists use this treatment for patients with movement dysfunction. A specially trained therapist directs the movement of the horse analyzes the patient’s responses and adjusts the treatment accordingly. Hippotherapy is a medical treatment which uses the movement of the horse to influence the rider’s posture, balance, function, and sensory processing.

1903 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 476-0525; www.gulfcoasttherapy.com Gulf Coast Therapy is a state-of-the-art outpatient therapy center serving Mobile and Baldwin County. We are committed to offering our patients a center of excellence for the treatment of pain and/or disability. The mission of Gulf Coast Therapy is to provide our patients with the skills they need in order to function at their highest level of independence and increase their quality of life. Services include: early intervention, outpatient pediatrics and school-based therapy.

Springhill Medical Center’s Gerald Wallace Annex; 100 Memorial Drive Suite 1-C (at Dauphin and I-65). (251) 340-0688; www.Springhillmedicalcenter.com Rehabilitation Center offers Occupational and Speech therapy services to children ages 0-18. Our therapists will screen, analyze and evaluate children who may be experiencing limitations or difficulties in daily life environments or developmental performance areas. Together with parents or caregivers a treatment plan will be developed to maximize the child’s independence, behavior and self-esteem. Upon referral by the child’s physician, an appointment should be scheduled by calling (251) 3400688. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday; 8am- 5pm. Facebook: Springhill Medical Center Rehabilitation

braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged.

Family Support

1050 Government Street, Mobile (251) 438-1609; www.famsupport.com Family Support is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that brings together Alabamians with disabilities, their families, and supporters to provide assistance to their neighbors with disabilities. Assistance is “whatever is necessary” within available funds, and may include information and referrals, home modifications, food, clothing, therapy, prescription drugs, utilities assistance, childcare, special holiday help, etc.

Medicaid Waiver Program

www.medicaid.alabama.gov Visit our website for more information about intellectual disabilities waiver and living at home waiver.

The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation

FINANCIAL Disabled Children Relief Fund

(516) 377-1605; www.dcrf.com Disabled Children’s Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic

(251) 243-0365; www.angel-ride.org The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation is a foundation started by the inspiration of two children -Rileigh Glass and Raylee Odom. Rileigh was born with Down syndrome and Raylee with Muscular

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Dystrophy. Their genetic conditions brought to light the hardships a family is challenged with when caring for children with special medical needs. A small group of family and friends took this awareness and turned it into the determination to establish a funding program that could help families faced with similar circumstances. The mission of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to families of children with unforeseen health problems. Upon careful review of an applicant’s files, awards are distributed on a needs basis. All files are documented with medical diagnosis, physician recommendations, family income, expense records; and an estimated cost of transportation, food and lodging. The Foundation genuinely seeks to assist families faced with financial burdens when health complications are not covered by health plans.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Bright Beginnings School

1901 Schillinger Road, Mobile (251) 689-8253; www.brightdyslexics.com Bright Beginnings School was developed to give parents an alternative for their children’s education. Each child is unique and should be taught in unique ways. At Bright Beginnings each child is individually challenged and taught to meet his/her specific needs. An individual educational plan is developed for each child and is taught in small group settings. Full day academic program specializing in dyslexia. All subjects. Serving grades 1-5.

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The Learning Tree, Inc.

4979 Lott Rd., Eight Mile (251) 649-4420; www.learning-tree.org The Learning Tree, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides educational and residential services for children and adolescents, ages 2 ½ -21, with developmental disabilities, including autism. The organization also provides and Individual and professional consultation and training. Programs are located in Mobile, Anniston, Auburn Jacksonville, and Tallassee.

The Learning Tree – The Little Tree Preschool

1176 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 649-4220 ext. 1225 or 1226; www.learning-tree.org The Little Tree Preschool offers high quality preschool education for children ages 2 ½ - 5. Low student-teacher ratios are maintained and teachers are certified. Children are encouraged to grow as learners by building on individual strengths to establish a strong foundation for school success. The preschool includes services for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. The Little Tree Preschool is an inclusive learning environment that focuses on teaching readiness and prerequisite skills to prepare children Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

for primary school. The curriculum is comprehensive and encourages children to explore and discover answers, and we provide a social setting to promote healthy self-esteem and sensitivity to the needs of others.

The Learning Tree Woody’s Song School

5459 Able Ct., Mobile (251) 331-8021; www.learning-tree.org Woody’s Song School serves children ages 5-18 on the autism spectrum. The private, nonprofit school is a tuition-based, twelve month, day program. The school helps children with autism increase their skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognitive skills while decreasing behaviors that interfere with their learning.

The Think Tank

(251) 414-4494; www.thinktankminds.com The Think Tank Tutoring provides one-on-one in-home tutoring to general education, learning disabled and home bound students. In addition to working one-on-one with students, The Think Tank tutors provide educational strategies to parents during each tutoring session. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services works directly with the student’s teachers ensuring we follow the Individual Education Plan for special needs students. In addition, we follow the student’s current classroom curriculum. The Think Tank Tutoring provides homework help, test preparation, and study skills to students in grades Pre-K through 12 in all subjects. We have qualified educators to work with ADD, ADHD, hearing impaired, MR, Dyslexic, and speech impaired students.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital

1700 Center Street, Mobile,(251) 415-1000 The University provides services to students who are physically, emotionally or learning disabled. Students in need of accommodations in or out of the classroom due to a disability should contact the Special Student Services Office in the Student Center, Room 270, (251) 460-7212.

Augusta Evans School

6301 Biloxi Avenue, Mobile (251) 221-5400; evans.mce.schoolinsites.com Augusta Evans School was organized to provide a quality education, appropriate for mentally handicapped students of Mobile County and individualized to meet each of these student’s needs. As Special Education practices in the United State, Alabama, and Mobile County move into a new century, it has become imperative that changes in philosophies and methods are forthcoming. To this end, the faculty, staff and parents of Evans School are dedicated to insuring that every special needs individual receives an education of the highest quality, an education appropriately designed for each individual, an education which provides each individual with the skills necessary to become a productive citizen, and an education delivered in a setting designed to allow each student to develop to his maximum potential. The faculty and staff of Augusta Evans School take pride in its leadership role in Special Education in Mobile County. Realizing that continuing research and continuing preparation are necessary to facilitate change in any endeavor, the Evans professionals are dedicated to providing their educational expertise to the MR community in Mobile County.

Continuous Learning Center

1870 Pleasant Avenue, Mobile (251) 221-2122; continuous.mcc.schoolinsites.com Our mission is to provide quality instruction in a structured and supportive learning environment. As a learning community, we value relationships, exhibit mutual respect, and maintain high expectations for all students. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the Continuous Learning Center. The Continuous Learning Center (CLC) is an alternative school created by the Mobile County Public School System to serve students who have been suspended for short or long terms from regular school. The students are served by an experienced, highly trained, professional staff to be productive and successful in the education setting. Our focus is on improving the social and academic abilities of our students by using behavior modification systems and teaching basic academic skills. New additions to our Career/Technology program include horticulture and cosmetology. We are still teaching students hands on, “real world” skills in the fields of carpentry, cabinetry and millwork as well. Please feel free to come and visit our facility and see the great things that are happening at CLC!

Green House at ACCA, The

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 209-1102; azaleacityarts.com Helping individuals with academic and social learning challenges: Social learning, ADHD live coach, Cogmed Coach, Fastforword provider, academic tutoring/math.

Gordon Smith Child Development Center

2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 471-1581; gesgc.org/gordon-cdc.html Children with and without disabilities (6 weeks to school age) receive comprehensive child-care services in a full-day program using the Creative Curriculum Program. With high quality instruction, small child-staff ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program addresses all aspects of learning: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Summer camp and afterschool programs are available for elementary school children.

Kumon Learning Center

3152 Old Shell Rd Suite # 1, Mobile (251) 447-2264; www.kumon.com For more than 50 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Students advance through the program at their own pace. Our emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated and self-reliant. We monitor each child’s progress to ensure comprehension before moving on to a new concept. With a strong academic foundation, critical thinking and problem solving abilities, your child has the potential to achieve whatever he or she desires.

Lindamood Bell Learning Center

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D, Mobile (251) 473-6808; www.Lindamoodbell.com Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes is an organization dedicated to helping children and adults learn to their potential. Our research-validated instruc-

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tional programs strengthen reading, comprehension, and math skills by developing the sensorycognitive functions that form the foundation of learning. For over 25 years, our intensive, processbased instruction has been used in Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers and School Partnerships to help individuals of all ages improve their language processing skills and become more independent. The Lindamood-Bell programs have proven successful for individuals with a wide range of learning challenges, including previous, third-party diagnoses of learning disabilities such as dyslexia, hyperlexia, ADHD, CAPD, and autism spectrum disorders.

School Works

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (256) 252-8374; www.schoolworksedu.com Tutoring, ADHD Coaching, Reading, Math, Organizational Skills, Study Skills, Act I/II, SAT Prep, Pre K & 1st Grade Readiness Skills.

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3980 Burma Road, Mobile (251) 221-5454; www.afb.org Local website; http://regional.mcs.schoolinsites.com (please note, using www with this address does not work, you must type in http://) We Serve 6 counties and 300 students in Southwest Alabama including Mobile. The Regional School has an elementary campus that educates deaf and blind students ages three years to fifth grade. There are satellite campuses of the Regional School at a local middle and high school, allowing students to easily transition to the next grade. Students from surrounding counties attend the Regional School and itinerant teachers provide services at their local schools. The Regional School is unique because special needs students are able to remain in their home environment and receive collaborative vision and hearing impaired services from experienced and qualified staff. For more information email mlwcasey@mcpss.com.

Springhill Child Development Center

10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251) 342-3122; www.gesgc.org/childdevelopmentcenters.htm At the Goodwill Easter Seals Spring Hill Child Development Center, we base our programs on the philosophy that all children can learn and here we provide the tools and support necessary to foster that learning. Children with and without disabilities receive comprehensive child-care services in a full-day program using the Creative Curriculum. Our center is licensed by the Department of Human Resources and provides a rich learning environment suitable for the developmental needs of each child. With high-quality instruction, small staff-child ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program provides an optimal setting for young learner’s ages 2 1/2 - 5 years old. Areas of learning addressed on a consistent basis are social/ emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Children with special educational needs receive programming in an inclusive preschool setting. Support services, including speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy, are provided by the Mobile County Public School System.

Sylvan

8020 Moffett Rd, Suite A, Semmes (251) 649-8522; www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com A Better School Year Starts with Sylvan .Don’t worry about falling behind later–start now, Don’t hope for the best, get your child the help he or she needs today. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on

schoolwork and a boost in confidence. Let our proven tutoring approach help your child start the school year off right. Our Tutoring Services include math, reading, writing, study skills, homework help, summer camps, state test prep, SAT/ACT prep, College Prep, SylvanSync, and many other services.

RECREATION Broadway South Dance

7906 Westside Park Drive/ Regency Square (airport/university-behind Morrison’s) (251) 639-0660; www.broadwaysouthdance.com We offer a class for special needs children ages 5-10 years during January-May each year. The class also participates in our annual recital.

Exceptional Arts Drama by Sunnyside Theater

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Sunnyside Theater proudly presents Exceptional Arts Drama. Drama and Theater classes for adults and children with special needs ages 8 – 80! Classes are held on Tuesday nights from 6pm – 8pm. For more information please contact Chris Paragone, azaleacity@ mindspring.com or call 510-1808.

Access To Recreation

8 Sandra Court, Newbury Park, CA. (800) 634-4351; www.accesstr.com Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities. Online equipment items such wheelchair accessories, daily living, replacement parts, bath and shower accessories, Lifts, safety equipment, ramps, manual and power chairs, etc.

Celisse’s School of the Equestrian

2568 Sollie Rd., Mobile (251) 289-1244; www.kcequestrianarts.com We provide Therapeutic Riding Lessons to those with special needs (mental or physical), blind or deaf, and recovering from injury. It is our goal that everyone who wants to experience, learn, and benefit from horses is able to do so.

City of Mobile Parks and Rec Center

261 Rickarby St. (Woodcock School Building), Mobile (251) 208-1670; www.cityofmobile.org/parks; specialactivities@live.com Therapeutic Programs for Special Needs. Classes vary so call or check our website for more information. Also Sports team (Mobile Ignite) with goalball - a team sport designed for those with visual impairments but all may participate, and Adapted Sports Club - an adapted sports team for individuals with a physical disability. Learn shot put, discus, and archery as well as other sports.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio at the Centre for the Living Arts

301 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 208-5658; www.centreforthelivingarts.com Deaf and hard of hearing students will have art classes which will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. RSVP required. Please check our website for class schedule. For more information or to register, please contact: Joy Antar (AIDB) at antar.joy@aidb.state.al.us or (251) 281-2333 or Brennan Gibson (Centre for the Living Arts) at cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org or (251) 208-5658.

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Heart of a Dancer

66 S. Section Street, Fairhope (located in Creative Outlet Dance) (251) 517-7159; www.creativeoutletdance.com “Heart of a Dancer “ Dance classes , led by Laura Bishop, a special needs teacher at Fairhope Elementary ,will be for any exceptional student that is interested in having fun, learning dance routines and experiencing the joy of learning as part of a group through creative movement. Creative Movement encourages and interactive environment where children share space as they explore movement together . In the special needs class, students can experience sensory awareness, gross motor development and participate at their own level and ability . Classes will begin in September - Day and time will be announced soon . Interested parents and students should call Creative Outlet Dance Center at 928 9511 or e mail creativeoutletda@bellsouth.net to be included in these classes.Creative Outlet Dance Center is happy to continue its tradition of providing high quality dance education to all children.

Hope Outdoors

453 Deerpatch Road, Chatom (251) 769-0711 or (251) 769-5642; www.hopeoutdoors.org Glenn & Karen Sansing, Alabama Chapter Directors Hope Outdoors has a passion to spread the love of God and provide the fun of the great outdoors to those who may be ill or challenged. Some are looking to be re-introduced into an activity they once loved, while others are discovering a new and exciting way to live life to its fullest. We provide opportunities for fishing, deer hunts, archery shoots, bird and turkey hunts, and other ways to get close to nature and enrich lives no matter the challenges life may have given you. We

now have chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and 3 chapters in Mississippi. All events are free to participants and their families. Hope Outdoors provides all meals, game processing and licenses. Participants are only responsible for travel to and from the event. Our Alabama event will be held the 3rd weekend in January 2015. Applications can be found on our website. To find out how you can be a part of Hope Outdoors call or visit our website today. Visit us on Facebook for photos and event updates.

Inner Strength Martial Arts

9120 Airport Blvd # H, Mobile (251) 776-1978; www.innerstrengthmartialarts.info Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick Hoadley, Master Instructor 7th Degree Black Belt in the martial art of Taekwondo has over 35 years of professional experience. Also offering program for special needs children.

Kallie’s Cheer & Gymnastics

8680 Howells Ferry Rd, Semmes, (251) 401-5841 kalliescheerandgymnastics.vpweb.com Mobile’s first Christian Studio. The services we offer are Cheer, Gymnastics, Tumbling, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Praise Dance, Tap, Baton, Choir, Power Tumbling, Adult Sign Language-Worship Dance, Teen Worship Dance-Drama, Ladies Zumba, Birthday Parties, Summer Camps, Private Lessons, Ladies Cardio, Special Needs/Handicapped Dance. We have a special needs/handicapped class on Fridays for kids of all ages.

Langan Park

4901 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile This is a Boundless Playground. The Boundless Playground is designed so that children of all abilities can

enjoy the park. There is a Pedestrian Bridge connects the playground and park area of Langan Park to the Mobile Museum of Art across Three Mile Creek.

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Rd, Mobile (251) 479-9311; www.nassergymnastics.net Gymnastics training has many significant physical and mental benefits. Physical benefits include: coordination, strength, power, flexibility, spatial awareness, balance, and grace. Mental benefits include: self-confidence, discipline, concentration, and goal setting skills. Nasser gymnastics is introducing a class for children with special needs. Please call for specific details and times.

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road, S., Mobile (251) 650-0699; www.PlanetGymnastics.com; planetgymnasticsAL@comcast.net In addition to their regular schedule, Planet Gymnastics is proud to offer classes for special needs children ages 5 and up. Please call for details.

SNAP

(251) 285-0224; www.snapofalabama.com Special Needs Athletes Programs –Our mission is to give developmentally disabled citizens in the greater Mobile, Baldwin County Alabama area, the opportunity to participate in a recreational sport with others of the same skill level and to have fun doing it. We work to partner our special athletes with mentors to help them learn the game of bowling, to develop their skills and to be a positive role model.

Special Olympics Mobile County 5401 Cottage Hill Rd. Suite D, Mobile

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KID ROCK • ALABAMA • JANE’S ADDICTION • BRANTLEY GILBERT • EARTH, WIND AND FIRE CEELO GREEN • STONE TEMPLE PILOTS WITH CHESTER BENNINGTON • FOSTER THE PEOPLE LUDACRIS • THOMPSON SQUARE • JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS • K MICHELLE • AFI AMOS LEE • BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY • BLACKBERRY SMOKE • TROMBONE SHORTY AND ORLEANS AVENUE MAGIC! • POP EVIL ALL THAT REMAINS • FRANKIE BALLARD • DENNIS NELSON • JOE TAYLOR GROUP • KRISTY LEE STARTISAN • SHAWNA P • K-ROB • GRETSCH LYLES & THE MODERN ELDORADOS • THE MULLIGAN BROTHERS • ROXY ROCA STONY MURPHY & THE ONE ACCORD SHOW • WORX • CATHERCIST • THE BEN JERNIGAN BAND • BOUKOU GROOVE • TRAVIS CLARK JAMELL RICHARDSON • 2 MAJOR TWINZ • DEREK NORSWORTHY • SLOW MOTION CELEBRITY • BABY BEE • DARK BEFORE DAWN

AND MANY, MANY MORE!

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(251) 510-7300; mobilecountyspecialolympics.org The mission of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The ultimate objective of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs. We offer track and field, team basketball skills, individual basketball skills, golf, bowling, swimming, bocce, and our newest sport - gymnastics.

VSA of Alabama, Art Partners

www.vsaalabama.org VSA Alabama is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to “serving children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities through the arts.” Programs offered by VSA Alabama include: visual arts, music therapy, therapeutic drumming & rhythm, art therapy, drama, creative movement, and creative writing. Annually, VSA Alabama serves over 3,000 people with disabilities and chronic illnesses through our programming in community, educational, and healthcare settings across Alabama. ArtPartners program provides people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses the chance to develop meaningful relationships with artists in our community while creating collaborative masterpieces. The ArtPartners program makes a lasting impression on everyone involved and the memories created last forever. This program is FREE to participants! The Eastern Shore Art Center has participated in this unique program since its inception. For more information, visit www.esartcenter.com.

The Watermelon Patch

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile (251) 633-3288; www.thewmpatch.com Mommy and Me classes at The Watermelon Patch are open for children of all abilities. In our classes families work on sensory perception and fine / gross motor skills. We welcome special needs groups who would like to have their own play group and or field trip where we do art, cooking and other projects with families. Also our birthday parties are private events. We love to help make that special day even more exciting!

Westside’s Challenger League – Babe Ruth Buddy Ball

www.westsidebaseball.com This Division of Babe Ruth Buddy Ball is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Babe Ruth Buddy Ball in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.

RECREATION CAMPS Camp ASCCA

(256) 825-9226, (800) THE-CAMP; www.campascca.org

ASCCA is an acronym that stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Beginning in 1976, Camp ASCCA has been a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation and is known throughout the world for its superior quality services. Providing camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Within its barrier-free environment, Camp ASCCA offers 230 wooded acres on the shores of beautiful Lake Martin in Alabama. Camp ASCCA serves an average of 7,000 people annually. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

Camp Bridges

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham Located at Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin, AL (205) 558- 2090; www.campbridges.org Our mission is to provide camps and programs to pre and post transplant children, teens, young adults and their families from Alabama and neighboring states. We create a fun and educational environment for heart, kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients that encourage positive self image and healthy transplant living. Those served receive and provide peer support and form lasting friendships to better cope with the unique challenges of transplantation. For more information email info@ campbridges.com.

Camp Mash

(251) 599-5688; www.campmash.org Camp M.A.S.H. is a week-long recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related auto-immune disease. Our camp is planned specifically for the needs of our campers in order to empower them to live life to the fullest and to build friendships with other folks who are on similar journeys with their conditions. Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families. We have some set activities that are just everyone’s favorite things to do like fishing, swimming and the ropes course, as well as horses, archery, and arts & crafts. We also have some surprises each year based on that summer’s theme. You never know what we will have planned to make this the best week of your camper’s year. All activities and accommodations are fully accessible, and a medical staff team is on site around the clock. Camp MASH is open to children living in Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and on a case by case basis other kids from surrounding areas as we have space.

Camp-Rap-A-Hope

(251) 476-9880; www.camprapahope.org Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides a week-long summer camp at Camp Grace in Mobile, Alabama and is open to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have or have ever had cancer. The camp is offered at no cost to the campers and their families as cancer has been costly enough. Each year the children enjoy a typical summer camp environment that includes swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts and many other activities depending on the theme for the year. Many of these children have forgotten what it’s like to be a ‘kid’ because much of their childhood has been spent hearing the sounds and seeing the inside of hospitals. It is our privilege to give a part of their childhood back to them through a week of fun-filled camping activities. Camp RapA-Hope offers additional opportunities for “fun” throughout the year. Family fun days and Holiday

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parties are a few ways that Camp continues the fun for the Campers and their families.

Camp Smile-a-Mile

(205) 323-8427, (888) 500-7920; www.campsam.org Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.

Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris

(205) 402-0415; www.campsealeharris.org Southern Diabetes Education Services camps and local community programs provide needed diabetes education, encouragement, and friendships for children with diabetes and their families. Camp is a place where having diabetes is the norm; where you can compare and share stories with peers; and where you don’t have to explain diabetes all the time because everyone here “gets it.” They understand exactly what it’s like living with diabetes, because they live with diabetes too. Children learn independence in managing blood sugar levels and medication, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. Trained adult volunteer counselors with diabetes are joined by physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and pharmacists to provide safe supervision and real time feedback. Camps include fun activities that vary by location. Local programs include safe family-oriented recreation throughout the year.

Lakeshore Foundation

(205) 313-7400; www.lakeshore.org Lakeshore is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization which serves people with physical disabilities throughout Alabama, across the country and around the world. Since 1984, Lakeshore has helped advance and promote the impact of positive, long-term physical and emotional effects of physical fitness on people with disabilities. From infants to seniors, to injured soldiers and elitelevel athletes, every participant is free to discover his or her own potential. Our mission is to enable people with physical disability and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active and independent lifestyles through physical activity, sport, recreation and research.

Space Camp and Aviation Challenge

(800) 637-7223, (256) 837-3400; www.spacecamp.com/specialprograms Space Camp and Aviation Challenge offer a variety of programs for special needs students. We offer Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs specifically designed for special needs students, including camps for blind, and/or visually-impaired, deaf and/or hard-of-hearing, and a week at the end of summer designated for special needs youth.

SPECIAL NEEDS MAGAZINES/ PUBLICATIONS ADDitude Magazine

(888)762-8475; www.additudemag.com

The magazine for living well with attention deficit and learning disabilities

Attention Magazine

(800) 233-4050; www.chadd.org Attention magazine provides science-based information and support for people affected by ADHD. A benefit of CHADD membership, the magazine is produced six times per year. Recognized for its excellence, Attention provides you with the latest resources, research, background, and context on issues surrounding ADHD.

Exceptional Parent Magazine

(800) 372-7368; www.eparent.com ep (Exceptional Parent) is a 42-year-old, awardwinning publishing and communications company. EP provides practical advice, emotional support and the most up-to-date educational information for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs as well as to the physicians, allied health care professionals, and educational professionals who are involved in their care and development.

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

(772) 532-4423; parentingspecialneeds.org We at Parenting Special Needs, LLC, are making it our mission to provide parents of special needs children, of all ages and stages of life, both information and inspiration. Through Parenting Special Needs On Line Magazine, we’ve created a world that provides practical tips, shares life’s lessons, tackles the challenges and celebrates the joys, of one of life’s greatest gifts.

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DISABILITY SPECIFIC RESOURCES ADD/ADHD (also see schools and educational resources) Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHAD) (800) 233-4050; www.chadd.org Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. Feingold Association of the United States (800) 321-3287; www.feingold.org Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce lowadditive dietary programs for children with learning/ behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults. Focus, Inc. 3930–F Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 378-8635; www.focus-md.com Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people with ADHD and related problems. Dr. James Wiley started FOCUS so that he would have more time to devote to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Focus provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies. Learning Disabilities Association of America (412) 341-1515; www.ldaamerica.org Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

Autism Autism Diagnostics Clinic - USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Pediatric Developmental Medicine Center (PDMC) 1707 Center Street, Suite 201, Mobile, (251) 415-8577 www.usahealthsystem.com/autism-diagnosis The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic sees patients with referral from a physician or other medical/educational professional. The mission of this clinic is to improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the greater Gulf Coast area through early identification and diagnosis, as well as to provide educational outreach to families, physicians, daycare centers, churches and other organizations who serve children in the community. Autism Spectrum Disorders include Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic evaluates patients up to ten years of age. Services include: Medical Assessments-By Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians to evaluate health-related conditions; Cognitive Evaluation-To determine current developmental level of functioning; Speech/Language Evaluation--To assess communication level; Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)-To observe social skills and communication abilities during a play session; Genetics Evaluation-To obtain a detailed family history and pertinent genetic laboratory tests; Occupational Therapy Evaluation-To evaluate motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and self care skills; Assistance with Community Resources-Upon completion of the

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evaluation, the staff will assist the family in obtaining appropriate community services; Consultation-By affiliated specialists with expertise in autism-related conditions. Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network www.alabamaautism.org We are uniting, making connections and sharing knowledge and support for all 67 counties in our state & the world. A hub for Autism related info, events, videos, & support. Auties & Aspies of LA- Lower Alabama Community Support Group, Fairhope www.facebook.com/AutiesandAspiesofLA A community dedicated to support for and awareness of those on the Autism Spectrum and their families in lower Alabama. Our intention is to create a community for families in the lower Alabama area who have members on the spectrum. The goal is to be able to share information, support, inspiration, and prayers with other families who are living similar experiences. Visit and Like our page on Facebook for updates. Autism Alabama www.alex.state.al.us/autismAL An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education provides on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Society of Alabama (251) 259-5553, (877) 4AUTISM www.autism-alabama.org Our mission is to improve services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy. Our current programs and services include, but are not limited to the following: toll free information and referral hotline, resource directory -a preliminary directory of service providers, activities, disability organizations, etc. ,education (parents, providers, family members, etc.) through our quarterly newsletter, exhibitions, speaking engagements, etc., parent Networking Groups in approximately 20 counties around the state, innovative website has a direct link to our e-mail addresses, annual Alabama Autism conference for parents, doctors, teachers, service providers, and students, and collaboration efforts with other state agencies to provide services for persons with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Society of America (800) 328-8476; www.autism-society.org Autism Society of America provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research. Autism Speaks (888) 288-4762; www.autismspeaks.org At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. We strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society: and we work to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) (855) 726-7810, (949) 640-4401; www.tacanow.org Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism.

Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy 4 My Child (800) 692-4453; www.cerebralpalsy.org Our Mission: to provide you with the most comprehensive resource and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. We strive, every day, to be your ultimate resource for everything Cerebral Palsy. We provide a comprehensive resource, including a website and call center that parents and caregivers of children with special needs can turn to for needed, non-legal help, information and resources. United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile 3058 Dauphin Sq. Connector, Mobile (251) 479-4900; www.ucpmobile.org UCP of Mobile is dedicated to advancing the independence of people with disabilities. UCP offers a wide range of services for people of all ages, starting with one of our early intervention programs and continuing through adulthood with our supported employment program.

CdLS CdLS Foundation (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome) (800) 753-2357; www.cdlsusa.org The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS,  promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS make informed decisions throughout their lives.

Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mobile Chapter (251) 436-0013; www.cff.org/Chapters/mobile The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. We fund more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Alabama (205) 988-0810; www.downsyndromealabama.org Down Syndrome Alabama’s mission is to promote awareness, acceptance and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages.

Down Syndrome Society of Mobile County 10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251) 342-3122; www.dssmc.org Our mission is to provide enrichment through education, networking opportunities, advocacy, and emotional support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the greater community.

Dyslexia Bright Beginnings School

1901 Schillinger Road, Mobile (251) 689-8253; www.brightdyslexics.com Bright Beginnings School was developed to give parents an alternative for their children’s education. Each child is unique and should be taught in unique ways. At Bright Beginnings each child is individually challenged and taught to meet his/ her specific needs. An individual educational plan is developed for each child and is taught in small group settings. Full day academic program specializing in dyslexia. All subjects. Serving grades 1-5.

Read-Write

5472 C Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 287-1822; www.dyslexiaspecialist.net At Read-Write, we offer educational consulting, screening and one-on-one therapy for students with language based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. We also offer reading readiness for 4and 5 year olds. Mobile, AL (251) 287-1822 and Daphne, AL (251) 625-4020. Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, The (855) 247-1381; www.idaalabama.org Promoting literacy through research, education and advocacy. Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama (334) 277-9151; www.ldaal.org The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Learning Disabilities Association of America (412) 341-1515; www.ldaamerica.org Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

Epilepsy Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama (251) 341-0170; www.epilepsyfoundationalabama. org The Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama has as its mission to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families, to increase awareness in the general community and to facilitate prevention and management of epilepsy. This includes providing services and programs for people with epilepsy and their families; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues and collaborating with other community resources in support of the mission of the people with seizure disorders. Epilepsy Foundation (800) 332-1000; www.epilepsyfoundation.org

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The Epilepsy Foundation of America® is the national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the more than 2 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure.

Muscular Dystrophy Alabama Muscular Dystrophy Association (205) 823-8191; www.mdausa.org MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Sickle Cell Sickle Cell Disease Assoc. of America – Mobile Chapter, Inc. (251)432-0301; www.scdmobile.org The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Mobile Chapter, Inc. (SCDAA-MC) was founded in 1974, and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The mission of the Association is to “Empower clients and their families with knowledge, through quality comprehensive programs and services.” In carrying out this mission, the Association provides the following services to individuals throughout nine counties in southwest Alabama, including Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Choctaw, Conecuh, Clarke, Covington, Washington, and Monroe counties: For individuals with sickle cell disease: Case management services, Transportation to/from medical appointments, medical and pharmacy assistance for those without insurance. Career assistance, After School Tutorial Program (ages 6-18), Summer Enrichment Program, Client support groups and fun activities. For the general public: Sickle cell screenings, lab onsite, Genetic counseling for those who test positive for sickle cell trait, Educational seminars and certification program. ***All services are confidential and provided free of charge.

Spina Bifida www.sbaofal.org The mission of the SBA of AL is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.

Tourette Syndrome National Tourette Syndrome Association (718) 224-2999; www.tsa-usa.org Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS. We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS. Our membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field.

SHE HOLDS THE HOUSE RECORD FOR “MOST STATE CAPITALS RECALLED IN FIVE MINUTES” AND “BIGGEST HOLE DUG IN THE BACKYARD FOR NO APPARENT REASON.” and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

September is Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Month. For information and ways you can help, visit ChildrensAL.org/CommittedToACure. 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

We’re committed to a cure and you can be too.

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Organizations for Parents Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC) (866) 532-7660; www.alabamaparentcenter.com We believe that parents have the greatest impact on their children’s lives. APEC provides families with the training, information and support they need to help them ensure that their children become productive, well-educated citizens. FighterMom www.fightermom.org A program for any mom who not only cares for a child with a demanding disease or health condition, but who wants to get organized to defeat that condition by raising money, winning publicity, working with researchers, and making her case in Washington. Family Voices of Alabama (877) 771-3862; www.familyvoicesal.org Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care. Parent to Parent USA www.p2pusa.org Provide emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained ‘Support Parent’.

ALABAMA RESOURCES Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (800) 626-4199; www.namialabama.org Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities, (800) 232-2158; www.acdd.org Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, (800) 441-7607; www.rehab.alabama.gov

ALL KIDS Insurance, (888) 373-5437; www.adph.org/allkids Civitan International Research Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham, (800) 822-2472; www.circ.uab.edu

Client Assistance Program, Department of Rehabilitation Services, (800) 228-3231; www.icdri.org/legal/ AlabamaCAP.htm

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service, (251) 439-7890; www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-and-families/ childrens-rehabilitation-service

Developmental Disabilities/Mental Illness -Alabama Department of Mental Health, (800) 367-0955; www. mh.alabama.gov Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, (251) 471-1581, www.goodwill-easterseals.org

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP), (800) 826-1675; www.adap.net

Governor’s Office on Disabilities, (888) 879-3582; www.good.alabama.gov

Alabama’s Early Intervention System - Birth through 2, (800) 543-3098; www.rehab.alabama.gov/ei Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, (251) 432-7777; www.aidb.org

Mobile Arc (MARC), (251) 479-7409; www.mobilearc.org Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama, (256) 325-8885; www.alabamashaa.org

Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network, (256) 237-3683; www.alabamarespite.org

Southeast Americans with Disability Act Center, (800) 949-4232; www.adasoutheast.org

Alabama Public Library Service- Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, (800) 392-5671; webmini.apls.state.al.us/apls_web/ apls/apls

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities), (800) 7827656; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star

Alabama Special Education Services, (334) 242-8114; www.alsde.edu

Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services, (334) 281-8780; www.rehab.alabama. gov/vrs MBP

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The Mysterious World of an

Individual Education Program by James D. Sears, Ed.D., J.D.

The mystery of an individual education program (IEP) has been solved. There isn’t one. In spite of how the technicalities of the IEP have increased and evolved since it was first included in the federal law for children who have disabilities in 1975, the concept has remained a very basic one—determine where the child is functioning today, predict the goals the child should be able to achieve within one year, and determine what teaching strategies and related services should be implemented to reach those goals based upon the child’s unique learning characteristics. The IEP’s function is one simply of accountability—were the child’s present levels of functioning properly evaluated, were reasonable levels of achievement predicted, and were appropriate services provided. If the concept is so straightforward, why have IEPs become the dread of parents and the bane of educators? Of course, the different aspects of an IEP, interpreted many different ways, add to the mystery. For example, when developing an IEP the law requires academic goals must be written to “general education content standards.” What seems to be a contradiction of that provision is the provision in another part of the same law that requires a school system to develop and implement procedures to ensure that all eligible children have an appropriate IEP based on the child’s unique needs. After all, if the child can meet general education standards, why would there have to be IEP goals for academic standards and why would the child be in special education classes? By emphasizing academic “standards” without taking into consideration the child’s functioning level, more important aspects of the child’s education may be ignored. The law specifically states that educational performance includes more than just academic achievement. Educational performance also includes social and emotional development, as well as communication skills. Making passing scores on tests and progressing from grade-to-grade are not

the final criteria for education teacher determining whether will collaborate with or not a child is elithe general education gible for services. teacher.” A service is During IEP team not “the student will meetings parents are receive instruction in often confronted with the general education present levels of acaclassroom or resource demic performance room.” A service is that are two or three not “the student will years behind grade receive specialized level. Yet, when instruction three times school personnel per week.” These are suggest measureable examples of the service annual goals, they delivery model, not often propose that the service itself. If the child will achieve those comments are at the same grade included in the serlevel as the classvice component of an mates who do not IEP, the parent should have a disability. In insist on knowing what effect, the child is exeducational strategy is pected to remediate going to be used. A the two or three year service, simply put, is deficits during the “what makes special same period of time education special.” An as the child is learnexample of a service to ing the new material be provided a child who at grade level. Com- Abby Sears, granddaughter demonstrates inapproPhoto by Beth Hontzas Photgraphy, Inc. mon sense seems to priate behaviors could have been absent at include applied behavthe time of these types of decisions. ior analysis therapy, including a modified The service component of the IEP is overcorrection procedure. what school personnel will do to remediate Finally, there has always been a deficiencies the child may have. Federal mystery as to whether or not an IEP is a law requires that services for children who legally binding contract. The answer to have disabilities be scientifically-based, i.e., that question is, yes and no (therein lies that the service is more than presenting the mystery). An IEP is not binding in rethe material to the child at a lower level gards to whether or not the child achieves and slower pace, or “I’ve been a teacher a particular goal. It is binding regarding for 20 years, and this is the way I’ve althe services the child receives. ways done it.” The service should address the unique needs and learning characteristics of the child who has a disability, as James “Jim” Sears has a career history of advocacy for persons with disabilities. Following earning his doctoral an individual. After all, it is an individual degree from the University of Florida with a major in special education, he has been a professor at the Univereducation plan. sity of Alabama, Springhill College, and the University of For parents, evaluating the quality South Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama Law School, he has concentrated his practice of the service to be provided their child on special education law. Sears is a frequent lecturer to numerous advocacy groups. He can be reached at should include considering what is not (251) 621-3485 or through the firm website, searsanda service. A service is not “the special searslaw.com. 55

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Family Calendar Ongoing

Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Full of distinctive personalities, the Exploreum welcomes four African black-footed penguins, now through January 3. The exhibit will feature the live penguins, as well as keeper talks, interactive activities and fun, educational displays. Government St. Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. noon - 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www.handsonsal.org. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 3422241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com. Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org. Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org. Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320. USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www. ussalabama.com. VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.

Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sage Ave. and Airport Blvd. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www. azaleacityharmony.com. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

August/September 2014

contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo. com, meghanLLL@yahoo.com, or michelleLLLmobile@ yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. Parent-Child Worship Service Each Wednesday in January and February, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will offer a new Parent-Child Worship Service from 9:15-10:00 a.m. (room E207) for parents and their children ages birth to four-years-old. Relaxed and filled with music, prayer, a Bible story and coloring, this new program is a wonderful opportunity to worship with your precious little ones. The program will be short, and then kids can play while parents enjoy social time. Contact Dauphin Way UMC at 251-471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. The Family Center • Nurturing Parenting (Mobile) course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. Call 251-479-5700 to register. • Father Central Classes (listed below) in Mobile and Daphne are completely free. Father Central classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Father Central program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www.familycentermobile.org. • Father Central of Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. • Together We Can: Helping Everyone Cope With Divorce. Mondays, 8 weeks. $50 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Begin any Monday. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. • Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Topics are: Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, Relaxation; Emotional Intelligence & Techniques; Defining, Responding To & Learning from Anger; Defining Abuse & Learning to Cope & Communicate. 251-479-5700 to get started in Father Central, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www.familycentermobile.org or www. Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

• Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital.  Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course  One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon.  $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children.  By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR  Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be

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Family Calendar made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Tuesday, August 19

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5 Rivers StoryTime “Sweet Briar Goes to School” by Karma Wilson 10 - 11 a.m. The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week, our sweet little skunk goes off to school!5 Rivers is located at 30945 Five Rivers Blvd on the Causeway. For more information call 625-0814.

Thursday, August 21

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Girls of Fall Come join us for Girls of Fall, a football event for women. A unique event for female fans Presented by: Region’s Bank. Cocktails, tailgating and entertainment followed by three concurrent breakout sessions with football experts covering the rules of the game and food experts bringing the latest tailgating tips. The final quarter: a fashion show, featuring co-ed looks to take you through the entire season! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center (1 South Water Street). Please visit www.eventbrite.com for tickets.

Friday, August 22

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Steel Magnolias” The quintessential story of friendship and trust, “Steel Magnolias” serves up a southern slice of life that’s as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie! In the world of Truvy’s local-homegrown beauty salon, six very different women come together to share their secrets, fears and love for one another while engaging the audience in hysterical and neighborly gossip! Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through August 31. Science of Beer The Science Of series is an adults-only special event that will entice guests to learn about the science of making beer. A large portion of the evening is devoted to tasting and food pairing options, including an opportunity to learn about home brewing. The event

August/September 2014

will feature a panel of speakers that includes local beer experts who will discuss a range of topics on the art and science of making and enjoying beer. Tickets can be purchased at the Exploreum box office or online at www.exploreum.com. Pricing to attend the event is as follows: $40 for non-members; $32 for members; $20 for designated drivers (access to food only). Exploreum (65 Government Street) from 6 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, August 23

The Dauphin Street Beer Festival Grab your friends, grab your mug and get ready to taste a bevy of brews! That’s right, the Dauphin Street Beer Festival is back and we are gearing up for a record year. With the freedom of the hops last year, we expect quite a few new beers to be on the sampling menu. Time is 6-9 p.m. For more information call 208-1558. 5th Annual Children’s Cup Regatta Join us for the 5th Annual Children’s Cup Regatta benefiting Children’s of Alabama. Sailboat races start at 12:30 p.m. Activities start at 4:00 p.m. Cost $50 per adult boat and $25 per youth boat. Free to Spectators! BBQ plates, live music, silent auction, kid’s activities, dunking boot, waterslide. Register online at www.childrensal.kintera.org/childrenscup or for more information contact Kerrie Benson at (251) 610-4969. Dash and Splash Duathlon 5K Race and 50 yard swim at 4 p.m. on Museum Drive. Location: Registration and Post-Race Activities at Springhill Swim Club (736 Museum Dr.) Sponsored by City of Mobile Swim Association Benefits: CMSA programs. 5K course along Museum Drive and through Langan Park followed by 50 yard swim in club pool. Pre-register in person at McCoy Outdoor in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on August 21, or online (http://dashandsplash2014.eventbrite.com) until 4 AM August 22. Race day registration at the Springhill Swim Club from 2:30 – 3:30 PM. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Steel Magnolias” See August 22 for more information.

Sunday, August 24

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “The Devil’s Triangle” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. In this week’s movie, researchers turn to science to explain the mysteries of the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Could methane bubbles, rogue waves or lightning be responsible? 5 Rivers is located at 30945 Five Rivers Blvd on the Causeway. For more information call 625-0814. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Steel Magnolias” See August 22 for more information.

Wednesday, August 27

Mobile Business Expo Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Business Expo will be Wednesday, August 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center (1 South Water Street).

Thursday, August 28

Greater Mobile Arts Awards Presentation of annual awards recognizing individuals and organizations for significant contributions to the arts. Time and location TBA. Free. For further information about the awards and the nomination process: www.mobilearts.org/awards.php or call (251) 432-9796.

Friday, August 29 Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Steel Magnolias” See August 22 for more information.

Saturday, August 30

Word/Play For children ages 1-5 and their families, building vocabulary skills through art and reading. Participants will choose from a selection of books that focus on specific vocabulary words related to CLA’s current exhibition, PRE-GLO; after reading their books, children will work on an art activity. Centre for the Living Arts and Mobile Public Library. Last Sat, through Aug, 10 – 11 AM. Art Park (Dauphin Street, between Jackson and Joachim) Contact: 251-209- 5658 (Brennan Gibson) Seagrass Concert Series – Dauphin Island The South Mobile County Tourism Authority announces the lineup for this year’s THE SEAGRASS concert series. Alabama native Jason Isbell headlines an “all-Americana” day of music also featuring Marc Broussard, Amanda Shires, Lisa Mills and Ryan Balthrop. This year’s concert will be held at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo site which offers ample festival seating space and unobstructed waterfront views of the “official Sunset Capitol of Alabama”. Place: Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (531 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island), 12 noon - 10 p.m. Please visit eventbrite.com for tickets. Mobile Mystery Dinners Mobile Mystery Dinners presents “The Chicago Caper” at 7:00 p.m. at Mobile’s Carnival Museum. Call 251865-7398 to make your reservations. 5 Rivers Presentation: “Raptors!” 1-2 p.m. Learn about predatory birds with razor-sharp talons – how they live, what they eat, how they sense the world around them, and what role they play in our ecosystems. All ages, FREE, no registration necessary. 5 Rivers is located at 30945 Five Rivers Blvd on the Causeway. For more information call 625-0814. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Steel Magnolias” See August 22 for more information.

Sunday, August 31

Sunset Jazz at the West End Beach – Dauphin Island On the last Sunday of each of the next three months the west end beach will hold an evening of jazz music. Food, beverages, and chairs will be available or you may bring your own. Parking is $5 and walk-ins are $2. Time: 6:30 p.m. Please visit visitsomo.com for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “Dinosaurs Alive” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. In this week’s movie, follow some of the world’s top paleontologists on a journey back in time to discover where and how dinosaurs lived. 5 Rivers is located at 30945 Five Rivers Blvd on the Causeway. For more information call 625-0814. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Steel Magnolias” See August 22 for more information.

Tuesday, September 2

“Treasure Island” Auditions Auditions are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Azalea City for the Arts at 63 Midtown Park East. For more information, please call (251) 510-1808. Andra Bohnet Faculty Flute Recital At 7:30 p.m. flutist Andra Bohnet will present her Faculty Recital at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Drive South), a concert entitled “Space The Final Frontier.” Bohnet will be joined by pianist Jasmin Arakawa, making her Musical Arts Series debut, and the members of the Silverwood Quartet - Tom Morley, violin, Jonathan Clark, viola and guitar and Barbara Gabriel, cello. All of the works on the program for the evening have a whimsical connection to the celestial! 5 Rivers StoryTime “Three Little Gators” by Helen Ketteman 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. 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

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Family Calendar of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week, a re-telling of an old favorite, substituting three little gators and a big bottomed boar rather than the traditional pigs and wolves! Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome! Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6 - 7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Wednesday, September 3

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square Fall is back and so is live jazz! Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl of the oak trees in Bienville Square. Live music provided by the City of Mobile Special Events Dept. and Catt Sirten. Wednesdays, September 3 through October 29 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. “Treasure Island” Auditions See September 2 for more information.

Thursday, September 4

16th Annual Chefs Challenge Join Bay Area Food Bank as they kick off Hunger Action Month with the 16th Annual Chef Challenge – A Challenge to End Hunger from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. Guests will enjoy cuisine from some of our area’s most celebrated chefs, live music from Roman Street, and a vast silent auction. Admission is $50 per person in advance and $60 per person the day of the event. Ticket information is available online www.bayareafoodbank.org or by contacting Stephanie Snyder at (251) 653-1617 ext. 141. All proceeds from Chef Challenge will be used by the food bank to continue distributing food to those in need throughout the Central Gulf Coast.

Friday, September 5

Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” “Into the Woods” combines the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Ridinghood with the story of the Baker and his Wife who desperately want a child. Unfortunately, the Baker and his Wife have been cursed with childlessness by a witch and must perform various missions involving the characters in the other fairy tales to break the spell. September 5th – 21 at 11 S. Carlen St. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays are at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information.

Saturday, September 6

The Fab Four – Ultimate Tribute AEG Live & Huka Entertainment present The Fab Four (Tribute To The Beetles) at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim St, Mobile). If you want to experience the best Beetles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Hurricane Run – Dauphin Island CrowderGulf and the Port City Pacers present HURRICANE RUN 5K and Fun Run The 5K starts 8:10 a.m. and the fun run starts at 9:00 a.m. Please visit productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Ars Nova String Quartet Guest Artist Concert The Nashville-based String Quartet Ars Nova, comprised of sibling violinists Benjamin Hart and Caroline Maichel, violist Christopher Lowry and cellist Emily Nelson will perform for the first time at USA

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Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Drive South) at 7:30 p.m. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information.

Sunday, September 7

Free Admission Sunday – History Museum of Mobile Join us for this Sundays Free admission day from 1-5 p.m. at the History Museum of Mobile, (111 South Royal Street, Mobile). This month we are celebrating National Literacy Month with the Mobile Public Library! Join us to sign up for library cards and see our new exhibit on Literary Mobile in the community gallery, featuring local artist, Todd Duren. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio: Oil Pastels Centre for the Living Arts will be providing studio classes to deaf and hard of hearing students every first Sunday of each month from August – December 2014. Students will use CLA’s current exhibition, PRE-GLO as inspiration while exploring art making in the CLA studio. Projects will relate to exhibition themes such as globalization and mapping and expose students to different cultures. All classes will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided. RSVP required. CLA studio (301 Conti Street  Mobile) at 1:00 p.m. Call Darby Ulery at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@ cityofmobile.org to sign up. Joe Jefferson Players presents “ the Woods” See September 5 for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “More Than Honey” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie examines the disappearance of honeybee populations worldwide. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Monday, September 8

Centre for the Living Arts - Kids Studio Parkway Branch Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6-12 at 3:30 p.m., create beautiful art projects at the Parkway Branch Library. This month’s project is “Tar Paper Sealife” paintings. Space and materials are limited. For more information or to register, please call 470-7766.

Tuesday, September 9

Centre for the Living Arts - Pre-K/Kids StudioWest Regional Branch Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 3 – 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the West Regional Branch Library create beautiful art projects and ages 6-12 at 3:30 p.m. This month’s project is “Tar Paper Sealife” paintings. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 340-8571. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6-7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Audubon Society. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com.

Wednesday, September 10 History Museum Learning Lunch Bring your lunch and we provide drinks and listen to Michael V.R. Thomason, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus, University of South Alabama, “The Legacy of Erik Overbey: Mobile Photography in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries”. 12 p.m. at 111 South Royal Street. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Unity Prayer around the Fountain People gather in Prayer for Saturday & Sunday Unity Walk/Health Fair Community Event. Spanish Plaza Park at 401 Government Street Mobile Starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call Carrie Coats 7536253 or email, carriecoats1721@yahoo.com. Centre for the Living Arts - Kids StudioToulminville Branch Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6-12 at 3:30 p.m. at the Toulminville Branch Library. This month’s project is “Tar Paper Sealife” paintings. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 438-7075. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 3 for more information.

Thursday, September 11 Tedeschi Trucks Band – Saenger Tedeschi Trucks Band concert at the Saenger (6 South Joachim St) at 8:00 p.m. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Art of the Entrée Enjoy chefs around Mobile as they share everything from their culinary ideas and thoughts, to the smells and tastes that make their creations unique and appealing. This month, Brandon Thrash from Faulkner State University will share his culinary knowledge. 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Please call (251) 208-5205 for more information. Centre for the Living Arts - Kids Studio- Ben May Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6-12 at 4:00 p.m. at the Ben May/ Main Library. This month’s project is “Tar Paper Sealife” paintings. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086.

Friday, September 12

“Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center Our 2014-15 season kicks off with “Shrek,” a wild and crazy musical based on the very human monster in the Oscar-winning film that captivated audiences when it debuted in 2001. Sept. 12 through Sept. 28 Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM; Sundays, 2:00 PM. Box office opens 1 hour prior to curtain time. Chickasaw Civic Center - 801 Iroquois St, Mobile. Ticket prices: Mainstage Events - Adults $15, seniors (60+)/Students/Active Military $12; Special Super Season Events - All Tickets $10. Please visit cctshows. com for more information. LoDA Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. 6 - 9 PM. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St) Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. Please visit www.ncsmobile.org. Parents Night Out The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center offers an opportunity for parents of children ages 4 - 12 to spend

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Family Calendar a grown up night out at LoDa Artwalk, enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their kids enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment. Children will be able to explore the Exploreum’s hands-on, interactive exhibit galleries, experience a kid-friendly feature film, make new friends, enjoy a popcorn snack with lemonade, and learn lots of new stuff from the Exploreum’s team of informal educators! Registration required. Please visit www.exploreum.com for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information.

Saturday, September 13

Opening Night: Mobile Symphony There is no better way to open our 14-15 season than with “An American in Paris” by the incomparable George Gershwin, and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto performed by rising superstar Benjamin Beilman. Rounding out this exciting first concert of the season is de Falla’s brilliant and colorful orchestral suite, “The Three Cornered Hat”. Shows: September 13-14 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 on Sunday at the Mobile Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street). Please visit www. mobilesymphony.org for more information. 3RD Annual Blues & Grooves Festival The Blues and Grooves Fest is a musical celebration to help promote Down Syndrome Awareness held in Mobile. The festival is made up of local musicians, business owners, friends and family and other non-profits volunteering their time and talent for a fun filled day

August/September 2014

of music and awareness. Place: Malaga Inn. For more information, please visit www.dssmc.org. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information.

Sunday, September 14

Mobile’s Run to Remember Mobile’s run to remember honors those who protect, serve, and defend. Sunrise Service will start at 7 AM at USS Alabama Battleship Park. 5K Run/Walk will start at 8 AM; Fun Run will start at 8:45 AM; 5K Bicycle and motorcycle rider will start at 9 AM. 5K events will start at Battleship Park; Fun Run will start at the intersection of Government and Conception Streets. Benefits local organizations supporting veterans, active military, first responders and their families. Please visit productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. 5 Rivers Growing Up Wild: Raptors Join us at 5 Rivers Delta (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort) from 1 - 2 p.m. for 5 Rivers Growing Up Wild. Please call (251) 625-0814 or Shonda.Borden@ DCNR.Alabama.gov for more information. Opening Night: Mobile Symphony See September 13 for more information. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information. 5 Rivers Growing Up Wild, “Raptors” 1-2:30 p.m. Kindergarten-Grade 2. Registration Required. Free. Learn about our feathered friends that hunt with razor-sharp talons and hooked beaks. Call 625-0814 to register. Located at 5

Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “Life of Birds: Meat Eaters” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, from the meat-eating Kea parrot of New Zealand, to African eagles that prey on monkeys and flamingos, see the strategies that some birds use to find and catch their prey including tracking by ultraviolet vision! Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com.

Tuesday, September 16

Volunteer at MMofA Join us in Larkins Auditorium for Java Jive, our annual volunteer drive, to discover volunteer opportunities, tour the Museum, and meet the staff. Did we also mention the delicious refreshments and chances to win door prizes? For more info, contact Theresa Orrell at (251) 208-5211 or Theresa.Orrell@ MobileMuseumofArt.com. “Yellow Day” - Yellow Carpet Premiere The Yellow Carpet Premiere and first public screening of the feature film “Yellow Day”, a high-quality, familyfriendly film, shot exclusively in Mobile. Doors open at 6 p.m., Event starts at 7 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Please visit www.eventbrite.com for more information. Crafternoon for Teens - Ages 11 and Up - West Regional Branch Teens test your creativity! Learn how to make fun and useful items out of duct tape from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at

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Family Calendar

August/September 2014

the West Regional Branch. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 340-8571. 5 Rivers StoryTime “Wow! Said the Owl” by Tim Hopgood The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. 10-11 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week, follow a curious little owl determined to see what the world looks like during the day. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com.

shopping, entertainment and more. To purchase tickets, please visit www.rmhcmobile.org or call 251-694-6873. United Cerebral Palsy Food & Folly Join Us for Our 5th Annual Food & Folly Event at the Fort Whiting Armory 6:30-9:30 p.m. to sample cuisine from the area’s top chefs! You can enjoy delicious food, take part in the wine grab, bid on great deals in our silent auction, and much more. Tickets are just $60 per couple or $35 per individual. Exclusive reserved tables for 10 guests are available for $500 (quantities are limited). For more information and to purchase your tickets, contact Kenny Sheets or Eric Cash at 251-479-4900.

Wednesday, September 17

Black Jacket Symphony presents Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through the recreation of classic albums as a live performance. A selected album is performed in its entirety, by a group of hand-picked musicians, specifically selected for each album. This show takes place at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim St., Mobile) at 8:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger. com for more information. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information.

Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 3 for more information.

Thursday, September 18

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser Wind Creek Casino presents Girls Just Wanna Have Fun benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. This “must do” event is an evening for ladies 21 years of age and older and features heavy hors d’oeuvres from local area chefs and restaurants, McTini’s and an unforgettable evening of manicures, make-overs,

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

Friday, September 19

Saturday, September 20 Sesame Street Live, Make A New Friend Come join us at the Mobile Civic Center for Sesame Street Live, Make a Friend at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilecivicctr.com for more information.

27th Annual Coastal Cleanup Show your support and concern for Alabama’s waterways by participating in the 27th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup, 8 a.m. - noon. You or your organization can make a difference by volunteering to clean up our cherished coastal area. Please visit www. alabamacoastalcleanup.com for more information. GO 5K and Fun Run 7th Annual GO RUN 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, 8:00 a.m. to benefit USA MCI - Gynecologic Cancer Research. The location is University of South Alabama Campus - Mitchell Center Lawn / Moulton Tower. Please visit productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Herb Day 2014: Herbs From A to Z An educational seminar presented by the Gulf Coast Herb Society and the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Registration begins at 8:30, program from 9:00 a.m. Noon. Basic information about selecting, growing and using herbs on the Gulf Coast. New information and ideas will be discussed as well as a take-home garden project. There will also be herbs, garden related objects, and the Herb Society Cookbook for sale. Lunch, prepared by Herb Society members, is included. Mobile Botanical Gardens (5151 Museum Drive). Cost - $30. Registration is required; seating is limited, so don’t delay. Information and registration form at www. gulfcoastherbsociety.org or email: herbday2014@ yahoo.com WEMO Arts and Crafts Fair WEMO arts and crafts fair. A fundraiser to support the missions of West Mobile Baptist Church in Mobile. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7501 Airport Blvd, Mobile. All proceeds will help support our work in the mission’s field, and our youth groups. If you are not an artsy/ craftsy person, come to see the displays! We will have a kid’s play area with inflatables, so come with your children for a day of good food and fun. Please visit

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Family Calendar www.westmobilebaptist.org for more information. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information.

Sunday, September 21

Mobile Fashion Week Mobile Fashion week is from September 21-September 27. Local, regional and national designers unite to present runway shows with looks from local and regional stores. Proceeds from the event benefit Camp Rap-a-Hope, a summer camp for kids diagnosed with cancer. Please visit mobfashionweek.com for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet 2-2:30 p.m., Free. Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “Last Call at the Oasis” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family-friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, explore the global water crisis, examining deficiencies in the supply service as well as communities affected by water shortages. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Into the Woods” See September 5 for more information.

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Tuesday, September 23

Vintage Inspiration: The Brides of Downton Abbey The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion will host an exciting fundraiser featuring Cornelia Powell, nationally known author. Please join Ms. Powell for an entertaining look at behind-the-scenes stories and images of the wildly popular PBS series “Downton Abbey” as well as hearing intriguing bits of fashion history, tiara legends, wedding folklore, and much more! We will have a morning coffee and afternoon tea. Admission will be charged for this wonderful fundraiser and seating is limited. Admission includes Ms. Powell’s excellent presentation, a tour of the mansion, refreshments and food, shopping in our gift shop, and a book signing opportunity with Cornelia Powell! Location: Bragg-Mitchell Mansion – 1906 Springhill Avenue, Mobile. For more information, please visit www. braggmitchellmansion.com.

helps raise important dollars for the March of Dimes, pays tribute to the culinary excellence of local chefs and caterers in the Mobile/Fairhope areas and is geared toward people who enjoy fine dining, fine wine, auctions and entertainment. Location: Space 301 at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call Riley McDuff – (251) 345-6480 or emcduff@marchofdimes.com. Ladies Night at Mobile Museum of Art Come to MMofA (4850 Museum Dr) for a Ladies Night truly meant for ladies. Part critical discourse, part party. We’ll address the issues and plight of the modern day woman, politics and polish. From suffrage to style tips, we got you. We’ll bring the beer and wine; you bring your favorite nosh, as we dig into gender roles and begin to unpack the nuances of contemporary femininity. 7:00 p.m. 30 Minute Presentation followed by an Open Discussion Mixer. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.

September 26 Wednesday, September 24 Friday, Art Works: The Throwdown 3 History Museum Learning Lunch Bring your lunch and we provide drinks and listen at 12 p.m. at 111 South Royal Street. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 3 for more information.

Thursday, September 25 Signature Chefs Auction – A March of Dimes Event Bring together top local chefs, caterers, and restaurateurs showcasing their culinary masterpieces, a generous sampling of fine wines, fabulous entertainment and a lively auction featuring one-ofa-kind packages, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a Signature Chefs Auction event. This event, which

Silent auction/ loud party with area artists in a battle of creativity: Each will be given a box with mystery items, a shared supply table, and 90 minutes to create a new work of art to be sold in a live auction; silent auction of items donated by area artists and organizations; music; food and beverages. Benefits Mobile Arts Council’s programs and activities. 6 – 9 p.m. Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St). Please visit www.mobilearts.org for more information. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information.

Saturday, September 27 Ready..Cassette..Go.. The Ultimate 80’s Re-Run 5K Who doesn’t love a flashback to the 80s? From the

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Family Calendar bright colors and fashion to the entertainment and games, this course is sure to be totally awesome as each kilometer highlights a different theme. Participants will warm up for the run/walk with some 80s aerobics, a hairspray station and a backdrop for tubular photo opps! Participants will also have the chance to win rad prizes through contests along the course, so dress in your 80’s best! The 5k run will take place on the campus of The University of South Alabama, beginning at the Intramural Field (307 N University Blvd University of South Alabama). The race will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. Please visit www.active.com for more information. MDA Muscle Walk Join us for the South Alabama MDA Coast Muscle Walk from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium. MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. How many muscles does it take to walk? One — your heart. Participate as an individual or organize a team and “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” for MDA families in your area! Please visit walk. mda.org for more information. Bayfest 5K & Fun/Walk Run Join us in downtown Bienville Square at 8:00 a.m. for the 5K and the Fun Run at 9:00 a.m. to benefit for the BayFest Music Industry Education & Scholarship Programs. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by September 20), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on September 25, or online (http://bayfest5k.eventbrite. com) until 4 AM September 26. Early packet pick-up and late registration will be available on Friday, September 26 from 12 – 6 PM at the Port City Pacers Office at 358

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Morgan Ave. Race day registration at Bienville Square from 6:30-7:30 AM. 26th Annual Jubilee Festival Join us for the 26th Annual Jubilee Festival. The Jubilee Festival is an Eastern Shore tradition that offers fine art, crafts, great entertainment and great food in Olde Towne Daphne on September 27 and 28. A large screen TV will be set up in the City Council Chambers for the football fans to watch their favorite teams play. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Please call (251) 621-8222 for more information. Tinker Session for Teens, Ages 12 and Up – Springhill/Moorer Branch Library Learn how to make pictures with glow sticks, flash lights and other lighted objects using long exposure settings on a digital camera from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Springhill/ Moorer Branch Library. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email eenglish@mplonline.org. St Ignatius Impala Gallop St. Ignatius Impala Gallop is a 2-mile certified run/walk to benefit St. Ignatius’ only fundraiser Impala Gala. Race starts at 5:45 p.m. (immediately following 4:30 p.m. mass). Race will start at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Tuthill Avenue and end at Marion Center on Tuthill Avenue. St. Ignatius Catholic Church is located at 3704 Springhill Avenue Mobile. Register in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile until noon on Sept. 26th. Race day registration also available. For more info contact rbwein@hotmail.com. “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information.

Sunday, September 28 “Shrek the Musical” – Chickasaw Civic Center See September 12 for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “The Inexplicable Universe with Neil DeGrasse Tyson” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family-

friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, host Tyson reveals how cutting edge technology enables modern scientists to explore the wonders of the universe as never before. Located at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. For more information call 251-625.0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com. 26th Annual Jubilee Festival See September 27 for more information.

Looking Ahead...

October 2-4. 11th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest Alabama Coastal BirdFest enters its second decade! This year’s event includes expertly guided trips on foot and by boat to favorite birding spots along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, with several new trips, including two sunset cruises (one in the Delta, one on Weeks Bay), and a Northbound Adventure Cruise that can be taken by itself or combined with the popular Bottle Creek Indian Mounds Adventure. Register now or view the full schedule at www.alabamacoastalbirdfest. com to make your plans. Don’t miss the bonus trips available only with online registration. 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.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@mobilebay parents.com.

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A Page in a Book

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We All Have a Story to Tell From the moment they begin to string words together, kids are off on their own storytelling adventures! Whether it’s disjointed narratives of their pretend-play or more cohesive descriptions of events in their lives, children love a good story – real or imagined. As they hear stories repeated, kids begin to recognize the elements that construct tales; the setting, the characters, and the plot. And for kids who love reading books, it’s a natural next step for them to want to craft stories of their own. The following titles are entertaining explorations of the art of story-telling. Whether the medium is art, voice or the writtenword, everyone has a story – and the charm is in the telling.

Lost for Words

by Natalie Russell (Peachtree) Prepared with a nice new notebook and colored pencils, Tapir is ready to create a story between its covers. But when nothing comes to mind as he confronts the blank, white pages, Tapir goes to visit his friends in hopes of overcoming his writer’s block. He learns that Giraffe fills his notebook with poetry. Hippo uses his notebook to tell exciting (mostly autobiographical) stories. Flamingo writes song lyrics and music onto her pages. Impressed by his friends’ talents, Tapir is still coming up empty for ideas of his own. After searching for inspiration, Tapir finally retreats to a quiet hilltop. And what he sees inspires him to put his pencils to the page – to finally tell his own story. A sweet reminder that not all tales need words, this book is a celebration of all the different ways a story can be told.

Help! We Need a Title!

by Herve Tullet (Candlewick) From the moment the first page turns, readers enter into a conversation with the casually drawn and engaging figures in Help! We Need a Title. An incongruous team of characters are surprised to the see the reader open their book – and are also unprepared with a story to tell. They make some false starts trying to entertain the reader before they decide what’s really needed is an author. When they pull the reluctant author into the picture with them, he organizes their suggestions into a short, but sweet story for the reader. The direct engagement of the characters as they break the “fourth wall” will delight both the read-aloud and independent reading sets. Originally published in France, Tullet’s candid style is ideal for introducing the elements of storytelling to young readers!

Ike’s Incredible Ink

by Brianne Farley (Candlewick) As a dedicated reader and lover of good stories, Ike feels ready to write one of his own. But getting started is hard. Ike can’t start this project without the perfect ink. He embarks on a long journey to find the best ingredients. Securing shady and mysterious shadows are first on his list. Tracking and plucking the black feathers on the Booga bird are next. Collecting the velvety dark of the moon requires extraordinary preparation and some rocketry (but Ike gets there and back). Once his critical black hues are collected and processed for his perfect ink, Ike sits at this desk with his ink pen ready to write. And the story that follows is the perfect culmination of Ike’s desire to write a story that’s all his own!

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

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Step Up: All In

The Giver

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: B Sexual Content: BLanguage: CAlcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Step Up All In PG-13 for some language and suggestive material. Channing Tatum didn’t have a lot of Hollywood clout when he played a vandal forced to do community service at a dance school in the original Step Up movie. Since then his career has taken off and so has the dance-filled franchise, which has already grossed over $564 million worldwide. Step Up: All In is the fifth title to release and brings back stars from previous films for a battle in Las Vegas. I don’t know who has the smarter marketing strategy -- the Step Up franchise or the promotion team who has found yet another film to spotlight the bright lights of the famous Strip. Either way you won’t see anything new. The desert city has its best marquees highlighted and Step Up: All In recycles the same old storyline: a troubled but seriously ripped hero, an uneasy love relationship and incredible dancing. If you can put up with the first two, then the dance moves are worth the ticket price. Ryan Guzman is back from Step Up Revolution as Sean, leader of The Mob. After earning $50,000 for a Nike commercial, the Miami-based crew settled in Tinsel Town with dreams of making it big. But now a string of unsuccessful auditions has left them at the end of their finances. They’ve decided to pack up and head home. Sean, however, is too stubborn to give up and parts ways with the rest of the troupe. A little later, after getting a job as a handyman in a Los Angeles dance studio, he stumbles across a competition called The Vortex. The winner of the Las Vegas contest gets a steady job with a three-year contract for a stage show in the city. But rather than reassemble his old crew, Sean goes looking for a new one. He starts with the curly haired Moose (Adam Sevani) who helps muster a group of talented dancers (from previous movies). The first hurdle they have to clear is deciding which of them is in charge. Sean thinks it should be him. But Andie (Briana Evigan from Step Up 2: The Streets) has other ideas. Once that is settled, the gang begins planning their audition tape. Sean knows his main competition on The Vortex reality show will be Jasper (Stephen Stevo Jones) and the Grim Knight crew. What he doesn’t expect is to see The Mob there as well. It’s a lightweight story with stilted dialogue, overacting and a sentimental monologue. The predictable plot doesn’t offer any problems you know won’t be resolved before the next big battle. Even Sean’s emphatic use of a strong sexual expletive seems out of place in a script that is relatively void of profanities. Still, you have to remember the story -- as flimsy as it is -- is only there to tie together a string of amazingly choreographed routines. On that front the performers come through. Dancing for a livelihood is a tough career. That may be why some of these characters make this competition seem like a life and death contest. But considering some of the alternative ways people find to solve disputes, maybe the dance floor isn’t such a bad place to battle it out for supremacy.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: C Sexual Content: ALanguage: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Giver PG13 for a mature thematic image and some sci-fi action/violence. What would you give for world peace? With conflicts regularly breaking out in various places around the globe, this question is one each of us has likely contemplated. But such is not the case for the residents of The Community. They live in a utopian environment achieved by eliminating diversity, making their communications precise, prohibiting lying, and administering a daily injection to each individual to insure the health of all. Overseen by the Elders, every person’s life is regulated from his or her birth and placement into a family unit, to their childhood education, assignment to a job, and eventual departure to “elsewhere” in their old age. The society runs so perfectly that no one even thinks to ask what have they given for world peace. No one, except perhaps “The Giver” (Jeff Bridges). Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), a resident of The Community, is about to graduate to adulthood. At the annual ceremony where the career placements are made, the presiding Elder (Meryl Streep) withholds his pronouncement until the end. To the surprise of everyone, instead of being a drone pilot or a nurturer like his friends Asher and Fiona (Cameron Monaghan and Odeya Rush), Jonas is selected to be the next “Receiver of Memory”. Although this is a great honor, Jonas is entirely unsure of what this titled role entails until his training with The Giver begins. The old man, whose position Jonas will one day assume, explains that he is the keeper of memories from the past. The knowledge he possesses about a time before The Community was formed allows him to council the Elders when they face problems beyond their present experience. The wise man will share this information with the young apprentice by clasping his hands, then transferring images and experiences right into Jonas’s mind. Despite his deliberate upbringing, nothing has prepared Jonas for the explosion of thoughts and feelings that the Giver asks him to receive. Introduced to joy, happiness and love, it doesn’t take long for him to catch a glimpse of what his mentor means when he says there is so much more to the world than what life in The Community offers. Yet as he comes to understand pain, sorrow and loss too, he starts to sympathize with why The Elders are trying to protect the citizens. It isn’t until Jonas begins to question the costs incurred by his society in order to maintain the benefit of a peaceful existence that he recognizes he may have to use his own judgment to decide if things should change. Based on a popular young adult novel by Lois Lowery, The Giver also presents the viewer with this age-old conundrum: Which is better? World peace without individual choice, or individual choice that will almost certainly lead to a world without peace? These mature themes make this film a poor choice for young viewers. But it is a strong contender for raising important discussion topics with older children and teens. Featuring solid performances and intriguing art design, The Giver has a lot to offer those willing to thoughtfully receive.

What Parents need to know about Step Up All In...

Violence: Soldiers shoot and kill one another (no blood shown). Some die. Poachers shoot an elephant for its ivory. Real news footage is shown of various world conflicts, protests and disasters. Lethal injections are given to infants, the elderly and the disobedient. A character is chased by law enforcers, and electrocuted with a weapon. A teen and child are dropped from a height into a turbulent river. Characters struggle to survive against the elements. Sexual Content: A teen couple holds each other’s hands and kiss on a couple of occasions. Body chances during puberty are alluded to. Language: None noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

What Parents need to know about The Giver...

Violence: Characters exchange verbal jabs and then proceed to “battle” on the dance floor. Some characters lie or mislead others. Sexual Content: Couples kiss on several occasions. Characters make sexist comments. Female judges ask men to remove their shirts while auditioning. Some mild innuendo and crude sexual humor are included. Brief shots of nude statues and paintings are shown. Language: The script includes a strong sexual expletive and infrequent scatological slang, mild crude terms and some profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink in social settings and at home. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2014

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