N I U C re n unio
SUNDAY 1-3
October 18, 2015
PM
Legendary Gulf Coast Eats with a Laid Back Vibe [View’s not bad either]
Spectacular Waterfront Banquet Room for Holiday Parties, Bridal Rehearsals, Retirements, Celebrations, Corporate Events, etc. Take a tour www.originaloysterhouse.com/banquet
Mobile Causeway 251.626.2188
MobileParentsOct.indd 1
Gulf Shores 251.948.2445
1
OriginalOysterHouse.com
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
9/16/15 11:20 AM
O
Fi S
Ad ye
4
T N
Fu an
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
2
www.mobilebayparents.com
om
October2015 36
40
Volume 5 Number 5
Columns 4
Mom of the Month 6
Living With Children John Rosemond
Five Things Effective Stepparents Know
Advice for making the transition years as smooth as possible.
Growing Up Online
14
Is technology rewiring your baby’s brain? Answering these questions will let you know.
Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
35
Dave Says
42
Dave Ramsey
46
38
Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
40
Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
The Trick to a No-Treat Halloween
Fun ideas for kids with allergies and other dietary restrictions.
2015 Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Our guide to local and regional outings your family will love.
45
Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey
59
A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Mallory (6) and Caroline Helms (3), daughters to Brooke and Chris Helms and big sisters to Mack Helms. Mallory loves all things art and tennis and Caroline loves taking dance and singing. Special thanks to Spirit Halloween who provided the costumes for the cover. 3
Departments 8
Bits and Pieces 15
School Bits 52
Family Calendar 60
Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
MomOfTheMonth I am so thrilled to be a part of this month’s Fall Family Fun edition of Mobile Bay Parents magazine! When I was asked about our girls appearing on the cover and told they would be wearing princess costumes, I immediately said yes! Every year as the costumes start showing up in stores, they start talking about what they want to be for Halloween…a princess one day, super heroes the next day and ghosts the day after. I feel like I can’t actually buy anything until right before Halloween because they change their little minds daily! Last year they had a new baby brother so I was able to convince the whole family to coordinate with him and his adorable Pinterest DIY baby chick costume (that I totally regretted the moment I started gluing individual boa feathers on the onesie). It turned out better than I hoped, and with my little chick, pig and kitty cat, we loaded into the hay-filled trailer with friends and family for a night of trick or treating. Everyone had so much fun! However, holiday outings are a little more challenging with a child who has gluten sensitivities. My daughter Caroline is pretty good about knowing what she can and cannot have, but this time of year it is tough looking at all the cookies, cakes, pies and breads. Fortunately, there are so many alternatives available that make it much easier on everyone. It may not be gluten that you are staying away from; it may be sugar, nuts or other food issues that make these next few months challenging. If so, you will enjoy The Trick to a No-Treat Halloween, by Beth Fornauf. In her article, Beth talks about how common food allergies and sensitivities are and gives us several tips on how to have fun without all the junk food. If you are looking for even more fall family fun, make sure you check out the Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide on page 46. In that guide you will find pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, festivals, trunk-or-treats and much more! That, combined with the Family Calendar on page 52, and you are sure to have plenty to keep your family entertained all month long. My family loves pumpkin patches! It seems we visit every one we see until the pumpkins are gone, because who can pass up a good pumpkin patch? As a photographer, this is also one of my favorite times of year to photograph my little ones. I love the fall lighting, the colors, and the overall “glow” of fall. I can’t wait to see what shots I will get during all the fall activities. It will definitely be more of a challenge this year now that our youngest is walking. Another challenge I think we can all agree on is a fall wardrobe in the South! We wake up to a crisp cool morning in the 50s, then end the day at 88 degrees. What is a woman to wear? I personally love to layer, and get really excited about leggings and boots! After being pregnant for half of the last six years, I am in desperate need of a shopping trip for some new fall favorites. Centsibly Southern Chic on page 45 offers some helpful ways for mixing our summer and fall styles to create a look that won’t send us into a heat stroke by the end of the day. I hope you are all looking forward to these next few months as much as I am. Happy Fall!
Brooke Helms Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
4
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. Beth Fornauf Laura Handey Brooke Helms Carolyn Jabs Laura Reagan-Porras Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 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.
www.mobilebayparents.com
ce
he e, nity. y ss.
PARENTS WELCOME IN TREATMENT ROOMS
m
PARENT SPECIAL
Adult Dental
com
CLEANING, for patients dental EXAM & X-RAYS without insurance
y by 05, oice
hare or ons ose w of t of
om
48 $
Mobile Bay Dental & Vision Price Includes: cleaning, exam, cavity detecting x-rays, and complete mouth x-ray.
5
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Solving ‘Anger Issues’ in Teens Q: Our 14-year-old daughter has difficulty controlling her anger. She has extreme outbursts fairly frequently here at home— screaming, cursing, and even throwing things when she doesn’t get her way. She appears to have no respect for us and very little consideration for her two younger siblings. At school and in other people’s homes, however, she’s a model citizen. She’s a straight-A student about whom all of her teachers have nothing but praise. When I describe her outbursts to friends and family, they are disbelieving. Is it too late to do anything about her anger issue? A: I flunked fortune telling in graduate school, so the answer to your question is “I don’t know.” Nonetheless, it’s certainly worth a good try. You’ve told me enough to know that what you’re describing is not an “anger issue.” Rather, it’s an issue of narcissistic disrespect and ingratitude. Mind you, today’s kids come by the latter fairly easily. Generally speaking, their parents give them entirely
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
too much. In the vernacular of an earlier parenting era, all too many of today’s kids seem to think that money grows on trees (or in their parents’ wallets and pocketbooks). The completely unnecessary personal smart phone at age 10 is the emblem of this ubiquitous over-indulgence. It’s a short hop from over-indulged to disrespectful. Entitlements and respect for the source of said entitlements are incompatible. More often than not, entitlements engender an “I deserve” attitude. When the entitlers are parents, the outcome is likely to be as you describe: thanklessness, demands, and rages when demands are not met. In short, a problem of this sort does not arise independent of a certain set of homebased circumstances. If you’re going to solve this problem you will first need to accept that you provided the medium in which it developed. In that regard, the question becomes, “Are you willing to radically change your ways?” Your daughter probably believes that exemplary grades and behavior outside
6
the home place her beyond the reach of consequences. You need to demonstrate the fallacy in her thinking. Do so by removing from her room all possessions save essential clothing and school supplies. Box them up and put them in a storage facility. Cancel her cell phone contract. If she has a computer in her room, move it to a common area. Do the above when she’s out of the house. When she comes home and asks for an explanation, tell her that her disruptions and disrespect will no longer be tolerated; that when she has been disruption- and disrespect free for a continuous 30-day period, her possessions will be returned with the understanding that if she backslides, her next rehabilitation period will jump to 60 days. If, during said 30 days, she has an “incident,” the 30 days begins over again the following day. When her rehab is complete, however, things must not go back to “normal.” You have to change your indulgent ways as well or a relapse is inevitable. You can do this. Just keep Admiral David Farragut’s famous order in mind: “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.
www.mobilebayparents.com
v-
IT’S A-MAZING
Celebrating Over 10 Years Of Family Fun! Get lost and have fun on a farm! September 26 through October 31, Monday - Thursday School Field Trips
“THE GULF COAST’S ORIGINAL CORNFIELD MAZE”
ox y. sa on
-
-
e
n
o
Damn
-
om
F O D L E I F FRIGHT OCTOBER 17, 24, & 31
COME AND SEE IF YOU CAN SURVIVE THE UNEXPECTED ADRENALINE-PUMPING NIGHT. IT’S FOR ALL AGE GROUPS. THE WALKING MAZE WILL BE OPEN AT THE SAME TIME.
BAY AREA FOOD BANK CAN GOOD DRIVE OCTOBER 3,10,17
HELP US STOCK THE FOOD BANK FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. BRING A CAN GOOD AND GET $1 OFF ADMISSION ON THESE DATES.
AW SHUCKS GRILL
GRANDPARENTS DAY: OCTOBER 3RD
OFFERING FRESHED GRILLED CORN ON THE COB! LEMONADE STAND IS OFFERING FRESH LEMONADE SLUSHIE DRINKS. DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON OUR NEW 120’ YEE HAW SLIDE!!!
“HOW MUCH WE LOVE GRANDPARENTS” DAY! THESE DAYS ARE FOR THAT SPECIAL OUTING WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS. GRANDPARENTS WILL RECEIVE 50% OFF THE “GET LOST” TICKET. DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!!
TRICK OR TREAT SATURDAY OCTOBER 31ST
GRAB THE KIDS AND ENJOY THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND TRICK OR TREATING EXPERIENCE! MEET YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTERS, TREATS, AND KARAOKE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES!! CHARACTER TIMES: 11AM UNTIL 5PM.
For more information & pricing: www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine www.SewardFarms.com or 228-641-3936 7
Chip in for Autism Golf Tournament
The Learning Tree announces the 5th Annual “Chip in for Autism” golf tournament, benefiting Woody’s Song School, to be held Friday October 23rd at Azalea City Golf Course. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided by The Hungry Owl. Registration is $60 per player. Sponsorships are available. The proceeds benefit Woody’s Song School, a non-traditional, year-round day school for children ages 5 – 18 on the autism spectrum. For more information, contact Cindy Fulford, 251-656-0070 or Teresa Atkins, 251-331-2633.
Christian College Fair Night
Join Bayshore Christian School as they host Christian College Fair Night. This is a great opportunity to obtain information and have questions answered by several Christian colleges. Some of the colleges that will be in attendance are Belhaven University, Boyce College, Covenant College, Faulkner University, Geneva College, Judson College, Liberty University, Mississippi College, New Saint Andrews College, Pensacola Christian College, University of Mobile and William Carey University. The Christian College Fair Night will be held Thursday, October 29th, 6 – 8 p.m. at Bayshore Christian School located at 23050 US Highway 98, Fairhope. For more information call (251) 929-0011.
The Salty Worm fishing tournament is gearing up for its fourth annual event to be held October 17, at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. The Salty Worm Brackish Classic is a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament in which freshwater anglers compete against salt water anglers on the same day. This is possible because of the unique ecosystem found in the Mobile Tennsaw Delta. The tournament will be held at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Mobile causeway because of its location in the center of the Delta. The tournament will begin at daybreak and the weigh-in will be held at the Bluegill from 1:00 to 4:00. The Delta Bash after party is a family friendly event to be held at the same time as the weigh-in and will include live music, seafood buffet, silent auction, and children's activities. Anglers participating in the tournament will be admitted to the Delta Bash and all others may purchase tickets for $30 prior to the event and $35 day of; children 8 and under are free. The proceeds from the Salty Worm tournament and the Delta Bash will go to the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and will be used to help find early detection methods for this dreaded disease. Tournament tickets and Delta Bash tickets can be purchased on our website at SaltyWorm.org.
4th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail
The 4th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail will be held Oct. 10, on Dauphin Island from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event is presented by the Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce. The event will include over 40 local and regional artists spread around the island at 10 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 5 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 all 10 of the locations on the island to qualify for prize drawings at the end of the day. If a patron gets all 10 stamps, they will be entered for the grand prize drawing which will include a condo or beach house package on the beach. There is no purchase necessary to have your map stamped and entered 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 an old fashioned trolley on the island from "Old Shell Trolley Company" transporting patrons from stop to stop throughout the day. In addition to the Trail Map that visitors will be given, they will also be given a sheet of discount coupons from other island businesses. Visit the local restaurants to enjoy some of the fresh gulf seafood that Dauphin Island is famous for. For details or questions please call Tricia Kerr, 861-6001 or 786-0722. 8
w Ca “
i ca m
“R Fa C
Salty Worm Fishing Tournament Benefitting Pancreatic Cancer Research
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
Ma an
www.mobilebayparents.com
$
Balloon Glow in the Gardens at Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Dress up your little goblins and come to Bellingrath Gardens for the 11th annual Balloon Glow in the Gardens, an evening of trick-or-treating on the Great Lawn on Saturday, Oct. 24. Halloween and fall-themed inflatables will be glowing throughout the Gardens to guide little witches and wizards along the pathways to the Great Lawn. Local businesses and organizations will hand out candy and treats to guests. There will also be a spectacular hot air balloon glowing on the Great Lawn to illuminate the Gardens, weather permitting. Hours are 4 to 6 PM. Beginning at 4 PM, the admission price will be reduced to $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. There is no charge for Bellingrath members and children 4 and younger. Registration is encouraged; call 251.973.2217. For details, visit our website: www.bellingrath. org. After Oct. 1, online tickets will be available at brownpapertickets.com.
t,
r l, m sa
be ion
10th Annual Cardboard City
Mark your calendars to attend the 10th Annual Cardboard City Saturday, October 24. You or your organization can help to change lives and raise awareness and funds for homeless families. Cardboard City is a night to raise awareness and support for homeless programs in Mobile. New this year, “Breaking the Chain of Homelessness” Human Chain that will begin at 3 p.m. Registration and setup for Cardboard City begins at 4 p.m. The Cardboard City Grand Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Participants raise at least $100 for “rent” by asking for sponsorships from family friends, neighbors, or church members. Participants will spend the night in a cardboard box, giving them a sense of what it is like to be homeless for a night. Also new this year people are able to sleep in their cars for the night, called Car Camping. The rent for Car Camping is $150 per car with a maximum of 2 people per car. All cars must have a parent or guardian in the car. They will have special parking and will be allowed to run their cars from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. “Rent” or sponsorships raised will be used to support two homeless agencies in Mobile, Family Promise & Sybil Smith Family Village. To participate in the 10th Annual Cardboard City, become a sponsor or for more information visit www.cardboardcitymobile.com or call 251-441-1991 or 251-473-5526.
$12 per person
be e. t s
Oct 3rd - Oct 31st
s
il s
h for d. .
om
Magnolia Farms Paintball Now Open! www.magnoliafarmspaintball.com
9
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
St
NICU Reunion to be Held October 18
The Hollis J. Wiseman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host its 26th NICU Reunion in the hospital courtyard from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, October 18. All NICU graduates and their families are invited. Costumes are encouraged at this fall festival-themed event. Refreshments, children’s games, a photo booth and face painting are featured. Free parking at USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Admission is free. Info: (251) 415-1000.
se o k
9th Annual Wine Festival
The 9th annual Wine Festival at Five Rivers will be held Thursday, October 15, at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. There will be delicious food and wine throughout the evening all donated by area restaurants, caterers and wine distributors. For this year’s musical entertainment we will have the Jim Roebuck Jazz Trio. Attendees will have an opportunity to vote to recognize their favorite food dish by voting for the “Taste of the Bay” and to cast a vote for the “Best of the Fest” award, which is designed to provide recognition to the most outstanding restaurant or caterer participant overall. All proceeds from this evening of fine wines and wonderful food will benefit the work of Catholic Social Services. Please visit www.wineat5rivers.com or call (251) 434-1550 for more information.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
10
Oc a
pa
co loc
M
www.mobilebayparents.com
ts y, es
e
om
John Rosemond Parenting Seminar
St. Luke's Episcopal School will be hosting "America's Leading Parenting Expert" John Rosemond for a Parenting with Love and Leadership seminar. This free event is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Rosemond is a syndicated columnist in over 200 papers nationwide and the author of 14 bestselling parenting books. Dr. Rosemond is one of America's most popular speakers known for his sound advice, humor and relaxed, engaging style. His common sense approach to parenting provides parents the guidance to raise happy, wellmannered children who will, as adults, contribute value to culture and society. The location is the St. Luke's Middle and Upper School Campus in the Louise Robinson Moorer Center for Performing Arts, 1400 South University Boulevard.
Sunny Side Theater Presents “The Secret Garden”
Sunny Side Theater presents its fall show, “The Secret Garden” adapted by Tim Kelly. Join us as we present the classic tale of an orphaned girl who is sent to live with her absentee uncle. As she begins exploring the house, she discovers many of its secrets and opens them up for everyone to enjoy! Performance dates are October 23 & 24 at 7:00 p.m. and October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts, 1600 University Boulevard. Tickets are $11 adults, $9 students, and $6 children 12 and under. Call Director Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808 with any questions.
Playhouse-in-the-Park Presents Edgar Allen Poe Compilation
The Playhouse-in-the-Park presents "Edgar Allen Poe" in October. This dramatic compilation of Poe favorites is sure to entertain ages middle school and older with humor and horror! Adapted for the stage by Playhouse alumni Jonathan Olensky. Public shows will be on October 23, 24, 30, and 31 at the Playhouse. All public shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Call 251-602-0630 for reservations. Visit www.playhouseinthepark for more Playhouse news, events, and classes!
11
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Outpost Campsites on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Summer is fading and the crisp cool air of fall is now in full sight. Fall remains a favorite time of year. The stars seem brighter, the sky bluer and nature’s wonderful wildlife appear livelier. The crackling of leaves underfoot and the sound of children laughing as they wait for the school bus is always a sign fall has found its way back. School days are in full swing and planning activities, including field trips, special birthday parties and memorable weekends, have us scrambling for the extraordinary expedition that includes the great outdoors. If your family enjoys flora and fauna, look no further than the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in the Alabama Gulf State Park. The addition of three outpost campsites nestled among tall pines, scrub oaks and miles of trails provide for the ideal trip to remember. Reminiscent of a Huck Finn adventure, these new primitive amenities are constructed with canvas tents supported on rustic hardwood floors and roped together with framed recycled downed trees. The Bonanza, The Duke and The Alamo camps, separated by a short walking path, include comfy nylon cots to accommodate 4 people per site, 6-guest max with an additional tent. An old-fashioned pump sink is onsite for cleanup after a fun filled evening of grilling hotdogs, burgers and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. The park camp store, swimming pool, bike rentals and bathhouse are accessible to all campers. Group rates and special packages are available. For more information or to book your event call 251-948-7275. Reservations can be made 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a virtual tour of all the trails visit us at www.backcountrytrail.com.
2015 Diabesity Conference: Focusing on Diabetes and Obesity
The 2015 Diabesity Conference will be held October 9, from 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Student Center. Mobile County continues to have one of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the Country. We now weigh in with 36% of our adults obese, 3% worse than our own state average! Obesity and diabetes lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer, lost time at work, poor quality of life and premature death. We CAN Live Better Mobile! Come learn how. Community leaders, employers, education leaders and students, health and welfare agency and public officials interested in a healthier, more productive community and workforce, and those looking to prevent or manage their own obesity and diabetes will learn: the state of our obesity and diabetes rates; how we compare to other communities; what is causing this epidemic; what the true costs are to our community; what we are doing to stem the tide of diabetes and obesity; how to improve your own health; and how we can work better together for improving our collective impact. To register, visit livebettermobile.org, click on the Diabesity icon on the homepage. $35 before Sept. 2; then $50. 3.5 General CEU hours will be offered for an additional $20.
Ransom Reprogram Seeks to Help Homeless Through Job Skills Training
For many people, getting a job hinges on completing an application, possessing the right qualifications and interviewing well. But for others, roadblocks to employment often end before they even apply. After five years of getting to know people in Mobile and Baldwin counties who are stuck in this cycle, the staff of Ransom Ministries, which operates a donationonly restaurant called Ransom Cafe as well as the Clean Machine, a portable laundry and shower trailer that serves the homeless community, realized helping people find meaningful work would ultimately help them change their lives. “We recognized that while helping people with food, laundry and showers is a great way to establish relationships and give people dignity in the moment, without a good job, people can't break the cycle and get out of poverty,” says Matt Armbruster, founder of Ransom Ministries. “Then we started talking to people about why they weren't working and we realized for some of them, it wasn't for lack of trying — they just for whatever reason didn't match what employers are searching for or didn't cut it once they did get a job. Eventually after so much rejection, they stop applying.” Out of this need, Ransom ReProgram was born. ReProgram, an 8-week job skills training program, utilizes Jobs for Life, an internationally-recognized curriculum that focuses on soft skills and the Biblical principles of work. Ransom ReProgram is currently looking for individuals and businesses who would like to be involved in this exciting new program. There are several ways you can get involved. Mentors: Become a Ransom ReProgram Champion. • Spend three to four hours per week with a Ransom ReProgram student • Attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Chickasaw when possible • Pray for and with your student • Stay in contact with your student throughout the week. Business owners and hiring managers: • Partner with Ransom ReProgram • Allow students to work on a volunteer basis three times per week throughout the eight-week program • Hire our graduates for entry-level positions (students will only be recommended for employment if they meet stringent graduation requirements). Donors: Help fund Ransom ReProgram • Donate toward Ransom ReProgram by donating online at RansomMinistries.com or mailing a check to Ransom Ministries, P.O. Box 851854, Mobile, AL 36685. One-time/inconsistent opportunities: • Help facilitate during class days on Tuesdays and Thursdays (attendance, prepare meals, take up assignments, etc.) • Participate in employee roundtable (tell students what employers look for in employees, mock interviews, resume preparation, etc.) • Participate in community resource roundtable (educate students about community resources available to them through organizations, churches, etc.). For more information on this program or how you can get involved contact Site Director Molly Broders at molly@ransomministries.com or 251-554-6777. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
12
www.mobilebayparents.com
we
T a a
pla w fea you
T
e
d
eat ail ks w her t l nd es m.
Heart of Dixie Magnolia Classic
Heart of Dixie Polocrosse Club will be hosting the first Polocrosse Tournament ever to be held in the Gulf Coast area, October 10 and 11, at the Magnolia Springs Equestrian Center in Foley. The club will host families and competitors from all over the United States as well as from across the globe. There will be local players from Mobile, Wilmer, Grand Bay, South Mississippi, and the Eastern Shore. Polocrosse is a fairly new sport to the USA. It is a game played on horseback, but it is more like Lacrosse. Players ride one horse for the duration of the game, the ball is made of a soft rubber with a great bounce and players carry racquets with nets. Although it is a fantastic sport in itself, Polocrosse also has a strong emphasis on the family. In the game, teams can consist of entire families. Teams are based on skill level and not age or sex, allowing parents, children and even grandparents to ride on the same team together. In addition, the sport is effective in teaching excellent sportsmanship skills, team dependence, horsemanship skills, and a place where every family member can have a role. The Heart of Dixie Polocrosse Club meets bi-monthly for practices on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. We meet in the Tanner Williams Community of Wilmer at BCM Morring Farm. Our practices are always open to the public and we welcome anyone that would like to come out and join us. For more information visit our group page on Facebook, Heart of Dixie Polocrosse Club or contact Michele H Morring, Heart of Dixie Polocrosse Club, mmorring@bcmmorring.com.
Little Sisters of the Poor 44th Annual Lawn Party
The Little Sisters of the Poor will welcome friends and families to their annual Lawn Party on Sunday, October 18. The big bash starts at 10:00 a.m. and takes place on the grounds of Sacred Heart Residence at 1655 McGill Ave. in Midtown. It’s going to be an Irish October at the little Sisters with Mobile’s favorite Irish quartet Mithril playing their unique blend of traditional Irish jigs and reels. Mithril will begin at 10:00 a.m. and play a 90 minute set. We’ll also be featuring the MacCrossan’s School of Irish dance - watching these youngsters dance will surely be a treat! Visitors can enjoy our delicious food and beverages while the kids play at our Kid’s World with giant slides and Mr. Gee’s Balloons and face-painting. Don’t forget the pony rides and petting zoo as well as the famous kid’s train ride. This fun-filled day is the largest fund raising event for the Sacred Heart Residence. Admission is free and all proceeds go directly to the care of our elderly poor residents. For more information, call our development department at (251) 476-6335.
ge g wn on
g ple
e er, for y m,
l m O. s
y act
om
13
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
High Cholesterol in Kids We are all familiar with the obesity epidemic that has plagued the United States – and the Southeast in particular – for many years. The number of patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related problems have increased. These problems have spurred a myriad of research into the various medical issues associated with weight gain. What researchers have found is that several diseases we used to think were just part of “getting old” are being seen more and more in the pediatric population; problems like Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, just to name a few. Since the research is still relatively new, it is unfortunately too early to tell what this means for life expectancy and quality of life. Many heart attacks and strokes occur after decades of effects from atherosclerosis, which is the build up of fatty plaques in the arteries that can, over time, completely block a section of the artery and cut off blood supply to vital parts of the body. Nearly everyone develops some atherosclerosis throughout their life, which is why adults are screened more frequently for these problems. Typically, doctors start screening men over 45 and women over 55; however, doctors are seeing more and more cases of advanced atherosclerosis at ages much younger than these.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
Research has shown that it takes approximately 30 years from when the first plaque build up starts until the artery becomes nearly or completely blocked. We know that a person’s cholesterol level, both LDL and HDL levels, strongly affect this process. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that helps the body digest food and make hormones. LDL (Low density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol to different organs of the body, where HDL (high density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol back to the liver to be removed from the body to reduce cholesterol buildup. The body needs healthy levels of all of these things, but problems occur when you have too much cholesterol, too much LDL, and/or not enough HDL. Just within the last several years, physicians have started looking for signs of early hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels) in children. If there is a family history of high cholesterol, high levels of fats in the blood, or early atherosclerosis in family members, some children, even as young as 2 years old, should get screen for increased cholesterol. It is also recommended that children at any age who are obese, have diabetes or signs of pre-diabetes, thyroid disease, or high blood pressure should have their cholesterol levels checked. There is talk that recommendations may soon suggest
14
testing every child at 11-12 years old, but this currently is not the guideline. The importance of establishing healthy eating habits and getting regular exercise, especially for those at risk for developing high cholesterol at an early age, cannot be overstated. These lifestyle changes can be difficult. However, it is important to keep our minds and bodies fresh and as healthy as we can by eating a balanced diet, avoiding eating too many fatty and fried foods, and trying to do something to get your heart-rate up for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Yes, these changes are often easier said than done – especially with our busy, constantly-on-the-go lives – but hopefully, if we see a trend towards healthier lifestyles, we will see a dramatic decrease in obesity and problems such as heart attacks and strokes in children and young adults. 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.
www.mobilebayparents.com
Co
D w th i
y
r we tng or
Autauga County Schools
Archbishop Rodi Visits St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic School welcomed Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and Mrs. Gwen Byrd, our Superintendent of Catholic Schools this Wednesday for their annual official visit. The day began with Mass followed by a visit to every single classroom, the playground, the school office, and the cafeteria! Every student, teacher and staff member received a blessing and enjoyed a visit with the leaders of our Archdiocesan School System. Pictured, Archbishop Rodi challenges St. Mary eighth graders with an academic question!
Corpus Christi Catholic School Helps Food Pantry
Corpus Christi Catholic School is very excited to continue working with the parish and their chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help at-risk families at Dodge Elementary School. Through the "Blessings in a Backpack Ministry," we will provide 3 meals a day each weekend for these families. Each first Friday of the month is designate "Food Pantry Friday" and our students are asked to bring in donations to stock the food pantry. Pictured are some of the students who brought donations.
u-
ma of at d cal fice.
om
15
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County SchoolsHollinger’s Island Fifth MCPSS Broadcast Camp In June, several students from MCPSS middle and high schools attended a Graders Are All Smiles broadcasting camp hosted by MCPSS, Seymour Broadcasting, and WKRG
5. Students learned about the many aspects of production such as camera operation, editing, software applications, commentating, equipment operation, and video performance. The week’s activities concluded with a guided tour of the WKRG 5 studio and a viewing of a live news broadcast.
Hollinger’s Island Elementary School 5th graders are already testing their knowledge during the first week of school. They know there is a lot to learn and much work to be done! Pictured is Mrs. Shannon Weaver with her 5th grade leaders! Have a great year, everyone!
Co
2 Se th
s 1% re
First Grade Dolphins are Eager to Learn
Dauphin Island Elementary School first graders are excited about learning this year! They are pictured with their new teacher Mrs. Lynn Coulter. Have a great school year, everyone!
s t
Lott Middle School Cheerleaders Place 2nd at Cheer Camp
The Lott Middle School cheerleaders attended a Universal Cheer Association (UCA) Camp this year at the University of Alabama the week of June 16 -19. They competed in game day events, including the extreme routine which they had a hand in choreographing. They came in second place. Pictured Front Row Left to Right: Christa Byrd, Chloe Campbell, Emily Adkinson, Co-Captain: Alexis Byrd, Whitney Smith, Riley Trotter. Back Row Left to Right: Ashley Sanders, Captain: Destiny Lynn, DeLaney Lambert, Sydney Brasier, Tristen Johnston, Leah Reid.
Dickson Media Specialist Awarded for Exceptional Service E.R. Dickson’s Digital Media Specialist Kathryn Pratt is a 2015-2016 Herman Moore LAMP Award of Exceptional Service recipient. This award is awarded annually by Alabama Library Expo to librarians and library media specialists who have rendered outstanding and exceptional service to their patrons, schools, and communities over an extended period of time. In order to be eligible to receive the Award, a nominee must have rendered a minimum of five years of service in an Alabama library or media center. The Alabama Library Expo Board evaluates and grants the Herman Moore LAMP Awards.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
16
H
stu c Pic
www.mobilebayparents.com
CHCA National Merit Semi-Finalist
of rk er
Ms. Lisa East, the Academic Dean of Cottage Hill Christian Academy, announced that Jordan Allred has been named a 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program Semi-Finalist. A Letter of Recognition from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented to this scholastically talented senior. Less than 1% of students throughout the nation are recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Jordan has demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. He represents one of the many talented students attending Cottage Hill Christian Academy where enlightening minds, enriching hearts and extending hands are a part of each day.
y n w n,
on,
om
Hollinger’s Island 2nd Graders Enjoy First Week of School
Caption: Hollinger’s Island Elementary students are listening and learning all they can as they begin the new school year. Pictured is Mrs. Amy Howell and her 2nd grade class. 17
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
Congressman Bradley Byrne Held Academy Night at St. Paul’s Episcopal School
Congressman Bradley Byrne hosted an Academy Night on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The event took place in the Dr. Monte L. Moorer Theatre on the St. Paul’s Episcopal School campus. The purpose of the Academy Night was to emphasize the educational opportunities available at the five distinguished United States Service Academies and to provide information on the requirements and procedures for seeking a congressional nomination. Representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy were present to answer questions about their respective service institution. Academy Night was open to all interested high school students and their parents and teachers who live in Alabama’s first congressional district.
Saraland High School Science Teacher Receives State Recognition
F
offi
Mrs. Krista Ross, pictured with Principal Mrs. Beverly Spondike, has been chosen as one of four secondary school science recipients in the state of Alabama for the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The 2015 National Award winner will be selected from all of the state finalists by a national selection committee at a later date. This is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a teacher and clearly indicates Mrs. Ross’ ability and dedication in educating the students at SHS as well as recognizes her leadership and innovative teaching practices.
fir o
St. Ignatius Young Men
What are 7th and 8th grade boys doing Friday morning before school? At St. Ignatius, they are meeting for the Young Men of St. Joseph. They get to meet, eat and pray before school starts. Pictured here are Emerson Roberts, Elliott Rampulla, Will Johnson and Andrew Hicks.
T a p
St. Pius X Welcome's Students Back to School
e th he e en eq are w he Ca
St. Pius X School welcomed students back on Saturday, August 15 with an afternoon/evening full of events. The afternoon began with book drop-off which gave students the opportunity to meet their new teachers and drop-off their school supplies and books. The event was followed by the celebration of Mass at 4 p.m. in the church. After Mass, the Angel Garden was rededicated and blessed. Following the dedication the school hosted dinner and a Glow Party for the students and their families. Pictured here are students playing Glow Twister in the newly renovated Gym. Parent and Life Teen volunteers worked the event. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
18
www.mobilebayparents.com
ay,
e n.
er t nd
ng r
e on
om
MGM’s Leadership – Paving the Way to Serve
MGM leadership, sponsored by Ms. Allison Miller, is an indispensable program which provides its members opportunities to serve both in their community and throughout the world. Here are just a few of the remarkable projects MGM leadership participates in. To commemorate 9/11, students will recognize and honor those who serve our community such as local firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and military personnel during a Week of Caring. In addition, students will participate in multiple blood drives throughout the school year and summer. Last year, the MGM community donated 1109 units of blood saving 3327 lives. In addition, 98 students were added to the National Bone Marrow Registry in April 2015 through a partnership with Second Chance’s Be the Match campaign. MGM leadership efforts do not end with their community, however. In an effort to promote leadership and community service among local high school students, MGM leadership sponsors a Leadership Conference in the spring. The efforts of MGM leadership can also be felt as far as Tanzania, where two clean water wells were built by charity: water thanks to the over $6000 raised by leadership students. MGM leadership exists to equip and inspire students to serve in the school, community, and every area of their lives. To learn more, visit www.mgmleadership.com or follow the program on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @mgmleadership.
President & CEO Participates in Job Shadow with Future Entrepreneur
Alex Moore, a fifth grader at UMS-Wright Preparatory School in Mobile AL, spent the morning in a corner office of the RSA Tower shadowing Harbor Financial Services, LLC President & CEO, Marc Whitehead. The career experience was a component of the UMS-Wright’s School Fundraiser where Marc Whitehead donated the “Half-Day with the CEO.” “Alex is a very bright young man and it was my pleasure to spend the day with him,” said CEO Marc Whitehead. Alex’s orientation began in the CEO office where Whitehead discussed his background in the brokerage industry and how he became the owner of the firm. Harbor Financial Services, LLC specializes in financial planning, money management, corporate 401k plans, and municipal underwriting. The home office staff located in the Mobile headquarters support Harbor Financial advisors spanning 18 states and 48 branch offices. Other topics discussed throughout the day were client income and expenses, wants vs. needs, diversification, benefits of a 401k, bonds, and why municipalities need underwriters. The Harbor staff then attended a meeting where Alex sat at the head table and was able to see first-hand how the Compliance, Operations, Finance, New Accounts departments along with the Branch Managers support Mr. Whitehead and all of the representatives and advisors of the firm. When asked his favorite part about the career experience, Alex responded, “All of it! Especially looking at the charts that show the details of how stocks are performing.”
New additions at St. Pius X Catholic School
St. Pius X underwent some "big" changes over this past summer. A major addition to the school is the new full day Pre-K3 Program. Another change was the school's Angel Garden that underwent a transformation during its renovation with the addition of a gold fish pond. The pond is not only for the students enjoyment but will be used for curriculum extension activities. Pictured here are two of SPX's Pre-K3 students feeding the fish in the new pond. Each homeroom rotates caring for and feeding the fish in the pond. The Angel Garden and new fish pond are located outside the school gym which went under a major renovation, as well, this summer. A new lighting system and basketball goals were installed. The gym, cafeteria and restrooms received face lifts with new paint and repairs.
St. Luke’s Episcopal School Offers Biomedical Health Science
The Biomedical Health Science Program at St. Luke's Episcopal School is the area's only college prep medical exploration curriculum and continues to expand each year. This year, over fifty students are participating in the elective program which includes a series of three courses beginning in the sophomore year of high school. Students explore a variety of medical fields and occupations both in and out of the classroom and are introduced to a wide range of careers from local health care professionals who volunteer to teach classes in their field of expertise. Students are introduced to the clinical setting in a hands on environment and participate in daily activities including patient care and equipment operation. During their senior year, students select a specific area of interest and immerse themselves in research and job shadowing which provides them an opportunity for real life experiences that can help them determine a career path. The program culminates with their Capstone Project Presentation which is attended by their peers, parents and a panel of medical professionals. 19
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
Prichard Preparatory School's Newspaper Staff
sc
Prichard Preparatory School added a school newspaper to the extracurricular offerings for students in the Upper Elementary this year. The newspaper will be called The Eagle Times. The 2015-2016 staff includes (L to R, clockwise) Alaysiah Williams, Brookelynn Ransom, Bella King, Olivia Mims, Nyla Payne and Trenton Logan
Ben C. Rain Students Receive Internships From VT MAE
Congratulation to Jordan Woodrow, JaMarkus McQuirter, Aldrishon Jones, Thearthur Thames, Zachary Bunch, Cameran Howard, Linh Phan, Kenyon Curry, and Dreydon Doss. These students were selected to complete an eight week internship with VTMAE and Mobile Airport Authority. The students were able to complete an eight week rotation through various departments at VT MAE and Mobile Airport Authority. The students were able to see the various departments are essential to aerospace industry in Mobile. "This opportunity made me realize that I want to attend the Aviation College and pursue a career in aviation," said, Jordan Woodrow.
S
L as 2
so lo
p ei A re
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
20
www.mobilebayparents.com
he ry
First Day at St. Dominic Catholic School
St. Dominic Catholic School students were ready to begin the 2015 – 2016 school year. Here Mrs. Beth Weed helps Audrey Tison prepare for the year by helping her unpack her book bag and explaining all the great things she will learn in Kindergarten.
h ms,
Explore the opportunities.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Dinner & Information Packets: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Open House & Curriculum Tours: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
251-433-9904
www.StMaryMobile.org
Registration information for 2016-2017 school year will be available (Child care provided). Pre-K-3 through 8th grade
s
om
SMP-3202 AD ParentNt 4C 2015 Folio.indd 1
St. Mary Catholic Kicks of the 2015-2016 School Year!
8/21/15 11:25 AM
Lots of smiles and laughter were at hand as St. Mary Catholic School kicked off the 2015-2016 School year! Students were welcomed back by familiar faces with some new faculty members and students, lots of facility and campus improvements, technology upgrades, and many new programs for all students in K3 through eighth grade. Pictured are eighth graders Adele Baucom and Eden Blackmon ready to make their final year at St. Mary Catholic the best yet!.
21
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
Covenant Christian School Volleyball
Covenant Christian School entered AHSAA for the 2015-2016 school year. The Lady Eagles volleyball team played in their first ever AHSAA sanctioned event on September 1st. The Lady Eagles, led by Coach MariKate Wilson, defeated Faith Academy in a 3 set match 21-25, 25-16, and 15-6.
St. Ignatius Students Learning with iPads
L
St. Ignatius is excited to incorporate iPads in the classroom. Our K-2nd grade classrooms all have an entire iPad tower that they can use for technology projects and centers. The teachers also create lessons to use in conjunction with the Smart Boards in the classroom. Pictured left –right: Claire Mostellar, Savannah Bexley, Madeleine King, Marnie Shell, David Cooke, Amy Claire Murphy, Gabi Nettles, James Adams, Jason Gerth, Isabella DeFalco, Thomas Haggerty, Henry Muscat, Will Anderson, Danner Frazer, Gabe Hart, Dillon Martin and Sadie Stuart.
w tim for se th P s L sin
Our Lady of Victory, Pray for Us!
McT Football players bow their heads in prayer after attending Mass as a team before their first regular season game. The Yellow Jackets are off to a great start with victories over Vigor and Fairhope. Go Jackets!
Cupcakes for All at St. Pius X School!
Students at St. Pius X love to host Archbishop Rodi when he comes to visit. The Archbishop came to celebrate Mass and tour classrooms at St. Pius X, on September 20, in honor of the feast day of St. Pius X (September 21). As usual, the Archbishop was a hit with the students during his classroom visits. He received a round of applause, however, when he announced an extra 30 minute recess period and gave the entire student body cupcakes in SPX school colors. Pictured here (L to R) are Pastor, Rev. S. J. Savoie; Superintendent, Gwen Byrd; Archbishop Rodi; Principal, Mrs. Lauren Alvarez; Fr. Mateusz; and, a sample of SPX kindergarten students.
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
22
www.mobilebayparents.com
co t
Back in Black at McGill-Toolen Catholic School
Students at McGill-Toolen Catholic kick off the football season with a long stranding tradition with the Back in Black Pep Rally. All seniors wore black and the rest of the student body wore orange.Class president, Mr. Sean Griffin, dressed as Darth Vader, did a great job getting the students excited for the Vigor game, while the Band and Cheerleaders performed for the crowd!
t es, et
s!
ng
er
om
Little Flower Kicks off New School Year
Little Flower Catholic School hosted a Back-To-School Spaghetti Dinner to welcome new and returning families before the first day of school. Besides a time to greet old friends and make new friends, the evening offered the chance for students and parents to meet teachers and explore classrooms in a relaxed setting. Returning students, Trenier Coleman and Karen Tran, help break the ice for incoming kindergartner, David Dunay and his dad, Scott Dunay. Principal, Alesa Weiskopf, gave a warm welcome to those in attendance, and said she looks forward to lots of Viking spirit throughout the school this year. Little Flower Catholic School has been serving families in the mid-town area since 1934 and is proud to the Light of the Loop by offering a quality education to children in Pre-K through eighth grade.
St. Luke's Honor Code and Honor Council
St. Luke's students recently held nominations for the school's 2015-2016 Honor Council. Students in grades 9-12 were anonymously nominated by their peers and then selected by a faculty committee. This year's Honor Council members are Seniors: President Spencer Arnold, Gavin Busby, Sara Taylor and alternate Martha Ellen Phillips, Juniors: Olivia Fisher, Ella Johnson and alternate Landon Connell, Sophomores William Brandyburg and alternate Carson Ashcraft and Freshmen Bailey Fisher and Alternate Lauren Bailey. Honor Code Pledge Assemblies were held on each campus and students in grades 1-12 heard from their peers, their teachers and others, what HONOR is and why the St. Luke's Honor Code is important. Honor Council Members were sworn in and seniors and fifth graders demonstrated their leadership and commitment very publicly during the assemblies by signing their name to the Honor Code Pledge Card in front of all the other students. After each assembly, students and teachers returned to their classrooms in silence as they signed their names to the pledge card. These class pledges, signed by the students, will be displayed in each classroom throughout the year.
St. Paul’s Football Player Commits to Army
St. Paul’s senior running back Ostin McPherson committed to Army late Monday night, becoming the second member of the Saints’ backfield to commit to a U.S. Service Academy. Senior quarterback Miller Mosley committed to Air Force earlier this month. St. Paul’s is very proud of both of these student-athletes and their accomplishments and we look forward to watching them play during the 2015 football season as Saints! 23
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
MCPSS TV to Air HS Football and Other School Events
mcpssTV is gearing up for another year of high school football. The school system’s television network will broadcast live a “Game of the Week” every Friday and other games on Thursdays and Fridays. The “Game of the Week” will be live on mcpssTV and www. mcpss.com’s “The Wire” at 7 p.m. every Friday of the regular season. mcpssTV is available on Comcast channel 15, AT&T U-verse On Demand channel 99 and via Roku boxes. Viewers can also watch Thursday’s games on www.mcpss.com’s “The Wire” or WKRG’s digital channel, MeTV. The first broadcast will be Friday’s game between the Vigor Wolves and the Blount Leopards at 7 p.m. One of Mobile County’s greatest rivalries, the game will be held at Blount High School. “We believe broadcasting these games is the perfect platform to showcase talent within our school system,” said Quintin Howard, Manager of mcpssTV Network. “Fans will be able to watch the games from anywhere on their computers or devices.” Live updates and scores of other games throughout the county will be aired during the Friday night “Game of the Week.” Games will also be posted on mcpssTV’s YouTube page after they are broadcast. On-air commentary will be provided by Al Wheaton and former University of Alabama football player Willie Gaston on Thursdays and Tim Finnigan and Howard McCane on Fridays. A sideline reporter is being added for this season. The mcpssTV Network is serving as the production crew. “I am very proud of the work we are doing in our mcpssTV Network,” said Rena Philips, Supervisor of Communication and Marketing for Mobile County Public Schools. “We also air the annual county spelling bee, HiQ matches, performing arts events, the annual It Starts With Us Awards and more,” she said. Here is a list of each week’s game that mcpssTV will broadcast live: *Game line-up subject to change. Thursday, September 24 Charles Henderson vs. Davidson (at Ladd-Peebles); Friday, September 25 Rain at Baker; Thursday, October 1 St. Paul’s vs. Williamson (at Ladd-Peebles); Friday, October 2 Davidson vs. Murphy (at LaddPeebles); Friday, October 9 McGill vs. Davidson (at Ladd-Peebles); Friday, October 16 Bryant vs. MGM; Thursday, October 22 Fairhope vs. Murphy (at Ladd-Peebles); Friday, October 23 Blount vs. Leflore (at Ladd-Peebles); Thursday, October 29 Saraland at Blount; Friday, October 30 Vigor at MGM.
K
T
K o th
" en
am
b fo b si a C r it co for S af a h A
Because the first five years have so much to do with how the next eighty turn out. The Early Learning Center at St. Luke’s Episcopal School offers 2 and 3 year old programs designed to introduce your child to a nurturing learning environment filled with play-based activities including literacy, foreign language, music, science, art, and our exclusive iKids technology program. Learn more!
2 te
Space is limited.
N G
251-666-2991 www. stlukesmobile.com. Early Childhood & Lower School Campus 3975 Japonica Lane Mobile 36693 Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
Middle and Upper School Campus 1400 University Blvd. S. Mobile 36609 24
www.mobilebayparents.com
e w. e
,
nd
ng t
5
t
9
om
Faith Grandparents Enjoy "Sweet" Time with Kindergarten Students
The Faith Academy cafeteria was buzzing with excitement as grandparents of Kindergarten students awaited the arrival of their grandchildren's classes. All over the room one could hear the many names being called - "Maw Maw," "Granny," "Poppy," "Papaw" and many more. After enjoying a sweet treat of doughnuts, coffee and juice, the grandparents visited with the teachers, students and other grandparents in attendance. Lots of photos were taken and stories exchanged. Pictured, Leyton Black in Mrs. Miller’s Kindergarten class was all smiles to see her grandparents, Jared and Rebecca Williams at the Grandparent Tea on Sept. 10.
Wildcat Wins Gold!
St. Luke's is very proud of sophomore Jeremiah Jackson who has had an amazing summer! Jeremiah has been a starter for the Wildcats baseball team since 7th grade, and has 2 State Championship rings to prove it. In June, he committed to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs after high school and in August, he was the only Alabama player to make the 20 -member 15U U.S. National Team. The team competed at the COPABE "AA" Pan Am Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico August 21-30 and defeated Venezuela, Argentina, Panama, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Columbia to bring home the Gold Medal for the U.S. For his outstanding performance he was named the AllTournament Team-Short Stop. 25
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools CHCA Remembers 9/11
In honor of those who lost their lives and other American heroes, Cottage Hill students dressed in patriotic colors on September 11, 2015. Teachers encouraged students to learn more about the events and to remember that we are blessed to be part of this great nation called the United States of America. God Bless America.
Le
br the a
Knollwood Book Fair
Knollwood Christian School Book Fair KCS Librarian, Paula Casallo, is getting the Library ready for a great Scholastic Book Fair!
29 t co
i
T to fro
Discover Who We Are! Admissions Open House UMS-Wright Preparatory School Sunday, November 15 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
RSVP to Anne Stabler at 251-470-9044 26
www.mobilebayparents.com
re Ex
co
r bro ar
vi a
n rn ed
om
Murphy High School Student Recognized with Top Honors at FBLA National Leadership Conference
More than 8,500 of America’s best and brightest high school students traveled to the Windy City to Step Up to the Challenge as they showcased their talents as future business leaders and vied for the opportunity to win more than $175,000 in cash awards. Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL), held its FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago on June 29th to July 2nd. Participants from across the United States attended this exciting conference to enhance their business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 55 business and businessrelated competitive events. The 2014-15 FBLA Theme was “Step Up to the Challenge” and Thomaneka Redd from Murphy High School did exactly that! Thomaneka competed in the Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2013 Excel Expert event and placed in the Top 10!! Winners were announced and recognized at the National FBLA Awards of Excellence Program on July 2. In addition, by placing in the Top 10, Thomaneka and MHS FBLA each received a $100 Foundation Award. Thomaneka’ s award was part of a comprehensive national competitive events program sponsored by FBLA-PBL that recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. For many students, the competitive events are the capstone activity of their academic careers. In addition to the competitions, students immersed themselves in educational workshops, visited an information-packed exhibit hall, and attended motivational keynotes on a broad range of business topics.
Semmes Middle School Ice Age
Mr. Lee Jenkins’s 8th Grade World History classes, at Semmes Middle School came prepared for a boar hunt. Over the past week the 8th graders learned about the Stone and Ice Age, and how the people had to survive with primitive tools. So in order to get a good idea of how hard it was, we decided to make our own ‘weapons’ out of sticks, a craft star, and some twine. They used their creativity to make spears, knives, bow & arrow and many more. After fashioning their weapons we hunted boar (balloons with boar faces). The students then got to see if their handy work would allow their families to have meat, or starve through the Ice Age. Overall they discovered that it is a lot harder to make your own weapons with the technology that we have today. So you can see that maybe we can learn a little from the “cavemen” after all.
Tea & Spa Parties Frozen • American Girl • Spa • Fashion Show • Princess • Mermaid • PYO Pottery • Pinkalicious Cupcake and more! Packages range from affordable to Seriously Spoiled! and our celebrations are always completely private in our VIP suite. We attend to all of the details, so you can relax and enjoy!
SPA
(SPECIAL PAMPERING ACTIVITIES)
Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@ mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month. 27
packages and ear piercing available by appointment in our girls spa. 4180 Oak Ridge Ave Mobile 36619 251-447-4846 www. s pa-tea-da. c om Join our birthday club Text spateada to 31996
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
Philip Lutzenkirchen’s Father Shares “Lessons from Lutz” with St. Paul’s Students
Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, spoke to the St. Paul’s student body on September 1, 2015. Philip Lutzenkirchen was killed in a single-car accident outside of LaGrange, GA in the early morning hours on June 29, 2014. Lutzenkirchen, 23, was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle, but he was not wearing a seatbelt. Philip’s blood-alcohol level was .377 the night of the accident. Since his son’s death, Mike has traveled around the Southeast to over 100 schools, churches, and other organizations speaking about his son, offering a father’s advice, and spreading the word of the Lutzie 43 Foundation dedicated to mentoring young people. Mike is the Executive Director of The Lutzie 43 Foundation which was established in loving memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen shortly after his death in 2014. The objective of the Foundation is to pass on Philip’s remarkable characteristics in terms of community service, leadership, and service to others. The Foundation’s motto for young students and athletes is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting their desire to help others live out the positive character attributes that Philip displayed, while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. This speaking engagement was made possible by the Saucier Family. In 1993, Dr. Scott Saucier and Ms. Rita Saucier lost their son, Chad Saucier, in a hazing incident at Auburn University where he died from acute alcohol poisoning. In an attempt to try to prevent this from happening to another child, and another family, the Sauciers established a scholarship at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in memory of Chad. The Chad Saucier Scholarship is presented annually to a rising senior who models respect, integrity, responsibility, service, tolerance and the highest moral standards. The recipient must exemplify and promote the alcohol free and drug free policies of the School.
ed w b
NBA Star Visits Prichard Prep
Prichard Preparatory School hosted Mayor Sandy Stimpson and special guest, DeMarcus Cousins, on August 18, 2016. DeMarcus talked to the students about his career with the Sacramento Kings. He had photographs made with several classes before leaving campus. DeMarcus and Mayor Stimpson are pictured here with the 4th grade students in Mrs. Guy’s class.
Pre
St. Dominic Catholic School Honor Society
St. Dominic Catholic School recently inducted officers of the National Junior Honor Society. These students have met the five established criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. Chosen by their fellow NJHS members, they have indicated their willingness to carry out the principles of the National Junior Honor Society. Serving for the 2015 – 2016 school year, and pictured with faculty representative Anne Galloway, are President - Grace Overstreet; Vice-President - Anne Marie Luckie; Secretary - Abby Fridley; Prayer Leader - Matthew Hunt; Ambassadors - Delia Peterson, Jenna Lami and Parliamentarian- Anne Lee Manning. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
28
www.mobilebayparents.com
rec th Ex W j a c
c
w adv a b
Service Projects Planned at Little Flower Catholic School
A new component of the curriculum at Little Flower Catholic School is a focus on Catholic Social Teaching. Each of the grades from fifth through eighth will participate in a service project each semester. Although Little Flower School often supports those in need, this initiative specifically directs students to care for others in a supervised setting without expecting anything in return. Sixth grade teacher, Miss Mairead Mumford, helps students Anthony Lee and Stefan Barbour sort dishes in preparation for an upcoming service project.
er y
y a t he
on
n
e he o h. n, nt
Yearbook Staff from Saraland High School Prepare for a Productive Year
The Saraland High School yearbook staff recently went on their annual staff retreat to Camp Beckwith in Baldwin County. This yearly trip is to plan the important aspects of the yearbook for the school year, such as the theme, cover design, and editorial roles, but it is also a great time for the students to get to know who they will be working with over the next several months. The students bonded over necessary work, but also enjoyed kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, playing basketball, and fishing. The yearbook editor for the 2015-2016 publication is senior Alexis Crane. The sectional editors are juniors Landon McNellage and Kimberly Glenn, and seniors Caroline Clark and Molly Whitlock.
ty, es
Dauphin Island Elementary Visitors
Dauphin Island Elementary School first grade students received a visit from three special people during a lesson about community helpers! Pictured with the students are from left to right: Sarah Girlott, Dauphin Island Public Safety; Kym Claw, Dauphin Island Police Chief; and Randy Smith, Dauphin Island Police Officer. The children learned about the important jobs these people do that help keep the community safe! It was a great visit!
d us gs.
h
;
om
63 UMS-Wright Students Awarded AP Scholar Designation
Sixty-three (63) students at UMS-Wright Preparatory School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams. Of this year’s award recipients at UMSWright, thirty-two (32) were sophomores or juniors (pictured here). These students have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn another AP Scholar Award. Through 34 different college-level courses and exams, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and standout in the college admission process. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. We are so proud of you all! 29
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
S F
Autauga County Schools Instrument Corpus Christi Catholic Design at School Buddies For many years now, the students at Corpus Christi Catholic Semmes School participate in a “Buddies Program.” Throughout the school Middle School year, students in the elementary grades and junior high are paired
Windham’s enrichment class just completed a unit in instrument design. The students researched musical instruments and then created a plan to build their particular instrument in class. Once the instruments were made, they got into groups to perform for the class. It was amazing to see the designs come to fruition! The students did a fabulous job and we are so proud of each of them!
with students in the younger grades. When the classes get together, they do fun activities, but they also spend time reading together and working on academic projects. The purpose of the program is to offer the older student leadership opportunities and to provide role models for the younger students. The “Buddies Program” also helps to build a stronger school community. Pictured is Miss Counts’ 6th grade class with their buddies in Miss Pasquale’s K3 class.
invites you to come
Discover What Matters
L
st t Gr Da C
(
th
Or
at an
Open House for Prospective PreK-2nd Grade Students and Parents
JOIN US FOR A
SCAVENGER
HUNT
Sunday, November 8 3:00-4:30 p.m. Location: St. Paul’s Lower School Campus 4051 Old Shell Road Mobile, Alabama For more information or to RSVP please contact our Admissions Office at 251.461.2131 or admissions@stpaulsmobile.net.
4051 Old Shell Road | Mobile, Alabama 36608 | 251.342.6700 | stpaulsmobile.net Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
30
www.mobilebayparents.com
S
R
Se
ool ed
g he nd s
ss
om
SGA Leadership at Little Flower Catholic School Learning leadership skills is an important part of the middle school experience at Little Flower Catholic School. The students involved in SGA learn those skills as they help out and set an example for other students at the school. The first big task for this year's officers was to help serve at the Grandparent's Tea. Shown, left to right, are: Darlene Niyonzima (Treasurer), Trenier Coleman (President), Abby Grosvenor (Secretary), and Chad Gleason (Assistant V.P.). Jimmy Sutton serves as Vice President, but was unavailable for the picture. Miss Elisabeth Harbaugh is the coordinator for Little Flower's SGA.
Dickson Principal Recognized for Leadership
Congratulations to E.R. Dickson’s Principal Katryna Kinn for being selected as the 2015-2016 Elementary School Leadership Awards winner. Mrs. Kinn was selected by the Gulf Region Organization of Nigerians and Americans and will be recognized on October 24th at the Corpus Christi Event Hall.
Dickson Teacher Named Outstanding Reading Teacher
Congratulations to E.R. Dickson’s Jennifer Harris, Fifth Grade Teacher! She has been awarded the 2015 - 2016 Outstanding Reading Teacher of the Year Award from the Metro Mobile Reading Council which is affiliated with the Alabama Reading Association. Mrs. Harris will be recognized on September 17th at the Ben May Library. 31
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools
Saraland High School Cheerleaders Win Big
th
e
The Saraland High School Junior Varsity and Varsity cheer squads attended camp this summer at the University of Southern Mississippi where they received many awards. The varsity received first place awards in dance, sideline, and overall game day. The junior varsity received first place awards in dance, cheer, sideline, and overall game day. The SHS cheer program received both the Traditions Award and the Leadership Award, and both squads received invitations to cheer during halftime at the Citrus Bowl this year in Orlando, Florida. These ladies are ready to cheer the Spartans on to victory this year. Varsity members named as All-Americans were seniors Kasey Barber, Bailey Bennett, Claire Copeland, Gracie Copeland, and Avery Ryan. Junior varsity All-American recipients were Breanna Englebert, Kennedy Gill, Laura Owen, and Mikayla Persons. Pin-It-Forward recipients for this year’s camp were Bailey Bennett, Claire Copeland, Avery Ryan, Elizabeth Thames, and Savannah Zellers from the varsity team and Kelsey Westbrook from the junior varsity. Pictured, Top row (L to R)- Elizabeth Thames, Gracie Copeland, Bailey Bennett, Lindy Ardis, Isabella Hardesty, Maggie Copeland, Madi Wade, Sydni Wilkins, Laura Owen, Hannah Pickett, Katelyn Perry, Isabella Dominguez, Darby Nicholas, Claire Copeland, and Avery Ryan. Middle row (L to R)- Kennedy Gill, Kasey Barber, Savannah Zellers, Allie Sayasane, Megan Smith, Gracie Gatewood, Breanna Englebert, Kaylan Johnson, Mikayla Persons, Madison Harper, and Kelsey Westbrook. Bottom row (L to R)- Baylee Pruett and Lauren Gossett.
s o th
tea ar
McGill-Toolen Catholic Students Utilize iPads in Science Labs Students in Dr. Griffin's Chemistry class learned how to make data tables on their iPads using pages and then learned how to use the triple beam balances to find the mass of objects. They then calculated densities. At the start of this school year, every student received an iPad Air 2 as part of McGill-Toolen Catholic's One-to-One Technology Initiative.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
32
H w to B
www.mobilebayparents.com
s
y. d, ar ar.
Cottage Hill Service Leadership
The middle school Service Leadership Class has participated in various mission awareness and hands-on service projects throughout the Lower School. Students deliver lunches to preschool classrooms, water classroom flower beds, assemble new computers and assist in shelving, labeling and organizing
the library. The projects help students learn that they can make their world a better place when they serve others.
UMS-Wright’s STEM Program Featured in National Pitsco Publication
Pitsco is the innovative leader in hands-on, minds-on STEM education. Last Spring, Pitsco visited the UMS-Wright campus to do a feature article on our STEM program. With the STEM program, students participate in hands-on experiments in which they have the opportunity to reinforce the academic concepts they are learning in the classroom through their experiments in the STEM lab. In addition, they will gain valuable experience in the application of soft skills – teamwork, collaboration, and problem solving to name a few. Students are required to think critically and communicate outcomes effectively. Our STEM program is top of the line, and we are thankful to be a featured story and on the cover of The Network, a national Pitsco publication.
nts rd
St. Mary Catholic Celebrates Technology
St. Mary Catholic students were welcomed back with new Mac Computers! In a continuing effort to offer students and teachers the most up to date technology, the technology faculty is excited about the new Mac computers for student use both in the lab and in the library. All classrooms from K3 through 8th grade now have Internet access, SMART Boards, and access to Chrome Books. In addition, the third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms all have access to an iPad cart with 30 iPads. Pictured are students giving their new technology a trial run!
,
n
om
Hollinger’s Island Elementary Leaders
Hollinger’s Island Elementary School started the school year with excited teachers and students who are looking forward to an amazing year of learning and growing. Pictured is Ms. Brittany Crawford and her first grade class filled with young leaders. Welcome back, everyone! 33
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Autauga County Schools St. Dominic Catholic Buddies
Dauphin Island 5th Graders Enjoy a Good Book
Dauphin Island Elementary School 5th graders enjoy listening to a good book read by their teacher Penny Lamonte at the end of a busy day.
Each year St. Dominic Catholic School students in Grade 8 meet a Grade 1 student. During the year the students come together to read and complete arts and crafts projects. Here Kylee Stringer spend some time getting to know their first grader, Victoria Reynolds.
Q
cla
A.
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
fili tha cre aft fili ev yo on ye wh pla an ba ne bu
fol pli typ yo if i yo yo life
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
34
www.mobilebayparents.com
s
de ts
ng
om
Q. What are the long-term effects of de-
claring bankruptcy?
A. One of the biggest aftershocks of
filing bankruptcy is that it stays on your credit report for years afterward. A Chapter 7 filing, which wipes out everything and gives you a clean slate, stays on your report for 10 years. Chapter 13, which is a repayments plan, and Chapter 11, another type of large bankruptcy or business bankruptcy, both stay on your credit bureau report for seven years. Another big problem is that it can follow you around when it comes to applications or when you apply for different types of licenses. Many of these ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. It doesn’t ask if it’s still on your credit report; it will ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. If you have, you’ll have instances for the rest of your life when you have to admit it and explain
it all over again. So, it’s an emotional scar that follows you around for a long, long time. Too many bankruptcy filers never really recover from their financial distress because they never learn new and better ways to manage their money. That’s why I recommend people do everything they can to avoid bankruptcy. It’s not an easy do-over; it’s a last-resort kind of thing. And in the vast majority of situations it’s just not necessary.
Q. I have a question about budgeting. I give myself and my husband $150 a month each for blow money to be used on whatever we want. I’m upset because he spends all his eating out, then he buys other things he wants that he has no money for. Am I being too stingy? A. I think you guys are handling your
money poorly. You’re acting like his mother instead of his wife, and he’s acting like a little boy instead of a man. You don’t want
35
to give your husband an allowance and then not be happy when he spends money “he didn’t have” because he went over what you dictated to him. That’s a bad budget process. The budget process, if you’re the nerd in the family, should start with you writing it all out. Then he sits down with you, has an equal say in the decisions and you two okay it together. He needs to understand that this is you asking him to man-up and be part of the decision-making process, so that you can both be in agreement as to what’s best for the family. In one sense, you may not like it at first, because right now you’ve got control of things. But in another sense, I’ll bet you’re pretty tired of carrying the weight of all the financial decision making and being the only adult in the household. He doesn’t even have to work on all that much. I want you to lay it out, but I expect him to sit down and go over it all with you. You’re not asking him to be an accountant with a pocket protector, but you have every right to expect him to be in on the decisions that are made about your family and your finances!
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
“I am glad my stepdad never tried to be a father to me. So, we didn’t have to get into any power struggles. He became an adult friend and mentor. He was generous with his time; he listened a lot and gave love freely,” Dave shared. According to the U.S. Census, over 50% of US families are remarried or re-coupled. Over 1300 new blended families form every day! Fifty percent (50%) of the 60 million children under the age of 13 are currently living with one biological parent and that parent’s current partner. I am a sociologist and work with co-parenting education groups. Divorced or separating parents learn communication and parenting strategies in the group. They also work out parenting agreements about how they will jointly parent their children even though they no longer live together. Many times there are stepparents involved. To help remind group members to remain non-judgmental, we often share, “Kids don’t come with parenting manuals.” If that axiom holds true in most cases, it is certainly true that “Kids don’t come with step-parenting manuals,” either. Step-parenting can be a lonely road. The stepparents in our groups are quick to support each other. The collective wisdom from the experience of generous stepparents and adult stepchildren follows:
1. Understand your stepchild may be grieving about his biological parents’ divorce or remarriage. The child may target the stepparent with that grief. Grief takes many forms and can have many repetitive cycles. Laurie shares, “I have a stepmom whose presence in my life has been an immeasurable blessing. We went through many painful times, especially when I was little, and she was often an unfair scapegoat and dumping ground for my disappointments. We got through it!”
2. As a couple, decide who disciplines. Most teenagers will only respond to discipline by the biological parent whereas younger children may be receptive to the discipline of the stepparent. Be cautious about speaking for the other parent. Monica says, “Let the biological parent be the rule enforcer.” Stepparents may find that life flows more smoothly when the biological parent is the disciplinarian because that parent has known the child longer and has the reference point of how the previous household used to discipline. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
36
www.mobilebayparents.com
3.
yo
a.) b.) c.) the Le wh d.) wh mo on the
yo ha be
4.
yo is Ju ou so mu ba “I wa ca ev ho tal
5.
ap Br to ow sp
tim sp su he Su me su
en ho pa
Lau tate
d
s. n-
3. Love your step child. Time is how a child measures love. Be as generous as you can with your time and energy.
t 3
a.) Cook family meals together. b.) Listen a lot. Then listen some more. c.) Learn about their interests, not in an effort to win them over because that will be seen as a manipulation. Learn about their interests because you genuinely care about who they are. d.) Be generous. Ann said, “I wish I had been less selfish when my step daughter was young. I wish I had given to her more freely. At the end of the day, who cares if we were the ones buying the shoes or school clothes, regardless of what the divorce decree stated.
he
Sandee may have summarized it best. “The reality is, you love your spouse by loving his/her children. They don’t have to do anything to earn that love. It just is. Isn’t that the bedrock of all parenting anyway? Unconditional love!”
n
4. Take care of your own needs.
-
S
up e,
,”
ch
ws:
m
s,
p-
.
t.
e
ns
om
You cannot give what you don’t have. Taking time for yourself to recharge your batteries in healthy, nurturing ways is critical to giving all you can to your new blended family. Just as parents of young children must guard against burn out, step parents must do the same. Raul shared that he sometimes runs errands by himself and listens to inspiring music in order to recharge his battery on the run. He comes back with a better attitude ready to listen to his stepchildren. “I also try to maintain my friendships by playing softball or watching a game with friends.” Joe says, “My wife and I are careful to make time for each other. We have date nights or even date lunches. We meet during the day for our lunch hour away from our jobs and evening homework chores to talk as adults.”
Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,
5. Blending a family takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Many experts believe it takes approximately five years to blend a step family. David L. Brasher, BCSW and family therapist states, “If you decide to be a stepparent, be sure to attend to the needs of your own children also.” Above all, be patient with yourself, your spouse and all the children. There are many helpful resources for stepparents. Sometimes a counselor, pastor or family therapist can lend perspective to the process of blending a family. There are also support groups. Websites that are readily accessible and helpful to stepparenting immediately are: www.RemarriageSuccess.com, www.stepfamily.org and www.helpguide.org/ mental/blended_families_stepfamilies.htm. For faith based support, visit www.stepparentingbygrace.com. Sally shared, “I don’t know if I am a successful stepparent. I just know my adult stepchildren come home for the holidays and bring their children to visit me and their Grandpa. The grandkids even call me Grandma.” MBP
their healthcare is. Healthcare as amazing as their potential
1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
Laura Reagan-Porras, MS is a parenting journalist and sociologist. She facilitates co-parenting groups and has two daughters.
37
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
BhamParent_COA_JudgmentAd_Dad_alt.indd 1
7/6/15 4:04 PM
Get in Touch with Toys
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Cultivating a child’s sense of touch is a vital part of early play as they learn to discern the differences among shape and texture. While we typically get plenty of cues from the world around us through our other four senses, the finer ability to identify shape, texture, temperature and more through touch alone are also important tools in the human toolbox. Supporting a child’s tactical development with toys that stimulate their sense of touch is easy and accessible with the following recommended items that are right at their fingertips.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Textured Tangle
Laundry Jumble Game
(Tangle Creations)
Kids get the feel for the Textured Tangle immediately as they discover a range of different textures among the eighteen interconnected pieces that wend and weave together in one whole touch toy. The tangle of colorful tubes featuring a variety of raised textures can slowly be uncoiled into a gently twisted circle – and then bent and manipulated back into its tangle. The rotating connection between the segments allow for an endless exploration of forms. Popular for both its therapeutic value as well as its entertainment factor, the added bonus of problemsolving cues that come with the Textured Tangle make it an exciting twist among tactile toys!
(Educational Insights)
For everyone who has had to rummage in the bottom of stuffed luggage or dig into a roomy handbag for just the right item, the Laundry Jumble Game makes perfect sense as an ideal opportunity to cultivate identifyby-touch skills in kids. With a module that mimics a clothes dryer, small doll-size articles of clothing are placed inside for players to identify by touch alone as they try to ‘dress’ the animal characters on their game card. In addition to building their vocabulary and matching skills, the Laundry Jumble Game hones children’s fine motor moves as they use their sense of touch to complete their character’s ensemble.
Kinetic Sand
Winkle Sensory Ball(Manhattan Toy)
(Kinetic Sand)
Combining colorful sand with polymers, Kinetic Sand is one of the most captivating touch experiences in the world of kids toys. With the ability to fine mold, pour, stretch and shape, this dry mixture is a tactile delight for children (and adventurous adults). Whether they are manipulating the medium into their own fanciful forms or pressing out shapes from molds, Kinetic Sand offers kids an endless landscape of touch and motor skill exploration. It’s an ideal opportunity for little hands to dig in and get in touch with the creative genius just behind their fingertips!
A baby’s early ability to grasp objects is immediately followed by moving those same objects toward their mouth. Taking its directive from this early instinct, the Winkle Ball from Manhattan Toy features a maze of easily grasped soft plastic loops that are just the right size for little fists to handle and manipulate. Crafted with BPA-free materials, these loops are also safe for mouthing and teething. Combined with a gentle rattle and bright colors, the Winkle Ball maximizes babies’ surplus of sensitivity in their hands and mouths, stimulating their touch and gross motor skill exploration. Once babies get a grip on the Winkle ball, they won’t let it go.
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
38
www.mobilebayparents.com
LIONS, TIGERS,
r nieir
ive Shows featuring LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
s
y
om
60
JIMMY RIFFLE
of th
e
GATOR
BOYS
KID AND ADULT RIDES
Venardo's
Circus of Oz
PEPPA PIG
AN D
BOB THE BUILDER
eet
greets
Federation & Alfa Insurance Pre se nte d b y Alabama Farmers 39
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
of the
Is Technology Rewiring Your Baby’s Brain? It’s a rule nearly every parent breaks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two have no exposure to screens. That guideline was hard enough to follow when it applied to background TV and baby videos. Now that very young children are reaching for smartphones and tablets, most parents hand them over sooner or later. Some experts argue that these screens are different because they are interactive. When a little child pokes the screen, something exciting happens. There’s no question that this kind of cause and effect is mesmerizing, but is it good for little brains? The honest answer is no one knows because there hasn’t been time to do the relevant research. What scientists do know is that baby brains grow dramatically. At birth, each baby brain cell has about 2500 synapses or connections to other brain cells. Around age three, the typical brain cell has 15,000 connections because of the baby’s astonishing ability to learn. The AAP argues that there’s no reason to take chances with that development. Even if there’s no evidence that screen time is bad for baby brains, there’s also no evidence that it does anything to promote healthy growth. Until we have evidence that screen time is good for babies and toddlers, access to technology should be limited and thoughtfully supervised by parents. Since you can’t see what’s happening in your baby’s brain, you’ll need other indicators to be sure development is on track. Here are a few questions worth asking: Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
Is your child excited to play with you? Experts agree that a deep connection with parents is crucial during the first two years of life. Early interactions in which children learn to make and break eye contact or to take turns making sounds become the foundation for emotional intelligence. Having face to face fun with your baby sets up a lifelong assumption that interacting with people is rewarding for its own sake. Do people talk to your child—a lot? Research done in the 1990’s demonstrated that babies who hear around 2,000 words per hour do better in school and even have higher IQ’s. That’s because the language centers of the brain are especially absorbent during the first three years. Recorded words don’t make much of an impression. Language needs to be tailored to the child, responsive both to what she is doing and her emotions. Does your child enjoy three dimensional play? Babies and toddlers figure out the world by picking things up, chewing on them, poking, throwing, rolling and stacking them. Not only is this fun, but it gives your child the basis for concepts like round and flat, fuzzy and smooth. A touch screen may reference these ideas but it takes lots of real life experience to get them fixed firmly in the brain. Healthy babies are always reaching and exploring. Most of what they find should stimulate multiple senses. Can your child detach from the screen? Some parents report that little ones become fixated on smartphones and tablets, whining for them when they could be doing other things and melting down when parents take them away. According to Michael Rich, director of Boston’s Center on Media and Child Health, this occurs because the visual 40
stimuli of many apps gives children a regular squirt of dopamine, a brain chemical that creates sensations of pleasure. Too much of this can create cravings that babies—and sometimes older people--can’t resist. Is your child able to settle down for quiet time and sleeping? Because baby brains are growing so rapidly, they can easily become overstimulated. Being able to settle and sleep peacefully is a lifelong skill, and most parents intuitively help little children calm down by gentle rocking, singing and stroking. Research indicates that the light emitted by screens stimulates brain waves in ways that interfere with sleep, so screentime should never be part of a baby’s bedtime routine. Can you focus on your child? No matter what you say, young children will mimic what you do. If you are tethered to your devices--checking e-mail during diaper changes, texting during playtime, talking on the phone during walks with your baby—your behavior will imprint on your child. More important, your distraction will keep you from playing what Uri Bronfenbrenner, co-founder of Head Start, called “ping pong” with your child: Your baby giggles and you repeat whatever you did to make her laugh. Your toddler says something that sounds like Mama and you respond with delight. As Bronfenbrenner famously put it, healthy development occurs “through the process of progressively more complex exchange between a child and somebody else-especially somebody who’s crazy about that child.” If you can answer “yes” to all these questions, you can be confident that your baby’s brain is getting what it needs. Under those circumstances, handing over the smartphone to secure a moment of quiet isn’t any more harmful than offering a cookie for the same reason. Neither is likely to undermine healthy development for your baby, unless you turn it into a habit. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
www.mobilebayparents.com
P
ar
d
ly e
n e PA Sunflower ad.qxp_Layout 1 9/3/15 2:14 PM Page 1
er n ur
m er
of
y
r
n’t
ng
to hts
om
41
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
P p f
pa an
all Pa tak an kid en pa
all yo on
It all started with a peanut allergy... I was nine years old, trick-or-treating with my best friend Vicki and her brothers, proudly donning my homemade Pippi Longstocking costume. With each house we visited, my pumpkin bucket got heavier and delightfully unwieldy. Vicki and I plotted which candy we would devour first upon our return to her house. But Vicki’s little brother Will was not enjoying himself. As the evening wore on, I noticed his “trick-or-treats” became a little less enthusiastic and a lot more grumbly. I soon learned that Will had a peanut allergy, and nearly everything in his candy bucket was off-limits. His parents kept promising that they had a stash of peanut-free candy at home, but all Will saw was a whole lot of candy that he couldn’t have. Fortunately times have changed, and this means an increased awareness about many types of dietary restrictions. But that doesn’t make holidays like Halloween, with its flashy seasonal Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
42
www.mobilebayparents.com
Th ev ac Je Ch ei sc de 6 sc Sc
d
s
y pt e,
om
More kids than ever deal with food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. Parents, teachers and caregivers need to take a proactive approach. Take charge, and don’t let fun-sized candy rule your kids’ holiday, because nothing can dampen Halloween spirits like not being able to participate in the sugar fest. packaging and pumpkin-shaped treats, any easier for kids who can’t partake. More kids than ever deal with food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. Parents, teachers and caregivers need to take a proactive approach. Take charge, and don’t let fun-sized candy rule your kids’ holiday, because nothing can dampen Halloween spirits like not being able to participate in the sugar fest. If you’re the parent of a child with an allergy, sensitivity, or aversion (and even if you aren’t, chances are you know someone who is) here a few ways to celebrate
this spook-tacular holiday without the stress – or the sugar rush.
Celebrate with Movie Madness Here’s some surprising news: just as Halloween doesn’t have to be a sugar-fest, it also doesn’t have to be horrifying. If you have little ones you’re keeping in, and you don’t want to be up all night alleviating ghoulish nightmares, consider cozying down with some not-too-scary Halloween classics. For young children, Halloween flicks don’t get any better than It’s the
Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Linus stars in this short, sweet movie, as he awaits the elusive “Great Pumpkin.” If that’s too elementary for your kids, try Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, or Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. But be attuned to your audience: even though the latter is an animated Disney movie, it still packs kind of a spooky punch. And of course, the Harry Potter movies, though not technically about Halloween, do provide a good seasonal thrill. Try either Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone or Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets if you want to stick with one of the lighter choices. Once you settle on your movies, set up your theater. Dim the lights, pile on the pillows and blankets, and serve your child’s favorite snack, apple juice, or a spooky looking punch with peeled grapes (um, eyeballs anyone?). Warning: this type of evening may induce some sofa snuggling.
Create a Pumpkin Parade Who doesn’t love pumpkins? The way they look, taste, smell when baking
Corpus Christi Catholic School Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time .
The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. Established in 1958 by Corpus Christi Parish, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K3 through eighth grade an outstanding education. In addition, the school provides a warm, nurturing environment with developmentally appropriate programs for children aged 6 weeks to 2-years old. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please contact Corpus Christi Catholic School at 251.342.5474. Corpus Christi Catholic School 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school 43
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Have a (Costume) Ball Kids love to play pretend, and having a good costume is an essential part of that. Use Halloween as an excuse to go through your closets and create “costumes” for your child to keep in a dress-up bin (bonus: you can also create a pile of things to donate or pack away for summer). Be creative: graduation gowns can become wizard robes, flannel shirts and jeans can outfit the perfect cowboy, and silk scarves make great princess dresses! If your child wants to invite friends to your place, enlist a relative or older sibling to dig through the closets and come up with some cute costumes that the kids can “model” for the grownups. You can even give prizes for categories like scariest, most creative, or silliest. Put on some music as they show off their duds, and have a ball!
Host a Harvest Feast
– everything about them evokes autumn and coziness. So if you’re skipping the treats this Halloween, take your kids to a nearby pumpkin patch and have a blast. Many places have pumpkin painting or carving stations set up for little ones, and you just pay for the pumpkin. A lot of grocery stores get into the spirit too, letting you build scarecrows with pumpkin heads (you supply the old clothes), or hosting themed baking classes for kids. Let your child choose a plethora of pumpkins to take home with you, Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
and you can spend the evening carving jack-o-lanterns, roasting pumpkin seeds, or perfecting a pumpkin recipe for Thanksgiving. If you’d rather not deal with carving and seeds, there are plenty of pumpkin crafts that are affordable and kid-friendly. You can easily make construction paper pumpkins to hang as lanterns, or paint paper plates to create pumpkin masks. Just Google “pumpkin crafts for kids” and you’ll have hundreds of fun and easy ideas at your fingertips. 44
As a parent, the thought of trekking from house to house and collecting candy that will hype up my kids (until I eventually eat it all while they sleep), well, it’s just not that appealing. Chances are, there are other parents you know who feel the same, or whose kids have a dietary restriction that makes them dread Halloween. As it turns out, this is a great excuse to host a potluck. Each guest brings something “safe” for his or her child, and you can even specify foods that are off limits in an email or invitation. This way no one has to stress about feeding their child before the party, and the grown-ups can actually relax and enjoy themselves. You can even give your get-together a “seasonal” theme by asking everyone to feature an autumn ingredient, like apples or squash. Whatever your family decides to do for Halloween this year, remember that it doesn’t have to revolve around candy. There are so many ways to celebrate, and so many kids who want to get into the spirit and try something new. Happy Halloween! MBP
of fas ca by sp yo wh clo se fun su fal pr an tho yo yo siz yo or in yo ho fav kid mo ne wa ou int
Beth Fornauf is a freelance writer and mother of t wo. Different members of her family suffer from peanut, tree nut, gluten and shellfish allergies. Beth enjoys finding creative recipes and activities to minimize the impact of these restrictions, while also raising awareness about them in the community.
se eig ing the ag
www.mobilebayparents.com
vrt
-
s,
e
s r
at
e,
ng
c-
s
nre
do t dy.
t
om
Mixing Up Your Summer and Fall Styles It’s almost time for another year of fall and winter must haves as far as fashion! Don’t stress out, because you can have fun with your fall style simply by using some of your summer and spring items. Before you go out and buy a whole new closet of clothes for the colder season, here are some fun ways to turn your summer clothes into fall and winter appropriate attire. Both fall and winter can have those rare days when you can get away with your comfiest oversized sweaters and your favorite summer or spring blouse all in one style, whether you’re starting your holiday shopping or attending your favorite fall event, football game or kids party. These are often our busiest months so let’s not worry about what we need to buy, but just enjoy the simple ways of styling what we have hanging in our wardrobe by mixing all our seasons into one. To help you feel inspired by your seasonal wardrobe, today I am sharing eight of my favorite mixing and matching style ideas that I plan on wearing these next few months...and I encourage you to do the same!
1- Brighten up and have fun with prints. Layer your favorite printed or bright colored sweaters, blazers, and cardigans with your favorite pants, skirts and winter shoes. Don’t worry about putting bold patterns and colors back into the closet at summer’s end. Instead, mixing a variety of prints and colors can be a clever way to keep the trend fresh. 2- Maxi dress and skirts. Maxi dresses and skirts are my go to item of clothing for spring and summer. A simple way to transform this perfect little wardrobe piece would be to slip on a sweater or a scarf and tie a belt over it at your waist for a fun layered look. It’s all about simple soft layers. 3- T-shirts. Pairing your favorite tee with a fall fabric like your favorite skirt, blazer, cardigan or pant and adding a winter shoe can keep your look fresh and stylish for fall and winter. 4- Summer dresses and skirts. Summer is all about the patterns, so keep your winterized additions subtle. Here, you might want to add opaque tights or leggings paired with your favorite boots or closed toe heels. For the top, add either a leather jacket, long cardigan (belted), denim jacket, or a chunky sweater. You probably have all of these hanging in your closet from last year. 5- Summer handbag. Don’t retire your summer handbag just because the leaves are changing. Carry it with 45
darker, solid separates for a fall-appropriate look. 6- Layering. Clearly this is the key to any fall/winter style. Layering can help transform any summer or spring style into your favorite winter go-to piece of clothing. Keep your layers soft and moveable. 7- Accessorize. Now, this is key for any wardrobe change. Using accessories is a super easy and affordable way to start pulling in fall colors before you make drastic changes in wardrobe. Adding golds, coppers, reds, oranges, and browns in your jewelry, belts, shoes, and bags can help dramatically switch up the way an outfit looks. 8- Summer scarves. I love summer scarves and they are my favorite accessory for the cooler months. This is an item that every woman should own regardless of the season. You can wear them with just about everything from a short-sleeved shirt/blouse to a dress. It can make an entire outfit look a little less casual when you throw one on. They’re stylish and very versatile when it comes to how you wear them. The drop in temperature doesn’t have to mean storing away your favorite spring colors...even on the coldest days. Enjoy saving money and have fun with your style during these busy fall and winter months. 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.
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
& Halloween Fun Organized in date order to help you plan a great October!
Seward Farms
(ad on page 7) September 26-October 31 10836 Tanner Williams Road, Lucedale (228) 641-3936; www.sewardsfarm.com Come to the border of Mississippi and Alabama on Tanner Williams Road, and you’ll find tons of family fun, fresh air, twisting corn maze, fantastic food, and an evening by a crackling fire! We have a challenging corn maze, pig races, hayrides and cow train, giant jumping pillow, tube slide, corn cannon, and Farm animals and goat walk, field of fright and pony rides. Our flexible hours and admission allows you to choose how many activities are right for your family and budget, but we have to say, the All Day Pass is a terrific bargain for a full day of fun! Our Wagon Wheel Cafe offers delicious barbeque sandwiches, pulled pork, hotdogs, drinks and more. We have birthday Huts and party pavilions available by reservation for special events and birthdays. Make reservations now for a fire pit for your group for a perfect evening. The pumpkin barn opens in October with a great selection of perfect pumpkins for your jack-o-lanterns and decorations. October 17, 24 and 31 will be the dates to join us if you dare for a Halloween Scare! Hauntings begin at dusk (doors open at 6:00pm). October 31 is Trick or Treat Saturday, Come meet your favorite cartoon characters. Hours of operation: Open Saturdays 10:00am-9:00pm (September 26 – 10:00am-4:00pm) Closed Fridays & Sundays. Monday thru Thursday: field trips by reservation. NOTE: Cash Only, No Credit Cards, No Personal Checks. Visit us at www.sewardsfarm.com.
Tanner Williams United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
October 1 – October 31 1550 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd North off Tanner Williams Rd; (251) 649-4752, (251) 776-0283 Come to the patch! Our pumpkins will arrive the first of October. Pumpkin Patch hours are 10:00am7:00pm Monday – Saturday and Sunday from noon – 6:00pm and we have pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, mums, plants and homemade treats available for purchase! Please drop by and take as many pictures of your family with the pumpkins as you like. School field trips can be scheduled for Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday in October. Dates to remember: Saturday October 3rd – Festival from 11:00am-1:00pm with games, old timey demonstrations, scarecrow contest, decorated cake contest, cake walk, kids crafts, face painting and much more! Saturday, October 10th – Trunk Sale from 8:00am1:00pm. An awesome yard sale! Saturday, October 17th – Sunset in the Patch from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Hamburgers are available for purchase and a band will play at 6:00pm. Saturday October 24th – Professor Zounds will perform at 12:00pm and Movie in the Patch at 5:00pm. Costume contest, Popcorn, and a Kid Friendly Movie at Sunset. Friday October 31st -Trunk or Treat at 6pm. Come and trick or treat with our church family. Free hot dogs and chips.
BayFest 2015
October 2-October 4 www.bayfest.com BayFest will celebrate its 21st anniversary on October 2-4, 2015 with an expected crowd of more than 50,000 guests per day, who will make merry in the streets of Downtown Mobile and experience continuous music throughout the festival weekend. BayFest offers a diversity of music for everyone, including country, rock, alternative, classic rock, pop, jazz, R&B, rap, gospel, reggae, and more. The festival designed The Launching Pad and The Cafè Stage to spotlight our amazing local/regional talent who aspire for musical greatness. The event also includes a family activities area located in historic Bienville Square. All of this is offered at a price that is less than what most individual concerts cost! Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Please visit www.bayfest.com.
Wales West
(ad on page 48) October 2-October 31 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com All aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express at Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway! Ride an authentic Steam Train to the Haunted Barn Maze and KiddieFriendly Pumpkin Patch, decorate a FREE Pumpkin, enjoy Refreshments, Miniature Train ride, Hay Ride, and Children’s Inflatable. Exciting Pumpkin Canon, Pony Ride, Petting Zoo, Snack Shop and Gift Shop available for a small fee. Open: Fridays, 5:00pm9:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays, Noon – 9:00pm, 46
from Friday, October 2 through Saturday, October 31. WEEKEND scary Night Trains start Friday, October 9; NIGHTLY Scary Night Trains start Friday, October 23, 2015 and run every night. $15 per person, plus tax; 2 and under, free. Located on Co Rd. 9 between Fairhope and Silverhill, 1.5 mi. south of 48 or 2.5 mi. north of 32. Call (888) 569-5337 for information or www.waleswest.com (sign up for emails for coupons).
Magnolia Corn Maze
(ad on page 9) October 3-October 31 15275 County Road 49, Summerdale (251) 605-7216; www.magnoliacornmaze.com Magnolia Corn Maze is opening October 3rd through October 31 for the 2015 Season. This year Magnolia Corn Maze is again putting in two corn mazes. We hope you will come out and get lost in one of the two corn fields we offer. Enjoy the hayride, cow train, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pig races, pony rides, corn cannons, games, a pumpkin slingshot, hop-along rodeo, hay jump, 2 corn mazes, bazooka ball, second playground, zombie paintball, food and concession items and more! We have many special events going on, like Trick or Treat in the Maze – Wear your costume! (October 24, 1-3pm). And every Saturday night is Flashlight Night - We will be open late on Saturday nights so that you and your family can experience the maze in the dark. Participants can bring their own flashlights and find their way through the maze in the dark. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: by appointment only, Friday: 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Saturday: 11:00am to 9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Cost: General Admission $12.00 per person plus tax, Unlimited Activity Ticket $15.00 per person plus tax, Ultimate Admission Ticket $20.00 per person plus tax, Children 2 and under are Free. Please visit www. magnoliacornmaze.com for more information.
Pumpkin Patch at Christ UMC
October 4 -October 30 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 342-0462; www.christumcmobile.com It’s that time of year again....time for the Children’s Ministry’s annual Pumpkin Patch! We are excited to see the lawn at Christ UMC covered with gourds and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes! From the smallest to the largest pumpkin, you’re sure to find the best www.mobilebayparents.com
pum per bee If y Tim 9:0 Ma ces The pira dec to b chi 28 Gra ing will Hal can chi The kin
44
Oct Gu Hig Sav nua eve the mu reg the the wa “Ou Wo out will
y,
o h
or
pumpkins for holiday decorating or to use as the perfect backdrop for fall family photos. If you’ve been before, we look forward to seeing you again. If you haven’t been yet, plan on joining us this year! Times Sunday: Noon – 6:00pm, Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 7:00 p.m. We’ll see you at the Patch! Many exciting activities: October 7 Pirates and Princesses Picnic - Preschoolers, 11:00am – 12:00pm at The Pumpkin Patch. Come dressed as your favorite pirate or princess for a fun time at The Patch. We will decorate pumpkins and then picnic, so don’t forget to bring your lunch! Cost $5. Register at christumcchildren.com/register by Friday, October 2. October 28 – Great Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch - 3K – 5th Grade, 6:00pm-7:00pm, Join us for a special screening of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” We will sit under the pumpkin tent to watch this favorite Halloween classic on the big screen. Popcorn, cotton candy and drinks will be served. After the movie, children can decorate a small pumpkin to take home. There is no cost to attend Movie Night in the Pumpkin Patch. Rain location: Christ Center Gym.
44th Annual National Shrimp Festival
October 8 – October 11 Gulf Shores, Highway 59 ends and intersects with Highway 182; myshrimpfest.com Savor fresh from the gulf seafood at the 44th Annual National Shrimp Festival during this four-day event that attracts over 300,000 people. This year the festival will play host to more than 80 hours of musical entertainment featuring a lineup of national, regional and local acts. Food is another highlight of the festival with 50 local and regional vendors lining the boardwalk at the public beach with mouthwatering delights. New activities this year include: “Outdoor World” and “Shrimp Festival Idol”. Outdoor World will feature fishing, boating, hunting and other outdoor vendors and activities. Shrimp Festival Idol will be an “American Idol” type competition where
high school singers from seven local schools will compete in elimination rounds to find out who will become Shrimp Festival Idol. Families can enter the annual sand sculpture contest on Saturday. Kids can take part in a myriad of activities in the Children’s Activity Village, including face-painting, karaoke and much more. Runner and walkers can enter the 10K and 5K races on Saturday, October 11 to help work off some of the great food at the festival. All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment. Art lovers will have almost 200 booths of fine art and arts and crafts vendors from which to choose. Hours: Thursday – Saturday from 10:00am-10:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm in Gulf Shores where highway 59 ends and intersects with highway 182. Please visit myshrimpfest.com for more information.
The Village of Springhill, Inc. Screen on the Green
October 10 www.thevillageofspringhill.com Join us for Screen on the Green film festival. This FREE outdoor event organized by The Village of Spring Hill will take place on Saturday, October 10. October 10 will feature Hotel Transylvania. The film will be shown on Spring Hill College’s Dorn Field behind the Moorer library branch. The movies will begin at 6:45pm. Pizza Hut will be onsite selling pizza. Visit www.thevillageofspringhill.com or find us on Facebook!
St. Mary Parish Fall Festival (ad on page 21) October 10 - October 11 www.stmarymobile.org 107 North Lafayette Street, Mobile
Back by popular demand, St. Mary Parish brings back The Fall Festival! The weekend events include a chili cook-off, 5K Run/Walk, games, entertainment, pumpkin carving contest, a Hole-in-One Ball Drop, and more!. For information email tsasserpto@stmarymobile.org or log on to www.stmarymobile.org.
Greek Fest 2015
October 15-October 17 50 S Ann Street, Mobile (251) 438-9888; www.greekfestmobile.org Welcome to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Festival! Share our food, music, and heritage with friends and neighbors. Thank you for coming out to experience Greece in Mobile, Alabama - a yearly opportunity to eat, dance, shop, and be entertained as if you were in Greece itself! Enrich your senses with sights and sounds of Greece. We have live music and dancers, as well as activities just for the kids. As always, the food, desserts, and libations are sure to please, from the lamb to the always popular baklava. The ladies will be ready to take your order, with handmade baklava and assorted Greek pastries boxed to go! There’s a treasure of Greek jewelry, paintings, clothing, imports, and more available in our indoor marketplace as well. 11am-10:00pm.
Dauphin Way Methodist Pumpkin Patch
October 15-October 31 Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets, Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org Come to the Pumpkin Patch! The patch will be open 7 days a week beginning October 15th. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm. You will find pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and even some different colors along with gourds for your fall decorations. Field trips are offered Tuesday - Friday
gh ia e
a
.
nd
d
y,
ral
,
s o nd st t
om
47
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
from 9:00am-12:00pm with an appointment. Appointments may be made by emailing lfoster@ dauphinwayumc.org or calling (251) 378-7532. Field trips are $2 or $3. For $2 each child receives a small pumpkin, experiences story time, and an informational time about how and where the pumpkins were grown and they get to pick out their very own pumpkin. The $3 field trip also includes a hayride. The patch is located at the corners of Catherine and Dauphin in the parking lot across from the church.
Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run for USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital
(ad on Inside Front Cover) October 16 USA Campus – Lawn of the Mitchell Center near Moulton Tower, Mobile www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-trick-ortrot-5k-and-fun-run-tickets-18052285873 On Friday, October 16, 2015, USA Children’s and Women’s supporters and friends will come together again for the Third Annual “Trick or Trot” 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run to raise funds for the Pediatric Emergency Department. This great race will take place at Moulton Tower at the University of South Alabama. This event is filled with family fun, running, trick-or-treating and children’s activities with great food and drinks. The 5K will start at 6 PM. The Scary Scurry Fun Run will begin at 7 PM and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. After race festivities include trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, bounce houses, outdoor movie, train rides, games, music, food and drinks! To date, this race has raised nearly $60,000 for the hospital!
Christ United Methodist Church – Family Fun Day
October 17 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 342-0462; www.christumcmobile.com Our annual Fall Family Day will happen on Saturday, October 17th from 9:00am – 1:00pm. During Fall Family Day, children can enjoy bouncing on inflatables, a petting zoo, hay rides, face painting and a performance by the Children’s Ministry Puppet Team and Children’s Choir at 10 o’clock. Youth can enjoy Pumpkin Chunkin’, large inflatables and a pumpkin sling shot. There will also be music by the Youth Praise Band and Singers at 11:00am. During your time at the patch, have your family’s picture taken with the on-site photographer. We will have delicious foods and treats for sale, including snow cones, cotton candy and hotdogs. To complete the day of fun at the Pumpkin Patch, beginning at Noon, the Whatever It Takes Praise Band will perform.
Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party
October 18 (251) 476-6335; littlesistersofthepoormobile.org The big bash starts at 10:00am and takes place on the grounds of Sacred Heart Residence at 1655 McGill Ave. in Midtown. It’s going to be an Irish October at the little Sisters with Mobile’s favorite Irish quartet Mithril playing their unique blend of traditional Irish jigs and reels. Mithril will begin at 10:00am and play a 90 minute set. We’ll also be featuring the MacCrossan’s School of Irish dance - watching these youngsters dance will surely be a treat! Visitors can enjoy our delicious food and beverages while the kids play at our Kid’s World with giant slides and Mr. Gee’s Balloons and face-painting. Don’t forget the pony rides and petting zoo as well as the famous kid’s train ride. e. Admission is free and all proceeds go directly to the care of our elderly poor residents.
2015 nnual A 11th
PUMPKIN w o e l e n al
Night at the Museum
October 23 111 S Royal St, Mobile (251) 208-7510; www.museumofmobile.com The History Museum of Mobile’s Night at the Museum will be held from 5:00pm -8:00 pm. Once the clock strikes five, Mobile’s history comes alive! Talk to historical figures that come to life after the museum closes. Go on an interactive scavenger hunt to find the answers to questions about Mobile’s history. All participants receive a prize! Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Treats will be given to guests. This is a great event for families! The History Museum is located at 111 S. Royal Street in downtown Mobile. Admission is free!
Mobile Museum of Art Docent Tour: Morality
October 22 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com Tour the haunted histories of our oldest collections with a trained docent in Mortality. The first in a series, Mortality takes you on the journey of death, days before the most fiendish day of the year- Halloween. Bring the whole family and enjoy a new experience this hallows eve. We promise not to scare you…too much. This is a free Thursday night program. Sign up in person for a tour at either 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm or 8:00pm.
Christ the King - Haunted Forest
October 23 – October 24, October 30-31 1505 Main Street, Daphne (251) 463-1924; www.hauntedforestal.com Email: youth@ctkdaphne.org Looking for some Halloween fun for your older children? Come out to Christ the King’s The Haunted Forest. Walk through the Haunted forest and experi-
PATCH EXPRESS
OCTOBER 2nd-31st Fridays 5pm - 9pm • Weekends noon - 9pm
E PUMPKIN! FRE With paid admission.
County Road 9 near Silverhill
888-569-5337 1.2 miles south of Co. Rd. 48, or 2.5 miles north of Co. Rd. 32
& under FREE $15 PER PERSON (plus2 years tax)
SCARY NIGHT TRAINS:
Weekend trains start 10/9, 5pm - 9pm Nightly trains start 10/23, 5pm - 9pm
FREE! (with paid admission)
• Pumpkin • Crafts • Inflatable • Refreshments • Pumpkin Patch • Spooky Haunted Barn • Miniature Train Ride • Authentic Steam Train Ride
Also...
Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Pumpkin Cannon, Cafe with Food!
WALESWEST.COM 13670 Smiley St.
(slight fee extra)
It is the policy of Wales West LLC not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids, or against any individual because of his or her relationship with a person with a disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids. Wales West LLC will not exclude any individual with a disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids, from the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, facilities or accommodations. The Wales West ADA Compliance Official Mr. Ken Zadnichek, Jr. may be reached at (888) 569-5337 or email him at compliance@waleswest.com Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
48
www.mobilebayparents.com
enc Kin Dap frig Chr and min For 30 Str onl or c
Ba
Sat 124 (25 Dre Gar Gar Gre fall the the and to g bal Gar PM red to 1 and age site will
Sa
Oct Sar (25 Join tiva Com as nity as via mu
As Tru
Oct 15 (25 Ple Tru niv and mo 5:3 Dir or (
Da
Oct Cor (25 The the fes FRE Pop be tan
e to m d l ed
n
, -
are
m,
ed ri-
S
e
M
e a-
om
ence a night of Terror you won’t forget. Christ the King’s The Haunted Forest will return to Downtown Daphne again this year for those seeking some frightful fun. The Haunted Forest is presented by Christ the King Catholic Parish’s Life Teen Program and proceeds from the event help fund the youth ministry program for 6th-12th graders. The Haunted Forest will be open on October 23 & 24 and October 30 & 31 from 7:30pm until Midnight at 1505 Main Street, Downtown Daphne. Tickets are $13 - Cash only. Visit our website at www.hauntedforestal.com or call (251) 463-1924 for information.
Balloon Glow in the Gardens
Saturday, October 24 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org Dress up your little goblins and come to Bellingrath Gardens for the 11th annual Balloon Glow in the Gardens, an evening of trick-or-treating on the Great Lawn on Saturday, Oct. 24. Halloween and fall-themed inflatables will be glowing throughout the Gardens to guide little witches and wizards along the pathways to the Great Lawn. Local businesses and organizations will hand out candy and treats to guests. There will also be a spectacular hot air balloon glowing on the Great Lawn to illuminate the Gardens, weather permitting. Hours are 4:30 to 8 PM. Beginning at 4 PM, the admission price will be reduced to $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. There is no charge for Bellingrath members and children 4 and younger. Registration is encouraged; call (251) 973-2217. For details, visit our website: www.bellingrath.org. After Oct. 1, online tickets will be available at brownpapertickets.com.
Saraland Music and Arts Festival
October 24 Saraland Civic Center, 716 Mae Street, Saraland (251) 288-8454; www.saralandartscouncil.org Join us for the annual Saraland Music and Arts Festival at Saraland Civic Center from 9:00am-2:00pm. Come out a see our Saraland City Schools’ students as they bring music, dance, and art to the community. We will also have local talent performing as well as numerous vendors displaying their artistic talent via painting, sculpting, woodworking, crafts, and so much more. Keeping the Arts Alive in our Schools!
Ashland Place United Methodist Trunk or Treat
October 25 15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile (251) 478-6356, www.apumc.com Please join us for family-friendly festivities! Our Trunk-or-Treat features a live DJ, bouncy house, carnival games, hot dogs, popcorn, and tons of candy and treats from a variety of themed trunks. The more, the merrier -- so bring a friend! Time: 4:00pm5:30pm. For more information, contact Amy True, Director of Children’s Ministries, at true@apumc.com or (251) 478-6356.
Dauphin Way Methodist Fall Festival
October 25 Corner of Dauphin and Catherine Streets, Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org The festival takes place in the Pumpkin Patch at the corner of Catherine and Dauphin Street. The festival will be held from 2:30pm-4:30pm and is FREE. Costumes are acceptable, but not required. Popcorn, drinks, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available along with a train ride, inflatables, dunk tank (.50/throw) and other activities for kids.
Woofstock 2015
October 25 Bienville Square, Mobile; woofstockmobile.com Annual Woofstock to benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation will be held on Sunday, October 25. WOOFSTOCK will spread out over an entire city block allowing for even more fun activities, vendor booths, contests and more! We invite humans and their canine companions to spend the day listening to live, local music, enjoying the great food and libations and of course, let’s not forget the ever popular Weiner Dog Race and all-time favorite Doggie Costume Contest. This event benefits The Animal Rescue Foundation. Time- 11:00am-6:30pm. Cost - Adults $10/Children $5.
St. Mary Parish Trunk or Treat!
(ad on page 21) October 26 107 North Lafayette St.; (251) 432-8678 ext. 1 Monday, October 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the St. Mary Catholic School Campus located at 107 N. Lafayette Street. The pre-Halloween event features decorated cars with trunks of candy for trick or treaters. Prizes for best trunk, and best costumes. Plenty of activities for children to include arts and crafts, and cookie decorating. The cost is $5 per car participant and $1 per walk up per trick or treater. For more information, contact the parish office at 432-8678, ext. 1 email this year’s chairperson, Kristen Mosely at kmosleysab@stmarymobile.org
Halloween Spooktacular – Saraland Public Library
October 29 111 Saraland Loop, Saraland (251) 675-2879; www.mplonline.org Spooky Crafts & Treats – Fun for All! Wear your costume and Trick or Treat throughout the Library! Decorate Halloween cookies, make some crafts, and enjoy Monster Hand Punch. Time: 6:00pm.
Pump It Up Not-So-Scary Halloween Jump
October 30 741-A Hillcrest Rd, Mobile; (251) 342-3940; www. pumpitupparty.com/mobile-al Halloween is simply spook-tacular when you’re bouncing, laughing, sliding, and howling at our Halloween Jump Night! Cost: $8 plus tax per childincludes up to 2 hours of playtime, face painting and costume contests too! Parents stay and play for FREE! RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED as space is limited for the safety of the children. Socks and signed waived required. Parents must stay with children- not a drop off. Note: Wear your “Play Safe” costume - For the safety of our guests, costumes may not include: masks, jewelry, capes or other hanging items, or heavy make-up. Times: 6pm-8pm.
Arts Alive
October 30 – November 1 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile www.artsalivemobile.com Mobile’s premier annual celebration of the arts offers three days of varied artistic experiences and interactive and hands-on activities. It will be held in October at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds. The upcoming festival takes place this year from October 30 – November 1: Friday 4:00-8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm. Arts Alive! Festival admission is included in your purchase of a General Admission ticket to the Greater Gulf State Fair. We welcome you to come join us for a celebration of the arts as varied as the colors of 49
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
the rainbow. From recycled fashions to music videos by local musicians and filmmakers, this event will prove to be one of the best yet. Come down for live performances, shop for beautiful artwork and revel in a community exposition to remember.
Greater Gulf State Fair
(ad on page 39) October 30-November 8 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile (251) 344-4573; www.thegroundsmobile.com It’s time for the Fair! The Grounds will host the 2015 Greater Gulf State Fair with Live Shows featuring Lions, Tigers, and Bears. This year’s Fair will feature a new theme “Lions, Tigers, The Fair , Oh My!” which aims to host the best things about the Wizard of Oz under one roof as well as more than 30 adult rides, 30 kid rides and a must-see entertainment line-up! The all-new entertainment line-up this year will be showcased in a new area called “The Grounds Experience.” This exclusive entertainment area is designed as a space to host different entertainment each year of the Fair. This year, “The Grounds Experience” will highlight unique entertainment experiences that embrace all things Oz including: Live Tiger Encounter – Complete with live performing tigers and educational shows, Live Wildlife Encounter – Complete with live performing Lions, Bears, Monkeys, and educational shows Venardo’s Circus of Oz – Kevin Venardos, former Ringling Brothers Ring Master, will lead this custom designed Wizard of Oz inspired cirque show, Gator Boys Road Show – Back for an encore appearance Jimmy Riffle and the Gator Boys crew will wow the crowd with gator wrestling and educational shows.
House of Bounce Halloween
October 30 6368 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile; (251) 666-3456 www.houseofbouncemobile.com House of Bounce – Halloween. It’s A Boo-Tastic Halloween on Thursday 10-30-14 from 10:00am12:30pm Jump on in for our Boo-tastic Costume Contest & Open Jump Fun. Dance, Jump, Slide and Sing with your Friends in your Halloween Costume! Every Child in Costume will receive a Treat Bag and 1 Lucky Costume Winner will receive a SPECIAL GIFT! $8.00 per child.
5 Rivers Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 31 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.Alabama5Rivers.com On Saturday, October 31 from 10:00am-4:00pm we will have our FREE, family friendly Halloween celebration. There will be crafts, music, movies, trail rides, games, $5 boat tours, food trucks and a costume contest at 3:00pm.
Annual Trick of Treat in Green Park – Dauphin Island
tators are encouraged to dress in costume. Special awards will be presented to the costume contest winners - Adult and kids divisions. Mystery ghost somewhere in the race - will you be able to identify the spirit? Drawings for awesome prizes including a kayak - you must be present to win. Post-race party will include food, beverages and live music at the Dockside Marina.
Government Street Baptist Church Trunk-Or-Treat
October 31 3401 Government Blvd., Mobile 251-660-7444; www.governmentstreet.org Come by from 2pm-4pm for a fun time for the whole family! Admission and activities are FREE. Activities include decorated Trunks of Treats, carnival booths, blow up games, face painting, music, puppets, hay ride and more! Concessions will be available for purchase.
Halloween Fun at the Exploreum
October 31 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island www.townofdauphinisland.org Come and join the fun at 5:30pm. Bring your tables and chairs and candy.
October 31 65 Government Street (251) 208-6893; www.exploreum.com All the kids’ labs at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center will feature hands on Halloween fun on Saturday October 31. Please call (251) 208-6817 for information.
Dog River Ghost Chase 5K/Goblin Gallop
Library Trick or Treat – Ben May Main Library
October 31 4960 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile www.eventbrite.com The 5K race starts at 5:00pm and the ½ mile Gallop starts at 5:10pm to benefit Dog River Clearwater Revival. Costume Contest: All participants and spec-
October 31 701 Government St, Mobile (251) 208-7086; www.mplonline.org Families & Children of All Ages. Put on your costumes and join us for Trick or Treating throughout the Library. For more information, please call the Ben
Ma 208 4:0
Pu Sp
Oct 4M (25 Cal des at t is e ter, mp
Sa Tru
Oct (25 Join from drin for ah cos
Sp We
Oct 555 (25 We sna Spo foll bra dep
Tru Sp
Oct 4M (25 AH of c Tre ple mp
We
Oct 750 (25 We urd gam fell
Wo “H
Oct 270 (25 Join ann fes com pop
An
Oct The Age the Lad res For His Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
50
www.mobilebayparents.com
l
nd
ole s s, y
on or
mes
om
May Main Library Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Pumpkin Painting – Springhill/Moorer Branch Library
October 31 4 McGregor Avenue South, Mobile (251) 470-7766; www.mplonline.org Calling all children, ages 3 and Up! Be creative and design your own special pumpkin faces at 10:30am at the Springhill/Moorer Branch Library. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email ftigner@ mplonline.org.
Saraland United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat
October 31 (251) 675-2728; saralandumc.org Join us for our Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6:00-7:30. We’ll have hot dogs, chips, and drinks for everyone to enjoy. There will be cars for Trunk or Treat, crafts, a bounce house, and a hayride! EVERYONE is encouraged to come in costume...adults, too!
Spooky Halloween – West Regional Branch Library
October 31 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 340-8571; www.mplonline.org Wear Your Costumes! Calling all children - enjoy a snack and a special screening of Scooby Doo’s 13 Spooky Tales: Run for Your Rife in the meeting room followed by “Trick or Treating” throughout the Library. For more information, please call the children’s department at (251) 340-8571.
Trunk or Treat for all ages– Springhill/Moorer Branch Library
October 31 4 McGregor Avenue South, Mobile (251) 470-7766; www.mplonline.org A Halloween Extravaganza! Join us for an afternoon of crafts, games, costume contests, and “Trunk or Treating” in the parking lot. For more information, please call (251) 470-7770 or email eenglish@ mplonline.org. Time: 4:30pm
West Mobile Baptist Trunk or Treat
October 31 7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 639-9952; www.westmobilebaptist.org West Mobile Baptist will have Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 31. Everything is free including food, games, candy, and inflatables. Join us for fun and fellowship for the whole family. Invite your friends!
Woodridge Baptist Church “Harvest Celebration” Fall Festival
October 31 2700 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 776-4912; www.woodridgebc.com Join us October 31st from 6:00pm – 8:00pm for our annual community-wide “Harvest Celebration” fall festival! Children and students of all ages are welcome. Enjoy 4 different inflatables, trunk or treat, popcorn, soft drinks, corn dogs, games and candy!
Annual Renaissance Festival
October 31 The Barony of Osprey will present Life in the Middle Ages. You will see Knight in Armor as they storm the castle, view melee’s and sieges. Visit with Lords, Ladies, Artist and Medieval Merchants. Watch our resident Blacksmith demonstrate his craft in the Fort’s original Blacksmith Shop. Location: Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island.
For more information, please visit www.baronyosprey.org/Gatalop32.
Alabama Pecan Festival
November 6 – November 8 5055 Carol Plantation Rd, Mobile (251) 401-5555; www.alabamapecanfestival.com This family-oriented festival at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center features a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, face painting, arts and crafts, and jewelry. Free grandstand events include a classic country and western show, a Sunday gospel show with topnotch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. Friday- 5:00pm until; Saturday9:00am until; Sunday- 11:00am until. FREE!
Third Annual Stockton Sawmill Days
November 7 Bicentennial Park – 51233 Hwy. 225 N. Stockton, AL; (251) 937-3738; www.stocktonala.com 51
Step back in time on the site of Alabama’s firs sawmill as Stockton celebrates its history and heritage as a sawmill town. Draft animals pulling logs; professional lumberjacks demonstrating log-rolling, poleclimbing, crosscut sawing and boom-walking, lumberjack sport camp where pros teach young and old alike the art of log-rolling and cross-cut sawing; living history demonstrations - basket making, spinning, weaving, horseshoeing, blacksmithing, syrup making, grist mill, Indian camp, cooking in cast iron pots, oxen and sheep and others. Churn butter, shell corn, gather eggs, and hunt for treasure in a sawdust pile. Live music. Buck dancing contest. “Hayride History Tour” of the park compliments of Baldwin Co. Dept. of Archives & History. Flap jacks & syrup, Sawmill Biscuits, tomato gravy, fried catfish and cheese grits, cracklings, turnip greens, cornbread, BBQ, funnel cakes, buttermilk pie, plus. Bring a lawn chair. Location: Bicentennial Park – 51233 Hwy. 225 N. Stockton, AL from 9:00am-4:00pm. Tickets: Adults - $10; Children (5-12) $5; under 5 free. MBP
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
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 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. History Museum of Mobile • Exhibit “Art of India” open through September 1. “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores Southern Asia” is an exhibit about personal discovery and exploration. It is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures, and most importantly, photographs, and writings. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For info 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 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
September/October2015
Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251281-7312. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mobile Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251-689-2085. 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 ParentChild 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 251471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks. 251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m.
52
• 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.
www.mobilebayparents.com
F
US ww Cla ma at c pay exp for •P Allher pre rela ces ma pla app the mo •C Thi of t oth beh •B Thi del wan adv pos wor Thu beh Cre are clas Wo St.,
W
Sou Cou Ap Dev Opp stu hel hel tea eve and an dec one the rem Mo Fal Fall and Squ Spe Sep 1:3
Th
Mo Mo ann Wa We to i Frid Nig Mo eac and Spo Mo
5
m.
m.
a.
n by
re ur @
he om
the or
ace
Call
ily or,
Call
r
an
nts
30 or).
d e ch
tely , .
om
Family Calendar USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.
Wednesday, September 23 Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) Worlds of Opportunity A project of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC), the SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity is a hands-on career expo for 8th grade students in the eight counties of Southwest Alabama held at the Civic Center in Mobile. The 5th annual event held in September 2014 hosted 9,700 students, 970 teachers, counselors and parents. The purpose of the event is to expose students to careers available locally and to demonstrate what each career involves through an interactive, engaging series of activities. The decision to target 8th grade students was a strategic one; eighth grade is a critical year for students as they are deciding on coursework pathways for the remainder of their high school years and beyond. For More Information Visit: www.worldsofopportunity.com. 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 2 through October 28 from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 24
Mobile Fashion Week Mobile Fashion Week (MFW) celebrates its 5th anniversary with shows being held on location at the Warehouse District at Mobile Aeroplex. Mobile Fashion Week’s opening night is Thursday, September 24th to include local salons during the famed Hair Show. Friday, September 25th presents the popular Fashion’s Night Out and Saturday, September 26th will conclude Mobile Fashion Week with The Finale. Doors will open each night at 6 p.m. Showtime is set for 7 p.m. and events will conclude each night at 10 p.m. Sponsors for Mobile Fashion Week 2015 include: Mobile Airport Authority, 92ZEW, Coca Cola and
September/October 2015
Southern Light. While the event offers the fashion community along the Gulf Coast to showcase their collections, it also serves as a fundraiser for charity. Proceeds are distributed to the following charities: Camp Rap-A-Hope, Eye Heart World, and Children with Hair Loss. For more information visit us at: www. mobfashionweek.com. CCA Fall Out 2015 Fall Out 2015 is hosted by Coastal Conservation Association Alabama’s Eastern Shore Chapter and will be held at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). This event will be held from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Please visit www. ccaalabama.org for more information. Mobile Museum of Art – Docent Tours Join us for a docent-led tour through two exhibitions: Landscapes from the Collection of MMofA and The New Landscape. See paintings, prints, photography and mixed media approaches to our southern scenery past and present. This is a free Thursday night program. Sign up in person for a tour at either 5, 6, 7 or 8 p.m. Location: Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. The Maiden Voyage - A GulfQuest Gala Join us for a reception at 6:00 p.m., Christening Ceremony 6:30 p.m., and Museum Opening at 6:45 p.m. with Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. Cocktail Attire. Cocktails and Heavy Hors D’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. Please visit www.gulfquest. org/gala for ticket information. Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) Worlds of Opportunity See September 23 for more information.
program ends as Respighi’s awe-inspiring tone poem Pines of Rome conjures up the most glorious and exhilarating images of southern Europe. Performances are September 26 and 27. Please visit www. mobilesymphony.org for more information. Taste of the Bayou Come join Taste of the Bayou from 6-10 p.m.! Sample fabulous food prepared with the freshest ingredients harvested in our own backyard-the Gulf of Mexico. Bayou La Batre Community Center at 12745 Padgett Switch Rd., Irvington. Please visit tasteofthebayou.org for more information. 27th Annual Jubilee Festival The Jubilee Festival will feature up to 130 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the region. The Eastern Shore Chamber expects more than 30,000 patrons to attend this year. Those attending will also find a delicious assortment of unique festival foods. Kids Art at Jubilee Festival returns to Centennial Park again this year. It is a great opportunity to provide children hands-on experience in learning and exploring their creative side. Kids enjoy such activities as fence painting, creating wooden structures, fish prints, puppet making, and more. As always, the fantastic entertainment on stage at the Jubilee Fest showcases the best acts in the region. September 26th & 27th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Main Street (Scenic 98) in Olde Town Daphne, in front of City Hall and in Centennial Park. For more information call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222 or visit www.eschamber.com. Mobile Fashion Week See September 24 for more information.
Friday, September 25
5 Rivers KID’S Sunday Matinee “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program, Glenn Close plays a wonderfully evil, dognapping Cruella De Vil. The city’s animals join forces to rescue the missing Dalmatians. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Under the Roman Sky See September 26 for more information. 27th Annual Jubilee Festival See September 26 for more information.
Mobile Fashion Week See September 24 for more information.
Saturday, September 26
Polo at the Point Celebrating its twenty sixth Anniversary, the 2015 Polo at the Point is scheduled for September 26 at Sonny Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear. Tickets range from $10 to $150. For more information visit www.poloatthepoint.com or call (251) 928-9704. St Jude’s Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer Join St. Jude supporters in Mobile/Baldwin County and in 58 cities nationwide in the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we‘ll help St. Jude change the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Location: Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.stjude.org/walkrun for more information. Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum Opening Gulf Quest Museum opening is scheduled for September 26. Please visit gulfquest.org for more information. BayFest 5K & Fun Run BayFest will host its 9th Annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 26th to kick off the beginning of the 2015 BayFest Music Festival on September 26. The 5K race will start at 8:00 a.m. and Fun Run will start at 9:00 a.m. in Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. Food, beverages, and music will be provided after the race. All registered participants will be eligible for door prize drawings - you must be present to win. For more information, Please visit www.bayfest.com/5k.php for more information. Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Under the Roman Sky Internationally renowned guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas makes a triumphant return to Mobile to kick off the season with music inspired by southern climates. Pablo performs a new guitar concerto written especially for him by the legendary guitarist Sergio Assad. The
53
Sunday, September 27
Monday, September 28
City of Semmes Presents “The Mobile Pops” The City of Semmes presents “The Mobile Pops” free concert at 7:00 p.m. at Mary G. Montgomery High School (4275 Snow Rd N, Semmes). Please visit www. cityofsemmes.org for more information.
Tuesday, September 29
USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Concert USA Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Concert admission is $8 general admission and $5 for USA students, faculty, staff, senior citizens and youths under 18. For more information, please visit www. southalabama.edu/music.
Wednesday, September 30 The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest is Sept. 30–Oct. 3. This year, the festival expands to offer more of what you love about “LA” (Lower Alabama) by becoming a “birding & nature festival!” We will still offer your favorite expertly guided birding trips to prime spots along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, but we are adding exciting new trips—on foot and by boat—that focus on more of our great outdoors.
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Family Calendar You’ll see and learn more about alligators, dolphins, wildflowers, pitcher plants, pine forests, butterflies, snakes, turtles, and more. This year’s expanded Alabama Coastal BirdFest features 15 brand new trips and adventures. For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 2 for more information.
Thursday, October 1
The American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala The American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala, presented by Lexus of Mobile, takes place at The Alabama Cruise Terminal from 6-9 p.m. The Late Night Party (included in ticket) is from 8-11 p.m. on the Terminal Rooftop! Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online or call (251) 344-9858. While listening to the smooth sounds of Swing Mobile, delight in fine wines from Red or White, glamorous decor from Ryan’s Studio and exquisite cuisine by Clifton Morrissette. Live and silent auctions including fabulous trips, estate jewelry and original local art featuring artist Brent Smith. Come party for a cause! Visit www. vintageaffairmobile.org. University of Mobile Jazz Band Concert The University of Mobile Jazz Band will kick off the new Performing Arts season Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. with the concert “Sing, Sing, Sing,” featuring the best vocal songs of the Big Band era. The concert will be held at the Saraland Performing Arts Center at Saraland High School, 1115 Industrial Pkwy in Saraland. General Admission is $10. Fall into Fairhope October 1 – October 4 Faulkner State Fairhope Campus 450 Fairhope Avenue Fun October events with Free Admission consisting of: Alabama Coastal Bird Fest – October 1-3. BirdFest’s Bird and Conservation Expo will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Touch Tanks, exhibits with live critters, Birdhouse build and much more! Please visit www. alabamacoastalbirdfest.com for more information. Grand Festival of Books – October 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Interact with poets, storytellers, award winning authors and national best-selling authors. Please visit www.pageandpalette.com for more information. 33rd Annual Grand Festival of Art – October 3-4 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Local, regional, national and international artists specializing in woodworking, blown glass, painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography and more. Please visit www.esartcenter.com for more information. The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest See September 30 for more information.
Friday, October 2
Little Discoveries with Mr. Wayne Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children (ages 3-6) at the Ben May Main Library (701 Government St) from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. For more information, please call the Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest See September 30 for more information. Fall into Fairhope See October 1 for more information
Saturday, October 3
Mobile Pops Band Classic Concert The Mobile Pops Band will be performing a free concert consisting of a mix of classical and popular music at the Cottage Hill Medal of Honor Park (1711 Hillcrest Rd) in Mobile from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Bird and Conservation Expo Exhibits, vendors, artists, hands-on activities for all ages, live raptor demonstrations, sea creature touch tanks and lots more! FREE, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Faulkner State Community College, Fairhope.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
September/October2015
4th Annual Early Intervention Play Date in the Park The Annual Play Date in the Park Event is a family fun day for Early Intervention families of little ones with special needs or developmental delays to come and enjoy some time at the park. There will be light snacks & refreshments and fun activities. Location: Medal of Honor Park (1711 Hillcrest Road). Time: 9:00am12:00pm. Please call Nicole Davis (251) 421-0376 for more information. Art in the Park – Oak Park Church Oak Park Church at 3321 Sollie Road in Mobile will have its second Annual Art at the Park on Saturday, October 3rd from 9am until 3pm. A variety of items will be available including arts, crafts and others. All proceeds will benefit Oak Park Missions. For more information, contact Jane Roberts at (251) 490-9879. Something Special for Saturday – Springhill/ Moorer Branch Library Calling all children, ages 3 and Up! Come make your own pine cone bird feeders at Springhill/Moorer Branch Library (4 McGregor Avenue South) at 10:30am. Registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@ mplonline.org. The 12th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest See September 30 for more information.
Sunday, October 4
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. 2-2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Birders: The Central Park Effect” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program explores the extraordinary array of wild birds who grace Manhattan’s celebrated patch of green, and the equally colorful New Yorkers who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Fall into Fairhope See October 1 for more information
Monday, October 5
Sunny Side Theater Auditions for “Elf Jr.” Sunny Side Theater will hold auditions for its annual Fall Production “Elf, Jr.” on October 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in auditioning should come on one of the audition nights at the Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown park East prepared to read from the script. For more information, please call Owner/ Director Chris Paragone at (251) 510-1808.
Tuesday, October 6
John Rosemond - Parenting with Love and Leadership Seminar St. Luke’s Episcopal School will be hosting “America’s Leading Parenting Expert” John Rosemond for a Parenting with Love and Leadership seminar. This free event is open to the public and will be held at 6:30pm. Dr. Rosemond is a syndicated columnist in over 200 papers nationwide and the author of 14 best-selling parenting books. Dr. Rosemond is one of America’s most popular speakers known for his sound advice, humor and relaxed, engaging style. His common sense approach to parenting provides parents the guidance to raise happy, well-mannered children who will, as adults, contribute value to culture and society. The location is the St. Luke’s Middle and Upper School Campus in the Louise Robinson Moorer Center for Performing Arts, 1400 South University Boulevard.
54
5 Rivers StoryTime: “Never Tease a Weasel” by Jean Condor Soule The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 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’s story explains why one should definitely never ever tease a weasel..and more! 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Sunny Side Theater Auditions for “Elf Jr.” See October 5 for more information.
Wednesday, October 7 Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 23 for more information.
Thursday, October 8
March of Dimes 25th Annual Signature Chef’s Auction The 2015 South Alabama Signature Chefs Auction brings together top local chefs showcasing their culinary masterpieces, a generous sampling of fine wines, fabulous entertainment and a lively auction featuring one-of-a-kind packages, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a Signature Chefs Auction event. For the past 25 years, this event helped raise important dollars for the March of Dimes, pays tribute to the culinary excellence of local chefs and caterers in the Greater Mobile area and geared towards people who enjoy fine dining, fine wine, auctions and entertainment. 6:00 p.m. at Alabama Contemporary Art Center (301 Conti Street). If you’re interested in attending, participating or sponsoring such an event, please contact Riley McDuff (251) 345-6480 or emcduff@marchofdimes.org. Boots and BBQ Barn Bash The second annual Boots and BBQ Barn Bash kicks off on Thursday, October 8, to benefit pediatric rheumatology patients. Join us for a fun evening of food, music, dancing and fun - all for an incredible cause. Location - Camp Grace, located at 11080 Wanda Drive. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with live music. Please find us on Facebook for more information. Mobile Museum of Art Co-Lab Launch Party Want to share your ideas and insights with MMofA? Let your ideas be heard at the MMofA Co-Lab Launch Party. Work with our staff and other creative minds to brainstorm new programs and events for the museum. Come shake your tutus to the live music with Neil Byrne, and enjoy some dinner from visiting food truck vendors. There will also be beer, and a secret specialty drink to be revealed at the event. This is a free Thursday night event that starts at 7:00 p.m. Location: 4850 Museum Dr. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Cocktails and Furry Tails Join Save a Stray in celebrating dogs and cats, and how they make our lives better. The evening’s purpose is to appreciate the many contributions animals make to our community and to our personal lives. There will be music, heavy hors-d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a silent auction, and perhaps a few surprises. Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m. at The Pillars (1757 Government St). Tickets are $35 each. Checks can be made payable to Save a Stray, 311 N Joachim, 36603, or go to our website, saveastray.org, or pay at the event. Kids Studio – Ben May Main Library Children and their parents are invited to explore contemporary art and music through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of current exhibitions. Kids Studio is a free after-school class that helps children investigate themes relevant to Alabama’s culture and heritage through literature and art while using the current
www.mobilebayparents.com
F
exh boo art Ben info 208 Th Ala 4-6 Vin Wa Ma RSV the cel to of t dur spe The pat wh eve Wo by and
Fr
Lo Sta mo in t doo ent Dia Mo rat our 36% sta blo wo epi Liv Un lea on Sep ple live Co HU the mo
Sa
Pa Joi wh bay wil bei shr and the of B afte opt Chu Bat info Ste Joi ann Oct 3m (59 aH act
5
t he
ek’s ea d, r
s
or
r
nda
h
0
se e ill
00
,
a
om
Family Calendar exhibition, History Refused to Die. Today’s featured book is Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers and the art activity is Word Collages. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Ben May Main Library (701 Government St). For more information, please call the Children’s Department at 208-7086 or email crhodes@mplonline.org. Think Pink Tea Alabama Cruise Terminal, 201 S. Water St., Mobile 4-6 p.m. Fashion show begins at 4:30. Title Sponsor: Vincent F. Kilborn Charitable Foundation; Official Wardrobe Sponsor: Dillard’s of Mobile; Official Hair and Makeup Sponsor: Salon West 54 Hundred; Cost: Free; RSVP: 251-445-9691. Part fashion show, part tea party, the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Think Pink Tea is a celebration of breast cancer awareness, a commitment to patients, survivors, advocates and friends and family of those impacted by breast cancer. The annual event during Breast Cancer Awareness Month features guest speakers, music, delicacies and a runway fashion show. The models who walk the runway each year are current patients, breast cancer survivors, physicians and others who have been affected by cancer. This award-winning event is presented by MCI and USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital of Mobile and has been recognized by the Public Relations Council of Alabama for its social and community impact.
Friday, October 9
LoDA Artwalk Starting at 6 p.m. on the second Friday of every month, galleries, restaurants, shops, institutions, etc. in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District open their doors for a family-friendly evening of exhibitions and entertainment by area artists. Diabesity Summit Mobile County continues to have one of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the Country and our problem is getting worse. We now weigh in with 36% of our adults obese, 3% worse than our own state average! Obesity and diabetes lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer, lost time at work, poor quality of life and premature death. This epidemic truly costs our WHOLE community. We CAN Live Better Mobile! Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Student Center. Come learn how. Registration: livebettermobile.org, click on the Diabesity icon on the homepage; $35 before Sept. 2; then $50. For more information on this event, please contact Mary Mullins; Live Better Mobile; info@ livebettermoble.org. Corey Smith at the Saenger HUKA Entertainment presents Corey Smith at 7:30 at the Saenger (6 S. Joachim Street). Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information.
Saturday, October 10
Paddle Bayou La Batre 2015 Join The Bayou La Batre-Coden Historical Foundation while we celebrate a treasure of our heritage, the bayou, as we PADDLE BAYOU LA BATRE! Paddlers will have an up-close and personal experience of being on a true working bayou, lined with shipyards, shrimpboats, and scenic natural vistas. Experience and learn about the bayou’s history as you traverse the waters. Paddle under the vertical lift bridge, one of Bayou La Batre’s landmarks. Enjoy Bayou cuisine afterwards. The trip is approximately 6 miles with an option to take out at 2.5 miles. Location: St Margaret Church Grounds- 13790 S. Wintzell Ave, Bayou La Batre. Please visit paddlebayoulabatre.org for more information. Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Join the American Diabetes Association for Mobile’s annual Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Saturday, October 10th at the University of South Alabama. The 3 mile walk begins and ends at the Moulton Bell Tower (5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile). The event includes a Health & Wellness Festival, live music, children’s activities and more! All proceeds help fund research,
September/October 2015
diabetes education and advocacy efforts. Learn more by visiting stepout.diabetes.org. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 9:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Carole Grant at (251) 4231272 or cgrant@diabetes.org. Children’s Cup Regatta The sixth annual Children’s Cup Regatta sets sail on October 10, to benefit patients from the Alabama Gulf Coast treated at Children’s of Alabama. Sailing enthusiasts and friends in Mobile and Baldwin counties are invited to enjoy a day of sailboat racing at the Fairhope Yacht Club, located at 101 Volanta Ave. A family-friendly event, guests are invited to watch the races free-of-charge beginning at 12:30 p.m. The kids activity area, known as “Al’s Activity Area” in honor of local Children’s patient Al Guarisco, opens at 4:00 p.m. and features a waterslide, arts and crafts, games, and a chance to paint with Fairhope artist Ricky Trione. Throughout the afternoon, guests can bid on silent auction items and enjoy barbecue plates, a cash bar, and live music from Doc Rogers and the Rock Dodgers. The awards ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to register online, visit http://childrensal. kintera.org/childrenscup, or call Kerrie Benson at (251) 610-4969. Event updates will be posted regularly to facebook.com/ChildrensCupRegatta. 4th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail 4th Annual Dauphin Island Art Trail will be held Oct. 10, on Dauphin Island from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is presented by the Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce. The event will include over 40 local and regional artists spread around the island at 10 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 5 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 all 10 of the locations on the island to qualify for prize drawings at the end of the day. If a patron gets all 10 stamps, they will be entered for the grand prize drawing which will include a condo or beach house package on the beach. There is no purchase necessary to have your map stamped and entered 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. For details or questions please call Tricia Kerr, (251) 861-6001 or (251) 786-0722. 22nd Annual “Colonial Isle Dauphine” The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. This is a family style event and everyone is welcome. The Fort’s museum and gift shop are always open. Come and explore life on ‘Isle Dauphine’ in the 1700-1800’s as a French, British and Spanish soldier. The soldiers will go through drills and fire the cannon. Visitors can see the Fort’s authentic Blacksmith demonstrating his craft. Location: Fort Gaines (51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island). For more information visit www.dauphinisland.org. Downtown Mobile Fall Market in the Square Find fresh vegetables, seafood, hand-made candles, pottery, flowers and honey. 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturdays from October 10-November 21 in Bienville Square.
Sunday, October 11
Mobile Opera - Afternoon of the Stars – Ben May Main Library Members of the cast of Mobile Opera’s Pagliacci will perform their favorite musical selections at Ben May Main Library (701 Government St) at 3:00 p.m. Enjoy beautiful music and meet the stars over light refreshments following the performance. Admission is free. For more information, please call (251) 208-7097.
55
Tuesday, October 13
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! Location: 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Food for Thought Ransom Ministries will host a benefit dinner, Food for Thought, at Camp Grace at 6 p.m. The honorable Sandy Stimpson will be the guest speaker and guests are invited to participate in a silent auction prior to the dinner from 6 until 7 p.m. All funds raised will help fund the general operating budget for Ransom Ministries. The Ransom on the Road food truck will be onsite, as well as the Clean Machine. We will also recognize our first class of Ransom ReProgram students and champions. It should be a great night! Tickets are $50 per person or $400 per table. Sponsorships are also available. For more information call 251-751-0044 or visit RansomMinistries.com
Wednesday, October 14
Second Chance Consignment Sale Located at ABBA Shrine (corner of Schillinger and Hitt Road). Shop with us today to find great baby, children, and teen clothing, furniture, toys, baby equipment, brand name adult clothing, Mardi Gras, prom, and evening dresses, household items, furniture and sports equipment. For information about consigning or becoming a vendor visit SecondChanceConsignmentSale.com or call 251-5997695. Learning Lunch at the History Museum of Mobile Join us to explore new perspectives on the history and culture of Mobile, Southern Alabama, and the Gulf Coast. Each program begins at noon – bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages! 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at History Museum of Mobile at 111 S. Royal Street. For more information about the Learning Lunch program, contact: Howard McPhail, Curator of Minority History at 251-208-7557 or howard.mcphail@cityofmobile.org. Lighting of RSA Tower for Dyslexia Month Join us for the lighting of the RSA tower to support Dyslexia Awareness Month at dusk. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 23 for more information.
Thursday, October 15
9th annual Wine Festival The 9th annual Wine Festival at Five Rivers will be held at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. There will be delicious food and wine throughout the evening all donated by area restaurants, caterers and wine distributors. For this year’s musical entertainment we will have the Jim Roebuck Jazz Trio. Attendees will have an opportunity to vote to recognize their favorite food dish by voting for the “Taste of the Bay” and to cast a vote for the “Best of the Fest” award, which is designed to provide recognition to the most outstanding restaurant or caterer participant overall. All proceeds from this evening of fine wines and wonderful food will benefit the work of Catholic Social Services. Please visit www.wineat5rivers.com or call (251) 434-1550 for more information. Pre-K Studio Pre-K Studio (ages 3-6) is a free program that allows children and their parents to explore contemporary art and music through fun projects. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds and deepen families’ understanding of current exhibitions, while offering cross-curricular learning opportunities. Classes are facilitated by trained professional educators. Classes will be held every third Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Alabama Contemporary Art Center (301 Conti Street). For more information, please contact Amanda Solley, Education Coordinator, at (251) 208-5658. Dining in the Street Fundraiser In partnership with the Downtown Mobile Alliance,
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Family Calendar Prichard Preparatory School is hosting a dinner party in the streets of downtown Mobile from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dininginthestreet.com. Second Chance Consignment Sale See October 14 for more information
Friday, October 16
Mobile Theatre Guild presents “My Way” Join us on October 16 – 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. at Mobile Theatre Guild (14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile). Celebrating the 100th birthday of Ol’ Blue Eyes! This must-see musical celebrates the mystique of Frank Sinatra and the music he made famous. Two dynamic couples will take you from the 1940’s swing era to the bright lights of Las Vegas with the Rat Pack and beyond. Please visit mobiletheatreguild.org for more information. Dyslexia Awareness Month Professional Development Presented by Nancy Coffman at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information please visit the Mobile Bay Group of ALIDA Facebook page. Second Chance Consignment Sale See October 14 for more information
Saturday, October 17
Buddy Walk Participants from Mobile and surrounding communities will walk together for Down Syndrome Awareness as part of the Annual Buddy Walk at 10:00 a.m. This walk will raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. This year’s Buddy Walk will be held in Bienville Square, located in the heart of downtown Mobile, and is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate. Along with the walk through the historic area, there will also be live music, food, special guests, and games for all ages, vendors and exhibitors and much more. For more information on the Mobile Buddy Walk, please visit www.dssmc.com/Buddy_Walk.html. Salty Worm Fishing Tournament benefitting Pancreatic Cancer Research The Salty Worm fishing tournament is gearing up for its fourth annual event to be held at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. The Salty Worm Brackish Classic is a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament in which freshwater anglers compete against salt water anglers on the same day. The tournament will begin at daybreak and the weigh-in will be held at the Bluegill from 1:00 to 4:00. The Delta Bash after party is a family friendly event to be held at the same time as the weigh-in and will include live music, seafood buffet, silent auction, and children’s activities. Anglers participating in the tournament will be admitted to the Delta Bash and all others may purchase tickets for $30 prior to the event and $35 day of; children 8 and under are free. The proceeds from the Salty Worm tournament and the Delta Bash will go to the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the USA Mitchell Cancer. Tournament tickets and Delta Bash tickets can be purchased on our website at SaltyWorm. org. St Ignatius Impala Gallop St. Ignatius Impala Gallop is a 2 mile certified run/walk to benefit St. Ignatius School’s 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. Entry fee includes Swag Bag (to runners while supplies last), Post Race dinner, adult beverages, music and party! Overall winner award is a pair of running shoes! Register online at www.eventbrite.com. Registration forms available at McCoy Outdoor, Fleet Feet and Run-N-Tri. Race day registration also available. For more info contact rbwein@hotmail.com.
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
September/October2015
Second Chance Consignment Sale See October 14 for more information Mobile Theatre Guild presents “My Way” See October 16 for more information. Downtown Mobile Fall Market in the Square See October 10 for more information.
Sunday, October 18
Mobile Arts Council ARTworks The Throwdown 4 Mobile Arts Council is hosting one-of-a-kind silent auction/ loud party features a competition like none other seen in Mobile. Five artists will compete in a battle of creativity. Returning to defend his belt is last year’s Throwdown Champion Rando Dixon, pitted against artists Chris Cumbie, Mateo, Amanda Solley, and Bronwyn Coffeen. Master of Ceremonies will be Local 15’s Darwin Singleton and each masterpiece will be sold in a live auction at the end of the evening. While watching the competition and bidding, party goers can enjoy dancing to the spins of local D.J. Hunter Clark, food provided by Heroes and The Royal Scam, plenty of beer, wine and, of course, MAC’s signature cocktail: “The Red Rooster”. ART Works is the Mobile Arts Council’s largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds go to support our mission of bringing people and art together. Please visit artworksthrowdown4. brownpapertickets.com for tickets. Saraland Spartan Race The Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance & difficulty ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. The Alabama Super will be held in Saraland and racers will need to be prepared for 8+ miles riddled with over 20 obstacles and more than 30 elevation changes. The 90 acre course has a plethora of challenges and terrain types that will keep you guessing. From sandy high lands to swampy bogs, prairie land to forest area, this course has a little bit of everything. Be prepared to get dirty en route to a Super medal! Please visit www.spartan.com/en/race/ detail/847/overview for more information. 26th Reunion for USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital NICU graduates The Hollis J. Wiseman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host its 26th NICU Reunion in the hospital courtyard from 1-3 p.m. All NICU graduates and their families are invited, said Cynthia Huie-Smith, Marketing & Communications, USA Hospitals. Costumes are encouraged at this Fall Festival-themed event, Huie-Smith said. Refreshments, children’s games, a photo booth and face painting are featured. There’ll be free parking at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Admission to the event is free. For information, call (251) 415-1000. Crohn’s Disease Patients Enlist Others to Take Steps For Cures Jacob & Adam Clark from Mobile are inspiring people across the Gulf Coast area to participate in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Alabama/NW Florida Chapters Take Steps Walk at 3:00 p.m. at Bay Front Park & Pier in Fairhope. Thousands of people will gather this fall at walk sites across the country to join the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The walks are family friendly festivals with activities for everyone including bands, games, activities, food and a leisurely walk through a park or community. For more information, visit www.cctakesteps.org or contact Justin Shugart at 646-387-2149 or jshugart@ccfa.org. 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. 2-2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday KID’S Matinee “Dreamworks: Penguins of Madagascar” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free
56
family, friendly film. Location: 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Weddings to Brag About Bridal and Special Event Show Join us from 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Azalea Manor (751 Dauphin Street) for Weddings to Brag About Bridal and Special Event Show. Call the office at (251) 317-1329 or (251) 408-9950 with any questions. Mobile Streets Alive Downtown Mobile. GET READY, Mobile, Alabama... for the 2nd Annual Mobile Streets Alive! Bike, walk, dance, skate, eat, roll, break-dance, moonwalk, hula-hoop, and giggle your way down more than 1 mile of open streets in Downtown Mobile. Invite your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues. This is going to be loads of fun for the whole family! Mobile Streets Alive is a FREE community event. Open Streets events bring together families and neighbors to mingle, recreate, and shop in their communities in a safe, car-free environment. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “My Way” See October 16 for more information.
Tuesday, October 20
5 Rivers StoryTime: “Room on the Broom” The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is about a witch – because it’s almost Halloween! The lovely lady loses some items off of her broom, and some friends help her find them. All they want is a ride, but is there room? Location: 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.
Wednesday, October 21
Rob Thomas at the Saenger HUKA Entertainment & AEG present Rob Thomas plus Vinyl Station at the Saenger (6 South Joachim St) at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 23 for more information.
Thursday, October 22
Cocktails and Columns Fundraiser Historic Mobile’s annual fundraiser, Columns and Cocktails, will be held at the St. Francis Street Methodist Church starting at 5:30 p.m. Please visit www.historicmobile.com for more information. Bay Bash Mobile Baykeeper is excited to announce its 2015 Bay Bash will be held from 6-9 p.m. at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Bay Bash is an annual celebration of our local waterways and coastal community. Join us to taste phenomenal Alabama Gulf Coast seafood prepared by local eateries, sip on beer, wine and signature cocktails, win prizes at our silent auction and enjoy great music overlooking the Mobile Tensaw Delta. This event benefits Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts to promote clean water, clean air and healthy communities throughout the Mobile Bay Watershed, Alabama’s waterways and coastal communities. Each Ticket to Bay Bash includes a Mobile Baykeeper membership and all current members receive a discount. Please visit www.mobilebaykeeper.org/baybash for more information.
Friday, October 23
Mobile Opera presents “Pagliacci” Pagliacci is a classic story of betrayal and murder set in rural Italy about 1900. A traveling troupe arrives in a small village to produce a comedy about a love triangle but the love triangle proves to be real and the comedy turns to tragedy in a moment. This story is beloved of opera patrons around the world. Show Dates: October 23 at 8:00 p.m. and October 25 at 2:30 p.m. at The
www.mobilebayparents.com
F
Tem ww Sun Ga Sun Gar the wit hou the are 2:0 160 stu Chr Pla “Ed The of “ Thi ent and Jon 23, are for res Pla 5th to Sch The in f Son Reg at 1 Ow ava
5
1)
or ce,
r of EE er in
e e
ut
Family Calendar Temple Downtown (351 St. Francis Street). Please visit www.mobileopera.org for more information. Sunny Side Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” Sunny Side Theater presents its fall show, “The Secret Garden” adapted by Tim Kelly. Join us as we present the classic tale of an orphaned girl who is sent to live with her absentee uncle. As she begins exploring the house, she discovers many of its secrets and opens them up for everyone to enjoy! Performance dates are October 23 & 24 at 7:00 p.m. and October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts, 1600 University Boulevard. Tickets are $11 adults, $9 students, and $6 children 12 and under. Call Director Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808 with any questions. Playhouse-in-the-Park presents performances of “Edgar Allen Poe” The Playhouse-in-the-Park presents performances of “Edgar Allen Poe” in October at the Playhouse. This dramatic compilation of Poe favorites is sure to entertain age’s middle school and older with humor and horror! Adapted for the stage by Playhouse alumni Jonathan Olensky. Public shows will be on October 23, 24, 30, and 31 at the Playhouse. All public shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Call 251-602-0630 for reservations. Visit www.playhouseinthepark for more Playhouse news. 5th Annual Chip in for Autism Golf Tournament to benefit The Learning Tree’s Woody’s Song School The Learning Tree announces the 5th annual “Chip in for Autism” golf tournament, benefiting Woody’s Song School, to be held at Azalea City Golf Course. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided by The Hungry Owl. Registration is $60 per player. Sponsorships are available. The proceeds benefit Woody’s Song School; a
September/October 2015
non-traditional, year-round day school for children ages 5 – 18 on the autism spectrum. For more information, contact Cindy Fulford, (251) 656-0070 or Teresa Atkins, (251) 331-2633. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “My Way” See October 16 for more information.
Saturday, October 24
10th Annual Cardboard City The 10th Annual Cardboard City will be held at Alabama School of Mathematics and Science at Dauphin and Ann Streets from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. the next morning. Residents of Mobile and surrounding communities will experience living inside a cardboard box as they participate in creating awareness and raising funds for families experiencing homelessness. Participants bring their own cardboard boxes and are encouraged to decorate their boxes to compete for a prize for the most creatively decorated box. New to Cardboard City, people are able to sleep in their cars for the night, called Car Camping. All cars must have a parent or guardian in the car. All proceeds will benefit two agencies in Mobile. Family Promise who provides temporary shelter and support services to homeless families with children, and Sybil H. Smith Family Village, a Transitional Housing Facility for families experiencing homelessness. Please visit cardboardcitymobile.com for more information. A Cup and a Portion Join us for an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party Saturday, at 1pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10. They must be purchased in advance. Admission will include a selection of teas, assorted sandwiches, scones and desserts. The event is hosted by Moffett Road Assembly of God. Proceeds will benefit “Speed The Light” to provide missionaries with needed supplies. For information call 251-649-
3502 or to purchase online visit: http://www.mrag1. com/stl-teaparty. 6th Annual “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show The 6th Annual “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show will be held at Dauphin Way Baptist Church at Dauphin Way Baptist Church (3661 Dauphin Street). We always have a huge assortment of new and classic cars, trucks, hot rods and rat rods. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. We will also have 25 plus various vendors selling unique and interesting items for the entire family! Hamburgers and hot dogs will be grilled on site and for sale. This is a FREE event open for the public to attend, and is a benefit for Youth Missions and Camp Scholarships. Sunny Side Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” See October 23 for more information. Playhouse-in-the-Park presents performances of “Edgar Allen Poe” See October 23 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “My Way” See October 16 for more information. Downtown Mobile Fall Market in the Square See October 10 for more information.
Sunday, October 25
5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Life of Birds” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. In this week’s program, Sir David Attenborough and other specialists traverse the globe, covering 42 countries and examining over 300 different species of birds. This incredible documentary reveals birds in a whole new light with amazing video of behaviors not normally witnessed by humans. Location: 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort). Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information.
us
a
s
h
-
in
gle dy of er
om
57
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
Family Calendar Mobile Opera presents “Pagliacci” See October 23 for more information. Sunny Side Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” See October 23 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “My Way” See October 16 for more information.
Wednesday, October 28 Savvy Mom Sale Event Daphne Civic Center. Winter attire for infant-teens, toys , books, DVDs, baby gear, décor and more! Consignors earn 65-75%! Volunteers shop first! Presale passes for new parents/grandparents. For more information visit SavvyMomSale.com. Like us on Facebook and watch for giveaways! Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See September 23 for more information.
Thursday, October 29 Savvy Mom Sale Event See October 28 for more information
Friday, October 30
Joe Jefferson Players presents “Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” revolves around the relationships of three middle-aged single siblings, two of whom live together, and takes place during a visit by the third, Masha, who supports them. They discuss their lives and loves, argue, and Masha threatens to sell their ancestral home. Run dates: October 30 – November 15. Performance times: Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 p.m. and Sunday Matinees
September/October2015
at 2:00 p.m. at Joe Jefferson Playhouse (11 South Carlen). Please visit www.joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. Playhouse-in-the-Park presents performances of “Edgar Allen Poe” See October 23 for more information. Savvy Mom Sale Event See October 28 for more information
Saturday, October 31
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Join the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Bienville Square to help finish the fight against breast cancer. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. and the walk starts at 8:00 a.m. Funds raised at this noncompetitive, family-friendly event enable the Society to save lives from breast cancer by investing in groundbreaking research; providing free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by the disease; and helping people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. Call the American Cancer Society at (251) 414-1307 or visit makingstrideswalk.org/mobileal to sign up and help finish the fight. Playhouse-in-the-Park presents performances of “Edgar Allen Poe” See October 23 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike” See October 30 for more information. Downtown Mobile Fall Market in the Square See October 10 for more information. Savvy Mom Sale Event See October 28 for more information
Sunday, November 1
St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus 8th Annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament St. Mary Catholic School will host the 8th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday November 1 at Spring Hill College Golf Course. This year’s steering committee includes Desi Tobias, Celie Tobias, John Thompson, Bill Reece, Gordon Armstrong and Dina Blankenship. The volunteer crew is provided by the St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus Council 13163 and members of the Thompson family. The entry fee will be $100 per golfer and includes lunch, beverages, prizes, and a gift. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. Hole sponsorships are offered at $100 each and corporate sponsors are welcome! All Proceeds benefit St. Mary Catholic School! Pictured, Golf Sponsor John Thompson of Callaghan’s Irish Social Club with his son Kellen, ready to tee off at last years event!
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@ mobilebayparents.com.
0000067769-01
New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!
We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?
Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...
Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive. 1
Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T O WER • OUTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •
Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
58
tha we So the he an vo
D RAMA
www.riverviewcamp.com
by
AND
Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director
1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16
U
C RAFTS • C HORUS
first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
AND
FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
www.mobilebayparents.com
Find
A Page in a Book
5
The
of per a n 00
d,
ca-
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
•
A Word to Beginning Readers The murmurs of a nursing child, the peals of laughter that reflect the silly faces we make, and even yowls of discomfort are all part of babies’ first attempts at communication with us. But we are all on the edge of our seats as we await the magical moment when the first real word emerges from the lips of our children. Once that door opens, the verbal exchange between our kids and the larger world begins. And while small kids may still draw on their own private lexicon, invented words and dramatically physical gestures to impart their feelings and intent, their entry into the world of words is a milestone that starts a whole new conversation. The following titles feature the moments when words open the door to all new understandings between children and their larger world.
Edgar’s Second Word
by Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Priscilla Burris (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin) Maybe it’s just an easy word for little mouths to form. Or perhaps it reflects the real feelings that children experience in a world that’s going one way, when they want to go another. But the word “no” is always one of the early players in every baby’s vocabulary. Little Hazel eagerly anticipates the arrival of her baby brother, Edgar, collecting books (full of words) that she can’t wait to share with him. But her waiting is rewarded with Edgar’s only and emphatic word “no”. Nothing appeals to her baby brother, who negates everything on offer with his word of choice. But when Hazel finally gets a sleepy Edgar to settle in by her side with a good book, his next new word is one that bears repeating. Edgar’s Second Word is a sweet story that rewards the patience of family as they wait for the right words that help babies communicate what they want.
Use Your Words, Sophie!
AND
by Rosemary Wells (Viking / Penguin) Rosemary Wells’ beloved and challenging two-year-old Sophie is back – with a vocabulary of words that are simply misunderstood. When her parents come home with a new baby, Sophie responds with a welcome in Jellyfish language. And just like her parents can’t seem to settle on a name for the new arrival, Sophie’s own communication ranges from disgruntled Hyena talk to Baboon-influenced song. But when the baby starts to communicate her own unhappiness with fluent Howler Monkey, Sophie steps in to use her words in a way that both her and her baby sister can understand. With a nod to the variety of names and pet names we bestow on babies, this humorous story is ideal for children seeking ways to connect vocally with new arrivals.
C RAFTS • C HORUS
Cuckoo!
AND
by Fiona Roberton (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) From the moment his over-sized, oddly colored egg hatches among his siblings, Cuckoo’s journey to speak the language of the realm begins. But his only word (cuckoo) doesn’t connect with his family (tootoo-wheet). And a cross-city trek only reveals a landscape of other non-cuckoo speakers. Even language classes and self-study can’t twist his only word into something in common with the world around him. Just when Cuckoo is becoming resigned to being the only speaker of his language, a single word carries over the rooftops and leads him to understanding. Onomatopoeia abounds in this delightfully illustrated testament to finding your own voice and a tribe to share it with.
D RAMA
•
om
Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.
59
www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
The Visit
90 Minutes in Heaven
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: C Sexual Content: C+ Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated The Visit PG13 for disturbing thematic material including terror, violence and some nudity, and for brief language. Teenage Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and her younger brother Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) are frequently assuring their mother (Kathryn Hahn) that all will be fine if she takes some time away from them to go on a cruise with her boyfriend. Mom is still nervous about the arrangement of leaving her children with her parents, from whom she’s been estranged for 15 years. At the same time Becca, who, like her brother, has never met her grandparents, is anxious to have an adventure and try out her hand at filming the experience as a documentary. Boarding the train they wave goodbye and hours later are in the heartfelt embrace of the people they refer to as Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie). Arriving at the warm farmhouse, their seven-day visit begins with fresh baked goods coming from an enormous oven and lots of fun distractions. However, it should be no surprise to those familiar with M. Night Shyamalan’s work that strange things will begin to happen. The kids are advised to go to bed at 9:30 and stay in their room. But when peculiar noises begin to keep them up at night they venture out to see what’s happening. Peering down the steps Becca is startled to see her grandmother rapidly pacing back and forth and then suddenly vomiting. Another night Tyler cracks open the bedroom door and finds a naked Nana (of which we share a rear view) scraping at the wall. Grandpa also has issues. When questioned individually Pop Pop explains his wife is struggling with symptoms of dementia and that the kids should not be alarmed. In similar manner, Nana talks to them about Pop Pop’s incontinence issues and how he is embarrassed by the problem. The discussions help Becca to settle into the week, however Tyler is still agitated by their behavior, which seems to become more extreme with each passing day. The casting of these young protagonists may imply this film is suitable for similar aged audiences. Parents will want to be cautious with this assumption. These kids will find themselves in a serious situation that, while not often explicitly violent, may be bothersome for many. A couple of scenes of abuse and images of dead corpses are brief but disturbing. Unfortunately this film also struggles to deliver the fear factor hoped for. The production does deliver some jump moments and even tries to convey a moral message as a take away from Grandma’s house. But with the script moving across the line that separates scaring children versus abusing them, The Visit becomes a destination you will likely want to pass by.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: A Violence: B- Sexual Content: A Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated 90 Minutes in Heaven PG-13 for intense accident and injury images. When reading a review on a recently released Christian film, the writer expressed a frustration I too have felt when watching faith-based movies. The critic was reasonably happy with the performances and concept, yet felt the movie fell far short of its potential because the world in which it existed was highly “sanitized” and “stacked the deck in favor of Christianity.” With that criticism in mind I came into 90 Minutes in Heaven somewhat expecting this two-hour movie to spend ninety minutes viewing the afterlife through the eyes of Pastor Don Piper (who did have this experience in real life) followed by a direct testimony of the reality of heaven. I was right about the teaching moment near the end, but the lead up was not at all what I was expecting, and definitely addresses the criticism of Christian movies being filled with lollipops and rainbows. Don Piper (played by Hayden Christensen) is driving home from a church conference one day in a pounding rainstorm when an oncoming truck hits him. Pronounced dead, his body rests in the crumpled vehicle waiting for the coroner to arrive. But when a stranger arrives at the scene, who also identifies himself as a minister, he insists he must pray for the occupant of the car. Crawling into the wreck he pleads with God to restore the man’s life and his prayer is answered. However the path that lies ahead after this miracle recovery is far worse than anyone could ever imagine. Don’s broken body will require over 30 surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Yet an even greater problem exists within the survivor’s mind. He has seen heaven and is literally dying to leave the hell he has returned to in mortality. Ignoring the pleas of his wife Eva (Kate Bosworth) and friends to regain his will to live, this once confident man of God now lies in his bed waiting for another ticket to the next life. Don’s selfish desire permeates much of this film as we watch him turn, what many us would view as an incredible blessing, into a challenge that leaves him unresponsive toward those who love him most. Only after a close friend frankly confronts Don’s difficult attitude and behavior does he recognize the reasons why God has returned him to face the pains and struggles of life. Thanks to solid performances from Hollywood veterans, along with a pleasant but never intrusive musical score by Michael W. Smith, this film’s message is powerful and has broad application for any of us who may twist some of our greatest opportunities into our biggest barriers. While free from profanity and sexual content, this movie doesn’t shy away from portraying this man’s injuries. Many medical scenes include depictions of bloody and swollen wounds that may be a bit much for young audiences. Considering the somewhat mature themes, this title would be best suited for teens and adults.
What Parents need to know about The Visit...
Violence: One character smears feces on another. Elderly characters behave strangely, including forgetting dates, becoming paranoid, laughing hysterically, running around naked, crawling on the floor, pacing aimlessly and making peculiar requests (such as asking a child to get in the oven). A man is seen with a gun in his mouth. Characters are threatened with a butcher knife. Corpses are shown and a body is seen hanging from a tree. Characters are in peril, which results in a fight for their lives -- bloody injuries are shown. Deaths are implied. Sexual Content: A romance between a high school student and a teacher is discussed. Teens banter about sexual topics. A shirtless thirteen-year-old boy films himself and makes comments about being sexually alluring. An elderly woman is seen completely naked (shown from the back). Language: A sexual expletive is uttered and a sexual finger gesture is shown. Mild and moderate profanities, scatological slang, and terms of deity are used. Some vulgar sexual comments and slang terms are heard. Mild name-calling occurs. A child uses names of celebrities as a substitute for swearwords. Mobile Bay Parents I October 2015
What Parents need to know about 90 Minutes In Heaven...
Violence: A man is involved in a car accident, which we see with some detail. The accident leaves him covered in bloody injuries. In many medical scenes we see him being subjected to surgeries and other procedures. He often cries out in pain. Some scenes may be disturbing for young audiences. Sexual Content: A married couple kiss. Language: No profanities noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: Medical procedures involve intravenous injections. 60
www.mobilebayparents.com
ASMS
The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide info meeting (see dates below) and visiting our campus for Preview Day on November 14 or December 5. Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as for Preview Day at www.asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. ANNISTON Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:00 PM Gadsden State Ayers Campus Learning Resource Center Auditorium 1801 Coleman Rd
Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your application today at www.asms.net. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. All ASMS students go to college and most receive merit-based scholarships. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.
ENTERPRISE Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School Library 425 Dauphin Street
MONTGOMERY Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:00 PM Montgomery Main Library 245 High Street
AUBURN Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University Ross Hall Auditorium, RM 136
HUNTSVILLE Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville Louis Salmon Library, RM 111 301 Sparkman Drive NW
SELMA Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College Hank Sanders Tech. Bldg., RM 105 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy
BIRMINGHAM Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham Heritage Hall, RM 104 1401 University Blvd
MOBILE (TWO OPTIONS) Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:00 PM & Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus - Media Center 1255 Dauphin Street
THOMASVILLE Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:00 PM Alabama Southern Community College Library Building 3000 - RM 107 30755 Hwy 43 South
DEMOPOLIS Thursday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM Demopolis Higher Education Center 186 Field of Dreams Drive Gallion, AL
MONROEVILLE Monday, Oct. 12, 6:00 PM Alabama Southern Community College Administration Building RM 119 2800 South Alabama Ave
TUSCALOOSA Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:00 PM University of Alabama South Engineering Research Center Room 1013
Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net