Mobile Bay Parents August 2021 by KeepSharing

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August2021

Columns

Volume 11 Number 5

2 Publisher’s Note

Don’t Break the Bank on Back to School Tips to keep you on budget.

Common Sense Media

Helpful apps for children on the autism spectrum.

4 Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

5 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

27 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

5 Benefits of Multiple After School Activities Why more just might be better.

2021 After School Activities Guide

44 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Departments On The Cover Mason Hatcher (7), son of Will and Cate Hatcher, and big brother to Amelia (5) and William (2). Mason loves to play sports. Golf and baseball are two of his favorites. He also enjoys riding his bike or scooter around the neighborhood.

6 Bits and Pieces 9 School Bits 40 Family Calendar

Mason is looking forward to being in second grade this school year.

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FromthePublisher

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

Is it just me or has this been the shortest summer ever? Maybe it seems short after having a 5-month summer last year. Or maybe it is because we are all finally out and about having a great time. Time definitely flies by when you are having fun! After all of the chaos and strangeness of the 2020-2021 school year, I think we can all get excited about going back to school with a lot more normalcy. Not only that, our household has the added excitement of having a senior this year! Getting ready for senior year can be a lot of fun, but it is also a stressful time. Some students are vigorously prepping for ACTs/SATs and getting college applications ready, while others are researching what career path they may enter after graduation and deciding if it is on to additional career/technical training or heading straight into the work force. Each scenario is exciting and almost all of these require some sort of resume or application. In this competitive world we live in, sometimes a resume filled with extracurricular activities may give a student an advantage. Is shows the reviewer a more well rounded picture of the applicant. While filling up your resume may be a nice side effect to participating in extracurriculars, it is not the only benefit to enjoying a variety of activities. As Cheryl Maguire explains in this month’s feature, 5 Benefits of Multiple Extracurricular Activities, there are many reasons to get your child involved after school, at any age. From preschool to high school, registering for after school activities has always been a big part of the “Back to School” season and we want to help with that process. Each August we publish an extensive list of after school activities available in the area. Having three children with ever changing interests, I am grateful for the variety of opportunities offered. Whether your children love team sports, performing arts, scouting, fine arts or individual sports, you are sure to find just what you are looking for in this year’s After School Activities Guide on page 31. Multiple activities can get expensive, so make sure you also check out any clubs your school may offer. This is another great, and inexpensive, way to get involved! Registration fees aren’t the only things that can get expensive this time of year. We all know the shock of getting to the checkout line to find out just how much “a few” school supplies can cost. Fortunately, Sarah Lyons give us some helpful cost saving tips in Don’t Break the Bank on Back to School, on page 24. If you are blessed enough to afford a few extra supplies after your savings, make sure to donate supplies to the school or other backpack drives and help those who may not be as fortunate. Also, check with your school to see if there are any other items (clothing, shoes, snacks, etc.) that some of the students may need. Every child deserves to be fully equipped and ready the first day, and every day, of school. Go out, soak up the last few days of summer break, and get re-energized to head back to school! We wish everyone a wonderful school year!

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 Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Cheryl Maguire Dave Ramsey

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson Photography www.HannahStinsonPhotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

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Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

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.

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 2021 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

“My Parents Don’t Even Try to Understand Me!” In 1987, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince recorded a hilarious song that captures the tumultuous relationship between teenagers and their parents called, “Parents Don’t Understand”. I am quite certain that at least one poet of every generation has pinned similar lines, which leads us to the wise kid statement of the month: “My parents don’t even try to understand me”. These words are spoken by every child at least once, but typically 1,000,000 times

before the age of 20. If your child has never said these words to you, wait until they are a teenager. As most of my teenage clients point out, we truly do not understand the pressures of being a teenager in the 21st century. What all children truly need is for their parents to be compassionate towards them. Compassion requires us to listen without being judgmental. Unfortunately, our intense love for our children makes this almost impossible. When we are conversing with our children we want to jump in and cor-

rect every irrational thing that they say or do. Our judgement of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in that moment is counter intuitive to what they want and need from us. How do we resolve this age-old problem? We attempt to be initially curious instead of quick to judgment. The definition of curiosity is “a desire to know and learn”. Every parent wants to intimately know their children, but we hinder that possibility when we choose to form a judgment before being curious. Curiosity listens, judgment interrupts. Curiosity asks questions, judgment lectures. Curiosity attempts to understand, judgment limits the possibility of a different perspective. If we want to truly understand our children, we have to learn to bite our tongues and be curious. Biting our tongues is a good idea, but let’s be honest, sometimes our children’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors are foolish and require intervention. That is why God gave parents to children. The role of parents is to shape children into productive members of society. However, when we make judgements without being curious we tend to intervene and correct behaviors when they aren’t necessarily wrong. Here are some practical ways to choose curiosity first: 1. Listen without offering your opinion. A lot of times kids will hear their own flawed logic when we give them a safe place to verbally process their thoughts and feelings. 2. Validate feelings without validating behavior. You can hold and comfort your daughter when you tell her, “No”. She needs firm boundaries, but it is okay for her to be sad about them. 3. Do not always correct or disagree with their irrational thinking in the moment. You can always initiate a conversation about why you disagree later. 4. Learn to appreciate the differences between yourself and your children. Take personality tests with your family and educate yourself on the variety of perspectives in your home. 5. If your child’s opinion is contrary to yours, consult with adults you trust to understand your child’s viewpoint. 6. Make a list of family rules that are nonnegotiable and allow for some “wiggle room” in the areas not covered by those rules.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

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This Year’s (Atypical) RSV Season Wintertime is usually prime time for many viruses to circulate and spread throughout any community. This is usually the time of year when most sick days at work and school are being used due to flu, stomach bugs, and sinus infections. This past winter was much milder in comparison to previous years, with the exception of more COVID-19 infections. One virus I am going to discuss that we are seeing passed around much later this year than usual is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a respiratory virus that in most people causes annoying cold-like symptoms that resolves in about 2 weeks. However, for younger children and infants, the virus moves into the lungs about 4-5 days after symptoms start and creates a lot of mucous and inflammation. We call this bronchiolitis. This leads to worsening coughing fits and more difficulty breathing. Even during the worst part of RSV, the majority of children can be treated at home with lots of nasal suctioning and staying

hydrated. But there is a smaller subset where RSV gets so severe that they need to be hospitalized for a time. Like many other respiratory illnesses, RSV is spread via droplets such as sneezing and coughing. It also can be spread by direct contact such as kisses and hugs. RSV also survives on hard surfaces for hours, meaning it can be spread on cereal boxes and toys from someone contagious who touched them two hours prior to you grabbing that item. This is a large reason why it spreads so easily and quickly. Once someone has RSV, they are contagious for 3-8 days usually. There are some rare instances where the ones who are immunocompromised or exhibiting a more severe case of RSV can spread the virus for up to 4 weeks. RSV does not like surviving in warm environments, so usually we see this illness spread between September-March. However, this year, we began to see patients with RSV starting in April which is highly unusual since it is getting

warmer. It is unclear how long it will last this season and how that will affect the next season which typically would start next month. The goal during RSV season should be to try and prevent the spread of RSV to the little children that can be most severely affected by it. We can do this by washing hands frequently, discarding of used tissues, and staying home for a week if you know you have RSV. If you are an adult and feel like you just have a cold, it might be RSV so try to avoid close contact like hugs, kisses, and shaking hands while you are sick. It is also helpful to clean hard surfaces regularly such as phones and keyboards and doorknobs where the virus may remain longer. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their son, Finn, and their three dogs, Barkley, Fitz, and Roo.

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Ronald McDonald House Annual Rubber Ducky Regatta

Mobile’s annual Rubber Ducky Regatta will make a splash on August 3, 2021, by dropping thousands of rubber duckies into the water at Cooper Riverside Park. The “adopted” duckies will race to the finish line and the three fastest duckys’ adopters will win one of three fabulous prizes! All proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, which houses families with seriously ill and injured children being treated at area hospitals. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. The race will also go live on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile Facebook page. Please visit rubberduckyregatta.com for more information.

BUILD HOPE Fundraiser for McKemie Place

McKemie Place, the only emergency shelter for unaccompanied homeless women on the gulf coast, will hold its annual “Build Hope” fundraiser on September 30, 6:30 PM at the Steeple in downtown Mobile. Guests are invited to enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring entertainment from Big Sam of New Orleans and a Taste of the South from a local favorite, Chef Chris Rainosek, owner of the Noble South. All proceeds from this event will support the building fund and general operating budget of McKemie Place. Sponsorships and tickets for the event are available for purchase at McKemiePlace.org.

Shop, Dine Out, Treat Yourself and Change Lives in Southwest Alabama on United Way Day

Be a part of changing lives and saving lives in Southwest Alabama when you shop, dine out, or treat yourself at one of the participating merchants on United Way Day on August 7, 2021. United Way Day is a one-day fundraiser and awareness campaign for the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) and United Way of Baldwin County (UWBC) led by the retail and service industries. On United Way Day, we encourage people to get out and shop at our participating merchants. When you do, the merchants benefit and you help increase their donation to UWSWA and UWBC. Each participant will donate an amount based on a sales component of his or her business to the United Way. Every dollar donated to the United Way stays in Southwest Alabama and used for life changing and lifesaving services provided by the UWSWA, our 46 partner agencies, UWBC, and their 30 partner agencies. UWSWA will continue to add participants through August 1, 2021. For the full list of participating merchants and its offer, visit https://uwswa.org/ united-way-day. To become a merchant or for more information, contact the United Way at 251.433.3624 or lschraeder@uwswa.org.

Bellingrath Gardens Founder’s Birthday Celebration

Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration is Friday, August 6, at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Walter D. Bellingrath was Mobile's first Coca-Cola bottler and the founder of Bellingrath Gardens and Home. By tradition, Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday on August 6 by offering free admission to residents of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The Gardens and Home will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests are requested to show proof of residence in order to receive free admission on August 6. Guests are also encouraged to purchase tickets to take a guided tour of the Bellingrath Home during their visit. The August 6 “Open Gardens” tradition dates back to 1949, when Mr. Bellingrath invited local residents to come and enjoy the Gardens at no charge as part of his 80th birthday celebration. Mr. Bellingrath died on August 8, 1955, two days after his 86th birthday. Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

Barton Academy Receives Learning Leading Award

The Barton Academy Foundation received a Learning Leading Award for raising $14 million in donations and historic tax credits to renovate the building’s interior. As a result of the foundation’s work and exterior renovations funded by the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners, the Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies will open in downtown Mobile in August. Accepting the award was Schley Rutherford, Jr., (right) vice chairman of the board; Mike Griswold, MCPSS contract administrator; and Dr. Amanda Jones, principal. www.mobilebayparents.com

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Big Fish: A Larger Than Life Musical

Truly years in the making with the Covid hiatus, Big Fish finally arrives on the Chickasaw Civic Theatre (CCT) stage to return live theatre to our audiences. Big Fish is a heartfelt, powerful, and truly magical musical about fathers, sons, and the stories that we use to define our identities. With spine-tinglingly beautiful music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a funny, heartwarming book by John August, Big Fish is a magnificent “big fish” of a tale itself—spectacular, fantastical, and overflowing with love. Show dates September 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 @ 7:30 PM; September 12, 19, 26 @ 2:00 PM. Tickets available in August at cctshows.com.

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Crowder Gulf and the Port City Pacers present Hurricane Run 5K and Fun Run. This race takes place on August 28, 2021, at the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The 5K starts at 8:10 AM and Fun Run starts at 9 AM and benefits Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue. For more information, please visit http://portcitypacers.com/hurricane-run-5k/.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Seeking Nominations for Leading Ladies

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Hurricane Run 5K/Fun Run

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) will host its Fourth Annual Leading Ladies event in September to celebrate women and organizations in southern Alabama that have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of the community through individual excellence and high levels of achievement. Nominations for Leading Ladies awards and the Leading Workplace for Women Award are open until August 15. Women selected for the Leading Ladies Award will exemplify quality leadership skills and outstanding community support, especially when they are directing those efforts to support the advancement of girls and women. The Leading Workplace for Women selected will be an organization that supports and encourages opportunities for women to develop leadership skills to further their careers. Equal opportunity in the workplace helps women reach their potential and benefit the community. Building future women leaders is at the core of our mission. The nominees will be honored with a reception at Moe’s Original Bar B Que in downtown Mobile on September 23, 2021. For more information on how to nominate an employee or workplace, please contact Alicia Schneider at aschneider@girlscoutssa.org.

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Bellingrath Gardens Opens Registration for Scarecrow Contest

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is calling for entries in the 2021 Scarecrow Contest! This wonderful event is an opportunity for arts organizations, high schools, businesses and clubs to show their creativity and build a one-of-a-kind scarecrow. Registration is open to everyone. Registration is due Friday, September 3. Scarecrow installation is Friday-Sunday, October 8-10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be on display October 11-31. There will be two prizes: a People’s Choice Award, to be determined by votes from our guests, and a Best in Show award, which will be selected by our judges. Entries will be judged on originality and theme. Entry fees are $15 for nonprofits, civic groups, school groups and Scout troops; $20 for individuals or families; and $25 for businesses. To register, make a payment, and additional details, please fill out the registration form online at bellingrath.org/experiences/events/scarecrow-contest/

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

Sister Act the Musical

Joe Jefferson Players is excited to finally bring Sister Act the Musical to our stage, August 6-22! At the start of the pandemic this show was days away from opening and, after many date changes, we ultimately had to make the hard decision to cancel the show completely. Over a year later and here we are finally putting this show on the stage for our audiences to enjoy. To our theater’s great joy, many of the actors who were originally cast were able to come back and fill in their roles! Performances on Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets available at https:// joejeffersonplayers.com/buy-tickets/.

Living History Crew to Drill Saturday, August 7

The USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM Living History Crews will be in the park on Saturday, August 7, for their summer drill. The Living History Crews are made up of historical reenactors who demonstrate life aboard the battleship USS ALABAMA and submarine USS DRUM during World War II. Visitors should claim their spot on the main deck of the USS ALABAMA by 1:00 p.m. when “call to battle stations” is sounded. Visit our website at www.ussalabama.com for details or visit our facebook page at USS ALBAMA Battleship Memorial Park.

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Autauga County Schools

ROTC Stem Leadership Academy

About 120 cadets from around the county recently learned about the science of flight and challenged themselves with STEM and leadership activities at the JROTC STEM Leadership Academy, which focused on the theme of aviation this year. During the week-long residential camp, based at Spring Hill College, cadets worked with gliders, kites, drone propellers and wings, visited aviationrelated businesses and military installations, and tackled JROTC leadership challenges like rappelling and orienteering. “It’s really a great experience and it makes you a better person,” said one of the cadets who participated, Bailey Sheffield of Baker High School, “because it builds your leadership skills, helps with teamwork, and it really gets you out of your shell.” The Academy was organized by the Army JROTC program for Mobile County Public Schools and was sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

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Irish Dancers Perform at Artwalk

Members of the Maccrossan School of Irish Dance of Mobile recently participated in a Welcome to Summer performance at Artwalk on May 14, performing for a large crowd in front of Crockmiers on Dauphin Street. The dancers also recently participated in a 2-day Irish Dance competition in New Orleans on May 29 and May 30. The school was very well represented with each dancer being awarded several medals and trophies. Left to right: Heaven Gray, Molly Dudley, Katie Blanchette, Gabby Mills, Katie DeVilbiss and Beckett Buckridge.

Discover with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Discovery Hall Programs K-12 Education and Outreach programs can come to you virtually or you can come to campus. We also offer programs for non-traditional groups. Let us help you create an educational experience to remember.

Book your class today! Scheduler@disl.edu 251-861-2141 ext. 7515 101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

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Autauga County Schools

Old Shell Kindergartner Places in dreamARCHITECTURE 2021 Contest

Demario Pettway, a student at Old Shell Road Magnet School, won 2nd place for kindergarten in the dreamARCHITECTURE 2021: Draw Your Dream Restaurant contest for the Mobile and Baldwin County areas. The art contest is sponsored annually by Alabama Center for Architecture. Way to go, Demario!

Vigor Graduate Wins Essay Contest

Vigor High graduate Jaden Clemon won the Mobile County Community Remembrance Project's Racial Justice Essay Contest. He and nine other finalists were recognized by the Equal Justice Initiative, which sponsored the contest. The other winners were: Karrington Jones of Saraland High (2nd place); Fatima Husain Abdulla of Baker High, Jayda Blair of Baker High, and Lattreal Wilder of Accel Day and Evening Academy (tied for 3rd place); Macaiah Beck of Baker High (4th place); Jasmine Rhodes of Baker High (5th place); and honorable mention winners Aniya C. Thompson of Murphy High, Kiara Mosley of Baker High, and William Starling of Baker High. EJI awarded $8,000 worth of scholarships to the students.

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Barton Faculty Tours Renovated Barton Campus

All were impressed with the progress of the renovations and the beauty of the building! We cannot wait to welcome our students to the newest-oldest public school in Alabama! Our faculty and staff are eager to do all that we can to promote excellence in education through a project-based learning (PBL) curricular approach, entrepreneurial education, global studies, world languages, and fine arts. We look forward to welcoming the Barton Explorers this August! Adventure awaits!

UMS-Wright PREPARATORY SCHOOL A CLEAR PATH POTENTIAL for UMS-Wright.org | 251-479-6551 Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

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St. Luke’s Theatre Class Presents A Tree Called Aesop

St. Luke's 6th graders are required to take one quarter of theatre. At the end of each quarter, the budding actors perform in the auditorium. Our 4th quarter class recently performed A Tree Called Aesop . We all know of Aesop's fables, the stories with a moral, but when three children turn up to the playground who do not know the importance of these stories, it is up to Aesop and rest of the gang to act out the famous tales and to teach the three children important life lessons through jokes, poems and traditional storytelling.

St. Mary Catholic Inducts National Junior Honor Society for 2021-2022

St. Mary Catholic inducted the newest NJHS inductees who were recognized this spring at the student Mass. "The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These five pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1929" (NJHS.us). St. Mary congratulates these students for their exemplary service in all five pillars.

It’s time to press play. Join us today at girlscoutssa.org/join 11

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Autauga County Schools

E.R. Dickson Butterfly Release

E.R. Dickson students participated in the school’s 18th Annual Butterfly Release on May 14, 2021. The release of the butterflies is the culminating event of class research and butterfly activities that began after spring break. Students watched in class as the caterpillars made their transformations from chrysalis to butterflies and participated in daily trivia. Students watched virtually as well as in-person, the release of over 2,500 butterflies.

Awards at Little Flower Catholic School

Little Flower Catholic School sends special congratulations to graduating eighth graders Gretta Ingabire who received the Sisters of St. Joseph Award and to Gavin Tourne who received the Father Jimmy Byrnes Award. These two students exemplify the high standards of academic excellence, good citizenship, and spiritual attentiveness that Little Flower School strives to impart.

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Old Shell Road Student Wins in Drawing Competition

Charley Ford-Conklan, a student at Old Shell Road Magnet School, won 1st place for kindergarten in the dreamARCHITECTURE 2021: Draw Your Dream Restaurant contest for the Mobile and Baldwin County areas. The art contest is sponsored annually by Alabama Center for Architecture. We are proud of you, Charley!

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Mobile and Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

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Little Flower Teacher Creates New Middle School Library

The Little Flower Catholic School middle school language arts teacher, Miss Margaret Capizzi, has given many hours of blood, sweat, and tears to create the new middle school library for Little Flower School. By involving other teachers and volunteers, as well as having much help from students, Miss Capizzi has made this new library a reality. As an ACE teacher, Miss Capizzi has built a memorable legacy as she bids farewell to Little Flower. We send her on her way with a deep sense of gratitude.

MCPSS Teachers Attend Space Academy for Educators

Several Mobile County Public Schools teachers got some out-of-this-world professional development recently at Space Academy for Educators at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Space Academy for Educators includes authentic astronaut training simulators and activities developed to promote learning in a classroom setting. Curriculum includes NASAinspired lesson plans and is correlated to the National Science Education Standards. In left photo, pictured left to right in the back row are: Shernell Mabien of Eichold-Mertz School of Math, Science and Technology; Brooklyn Moseley of Dunbar School for Creative and Performing Arts; Rachel Sullivan of St. Elmo Elementary; Nicole Bolton of

Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies; Brooke Busby of Dixon Elementary; and Trissaunti Lambert of Calloway-Smith Middle School. In the front row are: Jo Anna Grimes of Morningside Elementary and Rebekah Campbell of Griggs Elementary. In right photo, from left are: Felicia Collins of Collins-Rhodes Elementary, Maegan Gayle of Hutchens Elementary, Camryn Tucker of O’Rourke Elementary, Theresa Burge of Council Traditional School, and Amanda Dumas of Theodore High School. 13

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CCCS Welcomes New Priests to School and Parish

The Corpus Christi Catholic School was excited to welcome new priests to their school and parish! Fr. Pat Arensberg and Fr. Alex Crow officially began their ministry with Corpus Christi Church on June 25. The priests were busy the first few weeks moving in and getting acquainted, but they took a break when the school principal delivered baskets of Corpus Christi goodies.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius Middle Schoolers Attend LifeTeen Camp

St. Ignatius has been busy this summer keeping our middle school students engaged. In June we sent 32 6th, 7th and 8th grade campers to Camp Hidden Lake in North Georgia for a weeklong LifeTeen camp. Our campers got to have some fun outside building skills, adoration, Mass and the ropes course.

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CHCA 2020-2021 Trail Maid Receives Peer-Nominated Scholarship

St. Mary May Crowning

St. Mary Catholic held the crowning of The Blessed Mother this May where the entire school brought flowers, participated in readings, and sang songs of Mary! Left photo, pictured is eighth grade student Celie Frances Dean, crowning the Blessed Mother at the St. Mary Shrine.

Laura Kate Tharp, a member of Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s Class of 2021, was chosen for the “Spirit of Azalea Trail” scholarship. Each year, the Azalea Trail Maids vote for the trail maid who best represents all that an Azalea Trail Maid should be. This is a special scholarship that is given to only one student each year. We are so proud of Laura Kate for receiving this wonderful honor!

E.R. Dickson Hero of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Mallory Childers, Kindergarten teacher, on being recognized by the District Attorney’s Office as the Hero of the Month for May. Ms. Childers is a role model teacher and an advocate for children. Pictured with Ms. Childers is Mobile Chief Assistant District Attorney, Keith Blackwood, E.R. Dickson’s Principal, Ms. Katryna Kinn, Youth and Family Services Case Officer, Mr. Terrell Patrick, and Ms. Childers’ 20-21 Kindergarten Class.

Right photo, pictured is second grader, Martina Gomez, crowning the Blessed Mother in the Preschool Playground.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Summer Camp St. Dominic Summer Camp enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July all week with special crafts and treats. They even made a sign to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July!

St. Dominic summer campers made their own Rosaries during art and crafts. The students really enjoyed this project! Left photo, pictured is Harper Watson. Pirate week at St. Dominic Summer Camp was a huge success! Campers enjoyed a treasure hunt that ended with treats and sno-cones. Pictured, pirate Cuyler Ball. St. Dominic Summer campers made their own pinwheel toys as part of a craft project. Students colored and decorated their pinwheel. They are each unique and beautiful! Right photo, pictured is Abigail Dragotta.

Let Read Write help you! Read Write offers: Targeted 1-on-1 instruction Consultations Testing

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UMS-Wright Athletic Alums Shine!

Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog! Three UMS-Wright alums have excelled athletically this spring and have achieved some of the highest honors possible in their respective sports. Tanner Allen ‘17 and the Mississippi State Bulldogs clinched the College World Series Championship on June 30th, the first national championship in the history of Mississippi State Athletics. Furthermore, Tanner was named the American Baseball Coaches Association National Player of the Year! On July 12th, he was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 4th round MLB Draft. In June, Paige Madden ‘17 competed at the Olympic Trials. Paige earned her ticket to the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo and will compete in the 400M Free Style and the 4 X 200 Relay. Paige graduated from the University of Virginia in May. She ended her collegiate swimming career at the NCCA Championship Meet where she and her teammates won the 2021 NCAA Swimming Championship. Paige was also named the NCAA Champion in all three of her individual events: 200 Free, 500 Free and the 1650 Free. Maddux Bruns '21 was named Mr. Baseball 2021 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and was chosen as the Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year. On July 11th, with the 29th pick, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Maddux in the first round of the MLB Draft. Congratulations Tanner, Paige, and Maddux on your accomplishments!

Vacation Bible School at Little Flower

Little Flower Catholic Church and School hosted another action-packed Vacation Bible School. Through Bible stories, songs, craft activities and really cool science demonstrations, the participants discovered the joys of VBS. Volunteers spent days setting the stage for this year's theme of Treasured: You are priceless to God. Younger students took it all in with the assistance of older students who served as VBS helpers. Participants Thomas Smith and Avery Dill were helped by Gabriella Barrantes.

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Vacation Bible School at St. Ignatius

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius Vacation Bible School was an amazing success. Over 180 students participated in the week-long program about building faith. Pictured with Fr. Shields are some of our 2nd grade campers.

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

UMS-Wright Summer Camps

UMS-Wright Summer Programs are an extension of UMS-Wright Preparatory School. We build on the mission of our school by providing academic, athletic, and creative opportunities to ignite new passions and strengthen an individual’s potential in mind, body, spirit, and character. Our 53-acre campus provides an expansive, yet inclusive environment that lays the foundation for encouraging children to challenge themselves academically, creatively, and physically throughout the summer. Summer 2021 offered forty-three academic, athletic, and specialty opportunities. Our full day camps were packed with engaging weekly themes, water fun, field trips, and special celebrations!

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Dance It’s about more than the steps.

Confident, Ambitious, Focused and Happy!

633-9559 MON- THUR 2-6 pm

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Hillcrest@Grelot • Register for Fall @ debbiesdance.com Preschool Ages 2-5 • Ballet • Pointe • Tap • Jazz • Tumbling • Contemporary • Hip Hop

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SPONSORED BY MOBILE COUNTY DISTRICT 2

St. Luke Hosts Springfest

St. Luke's hosted the annual Springfest that students in K2-8th grade enjoyed with a friendly competition of the red team v. black team! The special day was complete with delicious food, traditions and fellowship. It was the perfect time for our families to reconnect after a year of social distancing!

FEATURING an outstanding collection of NASA artifacts, interactives, props, and more showcasing the past, present, and future of space travel. From the age of the Space Race and beyond, this experience will highlight the incredible journey of humans into the cosmos. EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAYS • Special events Virtual guest speakers • scavenger hunts contests and More! NOW OPEN AT THE CrEATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AND MADE POSSIBLE BY

St. Mary Parish First Communion

St. Mary Parish welcomed the 2021 First Communicants into this special sacrament with Mass Sunday, May 2 in St. Mary Catholic Church, celebrated by St. Mary Pastor, Father Stephen Vrazel. St. Mary Catholic School second grade teachers Amy Duncan and Bethany Brewer, and St. Mary Parish CCD Catechist Hattie Alexander prepared them for this beautiful day! Pictured: Marie Eleanor Abraham, Cayden Matthew Augustus, Barrett Ryder Copeland, Taylor-Renea Elise Crudup, Julia Owens Dickson, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hyland Gilmore, Owen Barksdale Goff, Martina Cortes Gomez, Charlotte "Lottie" Rhee Hassell, Joshua "Mason" Haywood, Patrick Vaughn Howell III,

Adelinh "Addy", Ameila Kahalley, Frances Evelyn Kindt, Charlotte Grace Koen, Elaine "Ella" Flaherty Lee, Greyson Carter Martin, Stephanie "Betty" Elizabeth O'Dowd, Harper Grace Rhames, Macie Clare Sasser, Owen Woodford Sharp, Emoline "Emma" Angelina Tew, Stephanie "Clare" Tolbert, Lindsay Kaylee Trenier, Mary Adelyn Turner, Taylor McKenzie Wilson, Joseph "Collin" Winter. 19

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Autauga County Schools

STEAM Camp Success at CHCA

St. Dominic Students Write and Publish Novels

STEAM Camp at CHCA was a success! The students participating were able to use creative thinking, artistry, and design to create masterpieces each week. These crafts and engineering projects are designed to help the students think in creative ways. CHCA is thankful to have been able to partner with STEAM to provide fun learning experiences for students throughout the summer!

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

During the National Novel Writing Month, St. Dominic Catholic School middle school students are challenged to plan, write, and publish their own novel in 30 days. This year, 15 students met their goal and 4 are now published authors. Pictured are our seventh grade students. Front Row (left to right): Thomas Hunt, Caroline Midgette, Emmie Graham, Monica Kohnen, Robert Gamper, Sophia Ward, Joseph Johnson, Evan Nelson. Back Row (left to right): Heaven Gray, Brianna Seiter, Mary Linda Greenwood, Jonah Waits.

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Heart of Mary Class of 2021

Congratulations to the Heart of Mary Catholic Class of 2021! Fr. Bura celebrated a beautiful completion Mass for our 8th graders as they became proud alumni in the rich tradition of our beloved school. Following the Mass and ceremony, Mr. Horner surprised our graduates with a special gift from the entire faculty. To the Heart of Mary Class of 2021, we love you and are so very proud of each of you. We hope you never lose sight of our school motto: “There’s Always Room at the Top!” Stay tuned for spotlights on each of our graduates.

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CHCA Students Selected for Youth Leadership Mobile

Aiden Quave and Rebecca Steedley will represent Cottage Hill Christian Academy in the Youth Leadership Mobile program for the coming school year. Youth Leadership Mobile is a nine-month program that teaches participants how to grow their leadership skills and to understand how those skills can be used to address opportunities in their communities with servant leadership. We are excited for the experiences this year will hold for both of our CHCA representatives!

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Autauga County Schools

Art Camp at St. Pius X Catholic School!

Several middle school students from St. Pius X enjoyed a week of “diamond painting”! The process takes a great deal of concentration and a steady hand to produce the desired results. Several breaks with fun activities, as well as multicolored snacks, were enjoyed throughout the week. (They never did figure out Mrs. Alvarez’s mind reading abilities!) Thank you, Mrs. Mattingly, for conducting this great week and Mrs. McGinley, for being her willing assistant!

Old Shell Road Student Wins 3rd Place for Drawing

Kevin Erdman, a student at Old Shell Road Magnet School, won 3rd place for kindergarten in the dreamARCHITECTURE 2021: Draw Your Dream Restaurant contest for the Mobile and Baldwin County areas. The art contest is sponsored annually by Alabama Center for Architecture. Awesome work, Kevin!

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

AGES 2 & UP

FAITH

DANCE WITH US!

The choice for a Christ-centered, academically challenging education in Mobile and the surrounding areas.

DANCE BEGINS WEDNESDAY

Offerings at CHCA:

AUGUST 25

FAMILY REGISTER ONLINE NOW! GALESSTUDIOOFDANCE.COM

CALL 251.343-9544

FUTURE

BALLET • POINTE • TAP • JAZZ LYRICAL • CHARACTER • ACRO

Weekly Chapel Daily Bible Classes Degreed/Certified Christian Faculty Warrior Club and PTF Advanced Placement Courses Contact our Virtual Reality Lab Admissions Director, Mrs. Jill Hannan Fine Arts Program (hannanj@chbss.org), for a tour today! Member of AHSAA Athletics Offered for K5-12th Grade Clubs and Academic Teams NJHS and NHS And Much More! www.chcacademy.com

HIP HOP • TIP TOES &

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Summer is winding down and kids are preparing to start a new school year. This signifies an exciting new start for kids, but for parents, it can mean spending a lot of money on school supplies and new clothing for fall. Families with children in elementary school through high school plan to spend an average of $696.70 this year on back to school shopping. (National Retail Federation) That’s a lot of money, especially for parents of multiple children. How can you buy the items your kids need without breaking the bank on back to school shopping?

Here are some ways to save! Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

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Take inventory It doesn’t make sense to purchase items you already have around the house. “We reuse items like notebooks, binders, and pencil boxes.” says Carrie Miller, mom of three. “I also save all the pencils from class parties, birthday parties and other giveaways to use the following year.” Before you start back to school shopping, take inventory of what office and school supplies you already have that are new or gently used. Go through the kids closets and remove items that are two small and make a list of what needs to be replaced. Can any items be passed down to younger siblings? Consider shopping at second hand store or consignment sales for gently used items to save on clothes, shoes, and coats. Backpacks and lunchboxes that are in good condition can be reused. Once you know what you need, make a list of what needs to be purchased and stick to it.

Do your research It’s hard to know if you are getting a good deal on back to school supplies and clothing if you do know how much they cost to begin with. Once you know the average cost of an item it is easier to do your research and make sure you are getting a good deal. It can be easy to get caught up on saving on small items like glue and pencils, but it is wiser to focus on big ticket items which can mean more money saved. Saving $50-100 on a tablet is worth the effort of driving across town to shop compared to saving 10 cents on glue. “Shop around!” says Emily Rodriguez. “Last year I added all the items needed to my online cart at Walmart, Amazon and Target. I was surprised Target came out well under the other two. I was glad to save the money.”

Take advantage of discounts For retailers, back to school season is the biggest money maker, second only

to the Christmas shopping season. To bring in customers, they are willing to offer discounts, free shipping for online orders, price matching, in store coupons, and other deals to get you to shop in their stores. Take some time to shop around and find the best deals, sign up for email coupons and deals, and most importantly, don’t forget to use the coupons when you make your purchase. Many states, including Missouri, offer a tax free weekend in late summer. This is a great time for families to take advantage of a discount on clothing, shoes, and other items needed for school.

Buy later When you are looking at the long list of supplies that schools hand out, determine what they need right away and what can be purchased at a later time. You will be able to get school supplies at clearance prices if you simply wait until September. This is also a great time to stock up on commonly needed items for the following school year. “Purchase items in advance when possible.” says mom Fia Swartwood. “Clearance sales after school starts are a great time to stock up on paper, spiral notebooks, folders, and writing utensils.” Many families feel the need to buy their children a new fall wardrobe when school returns, but it’s perfectly reasonable to delay purchasing new clothing as temperatures are still too warm for fall and winter clothing when kids start school. This gives parents a chance to buy items over time or as needed instead of purchasing everything at once. “I shop clearance items after every season and guess on sizing for the following year.” says Katlyn Purkapile, mom of three.

Leave the kids home As a mom of six, my biggest money saving tip for back to school shopping is to simply leave the kids home. I arrive at the store with a list of school supplies needed. If my daughter were with me she would ask for the sparkliest unicorn notebook, which costs twice as much as the plain pink one I would pick. It’s faster and more efficient if I shop for the supplies alone. When picking out clothes, back25

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packs, and lunchboxes, it’s reasonable to bring kids along so they can pick out something to fit their tastes. Prior to shopping, give your kids a set budget and let them pick something they like that fits within it. In order to save money you may have to put in some extra effort in research, take the time to get organized, drive to more than one store, and forgo a few items to stay within a budget. It will be worth the cost savings in the long run, especially for families shopping for multiple children.

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Bonus: Packing Lunches on a Budget

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The cost of individually wrapped snacks and premade Lunchables can really add up. Here are some ideas to save money when you are packing school lunches this fall.

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• Buy items like crackers, cookies, and canned fruit in bulk and pack into individual size containers yourself. Doing this ahead of time can give you the convenience of the prepackaged items with big cost savings. • Replace disposable bags and containers with reusable items to pack sandwiches and sides. • Use leftovers. Make a little extra food for dinner and send healthy, homemade items to school for lunch. • Make your own “uncrustables” and “lunchables” rather than buying the premade version. MBP

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six kids including seven year old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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Apps for Kids on the Autism Spectrum Technology has the power to unlock learning for kids of all ages and stages. And sometimes exploring and learning on a device first is less intimidating than trying out new skills with real people. Check out these apps that help kids with communication, organization, and even social-awareness skills -- and watch the video to learn more about how to choose media and tech products for kids with learning differences.

to work on recognizing emotions, and doing a drag-and-drop exercise to create different expressions.

MyLife Meditation By encouraging kids to meditate daily and focus on kindness to others, this app offers great lessons in perseverance and compassion. Kids can

Awakee Morning Routine Planner With this time-management app, kids can set up a daily routine with multiple, timed activities, such as brushing teeth, meditating, and exercising.

First Then Visual Schedule HD With its simple, multisensory interface, this app has great potential for helping kids with developmental or learning disabilities, anxiety or attention issues, and language, hearing, or processing difficulties.

Hopster Saturday Club: Empathy Hopster Saturday Club: Empathy gives kids practice identifying emotions. Kids can choose from three activities: writing in a diary to describe how they feel that day, playing a matching game

Popplet This mind-mapping tool is especially helpful for kids who have problems with organization and visual memory. Kids can insert words, images, and their own drawings and then connect to other related Popplets to create an interactive outline of related ideas.

Proloquo2Go This extraordinary communication aid is great for kids who have basic to severe speech challenges. Kids can learn how to effectively convey wants, needs, feelings, opinions, social manners, and more.

Calm Counter Social Story and Anger Management Tool This ingenious app helps kids with special needs, social challenges, anxiety, or anger issues learn self-awareness as they begin to identify when they “need a break” and practice calming down.

large collection of Peppy Pals’ positive videos, stories, and games with themes of social and emotional learning. Kids can learn skills about identifying emotions, accepting differences, and helping friends. They’ll also see that not everyone feels the same way.

learn the practice of meditation as well as the habit of stopping to identify their emotions, taking a deep breath, and articulating their emotional needs.

Peppy Pals Sammy Helps Out Though this social-emotional skill builder is designed for young kids, older kids who struggle with social situations and empathy also might find it helpful. Best used with a parent or teacher, this app provides built-in discussion questions to help guide kids so they can take their learning offscreen.

Peppy Pals Social Skills Peppy Pals Social Skills offers one 27

Social Detective

Through video and a comprehensive, step-by-step process, kids can learn about expected vs. unexpected behaviors in a variety of everyday situations. Because the videos include real kids and the app offers practical tips, users will be able to identify with and apply what they learn.

The Social Express II

This excellent animated app boosts kids’ social-awareness skills. Kids can learn to identify how their peers are feeling, develop coping strategies, recognize the importance of eye contact, and learn a host of core social skills needed to function in daily life.

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“I’m bored,” my 11-year-old daughter grumbled as she collapsed on to the couch. It was a rare unscheduled moment in her life. I cringed as I recalled what can occur when she has a spontaneous second. At the age of three, I assumed she was quietly playing with her toys only to discover the entire wall was covered with a new crayon drawn mural. We are both happier now that she is enrolled in art classes. She prefers being busy, which is why she partook in six different extracurricular activities this past spring. Her interests ranged from sign language class to swim team. Besides avoiding boredom (and messes) there are many benefits to having scheduled activities for your child. Research by NCES states that students who participated in after-school activities had better attendance, higher levels of achievement, and aspirations to higher levels of education.

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Better Academic Performance

Even though my daughter was in six different clubs or sports, she received all A’s in her academic classes. By participating in extracurricular activities, a child is able to learn new skills which can be applied to the school setting. For example, my daughter was in the garden club and she used the information she learned about plants in her science class. Sports such as basketball, baseball and football use statistics, addition/subtraction, probability, and geometry which can be applied to math class. A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. Douglas Reeves studied data at Woodstock High School and found students who were in three or four extracurricular activities during the year had dramatically better grades than those who participated in no extracurricular activities. There was a study done by the College Board, which found high school extracurricular participation is correlated with higher SAT scores, SAT math by 45 points and SAT verbal scores by 53 points.

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

Welcome to the 2021 - 2022 school year! Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K2 through eighth grade an outstanding education. The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus.

More Adaptable

If a child is participating in more than one activity, they will also experience more than one coach or teacher who will have different rules and expectations. They will have the opportunity to meet kids with a range of personalities and interests. These interactions will teach a child how to be adaptable to multiple people and situations. Maddi and Deborah Khoshaba’s training guide, Resilience at Work, discussed

6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • school. corpuschristiparish.com

Tours of the school are available. Contact us to schedule one today.

251.342.5474 • school@CCSCatholic.com CCS Generic Ad.indd 1 29

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the importance of being adaptable and how when adaptable people lose their jobs they thrive due to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Being adaptable is a skill that can be beneficial both in the school or work setting.

Better Social Skills

Children will gain social skills both from the person in charge of the activity or sport and by interacting with their peers. They also have the opportunity to learn about teamwork by either playing a sport together or doing a group class such as a musical for drama. In my daughter’s book club at the end of their discussion of the book, they have social time. During one meeting, she didn’t read the book, but she still wanted to go to the club since she loved the social interaction with her peers.

Less Screen Time

Common Sense Media research states that, on average, teens spend over nine hours per day playing video games or watching TV. If children are participating in after school activities they will have less opportunity to be absorbed by screens.

Decreased Risk of Obesity

According to the CDC, obesity affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade. If a child participates in a sport they will be more active which leads to better health benefits from being physically fit. Even if a child joins a club or an after school activity, rather than a sport, they will be more active than if they watched TV or played video games.

How to Balance Your Child’s Schedule

Sometimes, even for my daughter, you can have too many activities. I’m always cognizant of her energy level. If she needs to skip an activity once in a while, I let her. Or when I noticed she wasn’t enthusiastic about going to gymnastics anymore, we both decided it would be best not to sign up for the next session. Most importantly you want to make sure your child is happy and definitely not bored. MBP

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(25 Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications.

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

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Tumbling, Hip Hop, Pointe, Contemporary. We have a state-of-the-art studio equipped with 3 large studios, sprung Marley floors, and more accomodations for our dancers and parents. Register for FALL at debbiesdance.com.

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(251) 633-9559 debbiesdance2@bellsouth.net www.debbiesdance.com

Gale’s Studio of Dance, Inc. ad on page 22

6345 Airport Blvd (Piccadilly Square/Shopping Center with Buffalo Wild Wings) Mobile, 36608 Starting our 40th year and going strong! Ages 2 & Up | Offering ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, character, hip hop, acrobatics and Tip Toes & Tumbling. The 2021 - 2022 Fall Dance Classes begin Wednesday, August 25. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @GalesStudioofDance. Register online: GalesStudioofDance.com.

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Mobile Ballet Inc. ad on page 32

4351 Downtowner Loop North Mobile, 36609 Recognized as the region’s premier school and performing company. Classical ballet, Modern/ Contemporary ballet, broadway-style jazz, musical theater, and tap. Under the direction of Katia Garza, our faculty has extensive performance & teaching experience, enabling us to offer a complete curriculum of pre-ballet - pre-professional levels, including adult classes. Registration available online.

(251) 342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

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Robinson’s School Of Dance ad on page 44

Art

Mobile Museum of Art

Round But Square Studios ad on page 7

3304 Old Shell Road Suite C Mobile, 36608 Our mission is to empower people to live artful lives, develop creative confidence, and experience self-expression through creating. We are a Process Art Studio. (

251) 591-3425 roundbutsquarestudios@gmail.com www.roundbutsquarestudios.com

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

301 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 We offer many opportunities for children and their families to connect with contemporary art throughout the year. (251) 208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.org

AR Workshop

6601B Airport Blvd Mobile, 36608 Register for a DIY workshop to create on-trend home decor from raw materials (251) 639-7411

www.arworkshop.com/mobile/

Coastal Makers

70 N Joachim St Ste F Mobile, 36602 Coastal Makers allows anyone and any age to express their creativity through a variety of mediums, tools, textiles & techniques in a fun mess-making environment! (251) 455-2909

www.coastalmakers.com

4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 6345 Airport Boulevard (Piccadilly Square/Same Shopping Center as Buffalo Wild Wings) (251) 208-5200

www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Mobile Parks and Rec. Community Activities Numerous locations MobileArt, Music, Sports, Dance, Educational Classes and more.

www.facebook.com/gatherkidsplace/

(251) 675-5915 Robinsonsseven@aol.com www.robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Sheffield School of the Dance

(251) 208-1607 www.cityofmobile.org/residents/ parks-and-recreation/

ad on page 37

1901 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36606 4570 Hermitage Avenue Mobile, 36619 “Celebrating over 75 years of excellence and Mobile’s #1 choice in dance and a three-time “Best Dance Studio” winner in the Nappie Awards. “Motivating Young People and Enhancing Lives.” All ages and levels age 3 thru adults, Beginner thru Advanced Level. The very best in Ballet/ Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more is offered!

Paint Party Studios

Paint Party Studios has moved online with art video tutorials and at-home art kits. We also do school and church paint parties in Mobile and Baldwin County. (251) 343-2423 info@paintpartystudios.com www.paintpartystudios.com; www.facebook.com/ paintpartystudios

(251) 479-3926 info@sheffielddance.net www.sheffielddance.com

Dance Broadway South Dance Studio ad on page 13

7906 Westside Park Drive Mobile, 36695 Large, diverse faculty headed by a New York Dance Professional. Spacious studios with Sprung dance floors. Tremendous schedule with plenty to offer at all levels. Limited Class Sizes, Age Appropriate Classes and Choreography Dance lessons offered for ages 2-adult. (251) 639-0660 michelle@broadwaysouthdance.com www.broadwaysouthdance.com

Gather Kids Place

7856 Westside Park Dr. Mobile, 36695 Many different children’s classes offered including dance, art, character building and more. Visit www.pastorsjl.com/classes to sign up.

421 Highway 43 North Saraland, 36571 We offer the best in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Baton, and Acrobats. Robinson’s is home of the award winning “Lynn Robinson Dancers” who have won many local and national competitions.

Debbie’s School Of Dance ad on page 18

6429 Hillcrest Park Court Mobile, 36695 Dance classes for ages 2 – 18. Ballet, Jazz, Tap,

CC Dance Studio and Company

2560 Leroy Stevens Road Mobile, 36695 Our main emphasis are in building children’s character and self-esteem, while teaching them a technical art in a positive and supportive environment with excellent instruction, facilities and equipment.

(251) 639-1106 info@ccdancestudioandcompany.com ccdancestudioandcompany.com

Classical Ballet of Mobile

4621 Spring Hill Avenue, Suite C Mobile, 36608 We are an Academy for Pre-Ballet through Advanced dancers, including Theatre Jazz, offering outstanding instruction in classical ballet. Sign up for Fall Registration now!

(251) 410-4477 academy@classicalballetmobile.org www.classicalballetmobile.org

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Mobile Bay Dance Academy, Inc.

3055 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Mobile Bay Dance Academy Inc. is committed to providing professional dance instruction inspiring self awareness and self discipline through the passion and love of dance.

(251) 455-3044 info@mobilebaydanceacademy.com www.mobilebaydanceacademy.com

Next Generation Dance Center

Dance Without Limits

4715 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Offering dance classes exclusively to the special needs community! Preschool through adults. All dancers will perform at a recital! (251) 610-4969

www.dancewithoutlimitsfoundation.org

Gather Kids Place

Jubilee School of Dance

6245 Old Rangeline Road Theodore, 36582 Our vision is to offer instruction in various forms and style of dance for children and young adult. We offer classes in classical ballet, tap, lyrical, and pre-dance. (251) 408-0219

jubileeschool.dance@gmail.com

7856 Westside Park Dr. Mobile, 36695 Many different children’s classes offered including dance, art, character building and more. Visit www.pastorsjl.com/classes to sign up.

Kelly’s Dance Academy

Grace Dance Center

(251) 605-3960

www.facebook.com/gatherkidsplace/

208 Saraland Blvd South Ste F3 Saraland, 36571 Our goal is to not only teach the art of dance, but to ignite a passion and love of dance within a Christian conservative atmosphere. (251) 234-7982 kenzie@GDCdance.com www.gdcdance.com

How Fine Arts Program

10160 Airport Boulevard Building E Mobile, 36608 HOW Dance & Drama. Christian Fine Arts Program in West Mobile. Limited class sizes. Next show-Christmas Carol! Call to get involved! 251-895-5380 (251) 895-5380

www.how-mobile.com

9420 Alabama 188 Irvington, 36544 Kelly’s Dance Academy is a national award winning studio, home to numerous National Champions, and has been teaching students the love and art of dance. www.facebook.com/KDA5678

Maccrossan School of Irish Dance

MobileWe teach kids of all ages the traditional jigs, reels, hornpipes, and ceili dances of the beautiful art form that is Irish dancing. (251) 239-2422

maccrossanirishdance@yahoo.com

Melinda Leigh Performing Arts Center

6641 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618 Highly trained staff who have your child’s best interest at heart! Our studio features two spacious dance rooms with many classes offered to fit your busy schedule! (251) 649-6361

www.mlpac.com

5721 Hwy 90 West, Suite C Theodore, 36582 We are focused on providing high-quality dance education, and we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.

(251) 591-9899

www.nextgenerationdancecenter.com

Precision Dance Academy

168 Noel Street Mobile, 36607 Starting our dancers at 18 months, Your Childs individual progress is our main Focus. Proud home of the Advanced National Champion Dance Company- The Divas (251) 222-3403 precisiondancecompany@gmail.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Rhythm Dance Center

2355 Snow Road Semmes, 36575 We offer recreational classes as well as an outstanding performance team. We welcome students from the age of 2 & up into our studio. (251) 776-8603

Find us on Facebook

Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio 8665 Four Mile Road Irvington, 36544 Offering the best in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Baton, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Cheer. (Ages 2 and up). Come join our national award-winning studio! (251) 455-1866 robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Robinsonsbayoustudio/

2021-22 CLASSES

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

www.mobilebayparents.com

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The Dance Academy of West Mobile

3456 Hillcrest Road, Bldg B5 Mobile, 36695 Our mission is to give our students, a solid foundation in dance technique while encouraging creativity and self-expression. (251) 209-7774

www.thedanceacademyofmobile.net

Turning Point Dance Academy

7450 Three No?tch Road Mobile, 36619 We are a conservative studio that gives each child the individual attention that they deserve. At TPDA every child is a star! (251) 422-0262 tpdadancefamily@gmail.com www.tpdadancefamily.com

Education/Tutoring Huntington Learning Center ad on Inside Front Cover

2370 Hillcrest Road #D Mobile, 36695 Huntington offers phonics, reading, math, writing, and study skills programs for K-12th grade students and one-on-one ACT/SAT prep programs to help students qualify for scholarships or admittance to their dream college. (251) 525-9239

www.huntingtonhelps.com

Read-Write: The Learning Center ad on page 16

4308 Downtowner Loop N Mobile, 36609 Read-Write specializes in academic language therapy for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, including math. One-on-one, intensive instruction during and after school hours. (251) 287-1822 mobileoffice@readwritelearningcenter.com www.readwritelearningcenter.com

munication and learning.

USA Literacy Center ad on page 26

UCOM 3600 Mobile, 36688 USA Literacy Center offers reading and writing tutoring for children kindergarten through twelfth grade. Individual and/or small group reading and writing tutoring. Monday - Thursday 3:30 - 6:30pm. Initial Assessment Fees: $75. Individual Session: $40. Small Group Session (2-5 students) $25. Family and military discounts are available. (251) 380-2891 jmholland@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/literacy

7695 Cottage Hill Road, Suite D Mobile, 36695 We help high school students navigate the college application process and qualify for higher amounts of scholarships and financial aid. (251) 450-8141 tchilds@class101.com www.class101.com/mobileal/

Offering robotics STEM enrichment after school programs and workshops. Grades 3-6. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

gulfcoast@e2youngengineers.com

Kumon Learning Center

3964-B Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading enrichment program, unlocking the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. (251) 494-4400 sarahbigazzi@ikumon.com www.kumon.com/mobile-spring-hill

Philip Martin ACT Prep

Philip Martin, a certified ACT educator with over 500 hours of in-person ACT preparation experience, offers classes in Mobile and Fairhope.These classes are designed to prepare teenagers to do their best on an upcoming ACT exam. www.philipmartinact.com

STARTSMART College Bound Career Ready

A full service provider of college prep, career planning, resume writing and other soft skills.

(251) 767-5446 startsmartcollegebound@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

The Smartatorium

4505 Old Shell Rd Mobile, 36608 One-on-one tutoring for all math, science, humanities, and languages; grades 6-12, AP, and early college. One-on-one test prep for ACT/SAT, SSAT, GRE, FE. (251) 660-4254 smartatorium@gmail.com www.smartatorium.com

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D Mobile, 36606 Lindamood-Bell helps children and adults improve language processing—the foundation of all com-

7721 Airport Boulevard E-130 Mobile, 36608 When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead. Our formula for teaching kids math, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids learn math for over a decade across 1,000+ centers in the US and Canada.

philipmartinact@gmail.com

Gulf Coast Young Engineers

Lindamood-Bell Learning

Mathnasium

(251) 490-8890 mobile@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/mobile

Class 101 Mobile

(251) 454-0570

(251) 473-6808; Toll Free: (800) 300-1818 lindamoodbell.com/location/mobile-al-learning-center

The Think Tank Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring for grades K-12 in ALL Subjects. ADHD Coaching, homework help, test prep

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road South #B Mobile, 36695 For boys and girls all levels. 17,500 sf, airconditioned, state-of-the-art facility. Bouncing Babies and Preschool Classes, Girls & Boys Developmental Classes, Teams for Girls and Boys, Cheer Squad, Trampoline and Tumbling Classes (251) 650-0699 planetgymnasticsal@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

and more. Get a head start on school struggles before they begin! (251) 300-9697 thinktankminds@gmail.com

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

Threads and Bobbins

(251) 666-0559 www.cityofmobile.org/residents/ parks-and-recreation/parks-recreation-gymnastics/

www.thinktankminds.com

Offering sewing classes and private lessons for adults & children in Daphne, Fairhope & Mobile, Alabama. Please contact us for class schedules and pricing. Like us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/threadsnbobbins for updates! threadsandbobbins@hotmail.com www.threadsandbobbins.com

Tutor Doctor

We provide tutoring services to students of all ages, levels and subjects at your home. (251) 580-6802

www.tutordoctor.com

Gymnastics Cheer Force One

8700 Zeigler Boulevard Mobile, 36608 The Gulf Coast’s premier tumbling and cheerleading training program is accepting new members. Start with our basic membership or ask about our All Star or Club Cheer programs! (251) 634-0203 info@cheerforceone.com www.cheerforceone.com

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center offers various recreational gymnastics classes for children of differing ability levels and ages. 18 months - high school.

Mrs Lisa’s Gym & Cheer

144 East I-65 Service Road North Mobile, 36607 We offer Recreational Tumbling Classes, Competitive Cheer Teams, School Cheer Team Tumbling and Private Lessons. Classes are for all ages 1 & up, Homeschool classes available. (251) 471-9708

mrslisasalabamajags@comcast.net

Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics

102 Baker Road Satsuma, 36572 Classes for all levels of Tumbling and Cheerleading! (251) 599-2205

Find us on Facebook

Nasser Gymnastics and Cheerleading

3055 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Nasser’s is proud to be a family owned and community-based business with a low student to teacher ratio. Utilizing positive reinforcement, Nasser’s provides a fun, safe, and progressive environment for all students! (251) 479-9311 nassergym@yahoo.com www.nassergym.net

Horseback Riding Celisse’s School of the Equestrian

2568 Sollie Road Mobile, 36695 Our Mission: To educate, heal, and enrich lives by joining forces with horses. (251) 289-1244 kcequestrianarts@gmail.com www.CSEAMobile.org

Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm

10727 El Nina Drive Mobile, 36608 We offer riding lessons in classical English style. Our goal is to teach students how to ride, handle and groom horses safely and to the best of their ability. (251) 634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www.silverliningfarm.net

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road Mobile, 36695 Our lesson program is open to riders of all ages and experience levels. We specialize in dressage and eventing while teaching the basics of English riding. (251) 633-8088

www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Starlight Stables

McLean’s Martial Arts & Fitness

(251) 391-4268

(251) 675-9662

11635 Dick Turner Road Grand Bay, 36541 We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! We offer lessons in western style riding.

www.starlightstables.weebly.com

Martial Arts

ATA Martial Arts

1261 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Mobile, Alabama’s #1 choice for Martial Arts classes! Our students learn character building, athletic development and black belt excellence through martial arts training! by

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(251) 633-5808

www.max3training.com

ATA Martial Arts

2410 Dawes Rd Mobile, 36695 Mobile, Alabama’s #1 choice for Martial Arts classes! Our students learn character building, athletic development and black belt excellence through martial arts training! (251) 307-5676

www.max3training.com

Graham’s Elite Martial Arts

1121 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695 Kids, teens and adult classes. Our Martial Arts Classes Are The Best Way To Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential. (251) 633-7837

www.grahamselitemartialarts.com

Inner Strength Martial Arts

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9120 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 All ages and levels. A safe, state of the art facility with a focus on Christian Values.

(251) 776-1978

www.ismartialarts.com

1490 Celeste Road Saraland, 36571 We offer highly specialized martial arts classes for children and adults taught by nationally certified instructors. www.mcleansmartialarts.com

Port City Kickboxing Academy

7335 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36695 A place where kids and families can go to learn martial arts, get in shape, and improve their overall sense of well being. (251) 470-0903

www.pckickboxing.com

(251) 454-6591 fullscaleschool@gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com

Andy’s Music Inc.

1412 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Locally owned and operated family business. We are the only full-line musical instrument store in Mobile offering lessons, rentals, instrument repair, and a complete music department. (251) 633-8944

Shaolin Institute

704 Lakeside Drive Mobile, 36693 Martial Arts School (251) 662-3225

saxophone, clarinet, flute/Angela Rayburn – piano/David White - drums, percussion/Joshua Ward - guitar, bass/Laryssa Burgess, piano/ Laura Deal – piano and Natalie Blackburn violin, viola, cello.

Broussard’s Academy of Music

1541 East I-65 Service Road S Mobile, 36606 We offer a state of the art piano academy; all of our teachers are accredited members of the local music teachers association, and have multiple years’ experience teaching.

www.shaolin-world.net

Springhill Taekwondo

2029 Airport Blvd. Suite G Mobile, 36606 Our unique approach to Martial Arts instruction provides TKD classes for all ages in Mobile with positive results specific to each individual student’s needs.

(251) 344-8856

broussardspianos.com/academy/

Christ UMC - Kindermusik

(251) 554-5425 coachwebb@springhilltaekwondo.com springhilltaekwondo.com

Music

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Trusted. Proven. Educational. And of course, fun! Our studio is proud to offer Kindermusik, the world’s leading provider of music and movement programs for young children! (251) 706-3336

Full Scale School of Music / Azalea City Center For the Arts ad on page 3

www.andysmusiconline.com

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606 Group classes and private lessons for those interested in learning an instrument. Daniel Driskell, Director - piano, guitar, bass, mandolin,

www.kindermusikatchristunited.com

Mobile Music Teachers Association

Mobile Music Teachers Association is an organization of professional teachers offering piano, strings, theory, organ, voice, violin, cello and early childhood music. Information on teachers and studio locations, available online. www.mobilemta.org

two MUSEUMS.

ONE PRICE!

111 S. Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 208-7569 HISTORYMUSEUMOFMOBILE.COM

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Sunny Side Theater/ Actor’s Edge

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63 Midtown Park East MobileSunny Side Theater offers a variety of after-school drama, dance, and gymnastics classes for all ages. Classes age 4 through high school. Actor’s Edge Studio directed by Eric Browne will offer advanced level acting classes. Main stage productions for the year include The Rainbow Fish, Carrie: The Musical, Miracle on 34th Street, Dr. Dolittle Jr, & Annie Jr.

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ad on page 3

Mobile School of Piano

Private Piano Lessons for ages 4 to adult. Learn how to sight-read, play by ear, improvise and more in a fun, uplifting environment! Call today for a free trial lesson! (251) 272-9616

www.mobileschoolofpiano.com

Mobile Symphony Strings in Schools, String Academy and Chamber Strings

Mobile & Eastern Shore The Mobile Symphony offers during and after school strings in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Several wonderful opportunities for any string instrument and level. More information at www. mobilesymphony.org. (251) 432-2010 daniela@mobilesymphony.org www.mobilesymphony.org

Mobile’s Singing Children

Premier youth choir on the Gulf Coast. Students in grades 2nd-12th perform choral music in four age-appropriate ensembles. To schedule your audition, please call 251-285-2285 or email mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com. (251) 285-2285 mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com www.mobilesingingchildren.org

Worship Arts Academy

5555 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618 The Worship Arts Academy is a ministry of Moffett Road Baptist Church in Mobile, AL providing private music lessons and dance classes for all ages at affordable prices. (251) 342-0563 mrbcworshiparts@gmail.com www.facebook.com/worshipartsmrbc/

Performing Arts Azalea City Center For the Arts ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606 Mobile’s all-Inclusive home for the creative kid; theater, music, dance, gymnastics, voice and more. Class listing available online. Drama classes taught by Sunny Side Theater and Actor’s Edge Studio; Music lessons and Rock Band taught by Full Scale School of Music, Private voice lessons with Dr. Allanda Small, Anna Fillingim, & Michael Devery; Gymnastics classes with Chelle Ferguson & Dance classes with Rebekah Howard also available. (251) 510-1808 azaleacity@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

(251) 510-1808

www.sunnysidedrama.com

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 A comprehensive training program of drama, dance, vocal, piano, guitar, and scenic art classes; and an elaborate, full-scale puppet theatre. (251) 422-5434

www.playhouseinthepark.org

The PACT Theatre Company

5025 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, 36609 Our program specialize in teaching acting, dance, vocal training, theatre, and college & audition prep. Our productions are open to those in 1st Grade-Adults. We run three-four productions a semester at all different age levels. (251) 307-5056 office@thepactmobile.com www.thepactmobile.com

Scouting/Sea Cadets

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608 Transform ideas into actions, questions into adventures, and grow confidence through practice,

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every step of the way. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.

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(800) 239-6636 customercare@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

American Heritage Girls

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American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a faith-based leadership and character development program for girls ages 5-18 offering service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences to its members. (513) 771-2025; (901) 378-5588

www.ahgonline.org

Boy Scouts of America

2587 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36606 Our goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs. (251) 476-4600 scouts@bsamac.org www.bsamac.org

Sewing All About Sewing

590 Schillinger Road South, Ste D Mobile, 36695 Classes and private lessons available! (251) 634-3133 sue@allaboutsewinginc.com www.allaboutsewinginc.com

Dancing Needles Designs

6103 Southbend Drive South Mobile, 36619 Teaching the love of sewing to kids.

(251) 454-5263 www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Needles-Designs/180113318695591

Sports AOC Sports Training

3309 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Sports training (251) 979-3018

www.facebook.com/AOCSports/

Christ United Methodist Church Sports

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 C-Sports Fall Young Runners Club (K5-9th grade) September 14–November 11, 2021. Week day practices that will involve crossing training and endurance course training and will participate in two official races. Cost: $45 or $25 for those returning from spring season. Register online at christunitedcsports.com by September 13, 2021. (251) 706-3326 info@christumcsports.com www.christumcsports.com

City of Mobile Swim Assoc. (CMSA)

CMSA is a year round swimming team offering programs to all ages and abilities, novice to Olympic level. (251) 422-0011

www.swimcmsa.com

Empire Athletics

246 Jacintoport Blvd Saraland, 36571 A training facility that focuses on high quality cheer and tumbling instruction. We also have camps, clinics and classes. (251) 620-9780

www.empireathleticstraining.com

Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club

201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, 32502 Coaching for all levels and Learn-to-Skate packages for beginners. Private or semi-private lessons. Ages 3 - adult. Season runs October through April. Visit our website for registra-

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

St. Luke’s Youth Team Sports

3975 Japonica Lane Mobile, 36609 For information on outside participation for students that do not attend St. Luke’s, please email swaite@stlukesmobile.com. We are now registering for the following Fall sports: (tackle football, flag football, cheerleading, cross country and volleyball). (251) 666-2991 swaite@stlukesmobile.com www.ydlsports.net

tion. Skaters from Mobile, Al across the coast to Panama City, FL. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram! (850) 400-3222 info@pensacolafigureskating.com

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction

1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile, 36608 Golf lessons for all ages and skill levels.

www.pensacolafigureskating.com

(251) 490-3812 michael@michaelbrisbanegolf.com www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com

Heisler Heat Baseball

Mobile Parks and Rec Community Activities

4623 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608 Private hitting/pitching instruction for baseball AND softball athletes,-Travel baseball, Speed and Agility classes and Strength development classes. (251) 581-1556 heislerheat@gmail.com www.heislerheatbaseball.com

High Velocity Sports

2513 Leroy Stevens Road Mobile, 36695 A sports training facility offering Sports Performance, Fitness, Batting Cages, Baseball/Softball, Indoor Soccer, Speed& Agility, Strength, Camps, and more! (251) 639-2261

Find us on Facebook

McCranie ATA Martial Arts

3385 Schillinger Road North Semmes, 36575 Confidence building martial arts classes. (251) 473-0015

www.mccranieata.com

Numerous locations MobileArt, Music, Sports, Dance, Gymnastics, Educational Classes and more.

(251) 208-1607 www.cityofmobile.org/residents/ parks-and-recreation/

Mobile United Futbol Club

If you are looking for the next level of soccer, find a home with Mobile United FC. (251) 219-0021 mobileunitedsecretary@gmail.com www.mobileunitedfc.com

Springhill Baptist Youth Sports

2 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608 We offer several team sports and camps for 5K-6th grade. Our mission is to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports. Playing with Purpose! (251) 342-5375 shbc.cc/ministries/recreation-andactivities-at-spring-hill/youth-sports-at-spring-hill/

The Copeland-Cox Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive Mobile, 36608 Offers a variety of tennis clinics. Facilities: Medal of Honor (1711 Hillcrest Rd), Lyons Park (180 Lyons Park Ave) and Mobile Tennis Center. (251) 208-5181

www.mobiletenniscenter.net

The Field Athletics Training Facility

816 Saraland Blvd. Saraland, 36571 Year-round indoor/outdoor practice facility, -Private/Group Hitting, Pitching & Fielding lessons, Group Youth Strength, Agility & Speed Training, Winter Group Clinics and Summer Camps. Find us on Facebook. (251) 287-0180

www.facebook.com/TheFieldSaraland

The Performance Lab

842 Schillinger Rd S Suite B Mobile, 36695 A 30,000 square foot indoor sports training facility specializing in baseball and softball. (251) 307-5548 info@performancelabmobile.com www.performancelabmobile.com

Volleyball

A resource directory of area volleybal clubs. www.gulfcoastvolleyball.org/club-directory

MBP

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

USAHealthVaccines.com Children need protection from COVID-19 for both their health and the health of family and friends. New COVID-19 variants and more in-person activities mean the virus still is being transmitted, and kids still are getting sick.

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to kids 12 years old and up, getting the vaccine is the best thing to do for your child’s health.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar Sunday August 1

Repticon Mobile ($10 (Adult), $5 (Ages 5-12), ages 4

and under are free.)

10:00 AM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd. N. Mobile, AL, 36608 reptile show where you can observe, buy or sell. repticon.com Animal Ambassadors Cruise ($20/adults and $12/ kids ages 6-12; under 6 is free)

1:30 PM Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 AL-225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 9 AM on July 10th along Blakeley’s beautiful waterfront for a special program on Delta wildlife, introducing some of the park’s plants and animals, then join us on one of our popular “Delta Adventure” cruises”. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com

Tuesday August 3

Rubber Ducky Regatta 10:00 AM Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 The “adopted” duckies will race to the finish line and the three fastest ducky’s adopters will have a chance to win some fabulous prizes! All proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile rubberduckyregatta.com Crime Prevention 5K Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Registration and Post-Race Activities at Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. runsignup.com

Wednesday August 4

Learning Lunch 12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for an afternoon lecture with Dr. John Edwin Mason about MMofA’s special exhibition, Gordon Parks: Segregation Story in Mobile, 1956. (251) 208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Thursday August 5

Sweet Summer Events-Roman Street Concert

(Free) Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Roman

Street in concert.

Friday August 6

Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park presents”Beauty and the Beast” 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park presents”Beauty and the Beast” playhouseinthepark.org Alabama in Concert The Wharf, 23101 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL, 36561 www.alwharf.com Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 In honor of Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday, admission to the Gardens is free to all Mobile and Baldwin County residents! bellingrath.org

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

Saturday August 7

12th Annual Optimist Branch Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM 1517 Plaza Drive Mobile, AL, 36605 Join us for our Pancake Breakfast & Back to School benefiting the Optimist Branch. Enjoy homemade pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and more. www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-optimist-branchpancake-breakfast-tickets-146933785909 Living History Crew Drill 8:00 AM USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see history come to life! The living history crews of the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM will be at the park for their drill. These historical reenactors demonstrate life aboard ship during WWII. Be on deck at 1:00 p.m. for “call to battle stations” as vintage airplanes attack the ship, weather permitting. The crew will defend the ship with guns blazing! Activities throughout the day. www.ussalabama.com United Way Day 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Various locations, Be a part of changing lives and saving lives in Southwest Alabama when you shop, dine out, or treat yourself at one of the participating merchants on Saturday, August 7, 2021. Visit our website for a list of participating vendors. uwswa.org/united-way-day/ Summer Wildlife Program Series ($25 for adults/$15 for kids ages 6-12. Under 6 is free.)

9:00 AM Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 AL-225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 9 AM on July 10th along Blakeley’s beautiful waterfront for a special program on Delta wildlife, introducing some of the park’s plants and animals, then join us on one of our popular “Delta Adventure” cruises”. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park presents”Beauty and the Beast” 7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park presents”Beauty and the Beast” playhouseinthepark.org Bayou La Batre Kayak Classic Bayou La Batre Community Center, 14772 City Docks Rd Bayou La Batre, AL, 36544 Competition fishing along the waters of Bayou La Batre (251) 824-1043 bayoulabatreareachamber.org/

Sunday August 8

Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park presents”Beauty and the Beast” Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 playhouseinthepark.org

Tuesday August 10

Chickasabogue 2 Miler 6:30 PM Chickasabogue Park, 760 Aldock Road Eight Mile, AL, 36613 Chickasabogue 2 Miler Events.com

Thursday August 12

Sweet Summer Events: Water Balloon Battle (Free)

Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Water Balloon Battle of Mobile Bay

Friday August 13

Saturday August 14

Blues on the River in Mount Vernon 1:00 PM 2391 Military Rd. Mt.Vernon, AL, 36560 Bring your lawn chairs, food, umbrellas, coolers and enjoy. Come out and enjoy family, friends, and Blues on the River. 251-680-5934 www.eventbrite.com/e/blueson-the-river-in-mount-vernon-alabama-tickets-149086065435 Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” joejeffersonplayers.com 19th Annual Mystic Striper’s Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island Marina, 650 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 19th Annual Mystic Striper’s Fishing Rodeo www.eventbrite.com

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Sunday August 15

Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” joejeffersonplayers.com Dauphin Island Sunday Sunset Concerts 6:00 PM West End Beach, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 The monthly concerts begin about 90 minutes before the sun goes down. Music and beach lovers are invited to bring lawn chairs, snacks, beverages, a laid back attitude (and perhaps a little bug spray) to West End Beach.

Tuesday August 17

Mobile’s Tour de Food Trucks 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Tricentennial Park, 2121 Lake Dr Mobile, AL, 36617 The 3rd Tuesday of each month. 4-7pm Follow the Food Trucks! #DiscoverYourParks by following the Food Truck Trail! We are continuing our Spring Food Truck Trail through the Summer! In Eight Parks, Eight Months, and Eight Days of Food Trucks and Fun! Games, music, trivia, and

www.mobilebayparents.com

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Calendar food...come spend the evening with us to enjoy it all! www.facebook.com/mobileparksandrec/

Thursday August 19

Business Expo 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for the area’s largest business-to-business trade show. More than 200 companies will be showcasing the latest products and services, along with business resources, giveaways, food & beverage samples, and more. web.mobilechamber.com/events/BusinessExpo-2525/ details

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Friday August 20

Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” joejeffersonplayers.com Festival of Quilts Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Rd Mobile, AL, 36695 Over 300 quilts with dazzling designs and mastered techniques will be on display. The Festival will include Vendors, a Unique Boutique, Country Store, Art Quilts Display, Quilts of Valor. www.mobilearts.org/Quilts2021

Saturday August 21

Kids Win Fishing Tournament 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Rise and shine, it’s fishing time. Bait those hooks, reel em’ in, bring your fish to the scales and KIDS WIN! www.alwharf.com Community Safety Day 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Head to Downtown OWA for Community Safety Day on Saturday, August 21! During this free event, guests will enjoy interactive demonstrations from first responders, public safety officers, and local non-profit groups that support the betterment of our South Baldwin community. Plus, it’s a great way for you to help us celebrate those who work so hard to help keep our community safe! visitowa.com

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Playhouse presents “Sister Act The Musical” joejeffersonplayers.com Forever First Lady 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Forever First Lady is a stage play that is centered around our first Black First Lady Michelle Obama, and the example that she set as First Lady. Festival of Quilts Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Rd Mobile, AL, 36695 Over 300 quilts with dazzling designs and mastered techniques will be on display. The Festival will include Vendors, a Unique Boutique, Country Store, Art Quilts Display, Quilts of Valor. www.mobilearts.org/Quilts2021

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FamilyCalendar Sunday August 22

Friday August 27

Jason Aldean 7:30 PM The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Jason Aldean in concert. www.alwharf.com Vintage Market Days of Mobile - Fall 2021 “Southern Picnic” The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/tickets.php

Saturday August 28

Hurricane Run 5K 8:10 AM Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL Benefiting Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue portcitypacers.com/hurricane-run-5k/ Anniversary of Fort Mims 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Mims, 1813 Fort Mims Road Stockton, AL, 36579 The annual reenactment of the Battle of Fort Mims will be held on August 24-25, 2019. www.fortmims.org Jason Aldean 7:30 PM The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL, 36561 Jason Aldean in concert. www.alwharf.com Muddy Warrior Challenge Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23460 Wolf Bay Drive Foley, AL, 36535 We hope you will join us as we run the race for autism, combining the excitement of running, obstacles, and mud all for a great cause. Whether you have a competitive nature or just want to come for the fun we have the perfect challenge for adults and kids alike. 251-391-7220 americanautismcenter.org/ Vintage Market Days of Mobile - Fall 2021 “Southern Picnic” The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/tickets.php

Sunday August 29

Anniversary of Fort Mims 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fort Mims, 1813 Fort Mims Road Stockton, AL, 36579 The annual reenactment of the Battle of Fort Mims will be held on August 24-25, 2019. www.fortmims.org Vintage Market Days of Mobile - Fall 2021 “Southern Picnic” The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/tickets.php

Saturday September 4

Labor Day Car Show 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Returning for its fourth year, the OWA Labor Day Car Show is back on Saturday, Sept. 4! visitowa.com

Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

Saturday September 11

Tunnel to Towers Run 8:00 AM Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 We are excited to once again bring together the community to honor first responders, remember 9/11, and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs. dogood.t2t.org/event/2021-tunnel-to-towers-5k-runand-walk-mobile-al/e337584

Wednesday October 20

Springhill Medical Center’s For Girls Only Class 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Gerald L. Wallace Conference Center, 3715 Dauphin St. (4th Floor) Mobile, AL, 36608 Dr. Lauren Self, OB/GYN with Azalea City Physicians for Women, will guide a discussion for girls ages 8-12 in learning about physical changes they will experience as they mature. Light meal provided. The class is FREE but registration is required.

Thursday September 16

Every Friday

Thursday September 17

Every Saturday through October

Chef Challenge 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for a culinary experience as some of the area’s most celebrated chefs come together to fight hunger in our community, served with a little friendly competition. 251-653-1617 www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/ events/chef-challenge

Christopher Cross 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Christopher Cross is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his breakthrough debut album with a tour that will feature songs from his debut album: “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “Say You’ll Be Mine,” and many more. www.mobilecivicctr.com

Saturday September 18

34th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup 12:00 PM Various locations, You or your organization can volunteer to clean Alabama’s coastal waterways and beaches on Saturday, September 18, 2020 from 8am – 12pm. alabamacoastalcleanup.com

Saturday September 25

14th Annual GO Run 8:00 AM USA Campus - Moulton Tower, 307 North University Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36688 This year’s event will feature an in-person 5K race and 1 mile fun. For those who still prefer to participate at a distance, virtual 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances are available. www.usahealthsystem.com/events/go-run Living History Crew Drill 8:00 AM USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see history come to life! The living history crews of the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM will be at the park for their drill. These historical reenactors demonstrate life aboard ship during WWII. Be on deck at 1:00 p.m. for “call to battle stations” as vintage airplanes attack the ship, weather permitting. The crew will defend the ship with guns blazing! Activities throughout the day. www.ussalabama.com

Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout August

MPL Virtual Storytime 10:00 AM Virtual, Mobile, AL Join the Mobile Public Library Children’s Department on any Tuesday or Thursday at 10:00 a.m. for storytime. These events are created for an elementary and preschool aged audience, but can be enjoyed by any age group. Tune in here: www.facebook.com/mobilepubliclibrarychildrens www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Streets Alive 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 The City of Mobile is bringing our downtown streets alive every Friday! Streets Alive encourages an entertainment-friendly environment for Mobilians to come out and support downtown businesses.

OWA Island Movie Nights! 7:00 PM The Island Amphitheater at OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL, 36535 Save the date for Island Movie Nights, Saturdays in the fall at OWA! visitowa.com

Second Saturdays

LoDA Artwalk 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Celebrating the arts in downtown Mobile! Explore this free monthly showcase of visual and performance arts. mobilearts.org/art-walk/ Roll Mobile - Skate Night in Downtown Mobile 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Roll Mobile - Skate Night in Downtown Mobile www.specialeventsmobile.org

First Sunday of every month

First Sunday Outdoor Market at 5 Rivers 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Five Rivers Delta Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The First Sunday Outdoor Market at 5 Rivers is an opportunity to shop outdoors and support local artisans, crafters, growers, and makers and shop the Cypress Gift Shop at 5 Rivers for unique outdoor-themed items and gifts. www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Free First Sunday - History Museum of Mobile (Free) 1:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Free admission for all visitors sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality every first Sunday of the month! www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19 , please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and DVDs Space Jam: A New Legacy

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Escape Room: Tournament of Champions

Black Widow

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

D-

In Theaters

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

C-

Disney + and Theaters

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

When the consequences of her past life as a spy entangle her in a dangerous conspiracy, Natasha Romanoff must deal with the relationships she thought she had left behind. Like other Marvel features, Black Widow has lots of violent action pieces and minimal sexual content. The writing is less polished than other films in the franchise, but adult and teen fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will probably enjoy watching Natasha’s backstory.

Violence

Once again, Zoey and Ben find themselves trapped in another Minos escape room – this one starting off in an innocent-looking subway car. As in the first film, characters face extreme peril and violent deaths. Between the violence and profanity, this film is unsuited to family viewing. It’s also poorly written with flat dialogue and even flatter characters, rendering it unsuitable for anyone who enjoys interesting cinema. Photo ©Columbia Pictures

or-

Overall

cybermaniac comes up with a dastardly plan: kidnap the son of LeBron James and force the NBA megastar to take on his digital team. Luckily, LeBron is friends with the Looney Tunes characters who come to the rescue. Unluckily for viewers, this is an abysmal movie with flat characters, clunky writing, and non-stop product placement for Warner Bros. Photo ©Warner Bros.

ist

Rating

Learning that the computer program he inhabits is being mothballed, a

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Theaters & HBO Maxx

Photo ©Disney+

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

Digital on Demand

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

Unrated

After her father’s writings run afoul of the Nazis, nine year old Anna’s family goes on the run, first to Switzerland and then to Paris. Less a historical depiction of the rise of fascism and more an examination of the daily life of refugees, this touching film brings history alive for young viewers, with strong messages of resilience, persistence, courage, and integrity. Sadly the movie is subtitled, so viewers must be willing to read as they watch. Photo ©Greenwich Entertainment

Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 43

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Bless Them, Just Don’t Enable Them Q. My husband and I are both teachers, and we’re on Baby Step 7. We’re struggling with things where our wills are concerned. Three of our four adult children aren’t being wise with their money, and my husband and I disagree on how to talk to them about it and how it may affect us re-structuring our wills. We don’t want to be judgmental, but at the same time we agree something needs to be said or done.

Three Generations

A. Let’s say someone is working at my company, and taking my money in the form of a paycheck. Let’s also say this person isn’t doing a good job. If I don’t talk to them about their performance because I don’t want to be seen as judgmental, I’m not doing my job. I owe them the feedback necessary for them to become a good team member. Otherwise, they could just get fired one day without really knowing what

happened because I refused to “judge” them. There’s a big difference between judging people and being judgmental. But it’s unkind not to share insights or suggestions for a better way of life with those you love most. Holding back and telling yourself the way someone behaves is just the way they’re made is wrong in most instances. Overspending and not saving money aren’t character traits— they’re decisions. They’re adults now, and they’re going to do what they want. They don’t have to understand or support your ways of handling money, but you and your husband have every right to tell them they have to start behaving in certain ways if they expect to receive your money when the time comes. If they’re misbehaving, and you give them money,

Three Generations

you’re funding that bad behavior. That’s not love, that’s enabling. And a big pile of money isn’t going to heal the bad things— it’s only going to magnify them. Sit down with your kids, and have a loving, clear discussion about the situation. Remind them that they’re adults, and you and your husband are no longer able to tell them how they have to live. But let them know in no uncertain terms, gently but firmly, they will not receive your money if they continue to behave in ways you both consider foolish or unreasonable. Let them know they’ll always have your love, just not your money, unless they begin behaving more intelligently and maturely with their finances. You can’t make them do anything, but you can ensure they understand you two won’t be sharing your wealth with people who can’t handle it and use it wisely.

Three Generations

A 50 Year Legacy Mobile Bay Parents I August 2021

A 50 Year

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Is Your Home Lead Safe?

Most children get lead poisoning from paint in homes built before 1978. Keep paint in good repair and use a certified lead contractor to safely perform home renovations if your home was built before 1978. A blood lead test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning. Talk with your child’s doctor about testing, especially at the 1- and 2-year check-up, when children are at greatest risk. Lead poisoning can cause permanent learning and behavior problems. Follow these steps to stop lead poisoning: • Practice and teach good handwashing, especially before preparing food and eating. • Feed your family a low-fat diet high in calcium and iron. • Damp dust and mop, especially around windows and play areas, to remove lead dust. • Keep children away from areas with peeling or chipping paint.

Visit our website to learn about other sources of lead and the importance of prevention. ADPH Environmental Alabama Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Services Lead Branch 1-800-819-7644 1-833-667-1495 alabamapublichealth.gov/lead alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp 1 www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Are Your Children Protected?