Contents June 2012 Volume 2 Number 3
Features 34 I Just Wanna Be Skinny!
Learn 6 ways to reduce your child’s risk for eating disorders.
48 Vacation Bible School Listing
Register your kids for one of these fun and educational weeks at VBS.
40 2012 Summer Activities Guide
It’s the perfect time to sign your kids up for summer fun and learning in Mobile Bay. See all the opportunities here!
Columns 2 From Mom of the Month 4 Get This!
Paige Gardner Smith
5
48 Raising a Water Confident Kid
Even the most reluctant children will enjoy the water eventually. Discover how to warm your kids up to the fun of swimming.
On The Cover
Living With Children John Rosemond, Ph.D.
Departments 6 Bits and Pieces
12 Kids Health
13 School Bits
Mike Little, D.O.
32 A Page in a Book
50 Family Calendar
33 Dave Says
56 Parent Previews
Paige Gardner Smith
Dave Ramsey
38 Crafting & Cooking w/ Kids Dana Moonan
Top row (l to r): Camille O’Gwynn, Mary Howard Singleton, Lucy Lapeyrouse; Bottom row (l to r): Grace Hannahan, Elizabeth Sessoms, Sage Vickers. This team raised $2,605 for the Village of Springhill Sidewalk-A-Thon in April. The money will be used to help construct sidewalks to a local park.
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
1
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Mobile Bay Parents Mobile’s Foremost Parenting Source
Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com
Associate Editor Kelly Watson
Research Editor Lucy Green
Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com or (251) 304-1200
Contributing Writers Mike Little, D.O. Pamela McPherson Dana Moonan Joanna Nesbitt Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M.Ed. John Rosemond Paige Gardner Smith
Cover Photography Victoria Webb www.victoriawebbphotography.com
President Jason Watson jason@mobilebayparents.com
Visit us online at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2011 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.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
From Mobile Bay’s Mom of the Month... The mercury is starting to rise and school children everywhere are getting more excited by the day. Summer is just around the corner! I don’t get to take summers off anymore, and in fact, it’s my busiest time of year at work. However, summer is still my favorite season and I look forward to it every year. As a child, my summer days were spent with my siblings and cousins swimming in Fowl River, canoeing through the canals, and camping in the woods. There seemed to be an endless array of trees to climb, trails to be explored, and berries to be picked. We had so much freedom to explore the world around us, but of course that was back in the days when kids often rode around in the back of pickup trucks, ran free all day and didn’t come home until dark. But times have changed, right? My daughter will never know the kind of unbridled freedom that I enjoyed as a young girl, and that’s probably for the best. With safety and supervision being the primary responsibilities as a parent, how do we teach our children to become self-reliant and independent while still making sure they are safe? The answer may lie in eliminating the phrase “I can’t” from your child’s vocabulary. Take the focus off the negativity and instead, raise a Can-do Kid! According to Dr. John Rosemond, family psychologist and Mobile Bay Parents columnist, Can-Do Kids are independent and self-reliant. When children are raised to focus on maintaining a positive attitude and taking on challenges with gusto, they develop a self-confident attitude and learn to stand on their own two feet. When mastered in childhood, and with any luck, this attitude can follow your children into adulthood and guide them through all of the challenges of life. This concept became a very powerful tool in my parenting toolbox. I didn’t realize how transforming it would be to eliminate “I can’t” from my daughter’s vocabulary until we actually tried it. When Ally displays a negative attitude about a task she wants to complete, we step in and correct her, reminding her to think positively. Sometimes, the simple shift in attitude is all it takes for her to find success on her own. Otherwise, we offer suggestions and remind her that she can always ask for help. Sometimes I have to give her a little push to get things in motion, but once she gets going on her own, she moves with confidence. One of the most exciting things about raising a Can-Do Kid is that I get to be a Cando Mom! Ally has found many opportunities to correct me when I have said that I can’t do something. It has given me the opportunity to analyze my own thinking and make more positive choices. Summertime brings a multitude of activities to challenge your child’s mind, body, and spirit. This issue of Mobile Bay Parents is your guide to find the best activities to keep your children busy and engaged this summer. Whether you choose vacation bible school, summer camp, sports, or creative arts, I highly encourage you to find activities that will give your child the opportunity to be a Can-do Kid!
way ALABAMA
Pamela McPherson ALABAMA
2
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
y
dI mns
ed
k me ?
s
d
If you are 50 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer
ze
s
COlOreCTAl CANCer IS THe 2ND leADINg CANCer kIller IN AlABAMA.
ve e
Find colorectal cancer early by getting one of these procedures:
an’t
• High-sensitivity gFOBT, iFOBT, or FIT anually • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years • Colonoscopy every 10 years
e
AMA
200
The FIT is an easy way to be tested for colorectal cancer:
Do you want to be screened but are worried about:
way
• Transportation • Cost • Time
ALABAMA
• • • • • •
No need to change eating habits No need to change medications No liquids to drink No day off work Done in privacy of your home Mail back in a few days
This test is covered by many health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Be healthy and celebrate your life!
Ask your doctor about screening options for colorectal cancer, including the new take-home test called FIT or iFOBT. If you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened more frequently.
A L A B A M A Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
For more information, talk to your doctor /FITWAY 3or visit Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012.
Bug Your Kids, They’ll Love It!
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
As the smallest members of the human race, children are quick to discover the charms and wonders of the world of even-smaller-than-they-are…insects. From fireflies and butterflies to roly-poly bugs and ants (ouch!), insects are some of the most accessible and interesting animals that share our habitats. They are plentiful, easy to find and educational on almost every level. The following items help bring insects into view so kids can overcome any aversion to the alien appearance of bugs and can develop an appreciation for the creatures that pollinate our plants, fertilize our soil and light up our lives.
by Paige Gardner Smith
Pop-Up Port-A-Bug
AntWorks Illuminator
Once curiosity overcomes hesitation when handling insects, kids are quick to pick up crawling creatures with fewer and fewer reservations. However, the insects on the receiving end don’t always fare well with enthusiastic handling. Enter the Popup Port-A-Bug, a soft-sided springsupported mesh container that is ideal for collecting and studying everything that creeps, crawls or flies. Lightweight, escape-proof and collapsible, insects fare well in this temporary environment while children get the close-up exposure they seek. Perfect for filling with fireflies on summer nights or caterpillars in the afternoons – both kids and creepers benefit from this bouncy boundary!
Here’s the dirt on ant farms: Dirt is out and gel is in. Based on a 2003 NASA experiment to study ants in zero gravity, AntWorks uses a clear nutrient gel that creates the matrix for ants to explore, alter, inhabit, and ingest! The ants need no food or water as both are provided in the gel nutrient they are tunneling through. With an LED illuminated base, the AntWorks ant habitat also becomes a beauty of its own when the ants’ activity is gently lit with a cool blue light permeating the gel. Study tools and instructions for ordering the ants are included so kids can soon look forward to a glowing glimpse into the world of ant interaction.
(Insect Lore)
(Fascinations)
L
the him and see he col
A
par em go pu str adu fee the res adu and
thi res sel wa act
Backyard Safari Field Scope
Bugs World Blocks (Wild Creations)
Before moving to the living examples of the insect world, Wild Creations’ Bugs World Blocks offer an ideal opportunity to handle and examine specimens of various insects in great detail without fear or discomfort. Encased in transparent blocks of resin, this kit includes six real insects preserved for study along with colorful cards on each bug that relate interesting facts and peculiarities about them. The blocks themselves are perfects for handling, make excellent displays and will likely be the first thing your child want to share at show-and-tell!
(Summit)
The best way to really get to know an insect is to observe it in its natural habitat, but getting that close can be a challenge even for kids (who are much closer to the ground than adults). The Backyard Safari Field Scope offers a solution for the intrepid entomologist. A hand-held viewing scope with a concave end ‘traps’ an insect temporarily in-situ letting the viewer magnify its image up to six times the actual size. LED lights allow for better viewing in dark or shady environs. The first real field study tool for kids, this scope gets up close and personal with the insects right at your feet.
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
4
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
o y
nt
Living With Children
By John Rosemond
Let Irresponsible 21-Year-Old Solve His Own Problems Q: My husband and
I have micromanaged, spoiled, and enabled our 21-year-old son all his life. We paid a heavy price during his teen years. At this point, he is arrogant, immature, and irresponsible. We realize the error of our ways, but our need to protect him from the consequences of his impulsivity and irresponsibility is so strong that we can’t seem to break the habit. On the positive side, he holds down a good job and is also going to college. Can you give us some advice?
A: For forty years and counting, American
parents have raised children in a manner that emphasizes feelings over rational thought and good citizenship. In the home and America’s public schools, training children to think straight and prepare them for responsible adulthoods took a back seat to helping them feel good about themselves and protecting them from failure and disappointment. The result is Generation E—self-absorbed young adults who have a high sense of entitlement and low regard for others. When feelings are not bridled by rational thinking, they drive behavior that is often irresponsible, self-dramatic, and destructive (of self and others). When the goal of parenting was to teach the child to think properly and act responsibly, that description rarely applied
to a child above age twelve, which is why coming-of-age rituals like the Jewish Bar Mitzvah took place around a child’s thirteenth birthday. Today’s parents have bought the myth that behavior of the above sort is normal for teenagers, so they don’t expect much more, and they don’t get more than they expect. The clarity of hindsight can be painful indeed, especially when it regards a child, but you have an opportunity here to redeem yourselves. I know you would say you love your son, but let me challenge you: Love is doing for someone what they need, not what they want. Your son needs you to stop enabling. He needs you to emancipate him. The only cure for his irresponsibility and feelings of entitlement is being out on his own, having to pay his own bills, solve his own problems, and so on. He has no reason to wake up and smell the coffee if you continue to serve as his safety net. Yes, it’s going to be painful for all concerned, but as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.”
Q: Our 4-year-old daughter’s weight (25
pounds) is at the first percentile for her age, but she is otherwise healthy, energetic, creative, polite, and well-behaved. Our only real problem occurs at meals during which she picks at and dawdles over her food. We end up coaxing her to finish, telling her how important it is for her to eat so she’ll grow, and so on. Are we worrying for nothing?
A: First of all, let’s understand and put into
proper perspective what it means that your daughter’s weight is at the first percentile. Percentiles are nothing more than a means of comparing people along a certain dimension or concerning a certain skill. In the case of your daughter’s weight, the first percentile means that 99 out of a typical group of 100 American girls her age weigh more than she does. If, for example, there are one-half million 4-year-old girls currently living in America, then 5000 of them weigh approximately 25 pounds. No matter what, a certain number of people are always going to be at the first percentile. My point is that weighing 25 pounds at age four does not, in and of itself, indicate a problem. With respect to your daughter’s appetite, if she’s healthy, then she’s eating enough. When she’s consumed what her body needs, the healthy thing for her to do is to stop eating. Encouraging your daughter to eat when her brain is telling her not to eat is not going to accomplish anything. The constant coaxing is, however, putting her at the center of attention during meals, turning meals into unpleasant occasions for all concerned, and quite possibly setting the stage for the development of an eating disorder. When the family sits down to eat a meal together, you need to talk about anything but your daughter’s eating habits.
Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
on h
D e
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
5
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
bits & pieces Jubilee Kids Triathlon Open to Kids Ages 7 - 15
The second annual Jubilee Kids Triathlon will be held Sunday, June 3, at 7:30 a.m. at the Fairhope Municipal Pier/Park. This is just one day after The Grandman Triathlon adult race also at the Fairhope Municipal Pier, so bring the entire family for this weekend of racing fun! Proceeds from this event will benefit The Good Life Foundation to help fund a fitness trail in Fairhope. This is a SWIM, BIKE, RUN race for kids ages 7-15, with two course options for four different age groups. For more information or to register for the race visit www.TheGoodLifeFound.org or www.teammpi.com.
Bald Eagle Bash Restaurants Announced
Plans are underway for the Third Annual Bald Eagle Bash, to be held at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Saturday, June 2. The fundraiser for the Weeks Bay Foundation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the waterfront Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center at the Fish River Bridge on U.S. Highway 98 in Fairhope. The Bash will feature an assortment of dishes prepared by top-notch local restaurants with shrimp provided by Eat Alabama Wild Seafood, as well as a variety of drinks and refreshments. The Locust Fork Band will be back by popular demand.The funds raised at this year’s party will benefit the missions of the Weeks Bay Foundation and Weeks Bay Reserve. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the gate and can be purchased online at www.BaldEagleBash.com and at BBVA Compass locations in Baldwin or Mobile counties, the Foundation office, and the Reserve. For more information go to www.BaldEagleBash.com or contact the Foundation office at (251)990-5004.
N w
Br ma sh “H – 25 W 21
Kids Day in Bienville
Sponsored by City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services Department, Kids Day in Bienville begins Thursday, June 7, and continues every Thursday for four weeks ending on June 28. This is a free event for public, and activities include Face Painting, balloon clowns, different hands-on-art projects every week, petting zoo, “Touch Lab” by Dauphin Island Sea Lab and children’s entertainment. 10 a.m. - 1p.m. For more information call NCS at 251-208-1550 or visit www.ncsmobile.org.
Mobile Area Water & Sewer System Announces 2012 “Fun with Water” Watercolor Contest
Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) is calling young artists to tap into their artistic side for the sixth annual “Fun with Water” Watercolor Contest. The competition asks children and teens, ages 6-18, to paint a picture of their favorite summer activity involving water. It can be a day at the beach, fishing, canoeing or just splashing in the pool. The idea is to get everyone thinking about how important clean water is to our quality of life. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories. All winners will receive gift certificates to Bel Air Mall. The contest deadline is June 8. All entries will be on display at Bel Air Mall, June 11-25. Official rules and entry forms can be picked up at the following locations: the Customer Service Center at Bel Air Mall, MAWSS offices located at 207 N. Catherine St. or MAWSS Park Forest Plaza Shopping Center, 4725 Moffett Rd., or by visiting “What’s New at MAWSS” at www.mawss.com. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
6
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
Dream Big READ! Summer Library Program Begins June 2
The Mobile Public Library will kick off its Summer Library Program on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Ben May Main Library at 701 Government Street, and at each of its seven branch locations. The six-week program encourages children to set a reading goal for the summer and record their progress in a special reading log. This year, children will receive a Mobile Public Library backpack. An Out of This World Finale is set for Saturday, July 14 at the Mobile Museum of Art. Children and their families will receive free admission to the museum galleries, participate in special art projects and tour the StarLab. For more information or to volunteer, call Amber Guy at 208-7902.
he t f nd wo e
“The Frog Prince” Puppet Show in June
New this summer, the Playhouse in the Park will present “The Frog Prince,” a Muppetstyle puppet show based on the Grimm Brothers fairy tale of the princess whose kiss magically changes a frog into her prince. The show also features interactive fun featuring “Hank the Handyman!” Suitable for ages 4 – 13. $5 per student; $2 per chaperone. Call 251-602-0630 to book this 45-minute show! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29. Two shows each day at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Playhouse in the Park to Present “Snoopy the Musical”
The Playhouse in the Park will present the classic Broadway musical Snoopy May 18 – 27, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 and students, children, and seniors are $12. Snoopy the Musical is a fun-filled, musical tribute to Peanuts' most celebrated beagle. Based on the long-running comic strip Peanuts, the show has been a hit on the stages of London and Broadway, as well as on television and in the movies. Pictured, front row l - r: Katy Belle Busby as Woodstock, Zac West as Charlie Brown, Layne Watts as Sally, Jensen Sirmon as Peppermint Patty, Ian Copeland as Linus, and Jordan Nocon as Lucy. Top: Kilian Afzalirad as Snoopy.
Space 301 June 5 – July 23 Ages 4 – 18
cupcakes with class.
n e nt
Because everybody should enjoy the finer things.
sit
at by
200
SUMMER ART CAMPS
Explore the world of contemporary art in the CLA’s creative Summer Art Camps.
For more info: 251 208 5658 cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org centreforthelivingarts.com
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
Schillinger Station • 720 Schillinger Rd. S. • Mobile, AL 36695 Legacy Village • 9 Du Rhu Drive/Suite 310 • Mobile AL 36608 Eastern Shore • 30500 State Highway 181/Suite 224 • Spanish Fort, AL 36527 www.twistcupcakes.com
7
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
bits & pieces Playhouse to Hold Auditions for “The Wizard of Oz”
Auditions for The Wizard of Oz will be held Monday and Wednesday, June 4 & 6 from 6:30 8:00 p.m. at the Playhouse. Those auditioning should be between the ages of 6 -to mid-20s, and should be prepared to sing a 30-second song of their choice and possibly read from a provided script. The show will run from July 26 - August 19 (Thursday - Sunday for the first two weekends and Friday - Sunday for the last two weekends.) All performances will be at the Playhouse in the Park. Call 602-0630 for details.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Presents “Tornado Alley”
Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2 on this heart-pounding science adventure. Armed with a 70mm camera, a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds, torrential rains and unrelenting hail, and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created, the stars of Tornado Alley take audiences straight into the heart of an actual tornado. Experience the adrenaline and the science of nature’s most dramatic phenomena! Playing May 8 – Sept. 3, hours of operation can be found at www.exploreum.com.
A
Ju
Ju
J
Distinguished Young Women Invites Community to Participate in the 55th National Finals Events
Distinguished Young Women, the national scholarship program headquartered in Mobile, will welcome the Class of 2012 to Mobile on Sunday, June 17 to participate in the 55th National Finals. In the days leading up to the finals, the participants will take part in a number of activities and events in the Mobile community and surrounding Gulf Coast area. Gulf Coast residents are cordially invited to participate in the following events: • DYW Arrival Ceremony, Sunday, June 17 @ 5:30 p.m. at Mobile Regional Airport; • 6th Annual Wintzell's Golf Classic benefiting Distinguished Young Women, Friday, June 22 @ 8:30 a.m. at Lakewood Golf Club at the Grand Hotel (Point Clear, AL). The 50 state representatives will be on hand to greet golfers at the start of the tournament. • Meet & Greet Autograph Session, Friday, June 22 from 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Bel Air Mall. You can even have your photo taken with your favorite! • Wintzell’s Oyster Eating Contest, Monday, June 25 @ 11:45 a.m. at Wintzell's Oyster House (Downtown Mobile). Watch as the Class of 2012 gets a taste of a Gulf Coast delicacy! The 55th National Finals competition will be held June 28, 29 and 30, 7 p.m., at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2012, including one participant from each state, will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness, and selfexpression. Tickets are $22/night for Preliminaries, and $38.50 for Finals Night. In addition, Distinguished Young Women will host an exciting Community Night on Wednesday, June 27, 6:30 p.m., at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Attendees will get a sneak peak at the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2012 as they perform selections from the 55th National Finals Program. Tickets for Community Night are $5 per person and can be purchased through Distinguished Young Women National Headquarters at 251-438-3621. The Finals Night program will be streamed live at 7 p.m. on June 30 at www.local15tv.com. For more information on Distinguished Young Women events during National Finals, please call 251-438-3621 or visit www. DistinguishedYW.org. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
8
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
2 ,
be
Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens 2012
Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs. June 6 - Summer Garden Walk With Barbara Smith, Bellingrath's Display Manager. June 13 - From the Furnace to the Gardens: A Look at Antique Cast Iron in Bellingrath Gardens with Tom McGehee. June 20 - Kids' Gulf Discovery Day & Kids' Kruise June 27 - Hibiscus with Dr. Bill Barrick. July 11 - Herbs 101 with Annette Daugherty from The Gulf Coast Herb Society July 18 - Growing Citrus on the Gulf Coast with John Olive, Auburn University July 25 - Plants & Gardens of China, Thailand and Vietnam with Dr. Brenda Litchfield
Hot Air Balloon Festival Set for Father’s Day Weekend
The 8th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival welcomes 50+ hot air balloonists on Father’s Day Weekend, June 15-17 at the Foley Sportspark, 18507 Highway 98 West in Foley. Saturday and Sunday morning balloon flights begin at 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday night flights are from 7 - 9 p.m. The balloons are not visible during day due to wind, but there are many other activities available. Live musical performances on Friday and Saturday night. The free children’s village offers hours of fun for any age from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday. Kick off and Glow event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 at Tanger Outlets in Foley, featuring a balloon glow, children’s entertainment and opportunities to win prizes from Tanger Outlets. The free BRATS shuttle bus will makes pickups at Foley Elementary School, Foley’s downtown Heritage Park, and the Tanger Outlet Center. 251.943.3291, www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.
s e he nts a. he s
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
9
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
bits & pieces ‘Pray Gulf Coast’ Unites Community in Prayer
Local churches, ministries and individuals have united to pray daily for Mobile and Baldwin counties through Pray Gulf Coast, a 50-day prayer initiative launched by the University of Mobile Center for Leadership. The initiative, which lasts from Easter to Pentecost, calls for residents of the areas to unite in daily prayer for specific needs in the community. The Center for Leadership distributes daily prayer guides via email and a Facebook page. For more information about Pray Gulf Coast or to register to receive daily inspirational emails, visit www. twelve23.org or contact the Center for Leadership at 251-442-2555.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Be Ready to Be HandsOn During Disasters
Jazz Brunch Benefits Adoption Rocks Organization
Supporters of Adoption Rocks attended the recent Hoot For Adoption Jazz Brunch at The Hungry Owl in Mobile. Owner, Tony Nicholas, treated guests to specialty items like Eggs Pontchartrain, Grits-N-Grillades and Shrimp-N-Grits while they listened to the Baker Jazz Combo under Logan Pouncey perform. Proceeds benefited the nonprofit, Adoption Rocks, with their efforts to promote adoption awareness in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Adoption Rocks’ focus is educating the public about adoption and promoting it as an option to women facing an unplanned pregnancy. www.adoptionrocks.net.
10
HandsOn South Alabama is offering a Disaster Training Workshop on June 5-6 in Mobile and the American Red Cross Offices on Sage Ave. The cost of the training is $30 and will include 2 days of training on topics including: Psychological First Aid, Volunteer Reception Center Training, Volunteer Leader Training, Overview of the Incident Command Structure, Continuation of Operations Training, Elements of Long Term Recovery, Overview of Donations Management and Case Management Training. For more information including registration visit www.handsonsal.org or call 251-433-4456.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
n
, he n g
g all
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
11
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Kids Heal h
Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
As we see an increase in clinic visits for camp and sports physicals, it brought to mind the concerns for heat injuries for our children. Most have heard of the term “sun stroke”. In some ways sun stroke seems to encompass any serious dehydration event. It’s a little bit more than that. Heat injuries can be viewed as a spectrum starting with milder heat exhaustion and ending with potentially deadly heat stroke. Both are triggered in the same manner, but it’s how quickly the body temperature rises, how quickly it is returned to normal, and the severity of the temperature that separate the two. Heat exhaustion occurs when sweat, made up of water and electrolyte salts, is lost while exercising or working in hot, humid places (Mobile!). Through the evaporation of sweat, the body loses part of its blood volume and the ability to cool itself. When this occurs without the replacement of water and electrolytes, disturbances in our blood circulation and blood pressure can occur, mimicking a mild form of shock. Those who are not well adjusted to heat and humidity or are always working outdoors are more likely to suffer heat exhaustion. The football player at two-a-day practices with heat exhaustion may have pale, cool moist skin, and complain of cramps, headaches, nausea, or dizziness. His temperature is usually more than 100 F and his pulse is increased. Heat stroke symptoms include dizziness, confusion, or outright unconsciousness. The football player mentioned earlier now may
have flushed, hot, and dry skin, with a dropping blood pressure. He may be breathing quickly and a have a temperature in excess of 105 F. Heat stroke symptoms may develop rapidly and are more likely to occur in the very young or old, the overweight, and those performing heavy work in the heat. The body is being “cooked” due to poor circulation as well as shear internal temperature increases. As both conditions have overlapping symptoms, it may seem difficult to decide what to do. A straightforward approach to determine whether or not the child requires immediate medical attention relies on the child’s ability to drink fluids on their own without vomiting, whether they are coherent or not, and if they are complaining of any chest pain or abdominal pain. If fluids can be kept down and there are no significant pain symptoms, then a trip to the emergency department may not be necessary. The child needs to be helped to a cool place, provided water or sport drinks to rehydrate, and have cool water applied to the skin. Their activity is done for the day. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should be managed in a hospital environment. If heat stroke is suspected on the practice field, while awaiting the paramedics the child should be moved to an air conditioned space, ice bags applied to the neck, armpits, and groin and fluids to drink can be offered only if they are awake and alert. In the emergency department, specialized cooling technology and IV fluids are utilized. Usually patients are kept overnight to monitor body functions
as significant damage to major organs may not be seen on certain laboratory results until several hours later. As a physician, parent, and coach, I think about all the ways our kids could be at risk for a heat injury: extensive outdoor summer camp activities, long days at the outdoor pool, band camps, off-season football and cheerleading workouts, a summer job with a landscaping company… the list goes on and on. It is most important to have access to shade, water or sports drinks, and regular frequent breaks. Younger kids may not know any better and it’s up to adults to decrease those risks for heat injuries. Older kids need to listen to their bodies and know when to ask for a break or to call it a day, even if they haven’t completed their drills. If in doubt, call 911. You are never wrong for seeking emergency medical care, especially when a life may be at stake. Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005. Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (11) and Nathan (7). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.
Dr (G fo
re
en
7t S lef
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
12
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
il
nk
w
d
y
a nce
200
McGill-Toolen Student Wins Regional Science Fair
Junior Kevin Kusch of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School won 1st Place in the senior Mathematics Division at the Mobile Regional Science Fair on Saturday March 31, held at the University of South Alabama. The title of the winning project was "Analysis of Information Dissemination with Network Models". More than 150 projects by students from schools in the southern Alabama six county region took part in the competition. Kevin is also a member of the Physics Team and the Hi-Q Team. Dr. Tim Burgess, McGill-Toolen Science Chair, noted "Kevin is not just a student with great talent. This competition establishes Kevin as a student with initiative and interest as well as intellectual talent. The tradition of distinguished performance of the McGill-Toolen students who have elected to participate at regional and state science fairs is a reflection on the entire academic program because science fair projects require communication skills as well as science and mathematical reasoning."
GWW Founder Visits Old Shell Road Magnet
Dr. William Deutsch of Auburn University, founder and director of Global Water Watch (GWW) and Alabama Water Watch (AWW), was a guest speaker for Cydney Halliday's fourth grade PACE class from Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts. Dr. Deutsch’s presentation included a powerpoint and question and answer session regarding the missions of GWW and AWW. GWW and AWW are voluntary networks of community based groups that monitor water quality. The goal of these groups is to foster the development of both water quality and public health. Dr. Deutsch’s presentation reinforced the objectives the PACE students are learning as they study environmental and oceanic engineering. Dr. Deutsch was named Water Conservationist of the Year for 2011 by the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
Arnold School 3rd Quarter A/B Honor Roll
Students at The Arnold School are acknowledged for achieving exemplary work. Third-Quarter A/B Honor Roll is as follows: Front row, from left, Lyndsie Farris, Morgan Owens, Samantha Woods, Mary Kittrell, Carly Salter; second row, Alex Brown, Josh Grove, Matthew Titko, Blake Wingard, Connor Rushing, Christopher Kotis.
Corpus Christi School Performs Living Stations of the Cross
7th grade students at Corpus Christi School performed the Living Stations of the Cross as part of our celebration of Easter. From left to right are: Jackson Vailes, Quinn Williams, David Finnorn, David Martorana, and Joshua Maier.
Wilmer Elementary Field Day
Wilmer students participated in their annual field day on April 27th. The day ended with the first annual Wilmer Elementary 50 yard dash. The winners were as follows: First row L to R- Matthew Ziebach, Amber Thurman, Broox Hart (1st grade male), Mary Paige Armbruster (1st grade female). Back row L to R- Courtney Wilkerson (5th grade female), Ethan Denmark (5th grade male), Dylan Snelling, Airyonna Weaver, Robert Roberts (4th grade male), Shelby Donovan (4th grade female). KL to R- Kindergarten students Tri’Shawn Pinkey and Faith Barnette. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
13
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
M ‘Start Small, Think Big!’ Proves an Excellent Motto for SVS When It Comes to Recycling
On May 3, at the Fairgrounds, Keep Mobile Beautiful held its annual Clean Campus Celebration. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School stole the show with three big wins: Clean Campus winner; Goodwill Easter Seals Clothing Drive Contest; and Keep Mobile Recycling Plastic Contest. These were not just empty titles either! The grand total to the school for its efforts…was over $1250! Representing St. Vincent at the Celebration were students: Victoria Fletcher, Rachel Johnson, Jacquelyn Lovell, and Alexis Salva. They received a gift certificate to Zimlich Patio and Garden Shop for the school’s Clean Campus win and a $400 check from Goodwill Easter Seals. As a result of the combined efforts of the Student Government Association and the PTO (big tip of the hat to Mrs. Sherry Alexander), the school won a whopping $750 check for recycling plastic bottles. That is to say, they recycled twice the plastic per student as any other school in Mobile County! The cherry on top was walking away with $100 worth of BoxTops! St. Vincent applies its motto ‘Start Small, Think Big!’ to being a clean, green, school!
E L t s T
"M
P flo
St. Pius X Holds Disco Day
St. Pius X sixth graders Trace Naman, Hunter Doughty and Justin Mallis perform "The Hustle" dressed in their Disco finery at a school assembly. The school held Disco Day on Tuesday, April 24 in honor of their annual A Night to Remember Live and Silent Auction. The theme of this year's event was A Night at the Disco. Prizes were awarded for the best Disco costumes.
Satsuma JROTC Holds Change of Command Ceremony
On April 11, the Satsuma High School JROTC Gator Battalion held their annual change of command ceremony in the school library. The unit colors were passed from the outgoing commander, Cadet Colonel Tyler Pollard, to the Senior Army Instructor, Major Holt, to the incoming commander, Cadet LTC Dalton Lister. The passing of the colors signify that the outgoing commander is giving up the responsibility of command to a new commander. The new commander (Dalton Lister) is told that he is the new commander and responsible for the successes and failures of the unit. Following the ceremony, the unit held a reception with the ceremonial cutting of the cake with a saber and lemonade to drink. Satsuma High school would like to thank Commander Tyler Pollard for his service. Tyler is looking forward to attending Alabama A&M this fall to major in computer science. Satsuma faculty and students would also like to congratulate Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Dalton Lister on assuming command of an outstanding battalion. We know that he will do his best.
A
St stu p R S M
St. Mary Catholic School Scholars Bowl Team Competes in Scholastic Challenge
The Scholars' Bowl team of St. Mary Catholic School recently competed in the Bay Area Scholastic Challenge Super Tournament held at the University of South Alabama in March. Karol and Joe each received MVP medals for points earned. St. Mary's Coach is Tina Kaufman assisted by Sue Lyon and Carolyn Davidson. All are faculty members of the school. The team came in fifth for the year in the blue division and did not make the finals for the super tournament, but did win four of five matches. Joe Ferniany was the seventh highest scorer in the blue division for the year and Karol Arensberg, team captain came in sixth. Pictured left to right: Blue Division Team Members: Desi Tobias, Sarah Pham, Joe Ferniany, Karol Arensberg, Bailey Brierly Mary Grace Mayer. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
14
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
Mother's Day Tradition at St. Luke’s
Each year, the fourth grade classes at St. Luke's send an invitation to their Moms to join them during the school's chapel service the week before Mother’s Day. The Moms receive special seating for the service and the students sing a special "Mothers" song, then present their Moms with a handwritten poem and flower. Pictured with her daughter, Julia, her flower and her poem is fourth grade mom Celeni McKenzie.
ed op rt
m co
e
w
St. Dominic Student Receives Youth Merit Award from Rotary Club
St. Dominic Catholic School eighth grade student, Matthew Oberkirch, was recently presented the Youth Merit Award by the Rotary Club of Mobile-Sunrise chapter. Selected by the middle school teachers Matthew was recognized for his service, dependability and leadership. Mrs. Mathias, St. Dominic Catholic School Principal, congratulates Matthew.
c h d e . am m,
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
15
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
S g
UMS-Wright 6th Grade Visits Pensacola Naval Air Station’s Flight Adventure Deck
The UMS-Wright 6th grade class went to the Pensacola Naval Air Station (NAS) to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum. After studying all the forces involved with flight, the students attended the Flight Adventure Deck (FAD). The FAD is a multimillion dollar section of the museum full of hands-on activities that are related to flight. The FAD allowed students to learn more about weight vs. mass and how gravity comes into effect. To experience flight, the students climbed into the cockpit of a flight simulator to see how well they could fly a plane. Navy pilots were by their side to help them fly and land successfully. The students finished the trip watching the Blue Angels practice for their upcoming season.
B of S ki w
Lady of Lourdes Lawn Party Includes University of Alabama Quarterback
Our Lady of Lourdes 65th Annual Lawn Party on April 29th was a huge success especially with the presence of "A.J. McCarron" (quarterback of the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team and the MVP of the 2011 BCS National Championship Game against LSU). AJ spent the afternoon signing autographs and taking pictures with the crowd. Pictured is AJ with Fr. J. Francis Sofie, Jr.., pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes.
PARTY AT THE PAVILION ON THE BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL
PNR
your next BIRTHDAY FAMILY REUNION FIELD TRIP Step Aboard the Eco Tour Cart & Ride 11 Miles of Winding Trails Enjoy Biking, Hiking & The Butterfly Garden Plan A Party & Picnic at The Pavilion Packages Available Call For Information
Sut Trail Visit backcountrytrail.com Shop the Campground Store or Become A Trail Member
GULF E PK
Orange Beach Alabama 2 5 1 . 9 8 1 . 1 1 8 0
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
16
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
St. Luke's Episcopal School Spring Festival Tradition
St. Luke's recently held their annual Spring Festival. Students in grades PK3-8 participated in the opening ceremonies, Maypole, relays, obstacle course races, egg-toss, water balloon toss, stilt racing, and mud-pit tug of war events that brought the day to a close. This year, Chas Pierce served as Grand Marshall of the Banner Parade. Pictured with Chas are his sister Ellie and several of the 3 year old students. The theme of this year's event, Let Your St. Luke's Spirit Shine, and the t-shirt design were submitted by kindergartner Carter McCullough. The Red Team finished the day with the most points and bragging rights...but only until next year!
th d on e,
St. Paul’s Speech Students Sweep Local Competition
The following St. Paul’s Episcopal School Speech students competed in a public speaking contest hosted by the University of South Alabama on April 5: Abigail Lindsay Blankenship, Tres Bodet, John Kavula, Alana Babington, Lyla Brady, Alexander Fleet, Klaudia Larson, Hannah Rose Riggin, Katie Steadman, Libby Knizley, Baylor Jeffries, Jonathan Landry, Holly Friedlander, and Rosey Latham. The topic was “What is diversity and how has it influenced American culture?” 66 students from area high schools competed. St. Paul’s students swept the competition, placing first, second, third, fourth and fifth. Winning first place and $150: Baylor Jeffries Second place and $100: Alexander Fleet Third place and $50: Klaudia Larson Fourth place and a $25 iTunes gift card: Libby Knizley Fifth place and a $25 iTunes gift card: Jonathan Landry.
N
L
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
17
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
St. Ignatius 8th Graders Inducted into Order of St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius 8th graders were formally inducted into the Order of St. Ignatius Sunday, April 30th. The Order of St. Ignatius was introduced this year as part of our Confirmation Preparation program and highlights the importance of Leadership, Service, Knowledge and Faith. During the year candidates coordinated our Children’s Stewardship Campaign, assisted with parishwide events, participated in multiple service projects with Little Sisters of the Poor and St. Mary’s Home, studied Ignatius Spirituality focusing on discernment, meditative and contemplative prayer. These 64 founding members of the Order of St. Ignatius will continue to serve as leaders to our youth and join our LIFETEEN program upon graduation. They will also be instrumental in introducing the program to our next group of candidates in the fall.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy Athlete Signs Scholarship
Cottage Hill has not just one volleyball player that will continue their career in college, but two! Our very own Kirsten Sayers signed a joint volleyball and music scholarship with the University of Mobile on Friday, March 23. She holds two school records, one for most assists in a match (44) and for most assists in a career. Her career record of 2,924 assists places her 13th on the all time record list for the Alabama High School Association. We are all so proud of Kirsten and how far she has come! With her combination of skills and discipline, we know she will succeed in college.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
18
Advertising: 251-304-1200
S
w M c
In
Vis
f
p
of nd d s
200
Alma Bryant Archery Team Wins 6th NASP Alabama State Tournament
The Alma Bryant High School Archery Team brought home its 6th State Championship after competing in the 2012 State National Archery in the Schools Program Tournament on April 5th in Birmingham. This year's team set new state records for high school scores. The top twelve shooters scored 3401. A summary of all team and individual scores from the state tournament can be found at outdooralabama.com (link special programs, link archery in the schools, link state competition). Tyler Williams won as the overall top male high school shooter and set a new state record with a 294 (of a possible total of 300). Josh Clarke won second with a 293. Wendi Thomas was the top female high school shooter with a 289. Both Tyler and Wendi won silver special edition Matthews Genesis bows as the top male and female high school shooters in the state. Miles Wilson and Kirsten Polk of Grand Bay Middle School were individual winners in the Middle School Division. Miles won his 3rd consecutive state championship with a 293, while Kirsten won silver with a 282. Foley Intermediate, coached by Ryan Anderson, had two medalists in Holden Shivers, bronze 276, and Shelby Anderson, gold 284. Gilliard Elementary, coached by Faye Hussong, had a bronze medalist in the elementary female division, Mya Knight, who scored a 278. Pictured left to right, Josh Clarke, Tyler Williams, and Wendi Thomas.
St. Mary Catholic School Victorious in Battle of the Books
The St. Mary Catholic School winners of the 2012 Battle of the Books proudly pose after their competition was held at St. Ignatius Catholic School on Tuesday, April 24. Competing this year were teams from Catholic Schools: St. Ignatius, St. Pius X, Little Flower, Corpus Christi and St. Mary. The students answered questions about the details found in the 29 books they read before the competition. Participants had to answer with the title and the author. St. Mary and St. Pius were in the final round, which was a very close competition. Seated: Shannon McGrath & Aubrey Ingram; Standing: Karol Arensberg (captain), Sarah Oetken, Giles Pardue, Sue Lyon (coach).
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
19
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Collins-Rhodes Class Writes Thank You Letters to Coast Guard
Tea Time at McDavid-Jones
Ms. Napiontek’s kindergarten class at Collins-Rhodes Elementary read the story Mayday! Mayday! and learned all about a Coast Guard rescue and the various jobs of the men and women in the USCG. To show our thanks, our class wrote letters to our local Coast Guard unit. We told them thank you for all they do, and sent them a photo of thanks!
fin
0185987001
Ms. Sharon Mason and Ms. Diane Adkinson, mentors at McDavid-Jones Elementary, helped several second grade students design and make Easter hats. After finishing their hats Ms. Mason and Ms. Adkinson hosted a tea for the girls. To celebrate finishing their hats they had High Tea and an Easter Parade at school. Each of the girls dressed up in party dresses and their hats. Pictured, 2nd graders Tina Rowell, Kayla Phillips, Ashton Corley, AnnaKay Harrison, Jasmine Smith, Paris Odom. In back row: Ms. Sharon Mason. Not pictured is Ms. Diane Adkinson.
L w T sp s Ja b a m J
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
20
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
r s
h, ed
200
for the 12th year in a row St. Ignatius School, led by PE Teacher Mrs. Laura Ellis, secured a victory in this annual track and field competition for all catholic school students in Mobile held at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School on Friday, May 4th. Student athletes from grades 3 through 8 competed in long jump, dash, ¾ and ½ mile, baton relay, basketball timing and the grand finale tug of war. St. Ignatius competed in the Red Division against St. Mary’s and St. Pius X. As a reward, Principal Gary Blackburn (pictured with students) announced that students could wear their tennis shoes for the remainder of the year!
Cottage Hill Christian Academy Mother Daughter Tea
Last month, the CHCA high school junior and senior girls were given the opportunity to attend The Mother/ Daughter Tea. At this event, the girls and their mothers were able to spend quality time together and with others! Many heartfelt stories were shared, and quite a few tears were shed. Sally Jackson spoke about not only mother daughter relationships, but also on our relationship with our heavenly Father. Year after year, this tradition proves to be very rewarding for the mothers and daughters! Thank you to Mrs. Lesa Moore, Mrs. Janice Shore, and the University of Mobile for making this event a sweet success.
Presents: Summer Dance Camps 2012 Two Day A Week Camps • Tuesday & Thursday Dates: June 12th - June 28th
2 Year Old’s Elmo Hokey Pokey Dance Camp
6 Year & Up Shake it Up Hip-Hop & Tumbling Dance Camp 6:30-8:00pm
9-9:45am or 5:45-6:30pm
• • TumbHip-Hop ling • Craft• Games s
g • Ballet • Tumblin • Storytime • Games
Camps Starting at $60 3-5 Year Old’s Patty Bouree Camp 10-11:30am or 6-7:30pm
• Ballet • Tu • Gamembling • Story s t • Craft ime s
0185987001
ts
St. Ignatius School is Big Field Day Champ
Tutu Train Express Camp June 11-15 or June 25-29 9am-12pm or 5-8pm
•Ballet •Tumbling •Crafts •Snacks •Storytime •T-Shirt •Games
THE BEST Five Day Dance Camp! 6429 Hillcrest Park Ct. • Mobile, AL 36695 251.633.9559 • www.debbiesdance.com
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
21
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
O
St. Dominic Scouts Receive Emblems
7 scouts from St. Dominic Parish recently received the ParVuLi Dei emblem and 1 scout received the Light of Christ emblem. The ParVuLi Dei emblem is given in special recognition by the Catholic Church to a Cub Scout or Webelos Scout for advancement in spiritual growth and religious knowledge. These scouts explored a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their families and parishes. The Light of Christ program is designed to help children develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Pictured with Fr. Fred Boni are (front row, l – r) Anthony Rodgers, Anthony Hoffman, and Zachary Harris, who received the Light of Christ emblem (back row, l –r) Justin Thomas Miller, Aaron Foster and Gregory Spafford. (Not pictured but also received their ParVuLi Dei medals are Benjamin Scarborough and John Thomas Cumpton).
St. Ignatius Hosts Battle of the Books
su
N
W
s tim D
ye C L
C th ye Ca a B ear
Students from Corpus Christi Catholic School participated in the Battle of the Books on April 23, at St. Ignatius. Battle of the Books is a competition that encourages reading. Students read as many books as they can from a list and then compete to see which team can answer the most questions correctly. Pictured are (back row left to right) - David Aquirre, Andrew Heller, Jessica Montgomery, and Hanna Bobinger (front row, left to right) Logan Daigle and Austin Daigle.
l t p to St in a ca of to a
a mo
w f
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
22
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
ial nt
ny l so
200
Sea Cadets Receive Promotions
On April 4, 2012, Nathan Bradford Goss and David Matthew Lowder (pictured L to R) both received promotions. Upon successful completion of the Airman course and his graduation from Basic Airman Training in Lakeland, FL, 16 year old Nathan Goss, son of Jerry and April Goss, was promoted to the rank of E-3 Airman. While at Basic Airman Training, AN Goss received Honor Cadet for his exceptional service therefore receiving an hour of flight time. Nathan is a member of the D. R. Dunlap Division, Naval Sea Cadet Corps for youth ages 14 - high school graduation. Eleven year old, David M. Lowder, son of David and Cynthia Lowder, is a member of the Naval League Cadet Corps for youth ages 10-13. David was promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class of the League Cadet Corps. He joined the unit in April, 2010, and over the last two years has successfully completed the League Cadet Orientation, Advanced Orientation, and all necessary coursework for advancement. Both of these outstanding young men have earned numerous ribbons and awards for their exceptional achievements. They are now looking forward to future promotions and training opportunities awarded through the program. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. To learn more about the Sea or League Cadet program, visit www.drdunlap.org or the national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison.
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
23
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Mrs. Brown’s Butterflies at St. Vincent de Paul
Throughout the year, the 4th grade teacher at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Mrs. Sharon Brown will say “Let’s take this outside!” She means just outside her classroom door to observe and document the cycle of the butterfly. Years ago she planted Milkweed and Passion Vine (which return each year) for one very specific reason. She knows the Monarch butterfly lays its eggs on the Milkweed plant and when the eggs hatch, the caterpillars eat the leaves of this plant. The Gulf Fritillary butterfly lays its eggs on the Passion Vine and the hatched caterpillars eat those leaves. They form their chrysalises almost anywhere from which they can hang. The students have been able to watch many emerge naturally instead of in nets or other containers. In fact, Mrs. Brown often has to take some home to plants at her house, because the ones at school are so heavy with caterpillars that there is not enough leaves for all of the hungry, hungry caterpillars to eat! Mrs. Brown is expanding her garden with different plants for next year, so stay tuned for even more butterflies. What starts with small butterflies, ends up in a big science lesson! That’s why they say at SVS, “Start Small, Think Big!”
On the evening of Friday, April 20th, Principal Mary McLendon stepped up in front of a crowd of over 1500, took a deep breath, and gave her best pitch for her school, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. It was, in fact, St. Vincent de Paul Day for the home game of the U.S.A. men’s Jaguars baseball team. SVS students got free tickets and got to watch their principal throw out the first pitch! “That was a great pitch…!” said one of the catchers for U.S.A. It turns out that Ms. McLendon was lucky for them as well. The Jags won the game that night 7-5!
N
Dee Dee Kidd, D.O. Caring for All Ages
Providence Hospital and Providence Family Physicians at 5100 Rangeline Service Rd. are proud to welcome Dr. Dee Dee Kidd, board certified in family practice. Dr. Kidd is now accepting appointments and new patients.
O of T
Ca
Tillman’s Corner Office
Forwww.providencehospital.org an appointment, call (251) 661.4454 24
N (6 P M R (6 G
(7 G (
St. Vincent de Paul Principal Gives Her Best ‘Pitch’ for the School
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
s w b
Advertising: 251-304-1200
C s Ch M Wo
Vis
or n e e ts e
200
St. Pius X Team Competes in Battle of the Books
St. Pius X Battle of the Books team competed in the Battle of the Books on April 24. The competition included several local Catholic schools. St. Pius was runner-up in the event. The team lost by one question. Pictured here are front: Mulan Nguyen (6), Rose Pham (6), Madison Rowland (6). Back: Garrett Persyn (7), Anna Girardeau (6) and Trace Naman (6).
Eagle Scout Court of Honor Held for McGillToolen Sophomore
On April 22, 2012 an Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held for Ryan Griffin from Troop 29 at Corpus Christi Church. For his leadership service project, Ryan built 10 park benches and a table for the Ronald McDonald House and Camp Grace. There were 249 total hours in the project. Ryan is a sophomore at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. William J. Griffin, Jr.
Images courtesy of So Life Studios, 217 Fairhope Ave
St. Paul's Choirs Perform Well at Vocal Association Assessment
Congratulations to the choirs of St. Paul’s. On May 1 the students competed in the Alabama Vocal Association State Choral Performance Assessment. The results are as follows: Middle School Singers: Overall Superior Rating; Combined Women’s Chorus: Straight Superior Rating; Combined Men’s Chorus: Straight Superior Rating; and Chamber Singers: Straight Superior Rating. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
25
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
St. Pius X Students Visit Fort Conde
It has been a busy month for St. Pius X fifth graders who are pictured here at Fort Conde. Students were able to participate in activities that occurred when the fort was in actual use.
R El
McGill-Toolen Students Perform “Oklahoma”
The McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Choral Company performed the Pulitzer Prize winning musical Oklahoma on March 22, 23 and 24 in the Goff Auditorium. The choral company performed under the direction of Choral Director Beth Haley and stage direction was provided by Dr. Steven Alsip. The show was choreographed by Tjaden O’Dowd. Musicians were Kelly Burleson, Joey Robertson and Bryan Jones. The play is set in the Oklahoma territory in 1906 and features the romances of Curly McClain (Tim Aguire) and Laurie Williams (Julia Kirkpatrick) and Will Parker (Michael Duffey) and Ado Annie (Sally Immel). Curly’s love for Laurie is challenged by the evil farm hand Jud Frey (Collin Phillips) who works for Laurie’s Aunt Eller (Kathleen Powers) and is obsessed with Laurie. Will Parker returns from a trip to modern Kansas City to find Ado Annie has fallen for a Persian peddler, Ali Hakim (Adam Meshejian). Pictured are Kathleen Powers, Julia Kirkpatrick and Tim Aguire.
St. Mary Mustangs Bring Home 4 Tournament and 5 Regular Season Championships in CYO Basketball
St. Mary Parish sports teams did well in the 2012 regular basketball season and took home four championships in the season end tournaments. The following are the season end results: St. Mary’s Mustang 5th grade girls, coached by Beau Baggett, defeated Little Flower 14-10 in overtime to win the Dixon/Barnett Tournament. Hannah Daffin scored 8 points. The St. Mary Blue Mustang 6th grade girls, coached by Head Coach Mike Baucom, Edmond Naman, and Rodney Toomer defeated St. Ignatius 15-10 to win the Dixon/Barnett Tournament. High scorers were Mackie Neese, and Jessica Stevenson. Addison Baucom had two assists, and four steals. Ashlyn Blankenship had six steals. The St. Mary Mustangs 7th grade girls, coached by James Daffin, defeated St. Ignatius 32-22 to win the McGill CYO Tournament. Eva Knapstien and Sydney MCKinnell were named to the All Tournament team. Jalen Daffin was named MVP. The St. Mary Mustangs 7th grade boys, coached by Roberson, defeated Corpus Christi to win the McGill CYO Tournament. Jackson Johnson and KJ Holt were named to the All Tournament team. Caleb Roberson was named MVP. In the regular CYO Basketball season, the following teams placed first in their division: The Mustangs D2 Boys White Team coached by Robert Harley, The St. Mary Mustangs D7 Boys coached by Marvin Roberson, the Mustang D4 Girls coached by William Carroll, the Mustang D5 Girls coached by Beau Baggett, and the Mustang D7 Girls coached by James Daffin. The following St. Mary Mustang teams finish second in the regular season. D4 Boys White coached by Josh McClendon, the D6 Boys coached by Vernon Coleman, and the D8 Girls coached by Mike Peavy. Pictured are the D4 Girls: Row 1: Maggie Dolan, Sarah Alston Hooker, Eden Blackmon, Maggie Nall, Macy Mathers, and Lauryn Smith. Row 2: Adele Baucom, Kaitlyn Duff, Ireland Stafford, Emily Salter, Julia Carroll, Sadie Kate Polk, and Andi Russell. Coaches in back are Mark Stafford and William Carroll. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
26
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
.
o ).
St. Mary Catholic School Bazinga Science Fair
St. Mary Catholic School held their annual Bazinga Science Fair in March. The director of this science fair is middle school science teacher, Renea Greene. Bazinga Science Fair Awards in various levels of competition were as follows: In the Elevated Bridge Competition; 1st Place Elia Gerhardt and Bailey Brierly; 2nd Place Elizabeth Burnett and Kellie Barrett; 3rd Place Peyton Heath and Shannon McGrath; H.M. Zachary Petty, Gavin Lott, Will Mayrose, Hannah Clark. In the Egg Drop: 1st KJ Holt; 2nd Emily O’Neil; 3rd Alan Edeker; HM Jessica Stevenson. In Catapult: 1st Garret Seibt and Brendan Reilly; 2ndRyan Duff and Nicholas Bischoff; 3rd Michael Fleming and Caleb Roberson; HM Sarah Peavy. In the Giant Paper Airplane; 1st Jacob Rogers 2nd Tre’ Young; 3rdCharlie Purvis; HM Timothy Hawthorne. For the Rubber Band Car: 1st Andrew Thompson; 2nd Mya Eaton; 3rd James Zapata; HM Jack Muscat. Roller Coaster:1st Annie Kate Ishee and Karol Arensberg; 2nd Allen Andrews and Johnathan Rogers; 3rd Bria Pitts and Morgan Williams; HM Katherine Sotolongo and Nicole Roca; Most Unique Roller Coaster, Demetrius Trenier. In Traditional Science Fair Projects: 5th Grade Traditional; 1st Taylor Able; 2nd Lilly Rathle; 3rd Cate Baggett and Amy Goleman. In 5th grade Informative: 1st Frieda Kickliter, and 2nd Zach Fearn. In 6th grade Traditional; 1st Ila Cummings; 2nd Mattie Naman; 3rd Luke Miller. In 6th grade Informative: 1st Joe Ferniany; 2nd Gus Grow 3rdDonovan O’Malley. In 7th grade Traditional; 1st Amari Wilson, 2nd Olivia Davis, 3rd Place Tie Sydney McKinnel and Anna Dolan. In 7th grade Informative: 1stEllis Blackmon, 2nd Aubrey Ingram and Maygan Nall, 3rd Jaylen Daffin. For 8thgrade Traditional: 1st Schon Kennerson, 2nd Kelsey Tuite. In 8th grade Informative: 1st Sarah Oetken and Emma Echols. The 3rd Grade Choice Award went to: Taylor Able and Julianna Roveda. And finally, the Biggest Most Impressive Science Project Floor Model: 1st Matthew Snetsinger, 2nd Paul Clarke / Giles Pardue, and 3rd Riley Conlon/ Bryceson Massey Pictured: St. Mary Catholic School eighth grader, Nicole Roca proudly displays her Roller Coaster in the Bazinga Science Fair.
d d
nt.
t
d ed
e
ys on e n w , ck
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
27
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
St. Dominic Cub Scouts Earn Bear Badge
St. Dominic Pack 143 Cub Scouts- Bear Den recently had 10 scouts in the 3rd grade earn their Bear Badge. Completing 12 achievements in the categories of God, Country, Family and Self, therefore earning their badge are: Front row left to right: Dayton Swann, Anthony Hoffman, Benjamin Scarborough, and Jackson Ward; Back row left to right: Aaron Foster, Anthony Rodgers, Justin Thomas Miller, John Thomas Cumpton, Jonah McLarty and Matthew Hunt.
Na Ar an
H B
th P
Corpus Christi School Honor Society Members Perform Service Project
On April 24th, members of Corpus Christi School’s NJHS spent the afternoon at the facility pulling weeds in the courtyard as a service project at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sacred Heart Residence. The sisters and the residents enjoyed seeing the students’ young, smiling faces! Pictured left to right are officers from CCCS NJHS Emily Thornton, Julie Rensink, Carlos Smith, Madeline Toland and Erica Pounder (Little Sisters Volunteer Coordinator).
St. Paul’s Episcopal School Names Distinguished Alumnus
During St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s Alumni Luncheon, Dr. Sid Brevard received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his outstanding accomplishments in his professional field and for his civic leadership which has won him respect in the community. Dr. Brevard graduated from St. Paul’s in 1979. He attended Birmingham-Southern College and graduated cum laude in 1983, and was commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force. He returned to the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and graduated in 1987. Sid began his surgical training at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. He completed his residency in general surgery at Louisiana State University in Shreveport in 1992. While in the Air Force, Sid was deployed to Africa with United Nations troops in response to the genocide in Rwanda, cared for troops injured in the “Black Hawk Down” situation, and treated victims from the ethnic war in the Balkans. In 2002, he was named the Special Operation’s and the U.S. Air Force Global Health Officer of the Year. In 2003, Sid assumed command of the 15th Medical Operation Squadron and became the Chief Operating Officer of a clinic providing healthcare to 10,000 military personnel and their families at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Sid returned to his surgical background in July of 2005 and started a fellowship in trauma surgery and critical care at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Just two months later, Hurricane Katrina struck and Dr. Brevard and his wife, Jennifer, an Air Force Reserve Nurse, spent the next five days in Charity Hospital taking care of patients with no electricity, no water, no toilets, and limited supplies of food and medicine. After completing his fellowship, Sid was appointed the director of the Air Force Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills. His program was responsible for preparing Air Force medical personnel to take care of casualties in war zones. In addition, he trained civilian surgeons to be trauma qualified and was selected the Attending Trauma Surgeon of the Year in 2009. While at the center, he deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and was the Chief of Trauma for all US troops in Afghanistan in 2008. Under his watch, 99% of troops injured in combat survived their injuries, the highest percentage in the history of warfare. After 27 years in the military, Sid retired as a full colonel in 2010. During his time in the military, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Commendation medal, and several more. Sid was also part of a surgical team that responded to the earthquake in Haiti. Sid joined the surgery department at the University of South Alabama Medical Center as an Associate Professor. His current duties involve teaching medical students, training surgical residents, and providing trauma care for the citizens of the Gulf Coast. He was recognized by the graduating medical students with the “Scarlet Sash Award” which recognizes the attending physicians who had the most meaningful input into the student’s education. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
28
Advertising: 251-304-1200
A
M
a K 10 wi ass wr a Tw M S
Vis
f, on on s, y
m as a
y n d
al 0
al , o ip, . n h at ng
St. Luke’s 8th Graders Visit D.C.
As a part of their American History studies, St. Luke's 8th graders travel to Washington, D.C. for their annual 8th grade class trip. The trip includes stops at Natural Bridge, VA, Williamsburg, and Monticello. In Washington, the students visit Arlington National Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, the Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Jefferson, Korean, and Vietnam War Memorials, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the National Cathedral, Union Station, the Museums of Natural History, Air and Space and American History, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian, Union Station, the U.S. Capital Building and attend a play at Ford’s Theater. This year by special arrangement they were able to meet the WWII veterans from the South Alabama Honor Flight as they arrived at the WWII Memorial. Pictured are St. Luke's students Steven Small, Patrick Martin, Alex Vallas, Dylan Jordan, Elise Polio and Zachary Cotten with Senator Jeff Sessions at the WWII Memorial.
Bethel Baptist Hosts Egg Hunt for McDavid-Jones Students
On May 6 Bethel Baptist hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for several of the students at McDavid-Jones Elementary. After hunting Easter Eggs the students enjoyed pizza for lunch. Each student was given an Easter Basket with treats and Brother Stan, Pastor at Bethel Baptist, told them the Easter Story. Pictured: Back Row – Stan Clayton, Marvin Robinson, Tracy Meinhart, Buddy Goree, Angie Young, Lindsey Windham, Joey Spears, Jutelia Williams, Jada Smith, Bridgett Barron, Ron Johnston, Dale Potts, Debra Goree, Xaylia Isler, Zandarris Williams, Dean Potts, Joshua Paul, Kaysee Rowell, Trenton Howard, Matthew Rowell, Kaitlyn Buckley, Darrick Williams, Mahala Wilson, Chris Howard, Augusta Finch, Tina Rowell, Jacob Wilson, Ralph Finch, Robert Paul, Gabriel Wilson.
McGill-Toolen Wins Anti-Bullying Video Competition
Ashley Rich, with the District Attorney’s office, the Drug Education Council Task Force and former “The Apprentice” contestant Troy McClain sponsored an anti-bullying video competition. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School was the winner of the competition and won a concert with American country music singer and songwriter Matt Kennon. The concert was held in the school gym on Thursday, May 10. Matt showcased his popular song “You Had to Pick on Me” as the winning video was shown on a projector screen behind him. Under the assistance of McT video journalism teacher Herbert Conoway, students wrote, directed, edited, produced and acted in the video. Those students are Mallory Briggs, Nick Rose, Mark Gacek and Catherine Moody. Two St. Mary’s Catholic School students were also actors in the video, Miles Murphy and Ashlynn Smith. Shown are front row left to right: St. Mary’s students Ashlynn Smith and Miles Murphy; second row left to right are Troy McClain, Mark Gacek, District Attorney Ashley Rich, Matt Kennon, Mallory Briggs, Nick Rose, Catherine Moody and Herbert Conoway.
Band Students Receive Superior Ratings
Congratulations to the following SPS Band students for scoring superior ratings at the Solo and Ensemble Festival this past weekend: Abigail Blankenship: Superior Solo, Duet and Trio; Raven Mestas: Superior Solo and Duet; Alec Blankenship: Superior Solo and Duet; Viktoria Boening: Superior Solo and Trio; Tay Weldon: Superior Solo; Alexis Gilbert: Superior Duet and Trio; Hope Lemley: Superior Trio; Katherine Schulte: Superior Trio; and Hannah Larson: Superior Trio.
ulf ad
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
29
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
McGill-Toolen Holds National Honor Society Induction
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School held their Spring National Honor Society induction on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Forty-two juniors were inducted. The senior members received their NHS stoles which they will wear during the 2012 Graduation ceremony. Once they received their stoles, there was a “tapping ceremony” where each senior member taps the shoulder of a new member to signify that they are now a member of NHS. The juniors members of the NHS who were inducted are Tim Aguirre, Lauren Aiyer, Andrew Allen, Will Anderson, Erin Baugh, Alexander Bessonen, Mary Margaret Bedsole, Abigail Bolling, Mary Bowab, Adam Brandau, Hannah Brooks, Maggie Browning, Carmen Carlos, Conrad Collins, Allen Davis, Morgan Davis, Kayley Edwards, Mary Fellrath, Natalie Franklin, Harrison Frantz, David Friedlander, Elizabeth Glaser, Savannah Harkins, Brandon Harrison, Jack Hyland, Lucas Jaet, Alexis Johnson, Josh Kalifeh, Kevin Kush, Abigail Kushner, Jantzen Lee, Amber Lott, Caroline Luckie, Charles Mathison, Taylor McEvoy, Mary Kate McHugh, Caroline Meacham, John Paul Miller, Luke Miller, Gabe Murphy, Michael Nankemann, Silvio Piccini, Morgan Roberts, Sarah Roveda, Sarah Richardson, Gabriella Saab, Chris Smille, Colin Stelly, Anna Taylor, David Wentworth, Michael Whelan and Drew Williams. Pictured left to right are new NHS members Lucas Jaet, Christopher Smillie, Charles Mathison, Adam Brandau, Michael Whelan and Jack Hyland.
St. Ignatius 2nd Graders Receive First Holy Communion
w
Our second graders received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion Sunday, May 6th. They have been preparing all year to make this very important commitment to their faith. Pastor Fr. Shields celebrated Mass and our 3rd grade parents hosted a reception immediately following.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy DIMUN Team Dominates
Recently, 56 CHCA students ranging from 10th to 12th grade participated in the Davidson Invitational Model United Nations with over 560 students from Mobile and Baldwin counties. DIMUN is the oldest model united nations in the state of Alabama. Students researched their country’s opinion on issues ranging from debt relief to nuclear proliferation. Students then wrote resolutions on how to fix some of these world problems, in the mind set of their country. One group of students applied for and received the honor of being a major power. Hannah Beals, Alan Mueller, Brad Harris, and Spencer Herndon were the group that received the honor of being a major power, Russia. This group worked very hard since September researching and preparing to be a major power. Each member wrote at least two resolutions and fiercely debated their side. The Russian Federation made CHCA very proud winning the two major awards; the Spirit of DIMUN and Overall Best Delegation. Also Hannah Beals received Best Delegate in the Security Council Committee. Hannah Beals stated that, “As a delegate in the Security Council for the Russian Federation, so much time was spent discussing problems and working closely with other students to fix these problems. Our hard work paid off and we received three awards. It was a very satisfying experience and I was so proud of my delegation and to represent Cottage Hill Christian Academy.” Brad Harris remarked, “DIMUN was a great experience for me as a Humanitarian and Financial Delegate. I debated and helped amend resolutions for major world issues such as famine and malnutrition. Not only was it an excellent educational experience but I was also able to meet several new friends as well. Overall, it was completely worth all the hard work that was put in.” Spencer Herndon had two resolutions passed in the EcoSoc Committee; one concerning least developed countries and the other being gender based violence. One resolution was passed in General Assembly concerning least developed countries. We are so proud of the Russian delegation and all the students that participated in DIMUN! Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
30
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
y,
nd r
e
d
eir o
200
St. Dominic 6th Graders Participate in Gourd Project
St. Dominic Catholic School 6th grade students recently participated in the Mobile Botanical Gardens Gourd Project. Students painted gourds depicting things unique to the Mobile area. Pictured with St. Dominic Catholic School Art Teacher Debora Castelin (back right) and Mark Kilborn, Project Manager (back left) are students whose gourds represented St. Dominic Catholic School in the Individual Best of Show contest, (l – r) 2nd place, Bayou La Batre - Alecia Wells, 3rd place Mobile Botanical Gardens Lindsey Oberkirch and 1st place Hank Aaron Stadium - Brandon Beatty. Brandon’s artwork placed 4th overall in the competition.
St. Pius X Students Visit Carnival Museum
St. Pius X School visited the Mobile Carnival Museum. Pictured here are fifth graders C. J. Smith, Joseph Keegan and Sam Honeycutt. Pamela Wright poses as queen.
McDavid-Jones Student Wins Horseback Riding Camp Scholarship
Congratulation to Tamiya Hill, a fifth grade student in Ms.McDaniel’s class at McDavidJones Elementary School. She won a scholarship for a week of horseback riding camp at Sandy Ridge Farms in Citronelle. We would like to thank Ms. Black for her continued support of our school. Pictured are Mrs. Waynetta Black and Tamiya Hill.
Allergies? Get Relief Today! Lawrence J. Sindel, MD
Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology & Pediatric Pulmonary Springhill Medical Center 100 Memorial Hospital Drive, Suite 1-A Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 343-6848
v William L. Davidson, II, MD Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology Eastern Shore 7101 Highway 90, Suite 201 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 625-1370
www.lungmds.com Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
31
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
A Page in a Book
by Paige Gardner Smith
D
Gardening Books from the Ground Up Whether they are working on green thumbs or just dirty fingers, kids are natural helpers in the garden. Their contribution to gardening can be large (helping plant or weed) or small (offering to eat the first strawberries), but their participation in any measure is worthwhile. Sharing the power of planting, the importance of gardening and pleasure of harvesting with a child is a big step toward helping them understand the natural world they live in. Grow an appreciation for gardening from the ground up with these garden-themed titles just in time for spring!
My Garden
by Kevin Henkes (Green Willow, HarperCollins) Working side-by-side with her mother in their garden, a young girl’s imagination takes flight as she ponders the type of garden she would cultivate if left to her own ends. What results is a child’s unbound vision of a garden with no weeds, replenishing flowers that change colors with a wish, and chocolate bunnies (that don’t eat the lettuce because you eat them!). She imagines tomatoes as big as beach balls and invisible carrots (because she doesn’t like carrots). Henkes’ watercolor and ink illustrations render these magical ideas with a colorful simplicity that makes the girl’s impossible musings a visible reality. Perhaps the best garden of all is one that exceeds its natural limits and spreads beyond its borders, and meanders about the landscape of a child’s imagination.
Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith (Roaring Brook) ‘Grandpa Green’, Lane Smith’s lush tale of remembrance and regeneration, derives from a small boy’s ramblings in his great-grandfather’s topiary-filled garden. He remembers the stories told of grandpa’s own childhood; how he got the chicken-pox (not from the chickens), that Grandpa went to war, how he married and was happy. The memories are magically mirrored in the fancifully shaped shrubs and plants that populate Grandpa’s garden. The boy remembers, even though Grandpa is starting to forget some things. Poignant, in both word and image, ‘Grandpa Green’ is a perfect appreciation of prior generations and an inspiration to cultivate new memories with older family members.
to me pe les aft pr yo fin 12 sc int the the
ov de ev sa wi
Q
by Janet Stevens (Harcourt) ‘Tops & Bottom’ cleverly turns a traditional trickster tale on its ear in more ways than one. Bear is a wealthy landowner with no inclination to work. His neighbor, Hare, is destitute, but clever and energetic. Hare approaches Bear with an offer to plant his land with vegetables, doing all the work himself, but splitting the produce with Bear. Hare lets Bear choose tops or bottoms of the plants each year, but then plants vegetables that favor Hare’s own “half”. When Bear chooses ‘tops’, Hare plants root crops (carrots, turnips). The next year Bear chooses ‘bottoms’, Hare plants cabbage and celery, leaving Bear with the roots. What Hare plants when Bear insists on getting the tops AND bottoms is the final flourishing trick in the rabbit’s favor! Bound to be read spine to edge, the lavish illustrations cover each page from top to bottom! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.
32
A
tra tim af $1
Tops & Bottoms
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Q
aw 24 pu go ac no it w Sti ce
Advertising: 251-304-1200
yo thi
A
yo by org Dr fin the yo
sh yo sta de
Vis
k
h
l r
d
as ’s nd g
200
Dave Says...
by Dave Ramsey
Don’t Fall For Same-As-Cash Offers Q. My wife and I bought some furniture a while back on what we thought was a 24-months-same-as-cash plan. The original purchase price was $1,600. The other day, I got a call from a collector saying that it was actually a 12-month plan, and the balance is now $2,800. We looked at the contract, and it was our mistake on the length of the plan. Still, that makes the interest rate about 30 percent. Is there anything we can do about this? A.
This is one of the reasons I tell people to stay away from “same as cash” agreements. You may not have agreed to a specific percentage rate, and I’ll bet it’s something less when you factor in the time before and after the 12-month period ended. Still, I’m pretty sure that when you signed the contract you did agree to have this thing convert to a financed contract if you didn’t pay it off in 12 months. These kinds of deals are really scummy. Not only have they charged you interest since the 12-month period ended, they’ve also back-charged you interest for the entire length of the contract! These same-as-cash contracts are a bear trap. They’re designed to mess you over big time. You can try to dispute it, but I’ve got a feeling you’ll lose and have to pay about $1,200 in stupid tax on this one. Lots of people think they can pull one over on a company with the “same as cash” deal, but stuff almost always comes up— even if you don’t misread the contract. I’ve said it a million times, Robert. If you play with snakes, you will be bitten!
Q. I’ve heard you talk about something you call the Legacy Drawer. What exactly is this, and what goes into it? A.
One of the best ways I know to tell your family how much you love them is by having your financial act together and organized in a central location. The Legacy Drawer is a collection of your essential financial documents in a safe place where they can find them when you die, or if you’re sick or disabled. All of the pieces of your financial life should be in this drawer. I’m talking about your will, living will, estate plan, investment statements, insurance policies, and property deeds. You should also include stuff like
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
power of attorney statements, access information to lock boxes, and other instructions to family and loved ones. Make sure it’s really well-organized, too. It should be laid out simply enough that anyone who can read could open it up and find exactly what’s needed in just a few minutes. The stress of having a loved one die or become seriously ill is bad enough. You don’t want to make it any harder on them by leaving your finances in a mess!
Q. My husband has been transferred again in his job. Right now, we have three houses and about $60,000 in other debts. He just found out that he can borrow against his 401(k) without hardship at the beginning of the year. Is this a good idea? A.
Three houses? Do you buy a new house every time you move? You guys need to stop doing that. The “other debt” isn’t the problem. It’s those houses that are killing you! I would never recommend that someone borrow against their 401(k) just to pay bills. It might be a different story if you were facing foreclosure or about to file bankruptcy, but that doesn’t sound like the case here. I think you’ve just made some really bad decisions, and these decisions are following you around and messing up everything else. Most of the time in situations like this I have to say: “Sell the car!” In your case, it’s: “Sell the houses!” I know the market isn’t great in some areas, but these things are eating you guys alive. You’ve got to put some effort into getting rid of them. Then, start living on a really tight budget and clean up the other debt!
Now Registering for SUMMER CLASSES
NO REGISTRATION FEE for Summer Classes
Summer Classes: Hip Hop Till You Drop Kids Fitness Pre-Ballet Jazz & Tumble Back Handspring Intensive Cheer Camp Fall Registration dates are Friday August 10th • 4 pm - 8 pm Saturday August 11th • 9 am - 1 pm Friday August 17th • 4 pm - 8 pm Saturday August 18 • 9 am - 1 pm
879 Snow Road North, Suite 2A Mobile, AL 36608 • 251.649.2767
Dave is the author of The New York Times bestselling book Financial Peace. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated The Dave Ramsey Show. You can hear Dave online at www.daveramsey. com. Send your questions to askdave@ daveramsey.com. He resides with his wife Sharon and their three children, Denise, Rachel, and Daniel, in Nashville, Tennessee.
33
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
I Just Wanna Be Skinny!
parents we can play a major part in lowering their risk. The National Eating Disorders Association reports the onset of eating disorders is usually in adolescence, but even KINDERGARTENERS can exhibit symptoms! So from an early age, parents should engage children in discussions of healthy bodies and healthy eating.
Symptoms
Anorexia Nervosa is a refusal to maintain a minimally normal weight for height, fear of gaining weight, and preoccupation with weight and body shape. Consequences of anorexia are muscle loss, weakening of the heart, osteoporosis, dehydration, and hair loss. Bulimia Nervosa is over-eating in secret followed by compensatory behavior (self-induced vomiting or use of diuretics). Bulimics often fast, exercise compulsively, and become overly concerned with weight and shape. Consequences include heart irregularity due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, ulcers, and tooth decay. Binge Eating Disorder involves binge eating with an absence of compensatory behaviors. Consequences for health are the same as for obesity and include risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
ea fie ea
1. 2. bo 3.
dis yo be yo
Si
1. ch co In he ev
2. to erc in ath we
6 Ways to Minimize Your Child’s Risk for Eating Disorders by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.
Seated on the floor with legs stretched out before her, my perfectly proportioned and petite eight-year-old niece recently gazed at her bare legs and sighed, “My thighs are fat!” Eileen’s son is thirteen with washboard abs from swimming but asks his mother far too often for the number of calories on his dinner plate. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Eating Disorders on the Rise
Such everyday scenarios reflect our children’s growing sensitivity to body image and weight issues. The media is saturated with unrealistic and unattainable body shapes, and our children are more vulnerable than ever to such images. Unfortunately, the incidence of eating disturbances is increasing among children and teens across America. However, as 34
Who Develops an Eating Disorder?
The NEDA estimates that 11 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder. University of Minnesota Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, an expert on Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
s
om
ns
ly r dy
eating disturbances in adolescence, identifies three types of risks for developing an eating disorder: 1. Poor body image/low self-esteem. 2. Messages in the environment that thin bodies are most attractive. 3. Dieting or binging. Dr. Neumark-Sztainer suggests eating disorder prevention should begin at a very young age and writes “early messages can be as simple as learning to feel good about your body.”
Six Prevention Strategies
1. Stress health, not weight. Help your child develop a better body image by consistently stressing health, not thinness. In my niece’s case, her mother explained her thighs were “just right” and how not everyone’s legs look quite the same. 2. Explain the big payoff for sports. Talk to your kids about the importance of exercise, and encourage them to participate in team sports. Current research indicates athletes feel better about their bodies and weight than non-participants.
3. Model healthier behaviors yourself. Do not call yourself fat or talk negatively about your own body. If you are trying to lose weight, let your child know you are doing so to improve your health. You should avoid skipping meals and diet pills and instead model healthy eating and good exercise habits. Eileen realized her adolescent son was influenced by hearing her count points for the Weight Watchers program. It was necessary to educate him about the program and the reasons he needed to consume many more calories than weight watching adults. 4. Teach your child self-respecting strategies for coping with negative emotions and stress. Talking it out, exercise, meditation, music, counseling, or prayer are a few healthy alternatives to overeating. 5. Eat healthy meals at home. Dr. Neumark-Sztainer writes “family meals can play a major role in preventing eating disorders, especially in adolescent girls.” 6. Discuss images in magazines and on television that present unrealistic bodies.
We need to help boys and girls understand (and laugh!) at these unattainable images in the media. Adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to fashion magazines. A study by Kimberly Vaughan and Gregory Fouts actually linked the relationship of decreased eating disorder symptoms to decreased magazine reading! Explain to your child that professional athletes and actresses like Halle Berry or Keira Knightley often workout for many hours daily to maintain such low weight. Help your child to understand genetics and the fact that healthy bodies are not one size fits all. If your child’s poor body image or low self-esteem concerns you, talk to a counselor or medical professional. For more information about eating disorders, contact the National Association of Eating Disorders (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/) toll-free helpline at 800-931-2337. Michele Ranard is a professional counselor, an academic tutor, and a freelance writer. Visit her blog at cheekychicmama.blogspot.com.
en,
d
e
nd th ncue e s-
a-
n -
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
35
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
2012 Vacation Bible Schools
G
A
A Bi
O
St
( Jun
S
Ashland Place UMC
15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile 251-478-6356, www.apumc.com June 11- June 15, 9:00am-12:00pm Pre K3 – 4th grade “Shake It Up Café Where Kids Carry Out God’s Recipe”
Big Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church 112 S. Bayou Street, Mobile 251-433-8776 June 11 – June 15, 6:00pm-8:00pm “Fishing on a Mission with Jesus”, all ages
Christ Church Cathedral 115 S. Conception Street, Mobile 251-438-1822 www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org June 5 – June 7, 9:00am-12:00pm “Babylon-Daniel’s Courage in Captivity”
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Christ United Methodist
6101 Grelot Road, Mobile 251-342-0462, June 18-June 22, 9:00am-12:00pm “Babylon-Daniels’s Courage in Captivity”
Cottage Hill Baptist
4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile 251-660-2422, www.cottagehill.org June 10-June 14, 6:00pm-8:30pm “Amazing Wonders Aviation”. Kids will be “traveling” the world telling the wonderful story of Jesus. Pre-K5-8TH grade
Dauphin Way Baptist 3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile 251-445-4167, www.dwbc.org June 11- June 15
Dauphin Way UMC
1507 Dauphin St., Mobile 251-471-1511, www.dauphinwayumc.org “Sky VBS: Where everything is 36
possible with God” June 11- 15, 8:45am-12pm; PK-6th grade
First Baptist Church
806 Government Street, Mobile (251) 432-6513, www.fbcmobile.com June 25-June 29, 9:00am-12:00pm “Finding Hope: A Field Trip of Faith” Join us for week full of Bible stories, music, missions activities, snacks, games and more! Contact Sarah Walley, fbcsarah@bellsouth.net or 605-7686, to register.
First Baptist Tillman’s Corner 5660 Three Notch Road , Mobile (251).661-0114, www.fbtc.org June 18-June 22
Government Street Baptist 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile 251-660-7444, www.governmentstreet.org June 4-8; 8:30am-11:30am “SKY, Everything is Possible with God!” Grades K4-5th
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
Government St Presbyterian 300 Government Street, Mobile 251-432-1749, www.gspcmobile.org June 4-June 8, 8:30am – 12:30pm “Sky, Everything is possible with God!” Ages 3-10, $15, includes T-shirt and snacks
Grace Community Church 7120 Airport Blvd, Mobile 251-345-3303, www.gracemobile.org June 18-June 22, 5:30pm-8:30pm “Sky, Everything is possible with God!” Ages 5-5th grade
Mobile First Church of the Nazarene
669 Azalea Road, Mobile 251-666-0040 “Kids Crusade with Pete & Company” August 1-5, Mon -Sat 6:30 pm/ Sun 10:45 am Bible Lesson with Interactive Fun for Children of All Ages. Family Focused Crusade!!!
Our Savior Catholic Church 1801 Cody Road South, Mobile 251-633-6762, www.oursaviorparish.org June 11- June 15
St. Dominics Catholic Church
4156 Burma Road, Mobile (251) 661-5130, www.stdominicsmobile.org June 11-June 15, 4-yrs through rising 6th Grade
St. Lukes Episcopal Church 1050 Azalea Road, Mobile 251-666-2990, stlukesepiscopalmobile.org June 11 – June 15, 9:00 am – 12:00pm Operation Overboard!
St. Mark UMC
439 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 342-5861, www.stmarkmobile.web. July 16- July 20, 9:00am-12:00pm Ages 4 years - 5th grade.
St. Mary Catholic Parish
106 Providence Street, Mobile 251-432-8679, www.stmarymobile.org June 25-June 29 Catholic Kidz Camp, More Than VBS! The Vatican Express Register by June 3rd: $15.00 individual / $30.00 family; Register after the 3rd: $20.00 individual / $40.00 family. Tour the Vatican with St. Jerome as your tour guide. Snack at St. Peter’s cafe.. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 251-432-8679.
St. Paul’s Episcopal
4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile 251-342-8521; www.stpaulschurchmobile.net July 23-July 27 “Sky-Everything is possible with God”
St. Ignatius Catholic Church 3704 Springhill Avenue, Mobile 251-342-9221, www. .stignatiusmobile.org June 25-June 29, 9:00am-12:00pm “Island in the Son” – PreK-4th grade “Trading Spaces” – 5th-7th grade at St. Mary’s Home
Saraland UMC
415 McKeough Ave., Saraland 251-675-2728 www.saralandumc.org July 9 – July 13, Children age 2 years (by Oct. 1, 2011) – 5th Grade (just completed) “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God”
Shiloh Baptist
717 Cleveland Rd., Saraland 251-675-3587, www.shilohbc.com May 31-June 4; Grades K5-6TH grade “Amazing Race” (Schedule-Thursday: Come and go Registration 6-8pm Friday Night: 6-8:30pm, Saturday: 9-2:30 (lunch included), Sunday: 9-11:30, dinner on the grounds for the entire family @ 11:30)
Snow Road First Baptist 2370 Snow Road North, Semmes (251) 649-7722, www.srfbc.com June 25th-29th, 6:00pm-8:30pm – Light supper served every evening
“Amazing Wonders” Kick-Off Rally & Pre-Registration Saturday, June 23rd 10am. Questions, call: Carolina Burkholder 753-3068
Snow Road Missionary Baptist 809 Snow Road N, Mobile (251) 649-0030, snowroadbaptistchurch.com June 11-15; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages 4-12
Sonrise Baptist Church
140 Snow Road South, Mobile 251-776-RISE (7473), www.sonrisebc.net June11- June 15
Spring Hill Baptist
2 McGregor Ave S., Mobile 251-342-5320. www.shbc.cc June 4-June 7, 6:00pm-8:00pm – Light supper served; K4 - 6th grade “Babylon- Daniel’s Courage in Captivity”
Spring Hill Presbyterian
10 Westminster Way, Mobile 251-342-1550, www.springhillpresbyterian. org/ www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/shpc June 11-June 14, 9:00am-11:30am (kids), Thursday – 5:30-7:30 pm (parents and kids) PK- Grade 5 “Babylon-Daniel’s Courage in Captivity”
West Mobile Baptist
7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 776-6939, www.westmobilebaptist.org “Sonrise National Park VBS” June 11-June 15
Westminster Presbyterian
2921 Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 471-5451, www.westminstermobile.com/ June 25-28th, 9:00am-12:00pm “Operation Overboard!”
Woodridge Baptist Church 2700 Schillinger Rd S., Mobile 251-633-6000, www.woodridgebc.com July 9-July 13, 8:30am-12:00pm 1st-6th grade “Kingdom of the Son”
, e! et
er
t
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
37
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Craft ng & Cook ng with Kids
by Dana Moonan
Celebrate Dad with Easy to Make Gifts Playing ball, catching fish, games, nighttime snuggles and big hugs. Yes, that’s Dad! This year, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 17. Take some time to make a gift from the heart to show Dad how much you care.
Gifts to cherish
Walking in Dad’s shoes. Using a washable paint, paint your child’s foot with a brush or have older children step onto a paper plate of paint. Then place child’s foot on a piece of white or colored card stock. Some basic color choices include black paint on white paper or white paint on black paper. After the footprint dries, have your child copy the poem beside it. Type or write for smaller children. For a family with several children, line the footprints up in age order towards the bottom of the paper, writing the poem in towards the top.
Here is my little footprint One day is will fit your shoe I watch what you are doing Because Daddy, I want to be like you! OR “Walk a little slower daddy,” said a child so small. “I am following in your footsteps and I don’t want to fall.” Sometimes your steps are very fast, Sometimes they’re hard to see. So walk a little slower Daddy, For you are leading me. Someday when I’m all grown up, You’re what I want to be, Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Then I will have a little child Who will want to follow me. And I want to lead just right, And know that I was true So walk a little slower, Daddy For I must follow you.” For Dad’s Office. Using black paint let your child paint onto a white canvas. A picture of daddy, scene or just a unique design are all wonderful ideas. Even little ones with assistance can do this. Frame or hang these art pieces in daddy’s office. A group of four, or two side by side, looks wonderful. Using a rock bought or found, paint it a color. Sprinkle glitter on while the paint is wet. Present dad with his desk paperweight. Make a picture frame. Using an old puzzle, turn colored side down and spray paint the pieces a color. Glue onto a wood or foam frame. Attach or write the message, “I Love you to pieces!” T-Shirts. Purchase a white shirt from a retail or discount store. Check local craft stores for iron on transfers. Kits can be purchased that allow you to transfer children’s artwork onto the front of a shirt for dad. Paint a handprint. Write the message, “ Hands down you’re the best, Dad!” Or paint two handprints on the back and write the message, “My dad deserve a pat on the back.” Aprons. Solid color aprons can be purchased at craft stores. Decorate with fabric paint or drawings of hot dogs or hamburgers. Write on “King of the Grill” or “Dad’s the Name, Cooking/Burning’s 38
My Game”. Aprons can also be monogrammed at local embroidery stores. Paired with a spatula, oven mitt or other barbeque accessory, it makes a wonderful and useful gift.
Store bought gifts with a flare
Homerun! Purchase Montgomery Biscuits tickets for the family. Put inside a baseball glove. Here fishy fishy. Decorate a gallon bucket or pail with dad’s name or fish. Fill will hooks, gummy bait, a pole or towel. These make great seats while waiting for the fish and even better take home containers! Fore! Buy dad a gift certificate for a round of golf. Decorate or wrap it in hand-painted golf towels (Use hand towels) or pair with a golf glove.
Father’s Day Dessert
Don’t forget the dessert! Choose your father’s favorite dessert to give him on his special day or try one of these “old favorites”. Smore’s, Rice Crispy treats, or ice cream sundaes are a few easy favorites to pick from. Or make a cake in a 9x12 pan and decorate with your father’s or family’s favorite activity. You can tint vanilla icing with any color food coloring for your background. Blue makes a great ocean-add goldfish, Swedish fish and crushed vanilla wafers for the sand. Green or brown tinted icing will help you make an outdoors background. You can use pretzel sticks to make a tent, add teddy graham “bears” and Twizzlers peeled apart and stacked up to make a fire for your camp grounds. A green tint will make a great golf course cake. Or let your children get creative by writing a message with icing colors or with candy. You can spell out “#1DAD” with dad’s favorite candy-M&Ms, Skittles or even gumballs! Dana Moonan is a former first grade teacher and current stay-at-home mom of three, Emily and Matthew, and Abby.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
n
ul
ea
ite
-
our is r-
o n
la our -
n el
--
at-
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
39
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Summer Activities Guide General Family Attractions Alligator Alley
19950 Hwy 71, Summerdale 1-866-99-GATOR, www.gatoralleyfarm.com Observe over a hundred alligators in their natural environment. The entire family can safely view gators from elevated boardwalk. All tours are guided. See alligators over 13 feet long and if you dare, participate in one of their three daily feedings. Also, catch a glimpse of the other exciting animals who call Alligator Alley home. Open 7 Days a Week - Call for hours. Adults $10.00, child $8.00. Safe for kids!
Gulf Coast Exploreum
65 Government Street, Mobile 208-6873, www.exploreum.com Open daily Tuesday-Friday (9am-5pm), Sat (10am5pm), and Sun (Noon – 5pm). A 8,500-square-foot, hands-on discovery playground with IMAX theatre where learning about science and nature is nothing but fun for children and adults of all ages! The Exploreum also offers amazing Summer Camps! Week-long camps are hands-on, age-appropriate with makeand-take activities. For dates & times, visit www. exploreum.com. Adventure Trails Miles and miles of scenic biking, hiking, kayaking and canoeing trails criss-cross through the Mobile Bay area. All skill and experience levels are available. Choose your route and begin your journey! Please visit www.adventurecycling.org and www.trails.com/ city-trails.aspx?keyword=Mobile&state=AL. Birding Trails www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is a birder’s paradise. Our sun-drenched coast is a popular resort area
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
for a variety of feathered visitors and year-round residents. The trail spans two counties, and is enhanced by directional and interpretive signage. For detailed individual trail maps, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com or you can pick up a Birding Trail guide at Fort Conde Welcome Center. Bellingrath Gardens 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore 973-2217, www.bellingrath.org Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65 acre estate of year-round beauty. Come experience the Southern Belle River Cruise, Bellingrath Museum Home, Bayou Boardwalk, the 2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the United States, Butterfly Garden and more! Located just 20 minutes southwest of Mobile.
Environmental Studies Center (A division of Mobile County Public Schools) 1 Magnum Pass, Mobile, 251-221-5000 Featuring over 500 acres of rich woodlands, swamps, streams, carnivorous plant bogs, twenty-acre lake hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, covered pavilions, a weather station, live animal exhibits, butterfly garden, live reptile exhibits, a salt-water aquarium, and more. Summer Day camps for kids are also registering now. 8:00am-4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. A donation of $2 per visitor is appreciated. Call for hours and special events.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Reserve 12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores 540-7720, www.fws.gov/bonsecour The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama.
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort 625-0814 www.alabama5rivers.com Explore all the Delta has to offer! Watch a movie about the beautiful Delta experience, or experience the Delta first hand with a boat ride or rent a canoe or kayak or walk on our nature trails. Saturday demonstrations include fly fishing, crabbing, coastal fishing, canoeing, cast-net throwing, photography, alligator hunting, wild hog hunting and more! Many Summer activities for Children and Adults. Open daily from 8:00am-5:00pm.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island 861-7515, www.disl.org Explore the beach and marine life with your children and while learning all about science and nature! Explore the four key ecosystems of coastal Alabama (the Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and Mobile Bay) at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium. The center houses aquariums and fascinating nature exhibits inside its 10,000 square foot facility. Summer hours are March 1-August 31, Monday-Saturday (9am-6pm) and Sundays (12pm-6pm). Check out our summer camps and register on line. Call or visit www. disl.org for more information.
Foley Railroad Museum 125 E. Laurel Avenue, Foley 943-1818 www.foleyrailroadmuseum.com Model Train Exhibit including .25 mile of track including double stacked tracks. The trains are in operation 10am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Admission free. Fort Conde 150 South Royal Street, Mobile 208-7569, www.museumofmobile.com Fun for all ages! Admission is free. Open Daily 8am-5pm. Partially reconstructed 1724 French fort in downtown Mobile. Period costumed guides. Demon-
40
Advertising: 251-304-1200
stra kid The mo
For 51 861 For the Spe qua of f
His 347 626 To era bik Par Chi
Th 111 208 Au as t day -1 Ad Ch Sun
Mo Han 479 Min
0907
Vis
strations of cannon and musket-firing. Great place for kids and families to learn and explore! Operated by The Museum of Mobile. Call or visit the website for more information. Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island 861-6992, www.daupinisland.org Fort Gaines was the battle site of the famous Battle of the Bay in August 1864 (“Damn the Torpedoes: Full Speed Ahead”.) See the battlements and soldiers’ living quarters, which were used from the 1800’s to 1946. Lots of fun for families and kids! Historic Blakely State Park 34745 State Hwy 225, Spanish Fort 626-0798, www.blakeleypark.com Tour the preserved Civil War battlefield with its Confederate and Union breastworks and fortifications. Walk or bike on miles of trails or take a 2 hour eco-boat tour. The Park is 9 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. Adults $3.00, Children 6-12: $2.00, Children under 6: FREE. The Museum of Mobile 111 S. Royal Street, Mobile 208-7569, www.museumofmobile.com Audio and interactive exhibits that engage visitors as they learn the history of Mobile. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. CLOSED MONDAYS. $5.00 – Adults, $4.00 - Senior Citizens, $3.00 – Students. Children under six Free. (mas $20/family) First Sunday Free Admission. Mobile Bay Bears Baseball Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd 479-2327, www.mobilebaybears.com Minor League Baseball at its best!
d ng n
r
Mobile Carnival Museum 355 Government Street, Mobile, 432- 3324 Learn the Mardi Gras History! The museum includes interactive exhibits, visitors can “ride” and throw doubloons from a Carnival float. Adults-$5.00, Children 12 and under - $2.00, Under age 3 – Free. Open M, W, F, and Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm (final tour at 3:00pm) Mobile Symphony, Inc. 257 Dauphin St., Mobile 432-2010, www.mobilesymphony.org Mobile Symphony is the premier producer of live symphonic music for the Gulf Coast Community. Nat’l African American Archives/Multicultural Museum 564 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Mobile (251)433-8511, www.naaamm.org , View portraits, biographies, artifacts and books. A display of memorabilia from Hank Aaron is also on display. Open TuesdayFriday from 8:00am-4:00pm and Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Admission - Free Naval Aviation Museum Naval Air Station, Pensacola (850) 452-3604, www.navalaviationmuseum.org More than 150 beautifully restored aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Feel the thrill in our Flight Simulators or visit the Naval Aviation Memorial IMAX® Theatre Enjoy lunch in the Cubi Bar Café. Free Admis-
sion, Free Parking, Free Tours! The museum is open from 9:00am-5:00pm. Also offering National Flight Academy In-Residence Summer Program open to 7th – 12th graders. Oakleigh Historic Complex 300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile 432-1281, www.historicmobile.org Beautifully restored 1833 Greek Revival Mansion and the 1850 Cox Deasy Cottage. Open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children and students. Phoenix Fire Museum 203 South Claiborne Street, Mobile 208-7569, www.museumofmobile.com The restored home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. See Turn-of-the-century horse-drawn steam engines and early motorized vehicles along with the history of the volunteer fire companies of Mobile since 1838. Open Tuesday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm. Admission is free. United States Sports Academy 1 Academy Drive, Daphne, 626-3303, www.asama.org Founded in 1984, the American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA) is dedicated to the preservation of sports art, history and literature. The ASAMA collection is composed of more than 1,500 pieces across all media, including paintings, sculptures, assemblages, prints, posters and photography. The museum is open to the public, free of charge, Mon through Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. USS Alabama Battleship Battleship Parkway, Mobile 433-2703, www.ussalabama.com Walk the decks of a mighty battleship. Go below in a World War II submarine. View cockpits of combat aircraft. You’ll also see tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol
Family is why we do it all.
ps, ikns,
or g,
Mobile Botanical Gardens 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile 342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Free admission. Open dawn to dusk. 100-acre site of cultivated gardens and woodland trails. Explore on your own or schedule a guided tour. MBG Marketplace Saturdays 9-11 a.m. until the end of June. Also offering NatureBLAST Nature Day Camp for grades 3-4. ,
Allison Horner, Agent 6353 Cottage Hill Road, Suite F Bus: 251-666-1616 www.allisonhorner.com allison@allisonhorner.com
We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. Helping you meet your insurance needs is part of my commitment to you. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.
y.
in n-
200
0907504
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
41
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Boat, and a plane like the one flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. Open daily 9am-6pm (summer). Admission for age 12 and up is $12.00, Ages 6-11 is $6.00 and under age 6 is free. Wales West Light Railway 13670 Smiley St., Silverhill 888-569-5337; www.waleswest.com This summer Wales West Light Railway will once again be offering the “Summer Fun Program” for families! 9am to 4pm daily. Spend the day swimming in the lake (sandy beach), fishing in the lake, pedal boating, swimming in the indoor pool, playing on the playground, and a roundtrip ride on the diesel train. Price is $10 per person, plus tax. Children under 1 year are free. Pay for 3, next two are half-price.
Amusement Parks/Outdoor Fun Waterville USA
906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores 948-2106, www.watervilleusa.com Join the family fun with the Waterpark, Mini Golf, Bounce House, Go-Karts, Arcade, Rollercoaster and much more! Waterpark opens for the weekend of May 19-20, then daily starting May 26th. Opens at 10:00 am. Please check our website for closing times. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores 968-5731, www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org Open 9am to 4pm Monday – Sunday. Adults (13-54) $10.00, Seniors (55+) $8.00, Children (3-12) $7.00, Children 2 and Under Free. Home to more than 290 animals. Also offering “Zoo Camp” for children 3 to 11. Mobile Zoo 15161 Ward Rd W, Wilmer 649-1845, www.mobilezoo.cc Tuesday – Sunday, closed Monday. 9am-4:30pm (6:00 P.M. in the summer) last call to enter, 1 hour before closing. Admission: $7.50 -Adults, $6.50- 3 to 12 years, $6.50 -65 years and older, plus tax, under 3 years free. Group rates. The Track 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores 968-8111, www.gulfshorestrack.com Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Bumper Rides, and lots of family fun! Open Monday - Sunday. Hours May 31-August 10, 9:00am – Close (Closing time depends on crowd level and weather) Aug 11 – Oct 5, 10 am till close.
Arts/Crafts Mobile Museum of Art
4850 Museum Drive, Mobile 208-5200, www.mobilemuseumofart.com Open Mon- Sat 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Over 9,000 works of art spanning two centuries of culture, as well as world renowned traveling exhibitions and regional art exhibits. Art Blast Summer Camp: also available for children ages 4-18.
Space 301
301 Conti Street, Mobile 208-5671, www.space301.com Space 301 is dedicated to the practice, study, exhibition and enjoyment of local, regional, national and international artists. Workshops and Camps available. The Memory Lounge will prominently feature an interactive area for kids. Free programs also allow children ages 3-12 and their parents to explore contemporary art and music. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-7pm and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and students & children under 12 free.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Art Classes at the Library See more information under the library section the Semmes Branch and the Ben Main Branch offer classes. Bass Pro Shop Summer Activities 20000 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, AL 36527 607-5900, www.basspro.com Free Crafts! Free Workshops! Free Activities! Dates and times TBA, call for more information. Home Depot www.homedepot.com Children’s workshops. For project details, dates and times visit website, go to the “know how” section and click on “Kids Workshops.” Lowe’s www.lowesbuildandgrow.com Visit the Lowes Build and Grow website to see what exciting free projects Lowes has planned for the children. Michael’s Arts and Crafts 3725 Airport Blvd Ste 100C, Mobile 344-4236, www.michaels.com. Lots of fun and free, “Make-It, Take-It” in-store events for kids and adults including scrapbooking, jewelry making, crafts and much more!
661-1221, www.amf.com/skylinelanes Sign up your children for FREE bowling at AMF! Register your children, and you’ll get weekly coupons via email for two free games per child per day all summer. Free bowling til 8pm, 7-days a week. May 14-Sept 3.
Sh
Chuck E. Cheese’s 710 Downtowner Loop W, Mobile, 36609 (251) 342-8142, www.chuckecheese.com Sun-Thurs. 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm.
Bra 300 509 Sin Spa CC 560 639 Prin MW 18t Ag
Dreamland Skate Center 5672 Three Notch Rd., Mobile 661-6997, www.dreamlandskatecenter.com Jumps – A – Lot 302 Schillinger Road North, Mobile 421-2108; www.jumps-a-lot.com Open play Monday – Friday 10:am-3:00pm Starting June 1st – August 10th . Open play is $5:00 per child. Closed for 4th of July Pete’s Party Castle 2040 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile 281-1990, www.petespartycastle.com Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am-9am.
McGill Toolen Summer Ceramics Camp 1501 Old Shell Road, Mobile Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm on June 11-14, for 5th-12 grades. Classes will be held in the Toolen building in the Art Room. (7110). Contact Miss Harlan Toole, tooleh@ mcgill-toolen.org or call 251-432-0784 ext. 2832. Paint & Pals (2 locations) 6345k Airport Blvd., Mobile 654-2313, www.paintandpals.com Art Camps for children! Ages 6-15. June 11-June 15 from 9am-12pm, July 9-July13 from 9am-12pm, July 16-July20 from 9am-12pm. Paint Party Studios - Summer Art Camps 6808 Airport Blvd., Suite B, Mobile 343-2423, www.paintpartystudios.com Kids Summer Art Camps! Ages 4-13, Mon-Fri, 10am –12pm each week in June and July (no classes week of July 2nd) Different themes each week. $100 per child, per week, with a $50 non-refundable deposit required. To register, email renee@paintpartystudios.com.
Pump it Up! 741-A Hillcrest Rd., Mobile 342-3940, www.pumpitupparty.com “Summer Open Playtime” from June – August on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 10am-2pm. cost$8.00 plus tax
Parks and Recreation Community Activities Location TBA, Mobile 460-2421, www.cityofmobile.org/parks Camps offering arts, crafts, and much more. Call 6666404 or 666-6053 for more information.
Broadway South Dance Studio
Studio 3 Adventures in Art 4513 Old Shell Road Holiday Place, 343-2899 Art Classes during the summer. For more information, email Studio3mobile@bellsouth.net.
Bowling/ Skating / Indoor Fun
The Watermelon Patch
6417 Hillcrest Road, Mobile (251) 633-3288, www.thewmpatch.com Come Play at the Patch! Open Play every Saturday from 9am – 11am. Also offering Summer Camp, Mommy & Me classes, Art and Drama classes, Birthday Parties, Mom’s Day Out and Parents Night Out/ Kids Night’s In! Free Children’s Bowling at AMF (2 locations) AMF - Camellia Lanes 125 North Schillinger Rd. Mobile 639-1221, www.amf.com/camellialanes AMF Skyline Lanes 4120 Government Blvd., Mobile
42
Rambo’s Skateland 531 Highway 43 South – Saraland 675-6601, www.rambos-skateland.com Skateland Amusement Center 10901 Potter Tract Road, Grand Bay 865-4177 - Skateland is open Friday nights to the public! Sunshine Skate Center 950 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile 639-1704, www.sunshineskate.com
Dance Two locations in Mobile! New location in Regency Square (corner of University & Airport) coming Aug 12! 7906 Westside Park Dr. (West Mobile) 171 E. I-65 Beltline Hwy. (Springdale Mall next to Belk) 639-0660, www.broadwaysouthdance.com A variety of dance camps offered at both locations for ages 2-10+. Call or visit www.broadwaysouthdance.com.
Debbie’s School of Dance
6429 Hillcrest Park Ct., Mobile 633-9559, www.debbiesdance.com Summer Dance Camps June 12-June 28 (Tuesday & Thursday) - 2 Year old Elmo’s Hokey Pokey Dance Camp, 3 year – 5 year olds Patty Bouree Ballet Camp, 6 year & up Shake It Up Hip Hop & Tumbling Dance Camp. Five day camps - Tutu Train Express: June 11th – 15th or June 25th – 29th. Times: 9am – 12pm or 5pm – 8pm.
Rhythm Dance Center
879 Snow Rd. N. Suite 2a, Mobile, (251) 649-2767 Ages 2-18. We offer classes in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, clogging, tumbling and cheerleading. We offer a fun, friendly environment for children with expert training so they may grow as dancers and individuals. Visit us on Facebook or email therhythmdancecenter@ gmail.com.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
190 479 Sum info
Ga 634 343 Sum wee All
Gr 415 232 Sum July Cin
Mo 435 342 Mo and
Nex 572 ww
Pla 485 382 Sum Tap Inte 14. phn
Pre 305 222 201
Ro Sum 421 675 Reg 9th Tue
Ed
St. Su
975 140 Sch Ag ties com tive
Vis
via
d.
nes-
st-
ic!
2!
lk)
om.
r
We ert
@
200
Sheffield School of Dance
1901 Dauphin Street 479-3926, www.sheffielddance.net Summer dance camps. Call or visit our website for more information. Brandy Brown Studio Dance Camps 3001 Old Shell Road, Mobile 509-5659, Find us on Facebook. Sing! Dance! Act! Activities include American Idol, Spa Day, Tea Party, Set Painting...plus much more! CC Dance Studio and Company 560 Leroy Stephens Road, Mobile 639-1106, www.ccdancecompany.net Princess Pre Ballet Class (Age 3-6) June 18th-29th, MWF 9am-12pm; Jazz Stretch Class (Age 7-9), June 18th-29th; T/Th, 4pm-5pm -Jazz, Lyrical and Improve, Age 9-12, June 18th-29th T/Th 5pm-7pm. Gayle’s House of Dance 6345 Airport Blvd., Picadilly Square”, Mobile, 343-9544, www.galesstudioofdance.com Summer Classes & Camps - Six week program – 1 day a week/Registration Friday, June 8, 2012; 2pm - 6pm All levels. Ages 2 and up. GraceLines Dance Studio 4154 Wulff Road, Ste. E, Semmes 232-6285, www.gracelinesdance.com Summer 2012 Ballerina Camp (ages 3-5) – July 9thJuly13th, 9am-12pm Explore the enchanted worlds of Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty. Mobile Ballet 4351 Downtowner Loop North Mobile, AL 36609 342-2241, www.mobileballet.org Mobile Ballet will be having open classes during June and July. Please call 342-2241 for more information. Next Generation Dance Center 5721 Hwy 90 W., Suite C, Theodore www.nextgenerationdancecenter.com Playhouse in the Park 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile 382-3966, www.playhouseinthepark.org Summer Dance Camps – Ages 7 and up Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theater June 4 - 7. Summer Dance Intensive Camp for ages 12-up will be from June 11 14. All camps1pm-4pm each day, and the cost is $100. phnpdance@gmail.com. Precision Dance Academy 3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile 222-3403, www.precisiondanceacademy.net 2012 Princess Camp (ages 3-7), June 11-15 9am-1pm. Robinson’s School of Dance Summer Dance Camp Summer Camp will be held at the Saraland Location 421 Hwy 43 North Saraland AL 36571 675-5915 (studio) 675-6172 (home) Registration is June 5th, 4-6pm; June 7th 4-6pm; June 9th 10-12noon. Starts June 12th and runs 6 weeks on Tuesday’s and Thursday.
Educational Camps St. Luke’s Episcopal School Summer Programs
975 Japonica Lane, Mobile (Lower School) 1400 University Boulevard South (Middle and Upper School) 666-2991, www.sles.org Ages pre-k through the eighth grade. Enrichment activities such as arts and crafts, field trips, library time, music, computer, and swimming will provide children a productive and fun-filled summer. The Camp is open Monday
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
43
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Don’t waste your summer! Kayak in Mobile Bay. Build a smartphone app. Investigate a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Design and make metal sculpture. Speak German. Create a hologram. Launch a rocket...and much more! Open to Students entering the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades as well as incoming ASMS students. Visit our website for more information! Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island 861-2141 ext. 7515; www.disl.org Day camp opportunities for K-8th graders, overnight programs for 5thgraders. ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp University of South Alabama campus, Mobile www.theharrisfoundation.org ExxonMobil Foundation and Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African-American to walk in space, are partnering to provide a unique opportunity to replace the lazy days of summer with field work, experiments and team-based competitions at no cost to students. A student-centered, inquiry-based curriculum with a focus on natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Students must be entering sixth, seventh or eighth grades in the fall of 2012.
through Friday. Holidays are taken on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The camp opens at 7:30am and closes at 5:30pm each day.
Sunnyside Theater Summer Writing Camp
4354A Old Shell Road, Mobile 287-2728, www.sunnysidedrama.com Creative writing camps taught by Mahala Church – B.S. in Liberal Arts, Published Writer and Editor. Creative writing camp for ages 8-10. 4 Week Sessions (June 4-29 or July 2-27) Options include Tuesday & Thursday or Monday, Wednesday, Friday or MondayFriday. Cost – 2 days - $90, 3 days-$135, 5 days -$157 plus $15 registration fee. Creative writing camp for ages 11-13, 6 Week Session (June 9-July14) - 6 Saturdays. Cost - $125 + $15 registration. For more information on these camps, please call 251-287-2728 or email mahalachurch@gmail.com.
Weinacker’s Montessori
3 locations Midtown - 18 Pierpont Dr. West, Mobile, 478-7219 Hillcrest - 227 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, 344-8755 Tillmans corner - 5739 Old Pascagoula Road, Mobile, 653-4707; WeinackersMontessori.com Join us for field trips to the Sea-Lab, the Botanical Gardens, Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, and the Exploreum. Our summer days are going to be filled with a variety of hands-on explorations and learning including arts and crafts, the study of literature, foreign language, and music. Also offering outdoor group activities and play. Full time and Part time programs are available for ages 6 months – 12 years. Field trips are only for children ages 5 – 12. Hours of camp are 6am – 6pm. Alabama School of Math and Science Summer Fun Camp 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile 251-441-2128; www.asms.net
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Ocean Camp Sea, Sand & Stars Nature Center, Orange Beach, AL 205-936-9892 / 802-8605; OceanCamp@gmail.com Ocean Camp is a wonderful education program for ocean lovers and future marine scientists located at the Sea, Sand & Stars Nature Center in Orange Beach, AL. Parks and Recreation Community Activities 460-2421, www.cityofmobile.org/parks Educational Camps. Call 666-6404 or 666-6053 for more information or visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks. Paula Perri Protocol Spot of Tea, 310 Dauphin St., Mobile, 625-3137 Etiquette and Table Manners for male and female students ages 6-16. Also offering a modelling program! Summer at St. Paul’s School 461-2135 or 622-7961; www.stpaulsmobile.net St. Paul’s Episcopal School is hosting enrichment classes such as music, photography, reading, and math refreshers, study skills, and remediation classes and Driver’s Education. Please contact Mr. Dan Drum, Summer Programs Coordinator, 461-2135 or 622-7961 (cell) or ddrum@ stpaulsmobile.net if you have any questions. St. Mary Catholic School Annual Summer Enrichment Series 107 N. Lafayette Street 433-9904, www. stmarymobile.org Open to all rising first through rising eighth graders! Please join us to enhance Reading and Math across the curriculum using computer, art and music. University of Alabama Reading Skills Programs for Children Spring Hill Baptist Church, 11 S. McGregor Ave. 1-800-978-9596 For ages 4-12th graders. Programs meet once a week for five weeks.
44
University of South Alabama Summer Youth Programs 2001 Old Bay Front Dr., Mobile, 431-6536 USA offers many Summer Courses for Kids! Introduction to Video Editing (rising 6th-8th grade), Summer Movie Making Camp (Rising 9th-12th grade), Report it, Write It Publish it. Journalism in today’s world – (Rising 9th-12th grade), Health and Fitness for fun (6th-8th grade), USA Scream 2012- basic engineering and robotics (7th-9th grade, Geology Fundamentals – Kids Rock! (3rd-8th grade).
Farmers Markets/Open Air Markets Betty’s Berry Farm 3887 Driskell Loop Road, Wilmer 649-1711, www.bettysberryfarm.com Come pick your own blueberries from mid-May-July!! Our berries are never sprayed with any chemicals, so you can taste them in the field with no worries! If it’s pretty outside, we’re open. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to pick! Blue Moon Farm 13620 Tom Gaston Road, Mobile 865-0252, pdk625@gmail.com Organic Blueberry U-Pick! Open Fridays and Saturdays during June from 8am to 6pm.Call for dates in May and July. Also U-Pick Sunflowers and Zinnias. Brannan Brannan Blueberry Brae (BBB Farm) 720 Grandbay Wilmer Road North, Mobile 327-6503, bbbfarm58@yahoo.com Monday through Saturday 6am to 6pm; Closed on Sunday.. Blueberry Field Opening Date Coming Soon. Christ United Methodist Church Farmers Market 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, www.christumcmobile.com Come out and get fresh seasonal produce and support our local agriculture. Market begins Tuesday, May 15 -July 17, 4pm-7pm. Flea Market Mobile 401 Schillinger Rd. N. 633-7533, www.fleamarketmobile.com 800 booths under one roof! Clean and modern facilities. Rain or shine! Admission is free. Sat.-Sun., 9am – 5pm Spring Market on the Square www.ncsmobile.org Now through Jul 28th. From 7:30am until 11am, Cathedral Square. Fresh veggies, fruits, flowers and more! Live music, arts/crafts, special events and food galore!
634 All blin sch
Ch 610 342 Che dea com
Cot Gym 171 666 Or
Mc See Spo
Nas 305 479 We Boy
Pla (Pla 776 Hal (Ag Nov inst
St. See Spo
UM See Spo
Ho
Mim Sum 107 634 Day Age edu may equ
Spring Market in the Park - The Mobile Museum of Art at Langan Park www.ncsmobile.org; Thursdays , 3:00pm-6:00pm. Through July 26th. Get the freshest spring crops in South Alabama. Shop for locally grown honey, produce, flowers, breads, casseroles, plants, seafood and much more! Enjoy live music, children’s activities and free admission to the Museum during the Market.
San Cal Ing Jun Thu
Gymnastics/Cheerleading
Mo The Loc Gam Get - Fr Con Art chil Out p.m Mu
5 Star Cheer 4123 Government Blvd, D2, Mobile, 442-5412 Summer Classes and Clinic offered such as Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Tumbling, Flexibility/Strength/ Flyer classes and our 5 Star Competitive Team! Tryouts for the competition team will be held in May. Cheer Force One 8700 Zeigler Blvd, Mobile
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Lib
Vis
-
it, ng
otk!
! ou
the
ys d
n-
m our y
s. m
!
uth w! on
634-0203; www.cheerforceone.com All Star Cheerleading, Cheer Summer Camps, & Tumbling Classes for boys and girls. Official Summer Camp schedule coming soon. Email info@cheerforceone.com .
leries, Arts & Crafts, Magic Show, Star Lab and more! During each week of the six-week program, all of our library branches will have a special guest performer in addition to our regular story times, book clubs, and more.
Christ United Methodist Church Cheer Camp 6101 Grelot Road Mobile 342-0462, www.cumc-sports.com Cheer camp. July9-July 13 – 5:30-7:30pm, Registration deadline is June 25th. Ages: Completed K5 through completed 5th grade.
Ben May Main Library 701 Government Street, 208-7086 See the Stars with our Special Performers Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. (closed July 4 )Groups must register. June 6th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 13th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree June 20th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil June 27th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys Around the Campfire July 4th: Library closed for Independence Day Holiday July 11th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Storytimes Call 208-7086 to register. No groups, please Mother Goose: birth to 18 months. Caregiver required. Thursdays, 10 a.m .Toddler Time: 19-30 months. Caregiver required. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Good Listeners: 2 1/2 – 5 years. Thursdays, 11 a.m Art Club presented by the Mobile Museum of Art & the Mobile Public Library Ages 7 & up Tues., 2 p.m. Registration required, 208-7086. Individuals only- no groups Chess Club Ages 7 & above - beginners & experts welcome Tues., 4-5 p.m. Individuals only - no groups. Featured Flicks Thursdays, 1 p.m. June 7 & 14 , July 5 & 12 June 7: Kung Fu Panda- The Kaboom of Doom. June 14: Happy Feet. July 5: Madagascar 2-Escape to Africa. July 12: Hogo Registration is required for groups, 208-7086.
Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline 1711 Hillcrest Rd Mobile 666-0559; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Or call 666-6404 or 666-6053 for more information. McGill Cheer Camp See more information under McGill listing in the Sports Section. Nasser Gymnastics 3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile 479-9311; www.nassergymnastics.net We offer half-day, full-day, and weekly rates. Girls and Boys 3-14. No Registration fee. Planet Gymnastics – Summer Camps (Planet Fitness) 900 Schillinger Road S #B, Mobile 776-5600; www.planetgymnastics.com Half-day, daily, and weekly rates. Walk-ins welcome! (Ages 3-16 ) Come join Olympic Champion Vlaimir Novikov and other special guests for great gymnastics instruction. St. Pauls Cheer Camp See more information under St. Pauls listing in the Sports section UMS Cheer Camp See more information under UMS heading in the Sports section.
Horseback Riding/Lessons
Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm – Summer Riding Camp 10727 El Nina Drive,Mobile 634-1229; www.silverliningfarm.net Day and Overnight Camps offered May through July. Ages 5-16. Activities include riding lessons, take-home education and a horse show with special awards. Riders may ride English or Western. Horses, tack and safety equipment are provided or riders can bring their own. Sandstone Equestrian Center Summer Camp Call to register with Stephanie Tyler: 251-508-2759 or Inge Luiten 251-895-6873 June 4-7, June 11-14 & June 25-28, 8:00-2:30 (MondayThursday); Cost: $350/session; 6 year old and up.
Libraries/Story Times
Inth/ s
Mobile Public Library - Summer Reading Program The Summer Library Program kick-Off – All Library Locations Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. – Noon Crafts & Games Set a Summer reading goal and get a backpack! Get your free BayBears game voucher for Library Night - Friday, July 13.Silly Band Week is June 18-22. Art Contest- All Library Locations. Enter the Dream BIG Art Contest June 4 – 23 Pick up your entry form at the children’s desk. Out of this World Finale - Saturday, July 14 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.- Mobile Museum of Art (located next to Langan Municipal Park)Free admission to the Art Museum Gal-
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
Moorer/ Spring Hill Branch 4 McGregor Ave. S; 470-7770 See the Stars with our Special Performers Mondays at 10 a.m .Groups must register, call 470-7770 June 4th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 11th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree June 18th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil, June 25th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys Around the Camp fire July 2nd: Fourth of July Picnic July 9th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Beat the Heat Movies Tuesdays at 1 p.m .popcorn & lemonade provided Caregiver required. Groups must register, call 470-7770 June 5th: Flubber June 12th: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, June 19th: Dolphin Tale – PG June 26th: The Smurfs July 3rd: Cars 2 July 10th: R.V. Storytime Wednesdays, June 6 - July 11 at 10:30 a.m. (closed July 4)Groups must register; call 470-7770 Stories for children of all ages, accompanied by a caregiver Something for Saturday Saturdays, June 9 & July 21 at 10:30 a.m. Stories, Games, & Crafts for School Agers, accompanied by a caregiver. June 9th: Beach Party Blast July 21st: Farmer’s Market Parkway Branch 1924-B Dauphin Island Pkwy.; 470-7766 See the Stars with our Special Performers Wednesdays at 3 p.m .Groups must register, call 470-7766, June 6th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds!, June 13th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree, June 20th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil, June 27th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys Around the Campfire; July 4th: Closed for the Independence Day Holiday; July 11th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Saraland Public Library 111 Saraland Loop, 675-2879 See the Stars with our Special Performers Mondays at 3 p.m, .June 4th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 11th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree, June 18th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil, June 25th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys Around the Campfire, July 2nd: Nocturnal Animal Show presented by the Environmental Studies Center July 9th:
45
David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Good Listeners Storytime Wednesdays, June 6 - July 11 at 10:30 a.m. (closed July 4) Call 675-2879 to register. Book/Movie Club - Tuesdays at 1 p.m, Ages 6 & up. Read the book then watch the movie June 5th: Matilda June 12th: Alice in Wonderland June 19th: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory June 26th: Where the Wild Things Are July 3rd: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs July 10th: Zathura Semmes Branch 9150 Moffett Road; 645-6840 See the Stars with our Special Performers Mondays at 1 p.m.Groups must register, call 645-6840 June 4th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 11th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree June 18th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil June 25th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys Around the Campfire July 2nd: Dauphin Island Sea Lab July 9th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Good Listeners Storytime Wednesdays, June 6 - July 11 at 10:30 a.m. (closed July 4)Groups must register, call 645-6840 Asian Art Classes Tuesdays OR Thursdays, June 5 - July 12 at 2 p.m. Spaces are limited, call 645-6840 to register .Instructor Mary Rodning, with help from her friends, presents a six week course for children ages 6-15. Various disciplines and techniques of Asian Art are featured each week. Supplies provided. Sign up for either the Tuesday or Thursday sessions. Theodore Oaks Branch 5808 Highway 90 West, Suite E, 653-5012 See the Stars with our Special Performers Tuesdays at 2 p.m .Caregiver required. No groups please .June 5th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 12th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree June 19th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil June 26th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys around the Campfire July 3rd: Nocturnal Animal Show presented by the Environmental Studies Center July 10th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Family Storytime Thursdays, June 7 - July 12 at 10:30 a.m. Call 653-5012 to register. No groups, please .Stories for children of all ages, accompanied by a caregiver. Toulminville Branch 601 Stanton Road, 438-7075 See the Stars with our Special Performers Thursdays at 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. .Groups must register, call 438-7075June 7th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 14th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree June 21st: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil June 28th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys around the Campfire July 5th: Dauphin Island Sea Lab July 12th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Good Listeners Storytime Tuesdays, June 5 - July 10 at 10 a.m. Groups must register, call 438-7075 The Big Show Wednesdays at 10 a.m .Movies for children ages 5 & up. Groups must register, call 4387075June 6th: Winnie the Pooh June 13th: Treasure Buddies June 20th: Happy Feet June 27th: Hop July 11th: The Muppets West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Road, 340-8571 See the Stars with our Special Performers Tuesdays at 11 a.m. June 5th: It’s Professor Zounds - the Master of Sounds! June 12th: Good-Times Traveling Theatre - Tales in the Shadow of the Baobab Tree June 19th: Awake and Dreaming: The Magic of Dr. Gee & Daffodil June 26th: 2B Ranch Wild West Show - Cowboys around the Campfire July 3rd: Nocturnal Animal Show presented by the Environmental Studies Center July 10th: David Stephens and his puppets in The Reluctant Dragon Storytimes - June 4 - July 12 (closed July 4) Registration
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
required, call 340-8571. No groups, please .Mother GooseBabies to 14 months old. Caregiver required Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time15 months to 2 years. Caregiver required Mondays, 11 a.m. Parent & Child Caregiver required. Age 2: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m. Age 3: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Good Listeners Ages 4 & 5: Wednesdays, 11 a.m Bedtime Stories Pajama Party - Monday, June 18 - 6:30 p.m. Registration & caregiver required - 3408571 A fun evening of stories and crafts for families with young children, ages 2-8.Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal.
Movie Theatres Carmike Kids Series - Windsong 16 Cinema 785 South Schillinger Road, Mobile 639-7373, www.carmike.com Carmike Summer Kid Series is back! Thursdays at 10am enjoy one of your favorite blockbuster films from the past! Only $2.00 per person and you receive a ticket to the movie, small popcorn, & a movie ticket.! Start date is June 7th for featured movie titles visit website. Crescent Theatre 208 Dauphin Street, Mobile 438-2005, www.crescenttheater.com Independent movie theater, bringing you the best in independent film, locally-produced cinema, and live performances. Hollywood Theatres -Stadium 18 1250 Satchel Paige Dr, Mobile 473-9655, www.gohollywood.com Membership is free and includes Hollywood insider only screenings, promotions and discounts.
Music Broussard’s Piano Gallery Academy of Music
1541 E. I-65 Service Road South, Mobile 251-344-8856; Broussardspianos.com Summer Piano Camp, June 11th – 15th and June 18th – 25th. A great way to introduce your child to music through group lessons! The week long camp is for the beginning student ages 5-16.Space is limited, so call to reserve your space now. Andy’s Music 1412 Hillcrest Rd., Mobile, 251-633-8944 Private Lessons - Summer Promotion -$150 Summer Session June 4 - August 6. Group lessons also available. Government Street Baptist Summer Music Camps 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile 660-7444, www.danieldriskell.com/summer-camps Great music camps for rising 1st -4th graders like Star Wars Piano Adventure, Princess Piano Camp, Harry Potter Piano Camp. Camps are open to any student with little or no piano experience (except for Harry Potter) so it is a great way to “try out” the piano without committing to a full year of lessons. Rock Band Camp is also available.
leadership skills, life skills and safety. Several field trips a week.
Th
Dr Su
Rentals/Chartered Tours
St. Paul’s Episcopal School 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile 461-2135 or 622-7961, www.stpaulsmobile.net Several athletic camps including Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer and Swimming. We also offer a Summer Cheer Camp for grades K – 6. For more information, visit our website, click on Summer School under the Academics tab.
Bicycle Tours of Downtown Mobile Royal Street, Mobile 635-6002, www.2-wheel-tours.com Two Wheel Tours offers a unique view of the city from the seat of a bike. Bicycle, helmet and water are provided. A variety of tours offered.
Mary G. Montgomery Soccer Camp 4275 Snow Road N., Semmes 209-9794, www.vikingfutbolclub.com Boys and Girls Soccer Camp for soccer players ages 5-13, stresses basic skills, both technical and tactical. The focus is on learning and enjoying the game.
Bird of Paradise - Plane Rides 3190 Airport Drive, Gulf Shores 609-2043, www.866mustfly.com Imagine cruising over the coast at sunset in a historic biplane. See the area like never before.
McGill Toolen Summer Sports Camps 1501 Old Shell Road, Mobile, Alabama 36604 251-445-2900; www.mcgill-toolen.org and choose the Summer 2012 tab. Several Sports Camps offered this summer such as Boys Basketball Shooting Camp, Boys Basketball Camp, Girls Basketball Camp, Baseball, Football, Co-Ed Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Tennis Camp and Cheerleading.
Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 5751 USA Drive S., Room 1072, Mobile 460-6136, sites.google.com/site/usadepartmentofmusic/ensembles/jaguar-marching-band/summer-camp “Sounds of Summer” Marching Leadership and Percussion Camp is open to high school students entering grades 9-12. http://sites.google.com/site/ usadepartmentofmusic/ensembles/jaguar-marchingband/summer-camp for more information. .
Fly the Beach – Aerial Tours 3190 Airport Dr. Suite A, Gulf Shores 948-3522, www.orangebeach.ws/funthings/1215-flythe-beach-aerial-tours L.A. Aloft Ballooning Company Call 753-2248 or visit www.balloonrideus.com/ bookingforms/laaloft.htm Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Rides 970-FLYU (3598), www.guflviewballooning.com
Sports Camps
Gulf Coast Swimfants Infant Swimming Resource (IRS)
391-4799, p.mcpherson@infantswim.com www.infantswim.com ISR goes beyond traditional swimming instruction by teaching infants aged 6 months - to children 6 yearsold ISR Self-Rescue ™ teaches them techniques designed to help them survive should they reach the water alone. With more than 40-years of research and development behind ISR’s Self-Rescue Program, ISR teaches each child survival skills in conjunction with basic swimming lessons that give them the competence required to safely enjoy the water. Empower your child by enrolling him or her in ISR’s Self-Rescue Program....“The Sooner, The Safer”.
St. Lukes Summer Sports Camps
975 Japonica Lane, Mobile (Lower School) 1400 University Boulevard South (Middle and Upper School) 666-2991, www.sles.org St. Luke’s Athletic Department will sponsor a variety of athletic camps throughout the summer for students of all age groups. Please visit the website for camp details.
Kindermusik Christ UMC, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile 342-0462, www.kindermusikatchristunited.com The world’s leading publisher of music and movement curricula for parents and their children, age’s newborn to 7 years old.
Commitment To Excellence Youth Football Camp Municipal Park, Youth Football Field, 463-4918 The camp is for ages 4-13 and will teach the fundamentals of youth football, basic skills and practice drills. The older ages will also do seven-on-seven drills. Among the guests will be University Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron and University of South Alabama assistant athletic director Haven Fields, a former Auburn University linebacker.
University of South Alabama “Sounds of Summer” Marching Leadership and Percussion Camp Department of Music ● University of South Alabama
Elite Fitness 1121 Dawes Road, Mobile, 633-7837 For ages 5-12. Campers will learn martial arts,
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
46
Mobile Tennis Center 851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile 208-5181, www.mobiletenniscenter.net Mobile Parks and Recreation Department Community Activities Location TBA, Mobile; 460-2421 www.cityofmobile.org/parks. Sport camps. Call 666-6404 or 666-6053 for more information or visit website.
435 Mo 251 The and we Ris Pre 180 mo
Kid Ch 610 342 Kid in g mu pai nig eve
Pla 485 602 Sum intr dem the
Mobile Yacht Club Sailing School Sailing Program Ages 7-up. Learn basic sailing and racing techniques in a safe and fun environment. For more information, call 471-3131. Spring Hill College Sports Camps Springhill College Campus, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile www.shcbadgers.com/f/Camps.php Offers Basketball and Volleyball camps. For details visit www.shcbadgers.com under camps. UMS-Wright Preparatory School 65 N. Mobile Street, Mobile; www.ums-wright.org Sports camps include cheerleading, baseball, pitching, basketball, soccer, volleyball & football. Visit website for details. University of Mobile Summer Sports Camps UM campus, 5735 College Pkwy.; www.umobile.edu The University of Mobile is once again offering a variety of sports camps for boys and girls. University of South Alabama Camps Baseball Camp: USA Stanky Field; 460-6970, www. jagbaseballcamps.com. Steve Kittrell Baseball Camp of Champions; Boys Football/Basketball Camps: 251-445-4055, www.jaguarfootballcamps.com; Soccer Camp: (251) 414-8252 460-6035 www.jaguarsoccercamps.com; Girls Basketball Camp, South Alabama Field & Track Camp and Softball Camp visit www.usajaguars.com; Volleyball Camps – www.jaguarvolleyballcamps. com/volleyball-camps.cfm.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
d
m-
es cal.
ed
oc-
Theater/Drama
Water Sports/Cruises
Drama Camp Productions at Sunnyside Theater Camp
Alabama Cruises’ Kingfisher 12402 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore, 973-1244 An open air vessel with a seating capacity of 20, provides intimate views of wildlife and their habitats. The Kingfisher is available for cruises at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm during the months of June, July, August and mid-September.
4354-A Old Shell Rd, (Spring Hill Shopping Ctr), Mobile 251-510-1808; www.sunnysidedrama.com Theater by kids, for kids! Each camp will rehearse and perform a full-length show at the end of two weeks. Grades 3 and up at Murphy High School. Rising Stars (grades 8 & up) also offering camps for PreK 2! Call Director Chris Paragone at 251-5101808 or email dramacamp@mindspring.com for more information. KidShine Camp Performing Arts Fun! Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile 342-0462; www.christumcchildren.com KidShine is five days of performing arts fun for kids in grades 3–8. The day camp week is filled with music, drama, dance, puppets, instruments, scenery painting and fun ending with an amazing Friday night performance. The KidShine experience is about everyone working together as a team. Playhouse in the Park - Theater Crafts Camp 4851 Museum Dr., Mobile 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org Summer Theatre Crafts camp is an excellent introductory experience for ages 5 - 12. A short demonstration for parents will be held at the end of the week.
it
Alabama Cruises’ Southern Belle 12402 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore 973-1244, www.alabamacruises.com Located at Bellingrath Gardens, 150 passenger ‘Southern Belle’ offers 45 minute fun and informative sightseeing cruises. Dinner cruises operate Friday and Saturday nights, Feb-Nov and daily in December. Prepaid reservation required. Private charters available. Delta Airboat Express 3733 Battleship Parkway, 251-370-7089 www.airboatexpress.com; Learn about the wildlife in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta while having an educational, fun airboat ride that the whole family will enjoy! Tours depart from the Original Oyster House. We are open for reservations 7 days a week. Delta Explorer 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort (251) 259-8531, www.5rds.com Guided canoe and kayak adventures of the Delta and Mobile Bay. Half day to multi-day trips offered. Canoe, Kayak and pedal boat rentals available all year. Reservations recommended. Delta Safaris 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort
(251) 259-8531, www.5rds.com Three opportunities for a unique Adventure! You can ride the Hovercraft, take the “Pelican” Pontoon Boat Delta Cruise or take a Deep Delta Waverunner Safari! You will get an in-depth a look at the USA’s 2nd largest Delta from a perspective that very few have seen. Five Rivers Outfitters/Bartram Canoe Trail 30841 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort 626-8464, www.fairhopeboat.com/five_rivers.html Five Rivers Outfitters overlooks the beautiful Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Kayak and Canoe rentals/ sales. Guided tours available. Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours 10300 U.S. 90, Pascagoula, Miss 228-475-6026 / 866-954-2867 www.airboatswamptoursofmississippi.com Take a walk on the wild side and visit some of the most beautiful swamp lands in South Mississippi! Stroll along protected walkways, hand feed gators come face to face with an alligator! Walking Tours: $5 plus tax or ride our high speed airboats. Mobile Bay Ferry 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf shores 861-3000, www.mobilebayferry.com Daily departures every 1 ½ hours. Ferry runs between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Nautical Nature Safari Sun Harbor Marina, Orange Beach, 269-0073 Travel through the waterways while a shrimp net drags for hidden marine life, then deposits its catch in a 20’ trough on board. Examine blue crabs, blowfish, stingrays, shrimp and other species “up close and personal”. The 1 ½ to 2 hour boat trip includes a view of the estuaries, dolphin watching, and information about coastal preservation. MBP
ues
s
g t
edu
w. mp
coc-
-
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
47
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
so try les yo too Ro Aq
Raising a Water Confident Kid by Joanna Nesbit
When my daughter, Leah, was six, I signed her up for a month’s worth of swim lessons, every day for half an hour, because, well, it worked for another mom’s kids. This mom had told me her kids’ skills didn’t progress until the third week, and a four-week block was the only way to go. Leah had taken lessons in previous summers but with little obvious success, and I fell for the mom’s advice. What I didn’t account for was my daughter’s persistent (read: stubborn) temperament or her willingness to wage silent battle by simply not getting into the pool. Oh, sure, some days she did, when the planets were aligned, but other mornings she sat on a deck chair Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
and watched her toddler brother dabble with his perky swim teachers. Even when she did get in the pool, Leah steadfastly refused to dunk. Indeed, she didn’t dunk until a year later while in a hotel pool during a summer vacation. The key? It was her own idea. Swim lessons often feel non-negotiable to parents because we care about our children’s safety. And there’s that pesky idea that because all our friends’ kids love swimming, ours should, too. But not all kids take to water like dolphins. First step: relax. Then keep in mind the following tips for developing water confidence in even the most reluctant youngsters, and chances are you’ll avoid poolside battles. 48
su the ste the or flo an rea
wi bu sli yo tio
po an ch su
Go to the pool often. Taking your kids early and often to the pool is the single biggest factor for helping them love water, says Ken Erickson, general manager of Bayside Swim Club, a Washington-based organization. Regular visits make water normal. Sign up for parent/baby classes or plan to take your toddler to your local pool to play. Keep it fun. Young children progress quicker when parents interact with them in the pool, so make water play a family experience. A warm pool, 85 degrees or more, is especially important for reluctant swimmers and will help kids relax. Confront your own fear. If you’re a reluctant swimmer yourself, you may convey to your kids that water is Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
something to be afraid of, even if you try to hide your fear. Consider taking lessons so you can comfortably join your children in the pool (you’re never too old to learn to swim), says Lance Romo, program director at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. Don’t pressure kids. Avoid pressuring or tricking your kids into skills they’re not ready for. Praise their baby steps and trust they will progress when the time is right. If your child is fearful or timid, try a swimsuit with a built-in flotation device for extra fun and buoyancy. She’ll move beyond it when she’s ready, says Erickson. Note on flotation aids: Avoid water wings because they move the center of buoyancy to the arms, and noodles can slip out from under a child. Never leave your child unattended even with a flotation aid. Once your child is confident with pool play, he’s ready to try lessons. For any child, but especially the reluctant child, swim experts offer the following suggestions for a successful experience.
Shopping for lessons: * Look for a pool with a high ratio of instructors to students, as well as instructors skilled with working with kids. * Look for a pool that provides a non-threatening environment, emphasizes fun, and doesn’t force skills such as dunking or jumping off the diving board. * Find out how instructors engage reluctant swimmers. Interaction should be positive and fun. * Ask whether instructors allow goggles. For some kids, goggles can make all the difference for going underwater. When lessons begin: * Prepare your child for lessons by describing what to expect (check the pool’s website or talk with instructors in advance). * Allow your child to interact with the instructor without hovering to distract her (but don’t force separation). * Keep in mind that not all kids progress at the same rate. It’s normal
for kids to repeat lessons at the same level multiple times and then suddenly leap ahead. * Try private lessons if your child isn’t progressing due to the group setting or her own fear. Some kids experience performance anxiety in a group and do better in a one-on-one scenario. * For age 6 and under, take time off between sessions to avoid burn out. For age guidelines on lessons, talk to the pool staff or refer to their website for recommendations but keep in mind each child’s individuality. My daughter was one of the oldest children in her level primarily because she wasn’t willing at a younger age to follow directions. Most importantly, keep it light and fun. Once your child gets past his reluctance, he will be splashing across the pool with the rest of the kids. Joanna Nesbit lives in Bellingham, WA, where fun summer swimming is a challenge because the water is cold and the only public pool is indoors.
a -
y.
h
nt
e
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
49
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Family Calendar Ongoing
Centre for the Living Arts The Memory Project is the first phase of the Centre for the Living Arts’ plan to create a national model for community building through the arts. Running from April 13 to December 31 2012, it involves a nine-month visual and performing arts program that examines the various intersections of individual and collective memory in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. It will include a global to local exhibition of significant artists, as well as live music, film screenings, public forums and conversations, plus classes and workshops for all ages. Programming will be held at Space 301, the Saenger Theatre, and several offsite locations throughout the City of Mobile. Visit the link www.centreforthelivingarts. com/memory-project to learn about dates for specific events associated with the project. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-5650. Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Exploreum Tornado Alley IMAX Film at Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, May 8 - September 9, 2012. An explosive new film narrated by Bill Paxton (Twister, Titanic), will bring nature’s most dramatic weather phenomena to the J.L. Bedsole IMAX at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in downtown Mobile. Through the power of IMAX, join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Science begins to reveal the unseen architecture of nature’s most elusive phenomenon, and viewers, for the first time in film history, are taken straight into the heart of an actual tornado. For showtimes and tickets, visit the link below or call (877) 625-4FUN. For more information, visit www.exploreum.com Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, (Government St.) Mon. - Fri., 9 - 5; Sat, 10 - 5; Sun, noon - 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-4334456, www.handsonsal.org. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 342-
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
May/June2012
2241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile Bay Bears Baseball Season runs from April 10 - September 3. The BayBears were 2011 Southern League Champions and were also honored as Baseball America’s Minor League Team of the Year for 2011. For more information on the Mobile BayBears and ticket prices, please call 251.479.BEAR. For more information, visit www.mobilebaybears.com. Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com. Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org. Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org. Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320. Saenger Theatre Mobile. For information call (251) 208-5600. www.mobilesaenger.com. USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www.ussalabama.com. VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.
Classes/Meetings
APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@ childrensaid.org. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sage Ave. and Airport Blvd. For more info call 251-3800579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com. Kids Cooking Experience - Preschool Cooking Class Mommy/Daddy and Me Class. Ages 3-5. This class incorporates recipes, age-appropriate culinary skills, basic nutrition, and literature. Will consist of age-appropriate themes such as: Shapes, Community Helpers, Numbers, Colors, etc. We will read a book and make a snack that goes along with the story. Classes are M-W-F 10 - 11:30 a.m. Call for reservations and pricing, (251) 378-8591. Located in Bayside Café, 5212-E Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, www.kidscookingexperience.com. Find us on Facebook. Kids Cooking Experience - After School Chef Ages 6-8 and Ages 9-12. This class offers a wellrounded approach to teaching children the skills necessary to develop their love of cooking. Classes are designed to allow creativity to mesh with culinary techniques for exciting results! Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 6 p.m. Call for reservations and pricing, (251) 378-8591. Located in Bayside Café, 5212-E Cottage Hill Road, Mobile. www.kidscookingexperience.com. Find us on
50
Facebook. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. and the last Monday at 6:30 p.m. The nighttime meetings are especially geared towards expectant/new mothers and working mothers, but any pregnant or breastfeeding mother is welcome at either. The number to call for the location is 251-6892085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every fourth Tuesday of every month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every third Thursday of every month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every second Thursday of every month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-6331987 for more information.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
F
Spr ww •B For the Wa 461 •B On Fam star Cal •C Fou Fam of l ane ma Ho •C On Fam or w to p •M No an age tou par the 776 • In Lea
•
•
Vis
89e
y
’s n
ur
rn
rg.
200
Mrs. Bessie Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration Bessie Morse Bellingrath left an unparalleled mark on the Gardens and Home of Bellingrath. Plan a visit to the Gardens to celebrate Mrs. Bellingrath’s birthday.After touring the Bellingrath Home and learning of how Mrs. Bellingrath amassed the decorative arts collection that bears her name, be sure to visit the Bellingrath Gift Shop. The Gift Shop will
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!
We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode
first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?
Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...
Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director
www.riverviewcamp.com
Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 5 hr drive. 1
Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16
D RAMA
n 3-
Sunday, May 20
AND
n nce or
6th Annual Bagwell Kayak Fishing Tournament This will be a two day event. Saturday will be the fishing tournament and the fish fry. Sunday will be a kayak test drive day. Families can come to Aloe Bay Park and paddle a kayak (with no fishing poles) and learn more about the sport. West Marine and others TBA will be on hand to show their kayaks. The tournament weigh-in will be at Aloe Bay Park next to the Pelican Pub on Dauphin Island. This year’s tournament will benefit the Mobile County Sheriff’s Flotilla. For more information, visit www.mbkfa. com. Bee Hive Spring Indoor/Outdoor Yard Sale Annual Spring Indoor/Yard AND Bake Sale. Support the ministries of Government Street United Methodist Church. Location: 901 Government Street.
C RAFTS • C HORUS
or
Saturday, May 19
7:30 a.m. - Noon. Contact Bettie Champion 251-4384714 or thebeehive@thebeehive.us. Spring Market on the Square Shop for the freshest crop in town! This time of year is our favorite because you can get locally grown: tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, seafood, flowers, plants, baked breads, pasta’s, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and so much more. Stay for live music on the green! Each Saturday through July 28th. 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Cathedral Square. Snoopy The Playhouse will present the classic Broadway musical SNOOPY May 18 - 27, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 and students, children, and seniors are $12. The show, based on the long-running comic strip “Peanuts” was a hit in the mid 1970s and is a delightful example of Charles Schulz’s wry humor with wonderful songs and dances that make for an entertaining evening for all ages. For more information, please visit www.playhouseinthepark. org.
AND
d n
are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323.
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
m
May/June2012
0000067769-01
any
Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 3407769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you
FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
e
Family Calendar
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
51
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Family Calendar feature a special “Buy Like Miss Bessie” sale! Be sure to join us for the birthday celebration of an extraordinary woman! 6th Annual Bagwell Kayak Fishing Tournament See May 19 for details. Snoopy See May 19 for details.
Monday, May 21
Mobile Infirmary FREE Skin Cancer Screenings Do you know skin cancer when you see it? More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. Find out if you are at risk. May 21 through 24. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ProHealth Fitness Center. Free and open to the public; appointments required. To make an appointment or for more information, call 435-3500.
Tuesday, May 22
Space 301 - Pre-K Studio: Home Is Where The Art Is Space 301, 10 a.m., 301 Conti Street, Mobile. (251) 208-5671. Children ages 3-5 and their parents will learn about family and home while creating 2D and 3D houses. Inspiration will be drawn from the art of William Christenberry and the Memory Lab Installation. Pre-K Studio will take place in the CLA Classroom from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Free Admission. Call Brennan Gibson at 208 – 5658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. www.centreforthelivingarts.com. Mobile Infirmary FREE Skin Cancer Screenings See May 21 for details.
Wednesday, May 23
May/June2012
Saturday, May 26
MBG Marketplace Mobile Botanical Gardens marketplace: On sale: Trees, shrubs, perennials, roses, ferns, camellias, azaleas, bog plants, and more native plants you won’t find anywhere else - staffed by knowledgeable salespeople. 9 - 11 a.m. Mobile Botanical Gardens (5151 Museum Dr) Through June 30. 251-342-0555/ www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org. LuLuPalooza Annual Memorial Day Weekend LuLuPalooza Music Festival. Free, for all ages. The best way to celebrate Memorial Day on the coast! This years line up include: The Lee Boys 5/26 8:30 p.m., Roddie Romero & The Hub City All-Stars 5/27 8:30 p.m., Eric Lindell 5/26 6:15 p.m., Bonerama 5/27 6:15 p.m., Honey Island Swamp Band 5/26 4 p.m. Dread Clampitt 5/27 4 p.m., Geoff Achison 5/26 12 p.m., Pat McCann 5/27 12 p.m. The location is LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores. A Little Night Music 7:30 p.m. See May 25 for details. Spring Market on the Square See May19 for details. Snoopy See May 19 for details.
Sunday, May 27 A Little Night Music 2:00 p.m. See May 25 for details. LuLuPalooza See May 26 for details. Snoopy See May 19 for details.
Brown Bag Bienville Spring has sprung in downtown Mobile! Come out and listen to the soothing sounds of live jazz as you lunch in Bienville Square around the historic Ketchum Fountain. Catt Sirten sets up live musicians and the City sets up tables for your enjoyment each Wednesday in the Spring. 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Mobile Infirmary FREE Skin Cancer Screenings See May 21 for details.
Monday, May 28
Thursday, May 24
Wednesday, May 30
Opening Day: Spring Market in the Park The Mobile Museum of Art serves as a beautiful backdrop in Langan Park, where you can get the freshest spring crops in South Alabama. Shop for locally grown honey, produce, flowers, breads, casseroles, plants, seafood and much more! Enjoy live music, children’s’ activities and free admission to the museum during the Market. Mobile Infirmary FREE Skin Cancer Screenings See May 21 for details.
Friday, May 25
A Little Night Music A romantic musical based on the film Smiles of a Summer Night. Chickasaw Civic Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Lola Phillips Playhouse (801 Iroquois St, Chickasaw) Adults/ $15; senior citizens (60+) & students/ $10 (cash and local checks). For more information, contact: 251-457-8887 or visit www.cctshows.com. Snoopy See May 19 for details.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Fort Morgan Memorial Day Tribute Fort Morgan, AL State Historic Site. 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Uniformed living history interpreters honor the ultimate sacrifice made by America’s military throughout nation’s history with an artillery salute throughout the day. Admission charged. (251) 5407127.
Brown Bag Bienville See May 23 for details.
Thursday, May 31 Spring Market in the Park See May 24 for details.
Friday, June 1
A Little Night Music A romantic musical based on the film Smiles of a Summer Night. Chickasaw Civic Theatre. Fri. & Sat, 7:30 p.m. Sun, 2 p.m. Lola Phillips Playhouse (801 Iroquois St, Chickasaw) Adults/ $15; senior citizens (60+) & students/ $10 (cash and local checks). Contact: 251-457-8887/ www.cctshows.com. Kick Off to Summer Blood Drive at Bel Air Mall Join us in the Target wing of Bel Air Mall for the American Red Cross blood drive and kick off summer! Donors will receive free giveaways and goodies! Don’t miss your chance to save a life. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
52
Saturday, June 2
Mobile Public Library Summer Reading Program Kickoff All Library Locations 10 a.m. – Noon, Crafts & Games. Set a Summer reading goal and get a backpack! Get your free BayBears game voucher for Library Night, Friday, July 13. Silly Band Week is June 18-22. Get a silly band when you visit the Library! Art Contest- All Library Locations. Enter the Dream BIG Art Contest June 4 – 23. Pick up your entry form at the children’s desk. Bald Eagle Bash Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center--Enjoy a Taste of Weeks Bay featuring Alabama Wild Shrimp prepared by top local restaurants, with live entertainment provided by Locust Fork Band. Fundraising event to support the Weeks Bay Foundation’s mission to protect the natural resources of coastal Alabama while supporting the goals and programs of the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate and are available at www. BaldEagleBash.com, at BBVA Compass locations, and by calling 251-990-5004. Grandman Triathlon Join us for the Springhill Medical Center Grandman Triathlon to benefit four amazing local non-profit organizations: Mobile Baykeeper, The Gulf Coast Area Triathletes, The Baldwin County Trailblazers & Camp Rap-A-Hope. The event begins with a 1/3 mile swim straight out into picturesque Mobile Bay and back beside the Fairhope Municipal Pier. After the swim comes a 18 mile bike ride through the charming city of Fairhope. The ride begins with one steep hill and five miles of rolling countryside. The race to the finish line begins with a 3.1 mile run through the streets of Fairhope and along the Bay. For more information, please visit www. thegrandman.com. The Lazy Lawn at Mobile Botanical Gardens Spend less time worrying about your lawn and more time enjoying it! Practical advice on starting and maintaining a manageable, affordable lawn. 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Members $25, non-members $35. MBG Marketplace See May 26 for details. A Little Night Music See June 1 for details. Spring Market on the Square See May 26 for details.
F
pro Au we we in t Blo Do Rem Bay Sta ap nig the Mo
Tu
Hu Wa Dr. the staf add his dis glo Thi at 6 Bea Bra Flu pop reg Bo
Sunday, June 3
Jubilee Kids Triathlon by Page and Pallet 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., this SWIM, BIKE, RACE event is for children age 7-15. All proceeds will help fund the Good Life Fitness Trail by the pier. Register at www.thegoodlifefound.org or visit www.pageandpalette.com or call (251) 928-5295 for more information. A Little Night Music See June 1 for details.
Monday, June 4
Auditions for The Wizard of OZ Auditions will be held Monday and Wednesday, June 4 & 6 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Playhouse. Those auditioning should be between the ages of 6 -to mid-20s, and should be prepared to sing a 30second song of their choice and possibly read from a
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
Family Calendar
am
k
our
mp
provided script. The show will run from July 26 August 19 (Thursday - Sunday for the first two weekends and Friday - Sunday for the last two weekends. All performances will be at the Playhouse in the Park. Call 602-0630 for details. Blood Drive Donate blood and get free Baybears Ticket. Remington College is partnering with the Mobile Bay Bears for a blood drive at the Hank Aaron Stadium from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who donates a pint of blood will get a complimentary ticket to that night’s game against the Birmingham Barons. All the blood collected will be used to help people in the Mobile area.
Tuesday, June 5
es
n
h
Hurricanes - Find Out Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask Dr. Bill Williams, Associate Professor Emeritus of the University of South Alabama and member of the staff of the Coastal Weather Research Center will address the upcoming, hurricane season; look at the history of hurricanes along the Gulf Coast; and discuss possible relationships that may exist with global warming. For more information call 208-7097. This event will be held at the Ben May Main Library at 6:30 p.m. Beat the Heat Movies at the Springhill/Moorer Branch Library Flubber will be shown at 1 p.m. Lemonade and popcorn provided. Caregiver required. Groups must register, call 470-7770. Book/Movie Club at Saraland Branch Library
Tuesdays at 1 p.m, Ages 6 & up. Read the book then watch the movie (Matilda).
Spring Market in the Park See May 24 for details.
Wednesday, June 6
Saturday, June 9
Summer Garden Walk With Barbara Smith Bellingrath’s Display Manager, Barbara Smith will lead a tour throughout the Gardens and answer your questions about her selection of plants for the floral borders and containers. 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Reservations Requested. Gardens Admission ($12.00 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. The Big Show Wednesdays at Toulminville Branch Library Winnie the Pooh at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and up. Groups must register, call 438-7075. Auditions for The Wizard of OZ See June 4 for details.
Thursday, June 7
Kids Days in Bienville Bring the kids out for some summertime fun to Bienville Square each Thursday and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire Departments and much more! Free. Thursdays from June 7 – July 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Featured Flicks at the Main Library Kung Fu Panda is playing at 1 p.m. at the Main Library. Registration is required for groups, 208-7086.
re -
CE
or
ne
Feed an alligator! Call for details.
See over 200 alligators up close! Nature walk on elevated boardwalk.
Make Your Own Bog Garden Class at MBG If you’ve ever been to a pitcher plant bog (or even to the MBG Plaza), you know how unique and fascinating these plants are, especially to children. Take advantage of this workshop to bring a little bit of the bog home! $25 members; $35 non-members no cost for accompanied children 12 and under. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. For more information on this gardening class, please visit mobilebotanicalgardens. org. City Wide Rummage Sale at Abba Temple We plan to have 100 families selling items, concession, and door prizes each hour. Lots of bargains for the whole family. Donations will go to help the America’s Thrift store of Mobile. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Abba Temple Shrine. Something for Saturday at Moorer Branch Library This event takes place at 10:30 a.m. at the Springhill/ Moorer Branch Library. Beach Party Blast is the theme - Stories, Games, & Crafts for School Agers, accompanied by a caregiver. Please call 470-7770 for more information. Top of the Hops Beer Festival at the Wharf Orange Beach, at 4 p.m. For more information, please visit www.topofthehopsbeerfest.com/Wharf. Spring Market on the Square See May 26 for details. MBG Marketplace See May 26 for details.
Get up close and personal with our alligators! “Mighty Max” “Prince Eric” “Crunch” “B.A.” and
“R.J.”
View feeding times. Field Trips/Birthday Parties available. Fun for the entire family!
Safe for kids!
1-866-99-GATOR 19950 Hwy 71 • Summerdale, AL
ma
200
May/June2012
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
www.gatoralleyfarm.com 53
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Family Calendar Monday, June 11
Family Feature Film Footloose Family feature film will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Toulminville Branch Library. For more information, please call 438-7075.
Tuesday, June 12
Beat the Heat Movies at the Springhill/Moorer Branch Library Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants will be shown at 1 p.m. Lemonade and popcorn provided. Caregiver required. Groups must register, call 470-7770. Book/Movie Club at Saraland Branch Library Tuesdays at 1 p.m., Ages 6 & up. Read the book then come watch Alice in Wonderland.
Wednesday, June 13
The Big Show Wednesdays at Toulminville Branch Library Treasure Buddies starts at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and up. Groups must register, call 438-7075. From the Furnace to the Gardens: A Look at Antique Cast Iron in Bellingrath Gardens with Tom McGehee Learn about the beautiful antique cast iron ornaments throughout the Gardens with Bellingrath’s Curator, Tom McGehee. 10:30- 11:30 Reservations Requested. Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations.
Thursday, June 14
Kids Days in Bienville Bring the kids out for some summertime fun to Bienville Square each Thursday and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire Departments and much more! Free. Thursdays from June 7 – July 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Featured Flicks at the Main Library Happy Feet is the movie playing at 1 p.m. at the Main Library. Registration is required for groups, 208-7086. Spring Market in the Park See May 24 for details.
Friday, June 15
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley Held over Father’s Day weekend and located at the Foley Soccer Complex, approximately 50 balloonists from across the country participate in this event. There will be food and arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, a children’s village and more. Balloons will fly (weather permitting) early in the morning and at dusk. For information call (251)9433291 or visit www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com. Family Feature Film Hugo at the Library This feature will be at the Saraland Public Library at 6 p.m. Children are encouraged to bring their pillows and blankets. For more information please call 675-2879.
Saturday, June 16
The Causeway 5K and Fun Run The CAUSEway Run will benefit the work of Alabama Teen Challenge (alabamateenchallenge.org) Out and back certified 5K course along the Causeway between Mobile and Spanish Fort offers a unique view of Mobile Bay. For more information, visit www.alabamateenchallenge.org.
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
May/June2012
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley See June 15 for details. Spring Market on the Square See May 26 for details. MBG Marketplace See May 26 for details.
get their autographs at the fountain in Bel Air Mall between JC Penny & Belk. 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Frog Prince at Playhouse-in-the-Park See June 20 for details.
Dis See Sp See MB See
Saturday, June 23
L
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley See June 15 for details.
Spring Market on the Square See May 26 for details. MBG Marketplace See May 26 for details.
Monday, June 18
Tuesday, June 26
Sunday, June 17
Bedtime Stories Pajama Party A fun evening of stories and crafts for families with young children, ages 2-8. Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. 6:30 p.m. Registration & caregiver required. West Regional Branch Library at 5555 Grelot Road.
Tuesday, June 19
Beat the Heat Movies at the Springhill/Moorer Branch Library Dolphin Tail will be shown at 1 p.m. Lemonade and popcorn provided. Caregiver required. Groups must register, call 470-7770. Book/Movie Club at Saraland Branch Library Tuesdays at 1 p.m., .Ages 6 & up. Read the book then watch Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
Wednesday, June 20
The Frog Prince at Playhouse-in-the-Park New this summer, the Playhouse will present The Frog Prince, a Muppet-style puppet show based on the Grimm Brothers fairy tale of the princess whose kiss magically brings her prince to life. The show also features interactive fun featuring “Hank the Handyman!” Perfect for your Summer Camp Group – Large or Small! $5 per student; $2 per chaperone. Call 251-602-0630 to book this 45-minute show! Suitable for ages 4 – 13. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29, Two shows each day at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. The Playhouse-inthe-Park is located in beautiful Langan Park. Kid’s Gulf Discovery Day & Kids Kruise at Bellingrath Gardens Learn about the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico and Fowl River from area experts and organizations. Lots of activities and displays for kids of every age. Reservations are required for the Kruises. For more information, please visit www.bellingrath.org or call 251-973-2217. The Big Show Wednesdays at Toulminville Branch Library Happy Feet starts at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and up. Groups must register, call 438-7075.
Thursday, June 21
Matinee @ The Main Library The film Joyful Noise will take place at the main library at 1 p.m. For more information please call 208-7097. The Frog Prince at Playhouse-in-the-Park See June 20 for details. Kids Days in Bienville See June 14 for details. Spring Market in the Park See May 24 for details.
Friday, June 22
Distinguished Young Women Meet and Greet at Bel Air Mall Meet the Distinguished Young Women Finalists and
54
S
Beat the Heat Movies at the Springhill/Moorer Branch Library The Smurfs will be shown at 1 p.m. Lemonade and popcorn provided. Caregiver required. Groups must register, call 470-7770. Book/Movie Club at Saraland Branch Library Tuesdays at 1 p.m., .Ages 6 & up. Read the book then watch Where the Wild Things Are.
Wednesday, June 27
The Big Show Wednesdays at Toulminville Branch Library Happy Feet starts at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and up. Groups must register, call 438-7075. Hibiscus with Dr. Bill Barrick Dr. Barrick has declared this the year of the Hibiscus at Bellingrath Gardens. Learn more about these beautiful plants and how we have used them in the Gardens. We will be selling Hibiscus plants in the Gift Shop, too! 10:30- 11:30. Reservations Requested. Plant Sale in Gift Shop. Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. There are additional charges to tour the Home and/or to take the River Cruise. Call 251.973.2217 X 111 for reservations. The Frog Prince at Playhouse-in-the-Park See June 20 for details.
Jul Ex Vis you inf the Be Jul Fre Dis
We thi ahe inf
P
Thursday, June 28
Distinguished Young Women National Finals The 55th Distinguished Young Women National Finals will take place on June 28, 29 & 30, in Mobile. More than $140,000 in cash scholarships, millions in college granted scholarships and the official gold medallion are all up for grabs as 50 of the nation’s top young women travel to Mobile to participate. DYW National Finals will be held at the Mobile Civic Center. For ticket information: 251.438.3621 or visit www.distinguishedYW.org. Treasure Buddies Film at the Saraland Public Library Treasure Buddies will be at 6 p.m. at the Saraland Public Library. Children are encouraged to bring their pillows and blankets. For more information please call 675-2879. Kids Days in Bienville See June 14 for details. Spring Market in the Park See May 24 for details. The Frog Prince at Playhouse-in-the-Park See June 20 for details.
Friday, June 29
Distinguished Young Women National Finals See June 28 for details. The Frog Prince at Playhouse-in-the-Park See June 20 for details.
Advertising: 251-304-1200
Vis
us
Saturday, June 30
Distinguished Young Women National Finals See June 28 for details. Spring Market on the Square See May 26 for details. MBG Marketplace See May 26 for details.
Looking Ahead...
July 4. Gulf Shores Annual Fireworks Extravaganza Visible from any Gulf Shores area beach. Tune your radio to Sunny 105.7 for current fireworks information and simultaneous patriotic music during the show. The location is the Main Beach (101 East Beach Blvd) and is a free event. July 4. Fourth of July Event in Fairhope Free Baldwin Pops Concert on the Bluff and Fireworks Display on the Pier. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
T
O
D
A
Y
KYM THURMAN
WATCH
WORKING MOMS
TUESDAYS ON LOCAL 15
TODAY
Please send your calendar events to lynn @mobilebayparents.com by the 8th of the month. It’s FREE!
t
200
Visit www.MobileBayParents.com
55
Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
Battleship
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Language: C Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Battleship PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, action and destruction and for language. Hasbro Inc. has entered the entertainment business on a whole new level. After the Transformers trilogy grossed more than $2.6 billion worldwide, the toy maker has joined forces with Universal Studios to adapt the board game Battleship for a theatrical staging in a cinema near you. Considering the US military’s significant involvement in the production of this movie, the film might also be mistaken for a kind of promo ad -- except that thousands of soldiers die when several ships and a military base are blown to bits. Still the story pays homage to the fighting skills of past war veterans and combat amputees. In the story, Alex Hopper (Taylor Kitsch) may have read the Chinese treatise Art of War several times but the badly behaved sibling of Naval Commander Stone Hopper (Alexander Skarsgard) hasn’t learned a thing about getting his life in order. After committing a stupid stunt to impress a girl (Brooklyn Decker), Alex gets a harsh dressing down from his older brother who forces him to join the Navy. (In reality, he probably should have been doing jail time.) Yet despite Alex’s continued aversion to discipline that has him headed for a dishonorable discharge, he appears to skyrocket his way up through the ranks. This questionable officer’s status suddenly propels him into the commander’s chair after his ship’s captain is killed in a face-off with aliens. Like in so many alien movies, these extraterrestrial ships are monstrous, with technology seemingly light years ahead of earthlings’. It’s a plot with a glut of special effects that requires a universal suspension of reason. Although the script’s salty language along with enormous explosions and frequent attacks will dissuade some viewers from buying tickets, Lt. Alex Hopper is the real problem. Of necessity the military prides itself on discipline. However, Alex continually goes off half-cocked, getting into scraps with fellow and foreign officers and making decisions that threaten the safety of other soldiers. While the glamorization of his disorderly conduct might be okay in the pretend world of movie war, it would no doubt cost lives on the real battlefront.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: BSexual Content: CLanguage: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated What to Expect When You’re Expecting PG-13 for crude and sexual content, thematic elements and language. Borrowing the look and feel of recent films from Garry Marshal (director of Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve), What to Expect When You’re Expecting is chock full of characters who exist in a plot no deeper than a kids’ wading pool. Topping the famous faces list in this cast is Jules (Cameron Diaz), a TV fitness guru married to a celebrity husband (Matthew Morrison). Running a small business devoted to “breast is best” is natural pregnancy advocate Wendy (Elizabeth Banks) who gets a taste of her own advice when faced with the hormonal onslaught of growing a baby. Meanwhile her husband Gary (Ben Falcone) struggles with pregnancy-stress-induced weight gain after appearing on a “Biggest Loser”-style TV show. Gary’s “need to feed” may also be the result of the competition he is constantly engaged in with his wealthy father (Dennis Quaid) who’s expecting twins with his twenty-something wife (Brooklyn Decker). Not able to get access to the expecting club quite as easily are photographer Holly and her husband Alex (Jennifer Lopez and Rodrigo Santoro), so the infertile couple looks to Ethiopia to arranged an adoption. However Alex isn’t so sure he’s up to the task of being a dad -- a problem that’s aggravated by his parenting-inept group of male friends. And at the bottom of this film’s social ladder is Marco and Rosie (Chace Crawford and Anna Kendrick). Proprietors of competing food truck businesses, they engage in an impulsive rendezvous that redefines fraternizing with the competition. Frequent discussions surrounding conception, breastfeeding, circumcision and pregnancy result in explicit sexual discussions and innuendo using both anatomical and crude terms. Scatological slang, names of deity and profanities, including a full sexual expletive (along with a couple of abbreviated ones) are frequently heard. The movie shows characters drinking alcohol too. And a couple of the pregnancies experience realistic complications that create perilous and sorrowful situations. While hardly recommendable for any viewers, this film is perhaps even more unsuitable for anyone considering becoming a parent.
What Parents need to know about Battleship...
Violence: Alien attacks result in huge explosions that destroy ships, roadways, buildings, a military base and much of a downtown area. It also causes thousands of deaths and injuries. Numerous bloody wounds and dead bodies are seen. Soldiers return fire, resulting in more explosions. Aliens make threatening gestures to children and adult characters. A character breaks into a business and is later shot repeatedly with a Taser (injuries are shown). A man is kicked in the face during a soccer game. Characters engage in hand-to-hand combat. War amputees in a military hospital undergo rehabilitation. One character deals with anger issues. Gory and often grotesque images are depicted. Sexual Content: A couple kisses on several occasions. A woman wears a bikini top and other low cut clothing. Language: The script contains numerous profanities, scatological slang, terms of Deity and some slurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: A man drinks numerous bottles of beer and other liquor in a bar, and then acts irresponsibly.
What Parents Need To Know About What to Expect When You’re Expecting...
Violence: Characters experience complications with pregnancy. Sexual Content: Use of anatomical and crude terms for sexual body parts. Some discussions include sexual innuendo. Sexual activities leads to implied sex between married and unmarried men and women. Women are seen in bikinis and other abbreviated clothing. Language: The script contains frequent profanities, crude anatomical and scatological slang, a single full sexual expletive and two partial expletives, as well as terms of deity used as expletives. Drugs/Alcohol: Many characters frequently consume alcohol. One unmarried couple drinks to the point of inebriation, and later we learn they have had sex that results in a pregnancy. A man laughingly talks about his child eating a cigarette. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2012
56
Advertising: 251-304-1200
T O N S I D RE . R O L O C YO U R PUT YOUR SUNSCREEN ON!
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One person dies of melanoma ever y hour. One blistering sunburn in childhood can double your chances of developing melanoma.
Use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and apply 20-30 minutes before going outdoors. Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition alabamacancercontrol.org facebook.com/ ALCompCancerCoalition
WATERPARK NOW OPEN
Take me to Waterville!
7 days a week!!
Don’t Miss These Events! June 3
Dora the Explorer
June 10
Spongebob Squarepants
June 16
Flowrider Competition Text
To
Get updates & COOL OFFERS all summer long. Must be 18 or older. Standard text messaging rates apply.
Flowrider • Waterslides $3 Mini-Golf • Shrimp Boat Village The Wave Pool • Lazy River WaWa World • Roller Coaster The Fun Depot • The House of Bounce Nascart GoCarts and so much more!
Get Your Season Passes NOW! call 251.948.2106
Follow Waterville on Facebook!
HWY 59 South, Gulf Shores, AL
251.948.2106
watervilleusa.com