Mobile Bay Parents June 2022 - Summer Fun! by KeepSharing

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

June2022

Volume 12 Number 3

Columns

2 Publisher’s Note

Teach Them to Pause

Help your child regulate emotions with these ideas.

4 Kids Say the Wisest Things

Finding Your Crew

The importance of connecting with other adults and how to start.

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

10 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

35 Tweens, Teens and Screens Kristi Bush, LSW

Summer Fun Guide

Local and nearby activities offer your kids a summer to remember.

Before They Head to College This Fall

44 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

10 things your child needs to know.

Departments On The Cover Audyn Tegan Fails (2), daughter of Demetrius and Ashla Fails and little sister to Kaleb Fails (14) and her heavenly brother Demetrius Fails, Jr. (19). Grandparents are Betty J. Beverly, Robert Beverly, Jr. (deceased) and Theresa Fails (deceased). Audyn enjoys nature walks where she collects unique leaves and sticks, dancing, singing, listening to music, swimming, arts and crafts, and playing with her dog Ali.

6 Bits and Pieces 11 School Bits 40 Family Calendar

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FromthePublisher

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

Another school year is in the books, which means there are moms everywhere realizing their sweet little babies are growing up. Some parents may have just watched their babies graduate from preschool, knowing they are heading to “big school” in the fall, and others are watching their teens graduate and head out into the world. It does not matter if your child is moving up to grade school, middle school, high school or college, whatever stage is next for your kiddo, it can be an emotional time. As parents, it is natural for us to question, “Is my child ready?” “Have I prepared them for what’s ahead?” This is especially true if you are getting ready to watch your child fly from the nest. Practically speaking, there are many things we can do to help older teens prepare to go out into “the real world”. Things like learning how to do their own laundry should certainly be on that list, along with a few other things you may not have thought of. Fortunately, Kerrie McLoughlin has put together a great piece for those of us with teens titled, 10 Things Kids Should Know Before Heading to College This Fall. Depending on how many chores your child currently does, there may be some obvious things you can check off your list, but there are definitely some items that had not occurred to me before reading this article. Try as we may, I don’t know that there is any way to completely prepare them for every circumstance and change that is ahead, but we can do our best. We can share our experiences, make sure they know that we are always here to listen and to help whenever needed, and of course, cover them in prayer. As important as it is for our children to have friends and family to walk alongside them through life changes, it is equally as important for us moms and dads to find our groups. Sometimes finding your squad falls into place naturally through neighbors, church and other activities. At times though, it can be more difficult, especially if you are going through life changes such as a move or a new job. Even having children at different life stages can make sharing experiences less effective. However, there are ways we can make finding our group, and realizing all the potential of that group, easier. Sarah Lyons shares insight in her article, The Importance of Finding Your Crew. Finding friends who will always be there for you... to listen, to encourage and, of course, to laugh with can make a world of difference. Once you have taught your teen to check her oil, and your younger child how to pack his own lunch (or maybe not), then it is time to gather your friends and family and head out for some summer fun! Living on the Gulf Coast there is no shortage of fun to be had. In this issue, we have assembled our annual Summer Fun Activity Guide and it is filled with boredom busters and memory making activities to fill your summer calendar come rain or shine! Make sure you also check out our Family Calendar for even more events. Wishing you and your family a spectacular summer!

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Savannah Browning, MD Kristi Bush, LSW Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Kerrie McLoughlin Dave Ramsey

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson Photography www.HannahStinsonPhotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch Web Content Manager Scott Davis

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2022 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.

lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

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.

www.mobilebayparents.com

he e, nity. y ss.

com

y by 05, oice

n in ed. e are the rse-

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

N OPE 365 A S D A YA R YE

AG ZERES TO O 21

what we treat Minor Illnesses and Injuries Such as: Fever Allergies Cough and Colds Sprains and Strains Vomiting Sore Throat And Other Non-life-threatening Injuries

On-Site Services X-Ray | Laboratory | Pharmacy

Open Late and on Weekends MOBILE: 2pm until 10pm DAPHNE: 12pm until 8pm www.childrensurgent.com Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Teach Them to... PAUSE Can you control your thoughts, feelings, and emotions? If you answered “yes”, think again. Adult thoughts, feelings, and emotions come and go as quickly as children when it is time to do chores. We have no control over them. The only thing we can control is our response. Appropriate responses are created when we learn to pause. Learning to pause is a multilayered process that requires you to understand more about how the brain works. Our brains never stop talking to us. Some of the statements made by your brain are helpful, “Watch out for that car, that driver is texting” or “You were very rude to that clerk and need to apologize.” Some thoughts are simply untrue, “My son hates math, so he is never going to be able to keep a job” or “She made a rude gesture towards me in the meeting. She obviously does not like me.” Like I said earlier, our brains never stop gathering information and attempting to make sense of it. When we draw conclusions, our brain provides options on how to interpret this information. Unfortunately, we often draw the wrong conclusions and react before we realize that the story our brain tells us is a lie. These stories are the real problem, not the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that led to the creation of the story. Unfortunately, children do not yet know how to pause and evaluate the accuracy of the stories their brains are telling them. This is why we see huge emotional reactions when we say “no” to the second cookie. Your daughter’s brain may be telling her, “You will never be able to eat another cookie.” If your child cries every time you tell him a problem is incorrect on his math homework, his brain may be screaming, “I am so dumb, I can’t even do math.” How do we teach them to pause? 1. Start by practicing mindfulness with your child. No, you are not sitting cross-legged on the floor chanting with your children. Mindfulness is the habit of 4

experiencing the present moment without judgement. For example, make statements like, “I am driving in a car” instead of “I am driving in an old car around other people with nicer cars.” Teach your child to recognize the facts of the situation instead of their judgements or interpretations of the situation. Practice this several times a day. Please do not attempt to do this when they are overly emotional. Do it when they are calm. Ask simple questions like, “What do you see, what do you hear, what do you feel?” Redirect their answers to the facts. 2. Begin using story language. Teach them to say, “My brain is telling me…” Use this language and model it regularly. “My brain is telling me that you had a horrible day at school because you are not happy this afternoon. Is that true?” Then, believe the given answer. 3. Model this story language for them. Tell them stories every day about what your brain was telling you during a situation and then contrast that with the truth of the situation. 4. Create time for these practices. Leave time in your schedule to have these conversations with yourself and your child. Yes, it is that important. Once your children begin to understand that they do not need to believe everything their brain is saying, they will begin to pause.

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

www.mobilebayparents.com

Call us today to schedule your appointment!

to d he y. ey

Mobile and Baldwin County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com

se y

y ve

e d. en d ,

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Kids Gulf Discovery Day

Summer Theatre at Azalea City Center for the Arts

Plan a day of summertime fun for the family! Learn about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast from a variety of environmental organizations throughout the region during Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. This year, your family can learn from and interact with local environmental organizations such as: Environmental Studies Center’s Raptor Road Show on the Great Lawn! The importance of recycling with Keep Mobile Beautiful! Discover the critters of Mobile Bay with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab! Fire prevention with the Fowl River Fire Department, and much more! Ticket information: Admission to Kids Gulf Discovery Day includes entrance into Bellingrath Gardens for the day and is $14 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-12 and free for members of the Friends of Bellingrath and children ages 4 and under.

Sunny Side Theater is excited to present 6 different productions for their 21st super summer! All shows will be performed at University of South Alabama Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. To purchase tickets visit sunnysidedrama. com or call Chris at 251-510-1808. Princess King - June 16 at 7 pm and June 17 at 10 am. Filled with mistaken identities, tongue-in-cheek humor, and over-the-top characters, you will cheer for the princess as she tries to outsmart Prince Air-Guitar and evil “Prince Fluffy” and battle the great chicken-dragon, with some help from Henry’s delicious lasagna! Stagecraft: The Video Game - June 23 at 7 pm and June 24 at 1 pm. Finally, there’s a video game about life in the theatre! And here’s the best part, the game plays out live, onstage! Silvers Secret - June 30 at 7 pm and July 1 at 10 am. This goofy pirate play is a treasure chest full of silliness with cheerleader mermaids, ghosts, smugglers, and lobsters as comic stagehands! As the famous pirate Long John Silver lies on his deathbed, he sends for his sons, Red Beard and Black Beard, and his daughter, No Beard. Alas, his offspring didn’t inherit their father’s pirating skills! Glee Concert - July 7 at 7 pm. Join our amazing cast as they present musical selections from Disney shows, Broadway, and the popular movie Sing! Unwrapped - July 14 at 7 pm and July 15 at 10 am. This hilarious sendup of 1930s Hollywood is populated with zany characters from tourist director Ivan Hoo (whose every conversation sounds like an Abbot and Costello routine), to gossip columnist Hedda Gobbler, to screen hero North Dakota Smith. You’ll be laughing all the way to the red carpet with this sure-fire winner! Newsies, Jr. - July 22 at 5 pm and 7 pm. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. director@azaleacityarts.org www.azaleacityarts.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama Youth of the Year Luncheon

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama will celebrate outstanding teens at their Youth of the Year Luncheon on Thursday, June 23, at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel. Honorees were selected from the five traditional Clubs and were chosen based on submitting a completed application, recommendations, and interviews with community leaders. Their outstanding leadership skills, exemplary service to others, academic excellence, and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle played a role in the selection process. Additionally, they exemplify Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama’s mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Brooklyn Rowell, Semmes Branch was named the 2022 Youth of the Year. At Mary Montgomery High School, she has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the Honor Society and the volleyball team. Additionally, with the Mobile Storm volleyball team she is on the top team in her age group and was named Player of the Tournament for the “15 National” team. Upon graduation from high school in 2023, she intends to enter Liberty University. Finalists include: Arkayla Chestang, Kiwanis Branch, Kayleigh Morgan, Optimist Branch, Landyn Callender, Bernard Malkove Branch; Brandon Oaks, Sonny Callahan Branch. The Youth of the Year Luncheon is the organization’s main fundraising event and an opportune time for the public and business community to learn first-hand about the impact Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama have in shaping the lives of area youth. Sponsorships are available in various categories and ranges, from a one-time donation of $1,000 to sponsor a specific event to donations from $3,000 to $20,000 or more. To learn more, email ayoung@bgcsouthal.org or visit https://www.bgcsouthal.org/yoy/. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Summer Library Celebration

The theme for the 2022 Summer Reading Celebration is Oceans of Possibilities. The library invites the public to participate in a wide variety of activities for all ages including special performances, reading challenges, crafts, games and more! The celebration lasts all through June and July. This summer’s reading challenge is simple and is for all ages: read for 400 minutes and receive a challenge completion prize and an entry into the grand prize drawing. Visit your favorite library location to register for the Summer Library Celebration! For more information or to register online, please visit: slc.mobilepubliclibrary.org or call 251-340-1458. Make the most of your summer with the Mobile Public Library! 6

www.mobilebayparents.com

b cel M g Tog the Ga an ci wi

will vil om

. e

s ed ng

Distinguished Young Women to Return to Mobile for 65th Annual National Finals

Distinguished Young Women will celebrate the 65th National Finals competition at 7 p.m. June 23, 24 and 25 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. After two years of digital competition due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organization is excited to bring the program back to Mobile, Ala., in person for the 65th anniversary. In addition, Distinguished Young Women will host an exciting Community Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 as they perform selections from the 65th National Finals Program. Community Night is open to the public and tickets may be purchased at the door. An Arrival Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at the Amphitheater at Cooper Riverside Park next to GulfQuest. During their time in Mobile, participants will take part in numerous community activities and events, in addition to rehearsals for national finals performances. For additional info about National Finals events, contact Tara@DistinguishedYW.org.

City of Mobile to Host Top ‘Prince’ Tribute Concert

Come out and help paint Mobile purple on June 7 as we welcome “America’s #1 Prince experience band” to Cooper Riverside Park for the City of Mobile’s largest concert event of the summer. Led by the electrifying Bobby Miller, “The Purple Madness” has sold out shows around the country while celebrating the musical legacy of one of the most beloved entertainers and influential artists of all-time. Miller has studied Prince’s persona, voice, and dance styles for decades and is backed by a talented group of musicians, dancers, and singers with more than 100 years of combined musical experience. Together, they have created one of the most in-demand Prince tributes in the country to pay homage to the late icon and give fans who were unable to see Prince live a taste of those legendary performances. Gates open at 6pm and you must be 18+ to attend this ticketed event. There will be food trucks on site and adult beverages available for purchase by those age 21 and older. Tickets are available to purchase now at the following link: https://www. cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/prince-tribute-concert. General admission is $50, and VIP tickets are also available for $125. VIP tickets come with early entry, a custom drawstring bag, access to an exclusive Sip n’ Paint event with a Prince canvas and supplies, Prince themed snacks and favors, free parking, preferred seating, and several other perks. Please visit mobileparksandrec.org or find us on Facebook @MobileParksandRec for more information!

cal

ndt nd

with

r k

of e

all

is r ge o ur r n! er 8.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Jazz and Cocktails Fundraiser

Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy will host its annual premiere fundraiser, “The 4th Annual Jazz & Cocktails: Rx for A Cause” on Friday, June 24, 2022, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., at The Grand Hall (3556 Halls Mill Road). The event features three incredible live jazz bands, including SWING featuring vocalist Gabby Merz, Gina Rosaria, The Pianist and Mobile music icon Hosea London, leader of the Excelsior Band. This popular event has developed a great following of hundreds of supporters, who can expect incredible live jazz, tasty southern comfort food, an open bar, dancing, a silent auction and the chance to win great raffle prizes, A Wine Pull, all for $45 per ticket. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from the $250 Rx & All That Jazz Level to the $5,000 Duke Ellington Level, which includes exclusive benefits such as 12 VIP reserved seats with corporate signage, a featured article in Ozanam’s newsletter publication, recognition on our printed promotions, website, social media, and the printed event program, along with corporate signage prominently displayed in our lobby, for one month, acknowledging the sponsor’s community partnership with Ozanam. Proceeds benefit Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy (OCP), a 501©(3) non-profit organization, that serves as Alabama’s only free prescription medication safety net for uninsured individuals in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Washington counties in Alabama. In 2021, OCP provided 1233 qualified residents with life-sustaining prescription medications, at a retail value of $2.7 million. Since the need in our community is constantly growing, OCP hosts this annual premiere fundraiser to unite local jazz lovers, community partners, as well as our benefactors, to help generate the much-needed funds necessary to continue our great mission of service for a healthier, more viable community. “We’re on a jazzy mission so that our supporters, friends, and even a few of our patients, may enjoy a fun-filled experience, with a goal of lending a helping hand to our neighbors in need, to prevent them from having to choose between taking their medications or feeding their families “, said Shearie Archer, Ozanam’s Executive Director. For more information about sponsorship or the organization, please contact Alvea Bridges, Resource Development Coordinator, at (251) 751-1191 or via email at abridges@ozanampharmacy.org.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

f B

E w L w wi fri

d).

r y

0 ge, al or

ia, of ty re h r

The PACT Theatre Company presents Legally Blonde: The Musical

Harvard’s beloved blonde is about to take Mobile by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. Legally Blonde: The Musical will run July 15-31 at The PACT Theatre Company in Mobile, AL! Tickets are on sale now at thepactmobile.com or you can call 251.307.5056!

4th of July Celebration

Get ready for an Independence Day extravaganza! Spend your July 4th in Downtown Mobile at Cooper Riverside Park &amp; Mardi Gras Park from 4-9:30pm. Fireworks will begin at 9pm sharp! The party starts at Mardi Gras Park in our “Kid Zone” complete with a Live DJ, Inflatable Bounce Houses, Games and Activities, Vendors and MORE! Continue the fun at Cooper Riverside Park with Live Music, FamilyFun, Food and Fireworks! Live Music by New Orleans Karma from 6-9pm!

Market in the Park

Join the Certified Farmer’s Market as it returns for the 2022 Spring/ Summer season! Buy locally-grown, locally-produced, and homemade items at Market in the Park! Visit Every Saturday in Cathedral Square 7:30am-12:00pm and Every Thursday in Trinity Gardens Park 3:00-6:00pm.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Summer Means Fun (and Time For Annual Check-Ups) Why are check-ups so important? They are an opportunity for your pediatrician to catch up with all your child’s health issues. It’s also a great time to make sure your child is on track to excel in the next year as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an annual check-up for all children starting at 3 years of age, and especially through elementary, middle, and high school ages. When your child is younger, the checkups are important for keeping your vaccines up to date, and to keep a close eye on developmental milestones. As your child ages, it’s good to have an annual check-up so that he or she can have a full physical exam, get a full set of vital signs when they are not ill, check his or her vision and hearing, and be assessed on the growth chart. The growth chart is arguably the most important part of an annual check-up. The next time you’re in for your check-up, ask

your pediatrician to see your child’s growth chart. It is an important indicator of your child’s overall well-being, and is a great tool for your pediatrician to make sure that nutrition, hormones, and brain are all healthy and working well together. It’s also a good time to get all your questions answered that perhaps didn’t necessitate a dedicated doctor’s appointment in the previous year. And if it is something that seems to you to be fairly minor, but actually might need more time to explore, we can help you set up an appointment for that, or refer you to a specialist if needed. As puberty begins, there are a lot of changes in the body that need to be tracked to make sure all the hormones are working properly. And then as we enter the teenage years, it’s good for all of the above reasons, but also overall emotional wellbeing. It’s no secret that our children have been exposed

to additional stressors over the last few years. We have seen a dramatic increase in depression and anxiety in our children, and it’s a good idea to get out in front of those issues early. Your medical “ home base” (a steady primary care pediatrician) is incredibly important for the overall wellbeing of a person. It’s been shown that a medical home cultivates healthy habits, is more effective at providing care, and is more cost-effective for your family in the long run – and this is why establishing, and continuing care with your pediatrician is important.

Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.

Co Jo B Mc P F

C N C S St A S P

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

in d

ever

n n:

Autauga County Schools St. Mary First Communicants

Congratulations to St. Mary’s First Communicants who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 1 with Mass celebrated by St. Mary Pastor, Father Stephen Vrazel. Teachers, Amy Duncan, Bethany Brewer, and Hattie Alexander prepared these second graders. St. Mary’s 2022 First Communicants: Cecilia Andrews Abraham, Henry Lee Agee, Henry Thomas Ankerson, Leighton Marie Arata, Cecilia Catherine Arensberg, Sullivan Matthew Arensberg, Joseph Gaines Boos, Eloise Lucille Broadus, Renwick Fitzgerald Burroughs, Jr., Brigham Delmar Butts, Tristan Grace Cowart, Emmanuel Keis Davison, Katherine Phelps Dickson, Cullen Michael Donnelly, Claire Frances Dudley, Cooper Alexander Dyas, Katherine Elise Faggard, James Lorenz Gould, Camille Rose Grubbs, John Henry Claypool Hambright, Eric Scott Holladay, Wyatt Fonde Kilborn, Ana Charlotte King, Betsy Rheney McAleer, Norman (Max) McLeod McInnis, V, Tomás Ignacios McKeithen, Macy McMurray, Jackson Hayes Mobley, Michael Patrick Myles, Ryleigh Grace Orse, Ryder Anthony Patterson, Samuel Ryan Perniciaro, Matthew Ramsay Renfrow, Noah Bryce Norwood, Lyle Francis Smith, Bennett Warner Stein, Mary Elizabeth Anne Talbott, Grant Phillip Thompson, Edward Joseph Warner, and Finnian Joel Williams. Photo by Shane Rice. Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

CHCA Students on All-State Drama Cast

Cottage Hill Christian Academy would like to say congratulations to Performing Arts Students Dayna McDonald and Blake Majors. They were selected to be on the AISA All-State Drama Cast during their drama competition! Both of these students did a fantastic job performing in the CHCA Broadway production of Disney Frozen Jr. at the end of April. Dayna (12) was cast as Anna in the production and Blake (11) was cast as Hans. Congratulations to both of you for this fantastic accomplishment!

Allentown Elementary March and April 2022 GATOR Kids

Pre-K – 2nd Grade: Front Row –Wesley Stanley, Evelynn Stewart, Russell Tripp, Grayson Kirksey, Miguel Grimes, Jackson Byerley, Michael Nabb, Ava Rupe, Xena Rodriguez. Middle Row –Anistyn Qualls, Kensley Haywood, Rae-lynn Gates, Harmony Lofton, Aubree Kyles, Karsyn Harris-Graham, Kenneth Glasker, McKenna Cohron, Isabela Perez, Ava Young, Aliyah, Graham Dault, Jojo Zheng. Back Row – Emerson Mendiola, Winry Lipscomb, Devin Howell, Blakely Ezell, Maddy Havard, Brielle Wynn, Madison Vise, Malley Alberts, Drew Lofton. Not Pictured – Rosie Kilburn, Davian Tunstall, Arriyah Himel, Zoey McInnis, Raine Bryant. 3rd – 5th Grade: Front Row – Eli Armstrong-Krantz, Madilyn Scott, Josie Pate, Jarquavian Mcfield, David

Christie, Lincoln Stewart, Mariah Grimes, Conway Browning, Sydney Nelson. Middle Row –Reagan McNeeley, Drake Tong, Ayden Clark, Cyrus Corry, Theron Gainous, Laiken Nichols, Deniva Binder, Huck Sumrall, Kylar Bosarge, Maria Diego-Tomas, Kolbie Shepherd, Taylor Stokley, Angelique Miller. Back Row- Beto Hernandez, Weston Taylor, Addison Martin, Caleb Farnum, Eric Dickson, Ashlynn Moye, Madie Sumrall, Piper Cannon, Kaitlyn Walton, Adalynn Dearmon, Carmelina Pedro Gregorio, Ella Williamson. Not Pictured – Madelyn Garner, Ava Sylvester, Madilyn Shenk, Lucy Walley.

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

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Faith High School Teacher of the Year

Autauga County Schools Denton Magnet Named Most Outstanding Middle School in Alabama

Congratulations to our Faith Middle School Teacher of the Year, Mr. Matthew Sewell! Thank you for all you do for your students at Faith; we are honored to have you as part of the Faith Family!

St. Dominic 2nd Graders Honor the Blessed Mother

In keeping with St. Dominic Catholic tradition, the second grade students honored the Blessed Mother during the month of May. Each student created and offered their crown to Mary in the classroom every morning in May.

M for d

For the second year in a row, the Technology Student Association at its state conference in Montgomery named Denton Magnet School of Technology the Most Outstanding Middle School in Alabama. Denton’s ACES competition team (Advancing Computing, Engineering, and Sciences) were top 10 state finalists in the competition, with several finishing first in their categories: Kaylyn Fetherland (Career Prep); Noah Hix (Foundations of Information Technology); Aidan McCafferty, Ethan Banks, Owen Farmer and Derek Ricafort (Mechanical Engineering); Will Culpepper and Jack Hill (Microcontroller Design); Jack Hill (Safety Illustration); and Owen Farmer, Aidan McCafferty and Derek Ricafort (Video Game Design).

St. Luke’s Celebrated Senior Commitment Day

While wearing a St. Luke’s shirt, each senior announced where they committed to attend school in the Fall before celebrating with balloons, confetti canyons, and noisemakers and changing into their “new” school’s shirt. It’s our way of letting the student body celebrate and cheer on each senior before graduation.

O C

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

Davidson High School Top 10 Scholars

Congratulations to the Top 10 Scholars from the Davidson High School Class of 2022! These students were recognized at the Honors Day ceremony in May, and they were also treated to a limo ride to lunch at Dauphin’s. We are so proud of all of our graduates this year! Anna Lim, Valedictorian Jackson Faggard, Salutatorian Fatma Mohamed, 3rd ranking scholar Adhvika Mahadevan, 4th ranking scholar Louisa Forbes, 5th ranking scholar Pheven Yohannes, 6th ranking scholar Juan Carcamo Dal Zatto, 7th ranking scholar Sakiyah Jenkins, 8th ranking scholar (not pictured) Hannah Nicholas, 9th ranking scholar and Vivenne Raczkowski, 10th ranking scholar Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

St. Ignatius Celebrates Mother’s Day with “Muffins for Mom!”

St. Ignatius celebrated Mother’s Day by inviting all the Impala moms to school Mass to sit with their children and attend a reception afterwards of muffins, coffee and water. Fr. Shields did a wonderful job of bragging on how outstanding our Impala students are and gave thanks to these amazing moms who make it all happen. Moms were able to visit the classrooms after for a special mother’s day craft. It was a great day centered in the Mass and the Mothers trust St. Ignatius to guide their children’s academic and faith formation.

m n d

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

Registration for the 2022 - 2023 school year is happening NOW. Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K2 through eighth grade an outstanding education. The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. To schedule a tour, please contact us. 251.342.5474 • school@CCSCatholic.com

s h

school.corpuschristiparish.com 6300 McKenna Drive Mobile, Alabama 36608 2/08/2022

CCS Generic Ad.indd 1

Congratulations to Catholic Challenge Cup Champion, James Edwards

Our Corpus Christi team participated in the Catholic Cup Challenge on May 5th, at Our Savior Catholic Church. Congratulations to the Catholic Challenge Cup champion, James Edwards (8th grade). Pictured: front row-Maggie Byrne, Lydia Stokes, Joey Reid and Lily Nguyen Back row- James Edwards, Cooper Netto and Peter Stoyka

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius 2nd Grade Celebrates First Communion

Under the voices of the St. Ignatius Children’s Choir, the second grade Impalas received the sacrament of First Holy Communion! Our beautiful new church was full of adoring family members, parish members and faithful supporters who were all able to receive Jesus as one community for the first time in two years with this special second grade class. The girls looked beautiful with their dresses of white and flower crowns. The boys were dressed like perfect little gentlemen. It was a beautiful day in the Catholic faith at St. Ignatius!

St. Dominic Students Present the Holy Thursday Drama

It is a tradition at St. Dominic Catholic School for our second grade students to present the Holy Thursday Drama. After the presentation, students have the opportunity to read letters written by their parents offering words of encouragement as they continue their journey in preparation for First Holy Communion.

Davidson High’s Track and Field Success at State Competition

Davidson High School’s track and field team competed at the state competition in May with great success! Iyana Johnson was the State Champion for Triple Jump for the second year in a row. Additionally, she was also the State Champion for Shot Put as well. Joshua Graham was 2nd in Triple Jump, 5th in 300m Hurdles, and 6th in Long Jump. Jeramiah Martin placed 2nd in 110m Hurdles. Mose Piper placed 3rd in Javelin Throw. Juan Hill placed in 7th for the 100m Dash. Overall, the Davidson Boys track team finished in 7th in the state, and the Girls team finished 14th in the state.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Cottage Hill Senior, Luke Howard, Commits to the National Guard

Luke Howard, a senior at CHCA, has committed to serve in the Army National Guard. His swearing-in ceremony was hosted on campus in April, with his family and senior class in attendance. CHCA was honored to welcome his uncle Major Brad Howard and Staff Sergeant Justin Smith to lead the ceremony. Cottage Hill is proud of you, Luke!

Barton Academy Represented at the MCPSS Film Festival

It was a red-carpet night for our Barton filmmakers who represented us well in our first-ever visit to the MCPSS Film Festival. Barton had TEN films in the finals, and we won FIVE categories! The Explorers are pictured here with the host, Darwin Singleton, their principal, Dr. Amanda Jones, and their broadcasting teachers, Mrs. Nicole Bolton and Mrs. Mary Alice Pouliot. The award winning films were: “A Galaxy’s Adventure” by Noah Martin and Jack Oliver in the Animation category; “Barton Academy’s Entrepreneur-Shop” by Lohi Wilcoxon, Starr Williams, and Lina Porter in the Documentary category; “The Barton Rap” by Starr Williams, Lina Porter, Silas Bagget, Lohi Wilcoxon, Scarlett Siripin, Zoe Wilson, and Keaton French; “The Not-So-Great Shape Shifters” by Starr Evans, Lina Porter, Lohi Wilcoxon, Scarlett Siripin, and Zoe Wilson in the Short Film category, as well as “The Engineering Day Tragedy: featuring Alexander Scrambleton” by Nicole Bolton and her 7th graders in the Teacher Short Film category. It was a wonderful night with lights, cameras, action, and so much fun! 14

www.mobilebayparents.com

e e

d h d

Jake Stockert to Represent Causey Middle School

Congratulations to Jake Stockert for being selected to represent Causey Middle School as the MCPSS Learning Leading Award winner for the 20212022 school year.

Faith Academy Ranks Superior

We are so proud of our Faith Academy students that had a very successful day at Solo and Ensemble! They received superior ratings on 11 solos and 7 ensembles.

Saint Pius X School Raises Money for the People of Ukraine

Saint Pius X faculty and students organized a fundraiser to do something special for the people of Ukraine. For a minimum donation of $3, both teachers and students worked with our art teacher, Mrs. Mattingly, to create their own special t-shirt, which they were able to wear to school. At our school wide Mass that morning, Mrs. Alvarez anounced our goal was $300, but we didn’t raise $300...we raised $630! A parishioner who was at the Mass was so impressed with what our students did; they made an anonymous donation of $370 to bring the total up to $1,000.News spread, and an additional $200 was donated! We continue to be blessed by ourschool and parish families, and are honored to pass this gift onto the people of Ukraine.

ell

”

t, e n,

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools St. Dominic Catholic School Students May Crowning Recognized for Writing and Art at Little Flower St. Dominic Catholic School middle school students were recognized by the Gulf Coast Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education. For writing: 1st Place Poetry, Monica Kohnen with “Throwing Stones” 2nd Place Poetry, Isabelle Craddock with “Everyday During the Holocaust” 1st Place Prose, Payton McClarren with “The Journal” For art: Second Place, Mary Elise Brown Third Place, Sophie Ward Honorable Mentions: Gianna Bosarge, Mary Linda Greenwood, Ana Rel, and Lillian Burnett

Little Flower Catholic School celebrated May Crowning early in May. This is a beautiful tradition in the Catholic Church that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as mother to all. A crown of flowers follows our prayers of intercession for our school and families.

Corpus Christi May Crowning Our eighth grade class led Corpus Christi annual May Crowning Mass on May 6th. Pictured: Cade Wimmer, Lily Nquyen, Katie Nguyen and Everett Lilley

UMS-Wright Senior Receives Appointment to the Navy

Clark Turner ‘22, received his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in May. Senator Tommy Tuberville nominated Clark as part of a group of students chosen to represent Alabama in the class of 2026 at one of the four service academies: the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy. “When I was a young boy, around the age of 12, I watched the Blue Angels Airshow in Pensacola with my dad and my uncle. I fell in love with the tricks, sounds, and speed of the F/A18 Super Hornets and decided that when I grew up, I wanted to be the pilot of one of those planes,” said Clark. “I could think of no better way to begin my career after college than serving in the U.S. Military. . Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Saint Pius X Living Stations of the Cross

Students at Saint Pius X Catholic School put on a powerful performance of the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Many thanks to the students and Ms. Risco for their hard work for such a beautiful presentation.

Clark-Shaw Student Addison Jones Wins at MCPSS Film Festival

The MCPSS Film Festival awards were handed out Friday, April 29 at Murphy High School, and ClarkShaw Magnet School had several students who were in attendance. We are proud to announce that 8th grader Addison Jones won 1st place in the commercial category for grades 6-8. She was also named Best in Show for grades 6-8 with her film, “Pet Smart Adoptions.”

Dunbar Student Kaylee Corley Accepted into the Alabama School of Fine Arts

Congratulations to our 8th grader Kaylee Corley for being accepted into the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in Birmingham Alabama for the 2022- 2023 9th grade year! Kaylee is a member of Dunbar Magnet School of Creative and Performing Arts Black Box Players and Show Choir. #DunbarDoesIt 16

www.mobilebayparents.com

P to s ad a He E a

n n.

y, n

y, ck

, en al”

Maahir Patel Chosen as Council Traditional School’s Learning Leading Award Winner!

It is with great pleasure that Council Traditional School celebrates Maahir Patel for being named its 2021-2022 Learning Leading Award winner. He truly exemplifies the MCPSS slogan, “Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow”. Maahir Patel is a giving, loving, and hardworking student. Each year he demonstrates the ten IB Learner Profile attributes that all IB schools strive to instill within students. One attribute that stands out is being a principled student. In addition, Maahir is actively involved in many activities while at school and after-school. He participates in the Archery Club, National Elementary Honor Society, Robotics, Pace, and Student Ambassadors. Maahir Patel is truly deserving of receiving this award.

St. Ignatius May Crowning

St. Ignatius honored Mother Mary with a presentation of flowers from the eighth grade girls and kindergarten girls in front of the whole school at Mass. It was a beautiful reminder of how important mothers and women are not only in our Catholic faith but also in our everyday life. Being able to celebrate Queen Mother Mary with your peers, families and friends is truly part of

#TheCatholicDifference.

Faith High School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to our 2021-2022 Faith High School Teacher of the Year, Ms. Holly Shaw! You are a true blessing to your students and fellow staff members. “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23

Email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

SAVE $100

ilm ds out 9 gh arkt

nts

hat e in She 6-8

ON AN ACADEMIC EVALUATION* (VALUED AT $195)

GET BACK ON TRACK THIS SUMMER! TUTORING IN-CENTER OR ONLINE TUTORING • Reading • Writing • Spelling • Phonics

TEST PREP • SAT/ACT • PSAT/NMSQT

• Math

K-8, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus

• Sciences

• Study Skills • • Homework Help • ADHD Program

2370-D Hillcrest Road, Mobile

251-525-9239

• Advanced • State Tests Placement (AP)

www.HuntingtonHelps.com

©2022 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this program. *Offer valid on Academic Evaluation. Not valid with any other offers. HLC34367.1

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools Meg Hunter-Kilmer Visits Little Dunbar Magnet Students Attended Flower Catholic School Leadership Author and speaker, Meg Hunter-Kilmer, was in Mobile recently Conference and was gracious enough to come to Little Flower Catholic School not once, but TWICE to speak with our students. She focused on Saints and how they are sometimes surprisingly like us (not always quiet and “holyholy”). She has written 2 books about Saints and left a few for our students to enjoy. We are grateful for her presence and her presents (the books).

Dunbar Magnet School of Creative and Performing Arts students attended a leadership conference entitled “All In at MGM High School.” They listened to guest speakers and participated in activities and breakout sessions. We were proud to send these students to learn more about how to grow their leadership skills so that they can fully reach their incredible potential. #DunbarDoesIt #LearningLeading

th f

Saint Dominic Catholic School Students Practice Focus

Saint Dominic Catholic School students participated in a confidence, focus and discipline building class during PE. Thanks to Mr. Chris Johnson at Max3training for spending time with our students.

Kyle Hipp, CHCA Senior, Signs with Bishop State

Congratulations to Kyle Hipp for signing with Bishop State Baseball in April to continue his athletic career at the next level! Cottage Hill Christian Academy is proud of your accomplishments throughout your high school career and is excited to see you excel and continue to represent Christ and CHCA!

St. Luke’s Celebrated the Annual “Passing of the Torch” Ceremony

Saint Pius X Alum Astronaut Captain Kay Hire Zooms with Class

Saint Pius X welcomed Class of 1973 alumna, Astronaut Captain Kay Hire, to campus via Zoom on May 4th during “Space Week”. Captain Hire fascinated our students with her stories of space travel and missions, including installing the Cupola on the International Space Station! She answered some great questions from our students, giving us even more insight into NASA, space travel and her amazing career. She left each classroom with an autographed poster, stickers, pens and other fun NASA items! She also wished our faculty a happy Teachers Appreciation Day, crediting her teachers and time at SPX for her educational foundation. Thank you, Captain Hire, for your service and for giving back to Saint Pius X. We are all so very proud of you and are honored to watch you inspire the next generation of astronauts.

Current SGA President, Mohammed Shahrouj “passed the torch” to the SGA President for 2022-2023, Alex Scott. Seniors then exited chapel for the last time before Alex addressed the current junior class regarding the 2022-2023 school year. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

Ev a the

w c e an

Causey Middle School Club Dedicates Outdoor Classroom

The CMS Builder’s Club held a dedication ceremony of the Wilson-Smith Memorial Outdoor Classroom on May 1, 2022. With the full support of CMS administration, the Builder’s Club raised the funds and completed the work to create a beautiful outdoor space for learning while honoring two of our beloved faculty members, Iris Wilson and Kathy Smith. We greatly miss those two ladies that were a huge part of the Causey family, but will remember them fondly each time we use the Wilson-Smith Memorial Outdoor Classroom.

r , ce r e m

y d u, int ed .

Little Flower Earns Earth Day Award

Little Flower Catholic is the first school in all of Mobile County to complete 50 hours of picking up litter as part of Love Your Community’s anti-litter campaign.  Mrs. Evelyn DeAngelo with Keep Mobile Beautiful attended our Earth Day program to present the students with a $500 check! These funds are made possible by the LYC grant, and will be used to build an outdoor garden and classroom for our students to tend to and enjoy.  Congratulations to our Kindergarten and First Grade students and their teachers, Ms. Lilly and Mrs. Milwee.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Mobile County Public Schools Learning Leading Award winners

Mobile County Public Schools recently recognized four outstanding students as its 2022 Learning Leading Award winners. These students have displayed strong academics in the classroom, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a passion for serving their communities. They are: Abbigail Davis of Dodge Elementary School; Madeline Borchert of Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology; Jordan Guyton of B.C. Rain High School and Marissa Wilson of Citronelle High School. Below is some information about each winner. They will be honored during the annual Learning Leading Awards, which will be held virtually later this spring. Abbigail Davis, Dodge Elementary School - Davis is a member of Dodge’s Student Council, the National Elementary Honor Society, and the school’s broadcasting, robotics and archery teams. She’s been involved in several donation drives, such as Stuff the Bus, the Thanksgiving canned food drive, collecting can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, and making food to serve community members in need through her girl scout troop. She also reads to kindergarten students at Dodge and is active in her church, singing in the Children’s Choir and performing in a praise dance group called Baby Angels. She wants to continue her community service in the future, with plans for the creation of a recycling program at school and a service project to provide school supplies for classmates who need extra assistance. Madeline Borchert, Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science & Technology Borchert is active in a variety of capacities at Clark-Shaw. She’s president of the schools’ National Junior Honor Society chapter, and is a member of the school’s ambassadors, Student Council, Millionaire’s Club (for reading over 1 million words), and Scholars Bowl and Science Bowl teams. She won the school wide science fair in the chemistry category this year and finished second in the school spelling bee. She plays tennis as an eighth-grader for the Davidson High tennis team, and was the Gulf Coast Junior Team tennis champion in 2021. She is also active in community service through her Girl Scout troop, NJHS and Student Council, participating in Stuff the Bus and a Thanksgiving food drive for Feeding the Gulf Coast. Jordan Guyton, B.C. Rain High School - Guyton is an A-B Honor Roll student, a school ambassador, and a member of B.C. Rain’s Scholars Bowl and Hi-Q teams, a section leader in the Rain Choral Department and a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. He received a Superior rating at the Alabama Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Adjudication and was selected for the 2022 Alabama All-State Choir. He is a lead musician at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and is a published author. His last book, entitled “Black Queen,” honors the life and legacy of his great-grandmother. Marissa Wilson, Citronelle High School -Wilson has maintained A Honor Roll status since kindergarten and is currently ranked first in her class. A well-rounded athlete, she is captain of Citronelle’s cheerleading squad and a member of the softball and bowling teams. She’s served as a member of the Student Council, Citronelle’s National Honor Society chapter, CHS GEMS, and as secretary of Citronelle’s National Spanish Honor Society. She has coached little league cheerleading, volunteered at the city league concession stand, worked in a community cleanup project, helped with food pantry collection and donation deliveries, worked as part of a Vacation Bible School team, and as a greeter at Restoration Church.

Congratulations to the MCPSS Students Who Excelled at the Alabama Science & Engineering Fair

In the junior division, Clark-Shaw’s Brooke May and Leigha Newton finished first in their categories and Avonlea House placed second, with May earning Broadcom MASTERS status. That means her project is among the top 10 percent in the nation and advances her to national competition. In the senior division, Davidson’s Dev Mehta and Dakota Perry earned top awards, while Louisa Forbes placed third in her category. Perry was chosen to represent the state at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

pa th t ye

ave

McGill Catholic High Incoming Freshman St. Augustine Scholars

Congratulations to McGill’s new St. Augustine Scholars. These incoming freshman from our partner schools were awarded $2500 per year for the next 4 years Thanks to the generous support the program has received since its inception 5 years ago we have been able to awards a total of 71 scholarships! Margaret Byrne-Corpus Christi Robert Gamper-St. Dominic Gabrielle Grant-St. Dominic Mary Linda Greenwood-St. Dominic Thomas Greer-Out of State Stella Grace Harp-St. Ignatius Stephen Heim-St. Dominic Lucy O’Donnell-St. Mary Connor Ollis-St. Mary Dominick Paragone-St. Ignatius Cooper Patrick-St. Dominic Peyton Patrick-Corpus Christi Barrett Porter-St. Ignatius Josephine Reid-Corpus Christi Joshua Sasser-St. Mary Deria Scott-St. Mary Lydia Stokes-Corpus Christi Catherine Vulevich-St. Ignatius Chase Young-St. Pius X

UMS-Wright Students Sign Scholarships to Play at the Collegiate Level

Congratulations to the following students on signing athletic scholarships to play their sport of choice at the collegiate level! Campbell Johnson - Volleyball - Trevecca Nazarene University Jackson Williford - Baseball Mississippi College Luke Stringer – University of Central Arkansas (not pictured) Congratulations, Bulldogs!

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools St. Mary Catholic School Student St. Paul’s Key Club Sponsors Raises Money for Blood Drive Key Club sponsor John Ukraine Brigham organized an onSt. Mary Catholic School eighth grader and 2021-2022 Red Ribbon Leader, Stewart Carroll, raised $1,320 for the people of Ukraine. This fundraising effort was part of Stewart’s Red Ribbon project for The Mobile Drug Education Council.

campus blood drive with LifeSouth on Wednesday March 23rd. Eleven units were collected from faculty, friends, and students to help mitigate the blood shortage in our country. The St. Paul’s community will save 33 lives with these donations!

Council Archery Team Competes at State

St. Luke’s Iamunique Bowie Outstanding Accomplishments

Congratulations to Council’s State Archery Team We are so proud of our four archers, Maahir Patel, Graham Langham, Sid Patel, and Dylan Jones, who competed in the Alabama State Archery Tournament in Montgomery, Alabama. Thank you to our amazing coaches Michelle Peterson and Cecelia McInnis.

St. Luke’s senior, Iamunique Bowie was named to the ASWA 1st Team All-State, named 1 of 24 Finalists for Player of the Year, and then awarded RunnerUp Alabama Girls 2A Player of the Year. Iamunique attended a banquet in Montgomery to celebrate her many accomplishments this year.

Clark-Shaw is #ScienceStrong!

A number of Clark-Shaw students competed in the statewide Alabama Science and Engineering Fair hosted virtually by Auburn University on April 6, 2022. A judging panel of over 40 scientists and engineers determined which projects scored highest in each category. We are proud to announce that 3 of our students’ projects won at the state level, in addition to receiving a number of special awards! Clark-Shaw students were the only Mobile County Public School students to win awards in this statewide competition. Full results can be found here: link. 1st place: Earth and Environmental Sciences Category - Leigha Newton 2nd place: Bioengineering Category - Avonlea House 3rd place: Animal, Plant, Computational & Bioinformatics Sciences Category - Brooke May Auburn University Biological Sciences Award for Outstanding Poster in Animal and Plant Sciences - Brooke May Auburn University Society of Women in Sciences and Mathematics Achievement Award - Brooke May National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Award - “Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award” - Leigha Newton Broadcom MASTERS - This nomination is a prestigious honor and distinguishes projects as among the top 10% in the nation and allows the nominee to compete in the national competition - Brooke May. Participants in the state science fair: [Group picture] front row: Mrs. Denise Burch (7th grade science teacher), Violet Borchert (6th), Brooke May (6th), Leigha Newton (7th), Lauren Mullen (6th), Mei-Ling Rollman (7th), Landyn Randell (7th). Back row: James Colleli (6th), Piper Velaski (7th), Avonlea House (7th), Landon McDavid (7th), and Max Norris (7th). State Science Fair award winners: [Left to right] Brooke May (6th grade), Avonlea House (7th grade), and Leigha Newton (7th grade) Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

P A

C E cla

y s y,

Davidson High Student Selected as President of the Alabama JROTC

For the second year in a row, a Davidson High student was selected as President of the Alabama JROTC. Carter Barros, a junior in the EPIC program, will follow his classmate, Hannah Bishop, who served as president this school year.

Mobile Optimist Club Oratorical Winners

Bryant’s Jailyn Swink, left, won first place in the Mobile Optimist Club Oratorical Contest. Joshua Slater of Faith Academy (middle) placed second and Mary G. Montgomery’s Bradley Andersen (right) finished third.

Barton Academy Student Finalist in Young Entrepreneurs’ Competition

Congratulations to Barton Academy student Zainab Abdulla for making it to the finals of a Junior Achievement hosted Young Entrepreneurs’ competition. She was able to pitch her business, “Z’s Boxes” while earning a cash prize for her efforts. She has great business sense, is savvy, hardworking, and committed to bringing fun products to her customers, the other middle school students at Barton Academy. Way to go, Z! We are proud of you!

n to re

St. Mary Celebrates Palm Sunday

Submitted by Marcelle Rathle Naman St. Mary Catholic School students Renard Knight, Finn Montague, and Silas Powell served as Altar Servers for Palm Sunday Mass at St. Mary Parish celebrated by St. Mary Pastor, Father Stephen Vrazel. Palm Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week.

OUR FRIENDS ARE EXCITED TO SEA YOU

Dauphin Island Sea Lab PRESENTS

VISIT THE ALABAMA AQUARIUM

ER M M U S

! P M A C

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY DISL.EDU/AQUARIUM

TWO MONTHS OF ART M

AKING Ju ne 13 - Ju ly 29 , 20 22 Ch ild re

n Ag es 6-1 0 an d Te en s 11- 14

Camp Fees: $225 Includes all Art Materials

Ceramics and Wheelthrowing Drawing and illustration Textile Patchwork: Arpilleras Mixed media art and collage Theatre and costume design

102 BIENVILLE BLVD., DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL 36528 251-861-7500

*WEEKLY CAMP SESSIONS TAKE PLACE DAILY 8 AM – 3 PM *MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools St. Paul’s Kindergarten Students Visit Mobile Mounted Police Barn

As part of the Little Saints Serving program St. Paul’s Kindergarten students learn about Community Helpers like firemen and policemen. Mrs. Darlene Dyess took her class to visit the Mobile’s mounted police barn to learn about the horses and their police trainers on Wednesday April 27th. The students also brought lunch to their new friends!

h c th

Barton Students Make Marvelous Music in Panama City Beach Music Festival

Our band and choir students had an awesome time participating in the Panama City Beach Music Festival, and they brought home some shiny “hardware”! Two large trophies now greet the guests as they enter the office at Barton Academy. The band received Superior and Excellent ratings and the choir received Superior ratings!

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

Junior Achievement’s Business Plan Challenge

Members of Mobile’s entrepreneurial and business community came together on April 28 to help judge a competition featuring some of Mobile’s youngest entrepreneurs. Tim Smith of Smith Dukes, Jennifer Conrad of ellenJay Bakery, Bailey Duos of Port City Pups, Stacy Batoon of the University of South Alabama, and Jarrod England of Hummingbird Ideas made up the panel of judges for Junior Achievement’s Business Plan Challenge.  Seven teams from area high schools competed in the finals. Students had 15 minutes to present their full business plans for the company they created to the panel of judges. There was $2,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. “Mobile and Baldwin counties’ growth will always be directly related to the amount of talent we can attract and retain.  Junior Achievement plays a vital role in encouraging and promoting that entrepreneurial spirit in a variety of ways with both in class teaching and events like the Biz Plan Challenge.  The Mobile area Board is grateful for the business leaders and those who volunteered with this event because we are all playing our part in impacting these student’s long-term growth.  It’s a win-win for everyone involved,“ said Ryan New, President of the Junior Achievement of Mobile’s Board of Directors. Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Junior Achievement’s Business Plan Challange. First Place: Tiffani Morris, from Mary G Montgomery High School, with her company Inflataball. Second Place: Sydney Davis, from Baker High School, with her company, HappyLettering. Third Place: Zebria Washam, from Baker High School, with her company, Just Dream. Honorable Mention: Zainab Abdulla, from Barton Academy, with Z’s Boxes. Quade Webb & Nathan Smith, from Baker High School, with Sky Ride. Kay-Lynn Shirah, from Mary G. Montgomery High School, with Helping Herbs. Kemaria DuBose, from Mary G. Montgomery High School, with Keke’s Hair Extensions. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

S fi p K

f sc

ye th

t tak

d es

e , or o .

ng h “

ge.

Council’s DreamArchitecture Contest Winners

Hunter Miller, a student at Council Traditional, won 1st place for 5th grade in the dreamArchitecture 2022: Draw your dream

hospital contest. The art contest is sponsored by the Alabama Center for Architecture.

Angel Graves won honorable mention for 3rd grade and Michael Brewer won 3rd place in the 1st grade category. We are so proud of our Council Comets!

St. Paul’s 5th Grader is Published Author

St. Paul’s Episcopal School is so proud of fifth grader, Helen Rachel, who is a new, published author, and her two illustrators, Kathryn Green and Olivia Kumar! Their book “Connected by Heart” is the story of an eleven-year-old girl and her best friend, both of whom are starting middle school. The conflict is that one friend could possibly move at the end of the school year, and not just across the street, across the country. This story is how the two girls deal with change, and how they grow throughout this journey. Helen hopes to take the proceeds from the Amazon Kindle purchases to get paper copies printed.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools Representative Sam Jones Visits Clark-Shaw

The members of Clark-Shaw Magnet School’s Student Council were on hand to welcome Representative Sam Jones (Alabama House District 99) and Mobile County Board of School Commissioner Dr. Reginald Crenshaw (District 3) to our school for a visit and a presentation of a legislative grant for our school. Pictured: Presleigh Stokley (VP), Bethanie Critchfield (Sec), Representative Sam Jones, Dr. Reginald Crenshaw, Brayden Turner (President), and Sophia Irby (Treasurer).

McGill Catholic High School Senior St. Augustine Scholars

Congratulations to MgGill-Toolen Catholic Senior St. Thomas Aquinas Scholars who received their cords at the annual tomicum ceremony. Sarah Beth Bexley,Joseph Blanchette, Beau Brechtel, Lily Case, Jillian Cate, Samantha Cochran, Dill Delaney, Janie Dunwell, Isabela Flores, Amelia Ginn, Grace Greenwood, McGowin Grinstead, Milligan Grinstead , Bennett Katz, Henry Kilpatrick, Taylor Shirah , Hayden Ward and Patrick Wentworth. These incredibly talented students have an average ACT score of 33, and were offered $4.3 million in scholarships!

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases The Bad Guys

Rating PG

Overall A

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity A-

Alcohol/Drugs A-

The Bad Guys are a notorious gang with a knack for pulling off successful heists – until their luck turns. To stay out of prison, they have agreed to take “goodness lessons” and turn over a new leaf. This movie does the impossible: it tells a fun heist story at a kid-friendly level. Even adults will find themselves involved in the character arcs, laughing at the jokes, and appreciating the story’s themes about biases, stereotypes, and the intrinsic value of doing good. Photo ©Universal Pictures

ol or

, n

Theaters

Sneakerella

Disney+

Rating TV-G

Overall B

Violence B

Sex B+

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs B

El has a passion for sneaker design and the beautiful girl he just met is looking for a designer with street cred to boost sales for her dad’s shoe company. They should be able to solve each other’s problems but there are some cruel stepbrothers and a few lies in the way before the young couple can find their happily ever after. This gender flipped remake of Cinderella comes with an exuberant soundtrack, clean content, and strong messages about honesty and hard work. There are no surprises here, but the familiar story still has some charm. Photo © Disney+

Marmaduke

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-Y7

B+

The Winslows are astonished when a champion dog trainer tells them that their rambunctious Great Dane, Marmaduke, has potential. In fact, the trainer is so confident, he enters Marmaduke in a dog show. For the first 40 minutes, this film drifts along on a tide of predictable mediocrity until it takes a sharp turn into offensive ethnic stereotypes and casual racism. The animation, despite an attempt at clever stylization, looks like it came from a video game and the voice acting is somehow worse. This film aims low and succeeds. Photo © Netflix

Along for the Ride

Netflix

Rating TV-14

Overall B

Violence A-

Sex B-

Profanity C-

Alcohol/Drugs C+

Auden has decided to spend the summer after high school with her dad, breaking free from her critical mother and her own intense, socially awkward self. In the beach community, Auden meets Eli, an insomniac with his own burdens. This is a good-hearted teen summer romance flick with comparatively light negative content. The romance is sweet and messages about courage, self-confidence, and loss are delivered without being preachy. Photo ©Netflix

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Theaters

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

B-

C-

C+

After fending off a colossal tentacled monster, Doctor Stephen Strange finds a girl bearing the corpse of another Dr. Strange from a parallel realm. As Marvel continues to explore the Multiverse, the storyline gets much darker. The strong horror elements in the story make it unsuitable for children as do scenes involving demons, torture, and gruesome death. Older Marvel fans will appreciate the complexity of the story and the return of Wanda Maximoff as a villain. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 27

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

The Importance of FINDING

tha shi you son sam to s rela unc the wh

r u o w e Y Cr By Sarah Lyons

When my first child was born 13 years ago I was thrilled to be a mom and so in love with my son. My husband and I had decided that I would become a stay-at-home mom and I was looking forward to all the time I could spend with my son. After a few months of adjusting to becoming a mom, I started to feel lonely. I had given up my job, and while I was still head over heels in love with my boy, something vital felt missing.

Whether you are a working mom or stay at home, have one child or five children, whether you are struggling through the exhausting days and sleepless nights of babies and toddlers or the busy schedules of school age kids, you need a crew. Many moms define their crew as other women who understand where they are in life without having to explain a single thing. They get you, they accept you, and they cheer you on as you struggle your way through it. If you are feeling lonely and are seeking a friend, or two, to laugh and cry with through your current stage of motherhood, I encourage you to find your crew.

I realized quickly that it was...

Adult Interaction!

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Here are a few places to start.

www.mobilebayparents.com

sta pec am Tak gro join run boo or the con lea to g frie lets Fo the of m

so dur Wh al w gav hel and hus ow if I ing use it to frie can the a li talk ear

you an do tha wo str

Sar arti

or ys of as to eer ly ur

Be open and accepting

The first step to finding authentic people that you can relate to and build lasting relationships with is to be your authentic self. When you are an open, honest, and accepting person, you will encourage others to behave the same. Be yourself, listen to what others have to say, accept others for who they are, and relationships will happen organically. It can be uncomfortable, scary even, to put yourself out there but the relationships far outweigh the risk when you find true friends.

Common interests

There are times where finding people to start friendships with can be challenging. Especially when you have a big life change like a move, becoming a parent, or changing jobs. Take inventory of what you love to do or what groups are already existing that you could join. For example, if you love running, join a running club. If you love to read, join or start a book club. If you are a mom, join a playgroup or a mother’s group at a local church. Does the PTO at your school need help? Would you consider being a soccer coach or Boy Scout leader? All of these examples are great ways to get involved in your community and make friends along the way. After the birth of our triplets, I joined an online group of triplet moms. Four years later, I am surprised to say that they are some of my closest friends and one of my biggest support systems.

PROUDLY SERVING MOBILE, ALABAMA AND SURROUNDING AREAS, PICKETT ORTHODONTICS PERFECTS SMILES OF ALL AGES WITH CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT IN A RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 6611 Wall Street •Mobile, AL 36695 | 251.607.0110 - local | www.pickettortho.com 111 W. Church Street • Jackson, AL 36545 | 877.660.1103 - toll–free | info@pickettortho.com

Give support and ask for it

One of the main things that makes a crew so important is the support given and received during the times when it is needed most. When my daughter was hospitalized for several weeks, my mother’s group supplied meals, gave my other kids rides to and from school, helped with childcare, sent flowers and cards, and basically kept my family going when my husband and I couldn’t have done it on our own. They would not have known how to help if I hadn’t reached out to them and asked. Asking for help can be hard for people who are used to managing the family and are good at it too, but remember that during difficult times friends want to help. Just ask. Conversely, it can be such a blessing to help others when they need it. Giving a ride to school, making a little extra food to share, sending a text, or talking with a friend when they need a listening ear doesn’t take much extra effort. Finding your crew can mean pushing yourself to step outside your comfort zone and reach out to others. While it is difficult to do at first, once you find a group of friends that understand and support you, it is well worth the time and effort put in to build and strengthen those relationships. MBP

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and contributes articles to numerous parenting publications.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Arts and Crafts

for em

(85

Alabama Contemporary Art Center ad on page 23

301 Conti Street Mobile , AL 36602 Contemporary Art Center - Come see our exhibitions; we also offer adult and K-12 classes, workshops, summer camps, public performances, film screenings and more (251) 208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.com

Coastal Makers Art Studio 70 N Joachim St Ste F Mobile, AL 36602 Coastal Makers allows anyone and any age to express their creativity through a variety of mediums, tools, textiles & techniques in a fun messmaking environment!

Amusement Parks / Outdoor Fun Coastal Farms & Exotics Mobile, AL We offer private wild encounters with our most exotic creatures and birthday parties. Spend an hour or more playing with our kangaroos, lemurs, kinkajous, zebra and camel (251) 581-1896

www.coastalfarmsandexotics.com

The Wharf – So. Much. Summer 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 So. Much. Summer. Treasure hunts, live bands, weekly fireworks, kids cooking demonstrations, and So. Much. More! Visit our website for a full calendar of events and activities. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com

www.alwharf.com

Alabama Animal Safari Park 1664 Venable Road Hope Hull , AL 36043 Drive through our safari park in your vehicle and feed the animals through your windows! (334) 288-2105

www.alabamasafaripark.com

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 20499 Oak Road East Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Come to the zoo. Petting zoo, seasonal animal encounters, and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer. 9:00am-4:00pm (251) 256-7008 info@algulfcoastzoo.org www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

Dauphin Island Park & Beach 109 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Many activities to choose from such as the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Fort Gaines, Kayaking, Public beach access, Trails and more! (251) 861-3607 parks@dauphinisland.org www.dauphinisland.org

Global Wildlife Center Folsom, LA 70437 The Global Wildlife Center largest totally freeroaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the country! (985) 796-3585 fieldtrips@globalwildlife.com www.globalwildlife.com

OWA 1501 S. OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Great family fun including amusement park, dining, shopping, shows, special events and more! Visit the website for hours, events and special offers. (251) 923-2111 info@VisitOwa.com www.VisitOWA.com

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

(251) 455-2909 www.coastalmakers.com

Saturdays at the Coop! 101 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Live Musical Entertainment, Food Trucks, Vendors and more! 7pm-10pm. June 11-Everyday People, August 13-Disco Kiss, September 10The Gator Boys, October 15-Jenna McClelland, November 12-Hollywood Vagabonds, December 10-Stormfolk. www.mobileparksandrec.org

Southern Alabama Paintball 4901 Montee Road Theodore, AL 36582 We pride ourselves in providing a safe, family oriented paintball field for all players. We also have airsoft games. (251) 301-6004

www.southernalabamapaintball.com

The Track 3200 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, Al 36542 The Track in Gulf Shores features fun for the whole family with six go-kart tracks, mini golf, blaster boats, Kids Country rides, the Skycoaster, Spinning Coaster, Fat Daddy’s Arcade and more! (251) 270-0209 gulfshores@funatthetrack.com www.funatthetrack.com

LoDa Artwalk Downtown MobileJoin downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors. Fun for the whole family! Second Fridays from 6-9pm. (251) 208-1550

www.mobilearts.org/art-walk/

Michael’s Arts and Crafts 3250 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 Join us for FREE classes, demos and other events in store or from the comfort of your home. Then, if you’re ready to level up your creative skills, you can join our premium classes. (251) 473-8520

Alt 365 Tra

(251 ww

AM 125 Re Sum eve

(25

AM 412 Re Sum eve

(25 ww

Bre 231 Wo hidd

(25 ww

Ch 710 Wa fam and

(25

www.michaels.com

Mobile Museum of Art 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 Enjoy our wonderful collection, changing exhibitions and outdoor sculpture trail. (251) 208-5200

www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Mobile Parks & Recreation Community Activities Classes offering arts, crafts, sports and much more. Call 666-6404 or 666-6053 or visit www. cityofmobile.org/parks or www.communityactivitiesprogram.com. www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Town of Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Nights End of Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Free Family Movie Nights at the West End Beach start Memorial Day weekend. Movies start at dusk (around 8pm). (251) 861-5525

www.townofdauphinisland.org

Town of Dauphin Island Sunday Sunset Concerts Dauphin Island, AL 36528 2022-Sunset Concerts-the popular Sunset Concert series will start May 29, Admission is $5 per person (Age 13 & up) (251) 861-5525

www.townofdauphinisland.org

Trackside Go-Karts and Games and Trackside the Putting Place 4820 Government Blvd Mobile , AL 36693 (251) 367-0425

www.theputtingplace.business.site/

Wales West 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576 Wales West offers a Water Slide, Waterfall, fresh lake, Sandy Beach, Swimming, Fishing, Indoor Pool, Playground, Train Rides at 2 and 4 PM. (888) 569-5337

www.waleswest.com

Engage Gaming 5701 Moffett Rd Mobile , AL 36618 We want to provide the ultimate gaming experience for you. PS5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo, and VR (Virtual Reality), we have it all! (251) 378-8260

www.engagegamingmobile.com/

Outer Limits VR 23101 Canal Rd, Ste N-101 Orange Beach, AL 36561 Features five fully immersive rides that offer both single and multiplayer options. (Ages 7+ only) (251) 240-0647 vrgameroom@yahoo.com www.vrfunplays.com

Roll Mobile 150 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602 We’re closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink! We’ll have lights and a DJ. This event is sure to be fun for all agesSecond Fridays from May-October 6pm-9pm (251) 208-1550

www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events

VRium Robotics & Virtual Reality Amusement Park 30500 State Hwy. 181, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 We will offer over 20 different types of VR (Virtual Reality)and AR (Augmented Reality) experiences

www.mobilebayparents.com

Blo

ps, c-

ls, s-

ond

for all ages, multiplayer games, 7D Interactive Cinema, and our very own robots. Opening in June. (855) 874-8624

www.vriumpark.com/

Altitude Trampoline Park 3659C Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36608 Trampoline Park. Come Jump with us!

AMF - Camellia Lanes 125 North Schillinger Road Mobile, AL 36608 Ready to start the Summer on the lanes? Us too! Summer Games season pass and bowl 3 games every day all for one low price! www.amf.com/camellialanes

AMF Skyline Lanes 4120 Government Boulevard Mobile, AL 36693 Ready to start the Summer on the lanes? Us too! Summer Games season pass and bowl 3 games every day all for one low price! (251) 661-1221 amf@email.amf.com www.amf.com/skylinelanes

Breakout Orange Beach 23101 Canal Rd, Ste L-208 Orange Beach, AL 36561 Work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and find hidden items in order to escape in under an hour! (251) 929-8330 info@breakoutgames.com www.breakoutgames.com/orange-beach

(251) 342-8142

www.chuckecheese.com

www.facebook.com/dreamland.skate.5/

Get Air 842 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL 36695 Wall to wall trampolines, dodge ball, foam pits, basketball dunk, toddler jump area and birthday parties.

Gulf Coast Exploreum 65 Government Street Mobile, AL 36604 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 Science Camps! (251) 208-6893

www.exploreum.com

Pete’s Party Castle 2040 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL 36695 Mobile’s favorite place to sit back and let the kids play. Enjoy great food, arcades, and a dragon playground. Even the little ones can play, too, in our toddler soft play area. www.petespartycastle.com

Pump It Up 741-A Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695 Summer Open Play. To view our open jump times visit our online calendar at www.pumpitupparty. com/mobile-al/calendar. (251) 342-3940 pumpitupmobile@gmail.com www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al

Rambo Skateland 531 Saraland Blvd South Saraland, AL 36571 Rambo’s Skateland (251) 675-6601

Find us on Facebook

Sunshine Skate Center 950 Hillcrest Road Mobile , AL 36695 Sunshine Skate Center was first opened in November of 1977. For over 40 years Sunshine has served Mobile and has become an iconic landmark for all ages. (251) 639-1704 info@sunshineskate.com www.sunshineskate.com

(251) 241-3101 mobile@getairsports.com www.getairmobile.com

(251) 281-1990

Chuck E. Cheese’s 710 Downtowner Loop West Mobile, AL 36609 Watch your kids have a blast at the best place for family fun! We provide games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for the whole family.

TK Escape 450 Dauphin St Mobile , AL 36602 Each Escape Room provides an experience unique to its theme. Complete the objectives at hand by utilizing logic puzzles, games, and exploration to aid in your successful escape! (504) 323-4518

www.tkescapegames.com/

Tortuga Adventure Golf, LLC 30500 State Hwy 181, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Indoor blacklight adventure golf that takes the players on a journey through the pirate island of Tortuga in the Caribbean. (251) 626-6221 info@tortugaadventuregolf.com www.tortugaadventuregolf.com

Farmers Markets and Open Air Markets Blue Moon Farm 13620 Tom Gaston Road Mobile, AL 36695 U-Pick Blueberries, U/Cut Flowers in Spring and Fall. Come out and enjoy the country. (251) 263-2008

www.bluemoonfarm-grandbay.com

Food & Drink Specials

ies

(251) 661-6997

(251) 725-0171 jump@altitudetrampolineparkmobile.com www.altitudetrampolineparkmobile.com

(251) 639-1221

Dreamland Skate Center 5672 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL 36619 Mobile’s premier roller skating rink. Its hickory wood floor is the only one of its kind in Mobile. Check our online calendar for upcoming summer skate times!

* Mon. thru Fri. 3 pm to 6 pm

Mobile Causeway Only*

3 WINES 4DRAFT 4WELL $4SPECIAL DRINKS $ BEERS $ DRINKS $White Zinfadel Merlot & Chardonnay Bloody Marys | Margaritas Local Microbrews

561 h

nts

ual es

$6 APPETIZERS

P CORN SHRIM P O P N U J A C KLES D FRIED PIC GET PICKLE ES EN TOMATO FRIED GRE ESE RELLA CHE A Z Z O M D FRIE

originaloysterhouse.com/happyhour 31

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Environmental Studies Center 6101 Girby Road Mobile, AL 36693 The Environmental Studies Center is a natural sciences education facility designed to provide unique learning experiences to school children and the general population. (251) 221-5000

www.mcpsesc.com

Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 5 Rivers is your gateway to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Open 7 days per week and free to the public, the facility features live animals and exhibits highlighting Alabama’s rich natural resources. (251) 625-0814 www.Alabama5Rivers.com

Christ United Farmers’ Market 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36609 The market will feature locally grown fruits and vegetables, honey, seafood, baked goods, and home produced craft items. Tuesdays, May 10– July 5 from 2:30pm. to 5:30pm. www.christumcmobile.com

Flea Market Mobile 401 Schillinger Road North Mobile, AL 36608 We host vendors from all over the world with items you won’t find anywhere else at prices you can’t beat. (251) 633-7533

www.fleamarketmobile.com

Market in the Park 300 Conti Street Mobile, AL 36602 Local farmers market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and jams, locally harvested honey, handmade soaps, eggs and organic meats, local artisans and more! Every Saturday from May 7-July 9 from 7:30am-12:00pm. (251) 208-1550 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/ events/springsummer-market-in-the-park/

Market in the Park - Thursdays at Trinity Gardens Park 3100 Bank Ave Mobile, AL 36617 Local farmers market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and jams, locally harvested honey, handmade soaps, eggs and organic meats, local artisans and more! Every Thursday May 26July 7 from 3:00pm-6:00pm. (251) 208-1550 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/ events/springsummer-market-in-the-park/

Libraries Mobile Public Library Summer Reading sign up online or at any library location. The library invites the public to participate in a wide variety of activities for all ages including special performances, reading challenges, crafts, games and more! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Museums / Historical / Science / Education Dauphin Island Sea Lab ad on page 23

101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 The Estuarium is an educational aquarium highlighting habitats of coastal Alabama. A 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 7,000 gallon stingray touch pool, and Living Marsh Boardwalk. (251) 861-2141

www.disl.org

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

USS Alabama Battleship ad on page 7

2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL 36603 You’ll walk the decks of the Mighty A, our WWII battleship. Explore the decks and see how sailors lived aboard this floating city. It’s periscopes up in the USS DRUM, the oldest submarine on public display. See 28 historic airplanes, vehicles, tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat, and a super-secret spy plane. (251) 433-2703 info@ussalabama.com www.ussalabama.com

ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Hunting, fishing, youth programs, family events, canoe trails, outdoor activities and state regulations. www.outdooralabama.com

Alligator Alley 19950 Highway 71 Summerdale, AL 36580 See alligators from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, courting and nesting along with other natural inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away! (251) 946-BITE info@gatoralleyfarm.com www.gatoralleyfarm.com

Back Country Trail Orange Beach, Al 36561 Butterfly garden, rock climbing, biking, jogging, walking, wildlife, geocaching and more! Trail maps, locations and tour information available online. Visit us on Facebook for events. (251) 981-1180

www.backcountrytrail.com

Bellingrath Gardens and Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Bellingrath Gardens and Home features a 65-acre estate Garden and historic Home, and blooms and beauty year-round. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (251) 973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org

Birding Trails Discover a variety of feathered visitors and yearround residents. Visit our website for a list of trails, convention centers and activities. (251) 626-5474

www.alabamabirdingtrails.com

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge 12295 State Highway 180 Gulf Shores, Al 36542 Brochures and maps available at trailhead kiosks and outside the refuge office. Visit our website for Facility openings and hours. (251) 540-7720 bonsecour@fws.gov www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour/

Flight Works Alabama 2000 Aerospace Dr Mobile, AL 36615 Explore dozens of interactive exhibits that trace the history of aviation, explain the science of flight, and place you in the pilot seat! Airbus tours, workshops, field trips, and more await you at FWA! (251) 512-2320 info@flightworksalabama.com www.flightworksalabama.com

GulfQuest 155 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 With over 90 interactive exhibits, simulators, displays and theaters, GulfQuest is a place you’ll want to visit often. (251) 436-8901

www.gulfquest.org

Mobile Botanical Gardens 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 See in one place the largest collection of plants on the Gulf Coast, and learn about the diversity of our local plant and wildlife. Over one hundred acres of paved garden areas and woodland gardens and trails. (251) 342-0555 mbg2@bellsouth.net www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

Colonial Fort Condé 150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 Explore the stories of Mobile’s past under French, British, Spanish and American rule at Colonial Fort Conde. Admission is included with admission into the History Museum of Mobile. (251) 544-5480 www.historymuseumofmobile.com/ colonial-fort-conde/

Dora Franklin African American Heritage Trail Tours History comes alive on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail! Tours enlighten Mobile’s culturally diverse heritage by linking historic contributions and events with significant locations. (251) 725-2236

www.dffaaht.org

Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Battle site of Battle of the Bay in 1864. See the battlements and soldiers’ living quarters, used from 1800’s-1946. Lots of fun for families and kids! (251) 861-6992 thefort@townofdauphinisland.org www.townofdauphinisland.org/

Historic Blakeley State Park 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Bring the whole family and enjoy more than 16 miles of trails, educational programs, boat cruises, cabins, RV spots and primitive camping. (251) 626-5581 office@blakeleypark.com www.blakeleypark.com

www.mobilebayparents.com

His Par his Arc inte

(25 ww

Me 520 Da ram boa

(25

Mo 355 The of M and

(25

Oa 350 Tra Mo per tory

(25 coa

Ph 203 The nix turn and Frid

(25 pho

Sec Mo You pin the

(25 ww

The 111 The and chi inte pea

(25

Un Mu 605 The from of p

(25 cha

N Ed

Bic We bik and

info

Tra City

(25

Wil Ora 415 Gu

93 er cilrnn

ys he

the al d

h, Fort to

ds!

es,

Historic Mobile Tours Partake in an engaging and personalized tour of historic Mobile with your guide, L. Craig Roberts, Architect, AIA. Choose from three informative and interesting outings (251) 343-8165 lcraigroberts@aol.com www.lcraigroberts.com/tours

Meaher State Park 5200 Battleship Pkwy East Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Day-use, picnicking, camping hook-ups, boat ramp and fishing pier. Self-guided nature trails with boardwalk. (251) 626-5529

www.alapark.com/Meaher-State-Park

Mobile Carnival Museum 355 Government Street Mobile , AL 36602 The Mobile Carnival Museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras. Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival. (251) 432-3324

www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com

Oakleigh Historic Complex 350 Oakleigh Place Mobile, AL 36604 Travel through time as you travel through one of Mobile’s oldest and grandest homes. Authentic period rooms allow you to experience Mobile’s history through the eyes of Oakleigh’s residents. (251) 432-1281 coakleigh.com/

hmps@bellsouth.net

www.histori-

(251) 208-7508 www.museumofmobile.com/ phoenix-fire-museum

Secret History Tours Mobile, AL 36602 Your guide will lead you at a relaxed pace, stopping at historic buildings, parks, and sites to share their Secret History! (251) 752-9868 info@secrethistorytours.com www.secrethistorytours.com

The History Museum of Mobile 111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602 The History Museum of Mobile is an educational and entertaining destination for both adults and children. As you explore the museum’s galleries, interesting artifacts and fascinating stories will appear around every corner. www.museumofmobile.com

University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum 6050 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36688 The Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts from the Gulf Coast and covers over 12,000 years of prehistory and history. (251) 460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum

Nature Trails / Marine Ed. / Environmental Bicycling in Mobile We have lists of group rides, information about bike shops and a list of key issues for advocacy and infrastructure. info@bicyclemobile.org

www.bicyclemobile.org

Trails – Mobile County City of Mobile and Mobile Area Trails (251) 432-1638

(251) 272-4088 info@wildnativetours.com www.wildnativetours.com

WildNative Tours - Spanish Fort 30841 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Tours departing from The Battleship Causeway: Experience the Port, Bay and Delta on the Secretly Awesome Charter, Delta Wildlife Kayak Tour or experience the swamps of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta on this highly rated eco-tour on the Delta Boat Charter (251) 272-4088 info@wildnativetours.com www.wildnativetours.com

Plays & Performances Azalea City Center for the Arts

www.mobileunited.org/trails

WildNative Delta Safaris - Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach 4159 County Road 6 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Guided Tours: the Dolphins & Wildlife Kayak Ex-

Chickasaw Civic Theatre 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL 36611 (251) 457-8887

www.cctshows.com

Joe Jefferson Players 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-1534

www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Mobile Chamber Music (251) 633-8840

www.mobilechambermusic.org

Mobile Civic Center 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 208-7261

www.asmglobalmobile.com

Mobile Opera 257 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 432-6772 info@mobileopera.org www.mobileopera.org

Mobile Pops

University of South Alabama Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 5751 USA S Drive Mobile, AL 36688

(251) 460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/laidlaw.html

Things To Do - Sports Azalea City Golf Course 1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile, AL 36608 Azalea City Golf offers golf lessons for all golfers. We have various skill level lessons offered from the novice student to advanced lessons for more experienced golfers. (251) 208-5150

(251) 208-1650

Mobile County Aquatic League Summer fun... here we come! Don’t miss out, join a MCAL club today and start swimming! For leagues and meet information visit our website. www.mcal.swimmobile@gmail.com

Mobile Tennis Center 851 Gaillard Drive Mobile, AL 36608 Largest municipal tennis complex in U.S. with 60 Courts. Summer Tennis Clinics offered. (251) 208-5181

Airboat Adventures 3775 Battleship Pkwy Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Take an Adventure Ride with Airboat Adventures in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Bring the kids, your family, and closest friends! (251) 680-4477

www.mobilesymphony.org

The Pact Theatre Company 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL 36609 See Bits and Pieces, page 9, for details.

(251) 307-5056 office@thepactmobile.com www.thepactmobile.com

The Playhouse in the Park 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 422-5434

www.playhouseinthepark.org

www.airboatadventures.net

Airboat Express 3733 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Take a tour with us and experience a treat for the Whole family! (251) 370-7089

www.airboatexpress.com

Alabama State Lands Canoe Trails 30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527 We offer canoeists and kayakers alike the ability to explore the State’s unique natural resources while providing paddlers with opportunities for both day and over-night trips. Bay City Tours

(251) 432-2010

www.mobiletenniscenter.net

Water Fun / Sailing / Cruises and Tours

Mobile Saenger Theatre 6 South Joachim Street Mobile , AL 36602 Mobile Symphony Orchestra 257 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602

www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/

City of Mobile Swim Association We offer training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels.

(251) 625-0814

www.asmglobalmobile.com

www.azaleacitygolfcourse.com

City of Mobile Parks & Recreation Summer sports offered at many locations. Please check the Community Activities Program at our website for summer listings.

www.themobilepops.com

(251) 208-7778

www.umobile.edu

www.swimcmsa.com

University of Mobile Performing Arts (251) 675-5990

WildNative Tours - Mobile 101 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Narrated Boat Tours. You’ll visit the Port of Mobile, Mobile Bay and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Learn about the area & historical landmarks along the way.

ad on page 3

Phoenix Fire Museum 203 South Claiborne Street Mobile, AL 36602 The Museum is in the restored home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. and houses turn-of-the-century horse-drawn steam engines and early motorized vehicles. Open TuesdayFriday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm. Admission is free.

(251) 208-7508

perience and the Dolphins & Wildlife Boat Charter

(251) 272-4088 info@wildnativetours.com www.wildnativetours.com

(251) 479-9970

www.alabamacanoetrails.com

www.baycityconventionsandtours.com/

Bienville Bites Food Tour Guided, walking food tours through the historic streets of Mobile, Alabama. (251) 622-4041 www.bienvillebitesfoodtour.com

City of Mobile Aquatics - Pools and Splash Pads Various locations Mobile, ALOur Aquatics division provides four seasonal outdoor pools and five splash pads. Swimming pools-Dates: May 31–July 31, Hours: Monday–Friday: 10am–7pm. Saturday: 12pm–6pm, Sunday.: 2pm–6pm. Splash Pads Dates: Memorial Day Weekend-early October, Hours: Every Day, 9am–7pm (251) 208-1631 MPRDAquatics@cityofmobile.org www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/aquatics

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Perdido Queen Cruises 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 Cruise Mobile aboard our authentic Riverboat, The Perdido Queen Paddlewheeler! Enjoy stunning sunset and city lights views with dining and live entertainment. (251) 948-6611 perdidoqueen@ gmail.com www.perdidoqueen.com

Saraland Splash Pad 706 Saraland Blvd S Saraland, AL 36571 Splash pad, visit website for hours. www.saraland.org

Satsuma Splash Pad Satsuma, AL 36572 Splash pad, visit website for hours. (251) 675-1440 www.facebook.com/ satsumasplashpad/

Dauphin Island Marina 650 LeMoyne Drive Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Dauphin Island Marina is a full-service marina. We also charter fishing trips, cruises on the Duke, kayak rentals, souvenirs and other boating supplies. (251) 861-2201 www.townofdauphinisland.org/ things-to-do/dauphin-island-marina

Delta Explorer Boat Cruises 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Explore the areas natural habitat including Delta adventure cruise, Port of Mobile cruise, Civil War on the Eastern Shore, lunch and sunset cruises. Book your adventure online. (251) 626-0798

www.blakeleypark.com/Cruises

Mobile Bay Ferry The Mobile Bay Ferry connects two of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful and historic landmarks with a safe and scenic experience. (251) 861-3000

www.mobilebayferry.com

Mobile Sailing School 4295 Marina Drive North Mobile, AL 36605 The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982. (251) 709-4102 sailingschool@mobileyachtclub.com www.mobilebaysailingschool.com

Semmes Splash Pad 3940 Illinois Street Semmes, AL 36575 Splash pad, visit website for hours. (251) 649-5752 www.cityofsemmesal.gov/departments/parks-recreation/splash-pad/

Waterville USA 906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Over 20 water slides, lazy river, wave pool, shrimp-boat village, Flowrider, mini-golf, go-karts, arcade, Launch Pad trampoline, amusement park kiddie rides, Cyberville USA Virtual Reality Cubes, and 2 Escape Rooms (251) 948-2106 www.watervilleusa.com MBP

es It s sw “fix als Th an ev to pe 50 be ev TE

inf we po we the pre the to pe

go pic so pic An MI inc co

ch kid or Mo in ch an ag Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

din-

om/

s, rk es,

The Hidden Dangers of the “Perfect Picture” We have all done it... used the latest filters to “perfect” or fix our photos. It seems innocent enough. A quick swipe and our faces are flawlessly “fixed”, and for many of us, the filters also remove a few years in the process. The reality is that our young children, and teens, are watching. Additionally, even at a young age, we “pose” them to achieve the “perfect” angle. Or the perfect shot. Sometimes it may take 50 pictures to get “the one”. I have been guilty of this in the past. However, it begs the question: What are we TEACHING our children? Parents are influencers. We are influencers of our children. What are we teaching them by asking them to pose 25 times for the right shot? Are we teaching them they cannot be themselves? That they must always be presented perfectly? When they get their own social media, this may lead to them feeling they can only share the perfectly angled selfie every time. The reality is, who doesn’t love a good selfie? Who doesn’t love a nice picture that we feel proud of. Even so, it feels like the era of selfies and picture sharing has exploded. In 2019, Android reported that its users take 93 MILLION selfies a DAY. This does not include iPhone data. Those numbers combined are staggering. About a third of parents with children ages 7-9 reported that their kids use social media apps via phones or tablets, according to the 2021 C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll in Health. About half the parents with children ages 10-12 reported the same, and the numbers increase as the child’s age increases. This means our kids, at

young ages, have easy access to social media and devices where they can post selfies.

Kids love to imitate what they see. If they are being taught from a young age to pose for the perfect picture, or if they grow up seeing this exhibited through parent’s behavior, they begin to imitate that behavior. While we want this to be harmless, it actually can lead to some confusion among our youth. They can begin to wonder if the “real” version of themselves is good enough. They wonder if they should only post the “filtered” or “perfectly posed” version of themselves. We see this among our daughters especially. Research is constantly pointing us in the direction of increasing body image issues among young girls, and at an alarming rate. Constant filtered or forced posing creates a situation where girls can no longer see the “real” version of themselves as being enough. So what can we do to protect our kids? One, ask their permission before you ever post a picture of them. This 35

is so important. Kids tell me at every conference how much they hate when parents post pictures of them without their permission. It is one of their number one complaints. Two, model good behavior. Chat with your kids about why it is not important to always have the perfect picture. If they agree, taking a few quick shots without a lot of posing, might be enough. Also, be careful of your own personal filter use because, again, they are watching. Three, discuss with them that what they see online are simply quick photos or videos, a few seconds out of someone’s 24-hour day. What they see online never presents the “real picture” of the rest of that person’s day. Help them to understand that we are all human, we all have bad days, and that the “real” version is always better than a filtered one.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Dauphin Way Baptist VBS

3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 6-10 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm; SMAC 12:00pm-3:00pm Ages: Completed K4-6th Grade Theme: Spark Studios (251) 342-3456 liesl@dwbc.org www.dwbc.org

125 Da Ag (25 gor

Dauphin Way United Methodist Church

1507 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36604 Dates: June 20-23 Times: 8:30am-12:00pm Theme: Under the Big Top (251) 471-1511 dwumcvbs@gmail.com www.dauphinwayumc.org/vbs/

First Baptist Church of Dawes 3941 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695 Dates: June 26 - 29 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm Ages: Completed 5K-6th grade Theme: Concrete & Cranes – Philippians 1:6 (251) 633-7331 fbcd.amyk@outlook.com https://firstbaptistdawes.com/

2022

Vacation

First Baptist Tillmans Corner 5660 Three Notch Road Mobile, 36619 Dates: June 20-24 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: Completed Kindergarten-6th grade Theme: Spark Studios (251) 661-0114 https://fbtc.org/vbs/

Bible Schools

Government Street Baptist

3 Circle Church

150 S Sage Ave Mobile, 36606 Dates: June 27 - 30 Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm Ages: 4 years - 4th grade Theme: The Flip Side (251) 990-3112 www.3CircleChurch.com/camp

Ashland Place United Methodist Church 15 Wisteria Avenue Mobile, 36607 Dates: June 6-9 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: Completed PreK3 - 5th Grade Theme: Monumental (251) 478-6356 mhfuller@apumc.com www.apumc.com

Bayou Sara Baptist Church

12 Bayou Sara Avenue Saraland, 36571 Dates: June 20 – 24 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm (251) 675-1770 bsbcsecretary@comcast.net www.bayousarabaptist.org

Chickasaw United Methodist Church 108 Lee Street, Chickasaw, AL 36611 Dates: June 5-9 Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm; Dinner 5:30pm, Program 6-8:30pm Ages: PK-5th Grade Theme: Monumental (251) 452-3461 chickasawumc@gmail.com www.chickasawumc.org

Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609 Dates: June 27 - 30 Times: 9:00am 1:00pm Ages: Age 3 by September 1, 2021 up to Completed 5th Grade Theme: Monumental (251) 342-0462 www.christunited.com/vbs

Church of the Island 901 Chaumont Avenue Dauphin Island, 36528 Dates: June 20-23 Times: 8:15am-12:00pm Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Ages: Completed K – 5th grade Theme: Make Waves (251) 660-2422 esisson@cottagehill.org www.churchoftheisland.com

3401 Government Boulevard Mobile, 36693 Dates: June 6–10 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: Completed 4K-5th grade Theme: Monumental (251) 660-7444 governmentstreetbaptist@gmail.com www.governmentstreet.org

City Hope Church

Government Street Presbyterian

4693 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Dates: July 18 - 21 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: 3 years - 3rd Grade (251) 626-0123 https://cityhope.churchcenter. com/registrations/events/1143166

Cloverleaf Baptist Church 6500 Three Notch Road Mobile, 36619 Dates: June 6-10 Times: 6:30pm-8:30pm Ages: Ages 4-12 Theme: Zoomerang: Returning to the Value of Life (251) 661-1883 pastor@cloverleafbaptist.net www.cloverleafbaptist.net

Cottage Hill Baptist Church 4255 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, 36609 Dates: June 6 -9 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: Upcoming K – 4th Grader, AND Preteen Track for Upcoming 5th and 6th Graders Theme: Make Waves (251) 660-2439 carriew@cottagehill.org www.cottagehill.org/summer-jam

Covenant Presbyterian Church 2651 Spring Hill Ave Mobile, 36607 Dates: June 13-16 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: 3 years- rising 5th Grade Theme: Race is On (251) 298-7055 marty@covenantpresmobile.org www.covenantpresmobile.org

300 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Dates: June 20-24 Times: 9:30am-12:30pm Ages: 3 years old - 5th grade Theme: Passport to Peace (251) 432-1749 www.gspcmobile.org

Lighthouse Baptist Church 6905 Nan Gray Davis Road Theodore, 36582 Dates: July 17 - 21 Ages: K3-6th Grade (251) 653-6542 lbctheodore.com

Little Flower Catholic Church 2053 Government Street Mobile, 36606 Dates: June 27 – July 1 Times: 8:00am-12:00pm Ages: K-5th Grade (251) 478-3381 Monumental www.littleflower.cc

Mt. Hebron Church Ministries 2501 East Service Road North Mobile, 36617 Dates: June 20-24 Times: 6:00pm-8:00pm Ages: 2 years old-Adult Theme: Bible Passport: We are Citizens of Christ (251) 457-9900 info@mthebroncm.org www.mthebroncm.org

Praise Family Church 2605 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695 Dates: June 13 – 17 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: 4 years–5th grade Theme: Monumental (251) 639-1959 www.praisefamily.church

www.mobilebayparents.com

879 Da Ag (25 gor

717 Da The (25

237 Da Ag The (25 ww

809 Da Ag The (25 sno

Redemption Church-North Campus 1251 Industrial Pky Saraland, 36571 Dates: June 6-9 Times: 9:00am–12:00pm Ages: K5-5th grade Theme: Spark Studios (251) 679-3266 amandas@goredemption.com goredemptionkids.com

Redemption Church-West Campus 879 Snow Road N Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 20-23 Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm Ages: K5-5th grade Theme: Spark Studios (251) 679-3266 amandas@goredemption.com goredemptionkids.com

Shiloh Baptist Church 717 Cleveland Rd, Saraland, AL 32571 Dates: June 6—June 10 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm Theme: Jerusalem Marketplace (251) 675-3587 https://vbspro.events/p/3b447d

Snow Road First Baptist

2370 Snow Road North Semmes, 36575 Dates: June 13-15 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm Ages: 4 years - 12 years Theme: Spark Studios (251) 649-7722 carolina@srfbc.com www.srfbc.com

Snow Road Missionary Baptist 809 Snow Road North Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 13-17 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: 4 years old-12th Grade Theme: The Mighty God (251) 649-0030 snowroadbaptistchurch@yahoo.com snowroadbaptistchurch.com

South Coast Church 1000 Cody Road South Mobile, 36695 Dates: June 14-16 Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Ages: 4 years old - 12 years old Theme: Make Waves 251-455-0585 info@southcoastmobile.com www.southcoastmobile.com

Spring Hill Baptist 2 McGregor Avenue South Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 5-8 Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm Ages: Completed 4K-6th grade Theme: Jerusalem Marketplace (251) 342-5320 eholloway@shbc.cc www.shbc.cc

Spring Hill Presbyterian 10 Westminster Way Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 27-30 Times: 9am-11:30am Theme: Compassion Camp Ages: K4-5th Grade (251) 342-1550 shpc.us/vbs-and-youthmission-camp

St. Dominic Catholic Parish and School 4156 Burma Road Mobile, 36693 Dates: June 13-17 Times: 8:45am-12:00pm Ages: PK3-5th Grade, Volunteers: Middle school-adults Theme: Monumental (251) 661-5130 bchristian@stdomincmobile.org www.stdominicmobile.org

St. Ignatius Catholic Church 3704 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 27-July 1 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: PK4-rising 4th Grade Theme: Heavenly Heroes inspiring Virtuous Saints (251) 605-1384 defalcob@stignatius.org www.stignatiusmobile.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1020 Azalea Road Mobile, 36693 Dates: June 6- 10 Times: 8:30am-12:00pm Ages: K4-5th Grade, 6th-8th may volunteer for service hours Theme: Adventure Island (251) 666-2990 church@stlukesmobile.org www.stlukesepiscopalchurch.org

St. Mark United Methodist 439 Azalea Road Mobile, 36609 Dates: TBA Theme: Rocky Railway (251) 342-5861 stmarkmobile@gmail.com https://stmarkmobile.com/

The Baptist Chapel 10431 Old Pascagoula Road Grand Bay, 36541 Dates: June 13-17 Times: 8:00am-12:00pm Ages: K5-6th Grade Theme: A Mighty God (251) 510-8220 www.thebaptistchapel.com

West Mobile Baptist 7501 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608 Dates: June 12-16 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm Ages: 4years-6th grade Theme: Monumental (251) 639-9952 kendra@wemochurch.org www.wemochurch.org MBP

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

2. to

ba an an yo pu

3. er

sp aj Pa few ad AA co

yo bo rea If y yo it a inc

5. th ca

ne ab ne ing at ho wa do

6. tiv on

yo Sin thi the livi ad as yo to

Your family has survived the testing, the essays, the applications and the waiting game. Now it’s time to teach your college-bound child some important skills before they head out of the house and explore the world on their own.

Here are some basic things I’ll be working on with my own college-bound teens, and summer is the perfect time to do it!

mi wit Ju ah ag ac se of bo

1. How to wash clothes. Wash light and dark clothes separately. Put a set of clothing in the washer, add detergent based on product recommendations, and wash everything on warm just to be safe. Never put “dry clean only” clothing in a regular washing machine. Once clothes are washed, put them in the dryer on a medium temperature for about 40 minutes or as long as a specific setting runs. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

2. How to cook a decent meal to save time and money. Start with

basics like how to scramble eggs, boil pasta and bake pizza in the oven (Recipes.com and YouTube are amazing teachers!). Work your way up to assembling casseroles and putting together slow cooker meals.

3. How to change a tire (and other car maintenance). Always have a

spare tire in the vehicle you drive, as well as a jack, flashlight, rain poncho and gloves. Parents, you should help teach this one a few times until the college-bound young adult gets the hang of it. Also, if there is a AAA plan in place, they are always happy to come out and help or supervise.

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

4. How to budget money. Track your income and spending in a small notebook or Excel spreadsheet so you can be realistic about how much you’re spending. If you know something is coming up that you’ll need money for, make a note about it and save in other ways or figure out income-earning opportunities. 5. How to manage money and the difference between a credit card and a debit card. A debit card needs a PIN because money comes from a bank account right away. A credit card needs a signature because you’re agreeing to pay interest and anything you owe at a later date. Kids, make sure you know how to balance a checkbook (or keep a watch on your account balance) so you don’t get that debit card declined!

6. What an advanced care directive is and why you should have one. Once you turn 18, the law states that

you can make your own medical decisions. Since you’re away from home, you need to think about what you would want done in the event of a life-threatening accident. A living will gives specific instructions, while a durable power of attorney is when you assign someone to make the decisions for you. It’s a heavy but necessary discussion to have with your family.

7. How to manage time. You

might just have a part-time job along with classes, homework and social time. Just like with money, getting real makes a huge difference. Google Calendar is a great on-the-go option and different activities can be color-coded so you can see where you might have a free block of time, or where you may be doublebooking yourself.

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

8. How to refill a prescription.

Make sure you have insurance information at the ready so it can be logged in the database, and find a drugstore that will take your insurance. The first time you do this, you will likely need to contact your doctor so he/she can contact the pharmacy, but after that refills should be smooth sailing.

9. How to deal with people. There

truly is an art to bringing up grievances and respectfully disagreeing with people such as authority figures and roommates. You don’t have to be a doormat when arguing your case with a professor, doctor, boss, but you also don’t have to always go for the win. 39

10. How to use student transit and/or public transportation.

You’re not the only college kid to arrive without a car, or to decide parking on campus is too expensive. Check out your university’s transit schedule and other forms of public transportation in your college town. If you’re still confused, ask an older student or orientation leader. Now that they have some important basics down, they can feel prepared for whatever life throws their way. MBP

Kerrie McLoughlin is the seasoned homeschooling mom of 5 and author of The Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar Saturday June 4

Living History Crew Drill 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see history come to life with our WWII historical reenactors. Activities, demonstrations and meet and greets. Be on the deck of the USS ALABAMA at 1:00 p.m. for the call to battle stations 251-433-2703 www.ussalabama.com Port of Mobile Cruise 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 This cruise winds through the scenic delta and down the historic Mobile River for a relaxing voyage through the Port of Mobile. www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events Family Story & Craft Time at Ben May Library 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Enjoy stories, crafts, and making new friends! This program is best suited for children 3 - 5 years old and their caregivers. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Sew and Tell 10:00 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join Mr. Butch to work on basic sewing skills and produce a sewing project! Sewing helps children develop fine motor skills and build self-confidence, as well as providing them the knowledge of a craft they can use for life! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Classic Disney Live Action Movies at Moorer 1:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Beat the heat and join us in the Meeting Room for a family-friendly movie, some popcorn, and lemonade! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kyser Miree Fishing Tournament Various locations, Anglers may launch and fish anywhere but must weigh fish at either of the official weigh stations. The official weigh stations are located at: Mobile Big Game Fishing Club in Orange Beach or Dauphin Island Site: Pelican Pub. All proceeds benefit Wilmer Hall. https://kysertournament.com/

Tuesday June 7

Good Listener’s Storytime with an Ocean of Possibilities at Parkway 10:00 AM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Join us for fun with stories, songs, games, a craft, and sometimes a short movie too! This storytime event is designed for ages 3 - 7. Children will have the opportunity to interact with others and practice social skills in a place where everyone is learning and having fun! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Prince Tribute Concert in Downtown Mobile ($50 $125) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 101 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Come out and help paint Mobile purple on June 7, 2022, as we welcome “America’s #1 Prince experience band” to Cooper Riverside Park for the City of Mobile’s largest concert event of the summer. mobileparksandrec.org

Wednesday June 8

Kids Gulf Discovery Day ($14 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-12 and free for members of the Friends of Bellingrath and children ages 4 and under.) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Bell-

ingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Plan a day of summertime fun for the family! Learn about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast from a variety of environmental organizations throughout the region during Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. (251) 973-2217 www.bellingrath.org Mad Scientist Club at Moorer 4:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join Mr. Butch on the patio to encourage your child’s intellectual curiosity with a handson science experiment. Please bring your own chair or blanket to enjoy the program more comfortably. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday June 9

Robert Earl Keen: “I’m Comin’ Home” Tour 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Friday June 10

Beach, Dune, and Maritime Excursion 14:45 Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL There’s more to a barrier island than sand and water – the beach is a thriving habitat with a dynamic dune system and fascinating plants and animals, and higher elevations are covered by lush forest. We’ll walk through the maritime forest, then on to the dunes and beach. www.disl.edu/events/beach-dune-and-maritimeforest-excursion20/ Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, and Stokley 7:30 PM Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Theater Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Saturday June 11

Voyage to Bayou Canot 9:00 AM Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Remote Bayou Canot, located just off the Mobile River north of the city, was the scene of two of the most dramatic tragedies in regional history: the burning of the slave ship Clotilda and the derailment of Amtrak’s “Sunset Limited”. Come along with us as we venture deep into the delta to discover more about these events and their enduring significance. www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

Monday June 13

Create! Play! Learn! at West Regional Library 10:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room for some hands on fun and learning, and wear play clothes because things might get messy! (251) 340-1588 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday June 16

Website Building at Ben May Main Library 2:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Introduction to website building with WIX for ages 13 and up! Registration is recommended, as class size is limited. To register or for more information, please email the Reference Desk at mainref@mplonline.org or call (251) 340-1458. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Beach, Dune, and Maritime Excursion 2:45 PM Details on June 10. Juneteenth Tours and Histories History Museum of Mobile/Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail We will have 5 minute histories at the Mobile History Museum, free tours from the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail, and then wrap up the celebrations with an evening at Hope Community Center in Africatown with music, games, art, crafts, and fun! Please follow us on social media for more information. www.facebook.com/mobileparksandrec

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 7:30 PM Details on June 10.

Saturday June 18

A Vision of Reconciliation with Ben Raines and Clotilda Descendants at Ben May Main Library 2:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Public Library is celebrating 120 years of service to the community and is proud to present a panel discussion in honor of Juneteenth with Ben Raines, the award winning environmental journalist, filmmaker, author, and charter captain, who discovered the wreckage of the Clotilda. The panel will include Darron Patterson and Joycelyn Davis of the Clotilda Descendants Association, as well as Vickii Howell, founder of the M.O.V.E Gulf Coast CDC. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 7:30 PM Details on June 10.

Sunday June 12

Sunday June 19

Joe Foo 2:0

Jun Var ww

Spl 11: Mo on pai abl old - 11 ww

Friday June 17

Makers Market and Open House 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 4850 Museum Dr Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile Museum of Art is kicking off the summer with a Makers Market and Open House. Join us for an afternoon of local shopping, live music, food trucks, art activities, and free admission to the Museum! https://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/programs/ makers-market/

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 2:00 PM Details on June 10.

mie are and ww rep

Mobile Reptile Expo 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 We are a pre-

www.mobilebayparents.com

the is o the ww

Sal 9:4 ville ad box (we abo Mex ww

You 11: St M me ing wel Ove Boy Clu http

Dis Na 7:0 Mo Cla last ww

Sun 9:0 Spa dow sun ww

FamilyCalendar mier reptile expo bringing quality and variety. Our events are affordable for the entire family. Experience, learn, and maybe even bring home a new family member. www.eventbrite.com/e/mobile-reptile-expo-show-mereptile-show-tickets-309953979697 Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 2:00 PM Details on June 10.

ute

an with on

d y

kii

er t n

e rt

Juneteenth Various Locations, Details on June 16. www.facebook.com/mobileparksandrec

Wednesday June 22

Splatter Painting at Ben May Main Library 11:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us on the lawn under the Oaks on the Scott Street side of the Library for a family fun painting event! Families will be supplied with washable paint, but participants are encouraged to wear old clothes. This program was designed with ages 4 - 11 in mind, but all are welcome! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Distinguished Young Women Community Night 7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Attendees will get a sneak peek at the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 as they perform selections from the 65th National Finals Program. Community Night is open to the public and tickets may be purchased at the door. www.distinguishedyw.org

Thursday June 23

Salt Marsh Excursion 9:45 - 12:15 PM, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL Be a marine scientist for a day, and use seine nets, buckets, shovels, and sieve boxes to collect samples, including crabs, snails, and fish (we’ll release animals back to the marsh). You’ll learn about the important role salt marshes play in the Gulf of Mexico and how they support the seafood we enjoy. www.disl.edu/events/salt-marsh-summer-excursion/ Youth of the Year Luncheon 11:30 AM Renaissance Mobile Riverview , 64 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the year, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives https://www.bgcsouthal.org/yoy/ Distinguished Young Women 65th Annual National Finals 7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. www.distinguishedyw.org

Friday June 24

Sunset Cruise 9:00 AM Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us for a relaxing cruise down the scenic Tensaw River as we enjoy a glorious sunset on Mobile Bay! www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

Distinguished Young Women 65th Annual National Finals 7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. www.distinguishedyw.org Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 7:30 PM Details on June 10.

Saturday June 25

Family Story & Craft Time at Ben May Library 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Enjoy stories, crafts, and making new friends! This program is best suited for children 3 - 5 years old and their caregivers. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Distinguished Young Women 65th Annual National Finals 7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. www.distinguishedyw.org Wheels of Soul Tour 7:00 PM Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Theater Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Wheels of Soul Tour – a standout of the summer concert series – is returning with two performers who exemplify the best of the modern soul movement. Wheels of Soul welcomes St. Paul and The Broken Bones, as well as TTB’s own talented keyboardist Gabe Dixon and his trio. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

4th of July Celebration 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Cooper Riverside Park and Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Fireworks will begin at 9pm sharp! The party starts at Mardi Gras Park in our “Kid Zone” complete with a Live DJ, Inflatable Bounce Houses, Games and Activities, Vendors and MORE! Continue the fun at Cooper Riverside Park with Live Music, Family-Fun, Food and Fireworks! Live Music by New Orleans Karma from 6-9pm! mobileparksandrec.org

Friday July 8

The HodgeTwins Comedy Show 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 The HodgeTwins Comedy Show https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Sunday July 10

The Color Purple on the Soufside Play 6:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 The Color Purple on the Soufside is a dramatic new version of The Classic “The Color Purple” written by Alice Walker! This version will have some of the songs and scenes you are familiar with from the movie and Broadway musical; but also it will feature new Choreography, Songs, scenes, comedy and more! https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Beach, Dune, and Maritime Excursion 9:45 AM Details on June 10.

Annual Kids Fishing Tournament ($10 per child) Perkins Hurricane Landing, 7060 Hurricane Rd Bay Minette, AL, 36507 Bait your hooks, reel em’ in, bring em’ to the scales and have tons of fun! Children ranging in age from 3 to 14 will compete in age groups https://allevents.in/bay%20minette/annual-kidsfishing-tournament/200022127766515

Sunday June 26

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 2:00 PM Details on June 10. Swing Band Sunset Concert 6:00 PM West End Beach, Dauphin Island, AL Swing Band Sunset Concert www.townofdauphinisland.org

Thursday June 30

Thursday July 14

The Pact Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” 7:30 PM The Pact Theatre, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 July 14 – 31 at The PACT Theatre Company, Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. 251-307-5056 https://thepactmobile.com/ legally-blonde/

Friday July 15

The Pact Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” 7:30 PM Details on July 14. Vince Gill Concert 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 Vince Gill Concert https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Beach, Dune, and Maritime Excursion 9:45 AM Details on June 10.

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Grand Bay Odd Fellows Festival Park, 10327 Taylor F. Harper Grand Bay, AL, 36541 The Grand Bay Watermelon Festival is open on July 3rd from 3 to 7 pm and on July 4th from 10 am to 6 pm. An annual family fun event with all the free, sliced, ice cold watermelon you can eat but only on the 4th. We will have vendors, rides and entertainment. grandbaywatermelonfestival.org/

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Details on June 3.

Wednesday July 13

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Footloose the Musical 7:30 PM Details on June 10.

Sunday July 3

Monday July 4

Saturday July 16

The Pact Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” 7:30 PM Details on July 15.

Sunday July 17

The Pact Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” 2:00 PM Details on July 15.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

FamilyCalendar Thursday July 21

Salt Marsh Excursion 9:45 - 12:15 PM, Details on June 23. The Pact Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” 7:30 PM Details on July 14.

Tuesday July 26

Nickelodeon & VStar Entertainment Group present PAW Patrol LIVE! 6:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr Mobile, AL, 36602 Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group present PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure, an action-packed, music-filled production. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Wednesday July 27

Salt Marsh Excursion 9:45 - 12:15 PM, Details on June 23. Nickelodeon & VStar Entertainment Group present PAW Patrol LIVE! 6:00 PM Details on July 26.

Every Monday

Chess Club 4:00 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us every Monday to learn the game or improve your skill at the game of chess! Playing chess improves concentration and problem-solving skills. This program is designed or for children and teens ages 12-18, but children of all ages are welcome. (251) 340-1588 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Tuesday

Read and Play Storytime 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in Bernheim Hall for a socially distant storytime event. Masks are required. Children enjoy 20 minutes of books, songs, manipulatives, and rhymes, with an emphasis on repetition for their developing minds. Story and book time is followed by a time of free play with a sensory activity. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Summer Movies at Moorer 11:00 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Beat the heat with movies and treats! Join us in the Meeting Room on Tuesdays at 11am in June and July for a family-friendly movie, popcorn, and lemonade! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. This half-hour program is designed to help promote their passion for learning. For your convenience, the program is offered at three different times on Wednesdays: 10am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm choose the time that works best for you! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Good Listener Storytime at Semmes 10:30 AM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for stories, songs, and dances! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Wonderful Wednesday Storytime 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Theodore Oaks, 5808 US-90 West E Theodore, AL, 36582 Join us for stories and songs and lots of fun! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Second Wednesdays

Awesome Wednesday Art Space 4:00 PM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Mobile, AL, 36608 Artist Jaime Lee and other guest presenters will teach you how to make a different art form every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Ages 8 -14. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Learning Lunch (Free) 12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 This series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission to Learning Lunch is free. Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages. 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Every Thursday

Family Movies at Main 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in Bernheim Hall for free popcorn and movies on the big screen! Bring the whole family to Ben May Main Library on Thursday morning to let us help you get your day started with a smile! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Steam Club 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join the club and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) with hands-on activities that get kids thinking and building! STEAM Club meets each Thursday at 4:00 p.m in the Youth Programming Room at Ben May Main Library. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Dive into Ocean Fun at Semmes Regional Library! Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us in the Children’s Area at Semmes Regional Library as we Dive into Ocean Fun! Splash your way through adventures such as our sea creature scavenger hunt, or make waves with different ocean-related art forms. Learn the ways of the sailor as you learn how to do a different sailor knot each week, or answer the call of the sea with origami marine life. This program is designed for children ages 2 - 14. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Chess Club 4:00 PM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Mobile, AL, 36608 Semmes Regional Library Chess Club is designed for children and teens ages 6 - 18. Playing chess improves concentration and problemsolving skills. No experience is necessary www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Wednesday

Thursdays from May 26-July 7

Good Listener Storytime at Moorer Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Early reading ignites creativity,

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

Family Storytime at West Regional Library 4:00 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Youth Room for a storytime for the whole family! (251) 340-1588 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Market in the Park - Trinity Gardens 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Trinity Gardens, 3100 Banks Ave Mobile, AL, 36617 Shop local for fresh fruits, veg-

etables, seafood, baked goods, jams/jellies, original art, decor, and more! https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ springsummer-market-in-the-park/

Every other Thursday

Create it, Build it, Play it! at Grand Bay 4:00 PM Grand Bay Library, 10329 Freeland Ave Grand Bay, AL, 36541 Join us in the Meeting Room every other Thursday in for some fun with crafts and activities! Get creative and have fun with other people that love arts and crafts! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Second Fridays

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

Saturdays through July 9

Market in the Park - Cathedral Square 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Shop local for fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked goods, jams/jellies, original art, decor, and more! https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ springsummer-market-in-the-park/

Every Saturday

Saturday Crafternoon 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Theodore Oaks, 5808 US-90 West E Theodore, AL, 36582 Join us in the lobby every Saturday to get creative and make a fun craft! If you need additional information, please email the Theodore Oaks Branch Circulation desk at theocir@ mplonline.org or call (251) 662-9676. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

First and third Sundays

Animal Ambassadors 2:00 PM Five Rivers Delta Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 2 PM as we present one or more of our live educational animals. Free, family friendly, no registration required. www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

First Sunday of every month

Free First Sunday - History Museum of Mobile

(Free) 1:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal

Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Free admission for all visitors sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality every first Sunday of the month! 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Select days in June and July

Summer Reading Performers Various Locations, Special Performers in different library locations during the week. Please check our website for specific days, library, and times. June 6-9: Didgeridoo Down Under, June 13-14: Musician Gabe Willis of Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet, June 15-16: Musician Ryan Balthrop, June 27-30: Mobile Baykeeper: Down by the Bay, July 11-14: Environmental Studies Center’s Reptile Show, July 18-20: Juggler Ron Anglin: Quite a Catch, July 25-28: Bubble Lady Kit Killingsworth www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

www.mobilebayparents.com

nd ple

gi-

t! e

ed.

e yal

ebdgs n n r’s a

e ate

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Teach Them, Don’t Enable

Q. My younger brother and his wife did their taxes last month and learned they owe $15,000 to the IRS. I love them both, but they are extremely irresponsible with money. I know they have a lot of credit card debt, too. I am debt-free, including my home after following your plan, and would like to help them. I was thinking about taking out a one-time loan from the bank to help cover what they owe the IRS, because my emergency fund is a little low after a recent car accident. Under the circumstances, would this be okay? A.

In my mind, “help” would be aiding them in changing their ways with money. I don’t say this to be sarcastic or mean, but it’s the truth about where they are in life right now. They both need to be educated, not enabled, when it comes to

their behavior with money. This doesn’t mean they’re bad people, but it does mean you don’t need to be a party to, or a temporary fix for, their bad financial decisions. Some people might say taking this attitude would mean you don’t love and care about your brother and his wife. Those people would be wrong. You’ve already told me they won’t behave with money, so at this point it would kind of be like giving a drunk a drink. You don’t give more money to people who won’t behave with it. That solves nothing, and in most cases it just reinforces the negative behavior.

This might be a good opportunity to sit down with your brother and his wife, and have a firm—but gentle—talk about their situation. Maybe you could offer to teach them the things that worked for you when it comes to finances, using the Baby Steps as your guide. And make sure they get in touch with the IRS about a payment plan. I know you love them, but you can’t fix this for them. In some cases, the best thing you can give someone is the understanding that they need to change their behavior. Hopefully, with you as their inspiration and support, they can learn how to manage their finances wisely.

2022 Mobile Bay Parents I June 2022

www.mobilebayparents.com

ROBERT GREER JR., D.O.

KEERTHI REDDY, M.D.

Take control of your Asthma and Allergy symptoms this spring Our specialists diagnose and treat both children and adults. • Asthma • Wheezing • Coughing • Shortness of Breath • Food Allergies

• Rhinitis/Runny Nose • Sinusitis • Nasal Polyps • Itchy, Watery Eyes • Insect Sting Allergies

• Eczema • Dermatitis • Hives • Angioedema • Drug Allergies

ASTHMA & ALLERGY 6701 Airport Blvd., Suite A101, Mobile, AL For more information, call (251) 633-8880. 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

You Hold The Key To Protect With 3! Tdap

HPV

MCV4

As parents, it is up to you to ensure your children remain up to date with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis • Human papillomavirus • Meningococcal disease • Influenza

Protect your children against vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccine:

7-10 Years

11-12 Years

13-18 Years

Tdap

Childhood Catch-up

Recommended

Catch-up

HPV

>9 Years

Recommended

Catch-up

MCV4

High Risk

Recommended

Flu

Recommended

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm