Mobile Bay Dec 2013 by KeepSharing

Jenny has always dreamed of becoming a rock star...

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December2013

Volume 3 Number 8

50 Columns

Mom of the Month Candice Donkel

Living With Children

Stick a Pin In It!

Learn why Pinterest is all the buzz and find easy craft ideas you can enjoy with your kids!

John Rosemond

2013 Holiday Happenings Guide

Kids Health Watch

Our guide tells you where to enjoy holiday fun in Mobile.

sponsored by Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Group

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

The FlyLady Marla Cilley

Tips to Jump-Start Conversation Twenty-one questions to get you and your kids talking.

Christmas Budgeting Dave Ramsey helps you get through the season without the usual debt build-up.

On The Cover Laighton Donkel (age 3), daughter of Candice and Joseph Donkel, and sister to Matthew (10) and Paisley (1). Laighton is pictured at Fish River Tree Farm. She is very excited about Christmas and loves Christmas shopping and baking goodies.

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 60

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth My family is so blessed! We have three beautiful, healthy and amazing children: Matthew (10), Laighton (3), and Paisley (1), plus a very large, loving, and eccentric at times, extended family. Fortunately, my husband’s military career with the United States Coast Guard has afforded me the opportunity to stay home with my children. We are both finishing up our degrees, so between hours of study and the rigors of running children to various activities, our lives are always hectic, but I wouldn’t trade one second of it! However, we do make a conscious effort to really talk with our children each day. I enjoyed the article Mobile Bay Parents has provided us this month, 21 Questions to JumpStart Conversation with Your Kids, by Lara Krupicka. She offers some really fun questions to ask your kids that can engage the whole family. With the holiday season upon us it is very easy to get caught up in all of the Christmas fervor. There are an array of school, church and family functions that keep a family so busy we sometimes forget to stop and remember the real meaning of the Advent and Christmas season. I try to make the season special and magical for my family, but I most heartily always keep Christ in Christmas so that my children will grow up firmly grounded in the knowledge that the true meaning of Christmas is giving from the heart--and that the greatest gift of all was the gift of baby Jesus, born into the most humble of surroundings to give us life eternal. We begin the holidays with our annual trip to Fish River Tree Farm where my husband and son engage in their manly tradition of chopping down a Christmas tree. Once home, our tree is then adorned with a vast array of decorations, the most precious of which are those made by our children. Yes, like most children, my oldest two argue over who hangs the next ornament while my youngest is eating one. My parents, Gidgi & Paw Paw, taught me how meaningful these homemade creations are. To this day my brother, sister and I laugh as we hang our decorations from our younger years on my parent’s tree. Half of them have obtained some damage over the years and are now just pieces of faded out construction paper hanging on a rusty hook, but my mom loves the tradition, so we do it. My mother-in-law, Fizbo, still has a picture of my husband encased in a mason jar top ornament, which he threatens to make “disappear” each year. If you are looking to create some special ornaments or gifts for the holidays, Pinterest is a great resource! If you are not familiar with Pinterest you can find out all you need to know in this month’s article, Stick a Pin In It, by Jan Udlock. As I reflect on these traditions, I cannot miss mentioning my dad’s light display. My dad holds the tradition of having the most “unique” light display you will ever see. Think Griswold’s Christmas lights. It looks like our house has been rolled in lights. These memories and traditions make me realize how blessed my children are to have grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to share the holidays with. If you are looking for some fun holiday activities to share with your family, Mobile Bay Parents has put together a great list of activities in the Holiday Happenings Guide. Since our move back home to Mobile, we have a new tradition of gathering at our home on Christmas evening and sharing a meal, love and laughter with all of our loved ones. While by the end of the day we are all exhausted, we know that we are keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive and foremost in our hearts by coming together. I can only hope and pray that by example our children will also share the fullness of their hearts with their own children one day at this special time of year. As mothers we know that there is no greater gift in life than that of our children...they are true gifts from God.

Candice Donkel Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Marla Cilley Candice Donkel Lara Krupicka Mike Little, D.O. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Jan Udlock Cover Photography Oracle Imaging & Design www.oracle-weddings.com

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

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

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Parents Should Do Their Best, But Not Expect Too Much in Return I often hear real-life parenting stories that evoke two equally strong feelings: on the one hand, sorrow; on the other, gratefulness. I am saddened to hear these stories, always told to me by loving parents who have conscientiously tried to always do the right thing, but they also cause me to be glad beyond measure that I am not raising children today. I got out of the game just in time, it seems. Willie and I did not have to deal with hundreds of cable channels, video games, cell phones, or the Internet with its various temptations, including social media, pornography that

a 5-year-old can access (Click Here if You’re 18 or Older!), chatrooms, online gaming, and shopping carts. When my kids were growing up, we had a television (sometimes), period. In 1980, I wrote a column in which I speculated that video games were addictive (which we now know is true), and the president of Nintendo USA sent me a state-of-the-art video-game system to share with my poor, tech-deprived children so I could see for myself how wrong-headed I was. It sat, unopened, in my attic until several years ago when I gave it away. In short, Willie and I had it easy. The worst thing either of our kids did was sneak out

at night after we were asleep. That would be the son, of course. One such heartbreaking story was told to me recently. It’s been told to me hundreds of times, actually, and every time my heart is broken. It begins with good, decent, responsible parents discovering that their young adolescent boy has accessed pornography of the worst sort on the Internet. They confront him. His father talks to him about how pornography disrespects women. The parents make sure he can no longer access the Internet at home without supervision. The boy figures out how to get around the blocks, how to disarm the tracking software. The parents find him sitting at the computer, mesmerized, at three o’clock in the morning. Then his best friend’s parents call to complain that he has introduced their son to Internet pornography. The word gets around. No one will let their children associate with the boy, and the parents figure out that they’ve become untouchable as well. And the boy just keeps right on figuring out how to beat the system. As the parents tell the story, they’re both fighting back tears. So am I. What should we do? they ask. I tell them it sounds to me that they’ve done all they can. But it’s not working! they say, in despair. I ask, “Can you accept that you’re not going to be able to completely solve this problem? Can you accept that the river’s going to find a way around your sandbags, but that you should keep putting out sandbags anyway?” Then I say something along these lines: “Are you willing to accept not only that this isn’t your fault, that it has absolutely nothing to do with anything you did or failed to do, but also that you are not the appointed agents of change concerning this issue in your child’s life?” In other words, I tell them, do your best, but don’t expect much in return. Pray for your son. Above all else, keep the demons of guilt at bay. Guilt is the enemy. And then I feel guilty for being so grateful. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas Tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40 acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery.

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bits & pieces Mobile Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Holiday splendor for the whole family returns to the stage with Mobile Ballet’s lavish production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. This annual holiday tradition for the entire Gulf Coast region will feature a cast of more than 100, along with guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys, Principal Dancers with Festival Ballet Providence in Rhode Island. A family favorite for kids of all ages, the timeless story features a young girl Clara, who receives a special gift of a Nutcracker from her mysterious uncle at the family Christmas party. In her dreams, the Nutcracker comes to life and enters a fierce battle with the mice who are attempting to steal the family’s Christmas presents! Her beloved Nutcracker becomes a handsome Prince, who takes her on an enchanted journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where they are entertained by dancers from around the world. The Nutcracker features continuous action, beautiful sets, gorgeous costumes, and the famous music by Tchaikovsky. Students from the Mobile Ballet schools in both Mobile and Daphne will also be seen scampering across the stage as mice in one of the ballet’s most humorous scenes. According to Winthrop Corey, Artistic Director, Mobile Ballet’s production has become an annual holiday tradition for many families. “We now have parents returning with their children who first came years ago with their parents and grandparents! There is something for everyone in this wonderful holiday production.” Ticket prices range from $20 to $40, with an additional $5 discount for children, students, seniors, and military ID. Group discounts are also available for 15 or more. There are three performances, including a 2:30 matinee and 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 14 and a 2:30 matinee on Sunday, Dec. 15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Mobile Ballet box office at (251) 342-2241 or visit the website www.mobileballet.org.

Take the North Pole Stroll in Downtown Mobile

Mobile’s favorite family holiday event will be taking over Downtown Mobile Friday, December 6th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Hundreds of families will stroll along Royal Street experiencing dozens of free activities including: Visiting Santa; Riding the Stroll Train; Competing in the Black Light Painting Contest; Taking photos in the Giant Snow Globe; Singing along with Merry-oke; Writing letters to Santa; Listening to stories in the Battle House Hotel lobby; Getting Christmas tattoos; Experiencing talented balloon artists; Shopping in the new Holiday Marketplace. All this takes place while snow falls from balconies above Royal Street! We’ll also have the popular Facebook Scavenger Hunt (like the North Pole Stroll on Facebook to participate) and the photo contest. For more information contact Valerie Longa at vlonga@downtownmobile.org or 251-434-8498, or find the latest information as we post it on Facebook.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market

Join the fun at this two-day shopping extravaganza held at the Daphne Civic Center located at 2603 U.S. 98, Daphne. Clothing, jewelry, home decor, one-of-a-kind gifts and much more! You are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list. Dates are Saturday, November 30, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, children 12 and under are free. All proceeds will benefit USA Children's and Women's Hospital Emergency Room Renovation. For more information or to become a vendor call Melissa Johnson at 251-656-1373 or find us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/HollyJollyHoliday Market.

Lights of Love 2013

Celebrate the excitement and wonder of this holiday season! Everyone is invited to the annual "Lights of Love" tree lighting at USA Children's and Women's Hospital beginning at 6 p.m., Tuesday, December 10. The tree lighting directly in front of the hospital will also feature visits from Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald, as well as performances from local school and community choirs. Visitors can enjoy cookies and cocoa while strolling the grounds of the beautiful Geri Moulton Children's Park that forms the entrance to Children's & Women's Hospital. Parking will be available at the nearby USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. For details, call 251-415-1636 or e-mail cwhdevelop@usouthal.edu. Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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bits & pieces 2013 Easter Seals Limited Edition Christmas Ornament

In 1994, Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Mobile created the first "Christmas on the Coast" limited edition Christmas ornaments to sell as a fundraiser. The first ornament featured the Middle Bay Lighthouse which was created using the artwork of "B" Sumrall. The first series had a limited edition of 2,000 made and sold in the same year. Because of its popularity, the second and following years the limited edition number was increased to 5,000, and increased again in 2008 to 10,000. "B" continues to donate her artwork each year for the newest ornament. Goodwill Easter Seals is proud to announce that the 19th-annual limited edition Christmas on the Coast ornament for the Mobile area is Dewdrop Inn, Mobile’s oldest restaurant! To order your 2013 Dew Drop Inn ornament visit www. gesgc.org then click on Order Ornaments on the left sidebar or call 251-471-1581.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

Sunny Side Theater Presents “Beauty and the Beast”

Sunny Side Theater & The Studio present "Beauty and the Beast" December 20 - 22. The "tale as old as time" features 80 of Mobile's finest youth performers taking to the stage in Disney's adaptation of this classic tale. All of your favorite characters will be there - Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Babbette, and of course Belle! Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students, and $5 children 12 and under. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 and Saturday & Sunday at 2 and will take place at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts on the St. Luke's Upper School campus at 1400 University Blvd. For more information call Director Chris Paragone at 251-510-1808.

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Local High School Students Can Do Good!

High school students from St. Paul’s, UMS Wright, B.C. Rain, Murphy and Davidson will be participating in Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood’s Can Do Good competition. The annual event is a social design competition among high school students that has expanded this year to include schools in Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Steered by the architecture and engineering firm, high school teams organize canned food drives, create artistic structures from the collected goods and non-perishable items, and then donate all the food to their local food banks. The competition encourages hands-on learning about architecture, engineering, team building, creative design skills and social responsibility. The competition in Mobile will take place Saturday, December 7, at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. Beginning at 9 a.m., students will have three hours to build the artistic structures. After the allotted time, the structures will be judged by a panel of community leaders on creativity, difficulty and stability. The structures will be left on display for the public’s viewing for one week in the Exploreum’s atrium. Admission to the Exploreum on the day of the event and throughout the week will be free with the donation of three canned goods. Participating high school teams across the southeast will then submit photos and a brief description of their structure and process to the online facebook contest to be entered to win the overall grand prize of Best Canstructure of the Southeast which includes a $2,500 check. Winners will be announced January 23, 2014. For more information on the competition, visit designbuildeat.com.

The Redcoats are Coming to Mobile!

Mobile’s Year of Great Britain begins in 2014, but the British are already arriving at the Mobile Museum of Art. More than half the works in the exhibition Copley Delacroix, Dali and Others: Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery are by British artists from the Georgian, Victorian and Modern periods. The exhibition will remain on view from November 15, 2013 through April 27, 2014. The exhibition’s 74 works represent highlights of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s collection, with 40 British masterworks, including artists Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and J.M.W. Turner. The Masterworks exhibition launches a year-long celebration of MMofA’s 50th Anniversary, which includes reinstallation of every gallery space in the Museum, architectural, spatial redesign of exhibition spaces by architect Don Bowdon, and culminating in the Museum’s 50th Anniversary 4-day celebration.

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bits & pieces Salvation Army Holiday Programs Need Volunteers and Donations

The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama hopes to make the 2013 holiday season a little brighter for those in need throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties through our various holiday programs. The Angel Tree Program provides Christmas gifts to families in need throughout Mobile & Baldwin Counties. There are several ways the community can help with Angel Tree: Adopt an individual Angel from our tree in Bel-Air Mall, Host a toy/gift drive for our “Forgotten Angels” – angels who do not get adopted or whose gifts do not get returned or volunteer at our Angel Tree in Bel-Air Mall. The Neediest Families Program aids local families during the holidays and throughout the year. Half of the money raised aids the operation of The Salvation Army’s Center for Women and Children. The rest goes to suffering families in Mobile and Baldwin counties dealing with medical costs, housing bills and other emergency needs throughout the year. To donate: Send a check or money order made out to The Salvation Army Neediest Families, 1009 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604. Red Kettle Campaign - Today, donations to Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama Kettles at Christmas time support holiday meals for homeless and needy families, but also help The Salvation Army serve those in need through our various programs all year long. Volunteers are needed. Please visit www.salvationarmyalm.org/coastalalabama or call (251) 438-1625 to volunteer or for more information.

Reception Held for Distinguished Young Women

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A reception was recently held in honor of Marissa Horstman (left) and Lauren Greene (right). Marissa Horstman, a Senior at Theodore High School will be representing Mobile County at the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program being held in January of 2014. Lauren Greene, a Senior at Baker High School is the first runner up. The 2015 Distinguished Young Women of Mobile County program will be held the first weekend of June in 2014 at Bryant High School in Irvington. It is open to any current Junior student living and attending school in Mobile County. Go to www. distinguishedyw.org to begin the registration process.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Mobile's Singing Children to Present Christmas Concerts

Mobile's Singing Children presents their 37th Season Christmas Concerts in Mobile and Spanish Fort. The first concert will be held Saturday, December 7th, 7 p.m., at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception located at 2 South Claiborne Street in Mobile. On Friday, December 13th at 7 p.m. Mobile's Singing Children will perform at Spanish Fort United Methodist Church located at 6530 Spanish Fort Boulevard. Admission is free and donations gratefully accepted at the door. Suggested donation is $10 per person or $25 per family. Boys and girls ages 2 - 12 who are interested in joining the group may request information on the mid-semester auditions. Please contact Susan Hoitt, director at (251) 285-2285 or mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com

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Carpe Diem’s Santa Fun Run

Carpe Diem Coffee and Tea Co. will host its annual Christmas Eve Santa Run at 10:00 on Tuesday, December 24th. This is a fun family event! The 2-mile fun run, which benefits a different charity each year, is held in memory of Van Rusling, who owned Carpe Diem with his wife, Tomi Sue Rusling Mayer. Van Rusling died in 2005 of non-Hodgin’s lymphoma. Proceeds from the 2013 Santa Run will benefit Goodwill Easter Seals. Early Registration forms will be at Carpe Diem (4072 Old Shell Road) or McCoy Outdoors (3498 Springhill Avenue) until December 20th. You can also register early the day of at Carpe Diem. Most Santa Runners will be there with Santa hats on, along with reindeer antlers, elf hats and more. The race is stroller and pet-friendly. There’s also a hayride for the little ones. Carpe Diem holds a post-race party for everyone, with coffee, cookies and hot chocolate.

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bits & pieces Christmas through the Ages at Historic Fort Gaines

On December 7, the Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board is hosting the 29th Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at historic Fort Gaines from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come and join the soldiers from the1700's through the 1900's and their families as they celebrate a noncommercial Christmas. Our visiting children will have the chance to make a seashell ornament and other decorations. Admission is $4 for kids under age 12 and $6 for adults. For more information visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DIPBB or visit us at www. dauphinisland.org/events.

Mobile’s Christmas & Holiday Parade

Mobile's Christmas & Holiday Parade sponsored by the city of Mobile will roll through the streets of downtown Mobile at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st. The parade will feature high school marching bands, colorful holiday floats, giant balloons and, of course, Santa Claus! As an accompaniment to the Christmas & Holiday Parade, Christmas Kid’s Day Activities will run between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in Cathedral Square, with free fun activities such as face painting, karaoke, balloon clowns, and a holiday-themed craft project. A special Holiday Market on the Square from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will take place in Cathedral Square, which will feature fresh fruits, veggies, breads and pastas, along with hand-crafted gifts from local artisans and craftsmen.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Farewell & Recap from Dr. Little It has been a privilege to serve the community by participating as a contributing writer for Mobile Bay Parents magazine. Beginning next month, I will be passing the torch to Dr. Jennifer Adair, who is also with Children’s Medical Group. I hope I have brought some amount of clarity and common sense to many of the topics that parents encounter. Here is a highlight of what we have covered over the last 19 months: 1. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral disease transmitted easily through saliva and wreaks havoc in daycares. 2. Every young baby has gastroesophogeal reflux. The babies that produce too much stomach acid that causes pain may benefit from medication. 3. Jaundice is caused by excess bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin from red blood cells and excessive amounts can be caused by decreased stooling, increased red blood cell injury, or in rare cases, liver diseases. 4. Don’t ever leave your child unattended near any body of water. Infant and toddler “swim” classes are no substitute for parental supervision. 5. Bacterial ear infections are most likely caused by congestion due to a lesser upper respiratory tract infection and are treated with antibiotics. 6. Heat exhaustion is a precursor to heat stroke and is caused by an increase in core body temperature. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe cramping, and

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

headache. Get out of the heat and get cool fluids. 7. Newborn and baby milestones are not set in stone. There is a normal variation from child to child regarding the appearance of motor, verbal, and social skills. 8. The most important purpose of the multiple well child visits between birth and 2 years old is to make sure that your child is developing properly and to maintain proper vaccinations. 9. Get your flu vaccine, period. 10. Newborn going-home tips: a temperature of 100.4 or higher is not allowed less than 2 months old-see your doctor; rear facing car seat in the back seat for the first 2 years of life; on the back to sleep for the first 4 months of life; feed the baby at least every 4 hours during the first 2 weeks of life (more often is normal!). 11. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is transmitted sexually between partners. Four types are directly associated with cervical, throat, and vocal cord cancers. Get your tween or teen vaccinated against future POTENTIAL exposure. 12. Mosquito bites are most likely to be nuisances. In Alabama they are rarely associated with serious diseases such as West Nile virus. 13. Jellyfish stings are best managed with rinsing the area with seawater (not fresh) and then applying hot sand, meat tenderizer, or vinegar. 14. There are 2 types of constipation: the one we always think about with large caliber stools and a functional type typified by almost daily stools but of small quantity. Long term stool softening may be necessary, especially during potty training.

15. Most kids are ready for potty training between 2 ½ and 4 ½ years old. It’s all about scheduling potty breaks, bribery when necessary, and lots of positive reinforcement. No scolding please. 16. Back to school means all sorts of opportunities to get sick. The 24-hour rule for fever probably should be expanded to 48-72 hours, especially for younger students who are less reliable in covering their noses and mouths and washing their hands afterward. 17. Early intervention services are available for babies and young children who have developmental delays in motor, verbal, and psychosocial skills. Let your pediatrician know if you think your baby or toddler is behind in skills as compared to other children. 18. Special education services are available for children older than 3 years and can be considered a continuation of care from early intervention. It is typically administered through the public school. Federal law requires these services to be available for those who qualify. A written request must be made by the caregiver to the school for an assessment to be started. 19. Breast milk is best, period. If mom can’t produce enough it’s ok to give formula. Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005. Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (12) and Nathan (8). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.

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AutaugaDress Countyas Schools Semmes Students Book Characters

Students in first grade at Semmes Elementary School chose their favorite books to read with the class. Each student dressed up as the main character in the book that they chose and discussed the traits of the characters with their classmates in a show-and-tell format. All of the students loved learning about new characters and the activity helped introduce the students to books they had never heard of before. The students pictured are: Top Row (left to right): Madison Brown, Payton Deese, Tyler Goldman, Kennedy Parker, Daniel Wiley, Shane Walker, Logan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gwynn, Ty Podpora, Mason Baze, Will Sprinkle, Grant Houseknecht, Nic Brown; Bottom Row (left to right): Annalea Steadham, Cadyn Bundick, McKenzie Smith, Ava Gradick, Landen Everett, Hailey Peters, Alex Gaston.

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ASMS Students Volunteer at Old Shell Road Elementary School

Several Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) Ambassadors and a handful of other students volunteered at Old Shell Road Elementary School's first Fall Festival held October 25. ASMS students helped by operating game booths, food stations, and the face-painting and temporary tattoo tables. "Our students did an incredible job," said Director of Special Services John Hoyle. "My daughter goes to Old Shell and I know how appreciative the staff there was to have such great help. I am always blown away by how mature and responsible our students are and I was very proud of their work at the Fall Fest."

St. Mary Parish 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Saint Mary Parishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Third Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Sunday December 8th on the campus of St. Mary Catholic School. All are invited to a celebration to include the tree lighting, complements of our local Lafayette Street Fire Station, Santa's express mailbox, great food from local vendors to include Mellow Mushroom, Smokin' Gringos, and St. Mary's Knights of Columbus; and of course, Santa! Tree ornaments & Christmas carols will be provided by St. Mary Catholic School students with a welcome for all guests to join in! Plenty of hot chocolate and cookies will be at hand. Donations are welcome. For advance Christmas tree t-shirt orders or for more information, contact the school office at 433-9904. St. Mary Catholic School is located at 107 N. Lafayette Street in Mobile's historic Dauphin Way District.

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E.R. Dickson's Fall Field Day

Field day was held on Friday, Oct. 25th. The opening ceremonies began with 3 Maypoles and 28 dancers. The Maypole and dancers consisted of 5th grade students who practiced over 6 weeks to perfect their skills. After opening ceremonies K and 1st grade were the first groups to take to the field. Events included Chicken Toss, Carry all you can, Pony Express, sack race, Obstacle Course, Hoppity hops, Sock Toss and the Tug of War. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade participated in Hoop to Hoop, Carry All You Can, 3 legged relay, Rescue 911, Sack race, Hoppity Hops, obstacle course, Chicken Toss, and Tug of War. Students from the University of South Alabama and Bishop State Community College ran the events for the students. Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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UMS-Wright Red Ribbon Leadership Winners

Sykes Ashbee (5th), Preston Alford (7th) and Morgan Alford (12th) represented UMS-Wright as Red Ribbon Leadership Winners on October 9 at the Red Ribbon Leadership Kick-off event. These students were chosen by their school for exemplifying the 6 Pillars of Character â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship - promoted by the National Character Counts initiative and the Drug Education Council.

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St. Luke's Students Deliver!

The St. Luke's Biomedical Science Program is very extensive. Third year students are immersed in research and job shadowing. They are required to complete a 25-page research paper and presentation on a specific topic in the field of their interest and they participate in job shadowing with our "partners" who provide them an opportunity to learn in a hands-on setting. Senior Frances Weinacker, who would like to pursue an education in nursing and become a labor and delivery nurse, was granted permission to observe an actual labor and delivery. Frances was present during both an emergency and a scheduled C-section. After the experience, Frances said "I can't wait to graduate from college and do this every day!" That is exactly what the St. Luke's BioMed Program is designed to do. Frances is pictured with one of the babies born during her day of job shadowing. 17

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Autauga County Schools McGill-Toolen Cross Country News

Both Girls and boys cross country teams won the 6A sectional meet. Leading the Jackets were Ebie Douglas who placed 2nd overall and Andrew Dunne who placed 3rd overall. Congratulations to McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Cross Country runners Grace Jensen & Anna Fouty, pictured with Coach Drew Bentley who were recognized as the 6A runners of the week by the Mobile Optimist Club!

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St. Dominic Fourth Graders Study Native Americans

As part of the fourth grade Alabama History curriculum, St. Dominic Catholic School students study Native American Indians. Students had the opportunity to make a totem pole, create their own headdresses and Indian names, enjoy an Indian feast and participate in a rain dance. Here, Kate Johnson, Kylie Coarsey, Laura Luckie, Sadie Rebar, Mia Gin, Abbi Bolton, Kennedy Bridges, and Morgan O'Neal participate in the rain dance.

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MGM Students Paint Trash Barrels for State Fair

As part of the partnership with The Grounds, Mary G. Montgomery students in Ms. Dollar’s Art 1 classes and students in Mr. Polizzi’s Advanced Art classes designed and painted trash barrels for use during the Great Gulf State Fair. Art 1 students competed with their classmates and Ms. Dollar’s other Art 1 students for a chance to have their design on a barrel. Advanced Art students with a well-composed design and enthusiasm for the project were give a barrel to design until they were all claimed. Students worked in pairs or groups of three to finish barrels. Students were excited for the opportunity to see their work on display and contribute to an organization that supports their school. This year The Grounds sponsored the Battle of West Mobile and donated t-shirt profits to the participating schools. They also sold ‘ride all day’ armbands in Mobile County Public Schools with a portion of each ticket being donated back to the school purchasing school.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Qualify for Duke TIP

Each year, Corpus Christi Catholic School recognizes its 7th grade students who have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program. The 7th Grade Talent Search is for academically talented students who have scored in the 95th percentile or higher on a nationally scored standardized achievement test. Students who qualify for the 7th Grade Talent Search will have the opportunity to take the ACT with other high school students. Students will also be eligible to attend summer educational programs at Duke University as well as other educational benefits. This year we have twenty-one 7th grade students who have qualified for this academic achievement. Front row (L to R): Matthew Glover, Matthew Gillis, Danielle Flores, Zachery Flood, Cara Colletti, Megan DeVoe, Emily Calagaz, Grace Skelton, Tristan Watts; Middle row (L to R): Maggie Maxime, Andrew Pham, Kelly Walsh, Logan Kay, Mary Coye Ward, Carson Kuhr, Findlay Maier, Devyn Roh; Back row (L to R) Caroline Hamilton, Bo Hightower, Josie Jalkh, Sean Shelley-Tremblay.

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Autauga County Middle School Students Spend theirSchools Saturdays Building a Boat

For the past 10 Saturdays, young men from six Mobile County middle schools have been doing something they probably never thought they would. They’ve been building a boat from scratch. It’s part of a math and mentoring program sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile. The students come from Booker T. Washington, Calloway-Smith, Mae Eanes, Mobile County Training School, Scarborough and Semmes middle schools. They could have been doing a number of things on the weekends – playing outside with their friends, watching football on television, or playing video games, said Phil Tyus, executive director of 100 Black Men. Instead, they have been coming loyally to the 100 Black Men office on Government Street in downtown Mobile for three hours every Saturday. They’ve learned to measure twice and cut once. They’ve learned to use their math skills to calculate angles. They’ve learned the proper ways to hold and use a drill and other tools. Soon, they’ll launch their boat, a beautiful wooden creation, to make sure it floats. Tyus is confident it will. He is so confident that he has offered to ride in the boat during the launch. “These kids come out here excited on a Saturday because they are building a boat and they are using their math skills to do it,” Tyus said. “The joy for them is that they’ve seen this boat being built from scratch.” The 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile is part of a national service organization with a goal of making a lasting difference in the lives of African-American youth. The group follows a philosophy of mentoring the “100 way,” by helping boys and girls who are performing poorly in school or who are frequently getting in trouble through mentoring and tutoring. The group has been participating in Nick's Kids, a mentoring program sponsored by Nick Saban and the University of Alabama. It also hosts summer enrichment programs and awards college scholarships annually.

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Saturday, February 15, 2014 Faith Robotics Team Visits Other Local Schools

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | $35 early bird special Free child care

On October 29, part of the Faith Academy Robotics team took their robot to Government Street Baptist School as well as Burns Middle School to talk about the different parts of the robot; how it works and about “Robotics” in general. From marketing to spirit to how it was actually built, everyone involved got a chance to share about their department. Those involved included: Mady Braswell, Mallory Jackson, Alana Byrd, Calvin Davidson, Grant Cooper, Madison Bray, Brylee Hatcher, Zach Buckley, Josh Kimbrell, Jacob Hembree, Daniel Hall, Madeline Dueitt, Victoria Brown, Jake Houston and sponsor-Sara LeCroy. According to senior, Grant Cooper, the experience was very educational, and it really made them proud that they were able to teach the kids something new.

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North Mobile Christian School Serves the Community

As a part of the ministry at North Mobile Christian School, students are taught the importance of missions and addressing the needs of the community surrounding the school. During the month of October, multiple fundraising opportunities were hosted at the school to raise money for Breast Cancer Research, including a “Walk-a-thon” as shown by Ms. Alms second grade class in the picture. Over $3,000 was raised for this cause. For the month of November, the school community will be donating canned and non-perishable food items to provide to local shelters. Pictured: (top left to right) Emily Booker, Brelan Mothershead, Camren Stanley, Kileigh Jones, Isabelle Long, Chloe Wilson, Emma Patterson, Oasis Agee, Kaitlyn Glass (bottom left to right) Kaylee Skidmore, Erin Jones, Anna Breland, Anna Couey, Jordan Kittrell. 21

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Autauga County Schools St. Paul’s Episcopal School Announces National AP Scholars for 2013

St. Paul’s Episcopal School recognizes the dedication and hard work of our students excelling in the academic arena. In 2013, numerous students were listed among the highest scorers in the country by their performance in their AP courses and exams. These AP Scholars have demonstrated college-level achievement through these rigorous classes. The outstanding academic scholars at St. Paul’s Episcopal School for 2013 are (* indicates graduated in May 2013): AP Scholar, granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams: Shivani Ananthasekar*, Alana E. Babington*, Taylor A. Bahos, Carson K. Blaylock*, Bailey R. Cockrell*, Conner J. Denton, Holly N. Friedlander, Louis A. Henry, Katherine B. Jeffries, Brewer G. Kirkendall, Jessica R. Knezha, Jonathan Landry, Klaudia J. Larson, Kelley Ann Mitchell, Katherine M. Steadman, Charles R. Sutherland*, Nicholas J. Tillery, Virginia M. Vichi-Miller, Taylor K. Wood*. Scholar with Honor, granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, AND grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Carter O. Albrecht*, Abigail Lindsay Blankenship, Sara G. Bryars, Alexandra L. Goodwin, William M. Graham*, John W. Shreve*. Scholar with Distinction, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams, AND scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Jean P. Bodet *, Rebecca E. Dill*, Mary Bryant M. Fleming*, Hiroshi Kamei*, Trent D. Larson*, Caroline P. Nicholas*, Seth H. Polansky*, Varshini Venkatesan*, Danielle C. Williamson. National AP Scholar, granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams: Seth H. Polansky*. Pictured: Brewer G. Kirkendall, Conner J. Denton, Danielle C. Williamson, Katherine B. Jeffries, Alexandra L. Goodwin, Abigail Lindsay Blankenship, Louis A. Henry, Katherine M. Steadman, Taylor A. Bahos, Jessica R. Knezha, Virginia M. Vichi-Miller, Holly N. Friedlander and Nicholas J. Tillery. Not pictured: Sara G. Bryars, Jonathan Landry, Klaudia J. Larson and Kelley Ann Mitchell. Not pictured due to graduation: Shivani Ananthasekar, Alana E. Babington, Carson K. Blaylock, Bailey R. Cockrell, Charles R. Sutherland, Taylor K. Wood, Carter O. Albrecht, William M. Graham, John W. Shreve, Jean P. Bodet, Rebecca E. Dill, Mary Bryant M. Fleming, Hiroshi Kamei, Trent D. Larson, Caroline P. Nicholas, Seth H. Polansky and Varshini Venkatesan.

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UMS-Wright Honors 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

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‘68, Terry Curtis, Ann Kay Alexander, Forrest Crabtree ‘97, Mariah Stewart, Alice Parker ’00, Thomas Boudreaux, Parker Butler and Forress Rayford ’03.

UMS-Wright proudly honored the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees on November 1. Randy Koffler ’68, Forrest Crabtree ’97, Adam Hardy ’00, Alice Johnston Parker ’00, Forress Rayford ’03 and Coach Terry Curtis were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Dunlap Auditorium and then introduced later that evening on the field of Ervin S. Cooper Stadium just before kickoff of the UMS-Wright vs. St. Paul’s football game. They were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the UMS and UMS-Wright sports programs as well as their successes in college and career. Pictured are our inductees with students who served as escorts during the ceremony. From left to right: Lauren Cave, Adam Hardy ‘00, Samantha Kraver, Randy Koffler

St. Ignatius School R.O.C.K. (Respect, Others, Create, Kindness) Stars for October

Congratulations to our R.O.C.K. Stars of October! Pictured, Back row l-r: Drew Roberts, Kristina Doyle, Ann Sheldon, Courtney Dunning, Gabe Berault & Jacob Deighton; Middle row l-r: James Hollon, Madisyn Hood, Rebecca Milazzo, Maggie Schuler, Isabelle Brown, Louise Stuardi, Abbi Martin & Abby Mostellar; Front l-r: Lexi Bolton, Bryce Ward, Luci Ann Picard & James King.

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Autauga County Schools Mobile Homeschoolers Participate in Robotics Competition

Mobile Area Coalition of Homeschoolers (MACH) Robotics team, iMACH Owls, recently competed in the Jubilee B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition held at the University of South AL. Mitchell Center. The iMACH Owls competed against 30 area schools for a chance to compete in regionals, which is held at Auburn University. B.E.S.T. is a nationwide program that encourages students to become more active in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering. Each year all teams meet to be given their task for their robot to complete, a look at the game field that the robot will be performing on and to get excited about participating in such a rewarding program. Throughout a time period of 42 days, teams must build a robot and a display, which both will be judged and the display will have information about the team and about all they have accomplished over the month. A Presentation team shows off their marketing skills in an attempt to sell their robot to the judges. A Media team creates a commercial, newsletters, brochures and a website for the company. A Notebook team documents how the robot is being built. And finally the Spirit team encourages everyone on Game Day with cheers for the robot and all the team members. The iMACH team consists of 32 members featured in this photo; far back row, left to right: Tyler Hess, Fletcher Williams, Sean Robinson, Hayden Lane, Ethan Hofer, Jordan Glassco, Iain Rhodes, Riley Peckham, Hunter Grissett, Dalton Allen, Kolby Isenburg, Ben Cockrell, Victoria Tanner, Sophie McVicar, Katie Price, Tolbert Hines, Victor Tanner, Julian Mercado, Gabriel Armstrong, Nicholas Thompson, Samuel Battle, Jillian Lane, Matthew Owens, Olivia Williams, Tanner Hess, Abigail McVicar, Logan Glassco, Elise Oliver, Aaron Rhodes, Baxley Stokes ( Co-President), Ashtynne Allen (Co-President). Not included in the photo are: Sam Cockrell, Ethan Harwell and Chase Harwell.

The Red Cross and Dauphin Island Elementary Team Up

Twice a year Dauphin Island Elementary School provides a temporary resting place for the American Red Cross blood drive bus. Community members drive over, bike over, and even walk to the “little red schoolhouse” to board this special bus and give the gift of life. Parents of the Dauphin Island school students are often among the participants. One such parent is Kellie Skinner. “I am grateful for the partnership between the American Red Cross and Dauphin Island Elementary School. The school is an easy and convenient location for me to participate in the blood drive,” Mrs. Skinner commented. Principal Diane Allgood is honored to offer support for the blood drive and plans to continue. Thumbs up to all who gave! Pictured is Mrs. Kellie Skinner with her husband, Joe, their two children Olivia and Joseph, and Dauphin Island Principal Diane Allgood.

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Corpus Christi Students Sock it to Drugs

Corpus Christi Catholic School 8th grade student, Abby Allen, was recently awarded the Red Ribbon Leadership Award, sponsored by the Mobile Drug Education Council. Abby chose a service project called “Sock It to Drugs” which was held during our school’s Red Ribbon Week. Abby is pictured with 528 pairs of socks for men, women and children, donated by Corpus Christi Catholic School students. These socks will be donated to 15 Place and the Salvation Army’s Center for Women and Children.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month. Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Cottage Hill Lady Warriors Claim Silver in Battle of Old Shell Road

Last month, while most Mobilians were getting ready for Tropical Storm Karen, the Cottage Hill Christian Academy varsity volleyball team was getting ready for the Battle of Old Shell Road tournament. The first game of the day was at UMS against Satsuma and the team won in two sets. Pool play was concluded with a game against Spanish Fort. Despite losing to Spanish Fort, the team saw the positive in the opportunity to win the Silver Bracket. Bracket play moved St. Paul’s, who hosted the tournament with Dig it Pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. Our Lady Warriors started bracket play with a win over class 5A, No. 4 Benjamin Russell from Alexander City, AL 25-15, 26-24. Hannah Wentland recorded 18 kills, Victoria Woodruff added 30 assists while Huntir Bass had six kills and three blocks for the Warriors. Then it was championship game time! The Warriors played Lawrence County from Moulton, AL for the title. Hannah Wentland had 14 kills and three blocks, Linda Parrott added seven kills and 12 digs, while Huntir Bass had five kills for the Warriors. Victoria Woodruff logged 30 assists and four aces for Cottage Hill. Cottage Hill Christian Lady Warriors edged Lawrence County 18-25, 25-20, 15-10 to claim the championship of the silver bracket in the Battle of Old Shell Road tournament.

Cross Country at St. Pius X

Four members of the St. Pius cross country team are pictured (white shirts) at the start of their last meet of the season. This was St. Pius School's first year to participate in cross country.

Murphy's ROTC Color Guard Wins First Place in Drill Meet

Congratulations to Murphy High School's Army JROTC color guard and drill teams. The Color Guard won first place in a drill meet in Greenville. Murphy’s JROTC competed against 12 other schools. Male and female drill teams led by Starann Foster, Aaron Woodard and Josh Sneed won four awards ranging from first to fourth place in the categories of inspection, armed, unarmed and armed exhibition drills. Color guards led by Tarial Malone and Josh Sneed won first and second place, respectively. Tarial Malone also won fourth place in individual drill. Lt. Col. Robert Barrow, director of Army Instruction for MCPSS, said the timing of these awards is special. This is Murphy ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Steve Garner's last drill meet. Garner has built the Murphy JROTC program into one of the finest in Alabama and the U.S., Barrow said. "We will miss his leadership, his insistence on excellence, his ever-present smile, and most importantly the love and compassion he has for his students," Barrow said. "He has served with us for over 20 years after a successful military career."

E.R. Dickson Names 2013-2014 National Elementary Honor Society Officers

The National Elementary Honor Society is a student organization designed to recognize outstanding elementary students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and responsibility. Chapters of NEHS work to develop leadership and promote service to the school and community for their members. E.R. Dickson’s 2013-2014 NEHS Officers are President – Sara Sims, Vice President – Mia Fusaiotti, Secretary – Bailey Weaver, Treasurer – Trey Weaver, and Sponsors Sara King and Maggie Tait. Pictured left to right back row: Maggie Tait, Sara Sims, Trey Weaver, Sara King; Front row: Bailey Weaver, and Mia Fusaiotti. 25

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Autauga County Schools Basketball Players Visit Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corpus Christi Catholic School Students

Each year Corpus Christi Catholic School participates in Red Ribbon Week where special activities and events are held that encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay off of drugs. CCS was excited to have members of the "Lady Jags" basketball team talk to the students about staying active, taking care of themselves, and doing well in school. Pictured are members of the University of South Alabama Women's basketball team with a class of 5th grade students.

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St. Dominic Students Learn to Listen to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word

Students in Grades 6 - 8 at St. Dominic Catholic School recently participated in a retreat titled "Listening to God's Word". During the day students reflected on how God speaks to them through music, prayer, art, storytelling and his word. Here Torey Spivey, Riley Reber, Sean Mason, and Sarah Willis listen to each other as they work to complete a mosaic.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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St. Mary Catholic Robotics Wins Heart of Jubilee BEST Award

St. Mary Catholic School Robotics Team with 45 members competed in the Jubilee BEST Hub Robotics Competition October 5, at the USA Mitchell Center. FIDO, St Mary’s robot, built a computer processing unit for this year’s game. St. Mary won The Heart of Jubilee BEST Award for their display of good sportsmanship and kindness and third place for their marketing presentation of their company, Fetch Tech. FIDO came in thirteenth place out of 29 middle and high schools from Alabama and Mississippi. Pictured, Kellie Andrews – BEST “A” Team presents Ryan Tuite and James Zapata Heart of Jubilee BEST Award (Act of Kindness) St. Mary’s Catholic School.

Bright Beginnings School Gets New Smart Boards

Bright Beginnings School now has Smart Boards! Children who respond best to multi-sensory education enjoy learning while playing interactive games. Bright Beginnings serves bright children in grades 1-3 who have Dyslexia or who learn to read differently.

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Autauga County Schools Elementary Students of the Month at Semmes

Semmes Elementary students are showing off their great characters! The students chosen for October as Super Stars at Semmes Elementary exhibited excellent character towards their fellow peers and the teachers around school. These students were able to attend a special breakfast on Tuesday, October 29th. Their parents were invited and the students were given a special treat for how hard they have worked throughout the month of October to be friendly, honest, caring children. We are so proud of them! BOTTOM: Jaiden Odom, Brayden Francis, Alyssa Posey, Hannah Martin, Mary Jane Reed; MIDDLE: Harley Moody, Kymara Brodie, Kyleigh Gisclair, Jacob Holland, Aiden Gaston, Ryleigh Black, Ella Fairchild, Juniper Byars, Kyle Thomas; TOP: Josie Casey, Taylor Lowell, Cara Harris, Logan Johnson, Edward Johnson, Elizabeth Stone, Kaleb Wilkins, Arabelle Skipper, Matayia Falcon, Micah Pope, Dustin Cooper, Logan Hurston, Grace Kelzmer, Destiny Ballard. Not Pictured: Kaden Burgdorf.

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St. Ignatius Students Learn About Importance of Voting

Voting Day at St. Ignatius is important. While they may not be electing the mayor of the city of Mobile, they are learning about their civic duty by voting on things like chocolate chip vs. Oreo cookies. Pictured here after she left the voting booth is Caroline Carrington.

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Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Year-End ASMS Receives Donation from ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil's Donovan Kilmartin recently donated $15,000 to the Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) at the school's National Chemistry Week assembly. “We are thrilled with the $10,000 donation for textbooks and an additional $5,000 contribution toward our Annual Fund,” ASMS Director of Development Linda Mayson said. “Last year, ExxonMobil’s support helped make the school's Delta Film Project a reality. Thank you ExxonMobil for recognizing the best public high school in Alabama.” Donations enable ASMS to provide a safe community, a challenging academic program and opportunities in the classroom. They also ensure that the school has a talented, dedicated faculty and the best facilities and resources available. To make a donation, email Caroline Lancaster at clancaster@asms. net or call 251-441-2120. Pictured, from left to right, ASMS President Dr. Larry Turner and ASMS Director of Development Linda Mayson accept Donovan Kilmartin's donation of $15,000 at the school's National Chemistry Week assembly.

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The Academies of MGM “Leave & Learn” Parent’s Day Out Program

On November 2nd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., MGM hosted “Leave & Learn”, a parent’s day out program for their feeder elementary schools. Parents dropped off their little ones (grades kindergarten through 5th ) at the lobby of Mary G. Montgomery. The students were placed into groups based on their grade levels and rotated through 8 different class rooms. Each room was hosted by one of the MGM academy teachers and students. In the STEM Engineering room, the students built Styrofoam airplanes while in the STEM Biomedical room, they tested their heart rates and blood pressure. The Teaching & Learning room read “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and made monster bookmarks for the students to take home. In the Agriscience & Industry room, students took a tour of the greenhouse and actually got to bring home a few plants to take care of. In the foreign language room, students learned the names of various colors in Spanish. In the art room, students actually painted canvases to take home, while drama performed a play, and chorus worked with the children on rhythmic activities. The Culinary Arts Academy provided lunch from Semmes House of Pizza while the Business & Technology Academy designed the logo for the event. It was a fun-filled day for all of the MGM students and our feeder elementary students. 29

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Autauga County St.Schools Paul’s Sweeps Brewer

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for 14th State Volleyball Title

The St. Paul’s Lady Saints Volleyball team defeated Brewer High School for the 5A State Championship, 3-0, on October 31st at the Birmingham CrossPlex. St. Paul's has won six of the last eight 5A titles, and have 14 blue-map trophies overall. "It feels good!" was the exclamation from a group of Saints player when asked how it felt to be champions again. All-tournament team members were Morgan Eiland, Kourtney Wadkins and Shelley Spires. Spires was also the 5A Tournament MVP. Congratulations to the Lady Saints on another successful season. Go Saints!

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Operation Christmas Child at Faith Academy

Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide outreach sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. Faith Academy has joined together in all grade levels to pack shoes boxes full of fun surprises for children all over the world. The boxes contain many things such as school supplies, toys, hygiene items, or even t-shirts and socks. This year the seventh graders really “got into” this amazing project. Seventh grader, Allison Jordan told us that the seventh grade split the items into five different sections for each homeroom so that everyone had something they were supposed to bring to help out this cause. “Every single person brought in something, and if they could not afford something, they stayed after school to help wrap the boxes,” Jordan stated. This operation is a great way to share the gift of Jesus Christ across the globe, PulmAssoc PurpFlwr ad 9/5/13 Page 1 and Faith has done 10:36 a greatAM job at supporting this project. Faith students filled a total of 457 boxes.

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Regional School Students Visit Clifford and His Doghouse for Reach Out and ReadAlabama

Students from the Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind got a special treat. They, along with students from a local daycare, gathered around a larger-than-life doghouse to hear the story of “Clifford and the Big Storm.” Clifford himself was there to hand out healthy snacks. The special reading event was planned by and held at the Mobile County Health Department’s Pediatric Clinic in downtown Mobile. It’s part of the Reach Out and Read-Alabama initiative. Throughout the year, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years seen at MCHD pediatric clinics receive new books during regular checkups as part of the Reach Out and Read-Alabama initiative. This year, copies of the book will be distributed by pediatric healthcare providers statewide who will also be talking to parents about improving resiliency and preparedness in their families, with their children and in their communities. Reach Out and Read is an evidencebased, national nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. The model includes providing a new, age-appropriate book for each child to take home from every checkup from 6 months through 5 years of age. Along with the free book for every child, health providers also offer guidance to parents about the importance of reading out loud with their children daily. The research proves that families served by Reach Out and Read do read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills and a six-month developmental edge.

Please join us for our 2014 Parent Preview Sunday, January 12 2:00 p.m. PreK 3-8th Grade Curriculum Overview, Gym 2:30 p.m. Campus Tour and Classroom Presentations Mom’s Day Out Open House

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Autauga County Schools McDavid-Jones Students Test Scientific UMS-Wright Participates Methods with Earth Worms in Youth Judicial

Pictured, Marie Salmon, a parent volunteer, shows her earthworm farm to students at McDavid-Jones Elementary School. Last month in the K-2 Science Lab students learned about the benefits of this lowly little creature. Earthworms consume a wide variety of food including dryer lint, vegetable scraps, stale bread, coffee grounds, shredded paper, and egg shells. Each day earthworms eat organic material equal to one-third of their body weight. One might ask, why would a person want to farm worms? A worm’s waste is very beneficial “organic” fertilizer. It’s “black gold” that has no odor and it is free! It helps to produce humus soil which the children recognize as “Super Soil” that aids our environment. To prove these statements the students used the “Scientific Method” including their Question, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, and Conclusion. Mrs. Salmon planted green onions in a variety of soils: Sand and Clay, Soil and Castings (worm poop), and finally soil that would be watered with Compost Tea (Worm Castings soaked in Water). It was fun after a month to discover that the Green Onions had grown 5 inches taller in Soil watered with Compost Tea versus the Onions planted in regular soil.

Congratulations to the UMS-Wright students who competed at the YMCA Youth Judicial Mock Trial Competition in November. All six of the upper classmen teams progressed to the Top 20 and three of the teams advanced to the Top 10. The Defense Team of Haley Horn, Mary Chamberlin Cummings, Lucy Mostellar, Sara Ann Thornley, Callie Robinson, Gary Grady and Mary Moran Harris earned 3rd Place. Individual Awards included Lucy Mostellar - Top Prosecution Attorney, Callie Robinson – Top Prosecution Witness, Parker Butler – Top Defense Witness and Nancy Gracen Klein – one of the Outstanding Judge Award recipients. The Youth Judicial Mock Trial Competition is an annual event in Montgomery. Students from around the state compete as six person teams taking on the roles of lawyers and witnesses arguing on the side of either Prosecution or Defense. Each team is comprised of three attorneys and three witnesses who are guided by a set of "facts" and witness depositions in a case often taken from the real world. During the course of the weekend, students typically argue their case four to five times in front of a judge and jury in actual courtrooms in the Federal Courthouse of Alabama in Montgomery.

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Faith’s SGA Sponsors Red Ribbon Week

The Week of October 28th to November 1st, the Faith Academy SGA sponsored Red Ribbon Week. On Faith's campus, Red Ribbon Week was a time to celebrate a drug and alcohol free campus. From passing out red ribbons and pamphlets to the daily reading of shocking statistics, SGA members succeeded in spreading the message and spirit of the Red Ribbon Campaign. SGA Chaplain Courtney Reed commented, “I’m grateful for all the information that Red Ribbon Week brings, and how the students responded to this week by wearing the Red Ribbons.” To help reach out to the younger students, the SGA handed out Red Ribbon coloring books to first through third grade students. “The Coloring Contest was a great way to get the younger children really involved in the week! I really loved that!” said SGA President, Kailtyn Chapman. Coloring contest winners were: 1st place - JC Bunckley from Mrs. Briley’s class, 2nd place - Luke Searcy from Mrs. Connors’ class, and 3rd place - DeAsia Jones from Mrs. Barlow’s class. Pictured, (left to right) Faith SGA Co-President, Kaitlynn Chapman, 3rd place winner – DeAsia Jones, 2nd place winner – Luke Searcy, 1st place winner - JC Bunckley, and SGA Co-President, Mady Braswell.

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Mary B. Austin Students Awarded Prizes for Reading

Recently, Mary B. Austin Accelerated Reader Goalmakers were able to purchase games and toys with their achieved AR points at the PTA’s Accelerated Reader Store. Our new principal and assistant principal Amanda Jones and Glenda Warren rewarded Honor Roll students with a Kona Ice party.

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Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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St. Luke's Pep Rally... GETS Students FIRED UP

St. Luke's Homecoming Week was filled with fun and surprises. There was HUMP Day with a live camel, there were themed out-of-uniform days (tacky tourist, hippie, celebrity, Disney character), there were class competitions during snack and lunch periods and even a fundraiser to see which teacher would have to kiss a pig! K3-5th grade classes "adopted" varsity football players and created great signs to show their support. Varsity football players, cheerleaders and the band held pep rallies on both campuses. On the Middle and Upper School Campus it was announced to students that there was a fire drill and they needed to leave their classrooms and report to the parking lot. When they arrived the cheerleaders were atop a fire truck cheering GET FIRED UP! Afterwards, the cheerleaders led the way to the field for an outdoor pep rally.

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McGill-Toolen Football Players Pray for the Unborn

McGill-Toolen Catholic Senior Football players visited the Women's Resource Center across from Planned Parenthood to pray for the unborn on their way to the Sumter Central Game as part of McGillToolen Catholic's Respect Life Initiative. “We are very proud of our football players for the leadership they have displayed, not only on the football field, but in standing up for life. They show us all that the strongest men stand up for the weakest and most vulnerable of all-- the unborn. As young men, they are also bearing witness to the dignity of women, who should never be degraded by being pressured into the destruction of their unborn children." Fr. Bry Shields, President McGill-Toolen Catholic High School.

Taylor-White Students and Staff Surprise Teacher with Breast Cancer

Lining the hallways of their new school, the pink-clad students at Taylor-White Elementary clapped as their beloved teacher, Beth Prine, walked by. Prine, wearing a pink tutu and sporting a pink streak in a blonde wig, was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer. She’s undergone chemo therapy and lost her hair. “I am just overwhelmed,” said Prine, 34, who has been teaching in Mobile County Public Schools since 2006. Prine wiped tears from her eyes several times as she hugged the students. “I definitely feel the love,” she said. Taylor-White Principal Diana Shaw said Friday that the entire school is inspired by Prine. “Every time I see her face, it renews me with a sense of encouragement. She’s a person of great strength and great faith," Shaw said. “We wanted to make sure she knew she wasn’t forgotten.” Prine, a physical education teacher, thought she was coming to the school for a simple visit. She walked into the gym and was led into the cafeteria, where students clapped for her. Then she walked down the student-lined hallway toward the main office. She didn’t expect such a show of support. Students had written touching messages on cards and drawn art to hang on the walls. There were pink balloons and ribbons tied out front. Students held signs that read: “You’re our hero.” “Stay Strong” and “I can’t wait to run with you!” Shaw presented Prine with a check to help cover costs associated with her treatment. The school has sold “Pink for Prine” T-shirts – donated by the Trophy Shop - to raise the money. Shaw gave Prine one of the T-shirts and escorted her and the children outside where a pink school bus with the words “Searching for a Cure” was parked. A local company donated pink paint so the Mobile County Public School System could deck out an old school bus. The bus will be parked around the county to draw attention to breast cancer. Students began cheering when they saw the bus. “Pink for Prine!” they chanted. “Pink for Prine!” Prine is married with two small children. Her cousin, University of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, recently wore a pink bowtie in her honor. Prine said the treatment has been tough, but she’s able to get through it with the support of her family, friends and Mobile County Public Schools. Prine has taught at Dodge and Collier elementary and plans to go back to work in January at Taylor-White, which opened in August. Prine said the children and their perspectives are heartwarming. One girl told her that it’s okay that she’s bald, because sharks are bald, and they’re pretty cool. “Dear Mrs. Prine, I am so sorry about what happened,” student Sarah Grace Munn wrote in a card. “But I’m happy that you’re coming back in January. You are the best P.E. teacher. … You are so brave to have kids and have breast cancer.” Wrote another student named Bella: “We have a lot of faith in you. We can’t wait until you come to the gym… We miss you a lot.” 33

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Autauga St.County Mary Schools Catholic School Catches a Wave for a Drug-Free Life

St. Mary Catholic School's Red Ribbon Week Leader, Desi Tobias, led his school in "A Healthy Me is Drug Free" activities: "Be a Jean-ius because you are drug free", " Put a Cap on Drugs, "Hairs to a Drug Free Life", "Sock it to Drugs ", and "Catch the Wave of a Drug Free Life". Desi also led the school in raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness during this special week. Pictured is eighth grader, Desi, in the center in his “Catch a Wave” attire surrounded by his classmates giving a thumbs up for a Drug Free Life. Pictured: seated left to right: Mattie Naman, Anna Grace Lynam, Grace Jensen, and Alan Andrews. Standing: Hayleigh Jones, Evans Finnorn, Addison Baucom, Luke Miller, James Fibbe, Desi Tobias, Catherine Repoll, Ila Cummings, Ashlyn Blankenship, Mackie Neese, and Andrew Snetsinger.

Recognizing the Saints at Most Pure Heart of Mary

Students Dress as Book Characters on October 31

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8th grader Rodney Battle and Kamiyah Hobbs, prek-4, dressed like their favorite saints at the All Saints Day mass at Most Pure Heart of Mary School.

On October 31, “Reading is Spooktacular” allowed Mary B. Austin students to dress as their favorite storybook character. The second grade also held its annual Fairy Tale Ball. Second graders performed, dressed and decorated pumpkins representing their chosen fairy tale or folk tale .

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McT Maniacs!

McGill-Toolen Catholic High School introduced a student fan recognition program at the home opener against UMS Wright. For each home game one student who is a McT Maniac (member of the basketball fan club) will get to sit in the best seats on the floor and be treated to pizza and drinks during the game. Thanks to our friends at Bronstein's Fine Furniture, Seniors David Zakrewski and Dubbie O'Dowd enjoyed the victory over UMS from some beautiful custom chairs court-side.

St. Luke’s Headmaster Surprises Students with Visitor—a Hump Day Camel

St. Luke's Headmaster Mike Notaro had been hearing "HEY MIKE, WHAT DAY IS IT?" from students every Wednesday in morning assemblies for 2 months. He decided to play along...and the story made local news, national news and international news! On the Wednesday of Homecoming Week he surprised the students, faculty and ALL of the passersby on University Boulevard with a live camel during the morning commute. Signs posted along the rode approaching the school asked "WHAT DAY IS IT?" Traffic was backed up as people drove past and saw the camel, some turning around to come back by with phones at the ready to take pictures and video. Students posed for pictures and crowded the front of campus to meet "John Henry" the camel. After assembly, which was held on the front lawn, the camel made his way to the school's K3-5th grade campus so that those students who could have pictures taken as well! Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy Boys Cross Country Qualifies for State Meet

Recently, the Cottage Hill Christian Academy Cross Country team hosted and competed at the 2013 Sectionals meet. 1A, 2A, and 3A schools from all over the state came to Langan Park to participate. The purpose of the sectionals meet is for teams to come, compete, and earn the opportunity to move on to the state meet. The top three teams in each section qualified for the state meet in Moulton, Alabama on Saturday, November 9. The CHCA boys placed 1st and represented the 3A classification at the state meet. While the Warrior’s girls team did not qualify for state (earned 4th place), five girls did qualify for the state meet as individual runners. These qualifiers include Caroline Cumbest, Lauren Allred, Callie Stuart, Angela McRoy, and Elizabeth Noland. Cottage Hill had seven All-Sectionals runners, meaning they placed in the top ten in their races. The male runners are Jonathan Dismukes, Tyler Bennett, Blake Verdin, Zachary Myers, and Connor Allred. All-Sectionals girls were Lauren Allred and Caroline Cumbest.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Service Leadership Beach Blast at Mulherin Home

Julia Logan, a senior member of the St. Paul’s Service Leadership class, was joined by classmates Lyla Brady, Virginia Cottrell, Kellsey Daggett, Katie Grant Harkness, Taylor Larsen, Hannah Rose Riggin, and Caroline Ward as she organized a “Beach Blast” party for the residents of Mulherin Custodial Home. Mulherin is a residential facility for people with developmental disabilities. Students handed out leis, palm tree necklaces, and hibiscus hair barrettes to get everyone in a sunny mood. Residents then decorated photo frames with beachy items as their pictures were taken, printed, and placed in the frames. After enjoying a snack of cookies and chips, dancing the cha-cha slide, and coloring some beach scenes, residents took the St. Paul’s students on a tour of the building to see their beautifully decorated rooms.

Collier Holds Awareness Fun Run

Pictured is Mrs. Pat McLean's Pre-K class at Collier Elementary wearing their pink Collier Fun Run t-shirts in support of breast cancer awareness month. Mrs. Pat, a breast cancer survivor herself, purchased shirts for her whole class to support the cause! We love you Mrs. Pat, and thank you for keeping up the fight against cancer!

USA Medical School Students Visit ASMS for Seminar

Two medical students from the University of South Alabama (USA) College of Medicine visited the Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) to talk to students about their educational careers. Ben Cason, a fourth-year medical student and senior-class president at USA, and Katie Richards, a second-year medical student at USA, spoke to ASMS students who attended the seminar. “Lawyers and other professional disciplines can be found in medical school, so don’t worry too much about where you are going,” Cason said. “The more important factor in applying to medical school is your MCAT score, not what degree you received. As long as you take the classes in college that prepare you for the MCAT, you will be fine.” Richards, who received her bachelor’s in biomedical sciences from Auburn University in 2012, talked about things to think about when applying to medical school. “A lot of medical schools are changing from discipline-based learning to systems-based learning,” Richards said. “The first two years of medical school at USA now include an integrated organ systems-based approach. I enjoy this type of learning because you get to be more hands-on at an earlier stage in medical school.” Richards then discussed the daily routine of a medical student. “I generally spend 40 to 60 hours a week doing academic endeavors, so medical school is like a fulltime job,” Richards said. “While it’s very hard, it’s also very rewarding.” ASMS students asked about the large amount of money spent to become a doctor. “As a good starting point, find as many scholarships as possible to be debt-free from your undergraduate years,” Cason said. “There are student loans that you can take to fund medical school, and most states will pay your loans back if you become a primary care doctor. Don’t let finances hinder your decision to attend medical school. It’s well worth it in the end.” Pictured, Allison Dahlberg, center, a senior at ASMS who wants to become a doctor, introduced Cason, right and Katie Richards, left. 35

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Autauga County Schools C.O.W. Day at McDavid-Jones

McDavid-Jones Elementary held C.O.W. Day ‘Careers on Wheels’ on October 9th. We are proud to have so many different people come and participate. The students and teachers enjoyed talking to everyone who came to share their career with our students. Everyone talked to the students about the importance of making good grades. They said that now is the time in their life they need to be thinking about their future job choices. Arkema, our Partner in Education, came to Career Day with Judy Smith, Human Resources Assistant, Michael Salle, Reliability Engineer and Mr. Tony Stewart, Environmental Specialist. The students and teachers had a great time learning about the different jobs at Arkema. Our city government was represented by the Mayor, Al McDonald, the Citronelle Police, Chief Shane Stringer, Asst. Chief, Matt Dyess, Jason Shaw and his dog Razor and Mr. David Logan and his dog, Dutch! All the students loved Dutch and Razor. Citronelle Volunteer Fire Department was here to tell the students about working for the fire department. South Alabama Utilities talked to the students about the different services that are provided by the Utility Company. They also handed out Halloween bags, and pencils, to the students. Mobile County EMS came and brought the ambulance for the students to see. The kids were impressed with all the different things in the ambulance. Mr. Roger Pettis, and Mr. Jamie Mason with Alabama Power came with the energy bike. Everyone enjoyed riding the bike. Dr. Mike Salmon with Citronelle Veterinary Clinic came and talked to the students about working with animals. Dr. Mike talked about the importance of taking care of your pets. He also talked to the students about making good grades so they can attend college. Ms. Karen Lambert with Penelope House talked to the students about what to do if they feel they are in an unsafe situation. She told them that Penelope House is a safe place for women and children. The University of South Alabama was represented by Ms. Lauren Lyles. Ms. Lyles discussed career choices and the degree that the students need to fulfill those dreams. She told them to do well in school, and now was the time to prepare for college. She also told them how much fun

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it was to attend college. Simply Southern Specialties owner Tracy Jordan and Natalie Watts came and showed the students how to decorate cakes. The first cake was an Alabama/Auburn cake to the delight of all football fans. Ms. Jordan told the students about attending school in Atlanta to help her in her business. After they decorated the cakes the faculty and staff at the school got to enjoy them. They were delicious! Ms. Christina Reid with Rising Star School of Dance came and talked to the students about dance. Several of our students, Lexi Lambert, Alison Ramey, Ashton Denmark, take dance from Ms. Christy. They dressed in their dance costumes and showed the other students some of their dance moves. Everyone loved seeing them do their dance routine. Jennifer and T.J. Beck from Kelly’s Pest Control came and talked to the students about different types of bugs and rodents. They were quite the hit with the students. Encore representatives Kendra Risner, DeShena Thomas and Ashley Hillman talked to the students about a career in Physical Therapy. They talked to the students about the importance of doing well in school, especially in Science and Math. Also, several area churches were represented, as Rev. Stan Clayton with Bethel Baptist Church, Rev. Dino Danzey, Minister, Bro. Brett Warren, Youth Director and Bro. Gene Tagert, Music Director, Memorial Baptist talked to the students about the different jobs at the church. They also talked to the students about getting a good education and making the right choices in life. Pictured are Tracy Jordan and Natalie Watts from Simply Southern Specialties participating in McDavid-Jones’ cow day.

St. Dominic Students Have Fun with Math

St. Dominic Catholic School grade 5 students are studying circumference, radius, diameter and estimating in math. Here Allison Suiter and Julianne Wilson are counting pumpkin seeds to determine how close their estimate is to the actual number of seeds.

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Autauga CountyMapping Schools out Futures at College 6,000 Mobile County Juniors, Seniors and Career Program

Vigor High senior Breonna July attended the annual MCPSS College and Career Program, hoping to get some information about her options after graduation. She walked away with even more than that. Representatives of Miles College told her that with her high GPA and ACT score, she’d likely get a scholarship to the school. “I wasn’t considering them,” said Breonna, who wants to major in computer information systems. “Now I am.” The goal for the College and Career Program is for each of the students to map out their future, knowing application deadlines and the requirements for whatever college they want to enroll in or job they hope to take. The College and Career Program, held at the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell Center, is part of MCPSS’s overall effort to graduate students who are college and career ready. The Class of 2013 received $68 million worth of college scholarships and 1,483 career credentials. And its members took a record of 3,118 Advanced Placement tests, which gives them the potential to earn college credit. The school system is working to increase its graduation rate in part by helping students focus on their futures and make plans now to get there. Through Career Cruising, middle schoolers are taking career-interest surveys and are learning which jobs match their skill sets. The school system has two new requirements this year: that all freshmen draw out a career plan before becoming sophomores and that all seniors have a career portfolio to graduate. Baker senior Paul Liles was chatting with some recruiters from the University of Southern Mississippi Tuesday. “This was great,” Paul said of the College and Career Program. “I got to hear about every college in the area.” Paul is trying to decide between joining the Coast Guard or attending college. “I’m looking at everything right now,” he said, “and it’s looking good.”

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St. Pius X fourth grader Paul Cowen relaxes with his little brother Jude at carpool one fall afternoon. Jude is in preschool.

Accelerated Reading at Little Flower Catholic School

Little Flower Catholic School first graders celebrated their reading accomplishments with their first Accelerated Reader Pay Day of the year. As their reading ability increases, students are eager to read more and more. Their teacher, Miss Harbaugh, sets up periodic Pay Days to encourage students to meet their Accelerated Reader goals.

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

Mary B. Austin’s Partners in Education

Mary B. Austin would like to recognize and thank our Partners in Education : Zaxby’s, Cold Snap, State Farm-Horner Agency, Texas Roadhouse, Skyline Home Improvements, American Tank and Vessel, Zoghby’s, Conwell Pharmacy, Starbuck’s, Chick Fil A, Dreamland Skate Center, Zebra Marketing, Al’s 5&10, Spring Hill College, SHC Art Department, SHC Softball Team , Dr. Sonja White DDS, Mobile Museum of Art, Jumps A-Lot, Alabama Art Supply, Harvest Church, Azalea City Center for the Arts, Shrimp Basket, Elizabeth’s Garden, Keith Harvey Orthodontics, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Davidson High School ROTC and Murphy High School IB program. Greer’s receipts are being collected in order to purchase additional technology for our school. Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Family Learning Palooza at E.R. Dickson Elementary

The week of Halloween, Max and the Wild Things took over at E.R. Dickson Elementary. A wild rumpus was had by over 400 families for our Learning Family Palooza Night with students coming as favorite book characters and teachers dressed as wild things. The teachers showed parents how we incorporate reading, math, and technology into our lessons. As parents entered, the lobby of the school had been transformed into pages from the book “Where the Wild Things Are”, with a boat, dry ice, and colorful decorations. Families were asked a simple question that was then entered into a Venn diagram collecting data that was used all week in math classes at the school. Families were able to spend time looking at the starts and learning about scientific facts along with legends of the constellations in the Starlab. Students took their parents to different grade level to participate in a read aloud, with interactive Smartboard activities that went with the story. Families also participated in interactive math activities and learned about the new Common Core Curriculum. Everyone was then fed a fitting meal of Wild Dogs Wolf Chips and Rumpus Juice.

St. Ignatius Holds Halloween Party for Accelerated Readers

Our librarian held a Halloween Popcorn Party for those students that achieved 100 & 200 points on their Accelerated Reading for first quarter. Students from l-r: Lee Milling, Josh Wilber and Isabelle Jouve.

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Dance Toys Take Center Stage

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the time they are babies, their innate response to music is just the first step toward kids getting their moves together to join the dance. Wiggling and bouncing are just the beginning of children’s progress toward the dancing spotlight. Encouraging their interest in dance and dance-related activity is an ideal way to foster physical coordination, memory skill and a purely physical expression of joy. Get your kids up and off the couch with these great toys and games that help kids become Lords (and Ladies) of the dance!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Baby Born Dance With Me

Twister Dance DVD (Milton Bradley)

Combining the best of traditional Twister with lively dance lessons, Twister Dance puts in motion a choreography journey with forty dance tutorials for beginning dancers. Once the dance mat, with clearly designated step zones for a single player, is placed in front of your TV, the accompanying DVD is ready to start the dance floor action. Beginning with the Learn mode, an animated choreographer, using the mats, introduces players to the basic steps before moving to Dance mode where the moves are connected with increasing tempo. Once the moves are mastered, Party mode provides music and lights so players can test their dance skills and movement memory. The dancing gauntlet can also be thrown down to include more players using all four dance mats included in the energetic Twister Dance!

(ZAPF Creation)

Start your baby off on the right foot (and the left) with the doll who’s born to dance! Making her move on center stage, Baby Born Dance with Me moves from side-to-side and then up and down in time to her own music (or yours!). Her smooth moves are just right for the toddler set with no sudden moves to startle little audiences. She comes with her own special dance music and dances with the rhythm until the song ends. This 14” tiny dancer can also be connected with an audio cable to your own MP3 player for an expanded repertoire of performance. With a washable surface and removable clothing, she’s battery operated and ready to charm even the most reluctant partners into joining the dance!

Zippity High-Energy Learning System

Angelina Ballerina Dance With Me Game

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Combining early learning with energetic dance moves, Zippity lets kids who may be too young for the Wii develop their memory and coordination through one active outlet. The interactive video game system plugs directly into a TV, with kids using a colorful dance mat and over-sized joystick to control the action! Eight games featuring favorite Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters get children stepping, dancing, jumping and moving their arms while they hone their ability to follow directions as they master each level. The games assist the players to memorize certain moves in a short sequence, while color, letter, and number recognition are reinforced as the player uses big body moves to meet the Zippity challenges. Ideal for the pre-school set, this addition to the LeapFrog line-up encourages the younger set to get up and moving.

From playing on the board to treading the boards, the Angelina Ballerina Dance with Me game will move little dance fans from bedroom floor to the ballet spotlight in just minutes! As each player’s Angelina figure progresses around the game board, they collect step-by-step game cards that introduce the most basic ballet positions and moves. Players get “practice” moments along the way to get up and put their real dance moves to the test as they prepare for their moment in the spotlight! No matter who wins, every player gets to be a dancing star! (Having dress-up tutus on hand, definitely amps up the fun factor!) For kids who have trouble sitting still through a regular board game, the Angelina Ballerina Dance with Me game will put that extra energy and enthusiasm into play with prima ballerina results!

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

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Q. What are some good ways to teach a 13-year-old kid about giving versus getting during the holiday season? A. One of the best things you can do is simply talk about it—a lot. Kids are bombarded with messages about how important they are, and how they should always have what they want. It’s okay to have some stuff, but advertising and other marketing messages in today’s culture can make them think it’s all about them. It can lead kids to believe the axis of the world runs through the tops of their little heads. Think about this. In 1971, the average person saw 564 advertising impressions a day. Now, that number is about 4,000. The purpose of advertising is to disturb and influence you to the point that you’ll buy something. Advertisers want you to believe that you’re not complete without their product, or that you’ll be a happier, cooler, better person with their product. And in most cases, advertising and marketing people are more aggressive in their teaching than parents are in theirs. My suggestion is to find some giving exercises in which you can all participate.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

You could adopt a single mom at your church. Make it a family outing, and go buy groceries, gifts for her kids or even a Christmas tree. Make sure your kids are involved physically, mentally and emotionally in the entire giving process. Let them experience the grateful, and sometimes ungrateful, responses that go along with giving. And make sure you do some things that don’t involve money. You could take the entire family to help cook and serve dinner at a homeless shelter. One of the best things we ever did as parents with our teenagers was to send them on mission trips. It truly changed their lives. When you see real poverty close up, when you live and walk and sleep in it day after day—I’m talking about death-and-disease poverty, not the American version—it changes your heart. And when you’re 13, it will change your life forever.

Tips for Surviving Christmas Financially 1. It’s not an emergency. Christmas is not an emergency, it happens every year. Don’t use this as an excuse to overspend

and buy things you can’t afford. 2. Make a holiday budget. Make a list of everyone you are buying a gift for, and put a dollar amount by every name. Total it at the bottom. This is your Christmas budget. You can also check out www.mychristmasbudget.com, a free online budgeting tool to help you easily keep the holidays from wrecking your finances. 3. Pay cash. Put the total from your budget in an envelope, and when the cash is gone stop spending. This will help keep you on budget because if you overspend on Aunt Sue, Uncle Harry won’t get a gift! 4. Avoid debt. If you’re running a little short on cash, talk to your family about spending expectations. Draw names, set price limits or get creative. Whatever you do, don’t go into debt. It’s not worth it!

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Are you crafty by nature or do you want to just try a simple craft with your kids? No problem. Pinterest is great resource for both types of crafters to give you ideas with actual pictures of the craft and links to the instructions. And with the holidays, this is a great time to start.

if it is something you are interested in without having to wade through hundreds of search results,” says Melissa Haak, mother and blogger.

Make a Holiday Board

Join Pinterest by opening an account and select a few topics which will become your boards. “You don’t need to have an account or boards to search on Pinterest, but you’ll need an account to save them so you can come back and find them again,” says Haak. By default, you’re given several boards prenamed things like “For theHome” or “Cool Places I’ve

Benefits of Pinterest

Pinterest is a virtual cork board filled with images where you can search and sort for crafts, recipes, fashion, home décor ideas and more. You don’t have to skim through text when you’re searching for a holiday craft idea. It’s all visual. “You can tell right away Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Been”, etc. Rename your boards with simple themes like ‘Holiday Crafts’. This makes it easier for you to find your pins by category, and for others to search and find your pins. You can itemize each type of craft by having a board named “snowpeople”, “wreaths”, or “ornaments”...or you may want only one holiday craft board. After you’ve set up a few boards, let the searching begin. You can search by topic/category or just scan through the home page. When you “like” or repin an image, another window will pop up showing you who/where else this pin has been stored. You can then click someone else’s board based on similar pins. You can also see who else’s boards they follow, and click onto those boards. By picking areas of interest, Pinterest will show you people who have similar interests. You can use the search box on the top left with words like “Winter crafts for kids” or “Christmas ornament crafts”. Haak suggests you use specific words at first and see what shows up. If this is your first time with Pinterest, you will be amazed with the variety of cute, clever crafts that are extremely simple to try. The pictures themselves can be quite enticing. You will have to play around with the search feature and see what works best for the craft you are looking for. After you’ve logged on to your account, hover the cursor over the red Pinterest and you’ll find broad categories like DIY/Crafts and Holiday/Events. “Searches will bring up one of three types of results: 1. Pins 2. Boards and 3. People,” says Wendy Manganaro, Founder of Social Abundance Marketing. When you find a craft that you’d like to try, click on it twice and you’ll be taken to the website where the pin originated from with supply lists and instructions for the craft. If you want to save the pin, click on the pin and then it will take you to a drop down screen with your various boards. Select your holiday board and click “Pin it!” You’ve pinned your first pin. If you follow a crafty blogger, she probably also pins on Pinterest so you can look her up by searching for her name on Pinterest. Unlike Facebook, you can follow people without asking permission. If you find an adorable picture of a craft and want it to be the board cover which is like an album cover (think facebook photo albums), hover the cursor over the board and click. Pinterest will walk you through how to change it. Changing your board cover is similar to changing your Facebook cover.

Pick a Small Project

If you’re a bit reluctant to try Pinterest because it can be overwhelming at first, just start with one goal in mind. Pick one subject like snowflakes, wreaths or manger craft. Utilize Pinterest as an image search engine, double clicking on pins that look fun and be taken to the site to determine how involved the project will be.

Warning

Like any online game or interest, looking at Pinterest can become a time suck. “Give yourself a time limit on how long you’d like to look at Pinterest before you start, so you actually will have time to do some of the things you are pinning,” suggests Wendy Mangaro. You also don’t have to make every craft you pin this year or ever. Some crafts are just cute and will motivate you to create other crafts. Also, keep in mind that your boards are not private and anyone can look at your board.

Winter Ideas, Too

And remember that after the holidays, there’s a lot of down time for you and your family. Winter craft ideas are abundant on Pinterest. Have your child select a few crafts that she’d like to do after you decide what’s age appropriate for her. Pinterest becomes simpler after you dive in and play around with it. It’s a great organizational tool and resource and will provide you and your kids with hours of ideas. MBP Jan Udlock is a freelance writer, mom of five and might have just found another vice, Pinterest.

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Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

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Bel Air Mall

Saturday, November 16 – Tuesday, December 24 3299 Bel Air Mall, Mobile (251) 478-1893; www.shopatbelairmall.com Santa arrives November 16 and will stay through Christmas Eve. Hours are Monday -Thursday 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday & Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm and Sundays will follow mall’s hours (times vary). Pet Photos with Santa is Sunday, December 1 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Sounds of the Season December 12-15 - Local choral, dance, music groups are invited to perform in the mall. Hours vary. Please call (251) 478-1893 for more information.

30th Annual International Festival

Thursday, November 21 – Saturday, November 23 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile (Mobile Civic Center) (251) 208-1555; www.mobileinternationalfestival.org The festival returns for another serving of the diversity of Mobile’s flavors and cultures. This year’s Festival theme is “Roots...the Journey.” The Mobile Civic Center will host the event that brings the sights, sounds and tastes of the world together in one place! Come out and join in the cultural festivities during this three day event. School tour days are on Thursday and Friday, November 21 and 22. The public is invited on Saturday, November 23.

Christmas Spectacular

Thursday, November 21 – Sunday, November 24 3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile (Dauphin Way Baptist Church); (251) 442-2383; www.umobile.edu The University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts will celebrate the season with performances of the Christmas Spectacular program at Dauphin Way Baptist Church at 6:45pm. The annual event is a celebration of Christmas that includes more than 300 students and faculty from the UMobile School of Music and School of Worship Leadership. Presentations of traditional and contemporary sacred and secular Christmas music will be the focus of the program.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

The Lighting of the Trees - Bienville Square

Friday, November 22 Downtown Mobile, www.ncsmobile.org The lighting of the trees in Bienville Square is from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. The City welcomes in the holiday season with pictures with Santa, live music, entertainment and much more. Shop in our merry market and enjoy live entertainment! Be sure to be there by 6:00pm, as we kick off the holiday season when the Mayor and Santa light up the tree at 6:10!

Port City Craftsman Holiday Show

Friday, November 22 – Sunday, November 24 7700 Hitt Rd, Mobile (Abba Temple Shrine) www.portcitycraftsmen.com The 2013 Port City Craftsmen Holiday show is set for November 22-November 24. The perfect way to start your Holiday shopping. Find something unique for everyone on your list while shopping with over 100 local and regional Arts and crafters.

Christmas at the Road

Saturday, November 23 5301 Lott Road, Eight Mile (Lott Road Church of God) (251) 649-8991 Come Shop at Christmas on the Road on Saturday, November 23 from 9:00am-2:00pm for our Arts, Crafts, and Vendor Show. Some of the items for sale include: Jewelry, Hand Painted artwork, hair bows, key chains, head bands, baked goods, crocheted items, handmade crafts, handmade bath and candle products, purses and totes, Scentsy, Avon, Tupperware, wreathes, and much more.

Wales West Arctic Express Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill

(888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com Enjoy over one million lights, ride the Dame Ann steam train to visit Santa at the North Pole, take pictures, enjoy refreshments, and a mini train ride. The totally decorated train travels through a wonderful world of 3D lighted displays and passes one Christmas display after the other on its way to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. Open: Nov 29th through Dec16th- Fridays, 4pm to 9pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 3pm to 9pm. Open daily December 16th through December 24th from 4pm to 9pm. Christmas at Wales West Light Railway is a special family time. The entire railway and surrounding park grounds are totally decorated with more than 1,000,000 lights, figures, blow-ups and miles of ribbon and garlands. The decorated steam powered Dame Ann leaves the main station for a mile-long trip through a wonderland of lights to the North Pole. Once at the North Pole the children will be able to visit with Santa in the winter wonderland barn with staff assisting in taking family pictures. Each child receives a wooden locomotive or train whistle to decorate. Upon returning to the main station everyone is treated to hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes in the hospitality tent, followed by a 1/2 mile ride on the mini train. Admission is $12/person + tax. Children ages 13 months and under are free. Also available for a small additional fee is a petting zoo, pony ride, snowball cannon, and sleigh ride. All aboard!

Fish River Trees

Friday, November 29th – Monday, December 23rd 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Rd. East, Summerdale, off CR9 www.fishrivertrees.com There has always been something magical and heartwarming about a family trip to the country to search for that perfect Christmas tree. Enjoy strolling our beautiful 40-acre Christmas Tree Farm and evergreen nursery. Or take a free

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ride on The Tannebaum Express, our “tree train” for a fun filled farm tour (weekends only). View our manger scene with live animals and visit with Santa on the weekends from 10am – 4pm including the Friday after Thanksgiving. Santa will arrive Friday, November 23rd and throughout the sales season. Take a tour of the farm and view the wide selection of trees including our choose and cut trees, our special container-grown Living Christmas Trees that can be decorated then planted after the holidays, our fabulous shipped in Fraser Fir and Black Hill Spruce Trees, and our fresh wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands.

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 31 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s Day) 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org Take a special trip to the North Pole at this year’s Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home; located just 20 miles southwest of Mobile, AL. Guests may visit the Gardens during the day from 8:00am–5:00pm. From 5:00pm–9:00pm, guests who stroll through the Gardens will see over 3 million sparkling lights in over 1,000 displays throughout the 65-acre estate. Enjoy live holiday music, see the Bellingrath Museum Home decorated in its holiday finery, and savor a bite at the Magnolia Café, serving lunch and dinner. Holiday decorations, ornaments and gifts are available at The Bellingrath Gift Shop. Discounted tickets for Magic Christmas in Lights and for the Bellingrath Museum Home are available on-line at www. bellingrath.org . Pre-purchased tickets must be purchased at least one day before your visit. Group rates are available. Additionally, consider the Party Tent at Magic Christmas in Lights for your holiday or corporate gathering. For more information, please visit www.bellingrath.org or the Magic Christmas in Lights Facebook page.

Victorian Ornament Workshop

Sunday, December 1 701 Government Street, Mobile (Ben May Main Library)

(251) 208-7086; www.mplonline.org Children ages 5 and up are invited to make lovely Victorian ornaments to decorate our children’s holiday tree and to take home at 2:00pm at the Ben May Main Library. Space is limited so registration is encouraged. Groups must register. Call the Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086.

Centre for the Living Arts

301 Conti St, Mobile (251) 208-5658; www.centreforthelivingarts.com Throughout the month of December, Centre for the Living Arts will offer a full range of classes and workshops for all skill levels. Studio art classes are led by professional artists and experienced educators. Access to the works of nationally and internationally known artists of Futures Project will provide inspiration for studio exploration. Weekend and evening studio classes are available for all ages. Check out www.centreforthelivingarts.com for upcoming classes in ceramics, painting, DIY projects and more. Pre-K & Kids Studio classes at Centre for the Living Arts will continue throughout December. These classes give children and their parents the opportunity to explore contemporary art and the Futures Project exhibit through art activities and storytelling. Pre-K Studio classes are for age’s three to five, and will be held in the CLA Classroom every Wednesday from 11:00am – noon (except Christmas Day). Kids Studio classes are for ages six to twelve, and will be held in the CLA Classroom every Saturday from 11:00am - noon.

Holiday Cheer at “The Bull”

Monday, December 2 609 Dauphin Street, Mobile (The Bull Cantina and Grill) (251) 432-1101; www.cacmobile.org Please join us from 6:00pm-8:30pm to benefit the Child Advocacy Center, as we spread Holiday Cheer. For just $35 a person you can join us at The Bull to sample some of their own southwestern signature dishes and wine to taste. Tickets are available at The Bull and the Child Advocacy Center. There will also be a silent auction with several great packages and live music. For information and tickets, please call (251) 432-1101.

Bronstein’s “Home for the Holidays”

Tuesday, December 3 458 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 343-7200; www.bronsteins.com To welcome the holiday gift shopping season, Bronstein’s Fine Furniture is partnering with The Fresh Market to host its annual event, “Home for the Holidays,” benefiting the Bay Area Food Bank. On Tuesday, December 3 from 4:007:00 p.m., more than 20 local businesses including jewelers, gourmet and specialty shops, artists and boutiques will set up shop in the furniture showroom for an evening of holiday shopping and festivities! To join the fight against hunger, guests are invited to bring canned goods/nonperishables to the event – all of which will be donated to the Bay Area Food Bank – and will then be entered in the drawing to win an incredible grand prize from our participating businesses. In addition to holiday gift shopping courtesy of the featured local businesses, event festivities will include cooking demonstrations and food samplings from The Fresh Market as well as drama, dance and music performances by the Azalea City Center for the Arts. Please visit www.bronsteins.com for more information.

USA Concert Choir & University Chorale Holiday Concert

Tuesday, December 3 5751 USA Drive South, Mobile (251) 460-6136; www.southalabama.edu/music USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Holiday Concert with Laura Moore as the Conductor. This event takes place at 7:30pm at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission prices: General/ $8; USA students/faculty/staff, senior citizens, children under 18/ $5.

Holiday Magic and Model Trains Tuesday, December 3 – Friday, December 13 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile (Mobile Museum of Art)

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(251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com Don’t miss the 7th annual exhibit of HO model trains on display from December 3 through December 13. Presented by the Mobile Society of Model Engineers, the exhibit will be set up with the elaborately designed tables set up in the Larkins Auditorium and free of charge during regular Museum hours. School groups will also experience the magic of the season through gallery tours and a studio art class, in which students will create a Holiday Magic original, each piece reflecting the young artist’s unique perspective on the holiday season.

Candlelight Christmas at Oakleigh

Thursday, December 5 300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile (251) 432-6161; www.historicoakleigh.org Come and step back in time with us and experience Christmas at Oakleigh during the 1850s. This is the only time of the year that Oakleigh is open for a candlelight tour. After your tour, enjoy a traditional Southern hors d’oeuvres buffet including our Oakleigh hot spiced tea. Join us on Thursday evening, December 5, from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. Tickets are $15 per person.

A Christmas Carol-The Musical at the Saenger Theatre

Thursday, December 5 – Friday, December 6 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org The Playhouse in the Park presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Saenger Theatre with original music and lyrics. A cast of 100 local youth will fill the stage with music, dancing, and a myriad of colorful characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future; and the fun-loving Fezziwigs. There is one public show December 6 at 7:30pm at the Saenger Theater in Downtown Mobile. Public show tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, students and senior citizens. Please call (251) 602-0630

for public show reservations. School Shows for grades 1 12 are December 5 & 6. There are two shows each day at 9:00am and 11:15am. Tickets for students are $8 and teachers are admitted free. Please call (251) 422-0079 for school show reservations. Please visit www.playhouseinthepark.org for more information.

North Pole Stroll

Friday, December 6 Royal Street, Mobile (251) 434-8498; www.downtownmobile.org A fun-filled, family event that celebrates the magic of Christmas with Santa, train rides, strolling entertainment and snow falling in downtown Mobile on Royal Street! Dozens of venues offer activities for families, including Letters to Santa, a visit to Whoville, Merry-oke (Kids Karaoke), Gulf Coast Exploreum Open House, Scavenger Hunt, visiting Santa and much, much more... all with snow falling on Royal Street. Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Historic Holiday Open House at the Museum of Mobile

Friday, December 6 111 South Royal Street, Mobile (251) 208-7569; www.museumofmobile.com Bring your children for fun holiday activities and free refreshments at the History Museum of Mobile during the North Pole Stroll. All exhibits, which tell the 300 year old story of the city of Mobile, will be open. Free Admission.

Holiday Sales at the Botanical Gardens

Friday, December 6 – Saturday, December 7 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile (Botanical Gardens) (251) 342-0555; www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Decorate for the season with poinsettias, wrapped citrus and holiday plants plus fresh greenery and decorations by the Mobile County Master Gardeners. Times: 9:00am4:00pm Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm Saturday.

Grand Bay Country Christmas

Friday, December 6 – Saturday, December 7 (251) 298-8089; www.grandbayonline.com Come celebrate Grand Bay Country Christmas. Many

events planned including milk and cookies with Santa on Saturday morning, entertainment, arts and crafts. The Christmas parade starts at 7:00pm. Please visit our website or find us on Facebook for more information.

Christmas at Oakleigh

Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 28 300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile (251) 432-6161; www.historicoakleigh.org Tour the Oakleigh Historic Complex dressed for the holiday season. View our antique toy collection. Enjoy the traditional decorations used in the 1850s. Pause and enjoy a cup of our Oakleigh hot spiced tea. The Gift Shop at Oakleigh will be opened for holiday shopping. Regular admission charged.

Semmes Old Fashioned Christmas

Friday, December 6 3871 Wulff Road, Semmes (Semmes Heritage Park Malone Chapel); (251) 649-2184 Travel back in time to the early 1900s and celebrate Christmas the old fashioned way! Time: 6:00pm. For further details contact Carolyn Owens (251) 649-2184.

Christmas Boat Parade on the River

Saturday, December 7 (251) 443-6300; www.grandmarinermarina.com Dog River’s annual Christmas on the River Boat Parade. This is Mobile’s oldest and largest boat parade. Sponsored by Grand Mariner Marina, 6036 Rockpoint Road, Mobile. Time: dusk.

Christmas Drop and Shop at Azalea City Center for the Arts

Saturday, December 7 63 Midtown Park East (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Christmas Drop and Shop at Azalea City Center for the Arts on December 7 from 1:00pm-5:00pm which includes pictures with Santa! Call to sign up or for more information.

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Christmas Tree Lighting in Semmes

Saturday, December 7 10141 Moffett Road, Semmes (251) 649-4098; www.friendsofsemmes.org The Friends of Semmes ushers in the holiday season on the first Saturday in December, with our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, choirs singing Christmas carols, and an appearance by Ole St. Nick. Gather with family, friends and neighbors for this heart-warming seasonal favorite! This event starts at 4:30pm with the tree lighting at dark at the Semmes Community Center located at 10141 Moffett Road. Call Jack Tillman at (251) 649-4098 for information.

29th Annual “Christmas Through the Ages” at Fort Gaines

Saturday, December 7 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org Experience a Christmas of days gone by with the Confederate garrison, reenactors, blacksmiths, children’s activities and much more. Times: 9:00am-5:00pm.

Dauphin Island Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7 Dauphin Island (251) 861-5524; www.dauphinislandchamber.com The Parade is Saturday Dec 7 at 2:00pm. The Parade route runs along Bienville Avenue, running east from Cadillac Square to approximately the Public Beach.

Gingerbread House Workshop - Stories & Songs Too! – Ben May Main Library

Saturday, December 7 701 Government Street, Mobile (Ben May Main Library) (251) 208-7086; www.mplonline.org Share in the fun of a special program of stories and songs followed by the annual decorating of gingerbread houses and snow-covered trees from 10:00am-11:00am at the Ben May Main Library. This activity is for children ages 6 - 8. Space is limited, so registration is required. For more information or to register please call the Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086.

Gloria Dei Chorale Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 7 St. Mary’s Catholic Church www.gloriadeichorale.org Gloria Dei Chorale under the direction of Louis F. Daniel will present its Christmas concert. The program includes music by Lauridsen, Whitacre, Berlioz, Kalinnikov, and more, as well as the premiere of a new piece by the director. This event takes place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 7:30pm and a $10.00 donation will go to a local charity.

Mobile’s Singing Children 37th Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, December 7 2 South Claiborne Street, Mobile (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) www.mobilesingingchildren.org Come join us on Saturday, December 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for the 37th Annual Christmas Concert from 7:00pm-8:30pm.

Christmas in Satsuma

Saturday, December 7 Baldwin Square, Hwy 43, Satsuma www.cityofsatsuma.com Come join our annual Christmas in Satsuma with our Arts and Crafts Festival in Baldwin Square and Christmas Parade at 11:00am. For more information, please visit our website.

Kingswood United Methodist Church – Live Nativity

Saturday, December 7 5200 Perin Road, Mobile; (251) 661-0420 Kingswood United Methodist Church at 5200 Perin Road in Mobile will have its Annual Live Nativity drive-through on Saturday, December 7th from 5:30pm until 7:30pm. The Live Nativity is a quarter mile long, lighted drive through, with costumed characters, livestock, a King’s Tent with Wise Men, Manger Scene, Shepherd’s Field, Village Market, Carpentry Shop, and multiple other scenes. For more information, contact the church at (251) 661-0420.

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Semmes Snowflake 5K and Fun Run

Saturday, December 7 4275 Snow Road, Semmes (Mary G. Montgomery High School); www.productionsbylittleredhen.com Join us Saturday at 8:00 am for our 5K and Fun Run to benefit Second Chance / Transplant Kids. Register by mail (entries should be postmarked by December 1), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on December 5, or online at Active. com until midnight December 5. Race day registration and packet pick-up at Mary G. Montgomery High School from 6:30am-7: 30am.

Tillman’s Corner Area Chamber of Commerce Presents Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile www.tillmanscornerchamber.com Tillman’s Corner Area Chamber of Commerce presents Breakfast with Santa on December 7th from 8:00am9:00am at 5055 Carol Plantation Road. Cost: Children under 12 eat free, $5.00 – for anyone over 13; Santa will be there for pictures. Immediately following the breakfast, the parade will start at 10 am.

Christmas at the Richards DAR House

Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8 256 N Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 208-7320; www.richardsdarhouse.com Experience a historic home ready for the holidays! The house will be decorated, homemade refreshments will be served and entertainment on hand to celebrate the holiday season. Times: Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Christmas at the Bragg-Mitchell Open House

Sunday, December 8 1906 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile (251) 471-6364; www.braggmitchellmansion.com Please join us December 8, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, for “A Southern Christmas”. We look forward to sharing the enchantment of the Christmas Season with you. We will have delicious treats to enjoy while you listen to Mobile’s finest choral groups celebrate the Season. Children will be entertained with fun stories read by one of Mobile’s best storytellers. Watch for Santa; he may make a surprise appearance! All proceeds from this annual fundraising event go to the continued restoration of the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion.

Holiday Open House at Mobile Museum of Art Sunday, December 8 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com Come join us during Christmas on the Hill from 1:00pm – 5:00pm for our Holiday Open House. We will have refreshments, music, and holiday discounts.

Lights of Love 2013

Tuesday, December 10 USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital (251) 415-1636; www.rmhcmobile.org Three organizations dedicated to the care of children and families are celebrating the excitement and wonder of this holiday season! Everyone is invited to the annual “Lights of Love” tree lighting at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital beginning at 6:00pm, Tuesday, December 10.Co-sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, the Lights of Love tree lighting directly in front of the hospital will also feature visits from Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald, as well as performances from local school and community choirs. Visitors can enjoy cookies and cocoa while strolling the grounds of the beautiful Geri Moulton Children’s Park that forms the entrance to Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Parking will be available at the nearby USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. For details, call 251-415-1636 or e-mail cwhdevelop@usouthal.edu.

School of Music Holiday Concert

Tuesday, December 10 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile (Government Street Baptist Church) (251) 454-6591; www.azaleacityarts.com Full Scale School of Music Holiday Concert at 6:30pm at Government Street Baptist Church.

Centre for the Living Arts – Origami & Ornaments at the Library

Tuesday, December 10, Wednesday, December 11, Thursday, December 12; www.mplonline.org Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature. Origami & Ornaments is the theme. Tuesday, December 10 – Ages 3-5 at 10:00am; Ages 6-12 at 3:30pm at West Regional Branch. Call (251) 340-8571 to register. Wednesday, December 11 – Ages 6-12 at 3:30pm at Toulminville Branch. Call (251) 340-8571 to register. Thursday, December 12 – Ages 6-12 at 3:30pm at Ben May Main Library. Call (251) 208-7086 to register. Please visit www. mplonline.org for more information.

The Playhouse Puppets present SchoolFest Performances of the Marionette Classic “The Nutcracker”

Christmas Open House at The Visitation Shop

Tuesday, December 10 – Thursday, December 12 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 422-0079; www.playhouseinthepark.org For Grades K4-5, The Playhouse Puppets present SchoolFest Performances of the Marionette Classic “The Nutcracker,” a faithful re-telling of the musical story by Tchaikovsky featuring hand-carved marionettes, hand puppets, and shadow puppets. Dates are December 10, 11 & 12, 2013, with two shows each day at 9:00 and 10:15 a.m. at the Playhouse. This delightful performance is approximately 45-minutes; student tickets are $5.00, and teachers are free. Book this very popular show for your class soon! Reservations: (251) 422-0079.

Christmas on the Hill

First Baptist Church of Mobile Christmas Events

Sunday, December 8th, 12pm - 5pm 2300 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251)472-4106 Enjoy refreshments as you shop for those special Christmas gifts during our Christmas Open House.

Sunday, December 8 Village of Springhill Shopping Area Enjoy our Annual Christmas on the Hill event, with horse drawn Santa Sleigh Rides, Christmas carols, refreshments and more. Christmas on the Hill is an annual event organized by merchants in the area of the Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue intersection. Businesses in the Springhill area will be open for all of your holiday shopping needs. This event is from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is free.

Doug Breau – A Sentimental Christmas Monday, December 9 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

(251) 973-9193; www.dougbreau.com The popular area vocalist / entertainer and his accomplished 5-piece jazz / swing band bring their annual holiday show to the Tillman’s Corner Community Center. Christmas classics along with several Great American Songbook standards abound during this unforgettable evening. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and complimentary refreshments will be served during a brief intermission. Tickets - $10 at door.

Wednesday, December 11, Sunday, December 15, Sunday, December 22 806 Government Street, Mobile (251) 432-6513; www.fbcmobile.com Join us on Wednesday, December 11 at 5:45pm for First Baptist Church Children’s Choir presentation “Christmas Gift” in the FBC-Bush Auditorium. Family night supper precedes this presentation at 5:00pm in the Fellowship Hall, reservations required. This service is especially planned for your entire family, childcare provided for infants - 2 year olds. 3 to 5 year olds will enjoy this musical. Sanctuary Choir music presentation will be on Sunday, at 11:00 m in the Sanctuary. Childcare provided for infants - 4 year olds.

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First Baptist Church Candlelight Service will be held on December 22 at 5:00pm in the Sanctuary. Childcare provided for infants - 4 year olds. Call (251) 432-6513 for info.

LoDa Artwalk

Friday, December 13 Downtown Mobile; (251) 208-1550 www.ncsmobile.org Second Fridays in downtown is the place to be! Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk. Come Christmas Shopping! From 6:00pm-9:00pm in the lower Dauphin district.

Parents Night Out at the Exploreum – Christmas Cotillion!

Friday, December 13 65 Government Street, Mobile (Gulf Coast Exploreum) (251) 208-6873; www.exploreum.com We are pleased to announce this new and improved program that is the ideal opportunity for parents of children ages 4 - 12 to spend a grown up night out at LoDa Artwalk, enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their kids enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment. Night Of Cost: $20/child for members, $10/per additional sibling for members, $27/ child for non-members, $13.50/per additional sibling for non-members. Time: Drop off - 5:30pm - 7:00pm and pick up no later than 10:00pm. Tonight’s theme is Christmas Cotillion! Activities include making an ornament in Santa’s workshop and make and eat reindeer poop. Limited space available so register by calling (251) 208-6873.

Mélange Dance Company’s 35th Annual Production of The Nutcracker Ballet

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Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jackson County Campus Mélange Dance Company’s 35th annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet will be held once again this year on December 13th-December 15th. Performance times are 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday at 2:30pm. The performance for Gulf Coast parents and children will be held in the Auditorium at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jackson County Campus; tickets are available to the public for $15. The production is also offered to local schools the week of the weekend performances. The ballet has grown from a small production with little scenery and a few handmade costumes, to a full professional production with over 125 participants each year from ages 3 to 65, exquisite costumes and dramatic scenery to rival any production of its size. For ticket information, call The Studio of Dance at (228) 762-6493.

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

Scrooge, The Musical – Chickasaw Civic Center

Should be urgently assessed medically

Should not be left alone

Should not drive a motor vehicle

Friday, December 13-Sunday, December 15; Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22 801 Iroquois Street, Mobile (251) 457-8887; www.cctshows.com Join us on December 13-15 and 20-22 for Scrooge, The Musical at the Chickasaw Civic Center. Scott Morlock’s family-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, combines humor and touching moments with music and dancing. Curtain times: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm; Sundays, 2:00pm.

Billy Claus visits Lulu’s!

Saturday, December 14th 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores. (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com Billy Claus Oh Billy Claus how we love you... Poor Billy is allergic to snow so what better place for him to come and celebrate the holidays but LuLu’s. Come enjoy as this delightful children’s book, written by none other than the talented Lucy Buffett, comes to life. Enjoy a full day of arts & crafts, live music and get your picture taken with Billy Claus and his LuLubelle’s. Make sure to leave Billy your Christmas list so that he can personally deliver it to his brother (you may have heard of him) Santa Claus. What a better way to kick off the holiday season than a day here with all of your friends and family at LuLu’s.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF

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Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion:

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

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Dawes Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14 Dawes Road, Mobile www.dawesbizconnect.com Come join us for the 2nd Annual Dawes Christmas Parade at 1:00pm. Join us as we celebrate Christmas in Dawes! Parade route is 1.8 miles and starts at Living Word Church (2900 Dawes Road) and ends at the Winn Dixie Parking lot at Cottage Hill and Schillinger Road.

Holiday ½ Marathon and 8K Run

Saturday, December 14 Mullet Point Park (251) 473-7223; www.productionsbylittleredhen.com Join us at 8:30 am for the Holiday ½ Marathon and 8K run benefiting USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Paediatrics Department. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new toy in its original wrapping to the race. Toys are needed to distract the children while they are in the hospital. Pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by December 7), in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on December 12, or online (www.Active.com) until midnight December 12. Race day registration from 7:00am to 8:00am. Location: Mullet Point Park (take Scenic 98 south of the Grand Hotel to the intersection with County Road 1; Mullet Point Park is on the right) Visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information.

5 Rivers Christmas Ornament Crafts

Saturday, December 14 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0814; www.Alabama5Rivers.com Make your own memorable Christmas Tree Ornament. We have the supplies; you bring the imagination, the creativity and the kids! Come make a memory! This event takes place from 1:00pm-3:00pm and is open to all ages.

Holiday Celebration - Saraland Public Library

Saturday, December 14 111 Saraland Loop, Saraland (Saraland Public Library) (251) 675-2879; www.mplonline.org Enjoy the Saraland Christmas Parade and then bring the family to the Library for Holiday stories, crafts and treats at 2:00pm. Special guests will include Amy Raley from our local History and Genealogy Division who will talk about the history of chocolate. Local author Norma Vaughn Danzey will introduce her latest novel, Count Your Blessings. For more information, please call (251) 675-2879.

Something Special for Kids – The Gingerbread Man – Moorer/Springhill Branch Library

Saturday, December 14 4 McGregor Avenue South, Mobile (251) 470-7770; www.mplonline.org Mrs. Rhodes will tell the story of The Gingerbread Man. After the story time everyone will receive a gingerbread man to decorate. Lemonade and water will be provided for those wanting to eat their creation. Registration is required for groups. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

Holiday Special - Movie, Hot Chocolate & Cookies at Semmes Branch

Saturday, December 14 9150 Moffett Road, Semmes (251) 645-6840; www.mplonline.org Come join us at 1:00pm at the Semmes Branch Library for “A Christmas Carol” movie, hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, please call (251) 645-6840.

Semmes Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14 (251) 649-4098; www.friendsofsemmes.org The Friends of Semmes Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2013 beginning at 10:00 a.m. starting at the old Semmes Middle School, continuing East on Hwy 98 to Oak Hill Drive. Applications may be picked up at Century Bank, Regions Bank and Floorz and More, all in Semmes. The parade has floats, marching bands, marching groups of dancers & cheerleaders, riders on Horses and antique cars. Please call Jack Tillman at (251) 649-4098 for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

5th Annual Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes and Tasting Tour

Saturday, December 14 10330 Howells Ferry Rd, Semmes (Allentown Elementary) (251) 656-1777; (251) 645-9176 Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes will feature several beautifully decorated homes and many restaurants and specialty shops will be having a Tasting Tour. Starting site for Tasting Tour will be at Allentown Elementary on Howells Ferry Road. This event will be from 3:00pm-7:00pm and proceeds benefit the Historical Preservation of Semmes. For more information, please contact Caresse Fincher at (251) 656-1777 or Diane Moore at (251) 645-9176.

Holiday Harmonies – Mobile Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15 6 Joachim Street, Mobile (Saenger Theatre) (251) 432-2010; www.mobilesymphony.org We’re changing things up this holiday season and giving our traditional Holiday Pops concert a more modern, upbeat touch. Pentatonix, a capella artists and winners of NBC’s “Sing-Off,” will amaze you with their vocal talents and beautiful harmonies as they make their orchestral debut with the Mobile Symphony. On December 14, the performance will start at 8:00pm and on December 15; the starting time is 2:30pm.

Saraland Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14 (251) 675-4444; www.saralandcoc.com The annual Christmas Parade will start at 12:00pm.

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

Saturday, December 14-Sunday, December 15 Mobile Civic Center Theatre (251) 342-2241; www.mobileballet.org Mobile Ballet will take you on a magical journey of brilliant dancing, sumptuous sets, and gorgeous costumes. This is a favorite for all ages. Saturday at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm.

The Mobile Pops in Concert present “Sounds of the Season”

Monday, December 16-Tuesday, December 17 (251) 679-6036; www.mobilepopsband.com The Mobile Pops present their annual Christmas Concerts on December 16 and December 17th at 7:00pm. The concert on the 16th will be at Davidson High School Auditorium and the concert of the 17th will be at Saraland High School Auditorium. FREE and open to the public.

Santa at Original Oyster House

Tuesday, December 17th, 6pm - 8pm The Causeway, 3733 Battleship Parkway (251) 626-2188; www.OriginalOysterHouse.com Tuesdays kids eat Free at Original Oyster House and this Tuesday is extra special because we will have a visit from Santa Claus.

Polar Express Bedtime Story time – Ben May Main Library

Tuesday, December 17 701 Government Street, Mobile (Ben May Main Library) (251) 208-7073; www.mplonline.org Children ages 4 and up are invited to wear their PJ’s and bring their favorite stuffed animal to a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and a screening of the short video of the same name at 6:00pm. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Space is limited so registration is required. Call Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086.

Bells in the Bayou Race

Saturday, December 21 13790 South Wintzell Avenue, Bayou La Batre (251) 861-8747; www.dauphinislandtourism.com These four-mile and two-mile races benefit Bayou La Batre and showcase the industries and communities of the area. The flat courses are fun for competitive and just-for-fun

runners of all ages! The four-mile course has two turns and is the only four-mile course in Alabama south of Huntsville. The two-mile course is an out-and-back course- short and sweet! Location: St. Margaret’s Catholic Church at 13790 South Wintzell Avenue, Bayou La Batre. Online registration through Eventbrite. Call (251) 861-8747 for information.

Mobile Annual Christmas & Holiday Parade & Christmas Market

Saturday, December 21 Downtown Mobile (251) 208-1550; www.cityofmobile.org It’s a holiday tradition for the entire family! Come join us for our holiday market on the square at Cathedral Square from 10:00am-3:00pm. The market will feature fresh fruits, veggies, bread, pasta and fresh baked goods for your holiday party. Also arts and crafts from local artists. Bring the little ones and enjoy free children’s activities in Bienville Square both before and after the parade between 12 pm and 3 pm. We will also be doing Karaoke. Parade at 1:30.

Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas

Saturday, December 21 Saenger Theatre, Mobile www.cbjazzchristmas.com Practice your best Charlie Brown dance moves for the fourth annual Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas Concert at 7:00pm at the Saenger Theatre to benefit the Haven. This event is presented by local recording artist John Milham’s Green Roof Productions. “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Children of all ages will delight in projected animation from the movie and scenes from other classic children’s Christmas movies while the band performs.

Carpe Diem Santa Run

Tuesday, December 24 4072 Old Shell Rd, Mobile (Carpe Diem Coffee and Tea Company) The Christmas Eve Santa Run at Carpe Diem Coffee and Tea Co. will host its annual Santa Run at 10 am on Tuesday, December 24th. This is a fun family event! The Santa Run is a 2-mile fun run, walk, bike ride, dog pulling family event that comes complete with a hayride that is pulled by an elf driven John Deer tractor! Don’t miss this opportunity to join the fun, spread the Christmas spirit and support Goodwill Easter Seals. Register at Carpe Diem or McCoy Outdoors (3498 Springhill Avenue) until December 20th, day of registration at Carpe Diem.

Azalea City Center for the Arts Winter Camp Thursday, December 26, Friday, December 27 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Fun winter camps offered December 26 and December 27 from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Center. Call for information.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!

Tuesday, December 31 LuLu’s - 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores (251) 967-LULU (5858); www.LuluBuffett.com Family friendly NOON Year’s Eve Celebration at LuLu’s! Think your year couldn’t possibly get any better, just wait and see what LuLu’s has in store to help you end the year with a bang. LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve party is pure excitement around every corner. From delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, live music, zoo animals, face painting, wow, I could just go on and on, but wait, there is one thing I forgot to mention... To count it down to noon we celebrate with kid friendly fireworks and a huge beach ball drop.

MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration

Tuesday, December 31 (251) 208-1550; www.ncsmobile.org Moonpie over Mobile is back. With over 60,000 people in attendance last year, this year’s New Year’s event will usher in the New Year in grand style. Get a larger glimpse at the moon pie as it rises over the city in downtown mobile. There will be live entertainment, activities for kids at local museums and a countdown to 2014 like no other. MBP

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A Flight Plan For You and Your Home. by Marla Cilley

ParentsMenu ShouldPlanning: Do Their Best, But Not Expect Too Much in Return A Way to Save Real Money We may think it is going to take too long to develop a menu plan for our family. We wait until the last minute to even begin to cook something for ourselves and our family. As a result we throw in the dish towel before we even open the refrigerator door, and we head for the first drive-thru. This drains our pocketbooks and adds unwanted pounds to our bodies. Do you know how much money you have been spending on food for your family? This means in the grocery store and eating out. Most of our income is spoken for by fixed payments: utility bills, phone bills, house payments, car payments and credit card payments. When it comes down to saving real money the only place we have any wiggle room is in our food expense. A little planning today will keep the money in the bank instead of it slipping through your fingers as you pay your toll at the golden arches.

Here is a simple way to make your menu plan: Keep a food calendar. All you have to do is pencil in what you had to eat every night. This will help you to build your menus for a week and this is a great start. We are all creatures of habit, so use these family habits to help you build a routine for your meals. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use Sunday as an example. Do you go out to dinner or do you fix a big family meal. If you cook, is it pot roast or chicken? How about Friday night? Are you beginning to see a pattern to your meals? This is why I like to have a theme to each meal for every day of the week. It can either be the type of meat you are cooking as the main course or how you cook it...the grill, crock pot or casserole. Or you could have a country theme...Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Greek, American, or Plain ole Southern country cookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. You can have some real fun with this and teach

your children how to cook at the same time. Each night you could have a different Kid Chef. You would let your children help decide on the menu, make the grocery list and then help prepare the meal. There is no better way to help a child learn about nutrition and real food. Just teach your child to make a salad and watch them ask for seconds. Knowing what you are going to cook is half the battle. The other half is having the food in the house so you can pull it out of the freezer or pantry and fix it. If you have to go to the store you might as well just pass those arches again. This is why having a day set aside to plan menus, take inventory of your refrigerator as you clean it out and then go grocery shopping will help you enjoy cooking with your family again. You will be surprised at how much fun it is to cook when your kitchen is clean, your sink is shining and you have food in the house. Are you ready to feed your family and save money by getting back in the kitchen? For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

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What’s happening here? You’re

simply trying to connect with your child. And while it seems like he’s brushing you off, he may just be trying to disengage from school business. And your questions prevent that. Or he’s so used to the question rolling off your tongue as a form of greeting, that he doesn’t think you expect a real answer. Rather than push harder for answers to your standard end-of-the-school-day questions, why not try some new conversation primers? Here are 21 ideas to get you rolling:

15. Who do you admire in your class? What do you like about them?

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

16. When you approach school, who did you look for first? Why?

Openings in grades K3 through 8th

17. Tell me about one thing you learned today. What makes it interesting?

1. Tell me something that made you laugh.

18. What do you hope to do tomorrow?

2. Who did you encourage today? How?

19. What part of your day do you wish lasted longer?

3. Who encouraged you? What did they do?

20. What’s the best thing about your teacher(s)?

4. If you had a “do-over” button, which part of your day would you press it on? Why?

21. What don’t most people at school know about you?

5. What are you glad for? 6. Is there anything you missed today? What do you miss about it? 7. Name something you are proud of. 8. If you could be any teacher in your school, which one would you be? Why? 9. If today had a color, what would it be? Why? 10.Who did you sit with at lunch today? What did you talk about? 11. What do you look forward to next week/weekend/month? 12. Name something you’re good at now that you weren’t last year. What makes it easier? 13. What’s one thing you’d like to learn to do someday? 14. What’s one thing I could do for you or say to you that would make you feel good?

Registering NOW!

Interested parents are invited to tour our school, meet with

For fun, write each question on a slip of paper and place in a container near the dinner table or in your car. Each evening pick out a question from the container to ask. Invite your child to add questions of his own to the mix or let him create his own container of questions to ask you. Take turns answering the same or different questions. If all else fails, try posing this final question and see if your child can begin building the bridge from his side of the conversation: What question do you wish I would ask you after school? Some tips on creating an atmosphere that encourages dialog: • Don’t machine gun multiple questions at your child at once. It’s best to only ask one or two questions to get conversation going. Then stop and listen. • Be prepared to answer any question that you ask. And be honest in the answers you give. You and your child can both learn more about each other and what goes on in your day when you create an atmosphere of safety and openness.

students, teachers and current parents while learning about our many excellent academic programs for all students. Join us at an Open House program.

Friday, December 6th, 2013 9 a.m.—1 p.m. Sunday, January 5th, 2014 1 p.m.—3 p.m.

6300 McKenna Drive Mobile, Alabama 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school 251.342.5474

• Listen carefully to your child. Reflect back what you hear her say. Acknowledge any emotions implicit in the communication. MBP Lara Krupicka is a contributing writer.

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Family Calendar Ongoing

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

Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sage Ave. and Airport Blvd. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www. azaleacityharmony.com. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. The Family Center • Nurturing Parenting (Mobile) course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. Call 251-479-5700 to register.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

November/December2013

• Father Central Classes (listed below) in Mobile and Daphne are completely free. Father Central classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Father Central program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www.familycentermobile.org. • Father Central of Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. • Together We Can: Helping Everyone Cope With Divorce. Mondays, 8 weeks. $50 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Begin any Monday. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. • Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Topics are: Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, Relaxation; Emotional Intelligence & Techniques; Defining, Responding To & Learning from Anger; Defining Abuse & Learning to Cope & Communicate. 251-479-5700 to get started in Father Central, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www.familycentermobile.org or www. Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852.

• Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital.  Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course  One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon.  $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children.  By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR  Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include

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Family Calendar advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 4151685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Thursday, November 21

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5th Annual Celebrate Hope The 5th Annual Celebrate Hope will be held on the grounds of the Mitchell Cancer Institute. The event will consist of food and wine pairings and live entertainment. Please visit www.celebratehope13zvents.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets. “The Three Musketeers” The timeless tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor. A swashbuckling romp which cleverly updates the Dumas novel in a refreshed, distilled, and strengthened version. Swordplay complete with flourishes. Show dates: November 21, 22, & 23 at 7:30 p.m. and November 17 at 2:00 p.m. University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Drive S). Please visit www.southalabama.edu/drama for more information. Thursdays at the Museum The Mobile Museum of Art (MMoA) wants you to join us on Thursdays at the Museum. Free admission and access to all galleries; special programs. Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Join us each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Build Your Own Robot – Parkway Branch Library For Middle & High School Students at Parkway Branch at 3:30 p.m. Build your own robot using recycled materials; cans, springs, keys, buttons, or any items made of aluminum. Create an animated robot or any robot of your choice using magnets and hot glue guns. Estimated time for project is 2 hours. Space and materials are limited; registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, call (251) 470-7766.

Friday, November 22

USA Presents Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre USA Opera & Musical Theatre presents Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre. Thomas Rowell, director. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday 3:00 p.m. This event takes place at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Drive S). Please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” Based on the hit movie, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is a fun-filled musical full of great characters and catchy songs. Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit cards, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin. Book by Heather Hach & Directed by Jeffrey Williamson. Fridays and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. ARTsoup Attendees choose from 200+ handcrafted ceramic bowls, dine on celebrity chef’s signature soups, dance to Bay Runners band, enjoy adult beverages, bid on original art in a silent auction and a mouth blown glass piece created especially for ARTsoup By Rene’ Culler, internationally renowned glass artist. This event takes place at 6:00 p.m. at 279 N. Washington Avenue, Mobile. All in support of 15 Place, the multi-Service

November/December2013

Center for the Homeless in downtown Mobile. Tickets are $40. Please visit www.brownpapertickets.com to purchase tickets. “The Three Musketeers” See November 21 for more information.

Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S.) General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). Please visit www.southalabama.edu/music for more information.

Saturday, November 23 Wednesday, November 27 Alabama Pre/Post Adoption ConnectionsAdoptive Family Celebration APAC is hosting an Adoptive Family Celebration at our office on Downtowner Blvd from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We will provide food and activities for adoptive families in our area. For more information or to register, please call (251) 460-2727 or email lgurley@childrensaid.org. Fall Market in the Square Join us at Cathedral Square for farm fresh flavor. Come get your fresh greens, fall corn, squash, and much more! Also shop for locally produced goods like homemade candles, soaps, and pottery. For more information, please call (251) 208-1558. “The Three Musketeers” See November 21 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 22 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts Kids Studio is a free weekly program that allows children ages 6-12 to explore contemporary art and music. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross curriculum learning opportunities with fun projects. Classes are facilitated by trained professional educators. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the CLA classroom (301 Conti Street). Please visit www. centreforthelivingarts.com for more information or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library Ms. Wilhemina Davis will teach students how to knit 7”x 9” rectangles. These rectangles will be sewn together to make afghans to be donated to local nonprofit agencies. Students will receive the following supplies; knitting needles, 1 skein of yarn and a “How to Knit” book. These supplies are provided by Needle Arts Mentoring Program, a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. West Regional Branch Library. Registration is encouraged. Please call Wilhemina at (251) 340-8561.

Sunday, November 24

Thanks for Giving – 2 Mile Run/Walk Come run at Providence Hospital (east side of Building B) at 8:00 a.m. Please bring canned food, gently used shoes and unused race shirts to donate to the Waterfront Mission. Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Meet the Authors - Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly- Ben May Library New York Times bestselling author Tom Franklin, “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter” and his wife, Pushcart Prize winning poet, Beth Ann Fennelly will discuss and share readings from their new novel, “The Tilted World” at 2:00 p.m. at the Ben May Main Library. Please call (251) 208-7097 for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee – “My Life as a Turkey” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort. Visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook too! USA Presents Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre See November 22 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 22 for more information.

Monday, November 25 USA Brass Ensembles – Fall Concert Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South

Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See November 20 for more information.

Thursday, November 28

Thursdays at the Museum See November 21 for more information. Turkey Trot for Hope and Gobble Wobble The Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble is more than a race, it is an experience! We invite you to join us this Thanksgiving for a special 5k and fun run that is quickly becoming a Mobile tradition. It is a chance to kick the day off with a little turkey day spirit, gather with your family and to burn those extra calories in preparation for the impending feast. More importantly, it is an opportunity to give thanks by helping Camp Rap-A-Hope make a difference in the lives of Gulf Coast children diagnosed with cancer. Please visit www. turkeytrotforhope.com for more information.

Saturday, November 30 Walk By Faith 5K Run/Walk Join us Saturday at 8:00 am at Steel Creek Lodge, 368 Juniper Avenue, Satsuma to benefit Home of Grace for Women Alumni programs. Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 23 for more information.

Sunday, December 1

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee - “Polar Bear, Arctic Warrior” See November 24 for more information.

Monday, December 2

USA Trumpet Department Studio Recital Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA S. Drive). Free Admission. Please visit www.southalabama.edu/music for more information.

Tuesday, December 3

5 Rivers StoryTime This week’s story is “The Littlest Elf”. The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com for more information or find us on Facebook too!

Wednesday, December 4 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See November 20 for more information.

Thursday, December 5

Night at the Arts – Ben May Main Library Celebrate Our Young Artists at the Ben May Main Library. Students from the Full Scale School of Music and The Studio will perform a number of musical selections. Sunny Side Theater will offer selections from “Annie” and “Beauty and the Beast.” A photography exhibit of students’ works from Photo Bella Photography will also be on display. These groups are all part of the Azalea City Center for the Arts. For

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Family Calendar more information on the Azalea City Center for the Arts go to www.azaleacityarts.com. For more information please call 208-7097. Westside Tailgate Farmers Market Come join us on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Enjoy some good food and get a jump on your Christmas shopping! Westside Tailgate Farmers Market is sponsoring a Fall Craft & Food Market on the first Thursday of each month this fall. The Market is located at Providence Presbyterian Church (3270 Schillinger Road S.)—rain or shine (if it’s raining, we’ll be inside the church). Thursdays at the Museum See November 21 for more information.

Saturday, December 7

Mobile Museum of Art 1st Saturdays Masterpieces I Have Seen. Museums would not exist without wonderful people who collect. What is it about collecting art that makes it so special? Lord Beaverbrook wanted his art collection to be a symbol of his life. View the collection of Lord Beaverbrook in the exhibition Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and find out how to start a collection identity of your own. All materials included. Explore art in a program for kids ages 3 and up together with their adults. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Reservations are encouraged and participation is limited to 4 individuals per family. For more information call (251) 208-5205. Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library Ms. Wilhemina Davis will teach students how to knit 7”x 9” rectangles. These rectangles will be sewn together to make afghans to be donated to local nonprofit agencies. Students will receive the following supplies; knitting needles, 1 skein of yarn and a “How to Knit” book. These supplies are provided by Needle Arts Mentoring Program, a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. West Regional Branch Library. Registration is encouraged. Please call Wilhemina at 340-8561. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 23 for more information.

November/December2013

Thursday, December 12

Sunny Side Theater presents “Fall Skit Night” Come join us for Fall Skit Night at 6:30 at the Azalea City Center for the Arts (63 Midtown Park East). For more information, please visit www.azaleacityarts.com or call (251) 510-1808. Alabama 2013 Great Amazing Race An annual family-friendly obstacle/adventure race for teams of two (kids grades K-12 & adults), modeled after the show The Amazing Race. It’s way more fun than a 5K! Friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers pair up and complete a 1-mile course of challenges requiring teamwork. Whether you run, jog or walk, it’ll be a Bonding Experience you will never forget. Langan Park. Visit www. GreatAmazingRace. com for more information. Thursdays at the Museum See November 21 for more information.

Check out our

Holiday Happenings Guide for many more seasonal events!

Sunday, December 8

Alabama Shakes – Saenger Theatre Alabama Shakes concert with special guest Clear Plastic Masks at 8:00 p.m. at the Saenger. Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble Fall Concert Join us at 5:00 p.m. at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA S. Drive). Free Admission. Please visit www.southalabama.edu/music for more information. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee - “Killer Whales” See November 24 for more information.

Friday, December 13

LoDA Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St.). Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, visit www.ncsmobile.org or call: (251) 208-1550.

Saturday, December 14

2nd Annual Corpus Christi Cougars Running Wild 5K and Fun Run 5K race will start at 3:00 p.m.; fun run will start after the completion of the 5K – approximately 4:00 p.m. Registration and Post-Race Activities at Medal of Honor Park Pavilion. Benefiting Corpus Christi Booster Club and Marine Corps Toys For Tots Foundation. Visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Sew & Tell - Ages 10 &Up at Moorer/Springhill Branch Library Visit with friends and learn to sew simple projects at 2:00 p.m. at the Moorer/Springhill Branch Library. Registration is required for groups. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 23 for more information. Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library See December 7 for more information.

December 15 Wednesday, December 11 Sunday, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio Class – Centre Learning Lunch at History Museum of Mobile Join us for An Overview of Confederate Coins and Philatelic at History Museum of Mobile (111 South Royal Street) at 12:00 p.m. Bring your lunch, beverages provided. Visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See November 20 for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

for the Living Arts Each month, students will draw inspiration from the Futures Project exhibition as they create works of art while exploring ceramics, paint, collage, and more at CLA (301 Conti Street) at 1:00 p.m. Professional artists will lead all classes, and an ASL interpreter will be provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. To register, or for more information, please contact

Brennan Gibson, Education Program Manager, at (251) 208 5658, or at cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “I Want A Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown”. See November 24 for more information.

Tuesday, December 17

5 Rivers StoryTime This week’s story is “Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas” by Jim Harris. See December 3 for more information.

Wednesday, December 18 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See November 20 for more information.

Thursday, December 19

An Evening in History – Historic Mobile Preservation Society Join HMPS at the Oakleigh Historic Home (300 Oakleigh Place) for our monthly educational program An Evening In History. Refreshments served at 5:45 p.m. and the lecture begins at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free to all HMPS members and $10 for guests. For reservations call (251) 432-6161, or email us at hmps@ bellsouth.net. Thursdays at the Museum See November 21 for more information.

Friday, December 20

“Beauty and the Beast” The Sunny Side Theater’s holiday production of the Disney classic turned Broadway smash features heartwarming characters and amazing music. Friday 7:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts (1400 University Boulevard). Please call (251) 5101808 for more information.

Saturday, December 21 “Beauty and the Beast” See December 20 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 23 for more information.

Sunday, December 22

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee This week, watch four Dreamworks Holiday Classics: “Donkey’s Christmas Shrektacular”, “Merry Madagascar”, “Dragon’s Gift of the Night Fury”, and “Madagascar Penguins”. See November 24 for more information. “Beauty and the Beast” See December 20 for more information.

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Sunday, December 29

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee This week, watch Alabama’s own E.O. Wilson in “Lord of the Ants.” See November 24 for more information. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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

Fin

A Page in a Book

by Gerry Paige Smith

The Beauty of Solitude Because our children are growing up in an age of social media, flash mobs and Skype, it’s easy to assume that they will never be alone. But there are times that they will be alone, either by choice or through circumstance, and it’s important that children understand the differences between being alone and being lonely. Being alone gives children the opportunity to hone in on details typically lost in the clatter of company; to appreciate sights, sounds and feelings that can be buried by outside stimulation. Even loneliness has its place in our hearts as it makes our time of reunion and together moments even more cherished and special. The following titles explore solitude, loneliness and alone time with great beauty and sensitivity, helping young readers to appreciate the special times that are theirs, alone.

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Snook Alone

by Marilyn Nelson, Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering (Candlewick Press) Nothing gives Snook more pleasure than his days spent in the company of Abba Jacob, with whom he shares a monastic life on a quiet island. Snook spends every day by Abba Jacob’s side while he works, prays, and gardens: they are a constant pair. But when a violent storm separates them, Snook is left stranded on the island to make his way alone. At first sad and afraid, Snook begins to explore his home on his own. New adventures and elements of the island are Snook’s alone to discover with increasing pleasure while he waits for the return of his friend. Recognizing the fear that comes with isolation, this title offers a poignant balance, celebrating the heightened awareness that comes with being alone. An inspiration for kids who struggle with separation and alone time, this story finds the bright side to being solitary while you wait to be reunited with your companions.

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Silence

by Lemniscates (Magination Press) Told from the perspective of a young girl, “Silence” is an expansive exploration of the quiet beauty of being alone. When the girl is by herself, she can hear her heart beating as she runs, her breath moving to and fro. The sounds of her legs swimming, her feet dancing might be lost in a crowd, but when she’s alone, she can hear them like never before. Birds talking, bees buzzing and the wind blowing are not hidden behind the murmur of conversation and company. Being alone among silence gives voice to the quieter sounds, awakening subtle senses that may be rarely used in a world of distractions that demand our attention. The undiscovered pleasures of solitude and silence are everywhere in this breezy and beautiful ode to quiet times and quiet spaces.

Octopus Alone

by Divya Srinivasan (Penguin / Viking) Octopus is very comfortable in the quiet confines of her cave, watching the underwater world and its beauties float by. But when a group of seahorses discover her refuge (and her), their friendly interest and enthusiasm feel like too much to bear. Octopus quietly goes into camouflage mode and sneaks away. As she slips into the darker deeps alone, Octopus finds herself enjoying the spaces where no one is watching. She twirls, wiggles and somersaults as she revels in the peaceful, quiet darkness. She is comfortable and happy. But after a while, she remembers the sea horses and decides to return – refreshed by the solitude – to get reacquainted with her new friends. Beautifully transitive illustrations celebrate both the lively wonders of the sea and the serenity of the deep ocean. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Thor: The Dark World

The Book Thief MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Book Thief PG-13 for some violence and intense depiction of thematic material. The Book Thief is told from two perspectives--that of Death and a young German girl named Liesel Meminger. In this pre-WWII Germany setting, the Führer is rising to power, inciting the nation to war and beginning his ethnic cleansing. Death knows what is coming; Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) does not. But by the time Liesel arrives at the home of her foster parents on Heaven Street she’s already been through hell. She watched as her younger brother died in her mother’s arms and was buried in a shallow, frozen grave. Then she was unceremoniously left at the home of Rosa and Hans Hubermann (Emily Watson and Geoffrey Rush), never to see her mother (Heike Matatsch) again. The only reason given for Liesel’s abandonment is a whispered rumor that her mother is a Communist, a dirty slur in Hitler’s Germany. The youngster is understandably withdrawn when she arrives. And Rosa, a sturdy, ill-tempered woman can’t be bothered with the girl’s timidity. However Hans takes a gentler approach, kindly welcoming the frightened child into their home and building a bond between the two of them. A short time later, the Hubermanns open their door to another refugee. Max Vandenburg (Ben Schnetzer) is a young Jewish man on the run. His father saved Hans’ life during WWI and now the boy is seeking protection from the family. Knowing the risk they are taking, Hans and Rosa hide Max in their dark basement and swear Liesel to absolute secrecy. Liesel takes comfort in her new family. As well she is befriended by Rudy Steiner (Nico Liersch), a blond-headed boy from next door, who idolizes runner Jesse Owens and is always asking for a kiss. But after Hans teaches her to read, she finds solace and power in words. Unfortunately, as the title suggests, Liesel doesn’t come by most of her books honestly. Nor does she suffer any consequences for her thievery. One of her favorite places to “borrow” from is the home library of the Mayor’s wife, Ilsa Hermann (Barbara Auer). While many other films relate the events of WWII, this one is unusual because it tells the story from the eyes of a German child, not the Jewish refugee, the soldiers or the advancing Allies. Compared to those other movies, The Book Thief is also a sanitized script with only brief depictions of war actions, the beating of Jews, vandalism and some schoolyard bullying that leads to a fistfight. Even corpses pulled from bombed buildings look more like peacefully sleeping bodies than victims of violence. And the script contains only a handful of profanities along with Rosa’s derogatory nickname for Liesel. The film does provide a sense of everyday life for many Germans during Hitler’s reign--those who supported him and those who had to hold their tongues. And, unlike graphic war films, The Book Thief is one that parents can quite comfortably share and discuss with their tweens and teens.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: BLanguage: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Thor: The Dark World PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content. After appearing in Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, the hammer-wielding hero from the city of Asgard (played by Chris Hemsworth), has been fighting marauders and restoring peace to the Nine Realms of the universe. Just when Thor thinks things are under control, he discovers his love interest on Earth, Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has gone missing. Disregarding the commands of his father (Anthony Hopkins), he flies to the blue/green planet just as Jane returns from a ride down a wormhole. From all appearances, she looks fine. But when a group of London police officers try to arrest her, Jane sends them flying with the thrust of her arm. Worried about the mysterious power that has invaded Jane’s body, Thor rushes her back to Asgard just as the evil Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) and his Dark Elves invade the city. Thor soon discovers that Malekith is there to retrieve Aether, the powerful force that now resides within Jane. Once he gets his hands on this evil weapon, Malekith plans to destroy the entire universe, including Earth. And unfortunately, even Thor’s heavy-handed fighting tactics aren’t enough to overcome such a villain on his own. So Thor goes down to the dungeon to solicit help from his imprisoned brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Of course he makes this visit without his father’s knowledge. Don’t expect any deep messages or character development in this script. Thor might not be as hefty or gruff as the Hulk, but he’s not going to win any “man of the year awards” either, unless it’s at a hammer-throwing contest. Rather this film is about action -- lots and lots of loud action. With what seems like even more battle scenes than the first Thor movie, there is an endless parade of swords, arrows and flame-throwing guns. Although it all remains fairly bloodless, the screenplay depicts some graphic stabbings and dismemberment. While the storyline may be missing, the visuals and special effects it offers are impressive. The movie also refuses to take itself too seriously (a nice diversion for those of us who are not into the details of the comic book characters). The inclusion of humor, along with relatively few profanities and only a brief depiction of a nude character with particular body parts carefully pixilated, means the violence will be the biggest concern for families looking for an entertainment option. Thankfully, Thor learned about humility in his first big screen venture. This time he’s just dealing with invaders, familial trust issues and the looming reality of assuming his father’s throne. But that’s still quite a load to carry, even for his bulging biceps.

What Parents need to know about Thor: The Dark World... Violence: Frequent battle scenes involve swords, stabbings, flame-throwing guns and huge explosions -- all of which result in numerous dead bodies lying on the battlefield. Characters are also kicked, punched and slapped. Cars are tossed around and people are thrown against objects. Some scenes depict minor amounts of blood. A dead body is placed on a pyre that is started on fire. A man is seen with a partially charred face after a battle. Dismemberment occurs during a battle. A grenade-like weapon is deployed on several occasions. Sexual Content: A bare-chested man is seen. Characters kiss. A naked man runs around a public tourist attraction (his male anatomy is carefully pixilated). He is later seen wearing a shirt and his underwear. Language: The script contains a few mild profanities, some terms of Deity and a couple of scatological slang terms. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink to celebrate a victory. A woman invites a man to have a drink with her. Mobile Bay Parents I December 2013

What Parents need to know about The Book Thief...

Violence: Scenes of war violence are shown including bombing raids, explosions, burning and destroyed buildings and an injured man. Several corpses are shown (none are bloody or have discernable injuries). A boy’s nose begins to bleed as he dies. Several characters are bullied. A girl violently punches a boy and gives him a bloody nose after he taunts her. Sexual Content: A boy asks a girl to kiss him on several occasions. Language: The script contains a few terms of Deity and one mild profanity along with repeated name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: A man drinks from a liquor bottle.

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