Mobile Bay Parents February 2014 by KeepSharing

February2014 11

Volume 3 Number 10

Columns

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Quality Child Care

The Truth About Fevers

Learn what fever really is and when your child should see the doctor.

Kids Health Watch

Learn what to look for when researching and visiting prospective daycare options for your children.

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

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Child Care Listing Find details about Mobile child care centers to help make your decision.

10 Indoor Activities for Winter

The FlyLady

Discover creative ways to pass the days when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold outside!

On The Cover Isaiah William Patrick Webb (age 4) is the son of Patrick and Thania Webb. Isaiah is the youngest brother to Victoria, Rebecca, Sarah, Elizabeth and

Marla Cilley

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 48

Noah (pictured). He loves riding the

Family Calendar

tricycle he just got for his birthday and

learning at Kumon Learning Center!

Movie Reviews

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MomOfTheMonth I thought I had it made! My mom would keep my kids, and they would never be subjected to outside of the home child care. I would never have to worry about selecting the right preschool. I wouldn’t have to worry about my kids getting sick from other kids. The concept of dawn to dusk care was something that I didn’t see for my children. The thought of leaving them all day and missing out on what they were doing while I was gone was something I did not want to experience. Would they be scared? Would they be traumatized? The only memory I have of my own preschool experience is sitting with my younger sister every morning because I was the only one who could keep her from crying. I always thought my kids would be taken care of until they started Kindergarten. Boy, was I wrong! My perfect plan would be derailed when my mom suddenly had to change her life to take care of her elderly father. I immediately had to work on a new plan to ensure that my children were best taken care of in a fashion that suited both my family and beliefs. Research has shown that the brain develops more between birth and five years old than any other time in our lives, making child care a critical decision. Feeling overwhelmed, I hit the ground running to find the right options for my children. Being the daughter of an educator myself and knowing that teachers are the heart and soul of every program, I knew the most important qualification was a top-of-the-line curriculum. Everyone wants the best for their children, so a place with security to guarantee their safety and wellbeing was also instrumental in my decision. Thirdly, I wanted a place that could teach discipline in the same manner that we teach it at home, because we all know our child will not always be the perfect little angel. Basically, the preschool needs to share my philosophy on child rearing and provide me a level of comfort, because after all, I will essentially be trusting it with my child’s life. I started touring preschools that had open door policies. It is recommended to have a checklist of questions already prepared as mentioned in this month’s article, “Quality Child Care,” by Brenda Nixon. Remember, if the director seems offended or avoids your inquisition, leave! When they are knowledgeable and proud of the facility they will be eager to offer any and all information. After looking around, I finally found what I was looking for! The director greeted me for the tour and nearly completed my checklist before I ever opened it. I was introduced to every teacher in my child’s age group and was able to see the schedule being followed where my daughter would spend most of her day. I also toured the baby area because this was the month our baby boy was due. I was impressed at the wide variety of activities for the entire preschool curriculum. It was evident that the children and teachers were happy in this clean and cheerful place. Everyone was smiling and engaged in some form of activity. As my tour continued I could hear children singing. My daughter was ready to join them immediately. I was given the detailed instructions for signing in, dropping off, and picking up my little angels. I was also shown security cameras in each building and informed that all personnel had a walkie-talkie so they could always be in contact with each other. Now that I have two children happily enrolled in a program, it has drastically changed my opinion of all-day preschools. My children are always smiling when I pick them up. Between my daughter trying to catch her breath to tell me about playing with her friends, and my son lighting up when he sees Mommy at the door, the preschool experience is the next best thing to staying home. It’s all about finding the perfect fit for you and your family!

Ashley Byrd Pope Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Marla Cilley Kerrie McLoughlin Brenda Nixon Ashley Byrd Pope Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith 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

Give Appropriate Consequences to Improve Child’s Motivation Q:

Our 9-year-old son Bobby is very intelligent and capable of doing good work in school when he wants to, but he is generally just downright lazy. As a result, he makes mediocre grades and we have to monitor his homework to make sure he does it. Even then, 30 minutes of homework takes him a couple of hours, during which time he finds every possible way of dawdling. Believe it or not, despite his lazy ways, Bobby’s in the gifted program. He’s about to enter fourth grade and we’d like to nip his lack of motivation in the bud, if possible. By the way, a psychologist who tested him last year said Bobby’s only problem is laziness. What can we or his teacher do to get him to step up to his school responsibilities?

A: First, the fact that the school has identified your son as “gifted and talented” may be part of the problem. My finding is that a good number of children who’ve been so identified seem to feel that their mere participation in G&T programs entitles them to good grades no matter how much effort they put into their schoolwork. So they do just enough to get

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

by and no more. The further problem is that schools will not, generally speaking, lower the boom on these kids. Teachers continue giving them decent report card grades even though they don’t complete assignments or turn in work, do poorly on tests, and so on. And once a child’s been promoted to G&T status, demotion is virtually out of the question. These kids are smart all right. They’re smart enough to figure out that the only consequence of their lack of effort is that adults get upset. As things stand, your son has no reason to change his ways. The emotional burden of the problem is being borne by you. In effect, this is your problem, not his. For him to solve the problem—and he is the only person who can solve it—it has to belong to him. It has to upset him, not you. You, therefore, need to take the monkey off your back and put it on his. If the monkey causes him enough discomfort and distress, he will figure out a way to tame the monkey. On day one, send him to school with a folder full of daily report cards—half-sheets of paper on which you’ve printed “Bobby turned in all of his homework today, finished all of his classwork on time, and all of his work was B or better.” Underneath this goal statement are

printed Yes and No and the teacher’s name beside a place for her teacher’s signature. At the end of every school day, Bobby takes the DRC to his teacher, upon which she circles either Yes or No (Make sure you emphasize to her that it’s all or nothing) and signs her name. Bobby brings the card home. On a daily basis, at-home privileges—television, video game, outside play, having friends over, and regular bedtime) require a Yes. If he loses privileges more than once through the week, they are lost on the weekend as well. That means that on any given day, Bobby will be working for both a short-term and relatively long-term goal. Obviously, you should arrange all of this with his teacher in advance. This is an example of what I call the Agony Principle: Adults should not agonize over anything a child does or fails to do if the child is perfectly capable of agonizing over it himself. In other words, the person who experiences the emotional consequences of a problem will be motivated to solve the problem. If my experience in such matters holds true, Bobby will tame his monkey in a few weeks. At that point, however, for the improvement to “stick,” you and the teacher must continue to enforce the new system for at least three more months. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Family Friendly Mardi Gras at Mobile Museum of Art

The Mobile Museum of Art’s annual Family-Friendly Mardi Gras, to be held Saturday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a mini parade complete with marching band through the museum galleries and a variety of Mardi Gras-related programs and art activities for the whole family. Guests are encouraged to dress up for a chance to win the costume contest. Parade-goers will be showered with throws from costumed revelers in the Grand Lakefront Lobby. Guests can also take part in a variety of art activities for the whole family such as creating mini-floats, mask decorating, or crafting “Throw-me-somethin’ Mister” signs. Admission to the event is free to all. For questions about participating in the parade, contact Howard McPhail, at 251.208.5205 or email to Howard.McPhail@MobileMuseumOfArt.com.

“Flight of the Butterflies” Now Showing at Exploreum IMAX

The iconic monarch butterfly is a true marvel of nature. Weighing less than a penny, it makes one of the longest migrations on Earth across a continent, with pinpoint navigational accuracy, to a secluded place it has never been. Follow the monarchs' perilous and extraordinary journey and join hundreds of millions of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico. For the first time ever, look inside a chrysalis, thanks to advanced MRI and micro CT scans. Be captivated by the true and compelling story of an intrepid scientist's 40-year search to find their secret hideaway, with the help of citizen scientists across North America. Unravel the mysteries and experience the Flight of the Butterflies. Showtimes Tuesday-Friday: 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Saturday: 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Sunday: 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m.

Annual Mobile Chocolate Festival Set for March 15

The Mobile Chocolate Festival, a celebration of all things chocolate, will be held at the Abba Shrine Center on Saturday March15, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with all proceeds to benefit Penelope House. Vendors will be offering samples of their chocolate-related products as well as selling chocolate-themed wares, succulent confections, jewelry, and bath and body products. Also featured: Children’s Area, Cupcake Booth, Chocolate Martini tasting, Demonstration Stage, Chocolate Challenge, Project Yum, and more. Admission is free for children 13 & under; Seniors 65 & above $2; General admission $3. Parking is free. Call for more details (251-342-2809), like Mobile Chocolate Festival on facebook, and/or visit www.mobilechocolatefestival.com.

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk

Come out and join us Saturday, February 8, for Mobile’s inaugural Get Your Rear in Gear run or walk. The Get Your Rear in Gear events focus on raising awareness about colon cancer in communities across the country. They are events designed to provide support and hope for those who have had their lives affected by our nation’s second leading cause of cancer deaths, and to encourage individuals of all ages to get screened. This event takes place at The Grounds (1035 Cody Road North) at 8:00 a.m. To register or for more information about this event, please visit www.getyourrearingear.com.

18th Annual Battle of Mobile Bay 5K Race

The Battle of Mobile Bay 5K Race is sponsored by the Port City Pacer’s and takes place at Dauphin Island on February 15th. A cannon blast at 9 a.m. will begin the race, the course of which will wind through the island and finish back at the fort, where an awards ceremony will take place. The Battle of the Bay race is one of the area’s most popular races, with some 300 runners expected to participate and it is also a major fundraiser for the preservation of the Fort Gaines. The resident Blacksmith will be demonstrating his craft all day in the Fort’s original Blacksmith Shop. For more information, please visit www.pcpacers.org. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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Mobile Boat Show to Offer Events and Seminars

There is no other place to see the selections of boats, motors, trailers, tackle and all other boat and fishing related items than at the Mobile Boat Show on February 7-9th at the Mobile Convention Center. In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are lots of special events for the whole family to enjoy! This year’s show will feature the Fetch-n-Fish dog show and seminars, the Saltwater Sportsman Association will have seminars on Saturday and the Alabama Coastal Fishing Association will have seminars on Sunday. Look for their posted schedules in the seminar room. Don’t forget to try your luck in the Trout Pond for a small donation to Camp Rap-A-Hope, and enjoy the Alabama Marine Resources touch tanks and Dauphin Island Sea Lab all weekend. The Fish’n Fever Bass Tournament weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday at 3:30 and the Coast Guard air/sea rescue Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Mobile River. Please visit www.gulfcoastshows.com/mobile-boat-show for more information.

The Biggest Loser RunWalk

Join us on February 9, for a RunWalk through the streets of downtown Mobile. We will have a half marathon, 5K, and a Kids 1 mile fun run. Be sure to grab a friend and wear your best mask for this fun filled day! To add some extra excitement, we'll also be hosting a Mardi Gras costume contest after the race! A race for all fitness levels, whether you are ready to set a personal record or this is your first race, come join us at The Biggest Loser RunWalk! Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following: • The Biggest Loser Finisher's Medal • Commemorative Technical T-Shirt • Drawstring Backpack • Chip-Timed Race for Runners and Those Tracking Personal Goals • Free Downloadable Race Photos • Award Divisions for Runners and Walkers • Celebrity appearances by former contestants from "The Biggest Loser" • Hydration Stations with Water/Sports Drinks along the Course and Food at the Finish Line • Finish Line Festival Entertainment by Billboard Chart Topping Artist & Former Biggest Loser Season 5 Contestant, Dan Evans • Costume Contest Join Gina McDonald from Season 14, and Dan & Jackie Evans from Season 5! The Biggest Loser RunWalk Mobile will sell out quickly so be sure to secure your spot today! Online registration is open for this event through the evening of February 6. Please visit www.biggestloserrunwalk.com for more information or to register.

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Young Authors Conference for Grades 3 – 12

Once again Metro Mobile Reading Council is sponsoring programs for Young Authors, and two collections of student writing, the 2014 Young Authors' Anthology for students in grades 3-6, and the Teen Literary Magazine for students in grades 7-12. For students in grades 3-6, there will be a Young Authors' Conference on Saturday morning, March 15 from 9 - noon, at the West Regional Branch Library on Grelot Road. Students will hear a keynote presentation by Fairhope Author, Sheila Booth-Alberstadt, and then break into small group sessions led by local educators and writers. Students will be given a snack at this program. The Young Authors' Anthology will be available at this program. For students in grades 7-12, there will be a Teen Writing Fair on Saturday afternoon, March 15, from 2:30 4:00 at the West Regional Branch Library. Students will have an opportunity to meet numerous local authors, gather writing tips, and engage in literary discussions. The first edition of the new Teen Literary Magazine will be launched at this program. The program will end with a chance for fellowship and pizza. For information on these programs and on how to submit writing for the Anthology and Literary Magazine, contact: shclinton@gmail.com, asloke@mcpss.com, youngauthorsmobile@yahoo.com, or call 251-661-9362

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents "The Sound of Music"

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents the Broadway musical, “The Sound of Music,” as part of its grand 50th Anniversary Season. Performances are February 7-9 and 14-16; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the Lola Phillips Playhouse, 801 Iroquois St., Chickasaw. Tickets are $15; $12 for seniors and students (buy online at cctshows.com). Reservations: cctshows.com or 251.457.8887.

Shop for Spring at the “Cheap Chic Boutique”

Stock up on spring and Easter fashion essentials to support a good cause at the “Cheap Chic Boutique”, a fundraiser for Our Sisters’ Closet, www.oursisterscloset.org. The twice yearly sale features new, nearly new and vintage, designer and name brand clothing, jewelry, purses and shoes galore at thrifty prices. There is an excellent selection of sizes from petite to plus. The sale is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Sisters of Mercy Building, St. Mary Campus at 1450 Old Shell Road, across from McGill-Toolen High School. All proceeds benefit the mission of Our Sisters’ Closet which is to improve the self-confidence and job opportunities of in-crisis women by providing free interview and workplace clothing; and job search and workplace competencies to women, men and teens. For more information, contact Terri Kearns at 251.423-2001 or www.oursisterscloset.org.

Mobile Arts Council Receives Continuing Support From PNC Through $16,500 Grant For Arts Programming

For the second consecutive year, nearly 2,000 children in South Alabama will benefit from a PNC Foundation grant to fund the Mobile Art Council's ChARTing New Directions program. “Access to the arts can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals – especially to young children who often lack access to quality arts education programs in underserved communities,” said Cedric Hatcher, PNC Gulf Coast Regional President, on behalf of the PNC Foundation. “Studies have proven that an arts-rich environment helps students succeed in school.” ChARTing New Directions is a comprehensive program that supports school readiness through the arts and sciences. The program operates in six Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama benefiting children ages 5-16. In 2012, PNC awarded the Council a $30,000 grant to implement the program. “Continued support from PNC not only helps us to sustain the progress that we are making with Mobile’s young children, but enables Mobile Arts Council to employ young artists that may otherwise leave the Mobile area,” said Robert Burnett, Mobile Arts Council executive director. In addition to hiring three artists/educators to provide weekly art instruction and positive life-skills lessons, the Mobile Arts Council will use PNC funding to implement two new programs. A new ceramics program at the Semmes Club and an increased focus on visual arts are two recent additions to the initiative. “The intent is to provide practical experience beginning at a very early age to develop skills that may lead to viable means of making a living in this socio-economically depressed area of Mobile County,” Burnett said. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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Estuarium Docent/Volunteer Training at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

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Want to share your passion for our beautiful natural resources right here in Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico? Then the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a perfect place for you to volunteer. Visitors from around the world and down the street frequent this locally focused learning center year-round, and we need your help in making their experience as memorable as possible. Our team of dedicated marine educators and aquarists will be offering docent training on February 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., about the animals and habitats represented in the Estuarium. Pre-registration by February 8 is encouraged. We are also looking for landscape gardener volunteers to help plant and maintain campus gardens. By volunteering, you’ll pass on your love and knowledge of our lands and waters to this and future generations – and you’ll have a great time doing it! For more info, e-mail jroy@disl.org or call 861-2141 x7545.

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The Recreation Ministry at Christ United Methodist Church has year round Co-Ed programs for children ages K4*/K5-6th grade called CSports. The CUMC Athletic programs are an outreach for all children in the Mobile community. We also offer a sports league through our church’s youth program called “678”, for 6th, 7th & 8th graders. We are a Developmental League which has certain rules that demand that our focus is not on winning games but is designed to teach sports in a safe way in which each child is given an opportunity to learn skills, increase their knowledge of the game, gain self-confidence and enjoy being part of a team. We are currently taking registration for volleyball for girls, young runners club, and baseball. Registration forms and parent info packet can be downloaded from our website at www.christumcsports.com and can be turned in to the rec desk at Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road in Mobile. Contact Rec desk at 251-706-3326. 678 Volleyball: girls must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the current school year 2013-2014. Registration through Jan. 24th. Weekday practices begin in late January, weekday games begin early February and season ends in March. Fee is $70. Young Runners Club: For K5-9th grade for current school year 2013-2014. Registration January - March. Season begins in late March and ends in late May. K5-2nd grade train to run a 1 mile course, 3rd-5th grade train to run a 5K, and 6th-9th grade train to run a 5k. The returning 6th-9th graders for the fall season will train for a 5K with an option to train for a 10K. YRC participates in 2-3 major road races in Mobile county during the seasons. Fee is $35. Baseball: Boys *K4 - 4th grade, Girls *K4-6th grade (*must be age 4 by 3/1/2014) for the current school year 2013-2014. Registration thru first week in February. Weekday evening practices start late February, Saturday games start in mid-March, and season ends at the beginning of May. Fee is $75.

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K 2014 Mardi Gras Schedule

Mobile parade routes are posted on www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Saturday, February 1 1:00 p.m. - Krewe de la Dauphine (Dauphin Island) Saturday, February 8 1:00 p.m. - Island Mystics (Dauphin Island) Friday, February 14 6:30 p.m. - Conde Cavaliers (Mobile, Rte A) Saturday, February 15 2:00 p.m. - Order of the Rolling River (DIP) 2:30 p.m. - Bayport Parading Society (Mobile, Route A) 6:30 p.m. - Pharaohs, Order of Hebe, Conde Explorers (Mobile, Route A) Thursday, February 20 6:30 p.m. - Order of Polka Dots (Mobile, Route A) Friday, February 21 6:30 p.m. - Order of Inca (Mobile, Route A) Saturday, February 22 2:00 p.m. - Mobile Mystics, Mobile Mystical Revelers (Mobile, Route A)

6:30 p.m. - Maids of Mirth, Butterfly Maidens, Krewe of Marry Mates (Mobile, Route A) Sunday, February 23 6:30 p.m. - Neptune's Daughters, Order of Isis (Mobile, Route A) Monday, Feb. 24 6:30 p.m. - Order of Venus (Mobile, Rte A) Tuesday, Feb. 25 6:30 p.m. - Order of LaShe's (Mobile, Rte A) Thursday, Feb. 27 6:30 p.m. - Mystic Stripers Society (Mobile, Route A) Friday, Feb. 28 6:30 p.m. - Crewe of Columbus (Mobile, Route A) Saturday, March 1 12:00 p.m. - Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, Mobile Cadets, Mobile Mystical Ladies, Order of Angels (Mobile, Route A) 6:00 p.m. - Mystics of Time (Mobile, Rte A)

Sunday, March 2 2:30 p.m. - Joe Cain Procession (Mobile, Route A) 5:00 p.m. - Le Krewe de Bienville (Mobile, Route A) Monday, March 3 12:00 p.m. - King Felix III and Floral parades (Mobile, Route A) 3:00 p.m. - MLK Business and Civic Organization, MLK Monday Mystics, Northside Merchants (Mobile, Route D) 6:30 p.m. - Infant Mystics (Mobile, Route A) Tuesday, March 4 10:30 a.m. - Order of Athena (Mobile, Rte A) 12:30 p.m. - Knights of Revelry (Mobile, Route A) 1:30 p.m. - Comic Cowboys (Mobile, Rte A) 2:00 p.m. - MAMGA Mammoth Parade (Mobile, Route B) 6:00 p.m. - Order of Myths (Mobile, Rte C)

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Truth About Fevers

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One-third of visits to pediatric and general practitioner offices and emergency rooms are due to fever. There is plenty of anxiety with parents when it comes to fevers. Children can look awful when they have a fever and we often think that the fever is the problem, but actually the fever is trying to help us out when we are sick. So what is a fever and what does it mean? After many studies looking at a person’s body temperature and associated diseases, doctors have established that infants (children less than 12 months old) are considered to have a fever if the temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Children older than one year old are considered to have a fever if the temperature is greater than 101 degrees. The most accurate way to take a temperature is rectally, especially when checking the temperature in infants. The next most accurate way to check the temperature is orally under the tongue because these two ways most accurately reflect our internal body temperature. So why do we get fevers? Bacteria and viruses thrive in colder temperatures, so one of the body’s mechanisms to fight off infec-

tions is to raise the body temperature to help kill the bacteria and viruses. It is important to remember that the body has a very sophisticated internal regulator and a fever created by the body is not harmful to the body, nor does it cause neurological problems or any long-term complications. Some have thought that the higher the temperature, the more severe the infection, but studies have shown that there is no correlation between the two. Anyone with a fever will feel more drained however, because a fever raises your heart rate and makes the body work harder, which requires us to drink more fluids to prevent dehydration. It is certainly important to talk to your doctor if your baby has a fever, but many studies have shown that a large majority of children who present with fever (especially early in the illness) as the only symptom when coming to see the doctor are not diagnosed with a cause for the fever initially. Times to always call your doctor about fevers are if your child has a high fever (greater than 103) for more than 5 days straight, if your infant is less than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4, as these may be reasons to do a more extensive work-up. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is to help your child stay

comfortable and to look for other signs of illness. So if your child has a fever, you can and certainly should give Tylenol or Ibuprofen and/ or keep cool with cool wash rags to keep your child comfortable. Also, pay close attention to if they have been around anyone who has been sick and if they start to show any other signs of illness such as a cough, diarrhea, vomiting, a rash, or painful urination. Fevers still make people nervous and it is especially hard for parents to see their precious babies feeling bad because of a fever, but it is important to remember what a fever means. The fever is the body’s natural way of fighting some sort of illness that is beginning or ongoing. The best time to check a temperature is if they are fussy or saying they are not feeling well. And remember that rest, fluids and medicine, when necessary to keep them comfortable, is the main goal when they are sick and have a fever. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She graduated from Davidson High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at The University of Alabama in 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of Nevada College of Medicine – Las Vegas and the University of South Alabama. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

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Autauga County Schools St. Dominic Students Present Nativity Play

St. Dominic Catholic School grade 1 students presented a nativity play, depicting the birth of Jesus. Pictured (front row, l – r) Laurence Sangilan, Noah Huynh, David Jacobs and (back row, l – r) Kathryn Bridges, Stewart Dunwell, and Parker Fields prepare to sing at the conclusion of the play.

St. Pius x Students Turn Frightful Weather into Fun Weather

St. Mary Catholic School Welcomes Archbishop Rodi

St.Mary Catholic School welcomed Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi for his annual Mass for all the students and classroom visits and blessings. He was joined by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Gwen Byrd. He visited during Red Ribbon Week and was able to participate in "Put on Cap on Drugs" Day by wearing a Saints Cap presented by the school (his favorite team!). As tradition goes, he gave all the students from K-3 through 8th grade, and extra 45 minutes of recess! Pictured is Archbishop Rodi with PreK3 teacher, Charlotte Fibbe and students Liam Ollis and Lauren Lang. Liam presented a cross of hands made by his class.

St. Pius X students came back to school on Tuesday, January 7 to a big surprise. Pastor J. S. Savoie had turned the outdoor basketball court into a skating rink overnight. Pictured here are a group of 8th grade students enjoying the frightful weather in a fun way.

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St. Ignatius Backpack Ministry Helps Feed Needy Families

St. Ignatius Church started a new Program this year called Backpack Ministry. The entire church and school bring food every month to stock the pantry. Church groups then take turns packing 49 backpacks each week that are delivered to another school. The backpacks are full of meals for families who need them to feed their family over the weekend. The entire project is supported by the church members and the school children. Each week, after Friday Mass, a different homeroom assembles the backpacks and loads them to be delivered to the school. Pictured here are a few 7th grade students moving backpacks. Left to right: Cameron Sanchez, Braxton Bullock and Jack Flynn.

Corpus Christi Faculty Holds French-Themed Birthday Lunch

Faculty and staff at Corpus Christi Catholic School gathered at lunch to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mrs. Christiane Peloux. Ms. Chris is the school’s secretary and was born in Poilly-lez-Gien, in the Centre region of France. The lunch was French-themed and everyone joined in the fun by wearing berets and French mustaches. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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Faith Academy Honors Veterans

On Tuesday, November 12, Faith Academy Student Government Association hosted a Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon. Over 70 Veterans were in attendance. As guests entered, they were entertained by the sounds of members of Faith’s symphonic band. SGA provided a delicious lunch for the guests, which was served by SGA members. Pastor Scotty Howard of Life Church shared words of encouragement and appreciation with the group and Faith headmaster, Mr. Tim Skelton expressed the school’s appreciation for the veterans. Members of the Faith chamber choir sang as the guests enjoyed their meal. SGA members enjoyed serving and honoring the Veterans that fought for this great country. Pictured, Faith SGA members Noah Mitchell (left) and Cole Dempsey (right) enjoyed getting to meet Mr. John Williams, who received three purple hearts for his military service to our country.

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Covenant Christian School Holds Color Run

Students, teachers, and parents from Covenant Christian participated in a Color Run at a local farm as a school fundraiser. Students proudly show their colors! Back Row: Emily Boone, Jenna Harvey, Angela Russ, Faith Havard, Katherine Rush; Front: Ella Havard, Jonathan Rush.

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Autauga CountySchool Schoolsto Host St. Paul’s Episcopal Annual Running with the Saints 2-Mile Run

St. Paul’s Episcopal School will host its annual “Running with the Saints” 2-mile run on Sunday, March 16th at 4:00 p.m. The event promotes a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle and benefits the Chad Saucier Scholarship Fund. The certified 2-Mile course begins at Saints’ Square on the St. Paul’s Episcopal School campus. The course will continue through the campuses of St. Paul's and Spring Hill College. Fluids will be provided along the race course. Participants may pre-register by mail (entries should be postmarked by March 9th,) or in person at the St. Paul’s main office, McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on March 13th. Online registration is also available at www.eventbrite.com until midnight March 14th. Entry fees guarantee a tee shirt for each participant registered by March 1st. Prizes will be awarded. A post-race party will take place at St. Paul’s Quigley Field and will include kid’s activities, an awards ceremony and light refreshments for all participants. Organizers reserve the right to cancel the event should the weather pose a danger to the safety of the participants and volunteers. Entry fees are not refundable and will be considered a donation to St. Paul's. For more details call the St. Paul’s Episcopal School Office of Development at 251-380-0408.

McGill-Toolen High School Students Attend Fall Retreat

The McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Campus Ministry held their annual fall retreat at Camp Christian in Theodore. The retreat had a great turnout of over 90+ kids. The Campus Ministry seniors led the retreat under the guidance of Ms. Jennifer Winkle, Campus Ministry Director and Father Dan Good, Chaplain.

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UMS-Wright Competes at State Trumbauer Festival

Congratulations to the UMS-Wright Wright Players for their superior performance at the Walter Trumbauer Festival held at Troy University December 5-7, 2013. Morgan Alford, Ashton Irvin, Mary Hartley King, Mariah Langan, John McElhaney, Max Menaker, and Nicolas Neese all received superior ratings for Individual Events and Studio Theatre Performance. Jayde Greene and Garrett Mack won 3rd Place in Comedic Readers Theatre. Jenny Lincoln and Jayde Greene won 3rd Place in Classical Duet Comedic Acting. Caroline Edmondson and Ashleigh Neese won 2nd Place in Duet Classical Comedic Acting in the novice division. Ann Claire Carnahan won 2nd Place for Playwriting. And Ann Claire Carnahan and Payton Reedy won 1st Place in Duet Classical Dramatic. In addition,

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the Studio Theatre performance received a superior rating, and Jenny Lincoln was named a member of the All Star Cast.

Phillip’s Preparatory School Students Help Stuff the Bus

The students of Phillip’s Preparatory School really showed they have a heart for kids. The school’s National Jr. Honor Society lead the area’s Stuff the Bus Toy Drive which was sponsored by News Center Five. The school collected over 200 toys which they contributed to the overall total for the toy drive. The students also helped separate the toys and load them for delivery. Students pictured are: Jayden Ramson, Nandita Dey, Ajia Harper, Sophie Davis, Parker Inman, Kimberly Chieh, Anna Lee Bosarge, Zavier Love, Gabby Blakey, and Kylie Jones.

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Autauga County St.Schools Luke’s Students Experience a Colonial Christmas

One of the most exciting school days for any St. Luke's student is Colonial Christmas. Each year the 3rd grade students participate in this event and spend the entire school day experiencing a day in the life of a colonial child. Students and parents wear colonial clothing, attend school in a transformed classroom with benches and individual chalkboards and learn to write with quill and ink. They visit the colonial apothecary to learn about the medicines of the times (including leeches), visit the candlemakers shop to learn how to make candles and soap, make their own biscuits and butter from scratch and play the games colonial children would have enjoyed. They also decorate their class Christmas trees with paper garlands and decorations, strung popcorn and cranberries and fruit.

Magnet School Applications Now Being Accepted

The Mobile County Public School System is now accepting applications for students to enroll in its seven magnet schools. The online application form is available on mcpss.com under the “For Parents” tab. The deadline to apply for the first drawing is Feb. 28. MCPSS invites parents to visit any of the magnet schools during See and Sign Days, which are Friday, January 24, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. until noon. Volunteers, faculty and counselors will be available then to assist with the completion of applications and to answer questions about the various magnet school programs. Magnet schools are open to all qualifying students residing in the Mobile County Public Schools zone. They offer unique, accelerated academic programs. “A student who seeks enrollment in a magnet school should be a motivated and academically high-performing student,” according to Marilyn Pace, Magnet Program Supervisor.

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St. Paul’s Student on Finalist List for National Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award

Zavier M. Carmichael, a senior student athlete at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, has been named one of five finalists for the nationally recognized 23rd Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy Award. This impressive trophy honors a premiere AfricanAmerican male scholar athlete who exhibits a commitment to high academic standards and substantive service to his community, both of which are part of St. Paul’s core values. The five finalists were acknowledged nationwide on ESPN at the Under Armour All-American game on January 2nd. St. Paul’s had three students present, as Carmichael’s teammates Josh Casher and Tre Williams played in the prestigious game. In February, the finalists will experience a weekend in Washington D.C. filled with events in their honor. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on February 22nd. Carmichael, an outstanding student athlete maintaining a 4.26 grade point average, will be attending Duke University to play football on scholarship. Carmichael is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Rutledge Fellows service organization and the football and track teams. He is the son of Sidney and Robbin Carmichael.

McDavid-Jones Students Receive Gift and Pizza Lunch from Bethel Baptist Church

On December 10th, Bethel Baptist Church celebrated Christmas with some of the students at McDavid-Jones. Mrs. Joan Imms shared the Christmas story with the students. Then they surprised the students with pizza for lunch and each student was given a gift from Santa and the church. These are the same ladies that provide book bags each week for the students. 17

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Autauga CountySt. Schools Ignatius Students Win Lunch with Fr. Shields

A group of St. Ignatius 4th & 5th grade students recently had lunch with Fr. Shields. A brother and sister, Gigi and Russell Smith won the lunch at Impala Gala. They invited their friends to join them in the lunch before Christmas. Pictured left to right: Lillian Odom, Gigi Smith, Evelyn Hicks, Paige Yepsen, Elliott Rampulla, Julia Green, Fr. Bry Shields, Todd Morgan, J.P. Stroecker, Russell Smith, Kenner Marshall and Josh Wilber.

Murphy H.S. Students Earn Microsoft Certification

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Kudos to Murphy High School FBLA Students Rome Parker and Violet Hang for receiving their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel 2013 certification. Rome and Violet are pictured with Linda Robinson, MHS FBLA Advisor and William Smith, MHS Principal.

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

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St. Mary Catholic School Geography and Spelling BEE Champs St. Mary Catholic School students used their first semester academic skills in this year’s annual Spelling Bee held in December and the Geography Bee held in January. Congratulations to Joe Ferniany and

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Elizabeth Culberson who were the top spellers for St. Mary and also to Joe Ferniany who won the school's overall competition for the Geography Bee. The Archdiocesan Spelling Bee will be held in January where Joe and Elizabeth will compete with students in fellow Catholic Schools. Joe will begin testing for the statewide Geography Bee for all elementary schools in January as well. Special thanks to our faculty members who organized these events including Spelling Bee Coordinator, Sue Lyon and to our Geography Bee Coordinator, Dianne Davis. Pictured: Eighth grader, Joe Ferniany and sixth grader, Elizabeth Culberson of St. Mary Catholic School.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to Peyton Maples for winning this year’s spelling bee at Corpus Christi Catholic School. The first runner–up was Findley Maier. Both winners will go on to compete in the annual Archdiocesan Spelling Bee. Pictured is Mr. Bob Grip, who moderated the spelling bee, school principal, Mrs. Joan McMullan and the winners, Peyton Maples and Findlay Maier.

Now accepting applications To learn more visit McGill McGill--Toolen.org

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Autauga County Santa andSchools Arkema Visit McDavid-Jones for Christmas

On December 12th Arkema and Santa made their annual trip to McDavid-Jones. Several of the students were chosen to receive gifts from Santa and Arkema. All the students were excited to see Santa come to school for a visit. McDavidJones visited Arkema on December 17th. It is a tradition that we take Christmas goodies for all the employees at the plant. Each classroom brings goodies. Mrs. Rebecca Smyly, Principal, thank the employees for all their plant has done for our school through the years. Then Ms. Lloyd’s, Mrs. Huggins and Ms. Hacthett’s Pre-Kindergarten, classes sang Christmas songs to the employees. After their performance Santa made a surprise visit to the delight of all the students. Each student got to visit with Santa. They also received a gift from Santa and Arkema. Pictured, Judy Smith, Assistant Human Resources, Theresa Baker, Retired, Santa (Dwayne Christian), Accountant, Rebecca Smyly, Principal, Tom Lakenan, Plant Manager.

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Mobile Crichton Optimist Club Student of the Month for December

8th grader Sophie Davis helped organized the WKRG Toy Drive for PPS and serves as President of the National Junior Honor Society. She always participates and is actively engaged in class and scores the highest on most tests. She also is a kind-hearted person, treating her classmates and teachers with respect. She recently was very helpful in class to another student experiencing a difficult time showing compassion and understanding. Keep up the great work Sophie!

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Running with the Saints

Promoting a drug and alcohol free lifestyle benefiting the Chad Saucier Scholarship Fund

St. Paul’s Episcopal School will host its annual 2-mile run on Sunday, March 16th at 4:00 p.m. The certified 2-Mile course begins at Saints’ Square on campus and will continue through the campuses of St. Paul’s and Spring Hill College. Pre-registered: Adult: $25 Race Day Registration: $30 for everyone Children (4 - 12): $20 Children (3 and under): Free with registered runner Family Package: 5 or more family members – add $15 for each member Saint Supporter: $25 (Will receive a race shirt and doesn’t have to run)

Thank you to our Title Sponsor:

Register at www.eventbrite.com, the St. Paul’s Episcopal School main campus, McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri or Running Wild in Fairhope. 161 Dogwood Lane | Mobile, AL | 36608 | 251-342-6700 | www.stpaulsmobile.net St. Paul’s Episcopal School admits academically qualified applicants of any race, creed or national origin. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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St. Paul’s Lower School Daisy Troop Hosts Girl Scouts

The special needs Girl Scout troop from Augusta Evans had a fun visit to St. Paul’s on December 17. St. Paul’s Daisy Troop, composed of Kindergarten and First Grade girls, visited the Build-A-Bear workshop to make a special gift for each Augusta Evans Girl Scout. All the girls made beautiful snowmen ornaments to take home.

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Faith Academy Announces Drama Competition Winners

While many students were eager to watch and perform, The Faith Academy Drama Competition took place on January 3rd, at Faith Academy. During the competition, there were four divisions: Monologue, Duet, Ensemble, and Musical Ensemble. All first place winners advanced to the AISA District Drama Competition at Hooper Academy on January 15. While the judges struggled to score the divisions, each student showed a great amount of talent and hard work. For the monologue division, Blake Dellacer placed 1st with his monologue “Jesus vs. Religion” by Jefferson Betthske. Jesse Byron and Josh Kimbrell placed 2nd in the duet division with “Waiting for Godot” by Alan Haehnel. Jesse Byron says, “It was an amazing experience for everyone and I’m excited to compete at the AISA District Drama Competition.” Many students, including Caitlin Abadie, Caroline McElroy, Bria Murray, Kaylin Bruening, and Josh Kimbrell, claimed 1st place in the ensemble division with “The Audition” by Matt Thompson. In the last division, musical ensemble, “I’m Not at All in Love” from “The Pajama Game” by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross came in 1st place. Many students were involved with this musical ensemble, but Kaylee Green played the lead. She was the youngest to place first and the youngest to lead. Kaylee says, “It was a lot of work

that really paid off. I was so surprised, yet happy, to receive 1st place.” Pictured, Faith Drama Competition Winners: (back row) Case Wright, Travis Brinkley, Bria Murray, Kaylin Bruening, Jesse Byron, Brett Wade, and Victoria Godwin; (middle row) Taylor Feagin, Sarah Barnes, Caitlin Abadie, Erin Lister, and Kayleigh Roberson; (front row) Kaylee Green, Blake DeLlacer, Caroline McElroy, and Josh Kimbrell. 21

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Autauga Schools as AP Scholars in 2013 67 UMS-Wright Students Earn County Recognition

In 2013, 67 students at UMS-Wright earned the designation of AP Scholar as determined by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Of those honored are two members of the Class of 2013 who earned the National AP Scholar Award – Ankit Shah, who now attends Columbia, and Carrie Crook, who attends the University of Pennsylvania. The following students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award: Reid Black, Reese Connally, Carrie Crook, Casey Driscoll, Will Edwards, Katie Grafton, Fran Harris, Helen Hinds, Patrick Huettemann, Kit LaCoste, Kathryn Lazarchick, Schaeffer Lersch, Carl Madden, Mollie Maples, Tori Mitchell, Mary Allen Mullins, Sam Pipes, Mackenzie Pitcock, Robert Quittmeyer, Fallon Reedy, Ankit Shah, and Bronson Wessinger. Thirteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honors Award including Ann Kay Alexander, Emily Bell, Thomas Boudreaux, Rebecca Cole, Alexandra Dawood, Nicole Dawood, Nick Friend, Austill Harris, Lauren Harris, Nancy Gracen Klein, Nell Milling, Christian Springer, and Mariah Stewart. And the following students were recognized as AP Scholar Award recipients: Kendall Baker, Kaitlin Barker, Holden Barnett, Thomas Barnett, Reece Bell, Ashwin Bethala, Parker Butler, Ann Claire Carnahan, Gabriela Chavez, Kailan Cooper, Mary Chamberlin Cummings, Jordan Curtis, Alyssa Fink, Sarah Gaines, Jayde Greene, Dex Harvey, David Hayes, Leigh Higby, Alex Hoffmeyer, Page Hoffmeyer, Charlie Hon, Kristen Lazarchick, Tom Mostellar, Lucy Mostellar, Richard Pipkins, Payton Reedy, Callie Robinson, Bailey Sawyer, Stephen Shaw, Tom Taylor, Sarah Ann Thornley, and Mary Shannon Wells. Congratulations to these students and their teachers for these accomplishments!

The Condence to Create a Better Tomorrow… That’s the Power of Faith.

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A legacy of excellence in Christian education. What is the power of Faith? It’s parents trusting that their children will receive an excellent education in a wholesome, positive environment. It’s young people believing in their abilities and gaining the confidence to move forward into the future. And it’s the unwavering commitment of our administrators, teachers, and coaches to each student’s success. Give your child the advantages of Faith. • • • • • • •

SACS Accredited / AISA Blue Ribbon School College Preparatory and Advanced Placement Classes Dual Enrollment Classes through the University of Alabama Accelerated Reader Program High School and Elementary Computer Labs Award Winning Band, Choral and Drama Programs Competitive Sports for Boys and Girls Grades 3–12

Educating Students in Grades K3 – 12

Please call to schedule a tour. (251) 633.7267

Office: (251) 633.7267 | Web: www.FaithAcademy.us | Address: 8650 Tanner Williams Rd. • Mobile, AL 36608 Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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St. Dominic Catholic School Spelling Bee Winners

Amusement Park Opens March 1st

St. Dominic Catholic School students in grades 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 participated in the annual spelling bee. Representatives from each class competed, spelling many words correctly. Mrs. Mathias congratulates Patrick Spafford (r), who placed 1st, and Preston Endom (l), who placed second. Both students will represent St. Dominic Catholic School in the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee.

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Dauphin Island Elementary Spelling Bee Winners

Dauphin Island Elementary School is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013-2014 school Spelling Bee. Pictured from left to right: first place winner Mary Taylor Hart, 4th grade, and second place winner Carrie Anna Wagner, 5th grade. A special thanks is extended to all the volunteers and parents who helped to make our Spelling Bee a success this year!

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Autauga CountyChristian Schools School Art Students Covenant Create Projects for Christmas

The Art Department at Covenant Christian School is a busy place! Mrs. Marrero's talented group of art students enjoyed creating several projects during the recent Christmas season. Our junior high art students produced beautiful wreaths, fashioned specifically to benefit our local Junior League Charity Auction at the 2013 Christmas Jubilee. Fourth grade art students were honored to be able to create Alabama-shaped ornaments for the Alabama Governor's Mansion. In addition, all art students K5 - 8th grade, created beautiful handmade ornaments using upcycled cardboard and sheet music to display on two local Christmas trees. Our junior high art students decorated a tree in the Starbucks store located at Hillcrest and Cottage Hill and the other tree was located in the CCS front office.

McT Students Visit Claire's Hope

Miss Winkles’ Campus Ministry class visited Claire's Hope, a former abortion clinic that has been transformed into a place that celebrates the lives of those taken too soon from this world and provides a place of forgiveness for those whose decisions or circumstances may have prevented a life from ever taking shape. Students are pictured at the Wall of Forgiveness that contains brief messages of personal reflection, regret or remorse seeking forgiveness and absolution for the difficult past decisions that were made.

St. Paul’s Students Throw Christmas Extravaganza Service Project at Augusta Evans For the second year in a row, the St. Paul’s Episcopal School and the Augusta Evans Boy and Girl Scouts participated in WPMI’s “Making Spirits Bright” campaign. The St. Paul’s Service Leadership class leads weekly scout meetings and hosts an annual Christmas Extravaganza where the Scouts enjoy holiday activities and visit with Santa. December 12th marked the day of festivity and service for the scouts this year. The service component added last year enables the Scouts to learn about serving others. Hundreds of toiletry items were purchased for the Scouts who sorted them into bags to be handed out as needed at 15 Place.

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St. Ignatius Holds Birthday Party for Jesus

The 2nd grade class at St. Ignatius had a birthday party for Jesus. All the kids made and decorated a cupcake and sang happy birthday to Jesus. Fr. Hellmen then read the Christmas Story to all the kids. Pictured holding his cupcake is Charlie Radcliff.

Please email School News to Lynn@ mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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Vigor Students Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House

Vigor's FCCLA club volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House on Springhill Ave. They prepared a dinner for the families who live in the home while their children are in USA Women's and Children's Hospital. The students were able to hear from parents who have a child in the hospital. It was an eye-opening experience for the students. While at the home, the students prepared Cajun chicken pasta, cheddar biscuits, and Southern green beans. Vigor's FCCLA also participated in the Can Do project, where they had to build a structure out of can goods. After the structure was built all the can goods were donated to Bay Area Food Bank in Theodore.

St. Ignatius Kindergartners Present Live Nativity

The St. Ignatius Kindergarten presented a Live Nativity at the last school Mass before the Christmas break. They also presented the Nativity at the Christmas Eve Mass. Pictured left to right: Sam Meador, Bear Zeidan, Austin Jackson, Anna Clare Berrios.

Optimist Club Student of the Month for November The Optimist Club’s “Student of the Month” for November was Anna Claire Imel, a 6th grader. She was recognized with a plaque at the luncheon for her strong desire to please and her overall sweet disposition.

UMS-Wright 3rd Graders Give to Salvation Army During the holidays, the UMS-Wright 3rd grade students chose to support the Salvation Army as their holiday service project. By baking and selling cookies and performing a variety of chores, including yard work, for neighbors and friends, they were able to raise over $1,500 for the organization’s holiday needs. Representing the 3rd grade are Mary Maurin, Anna Maurin, and Paul Murray pictured here with Major Mark Brown of the Salvation Army.

St. Mary Catholic School Green Apple Club Welcomes Generous Donation

St. Mary Catholic School's Green Apple Club with faculty member, Tina Kaufman welcomed a generous gift from the family of Drs. William and Jocelyn Hewitt: a statue of the Blessed Mother. The statue adorns the front yard of The Sisters of Mercy Building, built in 1910, home to St Mary's middle and preschool programs. The Green Apple club took on the front yard of this building for their Green Apple Day service project this fall. With the help of St. Mary parishioner Melodie Mastro, the students worked with Mrs. Kaufman to come up with a plan to both beautify this section of the campus and to make it environmentally green. The project is now complete with the statue in the center of it all. Pictured left to right are: Sarah Frances Green, Natalie Falls, Anna Marie Calderaro, Delaney Stallworth, Jessica Stevenson, Ashlyn Blankenship, Emani Toomer, Sophia Pace, Addeline Wilson, Tina Kaufman, Cece Melton, and Cameron Jones. Back row: John Ira Wiesand, James Fibbe, Luke Miller, Bryceson Massey, Oakley Coleman, Andrew Snetsinger, and Johnathon Rodgers. 25

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Autauga Schools Faith’sCounty Robotics Team Excels Again

Faith Academy Robotics Team, with over 103 members, joined BEST Robotics on August 24th at Davidson High School for the reveal of this year’s challenge, Gatekeeper. This year the challenge was designed by the top engineers of the Mobile area. After weeks of engineering meetings and hours upon hours of marketing strategizing, the entire Faith Team assembled on September 24th for an enjoyable night of team-building activities. All of the hard work paid off on September 27th, when select Faith team members went to demonstrate and show-off Aries, the robot, to a group of sixth grade students. On the eve of Jubilee's BEST Game Day, the marketing team set up the booth and gave the presentation which gave them 1st place in Marketing and Booth Design. Faith Robotics joined the other BEST teams to compete in the Gatekeeper Challenge on Gameday, October 5th. Scholarships from the University of South Alabama were given to these senior members of Faith’s team: Madeline Duiett, Caroline McElroy, Brylee Hatcher, Jacob Hembree, Grant Cooper, Jessica Chess, and Madison Smith. At the end of the day Faith Robotics, walked away with 2nd Best Overall Team, 4th in Spirit and Notebook, 7th overall in the seeding round for the robot, and chance to compete at Auburn for state in December. Saturday, December 8th, the kickoff of South's BEST in Auburn was spent setting up the booth, preparing Aries for the seeding rounds, giving the marketing presentation, and attending the Women in Science and Engineering Lunch. Seeding rounds took place for robotic performance. Faith's spirit team organized a flash mob which was performed for the entire arena on center court. Faith Robotics ranked 5th for robotics performance, 15th for notebook, 22nd for the marketing presentation, 13th for team spirit and sportsmanship, and 14th BEST overall. In the end, the Faith Academy team felt closer and more enthusiastic about robotics, and that is the spirit of BEST Robotics. Pictured, Faith Robotics drivers Jacob Hembree (left) and Daniel Hall (right) compete in the BEST Robotics Competition.

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Mary B. Austin Elementary Hosts Art From the Heart Fundraiser

Mary B. Austin (MBA) Elementary School students, staff and families will host A Knight of Art on Thursday, February 13 at 6 pm at Byrne Hall on the campus of Spring Hill College. This is Mary B. Austin’s largest fundraiser of the year and it is also a fun evening. There will be great food, good music, and silent auction of lots of great art work. The Mobile County Public School system provides weekly art instruction for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades for the 1st semester. Currently, the PTA insures that every child has art instruction on a weekly basis for the entire year. This is only made possible through this fundraiser. Tickets will be sold at the event and discounted tickets will be available before the event at the school office. We also have a FB page with updated information. If you have questions, contact Lorie Evans at llevansart@yahoo.com or (251) 343-0493.

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UMS-Wright Lower School Chorus Performs at Governor’s Mansion

The UMS-Wright Chorus was invited to return to the Governor’s Mansion for a second year to perform during the Holiday festivities. The group, led by Mrs. Kristi Howze, delighted guests with several songs including “Christmas Jubilation”,” The Grinch”, and “Everlasting Fruitcake”. Pictured here is the Chorus along with UMS-Wright Azalea Trail Maid Parker Butler and Azalea Trail Queen Ann Claire Carnahan. First Row from left to right: Joshua Holston, Virginia Ladd, Austin Watkins, Laney Allen, Lilly Kleinmann, Mary Webster Burke, Sofia Vrettos, Lee Lee Mostellar, Sadie Leland, Grace Wildberger, Marrs Zakary. Second Row: Reagan Jokerst, Julia Ramsey, Zoe McMahan, Haley Henderson, Tori Waters, Ava Vial, Barclay McGinley, Ava Cocke, Mya Wesley. Third Row: Isabella Rocconi, Abigail Swain, Carolina Grace Taylor, Chaney Scott McCorquodale, Megan Taylor, William Denson, Niko Vrettos. Fourth Row: Katie Faggard, Max Buchman, Benjamin Holston, Racheal Reeves, Ryan Montgomery, Braxton McMurphy, Owen Martin. Fifth Row: March Tremayne, Penelope Ronderos, Jackson Friedman, Madalyn Crain, Claire Johnson. Sixth Row: Mary Carter Howard, Gracie Platt, Louise Tyrrell Ford, Jackson Pipkin, Jackson Wood, Colin Young. Seventh Row: Campbell Johnson, Grant Carpenter, Katie Holston, Heath Palle, Isabella Williams.

St. Luke’s Relay Team Finishes Third in First Light Marathon

Five St. Luke's third graders recently competed as a relay team in the First Light Marathon and finished third in the 3rd-8th grade full marathon relay division. Way to go Wildcats! Pictured are Kyle Eddington, Jackson Boone, Alex Scott, Alex Ferguson and Stone Smith.

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AutaugaPublic CountySchool Schools Students Stuff TWO Buses Mobile with Toys for Needy Children

Wow. Mobile County Public Schools students and employees donated a remarkable 6,767 toys as part of our “Stuff the Bus” campaign. That included baby dolls and Barbie dolls, action figures, footballs and basketballs. It included games, books, remote-control cars, stuffed animals, toy kitchens and even seven bicycles. The school system partnered with WKRG on its Great Toy Drive and delivered the toys to the studio. “The ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign has been phenomenal,” said Rena Philips, supervisor of marketing and education partnerships for Mobile County Public Schools. “The two buses were filled front to back and as high as the windows. We had taken the seats out, too. So they were truly stuffed,” Philips said. As one E.R. Dickson student said at the start of the campaign, “We’re going to show what kids can do.” And that’s just what MCPSS did. The two “It Starts With Us” buses spent 3 days parking at all of the high schools to accept toys. Elementary and middle schools from each feeder pattern delivered their toys to the high schools. “It was exciting to watch students deliver the toys and see how many toys we had,” Philips said. “They were seeing the impact of what we can all do when we work together.” As Superintendent Martha Peek said, many of these toys will be donated to MCPSS students. WKRG distributed the toys to the Salvation Army and other organizations that in turn will delivered them to needy children in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Bus No. 1 had 3,042 toys. And bus No. 2 had 3,721. Then we had a couple more toys added to the mix from a school board member bringing the total to 6,767. Board members and students from E.R. Dickson Elementary, Phillips Preparatory and MCPSS career-technical programs sorted through the MCPSS-donated toys and thousands of others live during WKRG’s noon newscast. They separated the toys for boys and girls and by age. Council fifth-grader Madyson Napier summed it up well as she dropped off toys at Murphy on Wednesday: “I think it’s amazing that kids from all of the PulmAssoc PurpFlwr ad 9/5/13 10:36 different AM Page 1 schools gave toys to help the children.”

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Covenant Christian Cross Country Wins SAISTA Championship

The Covenant Christian 6th and under girls and 7th/8th grade boys cross country teams won the SAISTA league championship meet. Also, the 6th and under boys placed 3rd and the 7th/8th grade girls from CCS placed 2nd. Individual meet champion for the girls 6th and under division was Katherine Rush and runner-up, Adelane Stroh. Jake Dale was

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the individual champion for 7th/8th grade boys. Pictured, Back Row, left to right: Ben Higdon, Andrew Hii, Principal Keith Currie, Coach Gwen Harvey; Middle Row, left to right: Coach Lisa Rush, Annabelle Fulmer, Paige Harvey, Jake Dale, Peyton Archer, Zachary Bennett, Matthew Richardson, Katherine Rush, Jenna Harvey, Elise Oliver, Lauren Field; Front Row, left to right: Nicholas Fulmer, Davis Phillips, Ethan Albertson, Toby Albertson, Megan Field, Adelane Stroh. (Not Pictured, Solly Rajan, Jolena Farrish).

McT Swim and Dive Teams Sweep County and Place 3rd at State

The swim and dive team at McGill-Toolen capped off another stellar season with a sweep at the Mobile County Championships winning the Men’s, Women’s and Combined Divisions and a 3rd place finish for both teams at the State Championship in Auburn. They were the only program in the state to have both teams finish in the top 3. The women were highlighted, in diving, by a 4th place finish by Pasley Graham. In swimming, the women were highlighted by a 4th place Medley Relay of Ellis Glass, Margaret Ollinger, Margaret Carey, and Leslie McLean and a 4th place finish by Margaret Carey in the 100 Butterfly and the 200 IM. Over the weekend however, they were able to break several team records in several events including: 200 IM- Margaret Carey, 100 Butterfly- Margaret Carey, 100 Freestyle- Leslie McLean, 200 Freestyle RelayEllis Glass, Margaret Ollinger, Margaret Carey, Leslie McLean, and the 100 Backstroke- Ellis Glass. Like the women, the men used an entire team effort to complete their 3rd place finish. They were led by Russell Noletto, runner-up in the 200 Freestyle and the 500 Freestyle, and Patrick Dunne, 4th place in the 200 IM. They were also Runner-Up in the 200 Medley Relay- Patrick Dunne, Jackson Algiers, Russell Noletto, and Sean Collins and Runner-Up in the 400 Freestyle Relay- Patrick Dunne, Zack Hempfleng, Jackson Algiers, Russell Noletto. On their way to 3rd place, they set several team records including: 1M Diving- RJ Clarke, 200 Freestyle- Russell Noletto, 200 IM- Patrick Dunne, and the 500 Freestyle- Russell Noletto. In addition to his success, Russell Noletto achieved High School All-American status in the 200 and 500 Freestyle as one of the top 100 swimmers in the country. Pictured, All-American Russell Noletto (back) with Medley Relay teammates Jackson Algeirs, Patrick Dunne and Sean Collins. 29

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Autauga County Schools Sea Cadets Learn Rugby

Dunlap Division cadets participated in a Cross-Decking Ceremony held aboard the USS Alabama on December 14, 2013. LC-2 Jonathan Ashcraft, LC-1 Dawson Farni, LC-1 Mitch Mai, and LC-2 Jakarl Moorer were honored for their service as league cadets and for their new journey as sea cadets. The Cross-Decking Ceremony is held twice a year by the Dunlap Division for those league cadets that have reached the age requirements for the sea cadet program. Following the ceremony, the cadets held their annual Christmas party and awards dinner. In other news, on Saturday, December 14, 2013, members of the Battleship Rugby Club (http://www.battleshiprugby.com/) gave an introductory course on Rookie Rugby to the members of Mobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dunlap Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadets. Part of the Sea Cadets program is fitness. PT Instructor CD Williams is tasked with developing and teaching physical fitness to the cadets. Having learned and played rugby while being a member of the Battleship Rugby Club, Williams saw a great opportunity to introduce the cadets to Rookie Rugby. Sponsored by the Mobile Area Rugby Foundation (MARF) and taught by certified instructors, Rookie Rugby is a safe, non-contact, easy to play game for both boys and girls of all ages (http://usarugby.org/rookie-rugby). This is a way to encourage fitness with an activity that is fun, while teaching teamwork and rewarding leadership among its participants. The cadets went through team building exercises that introduced them to the basics of rugby play. They were also introduced to the importance of communication and field positioning required to be a successful team. The program was completed with the cadets breaking up into two groups and playing about a 30 minute session of touch rugby. It allowed them to put what they learned about the basics of rugby into play and to experience the game first-hand. Rookie Rugby instructors guided the gameplay while allowing the cadets to progress at their own pace. The cadets enjoyed the program, as evidenced by the many smiling faces, and hope to be able to learn more about Rookie Rugby. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to

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the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know is interested in the Sea or League Cadet program and how they may join or by volunteering as an adult leader, visit our Division website www. drdunlap.org or our national website www. seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook. com/DunlapDivison.

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spelling Bee Winners St. Luke's 4th-8th graders recently competed in the school's annual Spelling Bee. Each class held its own spelling competition and the winners went on to compete in the school's spelling bee. Seventh grader Hannah Ellison (left) won this year's event and will compete in the Mobile County Spelling Bee. Runner-up was sixth grader Olivia Watts. Other grade level representatives were fourth graders Rani Badve and Connor Ferguson, fifth graders Joshua Burnham and Lauren Olzinski, sixth grader Jackie Kuhn, seventh grader Isabel Bela and eighth graders Lincoln Hammons and Chryssa Karavokiros.

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Autauga CountyReceives Schools NCEA Distinguished St. Mary Catholic School Principal Principal Award

This annual award, presented by the Elementary Schools Department of the National Catholic Educational Association, was established in 1987 by the Elementary Schools Department Executive Committee to recognize the vital leadership role that principals play in American Catholic education. The award is presented to one principal in each of the 12 geographic regions into which the department divides the United States. The department acknowledges that in honoring these principals each year, it also honors the thousands of principals in all Catholic elementary schools. The award is bestowed upon Debbie Ollis for her evidence of outstanding contributions to the well-being of the educational community. Her leadership has benefited curriculum, staff morale, community support, student interest, and the learning environment. She continually provides creative leadership to inspire teachers and others to achieve and contribute to the school environment. Joining St. Mary Catholic School in 2001, Debbie came with over 20 years of experience in teaching and religious education. She has dotted the Archdiocese of Mobile with her experience including Corpus Christi, Our Lady of Lourdes and Little Flower Catholic Schools, and the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education. She is a graduate of Corpus Christi, McGill-Toolen, Spring Hill College, and the University of South Alabama holding bachelors degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education and a Masters in Education/Administration. Her current and past professional affiliations include the National Catholic Education Association; NASSP; ASCD; SACS Peer Review Team; Spring Hill College Teacher Education Advisory Committee; and the Archdiocese of Mobile Catholic Schools Study Committee. She has received honors including: the 1996 NCEA Distinguished Graduate of Corpus Christ Catholic School; Little Flower Catholic School and Our Lady of Lourdes Outstanding Teacher.

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Through her own passion for community service, Debbie began the “Something Beautiful for God” Service Program at St. Mary Catholic School where students reach out into their community to serve individuals and philanthropic organizations through fundraising and special projects. Her volunteer work and civic organizations include: the St. Vincent De Paul Society; The Burse Club of Mobile; 2-B Choices for Women, Keep Mobile Beautiful; St. Clare School Katrina Relief Project; Leadership Mobile Class of 200“Buy into Mobile – Recycle!” program; Mobile United; Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce; organizational team member of last year’s “Hope RisingTornado Relief” and the recent “One Family, One Fight” Melanoma Fundraiser for a St. Mary Catholic School family. Some of the new and innovative academic programs include elementary and middle school level science labs; a full-time resource program; performing arts; and robotics. Debbie also brought the parish preschool under the umbrella of the school and added the K-3 preschool program allowing families to be part of the school at an early age, one of the most important developmental stages in a child’s learning process. Extracurricular programs brought in by Debbie include St. Mary’s Pride Club, the Pro-Life Club; Computer Club; GreenApple Club; and the Alabama High School Athletic Program.

McGill-Toolen Catholic Boy’s Soccer Team Volunteers for First Light Marathon

All of the members of the boy’s soccer program manned the water stations at the First Light Marathon. Pictured here are the Seniors on the Varsity Team.

Know what to do in case of suspected concussion.

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. 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: l Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY l Should be urgently assessed medically l Should not be left alone l Should not drive a motor vehicle

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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Time to Build the Robots!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the automatons of previous centuries to robot beings that permeate our pop culture (Wall-e, Transformers, C3PO), humans have always been fascinated by the mystery and marvels of mechanical beings that mimic living creatures. And as real, life-like robotic creations continue to evolve by leaps and bounds, our kids will live in a world where robots will be part of their everyday lives. With this field of engineering growing, encouraging children’s interest in robots and robotic science through play is recommended. Cultivating an early understanding of robots and their mechanics can give your child the inventive edge in a brave new robotic world!

by Gerry Paige Smith

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Robot Invasion

Gyrobot: Gyroscopic Robot Kit

(Bloco Toys)

Breaking the stiff mold for traditional robot assembly, the Robot Invasion Set from Bloco is a uniquely child-friendly collection of robot components that are super-easy for little hands to assemble. The high-density foam pieces and plastic connectors are bendable in ways that allow for stacking, rotating and flexible construction of robot projects. Additionally, the parts are slightly stretchy (fostering more challenging connections) and washable! The set include plans for 6 robots (5 can be constructed from the materials all at one time), but the easy assembly and colorful pieces will quickly inspire independent design and construction of a new and original robotic army of creations to invade and conquer your household!

(Thames and Kosmos)

With this ideal introduction to gyroscopes (used in everything from smartphones and tablets to video game controllers and space telescopes), kids can harness the power of this amazing device to build seven different motorized robots, each with unique characteristics and function! The process of assembling each robot gives budding robotic engineers handson experience and valuable scientific knowledge about how gyroscopes play an indispensable role in our modern lives. From building a gravity-defying personal vehicle to a tightrope-walker, this kit will amaze and educate kids and adults as they use the power of the gyroscope to mobilize their robotic creations!

Makedo Find & Build a Robot

Build Your Own Robo-Pup

(Makedo)

(Discovery Kids)

Makedo is an uber-cool building option that combines a builder’s imagination and resourcefulness with the kit’s connectivity supply. Using the broad range of connectors and decorative elements in the Makedo Find & Build a Robot kit, the builder is challenged to craft his robot from found items and stuff lying around the house! The ultimate fun recycling project, kids can transform boxes, broken toys, packaging, plastic bottles and more… into robot wonders using the Makedo safe-saw, lock-hinges, pins, clips and robotthemed stickers. This inexpensive, yet amazing, kit facilitates the Dr. Frankenbot in every kid as they combine their re-purposing ingenuity with Makedo resources to build a robot!

For the kid who’s on the front end of an interest in robots and robotics, the Discovery Kids Build Your Own Robo-Pup is ideal bridging technology for the beginning builder. With a slick exterior design and a minimum of pieces and parts, the bulk of the pup is already built. When the eight main components of the robot pup are assembled (with some adult supervision), it can walk, bark, as well as move its head, ears and tail. Activated by touch and sound, the Robo-Pup is a cute and compelling introduction to the possibilities of simple robotics offering the broad strokes of the science without the detail challenges of some similar robotics kits.

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

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Our daughter is 11 years old, and we save $50 a month for her. Right now, we’ve accumulated $4,200 for college, a car or just savings in general. Should we be investing this money, instead of putting it in savings?

A. If I’m in your shoes, I’d choose college as the focal point over the other things you’ve mentioned. My advice would be to move that money into a 529 Plan with mutual funds inside. That way, it will grow tax-free from this point forward. Then, if you continue to set $50 a month aside for her for seven more years—and the stock market averages 11 to 12 percent—you’d have about $16,000 sitting there when she turned 18. That wouldn’t fully pay for college, but it’d be a great start. Plus, she can apply for scholarships and grants and work and save to help make it happen. As far as a car is concerned, I’d set up a separate savings account and agree to match whatever she saves. That way, if she can put aside $3,000 to $4,000, with the match she’ll have a pretty nice car. But in my mind, college is the most important thing here. If you guys can afford these contributions, and she wants to go to college and will hold up her end of the deal, you can work

together as a family and make the idea of a college education a reality!

Q. How long should it take someone to fully fund their emergency fund?

Q. Should families who are struggling to pay off debt still give their kids commissions for doing chores?

A. On average, building an emergency fund takes six months to a year. It takes about 18 to 24 months for most people to pay off all of their debt, except for the house. That’s if they’re gazelle intense, and have no life other than getting control of their finances. Baby Step 1 is saving $1,000, and not paying extra on your debts until you have that money in the bank. Once you’ve got a $1,000 starter emergency fund, then your list all of your debts except the house from smallest to largest and attack them with a vengeance. All you do is work and pay off debt until you clean up the mess. Once that’s done, you move on to the next Baby Step, which is adding to your emergency fund until you have three to six months of expenses set aside. Most people can accomplish that in six months to a year. There are always various factors involved because everyone’s situation is different. But in most cases, if you approach my plan with the kind of intensity I talk about, you can become debt-free except for your house and have a fullyloaded emergency fund is place in just two or three years!

A. Yes, but it doesn’t have to be a lot of money. Kids seldom get paid an amount that is equal to what the chore is worth. To be perfectly honest, the chores most kids do—especially the little ones—aren’t worth that much. I wouldn’t pay a kid five dollars a day, or even per week, to feed the dog. I mean, it takes less than 30 seconds to scoop the food into the bowl! When it comes to paying kids commissions for chores, the biggest thing we’re trying to do is find teachable moments. We want the kids to learn that money is tied to work. Then, when they have some money, we want to teach them about the three uses for money—spending, saving and giving. Teaching them wise ways to do those three things while you’re teaching them to work is the key. And you can do that for a small amount of money.

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I’ve been a full-time, stay-at-home mom (SAHM), a stay-at-home mom with a home business, and the parent with outside employment. The most exhausting – and often the loneliest – was the first. Yet, I embraced it, read parenting books, scanned the latest research, and worked on a healthy relationship with my daughter. For me, it was – still is – important to be as conscientious about parenting as any other career! But, there came a time when family finances demanded I earn income in the labor force. So before my employment, I sought out quality childcare for our precious daughter. The better the childcare, the more I could relax, and the better off my child would be in many ways. Childcare is becoming a critical issue for parents as 64 percent of mothers work outside the home while only two percent of employers offer on-site daycare centers. A 2000 Census Bureau report shows more mothers are returning to the labor force within a year of giving birth. As a result, over half the babies under a year of age are being cared for on a routine basis by someone other than Mom. If you’re in the “market” for quality childcare, shop around as carefully as you would for any other major investment. From safety and setting to staff and story time, know the key elements of quality care. Be an educated consumer on behalf of your most valuable possession. If you already have a childcare arrangement, match it against these criteria. Look for a center or private home where:

• It’s generally clean, well lit, and ventilated.

You could find the play area cluttered with toys but it should still look and smell clean. A well-lighted play area promotes your youngster’s hand-eye skill. Good ventilation prevents recycling the same old germs.

• It is a safe environment. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Washington, D.C. suggests that staff should be well versed in health and safety procedures, and be able to describe the policy for handling emergencies. In a safe environment, children will be under adult supervision at all times. • Parents feel comfortable asking questions.

If you ask several questions and the caregivers seem offended or avoid your inquisition, leave! When they are knowledgeable and proud of the facility they will be eager to offer information.

• Parents are told to drop in anytime.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

You want to make sure that caregivers welcome parents for lunch, special 36activities, or just to observe. www.mobilebayparents.com

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• Parenting literature and child development resources are available.

You want your tot in an environment where parent education and professional growth are encouraged. Great minds are always learning.

• Toys and play equipment are child sized, age-appropriate, and regularly maintained and

cleaned.

• The program focuses equally on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. According to the

NAEYC website (www.naeyc.org), “High quality early childhood programs do much more than help children learn numbers, shapes, and colors. Good programs help children learn how to learn: to question why and discover alternative answers; to get along with others; and to use their developing language, thinking, and motor skills.”

• Pictures and room decor are down on the child’s eye level. Remember this is a place for children, not adults.

• Adult turnover is low.

A steady stream of new caregivers is disturbing to young children. It may signal to you that a relationship problem exists between staff and the director, a problem that trickles down to your child.

• Children are touched appropriately, frequently, and in positive, affirming ways. Children need to be touched,

even if it’s a pat on the back, or holding hands during games.

• Each child is addressed by name. There should be minimal use of group terms like “infants,” “babies,” or “kids.”

• Caregivers receive training in early childhood education. They should participate

in continuing education every year, meet regularly to plan, and evaluate the program.

• There’s low adult/child ratio. The NAEYC recommends at

least one caregiver for every four infants (up to 12 months old) or a 1:4 ratio; 1:5 for toddlers (13 to 24 months); 1:6 for 2- and 3-year-olds; and about 1:9 for preschoolers. Small groups of children with adults promote more positive interactions and individualized curriculum.

• Childrearing and discipline philosophies are similar to your own. You want

leave your child in an environment consistent with your home discipline. Ask “what if” questions to be sure.

• Sign-in and -out policies are enforced. Especially if you

leave your little one in a large center with lots of foot traffic, security precautions are a must.

• It’s either certified or licensed by your state.

Certification and/or licensure gives you a minimum health, safety, and nutritional standard – not a guarantee it’s the right place for your child. I’ve known some licensed facilities where I wouldn’t leave my dog. Neither does certification or licensure limit curriculum; church-run facilities can be licensed and still teach religious curriculum.

A word to the wise: Be wary of the caregiver with the “Honey, I’ve been tendin’ kids for 20 years an’ I know all there is to raisin’ babies!” attitude. A caregiver worth his or her salt – and your money – needs to learn about your child and continually sharpen caregiving skills. Finally, check with your local heath department and Better Business Bureau to see if the facility you’re considering has a record of complaints. Remember knowledge is power. Research shows that parents have an important influence on their child’s development, regardless of how much out-of-home care the child receives. Whether you are at home or work outside the home, you are still your child’s most influential teacher. As a speaker and writer, Brenda Nixon (www.brendanixon.com) is dedicated to building stronger families through parent empowerment. She is a mom and the author of, Parenting Power in the Early Years, on raising a child from birth to age five.

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Mobile Bay

Child Care Guide ABC Kindergarten

3618 Oak Tree Dr., Semmes (251) 649-4844 Ages 3-5K. Monday – Friday from 8:30-12:30. A Beka Curriculum

Ashland Place Preschool and Mother’s Day Out

15 Wisteria Ave., Mobile, (251) 478-6360, www.apumc.com Serving children ages 3 months – 4 years. The Mother’s Day Out program is for children 3 months through 3 years. The Pre-school program is for children ages 3 and 4 years. Contact Chee Chee Street for more information at 478-6360.

Cottage Hill Presbyterian Preschool

4201 Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile (251) 666-0983; www.chpcmobile.org/PRESCHOOL. html At Cottage Hill Presbyterian Preschool we provide a safe, warm and nurturing environment. Our desire is to get to know each child individually and help them to reach their fullest potential socially, academically and spiritually. Mom’s Day Out-Ages 6 months - 2 years curriculum includes: Sign Language, Shape, Color, Letter recognition, Art and Music. Preschool- 3K and 4K Curriculum includes: A Beka Reading and Numbers Program, Art, Music, Christian Values and Bible Stories. Mom’s Day Out and Preschool are available Monday - Friday, 8:30-12:30. Morning Care is now available Monday - Friday from 7:30-8:30 and Extended Care/StayN-Play is available Monday-Friday from 12:302:30. Dance and Tumbling available to 3K and 4K students. Please call (251) 666-0983 or email us at chpreschool@bellsouth.net for information.

Faith Academy Child Development Center

8650 Tanner Williams Rd., Mobile (251) 633-7267; www.faithacademy.us Celebrating 43 Years of Excellence in Christian Education! Preschool programs for K3 and K4. Before and after school care available. Faith Academy School has PK3-12 grade.

GSP Preschool (formerly Gan Shalom

Preschool)

705 Regents Way, Mobile (251) 343-6051; www.gsppreschool.org GSP, formerly Gan Shalom Preschool, has flourished to become one of Mobile’s premier preschools. Established in 1993, our history of preparing children to excel in “real school” has earned us a strong reputation among the private and public schools Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

in the area. Our toddler class accepts walking one year olds through 24 months, and our other classes are geared uniquely for 2, 3, or 4 year-old children. Staffed by certified teachers and teacher assistants, our student ratios are approximately 1:4 to 1:6. Classes are arranged to provide children the attention they need in a warm, loving, nurturing and creative environment. Our curriculum is planned to allow children to learn through both structured play and classwork with free time available for personal growth. Established activities include center time, circle time, work sheets, music, art and outdoor fun as well as free play. We are conveniently located in the Regency Subdivision off of Airport Boulevard. If you are interested in enrolling your child in GSP, please visit our website, www.gsppreschool.org or contact us at (251) 343-6051.

Lighthouse Baptist Academy

6335 Swedetown Road North, Theodore (251) 653-6542; www.lbatheodore.com Distinctively Christian. Academically excellent. Complete Kindergarten – Separate K2, K3, K4, K5 classes. Experienced Teachers & Helpers, Foundational Reading & Math, Christian Character Training Child Care Services: Before and After Care & Summer Day Camp. Lighthouse Baptist Academy educates K2-12th grade

McGill Child Development Center

65 Border Drive East, Mobile (251) 288-4995; www.mcgillchildcenter.com McGill Child Development Center’s mission is to provide a safe, fun, loving education experience for each child. Our goal is to provide physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth to meet the individual needs of each individual child. Each day we focus on fun learning activities and use of expressive therapeutic outlets such as music, art, and imagery. Ages 6 weeks – 12 years. Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm.

Montessori World Preschool & Kindergarten

2061 Leroy Stevens Rd., Mobile (251) 634-8211; www.montessori-world.org Half-day (8:30-11:30), full-day (8:30-2:30) and extended-day (7:00-6:00) on a 5-day a week schedule for children aged 2.5 years to 6 years during the academic year. Primary class is taught by a Montessori certified teacher. Classes have mixedage groupings, allowing younger children to learn from the activities of older ones, and providing the older children the opportunity to teach and nurture the younger ones. Kindergarten Program For 5 to 6 year old children. These programs allow the children more time to reinforce and refine their skills. Advanced studies and projects are planned for each

week. The children move through the major curricular themes from concrete presentations towards greater depth, detail, and abstract understanding. Self-directed learning and fostering of a positive self-esteem are elements of MW’s program that impact the child’ future learning and adaptation to other educational environments. Summer programs also.

St. Mark Early Learning Center

439 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 232-2106; www.stmarkmobile.com “Get your TLC at the ELC.” This program serves 2 months-4 years. We offer part time (8:15-2:15) or full time (7:00-5:45) 2, 3, or 5 days a week. We have spacious rooms with computers, library and a gym. We offer quality care with 2 teachers in a room for 2 and under. Our 3 & 4 year olds have educational resources such as reading, math and science resources, chapel, Spanish, cooking, computer, music, mission, ministry, and much more. Rates are on the website at www.stmarkmobile.com.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Early Education Center

4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251)342-8521; www.stpaulschurchmobile.com St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has an Early Education Center serving 2 and 3 year olds in coordination with St. Paul’s Episcopal School. The goal of our Early Education Center is to instill a love of God, of people and of learning in each child. Our cutting edge approach to early childhood includes an Outdoor Classroom, Smart Board technology, a research based, hands on curriculum and passionate, certified teachers. The program will include half day and full day options. Please contact Erin Burns Schwant, M.A. NBCC Director of Preschool Development for further information. Erin Schwant610-8184 or email erin@stpmobile.com. St. Paul’s School has a 4K program-12th grade.

Weinacker’s Montessori School

Hillcrest: 227 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, (252) 344-8755 Midtown: 18 Pierpont Dr., Mobile, (251) 478-7219 University: 513 Georgian Dr., Mobile (251) 3425399 Tillman’s Corner: 5739 Old Pasacagoula Rd., Mobile (251) 653-4707; www.weinackersmontessori.com Our mission we believe every child is born with unique potential. And in order for your child to reach their potential, it must first be revealed. That’s where our highly skilled teachers and unique approach come in. First and foremost, we at Weinacker’s Montessori School encourage the children to learn while playing and play while learning. Studies show that using a sensory approach to learning

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is the most effective way to learn and retain. So, at Weinacker’s Montessori School students get to move around and explore, allowing them to learn while using their five senses in a safe and engaging environment. This not only gives them the freedom to explore their natural abilities, it allows your child to have a unique, individualized learning experience. This helps instill self-confidence and a lifelong curiosity for knowledge. After all, we’re not just preparing your child for their education; we’re preparing them for live! Full and Part-time classes offered for infants, toddlers, pre-school, and school-age children. Certified Teachers, State Licensed, 1st Class curriculum. Azalea City Christian School & Child Development 3550 Shillinger Rd N., Mobile (251) 649-5437 www.azaleacity.org/schoolinfo.html Part-time or full-time Daycare, Pre-school and 3-4K. Designed with the needs of working families in mind. At Azalea City Christian School, infants and toddlers are special. Toddlers enjoy cheerful surroundings while learning to develop the motor coordination skills that are vital to their growth. Azalea City Christian School also offers a kindergarten program for three and four year olds. Children may attend on a part-time or full-time basis. Day care is provided after the kindergarten program for parents who need this service. The kindergarten curriculum is designed to help children develop basic concepts in math, phonics, language arts, Bible, music, and art. Both the Saxon Math and Phonics programs, as well as the Silver Burdett Reading Services program, and the Peabody Language Development Kit are used in the classrooms. Becks Day Care Center 1248 Anchor Dr., Mobile, (251) 661-4254 Ages 6 weeks – 11 years. Preschool and Summer Camp for school age children. Nurturing, caring staff serving the families of Mobile for over 45 years. State licensed Calvary Christian School 6800 Three Notch Road, Mobile, (251) 660-1951 Calvary Christian School exists to provide our students with a quality education in a loving Christian environment and help them reach their greatest potential academically, morally, personally, socially, and spiritually. A Beka Curriculum. K-3 through Grade 5. Carmen’s Childcare and Learning Center 1361 Spring Hill Ave, Mobile, (251) 432-9050 Ages 6 weeks – 12 years. Afterschool care and summer programs. Child Day Care Association, Inc. Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center 209 South Washington Avenue, Mobile (251) 433-1310, www.childdaycare.org At the Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center, we encourage children’s learning through educational play using research based curriculum for every age group! Every day, children are engaged in a variety of hands-on educational activities in an environment that fosters a child’s positive selfesteem and a love of learning! Come by and visit. We are proud of our modern, inviting facility in the East Church Street Historic District in Downtown Mobile. A tradition for children since 1945, Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center is a community based non-profit center and United Way of Southwest Alabama Partner Agency. Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, School-age, Transportation available for after-school care. Ages 6 weeks-12 years. Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm.

Christ United Methodist Church 6160 Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 342-7215; www.cumc-childrenonline.com Mom’s Day Out, Preschool and Extended Day, New Kindergarten Program The Children’s Ministries of Christ United Methodist Church is committed to nurturing children to know the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in a welcoming, family-centered environment that will equip each child for a continuing journey of exploring, living and sharing God’s Promises. We encourage the children to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. Our curriculum for 3-year-olds emphasizes language, listening skills, gross and fine motor skill development. The 4-year-olds will also develop their language, gross and fine motor skills as well as listening and problem solving skills. The mom’s day out children will participate in art and music. The preschool children will participate in chapel, phonics, sports, music, and field trips. Summer Camp for elementary children. We have a NEW Kindergarten program beginning for the 2013-2014 school year. Students will participate in developmentally academics using Saxon curriculum for Phonics, Reading and Math along with much more. Community Nursery and Preschool Academy 4105 Moffett Road, Mobile (251) 340-8042 3055 Springhill Ave, Mobile (251) 450-2300 Hours: 6:00am-6:00pm. Ages 6 wks-12 years. Corpus Christi Preschool   6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, (251) 342-2424 www.corpuschristiparish.com/preschool Open 12 months, Monday – Friday from 6:00am6:00pm. Infants through 4K. State-licensed. Morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack are provided. Developmentally appropriate programs for all ages. Learning curriculum for 4K class provided by High Reach, Carson-Dellosa and Handwriting without Tears in our 4K class. Extra-Curricular activities include religion, preschool Spanish, adventures in phonics, sports, gymnastics, computer and dance. Now accepting registration for infants through K-4 for full-day enrollment. Corpus Christi School has PK5-8TH Grade. Cottage Hill Christian Academy Early Education Center and Preschool 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile (251) 660-2427; www.chcacademy.com Early Education Center beginning at 6 weeks through K3, both full and part time along with a summer program. Full time pre-school programs for K2, K3, K4, and K5. We value a challenging and stimulating learning environment, where the wonder and curiosity of learning provide a foundation for lifelong achievement. We believe the preschool experience should be an enjoyable journey, not a race. This journey will develop the child spiritually, intellectually, and socially. Thus allowing the growth of a strong sense of worth and confidence Creative Learning Center 5880 Three Notch Road, Mobile, (251) 661-2992 We are a childcare center eager to meet your needs. Our business hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. We accept children from 6 weeks old to 12 years old. We provide breakfast until 8 a.m., lunch, and snack. Our van picks up from Nan Gray Davis Elementary and Griggs Elementary. You are more than welcome to come and visit. Dauphin Way Baptist Church Daycare 3661 Dauphin St., Mobile (251) 344-0909; www.dauphinwaycdc.com Dauphin Way Child Development Center accepts children from 6 weeks through 4K and after school

care for 5 K-5th grades. The CDC provides a hot lunch and 2 snacks per day. The main curriculum of the CDC is High Reach Learning. Hours are 6:45am- 6:00pm, Monday – Friday. Summer Day Camp available for children completed 5K thru 12 years of age. Dauphin Way United Methodist Church Child Development Center 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 473-1861; www.dauphinwayumc.org The mission statement of the Center is to develop good moral character within each child, while offering the highest possible age appropriate educational program. Our infant, toddler and preschool educators implement Pinnacle Curriculum, a faithbased curriculum used to guide children toward their potential. 7:00am- 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Full time child care for children ages six weeks through four years. Early Head Start Community Partnership Child Care Centers (251) 473-1060; www.grcma.org A primary goal of Early Head Start Mobile is to ensure that infants and toddlers receive the type of safe, healthy, emotionally secure and intellectually enriched early start in life that will serve as a solid foundation for future success in school and in life. Our educational practices are firmly based on established child development principles and widely recognized, research-based best practices for infants and toddlers. Early Head Start Mobile Centers: Dearborn YMCA-321 N. Warren St. Mobile; (251) 432-4768 Nina Joseph Child Care-209 S. Washington Ave. Mobile; (251) 441-0845 Lighthouse Academy-9930 Cody Driskell Grand Bay; (251) 957-0641 Goodwill Easter Seals-2448 Gordon Smith Dr. Mobile; (251) 471-1581 First Baptist Church Kindergarten 10170 Grand Bay/Wilmer Road Grand Bay (251) 865-3764 Providing 3K-4K-Social development, A Beka curriculum, Music & Field trips. 8:00am-12:00pm. Early drop off at 7:00 also available. First Baptist Mobile Child Development Center 806 Government Street, Mobile (251) 432-6513; www.fbcmobile.com/child-development-center.html FBC-CDC offers full day care for infants from eight weeks to 3 year olds. Our hours of operation are 7:30 am until 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Our location is ideal for parents working in downtown or midtown. We use the WEE Learn curriculum and emphasize activities that are both age and developmentally appropriate for young children. Please contact or church office for additional information. First Baptist Church Satsuma 5600 Old Highway 43, Satsuma www.fbcsatsuma.org; www.satsumachristianschool.com Mother’s Day Out Program/Daycare/Preschool. Mother’s Day Out – (251) 380-7357 - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30am-2:00pm. A Christian environment for preschool children allowing mother’s a period of time for themselves. Children will be grouped according to age groups. Each class (except for bed babies) will have free play, a Bible story and an activity time. Daycare – (251) 679-9000. We offer a daycare program for ages 6 weeks-2 years. Times: 6:30am6:00pm Satsuma Christian School – (251) 675-1295,

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Satsuma Christian School is a ministry of First Baptist Church Satsuma offering classes for K3 – 1st . In October 2007, Satsuma Christian became Fully Accredited through the Alabama Independent School Association. We offer Accelerated Reading, Art, Computer, Library, Music and Spanish. Foundations Childcare & Education Center 1073 Dawes Rd, Mobile, (251) 445-0973 Full-day daycare. Open 6:00am-6:00pm. We accept children from 6 weeks – 12 years old. Before and after school programs available. Summer programs. Find us on Facebook! Fountain of Life Daycare at Evangel Christian 1277 Jubilee Dr., Saraland (251) 679-0975; www.fountainoflifechurch.net Full-day daycare for ages 6 weeks thru 3 years. Monday – Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm. A Beka Program for children 2 years and up. Evangel Christian School is for PK3-5th grade, for more information visit www.fountainoflifechurch.net/church/evangelchristian-school. Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast 2 locations: Springhill Child Development Center 10 Westminster Way, Mobile, hours 7:30am-5:30pm (251) 342-3122 Gordon Smith Child Development Center 2448 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, hours: 6:30am – 6:00pm, (251) 471-1581 Preschool Program, Day Care Services, Summer Camp and After School Programs, Social Service Programs Springhill Child Development Center: Preschool- Specialized educational services, and Pre-Kindergarten Standard goals, are provided year round in an inclusive preschool setting for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. The High Reach Curriculum in conjunction with the Creative Curriculum are utilized. We offer a small group setting in order to serve the individual needs of our children. We also offer morning and afternoon care for those children enrolled in our preschool program. Our staff communicates closely with families through daily reports, monthly consultations, and parent enrichment activities. Gordon Smith Child Development CenterPreschool Program and Daycare Our center serves children 6 weeks to school age in a full daily program. All classes except infants use the High Reach curriculum in the morning and theme-based instruction in the afternoons. We feature inclusive classrooms that allow children with disabilities to work side by side with their nondisabled peers in a way that provides maximum benefit for all children. School Age Programs: Summer camp and afterschool programs are available for elementary school children. We offer van pickup from several local schools and provide homework tutoring and enrichment activities during the school year. During the summer, theme based weekly plans provide fun and variety for older children. Early Intervention Program: The early intervention program is a community based program that offers services to children with special needs from birth to 3 years of age. These services are provided in the home and the natural environment. The service coordinator works with the family and a team of qualified therapists to carry out services specified in the child’s individual service plan. Early Intervention Locations are: Mobile County: Schillinger Road (251) 375-9114 Gordon Smith Center (251) 471-1581

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

Government Street Baptist Child Development 3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile (251) 660-7444; www.governmentstreet.org; www. governmentstreetchristian.org Full-time Daycare (6:00am – 6:00pm) for ages 6 weeks to 3K/Government Street Christian School for 4K-8. The Child Development Center provides a safe, secure, loving environment for your children and a place where they will be spiritually and intellectually challenged at an early age to prepare them for school in the years ahead. We also offer a Summer Day Camp program for children K4 - 5th grades. HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) 109 S. Cedar St., Mobile (251) 441-0004; www.hippyalabama.com Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a parent involvement, school readiness program that helps parents prepare their three, four, and five year old children for success in school and beyond. The parent is provided with a set of carefully developed curriculum, books and materials designed to strengthen their children’s cognitive skills, early literacy skills, social/emotional and physical development. HIPPY has been at work in Alabama since 1993 serving parents of children ages three, four, and five. No charge for the program. Joyland Daycare at Knollwood Church 1501 Knollwood Dr., Mobile, (251) 666-4996 www.knollwoodchurch.net/joyland-daycare Joyland Daycare provides your child with a loving and nurturing environment where they will receive the Word of God every day. We also provide a wholesome learning environment with many activities that your child will enjoy. If you have any questions please call or better yet come by our center. We would love for you to view our classrooms and meet our teachers and staff. Open 6:00am-6:00pm, ages 6weeks-3 years. K4-8th grade available at Knollwood Christian School (www.knollwoodchristian.com). Jubilee Child Care Center & Pre-School 6631 Wall Street, Mobile, (251) 776-7022 (PreSchool), (251) 633-0018 (Infant); www.jubileechildcare.com We offer Day Care, Mom’s Day Out, Infant and Toddler Program, Preschool Program & School Age Program for after school, holidays and during summer months. Moms Day Out Program- Jubilee offers a two day, a three day and a five day Mom’s day out program. The program begins at 8:30am each morning and ends at 12pm for children ages 2 months to 5 years Toddler Program and Infant Program- Jubilee’s toddler and infant program are designed for children 9 weeks to 3 years old. Full day care and part time positions are available. Preschool Program - Our preschool program is for 3 year olds and 4 year olds. Full and part time positions are available. Our program incorporates a wide range of activities and is designed to prepare a child for kindergarten. Children enjoy activities such as writing, cutting, painting, working with letters and numbers. In addition, the children in our program are exposed frequently to science, art, group games, and puzzles. Preschoolers are also offered the opportunity to participate in a special program that teaches basic computer skills. School Age Program- Our school age program is designed for children 5 years to 12 years and is offered during after school hours, during holidays and during the summer months. A nutritious breakfast and lunch will be served daily at each facility.

Programs vary by center. Please contact a specific location for more information. Daily outside activities promote a child’s overall physical health and specifically will help increase a child’s strength and flexibility. Outside activities include participation in games and sports organized by our staff. Second location in Spanish Fort, AL. Kiddie Ranch Christian Childcare & Learning Center 2885 Graham Rd S, Mobile, (251) 645-0546 Ages 6wks – 12 years, open 6:00am-6:00pm We are a Christian based non-denominational childcare center. We take care of children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. We take and pick up from local elementary schools. Our staff is loving, caring and qualified to help your child become a well-developed young person. We make learning child’s play. Kidz Korner Child Care 5640 Three Notch Road, Mobile, (251) 666-1003 The center accepts children ages of: 6 weeks-12 years. Monday-Friday – 6:30am-6:00pm.At Kidz Korner we teach the A Beka Curriculum starting at 2 years of age, and also do after school pick up from W.C. Griggs Elementary School. Kids Stuff Preschool 320 Hillcrest Rd., Mobile (251) 343-6611; www.kidsstuffpreschool.com/wp Children ages six weeks to twelve years benefit from over 35 years of experience at our Alabama licensed DHR-inspected facility. Highly-qualified day care teacher’s work in close contact with children and their families to ensure each child receives nurturing day care services and a quality education. We provide the child care services you require, including infant/toddler care, an enlightening preschool curriculum, before and after-school child care including on-site school pick-ups and educational summer services. All year long, Kids Stuff Preschool plans special activities for your children. From swimming, horseback riding, baseball games, wilderness outings and many more...we make sure your child has a wonderful experience. Open from 6:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday. Kids Stuff Preschool follows an “A Beka” Christian learning program. Kids Zone of Tillman’s Corner 4612 Bush Lane, Mobile, (251) 661-3280 We are open from 6am-6pm, Monday through Friday. We provide care for children ages 6 weeks- 11 years. We offer the A Beka curriculum. We provide before and after school van service to Griggs. Our staff helps each child with their homework. Our Summer Camp for school age children is super! Kids are served a hot breakfast and lunch with afternoon snack. kidszoneoftc@bellsouth.net Kimz Kidz Child Care Center 1650 Shillinger Rd. N., Semmes, (251) 645-6451 Open to children 6 Wks. to 12 Years and open 6:00am-6:00pm. State Licensed, preschool learning program, video monitoring, hot meals, Child Care South approved, before & afterschool care, background checks on staff KinderCare Learning Center 2258 Hillcrest Rd., Mobile (251) 660-1126, www.kindercare.com Infants (6 weeks – 1 year), Toddler (1-2 years), Pre-school (3-4 years), Pre-K (4-5 years), Kindergarten (5-6 years), Before/After School care for school-age children. Open: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, M-F. Camps, enrichment programs and more. KinderCare provides unsurpassed learning experiences with dedicated staff and innovative programs.

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La Petite Academy 955 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile (251) 639-9201; www.lapetite.com Ages 6 weeks – Pre-K4 & 5. Before and after-school care for school-age children ages 5-12. Offers exciting learning activities specifically designed to meet a child’s developmental needs and help he/she advance to the next level. Our Journey Curriculum emphasizes language and literacy, cognitive development, social-emotional skills, physical activity and creativity. Learning Tree –The Little Tree Preschool 1176 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 649-4220 ext. 1225; www.learning-tree.org The Little Tree Preschool offers high quality preschool education for ALL children. Our small classes are taught by certified teachers with low studentteacher ratios. Our children are encouraged to grow as learners by building on individual strengths to establish a strong foundation for school success. The curriculum is comprehensive and encourages children to explore and discover answers, and we provide a social setting to promote healthy selfesteem and sensitivity to the needs of others. Legacy Child Life Learning & Dev. Center 1060 Government St., Mobile (251) 441-1901; www.lwccim.com Enrollment for ages 6 weeks – 5 years and before & after school care. Hours are 6:30 am-6:00pm Monday-Friday. A Ministry of Living Word Christian Center. Legacy Child Life Learning & Development Center is committed to providing an excellent, loving, and secure Christian environment where our children can develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Curriculums include ACE (Accelerated Christian Education), A Beka, and ACSI. Call for information. Kingdom Academy, also a Ministry of Living Word Christian Center is a school that goes from 4K-8th. Life Church Child Development Center 8701 Zeigler Blvd, Mobile (251) 633-2679, www.lifechurchcdc.com Life Church CDC exists to build Godly character in children through quality Early Childhood Christian Education in a safe and caring environment, incorporating proven methods and materials to promote success in school and in life, with eternal values. Hours: 6:00am-6:00pm and start at 6 weeks old. Before and after care available. Summer Camp also available. Lighthouse Academy of Excellence & Achievement 9930 Cody Driskell Rd., Grand Bay (251) 957-0641; www.academylighthouse.org The Lighthouse Academy of Excellence & Achievement has been making a difference in the lives of children since 1993. Our mission is to improve the educational achievement of our children from the beginning of the early stages of child development by providing a nurturing environment, a rich curriculum, outstanding teachers, and setting a standard of high expectations. Monday-Friday 6:30am-12:00 midnight. Ages 6 weeks-4K. Before, after care, and night care programs available for ages up to 12. Summer Camp also available for ages 5-12. Little Flower Catholic School  2103 Government St., Mobile (251) 479-5761; www.littleflower.cc Preschool – 3K-4K, Little Flower School also has K5-8th grade. Melton’s Tots Tendercare Academy 2946 W. Turner Rd., Mobile, (251) 457-6304 Ages 5-weeks – 12 years. A Beka Curriculum. State

Licensed, pick up provided, Mother’s Day Out, hot meals, Child Care Resources, after school care. Mobile Christian School 5900 Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile (251) 661-1613; www.mobilechristian.org Mobile Christian School’s PreK3 and PreK4 Programs provide a loving Christian atmosphere where children may grow in their knowledge of God, themselves and the world. The preschool curriculum is designed to provide children with a variety of enrichment and readiness experiences. Following a daily routine, the child’s needs are met socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and spiritually. Mobile Christian School goes through 12th grade. Call for more information. Mobile Preschool for the Sensory Impaired 1050 Government St., Mobile, (251) 433-1234 The Preschool prides itself in being family-friendly and offering a wide range of educational choices. The classes are small and the teachers are certified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of the children. A wide range of services are available including early intervention, audiology, speech/language therapy, and parent education. These are incorporated into the preschool curriculum to provide each child with an individualized program that promotes development and growth. Most of our services are free to residents of Alabama who have a diagnosed vision or hearing loss of at least 25%, and for children with a diagnosed developmental delay. Call for more information. Moffet Road Baptist Child Development Center 5555 Moffett Road, Mobile (251) 343-1568; www.mrbcdc.org Since 1984, Moffett Road Baptist Child Development Center has graduated thousands of precious children. Located in West Mobile on the campus of Moffett Road Baptist Church, the CDC offers the highest quality care for your little one in a safe, clean, secure, and stimulating environment. We offer Full Daycare for infants 6 weeks through 5 years old, Kindergarten classes for 3-5 year olds, and before and after school care, as well as summer camp, for children in K5 through fifth grade. Security cameras, Security locks, 18 classrooms, 4 separate playgrounds, full kitchen, Separate Cafeteria areas for babies/toddlers and older students. Activities including music, P.E. & computer. Mount Ararat Learning & Development Center 7172 Old Military Road, Theodore (251) 653-6201, www.maldc.com MALDC offers full time day care with before and after school care. We have full and half day programs for preschool and pre-kindergarten. Our infants and toddlers enjoy childcare in a setting that is warm, nurturing and cheerful. Our small classes and experienced teachers provide an early childhood experience that is challenging yet playful. A large playground, indoor activities, computers, art, literature, music and laughter insure that each child will enjoy and benefit from his or her day at MALDC. Your child will develop socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively through play. Our hours are hours are 6:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Mount Hebron Christian Child Dev. Center 2531 Berkley Avenue, Mobile (251) 456-8700, www.mthebroncm.org/mhccdc Comprehensive Childcare services for children 6 weeks – 12 years of age on a part-time or full-time basis. Full Time: Full days Monday-through Friday (maximum 9 hours per day) Part Time: The after school program and sporadic care (drop-ins). The

Mount Hebron Christian Child Development Center uses the A Beka curriculum as well as other useful academic and culturally age appropriate activities. We also have a summer program. It is the vision of Mount Hebron Christian Child Development Center to provide the care, education, and development necessary for each child enrolled to meet his/her greatest potential: spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. Most Pure Heart of Mary School 310 Sengstak Street, Mobile (251) 432–5270; www.heartofmaryschoolmobile. org Early Childhood Classes: Age 3-4 – Full Day Program. (School- K3 to Eighth grade). Before and after care. Nazarene Day Care & Learning Center 669 Azalea Rd., Mobile (251) 666-0044; www.mobilefirstnazarene.org Established in 1982 as part of the ministries of the First Church of the Nazarene, we provide a loving atmosphere with dedicated and qualified teachers. Our program and facility will provide quality care for your child. We read Bible stories, sing songs and teach Bible verses to the children daily. We want your child to learn about Jesus Christ, but we DO NOT teach a church doctrine to the children. We enjoy working with children, and receive immeasurable rewards when we see them happily learning and achieving in a caring, productive atmosphere. As your child grows in the Nazarene Day Care we will provide moral competent citizens by teaching them to accept responsibility for decisions and choices they make coupled with the ability to think and provide for themselves. Christian daycare, preschool for ages 6 weeks – 4K. A Beka Curriculum. Oak Park Child Care Center 3321 Sollie Rd., Mobile (251) 633-6110; www.oakparkministries.com The Oak Park Child Care Center is dedicated to providing a warm, loving, Christ-centered environment for each child to develop socially, spiritually and academically. Our goal is to strive daily toward “Excellence for God!” through direction based in Christian principles. Quality child care and Christian principles with A Beka curriculum. OPCCC is a ministry of Oak Park Church of God. We offer care for 6 week old infants through 4 year olds. Our classes are: Blessed Beginnings, Toddler A & B, K2, K3 and K4. We now offer a Mom’s Day Out program. The times are 8:30-12:30. Call and enroll today Monday—Friday 6:30am to 6:00 pm Our Savior Preschool & Mother’s Day Out 1801 Cody Rd. S, Mobile (251) 633-3017; www.oursaviorparish.org Our Savior’s Preschool/MDO program encourages the spiritual, social and emotional growth of our young children. Our goal is to help children 6 months to 4 years old develop skills needed to better prepare them for their formal education and community interaction. Additionally the MDO program provides an opportunity for a young child to be cared for in a worry free environment while Mom needs a morning to do other things. •Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds is scheduled between 8:30am-12:30pm for the options of either 3 or 5 days a week. •Mother’s Day Out is available for children 6 months through 4 years old between 8:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Parents may choose any day or combination of days. Our Savior Lutheran Church Mom’s Day Out 5101 Government Blvd., Mobile (251) 661-4524; www.oursavior-mobile.org

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Although we call it “Mom’s Day Out”, Our Savior is offering an exciting opportunity for parents and guardians to let their children spend time in a loving, caring and spirit-filled environment. Open to children 12-months to before kindergarten age. Monday - Friday, 8:00am-2:00pm. We follow the public school schedule for holidays. Summer camp: June-July. Saraland UMC Early Learning Center 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland (251) 675-2904; www.saralandumc.org The staff and leadership at Saraland UMC are committed to offering a quality program that encourages learning on many levels. We will constantly work to encourage the development of healthy physical, spiritual, emotional and interpersonal growth of the child attending our program and the child’s family. We use The Creative Curriculum and the Sounds & Symbols Early Reading Program. Ages Toddlers (must be walking) - 5 years, Days - Monday – Thursday. This program is offered in a two day format. Parents may choose Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday, or all four days. Hours: 8:30am until 2:00pm early morning care and after school care available Shiloh Christian Day Care 717 Cleveland Rd., Saraland (251) 675-2099; www.shilohbc.com With Daycare options through K4, Shiloh Daycare offers a variety of programs to meet each family’s needs. We have 3 day a week program as well as the traditional 5 days a week. You can choose the short day (7:00am -3:00pm) or the standard day (6:00am – 6:00pm). We utilize educational curriculum for our kids ages 3, 4, and 5. Our daycare staff works hard to make sure your child is loved and receives the best care. Come see why parents all over north Mobile County use Shiloh Daycare for their little ones. Snow Road FBC - Child Development Center 2370 Snow Rd N., Semmes (251) 649-6096; www.srfbc.com/222878 Full daycare program - 6:00am-6:00pm 6 weeksK4. A Beka Curriculum. Experienced Teachers, Spanish Classes, sign Language, Gymnastics, Summer Day Camp, and Hot Lunches. Before and after-school care provided for children entering K-5 through fifth grade. Transportation to and from Allentown, Semmes and Ellsie Collier Elementary is included. Springhill Baptist Child Development Center 2 S McGregor Ave Mobile (251) 342-6044; www.shbc.cc/ministries/childdevelopment-center Day Care, Mother’s Day Out, Preschool Program A safe, fun and educational environment for your children. The goal of the Weekday Early Education Program at Spring Hill Baptist Church is to provide for each child according to his/her ability in each area of physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth while meeting their individual needs. Our Weekday Early Education Program includes day care classes and “Nine to One” classes. Springhill Presbyterian Preschool 10 Westminster Way, Mobile, (251) 344-2070 Mother’s Day Out Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 6 months – 3 years. 9:00am – 1:00pm. Weekday Preschool program 3K and 4K program- M-F 9:00am – 1:00pm. Summer program also available St. Dominic Catholic Church/School 4156 Burma Drive, Mobile (251) 661-5130; www.stdominicmobile.org Mother’s Day Out – ages 20 months-4 years, Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

Monday-Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm August-May. PK-8 offered at St. Dominic Catholic School at 4160 Burma Road. PreK - We believe Preschool is a year to learn new skills and build self-confidence. The program follows a kindergarten like curriculum. Language arts, social studies, math, science and religion are all part of the day. Writing, reading readiness, music and movement are incorporated into the daily schedule along with specialty classes of computer and library. St. Ignatius Catholic School 3704 Spring Hill Ave, Mobile (251) 342-5442; www.stignatiusmobile.catholicweb. com, www.stignatius.org Mom’s Day Out, Preschool Program Mom’s Day Out at St. Ignatius Parish provides quality care for children 6 months to 3 years of age. Our trained, experienced and dedicated staff works hard to ensure that your child has a happy, healthy and safe environment in which to grow, learn and play. Programs are available from 1 to 5 days per week- Monday-Friday from 8:00am12:00pm. We also have WEE CARE, extended care program from 12-3:00pm and early care from 7:30. For more information contact Tiny McPhillips (251) 445-6720 or mcphillipst@stignatius.org. The K3 and K4 program is a Kindergarten readiness program designed to develop social skills, fine and gross motor skills, reading readiness, letter and sound recognition, math readiness, and critical thinking skills. Our goal is to develop the whole child, spiritually, emotionally, morally and physically. Half- Day (7:30am-11:45am), Whole-Day (7:30am-2:45 pm). Contact Lindsay Hutchisson, Development Director at 445-6719 for more information. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Mom’s Day Out 1050 Azalea Rd., Mobile (251) 662-2055; www.stlukesepiscopalmobile.org It is the philosophy of St. Luke’s MDO that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration and discovery. Preschool children are creative and receptive, and our program strives to nurture and encourage these qualities for the children. Children who are from 12 months-4years of age are eligible to enroll in St. Luke’s MDO. Regular session, including Fall, Winter, and Spring, begins mid-August and ends mid-May. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. We also have Early Morning Care from 7:30-8:30 and Wee Care from 12:30-3:15. St. Luke’s Episcopal School 3975 Japonica Ln., Mobile (251) 666-2991; www.stlukesmobile.com St. Luke’s Episcopal School is a K3-12th grade college preparatory school. Our Early Childhood Division consists of 3-year-old kindergarten (2, 3, and 5 half and full day options), 4-year-old kindergarten (full and half day options), and 5-year-old kindergarten (full and half day options). We believe that a positive early childhood experience is vital to future academic success. We provide this experience through a supportive environment in which each child can take on new challenges and experience success. Our academic skills are introduced and reinforced through workbook activities, oral drills, learning games, and unit activities involving reading, numbers, social studies, and science. A hands-on approach is used in Math and Science as children move from the concrete to the abstract. The Early Childhood curriculum is based upon the premise that young children learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful experiences. Students attend a weekly Early Childhood chapel service and enrichment classes in music, art, computer, foreign language, library, and P.E. Our extra-curricular Kiddie Cats sports program (intramurals) provides spirited competition designed to develop self-discipline and self-confidence, promote physical fitness and

learn good sportsmanship while teaching the basics of each sport. St. Luke’s has a full-time nurse on staff and provides both an early morning and after school supervised program. Beginning next year, St. Luke’s Espicopal School will have a K2 program! The program is for 10 students per class and will have a full time teacher as well as a full time aid. We will also be implementing an iKids program with daily use of ipads by each student. St. Mary Catholic School 107 N. Lafayette Street, Mobile (251) 433-9904; www.stmarymobile.org St. Mary Catholic Preschool serves 3 - 4 year olds in a full day program. Our preschool curriculum provides a loving, safe, stimulating, and Christian environment that values and respects the individuality of each child. We believe in a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children three and four years of age. The focus of our preschool curriculum is to prepare children socially, emotionally and academically for the many challenges that elementary school brings. St. Mary Catholic School is the oldest existing elementary school in the state of Alabama, offering education from preschool through grade 8. St. Pius X School – Early Child Care Center 217 South Sage Avenue, Mobile (251) 471-2892; www.stpiustenth.com Full day care for children 6 weeks – 3K from 7:00am5:50pm. Early Childhood Development Center provides a loving, happy and safe learning environment. We offer a Pre-K 3 program as well. Acknowledging that we are a Christian, Catholic based program, and that God is the central focus of our lives, we strive to reinforce the basic and all-important values of our faith. Much love, attention, and affection is used as we strive to meet each child’s individual needs in the area of growth and development. We are committed to the higher standard of care for our children. We operate under a church affiliation, and we are approved and follow the exemption guidelines set by the Department of Human Resources. St. Pius X offers a variety of day care programs: Early Morning Care, After School Care, Extended Care and Summer Camp. These programs orient children to play and learn and to interact with other children. St. Pius X School has a 4K program-8th grade. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic 6651 Three Notch Road, Mobile, (251) 666-4066(daycare), (704) 554-7088(preschool) Daycare open Monday-Friday from 6:00am-6:00pm. Ages 6weeks-4 years. St. Vincent de Paul Preschool is for 3K-4K and its hours are 9:30am-1:00pm. The St. Vincent de Paul Preschool strives to enhance the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and creative skills of each child. We are dedicated to making these preschool years enjoyable and exciting so that each youngster will be prepared and eager to begin kindergarten. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School has a 4K-8th grade. Sunni Land Child Care Center 2901 Schillinger Rd, Semmes (251) 725-9070; www.sunnilandchildcarecenter.com 6 weeks to 12 years of age, before and after school care, Drop - ins are welcome after registration. Hours: Monday to Friday 6:00am – 12:00am Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden 1108 Dauphin Street Mobile (251)421-2434, www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com Play Place, Drop off Service, Classes, Birthday Parties and More! Our Services: Open Play (M-F, 9:00am6:00pm): $6/hr for one child, $4/hr for additional children in the immediate family. Sue’s Drop Off Club (M-F, 9:00am-6:00pm):$10/Month or $100/year for Family

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Club Membership, plus $10/hr for ages 6mos-23mos, and $8/hr for ages 2-12. 4 hours Maximum per child per day. Reservations required for a guaranteed spot; walk-ins welcome if there is availability. Training Wheels Childcare-Preschool 6159 Moffett Road, Mobile (251) 645-7507; www.trainingwheelscc.com TWCC is a fun place for children to learn and play. From ages 6 weeks to K-4, we offer a healthy balance of learning and developing socially, physically, and spiritually. Our teachers are part of the “Child Care Support Network” and receive credit for training time. We work hard to provide a clean, safe, and loving environment for your child. We offer computer training for K-3 & K-4, the well-respected A Beka curriculum, dance and guitar lessons! We also offer before & after school pick-up & care. Summer Camp also available. Established 2008. Trinity Kids Learning Center 309 Pinehill Dr., Mobile, (251) 476-1844 Ages 4 weeks – 12 years, 6:30am.-6:00pm. Full day care with afterschool programs available for school aged children. Certified staff using High Reach curriculum. Watermelon Patch 6417 Hillcrest Road Mobile (251) 633-3288; www.thewmpatch.com Classes, Birthday Parties, Mom’s Day Out Early Childhood Program and more! Mother’s Day Out – We now have Moms Day Out 5 days a week. We also offer a series of parent/child classes devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of children. Weekly classes are offered with activities designed to improve balance, coordination and other sensory stimuli while reinforcing good social skills in a group play environment. Please check our website for more information. WeMo Tot Spot 9960 Lifeline Ct, Mobile, (251) 633-3404 Open Monday-Friday from 6:00 am-6:00 pm. Ages 6 weeks – 12 years. Before and after care. Our mission is to continuously provide the highest quality of care, in a Christian and Patriotic environment; promoting love of God and Country, where every child is an explorer and every day is an adventure! Proudly Licensed and Inspected by Alabama DHR. Meals and snacks prepared by a professional Chef! We combined the best of High Scope, High Reach & A Beka to form our own personal curriculum that models the GRCMA philosophy that ‘Children learn through playing’. We also partnered with Kindergarten teachers to ensure our K4 class enters Elementary School properly educated and prepared. Westminster Presbyterian Kids – Preschool and Mom’s Day Out 2921 Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 471-9995; www.westminsterkids.com Westminster Presbyterian Church is home to one of Mobile’s oldest and most respected Early Childhood programs. Westminster offers Preschool classes for three and four year olds as well as Mom’s Day out programs (from age 6 months) from 1 to 5 days a week. Westminster also offers a unique “Little Learners” class for 2 1/2 year olds, the only one of its kind in Mobile. A caring and experienced staff provides the best education and training for your child. Preschool and Mom’s Day Out - Monday-Friday 9am-1pm. Academic School Year: August-May. Summer program: June and July. Caring for children in the heart of Mobile for over 50 years. West Mobile Baptist Child Development Center 7501 Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 639-6868; www.westmobilebaptist.org West Mobile Baptist Child Development Center offers a Christian daycare/preschool program for children

6 weeks of age through 5K. A Beka curriculum. In addition to learning programs our K3 – K5 students participate in many extracurricular activities, computer classes, library classes, and music classes as a part of our regular program for K3 children and older. Woodbridge Baptist Learning Center 2700 Schillinger Rd S., Mobile (251) 633-6094; www.woodridgebc.com Full Day care for children ages 6 week-5 years. Monday – Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm. Before and after school care and summer camp available. Part time program is also available with a minimum of 2 days a week. Family oriented, Christian environment. World of Friends Daycare Living Word Church, 2900 Dawes Rd., Mobile (251) 633-0033; www.livingwordmobile.com World of Friends Daycare offers a full-time service for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. We provide a safe, clean and loving environment that is conducive for early childhood development. World of Friends is registered with the Department of Human Resources in the state of Alabama, and our friendly staff is CPR certified. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 6:30am to 5:30pm. After-School care is available for children ages 4 to 12. Children are also provided with a snack and drink during After-School Care. Our Summer Program is held during the months of June and July where daily activities are scheduled. The Summer Program is limited to children ages 4 to 12. For a daycare packet including information and tuition fees, please call the office at (251) 633-0033 or visit the website. YMCA South AL–Afterschool Care Programs www.ysal.org Develop lifelong friends and social skills with our Afterschool program. The YMCA after-school program starts the first day of school. Parents must pay the activity fee, first week of care, and have the registration packet and immunization form completed in order to be registered. Times: After school 6:00pm.

Accredited-Self Study Home Child Care • Facethia Hogue –President of GCFCCAA(Accredited) Penny’s Playhouse Home Child Care Ph. 251-367-6732 • Shirley Reynolds –Vice-President of GCFCCAA (Accredited) Shirley’s Fun Time Learning Home Child Care; Ph. 251-341-1691 • Jan Coleman - (Accredited) Jan’s Tiny Tots Home Child Care Ph. 251-479-9390 • Kristi Reimer - (Accredited ) Dalia & Company Home Child Care Ph. 251-661-5016 • Angela Agee - (Self Study) Agee’s Lil-Achievers Home Child Care Ph. 251-471-1593 • Tameka Pettway - (Self-Study) Children of Christ Christian Academy Ph. 251-287-1573 • Jacqueline White (Self-Study) White’s Home Child Care Ph. 251-767-0070 • Gloria Sutton (Mentor/Trainer-FCCP) Auburn Univ. Family Child Care Partnerships Ph. 251-753-3417 MBP

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A Page in a Book

by Gerry Paige Smith

Finding Beauty in the Night Most children struggle at some point with fear or discomfort in the dark. It’s entirely natural to feel some anxiety when one of our primary senses, which serves us so well in the light, is dimmed by the dark. And when a child’s imagination begins to fill in the dark blanks, sometimes the results can be scary. But, like the dreams that take flight when our eyes close tight, the night has its own lovely secrets to share with the child who is ready to explore them. The following books shine a light on the wonders of the night and celebrate the beautiful things that can happen when the sun goes down for the evening.

Please Bring Balloons

by Lindsay Ward (Penguin / Dial) When young Emma visits her favorite carousel, she spies a note tucked under the saddle of the great white polar bear. It simply asks her to bring a balloon. So, she does. On her next visit she finds a note that simply says, “Please bring more.” And, bring them, she does! As darkness falls, Emma comes with many, many balloons to tie to the carousel bear’s saddle. And gently, the balloons lift the Bear – and Emma – into the night sky. Their airborne adventure takes them up into the darkness, where they revel against starry skies, among gentle snows and upon quiet icebergs. When morning comes, Emma isn’t sure the adventure was real, but a clue on the carousel just may indicate that dreams could come true. Celebrating the wonders of a winter night with colorful intensity, “Please Bring Balloons” is a beautiful bedtime read to put sleepy minds on a dreamy path to the magical possibilities of the night.

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle) When the night reaches full dark, a powerful train steams into Night Falls station where a menagerie of animals will load it with prize cargo. A polar bear and penguin load the freezer car full of ice cream. Turtles creep aboard as they move their (fast asleep) fast cars onto the train’s auto rack. The train’s cars are all taking on special cargo as the animal crew preps for the evening journey. Lushly illustrated, the moonlit clouds mimic the clouds of steam billowing from the train, and the train’s headlight flashes like the northern star in the night. For every child who loves trains and for every reader who’s ever heard a train’s whistle in the dark, this title is a rich, rhythmic reminder that wonderful things are still happening in the world long after the sun has set.

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The Insomniacs

by Karina Wolf, Illustrated by The Brothers Hilts (Penguin / G. P Putnam’s Sons) When Mrs. Insomniac takes a new job that relocates the whole family half-way around the world and across twelve time zones, they all quickly discover that their nights and days are all mixed up. Mother, Father and little Mika can’t fall asleep at night. And their days are miserable as work and school suffer when everyone is too tired to be their best. When all insomnia remedies fail, the family strikes off into the night to seek advice from anyone they find. What they discover is a whole world of life that thrives in the dark! Nocturnal creatures - from angel sharks to aardvarks, from bats to bandicoots – reveal that some types are best suited to the night-life. The newly nocturnal family takes up work and hobbies that are best pursued in the dark (Mika even takes night classes) as they find a way to take back the night and make use of the mysterious and marvelous dark!

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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TheFlyLady

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

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We want a home that hugs us! But where do we start? This has been the underlying question that causes us to procrastinate. I have an answer. We start with shining our sink. That is the absolute first habit to establish is keeping our sinks clean and shiny. Then we declutter. That’s when the question comes up again, “Where do I start?” I have been thinking about this and sometime we put the cart before the horse. Here is the reason we have to address our clutter issues. 1. Clutter waste time 2. Clutter makes our house look messy 3. Children pull out everything; less to pull out = less mess. 4. Too many clothes makes laundry hard to do and to put away. 5. Clutter causes us to feel overwhelmed and tired. It zaps our energy. 6. We want peace in our lives and with clutter around there is no peace. Back to the question of the day: Where do I start? Chicken or the egg syndrome once again; do I declutter the flat surfaces or the cubby holes. I have the answer. BOTH! Now don’t get upset! We are not going to do it all at once. I am going to walk you through this one baby step at a time. The reason your flat surfaces are piled high is because you do not have a place for

the items in your hotspot. The easiest way to save time is to have a place for everything and everything in its place. Didn’t your Granny teach you that? Our problem is that we don’t know where to put anything because all of our storage places are cluttered. Here is my story...I had telephone and computer stuff in lots of places. When I needed something I spent a lot of time searching for it. I had to decide where I wanted to keep my geek toys. For me, they had to be easily accessible when I wanted something. I decided that I would keep them in a Rubbermaid sweater bin that would slide under my extra bed. But wait! My memorabilia was in one of those bins and the other one was full of tote bags and zipper bags. Here is what to I had to do. I chose my cedar chest to hold my keepsakes. It had a pillow, two sweaters, a small comforter and other memorabilia; the pillow got donated along with the two sweaters and the comforter is being washed to give to a precious little girl. That made room for the bin of keepsakes. I picked up the bin and just poured it into the cedar chest. I didn’t get

sidetracked by sorting this box of magazines and other papers. That was not my goal. Now the bin was empty. I was still collecting all the geek toys into one place. I took the other Rubbermaid sweater bin and pulled out all the totes and zippered bags, put them all in one bag and decluttered the ones I didn’t like. I placed that in the top of my closet with my other tote bags and purses. Now I had two bins empty. I took the declutter items to the car and put the trash in the garbage can. Now I was ready to start sorting my geek toys into one bin, with my trusty declutter kit right beside me--Give away, Put Away and Throw away. Now the laundry basket is empty. The Rubbermaid bin is labeled and ready to roll under the bed and I have one empty one. As a result of just collecting my geek toys, I have consolidated my memorabilia, my purses and tote bags and I have one empty storage container. Everything having a place and everything in its place makes for a peaceful home. 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 2014 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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1. Have a carpet picnic or tea party. Grab a blanket to lay on the floor (makes it seem like a real picnic plus you save the carpet or floor!). If you have a play tea set, that would work perfectly. If not, just use small cups and plates. We like to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we cut into small pieces or make chocolate chip cookies just for the tea party. You could have the carpet picnic for lunch or dinner for something different and also do a tea party on the same day! 2. Build a fort or set up an indoor tent. Fort-building is a blast! Find some parent-approved sheets and blankets and start scouting out the perfect spot. Drape sheets over a large table for a simple fort or get crazy using chairs, other furniture, couch cushions and more. For easier clean-up, of course, the indoor tent is a good choice and is just as much fun. The kids feel all hidden and cozy and may even want to sleep in there for naptime or bedtime. 3. Draw pictures, create crafts, write or tell stories. This is the perfect time to drag out the craft box full of pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, markers, glitter, glue and more. Older kids might want to make up their own story, illustrate it and – voilá – they have their very own book!

4. Write out plays to act out later or have a talent show. The kids might want to write up a play of their own creation or something mimicking a movie. They’ll have fun coming up with costumes and props and running their lines. They can open up the box office to “sell” tickets, set up the theatre and put on their play for you and your video recorder! 5. Throw a dance party. Sometimes it’s just easy and fun to turn on some music and get goofy. Dance around the house to any kind of music at all. Go up and down the radio dial looking for new songs to move to, or use music you already have loaded onto a computer or iPod set to “shuffle.” 6. Play “store”. Have the kids make their own play money or buy some at a dollar store. Each child can make their own store, and they buy items from each other. Items can include toys they no longer want, trading cards, pictures they have drawn, anything. 7. Set up a cardboard box village. Grocery and other stores often have lots of leftover boxes in all shapes and sizes. Grab a bunch and you have an afternoon of entertainment for the kids. They can decorate the boxes however they like then

set them up as homes or stores or let their imagination run wild! 8. Play hide-and-seek. Simple, but it always works. Kids just love hide-and-seek and can play one-on-one or in teams or one-on-everybody-else. There’s even reverse hide-and-seek, where everybody else hides and one person goes to find them all. The first person found is the next “it”. 9. Bake away the boredom. Whip up a batch of sugar cookie dough and when it’s time to roll those babies out, you know the kids will come runnin’! Cut them out in all shapes and sizes, bake them and later the kids will enjoy frosting and decorating their own creations to take pictures of and eat. 10. Play school. Another classic, but kids always love this one. They can all sit at the dining room table or drag smaller tables out to make desks. The kids take turns playing the teacher, and assignments are given using old worksheets or workbooks or just simply by having the kids draw something for the teacher. If all else fails, put on one of your exercise DVDs and attempt to work out with the kids in the room. They will get a good laugh and you all might get some exercise indoors! MBP Kerrie McLoughlin writes about all things kid at TheKerrieShow.com.

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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. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-6892085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

January/February2014

yahoo.com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251-689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. Parent-Child Worship Service Each Wednesday in January and February, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will offer a new ParentChild Worship Service from 9:15-10:00 a.m. (room E207) for parents and their children ages birth to four-years-old. Relaxed and filled with music, prayer, a Bible story and coloring, this new program is a wonderful opportunity to worship with your precious little ones. The program will be short, and then kids can play while parents enjoy social time. Contact Dauphin Way UMC at 251-471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. The Family Center • Nurturing Parenting (Mobile) course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12wk rotating series. Held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. Call 251-479-5700 to register. • 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 Walmart 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 251-6331987 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 4612438. • 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.

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Family Calendar • 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 advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Saturday, January 18

The Machine – Tribute to Pink Floyd Saenger Theatre. THE MACHINE, America’s top Pink Floyd show, has forged a 25 year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. 8:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Galaxy Painting Workshop – Centre for the Living Arts Students will create their own galaxy paintings in this workshop led by artist Mandy Youngblood. Students will use acrylic paint and other materials on canvas to create a cosmic affect. Inspiration will be drawn from Kenny Scharf’s cosmic cavern and oil paintings of outer space. Students will leave with one painting. All materials included. Registration ends January 14. 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., CLA classroom (301Conti Street). Cost - $25. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Basic Microcontroller Programming Teens, ages 12 and Up. This introductory workshop will introduce participants to arduino microcontrollers and teach them how to program lights to blink. The program is presented by the Mobile Makerspace. Registration required for groups. Place: Moorer/ Springhill Branch. 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org. 14th Annual Panther Pride 5K Run & Panther Prowl Fun Run Come join us at 8:30 at Murphy High School. Please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information.

January/February2014

“Cyrano de Bergerac” – Joe Jefferson Players Joe Jefferson Players present “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Cyrano, a brilliant soldier and intellectual with a rather large nose, believes he is too ugly to be loved. Eloquently expressing his passion for Roxanne in poetry through a handsome, young cadet, he courts his love to humorous and near disastrous results. January 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00 p.m. and January 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com 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.

Sunday, January 19

Jewish Film Festival – January 19-January 23 The Mobile Museum of Art will host the showing of the first film of the 2014 Jewish Film Festival. Matinee and evening screenings of documentary film “Portrait of Wally” will be presented in the MMofA Larkins Auditorium. The festival lasts through January 23 at venues around Mobile and Baldwin County. The complete schedule of films is available online at www. mobilejewishfederation.org. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio – Centre for the Living Arts – Acrylic Painting Deaf and hard of hearing students will experiment with acrylic paint to create several small projects. Students will focus on a variety of techniques, including still life and exploring painting on different surfaces. Inspiration will be drawn from the CLA’s Futures Project exhibit. The class will be led by artist Lucy Gafford with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. Please RSVP by January 15. Free, CLA Classroom at 1:00 p.m. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@ cityofmobile.org to sign up. “Cyrano de Bergerac” – Joe Jefferson Players Joe Jefferson Players present “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Cyrano, a brilliant soldier and intellectual with a rather large nose, believes he is too ugly to be loved. Eloquently expressing his passion for Roxanne in poetry through a handsome, young cadet, he courts his love to humorous and near disastrous results. January 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00 p.m. and January 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information.

Monday, January 20

Drama Camp Productions – Sunny Side Theatre “Little Mermaid Auditions” Auditions will be on January 20 - 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Azalea City for the Performing Arts (63 Midtown Park East). Please call (251) 510-1808 for more information.

Tuesday, January 21

Bingo for Books – Parkway Branch Library Family Fun & Prizes Too! Come join us for Bingo at the Library! Winners can choose a book from our table of gently used and donated books. Light refreshments will be provided. Location: Parkway Branch Library at 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call 470-7766. 5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature-based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is “Turtle’s Race With Beaver” by Joseph Brucha. 10-11 a.m.

Drama Camp Productions – Sunny Side Theatre “Little Mermaid Auditions” See January 20 for more information

Wednesday, January 22

Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Chick-Fil-A Senior Bowl Rally Annually bringing together more than 2,000 attendees - making it the largest FCA Rally at a bowl game in the country - the FCA Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl Rally is always a popular game-week event. In 2013, the crowd was treated to player testimonies, live music and food provided by Chick-fil-A from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event takes place at the Convention Center (1 Water Street). For more information on the FCA Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl rally, you can visit www. southalabamafca.org. Drama Camp Productions – Sunny Side Theatre “Little Mermaid Auditions” See January 20 for more information Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath is the perfect place to bring a friend and spend time among 65 acres of blooms! Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. January 8Winter Garden Walk with Dr. Bill Barrick, Chuck Owens and Barbara Smith from 10:30- 11:30, January 15- “Landscape for Life” with Mary Palmer Dargan from 10:30 – 2:00, January 22 - From Belly Dancers to Dragons: Exoticism in the Bellingrath Collection with Tom McGehee, Curator of the Bellingrath Home from 10:30 – 11:30, January 29 - Birding On the Gulf Coast with Dr. Mark LaSalle from the Pascagoula River Audubon Center from 10:30- 11:30. Call (251) 9732217 ext. 110 for reservations. Pre-K Studio – Space 301 Pre-K Studio is a weekly program that allows children ages 3-5 and their parents 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. CLA Classroom Wednesdays, Jan. 8 – June 11. 11 a.m. - 12 noon. To learn more, please contact Brennan Gibson, Education Program Manager at (251) 208-5658 or cla.gibson@ cityofmobile.org.

Thursday, January 23

Art 4850 Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. the museum offers free admission to all visitors. Join the Mobile Museum of art each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. No reservations necessary. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com to view specific details for each week. Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive).

Friday, January 24

Senior Bowl – Coca Cola Meet the Players One of the highlights of Senior Bowl week - for fans and players - is the Coca Cola Meet the Players event. Held each Friday of Senior Bowl week, fans get to interact, get an autograph and snap a picture with their favorite player at the Exhibit Hall of the Mobile Convention Center (1 Water Street). Fans often line up early in the morning for the event, which runs from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. each year. The event is divided into two sessions, the first from 3:00-4:30 p.m. and the second from 4:30-6:00 p.m. More information on the two sessions, including when specific players will be attending the event, will be available at seniorbowl.com on the Thursday before the Meet the Players event.

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Family Calendar Al.com –Press Register Senior Bowl Experience Before thousands of fans pose for pictures with players during the Coca Cola Meet the Players event, they can enjoy several interactive displays, special activities and one-of-a-kind entertainment. There are plenty of interactive displays from the New Orleans Saints, Under Armour, Coca-Cola and AT&T, plus games for the kids. And, after fans are finished meeting the players, they can stay and continue the fun as the Senior Bowl Experience goes until 7:00 p.m at The Convention Center (1 Water Street) “Cyrano de Bergerac” – Joe Jefferson Players Joe Jefferson Players present “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Cyrano, a brilliant soldier and intellectual with a rather large nose, believes he is too ugly to be loved. Eloquently expressing his passion for Roxanne in poetry through a handsome, young cadet, he courts his love to humorous and near disastrous results. January 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00 p.m. and January 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information.

Saturday, January 25

Food for Less Tailgate Party Passes for this party behind the East stands are limited to the first 3,500 fans that purchase tickets to the game. To receive a free pass to the Food for Less Tailgate Party from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., fans must purchase a ticket to the Senior Bowl. Fans will receive one free pass per ticket purchased. Passes are available at all Food For Less locations and the Senior Bowl ticket office in downtown Mobile, located at 151 Dauphin Street. In addition to free food and drink, tailgate partygoers will enjoy inflatable activities, face painters, clowns, interactives provided by the United States Marine Corps and the Coca-Cola Family Festival game trailer. American Masters: Leonard Bernstein Continuing our American Masters’ project that began last year with George Gershwin, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra will explore the works of American composer Leonard Bernstein, beginning with Bernstein’s Overture from the operetta “Candide”. This will be followed by the elegant “Serenade” performed by guest violinist Adele Anthony, and then move to a lively second half with Michael Daugherty’s “Desi”, and the mesmerizing “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story”. Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim Street). January 25 8:00 PM/January 26 2:30 PM. Please visit www.mobilesymphony.org for more information. Let’s Have a Parade! Mini Floats & Moon Pies Calling all children – We will make mini Mardi Gras floats and parade around the Library. Registration required for groups. Location: Springhill/Moorer Branch at 10:30 a.m. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@ mplonline.org. Peace at Bellingrath 5K Come join the race at beautiful Bellingrath Gardens at 8:00 a.m. This year’s race will benefit The Mobile Inner City Mission- a non-profit organization that is there for many different populations and groups. Funding has been cut so badly that the leadership is wondering what they can do. They can depend on the awesomeness of this entire area. Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Alabama Snakes Alabama is home to over 40 species of snakes. Many people are not comfortable being around snakes, but they are a vital part of our wildlife and play key roles in the environment. They are also important in medical research, and may hold the chemical key needed to cure and treat many common human ailments. Come learn how a snake can save your life one day, and meet some of our legless, scaly neighbors. 1 - 2 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Senior Bowl Join us for the Senior Bowl game at 3:00 p.m. at Ladd Peebles Stadium. For more information, please visit www.seniorbowl.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

January/February2014

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. Time: 11:00am12:00pm in the CLA classroom (301 Conti Street). Please visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more information or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. “Cyrano de Bergerac” – Joe Jefferson Players Joe Jefferson Players present “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Cyrano, a brilliant soldier and intellectual with a rather large nose, believes he is too ugly to be loved. Eloquently expressing his passion for Roxanne in poetry through a handsome, young cadet, he courts his love to humorous and near disastrous results. January 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00 p.m. and January 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com 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.

Sunday, January 26

Meet the Author – Craig Johnson Come meet Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the “Walt Longmire Mystery” series. Johnson’s series is the basis for Longmire, the hit A&E-TV original drama and highest-rated scripted program in A&E’s history. Mr. Johnson will discuss his work and share his thoughts as to the future of screenwriting and publishing. This program is sponsored by the Centre for the Living Arts and the Mobile Public Library, and made possible through the funding of the Ben May Charitable Trust. Place: Ben/ May Library at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call (251) 208-7097. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free familyfriendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, explore the quirky personalities and habits of parrots, and the world they share with humans in “Parrot Confidential.” 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. “Cyrano de Bergerac” – Joe Jefferson Players Joe Jefferson Players present “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Cyrano, a brilliant soldier and intellectual with a rather large nose, believes he is too ugly to be loved. Eloquently expressing his passion for Roxanne in poetry through a handsome, young cadet, he courts his love to humorous and near disastrous results. January 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00 p.m. and January 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. American Masters: Leonard Bernstein See January 25 for more information.

Tuesday, January 28

Cuisine for Kids Cuisine for Kids is annual fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from that day to the CAC. For more information, please visit www.cacmobile.org.

Thomas Rowell – Faculty recital USA Faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr S). Cost- General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please call (251) 460-6136 or visit www. southalabama.edu/music.

Wednesday, January 29

Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath is the perfect place to bring a friend and spend time among 65 acres of blooms! Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $ 6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. January 8Winter Garden Walk with Dr. Bill Barrick, Chuck Owens and Barbara Smith from 10:30- 11:30, January 15- “Landscape for Life” with Mary Palmer Dargan from 10:30 – 2:00, January 22 - From Belly Dancers to Dragons: Exoticism in the Bellingrath Collection with Tom McGehee, Curator of the Bellingrath Home from 10:30 – 11:30, January 29 - Birding On the Gulf Coast with Dr. Mark LaSalle from the Pascagoula River Audubon Center from 10:30- 11:30. Call (251) 9732217 ext. 110 for reservations. Pre-K Studio – Space 301 See January 22 for more information.

Thursday, January 30

Faculty Recital – Oboist Rebecca Mindcock Faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr S). Cost: General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please call (251) 460-6136 or visit www. southalabama.edu/music.

Friday, January 31

Project Homeless Connect The Mobile Project Homeless Connect is scheduled for 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The location for this one day service fair for the homeless will be the Civic Center in downtown Mobile. Mobile Project Homeless Connect is designed to provide medical services, legal assistance, dental and vision screenings, along with access to housing assistance and main stream resources (food stamps, state ID’s, Social Security Cards, etc…). This community event will bring Government Agencies, Academia, Health Care Facilities, Faith Based Organizations, Transportation, Law Enforcement/ Court, United Way, and Businesses, Work Force Development and other Nonprofits agencies, together to provide needed services at no cost to the homeless in our community. Golf at The Grounds Expo The Gulf Coast’s ONLY Golf Expo. The Gulf Coast has long been known for its exceptional golf and the golf expo provides an exciting opportunity to connect golfers with exhibitors and sponsors from around the country. The expo will also include putting contests, closest to the pin and longest drive contests, and instructional sessions from local pros. With over 45,000 square feet of exhibition space this event promises to be a superb golf experience for all that attend. Hosted at The Grounds, a 100 acre yearround event venue, Golf at The Grounds is a must-see destination for everyone from hardcore golfers to weekend warriors. This event takes place at 1035 North Cody Road (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds) Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Friday 1 - 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 9 p.m. - 3 p.m. Please visit www. thegroundsmobile.com for more information.

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Family Calendar Saturday, February 1

1st Saturdays For Families Explore art in a program for kids ages 3 and up together with their adults each month. Interact with other artists and draw inspiration from the museum’s collection and exhibitions as you make your own work of art and learn about old and new artistic processes. Open to those of all levels of experience, interested in exploring different types of art making. This program is provided to all museum guests with paid admission or free to members with reservation. Theme for today: Draw Up To Draw Down, Masterworks From The Beaverbrook Art Gallery AND Material Imaginings. Doodles help meetings go by fast. So well-drawn doodles should help them go by even faster. To go beyond sketching stick figures and drawing along notebook paper margins, experience the depth of figure drawing led by our museum educators. All materials included. Reserve your spot today by calling (251) 208-5205. Krewe de la Dauphine Parade Come join us for a parade on Dauphin Island at 1 p.m. Golf at The Grounds – The Gulf Coast’s only Golf Expo See January 31 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See January 25 for more information.

Sunday, February 2

Calefax Reed Quintet Join us at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Dr. S) at 2 p.m. for the Calefax Reed Quintet. Transcription of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Mobile Chamber Music. For more information, please call 251-476-or visit www.mobilechambermusic.org. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, walk in the footsteps of the WASPs, or Women American Service Pilots during WWII in, “American Experience: Fly Girls.” For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook! Camellia Day and blooms-Mini Camellia Show It is all about the Camellia at Bellingrath Gardens and Home from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring their prized Camellia blossoms to the Magnolia

January/February2014

Café to display in the Mini Camellia Show. Containers will be provided by the Camellia Club of South Alabama. Members will also be available to answer questions and identify blossoms. Admission to the Mini Camellia Show is free. Regular admission applies for garden tours. Golf at The Grounds – The Gulf Coast’s only Golf Expo See January 31 for more information.

Tuesday, February 4

5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10 - 11 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is “Mole Music” by David McPhail. For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers. com or find us on Facebook! 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook!

Wednesday, February 5 Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens See January 22 for more information. Pre-K Studio – Space 301 See January 22 for more information.

Thursday, February 6 Art 4850 See January 23 for more information.

Friday, February 7 “The Sound of Music” The Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents the “Sound of Music” on February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15,

and 16 (Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.) With unforgettable Rodgers & Hammerstein music, “The Sound of Music” tells and grand tale of love, loyalty and courage. Musical favorites include the title song, “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and the children’s charming “So Long, Farewell.” Join us as we bring back this CCT favorite. Please visit www. cctshows.com for more information. Mobile Boat Show In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are lots of special events for the whole family to enjoy! This year’s show will feature the Fetch-n-Fish dog show and seminars, the Saltwater Sportsman Association will have seminars on Saturday and the Alabama Coastal Fishing Association will have seminars on Sunday. Look for their posted schedules in the seminar room. Don’t forget to try your luck in the Trout Pond for a small donation to Camp Rap-A-Hope, and enjoy the Alabama Marine Resources touch tanks and Dauphin Island Sea Lab all weekend. The Fish’n Fever Bass Tournament weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday at 3:30 and the Coast Guard air/sea rescue Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Mobile River. There’s a lot to see and do so we hope you enjoy this year’s show! $8. Hours: Friday noon - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Please visit www.gulfcoastshows.com/mobile-boat-show for more information. MSO Rocks! Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles It’s the Beatles like you’ve never heard them beforetotally live and with the Mobile Symphony-for one night only! More than just a rock concert, this show presents some 30 Beatles’ tunes, including “Penny Lane,” “Yesterday,” ”I Am the Walrus” and more. Saenger Theatre at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call the Mobile Symphony Box Office at (251) 4322010 or visit www.mobilesymphony.org for more information.

Saturday, February 8

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk Come out and join us for Mobile’s inaugural Get Your Rear in Gear run or walk. The Get Your Rear in Gear

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Family Calendar events focus on raising awareness about colon cancer in communities across the country. They are events designed to unite people, cities and states throughout the USA; to provide support and hope for those who have had their lives affected by our nation’s second leading cause of cancer deaths, and to encourage individuals of all ages to get screened. This event takes place at The Grounds (1035 Cody Road North) at 8 a.m. To register or for more information about this event, please visit www.getyourrearingear.com. Sew & Tell – Springhill/Moorer Branch Visit with friends and learn to sew simple projects. Today’s project is making Heart paper clip bookmarks. Registration is required for groups. 10:30 a.m. at Springhill Moorer Branch Library. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org. The Island Mystics Parade The Island Mystics Parade will be at 1:00 p.m. on Dauphin Island. “The Sound of Music” See February 7 for more information. Mobile Boat Show See February 7 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See January 25 for more information.

Sunday, February 9

The Biggest Loser RunWalk Mobile Half Marathon/5k/ Kids 1 Mile Fun Run A race for all fitness levels, whether you are ready to set a personal record or this is your first race, come join us at The Biggest Loser RunWalk! Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following: The Biggest Loser Finisher’s Medal; Commemorative Technical T-Shirt; Drawstring Backpack; Chip-Timed Race for Runners and Those Tracking Personal Goals; Free Downloadable Race Photos; Award Divisions for Runners and Walkers; Celebrity Appearances; Hydration Stations with Water/Sports Drinks Along the Course and Food at the Finish Line; Finish Line Festival Entertainment by Billboard Chart Topping Artist; Former Biggest Loser Season 5 Contestant, Dan Evans; Last but not least, a Truly Inspirational and Unforgettable Experience. Location: Across the street from the Gulf Coast Emporium Science Center. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, please visit www.biggestloserrunwalk.com. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, an animal we take for granted is actually highly intelligent. Find out just how clever they are in the PBS special, “Murder of Crows”. For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook! “The Sound of Music” See February 7 for more information. Mobile Boat Show See February 7 for more information.

Tuesday, February 11

Archduke Piano Trio with Violist Brian Brown: Famous Piano Quarters Archduke Piano Trio will play at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr S). General admission $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). For more information, please call (251) 460-6136 or visit www.southalabama.edu/music. Centre for the Living Arts - Pre-K Studio and K Studio at West Regional Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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help children create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature. This month’s project is Abstract Paintings. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. Pre-K Studio (ages 3-5) 10 a.m. K Studio (ages 6-12) 3:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at 340-8571. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6 - 7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Audubon Society. For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook!

Wednesday, February 12 Workshop: Art as a Business Instructor: Marc Willson (retail consultant, Virginia Small Business Development Center). Topics include selling your art, defining your collector, merchandising basics, marketing, and creating a social media presence. Presented by the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network in partnership with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Center of South Alabama, with the participation of the Centre for the Living Arts and Mobile Arts Council. 9 – 11 a.m. Centre for the Living Arts (301 Conti St) for a one-on-one consultation with Marc for Wednesday afternoon (1 – 5 p.m.) or Thursday morning (10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.). For more information, please call (251) 460-6078. Kids Studio – Centre for the Living Arts – Toulminville Branch Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6 - 12 create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature at 3:30 p.m. This month’s project is Abstract Paintings. Space and materials are limited. For more information or to register, please call 438-7075. Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens See January 22 for more information. Pre-K Studio – Space 301 See January 22 for more information.

Thursday, February 13

Craig Morgan Concert Huka Entertainment presents Craig Morgan live at Saenger Mobile at 8:30 p.m. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Kids Studio – Centre for the Living Arts – Ben May Main Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6 - 12 create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature at 4 p.m. This month’s project is Abstract Paintings. Space and materials are limited. For more information or to register, please call 208-7086. Love Your Heart Mini Health Fair In observance of Heart Month heart care specialists will offer free information, blood pressure checks, free cholesterol screenings and body fat assessments with a tour of Springhill Athletic Club. For the free cholesterol screening you must fast after midnight the night before. 8-10:30 a.m. Heart Center Lobby (3715 Dauphin Street). Art 4850 See January 23 for more information.

Friday, February 14

LoDa Artwalk 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. The ArtWalk gets better and better each month. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the lower Dauphin district.

Conde Cavalier Parade Mobile Mardi Gras season starts with the Conde Cavalier parade at 6:30 on route A. “The Sound of Music” See February 7 for more information.

Saturday, February 15

18th Annual “Battle of Mobile Bay 5K Race” The Battle of Mobile Bay 5K Race is sponsored by the Port City Pacer’s and takes place at Dauphin Island. A cannon blast at 9 a.m. will begin the race, the course of which will wind through the island and finish back at the fort, where an awards ceremony will take place. The Battle of the Bay race is one of the area’s most popular races, with some 300 runners expected to participate and it is also a major fundraiser for the preservation of the Fort Gaines. The resident Blacksmith will be demonstrating his craft all day in the Fort’s original Blacksmith Shop. For more information, please visit www.pcpacers.org. Order of Rolling River Parade The Order of Rolling River parade takes place on DIP at 2:00 p.m. Bayport Parading Society Parade The Bayport Parading Society parade takes place on route A at 2:00 p.m. Pharaohs, Order of Hebe, Conde Explorers Parade Parades start at 6:30 p.m. on Route A. Gov’t Mule Concert Huka Entertainment presents Gov’t Mule live at Saenger Mobile! Few bands have a reputation for making music as consistently honest, organic and daring as Gov’t Mule. The Gov’t Mule Concert starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street). Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Great Backyard Bird Count with University of South Alabama’s Joel Borden Early Birders Unite! Join Joel Borden at 5 Rivers to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The GBBC is an event that joins people of all ages from all over the world to get a snapshot of where birds are and what kind are there. You can help! Bring your binoculars and favorite birding book, and wear good walking shoes. 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Free, Best for ages 12 and older, Registration Requested. For more information, please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook! Wildlife Photography Class with Kathy Hicks Wildlife Photography Class from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free, Age 12 and older, bring your camera. Join us for a free wildlife & nature photography workshop from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. 5 Rivers photography guru, Kathy Hicks, will cover the basics of what to shoot and how to shoot it. Weather permitting, the instruction will be followed by a short field trip along the 5 Rivers Trails. Age 12 and older please, and bring your camera! “The Sound of Music” See February 7 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See January 25 for more information.

Sunday, February 16

Great Backyard Bird Count for Younglings This one is for the Youngling Birders! Join 5 Rivers staff to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The GBBC is an event that joins people of all ages from all over the world to get a snapshot of where birds are and what kind are there. You and your children can help! We will be making our own binoculars, talking about some common birds found around 5 Rivers, then heading out on the trail

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Family Calendar to see what we can find! Ages 3-10. Registration requested, free. 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond from 2:00-2:30 p.m. Free 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, watch Nature’s “The Wolf That Changed America” about a bounty hunter hired in the late 1800’s to hunt down a wolf pack. In this vivid retelling of the story, the confrontation between hunter and hunted comes alive, and we discover how, together, one man and one wolf set in motion a change in American hearts and minds that is still unfolding today. Academy Award-winner F. Murray Abraham narrates. For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook! “The Sound of Music” See February 7 for more information.

Tuesday, February 18

5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is “Secret Pizza Party” by Alan Robin. For more information, please visit www. Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook!

Wednesday, February 19 Buddy Guy and Johnny Lang Concert

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Concert at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim Street). Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens See January 22 for more information. Pre-K Studio – Space 301 See January 22 for more information.

Thursday, February 20

Lecture-An Evening In History Come join Historic Mobile Preservation Society at the Oakleigh Historic Homes for our monthly educational program An Evening In History. Linda Derry, director of the Old Cahawba Historic Park will be our guest speaker. Linda will share information with us and discuss their efforts to assemble descendants of Old Cahawba. 6:00 p.m. at Oakleigh Historic Complex (300 Oakleigh Place). Art 4850 See January 23 for more information.

Friday, February 21

“All My Sons” Play Joe Keller, a businessman in W.W. II serves as the central character in this classic play which places social responsibility in conflict with American profit motive. Often described as a play of extraordinary power and emotional depth this play is timeless in our own time which has seen more than its fair share of war. Show dates: February 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.; February 23 at 2:00 p.m. presented by Theatre USA at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/drama.

Saturday, February 22

Family Friendly Mardi Gras – Mobile Museum of Art Parade goers can leave their jackets and raincoats at home and enjoy a weatherproof Mardi Gras procession through the galleries at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). The annual Family-Friendly Mardi Gras held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a mini parade complete with marching band through the museum galleries and a variety of Mardi Gras-related programs and art activities for the whole family. Admission to the event is free, and guests are encouraged to dress up for a chance to win the costume contest. The Family-Friendly Mardi Gras event begins with a people-powered procession through the museum galleries. Parade goers will be showered with throws from costumed revelers in the Grand Lakefront Lobby. Guests can also take part in a variety of art activities for the whole family such as creating mini-floats, mask decorating, or crafting “Throw-me-somethin’ Mister” signs. There will also be a costume contest where participants can win prizes for the best Mardi Gras outfit. The Mobile Museum of Art’s Family Friendly Mardi Gras event is an exploration of the creativity, art and imagination that are fundamental traditions of Mardi Gras in Mobile. Admission to the event is free to all. For questions about participating in the parade, contact Howard McPhail, at 251.208.5205 or email to Howard.McPhail@MobileMuseumOfArt.com. “All My Sons” Play See February 21 for more information.

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Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See January 25 for more information.

Sunday, February 23

Neptune’s Daughters, Order of Isis Parade Parades start at 6:30 p.m. on route A. Jasper String Quartet Mobile Chamber Music concert at 3:00 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Dr S). For more information, please visit www.mobilechambermusic.org. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2 - 2:30 p.m. Free. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week, it’s all about grizzlies in Nature’s “Bears of the Last Frontier: City of Bears.” For more information, please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or find us on Facebook! “All My Sons” Play See February 21 for more information.

Monday, February 24 Order of Venus Parade Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A.

Tuesday, February 25 Night of the Classical Masters Featuring the 40-voice Concert Chorale with a professional orchestra. University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts/ School of Music and School of Worship Leadership at 7:00 p.m. at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church. $5.00. Please visit www.umobile.edu or call (251) 442-2383 for more information. Order of LaShe’s Parade Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A.

Wednesday, February 26 Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens See January 22 for more information. Pre-K Studio – Space 301 See January 22 for more information.

Thursday, February 27 Mystic Stripers Society Parade Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. Art 4850 See January 23 for more information. “All My Sons” Play See February 21 for more information.

Friday, February 28 Crewe of Columbus Parade Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. “All My Sons” Play See February 21 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. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

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Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at The Adventures in Math and Science summer camp at the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile, AL. Learn while you have fun! Kayak Mobile Bay. Design a maze. Build a smart phone app. Solve a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Learn how to make jewelry. Build a robot. Launch a rocket...and much more! Who can enroll? Students entering the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net. This year, AIMS will run for two sessions! Session 1 (June 9-13) is an overnight or day camp. Session 2 (June 16-20) is an overnight or day camp.

TuiTion Tuition for overnight camp is $375 per week and is all-inclusive. Tuition for day camp is $275 and includes lunch. The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1 and 2 is an additional $175 (includes trip to water park).

CourSe Sampling ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Painting, Ballet, Codes and Ciphers, Legend of the Vampire, CSI: Mobile, Flag Football, Colorguard, Taekwondo, Weight Training, Rock and Roll History, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Shakespeare’s Comedies, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Mobile History, Rocketry, Origami, Star Trek History, Superheroes, Frankenstein Monster, Light Metals and Enameling, Creative Nonfiction Essays, and many more.

1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • admissions@asms.net 55

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The Legend of Hercules

The Nut Job

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: C Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Legend of Hercules PG-13 for sequences of intense combat action and violence, and for some sensuality. This origin story of Hercules, the half-man/half-god character, begins with Grecian soldiers storming the city of Argos. King Amphitryon (played by Scott Adkins) has been conquering around the known world and decides to impress his wife by taking the city. So he challenges the Argos King to a one-on-one fight. When Amphitryon wins he returns to his wife, Alcmene (played by Roxanne McKee), but as usual she is less than enthusiastic with his accomplishment. The couple disagrees on much, especially religion. While Alcmene believes in the gods, her husband does not. One night while Alcmene is praying to Hera, the goddess appears to the queen to test her and see if she will be a good mother. After she is satisfied, she tells Alcmene that Zeus will come to visit her. The child the god makes in her womb is to be named Hercules. Yet just as the unseen Zeus is leaving the bedchamber, Amphitryon enters and is jealous with rage. When the child does arrive, the angry Amphitryon decides the boy shall never be the equal of his older brother. Twenty years later finds the two siblings coming of age. King Amphitryon is still powerful and Queen Alcmene is still praying to her gods. Hercules (played by Kellan Lutz) and Hebe, the Princess of Crete, (played by Gaia Weiss), have fallen in love and hope to be married. When the pair returns to a feast that is being held to honor Crete, Amphitryon betroths Hercules’ brother Iphicles (played by Liam Garrigan) to Hebe instead. Although the lovers try to flee, they are caught and brought back to the King. Amphitryon then sends Hercules away to control a rebellion in Egypt -making secret plans to ensure the young prince does not return. This clumsily constructed film features dialogue that does not work in some places (the audience should not be laughing at a love scene). The love story does not feel authentic, and ends up within a makeshift bedroom built in a thicket. Both characters are covered by sheets, but the real show seems to be Lutz’s muscular (and of course shirtless) physique. We do see a lot of Hebe’s skin, too. The movie contains some violence as well, undoubtedly intended to attract male viewers. The 3-D effects are not great, even when the action gets fast. Some of the characters’ names make it difficult to follow the plot, plus there is not much taken from the actual stories of Hercules. The demigod does kill the Nemean Lion in the film, but none of his other acts of bravery are represented! It seems they wanted to provide a good date movie with love and action to appeal to both genders. Unfortunately, trying to please that bigger audience hurts the film and will probably end up not pleasing very many at all.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Nut Job PG for mild action and rude humor. You can expect plenty of “nut” jokes in this script. Thankfully, most of them don’t refer to male anatomy. There’s also loads of cartoon violence, including explosions, punching, smashing and even guns that are fired at the forest critters. But for the eight and older crowd who can keep up with the complexities of the script and the huge cast, The Nut Job is a mildly entertaining diversion. At the center of the story is Surly (voice by Will Arnett), a testy tree squirrel who lives up to his moniker. He only thinks about himself--particularly when it comes to food. He even mistreats Buddy (voice by Robert Tinkler), a scrawny rat that is the only animal willing to put up with the cantankerous rodent. The opening scenes of the story feel like something straight out of A Bug’s Life with the city park animals scrounging for enough nuts and scrapes to get them through the winter. Their leader Raccoon (voice by Liam Neeson) oversees the storage of the nuts inside a huge oak tree. When Surly refuses to help add to the stash and mistakenly sends their storage up in flames, he is banished from the park and forced to live on the mean city streets. There he’s chased by a pack of scummy sewer rats, almost run over in traffic and kicked by an irate pedestrian all within the first few minutes of landing in the city. But just when things start to look really bad, he stumbles upon a gold mine--Maury’s Nut Store. Unfortunately the establishment is owned by a mafia boss using it as a front to rob a bank. However, that doesn’t stop Surly from planning his own heist. Surly’s attempts to redeem himself and earn his way back into the good graces of his friends could have been enough storyline for this animation that is clearly aimed at a young audience. But the scriptwriters choose to add an additional plot line that turns the forest creatures against one another and makes it hard to know who to trust. All these twists make it difficult for young children to follow, and even a few adults will likely feel like they’re being subjected to a big screen version of the shell game. While the animation and 3D effects will hold your attention, at least for a while, some families may choose to wait until The Nut Job hits video store shelves.

What Parents need to know about The Legend of Hercules...

What Parents need to know about The Nut Job...

Violence: Many over-the-top sequences. Hand-to-hand combat shows soldiers killing each other. Scenes depict an underground movement fighting the establishment, with the losers dying in battle. Multiple portrayals of gladiator-type battles, including one that pits a single man against six unbeaten champions. Weapons are used to maim and kill (no blood is shown). People are crushed by stones that a character is using for weapons. Two men are branded after they are captured. A woman stabs herself to kill the person behind her. Some supernatural weapons are employed to defeat armies. A father and son battle each other. Sexual Content: It is implied a god impregnates a woman (Zeus is not seen, but she is shown in bed writhing and moaning). Two lovers are swimming together -although both are clothed, the man is shirtless. A woman’s wet clothes cling to her body. An unmarried couple, covered by sheets, kiss as they roll around together. At one point, the woman lifts up and reveals much of her body from the side. Language: No expletives noted. A woman’s virtue is asked about. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2014

Violence: A girl punches a man in the stomach and kicks him after yelling at him. Characters are accused of stealing and cheating. An animal is hit and then smashed by a falling brick. A bird is hit by a bus. Characters are frequently smashed, hit, punched, slapped, choked and electrocuted. A character lights a stick of dynamite and an explosion follows causing lots of damage to the animals’ home. A character falls over a waterfall and appears to be dead. Characters are chased and attacked by other animals. A man attempts to shoot animals with his gun. Characters are caught in traps. Sexual Content: An animal couple kisses and cuddles briefly. Some infrequent references to bodily functions are included. Language: The script contains some rude humor and brief crude comments, particularly about male anatomy. Brief name-calling is also included. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

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Third timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the charm!

. take d e t c s t hr e t o r p e e do s y l l u f es of the H P V vacc ine to be HPV causes cervical cancer and many other cancers in men and women. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at age 11-12 to prevent cancers and diseases later in life. For those not yet vaccinated, the vaccine is recommended through age 21 for boys and age 26 for girls. The ADPH encourages you to pair the first dose of the HPV vaccine with the required 6th grade vaccinations (TDAP/Meningococcal) The vaccine is available at ALL County Health Departments at little or no cost to children ages 9 to 18. Dependents up to age 26 may be covered by their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; insurance.

Get in the loop and learn about the HP V vaccine! /CANCERCONTROL

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