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Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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July2015

Volume 5 Number 2

Columns

Mom of the Month 6

Living With Children John Rosemond

When Your Toddler Says NO!

Growing Up Online

Advice for handling that dreaded word you hear all too often.

Kids Health Watch

Finding apps to beat the summer learning slump.

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Basic Facts About Diabetes Between 1990-2005 there was a staggering 23% increase in the number of Diabetic patients diagnosed in the United States. This month, I wanted to take some time to discuss some basic facts about this life-altering disease. There are three types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Type I DM, Type II DM, and Gestational DM. For some time, it was thought Type I DM was the only form to worry about in children. However, now we have seen increased frequency of Type II DM in a younger population, so we will examine these two types of Diabetes a little more in-depth. Type I DM is an autoimmune disorder caused by irreversible destruction of islet cells in the pancreas. Once this occurs, the part of the pancreas that makes insulin for the entire body is destroyed. Insulin helps every cell in the body obtain glucose (sugar) and turn it into a usable energy source. Without insulin, the cells in every organ in your body run out of energy and cannot work properly. This is why most people are very sick when they are first diagnosed with Type I DM. Here are a few symptoms to look for that may be indicative of of Type I DM: Sudden increase in urination. This occurs because the body has increased glucose floating around in the blood which makes the kidneys create more urine.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Increased thirst and hunger. This is common because the cells in the body think that there is a shortage of glucose, since none is available to be used for energy. Weight loss. This occurs because the cells are losing energy. Any of all of these symptoms may progress very quickly over a matter of days, to the point that a child may be vomiting and lethargic. Type I DM currently accounts for approximately 10% of cases of DM, and can occur in children as young 2-years. Type II DM, which accounts for the remaining 90% of cases, is a more gradual process that results from increased insulin resistance. This means the pancreas works, but is becoming overworked because the patient is eating to many sugary or high-carbohydrate foods. If the body cannot rid itself of glucose fast enough, and if the cells do not immediately need all of that glucose, it is stored in fat cells. As this process gradually becomes overwhelmed, there may be a larger amount of glucose floating around in the bloodstream at any given time. At one point, Type II DM was commonly diagnosed after permanent kidney and eye damage had taken place, but using blood test to screen overweight patients allows for much earlier diagnosis now. Not long ago, Type II DM was found exclusively in adults. However, it has now been

diagnosed in children as young as 7 years old due to increased childhood obesity. It is important to limit sugary drinks and foods and encourage active lifestyles to try and prevent Type II DM. As I mentioned before, we have seen a large increase in Diabetes over recent decades. Physicians are unsure as to why there has been an increase in Type I DM, but we know that the number of Type II DM patients continues to rise due to the changes in our diets. Since we know early stages of Type II DM can be successfully treated with weight loss, this is an area many pediatricians are focusing on by discussing healthier lifestyles earlier. As a parent, it is important to know the signs for Type I DM to have your pediatrician screen for Type II DM if your child is overweight.

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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CountyRecognized Schools St. PaulAutauga 7th Grader at Duke T.I.P.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Recognition Ceremony

As 7th graders, 14 St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal School students scored in the upper 50th percentile on the ACT test: Lucas Batten, Emily Counselman, David Hantouche, Anna Holland, Robert Ledoux, Catherine Little, Katharine Mackin, Matthew Morgan, Henry Morrissette, Anne Mullins, Lilli Neff, Anne Katherine Scott, Miles Willman, Rebecca Wilson. Rebecca Wilson was recognized at The Grand Recognition Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the 2,230 talent search participants who scored in the top 3 percent on the ACT or SAT. The ceremony was held at Cameron Indoor Stadium on the Duke University campus.

Little Flower Catholic School Participates in Coastal Kids Quiz

Students in Ms. Alesa Weiskopf's fifth grade class at Little Flower Catholic School competed in the 14thAnnual Coastal Kids Quiz, which is sponsored by The Project Conservation Action Through Education Foundation and the Alabama Coastal Foundation. Fourteen schools from Mobile and Baldwin Counties were tested on their knowledge of local coastal resources, water and wildlife. Team members included (L to R) Karen Tran, Laila Rackley, GiGi Gardner, and Abby Grosvenor.

Mary G. Montgomery Goes to Spain

Five Mary G. Montgomery High School students and a trip sponsor spent their 2015 Spring Break touring some of the most beautiful and historic churches, cathedrals, museums and architectural landmarks of Spain. Cities visited included Sitges, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Malaga, Costa Del Sol, Sevilla (Seville), Cordoba, Toledo, and Madrid. Some of the highlights were the Christopher Columbus monument pointing southeast to India, not the New World to the west; three Picasso museums; La Alhambra in Granada; Sevilla Cathedral; Cordoba Cathedral; Prado Museum in Madrid; and a Real Madrid soccer game. A trip is planned for June 2016 touring the major World War II locations in Western Europe, including a stop on Normandy Beach one week after the 72nd anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Pictured are Aleesha Cruz, Gavin Myers, Laurel Aughtman, Melissa Chan, and Shannon Parker stopping in Barcelona to sample paella.

Area Students Receive Scholarships for Completing Leadership Program

We would like to congratulate our 1st ever Graduating class of T.A.L.L. students. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship for their efforts in completing our Leadership program. Classes began January 6th and Graduation was April 1st. These students complete over 500 hours of community service and they were able to receive individual Mentors from the local Businessmen and Woman in our community. These students were selected from an application process and chosen from their grade point averages at school, their leadership qualities and essays that they submitted upon registration. We are proud to announce Rich Surgenor from Cottage Hill Christian Academy, Desiraye McKeel from Theodore High School, Andrew Clark from Bryant High School, Karla Silva from Theodore High School, Madison Box and Zack Bartel from Faith Academy. These students represented their schools and families to the highest level of integrity Upon completion of this program each student was responsible for attending field trips, planning a community wide clean-up, bringing in sponsors for food and t-shirts for clean-up and attending leadership workshops with their Mentors. We are accepting new students for the upcoming school year and deadline is August 30, 2015. You can contact SouthWest Mobile County Chamber for more information (251) 666-2488. 17

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Autauga County Schools

St. Mary Catholic School Class of 2011 Graduates from High School!

St. Mary Parish welcomed back the St. Mary Catholic School Class of 2011 who are now graduates of high school and the newest alumni of their high school class of 2015. Many of the students were honored at their high schools for their academics and service and received thousands of dollars in scholarships to colleges and universities around the country. St. Mary wishes them well in the next chapter in their lives.

St. Pius X Inducts New Members into National Junior Honor Society

St. Pius X School inducted 11 new members into the National Junior Honor Society at Mass on Friday, May 1. The new members were honored at a reception, given by their fellow NJHS members, immediately following the induction ceremony.

Covenant Christian School Outreach Group Visits Homestead Village

J 1:7, a dynamic outreach group from Covenant Christian School in Mobile, recently performed for the residents at Homestead Village of Fairhope. Their show included a variety of musical styles including Blue Grass, Patriotic and Religious pieces. Pictured: Abby Wentland, Meg Hannan, Mason Kendall, Camille Tims and Stephanie Tuomisto with Homestead Village residents.

St. Paul’s Community Service Department Puts Finishing Touches on Successful Year

St. Paul’s Episcopal School is dedicated to serving the Mobile and South Alabama community. Beginning in PreK, each class at St. Paul’s has a designated service concentration. Students complete projects throughout the school year that will boost their philanthropy’s focus. The number of service hours required for a St. Paul’s graduate is 60 hours. The St. Paul’s Class of 2015 contributed a grand total of 13,500 hours of volunteer service which is worth $276,750. Alabama’s value of a volunteer hour is $20.50 averaging to 135 community service hours per Senior. We are so proud of our Saints who go above and beyond what is expected of them and understand that service matters. This skill will surely follow them to college and into the workforce. To learn more about the on-going Community Service program at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, contact Leslie Lerner, Director of Community Service at LLerner@stpaulsmobile.net.

Knollwood Christian School 8th Grade Graduation

Congratulations to our 8th grade graduates at Knollwood Christian School. We are very proud of you! Special congratulations to our Valedictorian, Bethany Klussman and Salutatorian, Rachel Huntley. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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St. Ignatius Recognizes Students That Exemplify Service

Each year St. Ignatius recognizes 2 students with the Skeeter Diehl Catholic Charities Award. These two students exemplify service in their communities and are given an award in honor of Ms. Skeeter Diehl. Pictured are the winners with Ms. Diehl: Mary Olivette Bookman and Bay Cummings.

Eighth Grade Awards at Little Flower School

Little Flower Catholic School conferred awards on two outstanding students as the school year drew to a close. Eighth graders Elizabeth Ann Pryor and Zach Chimento were chosen for accolades because of their outstanding Christian qualities and attitudes. The Sisters of St. Joseph Award is given to the eighth grade girl who exemplifies the attributes of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the founding sisters of Little Flower School. The award went to Elizabeth Ann Pryor, right, for her commitment to serving others and her love of God and neighbor. Zach Chimento, left, received the Fr. Jimmy Byrnes Award for his spirit of ready service, kindness to others, and his strong leadership qualities.

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Autauga County UMS-Wright Schools Congratulates Spring Signees

Brett Patterson: Faulkner State baseball, Emani Mhoon: Fisk University basketball, Walker Watts: Faulkner State baseball, Hayden Williams: Millsaps College baseball, John Michael Shirley: Birmingham-Southern College baseball, Tyler Guesnard: Montevallo baseball, Tyler Fillingim: Lurleen B. Wallace baseball, Dalton Meyers: Gardner-Webb swimming, Josh Smith: West Virginia Tech soccer. Congratulations to all of the spring athletic signees. Combined with the fall athletes, there will be 15 UMS-Wright Bulldogs playing at the next level in college sports!

Corpus Christi Catholic School Readers Awarded with Pancake Breakfast

Corpus Christi Catholic School held their annual AR Pancake Breakfast on May 18th. The breakfast was hosted by Mrs. Penny Mansfield, the school’s media director, and was a reward for students who had reached the AR goal for the year. The following students were the High Point winners for the year: 1st Place - Stephen Quina, with 667.5 points; 2nd Place - Lucy Cox with 585.1 points; 3rd Place - Shawn Mullen 458.3; and 4th Place Matthew Gillis 386.6.

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Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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St. Luke's Middle School Students Enjoy Last Week of "School" on the Road

For 19 years the 6th graders have enjoyed their tour of Tuckaleechee Cavern and have spent several days at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont learning about nature and enjoying hikes, campfires, and ghost stories. The hike to Spruce Flat Falls is always a highlight! On the way they stop to pan for gold and gems! The 7th grade students visited the Florida Keys over the past 19 years for a fantastic Marine Life trip. This year, the group visited Sea World and the Miami Zoo, enjoyed snorkeling the coral reefs with various fishes, barracuda and sea turtles, saw sharks through a glass bottom boat, took an airboat ride through the Everglades, watched an alligator show/demonstration with Paul Bedard from the TV show Gator Boys, enjoyed dinner on the beach, and went swimming with manatees! For 20 years, the 8th grade class has visited Washington D.C. They have visited monuments, museums and historical sights including the Lincoln Memorial, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian, Ford's Theater, the Library of Congress (this year they met up with alum Austin Davis '14 who is attending the Naval Academy). Every year, their class picture is taken on the front steps of the Capitol Building. Special thanks to Rep. Bradley Byrne who joined them for the picture and tweeted it out!

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Autauga County Schools McGill-Toolen Catholic Senior Awards McGill-Toolen Catholic High School congratulates the following students recognized for outstanding achievements in academics, leadership and service: Student Athlete Award, Ebie Douglas and Sean Collins; Valedictorian, Austin Taylor; Salutatorian, Erin Blake; Ideal Graduate, Erin Blake and Charlie Seiter; McGill Award, Samuel Walker; Toolen Award, Delaney McAleer; Distinguished Service Award, Fredricka Brinkley and Blaize Naman; Jacket Jubilation “Behind the Scene” Award, Katy Rasp and Mark Anderson; Kaitlin Marie Overstreet School Spirit Award,

Chase Knapstein and Bret Arata; Paul Joseph Beuche Service to God and Country Award, Joseph Pelham.

Arnold School Spring Award Ceremony The Arnold School Spring Award Ceremony was held May 5. The following students received academic awards: Robert Dunbar, Sienna Tran, Shaler Mitchell, Lily Dunbar, Chris Lowe, Myles McAfee, Lily DeLaney, Ashley Jones, John Teague, Crawford Buffalow, Connor Rushing, Alexander Bertolla, Jackson Taylor, Camille Hunt, and Deagan Miller.

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Mary B. Austin Elementary School Students Raise over $8,000 for Water Well in Africa

In less than one month the students and faculty at Mary B. Austin managed to vastly exceed their $7,000 goal to fund the construction of a water well in a rural village in Zambia, Africa. Austin Elementary School adopted the Tapile Village, through the nonprofit organization Water282 (www.water282.org), in an effort to bring clean water to the villagers. Water282’s goal is to partner schools, churches, and businesses with Zambian villages that do not have access to safe drinking water, and build and implement water wells in these areas. Once the partnership was created, Water282 set up a webpage with pictures and videos of the villagers speaking about their needs and what a well would do for their lives. Students were able to make connections, when they saw the people and heard them speak about their lives, through the videos and pictures shown on the live morning announcements. This really helped them gain an understanding of how great the well was needed. They couldn’t believe that there were so many people in the world that have to walk many miles a day just to collect a bucket of contaminated water to give to their children. Once they realized they were a part of the solution for this village, there was no stopping them! The school’s fundraiser began when all proceeds from the annual talent show were donated to the project. In addition to selling well shares to family members and friends, students were challenged to come up with other fundraising strategies. Students raised money by making and selling bracelets, creating and selling instruments made from recycled products, and putting on a Mother’s Day Tea Party. Not only were students encouraged to raise funds but also to raise their awareness about global water shortages through schoolwide problem-based learning projects. Through this fundraiser Mary B. Austin Elementary students have learned a great deal about the needs of millions of people all over the world. They have also learned that no matter how young they are they can play a vital role in solving world-wide problems, even if it is through one village at a time!

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Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Catholic School Inducts New Members in National Junior Honor Society

St. Dominic Catholic School recently inducted 32 new members into the National Junior Honor Society. Meeting the established criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character are (girls, front row l – r) Brady Coarsey, Maggie Proctor, Sara Friedlander, Anna Lee Manning, Ashlyn Cooper, Abby Fridley, Jenna Lami, Breanna Eccles, (back row l – r) Keegan Haik, Ashlyn Janowski, Mary Kate Partridge, Delia Peterson, Emily

Reid, Kaleigh Ramsey, Nicole Hubbell and (boys front row l – r) Michael Seiter, Anthony Hoffman, Trent Prescott, Leo Ginn, John Thomas Cumpton, Riley Oberkirch, Matthew Hunt, Luke Midgette, (back row l – r) Ben Barnett, Gregory Spafford, Jonah McLarty, Robert Greenwood, Justin Thomas Miller, Andrew Bolton, Clayton Andrews, Zachary Swann and Joseph Waits.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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Student Receives Award for Perfect Attendance at McDavid-Jones

Riley Smith accepted her award for maintaining Perfect Attendance throughout Elementary School! Riley we are so proud of your accomplishment. We hope you continue to have perfect attendance throughout your school career! Riley is the daughter of Thruston and Janae Smith of Citronelle. Pictured Dwayne Christian, Accountant, Riley Smith, and Judy Smith, Assistant Human Resources.

St. Ignatius Students Receives Duke TIP Award

St. Ignatius 7th grader Mary Olivette Bookman recently was awarded with the Duke TIP ACT/SAT award at the University of Alabama.

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E.R. Dickson Students Raise and Release Butterflies

E.R. Dickson Elementary celebrated their 14th year Butterfly Release. The students learned a lot about butterflies by watching their transformation from chrysalis to butterfly. The students participated in trivia questions about butterflies all week during morning announcements. On Friday, May 8th they released the butterflies from their gardens.

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Autauga County Schools

McGill-Toolen Catholic Graduation

Valedictorian Austin Taylor will be attending Auburn University and Salutatorian Erin Blake will be attending Tulane University. Senior Class President Blaize Naman receives his diploma from Archbishop Rodi. Students link arms to sing the Alma Mater for one last time as students.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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Little Flower Honors Retiring Principal

Students at Little Flower paid tribute to their principal, Clara Brunk, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Ms. Brunk was led to a special chair, given a crown and star sunglasses as students expressed their gratitude and affection for the principal they love so much. Classes sang songs and recited lines to bid farewell to Ms. Brunk, who teared up with emotion during the presentation. She assured the students that she would be visiting the school often after her retirement.

Knollwood Christian School Students Raise Money for Ronald McDonald House

Knollwood Christian School 1st and 2nd Graders collected quarters to donate to The Ronald McDonald House. The classes raised a total of $85 to donate. Great job and way to be a blessing to others in our community!

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Autauga County Schools

Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Assist with Special Olympics Bowling Event

On May 8, 8th grade students from Corpus Christi Catholic School assisted with the Special Olympics Bowling event that took place at Skyline Lanes. More than 150 students from the Mobile area participated in the event that was organized and led by Ms. Sherly Thomas from Theodore High School. After bowling, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch and fierce game of kick ball at Langan Park.

Tennis Teams Visit St. Pius X

St. Pius X hosted tennis teams from Ashford University, Coastal Georgia University and Oklahoma Baptist University on May 11. The teams were in town to play in a NAIA tournament at the Mobile Tennis Center. Teams participating in the tournament visited schools in the area to encourage students to play tennis. Pictured here are players from the various teams and Sr. Joan Lorraine's second grade homeroom.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Honors Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Lisa Finnorn was honored as “Teacher of the Year” at Corpus Christi Catholic School’s award Mass on May 12th. Mrs. Finnorn is the elementary school Resource Teacher and she has worked at Corpus Christi since 2000. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a degree in Special Education. Prior to working at Corpus Christi Catholic School, Mrs. Finnorn taught for the Mobile County Public School system. “Selecting Lisa was an easy choice because she does so much for our students and our school community. She is a wonderful person and terrific teacher!” said Mrs. Joan McMullen, school principal. Pictured left to right is Mrs. Joan McMullen, Mrs. Finnorn and her husband, Peter Finnorn.

Annual Field Day at St. Pius X School

St. Pius X School held its annual Field Day on Friday, May 8th. Students participated in athletic events and had fun at the game and food booths set up for the event. Pictured here is Mrs. McLean's third grade class celebrating a victory. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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Eugenia Foster Teaches Art Lesson at UMS-Wright

Eugenia Foster, Mobile based artist and Julius T. Wright alumna, recently taught an art lesson during her granddaughter’s K5 art class. The students enjoyed using watercolors and also learned how to incorporate negative space into their paintings. Eugenia has lived and taught painting workshops in Italy, Manhattan and Southampton. Traveling the world and living abroad provide inspiration for her semi-abstract work. Drawing from memory, her paintings suggest a region or culture without the limitations of a narrative rendition. Although her recent work is becoming more abstract, it still carries the bold mark-making and strong palette that defines her unique style. We are so lucky to have alumni who enjoy sharing their talents with our students!

St. Mary Parish First Communion

St. Mary Parish welcomed in the newest First Communion Class at the Vigil Mass, May 9. Thank you to their teachers for the great preparation for this sacrament: St. Mary Catholic School teachers Amy Duncan, Donna Anderson, and Melissa Conlon and CCD Instructor, Gina McPhillips. St. Mary Parish First communicants include: Michael Blanchette, Grayson Brower, Cole Coleman, Celie Francis Dean, Sarah Beth Dudley, Addisyn Dussouy, Gabriel Evans, Leah Grace Feirman, Corrine Fleming, Jessica French, Olivia Gaudet, Jackson Godwin, Hana Ferraro, Mary Caroline Harrison, Natalie Hewitt, Eva Heyer, William Husting, Janea Jackson, Alex Jones, Mallory Jones, Kate Kilpatrick, Miley Lott, Annie Martorana, Cain Matthews, Anna Louise McAleer, Joseph McCarron, Isabella McGill, Miles McLendon, Leandre Miller, Mary Claire Miller, Finn Montague, Camryn Moore, Samuel Nolen, Maggie O’Donnell, Mary Kathryn Offerle, Caroline Outlaw, Worth Pape, Chloe Reece, Julianna Rogers, Dempsey Rountree, Grace Salmon, Lilly Seibert, Anna Catherine Thompson, Troupe Trice, Anne Bradley Vereen, and Jacob Waller.

Mary G. Montgomery Retirees

Congratulations to Mrs. Pam Rose, Mrs. Kim Howell, and Mrs. Diane Dees on their retirement. Combined, these ladies have over seventy years in education, and each has been a part of the MGM family for over ten years. The impact they have had on both the children and colleagues with which they have worked is immeasurable. Good luck to you all - MGM will certainly miss you.

Knollwood Christian School K5 Graduation

Congratulations to Knollwood Christian School’s K5 graduates! We are excited and ready to see you in 1st Grade!

Pinning Ceremony at Citronelle High School

Citronelle’s Health Sciences Instructor, Suzanne Robinson awarded seventeen of her Future Health Professionals with Certified Nursing Assistance pins and certificates of completion. Pictured from left to right: Councilman Joe Beaty, Suzanne Robinson, Future Health Professionals holding their C.N.A. certificates, and Councilwoman Connie Robinson. 29

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Autauga County Schools Covenant Christian School Varsity Soccer Team Wins Championship

The Covenant Varsity soccer team composed of students in grades 5-8 won the CASA Soccer Championship for the 2015 Spring Season. Way to go Eagles!

End of the Year Party at Mary B. Austin

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Parker's class at Mary B. Austin celebrated the end of the year with a fun party with friends. Pictured here from left to right: Lyauna Mottis, Ava Santellanes, Amelia Fischer, Evelyn Winsor, Hannah Anderton, Zoe Austin.

Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

The tradition of excellence continuesâ&#x20AC;Ś

Students Academic Scholarships Athletic Commitments

Early Childhood and Lower School Campus 3975 Japonica Lane Middle and Upper School Campus 1400 University Blvd. S.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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“Reading Makes Me Smile” Award at McDavid-Jones Elementary

In honor of Ms. Rebecca Smyly, former Principal of McDavid-Jones Elementary, Arkema presented the “Reading Makes Me Smile” award. This award is given each year in honor of Ms. Smyly who retired in 2014. One fifth grade student who reads the most words in third through fifth grade and maintained 95% average on Accelerated Reader tests will receive this award. This year’s recipient is Conner Everett. Conner is the son of Edward and Kara Everett of Citronelle.

St. Dominic Catholic School Sponsors Pie in the Face Fundraiser The St. Dominic Catholic School National Junior Honor Society sponsored a “Pie in the Face” fundraiser to raise money in support of “Relay for Life”. Faculty and staff from the school and parish volunteered to be “pied” provided that a minimum of $25 was raised in their name. This event generated over $600 for Relay for Life. Here William Cazalas treats St. Dominic pastor, Fr. Jim, to a pie.

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Autauga County Schools

Think Through Math

Ms. Inge, 6th grade math teacher at Mobile County Training School, would like to congratulate the following students for passing and exceeding 30 lessons while using Think Through Math: Timiyas Jones 34 lessons passed and Sameria Johnson 33 lessons passed. Think Through Math is a web-based solution that provides comprehensive, adaptive math instruction for all students. This resource can be utilized both at school and at home to reinforce Mobile County School's guaranteed mathematics curriculum. This year, Think Through Math is offering a new motivation piece called "Think 30." Students are invited to become members of the nationwide "Think 30" club by passing 30 lessons throughout the school year. Students who become members of the "Think 30" club are entered into weekly drawings for prizes. Principals are also awarded gifts or prizes when their schools win competitions. Mr. Douglas L. July, Sr, principal at Mobile County Training School, was the top administrator in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobile County Think Through Math Winter Think-a-Thon contest!! MCTS 7th grade students spent the most time working on math during this contest than all other students.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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Citronelle Graduate Accepts Full-Time Position at Outokumpu

Congratulations to Quintin McConnell for being a 2015 Wildcats graduate of Citronelle High School and for accepting a fulltime position at Outokumpu. The above entry-level position Quintin has accepted is well deserved. Besides graduating high school, Quintin took advantage of the Welding career path that allowed him to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. During the summer of 2014, he worked as a C.H.S. Outokumpu Intern where he was given opportunities to demonstrate his ability to learn, follow directions, work well with others, and build relationships. In school, Quintin was recognized as Wildcat of the Month. This is a “Caught you being good” recognition for showing school spirit, being helpful to others, overachieving academically, and for being an overall exemplary student.

E. R. Dickson Students Receive Trophies for Reading

Congratulations to 5th grade students, Riley Wilson and Alexander Towery. These students read over 2,000,000 words through the Accelerated Reader program in the 2014 – 2015 school year. These students received a trophy at E.R. Dickson Elementary during the End of the Year Accelerated Reader Awards program.

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Autauga County Schools

Mary G. Montgomery Key Club Members Honored

Sihan "Caroline" Chen and Daniel Cook were honored on May 13 at luncheon held by the City of Semmes where they were presented with An Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leadership and Community Involvement as Student Participants of MGM Key Club. Special thanks to the City of Semmes for this honor and Mrs. Amanda Dumas and Mrs. Katrina Wooten, Key Club co-sponsors.

St. Dominic Students Celebrate Pastor Appreciation Day

St. Dominic Catholic School students celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day, honoring Fr. Jim. He was honored with poems, songs and prayer all highlighting his favorite things. Pictured with Fr. Jim is Mrs. Laurie Michener and students showing off their cat masks, representing Fr. Jimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite play.

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St. Paul’s Episcopal School Participates in 2015 Dragon Boat Festival

St. Paul’s Episcopal School was honored to participate in the 2015 Dragon Boat Festival. Out of 40 teams we came in 11th overall, and #1 in the education division. The Dragon Boat Festival is put on by the Fuse Project, an organization that invests in initiatives promoting the health, fitness, education and social responsibility of our children along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The Fuse Project used the $150,000 money raised to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama, Soccer4Life, Mobile County Public Schools, Prichard Preparatory and the Exploreum to develop projects that will have a direct impact on Gulf Coast kids. Thank you to the Fuse Project Board for all of your hard work. We especially want to recognize our St. Paul’s Alumni on the Fuse Project Board. Thank you Grant Zarzour, Matt Zarzour, and Gaines Zarzour for your leadership and for investing in the future of our community. You all have made us very proud! For more information about the Fuse Project visit: fuseproject.org.

Parents vs. Students at St. Ignatius

At St. Ignatius, a rite of passage is the 8th grade games. Moms play volleyball against the girls and the Dads play basketball against the boys. The end of the 8th grade year is so much fun for all the students and it’s great to see the parents get involved too. Pictured are Halle Revels with her mom Brandy Revels.

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Autauga County Schools

UMS-Wright 5th Graders Host Learning Showcase

UMS-Wright 5th grade students invited their grandparents and great-grandparents to campus on May 11th to demonstrate all of the new and exciting things they learned this year. The showcase featured four components: Kahoot, Quick Write, STEM and Quick Response Codes. The students were able to have their grandparents participate in STEM experiments, write about their upcoming summer activities, and were able to show off their new MacBooks which they will be using in the 2015-16 school year.

Citronelle Interns Strive for Excellence

On Monday, May18, Citronelle’s Outokumpu interns had the “Signing Day” experience. The 2015 Summer Intern Signing is another great way to celebrate the success of our career academy students and the established partnership Citronelle High School has with Outokumpu. Each student, with their parent present, signed a declaration of commitment to continue their stride for academic and personal excellence. This event concluded with students, parents, CHS faculty, Outokumpu’s Human Resource Manager, Chris Comstock, NBC Local News, and the Call News sitting and eating together.

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Coleman-Mason Band Performs at McDavid-Jones Elementary

We can’t thank the ColemanMason Band (Brandon Coleman, Turner Mason, Andrew Bishop, James Martin and Ray Childers) enough for performing at McDavid-Jones Elementary recently. Most of the band members went to school at McDavid-Jones and graduated from Citronelle High School. Now, they are giving back to their community. Words can never express how proud we are of them. We raised $1,000 toward our goal of $2,100 for the Dragon Boat Race. Funds raised help support Mobile County Public Schools and Big Brother – Little Sister. The students were so excited to hear such an outstanding band. Pictured, Xaylia Isler, Kayla Philips, Andrew Bishop, Turner Mason, Paris Odom, Brandon Coleman, James Martin, Ray Childers, Ashton Corley and Olivia Andrews in front.

St Mary Catholic School Msgr. Peter J. Cunningham Award and Scholars

St. Mary Catholic School held their annual completion Mass and awards ceremony May 20 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Each year, St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council 13163 presents special awards to the graduates. Included are the Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Cunningham and 4.0 Awards. This year’s recipients of the Cunningham Awards given for students who exemplify leadership, character, and citizenship were Caroline Elliot and Brendan Reilly. Students who maintained a 4.0 throughout their St. Mary middle school career included: Virginia Betbeze, Bekah Burgess, Alex Husting, Alayna Mickles, Corinne Stein, Emily Doyle, Natalie Falls, Cecelia Florey, Frieda Kickliter, and Millie Maratorana. Pictured above: Bill Reece, St. Mary Knight, Debbie Ollis, St. Mary Catholic School Principal, Brendan Reilly, Caroline Elliot, and Rev. Msgr. G. Warren Wall, Pastor of St. Mary Parish Pictured below: St. Mary Catholic 4.0 Scholars: Virginia Betbeze, Bekah Burgess, Alex Husting, Alayna Mickles, Corinne Stein, Emily Doyle, Natalie Falls, Cecelia Florey, Frieda Kickliter, and Millie Maratorana.

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The moment your child utters her first word, you’ll probably want to announce it to the world, while quickly marking the occasion in her baby book. You probably won’t be so thrilled, however, when her word of choice evolves into the very opinionated word “no.” Although this is a frustrating and challenging stage of development, it is completely normal. Jen Mann-Li, a mother of two, describes her daughter Sadie, 3, as a “pro” at using the word no. “She was a late talker, didn’t really talk until she was almost 2-years-old, and no was a favorite right away,” Mann-Li says. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Mann-Li says that Sadie refuses to be distracted from what she wants. “She’s very stubborn and will not budge (sometimes literally),” she says. “We have a saying that Sadie will ‘die on that hill’ and she does daily over these ‘silly’ things.”

Why they say it. Laura Murphy is a

certified parent coach and president of Real Families, Inc., which helps families work through parenting, marriage and financial issues. She says that the chief child-rearing complaint she hears from parents concerns children refusing to do what the parents want them to do. Not only is the word “no” an easy word for toddlers to say, but Murphy believes, “The biggest reason they say it so much is because they hear it so much from everyone else.” The good news is this phase is completely normal and healthy. “The number one job of a 2-year-old is to test every physical limit. Pushing physical limits to find out what the adults will do is a natural approach 38

for a toddler. They need to learn those limits,” Murphy says. Need a few proactive strategies to reduce the use of the word in your home and forge a path of less resistance?

Change your approach. Challenge yourself to see if you can say no without really saying the word no. For example, if your child asks for a cookie, instead of saying “no, not before dinner” say “sure, after dinner.” This exercise will also make you more aware of just how often you say no. “Once we change our approach, we usually notice a change in our children,” Murphy says. Also, talk to your spouse and childcare providers about using other words besides no all the time. But that doesn’t mean you should ban the word entirely. “Say yes as often as possible, and when you say no, mean it,” Murphy advises. Having a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either. Ingrid Brown has www.mobilebayparents.com

two daughters, 4 and 2, who both went through the “no” phase at around 20 months. “I tried to make a game out of it,” Brown says. “If they said no to everything, I would counter back in a funny voice repeating ‘nooooOOOooo’ right back at them and give them a little tickle.”

Offer two choices. Resistance often begins long before a child utters his first word. “When they’re old enough to start flinging food at you from their high chair, they’re old enough to start choices,” Murphy says. Barring a dangerous situation like your child refusing to move in a busy street, provide your child with two choices that you like and can live with. “Small choices for the kids, but the adults make the big decisions,” Murphy says. For example, a parent decides on bedtime, but a child chooses between the blue pajamas or red pajamas. By giving away small decisions to your toddler, she will have a sense of control over her life which will likely reduce negative behaviors such as not listening, running away, resistance, and temper tantrums. If a child refuses to make a decision in 10 seconds, the parent should make it for her, following up with empathy. Show empathy not anger. Murphy stresses that empathy is an important component of providing choices to your child. When you replace anger with empathy, she says, you’ll notice a huge shift. For example, when your child doesn’t get something that she wants, say something along the lines of: “I know. It’s a bummer.”

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Avoid “parenting on the fly.”

Stay calm in the heat of the moment and decide ahead of time on what things to definitely say no to and what you can say yes to. Also, try making a list of the small choices you can offer your child during those more troublesome times of the day. Need help? For more parenting tips and resources, check out Murphy’s website Real-families.com, Loveandlogic.com, Kidsareworthit.com and the book Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Kevin Leman. If your tactics don’t seem effective, seek out an expert like a family counselor to assess the situation. Although a tweak in parenting skills may be all that is needed, an expert can help determine if something more serious is going on with your child. MBP

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Finding Apps to Beat the Summer Slump A few years ago, educators started warning parents about “summer slump.” This drop off in academic skills forces teachers to spend the first weeks after Labor Day reteaching things their students knew at Memorial Day. Of course, summer won’t feel much like vacation if it’s crammed with workbook exercises. Instead, parents can keep young brains fresh by encouraging kids to imagine, explore and inquire about things that interest them. Whether it’s done with paper or pixels, reading continues to be one of the best ways to nurture young minds, followed closely by activities that motivate children to think their way through problems. Happily, both of these activities are a prominent part of many of the apps designed for children. The challenge for parents is to sort through the thousands of apps being produced to find the ones that will actually intersect with a particular child’s age and enthusiasms. These websites should help. All do independent reviews, and most sort apps by age group and subject area. Mind Leap Tech reviews educational apps with three things in mind: 1. Does the app trigger genuine learning? 2. Do kids enjoy using it? 3. Will they want to use it more than once? Apps are organized by grade level so you can pinpoint what works for pre-schoolers or fifth graders. And you can sign up for an e-mail that will alert you to new apps in particular areas. (www.mindleaptech.com) Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Common Sense Media now reviews apps in addition to movies, video games, TV shows, websites, books and music. Run by a non-profit, this site uses an easy to understand rating system that helps parents zero in on content that is developmentally appropriate. Reviews also include a “learning rating” which considers engagement, learning approach, feedback and support. (www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-applists)

subject that he or she didn’t quite master last year. (www.appsineducation.com)

Digital-storytime reviews picture books that have been adapted for the I-pad. In addition to a candid assessment of the book, each review includes screen shots and videos so you know what you’re getting before you buy. There are also some helpful top ten lists, many organized around topics that appeal to the author’s young son such as elephants, pirates and planets. (www. digital-storytime.com)

Daily dose. Several apps make each day a learning opportunity by delivering new content to your mobile device every 24 hours. Read Me Stories provides a daily book ideal for children who are just learning to read. (www.8interactive.com) Brain Pop offers a mini-movie about a random topic likely to interest elementary age children. (www. brainpop.com/app)

Teaching Appz is another good source for apps endorsed by teachers in Great Britain. The reviewers are quite selective so you don’t have to wade through a long list to find topnotch apps in various subjects. Reviews also include tips about how to use each app to stimulate learning. (www.teachingappz. co.uk)

Storia is another free app that gives readers easy access to many of the popular books available from Scholastic book clubs. You can choose five free books when you download the app. After that, you’ll pay from $1.95 to $20 per book. (www.scholastic. com/storia)

To be honest, kids from families who can afford smart phones and tablet computers are less likely to experience summer slump. “All children backslide in math,” says James Kim, a Harvard researcher who has studied summer slump. “In literacy, the gap between high and low socio-economic status children widens. Low-income students, who may not have the same level of access to books and literacy resources, tend to decline more than wealthier students.” Parents can help close this gap by getting involved in local literacy projects. Sort through your family library and donate outgrown books, games and educational toys to programs such as firstbook.org. Or use the interactive map under Volunteer at RIF.org to find and support a literacy initiative in your school district. You may find that the best way to prevent summer slump is by joining with other parents to be sure that all the kids in your community have loads of opportunities to learn this summer.

Apps in Education reviews 1000 apps each week to identify the ones that are most likely to be useful to teachers. This is a great place to look for apps that will help will help a child catch up on fractions or some other

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

International Children’s Digital Library offers a free app that gives children access to more than 4000 books from around the world. Many of the books have been translated so kids can listen to stories in more than one language. The Digital Library also offers an app that helps children write and share their own stories. (http:// en.childrenslibrary.org/)

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A Page in a Book A New Twist on Old Tales Traditional nursery tales are important touchstones of most kids’ childhood. From “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” to “Cinderella” and the like, these common tales create a familiar storytelling landscape that most children can jointly reference throughout their youth. For the folk tale savvy child, the following titles offer refreshing twists on beloved traditional stories that can expand their literary lexicon through exciting new avenues.

Goatilocks and The Three Bears

by Erica S. Perl, Illustrated by Arthur Howard (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster) When Goatilocks spies a family of bears leaving for the afternoon, she’s hungry to peek inside their house while they’re gone. As in the traditional story, the intruder tries the various porridges, chairs and beds of the occupants. Diverging from the original tale, Goatlilocks (being just a ‘kid’, after all) eats all of the things that are “just right.” When the bears return, Goatilocks quickly beats a retreat. But because doing the right thing is important to the impulsive kid, this delightfully illustrated twist on the Goldilocks fable has a deliciously redeeming ending.

Ninja Red Riding Hood

by Coery Rosen Schwartz, Illustrated by Dan Santat (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) Once upon a time, there was a wolf who was a failure a catching his prey, so he enrolled in ninja school to learn all the swift moves he needs to secure a square meal. Armed with his new skills, the wolf takes to the woods where he meets Red, and learns that she’s on her way to visit her Grandma. Rushing ahead, the wolf disguises himself as Grandma lies in wait for Red to arrive. But when he’s ready to pounce, he discovers that he wasn’t the only student to attend the ninja school. Action-packed with Asian-influenced comic imagery, this colorful treatment of the Little Red Riding Hood cautionary tale gets an invigorating curtain-call with smashing results!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella

by Jan Brett (G.P Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When a young Russian girl nods off in her snowbound chicken coop, reality slips into dreams as the community of chickens around her prepare for a ball hosted by the Prince among roosters. Feathers are ruffled, pecking orders are established and poor Cinders is left behind when the others fly off to the ball. Following the story arc of the traditional tale, Cinders transformation and meeting with the Prince are intact – but Brett’s uniquely edge-to-edge illustrations make the whole story new again. When the girl awakens to the sound of her father returning with a handsome cockerel to add to the roost, the reader remains looped in on the dreamy secret lives of the chicken realm. Inspired by the opulence of 18th century Russia, Jan Brett’s version of the folk tale Cinderella is the belle of the ball in the fairy-tale revision category! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Q. I have a problem with impulse spending. I switched to a debit card so that the money comes straight out of my checking account, but I still buy things I know I shouldn’t. Should I stop using the card? A. Debit cards are great. You can’t spend money you don’t have with them like you can with a credit card, but you’ve still got to budget carefully and give a name to every single penny of your income. Otherwise, you can still overspend. When I made the decision to get intentional with my money, I just used cash. It’s hard to spend it when you don’t have any on you. It’s a tough thing, I know, but you have to make a conscious decision to start living differ-

ently. You have to get mad at the things that steal your money a dollar or two at a time, and you have to put your foot down. Try looking at your life as a whole, not a moment at time. All the moments you’re living right now will have either a positive or negative effect on your future. I decided I wanted the greater, long-term good, so I gave up on the short-term stuff. Trust me. The greater good is worth the sacrifice. But until you make that decision for yourself, you won’t do it.

Q. In your mind, what’s the biggest thing a family can live without when it comes to getting control of your money and living on a budget?

A. On a regular, day-to-day basis, I think maybe the biggest and best thing you can eliminate is eating out. There are always the shiny things people can do without. Sometimes people sell a fancy car or boat, and get rid of a $600-a-month payment right off the bat. But it’s really not a good idea to be eating out when you’re broke. It really adds up. I love a good restaurant, and I’ve got nothing against the industry. The problem, though, is that lots of people are struggling to pay their bills or set aside something for retirement because they’re eating out all the time. Most folks simply don’t realize how much money they throw away by heading to the drive-through for lunch or going out to dinner “once in a while.” I want people to enjoy life, and a great part of that can be going out and having a meal with your family and friends. But if you’re experiencing financial issues, the only time you should see the inside of a restaurant is if you’re working there!

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nds and ie fr h it w r e e to gath m ti a â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fe li f any. Still, ice o p p s m o e c th â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e r r e a Parties one anoth y jo n e d n a ames ting or s g o y h la to p , s lk e laugh, ta hen it com w e tt e u q ti some s of e e r le a u r e r e e m H o s f. there are e aware o b to d e e n rty that you a p a g in d atten concerns. ty r a p n o m dling com n a h r fo s p ti Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

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How do I handle guests who haven’t RSVP’d?

While most guests understand the importance of RSVP’ing, some just aren’t timely with their replies. As the party grows closer, feel free to call those who haven’t responded and ask if they plan to come. You can start the call by saying, “I just wanted to make sure you got the invitation,” which often softens the tone of the conversation and elicits a non-defensive reply.

How much should I spend on the gift?

The idea behind the gift is to show your friend that you care. Consider your budget, then try to find something fitting within range. A gift that shows creativity makes it even more special than simply buying something expensive.

Are thank you notes still expected?

In this day of digital correspondence, many people send thank you e-mails rather than cards. That’s why sending a hand-written, personalized card via snail mail is so appreciated today. It shows that you took the time to let the host or guest know you really enjoyed the gift or the party. And it’s a great habit to teach your children.

Do I have to invite all of my child’s friends to the birthday party?

No, that could lead to chaos! But be careful when sending invitations so there aren’t hurt feelings among those who aren’t included. It’s best to keep the number of guests to a minimum to maintain control over the party. For preschoolers, try two to five guests, for school age children, try five to 10 guests, and for older kids, try to keep the number under a dozen.

How can I help my child be a good party guest or host?

Children sometimes don’t understand party protocol so it’s good to rehearse ahead of time. If the party is for a friend, remind your child that it’s a special day for that friend, and soon he or she will have a special day. Review all the fun things that will be happening at the party, such as games, prizes, cake, ice cream and entertainers, and how to behave in each case. If your child is the host, ask him or her to remember that guests are there to celebrate, and to be thankful and appreciative that they came.

How do I handle the games so that no one feels bad about losing? Non-competitive games, like treasure

hunts and talent shows, are always best at kid’s parties. That way no one loses and everybody wins. But if you do play competitive games, like “Musical Chairs” or “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” give each player a prize for participating. There’s no rule that says you can only have one winner!

How do I handle opening gifts at a children’s party? The gift dilemma offers two schools of thought. Some recommend you don’t open the gifts at the party because the other children will want to play with the presents and the birthday child may not want to share his or her new toys. Others say that the children learn the party is not about them, and that they do enjoy watching the birthday child open up their gift. Think about your child and what works best for him or her, then act accordingly. MBP Penny Warner, with Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits, is an author and party planner. She has published more than 50 books, including 16 specific to parties. Additionally, Warner wrote a weekly newspaper column on family life, penned a column for Sesame Street Parents magazine and has appeared on several regional and national TV morning programs.

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Cakes, Cupcakes and Cake Balls Buttercream Dreams

(251) 605-7237 Delicious homemade specialty cakes, cupcakes and sweets. Bake My Day 156-A McGregor Avenue North, Mobile (251) 219-7261; bakemydaymobile.com We bake everything from scratch just like our mothers have for over 70 years. Our menu offers a variety of classic favorites and new twists on old fashioned recipes. Wonderful Cakes! Baskin Robbins 700 Schillinger Rd S, Mobile (251) 635-1555; www.baskinrobbins.com We have a cake for every occasion! Try a classic or get creative with customization options. Cakes by Judi 4831 Schimpfs Lane, Mobile (251) 666-1565; www.cakesbyjudi.com; Cakes by Judi is well-known for their beautiful and delicious wedding cakes. But, did you know that you can also have a cake by Judi for your child’s birthday? Visit the website for details and don’t delay! Only a limited number of cake orders are taken each week due to the high volume of wedding orders. Cream and Sugar 351-B George Street, Mobile (251) 405-0003; www.creamandsugarmobile.com At Cream & Sugar Café, we believe that life is just better when you take the time to savor it. That’s why we take the time to make things right. Our cake balls, our sandwiches, our quiches, our soups, our coffee and espresso drinks—it’s all made from scratch. And that makes for good times.

Delish’s Desserts 23 Upham Street, Mobile, (251) 473-6115 www.facebook.com/delishsdessertseatery Mobiles favorite place for lunch and dessert. We offer a wonderful selection of birthday cakes, cookie, bars, pies, and much more. Come visit us and see what we can make for you! ellenJAY Stylish Events + Sweets 2158 Airport Blvd, Mobile (251) 219-7406; www.ellenjayevents.com ellenJAY offers custom sweets, chic decor and dessert tables for any event where style is a must! Our contemporary style sensibility coupled with a classic love of all things sweet make an ellenJAY dessert table the centerpiece of any celebration. We specialize in full dessert tables, custom sugar cookies, party favors, wedding sweets, petite cakes and cupcakes, mini sweets and many more. For more information call, visit our website or email info@ellenjayevents. com. Great American Cookie (251) 476-2447, 740 Schillinger Rd S, by Super Target (251) 476-2447, 3490 Bel Air Mall, Space G-6 (251) 345-1928, 1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland www.greatamericancookies.com We do all kinds of cookie cakes for all occasions. We bake fresh every day. We only need 15 minutes for our 16-inch cookie, so say it with a cookie cake!   Marble Slab Creamery (251) 633-0636, 740 Schillinger Road South, by Super Target (251) 345-1928, 1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland www.marbleslab.com Marble Slab Creamery offers truly unique gourmet ice cream cakes that give a chef-driven flair to any occasion. Our simple on-line ordering makes it easier than ever to bring home the perfect match for whatever you’re planning.

Pastry Shop, The 2560 Dauphin Street, Mobile, (251) 479-2629 Wonderful service; delicious, beautiful and original cakes and pastries! Pollman’s Bake Shop, Inc. (251) 438-1511, 750 South Broad Street, Mobile (251) 342-8546, 4464 Old Shell Road, Mobile Classic Bake Shop serving Mobile since 1918! Cakes for all occasions, pastries, cookies and sandwiches. Wonderful Birthday Cakes! Sally’s Piece-A-Cake 5638 Three Notch Road, Mobile (251) 219-6379; www.sallyspieceacake.com Your imagination is our reality! We offer cakes for all occasions; we have a daily selection of cupcakes and treats. Ask about our catering and sweet table Simply Sweet Cupcake Boutique 6207 Cottage Hill Road, Suite B, Mobile (251) 665-3003, www.simplysweetmobile.com Simply Sweet Cupcake Boutique is a locally, family, owned cupcake bakery. Our frostings and cupcakes are made fresh, in small batches, daily to ensure quality. The shop features Cupcakes, Cheesecakes, Cookies, Pies, Truffles, and much more! Simply Sweet also specializes in creating Wedding, Birthday, and other Special Occasion Cakes that will make your event one of a kind! Southern Decadence Deserts 1956 South University Blvd, Mobile, (251) 300-8304 www.southerndecadencedesserts.com We wanted to let you know that we offer the best services in Mobile - Spoil yourself with our special treats. We also offer specialty cakes and desserts. Twist Cupcakes 9 Du Rhu Drive, Mobile, (251) 287-0323 www.facebook.com/twistcupcakesmobile Mobile’s premier bakery. Ready-to-purchase items such

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as cupcakes, French Macarons, cake pops, cookies, brownies and more! Custom orders for your special event.

Invitations - Décor Paper Goods Art Craft Press, Inc. 12 Tacon Street, Mobile (251) 471-4383; www.artcraftpress.org Fine printing since 1929. We are conveniently located in midtown Mobile and offer free pick-up and delivery to anywhere in the greater Mobile area, but you’re always welcome to drop by during our regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. ellenJAY Stylish Events + Sweets 2158 Airport Blvd, Mobile (251) 219-7406; www.ellenjayevents.com ellenJAY offers custom sweets, chic decor and dessert tables for any event where style is a must! Our contemporary style sensibility coupled with a classic love of all things sweet make an ellenJAY dessert table the centerpiece of any celebration. We specialize in full dessert tables, custom sugar cookies, party favors, wedding sweets, petite cakes and cupcakes, mini sweets and many more. For more information call, visit our website or email info@ellenjayevents.com.

Toomey’s Mardi Gras 755-A McRae Avenue, Mobile (251) 450-5077; www.toomeys-mardigras.com Founded in 1978, Toomey’s Mardi Gras is one of the largest suppliers of Mardi Gras and Seasonal Merchandise in the world. Come check out all our Special Occasion supplies which includes birthday party hats, paper supplies, favors & more.

Places to Party Alligator Alley

19950 County Road 71, Summerdale (251) 946-2483; www.gatoralleyfarm.com With over 20 acres of natural cypress swamp land, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. At Alligator Alley, we currently have over 150 alligators from the hatchlings in our gift shop to the big alligators in our swamp land. Enjoy a nature walk to our various exhibits as you journey towards the big swamp, and the ultimate king of Alligator Alley, Captain Crunch! This world record gator is over 13’ long, weighs over 800 pounds, and has the world’s strongest bite ever recorded from an Alligator. You’ll also observe other wild life such as: Ospreys, Owls, Turtles,

Gwin’s Stationery 4513 Old Shell Road, Mobile, (251) 344-3335 Gwin’s Stationery is a Locally Owned Stationery and Invitation Store located in Spring Hill. Fine custom printing and engraving. It’s Inviting 4402 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 460-0738 www.itsinvitingmobile.com Custom Printed Invitations, Calling Cards, Party Supplies, Gifts and more. Paper Jubilee 2032 Airport Blvd, Suite H, (251) 401-5685 Paper Jubilee is a stationery store in Midtown - Mobile. Come and see! Personalized gifts and stationary! Party Central 740 S Schillinger Road, Ste A-1 (next to Super Target) (251) 348-7572; facebook.com/partycentralmobile Party Central has all your party needs! Holidays, Birthdays, Weddings, and Just for Fun, we have all the party supplies you need. We have a large variety of paper goods, decorations, balloons and more. Come see our wonderful selection. Open 7 Days a Week! Party City 300 East Azalea Rd., Mobile (251) 342-0003; www.partycity.com Paper goods, balloons, favors, invitations, piñatas, music, catering supplies and much more. Party City is the #1 source for all your party supplies with the biggest selection and the best prices. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

(251) 300-0231; www.charmingteacup.com Give your little girl a birthday she’ll always remember! Charming Tea Parties for little ladies ages 3-12. The Victorian birthday tea party includes: Victorian hostess, invitations, costume for each child, gorgeous gown, fancy hat, purse and jewelry! We provide full tea service on dainty china, etiquette, ballroom dancing and games. We also have party packages for Ladies celebrating birthdays, baby/bridal showers, graduations or just fun with the girls! For more information visit our website or call to book your tea party today! Reservations required.

Chick-fil-a

(251) 639-1163; 435 Schillinger Rd S Mobile (251) 476-0320; 3244 Dauphin St Mobile (251) 461-9933; 4707 Airport Blvd Mobile www.chickfila.com Come party with the Cow! Beat the heat with a ChickFil-A birthday party! Indoor playground.

Dauphin Island Marina – The Duke

650 LeMoyne Drive, Dauphin Island (251) 861-2201; www.actionoutdoors.org; reservations@actionoutdoors.org Have your birthday party of the Duke! Choose from our 4 most popular Birthday Party Adventures! Basic Birthday Party Adventure- $25590 minute boat ride, Drag shrimp net, Ice and paper products provided, Gift for the guest of honor Basic Adventure + Cake- $305 Our basic birthday party + A nautical themed cake from the Lighthouse Bakery Basic Adventure + Food- $375 -Our basic birthday party + chicken tenders, chips, & drinks for 25 guests (Add $5 per person for additional guests) Ultimate Birthday Party Adventure$425 Our basic birthday party + Food+ Cake for 25 guests.

Debbie’s School of Dance

Bull Frogs, and various field animals. Birthday Parties: $250 includes 20 people. $8 for each additional adult and $6 for each additional child (our group rate). In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species of various field animals.

Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe

2511 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, (251) 471-1710 www.cammiesolddutchicecreamshoppe.com Celebrate your birthday at Mobile’s favorite Ice Cream Parlor! Enjoy Ice Cream, Sundaes, Sodas, Old Fashion Banana Splits, Milk Shakes, and more! Call us today for information on how to book a party!

Charming Teacup

17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear (Punta Clara Candy Kitchen)

6429 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile (251) 633-9559; www.debbiesdance. com Debbie’s School of Dance presents Birthday Parties! Your Party will include A Fully Decorated Party Studio, Exclusive Facility use for your 1 ½ hour party, Your party leader for your Birthday Event, Party Invitations & A gift certificate for one free lesson. Choose from a Variety of Party Themes, Including: Enchanted Princess Ballerina’s Ball, So you think you can dance, Pineapple Hula Party & Project Runway. All party themes only $225.00 for 10 guests and $15 for each additional guest.

LazerZONE

790 Schillinger Road North, Mobile (251) 639-7330; www.lazerzone.co (not com) Welcome to LazerZONE Mobile We are now open for business and fun! We are excited about bringing the very best in family-friendly entertainment in Mobile. So you want to have a birthday party, youth party, lock-in, office party, field trip or maybe you are just looking for a place to have some fun. LazerZONE Mobile is the place for you to have a “blast!” So get ready and

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plan your next event or day of entertainment at the ZONE! LazerZONE Mobile! We have several packages to choose from. Visit our website for more information.

Original Oyster House

3733 Battleship Parkway, Mobile (251) 626-2188; www.originaloysterhouse.com The Original Oyster House has many years experience in serving the needs of large groups that wish to have fun in our fantastic facilities. We offer the best service you can find! Also available for rent, the Delta Room accommodates parties of up to 40. For parties under 40 you may choose from any of our regular menu items. For parties of up to 100 we offer family style or seafood buffet menus. Call or visit our website and book your next event today!

Pump-it Up

741 Hillcrest Rd # A, Mobile (251) 342-3940; PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al Pump It Up is Mobile’s favorite family entertainment destination. Known for hosting private kid’s birthday parties and other group events inside our giant inflatable arenas, Pump It Up takes the stress out of party planning and our professional party planners take care of everything, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy! Our unique Party Experiences like Adventure Parties, Glow parties and our newest addition Glow Wars add an extra element of fun to any occasion. We offer two large arenas filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses sure to delight kids of all ages. Pump It Up of Mobile also offers Pop-In Playtime sessions all year long that open to the general public. Fundraising opportunities, team parties and field trips are always a blast at Pump It Up. We can host huge groups so give us a call! Call (251) 342 3940 or visit PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al to learn more or to book your child’s party today.

Seward Farms

(228) 641-3936; www.sewardfarms.com Bring your child for a one of a kind birthday experi-

ence getting lost and having fun at the same time. We offer several birthday party packages to choose from with easy to use reservations from our website. Pick your Saturday and book online. Pay when you arrive for your birthday party. Maze is open September – November, Saturday, 10am – 9pm.

Smilz ‘n Stylz

1234 Hillcrest Road, Suite 8, Mobile (251) 635-1313; www.smilznstylz.com Fabulous Party Themes and Party Details! Imagine... having your next party in our fabulous posh party place. Mom, sit back and enjoy because we do all the work! Party themes available include:The Enchanted Tea Party, PopStarz , Sassy Sock Hop, Bedtime Beauties, Girlie Girl Spalicious and more. Call for details.

Spa-Tea-Da

4180 Oak Ridge Avenue, Mobile (251) 447-4846; www.spa-tea-da.com Spa-Tea-Da! is a unique, boutique party spot and girl’s day spa experience specializing in fabulous theme tea birthday parties and day spa services by appointment in our girls only spa for ages 3-13. We have day spa packages for Mommy ‘n Me, BFFs or a special treat for your little princess. Creative and whimsical tea parties that create lasting memories for you and your guests are just a phone call away! Frozen, Princess, American Girl, Spa, Fashion show, Mermaid, Paint Your Own Pottery, Glow Karaoke and much more! We are thrilled to work with you to make your daughter’s birthday party dreams come true with our custom theme service. We are also happy to host your team, group or Girl Scout parties! Packages range from affordable to seriously spoiled and our celebrations are always completely private in our VIParty suite with over 1,200 sq feet for the enjoyment of your guests. We also host monthly events that are open to the public so your princesses, darlings and divas don’t have to wait for their birthday to tea party with us! Fun events include, paint parties, fashion show glam jams, princess tea parties, girls nite out and more! We also provide Dress up party trunk

rentals for those of you who wish to party at home and Spa-Tea-Da! To Go! We bring the Spa party to your location! Preschool parties on location weekdays only. Once you experience our fabulous events, parties and day spa, you will find no other compare in Mobile!

Waterville, USA Water Park

Highway 59 South, Gulf Shores (251) 948-2106; www.watervilleusa.com Waterville USA is a beautiful, fun and safe setting for your group outing. Our park offers something for everyone from the smallest tyke to adults -- fun for people of all ages! Water Park Season (water and amusement parks open). This season runs during the summer (last part of May, June, July, August) when both the Water Park and Amusement Park are open. Amusement Park Season (water park closed). This season operates in the spring and late summer/fall when the Water Park is closed. Our park is closed from October until March to take care of long term maintenance and new additions. House of Bounce however is available for parties all year long! Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores (251)968-5731; www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org Birthday Parties: Celebrate at the zoo! For parties of 13 or more paying guests- you’ll get a day at the zoo, a scheduled Animal Show, and use of the shaded picnic area for your party and pay just $5 plus tax per person. Each guest will also get a souvenir cup of animal feed for the petting zoo for just $1 per cup. (If you have less than 13 paying guests, you get $1 off each ticket.) Alabama Youth Sports Combine 2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile (251) 633-6263; www.ayscombine.com Come PARTY with us at Alabama Youth Sports Combine. We offer a wide variety of sports options around to fulfill your child’s Birthday party wishes! Gift certificates to AYSC also make excellent gift ideas! We offer programs in football, baseball, soccer, cheerleading and

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multi-sports conditioning. Please browse through our website and learn about all of the exciting programs we have to offer. Amberly Swim Club Swim Club Road, Amberly Subdivision, Mobile (251) 236-7272; www.ascmobile.org Do you want a pool party? Every Monday from 6:30 to 9:30 (by reservation only) the pool is available for private parties. The party is a bargain at just $175 for members/$225 for non-members for 50 of your closest friends and 2 life guards. Call for details or to reserve your party! AMF Bowling Centers (251) 639-1221; 125 North Schillinger Rd., Mobile (251) 661-1221; 4120 Government Blvd., Mobile www.amf.com Looking for a great way to guarantee a memorable birthday party for kids? Look no further - AMF has it covered. From food to activities, we take care of everything for you. Simply fill out our party form on-line or give us a call. Then all you have to do is show up and have a great time! Azalea City Center for the Arts 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Great party options available! Drama & Photo Shoot Party-- 2 hour party for 12 $200 ($10 extra for each additional child) includes: Drama games, dress up in multiple costumes, pose for souvenir photos; Skit at the end of the party for all parents to see, 1 4x6 party favor for each child in attendance and press-printed book with candid photos for birthday child. Glow Rave Dance & Karaoke Party-- 2 hour party for 12 -- $200 ($10 extra for each additional child) includes: Glow bracelets and rings for each guest, Karaoke fun, Black light dancing, and souvenir spray painted sheet for host -- come in your brightest neon shirt and have Fun decorating the shirts too!! Back Country Trail 3801 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach (Gulf State Park) (251) 981-1180; www.backcountrytrail.com Bike or Hike to your next family picnic, birthday party, or field trip on the Back Country Trail. Enjoy biking, hiking, bouldering, and the butterfly garden as you tour 13 miles of scenic trails through Gulf State Park. Don’t forget to visit the Campground Store to purchase trail gear and snacks! For more information email trail@cityoforangebeach.com. Bel Air Mall Carousel 3299 Bel Air Mall, Mobile (251) 471-8697; www.shopatbelairmall.com Have a birthday party at the Bel Air Mall Carousel! Call for more information. Bright Spot Cafe’ 2501 East I-65 Service Road North, Mobile (251) 338-8600 Fabulous Birthday Parties for children! Guests enjoy the indoor playroom, inflatable, basketball and the arcade. Call us today to schedule your fabulous party. We can also accommodate adult parties, baby showers, wedding receptions and retirement dinners! Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Bob’s Paintball 3428 Dawes Rd. Mobile, (251) 639-8245; www.bobspaintball.com Come one and all to the best paintball fields in Mobile, AL. From team elimination, capture the flag, to freefor-all, and even airball. For good fun, Bob’s is great for anyone wanting a rush that you wouldn’t believe until you try it. Planning a birthday party out at Bob’s Paintball is a great way to celebrate. Come out and play and you’ll have so much fun that will be spoken about for years to come…or until your next visit. Carmike Cinemas 785 Schillinger Rd S Mobile (251) 639-7373; www.carmike.com Center for the Living Arts 301 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 208-5671, www.space301.com Call about art parties. Beautiful spaces available for parties, receptions and banquets. Chill Yogurt Café (251) 316-0045; 6167 Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 679-3903; 880 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland (251) 408-9555; 7885 Moffet Road, Semmes www.chillyogurtcafe.com/mobile Party at Chill Yogurt Café! Enjoy make your own frozen yogurt with tons of great toppings. Make it your way! Call today to reserve a party! Chuck E. Cheese`s 710 Downtowner Loop W (251) 342-8142; www.chuckecheese.com Throw a magical party without lifting a finger! Our parties are a totally cool way for your kids to celebrate with the fun of Chuck E. Cheese’s. Plus, all you do is relax. Because we do all the work.  Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt www.coldsnapfrozenyogurt.com (251) 344-7074, 266 South McGregor Ave. Mobile Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt offers 16+ flavors and 60+ toppings at our fun filled self-serve stores. Plan your next Party with us! Planning a Party? Let Cold Snap Help! Cold Snap can create the perfect frozen yogurt display for your event. Dreamland Skate Center 5672 Three Notch Road, Mobile (251) 661-6997; www.dreamlandskatecenter.com Groove to the beats on roller skates at this birthday party! Many party packages to choose from and all include lots of skating time, a party room, drinks and invitations. Tea parties and private parties also available! Family Pharmacy of Spring Hill (251) 300-3003, 4415 Old Shell Road, Mobile Old fashioned soda fountain serving Basset’s Ice cream. Birthday Parties Available! Five Rivers Delta Safaris 30841 Fiver Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort (251) 259-8531; www.5RDS.com Delta Safaris offers boat based Birthday Parties for up to 42 guests aboard our fully covered USCG passenger vessel “Osprey”. All birthday parties consist of a 1 hour wildlife boat tour, where we spot alligators, eagles, osprey, cormorants, heron and a variety of other birds,

fish and mammals, before returning to land to sing happy birthday and enjoy the birthday cake (provided) at one of our many picnic areas located throughout 5 Rivers. Children’s parties with boat ride and cake is $250 (+ tax). Additional activities may be added to your party including an extended boat tour, canoe/ kayak/pedal boat rentals, custom scavenger hunts or water games. Prices for these options vary; please request a custom quote if any of these add-ons interest you or your group requires other specific needs. Please contact us for pricing and reservations at (251) 259-8531. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center 65 Government Street, Mobile (251) 208-6879; www.exploreum.com At the Gulf Coast Exploreum, we’ve got children’s birthday parties down to a science. When you book your child’s party with us, you relax while we do all the work. We provide themed invitation templates, party favors, a cool birthday cake and a fun experiment to entertain the guests. We even handle the clean up! Select a party package and let us do the rest! Please call us at 208-6879 or visit our website for more information. House of Bounce 6368 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile (251) 666-3456, www.houseofbouncemobile.com Indoor Birthday Party & Celebration Center, We Do Fun! House of Bounce Birthday Parties include all of this great stuff to make your party & celebration extra special. You will enjoy with any of our Birthday Party Packages: Private use of the facility for just you & your guests, 2 Full Hours of Indoor Inflatable Bounce House Fun, Karaoke, Glow In The Dark Dance Floor, Fog Machine & Laser Lights to the Latest Beats on the Sound System, PS3, Xbox, Token Free Basketball Challenge, Token Free Air Hockey, Token Free Foosball, Rock Climb Wall, Punching Man, Birthday Child enjoys a free ride in our 80 mph Hurricane Simulator, Double Lane Inflatable Slides, Mega Inflatable Bounce Castle with Slides, Assistance by a Fun & Energetic Party Coordinator, Set Up & Clean Up In The In The Celebration & Party Room, Private Party Room to Celebrate when you Eat & Open Gifts, Birthday Child will be seated on the Birthday Throne & Crowned King or Queen of the day! Numerous party packages available and all kids’ birthday parties and celebrations may be upgraded with additional party features. Call to book your kids birthday party or celebration today! Jumps-a-Lot 302 Schillinger Rd S., Mobile 251) 633-6676; www.jumps-a-lot.com Great indoor party facility. Your Indoor Party Place Your kids will have a blast playing at a Jumps-A-Lot Party and Play Center which features massive, themed inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses kids love, interactive games, toddler activities, arcade room and more. Don’t let the weather keep your kids in the house, come to Jumps-A-Lot and let them enjoy outdoor-type, healthy, active play, indoors We have a wide variety of merchandise that you can rent to make the perfect party- Slides, obstacles, jumper’s, Inflatables (wet and dry), Rock Wall Climbs, tents & chairs, concession supplies & machine rentals. We now have the The Rolling Spot Mobile Gaming Trailer- The Rolling Party Spot offers the ultimate mobile party experiences for any occasion. We bring the latest video

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games and most exciting gaming environment right to your door to make your party or even a WINNER every time! Relax in our self air-conditioned spacious trailer where you can play a wide variety of the most popular video games on one of Six 48” HDTV’s. You can entertain up to 28 guests at once! Knot Just Beads (KJB Studio) 2605 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 473-8650, www.facebook.com/kjbstudio Beads and jewelry making birthday parties are so much fun! Ages 8 and older. Parties held at our store after-hours. Also offering classes for adults and children in our in-store work area. Call today for information. Marble Slab Creamery (251) 633-0636, 740 Schillinger Road South, by Super Target (251) 345-1928, 1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland www.marbleslab.com Marble Slab Creamery can help turn any event into a special occasion. Whether you want a Sundae Bar, Portable Slab or an ice cream cake to match your theme, you can count on us to dish out the freshest, best tasting ice cream anywhere. The Portable Slab is where we bring The Slab to you. It is like having a Marble Slab Creamery store brought to you complete with mixins, waffle cones and more! Call us for your birthday party!

Mobile Bay Bears 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd., Mobile (251) 479-2327; www.mobilebaybears.com The Mobile BayBears would love to host your next birthday party at The Hank. Our goal is to make a day at the ballpark easy on mom and dad and a blast for the kids! The best nights to have a party: Friday - Fireworks after every Friday game. It is an added bonus to a birthday party! Sunday - Play catch on the field before the game. Families are encouraged to come down and show off their arm on the field after the game. Several packages and numerous add- on’s to choose from, The standard package includes: 12 tickets, first pitch for the honoree, souvenir baseball for the birthday honoree, video board recognition, Reserved party area, One dozen cupcakes, Mascot appearance, Personal & friendly service from a BayBears representative. Contact the BayBears at (251) 479-BEAR (2327) for more information and to book your birthday! Mobile Carnival Museum 355 Government Street, Mobile (251) 431-9334; www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com Celebrate your birthday in royal style at the Mobile Carnival Museum...Where Mardi Gras fun and merriment awaits you, in historic downtown Mobile. Birthday Package Includes: Accommodations for up to 12 children and 12 adults,12 Favor bags, Museum access and admission, On-site parking, Design and create your own Mardi Gras Mask, Party supervision,

90 minutes of complete fun Package Price: $125.00 (additional guests: $5.00 each) You Supply: Party Invitations, Birthday Cake, Other food and beverage, Attendees/Guests - ages 5 and older. Get ready to party in the Mystical den...ride the rocking float...and parade around with your guests as a masked float rider! Let the Good Times Roll, with your next birthday celebration! Nasser Gymnastics 3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 479-9311; www.nassergymnastics.net Every weekend Nasser Gymnastics hosts birthday parties for children, ages 3 and up. Birthday parties at Nasser Gymnastics are fun for everyone! We provide a great atmosphere for your child to celebrate his or her birthday with their friends. Each party includes a full hour of gymnastics fun with trained and energetic staff members, followed by a half hour for refreshments in our private party room. We are dedicated to providing a fun, exciting atmosphere for your child to celebrate his/her birthday with friends and family. Also, we never book more than one party at a time, so our birthday parties are always private! For each party we provide: Paper products (plates, napkins, forks and spoons, tablecloths, and trash bags), Tables and chairs, Set up and clean up, Completely private party room. Parents are welcome to bring any party accessories they choose. Don’t forget to bring candles, refreshments, and a cake knife. Decorations and goodie bags are also

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great ideas. No mess to clean up, no weather worries; just bring the refreshments, sit back and watch the fun! We love birthdays, and look forward to celebrating with you! Paint-n-Pals 6345K Airport Blvd, Piccadilly Square (251) 654-2313; www.paintandpals.com Have fun at a Paint and Pals Birthday Party! $18 per child, includes invitations, all materials, instruction, face painting, and YES kids get to paint on the walls. We even provide paper plates, silverware and cups. Just bring the cake! Each child will paint a picture on an 11”x14” flat canvas that he/she gets to take home at the end of the party. No party favors required and no return trips to the studio to pick up their artwork on a later date. All paintings are dry and ready to take home at the end of the party. Paint Party Studios 6808 Airport Blvd., Suite B., Mobile (251) 343-2423; www.paintpartystudios.com Kids love paint parties! Pricing starts at $15 per child and each child leaves with their own artwork. Choose an image from the paintings in our gallery or we can customize your event around your party theme. We provide the traditional canvas painting experience (ages 6+) or ask us about other painting and mixed media art options (ages 4+) for a memorable birthday party for your child. We host birthday parties at our studio, or we can bring the paint party to your location just ask for details. Parents you are welcome to bring outside food and beverages as well as cake and ice cream for party-goers. Please call us today to book your child’s birthday party, graduation celebration or holiday party! Partridge Plantation 9574 Cumberland Rd., Irvington (251) 957-6465 (OINK); www.partridgeplantation.com A birthday party to remember begins at the Partridge Plantation! A two-hour party includes hayride, pony ride, farm playground, petting and visiting the other farm animals in a clean and safe environment. Tablecloths and balloons are included in the cost. Child - $5.00/Adult $2.00. $100.00 minimum for party. Reservations should be made four weeks in advance. Call and make your reservations today. Pete’s Party Castle 2040 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 281-1990; www.petespartycastle.com Come see why we’re the best kid’s party place in town! Pete’s Party Castle is Mobile’s favorite place to sit back and let the kids play. Enjoy great food, arcades, dragon playground, and train ride. Even the little ones can play too in our toddle soft play area. Three different party packages available! Call today! Planet Gymnastics 900 Schillinger Rd S, Mobile (251) 650-0699; www.planetgymnastics.com Gymnastics fun featuring trampolines, foam pits, rope swing, cargo net, and more. Different party packages to choose from. All party packages include gym time, party room, invitations, paper products, balloons, staff to help, & Bungee Trampoline for the birthday child. A Great Time! Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Rambo’s Skateland 531 Highway 43 South, Saraland (251) 675-6601; www.rambos-skateland.com Celebrate your birthday at Rambo’s Skateland in Saraland! Choose from 3 different birthday packages and let the good times roll! Regal Mobile Stadium 18 (Hollywood Theatres) 1250 Satchel Paige Dr, Mobile (251) 473-9655, 800-326-3264; www.regmovies.com Looking for something special for a Birthday party? Head to the movies at a Regal Entertainment Group theatre! Make your favorite person a “Star For A Day” with their own party at the movies! Silver Lining Farm @ Mimi C. Peters Riding School 10727 El Nina Dr. Mobile (251) 634-1229; www.silverliningfarm.net Celebrate your child’s birthday at Silver Lining Farm! Up to 15 children are included in the price of the party package. During the party, the children are able to ride for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Usually, there is one horse to every 2-3 children. Each child has an intermediate rider from the farm assisting while they ride. This makes it an orientation lesson and not a pony ride. The kids have more fun walking and trotting with more knowledge of horseback riding. After riding, the children take a tour of the beautiful property singing and learning about horse breeds and colors. We end the party by feeding the horse’s carrots and apples in the barn. Parents say it is the easiest and the best party that they have ever had! Join us for a special day you will never forget! Simply Sweet Cupcake Boutique 6207 Cottage Hill Rd, Suite B., Mobile (251) 665-3003; www.simplysweetmobile.com/parties Have a Simply Sweet Birthday! At a Simply Sweet birthday party, the birthday boy or girl, and his or her guests, will each get to decorate 4 cupcakes and take them home in one of our signature pink bakery boxes. Our birthday party package includes 4 cupcakes per guest, frosting and supplies to decorate the cupcakes, 1 1/2 hours of time and attention from one of our cupcake specialists, 10 Simply Sweet Birthday Party Invitations, and one Jumbo Cupcake for the birthday boy or girl. The Birthday Party Package price is $150.00 and includes supplies for up to 10 children. Want to have a Cupcake Birthday Party at home? We will come to your party destination for a small fee! Ask for more details!!! Starlight Stables 11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay (251) 391-4268; www.starlightstables.weebly.com We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! Starlight Stables is home to 21 horses and ponies. Many are rescues and many have been born and raised here at our barn. We have been in business for over 21 years and have shared our horses and ponies with the community. We offer pony rentals for parties! We come to you, or you can have your party here. Sunshine Skate Center 950 Hillcrest Road, Mobile (251) 639-1704; www.sunshineskate.com Come celebrate your birthday at Sunshine Skate Center! New Go-Kart party options – The only indoor Go-Kart party in town with safe indoor go-karts with 2

great packages that include go-kart racing, arcade time in our new arcade, invitations, and tokens. We also have 3 great skate packages that include pizza, cokes, birthday place settings, invitations, admission and skate rentals! Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden 1108 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 421-2434; www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com email: hello@sunshinesuesplaygarden.com Birthday Parties, Play Place, Drop off Service, Classes and more! We LOVE Birthdays... Birthday Parties or other Events (Weekdays, Sat and Sun by Reservation): Basic Party Package (includes a basic decoration theme, table cloths, napkins, forks, spoons and cleanup): $250 for two hours. Please call or email us for a quote of additional services such as one-of-a-kind custom or additional add-on decorations, custom-made favors, cake or food pickup, princess or other character appearances etc. Our parties are completely customizable, from affordable fun to absolutely amazing! The Track 3200 Gulf Shore Pkwy, Gulf Shores (251) 968-8111; www.gulfshorestrack.com Go-karts, bumper boats, arcade games and much more! Visit the website for more information and all of our party packages. The Venue at Dawes 3349 Dawes Rd, Mobile (251) 289-9646; thevenueatdawes.com Our girl parties are designed to make your life easy! We do all the work for you, all you have to do is pick up the custom personalized invitations, mail them out, and show up for the party! Our Girls party themes include Miss Fancy, Princess, Day Spa, Graduation and Sweet 16. USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile (251) 433-2703; www.ussalabama.com Celebrate your child’s next birthday aboard the Battleship USS ALABAMA! The party can be held outside on the Fantail of the ship (back deck) or inside the ship in the Wardroom. All of your guests will enjoy touring the Battleship USS ALABAMA, Submarine USS DRUM, and the Aircraft Pavilion. We hope you will celebrate your next birthday with us at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park! Admiral’s Package - $250 (Receive $30 off with a Family Membership) • Admission for up to 20 children (additional children are $5) • Party room or area for 2 hours• Tables and chairs provided• Set up and clean up• No charge for parking for your guests. Captain’s Package – Offer of group rate admission (Ages 12 and up $10 and Ages 6-11 $5). There are picnic facilities available in the park. The Watermelon Patch 6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile (251) 633-3288; www.thewmpatch.com All of our parties are private events! The perfect party for ages 1-12. Offering playtime and a party room with your own personal party coordinator to help make your party perfect from start to finish! Leave the details to us, while you enjoy the party! Call us today to find out all our fun options for birthdays. West Mobile Swim Club 1355 Snow Road S, Mobile

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(251) 285-7946; www.westmobileswimclub.com Email: brian@westmobileswimclub.com Swim on over with your friends for a pool birthday party. Private Parties for members and non-members available. Visit the website for details. Xtreme Paintball 900-A Schillinger Rd S, Mobile (251) 639-0399; www.xpb.us An action-packed way to spend a birthday that is more suitable for older kids. Some fields are more of a natural setting while others are closer to structured complexes. Groups/parties must be booked in advance with a deposit. Please call the shop to book your group or party.

Entertainment Services 506 Lakeshore Dr, Daphne (800) 476-4988, (251) 626-1274; www.entertainmentstars.com We are the children’s entertainment experts! Just leave the entertainment to us! We can provide anything

bringing magic and excitement to children of all ages through their favorite characters coming to life on their special day. Located in Mobile, Alabama, Snowflake Entertainment came to life when the demand for Anna and Elsa became abundant. We both love playing dress up and fairy tales and decided to turn this into

related to your event, including rentals, catering, and music. Children love our parties and so do their parents! Clowns, Costumed Characters, Dunking Booth, Ventriloquists, Face Painting, Children’s Theater, Puppets, Jugglers, Imitators, Educational Programs, Story Tellers, Magicians, Rock Climbing Wall, Inflatables, Arts and Crafts Classes, GyroGym, Inflatables, Rock Climbing Wall, D.J.’s & Karaoke, Special party decorating for children & teens. Serving the Gulf Coast Area and Beyond!

our everyday life. Using the style of cosplay, a popular form of “Dress Up” in Japan, we guarantee to bring excitement to your special event or birthday party with our unique personalities that your child and guests will adore. We enjoy making children smile and have fun dressing up as their favorite characters. We work hard to provide you with the highest quality party packages. Our packages range from fun crafts, snowball fights and live interactive performances where your child can be a star and sing-a-long with us! As we venture out on this new and enchanting journey, we plan to include many more princesses to choose from. Keep checking our Facebook page and our website for exciting updates on new princesses and characters. Check out our Gallery and Party Packages to plan your perfect Princess Party! If you don’t see what you are looking for, feel free to Contact Us with your requests and we will do our best to bring your imagination to life.

YMCA Birthday Parties (251) 344-4856, Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA951 Downtowner Blvd., (251) 679-8877, North Mobile Family YMCA92 Saraland Loop, www.ysal.org Celebrate your Birthday with a Pool Party! You celebrate, we clean up! 2 packages available! Call us for more information.

Entertainment Services Bricks 4 Kidz

(251) 300-4796 www.bricks4kidz.com alabama-baldwin-mobile Bring Lego fun into your birthday parties! We have multiple party packages to choose from and can customize the party to meet your needs. For more information and booking contact, email lsmith@bricks4kidz.com or nsmith@bricks4kidz.com. Azalea City DJ’s (251) 689-6226 Email: mustagotlost@gmail.com Azalea City DJs, Mobile DJ for all types of events; you name it, we do it! We are energetic Dance Party Specialists and we love to play any event. We feature thousands of songs covering all genres of music from old to new and we know how to us them! Clowning Around with Smozey and Friends (251) 447-7164 Party fun for all ages. Specializing in twisted balloon creations and magic shows. Performing throughout the Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. Dr. Gee’s Magic & Balloons (251) 662-7415 Magic and Balloons for Parties, Promotions and Events. Well-Scripted Entertaining and Educational Magic Shows. Creative and Colorful Balloons for Everyone who Loves Balloons. Mobile and Lower Alabama, Mississippi & Florida. Great for birthdays, sleepovers, or any event that needs some extra fun! Find us on Facebook!

Famous Friendz (251) 581-2822 Looking for a Famous Friend to help bring your child’s party to life? We have lots of Famous Friendz to choose from that can come and visit your party or special event to really make it extra special!! Jingles & Friends (251) 623-9814; We are a local business that provides Professional Clowning and Facepainters for Birthday Parties, Church and School events, Corporate Picnics, Family Reunions, and many other Local Events for over 25 years. Snowflake Entertainment (251) 654-9734; www.snowflakeentertainment.com snowflakeentertainment@yahoo.com Have you ever seen a dream come true through a child’s eyes? Snowflake Entertainment specializes in

Sunshine the Clown (251) 442-0007 Balloon artist, magic tricks & balloons! Tanglewood Theatrical Service (251) 510-0654; Mobile We offer face painting for parties of all sizes, balloon arches, custom murals and backdrops, custom artwork and calligraphy. We can provide custom certificates, invitations, table decorations, specialty props and custom

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made costumes. We also specialize in entertainment ranging from dance to theatricals. We have over 20 years combined experience in theater, so we know that atmosphere is everything. For more information call Shari Prestwood or e-mail circleofoakes@yahoo.com for an appointment. Find us on Facebook! Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo (251)866-7713 Petting zoo that comes to you! Friendly animals are brought to your location for a petting zoo experience.

Rentals GyroSpace

(251) 654-1311 We provide unique fun for children and adults at your location! GyroSpace will bring TWO human-powered gyroscopes right to your house! Each person controls their own ride at the pace they enjoy. Some like it fast, some just want a good backstretch. Because it is rider controlled, there is NO dizziness or nausea ever! No power needed. We do the work. A GyroSpace party makes great photos and Memorable times. This will be a new family favorite Blue Rents 1601 East I-65 Service Road S, Mobile (251) 479-8502; www.bluerents.net Blue Rents, Inc. is a family owned, full service rental company serving the Gulf Coast area for over forty years. Inflatables, Games & Activities, concessions, tents, tables, and chairs. Catering and event equipment. Bounce and Slide Party Rentals of Saraland (251) 643-5570; bounceandslidespartyrentals.com Water slides, dry slides, bounce houses, popcorn/snowball/cotton candy machines. One-day rental, delivery, and set up are included in your price so there are no surprises when it comes to paying the bill. And when it comes time, we’ll pack all the equipment up and haul it away leaving zero debris. Discounts are available to churches and schools. Cheese Wagon (251) 510-8500; www.cheesewagon.com Mobile’s original party bus! All of our buses come with: Monster sound system, iPod hookup, CD player, Club style lighting and Dancing pole. Fun ‘n Sun Inflatables and Party Rentals (251) 622-3393; www.funnsuninflatables.com We offer the most complete line of party and event inflatables in our area at affordable prices!!We specialize in supplying unique interactive inflatables, waterslides, trackless train amusement ride, photo booth, dunk booth, as well as standard bounce houses to churches, schools, corporate venues as well as backyard parties! Children and those that are still kids at heart will love our inflatables and you can rest assured that your rentals will be set-up safely and properly with our experienced and trained staff. We also rent concession and party supplies, tents, tables and chairs. Happy Dayz Party Rental 14174 US Highway 90, Grand Bay, (251) 281-6069 Happy dayz party rentals: Slides, Ponies, Dunk tank, Moon jumps, Combo ‘ and Train. JB’s Fun Jumps & Slides (251) 599-9301; www.jbsfunjumps.com Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

JB’s Fun Jumps & Slides is your one stop shop for all things bouncy and fun!! We have space jumps, slides, combos, popcorn machines, sno-cone machines, cotton candy machines and tables/chairs for rent!! Let us make your next event a special one! For more information about our equipment, email us at info@ jbsfunjumps.com. Jumps-a-Lot 302 Schillinger Rd S. (251) 633-6676; www.jumps-a-lot.com The largest variety of Inflatables available. Slides, obstacles, jumper’s, Inflatables, Rock Wall Climbs, balloons, tents & chairs, concession supplies & machine rentals, party supplies, & The Rolling Party Spot (Mobile Gaming Trailer) Just 4 Fun Inflatables (251) 923-7279; www.just4funinflatables.net For your special occasion, depend on Just 4 Fun Inflatables to make your party easy, fun and memorable. We offer bouncers, dry slides, water slides, adventure obstacles, interactive inflatable games and marketing promotions. Serving Bay Minette, Bon Secour, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Mobile, Montrose, Orange Beach, Robertsdale, Pensacola, Summerdale and Silverhill. Magic Memories Photography LLC – Photo Booth Rental (251) 490-5693; magicmemoriesphoto.com Photo booth rentals are a great addition to any special occasion. Our unique photo booth is fully customizable to fit your needs. Whether you want a small photo booth for just a few people or a large setup to accommodate ten people, we can handle it. Mobile Popcorn (Carnival Supply) 3333-C Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile (251) 479-2492; www.carnivalsupply.com Whether you are having a birthday party and are looking for Jumper Inflatables, Cotton Candy Machines, Sno-Kone Machines, Games, Extra Chairs and Tables, Hot Dog Steamers, and more, we have you covered. Your one stop fun shop. Also offering a full line of catering supplies. Starlight Stables 11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay (251) 391-4268; www.starlightstables.weebly.com We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! Starlight Stables is home to 21 horses and ponies. Many are rescues and many have been born and raised here at our barn. We have been in business for over 21 years and have shared our horses and ponies with the community. We offer pony rentals for parties! We come to you, or you can have your party here. The Rolling Spot Mobile Gaming Trailer (251) 633-6676; www.jumps-a-lot.com The Rolling Spot Mobile Gaming Trailer- The Rolling Party Spot offers the ultimate mobile party experiences for any occasion. We bring the latest video games and most exciting gaming environment right to your door to make your party a WINNER every time! Relax in our self air-conditioned spacious trailer where you can play a wide variety of the most popular video games on one of Six 48” HDTV’s. You can entertain up to 28 guests at once! 2 hour party- Mon-Thurs $250.00 (within 40 miles), Fri-Sun $299.00(within 40 miles) **add an inflatable Jump to your party for $50.00. MBP

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Investing in Your Style

fashionista! I love my heels and I want to be able to wear them for a long time. That’s why investing in a nice, comfy pump is a key investment. I would go for a neutral color pump...preferably nude or camel. This is an easy transitional color.

2-Flats This southern savvy stylist loves a great style bargain, but I also feel like every woman should have a few items in her wardrobe that she has splurged on. These items are great to invest in and have in your closet for two reasons: 1) They are timeless pieces, and 2) You can mix them in with the savvy purchases you will buy during each season. Below are a few items I think will be worth the investment. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all about saving money on your style, so if you can find these items at a lower cost, whether at your favorite outlet store, on-line, or at an end of season discount...go for it! I’m all about purchasing investment pieces at half the cost.

1-Patent Pumps A simple, classic pump works for everything from job interviews to first dates to black-tie weddings to girls night out. Find a pair that’s comfy (okay, relatively so) and take the plunge. Comfort, as I have learned thought the years, is important when it comes to your style. Who wants their feet to be in pain by the end of the day? Not this Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Whether it’s a ballet flat or pointed toe (which I prefer) these are wonderful investment pieces. You can wear them to work or keep them super casual. The fact that you can make these an easy transitional style helps when you are investing in a good pair of shoes, and your feet will thank you as well. There is nothing wrong with investing in a flat rather than a heel.

3-Little Black Dress If you’re going to splurge on just one item, make it the simple black dress in a style that suits your body type. A black dress is versatile and can be non-seasonal if bought in the right material. You can really take the perfect black dress from day to night, as well as changing up the style simply by adding your favorite layers or accessories.

4-Perfectly-Fitting Denim There’s absolutely nothing—nothing—like finding that amazing pair of denim jeans. Talk about non-seasonal and easy transitional styling, jeans are the perfect item to sink a little extra cash into, and they’ll pay for themselves in compliments. 56

5-Timeless Handbag We all know accessories can really bring an outfit to life and I feel confident that the perfect handbag can do this, too. We all depend on this fashion accessory, so why not invest a little more money into your favorite handbag. Find a color and style that is non-seasonal and that will go with practically every item in your closet. This will make your investment worthwhile! Yellow and gold tones, plus browns (like camel) are a few good options.

6-Layering piece This can be a blazer, cardigan, jacket, etc. Invest in one layering item that can be non-seasonal and add style to your wardrobe. Maybe invest in a pop of color or keep it neutral and add color with your accessories. Now, you don’t need to drop a ton of money on these investment pieces. Just enjoy the thrill of finding these expensive items at half the cost. Also, if you invest in one of these items that costs a bit more, then take my southern savvy advice and add beauty bargain pieces to these expensive investments. This is what styling is all about...being able to take staple pieces of clothing in your closet and transforming them into a gorgeous new style. Investing a little can save you a lot! Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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Growing a Little Green Thumb

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Gardening is an ideal learning landscape for little ones. Seeing first-hand how seeds propagate, germinate, bloom and survive magnifies a child’s understanding of the endless marvels found in the plant kingdom. Working with plants also encourages patience and observation as all gardeners must wait and watch for seedlings to emerge and bloom in their own time. The following items encourage kids to get their hands dirty while they discover the rewards that come along with fostering life in their very own corner of the garden.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Medieval Herber

Desktop Carnivorous Plants

(DuneCraft)

Modeled after the raised rectangular beds that medieval householders would have used for their own herb gardens, the Medieval Herber is a small terrarium that brings back some of the essential plants that families would have used during the Middle Ages to flavor their food or naturally treat small ailments. The kit includes the terrarium container, planting mixture, pebbles, and mixed seeds for eight plant varieties that were popular in the era (thyme, rosemary, basil, fennel, marjoram, etc.). Easy to start, the plants can germinate as quickly as three days after planting. Kids and parents can also explore novel ways to integrate their anciently inspired windowsill harvest into today’s recipes. Old school herbs meet modern kitchen garden resources with the Medieval Herber!

(ThinkGeek)

Some of the most unlikely anomalies in the botanical world grow right before your eyes with this gardening set from ThinkGeek that brings carnivorous plants to life. Typically deprived of nutritious soil in the natural world, plants like the Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant and Sundew have evolved to secure their food in a different way as they attract and consume insects. This tabletop kit includes seeds, peat bog planting mix, swamp rocks and some decorative elements to whet kids interest while they wait for the seedlings to emerge. It does take a long time to get the seeds started and there are meticulous instructions to be followed for a successful germination. But once they get going, gardeners will have a front row seat as these unique plants emerge, grow, and eventually turn the tables on the insect kingdom.

Shippon - Self-watering Animals

Grow-A-Maze (ToySmith)

Illustrating plants’ ability to thrive no matter where they’re rooted, Grow-A-Maze illustrates in real time a bean sprout’s epic journey to the sun. This container features adjustable inserts so that kids can create a variety of paths for the traveling sprout from a soil base, through twists and turns, and upward toward the strongest light. The transparent sides not only allow viewing of the plant’s progress through the maze, but also the root action going on below the surface. It’s an ideal device to study plants’ natural tendency to seek out the sun for photosynthesis. The kit includes all the maze components, card covers, and magnifiers (dried beans and soil are not included). Grow-A-Maze is an excellent testament to the enduring spirit of plants as they reach toward the sun!

(Fat Brain Toys)

Irresistibly cute and super-easy to start, Shippons are small ceramic animals with a little backpack planter that is ready to burst into bloom with the simplest of preparation. Simply pack the backpack with soil and some seeds, then hook them over the lip of a mug or cup letting the tail hang down into clean water. There’s no need to extensively water the seedling as the animal tail siphons up a steady supply of moisture to foster the germination and blooming of a small plant. Each Shippon animal (Strawberry Cat, Basil Monkey or Clover Dog) comes with its namesake seeds and is ready to start right out of the box. Ideal for the smallest of green thumbs, Shippon Self-watering Animals are the perfect first step for young gardeners!

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

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Listed in date order for easy summer planning. If your church is hosting a VBS that is not listed here, please email the information to Lucy@mobilebayparents.com. West Mobile Baptist 7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 639-9952; www.westmobilebaptist.org June 14-18, 6:00pm-8:30pm; Ages 4-Grade 6. Fulton Road Baptist Church 1800 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile (251) 471-2525; fultonrdbaptist.com/media/ vacation-bible-school June 15-18, registration at 5:30pm, opening celebration 5:45pm Theme: “Everest” Ashland Place UMC 15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile (251) 478-6356; www.apumc.com June 15-19; 9:00am – 12:00pm Join us for “Everest”. Register on the church website or call the office. Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile (251) 342-0462; www.cumcchildren.com/vbs June 15- 19; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages K3-5th grade “Bible Blast to the Past” Register online at cumcchildren.com/vbs.

Theme: “Everest” Please check our website for more information. The Baptist Chapel 10431 Old Pascagoula Road, Grand Bay (251) 957-3982 June 15-19; 8:30am-11:30am; Ages 3 and up. Grab your Bible, lace up your hiking boots, put a map and compass in your backpack and join us at Camp Courageous where we are equipping for life! Eternal Life! For more information call Barbara Cannon at (251) 510-8220. Dauphin Way Baptist 3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 342-3456; www.dwbc.org June 22-26; 9:00am-12:00pm; Completed K-4 thru 6th grade “Journey off the Map” Register online at our website or at the church. Government St Presbyterian 300 Government Street, Mobile (251) 432-1749; www.gspcmobile.org June 22-25; 8:30am-12:30pm “Everest –Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” Registration online at www.groupvbspro.com/ vbs/ez/gspc2015. St. Ignatius Catholic Church 3704 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 342-9221, www.stignatiusmobile.org June 22-26, 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages PreK-4th grade “From the Rainbow to the Cross” Cost is $30 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. Contact Brittany DeFalco for information at 605-1384 or defalcob@stignatius.org.

Corpus Christi Catholic School 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile (251) 342-5474; www.corpuschristiparish.com June 15-19; 8:45am -12:00pm Children entering Kindergarten - 5th grade “Expedition Everest” For more information, please contact Diane Stoyka at dianestoyka@yahoo.com or 251-342-5474 ext. 7. Grace Community Church 7120 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 345-3303; www.gracemobile.org June 15 – June 19; Ages 5-5th grade Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

Saraland UMC 415 McKeough Avenue, Saraland (251) 675-2728; www.saralandumc.org June 22- June 26; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages 4 – 5th grade “G-Force: God’s Love in Action” Registration Info: Check our website for registration info about a month prior to the event, or children can register on arrival. Snow Road First Baptist 2370 Snow Road North, Semmes (251) 649-7722, www.srfbc.com June 22-26; 6:00pm-8:30pm Light supper served every evening Ages 4 – 5th Grade Kick-Off to VBS and Water Fun Day: June 20 58

12:00pm-2:00pm. Bring your swimsuits and towels! Family Day will be June 28 at 6:00pm. For registration or any questions please contact Carolina Burkholder, 251-725-3068 or email carolinaoburkholder4@gmail.com. Sonrise Baptist Church 140 Snow Road N, Mobile (251) 776-7473; www.sonrisebc.net June 22-26; 6-8:30 pm Ages 3 years - 5th grade “Everest - Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power”

Westminster Presbyterian 2921 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 471-5451 June 22-26; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages: K to grade 5 Join us for “G-Force”. For information, please call 471-5451 or email wpcmobile@comcast.net. Travis Road Baptist Church 5226 Travis Road, Mobile (251) 661-1620 Join us for “Mt. Everest” VBS June 28 - July 1, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Open to children ages 4k thru 5th grade. To register or for more information call the children’s director, Rebecca Nelson, (251) 581-2539. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 342-8521; www.stpaulschurchmobile.com June 29-July 2 More details to come: check our website. Dauphin Island Baptist Church 910 Chaumont Avenue, Dauphin Island (251) 767-6185; www.dibaptist.org July 6-10; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages 3 – 6th grade This year’s theme - “Journey off the Map” First Baptist Tillmans Corner 5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile (251) 661-0114; www.fbtc.org July 6-10, 8:30am-12pm. Trinity Episcopal Church 1900 Dauphin St, Mobile (251) 473-2779 July 6-10 Time: TBA www.mobilebayparents.com

Shadow Lawn Baptist Church 5665 Dogwood Trail, Eight Mile (251) 675-1447; www.shadowlawnbc.com July 12th-17th; 6:00pm until 8:30pm “Journey Off The Map” For all ages pre-school through adult Nursery for those parents that attend. There will be a snack supper every night. Dauphin Way UMC 1507 Dauphin Street., Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org/VBS July 1317; 8:45am -12:00pm; Age 4- completed 5th grade “G-Force – God’s Love in Action”. St. Mark UMC 439 Azalea Road, Mobile

(251) 342-5861; www.stmarkmobile.com July 13-17; 9:00pm-12:00pm; Ages 4 - 5th grade. Join us as we climb “Everest”.

“Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus was a Kid” Register online at woodridgebc.com.

Spring Hill Presbyterian 10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251) 342-1550; www.springhillpresbyterian.org July 13-16, 9:00am-11:30am (kids); Age 4- Grade 5 Thursday – 5:007:30 pm (parents and kids) “Nazareth” Woodridge Baptist Church 2700 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 633-6000; www.woodridgebc. com July 13-July 17; 8:30am-12:00pm; For ages: entering Kindergarten thru entering 6th grade.

Semmes First Baptist Church 4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes (251) 649-2319; www.semmesfirstbaptist.net July 20-24; 8:30am – 12:00pm; Entering Kindergarten to finishing 5th grade. Theme: “Hometown Nazareth” Oak Park Church 3321 Sollie Road, Mobile (251) 633-6110; www.oakparkministries.com July 21-24; 8:30am-12:00pm; Ages 3 and up. “Everest” - Registration starts at 8:00am Preregister and get more information at www.oakparkministries.com. Covenant Presbyterian Church 2651 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile (251) 298-7055; covenantpresmobile.org August 4-6; 9:00am-12:00pm “Faith Expedition” Email marty@covenantpresmobile.org with questions or to register.

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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. History Museum of Mobile • Exhibit “Art of India” open through September 1. “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores Southern Asia” is an exhibit about personal discovery and exploration. It is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures, and most importantly, photographs, and writings. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. 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 Mobile Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. 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

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

June/July 2015

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. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo. com, meghanLLL@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 251689-2085. 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 Parent-Child 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 The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks. 251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included.

Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital.  Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course  One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon.  $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children.  By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR  Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and

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Family Calendar 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, June 20

Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament Join us at Dauphin Island Marina (650 LeMoyne Dr., Dauphin Island). To purchase tickets, please visit www. kysertournament.com. Introducing the red snapper raffle - because the KMMFT will not fall within the 2015 Red Snapper season, we have decided to raffle off several prizes instead, including a YETI cooler! Red Snapper Raffle tickets are: $10 each or 3 for $25. Spring Market on the Square Shop for the freshest crop in Cathedral Square! This time of year is our favorite because you can buy locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelons, plants and flowers, as well as seafood, baked goods, pastas, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and much more. Stay for live music on the green! Saturdays through July 25, 7:30 a.m. until Noon. For more information, please call (251) 208-1550. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof”. 8 p.m. 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile. Please visit www.joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” Through June 28 on the weekends. Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. In a small Texas town, the Turnover family gathers in anticipation of the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke. What they find is a rebirth of the spirit of the family. A classic Del Shores comedydrama!

Sunday, June 21

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. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information. Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers Every Sunday throughout the day, step inside our Tensaw Theater and catch a free film that is sure to please the whole family! 5 Rivers KID’S DAY Sunday Matinee “Lilo & Stitch”. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information.

June/July 2015 Friday, June 26

Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” 2 p.m. See June 20 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 20 for more information.

Monday, June 22

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Iron Giant Percussion Group. Saraland Library 10:30 a.m., Semmes Branch 1 p.m. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline. org for more information.

Tuesday, June 23

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Iron Giant Percussion Group. West Regional Branch 11 a.m. Theodore Oaks Branch 2 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Wednesday, June 24

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Iron Giant Percussion Group. Ben May Main Library 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Parkway Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Thursday, June 25

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Iron Giant Percussion Group. Trinity Gardens Community Library 10 a.m. Toulminville Branch 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information. Indigo Girls – Saenger Theatre The Indigo Girls will be preforming at the Saenger Theatre at 8:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger. com for more information. Distinguished Young Women – Preliminaries and National Finals A nationwide scholarship program for high school girls culminates each year with the National Finals at the Mobile Civic Center. Distinguished Young Women Preliminaries and National Finals are set from June 25-27 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.ajm.org. Campo Santo Concert Series As part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Main Street Mobile, the Downtown Mobile Alliance has partnered with Blue Moon Brewing Company and the city’s Office of Special Events to create a six-week live music series. The Campo Santo Summer Concert Series will repeat every Thursday evening through July 16th. Please visit www.downtownmobile.org for more information. Kid’s Day in Bienville Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and much more! 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free. If you have any questions please contact (251) 208-1550. Market on the Hill Join us for fresh produce and music at Lavretta Park on Thursdays through July 30 from 3 - 6 .p.m.. For more information, please call (251) 208-1550. Free Family Movie Night – Dauphin Island Every Thursday evening beginning at dusk, see a free family movie on the West End beach! (Located at the end of Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island). Moviegoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs and/or blanket for seating. “How to Train Your Dragon 2”. Movies are subject to change and events are weather permitting.

Delbert McClinton – Saenger Mobile HUKA Entertainment presents Grammy Award winning recording artist and songwriter, Delbert McClinton, at Saenger Mobile! Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Distinguished Young Women – Preliminaries and National Finals See June 25 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 20 for more information.

Saturday, June 27

Slide the City Mobile Summer time is upon us, and we are bringing 1000 feet of slick vinyl to brighten your city streets. Come dressed to impress because it’s not every day you can strut through town with your hot bod, cool dance moves and slick slides. Did we mention 1000 feet? Yeah, that’s over 3 football fields. Slide the City is a family friendly slip-and-slide water party event. There will be live music, food, drinks, water, and of course the biggest slip and slide ever to hit asphalt. Don’t worry, we’ve got it padded. This slide’s got more cushion than your grandpa’s orthopedic sneakers. Make sure to bring your water buckets, floaties, and water guns (nonrealistic of course), to squirt, spray, splash, and get all attending soaked. Please visit www.slidethecity.com/ events/mobile for more information. Comedia del Arte presents Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Curse Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer for Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Curse. Please visit www.commediadelarte.org for more information. 5 Rivers Class: “Wildlife Photography” Join us for a free wildlife & nature photography workshop from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Our own 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. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information. Register by calling 251-625-0814 or by emailing Kathy.Hicks@dcnr.alabama.gov. Bring a camera, free, ages 12 and older. Distinguished Young Women – Preliminaries and National Finals See June 25 for more information. Spring Market on the Square See June 20 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 20 for more information.

Sunday, June 28

Sunday Matinee Day – 5 Rivers Every Sunday throughout the day, step inside our Tensaw Theater and catch a free film that is sure to please the whole family! 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Nature: Saving Otter 501”. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information. West End Beach Sunset Concert Series Join the fun at the West End Beach (end of Bienville Blvd). Parking $10 per car includes all occupants. Bikes and pedestrians $5. Outside food, drinks (no outside alcohol), coolers and chairs are permitted but snack and chair vendors will be on site. No glass, no grills and no pets. Concert schedule thru June: Sunday June 28 - Mobile Big Band Society from 6:15-8:15 p.m. We Love Satsuma Celebration The 3rd Annual “We Love Satsuma Celebration” will be held at 5 p.m. at Fred K Wright Park, 5749 Hwy 43 in Satsuma. There will be food vendors, cake walk, exhibit tables, children’s activities and a fireworks show at dark. For more information, contact First Baptist of Satsuma at (251) 675-1280.

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Family Calendar Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 20 for more information. West End Beach Sunset Concert Series (May and June Concerts) See May 23 for more information.

Monday, June 29

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Juggling with Ron Anglin. Saraland Library 10:30 a.m., Semmes Branch 1 p.m. and Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Tuesday, June 30

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Juggling with Ron Anglin. West Regional Branch 11 a.m. Theodore Oaks Branch 2 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Thursday, July 2

The Birth of American Identity in Art – Mobile Museum of Art Before your Fourth of July celebration, in the spirit of Independence, take a tour of the first 150 years of American Art. See the unique impact that the New World’s strange landscapes had in the development of the first truly American art perspective. This is a free Thursday night program. Sign up in person for a 6, 7, or 8 o’clock tour with a trained docent. Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr). Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Campo Santo Concert Series See June 25 for more information.

Friday, July 3

Semmes Freedom Celebration Semmes Freedom Celebration is a one-day event for the whole family held at Mary G Montgomery High School in Semmes, honoring our Faith, Families, and our Military. Highlights of this event include a Car show, Craft Show, KidZone, Petting Zoo, FREE Hot Air Balloon rides, Games, live entertainment, A heartwarming tribute to our Military, all followed by a Spectacular Professional Fireworks Show that will light up the sky! Starts at 5 p.m. Please visit www. orchardassembly.com/semmes-freedom-celebration for more information. Grand Bay Watermelon Festival The Grand Bay Watermelon Festival will take place July 3-4 at Festival Park, Hwy 90, Grand Bay. July 3 – 3 - 7 p.m. and July 4 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission charged. Free sliced ice cold watermelon to eat on July 4th. Large children’s area with petting zoo, train rides, pony rides, moon walks, face painting, games for the young and young at heart, & much more. Arts and crafts, family entertainment and food booths. Please visit grandbaywatermelonfestival.org for more information.

Saturday, July 4

4th of July at Battleship Park Celebrate the 4th of July with the City of Mobile at Battleship Memorial Park. Enjoy live musical entertainment including our traditional patriotic concert, food from area Food Trucks and the Battleship’s Galley, and a dynamic fireworks show. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. The Park opens to spectators at 4 p.m. and the fireworks show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per car. No food or alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the Park. Sponsored by The City of Mobile, AL.COM, and the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. For more information call (251) 433-2703.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

June/July 2015

Independence Day – Henry George Park Join us for Baldwin Pops concert at Henry George starting at 7 p.m. and fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Please call (251) 990-0218 for more information. Daphne Jubilee Independence Day Celebration Independence Day Celebration at Trione Sports Complex. Please call (251) 621-3703 for more information. Evening under the Stars – Mobile Pops Concert at Dauphin Island The Mobile Pops presents “An Evening under the Stars” Star Bright Concert on July 4th at 6:00 p.m. under the water tower at Dauphin Island. Fireworks after the concert on the Public Beach next to DI Elementary School. 5 Rivers Crafts We are open! Kid’s Crafts 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., free, all ages. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information. American Legion Independence Day BBQ American Legion Independence Day BBQ will be BBQ Pork or Chicken Plates - $10 each from 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 199-700 S. Mobile Street. Grand Bay Watermelon Festival See July 3 for more information.

Monday, July 6

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Magicians – Dr. Gee & Daffodil. Saraland Library 10:30 a.m., Semmes Branch 1 p.m. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline. org for more information.

Tuesday, July 7

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Magicians – Dr. Gee & Daffodil. West Regional Branch 11 a.m. Theodore Oaks Branch 2 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Wednesday, July 8

Bay Bites Food Truck Festival The Young Advisory Council presents Bay Bites Food Truck Festival on July 8, at Cooper Riverside Park, Downtown Mobile. Join us for an evening of great food and cold beer! Buy your tickets in advance online or at the door. Wristbands are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit Mobile Baykeeper. Please visit www.mobilebaykeeper.org for more information. Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Dr. Gee & Daffodil. Ben May Main Library 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Parkway Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information. Learning Lunch – History Museum Join us to explore new perspectives on the history and culture of Mobile, Southern Alabama, and the Gulf Coast. Each program begins at noon – bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages! History Museum - (111 South Royal Street). For more information about the Learning Lunch program, contact: Howard McPhail, Curator of Minority History at 251-208-7557 or howard. mcphail@cityofmobile.org.

Thursday, July 9

Opening Reception – Art:Work MMofA, in partnership with Bay Area Art Educators, is please to present Art:Work, an exhibition of art by local art educators. Artists who teach have a special understanding of the creative process. Art educators are in the trenches of culture building, as translators of form and technique, and as art-world ambassadors for the next generation. This exhibition explores the variety of way art works and the work of making. Reception is 6 - 8 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art (4850

Museum Dr). Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart. com for more information. Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Magicians Dr. Gee & Daffodil. Toulminville Branch 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information. Campo Santo Concert Series See June 25 for more information.

Saturday, July 11

Babypalooza Tour Parents don’t miss The BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Babypalooza Tour when it comes to Mobile. The event will held in the Ballroom at the Mobile Convention Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Babypalooza is a FREE baby and maternity experience for new, expectant and hopeful parents. It’s a day full of fun and information with exhibitors highlighting everything from health and fitness to nursery design, infant and maternity fashion, mommy and me classes and more. Please visit babypaloozatour.com for more information. Village of Springhill Screen on the Green – Outdoor Movies Join us for a movie under the stars on Dorn Field (located behind Moorer Library). Movie starts at 8:15 p.m. - “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”. Please visit www.thevillageofspringhill. com for more information. Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament The 2015 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is designed to ring families together and encourage sportsmanship. RMYAT is for children 15 years and younger and it typically attracts more than 1500 young anglers. All proceeds benefit the Mobile Jaycees Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour. Please visit www.adsfr.com/rmyat.html for more information.

Monday, July 13

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Magicians – Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Squad. Saraland Library 10:30 a.m., Semmes Branch 1 p.m., Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Tuesday, July 14

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Squad. West Regional Branch 11 a.m. Theodore Oaks Branch 2 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

Wednesday, July 15

Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens Horticultural consultant Harvey Cotten will lead a discussion on how your garden can attract and protect bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators. Cotton will sign his books after the program, which is part of the Wonderful Wednesday’s summer series at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Learn more and register at www. bellingrath.org. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Book Signing with John Sledge Join us for a book signing with author John S. Sledge in honor of the release of his new book, “The Mobile River.” Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and live music from Kracker Dan at the History Museum of Mobile (111 South Royal Street). Free. Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Squad. Ben May Main Library 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Parkway Branch 3 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information.

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Family Calendar Thursday, July 16

Mobile Museum of Art – Live at the Museum MMofA is pleased to present one of Southern Living’s 2015 ‘Artists to Watch’, all the way from Nashville, Ruby the Rabbitfoot. Humid grooves, glittering guitars, barnacle-sharp piano melodies, and Ruby’s deft turn of phrase make for an intoxicating elixir. LIVE is a concert series presenting all original sounds from regional and local talent. 7:00 p.m. at 4850 Museum Dr. Cost - $10. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Squad. Toulminville Branch 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information. Campo Santo Concert Series See June 25 for more information.

Friday, July 17

Strike Out Domestic Violence Join us at BayBear Stadium for out Strike Out Domestic Violence event that benefits Penelope House. Game time is 7:05 and pledge $20 for each strike out by a BayBears’ pitcher so we can strike out Domestic Violence. Contact (251) 342-2809 to make a pledge. 82nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo The 82nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 17-19 at Dauphin Island. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the largest fishing tournament in the world. Founded in 1929, the fishing rodeo now attracts over 3,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators. For more information, please visit www.adsfr.com.

Saturday, July 18

Summer Reading - A Finale of Heroic Proportions Join us from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art for the Summer Reading Finale – A Finale of Heroic Proportions. There will be Arts & Crafts, Games, and Free Admission to the Museum Galleries. Please visit slp.mplonline.org for more information. Dauphin Street Vault Come downtown to watch some of the region’s best vaulters take to the skies above Dauphin Street. The primary mission of Dauphin Street Vault (and now, the Dauphin Street Race) is to promote health and wellness through the athletics. Our secondary mission is to celebrate the awesomeness of pole vaulting and track and field by throwing an amazing block party in its honor. Whether you’re an athlete or not, we hope to see you there! 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Please visit www.dauphinstreetvault.com for more information. 5 Rivers Presentation: “Insectology – Learning to Love Bugs!” Love them or hate them, there are more insects on this planet than all of the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish put together. They are all around us, on us and even inside us. Join 5 Rivers Educator Shonda Borden to learn about your closest neighbors: insects. Free, all ages. 5 Rivers (30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort) from 2-3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center 82nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See July 17 for more information.

Sunday, July 19

82nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See July 17 for more information.

Wednesday, July 22

Kids Gulf Discovery Day Join us for our annual Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens. Learn all about the environment

June/July 2015

of our region from local experts and organizations, including the Winged Ambassadors with their fabulous birds for special presentations. We will also have cruises along with Fowl River with our friends from Delta Safaris! 9 a.m. to noon. Fees for the cruise with Delta Safaris are $ 8 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12. Please visit bellingrath.org or call (251) 973-2217 for more information.

Thursday, July 23

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” Join us this summer for the delightful story of the “practically perfect” nanny Mary Poppins. Based on the book by P. L. Travers and the movie produced by Disney studios, Mary is a super-nanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children. She proceeds to put things right in the Banks household with the aid of her extraordinary magical powers. This fun-filled musical is wonderful for adults and children alike. You’ll be singing along in no time...”in the most delightful way!” The show runs from July 23 through August 16. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15, and students and seniors are $12. Call 251-602-0630 for reservations! Seinfeld Live America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Saenger Theatre at 7:00 p.m. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information.

Friday, July 24

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Saturday, July 25

Battle of the Bay Canoe and Kayak Race The fourth annual Battle of the Bay is a family-friendly event that allows serious (and not-so-serious) paddlers the chance to race while raising money for the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, a nonprofit that works with lawyers to provide free civil legal services to low-income citizens. The morning begins with a one mile canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fun paddle at 8am. Boats launch next to the restaurant and line up at the starting line next to the Bluegill’s dock. An Alabama Supreme Court Justice blows the starting horn to signal the start of the race. Next up the brand new canoe relay division adds to the excitement as a team of four competes to win (4 paddlers per team and each team completing two 1-mile loops). Spectators crowd the Bluegill’s deck to cheer on their favorite paddlers. Children enjoy fun activities while DJ Dr. Feelgood plays music, adults enjoy beverages sponsored by a local coffee shop and local brewery, the Bluegill serves a delicious shrimp and grits brunch, and the crowd enjoys the opportunity to win door prizes. Live music by Elaine Petty and Smokin’ Elvis will begin when the paddlers make it back to land. The top three boats in each boat category in the fun paddle and the top three teams in the canoe division will win prizes. Please visit vlp. publishpath.com/fundraisers for more information. Southwest Mobile County – Kids Day Join us from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center (5055 Carol Plantation Road) for Kids Day. Many activities: petting zoo, bounce house, food, entertainment, Kona, giveaways, Health Screenings, fitness activities and much more! Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information.

Monday, July 27

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival Join us for the Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival

from July 27-31. Monday-Friday will have a jazz camp from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Museum of Mobile 111 S. Royal St. for $25. Camp will include a field trip to the Ellis Marsalis Musician Village in New Orleans. On Thursday, July 30 – Join us for an Evening of Poetry 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Ben May Main Library (701 Government St., Mobile). Saturday, August 1 - Jazz in the Temple from 4 - 9:30 p.m. at 351 St. Francis St. Second Line Parade from Cathedral Square to Temple. Prize for “Best Decorated Umbrella” at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.gcehjazzfest.com.

Tuesday, July 28

Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman Discussion The announcement of the publication of a second novel by Harper Lee prompted a firestorm of publicity. Controversies raged over subjects such as the author’s mental competence, the author’s health, financial fraud and legal fraud. Special guest, Nancy Anderson will lead a discussion of the pre-publication press, the novel “Go Set a Watchman”, and its reviews. Discussion of the novel will, of course, make comparisons with “To Kill a Mockingbird” to consider the labels of “parent” (Lee’s label) or “sequel” (the publisher’s label). Nancy Anderson is an associate professor of English and director of Actions Build Community at the Auburn University at Montgomery. She has a particular interest in Southern literature, especially that of Alabama, and has published work about Lella Warren, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, Mary Ward Brown, Harper Lee, Clifton Taulbert, and Richard Marius. 6:30 p.m. at West Regional Branch. For more information, please call 208-7097. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival See July 27 for more information.

Wednesday, July 29

Bellingrath Wonderful Wednesdays “The Moonlit Garden” lecture and book-signing: Join Scott Ogden, author, horticulturalist and garden designer, as he shows us how to create a garden under the stars. His moonlit gardens feature mixed plantings of scented flowers for light-reflecting foliage, exotic fragrances of tropical plants and shimmering water gardens. 10:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call (251) 973-2217. Growing Up Wild “Awesome Owl Adaptations” from 10 - 11 a.m. for grades 1-2. Owls have been said to have superpowers – super sight, super hearing, super silent flight. Come learn about these amazing nocturnal hunters. Free, but registration is required. To register, email Shonda at Shonda.Borden@DCNR.Alabama.gov or call 251-6250814. For more information, please visit www.outdooralabama.com/5-rivers-alabamas-deltaresource-center Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival See July 27 for more information.

Friday, July 31

Playhouse in the Park presents “Mary Poppins” See July 23 for more information. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival See July 27 for more information.

Saturday, August 1

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival – Jazz in the Temple Jazz in the Temple from 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at 351 St. Francis St. Second Line Parade from Cathedral Square to Temple and prize for “Best Decorated Umbrella” at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www. gcehjazzfest.com. 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.

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Jurassic World

Inside Out

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: C Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Jurassic World PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril. Few actors have perfected the steely stare-down as well as Chris Pratt. Luckily that demanding look comes in handy when he makes eye contact with a rogue velociraptor in the movie Jurassic World. Pratt plays Owen Grady, a maverick animal trainer in charge of this dangerous breed of dinosaur at the Jurassic World theme park. Owen gets called into action by operations manager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) when questions arise over an enclosure for the park’s latest attraction, the Indominus Rex. The huge, genetically altered creature was developed in a test tube at the facility’s research center as a way to attract more visitors to the island resort. However, it appears the carnivore is far smarter than the scientists intended. After escaping from the paddock, the ferocious monster goes on a hunting spree that leaves a wake of dead carcasses and half-eaten corpses in his path. The scenes of animal slaughter and human consumption are often explicit, gruesome and bloody. Yet the fear factor increases when Claire’s nephews, Gray and Zach (Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson) who are touring the attractions in a gyrosphere, become the prey. For adults and teens, this awe-inspiring world of pre-historic beasts is worth visiting. The special effects have been upped in this production making the dinosaurs look amazingly real. In true amusement park fashion, this tourist destination features such things as a petting zoo, dinosaur rides, safari-like tours and shopping. Visitors can also float down the river among the planteating species or take a monorail ride through the reserve. Still, as is to be expected, human tinkering in the lab leads to disaster in the field. That’s when this sci-fi turns into an authentic monster movie with explosions, gunfire, and destruction. This reboot of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park franchise releases on the big screen 22 years after the original film. Based on a novel by Michael Crichton, the first movie brought in over $900 million during its 1993 theatrical run. Like that script, the 2015 version focuses not just on threats from killer dinosaurs, but relationships between siblings as well. Gray and Zach gain a greater appreciation for one another, as do Claire and her sister Karen (Judy Greer). There’s a budding romance too -- after all, what action film would be complete without a prolonged moment of kissing in the middle of the raging mayhem? While Jurassic World may lack some of the fresh concepts introduced in it predecessor, it still comes with enough intensity and jump scenes to be a good option for teens or adults wanting some fright factor without a lot of content concerns.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Inside Out PG for mild thematic elements and some action. Have you ever asked yourself what could possibly be going on inside your child’s head? Well now, thanks to Peter Doctor, you may find out. He co-wrote and directed the new Pixar/Disney movie Inside Out. And from his perspective, a kid’s mind can be a pretty complicated place. Riley (voice by Kaitlyn Dias) and her family have just moved across the country from Minnesota to San Francisco. She’s left behind her friends, her school and her hockey team. Her family has relocated in a rundown row house with a dead mouse in the front room. That’s put her emotions -- Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Fear (voice of Bill Hader), Anger (voice of Lewis Black) and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) -- in commotion and left Riley’s parents wondering what has happened to their normally happy 11-year-old. Joy does her best to keep Riley feeling positive about her new circumstances. But Sadness starts to impact all of Riley’s happy memories. During a bit of an emotional scuffle in Riley’s head Joy and Sadness go missing. That leaves Anger, Disgust and Fear in charge of Riley’s feelings. Like many other Pixar movies, this storyline doesn’t forget there are adults in the audience too. Along with getting inside of Riley, viewers get to take a peek at the interior of Mom and Dad’s (voices of Dian Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) noggins as well. While the depictions of their emotional command centers may be pretty stereotypical, they at least show that women and men often approach the same issue differently. The plot also takes audiences through the maze of long-term recollections (which looks a lot like huge plastic containers full of colorful candies), down into the dump of forgotten memories, and through dreamland. Thankfully the film has few content concerns for most viewers. Anger often talks about using a bad word, but it is bleeped out when he finally does. However youngersters may be more bothered by the death of a character and the moments of peril Joy and Sadness experience as they make their way back to headquarters. While the emotions are drawn with cartoonish features, the actions of some of the more realistic characters could be a worry for some families. Upset by her new situation, Riley steals her mother’s credit card, buys a bus ticket and runs away -- two acts parents wouldn’t want their own tweens to repeat. However the essence of the story is to appreciate all of our emotions. Admittedly Fear, Disgust and Anger don’t come across quite as favorable as the other two do. Still, Sadness earns her keep in this script, showing that life is full of a mixture of sentiments. That message will likely go over the heads of little ones who will be more entertained by the colorful animation and slapstick antics. Yet for older children and tweens, Inside Out can be a good way to begin a conversation about the importance of giving voice to all of our feelings.

What Parents need to know about Jurassic World...

Violence: The movie contains frequent scenes of non-graphic violence along with some intense depictions of more explicit violence. Characters are eaten, crushed and thrown through the air. Animals attack humans and fight with one another (some blood shown). Other bloody injuries are shown. A man talks about his wife who attempted to stab him with a knife. Characters, including children, portrayed in perilous situations. Animals are shot. A man is punched in the face. Electric prods are used. Blood is splattered all over a window during an altercation. Other scenes include explosions, beatings and gunfire. Sexual Content: A boy flirts with girls. Some kissing and embracing is shown. Brief sexual innuendo is heard. Language: The script contains about two-dozen uses of expletives including scatological slang, profanities and curses. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2015

What Parents need to know about Inside Out...

Violence: Characters experience moments of peril and personal threat. A character gets angry and lashes out at others. A character finds a dead mouse in her house. Some weird and slightly scary depictions are shown during a dream sequence. A character steals a credit card and runs away. A boy repeatedly says he will die for another character. A clown scares a child. Sexual Content: A baby’s bare buttocks are briefly shown. Language: A character’s bad word is bleeped out. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. 64

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