Mobile Bay Parents June 2015 by KeepSharing

A Celebrated Family Tradition for 32+ Years Best Seafood on the Gulf Coast!

Selfie Contest Mobile Causeway 3733 Battleship Pkwy 251.626.2188

Gulf Shores 701 Hwy 59 251.948.2445

For Official Rules Visit OriginalOysterHouse.com/not2crabby

Reserve a Waterfront Venue for Your Event

Spectacular Panoramic View!

Seats 30 to 100 Guests Panoramic Sunsets & a Great Mobile Skyline View Private Restrooms Elevator Accessible Lighted Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Playground Create-Your-Own Buffet with Gulf Seafood Favorites Conveniently located between Mobile & Baldwin Counties

take a tour online OriginalOysterHouse.com/banquetroom 1

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MobileParents4.15.indd 1

3/12/15 4:45 PM

Fi sh ho

O ac M

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

June2015 34

Volume 5 Number 1

Columns

Mom of the Month 6

Living With Children John Rosemond

Growing Up Online

Find out how social media can shape a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body image and how you can help.

Banish Boredom This Summer

Kids Health Watch

Inspire your child to volunteer for a meaningful summer break!

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

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Summer Fun Guide Our listing leads you to fun, activities and education in Mobile this summer!

Teen Entrepreneur

Ideas to help your teen start his or her own retail or service related business.

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover

Departments

Logan (age 4) daughter of Jasmine and Bernard Stone and twin sister to Dylan. Proud grandparents are Rosalind Wallace and Leslie and Mary Stone. Logan loves ballet, cheerleading and gymnastics, modeling and playing with her twin brother!

Bits and Pieces 13

School Bits 55

Family Calendar 60

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth As a kid growing up, June was always my favorite month of the year because it meant school was out for the summer! That meant no homework, sleeping late, and spending time with my family and friends! My favorite activity was swimming; that was what I looked forward to the most. Now that I am a mother of twins, I find that this is their favorite activity as well. The twins have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of summer and it’s finally here! I have been shopping for swimwear, flotation devices, goggles, buckets and shovels...all the necessities needed for a fun day at the beach or pool. Born and raised in Mobile, it was always a privilege being so close to the beach. I was able to spend many summer days by the shore, which is a tradition I plan to continue with my kids. My twins Logan and Dylan, age 4, love to swim and play in the sand. Being a mother of twins is double the fun, but also presents certain obstacles. Water safety is very important to me and I love that Mobile Bay Parents magazine keeps parents informed about all the local organizations that offer swim lessons in the summer for kids to utilize. From the YMCA to the local high schools there is a place near you that will offer an activity of your child’s interest. This month’s Summer Fun Guide has details on many indoor and outdoor experiences you can have with your children during their break from school. And why not inspire your children to do some volunteer work as well this summer? They will have plenty of fun time for themselves, but it would be wonderful to also see them serving others. Read this month’s article, Banish Boredom This Summer for age-appropriate ideas. And if your older kids are looking for a job this summer, it’s exciting to note that teens aren’t too young to start their own businesses. Pam Molnar’s article, The Teenage Entrepreneur will get them headed in the right direction. My experience in raising twins has been a journey. I was a first time mother and conceived twins, a boy and a girl. I was so excited to have one of each! But it wasn’t always easy. The best advice I received was from a family member who had worked as a nanny. She advised me that the best thing was to get the twins on a schedule. That way they would eat, sleep and play at around the same times each day. I was able to get both of them sleeping through the night in their own cribs at four months old! This was the best advice I had ever received and it worked. I was fortunate to get them trained at an early age, and it has been the same ever since. Having patience is a virtue! I believe in these words dearly. It takes a lot of patience raising twins. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success…a quote by Brian Adams. I have learned to be more organized and a great scheduler throughout my time of parenting, and it has helped me to be a well balanced mother and wife. I am so excited to spend this summer with my kids, continuing the traditions I had growing up, and creating memories I hope my kids will never forget!

Jasmine Stone Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Laura Lane Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Jasmine Stone Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

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

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

www.mobilebayparents.com

he e, nity. y ss.

com

y by 05, oice

hare or ons ose w of t of

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Setting Responsible Teen Curfews Q: My twin boys just turned 13 and are demanding—that is the right word—later curfews. They tell us that their curfew, which is 8:30 on nights when there is no school the next day, is “pitiful.” We live in an area where there’s nothing for kids that age to do in the evenings but hang out in small groups or go to one another’s houses and watch television or play video games. I don’t especially want my kids doing any of that. We don’t have a video game console and don’t watch much television at all. And in our estimation, just hanging out is a prelude to trouble. We’ve told our boys that we will consider increasing their curfew until 9:00 when they turn 15, but that’s even more pitiful according to them. They’re both good kids, by the way. We want to keep it that way. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. A: I doubt I’m going to give advice that you greatly appreciate because I tend to agree with your boys. Seven-yearolds compare bedtimes; teens compare curfews. A teenager’s curfew is not simply a matter of freedom, it’s also a marker of

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

how cool one’s parents are, and having cool parents is, well, cool. Eight-thirty on non-school nights for admittedly good 13-year-old kids doesn’t amount to much freedom and it certainly speaks to very uncool parents. You might say you don’t care if you’re cool or not, and you may even scoff at the idea, but if the truth were known, you should want to be cool. Teens gravitate toward cool parents. They open up to and confide in them. They seek advice from cool parents. Being cool affords parents the privilege of having a better sense of what’s going on in a group of teens. Cool parents enjoy a huge advantage. I’m not talking about letting teens do things they shouldn’t do, such as letting them consume alcohol. That’s not cool. That’s stupid and irresponsible. I’m talking about being perceived as an adult who’s approachable, who understands, and who, therefore, one can talk to. Take it from me (my wife and I were very cool when our kids were teens), you want that. The trick to successfully negotiating the teen years is to recognize and accom-

modate to the greatest degree possible a teen’s overarching desire for freedom while managing issues such that the teen is motivated to behave responsibly. Many parents seem to think that the way to avoid problems during the teen years involves a combination of a short leash and saying “no” at least five times a day. That approach, while well-intentioned, is a recipe for rebellion. I’d say you’re running that risk with your boys. My advice is that you bump their curfew on non-school nights to 9:00 with the understanding that if they don’t violate that curfew for six months, it will increase to 9:30. From that point, their curfew will increase by 30 minutes at the end of every violation-free six-month period. However, if even one of them violates the current curfew, the six months at that time begins over again the next day. The “one of you equals both of you” rule forces them to police one another. I wish you a successful journey to being cool. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

www.mobilebayparents.com

n y oid

te e

ery ,

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Kids Days 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 FireRescue Departments and much more! Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free. If you have any questions please contact (251) 208-1550.

Fuse Project’s Second Annual Dragon Boat Festival

Once you hear about dragon boat racing and become involved in this world of sport, community and fun, there is no turning back from it. There is much more to it than a great day on the water. There are different and interesting ways to experience the sport for both team members and spectators. Whether you’ve paddled in a festival or regatta, or you paddle regularly in a dragon boat, you feel connected to it. This race benefits the Fuse Project by investing in the world’s most valuable resource our children. June 6 at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center! Please visit fuseproject.org for more information.

Families and Football

Come join USA Head Football Coach Joey Jones for lunch on Wednesday, June 10. Coach Jones will deliver a keynote address on the importance of families with a football twist. Dreamland BBQ will be served alongside the USA Cheerleaders, and mascots. University of South Alabama, Auburn University and University of Alabama signed items will be up for raffle. The luncheon will benefit Mobile’s ONLY family homeless shelter, Family Promise of Coastal Alabama. 11:30 a.m. – 1p.m. Doors open at 11: 00 a.m. Location: McGowin Hall, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. For Tickets or more information please call 251-441-1991 or visit www.familypromisemobile.org.

Fourth of July at Battleship Memorial 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.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale

Join us for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale on June 11 at the Alabama Contemporary Art Studio (301 Conti Street). This event will include a silent auction and a live auction. We will honor our local Boy and Girl of the Year - Sydney Upchurch and Jon Bryant Orso. The 2015 Man & Woman of the Year will be announced at the conclusion of the event. The event takes place from 6-9 p.m. Tickets for the event can be purchase at the door or online at www.mwoy.org/al.

Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament

The Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament is put on each year by the Rotaract Club of the Mobile Bay Area in honor and memory of one of its founding members, Kyser Miree. This year’s Tournament will be held June 20, at the Dauphin Island Marina. The proceeds from the Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament fund both a scholarship in Kyser's name at the engineering college at Vanderbilt University and Rotaract's on-going projects with such groups as Wilmer Hall Children's Home and Collins-Rhodes Elementary School in Eight Mile. Please visit www.kysertournament.com to sign up or for more information. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

To h

ex e

t d h ch

e se

nd n m. se

2015 Coastal Seafood Craze

On Friday, June 5, the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) will hold the fourth annual Coastal Seafood Craze! This event will take place as part of with the Mobile Bay Bears at the Hank Aaron Stadium in their Event Center (755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile). Come enjoy seafood and other ACF supporters anytime between 5 p.m. until 7:05 p.m. when the first pitch is thrown! Tickets—which include food, a beverage and admission to the game—are $25 or patrons can pay $40 which would include an individual membership to the Alabama Coastal Foundation. People can pay for tickets or memberships by visiting www.joinacf.org. All proceeds will benefit ACF’s education and habitat restoration programs. Come enjoy the best of what our local waters have to offer while enjoying a great American pastime!

Babypalooza Tour

Parents don’t miss The BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Babypalooza Tour when it comes to Mobile on Saturday, July 11, 2015. The event will held in the Mobile Convention Center Ballroom from 10:00 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. Here are a few of the activity areas: Springhill Medical will have several departments exhibiting including labor and delivery, lactation services, and women’s health. Maternity services experts will be there discussing safe practices for taking care of baby and other departments will have informative Q&A sessions throughout the day. Babies-R-Us will have nursery design ideas plus all of the must have baby registry items for parents to see, feel and touch. 4D Mommies Ultrasound Studio will have its mobile 3D/4D ultrasound machine on-site allowing parents to have mini-sessions for sneak peaks and gender reveals. Babypalooza will also feature a citywide baby shower where participants can learn more about pregnancy and health, play games, and win prizes. Babypalooza is free to attend, but registration is requested. Attendees can pre-register at www.BabyPaloozaTour.com or at the door. If you would like to become a vendor at Babypalooza, please call 205-420-2229.

p’s

or SS

e ’s r g all

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Art in the Park Nature Festival

Join us on Saturday, June 6 for the annual Art in the Park Nature Festival from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hosted annually under the oaks in historic Cadillac Square on beautiful Dauphin Island, Alabama, this FREE event features fine artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s craftsmen from around the Southeast as well as exciting nature exhibits, programs and events. The picturesque park will be filled with unique art and hands-on animal exhibits and nature/ environmental presentations/exhibits. More than fifty artists and craftsmen attending will be displaying pottery, jewelry, painting, woodcarving, sculpturing, metal ironworks, furniture and more. Other activities include demonstrations, displays and hands on opportunities by Mobile, Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club, Paddle Bayou La Batre, Certified and Master Casting Instructors, Weeks Bay Reserve, Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife, Alabama Marine Resources, Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, and more. Please visit www.facebook.com/ArtInTheParkNatureFest for more information.

Town of Dauphin Island Sunset Cruise Car Show

Dauphin Island will be hosting a Sunset Cruise Car Show Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Green Park, next to Ship & Shore! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for car owners who want to show off your ride and for all of you who just enjoy looking at beautiful cars! There will be a parade and judging from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m, and all day Swap Meet at Green Park. Prizes will be given to winning cars at 3:00 p.m. In addition to the cars and prizes, all participants and spectators will be able to enjoy a live concert starting around 5:00 p.m. There will also be several DJ booths playing music throughout the day at various locations.

b wi in 25 a 5 yo

Be to of

Ju Jo M cre

Do Jo

So So J W Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

y, m. re!

ou ul

en ng he nd ve . hs at

Wonderful Wednesdays this Summer at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Get ready for a fun, informative summer of Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home! Our popular lectures and workshops help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. We have an exciting lineup of speakers and topics on the schedule. We’re also excited to announce the return of Kids Gulf Discovery Day on July 22, featuring the Winged Ambassadors with their amazing birds of prey, and cruises along Fowl River with our friends from Delta Safaris! For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org, or call 251-973-2217. Unless otherwise noted, fees are $12.50 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-12 and free for members and ages 4 and younger. All workshops are from 10:30-11:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted. June 3: Summer Garden Walk: Join Bellingrath Horticulture Managers for a guided tour of the Gardens to see the combinations of plants used in this year’s summer displays and new additions to the Gardens. June 10: George Rogers, Bellingrath’s architect: Join Cartledge Blackwell, Architectural Historian at Mobile Historic Development Commission, for a discussion about George Rogers, the architect of Bellingrath Gardens and the Bellingrath Home, as we begin our year-long celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Bellingrath Home. June 17: Building the Bellingrath Home: Join Tom McGehee, Curator of the Bellingrath Museum Home, for a discussion about the creation of the grand Bellingrath Home on the Fowl River in 1935. June 24: “The Disturbingly Dissed Dozen: Great plants that nobody’s growing”: Join Steve Bender, Garden Editor of Southern Living Magazine, for an entertaining and enlightening talk about gardening in the South. Bender will also sign copies of the new Southern Living Gardening book after his talk. July 8: Succulent Gardening on Moss Wreaths and Picture Frames: Join Sherry

Melton and Molly Dickson from Zimlich’s Patio Shop for a discussion on gardening with succulents -- a hot topic this year! Melton and Dickson will show us how to use these interesting plants in very creative ways. July 15: Protecting Pollinators in your Garden: Join us for a discussion with Harvey Cotton, Horticultural Consultant, and learn how your garden can attract and protect bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators. Cotton will sign his books after the program. July 22: Kids Gulf Discovery Day: Learn all about the environment of our region from local experts and organizations, including the Winged Ambassadors with their fabulous 11

birds for special presentations. We will also have cruises along with Fowl River with our friends from Delta Safaris! Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Fees for the cruise with Delta Safaris are $ 8 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12. July 29: “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. For more information, visit www.bellingrath. org or call 251.973.2217.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Bedwetting

What You Need to Know Every child wets the bed, and it varies at what age each child starts to have dry nights. There are two types of bedwetting. The first is primary nocturnal enuresis (never having more than 6 months since birth of more than 5 dry nights per week) and the other is secondary nocturnal enuresis in which you have had a period of more than 6 months without wetting the bed when it suddenly starts to reoccur. Primary nocturnal enuresis is by far the most common cause of bedwetting - and the least worrisome. For most, this is a normal developmental delay. If you think about it, the bladder is so small, that as infants, they are constantly urinating. Then when you start potty-training, a child on average should be going to the bathroom about every 2-3 hours. Now suddenly at that age we are expecting a child to go 8-12 hours a night without urinating? That is a big task for a little child! Now, some children achieve continence throughout the night (a dry bed) as soon as they are potty-trained and achieve dry days. However, this is the minority! The average age that girls reach nighttime continence is 6 years old, and for boys it is 7 years old on average. In fact, about 5% of children still have primary nocturnal enuresis at 10 years old. So even though this is normal, there are still some things you can try to expedite

reaching nighttime continence. Constipation is very common and prevents the bladder from having enough room to expand, leading to frequent urination during the day and nocturnal enuresis at night. So this would require treatment and diet changes to alleviate the problem if this is the cause for primary nocturnal enuresis. Avoiding drinks (especially sugary/caffeinated drinks) 2 hours prior to bedtime and sitting on the toilet for a longer period of time before bed may also help stop bedwetting. There are also some alarms and other devices that might help, but they have varying success rates. Secondary nocturnal enuresis could be due to any number of reasons, including urinary tract infection, constipation, diabetes, neurological problems, or an anatomic abnormality with the kidneys or bladder. It is important to seek medical attention if your child is suddenly experiencing bedwetting after having a period of dry nights, however it is also important to know that about 5-10% actually have a medical problem causing the bedwetting. Sometimes it simply takes answering the doctor’s questions and sometimes checking the urine to determine if there is an underlying problem. The most common cause of secondary nocturnal enuresis is emotional problems. If

there are changes in the house, such as a new baby, parents going through divorce, moving to a new home, or increased arguments or fighting amongst family members, this could be enough to trigger bedwetting. Another more concerning cause could be if there is any sexual or physical abuse to the child. Nocturnal enuresis for any reason can lead to stress for the child or for the family, so talk to your doctor if this is affecting you. Studies have shown that shaming or punishing the child for bedwetting actually causes prolongation of the problem as this is usually something they have no control over. So it is important to know that anytime there is secondary nocturnal enuresis, you should see your doctor, and that although bothersome, it could still be normal for a child to have problems staying dry throughout the night years after toilet training is complete. 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.

is ou C

t P c a

(A M P

C U

un gr Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

o dhe gang

ma of at d cal fice.

Autauga County Schools

May Crowning at St. Dominic

As May is the month dedicated to Mary, our Blessed Mother, St. Dominic Catholic School first communicants have the privilege of leading the May Crowning. Here Kenlie Diegan, Catherine Sharpe, and Holli Trinh prepare to crown Mary.

Corpus Christi/ Modern Woodsmen of America Speech Contest Winners

Corpus Christi Catholic School held its annual speech contest on March 23. The contest is sponsored by the Modern Woodsmen of America. Congratulations to our winners: 1st Place - Patrick Wentworth; 2nd Place - Hannah Carter; 3rd Place - Liley Alidor. Honorable Mention: Jonathon Slaby, Jack Heller, Lauren Fadalla, Sydney Behm, and Emily Fadalla.

Sea Cadet Get Hands-on Training with Gulf Strike Team

Dunlap Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps received hands-on training with the Gulf Strike Team on Saturday, May 2. This is the second time that the unit has had such an opportunity. The cadets received training in basic principles of radiology, terminology and radiation detection/response from MST1 Holland (Marine Science Technician 1st class or Petty Officer 1st class). In addition to the class room training, the cadets were able to get on hands training with calibration and usage on the radiation detection equipment, such as the Identifinder U, the PM 1703 pager and the Radiation backpack. The younger group had the opportunity to receive training on the Gulf Strike Team Air Monitoring capabilities and was able to test the Multi-Rae Pro's sensors with calibration gas. MST1 McClellan taught the cadets the importance of having a basic understanding of chemical hazards, the Emergency Response Guide Book and how the weather/environment can affect an emergency response when dealing with chemical spills. The cadets also received training in the calibration and deployment of the Weatherpak and the CAMEO suite, a system of software applications used to plan for and respond to chemical emergencies, which was developed by EPA and NOAA for first responders. After the training, the cadets were tested with a chemical spill scenario where they had to use the current weather data received from the deployed weatherpak stations and use the CAMEO suite (ALOHA (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) and MARPLOT (Mapping Applications for Response, Planning, and Local Operational Tasks) in order to determine isolation zones and potential affected areas. Cadets learn seagoing skills aboard Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and shore activities that emphasize patriotism, courage, self-reliance, team work, leadership skills, accountability, military training that builds character, and for some, helping those transiting into a military career. They are even authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round. For more information, visit www.drdunlap.org, www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison. 13

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

McDavid-Jones Gets New Dogwood Tree

Kindergarten's beloved Dogwood tree has passed. But thanks to Mr. Eddie the classes have a new tree to observe and enjoy. Pictured is Ms. Darrington's class helping plant the tree.

Dental Day Held at Nan Gray Davis Elementary

Theodore High School Dental Academy students and teacher Susan Sheffield RDH, held a Dental Day for Nan Gray Davis Elementary first graders. The students were given toothbrushes. A puppet, big teeth and a large toothbrush were props for teaching dental hygiene. These students are showing their lower anterior teeth as most are beginning to lose them.

Allentown Student Named Elementary Level Winner for “It Starts with Me” Campaign

Allentown Elementary student, Amelia Lindsay, was chosen as Mobile County’s elementary level winner for the “It Starts with Me” campaign. Assistant Principal, Marcy Miller, submitted this wonderful nomination letter commending Amelia on her educational achievements and community involvement. “Amelia Lindsay is a fifth grade student at Allentown Elementary who exhibits exceptional leadership characteristics. From the time she was in Kindergarten, all the way through this year, she has maintained straight A’s and met her AR goal every quarter. While achieving this high standard of academics, she has demonstrated that she is not only hardworking and intelligent, but also conscientious about her school and community. This year, Amelia hosted a yard sale fundraiser for Allentown’s library. She planned the yard sale, secured donations, priced all of the items, advertised the event, set-up the merchandise, and worked the yard sale on October 11, 2014, 8:00 – 2:00. She said that her purpose for raising funds for the library was because she enjoys reading and wanted other students to have a great selection of books. This resulted in a donation totaling $1,080.00 to the school library on her behalf. In her short career as a student, she has been involved in many organizations and charities, such as Alabama Coastal Clean-up, Hopeful Bags for the Homeless, Relay for Life, the Sight Program for the Lions Club, Ronald McDonald House, and the SPCA. Some of her school-related recognitions include Gator Character Kid Award, Gator Guard, Library Aide, Kindergarten Mentor, Running Club Member, Allentown Choir, Mobile County Honor Choir, Honor Society, Student Council, PACE student, top collector of Box Tops for Education, and she was chosen as Allentown’s Red Ribbon Leadership Award recipient. In the Semmes community, she has participated in the Semmes Azalea Festival, the Red Cross Blood Drive at MGM, volunteered during the summer at MGM’s Sink or Swim program for upcoming freshmen, and Jump Rope for Heart. Amelia Lindsay is a standout student who is loved by the entire faculty at Allentown. She is dependable, mature, responsible, and is never seen without a smile on her face. As the assistant principal of Allentown, I feel that she is well-rounded, well-respected, and a perfect representation of Allentown Elementary. Amelia is a student who has sincere aspirations to make a difference in this world and believes that “It Starts with Me”.

E.R. Dickson Math Team Places First in Ciphering

Congratulations to the E.R. Dickson Elementary Math Team. They attended the Math Competition on Saturday, May 4th at O’Rourke Elementary. Ethan Sans, Nigel Revaula, Joshua Graham, Connor Yarbrough, and Alex Towery brought home the 1st place trophy for Ciphering. Way to go, E.R. Dickson tigers. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

T at ho w

Taylor-White April Character Kids

Congratulations to Taylor-White’s April Character Kids! These students have consistently displayed the 6 pillars of character, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship, caring, fairness, and respect. They are setting a good example by choosing to do the right thing. These students received a medal for their exemplary character. We are very proud of their efforts! First Row: Chris Long, Roman Gentry, Jackson Leverett, Grayson Finch, Lawson Leverett. Second Row: Jasmin Scott-Amos, Savi Fistein, Caitlyn Burkhalter, Sarah Steiner. Third Row: Michael Shelly, Jackson Holloway, Hayden Gilchrist, Joshua Tolbert. Fourth Row: Mallory Duncan, Ashleigh Bryant.

e o

n n e”.

m. at ua ht

Baker Varsity Soccer Team Spends Day with Mulherin Residents

The Baker High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team spent a day at the Mulherin Custodial Home. They grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and ate with the residents. They did lots of activities with the residents including painting, making jewelry, playing cards, lawn bowling.

WISE DESIGN

CLIENT Debbie’s School

DESCRIPTION Summer Dance

Dora’s

Ballet Adventures

Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.

2 Year Olds

Ballet • Tumbling Story Time and Games

Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

HALF PAGE Magazine Ad

PUB Mobile Bay Par

INSERTION March and Apri BUILT AT 100%

MECHANICAL TRIM: 7.5” w x 4.8”h

Princess Sofia Dance Camp

Hip Hop Camp Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

Power Tumbling 1

Monday & Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Power Tumbling 2

Ballet • Tumbling and Games

Monday & Wednesday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Backbend/ Back Walkover Class

Monday & Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Debbies-MBP-SummerCamp-2015.indd 1

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine 2/12/15 11:44 AM

COLOR 4C

LINE SCREEN Magazine

QUESTIONS C Michelle Wise Wise Design Inc 251.660.7751

F Fl

S l

Autauga County Schools

Alabama Power Teaches Electrical Safety to Corpus Christi Classes

Paul Lawson and Tim Mendenhall, linemen for Alabama Power, visited Corpus Christi Catholic School in March. They spoke to 4th and 5th grade students about electrical safety. Mr. Lawson and Mr. Mendenhall are pictured with the 5th grade class.

m t W Ca

National Technical Honor Society Comes to Citronelle High

outstanding student achievement, recognize leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities for NTHS members. Citronelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooperative Education Coordinator, Mr. Herman Finklea, has done an excellent job of selecting top students from each of the 12 career pathways offered within the M.I.T. Academies of Citronelle. Students chosen were inducted into the National Technical Honor society on April 2. Inductees are as follows: Briana Cunningham, Jordyn Estes, Jessica Ezell, Mykala Hill, Madelyn Howard, Jamie Lofton, Kyleigh Reed, Deidra Smiler, Terrilyn Spencer, Artesha Threatt, Andrew Weaver, and Douglas Weaver.

Citronelle High School is proud to announce the opening of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) as our newest career tech student organization. The National Technical Honor Society exists to honor

R 1, in 2 T w M B

Pi a

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

Field Day Fun at Little Flower Catholic School Students at Little Flower Catholic School look forward to Field Day as one of the highlights of the year. Pictured, three members of the green team prepare for the Pyramid Race. E. J. Mills and Krista Williams form the base for first grader, Carter Lewis, as they try to improve their balance in this fun Field Day event.

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

Covenant Christian Students Place First in Visual Arts Achievement Program

Congratulations to Covenant Christian School students Ashton and Mary Mac Roach. After winning 1st place in District 1, both girls went on to receive top honors in the Alabama State Council on the Arts 2015 Visual Arts Achievement Program. This year, the Best of District 1 (Group 1) was awarded to 6th grade student Mary Mac Roach for her computer image. And Best of Printmaking (Group 1, Statewide) was awarded to Ashton Roach. Pictured: Ashton and Mary Mac Roach at the Awards Ceremony in Montgomery.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Knollwood Christian School National Junior Honor Society Induction

Knollwood Christian School held an induction ceremony April 29th for all new members of the National Junior Honor Society. We are very proud of all the new members!

sc P

McGill-Toolen Students Win Awards at Alabama Junior Classical League

Five students represented McGill-Toolen Catholic at the 60th annual convention of the Alabama Junior Classical League at Hartselle High School recently. The following students won awards: Ali Leavitt: 1st place, art (watercolor); Christopher McDonald: 1st place, Vocabulary (Advanced); Logan Robinson: 2nd place, Grammar (Advanced); Fletcher Helms: 3rd place, Grammar (Level 1).

U th

A on

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

or ry

s e

Prichard Prep Honors Mayor Stimpson

April 29, 2015 was “Mayor Stimpson Recognition Day” at Prichard Preparatory School. The founder of Prichard Prep, Pastor Ruby Eldridge, recognized Mayor Stimpson as the school’s first Board Chairman. A plaque and photograph of Mayor Stimpson were placed in the school’s foyer. The PPS Chorus sang and Prichard Mayor, Troy Ephraim, presented Mayor Stimpson the key to the city of Prichard. Pictured are PPS students: Demond Purifoy, Shamari Childs, Marli Allen, Jeremiah Bradley and Delancey Green (front row). Pastor Ruby Eldridge and Mayor Sandy Stimpson (back row).

UMS-Wright Hosts Grandparents & Great-Grandparents

UMS-Wright K4 and K5 students invited their grandparents and great-grandparents to campus on April 2nd to watch their annual Easter parade. Each year, students decorate ties and bonnets and parade throughout campus spreading Easter joy! Some popular themes of ties this year were camouflage, Star Wars, and Alabama/Auburn. We love inviting family on campus to see all of the exciting things that are happening at UMS-Wright!

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Scholars Invited to National Championship

The St. Dominic Catholic School Scholars' Bowl team, which consists of both seventh and eighth grade students, won 12 of their 13 matches at the district level this year. They achieved first place rankings for both A and B teams against several challenging schools, and participated in the state competition. Through their diligent efforts and dedication, the team has been invited to compete at the National Academic Championship competition in New Orleans. Although this accomplishment belongs to the entire team, the 6 students representing the team will be: (l – r) Matthew Niccolai, Edward Charnock, Preston Endom, Michael Heim, Justin Nonnenmacher, and Reagan Haik.

Mary G. Montgomery Places First at Film Festival

Congratulations MGM Viking Productions on winning two first place awards at the MCPSS Film Festival. “The Last Text” won first place in the commercial category, and “Dude, Where’s My Phone?” won first place in the instructional category. Pictured: standing left to right: Rachel Norris, Michael Alford, Amelia Guarino, Caitlin Brewer, Hannah King, Laurel Aughtman, Nicole Miller, Austin Gomillion, Caroline Eiland, Caleb White, Reggie Robinson, Dayanera Clark, Gino Gualtieri, Abby Stephenson, McCain Walker, Alex Kiker, Audrey Morrison, Dalton Jones, Hali Gibson, Tanner Byrd, Dakota Davis, Dylan Anthony, Gabe Thomas, Megan Skinner, Harley Baker, Emily Skinner, Brooke Harris, seated: Doreen Caswell (co-sponsor), Anna Bohannon, Jordan Smith, Angel Jordan, Morgan Hood, Brady Harrison, Chris Skelton (co-sponsor), in front: Shontorry Thomas and Haley Reed.

U w

Me w tob is

E sc

e K p

R ag

Spring Festival at St. Luke’s

Each year St. Luke's K3-8th grade students participate in the school's Spring Festival. The day includes opening ceremonies and a May Pole, grade level competitions of obstacle relays, relay races, egg toss, sack races, stilt races, and of course the event all of the 5th-8th grade students look forward to the most: mud pit tug of war! Students are divided into 2 teams, Red and Black, and each team elects 8th graders as captains and co-captains. The day isn't over until the tug of war events are complete and everyone on the losing tug of war team has been pulled through the mud pit! This year the BLACK team won the competition and bragging rights until next year!

St. Paul’s Boys Varsity Track and Field Team Wins 5A State Championship

R Dis t

The St. Paul’s Episcopal School boys and girls varsity track teams had outstanding performances at the State Championship Meet. The boys won the 5A state team championship, and the girls came in a very close runner-up. St. Paul’s also had several individual 5A state event champions. For the boys, Bryce Huff won shot put; William Foster, pole vault; Zackery Carmichael, 110-meter high hurdles. For the girls, Callie Radcliff won the pole vault state title; Emily Burrowes, triple jump; Isabel Valenzuela, both 1600M run and 3200M run.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

w p t

e m,

al. f nt

CHCA Performs Disney’s “Little Mermaid Jr.”

The Fine Arts Department at Cottage Hill Christian Academy made a big splash with this year’s production of Disney’s “Little Mermaid Jr.”, a shorter version of the Broadway variation of Disney’s “Little Mermaid” Movie. The dinner theatre featured a cast of 48 CHCA students in grades 3-12. From the smallest of the sea chorus to Prince Eric and Ariel herself, the cast performed superbly. Every lyric and scene from the song “Part of Your World” to Sebastian’s “Under the Sea” captivated the audience. We can’t overlook our favorite sea villain, Ursula, as she and her sidekicks, Flotsam and Jetsam, commanded the stage with “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. It was a production to remember with Chef Jim’s dinner and cupcakes as the icing on the evening. We would like to thank Mrs. Susan Sanders, the Fine Arts Department, parents and volunteers for producing this amazing event.

McDavid-Jones Too Good for Drugs

Members of the Citronelle United Methodist Church came to McDavid-Jones every Wednesday for eight weeks and taught lessons on “Too Good for Drugs”. The program discussed “Gateway Drugs” such as tobacco, alcohol and marijuana; how to deal with peer pressure, and also making good decisions. This is the fifth year that the program has been presented to our fifth grade students. Over 600 students have now completed this study. The students have workbooks that were purchased by the church. Each student received a T-Shirt as a reminder that they are “Too Good for Drugs”. On April 15th, the school celebrated the end of the study. Mr. Roy Cuthkelvin, Citronelle Police Detective, came and talked to the students about “Choices” that they were going to be faced with in the coming years. He told them that “good people made bad choices every day” and that those choices changed their lives, as well as their families, forever. Mr. Nicholas King and his drug dog Sniper and Mr. Troy Wilcutt his drug dog Rambo also visited the school. Both police officers placed drugs in the gym and when they gave the command the dogs found the drugs. Rambo and Sniper were a hit with the students! We would like to thank the following people Pam Roberts, Larry Yonge, Rosemary Williams, Jim Yates, and Amy Merritt for coming each week. Once again, we would like to thank the Chalker Macon Sunday for purchasing the booklets and t-shirts for each fifth grade student. Pictured: Dillon Brewton, Billy Perry, Office King, Sniper, Anna Weaver, Elizabeth McDonald, Sierra Hunsinger, Mariah Platt.

St. Ignatius Science Bowl Team Competes Nationally in D.C.

The St. Ignatius Science Bowl team recently competed in the National Science Bowl in Washington, DC. They were representing the state of Alabama after winning the state tournament. The team won an all-expense paid trip from the US Department of Energy. Pictured left-right: Liam Tully, Mary Alice Jouve, Cameron Sanchez, Logan Shirah and Murphey Douglas. Congratulations on your achievement, team!

Satsuma Cheer Squad Competes at Disney World

Recently, the Satsuma High School Competitive Cheerleading Squad traveled to Walt Disney World to participate in the AmeriCheer InterNational Championship. Overall, the team placed third in the small varsity traditional mounting division. The competition squad began working on their routine in the fall and had competed in the Alabama State High School Athletic Association Championship at Lurleen Wallace Community College in Hanceville in November and in the Southern Regional Championship in Birmingham in December, where they placed third. These ten young ladies have worked extremely hard throughout the competition season and their overall scoring percentages increased by 20% as the season progressed. This is also the first year in the school's history that Satsuma High School has ever taken a stunting competitive squad to a national competition. Pictured: Front row-- Seniors Amy Boren, Madison Knowles, and Bailey Richard. Back row-- Freshmen Breanna Knowles, Callie Holmes, Tori Lowery, Katie Eubanks, Shelby Preston, Ashton Black, and Junior Madison Verkouille. 21

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools May Crowning St. Ignatius

A wonderful tradition at St. Ignatius Catholic School is the May Crowning celebration. During the Mass each 8th grade girl brings up a flower to place before the statue of Mary. Three young ladies who have been voted upon by their classmates walk up with three kindergarten students. They are in charge of placing the crown on Mary. We celebrate Mary the entire month of May. Pictured here are left-right back: Bianca Alvarado, Emilia Milling and Griffin Dumont. Front: Isabelle DeFalco, Caroline Pond and Lucy Hollon.

UMS-Wright Lower School Chorus Concert

The Lower School Chorus took a trip down memory lane as they performed hit songs from classic Walt Disney movies. A few of the crowd favorites were from “Toy Story”, “Lion King” and of course, “Frozen”! Members of the UMS-Wright Lower School Chorus are: Laney Allen, Virginia Ashbee, Max Buchman, Mary Webster Burke, Elizabeth Catranis, Alex Cave, Arthur Chitty, Abigail Coleman, Caroline Corley, Gwen Cunningham, Helen Delaney, William Denson, Bonnie Faulkner, David Fillers, Louise Tyrrell Ford, Brooks Friedman, JaeAnna Gaston, Olivia Gleason, Daniel Harvey, Haley Henderson, Joshua Holston, Claire Johnson, Reagan Jokerst, Will Kittrell, Lilly Kleinmann, Virginia Ladd, Sadie Ladd, Anna Maurin, Anna Beth McCain, Aynsley McCain, Barclay McGinley, Rowen McMahan, Lee Lee Mostellar, Hufton Parker, Sarah Bolding Parker, Saylor Parker, Liza Perry, Jackson Pipkins, Addison Prine, Julia Ramsay, Isabella Rocconi, Charles Saucier, Carolina Grace Saucier, Carolina Grace Taylor, March Tremayne, Eryn Tucker, Kate Walace, Tori Waters, Austin Watkins, Mya Wesley, Harrigan Weston, Elizabeth Whitehead, and Jackson Wood.

re s

re g ti he w b G To to w

Losing to ALLergies? Win reLief.

10 co

Commonly treated issues in children and adults include:

th ro C SJ

• Sinus problems including infections and hay fever • Persistent cough • Red, itchy and watery eyes • Asthma • Food allergy and eczema

p M m as

Make an appointment today, and start taking control.

251-435-1200

1700 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL • diagnosticandmedical.com IMC_1734_DMC_Patton_MBP_Ad_2014.indd 1 Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

Cindy T. Patton, M.D. Board certified in allergy and immunology with more than 13 years of experience. www.mobilebayparents.com 7/16/14 9:26 AM

g .

nt:

ic se,

om AM

Lady Warriors Bring Home Runner-Up Trophy

The Lady Warriors of Cottage Hill Christian Academy were led to a runner-up finish for the second year in a row by Callie Jones scoring 38 out of a possible 40 points. Jones set new state meet records in two of her four events, Triple Jump and Javelin, and also won the Long Jump while placing 2nd in the 200m. Caitlyn Dressler helped the Lady Warriors by setting a new state meet record in the Pole Vault as well as a top-5 finish in the Javelin. Caroline Cumbest placed 3rd in the 3200m setting a new school record and personal best with a time of 11:29.09. The 4x800m Relay team, which consisted of Lauren Allred, Becca Walks, Elizabeth Noland, and Caroline Cumbest finished 2nd. The 4x400m team, consisting of Lauren Allred, Anna Kennedy, Krista England, and Elizabeth Noland, finished off the day with a new school record and a 3rd place finish with a time of 4:18.72. All together, the Lady Warriors set 3 new state meet records and 3 new school records. This season the Lady Warriors in total have rewritten the record books at CHCA by setting 13 new school records out of a possible 18. It is great to be a Cottage Hill Warrior.

Satsuma Senior Excels in Golf and Academics

Passion doesn’t begin to describe Wade Duke’s love for the game of golf. From the age of 5, he has played on local and regional tours while practicing to sharpen his God-given talent of golf. He practiced as often as possible at the course, but more times than not he practiced in the pasture behind his house until he could drive himself to the course. He spent time in golf camps, working with swing coaches, and simply just hitting hundreds of balls a day. He has been active in the U.S. Kids Golf Tour, Jimmy Green Local Tour, Dixie PGA Tour, and Southeastern Junior Golf Tour. He was so excited to turn 16 so that he could drive himself to the course daily. Day in and day out, Wade spent many hours working out and practicing. As he puts it, “I’m determined to not let anyone outwork or out train me. I will do what it takes to win no matter what.” He has set many goals and puts 100% into trying to meet them. As a 2015 Senior at Satsuma High School his main goal is to compete and win AHSAA’s 4A State Championship. His senior accomplishments encompass not only athletic awards but also academic accolades. He will graduate number 6 of 120 seniors. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He started the high school golf season with several individual medals including: 34, 34, and 31 (9 hole) rounds at RTJ’s Magnolia Grove against local rivals, 73 at Steelewood and 71 at Hickory Hills Country Club to win 1st place at the Gulf Coast Challenge. On the weekends, he travels to SJGT tournaments when available. After a 2 hole playoff at RTJ’s Capitol Hill in Montgomery, he took 2nd place with a 75, 74 (149). He has had 4 top ten finishes with SJGT over the past 6 months. He has been nominated and awarded Golf Today Magazine’s Player of the Month. He recently signed with the University of Mobile on a golf scholarship. He plans to major in Business Marketing and use this to further his professional golf career. Wade Duke, a senior at Satsuma High School won 1st place Individual Medalists in the Mobile County Golf Championship on April 2nd. He shot 71, one under par which was a 5 stroke lead.

Little Flower Students Measure Up

Frozen • American Girl • Spa • Fashion Show • Princess • Mermaid • PYO Pottery • Pinkalicious Cupcake and more! Packages range from affordable to Seriously Spoiled! and our celebrations are always completely private in our VIP suite. We attend to all of the details, so you can relax and enjoy!

SPA

(SPECIAL PAMPERING ACTIVITIES)

Little Flower students, Ron'Asia Jones, Abby Grosvenor, Karen Tran, and Chelsy Latner, measured school yard items including benches, playground equipment, and fence gates as part of their math assignments. They even measured each other's arm lengths. Their teacher, Ms. Weiskopf, tries to incorporate every day experiences into their lessons to give them practical applications. 23

Tea & Spa Parties

packages and ear piercing available by appointment in our girls spa. 4180 Oak Ridge Ave Mobile 36619 251-447-4846 www. s pa-tea-da. c om Join our birthday club Text spateada to 31996

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools Faith’s SGA Earns Best Scrapbook

The Student Government Association at Faith Academy is a yearround student organization. Members start planning in early June for the next school year’s activities. And pictures and descriptions of all the activities of the year are organized into a scrapbook. As a matter of fact, this year the group had to make two scrapbooks, one for the fall semester and one for the spring. The books were turned into the Alabama Independent School Association office on April 1, to be judged. At the AISA State SGA Convention on May 4th, Faith Academy’s SGA was awarded Best Scrapbook and Best SGA Runner-up. SGA also nominated Faith teacher, Sara LeCroy for AISA Teacher of the Year, for which she was chosen. LeCroy was unable to attend the presentation, but received a plaque and cash award. The scrapbook, as well as SGA officers, were recently featured on Local 15’s Cool School of the Week. In the photo: Members and sponsors of Faith Academy SGA pose with their scrapbooks and awards received at the AISA State SGA Convention on May 4th.

fa R

fi s b

Hollinger’s Island Students Get Visit from Penelope House

Hollinger’s Island kindergarten students listen quietly as Joan Duncan from Penelope House teaches about good touches and bad touches.

The tradition of excellence continues…

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 June 2015

www.stlukesmobile.com 251-666-2991 24

www.mobilebayparents.com

for all er he o be d. of he k,

E.R. Dickson Selected as Alabama Reading Association Exemplary Reading Program

E. R. Dickson is a kindergarten through fifth grade school, serving approximately 900 students, located in Mobile. E.R. Dickson is a Title I school with 72% of the students receiving free and reduced lunch. This school strives for excellence! Teachers and staff eagerly embrace the challenge to elevate students to the highest pinnacle academically. The students are exposed to a wealth of activities and curriculum offerings. Students are taught from an interdisciplinary, thematic unit of study approach. Numerous performance tasks and projects are assigned to students to further their academic growth at high levels. Inquiry-based instruction is their focus. Teachers collaborate to prepare curriculum maps, which reflect common core standards. Parents, business partners, and community volunteers help to provide a wealth of enrichment opportunities. This award will be presented at the ILA Conference in St. Louis this summer! Congratulations to Mrs. Katryna Kinn, Principal, and to the staff, students, and families of E.R. Dickson Elementary School! Article provided by the Alabama Reading Association. For more information visit www.alabamareading.org.

St. Mary May Crowning

St. Mary Catholic School students crowned our Blessed Mother on the first morning of May at a beautiful celebration in St. Mary's Grotto. April showers certainly brought beautiful May flowers presented by absolutely beautiful children! Pictured, St. Mary Catholic school children celebrate the Crowning of The Blessed Mary at the Grotto under the oaks of St. Mary Catholic Church.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 10am - 5pm

daily feedings: 11am, 1pm & 4pm see 100s of alligators in their natural habitat

19500 HIGHWAY 71 SUMMERDALE, AL

(251.946.2483) 25

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Music Class at Prichard Preparatory School

Second grade students at Prichard Prep rehearse selections from the award winning musical, “The Sound of Music.” Music teacher, Nikeland Nichols, instructs over 130 elementary students each day.

T te K a

CHCA Father/Son Barbecue

The 2015 Father/Son Barbecue was held on the Upper School campus of Cottage Hill Christian Academy on April 17th. Fathers and sons enjoyed a barbecue dinner, basketball challenges, tug-a-war and relays. The event was huge success with the “sons” taking home the 2015 trophy. The guest speaker, Derek Westbrook, shared his testimony and encouraged the men before the games began. The dads are looking forward to opportunity to redeem themselves at the 2016 barbecue.

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

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Student Named U.S. Presidential Scholar

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that Caroline Scott was selected as a 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Scott is one of 141 high school seniors that have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 21-23. Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,000 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. The 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. “Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” Duncan said. “These scholars are poised to make their mark on our nation in every field imaginable: the arts and humanities, science and technology, law and medicine, business and finance, education and government—to name a few. Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities, and the challenges of today’s job market.” The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 4,300 candidates qualified for the 2015 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArtsTM competition. Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. Scott chose Julie Albrecht of St. Paul’s Episcopal School. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

A w c a

S H in en c Ca

McGill-Toolen Catholic Hi Q Team 2nd in Nation!

Congratulations to Chris McDonald, Matthew Davis, Austin Taylor, Nick West, Erin Blake, Nathaniel Robertson, Hunter Palmer and Druhan Cummings for a great season as State Champs and National Runner-up. And special thanks to Mrs. Acklen, Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Kingman who served as the team moderators.

e nd

UMS-Wright Secures Seventh Straight Tennis Championship

The Bulldogs swept both the boys and girls class 4A-5A State Titles in tennis. This accomplishment marked the seventh straight crown for both teams. We are so proud of this talented group of athletes and their wonderful coaches, Meridy Jones and Rick Cleveland. Pictured L to R: Girls: Katie Ladd, Audrey Sewell, Adelaide Bell, Martha Williams, Ellen Williams, McKenzie Courtney, Anna Miller, Elizabeth Swain and Brooke Swain. Boys: Jackson Laurence, Pete Van Lingen, William Hooper, Nicholas Anez, Patrick McGowin, Patrick Neal Kraver and Will McGowin.

Citronelle Students Offered Internships with Outokumpu

This year marks the second year of Outokumpu’s collaboration with the faculty of Citronelle High School. Our unique partnership has created “win, win” opportunities for students, parents, educators, and the community. On the 15th and 21st of April, Outokumpu’s Human Resource Manager, Chris Comstock and his team interviewed 29 summer internship candidates from Citronelle. Eight of the 29 students interviewed were offered internships at an hourly rate of $12.50/hour. Seven other students have been offered a second summer of employment at an hourly wage of $13.50/hour. All fifteen offers are contingent on passing a drug screen and physical. After completion of the screening process, interns are expected to work from June 1 until July 31. Congratulations to: Briana Cunningham, Kyle Edwards, Starla Pierce, Tyler Bishop, Christopher Chestang, Zachary Landrum, Garret Lott, James Duckworth, Quintin McConnell, Dalton Ulmer, Brandon Coleman, Damian Abney, Christopher Norman, Perry Gross, and Justyn Overstreet! Due to the many benefits associated with Mobile County schools partnering with local businesses, graduation rates are higher. More students are exiting high school with technical skills, state recognized credentials, and career experiences. Parental involvement is on the rise. Thanks to externships, educators of all content areas are better able to make teaching across the curriculum relevant and rigorous. Lastly, the community is being populated with more college and career minded individuals.

e h T M is

St. Mary Catholic School McT Prep Band Concert

St. Mary Catholic Students work the entire school year with McGill-Toolen Catholic High School's Prep Band Director, Stephen Sims learning to play various musical instruments as part of their school curriculum. The end result is a beautiful year end concert! They perform one concert together as St. Mary students and another collaboratively with McT Prep Band members from all of the Mobile and Baldwin Catholic Schools at McGill-Toolen. Pictured is fifth grader Henry Kilpatrick on the trumpet during the St. Mary concert. 27

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools Corpus Christi 8th Graders Attend Chrism Mass

Co F an

On March 31st, Corpus Christi Catholic School 8th graders attended the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic diocese. During this mass, the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire diocesan community gather around their Bishop, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year.

Faith’s Class of 2015 Enjoys the Traditional Cap & Gown Delivery Day

Faith Academy’s Class of 2015 is carrying on the tradition of years gone by with the traditional cap and gown delivery day and senior group photo. There were big smiles to be seen and tears shed as parents, grandparents, teachers and classmates/ friends shared in this momentous occasion. It was one of the few times that cell phones were allowed during school and they were being used to take dozens, if not hundreds of pictures and video of the moments that the class of 2015 will not soon forget. Photo: Faith Seniors Alexis Parten, Kaitlyn Kulakowski, Delaney Dodson, and Alyssa Steward prepare to take group photos after receiving their cap and gown.

St. Dominic Wax Museum

St. Dominic Catholic School fifth grade students participated in a wax museum, depicting historical persons. When prompted, students shared information such as their characters life as a child/young adult, life as an adult and accomplishments. Pictured are: (Left to Right) Savannah Adams as Sybil Ludington, Stone Nguyen as Patrick Henry, Hunter Harrigill as Henry Hudson, and Ella Smithweck as Anne Hutchinson.

Ty p Un t cr sto stu fro

Co in

Faith’s Lloyd Skoda Inducted Into Mobile Sports Hall of Fame

On April 23, Faith Bible teacher, Lloyd Skoda, joined the ranks of those like Turner Ward, Rickey Young, and Kenny Stabler when he was one of six recognized by the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame as the 27th Class of Sports Legends. “Coach Skoda” as he is well known, spent 29 seasons as Faith’s baseball coach, while leading them to five AISA state baseball titles and three AISA girls basketball state crowns. In 2003, Skoda was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Hall of Fame. While Coach Skoda might have retired from his official coach position, he continues to coach and influence young people at Faith Academy on a daily basis through his senior Bible classes. Photo: Coach Lloyd Skoda of Faith Academy accepting his plaque for induction into the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame, while master of ceremonies Pete Albrecht looks on. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

Athletes of the Year at Covenant Christian School

Congratulations to Katherine Allred and Fisher Tims for being selected Female and Male Athlete of the Year for Covenant Christian School in 2014-2015.

d oly ns d

SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN. St. Luke’s Alum Visits to Teach Physics Lesson

Ty McCleery, a St. Luke's alum currently pursuing a PH.D in physics at Vanderbilt University, recently returned to the school to teach a continuing education science credit for Upper School students. He also stopped by to demonstrate to lower school students the Sight of Sound. Ty graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with bachelor degrees in physics and math, and completed an internship at Cornell University before pursuing a Ph.D. in physics at Vanderbilt. His demonstration was a hit with the K5 students who watched carefully as he used fire to demonstrate how sound waves work!

and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Prank.indd 1

4/9/15 2:08 PM

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius Students Take First Holy Communion

St. Ignatius Parish held its First Holy Communion Mass on May 3. Sixty 2nd grade students took their first Holy Communion at Mass at St. Ignatius Parish. The Mass was followed by a reception in the Marian Center. These students studied all year to prepare for this special day. Many thanks to the Karen Shirah, Dana Dumont and Kara Frasier for helping all the students achieve this important step in their lives.

St. Mary Catholic First Communion Retreat

YOUR CHILDREN. THEIR FUTURE. STARTS HERE. WHY CHOOSE UMS-WRIGHT?

87% OF THE 2015 GRADUATING CLASS RECEIVED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS IN ACADEMICS, THE ARTS AND ATHLETICS. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AN INVESTMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME.

UMS-Wright Preparatory School 251-479-6551 | ums-wright.org

e c ev

e C b p M av

sc w Fi s to

St Mary Parish first communicants participated in a day-long retreat focusing on their upcoming special day to place on Saturday, May 9. Each of the children to include both second grade St. Mary Catholic School students and St. Mary Parish CCD Students made an individual banner to represent of the aspects of the sacrament which they have been learning about throughout the school year. Thanks to St. Mary teachers Amy Duncan and Donna Anderson, CCD Coordinator Teresa Gill, and Rev. Stephen Vrazel for conducting this very special retreat. Pictured: St. Mary Catholic second graders Addisyn Dussouy and Eva Heyer proudly display their banner.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

s y

e . ra nt

Scholarship Fund Created to Remember Former St. Paul’s Student

One year ago we lost a beloved member of the St. Paul’s family, Brittany Huber, Class of 2008. Brittany was an exceptional person whose sweet smile, courage, compassion and talent touched everyone with whom she came in contact. A memorial scholarship fund has been established in Brittany’s memory. The Art Club and 3D Design class have created beautiful fingerprint necklaces, and the proceeds will benefit the Brittany Huber Memorial Scholarship. The necklaces are available to purchase in St. Paul’s Campus Store for $15. The hope is that this scholarship fund will benefit students who wish to pursue the opportunities of our Fine Arts program and flourish in the very same way Brittany did. If you would like to purchase a necklace please contact The Campus Store at 251-461-2193.

MGM and Semmes Middle Students Shine at State STEM Competition

On Saturday April 18th, over 150 students, teachers, and spectators gathered at Tuskegee Institute Middle School for the 2015 SECME Engineering Design Competition. Competitors came from Macon County, Mobile County, Selma City, and Montgomery County Schools. The state competition consisted of four categories: Vex Robotics, Mouse Trap Car Design, Water Rocket Design, and Essay. Mary G Montgomery High School and Semmes Middle School both sent a team to compete in the Vex Robotics part of the competition. Even though this was their first year to compete in this competition, the students shined as they moved through each stage of the competition. As a team, the students had to go through an interview portion that covered technical questions regarding their robot design and technical notebook. The students then played the Vex Skyrise Challenge where MGM was the highest scoring team. Both teams placed in the finals. MGM took the gold winning 1st place, and Semmes Middle won 3rd. As part of the first place prize, MGM will be sponsored by Tuskegee University to attend the National Competition in Tuscaloosa, on June 25, 2015. Top Row: Ariel Scott, Zach Salisbury, Patric Lepiane. Bottom Row: Allison Scott, Vandarius Connor, Bethany Bowden, Mary Whitfield, Alexis Scott.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month. 31

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mascot Receives New Costume

Wilks the Wildcat is the official mascot for St. Luke's Episcopal School and is a familiar face around campus and at school events. The St. Luke's Athletic Booster Club and Archery Teams recently helped purchase a new mascot costume for Wilks who needed a little freshening up! Wilks will travel with the cheerleaders to cheer camp this summer and return to school in August to help us welcome all of the Wildcats back to campus! Pictured with Wilks as he makes his rounds are students Cameron and Hunter Preston, Eden Marble, Ellie Pierce and Chloe McGuire. WE LOVE WILKS!

Fa Mi fro Ar th m ri

Best Wishes to McGill-Toolen Seniors

Congratulations and best of luck to the McGill-Toolen Catholic Class of 2015! Students wore their college t-shirts proudly at the Senior Picnic which was their last official day of school.

fi th a te ev t Ma

the Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

ts. y d o us s

Mary G. Montgomery Equestrian Club

The MGM Equestrian Club has had a great start this year! The focuses of the club’s studies are equine science, training, riding and judging. The club’s members are horse enthusiasts who not only love horses, but who are also planning to pursue degrees in the horse industry or in veterinary studies. The club has gone to two very interesting field trips: Oak Hollow Farm, where members rode beautiful horses down the picturesque trails; and Winter Classic in Mississippi, where members experienced high levels of English style horseback riding by riders from around the world. The Equestrian Club is also participating in the GCA events at the John Archer Arena, the first Saturday of every month. In the arena, the students assist and practice their judging skills in riding and in horses showing at halter. In addition to these activities, club members are also preparing for FFA competitions in Auburn this June. Pictured: Top left to right – Ms. Nichols (co-sponsor), Julia Howell, Kortney Conner, Danielle Brannon, Ms. Oditt (co-sponsor), and Ms. Betty Harrison; Bottom left to right – Kandace Garmon, Marianna Oditt, Katie Harrison, and Ashley Darnell.

MGM and Semmes Students Place First and Third at Vex Robotics Competition

Students from MGM and Semmes Middle spent April 18 at their very first Vex competition. Not only did these students show great character and sportsmanship by helping other teams out with technical difficulties so everyone could compete and have fun, they had the highest scoring robots! Mary G. Montgomery placed first, and Semmes placed third! We have now earned a bid at the National Tournament in Tuscaloosa this June!

Faulkner Students Donate Books for Read Across America

Little Flower Catholic Holds Spring Fling

Students, family, and friends gathered on the campus of Little Flower Catholic School to celebrate the arrival of spring. The school yard was dotted with festive booths with such favorite attractions as the Cake Walk, the Water Play booth, the Plant booth, and the perennial favorite, the Dunking Booth. The Knights of Columbus had the grill fired up, and the aroma of hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air. The cafeteria housed the White Elephant booth and visitors who were looking for a cool space enjoyed the Bingo table inside. There was something for everyone, including budding artists. Greta Ingabire's colorful painting from the Art booth became part of a happy memory of the day.

Celebrating Black History at Prichard Prep Prichard Preparatory School closed 3rd quarter with a school-wide celebration. Each elementary class performed a skit in celebration of Black History. To bring history alive, the 4th grade students created a living museum of famous African-Americans. Pictured are students from Mrs. Guy’s 4th grade class: Bella King as Rosa Parks, Delancey Green as Condoleezza Rice, David Bettis as James Cleveland and Haley Davis as Alice Davis Coachman.

“Each Child a Book,” is the theme for the Early Childhood Education Program Community Service Project, in celebration of Dr. Seuss Read Across America. Students donated books to be given to their Pre-School Partners – In Education Programs. Pictured are Carrie B. Dozier Instructor, and members of the “PM” Early Childhood Education I Class. 33

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

How Social Media Can Shape a Girl’s Body Image Raising a daughter who’s happy in her own skin isn’t easy. For years, parents have worried about the unrealistic way women are depicted in media, advertising, pop culture and even video games. Many try to counter this influence by pointing out to their daughters that commercial images of women are often manipulated by people hoping to make a profit. Social media poses different challenges, largely because girls themselves are creating and commenting on their own images. This gives them tremendous power—and makes them hugely vulnerable. On platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter, appearance can become a competitive sport as girls vie for emoji, likes, and followers. Selfies in particular push girls to compare themselves with peers at their prettiest, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that the fastest way to get more likes is to be thin, skilled with make-up, dressed in revealing clothing or positioned in provocative poses. A recent survey by Common Sense Media found that, among teens who post online, 35% are worried about being tagged in unattractive photos, 27% feel anxious about their appearance in posted photos, and a quarter take it personally when their photos are ignored. Parents may not be able to dominate the conversations about appearance that are going on in social media, but they can and should comment. Girls need to hear from mothers who have come to terms with their own body issues and fathers who appreciate women for more than their faces and figures. Here are some things to keep in mind. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

Don’t dismiss. For better or worse, people do make judgments about each other based on how they present themselves physically, so your daughter’s concerns about how she looks are valid. And for girls who constantly see images that have been filtered and Photoshopped to match an ideal, the curves and pimples of puberty can feel like a crisis. Parents cannot change the prevailing culture, but you can help your daughter think clearly about two things. First, how much will she allow herself to be influenced by what others think about her looks? Encourage her not to give power to those who don’t deserve it. Second, how will she evaluate others? Help her understand that other, less visible qualities—integrity, intelligence, sense of humor, compassion— are more important than appearance. Be aware of the awful. Yes, there really are pro anorexia (pro-ana) and thinspiration (thinspo) websites that encourage girls to starve themselves and praise them when they post emaciated photos. Yes, girls post “Am I pretty?” videos on YouTube and, perhaps unsurprisingly, attract the attention of trolls. Yes, there are apps like Hot or Not that exist simply to rate the physical attractiveness of users. Although many girls are turned off by these sites, others are susceptible to their appeal. Point out possibilities. Social media gives girls more opportunities to find allies who will encourage them to be themselves, without conforming to other people’s ideas about how they should look. Some girls, for example, post what they call “uglyselfies”, unadorned photos of them which mock conventional ideas about beauty. Others post photos that emphasize accomplishments or insights instead of appearance. Girls can also follow female celebrities like Lorde and Emma Watson who have been outspoken about the way representations of women are manipulated and exploited. 34

Critique photos. A photo can capture a “real” moment or it can be a performance. Talk to your daughter about how she chooses the photos she decides to post online. What is she trying to express about herself? What kinds of editing techniques does she use and why? What kind of feedback does she hope to get? How will she feel if people misunderstand what she is trying to communicate? You can ask similar questions about the photos her friends post online. Do specific photos capture what she likes about her friend or their relationship? Do other photos make her uncomfortable? Filter feedback. Teens long for feedback from peers—as long as it is positive. Negative comments can be crushing, so parents need to help children develop defenses. Rather than accepting hostile or cruel comments as objectively “true”, teach kids to understand them as a reflection of the other person’s state of mind. People who are happy with themselves don’t feel the need to attack others. Encourage your child to be constructive in her own comments—supporting and encouraging other girls. Get real. Positive role models have an enormous effect on kids. Be sure your daughter knows plenty of real life women who are comfortable with themselves. Surround her with female role models—grandmas and aunts, teachers and coaches, your own colleagues and friends. Talk about the accomplishments of these women and the qualities you admire in them. Although it may not seem that way in adolescence, appearance is only a fraction of a girl’s identity. You can mitigate the impact of social media by talking often about all the other things you value about your daughter. Help her find activities she enjoys and people who appreciate her for who she is. Model a lifestyle that includes a balanced approach to eating and exercise. Most of all, create a family environment in which every member is respected for who they are and what they can do rather than how they look on any given day. 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.

www.mobilebayparents.com

e . es at at nd pe r-

h he re

e rt-

ho d d s

s an ay.

s ton sit @

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

A Page in a Book Favorite Books from the Farm Even though they may not have been raised around agriculture, almost every child knows something about farming. Farmers (and farm inhabitants) appear throughout childhood with starring roles in songs, poems, stories and more. And that’s a positive thing. Kids who know more about farming tend to make healthier food choices and often feel a stronger custodial responsibility to the land. Whether produced in raised beds in the city, or tilled rural fields, every person depends on the bounty produced by farms and the folks who work them. The following children’s books explore this livelihood and its landscape with enthusiasm, humor and updated information for the next generation of farmers!

Funny Farm

by Mark Teague (Scholastic) When Edward steps off the train in his suit and tie for a visit at his relatives’ farm, it’s clear to the reader that he may not be quite prepared for the real daily activity that characterizes farm life. Edward is quickly swept up in the chores that drive this working farm, and his struggle just to keep up with the pace is custom-made for hilarious mishaps. Teague’s comically expressive illustration style is the real belle of the barnyard in this book. With broad cast of animal characters who dramatically enliven each vignette from Edward’s day on the farm, Teague transforms this ‘fish out of water’ story into a visual feast of fun…and farming!

Stanley the Farmer

pr ch Do bu Yo lon yo am

Q to

E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm

by Judy Sierra, Illustrated by Matthew Myers (Candlewick) Old MacDonald’s neighborhood is full of manicured lawns, but he’s getting tired of mowing his grass. He believes that there must be a better use for his backyard greenspace and begins the task of transforming his grassy acre. But when he churns up the dirt and imports worms, his suburban neighbors begin to protest his project. While Mac learns through trial and error how to grow and raise food, his watchful neighborhood critics slowly begin to see the rewards of his work. The rhyming text echoes the children’s song about Old MacDonald, but the storyline is fresh off the farm! With urban farming enjoying a renaissance and chicken coops and beehives returning to suburban backyards, this title is a delicious introduction for kids to the rewards of producing your own food.

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

$1 try nis wo

an se an ye

by William Bee (Peachtree) The multi-talented Stanley has taken up farming (with his friends Shamus and Woo) in this bright new title from William Bee. With very simple text, clean bold lines and bright color statements, Bee takes the reader through the entire cycle of wheat farming, from soil preparation and seeding to harvest and hauling. While the story is couched in the style of a very early reader for the pre-school set, it subtly introduces real tasks and tools that are vital in the real world of farming. Hoppers, combines, balers (and the very real power of manure) are all included in this deceptively enlightening book. Stanley the Farmer is sure to find fertile ground in the imaginations of every young reader!

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

no Th or fee

www.mobilebayparents.com

s m,

Q. I have a student loan in default that is

now being handled by a collections agency. They want me to pay the entire $20,000 now, or consolidate it with $16,000 in collection fees added. Are these my only options?

A. There’s no way I’d consolidate and pay

$16,000 in collection fees. Right now, they’re trying to bully you. They may eventually garnish your paychecks, but I think you can still work out something with these guys. You’ll have to repay the loan, and probably the interest and some of the late charges, but $16,000 is a bunch of crap. Don’t run out and get another loan to pay it, but don’t let yourself be blackmailed, either. You’ve made a mess by ignoring this for so long, so now you’ll have to save every penny you can and start sending them substantial amounts of money each month. Trust me, they’ll take your payments and cash the checks. Hopefully, you can settle on a reasonable repayment structure and have this thing killed off in a couple of years.

Q. I’ve been following your plan, and I’d like to find a way to make a little more money on

the side. Do you have any ideas for generating some passive income?

A. First, I want to make sure you’re not

getting involved with some get-rich-quick scheme, like a nothing-down real estate seminar. “Passive income” is a term that’s sometimes attached to those sorts of things. Passive income is pretty simple; it’s income off of investments. In other words, it’s money you set aside that makes you money. There’s not any other income that is real passive income. If you wrote a book and got royalties from the sales, some people would call that passive income. I get royalties from the books I’ve written over the years, but the people who would call that “passive income” didn’t follow me around while I was working my tail off to write and sell those things. To me, it wasn’t passive income at all; it was a business. Technically, the government would call it passive income. But they don’t have anything to do with reality. When it comes to passive income, I only invest in two things — real estate, for

which I pay cash, and good growth stock mutual funds. Active income usually takes the form of a small business idea or your career. That’s income that you, yourself, are literally creating. But that’s how I look at that stuff. Some people may have a different view on it, but I like to keep things simple.

Q. I follow you on Twitter, and I was

wondering if you recommend buying an umbrella policy. If so, how much?

A. If you’ve started to win with money and build some wealth, an umbrella policy is some of the cheapest insurance you can buy. It’s just about the biggest bang for your buck. Here’s an example. In most states, you can get an extra $1 million in liability coverage added to your car insurance and homeowners insurance as an umbrella policy for as little as $200 a year. There’s no problem if you don’t have any money. But if you’ve got some cash, and you bump into somebody, it’s a really good thing to have that extra umbrella insurance policy in liability situations!

n r

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

y daughter’s Girl Scout troop recently spent a Saturday morning stocking and organizing shelves at the local food pantry. Afterward, the girls were happy and tired in a good way. Many of them asked the food pantry’s manager how they could help out again. Children often bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas to solving problems, and they reap many positive benefits from volunteering, too. “Volunteering builds a young person’s leadership skills, broadens their worldview, develops their sense of empathy towards others, and teaches a young person that he or she really can make a difference. This kind of experiential esteem-building is incredibly powerful and builds life skills that carry over into adulthood,” says Karen Daniel, Vice President of Engagement at Youth Service America. Children who volunteer are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to volunteer as adults and engage in civic activities such as voting, according to Daniel. “Children who volunteer grow up to be adults who volunteer, so there’s great incentive to have kids start solving community issues now,” she says. What better time for your child to volunteer than in the summer when the days are long, and they complain that they’re bored or they have nothing to do? Begin by chatting with your child about their interests and skills and how they could put their talents to use as a volunteer. “Talk to your kids about what they love,” Daniel says. “Volunteering becomes fun and meaningful when it’s connected to something they already care about, and parents can help make those connections.”

Here’s a list of ideas to get the conversation started: Turn Lemons into Lemonade

Alex Scott was just four years old when she decided to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. She had been battling cancer for three years herself, and when word about her lemonade stand got out, she and other children raised $1 million for the cause before she passed away at age 8. Since then, children have continued to set up lemonade stands and have raised $50 million for Alex’s cause. For more information about how to set up your own lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, go to http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/ kids-corner/how-have-lemonade-stand.

Advocate for Animals

Kids can help animals through the Humane Society’s “Mission: Humane!” program. To learn more, visit the program’s action guide at http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/parents_educators/mission_humane_action_guide_kids.pdf. Also check out volunteer opportunities at your local Humane Society Chapter. You can find your local chapter at http://www.humanesociety.org/about/state/.

Make Blankets for Shelter Animals

In 2001, the Compassion Action Institute started a “cage comforter program” when it enlisted volunteers to make small comforters for homeless cats, kittens and dogs. The comforters eased the animals’ stress at the shelter and boosted adoptions since the animals were happier lying on their cozy beds. When they were adopted the animals took their comforters with them, which made for smoother transitions from the shelter to their new homes. Check with your local animal shelter to see if they have a cage comforter program. If not, check out the Compassion Action Institute’s guide on how to start one at http://www.pleasebekind.com/ ccp.html#start. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

c a s iz M

O y gr a pr a

c an in sio is th cia

F w w a w

dr w

Te to n

red for pro E a ma th p pr te c

B tre bu

a wn

eer ve

mad t on en ilur e n/

at spur

er r s’ e

Collect Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

Families often travel long distances when seeking medical care for a critically ill child. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a “home away from home” for families, so they can stay close to their hospitalized child. To raise money, many Ronald McDonald Houses collect and recycle pop tabs. One chapter raises almost $30,000 each year through its pop tab collection program. Contact your local Ronald McDonald House to see if it participates in the program. You can find your local chapter at http://rmhc.org/who-we-are/chaptersearch/.

Start a Letter Writing Campaign

Writing e-mails or letters engages your child’s critical thinking and research skills and allows them to experience democracy in action. Pick a cause your child feels passionate about and have them research the issue and possible solutions. Then have them e-mail the appropriate elected officials explaining why the issue is a problem and asking for their help in solving it. For more information on how to e-mail or write President Obama, visit http://www. whitehouse.gov/contact. To e-mail or write a member of Congress, check out http:// www.congress.org/news/communicatingwith-congress/. If the issue is best addressed at the state level, visit your state’s website to look up the elected officials in your area.

Month of June Special Appearances:

June 14 - Jack Sparrow June 28 - Elsa & Anna Visits are from

11:00 - 2:00

Begin a Terracycle Collection

Terracycle is a company that collects hard to recycle items and turns the waste into new products. As you collect and send in waste, you earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of charitable gifts or for a payment of $0.01 per point to the nonprofit organization or school of your choice. Each waste collection program is called a “brigade,” and you can sign up for as many brigades as you like. There are more than 40 brigade programs that cover food packaging, office supplies, and personal products. To get started, go to http://www. terracycle.com/en-US/brigades.html and choose the brigade programs you would like to join.

e tim/

Special Guests All Summer Long!

Host a Bluebird House

Bluebirds lose their nesting habitats when trees are cut down to make way for houses, buildings, malls, and other developments.

906 Gulf Shores Parkway • Gulf Shores • AL You can help bluebirds find a home in your backyard by building and setting up a bluebird house. Your backyard will need perch sites such as tree branches, wires or fences where bluebirds can perch and look for food. If you don’t have a suitable backyard space, ask for permission to set up a bluebird box in a wide, open grassy area such as a park, pasture, or golf course. For information on how to build, set up, and monitor your bluebird house, visit the North American Bluebird Society at http://nabluebirdsociety.org/Fact/ bluebirdfacts.htm and click on “Getting Started with Bluebirds.” 39

When you engage your child’s enthusiasm and imagination, the list of volunteer possibilities is endless. Other options include organizing and stocking shelves at a food pantry, participating in community clean up days, or volunteering at a community garden. With many of these projects, your child will need your help and supervision, which is time consuming, but it’s also a great way to spend time with your child working side by side and showing them that you value their contributions to the world. MBP As a freelance writer and mother of two children, Laura Lane is inspired by the good works and acts of kindness she sees children doing on a regular basis.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Amusement Parks and Outdoor Fun Global Wildlife Center

26389 LA-40, Folsom, LA (985) 796-3585; www.globalwilldlife.com Enjoy a one and a half hour guided Safari Wagon tour over 900 acres of beautiful Louisiana countryside complete with 12 ponds and a lake. During the tour you’ll come face to face with bison, giraffe, zebra, camels, eland, and much more! The animals roam free - It’s Africa, in Louisiana! How Long is a Giraffe’s Tongue? You’ll find out during your tour when you have the opportunity to feed one right from your souvenir feed cup! Adults and children alike experience the excitement of feeding the animals during the safari while remaining safe and secure in our custom-built covered wagons with padded seating. The Global Wildlife Center is unique because we foster a personal interaction with the animals and believe that touch is the best teaching tool. Be prepared for an exhilarating and educational adventure! Group tours and Private Pinz tours available. Open year round, 7 days a week. Always first for safari check–in times and availability. Tour times are updated every Friday. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Screen on the Green – Outdoor Movie Series

Dorn Field (Located behind the Moorer Library) www.thevillageofspringhill.com Grab your kids and a few of their friends, blankets and chairs and watch a movie under the stars! Thank you to Rouses Market who has generously committed to being the sponsor of the 2015 film festival events! Thank you also to Spring Hill College for letting use Dorn Field (located behind the Moorer Library). Announcing our upcoming movies: Friday, June 5 – Jurassic Park (right before Jurassic World comes out in theaters!), Saturday, July 11 – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Saturday, August 22 -- Home (another sure winner!!!), Saturday, September 12 – Guardians of the Galaxy (dress up like your favorite superhero!), Saturday, October 10 – Hotel Transylvania (costume party!) More details to follow!

Waterville USA

906 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 948-2106; www.watervilleusa.com Join the family fun with the Waterpark, Flowrider, Mini Golf, Bounce House, Go-Karts, Arcade, Rollercoaster and much more! For park dates and times please visit watervilleusa.com.Take advantage of the discount with a SEASON PASS! Text WATERFUN to 45203 to sign up for cool coupons, specials, and more information. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores  (251) 968-5732; www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org  The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is tucked away just blocks from the beach and is home to more than 500 animals including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, macaws, and more. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary, seasonal animal encounters, and daily animal shows in the summer. Also offering “Zoo Camp”. Hours are Monday – Sunday 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission: 13 and up $11 (plus tax), Seniors (55+) $9 (plus tax), children 3-12 $8 (plus tax), Ages 2 and under are free.  Bob’s Paintball 3428 Dawes Rd., Mobile (251) 639-8245, www.bobspaintball.com One of the Gulf Coast’s premier spots for fun, safe paintball! Whether you like to play recreational paintball in the woods or you want to step up your game to Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

the tournament level, there’s something for everyone. Hours: Saturdays – 10:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday – 12:00pm – 5:00pm Check us out! Dauphin Island Concert Series and Movie Nights West End Beach Sunset Concert Series (May and June Concerts) End of Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island 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: Saturday May 23rd - Tropic Flyer from 3:30-5:30 followed by Delta Reign from 6-8pm., Sunday May 24 - Leland Clay from 3:30-5:30 followed by Gino Rosaria & Groove Symphony from 6-8pm., Sunday June 14 - Lisa Mills from 6:15-8:15pm, Sunday June 28 - Mobile Big Band Society from 6:15-8:15pm. Free Family Movie Night (Every Thursday May 14 thru June) Every Thursday evening beginning at Dusk, see a free family movie on the West End beach! (Located at the end of Bienville Blvd). Moviegoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs and/or blanket for seating. May 21 – UP, May 28 - The LEGO Movie, June 4 – Paddington, June 11 – Frozen, June 18 - The Princess Bride, June 25 - How to Train Your Dragon 2. Events are subject to change and weather permitting. Ferris Wheel at the Wharf 4985 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach  (251) 224-1000; www.alwharf.com  The largest Ferris Wheel in the Southeast. The Ferris wheel is over 112 feet and was made by Italy’s Technical Park. It can hold 140 people in 24 gondolas. Cost: $5.00 per ride. Gulf Adventure Center 21101 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores  (877) 947-8434, (251) 948-9494; www.gulfadventurecenter.com  Fly high above white sand dunes and crystal clear waters on our Hummingbird Ziplines. Zipline. Participant weight: minimum weight of 65 pounds and a maximum weight of 260 pounds per person and must be at least 8 years of age .Explore the coast on a kayak or paddle-board and enjoy the natural wonders and wildlife that only the Gulf Coast can provide. Open Monday – Sunday. Reservations requested. Kids Days in Bienville Square – Thursdays www.ncsmobile.org Kid’s days in Bienville starts on Thursday, June 4. Bring the kids out for some summertime fun in Bienville Square each Thursday and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire Departments and much more! Free. Thursdays through June 25th from 10:00am-1:00pm. Mobile International Speedway 7800 Park Boulevard, Irvington (251) 957-2026; www.mobilespeedway.net Alabama’s fastest ½ mile track featuring exciting oval track action including the Southern super Series, winged spring cars, demolition derby and more. Mobile Skate Park 2301 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 208-1650; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Grab your skateboards and join us for Skatepark of Mobile. Opening in May! Southern Alabama Paintball 4901 Montee Road, Theodore (251) 490-6049; southernalabamapaintball.com At Southern Alabama Paintball, we pride ourselves

in providing a safe, family oriented paintball field for all players. We are Mobile County’s largest scenario, woodsball field on 15 acres of land located in Theodore, AL near Mobile, AL. As a scenario field we provide our players with new field layouts and new objectives each weekend. The Track 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores (251) 968-8111; www.gulfshorestrack.com; Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Bumper Rides, and lots of family fun! Summer hours - Open Monday - Sunday. 9:00am til close. Visit website for tickets and package pricing. Wales West 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com Wales West Light Railway will be offering a Day Pass. From 9:00am to 4:00pm daily, families can spend the day at Wales West! Activities include swimming in the lake (sandy beach), fishing in the lake, pedal boating, swimming in the indoor pool, playing on the playground, and a round-trip ride on the diesel train. Dame Ann Cafe offers a limited but reasonable menu (with advance notice) for lunch, or bring your own picnic. X-Treme Paintball 900-A Schillinger Road S, Mobile (251) 639-0399, www.xpb.us Hours of Operation: Saturday-10:00am-6:30pm, Sunday-12:00pm-6:30pm. Field hours on Saturday and Sunday are subject to participation. We will stay open later or close earlier depending on the players.

Environmental and Marine Education/Nature Trails Alligator Alley

19950 Highway 71, Summerdale (251) 946-BITE; www.gatoralleyfarm.com Start your guided adventure with a walk to the elevated viewing platform, where you can see over 450 alligators now from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, courting and nesting. Come during feeding times and you can see the feeding crew walk right out to the alligators to feed them! After a breath taking view, continue your adventure with a nature walk on the elevated boardwalk and see alligators in their natural habitat along with other natural inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare species. Open 7 Days a Week – 10:00am-5:00pm. Feedings 11:00; 1:00; 4:00. Cost - Adult-$12 (plus tax), Children-$10 (Ages 4-12) (plus tax), Seniors-$10 (65+) (plus tax) and 3 and under are free. Alligator food (chow) is $4 (plus tax). Call for more info or to schedule a b-day party! Back Country Trail (251) 981-1180; www.backcountrytrail.com Explore the beauty and diversity of the Back Country Trail! Seven trails among six distinct ecosystems make up more than 15 miles of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex through Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and the Gulf State Park. Explore the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, rock climb in the Boulder Park; enjoy the mystical Freshwater Marshes and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on the Twin Bridges, a White Tailed Deer on Gulf Oak Ridge or explore the newest addition, Coyote Crossing. Capture adventure while enjoying biking, jogging, walking, plant and tree identification, wildlife, photography and simply connecting to nature. For trail maps, pictures, locations and other information please visit the website.

www.mobilebayparents.com

Be 124 (25 Bel yea Pub Allma Asia Gar Tou furn of d of M Bel the   Bic ww Tra Inte ride

Bir ww The Ou var Also Isla in N San of m lake ary Nat ma

Bo 122 (25 The hab the has of A 3:3 ma refu

Da 101 (25 Exp wh fou Ten the squ Thi oth sur exh um inte larg sum enj Dau salt vita est env Mo –6 5y Gro reg

am .

. e he g,

and n

s, urw a

ga-

n ulf s uld

n te

e, rail se

Bellingrath Gardens  12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org  Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65 acre estate of year-round beauty. Come experience the 2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the U.S., as awarded by the All-America Rose Selections, the Bayou Boardwalk, marvel at Mirror Lake, behold the Great Lawn, view the Asian-American Gardens, stroll through the Butterfly Garden, observe formal garden terraces and more! Tour the Bellingrath Home, complete with its original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts. Located just 20 minutes southwest of Mobile. Gardens-Daily from 8:00am-5:00pm. The Bellingrath Home -Guided tours begin at 9:00am with the last ticket sold at 3:30pm.   Bicycle Trails – Mobile and Baldwin County www.mobileunited.org/MU_trails.php Trail maps for Mobile and Baldwin County areas. Interested in finding a Specialty ride or joining a weekly ride, please visit www.bicyclemobile.org. Birding Trails www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is a birder’s paradise. Our sun-drenched coast is a popular resort area for a variety of feathered visitors and year-round residents. Also visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary at Dauphin Island. It has been named one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migrations! The Sanctuary (213 Bienville Blvd.) consists of 137 acres of maritime forest, marshes and dunes, including a lake, a swamp and a beach. Meanwhile, the Sanctuary’s 3-mile trail system was designated recently as a National Recreational Trail. For detailed individual trail maps, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com.

Learn through touch! Get Eye to Eye with a Giraffe, Wiggle a Camel’s Hump, or Feel the Wooly Fur of a Bison. Come visit this summer and all ofPinz the new A see Private Tourbabies! is a great Don’t Global for way toforget get up close and birthday weddings, personalparties, with the animals! andyour company gatherings! Book Private Tour today!

www.globalwildlife.com

Members tour free for Come out this summer toan see entire Join the all the year! new babies andGlobal visit Wildlife family with Bonnie, ourtoday! new dromedary camel!

Call (985) 624-WILD

Bon Secour National Wildlife Reserve  12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores  (251) 540-7720, www.fws.gov/bonsecour  The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama. The refuge office is open from 7am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. Refuge brochures and maps are available at trailhead kiosks and outside the refuge office.   Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island  (251) 861-2141; www.disl.org  Explore the beach and marine life with your children all while learning about science and nature! Explore the four key ecosystems of coastal Alabama; the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. It includes the 10,000 square foot Exhibit Hall and Living Marsh Boardwalk. This facility is a showcase of the plants, animals, and other natural resources found in the Estuary and its surrounding marine habitats. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Estuarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth largest estuary system in the United States. Join us for summer excursions. Bring your friends or family and enjoy a hands-on exploration of coastal habitats with a Dauphin Island Sea Lab professional educator. Visit the salt marsh and learn why these mucky habitats are so vital. Or walk along the beach and in the maritime forest and learn the value of these increasingly threatened environments. Summer hours: March 1 - August 31; Monday-Saturday 9:00am -6:00pm. Sundays 12:00pm – 6:00pm. Estuarium Admission: Adults $10, Children 5 years - 18 years (with a Student ID) $6, Seniors $8. Group rates available. Summer camp information and registration online.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Environmental Studies Center (A division of Mobile County Public Schools) 6101 Girby Rd, Mobile (251) 221-5000; www.mcpsesc.com The Environmental Studies Center is a natural sciences education facility designed to provide unique learning experiences not typically available in the local school. Featuring over 500 acres of rich woodlands, the Center affords teachers, students and the general public an opportunity to experience firsthand the natural environment and the interrelationships governing our living world. Natural resources include pine and bay forests, swamps, freshwater streams, carnivorous plant bogs, and a twenty-acre lake. Man-made facilities include numerous nature and hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, covered pavilions, a weather station and STARLAB Planetarium, live animal exhibits, native plants garden, and multipurpose instruction building. The building contains an auditorium, library, and classroom/exhibit space containing live reptiles and amphibians, a saltwater aquarium, and numerous preserved specimens commonly encountered throughout southern Alabama. Summer Day camps for kids are also registering now. A donation of $2 per visitor is appreciated. Call for hours and special events. Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort  (251) 625-0814; www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversalabamas-delta-resource-center   Explore all the Delta has to offer! Preview some of what the Delta offers in the state-of-the-art Tensaw Theater. Movies allow you to sample a variety of recreation opportunities and highlights of the Delta and Alabama’s natural history. What to experience the delta yourself? Take a boat ride from the dock through

Sardine Pass into the Blakeley River. Alligators, blue herons, various shore birds – maybe even a bald eagle will catch your eye. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the lower delta. The Bartram Canoe Trail has a camping pad. However, you don’t have to leave the resource center to do some exploring. Walk the nature trails, have a picnic or enjoy some of the area’s best bird watching. The Apalachee Exhibit Hall features changing exhibits reflecting the Delta. Numerous programs for all ages throughout the school year and summer including Storytime and Sunday mantinees. Summer camps are offered also. Find us on Facebook! Call for tour times, reservations and more information. Open 7 days a week, 8:00am-5:00pm. Gulf Coast Exploreum 65 Government Street, Mobile (251) 208-6873; www.exploreum.com 8,500-square-foot, hands-on discovery playground with IMAX theatre where learning about science and nature is nothing but fun for children and adults of all ages! The Exploreum also offers amazing Summer Science Camps! Week-long camps are hands-on, age-appropriate with make-and-take activities. Hours: TuesdayThursday 9:00am-4:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm. Mobile Botanical Gardens 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 342-0555; www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org 100-acre site of cultivated gardens and woodland trails. Explore on your own or schedule a guided tour. MBG Marketplace Saturdays 9-11 a.m. until the end of June. Also offering classes and events. Admission: Members: Free, Adults $5, Children 12 and under free. Hours: Dawn until Dusk. Check website for more information.

Naval Aviation Museum  Naval Air Station, Pensacola (800) 327-5002, www.navalaviationmuseum.org  Enjoy the hands-on history of Naval Aviation and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Feel the thrill in our Flight Simulators or visit the Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre and catch all the drama and power of our amazing IMAX® films. Then refresh with a tasty lunch or dessert in the authentic Cubi Bar Café. Summer Camps offered, check our website for more information. Oyster Trail (251) 438.5690; www.theoystertrail.com The Oyster Trail is a fun, educational and public art treasure hunt throughout coastal Alabama. Look for the large fiberglass oysters that have been painted, decorated and bedazzled by artists throughout the area and which can be found along the street, within parks, in lobbies, and well…wherever. Each oyster has a fact plaque that includes important information about the oyster’s ecological and economic benefit to Mobile Bay. Visitors to the Trail are guided by a Trail Map which provides locations of the oysters. Trail Maps can be found in hotels, shops, visitor centers, etc. or can be downloaded from our website. Remember to complete the scavenger hunt form and return it to win Oyster Trail Prizes!

Historical Sites Fort Conde 150 South Royal Street, Mobile (251) 208-7304; www.museumofmobile.com/ft_conde.php

0000067769-01

New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 5 hr drive.

AND

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

C RAFTS • C HORUS

first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

AND

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

In t His wh tive in t inn offs a ta kids free we

For 51 (25 For the die to 1 Hou Adu

His 347 (25 Tou era bike Spe Che is 9 Chi

Mo 355 (25 Lea inte blo and We (fin

Oa 300 (25 Com you in t

mund ®

rea ks, ct e ay.

ete

php

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

•

In this immersive, interactive exhibit in the heart of Historic Fort Conde, visitors can learn about the people who colonized early Mobile. See historic artifacts of Native Americans and Europeans who played large roles in the evolution of the Port City in a time shaped by innovation, conquest, plunder, piracy, and war. Explore offshoot exhibit rooms called Lifeways that give visitors a taste of what Colonial life was like. Great place for kids and families to learn and explore! Admission is free. Open Daily 8:30am-4:30pm.  Call or visit the website for more information. Fort Gaines 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines/ Fort Gaines was the battle site of the famous Battle of the Bay in August 1864. See the battlements and soldiers’ living quarters, which were used from the 1800’s to 1946. Lots of fun for families and kids! Admission Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm. Cost - Children (5-12) - $4.00, Adults (Ages 13+) - $8.00. Historic Blakely State Park 34745 State Hwy 225, Spanish Fort (251) 626-0798; www.blakeleypark.com Tour the preserved Civil War battlefield with its Confederate and Union breastworks and fortifications. Walk or bike on miles of trails or take a 2 hour eco-boat tour. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Check our webpage for more information. The Park is 9:00am to dusk, seven days a week. Adults $3.00, Children 6-12: $2.00, Children under 6: Free. Mobile Carnival Museum 355 Government Street, Mobile, (251) 432-3324; www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com Learn the Mardi Gras History! The museum includes interactive exhibits, visitors can “ride” and throw doubloons from a Carnival float. Adults-$5.00, Children 12 and under - $2.00, under age 3 – Free. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm (final tour at 3:00pm). Oakleigh Historic Complex 300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile (251) 432-1281; www.historicmobile.org Come hear our story! We certainly have a lot to tell you. During your visit to Oakleigh you will step back in time as costumed guides take you on an intimate

tour of Mobile’s official period house museum. Hear stories of Mobile’s early history. Learn about the families who lived at Oakleigh. Experience life during the 1850s in Mobile. A tour of Oakleigh Historic Complex includes Oakleigh, our iconic Greek Revival home constructed in 1833 by cotton factor James Roper; the Cox-Deasy Cottage, built circa 1850 and home to George Cox a popular Mobile brick mason, his wife and 12 children; and The Cook’s House and Garden, built in the late 1860s and home to the Gaither family who worked on the Oakleigh estate for many years. Located minutes from downtown Mobile, Oakleigh offers a pleasant experience for all ages. Open 10:00am-3:00pm Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Closed Wednesday and Sunday. Tours offered on the hour. Last tour is at 2:00pm. $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for ages 12 and under. Phoenix Fire Museum 203 South Claiborne Street, Mobile, (251) 208-7569 www.museumofmobile.com/phoenix_museum.php The Phoenix Fire Museum is in the restored home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. This building houses turn-of-the-century horse-drawn steam engines and early motorized vehicles. The gallery on the Second Floor recounts the history of the volunteer fire companies of Mobile from their organization in 1838. Open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am5:00pm. Admission: Free. The Museum of Mobile 111 S. Royal Street, Mobile (251) 208-7569, www.museumofmobile.com The History Museum of Mobile is an educational and entertaining destination for both adults and children. As you explore the museum’s galleries, interesting artifacts and fascinating stories will appear around every corner. The museum also boasts audio and interactive exhibits that engage visitors as they learn. Learning Lunch is a noontime discussion series about the history of Mobile and South Alabama, held on the second Wednesday of each month. Bring your sack lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages provided by the History Museum of Mobile. Admission to these exciting programs is free of charge. Visit our website for more information about special events. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays – 9:00am-5:00pm. Sundays – 1:00pm-5:00pm. Cost: Free Admission.

University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum 6052 USA Drive South, Mobile; (251) 460-6106; www.southalabama.edu/archaeology/museum.html Come and discover the rich prehistory and history of the Gulf Coast. Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 9:00am4:00pm, Saturday: 12:00pm- 4:00pm (Sunday and Monday: Closed) USS Alabama Battleship Battleship Parkway, Mobile (251) 433-2703, www.ussalabama.com At Battleship Memorial Park you’ll walk the decks of a mighty battleship. Go below in a World War II submarine. View cockpits of combat aircraft. You’ll also see tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat, and a plane like the one flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. It’s all here, all waiting to be discovered by you! Ages 12 and up $15, Ages 6 – 11 $6, Under age 5 is free. Ages 55+ is $13. Military discounts also available.

Bowling/Skating, Movie Theatres, Indoor Fun Spa-Tea-Da Girls Spa and Tea Parties

4180 Oak Ridge Avenue, Mobile (251) 447-4846; www.spa-tea-da.com Spa-Tea-Da! is a quaint day spa just for girls and a boutique party spot in Mobile. We have many fun activities planned throughout the summer and Spa Specials Monday-Thursday for only $15, sure to cure a girls summer boredom blues. The following are just a few of our special summer events. June 5- Frozen Fever-Join Elsa in preparing for Anna’s surprise party, decorate cupcakes, make a cool craft and have a special birthday tea party with Elsa and Anna. June 12-Dolly ‘n Me Nite out! Bring your BDF (Best Doll Friend) to Spa-Tea-Da! for a fabulous evening of pampering! Doll hair salon, makeup application and party hair style for girls, doll and me fashion show and tea party. June 19-My little Princess, Daddy and me date night. A celebration of the bond between Father and Daughter, dessert tea party and photos by Britta Rivera. June 26th-Teen Beach 2 Premier Party. July 10 Doc McStuffins kids night out- Bring

AND

C RAFTS • C HORUS

AND

D RAMA

•

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

your stuffed animals to the clinic for a checkup and tea party! July 17- Glow Paint Party- paint a canvas of your choice under the black light with glow in the dark paint. All of this and more! Like us on Facebook or text spateada to 31996 to receive updates on these and other fun events! Party specials Mon-Thursday, perfect for birthday celebrations, team parties and Girl Scout badge workshops. Spa services are by appointment for your convenience and reservations suggested for our events as space is limited. We are easily accessible from I-10, just 1/2 mile off exit 17b in West Mobile. Bowling at AMF (2 locations) AMF - Camellia Lanes 125 North Schillinger Rd. Mobile (251) 639-1221; www.amf.com/camellialanes AMF Skyline Lanes 4120 Government Blvd., Mobile (251) 661-1221; www.amf.com/skylinelanes Carmike Kids Series - Windsong 16 Cinema 785 South Schillinger Road, Mobile (251) 639-7373; www.carmike.com Carmike Summer Kid Series is back! Starting June 1 on Monday and Thursday mornings. Movies will start promptly at 10:00am. Rise of the Guardians - June 1 & 4, How to Train Your Dragon 2 - June 8 & 11, Monsters Vs Aliens - June 15 & 18, The Croods - June 22 & 25,Megamind - June 29 & July 2, Shrek Forever After July 6 & 9, Marmaduke - July 13 & 16,The Tooth Fairy - July 20 & 23, Spongebob Sponge Out of Water - July 27 & 30, Paddington - August 3 & 6.The cost per person is $4 and includes admission, popcorn and drink. Chuck E. Cheese’s 710 Downtowner Loop W, Mobile (251) 342-8142, www.chuckecheese.com Watch your kids have a blast at the best place for family fun! We provide games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for the whole family. Toddlers, big kids, and parents will all see why Chuck E. rocks. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm, Friday-11:00am10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm. Dreamland Skate Center 5672 Three Notch Rd., Mobile (251) 661-6997; www.dreamlandskatecenter.com Check our online calendar for upcoming summer skate times! House of Bounce 6368 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile (251) 666-3456; www.houseofbouncemobile.com We Do Fun! House of Bounce is an inflatable jump center which offers many fun events for you to enjoy! We don’t just offer awesome Birthday Parties...we offer Stay-N-Play, Date Night, Open Jump, Mom’s Morning Out. and So Much More... Gigantic Inflatable Double Lane Slides, Rock Climb Wall, Mega Inflatable Bounce House, Hurricane Simulator, PS3, Xbox & Karaoke, Glow In The Dark Dance Floor with Laser Light Fog Machine To The Latest Hits, Basketball Challenge, Air Hockey. Please check our Facebook page or website for more information. Jumps – A – Lot 302 Schillinger Road North, Mobile (251) 633-6676; www.jumps-a-lot.com Inflatable party place with arcade room, Jump and Party rentals. Summer open play is Tuesday –Thursday 10:00am until 2:00 pm. $5.50 per person. Starts first week of June – first week of August. Lazer Zone 790 Schillinger Road North, Mobile (251) 639-7330; www.lazerzone.co (not com) We have a multi-level laser tag arena that features state-of-the-art laser tag gear and a challenging maze. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

We have 2 large party rooms that can also be converted into one large room for extra large groups. Our large lobby will feature fun arcade games and concessions in the near future. Whether you are looking for a place to host your birthday party, church lock-in, school field trip, or business office retreat, LazerZONE Mobile has what you need for a fun, entertaining event! Pete’s Party Castle 2040 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 281-1990; www.petespartycastle.com 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 toddler soft play area. Come see why we’re the best kid’s party place in town. Summer Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, And Thursday: 10:00am - 9:00pm; Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm. Pump It Up 741-A Hillcrest Road, Mobile (251) 342-3940; www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al Summer Open Play: Begins May 25. Monday*Wednesday*Friday all summer long! 10am2pm, $8/child plus tax. Ages 2 - 12 welcome. Come in from the heat and enjoy some COOL jumping fun! Meet up with old friends and make some new ones too! Children UNDER 2 years old and Parents play FREE with paid admission of older sibling. Socks and signed waiver required to play. Not a drop off event, please plan to stay and monitor your children. Face Painting and other activities on various days through summer! Check our website for more information! Rambo’s Skateland 531 Highway 43 South – Saraland (251) 675-6601; rambos-skateland.com Come join us for Skating for all ages. More information about summer hours and fun online. Regal Mobile Stadium 18 (Hollywood Theatres) 1250 Satchel Paige Drive, Mobile (251) 473-9655; www.regmovies.com The 2015 Summer Movie Express runs for 9 weeks with select titles playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1 and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute. All movies start at 10:00am. Mobile Start Date – Tuesday, June 9. Movie Schedule: June 9 – Nut Job, June 10-Annie, June 16- Earth to Echo, June 17 Boxtrolls, June 23 – Paddington, June 24-Turbo, June 30- Rio 2, July 1-How To Train Your Dragon 2, July 7- Mr. Peabody, July 8-Book of Life, July 14 - Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, July 15-Penguins of Madagascar, July 21, July 22-Dolphin Tale 2 July 28 - Muppets, Most Wanted, July 29-Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, August 4 - The Lego Movie, August 5-The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Sunshine Skate Center Summer Skate 950 Hillcrest Road, Mobile (251) 639-1704; www.sunshineskate.com Summer Fun at Sunshine! Summer Schedule: TuesdayThursday 10am-4pm $7, Tuesday 6pm-10pm $4, Thursday 6pm-9pm $3, Friday 7pm-11pm $9, Saturday 12pm-3pm or 4pm-7pm $7, Saturday night 7pm-11pm $8 and Sunday 2pm-5pm $7. Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden 1108 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 421-2434; sunshinesuesplaygarden.com Play Place, Drop off Service, Birthday Parties, Classes and More! Check our website for dates, rates, and special classes coming up: Kindermusik, Art Classes, Baby Signing class and more! Open Play (M-F, 9:00am -6:00pm): $6/hr. for one child, $4/hr. for additional

children in the immediate family. Sue’s Drop Off Club (M-F, 9:00am-6:00pm):$10/Month for Family Club Membership, plus $10/hr. for ages 6mos-23mos, and $8/hr. for ages 2-12. Siblings brought in at the same time are billed at half-rate. 4 hours Maximum per child per day. Watermelon Patch 6417 Hillcrest Park Ct., Mobile (251) 633-3288; thewmpatch.com The Watermelon Patch is a planned play and early childhood learning program for children Birth to 12 years of age. Our space and equipment also offer a great Birthday Party venue for a wide age range. Summer Camp in June and July. Find us of Facebook!

Horseback Riding Sandstone Equestrian Center 9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road, Mobile (251) 633-8088; sandstoneequestriancenter.com Our lesson program is open to riders of all ages and experience levels. We specialize in dressage and eventing while teaching the basics of English riding emphasizing safety and care of the horse. We offer both group and private lessons. Lessons are offered Monday through Saturday. Call Stephanie at 251-508-2759 for pricing and more information. Summer Camps offered. Silver Lining Farm- Mimi C. Peters Riding School 10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile (251) 634-1229; www.silverliningfarm.net Silver Lining Farm, located in Mobile, Alabama, offers riding lessons in classical English style for children and adults. Our goal is to teach students how to ride, handle and groom horses safely and to the best of their ability. Summer Camps offered, check our website for more information.

Arts and Crafts Alabama Contemporary Art Center (formerly known as Centre for the Living Arts) 301 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 208-5682; www.alabamacontemporary.com Alabama Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit contemporary arts center located on Cathedral Square in the heart of Mobile’s historic downtown district. Admission to the Alabama Contemporary Art Center (formerly known as Centre for the Living Arts) is free on Fridays. Check out the center’s current exhibit, “History Refused to Die,” featuring more than 75 works by 15 Alabama self-taught artists from the collection of William S. Arnett and Souls Grown Deep Foundation. Classes and Summer Camps will be inspired by current installations. Pre-K and Kids Studio are programs available for children to explore contemporary art and music. Price: Free with gallery admission. Summer Camps offered – please check our website for more information. Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 11:00-5:00pm, Friday: 11:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am5:00pm, Sunday: 12pm – 5pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday) Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for Seniors and Students, Members and children under 12 are free. Free on Fridays. Home Depot www.homedepot.com Home Depot offers free workshops for children AND adults. For project details, dates and times visit www. workshops.homedepot.com and use the tabs to view Do-It-Yourself, Do-It-Herself and Kids Workshops.

www.mobilebayparents.com

Mo 485 (25 The peo visu nou dam con mu Cla (Vis Thu a.m all v to e thro 5:0 (Me

Mo Loc (25 Cam 666 par

Pai 286 634 (25 Arti ow enc

emh day or ed.

ool

Mobile Museum of Art 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile (251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com The Mobile Museum of Art provides a place where people enrich their lives through interaction with the visual arts in thought-provoking and creative ways that nourish and delight the mind and spirit. For the fundamental purpose of education, the Museum collects, conserves, exhibits, interprets and researches art. The museum has numerous programs and happenings. Art Classes, Art Blast, the Museum’s summer art camp, (Visit our website for pricing and more information) Thursdays at the Museum - Every Thursday from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m. the museum offers free admission to all visitors. Join the Mobile Museum of art each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. Open Tuesday- Sunday 10:00am5:00pm. Adults: $10, Seniors: $8 Students: $6. (Members are free).

have classes that are open to the public, however, Reservations are required.

Mobile Parks & Recreation Community Activities Location TBA, Mobile (251) 460-2421; www.cityofmobile.org/parks Camps offering arts, crafts, sports and much more. Call 666-6404 or 666-6053 or visit www.cityofmobile.org/ parks or www.communityactivitiesprogram.com.

Lowe’s  www.lowesbuildandgrow.com Visit the Lowes Build and Grow website to see what exciting projects Lowes has planned for the children. Free Kids Clinics – Build a wooden project and get a free apron, googles, patch, and much more!

Paint & Pals (2 locations)   28600 Hwy. 98, Daphne  6345k Airport Blvd., Mobile (251) 654-2313; www.paintandpals.com  Artists will guide you step by step as you paint your own masterpiece on a pre-sketched canvas. No experience required! Paint solo or bring your friends. We

Michael’s Arts and Crafts (251) 473-8520; www.michaels.com Kids Summer Crafting! Join us in our store classrooms on an imaginary seven-week road trip from the beach to the county fair and beyond, with fun kids’ crafts at each stop. Get a stamp for each stop on your passport card and choose a special prize after 5 stamps! Plus,

Paint Party Studios 6808 Airport Blvd., Suite B, Mobile (251) 343-2423; www.paintpartystudios.com Paint Party Studios has been in business since 2008 and is the largest open acrylics paint studio in the Gulf Coast region specializing in acrylic painting on canvas and wood. An All Inclusive Art Studio Experience. Reserve your spot online or call us. LoDa Artwalk 2nd Fridays of each month Second Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be! Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors. Fun for the whole family! In the Cathedral Square Art District from 6-9pm.

You’ll have time at the end of session to doodle, play and create with the products from that week’s sponsor. Please visit our website for more information.

Farmers Markets and Open Air Markets Betty’s Berry Farm 3887 Driskell Loop Road, Wilmer, (251) 649-1711, (251) 680-0684; www.bettysberryfarm.com Come pick your own blueberries from mid-May-July!! Our berries are never sprayed with any chemicals, so you can taste them in the field with no worries! If it’s pretty outside, we’re open. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to pick! We accept cash or farmer’s market vouchers. No debit or credit. Closed on Mondays. Blue Moon Farm 13620 Tom Gaston Road, Mobile, (251) 865-0252 bluemoonfarm-grandbay.com; pdk625@gmail.com U-Pick Blueberries and Blackberries-Blueberry PlantsCut Flowers-U/Pick Flowers- Specialty Plants-Organic Vegetables-Farm Fresh Eggs-CSA Farm Shares. During June open Daily 9am-dusk. Call for open dates during other months. Come out and enjoy the country. Bring kids (and pets). Buckets to collect blueberries and bottled water available. U-Pick Sunflowers and Zinnias. Flea Market Mobile 401 Schillinger Rd. N. (251) 633-7533, www.fleamarketmobile.com 800 booths under one roof! Clean and modern facilities. Rain or shine! Free. Sat.-Sun., 9am – 5pm

site

mer -K n e

w. w

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Market on the Hill (251) 208-1550; www.ncsmobile.org Thursdays starting May 28 – July 30. 3:00pm-6:00pm. Get the freshest spring crops in South Alabama. Shop for locally grown honey, produce, flowers, breads, casseroles, plants, seafood and much more! Enjoy live music, children’s activities. Location: Lavretta Park Oak Hill Produce 7250 Grand Bay Wilmer Road, Grand Bay (251) 751-2006; oakhillproduce.com For all the foodies out there, enjoy the luxury of garden fresh produce without all the hard work. Stroll through the U-Pick garden and gather your own farm fresh fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, okra, watermelon, blueberries, cantaloupe and more. Open Monday – Friday 8:00am5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm. Spring Market on the Square (251) 208-1550; www.ncsmobile.org Now through July 25th. From 7:30am until 12:00pm.Cathedral Square. Shop for the freshest crop in town! 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! Weeks Bay Plantation pick-your-own blueberry farm 12562 Mary Ann Beach Road, Fairhope (251) 279-8745; www.weeksbayplantation.com The Plantation is currently home to LA Berry Farms, a pick-your-own blueberry farm where you can come enjoy a rejuvenating outdoor experience while nabbing some amazing little-blue-fruit packed with anti-oxidants and touted as one of the top ten healthiest foods we can eat. The berries here are 100% organic, grown with a special mix of organic nutrients proprietary to The Plantation and with no chemical or pesticide use. The results? Some of the sweetest, most delicious blueberries in the south.

Libraries and Story Times Mobile Public Library www.mplonline.org Many of the local libraries have very exciting events and activities during the summer. Summer Reading Program, Movies, Activities, Art Projects, Clubs and more! We encourage you to visit your local library’s website for details! 2015 Summer Reading Program kick-off will be held at all Library locations on Saturday, June 6 from 10am-12pm. Special performers, programs, story times and events throughout the 6 week program including Puppeteer David Stephens, Excelsior Band, Iron Giant Percussion Group, Juggling with Ron Anglin, Magicians Dr. Gee and Daffodil and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Squad. Visit mplonline.org.

Things To Do - Sports Alabama Youth Sports Combine 2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, (251) 633-6263 Alabama Youth Sports Combine is a new sports training facility located in West Mobile offering sports specific camps, kids night out, clinics and seminars! Programs include football, baseball, soccer, cheerleading, lacrosse and multi-sports conditioning. Whether you want your child to simply become a better ball player or want to get the athlete in your family trained for the big leagues, we offer sports training for children, youth, and adults. Find us on Facebook. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

Azalea City Golf Course 1000 Gaillard Drive, Mobile (251) 208-5150; www.azaleacitygolfcourse.com Azalea City Golf offers golf lessons for all golfers. We have various skill level lessons offered from the novice student to advanced lessons for more experienced golfers. Contact our office for more information for private lessons. City of Mobile Parks & Recreation (251) 208-1650; www.cityofmobile.org/parks City of Mobile Swim Association www.swimcmsa.com We have a history of being one of the finest competitive swim teams in Southeastern Swimming and have been serving the Gulf Coast since 1979. We are a parent operated, non-profit program. Our swimmers, coaches, and parents are all proud of our past accomplishments and we are looking forward to an even brighter future. Our team is comprised of a variety of practice groups ranging from the entry-level swimmer to the Senior National and Olympic Trials qualifier. CMSA’s team goals are to develop the character, skills, and desire necessary for each child to maximize their potential. Our swimmers develop physical fitness, selfdiscipline, and self-esteem enabling them to maximize their potential, both athletically and personally.

Golf, Bounce House, Go-Karts, Arcade, Rollercoaster and much more! For park dates and times please visit watervilleusa.com.Take advantage of the discount with a SEASON PASS! Text WATERFUN to 45203 to sign up for cool coupons, specials, and more information. Action Outdoors – Dauphin Island 650 LeMoyne Dr., Dauphin Island (251) 861-2201; www.actionoutdoors.org Action Outdoors offers boat trips into the waters surrounding Dauphin Island. We offer a safe comfortable trip. If you are looking for an adventure with Dolphins, planning a school field trip/eco tour, romantic cruise, or to do some inshore fishing, we can accommodate your needs. “Built in touch tanks provide personal experiences with many kinds of fish and other animals found in our waters. The Duke”- Action Outdoor’s boat “The Duke” is a 44 foot Bonner can carry 42 passengers along with her crew in bays and coastal waters within 3 miles of shore. For further information, please visit our website or contact us at (251) 861-2201. Bay City Convention & Tours (251) 479-9970; www.baycityconventions.com Daily sightseeing tours include Historic Mobile – 1 Hour Tour, USS Alabama Memorial Park - 3 Hour Tour, Mobile’s Own Ghost Stories: 1 hour. Other tours available. Please call for reservations or more information.

Mobile Bay Bears Baseball Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd (251) 479-2327; www.mobilebaybears.com Minor League Baseball at its best!

Capt. Mike’s Deep Sea & Inshore Fishing (251) 861-5302; www.captainmikeonline.com Large and small charters. Location: Dauphin Island Marina.

Mobile International Speedway 7800 Park Boulevard, Irvington (251) 957-2063; www.mobilespeedway.net Alabama’s fastest ½ mile track featuring exciting oval track action including the Southern super Series, winged spring cars, demolition derby and more. Home of the ARCS Mobile 200.

Dolphin Cruises - Cold Mil Fleet 5749 Bay La Launch Avenue, Orange Beach (251) 943-3510; www.dolphincruises.com One and 1/2 hour journey into the inland waters. Our goal is to get the energetic mammals to play their favorite game… surfing! The dolphins love to surf along the side of the boat jumping, rolling, and catching glances at their spectators.

Mobile Sailing School 4295 Marina Dr. N, Mobile (251) 709-4102; www.mobilebaysailingschool.com The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982. This program is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about this wonderful sport. Mobile Youth Sports Training Academy 1301 Azalea Road, Mobile, (251) 445-9777 Mobile Youth Sports is an indoor/outdoor training academy dedicated to athletes of all ages and abilities looking to improve their skills and take their game to the next level. Mobile Youth Sports is unique because it offers the athlete the opportunity to practice their game year-round. With indoor and outdoor facilities as well as sports conditioning and speed school training your athlete will be one step ahead of the competition. The Academy houses a 13,000+ square foot gym and surrounding field areas. Mobile Tennis Center (251) 208-5181; www.mobiletenniscenter.net Largest municipal tennis complex in U.S. with 60 Courts. Summer Tennis Clinics offered.

Water Fun, Cruises and Tours Waterville USA

906 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251) 948-2106; www.watervilleusa.com Join the family fun with the Waterpark, Flowrider, Mini

Delta Airboat Express 3733 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort  (251) 370-7089; www.airboatexpress.com  Take a tour with us and experience a treat for the Whole family! Learn about the wildlife in the MobileTensaw Delta while having an educational, fun airboat ride that the whole family will enjoy! Tours depart from the Original Oyster House on The Causeway. We are open for reservations 7 days a week. Must call for reservations. Please call or visit our website for hours and rates. Delta Explorer (251) 626-5581; www.blakeleypark.com/delta.asp Educational and FUN! Book at tour (approximately 2 hours) aboard the “Delta Explorer”, combine it with a *guided tour of Historic Blakeley State Park for an outstanding adventure. Journey with us by boat through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of Alabama’s Ten Natural Wonders. Visit this wilderness eco-system where you will find wetland habitats ranging from marsh to cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwoods. The Delta is also home to the State’s largest population of Experience this adventure from the comfort of the covered “Delta Explorer” eco-tour boat, complete with bench seating and restroom facility. Eastern Shore Centre Fountain 30500 Hwy 181, Spanish Fort (251) 625-0060; www.easternshorecentre.com Beat the heat by playing in the fun fountain at the Eastern Shore Centre! Eastern Shore Centre’s Fountain is turned on during regular mall hours. Monday-Saturday, 10:00am – 9:00pm, Sunday, 12:00pm-6:00pm. *In the case of strong winds, rain, thunder, lightning, etc., the fountain will be turned off.

www.mobilebayparents.com

Fiv De 308 (25 bar Five Ten ven Mob full

Ma (25

S M

Mo 101 51 (25 Dai For bile fort Bay ag oth visi

Pir 457 (25 Brin a sw will face boa bat sea the trea

Sou 272 (85 Wh an and and adv and fee and ner

Un 242 (25 Div from Ala has con tary hun in s ope

Wi 262 (25 The

sit ith up

le ns, or our

nd e

n3 ur

our le.

ong

We or s

a uth ural

ion e th

ain r-

Five Rivers Outfitters/Bartram Canoe Trail/ Delta Safaris 30841 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort (251) 259-8531; www.outdooralabama.com/5-riversbartram-canoe-kayak-landing Five Rivers Outfitters overlooks the beautiful MobileTensaw Delta. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up for an unforgettable adventure, rent a canoe or kayak to explore the beautiful Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Rentals are available for half or full days and guided trips are also available. Making Waves Charters (251) 209-1168; www.making-waves.us

Sail/Fish/Cruise Mobile Bay Mobile Bay Ferry 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores (251) 861-3000, www.mobilebayferry.com Daily departures every 1 1/2 hours. The trip between Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan at Mobile Point provides wonderful views of the two historic forts that have long guarded the entrance of Mobile Bay. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes and is a great way for passengers to view birds, sea life and other boats and ships. For fares and other information, visit the website. Pirate Ship Cruise 4575 South Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach (251) 981-4127; www.orangebeachpirateship.com Bring your young pirates aboard the American Star for a swashbuckling Pirate Adventure. Your mini mates will have the opportunity to act like pirates, get their face painted and learn some pirate lingo. Once on board the young pirates will defend the ship in a gun battle, sing along as the pirate crew sings songs of the sea, hear true stories of pirate and privateer attacks in the legendary Pirates Cove, and hunt for lost gold and treasure! Free soft drinks provided. Southern Rose Dolphin Trips 27212 Marina Road, Orange Beach (855) 524-8837; southernrosedolphintrips.com When you go on a tour with us, seeing a dolphin is an absolute guarantee. The boat ride is very relaxing and enjoyable experience for individuals, couples, and entire families. When it comes to our parasailing adventures, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pleased to provide you with the rare and exciting opportunity to fly anywhere from 500-800 feet in the air! In addition to our regular dolphin tours and parasailing, we also offer a Sunset Dolphin & Dinner Cruise for large groups. Underwater Works, Inc. 24208 US Hwy 98, Fairhope (251) 928-5550; www.alabamadive.com Dive into the Gulf of Mexico with the professionals from UnderWater Works. Imagine spearfishing off the Alabama gulf coast. The South East region of Alabama has the largest artificial reef program in the nation consisting of coral reefs, shipwrecks, oil rigs, and military surplus. This provides great opportunities for the hunter or photographer. UnderWater Works specializes in scuba diving instruction offering both SSI and PADI open water diver courses. Wind and Water Learning Center 26267 Canal Road, Orange Beach (251) 424-5909; www.windandwaterlearning.com The Wind & Water Learning Center is a non-profit or-

ganization with the City of Orange Beach committed to enhancing our community by providing coastal access, facilities, equipment, and education for sailing and paddling sports. We accommodate people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Our current offerings include youth Sail Camp, kayaking classes, kayak fishing trips, and paddle boarding classes that are scheduled to begin in May. Through the variety of classes the Center hosts, residents and visitors can explore our scenic back bays.

Plays and Performances-

Sources of Plays and Performances Azalea City Center for the Arts (251) 510-1808; www.azaleacityarts.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre (251) 457-8887; www.cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players

(251) 471-1534; www.joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Civic Center (251) 208-212; www.mobilecivicctr.com Mobile Chamber Music www.facebook.com/MobileChamberMusic Mobile Opera (251) 432-6772; www.mobileopera.org Mobile Pops (251) 679-6036; www.mobilepopsband.com Mobile Saenger Theatre (251) 208-5600; www.mobilesaenger.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra (251) 432-2010; www.mobilesymphony.org Mobile Theatre Guild (251) 433-7513; www.mobiletheatreguild.org The Playhouse in the Park (251) 602-0630; www.mobilepip.org University of South Alabama Laidlaw Performing Arts Center www.usouthal.edu MBP

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Making Your Conservative Style More Trendy

Put a pink shell under you taupe jacket instead of the go-to off-white shell. This will give you the appearance of having a new look, when in fact it is just a new way of wearing something old.

3-Mix prints. One fashion question many of us ladies have is how or what we can do to take our style from a conservative look to slightly more trendy, without overdoing the trend. The good news is that you can change your look by using items you have hanging in your closet. It’s as simple as that.

1-Dress appropriately. When

Prints are like a fun color, but with a bit more style. Keep your prints simple and subtle. An example would be wearing a leopard heel with a red suit or pairing your hounds tooth jacket with a royal blue skirt.

starting the search for the perfect stylish outfit, think about the type of event where it will be worn. If it is for an interview or a meeting, a more conservative look would be best. You can follow trends by adding a small pop of ontrend color to your suit. This could be in a scarf around the neck, shell under the suit jacket or statement necklace. Just don’t overdo it; one item is usually best, and you can save the bolder styles for when you are hired. For a date, small gathering or day of shopping your look should be less conservative and reflect your personality. The main rule of thumb here is to not wear your clothes too tight or too low. You want your clothes to fit, but you don’t need to reveal too much.

wards black and there is nothing wrong with that at all. When you wear black try to brighten up the style a bit instead of wearing a solid canvas of black. This can be accomplished with a colorful shoe, purse or jewelry. Black can be chic and stylish all in one.

2-Incorporate colors. Try mix-

6-Attitude is everything. When

ing your colors or adding color to your tone-on-tone suits. For example, pair your red jacket with your black skirt instead of the usual matching red skirt.

it comes to pulling off a trendy look, always be confident and comfortable with yourself and your style. You can have the most stylish outfit and not pull

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

4-Find fun accessories. This tip is as simple as it gets. Find the perfect accessories to break up any outfit. This can take that simple suit from bland to glam in no time.

5-Black. We all tend to gravitate to-

it off if you appear to be uncomfortable. It can look as bad as wearing ill fitted clothing.

7-Find favorite trends. Incorporate trends with your style by searching the latest fashion blogs or magazines. This is a great guide for you without being overwhelming. Work on developing your signature style as it helps you separate yourself from the bunch. Figure out what you love wearing all the time or what type of clothing or accessory dominates your closet and use it as your ‘calling card’. Don’t think you can’t enjoy trends just because you have simple items hanging in your wardrobe. Be creative! This can save you time and money when it comes to figuring out how to work your way into the world of fashion without overdoing it. Baby steps are the key and what better way than starting straight from your closet and with your own personal style.

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.

www.mobilebayparents.com

out

k st e

rt-

d, ay ail

rn.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Ic ing it s wo Th se in tho the go

Pe pe for for do Pe ha the da the wa cu

With todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy being what it is, teens are having a hard time finding work. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 60% of teens were employed last summer compared to 75% in 1983. Jobs that have traditionally been filled by teenage workers in our society are now being filled by under-employed adults and recent college graduates. If a teenager is without a job during their high school years, where will they get the money to buy a car, save for college or even have a little spending money for a trip to the movie theater?

Bu ful or ba ph ma cia ter pre sc VH

Ba ing su fro to en

Entrepreneurship is the answer.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

Te kid pla yo ov tec Te tal im tec tor ing

www.mobilebayparents.com

As a third generation entrepreneur, I can tell you that starting and maintaining your own business is not easy, nor is it something for everyone. It takes hard work, self-motivation and perseverance. The majority of teen businesses are service oriented and many of the families in your neighborhood can benefit from those services. Take a look at some of these ideas and see if they would be a good fit for your teen.

Pet Sitter

Pet sitting involves caring for someone’s pets while they are on vacation or away for the day. A pet sitter will be responsible for giving fresh food and water, walking dogs and cleaning out cat litter boxes. Pet sitters need to be early risers and have the ability to get back and forth to the pet’s home three or four times each day. Although a pet sitter does not spend the night, he is there to bring in the mail, water plants or take the garbage to the curb.

Tutor

Teens can use their skills to tutor younger kids in a variety of areas. If your teen plays an instrument, he can work with younger students to keep up their skills over the summer and improve their technique throughout the school year. Teens who play sports can share their talents with younger athletes who need to improve their throwing, hitting or dribbling techniques. And of course, academic tutors are needed to help with math, reading, or ACT prep.

Memory Preserver

Busy families tend to collect hard drives full of digital photos, but have no plan or the time to preserve them. Teens can back up files, send out pics for printed photos and put them in albums. Families may also enjoy a video montage of special events like baptisms or their daughter’s basketball tournament. Memory preserver services may also include scanning non-digital photos or converting VHS tapes to DVD.

Summer Nanny

Babysitters are needed for both working and stay-at-home parents during the summer months. For parents who work from home, they need a Mother’s Helper to entertain the children. Working parents who leave the house during the day

may need someone to walk or drive their child to the local pool or summer activity. Babysitting is not only for teenage girls. Mothers of boys often look for an older boy who can relate to their sons’ interests.

Power Washer

After this long winter, the wooden structures in the neighborhood could use a cleanup. Power washers are simple to use after you have had proper instruction. Rent one at your local hardware center and offer to wash a neighbor’s deck for free. While he gets a clean deck, you will get a chance to perfect your skills and get a reference on your work. Pass out flyers to homes with wooden decks, fences and play sets.

Online Retailer

An eBay retailer is an awesome job for teens as you can post, pack and ship at any time during the day. Teens can start by selling their own items like books and gently used clothes, and then replenish their inventory with good deals found at thrift shops and garage sales. Craftier teens may enjoy selling their creations on Etsy. Some seller categories include jewelry, photography, art and personalized items.

Yard Work

Yard work goes beyond just mowing the lawn. Teens can extend their seasonal business to offer their services year round. Spring is the time to cleanup flower beds and fertilize. Fall is the time for raking leaves, cutting back flowers and planting bulbs for spring. Customers with dogs may also need pet waste removed.

Odd Jobs

Odd jobs can mean a variety of things to different customers so it is best to be prepared and know your limitations. Make a list of the things you can do and hand it out to friends and neighbors. Odd jobs may include washing the dog, weeding the garden, painting, sweeping out the garage or helping to serve dinner at a party. Doing odd jobs can be a good match for someone with a busy schedule as many of the jobs can be done in a few hours. MBP Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of two teens and a tween. She is proud to see the entrepreneurial spirit has touched a fourth generation in their family.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

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.

Lighthouse Baptist Church 6335 Swedetown Road North, Theodore (251) 653-6542 June 1-3; 6:00-8:00pm; Ages 4-12 “The Sweet Life” For more information contact nick.coates@lbctheodore.com. Shiloh Baptist 717 Cleveland Rd., Saraland 251-675-3587, www.shilohbc.com June 4 - 7; Grades K5 - 6TH “Amazing Race: Season 4” We will be divided into teams where we will learn how the gospel is presented in foreign countries. Kids will compete in group and individual challenges all while racing against other teams.

Spring Hill Baptist 2 McGregor Ave S., Mobile (251) 342-5320; www.shbc.cc June 7-10; 5:30– 8pm; Ages 4K – 6th grade A light dinner will be served each evening. Gear up for Everest VBS where kids discover what it means to hold on to God’s mighty power in everyday life! Sign up online. Join us for the coolest VBS ever!

Cottage Hill Baptist 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile (251) 660-2422; www.cottagehill.org June 8-12; 9:00am-12:00pm; Completed K4-8th Grade This year’s theme - “Move” Government Street Baptist 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile (251) 660-7444; www.governmentstreet.org June 8-12; 8:30am-11:30am; Completed K4-5th grade. This year’s theme is “Climbing Everest”. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

Go to www.governmentstreet.org to pre-register online! Hope Chapel A.M.E.Zion Church 1644 Wolf Ridge Road, Whistler AL (251) 456-7638 June 8-12th from 5pm -8pm “Jesus, The True Hero” All ages are welcome to attend! Bible Study, Crafts, Recreation, Refreshment, Music, Dance! Contact Portia Payne @ 660-8685 for more information. Little Flower Catholic Church 2053 Government St., Mobile 251-478-3381, www.littleflower.cc June 8 – June 12; 8:30am-11:30pm; Ages 3 – 8th Grade St. Dominics Catholic Church 4156 Burma Road, Mobile (251) 661-5130; www.stdominicmobile.org June 8 – 12; 8:45a.m - 12:00p.m; Community night June 10 at 6:00pm. K4-Entering 5th grade “Everest - Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power”

St. Lukes Episcopal Church

1050 Azalea Road., Mobile (251) 666-2990; stlukesepiscopalchurch.org June 8 – 12; 8:00am-12:00pm; Ages K5 through 5 grade “Shining Star: See the Jesus in Me” Registration forms will be on the website or can be picked up in the church office. St. Mary Catholic Parish 107 N. Lafayette Street, Mobile (251) 432-8679, www.stmarymobile.org June 8 - 12; 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages: K-5th grade For registration or questions, contact Ashley Thompson at (251) 471-8216 or email thomp1999@att.net. Snow Road Missionary Baptist 809 Snow Road N, Mobile (251) 649-0030; snowroadbaptistchurch.com June 8-12; 9:00am-12:00pm, Ages 4 thru 12th Grade Register at the church on June 8 at 8:30 am or for preregistration, please email the following information to snowroadbaptistchurch@yahoo. com. (Child’s Name, Child’s age, Parent’s Name and Phone Number). 52

Christ Church Cathedral 115 S. Conception Street, Mobile (251) 438-1822 www.christchurchcathedralmobile.org June 9 – June 11; 9:00am-12:00pm “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid” For information, please contact Alison Mitchell at alisonsmitchell2@gmail.com or (251) 689-7874.

Ju Gr a us fo

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. 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 Theme: “Everest” Please check our website for more information. www.mobilebayparents.com

Re tr

d” at 74.

g 6.

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.

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.

(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 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.

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. 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

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; 9:00am12:00pm; 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, 8:30am12pm. 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. 53

Dauphin Way UMC 1507 Dauphin Street., Mobile (251) 471-1511; www.dauphinwayumc.org/VBS July 13-17; 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”. 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 – 5:00-7:30 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. “Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus was a Kid” Register online at woodridgebc.com. 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; 8:30am12:00pm; 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.

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Kids Up Their Game with Sports Toys

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

There’s no denying that sports can be an important part of kids’ physical and social development. Building strength, honing coordination, memorizing rules and learning about sportsmanship are all fantastic benefits that come along with sports training of every kind. Whether it’s a team sport or a solo passion, all forms of athletics are a winning pursuit for kids. Practice makes perfect with the following sports toys that will help kids up their game on the field and off!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Mini Golf Set

Kickback Soccer

An ideal introduction to the ancient sport of golf, Plan Toys Mini Golf Set gets the younger set onto the living room links or backyard back nine in style. Including two wooden clubs and two wooden balls manufactured from preservative-free rubber wood, it’s the safest golf set for the youngest players. With three small tracks and a flagged hole to aim for, everything an aspiring golfer needs to learn the basics of the sport is here. Because golf helps to hone kids’ motor control, hand-eye coordination and concentration, it’s always a winning game. Portable, and perfect for one player or two, the Plan Mini Golf Set brings fun to whatever fairways kids find!

(Step 2)

(Plan Toys)

Goal and Pitchback Offering multiple types of sports training at once, the Kickback Soccer Goal and Pitchback is a great backyard resource for a variety of play and practice. Ready to receive constant soccer goal practice shots, this sturdily crafted goal doubles as a pitchback on the reverse for pitching and catching practice. The set also includes two hockey sticks and a street hockey puck for kids who like to change up the game! The soccer ball that comes with the goal is small and best for little players. Older kids may prefer to use their regular size ball for shooting and pitching. Perfect for practice AND play, the Kickback Soccer Goal and Ptichback is a great multi-sport option for any athletic kid.

Go Pro Youth Football Goal Post

Lazer Pitch Baseball (Diggin)

(Franklin Sports)

Ready for individual kicking practice or backyard gridiron play, the Go Pro Football Goal Post is a football favorite with kids. Easy to assemble, the PVC pipe structure is anchored with a water-fill base and adjusts up to a height of six feet. Best for kids age four to ten, this set also includes an 8-inch mini football (with inflation needle) and a kicking tee. Young players and kickers may want to level up to a larger football as they improve their strength and their aim between the uprights. Kick start your child’s youth football practice and play with a clear target in the end zone, the Go Pro Youth Football Goal Post.

Getting the best of solo batting time, the battery-operated Lazer Pitch Baseball allows players to control the speed, angle and style of automated pitches coming their way. With the simple push of a button on the radio control 26 inch bat, hitters can activate the pitch when they’re ready (and a red light confirms that the ball is on the way!) The pitching angle can also be adjusted for fast balls, softball lobs and 90-degree pop-ups for beginners. An eight-second automatic pitching mode is also ideal for swatters who like to use their own bat for practice. With five balls included, individual baseball practice hits new heights with Lazer Pitch Baseball!

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

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

www.mobilebayparents.com

Civ For info Con Spo (25 For Spo Mo ww Gu Gov noo sen tick $15 Ha (Fo Loc ww His •E of I an is a as s usin imp ww Joe Mo ww LO Sec Exh var Mo 6act mo visi Mo For 224 Mo Irvi ww Mo Mo ww Mo Mo ww Oa Mo ww Ric Mo US 270 uss VS Mo

APA Mee Reg Mob Pro offe 1-8 Aza Mee Chr 251 La Bre Tue

nd al

s o h ts

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

May/June 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

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

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.

Wednesday, May 20

Mrs. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration Born on May 20, 1878, Bessie Morse Bellingrath left an unparalleled mark on the Gardens and Home of Bellingrath. Every year, guests are invited to plan a special visit to the Gardens to celebrate Mrs. Bellingrath’s birthday. After touring the Bellingrath Home and learning of how Mrs. Bellingrath amassed the decorative arts collection that bears her name, guests may visit the Bellingrath Gift Shop which will feature a special “Buy Like Miss Bessie” sale! Please visit bellingrath.org for more information. Brown Bag in Bienville Square Spring has sprung in downtown Mobile! Come out and listen to the soothing Sounds of live jazz as you lunch in Bienville Square around the historic Ketchum Fountain. Catt Sirten sets up live musicians and the City sets up tables for your enjoyment each Wednesday in the Spring. To make your Brown Baggin’ easier, stop in at your favorite Bienville Square eateries and ask for the Brown Bag special. They will provide you with your lunch to go in a nifty “Brown Bag” that you can easily transport to the Square and recycle in one of Keep Mobile Beautiful’s recycle bins! 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

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. May 21 – “UP”, May 28 - “The LEGO Movie”, June 4 – “Paddington”, June 11 – “Frozen”, June 18 - “The Princess Bride”, June 25 - “How to Train Your Dragon 2”. Movies are subject to change and events are weather permitting.

Saturday, May 23

The Thunder on the Bay: 151th of the Battle of Mobile Bay The Thunder on the Bay is scheduled for May 23 – 24, 2015 at Historic Fort Gaines. The Battle on Saturday is at 2:00 p.m. and on Sunday it will be at 1:00 p.m. The event “Thunder on The Bay” highlights Fort Gaines integral role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Come and experience a living history day for the whole family. Federal and Confederate soldiers exchange artillery fire and infantry sharpshooting during the commemoration of the 151th Commemoration of the Battle of Mobile

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

May/June 2015

Bay. Come and surround yourself with history as we depict the attack by the Union Navy upon the fort as they attempt to steam past the fort and into the bay. Be witnesses to the opening of the siege guns upon the fort. Union artillery and infantry will seal the fate of the Confederate garrison by occupying the siege lines as they commence the bombardment of Fort Gaines. Cost: $8 adult $4 children. Please visit dauphinisland. org for more information. 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) 2081550. West End Beach Sunset Concert Series (May and June Concerts) 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: Saturday May 23rd - Tropic Flyer from 3:30-5:30 followed by Delta Reign from 6-8 p.m., Sunday May 24 - Leland Clay from 3:30-5:30 followed by Gino Rosaria & Groove Symphony from 6-8 p.m., Sunday June 14 - Lisa Mills from 6:15-8:15 p.m., Sunday June 28 - Mobile Big Band Society from 6:15-8:15 p.m.

Sunday, May 24

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 “The Croods”. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information. West End Beach Sunset Concert Series (May and June Concerts) See May 23 for more information. The Thunder on the Bay: 151st of the Battle of Mobile Bay See May 23 for more information.

Monday, May 25

5 Rivers Presentation: “Alabama Turtles” Turtles are the charismatic faces of the reptilian world, and people of all ages seem to love watching and learning about them. Alabama is a hot-spot for turtles, and we have over 30 different species in our state. Join 5 Rivers Educator Shonda Borden to learn about how these shelled creatures are perfectly adapted for a not-so-slow paced life from 2-3 .p.m, all ages, free. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information.

Wednesday, May 27 Brown Bag in Bienville Square See May 20 for more information.

Thursday, May 28

Market on the Hill Join us for fresh produce and music at Lavretta Park on Thursdays from May 28 – July 30 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. For more information, please call (251) 208-1550. Mobile Museum of Art – Night Market MMofA hosts a quarterly Night Market of artist and artisan wares. Bring a keen eye for detail and become known for the unique gifts you give. Rack your friends with jealousy for your rare, artful home décor. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food, drink, and live music. Time: 5:00 p.m.

- 9:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Free Family Movie Night – Dauphin Island See May 21 for more information.

Friday, May 29

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Mary Poppins” Closing out CCT’s 51st season is another blockbuster— ”Mary Poppins”. A mix of PL. Travers’ wonderful stories about the magical London nanny, the show by Julian Fellowes, Robert Sherman, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe is sure to delight through music, story and a touch of magic — bringing charming new episodes into the blend made so familiar in the 1964 Disney movie. Dates: May 29-31 and June 5-7 and 12-14. Curtain times: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:00 p.m. at Chickasaw Civic Theatre (224 Grant St, Chickasaw). Tickets: Adults $15; Seniors (over 60), Students, & Active Military $12 (Cash and Local Checks ONLY). Please visit www.cctshows.com for more information.

Saturday, May 30

Old South Day – First Baptist Church of Irvington First Baptist Church of Irvington located at 9074 Irvington Bayou La Batre Hwy in Irvington will celebrate “Ole South Day” from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be held behind the church and will have music, cooking, basket making, quilting, arts and crafts and more. For more information, contact the church at (251)957-2718. 5 Rivers Growing Up Wild We are surrounded by them. They fly, crawl, hop, wriggle, jump, and dive. They buzz, click, whistle, and sing too! They are considered pests, food, annoying, beautiful, and necessary. Come jump into the wonderful world of bugs with 5 Rivers Educators, and learn why bugs are so important. Grades 1-2, “The Wonderful World of Bugs” Free, but registration is required. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information. To register, email Shonda at Shonda. Borden@DCNR.Alabama.gov or call (251) 625-0814. PHind a Cure 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run Join us at 8:30 a.m. for a 5K to benefit Pulmonary Hypertension Association. This race starts at the SGA Pavilion, Intramural fields, USA Campus. Please visit Eventbrite.com for more information. The Shaolin Institute Kung Fu Competition The Shaolin Institute teaches martial arts of traditional Shaolin and modern MMA, Oriental Culture, Arts and Natural Healing. Located on Lakeside Drive in West Mobile, they will be hosting a Kung Fu Competition at the Mobile Convention center. Please visit www.shaolinworld.net for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Mary Poppins” See May 29 for more information. Spring Market on the Square See May 23 for more information.

Saturday, May 31

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Mary Poppins” See May 29 for more information.

Monday, June 1

Master Gardeners Annual Farm to Table Mobile County Master Gardeners present their 4th Annual Farm to Table Tasting Event. Local chefs, local produce. Non-refundable advance reservations required by May 22. Send check for $65 to MCMG, 6910 Providence Estate Court, Mobile, AL 36695. Location: Five Rivers Delta. 6-8 p.m. For more information, please contact: Mary Ann Days - 251-574-8445 or masdays@comcast.net.

www.mobilebayparents.com

Sto The invi 10 309 ww

Sum Bel Wh We Gar nat pro Bel Jun mo

Op Ha Join (48 Sm New Gal the yea nat sha Kid Brin fun visi Pol Thu - 1: con Ma See Fre See

201 The Coa Aar Bro and p.m The fea Coa and cele and pay to t tick All res mo Joe “Fi Joe from Sat 11 joe Scr Gra and you to b

— es

nto .

cks

ve fts at

for da.

nal

t lin-

ual .

ate -8

Family Calendar Tuesday, June 2

Storytime – 5 Rivers The first and third Tuesday of each month, you’re invited to bring your child for StoryTime. Beginning at 10 a.m., the story will be followed by arts and crafts. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information.

Wednesday, June 3

Summertime Wonderful Wednesdays – Bellingrath Gardens Who knew Wednesday could be so wonderful? Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Topics include summer gardening, horticultural production techniques and the collections in the Bellingrath Museum Home. Dates: Wednesdays from June 3 – July 29. Please visit www.bellingrath.org for more information.

Thursday, June 4

Opening Reception Mobile Museum of Art: Black Hands/I Am & the New Landscape Join us at 6:30 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Dr) for the opening reception of Charles Smith: Black Hands/I Am in the Regional Gallery, The New Landscape in Front & Center and the Back Room Gallery, and Landscapes from the MMofA Collection in the Larkins Auditorium Vestibule. Looking back at a 40 year career in clay, Black Hands/I Am examines Mobile native Charles Smith’s expressive ideas about color, shape, and ornament. 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! Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free. If you have any questions please contact (251) 208-1550. Market on the Hill See May 28 for more information. Free Family Movie Night – Dauphin Island See May 21 for more information.

Friday, June 5

2015 Coastal Seafood Craze The Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) fourth annual Coastal Seafood Craze will take place at the Hank Aaron Stadium in their Event Center (755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile). Come enjoy seafood and other ACF supporters anytime between 5:00 p.m. until 7:05 p.m. when the first pitch is thrown! The Coastal Seafood Craze invites local restaurants to feature dishes made with locally caught seafood. Gulf Coast seafood is an important part of our local culture, and we need to do everything we can to support and celebrate it. Tickets—which include food, a beverage and admission to the game—are $25 or patrons can pay $40 which would include an individual membership to the Alabama Coastal Foundation. People can pay for tickets or memberships through the by clicking here. All proceeds will benefit ACF’s education and habitat restoration programs. Please visit www.joinacf.org for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” from June 5-June 21, Fridays – Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile. Please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie Series Grab your kids and a few of their friends, blankets and chairs and watch a movie under the stars! Thank you to Rouses Market who has generously committed to being the sponsor of the 2015 film festival events!

May/June 2015

Thank you also to Spring Hill College for letting use Dorn Field (located behind the Moorer Library).

Saturday, June 6

Summer Reading Kickoff Come to the public library for the Summer Reading Kickoff from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to sign up for the Summer reading program and enjoy fun activities! Please visit slp.mplonline.org/events-by-branch.html for more information. Dragon Boat Festival Fuse Project’s Second Annual Dragon Boat Festival will be held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. This fun event is great for teams and spectators. This year’s Dragon Boat Festival promises to be bigger and better and with over 50 teams expected to register. These Hong Kong style dragon boats are 46-feet long, with 10 seats and 20 people plus a drummer. The competitions will last throughout the day and are fun to see for the whole family. All funds raised go to benefit local youth. Visit www.FuseProject.org for more information. Just for the Mud of It 5K Join us at 7:00 a.m. at 12251 Tanner Williams Rdnext to Big Creek Lake. Proceeds to benefit SWAT Team for training and equipment. Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Art in the Park – Dauphin Island Hosted annually under the oaks in historic Cadillac Square on beautiful Dauphin Island, this FREE event features fine artist’s craftsmen from around the Southeast as well as exciting nature exhibits, programs and events. The picturesque park will be filled with unique art and hands on animal exhibits and nature/ environmental presentations/exhibits. More than fifty artists and craftsmen attending will be displaying pottery, jewelry, painting, woodcarving, sculpturing, metal ironworks, furniture and more. Other activities include demonstrations, displays and hands on opportunities by Mobile, Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club, Paddle Bayou La Batre, Certified and Master Casting Instructors, Weeks Bay Reserve, Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, US Fish & Wildlife, Alabama Marine Resources, Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, and more. Time: 9:00am-4:00pm. Please visit www.facebook.com/ ArtInTheParkNatureFest for more information. Town of Dauphin Island Sunset Cruise Car Show Dauphin Island will be hosting a Sunset Cruise Car Show from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Green Park, next to Ship & Shore! It’s for car owners who want to show off your ride and for all of you who just enjoy looking at beautiful cars! There will be a parade and judging from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and all day Swap Meet at Green Park. Prizes will be given to winning cars at 3:00 p.m. In addition to the cars and prizes, all participants and spectators will be able to enjoy a live concert starting around 5:00 p.m. There will also be several DJ booths playing music throughout the day at various locations. Spring Market on the Square See May 23 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information.

Sunday, June 7

Duel of Dauphin The annual crawfish Duel on Dauphin will feature multiple downtown Mobile restaurants and bars battling it out for best crawfish. Admission is $5 or 5 nonperishable food items. This event takes place from 2-6 p.m. Please visit www.bayareafoodbank.org for more information. 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. 2:00-2:30 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 Sunday Matinee “Animal Homes: The Nest”. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information.

Monday, June 8

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us for the The Reluctant Dragon - A Puppet Show by David Stephens at the Saraland Library 10:30 a.m., Semmes Branch 1 p.m., and Moorer/Spring Hill Branch 3 p.m. For more information, please visit www. mplonline.org.

Tuesday, June 9

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us for the The Reluctant Dragon - A Puppet Show by David Stephens at West Regional Branch 11 a.m. Theodore Oaks Branch 2 p.m. For more information, please visit www.mplonline.org. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6-7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Audubon Society. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information.

Wednesday, June 10

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us for the The Reluctant Dragon - A Puppet Show by David Stephens at the Ben May Main Library 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. and Parkway Branch 3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.mplonline.org. Families and Football Join USA Head Football Coach Joey Jones for lunch, benefiting Family Promise of Coastal Alabama. Coach Jones will be the keynote speaker. For tickets or more information, Please Call: 251-441-1991 or visit www. familypromisemobile.org Location: McGowin Hall, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church from 11:301:00. Summertime Wonderful Wednesdays – Bellingrath Gardens See June 3 for more information.

Thursday, June 11

The Anatomy of the Museum: the Journey of a Work of Art This insiders’ tour will take you on the trek a work of art takes-from loading dock to pedestal as we divulge the process of receiving and preparing visiting exhibitions. Troll our secret passageways and take a spin on the freight elevator on this behind the scenes look at your museum. Anatomy of a Museum is a free Thursday Night program. 7:00 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 for the The Reluctant Dragon - A Puppet Show by David Stephens at Trinity Gardens Community Library 10 a.m. Toulminville Branch 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.mplonline.org. “Menopause – The Musical” “Menopause The Musical” at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim St) at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Family Calendar $45 and $39 plus additional fees. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Kid’s Day in Bienville See June 4 for more information. Market on the Hill See May 28 for more information. Free Family Movie Night – Dauphin Island See May 21 for more information.

Friday, June 12

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s got the Will” Join us for a wonderful show that runs from June 12-June 28 on the weekends. Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 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 comedy-drama! LoDA Artwalk Second Fridays in downtown is the place to be! Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the lower Dauphin district. If you have any questions please contact (251) 208-1550. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information.

Saturday, June 13 Spring Market on the Square See May 23 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s got the Will” See June 12 for more information.

Sunday, June 14

5 Rivers Presentation –“Predatory Birds Join 5 Rivers Educator Mark Wetzel to learn about the different types of predatory birds and the tools they have to help make their living. Live animals, free, all ages welcome. 2-3 p.m. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com. 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 “Owl Power”. 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com. Commedia del Arte presents “Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Curse” Commedia del Arte presents “Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Curse” is at 6:30 p.m. at Loxley Civic Center. Tickets $8 in advance, $10 at the door. A portion of the proceeds benefits The National Federation of the Blind. Please visit www.commediadelarte.org or call 251-5100654 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s got the Will” See June 12 for more information. West End Beach Sunset Concert Series (May and June Concerts) See May 23 for more information.

Monday, June 15

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Mobile’s own Excelsior Band.

Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015

May/June 2015

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.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 12 for more information.

Tuesday, June 16

Sunday, June 21

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Mobile’s own Excelsior Band. West Regional Branch 11 a.m. Theodore Oaks Branch 2 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information. Storytime – 5 Rivers See June 2 for more information.

Wednesday, June 17

Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Mobile’s own Excelsior Band. 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. Summertime Wonderful Wednesdays – Bellingrath Gardens See June 3 for more information.

Thursday, June 18

Live at the Museum: The Sarah Mac Band LIVE is a concert series presenting all original sounds from regional and local talent at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive) at 7:00 p.m. Cost - $10. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Weekly Shows with Super Performers at Public Library Join us this week for Mobile’s own Excelsior Band. Trinity Gardens Community Library 10 a.m. Toulminville Branch 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Please visit mplonline.org for more information. Black Jacket Symphony The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. AC/DC’s “Back in Black” album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked–the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. This event takes place at 8:00 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim Street). Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Kid’s Day in Bienville See June 4 for more information. Market on the Hill See May 28 for more information. Free Family Movie Night – Dauphin Island See May 21 for more information.

Friday, June 19

Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s got the Will” See June 12 for more information.

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 See May 23 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information.

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. Joe Jefferson Players presents “Fiddler on the Roof” See June 5 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 12 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. Summertime Wonderful Wednesdays – Bellingrath Gardens See June 3 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. 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. Kid’s Day in Bienville See June 4 for more information. Market on the Hill See May 28 for more information. Free Family Movie Night – Dauphin Island See May 21 for more information.

www.mobilebayparents.com

De HU rec Sae for Dis Na See Mo Wh See

Slid Sum fee dre can mo Yea fam will big we’ you you rea atte eve 5R Join wor Kat how will Tra info

o y

ne.

West

Family Calendar Friday, June 26

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 12 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. 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. Please visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information. Register by calling 251-625-0814 or by

May/June 2015

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 May 23 for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 12 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! 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee “Nature: Saving Otter 501”. Please visit www. outdooralabama.com for more information. Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s got the Will” See June 12 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.

Looking Ahead...

Upcoming: 4th of July at Battleship 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 information call (251) 433-2703. Saturday, July 11: Babypalooza Tour Parents don’t miss The BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Babypalooza Tour when it comes to the Mobile Convention Center Ballroom from 10:00 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. Babypalooza is free to attend, but registration is requested. Pre-register at www. BabyPaloozaTour.com or at the door. If you would like to become a vendor, please call 205-420-2229.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.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.

Allergies? Get relief TODAY!

www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

Pitch Perfect 2

Hot Pursuit

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: ASexual Content: C Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Pitch Perfect 2 PG-13 for innuendo and language. Pitch Perfect 2 is a duet of the best and worst. Whether they are harmonizing around a campfire or competing in a spontaneous sing-off organized by a rich eccentric in silk pajamas, the “college students” in this movie prove they have the vocal talent to hit all the right notes. And thankfully the film has plenty of those musical moments. As well, the music club encourages the development of life-long friendships for many of the participants who sing together. Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) is a newcomer to the Barden University Bellas. Her mother (Katey Sagal) was a Bella in her college days and still keeps in contact with many of the former group members. Since Emily’s birth she has been prepping her daughter to audition for the a cappella choir. However the script goes off-key when the music stops and the storyline takes over. After winning three consecutive championships, the all-female singers are invited to perform for the First Couple (played by Barack and Michelle Obama). But Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) has a wardrobe malfunction while she is suspended overhead in an aerial ribbon. Her leotard rips from stem to stern leaving her bare crotch on public display. Like Janet Jackson’s unwelcome exposure, the incident is on every news show in the nation and results in the Bellas being suspended from collegiate competition. Their only hope of redeeming themselves is to participate in a worldwide event being held in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, an American team has never won the contest that has been dominated by the Germans. Thanks to movies like The Hangover and Bridesmaids, more and more screenwriters seem to think comedy can’t be funny unless it’s crass. As a result, the characters in this movie drag themselves through a slough of crude and sexual jokes. Fat Amy’s southern revelation is an ongoing gag. However, there is also sexual tension between the Bella’s leader Beca (Anna Kendrick) and the female lead of the German team (Brigitte Hjort Sorensen). Rude anatomical commentary and other suggestive innuendo litter this script that appears intent on taking a jab at everyone possible. Koreans, Jews, homosexuals, cheerleaders, interns, Christians, Green Bay Packers and even competition hosts all take a supposedly humorous beating in this film. This movie may be pitch perfect when it comes to the songs, yet there is nothing harmonious about the production’s obsession with the tasteless jokes. Audience members, who don’t find these characters’ potty mouths to be either entertaining or particularly funny, will find the tiresome and disappointing dialogue upstages the impressive musical numbers.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: C+ Language: CAlcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Hot Pursuit PG-13 for sexual content, violence, language and some drug material. After her Oscar nomination for Wild this year, appearance in the movie Hot Pursuit is a definite return to the sillier side for Reese Witherspoon. In it, she plays uptight police officer Cooper who has been relegated to the evidence room in the basement of the station after mistakenly starting a teen on fire with a Taser. Then one day she is called into the Captain’s (John Carroll Lynch) office and given a new assignment. Her job is to escort the Latino diva Daniella Riva (Sofía Vergara) to a court appearance in Dallas. Unfortunately these women are about as opposite as they can be. Cooper is dutiful, driven and a little bit dull. She’s a by-the-books officer who performers her job to the letter. Daniella lets it all hang out (in more ways than one). She loves pretty clothes, has a bit of a temper and doesn’t mind using her assets to her advantage. To make things more difficult for Cooper, Daniella fears for her life and isn’t at all interested in going to Dallas to testify. The result is a ridiculous road trip movie filled with far-fetched scenarios and constant bickering between the women as they try to outrun the thugs who want to kill the witness. Along the way, they slowly begin to appreciate one another and build a friendship. That may be the only thing that keeps this movie from being a complete and utter disaster. When it comes to content concerns, Hot Pursuit has some of everything. Vergara’s partially exposed cleavage gets plenty of screen time, as do the sexually suggestive jokes about lesbians, anatomy and sexual acts. The script features at least two-dozen profanities including a couple partial uses of a strong sexual expletive. There’s some drinking and a scene where several characters get high after being dusted with a coating of “baking powder” following a car accident. There are guns. There are Tasers. There are car crashes and lawbreakers, dirty cops and more dirty cops. And by the end of the movie even the good cop is becoming less diligent about keeping the rules. To be fair, the film has some funny moments involving the two actresses, who seem to be enjoying themselves--at least some of the time. But those moments are too few and way too far between. Instead the storyline is packed with stereotypical depictions of Texans, Latinos and police officers that eat doughnuts, take bribes and make condescending comments to their fellow female co-workers. Unfortunately even the ebullient Witherspoon and the alluring Vergara can’t compensate for that hot mess.

What Parents need to know about Hot Pursuit...

Violence: Guns are fired frequently and people are shot and supposedly killed. Others are injured. Two characters have a Taser fired at them, which causes their clothes to start on fire. A man shoots off his finger. A man is on parole for beating others with a baseball bat. He later beats a man with his fists. A woman is punched in the head and knocked out. Sexual Content: The script contains numerous jokes about lesbians, menstruation and female anatomy. Women expose their underwear in public. Low cut clothing reveals some cleavage. A character talks about being uncomfortable while watching sexual activity involving animals. A woman walks in on a man who is naked. Crude sexual dialogue and innuendo is frequently used. Language: The script contains at least two-dozen mild and moderate profanities, as well as two partial uses of a strong sexual expletive. The script also includes some racial slurs and name calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: Several characters, including a group of older teens or young adults, are shown with alcohol. A car accident causes a cloud of illegal drugs to cover several people. At least on character shows signs of being high.

What Parents need to know about Pitch Perfect 2...

Violence: Characters attempt to intimidate or humiliate others. Sexual Content: Ongoing crude sexual innuendo and discussions are included, along with crass and sexist comments about anatomy, homosexual characters and sexual activity. Couples kiss. A fully clothed couple rolls around on top of each other. A character repeatedly talks about being sexually confused. Language: The script contains a crude hand gesture, profanities, curses, vulgar comments and scatological slang. Crass sexual comments and limited slurs are also included. Alcohol / Drug Use: Young adults drink at college parties and social events. Mobile Bay Parents I June 2015