Mobile Bay Parents November 2013 by KeepSharing

Starla has always loved to play like a princess...

Today she is one. When Starla came to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, at age two, she was already very sick. The physicians soon diagnosed her with a rare form of leukemia. After a courageous battle, Starla is cancer free at four. Today she’s still pretending to be a princess but the physicians and staff at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital know what a real princess she truly is. From diagnosis and treatment to recovery, let USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital care for your family.

251.415.1000

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9/12/13 1:16 PM

November2013

Volume 3 Number 7

30 Columns 50

Mom of the Month Penny Copeland

Living With Children

Potty Training Setbacks

John Rosemond gives advice on nightime wetting.

John Rosemond

2013 Holiday Happenings Guide

Kids Health Watch

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

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

A Page in a Book

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

The FlyLady Marla Cilley

6 Cool Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens Make it easy on yourself with these gift ideas theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love.

Gratitude Games Discover fun ways to reawaken thankfulness in your children this season.

On The Cover Twin brothers Conrad and Cunningham Copeland, sons of Penny and Riley Copeland. Their proud grandparents are Jean and Reggie Copeland, Sr. Conrad and Cunningham are 3rd graders at St. Ignatius School. The boys love to swim, play football and play basketball.

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 56

Family Calendar 64

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. I cannot believe how time flies. It seems like just yesterday we were buying uniforms and getting ready for school to start. With each passing year it becomes more difficult to find the perfect gift for my boys who just turned nine in October. I can remember the Sunday morning Toys R Us catalog spread all over the playroom and covered with black Sharpie circles. It would have been easier for them to circle what they did not want. “One of each” is what I would tell family when they asked what the boys wanted for Christmas or birthdays. Now I can hardly get them to give me any ideas. After reading “Six Cool Gift Ideas for Tweens and Teens,” by Pam Molnar, I have some new ideas that are sure to help with my Christmas shopping. As we move into the holiday season, I am constantly reminded of all the people and things for which I have to be thankful. Although I no longer get to celebrate with my parents, I married into the most wonderful, huge, wacky, crazy and loving family a person could ask for, and I still have the memories of years past. I try to share special traditions that I had as a child with my children so they can learn and appreciate the grandparents they were unable to meet, but who I feel confident are watching them grow up from heaven. One tradition my own grandparents started many years ago is to provide for a family who would not have Christmas without our help. Every year the family is chosen, we buy clothing, shoes, food and, of course, gifts and toys. I remember one year when I was a child, we bought a bike for one of the children. It took up so much room in the car that my brother and I had to ride all the way to my grandparent’s house, five hours away, sitting on top of our suitcases. The look on that little boy’s face when he received the bike that had caused us so much strife will forever be imprinted in my memory. Last year, I included Conrad and Cunningham in the tradition of helping others. At first, all they wanted to do is look for things they wanted at the store. Then they got into finding things for this little girl. Before I knew it, they were picking out dolls and nail polish. I know my children have no idea how fortunate they are, but we are trying to remind them daily. I enjoyed reading Christina Katz’s article this month, “Gratitude Games: Fun Ways to Reawaken Appreciation in Kids.” I really hope to build a kindness and compassion for helping others into my children and these ideas help! The holidays are a perfect time to continue planting these seeds. I must admit I am starting to get excited about the holidays...all the decorating, cooking and fun. As a mother, I want my children to look back on a childhood filled with wonderful holiday memories. Going to Pawpaw’s for Thanksgiving and sitting outside at the “kid’s table” with their 11 first cousins kicks the season off. We follow that up with singing Christmas carols while decorating the tree, making homemade gifts for friends and neighbors, and going to Christmas Eve Mass to remember that we get to celebrate because others made sacrifices for us. Happy Holidays!

Penny Copeland Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Marla Cilley Penny Copeland Christian Katz Mike Little, D.O. Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Oracle Imaging & Design www.oracle-weddings.com

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

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

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Potty Training Setbacks do not want parents to know that just as it is easier to housetrain a 4-month-old puppy as opposed to a oneyear-old dog, it will be far easier to toilet train an intelligent human being at 22 months than it will be if one waits until said human is 36 months. As soon as this col-

Q: This past August, when our son was a mere 22 months of age, it took him two weeks to learn to use the potty successfully. He was dry even at night. We were thrilled! However, now that the weather has turned cold, he has started wetting the bed every night and even during afternoon naptime. We tell him it’s wrong but he doesn’t seem to care. We even put his little potty in his crib but he doesn’t use it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. A: Congratulations on potty training your son at 22 months! Disposable diaper manufacturers

umn appears, you should go into hiding. However, I have to tell you that you’re letting your son’s success go to your heads. It’s premature by at least six months to expect consistent night dryness from a child of your son’s tender age. The fact that he was dry after periods of sleep for a couple of months is what I’ll call a temporary side-effect of daytime training. It was bound not to last. The other factor operating here is that boys are twice as likely as girls to be bed-wetters. No one knows why that is. Then there’s the matter of the message you’re sending your son. If I put this gently, you may not get the point: you’re making a huge mistake by telling him that bedwetting is wrong. Reacting punitively is not going to help matters and is very likely to make the problem much worse. You’re also headed toward an ever-escalating parent-child power struggle. Being anxious and punitive about bedwetting sets a BAD disciplinary precedent. Children who wet the bed have no conscious control over the problem. Without exception (that I’ve ever heard of at least), they are very deep sleepers who don’t “hear” their bladder telling them to get out of bed and use the toilet. So, they just release. When they wake up wet, they can’t explain it. That applies as well to older kids who still wet. I encourage you to back off and wait until spring—not because of warm weather, but because he’ll be old enough by then to begin having success—maybe. I recommend a “waiting period” of no less than six months between daytime training and attempts to help a child learn nighttime bladder control. Let him sleep naked from the waist down. That increases the likelihood that when he wets, he’ll wake up. For some unknown reason, that usually (but not always) promotes a quicker resolution to the problem. And be sure to follow Johnny Mercer’s advice and accentuate the positive. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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It is the policy of Wales West LLC not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids, or against any individual because of his or her relationship with a person with a disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids. Wales West LLC will not exclude any individual with a disability, including persons who have HIV or Aids, from the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, facilities or accommodations. The Wales West ADA Compliance Official Mr. Ken Zadnichek, Jr. may be reached at (888) 569-5337 or email him at compliance@waleswest.com 5

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bits & pieces March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Campaign

Participation is easy. Appoint a Blue Jeans for Babies coordinator in your office. They will invite all of your employees to purchase a T-shirt or a Beanie Baby. Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts are available in the colors of your favorite college team or the March of Dimes colors. Then wear your shirt for Prematurity Awareness Day on Friday, November 15th with your favorite pair of jeans! Proceeds from shirt sales allow the March of Dimes to fund life-saving research and programs that help all moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies. T-shirts start at $15, Beanie Babies $10. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorship is another great way to market your company on March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts and printed materials. For more information, contact Riley McDuff at the March of Dimes Chapter Office at (251) 345-6480 or by email at emcduff@marchofdimes.com.

Playhouse in the Park Presents “A Christmas Carol”

On December 6, The Playhouse in the Park presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Saenger Theatre with original music and lyrics. A cast of 100 local youth will fill the stage with music, dancing, and a myriad of colorful characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future; and the fun-loving Fezziwigs. There is one public show December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theater in Downtown Mobile. Public show tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens. Call 251-602-0630 for public show reservations. For further information on upcoming performances as well as acting, music, and dance classes, visit www.playhouseinthepark.org .

Infirmary Health: Keeping Children Active and Healthy

Our children may be our future, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 30 percent of children in the United States are overweight and obese. In a national effort to combat this statistic and keep children healthy and fit, Infirmary Health Fitness Centers offer a program called Operation FitKids. The eight-week program, designed to educate, motivate and support children and their families, is available at all three Infirmary Health fitness center locations. Infirmary Health Fitness Centers—ProHealth Fitness Center, Mobile; Thomas Fitness Center, Fairhope; and North Baldwin Fitness Center, Bay Minette—have partnered with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to offer this fitness program for kids. Operation FitKids educates children and their families on the benefits of regular physical activity and proper nutrition. The eight-week program begins October 8 for children, ages seven through 11 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Weekly lessons include: Move and groove as you eat to win; Heart-smart kids on the liquid lookout; Walk this way/Snack attack; Pump it up/How much to eat; Toughen up/ Cut the fat; Chill out/Breakfast…Don’t skip it; Putting it all together; Weekly meeting with a nutritionist. Free with physician referral. For more information or to register your child for the program, call ProHealth at 435-2010, North Baldwin Fitness Center at 937-9099 or Thomas Fitness Center at 279-1684.

Remington College Mobile Campus Offers Haircut, Manicure, or Pedicure for Food Drive Donation

Remington College is again holding its "Cuts for Cause" event to collect food for needy families. Here's how it works: anyone who brings in a can of food or other non-perishable food donation in November gets a complimentary haircut, manicure, or pedicure. The salon services will be provided by students and instructors in the Remington College Mobile Campus Cosmetology Program. To schedule an appointment: call the Remington College School of Cosmetology at 251-342-4848. Walk-ins are also welcome. Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit remingtoncosmo.com. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Environmental Studies Center Open House

Come join us on Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for the Environmental Studies Center Open House (6101 Girby Road). Admission is free and visitors can park at Burns Middle School and ride shuttles! Enjoy: Environmental Fair, Nature Walks, Nature Crafts, Wildlife Lectures, Exhibit Talks, Starlab Show, Moon Walk, Raptor Show, Animal Exhibits, Face Painting, Picture with Ed the Owl from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Gift Shop, Bake Sale, Ice Cream and Concessions Sales. This event is sponsored by Evonik Industries and Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club. Help stock the wildlife pantry for winter. Donate one item from the Wish List to wildlife care which includes many items such as liquid laundry soap, liquid soap from dishwasher, bleach, and hose nozzles, food for the animals, Walmart gift cards, cash and more. Please call (251) 221-5000 for more information.

Christmas on the Hill in the Village of Spring Hill

Free Navigating Dyslexia Workshop

Christmas on the Hill in the Village of Spring Hill is scheduled for Sunday, December 8th from 1 to 5 PM. Christmas on the Hill is an annual holiday event created and promoted by the Spring Hill Merchants Association and the individual merchants of the Village of Spring Hill. This year a selection of the finest boutiques will once again open their doors with special store hours, holiday refreshments, sleigh rides, photos with Santa, holiday music and a variety of children’s activities as well as sales and special merchandise promotions. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information like the “Spring Hill Merchants Association” on Facebook.

Mayor Sam Jones signed the Dyslexia Proclamation for Dyslexia Awareness Month. This proclaims Dyslexia to be a Specific Learning Disability that affects 10-20 percent of the population. The proclamation calls for increased awareness so that all individuals living with Dyslexia in Alabama are identified and provided appropriate services so that they might lead maximally productive lives. Syliva Muller, M.Ed., Education Consultant and mother of a child with dyslexia, will present a FREE introductory session for parents and caregivers dealing with dyslexia. Helping Your Child Sail the Seas: Guide your child to achieve success in life will be held Tuesday, November 19th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Read-Write Learning Center, 5472 Old Shell Road, Mobile. To register visit dyslexiaspecialists.net or call 251-287-1822.

Have your Birthday Party with me at Alligator Alley!

Feed an alligator!

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See over 300 alligators up close! Nature walk on elevated boardwalk.

View alligator feedings. Field Trips/Birthday Parties available. Fun for the entire family!

www.gatoralleyfarm.com 19950 Hwy 71 • Summerdale, AL

1-866-99-GATOR 7

Safe for kids! OPEN 6 Days A Week 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.

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bits & pieces 29th Annual Award Winning Christmas Jubilee

Junior League of Mobile’s 29th annual Christmas Jubilee Holiday Market will run from Nov. 14-16, 2013 at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds. Featuring more than 100 merchants from around the country, this popular event will kick off the holiday shopping season with a broad selection of gifts for every shopper to enjoy. Christmas Jubilee is the primary fundraiser for JLM sending over $3.5 million dollars into the community to support a broad range of issues affecting Mobile and Coastal Alabama. Advance tickets are available for $8 online at www.juniorleaguemobile.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10, children 6-12 are $3, while 5 and under are admitted free. Senior, College Student, and Military tickets are discounted to $6 throughout the market with proper identification. Parking at the Fairgrounds is $3 per vehicle. Christmas Jubilee offers a variety of special events to entertain guests of all ages, including: • Preview Gala & Silent Auction, featuring celebrated Chef Georgia Roussos, desserts by Simply Sweets and live music by Perfect Image, Wednesday, Nov. 13 7 – 10 p.m. • VIP Shopping is a stroller and crowd free shopping event with breakfast and morning cocktails, Thursday, Nov. 14 8:30 -10:30 a.m. • Girls’ Night Out offers a private shopping event with a Five Gold Monkeys fashion show featuring Femme and Studio Blu, great food from a variety of local restaurants, open bar and more on Friday, Nov. 15 6 – 8 p.m. • Santa Breakfast & Lunch offers Chick-fil-A, cookie decorating, story telling and Santa! Saturday, Nov. 16 three seatings - 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. • Hall of Wreaths Auction runs throughout the event and showcases wreaths decorated by various individuals, local businesses and school groups. • Author’s Corner offers local and regional authors signing books throughout the market-perfect personalized gifts. • Stroll the Jubilee Art Walk featuring local Bay area artists- find the perfect present for that hard to shop person! • Special entertainment from local choirs and dance studios will be on stage throughout market. Thursday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information on Christmas Jubilee and special events planned throughout the market, please call 251.471.3348 or visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

and Give Thanks!

Come see us on Black Friday for the BEST deals of the year!

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Men Modeling Purses for a Good Cause!

PurseWithPurpose, the 8th annual cocktail benefit for Our Sisters’ Closet with presenting sponsor Makeda Nichols/State Farm Insurance, will be held Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Heron Lakes Country Club. Male movers and shakers will model designer and fashion purses – stuffed with gift certificates and surprises - in a live auction. There will also be a silent auction of purses and jewelry - new and vintage - and other items just in time for holiday gift-giving. General admission tickets are $29 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Dressing Fine ticket packages are also available beginning at $39, which sponsor various client needs at Our Sisters’ Closet and include complimentary wine passes and VIP drawings. All proceeds will benefit the mission of Our Sisters’ Closet which is to provide free interview and workplace clothing to disadvantaged and in-crisis women to increase their self-confidence and job opportunities; and other job search support and resources to women, men and teens. Tickets and more information are available at www.oursisterscloset.org., or call Terri Kearns at 251.423.2001.

Taste of Mobile

The 36th Annual Taste of Mobile will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, at the Mobile Convention Center. The event will be hosted by the Mobile Chapter of the Alabama Restaurant Association and benefits Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast. Funds raised from the event support the programs and services Goodwill Easter Seals offers to provide hope for people in our community with disabilities. The Taste of Mobile showcases area restaurants by offering an opportunity to present their specialty dishes to a large local gathering. This year, with more than 40 booths participating, should give each attendee the opportunity to sample many of the finest dishes available in Mobile. Attendees will also be able to vote for their favorite dishes in various categories. Tickets for the event are $25 per person, or a table for 10 can be reserved for $250. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available, providing early entry, at $35, or $350 per table. Tickets are available at: Mobile Fixture - Montlimar Drive, Wintzell’s Oyster House - Airport Boulevard, Downtown, Saraland, Mobile Bay Harley Davidson locations, Goodwill Easter Seals (2448 Gordon Smith Dr). For more information, visit us on Facebook!

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bits & pieces

Mobile International Festival Presents “Roots…the Journey” as 30th Anniversary Theme

The Mobile International Festival has announced their 2013 annual educational and cultural event's theme as "Roots...the Journey." Focused on ancestral roots, Festival members' cultural exhibits, food booths, and entertainment will treat visitors to their own personal and unique journeys from their homeland to establishing their own roots in Mobile. The Mobile International Festival was established in 1983 to help educate school children and share the many international cultures in Mobile among everyone as an annual event by playing a key role in education with their focus on world culture and racial tolerance. The Mobile International Festival is scheduled for November 23, 2013 at the Mobile Civic Center and Expo Hall, with Thursday, November 21, and Friday, November 22 as Student Days. Saturday, November 23rd, is Family Day and open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at http://www.mobileinternationalfestival.org.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical”

Based on the hit movie, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is a fun-filled musical full of great characters and catchy songs. Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Nine Performances: November 8-24, Fridays & Saturdays: 8:00 p.m. Sunday Matinees: 2:00 p.m. Box Office Phone: (251) 471-1534. www.joejeffersonplayers.com.

The Red, White & Brown Ball

A Celebration of Alabama’s Gulf Shrimp Alabama’s Food Network Star will host this year’s Seafood, Science and Celebrity! Martie Duncan is creating the event in her unique style with inspired cuisine, creative cocktails and up-close and personal cooking demonstrations from some of her favorite chefs. In tribute to the red, white and brown shrimp found in Alabama Gulf waters, the evening will be a celebration of Gulf shrimp and all the natural beauty Dauphin Island has to offer. Guests will sample and compare the three varieties of Gulf shrimp and enjoy a tasting menu of award-winning shrimp recipes prepared by the chefs who will also teach guests how to make these recipes at home. Oyster Bar, Craft Beer, Moonshine Tasting, Music and Dancing Under the Stars, and a special party ferry from and returning to gulf shores available by rsvp/Weather permitting. Saturday, November 2, 6 -10 PM. Dauphin Island Sea Lab & Estuarium. Tickets $50 Advance purchase only DauphinIslandTourism.com/events. Pre-Sale discount tickets are available online: https://seafoodscience.eventbrite.com/

St. Mary Catholic School Celebrates St. Francis

The annual blessing of the pets was held at St. Mary Catholic School following the weekly student Mass. Hundreds of pets, parents, students, parishioners, two priests and a crew of altar servers helped celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis on October 4. Pictured: Father Dan Good, accompanied by Father Matthew Venuti and altar servers, Lucy O'Neill, Brendan Reilly, David Dolan, Andrew Thompson blesses the many pets that came to visit that day. In procession are Lilly and Isabelle Hooks, with mom Beth Hooks and their shaggy best friend.

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Local United Methodist Church Opens Resale and Thrift Store to Benefit Mobile Area Missions The Mobile District of the United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Open Doors Resale and Thrift Store located at 4125 Government Boulevard. The store was established to financially support mission endeavors of the United Methodist Church in the Mobile area. Rev. Charles Fail, current pastor at New Life United Methodist Church, is helping to lead the efforts of this new endeavor. He said, "We believe that God has led this process. In a changing economy and life of the Church, the resale and thrift store is the best way to ensure that Mobile District mission agencies are funded well. Everyone wins. There are great deals on great items, opportunities for people to serve, and the proceeds enable ministry to the poorest among us." Purchases will directly have an impact on the following agencies: The United Methodist Inner City Mission; The Dumas Wesley Community Center; The University of South Alabama Wesley Foundation; The Mobile Metro Jail Chaplaincy Program; The United Methodist Babies First. For more information about the store including donation information, contact them at opendoorsstore@gmail.com or 251.661.5661.

USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and CNC Prepare for 5th Anniversary of Celebrate Hope

The University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) announces that the fifth Annual Celebrate Hope fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 21. The event, presented by CNC - Catastrophe & National Claims (CNC), will be held at MCI in midtown Mobile, Alabama. This wonderful event will feature New Orleans celebrity chef, John Besh along with his amazing sous chefs and many other chefs that will be presenting foods, desert and wine and beer pairings. The Tayo Reed band will be performing throughout the night. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and cocktail attire is required. Tickets are $175 each. Sponsorships are currently being accepted for the event, starting at $1,000. For more information about Celebrate Hope, contact the USA Development Office at 251-460-7032, or email Development@USouthAl.edu. Tickets can be purchased through www.USAMCI.com/CelebrateHope or by calling the MCI Office of Development at 251-460-7032. Sponsorship information is currently available through Kelly McCarron at 251-460-7276 or KMcCarron@USouthAL.edu and online at www.USAMCI.com/ CelebrateHope.

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bits & pieces 2nd Annual 5K Run for Your LifeGate

On Saturday, November 9th, Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) in conjunction with Little Red Hen Productions will conduct the 2nd annual “Run for your Lifegate” 5k race & 1 mile fun run. The proceeds will be used to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need through CUMC’s Lifegate Ministry. The 5k race will run through the CUMC campus and Cottage Hill/Medal of Honor Park. 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., 1 mile fun run to follow. Christ UMC Pavilion, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile. Register at christumcmobile. com/5krun or active.com or pick up a registration form at Christ UMC drop boxes located Christ Center entrance & the recreation entrance, Uncle Joe’s Running Store at McCoy Outdoor, Run-NTri in Mobile at Picadillly Square, Running Wild in Fairhope or mail to CUMC 5K, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609. Early Registration: Adults-$20, Children 12 and under-$15. Late registration and day of race: Adults-$25, Children 12 and under-$20. There will be door prizes and prizes awarded based on age divisions. Participants must be registered by Saturday, October 19th, to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Those registering after Saturday, October 19th will receive a shirt while supplies last. There will be drinks, food, fun and awards ceremony. For more information contact 251.342.0462 or email cumc5k@christumcmobile.com.

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USA Children's & Women's Hospital Dedicates New Expansion

The University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital nearly doubled its size as it dedicated a new, 195,000-square-foot expansion in September. The public was invited to attend the event, which featured a children’s choir of patients and former patients and testimonials from those who have been helped by the hospital. Tours of the hospital were available after the event. The $72.6 million expansion, funded by the USA Health System and the USA Foundation and private gifts, features more space for the hospital’s neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, additional operating rooms, and larger patient rooms to better accommodate visitors and families. Vital support services such as an enlarged cafeteria and kitchen, and professional teaching and community education space are also included in the five-level expansion. Two “family rooms” have been created by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile Inc. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital also hosted a Community Open House on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 – 5 p.m. sponsored by Hancock Bank. That public event included tours, refreshments, face-painting, music, and PulmAssoc PurpFlwr ad 9/5/13 10:36 AM Page 1 arts and crafts.

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Tickets on Sale for Bay Bash 2013

Bay Bash 2013 will be held November 7, 6 p.m. at 5 Rivers. This event will showcase the bounty of the Bay through the culinary expertise of our local restaurants, great music, adult beverages and the beautiful setting of the Mobile Tensaw Delta. The theme this year is “Don’t Trash our Bay!” Bash—a celebration of our community’s hard work to stop the tide of trash flowing from our rivers, creeks and streams into Mobile Bay. We will spotlight the amazing work of Dog River Clearwater Revival and feature art and auction items made from “another man’s treasure.” We are Also proud to announce Bruce Larsen, one of Mobile’s preeminent found art artists, as our guest speaker. As a special addition to Budweiser Distributing’s great beer selection, this year will boast a martini bar. Come enjoy great food, delicious drink and a beautiful view as we celebrate this milestone on the path to a better, cleaner Mobile Bay.

Local Agency Now Doing International Home Studies

Agape of Central Alabama was created in 1978 by dedicated Christians who responded to the church's desire to help vulnerable children. Over the years, Agape’s ministry has included counseling women in crisis pregnancy, domestic adoption, and foster care. As Christians began to answer the call to “defend the cause of the fatherless” there became a great desire to include not only the state of Alabama but the world. That is why Agape began taking steps to add an International Adoption Program to our ministry. We are very excited to announce that as of June 2013, Agape is now Hague Accredited and has begun international adoption home studies! We are so eager to see what God has planned for families through this addition to our ministry. If you would like more information about Agape’s International Adoption Program, please contact Patrice from our Mobile/Baldwin County office at 251-625-1133, or visit www.agapeforchildren.org.

Stamp Out Muscular Dystrophy

The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 469 will be hosting their Second 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association at Langan Park on Zeigler Blvd November 10. This will be a certified 5K course (AL 1001JD) within Langan Park boundaries. Fun run is approximately ¾ of a mile. To register online go to www.active.com or for all register by mail entries should be postmarked by November 1. You can register at McCoy Outdoor or Run-n-Tri in Mobile, or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon November 7. Race day registration will be accepted at Langan Park 6:45 – 7 a.m. Entry fees are as follows: Pre-registration is $15, children 12 and under $10, day of race $20 for each participant. To receive a T-Shirt on race day entries must be received by October 31, 2013. Awards will be given. Food and beverages will be provided after the race. For further information please contact: mskcordier@gmail.com, jalooney61@yahoo.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Facts About Breastfeeding For many years women have heard that breast milk is best, and it is true. Obstetricians, pediatricians, and family practitioners have always been proponents of breast milk and breastfeeding for new moms. Believe it or not, breast tissue and the special ducts and glands that makes up the milk production unit within a woman’s breast begin forming when the mom-to-be was inside her own mother’s womb. They are rudimentary and only mature during puberty when they respond to surges of estrogen and progesterone. Final maturation of the milk producing and secreting structures of the breast are only complete after the hormones of pregnancy are surging. Once a woman is pregnant, final transformation of the milk-producing glands is started in mid pregnancy (stage 1) and completed by the time of delivery (stage 2). During stage 2, significant increases in blood flow and oxygen to the breast, followed by increase uptake of glucose, proteins, fats, and other nutrients occur in preparation to actually produce milk. Once the baby is born, nipple stimulation causes a hormonal cascade starting in a mom’s brain and ending with stimulation of the glands in mom’s breasts to make milk. Interestingly, while breast pumps have an appropriate function, through my own observations with new moms, I have found that some women’s brains “know the difference” between newborn suckling stimulation and breast pump stimulation. Ultimately, it is important for a new mom to get plenty of opportunities

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

for natural stimulation through breastfeeding to establish the previously mentioned hormonal cascade. Equally important is the need for mom to be relaxed, especially in the first few days of breastfeeding. Multiple studies have shown that while breast milk production either increases or decreases based on the emptiness or fullness of the breasts, if mom is stressed, less than adequate breastfeeding may occur which then doesn’t allow mom to empty her breasts. The end result is less milk will be produced. So what’s in breast milk that makes it so special? The bottom line is that it is unique to humans and that the contents are specialized to meet the needs of human infants. Furthermore, mom’s body adapts to help change the contents of breast milk to meet the changing needs of her baby during growth. Early milk production is rich in proteins and minerals but low in fats, while the ratios reverse as the infant matures. Think of the milk producing centers in the breast as a packaging plant. Specialized cells secrete specialized concentrations of sugars, fats, proteins, immunoglobulins, and enzymes into the breast milk that is then transported to lactation ducts. There it waits to be expressed and sucked out by the feeding infant. Even more interesting is the fact that milk delivered early during a feeding session is different than at the end. Early milk has less fat while the late milk is much higher in fat content. This is thought to help satisfy the infant’s hunger drive and end the feeding session.

While an entire article could be devoted to the ultra specific micronutrients in breast milk, suffice it to say that moms do a great job of packing in specialized fats, immunoglobulins and other immune modulating proteins, and enzymes. One of the most important aspects of specialized fats is the direct positive effect they have on brain and retina development. Studies have shown that prior to infant formulas being supplemented with these specialized fats, infants who were breastfed had better visual acuity and more advanced cognitive development. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), along with other immunoglobulin subtypes, is passively transferred from mom to infant in breast milk and provides protection against ingested germs. Other immune system factors are placed in breast milk and assist the infant’s gut in developing healthy intestinal flora while preventing the growth of harmful flora. So what’s the bottom line? Breast milk is best because it is specialized for our growing infants. Is formula feeding wrong? Of course not. Babies don’t starve on formula, and all other things being equal, they will lead healthy lives. But formula manufacturer’s quest to duplicate human breast milk in its many forms continues to come up short despite their decades-long research and production. Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005. Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (12) and Nathan (8). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.

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AutaugaSt. County PiusSchools X Students Walk for the Poor

St. Pius X School held a Walk for the Poor on Thursday, September 25. Students brought in canned food items and cash donations to help the needy in our area. Pictured are sixth grade Student Government homeroom reps Daniel Harrison and Maggie Esposito leading the walk. The walk was sponsored by the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

St. Ignatius Makes Security Changes on Campus

Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Help Stock Food Pantry

Each month, the students at Corpus Christi Catholic School help to stock the parish's St. Vincent de Paul Society's food pantry. We have designated the first Friday of every month as "Food Pantry Friday" and students donate particular items that are most in need. Pictured are second grade students helping Mrs. Penny Claiborne, parish volunteer, organize the donated items. L to R: (front row) Kaitlyn Goff, Raegan Mecsko, Megan Jones, Colin Wilson, (second row) Gaby Jalkh, Payton Anderson, Makinlee Butcher and Penny Claiborne.

St. Ignatius made many changes to the campus over the summer. Following a security audit, the school decided to add fencing, a security door and receptionist for the lobby and new locks for all the classroom doors. In addition to the security changes, we added a Guardian Angel statue. October 4, the entire school gathered in Palm Court to bless the statue. Pictured is Fr. Bry Sheilds with all the children of the school.

UMS-Wright Admissions Open House Please join us for our Admissions Open House on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. Lower School, Middle School and Upper School campus tours will be available, as well as Lower School Curriculum Presentations at 1:00 and 2:00. For more information, please contact Anne Stabler at 251.470.9044 or astabler@ums-wright.org. We look forward to seeing you!

Phillips Preparatory Students of the Week

Phillipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; teachers nominate one student per week who exhibits outstanding behavior, positive attitude and has a commitment to excellence. We would like to recognize our nominees for the months of August and September. Congratulations to all of these students! Front row: Brasher Miller III, Anteria Currelley, Seth Huddleston. Back Row: Joe Fields III, Taylor Bishop, Emilee Long. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Read for the Record at E. R. Dickson

Students, teachers, and faculty at E. R. Dickson Elementary School participated in the annual Jumpstart’s Read for the Record event on October 3. The school celebrated literacy in a big way by coming together with millions of other kids across the country to break the record for reading the same book on the same day. This extraordinary day began with a spirited assembly including a special read aloud of the book, “Otis,” by Loren Long. Our esteemed Mobile County Board Member, Mr. Donnie Stringfellow, did a delightful reading of the selection. Next, Ms. Carole Hegwood led the E. R. Dickson Choir in a lively song about reading and engaged the entire school in a sing along. The atmosphere was enhanced because each teacher and staff member dressed as their favorite story book character. The school’s principal, Mrs. Ellis, charged all students and teachers to have a fabulous day filled with reading and interactive reading activities. This is exactly what occurred! Visitors from all around the community came to classrooms for read-alouds and literacy activities. This was a day of literacy celebration that we will all remember! Kindergarten teachers dressed as characters from the book Otis. Pictured, back row left- right Ms. Payne, Ms. Brinson, Ms. Latham, Ms. Watson, Ms. Steele, Ms. Byod. Front row left - right Ms. Parker and Ms. Roberts.

St. Dominic Students Make Lunch for the Homeless

St. Dominic Catholic School 3rd, 4th and 5th graders participated in a service project, making lunches for the homeless. The lunches were taken to 15th Place downtown. 3rd graders decorated the brown bags and brought fruit. The 4th and 5th graders prepared sandwiches and brought chips and desserts to fill the bags. Here 4th grade students Jake Rostron, Mia Ginn, Katie Ann Hites and Stone Nguyen prepare a box of meals for delivery.

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Autauga County Schools McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Homecoming Court

Congratulations to the members of the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School 2013 Homecoming Court. Standing L to R: Freshmen Kendall Brown and Sara Daoust; Juniors Emily Dye, Taylor Mahoney and Victoria Gross; Sophomores Emma Thomasson and Anna Schock. Seated Left to Right Seniors Leslie De Voe, Taylor Breech, Emmy Mathias and Peyton Thomasson.

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McDavid-Jones Elementary School participated in “Read for the Record” on October 3rd. Employees from First Community Bank in Citronelle read the book ‘Otis’ by Loren Long. This year 156 kindergarten students enjoyed the book. Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation joined forces to encourage millions of people to come together to celebrate literacy and support Jumpstart in efforts to promote early childhood education. Jumpstart’s mission is “To work toward the day that every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed”. We would like to thank Debbie Giles, Bonita Roberts, Barbara Newberry, Lauren White and Paula Sullivan for sharing the book ‘Otis’ with our students. In picture Debbie Giles, Bonita Roberts, Barbara Newberry, Lauren White and Paula Sullivan.

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Thank You Impala Gala Sponsors! We are grateful for your support and your commitment to providing quality Catholic education in Mobile. With the help of our families and sponsors we have completed another successful Impala Gala.

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Save the Date St. Ignatius Parent Preview January 12, 2014 1-4 p.m. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Semmes Middle School Selects Drug Education Ambassador Hugh Mitchell, from Semmes Middle School has been chosen as the SMS Drug Education Ambassador for the 20132014 school year. He was recognized at the Annual Superintendents' Red Ribbon Leadership Awards on October 9. Congratulations to Hugh. We look forward to the community service project that Hugh will lead – addressing substance abuse prevention and/or intervention. The Drug Education Council is a United Way agency providing substance abuse prevention, intervention, and referral services throughout southern Alabama.

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Bigs and Littles at St. Luke

A long standing SLES tradition has been the Kindergarten and 8th grade Bigs and Littles Program. Each kindergarten student is paired with an 8th grade Big Brother or Big Sister. The students meet throughout the year for activities, projects, snacks and a HUGE Easter Egg Hunt, then compete together in the K3-8th grade Spring Festival games. During their first activity of the year the students are introduced to each other then find a great spot outside to read together and get to know each other. Pictured is 8th grader Ansleigh Dailey with her new little sister, Hallie Rose Downing.

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County Schools St. Mary Catholic Autauga School Parent Night and Open House

St. Mary Catholic School will host Parent Night on Tuesday, November 13. This showcase of the school is an evening for parents who are interested in learning more about the many opportunities St. Mary Catholic School has to offer. The event will begin with an informational dinner from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. followed by an open house with curriculum tours from 6:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. This evening offers a unique opportunity for interested parents to not only tour the school, but to speak with St. Mary School parents, faculty, and staff members about all aspects of the school. Children are welcome to take the tour, and during the dinner child-care will be provided with a meal. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), St. Mary Catholic School offers education for children in grades Pre K3 through eighth grade. In addition to the daily curriculum, St. Mary Catholic School is proud to offer unique programs such as Spanish, French, art, music, science lab, Accelerated Reader Program, choir, resource, McGill-Toolen Prep Band, guided/levelized reading, Pre K Phonics, middle school elective program, National Junior Honor Society, and The Something Beautiful for God service program all students. Leadership opportunities, participation in academic competitions and a wealth of extracurricular activities enhance the well-rounded education offered at St. Mary's. Parent involvement is also important where parents have the opportunity to serve on the school board and volunteer for numerous educational and social events throughout the year. St. Mary Catholic School is proud to be the educational arm of St. Mary Parish where students can be involved in CYO sports, the EDGE Youth Group, and the altar server program. A member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, St. Mary offers the seventh and eighth graders the eligibility to compete on many of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School’s sports teams. Under the leadership of school principal, Mrs. Debbie Ollis, St. Mary Catholic School continues the tradition of excellence in education which began in 1867. Generations of families have passed through St. Mary’s doors and alumni continue to be involved in the success of the school. Open Registration for the 2014-2015 year begins January 21. Families may also schedule a personal tour at any time, by contacting the school office at 433-9904. St. Mary Catholic School is located at 107 North Lafayette Street. For more information on programs and events, log on to www.stmarymobile.org. Pictured left to right at the recent "Worlds of Opportunity" Career Fair at Expo Hall are St. Mary 8th grade student ambassadors: Kayla Ericksen, Hayleigh Jones, Mackie Neese, Margaret Mather and Jenna Repoll.

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St. Paul’s Episcopal School Service Leadership Learns about Recycling

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Taylor Bahos, Annemarie Balfanz, Brooke Benefiel, Lee Bonner, Lyla Brady, Virginia Cottrell, Kellsey Daggett, Matthew D’Alonzo, Joseph Graham, Taylor Graham, Katie Grant Harkness, Taylor Larsen, Julia Logan, Hannah Rose Riggin, Olivia Scarcliff, Hyland Stockton, Caroline Ward, and Mary Alden Wing, all members of this years’ Service Leadership class at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, visited the Keep Mobile Beautiful (KMB) Recycling Center in August. Braving the rain, the students were treated to a wonderfully informative tour by Mrs. Phyllis Wingard, KMB’s Outreach Coordinator. On Wednesday August 21st, Mrs. Wingard gave a startling presentation to the class about local and global environmental issues. Students were challenged to choose a way that they can make a difference in Mobile. Students pictured from left to right: Bottom row: Brooke Benefiel, Olivia Scarcliff, Virginia Cottrell, Lyla Brady, Taylor Graham, Hyland Stockton, Hannah Rose Riggin, Taylor Bahos, Joseph Graham; Second row: Katie Grant Harkness, Julia Logan Matthew D’Alonzo, Phyllis Wingard (Keep Mobile Beautiful Outreach Coordinator), Taylor Larson, Mary Alden Wing, Lyla Brady, Annemarie Balfanz, Kellsey Daggett.

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

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Mary G. Montgomery Students Attend Leadership Conference

On September 23, students from the CTSOs of Mobile County left to attend the Joint Leadership Development Conference in Birmingham. Six Colonial Trailways buses were provided by Mobile County School System. JLDC is where all of the career tech student organizations come together each year in the state of Alabama. While there, they had the chance to enjoy listening to Dan Thurmon, a renowned speaker, who kept everyone on the edge of their seats with his awesome advice and amazing tricks. They also had the chance to network with the almost 6,000 other students from all over the state of Alabama, attend workshops put on by the state officers of the different CTSOs, visit the different exhibits set up by the conference partners, and listen to the leadership session “How Happiness Happens” by the “fastest talking Southerner you will ever meet,” Amy Gallimore. Mary G. Montgomery’s Future Business Leaders of America’s top 4 officers Brittany Clark, Kaitlyn Lott, Brittany Miller, and Sarah Fleming along with their adviser Suzanne Taylor attended this amazing conference.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Announces the Newest Members of the St. Paul’s Athletic Hall of Fame as well as the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus

St. Paul’s Episcopal School, a school rich in tradition and dedicated to honoring its distinguished alumni, held its inaugural Hall of Fame dinner on September 26th at 6 p.m. at the Country Club of Mobile. This year, 19 members of the Class of 2003 were inducted into the St. Paul’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Those inductees are: Parker Bostick, Chase Christianson, Phillipa Gates Dean, Tommy Jensen, Bunky Kateon, Bill Kleinschrodt, Brent Martina, Murre Martindale, Jeffrey Nobles, Mark Ogren, Luke Peavy, Neesa Peterson, Garrett Rice, Dan Roberts, Jonathan Sellers, Drew Sims, Eric Sweetser, Chason Weinacker and Chris Wells. Scott Lassman from the Class of 1981 was also honored at the dinner. In addition to the Hall of Fame, the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year was also honored and recognized at the event. The 2013 Distinguished Alumnus is Dr. Chris Park. Dr. Park, a 1993 St. Paul’s graduate, is a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in private practice in Mobile. He is the owner/president of Mobile Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Dermatology, The Park Clinic for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, and the Medspa at the Park. Chris continues to support St. Paul’s Episcopal School in many capacities and has been instrumental in the development of the Robert H. Rutledge Athletic Complex.

Local Robotics Team Competes in B.E.S.T. Competition

Our team name is iMACH Owls. This year we formed a company to compete in the Jubilee B.E.S.T. Robotics Competition held at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center on Oct. 5th. We competed against 30 area schools for a chance to compete in regionals, which is held at Auburn University. B.E.S.T. is a nationwide program that encourages students to become more active in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering. Each year all teams meet to be given their task for their robot to complete, a look at the game field that the robot will be performing on and to get excited about participating in such a rewarding program. Throughout a time period of 42 days, teams must build a robot and a display, which both will be judged and the display will have information about the team and about all they have accomplished over the month. A Presentation team will show off their marketing skills at an attempt to sell their robot to the judges. A Media team creates a commercial, newsletters, brochures and a website for the company. A Notebook team documents how the robot is being built. And finally the Spirit team encourages everyone on Game Day with cheers for the robot and all the team members. Our team consists of 32 members, pictured: Tyler Hess, Fletcher Williams, Sean Robinson, Hayden Lane, Ethan Hofer, Jordan Glassco, Iain Rhodes, Riley Peckham, Hunter Grissett, Dalton Allen, Kolby Isenburg, Ben Cockrell, Victoria Tanner, Sophie McVicar, Katie Price, Tolbert Hines, Victor Tanner, Julian Mercado, Gabriel Armstrong, Nicholas Thompson, Samuel Battle, Jillian Lane, Matthew Owens, Olivia Williams, Tanner Hess, Abigail McVicar, Logan Glassco, Elise Oliver, Aaron Rhodes, Baxley Stokes ( Co-President), Ashtynne Allen (Co-President). Not included in the photo are; Sam Cockrell, Ethan Harwell and Chase Harwell.

Campus Clean Up at E.R. Dickson Elementary

Phyllis Clardy Wingard with Keep Mobile Beautiful came out to lend a helping hand to students and teachers at E.R. Dickson Elementary School. With the help of Keep Mobile Beautiful and the school’s P.T.A. gloves, and bags were passed out as teachers and students participated in a school-wide campus clean up. E.R. Dickson’s National Honor Society worked gaining community service hours pulling weeds from the garden, picking up trash around the campus and saving a box turtle in the butterfly garden. The school staff did the heavy weeding in the butterfly garden and picking up trash along University Blvd. E.R. Dickson is getting ready for the start of their annual butterfly garden events and the first step was preparing the areas. This was an opportunity for the committee to see that the students and staff do believe that it starts with us taking pride in our school. 21

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Autauga County Schools North Mobile Christian School Students Visit Sea Lab

Mrs. Walker and Ms. Wilson’s 5th grade class from North Mobile Christian School in Saraland went on a field trip to Dauphin Island Sea Lab September 6. The students had classroom instruction on different types of sea life from plankton to blue whales. They participated in a touch lab where they could touch all types of sea creatures such as preserved sharks and stingrays. Next, the students worked in pairs dissecting a squid to learn about the anatomy of cephalopods. They removed all its parts including the beak, fins, lens from an eye, and the pen. The pen is a feathershaped internal structure that supports the squid's mantle. They dipped the pen in the ink from the ink sac to write their initials on paper. After the class and lab work, the students went to the salt marsh to discover what plants and animals live in estuaries. They found fiddler crabs and periwinkle snails. Last, the students went to Mobile Bay to use nets to catch fish and crabs. They found a sea robin, hermit crabs, flounder, anchovies, and shrimp. Mrs. Hazel Wilson was their excellent Discovery Hall Programs instructor for the day. 1st Row Sitting: Maggie Haupt, Joshua Bledsoe, Jamyni Harris, Ryleigh Campbell, Lucas Deakins, Jason Page, and Christopher Johnson. 2nd Row Kneeling: Alexis McLendon, Kennedy Critz, Amanda Johnson, Anna Olsen, Richard Vanderbeck, Katelin Booker, Maddie Smith, and Megan Thomas. 3rd Row Standing: Ms. Wilson, Jack Carter, Lunden Allen, Brady Clarke, Austin McLendon, Patrick Smith, Savannah Eberly, Mrs. Walker, Courtney Phillips, and Colby Sawyer.

Little Flower School Celebrates Feast of St. Therese

CHCA Grandparent’s Day a Huge Success

On October 4, the Cottage Hill Christian Academy K2-5th grade celebrated Grandparent’s Day. The morning began with a continental breakfast provided by Winn Dixie then an assembly in our Worship Center. Grandparents enjoyed the slideshow of pictures featuring their precious grandchildren, cheers by our Varsity cheerleaders, a performance by the band, and a presentation of our new playground. Following this, members of our Student Government Association did a terrific job guiding our grandparents to their grandchildren’s classrooms, telling them a little about our campus along the way. Our students really enjoyed having their grandparents in class with them– playing games, making crafts, and creating lifelong memories! While on campus, grandparents had the opportunity to purchase a Legacy Handprint Tile to benefit our new playground. The tiles feature the grandparents handprint along with those of their grandchildren and will be a lasting legacy featured on our new playground.

On October 8, Hannah Wentland, a Cottage Hill Christian Academy varsity volleyball player, was named the Azalea City Kiwanis Club’s Player of the Week. She was honored at their weekly luncheon and presented with a plaque. During the same week, Hannah was also nominated for the Mobile Area Player of the Week by the Press Register. Three local players were nominated -our own senior, middle blocker, Hannah Wentland, along with Jhalen Caffey of Bayside Academy, and Katherine Still of McGill. Following several days of online voting, Hannah was selected as the Player of the Week with over 10,000 votes and 57% of the vote. Hannah has provided 102 kills, 48 digs, and 10 blocks as the 3A sixth ranked Warriors went on a 6-1 that week. Coach Newton said, “Hannah is very deserving of this. She did a great job this past week putting the ball away and scoring big points when we needed her to. I consider it a credit to our whole team because it takes a team effort for us all to be successful.” Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Little Flower School celebrated the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux on October 1. St. Therese is also known as the Little Flower. Students from the school helped with readings for the Mass, served as readers and ushers, and brought the offertory gifts to the altar at both the school Mass and the parish Mass at 5:30. Fourth grade student, GiGi Gardner dressed as St. Therese and told her story to those present. She wore a habit similar to that of St. Therese; the habit had been made by former Little Flower teacher, Janet Laurence.

CHCA Volleyball Player Earns Player of the Week Times 2

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Dauphin Island Parents Make P.T.O. a Success

Dauphin Island Elementary School has many unique qualities! Its small student population and beautiful beachfront location provide an intimate learning environment for the students! However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the dedicated, service-focused Parent Teacher Organization that helps the school really shine! Parents volunteer their time and talent and also provide invaluable connections to outside resources for the school. During the first PTO meeting of the year, parents, teacher, and students packed the lunchroom. New PTO business was addressed, and Principal Diane Allgood and several teachers expressed their vision for the new school year. It was a relaxed time of sharing with refreshments donated by The Coffee Beast of Dauphin Island. Pictured from left to right are PTO President Ailene Miller and Vice-President Brandy Pulliam.

OfficeMax Surprises E.R. Dickson Teacher with School Supplies

Each year on A Day Made Better, OfficeMax associates surprise 1,000 teachers in their classrooms with $1,000 each worth of school supplies. Carole Hegwood a first grade teacher at E.R. Dickson Elementary School was a recipient of this award. Ms. Hegwood is an exceptional teacher who goes over and beyond the call of duty with her students on a daily basis. She frequently creates interactive lessons with her first grade students thereby engaging them in meaningful learning opportunities. Teaching is her life. Ms. Hegwood spends countless hours planning and preparing three-dimensional kinesthetic models for students to use in their learning process. She uses numerous resources from local arts and crafts stores to bring reading to life with her classroom creations. Furthermore, Ms. Hegwood incorporates music, song and dance into her classroom curriculum. She assists students make so many meaningful life connections. Ms. Hegwood has purchased several classroom supplies, music CDs and instructional resources out of her own pocket for the benefit of her students. Ms. Hegwood also spends several hours with students in her role as the sponsor of the school choir. Ms. Hegwood is nominated for her ability to reach and teach students and for her willingness to come to work every day with a pleasant demeanor despite health concerns. She is most deserving of receiving this honor. She is a quiet hero who deserves to be recognized. Ms. Hegwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st grade class with Office Max representatives.

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AutaugaHolds CountySuper SchoolsStar Breakfast Semmes Elementary

Students at Semmes Elementary celebrated their first full month of school at a Super Star Breakfast on September 24th. Each classroom teacher chose one student from their class as their Super Star for the month of September. These students were selected because of their honesty, trustworthiness, and giving demeanors towards their peers throughout the month of September. Kindergarten â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2nd grade: Bottom Row : Landon Urban, Bailey

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Dy C M La M Rh B Cobb, A.J. Bray, Zephyn Martin, Alex Gaston, Jenna Bryars; Top Row : Daysha Broughton, Coley Simpson, Aniya Southall, Madison Hoppe, Carlee Moss, Addyson Sumrall, Sarah Barnette. 3rd grade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5th grade: Bottom Row : Jayson Campbell, Mayce Lyle, Kyla Chatmon, Marissa Eguizabal, Madison Batdorf, Grace Harrison; Top Row : Brianna Broadus, Kaylynn Leachman, Walter Sanders, Christa Davis, Victoria Cochran, Kora Marshall, Renee Knowles.

ASMS Preview Day 2013

Preview Day 2013 will be held at the Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a perfect opportunity for prospective students and parents to visit the campus and see in person what ASMS is all about. On Preview Day, the science departments conduct experiments, the mathematics department displays the research boards that students have worked on, the humanities department will display student run demonstrations, and the physical education and fine arts departments show off West Campus in all its glory. ASMS Student Ambassadors will lead groups of guests to various demonstrations, conduct tours of the school, and answer questions. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 9:20 a.m. in the ASMS Auditorium. The day will end at approximately 2:30 p.m., and everyone is asked to stay the entire time. Due to the large number of students and parents who attend Preview Day, ASMS asks prospective parents to please not bring young children. Demonstrations will take place in the classrooms and are crowded. ASMS also asks that only the prospective student and parents or guardians attend if possible. Lunch will be served free for prospective students and will cost $6.00 for each additional person attending. To register for Preview Day visit www.asms.net. Since ASMS does not require lunch money up front, the count of people attending needs to be as accurate as possible. If you register and then find you cannot attend, please email or call the Admissions Office to let them know. Leave a message and the department will be sure to take you off of the list. If you have any questions about Preview Day, please contact the Admissions Office atadmissions@asms.net or call (251) 441-3250. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

UMS-Wright Students Attend Choral Festival

Ten UMS-Wright Lower School Chorus students attended the Alabama Music Educators Elementary Choral Festival in October. The students sang with over 400 students from all over the state of Alabama. It was a great weekend that ended with the students performing a concert for a packed house at the Samford University Wright Center for Performing Arts. Pictured from left to right: First row William Denson, Ryan Montgomery, Ryan Rothermel. Second row - Megan Taylor, Katie Faggard, Racheal Reeves. Third row - Mary Carter Howard, Louise Tyrrell Ford, Campbell Johnson, Katie Holston. www.mobilebayparents.com

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Murphy's JROTC Places 1st in Overall Drill Competition

Murphy High School's JROTC competed against nine other schools from Alabama and surrounding states such as Mississippi and Louisiana in the Gulfport High School Drill Meet on September 28, in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Color Guards were commanded by students, Terial Malone and Josh Sneed each winning an impressive third place. The female drill teams placed an exceptional 1st in inspection and armed regulation drill. The all-girl team was led by students Tarial Malone, Starann Foster and Niya Kimbell and they went on to place 2nd in unarmed exhibition drill. The male drill team led by students Josh Sneed and Michael Miller also made high scores and placed 2nd in unarmed regulation drill and armed exhibition drill as well as placing 3rd in inspection. Murphy won first place overall. Congratulations to these hardworking JROTC students. Other cadets participating were: Aaron Woodard, Skylar Hannon, Patrick Wright, Keaton Dycus, William Cherry, Andrew Cherry, Tyler Comstock, Charles Pollman, T. J. Connolly, Mario Hernandez, Quentin Hart, Llewaylyn Lanier, Thien Phan, Ayanna Marinez, Alexis Mixon, Latrina Hughes, Megan Harris, Teyia Rhodes, Audrey Bego, Alexis Wilson, Lindsey Bunderson, Janeria Rankin, Octavia Jones and Carissa Foster.

Sea Cadets Participate in Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony

Dunlap Division cadets participated in a Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Pinning Ceremony held aboard the USS Alabama on September 14, 2013. The cadets’ Color Guard Paraded the Colors as others stood in ranks alongside the crew members of the LCS4 USS Coronado to honor the new CPO Stacy Ann Thomas. This was not the Sea Cadets’ first experience with the crew and they hope to continue this relationship into the future. The USS Coronado was built locally at Austal, giving the cadets their first opportunity to serve in January, 2012, as the USS Coronado was Christened at the Mobile Convention Center. In other news, on Saturday, September 21, leaders, cadets and family members of the Dunlap Division’s U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps participated in the 26th Annual Alabama Coastal Clean-up. This is one of the largest annual volunteer events held in the state of Alabama. The Dunlap Division had the honor to rally together with the Cottage Hill Junior Civitan to gather debris at Chickasabouge Park in Eight Mile. The weather did not look promising but the cadets did not let a little rain stop their efforts in helping their community by removing as much debris as possible. 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. The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. Upon completion of training as a Sea Cadet, the young men and women cadets are under no obligation to enlist in any of the armed forces. However, if they decide to enlist, they are usually eligible to enlist at an advanced pay grade. Participation in the Sea Cadets is also a positive factor in the awarding of ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know is interested in the Sea or League Cadet program and how they may join or by volunteering as an adult leader, visit our Division website www.drdunlap.org or our national website www.seacadets.org. You may also follow our local unit page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison. 25

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Autauga County Schools St. Pius X Robotics Team

Participates for First Time in Competition

St. Pius X participated in the Jubilee BEST Robotics Competition on Saturday, October 5 at the USA Mitchell Center. This was St. Pius X’s first experience in a robotics competition. Pictured are the members of the robotics team.

St. Mary Catholic School Remembers 9-11

A special surprise for St. Mary Catholic School students during their September 11 Memorial was a live stream visit from Major Mike Anderson presently stationed in Afghanistan. Major Anderson's wife, Judy and two children Mark and Lily, all three alumni of St. Mary Catholic School, were present that morning for the visit and tribute with the entire St. Mary student body. Prayers are with Major Mike and his family and with all those families we remembered on that day. Thanks to school parent and parishioner, John Kilpatrick, also a member of our military, for providing the live stream contact with Major Anderson. Pictured: St. Mary Parishioner, Major Mike Anderson listens to "God Bless America" sung by the entire St. Mary student body and has a conversation with them via live stream video from Afghanistan during St. Mary's 9-11 Memorial Assembly.

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UMS-Wright Students Chosen for Youth Council and Ambassador Program

Two UMS-Wright students were selected to serve on the Mobile City-County Youth Council – Hadley Summersell, appointed by Bess Rich, and Robert Hope, appointed by Gina Gregory. Hadley and Robert were chosen to serve in an official capacity, as well as to act as a liaison and representative for their peers. Appointments are for the duration of their high school years. Students serving on the Mobile City-County Youth Council will also organize one project each year that will encourage their peers to make healthy lifestyle choices with respect to drugs and alcohol. Also, two UMS-Wright students have been chosen to serve as Mobile Ambassadors. Melissa Hannahan and Mary Jo Martino were selected by their school to represent the challenges and situations of their particular school and to share information on projects and discussions from the ambassador program. These programs, coordinated by the Drug Education Council, will work together allowing students from across the city and county to collaborate and actively serve their community.

St. Paul’s Lower School Gets Tennis Lessons from Mobile Tennis Clinic

The St. Paul’s lower school students were able to learn tennis techniques from the experts. On September 25th, instructors from the Mobile Tennis Clinic came to teach the students at the St. Paul’s lower school gym. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Mary B. Austin Students Read for the Record

How often do you go to school and find your teachers and administrators dressed as farmers, a hen and plow in the carpool lane, and a school full of special guests? Students at Mary B. Austin were in for a big surprise when their school became “Mary B. Farm” for “Read for the Record” day on October 3rd. “Read for the Record” is a national campaign to promote childhood literacy. Millions of students across the nation were treated to an adventurous tale, “Otis,” by Loren Long. Mary B. Austin’s 500+ students listened as guests from the community came to their classrooms to read a sweet story about a faithful old tractor on a farm. This day was a tremendous success due to the support of the following guest readers from our community: Superintendent Martha Peek, Dr. Lynda Carroll, Marilyn Howell, Jack and Allison Horner- State Farm, Lesa Loftis- Chick-Fil-A, Mr. Gus- Zaxby’s, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Joel Daves- District 5 Council Member, Representative Randy Davis, Ethel Gholston, Bess Rich- District 6 Council Member, Commissioner Connie Hudson, Fredrick Richardson, Jr.- District 1 Council Member, Kym Thurman- WPMI Local 15 News, Darnell Archey and Basketball PlayersUniversity of South Alabama. The tremendous support from our partners and community helps ensure that our fabulous students are receiving the very best that education has to offer!

J.E. Turner Students are On the Job

The J. E. Turner Elementary's first semester Safety Patrol members were chosen by their teachers for showing exceptional leadership, citizenship, conduct, and academics. This very important student title includes duties such as monitoring the hallways, bathrooms, and bus lines. Turner Safety Patrol members are also responsible for properly displaying, taking down, and folding the American Flag. The students feel a pride and honor at being chosen to represent their school in a leadership role. These students are dependable mentors to their fellow classmates. Back row: Coach Sam Lassiter, Riley Brown, Max Haggard, Dylan Davidson, Jacob Fetner, Mrs. Shari Santana; 2nd Row: Kyli-Addison Evans, Sydnie McIlwain, Alexis Wade, Maci Pippin, Stephenie Gray, Taylor Skelton; 3rd: Cameryn Dorough, Brooklyn Buford.

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Autauga County Schools Dragon Drawdown Raises $33k for ASMS

As 300 ticket numbers were “drawn down” on a large video screen, ASMS community members mingled, bid on silent auction items, and listened to live music at the 2013 Parent Association sponsored Dragon Drawdown, held at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on Friday, Sept. 27. In the end, $33,000 was raised for ASMS. When the last 10 ticket numbers remained on the board, all 10 holders decided to split the $5,000 pot evenly, with many vowing to donate their earnings back to the school. The 2012 Drawdown Winners are: Billy Williams, GL Research, William and Martha Paracca, Belinda Watts, Boksoon Park, Dale and Diane Shirley, Dr. David Stroeker, Andy Newton, David and Nereida Brooks, and Paul Klotz. “It was a truly great event and I am so pleased that we were able to raise so much for our deserving students,” says Development Director Linda Mayson. “Our Parent Association volunteers did a wonderful job. I think everyone had a great time. We can’t wait to do it again next year!” The Dragon Drawdown was sponsored by 5 Rivers Delta, Andree’s of Fairhope (provided the catering), Davis Family Medicine (Selma, Ala.), Eubanks & Sons, Jim Ketchum and Stacy Reckeweg, Judy and David Sullivan, and GL Research. “The great thing about the drawdown is that all of the proceeds go toward helping our students,” says Development Assistant Caroline Lancaster, who helped plan the event. “I’d like to thank all of our volunteers and those who donated silent auction items.”

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ASMS Chemical Engineering Career Seminar

Students from the Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) attended a chemical engineering seminar Sept. 19 on the ASMS campus. Three chemical engineering professionals joined the event to provide students with real-world knowledge and talk about their hands-on experience while working in the field. “Our outstanding guest speakers offered our students an opportunity to hear first-hand how a motivated individual can obtain a degree in chemical engineering and what career options are available,” said Dr. Elisa Rambo, chemistry teacher at ASMS. “In addition, our students learned what a chemical engineer might do on a daily basis. For students who are interested in math and chemistry, a chemical engineering degree can offer a broad range of career choices, not just the traditional expectations of the job.” Rambo decided to hold the seminar when her student Will Blackwell, a senior at ASMS, spoke to her about his interest in chemical engineering as a college major. For Blackwell’s directed reading, he researched assigned topics pertaining to chemical engineering such as process design, thermodynamics and economics. The knowledge he gained was shared during the seminar so that his peers could learn as well. “I felt that having guest speakers from the local engineering companies would further provide the connection between what Will learned from his research and real-world experiences.,” Rambo said. “I asked Linda Mason, the Director of Development at ASMS, to help me locate volunteers to speak from school contacts and company donors. I also utilized Auburn University’s K-12 Engineering Outreach program run by Dr. George Blanks.” At the end of Blackwell’s discussion on chemical engineering, the guest speakers allowed students to ask questions about their careers. “Chemical engineers have several career options,” said Josh Heller, who provides facilities engineering and operational support for Exxon Mobil’s natural gas operations in Mobile Bay offshore. He received his bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. “Large companies like Exxon Mobile will hire a chemical engineer and train them for a particular specialty,” Heller continued. “However, there are some smaller companies that will only hire a trained specialist.” Students asked how hard or easy it was for the engineers to choose what field to study in engineering and when they knew what exactly they wanted to be. “I knew I wanted to do something with chemistry and math,” said Leah Bell, an engineer at Maverick Technologies who performed an environmental co-op at MeadWestvaco after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. “I specialized in environmental engineering during school, but now I’m a packaging engineer. A chemical engineer many times means a universal engineer, so you really never knew where you will end up.” Daniel Maslen, a chemical engineer at Exxon Mobil who received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 2011, said he attended a summer camp at KSU that led him to choose chemical engineering over other fields of study. After discussing the college course for studying chemical engineering, Heller described the commitment it takes to become a chemical engineer. “Don’t just chose to become a chemical engineer because it’s one of the highest paying undergrad degrees,” Heller said. “It’s a big commitment. But, if you choose to go this route, stick with it because it’s very rewarding in the end.” ASMS will continue to hold career seminars for its students in the future. “This is the third student seminar I have organized in the past two years,” Rambo said. “I feel that the chemical engineering presentation connected the pixels for students who had a hazy view of chemical engineering as a career.” Pictured, after ASMS senior Will Blackwell gave an overview of chemical engineering (left), professionals Josh Heller (left-center), Leah Bell (rightcenter), and Daniel Maslen (far right) talked about their experiences in the field. 29

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County Phillips Spanish Autauga Students are Schools on Their Way to Spain

The following Phillipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pirates will be experiencing a transformational once-in-a-lifetime moment by traveling to the exciting European capitals of London, Paris, and Madrid during Spring Break of 2014. From left to right are: Carlos Holly, Samantha Young, Edward Kelson, Paul Lockett, Jacob Watson, Codi Pevarnik, and Marta DeWitt. Mr. Holly and Mrs. DeWittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7th grade Spanish students just completed a unit on Spain and its magnificent culture in preparation for the trip by making a poster about Spain using information learned in class.

St. Dominic Parents Receive Carpool Packages

St. Dominic Catholic School recently continued the tradition of distributing carpool packages to parents as they dropped off students in the morning. The packages contained a breakfast treat, a card with a school year prayer and the Profile of A Graduate. Alani Rodgers continued this act of kindness by volunteering to distribute packages.

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McGill-Toolen Students Visit Corpus Christi Catholic School

Corpus Christi Catholic School students got a treat from "old" friends when former students who are now McGill-Toolen Student Ambassadors came to visit. The McGill Student Ambassadors handed out tattoos and spoke to our students about high school. In addition, Corpus Christi had held a McGill-Toolen trivia contest throughout the week. The winner, 5th grader Rachel Patronas, was announced. She won a goodie bag that included McGill-Toolen football tickets. Pictured are: Sarah Brooks, Peyton Domning, Jake Picicci, Emily Bourdon, Katy Rasp and CCS student Rachel Patronas.

St. Ignatius Students Create Crazy Hair for Impala Gala Week

Impala Gala week at St. Ignatius brings lots of WILD and crazy days. Pictured are the crazy hair day winners from each class. We have some creative kids.

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Corpus Christi Catholic School Students Perform Needed Improvements Members of the Corpus Christi Catholic School Student Leadership Committee (SLC) recently spent time after school repainting the handicap parking spaces in school's parking lot. Pictured are Vivian Le, Sarah Gelineau and Brant LaCoste.

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal School Homecoming Court

St. Luke's Episcopal School recently elected their 2013 Homecoming Court. Pictured, from top to bottom: Freshman Ellie Pierce and Olivia Fisher, Sophomores Alex Vallas and Martha Ellen Phillips, Juniors Chloe McGuire, Romi Ibarra and Ashlynn Murphy, and Seniors Alex Giacchina, Megan Manas and Hillary Carroll.

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A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

Should be urgently assessed medically

Should not be left alone

Should not drive a motor vehicle

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

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

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Autauga County Eighth Graders Learn About Jobs Schools at Worlds of Opportunity

About 11,000 eighth graders from Mobile and surrounding counties learned about possible careers at the fourth-annual Worlds of Opportunity expo at the Civic Center in downtown Mobile. “If you don’t know what career you’re going to do, then how are you going to get there,” said Tiffany Long of North Mobile K-8. “This is giving us examples of what we can do.” Tiffany said she enjoyed talking to some of the Cumulus radio disc jockeys in the Communication World, one of 12 different worlds at the expo. She loves music and loves to talk, she said, so that’s a career she’s considering. The other worlds are: Health Care, Hospitality and Tourism, Construction, Automotive Technology, Public Service, Shipbuilding and Repair, Energy, Aerospace, Engineering and Design, Safety and Manufacturing. On Wednesday, students at the BASF chemical company exhibit made slime out of glue, food coloring and borax. Then, a few booths down at Austal, they tested to see how many coins they could float on a piece of aluminum in a tray full of water. BAE System had students pumping air through pipes until they had enough to pop a balloon. Physical therapists from the University of South Alabama let the students test their ability to stand on one leg and throw a ball. Nearby, students delivered a plastic baby from a mannequin in an activity that always garners several, “ewws,” and “yucks” from the crowd. Students wrote their names in icing, loaded luggage on carts for a race and watched a chef from Virginia College make mayonnaise from scratch with vinegar, eggs and oil. And there is so much more. Adrian Houston, an eighth-grader at Scarborough Middle, said he was especially interested in the welding and in audio visual careers. He said he’s hoping to join the Air Force after graduating from high school. “We’ve got to think about that now,” Adrian said, “so we don’t end up on the streets with nothing.” Sergio Tanner, an eighth-grader at Cranford Burns, said he’s considering a career in either energy or aerospace. The Worlds of Opportunity – put on by the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council and others - “is cool.” “I’m learning about all kinds of jobs,” Sergio said. Larry Mouton, executive director of workforce development for Mobile County Public Schools, said he's heard this is the best Worlds of Opportunity yet. "This has been the most engaging and educational year so far," Mouton said. "The students seemed really prepared to engage the presenters with questions about career options."

Optimist Club Honors Phillips Preparatory Student of the Month

The Optimist Club’s “Student of the Month” for September was Rohan Badve. He was recognized at the luncheon on September 18, and given a plaque for exhibiting outstanding character.

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St. Luke's Provides Mobile's Only College Prep Medical Exploration Curriculum

The St. Luke's BioMed Program is a series of three elective courses beginning the sophomore year of high school. Students explore a variety of medical fields and occupations both in and out of the classroom. Students begin by learning basic clinical skills and conduct. They are introduced to a wide range of careers from local health care professionals who volunteer their time to teach classes in their field of expertise. Later, students are introduced to the clinical setting and begin learning in a hands-on environment as our gracious hosts invite them to participate in their daily activities including patient care and equipment operation. Finally, senior students select a specific area of interest and spend a year immersed in research and job shadowing. The year culminates with their Capstone Project which includes a 25 page research paper and a project presentation that is attended by their peers, parents and a panel of medical professionals. Pictured are juniors Matthew Holland, Carly Mostellar and Anna Regan as they teach a Nutrition class to Lower School students and Sophomore Hayden McConnell as she demonstrates proper hand washing techniques to the 3 year old classes during the "Germophobia" presentation.

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Old Shell Magnet School Students Grow Food Students at Old Shell Road Magnet School are growing their own food to eat. The school has planted cabbage and rosemary in large planters in front of the school. There are plans to plant fruit trees. And this spring, the school will grow tomatoes and other vegetables. Why cabbage and rosemary? “We were trying to pick something that grows fast so the kids will see results,” said Principal Karen Hilsee. Old Shell Road, which has about 400 students and focusing on performing arts, broke ground on the gardens on Thursday. Hilsee said she had to remind her students not to expect a quick harvest by Monday. “It takes a while for plants to grow,” she said. Hilsee said this will be a great hands-on learning experience for the children. “When we talk about the plants and habitats, the students will be able to walk right outside and see the plants actually growing,” Hilsee said. “The fact that it’s going to be edible, that it’s going to be things we can use to season our food with is going to make it even better.” Though some local schools have outdoor classrooms, Old Shell Road is the first Mobile County public school to participate in the new Edible Schoolyards program through Victory Teaching Farms. Areas throughout the school site will be transformed into food producing gardens with students, parents, faculty and community volunteers assisting with planting, caring for and harvesting the produce. Lesson plans will be introduced allowing the teachers to incorporate the program directly into the required curriculum. The gardens are completely organic and chemicals will never be used and all beds and planters are sustainable and chemical-free. Composting will be introduced, reducing food waste from the cafeteria and turning it into soil to continue to replenish the garden. “The children are outside having fun and enjoying nature while learning about where their food comes from and why it is so important to their health and the health of our environment,” Tarrant Lanier with Victory Teaching Farms told WKRG-Channel 5.

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Autauga County Schools Booker T. Washington Mentoring Program is Training Gentlemen

Booker T. Washington Middle School’s Bridge Builder Mentoring/Leadership Program’s primary objective is to transform young males into gentlemen. The process begins when the mentors “capture” the attention of young men and help them to see themselves as positive role models in school as well as in the community. The Bridge Builder Mentoring/Leadership Program’s curriculum provides weekly lessons to guide students through subjects such as: Self Discipline, Respect for Authority, Dignity and Teamwork. Students meet weekly, and are expected to be appropriately dressed in their Sunday’s best. Each student is required to wear a dress shirt, tie, belt, and pants. The program has welcomed distinguished guests from the community, such as Mr. Carlos Finley, of Boteler, Finley & Wolfe, and P.C.

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St. Ignatius Students Play Tennis for PE

St. Ignatius School is serving it up this fall with tennis clinics during PE class. Pictured are: Ameila Revels and Gabby Marston.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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'It is very cool to read,' Students Realize While Participating in Read for the Record

Thousands of Mobile County students celebrated reading and learned about friendship as part of the national “Read for the Record.” The children read – or listened to special guests at their schools as they read – the book “Otis” by Loren Long. Read for the Record is when millions of children across the country promote childhood literacy by reading the same book, which is selected by Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation. “Otis” is about a tractor who befriends and eventually rescues a calf. Dalton Weaver, a second-grader at Griggs, said he liked the book and the character Otis. “He’s nice. He’s kind to people,” Dalton said. “When his friends need help, he will come help them.” The entire student body at Griggs watched via an encoder as WKRG’s Devon Walsh read “Otis” aloud. Then, they went outside to the track to participate in a reading parade led by a tractor belonging to a student’s family. Students held up some of their favorite books as they rounded the track, including “Fox in Socks,” the “Wizard of Oz” and some non-fiction books ranging in topic from how to cook spaghetti to hot rods. “You can learn from a book,” Griggs Elementary second-grader Jazlyn Gulley. At E.R. Dickson Elementary, students got pumped up about reading during a morning assembly. School board member Don Stringfellow read “Otis” aloud to all 900 students in the gym. Then the students sang some songs about reading. All of the teachers came dressed as their favorite characters from books. Katryna Lowery Ellis, dressed as last year’s Read for the Record book character, Ladybug Girl, reminded the children to always carry a book with them. “If you have a couple of spare minutes,” Ellis said, “read.” E.R. Dickson second-grader Isaac Jensonne said he likes to read because “it’s fun.” He particularly liked the part in “Otis” where the tractor saved the calf from sinking in a muddy pond. “I think it is very cool to read,” said E.R. Dickson second-grader Demarion McCall, “because you can think of everything you want to do and learn about anything from a book.”

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Autauga County Schools St. Mary Catholic School Newest NJHS Members

St. Mary Catholic School held the fall National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony on September 27. President, Grace Jensen led the ceremony in St. Mary Catholic Church. The NJHS high standards were read by members Riley Conlon, Ila Cummings, Anna Grace Lynam, and Ashlyn Blankenship. The following new members joined their parents and the current members for a reception following the ceremony: Pictured left right are: front row: Brendan Reilly, Caroline Elliott, Hannah Daffin, Natalie Falls, Emily Doyle. Row 2: Corinne Stein, Anna Marie Calderaro, Isabella Barbour, Cate Baggett, Julianna Roveda (honorary), Jenna Repoll, Bryceson Massey, Alan Andrews. Row 3: Hayden Tuite, Andrew Thompson, Garet Seibt, Alayna Mickles, Frieda Kickliter, Sarah Frances Greene, Cecilia Florey, and Aisling Finnegan. New members not pictured: Alex Husting and Millie Martorana.

Dauphin Island Student Leaders Elected

Students at Dauphin Island Elementary School recently chose the 2013-2014 Student Council leaders and representatives. Pictured are back row: Joseph Skinner; Ashlin Lott, President; Carrie Wagner, Secretary; John Gibbs; Steven Harbison, VicePresident; 2nd row: Jacob Miller, Treasurer; Noah Faggard; Matthew Alexander; Cameron Curtis; Kyler Curtis; Front row: Kaleb Curtis; Addison Ladnier.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Mary G. Montgomery Students Visit Exploreum

Mary G. Montgomery’ s Teaching & Learning Academy went on their very first field trip September 19th. Ms. Wilson, the Lead Teacher for the Teaching & Learning Academy took her students to watch “To the Arctic,” a new IMAX film at the Exploreum. After watching the film, the education department at the Exploreum spoke to the students about how they come up with new activities, educational careers, and how MGM students could get involved with volunteer activities at the Exploreum. The Arctic extravaganza did not stop there. When the students returned, they were each assigned a specific discipline or grade level to create a lesson on the arctic. While one student may have researched the history, another may have examined the climate or created an art project for the class to do. When all of the pieces were put together and presented to the class, an enormous, cross curricular unit was developed.

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McGill-Toolen Catholic Sweeps Scholars Bowl Tournament

Congratulations to the Varsity Scholars Bowl Team members Emily Mitchell, Margie Powers, Erin Hannahan and Connor Kusch for a huge win today against St. Lukes, B.C. Rain, Murphy and Blount. We scored 1085 points to a combine total of 340 for the other 4 schools!

Our JV Scholar's Bowl Team won their match as well. Team members Spencer Johnson, Nick West, Nathaniel Roberstson, Hunter Palmer and Matthew Davis scored 775 points to the combined score of 155 points for the competing teams from St. Lukes, B.C. Rain, Murphy and Blount.

Giving thanks. Allison Horner, Agent 6353 Cottage Hill Road, Suite F Bus: 251-666-1616 Fax: 251-666-6919 www.allisonhorner.com allison@allisonhorner.com

I thank you for your continued business. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®

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State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

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Autauga County Schools St. Dominic Catholic School Student Council

Congratulations to the members of the St. Dominic Catholic School Student Council. These students pledge to serve their fellow students with pride and dedication and bring honor to the school. They promise to be examples by their behavior, conduct, and Christian values. Pictured are (front row, l â&#x20AC;&#x201C; r) Michael Seiter, Classroom Representative; Riley Oberkirch, Classroom Representative; Ben Dunwell, Prayer Leader/ Parliamentarian; Madeleine Greenwood, Secretary/Treasurer; Maggie Overstreet, Vice President; Taylor Fridley, President; (back row, l â&#x20AC;&#x201C; r) Hannah Murphy, Classroom Representative; Gage Ragona, Classroom Representative; Lauren Wilson, Classroom Representative; Jillian Lami, Classroom Representative; Spencer Baldwin, Classroom Representative and Marika Hall, Classroom Representative.

St. Pius X Classes Visit Corn Maze

The St. Pius X Pre-K thru 3rd grades ventured to Seward Farms on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 8-9 to experience the corn maze. In addition students road hay rides, cow trains, and jumped in corn pits, among other activities.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Promoting Limitless Learning

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ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE, AND MORE! STEPS TO SUCCESS TUTORING IS COMMITTED TO CREATING AN INDIVIDUALIZED TUTORING PROGRAM FOR EVERY STUDENT. We work hard to accurately target our students' strengths and weaknesses to help them achieve confidence and success in their academic endeavors. Our tutors are experts in their fields, and will work hard to encourage and motivate your student by providing extensive supplemental practice from the comfort of your home or local library.

CALL TODAY OR VISIT US ONLINE! 251.298.7616 | www.stepstosuccesstutoring.net 39

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W by Christina Katz Let’s face it, kids do not always feel grateful for everything they have. But just because they do not feel appreciative every minute of every day does not make them ingrates. And for better or for worse, if you constantly nag your kids with lines like, “Do you realize how lucky/fortunate/ blessed you are?”...they will just tune you out eventually. An attitude of gratitude is something children need to be reminded to practice without excessive pressuring. In fact, if you can make scavenging for gratitude an opportunity for fun every year, everybody wins. You may be surprised to learn that your kids are a lot more appreciative than you thought. And they might decide that expressing what they feel grateful for isn’t as much of a pain as they had imagined. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

So, go ahead. Make gratitude games an annual habit every Thanksgiving season. Here are five ways to motivate your kids to dig deep and rediscover an inner well of thankfulness without feeling put out:

Word association Let kids pull together a mind association list of words that represent moments, memories, or anything that naturally pops into their minds in response to the question, “What do I feel most grateful for?” Family members can work alone or as a group. A parent can help a preschooler create a short, colorful list. School-age children may do better if given a number challenge like, “What are the top ten things you feel most grateful for this past year?” Keep the activity quick, fun, and light. Don’t treat it like an essay assignment unless you have a writer in the family who would enjoy answering the question in essay form. 40

Photo safari Over the course of a fall weekend, give each child an hour with your digital camera or your camera phone. The assignment is to go around your house and yard snapping photos of things that make them feel happy. These photos can include people, pets, nature, objects, places, and anything else they love. When you recover your camera, download a smattering of photos for each child into a collage format offered through your favorite local photo printing service. Have each child title the document in his or her own words and hang photo collages near the Thanksgiving table. Plastic or magnetic frames make it easy to protect and store collages for next year.

Appreciation postcards Get a few packages of blank postcards and fine-point water-based markers from the art supply store. For young children, www.mobilebayparents.com

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parents can write names and addresses of family members in permanent ink on one side of the postcard, so important information won’t smear. Then, on the other side, ask kids to write one word that describes something they appreciate about each family member and decorate the postcard to match the sentiment. Make this an annual event and family members will look forward to their handmade postcards every year.

Lessons learned Life is school. We are all always learning new things. Sometimes we learn things we can’t appreciate until later because the learning process is challenging, difficult or painful. Discussing these kinds of learning experiences raises an awareness of resiliency in kids and teaches them not to shirk challenges. About a week before Thanksgiving, start a round robin of sharing tough lessons learned during the past year. Rather than having everyone share in one night, let one person per night share in a relaxed manner during dinner. You might just find your family swept up in some of your most educational and inspiring conversations of the year.

Shop the Village of Spring Hill for ALL your holiday needs. All Around the House • Carousel Kids • Carter & Company • Claudio’s Spring Hill Italian Bistro • Cleveland the Florist • CVS • Dan Perry, D.M.D • Dragonfly • Family Pharmacy of Spring Hill • Five Gold Monkeys • The Gallery Shoe Boutique • Gold Art • Greater Mobile Laser & Aesthetic Center • Greathouse - For The Home • Gwin’s Stationary • Hemline • Hertha’s Second Edition • Holiday • Kate Dempsey Interiors • Marisa’s Interior Design Studio • Martha Rutledge Catering • Mobile Museum of Art • Room Service • Shoefly • Something New • Spring Hill Ace Hardware • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church • Studio Blu • Trustmark

SUNDAY

December

1-5 pm A unique, Fun And locAl shopping experience! Carriage rides Photos with Santa Art Walk Strolling Carolers Children’s Activities Refreshments

Written on stone Creating a thoughtful gift for someone else can bring out gratitude in even the grumpiest pilgrim. Purchase enough large river stones from your local garden shop or stone supplier so that each person in attendance for Thanksgiving will have one with their name on it. Be sure to pick up a couple extra, just in case. Scrub stones clean with soap and water and let dry. Paint stones on the top, sides, and bottom lip in an array of autumn colors. Across top of each stone, write guests’ names in large letters with permanent markers or paint pens. Let dry completely then cut words that describe each guest out of old magazines. Apply words to rims of stones with Mod Podge and sponge brushes. When stones are dry, cut and glue a piece of felt on the bottom. Use stones as placeholders at the Thanksgiving table and watch the proud grins. MBP Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. She feels grateful every time someone reads her words. Her latest book is The Writer’s Workout from Writer’s Digest Books.

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A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith

Living a Colorful Life Just as a child’s vocabulary grows from the simplest words to complex sentences as they mature, so too does their grasp of color. Beginning with the most basic colors of black, red, blue and yellow, kids quickly learn to recognize the blending of primary colors to add the greens, purples, orange and more. Even with crayon labels helping them expand their rainbow, their maturing vision and vocabulary let them discern broader and more diverse hues around them. They learn to associate them with their other senses until their palette begins to overflow with colors that define much of their world. The following recommended reading titles shine the light on the life of color through the eyes of a child.

The Day the Crayons Quit

by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel) When young Duncan opens his coloring box, he discovers his crayons gone, and in their place a collection of letters explaining why they’ve quit. His crayons have essentially gone on strike, complaining of their poor working conditions – each color has their own sad story to tell. Red is overworked (coloring fire engines and covering the big holidays of Christmas and Valentine’s Day). Beige is underworked (and suggests more fields of wheat in drawings). Yellow and Orange both believe they are the true color of the sun and are not currently speaking to each other. And poor White doesn’t even get used without Black’s outline! The resignation letters are hilarious – and full of the crayons’ self-serving tips for young readers to discover new ways to use ALL the colors at their disposal. From the furious scribbler to the finicky colorist, the laugh-out-loud title will become a top shelf favorite for every budding artist in the family.

Colors for Zena

by Monica Wellington (Dial Books for Young Readers) Waking up in a room of gray and muted hues, Zena is bursting to leave the house in search of all of her colors! Through each two-page spread in this book, she navigates through every color that she loves. One street is filled with yellow as a school bus and taxi move past yellow buildings and the flower shop. When she turns the corner the pages burst with the reds of a fire truck, a double-decker bus, an art store and more crimson hues. Zena adds all her favorite colors throughout her journey in the neighborhood. Ideal for young readers who are just starting to identify colors with traditional objects, kids will enjoy finding all the things that fit into the color schemes with each leg of Zena’s exploration!

My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood by Tameka Fryer Brown, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans (Viking)

Young Jamie has a very clear color sense of feelings. Associating colors with both the moments that make him feel good and the times when he is not so happy, Jamie’s moods are colored by his experiences. One of his best moods is the purple kind; the cold plum-eating, grape juice-drinking, listening to music kind of mood. But when his brothers send him off so they can play video games, Jamie’s mood becomes colored by a stormy gray. His yellow mood is warmed up by baked corn pudding, lemon pie and curry chicken, all served in a bright kitchen with his family. Supporting the associative sense of color to communicate feelings, My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood helps young readers articulate and expand the sense of color beyond putting a crayon to the page.

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

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

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Q. Is there a downside to refinancing your home often? A.

There’s really no downside to this, as long as each time you do a refinance you lower your interest rate enough to allow you to recoup closing costs before you move. In other words, you have to first make sure the numbers work. First, calculate the amount of money you’ll save as a result of a refinance. The way to do this is by multiplying the interest difference by your loan balance. If you have a $200,000 mortgage on a 5 percent loan, and you refinance to a 3 percent loan, that will save you 2 percent per year, or $4,000. Next, look at the refinance costs. What are the closing costs in order to refinance? If it’s $10,000, and you divide

that by $4,000, that says it would take two and a half years to get your money back. If the costs are $8,000, it would take you two years to get your money back if you’re saving $4,000 a year. That’s pretty substantial! What I just laid out is called a break-even analysis. Basically, it answers the question of how long it will take you to get back the money you spent on closing costs with the interest you save. That will give you the answer as to whether or not you should refinance again. So, there’s not really a “you’ve done this too often” rule. If you refinance three times in a year it would only be smart if interest rates have dropped significantly throughout that time. Doing a refinance to save an eighth of a percent won’t work out well for you.

Q. I’m following your plan, and I’ve just completed Baby Step 3. I’ve got my emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place, and I’ve paid off all my debts, except for the house, so I’m ready to tackle investing. I currently have $100,000 in a traditional IRA. Should I convert this to a Roth IRA? A. You’ll have to pay taxes on the amount you withdraw, and that will amount to roughly a fourth of what you roll from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. If you move $100,000, it will cost you about $25,000 in taxes. If you have that kind of money saved above your emergency fund, and separate from retirement savings, then yes, I’d convert to a Roth IRA. Don’t cash out your retirement or dip into your emergency fund. And please, please don’t run out and borrow money to make it happen! The traditional IRA is growing on a tax-deferred basis, while the Roth IRA would grow tax-free. So, if you can pay the taxes out of pocket, I say go for it!

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by Pam Molnar

Most of us can relate to the

frustrations of a teenager who receives a gift that doesn’t fit their style. When I was fourteen, my aunt bought me a dictionary for Christmas. I am sure I did my best to look happy and act thankful, but it was not the gift I was hoping for. In fact, the next day, the dictionary was shoved in the bottom drawer of my desk where it remained untouched for a long time. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

With the holidays approaching, it is time to think about what to get the tweens and teens in our life. Don’t be fooled into believing that every teenager appreciates the same thing. Like us, they all have their own taste. Although it is hard to compete with the electronics on their wish lists, you can find something within your budget to make them happy.

Memory Keeper A teen’s life is measured in events – choir practices, football games, dances at school or youth group outings. Why not let them preserve the memories of those events by giving them journals, photo albums or frames? A digital frame allows your teen to run a slideshow of their photos and relive those good times every day. A simple scrapbook may be welcomed by a craftier teen to store ticket stubs and concert programs.

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Entertainment It is not a surprise that tweens and teens like to do things with their friends. Encourage interaction with friends beyond social networking and video games and buy them a gift of entertainment. Teens love going to the movies, bowling or to a local pizza restaurant. More active teens may enjoy gifts to go rock climbing or play laser tag. 44

You will always get a positive response – and maybe even a smile – when you give the gift of cash. Many teens want to save for a big purchase and money is at the top of their lists. Instead of handing over a card with a check inside, be more creative. Blow up balloons and insert rolled up $1 bills. Make a money tree from a branch, place it in a pot and decorate with www.mobilebayparents.com

money as if it is growing. Tape cash together end to end and roll up inside an empty tissue box. Stick the end of the money roll out the top so money can continuously pull out.

Magazines There are magazines for every interest, hobby and age group. Whether your teen is an avid reader or just appreciates the pull out posters, magazines are the perfect gift. For the tech savvy teen, consider giving them a digital subscription that they can view on an e-reader. Wrap the current issue of the magazine as your gift and place a little card inside letting them know about their subscription. Your gift will be enjoyed all year long.

A Gift for Two As much as teens like to be with their friends, they value spending time with family members, too. Give them the gift of your time and do something together. Buy two tickets to a play, concert or sporting event and take your

teen with you. Try a spa day or a museum tour. Why not make a day of it by tailgating or eating a nice dinner out? Print out the brochure from the play, a team logo or museum map to place in a box with an itinerary of your day together.

$5 Gift Cards

With a little creativity and a little information about your teen, you are guaranteed to pick something that won’t sit in a drawer with the tags still on it.

If you are still not sure what to get your tween or teen, it’s time to fall back on the gift cards. Why not purchase several $5 gift cards so your teen can enjoy your gift on a few occasions? Five dollars is enough for a latte, a mall pretzel, an ice cream, a sub sandwich or a few items at the dollar store. Use your imagination when packaging your gift card. A coffee gift card can go inside an empty cup with a lid. Attach an ice cream gift card to a small snowman stuffed animal. This holiday season, deliver the cool gift your tween or teen will use and

appreciate. With a little creativity and a little information about your teen, you are guaranteed to pick something that won’t sit in a drawer with the tags still on it. Adults may say it is the thought that counts, but when you are a teen, it is the gift. MBP

Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist living in Naperville, IL. She is the mother of a teenager and two tweens – each with their own tastes.

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TheFlyLady

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

Parents Should Do Their Best, Words ButFavorite Not ExpectHoliday Too Much in Return Today I was asked if I could give one tip for having a good holiday season. The answer came so quick that I even surprised myself.

Let go of your perfectionism! If I can talk you into letting go of your perfectionism then you can cruise through the holidays without all the stress that being a perfectionist puts on you! I know you are looking for that perfect picture post card feeling, but let’s face it, that only happens in paintings or in the movies. I want you to allow yourself the freedom to celebrate the holidays without this undue stress. Let’s look at how your perfectionism ruins your holidays! 1. You procrastinate until the last minute to do anything because you just don’t seem to have enough time to do it right, or you don’t think you do! Then it really isn’t done to suit you or anyone else because it is just thrown together! I DON’T HAVE TIME! This phrase is whiny!

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

2. Shopping is put off until the last minute because we have not planned our purchases and then we hit the malls looking for anything and spending whatever to get something to give. You settle because of that phrase again. I DON’T HAVE TIME! Yes, you do, if you had started a few weeks ago! 3. Do you see a pattern here; waiting until the last minute? Do you know the meaning of the word deadline? It is the point at which you have no more time. In other words, you practically kill yourself doing it, when a little each day would have helped you process things without the stress. NOW YOU REALLY DON’T HAVE TIME! But watch, you put on your super woman costume and kill yourself along with the rest of the family trying to save face. This is what makes the holidays miserable! 4. Because you have waited until the last minute again to purchase items, you are faced with a marathon wrapping session. No one likes to do this and it is hard on your

back. Be kind to you and do a little at a time as you come in the door. If you hear yourself say, I DON’T HAVE TIME RIGHT NOW, then just do one little package. 5. Now let’s look at decorating your home. You hear your children begging to do things and then these words come out of your mouth! I DON’T HAVE TIME RIGHT NOW! They are usually said in an unkind tone because you are mad at yourself over this procrastination pressure. Do you want to know why you don’t think you have time? It is because of your perfectionism! You don’t think you have time to do it right! Decorating your home does not have to be done all at once. Break it down into smaller pieces; take baby steps to decorate your home and enjoy establishing new traditions. We all have the same amount of time in a day and it is how we choose to use it that makes the difference. When your perfectionism clouds your thinking you forget to do just a little to make things better. Holidays celebrated imperfectly still bless your family! For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

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Mobile Bay Holiday Happenings 25th Annual Pecan Festival Friday, November 1 – Sunday, November 3 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile (251) 401-5555; www.alabamapecanfestival.com Come join us for this fun free event. The Pecan Festival takes place at Tillman’s Corner Community Center, and is a family-oriented festival featuring a carnival atmosphere with rides, food, arts & crafts, and jewelry. Also, face painting and lots of other activities, including a free grand stand event featuring a classic country and western show, a Sunday Gospel Show with top notch entertainers, and more. Bring the grandparents and bring the kids. There is something for everyone. Times: Friday 5:00pm-until, Saturday 9:00am-until, Sunday 11:00am-until.

Broussard’s Christmas Piano Camp

Saturday, November 2 1541 East I-65 Service Road South Suite A2, Mobile (251) 344-8856; www.broussardspianos.com Have you or your child ever wanted to play piano? Now is your time! You and/or your child can learn favorite carols before Christmas. For only $49.99, Group Classes begin on November 2th, so register now. Private lessons and Christmas gift certificates are available. Please call Broussard’s Piano Gallery at (251) 344-8856 for more details.

Colonial Kids Day – Moore/Springhill Branch Library Saturday, November 2 4 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile (251) 470-7770; www.mplonline.org Come join us at 10:30am at the Moore/Springhill Branch Library for Colonial Kids Day! Crafts & Games - Participants will move from station to station making pilgrim hat

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

crayon holders and yarn dolls; playing target practice and horseshoe pitching. Registration is required for groups. For more information or to register, please call (251) 4707770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

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50th Anniversary Cascading Mum Display Bloom Out – Bellingrath Gardens

Saturday, November 2 6101 Kirby Road, Mobile (251) 221-5000; www.mcpss.com On Saturday, November 2, 2013 the Environmental Studies Center will conduct its annual Fall Open House from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Free Admission! Visitors can tour the Center on their own or join various guided activities scheduled throughout the day. Included will be nature crafts and face painting, wildlife lectures, Star lab shows, tours of the Center’s instructional trails and live animal exhibits. A variety of local agencies and organizations will participate in an environmental fair during the event. Highlight of the fair will be participant booths and displays on conservation and environmental stewardship.

Sunday, November 10 – Sunday, November 17 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org Hundreds of colorful four-foot long cascades will be displayed on bridges and balconies, in baskets and containers through the Gardens. Guests will also enjoy the columns of mums and thousands of mums in the flower beds in the fall colors of yellow, red, bronze, orange and white. The Great Lawn’s dramatic border will be a feast for the eyes. Bellingrath’s Mum show is one of the grandest in the country. All of the cascades are grown at Bellingrath. Moving the cascades into the gardens is one of the most spectacular horticultural events of the year. It takes over nine months to grow a single crop – a true labor of love by Bellingrath’s expert growers. We will have information about growing mums, including a video of the process in the Boehm Gallery. Grab your camera and the family and come to Bellingrath to enjoy the most stunning outdoor display of cascading mums in the country.

Holiday Wreath Making Class

Pump It Up Holiday Fun

Environmental Center Open House

Saturday, November 9 350 Oakleigh Place, Mobile (251) 432-6161; www.historicmobile.org Local floral designer Homer McClure will teach you all the secrets of creating a beautiful holiday wreath during this morning class on the Patio of Oakleigh. Learn the tricks-of-the-trade from this creative master, and go home with a beautiful wreath to enjoy. Tickets are available at The Gift Shop at Oakleigh, by calling the HMPS office at (251) 432-6161, or on-line. Seating is limited. Cost - $65/Times-10:00am-12:00pm at the Oakleigh Historic Complex (350 Oakleigh Place). Please visit www.historicmobile.org for more information.

Monday, November 11, Wednesday, November 27, Friday, November 29 and Monday, December 23, Wednesday, December 27, Friday, December 30 Monday, January 1, Wednesday, January 3, Friday, January 6 741 Hillcrest Road, Mobile (251) 342-3940; www.pumpitupparty.com Holiday Open Jump at Pump It Up. Playtime is from 10:00am -2:00pm on the specific dates listed above. Holiday Open Jump is offered for children ages 2 -12 years old. Cost is $8/child plus tax. Parents are FREE. Parents must accompany children. NOT a drop off. Socks and a signed waiver are required for everyone.

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Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee

Wednesday, November 13- Saturday, November 16 1035 Cody Road N, Mobile (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds); (251) 471-3348; www.juniorleaguemobile.org Check off your holiday shopping list at the 29th Annual Christmas Jubilee! This event features merchants from around the country; Christmas Jubilee will kick off the holiday shopping season with a broad selection of gifts for all ages, interests and budgets. There are also numerous special events sponsored by the Junior League including a Preview Party Gala, VIP Shopping, Girls’ Night Out and Santa Breakfast & Lunch, please visit the website for more information. Regular shopping hours are Thursday, November 14 – 10:30am-8:00pm, Friday, November 15 - 9:00am-9:00pm. Saturday, November 14 - 9:30am6:00pm. General Admission Tickets valid for one day are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Please visit www. juniorleaguemobile.org for more information.

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51st Annual Greek Fest Thursday, November 14 – Saturday, November 16 50 South Ann Street, Mobile (251) 438-9888; www.greekfestmobile.org A celebration of the Greek culture – come out to experience Greece in Mobile. Share food, music, and heritage with friends and neighbors. A yearly opportunity to eat, dance, shop, and be entertained as if you were in Greece! There’s also a treasure of Greek jewelry, paintings, clothing, imports, and more available in our indoor marketplace. GreekFest is held by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm. Please visit www.greekfestmobile.org for more information.

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Saturday, November 16 1035 Cody Road N, Mobile (Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds); (251) 471-3348; www.juniorleaguemobile.org Enjoy Breakfast or Lunch with Santa and your special little ones! There will be cookie decorating, story-time telling and food provided by Chick-fil-A and of course Santa will be there checking his list. Everyone attending needs a ticket. Times: 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm seating’s. For ticket information, please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

30th Annual International Festival Thursday, November 21 – Saturday, November 23 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile (Mobile Civic Center) (251) 208-1555; www.mobileinternationalfestival.org The festival returns for another serving of the diversity of Mobile’s flavors and cultures. This year’s Festival theme is “Roots...the Journey.” The Mobile Civic Center will host the event that brings the sights, sounds and tastes of the world together in one place! Come out and join in the cultural festivities during this three day event. School tour days are on Thursday and Friday, November 21 and 22. The public is invited on Saturday, November 23.

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

The Lighting of the Trees - Bienville Square Friday, November 22 Downtown Mobile, Bienville Square

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

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

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

Wales West Arctic Express

Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com Enjoy over one million lights, ride the steam train to visit Santa, take pictures, enjoy refreshments, more holiday fun. The totally decorated train travels through a wonderful of 3D lighted displays and passes one Christmas display after the other on its way to the North Pole for a visit with Santa.

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

Victorian Ornament Workshop Sunday, December 1 701 Government Street, Mobile (Ben May Main Library) (251) 208-7086; www.mplonline.org Children ages 5 and up are invited to make lovely Victorian ornaments to decorate our children’s holiday tree and to take home at 2:00pm at the Ben May Main Library. Space is limited so registration is encouraged. Groups must register. Please call the Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

Bronstein’s “Home for the Holidays”

Tuesday, December 3 458 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 343-7200; www.bronsteins.com To welcome the holiday gift shopping season, Bronstein’s Fine Furniture is partnering with The Fresh Market to host its annual event, “Home for the Holidays,” benefiting the Bay Area Food Bank. On Tuesday, December 3 from 4:00-7:00 p.m., more than 20 local businesses including jewelers, gourmet and specialty shops, artists and boutiques will set up shop in the furniture showroom for an evening of holiday shopping and festivities! To join the fight against hunger, guests are invited to bring canned goods/non-perishables to the event – all of which will be donated to the Bay Area Food Bank – and will then be entered in the drawing to win an incredible grand prize from our participating businesses. In addition to holiday gift shopping courtesy of the featured local businesses, event festivities will include cooking demonstrations and food samplings from The Fresh Market as well as drama, dance and music performances by the Azalea City Center for the Arts. Please visit www.bronsteins.com for more information.

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

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

A Christmas Carol-The Musical at the Saenger Theatre Thursday, December 5 – Friday, December 6 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org The Playhouse in the Park presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Saenger Theatre with original music and lyrics. A cast of 100 local youth will fill the stage with music, dancing, and a myriad of colorful characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future; and the fun-loving Fezziwigs. There is one public show December 6 at 7:30pm at the Saenger Theater in Downtown Mobile. Public show tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, students and senior citizens. Please call (251) 602-0630 for public show reservations. School Shows for grades 1 - 12 are December 5 & 6. There are two shows each day at 9:00am and 11:15am. Tickets for students are $8 and teachers are admitted free. Please call (251) 422-0079 for school show reservations. Please visit www. playhouseinthepark.org for more information.

North Pole Stroll Friday, December 6 Royal Street, Mobile (251) 434-8498; www.downtownmobile.org A fun-filled, family event that celebrates the magic of Christmas with Santa, train rides, strolling entertainment and snow falling in downtown Mobile on Royal Street!

Dozens of venues offer activities for families, including Letters to Santa, a visit to Whoville, Merry-oke (Kids Karaoke), Gulf Coast Exploreum Open House, Scavenger Hunt, visiting Santa and much, much more... all with snow falling on Royal Street. Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm.

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

Holiday Sales at the Botanical Gardens Friday, December 6 – Saturday, December 7 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile (Botanical Gardens) (251) 342-0555; www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Decorate for the season with poinsettias, wrapped citrus and holiday plants plus fresh greenery and decorations by the Mobile County Master Gardeners. Times: 9:00am-4:00pm Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm Saturday.

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

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

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

29th Annual “Christmas Through the Ages” at Fort Gaines Saturday, December 7 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org Experience a Christmas of days gone by with the Confederate garrison, reenactors, blacksmiths, children’s activities and much more. Times: 9:00am-5:00pm.

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

Gingerbread House Workshop - Stories & Songs Too! – Ben May Main Library Saturday, December 7

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701 Government Street, Mobile (Ben May Main Library) (251) 208-7086; www.mplonline.org Share in the fun of a special program of stories and songs followed by the annual decorating of gingerbread houses and snow-covered trees from 10:00am11:00am at the Ben May Main Library. This activity is for children ages 6 - 8. Space is limited, so registration is required. For more information or to register please call the Children’s Department at (251) 208-7086.

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

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

Satsuma’s Annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 7 www.cityofsatsuma.com Satsuma’s Annual Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 7, at 11:00am. For more information about the upcoming Christmas Parade, or to participate in the parade please visit the City Website at www. cityofsatsuma.com.

Two Great Locations:

Original Oyster House Boardwalk

701 Hwy 59 • Gulf Shores

251.948.2445

3733 Battleship Parkway

Mobile Causeway

251.626.2188

www.OriginalOysterHouse.com

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

Call our Causeway location to reserve our private room for your special party!

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

Christmas on the Hill

Sunday, December 8 Village of Springhill Shopping Area Enjoy our Annual Christmas on the Hill event, with horse drawn Santa Sleigh Rides, Christmas carols, refreshments and more. Christmas on the Hill is an annual event organized by merchants in the area of the Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue intersection. Businesses in the Springhill area will be open for all of

your holiday shopping needs. This event is from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is free.

Lights of Love 2013

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

Moulton Children’s Park that forms the entrance to Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Parking will be available at the nearby USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. For details, call 251-415-1636 or e-mail cwhdevelop@usouthal.edu.

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

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beautifully decorated homes and many restaurants and specialty shops will be having a Tasting Tour. Starting site for Tasting Tour will be at Allentown Elementary on Howells Ferry Road. This event will be from 3:00pm7:00pm and proceeds benefit the Historical Preservation of Semmes. For more information, please contact Caresse Fincher at (251) 656-1777 or Diane Moore at (251) 645-9176.

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

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

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

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

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

Mobile Annual Christmas & Holiday Parade & Christmas Market

tickets are $5.00, and teachers are free. Book this very popular show for your class soon! Reservations: (251) 422-0079.

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

Semmes Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

(251) 649-4098; www.friendsofsemmes.org The Friends of Semmes Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2013 beginning at 10:00 a.m. starting at the old Semmes Middle School, continuing East on Hwy 98 to Oak Hill Drive. Applications may be picked up at Century Bank, Regions Bank and Floorz and More, all in Semmes. The parade has floats, marching bands, marching groups of dancers & cheerleaders, riders on Horses and antique cars. Please call Jack Tillman at (251) 6494098 for more information.

5th Annual Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes and Tasting Tour Saturday, December 14 10330 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes (Allentown Elementary) (251) 656-1777; (251) 645-9176 Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes will feature several

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

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

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Family Calendar Ongoing

Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Government St. Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. noon 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www. handsonsal.org. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/ map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 342-2241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com. Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org. Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org. Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320. USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www. ussalabama.com. VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.

Classes/Meetings

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

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

October/November2013

free. Father Central classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Father Central program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www. familycentermobile.org. • Father Central of Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. • Together We Can: Helping Everyone Cope With Divorce. Mondays, 8 weeks. $50 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Begin any Monday. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Start and Tuesday. • Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Topics are: Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, Relaxation; Emotional Intelligence & Techniques; Defining, Responding To & Learning from Anger; Defining Abuse & Learning to Cope & Communicate. 251-479-5700 to get started in Father Central, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000. • 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 3407769 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 5918021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problemsolving. 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.

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Plantasia! Fall Plant Sale Thousands of plants for your Gulf Coast garden. Winter veggies, camellias, natives, & more. 9-4. Free. Plant list posted two weeks prior to sale at www. mobilebotanicalgardens.org. For easier shopping, bring your own cart! Mobile County Public School System Learn and Play 5K and Fun Run This race will be held at 8 AM at MCPSS Central Office (One Magnum Pass, Mobile). Benefits MCPSS Students (School Academic or Fitness Grants). Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”- Drama Camp Productions and Sunny Side Theater Sunny Side Theater presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Vera Morris at 7:00 p.m. This is the tale of Ichabod Crane, an unsuspecting schoolmaster, who comes to a town full of ghost stories. The schoolmaster soon finds out that some of the “stories” may be true with a graveyard haunted by pirates, Indians, specters, and a Headless Horseman! Join Sunny Side for its 5th Annual Halloween show. There will be a costume contest on closing night for anyone who would like to come dressed up! The show will take place at the Moorer Center for Performing Arts located on the St. Luke’s High School campus, 1400 University Boulevard.

Saturday, October 19

Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Join us on our 5th Annual Buddy Walk® at Hank Aaron Stadium. Registration is 8-9 AM; Walk Starts at 9 AM. Start a team, join a team, register as an individual or donate and help support Down syndrome awareness in our community! Please visit www.dssmc.com for more information. Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes 2013 Hosted by The American Diabetes Association. The 3-mile walk takes place in historic downtown Mobile. The event includes a Health & Wellness Festival, breakfast and lunch, children’s activities, music and more. All funds raised help the American Diabetes Association in its mission to raise awareness, educate and find a cure. Bienville Square, 8-11 AM. Please call (251) 423-1272 for more information. Saenger Fright Night! Mobile Symphony with guest conductor: Robert Franz. Halloween Pops concert. Wear your costume. 8 PM. Sun. 2:30 PM. Saenger Theatre (6 S Joachim St) $20 - $65. Dauphin Island Sunset Bridge Run 5K This race takes place at 5:00pm at 531 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island. Please visit www.dauphinislandtourism. com under the events section for more information. Kids Studio at Centre of the Living Arts Join us for a free class for ages 6-12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Centre for the Living Arts, CLA Classroom (301 Conti St). Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@ cityofmobile.org to sign up. Market on the Square Join us in Cathedral Square (downtown Mobile, bounded by Dauphin, Jackson, Conti and Claiborne Street) for locally grown produce, seafood, beef, honeys, breads, pastas, cheeses, plants, handcrafted goods for kitchen and home; live music; art and crafts. 8 – noon. For more information, please visit www.ncsmobile.org. Plantasia! Fall Plant Sale See October 18 for more information. “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”- Drama Camp Productions and Sunny Side Theater See October 18 for more information.

Sunday, October 20

We Still Live Here A program of poems from the collection “We Still Live Here” read by the author, Celia Lewis, with images by the book’s photographer, Walter Beckham; reception and booksigning. 2 PM. Mobile Public Library, Ben May Main Library, Bernheim Hall & Armbrecht/Briskman Meeting Room (701 Government St) Free. Please visit www.mplonline.org.

October/November2013

Saenger Fright Night! Mobile Symphony with guest conductor: Robert Franz. Halloween Pops concert. Wear your costume. Sat., 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.) $20 - $65. Plantasia! Fall Plant Sale See October 18 for more information. Sunday, October 20

Wednesday, October 23

Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts Join us for a free class for ages 3-5 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Centre for the Living Arts, CLA Classroom (301 Conti St). Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@ cityofmobile.org to sign up. Brown Bag in Bienville Come join us on Wednesdays in Bienville Square. Fall is back and so is live jazz. Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl or oak trees in Bienville Square. Live music provided by the City and Catt Sirten. 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 24

Government Street Forum The Government Street Forum at Government Street Presbyterian Church downtown is lunch and a speaker on Thursdays from Sept. 12 through Nov. 14 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Lunch costs $7 and is served at noon; the forum begins at 12:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the forum. The church is on the corner of Government and Jackson streets downtown, and parking is available in the Jackson Street lot. For details, call the church office at (251) 432-1749. GSPC Fall Forum 2013: Oct. 24: Bill Sisson, President, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Oct. 31: Judy Adams of Alabama State Port Authority. Nov. 7: Dr. Will Petersen, USA Jaguars Band Director. Nov. 14: Phil Duryea, Volunteer Coordinator, National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. Thursdays at the Museum The Mobile Museum of Art (MMoA) wants you to join us on Thursdays at the Museum. Free admission and access to all galleries; special programs. Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.9:00 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Join us each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.

Friday, October 25

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Halloween brings thrills, chills and a chance to do the “Time Warp” again in this cult classic by Richard O’Brien. A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a cross-dressing mad scientist unveiling his new creation, muscle man named Rocky Horror. Special Halloween night performance! Music, lyrics and a book by Richard O’Brien/Directed by Jim Faust. Fri. & Sat., 8 PM; Sun., 2 PM at Mobile Theatre Guild (14 N Lafayette St). Cost - General/ $20; 62+, military & students/ $15. Please call (251) 433-7513 or visit www. mobiletheatreguild.org for more information. The Mikado – Mobile Opera Comic operetta by WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. October 25 and 27 by the Mobile Opera. Fri., 8 PM; Sun., 2:30 PM. Mobile Civic Center Theater (401 Civic Center Dr. Cost: $20 - $60. Please call (251) 432-6772 or visit www. mobileopera.org for more information. Trick or Trot 5K and Fun Run for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital is proud to host the Inaugural Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run to benefit the Evaluation Center. Come out and support the hospital in our efforts to renovate and expand the current EC! Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun night of food, fun, and fright! There will be a pumpkin decorating contest, kid-friendly “Monster” movie and children can trick or treat at all tents.

The 5K will start at 6:00 PM. The Scary Scurry Fun Run will begin at 7:00 PM and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. Costumes strongly encouraged! Visit www. cwhtrickortrot-zvents.eventbrite.com for more information or to register. 30th Annual Renaissance Festival – Dauphin Island The Barony of the Osprey will present life in the Middle Ages with knights in armor, period arts and sciences and more. Admission charged. Place: Historic Fort Gaines (109 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island). 9 AM. Also Sat., October 26 5 PM. Please visit www.baronyosprey.org for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair Come to the Fair! Mobile Fairgrounds (1035 Cody Road North). Please visit www.thegroundsmobile.com for more information. “Dracula” – Playhouse in the Park Based on Bram Stoker’s original Gothic novel about the infamous vampire - with Stoker’s original text along with dazzling theatrical special effects that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats! 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Call (251) 602-0630 for public show reservations. Please visit www. playhouseinthepark.org for more information. Night at the Fort In celebration of the new Fort Condè exhibits, we will have Night at the Fort from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Once the clock strikes 5, Mobile’s history comes alive! Many fun activities including a scavenger hunt, historical figures from Colonial Mobile come to life, games, activities, trick or treat bags and more! Location- 150 South Royal Street. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Pump It Up Not-So-Scary Halloween Jump Halloween is simply spook-tacular when you’re bouncing, laughing, sliding, and howling at our Halloween Jump Night! $10 plus tax per child- includes up to 2 1/2 hours of playtime, face painting, spook-tacular snacks, drinks & costume contests too! Parents stay and play for FREE! RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED as space is limited for the safety of the children. Socks and signed waived required. Parents must stay with children- not a drop off. Note: Wear your “Play Safe” costume - For the safety of our guests, costumes may not include: masks, jewelry, capes or other hanging items, or heavy make-up. 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Please call (251) 342-3940 for more information.

Saturday, October 26

Cardboard City Fundraiser This event takes place from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Alabama Math and Science Soccer Field. The mission is to raise money and awareness of homelessness. All proceeds benefit Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, and Sybil H. Smith Family Village. Setup begins at 4 PM at corner of Dauphin and Ann street (Alabama School of Math & Science Soccer Field). Entertainment begins at 7 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend w/o spending the night. An annual memorial service for homeless persons held at 9 PM. A simple meal is provided. Sunrise Devotion at Sunday morning 6 AM. Clean up and depart at 8 AM. Visit www.familypromisemobile.org/cardboardcity for more information. 25th Polo at the Point Sonny Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear. The Gulf Coast’s premier charity sporting event benefits USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and Thomas Hospital’s Pediatric Rehab. This momentous anniversary year will include special events including Fashion Fếte. For more information, please visit www.poloatthepoint.com or call (251) 928-9704. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information. 30th Annual Renaissance Festival – Dauphin Island See October 25 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. Trick or Treat at 5 Rivers Join us for our Annual Trick or Treat at 5 Rivers from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This FREE, family friendly event will have lots of crafts, games and movies throughout the day, and boat tours at only $5 per person. The legendary skunk ape hunter will be traveling to join us again this year to

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Family Calendar scour the trails for any sign of the elusive skunk ape, and guests are welcome to join us on the trail through the Fire Swamp as we explore. Come dressed in your best, as our costume contest will be at 3 p.m. Location -30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. To find out more, call (251) 625-0814, visit us online at www.Alabama5Rivers. com, or check us out on Facebook. Owl-O-Ween 5K Run The Wildlife Friends of the Environmental Studies Center will be hosting an Owl-O-Ween 5K Trial Run on October 26th. All proceeds raised from this event go to support the wildlife rehabilitation program at the ESC. For more information on this event please see the registration form located at our website www.mcpss.com/esc or call (251) 221-5000. Balloon Glow in the Gardens Dress up your little goblins and come out to enjoy beautiful hot air balloons glowing on the Great Lawn. Multiple hot air balloons are scheduled to “glow” for us this year…weather permitting. This year’s event will also include a selection of scary and fun inflatables glowing throughout the Gardens. There will be plenty of treats and trinkets from area organizations and businesses for our trick-or-treaters to enjoy. One of our local favorite BBQ spots will be in the Gardens selling their one-of-a-kind and national award winning barbeque will be on the Great Lawn and a live band will be performing live on Live Oak Plaza. The Balloon Glow is free for members and special reduced rates will begin at 4:30 p.m. SPECIAL RATES: Adults $6; children 5 -12 $3 and as always children 4 and under are free. Please visit www.bellingrath.org for more information. Christ United Methodist Church – Fall Family Day Our annual Fall Family Day will happen from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. During Fall Family Day, children can enjoy bouncing on inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting and a performance by the Children’s Ministry Puppet Team and Children’s Choir at 10 o’clock. Youth can enjoy Pumpkin Chunkin’, large inflatables and a pumpkin sling shot. There will also be music by the Youth Praise Band and Singers at 11:00 a.m. During your time at the patch, have your family’s picture taken with the on-site photographer. We will have delicious foods and treats for sale, including snow cones, cotton candy, hotdogs and hamburgers. Be sure to head over to the bake sale to pick up goodies, or join in the cake Walk to win a yummy cake! To complete the day of fun at the Pumpkin Patch, beginning at Noon, bluegrass band Delta Reign will perform. This is a performance you and your family won’t want to miss! Location -6161 Grelot Road. 6161 Grelot Road. Please visit www.christumcmobile. com for more information. Dog River Ghost Chase 5K/Goblin Gallop The 5K race starts at 5:00 p.m. and the ½ mile Gallop starts at 5:10 p.m. to benefit Dog River Clearwater Revival. A mystery ghost will be somewhere in the race - will you be able to identify the spirit? Drawings for awesome prizes including a paddleboard and paddle set from the Outdoor Exchange. Post-race party will include food, beverages and live music at the River Shack. Special dinner and beverage discounts offered at the River Shack to all race participants on October 26. Please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen. com for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts – StopMotion Animation Project Children ages 6-12 will learn about the basics of stopmotion animation and create their own short films. The finished product will be mailed to them the following week. Please register in advance. Space is limited. Email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Class time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in CLA Classroom (301 Conti Street). Fall Market in the Square Saturdays until November 23. Join us each Saturday at Cathedral Square for farm fresh flavor. The fall harvest is in, so come get your fresh greens, fall corn, squash, and much more! Also shop for locally produced goods like homemade candles, soaps, and pottery. For more information, please call (251) 208-1558. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information. 30th Annual Renaissance Festival – Dauphin Island See October 25 for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

October/November2013

Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. “Dracula” – Playhouse in the Park See October 25 for more information.

Sunday, October 27

St. Mary Catholic School’s 6th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament St. Mary Catholic School will host the 6th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament at Spring Hill College Golf Course. The entry fee will be $100 per golfer and includes lunch, beverages, prizes, and a gift. Registration begins at 11 AM with a shotgun start at noon. Hole sponsorships are offered at $100 each and corporate sponsors are welcome! All Proceeds benefit St. Mary Catholic School. For more information, to register, or to become a sponsor, contact Desi Tobias at (251) 432-5001 or desi@tobiascomer.com or call the parish development office at (251) 432-8678, ext. 3. The Mikado – Mobile Opera See October 25 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. Woofstock 2013 Bienville Square is the place you want to be for the 9th Annual Woofstock. Woofstock will spread out over an entire city block allowing for even more fun activities, vendor booths, contests and more! We invite humans and their canine companions to spend the day listening to live, local music, enjoying the great food and libations and of course, let’s not forget the ever popular Weiner Dog Race and alltime favorite Doggie Costume Contest. This event benefits The Animal Rescue Foundation. 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost - Adults $10/Children $5. Ashland Place United Methodist Trunk or Treat Come join us! We will have hot dogs, popcorn, carnival games, and an opportunity to “Trick or Treat” for candy from a variety of decorated cars. Bring the whole family! Appropriate costumes are encouraged. Time: 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Location - 15 Wisteria Avenue. For more information, please contact Kathy Minor, Director of Children’s Ministries, at kminor@apumc.com or (251) 478-6356. Dauphin Way Methodist Fall Festival The festival takes place in the Pumpkin Patch at the corner of Catherine and Dauphin Street. The festival will be held from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and is FREE. Costumes are acceptable, but not required. Popcorn, drinks, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available along with a train ride, inflatables to include an obstacle course and other activities for the kids. J.C.’s Construction Company puppet ministry of DWUMC will present a program at 3:00 p.m. and the DWUMC youth band will play throughout the afternoon. Visit www.dauphinwayumc.org for more information.

Monday, October 28

Golden Eagle Extravaganza – St. Dominic Catholic School Please join us at the Golden Eagle Extravaganza with an Italian Flair. This adult social will have great food, beverages, music, auction and more. Admission is only $25 per person for this fun filled night. Doors open at 6:30pm. St. Dominic’s (4160 Burma Road). Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Tuesday, October 29 Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Wednesday, October 30 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts Paper pumpkins. See October 23 for more information. Brown Bag in Bienville See October 23 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Halloween Fun at the Library Come join us from 3:15-4:15 at the Parkway Branch (1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway) for a Halloween Haunted House for ages 9-14. Refreshments will be served. For more information call (251) 470-7766.

Thursday, October 31

12th Annual Angel Ride Spectacular This fundraiser takes place at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope. Please visit www.angel-ride.org for a list of all activities. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information. Government Street Forum See October 24 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. Annual Trick of Treat in Green Park – Dauphin Island Come and join the fun. Bring your tables and chairs and candy. Location - Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island. First Baptist Church North Mobile –Fall FUNtastic This event takes place at 1252 Industrial Parkway, Saraland. The fun will include games, a cake walk, and inflatables and face painting. Food will be available for purchase. Visit www.northmobile.org for more information. Government Street Baptist Church –Trunk-a-Treat Join us for our Trunk-a-Treat event at 6:00 p.m. Admission and activities are free, concessions will be sold. Activities include trunks decorated, blow up games, face painting, entertainment and more! Admission and activities are Free! Concessions will be sold. Location 3401 Government Blvd. Please visit www.governmentstreet.org for more information. House of Bounce – Halloween Halloween Costume Contest! Jump on by for a Boo-Tastic Halloween Time at House of Bounce. We will host a costume contest during our Halloween Open Jump Session from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The winner of the contest will receive a $25 gift card to Toys-R-Us! All guests will receive a treat bag for playing at our Special Boo-Tastic Open Jump Session! Each guest may have their picture made in their Halloween Costume and pictures will be displayed on website and Facebook page. Open Jump is just $8 for 3 hours of Fun! Location - 6368 Cottage Hill Road. West Mobile Baptist Trunk or Treat Be our guest…and Trunk or Treat with West Mobile Baptist Church (7501 Airport Boulevard)—Candy, games, inflatables, food and prizes! ALL FREE! At 7501 Airport Blvd (Next to UJ Chevrolet and across from Academy) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join us for a night of fun and fellowship for the whole family. Invite your friends! Woodridge Baptist Church – “Harvest Celebration” Fall Festival Join us for our annual community-wide “Harvest Celebration” fall festival! Children and students of all ages are welcome. Enjoy free food, games, inflatables, and more! Please visit www.woodridgebc.com. “The Rocky Horror Show” See October 25 for more information. Thursdays at the Museum See October 24 for more information. Government Street Forum See October 24 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information.

Friday, November 1 12th Annual Angel Ride Spectacular See October 31 for more information. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information.

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Family Calendar Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. “A Murder is Announced” Play - Chickasaw Civic Theatre Agatha Christie returns to the CCT stage with this exciting mystery. Her beloved heroine, Miss Jane Marple, sorts through a Christie collection of amusing, exotic, and dangerous characters, puzzling out just which ones are not who they claim to be and solving a murder staged by a daring criminal before the very eyes of invited guests. Can you solve the mystery before Miss Marple works it out? November 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10. Times: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.cctshows.com for more information.

Saturday, November 2

2nd Annual Salty Worm Brackish Classic and Delta Bash The Bluegill Restaurant on Causeway, 1–5 PM. Benefits the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Please visit www.saltyworm.org for more information. Stars of American Ballet Mobile Ballet’s 2013-14 season opens with Stars of American Ballet featuring Principal Dancers and Soloists from New York City Ballet in a rare appearance for onenight only. The outstanding program includes Jerome Robbins’ “Classic Fancy Free” with a score by Leonard Berstein, as well as excerpts from George Balanchine’s “Rubies, Who Cares?”, and “Stars and Stripes.” Led by Daniel Ulbricht, Principal Dancer, guest artists include Tiler Peck, Teresa Reichlen, Amar Ramasar, and Robert Fairchild. The Mobile Ballet Company will also present an excerpt from Winthrop Corey’s “Snow White,” the gorgeous ballroom scene. Please visit www.mobileballet.org for more information. 12th Annual Angel Ride Spectacular See October 31 for more information. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” See October 25 for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. Commedia del Arte Presents “Phantom Curses the Opera” A family-friendly spoof of the classic musical! When the enigmatic Phantom discovers that the actors performing at the Rue Scribe Theatre are even worse than the troupe before them, he takes drastic measures to scare them away. He kidnaps the Diva, Christine, and hilarity ensues. Show time is 7:30 at Azalea City Center for the Arts (63 Midtown Park East). Admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door, children under 5 admitted free. Please visit www. commediadelarte.org for more information. Seafood, Science and Celebrity 2013- The Red, White, and Brown Ball The Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab will be turned into a Seafood Celebration. The Martie Party is coming back to Dauphin Island! Alabama’s Food Network Star will host this year’s Seafood, Science and Celebrity! Martie is creating the event in her unique style with inspired cuisine, creative cocktails and up-close and personal cooking demonstrations from some of her favorite chefs. In tribute to the red, white and brown shrimp found in Alabama Gulf waters, the evening will be a celebration of Gulf shrimp and all the natural beauty Dauphin Island has to offer. Guests will sample and compare the three varieties of Gulf shrimp and enjoy a tasting menu of award-winning shrimp recipes prepared by the chefs who will also teach guests how to make these recipes at home. Tickets $50 Advance purchase only DauphinIslandTourism. com/events. Please visit www.dauphinislandtourism.com for more information. 26th Annual Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run The Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run takes place in Bienville Square, downtown Mobile. The race includes free food and drink, music, and interactive activities for the kids. All runners will help the Senior Bowl achieve its goal of raising funds for youth along the Gulf Coast. This event consists of a 5K, 10K and fun run. Please visit www. seniorbowl.com for more information.

October/November2013

Architectural Bike Tour Spend the afternoon exploring Mobile’s historic neighborhoods during this guided bike ride. Architectural historian Cart Blackwell will lead the two hour ride and discuss the architecture and history that makes Mobile so special. Following the tour, enjoy hot dogs and refreshments and a tour the Oakleigh Historic Home. Proceeds from this bike ride will be used to install bike racks and a bike parking station on the grounds of Oakleigh. Tickets may be purchased at The Gift Shop at Oakleigh or on our website. Presented by Historic Mobile Preservation Society and Mobilians on Bikes. Cost - $20/ Times: 2:00-5:00 p.m. Please visit www.historicmobile.org for more information. Stockton Sawmill Days Join Stockton, Alabama, part of the oldest settlement in Baldwin County and home to Alabama’s first sawmill, as it celebrates its history and heritage. Step back in time to the days of sawmills when logging along the Mobile-Tensaw Delta was done with mules and draft animals. Learn to hitch a team, pull logs, and load a wagon. Watch professional lumberjacks compete in logrolling, pole climbing, cross-cut sawing, and more. Many other demonstrations and displays to enjoy. Live music throughout the day. Juried “folk art”. Parade of wagons, antique cars, mules and horses (some in costume). Sawmill biscuits, tomato gravy, local fried catfish, & cheese grits prepared by Stagecoach Café known for it’s down home, southern-style cooking. Only 1.5 miles off I-65 on the beautiful grounds of Baldwin County’s Bicentennial Park in Stockton, AL. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission prices & more info: www.stocktonala.com — (251) 937-3738. Hosted by Stockton Heritage Association, Inc. All proceeds go to the Stockton Heritage Museum. Baldwin Bicycle Fest Featuring Tour De Foley The Baldwin Bicycle Fest will feature the 16, 28, 71 mile cycling rides of the original Tour de Foley, but will also include family oriented activities to promote cycling for recreation and transportation. Activities will include a Bicycle Safety Rodeo for kids grades 3-8, a 3 mile Fun Parade, a Bike Maintenance Clinic, a Kids’ Fun Zone, Yoga for cyclists demo, Vintage Tweed Ride, Free Pedicab rides, Bike Riding Laws speaker, alternative cycles on display, and more! Location: 125 East Laurel Avenue. Please visit www. baldwinbicyclefest.com for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts Kids Studio is a free weekly program that allows children ages 6-12 to explore contemporary art and music. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross curriculum learning opportunities with fun projects. Classes are facilitated by trained professional educators. 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the CLA classroom (301 Conti Street). Please visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more information or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Mobile Museum of Art First Saturdays 1st Saturdays Family Art Program, 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Come enjoy the museum galleries in a whole new way on the 1st Saturday of each month. Explore art in a program for kids ages 3 and up together with their adults. Reservations are encouraged and participation is limited to 4 individuals per family. For more information call (251) 208-5205. “Rain” – A Tribute to the Beatles This concert takes place at the Saenger Theatre at 8:00 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. Public Conversation: Future of Home, Place, and Public Safety- Center for the Living Arts Public Conversation on exploring how the internet is helping to shape the future of Home, Place and Public Safety for the Gulf Coast. CLA Auditorium (301 Conti Street) at 3:30 p.m.

Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library Ms. Wilhemina Davis will teach students how to knit 7”x 9” rectangles. These rectangles will be sewn together to make afghans to be donated to local nonprofit agencies. Students will receive the following supplies; knitting needles, 1 skein of yarn and a “How to Knit” book. These supplies are provided by Needle Arts Mentoring Program, a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. Location: West Regional Branch Library. Registration is encouraged. Please call Wilhemina at (251) 340-8561. “A Murder is Announced” Play - Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 1 for more information. Fall Market in the Square See October 26 for more information.

Sunday, November 3

Sunday Night Sensation The 6th annual Sunday Night Sensation will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Mobile. Over the past five years, Sunday Night Sensation has raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program which celebrates and rewards scholarship, leadership, and talent in college-bound young women across the country. Sunday Night Sensation is an elegant dining experience featuring guest chef Fillippo Milone, local celebrity servers, a live auction and live entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, please visit www.distinguishedyw.org. Some Disenchanted Evening – The Music of PDQ Bach Faculty Recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). Ticket prices: General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). For more information please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music or call (251) 460-6136. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio – Batik Painting Deaf and hard of hearing students will use the CLA’s Futures Project exhibit as inspiration while creating bold and colorful batik paintings from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the CLA studio. Batik is a fabric dyeing method that uses wax to create patterns and designs. Students will create a simple wax-resist painting to take home. The class will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. Call Brennan Gibson at 2085658 or email cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Guitarist Mak Grgic – USA Mobile Chamber Music at 3:00 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). Please visit www.mobilechambermusic.org for more information. Greater Gulf State Fair See October 25 for more information. “A Murder is Announced” Play - Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 1 for more information.

Monday, November 4

Lunch and Learn at Jon Archer Agricultural Center Lunch and learn, bring a lunch, a chair and a friend to learn from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Free Admission – Beverages provided at the Demonstration Gardens at the Jon Archer Agricultural Center (1070 Schillinger Road). This class will be Designer Christmas Trees.

Tuesday, November 5

USA Symphony Band – Fall Concert Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). Ticket prices: General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). For more information please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music or call (251) 460-6136.

Wednesday, November 6 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 23 for more information.

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Family Calendar Thursday, November 7

Bay Bash Fundraiser Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. for Bay Bash 2013. This annual event showcases the bounty of the Bay through the culinary expertise of our local restaurants, great music, adult beverages and the beautiful setting of the Mobile Tensaw Delta. The theme this year is “Don’t Trash our Bay!” — A celebration of our community’s hard work to stop the tide of trash flowing from our rivers, creeks and streams into Mobile Bay. This event benefits Mobile Baykeeper’s efforts to promote Clean Water, Clean Air and Healthy Communities throughout the Mobile Bay Watershed, Alabama’s waterways and coastal communities. Come enjoy great food, delicious drink and a beautiful view as we celebrate this milestone on the path to a better, cleaner Mobile Bay. Bay Bash admission is $50 per person, or $35 per Mobile Baykeeper member. To purchase tickets, or to become a member of Mobile Baykeeper to take advantage of the discounted ticket price, call the Baykeeper office at 251-433-4229. Putt for Mutts Join the Mobile SPCA for an evening of fun and Putt for Mutts in our 2nd annual miniature golf tournament. All ages are welcome and all money raised will be used to care for the homeless animals at our shelter. Tee off from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fun includes Door Prizes, Goody Bags, Cookout dinner, beer & wine will be available. Prizes for: Best Team, Best Adult, Best Kid, Most Holes in One, Second & Third Place! Location – Funtasia on Girby Road. Please visit www.MobileSPCA.org for more information. Taste of Mobile Mark your calendar for the city’s premier culinary event! Showcasing more than 35 area restaurants and caterers, Taste of Mobile is an evening of fine food and beverages, musical entertainment and a silent auction. General admission tickets are $25. A limited number of VIP. tickets, available for $35, allow entry at 5:30 p.m. -- arrive an hour earlier than the general public and “taste” along with the judges! Tickets are available at the following locations: Goodwill Easter Seals, 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile Fixture, 1155 Montlimar Ave. Wintzell’s Oyster House, 605 Dauphin St. Wintzell’s Oyster House, 6700 Airport Blvd. Wintzell’s Oyster House, Saraland Mobile Bay HarleyDavidson, 3260 Pleasant Valley Road, Momma’s Mojo, 9211 Cottage Hill Road. For more information or to reserve a table for 10, please call (251) 380-7152. “Half the Sky” Film at the Centre for the Living Arts Please join us for a screening of the documentary “Half the Sky” based on the book. The screening focuses on economic empowerment for women with a panel discussion afterwards. The University of South Alabama has selected “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as the book for their inaugural Common Read/Common World program. “Half the Sky” is a passionate call to arms against our era’s most pervasive human rights violation: the oppression of women and girls in the developing world. CLA Auditorium (301 Conti Street) – 7:00 p.m. Please visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more information. USA Wind Ensemble – Fall Concert Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S.) General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). Please visit www. southalabama.edu/music for more information. Coastal Conservation Association Fall Banquet The banquet will be held at Stewart Field (4307 Old Shell Road). For more information, please visit www.ccaalabama. org or call (877) 776-2221. Thursdays at the Museum See October 24 for more information. Government Street Forum See October 24 for more information.

Friday, November 8

LoDa Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

October/November2013

Neighborhood and Community Services. Second Fri, 6:009:00 p.m. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St). Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. Visit www.ncsmobile.org for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” Based on the hit movie, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is a fun-filled musical full of great characters and catchy songs. Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin Book by Heather Hach & Directed by Jeffrey Williamson. Weekends from November 8-November 24. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.joejeffersonplayers.com for more information. Veterans Day – Mobile Pops Band Concert USS Alabama Battleship Park at 7:00 p.m. at the Aircraft Pavilion. Please visit ww.mobilepopsband. com for more information. Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections –Free Training APAC is hosting a FREE training for foster parents/ adoptive parents, and professionals who work with children at Mobile County Department of Human Resources from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CEUs will be provided for social workers and counselors. For more information or to register, please call (251) 460-2727 or email lgurley@childrensaid.org. COSI FAN TUTTE Performance by University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts/ School of Music and School of Worship Leadership. Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at the Saraland Center for Performing Arts, Saraland High School (1115 Industrial Parkway). Cost - $25. Please call (251) 442-2383 or visit www.umobile.edu for more information. “A Murder is Announced” Play - Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 1 for more information.

Saturday, November 9

Mobile Symphony presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans Dress in your favorite jeans to celebrate the Mobile Symphony’s traditional Beethoven and Blue Jeans concert. Featuring the MSO’s former composer-in-residence Mason Bates, the concert will be filled with harmonious depictions of the sea, including Beethoven’s famous “Leonore Overture”, Bates’ “Liquid Interface”, Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and Debussy’s “La Mer.” 8:00 p.m. Sat., 2:30 Sun. Please visit www.mobilesymphony.org for more information. Christ United Methodist Church 1st Annual 5K Run for Your LIFEgate 5K starts at 8 a.m., 1 mile fun run to follow at Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road. This race purpose is to provide Thanksgiving groceries to people in need through CUMC’s Lifegate Ministry. CUMC’s Lifegate Ministry’s year round purpose is to aid members of the community, both church members and non-church members, in crisis situations; helping with utilities, food and children’s clothing. Please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Run for the Battleship Registration and post race activities at 2703 Battleship Memorial Park on Battleship Parkway. 5K run/walk starts at 9:00 a.m. This race benefits USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. “A Murder is Announced” Play - Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 1 for more information.

Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information. Fall Market in the Square See October 26 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 2 for more information. Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library See November 2 for more information. COSI FAN TUTTE See November 8 for more information.

Sunday, November 10

Stamp Out Muscular Dystrophy 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run National Association of Letter Carriers will host a 5K Run/ Walk and Fun Run. Participants can register online at active.com or in person at McCoy Outdoor and Run-n-Tri in Mobile, and Running Wild in Fairhope. Langan Park Zeigler Blvd Mobile, AL 36608 Start time: 8:00 a.m. Mobile Symphony presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans See November 9 for more information. “A Murder is Announced” Play - Chickasaw Civic Theatre See November 1 for more information Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information.

Monday, November 11

USA Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S.) General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). Please visit www. southalabama.edu/music for more information.

Tuesday, November 12

Centre for the Living Arts –Pre-K Studio at West Regional Branch Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 3 - 5 create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature at 10:00 a.m. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at (251) 340-8571. Centre for the Living Arts-Kids Studio at West Regional Branch Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6 - 12 create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature at 3:30 p.m. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, please call the Children’s Department at (251) 340-8571. USA Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert See November 11 for more information.

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Wednesday, November 13 USA Woodwind Ensembles Concert Join us at 7:30 at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). Please visit www. southalabama.edu/music for more information. Centre for the Living Arts-Kids Studio at Toulminville Branch Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6 - 12 create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature at 3:30 p.m. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, call (251) 438-7075. Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 23 for more information.

Thursday, November 14 Learning Lunch – History Museum of Mobile Join us for a presentation and the film: “Mobile in

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Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information.

Tuesday, November 19 Public Conversation: Future of Education and Learning Center for the Living Arts. Public Conversation on education, learning, and the future of schools. CLA Classroom (301 Conti Street) at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 20 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 23 for more information.

Thursday, November 21

5th Annual Celebrate Hope The 5th Annual Celebrate Hope will be held on the grounds of the Mitchell Cancer Institute. The event will consist of food and wine pairings and live entertainment. Please visit

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

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“The Three Musketeers” See November 15 for more information.

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“The Three Musketeers” See November 15 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information. Fall Market in the Square See October 26 for more information. Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 2 for more information.

Sunday, November 17

C RAFTS • C HORUS

March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Campaign Participation is easy. Appoint a Blue Jeans for Babies coordinator in your office. They will invite all of your employees to purchase a T-shirt or a Beanie Baby. Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts are available in the colors of

Saturday, November 16

Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library See November 2 for more information.

AND

Friday, November 15

your favorite college team or the March of Dimes colors. (T-shirts start at $15.00, Beanie Babies $10). Then wear your shirt for Prematurity Awareness Day on Friday, November 15th with your favorite pair of jeans! Proceeds from shirt sales allow the March of Dimes to fund lifesaving research and programs that help all moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorship is another great way to market your company on March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies T-shirts and printed materials. The t-shirts for Southwest Alabama will be worn in Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington Counties. For more information, contact Riley McDuff at the March of Dimes Chapter Office at (251) 3456480 or by email at emcduff@marchofdimes.com. “The Three Musketeers” The timeless tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor. A swashbuckling romp which cleverly updates the Dumas novel in a refreshed, distilled, and strengthened version. Swordplay complete with flourishes. Show dates: November 15, 16, 21, 22, & 23 at 7:30 p.m. and November 17 at 2:00 p.m. University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Drive S). Visit www.southalabama.edu/drama for information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

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Black and White”. Screening and conversation with the makers of the Mobile United documentary. Bring lunch; complimentary beverages provided. 12:00 p.m. at the History Museum of Mobile (111 S. Royal St). Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Fall USA Concert Flute Choir Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S) General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only) Please visit www.southalabama.edu/music for more information. Build Your Own Robot – Parkway Branch Library For Middle & High School Students at Parkway Branch at 3:30 p.m. Build your own robot using recycled materials; cans, springs, keys, buttons, or any items made of aluminum. Create an animated robot or any robot of your choice using magnets and hot glue guns. Estimated time for project is 2 hours. Space and materials are limited; registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7766. Centre for the Living Arts-Kids Studio at Ben May Branch Library Instructors from the Centre for the Living Arts will help children, ages 6 - 12 create beautiful art projects inspired by children’s literature at 3:30 p.m. Space and materials are limited. Program will be held in the Meeting Room. For more information or to register, call (251) 208-7086. Government Street Forum See October 24 for more information. Thursdays at the Museum See October 24 for more information.

October/November2013

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Family Calendar

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

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 61

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Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 2 for more information. Learn to Knit Class – West Regional Branch Library See November 2 for more information.

Sunday, November 24

Thanks for Giving – 2 Mile Run/Walk Come run at Providence Hospital (east side of Building B) at 8:00 a.m. Please bring canned food, gently used shoes and unused race shirts to donate to the Waterfront Mission. Please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. Meet the Authors - Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly- Ben May Library New York Times bestselling author Tom Franklin, “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter” and his wife, Pushcart Prize winning poet, Beth Ann Fennelly will discuss and share readings from their new novel, “The Tilted World” at 2:00 p.m. at the Ben May Main Library. Please call (251) 208-7097 for more information. USA Presents Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre See November 22 for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information.

Monday, November 25

USA Brass Ensembles – Fall Concert Join us at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S) General/ $8; USA faculty, staff & students, youths under 18 and senior citizens/ $5 (cash or check only). Please visit www. southalabama.edu/music for more information.

Wednesday, November 27 Pre-K Studio at Centre of the Living Arts See October 23 for more information.

Thursday, November 28 Thursdays at the Museum See October 24 for more information. Turkey Trot for Hope and Gobble Wobble The Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble is more than a race, it is an experience! We invite you to join us this Thanksgiving, November 28th for a special 5k and fun run that is quickly becoming a Mobile tradition. It is a chance to kick the day off with a little turkey day spirit, gather with your family and to burn those extra calories in preparation for the impending feast. More importantly, it is an opportunity to give thanks by helping Camp Rap-AHope make a difference in the lives of Gulf Coast children diagnosed with cancer. Please visit www.turkeytrotforhope. com for more information.

Saturday, November 30 www.celebratehope13-zvents.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets. “The Three Musketeers” See November 15 for more information. Thursdays at the Museum See October 24 for more information.

Friday, November 22

USA Presents Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre USA Opera & Musical Theatre presents Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre. Thomas Rowell, director Friday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday 3:00 p.m. This event takes place at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center (5751 USA Drive S). Please visit www.southalabama.edu/music for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013

“The Three Musketeers” See November 15 for more information.

Kids Studio – Center for the Living Arts See November 2 for more information.

Saturday, November 23

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections- Adoptive Family Celebration APAC is hosting an Adoptive Family Celebration at our office on Downtowner Blvd from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We will provide food and activities for adoptive families in our area. For more information or to register, please call (251) 4602727 or email lgurley@childrensaid.org. Joe Jefferson Players Present “Legally Blonde the Musical” See November 8 for more information. Fall Market in the Square See October 26 for more information. “The Three Musketeers” See November 15 for more information.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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

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Only 26 letters to learn and kids are on their way to a much bigger world of words! Getting acquainted with the alphabet early prepares very young children for stringing them together into words later on. ABC and word toys expose children to the symbols of their language in a playful environment making them familiar companions before they become actual learning components. The following toys introduce letters and words in ways that attract children to the building blocks of language in ways that make learning F-U-N!

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Alphabet Soup Sorters

(Blue Box / B Kids)

The new spin on the ABCs from Blue Box is a simple yet brilliant take on a traditional learning toy. The frame presents five rows of bar-mounted spinning alphabet tiles that feature letters on one side and a corresponding image and word on the reverse. Part of BKids ‘Soft and Safe’ line-up, the See ‘n Spin Alphabet Rack wooden frame is designed with soft molded corners and contact points so it won’t scratch surfaces or rake tender skin. Used in either the upright position or laid down on a flat surface, the letter tiles turn easily, helping the very youngest children develop fine motor and sensory skills while older toddlers begin to make letter-sound connections in preparation for reading. The See n’ Spin Alphabet Rack is an ideal introduction to letters for the littlest learners!

(Learning Resources)

One of the best games for sorting out the alphabet and its sounds, the Alphabet Soup Sorters starts with 26 durable “soup cans” with lids, one can for each letter. Included are cards for both upper and lowercase letters (vowels are red, consonants are blue). For each can there are also five object cards that feature real-life photos of everyday items with the corresponding word on the reverse. Best used with adult involvement at the beginning, children will discover the letter sounds as they name the images on the object cards and begin to sort them into the correct cans. As kids become familiar with the game, most are ready go solo in the soup kitchen! Alphabet Soup Sorters is a sweet recipe for growing kids’ confidence with letter and word recognition as they get ready to read.

Zingo

Magnetic Poetry: Really Big Words

(ThinkFun)

Combining the excitement of Bingo with the challenge of learning new words, Zingo is the coolest game to help kids pick up on both common and challenging sight words. Played like Bingo, 72 sight word tiles can be played on any of six double-sided Zingo cards. The Zingo game cards feature graphic image clues to help pre-readers discern meaning and connect them with the sight word tiles. After an adult introduces the game play, kids are usually good to play on their own using the Zinger tile dispenser to pop out word tiles, while the creative image hints on the cards help to make the sight word connections! An entertaining way for kids to pick up on the sight words that don’t always make sense phonetically, the reading advantage goes to Zingo!

(Magnetic Poetry)

It’s a common mistake to assume young children can only recognize small words. Preschoolers are perfectly primed to recognize and “sight read” ANY words that they see regularly...words that are read to them during the course of the day. (Example: Many children can “read” the name of their grocery store before they can read simpler words). Ideal for covering the front of the fridge, the Magnetic Poetry: Really Big Words includes over 80 magnetic words and letters that are easily manipulated by small hands. Children can expand their reading vocabulary as they play with the words daily and begin to make sight reading associations. With words ranging from simple to complex, kids and adults alike will find themselves moving the plus-size words around to make their own kind of poetry.

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com. 63

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Gravity

Captain Phillips

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Gravity PG-13 for intense perilous scenes, some disturbing images and brief strong language. Sandra Bullock plays medical engineer Ryan Stone in a role that puts her on a trajectory for another Oscar. George Clooney takes on the role of astronaut Matt Kokwalski, a man with swagger and a hint of sexism. They, along with Shariff (another crewmember a by Paul Sharma), are outside the shuttle making repairs when the ship is bombarded with space debris from a detonated satellite. The metal shards rip the ship apart instantly killing the payload crew inside and blasting a whole through Shariff’s helmet and face. The rubble knocks loose the space arm Ryan is attached to and sends her careening through space. The storm of wreckage also collides with transmission satellites around the globe, causing telecommunication blackouts down on Earth and leaving the astronauts flying blind. While the 3D images of space junk flying at the audience will leave you flinching, Bullock’s hyperventilation will make you also want to gasp for breath. The director’s use of breathing becomes one of the best elements in the entire film for depicting the severity of the ordeal. By contrast, Clooney’s character controls his respiration, taking what seems to be an overly relaxed attitude toward their predicament. He proves he knows how to keep his head in the middle of a crisis. This is a survival story -- a kind of Cast Away in space. However, in orbit oxygen is an exhaustible commodity. Temperatures fluctuate wildly. Rescue missions are hard to mount on a moment’s notice. And though Ryan is a person who craves silence, the lack of sound in space becomes too much even for her. It’s that sense of isolation and aloneness that adds to the tension of the story. With outstanding cinematography, sound editing and special effects (including prolonged shots of weightlessness), Gravity is a technically strong production. Still, it takes more than technical elements to make a riveting storyline. Carrying the weight of the film on her shoulders, Bullock doesn’t have the option of relying on interactions with a lot of other characters. Fortunately, she mans the ship well on her own. Yet the intensity of the story’s action (along with numerous profanities) makes this space voyage a better choice for older teens and adults than young aspiring space travelers. Despite the gravity of the situation, perseverance, personal sacrifice and ingenuity keep these survivors grounded in their efforts to get home. It’s an odyssey that encounters impossible odds. Even with payloads of action, moments of humor and an edge-of-your-seat plot, Gravity may still be nothing more than a good, old-fashioned popcorn flick. But at least it’s a really, really good one.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: CSexual Content: A Language: C Alcohol / Drug Use: D+ The MPAA has rated Captain Phillips PG-13 or sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody image and for substance use. The events portrayed in this movie took place in 2009 when the Americanflagged cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama, set sail with Captain Richard Phillips at the helm. Tom Hanks plays the 53-year-old captain who leaves his wife and two college-aged children in Vermont. His boat is alone in the ocean, 240 nautical miles from the Somali shore, when a group of four armed pirates approach the vessel in a fast-moving skiff. The unarmed sailors turn on the fire hoses to ward off the pirates, but the attackers still manage to board. Under orders from the captain, most of the crew hides in the engine room, shutting down the ship’s power and leaving the boat dead in the water. Up on deck, the pirates shoot through the locks on the pirate gates and make their way to the bridge where they hold the captain and two of his crewmen at gunpoint. Unable to navigate the ship, the captors begin a deck-by-deck search for the missing crew. But in the darkened engine room, the hiding mariners capture one of the pirates. While trying to arrange an exchange of captains, Phillips agrees to give the pirates $30,000 from the ship’s safe and access to a lifeboat. However the pirates renege on the swap and take Phillips as a hostage in the lifeboat. Tensions build as the crew of the Maersk Alabama follows the lifeboat from a safe distance until a naval destroyer, the USS Bainbridge, arrives and begins negotiations with the pirates. Director Paul Greengrass has a talent for building tension (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum and United 93). And his skills are no less evident in this movie. Employing some handheld camera work and emphasizing the claustrophobic atmosphere of the enclosed lifeboat, he turns up the heat as the Somali pirates repeatedly send out calls to their mother ship. But when their pleas for help remain unanswered and supplies begin to run low, the dire situation takes a toll on the young captors who become increasingly agitated. Infrequent profanities and the Somali’s use of the stimulant called khat provide some of the film’s content concerns, along with beatings and bloody injuries. However the biggest issue for viewers will be the intensity of the plot, particularly as the Navy Seals are deployed to take down the hijackers. While controversy swirls around the decisions that put the crew of the Maersk Alabama in harm’s way, the heroic efforts of Captain Phillips are what the filmmakers focus on -- that and the men and women on the warships who put an end to the terrifying standoff.

What Parents need to know about Captain Phillips... Violence: Armed hijackers attack and board a ship, firing guns and holding hostages at gunpoint. Men with guns arrive in a village and demand the locals head out to sea to capture cargo ships. Characters argue frequently and loudly. Pushing, shoving and beatings are portrayed. A man is hit several times with the butt of a gun. A character is injured by broken glass and one man has his hand slashed with a knife. Characters are repeatedly threatened with guns. A man is repeatedly shot at after he tries to escape from his captors. Blood splatters cover a man after a shooting. Sexual Content: A married couple kisses before he leaves for work. Language: The script contains infrequent scatological slang, mild profanities, terms of Deity and some cursing. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters smoke cigarettes and use an illegal stimulant known as khat.

What Parents need to know about Gravity... Violence: Intense scenes of accidents in space include depictions of explosions, space debris, shuttle damage, corpses and a grotesque image of an accident victim. Characters are subjected to frequent peril in a survival situation. Characters experience distress and impending death. Sexual Content: A man talks briefly about a homosexual couple. Language: The script contains a brief strong sexual expletive, scatological slang, curses and profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: A characters takes a swig of vodka he finds inside a space capsule. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2013