Mobile Bay Parents November 2014 by KeepSharing

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November2014

Volume 4 Number 7

36 Columns

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Kids Health Watch Understanding the infamous hand, foot and mouth disease and how to prevent it.

Volunteering With Your Family Overcome obstacles to begin “giving back” with your kids.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

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Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Holiday Happenings

Bullying: Is Your Child a Victim?

Holiday fun abounds throughout Mobile! Our extensive guide Learn how to help your child if tells you where to go. he has become a target.

On The Cover Parker (8) and Carter (7) Stinson, sons of Hannah and Bobby Stinson. The Stinson family spends a lot of time outdoors, especially the boys who love playing baseball. They look forward to roasting marshmallows for s’mores by a camp fire and can’t wait for the holidays. 1

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 15

School Bits 52

Calendar 60

Movie Reviews

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MomOfTheMonth Fall is by far my most favorite time of the year and for so many reasons, but namely because of Thanksgiving! A holiday that centers around thankfulness and family speaks to my heart in so many ways. There is nothing in this world I’m more thankful for than my family! They keep me grounded, feeling loved and appreciated, so I treasure a time each year when I can express, even more than usual, just how much they mean to me. I’ve always felt a huge part of Thanksgiving is paying forward our thankfulness. We have been blessed in so many areas of our lives and I cannot think of any better way to show that thankfulness than to give back in some way. As our boys have gotten older (ages 8 and 5), I’ve been more mindful that we keep this holiday heaped in giving instead of being focused on just a day of good food. I want them to always see Thanksgiving as a time to show just how thankful they are for their many blessing by serving others. I think the article in this month’s issue, Overcome These Obstacles and Volunteer with Your Family, by Cindy Hudson, is a perfect reminder of just how important volunteering as a family can be. She gives wonderful tips and suggestions for how to overcome some of the hindrances we can have when it comes to the giving of our time. My family and I are far from perfect and we’ve found ourselves making many of the excuses given in the article about why this isn’t the best time for us to volunteer, but the impact it has had on me, my children and our family as a whole makes the sacrifice of our time well worth it. Traditions are another huge focus for our Thanksgiving day. We spend as much time as possible with family and it seems like each year we introduce our children to one more of our childhood traditions. Be it the food (it just isn’t Thanksgiving without my mother’s sweet potato casserole), watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while the house fills with those yummy smells of lunch, or the endless card and board games, they’ve loved them all. I’ve also made it a point in recent years, since my husband and I have been married, to learn to make some of each of our family’s favorite recipes and combine them into one big feast. It has been so fun getting in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, as well as my husband’s mother and grandmother, to blend our Thanksgiving staples into one giant meal. I know one day those times in the kitchen will be memories I can look back on and treasure for years to come when preparing my own Thanksgiving spread. We’ve also enjoyed starting some of own family traditions. Now that our boys are a bit older and able to read and write, we have started putting out craft paper table cloths on the tables and writing things we’re thankful for all over them, along with a few turkey hand print drawings here or there. Then, once everyone has been seated to eat and we’ve said the blessing we go around the table and talk about some of the things we’ve written and what we’re most thankful for. It’s been so wonderful and heartwarming (and at times a little humorous, kids are pretty funny after all) to hear what the boys feel they’ve been most blessed by during the past year. I hope this tradition continues for many years and we are able to say that the thing we’ve been most blessed with throughout the years is our ability to bless and give to others...for that is the true measure of thankfulness, isn’t it!

Hannah Stinson

Hannah Stinson Photography

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Laura Handey Cindy Hudson Jan Pierce Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Hannah Stinson Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

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

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

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

What Discipline Will Best Stop a Child’s Chronic Lying? Q: We are very concerned about our 8-year-old grandson’s lying. He always pleads innocence and wonders plaintively why no one ever believes him. When someone confronts him with some misdeed they saw him do (example: poking holes in the back door screen), he merely shrugs his shoulders and grins. His parents have punished him repeatedly by taking away screen privileges, but to no avail. They’ve also told him the story of the boy who cried wolf to explain why no one believes him. This has been going on since he was a small child. We are all concerned about what is looming down the road. A: Lying is one of the most difficult of problems to solve. It quickly become habit and turns into a major parentchild power struggle, both of which are obviously the case here. We psychologists are trained to think that habitual lying is an expression of deep-seated dysfunction in the family, but I have not found that to be always, or even usually, the case. Sometimes the answer to “why?” is obvious; sometimes, it seems as if the problem developed quite “by accident.”

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

What’s looming down the road is anyone’s best guess. Sometimes, a child who is a habitual liar “outgrows” (for lack of a better term) the problem during his teen or early adult years. Sometimes, the problem persists well into adulthood and becomes a significant handicap to any chance the individual may have at life success. The further problem is that—as you folks have discovered—the habitual liar often seems impervious to punishment. The secondary reward of playing catand-mouse overrides the impact of any negative consequence. Let’s face it, during the game of cat-and-mouse, the child is in complete control of the family. That’s a powerful tonic. I’ll wager that in response to his lying, this boy’s parents have taken privileges away for a day, maybe a week. If so, that’s not going to cut it. Serious problems require serious consequences. You can’t stop a charging elephant with a flyswatter. With that in mind, I have some recommendations that I’ve seen work with other child prevaricators.

First, everyone needs to stop talking to him about the problem, including repeating the story of the boy who cried wolf. You’ve all said enough. It’s time to act. Second, you cannot afford to ever give him the benefit of doubt. If you THINK he’s lying, then he’s lying. End of conversation, end of story. Third, take all of his prized possessions, activities, and privileges away. Put up a 30-block chart on the refrigerator. He gets his possessions, activities, and privileges back when he has gone for 30 consecutive days without lying (or, more accurately, doing anything that causes anyone to even THINK he’s lying). Every day that he manages to keep his bad habit in check, he gets a smiley face in one of the blocks on the chart. If he lies, the chart comes down and a new 30-day chart goes up. You do that even if he goes 28 days without lying and then lies on day 29. It’s absolutely essential that you folks cut him no slack during his rehabilitation. Be aware that it may take him six months to succeed with a 30-day chart. If you hang in there, this can pay off handsomely for everyone. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Family Day of Fun

JJP Presents “Little Women”

The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women”, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. The play will run November 7th - 23rd, and is being directed by Joe Fuselli. JJP's adaptation of this timeless and enduring classic about the March sisters’ journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War, is interlaced with warmth, family loyalty and traditional values, and is perfect for the Thanksgiving and holiday season. Our Players: Jo - Morgan Russell; Meg - Emily Ericson; Amy - Claire Frazier Bolton; Beth - Meaghan Baylor; Hannah - Melanie Petithory; Marmee - Cathy Bouler; Aunt March - Trish Keller; Father - Chris Kern; Mr. Laurence - Bill Watts; Brooke - Jackson Henson; Laurie - Mack Holman; Paulie - David Fuselli. Please visit www.joejeffersonplayers.com or call (251) 471-1534 for more information.

Forest Hill Church of God invites you to bring your friends and family and join us November 2nd for a day focused on good family fun. We will begin this day with a family event @ 10:30 a.m. featuring Christian entertainers Timothy and Amanda Cowles from www. skadoodles.org. After the inside event we will move outside for an afternoon of fun festivities. Activities will include Free Food, Chili Cook Off, Male Cake Bake, Pie Eating Contest, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Volley Ball, Horse Shoes, Train Rides, Face Painting-Games, Petting Zoo and much more. Forest Hill Church of God is located at 5508 Moffett Rd., Mobile. For more Information contact us @ 251-342-0233.

Salvation Army Holiday Food Drive

Environmental Studies Center Fall Open House Join us for our Fall Open House on November 1, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Environmental Studies Center (6101 Girby Road). Bring your family out to the 500 acre property that is the Mobile County School System’s Environmental Studies Center. Enjoy a day of walking trails, native wildlife exhibits, animal presentations, planetarium shows, food, and fun. Free Admission! All proceeds from concessions and all donations go to wildlife care. For more information, please call (251)221-5000.

Every day, The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama helps someone put food on their table. But keeping our food pantry stocked is a challenge! We rely on generous donations and food drives from our community to continue helping those in need. The Salvation Army is gearing up for our annual Holiday Dinners that serve hot meals to 1,000 people in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donations are needed to help make these holiday meals possible. Holiday Meals Grocery Wish-List: 100 – Turkeys; 50 – Hams; 50 – 10 lb. Cans of Green Beans; 50 – 10 lb. Cans of Yams; 100 lbs. of Cornmeal; 100 lbs. of Flour; ANY Dinner Rolls; ANY Cakes and Pies; Soft Drinks; Fresh Fruit & Candy; Aluminum Baking Pans. Please visit www.salvationarmyalm.org/coastalalabama for more information. Please call (251) 438-1625 if you or your group would like to donate or host a food drive to support The Salvation Army.

The History Museum of Mobile – Free Admission

While touring the Ark of India exhibit, Mayor Stimpson announced there would no longer be a fee to enter the museum. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of the promotion to see the stunning Ark of India Exhibit. Stimpson's Chief of Staff, Colby J. Cooper, said the change was part of the mayor's vision to make the city more familyfriendly. The History Museum is at 111 S. Royal Street. History Museum of Mobile hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit historymuseumofmobile.com or call (251) 208-7508 for more information. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Three Museums/One Exhibition: The Art and Design of Mardi Gras

For the first time, three Mobile museums are collaborating on a single project titled The Art and Design of Mardi Gras. The History Museum of Mobile, Mobile Carnival Museum and Mobile Museum of Art have organized a major exhibition focused on the creative industry and production surrounding the centuries-old spectacle called Mardi Gras. The exhibition – and the publication of the same name – celebrate the artistic enterprise and production of countless artists, designers, and fabricators whose work enables this community-based, multifaceted happening. The limited edition book, The Art and Design of Mardi Gras, will be available at all three museums beginning November 8. Mayor Sandy Stimpson will open the exhibition and an accompanying family festival in the park November 8 at 10 a.m., officially recognizing the MMofA’s 50th anniversary. The museum’s 50th anniversary exhibition opening and festival will happen November 8 and 9, including free admission all weekend. Many of the participating artists and designers in attendance will be available to discuss their work, offer tours, and/or arts activities for children and adults. Historic and contemporary costumes, crowns, scepters, float scale models, invitations, masks, favors, posters, float designs, prints and drawings were loaned primarily from the collections of the history and carnival museums. Individual lenders supplemented the exhibition with selected pieces. In addition, contemporary artists and designers from the area were invited to participate, contributing site-specific video, sound, costume, sculptures, float and tableaux creations installed or created for the exhibition. Ongoing public programs conducted by artists, designers, historians, curators, musicians, performers and Mardi Gras association members will accompany the exhibition. Classes for adults and children will also be provided, in beadwork, mask-making, costume design, float and tableaux design. For specific information on participating artists and designers included in the exhibition, and for information on the family festival, related programs, classes, and guided tours of the exhibition, please contact the museum at 251-208-5200, or visit our website at www.MobileMuseumofArt.com.

Celebrate Hope 2014

Celebrating its 6th year, Celebrate Hope showcases the culinary talents of local chefs and caterers and pairs each dish with a carefully selected wine and craft beer provided by local distributors. In its 5-year history, Celebrate Hope has sold out to a crowd of 700 guests and has generated more than $1.4 million in net revenue to support cancer research at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, the Gulf Coast's only academic cancer research facility. This event takes place on Thursday, November 20 from 6-10 p.m. at the Mitchell Cancer Institute (1660 Springhill Avenue). Please visit www.usahealthsystem.com/celebratehope or call (251) 445-8423 for more information.

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www.facebook.com/cfatrustmark Located in the RSA Trustmark Building 107 Royal Street Suite 120 Mobile, AL 36602 251-415-1700 © 2014 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A Stylized is a registered trademark of CFA Properties, Inc.

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Mobile Streets Alive in Downtown Mobile November 2

On Sunday, Nov. 2, head downtown to Mobile Streets Alive and take part in transforming our streets into vibrant places that celebrate & build community. Mobile Streets Alive is Alabama's first Open Streets project. Open Streets events bring together families and neighbors to mingle, recreate, and shop in their communities in a safe, car-free environment. Mobile Streets Alive is organized by a coalition of non-profit, and community-based organizations. These include: One Mobile, Downtown Mobile Alliance, Delta Bike Project, and Team Share the Road. Supporting activities will be located on side streets throughout the loop and include: basketball, dancing, street games, kids’ zone (bike decorating, bike safety games, and more), boot camp classes, yoga, food vendors, live music, kids’ criterion bike race, performing arts, and whiffle ball. For more information, please visit www.openstreetsproject. org/mobile.

Go the Distance to Raise Funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

Thousands of individuals will walk a 5K on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Eastern Shore Centre to support the annual St. Jude Give thanks. Walk.™ benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Mobile & Baldwin County is one of more than 65 communities nationwide helping to raise funds and awareness for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Registration for the event, which includes family-friendly activities, such as live music, face painting and a photo booth, is free, but participants are encouraged to raise money to help the kids of St. Jude. To register or learn more, visit givethankswalk.org.

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Another State Sidewalk Grant Awarded to The Village of Spring Hill

The Village of Spring Hill, Inc., in partnership with the City of Mobile, is proud to announce the awarding of a third State transportation grant for the construction of additional sidewalks in the Village. The new grant, made possible by matching funds from the 2014 Sidewalk-A-Thon and a donation from The J. L. Bedsole Foundation, will fund sidewalks on the north side of Old Shell Road from McGregor Avenue east toward Myrtlewood Lane. When this project is completed in the spring of 2015, TVSH will have initiated and constructed over $800,000 in sidewalk infrastructure for the City of Mobile in the Spring Hill community. When The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. was established in 2006, the number one request of residents was sidewalks. Sidewalks are a key component of the Village Master Plan (The Blueprint for Spring Hill), supporting the connectivity of neighborhoods to schools, churches, parks and the commercial areas within our community. The Village of Spring Hill has already been transformed into a much more attractive and walkable area with the addition of the wide sidewalks along Old Shell Road west of McGregor Avenue. Folks of all ages, from babies in strollers with their parents to health conscious walkers, are enjoying the amenity of sidewalks in their community.

70th Anniversary Celebration Benefiting Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center

Join us for our 70th Anniversary Celebration featuring Dr. Kevin Elko on November 4th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. Dr. Elko has authored four books on motivation and leadership and consults with many publicly traded companies and professional and college sports teams. He has worked with seven BCS Football Champions. The proceeds benefit The Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center, a community based non-profit center and United Way of Southwest Alabama Partner Agency. General Admission: $125. Tickets can be purchased from the website www.childdaycare.org or by contacting Bobby Hall at (251) 471-3267.

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Salvation Army’s Causeway Classic Fishing Tournament

Girl Scout Hosts 5k to Bring Awareness to Team Red White and Blue

Huntir Bass is on her way to earning her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award earned in Girl Scouting, by starting a chapter of Team Red White and Blue in Mobile. To bring awareness to Team RWB, Bass will be hosting the first annual Gold and Glory 5k run/walk on Nov. 8 in conjunction with Mobile Memorial Gardens’ Veterans Day Tribute. Team RWB is a nationwide organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. The Gold and Glory 5K will be presented Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 a.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens. Ways to register for the race are the following: send by mail (entries should be postmarked by November 1), in person at McCoy Outdoors or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on November 7, or online (www.eventbrite.com) until midnight November 8. The runners are encouraged to come back on Sunday, November 9, for the Flags of Glory Veterans Day Tribute at Mobile Memorial Gardens. For more information on volunteering or participating, contact Huntir Bass at huntir.bass@teamrwb.org or 251-510-2547.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

The 2014 Causeway Classic will be held on the beautiful Mobile Bay. It will be Saturday, October 25, with weigh-in from 3-5 p.m. at Lap’s Grocery and Grill and FOX10 Meteorologist Jason Smith as Weigh-Master. In life and in fishing, you don’t always get things right on the first try. It’s rare to get the big catch on your first cast. So what do you do? You reel it in and try again. Just like in fishing, the men and women who turn to The Salvation Army have hit a ‘snag in the line.’ And they just need someone to help them reel things back in and get their life back on the right track. All anglers are welcome to drop a line or fish by boat for the 2014 Causeway Classic. Then join us for the free 3 p.m. weigh-in with FOX10 Meteorologist Jason Smith at Lap’s Grocery and Grill. There will be live music, food, and great prizes! $35 per angler – Adults and Professionals; $25 per angler – Youth (14 and under). For more information and to purchase ribs, tickets and register, visit www.CausewayClassic.org.

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Third Annual Salty Worm Fishing Tournament

The Salty Worm fishing tournament is gearing up for its third annual event to be held November 1, at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Causeway. This brackish tournament is unique in that it appeals to both saltwater and freshwater anglers with the only two categories being bass and trout. Anglers can enter and win in either or both categories, with more than $5,000 being awarded in cash and prizes. The tournament will begin at daybreak and the weigh-in will be held at the Bluegill from 1:00 to 4:00. The Delta Bash after party will also begin at 1:00 and is a family friendly event with live music, seafood buffet, and activities for the kids. The winners of the tournament will be announced at 4:30 and the band will play on the deck until 6:00 p.m. The proceeds from the Salty Worm tournament and the Delta Bash will go to the Gaillard Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and will be used to help find early detection methods for this dreaded disease. The Delta Bash after party is a family friendly event to be held at the same time as the weighin and will include live music, seafood buffet, silent auction, and children's activities. Anglers participating in the tournament will be admitted to the Delta Bash and all others may purchase tickets for $30; children 8 and under are free. Tournament tickets and Delta Bash tickets can be purchased on our website at SaltyWorm.org. For more information please visit SaltyWorm.org or call the Mitchell Cancer Institute Development office at 460-7032.

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Annual Meeting featuring Country Music Artist Jimmy Wayne

The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama’s 2014 Annual Meeting luncheon will be Wednesday, November 12, at Fort Whiting Armory. Country music artist and best-selling author, Jimmy Wayne will be returning as our key note speaker, just in time for the release of his new movie and book, “A Walk to Beautiful”! Wayne’s heartfelt message of hope is the perfect choice to kick off our Neediest Families Campaign at the 2014 Annual Meeting. The Neediest Families Campaign is a program that aids local families during the holidays and throughout the year. Jimmy Wayne survived a turbulent, abusive childhood. His father abandoned the family and his mother went to prison, resulting in Jimmy being shuttled to a series of foster homes. His stepfather tried to murder him and he became a homeless teen, living by his wits on the street. Fort Whiting Armory is located at 1630 Broad Street, Mobile. The doors will open at 11:30 and the luncheon will be from 12-1 p.m. For more information and to order a ticket, please contact Kelly Hendricks by emailing Kelly_Hendricks@USS.SalvationArmy.org or by calling (251-459-6126).

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2015 Oyster Trailblazer Calendar

Looking for a unique holiday gift that will improve our environmentâ&#x20AC;ŚConsider the 2015 Oyster Trailblazer Calendar, sponsored by the Original Oyster House, which supports restoration efforts of the Oyster Trail and Oyster Gardening, as well as environmental Education at local schools (e.g. field trips, equipment, science & art supplies, etc.). Over $75 in free offers from the Original Oyster House Restaurant & Geez Louise! Proceeds benefit environmental education, oyster reef restoration and oyster gardening.

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Girl Scouts Honor POW/ MIA Soldiers

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"Do a good turn daily," this slogan has been used by Girl Scouts for more than 100 years. It is a reminder of the many ways girls can contribute positively to the lives of others. Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama recently participated in the POW/ MIA Remembrance Ceremony that took place at the State Capitol Building to honor Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s POW/MIA soldiers. The girls were able to meet POWs, such as the keynote speaker, World War II prisoner of war Seymour "Sy" Lichtenfeld of Mobile. They also had the honor of presenting red roses to the families of the POW/MIA soldiers.

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Grab your best glow in the dark gear and come glow for Covenant Hospice at its inaugural GLO RUN. The Glo Run will be held on Friday, November 7, 6 p.m. at the Intramural Fields and SGA Pavilion on the University of South Alabama Campus. This fun filled, family night will include a glow in the dark 5K run/walk and ¾ mile fun run. The fun will continue with glow games after the run/walk and an afterglow party with music, food and fun for all ages. As a not-for-profit organization, all proceeds from the Glo Run will allow Covenant Hospice to provide the following unfunded and non-reimbursed services to our patients and their families: Patient care, regardless of their ability to pay; Bereavement Services which include free grief support groups, seminars and counseling sessions; Children’s Support Services which are specialized programs for children of all ages facing or coping with the loss of a loved one; this includes in-home grief kits called Butterfly Bags. Chaplain Services to provide for the spiritual needs of the patient and family/caregiver; Volunteer Services - Covenant Hospice volunteers are trained to meet patient and family needs including visits, tuck-in calls, the We Honor Veteran’s program and much more. Register for the Glo Run today at www.covenantglorun.kintera.org . Registration prices are as follows: Adult 5K Run/Walk $20, Day of event $25; Children (12 & under) 5K Run/Walk $15, Day of event $20; Fun Run $10, Day of event $15. Register by October 24, 2014, and be guaranteed to receive t-shirt and glow gear goody bag.

Seafood, Science & Celebrity 2014

Join us November 1 and 2 starting at 4 p.m. to celebrate the fourth annual Seafood, Science & Celebrity as the Gulf Coast tradition returns to Dauphin Island. This year’s focus – Sustaining Heritage – will allow guests to see and taste firsthand the creative combination of culinary innovation and Gulf Coast customs. Presented by The South Mobile County Tourism Authority, Seafood, Science & Celebrity will celebrate on Saturday with its traditionally sold-out annual “Sustaining Heritage” Gala at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, and on Sunday with the inaugural Sunday Supper Gulf Coast at Historic Fort Gaines, a Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner featuring a collection of the South’s most interesting culinary icons. Tickets for the Sustaining Heritage Gala and the Sunday Supper Gulf Coast events are sold separately. You may purchase tickets for each event at Eventbrite.com or at any of these locations: ACP Realty - 900 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island - 251-861-3311; The First bank, Mobile County locations: Dauphin Island - 640 Lemoyne Dr., Dauphin Island, 251-861-3131; Airport Blvd - 6140 Airport Blvd., Mobile - 251-341- 3565; Bayleys Corner - 10861 Dauphin Island Pkwy., Mobile - 251-973-0333; Theodore - 5808 Highway 90 West Suite E., Theodore - 251-973-0333. Please visit seafoodsciencecelebrity.com for more information.

1st Place - “Best Doc in the Box Clinic” MORE HOURS GREAT DOCTORS BETTER CARE Drop of a new toy at any of our 5 locations on Dec. 6th or 7th and receive a FREE Flu or B12 shot!! All donations will go to Alabama's Light of the Village. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY | WE’RE WAITING FOR YOU.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Infamous Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Most of the parents out there, especially those with toddlers, have experienced or are experiencing the effects of hand, foot, and mouth disease. For the most part, it is a self-limiting virus, but it can cause distress to the entire household. Children have to be out of school or daycare for several days, parents have to take off work or find a caregiver for their ill child, and it can be a struggle to keep children eating and drinking during this time. So what causes this illness and what can you do at home to try and prevent it or treat it? Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by two different viruses, enterovirus and coxsackievirus, more specifically the enterovirus 71 and coxsackie A16 viral strains. Coxsackie virus A16 is the most common cause of HFMD in the United States, but the enterovirus causes more epidemics and outbreaks of HFMD. It can be found yearround, but is more prevalent during summer and fall. Any age group, including adults, can be infected, but it is most common in toddlers and infants. For most people, you will only

be infected by HFMD once because you will develop immunity to that virus after the infection. However, since there are two different viruses that can cause HFMD, it is possible to get the disease twice. Usually, the symptoms are more benign the older you are when infected. A diagnosis is made by examining the child. The classic presentation is a rash of small dots on the skin, most commonly around the hands, feet, and buttock, fever, and bright red dots inside the mouth. HFMD can be diagnosed by testing the stool or saliva for the virus, but it takes weeks to run the test, so this is reserved mostly for research purposes. For example, several years ago there was a new rash that looked like HFMD but it was all over the body instead of just the hands and feet. Tests were performed on these children and it was confirmed that it was still the virus, but the strain had altered itself slightly to cause a different distribution of the rash. The virus is excreted and transmitted from the nose, throat, and stool of infected people starting about three days before symptoms start up until four days typically after the rash appears. These viruses can

stay on doorknobs or toys for hours or days, and if you touch an object that has the virus on it unknowingly and then touch your nose or eyes, you can become infected. Cleaning toys and surfaces and washing your hands, preferably with soap and water, will help protect you from getting infected. A study in China from 2008 showed that caretakers and toddlers that washed their hands regularly and used good hygiene had a 95% chance of not being infected with HFMD during a large outbreak. It is also helpful to avoid children with HFMD while the rash is present, and this is why schools require kids to be out of school for the first four days. If you are ever concerned about a rash or if your child is acting like their mouth hurts and has a fever, it may be beneficial to have them examined for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.

Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She graduated from Davidson High School in 2002 and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at The University of Alabama in 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of Nevada College of Medicine – Las Vegas and the University of South Alabama. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

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Autauga County Schools Mary B. Austin Elementary Ice Bucket Challenge

Students at Mary B. Austin are fun and generous! They raised over $1200 for ALS in their own Ice Bucket Challenge. Classes that brought $25 got to douse school principal, Amanda Jones. If they doubled their donation, they doused their teacher!

St. Paul’s Players present: “Beauty and the Beast”, A Drama

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Project Health Sponsors Class Party at Semmes

Mrs. Wakefield’s Class at Semmes Middle School won a party sponsored by Project Health for being the first class to turn in all their Health Screening forms and participate in the Health and Wellness screening last month! Caleb Phillips won a $20 gift card to Academy Sports in the individual drawing that was held! Project Health is a partnership between South Alabama, Junior League of Mobile, MCPSS, and the Health Department. They are working together to bring fitness and nutrition awareness to Mobile County children. Pictured: Mrs. Wakefield’s Class.

The St. Paul’s Players will present “Beauty and the Beast” by Laurence Boswell as their 2014 Fall Show. This particular version, performed by arrangement with Nick Hern Books, focuses on Beauty and her sense of loyalty to two disparate worlds: the comfortable world of her Family and the disquieting world of the Beast. By staying more faithful to the original tale than Disney’s film, this non-musical play highlights Beauty’s transforming love for both her family and the inwardly gentle but outwardly terrifying Beast. The concept and vision for the show will be unlike any version of the French tale previously seen in Mobile. Because of the staging, concept, and execution of the show, performances are meant for those 12 & up. November 12, 13, and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dr. Monte L. Moorer Theatre. Tickets are $6 in advance. To purchase tickets or for more information, please see cast members or call the St. Paul’s front office at 251342-6700. www.stpaulsmobile.net.

Open House at Hollinger’s Island

Hollinger’s Island Elementary School Principal Deborah Torbert and staff welcomed students and teachers at the 2014-2015 Open House. The event provided an evening for parents to visit classrooms and view student work and to discuss student progress. Relationships were built and a stronger team was developed! Hollinger’s Island Elementary School is looking forward to a fantastic year!

4th Graders Perform at Dauphin Island PTO Meeting

Dauphin Island Elementary School’s first PTO meeting of the year was a great success! Parents, students, teachers, and community leaders gathered at the Shelby Center to hear about the exciting things happening at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Under the direction of music teacher Ms. Gretchen Greenwood (not pictured), the 4th grade students sang a song titled “Peace”. Following this musical showcase, the plans for the upcoming addition to the school were unveiled. It was an unforgettable night! 15

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Autauga County Schools Great Job, Lott Volleyball Team!

The Lott Middle School Volleyball Team has worked hard this season finishing with a 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 record. They played for their Area Championship on Monday, October 6th. Lott finished the season second in their area. We are proud of Coach Jenna Stokley, Coach Cheryl Ramey, and all of our girls. Photo by Jim Owen Studios. Front Row: Baylee Holliman, Mackenzie Weaver, Cheyenne Evans, Jenna Lankford; Middle Row: Elizabeth Daniels, Sophia Griffin, Dreayna Morgan, Ariel Weaver, Taylor Turner; Back Row: Shayla Myers, Jayden Payton, Bri Yanna Reed, Sydney Hendry, Jalianna Weaver, Angel Orso.

UMS-Wright Boys Cross Country Team Brings Home a Win

The UMS-Wright Boys Cross Country team won the Mississippi State Bulldog Invitational on Saturday, September 20 in Starkville, Mississippi. Robert Hope added his fourth win of the season with a 16:49 finish in the 5K race. Anthony Fant was third, and Danner Butler and Steven Hirsch both placed in the top ten, as well. The UMS-Wright girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team also finished strong taking second place. Ellie Carter led the team with a second place finish in the 4K race. Anna Hunt, Audrey Sewell, and Emily Douglas also ran in the top ten finishers.

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Perfect Attendance = Ice Cream at McDavid-Jones

During the first week of September at McDavid-Jones Elementary, Ms. Thornton's first grade class had 100% attendance and Ms. Walker's fourth grade class had 98.86% attendance. These classes were given ice cream and extra recess on Friday. Every Friday during the month of September, the K-2 class and the 3-5 class with the highest attendance received ice cream. We would like to thank our Partner in Education Arkema for supporting this incentive. Great job students and parents for getting to school on time every day!

MGM Student Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Mary G. Montgomery High School senior Genesis Stroud has been named as a semifinalist in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Genesis has had many wonderful and inspiring teachers, administrators, and mentors that have contributed to her academic success. She has availed herself of the many challenging courses and talented teachers at MGM and has earned a score of 3 or higher on six advanced placement exams to date: AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English, AP Physics B, AP Psychology, and AP Statistics. Genesis is an alumnus of Semmes Middle School, Semmes Elementary, and the pre-school program at Semmes First Baptist Church. Semmes Middle School recognized her academic talent and need for challenging coursework and helped facilitate a grade skip for her at the end of sixth grade directly into the eighth grade. She thoroughly enjoyed the PACE classes at Semmes Elementary and her PACE teacher Ms. Layton, who showed enthusiasm and compassion for her giftedness. The Semmes Boys and Girls Club has provided Genesis with many years of after school and summer enrichment for mind, body, and soul, and she is proud to have been named their Youth of the Year when she was a freshman.

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McGill-Toolen Homecoming Court

Congratulations to the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School 2014 Homecoming Court: Seated: Seniors Evelyn Edens, Ebie Douglas, Anne Bowab and Mary Jo Lee; standing Juniors: Avery Evans, Lauren Prescott and Rekha Berry; Sophomores: Megan Dye and Mary Christian Herrin; Freshman Chloe Martin and Mattie Naman.

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Bayside Academy Homecoming Court

Bayside Academy held its Homecoming on October 3. Kerri Raley was crowned Homecoming queen. The following girls comprised the Homecoming court: 9th grade maid – Mary Catherine Branyon; 10th grade maid – Anna Sanford Boan; 11th grade maids – Megan McCrory and Turner Spottswood; 12th grade maids – Ali Chastang, Sophie Coppock, Isabella Donnell, Morgan Downey, Christina Egbert, Sarah Ezell, Mary Chason Gunn, Tristan Hazebrook, K.K. Hill, Chloe Hossley, Anna Grace Johnson, McLelland-Rae Johnson, Caroline Kolakoski, Anna Marie Lazzari, Courtney McCown, Audrey Mecke, Laney Milham, Emma Nelson, Ellie Northcutt, Kerri Raley, Lydia Renfroe, Amanda Rudat, Alexandra Rusyniak, Chapin Smith, Danielle Watts, and Emily Wright.

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St. Luke’s accepts qualified applicants without regard to gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

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Grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tea at Little Flower Catholic

Students at Little Flower Catholic School honored their grandparents with a special Mass followed by a tea service. The cafeteria was decorated with white tablecloths and each place was set with a china tea cup. When the grandparents were seated, students served them their choice of tea, coffee, pastry and fruit. The fourth grade students performed a puppet show under the direction of former teacher Janet Laurence. Many grandparents are active volunteers at the school, and the tea was a gesture of appreciation for their commitment to Little Flower School. Attendees Phillip Kreis and Carol Ann Pownall pause to pose with eighth grader, Elizabeth Anne Pryor.

St. Mary Catholic School Parent Night and Open House

St. Mary Catholic School will host Parent Night Tuesday, November 4. 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. 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: St. Mary Catholic School third graders, Julia Smith and Maddie Mayhall ready to start the day! 19

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Autauga County Schools Kids at Taylor-White Character

Congratulations to Taylor-White’s September Character Kids! These students have consistently displayed the 6 pillars of character to their teachers as well as their classmates. They are setting a good example by choosing to do the right thing. These students received a medal for their exemplary character. We are very proud of their efforts! Front Row: Lily Cuesta, Addilyn Buckalew, Brady Bouler, Sawyer Fealy, and Jaelynn Nguyen; Second Row: Jackson Fealy, Lyris Melgoza, Jack Blackerby, and Madeleine Wolfe; Back Row: Emma Stone, Tatiana Cruz, Natalie Duncan, Annie Le, and Samuel Knight.

Covenant Christian Cross Country Champions

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Covenant Christian runners competed well at the SAISTA League Championships held at Municipal Park. The 7th & 8th grade boys and girls teams finished first in their respective divisions. Go Eagles!

Homecoming Week at St. Luke’s

Homecoming Week at St. Luke's is full of daily events, competitions, and surprises! Middle and Upper School students enjoy themed Out of Uniform days and games and competitions during the day. This year, grades K4-12 participated in a peprally full of cheering, spirit, a balloon drop, the "Mr.. Wildcat" competition, and Pie in the Face challenges! Afterwards students played games with their assigned Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Little Brothers/Little Sisters, watched movies, and toured the campus. It was great day to be a WILDCAT! Pictured are members of the Class of 2015 as they prepare to make a grand entrance at the pep-rally.

Corpus Christi Students Try to Simulate Circulatory System

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In their lab entitled “Circulatory System Relay Race”, students first made the hypothesis that a team of six 7th graders could simulate the heart by moving five liters of water in two minutes using graduated receptacles as vessels. In a timed race, the teams of students competed against each other and found that the heart is indeed, more efficient. Students then learned how to obtain a pulse rate using stethoscopes and then feeling the pulses. As part of our STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, students engineered the set-ups in various ways for their races, and later performed mathematical assessments of the results. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Future Cheerleaders of McGill-Toolen

McGill-Toolen Catholic Cheerleaders host more than 150 "future Jackets" at the Lip for the Fairhope game. Cheerleaders from our partner schools throughout the archdiocese joined the Varsity and JV Squads for a pizza party tailgate, our Jacket Walk and they got to go out on the field as the team ran through the banner right before the game.

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St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elementary School Girls Take Blue Pinky Promise

Girls across the country are painting their pinky fingernail blue and taking a stand against bullying. The program encourages people to paint their pinky nail blue and make a pinky promise to stand up against bullying. The SLES 5th grade girls took the pledge and vowed to stand up for each other. After the nail painting and pinky pledge they celebrated by decorating cupcakes! We are very proud of this great group of girls! Back row: (left to right) Bridget Chaltain, Ella Bryant, Madelyn Hurt, Ella Grace Rader, Kasey Sexton, Allie Champagne, Anna Claire Carlock, Madeline Erickson, Savannah Jeane, Anna Marie Bentley, Parker Breal; Front row: (left to right). Rebekah Chappell, Hannah Uptigrove, Addison Arrington, Gennave' Jean-Louis, Reagan Warner, Ella Ferebee, Rani Badve, Bayleigh Bachelor, Riley Griffith, Jillian Johnson, Ava Murphy.

St. Mary Catholic School NJHS Induction

St. Mary Catholic School held their fall induction of the National Junior Honor Society September 26. Pictured are St. Mary's newest members representing the NJHS pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship. Front Row: Zoe Tanz, Macy Mather, Xavier Mitchell, Susie McLaney, Angie Piccinni, Maggie Nall, Reddic Barnes, Eden Blackmon, Rip Repoll, Ben Brierly, Matthew Clarke, Lee Corbett, Matthew Cortopassi, Lauryn Smith, and Christopher Snetsinger; Row 2: Tasia Williams, Georgia Vaughn, Tamia Kidd, James Montgomery, Matthew Mudge, Lily Rathle, Adele Baucom, Aiden Oetken, Sadie Kate Polk, Andi Russell, Emily Salter, Elizabeth Culberson; Row 3: Benny Vereen, Sarah Alston Hooker, Maggie Dolan, Thomas Gaillard, Connell Heinz, Morgan Lowe, Owen Kilpatrick, George Blankenship, Virginia Betbeze, Rachel Aune, Mason Goleman, Richard Favret, Dallas Daffin, Thomas Repoll; Back Row: Alex Husting, Andrew Thompson, Freida Kicklighter, Corrinne Stein, Brendan Reilly, Cate Baggett, Alayna Mickels, Aisling Finnegan, Millie Matorana, Cecelia Florey, Emily Doyle, Garret Seibt, Sam Hoover, Hayden Tuite, Cort Johnson.

Ice Cream and New Friends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Sweet Combination at Faith Academy

Faith Academy SGA, staff members and administrators gave a special welcome to new students in grades 1-12, on August 7th, as they hosted their third annual New Student Ice Cream Social. Students and parents alike enjoyed an ice cream sundae buffet and ice breaker games. An information session was also given then SGA members toured the students to their new buildings and classrooms to meet teachers and get to know current students. The purpose of the new student social is to ease the anxiety of the new students on orientation day and make them more comfortable and familiar with the school on the first day. 21

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Knollwood Christian School 2014-2015 SGA Members

Pictured are the newly elected SGA members: (front row) Emma Sheffield, Rachael Smith, Raven Lyons (President), Paris Johnson, Madeline Melton (Treasurer), Madison Mety (Vice President), Laura Maguire, Faith Mills (Secretary), (back row) Travis Kidd, Kornel Johnson, Walker Reusser, Braxton Evans, Will Hataway, and Michael Powell.

St. Pius X Blessing of the Pets

St. Pius X hosted its annual Blessing of the Pets on October 1. Students and parish members were invited to bring their pets to be blessed by Pastor Reverend S. J. Savoie. Pictured here are 5th graders Victoria Ferington, Taylor Barrett and Ruby Jensen with their pets for the blessing.

Corpus Christi Catholic School Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time .

The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. Established in 1958 by Corpus Christi Parish, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K3 through eighth grade an outstanding education. For additional information or to schedule a tour, please contact the school office at 251.342.5474 or sgillis@corpuschristiparish.com. Corpus Christi Catholic School 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 www.corpuschristiparish.com/school Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Blessing of the Animals at Corpus Christi Catholic School

McGill-Toolen Catholic Recognizes National Merit Scholars

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, each year Corpus Christi Catholic School holds a Blessing of the Animals. It is always a fun morning when students and their pets get to mingle with each other. Pictured are Dylan and Sophie Santa Cruz with their dogs Brach and Tootsie.

Principal Michelle Haas, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs Lisa Robertson and Senior Counselor Robin Brown recognized 6 seniors who have been selected by the National Merit Scholarship Program as Semi-Finalists. These academically talented students have the opportunity to compete for one of the 7600 National Merit Scholarship available next spring. Bottom photo, pictured: Front Row: Counselor Robin

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Brown, Principal Michelle Haas, Taylor Mahoney, Brennan Smith, Asst. Principal Lisa Robertson. 2nd Row: Austin Taylor, Bret Arata, Burke Moore and Matthew Davis. Additionally we had 2 students who have been selected as Commended Students. Charlie Seiter and Collin Fogarty placed among the top five percent of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition.

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St. Ignatius Impala Gallop a Success

St. Ignatius Catholic School hosted the Impala Gallop, a 2 mile Certified run on September 27. One of the most anticipated participants was Lily Adams. Lily is learning to walk and the public debut of her new walking skills was at the finish line of the gallop. Lots of teamwork went into helping Lily get to this point. All of us at St. Ignatius are happy to be on Lily’s team. She was cheered on by her sister Anna, Emma Mayhall and all of the other participants. Congratulations, Lily, on your new accomplishment.

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Yellow Week at UMS-Wright

UMS-Wright celebrated Yellow Week September 8-12, a week recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and devoted to Living in Kindness and celebrating the life and legacy of UMSWright student Krisanna Roberts, who courageously battled cancer. Living in Kindness is an effort to promote positive living through encouraging messages and random acts of kindness. Throughout the week, students greeted the carpool line with motivating posters and sold yellow items such as stickers, arm bands, head bands, and footballs, with all proceeds benefitting local camps: Camp Grace, Camp Rap-a-Hope, Camp Sugar Falls, Camp MASH, and Camp Smile. Yellow Week ended with a “Yellow Out,” where every student, faculty, and staff member dressed in yellow for the school day and the football game that night.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Recognizes Dyslexia Awareness Month in October

On October 9, the St. Paul’s faculty and staff wore red in honor of National Dyslexia Awareness Month. This annual recognition aims to raise awareness for the common learning disability and to highlight the resources available to students, parents, and other individuals with dyslexia. In the Unites States alone, one in five individuals suffer from dyslexia which causes symptoms such as difficulty spelling, trouble learning letters and sounds, trouble memorizing number facts and much more. People who are very bright can be dyslexic. They are often capable or even gifted in areas that do not require strong language skills, such as art, computer science,

design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales and sports. St. Paul’s Episcopal School is fortunate to be able to offer an Alternative Instruction Program (AIP) that provides an appropriate educational setting for students diagnosed with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD and others. While the standard-sized classroom works well for many students, the learning needs of some are better met in a small group environment providing more frequent interaction and closer instructor supervision.

Converse and Cooke Dough at St. Pius X

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My what big feet you have! St. Pius X eighth graders hoist a giant Converse high top which is the top prize in the cookie dough sale recently conducted. Pictured are: Nicole Clark, Mary Catherine McClinton, Laura Naman, Mary Morrow Allen (front), and Lexie Riley.

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St. Mary Catholic School will host the 7th annual Steve Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday November 2 at Spring Hill College Golf Course. This year's steering committee includes Desi Tobias, Celie Tobias, John Thompson, Dina Blankenship, Bill Reece, Gordon Armstrong, Ben Heinz, and Curt Doyle. The volunteer crew is provided by the St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus Council 13163 and members of the Thompson family. The entry fee will be $100 per golfer and includes lunch, beverages, prizes, and a gift. Registration begins at 11 a.m. 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) 4325001 or desi@tmclawyers.com or call the parish development office at 432-8678, ext. 3. Pictured, Golf Tournament Committee Co-Chair, Dina Blankenship with son George Blankenship ready to tee off at the 2013 tournament.

Grandparents’ Day at Corpus Christi Catholic School

On Tuesday, September 30, Corpus Christi Catholic School celebrated Grandparents’ Day. This annual event is special day for students as well as their grandparents. The celebration begins with Mass, followed by a reception, then grandparents are invited to tour the school and visit their grandchildren’s classrooms. Pictured are Peter and Maureen Byrne with their grandchildren (L to R), Danielle Flores, Maurgen Byrne, Isabela Flores and Maggie Byrne.

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Schools at Faith Academy The Importance ofAutauga VotingCounty Reinforced

On August 28th, Faith Academy students in grades 7-12 listened to the ideas (and some promises) of the class officer candidates as they shared their speeches with classmates. Candidates prepared a two-minutes speech which included the candidate’s Christian testimony, why students should elect him/ her to the position and ideas for the school year. From vending machines in the hallway to tailgate parties, the candidates proved very creative in their thinking. The following officers were elected to serve: 7th Grade - President- Jacob Mitchell and Kristen McDonald, Vice president- Sallie Coley and Jackson Haney, Secretary- Olivia Johnston and McKenzie Wright, ReporterKendri Moore and Tara Piggot, ChaplainSarah Phillips and Brinkley Hearn; 8th Grade-President- Jared Harbin and Britney Stringfellow, Vice President- Morgan Murphy, Reporter- Greg Naman, Chaplain- Cammie Hearon and Caitie Beth Shirey; 9th Grade- President- Emily Andrews and Chelsea Geter, Vice-President- Kristen Harden, Chaplain- Cory Anderson and Emily Keith; 10th Grade -President- Gracie East and Hailee Powell, Vice-President- Sasha Cohen, Secretary – Gabby Fillingim; 11th Grade Class Officers – President- Jasmine Huynh and Jacob Phillips, Vice-President- Mallory Jackson and Chase Rapier, Secretary- Leighton Powell, Chaplain- Christian Bevis and Hannah Yessick; 12th Grade Class Officers - Vice-President-Devin Brown and Wilson Snell, Secretary- Victoria Miller and Macie Myrick, Chaplain- Catherine Armstrong. Presidents of the Senior class, elected in May, are Johnny Howard and Cayla Leniz. New Voters – Pictured, Members of the 7th grade class proudly hold up their ballots, as they are about to vote to elect class officers for the first time as students at Faith Academy.

UMS-Wright Preparatory School

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Admissions Open House Sunday, November 16 1:00 - 3:00 pm

For more information, contact Anne Stabler at 251-470-9044. UMS-Wright does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed or national origin. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Volleyball at Covenant Christian

The Covenant Christian Middle School volleyball team finished their season with a 7-3 record. The Lady Eagles finished 2nd in the CMSAA league in the regular season and placed 2nd in the end of the season tournament. Cambre Thompson and Katherine Allred were named to the CMSAA All- Conference team.

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St. Dominic Inducts New Student Council Members

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St. Dominic Catholic School recently inducted members of the 2014 – 2015 Student Council. These students, elected by their fellow students, have pledged to serve their fellow students with

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pride and dedication and bring honor to the school. They promise to be examples in our behavior, our conduct, and our Christian values. Pictured are (front row, l – r): Jacob Evans, Classroom Representative; Madeline Greenwood, Vice President; Dylan Petrie, President; Regan Haik, Secretary/Treasurer; Michael Sieter, Prayer Leader/Parliamentarian (back row, l – r) William Cazalas, Classroom Representative; Harley Waits, Classroom Representative; Clayton Andrews, Classroom Representative; Joey Picinni, Classroom Representative; Brantley Rowe, Classroom Representative and Sam Rehm, Classroom Representative. (Not pictured, Caroline Stratus, Classroom Representative).

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Autauga County Schools

McGill-Toolen Catholic Students Stand for Life!

"Life Chain" is a national movement promoting the beauty, sanctity and right to life. On the first Sunday in October, thousands took to the streets to stand for life, holding Pro-Life signs and praying the rosary. Members of the McGill-Toolen Pro-Life Club stood on the side of Airport Blvd., from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

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Phillips Preparatory Honor Society Participates in Color Run

13 Phillips Preparatory School National Junior Honor Society members, Ms. Martin, & Mrs. Inman participated in the Color Run. They raised $599 for the PPS Relay for Life team. Abby Foster, Mollee Bearden, Garland Helms, Logan Phelps, Griffin Noble, Alliyah Taylor, Abbigail Hunt, Madison Split, Grayson Webb, Cameron Wilson, Parker Inman, Ben Truong, Cameron Moody, Ryleigh Thomas, Ms. Martin and Mrs. Inman.

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

Lott Middle School Homecoming Tea

Lott Middle School hosted a Homecoming Tea for the homecoming maids and sweethearts. Their mothers, grandmothers, or a special family member was invited to attend the tea. The maids and sweethearts were served cake and punch. They were presented with a sash. All maids and the sweethearts wore their sash as they were recognized during the Homecoming Ceremony on October 9th before the Homecoming Game. Top left photo: From left to right: Eighth Grade Maids: Hailey Odom, Mckenzie Weaver, Makayla Weaver, Sydney Hendry, Elizabeth Daniels, and Joni Reed. Top right photo: From left to right: Football Sweetheart: Ashton Smith and Band Sweetheart:â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Kristy Reed. Bottom left photo: From left to right: Sixth Grade Maids: Abby Archer, Chloe Campbell, Emma Estes, and Whitney Smith. Bottom right photo: From left to right: Seventh Grade Maids: Dreayna Morgan, DeLanie Lambert, Jalianna Weaver, and Destiny Lynn. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Student-Designed Robots to Be On Display on November 1

B.E.S.T. Robotics is a science and technology program involving middle and high school students from 40 different schools in Mobile and Baldwin County. These students have six weeks to design a robot using a supply of basic building materials. These robots then compete to accomplish a variety of tasks. This year's theme involves designing a robot capable of transporting sections of a wind turbine across a variety of terrains in order to assemble them in a particular area-all while avoiding certain protected environments for endangered species. In addition to the design and construction of a robot, students create a company to market their robot and an exhibit to showcase their designs. The public is invited to see all of our work in action on Game Day, November 1, at the USA Mitchell Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free! Attendees will be able to witness the robots in action and visit 40 exciting exhibits! Come support these students as they take part in this spectacular educational opportunity. Pictured here, the Faith Academy Robotics Team Leaders: (Left to right) Jake Houston, Austin Miller, Joseph Mareska, Michael Crump, Calvin Davidson, Johnny Howard, Travis Brinkley, and Anna Breland. The team's staff advisers are Sara LeCroy, Kristel Bergman, and Ryan Smith.

Colonel Instructs CHCA World Studies Class on Current Events

Mr.. Sandefur's 8th grade World Studies, students at Cottage Hill Christian Academy were blessed to have guest speaker, Lt. Colonel John Pugh of the United States Air Force share with them on October 8th. Lt. Colonel Pugh shared his twenty plus years of experience as an Air Force pilot and officer with the students along with his experiences while serving in the Middle East. Mr.. Sandefur's World Studies students have recently been studying the Middle East and the impact of the current conflicts on American culture. Students enjoyed learning about Lt. Colonel Pugh's job in the USAF and were able to ask many questions to help them better understand current events and US military operations. SGA Chaplain Destanie Whittington led in a time of prayer for Lt. Colonel Pugh and his unit.

45 Years and Still Dippin!

Archbishop Prays with McGill-Toolen Team Before Game

Archbishop Lipscomb stops by McGill-Toolen Catholic's football practice to pray with the team before their first game against Vigor. The Jackets kicked off their season with a 17-14 victory over Vigor.

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Autauga County Schools

St. Paul’s Students Enjoy Week of Outdoor Education

In October, the St. Paul’s sixth graders enjoyed a week at Camp Kanuga in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The camp, affiliated with the Episcopal Church, focuses on building independence and self-confidence while teaching the importance of respect for each other and the world around them. While at camp, the group of 81 students participated in outdoor activities such as conquering rock climbing walls and high ropes courses. On their nature hikes they learned about forest and animal ecology and outdoor living; and an Appalachian naturalist shared experiences such as witnessing snakes, salamanders, a Bard Owl and a groundhog in their natural habitat. The group also took part in candle-making, cooking biscuits over a fire, games and storytelling, all of which are part of the Appalachian culture. In addition to outdoor learning, three chapel services were held during the week and the group was blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, who served in his position from March 1991-October 2002. They also had the opportunity to tour the Biltmore Estate which is located not far from the campgrounds. The Kanuga trip is an adventure offered every year to the sixth grade class at St. Paul’s. As a result, the student campers form lifelong friendships, conquer their fears, experience new adventures, focus on their God-given gifts, and explore their faith in a welcoming, Christian community.

Sea Cadet News

Dunlap Division cadets received instruction in the basics of firefighting followed by hands-on training by the Bayou LaBatre Fire Department at the Sea School (www.seaschool.com) located in Bayou LaBatre on Saturday, September 27. The cadets were also given the opportunity to handle and maneuver a ship via the NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge Simulator and Instructor Station. The NAUTIS has allowed Sea School to provide the most realistic simulator training for their students. The School has locations along the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast and the Caribbean and is the premier maritime training school, for over 36 years, in the country. In other news, cadets visited the William F. Green Veteran’s Home located in Bay Minette on Saturday, October 4. While at the Veteran’s Home, the cadets planted vegetables for the residents, played Bingo, as well as sanded and varnished rocking chairs. Dunlap Division is very proud of these young people for giving up their Saturday morning to give back to their community and especially for the Veterans. 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, AL. 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. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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CHCA Student Receives National Merit Scholarship Commendation

Ms. Lisa East, the Academic Dean of Cottage Hill Christian Academy announced that Caitlin Harbin has been named Commended Student in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although she will not continue in the 2015 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, she placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition. Caitlin has demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. She represents one of the many talented students attending Cottage Hill Christian Academy where enlightening minds, enriching hearts and extending hands are a part of each day.

Math Class Earns LIVE Concert!

Great teachers are not the exception at SLES~they fill our classrooms and constantly go above and beyond for their students and for our school. Dr. Daryl Cordeiro treated one of his classes to a live concert, but they had to earn it first! Here's how: Dr. Cordeiro teaches AP calculus, calculus and pre-calculus at SLES and at another local high school. In every class over the past 12 years he has issued this challenge...If EVERY student in the class earns an "A" on the same test, he will bring in his guitar and his equipment and give them a live concert during class. NO class has ever met that challenge...UNTIL NOW! Every student in his pre-calculus class at St. Luke's earned an A on the same test. True to his word, Dr. C brought in and set up all of his equipment and performed during their class period. He records all of his own background tracks (music and vocals) and then accompanies those pre-recorded tracks. The kids LOVED it! Way to go SLES and way to inspire your students, Dr. Cordeiro!

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McGill-Toolen Girls Cross Country Team Wins First at Invitational

Congratulations to McGill-Toolen Catholic Girls Varsity Cross Country Team for their first place win at the Spring Hill College Invitational Friday, September 26th. Scoring for the girls team was Grace Jensen (3rd), Fia Rose Carlos (6th), Ebie Douglas (7th), Frieda Kickliter (8th) & Julia McDermott (9th). Both the Boys and Girls JV Teams won as well. A great performance by the entire team!

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

Kindergarten had a great time in the science lab making glider goop. Pictured are Andrews Grinstead and Henry Muscat. The Science Lab is a favorite for all the classes but Kindergarten had some messy fun doing this experiment.

St. Pius X Edible Garden

Mrs. Brenda Shreves harvests herbs with Mrs. McLean's third grade. The third grade class planted and grew the herbs in the St. Pius X Edible Playground. The herbs were later used in spaghetti sauce which was served to the entire school in the cafeteria.

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UMS-Wright Students Participate in Coastal Cleanup

UMS-Wright students participated in the 27th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 20. The volunteers scoured the coastline picking up trash and debris in an effort to keep our beaches and waterways clean.

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

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Phillips Preparatory Lady Pirates Finish Season in First Place The Phillips Preparatory Middle School Lady Pirates Volleyball Team finished the 2014 season in first place in the 3A Division. Our ladies ended their season with a 9-0 record. We then took on Semmes Middle for the championship. The scores were 25-12, 25-22, and 25-11. We are so proud of our ladies. These matches had some of the longest rallies we have ever seen. Both teams should be proud because they truly deserve this honor. PPS Lady Pirates for 2014-15: Kenya McQuirter, Leah Draine, Allie Glover, Cecilia Woodford, Mary Ashlynn Civitelli, Mallory Odom, Ally Vickers, Abbey Armbruster, Taylor Caffey, Lauren Chestang, Tanaka Hakata, Summerlin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gwynn.

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A Page in a Book These Books Are for the Birds Young or old, we all marvel over birds. Birds are one of the few animal groups that call out with song and sound for our attention. Found in almost every environment around the world, birds soar through the sky, plumb depths and nest right under our noses. They brighten our lives with color, song, antics and aerial acrobatics. With their plucky attitudes and posh plumage, our avian friends give wing to our imagination. The following titles feature our feathered friends in situations that will delight, inform and inspire young readers to their own flights of fancy!

Peggy

by Anna Walker (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin) Peggy is a beautiful black hen who’s right at home in the country. She has a cozy house, her own trampoline and pigeon friends to keep her company. But when a big gust of wind plucks her off her trampoline and plunks her down in the big city, it’s up to Peggy to follow clues that might lead her home. Anna Walker’s ink and photo collage illustrations tell most of the story, capturing the bustle and marvels of a busy city with natural colors, highlighted with bright symbols of Peggy’s home. Children will instantly connect with Peggy’s perspective as she is rendered small amidst a much bigger world. With dryly humorous insets that enliven Peggy’s journey, this picture book celebrates both the charm of adventure and the comforts of home.

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Penguin in Peril

by Helen Hancocks (Templar / Candlewick) What’s a penguin to do when he’s on the run from three hungry cats? Kidnapped from the zoo, one puzzled penguin finds his moment to escape. Hiding from his abductors while navigating a strange landscape is challenging, and his future looks black…and white. Seeking natural camouflage on the run, our penguin seeks refuge among nuns, black-tie waiters, and white-collared commuters as he tries to find the zoo. Hancock’s brightly colored mixed media illustrations are punctuated with black and white nods to the penguin’s plumage and her simple text makes it an ideal read-aloud for children. Young readers will delight as they follow one cool-headed penguin and his inept feline followers on a wild ride across the city.

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

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by Kate Samworth (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin) Styled along the lines of vintage mail order catalogs, Aviary Wonders Inc. is a visionary company for discerning bird builders that provides everything you need to craft your own avian wonder. From feathers and feet to beaks and bodies, every part of the bird is featured with instructions to guide design and assembly. Samworth’s marvelous artwork is the highlight of this imaginary offering as it subtly educates readers on all the physical aspects of birds that make them unique. It also features quiet references to extinct bird species tucked within its darkly beautiful suggestion that we may one day have to build our own birds. Young birdwatchers will love plucking out the real facts hidden in this artistic feast of fowl. A flight of imagination for all ages, Aviary Wonders Inc. is a first choice for the young birders bookshelf.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Q. My wife and I just became debt-free, and we’re saving for our first house. We have about $75,000 in savings, and we’d like to buy a home with cash in the next few years. Where do you think we should place our money so it’s working for us while we save? A. I don’t advise playing the market on the

short term. If I were in your shoes, and looking at possibly a two- to four-year window, I’d just pile the cash in a money market account or possibly a balanced fund. I’m a big fan of growth stock mutual funds when it comes to long-term investing. The problem with that in this scenario would be the volatility of the market. By the time you’ve saved up more money and spent time deciding on a house, the market may be down. All you’re looking for in this scenario is a wise, safe place to park it and pile it up while you prepare. Congratulations! Debt-free is the way to be when you’re looking to buy a nice, new home!

Q. My husband has a great job, and I love my work and schedule as a substi-

tute teacher. However, he wants me to take a full-time position so we can build more wealth. The only debt we have is our house, and we’ve already saved and invested a lot of money. What’s your suggestion for this situation?

A. First and foremost, you two have a responsibility to take care of each other and your own household. It sounds like you’re doing that pretty well. So, if he wants you to take a full-time job only to build more wealth, I think that’s a bad idea. Wealth is for quality of life, and quality of life includes giving. It also includes a safe and stable future. But if you have to surrender the joy in life to do that — to build extra wealth or build at a different pace — well, to me that’s just wrong. Contentment has nothing to do with how many hours you work or how many zeroes are in your bank account. Contentment has to do with your state of being. It’s

connected to your sense of gratitude, happiness and your priorities. The idea that contentment is on the same spectrum as ambition? No, it’s not. I don’t think you should take on a job or a schedule you hate just to pay off your house a couple of years earlier. I wouldn’t do that, and I don’t recommend you do it either. People should do something with their lives they find enjoyable and they’re called to do. Now, if your kids are going hungry and your bills aren’t getting paid, then you do whatever it takes. But in this case, you’re happy and you guys are in a great place. I’m sure your husband is a great guy, but I think he’s wrong on this one.

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Do you ever think of volunteering with your kids as a little like eating broccoli? It’s something you know you should do, but you can’t get excited about it?

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Sure, you’ve heard about the benefits: volunteering can teach your children how to be compassionate for others and caring of the world around them. While helping out they can learn new skills, gain self-confidence and learn about people with different backgrounds and beliefs.

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Yet when you think about signing up, all you may be able to focus on are the obstacles. Fortunately, overcoming those barriers is a lot easier than learning to love broccoli. Here are several common objections to volunteering along with ways to rise above them.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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egory, think about what your family members like to do. For instance, if you all like being outdoors, you can It’s true that many orgawork at a comnizations have age restrictions about who is allowed http://www.handsonnetwork.org munity garden for a local food bank to volunteer. But you may http://thevolunteerfamily.org be able to work on a project http://www.volunteermatch.org to benefit human welfare. You can that doesn’t involve showing http://liveunited.org/volunteer help clean up up onsite. For instance, if http://idealist.org litter from local your kids really love animals beaches or riverbut they are too young to banks to help the volunteer at a shelter, your environment. Or you may want to participate family may be able to organize a blanket or in a backyard bird count or help restore a towel drive, collect dog food, or make cat toys. The bonus is that when you deliver wild habitat to contribute to animal welfare. your goods, you’ll probably be able to spend a little quality time playing with the “I can’t even get my kids to help animals you’re helping.

“We’ll volunteer eventually, but my children are too young now.”

Check these online sites for more ideas on how your whole family can get involved in helping out:

“There are so many good causes, there’s no way we can decide on one to get our help.” Think about your interests to help you decide where to give your time. Many nonprofit service organizations can be broken down into three broad categories: human welfare, environmental welfare or animal welfare. Once you define your broad cat-

out around the house, there’s no way I can get them to volunteer to work somewhere else.”

The key is to make volunteering more like fun than work, which it can be. And you need to get buy-in from everyone involved. If you present a volunteer opportunity to your kids as something they will do whether they “like it or not,” you’ll almost certainly get resistance. But if you ask their opinions and give them a voice in choosing a cause to

work for or a project to help out on, you may be surprised at the enthusiasm they show.

“My kids already spend time on service projects through their Scout troops, there’s no need to spend more time volunteering.”

It’s true that service organizations of many types help kids learn the pleasures of giving their time. But there’s also an advantage to be gained from working together as a family. You get to see your kids succeed at tasks they may not normally do, and you may also find out about issues that are important to them. And it’s not bad that your children get to watch you commit your time and energy to something you believe is important. Another bonus: the possibility of meeting other families who believe in the same causes you do. Once you break the volunteer barrier, don’t be surprised if you find yourself adding a regular project to your family’s calendar. There’s something about helping an organization or contributing to an issue you care about that’s good for you. Just like broccoli, only better. MBP Cindy Hudson has volunteered as part of Girl Scout troops, school groups, mother-daughter book clubs, and with her family and friends. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two daughters. Visit her online at www.MotherDaughterBookClub.com.

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Don’t Stress About Your Holiday Style When it comes to shopping for holiday fashion, we all know the stresses it can cause. And, if you are like us, the holiday season started in October...and it’s crazy busy! I try not to sweat the small stuff, especially when it comes to my style. We always have parties or holiday functions to attend, but money and time play a huge role in making those ultimate fashion decisions. I’m going to give you some tips on how to look stylish without breaking the bank for your holiday activities.

1) Incorporate spring and summer items. Yes, simple items you wore this spring and summer, like t-shirts and blouses, are great to incorporate in a fun holiday style. For example, depending on your event, add a skirt, accessories, tights, boots or a fun heel (printed or a seasonal color). You can also bring in added style with jewelry. I like layering my jewelry by mixing metals and adding some sparkle to that simple style. You can have fun with jeans as well, but be sure to keep your denim a darker shade as you enter Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

the night. Add a heel, blazer and a classic or printed light jacket and you have a versatile day to evening outfit.

2) Shop for bargains. See what you have in your wardrobe that you can piece with a favorite skirt, pair of pants or dress you find in the stores. You can find these wardrobe pieces from any of your local discount stores. Yes, you have to dig, but the great thing about these stores is they can be your one stop shop! You might be able to load up on Christmas gifts for others while you are there, too. 3) Little black dress, pants or skirt. Yes, I love that little black dress. It’s classic and can be very versatile. I do believe you need a different black dress for the summer and the fall. The material makes a big difference as far as seasonal style goes. How can you make your dress, pants or skirt versatile, you ask? Accessorize and add a print or color, whether it’s in your shoe, boot, belt, light jacket, blazer, or a structured cardigan. Depending on the style of your dress, pants or skirt you can always play with layers. Make sure your layers are not too bulky and overwhelming. With a little variety added, this little black dress or skirt can actually take you to more than one Christmas or holiday function. 38

4) Accessorize...this is my easiest and most affordable tip. You can find fun and colorful accessories at your favorite stores. It’s so easy to change an outfit with different pieces of jewelry.

5) Add flare with a print, fun color or both. Shoes, belt, scarf, clutch or purse, you name it, prints and seasonal colors will never go out of style.

6) Take a day or two to run around in your workout clothes. I know it sounds silly coming from this Southern fashionista, but I really think if we can run around with our comfortable gear on we are less likely to stress out and we tend to get things done in a more timely manner. It’s nice to get that shopping done in comfort. However, if you are trying on clothes, wear the right undergarments and make sure you throw on a little make up.

7) Don’t stress about the holidays! Most of all remember what the season is all about and enjoy time with your family and friends. This is my most important holiday tip!

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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2014 MOBILE

Holiday Happenings Pump It Up Holiday Fun

Tuesday, November 11, Monday, November 24 – Wednesday, November 26, November 28 741 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.

Junior League of Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee

Wednesday, November 12- Saturday, November 16 1035 Cody Road N, Mobile (The Grounds) (251) 471-3348; www.juniorleaguemobile.org Check off your holiday shopping list at the 30th 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 13 – 10:30am-8:00pm, Friday, November 14 - 9:00am-9:00pm. Saturday, Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

November 15 - 9:30am-6:00pm. General Admission Tickets valid for one day are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Please visit www. juniorleaguemobile.org for more information.

Junior League Santa Breakfast & Lunch

Saturday, November 15 1035 Cody Road N, Mobile (The Grounds) (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 and Santa will be there checking his list. Everyone attending needs a ticket. Tickets: $15. Times: 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm seating’s. For ticket information, please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

Christmas Spectacular Thursday, November 20 – Sunday, November 23 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 and on Sunday 4:00pm. 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. 42

The Lighting of the Trees Bienville Square

Friday, November 21 Downtown Mobile, Bienville Square 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 21 – Sunday, November 23 7700 Hitt Rd, Mobile (Abba Temple Shrine) www.portcitycraftsmen.com The Port City Craftsmen Annual Holiday show is set for November 21, 22 from 9:00am5:00pm and November 23 from 11:00am4:00pm. There is no better way of kicking off your holiday shopping with over 100 local and regional artist and crafters. The perfect way to jump start your holiday shopping.

Christmas at the Road 2014

Saturday, November 22 5301 Lott Road, Eight Mile (Lott Road Church of God); (251) 649-8991 Come Shop at Christmas on the Road on Saturday, November 22 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, www.mobilebayparents.com

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handmade crafts, handmade bath and candle products, purses and totes, Scentsy, Avon, Tupperware, wreathes, and much more. Food in the kitchen will be sold to benefit the Boys Club Dept.

Wales West Arctic Express

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Friday, November 28 - December 24 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill (888) 569-5337; www.waleswest.com All aboard the Arctic Express at Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway. Great holiday fun for the whole family! Ride an authentic Steam Train through a wonderland of lights and decorations to the North Pole. Children visit with Santa in the Winter-wonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Lots of photo opportunities to enjoy! Free refreshments served at the Train Station after your trip! Enjoy a ride on the Mini Train, a Sleigh/ hay ride, and Inflatables on the playground. Also, Petting Zoo, Pony Ride, and Snowball Cannon are available for a slight fee. Try our Cafe’s new menu options, and a Gift Shop full of train items ideal for Christmas presents! Open Nov. 28 through December 24. Hours: WEEKENDS: Fri’s, Sat’s, and Sun’s, 3 to 9 PM; Beginning Dec. 15, open NIGHTLY, 3 to 9 PM. Admission is $15/person, plus tax. Children ages 2 years and under are free. Group rates, field trips, and parties can be booked in advance. Located on Co. Rd. 9 between Fairhope and Silverhill. For information call 888-569-5337 or go to www.waleswest.com. Must see to believe!

Magic Christmas in Lights

at Bellingrath Gardens and Home Friday, November 28 – Saturday, January 3 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s Day) 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore (251) 973-2217; www.bellingrath.org

The holiday tradition continues as Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Magic Christmas in Lights. Stroll through over 3 million sparkling lights and over 1,000 displays throughout the 65 acre Garden estate. The Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and poinsettias encompass the Gardens. Nightly choral performances are held on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home. A fun family event for everyone, guests can also have their photographs taken with Santa and find the perfect holiday gift for that someone special in Bellingrath’s magnificently stocked Gift Shop. Advance tickets for Magic Christmas in Lights and for the Bellingrath Museum Home are available on-line at www.bellingrath.org. For more information, please visit www.bellingrath.org.

Christmas at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Throughout December 1906 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL 36607 (251)471-6364; www.braggmitchellmansion.com Please join us for the sights and scents of the Christmas Season. We will be decorated in traditional Christmas splendor throughout the month of December. We schedule group tours and special events in addition to our regular historical tours. The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, built in 1855, is a Bracketed Greek Revival –style mansion. Tours are conducted Tuesday – Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm, on-the-hour.

Lights of Love 2014

Tuesday, December 2 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

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“Lights of Love” tree lighting at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital beginning at 6:00pm, Tuesday, December 2.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. Enjoy Christmas cookies, caroling and spread some old fashioned Christmas Cheer.

USA Concert Choir & University Chorale Holiday Concert Tuesday, December 2 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.

Playhouse in the Park presents Babes in Toyland Thursday, December 4 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 602-0630; www.playhouseinthepark.org The Playhouse in the Park presents Victor Herbert’s “Babes in Toyland” at the Saenger Theatre on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30pm. Follow Mary Contrary, Tom-Tom and many Mother Goose characters through amazing adventures as they help save Christmas! Please visit www.playhouseinthepark.org for more information.

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra “Holiday Concert” Friday, December 5 407 E. Laurel Avenue, Foley

Candy Buy-Back for the Troops November 3rd - 13th

One ticket per pound of candy. Tickets will be entered to a drawing for an iPad mini!

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Daphne Pediatric Dentistry For Children & Teenagers Dr. Todd Chambliss

7058 Professional Place, Daphne • www.daphnepediatricdentistry.com 43

251-447-0627

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(251) 943-1545; www.mobilesymphony.org The child musicians are sure to move audiences with sounds of the Christmas season.

est boat parade. Sponsored by Grand Mariner Marina, 6036 Rockpoint Road, Mobile. Time: dusk.

North Pole Stroll

Christmas Tree Lighting in Semmes

Friday, December 5 Royal Street, Mobile (251) 208-1550; www.ncsmobile.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, Merryoke (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.

Semmes Old Fashioned Christmas Friday, December 5 3871 Wulff Road, Semmes (Semmes Heritage Park Malone Chapel) (251) 649-2184 Travel back in time to the early 1900’s and celebrate Christmas the old fashioned way. Time: 6:00pm. For more information, please call Carolyn Owens (251) 649-2184.

Christmas Boat Parade on the River Saturday, December 6 (251) 443-6300 Dog River’s annual Christmas on the River Boat Parade. This is Mobile’s oldest and larg-

Saturday, December 6 9150 Moffett Road, Semmes (251) 649-8811; www.cityofsemmes.org Semmes ushers in the holiday season on the first Saturday in December, with our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Gather with family, friends and neighbors for this heartwarming seasonal favorite! This event starts at 4:00pm with the tree lighting at dark at Semmes Library Parking lot.

30th Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at Fort Gaines Saturday, December 6 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island (251) 861-6992; www.dauphinisland.org On December 6th, the Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board will host their 30th Annual “Christmas through the Ages” at Historic Fort Gaines. Come and experience a Christmas of “Days Gone By!” This event is a living history day for the whole family. Come and join the soldiers from the 1700′s through the 1900′s and their families as they celebrate a noncommercial Christmas. Our visiting children will have the chance to make a seashells ornament and other decorations. Times: 9:00am-5:00pm. Cost-$6 for adults and $4 for children.

Dauphin Island Christmas Parade Saturday, December 6 Dauphin Island (251) 861-5524; www.dauphinislandchamber.com The Parade is Saturday Dec 6 at 11:00am. The Parade route runs along Bienville Avenue, running east from Cadillac Square to approximately the Public Beach.

Mobile’s Singing Children Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, December 6 2 South Claiborne Street, Mobile (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) www.mobilesingingchildren.org Come join us on Saturday, December 6 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for our Annual Christmas Concert starting at 7:00pm.

Satsuma’s Annual Christmas Parade and Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday, December 6 Baldwin Square, Highway 43 www.cityofsatsuma.com Satsuma’s Annual Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 6, at 11:00am. The Arts and Crafts Festival will be held in Baldwin Square.

South Alabama Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker Saturday, December 6 (251) 232-6285; www.gracelinesdance.com

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Join us on December 6 for the Nutcracker performance at Davidson High School Theatre (3900 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mobile). Times: 2:00pm and 6:00pm.

Christmas at the Richards DAR House Saturday, December 6 – Sunday, December 7 256 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 10:00am4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm. For more information, visit www.richardsdarhouse.com.

Christmas on the Hill Sunday, December 7 Village of Springhill Shopping Area Enjoy our Annual Christmas on the Hill event from 1:00pm-5:00pm. This year a selection of the Village of Spring Hill’s 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. In addition, the event will feature an “Art Walk” where dozens of artists will display their artwork in front of Spring Hill merchants’ storefronts. Christmas on the Hill is an annual event organized by merchants in the area of the Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue intersection. This year we are very excited to be broadening our event with the inclusion of food trucks and an outdoor movie that will begin at 6:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information like the “Spring Hill Merchants Association” on Facebook.

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “The Great Historical Secacah Christmas” Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14; Friday, December 19-Sunday, December 21 14 North Lafayette Street, Mobile (251) 433-7513; www.mobiletheatreguild.org MTG is proud to present an original Christmas musical by Mobile’s own Danielle Juzan and Alan Farmer! Danielle’s comedies involving the mythical Alabama town of Secacah have been enthusiastically received by Mobile audiences over the past several years. Teaming up with Alan Farmer, Danielle brings us a delightful new musical full of downhome Christmas spirit! Times: Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm.

3rd Annual Dawes Christmas Parade Saturday, December 13 (251) 633-0033; www.dawesbizconnect.com The Dawes Christmas Parade will start at 1:00pm at Living Word Church (2900 Dawes Road) and ends at the Winn Dixie parking lot at Cottage Hill and Schillinger Road.

KNOW

what to do in case of

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

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

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

www.ChildrensAL.org/ThinkFirstPrograms In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER.

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6th Annual Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes and Tasting Tour Saturday, December 13 10141 Moffett Road, Semmes (251) 645-9176 Semmes Christmas Tour of Homes will feature beautifully decorated homes, and many restaurants plus specialty shops will present a Tasting Tour. Starting site is Semmes Community Center, located at 10141 Moffett Road where classical guitarist, Mark Habeeb, will provide entertainment for tour guests. The Tour of Homes event is scheduled from 3:00pm-7:00pm while the Tasting Tour is featured from 3:00pm-5:00pm. A pre-sell $10 ticket donation is requested which includes both the Tour of Homes and the Tasting Tour, $12 tickets available at the door. The much anticipated event is sponsored by Semmes Woman’s Club, and proceeds benefit the Historical Preservation of Semmes. Tickets will be available at Semmes Senior Center, T&T Nursery, Ruby Blue Boutique & Meggie B’s Gifts. For more information, please contact Diane Moore at (251) 645-9176.

Christmas in Saraland Saturday, December 13 951 Saraland Blvd, Saraland Old Kmart Shopping Center - Saraland, AL Christmas arts and crafts show fun for the entire family.

Saraland Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 13 (251) 675-4444; www.saralandchamber.com The annual Christmas Parade will start at 12:00pm. For more information, please call Bill Silver at (251) 490-7694.

Semmes Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 13 (251) 649-8811; www.cityofsemmes.org The Semmes Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13th, 2014 beginning at 9:00am on Wulff Road to Hwy 98. The parade has floats, marching bands, marching groups of dancers & cheerleaders, riders on Horses and antique cars.

The Ginger Bread Man – Moorer/Springhill Branch

Saturday, December 13 4 S McGregor Avenue, Mobile (251) 470-7770; www.mplonline.org Mrs. Rhodes will tell the story of The Gingerbread Man. After the story time everyone will receive a gingerbread man to decorate. Lemonade and water will be provided for those wanting to eat their creation. Registration is required for groups. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org.

Mobile Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

Saturday, December 13-Sunday, December 14

401 Civic Center Dr. (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.

Mobile Symphony presents “An Appalachian Christmas”

Saturday, December 13, Sunday, December 14 6 Joachim Street, Mobile (Saenger Theatre) (251) 432-2010; www.mobilesymphony.org As the weather turns colder, the Saenger heats up with superstar fiddler Mark O’Connor and his Appalachian Christmas. This heart-warming concert also features all your holiday favorites you know and love! On December 13, the performance will start at 8:00pm and on December 14; the starting time is 2:30pm. Please visit www.mobilesymphony.org for more information.

Gloria Dei Chorale Christmas Concert Sunday, December 14 2053 Government St. (Little Flower Catholic Church) www.gloriadeichorale.org Gloria Dei Chorale under the direction of Louis F. Daniel will present its Christmas concert. Featuring works by Dan Forrest, Craig Courtney, Philip Stopford, Director Louis Daniel, and more. There will be a reception following the concert. All donations at the

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door will go to a local charity. This event takes place at 3:00pm.

Hancock Bank presents Holiday Cheer at The Bull Sunday, December 14 609 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 432-1101; www.cacmobile.org Hancock Bank presents “Holiday Cheer at The Bull” to benefit the Child Advocacy Center on Sunday, December 14th from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The Bull Cantina and Grill will host the event at 609 Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. Other sponsors include: Lite Mix 99.9 Radio, Moore Law Firm, Norton Lilly International, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, South Alabama Trial Lawyers, and Wendell Quimby, The event will feature samplings of The Bull’s southwestern signature dishes and wines to taste, along with a select live auction of holiday gifts and live music by Jerry Squires. Tickets are available at The Bull and the CAC for $35 each. Call 432-1101 for details or www.cacmobile.org and on Facebook. Some auction items are: Santa Baby Package, Jingle Bell Package, Girly Girl package, Manly Man package, and a Mistletoe Package.

The Mobile Pops in Concert present “Sounds of the Season” Monday, December 15, Friday, December 19 (251) 679-6036; www.mobilepopsband.com The Mobile Pops present their annual Christmas Concerts on December 15 and December 19th at 7:00pm. The concert on the 15th will be at Davidson High School Auditorium and the concert of the 19th will be at Saraland Center for the Performing Arts. All concerts are FREE and open to the public.

Trace Adkins – The Christmas Show Thursday, December 18 6 South Joachim Street, Mobile (251) 208-5600; www.mobilesaenger.com Adkins’ The Christmas Show 2014 Tour is a reverent, family-friendly theatrical production, featuring songs from his Celtic Christmas album, The King’s Gift. The show combines fireside story-telling with performances of classic carols. Adkins’ historical and humorous narration, loving delivery of time-honored Christmas classics and the lush instrumentation make for a truly special holiday event. Location: Saenger Theatre at 8:00pm.

MoonPie Over Mobile New Year’s Eve Celebration Wednesday, 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 2015 like no other. MBP 47

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Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Most of us recall our school days with a mixture of nostalgia and hazy memories. It was a long time ago. We knew bullies and probably had some run-ins with them over the years. In every era there are those children, both boys and girls, who engage in bullying behaviors.

What is Bullying?

What exactly is bullying? The current definition of bullying is “the use of force or coercion to abuse, intimidate or dominate others.” It may be habitual behavior to instill fear and may present as verbal harassment and threats, or physical assaults. Bullying can come in many forms: teasing, name calling, stealing property, and forcing unwanted acts. It is designed to instill fear and anxiety. Some bullies try to justify their behavior based on the sex, race, class, abilities or appearance of their victims. When bullying is done by groups it is known as “mobbing.”

Why? Profile of a Bully

It’s hard to understand why children want to hurt others for no apparent reason. Most experts agree that bullies are children who want and need attention. They want to raise their own status by feeling powerful. They often are abused or neglected children who haven’t learned

to care about others’ feelChildren at risk to become bullies have ings. They are some or all of these characteristics: predatory by nature and select as victims • They have been shamed, belittled or ignored at home. those they • They have been disciplined violently. perceive as • They feel unsafe at home. weaker than • They seek attention for a feeling of powerlessness. themselves. • They have few friends. They lack a • They lack the support of adults in their lives. set of values to guide their • They have parents with mental health issues. choices and • There is little communication in their home. rarely accept responsibilIn today’s technological world there ity for their are ample opportunities for bullies to act behaviors. Their behavior can be comout in the relative anonymity of their compulsive and repeated over time. Bullies puters and phones. They can threaten, usually have low self-esteem, insecurities expose and tease all the while hiding their and fear exposure of their weaknesses. identity. They are driven by bitterness, hatred, anger and prejudice which they vent on What Can You Do? their victims. Parents are often astounded at the intensity of bullying behavior their chilWarning Signs dren tolerate every day. Once a bullying If you suspect that your child is being situation is exposed, the offender often bullied on the way to school, in school or at changes tactics. He or she stops bullying other times, here are behaviors to look for: that particular person for fear of retribution, embarrassment or consequences. • School avoidance behaviors such as But without help, the offender will most morning stomach aches, headaches, asklikely bully again. Parents walk a fine line ing to stay home when helping their children to deal with • Trouble sleeping bullying behaviors. If they step in and • Loss of appetite solve the problem for their child, the child • Anxiety in normal life situations remains vulnerable. If they refrain from • Unexplained fears acting, they risk their child’s harm, both • Changes in grades emotional and physical.

*actual patients

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There are common sense ways to combat bullying: Proactive Teaching: Many schools have anti-bullying campaigns in place. Most often classroom teachers or school counselors teach the lessons. But change in behavior takes time. Most bullies need one on one help to change and meanwhile the victims must find ways to stay safe. Parents can do some proactive teaching as well. Talk to your children about staying safe and standing up to bullies. Help them build strategies to stand up for themselves while never resorting to fights which could get them into trouble. Avoidance Techniques: One logical way to stop bullying is to stay away from the bully. If at all possible, change the route taken to school or walk a different hallway to get to the next class. Bullies tend to take advantage of an opportunity. If the opportunity is taken away they have no victim.

Standing Firm: Children need to be proud of themselves and learn to be brave in the face of trouble. For those children who seem frail or unsure, it’s a good idea to enroll them in classes or join sports programs--get involved in activities that build confidence. They need to practice saying a firm “No” to those who bully them and to be willing to ask for help or report problems to authorities. Ignoring threats is sometimes helpful, but having a buddy and being a buddy is probably an even better strategy. The absolute worst choice when being bullied is to tolerate it and stay quiet. Teach your child to speakup when bullied. Why not take the opportunity to talk about bullying with your children? What should they do if they witness bullying behavior? And, let’s be honest here, have they ever taken part in bullying another person or witnessed bullying without intervening? Let them know you are always available to talk about uncomfortable situations in their lives. And check out the websites below to find more information, strategies and role-playing activities to give your child the confidence and strength to stand up to bullying behaviors. Go to the site and type “bullying” in the search box. MBP

KYM THURMAN

WATCH

WORKING MOMS

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www.keepkidshealthy.com www.thebullyproject.com www.stopbullying.org www.pbskids.org/parents (look for Arthur episodes dealing with bullying) Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. She lives in Vancouver, Washington where she volunteers in an after-school program for at risk children.

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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The Best Balance of Toys and Fun

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Balance affects everything. From the moment babies learn to raise and balance their bobble heads to the day the training wheels come off their first bike, children are living a balancing act as they grow. Balance is important, too. As fine motor skills evolve children learn to balance food on their plate as they walk (in theory). And as their gross coordination improves they flock to the balance beam at the park, and straddle see-saws like pros. The following toys and games take balancing talents to the max with challenges great and small that put their balance skills to the fun test!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Wobble Deck

Suspend

Just as balance demands a meeting of mind and muscle, the Wobble Deck draws from both brain and body as players balance the electronic deck to win. Featuring numbered and colored edges (each associated with musical cues) the Wobble Deck calls out colors, number and sounds. Players are then challenged to shift their weight as directed causing the designated parts of the deck to touch the ground. It’s a bit like Simon Says, using your whole body. It can be played standing or sitting and there are progressive levels of play as kids improve their balance and response time. Ideal for honing reflexes and responses, the Wobble Deck is the balance game that kids can’t put down.

Taking balance to the edge, Suspend is a game that builds suspense with outcomes that change every time it’s played! Melissa & Doug’s trademark simplicity disguises a game with real addictive complexity. Using only one hand, players take turns balancing notched rubber-tipped wires of varying lengths on a tabletop stand, creating a precariously growing sculpture. Hand-eye coordination and strategy come into play as each player tries to get rid of his rods first. Knock another rod off as you add yours to the balance… and it gets added to your pile. Striking the perfect balance between strategic thinking and steady hands, Suspend is best for ages eight and up!

Lemon Unicycle

Super Moose Antler Stacking Game

(Diggin)

(Melissa & Doug)

(Gerriff)

It’s easier than it looks. The Lemon Unicycle is a balance challenge that energetic kids and teens can meet in just a short period of time. With an 18-inch skid-proof mountain bike tire, the sturdy steel fork frame features a larger seat for comfort, support and safety as solo-wheel riders get the hang of unicycling. Tip: Beginners sometimes start alongside a chain link fence on a grassy surface. Portable and easy to store, the brightly colored Lemon Unicycle is the one-wheeled wonder that comes complete with its own huge ‘cool’ factor as it defines the height of balance skills.

(Hape)

Little hands learn the meaning of ‘steady on’ as they navigate balance benchmarks playing the Super Moose Antler Stacking Game. With a collection of colorful antler points and a moose head base, the challenge is to add to the rack without causing an antler avalanche. Supporting concentration, strategy and patience, this game helps kids cultivate a sense of object balance as they build a spreading and glorious rack that any moose would be proud of. Coupled with the sturdy crafting and safe paint finishes Hape is known for, this simple and engaging game is the perfect addition to balance out the toy box.

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

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Family Calendar Ongoing

Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Full of distinctive personalities, the Exploreum welcomes four African black-footed penguins, now through January 3. The exhibit will feature the live penguins, as well as keeper talks, interactive activities and fun, educational displays. Government St. Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. noon 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www. handsonsal.org. History Museum of Mobile • Exhibit “Art of India” opens October 16, 2014 September 1, 2015. “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores Southern Asia” is an exhibit about personal discovery and exploration. It is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures, and most importantly, photographs, and writings. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/ map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 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. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

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Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo. com, meghanLLL@yahoo.com, or michelleLLLmobile@ yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. Parent-Child Worship Service Each Wednesday in January and February, Dauphin Way United Methodist Church will offer a new Parent-Child Worship Service from 9:15-10:00 a.m. (room E207) for parents and their children ages birth to four-years-old. Relaxed and filled with music, prayer, a Bible story and coloring, this new program is a wonderful opportunity to worship with your precious little ones. The program will be short, and then kids can play while parents enjoy social time. Contact Dauphin Way UMC at 251-471-1511 for more information. Dauphin Way UMC is located at 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile. The Family Center • 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 free. Father Central classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Father Central program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www. familycentermobile.org. • Father Central of Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. • Together We Can: Helping Everyone Cope With Divorce. Mondays, 8 weeks. $50 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Begin any Monday. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. • Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Topics are: Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, Relaxation; Emotional Intelligence & Techniques; Defining, Responding To & Learning from Anger; Defining Abuse & Learning to Cope & Communicate. 251-479-5700 to get started in Father Central, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 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:

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Family Calendar pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

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Dr. Wiley October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is a learning disability that is neurobiological in origin and impacts reading, writing, and spelling. Did you know that 1 in 5 people are dyslexic? Talk by Dr. Wiley, a specialist in ADHD, on attention & dyslexia at 6 p.m. in UMS-Wright Preparatory School Auditorium (65 Mobile Street, Mobile). This event is free and open to the public. For more information call (251) 378-8635. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square Fall is back and so is live jazz! Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl of the oak trees in Bienville Square. Live music provided by the City of Mobile Special Events Dept. and Catt Sirten. Wednesdays, through October 29 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 23

Evening of Savings with BluePass Kick-Off Event A selection of Spring Hill’s finest boutiques have teamed up with the Junior League of Mobile and their Annual Blue Pass Event to offer the public an evening of shopping fun...with extended hours & exclusive discounts & savings when using their JLM BluePass Card. The Second Annual BluePass Kick-Off Event is being hosted by the Spring Hill Merchants Association on Thursday evening, October 23th, 4:30-8:00 p.m. and will give shoppers “first dibs” on exclusive BluePass savings and kick-off specials for that evening only. To find a complete list of details and participating merchants please visit the Spring Hill Merchants Association Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ springhillmerchantsassociation. Ransom Ministries Fundraiser Join us for our fundraiser at Camp Grace with Guest Speaker Travis Crim. This dinner is Ransom Ministries largest fundraiser of the year and the goal is to fund the non-profit’s 2015 budget. Tickets are available at ransomcafe.com or by contacting Tara Armbruster at tara@ransomcafe.com.

Friday, October 24

Mobile Opera presents “Werther” For the first time on Mobile Opera’s stage, Massenet’s lush and tragically beautiful music draws us into the depths of Goethe’s spell-binding story of Werther’s obsession with Charlotte and a love that can only end in desperation and death. Performances will be held October 24 and 26, 2014 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater (401 Civic Center Dr, Mobile). Visit www.mobileopera.org for information. 31st Annual Renaissance Festival GATALOP 31 Hosted by the Society of Creative Anachronism, the

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Barony of Osprey will present Life in the Middle Ages. You will see Knights in Armor as they storm the castle, view melee’s and sieges. Visit with Lords, Ladies, Artist, and Medieval Merchants. Watch our resident Blacksmith demonstrate his craft in the Fort’s original Blacksmith Shop. October 24, 8 a.m. - October 25, 5 p.m. at Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island. Please visit www.dauphinisland.org for more information. Trick or Treat for Dyslexia – B Boutique Trick or Treat for Dyslexia at B Boutique (30500 State highway 181, Spanish Fort) 5:30-7:00 p.m.! Join us for the Eastern Shore Center’s annual trick or treat event. Kids & adults are encouraged to dress up like famous dyslexics, and volunteers will be passing out dyslexia facts to all trick or treaters. 10% of sales from B Boutique on 10/24 will go toward Alabama Branch of International Dyslexia Association, and sponsorships are also available. Night at the Museum The History Museum of Mobile’s Night at the Museum will be held from 5 -8 p.m. Once the clock strikes five, Mobile’s history comes alive! Talk to historical figures that come to life after the museum closes. Go on an interactive scavenger hunt to find the answers to questions about Mobile’s history. All participants receive a prize! Listen to a Mobile Public Library storyteller tell spooky stories, enjoy a craft activity, and participate in a costume contest! Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Treats will be given to guests. This is a great event for families! The History Museum is located at 111 S. Royal Street in downtown Mobile. Call (251) 208-7510 for more details or to make a reservation. Admission will be charged: $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children, and ages 6 and under get in free! 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 waiver 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. Times: 6-8:30 p.m. 741-A Hillcrest Rd, Mobile. Please call (251) 342-3940 or visit www.pumpitupparty.com/mobile-al for more information. Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital USA Children’s and Women’s supporters and friends will come together again for the Second Annual “Trick or Trot” 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run for the Evaluation Center at the University of South Alabama Moulton Tower. This event is filled with family fun, running, trickor-treating and children’s activities with great food and drinks. The 5K will start at 5:30 PM. The Scary Scurry Fun Run will begin at 6:30 PM and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. After race festivities include trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, a photo booth, bounce houses, outdoor movie, train rides, games, music, food and drinks! Our first year we signed up over 500 runners and raised over $24,000 for the hospital! This campaign to raise money towards the evaluation center will provide a much needed restoration of the existing Evaluation Center. Please visit www. cwhtrickortrot2014.eventbrite.com to sign up for this event. Arts Alive Mobile’s premier annual celebration of the arts offers three days of varied artistic experiences and interactive and hands-on activities. It is held every year in April in downtown Mobile’s Cathedral Square Arts District, and as of 2014, again in October at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds. The upcoming festival takes place this year from October 24-26: Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission with Gulf State Fair Ticket. We welcome you to come join us for a celebration of the arts as varied as the colors of the rainbow. From recycled fashions to music videos by local musicians and filmmakers, this event will prove to be one of the best yet. Come down for live performances, shop

for beautiful artwork and revel in a community exposition to remember. The Grounds address is 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile. Please visit www.artsalivemobile.com for more information. “Nightmares III”– Playhouse in the Park “Nightmares III” is a compilation of horror stories written by Playhouse alumnus Jonathan Olensky based on stories by Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson, and H. P. Lovecraft. Recommended for ages 13 and up. “Nightmares III” public performance will be October 24, 25, and 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Playhouse (4851 Museum Drive, Mobile). Please call (251) 602-0630 or visit www.mobilepip.org for more information.

Saturday, October 25

Market on the Square Join us each Saturday on Cathedral Square for farm fresh flavor! The fall harvest is in, so come and get your fresh greens, fall corn, squash, peppers, sweet potatoes, pastas, seafood, sausages, eggs, goat milk cheese, breads and baked goods. Also shop for locally produced goods like handmade candles, soaps, pottery, and much more. Stay for live music. Market on the Square for Fall: Oct. 12 - Nov. 23. For more information call (251) 2081558. American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk Making Strides against Breast Cancer is a celebration of survivorship an occasion to express hope and our shared determination to make this breast cancer’s last century. The fight to end breast cancer starts with a single step. Join millions of people in more than 300 communities nationwide and take that step with us at the American Cancer Society Making Strides of South Alabama walk. Just a few hours of your time at our non-competitive, 5K event will help bring a lifetime of change for people facing breast cancer and their families. 8 a.m. at Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile (Corner of Royal St and Church St). Please visit makingstridessouthalabama.org for more information. Cardboard City This event is to raise money and awareness of homelessness. All proceeds benefit Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, and Sybil H. Smith Family Village. Please visit www.familypromisemobile.org/cardboardcity for more information. Dauphin Way Baptist Church “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show Dauphin Way Baptist Church will be hosting their 5th Annual “Shirley Looney Memorial” Car Show from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. There will be a vast array of cars, trucks, hot rods and rat rods for all car enthusiasts to enjoy. Awards will include Shirley’s Choice, Best of Show PLUS $250 Cash, People’s Choice, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Engine, Top 30 and Sponsor. The entry fee is $20 if received by October 17, and $25 day of show. Each additional car is $10. Registration is from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., with judging around noon. Awards will be presented at 3:00 p.m. You do not have to pre-register to participate. We will also have 30 or more vendors selling unique and interesting items. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be grilled on site and for sale. The Car Show is a FREE event for the public to attend, shop and view cars, and is a benefit for Dauphin Way Baptist Youth Missions and Camp Scholarships. For more information, please call the church office at 251-342-3456 and ask for Robin in the Student Ministry Office. The church is located at 3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile (at the corner of I-65 and Dauphin Street). We welcome everyone to come out and enjoy the day with us! The Village of Springhill, Inc. Screen on the Green Join us for Screen on the Green film festival free outdoor event organized by The Village of Spring Hill. “Gremlins” will play at 7 p.m. at Lavretta Park. For more information on the “Screen on the Green during Halloween” movie series, please visit www.thevillageofspringhill.com or find us on Facebook! 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…

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Family Calendar 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-ortreaters to enjoy. Geaux Boy Food Truck & Foosackly’s will be selling their one-of-a-kind fare on the Great Lawn and Fat Man Squeeze 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. Address: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore. Please call (251) 973-2217 or visit www.bellingrath.org for more information. 5 Rivers Halloween Bash From 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. we will have our FREE, family friendly Halloween celebration. There will be crafts, music, movies, trail rides, games, $5 boat tours, and a costume contest at 3 p.m. The legendary Skunk Ape Hunter and a team of cryptozoologists will be joining us on the trail through the Fire Swamp this year to look for siting’s of the elusive skunk ape - should be fun! Address: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. Please call (251) 625-0814 or visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information. Chickasaw Founders Day Chickasaw Founders Day will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at McConnell Civic Center, 224 Grant Street in Chickasaw. There will be a variety of arts and crafts, silent auction, car show, food and music will be provided by Lee Carreon and others. There will be activities for children including balloons, face painting, games and more. Please visit chickasawchamber.com for more information. Dog River Ghost chase 5K/Goblin Gallop The 5K race starts at 5 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 25. Address: 6120 Marina Drive South, Mobile. Please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com for more information. 31st Annual Renaissance Festival GATALOP 31 See October 24 for more information. “Nightmares III”– Playhouse in the Park See October 24 for more information. Arts Alive See October 24 for more information.

Sunday, October 26

“The Journey Into Dyslexia” at The Crescent Theater Screening of “The Journey Into Dyslexia” at The Crescent Theater (208 Dauphin Street, Mobile). Tickets are $15 and all proceeds go to support the Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Visit www. crescenttheater.com for tickets and more information. Woofstock 2014 10Th Annual Woofstock to benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation will be held in Bienville Square. 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 all-time favorite Doggie Costume Contest. Have your pets tie the knot at the Hound Dog Wedding Chapel & stop by the Kiss a Bully Kissing Booth. Musical showcase including several local bands and headlining band will be Superfunk Fantasy. This event benefits The Animal Rescue Foundation. 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Cost - Adults $10/Children $5. Please visit woofstockmobile.com for more information. 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. 4 - 5:30 p.m. 15 Wisteria Avenue. For more information, please contact Kathy Minor, Director of Children’s Ministries, at kminor@ apumc.com or (251) 478-6356.

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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 - 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, dunk tank (.50/throw) and other activities for kids. Please visit www.dauphinwayumc.org for more information. Arts Alive See October 24 for more information. Mobile Opera presents “Werther” See October 24 for more information.

Tuesday, October 28

Ray Lamontagne Concert – Saenger Theatre The Grammy Award-winning artist will be playing with special guest The Belle Brigade at the Saenger Theatre (6 South Joachim Street, Mobile). Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Campus and Curriculum Tour You’re invited to McGill-Toolen Campus and Curriculum Tour at 5 p.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Tolbert at (251) 445-2913 or tolberj@mcgilltoolen.org. St. Mary Parish Trunk or Treat! Join us from 5 to 7 p.m. on the St. Mary Catholic School Campus located at 107 N. Lafayette Street. The pre-Halloween event features decorated cars with trunks of candy for trick or treaters. Prizes for best trunk, and best costumes. Plenty of activities for children to include arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and fall photo booth pics by Vaughn Photography. The cost is $5 per car participant and $1 per walk up per trick or treater. Address: 107 North Lafayette Street. For more information, contact the parish office at 4328678, ext. 1.

Wednesday, October 29 Learning Lunch – Museum of Mobile Bring your lunch and be a part of the grand opening of the new exhibit “Ark of India.” Enjoy a presentation by the museum’s curator, Scotty Kirkland. Beverages are provided. 12 p.m. at Museum of Mobile at 111 Royal Street. Please visit www.museumofmobile.com for more information. Fall Brown Bag in Bienville Square See October 22 for more information.

Thursday, October 30

Honor Comes Home – Waterfront Rescue Mission Honor Comes Home is a benefit luncheon for the Mobile Rescue Mission featuring Marcus Luttrell – lone survivor and special guest Captain Chad Fleming at the Mobile Convention Center. Please visit honorcomeshome.com for more information. Mystère de Lore- Gulf Coast Exploreum Mystère de Lore will be an event you won’t soon forget. This interactive event is set to be the annual fundraiser for the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. Trained performers will showcase their impeccable talents that seem to defy gravity but can only be explained through the laws of physics. Attendees will be treated to live musical entertainment, fine cuisine and the evening will conclude with a special science experiment conducted by the Exploreum staff that will leave you breathless! Please visit www.exploreum.com for more information. Rileigh & Raylee Angel Ride and Concert Join us October 30, 31 and November 1 for the 13th Annual Angel Ride and Concert at Oak Hollow Farm (14210 South Greeno Road, Fairhope). The Festivities kick off at the campground at Oak Hollow Farms with the Thursday Bonfire and live entertainment by Cool Rayz. Another favorite band, Wet Willie, plays on Friday night at the Halloween Friday Night “Spooktacular” concert. New this year is an expanded Sports Bar area so participants can enjoy the weekend festivities and still catch the important games.

Saturday opens with the vendor expo, the custom bike show at noon, and then the ride at 2:30 p.m., when a roar fills the air as hundreds of bikers take a scenic ride through Baldwin County and along Mobile Bay. Lynyrd Skynyrd will be playing November 1. For more information on tickets, camping, and more, visit www.angel-ride.org. Halloween Special – West Regional Branch “Spooky Buddies” & Trick or Treating in the Library at 4 p.m. at West Regional Branch! Calling all children - Wear your costumes and enjoy a snack and special screening of “Spooky Buddies” in the meeting room followed by Trick or Treating throughout the Library. The film runs 88 minutes and is rated G. Address: 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile. Please visit www.mponline.org for more information. Halloween Spooktacular – Saraland Public Library Masks & Spooky Treats! Wear your costume and come create your very own Halloween mask. Then Trick or Treat throughout the Library and enjoy some Monster Hand Punch and Graveyard Cake. Fun for all! 6 p.m. 111 Saraland Loop, Saraland. Please call (251) 675-2879 or visit www.mplonline.org for more information. Night of the Dead Artists – Mobile Museum of Art Torn between a love for the hocus pocus of Halloween and the colorful celebrations of the Mexican Holiday, Day of the Dead, the Mobile Museum of Art has done the unthinkable: combined black cats, headless horsemen and candy corn with bright marigolds, colorful lace doilies, and sugar skulls as only an art museum knows how. Grab your costume and crawl on over for a night of witchcraft, wizardry and Warhol. It’ll be a pre-pre trick-or-treat, with spooky art activities, a mysterious photoBOOth, and plenty of cavitycausing candy! However, this won’t be all doom and gloom, as we pay homage, Day of the Dead style, to some of the Museum’s most beloved artists. 5-8 p.m. at 4850 Museum Drive. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. House of Bounce – Halloween It’s A Boo-Tastic Halloween from 10 a.m. - 12:30 noon. Jump on in for our Boo-tastic Costume Contest & Open Jump Fun. Dance, Jump, Slide and Sing with your Friends in your Halloween Costume! Every Child in Costume will receive a Treat Bag and 1 Lucky Costume Winner will receive a SPECIAL GIFT! $8 per child. 6368 Cottage Hill Road. Please call (251) 666-3456 for more information.

Friday, October 31

Fall Festival – Springhill/Moorer Branch Crafts! Games! Treats! The Library is the place for Halloween! Jack-O-Fruits, ghostly checkers, pumpkin bowling, and more. Wear your favorite costume. There’s something for everyone! Groups must register. 3 - 5 p.m. 4 McGregor Avenue South, Mobile. For more information or to register, please call 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org. First Baptist Church North Mobile Fall FUNtastic This event takes place at 1252 Industrial Parkway, Saraland from 6 - 8 p.m. The fun will include games, a cake walk, and inflatables and face painting. Food will be available for purchase. 1252 Industrial Parkway, Saraland. Please call (251) 679-3266 or visit www. northmobile.org for more information. Woodridge Baptist Church “Harvest Celebration” Fall Festival Join us from 6 – 8 p.m. for our annual community-wide “Harvest Celebration” fall festival! Children and students of all ages are welcome. Enjoy free food, games, inflatables, and more! 2700 Schillinger Road, South. Please call (251) 776-4912 for more information. “Nightmares III”– Playhouse in the Park See October 24 for more information.

Saturday, November 1

Environmental Center Open House Bring your family out to the 500 acre property that is the Mobile County School System’s Environmental Studies Center. Enjoy a day of walking trails, native wildlife exhibits, animal presentations, planetarium shows, food, and fun. All proceeds from concessions and all donations go to wildlife care. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 6101 Girby Road Mobile. Free Admission. Please call (251)221-5000 for more information. Salty Worm Brackish Classic The Salty Worm Brackish Classic is a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament in which freshwater anglers compete against

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Family Calendar salt water anglers on the same day. This is possible because of the unique ecosystem found in the Mobile Tensaw Delta. The tournament will be held at the Bluegill Restaurant on the Mobile causeway because of its location in the center of the Delta. There will be three categories including Bass, Speckled Trout, and a Combination Jackpot category. At weigh-in, each Bass angler’s three biggest bass will be weighed and each Speckled Trout angler’s three biggest trout will be weighed with cash and prizes going to those with the highest combined weights. Proceeds from the sale of tickets to both the tournament and the after party will benefit the Gaillard Family Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. The Delta Bash after party will be held at the Bluegill (375 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort) from 1:00 – 5:00. Tickets are $30 each and include live music, seafood buffet, and great door prizes. Please visit saltyworm.org for more information. University of South Alabama Mitchell Center Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology Robotics Game Day BEST Robotics is a science and technology program involving middle and high school students from 40 different schools in Mobile and Baldwin County. These students have six weeks to design a robot using a supply of basic building materials. These robots then compete to accomplish a variety of tasks. This year’s theme involves designing a robot capable of transporting sections of a wind turbine across a variety of terrains in order to assemble them in a particular area-all while avoiding certain protected environments for endangered species. In addition to the design and construction of a robot, students create a company to market their robot and an exhibit to showcase their designs. We would like to invite you to see all of our work in action on Game Day, November 1, at the USA Mitchell Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free! Attendees will be able to witness the robots in action and visit 40 exciting exhibits! Come support these students as they take part in this spectacular educational opportunity. Seafood, Science, & Celebrity 2014 – Gala- Dauphin Island Join us this fall in celebrating the fourth annual Seafood, Science & Celebrity 2014 as the Gulf Coast tradition returns to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a weekend’s worth of culinary heritage. Listen to live music from the decks overlooking Mobile Bay, and embark on an exploration through Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Estuarium (101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island). Gala guests can make a stop in each region to sample a variety of Gulf Coast seafood dishes and Southern drinks from creative guest chefs and local specialty vendors. From local breweries to Mobile Bay oysters shucked on-site, the Gala sets the tone for a laid back Southern weekend. Location: Dauphin Island Sea Lab

October/November2014

Estuarium, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tickets start at $75 per person. Please visit visitsomo.com for more information. Second Annual Stockton Sawmill Days Stockton, AL, home to Alabama’s first sawmill, celebrates its history and heritage. Step back in time. Enjoy live music. Watch draft animals hitched and pull logs. Enjoy our new professional lumberjack show demonstrate log‑rolling, pole‑climbing, crosscut sawing, boom‑walking, and other skills, plus a lumberjack sport camp where young and old are taught the art of log rolling and crosscut sawing by the pros. Demonstrations in basket making, spinning, weaving, and more. Location: Bicentennial Park – 51233 Hwy. 225 N. Stockton, AL from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets: Adults - $10 in advance or $15 at gate; Children (6-12) $5; under 6 free. Don’t forget your lawn chair. Please visit www.stocktonala.com or call (251) 937-3738 for more information. Government Street Baptist Church Fall Festival/ Craft Show Come by from 3 - 6 p.m. for a fun Fall Fest and Craft Show for the whole family! Admission and activities are free. Concessions will be sold and a variety of craft vendors will be set up for your pre-holiday shopping! Activities include carnival booths, blow up games, face painting, music, puppets, and more! Address: 3401 Government Blvd. For more information, please call (251) 660-7444 for more information. West Mobile Baptist Trunk or Treat West Mobile Baptist will have Trunk or Treat from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in front of their building at 7501 Airport Boulevard, across from Academy Sports near intersection of Airport & Cody. Everything is free including food, games, candy, and inflatables. Join us for a night of fun and fellowship for the whole family. Invite your friends! Please call (251) 639-9952 for more information. Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run - 10K, 5K, and Fun Run All runners will help the Senior Bowl achieve its goal of raising funds for youth throughout our region. Since the inception of the Charity Run, more than $4.5 million has been raised for charities throughout the Gulf Coast. Register online at eventbrite.com. Events include: 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run, and Family Fun Festival. The Family Fun Festival will take place in Bienville Square. 1st Annual WeMo (West Mobile) Chili Cookoff 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2320 Schillinger Road South. $5 entrance fee to taste all entries; 8 years old and under free. All proceeds go to McKemie Place, a homeless shelter for women in Downtown Mobile. For more information contact Providence Presbyterian Church, 2320 Schillinger Road South, Mobile,(251) 633-9701 or office@providence-pc.org. The 13th Annual Angel Ride & Concert See October 30 for more information.

Market on the Square See October 25 for more information.

Sunday, November 2

Mobile Streets Alive Join us from 2 - 5 p.m. as bikes and pedestrians will be taking over the streets of downtown Sunday afternoon. We’ll have street games, bike polo demonstrations, bike safety clinics, a kids’ criterion (bike race), whiffle ball, basketball and more! You’ll also have a chance to walk, run or bike the Lt. Tommy Menton Memorial Mile and contribute to the monument to the Mobile Police Dept. Mounted Unit. Bull Dog Run The 12th Annual Bulldog Run benefits the UMS-Wright Athletic Association non-revenue sports. The Bulldog Run is a 5K course and a Half-mile Fun Run for children 10 and under. There will be a post-race awards ceremony, children’s activities, pizza and light refreshments for participants. 4:00 p.m. at UMS-Wright (65 Mobile Street). Visit EventBrite.com to register. Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra The premier classical conservatory for children makes its 2014-2015 debut at the Mobile Civic Center Theatre (401 Civic Center Drive) at 2 p.m. Admission – Free. Please visit mobilesymphony.org for more information Inaugural Sunday Supper Gulf Coast benefiting the James Beard Foundation- Dauphin Island With the help of Chris Hastings and the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission, a celebrity crew of James Beard Award-winning chefs from across the South and beyond will come together to cook up a creatively unexpected, sea-to-fork family-style dinner featuring Gulf Coast seafood with a touch of the best available by catch. In respect to culinary traditions, the exclusive first-ever Sunday Supper Gulf Coast will take place inside the Fort’s open air “kitchen” situated next to an old-world tunnel. Sunday Supper Gulf Coast will raise funds to support the James Beard Foundation’s culinary scholarship program on the Gulf Coast. Location: Historic Fort Gaines Officers Quarters & Kitchens (51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island). Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres; 2 - 4 p.m. Seated Dinner. Tickets: Starting at $150 per person. Please visit visitsomo.com for more information. Old Bikes at the Fort The Mobile Bay Vintage Motorcycle Club is holding its 6th vintage motorcycle show at Historic Fort Condé (150 S. Royal Street) from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Fort is a recreation of Mobile’s original French fort. Admission to the public is free and bikes can be entered for $4 each. For more information, please visit mbvmc.net.

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Family Calendar Keb’ Mo’ – the Saenger Three-time Grammy winner and visionary roots-music storyteller Keb’ Mo’ will be performing at the Saenger Theatre at 7 p.m. Please visit www.mobilesaenger.com for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond at 2 - 2:30 p.m., Free. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “Meet the Coywolf” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s movie focuses on an animal that is part coyote and part wolf. Coy by name, coy by nature: Scientists track this stealthy new hybrid predator that has adapted and evolved over a relatively short period of time. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort.

Monday, November 3

Candy buy Back - Complete Dental of Mobile Compete Dental of Mobile, a family dental practice located at 5651 Three Notch Road, is excited to announce its fourth annual Halloween Candy Buy Back. On Monday, November 3 through Thursday, November 6, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., area children can bring their unopened Halloween goodies to the offices of Complete Dental of Mobile. Kids will receive $1 for each pound of candy they turn in and, following the event, all the collected treats will be shipped to American soldiers serving overseas. Offered by dentists across the nation, the Halloween Candy Buy Back gives kids the opportunity to reduce their sugar intake – and their risk of tooth decay – while increasing the funds in their piggy banks. And the Halloween Candy Buy Back also offers a lesson in giving to others, since all candy collected by the program is shipped to Operation Gratitude at the Army National Guard Armory

Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

October/November 2014

in Van Nuys, Calif., where it is then distributed to overseas troops. Adults and local businesses are also invited to donate candy towards the goal.

Tuesday, November 4

Child Day Care Assoc. 70th Anniversary Celebration Join us for our 70th Anniversary Celebration featuring Dr. Kevin Elko. Dr. Elko has authored four books on motivation and leadership and consults with many publicly traded companies and professional and college sports teams. He has worked with seven BCS Football Champions including 2013 Florida State Seminoles and the 2012 University of Alabama Crimson Tide. All proceeds to benefit The Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center. Please visit www. childdaycare.org/news.html for more information. St. Mary Catholic School Parent Night Come explore the opportunities on Tuesday, November 4. Dinner and Information packets: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Open House and Curriculum Tours: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration information from 2015-2016 will be available. Please call (251) 433-9904 for more information. John Butler Trio – The Saenger The John Butler Trio with Monical Heldal will perform at the Saenger (6 S. Joachim St) at 8:00 p.m. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Candy buy Back - Complete Dental of Mobile See November 3 for more information. 5 Rivers StoryTime Join us for 5 Rivers StoryTime “Possum Come-A-Knockin” by Nancy Van Laan from 10:00 - 11 a.m. The Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week, a redheaded boy tries to tell family members about a possum on the porch, but when the family checks, the possum hides. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort. 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6-7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7 - 8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club, 7 - 8:30

p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. Free, everyone is welcome. Location: 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort.

Wednesday, November 5 Candy buy Back - Complete Dental of Mobile See November 3 for more information.

Thursday, November 6

Golden Gala Birthday Bash Golden Gala Birthday Bash will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive). This event brings you a first look at the exhibition, fabulous food, an open bar and surprise entertainment. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information. Candy buy Back - Complete Dental of Mobile See November 3 for more information.

Friday, November 7

Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s “Driving Miss Daisy” The Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents Driving Miss Daily from November 7-16 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. This Pulitzer-prize winning, southern favorite on stage will be held in the Chickasaw Civic Theater (801 Iroquois St, Chickasaw). For more information, call (251) 457-8887 or visit cctshows.com. The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” from November 7-23 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. 11 South Carlen Street, Mobile. For more information, please call (251) 471-1534 or visit joejeffersonplayers.com.

Saturday, November 8 Mobile Ballet presents “Dracula” Mobile Ballet presents “Dracula” at the Mobile Civic

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Center Theatre (401 Civic Center Drive) at 7:30 p.m. and November 9 at 2:30 p.m. Please call (251) 342-2241 or visit mobileballet.org for more information. Run for the Battleship This run benefits the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – America’s most unique military attraction. Registration: Register by mail (entries should be postmarked by November 1, in person at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on Thursday, November 6, or online (eventbrite. com). Packet pick-up and race day registration at the Battleship from 7:00-8:00 a.m. Race is at 8:00 a.m. FROZEN Saturday at Sunshine Skate Center Meet Anna and Elsa at Sunshine Skate Center from 9-11:30am. Pictures and autographs are available so make sure you wear your favorite princess costume! Anna and Elsa will give a live performance and frozen drinks in collector’s cups will be available. Sunshine Skate Center is located at 950 Hillcrest Road, Mobile. For more information, call 251-639-1704 or visit www.sunshineskate. com. Christ United Methodist Church 3rd Annual 5K Run For Your LIFEgate Join us! The 5K starts at 8 a.m., 1 mile fun run to follow. The money raised will help 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. Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile & Cottage Hill/ Medal of Honor Park. Race starts on CUMC Campus then runs to park and back to CUMC. For more information, please visit active.com. Girl Scout Hosts 5k to Bring Awareness to Team Red White and Blue 7:30 a.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens. Huntir Bass is on her way to earning her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award earned in Girl Scouting, by starting a chapter of Team Red White and Blue in Mobile. To bring awareness to Team RWB, Bass will be hosting the first annual Gold and Glory 5k run/walk in conjunction with Mobile Memorial Gardens’ Veterans Day Tribute. Team RWB is a nationwide organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Ways to register for the race are the following: send by mail (entries should be postmarked by November 1), in person at McCoy Outdoors or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on November 7, or online (www.eventbrite.com) until midnight November 8. For information, contact Huntir Bass at huntir.bass@teamrwb.org or 251-510-2547. Commedia del Arte Presents “Here Wolf, There Wolf, Everywhere a Werewolf” Your favorite radio actors are back by popular demand, and this time, they’re in for a hairy situation. 7 p.m. at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer (7125 Hitt Rd. Mobile). Tickets $8 in advance, $12 at the door, children under 5 admitted free. A portion of the proceeds benefits ARF. For tickets, visit www.commediadelarte.org, reservations call (251) 510-0654. Roll for Rover Mobile SPCA’s first annual bikers’ Roll for Rover ride and dice roll. The ride starts at 11 at any of the participating bars/lounges (Boondocks Bar & Grill, Sea Hut Lounge, Mary’s Restaurant & Lounge, Traders on the Causeway) and in by 4 at the Mobile SPCA for a late cookout lunch and live music by Fat Lincoln. Prizes for highest and lowest roll, raffle for $250 gas card. Two wheels and four wheels welcome! Please call (251) 633-3531 or visit mobilespca. org for more information. University of Mobile presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be performed on November 8 at 7 p.m. and November 9 at 2 p.m. at Saraland Performing Arts Center (1115 Industrial Parkway, Saraland). This Tony Award-winning musical is described as a musical within a comedy and is a parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s. Please visit www.umobile. edu for more information. Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents “Driving Miss Daisy” See November 7 for more information. The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information.

Market on the Square See October 25 for more information.

Sunday, November 9

Mobile Chamber Music Performance Join us at 3 p.m. at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center for the Mobile Chamber Music performance. Trio Valtona presents an amalgamation of French horn, violin and piano. Please visit mobilechambermusic.org for more information. St. Paul’s Episcopal School Open House for PreK-2 Grade We don’t just see students...we see potential. Come experience all the unique educational opportunities that St. Paul’s Episcopal School has to offer. We invite you to join us to Discover What Matters. Open House for Prospective PreK-2nd Grade Students and Parents from 3-5 p.m. For more information or to RSVP please contact our Admissions Office at (251) 461-2131 or admissions@stpaulsmobile.net. Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s “Driving Miss Daisy” See November 7 for more information.

The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information. Mobile Ballet presents “Dracula” See November 8 for more information. 5 Rivers Growing Up Wild, “Food Webs” Learn about ecosystems, and how some of the different pieces of nature’s puzzle fit together from 1-2:30 p.m. Ages Kindergarten-Grade 2, registration required, Free. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort. Call (251) 625-0814 to register. 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee, “The Civilian Conservation Corps” Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week examines FDR’s creation of the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps to provide jobs in natural resource conservation. This program interweaves rich archival imagery with the personal accounts of CCC veterans to tell the story of one of the boldest and most popular New Deal experiments, positioning it as a pivotal moment in the emergence of modern environmentalism and federal unemployment relief. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort.

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Family Calendar Tuesday, November 11

Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama’s 2014 Annual Meeting The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama’s 2014 Annual Meeting luncheon will be held at Fort Whiting Armory. Country music artist and bestselling author, Jimmy Wayne will be returning as our key note speaker, just in time for the release of his new movie and book! Wayne came to Mobile in the spring, for the “Paint a Brighter Future” event benefiting The Salvation Army’s Center for Women and Children. His presentation was powerful – an inspirational story, intertwined with beautiful music. Wayne’s heartfelt message of hope is the perfect choice to kick off our Neediest Families Campaign at the 2014 Annual Meeting. Fort Whiting Armory is located at 1630 Broad Street, Mobile. The doors will open at 11:30 and the luncheon will be from 12-1 p.m. For more information and to order a ticket, or become a sponsor, please contact Kelly Hendricks by emailing Kelly_Hendricks@USS.SalvationArmy.org or by calling (251-459-6126). Veteran’s Day – Mobile Veteran’s Day parade will be held in downtown Mobile at 10 a.m. and the Freedom Celebration will be at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park at 3:00 p.m. The Mobile Pops concert will be held at Battleship Park at 7 p.m. Veteran’s Day Ceremony – Semmes Join us for the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 3 p.m. at Semmes Honor Park (4100 Wulff Road E). 5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6-7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Audubon Society. Free, everyone is welcome. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort.

Wednesday, November 12 Learning Lunch – Museum of Mobile Bring your lunch and learn. Enjoy a presentation by Amy Raley, Historian. Beverages are provided Time: 12 p.m. at

October/November 2014

Museum of Mobile at 111 Royal Street. Please visit www. museumofmobile.com for more information. Junior League of Mobile (JLM) is proud to announce the 30th annual Christmas Jubilee Holiday Market has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in November for a seventh consecutive year. Christmas Jubilee will run from Nov. 12-15, 2014 at The Grounds (formerly called Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds). Featuring more than 110 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. Junior League’s 2014 Christmas Jubilee Wednesday, Nov. 12: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 13: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Christmas Jubilee is the primary fundraiser for JLM, sending more than $4.8 million dollars into the community since it started in 1985. Advance tickets are available for $8 now online at www.juniorleaguemobile.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10; admission for children ages 6-12 is $3; and children age 5 and under are admitted free. Senior, college student and military tickets are discounted at $6 throughout the market with proper identification. Parking at The Grounds is $3 per vehicle. Christmas Jubilee offers a variety of special events to entertain guests of all ages. For more information, call 251.471.3348, visit www. juniorleaguemobile.org or connect with us on Facebook.

Thursday, November 13

Junior League’s 2014 Christmas Jubilee See November 12 for more information. Free PAD Screening Free Peripheral Arterial Disease screening at Cardiovascular Associates Mobile office at 1901 Springhill Avenue from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please call (251) 300-2240 for more information. Liquid Art – Mobile Museum of Art Join us for Liquid Art, a cocktail party celebrating the

Mobile Museum of Art’s 50th year at 6 p.m. at Mobile Museum of Art, and that thing that is such a big part of what makes Mobile pretty special: Mardi Gras. Have a delicious Dragon Drink courtesy of Wintzell’s Oyster House, enjoy live music and hors d’oeuvres, and celebrate Carnival a little early by touring the 50th anniversary exhibition, ‘The Art and Design of Mardi Gras. Cost - $35 per person. Please visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com/about/50th to purchase tickets. How Good Readers Comprehend: Why the book is better than the movie Bring a friend or colleague and see firsthand how we can get to the root of comprehension and critical thinking and help students reach their full potential. LindamoodBell Learning Processes, 2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D Mobile. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact: Jennifer Crowder – (251)-473-6808 or jennifer.crowder@ lindamoodbell.com.

Friday, November 14

Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s “Driving Miss Daisy” See November 7 for more information. The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information. Junior League’s 2014 Christmas Jubilee See November 12 for more information.

Saturday, November 15

Mobile Symphony presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans An old favorite gets an exciting new twist as the Mobile Symphony performs two complete symphonies of Beethoven – No. 1 and No. 8 – both receiving their Mobile premieres! And in between is another novelty – the Grammy Award winning Harlem String Quartet. These virtuosos join the MSO for Delights and Dances by Abels. Mobile Saenger Theatre (6 Joachim Street). Performances on November 15 at 8 p.m. and November 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Holiday Open Jumps

November, December and January Sessions are 10am-2pm • $8 plus tax per child.

Tues, Nov 11th - Veterans Day Mon, Nov 24th -Fri, Nov 28th Thanksgiving Holiday (closed (closed Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Day) Day)

Fri, Dec 19th - Teacher Work Day Mon, Dec 22nd - Fri, Dec 27th Christmas Holiday (closed (closed Christmas Christmas Day) Day)

Mon, Dec 28th - Fri, Jan 2nd Christmas/New Years Holiday Ages 2-12 Welcome. Not a drop off. Socks required at all events/parties.

Pump It Up of Mobile

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Please visit mobilesymphony.org for more information. Junior League’s 2014 Christmas Jubilee See November 12 for more information. LoDA Artwalk Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. Second Fri., 6 – 9 p.m. LoDa Arts District (LOwer DAuphin St). Check www. ncsmobile.org for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. St. Francis Fall Bazaar and White Elephant Sale – Dauphin Island Fall is in the air and that means it’s time for the annual St. Francis Episcopal Church Fall Bizarre. We will sell baked goods, casseroles, and chicken salad. We will also have a “White Elephant Sale” so come find some bargains. All proceeds will fund St. Francis ECW. This event is free and is from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 401 Key Street, Dauphin Island. For more information, please call (251) 861-5224. Something Special for Saturday - The Giving Tree Calling all children, ages 2 and Up! Mrs. Rhodes will read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein at the Moorer/Springhill Branch of the Library. Following the story time everyone will create their own Giving Tree with all of the things and people you are thankful for in your life. Registration required for groups. 10:30 a.m. at 4 S McGregor Avenue, Mobile. For more information or to register, please call (251) 470-7770 or email mlmref@mplonline.org. Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s “Driving Miss Daisy” See November 7 for more information. The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information. Market on the Square See October 25 for more information.

Spectacular Waterfront Venue

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

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3733 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile Causeway Gulf Shores • 251-948-2445 OriginalOysterHouse.com

Sunday, November 16

UMS-Wright Preparatory School Open House Come discover who we are! Admissions open house from 1 - 3 p.m. For more information, contact Ann Stabler at (251) 470-9044. Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s “Driving Miss Daisy” See November 7 for more information. The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information. Mobile Symphony presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans See November 15 for more information. 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 2-2:30 p.m. Free. 30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort.

Staged by finefurnishings Event Rentals, Fairhope, AL

Reserve Early for the Holidays

Thursday, November 20

Celebrate Hope Fundraiser Celebrating its 6th year, Celebrate Hope showcases the culinary talents of local chefs and caterers and pairs each dish with a carefully selected wine and craft beer provided by local distributors. In its 5-year history, Celebrate Hope has sold out to a crowd of 700+ guests and has generated more than $1.4 million in net revenue to support cancer research at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, the Gulf Coast’s only academic cancer research facility. 6 - 10 p.m. at Mitchell Cancer Institute (1660 Springhill Avenue). Please visit usahealthsystem.com/celebratehope for more information. Live at the Museum: Adam Taylor and Leland Clay Come out and listen at the Mobile Museum of Art (4850 Museum Drive) at 7 p.m. Please visit www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.

Friday, November 21

The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information.

Saturday, November 22

St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. - Mobile/Baldwin County Join St. Jude supporters in the Mobile and Baldwin County community and in more than 65 cities nationwide in the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. to raise money for

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In a single day we will come together to help St. Jude change the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer. Registration for this family-friendly event is free. All participants are encouraged to raise money to help save kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases. The Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort. Walker check-in: 7 a.m. Walk start: 8 a.m. in front of Wintzell’s. Please visit www.stjude.org for more information. Can Do Good Event Can Do Good (CDG) is a social design-build competition steered by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. (GMC), for high school students (grades 8-12) throughout the Southeast. Students organize canned food drives and then design and build creative structures using their collected items, which are then donated to Bay Area Food Bank. Schools have the option of participating in our Live Canstructure Event at the Gulf Coast Exploreum from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., or building at their school and submitting photos to GMC by December 10. For more information, contact lee.walters@gmcnetwork.com.

The Joe Jefferson Players present “Little Women” See November 7 for more information. Market on the Square See October 25 for more information.

Sunday, November 23

Thanks for Giving 2 Miler Join us for the Thanks for Giving 2 Miler at Providence Hospital (Bldg B) at 8 a.m. Please bring canned food, gently used shoes and unused race shirts to donate to the Waterfront Mission. Please visit eventbrite.com for more information.

Thursday, November 27 Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble The 2014 Turkey Trot for Hope & Gobble Wobble benefits Camp Rap-A-Hope, a camp for Gulf Coast children faced with cancer. To learn more visit www. turkeytrotforhope.com.

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The Book of Life

The Best of Me

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Book of Life PG for mild action, rude humor, some thematic elements and brief scary images. Manolo (voice of Diego Luna) is a young man torn between a desire to please his father and a burning need to chart his own course. He is a Sanchez, and in his small Mexican town the family is known for their bull fighting skills. Manolo is no slouch in the bullring, as he dances and maneuvers deftly around the animal. However when the moment arrives when he should kill the bovine, he refuses, feeling there is no need to take its life. His father and the rest of the townsfolk view his lack of aggression as a weakness. Making matters worse, Manolo’s “big dream” isn’t to be a bullfighter, but to be a musician. He’d much rather be making music on his guitar -- a precious gift from his childhood sweetheart Maria (voice of Zoe Saldana). Maria has been away in Spain for the past few years. Her return to the village has reignited the passions within both Manolo and another of her grade school chums, Joaquin (voice of Channing Tatum). The latter is a decorated war hero. Unfortunately their affections have left the señorita tired of the increasing jealously that taints their friendship. Even more troubling is Maria’s father. He wants his daughter to accept Joaquin’s hand in marriage because the commitment will ensure the local golden boy will stay and protect the community from a band of marauders. But, of course, this movie isn’t about doing what your father demands of you. Instead it’s about finding your own way through life. Yet unlike so many other scripts aimed at kids, this title manages to balance respect for parents and family heritage with the need to reach for your own dreams. Just don’t expect this portrayal of the Day of the Dead holiday to follow a typical storyline. Instead it veers into the afterlife where literally colorful ancestors work together to try and save mortality from making a huge mistake. Considering the number of characters and plotlines this production juggles within its hour-and-a-half of runtime, it manages to keep audiences engaged and chuckling. The tone of this animation is far more focused on the positive attributes of honoring those who have passed, than on ghoulish imagery. Obviously, if you feel uncomfortable with depictions of the dead (many of whom are played here as ghost-like beings in the afterlife), then this title might be one to avoid. If that isn’t an issue, The Book of Life’s colorful imagery and marionette-style animation may be a refreshing celebration of family, as well as a fun look at Mexican traditions. It imparts messages about selflessness as the greatest attribute of a hero, and offers a great example of forgiveness that allows two enemies to work together.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: CLanguage: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated The Best of Me PG-13 for sexuality, violence, some drug content and brief strong language. Have you ever wondered what happened to the one that got away? That high school girlfriend, college boyfriend or summer fling? Trust Nicholas Sparks to ask. Like the teenage sweethearts in The Notebook, Amanda (Michelle Monaghan) and Dawson (James Marsden who also starred in The Notebook) lost track of each other. She went on to marry and have a child. He found work on an oilrig in the middle of the ocean. Twenty-one years later they are both summoned back to their hometown for the reading of the will of their old friend Tuck (Gerald McRaney). Tuck, a no-nonsense widower with a rifle, took Dawson in and gave him a fresh start after the youngster ran away from home. Amanda spent hours at the house so she could be with Dawson, a boy of whom her parents did not approve. But life’s twists and turns eventually drove the teens apart. Coming back dredges up a lot of memories for the pair -- both painful and pleasant. It also reignites their old passions. And after several days together at Tuck’s house, Amanda and Dawson end up in bed together (just as they did as teens). However, Amanda now has a husband, who is conveniently a jerk that would rather play golf than spend time with his wife. As a result, committing adultery with an old boyfriend doesn’t leave her as conflicted as you’d think. Yet after their idyllic week comes to an end, Amanda has to return to the real world and face her unhappy life. Of course, anyone who has seen just one other Nicholas Sparks’ movie knows that won’t be the end of things. Unfortunately, along with the easy manner in which Amanda brushes aside her wedding vows, this film includes at least two sex scenes with partial nudity, another in which a wet t-shirt leaves little to the imagination, an unwed pregnant teen, sexual innuendo and a man who spends a lot of time shirtless. While some of that might be expected in a romance movie, viewers may be surprised at depictions of frequent drinking, driving under the influence, bootlegging, brutal beatings and gun violence that kills a man. As well, a string of profanities and a strong sexual expletive make their way into the script. Lining up all the right romantic cues, the audience is led to believe these two deserve happiness in each other’s arms. Amanda is after all a fiercely attentive mother who has sacrificed almost everything for her family. And the depictions of her inattentive husband (who luckily isn’t as handsome as the scruffy faced Marsden) make it all the more obvious whom she should be with. In the end however, The Best of Me turns out to be slightly different than you might expect. In the age of feminism, it is an interesting turn of events that eventually brings Amanda the bliss she is supposedly entitled to.

What Parents need to know about The Book of Life...

What Parents need to know about The Best of Me...

Violence: References are made to death in a fantasy context. Frequent mild peril and threat to main characters, with some frightening detail. Infrequent portrayals of hand-to-hand and weapons violence in a slapstick context. One direct punch to the head is seen on screen. Bullfights are portrayed, but we do not see the bull being stabbed or killed. School-aged kids make derogatory age-related comments toward an elderly man. Sexual Content: A woman uses her femininity to manipulate a man. Two boys are obviously fond of the same girl. Language: Some name-calling and a vague scatological reference are included. Alcohol / Drug Use: A group of secondary characters appear inebriated and one makes a joke about visiting four bars. Mobile Bay Parents I November 2014

Violence: An explosion at a worksite injures several, including a man who is covered in flames. Another is thrown from a platform into the water below. A man shows numerous scars he got from his father. Characters are slapped, punched, choked, beaten and shot. Some blood is shown. Sexual Content: A teenage girl reveals she is pregnant. Adults talk about a child who died. Unmarried teens and later adults engage in sexual activity with partial nudity shown. A woman wears a very revealing wet t-shirt. Language: The script contains several profanities including a strong sexual expletive. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink frequently. A man drinks while driving. Men appear to be involved in bootlegging. Some tobacco use is also shown. 60

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Put some brush & floss in your life today!

Your overall health depends on your oral health Tooth decay and gum disease are linked to serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and premature births.

Dental symptoms like cavities and abscesses can cause more serious problems and can even lead to death if left untreated.

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