Mobile Bay Parents September 2013 by KeepSharing

You are Cordially Invited to the Expansion Dedication of the

Children’s & Women’s Hospital UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

Thursday, September 12, 2013 4:30 p.m. | dedication and tours

also join us for our

open house Sunday, September 15, 2013 2 - 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

What is Early Intervention?

As this month’s issue of Mobile Bay Parents focuses on children with special needs, I thought it appropriate to talk specifically on what services are available in our community for children with delays and how to access them. Recently, I had an opportunity to take part in a conference about Early Intervention (EI) services in our area. It served me well to refresh my knowledge of what EI is and how it is accessed. Pediatricians and family practitioners are on the front line when it comes to assessing children’s developmental strengths and weaknesses, and it is our job to make sure that we are assisting those children and families with obtaining the best secondary evaluations and services possible through EI. What is Early Intervention and what do “they” do? First of all, EI is not one stand-alone group of people, but a service that several different entities in our area can provide. Those entities include United Cerebral Palsy, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Children’s Rehabilitation Services, Goodwill Easter Seals, Gulf Coast Therapy, and The MRDD Board. The services these groups provide include assessment of children from birth to three years old with potential delays in motor skills, speech, vision, and hearing, understanding and problem solving, and social and emotional growth. The evaluation and subsequent therapy processes can occur in multiple settings, but many times occur in the home. An important point to mention is that the initial evaluation is also a time to determine if there are any barriers for a child and family

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

from receiving the help they need. Simple things such as transportation to a clinic, for example, may not be so simple for some. There may be family constraints that might make it difficult for a child to receive in-home therapy. These types of concerns are part of the EI evaluation and are not meant to embarrass or anger any parent or caregiver. The focus must be on an effort to help a child meet their maximum potential. Therefore, all those who help care for a particular child, parent and practitioner, will be relied upon to work together. After the initial screening is complete and a child has been found in need of services, further testing may be necessary to determine the best type of specialist or location for that child to receive those services. As an example, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) may be contacted directly by a pediatrician or parent who is concerned that an infant’s motor skills are not what they should be. UCP, through an initial early intervention assessment, may determine that the child needs physical and occupational therapy. UCP would provide those services or enlist the help of other professionals that may be more uniquely qualified. Those other professionals might be part of another group or clinic not directly affiliated with UCP. In many ways, all of the earlier mentioned groups coordinate their care when needed for the best possible outcome for the child. There are many reasons that developmental delays might be observed. Some are related to specific conditions while others may not have an identifiable cause. As an

example, infants born with certain chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome are usually identified early through prenatal screening or upon initial nursery evaluation. Other children may not have identifiable delays until they are 4-6 months old. Still others may not come to a physician’s attention until they are in school. For this reason, next month’s article will focus on the intervention services for the school-aged child. This is one of the most important reasons to make sure your child is seen for all recommended well exams. Early identification of developmental delays gives a child the best opportunity to receive services and reach her maximum potential. If your pediatrician is concerned about your young child’s development, a single phone number is your access point for Early Intervention services. Call Early Intervention Child Find at 1-800-543-3098. Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005. Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (12) and Nathan (8). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.

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UMS-Wright Summer Art Camp

Children that participated in the UMS-Wright summer art camp found inspiration in all that surrounded them. Folk art paintings on wood, landscape collages, and clay sea creatures were just a few of the many one of-a-kind-creations made during the camp led by Lower School Art Teacher Leslie Holberg.

St. Lukes’ Seniors Serve as Delegates to Boys and Girls State Programs

Austin Davis, Mary Page Martin and Reave Shewmake are all St. Luke's seniors who were selected to serve as delegates to the Alabama Boys and Girls State programs this summer. The programs provide the opportunity for delegates to develop a deep understanding of the workings of government, to strive for and assume leadership roles, and to realize that their action can make a difference in their community.

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St. Ignatius Holds Cheer Clinic

St. Ignatius held a cheer clinic for all the incoming CYO cheerleaders. The cheerleaders raised all the money for the cheer clinic by selling t-shirts in the spring. Pictured are the 3rd & 4th grade cheerleaders.

Little Language Campers “Visit” France

Little Language, LLC campers recently participated in "France Day", a part of the World Tour Culture Enrichment/Language Instruction Summer Camp held at Dauphin Way United Methodist Preschool in Mobile. The children participated in several fun activities such as making an Eiffel Tower picture frame, dressing up in French artist apparel, sampling French crepes, listening to stories about trips to Paris, and even listened to French music. These 3 - 5 year olds had a wonderful time learning about an area on the other side of the world!

St. Dominic Parish Holds VBS

St. Dominic Parish had over 150 participants along with more than 125 student and parent volunteers involved in “Kingdom Rock – Where Kids Stand Strong for God.” The weeklong adventure included Epic Bible Adventures, Imagination Station, Tournament Games, King’s Kitchen and Chadder’s Royal Theatre and Missions. During the week school supplies were collected for our sister parish in El Salvador. At the end of the week volunteers stopped by the Kingdom castle for a group picture. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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St. Paul’s School to Host District One United States Congressional Debate

St. Paul’s Episcopal School’s Alumni Council will host a debate open to all candidates running for the United States House of Representatives District One seat on Tuesday, September 17. The event will be held at the Moorer Theater on the St. Paul’s campus from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Different from your average debate, this forum is designed to leverage the students’ learning experiences. St. Paul’s senior class members studying government and economics in the upcoming school year will be drafting the questions for the discussion. The questions will reflect the thoughts and concerns of the next generation of voters. “It’s important that our students become engaged in this capacity,” said a member of the St. Paul’s Alumni Council. “Their involvement in this debate will offer a tremendous learning opportunity that will enhance their knowledge of the United States’ voting system and inform them of issues that they will face when they reach college and ultimately the workforce.” In addition to providing great opportunities for our students, St. Paul’s is committed to superior community involvement. This forum is open to all residents of Alabama’s District One and the media that are interested in learning the platforms of the Congressional candidates. A complete list of participating candidates will be announced at a later date. Seating is first come first served. For more information on the event, please contact Morgan Berney, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications at mberney@stpaulsmobile.net.

One. One. One. – McT Football’s Mantra for the 2013-2014 Season

Coach Bart Sessions started a new tradition for the Yellow Jackets last year. Seeking to inspire greatness on and off the field, he adopted “I am Third” as the motivational mantra for last season – God first, others second and I am Third. This year, the Yellow Jackets kicked off summer training with an inspirational talk from Dr. Dick Duffey who shared with the team the following quote from Mother Teresa. I never look at the masses as my responsibility. I look at the individual. I can only love one person at a time. I can only feed one person at a time. Just one, one, one. You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other. As Jesus said, ‘Whatever you do for the least of my brethren, you do to me.’ So I begin…I BEGIN… maybe if I didn’t pick up that one person [a long time ago] I would not have picked up 42,000. The whole work is only a drop in the ocean. But if I didn’t put that drop in, the ocean would be one drop less. Same thing for you. Same thing in your family. Same thing in the Church... Just begin. One. One. One. Go Jackets!

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St. Dominic Catholic School Advisory Board Gets Creative at Planning Workshop The 2013 - 2014 St. Dominic Catholic School Advisory Board recently met for a Planning Workshop/Retreat. The day began with morning Mass, followed by a review of the Board’s role, state of the school presentation, understanding a financial report, committee review/descriptions and a teambuilding exercise. Here board members (left, f - b) Randy Arthur, Sharon Baldwin, Linda Pereria and (r, f – b) Mike Ryan, Midge Harden and Jenny Stokes work together using each other’s talents and ideas to construct a 4 ft. tower using nothing but a 1-inch stack of copy paper.

St. Pius X Announces Exciting Changes

The St. Pius X school offices have received a complete renovation over the summer. The renovation will enhance the efficiency and appearance of the offices. A six foot, wooden security fence has been erected around the perimeter of the playground and back field on the east campus. New basketball goals and additional playground equipment have been installed on the playground. The existing bleachers and playground equipment were refinished. The first and second grade classrooms have been moved into the main school buildings. An outdoor classroom has been built on the south end of campus. The classroom was constructed by St. Pius x alumni, Andrew Harrison, as his Eagle Scout project. Andrew recently graduated from McGill-Toolen High School and will be attending the University of Alabama this fall. Additional iPad and Apple TV technology has been purchased for increased use in the classrooms. Special emphasis will be given to The Classics in Fine Arts and Literature in the curriculum. As a part of this new emphasis, students will be exposed to Latin. The St. Pius X After- School Care Program has been moved to the main campus of the school.

Augusta Evans Girl Scouts Have the Week of Their Life

Summer camp is an exciting experience where children can become more independent, make new friends, and partake in exhilarating activities. Thanks to Easter Seals Camp ASCCA, The Joseph Treadwell Charitable Foundation, and Vince Kilborn III, girls from the Girl Scout troop at Augusta Evans School, a public school for disabled children in Mobile, have now experienced the same things. Camp ASCCA, located on Lake Martin, is Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Because of the handicap accessibilities Camp ASCCA offers, the Girl Scouts from Augusta Evans were able to take part in activities they’ve never done before, such as horseback riding, zip lining, archery and table tennis. Other activities include swimming, arts and crafts and a waterslide. The girls from Augusta Evans were able to enjoy Camp ASCCA for a week and still weren’t ready to pack their bags. When asked what they thought about Camp ASCCA, the girls were quoted as saying “my dream finally came true, I got to go to camp;” “ I am really going to miss my camp counselors;” “camp was so good! I had the best time;” and “I can’t wait until next year!” This is the first year Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama has been able to offer this special opportunity to girls, such as the troop at Augusta Evans. Liz Brent, CEO of GSSA, said, "We are delighted these special girls were afforded a special opportunity to shape their courage, confidence, and character by experiencing camp. We appreciate being able to partner with the Camp ASSCA staff." With the help of outside funders, GSSA hopes to continue to offer this type of life experience to these deserving girls. For more information on how to donate to Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s outreach program, contact Virginia Edington at vedington@girlscoutssa.org.

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

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Gulf Coast Baptist Camp's Biggest Week Ever

Over 250 teenagers attended Gulf Coast Baptist Camp, a ministry of Lighthouse Baptist Church, during the week of June 22-26. Held in Biloxi, MS, the Camp is in its fourth year of existence. Ten different youth groups from the Gulf Coast and the Southeast took part in the camp, including one from Jackson, Arkansas. The theme was "Guard Your Heart," and many of the young people made important spiritual decisions throughout the week.

St. Ignatius Parish Vacation Bible School

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St. Ignatius Parish had over 150 participants in Vacation Bible School this summer. The theme for the week, “It’s God’s World,” was in every activity throughout the week. Fun activities included games, art, drama and dancing. The student and parent volunteers helped make this another successful year at Vacation Bible School for St. Ignatius Parish.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO UMS-WRIGHT CLASS OF 2013: ACCEPTED TO 91 DIFFERENT NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL COLLEGES

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$9.7 MILLION IN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS 4 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS 34 STATE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS 1ST PLACE ONE-ACT ENSEMBLE AND DUET ACTING AT ALABAMA CONFERENCE OF THEATRE

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4 NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS TOP MALE VOCALIST AT STATE CHORAL COMPETITION

ALL THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN JUST FOUR YEARS... THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

UMS-Wright

PREPARATORY SCHOOL UMS-Wright.org | 479-6551 Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

UMS-Wright does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed or national origin.

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Girl Scouts Provide Camp to Mobile Housing Community

For more than 9 years, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama has offered a weeklong camp full of activities specifically designed for underserved girls from the Mobile Housing Community, ages 5-17, who have limited recreational opportunities during the summer. This year’s camp theme was centered on “Scouting through Air, Land, and Water”. Camp Sid Edmonds, located in beautiful Bay Minette, offers traditional camping experiences such as swimming, canoeing, archery and scavenger hunts. Each year, in addition to the traditional camp experiences, different activities are added to cover a variety of topics and learning experiences. Among the many activities, girls learned about hurricanes, hurricane safety, and performed a science experiment replicating a hurricane. They also learned about oil spills, water pollution, and how to make clean, drinkable water. “We believe one of the best ways to teach is by hands-on experimentation. We purposely choose exciting activities so that the girls want to participate but are learning valuable lessons at the same time,” says GSSA Outreach Programs Manager, Mary Glarrow. “Everyone loves to see what happens when you drop Mentos in a bottle of Diet Coke!” The Mobile Housing girls attended the camp from July 29 to August 2 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. each day. This year’s funding for camp was donated graciously by the Hearin-Chandler Foundation. Without the generosity of funders like these, GSSA would not be able to offer this type of life experience in order to build courage, confidence and courage to these deserving girls.

ommitted to a Cu C e r ’ re! We In Alabama, approximately 2,000 children suffer from childhood cancer or serious blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or hemophilia --- and 90% receive their care at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's of Alabama. These children and their families are counting on a cure. That's why we've brought together a team that includes some of the brightest minds and most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. We're committed to finding cures, and you can be too.

Learn how you can help. Call 205.638.9285 or visit ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

t St. Luke’s Selects 19 Students to Serve as School Ambassadors

Interviews were held this summer for the St. Luke's Student Ambassadors. Nineteen students in grades 9-12 were selected to participate in the program. Student Ambassadors represent the school at school events as well as community events and work with the student body to promote the school and build school spirit. This year’s Student Ambassadors participated in a one day workshop at Turquoise Place which included team challenges, group discussions and training. Pictured are the 2013-2014 Student Ambassadors: John DeArmon, Christian Kennedy-Milligan, Ellie Pierce, Lydia Lambert, Rachel Parden, Ella Johnson, Sara Taylor, Kristina Swearingen, Mary Page Martin, Megan Manas, Matthew Holland, Nick Stuart, Landon Connell, Elizabeth Guice, Reave Shewmake, Harrison Downing, Zach McCleery and Anna Regan. Not pictured is Austin Davis.

67 UMS-Wright Students Awarded AP Honors

The 2012-2013 school year at UMS-Wright saw impressive results in the Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. A total of 148 students sat for 284 AP exams in 19 different subjects resulting in 67 students who were awarded AP Honors. Those awards include 2 National AP Scholars, 22 AP Scholars with Distinction, 13 AP Scholars with Honor, and 32 AP Scholars. Congratulations to those students and their teachers for these accomplishments!

Dr. Taylor Retires After 42 Years in Mobile Schools

Carolyn Lee Taylor didn’t know when she arrived in Mobile in 1969 from a small town in Illinois that South Alabama would be home. And perhaps she didn’t realize how big of an impact she would have on the Mobile County Public School System. Taylor, whose 42-year career here ranged from special-education teacher to magnet school principal to assistant superintendent over curriculum, retired from the Mobile County Public School System this summer. All four of her boys graduated from high school at B.C. Rain. And she and her husband Larry, who came here to accept a job with Teledyne Continental at Brookley, remain here. “We’re Parkway people,” she said, referring to Dauphin Island Parkway. “When I think back, I wonder, how in the world did I end up here,” Taylor said recently. “I love my hometown, but I probably would have retired as a secondary English teacher,” Taylor said, “I never would have had the opportunities that I’ve had in this larger school system. I wouldn’t have even known about the opportunities.” Those opportunities presented themselves to Taylor in the form of Mobile County’s diverse student population. She worked at Augusta Evans Special School, devoted entirely to the needs of severely disabled students age 3-21. And she opened Council Traditional School as Alabama’s first magnet school for elementary students. That was part of the district’s settlement of the Birdie Mae Davis desegregation lawsuit. Council opened the first extendedday program for elementary students. “That was something we needed to do and we did it well,” Taylor said of the magnet program. “I am very proud of that.” She was later principal at Phillips Preparatory, a magnet middle school that received the prestigious Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education during her tenure. She was recognized as the Most Outstanding Secondary Principal of the Year by the State of Alabama’s Parent Teacher Association. “I’ve have always been a big supporter of public schools,” Taylor said. “When I think about all of the students we’ve prepared, and what we’ve prepared them for, and the successes they’ve had, I am so proud,” Taylor added. “They’re good people, good parents, good providers. How fortunate are we as a community to have played a role in that.” Mobile County schools Superintendent Martha Peek said Dr. Taylor’s dedication to and love for the school system was noted and admired throughout her four decades here. “Her legacy of professionalism, integrity and personal wisdom will remain in the hearts and minds of everyone who was privileged to know and work with her,” Peek said. After arriving to Alabama, Taylor earned a master’s degree in mental retardation from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. “My favorite wisdom from Dr. Lee Taylor is ‘Don’t ever love something that cannot love you back,’” said Libby Little, elementary science and social studies supervisor for Mobile County Public Schools. “She is the model for wonderful priorities and devotion to loved ones. She is a person who gives all of us her love, and she knows that it is a waste to love things or power. She has been a model for living life to the fullest because she keeps a balanced life and is solid in her thinking and her decision-making.” Taylor is proud of her four grown sons, who have strong ties to the military and medical professions: Dusty is a retired Navy Seal who is now working for an oil company in west Africa. Charley retired as an Army doctor but still works for the Army. Daniel just returned to Mobile to take command of an Army Reserve transportation unit at Brookley. David is a physician’s assistant at a clinic and emergency room in Texas. “I’m very grateful for MCPSS,” Taylor said. “I came here a stranger, and now it’s my family.” Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Outstanding Sea Cadet to Attend Marion Military Institute

Petty Officer 3rd Class (PO3) Nathan B. Goss, has been an exceptional leader within the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Dunlap Division over the last few years; however, all great things must come to an end as new doors are opened. PO3 Goss has been recently accepted to Marion Military Institute. We have had the opportunity to observe PO3 Goss and found his performance to be nothing short of outstanding. PO3 Goss became a Sea Cadet with the Dunlap Division in June 2011 and immediately stood out as a very bright and outstanding prospect for leadership. By January 2012, he had completed the Basic Military Requirement and Airman Courses, participated in numerous drills and a nine-day recruit training in Smyrna, TN. Due to his outstanding performance and drive to excel, his Commanding Officer, LTJG John V. Wilson, promoted Cadet PO3 Goss to Lead Petty Officer for the Dunlap Division. After 9 months, drilling and serving as the LPO of his division, his leadership skills were continued to be confirmed. He has been awarded the “Cadet of Honor” citation ribbon as well as the “Physical Fitness Award 2012” and “Community Service Awards” for his many hours giving back to his community. In June 2012, the Mobile Council Navy League named PO3 Goss “Sea Cadet of the Year” and presented him with the Navy League’s “Theodore Roosevelt Youth Award” for outstanding performance of duty. After completing Basic and Advanced Airman trainings, Petty Officer Leadership training, and the Military Requirements for Petty Officer 3rd Class, Cadet Goss was promoted to his current rank of PO3 on October 4, 2012. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded PO3 Goss the “Bronze Good Citizenship” Medal on December 7, 2012. PO3 Goss continues to be an inspiration to all those under his leadership. Petty Officer 3rd Class Goss, remember that you have been, and will always be, an accepted member of the most exclusive of all fraternities (if you will) – that of the Dunlap Division, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Your shipmates wish you the traditional "Fair Winds and Following Seas". Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Preschool Services Child & Adolescent Services (Education - Residential) Consultation & Training Auburn

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Mobile Area Education Foundation Challenges Students this Summer at Camp

Each year MAEF's staff works hard to bring programs to Mobile County public school students that continue to challenge and prepare them for their futures. This summer MAEF led four camps, AT&T Vital Link, Middle School STEM Camp, RAMP Up summer transition program, and the EYE elementary school camps. AT&T Vital Link is a program that places a select group of rising ninth graders as half-day interns in Mobile businesses for one week. 119 students who attended Calloway-Smith, Clark School of Math and Science, Chastang, Hankins, Lott, Pillans, Scarbourough, and Semmes Middle Schools participated in this year's program. These students, along with teacher representatives from each school, spent the week of June 3rd at 12 local businesses. Teachers are asked to make the connection between their curriculum and skills used on the job to help students understand the relevance of traditional classes such as language arts, science, and social studies. Students use their hands-on experience to help them select elective classes and make decisions regarding possible future careers. We thank Alabama Power, AT&T, Commonwealth Bank, Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, Mobile Airport Authority, SMG, MCPSS, Mobile Police Department, Outokumpu Stainless USA, Providence Hospital, Remington College, and the University of South Alabama for allowing our young interns to experience what it is like to work in their businesses. EYE Elementary School Camps EYE Camp MAEF’s Engaging Youth through Engineering (EYE) program hosted a series of elementary school summer camps that began June 17. Over 300 4th and 5th grade students from 25 Mobile County public elementary schools participated in weeklong camps at Dodge, Council, Collins-Rhodes, and Castlen Elementary Schools. “Camp Big Air: EYE to the Sky,” transformed campers into aerospace engineers as they learned to design a parachute that would be able to drop objects slowly to the ground on earth or

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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another planet. Campers further developed their math, science, and teambuilding skills, while exploring the exciting and challenging world of engineering. Each Wednesday of camp week, campers went on a field trip to the US Coast Guard Base at the Mobile Regional Airport, the Alabama Aviation College, and Azalea City Model Airplane Field. On Friday afternoons a Camp Celebration was held featuring guest speakers and community leaders shared in the experience with the campers at the University of South Alabama’s Shelby Hall. RAMP Up Summer Transition For six-weeks this summer students that completed eighth grade at Palmer Pillans Middle School this past year participated in the RAMP Up Summer Transition program to help them get ready for high school. Over 30 students spent four-day school weeks participating in skill building, reading, writing, Algebra I prep, and fine arts classes from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. RAMP UP at Alabama State University Students worked with tutors and counselors to better prepare for the transition to high school. Each week career speakers visited with the students to introduce them to an abundance of opportunities available for them in this area. They also traveled to Montgomery to tour the campus of Alabama State University. Upon completion of the program, students earn a half elective credit toward their high school diploma. The RAMP Up Summer Transition Program is a component of MAEF's Graduate Ready initiative that is ensuring all students succeed, and work toward earning their high school diploma. 2013 Middle School STEM Camp Through a grant awarded to USA's College of Education and AMSTI from the Alabama State Department of Education's Math Science Partnership Program, MAEF's EYE program cohosted the 2013 Middle School STEM Camp at Baker High School in June. Over 300 students from Mobile and Baldwin Counties participated in the two-week camp that focused on science, technology, engineering and math activities. MAEF's EYE program led the engineering portion of the camp. The camp allowed students to explore the many different facets of the STEM world, as they prepare for middle school curriculum.

What’s Trending at St. Paul’s Episcopal School... Educating the whole student through our top-notch academic curriculum, world-class fine arts programs, state-wide recognized athletic endeavors and a spiritually based focus that gives our students a jump start to rise above the rest. Come see what sets us apart at our LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE for prospective parents.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 | 6 p.m. | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall

For questions about the event please contact Julie Taylor in our Admissions office at 251-461-2129 or jtaylor@stpaulsmobile.net www.stpaulsmobile.net | @StPaulsMobile | #GoSaints

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

St. Ignatius 6th Grader Wins Five Trophies at National Scholarship Pageant

St. Ignatius School National Elementary Honor Society rising 6th Grader, Mary Olivette Bookman, won 5 trophies at the National American Miss (NAMiss) Alabama Scholarship Pageant. NAMiss Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s future leaders and equipping them with life-long skills. Each year, the pageant nationally awards more than 1.5 million dollars in cash, scholarships, and other prizes including a new Ford Mustang Convertible. Mary Olivette participated in the Pre-Teen age division, along with 87 other outstanding young ladies from across Alabama that was held June 8 at the beautiful Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa in Montgomery. She won trophies for State Finalist, Outstanding Program Participation, Spirit of America, Best Resume, and Spokesmodel - 1st Runner up. The Spokesmodel win qualifies her to compete Thanksgiving week in the National All-American Scholarship Pageant in Los Angeles, CA.

St. Luke Faculty Wears Pink to Support Cancer Awareness

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St. Luke's faculty and staff were busy this summer preparing for the upcoming school year. Back to School sessions were held with new Headmaster Mike Notaro and new Lower School Director Dick Cleveland to ensure that everything was in place for the students return. Mr. Notaro, who wears pink every Wednesday as a personal show of his support for Cancer Awareness was surprised by faculty and staff who demonstrated their support of him by wearing pink at Wednesday's Back to School Faculty/Staff meeting.

One Family—One Fight Block Party to be Held to Benefit Mother with Melanoma

Family and Friends in Mobile have joined forces to help a member of our community, Erika Buschmann Lynam who is battling stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. Under the name, “One Family-One Fight”, this group will host a block party on Sunday, August 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. on the grounds of St. Mary Catholic School with proceeds to benefit Erika for expenses related to this battle. Erika is an alumnus of St. Mary Catholic School and a 1988 graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. She is also a graduate of the University of North Alabama. A parishioner of St. Mary Parish for 40 years and a mother of three children who attend both St. Mary and McGill, she has also served in various volunteer positions for her church, school, and community. She is also an artist and owns "Phoebe Grace", an on-line business where she creates and sells beautiful gift items. The One Family-One Fight Block Party will be a family event featuring an ever-growing list of over 100 donated auction items, great food from local restaurants and chefs, and live music. Confirmed musicians include Phil Proctor, Julie Anne Sellers, and Fat Lincoln. Great food will be provided by Charlie Wilton Catering; local chef K.K. Ollis with assistant Keefe Ollis and crew; Foosackly’s; Butch Cassidy’s, Callaghan’s Irish Social Club; Sub-King, and more to join! Fabulous auction items include vacations, dinner cruises, gift certificates to local restaurants, signed sports memorabilia, kids parties, dental and health gift certificates, auto services, personal training, spa and salon services, jewelry, home furnishings, artwork, cooking classes, tailgate packages, photography, dinners and much, much more. Some notable items include a fabulous New Orleans week-long French Quarter Condo vacation package to include sideline Saints tickets, Katrina Tour, a tour of former Saints player Gleason's home along with a viewing of Saints film footage and a Friday reservation at the famous Galatoire's restaurant; a week-long stay in a Palm Beach Sugar Island Condo; a Charter Fishing Trip; 4 tickets to the 2014 Honda Classic PGA Tour; and numerous sets of Alabama, Auburn, and USA football game tickets. Raffles for large ticket items will also be available including a brand new Frigidaire Professional 27.8 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator valued at $3,000! A running list of items is available on the One Family-One Fight facebook page, facebook.com/onefamilyonefight. In show of his support, Mayor Sam Jones has proclaimed Sunday, August 25 as Erika Buschmann Lynam Day in the City of Mobile. The location of the block party is on the St. Mary Campus at 107 N. Lafayette Street at the corner of Lafayette Street and Old Shell Road in the Dauphin Way Historic District. Entrance to the block party will be at the gate on Old Shell Road with donations accepted at the door. Checks are accepted and made payable to “One Family-One Fight”. Donations are NOT tax deductible. For more information or to make a donation, please contact (251) 476-1972 or email bjbx7@comcast.net or emilymccarron76@gmail.com Event details will be updated on onefamilyonefight.eventbrite.com. For education on melanoma, log on to www.melanoma.org. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Mobile County Called 'Epicenter of Best Practices'

State schools Superintendent Tommy Bice challenged Mobile County’s principals to change the way they think about school. As Alabama transitions from the federal No Child Left Behind Act to the state’s own Plan 2020, he said, “shift from having your students learn to take a test to preparing them for the future.” Bice addressed the principals and central office employees at the Cypress Auditorium. His speech was livestreamed for assistant principals and others and is available on mcpss.tv. Several times throughout his inspiring, one-hour speech, he called Mobile County Public Schools the “epicenter of best practices.” He congratulated the district for not only having the lion’s share of Torchbearers in the state, but also for its ability to raise its graduation rate and for its cutting-edge career-preparation programs. “You are setting the bar for Alabama,” Bice said. Bice said principals and teachers should use the first couple of days of school to talk to and get to know their students and to learn their stories. “You could be the only adult that gives them a glimmer of hope,” he said. Through Plan 2020 and the newly adopted Common Core standards in math and reading, Alabama’s children are being taught more than how to answer a test question. The Common Core is often misunderstood, he said. But he gave this as an example: In the past, students in a class may have been expected to learn how to add two threedigit numbers by answering about 50 problems. With Common Core and Plan 2020, he said, teachers might divide students into groups and have them come up with several possible answers to a word problem. They would then decide which answer is the best and be able to explain how they came up with that answer to the rest of the class. Sound familiar? That’s how people on the job solve problems every day. “This is the most significant step we have taken in Alabama education,” he said, “and we did so because of conversations we’ve had with higher education and business and industry.” He told the educators to “purge everything you’ve learned,” and concentrate on project-based learning, hands-on learning, and formative assessments that can shape instruction rather than summative assessments in the spring that act more as an “autopsy.” Teachers should unpack the standards and come up with lesson plans that are relevant, he said. Also, “don’t let that last step be that I put the grade in the grade book.” Evaluate how the lessons were taught and make adjustments as needed. Also, he said, schools should redefine the role of the counselor. “Guidance is not a person, it is a function of all of us,” he said. Students should be encouraged to have a career plan early on in high school, he said, which is what Mobile County Public Schools will require beginning this year. Society should honor teaching as a profession and set high expectations of teachers colleges. Also, he said, while much emphasis has been placed on the part of the Accountability Act that allows students to transfer to other schools, it should instead be placed on the flexibility now allowed. Schools that have even un-traditional ideas on how to be successful are encouraged to write a “short” report to the Alabama Department of Education to get a waiver from budget and statutory requirements. “I challenge you to think about what schools can look like, now that we have all of this flexibility,” he said. Meanwhile, he said, even the state’s role is shifting “to let’s be that catalyst that helps you and supports you as you go about change.”

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Mobile Bridge Named for Williamson Principal Known for Discipline and Caring

The Mobile City Council has honored a former and longtime Williamson High School principal by naming the new Michigan Avenue bridge at Interstate 10 after him. The Lemuel K. Keeby Bridge will serve as a major link to the Brookley Aeroplex. A stern disciplinarian who left a legacy of respect, Keeby was principal of Williamson from 1948-1976. State Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, said Keeby will remain in her memory forever. “He was part of that village that helped me become the woman I am today,” said Figures, a Williamson graduate. “He was strict, had very high expectations, and never backed down from any situation,” Figures added. “He is totally worthy to be honored by having the bridge that leads into the Brookley Complex named after him, a complex where all Mobilians have high expectations for a greater future for Mobile.” City Councilman C.J. Small, whose district includes Williamson, presented a proclamation and replica of a sign for the bridge to Keeby’s surviving nephew, Theodore Keeby, niece Ruby Keeby Buckley and a great-great niece. The council voted unanimously to name the $3.7 million bridge after Keeby. A group of Williamson alumni and administrators, as well as Maysville community leaders attended the city council meeting and reflected upon their beloved former principal. “I remember him quoting from a book for which he did not agree, called ‘Stoop to Conquer,’” said Yvonne Reed Matthews, a 1972 Williamson graduate who is now an assistant principal at the school. “He said that we should never lower our standards to conquer anything.” Paula Reese, who works in Federal Programs, said she remembers the words of Keeby's that her two older brothers gave her to prepare for her schooling at Williamson: “The Lion’s Den is for Learning. Leave everything else outside. Young ladies will dress appropriately and young men will dress as young men at all times.” “He was strong and unbending, yet loving and caring,” she said.

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St. Ignatius 6th Grader Volunteers at Charity Baseball Game

11-year-old Mary Olivette is a National Elementary Honor Society 6th Grader at St. Ignatius Catholic School. Mary Olivette appeared as an Extra in Yellow Day, a faith-based feature filmed at Camp Grace in 2012. Yellow Day held a "Yellow Day at BayBears" baseball game and charity event on August 18, 2013 to benefit Camp Smile and Camp Rap-A-Hope, which gives children living with cancer and special needs a little joy each summer. There were games and informational booths at the event and children with special needs and their immediate family were admitted free. Mary Olivette volunteered at the charity event and sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at the 7th inning stretch, as well. Mary Olivette has been singing in the Prince of Peace Catholic Church Youth Choir since she was 6. She leads by example in serving her Church, School, and the Community, such as giving three months of her time outside of school in 2012 to raise over $1,700 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Math-A-Thon, the highest individual total raised. She has also qualified to compete for scholarships at the 2013 National American Miss Pageant at Disneyland in November. Yellow Day did an interview on Mary Olivette on the yellowdaymovie.com website. Check it out and learn more about the movie. Yellow Day will be released in 2014 and stars Drew Seeley (Another Cinderella Story with Selena Gomez) and Ashley Boettcher (Aliens In The Attic) . Pictured, Mary Olivette, May 17, 2012, on the Yellow Day Camp Grace set at the end of the day of shooting.

CCS Cougar Spirit in Bar Harbor, Maine!

Pictured is the Wood Family (Devin, Al, Ethan & Jenna) from Corpus Christi Catholic School showing their school spirit while on vacation in the Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine this summer. Go Cougars!

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

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Sea Cadets Graduate from Summer Training

On Saturday, July 29, 124 cadets graduated from the NSCC Summer Training held at Latimer Scout Reservation, Spencer, TN. Trainings were held for Scuba, Lifeguard, Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Fitness, Recruit, and Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.). Eight of the cadets were from the Dunlap Division, located in Mobile. During the 9 day training, the cadets underwent physical fitness, military drill and team building exercises, canoeing, swimming, repelling, hiking, skeet shooting as well as class time instruction in Naval History, First Aid and Range Safety. The cadets participating in the Lifeguard Training were able to receive a two year certification upon graduation; while Scuba graduates received their PADI open water certification. Many of the cadets participating in the various trainings also received First Aid/CPR Certification. Cadets from Dunlap Division attending the various trainings: SN Connor Nylander and SN Victoria Wotczak, Lifeguard; William Pimperl, Recruit Training; and SA Matthew Bowen, SA David M. Lowder, LC2 Joseph Mahoney, SA Christopher Townsend, and SA Gunnar Williams, Fitness. 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.

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

E St. Dominic Students Complete Altar Server Training

Each summer, rising 5th grade students of St. Dominic Parish are provided the opportunity to give of their time to the parish by completing altar server training. Shown here at the completion of their first week of serving the 8:00 a.m. Mass are Justin Thomas Miller, Mary-Kate Partridge, John Thomas Cumpton and Michael Seiter, pictured with Monsignor Murphy (right) and Deacon Aldon Ward (left).

Changes and Additions to Corpus Christi Catholic School

Corpus Christi Catholic School is pleased to announce the following changes and additions to our faculty and staff: Mrs. Judy Edwards will be the K3 teacher; Mrs. Amy Lary moved from kindergarten to our new preschool as the K4 teacher; Ms. Christina Zieman joined the faculty as the new kindergarten teacher; Mr. Garreth Trawick, former PE assistant, will be the PE teacher; Ms. Kelly Reese joins the faculty as the new Junior High Resource Program teacher; Ms. Toni Counts is the new Junior High Literature teacher; Mrs. Carol McDonald is the new Spanish teacher; Mrs. Leanne Laurence, Mrs. Shaye Brock and Mrs. Jennifer Walker are new teaching assistants at the school. Pictured is new teacher Ms. Zieman, kindergarten teacher, in her classroom.

Praise Christian School Holds Yearbook Staff Workshop

The Praise Christian School Yearbook staff gathered together for a yearbook workshop at Cottage Hill Baptist Church on August 6. The four and a half hour workshop, organized and lead by Ida Thrasher, laid out to all of the participants the plans for the year and the duties required of them. Guest speakers at the workshop included Gene Howard, an attorney, and Sara Ericson, a journalist with the Mobile Press Register. Mr. Howard talked with the students about leadership, namely learning how to assess their strengths and weaknesses and how to play off those things. Mrs. Ericson talked with the staff about basic principles and tips regarding journalism, captions, and photography. Afterwards, Mrs. Thrasher played several presentations for the students on photographic fundamentals—emotion, motion, and relationship to name a few—to keep in mind as they begin to photograph the year. Shortly thereafter, the students broke off into two groups and reviewed yearbooks from as far back as 1941 to gather ideas for this year’s book. They took notes of things that they found to be consistent within all of the books, things they liked, and things they didn’t like. Finally, they all came together to discuss their findings and come up with new ideas they would like to implement in their book this year. In addition, they brainstormed to come up with an overall theme for the book. Drawing from PCS’s motto patria , they opted to have family be the central theme. Finally, the students were each given an envelope that contained their position(s) for the year. Mrs. Thrasher and Administrator Bonita Harris then explained to the students how each of them had been selected for their position(s), and how they would like to see some of the senior students show the ropes to newcomers of the club. To close the workshop, Mrs. Thrasher assigned the students to research their position(s) and the duties entailed in each of them. In addition, she encouraged them to brainstorm creative and original ways to further integrate the theme of family into the yearbook. The workshop adjourned with everyone feeling thoroughly charged and excited to make this year’s yearbook the best it can be. Students are Alex Thompson, Collin Gunter, Aliyah Oden, Ashtynne Allen, Sophie McVicar and Abigail McVicar. Photos by Yearbook Photographer, Dalton Allen. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Enterprise State Donates Airplane to B.C. Rain's Aviation Academy

Students enrolling in B.C. Rain High School’s soon-to-open Aviation and Aerospace Academy now have their first airplane to work on. Enterprise State Community College has donated to the high school a Cessna 150 airplane. “This is going to be one of the focal points of the program, for the students to be able to work hands-on with a real airplane,” said Steve Boykin, supervisor of agriculture and technical education for the Mobile County Public School System. The Cessna 150 is a two-seat tricycle gear plane that was widely popular especially as it was built from the late 1950’s to the late 1970’s. This plane is temporarily being housed at Bryant Career Technical Center in Irvington while construction is completed this fall on B.C. Rain’s new Aerospace Training Facility. School officials are thankful to receive the plane from Enterprise State Community College, which has been a partner in establishing the academy. The academy will use Enterprise State’s curriculum. B.C. Rain is one of four Mobile County public high schools that opened Signature Academies when students returned to class in August. “The Signature Academies offer an unprecedented opportunity for all of our students to begin their career paths while still in high school,” said Larry Mouton, executive director of careertechnical education for Mobile County Public Schools. Students in the Aviation and Aerospace Academy “will have an opportunity to work on real airplanes and engage in the same activities that skilled workers use in order to manufacture and repair airplanes at Airbus and ST Aerospace,” Mouton added. There are still limited slots available for enrollment in the aviation academy at B.C. Rain. Students from anywhere in Mobile County who are sophomores and have at least a 2.0 grade point average can apply. For more information or to apply, email: careertech@mcpss.com. “Careers in aviation and aerospace are becoming part of the landscape of the Mobile region,” Mouton said. The Signature Academy at B.C. Rain as well as aviation programs at the county’s two career-technical schools, Bryant and Faulkner, can prepare students for a bright future in the field. Academy students will participate in hands-on activities and Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

internships. Through dual enrollment, they’ll be able to earn college credit to either apply toward an associate degree at the Alabama Aviation Center or toward a four-year degree. It’s part of the Mobile County school system’s establishment of Signature Academies in each of its 12 high schools. Besides B.C. Rain, Blount is opening a health care academy in 2013-2014, Citronelle High an industry and manufacturing academy, and Mary G. Montgomery a teaching academy. The school system plans to have Signature Academies at five additional high schools during the 2014-15 school year. The new $1.6 million, 15,500-square foot Aerospace Training Facility at B.C. Rain will feature a main shop area, training rooms with Smartboards, a large mezzanine storage area and an overhead monorail crane. Aviation has been a hot topic in Mobile, as the industry is expanding quickly here with the arrival of Airbus. Airbus broke ground this spring on a new $600 million plant at Mobile’s Brookley Aeroplex, which will be the company’s first U.S. assembly line. The plant – where about 40-50 of the company’s A320 aircraft will be assembled annually – is expected to employ about 1,000 people directly and attract thousands of jobs through suppliers. 31

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

S Girl Scouts Make a Difference at Woody’s Song

When people think of Girl Scouts, they usually begin dreaming about the delectable cookies the girls sell at the beginning of the year. But Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama does much more than just sell cookies. They impact the community around them by taking part in outreach programs, such as those at Woody’s Song. Because of the generous donation on behalf of Vincent Kilborn III and the Joseph Treadwell Charitable Foundation, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama has started a troop, called Kilborn’s Kids, at Woody’s Song in Mobile. This school serves children ages 5-18 who are on the autism spectrum and helps these children increase their skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognitive skills while decreasing behaviors that interfere with their learning. The newly formed troop has already been busy planting a garden, making safety pins, learning that manners count, discovering more about science, nature and beach awareness, all while making new friends. Part of the Girl Scout curriculum is also learning the Pledge of Allegiance, Girl Scout Promise, and Law, as well as all the fun Girl Scout songs. Kilborn’s Kids recently participated in a field day that included a water slide, water balloons, and horse shoes. Despite the heat, they enjoyed delicious snow cones in between breaks. At the end of field day, the children were awarded their patch pennants for the first time. Kilborn’s Kids can’t wait to get started on the upcoming activities planned, such as being independent and learning how to set their morning schedule, trying different science experiments, exploring how to be their best self, celebrating their community, archery, and touring Alligator Alley. “I am so proud of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama and the staff of Woody’s Song. Kilborn’s Kids is not only a fabulous program, but is a blessed program, because these kids are so deserving. The love and care they are getting is a true mitzvah. I am proud to be a part of it,” Vincent Kilborn III, said. For more information about how you can donate to the Girl Scout outreach programs, please contact Virginia Edington at (800) 239-6636, ext.1804, or vedington@girlscoutssa.org .

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Mobile County Public Schools Launches 'It Starts With Us' Campaign

“It Starts With Us.” Those are four powerful words we hope you will hear often during the upcoming school year. “It Starts With Us” is more than a new slogan for Mobile County Public Schools. It is a call to action to us all as part of a new rebranding effort that the school system announced. So many times, according to Mobile County schools Superintendent Martha Peek, people have said, “We just don’t know the great things happening in the school system.” “Well, now here’s our chance.” With the help of a marketing team from Mobile-based School Insites, the school system has created a logo. The new logo keeps the integrity of Alabama’s first school system by proudly displaying the dome of Barton Academy, built in 1836. Yet it gives a fresh and more professional look, showing how our educational programs are evolving as we embrace 21st Century technology and classrooms. With the logo comes our charge to the community, “It Starts With Us.” “Us” is the community, teachers, students, parents, taxpayers, businesses and politicians. “It Starts With” is our challenge to you. It means do something that is remarkable. If you are a student, spend extra time on your homework and do that extra credit. If you are a teacher, do something different that takes your students to the next level. If you are a business, invest not just with money, but with time, resources and training. Our students are your future workforce. To everyone else: Get involved. Stand Out. Start something. For our part, Mobile County Public Schools will work to keep the public informed on what is going on in our classrooms. Today, we are launching a revamped website, designed to be more user-friendly and informative. Stay tuned as our partners are helping to get the word out via billboards, television spots and other avenues. The school system is also working to increase its social media presence. The proficiency level of students continues to rise and the on-time graduation rate is increasing as part of the school system’s work with the Mobile Area Education Foundation on the 80-20 Graduate Ready initiative. More opportunities are being provided for students to excel as they graduate college and career ready. "Making sure all Mobile County Public School students Graduate Ready for college, career, and life is a job of the entire community, not just the school system," said MAEF Executive Director Carolyn Akers. "And that is why the partnership between MAEF's Graduate Ready and the new MCPSS slogan, 'It Starts With Us,' is so important." "It shows the community that economic growth, healthy citizens, and safer neighborhoods all begin with a school system and community that is doing the work to produce successful students," Akers said. Our students meet and exceed high expectations at all levels of learning with one out of every four graduates receiving a college scholarship. We have nine Blue Ribbon Schools and have had 14 schools named as Torchbearers by the Alabama Department of Education since 2009. “We are proud of the progress that has been made and excited about the prospect of even greater accomplishments in the future,” Peek said. “Learning starts with parents. Education starts with the Mobile County Public School System. Quality of life starts with the community.” Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Corpus Christi Catholic School Starts K3 and K4 Program This Year

Corpus Christi Catholic School is excited to announce the start of a K3 and K4 program this school year. The program provides children the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment. Mrs. Amy Lary and Mrs. Judy Edwards are the new teachers and are thrilled to be working with the preschoolers.

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Smart Technology…Smart Teachers... Arnold School Welcomes New Upper School English and Literature Teacher

The Arnold School is pleased to welcome Haley Cink to their team of teachers. Haley will serve as the upper school English and literature teacher as well as helping students prepare for the ACT and SAT. Haley has worked as a substitute teacher for the Saraland City School system. She had the opportunity to teach in many subject areas but finds English and literature her favorite subjects to teach. Haley’s Bachelor’s degree is from the University of South Alabama where she majored in English. She is excited and honored to be able to use her skills to enhance her students’ learning. In her spare time, Haley enjoys spending time with her husband of 11 years, Victor; her son, Brayden, 10; and her daughter, Kamdyn, 5. Teaching is Haley’s passion, and she can’t wait for this new school year to begin. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Archery Camp at St. Dominic a Huge Success

St. Dominic Catholic School held its first annual archery camp at the school gym during the last week of July. The camp was divided into a beginner session and an advanced session. All adult volunteers were trained through the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Students were trained at the camp focusing on the NASP eleven steps to archery success. They were also trained in range safety and archery equipment maintenance. The student participants thought the camp was such an overwhelming success that they want to form an archery club and team. The goal is for the team to participate in local tournaments beginning this fall. Beginners photo (left): L to R back row: Coach Colleen Arthur, Luke Midgette, Katie Ann Hites, Joshua Nichols, Aiden Siebert, C J Nelson, Simms Stokes, Coach Astrid Siebert, Claire Conner, Nicole Hubbell, Zachary Harrison; front row: Colton Fields, Kate Johnson, Ansley Jones, Janie Dunwell, Matthew Hunt; not pictured: Coach Laurie Michener. Advanced camp: L to R back row: Benjamin Dunwell, Claire Cazalas, Nicholas Dunwell, Taylor Fridley, Tristan Miller, Thad Arthur; front row: Justin Nonnenmacher, Abi Bolton, Abby Fridley, Ethan Jones, Justin Thomas Miller, Andrew Bolton; not pictured: Coach Colleen Arthur, Coach Annesia Miller, Coach Mike Jones, Coach Randy Arthur, Coach Danny Dunwell (Photos by Tanya Dunwell).

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Celebrating 10 Years Of Family Fun!

ORIGINAL CORNFIELDMAZE”

Get lost and have fun on a farm! September 28 through November 2! Monday - Thursday School Field Trips

FIELD OF FRIGHT OCTOBER 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26

COME AND SEE IF YOU CAN SURVIVE THE UNEXPECTED ADRENALINE-PUMPING NIGHT. IT’S FOR ALL AGE GROUPS. THE WALKING MAZE WILL BE OPEN AT THE SAME TIME.

OCT 5 & NOV 2

TRICK OR TREAT SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 GRAB THE KIDS AND ENJOY THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND TRICK OR TREATING EXPERIENCE! MEET YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTERS AND ENJOY TREATS AT ALL OF THE ACTIVITES. KARAOKE DAY FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES!! CHARACTER TIMES: 11AM UNTIL 5PM.

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“HOW MUCH WE LOVE GRANDPARENTS” DAY! THESE DAYS ARE FOR THAT SPECIAL OUTING WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS. GRANDPARENTS WILL RECEIVE 50% OFF THE “GET LOST” TICKET ON THESE DATES. DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!!

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The Learning Tree Celebrates 30 years of Service

The Learning Tree is a private nonprofit organization, founded in 1983 by two former public school teachers. In response to the needs of local parents in Mobile, the first residential school was established to serve four children with developmental disabilities. Initially, the school was financially supported by the personal funds of the founders. This “grassroots” program proved to be highly successful in managing the significant behavioral, physical, and cognitive challenges of the children. Today, more than 30 years later, more than 200 children and families are served from across the state of Alabama and the southeast region of the United States. The Learning Tree serves children and adolescents, ages 2 ½ -21, with developmental disabilities including autism. The majority of the children are faced with significant language and communication difficulties with challenging behaviors. An individualized, instructional program is provided in a nurturing, supportive environment using applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles. ABA principles emphasize the learning of academic and social behaviors through motivation by the use of positive reinforcement. Three residential schools operate year round for children, ages 6-21, with developmental disabilities, including autism. The residential program provides each child with 24 hour care in a homelike setting that is suited to their unique and special needs. The individualized educational services are provided in a community school location. The programs are located in Mobile, Jacksonville, and Tallassee. The Learning Tree also operates three preschools in the state. The Little Tree Preschools are inclusive day programs serving children, ages 2 ½ - 5. The children with developmental disabilities, including autism are served alongside typically developing peers. The programs focus on teaching readiness and prerequisite skills to prepare the children for primary school. The Preschools are located in Mobile, Anniston, and Auburn. The programs are monitored by the Alabama State Department of Education. The first Little Tree Preschool opened in 2005 in Auburn supported by a grant from the Alabama State Department of Education. As the need for similar preschool services grew, a second Preschool opened in 2007, in collaboration with Mobile County Schools. The third Preschool opened in Jacksonville in 2008. The newest program, Woody’s Song School, is a non-traditional day school in Mobile. The school currently serves 24 children with autism, ages 5-18 from Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The tuition-based school operates five days a week, year-round. Programs focus on increasing skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognition while decreasing behaviors that interfere with learning. For more information about programs and services please contact the Mobile Regional office at (251) 649-4420. To make a donation please contact the Resource Development office at (251) 331-2633.

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Real Boys Who Made a Difference

Looking at our little boys we can’t help but wonder who they will become as adults. We ask ourselves what we can do to foster their strengths, to give them courage to take on hard challenges. Their experiences as children often provide the early inspiration that moves them in the direction of a future that is both rewarding for them – and sometimes rewards the greater community as well. Cultivating a “can-do” attitude in children goes far toward building their confidence to follow their heart, pursue their dreams and blaze new paths. The following titles share the inspirational stories of young men who stepped up to a challenge and made a difference!

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Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

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by Jennifer Berne, Illustrated by Eric Puybaret (Chronicle Books) As a little boy in France, Jacques Cousteau was fascinated by water…how it felt, why he floated on it, why rocks sank in it. He dreamed of flying among the fish below, delving their world beneath the surface of the water. But you can only hold your breath so long. As he got older he began to explore his passion for mechanics, chemistry and film, learning how cameras worked, processing his own film and making a LOT of home movies. But the sea kept calling to Jacques until he found a way to fly among the fishes below. His invention of scuba gear, with his friend Emile, and his knowledge of film-making allowed him and his friends to record the unseen beauty beneath the waves, inspiring generations to protect its fragile majesty. With poetic rhythms, stark illustrations and inspirational afterword, “Manfish” is a book you’ll dive into regularly!

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Dial Books for Young Readers / Penguin) In William’s village in Malawi, there was no electricity or running water. He spent his days alongside his neighbors and family farming in the drought-plagued earth. But at night he dreamed about the radios he heard, cars he saw on roads – he wanted to know how they worked. As the crops dried up brining famine in its wake, William was forced to leave school and had to find another way to learn. Using the small library near his village, he found an English dictionary and taught himself to read the science and technology textbooks. He learned how things worked and believed he could make something that would help his village – a windmill. But with no money for tools and materials, the boy William will have to use all his creativity and tenacity to build something that may save his village. The title’s message of strength and perseverance is as lovely as the richly illustrated pages that bring this true story to life.

Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story

by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Steven Guarnaccia (G.P Putnam / Penguin) When Mikey’s father heads off to war, he wants to be brave and go with him. But as his Dad boards the train, he reminds Mikey that sometimes it takes bravery to stay behind and support the war from home. When Mikey asks his mother what he can do to help with the war, she reminds him that the soldiers need knitted socks and caps. She offers to teach him how to knit, and he immediately nixes the idea… because “knitting is for girls”. But when he sees pictures of firemen knitting, and the president raising wool sheep on the White House lawn, he realizes that everyone can do their part. Mikey decides he’s brave enough to take up the needles and learn to knit. (He even persuades some of his buddies to join him.) This story is based on the true “Knit Your Bit” efforts across the U.S. when schools and clubs hosted contests, knitting bees and other events to get everyone knitting for the soldiers overseas. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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I’m following your plan, and currently I have $14,000 in my emergency fund. What are essentials for three to six months of expenses?

Basically, you should ask yourself this question: What would it take to operate my household for a month? There are several different things that could be classified as “essentials,” but if you take those things and multiply the number by three, four, five or six, you’ll see how much money you need to have a fully loaded emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. This is Baby Step 3 in my plan. Some people get really technical about exactly how many months of expenses they need to save in this range. And that’s okay. You can take a little time to evaluate things before moving on to Baby Step 4, which is investing 15 percent of your household income into Roth IRAs and other pre-tax retirement plans. Believe me, it’s a great feeling to have a big pile of cash sitting there just for a

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rainy day. You don’t want to go nuts and make it so big that you sacrifice retirement or other important aspects of your life, but after a point you shouldn’t be too concerned whether you have three months or six months of expenses—or somewhere in between—saved just for emergencies. Having a nice emergency fund, along with no debt, creates a wonderful sense of financial peace!

Q. I’d like to start investing in mutual funds, but I have no idea how they work. Could you explain about them please? A.

First of all, don’t rely solely on my answer here. You should never invest in anything you don’t fully understand. Before you do anything else, sit down with a good mutual fund broker, someone who has the heart of a teacher, who will help you find what’s best for you and your specific situation and goals. Simply put, a mutual fund—if it’s a stock mutual fund—is a group of 90–200

stocks. If it’s a growth stock mutual fund, then it’s a group of 90–200 growth stocks. Analysts buy the stocks they think will increase in price and sell the stocks they feel will go down in price. When the analysts buy growth stocks, it turns it into a growth stock mutual fund. If they buy bonds instead, it becomes a bond mutual fund. Several people put money into these groups, and that’s where you get the name “mutual fund.” They’re mutually funded. These types of investments are much safer than single stock investing because your money is spread across several different stocks. Plus, you’ve got people who know what they’re doing picking the stocks. My advice would be to take a hard look at mutual funds that have been out there for 10 to 20 years and have a good track record for a long period of time. I have one that has been open since 1934, and that kind of longevity and stability gives me confidence that over time they’ll be just fine!

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Are YOU a Reluctant

Entertainer?

by Jan Udlock

Does the thought of having a party make you break out in a cold sweat? Do you want to have a few friends to your home, but you come up with every excuse possible to not invite them over? Well, here are some simple steps to help you face a few common fears to entertaining and some helpful tips to make your party a success.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Fear #1: My party won’t be perfect.

On the pages of magazines and on television screens, you see pictures of people holding drinks, leaning into each other, laughing and enjoying themselves. So no wonder parties in the media cause high expectations on what they should look like. “You can have a socalled A+ party where everything is in the right place, the food is perfect but people are not enjoying themselves because the mood is so tense,” says Tamar Chansky, Ph.D, author of Freeing Yourself from Anxiety; Four Simple Steps to Overcome Worry and Create the Life You Want. Switch your thinking by putting those perfect pictures away in your mind and think about the benefits of having a party. When you get together with

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friends, it’s a time of connecting with one another, strengthening relationships, catching up on the latest news of our loved ones and slowing life down a bit. Electronics should be put away so you can enjoy the personal interactions.

Fear #2: My house is not big enough.

One of the most common fears is my 38

house is too small or my house doesn’t look like the magazines. In reality, no one’s house looks like the glossy pages. Remind yourself that magazine pictures are great to get ideas, but they are staged and have many professionals creating the look. Your living room or kitchen may need some picking up and rearranging of furniture, but with a little organizational work your home will be ready for your Advertising: 251-304-1200

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party. Depending on the time of year, you can always have the party outside on your deck or even at a park.

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Fear #3: No one will come.

Common sense would tell you to plan out your party first. However, if you’re reluctant to go through with a party, send out the invites first which commits you to an actual date. You know you’ll be having good friends knocking at your door so you now have to plan your gathering. Always invite more people than you expect to come because not everyone will be able to attend. Depending on the time of year, you can send out your invitations three to four weeks ahead of the date. You can send out handwritten invitations or electronic invites depending on your preference.

Fear #4: I Don’t Know What to Do.

Read entertaining blogs on the internet and party books from the library to glean ideas. Ask your friends about easy make-ahead recipes. But remember to keep it simple. If you come up with a fun idea that may take extra work, set it aside and use it for your next party. With each party you have, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t. “In addition to connecting with friends, family, colleagues on a social level, you can learn a lot of organizational, creative and party planning skills working on an endeavor that is fun,” says Greg Jenkins, event planner and partner, Bravo Productions. Even if you can start off small with only one friend, you can still make her feel special by having a special dessert, using cloth napkins, or candles. “If you have very good friends, you can let them know (or they may already know) that you are a HIT (hostess in training), and have them share their secrets to good parties with you and make it a potluck,” says Chansky.

Party On

The day of the party, give yourself some down time before the actual gathering. A rushed hostess makes everyone feel uneasy. Think about how you’ll handle any possible situations like something getting broken, or if a drink is spilled. “It’s like any professional event Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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watervilleusa.com planner who is always thinking about Plan B,” says Jenkins. Remember to make your guests feel comfortable about any mishap.

Debrief After the Party

Now that you’ve had a party and probably had more fun than you expected, think about what you’d do differently. What worked and what would you tweak? With the holidays ahead, what kind of theme party could you put on? Will you invite a more varied group of friends? Be brave and try something new. 39

Parties are about making connections with people. In our fast-paced techno world, you may need to be reminded to slow down and savor life a little bit more. Even though it’s a bit challenging at first, you’ll find having good friends over to your home is fun and rather addictive. So, when’s your next party? Jan Udlock is a mom of five, freelance writer and openly admits she’s a bit scared to have a party. Facing her fear, she’s had some successful parties lately, and she’s determined to share her excitement with other fearful entertainers.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Dig This: Get the Dirt on Digging Toys!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The smooth plane of undisturbed sand, the soft terrain of dirt and clay, the hint of something hidden just beneath the surface of soft sandstone are all a siren’s call for little hands to dig in! From both a curiosity and a creativity standpoint, dirt, clay and sand are natural mediums that compel children to scrape, carve and shift it somewhere else, shape it somehow different. Whether they are moving mounds around, excavating a hidden wonder or simply getting the bottom of things, the following items will help your kids dig in fast!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Naturally Playful Sand Table

Diggin’ Rigs Grinding Gravel Yard Set

The Naturally Playful Sand Table features a self-contained elevated play area that is perfect for standing toddlers and seated children to belly-up to for every kind of sand play. The removable cover not only protects the sand from curious cats, but is also molded with roadways and tracks for extra vehicle play. Included are two shovels and a cup for instant excavating. The elevation makes it easy to sweep under and ideal for decks and patios. It’s also more accessible for physically challenged kids who may not be able to enjoy a traditional in-ground sandbox. And no more sandy bottoms right before you walk out the door (you’re on your own with sandy hands)! On the level with children’s comfort and access, the Step 2 Sand Table brings the action right where kids can get busy!

For kids accustomed to pressing Play-Doh into balls, the Diggin’ Rigs Grinding Gravel Yard Set will let them deconstruct the dough into gravel for building a whole new project. Play-Doh can be pushed into the grinder, then just turn the crank and it begins to produce “gravel” that can be transported anywhere on the job site (play mat) for your child’s big construction project! Chuck the Dump Truck can ferry the dough to and “gravel” from the grinder. The set includes Chuck the Dump Truck, grinder, grinder stand, gravel yard base and two cans of Play-Doh modeling compound so digging, grinding, hauling and building can break ground immediately!

(Step 2)

(Play-Doh/Hasbro)

Egypt Excavation Dig Kit

Sometimes you just have to put yourself in the driver’s seat on a big project. For kids with a sizable sandbox, sandy ground or garden area, the Big Dig Ride-on Crane offers them a realistic experience of working handles that control the digging action of the scoop. The seat can accommodate weights up to 60 pounds and rotates 360 degrees allowing kids to move and master their entire construction perimeter. With sturdy steel construction, it requires minimal assembly and can hold up well in all weather. It’s also great for developing hand-eye coordination as kids move sand, loose dirt and even snow where it needs to go!

For the older delicate digger, there is nothing more rewarding than chipping and carving away the sediment that stands between you and your discovery. The Egypt Excavation Dig Kit offers a matrix of sand plaster that hides within two treasures that recall ancient Egyptian civilization. Each kit may contain a variety of objects including a bust of Nefertiti, King Tut’s mask, sarcophagi, figurines or statues. Using the included chisel and brush, kids can dig into the block and, with patience, discover what’s beneath the surface. Perfect of the aspiring archeologist or field historian who would like to experience the careful work required to coax the earth to give up her oldest secrets!

(Geo Central)

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

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Become a Calendar Aficionado by Marla Cilley

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School has started and we have lots of events to get on our calendars. I have been brainstorming on how to help you and your family use a wall calendar. I have put together a list of 11 Tips to make your calendar work for you! 1. Color Code your calendar. Use a highlighter for each member of your family, a dot or some color to help you recognize who has something when you look across the room at your calendar.

9. When you walk in your door; THINK! Do we have something to post on the calendar? Put up a note to remind you. Having that PTA or church bulletin in your purse, the sports schedule in the backpack or that invitation in back of the calendar is not going to get it posted to your family calendar. This habit will keep things from slipping up on you! Don’t wait to do it later. Later will be that frantic phone call!

family history! Yes, you can save your calendars. They will help you to scrapbook.

10. Make your family calendar fun! Use sticker, stars and smiley faces to decorate as well as celebrate accomplishments.

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www. FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

11. Use your calendar to chart your family’s milestones. Your calendar will become your

These 11 tips will help you to use your calendar instead of just buying it and allowing yet another calendar to become clutter in your home. Are you ready to FLY with a calendar that helps you stay on your flight path?

2. Use blank address labels to cover up mistakes or make changes in your calendar. 3. Don’t procrastinate about putting appointments on your calendar. Do it now! You’re your calendar working for you! This way you don’t have to try to remember everything. 4. Look ahead so that you can plan for special events or doctor’s appointments. Do you need to fast, how about that suit that needs cleaning or a new dress for the wedding? 5. Check the family calendar morning, afternoon and evening. This habit is the Shiny Sink of your brain. 6. Put your calendar in a place that is in front of the family. After all, out of sight is out of mind for us. 7. Allow your family to help you use the calendar. This is teaching them the calendar habit. Using a calendar as a tool is giving your children wings. 8. Each week, have a family meeting to synchronize your schedules and put them on the family calendar. This is about communicating with each other and having all the information in one place. Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

School Year Tips for

Parenting a Child with ASD

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by Bama Hager, Ph.D.

Transitioning to school or back to school can be very challenging for families living on the Autism Spectrum. New routines, new teachers, new students, new rooms and new demands can be very daunting. Transitioning back to school is a challenging time for any family and the characteristics of ASD can often exacerbate transition challenges. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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Consistency and Predictability. Although transitioning to the school year can be challenging, consistency and predictability hopefully will be established with each passing day. When the environment is consistent and predictable, children can explore, create, develop and learn. Consistent consequences and predictable routines are often established after a few days of the school schedule. Many children on the spectrum benefit from a written or picture schedule even if they have language skills. At times, a physical support like a written schedule can be comforting to a child and often fosters predictability in routine. Decreasing Anxiety. Related to a predictable and consistent routine, any supports that decrease anxiety during your child’s day might be helpful in adjustment to school. A plan for times of high anxiety is often useful. Some students have a safe space in a room or building where they are allowed to go when overwhelmed. Some students use a token or pass to go to an agreed upon area for rest and calm. Once the child takes the time out, he/she might use a checklist to camp himself/herself. The checklist might include deep breaths, trampoline time, stretches, etc. Discussion and planning at the beginning of a school year can often assist while routines are established. Executive Skills Support. Planning and organization are often challenging for students on the spectrum. Executive

functioning supports might be helpful to a student on the spectrum. Parents might want to work with their child to create a checklist for each day including unpacking backpacks, locker stops, turning in homework, packing books for homework, etc. Asking the child’s caseworker or teacher to take a few minutes at the beginning and end of the day to help the child organize might be very helpful. Supports for planning, organization, class transitions, impulse control and maintaining attention are often parts of any typical classroom. Parents might visit the child’s classroom and discuss supports in the room that may help his/her child. The child’s desk placement and classroom materials can help the child through the schedule. In addition, many classrooms have timers or study aids that would be helpful for the child with ASD to stay on task and stay organized. High Functioning Autism and Transition to School. Specific to students with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, the child’s verbal skills can be used to ease the transition. Many children, teens and adults with high functioning ASD can learn to self-advocate for their needs during school transitions. Parents might present children with words or a word bank after school each day. The word bank may contain descriptive words or feeling words including, fun, exciting, frustrating, long, short, hard, easy, mad, angry, sad, worried, nervous, etc. The parent might also use the child’s written school

schedule to review each period of the day or subject. The student is asked to use a descriptive word from the list to describe each period of the day. So the child might use the word “worried” or “fun” to describe Science class. In this way, over time, the child might become more skilled in using words independently to describe his or her day. When a student with ASD can describe thoughts and feelings, the student is closer to skills of self advocacy and expression of his/her needs during the day. Communication with Faculty/Staff. Establishing a daily or weekly method for communicating with your child’s caseworker or Special Education Teacher can be instrumental in heading off problems before they escalate. Checking in with a staff member who is with your child daily gives you insight into the adjustment to the school year. A daily or weekly email, phone call or visit to the school might establish a line of communication that can be maintained and adjusted as needed as school progresses. These are just a few suggestions for starting the school year for children with ASD. Every child is unique and each family will find techniques for transitioning to school that are helpful year after year. Bama Folsom Hager, Ph.D. is a parent of a 13-year-old son living with autism. She is a clinical child psychologist, the Policy Advisor for the Autism Society of Alabama and Co-Chair of the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council. She can be reached at bamah@autism-alabama.org.

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

General Resources • Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities

RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Post Office Box 301410, Montgomery, 36130 (334) 242-3973, (800) 232-2158; www.acdd.org Our Mission is to promote and support independence, advocacy, productivity and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

• Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, 36104 (334) 293-7500, (800) 441-7607; rehab.alabama.gov Unique in the nation, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is comprised of state and federal programs that provide a continuum of services from birth through life for Alabamians with disabilities. ADRS has four major programs: • Alabama’s Early Intervention System (AEIS) 1610 Center Street, Suite A, and Mobile (251) 439-7890 Toll-free number: (800) 879-8163 or TTY (800) 499-1816 A division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Early Intervention provides supports and services for infants and toddlers birth though age 2 (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. Early intervention supports and services focus on teaching the parents and other caregiver’s ways to help the child learn and participate in everyday activities. • Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) CRS District Office – 1610 Center Street Suite A, Mobile (251) 432-4560, Toll-free number: (800) 879-8163, (800) 499-1816 Any child or adolescent younger than 21 years of age who is a resident of Alabama and has a special health care need is eligible for Children’s Rehabilitation Service. Individuals with hemophilia are eligible beyond 21 years of age. Every county in Alabama is served through a

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Special Needs Resource Guide

network of 14 community-based offices. Staff members work closely with local school systems to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in school. • Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Toll-free number: (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816 Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), the largest division within the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, helps Alabamians with disabilities achieve independence through employment. VRS provides specialized employment- and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed. In addition, VRS works with middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and universities statewide to assist students with disabilities in receiving appropriate educational opportunities. • State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) - 2419 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 479-8611, Toll-free number: (800) 671-6842, TTY: (800) 499-1816 The State of Alabama Independent Living / Homebound Service (SAIL) provides specialized in-home education and counseling, attendant care, training and medical services to Alabamians with severe disabilities. The SAIL program has seven community-based offices located throughout the state to serve residents in all 67 counties. SAIL ensures the consumer can live as independently as possible at home and in the community through specialized programs.

• Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program

(205) 348-4928, (800) 826-1625; www.adap.net; adap@ adap.ua.edu The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is part of the nationwide federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system. ADAP’s mission is to provide quality, legally based advocacy services to Alabamians with disabilities in order to protect, promote and expand their rights. ADAP’s vision is one of a society where persons with disabilities are valued and exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity.

• American Foundation for the Blind

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Mobile Association for the Blind 2440 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 473-3585, (877) 292-5463, (800) 232-5463; www.afb.org In 1924, a group of concerned citizens in Mobile started the Mobile Association for the Blind to create job opportunities for people who were blind. The Mobile Association for the Blind is now a 45,000 square foot manufacturing facility where many visually impaired individuals who are not able to join the public workforce are employed in our Sheltered Workshop. Our organization also provides assistance to other citizens with disabilities. Counseling and evaluation, skills training, and job placement are just some of the services we provide to help create the self-esteem needed to become productive members of society.

• Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, The

Mobile Regional Center, 1050 Government Street, Mobile; (251) 432-7777; www.aidb.org Mobile Regional Office that serves Baldwin, Mobile, Clarke, Washington, Monroe, Conecuh, and Escambia Counties. The earlier children learn the better. Some experts estimate that up to 20% of the skills learned in a lifetime are learned in the first five years. That’s why we place so much emphasis on helping families, and encourage families to come forward with their concerns as early as possible. Everyone around your child can be a teacher. Infants and toddlers will soak up language and information from every source. Regional Center staff members can show you how to make this happen. It may take more time, more creativity to communicate with a child who is blind or deaf, but the rewards of making that effort are incalculable.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

(256) 325-8885 (Alabama contact); www.asha.org ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.

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• Bay Area Clinical Associates, LLC

Catalina M. Arata, Ph.D., LLC - M. Hope Jackson, Ph.D., LLC - Ellen L. Odom, M.S., L.P.C., LLC 2864 Dauphin Street, Suite A, Mobile (251) 470-7607; bayareaclinical@bellsouth.net Children ages 5+, Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Families. We specialize in issues of anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, grief, school-related difficulties, eating disorders and Post-divorce issues. Psycho-educational testing for ADHD, LD, and Gifted.

• Center for Attention & Learning

829 University Blvd S. Mobile; (251) 342-6443 John I. Bailey, Jr., MD Medical Evaluation & Treatment for School Learning & Behavioral Problems, Classroom & Homework Difficulties, ADHD-ADD, LD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Tourette, & Depression & other Mood Problems. Over thirty years’ experience. Member, Professional Advisory Board of the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

• The Centre

1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 471-5844; www.thecounselingcentre.com The areas of specialization include: Treatment of Depression and Anxiety, Grief, Abuse/Trauma Issues, Life Adjustments, Spiritual Issues, Career Planning, Divorce Recovery, Attention-Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems, Parenting Skills, Peer Conflicts, Family Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Relationship/Marital Therapy, Medical and Health Concerns, Psychological Testing, Psycho-Educational Evaluations.

• Delicious Dietician

2561 Dauphin Street, Mobile (251) 478-2233; www.thedeliciousdietician.com

The Delicious Dietician offers “One- on- One” Disease Management services specific to the client’s individual needs. The Delicious Dietician understands the need for education and practical advice when dealing with health problems requiring restricted diets. Let The Delicious Dietician teach you how to live deliciously, despite having limitations with your meals.

• Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

(303) 694-0532; www.diannecraft.org Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. We provide nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store.

• Easter Seals of Alabama

5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 395-4489; www.alabama.easterseals.com Our organization consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. We provide services for people with disabilities and their families. Mobile Location: Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, 2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile; (251) 471-1581, (800) 411-0068 Easter Seals offers Parent Education and Support, Child Development Centers, Early Intervention and a Wonderful Recreation Program that provides school-age children (6 - 12) of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of community recreational activities. Sessions include gymnastics, rock wall climbing, bowling, skat-

ing, music & movement, and tee ball. Staff is assisted by volunteers from the University of South Alabama Therapeutic Recreation and Occupational Therapy Programs.

• Focus, Inc.

3930–F Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 378-8635; www.focus-md.com Focus is a medical practice for kids and young people with ADHD and related problems. Dr. James Wiley started FOCUS so that he would have more time to devote to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Focus provides objective testing, medical treatment as well as behavior modification strategies.

• Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The Arc of Alabama, Inc., Montgomery, AL (866) 243-9557; www.thearcofalabama.com; MobileArc - mobilearc.org; info@thearcofalabama.com The Arc of Alabama, Inc. is a volunteer-based membership organization made up of individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens, and professionals in the disability field. The Arc also advocates for people with other disabilities who need similar supports and services in order to be as productive and independent as possible.

• Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama

(334) 277-9151; www.ldaal.org The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama, Inc. (LDAA) is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. LDAA strives to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities.

• The Listening Program

(888) 228-1798; www.advancedbrain.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self-regulation. Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities.

• March of Dimes Mobile Alabama Chapter

205 Lambert Street, Suite A, Mobile (251) 438-1360, (205) 824-0103 www.marchofdimes.com/alabama The March of Dimes Alabama Chapter has one goal: to help babies in our community start life in the healthiest way possible. Through education and intervention, we help moms-to-be learn how to take care of themselves before, during and after their pregnancy. We are also there when things don’t go as planned, providing comfort and information to families when a baby is born too soon. The Alabama Chapter also partners with local medical groups and organizations to establish guidelines for how to care for pregnant women and premature babies. And we provide grants to researchers working to understand birth defects and premature birth and to find treatments and solutions.

• Mercy Medical–Pediatric Home Health Care

3280 Dauphin Street, Suite B122 B, Mobile (251) 304-3158; www.mercymedical.com/homecare_ pediatric.php Healthcare - Mercy Pediatric Home Care allows children to recover in the comfort of their own home with family members, rather than in a hospital. It provides cost-effective, compassionate medical care to homebound children under 18-years old who are recovering from injuries or surgeries, dealing with chronic or complicated diagnoses or other serious health problems. In addition to the psychological and emotional advantages of recovering at home, Mercy Pediatric Home Care saves healthcare dollars, reduces the likelihood of complications such as infection and provides high-tech medical care by a skilled, specially-trained team of healthcare professionals. Mercy Pediatric Home Care also supports the family by offering educational, nutritional, and spiritual counseling and assistance in securing resources.

• Mental Health – National Alliance on Mental Illness

(251) 461-3450, (334) 396-4797; www.namialabama NAMI Alabama is an organization comprised of local support and advocacy groups throughout the state dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with a mental illness in Alabama. The number of such groups is growing rapidly as families become more determined to improve treatment and care for Alabamians diagnosed with a mental illness. The mission statement/purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders. Meetings Family Support: 1st Monday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Springhill Baptist Church Activity Center (11 S. McGregor Ave. in Spring Hill Rm. 240) Contact: Diane Kent (251) 645-4404, Monthly Education - 3rd Monday, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Springhill Baptist Church Activity Center (11 S. McGregor Ave. Rm. 222) Contact: Connie Ewing (251) 461-3450, Family Support: 3rd Monday, 6:30pm 8:00pm, Springhill Baptist Church Activity Center 11 S. McGregor Ave. Rm. 240, Contact: Diane Kent at (251) 645-4404, Family Support: 4th Thursday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Fowl River Community Center (5401 Fowl River Rd.) Contact: Diane Kent (251) 645-4404.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

• Montgomery Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Center

(205) 365-1640; www.alsrlcenter.org We are happy to serve as consultants to teachers of students whom we have evaluated and who have been determined to be experiencing dyslexia, language-learning disabilities, or severe speech or language disabilities. We will work collaboratively with teachers and other members of the IEP team to develop goals and benchmarks necessary to assist students in reaching their academic potential. We will also provide teachers with in-service training in the areas of identification and remediation of dyslexia. We will provide teachers with in-service training in the areas of language-learning disabilities and severe speech or language disabilities. Free Testing of speech and language disorders such as dyslexia.

• Mulherin Custodial Home

2496 Halls Mill Road, Mobile (251) 471-1998; www.mulherinhome.com Mulherin Home provides a home for individuals, children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our foremost concern is the happiness, comfort, and welfare of the residents at Mulherin Home. The Mulherin Custodial Home is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a United Way agency.

• Santa America

308 Belrose Avenue, Daphne (251) 626-6609; www.santa-america.org Santa America is a national volunteer service organization with a very special mission. Over one-hundred Santa’s across America visit children and families in crisis. Santa Claus visits when a child or family needs him—twelve months a year—bringing love, hope and joy to special needs children in a loving visit of about an hour at home, hospital, or hospice. Santa’s visits are free. There is no charge for a visit from Santa Claus—ever.

• Sight Savers America

337 Business Circle, Pelham, AL (877) 942-2627; www.sightsaversamerica.org Sight Savers America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that assists children with obtaining eye exams, glasses, and other needed eye care from local eye care providers and clinics. Children are referred to Sight Savers via failed vision screenings at school, referrals from teachers, school administrators, school nurses, eye-care professionals and parents. Children of families who qualify for our program receive the eye care they need at no cost to the family. Sight Savers has set the standard in followup vision care. At Sight Savers, we work with the members of our extensive volunteer network of eye care providers to arrange comprehensive eye care including scheduling appointments and transportation, making arrangements for eyeglasses, medications, eye surgeries, vision aids, or any other prescribed treatment.

Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy Pediatric Physical Therapy of Mobile

3202 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 450-0070; www.pptmobile.com It is the mission of Pediatric Physical Therapy to provide Mobile and Baldwin County pediatric patients with options for out-patient physical therapy services. Treatment will be individualized, assertive, and aggressive to maximize functional outcomes. We strive to have childfriendly, play-based treatment programs which are family centered. We believe in empowering the patient and the family to heal themselves through patient education. We believe in physical fitness for all ages and abilities thus will promote pediatric fitness and sports. Pediatric Physi-

cal Therapy strives to utilize state of the art technology and evidence based practice during treatment. Families will be guided toward area community resources. Services will be coordinated with other community agencies and other health professionals working with the child. We will provide students of physical therapy a problem based clinical with emphasis on adult learning. The clinic will practice according to the guidelines and ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association.

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1610 Center Street, Mobile (251) 415-1670; www.usahealthsystem.com Therapy Services at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers a team-oriented program of pediatric physical, occupational and speech-language therapies. Services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We offer pediatric-specific care for infants and children with varied diagnoses. Services include assessment and treatment of: Developmental Delays, Orthopedic Injuries, Neuromuscular Problems—Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, etc., Burns and Wounds, Speech and Language Deficits, Feeding Problems, Sensory Problems, Attention Problems & Loss of Function Due to Chronic Illness.

• Buckaroo Barn

39821 Duffee Lane, Bay Minette (251) 604-3904; www.buckaroobarnllc.com Physical Therapy specializing in Hippotherapy for Special Little Buckaroos. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists use this treatment for patients with movement dysfunction. A specially trained therapist directs the movement of the horse analyzes the patient’s responses and adjusts the treatment accordingly. Hippotherapy is a medical treatment which uses the movement of the horse to influence the rider’s posture, balance, function, and sensory processing.

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• CrossRhodes at The Centre Art Therapy

1507 Dauphin St, Mobile (251) 471-5844, (251) 625-0118 www.thecounselingcentre.com Art Therapy Program - The Centre offers a safe, nurturing therapeutic environment that allows children to ask questions and express feelings in a healthy, healing way. Art becomes an added voice for telling their story. It gives them a self-soothing avenue to practice coping strategies they can use in their daily lives. Please see our website for further information about specific art therapy programs at The Centre.

• Gulf Coast Therapy

1903 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 476-0525; www.gulfcoasttherapy.com Gulf Coast Therapy is a state-of-the-art outpatient therapy center serving Mobile and Baldwin County. We are committed to offering our patients a center of excellence for the treatment of pain and/or disability. The mission of Gulf Coast Therapy is to provide our patients with the skills they need in order to function at their highest level of independence and increase their quality of life. Services include: early intervention, outpatient pediatrics and school-based therapy.

• Kids Kount- Therapy Services, LLC

(251) 517-0355; www.kidskounttherapy.com Kids Kount Therapy Services was established with a primary mission to foster a sense of achievement within each child and to improve the quality of life for those children and their families. Kids Kount Therapy Services recognizes and respects the uniqueness of every child. We firmly believe that every child deserves an opportunity to learn and play with optimal function at home, at school, and across all social settings. Each child is assessed and treated with an individualized program to meet his or her developmental learning needs. Our therapy techniques

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skillfully weave sensory experiences and practical application into activities of daily living. Children learn to work through challenges in a caring, supportive environment; and we all celebrate their accomplishments. We strive to instill compassion and confidence in each child, and we give each child encouragement to become his or her own unique self. Providing quality speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children ages birth to 21 years.

• USA Speech and Hearing Clinic

1119 HAHN, 5721 USA Drive North, Mobile (251) 445-9378; www.southalabama.edu/alliedhealth/ speechandhearing/clinic.html The clinic serves two primary purposes: to provide services in speech, language and hearing to citizens of Mobile and surrounding areas and to provide the supervised clinical experiences needed by the students for graduation and to obtain professional licensure/certification. Because the USA Speech and Hearing Clinic functions as a service facility and teaching facility, activities and procedures address both purposes. Diagnostic and treatment services in speech, language and hearing are provided to persons of all ages and with all types of speech-language and hearing disorders.

Financial • Disabled Children Relief Fund

(516) 377-1605; www.dcrf.com Disabled Children’s Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis,

Spina Bifida, Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged.

• Family Support

1050 Government Street, Mobile (251) 438-1609; www.famsupport.com Family Support is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings together Alabamians with disabilities, their families, and supporters to provide assistance to their neighbors with disabilities. Assistance is “whatever is necessary” within available funds, and may include information and referrals, home modifications, food, clothing, therapy, prescription drugs, utilities assistance, childcare, special holiday help, etc.

• Medicaid Waiver Program

www.medicaid.alabama.gov Visit our website for more information about intellectual disabilities waiver and living at home waiver.

• The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation

(251) 243-0365; www.angel-ride.org The Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride Foundation is a foundation started by the inspiration of two children -Rileigh Glass and Raylee Odom. Rileigh was born with Down syndrome and Raylee with Muscular Dystrophy. Their genetic conditions brought to light the hardships a family is challenged with when caring for children with special medical needs. A small group of family and friends took this awareness and turned it into the determination to establish a funding program that could help families faced with similar circumstances. The mission of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to families of children with unforeseen health problems. Upon careful review of an applicant’s files, awards are distributed on a needs basis. All files are documented with medical

diagnosis, physician recommendations, family income, expense records; and an estimated cost of transportation, food and lodging. The Foundation genuinely seeks to assist families faced with financial burdens when health complications are not covered by health plans.

Schools & Educational Resources Read-Write

5472 C Old Shell Road Mobile (251)287-1822; www.dyslexiaspecialist.net At Read-Write, we offer screening, consulting, multisensory math and one-on-one therapy in Orton-Gillingham based programs to students and adults in Mobile, Alabama area. Orton-Gillingham is the only procedure endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association to teach those with dyslexia to read, write, and spell. OrtonGillingham is a multi-sensory, systematic approach to teaching the structure of language. It is characterized by being explicit, direct, cumulative, and intensive.

Sylvan

8020 Moffett Rd, Suite A, Semmes (251) 649-8522; www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com A Better School Year Starts with Sylvan .Don’t worry about falling behind later–start now, Don’t hope for the best, get your child the help he or she needs today. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on schoolwork and a boost in confidence. Let our proven tutoring approach help your child start the school year off right. Our Tutoring Services include math, reading, writing, study skills, homework help, summer camps, state test prep, SAT/ACT prep, College Prep, SylvanSync, and many other services.

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

The Learning Tree

4979 Lott Rd., Eight Mile (251) 649-4420; www.learning-tree.org The Learning Tree, Inc. is a non-profit organization that exists to provide a warm and loving environment with individualized, empirically validated services and supports to persons with significant educational, medical, and behavioral challenges; helping them develop and maintain a quality of life enjoyed by non-disabled members of their family and community. The Learning Tree serves children ages 6-21 with developmental disabilities including those with autism. The organization provides preschool services, child and adolescent educational and residential services and consultation and training. Programs are located in Mobile, Anniston, Auburn Jacksonville, and Tallassee.

The Learning Tree – The Little Tree Preschool

1176 Azalea Road, Mobile (251) 649-4220 ext. 1225 or 1226; www.learning-tree.org The Little Tree Preschool offers high quality preschool education for ALL children. Low student-teacher ratios are maintained and teachers are certified. Children are encouraged to grow as learners by building on individual strengths to establish a strong foundation for school success. The Little Tree Preschool is an inclusive learning environment that focuses on teaching readiness and prerequisite skills to prepare children for primary school. The preschool focuses on improving the services for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. This is achieved by providing intensive, behavioral intervention (also known as ABA/ Applied Behavior Analysis) in a setting with typically developing children serving as peer model. The curriculum is comprehensive and encourages children to explore and discover answers, and we provide a social setting to promote healthy self-esteem and sensitivity to the needs of others.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

The Learning Tree-Woody’s Song

5459 Able Ct., Mobile (251) 331-8021; www.learning-tree.org Woody’s Song serves children ages 5-18 on the autism spectrum. The private, nonprofit school is a tuitionbased, twelve month, day program. Woody’s Song helps children with autism increase their skills in the areas of language, socialization and cognitive skills while decreasing behaviors that interfere with their learning.

The Think Tank

(251) 414-4494; www.thinktankminds.com The Think Tank Tutoring provides one-on-one in-home tutoring to general education, learning disabled and home bound students. In addition to working one-on-one with students, The Think Tank tutors provide educational strategies to parents during each tutoring session. The Think Tank Tutoring and Educational Services works directly with the student’s teachers ensuring we follow the Individual Education Plan for special needs students. In addition, we follow the student’s current classroom curriculum. The Think Tank Tutoring provides homework help, test preparation, and study skills to students in grades Pre-K through 12 in all subjects. We have qualified educators to work with ADD, ADHD, hearing impaired, MR, Dyslexic, and speech impaired students.

• Augusta Evans School

100 North Florida Street, Mobile (251) 221-5400 Augusta Evans School was organized to provide a quality education, appropriate for mentally handicapped students of Mobile County and individualized to meet each of these student’s needs. As Special Education practices in the United State, Alabama, and Mobile County move into a new century, it has become imperative that changes in philosophies and methods are forthcoming. To this end, the faculty, staff and parents of Evans School are dedicated to insuring that every special needs individual

receives an education of the highest quality, an education appropriately designed for each individual, an education which provides each individual with the skills necessary to become a productive citizen, and an education delivered in a setting designed to allow each student to develop to his maximum potential. The faculty and staff of Augusta Evans School take pride in its leadership role in Special Education in Mobile County. Realizing that continuing research and continuing preparation are necessary to facilitate change in any endeavor, the Evans professionals are dedicated to providing their educational expertise to the MR community in Mobile County.

• Continuous Learning Center

1870 Pleasant Avenue, Mobile (251) 221-2122 Our mission is to provide quality instruction in a structured and supportive learning environment. As a learning community, we value relationships, exhibit mutual respect, and maintain high expectations for all students. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the Continuous Learning Center. The Continuous Learning Center (CLC) is an alternative school created by the Mobile County Public School System to serve students who have been suspended for short or long terms from regular school. The students are served by an experienced, highly trained, professional staff to be productive and successful in the education setting. Our focus is on improving the social and academic abilities of our students by using behavior modification systems and teaching basic academic skills. New additions to our Career/Technology program include horticulture and cosmetology. We are still teaching students hands on, “real world” skills in the fields of carpentry, cabinetry and millwork as well. Please feel free to come and visit our facility and see the great things that are happening at CLC!

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• Green House at ACCA, The

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile (251) 209-1102, (256) 252-8374; azaleacityarts.com Improve Your School Performance – reading, math, social skills, ACT Prep, College Applications. We are Fastforward providers, Cogmed Coaches and Certified ADHD Life Coach.

moving on to a new concept. With a strong academic foundation, critical thinking and problem solving abilities, your child has the potential to achieve whatever he or she desires.

• Lindamood Bell Learning Center

2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile (251) 471-1581 Children with and without disabilities (6 weeks to school age) receive comprehensive child-care services in a fullday program using the Creative Curriculum Program. With high quality instruction, small child-staff ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program addresses all aspects of learning: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Summer camp and afterschool programs are available for elementary school children. We offer van pickup from several local schools and provide homework tutoring and enrichment activities during the school year. During the summer, theme based weekly plans provide fun and variety for older children.

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D, Mobile (251) 473-6808; www.Lindamoodbell.com Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes is an organization dedicated to helping children and adults learn to their potential. Our research-validated instructional programs strengthen reading, comprehension, and math skills by developing the sensory-cognitive functions that form the foundation of learning. For over 25 years, our intensive, process-based instruction has been used in LindamoodBell Learning Centers and School Partnerships to help individuals of all ages improve their language processing skills and become more independent. The LindamoodBell programs have proven successful for individuals with a wide range of learning challenges, including previous, third-party diagnoses of learning disabilities such as dyslexia, hyperlexia, ADHD, CAPD, and autism spectrum disorders.

• Kumon Learning Center

• Springhill Child Development Center

• Gordon Smith Child Development Center

3152 Old Shell Rd Suite # 1, Mobile (251) 447-2264; www.kumon.com For more than 50 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Students advance through the program at their own pace. Our emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated and self-reliant. We monitor each child’s progress to ensure comprehension before

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10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251) 342-3122 At the Goodwill Easter Seals Spring Hill Child Development Center, we base our programs on the philosophy that all children can learn and here we provide the tools and support necessary to foster that learning. Children with and without disabilities receive comprehensive child-care services in a full-day program using the Creative Curriculum. Our center is licensed by the Department of Human Resources and provides a rich learning environment suitable for the developmental needs of each child. With high-quality instruction, small staff-child ratios, and increased opportunities for inclusion, this program provides an optimal setting for young learner’s

ages 2 1/2 - 5 years old. Areas of learning addressed on a consistent basis are social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Children with special educational needs receive programming in an inclusive preschool setting. Support services, including speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy, are provided by the Mobile County Public School System.

• Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind

3980 Burma Road, Mobile (251) 221-5454 The mission of the Southwest Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind is to create a positive, supportive educational environment that provides opportunities for sensory impaired students to reach individual potential in the areas of academics, independence, responsibility and social competence. This will be accomplished through the implementation of appropriate curricula, utilizing specialized communication and equipment, directed by a cooperative, dedicated, specially trained faculty and staff supported by parents and the community.

Recreation Broadway South Dance

7906 Westside Park Drive/ Regency Square (airport/university-behind Morrison’s) (251) 639-0660; www.broadwaysouthdance.com We offer a class for special needs children ages 5-10 years during January-May each year. The class also participates in our annual recital.

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road, S., Mobile (251) 650-0699; www.PlanetGymnastics.com;

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

planetgymnasticsAL@comcast.net In addition to their regular schedule, Planet Gymnastics is proud to now offer classes for special needs children ages 5 and up. Please call for details.

• City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Center

261 Rickarby St. (Woodcock School Building), Mobile (251) 208-1670; www.cityofmobile.org/parks; specialactivities@live.com Therapeutic Programs for Special Needs. Classes vary so check our website for more information. Some classes are: Art, Archery & Weight Training. Also Sports team (Mobile Ignite) with goalball - a team sport designed for those with visual impairments but all may participate, and Adapted Sports Club an adapted sports team for individuals with a physical disability. Learn shot put, discus, and archery as well as other sports.

• Dancer Within

66 S. Section Street, Fairhope (located in Creative Outlet Dance) (251) 517-7159; www.creativeoutletdance.com Therapeutic Dramatic Arts Specialist, Amie Millward, has joined the Creative Outlet Dance Studio to accommodate the growing need to help those in the community by offering a tailored dance curriculum that allows special needs children ages 3-21 to participate in a fun professional dance program. Dance program for individuals with emotional, social, cognitive or developmental disabilities, ages 3-21. The Dancer Within is a specially designed professional dance program that provides expressive outlets, skill development, and social recreation to increase physical and emotional well-being. This fun therapeutic program also focuses on building strengths, working and growing with others, skill development and performance etiquette. Classes are held every Saturday. Those interested in joining can call Amie Millward, Therapeutic Dramatic Arts Special-

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

ist and Program Director. The program is a part of the Creative Outlet Dance Center.

• Deaf Studio at the Centre for the Living Arts

301 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 208-5658; www.centreforthelivingarts.com Deaf and hard of hearing students will use the CLA’s Futures Project exhibit as inspiration while exploring unique painting techniques and working with clay. The classes will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. RSVP required. Fall Classes: September 22 – Ceramics Studio-Students are invited to work together or separately using clay to learn hand-building and/or wheel throwing techniques. The 3-D forms created in class will be glazed and fired. Pieces may be picked up the following week. RSVP by September 18, 2013 October 13 – Tar Paper Paintings-This studio class teaches students how to use alternative surfaces to create bold and colorful paintings. Students will use acrylic paint on tar paper to finish a painting to take home. This class will be taught by deaf artist, Rick Hurst. RSVP by October 9th, 2013 November 3 – Batik Paintings-Batik is a fabric dyeing method that uses wax to create patterns and designs. Students will create a simple wax-resist painting to take home. RSVP by October 30th, 2013 All classes run on Sundays from 1 – 4 pm/Cost -$5 for individuals $15 for families/Ages 8 and up / All supplies included. For more information or to register, please contact: Joy Antar (AIDB) at antar.joy@aidb.state.al.us or (251) 281-2333 or Brennan Gibson (Centre for the Living Arts) at cla.gibson@cityofmobile.org or (251) 208-5658.

• Inner Strength Martial Arts 9120 Airport Blvd # H, Mobile

(251) 776-1978; www.innerstrengthmartialarts.info Taekwondo for children and adults of all levels. Rick Hoadley, Master Instructor 7th Degree Black Belt in the martial art of Taekwondo has over 35 years of professional experience. Also offering program for special needs children.

• Langan Park

4901 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile This is a Boundless Playground. The Boundless Playground is designed so that children of all abilities can enjoy the park. There is a Pedestrian Bridge connects the playground and park area of Langan Park to the Mobile Museum of Art across Three Mile Creek.

• SNAP

(251) 285-0224; www.snapofalabama.com Special Needs Athletes Programs –Our mission is to give developmentally disabled citizens in the greater Mobile, Baldwin County Alabama area, the opportunity to participate in a recreational sport with others of the same skill level and to have fun doing it. We work to partner our special athletes with mentors to help them learn the game of bowling, to develop their skills and to be a positive role model.

• Special Olympics Mobile County

5401 Cottage Hill Rd. Suite D, Mobile (251) 510-7300; mobilecountyspecialolympics.org The mission of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The ultimate objective of Special Olympics of Mobile County is to help people with intellectual

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disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs. We offer track and field, team basketball skills, individual basketball skills, golf, bowling, swimming, bocce, and our newest sport - gymnastics.

• VSA of Alabama, Art Partners

www.vsaalabama.org VSA Alabama is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to “serving children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities through the arts.” Programs offered by VSA Alabama include: visual arts, music therapy, therapeutic drumming & rhythm, art therapy, drama, creative movement, and creative writing. Annually, VSA Alabama serves over 3,000 people with disabilities and chronic illnesses through our programming in community, educational, and healthcare settings across Alabama. ArtPartners program provides people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses the chance to develop meaningful relationships with artists in our community while creating collaborative masterpieces. The ArtPartners program makes a lasting impression on everyone involved and the memories created last forever. This program is FREE to participants! The Eastern Shore Art Center has participated in this unique program since its inception. For more information, visit www.esartcenter.com.

• The Watermelon Patch

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile (251) 633-3288; www.thewmpatch.com Mommy and Me classes at The Watermelon Patch are open for children of all abilities. In our classes families work on sensory perception and fine / gross motor skills. We welcome special needs groups who would like to have their own play group and or field trip where

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we do art, cooking and other projects with families. Also our birthday parties are private events. We love to help make that special day even more exciting!

• Westside’s Challenger League

(251) 633-9853; www.westsidebaseball.com/challenger This Division of Little League is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of the Little League program. The Little League Challenger Division provides the framework so Little League programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.

Recreation Camps Camp ASCCA

(256) 825-9226, (800) THE-CAMP; www.campascca.org ASCCA is an acronym that stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Beginning in 1976, Camp ASCCA has been a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation and is known throughout the world for its superior quality services. Providing camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities,

Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Within its barrier-free environment, Camp ASCCA offers 230 wooded acres on the shores of beautiful Lake Martin in Alabama. Camp ASCCA serves an average of 7,000 people annually. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

• Camp Mash

(205) 979-5700, ext. 303; www.arthritis.org/alabama Camp M*A*S*H (Make Arthritis Stop Hurting) is a week-long recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related disease. Camp M*A*S*H is planned specifically for these children in order to empower them to live life to the fullest and build friendships with other children on similar journeys with their condition. Offering everything from boating and fishing, ropes courses and horseback riding to arts and crafts and fun group activities, there is something every camper will take away as a favorite memory. All activities and accommodations are fully accessible, and a medical staff team is on site around the clock. Camp is provided at no cost to families, and is open to children living in Alabama and Mississippi. It is a program of the Arthritis Foundation, Southeast Region.

• Camp-Rap-A-Hope

(251) 476-9880; www.camprapahope.org Camp Rap-A-Hope is an organization that provides a week-long summer camp at Camp Grace in Mobile, Alabama and is open to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have or have ever had cancer. The camp is offered at no cost to the campers and their families as cancer has been costly enough. Each year the children enjoy a typical summer camp environment that includes swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, arts and crafts and many other activities depending on the theme for the year. Many of these children have forgotten what it’s

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

like to be a ‘kid’ because much of their childhood has been spent hearing the sounds and seeing the inside of hospitals. It is our privilege to give a part of their childhood back to them through a week of fun-filled camping activities. Camp Rap-A-Hope offers additional opportunities for “fun” throughout the year. Family fun days and Holiday parties are a few ways that Camp continues the fun for the Campers and their families.

• Camp Smile-a-Mile

(888) 500-7920; www.campsam.org Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.

• Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris

(205) 402-0415; www.southeasterndiabetes.org Southern Diabetes Education Services camps and local community programs provide needed diabetes education, encouragement, and friendships for children with diabetes and their families. Camp is a place where having diabetes is the norm; where you can compare and share stories with peers; and where you don’t have to explain diabetes all the time because everyone here “gets it.” They understand exactly what it’s like living with diabetes, because they live with diabetes too. Children learn independence in managing blood sugar levels and medication, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. Trained adult volunteer counselors with diabetes are joined by physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and pharmacists to provide safe supervision and real time feedback. Camps include fun activities that vary by location. Local programs include safe family-oriented recreation throughout the year.

• Lakeshore Foundation

(205) 313-7400; www.lakeshore.org Lakeshore is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization which serves people with physical disabilities throughout Alabama, across the country and around the world. Since 1984, Lakeshore has helped advance and promote the impact of positive, long-term physical and emotional effects of physical fitness on people with disabilities. From infants to seniors, to injured soldiers and elite-level athletes, every participant is free to discover his or her own potential. Our mission is to enable people with physical disability and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active and independent lifestyles through physical activity, sport, recreation and research.

• Space Camp and Aviation Challenge

CHADD membership, the magazine is produced six times per year. Recognized for its excellence, Attention provides you with the latest resources, research, background, and context on issues surrounding ADHD.

• Exceptional Parent Magazine

(800)372-7368; www.eparent.com ep (Exceptional Parent) is a 42-year-old, award-winning publishing and communications company. EP provides practical advice, emotional support and the most upto-date educational information for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs as well as to the physicians, allied health care professionals, and educational professionals who are involved in their care and development.

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(800) 637-7223, (256) 721-7150; www.spacecamp.com/ specialprograms Space Camp and Aviation Challenge offers a variety of programs for special needs students. We offer Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs specifically designed for special needs students, including camps for blind, and/or visually-impaired, deaf and/or hard-ofhearing, and a week at the end of summer designated for special needs youth.

• Parenting Special Needs Magazine

(772) 532-4423; www.parentingspecialneeds.org We at Parenting Special Needs, LLC, are making it our mission to provide parents of special needs children, of all ages and stages of life, both information and inspiration. Through Parenting Special Needs On Line Magazine, we’ve created a world that provides practical tips, shares life’s lessons, tackles the challenges and celebrates the joys, of one of life’s greatest gifts.

Magazines/Publications

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• ADDitude Magazine

Disability-Specific Resources

• Attention Magazine

• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHAD)

(888)762-8475; www.additudemag.com The magazine for living well with attention deficit and learning disabilities (800) 233-4050; www.chadd.org Attention magazine provides science-based information and support for people affected by ADHD. A benefit of

ADD/ADHD (800) 233-4050; www.chadd.org Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed

What’s happening at Pump It Up...

ZUMBA fitness & 1-hour Fun Jumps Monday & Wednesday 6:00pm - 7:00pm • $5 each Open jumping is open to the public & separate from ZUMBA.

Tuesday Open Jump 4:30 pm - 6:00pm • $8 per child

What a fun Weekday reward! Come in for jumping & enjoy a light snack in our party room.

Fun-Day Fridays 10:00am - 2:00pm • $8 per child Jump & slide the day away. Plan a play date or meet new friends!

New!

Saturday Wake Up N’ Jump

this Fall 8:30 - 10:30am • $10 per child Playtime in arenas until 10am, then party room fun with a light snack. Open Play sessions are for children ages 2 -12. Socks are required to play at Pump It Up. Tax not included in prices.

Pump It Up of Mobile

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251.342.3940

741A Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695

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materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD.

• Feingold Association of the United States

(800) 321-3287; www.feingold.org Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce lowadditive dietary programs for children with learning/ behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults.

• Learning Disabilities Association of America (412) 341-1515; www.ldaamerica.org Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

Autism • Alabama Autism & Asperger’s Statewide Info & Support Network

www.alabamaautism.org We are uniting, making connections and sharing knowledge and support for all 67 counties in our state & the world. A hub for Autism related info, events, videos, & support.

• Autism Alabama

www.alex.state.al.us/autismAL An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education provides on-line training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism Society of Alabama

(251) 259-5553, (877) 4AUTISM www.autism-alabama.org Our mission is to improve services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy. Our current programs and services include, but are not limited to the following: toll free information and referral hotline, resource directory -a preliminary directory of service providers, activities, disability organizations, etc. ,education (parents, providers, family members, etc.) through our quarterly newsletter, exhibitions, speaking engagements, etc., parent Networking Groups in approximately 20 counties around the state, innovative website has a direct link to our e-mail addresses, annual Alabama Autism conference for parents, doctors, teachers, service providers, and students, and collaboration efforts with other state agencies to provide services for persons with autism spectrum disorders.

• Autism Society of America

(800) 328-8476; www.autism-society.org Autism Society of America provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research.

• Autism Speaks

www.autismspeaks.org At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. We strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society: and we work to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

• TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

(949) 640-4401; www.talkaboutcuringautism.org

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism.

Cerebral Palsy • Cerebral Palsy 4 My Child

(800) 692-4453; www.cerebralpalsy.org Our Mission: to provide you with the most comprehensive resource and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. We strive, every day, to be your ultimate resource for everything Cerebral

Palsy. We provide a comprehensive resource, including a website and call center that parents and caregivers of children with special needs can turn to for needed, nonlegal help, information and resources.

• United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile

3058 Dauphin Sq. Connector, Mobile (251) 479-4900; www.ucpmobile.org UCP of Mobile is dedicated to advancing the independence of people with disabilities. UCP offers a wide range of services for people of all ages, starting with one of our early intervention programs and continuing through adulthood with our supported employment program.

CdLS • CdLS Foundation (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome) (800) 753-2357; www.cdlsusa.org

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS,  promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS make informed decisions throughout their lives.

Cystic Fibrosis • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Mobile Chapter

205 Lambert Avenue, Suite B, Mobile (251) 436-0013; www.cff.org/Chapters/mobile The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. We fund more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

Down Syndrome • Down Syndrome Alabama

(205) 988-0810; www.downsyndromealabama.org Down Syndrome Alabama’s mission is to promote awareness, acceptance and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages.

• Down Syndrome Society of Mobile County

10 Westminster Way, Mobile (251 )342-3122; www.dssmc.org Our mission is to provide enrichment through education, networking opportunities, advocacy, and emotional support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the greater community.

Dyslexia

Read-Write

5472 C Old Shell Road Mobile (251) 287-1822; www.dyslexiaspecialist.net

At Read-Write, we offer screening, consulting, multisensory math and one-on-one therapy in Orton-Gillingham based programs to students and adults in Mobile and Daphne. Orton-Gillingham is the only procedure endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association to teach those with dyslexia to read, write, and spell. Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory, systematic approach to teaching the structure of language. It is characterized by being explicit, direct, cumulative, and intensive.

• Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, The

(855) 247-1381; www.idaalabama.org Promoting literacy through research, education and advocacy.

• Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama (334) 277-9151; www.ldaal.org The Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

Epilepsy (251) 341-0170; www.epilepsyfoundationalabama.org The Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama has as its mission to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families, to increase awareness in the general community and to facilitate prevention and management of epilepsy. This includes providing services and programs for people with epilepsy and their families; educating

Call for details.

See over 300 alligators up close! Nature walk on elevated boardwalk. View alligator feedings. Field Trips/Birthday Parties available. Fun for the entire family!

• Epilepsy Foundation

(800) 332-1000; www.epilepsyfoundation.org The Epilepsy Foundation of America® is the national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the more than 2 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure. In addition to programs conducted at the national level, epilepsy clients throughout the U.S. are served by 48 Epilepsy Foundation affiliates around the country.

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(205) 823-8191; www.mdausa.org MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

• Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

• Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

Feed an alligator!

and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues and collaborating with other community resources in support of the mission of the people with seizure disorders.

www.sbaofal.org The mission of the SBA of AL is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.

Tourette Syndrome • National Tourette Syndrome Association (718) 224-2999; www.tsa-usa.org

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Have the best Birthday Party ever here at Alligator Alley!

1-866-99-GATOR 19950 Hwy 71 • Summerdale, AL Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

www.gatoralleyfarm.com 54

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS. We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS. Our membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field.

Provide emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained ‘Support Parent’.

Organizations for Parents

Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (800) 626-4199; www.namialabama.org

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• Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)

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(866) 532-7660; www.alabamaparentcenter.com We believe that parents have the greatest impact on their children’s lives. APEC provides families with the training, information and support they need to help them ensure that their children become productive, well-educated citizens.

• FighterMom

www.fightermom.org A program for any mom who not only cares for a child with a demanding disease or health condition, but who wants to get organized to defeat that condition by raising money, winning publicity, working with researchers, and making her case in Washington.

• Family Voices of Alabama

(877) 771-3862; www.familyvoicesal.org Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.

• Parent to Parent USA www.p2pusa.org

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

Alabama Resources Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities, (800) 232-2158; www.acdd.org Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, (800) 205-9986; www.rehab.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Children’s Rehabilitation Service, (251) 439-7890; www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-and-families/ childrens-rehabilitation-service Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP), (800 )826-1675; www.adap.net Alabama’s Early Intervention System - Birth through 2, (800) 543-3098; www.rehab.alabama.gov/ei

Alabama Special Education Services, (334) 242-8114; www.alsde.edu ALL KIDS Insurance, (888) 373-5437; www.adph.org/ allkids Civitan International Research Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham, (800) 822-2472; www.circ.uab.edu Client Assistance Program, Department of Rehabilitation Services, (800) 228-3231; www.icdri.org/legal/ AlabamaCAP.htm Developmental Disabilities/Mental Illness -Alabama Department of Mental Health, (800) 367-0955; www.mh.alabama.gov Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, (251) 4711581, www.goodwill-easterseals.org Governor’s Office on Disabilities, (888) 879-3582; www.good.alabama.gov Mobile Arc (MARC), (251) 479-7409; www.mobilearc.org Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama, (256) 325-8885; www.alabamashaa.org

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, (251) 432-7777; www.aidb.org

Southeast Americans with Disability Act Center, (800) 949-4232; www.adasoutheast.org

Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network, (256) 237-3683; www.alabamarespite.org

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities), (800) 782-7656; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star

Alabama Public Library Service- Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, (800) 392-5671; www.webmini.apls.state.al.us

Vocational Rehabilitation-Dept of Rehabilitation Services, (334) 281-8780; www.rehab.alabama.gov/vrs MBP

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Family Calendar Ongoing

Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org. Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com. Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp. Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Government St. Mon. - Fri., 9 - 5; Sat, 10 - 5; Sun, noon - 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50. HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-4334456, www.handsonsal.org. Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com. LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District. Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services. 6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. For more information, please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org. Mobile Ballet For information about performances call (251) 3422241 or visit www.mobileballet.com. Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com. Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org. Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org. Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org. Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320. USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www.ussalabama.com. VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.

Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@ childrensaid.org. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

August/September2013

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sage Ave. and Airport Blvd. For more info call 251-3800579 or visit www.azaleacityharmony.com. Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251-689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league. The Family Center • Nurturing Parenting (Mobile) course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. Call 251-479-5700 to register. • Father Central Classes (listed below) in Mobile and Daphne are completely free. Father Central classes offer you free Wal-mart giftcards up to $150, free supper, free gas cards or bus passes, free parent coaching and childcare during class is free! All class materials are free and a certificate of completion is awarded. Participants who refer a friend to a Father Central program receive a $10 giftcard! Must call to schedule advance intake appointment. www. familycentermobile.org. • Father Central of Mobile Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. • Together We Can: Helping Everyone Cope With Divorce. Mondays, 8 weeks. $50 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Begin any Monday. • Positive Fathering, A New & Improved Parenting Class Just For Men. Tuesdays, 12 weeks. $75 Walmart giftcard upon completion. Start and Tuesday. • Chill Skills. Thursdays, 4 weeks. $25 Wal-mart giftcard upon completion. Topics are: Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance, Relaxation; Emotional Intelligence & Techniques; Defining, Responding To & Learning from Anger; Defining Abuse & Learning to Cope & Communicate. 251-479-5700 to get started in Father Central, held at The Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100. www. familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required. Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month 6-7 p.m.

• Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-6331987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 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 3407769 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,

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Family Calendar Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323.

August/September2013

Wednesday, August 21

Pre-K Studio at Space 301-The Dot Join us at Space 301 at 11 a.m. Children ages 3-5 will read along to the story The Dot by Peter Reynolds and transform a dot into their own creative masterpiece. CLA Classroom, 11 – 12 p.m. Free. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up.

Thursday, August 22

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Girls of Fall: Football, Fashion and Fun Join us at the Mobile Convention Center from 6 8:30 p.m. Unlock the mysteries of the gridiron at this one-of-a-kind ‘clinic’ hosted by the Senior Bowl and AL.com. Cocktails, samples and entertainment followed by three concurrent Breakout Sessions with football experts covering the rules of the game and food experts bringing the latest tailgating tips. The final quarter: fashion show, featuring co-ed looks that take you from the first game to the Senior Bowl! The event is designed to give women an inside look at the rules of the game, the strategy behind the X’s and O’s, tailgating and party tips and the most up-to-date clothing looks for the upcoming season. The cost will be $20 for each participant with all proceeds going to Senior Bowl charities. For more information, please visit www.seniorbowl.com. Bassoonist Rebecca Mindcock Faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama – Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr S.) General/ $8; USA faculty & staff, students, youth under 18 and all senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please call 251-460-6136 or visit www. southalabama.edu/music. Kids Art Activity – Mobile Museum of Art Come join us for Art in the Afternoon at the Mobile Museum of Art. Thursdays from 3 - 6 p.m. Activity: Origami. Paper isn’t just for writing, use origami techniques to transform a flat sheet of paper into a finished sculpture. Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Free all day each Thursday, open until 9 p.m. The Mobile Museum of Art (MMoA) presents weekly programs and happenings highlighting our permanent collection and special exhibitions to start your weekend early: Thursday Nights at MMoA, 5-9 p.m. Join us each week to experience the museum in new and exciting ways throughout the year. (4850 Museum Drive). Please visit http://www. mobilemuseumofart.com for more information.

Monday, August 19

Friday, August 23

Poetry Enthusiasts 6 - 7:45 p.m. Join members of Spoken Word of Mobile for an evening of poetry readings at the Toulminville Branch. Students and adults are encouraged to share readings of their own works or works from their favorite poets. For more information call 438-7075.

Tuesday, August 20

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Foreign Film Festival Please join us for the annual Mobile Public Library Foreign Film Festival. The film will be shown with English subtitles. Ben May Main Library, 6 p.m. For more information please call 208-7097.

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Family Yoga & Art Lounge Join us every fourth Friday of the month for a night of art and yoga. Registered yoga teachers from Kula Yoga Community will lead a 60 minute familycentered yoga class beginning at 6 p.m. Inspire creativity by exploring movement and breath in a fun and safe atmosphere with a practice that is beneficial for children as well as adults. Participants will use games, sound, and partner exercises in addition to traditional yoga postures and breathing techniques. Closing relaxation will clear the mind in preparation for art activities to follow. All ages and abilities are welcome. Space 301. For more information, Please contact Brennan Gibson at 251-208-5658. Price of admission+ yoga donation.

Saturday, August 24

Kickoff Run for Sight 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run Come join the fun as the USA Lions host 5K Kickoff Run For Sight on the South Alabama campus. The 5K Run and Fun Run kick off the inaugural football season for the Jags as a full-fledged member of the Sun Belt Conference as well as being bowleligible. Members of South’s Football team will be handing out water along the race course and South Paw and Miss Pawla will be on hand at the start of the race. The race will be over the Swamp Course with the start, finish and post-race party at the USA Pavilion. Proceeds will benefit the sight programs of the University Lions Club. Start time is 7:30 a.m. For more information, please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com . Black Jacket Symphony presents Led Zepplin’s “IV’ 8 p.m. Tickets: Front Orchestra and Mezzanine $28; Rear Orchestra, Balcony and Accessible $23. Tickets are available at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office, hours Monday thru Friday 9-5. 251-208-7906. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, 1-800-745-300 and at www.ticketmaster.com. Kids Studio at Space 301-The Dot Join us at Space 301 at 11 a.m. Children ages 6-12 will read along to the story The Dot by Peter Reynolds and transform a dot into their own creative masterpiece. CLA Classroom, 11 – 12 p.m. Free. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Distinguished Young Women of Baldwin County The Baldwin County preliminary program for Distinguished Young Women will occur at the Performing Arts Center on campus at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. The program begins at 6 p.m., when high school senior girls living in Baldwin County will compete in the areas of academics, interview, talent, fitness, and self expression. Come and find out who will be the next Distinguished Young Woman of Baldwin County. Faulkner State Community College, Hwy 31 south, Bay Minette.

Monday, August 26

Auditions for Dracula and A Christmas Carol These will be held at the Playhouse in the Park (4851 Museum Drive) on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Dracula is open to ages 13 through mid-twenties; A Christmas Carol auditions may be from age 6 through mid-twenties. Dracula auditions will require reading from the script, and A Christmas Carol will require either singing or dancing auditions. Dracula runs the last two weeks of October and A Christmas Carol runs the first week of December. Please visit www.playhouseinthepark. org for more information.

Wednesday, August 28

Pre-K Studio at Space 301-Eric Carle Collages Join us at Space 301 at 11 a.m. Children ages 3 – 5 will read along to the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle and learn about shape and color while creating collages similar to Eric Carle’s style. CLA Classroom, 11 – 12 p.m. Free. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up.

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Family Calendar Auditions for Dracula and A Christmas Carol See August 26 for details.

Thursday, August 29

Kids Art Activity – Mobile Museum of Art Come join us for Art in the Afternoon at the Mobile Museum of Art. Thursdays from 3 - 6 p.m. Activity: Pet Lizard - Come make a pet lizard that will keep you company throughout the year, just because. Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights See August 22 for details.

Saturday, August 31

Steadypace 5K and Fun Run The Steady Pace Foundation events are designed to be fun, healthy and family friendly events which will promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle while supporting and showcasing local obesity and couch to 5K programs.The location is Lyons Part, 7:30/10:30 a.m. 5K and fun run. Please visit http://steadypace5k.com/?page_id=12 for more information. Kids Studio at Space 301-Eric Carle Collages Join us at Space 301 at 11 a.m. Children ages 6-12 will read along to the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle and learn about shape and color while creating collages similar to Eric Carle’s style. CLA Classroom, 11 – 12 p.m. Free. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Family Printmaking Workshop Families will use stencils and stamps to create artwork. Class fee includes all materials. Workshop space is limited. CLA Studio-Space 301, 1-3 p.m. For more information, Please contact Brennan Gibson at 251-208-5658.Price: $15/ Member discounts available.

Monday, September 2

Cover Your Bases 4 Mile Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run This race is to benefit the Saraland Girls softball team. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. For more information, please visit www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Tuesday, September 3

Legend of Sleepy Hollow Audition Please visit www.sunnysidedrama.com for details. Flutist Andra Bohnet Join us for a Faculty Recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama – Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). Admission prices: General/ $8; USA faculty & staff, students, youth under 18 and all senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please call 251-460-6136 or visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Wednesday, September 4 Brown Bag in Bienville Come join us on Wednesdays in Bienville Square. Fall is back and so is live jazz. Brown Bag your lunch and sit under the swirl or oak trees in Bienville Square. Live music provided by the City and Catt Sirten. 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Pre-K Studio at Space 301-Apple Prints Join us at Space 301 at 11:00 a.m. Children ages 3 –

Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

August/September2013

5 will learn about the life cycle of an apple and create their own apple prints. CLA Classroom, 11 – 12 p.m. Free. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Legend of Sleepy Hollow Audition Please visit www.sunnysidedrama.com for details.

Thursday, September 5

15th Annual Chef Challenge A challenge to end Hunger. Come enjoy the favorite dishes of some of our area’s most prestigious chefs, live entertainment by Roman Street, a silent auction and complimentary wine and spirits. 6 - 8:30 p.m. at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. $50 per person in advance ($60 per person at the door). For more information about the event, visit www. bayareafoodbank.org. Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights See August 22 for details.

Friday, September 6

Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players Comedy by Michael Frayn; director: Timothy Guy. A side-splitting farce filled with slamming doors, flying props, pratfalls and at times mass hysteria among cast and crew, Noises Off highlights what people love about live theater, and about drama, on stage and off. September 6 - 22. Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 and Sunday at 2:00 at the Joe Jefferson Playhouse (11 S Carlen St). Adults/ $20; senior citizens and military/ $15; students/ $10. For more information, please visit www. joejeffersonplayers.com. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre The longest running musical in history is finally available for community theatre stages. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and set against the dramatic background of the French Revolution, the show features music by Claude-Michel Schonberg with lyrics and book by Alain Boubill and English adaptation by Herbert Kretzmer. Shows: September 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2:00 p.m. Place: Lola Phillips Playhouse (801 Iroquois St, Chickasaw. Cost: Adults/ $15; senior citizens (60+) & students/ $10 (cash and local checks) For more information, please visit www.cctshows.com.

Saturday, September 7

Kids Studio at Space 301-Apple Prints Join us at Space 301 at 11:00 a.m. Children ages 6-12 will learn about the life cycle of an apple and create their own apple prints. CLA Classroom, 11 – 12 p.m. Free. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla. gibson@cityofmobile.org to sign up. Future Play: Active A John Cage Birthday Party Workshop Led by Futures Project artist Tom Leeser, this interactive workshop will incorporate learning, play and art while using artist John Cage as inspiration. Words, fun and games, performance, technology, sound, silence, creative behavior, inventive misbehavior and safe accidents will be used to create a party that celebrates discovery and awe. All ages are encouraged to attend. This event takes place at Space 301 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m and is free.

DIY John Cage T-shirt Workshop In this DIY T-shirt making workshop, all ages will design their own t-shirts using John Cage quotes. Simple do-it-yourself techniques will be used to transfer text onto fabric. Please register in advance (including your t-shirt size) or bring your own new, clean t-shirt to the workshop. Location: Space 301 at 3:30-5:00 p.m. $15. The Laugh out Loud Comedy Explosion starring Eddie Griffin This event takes place at the Saenger Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or The Saenger Box Office. Please visit www. mobilesaenger.com for more information. Hurricane Run 5K and Fun Run Run to benefit the Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue Units. 5K - 8:10 a.m., Fun Run 9 a.m. The location is the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. For more information, please visit www.productionsbylittleredhen.com. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details.

Sunday, September 8

Fisher Memorial Concert: Alon Goldstein Join us for Pianist concert at University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Please visit www.mobilechambermusic.org for more information. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details.

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Tuesday, September 10

Pre-K & Kids Studio – West Regional Branch Instructors from Centre for the Living Arts will bring Pre-K & Kids Studio to the Mobile Public Library West Regional Branch every second Tuesday of September – December. 10 – 11 a.m. - Pre-K Studio (ages 3-5) & 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. - Kids Studio (ages 6-12). Free Admission. Call the Mobile Public Library West Regional Branch to register (251) 340-8555.

Wednesday, September 11 Learning Lunch at History Museum of Mobile A Modern History of Mobile’s Football Heroes Scott Hunter will present the learning lunch. Bring your lunch for this free presentation with complimentary beverages. This event happens at 12 at the History Museum of Mobile (111 S. Royal St). For more information, please visit www. museumofmobile.com. Premier: Film: The Passion of Miss Augusta Film by Alabama filmmaker Robert Clem (Eugene Walter: Last of the Bohemians, William March’s Company K); combines the life of legendary Mobile author Augusta Evans Wilson with dramatized scenes from her most famous novel, St Elmo. (1866). Reception: 6 p.m. and Discussion and Screening to follow at the Armbrecht/ Briskman Meeting Room and Bernheim Hall (701 Government St.) at the Ben May Main Library. This is a free event. For more information, please visit www.mponline.org. Brown Bag in Bienville See September 4 for details.

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Family Calendar Thursday, September 12

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun to Raise Funds for Ronald McDonald House Wind Creek Casino Presents Ronald McDonald House Charities Girls Just Wanna Have Fun event from 6 - 10 p.m. at The Alabama Cruise Terminal. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is an event for ladies 21 years of age or older to do a little for themselves and a-lot for Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are only $50 in advance and $60 at the door and include delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, martinis, mini manicures, make-overs, chair massages, hair do’s shopping and an unforgettable evening of entertainment and pampering just for our guests. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rmhcmobile.org. Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights See August 22 for details.

Friday, September 13

United Cerebral Palsy – Sporting Clay & Fund Hunt Registration is from 8:30-9:30 and the shoot starts at 9:30. This great event will have raffles, silent auction and prizes. The UCP Fundhunt is open to all adults and kids ages 13 and older. Cost -$125 per person/$500 for a team of 4. For more information, Find us on Facebook or contact Eric Cash at 251479-4900 or ecash@ucpmobile.org. God of Carnage Play at Mobile Theatre Guild MTG proudly welcomes long-time friend and

August/September2013

director Mike McKee back to the Guild to present this winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, written by Yasmina Reza. Two high-strung couples decide to meet one evening for a civilized discussion about a playground altercation between their two young sons. What follows is a comically explosive downhill slide from polite, political correctness to full-on character assassination. The New Yorker called this laugh-out-loud hilarity “ninety minutes of sustained mayhem.” A no holds barred look at relationships between spouses and friends, and what happens when the littlest things end up pushing us completely over the edge. Show Dates: September 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Friday and Saturday- 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. General/ $20; 62+, military & students/ $15. Please visit www.mobiletheatreguild. org for more information. LoDa Artwalk Exhibitions 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. Please visit www.ncsmobile.org for more information. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details.

Saturday, September 14 Salute to Airbus! – Mobile Symphony Orchestra Join the MSO as we welcome Airbus, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer, to the Gulf Coast.

We begin with Wagner’s powerful Overture to “The Flying Dutchman,” then move to a suite from French composer Joseph-Maurice Ravel’s largest work, “Daphnis and Chloe”. Finally, we end with the robust sounds of Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony. Don’t miss out as the Mobile Symphony kicks off another great season. 8 p.m. Saengar Theatre. For more information, please visit www.mobilesymphony.org. 6th Annual Go Run The run benefits USA Mitchell Cancer Institute Gynecologic Cancer Research. 5K/Fun Run at University of South Alabama Campus – Mitchell Center Lawn/ Moulton Bell Tower at 8 a.m. Please visit www.imathlete.com/events/gorun2013 for registration information. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details. God of Carnage Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 13 for details.

Sunday, September 15

Salute to Airbus! – Mobile Symphony Orchestra See September 14 for details. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details. God of Carnage Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 13 for details.

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Family Calendar Wednesday, September 18 Brown Bag in Bienville See September 4 for details.

August/September2013

Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details. God of Carnage Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 13 for details.

Thursday, September 19 Saturday, September 21 Artist Talk: Candy Chang As a part of our collaborative Futures Project programming with the Ben May Public Library, Futures Project artist Candy Chang will speak about transforming our cities through art and design. Chang will use her artist projects, including The School of the Future at CLA, to explore public space, community engagement, and personal well-being. 6 p.m. at Ben May Public Library / Bernheim Hall Free to the public. Penelope House Annual Golf Tournament Saad Development Corporation presents the Penelope House Annual Golf Tournament at Heron Lakes Country Club. 12:00 Registration 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start. 4 person scramble includes: Dinner, beverages, goody bags, and silent auction $100 per player (4 person team) Mulligans $5 each/ Hole Sponsors $100/ Cart Sponsors $50 Contact 251-3422809 for more information. Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights See August 22 for details.

Friday, September 20 Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details.

Bayfest Music Industry Education Program The Music Industry Education Program is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Mobile Civic Center Theater. All area high school students are welcome. This FREE program offers students the opportunity to learn about the music industry and jam with professional musicians. For more information, please visit www. bayfest.com. Jubilee Race for Life 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Certified race and wholesome fun! Held yearly on the 3rd Saturday of September in Daphne to benefit Bayside Medical Missions who through volunteer doctors provide corrective orthopedic surgeries in under developed countries. Tech Tees for EVERYONE registered by Sept 1. Unique awards from Ecuador 3 deep in 15 age categories. Chick Fil A food, Music and drawing for prizes among the many activities. Best of all: knowing that you are helping someone with a disability achieve a functional life! Please visit www.jubileeraceforlife. org for more information. Herb Day at Mobile Botanical Gardens One of the Gulf Coast Herb Society’s most exciting activities is our annual Herb Day workshop. In keeping with our purpose of education about the growing and use of herbs, we have expert speakers who share their knowledge with you. The

Gift of Herbs” featuring Creative Ideas for the Holidays from your Herb Garden Includes lunch, door prizes, information packet, and more at The Botanical Center (5151 Museum Drive)/Cost: $25. Reservations required. For information or to register: 251-604-6866 or email herbday2013@aol.com. We also have an herb sale, in which members share some of their hard-to-find herb plants and can tell you how to grow them! Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week Kick-off Event 2:30-7 p.m. Celebrate and learn about yoga as we kick off the third annual Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week! Get to know local yoga teachers at their informational booths and be entered to win raffle prizes from local businesses. Enjoy beginner friendly workshops of yoga including options from the chair, meditation, kid’s yoga, paddleboard yoga, aerial yoga (in the air). The event will have food, music, raffle prizes and a conscious product market with local vendors and an evening of fire performances and more. No experience necessary. Bring your own mat or towel and water bottle. For more information, visit www.yogalifefair.com or Facebook: Yoga Life FairMobile/Baldwin Yoga Week. Fairhope Pier Park, 1 Beach Rd. in Fairhope. Cost: Donation of canned goods for Bay Area Food Bank. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week In celebration of National Yoga Month, local yoga studios will be offering free classes to new students. Participating studios are located in Mobile, the Eastern Shore, Foley and Gulf Shores. This is a great opportunity to give yoga a try or to visit a new studio! For details and a list of participating studios,

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Silent Auction $35 per person~-All proceeds benefit Penelope House. For more information, please visit www.penelopehouse.org. USA Piano Ensembles-Fall Concert Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. at USA Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr. S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music. Alabama Coastal Cleanup Show your support and concern for Alabama’s waterways by participating in the 26th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup scheduled for 8:00 a.m. until noon. For more information, please visit www. alcoastalcleanup.com. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details. God of Carnage Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 13 for details.

Sunday, September 22

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studio – Ceramics Deaf and hard of hearing students will use the CLA’s Futures Project exhibit as inspiration while working with clay. The class will be led by professional artists with an ASL interpreter provided by AIDB. Family participation is encouraged. RSVP required by September 18. CLA Studio – 1-4 p.m. Call Brennan Gibson at 208- 5658 or email cla.gibson@ cityofmobile.org to sign up.

Pianist Jerry Alan Bush USA Faculty recital at 3:00 p.m. at the USA Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Dr. S) General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/music. Mobile Fashion Week A week of activities and programs that benefits Camp Rap-A-Hope. Sept. 22 – 28. Downtown Mobile, various locations. Please visit www.mobfashionweek. com for more information. Les Miserables at Chickasaw Civic Theatre See September 6 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details. God of Carnage Play at Mobile Theatre Guild See September 13 for details. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Monday, September 23 Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Tuesday, September 24

Piano Spook-Tacular: Daniel Driskell Faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more

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visit www.yogalifefair.com or Facebook: Yoga Life Fair- Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week. September 21-27th. Cost: Donation of canned goods for Bay Area Food Bank. Contact: 251-379-4493 or yoga@ yogalifefair.com. SeaGrass Music Concert Series – Dauphin Island The SeaGrass Concert Series, presented by the South Mobile County Tourism Authority, is a series of live musical performances spotlighting the rich roots and music traditions of new and traditional folk, roots rock, bluegrass, singer/songwriter, acoustic blues, Cajun, and other forms of American roots music which make up the Americana music genre. This inaugural concert will feature Texas Roots Legend Delbert McClinton. The concert series will be held inside Historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. For more information, please visit www. dauphinislandtourism.com. Walk With Me Easter Seals Walk With Me is a national fundraising event to raise awareness and support for families living with disabilities! Individual walkers and teams join hundreds of other passionate people in their communities for a day full of entertainment, fun and, of course, our signature walk! The location is Hank Aaron Stadium and check in at 9 with opening ceremony and walk at 10 a.m. Please visit www.easterseals.com for more information. Penelope House Tennis Tournament Team Up Tennis Tournament- Mobile Tennis Center Registration at 8 a.m. Play Starts at 9 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Doubles Round Robin- Lunch, Prizes,

August/September2013

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Family Calendar

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

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Family Calendar information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music . Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Wednesday, September 25 Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details. Brown Bag in Bienville See September 4 for details. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Thursday, September 26 Columns and Cocktails A benefit for Historic Mobile Preservation Society at 5:30 at the former first national bank building (68 St Francis St) Admission/ $25; wine pull tickets/ $20 For more information, please visit www. historicmobile.org. Archduke Trio: Music of Beethoven and Ravel Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music Artist Talk: Dawn Dedeaux Futures Project artist Dawn Dedeaux will speak

August/September2013

about her CLA installation Aboard the Mothership: Postulations on Myth and Math, as well as how her work explores environmental concerns for the Gulf Coast. 6 p.m. at the CLA Auditorium / 301 Conti Street. Free Mobile Museum of Art – Free Admission Day/ Museum Nights See August 22 for details. Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Friday, September 27

Mercy Medical’s 27th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Rock Creek in Fairhope. Proceeds benefit Mercy’s Guardian Angel which cares for critically and terminally ill children of Mobile and Baldwin counties. Mercy’s Charity Golf Tournament is one of the area’s oldest and most popular charity tournaments and offers excellent prizes, a silent auction and sponsorship opportunities. Silent auction items and raffle prizes include resort stays, weekend passes, signed sports memorabilia, football tickets and much more. The tournament format will be a four-person scramble with 8:30 a.m. shotgun followed by lunch and brief awards programs. For more information, call 621-4884 or visit www. mercymedical.com. Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details.

Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details. Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week See September 21 for details.

Saturday, September 28 BayFest 5K & Fun Run BayFest will host its 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk to kick off the beginning of the 2013 BayFest Music Festival. This race benefits Bayfest Music Industry Education & Scholarship programs. The 5K race will start at 8 a.m. and the fun run will start at 9 a.m. Location: Bienville Square in downtown Mobile. For more information, please visit www.bayfest. com. The Opera Ball The Mobile Marriott Ball Room will be transformed into a magical setting for fine dining with special wine pairings, dancing to the sounds of the Mobile Big Band Society, an entertaining silent auction and an elegant evening you will never forget. An exclusive VIP lounge is available to sponsors with signature Mikado and Madama Butterfly cocktails (and you can even keep up with all the SEC football scores). Don’t miss this special event! For tickets and information about sponsorship levels call Mobile Opera at (251)4326772. Butterfly Festival at Mobile Botanical Gardens Explore the world of butterflies and learn how

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to make your own butterfly garden. Fun for the whole family, 9 am - Noon. Adults $10, children $5 each. Registration required. Call 251-342-0555 or visit mobilebotanicalgardens.org. 25th Annual Jubilee Festival Arts and crafts, live local entertainment, children’s activities, festival foods and football on the large screen. This event takes place on Main Street (Scenic 98) Olde Towne Daphne, in front of City Hall and in Centennial Park. Festival stage located in front City Hall. Attendance to the festival is free. Booths will be set up for children to explore their creative side. They will also be invited to paint their creations on a fence. The hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. Mobile Fashion Week See September 22 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details.

Sunday, September 29

USA Fall Concert – USA Jazz Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www.southalabama.edu/ music. 25th Annual Jubilee Festival See September 28 for details. Noises Off Presented by Joe Jefferson Players See September 6 for details.

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Monday, September 30

Fall Concert: USA Concert Choir and University Chorale The Fall Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Laidlaw Recital Hall (5751 USA Drive S). General - $8, USA faculty, staff & students, youth under 18 and senior citizens/ $5. For more information, please visit www. southalabama.edu/music.

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Looking ahead...

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Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

Lee Daniels’ The Butler

jOBS MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: B+ Sexual Content: C Language: D Alcohol / Drug Use: D The MPAA has rated jOBS PG-13 for some drug content and brief strong language. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. and known the world over for inventing, conceiving, and marketing a variety of technological tools, died on October 5, 2011. Only eighteen months later jOBS, a feature dramatic film about his life, began circulating among theaters. The production’s quick turnaround is a testament to how technology has created a desire for immediacy -- something the Jobs’ revolution helped to make possible. Breaking from his usual genre, Aston Kutcher takes on the difficult role of playing the ultimate whiz kid. The walk, the talk and the arrogance are all there as we watch one of the most admired men in the world cheat his best buddy Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad) out of thousands of dollars during Apple’s infancy -- and we chalk it up to shrewd business tactics. Deceiving poor “Woz” on a business deal pales in comparison to a later scene where Jobs hasn’t the courage to admit his paternity for his daughter Lisa. Other depictions paint him as a businessman spewing disparaging remarks and firing employees with an indifferent efficiency. It all fits with the strong-willed personality Jobs became famous for. And these illustrations develop a theme that becomes the rigid backbone of this screenplay. Due to the public profile of this hero of all things tech, the story within jOBS is likely to influence young people who make the effort to see this film. Portrayals of post-hippie era sex and pot parties, along with frequent profanities and two sexual expletives, are certainly surface concerns for parents considering whether this biopic is appropriate for teen viewing. Deeper issues arise from the messages presented of a man who we are expected to admire as an economic and technical genius, even while he treats others as mere obstacles in the way of his success. It is important to remember of course that the media interprets personalities and events through a very narrow lens. In the case of motion pictures, typically it is the director and screenwriter who control the lens. Because just a few people were actually able to have personal experiences with Steve Jobs, the rest of us can only speculate about the real personality of the mastermind behind the many gadgets we now revere, and even worship. Undoubtedly many aspects of this man’s life are left out of this movie, and others may be distorted. Yet based on what we see in this film, jOBS illuminates our society’s attraction to economic ingenuity that often comes with little regard for humanity.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: CSexual Content: C+ Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Lee Daniels’ The Butler PG-13 for some violence and disturbing images, language, sexual material, thematic elements and smoking. Director Lee Daniels brings together an impressive cast for his movie The Butler. Marching through the Oval Office as America’s Top Executive are Robin Williams, Liev Schreiber, James Marsden, John Cusack, and Alan Rickman. Jane Fonda, Wanda Leigh and Minka Kelly play different First Ladies. But the high-powered political leaders aren’t the subjects of this film. Rather it is the carefully-dressed figure standing unnoticed in the shadows until he is called on to serve. For Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), the position of butler is a long way from his early roots. Born on a cotton plantation in the Deep South, he watched his mother (Mariah Carey) raped and his father (David Banner) brutally murdered before he was taken inside the big house by the one of the white women (Vanessa Redgrave) and trained to be a houseboy. Leaving the farm as a young adult he does domestic work in several establishments before being offered a position at the White House. There, in white gloves and a bow tie, he witnesses the making of history on an intimate level as one U.S. president after another serves during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights movement. At home Cecil faces rough waters of another kind. His wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) turns to the bottle to keep herself company while he is away at work. Angry and inebriated, she and Cecil find themselves growing apart. Meanwhile their oldest son Lewis (David Oyelowo) joins an underground group fighting for equality and repeatedly finds himself in jail. The father and son’s differing opinions on racial injustice tear a rift in their relationship. Considering the incredible cast, sets and editing in this movie, Lee Daniels’ The Butler should elicit more emotion than it does. Cramming a miniseries worth of story into a two-hour time frame may contribute to the film’s hurried pace and superficial exploration of some of American history’s most troubled times.

What Parents need to know about Lee Daniels’ The Butler...

Violence: A woman is raped (off screen) and a man is shot in the head in front of his young child. Two dead men are seen hanging by the neck in the street. A character breaks into a bakery and steals food. Some bloody injuries are seen. Characters are shot, slapped, kicked, spit on and punched numerous times. Characters are injured and property is damaged when riots break out. Historical news footage of riots, war and protests are shown. A woman’s dress is covered in blood following the shooting of her husband. Characters are beaten and jailed for civil disobedience. A married couple argues. Sexual Content: Sounds of a rape are heard. A married man makes sexual passes at other women. A poster of a naked woman is seen. Crude sexual comments and innuendo are included. Couples kiss and embrace. Language: The script contains frequent profanities, some sexual dialogue, scatological slang, terms of Deity and one strong sexual expletive. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters smoke and drink throughout this film. One character is portrayed as inebriated on more than one occasion. Characters turn to alcohol to deal with their emotions.

What Parents need to know about jOBS...

Violence: Verbal arguments occur. Moments of deep personal grief and anxiety are portrayed. Sexual Content: An unmarried man and woman have sex (no details are seen). Later the man denies the possibility of fathering the woman’s child. A party depicts sensual activity between men and women. Infrequent sexual innuendo is included. Language: A sexual expletive is used twice in non-sexual contexts. Frequent scatological slang is heard. Infrequent mild cursing, profanity, and vulgar expressions are included in the script. Alcohol / Drug Use: The use of illegal substances portrayed without negative consequences. Alcohol is consumed. Smoking depicted in historical context. Mobile Bay Parents I September 2013

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