Mobile Bay Parents "Afterschool Activities Issue" (August 24)

Helping

FromthePublisher

It seems that just as I am getting settled into the summer routine, the stores start putting out the Backto-School displays. This immediately sends me cycling through the five stages of grief at the thought of the end of summer. It goes something like this:

• “Wow, this is early, it’s not time for back-to-school.”

• “These stores are just trying to make a buck while ruining my summer mood.”

• “Fine, we will get the shopping out of the way so we can get on with our summer.”

• “What? Only two weeks of summer left?”

• “Well, we can’t stop time, might as well start looking forward to fall activities!”

While getting ready for school in midsummer can be a bummer, there are many exciting things to look forward to. Things like fun new experiences, the potential of making new friends (for the kids and moms), and fall sports and after-school activities. Choosing what activities the girls want to participate in has always been an exciting part of our “Back to School” season. They have always been good at exploring different interests and trying a variety of extracurriculars. Goodness knows there are plenty to choose from around here! Whether your children love team sports, performing arts, scouting, fine arts, or individual sports, you are sure to find some great options in this month’s After School Activity Guide. If you have trouble selecting just one, don’t fret! As Cheryl Maguire explains in this month’s feature, How Multiple Extracurricular Activities Can Shape Success, there are many reasons to get your child involved in more than one activity. If you are worried about the expenses involved with additional extracurriculars, many are free or low-cost. Make sure you check out clubs and activities at your school too!

One of our favorite back-to-school must-dos is Meet the Teacher. It is so nice to have the opportunity to hear from the educators and learn what is to be expected for the upcoming year. Developing a good relationship with your child’s teacher early on can be so helpful and help eliminate the anxiety of the unknown. On more than one occasion, my girls have been assigned to a teacher they heard was “mean” or “hard,” and some of those have become my girls’ favorite teachers. The “mean” teacher was able to spend time educating because she did not put up with shenanigans, and the “hard” teacher helped the girls pass AP exams with flying colors. Plus, having your child learn to work with different personalities is a great life skill! It will help them in the future with their coaches, bosses, in-laws, and other relationships in life. For more ideas on starting the year off strong, check out Christina Katz feature, Banish Back-To-School Blues: 10 Ways To Build Better Student-Teacher Relationships.

Lastly, I think we can all notice how much more expensive groceries, clothes, and school supplies are, so If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford a few extra supplies, consider donating to the school or other backpack drives to help out those who may not be as fortunate. Also, check with your school to see if there are any other items (clothing, shoes, snacks, etc.) that some students may need. Every child deserves to be fully equipped and ready on the first day and every day of school.

Well, the countdown is on, so go out, soak up the last few bits of summer, and get re-energized to head back to school!

Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source Mobile Bay

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

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com

Research Editor Lucy Green

Contributing Writers

Savannah Browning, MD

Kristi Bush, LSW Gabriele Jones Christina Katz

Cheryl Maguire

Dave Ramsey Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography

Hannah Stinson Photography www.HannahStinsonPhotography.com

President Jason Watson

Advertising Sales

Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Web Content Manager

Scott Davis

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com

lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2024 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect he view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

Repairing Traumatic Moments

Let’s just be honest, most of us experience the feeling of overwhelm more than we want to admit. There is simply too much stimulation in our world: too much to do, too much noise, too much to see, too many drivers on the road, too many people in Target, etc. Unless you move off the power grid, become self-sufficient, and live your life in isolation, you will consistently experience too much. Sadly, our consistent states of overwhelm are harming us more than we realize.

ments of overwhelm are stored in the body, which is why our brains are sometimes unable to recognize the difference between past and present. When this happens, our reactions do not appropriately match the situation.

In her book, Strong Like Water, counselor Aundi Kolber wrote, “Trauma is anything that overwhelms our nervous system’s capacity to cope. Trauma gets stuck in our bodies and must be processed.” Trauma is typically stored as a sensation that makes you uncomfortable when you are confronted with it. For example, the smell of chlorine may make you feel anxious if you witnessed a near drowning. Even if your brain does not recall the memory, your body does. The result of smelling chlorine is an anxious feeling. Mo-

We all function better when our nervous systems are not overwhelmed. You cannot prevent these moments from happening to you or your children. They are simply part of the human experience. However, if you become more aware of how your stored traumas bring out the worst in you, you can proactively create an environment that limits damage to your children’s nervous systems.

ample, if loud noises bring out the worst in you, sit and listen to annoying music when you are calm and be compassionate with yourself about how difficult this task is to do. When you can do so without being overly annoyed, your body has processed out that overwhelm.

Prioritize repairs. As parents, we all make mistakes. We raise our voices, when we should remain calm. We say things we regret. Our children do not need us to be perfect, but for them to become healthy adults, we must take the time to repair any fractures our mistakes make in our relationship before they become stored traumas in our children’s bodies. When we realize that we made a parenting mistake, we must take the time to repair our connection with our children. This process includes apologizing and taking responsibility, stating our intent to handle things differently, and ensuring that they feel loved, safe, and secure.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com. by

Observe yourself. Do you have inappropriate reactions around specific circumstances, smells, locations, times of day, etc? What might be a past moment of overwhelm inhibiting you from handling the present appropriately? Once you identify it, physically work through it. For ex-

Stay active. We process out some overwhelm by simply moving our bodies. You must make sure that you and your children are physically active every day. A great thing to do is combine being active with the repair process. When you dance with your children, create fun obstacle courses, go for family walks, etc. your bodies release oxytocin. Oxytocin aides in the development of healthy attachments by producing feelings of trust and security.

Night for Freedom Online Auction Combats Human Trafficking

The Little Tree Project, a non-profi t and anti human trafficking organization, is hosting its first Night for Freedom fundraising event on Thursday, August 20, 2024 in the Original Oyster House Banquet Room at 6pm. Although tickets have sold out, the community can still help eradicate human trafficking through your support.

The Night for Freedom online silent auction opens from Aug. 10th through Aug. 20, and features Nancy Raia’s presenting artwork, vacation stays, family passes, local business donations, and more. To sign up for the silent auction or make a donation, please visit www.thelittletreeproject.org/freedom. Proceeds directly support initiatives in prevention, aftercare services, and the establishment of a safe haven for survivors of this atrocity.

“We at the Little Tree Project, are an organization committed to freedom and purpose. We have been given the undeniable perspective that beauty can come from ashes. We not only relate this truth to our own heart-breaks and life challenges, but also to an issue we are extremely passionate about-- modern day slavery,” said Allana Chris, executive director of Little Tree Project. Please join the fight to end human trafficking and make a difference in the lives of survivors right here in our very own community. With your support, we can build a brighter future where every individual is free, valued, and empowered.

2024 Mobile Bowling Classic

The Junior Achievement Bowling Classic is JA’s single-largest fundraising event. Join us for this fundraising event from Thursday, August 15 to Saturday, August 17, 2024. Teams are comprised of 5 bowlers who aim to raise at least $100 each for a total of $500 per team, which provides one classroom with JA Programs. Each bowler pays a $20 non-refundable registration fee to cover bowling expenses, including lane and shoe rental, and an event t-shirt. Please visit https://mobile.ja.org/events/2024mobile-bowling-classic to register or for more information.

Friday Night Live Concert

Join us for a FREE tribute show celebrating the legendary Michael Jackson, featuring the high-energy performance of The King of Pop Live Experience Band. Enjoy DJ Blayze, amazing singing, non-stop dancing, adult beverages, and more. Bring your snacks, blankets, or chairs, and get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and music on Friday, August 30 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Mardi Gras Park. Please visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ fnl-concert-celebrating-michael-jackson/ for more information.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Black Jacket Symphony

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, a benefit for RMHC of Mobile, is set for Thursday, September 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mobile Cruise Terminal. This popular event attracts women from throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties for an evening of shopping, pampering, socializing, “purse-onality” and enjoying delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds benefit the hundreds of families who call our House their home while their children are hospitalized or receiving treatment. Tickets go on sale August 1 on rmhcmobile.org/girls. $60 in advance or $70 at the door. “Purse-onality” tickets allowing guests to purchase a $50, $100, $150 or $200 purse will be sold separately. To learn more about sponsor opportunities, please contact Diana Brewer, Development Director, at 251-694-6873 or diana@rmhcmobile.org.

ArtWalk Celebrates All Things 90’s

Step back into the 90’s at the LODA ArtWalk on August 9th in Downtown Mobile from 6-9 PM! Experience a nostalgic evening filled with vendors, music, art, and more. Join the Dancing for Diversity Community Dance Off hosted by Mobile Parks and Recreation’s Health & Wellness Coordinator and groove to your favorite 90’s hits. Don’t miss the Kids’ Zone, where you can meet Barbie, create 90’s-themed crafts, and enjoy the excitement of a video game truck. For more information, visit www.MobileParksAndRec.org. Call 432-1101 or visit https://www. cacmobile.org/for more information.

The Black Jacket Symphony will return to the Mobile Saenger Theatre on Friday, September 13th to perform Elton John’s “Madman Across The Water” in it’s entirety. Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates “Madman Across The Water” live in its entirety—note-fornote, sound-for-sound. Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won’t miss another. Please visit www.mobilecivicctr.com/events/detail/ the-black-jacket-symphony-madman-across-the-water.

Mobile Brick Convention LEGO Fan Expo

Brick Convention is the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages. The numerous play areas treat fans of all ages to a day of handson fun, games, and life-size LEGO models. Coming to Mobile, AL on September 7 and 8 at the Mobile Convention Center. Professional LEGO Artists will be coming in from around the United States to display their amazing LEGO creations and to meet with fans. There will also be meet-andgreets with LEGO celebrities. Details on the special guest for 2024 will be announced in the coming weeks.

LEGO fans will be able to get creative in the Construction Zone, with thousands of bricks available, as well as live builds to watch and engage with. Galleries have also been set up with life-sized and extraordinary LEGO models on display.

Other attractions include: * LEGO Retail: purchase LEGO merchandise, retired LEGO sets, new LEGO Sets, Hard-to-Find LEGO, and goodies from multiple different vendors. * Star Wars Zone: Amazing LEGO creations from the Star Wars universe. * Brick Pits: with thousands of LEGO bricks to build with.

* Professional LEGO artist meet-and-greets.

A portion of the proceeds from each Brick Convention is donated to Creations for Charity. Creations for Charity is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that buy new LEGO sets for underprivileged children. Tickets are $15 and available for Saturday or Sunday. Like last year, tickets are expected to sell out soon, so purchasing tickets early is recommended at www.brickconvention.com/mobile.

“Round-Up” for Ronald McDonald House

Charities of Mobile

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile is partnering with area McDonald’s restaurants for a great campaign to benefit RMHC here in Mobile. The goal of the campaign is to increase donations at McDonald’s locations by promoting the “Round-Up for RMHC” option when you purchase your favorite McDonald’s treat or meal. When you round-up to the nearest dollar at a local McDonald’s, that extra amount goes directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Mobile, which offers a supportive home environment to families with ill and injured children being treated at local area hospitals. “We rely on donations to care for and provide for the families who stay in our House and use the RMH Family Rooms, located in USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Asking to round up your total to the nearest dollar may not seem like much, but those small donations can add up and help change a family’s life right here in our community,” said Paul Giardina, executive director at RMHC.

When you visit a local McDonald’s restaurant, simply ask to “Round-Up for RMHC when you place your order and your transaction will be rounded up to the next dollar, with all proceeds being donated directly to help RMHC fulfill its mission.

Year after year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile serves nearly 700 families, something they could not do without their mission partner – McDonald’s.

In the past year, McDonald’s restaurants from throughout south Alabama and the Mississippi coast contributed $207,877 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile.

The owners of the local McDonald’s have been supporting RMHC of Mobile since it opened in 2000, and they are not stopping now.

Small change can make a big difference. So next time you visit McDonald’s, ask to “Round-Up” for RMHC. Every time you Round-Up at McDonald’s, you give a family the gift of togetherness.

Remington College Offers Free Back-toSchool Haircuts

Remington College Mobile Campus is offering students 17 and younger a fresh new look before heading back to school. Remington College’s Cosmetology Department will open its doors providing haircuts at no cost. The initiative is part of Remington College’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting local families preparing for the upcoming school year.

It’s also an opportunity for Remington College’s cosmetology students to gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., August 1-August 31 at Remington College Mobile Campus, 4368 Downtowner Loop S, Mobile, AL 36609. Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment call (251) 342-4848. For more on the Remington College Cosmetology Program, visit remingtoncollege.edu or call 1-800-448-6405.

Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration

Join Us for a Special Celebration. Celebrate the legacy of Mr. Bellingrath with an exclusive event that honors his contributions and love for the community. On August 6th, 2024, we invite all Mobile and Baldwin County residents to partake in this joyous occasion filled with delightful treats and memorable experiences. Enjoy complimentary Coca-Cola and delicious cookies as you stroll through the magnificent gardens that Mr. Bellingrath cherished. Mobile and Baldwin County residents receive free admission to the gardens. Simply show proof of residency at the entrance to join the festivities. Explore the beauty and tranquility of Bellingrath Gardens & Home, where nature’s splendor meets historical charm. Wander through vibrant flowerbeds, serene water features, and picturesque landscapes that have enchanted visitors for generations. Please visit https://bellingrath.org/event/mr-bellingraths-birthdaycelebration/ for more information.

Black Tie & Tails Gala

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2nd Annual Black Tie & Tails Gala on Friday, September 13 at 6:00 pm at Crown Hall, benefiting the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter. Despite the gala’s name, the dress code is dress casual—no tails required! This event is dedicated to supporting the vital work our organization does for the community, ensuring the welfare of countless animals in need. Enjoy a night filled with great food, entertainment, and the company of fellow animal lovers. Your participation helps our local organizations continue their mission to provide shelter, medical care, and loving homes for the animals of Mobile. Here is what is included with your ticket: Delicious Heavy Hors d’oeuvres from Bay Gourmet, Beer and Wine Bar, Raffles from amazing local businesses Live Music and much more!

Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blacktie-and-tails-gala-for-the-friends-of-mobile-animal-sheltertickets-726979594537. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make a difference while having a fantastic time.

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Keeping Kids Hydrated

Playing outside is a way of life for children. Living in the Mobile area means there are lots of places to enjoy the outdoors, but staying hydrated can be tricky. Let’s discuss the best ways to keep your child hydrated.

Hydration looks very different depending on the age of your child. Children less than 6 months of age get plenty of fluid from either breastmilk or formula, which should keep them well hydrated. Infants less than 6 months of age should never receive water for hydration. In fact, giving a child that young plain water can actually make them sick with severe consequences. If you have a small baby enjoying the sunshine this summer, in addition to offering them their regular bottles or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid the hottest

parts of the day, and to find shade when available.

Children older than 6 months of age still drinking formula or breastmilk will probably maintain hydration from those sources, but they can also drink water if needed.

All other children older than 1 year of age benefit most from water to stay hydrated. Fluids that have extra sugar or caffeine can actually have counterproductive effects and can lead to dehydration. This is because childrens’ bodies do not process those fluids very well to stay hydrated. Sports drinks are very popular. However, there are some things to think about when deciding on which drink works best for your child. You basically want to pick something that is as close to water as possible. Choose drinks that have low amounts of sugar, carbohydrates and no caffeine. Generally, we do not like for our patients to ‘drink’ their

calories. We’d rather you eat calories. So if your child is thirsty but also hungry – try some water plus a protein snack. That will probably help the most with simultaneously hydrating and providing energy. Added electrolytes are also probably not needed unless there are extreme circumstances; these include intense prolonged athletic type activity in hot weather (think marathon – type activities).

Your best ways to help avoid dehydration are preparation and simplicity. If you or your children are planning on any outdoor activities in the heat – try to get ahead by drinking water before, during and after the activities.

Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.

Melissa Harrison

Hollinger’s Island Elementary School

I have been blessed with a unique opportunity to influence young lives in profound ways,” shares Melissa Harrison. “The joy of seeing my students thrive and knowing that I have played a part in their journey, is without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my job.”

Mrs. Harrison graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in School Counseling for K-12. Her career started with seven years teaching second and third grade at Mary B. Austin Elementary School. She then transitioned to her role now as the school counselor at Hollinger’s Island Elementary.

“I see every student in the building bi-weekly and individually or in small groups as necessary,” explains Mrs. Harrison. “I decided to leave the classroom and pursue becoming a school counselor because I have a deep passion for supporting students’ emotional and mental well-being. As a teacher, I often found myself drawn to helping students navigate personal challenges, and I realized that I wanted to focus on this aspect of student development more directly. Becoming a school counselor allows me to reach a larger number of students across different grade levels.”

Mrs. Harrison has a few core values when it comes to motivating her students throughout the year. One, she is dedicated to empowering students

to recognize their potential, and two, she supports them in finding their internal motivations. By using attentive listening and practical strategies, she provides the support her students need.

“I believe that motivation stems from feeling understood and supported. Often, students just need a listening ear and someone to talk to,” she says. “I make it a priority to create a safe, non-judgmental space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. By actively listening and showing genuine empathy, I build trust and rapport, which are foundational for motivating students. In addition to being a supportive listener, I also employ various strategies that help keep the students motivated, such as setting goals that help them to recognize their strengths and focus on identifying the talents that they have.”

Mrs. Harrison truly believes that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling to be pursued wholeheartedly. Personally, she finds joy in knowing that she is contributing to the growth and development of future generations.

Melissa Harrison has been married to her husband George for nineteen years. Together, they have two teen children. The family loves to be outdoors - boating and lounging on the beach. The Harrison’s also enjoy hosting friends and family for cookouts and pool parties.

St. Ignatius Students Keep Up the Good Work Even on Summer Break

St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body and spirit. Middle School Impala students showcased the true nature of #TheCatholicDifference when they volunteered at Dumas Wesley Community Center in June. The Dumas Wesley Community Center focuses on empowering and enriching the local community through interactive programs that aim to strengthen family life, provide immediate human needs and encourage personal responsibility. Way to set a great example of stewardship and community leadership, Impalas!

A Spotlight on the UMS-Wright Class of 2024

The Class of 2024 was one for the record books! Collectively, they were accepted to 50 schools around the country. 81% were offered meritbased scholarships and over $8 million was received in scholarship money. 29 out of 96 received ACT scores of 30 or higher (32 of the 96 received an ACT Superscore of 30 or higher). 5 athletes are going on to play their sport of choice at the collegiate level and 3 musicians are marching in collegiate bands. In addition to these accomplishments, 3 members of the Class of 2024 are National Merit Finalists. Now, go and do GREAT things! We are so proud of you!

Satsuma City Schools Announces New Principal

Satsuma City Schools proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Jason Golden as the new principal of Satsuma High School, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Education at a special meeting held Tuesday morning. Returning to his alma mater, Satsuma High School, Dr. Golden brings a deep-rooted connection and extensive experience to his new role. “As a proud Satsuma alumnus, I am thrilled to be named the new principal of Satsuma High School,” said Golden. “I am a life-long learner who wants to model the importance of education for all. I am dedicated to fostering academic excellence and community engagement.”

For the past nine years, Dr. Golden has served as principal of Mobile County’s Rosa A. Lott Middle School, which received a 2023-2024 CLAS School of Distinction Award, an award that recognizes school programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. He brings more than 15 years of educational leadership experience, has earned the CLAS Certified Instructional Leader credential in 2023 and was recently named the CLAS District 5 Certified Instructional Leader Commissioner.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Jason Golden to our team,” said acting superintendent Dana Price.

“Dr. Golden brings a wealth of expertise in data-driven instruction that promises to elevate our educational standards. His lea dership skills, innovative approach, and commitment to excellence are exactly what our district needs to move the needle and advance Satsuma High School to new heights.”

“I am excited to build on Satsuma’s legacy, enhance our innovative programs, and work collaboratively with the faculty, students, and community,” said Dr. Golden. “My family and I are eager to become a part of the Gator family.”

Dr. Golden will commence his duties as principal on July 1st, bringing his vision and leadership to further elevate Satsuma High School’s educational mission.

St. Pius X Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

St. Pius X has begun offering an interactive, hands-on catechesis approach for children ages 3-6 called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. In CGS, the goal is to help the child fall in love with God in a setting called an “atrium.” We are very excited to have this program at SPX. To learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, visit www.CGSUSA.org. Photo by CC Cox

St. Luke’s Students Learn About Optometry

St. Luke’s lower campus students had an enriching and eye-opening experience as they delved into the fascinating world of optometry during their science lab. The young scholars were introduced to the basics of how our eyes work, giving them a glimpse into the field of eye care and vision science. To make the learning process interactive and fun, the students engaged in a hands-on activity involving a common household item: a spoon.As part of their exploration, the students observed their reflections on both the concave and convex sides of the spoon. They were particularly intrigued to discover that their image appeared upside down when looking at the concave side of the spoon, just like our retina!

Family Atmosphere At Little Flower Catholic School

When older students interact with younger students, everybody benefits. The Viking Advantage at Little Flower embodies these kinds of experiences for students. The older students know they stand as role models and take advantage of the opportunity to lead the younger students.

LeFlore Magnet High School Choir Sings at Carnegie Hall

Leflore Magnet High School’s choir had the incredible opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York. They performed with other high school choirs from around the country in the National Youth Chorus. They also got the chance to see a Broadway play, visit a museum and see some of the Big Apple. “It was a once-in-alifetime experience,” LeFlore Choir Director Angelica Dillon said. “I’m just so grateful we had the opportunity to go.”

CHCA Student Selected to Participate in T.A.L.L Program

Congratulations to Ann Dinkel for being selected for the 2024 – 2025 T.A.L.L. Upon completion of the program, she will be eligible for scholarships. T.A.L.L. is an exclusive program offered to hard-working, exemplary high school students with a desire to expand their horizons and their exposure to businesses and organizations around Southwest Mobile County. We are very proud of this senior for being selected!

Mobile Christian Varsity Cheer Goes to UCA Camp

Mobile Christian Varsity Cheer squad had a great time at UCA camp this summer. They came home with 1st in overall spirit, 1st in cheer, 2nd in camp cheer, 3rd in band chant, and took home the BANANA which is awarded to the school with the most school spirit all week.

St. Dominic Students Thank Pastor

St. Dominic pastor, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, received some well deserved “thanks” from students for all he does to make our school great.

St. Ignatius Expands Resources for Students with Learning Differences

St. Ignatius is thrilled to announce the expansion of their Student Success Services program with an on-site psychometrist, Karen Shirah. Ms. Shirah currently works diligently with 3rd5th grade students possessing learning differences. She will continue to serve this niche. Additionally, Ms. Shirah will offer on campus psychometric testing, testing interpretation and work to cultivate a custom success plan strategy for any Impala student in need. She recently earned her certification from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and is excited to put her new knowledge and passion for helping students succeed to work. Congratulations, Ms. Shirah! “Go forth, and set the world on fire!”-St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Luke’s Hip Performance

St. Luke’s “Groovy Beginning” was a HIP success! The 2nd - 5thgrade students put on an impressive show, shining brightly on the BIG stage with their singing and dancing talents. A special round of applause goes out to Mr. D, the JV Cheerleaders, the band, the tech and backstage crew, and all who played a role in bringing this “far out” evening to life!

Council Unveils New Playground

We are overjoyed to announce that the installation of our new playground is finally complete. At Council Traditional School, we are immensely grateful for this fantastic addition that promises endless fun, laughter, and healthy play for our students. Let the adventures begin!

Davidson High Receives Grant for Culinary Program

Davidson High School is one of 40 high schools nationwide selected to receive a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to enhance their

ProStart culinary arts and restaurant management program with new equipment, curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities. The funds from the Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant Program will help our culinary program start a competition team; Mrs. Baxter plans to use the funds to buy uniforms, food supplies, and pay for travel. She says, “I am thrilled to receive this Rachael Ray grant for our students. This grant will help to ease some of the financial burden for students on the culinary competition team at Davidson. What a blessing!” Congratulations to Mrs. Baxter and the culinary program at DHS!

HCA Science Students Spend a Day with USA’s School of Computer Science

This field trip is a favorite amongst the high school science students who spent a day with some computer science professors. The first class involved hands-on detail learning about digital forensics. The students learned how to write programming language to hide code within the system. Dr. Black and his associates were well-informed on the topic. The second class of the day was an introduction to drones and AI. Dr. Segev and his team demonstrated a live drone invasion in real time. Their dog was an absolute hit but not your average furry critter. It was a cyber dog that knew commands and greeted the entire class. Dr. Kibby’s lecture on cyber ethics followed a brief on-campus lunch break. It was a wonderful day. HCA’s students learnedso much. We appreciate USA’s computer science department faculty and how well they work with our students.

Davidson High IB Candidates Earn Diplomas

For the 2nd year in a row, Davidson High School is thrilled to announce that all IB candidates for the Class of 2024 have earned the IB diploma! Congratulations, DHS IB Class of 2024! We look forward to seeing you succeed next year.

Spark Studio Learners Publish

Book

The Spark Studio learners at Cultivate Studios Mobile beam with pride and excitement as they became official Authors & Illustrators publishing their first book: “Curious Kids from Cultivate Studios”. They each spent the summer session writing their drafts, peer editing and working hard to complete the final copy!

St. Pius X Class of 1975

Calling all Cardinals! This is a photo of the class of 1975. We are celebrating 70 years of St. Pius X and want all our alumni to join us. Call us, and we will let you know about all the festivities this year! Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal!

Cypress Grove Academy Celebrates Graduates

CGA had the privilege to honor our 2024 kindergarten graduates and concluded the school year with presentations of awards and musical performances.

The Alabama School of Math and Science Opens College-Level Research Facility

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the E. O. Wilson Science Research Center, named after famous Alabamian and “the father of biodiversity,” Dr. Edward O. Wilson. The facility is designed to support advanced STEM learning and the ASMS Research Fellows Program. Research Fellows is an innovative educational program where ASMS students are paired with a faculty mentor to work on a college-level research project throughout the school year. The program participants submit their work for competition at regional and state science fairs, regularly taking home top awards. All participants present at the school’s Spring Research Forum, where alumni evaluators provide feedback, and some students go on to deliver presentations at national conferences. The world-class 32,000 square foot facility includes dedicated research rooms, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, upgraded classrooms, innovative technology, and collaboration spaces. To date, ASMS Research Fellows Program students have pursued a range of projects including Heavy Metal Toxicity in Plants, Pop Music in Culture, Small Angle X -ray Scattering, Genetic Algorithms, Solar Sail Deployment Systems in Outer Space, Poetry in Puerto Rico, and many more. In addition to research opportunities, the Wilson Science Research Center is expected to support workforce development in Alabama by preparing ASMS students to fill the need for high-level STEM jobs. Students will have hands-on learning opportunities to develop skill sets ranging from critical thinking to collaboration to problem solving to data analysis to communication and more. The school aims for ASMS graduates to be even more prepared to gravitate to the top of their professional fields and help solve some of Alabama’s most pressing challenges.

The school would specifically like to thank Governor Kay Ivey and the members of the PSCA committee for seed funding the Wilson Science Research Center as well as the donors, foundations, families, alumni, and friends of ASMS who gave generously to provide the rest of the funds needed to open this new facility.

happens Amazing

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

Childrens AL •org

Alma Bryant High and Causey Middle Have Done it Again!

Shoot-off to earn a $4,000 scholarship, and received the $1,000 Academic Archer Scholarship.

Causey’s Alaina Percherke was fourth in middle school girls Bullseye and teammate Logan Taylor was fifth in middle school boys.

Bryant’s Kaitlyn Hastings and Talah Coleman were 13th and 17th in high school girls Bullseye, respectively. Coleman also finished fourth in the Scholarship Shoot-off, earning a $2,000 scholarship.

Dawes Intermediate’s Makynzie Thompson won the elementary school girls category in 3D and placed 11th in Bullseye.

Emilie McConnell was the top finisher for Baker, placing 22nd in high school girls Bullseye.

Alma Bryant High and Causey Middle have done it again! After standing out at the Eastern Nationals, Bryant won the high school division and Causey won the middle school category at the NASP Championship Bullseye Tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla. Causey also placed third in the 3D Championship. Top individual performances: Grand Bay Middle’s Gunnar Couch shot 295 in Bullseye and 293 in 3D to win the middle school boys category in both competitions. He also placed second in the Scholarship

Blount Junior Receives Associates Degree

Carly Loni Eaton, a junior at Mattie T. Blount High School, received her associate in liberal arts from Coastal Alabama Community College on May 10, 2024. In October of 2023, Carly was inducted into PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY (PTK) an honor society for junior colleges that requires a cumulative 3.5 grade point average (GPA) to be eligible for membership. PTK was established to give recognition to community college students with excellent scholarship and character and has maintained fidelity to its founders’ commitment to provide enrichment in four hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Keep in mind, Carly was a junior in high school while accomplishing these goals. Carly is actively involved in several activities at Blount High School too, making this accomplishment even more impressive. She is on the A/B honor roll, a member of National Honor Society, an Ambassador for Blount High School, a varsity cheerleader, and a member of Health Occupation Students of America/ HOSA. “Working with Carly is a highlight of my job as an Assistant Principal. Carly is a young lady of outstanding character: disciplined, hardworking, trustworthy, loyal, and responsible,” writes her assistant principal, Dr. Alicia S. Farrell. Congratulations Carly!

Red, White, and Blue at St. Dominic

Red, white and blue bomb pops put smiles on these campers’ faces at St. Dominic.

Students Receive Awards at National History Day

Congratulations to Murphy High School’s Nakeria Woods and Clark-Shaw Magnet’s Ashton Dunklin for winning “Outstanding Affiliate Entry” awards at National History Day at the University of Maryland in June. Only two projects from each state receive this recognition. Woods, left, won for her paper, “Zora Neale Hurston’s Anthropological Eyes: An Examination of the Anthropological Work and Impact of Zora Neale Hurston.” Dunklin won for his documentary, “The NBA and ABA Merger.”

St. Mary’s Vacation Bible School Offers fun for All!

Under the direction of St. Mary’s Vacation Bible School Coordinator Elizabeth Blanchette and her crew of volunteers, 85 St. Mary VBS campers enjoyed a fun and faith-filled week! The week was led by a team of adult volunteers assisted by 34 youth volunteers from 6th through 12th grade. St. Mary’s thanks all who donated their time and talent to make this “Radical Ride on the Wings of Prayer” possible! Photo by Marcelle Naman

HCA Lions Compete at Nationals

Heartwood Christian Academy’s Archery Team earned the honor of competing at Nationals in Kentucky. The team competed in a total of five tournaments in two days.

Congratulations to Jondavid Norstedt, Jarek Hoach, Josalyn Hoach, Annalyn Scott, Laila Evans, Bethany Newell, and McKenzie Peighton for scoring personal bests.

Congratulations to archer Josalyn Hoach for ranking 10th place in middle school girls nationally and 1st place in Alabama in the 2024 Genesis Indoor World Championship. Congratulations on a job well done to ALL of HCA’s archers for successfully competing in their first National Tournament and to their talented coach, Shelley Kirk. Go Lions!

Davidson High’s Varsity and Junior Cheerleaders at UCA Cheer Camp

Davidson High School’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders declared UCA Cheer Camp was a success! The squad worked hard, won the banana and the jump off, bonded at OWA, dressed in their Golden Era, and took home some trophies! JV came in first place in the JV division for all three categories! Varsity came in 2nd place in the Varsity division for all three categories! Varsity also won the Leadership Award out of ALL the schools and divisions! DHS also had a total of 7 girls (5 JV and 2 VA) make All American! Go Warriors!

St. Dominic Welcomes New Families

Ellie and Avery were out welcoming one of the many new families to St. Dominic. We’re getting excited for the 2024-25 school year.

Corpus Christi Library King!

Congratulations to fourth grader, David Zylinkski, named Library King after earning 425 AR points!

CHCA Student Participates in DYW

Congratulations to senior, Emma Rose Tillman, as she represented CHCA at Distinguished Young Women! She was awarded a total of $104,000 in scholarships from various colleges and universities. CHCA junior, Gracie Mills participated as her Little Sister.

St. Dominic Students Stay Sharp Over Summer

No summer academic slide for these guys. They are staying sharp by building electric circuits at St. Dominic.

Bright Academy in “The Lion King”

Bright Academy partnered with Sunnyside Theatres to perform live in the production of “The Lion King.”

Little Flower Students Say Thank You

There are never enough ways to say Thank You to teachers, but students at Little Flower Catholic School tried to get the message across to their fine teachers. Students from every grade level helped to spell out their gratitude for all that the teachers have done for them.

SECME Water Bottle Rocket Team

The SECME water bottle rocket team from Clark-Shaw Magnet won third place in the national competition. During the virtual competition hosted by the University of Florida, the Clark-Shaw team of Kaylee Harwell, Hannah Collins, and Evie Weeden presented the engineering concepts they used to design their water bottle rocket. They were invited to national competition after winning the regional SECME competition at Bishop State Community College in April.

Echoes of Traditions: The Bell Parade from Julius T. Wright to St. Luke’s & Summer Send-Off

When St. Luke’s University Campus was the Julius T Wright School for Girls, Mr. Gus Hamner, their headmaster, would walk through the halls ringing his bell. This tradition signaled that the year was officially over and students would exit their classrooms and fall in behind him as they paraded to the Quad for ice cream. Mr. Hamner donated that bell to St. Luke’s with the request that the head of school continue this tradition. In May of 2010, Mr. Palmer Kennedy, did just that. And every year since, with the exception of 2020, because of Covid, we have honored that request. Mrs. Banks began the parade by the gym and as she passed classrooms, students joined the group being led to the Quad for a summer send-off with popsicles!

St. Mary’s Summer Redo!

St. Mary’s Catholic School is getting some new changes this summer including an elementary and middle school switch, and many facility upgrades. St. Mary’s thanks the families who came out to sort through items and move furniture and classroom supplies to prepare for the makeover! Pictured are the Mom and Daughter Kristen and Mary Augusta Zimlich having fun finding treasures in the move! Please

Mobile County Public School Has Top Two School Nurses

Alabama’s top two school nurses are at Mobile County Public Schools. Larry Scott, LPN, of CLC was named the state’s LPN of the Year, and Dr. Amir English, RN, of LeFlore Magnet was named the RN of the Year by the Alabama Association of School Nurses. Congratulations to these two outstanding professionals.

St. Ignatius Has the Best Teachers!

Mrs. Zakutney (3rd) and Mrs. Hodges (1st) spent 5 days at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab this summer studying climate, sea level changes, living shorelines, weather systems, and coastal land restoration. Both teachers are in charge of the Science curriculum in their grade levels and have a natural love for the subject. Mrs. Zakutney is even known to ship in special projects for the kids to dissect each year! At St. Ignatius, teachers believe a hands-on learning approach is the most effective. Thanks for being amazing teachers, Mrs. Zakutney and Mrs. Hodges!

Corpus Christi Student Receives Junior Citizenship Award

Congratulations to Molly Stokes for receiving the Junior Citizenship Award in recognition of her leadership, service, and scholarship. Thank you, Midtown Optimist Club, for presenting this prestigious award.

St. Luke’s K5 Students Study Transportation

To conclude their transportation study, St. Luke’s kindergarten classes celebrated with a delightful drive-in movie event that was nothing short of magical. The library was transformed into a drivein theater, complete with a large screen, a parking lot full of handmade box cars, and snacks. The event was successful, leaving the students with cherished memories of their transportation study.

Class of 2024 Mobile County Graduates Received

Scholarships

Several Class of 2024 Mobile County Public Schools graduates received generous scholarships from the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile. Nakeria Woods of Murphy and Josef Holloway of Davidson each received $40,000 over four years to attend the University of South Alabama. Murphy graduate Kayleigh Morgan received $4,000 over two years to attend Bishop State Community College. Kelvin Edwards of Davidson received $5,000 to attend Alabama A&M University in honor of charter member Richard Davis. The following students received scholarships of $500 or more: Ryan Mosley, Dillon Hudson, Brekiylah Shelton and Aryn Williams of Baker; Leah Phillips and Jaden Nathan of Blount; Andrew Pope of Davidson; Marlon Arrington Firle of Mary G. Montgomery; Jordyn Kennedy and Logan Mitchell of Murphy; and Jordan Guyton of B.C. Rain.

Little Flower Catholic Vacation Bible School

Bible verses, crafts, songs, snacks and prayers were all part of Little Flower Vacation Bible School. The SCUBA theme set the stage for learning about the ever-flowing love of God. The high energy week was made possible through the volunteers who seemed to enjoy the week as much as the student attendees.

St. Pius X Celebrates 70 Years

St. Pius X is celebrating 70 years of being established as a parish in the archdiocese. In addition, they are celebrating Mrs. Alvarez’s 25th year as principal of St. Pius X. “I would love to see everyone who went to SPX while I was a student here, or a student in my 2nd-grade class, the computer lab, or the last 25 years as principal. Celebrate with us!”

Mobile Middle Scholars Bowl Team Competes in National Tournament

The Middle School Scholars Bowl team from Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies qualified for and competed virtually in a national tournament this summer, finishing as one of the top 16 teams in the country. Sara Lovelace, Garrett Philips, and Greta Roddy competed in the final playoffs, with Roddy participating virtually while vacationing in Germany. Cash Tillman and Sydney McGough also competed during the preliminary rounds.

Council Celebrates Excellence

We are incredibly proud of Myles Hesley, a rising 5th grader from Council Traditional School, for his eloquent delivery of the convocation, grace, and benediction at the 100 Black Men 23rd Annual Gala. The theme of the evening, “Empowering Youth Through Education,” was truly embodied by Myles’ inspiring words. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, with over $100,000 awarded to support their educational journeys.

Eagles of the Year

Eagles of the Year are honored at the Cultivate Studios Mobile End of the Year Exhibition Ceremony! Paisley Azzem and Maks Abbott Young were nominated by their peers for consistent character attributes such as kindness, leadership, hard-work and fun! Director Sydney Loper presents them with their awards!

The St. Mary’s Fifth GradeKindergarten Buddy Tradition!

St. Mary’s fifth grade and kindergarten students hold the buddy tradition that began at St. Mary’s so many years ago! At the beginning of each school year, each kindergartener is paired with a fifth grade student who becomes their buddy and shows them the ropes of what it is like to be in the “big” school. These buddies attend weekly Mass together, do arts and crafts together, and have fun reading time together. Many of these buddies become lifelong friends long after leaving the doors of St. Mary’s! Such a fun Mustang tradition! Photo by Marcelle Naman

Covenant Christian School Names New Principal

Felicia Boren, the newly named Principal at Covenant Christian School is excited about the new school year and we’re thrilled to share her story! Felicia has been at Covenant Christian since 2019 and was named Principal in February 2024. During her CCS tenure, she’s served as an academic advisor, 1st grade and K5 teacher. Prior to arriving at CCS she was a teacher and administrator for 35 years in both private and public schools. Married for 40+ years with two married daughters and 3 beautiful grandchildren, Felicia appreciates her blessings. Originally from the Birmingham area, she moved to Mobile in 1994. Starting out in the West Mobile area until moving to Midtown in 2021. Felicia graduated from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She later earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham.

The combination of faith and education is what initially drew her to the Christian education field. When we spoke with Felicia, she had the following to share. “I am honored to be part of a school with a strong tradition of excellence. Our emphasis on high academic standards along with spiritual growth provides our students with a solid foundation.”

Our doors are always open and we welcome families in the Mobilearea to visit our website www.covenantschool.com and social media platforms to learn more about us.

to represent CHCA at Girls State, a weeklong program dedicated to teaching young women about responsible citizenship, leadership, and patriotism. During the program, students dive into the political process by electing officials at all levels of state government and running a mock government. Jordis had the honor of being elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate and leading Senate Legislative Meetings. Out of 370 participants, she also earned the honor of being the first alternate for Girls Nation.

Teacher-student cooperation is an important alliance that starts at home and affects a child’s entire academic career. Having positive relationships with teachers throughout twelve years of school can make the difference between a child who adores school and all it encompasses and a child who dreads school and struggles on a daily basis.

By the time school starts each fall, teachers have already invested years of education, practice, and preparation into getting this school year off to a great start. Most parents want their children to succeed in school but sometimes students and parents inadvertently get off on the wrong foot with teachers. How can parents encourage kids to meet educational professionals halfway?

Here are 10 tips for helping your child cultivate positive, supportive, and mutually respectful relationships with teachers from the first day of school forward.

1. Attend meet-the-teacher activities. No matter what the age of your child, don’t miss an opportunity to get to know the teacher as a both an educator and a person. It’s always appropriate for teachers and students to share things about their lives with each other as a way of bonding and getting to know each other.

2. Set positive expectations about teachers with your child. Even if the teacher your child was assigned is new or not the current parent favorite, express enthusiasm to your child about learning with the teacher she will have.

3. Communicate your child’s needs. If you can send an email to the teacher a week before school starts, that’s good timing. But it’s never too late to keep your child’s teacher up to date on your child’s specific challenges, especially those that will affect his ability to learn.

4. Let the teacher do the teaching. Once the year kicks off, assume a supporting role. Express interest in your child’s academic work and school activities but try to let her tackle challenges like homework and projects herself.

5. See how well your child can meet standards on his own. Schools set up checkpoints like teacher conferences to assess student progress. Use these opportunities to find out how well your child is doing in school. Be relaxed and openminded about any reports, especially if they are not what you were hoping to hear.

6. Coach from the backseat. No parent likes to see a child falter. But facing struggles can be helpful in building character and teaching him lessons about himself. Don’t do your child’s work for him. Take on a cheerleading stance instead.

7. Get more structured support as needed. If the year is at the halfway point and your child is not making solid academic progress, and you have exhausted the school’s resources, consider a private tutor, a learning service like Kumon or a tutoring service like Sylvan. Try to find a private tutor with reasonable rates using an online tutor-finder like Care.com.

8. Participate. Three common commitments are parent-teacher meetings, school events, and parent volunteering. But don’t be at the school 24-7. If your child gets the sense that you are appropriately committed and engaged in the spirit of the school without hovering, she can relax, participate, and focus on doing her best.

9. Don’t pressure. Meet your student wherever he is. There is no point in projecting your prior academic success onto your child or pressing him to achieve more than he is reasonably capable of accomplishing. Love and appreciate your child as a whole person, not just a grade at the end of the year, and he will feel secure and motivated.

10. Express gratitude. Offer teachers an inexpensive card or gift at holiday time and the end of the year. But don’t write the thank-you note for your child. Help her write it herself instead until she is old enough to take over the job.

Christina Katz is a freelance writer and frequent contributor. MBP

“I grew up in a family of great cooks and it was definitely passed on to me. My mom is one who will make homemade tortillas to go with Mexican night,” shared Lauren Pritchett. “In high school, all my friends wanted to spend the night at my house because she would wake up and make a huge breakfast spread with homemade cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, and all the things. Luckily, I was blessed with three boys so the need to cook is also strong in my house!”

Lauren has been married to her college sweetheart Tyler for 11 years. Together they have three boys, whom they often refer to as the Pritchett Punks - Palmer (9), Wright (7), and Nolan (5).

“With three boys all playing sports, we do find ourselves, many a night, enjoying a delicious Municipal Park hamburger between games,” Lauren shared. “We eat together at home as often as we can and even have assigned seats at the table - better for fighting siblings!”

A love for cooking was instilled in Lauren at a young age by both of her parents. As a gift, her parents created a family cookbook for Lauren and her sisters called ‘The Way Mom and Dad Cook for You’, and it is filled with family recipes.

“Cooking is my therapy, so you can find me jamming out, singing, and stirring away in my kitchen most Sundays!”

The Pritchett Punks also like to try their hand in the kitchen. Often times Lauren begrudgingly agrees to share her “therapy” session, but she loves to see them eagerly wanting to help out.

Lauren is the Director of Marketing and Admissions for St. Ignatius Catholic School

and she is grateful to have all her boys attend school there also. With back-toschool season in full swing, Lauren is sharing her BBQ Salmon recipe with Homemade Macaroni and Cheese.

“Salmon is easy, versatile, healthy, and very forgiving to cook. When the boys were young I would make this salmon and they would call it “orange chicken”. Now, they ask for it often,” shared Lauren. “My boys also love a pasta dish, so homemade macaroni is easy and delicious. This recipe is a family recipe from my mom.”

Lauren’s most important piece of advice for anyone who is learning to navigate the kitchen is to never, ever run out of Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning. It is a necessary staple always.

BBQ Salmon aka Lauren’s “Orange Chicken”

Ingredients:

• Salmon filets- skinless, Costco has the best!

Homemade Macaroni

Ingredients:

• 1 box penne pasta (we prefer protein pasta for all pasta dishes)

• 16 oz. Velveeta; diced

• 1 stick butter + 3 tablespoons

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream

• Red pepper flakes

• Salt, pepper, Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 Cup Italian breadcrumbs

• Flour (a few heaping tablespoons)

• Garlic paste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Boil noodles per box, but season water with a tablespoon or two of salt.

3. Make roux at the same time- 1 stick of butter with red pepper flakes until slightly brown. Then, whisk in flour until combined, takes a few minutes.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Coarse salt

• BBQ seasoning (your favorite- we like a spicier one)

• Honey

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Place salmon filet on a roasting pan.

• Coat in the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and a generous amount of BBQ seasoning

• Roast for 20 minutes

• Pull out, drizzle with honey (optional step)

• Variation: Greek Salmon - extra virgin olive oil, salt, greek seasoning (Mr. P’s Greek Seasoning is the best!), top with feta, and bake as directed above.

4. Mix in a tablespoon or two of garlic paste, the diced Velveeta, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning until bubbly. If too thick, add extra milk for desired consistency. Should be thick.

5. Pour cheese sauce over pasta, mix well, and pour into a baking dish.

6. Mix 3 tablespoons of butter with a half cup of breadcrumbs. Top the noodles with the buttered breadcrumbs and bake for 30 minutes.

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 17 years. Together they have three incredible children – two boys, ages 16 and nine, and a sweet girl who will be two in August.

Gabriele is a full-time Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Gulf Shores.

“I’m bored,” my 11-year-old daughter grumbled as she collapsed on to the couch. It was a rare unscheduled moment in her life. I cringed as I recalled what can occur when she has a spontaneous second. At the age of three, I assumed she was quietly playing with her toys only to discover the entire wall was covered with a new crayon drawn mural. We are both happier now she is enrolled in art classes. She prefers being busy which is why she partook in six different extracurricular activities this past spring. Her interests ranged from sign language class to swim team.

Besides avoiding boredom (and messes) there are many benefits to having scheduled activities for your child.

Research by NCES states that students who participated in after school activities had better attendance, higher levels of achievement, and aspirations to higher levels of education.

Better Academic Performance

Even though my daughter was in six different clubs or sports, she received all A’s in her academic classes. By participating in extracurricular activities, a child is able to learn new skills which can be applied to the school setting. For example, my daughter was in the garden club and she used the information she learned about plants in her science class. Sports such as basketball, baseball and football use statistics, addition/subtraction, probability, and geometry which can be applied to math class.

A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. Douglas Reeves studied data at Woodstock High School and found students who were in three or four extracurricular activities during the year had dramatically better grades than those who participated in no extra-curricular activities. There was a study done by the College Board, which found high school extracurricular participation is correlated with higher SAT scores, SAT math by 45 points and SAT verbal scores by 53 points.

More Adaptable

If a child is participating in more than one activity, they will also experience more than one coach or teacher who will have different rules and expectations. They will have the opportunity to meet kids with a range of personalities and interests. These interactions will teach a child how to be adaptable to multiple people and situations.

Maddi and Deborah Khoshaba’s training guide, Resilience at Work, discussed the importance of being adaptable and how when adaptable people lose their jobs they thrive due to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Being adaptable is a skill which can be beneficial both in the school or work setting.

Better Social Skills

Children will gain social skills both from the person in charge of the activity or sport and by interacting with their peers. They also have the opportunity to learn about team work by either playing a sport together or doing a group class such as a musical for drama.

In my daughter’s book club at the end of their discussion of the book they have social time. During one meeting she didn’t read the book, but she still wanted to go to the club since she loved the social interaction with her peers.

Less Screen Time

Common Sense Media research states on average teens spend over 9 hours per day playing video games or watching TV. If children are participating in after school activities they will have less opportunity to either watch TV or play video games and they will hopefully learn new skills.

Decreased Risk of Obesity

According to the CDC obesity has affected about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade.

If a child participates in a sport they will be more active which leads to better health benefits from being physically fit. Even if a child did a club or an after-school activity they will be more active than if they watched TV or played video games.

How to Balance Your Child’s Schedule

Sometimes, even for my daughter, you can have too many activities. I’m always cognizant of her energy level. If she needs to skip an activity once in a while, I let her. When I noticed she wasn’t enthusiastic about going to gymnastics anymore, we both decided it would be best not to sign up for the next session. Most importantly you want to make sure your child is happy and definitely not bored.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, and many other publications. MBP

and performing company. Studios in Mobile and Daphne. Classical ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, and more, with performance opportunities for all ages. Under the direction of Katia Garza, our faculty has extensive performance and teaching experience, enabling us to offer a complete curriculum of pre-ballet to pre-professional levels, including adult classes. Registration available online. (251) 342-2241 www.mobileballet.org

Robinson’s School Of Dance ad on page 35

421 Highway 43 North Saraland, 36571

We offer the best in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Baton, and Acrobats. Robinson’s is home of the award winning “Lynn Robinson Dancers” who have won many local and national competitions. (251) 675-5915 Robinsonsseven@aol.com www.robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Art

Coastal Makers

1260 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36604 Coastal Makers allows anyone and any age to express their creativity through a variety of mediums, tools, textiles & techniques in a fun mess-making environment! (251) 455-2909 www.coastalmakers.com

Mobile Museum of Art

4850 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 MMofA offers classes for all ages including family classes, teen art, kids’, toddler and preschool. (251) 208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Mobile Parks and Rec. Community Activities

Numerous locations Mobile Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Gymnastics, Educational Classes and more. (251) 208-1607 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/

Round But Square Studios: A Children’s Art Studio

3304 Old Shell Road Suite C Mobile, 36608

Our mission is to empower people to live artful lives, develop creative confidence, and experience self-expression through creating. We are a Process Art Studio. (251) 591-3425 www.roundbutsquarestudios.com

Dance

Broadway South Dance Studio ad on page 23

7906 Westside Park Drive Mobile, 36695 Large, diverse faculty headed by a New York

Dance Professional. Spacious studios with Sprung dance floors. Tremendous schedule with plenty to offer at all levels. Limited Class Sizes, Age Appropriate Classes and Choreography Dance lessons offered for ages 2-adult. (251) 639-0660 office@broadwaysouthdance.com www.broadwaysouthdance.com

Debbie’s School Of Dance ad on page 9

6429 Hillcrest Park Court Mobile, 36695 Dance classes for ages 2 – 18. Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Tumbling, Hip Hop, Pointe, Contemporary. We have a state-of-the-art studio equipped with 3 large studios, sprung Marley floors, and more accomodations for our dancers and parents. Register for FALL at debbiesdance.com. (251) 633-9559 debbiesdance2@bellsouth.net www.debbiesdance.com

Gale’s Studio of Dance, Inc. ad on page 15

6345 Airport Blvd (Piccadilly Square/Same Shopping Center as Buffalo Wild Wings) Mobile, 36608 Celebrating our 43rd Dance Season. Classes for ages 2 & Up | Offering ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, character, hip hop, acrobatics and Tip Toes & Tumbling. 2024 - 2025 Fall Dance Classes begin Wednesday, August 28. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @GalesStudioofDance. Register online: GalesStudioofDance.com. (251) 343-9544 www.galesstudioofdance.com

Mobile Ballet ad on page 31

4351 Downtowner Loop North Mobile, 36609

Recognized as the region’s premier school

Sheffield School of the Dance ad on page 29

1901 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36606 4570 Hermitage Avenue Mobile, 36619

Celebrating over 80 Years of Excellence! Mobile & Baldwin’s #1 choice in dance. 8x Nappie Award winner. Age 3 thru Adult. Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap and Acro. Become part of the #SheffieldLegacy! (251) 219-7877 info@sheffielddance.net www.sheffielddance.com

CC Dance Studio and Company

2560 Leroy Stevens Road Mobile, 36695

Our main emphasis are in building children’s character and self-esteem, while teaching them a technical art in a positive and supportive environment with excellent instruction, facilities and equipment. (251) 639-1106 www.ccdancestudioandcompany. com/cc-contact-us.htm

Classical Ballet of Mobile

4621 Spring Hill Avenue, Suite C Mobile, 36608

Nurturing a love of classical ballet through superb training, artistic excellence, and wholesome performance opportunities for Pre-Ballet through Advanced dancers. (251) 410-4477 www.classicalballetmobile.org

Dance Academy of West Mobile

3456 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695

The Dance Academy of Mobile embraces all things creative! We specialize in all genres of dance and other skills essential in the performing arts. (251) 209-7774 thedanceacademyofmobile.net

Dance Without Limits

4715 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608

Offering dance classes exclusively to the special needs community! Preschool through adults. All dancers will perform at a recital! (251) 610-4969 dancewithoutlimitsfoundation.org

Grace Dance Center

208 Saraland Blvd S Suite F3 Saraland, 36571

Our goal is to not only teach the art of dance, but to ignite a passion and love of dance within a Christian conservative atmosphere. (251) 234-7982 www.gdcdance.com

How Fine Arts Program

2410 Dawes Rd. Suite H Mobile, 36695

HOW offers Drama, Dance, Tumbling, Art, Music, Film. We teach technique but more importantly we want the students to learn how to use their gifts to honor the Lord.

251-895-5380 www.how-mobile.com

Jubilee School of Dance

6245 Old Rangeline Road Theodore, 36582

Our vision is to offer instruction in various forms and style of dance for children and young adult. We offer classes in classical ballet, tap, lyrical, pre-dance, hip hop and aerial silks. jubileeschool.dance@gmail.com

Kelly’s Dance Academy

9420 Alabama 188 Irvington, 36544

Kelly’s Dance Academy is a National Award Winning Studio welcoming all dancers of all skill levels. (251) 605-3960 www.facebook.com/KDA5678

Maccrossan School of Irish Dance

MobileWe teach kids of all ages the traditional jigs, reels, hornpipes, and ceili dances of the beautiful art form that is Irish dancing. (228) 239-2422 Maccrossanirishdance.jigsy.com

Melinda Leigh Performing Arts Center

6641 Moffett Road Mobile, 36618

Highly trained staff who have your child’s best interest at heart! Our studio features with many classes offered to fit your busy schedule! (251) 649-6361 facebook.com/melindaleighdance

Mobile Bay Dance Academy, Inc.

3055 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607 Mobile Bay Dance Academy Inc. is committed to providing professional dance instruction inspiring self awareness and self discipline through the passion and love of dance. (251) 455-3044 mobilebaydanceacademy.com

Next Generation Dance Center

5721 Hwy 90 West, Suite C Theodore, 36582

Promoting self-worth, discipline, and self-expres-

sion through the art of dance. (251) 591-9899 nextgenerationdancecenter.net

Precision Dance Academy

168 Noel Street Mobile, 36607

Starting our dancers at 2 years old, Your Child’s individual progress is our main Focus. All Dance Styles, Beginner to Advanced. (251) 308-8252 www.facebook.com/ThePrecision. DanceCompany

Rhythm Dance Center

2355 Snow Road Semmes, 36575

We offer recreational classes as well as an outstanding performance team. We welcome students from the age of 2 & up into our studio. (251) 776-8603 www.facebook.com/therhythmdancecenter/

Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio

8665 Four Mile Road Irvington, 36544

Offering the best in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Baton, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Cheer. (Ages 2 and up). Come join our national award-winning studio! Now accepting registration, classes start August 13th.

(251) 455-1866 www.facebook.com/Robinsons bayoustudio/

The Dance Academy of West Mobile

3456 Hillcrest Road, Bldg B5 Mobile, 36695

Our mission is to give our students, a solid foundation in dance technique while encouraging creativity and self-expression. (251) 209-7774 thedanceacademyofmobile.net

Turning Pointe Dance Academy

7450 Three No?tch Road Mobile, 36619

We are a conservative studio that gives each child

the individual attention that they deserve. At TPDA every child is a star!

(251) 602-8900 www.tpdadancefamily.com

Education - STEMTutoring

Huntington Learning Center ad on page 13

2370 Hillcrest Road #D Mobile, 36695

After school, students attend tutoring to build stronger academic skills so they will be more confident & motivated to succeed in school. We teach reading, writing & math for grades K-12. We offer ACT & SAT Prep, 1:1 with highly qualified teachers, for students trying to qualify for scholarships or college admission. Call 251-525-9238 to learn more. (251) 525-9239 www.huntingtonhelps.com

Read-Write: The Learning Center

ad on page 7

4308 Downtowner Loop N Mobile, 36609

Read-Write specializes in academic language therapy for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, including math and writing. One-on-one, intensive reading instruction during and after school hours. Also serving Saraland and Jackson, AL at our satellite offices. (251) 287-1822 www.readwritelearningcenter.com

USA Literacy Center ad on page 4

UCOM 3138 Mobile, 36688

USA Literacy Center offers reading and writing tutoring for children kindergarten through twelfth

Gymnastics

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center offers various recreational gymnastics classes for children of differing ability levels and ages. 18 months - high school. (251) 367-6182 www.facebook.com/cottage.hill. gymnastics.center/

Mrs Lisa’s Gym & Cheer

144 East I-65 Service Road North Mobile, 36607

A strong commitment to tumbling, cheerleading, competitive cheer, and building confidence. Preparing athletes for cheerleading at any level. (251) 471-9708 www.facebook.com/alabamajags/

Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics

102 Baker Road Satsuma, 36572

grade. Individual and/or small group reading and writing tutoring. Monday - Thursday, August 23December 9, 3:30 - 7:30 pm. Initial Assessment Fees: $75. Individual Session: $40. Family and military discounts are available. (251) 380-2891 www.southalabama.edu/literacy

All About Sewing

590 Schillinger Road S, Suite D Mobile, 36695 Classes available. (251) 634-3133 www.allaboutsewinginc.com

Bloom Play Studio

2561 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607

Now offering an after-school Kids Cooking program for children ages 3-10. Classes also include STEM lessons, slime-making, sensory/ messy play, crafts and much more! Follow us on Instagram/Facebook for more information. (251) 298-6389 www.bloomplaystudio.com

Class 101 Mobile

1555 S University Blvd, Ste 101 Mobile, 36609

We help high school students navigate the college application process and qualify for higher amounts of scholarships and financial aid. Your partner for college planning, admissions, test preparation, and scholarships. (251) 529-6811 www.class101.com/mobileal/

Gather Place Kids

4358 Midmost Drive Suite A Mobile, 36609

Gather together for Classes, Open Play, Storytimes & Birthday Parties! We’re all about creative play for littles. Ages 0-7. www.facebook.com/gatherkidsplace

Lindamood-Bell Learning

2864 Dauphin Street, Suite D Mobile, 36606 Lindamood-Bell helps children and adults improve

language processing—the foundation of all communication and learning. (251) 473-6808 www.lindamoodbell.com/location/ mobile-al-learning-center

Mathnasium

7721 Airport Boulevard E-130 Mobile, 36608

Mathnasium of Mobile helps kids in grades K-12 understand math by teaching in a way that makes sense to them.

(251) 490-8890 www.mathnasium.com/mobile

Philip Martin ACT Prep

Philip Martin, a certified educator with over 1,000 hours of in-person ACT preparation experience, offers classes in Mobile and Fairhope. These classes are designed to prepare teenagers to do their best on an upcoming ACT exam. www.theactsystem.com

STARTSMART College BoundCareer Ready

A full service provider of college prep, career planning, resume writing and other skills. (251) 767-5446 https://startsmartcollegebound.org/

The Smartatorium

4505 Old Shell Rd Mobile, 36608

One-on-one tutoring for all math, science, humanities, and languages; grades 6-12, AP, and early college. One-on-one test prep for ACT/SAT, SSAT, GRE, FE. (251) 660-4254 www.smartatorium.com

The Think Tank Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring for grades K-12 in ALL Subjects. ADHD Coaching, homework help, test prep and more. Get a head start on school struggles before they begin! 251-300-9697 www.thinktankminds.com

Classes for all levels of Tumbling and Cheerleading! (251) 599-2205 Find us on Facebook

Nasser Gymnastics and Cheerleading

3055 Old Shell Road Mobile, 36607

Nasser Gymnastics is proud to have served Mobile for over 50 years! With small class sizes and positive reinforcement, Nasser Gymnastics provides a fun, safe, and progressive environment for all students!

(251) 479-9311 nassergym.com

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road South #B Mobile, 36695

For boys and girls all levels. 17,500 sf, airconditioned, state-of-the-art facility. Bouncing Babies and Preschool Classes, Girls & Boys Developmental Classes, Teams for Girls and Boys, Cheer Squad, Trampoline and Tumbling Classes . (251) 650-0699 www.planetgym.org

Rogue Allstars

8700 Zeigler Boulevard Mobile, 36608

We offer tumbling and stunt classes, competitive all star cheer teams, school cheer classes, skills clinics, and open gym. (251) 634-0203 www.rogueallstars.com/mobile

Horseback Riding

Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm

10727 El Nina Drive Mobile, 36608

SLF offers English riding lessons to children four years and up. We teach safety, grooming and riding. our school horses are safe! Please come visit our beautiful farm and horses! Email to set up a visit.

(251) 634-1229 www.silverliningfarm.net

Sandstone Equestrian Center

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road Mobile, 36695

Our lesson program is open to riders of all ages and experience levels. We specialize in dressage and eventing while teaching the basics of English riding.

(251) 633-8088 sandstoneequestriancenter.com

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road Grand Bay, 36541

We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! We offer lessons in western style riding.

(251) 391-4268 www.starlightstables.weebly.com

Martial Arts

Inner Strength Martial Arts

ad on page 23

9120 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608

Our After School Program handles all your child’s needs. If your workplace keeps you late, we’ll pick your child up from school. We offer fun games, activities, homework help and Taekwondo classes to keep your child active and occupied. (251) 776-1978 www.innerstrengthmobile.com

MAX3 Martial Arts

2410 Dawes Rd Mobile, 36695

Improve your child’s focus, discipline, and confidence with our kids martial arts classes. Reach your full potential with MAX3 Martial Arts. (251) 307-5676 https://max3training.com/

MAX3 Martial Arts

1261 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695

Improve your child’s focus, discipline, and confidence with our kids martial arts classes. Reach your full potential with MAX3 Martial Arts. (251) 633-5808 https://max3training.com/

McLean’s Martial Arts & Fitness

1490 Celeste Road Saraland, 36571

Highly specialized martial arts classes for children and adults taught by nationally certified instructors. (251) 675-9662 www.mcleansmartialarts.com

Port City Combat Sports

7335 Airport Blvd., Ste A Mobile, 36695

A place where kids and families can learn martial arts, self-defence, get in shape, improve their self-confidence, and gain life skills such as how

to become a leader and control their emotions. Contact us for a free introductory class. (251) 232-9251 https://portcitycombatsports.com/

Shaolin Institute

704 Lakeside Drive Mobile, 36693

Discover discipline, focus, and fun in our after-school kung fu program! Build confidence, learn self-defense, and make friends in a supportive environment. Join us for exciting martial arts adventures! (251) 662-3225 www.shaolin-world.net

Springhill Taekwondo

1704 Government Street Mobile, 36604

Our unique approach to Martial Arts instruction provides TKD classes for all ages in Mobile with positive results specific to each individual student’s needs. (251) 554-5425 www.springhilltaekwondo.com

Music

Full Scale School of Music/ Azalea City Center For the Arts

ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606

Classes and private lessons for those interested in learning an instrument. Daniel Driskell, Directorpiano, guitar, bass, mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, flute/Angela Rayburn – piano/David White - drums, percussion/Carson Dyer - guitar, bass/Laryssa Burgess, piano/Natalie Blackburn - violin, viola, cello/Shane Philen - woodwinds, music theory and piano/Elizabeth Weaver - violin and cello. (251) 454-6591 fullscaleschool@gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com

Andy’s Music Inc.

1412 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695

We are a full-line musical instrument store in Mobile offering lessons, rentals, instrument repair, and a complete music department. (251) 633-8944 www.andysmusic.com/pages/ andys-music-lessons

Broussard’s Academy of Music

3154 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, 36606

Broussard’s Piano Gallery is proud to offer high quality piano lessons. All of our teachers are accredited members of the local music teachers association, and have multiple years experience teaching.

(251) 344-8856 www.broussardspianos.com

Kindermusik

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609

Trusted. Proven. Educational. And of course, fun! Our studio is proud to offer Kindermusik, the world’s leading provider of music and movement programs for young children! (251) 510-1099 www.kindermusikatchristunited.com

Mobile Music Teachers Association

Mobile Music Teachers Association is an organization of professional teachers offering piano, strings, theory, organ, voice, violin, cello and early childhood music. www.mobilemta.org

Mobile School of Piano

Private Piano Lessons for ages 4 to adult. Learn how to sight-read, play by ear, improvise and more in a fun, uplifting environment! Call today for a free trial lesson! (251) 209-5352 www.mobileschoolofpiano.com

Mobile Symphony Strings in Schools, String Academy and Chamber Strings Mobile & Eastern Shore

The Mobile Symphony offers during and after school strings in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Several wonderful opportunities for any string instrument and level. More information at www. mobilesymphony.org. (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org

Mobile’s Singing Children

MobilePremier youth choir on the Gulf Coast. Students in grades 2nd-12th perform choral music in four age-appropriate ensembles. To schedule your audition, please call 251-285-2285 or email mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com. (251) 285-2285 www.mobilesingingchildren.org

Performing Arts

Azalea City Center For the Arts ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East Mobile, 36606 Mobile’s all-Inclusive home for the creative kid; theater, music, dance, gymnastics, voice and more. Class listing available online. Drama classes taught by Sunny Side Theater and Actor’s Edge Studio; Music lessons and Rock Band taught by Full Scale School of Music, Private voice lessons with Dr. Allanda Small, Faith Hezel, Michael Devery, & Dylan Farnell; Gymnastics classes with Chelle Ferguson, Dance classes with Rebekah Howard, Irish Step dancing with Macrossan Irish Step Dance. (251) 510-1808 azaleacity@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.org

Sunny Side Theater/Actor’s Edge ad on page 3

63 Midtown Park East MobileSunny Side Theater offers a variety of after-school drama, dance, and gymnastics classes for all ages. Classes age 4 through high school. Actor’s Edge Studio directed by Eric Browne will offer advanced level acting classes. Main stage productions for the year include Hadestown: Teen Edition, The BFG, Elf Jr, Elephant and Piggie: We’re in a Play and Oliver Jr. (251) 510-1808 dramacamp@mindspring.com www.sunnysidedrama.com

Playhouse in the Park 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 A comprehensive training program of drama, dance, vocal, piano, guitar, and scenic art classes; and an elaborate, full-scale puppet theatre. (251) 422-5434 www.playhouseinthepark.org

The PACT Theatre Company 1495 Rimes Rd. Mobile, 36608

The PACT Theatre Company offers a broad scope of theatre-based educational opportunities for youth & adults. Our program specializes in teaching acting, dance, vocal training, theatre, and college & audition prep. (251) 307-5056 https://thepactmobile.com/

Scouting

Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

Scouting invites every youth to a safe, fun place to learn, explore, and grow. Join Scouting – www. beascout.org (251) 476-4600 www.bsamac.org

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama 3483 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608

Transform ideas into actions, questions into adventures, and grow confidence through practice, every step of the way. GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.

(800) 239-6636 www.girlscoutssa.org

Sports

Christ United Church 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609

The mission of Christ United Church Recreation Ministry’s C-Sports is to offer Christ-centered character building, self-esteem, skill enhancing instruction, and spiritual nurturing to children and families in our community. As a developmental sports program, we always strive to increase skill development, game strategy, game rules, and enjoyment of sports.

High Velocity Sports Performance + Fitness

2513 Leroy Stevens Road Mobile, 36695

Performance Training (Baseball/Softball) Morning Adult Fitness Classes, Batting Cages/Rentals (251) 639-2261 facebook.com/highvelocity251

Lyons Park Tennis Center

180 Lyons Pk. Ave. Mobile, 36603

Five-court, full-service facility. All lighted, all hard court. Professional instruction available. (251) 694-1830 mobiletenniscenter.net/contact

Sports: Baseball (spring), Summer 4-day camps (basketball, cheer), Flag Football (summer), Soccer (fall), Basketball (winter), Cheerleading (winter), Volleyball (late winter-early spring) (251) 706-3326 www.christunitedcsports.com

City of Mobile Swim Assoc. (CMSA) CMSA is a year round swimming team offering programs to all ages and abilities, novice to Olympic level.

(251) 422-0011 www.gomotionapp.com/team/ CMSA/page/home

Cottage Hill Tennis Center 1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, 36695 Ten-court facility. All lighted, all hard court. Professional instruction on-site. (251) 666-9539 www.mobiletenniscenter.net/contact

Empire Athletics

246 Jacintoport Blvd Saraland, 36571

A training facility that focuses on high quality cheer and tumbling instruction. We also have camps, clinics and classes. (251) 620-9780 www.empireathleticstraining.com

Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club

201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, 32502

Master the fundamentals of figure skating or hockey! Group lessons & private coaching for ages 3 to adult, beginners to competitors & skaters with disabilities. Season runs October-April. Visit our website to register. Skaters from Mobile, AL to Panama City, FL. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram! 850-400-3222 www.pensacolafigureskating.com

Gulf Coast Mountain Bike Association

Whether participants aspire to compete or simply enjoy woodland adventures with friends, GCYMBA offers teams across Pensacola, Baldwin County, and Mobile. Those inclined towards competition can test their skills in races organized by the Alabama Cycling Association (ACA) league. gulfcoastcomposite@gmail.com

Heisler Hitting

5017B Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, 36609

Private hitting/pitching instruction for baseball AND softball athletes. (251) 414-0040 www.heislerheatbaseball.com

McCranie ATA

Martial Arts

3385 Schillinger Road N Semmes, 36575 Confidence building martial arts classes. (251) 473-0015 www.mccranieata.com

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction 1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile, 36608 Golf lessons for all ages and skill levels. (251) 490-3812 www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com

Mobile Parks and Rec Community Activities

Numerous locations Mobile

Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Gymnastics, Educational Classes and more. (251) 208-1607 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/

Mobile Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive Mobile, 36608

We offer private and group tennis lessons for all ages taught by SafePlay and USPTA or PTR certified pros. We also have adult and junior clinics for all ages and levels throughout the year. (251) 208-5181 www.mobiletenniscenter.net

P360 Performance Sports

842 Schillinger Rd S Suite B Mobile, 36695

A 30,000 square foot indoor sports facility specializing in baseball, softball, strength & speed training. (251) 307-5548 www.p360performancesports.com

Springhill Baptist Youth Sports

2 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, 36608

We offer several team sports and camps for 5K-6th grade. Our mission is to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports. Playing with Purpose!

(251) 342-5375 www.shbc.cc/ministries/recreationand-activities-at-spring-hill/youth-sports-at-spring-hill/

St. Luke’s Youth Team Sports

3975 Japonica Lane Mobile, 36609

For information on outside participation for students that do not attend St. Luke’s, please email swaite@slesmobile.org. We are now registering for the following Fall sports: (tackle football, flag football, cheerleading, cross country and volleyball). (251) 666-2991 www.slesmobile.org/athletics/ydl

Union 10 Football Club Mobile

Union 10 FC MOBILE is a non profit soccer club for boys and girls focused on player development (251) 219-0021 www.mob.union10football.com

Volleyball

This resource includes information on our indoor, beach, officiating, and coaching programing the GCR offers.

www.gulfcoastvolleyball.org/club-directory MBP

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Online Rentals, and Theatrical Releases

Despicable Me 4

A Quiet Place: Day One

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

The Imaginary

Fly Me to the Moon

When Gru’s vengeful arch-enemy, Maxime, escapes from prison, Gru, Lucy, and their children go into hiding. This film delivers exactly what franchise fans expect: loony action sequences, manic minions, potty jokes, and the ever-entertaining Gru. There are far too many sub-plots stuffed into the script, which weigh it down, but the show maintains a brisk pace nonetheless. Kids will have a whale of a good time at this movie and parents might even chuckle once or twice. Photo ©Universal Pictures

Sam’s dying of a terminal disease and not even an alien invasion is going to stop her from finishing her bucket list. This prequel to the Quiet Place franchise is a brilliantly made, soft-spoken horror flick that is suitable for teen genre fans. Strong character development, excellent acting, and violence that is often relegated off-screen make this film a good choice for people who want to test the waters in horror but don’t want to be scared senseless. Photo ©Paramount Pictures

In the late 1990s, 22 families in a small Texas town took in 77 of the state foster system’s most traumatized children. This is the true story of Pastor W.C. Martin and his wife, Donna, and how they embarked on this adoptive journey and inspired their congregation and country. Full of love, pain, heartbreak, persistence, and hope, this film will uplift viewers, whether or not they share the Martins’ religious beliefs. There is some negative content related to the children’s past histories of abuse, but the movie is still recommended for parents and teens. Photo ©Angel Studios

After a terrible accident separates him from the girl who imagined him into being, Rudger travels to the Town of Imaginaries where he discovers a looming threat to all imaginary friends. This is a stunningly designed film, teeming with light, color, and fantastical creations It also has a smart plot premise, engaging characters, and solid messages about grief and growing up. Sadly, the movie becomes convoluted in the middle act and loses momentum. Despite its beauty, this tale might be too sad and too confusing to become an animated classic Photo ©Netflix

The Nixon White House gives marketing whiz Kelly Jones an offer she can’t refuse: save the public image of NASA and her dubious past will be erased. Once in Florida, she locks horns with Cole Davis, the straight arrow mission director who is driven crazy by her talent for deceit but finds himself falling in love with her. This charming rom-com harks back to classic screwball comedies with zany antics, plentiful laughs, and a romance with lots of chemistry and no bedroom scenes. Recommended for adult and teen genre fans who want to have fun without thinking too hard. Photo ©Columbia Pictures

Around the time my twins turned 13, they stopped talking to me. After a mumbled “Hello” when they got home from school, they would scamper off to their rooms and close their doors, practically in unison.

A lot of us experience this kind of shutting down from our kids, and we’re all looking for ways to bridge the gap.

Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician and cofounder of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says, “It is important to build a foundation of communication skills and establish two-way dialogues early so your teens will feel comfortable coming to you as they mature.”

Kids enter a complex stage of development in middle school.

“They’ve still got one foot planted in childhood, and the other foot stepping into adulthood,” says Ginsburg. “Their bodies are changing, and their emotions are in flux. Plus, they are working to figure out where they fit in with peers, friends, and their communities.”

During this development phase, kids need to learn how to:

* cooperate with others

* negotiate peer situations

* resolve conflict

* empathize with other people’s feelings

* notice nonverbal cues

* learn how to appropriately express their own emotions in a variety of situations

But how do we help our kids develop communication skills when they rarely communicate?

How to Teach Teens to Communicate:

1. Take time to listen.

Ginsburg recommends maintaining a consistent presence in your child’s life. Show curiosity in their interests by asking questions about their latest sports event or dance class and make yourself available when they need to talk.

Even though it may seem like they don’t want to talk to you, it’s important to make the effort to engage them in conversation. When your teen does talk to you, listen carefully to what they say and demonstrate your understanding by rephrasing what they’ve said.

2. Model communication skills.

Even when it seems like your teen is in their room most of the time, they are still paying attention to what you are doing. So make sure you’re modeling the behavior you want to see in them.

“Model skills you want to pass along,” says Ginsburg. “Let them see how you resolve emerging conflicts, bounce ideas off others, and seek help when needed.”

3. Role play.

One way to help your child develop these important communication skills is through role play. They might resist but encourage them to treat it like a game. Try acting out a situation that may be difficult for them, such as which lunch table to sit at, and then offer some suggestions for what they can say in that situation.

When your child isn’t up for talking, try talking about yourself or your daily activities. Taking the pressure off them to communicate may lead them to ask questions and show an interest in what you’re saying—which is one way to help them develop their skills.

There are times when your child may experience peer pressure but is unsure how to navigate the situation. Ginsburg recommends establishing a code word with your child that they can use when they’re feeling pressured. If your child is with friends and uses their code word in a phone call or text to you, that is your cue to tell them, “It’s time to come home now.”

4. Remember they love you, even when they don’t talk.

Most kids learn communication skills through trial and error. It can be frustrating when your previously chatty child turns into a silent teen who doesn’t want to talk to you—or prefers talking with their friends instead. But it’s a normal part of their adolescent development.

“Peers may seem more important, but no one is as valuable as parents,” Ginsburg says. “They still need your love, support, guidance, and structure.”

So I’m doing my part to model the communication skills I want my teens to develop and I’m confident they will find their way, one word at a time.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications.

FamilyCalendar

Thursday August 1

Back to School Give Away at Parkway

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Join us at the Parkway branch and pick up a few tools for school and library information to start your year off right. This program is for children ages 6 to 18. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Kids Day

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Laun Park, 5401 Windmill Drive Mobile, AL, 36693 Let’s come together for an electrifying Teen Glow Foam Party! Pumping up the music and introducing an epic FOAM-TASTIC experience! All teens aged 13-17 are welcome to join us for a thrilling foam glow party filled with music, inflatables, bubbles, and so much more!

www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/kids-dayquarterly-series-2025

Free Movies on the Beach

dusk East End Beach, Dauphin Island, AL Free movies at the beach at dusk. www.townofdauphinisland.org

Friday August 2

Free Movies on the Beach

dusk East End Beach, Dauphin Island, AL Free movies at the beach at dusk. www.townofdauphinisland.org

The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie www.playhouseinthepark.org

Saturday August 3

Colonial Toys & Games

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Colonial Fort Condé, 150 S Royal St Mobile, AL, 36602 Stop by the Fort courtyard anytime between 1 pm and 3pm to learn about colonial era toys, tabletop games, and lawn games, then make your own whirligig toy. For ages 5 (with parent or guardian help) and up. 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie www.playhouseinthepark.org

Sunday August 4

The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie www.playhouseinthepark.org

Tuesday August 6

Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday Celebration (Free)

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens & Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Mobile, AL, 36582 Enjoy complimentary Coca-Cola and delicious cookies as you stroll through the magnificent gardens that Mr. Bellingrath cherished. Mobile and Baldwin County residents receive free admission to the gardens. Simply show proof of residency at the entrance to join the festivities. bellingrath.org/event/mr-bellingraths-birthdaycelebration/

Thursday August 8

Octavia LeVert’s Birthday Celebration ($35) 6:00 PM Oakleigh House Museum, 300 Oakleigh Pl Mobile, AL, 36604 Join us at Oakleigh for an intimate salon discussion about the life of Madame Octavia Walton LeVert. You will spend the evening with author Paula Webb, the foremost authority on the life of Octavia LeVert. A famous Mobile socialite, Madame LeVert was adored by all including poet Edgar Allan Poe. After meeting him at the age of 16, Poe dedicated one of his first poems to Octavia.

https://www.historicmobile.org/event-details-registration/octavia-leverts-salon-and-birthday-celebration

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings

7:00 PM Crown Hall, 853 Dauphin Street Suite A Mobile, AL, 36602 Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Mobile. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay on Strings at Crown Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

www.mobile.org/event/candlelight%3a-a-tribute-tocoldplay-on-strings/21902/

Christopher Cross

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Christopher Cross sails into Mobile August 8th at the Saenger Theatre! www.mobilecivicctr.com/events/venue/saengertheatre

Free Movies on the Beach

dusk East End Beach, Dauphin Island, AL Free movies at the beach at dusk. www.townofdauphinisland.org

Friday August 9

Roll Mobile

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 We are closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink! We will have Lights, a Live DJ, and all the Fun!

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/rollmobile-2024

Free Movies on the Beach

dusk East End Beach, Dauphin Island, AL Free movies at the beach at dusk. www.townofdauphinisland.org

The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie www.playhouseinthepark.org

Saturday August 10

Satsuma 2-Miler

7:30 AM Satsuma Community Center, 368 Juniper Avenue Mobile, AL, 36572 https://portcitypacers.com/

Sisters For Life Health and Wellness Expo

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL, 36602 This is a day that focuses on the overall health of women. A day of education, workshops, panels, speakers, and entertainment. Each of these components will focus on fostering healthier lifestyles, spirit, mind, and body. Our keynote speakers and panelists will consist of experts from these fields. www.nspireu.org/sisters-for-life-2024

Mad Science at Moorer

10:00 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Bring your Child or Teen to the Moorer Branch to explore science with fun and wacky crafts! We’ll be conducting all sorts of experiments. This is suitable for ages 8-14. 251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saraland Movie Adventure: Moana Movie

3:00 PM Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL, 36571 Come enjoy popcorn and a movie at the Saraland Public Library. Before going back to school, take an adventure with Moana 251-675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Three Dog Night Concert

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Three Dog Night Concert mobilecivicctr.com/events/venue/saenger-theatre

The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie www.playhouseinthepark.org

Sunday August 11

The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The Playhouse in the Park Presents Annie www.playhouseinthepark.org

Thursday August 15

ArtSocial

5:30 PM Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 300 Conti St Mobile, AL, 36602 Our 3 Mobile arts organizations — Mobile Arts Council, Alabama Contemporary, and Mobile Museum of Art — are coming together to present the first of a new quarterly arts networking series. We’ll have drinks by donation, games, membership giveaways, and a brief presentation and discussion with our host organizations.

Friday August 16

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

AEG Presents That Girl Lay Lay The Growing Pains Tour

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 That Girl Lay Lay, the talented Nickelodeon star and rising music sensation, is thrilled to announce her highly anticipated first headline tour, titled Growing Pains. Following the success of her hit Nickelodeon series and her chart-topping music releases, Lay Lay is ready to take the stage and captivate audiences across the country with her electrifying performances.

www.mobilecivicctr.com/events/venue/saenger-theatre

STEM Saturdays (Free)

Saturday August 17

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella 7:30 PM 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers. com/

Stem Mobile allows K-12th graders to explore a new S.T.E.M. Activity each month! Every third Saturday join us for hands-on interactive fun! This is a free event that will encourage and engage young minds by

creating projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! Check out the schedule below. New information is updated each month! Register at: https:// stemmobile.stemglobalaction.com/ mobileparksandrec.org

Sunday August 18

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella

2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Tuesday August 20

Game Night

5:00 PM Grand Bay Library, 10329 Freeland Ave Grand Bay, AL, 36541 Join us at the Grand Bay Library to play some of your favorite games! We will alternate between board games, puzzle games, and video games. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wednesday August 21

Wee Exchange Huge Kids’ Resale

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL, 36695 The Largest Children’s Consignment Sale on the Gulf Coast. Helping parents outfit their kids for pennies on the dollar. https://wee-exchange.com/

Thursday August 22

Wee Exchange Huge Kids’ Resale

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL, 36695 The Largest Children’s Consignment

FamilyCalendar special needs

Sale on the Gulf Coast. Helping parents outfit their kids for pennies on the dollar.

https://wee-exchange.com/

Friday August 23

Women’s Leadership Conference

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, College Woods Auditorium, 5860 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 The Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Mobile Area Black Chamber of Commerce and Semmes Chamber of Commerce present the Second Annual Women’s Leadership Conference this August with Keynote Speaker, Sharon McDougle. https://business.saralandchamber.com/events

Wee Exchange Huge Kids’ Resale

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL, 36695 The Largest Children’s Consignment Sale on the Gulf Coast. Helping parents outfit their kids for pennies on the dollar.

https://wee-exchange.com/

Vintage Market Days of Mobile

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, 1035 Cody Rd N, Mobile, AL, 36608 Vintage Market Days of Mobile is a 3 day vintage shopping event you do NOT want to miss!

https://vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/

The Loyola Art Show

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Crown Hall, 853 Dauphin Street Suite A Mobile, AL, 36602 The Loyola Art Show is setting sights on bringing the finest art shopping experience to the heart of the Gulf Coast, August 22-24, 2024 in Mobile, Alabama. We look forward to hosting this inaugural juried art show in our coastal city at the

gorgeous Crown Hall seconds away from Mobile Bay. https://theloyolaartshow.com/

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Saturday August 24

Wee Exchange Huge Kids’ Resale

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL, 36695 The Largest Children’s Consignment Sale on the Gulf Coast. Helping parents outfit their kids for pennies on the dollar. https://wee-exchange.com/

Vintage Market Days of Mobile

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, 1035 Cody Rd N, Mobile, AL, 36608 Vintage Market Days of Mobile is a 3 day vintage shopping event you do NOT want to miss!

https://vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/

Jeep Invasion of Blakeley

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Historic Blakeley State Park and the Southland Jeepers present the “Jeep Invasion”! Events include a Jeep Show, Poker Run, and raffle and door prizes, and other events. www.blakeleypark.com

The Loyola Art Show

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Crown Hall, 853 Dauphin Street Suite A Mobile, AL, 36602 The Loyola Art Show is setting sights on bringing the finest art shopping experience to the heart of the Gulf Coast, August 22-24,

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2024 in Mobile, Alabama. We look forward to hosting this inaugural juried art show in our coastal city at the gorgeous Crown Hall seconds away from Mobile Bay. Family Day: 10:00 to 12:00 pm, Fun happenings for the kids to enjoy while you browse art. Face painting, balloon animals, and more. https://theloyolaartshow.com/

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Sunday August 25

Vintage Market Days of Mobile

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, 1035 Cody Rd N, Mobile, AL, 36608 Vintage Market Days of Mobile is a 3 day vintage shopping event you do NOT want to miss!

https://vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella

2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Friday August 30

Friday Night Live Concert Celebrating

Michael Jackson (Free)

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for a FREE tribute show celebrating the legendary Michael Jackson, featuring the highenergy performance of The King of Pop Live Experience Band! Enjoy DJ Blayze, amazing singing, non-stop dancing, adult beverages, and more. Bring your snacks, blankets, or chairs, and get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and music!

www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/fnl-concertcelebrating-michael-jackson

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606

www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Saturday August 31

August Living History Crew Drill

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see history come to life with our WWII reenactors during their August drill. Interact with historical WWII reenactors aboard the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM. These historical reenactors, dressed in WWII period Navy uniforms, demonstrate what life aboard ship was like during wartime. They share stories from our original crewmen, conduct weapons briefings, and demonstrate drills while aboard ship.

www.ussalabama.com/event/august-living-historycrew-drill/

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Sunday September 1

Joe Jefferson Players Presents Cinderella

2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 33606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Sunset Concert

5:30 PM Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Sunday Sunset Concert - Sept 1 - Rebecca Barry & Bust www.townofdauphinisland.org

Tuesday September 3

Andra Bohnet, Faculty Flute Recital

7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Andra Bohnet, USA Faculty Flute Recital 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/mas.html

Saturday September 7

Hurricane 5K

8:10 AM 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Benefiting Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue https://portcitypacers.com/hurricane-run-5k/

Brick Convention

Lego Fan Expo

10:00 AM - 5:00

PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 LEGO Lovers Unite! Brick Convention is the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages! The numerous play areas treat fans of all ages to a day of hands-on fun, games, and life-size LEGO models. Coming to the Mobile area on September 7 and 8! www.brickconvention.com/mobile

Sunday September 8

Brick Convention Lego Fan Expo

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 LEGO Lovers Unite! Brick Convention is the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages! The numerous play areas treat fans of all ages to a day of hands-on fun, games, and life-size LEGO models. Coming to the Mobile area on September 7 and 8! www.brickconvention.com/mobile

Tuesday September 10

Home of Grace for Women Annual Fundraiser Luncheon

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Redemption Church, 1251 Industrial Parkway Saraland, AL, 36571 The Home of Grace for Women’s Annual Fundraiser Luncheon celebrates the women who have made the often difficult, yet life-changing decision to seek help in overcoming substance abuse. All proceeds from this event are used to provide an evidence-based recovery program which treats substance abuse on a spiritual, physical, mental and emotional level. www.homeofgraceforwomen.com

Thomas L. Rowell, USA Faculty Voice Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/mas.html

Thursday September 12

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Alabama Cruise Terminal, 201 Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 “Girls” is an evening of fun, pampering, shopping, entertainment, food and drink for women ages 21 and older. “Purse-onality” is the highlight of the evening, giving every attendee the opportunity to buy a unique purse with a surprise gift inside! From specialty cocktails, wine, and great food, to massages, manicures, and shopping among

local retailers, girls’ night out doesn’t get any better than this!

rmhcmobile.org/news-events/girls-just-wanna-fun/ Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents High School Musical on Stage

7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St. Chickasaw, AL, 36611 251-457-8887 https://cctshows.com/

Friday September 13

Roll Mobile

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 We are closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink! We will have Lights, a Live DJ, and all the Fun! https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/rollmobile-2024

Black Tie & Tails Gala

6:00 PM Crown Hall, 853 Dauphin Street Suite A Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2nd Annual Black Tie & Tails Gala, benefiting the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter. Despite the gala’s name, the dress code is dress casual—no tails required! This event is dedicated to supporting the vital work our organization does for the community, ensuring the welfare of countless animals in need. Enjoy a night filled with great food, entertainment, and the company of fellow animal lovers. Your participation helps our local organizations continue their mission to provide shelter, medical care, and loving homes for the animals of Mobile. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-and-tailsgala-for-the-friends-of-mobile-animal-shelter-tickets-726979594537

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents High School Musical on Stage

7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St. Chickasaw, AL, 36611 251-457-8887 https://cctshows.com/

Black Jacket Symphony

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Black Jacket Symphony will return September 13th to perform “Madman Across The Water” + Elton John’s greatest hits www.mobilecivicctr.com/saenger-theatre

Skeet Shoot Fundraiser

Taylor Creek Sporting Clays, 11910 Windsor Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Skeet Shoot fundraiser for SWMCC foundation and T.A.L.L scholarships. www.swmcchamber.com

Saturday September 14

Randy Travis Concert

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 The Randy Travis: More Life Tour www.mobilecivicctr.com/saenger-theatre

Chickasaw Civic Theatre presents High School Musical on Stage

7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois St. Chickasaw, AL, 36611 251-457-8887 https://cctshows.com/

Thursday September 19

American Cancer Society Vintage Affair Gala

6:00 PM Gulfquest, 155 Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us at the American Cancer Society 2022 Vintage

FamilyCalendar

Affair Mobile Gala on Thursday, September 8, 2022, for a one-of-a-kind evening, featuring great food, dancing, a spectacular auction, and much more. With your support, the American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer. 251-422-6521 mobile.acsgala.org/tickets-donations

Saturday September 21

17th Annual GO Run

7:30 AM USA Campus, Mobile, AL, 36688 Proceeds support revolutionary gynecologic cancer research happening at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. www.classy.org/event/go-run-2024/e573985

Alabama Coastal Cleanup

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Various locations, Take part in the state’s largest annual volunteer event as you clean your neighborhoods, local parks, streets, and storm drains too. Visit our website for information. https://alabamacoastalcleanup.com/

Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Randall Goosby

7:30 PM Saenger Theater, 6 S Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Randall Goosby was the hero soloist of our socially distanced season during Covid. Following that triumphant performance, he has become one of classical music’s hottest young stars. Randall returns to perform Barber’s Violin Concerto in a concert featuring Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. https://mobilesymphony.org/

Every Monday

Read and Sign (ASL) Storytime at West Regional Library

3:30 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room for books, songs, sign language and for ages 3 - 5! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Tuesday

Read and Play Storytime

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in Bernheim Hall for a socially distant storytime event. Masks are required. Children enjoy 20 minutes of books, songs, manipulatives, and rhymes, with an emphasis on repetition for their developing minds. Story and book time is followed by a time of free play with a sensory activity. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Good Listener Storytime

10:00 AM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Join us for fun with stories, words that rhyme, games and crafts too! This storytime event is designed for ages 3 – 7. Registration is required. To register, or for more information, please email Ms. Gert at glaffiette@mplonline.org, or call her at (251) 494-4454. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday Time Out Storytime at Grand Bay

11:00 AM Grand Bay Library, 10329 Freeland Ave Grand Bay, AL, 36541 Entertaining storytime designed for preschool-aged children! Join us in the Meeting Room at the Grand Bay Library for fun stories, song and crafts. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Read and Sign (ASL) Storytime at West Regional Library

3:30 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room for books, songs, sign language and for ages 3 - 5! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Wednesday

Good Listener Storytime

10:00 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Good Listener Storytime 251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Theodore Oaks, 5808 US-90 West E Theodore, AL, 36582 Join us for stories and songs and lots of fun! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Shake, Rattle, & Read Storytime at West Regional Library

10:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. for this storytime program designed for infants and children up to age three. Help stimulate their early literacy skills and enjoy meeting other parents! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Good Listener Storytime at Semmes

10:30 AM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Join us for stories, songs, and dances! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

FamilyCalendar

Preschooler Storytime

10:30 AM Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL, 36571 Preschooler Storytime 251-675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Listen & Learn Storytime

11:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Storytime has many benefits for children such as promoting early literacy, language development, help develop concentration, social skills, communication skills, and encourages their imagination and creativity. Join us in the Storytime room at West Regional for fun stories and songs. Ideal for ages 3-5 years. 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Second Wednesday

Learning Lunch (Free)

12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 This series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission to Learning Lunch is free. Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages. 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Every Thursday

Shake, Rattle, & Read Storytime at West Regional Library

10:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room ev-

ery Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. for this storytime program designed for infants and children up to age three. Help stimulate their early literacy skills and enjoy meeting other parents! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Throwdown Thursday - Video and Board Games for Teens at West

3:30 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 This is a laid-back meetup to unwind playing games with other teens. We will have various board games, nintendo switch, playstation and xbox games for multiplayer matchups that include various genres - puzzle, racing, fighting, shooting, and open-world-type games. Sometimes there will also be additional activities like 3d pens and fuse beads for expressing your creative side! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every other Friday

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids (Free)

4:00 PM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Is your child interested in learning to play the guitar? Now’s their chance! Join us in the Semmes Meeting Room for FREE lessons. Lesson books will be available. However, Please bring your own guitar. For children ages 6-11. Registration is required. To register and for more information, please call 251-494-4935 or email Callie Kelley at ckelley@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Second Friday

LoDA Artwalk

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Celebrating the arts in downtown Mobile!

Explore this free monthly showcase of visual and performing arts.

www.mobilearts.org/art-walk/

Every Saturday

Chess Club for Everyone

2:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Beginners and experienced players welcome! Playing chess improves concentration and problem-solving skills. Join us at Monte L. Moorer/ Spring Hill Branch for chess club designed for ages 6 and up.

251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every other Saturday

Snuggling Stories

10:30 AM Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL, 36571 Join us at the Saraland Public Library to enjoy fun stories, songs, movements, and a craft.

251-675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

First Sunday of the month

Free First Sunday - History Museum of Mobile (Free) 1:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Free admission for all visitors sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality every first Sunday of the month! 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Identity Theft Protection?

Q. How important do you feel identity theft protection is today? Should my husband and I buy it just for ourselves, or should we cover the kids, too?

A. Unless you’ve gone completely off the grid, and have been there for a long time, there’s a good chance someone out there has a few of your numbers. Unfortunately, that’s all part of living in today’s world. Between consumer carelessness and data breaches— which have become an all-too-common occurrence these days—almost everyone has experienced, or will experience, some sort of identity theft during their lifetime.

sider it part of the Baby Steps, because in my mind it’s like car insurance and should just be part of your regular monthly budget.

Money Issue with Family

Q. I’m trying hard to get control of my money and get out of debt, but I had a situation come up the other day, and I really don’t know what to do. I’m one of four brothers, and our parents’ 50th wedding anniversary is early next month. My two oldest brothers got together and made plans for a party without consulting the rest of us. They want everyone to chip in $1,000 to help pay for things. I love my mom and dad, but the only savings I have is $1,000 in my beginner emergency fund. Will you tell me how to address this situation?

of time, and had no say in anything, fair would be for you and your brother who weren’t consulted to pay zero. Zilch. Planning something that expensive without consulting everyone involved well ahead of time—and expecting them to lay out $1,000 without warning—is way out of line. And don’t let your older brothers lay a guilt trip on you, either. This has nothing to do with how much you love your parents, being greedy or anything like that. It has everything to do with consideration and communication, or in this case, a lack of these on their part.

So, yes. I recommend everyone have identity theft protection. I don’t really con-

A. I’m going to be blunt here, okay? Since you weren’t asked about any of this ahead

If I were you, I’d let your oldest brothers know exactly what your financial situation is like right now. Explain what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, then let them know in a nice, but firm, tone you’ll give them whatever you can scrape up, but you won’t be chipping in anything close to $1,000. Oh, and I’d tell them next time they hatch up a big, expensive plan like this, to check with all their brothers way ahead of time.

The Helicopter Parent Generation Getting Kids Off Screens and Outside

The summer of 1983 looked a bit like this for my brother and me. Wake up at 7. Eat breakfast. Do our household chores. And then we were promptly kicked outside to play. We were not allowed back inside until lunch. I was 10. He was 9. We lived on 40 acres, which included a barn, 60 cows, three horses, chickens, a few dogs, and a cat. For hours every summer, we explored all 40 acres, which also had snakes, mean bulls, hornet nests, a possessed rooster, spiders, ditches, a 50foot deep pond, very tall trees, poison ivy, poison oak, and the random fox or two. We were never told to stay away from these “dangers”. We explored. We learned. We got cut and bit and sometimes broken. We came home with skinned knees and dirty feet and have a few scars that make for really great stories. Like climbing to the top of the hay in the barn that was truly two stories stacked to steal a few chicken eggs, only to find a chicken snake had beat us to it, causing immediate panic and subsequent crash of the hay bales. For me, I learned to look for eggs a little lower. I also learned that chicken snakes are mostly harmless and really only want chickens. What we didn’t have was a parent watching us. I look back at things I did at a very early age and wonder if I would have allowed my kids at that age to do the same. I am not sure. Things shifted in the 90s. Stranger Danger, while an important discussion, almost became a hyper-fixation, and parents began bringing their kids

indoors. We had Nintendo and games in the 90s, but the games were played with friends and not the world. So while kids were spending more time inside, they were still connecting with one another on some level.

By the 2000s, more complex devices and social media had entered our lives. More kids were being brought indoors over fear of what they would be exposed to if left alone outside. And we see a shift. Kids begin to play games physically alone but online with the world. Hours and hours were spent behind a screen without realworld challenges. These are challenges that we, as humans, need to grow. So, we have seen a shift in the childhood experience. As Jonathan Haidt discussed in his book Anxious Generation, it has become a phone-based childhood instead of a play-based childhood, which is integral to childhood, tween, and teen development.

As our fear of who or what may hurt our kids outdoors, ironically the place they are at the most risk is online. This is where predators are accessing our children. This is where they are having their childhood ripped from them and throwing them into an adult space. As parents, we brought them indoors to protect them. But are we protecting them?

My grandfather told me a story before he passed away at 93 that I will never

forget. One summer his parents left. He is unsure why they did not take him with them. He remembers being told they would return and would only be gone a couple of weeks. He was an only child. They lived in the country on a farm with access to hundreds of acres of woods. For that week or a few weeks, my grandfather took care of himself. He caught squirrels, skinned them, cooked them, and ate them. He also caught fish to eat and took care of his chores.

I loved listening to him tell the story because he smiled the entire time. He said it was wonderful! He was able to explore. He said it felt free. He was only seven years old. He and my grandmother were two of the most resilient people I know, with beautiful stories of a free childhood.

Of course, I’m not advocating leaving your seven-year-old for a week, as things are pretty different now. But what I do think we can do is helicopter a bit less. Get our kids outside. Let them get dirty, skin some knees and make some scars. So one day they can tell their grandchildren about their amazing childhood and even have a few scars as receipts.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.