Mobile Bay Parents March 2020 by KeepSharing

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March2020 38

Volume 9 Number 12

Columns 2

Publisher’s Note 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Common Sense Media Learn about five risky apps that might be on your child’s (or a friend’s) phone.

Family Camping Trips

Get the 4-1-1 on camp costs, activities, food and making the most of your getaway.

Kids Health Watch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

How to Help Someone Having a Seizure Seizures can be very scary to witness, especially if you are seeing one for the first time. Whereas it is important to act to make sure the person seizing is in a safe place, it may surprise you to learn that not all seizures are emergencies. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics entitled “Seizure First Aid for Children.” 1. Do not leave a child alone if he or she is having a seizure. 2. If you are unsure if you are truly witnessing a seizure, you can try touching the child’s arm or calling out their name. If they do not respond, or if they are so tense that you cannot easily straighten their arm, then he or she is likely is experiencing a seizure. 3. Place the child on the ground, flat, in a safe place, and on their side to prevent choking or aspiration in case they vomit during the seizure. 4. Do not put any object or your hand inside the person’s mouth. The jaw tightens during a seizure and this could cause more harm to you

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

or the child. It is common for a person to bite his own tongue during a seizure, and this can be addressed after the seizure is over. 5. Pay attention to the time. Most seizures last less than five minutes. Once all of these things are taken into account, you should call 911 if any of the following are true: • If this is the child’s first seizure. • If the seizure lasted, or is lasting, more than five minutes. • If the child is having recurring seizures and not returning back to their normal baseline in between the seizures. Note that it is normal for your child to be very tired for minutes to hours after a seizure - this is called the post-ictal phase. • If your child has trouble breathing during or after the seizure. • If a seizure occurred in the water or if your child was injured during the seizure. • If your child has a known medical condition such as diabetes or is taking medications for

which a seizure could indicate a new underlying serious problem. It is always a good idea to contact your child’s doctor after a seizure. This can be a day or two later if the child is known to have seizures and has returned to normal. In the case of first-time seizures, you should see a doctor as quickly as possible. Also, be aware that not every seizure looks the same. The body tenses up and eyes roll back during most seizures, but some can look like a single arm shaking– or a child is just “staring off into space” for a few seconds. So if your child has been experiencing new, odd movements, you should contact your pediatrician to discuss it further. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their son, Finn, and their three dogs, Barkley, Fitz, and Roo.

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Autauga County Schools

Davidson Students Secure Apprenticeships with Austal

Richardson, principal).

Five Davidson Warriors were recently offered a paid preapprenticeship with Austal USA. Congratulations to Charles Caver, Andrew Dagami, Matthew Gafford, Farhan Mansur, and Christina Sashington (pictured here with Mr.

Causey Wins Award at Lego Championship

Congratulations to the Causey Tigerbot Team Bots and Bricks for winning the Core Value Inspiration Award at the First Lego League Alabama State Championship in Huntsville.

Mobile County Spelling Bee Winner

Owen Farmer, a sixth-grader at Denton Magnet School of Technology, won the LendingTree Bowl Mobile County Spelling Bee in January. The winning word was “ineffable.” Students from 54 public and private elementary and middle schools in Mobile County competed in the bee, held at Murphy High School. Owen will compete in the statewide spelling bee in March.

Alma Bryant Student Wins Oratorical Contest Alma Bryant High senior Caleb Thornton won the Mobile County American Legion Oratorical Contest in January. Caleb presented two speeches on the Constitution and is now in the running for further honors. Caleb is also a part of Bryant's Cambridge program and the top seed on the Hurricanes' chess team.

Phillips Prep Science Fair Winners

Griggs Robotics Places 1st at Robotics Competition

Congratulations to the winners of this year's science fair! Judges of the science fair consisted of professional scientists and graduate students. They were extremely impressed as were all of the science teachers! 1st place - Anthony Meola (7th grade); 2nd place - Nolan Pham (7th grade); 3rd place - Shahir Latif (8th grade).

Griggs Robotics team won the first annual MCPSS Vex IQ Robotics Competition. The team placed 1st and 2nd at the competition and won the overall Teamwork Challenge. The team will travel to the State Vex IQ Robotics Competition at Auburn University. Members include Sara Roland, Ryker Hoppe, Izzy DeGregorio, Michael Howard-Blocker, Ellie Ouisy, Lillian Strange (Not Pictured) and Eithon Sutley. Griggs Robotics sponsors are Kristy Ellzey and Nicole Bolton. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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Pearl Haskew Teacher Achieves National Geographic Certified Educator Title

Pearl Haskew Elementary teacher Jennifer Woods is now a National Geographic Certified Educator. Woods and her second-grade students completed an in-depth environmental project on the importance of keeping our waters clean. Students learned how having clean water impacts our local ecosystems. “It’s allowed me to use resources to implement in the classroom, and it gives me hands-on learning for the students to look around their environment and see how they can be a part of it, to be a leader, and to give back to their community by helping – by growing plants, by providing habitats for animals, and just not littering,” Woods said of the certification. “They love science and it’s because they’re out here with nature.”

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Mobile United Recognizes Student Leaders of the Month

Mobile United recognized three students from Mobile County Public Schools as its Student Leaders of the Month for January. Holloway Elementary's Jaedyn Moore dances, sings, and helps the elderly in her neighborhood. Katelyn Foster of Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science & Technology has placed in regional and world championship golf tournaments, is on the math team, and completes random acts of kindness through her school’s Eagle Wings service club. LeFlore High's JaBoris Raine plays basketball and baseball, is senior class representative, and volunteers as a mentor for middle school students and with the homeless and with Habitat for Humanity. Congratulations to these exemplary students.

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

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Autauga County Schools

Little Flower Catholic School Geography Bee Winners

Students in grades five through eight participated in the annual Geography Bee at Little Flower Catholic School. The 10 students went round for round until only two students had not been eliminated. Congratulations to eighth grader Alby Lopuhovsky who was declared the first place winner and to seventh grader Gretta Ingabire who came in second. Middle school social studies teacher, Mr. Owen Smith, organized the Geography Bee.

Corpus Christi School Honors Distinguished Grad and Outstanding Business Partner

As part of their celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Corpus Christi Catholic School honored their Distinguished Graduate and their Outstanding Business Partner. Congratulations to Mr. Richard March (left photo), of Assist 2 Sell, who founded Corpus Christi's Partners in Education program. He was selected as this year's Outstanding Business Partner. Mr. March's support of Catholic education is greatly appreciated. Dr. Brandon Finnorn (right photo) was recognized as Corpus Christi's Distinguished Graduate for 2020. Dr. Finnorn is the illustrator and owner of Finnorn Illustrations and The Bonnie Fly (an Etsy Shop).

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100th Day at St. Dominic Catholic School

S Saint Dominic Catholic School Kindergarten students really aged overnight. They all became 100 years old in honor of the 100th Day of School! They had special treats and crafts in recognition of becoming 100 days smarter! Granny Michener, also known as Mrs. Michener our Principal, surprised the students with a special visit to the classrooms.

Knollwood Christian School Represented in County Spelling Bee

Students Create Mardi Gras Masks at Little Flower Students at Little Flower Catholic School made Mardi Gras masks from a variety of bright colored decorative items. Each mask was designed and made by individual students, and no two were the same. For many students, the tickly feathers were the most fun part of the project.

On Friday, January 17, Scotty Johnson represented Knollwood Christian School in the Mobile County Spelling Bee. Principal Sally Cornelson and all the faculty of KCS are proud of Scotty finishing in the top ten!

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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Mary G. Montgomery Honor Choir

Congratulations to MGM choir students Andrew Pritchard, Lacey Sellers, Lilly Webb, Skye Edwards, Mauryce Thomas II, Jade Wilson, Neil Shanahan, Amar Edwards, and Ethan Carmadelle who participated in the 2020 Alabama Music Educators Association Honor Choir.

St. Paul Student-Athletes Sign with Universities

Congratulations to the St. Paul’s studentathletes who signed with universities recently: • Treyvon Bellamy, University of West Alabama, Football; • Reginald Bracy, The University of Iowa, Football; • Kenny Brown, Belhaven University, Football; • Baylie Crim, Belmont Abbey College, Volleyball; • Daniel FosterAllen, Auburn University, Football; • John Gaal, Huntingdon College, Golf; • J Greene, University of West Florida, Football; • Wieu Kuot, Spring Hill College, Soccer; • Julian Little, Clark Atlanta University, Football; • Jenna Prater, Birmingham-Southern College, Tennis; • Hayden Smith, Christian Brothers University, Baseball; • Isabel Valenzuela, UAB, Cross Country & Track; • Brady Ward, University of Mississippi, Football; • Myles White, TBA, Baseball. 15

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St. Luke's Physics Students Test Newton's Law

After studying a unit on Newton's Laws and the different types of bridge forces, St. Luke's physics students designed and built bridges using popsicle sticks and glue. The bridges were then tested to failure to see how much weight they could hold. This year’s winning bridge held 550 pounds before collapsing!

Autauga County Schools

Covenant Girls’ Varsity Team Wins Championship

Congratulations to Covenant Christian School’s Girls’ Varsity Basketball team on winning the CMSAA Basketball Tournament Championship! They had an incredible season finishing out with 8 wins and only 3 losses. Coach Ray is proud of you all! Go Eagles!

St. Dominic Students Participate in March for Life

Saint Dominic Catholic School Eighth Grade students proudly participated in the 2020 March for Life in downtown Mobile. Their day began with Mass at the Cathedral, followed by a rally, and then the march.

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School Choice Week at Living Word

From January 26 - February 1, Living Word Christian Center Kingdom Academy celebrated School Choice Week!

Signing Day at McT!

Congratulations to the following McGill-Toolen student athletes who signed National Letters of Intent to continue competing at the college level: Baseball: Sean Mason - University of Mobile; Chad Coffman - Springhill College. Football: CJ Evans - Austin Peay; Korian Wilson - Louisiana Lafayette; Dallas Daffin University of South Alabama; Liston Richardson - Alabama A&M; Xavier Mitchell - Dodge City Jr College; Chris Davis - Birmingham Sports Academy (Prep School); Jamal Kidd - Louisiana College. Cross Country and Track & Field: Claire Frazier Bolton - University of Virginia; Hally Lee Jacksonville State University. Women's Soccer: Bailey Dixon - Jacksonville State (missing from photo). Volleyball: Imani Nicholson - University of Missouri West Plains; Kat Espinosa - Pensacola State. Congratulations to all!

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Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Religion Project Made Fun!

Saint Dominic Catholic School Fifth Grade students made swords and shields as part of a religion project where they learned the St. Michael prayer. Great job Eagles!

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100th Day at McDavid-Jones

Arkema celebrates the 100th Day of School! Students at McDavid-Jones Elementary were excited when two elderly folks showed up with ice cream and souvenir spoons. We are so thankful for our thirty year Partnership with Arkema. Thank you so much for all you do for our school and community. Pictured, Judy Smith, H.R. Assistant, and Dwayne Christian, Accountant.

Clark-Shaw Student Named Mobile United Student of the Month

Clark-Shaw Magnet School is proud of 8th grader Katelyn Foster for winning this month's Mobile United student of the month award. Katelyn is active in many school and community activities and is a member of the varsity golf team at Baker High School. Katelyn maintains a 4.0 average while taking advanced classes and participating in FCA, math team, and Eagle Wings service club. Way to go, Katelyn!

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Student Day of Giving at Mobile Christian

Mobile Christian students participated in our annual Student Day of Giving on February 14.

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Faith Academy Student to Perform at Carnegie Hall

Sophomore Emily Diep will represent Faith Academy at Carnegie Hall in the Honors Performance Series. Emily is a gifted singer and we are so proud that she uses her gifts to glorify God.

St. Ignatius Spelling Bee Winners

The St. Ignatius Spelling bee winner went on to compete in the Archdiocean spelling bee during Catholic Schools week representing the entire school. To get to the final bee, these participants participated in a class spelling bee and a final bee with 5th-8th grade students. Pictured here with Mrs. Miller, our principal and Fr. Bry Shields, our pastor, are 3rd place Ethan Graham, 2nd place Ignacio FigeroaPerez and Dominick Paragone.

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St. Pius X Welcomes Senior Bowl Players

Autauga County Schools

Lee Elementary Team Places 2nd in State at Future City Competition

Students from Lee Elementary in the Satsuma City School District were named second in the state during the Regional Future City Competition held at Huntsville’s Space and Rocket Center in January. Each year 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students embark on a transformative experience as they explore how to make the world a better place. Working in teams, participants spend four months imagining, researching, designing, and building cities of the future. The teams work with educators, STEM mentors and Engineers to design the city using SimCity Software, research and write an essay addressing the year’s challenge, complete a project plan, build a city model, and present their project to a panel of judges. The top five teams present before hundreds of audience members in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. This year’s team members were: Anna Jo B., David G., Allie K., MaKenzie M., Kerrington M., Mileigh M., Nina N., Jackson P., Emma R.

St. Pius X students were enthusiastic hosts to Senior Bowl players Charlie Heck (North Carolina), McTelvin Aginn (Arkansas), and Jared Pinckney (Vanderbilt). The players spoke at a general assembly then visited classrooms for autographs, pictures and questions.

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Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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• Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance

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Corpus Christi Geography Bee Winners

Congratulations to Luke Diamond (pictured on left) for his 1st place win in Corpus Christi Catholic School's annual Geography Bee. William Porr finished second. Luke will have the opportunity to participate in the state bee in April.

St. Vincent de Paul STAR Student and Teacher of the Month

St. Vincent de Paul School is proud to announce our STAR Student, Maggie Hogue, and Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Myra Goleman. Maggie is a great student and friend who is very bright and eager to learn, always pushing herself and others to achieve class goals. Mrs. Goleman knows the power of relationships and creates lasting relationships with her students and their families. She models kindness and patience for her students and her colleagues. SVS is very proud of you both!

E.R. Dickson Recognizes their Readers

Congratulations to Jacob Flores from E.R. Dickson Elementary. Jacob became a Renaissance Accelerated Reader Classic Reader. To become a Renaissance AR Classic Reader, Jacob had to read three books on a 6.0 or higher book level that were worth seven or more points. He then had to take an Accelerated Reader test and pass with a 70% or higher average. Accelerated Reader is a program in which students read books on their level and take a computer quiz on those books to gauge understanding of the content. The bigger the book the more points the book is worth. Congratulations, Jacob, on your achievement. Keep on reading!

SPRING SPRING BREAK BREAK

ART CAMP MARCH 30 — APRIL 3

This week-long Spring Break camp for students ages 4 – 13 offers half-day options or full days, with arts and crafts instruction in the morning sessions, and fine art instruction in the afternoon.

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MMofA MEMBERS: FULL DAY = $180. HALF DAY = $110 NON-MEMBERS: FULL DAY = $200. HALF DAY = $120

FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER: Visit us online at www.MobileMuseumofArt.com/spring-break-art-camp

MMofA’s classes and programs are made possible by support from MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART 4850 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 251.208.5200 www.MobileMuseumofArt.com 21

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Autauga County Schools

101st Day of School at St. Dominic

Pe Ser in T Pe

Saint Dominic Catholic School first grade students and teachers celebrated the 101st day of school in style! They all came dressed as adorable Dalmatians and enjoyed 101 Dalmatian-themed treats.

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Studying Tessellations at Mary B. Austin Elementary

Mrs. Galloway's 5th grade PACE class was "Totally Tesselated" as they explored the art of M. C. Escher, applied the mathematical principals of symmetry, patterns, and fractals, and observed their influence throughout ancient civilizations. We love how the PACE teacher and students embrace their creativity and weave a plethora of topics and standards together in an engaging way!

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Two Cottage Hill Christian Academy Students Perform at Carnegie Hall

In January, two Cottage Hill Christian Academy students, Konnor Thurman and Brett Robertson, traveled to Carnegie Hall for the Honors Performance Series Concert in New York. The Honors Performance Series assembles some of the world’s rising young musicians to perform under the baton of master conductors at several of the world’s most celebrated concert halls. We are so proud of Konnor and Brett for winning with their audition and to have received the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

St. Paul’s Students Volunteer at Food Bank

St. Paul’s sixth graders traveled to the Feeding the Gulf Coast food bank in Theodore for their class service project on Thursday, January 30. The students were divided into groups to sort food, pack food bags for the back pack program, sort and box produce, and pack food boxes for the elderly. Chaperones Dan Drum, Zac Lambrecht, Theresa Robbins, Micki Brown, Donna Mackin, Alyssa House, Elizabeth Campbell, Laura McGee, and Leslie Lerner led the hardworking groups as they sorted 1940 pounds of canned and boxed food, packed 800 food bags and 100 food boxes, and sorted and packaged 1000 pounds of cabbage and 1500 pounds of sweet potatoes. This will provide nearly 1620 meals to individuals and families in need along the Gulf Coast.

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Autauga County Schools8 UMS-Wright Students

Corpus Christi School Math Classes are Glowing!

Sign Athletic Scholarships

Miss DeMouy, the middle school math teacher at Corpus Christi Catholic School, planned a "Glow Day" for all of her math classes. The day involved lessons for each grade level and every student received glowstick bracelets to add to the glow of the classroom! Examples of the lessons that were taught include students using fluorescent highlighters to decode worksheets. In another grade, students were divided into groups to solve puzzles made of glow-in-the-dark paper, and the 8th graders used the Pythagorean Theorem to solve the missing side of right triangles. The triangles were taped around the walls of the classroom in fluorescent gaffer tape.

In February, eight UMS-Wright athletes signed letters of intent to play their sport of choice at the collegiate level. We are so proud of their accomplishments and cannot wait to see how they continue to shine on the field, the court, the golf course, etc. as well as in the classroom. Lauren Gilchrist – Golf – Middle Tennessee State University; JP Cave – Golf – University of Alabama; Gregory Jones – Golf – The University of Montevallo; Natalie Hurdle – Softball – University of Southern Mississippi; Trey Bonham – Basketball – Virginia Military Institute; Richard Brinson – Baseball – McLennan Community College; Will Breland – Football – University of West Florida; Keyshawn Woodyard – Football – University of South Alabama.

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We would like to congratulate these students for placing in the Association of Christian School International (ACSI) spelling bee. They all have advanced to the ACSI district spelling bee which will be held at Aletheia Elementary School in Pensacola, Florida.

St. Pius X Spelling Bee Champ

St. Pius X eighth grader Rhiannon Heinl was crowned the 2020 Archdiocese of Mobile Spelling Bee champion on Monday, January 27. Rhiannon out-spelled contestants from other Mobile area Catholic schools. She will travel to Birmingham to participate in the next level of the competition. She is pictured here with Mrs. Ginger Coppersmith, Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi.

Satsuma Students Place 2nd in We the People Competition

Congratulations to AP Government students in Joy Crisler's class at Satsuma High School who placed 2nd in the state’s We the People Competition. We the People is an academic competition (a mock congressional hearing). 24

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Dunbar Art Teacher Named Alabama MS Art Teacher of Year

Linda Duffis of Dunbar Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts has been named Alabama’s Middle School Art Teacher of the Year by the Alabama Art Educators Association. Duffis has taught art in Mobile County Public Schools for 25 years -- the last 12 at Dunbar, where she teaches Art 1, Art 2, Art 3 and Ceramics. Her philosophy on teaching art is to give students a sense of pride in who they are as individuals. She has traveled the world learning different art techniques that she in turn teaches her students. “I give them the techniques and then I let my kids be the artists they want to be,” Duffis said. “I give them the freedom to express themselves.” Duffis has won numerous awards. Most recently, her program at Dunbar received an Alabama Bicentennial grant to paint a mural in downtown Mobile along with the Mobile Arts Council.

Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s Middle School Scholars’ Bowl Team are State Champions

On January 27, the CHCA Middle School Scholars’ Bowl team won the AISA State Middle School Scholars’ Bowl Championship. Led by middle school teacher Annie Nyeste, the team went 3-0 with wins over Faith Academy, Houston Academy, and Clarke Preparatory School. They then defeated The Donoho School in the championship match to claim the title of State Champions. The members of the Middle School Scholars’ Bowl Team are Nathaniel Bell, Hampton Broders, Drake Dawson, Jackson Elvis, Ashlyn Newton, and Emily Newton. We are very proud of our students who have worked so hard to get to this level.

Senior Bowl Players Visit St. Mary Catholic School

St. Mary Catholic school welcomed Senior Bowl Players Broderick Washington, #97 from Texas Tech; Nick Harris, #56 from Washington, and Harrison Bryant, #40 from Florida Atlantic for a visit recently! Thank you St. Mary P.E. teacher Patti Ericksen for working with the Senior Bowl Board in organizing this visit!

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Autauga County Schools

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St. Luke's Students Participate in Geography Bee

The following St. Luke's 5th-8th grade students participated in the school's geography bee: Brayden Sadler, Beau Underwood, Mac Boone, Bennett Wallace, Murray Goodman, Daniel Newman, Kallie Ott, Bryce Deupree, Garrett Dolbear and Cammie Waite. This year's runner up was Bryce Deupree. The winner of this year's geography bee was Kallie Ott. Kallie received tickets to the Senior Bowl with complimentary passes to the hospitality suite donated by Trustmark Bank. Kallie will soon take a test to see if she qualifies for state.

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St. Dominic Student Earns Eagle Scout Medal

Gregory Spafford held his Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony in December. He was joined by his four brothers: Jay, Robert, Anthony, and Patrick, and his parents, Tricia and Tim Spafford as he received his Eagle Scout Medal. All five brothers are alumni of St. Dominic Catholic School and all have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout! Mrs. Tricia Spafford teaches Fourth Grade at St. Dominic.

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E-Week Activities at Davidson Present Hands-on Learning

Students in Davidson’s EPIC (Engineering Pathways Integrated Curriculum) recently participated in National Engineers Week (E-Week). A variety of activities took place celebrating this week. The Senior EPIC students attended a class on Industrial Design at Alabama Contemporary Art Center with Professor Randy Bartlett (Davidson class of 1975) from Auburn University. Auburn students then assisted in the design and building of a cardboard chair prototype in small groups. Founded in 1951, E-Week is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding about engineering and technology careers. Today, E-Week reaches thousands of schools, businesses, and community groups across the United States.

Burns Middle School Teacher of The Year

Burns Middle School would like to congratulate Angela Atchinson for being named Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Atchinson is a dedicated educator who gives of herself inside and outside of the classroom. We are so proud that she will be representing Burns Middle School as Teacher of the Year 2019-2020.

George Hall Teacher Named County Elementary School Teacher of the Year

George Hall Elementary would like to congratulate our 5th grade teacher, Carey Arensberg, on receiving George Hall’s and Mobile County’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Arensberg is an awesome teacher who genuinely cares about her students. She’s also “Big Sister” to two of our former students. We salute you, Mrs. Arensberg.

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Autauga County Schools

Allentown Elementary January GATOR Kids

Melody Morales.

Pre-K – 2nd Grade: Front Row - Alma Sue Sumrall, Liam Landry, Kierstyn Lineberry, Abena Bosco, Sir English, Jase Cowart, Malley Alberts. Middle Row - Randall Miller, Bradley Holland, Eli Armstrong, Weston Richardson, Jarquavian McField, Adalynn Qualls. Back Row Grayson Arnett, Brooks Barnes, Elliott Devery, Phoenyx Andrews, Bryce Ward. 3rd – 5th Grade: Front Row - Mason West, Matthew Browning, Avery Card, Luke Mullenax, Gabe Montalvo, Tristan Bailey. Middle Row - Chandler Cummings, Archie Niles, Addyson Williams, Hazel Scott, Robert Dunn, Kelsie Bell. Back Row - Saylor Byrd, Colton Couie, Avery Smith, Alannah Holman, Brooklin Graddy,

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St. Dominic Students Prepare Lunches for Clients at SOMI

St. Dominic Catholic School students in the second through fifth grades work together to provide a lunch for the clients at SOMI (survivors of mental illness) once a quarter. Students make the lunches themselves and also provide messages of love, evangelization, and encouragement. Pictured are Emmy Littrell, Lucy Chachagua, Isabella Holland, and Lucas Tran. Way to go Eagles!

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100th Day at Dauphin Island ES

Mrs. Coulter’s kindergarten and first grade class at Dauphin Island Elementary School celebrated the 100th Day of School by dressing up as 100 year old people.

Subway Holds Fundraiser for Griggs Elementary

W.C. Griggs Elementary would like to say thank you to MD (owner) of Subway in Tillman’s Corner. Subway held a Griggs night fundraiser in December. Students could also participate in a coloring contest for a chance to win a Subway gift card. Congratulations to the following students: Zachary, Ethan, Hayley, Analee, Briley, Westley, Avery, Olivia, Makenzie, and Nevaeh. Each of these students received a gift card to Subway. Griggs also received a fundraiser night check. We love our Partners in Education! Thank you again MD and Subway!

Faith Academy Students Selected for AllState and AISA Honor Bands

Nick PitsiosLuther is a devoted and talented trumpet player in the Faith Symphonic band. This year he made the District VII Honor Band for the AISA. Congratulations Nick! Faith Sophomore Ryan Piggott has played Baritone since starting band in the fifth grade. His love for band shows in his dedication and skill and his hard work has paid off. Ryan made the Alabama All-State Band. Congratulations Ryan! #faithacademyband

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Call today! 251-343-9544

The class of 2019 received acceptances from 203 colleges and was awarded $5.9 million in scholarships from colleges across the nation.

Grades K5 - 8 use new technology including a Virtual Reality (VR) lab which enables hands-on learning to bring lessons to life!

ACT score highlights for the Class of 2020: Top 25% average score- 29 Top 50% average score- 26 Average ACT Score- 23

STUDIO OF DANCE, INC.

6345 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 36608 Picadilly Square / Same Shopping Center as Buffalo Wild Wings

For more information about CHCA, please visit our website at www.chcacademy.com Church Campus • Grades K2 - 8 | 4255 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL | 251•660•2427 West Campus • Grades 9 - 12 | 7355 Creekwood Drive Mobile, AL | 251•634•2513

Classes begin June 9th

Ballet / Tap / Jazz / Lyrical / Hip Hop / Tumbling / Cheer

chcacademy1 CHCA - Cottage Hill Christian Academy

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Autauga County Schools Clark-Shaw Earns STEM Certification

Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology is the first school in the south region of the state to earn schoolwide STEM certification from Cognia. “What this means for us is that we have again raised the bar,” Clark-Shaw Principal Mary DiVincenzo said. “We know that we work really strongly with science, technology, engineering and math, and now the state actually recognizes our efforts, has been to our school, has looked at our evidence, has been in our classrooms. We are preparing our students for college and career.” Cognia is a network of educators that serves as an accreditation and certification agency for schools around the world. Teachers and administrators at Clark-Shaw spent almost a year preparing for the certification process, which included a self-assessment involving 11 indicators, and finally a final assessment by Cognia representatives. The school also created a website and YouTube channel, with videos by a student mascot, Dr. STEM. The Cognia assessment team noted how STEM concepts are in use throughout the school, including school-wide participation in science fair projects and use of digital tools. Clark-Shaw, one of four MCPSS magnet middle schools, is also a twotime recipient of the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon award.

St. Luke's 5th Grade Prepares for Middle School

St. Luke's 5th grade class recently spent the day on the Upper Campus for a sneak peek of life as a middle schooler. Their day started off with greetings from administration, student ambassadors, cheerleaders, the athletic director and basketball coach, and current 6th graders for a question and answer session. The 5th grade enjoyed a competitive game of St. Luke's trivia, classroom visits, campus tour, lunch and then a geography bee! They are officially ready for the "big campus."

Prichard Prep Students Celebrate 100th Day of School

St. Ignatius Junior Spelling Bee Winners

The St. Ignatius Jr. Spelling Bee championship is comprised of those participants who won the bee in their homeroom and moved on to the final spelling bee. They have completed several rounds of competition to be in the top three. Pictured with Mrs. Miller our principal are 1st place, Cooper Cochran, 2nd Place Leighton Betbeze and 3rd Place Rosie Eways.

Prichard Preparatory School students really played the part for the 100th Day of School. Many had 100 things on their shirts and others dressed the part with gray hair and canes! Pictured is Ms. David’s 2nd grade class.

Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

Phillips Preparatory Scholar’s Bowl Team is Undefeated!

Phillips Preparatory defeated Clark Shaw and Semmes to finish the regular season undefeated. Both A and B teams came out on top and without any losses. Pictured are A-team captain Brandt Cannon, Graham West, Shahir Latif, Mark Bolton and Cade Jordan (not pictured are Addison Phelps and Amie Conrey). Phillips competes in the state tournament on the 22nd in Montgomery and in the regional Super Tournament in March. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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Covenant Christian is Undefeated!

Congratulations to Covenant Christian School’s Boys’ Varsity Basketball team on winning the CMSAA Basketball Tournament Championship after an undefeated season! Coach Baker is proud of you all!

Cottage Hill Christian Academy Celebrates National Signing Day

Cottage Hill Christian Academy was honored to celebrate student-athletes on National Signing Day. On Wednesday, February 5, CHCA celebrated student-athletes Raeleigh Clackler (volleyball – William Carrey University) and RaSean Thomas (football – Cornell University) as they signed athletic scholarships to continue academic and athletic opportunities at the next level. Both students have signed with incredible institutions where they will excel academically and athletically.

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Causey Middle School Loves Their Counselors

Causey Middle School celebrated their guidance counselors during Counselor Appreciation Week. We are so thankful for Ms. James, Ms. Stokes, and Ms. Shuford! These three go above and beyond to help our students in so many different ways.

Summer Camps USA STUDENT RECREATION CENTER

SEVEN ONE-WEEK SESSIONS BEGINNING JUNE 8, 2020

Our camps focus on recreational activities such as swimming, rock wall climbing, ping-pong, outdoor games, sports, and more. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm. Ages: Rising 1st-8th graders.

For registration and cost, visit SouthAlabama.edu/summercamps 51 Stadium Blvd. Mobile, AL 36688

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Autauga County Schools Cottage Hill Christian Academy

Excels in Middle School Basketball

Cottage Hill's middle school girlsâ€™ basketball team are now backto-back champions after winning the championship tournament for the second year in a row. They ended the season with a 12-2 record. Along with this win, Taylor Davidson and Ashlyn Newton were on the All-Tournament team, and Dakota Freeman was named tournament MVP.

Denton Magnet School Competes against High Schoolers in Robotics Competition

Denton Magnet's Vex Robotics teams were the only middle school teams to compete in a regional Vex EDR High School robotics tournament on February 6. Sofia, Ava, Lamiya, and Logan won the highest award, the Excellence Award, combining their engineering notebook score, interview score, and competition score. The Excellence Award is the highest award presented in the VEX EDR Competition. This award is presented to a team that exemplifies overall excellence in creating a high quality VEX robotics program. This earned them an invitation to compete in the State Championship Tournament in Auburn.

MCPSS Toy Drive Donates Thousands of Toys to Families

Students, teachers and administrators from 41 schools and Central Campus donated nearly 4,500 toys in Mobile County Public Schools' annual toy drive. Joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus, MCPSS took two buses to collect donations from schools across the county in December then delivered them to WKRG's Magical Christmas Toy Drive. They were then distributed by the Salvation Army to needy families throughout Mobile and southwest Alabama. It's the seventh year that MCPSS has conducted the drive, which included stops from Bayou La Batre and Grand Bay in the south part of the county to Citronelle and Mt. Vernon in the north. Members of the Davidson High football team, Baker High JROTC and MCPSS transportation and communication departments unloaded the toys at WKRG. "It just makes me happy to know that our school is giving back to other people," Mary B. Austin Elementary student Emma Krouse Smith said.

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St. Luke’s Students Study Harvesting Corneas

St. Luke's Biomed II students learned about harvesting corneas. Harvesting corneas requires a steady hand and a lot of patience. The Biomed II students removed the skin from a grape and sutured it back on to experience the process of harvesting corneas.

National Read Aloud Day at Mobile Christian

Our elementary students celebrated National Read Aloud and special guest "Dr. Read" made in appearance in each classroom.

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Mary G. Montgomery Athletes Receive Scholarships

Congratulations to the following MGM senior athletes who signed their scholarships before family and friends in a ceremony held on February 5: Cedric Davis – Arkansas Pine Bluff (football); Trey Umbarger – Louisiana College (football); Max Parden – Louisiana College (football); Akelan Bush – Arkansas Baptist College (football); Alfonso Hires – Coastal Alabama Community College (basketball); Beatrice Lindquist – Huntingdon College (volleyball); Zachary Jones – Coastal Alabama Community College (baseball); Alainah Diaz – University of Mobile (softball); Timothy Williams – Coastal Alabama Community College (basketball); Breighanna Vigor – University of Mobile (cross country/ track); Brocker Novay – University of Mobile (soccer). 33

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Autauga County Schools UMS-Wright K4 Students Perform Play in Spanish

At UMS-Wright we are so fortunate to have an allencompassing Arts Department that spans across all disciplines – band, chorus, art, photography, publications, and theater. Students in EVERY grade level, K3-12, have the opportunity to shine on stage! In February, our K4 students performed their annual Valentine’s Day Play with a little twist – the entire production is done in SPANISH! Under the direction of Lower School Spanish Teacher Senora Heath, the students sang songs and danced their hearts out for a packed audience.

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St. Mary Catholic School Honors Outstanding Alumni and Businesses

Outstanding alumni and businesses were honored by St. Mary Catholic School during Catholic Schools Week on Family Day, January 31. Honorees included: Major Christopher Edward Lyon, USMC, St. Mary Catholic 2020 Distinguished Graduate (St. Mary Class of 1998); Joe Collins, St. Mary Catholic Outstanding Catholic School Graduate (St. Dominic Class of 1984); and St. Mary Catholic Outstanding Business Partners, Chad Hicks and Paul Tomlinson of The Yard. St. Mary's St. Mary Distinguished Graduate, Major Lyon, was the Marine Pilot who flew both President Obama and President Trump on the official President's helicopter, Marine One. He is one of 18 pilots in history to have flown the U.S. Presidents by helicopter. As he could not be in attendance, Major Lyon's award was accepted by his parents, Tom and Sue Lyon. Sue is our school Librarian! Joe Collins is a current St. Mary parent and the founder of St. Mary's Steak Out. Chad Hicks, also a St. Mary parent, and Paul Tomlinson generously helped our school through their business, The Yard, in particular with their Boston Butt Business. We thank our alumni, our St. Mary Families of our church and school, and so many in our Mobile Community for the continued support of St. Mary Catholic School! #makingmaryproud

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UMS-Wright Middle School Drama Club Performs “The Hobbit”

The Middle School Drama Club was developed because of the desire of our students to perform on stage. This organization made up of students in grades 5- 8 performs two productions each year. Their latest performance was “The Hobbit”. The cast, crew, set/props, and back drops were outstanding! Congratulations to Director Bobby Miller, the Arts Department and the entire crew/cast on a job well done. We are so proud of this talented group of students and cannot wait to see what they perform next! We offer a special thanks to Coastal Foods for sponsoring the performance! Cast and Crew: Lane Nichols, Hunter Dabbs, Laurie Ella Hess, Owen Nichols, Landon Tanner, Charles Saucier, Ridge Tanner, Will McNair, Henry Arras, Emma Marmande, Emily Walton, Blair Rodning, Lilly Cunningham, Maddox Lavelle, Luke Romano, Caroline Flowers, Killian Delaney, Stacy Rose, Joseph Taylor, Hufton Parker, Shep Fountain, Carlen Cook, Hannah Yeager, Clem Smith, Henley Thurber, Chad Brown, Roassana Delfierro, Emily Waters, Luke Lambert, Marina Hess, Kirk Kennedy, Olivia Rocconi, Will Arendall, Walker Busbee, Josue Heath, and Mara Smith.

Prichard Prep Celebrates School Choice Week

PPS students and teachers celebrated National School Choice Week January 26 – February 1, 2020, and participated in 1 of over 1,100 events in Alabama. School choice means that every family has the option to choose the best educational options for their children, which could be public, charter, magnet, private, online, or home education. Prichard Preparatory School is a private, faith-based college prep elementary school currently offering Pre-K4 – 5th grade and receives funding from scholarship granting organizations on behalf of eligible students to assist with tuition. This funding is critical for PPS to provide the academic foundation necessary for our students to be successful in middle and high school. Governor Ivey supported School Choice Week with an official proclamation. Thank you Governor Ivey!

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Dickson Students Show Marked Growth on iReady Test

Congratulations to the following students from E.R. Dickson Elementary who showed a 300% growth on their latest iReady Diagnostic test: 2nd Grade – Koby Morris; 5th Grade – Darian Hines; 4th Grade – Jerry Brandon and William Shelton. Seren Grider achieved a 400% growth on her latest iReady Diagnostic test. Seren is a 5th grade student in Ms. Lee’s homeroom class.

Autauga County Schools Mary B. Austin Students Get Eye-Opening Lesson on Germs and Hand-Washing

Mary B. Austin second graders were fortunate to be visited by guests from the University of South Alabama's Public Health Interest Group as they taught the students a valuable and timely lesson about how good hand washing kills germs. Camille Brining got to see her skin in a new light as special tools helped to highlight germs that normally go unseen. Germs may be hard to see without special tools, but now these second graders are aware that they are there! These young Austin Innovators now want to do more than merely apply this knowledge to their own healthy living routines; they also want to inform others about this important information too. On behalf of the MBA second grade students, we'd like to say, let's all do our part to stay healthy and lessen the spreading of germs by washing our hands thoroughly and regularly. We should cough or sneeze into our elbows and not onto our hands. Remember to clean common areas with disinfecting materials regularly. Door knobs, light switches, stair rails, sink handles, and other common areas need to be disinfected regularly. We must try hard to break the habit of biting our nails, or putting our fingers into our mouth, eyes, noses, etc. These little tips can help to keep you and others from getting sick. Together, we can do little things like these to help keep our community healthy and happy!

June 9th - June 25th Register online at www.DebbiesDance.com

Princess Camp Age 2 and 3 year olds

Days: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 5:45-6:30 p.m. Week One - Princess Elsa Week Week Two - Princess Cinderella Week Week Three - Princess Elena Week

Ballet Adventure Camp Age 4 and 5 year olds

Days: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 5:45-6:45 p.m. Week One - Greatest Showman Week Two - Mary Poppins Week Three - Moana

JoJo Hip Hop Camp Ages 6 and up

Days: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

6429 Hillcrest Park Ct. • Mobile, AL • 251.633.9559 Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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THE ADVENTURES IN

ath & Science 2020 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS HOSTED BY THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE • MOBILE, AL

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JUNE 1-5, JUNE 8-12, AND JUNE 15-19 | GRADES 6-10 Register by March 1: $370 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $270 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after March 1: $395 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $295 Day Camp (includes lunch) Cost to stay the weekend between a session is an additional $195 (includes trip to water park)

COURSE SAMPLING

ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more.

Online application posted January 1, 2020 at www.asms.net. Limited spots available.

1255 DAUPHIN ST. • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WWW.ASMS.NET • AIMS@ASMS.NET 37

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5 Risky Apps to Watch Out For

What parents need to know: Video-chatting with strangers can be risky for teens. When it’s paired with location, it’s a no-go. Also, while HOLLA supposedly bans iffy content -- like nudity and violence -- user reviews indicate that masturbation, fake identities, and negative comments are common. The app’s age-matching is a red flag, too. It was easy for our tester to pose as a 13-year-old and get paired with 16- and 17-year-olds. Similar apps: Yubo, MeetMe - Chat and Meet New People, Spotafriend - Teen Meeting App To Make New Friends, ChatLive, Random Video Chat

It seems like every time you turn around, there’s a new app -or type of app -- that’s popular with tweens and teens. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with every hot new app, which makes knowing the risky features -- like interaction with strangers, anonymity, privacy concerns, and iffy content -- a solid first step. But it’s still important to know the specifics of what’s on your kid’s device and whether or not you’ll allow it to stay there.

BIGO LIVE - Live Stream

IMVU: 3D Avatar Creator & Chat

Kind of like Twitch and YouTube, BIGO LIVE lets teens stream live video of themselves that other users can see and comment on in real time. You can also receive and send “Beans” -BIGO’s term for virtual gifts -- that cost real money. You can level up and improve your ranking by logging in every day and sending gifts. The platform is designed for people who supposedly want to get famous, but it seems to be filled mainly with people competing for gifts. What parents need to know: BIGO has a lot of mature content, including sexy talk and clothing, and users’ comments are often predatory and explicit. Also, its focus on status and spending money, as opposed to creativity and talent, makes it feel shallow.Similar apps: Tagged - Chill, Chat & Go Live! and imo video calls and chat.

Using the website or the app, users interact through elaborate 3D avatars. You can dress them up, place them in public or private rooms, and follow other users and chat with them. You can also buy a wide variety of objects using virtual coins -- earned primarily through taking surveys or watching ads or through buying outright with real money. There’s no game or goal other than acquiring outfits, rooms, furniture, and other items or chatting with other users. What parents need to know: Virtual sex and user privacy are the main issues for teens in IMVU. The avatars sport highly stereotypical body types with big muscles or breasts, and many of the outfits are skimpy. It also appears that users generate a following on other platforms by sharing their IMVU usernames, which invites more contact with people they don’t know. Finally, the search term “IMVU sex” results in lots of advice about how to have (virtual avatar) sex and where to find it in IMVU. Similar app: Avakin Life

BitLife

In this simulation game, you’re assigned an identity to play through the entire game, from infancy to death. As you play -- and your character gets older -- you can make text-based choices about how to make money, spend time, and develop relationships with pretend profiles (which aren’t connected to real people). Those choices determine your levels of happiness, health, smarts, and appearance. When you die, you can start all over. What parents need to know: While kids can’t engage in actual risky behavior, BitLife exposes them to mature ideas. As your character gets older, you can choose to “hook up” with the pretend profiles, drink, do drugs, gamble, and commit crimes. (On the other hand, you can make healthy choices such as going to the gym and meditating.) It’s also easy for players to become overly fixated on the idealized world of sim games. Similar app: Reigns

Socratic by Google

This app lets you take a picture of a homework problem or question and get an answer and explanation in return, similar to Photomath - Camera Calculator. Because it’s more focused and filtered than an open internet search, the results are more targeted and helpful (in other words, it gives you the answers). What parents need to know: The biggest concern is cheating. If your kid decides to use this app as an easy way out of homework, they’ll lose a lot of learning. Secondly, since the answers come from the internet, they aren’t always right. Used with good judgment (and monitoring by a parent), a teen could legitimately use Socratic to dig into tough concepts, but it’s pretty easy to use for cheating. Similar apps: Photomath - Camera Calculator, Mathway, Got It Study - Homework Help

HOLLA: Live Random Video Chat

This app is all about connecting with strangers. Once you sign up using a phone number or your Facebook account, you can get matched instantly with a stranger -- and both you and they appear on camera. Or you can swipe Tinder-style until you like someone and they like you (by tapping a heart). You can also enable location tracking to be paired with someone nearby. Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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Tighten Up!

Q. I’m beginning to think we got in over our heads with our house. My wife and I make about $125,000 a year combined, but we’ve never been able to put anything aside for an emergency fund. Our mortgage payment is 35 percent of our take home pay each month. We have two young children, so we eat out a lot, but we have no debt other than our house. Do you think we should refinance our home?

A. You two are making good money, and you’re debt-free except for your home. You can’t tighten up your budget enough to save up an emergency fund? Stay out of restaurants, dude! There’s no law stating you have to eat out a lot just because there are kids in the house. You guys need to get on a written, detailed plan, and start hitting your goals. I’m talking about a strict, monthly budget. Now,

I’ll admit your mortgage payment isn’t exactly what I would’ve signed you up for. Your house payments, or rent, should be no more than 25 percent of your monthly take home pay. But your house payment isn’t what’s holding you two back. What’s holding you two back is the fact that you haven’t been willing to tighten up the finances in other areas of your life to offset biting off more than you could chew in terms of a home. No, I wouldn’t refinance. You’re fairly close where the mortgage payments are concerned, so I think you can make it through this by looking at ways to increase your income and selling stuff you don’t need to build an emergency fund. You two have been smarter than some, but you’re really going to have to buckle down and rearrange your priorities to make this happen!

Cash out my Roth IRA?

Q. I have around $15,000 in a Roth IRA. I recently started studying your advice, and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to cash it out and put the money toward debt. A. I teach people to stop investing temporarily while they attack their debt. So, I wouldn’t add anything to it at this point, but the worst thing you could do is cash it out. If you do, taxes and penalties will steal a huge chunk of that cash. The only time I take money out of a retirement account to pay off debt is to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure. Start working the Baby Steps from the beginning. Baby Step 1 is saving up $1,000 for a starter emergency fund. Baby Step 2 is paying off all debts from smallest to largest, except for your home, using the debt snowball method. This will free up a ton of money! Then you’re ready for Baby Step 3, which is increasing your emergency fund to three to six months of expenses. Now you’re ready for Baby Step 4, which is 15 percent of your income going into retirement!

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A Page in a Book The Friendship Fix is In Every parent looks forward to their child discovering their first friend. We watch with love as they find playmates who share their interests, enjoy the same activities, and have personalities that work well together. But as kids mature, they also develop emotions and behaviors that can trigger conflict with their friends. Providing children with guidance and tools that help them understand and resolve conflict is important, especially since the friendship dynamic is personal and rarely something a parent can solve. The following titles feature friendly fall outs, with encouraging anecdotal solutions that can help young readers get a friendship back on the right track.

Best Friends in the Universe

by Stephanie Watson, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Scholastic Press) Hector and Louie are such good friends, they’ve teamed up to write a book about it. They are perfectly in sync, finishing each other’s sentences, sharing the same goals, and loving the same things. But in the course of writing their homage to friendship, Hector shares an embarrassing secret about Louie. Horrified, Louie lets loose with an equally tender secret about Hector. As their book project (and their friendship) begins to fall apart, they discover the marvel of the “do over”. Much like editors can amend mistakes in a book, these friends find a way to forgive the errors and find their storyline again. Pairing the work ethic that goes into writing a book with the committed work that goes into maintaining a friendship, this title offers a humorous outline for fixing a valuable partnership.

Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends

by Julia Woolf (Peachtree Publishing) Betty’s favorite toy is Duck. Maud’s favorite toy is Penguin. So when best friends, Maud and Betty, get together to play, Duck and Penguin are forced together for playful activities, too. As the girls joyfully spend the day playing, cooking and crafting together, Duck and Penguin turn their similar interactions into messy fights. Destined to be thrown together by their loving owners, these two angry fluffs must find a way to make peace. With illustrations that playfully contrast a healthy friendship with a relationship that needs work, Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends is a gentle guide toward making unlikely pairings work. Celebrating the common ground that can repair a troubled friendship, this title is guaranteed to be a bookshelf favorite.

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

by Rachel Bright, Illustrated by Jim Field (Scholastic Press) Known in the forest as ‘Spontaneous Cyril’, he’s the squirrel who lives in the moment and doesn’t care to prepare food for winter. ‘Plan Ahead Bruce’ is the squirrel who’s hyper-focused on securing every last morsel for his horde. When they simultaneously spot the last unclaimed pine cone in the woods, the fight is on to see which squirrel will win the prize for himself. Fast-paced rhyming text accompanies energetic illustration that absolutely captures the frenetic pace of playful squirrels in the real world. While subtly offering a cautionary tale on the cost of both sloth and greed, this title’s real reward is it’s climactic reveal that the benefits of friendship always conquer the cost of conflict.

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Spring fever has no endâ€”when you have an amusement park season pass at OWA! More rides. More events. More announcements, openings and savings on family fun. For less than the cost of three visits, you can upgrade to unlimited fun with a season pass. Get yours at the gate or online and look forward to new levels of fun. FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111 41

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

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Camping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Itâ€™s also a great way for kids to learn about nature, from plants and animals to the weather and skies. Historical landmarks and different regions offer lessons in history. And parents get a break from daily responsibilities of life and some relaxation. Not to mention, itâ€™s an affordable way for families to vacation.

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What’s the best way to camp?

Your family can choose from a variety of camping options. If you love the experience of roughin’ it, pitch a tent, and haul the bare necessities. Tents come in many sizes and styles, some with dividers for separate sleeping quarters. When purchasing a tent, remember capacity doesn’t include luggage space. If you plan to keep belongings in your tent, opt for a larger capacity. Most importantly, don’t forget padding or a blow-up mattress to insulate against the cold, hard ground. If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts of home, a popup camper is the best of both worlds. The canvas sides and pullout sections of popups are surrounded with screens and give the feeling of sleeping in the fresh outdoors. Pop-ups come in several sizes and often include an icebox or mini refrigerator, heater, air conditioning, portable toilet, shower, kitchen sink, stove, cabinets and storage space, dining table, and other necessities. Some families prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motor homes offer a luxurious nighttime retreat after a day of outdoor fun. The ease of loading and unloading these shelters is great for moving from campsite to campsite, making cross-country camping less work. Motorhomes and travel trailers often have a full-size kitchen, living room complete with sofa and chairs, and separate bedrooms for comfort and privacy. Don’t overlook the option of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at campgrounds or in national

forests at cabin resorts. Cabins range from basic single room shelters containing only beds to completely furnished three or four room units including kitchenettes. When reserving a cabin, ask what is furnished before you go so you’ll arrive prepared while avoiding unnecessary packing. And don’t forget to ask about electricity, lights, and water. Experienced campers with older children might try a hike-in shelter for a true wilderness experience. Check with state and national parks for shelters that are sometimes set up along extended trails. After a day of hiking, roll out your sleeping bags under one of these small shelters for a dry night’s sleep under the stars.

Camping costs

The cost of travel can make family vacations a rare treat. But the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways. Overnight fees range from a free night’s stay at some state park rustic sites (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $50 or more a night at many of the top KOA and Jellystone Camp Park-Resorts. These top of the line campgrounds are loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment. State park campgrounds vary from state to state. Still, these are often the best deal for families interested in experiencing all nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in state parks typically range from $15 to $35. Many state parks have modern facilities including flush toilets, showers, grassy

or gravel sites, playgrounds, park stores for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, state parks frequently offer miles of wooded hiking or biking trails, natural wonders, historical sites, and much more that may not be found at private camp resorts. Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many families prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available at minimal cost.

Fun camping activities

Whatever your family’s interests, there is plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, learning about plants and trees, and practicing survival skills, to hiking excursions, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more. Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water. Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars. Other activities include nature programs, nature centers and historical sites, flying kites, rollerblading or bicycling on paved trails, and more. When ready to relax, light a campfire and enjoy reading or storytelling, play cards or board games, watch the sunset, stargaze, and roast marshmallows.

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Easy camp foods

There are many ways to cook. You can purchase a gas or liquid-fuel camping stove, or if electricity is available, a crock-pot or electric griddle works well. You can also carry a charcoal or small gas grill or cook over an open fire. Keep meals simple to minimize packing, preparation, and clean up. Easy choices include: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sandwiches, eggs, bacon, sausage, crock pot meals, sweet corn, baked potatoes, canned foods such as baked beans, tuna, chicken, spaghetti, ravioli, and soup, fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruit juice, and hot cocoa. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and good meals are one of the highlights for your family, then make the most of mealtime. With all the options for cooking, you can easily enjoy a gourmet feast.

Camping tips

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time.

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Camping is often a learn-as-you-go experience. But the following can alleviate hassles and keep your family safe. Protect your food from animals and animals from your food by blocking access. Animals can find their way into nearly anything. Raccoons are known to lift lids right off coolers to snatch hot dogs and other treats. A cooler that latches is usually a safe bet. Any food that isn’t tightly contained should be stored in your vehicle overnight. Poor weather can strike at any time and insect infestations can also make for a miserable experience. Make additional shelter such as a screen tent or tarps and rope part of your camping gear. Arrive at your camp destination ahead of the crowd. Every campsite is unique, and early arrival can assure a site that satisfies your needs. When selecting a site look for proximity to restrooms, the playground, electricity, and water. If you have young children, make sure the site isn’t close to a river or lake. The amount of shade you’ll want will depend on the weather forecast. To avoid mud, a grassy or rock site may be preferred. Also, avoid a site backed up to outhouses, which can smell in the heat and wind. Know what animals are found in the area and teach your children animal safety. Wild animals usually want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid them. Still, they can pose risks. In bear country, those accustom to people sometimes get too close and result in injury. Even small animals that feel threatened may attack. MBP Kimberly Blaker is author of the kid’s book Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? She also writes a blog, The Young Gma’s Guide to Parenting, at www. theyounggma.com.

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The Parental Gift of Presence As moms and dads, we want to give our children everything. We want our kids to have more, do more and experience more than we did. And so we work hard, put in crazy hours, and volunteer for every opportunity in order to provide the best for our children. But do you want to know the greatest gift you can give your teen? It’s your presence. Jim Higley is the author of Bobblehead Dad, and a writer for several other national publications. In a recent article, Jim wrote about his daughter, and how in the early years she was a happy kid. It didn’t take much to get her to share all the details of her life with her dad—friends, clothes, games, bike rides, lunch menus, and all the other daily events and experiences. But then middle school happened. And Jim’s daughter experienced what many pre-teens struggle with, and that’s “mean girls.” Her once cherished friends became bullies, and were the cause of constant hurts and heartaches. Jim writes:

the dad tactic that came naturally to me. But I just keep my mouth shut. Listen[ed]. And show[ed] my child my heart. After a couple minutes, my daughter lifted her head and uttered four painful words that brought tears to my eyes. “I hate my friends.” I let her words sink in. I paused. I thought about her and not me. And I simply said what I felt. “Honey, that must suck to feel that way.” That’s all I said. No questions. No lectures. No bright ideas. Just my heart. Just me. Right there with her in the moment. She responded by crawling down next to me and sharing details of her hurt as I gazed at the ceiling and reaffirmed my empathy. And my love. And then, after 10 minutes, she said, “Can we bake some cookies?”

I did what I thought I was supposed to do: help her fix the situation. I’d suggest ideas for making new friends, or brilliant brainstorms for putting the mean girls in their place. And I interrogated her. Boy did I ask a lot of questions. But all my help was met with the same tearful reaction. Or a slammed door. I didn’t know what to do, and I felt worthless because of it. The following day my daughter arrived home from school after another bad day and immediately went to her room, stomping up each tread of the stairs — her new way of saying, “I’m home and I’m going to make your life miserable!” I waited a few minutes and, when things quieted down, I knocked on her door. “Leave me alone,” she screamed. I took a deep breath. “I’m coming in. Ten seconds,” I said. When I entered, there she was. On her bed. Stomach down. With her face buried in a pillow. Not saying a word, I simply lay on the floor, crossed my hand on my stomach and stared at the ceiling. I felt awkward because this was not

Far and away the best present you can offer your teen is simply your presence. It’s being physically and emotionally with your child. During adolescence, teens need mom and dad more than ever! So how can we be more present?

Jim summarizes the value of simply being present for his daughter when he writes;

[This moment] taught me the value of letting children not only experience pain, sadness and disappointment — but also feel our unconditional connection. And to know what it feels like when their parent is willing to simply be in the moment with them and hold their hand through the hurt … Your child may not want or really need your solutions. They just might want you to join them in their journey.

Show an interest in your son or daughter. When you get home, turn off

the TV or computer, and get to know your teen. What does he like? What does she dislike? What is he thinking about right now? What’s weighing on her mind? What puts him at ease? Become a student of your teen.

Be intentional about making time. If you don’t make a conscious effort

to be with your child, it just won’t happen. Life gets busy all too quickly, so if we’re not deliberately setting aside time on our 45

calendar to spend time with our teens, the days will fill up with less important tasks. Take a moment to look at your calendar and block off purposeful moments to take your teen to a sports game, visit a museum, take a fishing trip, attend a concert, stay up late to watch a meteor shower with hot chocolate. Build something together. Cook something together. Or simply set aside time to hang out with your teen.

Ask good questions. When you’re present with your teen, use that time to ask good questions. This is not a moment to interrogate for information. It’s also not a time to debate or answer your own questions. Instead, formulate some questions that get your teens thinking about the world, their culture, their beliefs, and their values. You could ask, “Who is your role model? Why?” Or, “do you think our world is better or worse than it was five years ago?” Or, “If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?” Questions can get your teen thinking, and offer the benefit of having mom or dad there to help guide their understanding. Open up to your teen. No one likes to hang out with people who are perfect—that includes your son or daughter! Now, you don’t have to use your child like a confessional booth, but as you spend time with them, offer reminders of your own imperfection—mistakes you’ve made, ways you’ve changed, perspectives that you’ve adjusted. Your presence sends the message, I want to hang out with you in the good times, and I’m there for you in the bad times. And your presence in, and attentiveness to, his or her life keeps you from being blindsided by the effects of the turbulent teen years. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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How to communicate face-to-face

Ask anyone who has ever been to overnight camp about

Tom Rosenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association, says today’s youth spends so much time on technology, that learning to communicate face-to-face with peers is important. He quotes a 2015 Pew Research Center study that says “Just 25 percent of teens spend time with friends in person outside of the school day on a regular basis.” In light of that statistic, overnight camp is good place to get kids to socialize without technology. “About 90 percent of camps don’t allow kids to have computers or cell phones,” says Rosenberg. “In general, camps are an oasis for human-powered socialization.”

his or her experience, and you will hear endless tales of comradery, cabin mates and campfires. Many times campers will say overnight camp was the first time they rode a horse or shot a bow and arrow or flew down a zip line. It’s where they learned to make their beds and keep their belongings tidy in cramped quarters. With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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How to be independent For many children, camp is the first time they are away from parents and the familiarity of home. While this may cause some homesickness, it also gives children an opportunity to overcome being homesick. And without parents there, children learn to pick up after themselves and keep up with their things. Overnight camp can also prepare students for independence in their next steps in life, like trips abroad and college.

Children born into all kinds of circumstances have dreams and dreams are powerful. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

How to be a part of community living Sometimes it’s hard to live with other people, especially if other people drape their clothes over your bed or hog the shower. And it’s not like kids can escape to their own room when they are at summer camp because everyone bunks together in one cabin. But kids can learn to work out differences they may have about how they share their living spaces, and it’s more fun for campers to do the cabin chores together than alone. As they grow up, kids have to learn to work in groups in their communities. “That cabin group has community building at its core,” says Rosenberg.

How to embrace diversity Children who go to camp meet other campers from all over the country. They meet kids from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. In a study conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association, 94 percent of campers said “Camp helped me get to know other campers who were different from me.” Rosenberg says this is important for kids in the 21st Century. “Making new friends is an essential skill kids are going to need to have.”

How to overcome fears Going to camp takes kids out of their normal day-to-day setting and gives them a chance to try things they might not try when they are at home. In the Philliber study, 74 percent of the kids surveyed said “At camp I did things I was afraid to do at first.” Children may feel more comfortable taking a risk around new acquaintances than they do under the watchful eye of parents, siblings or school peers. If they

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

are trying an activity they have never tried before, they may feel encouraged by staff or counselors who are there to support and guide them.

How to become resilient Camp life doesn’t always go as planned, and kids learn to adapt and move with what’s happening around them. Camp goers also grow more resilient from trying again when they fail, according to Rosenberg. “Part of growing up is learning that you are not always going to be successful. Sometimes campers fail and counsel47

ors help them try again,” says Rosenberg. “Camp is a safe place to make mistakes.” Going to overnight camp benefits kids in many ways. It provides a place where kids can get out of their daily setting and have new adventures, meet new people and learn new skills. And while they are doing all of those things, they will probably learn a few life lessons that will stay with them forever. MBP Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Some of her fondest memories happened at overnight camp.

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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!

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Art Camps Mobile Museum of Art ArtBlast ad on page 21

4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Weekly art camps from 8am-5pm for ages 4-18 beginning June 8-July 24, 2020 . There is truly something for everyone, with pottery, painting, printmaking, drawing and more. 251-208-5212 kwood@MobileMuseumofArt.com www.mobilemuseumofart.com/learn

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

301 Conti Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Let your child explore the world of contemporary art through Alabama Contemporary Art Center’s Summer Camps! Your child will explore a range of mediums including painting, drawing, papier mâché, photography, and more. 251-208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org www.alabamacontemporary.org

Coastal Makers, LLC

70 N Joachim Ste F, Mobile, AL 36602 Learn a new skill and experiment with unique tools and art supplies. All ages welcome. Visit our website or Facebook page for camps in Mobile and Spanish Fort. 251-455-2909 coastalmakers@gmail.com www.coastalmakers.com

Mobile Parks & Rec Community

Mobile, AL Camps offering arts, crafts, sewing and much more. www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-andrecreation/

Paint Party Studios

15 Upham Street, Mobile, AL 36607 Pop-up Kids Summer Special Events and Classes in our studio will be posted on our Facebook page for ages 6+. 251-343-2423 info@paintpartystudios.com www.paintpartystudios.com

Round But Square Studios

3304 Old Shell Road Suite C, Mobile, AL 36608 Art Camps Galore! Birthday parties. Art classes, Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

pop-in art events, and more. Visit our website for more information.

251-591-3425 roundbutsquarestudios@gmail.com www.roundbutsquarestudios.com

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer

Nasser Gymnastics ad on page 53

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36607 One of the best Camps in town! Boys and Girls, ages 3+. Very flexible schedule: half day, daily, weekly rates, and drop-offs available. Interactive games, energetic sports, learn gymnastics, and meet new friends! 251-479-9311 nassergym@yahoo.com www.nassergym.net

Debbie’s School of Dance

Planet Gymnastics

6429 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile, AL 36695 Join us for our spectacular summer camps! We offer fun, creative camps that will keep your child active and entertained like Princess Camp for 2-3 year olds from 5:45-6:30pm, Ballet Adventure Camp for 4 - 5 year olds from 5:45 - 6:45pm, and JoJo Hip Hop Camp for ages 6 and up from 6:30-7:30pm.

900 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Camps throughout the school holidays, No registration fees, Unbelievable rates, 20% sibling discounts, Great hours: 7.30am-5.30pm, Half day, daily, and weekly rates, Walk-ins welcome. Ages 3-14.

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251-633-9559 www.debbiesdance.com

251-650-0699 PlanetGymnasticsAL@comcast.net www.planetgymnastics.com

Gale’s Studio of Dance

Robinson’s School of Dance

Piccadilly Square / Same Shopping Center as Buffalo Wild Wings, 6345 Airport Blvd. Suite F, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer camps & classes begin June 9th. Choose: “Tip Toes & Tumbling” for Tots, “Enchanted Princess Camp” (ages 3-5), “Pop Star Camp” & “Summer Intensive” Advanced classes(13 & up) . MANY MORE summer, day, night dance classes available. Summer classes offered: Ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, tumbling, lyrical, hip hop and cheerleading.

421 Highway 43 North, Saraland, AL 36571 Summer Classes: Classes June 2-July 2, 2020, Offering: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Baton and Hip Hop! Ages 2 & Up!

ad on page 29

251-343-9544 www.galesstudioofdance.com

Mobile Ballet

ad on page 31

251-675-5915 www.Robinsonsschoolofdance.com

Auburn Tigers Girls Gymnastics Camp

703 West Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Gymnastics Camps in Alabama offer an opportunity for gymnasts to receive valuable instruction on the fundamentals of gymnastics while addressing new skills. Dates/ rates online. 334-844-5047 AUgymcamp@auburn.edu www.auburngymnasticscamps.com

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4351 Downtowner Loop North, Mobile, AL 36609 Let’s Dance Camp - Ballet, Jazz & introduction to Tap (Ages 6 – 8) June & July TBA, Little Ballerina Camp - Ballet Creative Movement (Ages 3 - 5) June & July TBA, Summer Intensive with WorldRenowned Faculty (Ages 9 & up) Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern, Partnering & more! June 8 - 26 with 1, 2, 3 week options available. 251-342-2241 info@mobileballet.org www.mobileballet.org

Broadway South Dance

7906 Westside Park Drive, Mobile, AL 36695 Broadway South Dance provides quality dance instruction in the West Mobile area for ages 2-adult. Be sure to check us out on the web at www.broadwaysouthdance.com to find out summer dance schedule.

251-639-0660 michelle@broadwaysouthdance.com www.broadwaysouthdance.com

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Cheer Force One

8700 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 Please visit our website or follow us on Facebook/Instagram (@cheerforceone) for the latest details about summer camps and clinics.

Sheffield School of Dance

4570 Hermitage Road, Mobile, AL 36619 Please stay tuned to our Facebook & Instagram for our upcoming Sheffield Summer Series! Social: @sheffielddance

251-634-0203 info@cheerforceone.com www.cheerforceone.com

251-479-3926; 251-661-4893 info@sheffielddance.net www.sheffielddance.com

Cottage Hill Gymnastics Center

Day Camps

1711 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL 36695 Gymnastics, Tumbling and Trampoline 251-367-6182

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Ms. Lisa’s Gym and Cheer

144 East I-65 Service Road N, Mobile, AL 36607 Mrs. Lisa’s offers Recreational tumbling classes, Competitive Cheer Teams for ages 3-18 , School Cheer Teams Tumbling, Private Lessons , & Choreography. 251-471-9708 mrslisasalabamajags@comcast.net Find us on Facebook

Ms. Daphne’s Cheernastics

102 Baker Road, Satsuma, AL 36572 For current info, visit our Facebook Page: Ms. Daphne’s CheerNastics; Summer Schedule and camps TBA. 251-599-2205 msdaphnescheernastics@yahoo.com www.msdaphnescheernastics.com

Precision Dance

168 Noel Street, Mobile, AL 36607 Precision Dance Academy will again host an exciting summer filled with camps and intensives for both boys and girls of all ages. Please like us on Facebook for updates and camp information. 251-222-3403

Robinson’s School of Dance: Bayou Studio

8665 Four Mile Rd, Irvington, AL 36544 Summer Dance Intensive. Registration is June 1st from 5-7pm. Classes are every Monday and Tuesday in July! 251-455-1866 robinsonsbayoustudio@gmail.com

Empire Gymnastics

246-B Jacintoport Blvd, Saraland, AL 36571 251-620-9780 info@empireathleticstraining.com empireathleticstraining.com

251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Way Baptist Summer Camp ad on page 53

Bright Beginnings Learning Center at Providence LLC presents Space Summer Camp ad on page 15

Bright Beginnings Learning Center at Providence LLC, 6803 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608 We will be traveling into space. Our Space Shuttle will be blasting off on Monday-Friday at 8:00am-6:00pm. All parents of astronauts who are interested are asked to contact the BBLC Space center at 251-776-5540. 251-776-5540 bblcatprovidence@gmail.com bright-beginnings-learning-center-at-providence-llc. business.site/

3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer Camp hours-6:30am-6:00pm for children who have completed 5K-5th grade. Camp begins May 26. Weekly activities include swimming, skating, arts and crafts, music and sports, games, numerous other activities & special field trips. $30 per day. 251-344-0909 Facebook -Dauphin Way Baptist Child Development Center

GulfQuest ad on page 7

155 Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Join us for GulfQuest’s Summer Maritime Academies! All rising 1st-6th graders are eligible. There are two week-long Academies to choose from, and each day of the Academy will feature a different maritime theme.

Camp Chandler Tonsmeire

251-436-8901 education@gulfquest.org www.gulfquest.org

2701 Shelton Beach Road Ext, Mobile, AL 36618 Camp Chandler Tonsmeire is an outdoor education program focused on character and leadership development and curbing summer learning loss. Offering S.T.E.M. activities in a tradition fun day camp programming. This is the place where kids can be kids and enjoy a day of adventure. DatesJune 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26 June 29-July 2, July 6-10, July 13-17 Ages 6-13.

Play Cafe

ad on page 17

251-432-1235 ghall@bgcsouthal.org Find us on Facebook!

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Day Camps ad on page 58

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Oceans Alive! June 3, June 19, and July 23 (ages 5 - 8); BIO Blitz-June 5, July 31 (ages 8 10); Ocean Bytes-June 12, July 10 (ages 9-11);

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Play Cafe Mobile, 4504 Old Shell Rd STE B, Mobile, AL 36608 Summer Camps:Under the Sea-June 1-4, Down on the Farm-June 8-11, Incredible Edible-June 15-18, Princess Party-June 22-25, Disney DaysJuly 6-9, Out of this World-July 13-16, Buggin Out-July 20-23, Trip around the World-July 27-30 (251) 219-0354 playcafemob@gmail.com www.playcafemobile.com

St. Dominic Catholic School ad on page 23

4160 Burma Road, Mobile, AL 36693 Camp Little Eagles–PK2-PK4, On-campus camp with water days, theme days, and fun crafts. Camp Eagles-K-8th, Includes field trips, Daily on campus activities, and water days. Dates/Hours–

NEW INSTALLATIONS IN THE CADDELL SCULPTURE GARDEN

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Beginning March 20, 2020

Come see new works inspired by and created from nature in our outdoor sculpture garden by North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty and Alabama artist Jamey Grimes. Preview the works at mmfa.org

Patrick Dougherty (American, born 1945), Ready or Not, 2013, mixed media, installed at the North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, NC. Photograph by Juan Villa

One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission

mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

Survivor: Dauphin Island June 4, July 2, July 17 (ages 10-13). Registration/camp specifics are available online.

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May 28-Aug 7, 2020, 7:00am-5:30pm.

251-661-5226 sbarber@stdominicmobile.org www.stdominicmobile.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal School Camp Wildcat ad on page 39

3975 Japonica Lane , Mobile, AL 36693 Our award winning camp is open to the public. (Ages rising K3-6th grade, 7:30am-5:30pm). Camp starts May 26. Please visit our website at stlukesmobile.com and facebook ‘St. Luke’s Episcopal School’ for more information. We offer themed weeks, water days, games, creative activities, many enrichment classes, on sight guests, and field trips for our senior campers. Priority registration begins March 1. 251-666-2991 campwildcat@stlukesmobile.com www.stlukesmobile.com

University of South Alabama Summer Recreation Camp ad on page 31

University of South Alabama Student Recreation Center, 51 Stadium Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36688 Camps focus on recreational and physical activities such as swimming, rock wall climbing, ping-pong, outdoor games, sports, and more. Lunch included. Seven one-week sessions beginning June 8. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm. Ages: Rising 1st-8th graders. Dates/Rates online

Evangel Christian School Summer Day Camp

1277 Jubilee Drive, Saraland, AL 36571 Summer Day Camp. 6:30am-6:00pm daily M-F. Ages 4-Entering 6th Grade. Weekly and Daily. Many activities available including field trips for students entering 2nd grade-6th grade. Dates: June 1- July 24.

gatherkidsplace@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

The Watermelon Patch

7856 Westside Park Dr Suite F, Mobile, AL 36695 Summer Camps -details coming, please check our Facebook page for more information.

Government Street Baptist

3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36693 Coming to Summer Camp 2020 is BibleFlixCome see what God does next-with opening day being May 26. Please see our website for dates and time. Ages completed K4-5th grade.

251-660-7444 deboraheddie@gsbc.onmicrosoft.com www.governmenstreetcdc.org

Junior Police Academy

1251 Virginia Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Step into the role of a Mobile Police Officer to solve crimes. You’ll explore specialized police units and take adventures into the criminal justice system. July 6-10 for ages 9-12 251-208-1924 gary.owens@cityofmobile.org mobilepd.org/juniorpoliceacademy

1248 Anchor Dr, Mobile, AL 36693 Summer Camp offered for children K5-12 years old. Children take daily field trips - skating, bowling , movies, library, cottage hill park. Other special activities are also offered each month. 251-661-4254 Find us on Facebook

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama

Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Day / Camp-Down on the Farm

The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd N, Mobile, AL 36608 The Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America will be holding its annual Cub Scout Summer Day Camp. Please visit our website for summer camp information coming soon. June 8-12th 2020

251-476-4600 fiveriverscubscoutdaycamp@gmail.com www.bsamac.org

Dayspring Baptist Summer Day Camp

2200 Cody Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Online Registration for Summer Day Camp 2020 will begin on March 1st. Registration-$50, daily tuition-$25 per day (this includes all off campus activities/field trips except Waterville). Hours: 6:45am-6:00pm, Ages: K5 through 6th Grade. 251-633-0250 www.dayspring.church/summerday-camp

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Gather Kids Place

251-675-4619 evangel@folc.tv www.folc.tv

Beck’s Day Care - Summer Camp

251-432-1235 boy.girl@bgcsouthal.org www.bgcsouthal.org

251-649-2712 www.semmesfirstbaptistcdc.com

28788 North Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526 June 1–July 23, Times:7:50am–6:00pm. Ages:10 years and up. EFGC is a non profit 501 (c) (3) program that provides social and recreational opportunities for the special needs communities of Baldwin and Mobile counties.

251-460-7268 srcsummercamps@southalabama. edu www.southalabama.edu/summercamps

Locations: Cody Rd. Branch - 35 Cody Road S, 251-343-4320, Kiwanis Branch - 712 Rice St, 251-478-7811, Semmes Branch - 3810 Wulff Road E, 251-645-9027, Sonny Callahan Branch 6585 Carol Plantation Road, 251-653-1188, Optimist Branch - 1517 Plaza Drive, 251-438-5111 Our Summer Enrichment programs are awesome! Kids will enjoy exciting summer activities that include Summer Brain Gain, field trips, sports, swimming, arts and crafts will also learning the importance of a health lifestyle.

new Thursdays and Fun and Games Friday’s.

251-625-8955 efgulfcoast@gmail.com www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile, AL 36695 We love summer and we do Summer Camp right! Ages -walkers to 6 years old. Hours will be Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 12:30pm. Extended hours are also offered. 251-633-3288 www.watermelonpatchkids.com

West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp

7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608 West Mobile Baptist CDC Summer Camp is for children grades 2-6 and is open from 6am – 6pm. 251-639-6868 stephanie@wemochurch.org www.wemochurch.org

YMCA of South Alabama

Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA, North Mobile Family YMCA, Bounds Family YMCA, Snook Family YMCA, AL Join us for our spectacular summer camps! Dates: June 11-27. We offer fun, creative camps that will keep your child active and entertained like Princess Camp for 2-3 year olds from 5:456:30pm, Ballet Adventure Camp for 4 - 5 year olds from 5:45 - 6:45pm, and JoJo Hip Hop Camp for ages 6 and up from 6:30-7:30pm. All-Day Themed Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-14). The Y’s summer day camp is packed with themed activities, crafts and games, water fun, sports of all sorts, field trips, and much more! 251-344-4856 www.ysal.org

Life Church CDC Summer Camp

8701 Zeigler Boulevard , Mobile, AL 36608 S.O.S. Seeking Our Savior. Monday - Friday, 6AM-6PM, K-3 thru completed 6th grade. Field trips, arts and crafts, praise and worship, dress up days, water slides, and more! 251-633-2679 www.lifechurchcdc.com

North Mobile Christian School Summer Day Camp

1255 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, AL 36571 NMCS Summer Day Camp is for students K2-8th grade. We have exciting age-appropriate activities (both on-campus and off-campus) each week for those who attend day camp. 251-679-3279 kfinch@northmobilechristian.org www.northmobilechristian.org

Semmes First Baptist CDC Summer Day Camp

4070 Wulff Road East, Semmes, AL 36575 This year Summer is going to be WILD. Join us for Make and Take Monday’s, Take a trip Tuesday’s, Wet and Wild Wednesdays, Try something

Drama/ Theater Camps Azalea City Center for the Arts - Summer Camps ad on page 5

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Drama Camp--We will put on a full-length show, play games, go outdoors, and paint sets!(Grades 3 & up). Session 1-June 1-12, Session 2-June 15–26, Session 3-June 29-July 10, Special Musical Theater intensive-July 13-17, Special Rising Stars-(grades 8 & up)-June 8-19. Glee Camp-June 22-July 3-Grades 3 & up, Drama Camp Junior-one-week sessions that produce a daily performance. Campers participate in group games, costume craziness, bringing books to life, and stage fun! Grades PK-2. 251-510-1808 dramacamp@mindspring.com www.azaleacityarts.com

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3995 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 The PACT’s summer program is a high-energy camp that allows campers to experience theatre in exciting and innovative ways. Our performance camps take The PACT Show experience and condense it into two action-packed weeks. While our two innovative workshops & musical theatre summer stock experience allow campers to experiment and build within their craft! There is something for everyone in The PACT’s summer program! 251-307-5056 office@thepactmobile.com www.thepactmobile.com

Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL 36608 Playhouse Summer Theatre Camps will be the weeks of June 1 and 8th, for ages 5-11. We will have 3 teachers and will study acting, dance, musical theater, art, and puppetry.

251-602-0630 playhouseintheparkmobileal@gmail.com www.playhouseinthepark.org

Educational and Miscellaneous Alabama School of Math and Science-The Adventures in Math and Science Summer Camp ad on page 37

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Dates: June 1 - 5, June 8 - 12 and June 15 - 19, 2020 for rising 6th - 10th graders. Registration

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

Cost: $395 (Overnight) or $295 (Day Camp) and includes lunch. Cost for weekend between is an additional fee of $195 and includes trip to waterpark. Registration Deadline is May 1, 2020.

251-441-2100 AIMS@ASMS.NET www.asms.net

tion skills while having fun in this group setting. Wednesdays in June & July from 9-10am. All abilities welcome. Ages 4-6. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Articulation Speech Camp @ BlueBird Therapy

Dauphin Island Sea Lab

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Does your child need a little help pronouncing her/his words? This camp, led by a Speech Language Pathologist, is an excellent way to help your kids work on their word clarity in a group setting. Every Thursday in June & July from 1-2pm. All abilities welcome. Ages 4-8.

251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) www.disl.org

ad on page 44

251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Big Chefs Camp @ BlueBird Therapy ad on page 44

6157 Airport Blvd Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Get your picky eater cookin’ at Big Chefs Camp! Kids will cook with our feeding therapist and try new foods together! June 22-26 from 10:30am to 12pm. All abilities welcome. Ages 8-12. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Chit Chat Speech Camp @ BlueBird Therapy ad on page 44

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Improve your child’s language and communica-

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65 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Experience the most amazing, science-based summer camps in Mobile! Summer camps at the Exploreum Science Center are a great way to keep budding young minds engaged all summer long. Our camps are extensive in subject matter and have themes like Airbus Flight Academy, 3D Printing, Junior Med Camp, Space Cadets, Astro Tots, Dinosaur Dig, CSI Mobile and More! 251-208-6818 hfreeman@exploreum.com www.exploreum.com

Handwriting Heroes Camp @ BlueBird Therapy ad on page 44

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Using fun and play, this camp helps develop the skills needed to improve handwriting and social skills! June 8-12 from 10am to 12pm. All abilities welcome. Ages 4 to 8. More at www.bluebirdtherapy.com 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

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USA Literary Center Tutoring and Summer Camp

2370-D Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695 We provide reading, phonics, writing, and math tutoring for K-12th grades. ACT/SAT Prep. Proven results!

Mobile, AL 36608 Reading & Writing Tutoring - First grade through high school. Individual and/or small group reading & writing tutoring Monday-Thursday. Summer Literacy/Video Production Camp - June 15-26.

ad on page 35

251-525-9239 MobileAL@hlcmail.com www.huntingtonhelps.com

Little Chefs Camp @ BlueBird Therapy ad on page 44

6157 Airport Blvd Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Get your picky eater cookin’ at Little Chefs Camp! Kids will cook with our feeding therapist and try new foods together! June 22-26 from 8:30-10am. All abilities welcome. Ages 4 to 7. More at www. bluebirdtherapy.com 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Lunch Bunch Social Club @ BlueBird Therapy ad on page 44

6157 Airport Blvd, Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 At this camp, kids will get a chance to build social skills, such as turn taking, personal space, sharing, introducing yourself and conflict resolution. Tuesdays in June & July from 1-2pm. All abilities welcome. Ages 7-12. More at www. bluebirdtherapy.com 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

ad on page 15

251-380-2891 jmholland@southalabama.edu www.southalabama.edu/colleges/coe/literacy-center/

American Autism & Rehabilitation Center

8909 Rand Avenue, Daphne, AL 36526 The American Autism and Rehabilitation Center will offer many different camps this summer. No diagnosis is required. Please visit our website for additional camp information. (251) 210-1632 (Ext. 104) info@americanautismcenter.com www.AmericanAutismCenter.com

Auburn University Youth Camps

Dancing Needle Designs

6103 SouthBend Drive, Mobile, AL 36619 Sewing classes. Visit Facebook for information. 251-454-5263 Find us on Facebook

Farm Adventure Summer Day Camp

Linda’s Learning Farm and Play Park, 2380 Havens Road, Semmes, AL 36575 Children will experience what farm life is like.

251-649-1802 www.learningfarmandplaypark.com

Junior MedCamp

Mobile Medical Museum, 1664 SpringHill Ave, Mobile, AL 36604 Curious about health and medicine? Five full days of games, experiments, and storytelling, exploring topics such as germs and illness, human anatomy, and how common instruments are used. Ages 7-9, July 6-10. 251-415-1109 www.mobilemedicalmuseum.org

Mobile Parks and Recreation Community Activities

Educational Camps and Classes. Tutoring, ACT Classes, Computer Classes and much more.

www.cityofmobile.org/residents/parks-and-recreation/

National Flight Academy

Auburn Youth Programs is an extension of University Outreach that sponsors and executes over 100 summer programs designed to educate and inspire youth in a variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular endeavors. 334-844-4750 auyouth@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/summercamps.htm

There will be barn activities, garden fun, swimming and daily horse interaction, swimming and playtime. Ages 5-12. June 8th-12th.

Naval Air Station, 1 Fetterman Way, Pensacola, FL 32508 The National Flight Academy is a premier STEM institution that provides students in grades 7th - 12th with a fully immersive, aviation-themed, learning adventure of a lifetime. Six-day overnight Deployment programs run May – August. 850-458-7836 info@nationalflightacademy.com www.nationalflightacademy.com

Revelation Summer Enrichment Program

1711 Taylor Lane, Mobile, AL 36605 Revelation Summer Enrichment Program will focus on the subject areas of Reading and Math in a fun and educational way for grades Kindergarten-5th grade. Dates-June 29-July 10th from 8-12. 251-473-2333 www.rmbcmob.org

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Spa Tea Da

3938 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36606 Summer is so much fun at Spa-Tea-Da! Please see all of our events at www.spa-tea-da.com and subscribe to get notifications or find them on our Facebook event page. 251-447-4846 www.spa-tea-da.com

St. Paul’s Episcopal School – Summer Fun and Learning

U.S. Space Camp & Aviation Challenge One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 More details under Overnight Camps. 800-637-7223 www.spacecamp.com

Horseback Riding

161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 We will offer summer school and enrichment classes, several athletic camps, and music camps. More classes and events will be added throughout the spring; please visit our website for updates and registration forms!

Riverview Camp for Girls

Start Smart! College Bound – Career Ready

251-622-7962

www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints

Start Smart! College Bound–Career Ready, is a college prep program design to help prepare students for college and the workforce.

251-767-5446 startsmartcollegebound@gmail.com www.startsmartcollegebound.weebly.com

The Cookery

4456 Old Shell Road , Mobile, AL 36608 The Cookery will offer summer cooking camps Tuesday-Fridays from 9:00am-12:00pm most weeks through the Summer. Our camps are perfect for children of all skill levels. Cost per week is $155 per child. 251-654-7646 info@thecookerymobile.com www. thecookerymobile.com

The Think Tank Tutoring

Mobile County and Surrounding areas, AL Please call or visit our website for summer programs for individual and group enrichment. 251-414-4494 or 251-300-9697 thinktankminds@ gmail.com www.TheThinkTankTutoring.com

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

606 Valley View Ranch Rd, Cloudland, GA 30731 One or two-week sessions June 7 - July 31, 2020. Overnight camps for girls, ages 8-17 years. English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. Beginner and Advanced riders. CHA instructors. 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

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Music Camps

800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

Full Scale School Of Music

Mimi C. Peters Riding School at Silver Lining Farm – Summer Riding Camp

Azalea City Center for the Arts, 63 Midtown Park East, Mobile, AL 36606 Summer music camps for ages 5-18! Come and join us at Full Scale for a great time of music making, theory, rhythm, harmony, and rock and roll! Students are welcome to join us any week this summer for Rock Band, Hands on Instruments, Intro to Orchestra, Frozen Music, Star Wars Music, and Rock Band Jr!

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 See details description under Overnight Camps.

10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Day and Overnight Camps offered. Ages 5-16. Silver Lining Farm has one of the best summer camp programs in the country. 251-634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www.silverliningfarm.net

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Sandstone Equestrian Center

251-454-6591 fullscaleschool@gmail.com www.fullscaleschool.com/summer-camp/

251-508-2759 sandstoneec@gmail.com www.sandstoneequestriancenter.com

Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp

9450-A Jeff Hamilton Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Summer Camps - visit our website for more information.

Sandy Ridge Farms Horse Camp

Sand Ridge Road, Citronelle, AL 36522 Offering a week of exciting fun! Boys and Girls, ages 7-16. Monday - Friday. 9am to 2pm. Until 3 on Fridays. Ride horses, play volleyball, make ice cream, and more. 251-866-5733

wgbhorses@gmail.com

ad on page 16

History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602 Marcus Johnson Summer Camp is an opportunity for young people to learn about jazz music and techniques. Dates-July 20-24, 2020. Registration Deadline: July 10 251-478-4027 www.gcehjazzfest.org/jazz-camp

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Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Kids Worship Camp will be from July 6th-10th. Times: 8:45am-12:00pm. Performance at the end of the week at 6:00 p.m. Registration for Kids Worship Camp at CHBC begins on May 1st and is $25.00 per child.

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251-660-2422 www.cottagehill.org

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Music & Movement Camp @ BlueBird Therapy ad on page 44

6157 Airport Blvd Suite 205, Mobile, AL 36608 Children in this camp play instruments, sing songs, and play games to target coordination, balance, following directions and socialization skills. June 8-12 from 8-9am. All abilities welcome. Ages 3 to 4. 251-287-0378 info@bluebirdtherapy.com www.bluebirdtherapy.com

Auburn Summer Band Camp

320 W Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36849 Summer Band Camps - check our website for dates and information. 334- 844-4166 www.band.auburn.edu

251-272-9616 www.mobileschoolofpiano.com

Overnight Camps Alabama School of Math and Science - The Adventures in ad on page 37

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Details under Educational/Miscellaneous Camps. 251-441-2100 AIMS@ASMS.NET www.asms.net

Camp Beckwith ad on page 57

Springhill Baptist Church Summer Music Camp

2 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Music day camp:July 20-24, for ages completed PreK4-6th grade. Join us for fun-filled days of group singing, performing, instruments and music learning activities. Grade 1-6 performance: Sunday, July 26, 6:00pm. 251-342-5320 drice@shbc.cc www.shbc.cc/smash

St. Paul’s Episcopal School – Summer Fun and Learning

161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 See listing under Educational Camps for details.

www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints

205-348-6068 jhnails@ua.edu www.bands.ua.edu/programs

Math and Science Summer Camp

Mobile, AL Private summer piano lessons where the student can learn sight reading, ear training, improvising and more! Ages 4 and up.

251-622-7962

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 We will offer one week of instruction with programs in Leadership Training (Gradesl 9-12), Marching Percussion (Grades 9-12), Majorette (Grades 9-12), and Concert Band (Grades 6-12).

10400 Beckwith Lane, Fairhope, AL 36532 Join us for the “Best Week Ever!” at Beckwith, packed with sailing, swimming, arts & crafts, ziplining, and so much more! Visit our website for information about dates and rates. 251-928-7844 addie@beckwithal.com www.beckwithal.com

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Summer Residential Camp ad on page 58

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Barrier Island Explorers: Rising 5th-6th graders

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Camp ASCCA Easter Seals

5278 Camp ASCCA Dr, Jacksons Gap, AL 36861 Summer sessions begin June 28, 2020 with a new session beginning each Sunday. Camp Sessions are Sunday - Friday for ages 6 years and up.

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256-825-9226 amber@campascca.org www.campascca.org

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Camp Cosby offers a traditional overnight summer camp. Activities include archery, canoeing, horseback riding, water-skiing, arts and crafts. Dates: May 31-July 25, Ages: 6-15. 800-85-COSBY cinfo@campcosby.org www.campcosby.org

Clayton, GA 30525 A traditional summer camp for boys and girls located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia. Limiting our enrollment to around 70 campers, ages 6 to 15, allows us to emphasize the “family” atmosphere. 678-701-3052 info@campdixie.org www.campdixie.org

251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Science Course

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 2020 Camps run from May-August. An all girls overnight camp with one and two-week summer sessions. Ages 6-16 years. Horse riding, swimming, nature trails, arts and crafts, and much more! Also offering weekend retreats for mother-daughter adventures. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

251-861-2141 (ext. 7515) DHPsummer@disl.org www.disl.org

ad on page 58

101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Marine Science High School Course: June 14July 10. An intense 4-week academic class which

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 20

800-882-0722 info@riverviewcamp.com www.riverviewcamp.com

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introduces high school students to a better understanding of the various fields in marine science. Registration/camp specifics are available online.

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Camp Dixie

June 14-17, July 12-15, July 19-22; Marine DeTECHtives: Rising 7th-8th grade June 29-July 1 ; Gulf Island Journey: Rising 7th-9th grades May 31-June 5, June 21-26, July 12-17, July 19-24; Bay Voyager: Rising 9th-12th grade June 7-12, July 26-31; Coastal Fisheries Camp: Rising 9th12th graders May 31- June 5. Registration/camp specifics are available online.

29711 Josephine Drive, Elberta, AL 36530 A private, traditional overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-16, only 1.5 hour from Mobile. Offering a wide variety of activities, a limited enrollment of 70 campers, and multiple week or weekly sessions. 251-987-1201 director@campdixieministries.org www.campdixieministries.org

Camp Mac for Boys and Girls

Talladega National Forest - Cheaha Mountain, 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, AL 36268 A traditional summer camp nestled in the Talladega National Forest where kids learn stuff, do things and have fun! Join us for our 73rd summer! 256-362-7449 office@campmac.com www.campmac.com

Camp Marymount

1318 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview, TN 37062 We offer four sessions ranging from one to five weeks for campers age 6-16. Girls’ dates: May 31- June 12 and June 14- July 3. Boys’ dates:

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A post-secondary educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities aged 1825 focused on attaining individualized goals in employment and independent living.

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615-799-0410 Allee@campmarymount.com www.campmarymount.com

Camp Nakanawa

1084 Camp Nakanawa R, Crossville, TN 38571 Since 1920 Camp Nakanawa has been helping young ladies gain confidence and reach their full potential in a positive and fun-filled environment. 931-277-3711 campnak@campnakanawa.com campnakanawa.com/centennial/

Camp Seale Harris

Various locations in Alabama and Pensacola, FL, Camp Seale Harris is for kids & teens with diabetes and their family members. Camps & programs available in several cities across Alabama and Pensacola, FL. 205-402-0415 www.campsealeharris.org

Camp Skyline

4888 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, AL 35984 A residential, summer camp in northern Alabama for girls between the ages of 6 and 16. We offer four 2-week sessions each summer and three 1-week mini-sessions for girls ages 6 – 8. 800-448-9279 info@campskyline.com www.campskyline.com

Camp Smile

3058 Dauphin Sqe Connector, Mobile, AL 36607 A residential camp for individuals with disabilities 5 to 50 years old and their siblings. Session 1: June 23-27-ages 5-10, Session 2:June 20-July 4-ages 22-50, Session 3:July 7-11-ages 11-15, Session 4:July 14-18–ages 16-21. 251-479-4900 campsmile@ucpmobile.org www.campsmilemobile.org

Camp Stanislaus

304 South beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Camp Stanislaus - “a lifetime of memories and friendships”. A day and resident camp for boys and girls ages 8-15. Camp runs weekly from June 7-July 4. Father and Son Camp May 29-30. 228-467-9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com

Camp Victory

363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477 Dates: June 1-6 (Grades 2-5), June 8-13 (Grades 3-6), June 15-20 (Grades 2-5), June 22-27 (Grades 8-12), June 29-July 4 (Grades 5-8), July 6-11 (Grades 2-5), July 13-18 (Grades 3-6), July 20-25 (Grades 4-7) 334-898-7948 jmerhige@ymcamidtn.org www.campvictoryal.org

Camp Walkabout

171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Discover everything you never knew you could do. From hiking and paddling to caving and climbing, The Walkabout Experience brings a new adventure every day. Ages 8-16. O 423-267-8506 ext. 827 badams@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org/summer

PROUDLY SERVING MOBILE, ALABAMA AND SURROUNDING AREAS, PICKETT ORTHODONTICS PERFECTS SMILES OF ALL AGES WITH CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT IN A RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 6611 Wall Street • Mobile, AL 36695 | 251.607.0110 - local | www.pickettortho.com 2620 College Ave. Jackson, AL 36545 | 877.660.1103 - toll–free | info@pickettortho.com

Camp Whispering Pines

7740 Union Street, Citronelle, AL 36522 Veritas Student Camp June 15-19 (6th-12th); Girls Mission Camp-girls (1st-6th) June 22-26; Momentum Kids Camp-July 13-16 (boys and girls in 1st - 6th grade). 251-866-7868 www.campwhisperingpines.com

Camp Widjiwagan

3088 Smith Springs Road, Antioch, TN 37013 Day and Overnight camps run from May 25 August 5, 2020. Visit our website to see a full schedule of camps and age groups. 615-360-2267 www.campwidji.org

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Camp Winnataska

260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City, AL 35218 2020 camps run from June 3 - July 25. Offering a wide variety of quality camp sessions for boys and girls ages 6-15 years old. Full week sessions and mini-camps.

our website for additional camp information. 256-634-4758

www.lookoutmountaincamp.com

Space Camp, Aviation Challenge Camp & Space Camp Robotics

205-640-6741 info@winnataska.org www.winnataska.org

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Camp sessions begin March and run through August 2020 for ages 9 - 18 years. Visit our website for session options, dates and registration.

Camp Woodmont

800-637-7223 www.spacecamp.com/sc

381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 ACA accredited camp-loads of activities: archery, climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, crafts, game and more! 1 & 2 week sessions for boys & girls 6 to 14. Season: May 31-July 31. 423-472-6070 alyson@campwoodmont.com www.campwoodmont.com

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

3483 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 In the summer, during the months of June and July, we offer the opportunity to attend resident or sail away camp for every girl, whether they are a Girl Scout or not. 800-239-6636 customercare@girlscoutssa.org www.girlscoutssa.org

Lake Forest Ranch

5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, AL 39341 Camps run from May 23-August 2, 2020. Family Escape Camp is September 4-7, 2020. 662-726-5052 info@lakeforestranch.com www.lakeforestranch.com

Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

277 County Road 632, Mentone, AL 35984 Summer, resident camp for Boys. Oldest continuing camp run by same family since 1928. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 week options available. Please visit

Twin Lakes Camp

155 Milner Road, Florence, MS 39073 Sessions: June 15-20, June 22-27, June 29July 4, July 6-11, July 13-18, and July 20-25. Twin Lakes is focused on safety and fun, while being intentionally grounded in Biblical teaching. 601-845-6858 info@twinlakescamp.org www.twinlakescamp.org

Wyldlife Camp

18115 SE 95th Street Rd, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 Mobile Trip-May 30-June 3; 6th-8th grade; Come experience a place filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of surprises. A place where you can enjoy relaxing with your friends.

Sports Camps St. Lukeâ€™s Episcopal School Summer Sports Camps ad on page 39

3975 Japonica Lane; 1400 University Boulevard South, Mobile, AL 36693; 36609 St. Lukeâ€™s also offers sports camps for 3rd-6th grade taught by our varsity coaches (baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, & tennis.) Space is limited! 251-666-2991 www.stlukesmobile.com

UMS-Wright ad on page 18

65 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607 UMS-Wright Summer Programs is thrilled to have the opportunity to invite you to join us, as we offer a one-of-a-kind selection of athletic, academic, day, and specialty camps. Come see our beautiful campus, learn from our expert teachers, coaches, and staff, and dive headfirst into both familiar and new experiences as we aim to provide your child with a clear path for potential.

251-473-1703 www.mobile.younglife.org

251-479-6551 sblankenship@ums-wright.org www.ums-wright.org/summer

YMCA Camp Chandler

Auburn Swim Camp

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Since 1928 YMCA Camp Chandler has provided youth with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, develop new skills, and create memories that last a lifetime. Ages:5-15 years old. 334-229-0035 campchandler@ymcamontgomery.org www.campchandler.org

664 Biggio Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 Camp focuses on training swimmers energy systems for success in summer swimming as well as developing and enhancing the training and racing skills of competitive swimmers. Dates/Information on website. 334-844-4975 aucampdirector@gmail.com www.auburnwareagleswimcamps.com

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23-25, July 7-9, July 14-16, July 21-23 from 9 am-12pm. Pricing and additional information can be found on our website.

251-581-1556 heislerheat@gmail.com www.heislerheatbaseball.com

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Azalea City Track & Field Camps

University of South Alabama’s Jaguar Track Facility, 1209 Mitchell Center, Mobile, AL 36608 Azalea City Summer Track & Field Camp – please visit ourEgg websiteHunt: for more information. Ages 1-10

University of South Alabama, 171 Jaguar Dr, Mobile, AL 36688 Team Camps, Little Meekseyyy Camp, All Skills Camp 1 & 2. More information on our website. 850-291-7100 pgandolfo@southalabama.edu www.meeksrydellvolleyball.com

Michael Brisbane Golf Instruction

High Velocity Sports Performance & Fitness

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Meeks-Rydell Volleyball Camps at the University of South Alabama

2513 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, AL 36695 Sports Performance, FitCamps, Gym Memberships, Batting Cages, Baseball/Softball, Indoor Soccer, Character Building, Speed&Agility, Strength

251- 639-2261 www.facebook.com/highvelocity251/

1000 Gaillard Road, Mobile, AL 36608 Golf lessons and clinics.

251-490-3812 michael@michaelbrisbanegolf.com www.michaelbrisbanegolf.com

Mobile Parks & Rec. Community Activities Mobile, AL Many sports camps are offered in various locations around Mobile.

251-208-1631 www.cityofmobile.org/residents/ parks-and-recreation/

Mobile Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Offering summer clinics.

251-208-5181 www.mobiletenniscenter.net

LSU - Athletic Camps

Hayrides, Cow Train rides, JumpNike Junior Golf Camp - University of Baton Rouge, LA 70803 South Alabama Visit our website and choose a sport for informaing pillow, Yee Haw slide, Funny Mobile, AL 36688 Staggered egg hunt times:tion on specific athletic camps. Our curriculum is the perfect blend of expert (225) 578-8001 www.lsusports.net/camps Farm Golf, Baby Animal petGraham’s Elite Martial Arts instruction, course play and off-course activities. 3Mobile, & under: 1121 Dawes Road, AL 36695 12:30 Dates:Pony 6/21/20-6/25/20. Ages:Picture 10-18. Co-Ed. McGill Toolen Summer Sports Camps ting area, Rides, Summer doesn’t have to be boring. Mobile Summer Overnight and commuter Day Camp option. 1501 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36604 Camp at Graham’s Arts makes12:45 it amaz4Elite toMartial 6 years: www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/ with the800-645-3226 Easter Bunny (starts 11 McGill will offer a large variety of summer ing with Character Development, Fitness and Fun. nike-junior-golf-camp-university-south-alabama# sports camps including baseball, track & field, 251-633-7837 www.grahamselitemartialarts.com/ 7 to 10 years: 1:00 football, boys basketball, co-ed soccer, vol-am), Wagon Wheel Café open summer-camp Oakwood Swim Team and Lessons leyball, girls basketball, boys and girls tennis and much more… 5260 Perin Road, Mobile, AL 36693 and cheerleading. Please visit our website for Heisler Heat Baseball Academy We offer a competitive Swim Team and Dive details/registration. 4623 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Team to Oakwood Members and Non-members. 251-445-2900 www.mcgill-toolen.org Field Trips (Pre-k &K-8) to Seward Farms : April 6-9 & April 13-16. Book on Website. Summer Spring Camps: June 9-11, June 16-18, June 251-666-4471 www.oakwoodmobile.com 251-460-7656 pbrueske@southalabama.edu www.jagfieldcamp.com

www.sewardfarms.com

Egg Hunt: Ages 1-10

Hayrides, Cow Train rides, Jumping pillow, Yee Haw slide, Funny Farm Golf, Baby Animal petting area, Pony Rides, Picture with the Easter Bunny (starts 11 am), Wagon Wheel Café open and much more…

Staggered egg hunt times: 3 & under: 12:30 4 to 6 years: 12:45 7 to 10 years: 1:00

Spring Field Trips (Pre-k &K-8) to Seward Farms : April 6-9 & April 13-16. Book on Website. www.sewardfarms.com 59

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Oakwood Tennis Camps

5260 Perin Road, Mobile, AL 36693 Camps are available for Boys and Girls, ages 6 and up. All above teams, lessons and camps are available to Oakwood Members and Nonmembers. 251-666-4471 www.oakwoodmobile.com

St. Paul’s Episcopal School – Summer Fun and Learning 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL 36608 See listing under Educational Camps for details. 251-622-7962

www.stpaulsmobile.net/summersaints

Spring Hill College Sports Camps

4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 Springhill College offers numerous summer sports camps. Please check our website for information on soccer, baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball camps. www.shcbadgers.com

University of Alabama Sports Camps

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 The University of Alabama is offering several exciting sports camps including Nick Saban Football Camp, Baseball, Cheer/Dance, Mascot, Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, Softball and Swimming and Diving. www.rolltide.com

University of South Alabama Boys Basketball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 2020 Boys Basketball Camps (Grades 2nd-8th) -Individual Camp 1-June 15-18 Elite Camp-June 7, 14 and August 23 (Grades 9th - 12th), Team Play Date June 1-3. mk1823@jagmail.southalabama.edu www.richierileybasketballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Girls Basketball Camps

Jaguar Gym, 171 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 Camps are designed to teach each individual players how to begin to maximize their potential through a positive attitude, solid fundamentals, and hard work on and off the basketball court. Dates/rates online. jdbrooks@southalabama.edu www.terryfowlerbasketballcamps.com

University of South Alabama Richard Moodie’s Soccer Academy

5950 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608 Kids Summer Camps–06/15/20–06/18/20, 06/22/20-06/25/20 (ages 5-12 boys and girls) Collegiate Prospect Camp-3/28/20 (grades 8-12+), Non-residential (7th-12th girls) June 20-21, Residential (7th-12th girls) 6/26/206/28/20 www.rmsacamps.com

University of Mobile RAMS Soccer Camps

University of South Alabama Steve Campbell Football Camps

251-442-2396 ramssocceracademy@gmail.com www.ramssoccercamps.com

www.jaguarfootballcamps.com

5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 Rams Soccer Camps offer ¾ day, full day and residential camp options. UM Co-Ed Camp ages 8-16: May 31-June 3, & July 12-15.

South Alabama Football Complex, Mobile, AL 36608 Prospect Camp, Youth Football Camp, Lineman Camp, Specialist Camp, Mega Camp of the South - Dates and more information online.

Swimming & Water Fun Mobile Bay Sailing School ad on page 22

4295 Marina Drive North, Mobile, AL 36605 Week-long sailing camp summer sessions. Two different sessions: regular class includes daylong sessions (9am-5pm, ages 8-18), second type is a special opti class for beginner/young sailors (ages 8-10). half-days (9am-2pm, or 1pm-5pm). 251-471-3131 www.mobilebaysailingschool.com/

City of Mobile Swim Association

351 North Broad South, Mobile, AL 36603 The City of Mobile Swim Association offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. www.swimcmsa.com

Gulf Coast Swimfants

2423 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695 Teaching children aged 6 months – 4 years old ISR Self-Rescue techniques designed to help them survive should they reach the water. 407-399-2059 matthew.johnson@infantswim.com www.infantswim.com; www.swimfants.com

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www.mobilebayparents.com

The Positive Impact of Pounding Toys

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the moment they begin tapping their toys on the edge of their crib or stroller, kids are letting us know that they like the sensation of pounding things. It’s no surprise when you consider the flood of stimuli, physical and auditory that this action produces. Toys that encourage pounding support gross motor control, increased concentration, instinctive measurement, and hand-eye coordination. Pounding games also help safely release stress and tension through play. Among the host of toys that support kids’ natural inclination to tap and pound their toys, the following recommended items are guaranteed to be the biggest hit of all.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Hammering and Pounding Wooden House

Ninja Punching Bag (Atlasonix)

A big step up from the standard inflatable bop bag, the Ninja Punching Bag is ready to take the big hits. Perfect for channeling excess energy in a limited space, punching bags offer kids an ideal opportunity to improve their gross motor coordination, physical stamina and athletic concentration. Weighed at the bottom with sand or water, this inflatable bag quickly returns to its upright and ready state after each strike. The ninja graphic and muted color scheme encourage focus as opposed to other novelty-themed bop bags. Standing tall at 5’3” this bag makes a versatile striking target for both kids and adults. It’s also easy to deflate and empty for storage or travel. Get your punches in with this smart target for kicks, hits and sweeps!

(Rolimate)

It’s hammer time in the house, with Rolimate’s versatile pound play palace. Perfectly sized openings in the roof support four balls, until a strike from the hammer launches them into the interior. A raised threshold keeps the balls contained until they’re retrieved for the next round of percussive play. Hand-eye coordination is enhanced with the house’s additional features which include colored spin beads, a sliding button, and a clock with movable hands. Crafted from thick rubber wood, the Hammering and Pounding Wooden House boasts bright graphics, smooth edges and durable construction. Combining activity learning with safe pounding play, this little house is a striking addition to the energetic toy box.

Musical Light Hammer

Pound, Tap and Shake!

The Musical Light Hammer combines the best elements of a rattle with those of the most familiar item in the toolbox. This colorful hammer features charming graphics and a clear rattle bead bubble at its base. Powered by two AAA batteries, an easy access switch moves the hammer between two play settings. The entertainment mode lets the tool display lights as well as play music and funny sounds. The learning mode introduces numbers and counting with each strike. Toddlers will especially enjoy the animated eyes that alternate expression with each pound of the hammer head. Ideal for a baby’s first tool, the Musical Light Hammer is an instant hit!

While there’s an undeniable physical satisfaction found by kinetic pounding, the Hape Pound, Tap and Shake toy adds musical elements that hit the eardrum just right. Featuring pound-through balls (with mallet), a removable xylophone and a real tambourine, this toy is designed to keep resulting in volumes entertaining for children while maintaining a reasonable decibel level for audience members. Crafted with eco-friendly bamboo wood and finished with safe, scentless, water-based paint this collection is durable, sustainable, and built to withstand years of percussive play. Hape’s Pound, Tap and Shake hits all the right notes as it combines the satisfying sense of pounding with the sound results that are music to a kid’s ears.

(StyleCarry)

(Hape)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday February 25

Order of Athena Parade (Free) 10:30 AM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Knights of Revelry, King Felix III, Comic Cowboys Parade (Free) 12:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Parade

(Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile

Parade Route B: Beginning on Broad Street down ML King, Jr. Avenue to Lexington, St. Stephens, continuing down Spring Hill Avenue. A short turn onto Washington to Government with another short turn onto Clairborne to Church Street to Royal and circling Bienville Square, turning onto Conception and Government Streets and ending on Washington Avenue. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Order of Myths Parade (Free) 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route C: Beginning at St. Anthony Street, down Royal to St. Francis Street, around Bienville Square down Conception to Government Street around Broad Street and Spring Hill Avenue and a short turn onto Washington Street. Then back up Government and winding again around Bienville Square on Conception and St. Francis Streets and ending at the starting point on St. Anthony Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php

Wednesday February 26

Winter Wednesdays 10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore , AL, 36582 Even during the cold season, Bellingrath Gardens is filled with blooms and beauty. Gulf Coast residents and visitors are invited to join us at our Winter Wednesdays series in January and February for sessions on gardening, history and more. Camellia Waxing – Join Dr. Brenda Litchfield to learn about the fun of waxing camellias and other flowers. After you’ve seen her demonstration, you will be able to wax your own blooms! Please bring one or two camellias to wax. www.bellingrath.org

Thursday February 27

Teen Art Scene - Artistic Acrylics (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Want to create and expand your artistic endeavors? Bring your ideas to the Teen Spot. Enjoy the time and space to be creative. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Theatre USA presents “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 An exciting new adaptation of the classic tale of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his experiments with “exotic powders and tinctures”, this highly theatrical version highlights the classic battle between good and evil, and the very fine line that can separate the two. Not to be missed! 251-460-6306 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ artsandsci/theatre/boxoffice.html

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

USA Wind Ensemble Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Wind Ensemble Winter Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Jurassic Quest 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Largest Exhibition of Lifesize, Moving, Museum-Quality Dinosaurs in North America! www.jurassicquest.com/

Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 43rd Annual Orchid Show and Sale 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Mobile Area Orchid Society members will display their best orchids and will be available to answer questions and provide tips on growing and caring for these exotic plants. The show will include vendors selling orchids, supplies and accessories. bellingrath.org/experiences/events/mobile-areaorchid-societys-annual-orchid-show-sale/

Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Family Fun! Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Learn how to make Clothespin Shark Puppets. 251-494-3684 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Friday February 28

What’s all that Jazz about? (Free) 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Clever listening games, live music, dramatic storytelling, group participation and humorous demonstrations are some of the fun activities our young audience will enjoy. Jazz saxophonist, Shenole Latimer leads us through a highly interactive and entertaining presentation on the colorful and expressive American music known as “Jazz.” Registration is encouraged. Ages 4-10. 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Jurassic Quest 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Largest Exhibition of Lifesize, Moving, MuseumQuality Dinosaurs in North America!

www.jurassicquest.com/

Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Black Coffee” 7:30 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 A real whodunit! The secret formula for a scientific breakthrough has been stolen from Sir Claud’s country house and now Sir Claud has been poisoned. Was it the great scientist’s son? His lovely young wife? The mysterious foreign doctor? The butler? It takes the wits of Hercule Poirot to find the guilty party. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Theatre USA presents “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 An exciting new adaptation of the classic tale of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his experiments with “exotic powders and tinctures”, this highly theatrical version highlights the classic battle between good and evil, and the very fine line that can separate the two. Not to be missed! 251-460-6306 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ artsandsci/theatre/boxoffice.html

Saturday February 29, 2020

Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 43rd Annual Orchid Show and Sale 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Mobile Area Orchid Society members will display their best orchids and will be available to answer questions and provide tips on growing and caring for these exotic plants. The show will include vendors selling orchids, supplies and accessories. bellingrath.org/experiences/events/mobile-areaorchid-societys-annual-orchid-show-sale/

Kids Day in the Park 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Kids Day in the Park An Evening With Amy Grant 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 An Evening With Amy Grant www.mobilesaenger.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Black Coffee” 7:30 PM Details February 28. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Theatre USA presents “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 An exciting new adaptation of the classic tale of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his experiments with “exotic powders and tinctures”, this highly theatrical version highlights the classic battle between good and evil, and the very fine line that can separate the two. Not to be missed! 251-460-6306 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ artsandsci/theatre/boxoffice.html 6th Annual Caring for Caryn’s Kids 5K/ 1 Mile Fun Run The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36698 We are gearing up for the 6th Annual Caring for Caryn’s Kids 5K/1 Mile Fun Run! www.active.com

Sunday March 1

Jurassic Quest 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Largest Exhibition of Lifesize, Moving, Museum-Quality Dinosaurs in North America! www.jurassicquest.com/ Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 43rd Annual Orchid Show and Sale 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Mobile Area Orchid Society members will display their best orchids and will be available to answer questions and provide tips on growing and caring for these exotic plants. The show will include vendors selling orchids, supplies and accessories. bellingrath.org/experiences/events/mobile-areaorchid-societys-annual-orchid-show-sale/ Springhill Medical Center’s Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo (Free)

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Springhill Medical CenterHeart Center Lobby, 3715 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Expectant mothers, soon-to-be parents, new parents, and expanding families are invited to attend the Springhill Medical Center Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo.

www.mobilebayparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Join us for a fun day to discover new products and services for your baby or your family. Also, there will be OB/GYNs, Pediatricians, and numerous vendors set up with educational materials on immunizations, keeping baby safe & healthy, and parenting tips. Don’t forget to follow the Hello Baby Family & Baby Expo Event on Facebook. www.springhillmedicalcenter.com

Tuesday March 3

Delta Discovery Cruise ($20 adults, $12 kids ages 6-12 ) 1:30 PM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us as we partner with Blakeley State Park’s “Delta Explorer” pontoon boat! This 90-minute excursion into the wild and scenic lower reaches of the MobileTensaw Delta--known as the “American Amazon”-introduces visitors and local residents alike to a truly astounding natural habitat. www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

Wednesday March 4

Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Black Coffee” 2:00 PM Details February 28. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com An Alphabet of Soldiers 4:00 PM Springhill Avenue Temple, 1769 SpringHill Ave Mobile, AL, 36607 The works were originally commissioned by Music of Remembrance, an organization that fills a unique role throughout the world by remembering the Holocaust through music.

Monday March 2

Auditions for Beauty and the Beast 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Playhouse in the Park, Mobile, AL, 36608 Auditions for “Beauty and the Beast” will be held this spring at Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park on Monday & Wednesday, March 2 & 4, 2020 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a 30-second song of their choice, and to be prepared for a short dance audition. Auditions are open to ages six through mid-20’s, and a large cast is needed. 251-422-5434 Winter Choral Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Concert Choir and University Chorale-Winter Choral Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

First Tuesday Outdoor Adventure Night 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 First Tuesday Outdoor Adventure Night, Mobile Bay Sierra Club 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Auditions for Beauty and the Beast Details March 2. 251-422-5434

Thursday March 5

Breakfast with the Mayor 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM, Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, Mobile, AL, 36602 Breakfast with the mayor. www.eventbrite.com USA Symphony Band Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Symphony Band Winter Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Friday March 6

Mobile Boat Show (Adults $10, Children 15 and under

FREE, Military $2 off)

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are special events for the whole family to enjoy! gulfcoastshows.com/mobile

The Pact presents ”Seussical Jr” 6:00 PM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 “Seussical Jr.” is presented by The PACT Theatre Company, a new premiere theatre company in Mobile. The 45-minute show will be presented on the Great Lawn at Bellingrath Gardens and

Home at 6 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2020. The show will also be presented for school groups at a matinee on Friday, March 6, at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Registration for the matinee is required in advance. To register, please fill out the form online at bellingrath.org. thepactmobile.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Black Coffee” 7:30 PM Details February 28. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Festival of Laughs 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theater, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Comedy heavyweights Lavell Crawford, Earthquake, Tommy Davidson and Mark Curry are set to bring the Festival of Laughs to the Mobile Civic Center Theater on March 6. www.mobilecivicctr.com

Saturday March 7

3rd Annual Color Run and Car Show 9:00 AM Alma Bryant High School, 14001 Hurricane Blvd Irvington, AL, 36544 3rd Annual Color Run and Car Show WWII Living History Event 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36606 Come and experience a day in the life of a WWII soldier. The soldiers will be doing drills throughout the day; there will be authentic camping and blacksmithing in the original blacksmith shop. dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines/ Mobile Boat Show (Adults $10, Children 15 and under

FREE, Military $2 off)

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are special events for the whole family to enjoy! gulfcoastshows.com/mobile American Cancer Society 31st Annual Chili Cook-off 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, 163 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 It is a four-hour fun-filled day of great food and live entertainment

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FamilyCalendar where teams compete to find out who can cook-up the best chili in the community with chances to win fabulous prizes. Reading Paws (Free) 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Stem Saturday (Free) 2:00 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us for some STEM, (science, technology, engineering and math) fun and exploration at the Library! Ages 5 and up www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Black Coffee” 7:30 PM Details February 28. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Vivace 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Young, vibrant and exceptionally talented – cello prodigy Sujari Britt performed at the White House when she was 8 and was a hit on public radio’s From the Top at 10. Now she’s set to wow Mobile audiences as she joins the MSO for the Saint-Saens concerto. www.mobilesymphony.org 2020 Satsuma Swamp Fest Satsuma High School, 1 Gator Circle Satsuma, AL, 36572 The event is sponsored by Friends for Satsuma Schools. And it’s day of music, good food, arts and crafts, silent auction, antique cars--and fun. 251-675-0421

Sunday March 8

Mobile Boat Show (Adults $10, Children 15 and under

FREE, Military $2 off)

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are special events for the whole family to enjoy! gulfcoastshows.com/mobile Market at The Pillars 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM, The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Shop Local Farmers, Crafters, Bakers and Makers, Local Eats & Live Music www.thepillarsofmobile.com Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Black Coffee” 2:00 PM Details February 28. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Vivace 2:30 PM Details March 7. www.mobilesymphony.org

Monday March 9

Crafty Mondays with Mr. Butch (Free) 4:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join Mr. Butch for an hour of seasonal arts and crafts. Today’s craft is Straw Rockets. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday March 10

Women’s Resource Center 2020 Gala 5:30 PM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Now, more

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

than ever, we must stand united in the Fight for LIFE. We must join stand shoulder to shoulder to expand the LIFE-saving, LIFE-changing services to the Greater Mobile Community. There is a lot on the line here in our community, the reality is many face the unknown when presented with an unintended pregnancy. wrcmobile.org Second Tuesday Outdoor Adventure Night 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Second Tuesday Outdoor Adventure Night, Mobile Bay Audubon Society and Alabama Hiking Trail Society 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Wednesday March 11

Autism2Ability Annual Fundraiser 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US 98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Come and support our fundraiser - there will be food, music, raffles, art exhibits, celebrity authors and more. www.eventbrite.com

Saturday March 14

Saraland Lions Club 12th Annual Pancake Breakfast 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Catfish Junction, Saraland, AL Saraland Lions Club 12th Annual Pancake Breakfast www.saralandlionsclub.com Funky Monkey 5K and Fun Run 8:00 AM USA Moulton Tower, 5985 USA Drive South Mobile, AL, 36688 The Funky Monkey 5K & Fun Run is a family-friendly event that encourages fitness, philanthropy, and fun! Participants can choose to take part in a 3.1-mile run, jog or walk through the campus or a ¾-mile fun run. Top finishers in each age group receive awards. All participants are invited to enjoy the event’s favorite feature, Mobile’s biggest banana split by Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe. bit.ly/FM5K2020 17th Annual Azalea Festival 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Mary G Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road Semmes, AL, 36575 The 17th Annual Azalea Festival is March 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mary G Montgomery High School. The event is sponsored by Semmes Chamber of Commerce. A free-admission, family-friendly event that features arts and crafts, food vendors, children’s activities and carnival-type rides. www.semmeschamber.org Walk MS 9:00 AM Battleship Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36603 Ending multiple sclerosis for good will take all of us. Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Together, we become a powerful force. And with every step we take, every dollar we raise... we’re that much closer. www.mobile.org/event/walk-ms-mobile-2020/18510/ 2020 Summer Camp Expo (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government St. Mobile, AL, 36602 2020 Summer Camp Expo - Bust your child’s boredom and expand their minds this summer. As you discover amazing local and regional camps plus hands on activities - face painting, live animals, balloon art and more! Touch a Truck 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Hank Aaron Stadium, Mobile, AL, 36606 Touch a Truck is a family-friendly event

that offers children a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of trucks and meet the people who build, protect and serve our community. Children will be allowed to touch, climb aboard, and ask questions about their favorite trucks in a safe environment. Benefits pediatric cancer at USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and Adoption Rocks. www.usahealthsystem.com/events/touch-a-truck

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Pi Day! STEM (Free) 2:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us as we observe Pi Day by eating Moon Pies and doing science, technology, engineering and math projects related to circles. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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Sunday March 15

Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris 1:00 PM USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial, Mobile, AL, 36602 The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a FREE family friendly Walk/Run raising awareness of diabetes, connecting the diabetes community, and an opportunity to make it possible for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris - Alabama’s only diabetes camp. Join us at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park for music, free healthy snacks, bounce house for kids, diabetes awareness info, Team Awards and Prizes, and a 5K or 1 Mile Walk/Run to support kids with diabetes! campsealeharris.org/diabeteswalk City of Mobile Music in the Park: Red and the Revelers Live! 2:00 PM Public Safety Memorial Park, 2301 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36606 City of Mobile Music in the park: Red and the Revelers Live! Jake Owen 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Down to the Titi Tonk acoustic tour with opening act Larry Fleet. www.mobilesaenger.com Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit www.mobilesaenger.com Fourth Annual Gulf Coast Spotlight Talent Showcase Saraland High School Theater, 1115 Industrial Pkwy Saraland, AL, 36571 4th Annual Gulf Coast Spotlight Talent Showcase strives to shine the spotlight on talented young performers right in our own community, encourage and reward their pursuits and give funds to our schools to support arts programs, thereby reaching more children in the Gulf Coast region. gulfcoastspotlight.com

Monday March 16

PJ Story Time with Milk & Cookies (Free) 5:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for songs, stories, and games! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Mad Scientist Club (Free) 5:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Family Fun! Join us for Kid Friendly Experiments and discover the outcome and results of the scientific methods we use. What is the best way to clean pennies? Come and find out. 251-494-3684 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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FamilyCalendar Family Fun Night (Free) 6:00 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Robert Holm, Faculty Piano Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Robert Holm, Faculty Piano Recital 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Wednesday March 18

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Birding Cruise ($40 for adults) 8:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Come along with other bird enthusiasts as we explore one of the richest birding habitats in the nation! Kathy Hicks, educator at Five Rivers, will help guide us in identification of the numerous species found in the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta. www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

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at-the-door (subject to availability), Children: under 13yrs $10 advance reservation; $12 at-the-door (subject to availability))

1:00 PM Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL, 36607 The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is hosting their annual Spring Tea Fundraiser. Guests are invited to enjoy delicious treats, tea, and an informal look at one of Mobile’s most iconic antebellum homes, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. 251-471-6364 www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/4508729.)%20

Thursday March 19

Saraland Hop and Shop 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 939 Saraland Boulevard S Saraland, AL, 36571 Hop & Shop will showcase retailers in Saraland. Be sure to get your map/passport so you’ll know everywhere to go on the shopping route for savings and fun. 251-675-4444 Plantasia Preview Party 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Preview Party on Thursday evening 4pm-7pm! First choice of THOUSANDS of great plants AND you can enjoy Georgia Roussos Catering & live music. Buy your tickets online. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 Downtown Get Down 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Proceeds from this event will benefit the Hargrove Foundation’s effort to support STEM related initiatives across the country. www.eventbrite.com Night in the Light 2020: Expanding His Reach 6:00 PM The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd N Mobile, AL, 36608 Light of the Village would like to invite you to join us Thursday, March 19, 2020 for our ninth annual Night in the Light celebration. This year’s presentation will include stories and testimonies of how God is moving in new communities throughout Mobile through the eyes of our founders and staff. Eventful.com Symphonic Winds Concert (Free) 7:00 PM Shiloh Baptist Church, 717 Cleveland Rd Saraland, AL, 36571 This free event features the Symphonic Winds from The Alabama School of the

Arts. You will enjoy an evening of blissful and timeless music under the direction of composer, arranger and faculty member, Steve Dunn. USA Faculty Brass Quintet Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Faculty Brass Quintet Recital 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Friday March 20

Mobile Botanical Gardens’s Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 9:00 AM Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Dr Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile Botanical Gardens’s Plantasia Spring Plant Sale www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 2019 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast garden at our largest plant sale of the year! Plant list posted 2 weeks prior to sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 2020 Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (Free) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Downtown Fairhope, Fairhope, AL, 36532 More than 200 exhibitors from all over the country will bring their best works. This prestigious juried show showcases artists from

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FamilyCalendar across the country including many from the Southeast. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious cuisine from the food court throughout this great three-day event. fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com The Pact presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr: A Staged Reading & Disney’s Cinderella KIDS by The PACT Performance Companies 7:30 PM The Steeple, 251 St Francis St Mobile, AL, 36602 The Pact presents “Disney’s The Lion King & Disney’s Cinderella KIDS” thepactmobile.com

Saturday March 21

2020 Mobile Literary Festival (Free) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Get hooked by new literary finds at The Haunted Book Shop’s local author showcase, hone your writing skills at exclusive panels and workshops, browse the wealth of research information available in our community, listen to author readings, see youth literary awards presented, and cast your best pitch during our live “Pitch Wars” to wrap up the day. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 2nd Annual Dauphin Island Native American Festival ($6 for ages 5-12 and $12 for ages 13 and up)

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Dauphin Island Native American Festival is a celebration of the cultures that existed in the Alabama coastal region in the 1700s through the early 1800s, the festival will feature live storytelling and hands-on demonstrations of Native American foodways, recreational activities and arts and crafts. dauphinislandarts.networkforgood.com/ events/18565-dauphin-island-native-americanfestival Mobile Botanical Gardens’s Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 9:00 AM Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Dr Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile Botanical Gardens’s Plantasia Spring Plant Sale www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 2019 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast garden at our largest plant sale of the year! Plant list posted 2 weeks prior to sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 2020 Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (Free) Details March 20. fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com Environmental Studies Center’s Open House 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 6101 Girby Road Mobile, AL, 36693 For this Open House, our theme is one of environmental awareness. We will be showcasing all of the ways our community can promote healthy coastal ecosystems. Come join us and our friends for a day of family friendly fun and education. Hop on the Hill 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Village of Springhill, Mobile, AL, 36608 Springhill’s Easter celebration is here! Come celebrate the start of spring with us throughout the

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

Village of Springhill. Participating merchants will have face painting, cookie decorating, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny! www.facebook.com/springhillmerchantsassociation/ Mobile Chocolate Festival 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Abba Shrine, 7701 Hitt Road Mobile, AL, 36695 Indulge in all that is Chocolate! Proceeds benefit Penelope House! mobilechocolatefestival.com Pinkalicious Party! (Free) 11:00 AM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Let’s celebrate the book, Pinkalicious with pink crafts, snacks and more! Registration is required. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org 2020 Mobtown Mac ‘n Cheese Fest 12:00 PM Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile is happy to be bringing back the Mobtown Mac ‘n Cheese Fest. This event’s primary purpose is to raise funds and awareness for UCP www.ucpmobile.org Reading Paws (Free) 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Ballet presents “Beauty and the Beast” 7:30 PM Mobile Civic Center Theater, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Be our guest! Beauty and the Beast—a new Mobile Ballet production by Artistic Director Katia Garza—promises thrilling transformations, wild waltzes, and magical characters in a love story at first terrifying but ultimately joyously beautiful. An enchanting tale as old as time… this classic reminds us love conquers any obstacle. 251-342-2241 mobileballet.org Delta Discovery Cruise ($20 adults, $12 kids ages 6-12 ) 10:00am; 1:00pm 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us for another pontoon boat tour with Blakeley State Park’s “Delta Explorer”! This 90-minute excursion into the wild and scenic lower reaches of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta--known as the “American Amazon”--introduces visitors and residents alike to a truly astounding natural habitat. www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events Hawk Walk 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Second Tuesday Outdoor Adventure Night, Mobile Bay Audubon Society and Alabama Hiking Trail Society 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Sunday March 22

2020 Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (Free) Details March 20. Mobile Botanical Gardens’s Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 11:00 AM Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Dr Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile Botanical Gardens’s Plantasia

Spring Plant Sale www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org Plantasia Spring Plant Sale 2019 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Get the best plants for your Gulf Coast garden at our largest plant sale of the year! Plant list posted 2 weeks prior to sale. 251-342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org/ event/plantasia-spring-plant-sale-2019 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Ballet presents “Beauty and the Beast” 2:30 PM Details March 21. 251-342-2241 mobileballet.org Sunday Matinee, “Life Story: Home” 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 “Life Story: Growing Up” The second episode of this BBC series narrated by David Attenborough. All animals must find somewhere to call home – a place that provides the necessities of life, shelter from the elements and a refuge from enemies. Movie will loop throughout the day. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Tuesday March 24

Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert www.mobilesaenger.com USA Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Wednesday March 25

Bay Bites Food Truck Festival 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, 101 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Bay Bites is an annual food truck festival benefiting our work for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. Enjoy delicious food from the area’s best local food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music, lawn games, and a variety of kids entertainment options to come on the beautiful riverfront of downtown Mobile. mobilebaykeeper.networkforgood.com

Taste of Mobile 6:00 PM Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see the great food and drinks that Mobile has to offer while having tons of fun! Don’t miss the Carnival Cruise raffle sponsored by Visit Mobile! www.arhaonline.com/taste-of-mobile.html Rodrigo y Gabriela 8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Known for exhilarating live shows, Rodrigo y Gabriela have won the hearts of music lovers from the haciendas of Cuba to the Hollywood Bowl and festival fields of Europe, as they continue to weave their unique six-string magic. The extraor-

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Thursday March 26

Festival Of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 6801 Airport Blvd Mobile, AL, 36608 The premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast, the Festival of Flowers is a true horticultural extravaganza offering splendid floral exhibits, life-size landscaped garden vignettes, informative seminars, unique designscapes, art photography, shopping in the Garden Market, plus dining in our Garden Café. www.festivalofflowers.com Gulf Coast Children’s Book Festival 9:00 AM 1:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd N Mobile, AL, 36608 This festival, to be held at The Grounds, 1035 Cody Rd N, is the only children’s book festival on the Gulf Coast. Come and enjoy an array of local organizations, emerging authors, illustrators, storytellers, entertainment and costumed book characters. bgcsouthal.org Girls Night Out at The Pillars 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Grab your girlfriends, sisters, moms, aunts and besties for a fun Girls Night

Out at The Pillars! Join us for local shopping, eating, drink specials, & live music! www.thepillarsofmobile.com Little Black Dress 6:30 PM Fort Whiting, 1630 S Broad St Mobile, AL, 36605 Doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The cocktail party will feature exceptional food and refreshing beverage offerings from Mobile’s top area chefs and restaurants. The fast-paced runway show features local are “McModels” in fashions styled by Dillard’s. www.rmhcmobile.org/little-black-dress University of Mobile Elite88 Piano Ensemble, Pianos Out of this World 6:30 PM 5735 College Parkway Mobile, AL, 36613 University of Mobile Elite88 Piano Ensemble, Pianos Out of this World umobile.edu/academics/alabama-school-arts/centerfor-performing-arts/performing-arts-series/ USA Piano Ensembles Spring Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Piano Ensembles Spring Concert 251-460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/upcomingevents.html

Friday March 27

2020 Mobile Area Special Olympics 9:00 AM St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Mobile, AL, 36608 Approximately 400 very special athletes will

be representing 52 Mobile area schools in track events such as relays, runs, walks, wheelchair races, and many more. Please make plans to join us in cheering on these incredible athletes. Festival Of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 6801 Airport Blvd Mobile, AL, 36608 The premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast, the Festival of Flowers is a true horticultural extravaganza offering splendid floral exhibits, life-size landscaped garden vignettes, informative seminars, unique designscapes, art photography, shopping in the Garden Market, plus dining in our Garden Café. www.festivalofflowers.com Sunny Side Theater presents “Legally Blonde” 7:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 N Lafayette St Mobile, AL, 36604 Sunny Side Theater presents “Legally Blonde” www.azaleacityarts.org/upcoming-shows Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Opera presents “La Rondine” 7:30 PM The Temple, 351 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The soaring music of Puccini raises the dazzling Magda to the heights of true love but the past is always present and the future spells heartbreak. 251-432-6772 www.mobileopera.org

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FamilyCalendar Theatre Guild presents Rope 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Theatre Guild presents Rope 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday March 28

Alabama Drum Major Workshop 9:00 AM University of Mobile, 5735 College Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36613 We are thrilled to bring 5 knowledgeable, trained, and experienced instructors to Mobile, all of which have extensive backgrounds leading from the podium in Marching Band’s Major League Drum Corps! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSey6eM RF07iJ5oay22e9KpkILvCWXZjQ4NfazIzIVznkq6l5Q/ viewform Festival Of Flowers 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 6801 Airport Blvd Mobile, AL, 36608 The premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast, the Festival of Flowers is a true horticultural extravaganza offering splendid floral exhibits, life-size landscaped garden vignettes, informative seminars, unique designscapes, art photography, shopping in the Garden Market, plus dining in our Garden Café. www.festivalofflowers.com 2020 Downtown Cajun Cook-Off 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 The 2020 Downtown Cajun Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Cathedral Square in Downtown Mobile. The event will be 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. www.cacmobile.org 2nd Annual Camp Grace Car Show 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Camp Grace, 11081 Wanda Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 The 2nd Annual Camp Grace Car Show, at Camp Grace, 11081 Wanda Drive, is Saturday, March 28, 2020, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The car show is being combined with the Yellow Day Festival. Something Special for Saturday (Free) 10:30 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Let’s go fly a Kite! 251-494-3684 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Lemon Face Gala 6:00 PM The Steeple, 251 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Come join us for the 2nd Annual Lemon Face Gala presented by Springhill Medical Center! e.givesmart.com Sunny Side Theater presents “Legally Blonde” 7:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 N Lafayette St Mobile, AL, 36604 Sunny Side Theater presents “Legally Blonde” www.azaleacityarts.org/upcoming-shows Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com Theatre Guild presents Rope 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org 43rd Annual Azalea Trail Run Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile’s Azalea Trail Run will celebrate 43 years of running the streets of Mobile at its blooming best - join us! www.pcpacers.org

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

Classical Ballet of Mobile presents “The Secret Garden” Lois Jean Delaney Auditorium, Murphy High School, 100 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Through original choreography, beautiful sets, and ethereal costumes, Classical Ballet of Mobile’s Youth Performance Company and members of the student body will present our adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved story of love and redemption. Times: 2:00pm, 7:00pm classicalballetmobile.org/performances/the-secretgarden

Sunday March 29

Festival Of Flowers 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 6801 Airport Blvd Mobile, AL, 36608 Details March 28. www.festivalofflowers.com Help 5 Rivers Staff with Wildflower Planting 2:00 PM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Celebrate spring by sowing seeds of southeastern wildflowers helping 5 Rivers Staff. Put roots down and stay around to make and take home your own native wildflower seed-balls. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com Theatre Guild presents Rope 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org Mobile Opera presents “La Rondine” 2:30 PM The Temple, 351 St. Francis Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The soaring music of Puccini raises the dazzling Magda to the heights of true love but the past is always present and the future spells heartbreak. 251-432-6772 www.mobileopera.org Bonus Sunday Matinee, “Life Story: Power” 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 “Life Story: Growing Up” Movie will loop throughout the day. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Sunday March 30

Sunny Side Theater presents “Legally Blonde” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 N Lafayette St Mobile, AL, 36604 Sunny Side Theater presents “Legally Blonde” www.azaleacityarts.org/upcoming-shows

Thursday April 2

Serve It Up With Love Men and Women’s Charity Tennis Tournament 9:00 AM Copeland Cox Tennis Center, Mobile, AL, 36608 Serve It Up With Love Men and Women’s Charity Tennis Tournament, benefiting the Child Advocacy Center, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary on April 2 at the Copeland Cox Tennis Center. www.serveitupwithlove.com

Friday April 3

Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 joejeffersonplayers.com Theatre Guild presents Rope 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Saturday April 4

10th Annual Infirmary Health Duathlon 8:00 AM Mobile Infirmary Circle, Mobile, AL, 36607 The Infirmary Health Duathlon is a 2-mile run, 10mile bike ride and 2-mile run throughout beautiful Midtown Mobile. Register today as an individual, a relay team or for the 1-mile fun run! infirmaryduathlon.org Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Thousands of Easter eggs will be scattered across the Great Lawn, and there will be plenty of candy and treats for little ones to fill their Easter baskets. After the egg hunt, families are encouraged to enjoy other Easter activities within the Gardens. The Easter Bunny will be available for professional photos, and education students from the University of South Alabama will hold arts and crafts projects for children from 9 a.m. to noon. The Magnolia Café will host the annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, with pancakes, sausage patties, fruit and beverages, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The Easter Bunny will visit guests at their tables and pose for photos throughout the breakfast. Please note that reservations are required in advance for the breakfast as seating is limited. 251-459-8973 bellingrath.org Dauphin Island Discovery Day (Free) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL, 36528 Discovery Day is the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s open house for the public. Once a year, the public is given a tour of our research facilities to learn about our coastal environment and the research our team is working on. Visitors will learn about the coastal ecosystem we live in and why it’s important to conserve our precious and unique environment. You will also be able to tour the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery. 251-861-2141 www.disl.org Easter at Play Cafe! 4:00 PM Play Cafe, 4504 Old Shell Rd STE B Mobile, AL, 36608 Playtime, Snacks, Egg Hunt & Easter Bunny Meet & Greet: ALL INCLUDED! $30/child (AGES 0-3 WELCOME!) 251-219-0354 www.playcafemobile.com Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players present Sister Act joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Amadeus 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Mobile Symphony presents an allMozart concert featuring works included in the hit 1984 movie Amadeus on Saturday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 5, at 2:30 p.m. at the Saenger. www.mobilesymphony.org Theatre Guild presents Rope 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 251-433-7513 www.mobiletheatreguild.org

Sunday April 5

Sensory Friendly Dino Experience 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM, Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 The Exploreum

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Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Amadeus 2:30 PM Details April 4. www.mobilesymphony.org

Saturday April 11

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Family Easter Experience 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us for a wonderful day filled with fun as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. there will be inflatables, performances by the Christ United Puppet Ministry, an Easter Egg hunt and family worship! Easter in the Square (Free) 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for Photos with the Easter Bunny, Children’s Easter Crafts, Kids Karaoke, Balloon Art, Face Painting, Easter Egg Hunt at Noon (ages 8 & younger), Prizes for Best Decorated Wagon or Stroller and Best Costumed Pet www.downtownmobile.org

Every Day in November

Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, AL, 36582 Mum’s the word at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in November, when it’s time for the 56th Annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums, the nation’s largest outdoor display of the signature blooms of the season. 251-459-8973 bellingrath.org

Every Monday

Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Join us after school for fun, games, arts & crafts, prizes and surprises! Ages 6 and up. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Tuesday

Games and More! (Free) 3:00 PM Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Enjoy board & video games, movies, puzzles and so much more! Ages 7 and up. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Movie Tuesday (Free) 3:15 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Movie Tuesday www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday

5 Rivers StoryTime (Free) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort,

AL, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 10-11am, free, no registration necessary. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Every Wednesday

Learn to Knit (Free) 2:00 PM Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, AL, 36617 Learn to knit. Ages 8 and up. Bring your own supplies. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org What’s up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Enjoy Bingo, Karaoke, LEGO challenges and so much more! Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Thursday TGIT Hangout!

Second Thursdays

Alabama Contemporary Art Center Kids Studio (Free)

4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! Staff from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center join us for TGIT (Thank Goodness It’s Thursday)

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4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Have fun with LEGO challenges, arts & crafts, games and more. 251-340-1535 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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FamilyCalendar Hang Out! on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Join staff from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center to explore contemporary art and music through handson and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Word/Play with ACAC (Free) 10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Staff from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center join us for Family Storytime on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Preschoolers will explore contemporary art and music through handson and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

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! www.historymuseumofmobile.com

First and Third Sunday

Animal Ambassadors 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 2 PM as we present one or more of our live educational animals 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Third Thursday of the month

GulfQuest-Third Thursday (Free) 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, GulfQuest, 155 S Water St Mobile, AL, 36602 Every 3rd THURSDAY of the month, we at GulfQuest are extending our hours and offering FREE Admission to all Mobile County Residents (with a valid ID). www.gulfquest.org

Second Fridays

LoDA Artwalk 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 ArtWalk takes place every second Friday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District. www.ncsmobile.org

Every Saturday

Art & Rhyme Wiggle Time Storytime (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Simple stories and music introduce the sounds and rhythms of language and play to your little learner. Join us for a wiggle, rhyme, read and sing, active story time – and a craft too! (Ages 18 months-3 years) 251-340-1535 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org

Saturdays and Sundays from March 14-April 11

Wales West’s 15th Annual Cottontail Express 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wales West RV Park and Light Railway, 13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL, 36576 Enjoy a steam train ride on Dame Ann to meet the Easter Bunny this holiday season! Guests will travel by train to the “Bunny Hutch” and enjoy an egg hunt, crafts, refreshments, a miniature train ride, hay-less hay ride, playground and bounce house. Grab a snack or sit down for lunch at the café, and grab a few Easter goodies from the gift shop. www.waleswest.com

First Sunday of every month

1st Sunday Outdoor Market 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Featuring local arts & crafts, farmers’ market, and outdoor-themed items 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

Classes/Meetings APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, 445 Azalea Road. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@ childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail. com, or 251-281-7312. Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 pm to 7 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to 11 am. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Bridge Support Group The Bridge support group is a place where parents with similar experiences come together to share

stories, advice and love. These families have had babies who: were stillborn, born with a lethal anomaly (such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, skeletal dysplasia, anencephaly) or had a baby that only lived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our families are from all over the Gulf Coast and all have beautiful stories to tell. 1st Tuesday of every month, 5:30pm-until. Dinner is served. Meets in 1st floor conference room of Strada Center, 1601 Center Street, Mobile. Contact information: Rene Sprague RN, MSN rgilstrapsprague@health.southalabama.edu 251-6105264. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Circle of Hope is a support group for victims/survivors of sexual violence to share and learn ways to cope with the pain and daily stressors that may trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Please call Lifelines Counseling Services for more information @ 251431-5100. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24-HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks.251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-6892085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@ yahoo.com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group This support group is available to provide supportive and judgement- free environment for you to express yourself and share you story. Please call Lifelines Counseling Services for information @ 251-431-5100. Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, call childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

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FamilyCalendar • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital offers a variety of classes on Childbirth Preparation. All classes meet in Conference Room 1, (located just inside the front doors in the main lobby of the hospital by the gift shop), unless otherwise specified. Preregistration is required for all classes, and fees are collected in class. To register for classes, please visit our website at www. providencehospital.org, Women’s Services and click “Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes. If you have any questions, please email us at maternityservices@ ascension.org or call 251-266-1749. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 4612438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units.Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill

Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course: One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings: Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. Call 340-7769. • Infant CPR: Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Resolve Through Sharing: For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 251-415-1685 or at www. usahealthsystem.com/usacwh. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Classes are free if you are delivering at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. All classes will meet in the 1st floor conference room next to the surgery waiting room. • Preparing for Childbirth: All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. . You should

plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Offered monthly from 9 am to 2 pm. • Childbirth in a Nutshell: This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets one Wednesday per month, 6-8:30 p.m. • Breastfeeding: This two-hour class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Classes meet one Thursday per month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one Saturday per month from 10:00-Noon. • Classes on Preeclampsia, Developmental Milestones, Child Safety/Head Injury and Infant Safety are also available throughout the year. Call for details. Write for Your Life Therapeutic Writing Support Group This is a therapeutic writing group that meets monthly, for an evening of creative writing and supportive companionship as we find healing through written form and expression. Please call Lifelines Counseling Services @ 251-431-5100 for more information.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Sonic the Hedgehog

Fantasy Island

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: CViolence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BEver since he was little, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has been running from anyone who tries to catch him. Hiding out on Earth, the extraterrestrial hedgehog has been feeling lonely, and his sadness triggers an outburst in the form of a massive blue energy ball that wipes out the power in the small town of Green Hills. Not surprisingly, this draws the attention of the federal government, which sends the nefarious Doctor Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to investigate. Sonic teams up with the local sheriff, Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) to make a run for it, but along the way, realizes his friends might be more important. For a movie about a supersonic hedgehog, this movie drags like it’s stuck in super glue. Consumed by the titular rodent’s near constant (and highly aggravating) patter and narration, the movie subjects you to one hackneyed Hallmark moment after another until you’re lying on the sticky floor and begging for death. Oddly, these clichés are actually a benefit in disguise. Since you’ve seen basically everything here in other movies, this one just evaporates from your mind as you walk out of the theater, leaving behind an oily mental film of resentment and irritation which I suspect will clear up by morning. That’s actually the kindest thing I can say about Sonic the Hedgehog: you probably won’t ever think about it again. Despite its boredom-inducing superpowers, Sonic is otherwise innocuous. There are few content concerns - in fact, I think this has the fewest profanities of any movie I’ve seen this year, with six terms of deity and one use of “hell”. But, honestly, suffering through Sonic isn’t one of the essential trials of parenting and you can give this one a pass without any guilt at all.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: D Violence: D Sexual Content: B Profanity: D Alcohol / Drug Use: D When Melanie (Lucy Hale), Gwen (Maggie Q), Patrick (Austin Stowell), Brax (Jimmy O. Yang), and JD (Ryan Hansen) step off the plane on Fantasy Island, they have little idea what awaits on this tropical paradise. The mysterious Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) informs them that their fantasies will begin shortly but cautions that they must see their fantasies to their final conclusion, whatever that may be. Duly warned, each visitor begins their fantasy, only to discover that they might not be getting quite what they wished for. This movie comes with some significant flaws. At the most basic level, it isn’t even vaguely frightening, which is a significant problem for a horror movie. That said, there’s more violence here than most parents would be comfortable with for teen viewing. With two separate depictions of torture, a number of stabbings, shootings, and a child beating her father to death with a rock, there’s plenty her to make parents think twice. Or three times. Another issue is the characters, or the profound lack thereof. I’ve seen more three-dimensional characters in a toddler’s pop-up book. All in all, I can think of better ways to spend nearly two hours of your life. Like, for example, playing in traffic. Or bungee jumping into a woodchipper. The real bonus with those options is that they’re unlikely to last for two hours, freeing up some time to do other things. If the movie had managed to work in the late great Ricardo Montalbán (host of the original TV series), I would have at least given it some nostalgia points, but without him, any fantasy of cheesy fun is dead on arrival.

The Photograph

Jojo Rabbit (on DVD)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: A Sexual Content: CProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C How do you choose between being with the one you love and following your dreams? Christina (Chanté Adams) is a gifted photographer, perfecting her skills in rural Louisiana. She wants to find fame in New York City, but she’s in love with Isaac (Rob Morgan), a local fisherman whose dreams begin and end with marrying her. Should she abandon her goals and stay with Isaac or should she try her luck in the Big Apple? Thirty-five years later, Christina is dead of cancer. Her daughter, Mae (Issa Rae) meets a reporter, Michael (LaKeith Stanfield) whose work on another story led him to Christina’s photos. The two begin a relationship, just as Michael applies for a new job in London. Now Mae must decide if she’s going to follow her mother’s path or find her own way. I love romantic dramas and was hoping The Photograph would deliver two love stories for the price of one. It almost does. The chemistry between Christina and Isaac is palpable and it’s easy to feel the emotional strain as both characters realize their dreams are incompatible. Mae and Michael’s relationship, however, stumbles through lots of awkward moments before it starts to gel. This production features two steamy scenes of premarital sex, with couples shown undressing, and caressing and rolling atop one another in bed. On the bright side, the movie has fewer than a dozen swear words and no violence. While I am annoyed with the movie’s unnecessary sexual content, my overall attitude to The Photograph is ambivalence. If only the romances were more memorable...

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: B Ten-year-old Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) lives in the Third Reich and idolizes the Fuehrer to the point that Hitler (Taika Waititi) has taken up residence in his subconscious, to emerge as a friend, teacher, and guide. Determined to be the best Nazi ever, Jojo is all fired up about attending a Hitler Youth camp, until his inability to kill a rabbit gets him nicknamed “Rabbit”. Then his Hitler avatar encourages him to demonstrate his bravery and the resulting grenade mishap leaves Jojo scarred and limping. Back at home with his brisk, playful mother (Scarlett Johansson), Jojo stumbles into a horrifying secret: his own parent is betraying the Fatherland by hiding a Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the walls of his deceased sister’s bedroom. Jojo now faces a terrible dilemma: if he turns Elsa in, his mother will be arrested, but if he keeps silent, he is complicit in her treachery. Jojo Rabbit is a complex film: part drama, part dark comedy. The biggest issue with this movie isn’t the violence (which is sanitized but still heartbreaking) or the profanity, it’s trying to build comedy around Nazis. This is a difficult film to recommend for a mass audience. Although the script is clever and the acting is excellent, this is a very, very dark film. Older teens and adults who enjoy satire, dark comedy, and long debates after a movie will probably enjoy Jojo Rabbit. But anyone looking for a popcorn flick with lots of laughs will want to hop on past this feature and find something a bit more cheerful.

Mobile Bay Parents I March 2020

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I would rather be able to run the bases after my home run hit than have to stop to catch my breath by 2nd. - Josie, 7th grade

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